Misunderstandings Episode 40

Part 1 ** "You want me to come with you?" Lucas wasn't sure if Pete could handle the last job alone. It was a immense risk to take. "Nah, I better take care of this myself." Pete didn't want any extra chances to fail. He had to get the money and go, he couldn't have Lucas holding him up. "I spoke to the boss this morning, after I make the hit I'll transfer funds and then call his lawyer." "He's getting out today?" Lucas wasn't sure how fast everything was moving. He knew Pete had to get the money to meet the boss' parole. "Late today or tomarrow, soon as his lawyer can get him cleared." The boss was anxious to get out, he had told Pete that much, He wanted to get his revenge while he still had the chance."Bridges and company will probably be out in full force today, they found out we had a deadline." "How?" Lucas had been as careful as possible, he didn't want to ruin things for them. "They're cops, they've got their ways. Just keep an eye out, okay?" They had come too far to get caught now. "Make sure you don't say anything to Cassidy, whatever you do." "You think I'd tell Cassidy?" Lucas couldn't believe the lack of trust between him. He hadn't let Pete down up to this point, why would he now. "I don't think you'd tell her, but I'm worried you might accidentally say something." Pete didn't need Lucas turning against him now. "She'd tell her father and we'd all be done." "Thanks for that extra vote of confidence, it's good to know my services are worth the pay." Lucas walked to the door and slammed it after walking out. Cassidy would never know there was any connection between Lucas and Pete Armstrong. ** "Mommy, can I see Dad and Rachel soon?" Jerry was anxious to see them and Doc again. Being with them was different from being with Anna, they always found a way to make time for him. "Are we back to that again?" Anna was upset that Jerry kept asking about Harvey and Rachel. She wondered why Harvey couldn't see through Rachel's phony facade and know she wasn't fit to be around their son. "I told you, Jerry, as long as your father is with her, you're not going back there." "But, Mom..." Jerry couldn't understand why his mother didn't want him to be with Rachel and Harvey. It didn't make sense, they took good care of him. "I told you, Steve's coming back and you might never have to see Harvey again." The paternity test would decide it all. Anna really didn't know whose son Jerry was. As much as she still felt for Harvey, part of her wished that Jerry would be Steve's, or at least Harvey would think he were Steve's. Rachel wouldn't stand a chance of keeping Harvey to herself. "We've got to get you ready for school." Anna pulled off his pajama top and thought for a moment. Everything suddenly depended on Steve. Maybe they didn't need Jerry around. "Daddy does it nicer." Jerry didn't like the abrupt mood Anna had lately, she wasn't the same. He wanted to go home. "Well, you know what, maybe your father should take you." Anna had grown tired of Jerry's incessant questions and whining about going back to San Francisco. "I'm sure Rachel would be out the door in no time, if your father had custody. He could deal with all your crying and whining." "Momma," Jerry couldn't comprehend why Anna had begun to turn on him. This isn't the mother that he had come to know and love. Jerry reached out his hand to touch her face, but she pulled it away. "Don't whine like that and then try to buy me back, it's not going to work little man." Anna didn't have the time or the interest to put up with Jerry's childish games. "That may work for your father but that doesn't work for me." "Momma." Jerry's tears started to stream down his face, he didn't know what to do. He wanted to reach out and hug her, but he knew she'd turn away from him. He didn't know what he did to make her so much. ** "Give me the money and nobody will get hurt." Pete assured himself of what he was doing, he had to help the boss. The money was all that mattered. This was his last job. Then it was all over. "Sir, I can't." The nervous cashier didn't know what to do. She didn't know how to open the safe. The customers all turned their worried eyes onto her. "Like hell you can't, open the safe!" Pete couldn't fail now. The boss had to get out of prison, he had a family to tend to. He watched the customers laying upon the floor, their lives depended on the cashier. The cashier fumbled with various number combinations, none would work. She could feel the weight of everyone's stare upon her. Another cashier came from the back of the vault. "You, help her with the safe!" The second cashier nerviously opened the safe, putting the money into the bags Pete had thrown across to them. The first cashier  scurried to push the panic button hidden beneath the counter. Pete caught her with the corner of his eye. "You'll be sorry you did that." "Please, you've got the money..." The cashier didn't know why the robber would take their lives even though they had given him the money that he demanded. "No, you called the cops." Pete had to get out of there before the cops came in. He wished that Lucas had come with him, if the cops got there before he was ready, Lucas could take the fall. Pete fired five shots into the air, and both cashiers dropped to the floor. The customers screamed in horror as they watched the terrible sight playing before them. ** Rachel dug into her bag for the folder, hoping she remembered to grab the folder of the dining room table. As she looked through her bag, she found an inconspicuous envelope addressed to her. She looked at the envelope, unmarked. "I wonder what this is." Rachel picked up the envelope from her bag and began to open it, having no idea who may have slipped the letter in. She pulled the letter from the envelope and started to read. Nash approached slowly, seeing that she was momentarily occupied. He had no idea what she was reading, but he thought he'd give her a second to finish. Dear Rachel,    Without explanation, you seemed to come out of nowhere into my life. You weren't exactly the type I planned on falling for, let alone marrying. Everything with you has come as quite the pleasant surprise, I'm anxious to see what awaits us further down the road.    Though right now we are apart, I think we'll manage to work things out. Whether it's work-related or personal, we always have a way to get through. I have no idea how long our seperation will last, but I've got a feeling it will be worth the effort in the end.    Our busy lives seem to take different courses every now and then, but somehow we manage to meet in the middle. That's something unique about us, there's always common ground. I love you and hope to hear from you soon,                                                          Harvey Rachel refolded the letter in disbelief, thinking it impossible that he would've written that with the way things are. She'd have to ask him about it later, she had to put him out of her head for now. But, the letter couldn't be ignored. "Still not talking to Harvey?" Nash knew no progress had been made. He hadn't seen Rachel this upset in a while. He knew her assignment would make things even worse. "No." Rachel couldn't believe how Harvey reacted, nothing had happened between her and Nash. Given their past, she'll admit things were suspicious but Cassidy's comment was what really incriminated them. "I could try and say something." Nash wanted to try and correct whatever was wrong, he wanted to fix the problem. The tension at the SIU was too much. "I think we've both done enough." Rachel didn't want the blame to entrirely fall on Nash, but his lingering interest was a large part of the problem. Rachel didn't want things to be any worse then they already were. "So what's on the agenda for this afternoon?" "We just got a call, Pete Armstrong did a hell of a job this time." Nash was upset they hadn't caught him by this time, the game had gone on two long. "He hit a bank, two clerks dead and a third injured. I've got Harvey and Antwon trailing his local hang-outs and I want you and Cassidy outside of his apartment." Nash reviewed the mental notes he had, hoping he mentioned everything. "Take your car, he won't recognize it." "Anything else?" Rachel couldn't believe Nash was leaving her with Cassidy all day. She was grateful all they had was surveillance, knowing that Cassidy would probably be pulling a minimal effort. "Joe and I will keep an eye out on the road and our ears open, I want you to call if you see anything." Nash knew he could trust Rachel to hold up her end of the job, it was Cassidy he was worried about. ** "Anything new with you and Rachel?" Antwon wondered if anything had happened between them since they last spoke. Their time alone in the surveillance van gave them a perfect opportunity to chat. "Not hardly." Harvey hadn't spoken to her since after the funeral. He'd thought about calling her once or twice but never actually did. The time never seemed right, and at work, she was always around Nash at the SIU. "So what's next?" Antwon was worried that they were really going to call it quits. He didn't think their relationship would meet such a quick end. Antwon thought they were going to last. "Hell if I know." Harvey had no idea what was going to happen between him and Rachel. She didn't want to talk and he didn't want to listen. If Nash wanted to have her, he could. "Don't you want things to work?" Antwon couldn't understand how Harvey had gone from being so in love to so indifferent over the course of a few days. Things were barely getting started for him and Jessica, but he wanted things to work out for them. "I don't know if that's possible." Harvey didn't know who or what to believe at this stage of the game. Nash and Rachel's stories matched, but why would Cassidy lie to him. Nothing made sense anymore. "I'm going to get a cup of coffee, you want any?" "Nah, I'm good." Antwon could remember a time when Harvey had been so upset and angry. He knew Rachel's side of the story, and wondered why Harvey wasn't willing to listen. "Suit yourself." Harvey had to get out of the van for some air. All he thought about was Rachel, he needed to focus on work. He thought about calling Rachel, but at the time, there was nothing to say. ** "So, are the married lovers still quarreling?" Joe was anxious to hear the latest Rachel and Harvey update. It was like having their own live soap opera right on the barge. Nash peered at him over his sunglasses, "don't even ask. It's almost been a week and those two still aren't talking." Nash didn't know what more he could do for them. He didn't have any intention of breaking them up, all he did was ask Rachel for her help. "So, what really went on between you two that night?" Joe wanted to hear Nash's side of the story. He already heard Harvey's interpretation on more than one occasion. Joe watched as the traffic signal changed, "you can go." "What happened was that nothing happened.  After you and Inger left, Rachel asked me if I needed help looking for Cassidy. I told her I'd go as soon as I wrapped things up with the hospital. She offered to look for her and I accepted. She  searched all night and then showed up at my place the next morning, while Cassidy went to her house to talk to Harvey." Nash thought that just about summed everything up, nothing happened between them. "Apparently she didn't call Harvey to tell him where she was and he's been suspicious all along." "Can you blame him?" Joe knew Nash was anything but shy when it came to showing his interest in Rachel. Joe was certain there was still some type of attraction between the two of them. "Not really, but he should at least give her a chance to explain." Nash shook his head as they stopped at another light, "I suppose what Cassidy told him didn't help much either. " "What did she tell him?" Joe wondered how Cassidy was figuring in to the mess. He assumed she'd be thrilled Rachel wasn't with her father. "She stopped by the hospital while we all thought she was missing and saw me hugging Rachel. Cassidy blew it way out of proportion." Nash could see that Cassidy was hurt and angry about losing Nick, but what she told Harvey was going a step too far. "Man, oh man... sounds like you've got yourself in one hell of a mess." Joe smiled, "better you than me." "We'll be lucky if they both come back alive." Nash realized that he was provoking a confrontation between Rachel and Cassidy by putting them together. Joe laughed upon seeing the expression on Nash's face, "may the best woman win." ** "I'm not exactly thrilled with this arrangement either." Rachel didn't want to be stuck on surveillance all afternoon with Cassidy. They barely spoke and Cassidy was staring off into space. "Why, you're in charge --- as always?" Cassidy knew if anything came down, Rachel would take the credit for the work. Cassidy decided then and there if she was going to stay with the force, she had to get a new partner. "I'm not in charge, I'm just here to babysit." Rachel was tired of having to pick up Cassidy's slack. Nash should've known by then that his daughter couldn't cut it as an officer with the SIU. "So that's how you feel, good to know." Cassidy resented Rachel for her experience and pull. It seemed as if she had Deputy Chief Martin and her father wrapped around her finger. "Let me guess, had you been on surveillance earlier, the case would already be solved." "I never said that." Rachel knew had she or another officer been on surveillance, Pete Armstrong probably wouldn't have gotten away with as much as he did. Someone had to catch him before he took any more innocent lives. "You didn't have to, you imply." Cassidy shook her head, wondering what Martin had been thinking when he paired the two up. "I really don't know what Harvey saw in you, he's probably just desperate." Rachel tried to restrain herself, but that was a low-blow. She shouldn't have to take all the punches. "At least his desperation didn't..." Rachel stopped, she couldn't stoop to Cassidy's level. She wanted to say desperation didn't lead him to sleep with a look-a-like of a dead fiance. Rachel knew that was a sore issue, as it was with herself not too long ago. "One of these days he and my father will see through you, then you'll be looking for a new job and another victim." Cassidy turned away from her, focusing on the window. She worried when she hadn't heard from Lucas for a few days. Cassidy hoped he was okay. "You know what, Cassidy, perhaps you should try fixing your own life before moving on to ruining others." Rachel couldn't understand how Harvey and Nash put up with Cassidy, she was simply unbearable. Rachel would have to put a lot of thought into her next review. ** "You got the money?" Steve was nervous something had gone wrong when Pete didn't call him right away. He needed to put his mind to ease. "Of course I've got the money, I just made a sizeable deposit and called your lawyer." Pete was thankful the deposit had gone off without a hitch. He was terribly afraid the cops would get there before he could get out of the bank. "So my freedom has been bought, thank you very much." Steve was unbelievably happy. This would be his first chance to see Anna and Jerry in two years. "Now it's only a matter of time." "Yep, only a matter of time." Pete was worried the cops still might be able to catch up with him. He hoped Lucas would use his head when he met him later on. "Everything will be great for you, boss. Leek won't expect a thing." "You better believe it will be." His revenge wouldn't be far off. Leek would finally have to pay for what happened to his son. It was Steve's turn to come out ahead. "Any problems that I should know about?" "I had to pull the trigger, but you'll be okay." Pete knew he risked prison time by killing the two, but that was only if he got caught. If worse came to worse, he could always tell them about Steve. "Have you seen Leek?" Steve wondered how the man was doing, he was going to make his life miserable. Leek deserved the misery he had coming. "A few times, but have no worries, he should be an easy target." Pete didn't anticipate Leek would give Steve any problems. Leek seemed to have his hands full with his cheating wife and kid. ** "Any word from Rachel or Cassidy?" Antwon had stepped out momentarily to grab something to eat. It was getting late and Armstrong still hadn't made an appearance. "Nada." Harvey was hoping someone would've gotten a lead by that point. It didn't make sense how they kept missing Armstrong by a matter of minutes. "What did you bring me?" Antwon handed Harvey a paper bag, "here you go." "What's this?" Harvey didn't recognize the scent as being from the local greasy spoon that he was sure Antwon had gone to. "Antwon..." "Somebody warned me that you should be eating a little healthier these days." Antwon didn't want to come right out and say Rachel had told him that weeks ago, but he knew the clues would make it obvious. "Great, now she's manipulating my diet as well as my life." Harvey smiled sarcastically, still totally unsure about what he would do with Rachel and Nash. "How are things going with Jessica?" "Uh, okay." Antwon didn't want to gloat or shove his happiness in Harvey's face. Harvey needed to retain some pride. "Just okay?" Harvey looked at him curiously, "last week things were excellent and now they're just okay?" Antwon looked up from his sandwich and smiled, "you really want to know?" Harvey grinned, setting down his coffee and turning to face Antwon, "I always told you..." ** "That's him." Rachel peered out the window, that was definitely Pete Armstrong she saw leaving the apartment building. "Cassidy, look." Cassidy turned her head and saw Armstrong, she saw Lucas standing next to him. She didn't know what to do. Cassidy was afraid Lucas might get hurt. "What should we do?" She didn't want Rachel to see Lucas with him, she didn't want Lucas to get in trouble. "Call for back-up." Rachel unfastened her seatbelt and got ready to exit. She wasn't going to let Armstrong get away. "Rachel, wait. Wait for my Dad." Cassidy wanted to give Lucas a chance to get away. She couldn't understand why Lucas was with Pete. They had to find out, they had to help him. She sat and watched them for a minute. "Have you seen Cassidy?" Pete had to make sure nothing would stop Steve from getting his freedom. Steve had to get out now, he paid for his crime. He grabbed Lucas' shirt and held him against the wall. "No, I haven't. Listen, I don't like what we're doing, man. If this guy is so bad, why do you want to help him?" Lucas didn't know why Pete was so adament on helping Steve make parole. From what he read, Steve deserved a more stringent punishment than he got. "Shut up, as soon as he gets out, you'll get your money." Pete knew Lucas was only interested in the money, he didn't have any real feelings for Cassidy Bridges. Cassidy couldn't stand to see what was happening with Lucas outside the car. They had to do something. "Rachel, let's go." "I thought you wanted to wait for back-up?" Rachel couldn't tell what Cassidy wanted to do, waiting for back-up was in their best interest as long as Pete stayed in the area. "That's Lucas, let's go." Cassidy pointed to the man struggling to break free of Armstrong across the street. She undid her seatbelt and opened her door. "Come on." "Cassidy, this is insane." Rachel's judgment was telling her not to budge. She knew they should wait, but Cassidy wasn't willing. Rachel got out of the car and followed Cassidy across the street. "Dammit, they're here." Pete saw Rachel and Cassidy coming towards them. "It's time to decide whose side your on... it's her or the money." "What do we do?" It didn't take Lucas long to decide, all he had to do was help get the women out of Pete's way. "You go upstairs, I'll take care of them and get them to follow." Pete turned and ran off, as Cassidy came running to Lucas side. "Are you okay?" Cassidy brushed her hand against his face, wondering what all Pete had said to him. Rachel wasn't far behind, she checked over her should to see if she could see the squads. "Dammit, he got away." Rachel knew the minute they moved, Pete would flee. She looked at Cassidy with Lucas, sure they should have waited. "I'm fine, I know where he is." All he had to do was get the women upstairs and then he'd  be done. Pete could do whatever he wanted from there. "Follow me." "Cassidy, we're going to wait for back-up." Rachel wasn't going to listen to her again. No way. Cassidy had got them in trouble before. "Rachel, let's go. Lucas is going to help us." Cassidy knew Lucas wouldn't betray her or hurt her, she was certain. Pete looked at them arguing from around the corner of the building where he was hiding. He knew Lucas would let them go. Pete walked slowly from behind the building, he'd take care of them himself. He'd get rid of all three of them if he had to. Rachel and Cassidy's backs were turned towards him as he approached. They were easy targets. He made eye contact with Lucas, "get her upstairs, now." He grabbed Rachel's arms with one hand and covered her mouth with the other, he watched as Lucas grabbed Cassidy and did the same. ** "Sounds like the girls are in a bit of trouble." Antwon knew Harvey was terribly concerned about Rachel, whether he said it or not. He looked on as squad cars began to fill the surrounding area. "No doubt." Harvey worried if Rachel was okay. From what little Nash had told them, it sounded as if Cassidy was being hoaxed all along by Lucas. He knew things were liable to get ugly between Cassidy and Rachel the longer they were left alone. "Apparently, both Lucas and Armstrong are inside with them and they want to make a bargain." Nash wasn't pleased with how the situation had turned. He knew what Armstrong was capable of and he didn't want to risk the lives of Rachel and Cassidy just to bring him in. "More specifically, Armstrong wants to make a bargain." "I guess that means the romance is over between Lucas and Cassidy." Antwon looked suspiciously at Nash, wondering how he couldn't pick up on Lucas' connections earlier on. "That's for sure. What's the deal?" Harvey wanted to know what Armstrong and Lucas were wanting in exchange for releasing Cassidy and Rachel. Meeting their demands would be a last resort. "Armstrong gets to walk and charges aren't pressed against Lucas, then they'll release Rachel and Cassidy." Nash knew they couldn't let Armstrong off, not after what he had done. He was too much of a threat to the city. Harvey tried to think positively, but he kept imagining the worst. "Do we know that they're okay?" "Rachel and Cassidy?" Nash shook his head, nothing was definite. "I'm guessing that they're both fine, but with how Armstrong works..." "Then what are we waiting for, we have to get in there before something else happens." Harvey's cop instinct told him to wait, but as a husband he didn't like not knowing what was going on. His anger towards Rachel didn't seem to matter for the time being, he just wanted to know that she was okay. "Ronnie's got Martin on the phone, once we get the okay, we'll head in." Nash had never been more worried for Cassidy's safety. He knew it was probably her fault the two were in the predicament, all because of Lucas. ** "Come on, I know you've got something to say, so just say it." Cassidy couldn't take the silence much longer. If being handcuffed to Rachel wasn't bad enough, being being handcuffed and not speaking was even worse. "What do you want me to say, thanks for getting us into this mess?" Rachel rolled her eyes in disgust, she knew they should've waited for back-up. "Next time, you're listening to me." "With any luck, there won't be a next time." Cassidy meant to suggest more that they wouldn't be working together again than that they wouldn't come out of the situation alive. "You could've stayed in the car." "And let you go in alone? Yeah right." Rachel knew better than to let Cassidy approach Armstrong alone, whether Lucas was there or not. "I wouldn't risk my job or my life just so you could try and save Lucas." "I wasn't trying to save him." Cassidy searched for a way to justify her actions. She knew what she did was wrong. "That's right, because he didn't want to be saved and he was leading you on all along." Rachel couldn't believe how obvious the plan was. Someone who looked like Evan was the perfect distraction for Cassidy and Harvey. Harvey didn't let Lucas get into his head, but it was evident how Pete used Lucas to get away with murder. "You know, instead of criticizing me, maybe you should try and think of a way to get us out of here.'' Cassidy didn't want to hear from Rachel how wrong she had been, she'd get enough of that from her father later on. "I was thinking you could do that, since you're so close with one of Armstrong's thugs." Rachel was tired of listening to Cassidy's remarks. It wasn't her who got them trapped by Armstrong and Lucas, it was Cassidy. She should've called in sick.  The thought that she had some chance of redemption with Harvey was the only thing that helped her get through the day. ** "Hey baby, it's me." Steve was  enjoying his first moments of freedom. He never anticipated his lawyer being able to get him out so quickly. Everything was already going better than he planned. "Steve?" Anna was surprised to hear from him so soon. She thought she still had a little more time. Anna wasn't ready for his return, neither was Jerry. "It's me, baby." He couldn't be more anxious to hold her in his arms again, right now, his revenge against Leek was secondary. "My lawyer got me out today, a little earlier than I expected." "When will we see you?" Anna wasn't sure if he had changed his mind or not about going to San Francisco. She was hoping that he did. Anna didn't want to be around Harvey any more than she had to. She certainly didn't want Jerry around Rachel. "How soon can you be in San Francisco?" They had to meet there, he had to be present when she broke Harvey's heart in two. Harvey needed to suffer like he himself had to. "Uh, well..." Anna wasn't sure if she had the money readily available for the trip. Last time she sent Jerry to San Francisco, Rachel footed the bill. "I need you two to come as soon as possible." Steve didn't want to waste any more time, he had a lot of work to do. He couldn't risk getting caught again. "I'll try my best." Anna wasn't so sure she could rip Jerry out of Harvey's arms, she had to make a final decision between him and Steve. If Rachel wasn't in the picture, her choice would be a lot easier. She knew she had to get the paternity test soon. "You better." Steve didn't want to have to fight for Anna or Jerry, they were rightfully his. Harvey broke Anna's heart and he was there to pick up the pieces, Steve wasn't going to let Harvey ruin Anna's life like he had ruined his. "Tell Jerry I'll see you both soon." "Okay." It was a message Anna didn't know if she could give. Suddenly, Anna wasn't so sure of what she wanted. If things were different between her and Harvey, there wouldn't be a problem. ** "You don't know what it was like for me and Harvey, losing Evan, it wasn't easy." This was one situation where Rachel couldn't be hight and mighty. Cassidy knew she'd never understand. "I didn't intend to fall for Lucas, it just happened." "Just drop it, okay?'' Rachel didn't want to review their situation yet again. It didn't matter how  Cassidy fell for him, the point was, they needed to focus on getting away. "You know, that's part of the problem. You never want to listen." Cassidy hated that about Rachel, unless it was about her, it wasn't important. "Maybe if you focused on someone other than yourself for a change, you could save your marriage." "What, do you want Harvey for yourself?" Rachel wasn't sure why Cassidy chose now as a time to verbally attack her. Cassidy's advances towards Harvey and reliance upon Lucas didn't make sense. "He deserves better than you." Cassidy didn't know why she felt that way, but she did. Harvey could do much better than Rachel and she knew it. Harvey would the closest she could come to Evan. "If you think you're the only woman on earth that anything bad has ever happened to, you're wrong." Rachel couldn't take it anymore. She had enough of Cassidy and her crap. She was going to set the record straight once and for all. "Oh, what's happened to you? You've got a husband that adores you and your boss wrapped around your finger." Rachel's life was perfect as far as Cassidy was concerned. Cassidy couldn't stand Rachel's hypocritcal point of view. "So you gave your kid up, big deal, lots of women do that." "I'm not talking about my daughter, Cassidy." Rachel knew Cassidy would bring that up as ammunition against her. She wondered what else Cassidy talked about with Harvey. "So what are you talking about, since you claim to know what I've been through." Cassidy considered Rachel's effort a sick attempt to win her over. She knew the minute got out Rachel would run and cry wolf to Nash. Rachel began to grind her teeth and tried to keep from screaming. Cassidy had no right to treat her as she did. She never wanted to hit Cassidy so badly. "Well, I'm waiting..." "Shut up, Cassidy." Rachel wasn't going to use her past to try and connect with Cassidy or win pity from her. That didn't matter. Rachel wanted to be treated like a human being. "Or what? You're going to hit me?" Cassidy laughed, unable to believe the predicament they were in. "I've tried to make this work, I really have."  Rachel paused when she heard Pete talking outside the door with Lucas. When she couldn't make out what they were saying, she continued. "I'm not your enemy, Cassidy, I've tried to help you. I've been where you are and I know what it's like." Cassidy smirked, "I find that hard to believe." Now was a fine time for Rachel to be making peace offerings and profound speeches. "I don't care whether you believe me or not, but I do know what you and Harvey have been through. My fiance was killed in January of 1999 and my partner was killed in December." Rachel paused, noting Cassidy's silence. "I think I know the feeling a little all too well." **

Part 2 ** "So, do we have a deal?" Pete Armstrong waited for Nash's reply. He was tired of playing by his rules. His job was done. Nash looked at Harvey and then back at Joe, "no deal." He couldn't risk having Armstrong out on the streets any longer. "I would've thought these two women meant more to you. I mean, one is an ex-lover and the other is your daughter. She's been a lot of fun to work with, Lucas has enjoyed her company."  Pete intended to egg Nash on, he wanted to get things moving. He had no reservations about killing Rachel or Cassidy, as long as he could get away. "You a..." Nash paused, he couldn't stoop to his level. He had to know they were both okay before he was willing to make any sort of bargain. "Put one of them on the phone." "No can do." Pete laughed, as long as Lucas was there, he could share the blame. Being caught might not be so bad after all. He could always mention who hired him, if need be. "Then put Lucas on," Nash waited impatiently. There had to be some breaking point. This game couldn't go on forever. "Hello?" Lucas wasn't sure what he should say, he had heard about Bridges from Pete and he knew Bridges was anything but kind when it came to his daughter. "Listen here, if you or Pete even so much as touch my daughter or Insp. McCabe, you're both going to have a lot more to worry about than prison time." Nash wanted to let them no this was no joke, if anything happened to Rachel or Cassidy, they'd have hell to pay. Lucas looked around, Pete was no where in sight. He took a moment to evaluate his feelings, he knew what he had to do. "Get some men up here now, he's looking to get away." "What?" Nash hadn't expected Lucas to try and help. "Just do it." Lucas hung up the phone, he couldn't say any more without further endangering himself. He looked back into the corner, seeing Pete hovering over Rachel and Cassidy. "Where the hell did you go?" "I had a message from Steve, he's free and clear." Pete glanced back at Rachel and Cassidy, "so which one of you wants to die first? If I'm going to get caught, might as well be for something good." The name Steve registered in Rachel's head, she made a mental note to check it out later on. Pete searched for the bullets in his pocket, "are you going to sit around and watch or is this a bit too much?" Lucas turned his head in disgust, he never guessed things would go this far. He was sickened by the thought of how he used Cassidy, all to get some criminal out of jail to seek revenge on another cop. His guilt was too much, "if you kill them you might as well kill me too." "I'm going in." Nash took off his jacket and threw it to the ground. Martin was taking too long with his decision. Lucas gave him a tip and he was going to use it. "Make sure Ronnie and the boys are ready to move." Joe looked at Harvey, "I'll go in with him." Joe wasn't sure how things were standing with him and Rachel, but he felt it would be best if he went in instead. He followed Nash towards the apartment  building. "You sure about this?" "This has gone on long enough." Nash went up the stairs quickly, he was certain what room they were in. The door to the studio apartment was cracked open just enough that he could see Cassidy in the corner. "Let's go." "So, who's it going to be?" Pete was ready to get away, but he had business to take care of first. "I should  take care of Mrs. Leek, but maybe I should do away with the fated lovers first." He pointed the gun towards Lucas and then back at Cassidy and Rachel. "Decisions, decisions." "I don't think you'll be killing anybody." Nash stepped in, with Joe not far behind. Both had their guns cocked and ready to go. "I suggest you put that gun down before I have to use mine." "Touche, Captain. It's about time you caught on.'' Pete spun the gun between his fingers, "your daughter has been a great help, guess having Daddy as a boss paid off after all. She could've robbed the banks herself. I'm glad you can join us." Nash couldn't take it anymore and lunged toward Pete, as Pete's gun fired into the air. "Joe, here!" Nash quickly yanked a pair of keys from his pocket and tossed them to Joe. Joe rapidly unlocked the handcuffs that bound Rachel and Cassidy. While Nash's back was turned, Pete reached for his gun and fired again. Ronnie and the boys came up the stairs, and ran through the doorway. One of the officers grabbed Lucas and the other went to assist Nash with Pete. Harvey walked in behind Antwon, his eyes locking with Rachel's. They said nothing, but at least he knew she was okay. ** Nash waved the other squad cars out of the area and then looked back towards Rachel. He was hoping that they'd get a chance to talk, now apparently was not a good time. "You okay?" Rachel looked exhausted mentally and physically, Nash anticipated he would get an earful the next morning. "I've been better." Rachel wanted to get home, take a long shower and crawl into bed. She had no desire to recap the evening blow by blow with Nash. "Can I leave?" "Yeah, we'll wrap everything up tomarrow morning." It was obvious Rachel wanted to get home and Nash wasn't about to ask her to stay. There was nothing couldn't wait till the next morning. "Try and get some sleep, Rache." Rachel walked back towards her car and saw Harvey standing by the PT Cruiser. It was the perfect opportunity to ask him about the letter. She didn't know exactly what she should say, or if he'd even be willing to talk to her. Rachel knew she hurt him. "Harvey, do you have a minute?" "I suppose." Harvey kept his distance as he followed her back towards her car. He wasn't sure what he should expect. The more he thought about what happened, the less everything made sense. Rachel knew she had to initiate the conversation, Harvey certainly wouldn't. He looked off back towards Nash and the others. "I found something, in my bag." "And?" Harvey wasn't sure where she was getting with this or how it pertained to him. It had been a long day, he wasn't ready to deal with a verbal battle. She could tell he already didn't know what she was talking about. "I found the letter you wrote." The letter caught her completely off guard. It was nothing like she expected. Something inside made him write those words. Hope wasn't completely gone. "What?" Harvey had no idea what Rachel was talking about. He hadn't written her a letter, either someone set her up or she's completely lost it. "The letter you wrote and placed in an unmarked envelope that was in my black bag." Rachel knew something wasn't right from the puzzled look on Harvey's face. He had no idea about the letter. "I haven't written much of anything these days." Harvey didn't know what letter she was talking about, he certainly hadn't written her one. "Are you sure it wasn't somebody else at the SIU?" "He wouldn't have signed your name." Rachel knew that was a subtle reference to Nash. She didn't know who left the letter, but it obviously wasn't Harvey. "I'm an idiot, forget about it." Rachel dug her keys out from her purse  and opened the car door. She handed Harvey the envelope from her bag. "If it wasn't you, I don't know who it was."   ** ''I take it there's still no change with those two?" Joe pointed towards Rachel and Harvey as they drove off in different directions from the scene. Joe hadn't imagined that their dispute would last this long. ''To say the least.'' Nash knew that the problems had escalated between Harvey and Rachel. The silence around the SIU had become maddening, and the tension didn't seem to ease. ''Is Rachel leaving?" Joe had heard her speaking with Nash about going out of  town, he didn't know if this was a permanent solution to a temporary problem or what. ''She's going out of town for a few days, clear her head and give Harvey some space.'' Rachel had mentioned about asking Harvey to join her, but Nash didn't know if she had gotten that far since the two still weren't speaking. "Vacation or looking for a new place to live?" Joe wasn't sure if he wanted her to leave the SIU or not. As long as their personal lives didn't invade their professional, Joe saw no problem in keeping both Rachel and Harvey at the SIU. "Vacation." Nash had already ignored Rachel's suggestion of a transfer for herself out of the SIU. "She considered a transfer, but I don't want her to leave so soon.'' Joe shook his head, "I can't even begin to imagine what it would be like to live with and work with Inger.'' He smiled, assuming some how they'd get by. "Why do you think I'm not married?" Nash smiled as he pulled the keys from his pocket, it was a long day and he was ready to head home. ** Harvey walked into the kitchen well after three A.M., he was unable to sleep. He walked over to the freezer and pulled out a carton of Ben and Jerry's. A picture on the refrigerator door distracted him, he was with Rachel. He looked back at the ice cream, feeling guilty. Since she wasn't around, he was starting to slip back into his old habits. He glanced at the picture, "you're not here, so I'm not listening." Harvey sat down at the table with his ice cream, King came up and nudged his leg. Harvey patted his head and reached for his spoon, King didn't break his stare. He looked back at the dog, "what? Does she have you trained too?"  Harvey set down the spoon and returned the carton to the freezer, feeling defeated. He glanced at the picture again, "this isn't fair, Rache, it isn't fair.'' ** "Where we going, Mom?" Jerry was curious about their early morning departure. Anna hadn't mentioned taking a trip. He sat on top of his small suitcase in the airport terminal, watching Anna pace in front of him. "To San Francisco.'' Anna was anxious to see Steve again and see where things stood between them. How their meeting went would decide what she'd do about Jerry. ''To see Daddy and Rachel?" Jerry looked at Anna with interest, maybe she had changed her mind after all. "Maybe, but we have to see someone else too." Anna thought she'd let Jerry see Harvey for a little while, but Rachel was another story. She wasn't about to lose her kid to someone who had given up her own. "Who?" Jerry didn't really remember anyone else in San Francisco other than his father and his friends at the SIU. Maybe Anna had a surprise for him. "Do you remember Steve, Jerry?" Anna wasn't sure if Jerry would remember Steve or not, he had been so young when Steve was put into prison. Now, everything would be different between them. Jerry frowned, he didn't like Steve. "Uh huh.'' He hoped his father and Rachel would be able to take him so he wouldn't have to be around Steve. ** "What's this?" Cassidy tossed a large manila envelope across the desk to Nash. He had an idea, but he didn't want to assume. ''What do you think?" Cassidy knew her father would be relieved when she quit, that way he wouldn't have to fire her himself. Nash opened the envelope, it was her gun and badge. "Are you sure?'' Nash wanted to give her a chance to prove herself, he didn't want to force her into leaving. ''The popular vote is against me staying.'' Cassidy knew there was no feasible way for her to continue a career at the SIU after what had happened with Lucas. ''Who cares what other people think, it's what you want that matters.'' Nash knew Cassidy wasn't overwhelmingly popular at the SIU, but her job had never been in jeopardy because of it. Being the boss' daughter probably wasn't easy. "I'm quitting, Dad, you can't change my mind." Cassidy had made her decision, her days at the SIU were over. She couldn't take the pressure and the scrutiny any more. "If you're done, what's next?" Nash wasn't sure if she had a back-up plan or not, he didn't know if she was leaving the force or just the SIU. "I'm going with Mom for a few days, to Napa, then I'll start looking for a job.'' Cassidy wasn't certain about what she would do next, maybe she'd even go back to school. "Okay, if this is what you want...'' Nash knew that the events from the night before probably had a lot to do with her hasty decision. He couldn't help but blame himself for her unhappiness.  ** "Inspector McCabe?" Louis wanted to catch her before she left for the day. He knew she had been waiting for his call. He had to track down Connie's lawyer before he could be of any help to her. "Speaking." Rachel knew the voice immediately. From the sound, she guessed it wasn't the news she had been waiting for. Connie was up to something. "How soon can we meet?" Louis found out it was only a matter of time before Connie made her next move and he wanted Rachel to get everything settled and ready before hand. "I'm leaving late this morning for a...vacation.'' Rachel wasn't sure what to call the trip, it wasn't the honeymoon she had been envisioning in her head. She needed time off, but she didn't want to come out and say the trip was an escape from reality. "I see." Louis was certain they'd be pressed for time upon her return. "When do you get back?" He wanted to tell her the specifics in person, this wasn't the type of chat that should be had over the phone. "Next Thursday, why don't you just tell me what's going on?" Rachel couldn't understand why Louis wouldn't tell her what Connie's lawyer had said. It wasn't as if she couldn't handle the news. ''I'd prefer to speak to you in person." Louis decided he should at least tell her the basic point, he could work with the details later on. "She wants you to take him, Rachel." "You're kidding me, right?" Rachel knew he was serious. She couldn't believe that Connie would be doing this now. Her timing was rotten. ''We'll talk about this more when you get back, just be prepared.''  Louis wasn't sure what she'd be having to do. All he knew was that Connie wanted everything taken care of before she got married. ** "Harvey, did you get that number for the Parker case?" Antwon knew he had just gotten in, but he was in a hurry to get this case started. "Yeah, sure." Harvey reached into the pocket of his jacket, believing he had placed it there. Somehow, what happened the night before after he got home was a blur. "Oh no, it's in the pockets... we'll never see it again.'' Antwon grinned, Harvey's pockets were like the black lagoon. Harvey emptied the contents from his hand onto the desk. It was obvious some of the notes and receipts had been through the wash a time or two. "I know it's in here.'' Harvey was certain that he had found the number sometime before he left that morning. He wouldn't have come to work without it. Antwon watched as Harvey carefully checked each shred of paper. ''Right, you just keep looking." Antwon was certain Harvey had at least one-hundred other things on his mind. Finding a phone number certainly wasn't on the top of his list of priorities. Harvey realized the letter that Rachel had found was still in his pocket and now sitting on top of his desk. He was glad the envelope was unmarked, that way Antwon wouldn't get too suspicious. Harvey wanted to look, and see what it said, but that would have to wait. He started his search through the pile again."Bingo!' Harvey held up a tattered piece of multi-sheet paper that resembled a cocktail napkin. "Here you go, Mr. Smarty Pants.'' ''Thank you very much, Mr. Leek. I will leave you to you're sulking...'' Antwon wished that Harvey would just attempt to talk to Rachel. His bad moods were really dampening the atmosphere around the SIU. Harvey smirked and Antwon grinned as he walked back slowly towards his desk. Harvey definitely wasn't feeling like himself. He reached for the envelope and opened it, as soon as he began to read he knew he had written the letter, it was just a matter of when. ** When do you leave?'' Nash knew Rachel needed to get away for a few days, he was more than willing to give her the time off. "My flight's at eleven." Rachel didn't really want to go on the trip alone, but she needed time to sort everything out and get some idea of what she would do next. "You'll be back Thursday?" Nash was going to start recruiting for her new partner while she was away. He wanted to know how much time he had. "I'll be in by eight." Rachel knew she was probably taking more time than she needed, but even being in the same building as Harvey and Nash made things difficult. She wanted so badly to repair the damage she had done. "You? That's earlier than usual." Nash smiled, trying to lighten the mood. Rachel had been in a rut since before Nick's funeral. "You're funny, Nash." Rachel appreciated his cooperation with the time off, she only hoped he'd do the same for Harvey, if he decided to join her. "What are you going to do about Cassidy?" "She turned in her badge and her gun, but I'll talk to her Sunday when she gets back from Napa with Lisa." Nash was relieved that Lisa had been able to stay. He was certain Cassidy would open up to her mother. "What does that mean for me?" Rachel wasn't sure if they'd go on partner rotations or if she'd be shipped back to Bayside. With how things were going between her and Harvey, Bayside didn't look like too bad of an option. "It means when you come back all rested and tanned, you'll probably have a new partner." Nash was pretty certain that Cassidy no longer wanted her job at the SIU, but he didn't want to accept applications until he knew for sure. "Thanks, Nash." Rachel was appreciative of his efforts to keep her employed with the SIU, even though his daughter was leaving. "For what?" Nash wasn't sure what she was thanking him for, he hadn't done anything out of the ordinary. "The job, dealing with me." Rachel grinned, "and the time off." "Get out of here." Nash smiled, the SIU was definitely going to be quieter for the next few days without her or Cassidy around. Rachel walked towards the door. Nash thought of one last thing. "Rache?" "Yes?" She predicted a large stack of paperwork would be waiting for her when she got back. Nash wouldn't let her off that easily. "Harvey's got the time off if he choses to use it." Nash knew what Rachel had planned long before the entired mess of the supposed affair developed. He was partly jealous of the romance, but he knew Harvey deserved it. ** "Cassidy, what are you doing here?" Lucas hadn't expected that Cassidy would come to see him in jail. He thought they had said their good-byes the night before when he was helping to hold her hostage. "I came to say good-bye." Cassidy couldn't leave without seeing him one last time. Up till last night, he had been so much like Evan. The night before had changed everything. He was no longer the man she was starting to fall in love with. "I didn't think I'd ever see you again." Lucas felt bad for what he had done, he never intended to hurt her. He would've gladly given his life to make sure she was okay. "You won't, not after today." Cassidy decided that she was going to stay away from him, even if he did get off. She needed time away to re-evaluate her life and her career choice. "Cassidy, I'm sorry. You know how sorry I am." Lucas didn't know how to apologize, he knew he never should've agreed to help Pete. Pete could've pulled off the gig himseldf, he didn't need Lucas' help. ''It's a little late for that. Someone will be by to deal with you later, if I'm lucky you'll get the same treatment Armstrong did.'' Cassidy wanted to see him pay for his crime. Not only had he sided with Pete Armstrong and aided a murderer, but he broke her heart. "Cassidy, I didn't do anything but... but... fall in love." Lucas was ready to admit it, he had completely fallen for her. Had Pete not been there last night, Lucas would've told Cassidy then and tried to make his getaway. "Fall in love?" Cassidy laughed sarcastically, "love doesn't include handcuffing me to my partner and letting someone hold a gun to my head." ''I know, that was a mistake, but I did what I could." Lucas couldn't explain what had happened last night. He was threatened by Pete and had to go along with his sick game. "Do me a favor, forget you even know me." Cassidy walked away, she had to leave. She couldn't look at him anymore, he was too much like Evan. ** ** "Harvey, come here a minute." Nash sat at his desk, waiting. Harvey approached slowly, wondering if Nash was going to call Rachel up as well. "What's up?" Harvey was still angry, but he tried to keep things amicable at work. He knew he would have to face Rachel again sooner or later. "I won't mind if you decide you don't want to talk to me, but I think you should say something to Rachel." Nash knew that over time, their friendship would bounce back into place. It was Harvey's relationship with Rachel that Nash was worried about. "Nash, just stay out of it. You've done enough." Harvey really didn't want to get into this argument again. He and Rachel would have to work through it alone. "Something's wrong when you're still not talking to your wife after a week. If you've got something to say, say it." Nash couldn't take the animosity any longer, he knew what he had to do. "There's no other way you could know unless she told you." Harvey didn't believe for a second that Nash coincidentally came across such personal information. "Rachel wouldn't have told you unless she had to, we didn't want anybody in the SIU to know, at least not yet." Harvey paused a moment, shaking his head. "It's not fair, the first woman I'm head over heels for in a long time is one of your refutes and I can't compete with that.'' Harvey walked away from his desk and started down the stairs. "Harvey, wait...'' Nash picked up two video cassettes from his desk drawer and followed Harvey down. "No one said you had to." Nash handed him the video in black case. "What's this?" Harvey wondered about the video Nash had given him. He looked at the label, it was a security video from the Bellagio Hotel from when they were in Vegas. "I didn't want it to come to this, but watch..." Nash put the other video into the VCR. Harvey saw himself and Rachel outside of the wedding chapel in Vegas and watched as they walked in while Nash remained outside the door talking to someone else. "You were there?" Harvey couldn't believe what he was watching, Nash had been in Vegas all along. "Why'd you go?" Harvey was curious as to why Nash had gone even after Harvey changed his mind. "I wanted to make sure everything went okay. I didn't want you two to know I was there, unless something went wrong and I needed to fill in." Nash wanted to keep his trip to Vegas a secret, but it was more important to save Harvey and Rachel's relationship for the time being.  "After the gig, you two went your own way and I talked with the LVPD. I happened to see you and Rachel go in later that evening." That explains how he knew, Rachel hadn't told him after all. Harvey gave a slight smile, "and you didn't object?" "No," Nash smiled, knowing Harvey was referring to his lingering interest in Rachel. "I figured you two were both mature enough to deal with the consequences of your actions." "You've known all along and didn't say anything?" Harvey was amazed that Nash hadn't said anything to them, or at least make his presence in Las Vegas known. "I figured there was some reason behind it, people in this day and age don't rush to the altar just for the hell of it." Nash figured they had some motive in getting married  when they did, it wasn't his place to question love or romance. He assumed he'd find out sooner or later. "There's justification for every shotgun wedding, usually of the make it legal before the stork arrives variety, but hey... to each his own." "You think that's why we...because she's...?" Now Harvey really wondered if Nash knew something he didn't. Rachel had been right, people would definitely make assumptions.  "Isn't she?" Nash didn't know for certain, he just guessed. "Not that I'm aware of.'' Harvey was completely baffled, they had talked about it but nothing was ever decided. Rachel surely would've broken the silence to tell him something that important.  "I just assumed that was the reason..." It made sense, Harvey was that type of guy. Harvey would feel obligated to make a decent woman out of her. "No way." Harvey chuckled, Nash was nearly as bad as Joe with his assumptions. No wonder why the rumour mill was always fueled. They both were quiet for a moment, enough had been said. "I'm sorry, Nash. I guess I overreacted." "Don't worry about it, I would've done the same in your position." Nash paused a moment, relieved. "Why don't you get out of here a little early, I'll wrap things up?"  "Thanks, Nash." Harvey looked at the tape he held in his hands, "Is this the same thing as the one in the VCR?" "Let's just say, you don't want that one there to fall into the wrong hands." Nash smiled, had he not seen the elevator scenes first hand, he wouldn't have bothered. Nash handed him the video from the VCR as well. "Make sure you don't leave that around the SIU. You'll never live it down, or be able to get in the elevator here with Rachel again." Harvey walked back to his desk, already trying to imagine what he could say to Rachel. He may have jumped the gun, but it was with good reason. He cared a great deal about her and Harvey didn't want to lose her. He thought about calling her, just to hear her voice.  Harvey opened his desk drawer after settling into his chair, picking up the envelope that Rachel had addressed to him. He knew she must have slipped it in sometime while he was away from his desk, he didn't see her drop it off. Harvey was now ready to see what she had to say. Dear Harvey, This wasn't something I could do face to face, the lack of communication between us doesn't help much either.  The ball is in your court, you're free to decide. The papers are drawn, all you have to do is sign.     I'll use a sports metaphor, even though I hate them, this is a real "hail Mary." If you don't want to talk here, I've offered an alternate location as you will soon find. I had something a little different in mind for the trip, but if this is what it takes... I'm desperate.    Please know that I love you and I never intended to hurt you.                                                                                   Rachel Harvey carefully studied the note, fumbling with the other envelope. He didn't know which one to chose, they weren't marked. He didn't want to end their marriage, he wanted to give them a fighting chance. **

Part 3 ** ''Mom, where are we?" Jerry wasn't sure where they where. He didn't recognize the area as where his Dad lived or being by the SIU. ''We're going to meet Steve, I told you that." Anna was hoping that Jerry wouldn't ruin the meeting for her with all his questions. She wished Harvey would've been at home so she could drop Jerry off. "No." Jerry didn't want to go and meet Steve. He didn't have very good memories of him. He wanted to be with his Dad and Rachel instead. ''I told you, Jerry, I have to go meet Steve." Anna couldn't understand why he was being so stubborn. Steve loved Jerry and treated him kindly. Anna had to meet with him before she could make her decision. ''I want Daddy.'' Jerry wasn't going to go with her. He wanted to stay with his Dad instead. His Dad would make everything okay. ''I told you, they don't want you around. Rachel doesn't want kids." Anna was desperate for an argument against her. She thought that Rachel giving up her own kids was proof enough against her as a mother. Rachel didn't deserve to be around Jerry and Harvey. "But she likes me." Jerry was certain that Rachel liked him, she'd never hurt him. ''She does Mom." "Jerry, don't you dare argue with me." Anna couldn't handle the stress from an argument with her four-year old son. She needed to focus on Steve. "I have an important meeting today and I'm not going to let you ruin it, like you've ruined everything else for me.'' Jerry tried to fight off tears as her words set in. His mom had turned against him."I want Rachel and Daddy."  ** "Up for a beer tonight?" Antwon was sure Harvey would want to talk, especially with Rachel being out of town. He purposely kept his evening open so they could go out. "Not tonight, my friend." Harvey made up his mind, he was going to go meet Rachel. He didn't know how things would end up, but it was worth the risk. "Why not? I cancelled a date for you." Antwon was confused, and wondered if there had been a change between Harvey and Rachel. Harvey smiled, "that's your fault, not mine." Harvey appreciated Antwon's kindness, and any other time he would've take him up on the offer. Right now, being with Rachel was too important to put off. "What do you have going on?" Antwon looked at him suspiciousluy, "did something happen that I should know about?" Antwon felt out of the loop not knowing what was going on with Harvey. "We'll talk later, right now, I've got a plane to catch." Harvey rushed to get everything straightened before he left. He didn't want to come back to a disaster, at home or at work. Nash came down the stairs and stood next to Antwon, "do you know what's going on?" Nash smiled, "me?" Harvey and Antwon both shot him a look, "I think he's going to Aruba." "Say what?" Antwon looked at Harvey, "Aruba?" Antwon stopped to think for a second, "wait... that's where Rachel is. You two... "  "See, Nash, what did I tell you, sooner or later he'd come around." Harvey grinned and tossed his backpack over his shoulder. He walked to the door, realizing he forgot his black beret. He went back to the desk to retrieve it. "Shouldn't you be going?" Nash chuckled, relieved that there was some hope insight for Harvey and Rachel. "I'm leaving now." Harvey was anxious to leave, he had to talk to Rachel. Hours before he had his doubts, but now he was certain they would be able to work something out. ** Anna looked around the hotel room for Jerry. "Jerry?" She looked in the closet and in the bathroom. She opened up the shower curtain but he wasn't there. Anna walked back into the bedroom and looked behind the table and chairs. "Jerry?" Anna realized her words earlier must have really hurt him. She didn't mean to be so cruel, but she didn't want to lose her son to Rachel. She had already lost Harvey to her. She dropped to the ground and raised the skirt of the bed, "Jerry?" His piercing eyes looked back at her, there were traces of tears upon his face. "You don't want me too.'' ''Jerry, come out here so we can talk." Anna didn't have time to deal with his temper tantrum. She had to meet with Steve in less than an hour. ''No. I want Daddy.'' Jerry was sure he had a place with his father and Rachel. With Anna's attitude lately, he felt completely unloved. "Jerry, come on. If you come out, I'll call your Dad and see if you can go by there later on." Anna had already tried to call him, but no one was home. She was hopinh he'd be there by the time she had to meet with Steve. "I don't want Steve." Jerry didn't have many memories of him, but he knew he was no good. He began to scoot out from under the bed. ''Call Rachel." Jerry was certain she'd come for him. ''I'm not going to call Rachel, she's probably with your Dad." Anna assumed they were both still at work. She wanted Rachel to have as little to do with Jerry as possible. ''I'll try him again later." Anna knew if Harvey wasn't home, she'd have to find someone else to take care of Jerry.  ** "Nash?" Rachel wanted to call and let him know that she had gotten in, not that it mattered. Harvey was the one she really wanted to talk to. "Where are you?" Nash was surprised to get her call, he worried that she decided not to go or that something had gone wrong. He looked at his watch, Harvey was in transit. "Did you miss your flight?" "No, I'm here." Rachel hated being there alone, she shouldn't have come. Spending hours alone at her desk pouring over some criminal case would've been better. "You don't sound happy enough to be in Aruba." Nash assumed she was concerned about Harvey, he didn't know if he should tell her or not. "I'm not happy to be here, I should've just sold the tickets." Rachel had debated either selling the tickets or giving them away. Either way, it would've been better than going to Aruba alone. "Are you serious?" Nash chuckled, knowing the offer wasn't there for him to come and join her. He debated telling Rachel that Harvey was on his way. "I think I'm going to catch a flight back later tonight." Rachel didn't want to stay, it was pointless to be there without Harvey. She could still use the a few of her days off to get some work done around the house and talk to Louis. Nash hesitated, "I wouldn't go that far, give it a day and see how much you like it then." He was certain Harvey would be there within the next few hours, that would certainly change her mind. Rachel had to ask, she couldn't get Harvey off her mind. "Is Harvey still around?" She assumed he was, sitting at his desk, trying to configure the latest tracking system from Martin. "Nah, he and Antwon left about an hour ago." Nash didn't know what to say, as long as Rachel didn't catch the next flight home, she'd get quite the surprise when Harvey showed up. Nash laughed, "behave yourself, Rachel." ** "Damn you, Harvey.'' Anna slammed the phone against the receiver. He still wasn't home. He was definitely out to ruin her. ''You better be at the SIU." Anna quickly dialed the number, suprising herself that she remembered it so well. "SIU, Inspector Babcock speaking.'' Antwon was ready to leave for the day. He had to make the drive up to Carmel later on that evening to meet Jessie. All he had to do was finish up the filing he offered to do for Harvey. ''Where's Harvey Leek?" Anna was quickly losing her patience with Harvey. He should be at home by this hour, or at least at the SIU. She was certain Rachel had everything to do with his absence. "Harvey, who's calling?" Antwon wasn't sure what he should say. Harvey hadn't left him with an automated response for irate women who called for him. "This is Anna, the mother of his son." Anna didn't feel she had to explain herself, she wanted to talk to Harvey and make sure he could take Jerry for a few hours. ''He's not in, can I take a message?" Antwon hoped it was nothing serious, he didn't have a number where Harvey and Rachel were. He was certain that Nash probably had some idea of where they could be found, in the case of an emergency. "Great, that's just great." Anna was desperate, she had to find someone to watch Jerry while she met with Steve. "Is Rachel McCabe around?" Anna knew she didn't want Jerry with her, but it would only be for a few hours. ''No, she's out as well." Antwon knew he was being cornered for information and Anna sounded like she was anything but happy. "Where the hell are they?" Anna couldn't believe they were both gone just when she needed them there the most. "I really can't say.'' Antwon didn't want to send Anna hot on their trail, he had heard stories about some of her past antics. He knew Harvey and Rachel needed their space, and if it were urgent she would've said so by now. ** Rachel looked around the hotel lobby one last time, one final check to make sure she didn't she Harvey. She walked slowly over to the concierge desk and made her decision. It wasn't worth being there without Harvey. "I'd like to check out." "Are you sure, Mrs. Leek, you just got here?" The concierge couldn't understand why she might be leaving. Perhaps something had happened. "Yeah, I'd rather be at home." Rachel handed him the room key and waited as he cleared her reservations from the computer. "Can I get a taxi?" "Yes, of course." He dialed in for a taxi, since it was early evening he knew one would be hard to find. "This might take a few minutes, please take a seat." The concierge motioned over towards the courtyard with a few sizeable benches surrounding the palm trees. "Someone will be around for your bags, Mrs. Leek." Harvey approached the concierge's desk, a different man replaced the one Rachel had seen moments before. "Hi. I'm looking for my wife, Rachel Leek?" Harvey wasn't sure if Rachel had put the reservations under the name they now shared or her own. He'd try both. "Let me check." The concierge typed her name into the computer and waited for the information to process. "She checked out." "What?" Harvey knew there must be some mistake. Rachel wouldn't have come all that way just to check out within the first few hours. Unless something had happened and he didn't know. "Do you know why?" "It just says she checked out earlier, you might be able to catch her at the airport." The concierge didn't have the answers Harvey was looking for. "I just came on shift." "Thanks." Harvey headed over to a pay phone, hoping Rachel's cell would work so far away from home. He dialed the number, anxiously awaiting some reply. "The number you have dialed is out of range." The operator's voice irritated Harvey, that was not the reply he had been wanting.  He wanted to see Rachel, but he'd settle just for talking at the moment. Harvey walked back towards the desk, "is there anyone who might know where my wife is or when she left?" "You can try talking to the porters, they might have seen her." The concierge honestly didn't know. Hundreds of people came in and out of the hotel each day. "Right, I'm sure they'd remember." Harvey didn't intend to sound so negative, but the trip already wasn't going well. He knew Rachel wouldn't have set him up, but he couldn't understand why she'd leave. He walked back towards the pay phones, intending to check in with Nash. Rachel was irritated by the wait, she wanted to get home. At least if she was at home she could be miserable and not feel guilty about being miserable in a wonderful place. She got up and walked back towards the desk, he was going to get a piece of her mind. Harvey caught glimpse of her, out of the corner of his eye. Just as the phone started to ring, he hung up to follow her. He was sure it was Rachel. "Is there a taxi here yet? I'd really like to get home." Rachel leaned against the counter, anxious to leave. The hotel hadn't offered the peaceful getaway she was hoping for, the experience left her wanting to be with Harvey even more. Harvey stepped up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. Rachel turned around, surprised, and smiled. Harvey looked to the concierge, "actually, we'll be staying here." The concierge raised his eyes, confused. Harvey looked back at Rachel, "if that's alright with you?" Rachel nodded, unsure of what made him come. She thought he already made his decision. Something changed, she just didn't know what it was. "You're here?" Harvey gently led her away from the concierge desk, wanting at least a small amount of privacy. "You said to come to talk, and I think that's what we need to do." "I didn't think you had anymore to say to me." When Rachel last attempted to speak with Harvey, he didn't want to listen. He was rightfully hurt and angry. She assumed it was over. "Oh, I've got a lot to say." Harvey didn't know where to begin. An apology seemed like a good place to start, but he didn't want her to think that was the only reason that he had come. Harvey wanted to be with her, plain and simple. Harvey smiled, trying to break the visible tension between them. "Before you say anymore, there's something I've got to tell you..." Rachel knew she couldn't put it off any longer. If she wanted the relationship to work, there had to be all-out honesty between them. Harvey deserved to know what was going on. **

Sarah