The First Witness

PROLOGUE

Gia stood still as she felt the cold barrel of the gun plunging into her left temple. She let out a small gasp of air before she felt Sean’s arm wrap around her throat and tighten. She tried to breath but his grip was too strong. She could feel her breathing becoming slower and farther apart. (This cannot be the end. The end is not supposed to be like this.)

Her eyes darted around the room quickly as she looked for someone to save her. She could see her brother standing there clasping the railing of the court room. He looked so angry and mad. She hated to see him in this state. (What if this is the last time I see him. What if Sean kills me right here on the spot? What if this is the end of the beginning?) She shook her head and tried to focus back on her situation. Her eyes moved slowly and finally reached him, Nikolas. He was standing there starring at her. She could see the tears on his cheek. Sean’s voice snapped her back to her torture.

“Back off Lieutenant! I do not want to see you take another step. I swear I will shoot her. I have nothing to loose here and you know it!”

“Sean please…just let me go and the Lieutenant will give you whatever you want. I promise.” Gia tried to calm her voice but it came out in a low squeaking tone.

“Gia I am not stupid I know they will just shoot me! You are my ticket to get out!”

She felt his grip tighten around her neck. “Please Sean…just let me go.” She felt the tears begin to well up in her eyes. She closed them and took another breath. (Please God do not let it end this way.) She looked back at Nikolas. She tried to smile at him and watched as he sent her a smile back. She needed to get out this, alive.

“Sean, we have a car waiting for you outside. All you have to do is release Ms. Campbell and take off the bomb. That’s all, and then you are a free man. Do you want to be a free man Sean? I guarantee if you let Ms. Campbell go you will be free man, but if you hurt her you are not going to be able to leave. I know you want to leave Sean.”

“You bet I want to leave, I was suppose to be gone a long time ago but then she had to see.”

She felt the gun dig harder into her head and she let out a squeal.

“If she just had kept her noise out of my business she would not have to be here right now! I never wanted to hurt anyone but she got in the way! Then there was Rachel; she was another problem why did they have to mess up? WHY?”

Chapter 1

Gia could not believe she was in this situation. Everything had happened so fast, and Sean was right if she had not tried to do someone else’s job she would be at home right now. Maybe if someone else had seen what she had, then she would be reporting it not being part of it. It had all started when she decided to try to save and fix the problems of others.

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

Gia laughed as Ryan got another glass of Champaign for her. “Ryan I cannot believe that Kristen did not pick up on it. I mean I know when we did our interviews with the Mayor she was on top of everything. For her to make such a major mistakes seems to surreal.”

“Yes don’t we all think that about ALL our coworkers. It was pretty funny when she did that though. The whole crew burst out laughing and Cindy had no clue as to what was going on. I felt horrible for her, but I think she learned now.”

“Yes, well she better learn fast because Cindy and Ted won’t tolerate that. So how is Rachel? You two still going strong? I haven’t seen her in such a long time.”

“Rachel and I are doing better then ever. Actually I wanted to talk to you about something, see how you felt about it. I was thinking or at least planning on asking her to marry me.”

Gia felt her lips form a smile. “Ryan that is great! I am so happy for you two. I knew you two would be perfect for each other. I can still remember when I introduced you two her. We were at the Chateau and you were making some remark about women and the kitchen.”
“That’s when she walked in. You had known her from a previous interview. I then had to find a way to get my foot out of my mouth. I still don’t know why she puts up with me.”

She watched him laugh. “You know the staff and I cannot figure that one out either!” She took a sip of her Champaign and smiled at Ryan. “Aside from all the jokes you two will make a lovely husband and wife. Do you know when you will pop the question? Have you got the ring yet?”

“Easy with the question Gia. I am pretty sure I know what ring I will purchase; as for the timing I have no clue. I mean I know Rachel loves to have everything special and I want this night to be perfect for her. She deserves nothing less then the best. So I was thinking of popping the question on Valentine’s that way I can plan everything and it will be a date to remember.”

Gia bit her lowers lip as Ryan talked. (I wish I could have someone like Ryan. Someone that was always there for me, planning special events to make me feel loved.) “Ryan that is so beautiful and I am sure that Rachel will utterly love it, and if she doesn’t then I’ll have a little talk to her and make her understand what a wonderful guy you, or you can just ask me.” She laughed as Ryan choked on his Champaign.

“I am sure she would love that! I’ll keep it in mind just in case something happens from now till then. You know Gia when are you going to find Mr. Right? Do you have anyone in mind?”

She let out a lonely sigh. “You know me Ryan, I do not look for Mr. Right I am just hoping he will find me. Every time I think I have something it turns out to be the worse decision I could possibly make.”

“I know Richard was hard on you. Finding out that he…well…you know. Just don’t loose hope I know you will meet someone, maybe even soon.”

(Richard, I haven’t thought of him in months I wonder if he is happy with Rene?) She smiled at him and looked at the room, all her coworkers along with friends of the company were all there for the annual Christmas Party. She loved going to the Christmas Banquet it was always fun to talk about past memories and laugh with everyone. “When you say meet someone soon, are you trying to hint at something or someone?”

“You know me to well Gia. I invited my best friend, Nikolas Cassadine. I am absolutely positive that you two will hit it off. Now just be nice because he should be here any minute.”

She watched as he glanced around the room. “Ryan why would you do this? I don’t want to meet someone at our Christmas party, why didn’t you tell me sooner! I mean knowing your friends, he probably enjoys watching reruns of The Brady Bunch.” She watched his face drop. “Not that there is anything wrong with that, its just I do not want to feel obligated to date this guy because we are friends.”

“Gia relax, he is the complete opposite of me, which means he is ugly, not refined, enjoys boring movies, and is a complete slob.”

Gia clasped her hands together in a dramatic affect. “He sounds absolutely perfect. He is truly my Prince Charming.” No sooner did the words come out of her mouth than did she see Ryan’s finger in her face pointing.

“Listen her Ms. Campbell seconds will have to be good enough because the best is already taken!”

She tried to suppress her laughter but she couldn’t. She burst out laughing at Ryan. “You should have gone into being a comedian.”

“Why thank you. Oh look there is the Prince you speak of. Let me go get him.”

Gia quit laughing as she looked up and saw an extremely handsome man walking towards them. He had on a black tux that looked as if it was hand made for him. His hair was dark and spiked up while his eyes were an intense dark brown. She surveyed his face as he came walking up towards her, it was olive and tanned and flawless. She began to feel her cheeks begin to flush and she took another sip of her drink. (Calm Gia this is not a big deal, I am sure he is dud once you begin to talk. Just breath, I mean so he really looks like a Prince that does not mean anything. Remember what momma always said ‘never judge a book by it’s cover…’ no matter how good looking they are.)

“Gia I would like you to meet Nikolas Cassadine. Nikolas this is Mr. Gia Campbell, head reporter here at World Direct News. Gia, Nikolas is the head Public Relations for Tidal Wave Labels.”

Gia held out her hand towards Nikolas and smiled. “Mr. Cassadine it’s wonderful to meet you.”

“Ms. Campbell I can assure you that the pleasure is all mine.”

She watched as he brought her hand up to his lips and kissed her. She felt a shiver run down her spine as he did so. She tried to stop herself from blushing but it was no use. “Well, thank you Mr. Cassadine and please call me Gia.”

“Of course Gia, and please call me Nikolas.”

She nodded her head and looked at Ryan who was smiling from cheek to cheek.

“Oh look at the time. You know I should really go call Rachel she will be worried about me. So, you two kids have fun and stay out of trouble.”

“How convenient Ryan, tell her I said hello.”

“Anything for you Gia.”

Gia shook her head as she watched Ryan scamper off to another group of people. He really was a card. (Think Gia, its just you two now think of something to say.) “So, Mr.…Nikolas, what made you decide to come here tonight?” (Good one Gia that was really smooth? What are you going to whip out your microphone and interview the poor man? It’s obvious why he is here, Ryan convinced him to come.)

“Ryan told me that there was a women the complete opposite of Rachel coming to the party and he wanted me to meet her. He also paid me 30 dollars to keep you company.”

She felt her cheeks flush for the third time that evening. “Well I guess I need to have a talk with him. He told me that you were the exact opposite of him.” She laughed as she watched him smile. (He has an amazing smile to go with that body.)

“Then I guess we will both enjoy ourselves.”

She looked at his eyes and could see them gleam. “Yes, we will. Now that Ryan is off trying to match make poor Stephanie and Rob I think we will be perfect. Shall we?” She pointed her hand towards a table.
“I would love to.”

She smiled at him and felt his hand on the small of her back leading her towards the table. (Now this could get quite interesting, and much different from the usual WD News Christmas parties.) She winked at Ryan as they walked past him. She could see him still smiling and he raised his glass to her. (He will never change.)

CHAPTER TWO

12 o’clock

“What was Rome like? I have always dreamed of going to Rome.” Gia took another sip of her drink and looked intently into Nikolas’s eyes. She hadn’t had this type of a conversation in such a long time and it felt so good to be able to talk to someone who shared so many of her same interests.

“It is absolutely gorgeous, it’s one of my favorite spots to go. You would love it there, it has the most amazing sunset and the view is spectacular. Do you travel much?”

“I travel a lot around the city, but that is about it. Unfortunately I have not had the opportunity to do any over seas stories but I am planning on trying to get some this year. I have so many places I would love to visit and if I could go seem them and get paid I would be completely happy.” She felt her heart stop as he smiled at her. He had the most amazing smile she had ever seen; his whole face glowed as he smiled. “You know I…I haven’t had this much fun at a Christmas Party in a long time. I mean they are usually fun, but this one especially.” She held her breath as she waited for his reply.

“I know exactly how you feel. When Ryan invited me I was a little hesitant but I am so glad that I came now.”

Gia felt her cheeks blush as the words rolled off his tongue. She began to hear the music play in the background. ‘Ave Maria’ she had always loved this song. It was so peaceful.

“Gia, could I have this dance?”

She starred at Nikolas as he stood up and held out his hand. (Well don’t just sit there! The man is asking you to dance.) “I would love to.”
She stood up and allowed him to take her hand in his. She felt eyes starring at her as they walked towards the dance floor. She moved to face him and felt his hand on her mid back. She moved her left arm to go up and rest on his arm. She moved her right hand to go into his other hand. She looked into his dark eyes and lost her breath as he continued to stare into her.

She began to move her feet as he guided her throughout the crowd of couples. He was a very impressive dancer and leader. She caught Ryan smiling at her and immediately felt her cheeks begin to flush and she turned her attention back to Nikolas who was also blushing. She turned her head towards the floor.

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

Gia looked around the courtroom, it was now dark through the windows and the only light was the fluorescent light along with the dim lamps that were on the attorney’s desks. She looked back at Nikolas, that was the first time she had ever met him, and it was when the chain of reaction began.

“This is how it will work out. I am going to take Gia with me, once I am safe I will release her but not until then!”

“Sean we cannot let you do that. We have no guarantee that you won’t hurt Ms. Campbell.”

“You have no assurance that I won’t hurt her now. I could just pull the trigger now, she has not testified against me. Her statement is what could put me away, but she will never testify against me. Just like how Rachel never had the chance!”

Gia allowed the tears to spill over her eyelids. “SEAN! Please let me go…I am not Rachel I won’t tell on you. I never was, I was never planning on testifying Alexis just wanted it to appear that way. That’s all; it was just a set up! I never saw anything!”

She listened as Sean laughed in her ear. She could feel him moving closer to her; his breath was hot and smelt like old coffee.

“Gia, you are not that smart you know that. I know you where there, you already told me the exact details of that night. I am not stupid, do you think I am stupid Gia?”

She began to tremble as he breathed heavier. “No…no…I do not think you are stupid Sean. You’re smart, I just…I just…please don’t kill me.”

“Oh baby I won’t kill you. No what I will do will be much worse than killing you, you’ll beg to be killed once I am done with you.”

“LET HER GO!”

Gia watched as Nikolas yelled and took a step closer. “NIKOLAS NO!” She squinted her eyes as she heard the gun shot by her ears. (Please don’t let him be dead, please let him be safe.) She slowly opened her eyes and saw Nikolas standing tears streamed down his cheek. (Thank you.)

“That is strike one! Aren’t you Gia’s boyfriend?”

“Yes, yes I am.”

Gia felt her lip quiver as he spoke to Sean.

“Well then you should know that if you would like to ever see her pretty little face that you leave this alone.”

Gia watched as Nikolas’s grip tightened his fist and slammed in on the railing. She felt her stomach tie into a knot as the noise echoed in the room.

Gia looked upwards and saw a hole from where Sean had shot the gun. She looked back down and felt a wet tongue on her cheek; it slid up her cheek to her eye. She closed her eyes and felt a shiver run up her spin. “Stop…stop it Sean!” She looked at Nikolas who went to lunge at Sean but was stopped by the Lieutenant.

“Nikolas, you aren’t going to help the situation by doing that. Just relax, we will get her don’t worry.”

“Are you not aware of the psycho that you have on your hands? Why don’t you do what you need to do! Get her away from him!”

“I don’t think he likes that Gia. Me licking you, I like the reaction that he gave. We will have to play that game again later on.”

She listened as he snickered in her ear.

Chapter Three

It had been two weeks since she had met Nikolas and for the last two weeks she had seen him almost everyday. They had gone out for dinners, dancing, movies and at times just out for a walk. He was everything that she had ever wanted in a man. She remembered what it had felt like to be kissed by him. They had just had dinner and then they had gone dancing. They were at her door and he told her how beautiful she was and then he moved his hand to her cheek where he caressed and then it happened. He pulled her closer and kissed her. She still blushed at the thought of their first kiss. He had kissed her twice since then and both had been utterly perfect.

She flopped on her bed and smiled as she turned her head and looked and the photo she had taken of her and Nikolas in the park. That day had been truly magical, pretty much ever day was with him.

She turned her head as she heard the phone ring. (Please let it be Nikolas) “Hello, Gia speaking.”

“Gia, I need to talk to you.”

She knitted her eyebrows together. “Ryan is this you?”

“Yes it is Gia. Can you come over? I really need your advice and help. Can you be over here in ten minutes?”

“Well, Ryan is it important because Nikolas was suppose to call me with the dinner reservations. Can this be done later?”

“Later Rachel and I could not be dating!”

“Oh I see.”

“Now will you please come over here?”

Gia sat there for a moment. (It shouldn’t take that long to tell Ryan what to do. Nikolas won’t be home for another 30 minutes.) “Fine, I’ll be there, but I can’t stay for too long.”

“Fine, what ever you say. Thanks Gia I’ll see you in a minute.”

She placed the phone back on the receiver and jumped up off the bed and grabbed her keys and coat.
15 Minutes later

“So you told her that you wanted to know why she couldn’t go to your parents house this weekend and she got really mad and started yelling at you?”

“It was the weirdest thing. This is not like Rachel at all. I mean normally she loves going to my parent’s house. Especially for family dinners, I mean she doesn’t have a family so it is a special time for her.”

“Were you forceful about her coming with you?” Gia looked back at her clock.

“No, I was so polite and when she wouldn’t tell me what was wrong I started to get worried. The worst part of this is situation is that I was going to ask her to marry me the night we left for Mom and Dad’s house.”

Gia moved over to Ryan and put her arm around him. “Everything will be OK. I mean, she will understand you were just concerned she will call you and that will be that.”

“I don’t know…maybe she needs someone to talk to. What if you talked to her? I mean you could go over there and find out what she thinks and try to talk some sense into her. Please G? I know you are waiting for Nikolas to call but he will understand and I will try to get hold of him to tell him you will be a little late.”

“Ryan I really think you should go over there. I mean it is your relationship and I don’t know if she will respond to me.”

“Gia trust me she will not want to talk to me right now. She’ll want a women’s opinion. She has told me this before that after we fight she doesn’t want to talk to me because it hits home to much for her. You’ll be the perfect candidate. She loves you like a sister. Please?”

She looked at Ryan, he was so helpless. (This is a bad idea Gia. Nikolas is more important than Ryan and Rachel. But they are your best friends and Ryan said he will get hold of him for you.) “Fine why not. I’ll go over there right now. Just please remember to call Nikolas. I don’t want him to think I stood him up.”

“I will call him in 20 minutes. Thank you so much Gia, you really are the best.”

Gia opened her arms and gave him a hug. “OK, I’ll go try my luck. I’ll call you once I leave her house.”

“Thank you again G.”

Rachel’s Condo

Gia got out her condo and looked around. It was all ready dark out. It had taken longer than she had expected to get to Rachel’s house and she couldn’t even call Nikolas because her phone battery was dead.

She looked up towards the sky. It truly was a beautiful night out. She smiled as she thought about going out with Nikolas to dinner and than to dancing. Dancing was one of their favorite things to do. Maybe they could dance under the stars at her place with a glass of Champaign and strawberries. She shook her head as she thought about her current task.

She hoisted her purse up her should and began to walk towards the door. She looked through the window and could see lights on along with the music blaring. (I hope she isn’t in a frantic state.) She knocked on the door but her no response. (She probably can’t hear me with her stereo so loud.) She placed her hand on the knob and turned it. It easily opened and she walked into the front entrance and looked around she could smell food from her position. “Rachel you here?”

She moved towards the kitchen and saw a one place seating along with a wine glass. She looked at the stove and saw the water boiling over the pot. She turned the stove off and picked up an oven mitt and moved the pot off that particular burner. (Weird that she allowed the water to boil.)

She headed over to the stairs where she heard a loud thump. “RACHEL!” She took the stairs two at a time and turned the corner. She felt her face go pail and her eyes began to well up. She studied the room the bed was flipped over, the lamps were smashed on the floor and clothes were thrown everywhere. She began to feel her hand shake as she took another step into her room. “Rachel…” her voice was barely a whisper.

She moved towards the bathroom. She slowly pushed the door open and let out a cry. She looked down at her feet and saw Rachel’s hand hanging out the bathtub. She turned her head away and let out another cry. “Rachel…please be alive.” She turned her head back to her friend and look down at her lifeless body. She squatted down by the bathtub and moved her shaking hand towards her neck. There was no pulse. She could see the blood everywhere and went to grab her purse. She pulled out her phone and pressed power. “Dam nit.” She remembered now that she had no battery left.

She felt her breath quicken as she stood up. She ran back into her room. She felt her body become faint as she picked up the phone. She began to dial 911. The line was dead. She slammed the phone down. As she turned around she felt the breath of something on her neck. She let out a scream but it was too late, the hard object hit her square on the back of neck and soon she only saw black and she felt herself fall.

Gia felt herself slowly coming back to reality. She kept her eyes closed as she heard footsteps. (Where am I?) She soon felt a splitting pain on her neck. (Gia you are in Rachel’s house and she is dead.) She remembered seeing Rachel’s lifeless body in the bathtub. (Don’t cry you can’t cry you need to get yourself out of her.) She tried to move her hands but felt the tied to something, possibly a chair.

(Stay strong Gia you can do this. Now just slowly open your eyes and find out who this guy is.) She took another deep breath and slowly opened her eyes. Everything was a blur but it slowly came back into focus. She squinted a little and saw a tall man with dark hair pouring something over the couches. She took a whiff of the smell and soon realized it was gasoline. She continued to watch as she turned around, as he did so she closed her eyes a little to make it appear as though she was still out. His eyes were black and his face was rough and scarred. She closed them tight again and listened as he finished his task. (No Gia he is going to light this on fire and you need to get out of here. So make sure he doesn’t realize that you are awake.)

She soon felt his breath in front of her. He smelt like old coffee.

“Baby I am sorry it will come to this but, you weren’t supposed to come over. You the first witness to my crime and now you will be the last.”
She felt his lips come to her cheek and kiss it. She felt her head begin to spin again. She fought the dizziness off, as she smelt the sulfur from the match, instantly she felt the heat from the fire and heard his footsteps running down the stairs and slamming the door.

She opened her eyes and coughed as the smoke attacked her lungs. She moved her wrist back and forth but it didn’t help. She turned her head around and saw a pair of handcuffs hold her hands together, they were then weaved through the chair and tied around with scarves. She cringed as she thought of the time where Rachel had worn them. (Gia don’t do this right now. You are going to die if you don’t get yourself out of here.) “SOMEBODY HELP ME!” She began screaming as she coughed on the smoke.

She stood up and dragged the chair along with her and tried to smash it on the wall. She moved her back to one side and swung it towards the wall, but she lost her balance and fell on the floor. She began crying as her restraints dug into her wrists. (This is the end Gia. You can’t get yourself out of these things, and the fire will end up suffocating you and then burning you.) “Help me…please help me…” Her shoulders began to heave as she cried harder. “I don’t want to die! NIK…NIKOLAS! RY…RY…RYAN! ANYBODY HELP!”

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

Gia slowly opened her eyes and saw a fluorescent light shining in her eyes. (This cannot be heaven…what if I don’t get to go to heaven?) She counted to ten and then reopened her eyes again. She began to hear a beeping noise. She slowly turned her head and saw a monitor beeping. She moved her head and looked to her left and there he was, Nikolas. He was slumped over a chair holding her hand. “Nikolas…”

She watched him as she tried to squeeze his hand. “Nikolas, wake up…” she smiled as she saw his eyes open.

“Gia…”

“Hey…” She felt the tears swell in her eyes. “I’m sorry…my cell battery was dead…”

Nikolas watched as her lower lip began to quiver, she was so scared. “Hey, it’s not your fault. I’m not mad, not even the slightest.” Chapter Four

“Are you sure? I was suppose to call you but my battery was dead, did Ryan call you?” She looked around the room trying to see where Ryan was.

“Yes, Ryan called me. Just rest you need your sleep.” He fought back tears as she griped her blanket. “Everything is going to be fine now.”

“Where is Ryan?”

“Don’t worry about it right now Gia. Just go to sleep. He’ll be here later.”

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

“RACHEL! Where are you?”

Gia is running through a hallway and stops at a bathtub.

“NO! Rachel wake up! WAKE UP! Please don’t be gone! NOOO!!!”

“Gia wake up…” Nikolas slowly rubbed Gia’s hand. “Come on Gia wake up. It’s all right everything is fine.”

Gia’s eyes snapped open and she scanned the room. “Nikolas.” She took a deep breath of air. “I had this horrible dream…” Her lower lip began to quiver as she remembered seeing Rachel’s lifeless body.

“Baby I know.” He rubbed her cheek and smiled at her. “But nothing bad is going to happen now. You’re safe and I am going to keep you safe.”

“Nikolas don’t leave tonight. I know that sounds selfish but I don’t want to be alone…just lay with me please.” She at him and tried to smile but only found tears falling from her eyes.

He smiled at her and watched as the tears fell. “I would love to do that.” He lifted himself off the chair and laid next to Gia on the hospital bed. He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her forehead. “I won’t go anywhere Gia, and there is no other place I would want to be.”

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

“Now Lieutenant I think I have your attention. I want a car along with a private jet and I am taking Gia with me until I am safely across the borders to Mexico.”

“How do we know that Mr. Campbell will be safe? Why don’t you just hand her over?”

“Because then I have no collateral. You have 15 minutes Lieutenant before I blow this place to pieces.”

“All right I’ll give some people a call and see what I can do.”

“You have to be joking right Lieutenant! You are not going to let Gia out of your sights? I mean making a bargain with this…this thing! Is a horrible idea don’t you think? What if he hurts her?” Nikolas starred at Gia who stood there helpless and at the hands of her capture.

“Listen Nikolas I know you are worried but not giving into his demands will only end up killing us all. Now let me give the call, I’ll have someone near by all the time to watch her. He won’t kill Gia there is no point once he is across the border.”

Nikolas ran his hands through his hair. (This can’t be happening, not to the women I love, I never even told her I loved her. Today was supposed to be the beginning he was going to apologize and then they would be happy.) He looked back at Gia and saw her shaking. He hated this.

Gia watched as Nikolas talked to the Lieutenant she couldn’t make out everything that was said other than Nikolas was apparently not impressed.

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

“Ryan, I am so sorry I didn’t get there in time.” Gia whipped her cheek. She felt Nikolas grab her hand. This day had to be the worst it was Rachel’s funeral and one of the first times that she had talked to Ryan. She had been in the hospital for the last three days recovering. She had found out that one of the neighbors called the police when they saw the smoke; supposedly the fireman saved her just in time. Since then Nikolas had spent every moment with her. She had been crying at a continual rate and now seeing Ryan was the breaking straw.

“Gia, it’s not your fault. You couldn’t have done anything. The Doctor said that she had been…” “She was dead for thirty minutes earlier.”

She watched as he broke down. She rushed to his side and wrapped her arms around him. “I am so sorry Ryan I wish I could fix this for you. I wish I could take away all the pain.”

“No…I am sorry. I should have never asked you to go check on her. I should have been there. I should have been there…”

Gia didn’t know what to say. She agreed that she shouldn’t have been there she could have died and those memories would forever be in her head but she could never say that to Ryan. “Why don’t we go sit down and get you some water?” She linked arms with Nikolas and followed Ryan to a table near by.

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

Gia felt her blood boil, as she stood there trapped by Sean. She hated him so much at this precise moment. He stole everything away from her. He took away Rachel’s life and that destroyed Ryan’s soul. She remembered him telling her that the last thing they said to each other were words of anger. Then there was Nikolas after that night nothing was the same anymore. He was constantly scared for her safety and always made sure she had an extra battery along with constantly checking up on her. Then there were the packages that started to arrive.

“Is the car ready Lieutenant?”

“Yes, Sean the car is waiting for you outside, from there it will drive you to the interstate, but will stop just before the border. From there you will release Ms. Campbell and allow her to reach safety. Then you are a free man.”

“Nope sorry.”

Gia slumped as she heard the gun shot.

“Ryan!”

Gia opened her eyes and saw Ryan fall to the ground. “RYAN!” She pushed Sean back and raced towards Ryan was laying. “Ryan…”

“GIA!” Nikolas ran towards her location and opened his arms to her.

She ran to Nikolas and was about to jump into her arms but soon realized she was till connected to a bomb and stopped a foot short of Nikolas. (Gia run to him) (I can’t I am still connected to this…bomb.) She turned her head back to Sean who was dangling the trigger in front of her.

“Gia?” Nikolas watched as shear horror registered on her face and she took another step away from him. “Gia…please don’t…come back.”

“Nikolas I can’t. Not right now, he’ll kill us all and he is serious. I am sorry Nikolas I never wanted this, I love you.” She watched as a tear rolled down his cheek.

“Ok, I understand. I love you too Gia.” He smiled as he watched her make her way back to Sean.

Gia took another step back. She could barely stand to look at Nikolas. (Gia this is the best situation, Sean will kill you if you don’t do this.)

“Good job Gia. I am very impressed here I thought I was going to have to blow this court to pieces, but you made the right decision. Sorry lover boy I guess you just don’t have what it takes.’

Gia watched as he winked at Nikolas. “I didn’t pick you Sean, I don’t have a choice you’ll kill me. Although knowing your luck it won’t work kind of how it didn’t work the first time.” She felt his hand come across her face and then his arm wrapped tighter around her throat. She began coughing.

“Maybe next time we will think about what you say.”

Nikolas clinched his jaw as Sean hit Gia. He was going to pay for that one.

Chapter Five

Gia went to her front door as she heard the doorbell. She swung it open and saw no one standing there. She looked down and saw a bouquet of dead roses. She bent down and picked up the card that was lying on top of them.

‘It would be best for you not to do any reporting on the murder of Rachel. Wouldn’t want to have another nasty accident.”

Gia felt her self tremble as she picked up the flowers. (This is the fifth one you have gotten of these.)

“Gia what is that?”

She spun around and saw Nikolas standing in front of her. “What do you mean? How was your run?”

“Gia don’t try to change subjects. I want answers and I want them now.”

“Nikolas.” She moved around him and headed for the kitchen. “I don’t know what you are talking about. Why are you so grouchy this morning?”

“I am not grouchy Gia I am worried about the women I am seeing! You have gotten at least 7 of those packages, and they all have some threat card with them! Now are you still going to deny it! I mean I can see those roses in your hand along with the card.”

“Nikolas, I appreciate the concern I really do but it is just some prank to try to scare me out of speaking.”

“Well you know what it is working for me! I don’t want you to do anything about it anymore. Let the police deal with this! That is their job, yours is to report on Thanksgiving, road reports, sports! NOT MURDERS!” Nikolas was so frustrated from having this conversation; they had it every time she received another package.

“I do that! I am sorry if I want justice after my best friend was brutally murdered in her OWN HOME! I am sorry that I want revenge for what he stole from Ryan and I am REALLY sorry that I want the creep that tried to kill me to pay for what he did! I just thought you understand that this is something that I need to do!”

“That is NOT what I meant and you know it! I want the guy to pay but I don’t want to loose you in the process! You need to stop this Gia and you need to stop it now!”

“No! I am not giving up on this! I would never be able to live with myself if I just dropped this because you were concerned. I’ll be fine!”

“I am sure that is what Rachel said too before she died!”

“SHUT UP! Don’t say that! You have no clue as to what happened!” She couldn’t believe this was happening she thought Nikolas understand that she needed to find out what happened not just for her but for Rachel and Ryan. “You know what Nikolas if you can’t handle this then maybe you are seeing the wrong person!”

“You know what I think you are right! It’s over Gia. Good luck and I hope I don’t have to go to funeral just so you can be superwomen!” He turned around and stormed out of the house.

She stood there holding onto the counter and looked around the room, it was spinning. Why did she say that? She didn’t want him to go away she needed him, but she couldn’t just drop this. She slammed her hand on the counter and felt a splintering pain go up her arm. “Nikolas come back…”

She slid to the floor and began to cry. She needed him, but she needed to find out who did this too.

Two Months Later

Gia walked into the police station and saw Nikolas standing by the counter. She felt a pain in her heart. (He looks so good. Maybe he found someone new.) She lifted her head high and continued to walk but before she could make it past him she heard her name and turned around. (Please let it be Nikolas.)

“Gia. I am over here.”

Gia saw Heather walking over to her. “Heather did you get that report I sent you yesterday? I told Matthew to give it to you pronto but he wasn’t sure if he would see you.”

“Yes Gia I got it and your right that is the guy. We have a couple suspects coming in right now. Your available to do that right now a line up check?”

She glanced at Nikolas who was starring at her. She was now glad that she had chosen her black pants and her red sweater. “Of course, just let me go drop these off to Matthew for him to look over. I’ll be right there.”

“OK I’ll be in my office.”

“I see you have been keeping yourself busy.”

She turned and saw Nikolas walking over to her. “Yes I have. How are you?” She looked at her shoes and then back at him.

“I have been better. Listen Gia about all those things that I said…”
“Don’t Nikolas.” She took a breath. “I can’t deal with us right now because I don’t want to fight. I don’t have anything left to fight with. I’ve been using all my energy to find out who did this and I don’t need you to tell me how wrong I am.” She looked at her watch. “I need to go before Heather thinks I am not coming. Have a good day.” She turned and began to walk away. (Why did I do that? I want him back!) She smiled at an Officer as she knocked on Lieutenant Matthew’s office door. (You want him back but right now you need to focus on this.)

“Come in.”

Gia pushed the door open. “Good morning Lieutenant Matthew. I got the reports you wanted.” She handed him the folder.

“Good, listen Gia Officer Smuther told me that you received a dead rat in a box yesterday. What to explain?”

Gia let out a shiver as she remembered opening her door to find a dead rat on her porch. “It is nothing Matthew, just some prank. Now if you’ll excuse me Heather is waiting for me to ID a suspect.”

“I think we both know it wasn’t a prank. I’ll let it go for the moment but just know that this is going to be over very soon.”

“I know.” She smiled at him and stepped out of the office and headed towards Heather’s office. Chapter Six

(That was the day that I told Attorney Heather Bern that he, Sean, was the one.) Gia continued to walk as Sean led her with the gun in her back and the bomb detonator in his other hand. She slowly passed Nikolas and mouthed ‘I love you.’ She watched as he responded with the same words of love. She opened the door and soon saw flashes of cameras in her face. She squinted her eyes and tripped over a cord. She felt Sean pull her closer towards him. “Sorry I can’t see with all the flashes.”

“Get these reporters out of here!”

Gia watched as fiver officers began to push the reporters out of the area and herded them to a different corner where they all preceded to ask him a hundred and one different questions. (That would have been me getting in there asking those questions.) She let out a sigh as she descended the stairs.

“Now you see Gia I won’t hurt you as long as you keep me safe.”

“Then why is it that I don’t believe you at all?” She stiffened her back as he pushed her down the stairs a little.

“That’s enough Gia. I am sure your boyfriend doesn’t want to see you get hurt. Thank you lieutenant for getting us this beautiful car. Now you are more than welcomed to follow us to the border but just remember you try anything and I’ll have to hurt someone. She may be just one person but I am pretty sure you realize that the way she is connect anyone near us could be going down with us. So don’t try anything stupid.”

Gia watched as he opened the door for her and shoved her in the drivers seat. She lowered her head and tried to calm her breathing. (Everything is going to be just fine Gia.) She snickered as she remembered telling herself that before.

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

“Ryan I need to talk to you about something.” Gia sat beside Ryan on her couch. He had been staying with her for a couple days now. He had recently gotten back from his parents house and he couldn’t bare to be alone.

“What is it Gia?”

“I need to tell you about Rachel and the reasons behind her death. Do you think you can handle that now? You can either find out by me now or you can wait until tomorrow to hear it from the Heather. It’s your pick.”

“I would rather not hear it at all, but since I am going to have to I want it from your lips.”

Gia ran her hands up and down her legs as an effort to keep them from shaking. “OK. The murder wasn’t an accident Ryan it was pre-mediated to the point of rage.”

“What do you mean?”

“Sean, the guy that killed her…well…I don’t know how to say this Ryan.”

“Well, just say it. I can handle it.”

She bit her lower lip. (Everything will be fine Gia just say it.) “Ryan, Sean was Rachel’s brother. You see…”

“NO! Rachel doesn’t have any family! She told me so herself!”

“I am sorry Ryan but she does and Sean is her brother. They did a DNA test to see if they were related and it came out positive both times. I made them do it a second time just to make sure. I am so sorry Ryan…”

“This can’t be happening! I mean…she lied…all those times she cried about having no one was all one big scam! I mean was I nothing to her?”

“No…Ryan you were her everything. You see Sean was taken away at birth and Rachel had no knowledge of any of this until a month before.
She stared at Ryan who now was shaking. She grabbed his hand and held onto it. “Sean found her and asked her for money. She couldn’t turn him down once she realized whom he was. He continued to ask her for money saying he needed it for his hotel. No matter how many times she asked him to stay with her he never would accept.” She bit her lower lip and looked at the hardwood floor. “After a while she started to become suspicious so she started to do a little detective work and found out Sean was hiding from the police for a murder.” She cringed as she continued to speak. “He murdered his foster family in Miami, the murder was out of pure rage because of some argument. She also found out that he had a series of charges against him. The night before Sean came to her house for supper and found evidence that she knew about his past that scared him. The next night or the night of her death Sean came to her house and found the actual research along with her agenda stating that she needed to go to the police. Sean freaked out and killed her.”


She watched as Ryan sat there frozen in time. “Ryan…speak to me please.”

“Her only family killed her…why do you think she didn’t tell me about him?”
“I wish I knew Ryan I can only guess.”

“Well don’t just sit there speak up your guess.”

“Maybe she was afraid that if you found out that you would break it off with her or think she was lying or something like that. Let’s remember Rachel was no full of confidence.”

“I wish she would have told me…I mean I could have helped her. You are so lucky to have Nikolas.”

She felt a lump in her throat as Ryan mentioned Nikolas. She felt his eyes on her.

“Well don’t you agree Gia?”

“Umm…”

“How is he any ways? He is staying out of trouble?”

“I…ahh…really wouldn’t know Ryan.” She bit her lower lip.

“Well you two are dating why wouldn’t you…Gia…”

“We…broke up Ryan a while ago.”

“What happened?”

“It doesn’t matter Ryan. It’s over with us and I am sure he is happier.”

“Gia tell me what happened. Come on I am your best friend for crying out loud.”

“FINE!” She held up her arms. “Fine I’ll tell you. I started to get some packages…kind of like threats in the mail once I started trying to find out who killed Rachel. Nikolas and me got in a fight about it. He wanted me to stop but I couldn’t because I would hate myself forever. He broke up with me that day. Anyway, so I think I am going to get something to eat. You want anything?”

“Gia…I am sorry that he broke up with you. This may sound selfish but thank you for doing this for Rachel and me. I’ll come help you cook something up.”

Chapter 7

“You know Gia I never wanted to have to kill Rachel. She was my only family. I loved her…it’s…just she knew about my past and I wasn’t about to go back to jail. You understand don’t you?”

“You killed an innocent person, wait make that three innocent people because you were trying to save yourself. You send me death threats and caused me to loose the closest thing I have ever had to a sister. You destroyed Ryan’s life and shot him in the leg…” She felt her voice quiver. She took a breath in hopes to try to control it. “You destroyed my first love with threat packages. And to top it of you, Sean are holding me captive to save yourself. So you know what I don’t understand how you expect me to understand or how you understand.”

“I see Gia. I…guess…I get so mad and if I don’t take it out on others I may hurt myself…”

“Then get help SEAN! Quit destroying! I can turn this car around and you can take these bombs off me and you can hand yourself in. Do the right things for once please!”

“I would love to Gia but they’ll kill me. You have no idea how the Legal system works. They’ll electrocute me.”

“We are not in Texas Sean. Capital punishment does not happen here! Just tell me and I will turn it around. Please Sean, going to Mexico isn’t going to fix anything.”

“Yes it will. I’ll b safe there.”

She laughed and changed lanes. “Safe until you get mad and kill another innocent person. Mexico is a lot harder on murders than this state.”

“How do you know?”

“Because I did a major story on the legal systems of Mexico to the United States. They are worse on people like you. Can I stop the car please?”

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

“Your Honor I would like to present our first witness…Mr. Gia Campbell.”

Gia rose from her place and headed towards the chair. She turned and looked at Nikolas who just walked she gave him a wary smile.

Nikolas opened the door and saw Gia standing up and walking over to the chair. (This is the end Nikolas after this you can start over again with her.) He watched her smile at him. He started to smile but horror crept across his face as he watched Sean leap from the desk and grab Gia. “GIA!!”

Gia felt her body tense as Sean wrapped around her.

“EVERYBODY SIT DOWN!”

Before she could say anything Sean pulled something from his chest…it was bomb. “Oh…” She started to breath heavier and felt a little faintest. (This cannot be happening.)

“Glad to see attention is on center stage. Your Honor I recommend you don’t move I have this whole room rigged to blow up if any of you try anything. Now move over to the rest of them along with you officer. “

Gia watched as the Judge and officer moved to where they were directed to go. She looked Heather who was standing in complete shock.

Gia stood still as she felt the cold barrel of the gun plunging into her left temple. She let out a small gasp of air before she felt Sean’s arm wrap around her throat and tighten. She tried breath but his grip was too strong. She could feel her breathing becoming slower and farther apart. (This cannot be the end. The end is not supposed to be like this.)

Her eyes darted around the room quickly as she looked for someone to save her. She could see her brother standing there clasping the railing of the court room. He looked so angry and mad. She hated to see him in this state. (What if this is the last time I see him. What if Sean kills me right here on the spot? What if this is the end of the beginning?) She shook her head and tried to focus back on her situation. Her eyes moved slowly and finally reached him, Nikolas. He was standing there starring at her. She could see the tears on his cheek. Sean’s voice snapped her back to her torture.

“Back off Lieutenant! I do not want to see you take another step. I swear I will shoot her. I have nothing to loose here and you know it!”

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

Gia slowed the car down as she waited for Sean’s response. “What do you say?”

“I don’t know Gia…NO NO NO! I refuse to go! They’ll kill me.”

“No SEAN!” She screamed as he grabbed the wheel and turned it into an oncoming truck. She shielded her eyes with her hands. She felt the impact and then the pain. She turned and saw Sean hunched over not moving.

She shook her head and soon smelt gasoline. (Not again.) She unbuckled herself and pulled the bomb slowly off her chest. She opened the car door and sprang out. She began to run away from the car knowing that the gasoline would ignite and that would be the end of her if she wasn’t far enough away.

She was a fair distance away before she heard he sirens of the ambulance and police car.

She turned around and fell down as the bomb exploded and the car flew into the air. She curled in a fetal position as the cracks and noises continued.

“GIA!” Nikolas hopped out of the car and began to run towards the fire. “GIA!!” He stopped and looked around. (Please be alive Gia. Say you got out of there alive.) He scanned the area before he saw a small ball about 100 yards away. He ran towards it.

Gia slowly moved as she heard the police come. She looked up and examined her body. She was alive. A smile crept across her face. She turned her head and saw Nikolas running towards her. “NIKOLAS!!” She jumped up and ran towards him.

Nikolas wrapped his arms around her and lifted her up in the air. “Gia I am so glad you are alive!” He kissed her lips passionately and swung her around in the air. “I love you Gia. I love you so much, I am so sorry for how I was acting.”

She whipped the tears off his cheeks and kissed his lips. “So am I.” She placed her head on his shoulders and laughed as he squeezed her tighter. “I love you Nikolas. I never wanted to hurt you, when I heard that gun shot…Nikolas all I could do was pray that you would be all right. I need you to love me Nikolas.”

“I need you too Gia and I am not hurt and neither are you. I am so sorry for not being there for you while you were going through this. I shouldn’t have left, I just got so frustrated…” he felt her finger touch his lips.

“I know Nikolas, but I don’t want to dwell on the past. We are both safe and together and that is all that matters. I love you Nikolas and I intend on spending the rest of my days showing you.” She moved her body closer to his and began to place sweet gentle kisses all along his lips.