Disclaimer: I don’t own the characters I write about. They belong to JER and NBC’s Passions.

"Are you afraid Luis?" Sheridan said with a seductive grin.

"You’d be surprised how not afraid I am" Luis stated as he continued to the door.

"Then where are you going?" she still carried the grin across her face.

"I thought I would …ahh" Luis tried to think of an excuse.

"So you are afraid?"

"No" he walked closer to her.

"So do you need a second look?" they were standing as close as they could have without becoming one person.

"No"

"Oh" she looked away in disappointment. He pulled her face back to face his.

"But I didn’t say I didn’t want one" her eyes filled with fire and she dropped the towel she had been using to cover herself. His eyes never left hers however. He caught the towel before it feel to the ground and used it to eliminate the gap between them. He pressed her to him and engulfed them in deep kiss. They were both lost in their emotions for each other, until Sheridan remembered what she was trying to do. She took the towel from Luis hands, pushed herself away from him, and recovered herself.

"Thanks Luis" she said coldly.

"For what?" Luis was still trying to gain a sense of reality after the kiss and was quite confused at her cold demeanor.

"For giving me what I wanted"

"If you wanted me to kiss you then why?"

"Not only the kiss, but now I won’t have to spend any more time with YOU!"

"What the are you talking about?"

"Don’t you remember what Agent Freeman said? The only way I would be assigned a different bodyguard was if you came on to me"

"And I fell right into your little trap" Luis threw his hands in the air and groaned. "You wouldn’t dare turn me in"

"Wouldn’t I?" Sheridan said vindictively. "Well then I guess you don’t know me at all"

"You’re right" Luis raised his voice. "Here I thought you were a kind hearted, sensitive, woman and really you are just a vicious, vindictive, ice princess!"

"Such big words Officer" Sheridan mocked him. "But you’ll be happy to know I do care about your mother and I know this could lead to your promotion and make her life easier. So I will just hold this over your head. Just remember what I could do to your life when you try and control mine. I live my own life. Just you remember that!" Sheridan took a second to catch her breath and then stormed past Luis back into the cottage.

Sheridan walked out of her bedroom all showered and changed. Luis was sitting on the couch reading the newspaper as she walked out. She headed to directly to her desk and picked up her purse. Luis lowered the paper and watched her every move. She started to head for the door.

"Where do you think you are going?" Luis asked calmly.

"To visit Hank. And don’t even try to tell me the hospital isn’t safe because we just went there yesterday"

"I wasn’t even going to protest. I was hoping to go back sometime today anyway" Luis stood up and walked over to her.

"Finally something we agree on" she opened the door only to see Hank on the other side. "Hank what are you doing here?"

"You should be in bed Bud" Luis said as Hank entered the cottage.

"I couldn’t stay in the hospital, way to boring. Besides I promised Sheridan something" he held out a bag. "Ice cream"

"Hank you didn’t have to do that" Sheridan smiled sweetly.

"I know, but I don’t like to break promises"

"Let me go put that in the freezer" Luis took the bag and left for the kitchen.

"Thank you Hank that was very sweet" Sheridan kissed Hank gently on the lips. Luis turned to say something at that exact moment and witnessed the kiss. Disgusted and jealous he made his way to the kitchen. Sheridan then gave Hank a friendly hug. But when she reached around his waist she felt something abnormal at his side. When she pulled back she touched it with her hand and looked suspiciously into Hank’s eyes.

"What is this Hank?"

"Nothing" But before he could lie she pulled up at his jacket and saw the gun.

"What are you doing with a gun?" she exclaimed.

"Shh. Lower your voice I don’t want Luis to know"

"I want an explanation Hank" Sheridan demanded.

"I am carrying it for protection. After what happened, I just don’t want to get caught of guard again"

"Then why don’t you want Luis to know? That is a perfectly good reason to have a gun"

"I don’t have a license for it yet and you know how Mr. By the Book would act" Luis walked back into the room and saw the guilty looks on their faces.

"What’s going on in here?" Luis questioned. Sheridan and Hank both looked at one another, not sure of what to say.

"Can’t you tell?" Hank tried to cover, but Luis shot him a blank stare. "You interrupted a romantic moment between Sheridan and me" Luis’s blood began to boil.

"I’ll leave you two alone then. Tell me when it is safe to come out" Luis said snidely. He then walked back into the kitchen. Sheridan turned to Hank.

"Why the HELL did you tell him that?" Sheridan fumed.

"It was the only thing I could think of on the spot" Sheridan let out a groan. "Why do you care? You and Luis aren’t…"

"NO!"

"But you want there to be something to between you two" Sheridan didn’t say anything. Luis was in the kitchen and couldn’t help but overhear their conversation. They weren’t exactly speaking quietly. He was trying to be helpful and wash the dishes for her, but when he heard this he got a little jumpy waiting for the answer and dropped a glass. Sheridan heard this and excused herself from Hank and told him to help himself to something to drink.

"What’s going on in here" Sheridan asked as she entered the kitchen.

"Sorry" Luis said as he bent down and started to pick up the pieces of the broken glass. "It slipped out of my hands"

"Don’t touch that" Sheridan scolded. "You are going to cut yourself"

"Too late" Luis brought his finger to his mouth and began to suck on it.

"You can be so macho sometimes" Sheridan grabbed for his hand and led him across the kitchen. She took a first aid kit from the cupboard and bandaged his finger. "There, now next time use that" She pointed to the corner to a broom and dustpan. "And don’t look so surprised to see cleaning products in here"

"It wasn’t that" he smiled.

"Then what?"

"I just don’t understand you at all" he looked into her eyes. "Why do you keep toying with my emotions?"

"WHAT?" Sheridan stood up. "Me? Toy with your emotions? I think you have this the wrong way"

"No, I don’t. I thought I was always very clear on the way I felt about you" Luis stood up too.

"You have NOT! You tell me you enjoy kissing me and then you change your tune when I’m not around"

"You’re right I don’t tell people the same thing I tell you!" Luis admitted.

Meanwhile Hank sat impatiently in the living room. He could hear them arguing and this pleased him. The more they argued the better. What ever kept them farther apart. Hank’s happy thoughts about Luis and Sheridan’s failed relationship were interrupted by his beeper though. It was them. He had to leave. Regretfully he walked into the kitchen.

"TIME OUT!" Hank yelled. Luis and Sheridan both turned towards him. "Sorry to interrupt this love fest, but I have to go"

"Where are you going Hank?" Luis questioned.

"I have some work to do"

"You shouldn’t be working yet" Sheridan tried to discourage him.

"You’re forgetting some people need to work" Luis said bitterly.

"Actually the sooner I get back to work the better. It keeps my mind off the pain"

"Take it easy man" Luis patted Hank on the shoulder.

"Don’t work too hard" Sheridan gave Hank a little hug and he was on his way. "Now what were you saying about telling people different things?" Sheridan looked back at Luis.

"Do you think I tell everyone I see openly how I feel about you?" He moved towards the counter and leaned against it. "I’m sorry but most of the time I can’t even be honest with myself"

"So what are you saying Luis? How do you feel about me exactly?"

"I can’t believe it isn’t obvious to you. You know I might try and cover things up but you have to admit I haven’t the best at it"

"Stop beating around the bush" Sheridan was growing impatient.

"Come here" Luis took her hand and quickly lead her to the living room. He pushed her into sitting in one of the chair and he started to pace around the coffee table. "Ok let’s go over the evidence"

"Luis this is stupid just tell me"

"Sheridan this is as much for me as it is for you"

"Okay I’ll humor you, talk"

"Okay as I told you once and I’ll tell you again. I enjoyed kissing you on the wharf, more than you can imagine. I enjoyed it so much I forgot I was supposed to be on a stakeout" Luis continued to pace.

"I enjoyed it too" Sheridan said in almost a whisper.

"Now I don’t know what happened after that, but that is not in question right now, so we’ll move along. Next you fly off to Paris and I find out that you could be in danger. I had no proof just a hunch. But something inside me told me I had to get to Paris if I ever wanted to see you alive again"

"Your cop instinct" Sheridan interrupted.

"It was so much more than just that"

"But you told me…"

"And I was about to tell you that I have never had that gut feeling about anyone else when we were interrupted by Roger and Pierre"

"Your were?"

"Yes. I have never in my life felt that about anyone including anyone in my family. I don’t know what scared me more you being in danger or me being so connected to you"

"Why didn’t you tell me this before?"

"I didn’t know how. It’s just we have been through so much now and I am sick of holding it in"

"So go on" Sheridan wanted to hear more. Luis was pouring his heart out to her but she was still not convinced.

"I try and convince you to come back to the States with me, but I don’t say the right things and end up pissing you off more. Finally I resorted to kidnapping you"

"You admit that you kidnapped me? Then why did you do it?"

"Why? Because I was so scared that you would be killed and I would never see you again that I felt I had to. I knew you would hate me and probably never talk to me ever again, but having you alive was worth that"

"If you cared so much about me why did you try and arrest me?"

"Because I care. You wouldn’t listen to a thing I suggested you do"

"You mean told me to do" Sheridan said with anger.

"I’m sorry but next time I will remember that. I’ll just say as politely as I can ‘Sheridan would you please step to one side, that man with the gun intends to shoot you’"

"Stop being such a smartass"

"What do you want from me? I am trying to be completely honest with you and all you can do is bitch at me"

"What do you expect you haven’t treated me with kindness lately"

"Would you just shut up and let me finish"

"What ever you want Officer"

"Don’t go there Sheridan. You know this has nothing to due with me doing my job and everything to do with us"

"There is NO us Luis!" Luis finally gave up pacing and fell back in the other chair. They sat giving each other death stares.

"Do you even want me to finish?" Sheridan wanted more than anything for Luis to finish, but her temper kept her from saying anything. This was no longer the time to go over things. They were both too angry and would end up saying things they didn’t mean and that is the last thing they needed at the moment. "I take the silence as a no, so I am going to take a shower" Luis stood up. "If you get in trouble you know where I’ll be" Luis said earnestly. "I mean it, if anything happens don’t hesitate to come get me"

Luis had long left the room and Sheridan heard him start his shower. She was now the one pacing the floor of the living room.

"Ahhh" she groaned. "Why does he always do that? He gets me so angry and then he turns around and is so sweet and caring. He makes it impossible for me to stay mad at him" She stopped and flung herself onto the couch. "I need to get away from him! That is the only way I can forget about him. But what can I do, wonder boy is my bodyguard, if I ditch him its back to jail with me" She covered her face with her hands trying to hide the world. "This is so unfair!"

"What’s unfair?" Sheridan jumped off the couch and turned towards the cottage door.

"Julian! What do you think you are doing?" She breathed a sigh of relief. "You scared me half to death"

"I’m sorry sister dear. I just wanted to come and see if you were still alright"

"As you can see I am fine Julian. Now what did you really want? I know you didn’t come all the way over here without having some ulterior motive"

"You underestimate my feelings for you Sheridan"

"I wasn’t born yesterday Julian. Now what do you want" Sheridan said still emotionally strained from her ‘talk’ with Luis earlier.

"Father insisted on have a gala at the mansion for the fourth of July. He also insisted that you be there. He wants you to meet some of New England’s finest"

"In other words he still wants to marry me off to some boring country club yuppie"

"Sheridan you know we only want what’s best for you" Julian said sternly.

"All right Julian, you did what you came here for. I will make an appearance at the gala, but if you don’t mind I am tired and want to get to bed"

"Sheridan, Father would be greatly disappointed if you weren’t there for every dance"

"Right, of coarse he would. Goodbye Julian" she practically pushed him out the door. She walked back to the couch and lay back down on her back. She grabbed a pillow and released a scream into it. She needed to let out her frustrations, but she forgot she was not alone. Even though her scream was muffled Luis still heard her and came running out of the bathroom wearing only a towel and carrying his gun.

"Sheridan?" he yelled as her flew into the living room. Sheridan, again startled, jumped from the couch.

"Oh my god, I’m sorry Luis" Luis looked confused. "Julian just dropped by and I was letting out my frustrations. I didn’t mean for you to get worried. Go. Get back in the shower and relax. One of us should enjoy life" she muttered.

"What did Julian say?" Luis was concerned for her. "Wait don’t answer that. Let me throw on some clothes and I’ll be right back"

"I wouldn’t mind you staying in that towel" she said under her breath.

"What?" Luis turned around.

"Nothing" Sheridan faked a smile and sat down on the couch waiting for Luis to come back. Luis came back in his boxers and a tank top. He sat down next to her, leaving quite a gap between them.

"So what did Julian say this time?"

"It’s not actually what he said" Sheridan confessed. "It was more of a realization on my part"

"Care to enlighten me?"

"Well it has just become more apparent that the men in my life are scum. I am a trophy daughter for my father, a nuisance for my brother, a prize for Hank to win, and…" she paused lowering her head.

"And what?" Luis questioned.

"And just a job to you. No one sees me for who I am. I’m just Sheridan. Why can’t anyone see that?"

"Sheridan you are so much more to me than just a job, why can’t you see THAT?"

"I’m not Luis. You’re not here because you want to be, you’re here because you have to be"

"I guess I can’t argue with that. So what is this really about? All the men in your life, or just me?"

"You are so arrogant. Yes you are a big part of my misery, but it goes a lot deeper than that. Don’t give yourself so much credit" Sheridan fumed.

"I didn’t mean it to come out that way"

"Well is did" Sheridan was being snippy. "I don’t want to get into this again tonight though. I am going to bed. Oh by the way get a tux, we have a party to go to"

"What? Sheridan, I don’t think…"

"Stop" Sheridan interrupted. "I am not in the mood. The party is at the mansion and yes I am going, so get a tux. And if you continue to protest I will not hesitate to go to Agent Freeman and tell him about the kiss earlier. Now goodnight" She headed for her room.

"Sweet dreams" he said sarcastically.

Sheridan shut her bedroom door in a huff. In a rage she threw on her nightgown and flung herself in bed. She let out a huge sigh.

"I am such a jerk" she whispered into the air. "Why do I take everything out on Luis? It’s like I don’t even think when I am around him. He knows all the right buttons to push and I let him. How can one man do this to me?" She threw her covers over her head and hid from the world. She wasn’t as tired as she had been only minutes ago. Sheridan uncovered herself and looked around for her book, but it was no where to be found. "No I did not leave it out there" she complained. Then she searched around the room for something, anything to do, but she found nothing. "I really need to put a bookshelf in here" she sighed. "Ok, it is either staring at the ceiling or going out there and having it out with Luis again so I can get my book" she got out of bed and walked to her door. "Maybe I’ll be lucky and he’ll be asleep"

Luis got his sheets and pillows out of the closet and set them up. He couldn’t believe that Sheridan wouldn’t even listen to him. He would have probably admitted that he loved her had she not stopped him. He lay down on his pillow and rubbed his eyes with his hands.

"I can’t love her, she is just sooo uggh" Luis picked up an angel figurine off of one of Sheridan’s tables. "You’ll listen to me, won’t you?" he set the angel back down and sat up and started to talk. "Ok where did I leave off? Ah yes, I arrested her because I cared. Why can’t she see that? She wouldn’t listen, it was the only way I could get through to her. So she finally gets a bodyguard. Finally I have peace of mind. Or so I thought. Until she ditches her bodyguard and high tails it to her family’s cabin alone. Smart right? Sometimes I wonder if she does things just to piss me off. So I figure out that Crystal was shot because it was thought that she was Sheridan. Then I find out Sheridan is at the Crane cabin without her bodyguard. I swear she is going to give me an ulcer or a heart attack. So Sam and I get in a helicopter and head for the cabin. I could have called the local police, but I wanted to make sure she was safe myself. The helicopter can’t land, but I know I have to get down there. I have that feeling again. Sheridan is in trouble I can feel it. I need to get down there. It figures I am so connected to someone who hates me. Your boss likes to work that way doesn’t he? So what do I do? I parachute down in the middle of the woods. Not the smartest thing I could have done, but for her I think I would jump in front of a train. She has me wrapped around her little finger and doesn’t even know it. I save her again and bring her back to Harmony. But not before I save her again from some cowboys. She was so damn cute getting spun around. I couldn’t take my eyes off her. Then I find out that I am her new bodyguard. To be stuck to her hip everyday. I might have acted like it was the worst thing in the world, but it gives me the chance to sleep at night. At least she is safe. So what does this all boil down to? I care about her" he looked at the angel who seemed to give him a whatever look. "A lot" he tried to appease the angel who still didn’t smile. "Ok, ok. I love her. Happy now?" he looked at the angel who now had a huge grin.

Luis heard Sheridan’s door start to open. He quickly slid down and pretended to be asleep. The last thing he needed right now was to see her. If he saw her, he couldn’t be accounted for his actions. And Sheridan would just throw it back in his face and go running to agent Freeman and get him fired. That was the last thing he needed. So he did his best to look calm and peaceful.

Sheridan tensed when she opened the door, the light was still on. Just her luck. She headed straight for her desk where she had left her book and turned around determined to go back to her room. But one look at him ‘sleeping’ and she stopped dead in her tracks. It was if her mind had no control over her body because she walked right up next to him. Something she definitely didn’t want to do, but he looked so handsome and she wanted to turn off the light for him. She reached over him and switched the lamp off, but she didn’t leave. She traced his jaw line.

"Why can’t it be like this all the time" she whispered. "Quiet and peaceful"

Luis had had enough. She touched him first. And it felt so good and he couldn’t take it anymore. He reached up and grabbed her wrist.

"Luis? What…" Sheridan gasped. "You’re awake!"

"Please don’t touch me like that" Luis said as he sat up and let go of Sheridan’s arm.

"I’m sorry" Sheridan whispered.

"Not unless you mean it" Luis corrected himself.

"You didn’t mind?" Sheridan took a seat on the coffee table.

"Didn’t you hear a word I said earlier?"

"You never finished" Sheridan stated in a sad quiet voice.

"You didn’t want me to" Luis said flatly.

"Yes I did"

"Then why did you run and hide in your room?"

"I didn’t want to fight anymore"

"Well maybe if you listen more we would fight less" that struck a nerve in Sheridan.

"You always know just what to say to get me angry don’t you" she said her voice raising.

"It just seems that no matter what I say you are going to be mad at me for something"

"Whatever. I just came out to get my book. I am going to read myself to sleep" Sheridan started to get up.

"You came out here for something else"

"I did NOT" she stood with her hands on her hips.

"Well you might have come out for your book, but you didn’t grope me in the name of literacy"

"I did NOT grope you! I just touched your face!"

"WHY?" Luis demanded, although his voice was raised but his body remained relaxed on the couch.

"I don’t know" she said honestly. She sat back down on the coffee table in front of him.

"Tell me the truth" Luis said in a gentle tone.

"That is the truth" she sighed. "Luis could you finish what you started telling me earlier, I promise I won’t get all bitchy on you"

"I would, but I already finished my story"

"You did?" She gave him a yeah right glare. "To who?"

"To her" Luis picked up the angel and handed it to Sheridan. "She’s a real good listener and didn’t interrupt once"

"Are you saying I interrupt too much?"

"You need to stop drawing conclusions from what I say because you are always wrong"

"Thanks" she wasn’t getting mad because she knew he was right. "Luis, do you really mind having to go to the party tomorrow night? Because if you do we don’t have to go. Just please can we do something? I need to get out of the cottage for a little while. I’ll do whatever you say and be on my best behavior. I just have cabin fever"

Without saying anything Luis got up and walked away from her. But she continued to plead her case.

"Even if it is just a long drive Luis, please anything. I’ll even get on my hands and knees and beg if that’s what it’ll take"

Luis came back with his tux in his hand. She looked at him with a huge grin.

"We’re going?" she said in disbelief.

"Yeah well, it is at the mansion. It can’t be any different then staying here" Luis faked his displeasure with situation. He loved to she her all spiffed up.

"Thank you Luis!" she ran into his arms and gave him a huge hug. She then pulled away and kissed him on the cheek and pulled him into another monster embrace. "I can go to bed happy now" Luis couldn’t help but be thrilled to hold her in his arms he had to remember to pull his tux out of the closet more often. He also couldn’t help taking a whiff of her hair. "Did you just smell my hair?" Sheridan pulled away from him.

"No" he lied.

"You did too" she said with a playful grin on her face.

"Okay if I smelled your hair then you groped me"

"Well then I guess I was wrong you didn't smell my hair"

Luis laid his tux down on the chair and they sat on the couch giggling. They didn’t even realize the position they were in. Luis had his arm around her and she was snuggled up on his shoulder. They were happy laughing with each other. The laughter subsided and they looked at each other with fear of how the other would react. Sheridan was the first to break the silence.

"Luis, can we stay like this forever. Can we just forget the past and not worry about the future?"

"You like it like this?" Luis was surprised to say the least.

"More than anything in the world" she said seriously. "I wish that this moment would never end"

"It doesn’t have to" Luis tried to convince her. Sheridan didn’t say anything. She was afraid of hurting him and herself. Luis sensed this. "At least not for tonight" he added.

"Sleep with me tonight" Sheridan said hopefully. "I want you to hold me"

"I’ll do anything for you"

Sheridan led Luis into her bedroom by the hand. They got under the covers and she curled up to him. He put his arms tightly around her to make her feel secure. And they slept the night cuddling forgetting the past, ignoring the present, and blocking out the future.

Sheridan and Luis woke up together still entwined in each other’s arms. Sheridan turned over to look at Luis, complete happiness in her eyes.

"Thank you" she whispered. "You didn’t have to"

"I wanted to" he admitted. "I was just surprised you gave me the chance" They looked at each other with loving eyes, both wanting to kiss each other. They both wanted just a taste of each other. It would make the delusional world they were now living in perfect.

"Sheridan?"

"Yes Luis?" she said voice hopeful and eyes sparkling.

"Can I kiss you?"

"You’re always the gentleman aren’t you?"

"Actually I just didn’t want you to have something more to hold over my head with Agent Freeman" she smiled knowing she had been a complete bitch yesterday and was ashamed of her actions.

"I shouldn’t have done that" she looked away from him. He placed his hand on her face and guided it back to him.

"It was actually quite clever. I was impressed" Luis smiled genuinely causing Sheridan to smile too.

"So are you going to kiss me?" she asked curiously.

"I take that is a yes then" she just smiled as he leaned closer to her. The anticipation built as he closed the gap between them.

"Sheridan I brought the clean towels you asked for" Pilar said as she walked through the open door. "Oh I am sorry" Pilar quickly said when she realized what she walked in on for the second time since Luis had been there.

"Thank you Pilar" Sheridan said snapping back to reality. "Luis was just leaving" the coldness was seeping back into her voice. Luis reluctantly got up from Sheridan’s bed looking at her the whole time. Pilar sat the towels down and she followed Luis out into the living room.

"Luis I am sorry for interrupting you two"

"It’s alright mama. We had to come back to reality sometime"

"You admit something would have happened had I not walked in on you"

"It would have been just a kiss mama" Luis explained. "Although probably the most wonderful one of my life"

"Luis, You are starting to sound like Theresa. You mustn’t fantasize about what can never be"

"I know mama, I know" Luis sighed. "But I just can’t seem to say no to Sheridan"

"Sheridan asked you to?" Pilar asked trying to piece together the story.

"Last night she looked at me with those big blues eyes of hers and asked me to hold her. I couldn’t say no. She had me under some kind of spell" he looked at his mother realizing she was his mother. "I can’t believe I am talking about this with you. I’m sorry mama. You probably don’t want to hear this"

"Mijo, you’re in love with Sheridan aren’t you?" Pilar asked not needing to her an answer.

"I can’t help it mama. She gets to me like no one else could, but I know it can never be"

"Luis, don’t give up so easily. You might surprise yourself" Pilar got up to go back to the mansion and back to work.

"She doesn’t want me, mama" Luis said sadly as Pilar left for work.

"Could have fooled me" Pilar smiled as she exited the cottage.

"But I want her more than anything in the world" Luis said heart broken.

Sheridan lay in her bed, trying to figure out what got into her last night. She didn’t know how she could have been so open to him. Or how she could be so weak asking him to hold her. "Like I need him" she told herself. "I can take care of myself. I don’t need any man, especially Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald, to take care of me" She took a deep breath and in her silence she could here Luis talking to his mother. She knew she shouldn’t listen, but it was one of her bad habits. She wanted to know his thoughts. The door was open it wasn’t like they had asked for privacy. She grew more and more interested as she heard more. She cast a spell over Luis? She kept crawling to the edge of the bed trying to hear more. He was in love with her? He didn’t actually say the words, but he didn’t deny it either. How could he think she didn’t want him? Had she not just last night practically begged him to sleep with her? And then came the kicker. He wanted her. She had to strain to her him say that, stretching over her bed. So far in fact that she lost her balance and made a thud when she hit the floor.

"Sheridan!" Luis yelled as he ran into her room. There he saw her laughing hysterically and sprawled out on her bedroom floor.

"Umm, hi Luis" Sheridan said between giggles as she picked herself up off the floor. "I…ahh"

"Fell?" Luis walked to help her back to standing.

"Yeah" she still was still struggling to contain her laughter.

"What were you doing?"

"Doing?" Sheridan said quickly. "Nothing"

"Okay so you don’t want to tell me. It wouldn’t be the first time you’ve kept a something from me" Sheridan’s laughter quickly subsided as she began to get defensive.

"I wouldn’t keep things from you if I thought you were trust worthy" Sheridan snapped.

"You better back that up with some proof, because I according to everyone else I am a stand up guy. So what do you know that blows my reputation?"

"I don’t have to tell you anything" Sheridan sneered.

"You’re right you don’t" Luis hissed back. "I don’t want to hear it. I am so sick of trying to defend myself to you. I did nothing wrong!"

"Nothing wrong? Nothing WRONG?!?"

"You heard me. The only I was wrong about was you? I should have never believed you were anything but a Crane"

"Don’t go there Luis" Sheridan warned.

"What the truth hurt?" Luis was relentless.

"You know I am nothing like my father and brother" Sheridan growled.

"Then prove it. Tell me what you are hiding from me. Stop keeping secrets like they would and do. Be honest and I will believe you are different"

"I’m going to take a shower" she grabbed her towel and practically ran for the bathroom.

"I knew it, you ARE your father’s daughter" he yelled after her.

Sheridan walked into the bathroom in a hurry. She quickly turned on the shower and jumped in. And then the tears came. Luis was right she was acting like a Crane. Through and through, she was being cold, callous and calculating. She couldn’t take it. She was so ashamed of herself. How cold she let it get to this. The only thing she could do was make it right. She quickly turned off the shower and threw on her robe. She slicked her hair back and quickly went to look for Luis. She found him in the kitchen stealing some of her cookie dough ice cream.

"Hey that was mine" she tried to ease into what she was going to tell him.

"Have you been crying?" Luis made his way to the table ignoring her comment about the ice cream.

"Yeah" She said honestly.

"Are you ok?" Luis made his way to the table and sat down with the carton of ice cream and a spoon.

"I will be" she walked over to the table and sat across from him.

"Want a spoon?"

"Actually yes. It might help" Luis got up and brought her a spoon. He pushed the carton to the middle of table and she took a bite.

"Do you want to talk?" Luis took another spoonful.

"Yeah. Do you want to know why I fell today?"

"Actually I don’t know if I do" Luis smiled. Sheridan looked scared. "I have been running it through in my mind and have come up with some hilarious scenarios"

"I’m trying to be serious Luis"

"I know, I am just trying to loosen you up. You look tense, smile a little" she feigned a smile. "There now that wasn’t so hard now was it?"

"No, but this part is. Luis I feel off the bed because…" she looked at him and he just sat and waited for what was to come next. "because I was listening to your conversation with your mother and I was shocked at the last thing you said" she said very quickly, and then she closed her eyes waiting for him to explode.

Luis did not explode though, actually his face turned a bright shade of red as he became completely embarrassed. He tried to choke down his ice cream.

"You heard what I said?" Sheridan just nodded her head thinking this was the calm before the storm. "You heard everything?"

"Everything until the instant I fell to the floor"

"And?" he didn’t know what else to say.

"And what?"

"I want to know what you think you heard that made you tumble to the floor"

"Luis I heard EVERYTHING. I heard that you think I have a spell over you, which I find hard to believe. That I hate you, which I don’t and could never. And that when your mother said that you loved me, you didn’t deny it. You said you wanted me"

"An you fell off your bed"

"Yes"

"Got too excited about being able to play with me more. You happy to find out that you can bend me at will?"

"Luis that’s not it. I feel because I never thought I would hear you say anything remotely close to that" she took another bite of the ice cream hoping to dull the ache she had in her heart.

"So where do we go from here?" Luis questioned.

"Don’t know" she said sadly.

"Can I ask you a question?"

"Why not"

"Why did you decide to tell me this?"

"Because of what you said about me being a Crane. I am not like them and I wanted to prove it to you"

"You didn’t have to I knew you are different"

"Then why did you say that I was?"

"I was angry and with you when I am angry what ever is on the tip off my tongue seems to get shouted out"

"Don’t think that doesn’t happen with me too" she gave him a genuine smile. Luis looked at the carton of ice cream and noticed it was almost empty.

"Looks like we needed a lot of comfort tonight"

"It was good, but it was only missing one thing" they smiled at each other both knowing what was coming next.

"Sprinkles" the said in unison and started to giggle.

Luis stood up and took her spoon from her and she took the carton and threw it in the trash. They both looked at each other not knowing what to do next. They both wanted to continue their talk, there was so much more that needed to be said.

"Sheridan, do you want to go for a walk?"

"Leave the cottage? Luis what’s gotten in to you?"

"I wanted to continue our talk"

"First I get to go to a party in the mansion tonight, and now I get to go out and take a walk?"

"Don’t get too excited. I need to go to the youth center and fill out some paper work, but we can walk around town a little after. Not for very long though"

"I don’t care! Let me go get dressed" Sheridan practically ran out of the kitchen and into her bedroom.

Sheridan came back out to the living room, wearing khaki Capri pants and a bright pink short-sleeved sweater.

"I’m ready" she announced.

"You’re beautiful" he whispered as she came nearer.

"What?"

"Let’s go" he covered.

Sheridan had behaved herself while Luis filled out paper work at the youth center. She offered to help him, but he refused and told her to go visit with some of the kids. Luis had brought some of the Crane security with him and had them posted at the door. He felt safer this way. That way he didn’t have to have her sit in the office with him. Sheridan was glad she chose to wear pant because the girls basketball team was practicing and they asked her to join in. She couldn’t say no, so she took off her shoes and jumped in the practice. Luis finished as quickly as he could and went in search of Sheridan. He was surprised to find her playing basketball in the gym.

"Hey, Lisa Leslie, you ready to take that walk?" Luis shouted across the gym as Sheridan went for a lay-up. She missed because he distracted her and then she walked over to him.

"You made me miss" she said with a disgruntled face.

"You would have missed anyway" he teased.

"No, you would miss that easy shot. I, on the other hand, am good at basketball, remember?"

"You’re hilarious. Do you still want to go?"

"Um, yeah!" She looked at him like he was crazy for even asking.

"Then let’s go" Sheridan grabbed her shoes and he walked her outside. "So where do you want to go. It’s your first day out in awhile so, you choose"

"You mean you don’t have a route all mapped out with guards at every corner?"

"Hey, I’m trying to be nice here. Cut me a little slack"

"You’re right. I’m sorry"

"Did you just say I’m right?" Luis grinned.

"Don’t you start now" Sheridan smiled. "I can go anywhere?"

"Well within reason"

"Luis, I’m sure there is nothing you would rather do more but…"

"What?" Luis gave her a funny look.

"I want to get something new to wear to the party tonight" she batted her eyes.

"You want to go shopping?"

"If that’s alright"

"Sure, if that’s what you want to do"

"Good you can help me pick out the perfect dress and we can finish our conversation from earlier" She tugged on his arm and led him into the dress shop. "You didn’t think I forgot about the talk I promised you did you?"

Sheridan walked around the store picking out what Luis thought to be about one hundred dresses. Each dress she picked out was quickly whisked away by a sales attendant and put in her dressing room. Luis just watched in amazement how quickly she could find things she liked. Finally she had made it through the whole store and made her way to the dressing room. Sheridan instructed Luis to sit outside her dressing room, so he could give his opinion on her dresses.

"So about this morning" Sheridan said from behind the door. "Did you really mean what you said to your mother?"

"Every word" Luis said honestly. Sheridan opened the door and came out wearing a classic navy dress. It had spaghetti straps and hung just above her knees. It had an open back with criss-crossing laces between the straps.

"Well?" Sheridan asked.

"The truth?"

"Please"

"I like the dress, but I’m not crazy about the color. Bright colors bring out the color of your eyes"

"Luis?" Sheridan said surprised at what he said.

"What, I take interest in things I like" he smiled. She walked back into the room her cheeks slightly blushing. Sheridan immediately put all the black and dark colored dresses over the door. "Sheridan?"

"Yeah?"

"How did it make you feel when you heard what I said?"

"Confused" she admitted. She again walked out of the dressing room. This time wearing a peach colored dress. This time it was floor length. Luis made a face. "What?" Sheridan questioned.

"It’s too long" Luis said coyly.

"Too long?"

"Yeah, you can’t see your legs" Luis gave her mischievous grin. Sheridan groaned and then walked back in the room to change again. "Why were you confused?"

"Well you have the ut most respect for your mother"

"Yes, I do"

"And I know you would never lie to her because of that"

"Never in my adult life have I lied to her"

"So did your falling in love with me get in the way of using me?" Sheridan again immerged from the dressing room and Luis just stared at her.

Luis’s jaw was hit the floor as Sheridan walked out of the dressing room. Sheridan wasn’t sure if it was because of her dress, or what she had just said.

"What are you surprised I know the truth?"

"The truth?" Luis sputtered. "You think that I wanted to or did use you?"

"I don’t think it. I know it!" Sheridan grew angry.

"How? What proof do you have?" Luis’s voice intensified.

"That doesn’t matter. What matter’s is that I do know"

"Then why did you ask me for last night?"

"You always want what you know you can’t have"

"Boy isn’t that the truth" Luis groaned. "We need to go Sheridan, we have been here long enough" he turned back into cop mode. Without putting up a fight Sheridan started to walk back into the dressing room. "Oh, by the way, buy that dress" Luis smiled even though he didn’t want to.

Sheridan carried her dress out to the police car and got in. Luis was still being a gentleman and opened the door for her. They rode home in silence. They got in the cottage and walked around trying to avoid each other. It was hard though the cottage was too small. They had about five hours to kill before the party at the mansion. Luis finally settled in on the couch and started to read the paper. Sheridan sat in a chair reading her book. They needed some quiet time. But every time Luis turned the page he made sure to make a loud noise, to interrupt Sheridan’s reading. After about three page turns though Sheridan got angry and threw her book on the table. Luis glanced over his paper and looked at her innocently and then proceeded to go back to his reading.

"What?" Sheridan hissed.

"What, what?" Luis questioned without removing the paper from his face.

"Did you want to talk or something" Sheridan snarled.

"What would make you think that?" Sheridan then got up from her chair marched over to him and ripped the paper from his hands. "Well aren’t we in a good mood today?"

"I was in a better mood earlier"

"What brought on the change?" Luis continued to play dumb.

"You!" Sheridan swung Luis’s legs off the couch and sat down next to him.

"Me? Well then what can I do to rectify the situation?"

"Admit you want or least wanted to use me"

"But I DIDN’T! Why can’t you believe that?" Sheridan and Luis held a glare for a moment before Luis continued. "Or maybe you don’t want to believe it"

"Why wouldn’t I want to believe it?"

"Maybe you’re scared of what will happen if you do believe me"

"Why would I be afraid?"

"You’re afraid to let me love you! You’ve never experienced real love and it scares you"

"You don’t know anything about me do you?" Sheridan said sadly. "If you did you would know that I have been waiting my whole life for someone to love me unconditionally" She stood up and retreated to her room.

Luis realized as soon as he heard the door slam ringing in his ears he had hurt her. He never meant to hurt Sheridan but whenever he was around her he just said what he felt at the moment. He never thought about the consequences. He followed her to her door and gently knocked on it.

"Sheridan, please let me in" Luis pleaded.

"Luis just go away. I have to get ready for the party" Sheridan explained.

"Just five minutes. Then I’ll leave you alone, forever if you want me to" He heard her walking to the door and then she opened it for him. By the time he entered her room she had already made her way back to her vanity and was sitting brushing her hair.

"Sheridan, please let me in" Luis said almost sadly.

"Luis, I just did"

"Not in here" Sheridan turned to look at Luis. "Here" he patted his chest where his heart was.

"No more, please" she turned back and tried to concentrate on her hair.

"Just listen" Luis walked over to her and reached for her hands. He turned her away from the mirror and he sat on the foot of her bed. Their hands still interlocked. "Please, just listen" Sheridan nodded her head slowly. "For some reason or another you don’t trust me and you think I used you, but somewhere deep inside you, you have to know that that isn’t true" she tried to turn away but he still had a hold of her hands and pulled her back. "I am not asking you to completely change your mind instantly, just give me a chance to prove to you who I really am. I don’t expect it to be instantly hot and heavy. I would be happy just with us being in the same room and not at each other’s throats. Just being able to hold your hand would suffice for awhile. And maybe a kiss on the cheek here and there. Nothing you are not ready for or do not want. All I ask is that you have an open mind. You don’t hold anything over me from the past and let me show you the real me"

"Luis, I don’t know"

"Please just try it for awhile"

"Can I think about it?"

"Sure, take all the time you need. I’m going to go get ready too" With that Luis stood up, but before leaving he bent down and lifted Sheridan’s hand to his mouth. He gently placed a kiss on it and stood back up. She shivered from his actions. This coupled with everything Luis had just said was too much for Sheridan. She stood up to face Luis.

"I’ve had all the time I need"

Sheridan pushed Luis backwards onto her bed. She began to kiss him with all the passion she was trying to keep hidden. He responded hungrily. He didn’t know what had gotten into her but then again he didn’t care. Things heated up quickly and hands began to roam freely.

"You won’t be needing this right now" Sheridan to Luis’s holster and gun off and set in on the nightstand.

"And you won’t be needing this" Luis said seductively as he ran his hands under her shirt and up her body. He pulled her shirt from her and discarded it, quickly returning his hands to newly exposed skin.

"Two can play at this game" She smiled sensually as she removed his shirt and ran her fingers down his chiseled chest.

Things were quickly beginning to get carried away when there was a crash of glass from the living room. Luis and Sheridan both jumped up quickly.

"Get under the bed and don’t move until I come back" Luis ordered as fear took over Sheridan’s face. "Don’t worry, I’m not going to let anything happen to you" he gave her a quick peck on the forehead and grabbed his gun. She did what he said and slid under the bed. Luis entered the living room to find one of her front windows broken. Cautiously he looked around but he didn’t find anyone in the cottage. In the midst of all the glass he did find a brick though. On it he found ‘Rich Assholes’ written on it. He quickly called Crane security and notified them of their intruder. He figured it was probably just some street kid that was envious of the Crane’s money. He made his way back to Sheridan.

"Sheridan" Luis said calmly. "Come on out"

"Is everything okay?" she asked from under the bed.

"It’s just fine" he reassured her. Sheridan crawled out from under the bed and on the way found her shirt and returned it to its proper place. "Someone just threw a brick through your window. I’m guessing it was someone that doesn’t like the fact you have the money you do"

"How did he get in here? I thought I was supposed to be protected" Sheridan sat on the bed and Luis joined her putting his arm around her.

"With all the hustle and bustle up at the mansion for the party, the guards probably missed him. I’m guessing it was just some kid"

"I just can’t wait for this all to be over" she rested her head on his shoulder and he gave her a squeeze.

"Sheridan?" she quickly pulled away and looked into his eyes. She didn’t like the sound of his voice. "We can’t do this" Luis said uneasily.

"You’ve changed you mind about us?" Sheridan asked scared to hear the answer.

"Yes" Luis’s voice trailed off and Sheridan’s eyes welled up.

"But it’s not the way you are thinking. What I meant to say is we can’t do this now. I can’t protect you like this. If that would have been Roger or Pierre you would have been…"

"Dead" Sheridan finished his sentence. "Can we go back to the original deal of holding hands and a kiss on the cheek here or there? Until this mess gets cleared up"

"Do you promise not to attack me again?"

"Attack you?" Sheridan stood up. "I did nothing of the sort. I simply kissed you"

"That was some kiss sweetheart" Luis stood up and put his arms around her waist. "We’ll have to do that again sometime" he teased as he pulled her against him.

"But not right now" she reminded him.

"Right" he reluctantly let go of her. But their eyes never left each other’s and they both were still filled with desire.

"We should get ready" Sheridan said unconvincingly.

"Yeah, we should"

"How much time before we have to be there?"

"The party starts in an hour"

"But we need to be fashionably late" Sheridan grinned devilishly.

"Don’t look at me like that"

"Why? Are you afraid you can’t keep up your part of the deal? Here’s my hand you want to hold it?" she held her hand out to him. He playfully slapped it away.

"You aren’t going to make this easier for me are you?" Luis groaned.

"When have I ever made anything easy for you?" Sheridan laughed.

"We have to come to some sort of agreement here. Sheridan I can’t protect you if we let things go to far. We have to have some ground rules, which are all broken the minute you are safe" Luis gave her a sweet smile.

"What kind of rules?" Sheridan asked unhappily. She sat back down on her bed and Luis followed suit.

"No kissing, it leads to too much trouble"

"You mean to tell me I can’t kiss you. No way" Sheridan stood up and started to twirl around. "Roger, Pierre" she yelled. "If you guys can hear me, come shoot me now, because life isn’t worth living!"

"Cut the theatrics and sit back down" Sheridan glared at him. "Please sit back down" Then she sat back next him. "I know it is going to be tough be can you promise not to let things escalate from a simple kiss? I know I can’t"

"Alright, fine, no kissing. What else?"

"No teasing, you can not make me suffer just because you can"

"But Luis" she whined.

"Sheridan" he said seriously.

"Fine. So what are we allowed to do? Hold hands? Short kisses on the cheek? Snuggle? How old are we Luis? I need more than that"

"You think I like this? I finally got you to give me another chance and I put the brakes on. Yeah this is my idea of romance. But if it keeps you alive and in my life I will do it"

"Alright Luis you win. But they better find those guys soon"

"I’m going to get ready now. I think I am going to take a shower first, a cold shower" Luis smiled at her.

"Need company?" She smiled back.

"Sheridan!" Luis said sternly.

"What?" she asked innocently.

"You promised to follow the rules"

"Co-ed showering was not against the rules" she smiled seductively.

"It is now" Luis began to leave the room.

"Luis you forgot one more rule" he turned back to her.

"What’s that?"

"Order what ever you want on the menu" huge grins adorned both their faces.

Luis proceeded to take his shower while Sheridan got into her dress. She did her hair and make-up as Luis put on his tux. They both stayed in separate rooms until they were completely ready. They wanted to surprise each other. Even though Sheridan had seen Luis in a tux before and Luis had seen Sheridan in her new dress it was going to be different this time. They were going to see each other in a different light. They weren’t at each other’s throat tonight and it was a relief to both of them. Sam had come over to check on Luis while they were almost ready. Luis answered the door. Sam didn’t say much before leading Luis outside.

"Sam? What’s going on?" Luis didn’t like the look on Sam’s face.

"Luis, the FBI has been informed that Roger and Pierre are on the move" Sam stated bluntly.

"What are we supposed to do?"

"Go on as you normally would. Go to the party tonight. Just be on the lookout. The FBI is sending over extra guards"

"What are the chances of them showing tonight?"

"Fifty-fifty, Luis"

"Then shouldn’t Sheridan and I stay here tonight, in the cottage I mean?"

"No we are hoping that all the people at the party will deter them from taking action tonight if they are in Harmony. It will be harder for them to get a clear shot"

"Yeah but it will also be harder for me to protect her. Thanks Sam"

Luis walked back into the cottage. Sheridan walked out of her room, oblivious to the fact that Sam had just been there. She hadn’t heard him knock on the door. Luis’s jaw hit the floor as she sauntered out into the living room. Her pale pink dress hugged her curves tightly. She spun around giving Luis the full effect of his choice earlier. Her bare back made Luis want to run his hands over her body. He thought she looked like a goddess and he was wondering if he made the right choice earlier.

"You look, wow" Luis admitted as he walked over to her and kissed her on the cheek.

"Thank you. You look very handsome yourself" she wiped the lipstick from his cheek.

"I don’t think I picked the right dress earlier"

"You don’t like it?" Sheridan feigned a sad face.

"Oh I love it, but so is every other guy at the party"

"Do hear I hear a tinge of jealousy in your voice?" she walked back up to him to kissed him gently on the lips. "I know that was against the rules, but you have nothing to worry about" Luis gave her his million dollar smile.

"Shall we?" Luis held out his arm, which Sheridan graciously took. They then made their way to the main house.

Luis and Sheridan walked arm in arm from the cottage up to the main house. They didn’t say much on the way up there but keep stealing glances at one another and admiring how great the other looked. When they walked up to the door, Luis suddenly let got or Sheridan arm and stopped walking. She turned around and gave him a questioning look.

"Why did you stop" Sheridan walked back to him.

"Go" he said simply. "Go in and mingle with your friends"

"You’re not coming with me?" Sheridan’s voice was laced with confusion.

"I didn’t think you would want to be seen with me" Luis confessed.

"What?" Sheridan shrieked. "What would ever give you that idea?"

"Well there are a lot of your rich friends here and I didn’t think you would want to be seen with your house…"

"Don’t you dare finish that sentence Luis" Sheridan interrupted. "You are terrific at what you do, you shouldn’t be ashamed. And I think you are wonderful and am proud to show you off to my friends. As to what my friends think who gives a flying fuck!"

"Sheridan" Luis scolded.

"I’m sorry, but it’s the truth" she intertwined her fingers in his and led him into the mansion. A maid came up to them and Sheridan gave the maid her purse and her shawl. "Come on"

Sheridan took Luis from the foyer into the ballroom. Once inside she had a little surprise for Luis. She knew it was against the rules, but what did she care? Since when did she ever follow his rules or any rules for that matter. As soon as all eyes were on her and Luis she turned to him and took him up into a sultry kiss. It was full of passion and lust. Now no one there would doubt their feelings for each other. It was against everything Sheridan had ever been taught to show that much emotion in public, but she wanted to make sure every woman there knew that Luis was hers.

"Wow, what was that for?" Luis gasped for air.

"Just wanted you to feel comfortable at the party" Sheridan lied.

"You’re a horrible liar" Luis smiled. "You wanted every one here to know we were together"

"Can you blame me? Look at all the beautiful women here. Now they will know to keep their hands off"

"Possessive aren’t we?"

"Don’t even try to tell me you aren’t glad I just did that"

"Okay I won’t" he bent down and kissed her lightly on the cheek. "I need to make a quick security check. Will you be alright without me?"

"Don’t you mean will I behave myself and stay here?"

"Well both"

"Yes, I will go mingle without you"

"Save me a dance?"

"A tango" she smiled wholeheartedly at him.

He kissed her hand and walked around to all the windows. Sheridan made her way to say hello to all her friends and all the other people she was forced to be pleasant with. She still hadn’t seen her brother, he practically ordered her to be here and he still hadn’t graced them with his presence. She decided to go get his inebriated hide out of the library and on to the dance floor. Ivy was no help she was too busy talking to someone or another. Julian sat in his study in his tux. And Sheridan was right he had already had several glasses of brandy and was well on his way to being drunk. But that is not why he had not made his way to the party yet. He was on the phone with his father.

"Did you see the theatrics your sister just pulled?" Alistair barked.

"No father I haven’t left the library yet"

"Well your sister and that cop were kissing in the ballroom. Some how they have gotten back together. And what are we going to do about that?"

"Do you have a plan father?"

"Of coarse I do! Seeing as I knew you wouldn’t be smart enough to come up with one"

"Care to enlighten me father?" Julian said snidely.

"Our Luis will be at your door shortly. He has instructions on what to do all you have to do is give him the mask"

"Your not going to tell me what he is going to do?"

"And take the chance that you could mess this up?"

"Very well father" Julian said demurely. "I will talk to you later" he clicked off the speakerphone.

Luis made a complete circle around the room and all the windows were secure. He was looking around the room for Sheridan, but he didn’t see her. He saw Ivy though, and he quickly headed for her. He wasn’t really watching where he was going and accidentally bumped into a strange man.

"I’m sorry sir" Luis apologized.

"It’s alright. Could you tell me where the library is?" the man asked.

"It’s that way" Luis pointed. "Second door on the left through the right hallway. Ask a maid if you get lost"

"Thank you" the man headed in the way Luis pointed. Luis headed to Ivy.

"Ivy, sorry to interrupt, but have you seen Sheridan?"

"She went to find my husband" she snarled the words my husband. "He is in the library"

"The library?" Luis didn’t like the sound of that. He got an uneasy feeling since he sent that strange man in that direction. "Thanks Ivy" Luis practically ran to the find her.

Sheridan walked up to the door of library. She didn’t feel like knocking. This was her house too, besides she could catch Julian in some compromising position and hold it over his head. She opened the door and saw something come flying at her.

"Put this on" Julian yelled at her. Sheridan caught the object in her hands before it hit her in the face.

"What the hell, Julian" Sheridan gasped as she pulled the mask down from between her eyes. She still had not looked at it carefully yet.

"Sheridan?" Julian spit out his brandy and jumped up put pf his chair. He was standing next to her within seconds. He snatched the mask from her hands and threw it as far as he could over his shoulder. It smacked the wall and then slid to the floor behind his desk.

"What was that Julian?"

"Oh nothing sister dear" Julian tried to cover. "I am terribly sorry I thought you were a business associate"

"Since when do you throw things at people you work with?" Julian started getting antsy. "Oh I get it. He was on of your hired thugs. What was he supposed to do for you? Beat some sense into someone?" Sheridan made her was to Julian’s desk but he put his body in front of her blocking his way. "Why don’t you want be to see what you almost decapitated me with?"

"It’s just business Sheridan. It wouldn’t interest you"

"No I think it would Julian. Now move so I can go see what it was. It wasn’t papers or anything. It was rubbery and had some hair on it. It was almost like a mask of some kind. What would you be doing with a mask? Hmmm?"

"Sheridan I think you should get back to the party. Luis is probably wondering where you are"

"You are concerned about Luis? Now I know you are up to no good. I think I’ll just sit and wait for this business associate of yours shows up. Then maybe I will find out what is really going on around here" Sheridan sat down on the leather couch and leaned back stretching her arms across the back of it"

"Sheridan father wouldn’t like this"

"Oh so now you are bringing father into this. What are you up to Julian? My guess it has to do with me and Luis and our show of emotion at the party. I knew father would get wind of it and try to put a stop to us, but I didn’t think it would be this soon. Did you hire someone to impersonate Luis and have them break us up? Really Julian you should be more creative" Julian almost died on the spot his face became ashen and he was having trouble breathing. "Julian you look like you’ve seen a ghost. What did I say?" Sheridan stared at Julian trying to read his face. "You didn’t" she gasped. "You hired someone to pretend to be Luis didn’t you?"

"I don’t know what you’re talking about" Julian poured another glass of brandy and downed it in one gulp.

"I can’t believe you!" Sheridan screamed. She now headed straight for Julian’s desk. "Get out of the way!" Sheridan literally pushed Julian onto the couch. She reached behind the desk and gabbed the mask. She gasped in horror as she saw Luis’s face in her hands. "You’re disgusting!" she screamed as she walked past Julian and towards the door. But at the moment she opened the door a man stood on the other side. He looked at her and noticed she had the mask in her hands.

"Excuse me" Sheridan stated in a hurry to find Luis.

"Where are you going miss?" the man stood in her way.

"Get out of my way" she said not so nicely.

"I don’t think so" the man’s face became evil. He pushed her back into the library and closed and locked the door.

Luis was in a hurry to go find Sheridan. He remembered getting the feeling that that guy he directed to the library was up to no good. Sheridan was there too, he didn’t like the way that was settling inside him. Something was definitely wrong.

"Luis" a uniformed cop yelled as he saw Luis walking through the foyer. "We caught him"

"Caught who?" Luis yelled back not wanting to stop.

"The brick assailant from earlier"

"Can’t this wait?" Luis urged.

"You might want to take a look and see who it is" Luis reluctantly walked over to the main door of the mansion.

"Here he is" the officer pushed the assailant into the light from the door.

"You did that?" Luis gasped.

"What were you thinking?" Luis yelled. "Do you think that I am ever going to let you out of the house? Why Miguel? Why would you be so disrespectful? I thought mama and I taught you better"

"Luis, you don’t understand" Miguel tried to explain.

"Save it Miguel. I will deal with you later. I think a night at the station will do you some good"

"Please Luis, let me explain" Miguel tried to make Luis listen.

"No. I need to go check on Sheridan right now"

"It’s always about them isn’t it?"

"Who?"

"The Cranes!" Miguel said bitterly. "They always get what they want"

"Take him to the station" Luis insisted. "I’ll deal with you later" Luis went back inside and headed towards the library. This time nothing was going to distract him from getting there.

"Let go of me!" Sheridan screamed.

"I don’t think so" the man said flatly. "You are staying right here until I am told what to do"

"And who is going to tell you that?" Sheridan asked as he pushed her into Julian’s desk chair.

"Sit here" he then dialed a phone number and put it on speakerphone.

"Hello?" a sweet elderly women’s voice came across.

"Hello Barbara, this is Nick. Can you patch me through to my uncle"

"Sure sweetie" There was a click and then another voice sounded.

"Your finished already Nick?" the voice sounded surprised.

"Father?" Sheridan whispered in a state of shock.

"What is she doing there?" Alistair boomed.

"Your son messed up yet again" Nick explained. "When I got here Sheridan had the mask and was headed out the door. Julian was half passed out and still is I might add and lying on the couch"

"The imbecile!" Alistair roared.

"What do you want me to do sir?" Nick asked.

"Daddy, what is going on? Why are you doing this to me?" Sheridan pleaded for answers almost in tears.

"Sheridan, this is for your own good" Alistair said in a solemn voice. "Nick, get her out of there and to a SAFE place"

"Yes sir" Nick answered quickly. He grabbed Sheridan’s arm and pulled her to her feet. "Let’s go sweetheart!"

"LET GO OF ME!" Sheridan said loudly and tried to break free of his grasp.

"Sheridan, go with Nick" Alistair ordered. "He will take care of you" Nick pulled Sheridan in the way of the door. When he reached the couch he kicked at Julian and woke him up. "I’m sure your father would like to speak with you"

"I do Julian" Alistair said coldly. Julian just groaned, a hangover was already settling in.

Just then there was a knock at the door. Followed by Luis yelling for Sheridan. Everyone in the library panicked. Nick instinctively covered Sheridan’s mouth with his hand and pulled out his gun. Julian just slumped into his desk chair and Alistair started barking orders. Luis continued to knock feverously on the door, ready to break it down.

"Sheridan? Are you in there?" Luis yelled from outside the door.

"Julian, is everything all set?" Alistair asked.

"Yes father" Julian groaned.

"Then let the man in before he gets the rest of the police force there" Alistair ordered. Julian walked up to the door and undid the lock. Luis pushed the door open so fast it knocked Julian to the floor.

"Where is she?" Luis looked around the room, but didn’t see Sheridan. "I know she came up here"

"I haven’t seen her" Julian stated as he pick himself off of the floor.

"Ivy told me she came to see you. She never made it up here?"

"No" Julian responded coldly.

"What took you so long to answer the door?" Luis questioned.

"I was on an important phone call with my father, now if you will excuse me I need to get back to it. If I see Sheridan I will send her to you. Now go enjoy the rest of the party" Julian escorted Luis to the door. "The fireworks should be starting soon"

Luis was about to walk out the door when something in him told him not to. He turned around and pushed Julian back into the library. Julian was so confused as to what was going on, he still had not sobered up.

"Where is she?" Luis yelled as he gripped Julian’s shoulders and shook him.

"I told you. I haven’t seen her"

"You LIE! I know she was here. Where is she?" Luis continued to shout.

"How can you be sure she was here?" Julian tried to remain calm.

"I can smell her perfume!" Luis snorted.

"A lot of woman wear…"

"Don’t even finish that Crane" Luis snapped. "Only Sheridan can wear that perfume like that" Luis got lost in his thoughts for a moment and then realized he still had to find her. "Now where is she" Luis began searching the room, looking for any evidence of where Sheridan could be.

"What? Do you thing I hid her under the desk or in the closet?" Julian began to laugh hysterically for no reason. Luis walked to the closet and opened the door half expecting to see Sheridan in there, but he found only a couple of jackets and an umbrella. "How do you really think I would be keeping her quiet, you know she can kept that mouth of hers shut for even a second"

Julian continued to laugh as Luis tried his best to ignore him. He closed the closet door and went to look under the desk. Stupid he knew but he thought maybe there was a trap door there or something. Again he found nothing. Something in him was telling him to look in the closet for a second time. He walked back to the closet and reopened it. This time her actually went inside it instead of just moving the jackets around. He began to pound on the walls. Julian’s laughter began to subside as his teeth began to chatter in nervousness. As Luis hit the wall on the right he noticed it didn’t sound like the rest. It was hollow.

"Where are you taking me?" Sheridan pleaded for some answers. Nick continued to push her down a dark hallway.

"Shut up and keep walking" was all Nick had been saying the whole time. Sheridan felt like they were walking in circles. They kept twisting and turning. She had never know that this hallway or tunnel was there. But then again it wasn’t the first thing they had kept from her.

"Here we are" Nick announced in an eerie voice. He slid open a door and the light sting their eyes. She blinked a couple times trying to regain her focus. Then it all became so clear.

"How did we get here?" Sheridan was shocked to say the least.

Luis continued to bang on the wall. He reached around looking for a handle or something but he didn’t find a thing. So he just kept hitting the wall. He was quickly tiring himself though. He walked back in the library to find Julian downing more Brandy.

"How do you open that door?" Luis took the glass from Julian’s hand.

"What door?" Julian slurred his words.

"That wall is hollow. There is a secret passage there. I know it. How do I get in?"

"There is no such thing there" Julian reached for his glass but Luis pulled his arm away.

"Tell me Julian and tell me now! Or I’ll…"

"Or you’ll what?" Julian snapped.

"I’ll deplete your Brandy supply" he took the decanter in his hand and raised it above his head ready to let it fall. Julian just chuckled.

"Do you think I don’t have more?"

"Oh I know you do, but with the party downstairs the maids won’t have time to deal with you. And I doubt you know where to find the extra. Heaven forbid you ever go into the kitchen. And you could go into the party and get more, but do you want everyone to see you stumbling around?" Julian looked defeated, he would do anything for his precious Brandy.

"You pull it open from the bottom and then push it up. Now give me my drink back!" Luis handed it to him on his way to the closet. He opened the door and rushed inside as Julian sat happily drinking his Brandy.

Luis started running down the dark hallways. The halls kept turning and he kept bumping into them. He didn’t want to slow down though. The faster he got there, wherever there was, the faster he had Sheridan in his arms again. These thoughts only made him run faster. He felt like he was going in circles and had no idea where he was going to end up.

"I have to find her!" he yelled into the darkness. He came to a part of the hallway and didn’t feel wall on either side of him. Luis felt around and discovered that the hallway broke into two and separated. He had to choice which one. There was no way to see footprints. It was completely dark. He would have to guess, and he feared that he would have to guess right the first time for Sheridan’s sake.

Sheridan looked around and gasped as she realized she was in her own cottage. In fact they were in her own bedroom. It was the same as it was in the mansion a hidden door in the closet.

"How could have this always been here and I never knew about it?" Sheridan really didn’t need nor want an answer.

"You are so naïve Sheridan" Nick chuckled. "You know nothing and that’s the way your father likes it"

"How do you know anything about my family?" Sheridan retorted being the major snot that she could be sometimes.

"I know enough, trust me" Nick left Sheridan in her room and walked out into the living room. "I need to call your father and see what to do next. Stay where I can see you" Nick ordered. Sheridan sat on her bed while Nick watched her intently as he waited to talk to her father. This time Nick didn’t have to go through Alistair’s secretary he answered the phone himself.

"Look Nick, we don’t have a lot of time. Supercop is on his way through the tunnel. Julian is a disgrace"

"Where do you want me to take her? We can’t let her tell him about me and my work for you"

"I know that you idiot!" Alistair barked. "Take her anywhere just get her out of there before he gets there"

"How long before he gets here?"

Sheridan smiled she knew Luis was coming for her and should be here soon. Her guess was from the exact way they came, she heard him come in the library. Surely he had been smart enough to find the secret door in the closet. She looked at the closet and then looked back at Nick. He was paying less and less attention to her and more and more to her father on the telephone. There was a chance she could get away and run into Luis. The chance was all she needed. Nick again looked away and Sheridan slipped back into the closet. She quickly flung off her shoes and started running to find Luis. Luckily he had picked out a short dress for her to wear running in a full length gown would not have been fun. Nick finally looked back at the bed and noticed Sheridan was no longer there.

"Sheridan?" he called into her bedroom, but there was no answer. "Shit!" he yelled. "Alistair, where is Sheridan?"

"You are the one there, you should know" Alistair began to fume.

"She disappeared. Use the monitors tell me where she is" Alistair looked over to one of the monitors and began to rewind it. He saw Sheridan duck into the closet.

"She’s back in the tunnel" Alistair was seeing red. "You better find her before Luis does, or you will be in the same sinking boat as Julian" Nick raced back into the tunnel, dropping the phone on the floor.

Luis started to run down one hall, stopped turned around and went to the next one. He ran as fast as he could in the dark. He stumbled a couple times but always managed to stay on his feet. Finally he came to the end of the tunnel. He bent down to pull open the door hoping that it opened liked the other. It did and when he opened it he found himself at the docks. He ran out of the passage leaving it wide open and frantically started to look around.

"Sheridan!" Luis yelled at the docked boats hoping for some sign she was there. "Can you hear me?"

Sheridan was still running through the tunnels when she faintly heard Luis’s voice. He hadn’t given up looking for her. She ran faster and followed his voice. She turned a sharp corner and ran faster as his voice became louder and louder. Sheridan could see the end of this part of the passageway. She was getting so close to being in Luis’s arms and away from Nick. There was so much she had to tell him. She had to make him realize how sorry she was for ever doubting him. Sheridan had finally reached the end of the passageway just in time for a hand to fly over her mouth and put a strangle hold on her. She tried to scream out, but it was no use. Sheridan was caught.

Sheridan twisted and turned in the arms of her captor, but it was no use he was too strong. Something inside her told her to stop struggling though. She was not being pulled back in the tunnel, but out. She had a feeling this wasn’t Nick. And once she got past the initial shock, she actually felt kind of safe. In fact she knew these arms, this touch. It was Luis. She kissed his hand that was covering her mouth signaling to him she knew who he was. Luis felt her relax in his arms, and felt the touch of her silky lips on the palm of his hands. She knew it was him. He didn’t want to scare her, but he could hear someone coming up the docks as well as someone farther back in the tunnel. This was his only choice. He took his hand from her mouth and grabbed her wrist. Luis shoved Sheridan into the Amazing Grace, Sam’s boat. Sam would understand if he had to commandeer it. He quickly stepped into the boat and held out his hand out to help Sheridan in. Immediately Luis pushed her to the deck. He didn’t want Sheridan to be seen over the side of the boat. She looked up at him and their eyes met. She mouthed ‘thank you’ and he smiled. He quickly threw off his jacket and loosened his bow tie as he ran to the controls of the boat. He then proceeded to take the boat out to sea. When Luis felt they were far enough out of danger he told Sheridan she could get up.

"It’s safe now" Luis announced.

"About time" Sheridan stood up and fixed her dress. Luis shot her a disapproving look. "I was just kidding" she moved over to where he was steering the boat. Before he could say another word she had him tangled in an embrace. Sheridan hugged him tightly never wanting to let go and Luis followed suit. He was happy she was safe and in his arms.

"Luis, where are we going?" she asked not taking her head from his shoulder.

"Away, anywhere but here. Hopefully somewhere you will be safe"

"Okay, I don’t care if we ever go back" Sheridan sighed.

Back on shore Nick watched as the boat pulled farther and farther away from the docks. He was helpless, he didn’t know how to drive a boat. He was brought up and in Kansas. There wasn’t much need for boats there. Nick heard someone walking down the docks, he hung around to see who it was. A man he didn’t recognize came into view. Nick decided it couldn’t hurt to ask for some help. He didn’t have to tell the stranger the truth.

"Excuse me" Nick asked as politely as he could.

"Yes?" the man stopped.

"Do you know how to drive a boat?"

"Who doesn’t?" the man thought Nick was an idiot and Nick could tell.

"Do you have a boat?" Nick questioned further.

"No, but my family does"

"Great!" Nick was elated. "Can you do me a gigantic favor" Nick was trying to do his best at sounding overly excited.

"What?" the man mumbled.

"My girlfriend and I just got in a fight and she jumped in a boat with a local guy. I really need to talk to her and tell her I am sorry, but I have no way to get to her. Could you help me?"

"Do you know where they went?" the man was still skeptical.

"No, but I know which direction they went off in. Please you’ve got to help me" Nick pleaded.

"Stop whining buddy, sure I’ll help you" the man brought Nick down the docks. "Thank you so much" Nick put on his best smile as he got onto the boat. Not two minutes after they left dock did Nick’s cell phone begin to ring.

"Hello?" he asked even though he knew who it was going to be.

"Where is she?!?" Alistair boomed.

"Dad!" Nick smiled as the stranger listened on. "How great of you to call"

"Where is she Nick?"

"Dad can I call you back?"

"No you can’t call me back you little nothing. Where is my daughter"

"Well you see father. Sharon and I just had a little tiff and she got on a boat with some local guy. I have a nice Harmony resident helping me find her on his boat. I’ll call you when Sharon in safe in my arms" Alistair finally got the hint and hung up the phone. Nick breathed a sigh of relief. Nick looked at the fellow that was helping him in his crusade and it made him chuckle that the man had know idea what he was actually doing for him. Harmony yokels were just too damn gullible.

"Hey man thanks for the help" Nick said. "What’s your name anyways?"

The Amazing Grace moved slowly across the open sea. It was all Sheridan or Luis could see around them, ocean and lots of it. Sheridan was sitting in the captain’s chair and Luis directly behind it. This way he could steer, but still have his arms around her. Luis suddenly stopped the boat which made Sheridan turn around. She saw Luis already by the side of the boat. He then threw the anchor overboard. Luis made his way over to the back bench of the boat and patted the seat next to him. Sheridan took her sue and came and sat with him. He put his arm around her and she snuggled into his shoulder. It was completely dark except for the pale moonlight.

"Sheridan, what happened back there?" Luis asked. "What’s going on?"

"Luis, it’s awful. They are awful"

"Who Sheridan?"

"My family. They did this to us" Sheridan was being too cryptic for Luis to fully understand. "Luis, my family hired someone to keep us apart"

"You didn’t think that would happen?" Luis knew that her family would interfere and he figured she knew that too.

"Yes, but they didn’t hire just anyone. They hired you" Sheridan said flatly and coldly.

Luis and Sheridan sat cuddled on the back bench of the Amazing Grace. Luis pulled away from her when she told him that she thought her family hired him to break them apart.

"What do you mean they hired me?" Luis was shocked to say the least.

"Well" Sheridan started. "In a way they hired you"

"Stop beating around the bush Sheridan" Luis wanted an explanation and he wanted it now.

"Luis, you are going to explode" she was still stalling.

"Sheridan, either you tell me or I am going to throw you off this boat" Luis threatened.

"You wouldn’t" Sheridan got defensive.

"Wouldn’t I?" Luis stood up and in one swoop, picked Sheridan up and cradled her. He moved closer to the edge of the boat.

"Luis put me down" she screamed.

"Are you going to tell me?"

"Eventually" she gave him a faint smile.

"This is your last chance Sheridan" Luis leaned over the edge of the boat.

"Put me down" Sheridan said coldly. She was going to tell him what was going on in her own time, but she refused to be told what to do.

"As you wish"

Luis knew it was night and the water was cold, but the ocean was like glass and he knew she wouldn’t be hurt. Well everything but her pride that is. So he tossed her in. She screamed as she splashed into the frigid water. Luis immediately threw down the ladder in the back of the boat and was ready with a life preserver just in case she found her way into more trouble.

Nick and his friend were still speeding off after his girlfriend. Nick and his unknowing accomplice were having quite the conversation although on Nick’s end it was all lies.

"So what’s your name?" Nick asked, but they were interrupted when the heard a scream in the distance. "That was Sharon, I know it!" Nick tried to make the guy go faster. "Go faster please!" Nick whined.

"I am going as fast as I can" replied the man.

"Please that didn’t sound good" Nick tried to act worried, but he was secretly happy. Who cared if someone else killed her?

Sheridan swam over to the back of the boat and gave Luis a death glare. He reached under the seat and pulled out a towel for her. He opened it and had it ready.

"Get out of the water" he ordered. Sheridan had been on the middle rung of the steps but let go and feel back into the water.

"Opps" she laughed evilly. More than anything she wanted out of this cold water, but if this got to him it was worth it. Luis seemed to lose attention for her and began to look past her.

"Sheridan please get out" he finally asked her, so she complied. She swam back to the ladder. "Hurry" Luis was shot back into cop mode.

"I am" Sheridan said flatly. Luis grabbed her hand and pulled her back aboard the boat. "What’s going on?" Sheridan asked as she was being flung back on the boat. But before he had a chance to explain anything another boat was at their side.

Nick’s boat inched nearer to Sheridan’s. He could see her in the water and knew they would have no chance to escape before he got there.

"That’s her" Nick told his friend.

"What’s she doing in the water?" the man asked curiously.

"I don’t know. Please hurry" Nick tried to sound panicked and was successful. The boat pulled along side the Amazing Grace. Luis pulled Sheridan behind him to protect her from whoever was in the other boat.

"Ethan?" Luis was relieved when he saw Ethan in the other boat. Sheridan peaked out from behind Luis.

"Luis, Sheridan?" Ethan was more confused than ever. Ethan turned to Nick. "Who are you?"

"Too bad you’ll never know" Nick got a sinister look in his eyes as he swung his arm at Ethan’s head and connected. The blow threw Ethan overboard.

"ETHAN!!!" Sheridan screamed after him.

Sheridan was horrified as she watched Ethan hit the water. He didn’t look to be moving. Sheridan instinctively started to jump in the water to save him. Luis sensed this and tried to grab her arm, but he couldn’t have expected what happened next. Sheridan had already began to jump over the side of the boat when Luis grabbed her. This caused her to spin around and she cracked her head on the side of the boat. Luis lost his grasp on her arm and she sunk into the water. Nick watched in enjoyment as his mission looked to get easier and easier. Horrified, Luis jumped in the water after Sheridan. He couldn’t believe what he just did to her, even if it was an accident. He could never live with himself if anything happened to her. He dove under the water, but to his surprise she wasn’t right there. He couldn’t find her. He came above water for air, ready to dive again. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Ethan come to and start swimming towards the Amazing Grace.

"Ethan! HELP!!" Luis ordered. "Sheridan fell in. I can’t find her!" and with that Luis disappeared into the water again. Ethan swam fast to wear he saw Luis go under and he too went to search for Sheridan. They soon ran out of air and both returned to the top.

"Did you see her?" Luis hoped that he did.

"No" Ethan said sadly.

"We have to find her!" Luis sunk into the water yet another time knowing each time he didn’t find her increased her chance of dying.

Nick watched on not doing a damn thing to help the search. He wasn’t about to start either. In fact he was going to make it harder for them to survive. He jumped from boat to boat. With his pocketknife he severed the wires of the boat’s motor. They wouldn’t be going anywhere soon. Then he went to the cabin and ripped the radio out and put it under his arm. Just in case one of them had a cell phone he took the compass too. He walked happily out of the cabin and back onto deck. Nick threw the radio and compass into the water and watched them sink. He then jumped back onto the other boat. Even though Nick didn’t know how to drive a boat he decided to learn. He had nowhere he had to be now, so there was not a better time to learn. Luckily the motor was still on, so he pushed the throttle and was off. Where, he didn’t know, and really didn’t care.

Luis and Ethan again came above water and yet again neither of them had Sheridan. Luis looked at Ethan helplessly. Ethan was out of breathe and was struggling to stay afloat. He was still weak from his head being clobbered by Nick.

"Luis I can’t make it much longer" Ethan said between pants of breath.

"Get out of the water" Luis ordered. "I don’t want to have to save you too"

"Luis are you sure? I want to find Sheridan just as much as you do"

"Stop arguing Ethan. You’re wasting my time and what is left of hers! Now GO!" he yelled. He didn’t mean to be so harsh, but the love of his life was lost under water some where.

Ethan swam to the back of the boat. Luis watched to make sure he made it and was about to dive again when he heard Ethan’s plea for help.

"Luis HELP!!!" Ethan said with everything he had left in him. Luis was torn, should he dive for Sheridan again, or go save Ethan.

Before Luis could make up his mind Ethan yelled again.

"Luis! Help! I’ve got her! I found Sheridan" Luis swam as fast as he possibly could and let out a sigh of relief when he saw Sheridan conscience and hanging on the ladder to keep herself above water. She looked a bit dazed and had blood running from her forehead, but she was alive. He swam over to her and had this overwhelming urge to embrace her in a bear hug, but resisted for the time being.

"Ethan, I want you to hold Sheridan while I climb up the ladder. Then I will pull her up and you can climb in. Do you have enough strength left?"

"Yeah Luis. I can do it"

Sheridan let go of the ladder and floated in Ethan’s arms. Luis quickly climbed up and was ready to pull Sheridan in. Ethan positioned Sheridan in the right spot and she held her arms up for Luis. Luis grasped them and pulled her safely aboard. Ethan swam to the back of the boat and climbed up the ladder. They pulled out some towels and went down into the cabin to get out of the wind. Luis sat Sheridan down at the kitchen table and put tons of towels around her. Exhausted, Ethan sat down across from her. Luis was going around with an endless amount of energy. He put water to boil in a pan and then disappeared into the bedroom. He came out with blankets and extra clothes. Luckily Sam and Grace kept some extra clothes aboard. It was sweatshirts for everyone. Luis had gone through all the drawers and had five or six sweatshirts, but not much else. Sam had two pairs of boxers and a t-shirt or two, but Grace had next to nothing. Some undergarments and a tank top was all. He gave clothes to Ethan and he disappeared into the bedroom and to change. Luis sat next to Sheridan and lightly caressed her cheek. She closed her eyes and let her head fall into his hand.

"Sheridan, I am so sorry this was all my fault" he picked up a towel and placed it on her forehead to stop or at least slow the bleeding.

"Luis, it was an accident" she tried to console him.

"Caused by me. I don’t know what I would have done…"

"Stop there Luis" Sheridan interrupted. "You are not getting rid of me that easily"

"That’s good to know" he flashed her his million dollar smile.

"Luis?" Sheridan shivered. "I need to get out of my dress"

"Is that a proposition?"

"Normally, it would be, but I am soo cold" her teeth began to chatter. She began to stand up and looked over to the bunk beds on the other side of the cabin. It had a cloth curtain to use for privacy.

"Do you need any help?" Luis asked seriously.

"No I think I can…" she took one more step, felt extremely dizzy and lost her balance. Luis stood up to catch her and steady her. "Ok so maybe I don’t have to be miss independent all the time"

"So are you asking for my help?" Luis had a coy smile across his face.

"Well…" she struggled to say the words. Luis had his arms around her waist and held her tight against his chest so he could lean over her back and whisper in her ear.

"Just say, Luis I need your strong buff body to save me once again" she had to contain her laughter.

"Luis, don’t be a dick and help me out of my clothes" Sheridan said in a snotty tone, but then she turned around to face him. "Please" she said with all the sincerity she had in her.

"I guess that will have to do" he helped her to the bunk beds and she sat on the lower bunk. He handed her the clothes and shut the curtain, leaving himself on the other side. He went to go check on Ethan, he hadn’t heard a sound coming from the bedroom in quite awhile. He knocked on the door but didn’t receive an answer so he cracked the door open. He saw Ethan asleep in the bed. It had been a long day for everyone. He walked to the kitchen table and started to take off his tux. He didn’t realized till now how cold he was himself. He had gotten on the dry boxers when he heard the water boiling on the stove. He placed some in two coffee mugs and placed a tea bag in each.

"Luis?" Sheridan asked through the curtain.

"Finished?" he asked carrying the mugs to the curtain.

"Yeah" he held the mugs in one hand and opened up the curtain. She had already tucked herself in bed.

"I made some tea" she sat up and took it in her hands.

"Thank you. Where’s Ethan?"

"Asleep. Like you should be" he sat on her bed with her.

"Don’t worry as soon as I finish this I will be out for the night"

"Good" Luis smiled and rubbed her arm.

"Luis, that guy that was with Ethan was the one that took my from the library"

"Shhh, I know we’ll talk about it in the morning"

"Are we staying here for the night?"

"I don’t think we have a choice"

"What do you mean?" she continued to sip her tea.

"I saw that guy jump into our boat while I was looking for you. I’m pretty sure he cut off all of our communication with land as well as our motor"

"So we’re stuck"

"fraid so" Luis noticed Sheridan’s mug was empty and took it from her. "Tomorrow you’ll have to tell me how you got to the back of the boat. Were you there the whole time? Oh never mind. Get some rest" Sheridan laid back down and Luis stood up and ran the mugs to the sink. He returned to tuck the covers tightly around her and gave her a sweet kiss on the cheek.

"Aren’t you going to sleep Luis?"

"Not for awhile, I want to check things out first"

"When you do, will you sleep with me?"

"I don’t want to wake you" Luis caressed her cheek.

"Please, I sleep better in your arms"

"Man, I can’t resist those puppy dog eyes"

"So you will?"

"Of coarse" he bent down and kissed her forehead. "Now get some sleep"

"Yes sir officer sir" she gave him a toothy grin. He shook his head and headed up to the deck.

On deck Luis found that the radio and compass were indeed missing. He then tried to start the motor, but it made no sound when he turned the key. Nick had left them stranded. Sam would notice his boat gone soon, but there was know way for him to know it was Luis who took it. No one knew where they were except for Nick and he wasn’t going to show up anytime soon. Frustrated, he walked back below deck. He found Sheridan with her eyes closed and breathing evenly. He didn’t want to wake her, but he did promise. Luis slipped under the covers and took her in his arms. It was only a twin bed so it was a good thing she wanted to be held.

"Goodnight Sheridan" he whispered before closing his eyes and falling asleep with her securely in his arms.

By morning Nick had successfully maneuvered the boat into a dock. He didn’t know which dock, but then again it didn’t matter. He smiled broadly thinking of the lovebirds dying at sea. His serene moment was interrupted by his cell phone.

"Hello?"

"Do you have my daughter?" Alistair questioned angrily. He had obviously gotten up on the wrong side of the bed.

"No sir, I did something even better than kidnapping her" Nick said proudly. "I left her to die in the open sea"

"You what?" Alistair boomed. "You left her to drown in the ocean?"

"Not drown, she will probably starve. She is on a boat"

"Alone? I did NOT want her killed"

"No, she is with that cop Luis and some guy named Edgar…Ely…"

"Ethan?"

"Yeah that’s it"

"You incompetent fool! Ethan is my grandson! And you left Sheridan and Luis together? That is exactly what I didn’t want. You are no good to me anymore"

"You mean I’m fired?"

"You could say that" Alistair hung up his phone and fiddled with his mini guillotine.

Nick stood on the dock feeling dejected. He had never gotten fired before. He didn’t have much time to wallow in his self-pity though. Two men came up behind him and strangled him. His neck was broken in seconds and life seeped from his body. The men threw him in a nearby boat along with a bomb. They walked away and as soon as they were clear the boat exploded. Leaving no evidence that there ever was a Nick. One of the men took out his phone and dialed.

"Its done sir" the man stated.

"Great" Alistair sat happily. "Now let that be a warning to you. You don’t want to end up like Nick do you Ace?"

"No sir"

"Great then follow through with the plan by the letter. Don’t screw up!" Alistair again hung up the phone and went back to playing with his toys.

The Amazing Grace swayed with the waves. It was calming for both Sheridan and Luis. It was morning but they still slept tightly locked away in each other’s arms. Ethan however, wasn’t having the same peaceful morning. He awoke with a greenish tint to his face. He quickly stumbled out of bed and ran up to the deck. This startled Luis and Sheridan. They sat up quickly and looked around.

"Stay here" Luis warned Sheridan. Then they heard Ethan loose his cookies up on deck. They both looked in the way of the bedroom door and saw it open.

"Did I mention Ethan gets seasick?" Sheridan forced a smile. "I better go check on him" but Luis didn’t move to get out of her way, so she began to climb over him. We she was above him, he grabbed her waist and brought her down to his body. She had her arms pressed against the mattress so her head was still raised above his.

"You forgot to say good morning" he gave her that Cheshire grin of his and she found him very hard to resist.

"Good morning Luis" she said sweetly. She let her arms lower and rested her head on his chest. But again they were startled by Ethan’s stomach erupting above them. "I better go" She rolled off Luis and climbed the stairs to the deck. Sheridan made her way over to Ethan who was sitting limply next to the edge of the boat. She sat behind him and rubbed his back. "How ya doing?"

"I’ve been better" Ethan said weakly.

"Are you done for awhile? We should really get you back in bed"

"I think I’ll be okay for awhile but I don’t think I will be able to sleep"

"I’ll take care of that Ethan and you. Come on" she helped him to his feet and down the stairs. She tucked him into bed and then went rummaging in the bathroom. She came back with a glass of water and some red medicine.

"Take this it will help you sleep"

"Thank you Sheridan"

"No problem sweetie, now close your eyes" she kissed him on the forehead and closed the door behind her. She found Luis sitting at the kitchen table looking at some charts and drinking some coffee. There was a glass waiting for her on the table too.

"Thank you" Sheridan took a sip and sat down.

"How’s Ethan?"

"He should be ok, I found some Nyquil for him so he should sleep for awhile. What are you doing?"

"Well luckily what’s his name"

"Nick"

"Yeah Nick, didn’t damage our anchor, so we are in the same spot we were in last night"

"Meaning?"

"That I know where we are. The problem still being we have no motor, radio or compass"

"I have my cell phone"

"I already tried. We are too far out, no signal"

"So we are stuck here"

"Pretty much. At least until some one finds us. I did find some flares though"

"Great lets go make some fireworks"

"We don’t need to go any where to do that" he gave her a mischievous grin.

"Would you stop flirting with me for five minutes and get us rescued?" Luis gave her puppy dog eyes and pouty lips. Sheridan rolled her eyes and started up the steps. Quickly he followed.

"So shoot, launch or what ever the hell you do with rescue flares" Sheridan was clueless. Luis raised his arm and shot a flare into the sky.

"Now what?" she asked hoping he had a great plan that would save them faster.

"Now we wait"

"We wait? That’s it? You don’t have a plan including death defying stunts?"

"Not this time. But we have plenty to do to fill the time" he sat on the back bench much like he did the day before. She followed and sat next to him, she knew exactly what he wanted to do. He wanted to talk.

"Where do you want me to start?" she asked.

"I want to everything, but how about how you got back to the ladder yesterday"

"Actually I am not sure. I think I got caught in an air pocket under the boat. Then all of a sudden I was thrust backwards and I was at the surface again. Sorry I don’t have a better story to tell you"

"That’s ok. All I care about is that you are safe" he squeezed her shoulder. "Now who is Nick and why is he after you?"

"I think I should start at the beginning"

"The beginning?"

"Yeah…"

Sheridan told Luis about what she saw on the wharf. Every detail she could remember she shared with him. From her being a spoiled princess to him using her to get back at her family. How it hurt her so badly that she couldn’t even stay in the same country with him. Luis was floored. He never expected this.

"Sheridan, you have to know that wasn’t me. I would never say anything like that"

"I know that now Luis"

"Now?"

"Well at the party I went to see why Julian wasn’t at the festivities yet and when I opened the door something was flung in my face. Something I was never meant to see"

"What was it Sheridan?"

"It was a mask…of you"

"Of me? Why would Julian have a mask of me?"

"Luis do you remember when I said my family hired you to break us up"

"Yeah" Luis tried hard to follow.

"Well Nick is you. When he wears the mask. It was him the night on the wharf and it was going to be him again last night. Except I showed up and foiled their plans"

"How could they do that to you?" Luis stood up and smoke nearly came from his ears he was so furious.

"They didn’t do it to just me Luis. They did it to us"

"I knew that they were capable of no good, but I never thought they could be so unscrupulous"

"I am disgusted that I am related to them"

"You can’t choose your relatives" Sheridan had remained seated, but she stood up to be closer to him. He took her in his arms and gave her a bear hug. Then he whispered in her ear.

"Everything is going to be ok"

She had a hard time believing it though. The French drugs cartel was still after her and now so was her own family. Not to mention they were stuck on a boat in the middle of nowhere. Sheridan wasn’t sure if everything was all right between them.

"Luis are you angry with me?" she looked into his eyes. He couldn’t hide the truth from her there.

"Angry with you? No. Why would I be?"

"Because, I slapped you, more than once for something you didn’t do. And I didn’t trust you, the one person who saved me so many times" Luis hadn’t even thought about that yet, he was still furious at Julian and Alistair to even think about it.

"Sheridan, I’m not going to deny that it hurts, but I am not angry"

"Will you ever be able to forgive me?" but before he had a chance to answer a boat came into sight. Luis quickly got a flare and shot it off and they both started screaming. The boat neared and came up to them. They explained their situation and the people on the other boat were happy to help them. Luis and a man helped Ethan to the other boat and Sheridan climbed aboard after. They couldn’t thank the men enough for there help.

"Thank you so much Mr.?" Sheridan started to thank him.

"Mr. Christie, Arthur Christie"

"Well thank you Mr. Christie, I don’t know what we would have done had you not found us"

"It was nothing Ms?"

"Crane, but call me Sheridan and this is Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald" the two men shook hands.

"And the sickly fellow over there?" Mr. Christie pointed at Ethan.

"That’s my nephew Ethan"

"Well if you excuse me, I better tend to the ship" Luis noticed quickly that they were heading in the opposite direction of Harmony. He couldn’t pin point Harmony but he knew which direction you should go. He went to find Mr. Christie.

"Mr. Christie?" he turned to acknowledge Luis. "Harmony is the other way"

"I know, but I have a package to drop off first. And please call me Ace"

Luis returned to Sheridan who was sitting on the deck. She had obviously made friends easily. There was some of the crew standing around her and she had already managed to get some pants for herself. The sweatshirt was a bit too revealing to walk around in front of people she didn’t know. Luis strutted over to where she was sitting. He sat down next to her and she turned to him and smiled. He didn’t like all the attention she was getting though and gently kissed her lips, letting everyone around know that she was his. Even if she wasn’t technically his yet.

"Jealous much?" she smiled and winked at him. Luis slightly blushed. He couldn’t pass anything by her.

"Yeah well with you looking so sexy like you do, how could I not be"

"Luis, I am wearing a frumpy sweatshirt and some worker’s pants stained in grease. Not to mention I haven’t brushed my hair or teeth in a day and have no make-up on. I am anything but sexy"

"I beg to differ" he started to kiss her again, but this time it was anything but gentle. He nibbled on her lips and she parted them giving him access to deepen the kiss. The made out like two love starved teenagers, forgetting where they were. They returned to reality when they heard whistles, hoots and hollers from all the workers.

"What happened to the rules Luis?" Sheridan said cockily. "I didn’t think we were allowed to kiss"

"Rules are meant to be broken"

"What’s this? Mr. Straight and narrow straying from the path?"

"You are such a smartass. I don’t know what I see in you"

"I do. It’s the same thing I see in you, a challenge"

"How right you are" Luis looked around. "Where’s Ethan?"

"He was still really groggy, so one of the workers led him down into the sleeping quarters. I think I gave him a bit too much medicine"

"I’m sure he’s happy to be out of it and not still hung over the side of the boat. Where did you get the pants anyway?"

"Why? Getting tired of sitting around in your boxers?"

"Can’t I even get a simple answer from you?" he teased.

"I got them from Alex. He’s the same guy who took Ethan down to sleep"

"What does he look like?"

"Tall, kind of scruffy. He has a beard"

"Sheridan you just described everyman on this boat"

"Oh there he is!" Sheridan stood up and waved to a man on the upper level. "Alex!"

Alex saw her and made his way down the ladder to greet her and Luis. She asked him if Luis could have a pair of pants too and he said it wasn’t a problem. He disappeared and came back with a pair of raggedy blue pants. Luckily Luis had found a pair of Sam’s tennis shoes before they left the Amazing Grace. Sheridan had chosen to go bare foot rather than wear her heels from the night before. They thanked him for his kindness and he returned to his spot on the upper deck. He continued to watch them intently. A grim expression took over his face. He heard the horn sound twice. Ace wanted to see him. He made his way to the captain’s quarters.

"Alex, we’ll be in port in an hour. Get the package ready"

"Yes sir"

And that was the extent of their meeting. Alex knew what he had to do. He made his way back to Sheridan and Luis. Ready to take action.

"Hello again Miss Sheridan" Alex said sweetly.

"Hi Alex" both her and Luis rose form the ground. "Can I help you with something?"

"Actually, it’s Ethan. He is calling for you"

"Could you take me to him?"

"I’ll come too" Luis insisted.

"No!" Alex said quickly and then covered. "He’s really embarrassed he asked that only Sheridan come"

"Oh alright" Luis kissed Sheridan’s cheek. "Don’t be gone long"

Sheridan turned and gave Luis a smile before she was led down into the darkness of the sleeping quarters.

Luis felt worthless standing there and doing nothing. He went to find Ace and see if he could help with anything. He headed for the captain’s quarters.

"Hey Ace"

"Hey Luis" his tried to kept the guilt from taking over his face. "can I help you with something?"

"That is what I was going to ask you. I need to do something, I’m restless. Do you need anything to be done?"

"I can’t think of anything, but why don’t you go up to the upper deck and look at the port. We will be getting there soon"

"All right. If I can help with anything just let me know" Luis started to leave.

"You should be more worried about where your beautiful lady friend is right now" he said under his breath and chuckled slightly.

Luis wandered up to the top deck and looked out. The wind rustled in his hair. He took in a deep breath and closed his eyes and let the wind nip at his face. He could see the shore getting nearer and nearer. It looked to be a big city, so his guess was that they were headed Boston. He thought about how fun it would be to live it up with Sheridan in the city. They could have so much fun going to nightclubs and what not. If only she wasn’t in so much danger. The thing was he didn’t want to take her back to the cottage, but he didn’t know where else she would be safe. He thought about it for moment and then decided they would get off in Boston. There was no need to go back to Harmony right away. He would call Hal and tell him where they were and they could stay in a hotel for a couple nights until Hal decided what was best for them. Luis stood there and watched as the port became clearer.

Sheridan followed Alex through a narrow hallway with many doors on either side of them. They finally reached a door that said Alex Fields on a piece of masking tape. He opened the door and she walked in, but couldn’t see anything because it was completely dark. Alex followed her in and closed the door, now there wasn’t even the light from the hallway. Alex reached around and pulled the light on. Sheridan looked around and was confused when she didn’t see Ethan anywhere. She looked at Alex who had a very eerie look on his face. She didn’t like it. She wanted Luis.

"What’s going on? Where is Ethan?" Sheridan asked nervously.

"He is being readied for transport as will you" he said coldly.

"Transport? What are you talking about?" he started walked towards her and she backed up.

"You’re father has asked us to return you to his custody as well as Ethan"

"I am an adult, you can’t do this to me. It is kidnapping. Luis will…"

"Luis will do nothing. He will think you are down here talking to Ethan, while in reality you will be taken off the boat in Boston. He will be back in Harmony before he knows you are gone. Or at least well out of swimming distance to Boston"

"You creep why are you doing this? Don’t you know how many lives you are going to ruin? What do you get?" Sheridan was now cornered and forced to sit on the cot. Alex reached under the bed and took out some rope. He began to tie up her feet.

"What do I get? I get to live another day. I don’t want to suffer the fate of the last guy who tried to deal with you"

"Nick is dead?" she found it hard not to feel sorry for him even after what he did to her.

"Yep" he moved up and started to tie her hands. He was surprised that she was being so cooperative. But then she got a surge of courage.

"LUIS!" she screamed as only she could. Alex’s hand flew over her mouth.

"You better shut up or Luis will have to be hurt. What do you see in that low-life cop anyway?"

"Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald is so much more than you could ever be" she said calmly after he lowered his hand.

"Did you say Lopez-Fitzgerald?"

"Yeah, its his name. What of it?"

"Nothing" he shook his head and placed a piece of tape over her mouth. "Now not a sound or lover boy gets it. Got it?" she nodded. He scooped her up into his arms and started to take her to another room. The door was opened and she saw a small motorboat with Ethan sitting in it. He was in the same position she was, completely helpless. Alex sat her next to Ethan. Then he sat and watched the two waiting for the order to launch the boat. Sheridan leaned her head against Ethan’s shoulder and let some tears fall down her cheeks.

"Luis please find me" she thought sadly.

Luis was still looking over at Boston Harbor. It was really close now, in fact the boat should be stopping soon. Luis wanted to go find Sheridan and tell her the good news about staying away from Harmony for a while. Suddenly Luis a sinking feeling, like he needed to go find Sheridan now. Something wasn’t right. He rushed down the ladder back to the main deck. His eyes were searching for her, but he couldn’t find her there. Next he ran to the opening that he saw her go in. Luis opened the door and was greeted by darkness. The hallway was gloomy and had only small lights which were very far apart. He hurried down the hall looking at every door looking for the name Alex. He finally came across a door with Alex on it. He began to pound with all his might. And older man finally answered the door.

"Oh, I’m sorry" Luis said as he was ready to run down the hall again.

"Who are you looking for son?" the man was willing to help.

"Alex someone, but actually my…uh…Sheridan and Ethan Crane"

"Well there are about 10 or so Alexs on this ship, how about you describe him for me" Luis was getting impatient, he needed to find Sheridan now, but this man could tell him which room she was in so he took the time to describe the Alex he was looking for.

"He is about my height maybe a little taller. I’d say around thirty or so. Dark hair and eyes, beard. He has a dark complexion"

"That could be either Gerswin or Fields. Gerswin’s room is on the floor below us and Fields’ is five or so doors down on the left. I hope that helped"

"It did thank you"

Luis rushed down the hall. It had to be the Fields fellow, Sheridan didn’t go down a floor. He found the door and again pounded on it. But this time he didn’t receive an answer. Not know what else to do he tried to open the door. He found it unlocked and stepped inside. Nothing looked out of the ordinary. There was a cot and nightstand with a lamp. Nothing to indicate Sheridan was there or in trouble. Luis still didn’t believe she was safe though. She was supposed to be here with Ethan and she wasn’t. Luis almost felt defeated though, he didn’t know where else to look, she could be anywhere. Not wanting to just stand there like an idiot he started to wander to the hall. He wandered quickly though, calling for Sheridan and Ethan. Hoping they would her him and call back. It didn’t happen though. Burly men just kept popping their heads out of their doors wondering what Luis was doing. Luis didn’t give up though he continued his search. He neared the end of the boat and was becoming more and more frantic. He needed to find her. Deep down he knew he couldn’t live his life without her and he wanted to get the chance to tell her that. He came to the last door in the hallway. It didn’t look like the others though. It wasn’t just a door, it looked like it belonged on a submarine. It appeared to be watertight and had a spinning release handle. He thought about it for a moment, he didn’t want to flood the ship. But then again if he didn’t find Sheridan what did he care if the ship sunk. He started to spin the handle.

Alex sat impatiently with a walkie-talkie in his hand. He was waiting for Ace to tell him it was ok for the boat to leave. Carl, the guy who was going to drive Sheridan and Ethan to shore, had arrived about five minutes ago. Ace should be giving him the signal any moment.

"Alex, it’s time. They are there awaiting the arrival of the packages"

"Ok Ace, I’ll send Carl on his way"

"It’s time Carl" Alex yelled across the boat launch. "Take good care of them, they need to be in perfect condition upon arrival"

"I got it sir. Nothing will happen to their privileged lives"

"Don’t be bitter Carl, we are getting a lot of money from their privileged family for this. Now be off with ya"

"See ya soon Alex"

Carl started up the motor and Alex pressed the button to open the boat launch door. It slowly lowered and Boston Harbor came into view. Sheridan started to cry as she realized that Luis couldn’t save her this time. She was also scared her family would put her back into a mental hospital. The door was now completely open and the boat slowly made its way to the opening. Luis finally got the door to open. He quickly looked around and soon realized the situation Sheridan was in.

"Sheridan! Ethan!" he screamed as he jumped in the waist deep water. Sheridan turned her head to see Luis in the water trying to make his way to her. The boat was about to clear the opening of the ship. But she also saw Alex jump in the water after Luis.

"Don’t move" Alex said coldly with a gun to Luis’ head. He had grabbed Luis around the shoulders and was holding him in a head loose headlock.

"Let me go!" Luis pleaded. "I need her"

"I don’t know what your preoccupation is with saving a Crane? What do you care?"

"I’m her bodyguard" he said still struggling to break free.

"Is that all she is to you, a job?" Alex asked suspiciously.

"What the hell does that matter to you" Luis started to get more angry as Sheridan pulled farther away from him.

"Just tell me. I’m the one with the gun remember"

"No, she isn’t just a job" Luis shouted. "I love you Sheridan!!!" he screamed at the top of his lungs hoping she would her him.

"How can you care about a Crane after what they did to your family?"

"How do you…?" Luis spat out as he watched the boat leave the ship and pick up speed.

"How can you possibly know what the Cranes have done to my family?" Alex finally let Luis go now that the boat was safely in the distance.

"Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald" Alex said in an eerie tone. "Father Martin disappeared when he was a young boy on the verge of manhood. Older brother Antonio disappeared soon afterward because he couldn’t handle the obligation of taking care of his family. I know everything"

"Who the hell are you?" Luis looked at Alex suspiciously.

"What you can’t figure it out Luis? I heard you were some big time cop now. Surely you know who I am"

"I do, but I just don’t want to believe it"

"Why not? It’s the truth"

"I can’t believe my own flesh and blood with do this to me. You’re my brother Anton…I mean Alex. Why are you siding with the Cranes after what they did to papa?"

"First of all you have no idea what really happened to papa or me. And secondly I didn’t side with the Cranes, I sided with money" Luis was getting more and more furious and was ready to beat the shit out Antonio at any second.

"Money this is all about money? I didn’t think anything mama and papa produced could be so shallow"

"I am anything but shallow Luis. You have no idea who I am anymore"

"You’ve got that right" Luis sneered.

"Raquel and Eleanor need braces. Mateo is a very promising pianist and takes private lessons. The twins Claudio and Antonia want to try everything. And I have no idea what Hector, Fernando and Pilar will need when they get older"

"You have a family?"

"Don’t sound so surprised. You are too quick to judge Luis"

"What makes you think you can take care of a family now when you ran away from ours?" Luis kept eyeing a Sea Doo off in the corner. He knew he could use it to get to Sheridan. Now he just needed to find out where she was headed.

"There you go again jumping to conclusions when you don’t have all the facts little brother. For your information I left you, mama, and the rest of the family because Claudia got pregnant. I couldn’t face mama. I couldn’t take seeing the look of disappointment in her eyes. Luis I was 15, Claudia was 14. We didn’t know what else to do so we ran away"

"Together?"

"Yes. And were still together until last year when Pilar was born"

"Then what you dumped her because you didn’t want a twelfth child?"

"No Luis Claudia died in childbirth. You should give me the benefit of the doubt by now"

"You just held me at gunpoint while the woman I love was taken hostage. Forgive me if I don’t believe the best in you" Luis said coldly. Antonio cringed when those words left Luis’s mouth. "Look Alex, Antonio, whoever you are you obviously love Claudia very much, well Sheridan is my Claudia. I need her. Don’t make me lose my Claudia, don’t make me live through the pain you have suffered"

Luis hoped this would do the trick. He hoped his brother was not void of a heart. Suddenly Antonio raised his gun again, but then handed it to Luis. He took the walkie-talkie and commanded Carl.

"Stop the boat Carl. I’ll be there on a Sea Doo in a few" Antonio threw the walkie-talkie into the water. "Shoot me Luis" he commanded his little brother.

"What?" Luis lowered the gun.

"In the leg or arm, nothing fatal. Just make it look like I put up a fight. Then go get your girl. Just leave Ethan"

"What why?"

"He isn’t going to be hurt, just taken home. Sheridan on the other hand is in trouble. Now DO it!"

Luis raised his trembling arm. He didn’t know if he could do it, but he knew that if he just left Antonio wouldn’t get his money. Antonio was doing him a favor by getting Carl to stop the boat. Now he had to pay him back. He lowered the gun and took aim at Antonio’s leg. He didn’t want to take the chance of missing his arm and hitting a more vital part of his body. Luis inhaled a deep breath and pulled the trigger. Antonio doubled over in pain and hobbled his way back to the platform and out of the water. Luis put the gun in his pocket and hopped on the Sea Doo. Quickly he made his way out of the boat launch door to find Sheridan.

Sheridan still sat tied up and resting her head on Ethan’s shoulder. Ethan had finally woken up and was trying to figure out what was going on. Carl drove the boat quickly into the Harbor. He was almost there when he got a message from Alex telling him to stop. Carl figured Alex had forgotten to give him some documentation or something that needed to go with the packages. Carl didn’t like to be stopped with two people bound and gagged in the middle of Boston Harbor, so he untied them and took the tape from their lips.

"One false move or sound and I won’t hesitate to shoot" Carl said gruffly as he watched for Alex.

"You can’t do anything to us" Sheridan said with a gleam in her eyes. "You need us alive to get your money"

"Well that isn’t entirely true" Carl said with a touch of cockiness in his voice.

"What do you mean?" Ethan jumped into the conversation.

"What I mean is, we have orders to get Ethan back alive. Not you Sheridan. Apparently in your family’s eyes you are expendable. So I would keep your mouths shut and sit there like good little hostages" Carl returned to watching for Alex, occasionally looking over his shoulder at his prisoners.

"Sheridan, what’s going on?" Ethan questioned. The events of the day were still blurry from the Nyquil Sheridan had given him.

"Ethan, I know you want to think the best of your father and grandfather, but what I have to tell you might change your opinion. Do you really want to hear this?"

"I know father and grandfather can be deceitful. I don’t think this will surprise me"

"Okay" Sheridan filled Ethan in on the Nick situation. How he was hired by Julian and Alistair to keep her and Luis apart. And now since she knew they had done these things they were trying to kidnap her. "Ethan, I am so scared. What if Luis doesn’t find me anymore? And if he does will he ever be able to forgive me for not trusting him?" She began to cry again.

"Shh Sheridan. Luis has never let you down before. Now that you know it wasn’t him trust in him. I know he is a good guy, even if he hates our family. Which isn’t a big thing anymore since I am beginning to hate it too"

Carl made his way back over to Sheridan and Ethan looking very grumpy.

"I thought I told you two to shut your mouths" Carl said angrily.

"We were just talking" Sheridan said in almost a whisper between her tears.

"I want to hear nothing but silence" Carl sternly yelled at them. "Oh thank god!" he noticed the Sea Doo approaching them. "It’s about time Alex got here"

As Luis got closer to the boat he got more and more nervous. He knew Carl was expecting Alex, he didn’t want anything to happen to Sheridan or Ethan when Carl was surprised. Luis didn’t have a plan. There wasn’t much question as to what he would do. He’d pull up to the boat, hope Carl didn’t have his gun handy, and then jump aboard. He felt bad about leaving Ethan with Carl, but Antonio had assured him nothing would happen to him. The Cranes felt he was a necessity to their family. Luis did know he had to be quick about getting aboard the boat though. Even though Antonio was his brother he looked nothing like him anymore. Once he got close Carl was sure to notice the missing beard. Luis was nearing the boat and he didn’t slow down. Carl looked on and noticed he had no plans to stop.

"What the hell is he doing?" Carl yelped as Luis flung himself off the Sea Doo and onto the boat.

"Luis!" Sheridan screamed as she recognized his face.

Luis had managed to take Carl to the floor when he made it on the boat. They were struggling on the deck as Sheridan and Ethan stood there looking on. Ethan had a sudden burst of courage though and got into the rumble. With both of them fighting they managed to get Carl pinned to the ground rather quickly. Sheridan sighed a breath of relief when she realized Luis had saved her yet again.

"Sheridan, are you okay?" Luis asked as he and Ethan tied up Carl.

"Yeah, I’m fine" she was having trouble restraining herself from jumping into Luis’s arms.

"Good, now jump in the water and swim on to the Sea Doo" When Luis jumped from the Sea Doo the motor had cut off, but it still ended about 100 feet from the boat.

"What why?"

"Just do it, please Sheridan" Luis pleaded hoping she wouldn’t want more of an explanation. "I’ll be there in a couple of minutes, as soon as I finish with Carl" Sheridan knew he was looking out for her safety so she climbed onto the edge of the boat. She took one more longing glance at Luis, whose eyes were fixed on her, and jumped back into the water. After the past days she was so sick of salt water she doubted she would ever want to swim again. She made her way to the Sea Doo and hopped on. If she had had the keys she would have driven it over to pick up Luis and Ethan, but Luis still had them. So she sat and watched and waited. She noticed that Luis and Ethan had finally tied up Carl and he was squirming to get free but they did not jump into the water. They seemed to be talking about something. She couldn’t hear them, but could tell it was serious by the look on their faces. Next thing she saw was Ethan and Luis giving each other an encouraging pat on the back and then Luis jumped in the water, but Ethan didn’t follow. She going to yell at Ethan to hurry up, but she thought maybe he still didn’t feel great and Luis was going to drive over to him. Luis made it to her and she held on tightly to the Sea Doo as he climbed up. She noticed that there was going to be hardly any room for Ethan, but she wouldn’t mind having to sit on Luis’s lap. As soon as Luis was securely on Sheridan embraced him in a huge hug. She didn’t want to ever let go. Luis held on to her tightly too, he was so scared he was going to lose her this time. He gently kissed her on the forehead.

"Sheridan, we will have time for this later, but right now I need to get you out of here" he unwrapped his arms from her and put the key back into the ignition.

"What about Ethan?" she didn’t want to leave him behind with Carl.

"He’ll be fine trust me" Luis tried to convince her but he knew she was going to put up a fight on this one. Ethan was the only family she had that she truly cared about.

"Luis we can’t leave him" she started to get frantic.

"They won’t hurt him Sheridan. I promise"

"Luis Carl said that they wanted him alive, but I’m not so sure. He’s the only family I have left" Sheridan was still not convinced leaving him there was a good idea.

"Look, he will be just fine. Julian and Alistair want him back alive and that is what they will get"

"How can you be so sure Luis?"

"Alex told me"

"Alex told you? ALEX?!?" she ripped the keys from the ignition. "Luis, he is the one who did this to us. How can you trust him" Luis tried to reach the keys from her hand, but she kept pulling them away.

"Sheridan I know I can trust what he says. I just know. Don’t ask how right now, we don’t have time, but I promise to tell you later. Please give me the keys. I need to get you away from here" she still wouldn’t relent.

"I can’t leave him Luis" she was now is hysterics. "He’s all I have left"

"Sheridan if you trust me at all, please give me the keys. Please you know I would never do anything to hurt you" Sheridan remembered what Ethan said about trusting Luis now that she knew he always had her best interests in his mind. She finally gave him the keys and he started the engine and started to the other side of the Harbor. He didn’t want to take the chance of running into some more of Julian and Alistair’s goons. As soon as they were far enough away Luis took the chance to whisper in Sheridan’s ear.

"And Ethan’s not all you have left. You will always have me"

Sheridan almost fell off the Jet Ski she was so shocked he had said that. She had not heard him when he yelled ‘I love you’ at her. She was so scared, but she wanted to stop and show him how much he meant to her. Tears again trickled down her check, but these were tears of joy. Luis kept driving, finally he came to some beach and drove in as far as he could. He escorted Sheridan off of the Jet Ski and quickly dragged her off the beach. Luis was surprised she didn’t protest when he didn’t let her stop and take in the atmosphere. Maybe now she had finally come to realize how much danger she was in. Now that not only the Paris drug cartel was after her but also her own father. Luis ushered her into a cab before anyone could notice they were there.

"Airport please" Luis instructed the driver.

"Luis why are we going to the airport?" she whispered to him. She was snuggled close to Luis, unwilling to let him go. They had their hands intertwined but the desire to maul each other with kisses wasn’t their eyes. They seemed to be content in the fact that they were together like they should be. At least for now. They were both a little scared that if they moved the other would disappear.

"It’s safe there" was his only answer for the moment.

Sheridan understood he didn’t want to say too much in front of the driver. The cab stopped, and Luis searched his pants for his wallet, but suddenly remembered these weren’t his pants and he had no money. Sheridan came to his rescue though. As always, through all the madness, she had managed to keep a hold of her purse. She pulled out some money and handed it to the driver. They exited the cab and headed into the airport. Both were a bit embarrassed by their appearances. They were dirty, ungroomed to perfection like usual, and still a little wet. They didn’t have time to fret about this though because Luis needed to call Hal. Hal was probably going out of his mind trying to figure out what had happened to them. Luis took Sheridan’s hand and led her through the terminal. Luis found a security guard and asked to be taken to the security office. He explained he was a cop and he was working for the FBI. But without his credentials and looking the way he did it was hard to convince the security guard but finally Luis managed to persuade him. Luis got Sheridan some coffee and left her sitting at a small table while her phoned Hal.

"Hello?" the operator answered.

"Agent Freeman please"

"May I ask who is calling?"

"Officer Lopez-Fitzgerald"

"He’s been waiting for this call. I’ll put you right through"

"Thank you" there was silence for only a split second before Hal picked up his extension.

"Luis?" Hal’s voice was a little frantic.

"Hey Hal"

"Where the hell are you? Is Miss Crane with you?"

"Yeah, she’s fine Hal. We’re at the airport"

"Which airport? Harmony?"

"No Boston"

"Boston??? What on earth are you doing there?"

"It’s a long story Hal and right now isn’t the time for it. But I do have some interesting new for you"

"And that is?"

"Sheridan is now not only being hunted by the Parisians, but also her own father. They had her kidnapped from the Crane Mansion"

"They what? Why? How?"

"Calm down Hal, I have her and she is safe now, but they know we are in Boston. We need to get out of her and somewhere safe"

"I’ll send some Boston PD to the airport to guard you until I figure out somewhere you’ll be safe. Until then hold tight"

"Alright Hal, but hurry"

Luis walked back to Sheridan and sat down without saying a word. She looked at him wide eyed with a questioning look. She wanted to know what was going on. Luis sighed before beginning his explanation.

"Now we sit and wait again"

"That’s all? Again no secret plan? You’re losing your touch Luis" she smiled as she teased him. This caused him to become less tense. Seeing her relaxed and joking made him smile too.

"They are sending Boston PD over until Hal decides what to with us"

"To do with us? That almost makes us sound like humans"

"Sheridan" Luis gave her a disapproving look. "You know what I meant"

"Sorry. So what do we do until then?"

"Let’s go to the gift shop and see if we can find some dry clothes. I know it won’t be Versaci or anything but you need to try something new once in awhile"

"Tourist clothing! I can’t wait!" she wore and over exaggerated smile.

Luis swung his arm playfully over her shoulder and they walked out of the office. They drew quite a few stares walking through the terminal. Barefoot and dirty they walked into the gift shop. They quickly found some things that would work and went separately into the bathrooms. They both got dressed and cleaned up. They walked out of the bathroom at the same time clad in green Celtic shorts, matching white Celtic t-shirts, along with green flip flops. They looked very cute in their matching outfits. Sheridan and Luis both had a good laugh at each other before joining their hands and walking back to the office.

"Oh, I almost forgot to ask you" Sheridan suddenly said.

"What?" Luis asked curiously.

"Why did we come here instead of going straight to the police station?"

"Because they don’t have these fashionable clothes there" he struck a pose and gave her a model smile. She gave him a playful shove on the waist. "But seriously where would the first place your father would think to look for us?" Sheridan quickly caught on.

"So that’s exactly where we didn’t want to be"

"You got it"

Julian walked into a dark warehouse. He looked around aimlessly until Carl walked up to him.

"Right this way" Carl said nervously.

"Did everything go as planned?" Julian asked as Carl opened the door to s storeroom.

"Well not exactly" As Julian walked into the room he saw Ethan sitting there but no Sheridan.

"Where is my sister?" Julian asked angrily. But Carl didn’t say a word as Ethan took over.

"She is somewhere where she is out of danger. Too bad we can’t say the same thing about you" Ethan stood up and raised a gun to Julian’s head. "Leave Carl" he ordered and Carl fled as quickly as his feet would take him.

Ace dreaded doing it, but it had to be done. He had to call the powerful Alistair Crane and tell him that the plan had been botched. He knew this would cost him money. He just hoped it wouldn’t cost him his life. He felt a sense of relief when he heard the answering machine pick up.

"Mr. Crane, it’s Ace. There’s been a bit of a problem. I’m afraid the plan didn’t go as we had hoped" he was cut off when he heard Alistair’s voice come booming into the receiver.

"What happened? Don’t tell me that little peon of a cop came to her rescue again!"

"I’m afraid so sir"

"How?" was Alistair could say he was so furious.

"I’m not sure, but he shot one of my best men and has another one hostage, or so I think. I haven’t heard from Carl in hours"

"Great, just great" Alistair seethed. "If that is the way she wants to play, it’s time to bring in the professionals. Ace, your lucky I don’t kill you, but I am feeling generous today" Alistair quickly hung up the phone. Ace heard boats cruising around his ship, so he looked out his window. He saw an entourage of coast guard boats. Alistair had only let him live because Alistair knew Ace was soon to be arrested. Ace groaned and new he was in for trouble.

Sheridan and Luis were sitting at the small table again. They were playing poker to pass the time. When it was suggested they both secretly wished it was strip poker but under the circumstances their imaginations would have to do. They were enjoying the company of each other in a relaxed situation. Their conversations were full of jokes and playful jabs at the other. Smiles adorned their faces and you would never guessed Sheridan and Luis were in so much danger. Their laughter was interrupted when the cop brigade came in. Three armed officers came in and made Sheridan and Luis remember the situation they were in. The smiles were quickly wiped off their faces until the last officer walked in. They quickly turned back to each other and started to laugh again.

"You two again" Tina put her hands on her hips. "What kind of trouble are you in now? Wait don’t tell me, let me guess" she walked up to the table and rested her hands on it. "Oh I know. Luis saved your life again Sheridan but you don’t think he did it because he loves you, which he does, so you are having him arrested again. Am I close?" Both of their faces were a deep shade of red. "No?" Tina smiled. But the smile was not long lived. "Ok time to get serious. I heard you were kidnapped again Sheridan. I need to take statements from both of you"

"We’ll be happy to tell you everything" Sheridan smiled weakly. "Anything to help arrest the bastards" the truth came barreling back and sideswiped Sheridan who became immediately distraught. Luis scooted his chair around the table and took Sheridan’s hand in his. He gave it a gentle squeeze because he could feel her trembling, but she seemed to calm down at his touch.

"Don’t worry Sheridan" Tina tried to put her mind at ease. "We have already sent the coast guard to bring in the involved members of the crew. The are all going to arrested"

"No" Luis said quickly. "You can’t arrest Anton…Alex. He helped us" Luis quickly spit out as he tried to think of a better excuse for not having his brother arrested. He did have Miguel arrested the other night, but this was different. Luis didn’t want Antonio’s children to be orphaned. It was more for the children than his brother. Sheridan looked over at Luis and tried to figure out why he cared so much about keeping Alex out of jail. She stared at him hard. And then it all clicked.

"He’s your brother" she gasped. "That was Antonio" Luis wouldn’t let his eyes meet hers. He still wished he could hide the truth. He was happy to have found Antonio, but he was ashamed of what he had become. Luis did see hope though. Antonio had helped him get to Sheridan.

"Luis, Alex is Antonio isn’t he?" Sheridan asked.

"Yeah" he said quickly still avoiding her eyes.

"We can’t choose our family" she sensed his embarrassment.

"I’m sorry Luis, but it has already been done" Tina said regretfully.

"It’s ok Tina. I know he had to be arrested. It’s not him I am worried about, but his children"

"He has children?" Sheridan said sadly.

"Eight" Luis stated.

"Well I am sure their mother will find a way to take care of them" Sheridan said hopefully.

"She died last year" Luis hung his head. Sheridan felt terrible now too. She hated to break up a family.

"Guys" Tina tried to snap them from their thoughts. "I still need your statements"

"Ethan, what do you think you are doing?" Julian asked as he watched his son point a gun to his head.

"I’m not doing anything you don’t deserve" Ethan said with a hint of evil in his voice. He walked closer to Julian and stopped about 20 feet in front of him with the gun still raised. "I can’t believe you are my father, that I come from you. I am glad I was sent away to school so I wasn’t influenced more by you"

"You should be glad that I took you under my wing" Julian smirked.

"Glad? Why the hell should I be glad?" Julian was glad Ethan took the bait.

"Because without me you would be nothing. You’re mother has been keeping something from you your entire life my dear boy"

"What the hell are you talking about?" Julian was doing a good job of distracting Ethan from his gun, although it was still pointed at his head.

"Don’t you get it boy?" Julian sneered. "You are not a real Crane"

"What? Just because I am not following in your evil footsteps I am not a real Crane?"

"No, it is because I am not your father" Julian said coldly.

"What?!?" Ethan was so shocked he lost all sense of reality. His hands tensed into fists which caused the trigger to squeeze. The gun fired before Ethan knew what happened.

Alistair was growing more and more impatient. He hated when people made him wait. He had put out the call to the professionals over an hour ago and still had not gotten word back. Sheridan continued to defy him and her responsibilities to her family. She was getting to close to the truth. Since she refused to let it go and seemed to revel in being disobedient it was time to get rid of her. Alistair knew she was his daughter, his own flesh and blood, but no one got in the way of his empire, no one. This wasn’t the first time he had to deal with a family member this way and he was sure it wouldn’t be the last. Finally the phone rang before Alistair could get too deep in his memories.

"Alistair Crane" he announced as he spoke into the speakerphone.

"Mr. Crane, I heard you needed a little help taking care of your daughter"

"And I heard you were just the man to do it"

"That I am, but her current location has eluded me"

"That information will be given to you, if you agree to this partnership"

"Oh I agree" he said without hesitation.

"Then you approve of the terms of the agreement I sent you?" Alistair wanted to make sure every minor detail was taken care of before he moved on with the conversation.

"I will do everything you have asked of me, but in return I do not wish to be sent money. After the job is done I wish to have no further contact with you or your associates"

"Very well" Alistair quickly agreed. He was greedy and enjoyed not having to part with his money. "Sheridan is currently in Boston" he announced and the both hung up their phones.

Sheridan and Luis finished giving Tina their statements. They had told her all about Julian, Nick, Ace, Alex and Carl. Sheridan had heard Alistair on the speakerphone, but that would never hold up in court. That is unless they had a trace on the phone or someone implicated him. But no one knew where Alistair was so a trace would be useless and who would implicate the almighty Alistair Crane. He seemed to be untouchable, which scared Sheridan, Luis and Tina.

"Tina, do you have any idea where Hal is going to send us? Father knows we are in Boston and it is only a matter of time before one of his spies locates us" Sheridan decided to ask even though she knew the answer.

"I’m sorry Sheridan. I don’t have a clue, but I am sure Hal will call soon" as if Tina was psychic, the phone rang with those words still hanging from her mouth. Luis quickly picked up the phone.

"Hello?" Luis didn’t want to jump to conclusions and assume it was Hal.

"Luis?"

"Hal, thank god. Tell me you have good news"

"Well Luis, that all depends. I do have a place for you and Sheridan to go, and it will be very secure"

"Hal, that’s great news" Luis was relieved.

"Hold on Luis, we are sending choppers over to get you, but you still need to be very cautious. We have had word that the drug cartel is on its way to Boston. They will probably be there before we get you out of there"

"Great" Luis said sarcastically. "just what we need" Sheridan didn’t like Luis’s tone and immediately tensed up. "Don’t worry" Luis whispered to her, but that didn’t put her at ease.

"Luis, has Ethan been found?" Sheridan still didn’t like the fact that they had just left him.

"Hal, any news on Ethan?" Luis relayed Sheridan’s question.

"We haven’t found him yet, but we have recovered the boat. There was no sign of him or Carl"

"Nothing at all?" Luis hoped for anything.

"I wish I had more to tell you" Hal apologized. "Sit tight, the choppers are on the way"

"Thanks Hal. We’ll see you soon" Luis hung up the phone and immediately tried to hide his grief.

"Where’s Ethan?" Sheridan was sick with worry.

"They don’t know. I’m so sorry Sheridan"

"Luis, you promised he would be alright"

"I don’t know what else to say, but I am sorry and they should find him soon" Luis was standing behind Sheridan who was still sitting at the table. He tried to place his hands on her shoulders but she flinched at his touch. She quickly stood up and moved away from Luis.

"We never should have left him Luis. I shouldn’t have given the keys back to you. He is the only family I have. Would you have left Theresa or Miguel there?"

"No, but…"

"There are no buts Luis. Just because Ethan is a Crane you left him there! I can’t believe I listened to you"

"Sheridan calm down. He’ll be fine"

"Calm down? CALM DOWN?!? I can’t believe you are telling me to calm down. Just stop right now! I don’t want to hear anymore. My family means nothing to you, well then I guess I don’t mean anything to you either" Sheridan drew a deep breath.

"Sheridan you’re jumping to conclusions"

"I don’t want to hear it Luis. Leave me alone, just leave me alone!" Sheridan rushed out of the security office.

Sheridan rushed out of the office and headed to the bathroom. Tina saw the whole situation blow up in Luis’s face. Tina looked at Luis and sighed. Their relationship still needed a little help. Luis was ready to follow Sheridan when Tina stepped in his way.

"Luis, let me go talk to her"

"But this is between us" Luis tried to move past Tina but she wouldn’t have any of it.

"She needs to calm down. Just give her times to come to her senses"

"Fine" Luis muttered as he slumped into a chair and said a few choice phrases.

Tina walked into the bathroom to find Sheridan slamming the stall doors. Anyone who was in the bathroom was sent running.

"Why do I get like that around him?" Sheridan asked acknowledging Tina’s presence.

"He gets to you Sheridan. You’re in love. Can’t you see it?"

"I know I love him. I can admit that now, but…"

"But nothing. Have you told Luis yet?"

"No" Sheridan said completely flustered. She slumped against the wall and slid to the floor. She shoved her head into her knees.

"Why not Sheridan? It’s so obvious he feels the same way about you. He was going to come after you, but I wouldn’t let him"

"Why not?"

"I was afraid you would bite his head off"

"I probably would have" Sheridan sighed. "I can’t believe I just acted that way"

"I can. It’s all that sexual tension you two have built up. Take him to bed already. It will make you both a hell of a lot happier"

"I wish. If only the circumstances were different"

"Yeah, we could all live on if only’s but Sheridan make something happen"

"How? There are guards around us all the time. We are never going to be alone"

"Who cares if you are not alone? That doesn’t mean you can’t kiss him"

"It’s just that whenever we kiss it is so hard to keep it from getting out of hand"

"That just proves how into each other you are. Go talk to him"

"I guess it would be better than sitting on the bathroom floor"

"Oh honey it better be a whole hell of a lot better" she gave Sheridan a wink ad then helped her off the floor. "By the way, love the outfit" Sheridan smiled but couldn’t think of a witty comeback so she just followed Tina back into the security office.

Ethan stared in disbelief. The gun had gone off. He blinked to refocus his eyes. He was finally able to regain control of reality and looked at the floor. There he saw the man he thought was his father lying in a pool of blood. Ethan dropped the smoking gun and rushed to Julian’s side. He dropped to his knees and tried to stop the blood from seeping from Julian’s chest.

"You may not be a true Crane, but you have learned some tricks from me" Julian still managed to be evil as his body began to fail him.

"Shut up!" Ethan scolded. "Save your strength"

"The truth hurts doesn’t it boy? Evil is in your blood" he started gasping for breath.

"If you’re not my father than who is?"

"Wouldn’t you like to know?"

"God damn it. Do the right thing for once"

"Never! I was born a Crane and will die a Crane" the air stopped filling Julian’s lungs and his life slipped away.

"What have I done?!?" Ethan screamed into the air. "And who am I?"

Alistair continued with his everyday life. Business was booming as always. He was a little worried that Julian hadn’t been in touch, but he figured after he hadn’t been able to pick up Ethan or Sheridan he found a floozy to fill his time. His son had a habit of filling his extra time with anything female with a pulse. Julian was definitely a Crane, but Sheridan was more of a Carter. Cynthia Carter Crane had given him two well bread children. Alistair just wished she was still around to help lead Sheridan onto the right path. Her death was a terrible loss to Alistair. Cynthia was the only person who could put him in his place. Unfortunately that trait is what led to her demise. She was too head strong for her own good. And she had a stubborn streak in her like no one else. It seemed Sheridan inherited everything from her mother, including her beauty. The first time Alistair laid eyes on Cynthia he knew he had to have her. His only mistake was he didn’t know who she was. He flaunted his money and expected her to jump into bed with him. He tried to shower her with gifts but she just seemed to want to ignore him. Alistair had given up on her only to find out a month later he was engaged to the same beautiful woman. Cynthia Carter was the daughter of Robert Shane Carter. Mr. Carter owned all the major newspapers. The New York Times, The Chicago Tribune, and The Washington Post were just a few. This merger would guarantee no bad press for the Cranes. Something they desperately needed. So Alistair and Cynthia were wed. Alistair sat behind his desk with a dreamy look on his face. He would never admit it to anyone but he missed her. Seeing Sheridan’s sweet little face was just one of the reasons he sent her to Paris. She made him feel weak and he couldn’t have that. Suddenly his smile faded as he recalled the night Cynthia died.

Luis stood up and walked to the door as soon as he saw Sheridan open it. Tina asked the other officers and security guards to leave the room for awhile. Everyone complied with her and left leaving Luis and Sheridan alone. They stood in the middle of the room as people filed past them. Neither one was really looking forward to being alone together. They didn’t know what to say. But soon the last guard left and they watched the door close. Sheridan thought of her little talk with Tina and decided Tina was right. Without saying a word Sheridan walked straight up to Luis. Before Luis had time to question her actions she had her lips pressed to his. She kissed him passionately and let her tongue explore his mouth. Luis couldn’t believe what she was doing, but he couldn’t resist her either. He let his tongue stroke hers as he wrapped his arms tightly around her. He drew her as close as he could so that their bodies were pressed tightly together. He rubbed small circles on her back as she ran her fingers through his hair. Luis’s hands continued to move lower on her back until they rested just above her buttocks. He was unsure whether or not to move on. Sheridan must have sensed his apprehensions because she moved on to her tiptoes causing his hands to now rest where he intended them to go. He squeezed her in closer and gently lifter her off the ground and into his arms. They were both completely lost in each other. They were in a different world. Before either of them realized it they were on the small security office sofa, and their clothes were becoming more and more disheveled. For some reason Luis came back to earth and realized the position they were in.

"Sheridan…we…need to…stop" Luis said between kisses.

"No we don’t Luis. No one is going to attack us here. We are safe"

"That’s not why I wanted to stop" Luis removed himself from on top of her. She sat up and began to fix her clothes.

"Why then?" She feared his answer, maybe Tina was wrong, maybe he didn’t love her.

"Why? Because I don’t want our first time to be on a dingy sofa with 20 guards outside the door. I want to remember that moment for the rest of my life and I want it to be perfect" Sheridan began to glow. He was the most thoughtful person she had ever met. She moved closer to him and managed to position herself on his lap. His arms were wrapped securely around her waist.

"Luis, it doesn’t have to be perfect. I just need to be with you"

"Call me a sap if you want, but I want to be able to buy you flowers and take you out to dinner. I want to get all dressed up and see you all dolled up. I want to take you out on the town and show everyone I belong to you"

"That is so sweet Luis, but we have done all that already. And anyone who sees us together knows we only have eyes for each other. I need to be closer to you, I need you to love me"

"But don’t you see? I do love you"

"Really?" her face lit up and she couldn’t seem to stop smiling.

"Yes, I love you with every inch of my heart and my soul"

"I never thought I would feel this way about another person. I love you too Luis" she let her head rest on Luis’s shoulder and they held each other tightly. "See, we just told each other we loved each other for the first time on this dingy sofa and was it any less special?" she smiled hoping that she was getting to him.

"It wasn’t exactly how I planned it, but I could have never imagined the feeling it gave me. I wouldn’t change it for the world. But I know what you are getting at my dear and it won’t work"

"Damn" she muttered.

"You will just have to wait until this mess passes over. But have no fear the minute you are out of danger you are all mine" Luis raised his eyebrows.

"I don’t plan on making the wait easy for you"

"I wouldn’t have it any other way. I guess this means you are not angry with me anymore"

"I never really was. I know you wouldn’t have left Ethan without a good reason. I was just scared. I’m sorry I acted so terribly"

"You have nothing to be sorry for. I would have acted the same way"

The door suddenly swung open and Hal walked in. He eyed Sheridan and Luis and the quickly stood up. They moved apart trying to hide their intentions from Hal.

"What’s going on here?" Hal asked.

"Nothing Hal" Luis said nonchalantly. Sheridan walked over to talk with Tina.

"It didn’t look like nothing Luis. I told you not to get involved with Ms. Crane"

"Hal, you knew there was something between us when you hired me"

"I had my suspicions, but I took your word that there wasn’t. Come on I need to get you on the choppers"

Sheridan walked with Tina to the helicopters and Luis with Hal. Hal had a grim look on his face and Luis could tell he was thinking about something. Hal put Sheridan and Luis on the same chopper but as Luis was about to step on Hal put his hand on Luis’s shoulder, stopping him for a second.

"Enjoy your time together Luis. When Sheridan is settled in and safe, she is going to be assigned a new bodyguard"

Luis looked at Hal with a blank stare. He couldn’t have heard what he thought he did. Hal couldn’t leave Sheridan with just anyone.

"What are you talking about Hal? Why would Sheridan need a new bodyguard?"

"Because her current one messed up and let his emotions get too involved"

"Hal it’s those emotions that keep her safe. We’re so connected that I can sense any danger that I can sense any danger is in" Luis had to yell over the noise of the helicopter but he made sure Sheridan couldn’t hear him. Hal was doing the same.

"I don’t doubt that Luis. You two seem to have ESP but what happens if you become too involved?"

"Too involved? This woman already has my heart. I think we are past the too involved point"

"No Luis. What if you two were caught up … um … in each other when Roger and Pierre decide to strike?"

"I won’t let that happen Hal. I have already stopped that from happening many times"

"All it would take is one time Luis. I think it will be better this way. Now get on the chopper. We can talk about this more when we get to our destination"

Luis got on the chopper and had an awful feeling in his stomach. He didn’t know how to tell Sheridan nor did he want to. But he didn’t want to keep secrets from her either. Sheridan watched closely as he sat next to her. She tried to read him but all she could tell was that he was not happy.

"What’s wrong Luis?" she grabbed his hand and squeezed it gently. She began to lightly caress his thumb with hers.

"It’s just something Hal told me"

"Well tell me. If it has to do with me I want to know"

"Sheridan you’re not going to like this, or at least I hope you won’t"

"You hope I won’t like it? Luis you’re confusing me. Now out with it"

"Hal’s assigning you a new bodyguard" Luis said as fast as he possibly could.

"Why do I need a new bodyguard?" Sheridan was clueless to the full extent of Luis’s statement.

"Because your old bodyguard has been fired" Luis said sadly.

"What?!?" Sheridan exploded. "Why would Hal fire you? You are the most capable person for the job"

"Well Hall thinks I am a little too capable"

"What are you talking about?"

"He thinks I might get too caught up in you that I will forget to do my job"

"Luis that just isn’t true. You turned me down already and I have tried numerous times"

"I told him that Sheridan. But he had a good point. It would only take one time and I don’t know how much longer I can resist you"

"Luis I promise I will be good. I won’t come on to you, I won’t try and seduce you. Hell I will wear baggy sweat suits everyday if I have to"

"That wouldn’t help Sheridan. There is nothing you could do to make me want you any less"

"Luis I don’t want you to leave me" she sadly rested her head on his shoulder and it didn’t take long before the tears began to fall. Luis hated to see her cry. It tore him up inside. He wiped the tears from her cheeks and kissed her lightly on her forehead.

"I don’t want to leave either" Luis said regretfully.

Ethan picked himself up off the floor. He finally came to the conclusion that he should call 911. He didn’t have his cell phone though and he doubted that the phones in this rustic warehouse connected anymore. He swallowed hard when the next thought crossed his mind. There didn’t seem to be any other choice. Ethan began to search Julian’s lifeless body for a cell phone. He found one in the inside pocket of Julian’s jacket. Ethan quickly moved away from the body and dialed 911.

"911, What’s the emergency" the operator asked.

"I just killed my fath… a man" he stumbled over his words.

"What is your locations?" she seemed to be unaffected by his words.

"I’m in a warehouse near Boston Harbor"

"You are going to have to be more specific Sir"

"This is as specific as I can be. I don’t know where I am"

"Can you see landmarks or buildings from the window?"

"NO!" Ethan yelled. "There are no windows"

"I need you to stay calm sir"

"CALM? I just killed the man I thought was my father up until an hour ago"

The conversation went on like this for at least 20 more minutes. Then they finally figured out where Ethan was. After hanging up the phone he returned to the bench he sat on when Julian had arrived. Ethan’s eyes darted from Julian to the gun that took his life. He didn’t know how he was going to explain this to Gwen or his mother. But then again his more had a lot of explaining to do too. He was so wrapped up in his thoughts he didn’t hear the police arrive. The police stormed the building, not taking the chance that the criminal was still armed. They made there way to the open storeroom door. Carefully about 10 officers filed in the room all pointing guns at Ethan. They yelled at him to put his hands up in the air and not to make any sudden moves. Ethan complied with their requests and soon found himself in handcuffs.

Alistair remembered that day like it was yesterday. Cynthia’s death would forever be etched in his mind. He flashed back to that dreadful day. It was a warm summer day and Cynthia had just gotten back with the 9yr old Sheridan from riding lessons. Sheridan came bounding into the room, ran up to her father and jumped into his arms.

"I did it daddy!" she exclaimed. "I jumped two fences in a row!" she beamed at the thought of her accomplishment. She hoped her father would be proud of her.

"Sheridan, can’t you see we have company?" Alistair said sternly as he motioned to the governor and his wife. Cynthia slowly made her way into the room.

"I’m sorry daddy. I didn’t mean to be impolite" Sheridan straightened her riding outfit. "It is very nice to see you again governor and Mrs. … governor" for the life of her she couldn’t remember their names.

"Your daughter is adorable Alistair" Margaret, the governor’s wife, commented.

"Good morning Thomas, Margaret" Cynthia greeted their guest.

"Good morning Cynthia" Thomas returned.

"Sheridan go up to your room" Alistair ordered. "Did you finish that report on George Washington I asked you for?"

"No father" she was afraid to see his reaction. She knew he expected it to be done by now, after all he did assign it to her yesterday.

"I expect it to be done by dinner. Now go" Sheridan said goodbye and walked like a lady until she was out of site and then ran the rest of the way to her room.

"You shouldn’t be so hard on her Alistair. She is just a child and it is summer" Alistair fumed he couldn’t believe Cynthia was talking to him like this in front of their guests. He glared at her and she knew she was in for a lecture later.

"I treated Julian like this and look how he turned out"

That is what Cynthia was afraid of. Julian was a perfect son on the outside. He just graduated top of his class from Harvard Law School and had returned home to help with the family business. But Julian lacked morals and was void of scruples. She didn’t want this to happen to her daughter. Cynthia excused herself and left Alistair to his meeting. She went directly up to Sheridan’s room. Cynthia found her daughter already hard at work. Sheridan didn’t even bother changing her clothes before she started her report. Cynthia’s heart sank. She realized Sheridan wanted nothing more than to please her father.

"Sheridan, what are you doing?"

"My report. I want to have it done before lunch. Maybe then daddy will love me. Why doesn’t daddy love me mother?"

"He does Sheridan. He just doesn’t always show it"

"Does he love you?"

"I’m not sure darling. He used to love me very much. I just keep hoping the old Alistair will return someday"

"I hope so too. Daddy isn’t going to be happy that I couldn’t remember the governor’s name. He is going to scold me"

"I will talk to him Sheridan. I’ll make sure he doesn’t scold you"

"He never listens. As soon as you are gone I always get hit"

"He hits you???"

"Oh mother please don’t tell him. I wasn’t supposed to say anything"

"Sheridan you should have told me a lot sooner. How long has this been happening?"

"I don’t remember"

"Why don’t you have Pilar get you some ice cream? You deserve it after your accomplishment today"

"Ice cream before lunch, really?"

"Of coarse. It’s not everyday that you jump two fences in a row for the first time"

Sheridan skipped down the hall and Cynthia went in the library and waited for her husband. She knew this would be the first place he went after his meeting was finished. She had a few things to tell him and it wasn’t going to be pretty.

Luis held Sheridan tight as the helicopter came to a landing. He looked out the window and noticed the place looked strangely familiar. It looked like club med though. There seemed to be plenty of things to do and it was all gated off and he could see cameras all over the place. Sheridan and Luis left the chopper and took in their surroundings.

"Hal were are we?" Sheridan was awestruck.

"Welcome to Camp David" Hal announced.

"Camp David? The President’s Camp David?" she was stunned.

"Now I know why this place looked familiar. I’ve seen hundreds of pictures of it" Luis continued to look around. "I can’t believe I am here"

"Well believe it. But don’t get too excited the president isn’t here. I pulled some strings and got you first-rate accommodations. Well I will let you get settled. I have to go into the bureau for a couple of hours"

"I no you don’t" Sheridan stood in his way. "We have something to discuss first"

"Sheridan’s it’s a done deal" Hal realized Luis must have filled her in.

"No it’s not and I am going to tell you why!"

"Sheridan" Hal said sternly. "I am here to look out for your best interests plain and simple. This is for the best"

"No, if you had my best interests in mind you would know that I am not always cooperative with police officers. Luis is the only person I trust with my life"

"It’s not up for discussion Sheridan. Luis will be going home tonight"

"That is not acceptable. He is the best bodyguard there is. You can’t take him off the case"

"You just want him here for a good romp in the hay!" their argument got heated, neither one willing to budge.

"How dare you! Do you think I am an ice princess who only use men for their bodies and then discard them?"

"It’s been known to happen"

"How can you make judgments of me when you don’t even know me?"

"I know more about you than you think. That track record of yours I know every name on it, and boy is it long"

"This has nothing to do with my personal life" Sheridan quickly changed the subject.

"This has EVERY thing to do with your personal life. If you two can’t keep your hot hands off each other, how do you think Luis can protect you? I will not take the chance of you getting hurt"

"I’m sorry that a big case will slip through your fingers if I die"

Sheridan glared at Hal which he returned right back. Luis stood back and watched the whole event unfold. He didn’t want to get involved for fear of his life. Tina stood next to Luis. She had been assigned to the force protecting Sheridan at Camp David.

"How long do you think this is going to go on?" Luis asked Tina while they waited for the war to stop.

"I’ve worked with Hal before and he is very stubborn. I doubt he will cave anytime soon"

"Great" Luis retorted sarcastically.

"What?"

"It just so happens Sheridan is the most stubborn person I know. I think we are in for a real showdown"

"Oh yippee" Tina gripped. "Got any popcorn?"

Alistair continued to remember the events of the day Cynthia died. He pushed a pencil back and forth on his desk as he slid back in time. He just finished his meeting with the Governor and was in desperate need for some brandy. He headed straight for his library, his sanctuary. He was surprised but not happy to see Cynthia there when he entered the room.

"What are you doing here?" Alistair asked coldly.

"We have something to talk about" she equally as cold.

"I know we do. You are never to talk to me like that in front of people or otherwise" he scolded.

"I will talk to you how I please. I am not your servant and I do not take orders from you"

"Oh yes you do. As a Crane wife you are bounded by premarital contract to be the perfect wife. You have been in breach of your contract many times and this is the last straw. You will follow my command"

"You egotistical bastard. But this is not what I came here to discuss"

"And pray tell, what would that be?"

"If I ever find out that you touched Sheridan again let alone hit her. I will blow you out of the water Crane"

"Idle threats mean nothing to me"

"This isn’t idle, nor a threat, but a promise" Cynthia stormed out of the room. She went to her sanctuary, the garden. That is where she sorted out all of her thoughts. Alistair followed her out the door but had a different destination. He headed straight for Sheridan’s room.

Sheridan and Hal continued their argument for a good half an hour before Luis and Tina decided to put a stop to it. Luis had given up trying to say anything, they didn’t hear anything but each other. Luis finally walked up behind Sheridan and gave her a bear hug and started walking backwards away from Hal. Tina stood in front of Hal making sure he couldn’t follow Sheridan.

"Sheridan, calm down" Luis was struggling to keep a hold of her.

"No one is going to take you away from me Luis"

"You will always have me, even if we have to spend some time apart. Absence makes the heart grow founder remember?"

"It’s not fair Luis. Something is always tearing us apart or getting in our way. Maybe we aren’t supposed to be"

"Don’t say that" Luis ordered. "Never think like that. You are my soul mate and I refuse to lose you"

"Why does everything have to be so complicated?"

"It makes the end result all the more sweet. I promise it will all work out, just stick with me"

"I will Luis. I promise"

Luis and a calmed Sheridan walked back to Hal and Tina. Tina seemed to have stifled Hal’s anger for the moment. He still didn’t look like he had changed his mind about the situation. This didn’t sit well with Sheridan. Luis grabbed Sheridan’s hand a squeezed tightly.

"Sheridan, this is for the best. I am only trying to protect your life, not hurt you" Hal tried to explain.

"Hal, Luis is the only one I trust my life with" Sheridan stated calmly. "Who is going to be my new bodyguard?"

"I am" Hal said without hesitation.

"You? Oh no not this again. Why must I be guarded by the most insufferable men?"

"Don’t worry Sheridan, I’ll be here to keep you company" Tina interjected. "I know I’m no Luis but…"

"Thanks Tina"

"We’ll leave you two to say your good-byes. Luis your ride will be here shortly" Hal and Tina walked into the main cabin of Camp David. Sheridan looked at Luis like she was ready to cry but she willed the tears away.

"Let’s go for a walk" Luis suggested, Sheridan just nodded her head. They began walking around not caring where they ended up as long as they were together. "I’ll call you everyday" Sheridan again just nodded. "We can make this work you"

"I know" Sheridan said barely in a whisper. "Luis," she suddenly stopped walking. "I don’t know how I’m going to get through the days here without you"

"It won’t be for long" he assured her yet he didn’t know if this were true. He didn’t know how long it would be before Roger and Pierre were caught. Sheridan remained unconvinced. Tears began welling up in her eyes again. Luis quickly took notice of this. "Hey" he wiped her cheek. "You know were are destined to be together. It’s just going to take a little longer than we planned. We can make wonderful plans to fulfill when this mess is over with. Besides, now that I don’t have to watch over you, not that I didn’t love every second of it, I can go after these guys and Julian full force"

"No!" Sheridan burst out. "You can’t! You’ll get hurt. Luis promise me you won’t go after these guys. They want you dead as much as me by now. Promise me, please promise Luis" she pleaded.

"I have to do my job Sheridan. I am always going to be a cop. There is always going to be some danger in my life"

"This is taking it to the extreme. You are going after people that want you dead. Lie low for a while, take some vacation, work on the house, anything but that"

"You know I can’t do that"

"I have to try"

"And I love you for it" Sheridan and Luis watched as some cars pulled in the gates. "That must be my ride" they reluctantly made their way back to the cabin. They looked at each other but neither one wanted to say goodbye. Luis saw Hal getting antsy so he decided it was time.

"I’ll call you when I get there" Luis brushed her face.

"Actually you won’t" Hal barged into the conversation. "We don’t want the drug cartel to be able to trace your phones Luis"

"What?" Sheridan gasped horrified that she wouldn’t be able to talk to Luis at all. "I have to be able to at least talk to Luis"

"Now you didn’t let me finish" Hal continued. "But here" he handed both Luis and Sheridan a small box. They both opened them quickly curious of their contents.

"Walkie-talkies?" Luis questioned.

"Yes but not just any. These babies are supercharged FBI walkie-talkies. You’ll be able to talk to Sheridan from Harmony and she will her you loud and clear"

"Thank you Hal" Sheridan had an overwhelming urge to give him a hug but she contained herself. Hal backed away from them so they could say their final goodbye.

"Come here" Luis opened his arms wide and Sheridan rushed into them. She nestled her head on his shoulder and hugged him tightly. He lessened his grip and she looked up in his eyes. "We’ll be okay" he lightly kissed her on the forehead and started to back away from her. "I’ll see you soon"

"Bye Luis" she didn’t manage to keep the tears from falling. They surged down her checks. He had made it to the car before she cried out to him. "Luis!" he turned around to find her running towards him. She jumped back into his arms and pressed her lips firmly against his. It was a short but intense kiss. She pulled away and gave him one more gentle kiss on the lips. "Don’t forget me"

"Never" Luis said sweetly and with that said he was gone.

Alistair tried to distract himself from the past but it didn’t work. He continued to flashback to parts of that day. He didn’t want to relive these memories, but he could seem to block them out today. He headed for Sheridan’s room angrier than he had ever been. She broke his trust. He could not tolerate that in anyway shape or form. He pushed open the door and walked in. Sheridan was startled as she jumped up out of her desk chair.

"Father" she didn’t like the look in his eyes.

"Sheridan, you’ve been a bad, bad girl"

"What did I do?" she began to tremble and back away from him.

"You know what you did" she immediately knew he was talking about telling her mother he hit her.

"I didn’t mean to do it"

"Yes you did, yes you did"

"No, no, no" Sheridan screamed out.

"You will never be a true Crane. You are a wicked girl" He walked up to Sheridan was now up against the wall. He raised his hand and she knew she was done for.

"Don’t you hit her!" a voice bellowed from the doorway. Alistair turned around to see Cynthia with a gun pointed at his head. "Get away from her" she ordered. Alistair did what she said but head straight for her. "Stop, or I’ll shoot"

"You won’t do anything of the sort with your precious daughter in the room"

He continued towards Cynthia who was now backing up into the hallway. Without warning Alistair lurched at her and grabbed for the gun. They began to struggle in the hallway. Sheridan’s room was near the top of the stairs. She could walk out and look straight down to the foyer. Sheridan stood in the doorway as the struggled. In the heat of the argument Alistair had pushed Cynthia next to the railing. Yet he didn’t stop fighting for the gun. Cynthia screamed out in fear. He still kept pushing her. And then finally she fell to the floor below. Sheridan watched in horror as her mother fell. She quickly ran down the steps to her mother. Blood was pooling under her mother, she hit her head on the overhang as she fell. Sheridan knelt down next to her mother and began to cry into her hands. She could feel someone trying to pull her way. She pushed her hands to the ground to try and stand up, she was shaky but she managed. She looked at her hands. They were covered in blood. "It’s all my fault, it’s all my fault" she screamed as she looked at her bloody hands. Alistair stood motionless at the top of the stairs. He couldn’t believe what he had just done but he knew it was for the good of the family. Alistair began to shake his head as he realized the phone was ringing. Finally something that distracted him from reliving the past.

"Alistair Crane"

"Mr. Crane, I have some bad news for you" Alistair recognized the voice of one of his best spies.

"Out with it"

"Julian is dead" he stated bluntly.

"What?" Alistair was sure he hadn’t heard him right.

"And your grandson is in custody for his murder"

"Why do I always have to clean up the mess for my incompetent son"

"Your son is dead sir, you should show him a little respect"

"Don’t tell what I should or shouldn’t do if you want to keep your job, Sir"

"I’m sorry"

"As you should be" Alistair said gruffly and he hung up the phone. "Well I got rid of one of the incompetent fools and I have one head strong one to go" He began to tap his fingers on his desk. He was contemplating what to do next.

Sheridan watched Luis’s car until it disappeared. At that moment she wanted to fall to her knees and cry. She suddenly didn’t feel the safeness or love she had recently become accustomed to. Tina walked over to Sheridan and put her arm around her.

"Come on Sheridan, let’s get you inside" it had started to drizzle. "You don’t want to get sick do you?"

"Just leave me alone Tina, please" Sheridan replied. "I just want to be alone" she repeated in a whisper.

"Honey, he is going to be there when you get out of this mess. He isn’t going to stop loving you"

"I know it isn’t that that I am worried about"

"Then what is it?"

"Please Tina not now. I want to take a walk, alone"

"In the rain? Sheridan you’re going to get sick. Plus you aren’t allowed to go any where alone"

"Not even here? The place with the best security in the US besides the Whitehouse? You have to be kidding me"

"You will have to discuss the rules with Hal. He’s in charge"

"Oh goodie" Sheridan griped.

Sheridan finally gave in and followed Tina to the house. Hal eyed Sheridan from the kitchen as she walked in. She and Tina were dripping wet and leaving a trail on the floor.

"I put some towels right there for you" Hal pointed to the kitchen table.

"Thank you Hal" Tina said. Sheridan still refused to say anything to him.

"Where’s my room?" Sheridan asked Tina.

"Upstairs, second door on the left"

"Thanks" she said gloomily.

"Cheer up Sheridan" Tina said to her as she climbed the stairs. "We’ll watch a chick flick later and have some girl talk" Tina offered hoping to raise Sheridan’s spirits. Sheridan smiled at Tina’s attempt, although it didn’t really work.

"That sounds great Tina. Thank you" her voice was quiet and somber. She was heartbroken and blamed Hal for everything.

Luis couldn’t bear to watch Sheridan as he was driven off. He could see the tears in her eyes. He didn’t know why life had to be so cruel. They dropped him at the airport and before he knew it the short flight to Harmony was over. Luis didn’t feel like calling anyone to pick him up so her took a cab. Even though he didn’t really have the money for it. He ran into his house and back out with money for the cab driver. He then walked back inside and threw his stuff down and sat at the kitchen table. He stared out the window and didn’t even notice Pilar walk in.

"Luis?" Pilar was shocked to see her son sitting at the table. She thought she was imagining things.

"Hi Mama" he stood up and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

"Luis does this mean what I think it does?" she got all excited.

"No, Sheridan is still in danger"

"Then why are you here Mijo?"

"I got fired"

"Fired?!? Luis what happened?" Pilar walked over to the table and sat down with her son.

"I don’t know if you want to here this"

"Of coarse I do Luis. I want to know everything that happens in your life"

"You won’t be proud of me, or even happy for me"

"Just tell me" Pilar pleaded.

"Mama, I’m in love" Luis confessed.

"Please don’t tell me Sheridan is the object of you affection Luis"

"Do you want me to lie?"

"No honesty is always the best"

"Then yes it is Sheridan"

"And she is why you got fired?"

"Well not exactly. We are both to blame. We couldn’t keep away from each other so to speak"

"Dios Mio Luis, don’t tell me such things" Pilar scolded. "You should know better than to have gotten involved with Sheridan. Her family will never allow such a thing"

"I don’t care. She is my soul mate and the hell they are going to take her away from me"

"I fear you don’t know how powerful the really are. Be careful Luis" Luis stood up and started to go upstairs. He walked up into his room and changed into his uniform and made his way back downstairs. Pilar gave him a curious look.

"I’m going to the station. I’m going to crack this case and get Sheridan back here"

"Luis please wait till the morning, it’s late"

"I’ll see you tomorrow"

Luis again kissed Pilar on the cheek and proceeded to walk out the door. Before getting in his jeep though, he sat on the picnic table and tried out the FBI walkie-talkies. He looked at it quizzically, wondering how to make it work. You couldn’t dial it like a phone. He turned it on hoping Sheridan would have hers on.

"Sheridan?" he said kind of quietly trying not to look and sound like an idiot. He waited but there wasn’t an answer. "Sheridan?" he said a little louder, but again nothing. He started banging the thing against the picnic table and all of a sudden it started beeping non-stop. It sounded like a hyper active pager and he couldn’t get it to go off. He was sure he was making quite a scene of himself. He figured it wouldn’t hurt to bang it again, so he hit it on the table a couple of more times.

"Luis?" he heard in between bangs.

"Sheridan" he picked it up and held it to his mouth.

"Yeah it’s me. You got home alright?"

"Mmm-Hmm. I’m just fine. Now how did I make this thing work?" He looked at it and turned it upside down and backwards. Sheridan giggled for she was sure he was inspecting his walkie-talkie.

"You just push the page button and it makes mine beep until I pick it up"

"And how did you know that Miss smarty pants?"

"Tina told me"

"No fair you had help" Luis whined. "What are you doing?"

"Tina and I are just watching a movie. You?"

"Which movie?" Luis asked avoiding her question.

"Sleepless in Seattle"

"Chick flick" was Luis’s only response.

"And your point being? What am I supposed to be watching Rocky100?" they both chuckled. "Now what are you up to?"

"I miss you already" Luis said sincerely.

"Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald you are avoiding the subject now tell me what you are doing!"

"Going to the station" he blurted out hoping she wouldn’t understand him.

"No Luis! Please don’t"

"Sheridan, it’s my job"

"I know but…"

"Nothing is going to happen to…" but before he could finish he felt something strike his head. He groaned in pain and fell into a sea of darkness.

"Luis?" Sheridan said frantically.

"If I can’t get to her, I will kill you" she heard a sinister voice say through the walkie-talkie.

"NOOOO!!!!" Sheridan screamed.

Sheridan couldn’t believe her hears. This couldn’t be happening. Luis was going to come back on and in any second tell her he was okay. She clutched the walkie-talkie and Hal and Tina came running into her room.

"LUIS!" she continued to scream through her tears. "Say something! Oh God! No, please!! LUIS!!!" she sunk to her knees and almost fainted. Tina rushed to her side and held her to keep her sitting up.

"Sheridan, what’s going on?" Hal asked.

"You! You did this" she looked at Hal with fire in her eyes. She blamed this solely on him. "If you hadn’t made him leave he would be okay"

"What are you talking about? What’s wrong with Luis?" Hal asked genuinely concerned.

"I don’t know" Sheridan wailed. Tina rubbed her back trying to calm her anyway she could.

"Sheridan sweetie, calm down and tell us what you heard" She took a gulp of air.

"I heard something hit Luis and him groan" She said between pants of breath. "Then I heard someone say if they couldn’t get to me…" she started to sob again, her body flooded with guilt.

"What would happen is they couldn’t get you Sheridan?" Hal pushed her to continue.

"They would kill him" she whispered because that is all she had the energy for.

"Shit!" Hal exclaimed as he ran out of the room and then they could hear him yelling for the FBI and the Police to get over to Luis’s house. Sheridan stayed in ball on the floor. Tina tried to ease her fears but until Sheridan heard Luis’s voice it was no use. Sheridan kept saying his name into the walkie-talkie hoping that he would somehow hear her.

Alistair’s plane landed in Boston and he confidently walked out of the plane. There was a limo waiting to take him to the police station. There were no press there seeing as it hadn’t been leaked that Julian was dead yet. Alistair was thankful for that. He waltzed into the station with his head held high, like nothing was wrong or happened. He saw Ethan sitting on the other side of the station, head in his hands. He looked detached from reality and deep in thought.

"Mr. Crane I presume" The Boston Chief of police greeted Alistair with a firm handshake.

"Chief" Alistair acknowledged the officer.

"I am sure you have been informed of today’s events"

"Yes and this is what I want done" Alistair announced taking control of the situation. "I want my son’s body cremated and discarded. I don’t care where. I want my grandson released on the condition he will serve community service. And most importantly I want none of this leaked to the press. Not that they would publish it anyway" Alistair smiled knowing he still had the connection with Cynthia’s family.

"Excuse me?" the Police chief couldn’t believe his ears.

"You heard me" Alistair barked.

"Community service for murder. Not even in your world does that fly Mr. Crane" the chief obviously had no idea who he was dealing with.

"It was self defense. It is an unknown fact that my son was mad. I don’t doubt that he was attacking my grandson"

"You’ve got to be kidding me" the chief was amazed at how this family could cover their tracks.

"I have documentation right here" Alistair handed over a stack of papers indicating Julian’s volatile behavior and that he was considered unstable and could snap at any moment. Something in Ethan seemed to wake up suddenly. He looked at his grandfather and was glad he wasn’t related to him.

"That isn’t true" Ethan yelled from across the room. "Julian wasn’t mad and I didn’t shoot him in self defense. It was an accident that the gun went off yes, but I was pointing it at him on my own free will"

"Don’t listen to him" Alistair urged. "He is obviously in a state of shock"

"NO!" Ethan yelled. "I know what I am saying! I am sick of the secrets and the lies. I am not a Crane and I will no longer act like one" Alistair looked like he was ready to blow his top, he had to think of something quick to cover Ethan’s honesty.

Luis felt something hard his head and then felt himself tumble to the ground. He still had the walkie-talkie clutched in his hand, but during the fall it shut off. He slowly rolled his head around as he stirred awake. He took in his surroundings not sure where he was, but where ever it was it seemed huge. He blinked trying to make things more clear. He could see a figure reading in the corner. Things finally started to become back into focus.

"I see you are waking up officer" the figure said to him. Luis knew that voice, that heavy accent.

"Pierre" Luis gasped.

"You remember me" Pierre boasted.

"Where am I?" Luis demanded.

"Tsk, tsk. Do you think I am actually going to tell you that?" Pierre scoffed.

"Why am I here?" Luis shook his head, he was still woozy.

"Now that I can tell you. You see that beautiful blonde girlfriend of yours is whom we really want but to torture her we took you. Won’t she be sad when she finds out her lover boy is dead"

"You stay away from Sheridan!" Luis ordered.

"Unfortunately for us we have to. There is no way we can penetrate Camp David without being caught. But hopefully Ms. Crane will show up for your funeral and we can eliminate her there" Luis struggled to break free of his bindings but the ropes were wound too tight. Pierre laughed at Luis’s attempt to escape. "You will not break free. Let me assure you. Now if you will excuse me Roger and I have some last minute details to plan. Your death will be quite an event"

Luis sat on the floor against a wall. His hands were tied behind and feet were bound together in front of him. He tried to scoot forward but his hands must have been secured to the wall somehow. He could however swing his hands side to side a bit. He looked around for anything that could free him, but he saw nothing in this massive but empty room. His coat was lying on the ground next to him. It was a bit drafty in the room so he put his legs over it and pushed it back towards his hands. After a few minutes of contorting his body the coat rested in his hands. He swung his hands back and forth behind his back and managed to fling the coat onto his lap. He was quite proud of himself, although he had wasted a lot of energy he might need later. But then something caught his eye. In the spot where his coat had just rested sat the walkie-talkie. The fools hadn’t taken it away from him. They obviously thought it was merely a toy.

Tina had managed to get Sheridan into her bed. Sheridan continued to cry and refused to let go of the walkie-talkie, she still wouldn’t let go of the hope that Luis would suddenly come on. Tina had ordered another one of the officers to find some sleeping pills to calm her down. Tina sat next to Sheridan’s bed and rubbed her back as the tears continued to trickle down her cheek. Sheridan couldn’t believe what was happening. It seemed that she just finally found out the truth about Luis. That he was the one, the one man who would love her for her. It wasn’t him she had heard at the wharf. And now he was at the verge of being killed because he tried to protect her. No matter how hard she tried to convince herself that this was Hal’s fault she couldn’t shake the feeling that it was all hers. If she had never met Luis he would be home in Harmony with his family. Sheridan would give anything to trade places with Luis. She loved him so much she would rather die than see him hurt. There were so many people depending on whether he lived or died. She felt that if she were gone the world would keep turning without hesitation. It would jerk to a halt if Luis had been taken from it. She held the walkie-talkie to her ear and prayed Luis would say something.

"Hello?" a faint whisper came across the air waves.

"Luis?" Sheridan said excitedly.

"Sheridan, please stop crying" Luis could tell by her voice she had been crying for awhile.

"Don’t worry about me Luis. Where are you? Are you alright?" She sat up in bed and gave Tina a huge smile. Tina went running to find Hal.

"I’m fine right now, just tied up in some room"

"Just tied up in some room?" Tears rolled freely again at the image of Luis in his current situation.

"I could be worse"

"I suppose. Do you know where you are?"

"No, I don’t but I need to talk to Hal sweetie"

"Tina went to get him. Luis?"

"Yeah"

"I love you"

"Oh I love you too" he smiled. Hearing those words made him fight even harder to get free. "And don’t worry I am going to be just fine"

"Promise?"

"I promise" Hal walked up to Sheridan and she reluctantly gave up the walkie-talkie to him.

"Luis, it’s Hal"

"Hal, this is what I know right now. It was Roger and Pierre and they are planning on killing me hoping that Sheridan will come out of hiding for my funeral. They plan to kill her off then. Hal is Sheridan listening?"

"No" Sheridan was embracing Tina telling her how excited she was that Luis was alive.

"Good. Now listen, if I don’t get out of here alive I don’t want her going anywhere until these guys are caught. NO FUNERAL, NO NOTHING!" Even at the thought of death Luis was still trying to protect Sheridan.

"I’m beginning to think I should have left you on this case" Hal said with regret.

"I know you had your reasons"

"And I still do" Hal commented. "Do you have any idea where you are?" Hal quickly changed the subject.

"I don’t think I went far. I am pretty sure I am still in Harmony or at the farthest Castleton. But as to my exact location I am not sure"

"That’s ok Luis. You know these are FBI walkie-talkies right?"

"Yes…"

"Well does the FBI make anything simple?"

"Where are you going with this Hal?"

"There are built in tracking devices my friend. Just keep it turned on and we will be able to find you in a matter of minutes. We are working on it as we speak"

"We’ll hurry it up. Someone’s coming!"

Luis quickly shoved the walkie-talkie back under his coat. He didn’t have time to turn the sound down so he hoped that no one would try and talk to him until they left again. Luis hoped that Roger and Pierre hadn’t worked out the details of their plan yet. He needed more time to be rescued.

"Well Super cop, it’s time" Roger commented.

"Doesn’t look like the rich Miss Sheridan is coming to save your life" Pierre snickered.

"What are you going to do to me?" Luis was going to have to try and stall.

"You will soon find out" Roger said matter of factly.

"What you don’t even have the decency to tell me how I am going to die?" Luis continued to push.

"Well if you must know" Pierre started.

"Shut up Pierre!" Roger ordered. "The American Hero doesn’t need to know such things. Now keep your mouth shut and untie him"

"Are you going to let him talk to you like that?" Luis tried to get them angry at each other.

"He’s right Roger. Why must you always yell at me?"

"Because you’re an idiot" Roger fumed.

"I don’t know why I listen to you when you think so little of me" Pierre shot back.

"This is why" Roger took a gun from his holster and aimed it at Pierre.

"Oh yes I forgot" Pierre said timidly. "How dare you for trying to turn me against Roger" he slapped Luis across the face.

"Now untie him Pierre" Roger ordered while he kept his gun pointed at Luis. "And don’t try anything funny, or I will shoot you right here"

Pierre untied Luis and Luis stood for the first time in what seemed to be forever. Luis stretched as Pierre started to push him towards the door. Roger followed close behind gun in tote. They walked outside and Luis suddenly knew where he was. He couldn’t believe his eyes.

Sheridan looked up at Tina and gave her a warm smile. She was so excited to hear Luis’s voice. And she heard Hal say that there were tracking devices in the walkie-talkies. She couldn’t help but get excited that Luis would be back here soon. She would make Hal put Luis back on the case when he was found.

"Tina, he’s okay" she beamed.

"Yeah it is" Tina didn’t seem to be as happy as Sheridan. She seemed to be holding back her feelings.

"What is it?" fear entered her eyes.

"It’s just that…" Tina didn’t want to share her thoughts.

"Tell me" Sheridan urged.

"It’s just that I don’t want you to get too excited. At least not until Luis is safe. He may be alive but he isn’t out of danger. The drug Cartel still has him hostage"

"I know, I know. But he’s alive and he is going to come back to me" Sheridan smiled at Tina. Tina gave Sheridan a faint smile back, but in the back of her mind she had an eerie feeling something wasn’t going to happen as planned.

"I know what I am saying! I am sick of the secrets and the lies. I am not a Crane and I will no longer act like one" Ethan yelled at the top of his lungs making sure the Boston Chief of Police heard him. Alistair looked like he was ready to blow his top, he had to think of something quick to cover Ethan’s honesty.

"He doesn’t know what he is saying" Alistair announced again. "He thinks he’s not a Crane. He must be going insane too"

"You put a sock in it" the police chief glared at Alistair. "I want to hear what the boy has to say" he walked over to the side of the room Ethan was on. "Now go ahead"

"I shot my father, I mean Julian, because he told me something that shocked me. He told me that he was not my father. I was so shocked I didn’t even realize I pulled the trigger"

"Why were you pointing a gun to Julian’s head in the first place?"

Ethan went on to explain the whole situation. How he was just in the wrong place at the wrong time, but his aunt Sheridan was being kidnapped by Julian. He told them about the Luis’s escape with Sheridan and that she was now safe with him. And most importantly he told him Julian was behind the whole thing.

"So let me get this straight" the police chief started. "Julian was there to pick you and Sheridan up from the kidnappers?"

"Yes" Ethan said confidently.

"Why would he want to kidnap his own sister?"

"I don’t know, but I think it has something to do with Sheridan’s past. I think she witnessed something awful as a little girl. Something that could have incriminated Julian"

"Don’t tell me you believe him" Alistair chimed in.

"I thought I told you to shut up" the chief shot back. "We need to interrogate the ship’s crew" he ordered other officers who then went running. The chief went off to make some phone calls of his own and Alistair made his way over to Ethan.

"I’m going to make your life a living hell for this" Alistair threatened.

"I’m going to go to jail, what could be worse than that?"

"The death of a woman you love" Alistair said with a sly smile.

"You leave Gwen out of this" Ethan stood tall to Alistair.

"I wasn’t talking about Gwen my dear boy" he laughed evilly.

Hal came running back into Sheridan’s room. She looked at him curiously as he flung a suitcase in her direction.

"Hal?" Sheridan questioned his actions.

"Get moving Sheridan, you need to pack"

"Why?" she refused to budge without a reason.

"We found Luis"

"You’re going to take me to him?" Sheridan jumped out of bed and stated flinging things in her suitcase.

"Yes, now hurry up"

"Where is he?" Sheridan questioned as she zipped her suitcase shut.

"He’s still in Harmony"

"Where exactly in Harmony?" They made there way out of Sheridan’s room and outside where there was a helicopter waiting for them.

"He’s …" but the sound of the helicopters blades made it impossible for Sheridan to hear.

"What Hal?" she yelled. "I thought you said …"

"I did" he cut her off.

Ethan looked at Alistair curiously. If he wasn’t threatening Gwen’s life than who’s? Gwen was the woman he loved. Alistair sat at the small table across from Ethan, who was still in handcuffs.

"I’m not talking about Gwen you fool" Alistair hissed. "You don’t really love her she was forced upon you"

"Then who are you talking about?"

"Mommy dearest"

"Leave my mother out of this"

"Such a Mama’s boy" Alistair teased. He knew full well that she was the only one who would be able to tell him who his real father was.

"You wouldn’t dare hurt anyone right now. You are going to be under investigation"

"Oh I wouldn’t would I?" Alistair voice sent chills down Ethan’s spine. "I don’t have to do anything but make a phone call, a cryptic one at that"

"A cryptic phone call?"

"You don’t think I would be stupid enough to make a phone call right now saying please go kill someone"

"I wouldn’t put it past you"

"You really are a fool Ethan. You must have gotten hat from your father’s side"

"You know who my father is?"

"I know everything" Alistair said proudly.

"Tell ME!!" Ethan jumped across the table and grabbed on to Alistair’s shirt collar. A couple of officers came running and separated them. Ethan was brought to a cell to cool down.

"Temper, temper" Alistair called after him. The Boston Police Chief soon joined Alistair in Ethan’s spot. He looked at Alistair with a sly smile. One the cat would give the mouse after he trapped it. "What is that look for?" Alistair asked.

"It’s just that several of the crew confirmed Ethan’s story, including one of the primary suspects Alex Fields"

"And this concerns me how?"

"Well, that means you lied to a police officer sir. That’s a criminal offence" he couldn’t help but laugh. "And that means your are spending the night here with me"

"You are making a serious mistake, Officer?"

"Baker, Chief Donald Baker"

"Well Chief Baker you won’t be Chief for very long if you put me in jail"

"Is that a threat Mr. Crane?"

"Of coarse not"

Chief Baker nodded to one of his officers and he came and read Alistair his Miranda rights. And then escorted to him to cell as far away from Ethan as possible. Alistair glared at Chief Baker the whole time as a new plan formulated in his head.

Luis was marched down the back yard of the Crane Mansion. Pierre lead him and Roger followed behind him with his gun still pointed at Luis. Luis didn’t realize that if you walked far enough through the back of the Crane estate you reached the cliffs of the Atlantic Ocean. As they got closer to the rocky cliffs he began to realize his fate. Pierre stopped short of the edge and moved back with Roger.

"So you got me out here now what are you going to do to me?" Luis asked.

"Well you see this is the ingenious part of the plan. We don’t do anything" Roger stated evilly.

"What do you mean?" Luis questioned.

"You jump" Roger and Pierre both laughed.

"You really expect me to jump, ending my own life?"

"Yes" they announced in unison.

"Why would I do that?"

"Because" Roger started to explain. "You either jump or we push you. You can either die with dignity and pride or like a coward. So what is your choice going to be?"

Sheridan and Hal entered the helicopter quickly. Sheridan wanted to get to Luis as soon as possible. She flopped in her seat quickly and rushed to put on her safety belts. She picked up a headset and put that on too. She wanted to know exactly what was going on, plus she had a few questions to ask Hal. The helicopter took off and headed for an all to familiar place.

"Hal, are you sure Luis is at the mansion?"

"Positive, the tracking devices never fail"

"But how did Roger and Pierre gain access to the Crane estate?"

"That is the question. Julian is dead and Ethan and Alistair are in jail. Who else would let them in? Surely not Ivy"

"What?" Sheridan gasped. "What do you mean Julian is dead and Ethan and Alistair are in jail?" This was a complete shock for Sheridan. "Why is this the first I’ve heard of this?" she was ready to explode.

"Well" Hal started out choosing his words carefully. "We found out this out when Luis was leaving. I didn’t want to add to your distress. I was going to tell Luis, I thought you would handle it better hearing it from him, but then he was abducted"

"Why does everyone feel the need to protect me and think I am incapable of handling things?"

"Sheridan, I was…"

"Just doing your job" she interrupted. "I’ve heard it all before. You are going to explain this all to me later, but right now I want to know about Luis. What’s the plan?"

"The plan is for the FBI to go in and take out Roger and Pierre and bring Luis back to you. You will be waiting with some other agents at the cottage, away from the action"

"What? I just have to sit there and wait? No! I want a more active role is this"

"I don’t think so Ms. Crane. You’re lucky I even let you come along. Do I have to remind you that these men want you dead?"

"No" she slumped back in her seat showing her defeat. She also knew she wouldn’t hear the end of it from Luis if she went any where near the mansion. The rest of the ride Sheridan remained silent. She didn’t even protest as she was escorted to the cottage. She wanted to be close enough to run into Luis’s arms as soon as he was free, but being in the same city would have to do. She was standing outside looking up at the mansion, counting the seconds until Luis would come to her. She turned around to go into the cottage when something caught the corner of her eye. It looked like people and her curiosity got the better of her.

"Umm agent?"

"Harper"

"Right Harper. Do you mind if I took a walk? I will stay away from the mansion and at the edge of the grounds. You can come"

"A little nervous and antsy are you?"

"You could say that"

"Sure Ms. Crane. I don’t see anything wrong with a walk as long as you stay with me and away from the mansion"

"I promise" she said emphatically. She would never learn to stay put.

Sheridan started out on her walk, close around the edge of the estate. She walked along her hand touching the metal bars that separated her from the rest of Harmony. Little did the officers know the metal fence were only on three sides of the estate. And the forth side is where she thought she saw the people walking. That is where she was headed. Sheridan came closer to the cliffs and saw the people she saw earlier. When they came into full view, she recognized Luis. She was about to run to him when arms came onto her shoulders. The agents saw what she did and weren’t about to let her get any closer. They called for backup. Some agents went on ahead sneaking through the remaining trees. Hal made his way to Sheridan and let the agents holding go to do their job. Hal stood behind her hands on her shoulders. She knew it was useless to fight, he would make her go farther away. This is where she would have to stand. She saw the guns Roger and Pierre held on Luis and what she saw next confused her beyond words. With no pressure or explanation, Luis walked to the edge of the cliff, looked up to the sky as if praying to God, and then jumped from the solid ground.

"NOOOOO!" Sheridan screamed. Her mind raced, he couldn’t have just jumped. This just couldn’t be happening. Luis was supposed to be safe now, but something in her died as she saw him jump from the cliff.

Sheridan blinked furiously. She didn’t just see what she thought she did. Luis just didn’t jump off the cliff. What happened next was kind of a blur to Sheridan. She sank to her knees and cried to the skies. The FBI surged forward at Roger and Pierre. Roger and Pierre weren’t unprepared, as the agents closed in on them, their smiles just keeping getting bigger and bigger. They let the agents encircle them. Their only way out was over the cliff. And they didn’t seem to mind. They looked at each other, Roger commanded them to jump and they did. They agents rushed to the side and looked down in amazement. Roger and Pierre were climbing down the side of the cliff on ropes. They had on climbing equipment, this was obviously a well thought out plan. They started shooting at them, but before they could get off more than one round Roger and Pierre disappeared into the cliff. The guns cease fired and looked around, they just seemed to vanish. The agents motioned for Hal and Sheridan to come closer. Hal steadied Sheridan on her feet and led her to the edge of the cliff. As Hal talked with the agents over what to do next, Sheridan slowly made her way to the edge of the cliff. She finally reached the edge, alone, no agents next to her. She took a deep breath and prepared herself to look over the cliff. Her body shook and she wasn’t sure she wanted to see Luis’s broken body. But it was something she needed to do. She needed to say goodbye. She closed her eyes and moved her head over the edge. She opened them and gasped. She didn’t see anything. He wasn’t there. She breathed a quick sigh of relief but then her mind raced. Where was he? She began to panic. If he wasn’t there then where was he and was he still alive? She ran to the group of agents.

"Where is he?" she asked, but when they didn’t acknowledge her she needed to scream. "Where is HE?" But they still seemed to be preoccupied. "HAL!" again nothing. And then she knew what to do. She took in the deepest breath possible and then let out the most blood curdling scream she could conjure up. And then she was at the middle of attention. All the agents turned to her and pulled their guns.

"Sheridan, what’s wrong?" Hal ran up to her and put his arms around her.

"Where is Luis?" she said between pants of breath.

"What do you mean? Sheridan, you saw him jump"

"He isn’t down there"

"The water probably washed him away, hun" Hal tried to calm her.

"NO! Hal, there is over 30 yards of beach down there, the water doesn’t reach the cliffs. So where is he? And where are Roger and Pierre?"

"We are working on that Sheridan" as Hal said this an FBI climbing team whizzed past them and started down the cliff. "If Luis is there to be found, we will find him"

~*~ Two Days Later ~*~

Sheridan sat on her bed. She had been taken back to Camp David. After Roger and Pierre had disappeared into the cliffs they followed a tunnel buried through the cliff to the Harmony Marina. They were in a boat sailing away from their troubles before the FBI got out of the tunnel. They had not been seen since. Sheridan’s confinement just seemed to be coming to a close when in actuality it had a new beginning had just started. She was back with Hal and Tina, as well as other Boston Police officers. For the past two days Sheridan has sat in front of the phone waiting for it to ring. Luis hadn’t been found or recovered. They drudged the ocean near the cliffs as well as searched the cracks and crevasses of the cliff. They found nothing no trace of him. But where was he? Did he just grow wings and fly away? Sheridan wasn’t going to give up on him though. She knew he was still alive, she could feel it. But she can also feel his pain. Wherever he was he wasn’t well. And with every minute that passed she could feel him slipping further and further away.

Ethan walked down the streets of Harmony. The charges against him were dropped when the truth of his situation came out. Antonio had taken a plea bargin and implicated Ace and Alistair in the planning of incidents. Antonio was given probation and was able to go back to his children. Ace to had plea bargined. After Alistair was clear that he didn’t give a shit about him, he decided to give Alistair a taste of his own medicine. Ace didn’t escape jail time, but for his testimony against Alistair and Julian who only earned one to three years. There was going to be a trial for Alistair for the kidnapping of his grandson and daughter. The trial wasn’t for two weeks and Alistair was let out on a 5 million dollar bail. The prosecuting attorney argued that Alistair had the means to disappear but the judge was Alistair’s old college roommate and just set the bail high to the commoner’s eye. It was chump change for Alistair. Ethan sighed as he reached the gate of the mansion. He didn’t want to go in. He didn’t feel he had a right to. He wasn’t a Crane anymore but he did need to get his things. But where was he supposed to go. Gwen hadn’t called him or even tried to get in touch with him since the press printed the story. Even with Alistair’s ties to the newspapers, it leaked out. It was too juicy of a story of the newspapers to ignore it. Ivy had been in touch, but he didn’t want to talk to her. Not on the phone anyway. He wanted to find out in person who he really was. Ivy was staying at the Winthrop mansion. Ethan really didn’t want to stay there either. He wanted to stay at a place where he was allowed to be himself. Whoever that was. He went to his old room and packed some suitcases. He walked down the stairs for the last time and stopped in front of the door. He turned to say goodbye not only to his old house but to his old life. Ethan got into a cab but didn’t know where to go. He told the driver to drive around down town. On the way they pasted The Bennett’s bed and breakfast. He yelled for the driver to stop, graciously paid him, and walked up to the lobby of the bed and breakfast.

It was becoming a very late evening just as it had the last. She was having trouble keeping her eyes open and was already on her third cup of coffee for this hour. The FBI hadn’t been in contact since this afternoon and it wasn’t with any earth shattering news. It was nearly 1am when the phone rang again. Sheridan lunged for the phone.

"Hello?"

"Hal Freeman please"

"May I ask whose calling?"

"Always as curious as a cat aren’t you Sheridan?"

"Do I know you?"

"Have you forgotten me so soon?" she hadn’t realized until now that this man had a heavy accent.

"How did you know where I was?" Sheridan came to the realization the man she was talking to was Pierre.

"You doubt how smart I am? You should know by now how intelligent I am. I was able to catch the American cop you love and kill him" Roger played with her emotions.

"Luis isn’t dead" Sheridan yelled at him. By this time Hal had wandered from his bedroom to where Sheridan sat on the couch. He looked at her with great concern. Someone was obviously upsetting her. He didn’t like to see her like that. He brought his hand to her shoulder trying on comfort her.

"Ah yes, you two seem to be connected at the heart. You are right your Luis isn’t dead, but he is on his way"

"If you hurt him I swear I’ll find a way…" she seethed.

"Idle threats my dear. Aren’t you at all curious as to where I am with your precious Luis right now?"

"You have him?" she barely whispered as fear clouded her mind.

"Do you think the earth bore a hole and sucked him into the core?"

"Where is he?" Sheridan pleaded with him.

"Well mademoiselle we seem to be right outside your door"

"WHAT?" she dropped the phone and jumped into Hal’s arms. Her body shook with fear.

Chapter 39:

Hal tried to get Sheridan to tell him what had gotten her so frightened, but he couldn’t get her to open up. She was shaking like a leaf in his arms. He had managed to pick up the phone, but the person on the other end had already hung up.

"Sheridan, you have to tell me what’s going on" Hal pleaded.

"Luis…Roger…Pierre…outside" Sheridan said between pants of breath.

"Sheridan, Roger and Pierre aren’t anywhere near here. They don’t have a clue on how to find us"

"YES they do!" she screamed in a fit of frustration. Why didn’t anyone believe what she had to say? "That was Pierre on the phone. He said they were outside and they had Luis with them" she quickly got over her fear when she realized Luis could be so close. "Luis!" she got up from Hal’s embrace and started to the door.

"No Sheridan!" Hal quickly followed her and grabbed her from behind.

"But Luis is out there!" she protested as she struggled to get free from Hal.

"It could be a trap. You aren’t going anywhere" he strengthened his grip on her.

"Why do you care if I live or die! I am just a witness to you. Let me go find Luis. I would rather be dead with him, than alive without him!"

"Sheridan you are much more than just a witness. You are the single one person that can take down one of the most powerful drug cartels in all of Europe. Think of how many kids lives you could be saving by getting those drugs off the street"

"I would love nothing but to be so noble, but the man I love is out there hanging on to life by a thread" she wiggled with all her might. And finally she managed to squirm away from Hal. She had her hand on the doorknob, before Hal spoke again.

"Sheridan, what would Luis want you to do?" His question froze her in her tracks. Luis would never want her to put her own life in danger.

Alistair remained true to his word for now, he wouldn’t leave the country and would tell the police of his where abouts regularly. He decided to go back to his mansion. He needed to make some phone calls. He knew there was a good chance that his phone line was now tapped so he had to be discrete. He got a hold of his partner on his cell phone.

"Allo?" he answered.

"Bonjour" Alistair said mockingly.

"Mr. Crane, it’s been awhile"

"Yes it has. How are things with you, and your family?" he picked up on the hint that his phone was bugged.

"Things are well, except my daughter ran away and we still can not find her"

"That is awful. Maybe you could come up to my cabin with me and we could work something out. The cabin is magnificent, something even the president of France would be proud of. And how is your son?"

"He was in an unfortunate accident"

"I’m terribly sorry to hear that" he said with a smile. "Did your daughter find out about your son before she ran away?"

"Yes, she was very distraught. This is what caused her to run, her and her brother were very close"

"Well why don’t you come over for a couple of Brandy’s and we can discuss our trip to the cabin"

"Very well, maybe we can come up with a plan to find my daughter"

"We will rack our brain. Au revoir mon ami" Alistair said slyly.

"Good-bye"

Roger and Pierre were on the run again. They waltzed up to the guard’s gate at Camp David and paid off the guard in charge. It was too easy. There were no longer any secret service there, they were all called away for an emergency at the White House. They only guards left were local cops and some FBI, but none of the FBI guarded the gate. They were all stashed comfortably inside the cabin with Sheridan. Roger had been able to bribe the guard quite easily, all he had to do was offer him enough money to send all five of his children to an Ivy league school. He would earn all that money back in a day as long as he stayed out of jail. They had finished their dirty deed and now they were back on their way to their hiding spot. They would wait from word from their partner on what to do next.

"Hey Roger, how did you know where to find Ms. Crane?" Pierre asked. He seemed to be always left out of the loop.

"Pierre I have formed an alliance of a sort. This man gives me information, and I in turn get rid of Ms. Crane to both of our benefits"

"Who is this man of information?"

"Her father of coarse. She is the key to his downfall and he now seeks revenge.

"And Mr. Crane is whom came up with this plan?"

"Well you remember the meeting I had earlier right?" Pierre nodded. "Well he was discovered during the meeting and we decided to use him to our advantage. It was mostly my idea"

"You are brilliant Roger"

"Of coarse I am" he said his voice full of pride.

Sheridan thought about what Luis would want her to do in this situation, and then it hit her. He loved her for who she was and she hadn’t listened to him yet. Why start now? This was part of their relationship.

"I’m sorry Hal, but I have to go" Sheridan turned the handle and walked out onto the front stoop. It was completely dark out. The lights had been turned out long ago, no one was expected to come or leave.

"Here let me turn on the lights" Hal relented. "And don’t even think that I’m not coming with you"

"Fine" she consented.

The light flickered on and Sheridan turned around to start on her way again now that she could see. But what she saw next wasn’t something she planned for. She let out a toe-curling scream when she saw his broken body before her on the path. She ran to his side and crouched down to check on him. There wasn’t any life left in his body. She put her ear to his chest but there was only a deafening silence.

"Luis" she cried. She remained with he head resting on his body. She caressed his cheek hoping that his eyes would open and he would come back to her. But that moment would never come. She refused to move as she cried into him. Hal watched on in sorrow, keeping his distance and letting her mourn. He would have to tear her away from his body soon, but he would give her a chance to say goodbye.

It had been a week since Sheridan found Luis’s broken body at Camp David. She refused to stay there and Hal thought it best for her sanity if they moved her. He refused to take her back to Harmony where she desperately wished she could be, but at least there were a lot of distractions in New York City. Most of the days she spent in a park around the city, people watching. She still couldn’t believe that Luis was gone and every time she saw a couple holding hands, kissing, or fighting, especially fighting, he heart ached. Luis’s funeral was today. Hal still refused to let her go. He said that is what they wanted, to get her at the funeral so they had a wide open shot at her. It was eight in the morning and the services were at three, so she had plenty of time to figure out a way to get back to Harmony. There was no way she was going to miss her chance to say goodbye. The only problem was that they were watching her like a hawk. They knew she wasn’t about to sit there all day. The FBI knew she was going to try something, they were waiting. She was eating breakfast at a local café and they sat outside guarding her only exit. Hal was eating with her trying to consol her, but nothing seemed to be working. Sheridan got up from the table and started toward the back of the café.

"Where are you going?" Hal questioned quickly.

"I’m going to the bathroom, if that’s ok with you" Sheridan snapped at him.

"Oh ok" Hal felt a little embarrassed.

Sheridan walked into the bathroom and instantly locked the door. This couldn’t be this easy. She looked out the window and saw the alley. There weren’t any guards there. She pushed the window with all her might and finally it slide up and she crawled through it. She jumped to the ground and was tempted to just start running towards the end of the alley but for some reason she didn’t. She knew the FBI would be waiting for her if she tried that. She looked across the alley and noticed a fire escape on the next building. And she couldn’t believe her luck when there was a dumpster right off to the side of it. She climbed up on it and then jumped onto the fire escape. She climbed up until she found an open window on the fourth floor. She climbed into the hallway of the apartment building and ran down the hall. She ran down the stairs as fast as her legs would take her. The main entrance to this building wasn’t on the same street as the café, it was around the block. Sheridan ran out into the street and hailed a cab. She was on her way. She had to think fast though. There was no doubt in her mind they FBI agents at the airport, train station and bus terminal. She would just take the cab all the way back to Harmony. Sheridan had the money. Nothing was going to stop her now.

Alistair paced around the library. He was waiting word from his FBI informant. He knew his daughter pretty well. He knew she would be at the funeral even if it meant risking her life. Finally the phone rang.

"Alistair Crane" he announced.

"Mr. Crane, its Mike"

"What do you know Mike?" Alistair had learned from Mike that his phone line was not tapped so there was no reason to be cryptic.

"Sheridan escaped this morning. She is on her way back to Harmony"

"When did she leave?"

"This morning. She will be there in plenty of time"

"Thank you Mike. Keep in touch"

"Of coarse"

Alistair hung up the phone and immediately picked it up and dialed. He reached Roger on his cell phone.

"Allo?"

"Roger, she will be there today. I assure you"

"Are you positive?"

"Yes. Sheridan will be at the funeral today"

"Then she will be taken care of today"

"Excellent" Alistair again hung up the phone.

Mike walked back into the café to talk to Hal. When he walked in he saw Hal talking with several other agents. He walked up to them an instantly knew that something was wrong.

"What’s wrong?" Mike asked as he pushed through the crowd of agents to Hal.

"Sheridan’s gone" Hal announced.

"I know that" Mike didn’t see what the fuss was about.

"No Mike, she’s really gone" Hal said letting Mike know this wasn’t part of the plan.

"How the Hell did this happen Hal?" Mike burst into a fit. "She is going to ruin everything"

Sheridan arrived in Harmony and paid the taxi driver. She gave him enough money to pay for the trip there and the trip he would have to take back. She didn’t know why but she had the driver drop her off at the Bed and Breakfast. Sheridan didn’t know where else to go. There was no way in hell she was going to go back to the mansion or cottage. She could go to Pilar’s but couldn’t bear to see Luis in their faces. She knew this is where Hank stayed, hopefully he would be some comfort to her. She walked into the lobby and saw someone reading the paper. It wasn’t Hank, but he seemed oddly familiar. Then he lowered the paper.

"Oh my god! It’s you" She squealed and broke into tears. And with that she ran over to him.

Hal, Mike, and the other FBI agents tried to figure out what they could do now that Sheridan had escaped. This wasn’t part of their plan.

"God that girl is so stubborn, she is just like her mother" Hal commented.

"Hal what are we going to do, if Sheridan is spotted in Harmony…" Mike worried.

"Then our plan goes to shit, I know. Where would be the first place she would go, if we can intercept her before anyone sees her we can cover our asses"

"You should know Hal"

"What?" Hal was confused and a bit nervous.

"You should know the way Sheridan’s mind works" Mike insisted.

"Why should I know that?" this put Hal on edge.

"Because you spent time guarding her. You should have learned something from that time"

"Oh" Hal breathed a sigh of relief. "She is really close to Luis’s mother, his best friend Hank, oh, and her nephew Ethan"

Sheridan ran through the lobby and embraced the man reading the paper. Tears rolled down her cheeks and she sighed as she felt his arms around her. She had missed him so much. And she didn’t even realize how much until now. He had taken a back burner in her mind since the Luis tragedy.

"Ethan" she exclaimed. "I’m so glad you’re ok. I’ve missed you"

"Sheridan" he hugged her tightly. He knew how much pain she had to be in. Luis’s funeral was announced in the paper. "How are you holding up?"

"I’ve been better. But seeing you here is helping. When did you get back from Boston?"

"Yesterday"

"And the charges?"

"Dropped"

"Good!" she smiled genuinely for the first time in days. "I’m so happy for you" she waited for Ethan to smile and be overjoyed, but that didn’t come. "Why aren’t you happy? Look Ethan you didn’t mean to kill Julian. I know he was your father, but he really was evil"

"That’s just it"

"What’s it?" Sheridan asked.

"Julian isn’t my father" Ethan admitted.

"WHAT?" she exclaimed. "What do you mean Julian isn’t your father"

"I’m not a Crane. Mother had an affair"

"Then who is your father?" she was now engrossed in Ethan’s problems, it was a relief to get away from her own.

"I don’t know. Julian didn’t tell me and I haven’t confronted Mother yet"

"Ethan, don’t you know what that means?" Sheridan got excited. "You’re not a Crane! You aren’t related to those bastards!"

"But Sheridan," Ethan still was not as elated as her. "If I’m not a Crane I don’t know who I am. My whole life I have been groomed to be a Crane and now what? And who’s to say my real father is any better than Julian and Alistair?"

"Ethan, listen to me. It doesn’t matter who your real father is. You can build a life of your own now. You’re out from under the control of the Cranes. You can be anything you want to be now and not have to worry about pleasing anyone but yourself. This is a good thing"

"You sound like you’ve thought about what it would be like to not be a Crane"

"My whole life I’ve dreamt of what it could be like. I dreamed about it even more since the day I met Luis. I still can’t believe he’s gone" he voice quieted to a whisper.

"Sheridan, I’m sorry I didn’t mean to upset you" Ethan desperately wanted to take all her pain away, she was the only one who ever loved him for himself and he would do anything to protect her. He held her as she cried, but he couldn’t be silent for long, there was something nagging at him. "Sheridan, what are you doing here anyway? Not that I don’t love seeing you but…"

"What do you mean? I came for Luis’s funeral"

"No, you know what I am talking about. You are supposed to be at a safe house"

"I had to come. I had to say goodbye" she said through tears.

"It’s too dangerous for you to be here! You have to go back" Ethan said harshly.

"NO! I’m staying right here!" She stood up and moved away from Ethan.

"Where are you going?" he stood up ready to grab her.

"To the bathroom" and she started down the hall.

The time for the funeral was getting closer. Pilar, Theresa, Miguel, and even Paloma were getting ready for the funeral. No one spoke to each other. They moved around the house in silence. All of them wore black and all had tear stains trailing down their cheeks. They seemed to be going through the motions of life, but not living it. Pilar and Theresa had been moved to work at the Winthrop estate with Ivy and had been working as much as they could to busy their minds. Miguel now knew what Luis must have felt like when papa and Antonio left. He was now the man of the house. He felt stupid for his actions earlier when he threw the brick through Sheridan’s window. But he now resented her even more than he had. At first it was a vendetta against her whole family for not renewing their donation to the Harmony High School Sports department. Because of that all sports teams were being shut down. This is what led to Miguel’s little stunt. Now his rage was fired right at Sheridan. She took his brother away from him. If it wasn’t for her and her need to get in trouble and a bodyguard Luis would still be the head of their household. Miguel was glad Sheridan was out of town, he didn’t know what he would do if he saw her today. But he knew one thing, it wouldn’t be a pretty sight.

Sheridan chuckled. She thought about how easy men where to fool. Just tell them you have to go to the bathroom and you had an easy escape. Didn’t they realize bathrooms had windows? So for the second time today she crawled out a bathroom window to her freedom. She walked down the streets of Harmony. She took a big breath and realized how good it felt to be home. Her cottage wasn’t home, the mansion wasn’t home, but this town was her home. She didn’t think that she could bare to be here with Luis gone, but she now knew this is where she was supposed to be. She still had about an hour before the funeral and didn’t want to sit at the church and wait. Sheridan knew what she needed to do. She had to go see Pilar, she needed her surrogate mom. She walked away from the bed and breakfast and towards the Lopez-Fitzgerald house.

Ethan waited for Sheridan to come back, he got sick of watching the bathroom door so he resumed reading his newspaper. He figured she just needed some alone time. After about 20 minutes he started to get worried. He got up to go knock on the door, but was interrupted by the front desk phone ringing. No one else was around he decided to answer it.

"Hello…um…Harmony Bed and Breakfast" Ethan said unsure of himself.

"This is FBI agent Hal Freeman, I need to know if Ethan Crane is there"

"This is Ethan Cr… this is Ethan"

"Mr. Crane"

"Please call me Ethan"

"Alright, Ethan have you seen your aunt Sheridan today?"

"Yeah she is here right now"

"Oh thank God! Let me talk to her please" Hal was ecstatic.

"She’s in the bathroom right now, let me go get her" Ethan was about to put the phone down.

"WAIT! Did you say the bathroom?" Hal asked cautiously.

"Yeah, why?"

"You didn’t by chance reprimand her in any way did you?"

"I did tell her it was to dangerous for her to be here" Ethan confessed.

"Shit! I’ll bet you anything she’s gone and the window’s open"

"What?"

"Go check the bathroom" Ethan put down the phone and when he came back he told Hal exactly what he didn’t want to hear.

"How did you know that??"

"She did that earlier too. Shit that girl is resourceful. Ethan if you see her, keep her from that funeral. Whatever you have to do just keep her away!"

"I will Agent Freeman, I’ll go to Pilar’s house right now to see if she’s there"

Miguel paced around the house. He knew tomorrow he had to go find a job to help his family. Now that he didn’t have practice after school he had the extra time. Theresa sat in the corner of the couch hugging a pillow tightly. Pilar was on the phone, everyone was calling from out of town, sending their condolences. Paloma looked around the room disgusted at what she saw.

"We need to snap out of this" Paloma announced.

"You can’t snap your fingers and expect to be happy Paloma" Theresa said bitterly. "It just doesn’t work that way"

"Luis wouldn’t want us to act like this" Paloma snapped.

"What would you know? You haven’t been home in years" Miguel through in his comments. Pilar was ready to step in but she waited to see what her youngest daughter had going through her head.

"Yeah, I haven’t been here. But that was because of Luis. Because he cared enough to want a better life for me. When I got that scholarship to the art school he convinced mama to let me go. And every time I called home crying and told him I wanted to come home he explained that papa would be so proud of me for getting into that school and he reminded me Aunt Maria was right there. He even drove up to Bangor a couple times to cheer me up. I bet you didn’t know that. He told me it was our special secret. Luis wouldn’t want us moping around this house! He would want us to try and find ways to better ourselves. In fact right after the funeral, I am going back to school and study even harder. Because I know that is what Luis would want me to do" Pilar was brought to tears. He youngest daughter seemed to be the wisest of them all today. She was really happy that Luis had convinced her to let Paloma go. Paloma had turned into a fine young woman and she had Luis to thank for that.

"What do you think I am going to do, just sit here all day and cry?" Miguel was mad at his little sister for doubting him. "Tomorrow I am going to go out and get a job. I need to help support this family. And I am going to tell Charity we need to put things on hold for awhile. Family comes first, and you’re deserting us" During the spares of her children Pilar went to answer the light knocking on the door.

"I am not deserting you! I am fighting for a better life and you’re trying to push me down. And I’ll tell you something BIG brother. If you can give up on Charity like that you must not really love her. Just like Luis didn’t really love Beth. He figured that out the day he met Sheridan!"

"Don’t mention her name! She is the reason Luis is dead!" Miguel hissed.

"No she gave Luis a reason for living! Luis loved her with all his heart. She was his life!" Paloma protested.

"How would you know? You have never met her! She is a conceited spoiled CRANE!" At that exact moment Pilar walked back into the room, Sheridan in tote.

Sheridan’s eyes grew when she heard Miguel’s shouts. She almost turned around and walked right back out the door, but Pilar wrapped her arms around her.

"He didn’t mean that Sheridan" Pilar consoled her.

"Yes I did!" Miguel corrected his mother. "If it wasn’t for HER Luis would be sitting here with us today"

"Miguel, shut up!" Paloma interrupted. "She didn’t do anything but fill Luis’s heart with love!" The brother and sister shouting match that had been paused by Sheridan’s entrance now ensued. Sheridan sank to the floor over come by tears and Pilar knelt down next to her trying to calm her.

"Don’t you get it Paloma? The brother you care so much about, the one you admire is DEAD because of her! You’ll never get to see him again or hear his voice because she took that away from you"

"You’re wrong Miguel. The French Drug Cartel took Luis away from us and Sheridan! Look at her, look at what you words are doing to her. He died trying to protect her, don’t you think she is dealing with enough grief?"

"No the only way she would suffer is her to be dead too" Theresa had been sitting on the couch just watching, but couldn’t take it anymore.

"STOP IT! PLEASE STOP!" Theresa burst into tears. "This isn’t what Luis would have wanted! Luis would have wanted us to work together not be at each other’s throats. And look at poor Sheridan. She didn’t ask to be chased by French goons! Luis would want us to take care of her"

"That’s what I tried…" Paloma argued.

"Save it. I don’t want to hear who thinks they were right and wrong. I want us to figure out a way for us to survive this. And we are going to do this together! Now Paloma go get Sheridan a glass of water, I’ll go get some Kleenex and Miguel go outside and hit something and don’t come back until you can be civil!" Pilar’s children scurried out of the room and Pilar helped Sheridan off the floor. She set her on the couch and wrapped a blanket around her to help stop the shivering.

"He’s right you know" Sheridan whispered. "Luis is dead because of me"

"You mustn’t think that Sheridan" Pilar urged her. Paloma had returned with the water and Theresa with the Kleenex, but she soon left in pursuit of Miguel to see if he calmed down any. The front door soon flung open and Ethan ran inside hoping to find Sheridan.

"Thank God you’re here Sheridan! What’s the matter? What happened?" Ethan questioned as he sat down next to her.

"My brother happened" Paloma said flatly.

"It wasn’t Miguel’s fault Paloma. We all have issues to deal with right now. By the way it is nice to finally meet you" Sheridan said still clearing her face from tears.

"I think I’ll make some tea to calm everyone’s nerves" Pilar left for the kitchen.

"I am going to go call Agent Freeman and tell him I found you" Ethan informed Sheridan. "Paloma could you make sure she doesn’t go anywhere?"

"Sure"

"And don’t let her go to the bathroom!" Ethan ordered as he too entered the kitchen.

Roger and Pierre set up outside the church. They did the whole JFK thing and hid behind the grassy knoll across the street. They got there early in hopes that no one would recognize them. Pierre sat with his back to a tree pretending to read a book, while Roger sat on a bench talking on his cell phone. They wore everyday clothes trying to blend in. Pierre even insisted on wearing a Yankee’s baseball cap. The funeral was set to start in less than an hour. They planned on seeing guests arrive soon. Roger figured Sheridan would be one of the last ones there seeing as no one was expecting her. She would want to avoid unwanted questions. Roger continued to chat with Alistair as he waited for his victim to arrive.

"So how does the case against you look?" Roger inquired.

"It will look even better when another one of the witnesses is put six feet under" Alistair sneered.

"We are waiting for her to show up"

"And you’re sure she will be there?"

"I told you before, my FBI agent on the inside assured me she left New York"

"No one gets in the way of Alistair Crane and lives to see tomorrow" Alistair laughed.

"Mr. Crane I know I said that after this little project was finished I wanted to contact with you, but this has been quite the project"

"And we work well together" Alistair added. "I could always use a man like you under my wing"

"I was thinking more about a partnership" Pierre stood up and began pointing at the church. "Hold on Mr. Crane. What is it Pierre?"

"The mourners are arriving" he said giddily. Pierre always loved the kill.

"Keep an eye out Pierre, I’ll help you in a moment. I’m sorry Mr. Crane you were saying?"

"I’m sorry Roger, I don’t work with partners. I have to have the last say"

"What about now? Are we not partners?"

"If that’s what you would like to think" Alistair scoffed. "Now get to work" Alistair hung up on Roger. Roger was furious with his current situation. He hated when people got the best of him. And he made a pact to himself that if he could he would put Alistair Crane in his place.

Paloma sat with Sheridan unsure of what she should say, if anything so she just sat there making sure she didn’t go anywhere. Ethan soon returned as did Pilar and the rest of the troops. It was time for them to leave.

"We need to go" Pilar announced sadly. "Sheridan I don’t want to leave you"

"But you have to. Go Pilar and say good bye for me" Sheridan had gained her strength back. "I’ll be ok and I know that I would be putting everyone in danger if I went, besides I’ll have Ethan here with me"

"Actually Sheridan" Ethan bit his lip. "I was going to meet Mother at the funeral"

"Ethan!" Pilar chastised him.

"But I can stay" he quickly recovered.

"No Ethan, you need to talk to Ivy. I understand" Sheridan insisted.

"You’re going to stay here?" Ethan asked.

"I promise, I’ll stay put" she held up her hand giving the Girl Scout salute. Everyone started towards the door except Paloma who seemed to be stuck to her spot on the floor.

"Come on Paloma" Theresa urged as they made it into the lobby.

"I can’t" she whispered.

"What?" Theresa asked.

"I can’t. I haven’t seen Luis in three years. Seeing him like this is too hard. I can’t do it" tears trickled from her eyes.

"Hey" Sheridan said as she stood up and placed her hands on Paloma’s shoulders. "Its ok. You can stay with me if you like"

"Sheridan are you sure?" Pilar asked not sure that Sheridan didn’t just want to be alone.

"Yeah, and if she changes her mind and wants to go. I’ll get her a cab"

"Thank you Sheridan" Pilar thanked her as she and the others left.

Sheridan and Paloma sat down on the couch. Paloma scooted to one corner and hugged a pillow. She brought her knees to her chest and rested her chin on her knees. Sheridan just watched the girl. She didn’t know why but she had this overwhelming urge to hug the young Lopez-Fitzgerald.

"Do you want to talk?" Sheridan offered.

"Not really, but I would like to listen"

"To what" Sheridan got up and headed towards the radio.

"No, to you" Paloma explained.

"To me?"

"Yes. You have spent the last year with Luis. Tell me about him. I haven’t seen him in so long"

"What would you like to know?"

"Everything, anything!" Sheridan sat back down with Paloma.

"Come here" Sheridan opened her arms. Sheridan put a pillow on her lap and placed Paloma’s head there. Sheridan played with Paloma’s hair and began to tell her of all her and Luis’s adventures.

Sheridan and Paloma talked about their memories of Luis to each other. Sheridan didn’t know much about Luis’s early years and Paloma had been out of the loop recently. It was a release for them to talk about the happier times.

"He really jumped out of a helicopter?" Paloma said in disbelief.

"MmmHmm. He was really the bravest person I know. I was so lucky to have in my life" Sheridan smiled. It really helped remembering the good times. "He has taught me so much. He taught me how to use a hammer. I can now cook something more than eggs, not well though. And I learned how to play basketball because of him" she looked at her elbow which still had the scar from when she fell trying to show him up at the safe house.

"He wrote me a letter once and told me how you hit him in the face with a pie. He told me all he wanted to was wipe his face and cover yours with the whip cream. He wanted to be playful, but he couldn’t let you see him that way"

"I almost took away his job again that night. I’ve done so much to hurt him, I’ll never know why he chose to love me"

"Sheridan he didn’t care. All he cared about was being with you"

"How do you know so much for a little girl?"

"I am a young woman, thank you very much" Palmoa said proudly and Sheridan chuckled. "But he wrote me and told me all about you and his true feelings about you. He figured since I lived so far away it didn’t matter to tell me the truth. I didn’t know anyone in his world"

"He was wise to confide in you. So tell me what Luis was like when he was younger. Let me guess he was a perfect little soldier" Paloma’s sudden burst of laughter led Sheridan to believe Luis wasn’t always the perfect child.

"Well I am not old enough to remember Luis as anything but the perfect son, but there are stories"

"Oh do tell" Sheridan smiled and her eyes grew wide. If only he was still here so she could use this against him.

"Well my favorite story is of him and the wings"

"The wings?"

"Luis was about 9 or so and Antonio convinced him that if he built wings he could fly to Disney World himself. We didn’t have the money for plane tickets of coarse and our car never would have made it"

"Don’t tell me Luis actually believed him"

"Oh did he ever. He gather sticks for days and glued them together with paste. When he finally finished climbed on top of the roof of the cottage and started flapping. Then he jumped"

"He was always a daredevil. So how many bones did he break?"

"Your missing the best part of the story. When he jumped he was a little to close to a tree and his pants got stuck"

"NO!" Sheridan began to laugh.

"Yep and he hung there for hours wings and all. He was too ashamed to call for help"

"How did he get down?"

"He pants finally gave way" Paloma chuckled.

"Then how did anyone find out?" Sheridan eyes were watering from the mental picture of Luis hanging from a tree.

"I don’t know. Someone must have seen him because he would have never told anyone that himself"

"Oh my goodness!" Sheridan exclaimed. She sat Paloma up and stood herself up. "That someone was me!"

"Sheridan what are you talking about? You didn’t know Luis until last year" Paloma tried to make sense of Sheridan’s ramblings.

"No, I remember that day. I was out side having tea with Ivy and some guests. I was so bored I was staring of into space. I looked at the cottage and saw Luis on the roof. I was shocked and I almost spit out my tea. Ivy was furious at my behavior and told me to go find my nanny. I went in the direction of the mansion but never made it inside. I wanted to know why someone was on the cottage roof. I made my way over there, but as I got closer I couldn’t see anyone anymore. I sat down under a tree near the cottage, for some reason I looked up and there he was. Just dangling there. I laughed so hard. He kept yelling at me and I just laughed harder. He got all worked up and started swinging and then all of a sudden he was on the ground. Then he just started running" Sheridan smiled. This was too good to be true, they knew each other as children, or at least met.

"Is that all that happened?" Paloma asked hoping her brother did something more to embarrass himself.

"I ran after him. And when he realized I could catch him he just sat down. His pants were torn and he didn’t want me to see. Being the stubborn person I am I sat down next to him. I told him I was sorry for laughing and he admitted how stupid he was for trying to fly. And that was it, that’s all we had time for. My nanny came and dragged me home"

"That is too cute Sheridan. You were destined for each other"

"I have to tell him" She jumped around searching for her coat.

"Sheridan, Luis is dead. How…?"

"He’ll hear me if I tell him at his funeral. His soul will be there watching"

"Sheridan, no! You can’t go. Ethan told you to stay here!" Paloma begged.

"Paloma, I have to. I have to tell him about this and I have to say goodbye"

"Please Sheridan. Stay here"

"Are you coming?" Sheridan asked as she made her way to the door.

"Yes" Paloma whined. "Now I know what Luis felt like.

Pilar, Miguel, Theresa, and Ethan arrived at the church after almost everyone else was there. Ethan left the group of Lopez-Fitzgeralds and sat next to his mother. He gave her a slight smile which sent chill up Ivy’s spine. At that moment she knew something was terribly wrong with him. He had called her alone once to arrange this meeting and he did say much else. Ivy wondered it was just because Ethan killed Julian, but he looked uncomfortable sitting next to her. She suddenly became afraid that he knew her secret. Pilar, Theresa, and Miguel made their way to the front of the church having to stop at every pew for a hug from friends. Pilar was first to walk up to the closed casket. She made the sign of the cross, kissed her fingertips and touched the shiny wood. Miguel had to walk up and steady her and show her to her seat. She would not have made there otherwise. Theresa walked past the casket and ran her hand across the length of it. She got to where Luis’s head would be leaned in to whisper to him.

"Luis, I know you wanted so much for me. I am going to get my head out of the clouds and focus. I work for Ivy Crane, boy is that good to get off my chest, and with money I am going to go to a wonderful fashion school. I am going to be a famous designer and I’ll owe it all to you. And most importantly I am going to give up on my foolish dream of Ethan. I know you would want that. I am going to find someone who deserves me. And don’t worry about Sheridan I’ll take care of her. Bye Luis. I love you" Tears trickled down her cheeks as she made her way to her family. The procession was all set to begin.

Hal, Mike, and the rest of the FBI agents had arrived in Harmony to set their plan in motion. With Sheridan safely tucked out of the way it was full speed ahead. Hal, Mike and another male agent Curtis wore black suits. They were meant to be seen as funeral guests. They walked to the church leaving everything open in front. They walked in the main doors and remained there, guns poised and ready to burst back outside.

Roger and Pierre looked at their watches. It was almost three. If Sheridan were to show up she would be there in the next few minutes. Roger saw someone walking down the sidewalk. He raised his hand and they both pointed their guns. The figure got closer and they could make out that it was in fact it was a woman. And she was blonde.

"It’s her!" Pierre exclaimed.

"Fire!" Roger ordered.

They went to pull their trigger but a cab came zooming into the picture. Out of the cab came another blonde woman and a younger brown haired girl. The cab pulled away and they got a clear view of the three in front of the church. But there weren’t any shots fired. Roger and Pierre couldn’t tell which blonde woman was Sheridan from the distance they were.

"Which one is her?" Pierre asked frantically.

"I don’t know! Shoot them both!" Roger commanded.

They pulled their triggers and shots rang out. The both fired a round of shots at the women. At the sound of shots agents swarmed the area. Hal, Mike, and Curtis burst through the door. When they realized this was a sting they stopped firing and ran for freedom. Before they were out of sight though they looked back at their victims. All three women lay there motionless on the ground.

Hal and Mike directed the agents and secured the area. Roger and Pierre ran but they didn’t get very far because FBI agents were scattered all over town. They were cuffed put in a police car and driven back to the church. All the commotion outside had cause a panic inside. Curtis went back inside to try and calm everyone’s nerves. Paloma picked herself off the ground. She looked around and started screaming. Sheridan wasn’t moving on the ground and there was blood all over. She ran to Sheridan.

"Sheridan! Please get up! Tell me you’re alright! Please" Paloma pleaded as tears showered her cheeks. She looked down Sheridan’s body. She could see blood slowly seeping onto the sidewalk. There didn’t seem to be a lot of it though. Hal rushed over to them and found the wound. He applied pressure to it and wrapped a tourniquet around her arm. Lucky for her the Frenchmen had bad aim. The other woman had also been lucky, she had lost more blood, but was only shot in the leg and the shoulder. Hal had tried to pull Paloma away from Sheridan but she wouldn’t have it. She sat behind Sheridan and pulled Sheridan’s head into her lap. She rubbed Sheridan’s temples and ran her fingers through her hair trying to get her to wake up. Ambulances wailed as they came barreling down the street. The paramedics fixed Sheridan’s arm as Paloma held her head and comforted her.

"Sheridan, you’re going to be just fine. Its just a little arm wound. Nothing serious. Please wake up, you’re the only thing I have left of Luis. You don’t know how much I admired him. He was the only father I’ve known. I know you have so much more to tell me. Please just open you’re eyes" Paloma might have been strong for such a young woman, but her heart was breaking. Sheridan was her only tie to Luis. Sure Miguel, Theresa, and Pilar could tell her things, but know one would no him better than his true love. Sheridan’s good arms reached over her body and began to rub her sore arm. She started to groan in pain as she began to come to.

"What happened?" Sheridan moaned and blinked her eyes.

"Sheridan!" Paloma squealed and kissed Sheridan’s forehead. Sheridan began to sit up. "No don’t" Paloma warned but Sheridan didn’t listen. She soon learned she should have though.

"So dizzy" she lay back down.

"I told you. Don’t you ever listen?" Paloma chastised.

"No" Sheridan replied bluntly. "Now what happened?"

"We were shot at"

"Oh my god. Are you okay?" Sheridan sat up abruptly forgetting the pain in her arm and head. She eyed Paloma up and down and then threw her arms around her.

"Yeah Sheridan, I’m just fine. I didn’t get hit" She tried to get out of Sheridan’s grip but Sheridan had her head pressed in her shoulder. Sheridan kept stroking her hair. "Sheridan?"

"Yeah hun?"

"Could you let go I can’t breath" Sheridan instantly released her grasp on the girl.

"I’m so sorry" she rubbed over Paloma’s hand with hers. Hal walked over to see how Sheridan was doing.

"How are you feeling?" Hal asked.

"Alright considering I was just shot. Was it Roger and Pierre?"

"Who else? Who is your friend? She was quite lucky"

"This is Paloma. She is Luis’s little sister" Hal shook Paloma’s hand and smiled.

"The paramedics said your arm will be just fine. You’ll have a scar, but the bullet when straight through and didn’t break any bones"

"That’s good I guess. Did you catch them?" Sheridan asked hopefully.

"Yeah they are on the way here now. I need you to identify them" as he told her this the police car containing Roger and Pierre pulled up to the church. Paloma helped Sheridan to her feet and allowed Sheridan to use her to lean on as she walked to the car. Roger and Pierre were taken from the car and stood in front of Sheridan and Paloma. Their hands were behind their backs and they were still cuffed. These were the men that were trying to kill Sheridan and she felt a sense of relief rush over her now that they were caught. She had regained her freedom, something she would never take for granted again. But the moment which should be a happy one was bittersweet because these were also the men who killed her Luis.

"I know we normally do lineups in the precinct, but we want to get these guys to D.C. ASAP and we want to cause you as little of an inconvenience as possible. So are these the men who kidnapped you in Paris and admitted to being drug dealers as well as murderers?" Hal asked trying to remain professional when all he really wanted to do was rip their heads off.

"Yeah that one is Roger, he’s the ring leader. And the bald one is his goon Pierre" Sheridan was fast losing control of her civility.

"Take them to the airport and get them to D.C." Hal ordered.

"Wait!" Sheridan exclaimed. "I have something to say to them first"

Inside the church the noise of the gun fire was deafening. The women screamed and were taken in protective embraces by their loved ones. Curtis did his best to explain the situation, but he didn’t realize how tight the Lopez-Fitzgerald family’s emotions were wound. He didn’t stand a chance.

"What do you mean you used Luis’s funeral as a trap?" Miguel was infuriated.

"We knew that if "Sheridan" showed up here Roger and Pierre would come to finish her off. It was the perfect opportunity to get them off the street"

"Opportunity? My brother’s death was an opportunity? Can’t you just let us grieve in peace? This is a funeral, not a stakeout!"

"Miguel SHUT up!" Theresa shouted.

"Theresita watch your mouth. We are in church!" Pilar scolded.

"Sorry mama, but Miguel is way off base. Even in death Luis would have wanted Sheridan to be safe. If he would have known his funeral would be used to catch the guys after Sheridan he would have been proud. Well he wouldn’t have been happy he was dead but you get the point" Theresa rambled.

"Don’t go bringing Sheridan into this again! She is the reason we are all here. Luis is dead because of her!" Miguel fought back. Ethan was ready to jump up and defend his aunt but he didn’t have to, Theresa wasn’t finished with him yet.

"Give it up Miguel! Stop blaming Sheridan for your short comings! Just because you have been living at the Bennett’s and were NEVER home to spend time with Luis doesn’t give you the right to talk about Sheridan like that"

"Why do you keep defending her? First Paloma, then you, who’s next mama?"

"Theresa is right Miguel" Pilar said calmly. "You seem to be using Sheridan as your escape goat"

"I am NOT"

"You are in church hijo. Don’t lie" Pilar warned.

"OK! So I am mad at myself for not spending time with Luis"

"And Sheridan got to spend everyday with him" Pilar put her hands on Miguel’s shoulders.

"YES! It not fair! First papa, then Antonio and now Luis. Theresa’s next and I couldn’t take it if anything happened to her" Miguel pulled Theresa into a hug and even let a few tears escape from his eyes. "Mama I’ll apologize to Sheridan when we go home" he promised.

"Agent, do you think we can get the service started now?" Pilar asked Curtis.

"Actually there is someone outside who would probably like to be here"

"Who?" Theresa questioned.

"Ms. Crane"

"I thought you said you had a look alike brought in" Ethan entered the conversation. "What is Sheridan doing here?"

"She showed up unexpectedly" Curtis explained.

"Is she ok?" Ethan was ready to run outside and find out for himself.

"Ms. Crane is just fine. She was shot in the arm, but she is ok now. The girl with her is also fine"

"PALOMA!" The Lopez-Fitzgerald family gasped.

"Not a scratch on her" Curtis reassured them. "They will both be inside as soon as Sheridan identifies the suspects"

Hal stopped Roger and Pierre from getting back in the car. Sheridan took a deep breath and took at step forward.

"You two have done everything you could to kill me. And look I am still standing here. And I will be here tomorrow and the next day. And I will be sure to send you pictures in jail to remind that I am still living. How does it feel to fail?" She waited for an answer but none came and she lost her composure. "HOW DOES IT FEEL?" she screamed.

"You might have eluded us Ms. Crane" Roger started. "But where is your hero? Soon he will be six feet under. How does it make you feel?" Sheridan took her hand back and slammed it across Roger’s face and she wasn’t about to stop there.

"Sheridan stop! You’re hurt!" Paloma and Hal grabbed Sheridan and kept her from continuing her pursuit. "Let me" Paloma ran up to Roger and with all her might kneed him in the crotch. Roger doubled over in pain. "Luis taught me self defense. This is the first time I ever used it and boy did it feel good" Paloma eyed Pierre but he backed up away from her. She walked back over to Sheridan. Sheridan put her arm around the young lady and smiled.

"Nice work" Sheridan told Paloma. "Luis taught me that move too. Hal you can take them away now. I have nothing more to say. What do you say we go inside and say goodbye now?" she asked Paloma.

"Yeah, I’m ready now" Paloma sighed.

Hal wanted to go to the funeral to pay his last respects, but he had Roger and Pierre to deal with now. He fastened his seatbelt and eyed the crooks that he had finally caught. He couldn’t wait to send the guys up the river without a paddle. He tried to question them earlier, but they refused without the presence of their lawyer. There would be a lawyer waiting for them as soon as they disembarked the plane in D.C. Hal breathed in a breath of fresh air as he entered FBI headquarters. He causally waved at coworkers as he passed, but he had other things in mind than to play catch up. The interrogation room was set up and filled with all the necessary people. The only one missing was him. Roger and Pierre were sitting at a long table. On either side of each of them was a lawyer. There were interpreters ready if they were needed. There was a plethora of other agents, as well as a video camera and a tape recorder. Hal sat down in a chair across from both of them. Everything was set to begin.

"Let’s get down to business shall we" Hal nodded to the other agents and the video and tape recorders were turned on. "Are you two going to confess or are we going to have to do this the hard way?"

"My client can’t sign the confession statement" Roger’s lawyer began. "He doesn’t agree with all of the facts"

"And which facts are under dispute?" Hal questioned.

"He refuses to confess to the fact that he was the masterminded the attempt made on Ms. Cranes life"

"He was following orders?" Hal scoffed.

"Yes" Roger confessed.

"From whom?"

"Mr. Alistair Crane" Roger admitted with a smirk. "How do you think I always knew where she was? He called me with her location and told me the weaknesses. I was just following orders"

"Let me get this straight. The head of one of the most powerful drug cartels in the world was taking orders? I don’t think so. You must have formed a partnership. You had every reason to want Sheridan dead"

"That I do, but Mr. Crane informed me he doesn’t take partners, and since as you put it had every reason to want Sheridan dead, I had no choice but to follow his wishes"

"If you’ll excuse me for one moment" Hal signaled for Mike to join him outside. As soon as the door closed a grin broke across his face. "This is too good to be true. The assholes are going to confess to every drug trafficking charge AND implicate Alistair Crane in the attempted murder of his daughter. We are going to have his head on a platter"

"What if Roger is lying? And they were partners?" Mike was still skeptical.

"We have Pierre too. It’s two against one. Plus with Sheridan’s testimony it will be an open and shut case"

"So we are just going to let Roger and Pierre off on the attempted murder charges?"

"If they promise to implicate Mr. Crane, yes. They will still be in jail for life for the drug charges. Go draw up the new statements" Hal opened the door and returned to Roger and Pierre. "New statements are on their way"

Father Lonergan gave a wonderful service. There wasn’t a dry eye in the crowd. After the service everyone came up to the family and Sheridan and shared stories of how great a man Luis was. Sheridan smiled when an old lady told her that Luis used to help her off the bus everyday in front of the police station. He had the kindest heart. But for every story of bravery or kindness that put a bigger smile on Sheridan’s face a dagger went straight through her heart. Luis was never going to be able to do any of these things ever again. But that only made her bound and determined to keep Luis’s memory alive. She was going to do everything that Luis would have done or wanted to do. Everyone had finally made their way out of church. The family had wanted to go to the gravesite alone. The family had included Sheridan. They were bound and determined to take her under their wing. Sheridan didn’t mind on bit, she loved having a real family around. Sheridan would never get the family she always wanted. The one she pictured having with Luis. The one were she had at least five little dark haired, dark skinned, blue eyed children running around with a cute puppy dog. Sheridan had been so deep in thought she didn’t even realize that she had gotten in a car and been driven to the cemetery. She was now standing next Luis’s final resting place. They all watched with somber faces as the casket was lowered into the ground. Each of the women threw flowers down in the depths hoping to add comfort for Luis on his journey. Dirt covered the casket and they all said their silent goodbyes. None of them wanted to be the first to be ready to leave. But Pilar decided it was time to get her children out of the cold. They had friends waiting to comfort them at the Russell home. All of them were in need of a little distraction. Sheridan wasn’t ready to leave yet. She needed to talk to Luis alone before she could even think about leaving. Pilar complied with her wishes and said she would send someone to pick her up in half an hour. She walked up to the headstone and sat off to the side of it avoiding the fresh dirt.

"Hey Luis" Sheridan managed to choke out. She took a deep breath hoping to muster up her courage. "I wanted to tell you a few things. I’ve been thinking about us a lot lately. Did you know we met as kids? You probably don’t remember since you barely remember living in the cottage. But they day you tried to fly, I was the annoying blonde girl who wouldn’t stop laughing or leave you alone. I thought you were so handsome. I was smitten with you even then. I’ve also decided a couple things. I’m going to keep the youth center running for you. I won’t be able to do it myself at first. I would go in there see your office and break down, but I am going to make sure it stays open. I’ll do whatever it takes. I think I am going to take a trip to Bangor to visit Paloma, if she’ll have me. She reminds me so much of you. She is you. You did such a wonderful job raising her even from a far. I can’t even imagine how great you would have been with our kids" Tears began to trickle down her cheek but she did everything she could to keep her emotions in check. "Come on Sheridan, you need to get through this" she scolded herself. "I love you Luis. My only regret is that I only told you that once. I hope you realized I love you with my heart and soul. No man will ever take you place in my heart. I know you would want me to move on and find someone to make me happy, but you are the only one I will ever love like this" She couldn’t contain the tears anymore and they fell freely. "God why did you do this to me? Haven’t I suffered enough? Why did you have to take Luis?" She was crying so hard now she didn’t hear ride pull up. She didn’t realize she wasn’t alone anymore until she felt hands resting on her shoulder. She looked up and saw his face and shook her head.

"Luis?" she whispered before she lost consciousness.

Sheridan looked around the room and saw nothing she recognized. She blinked furiously hoping to put her world back in focus. She didn’t remember how she got here, wherever here was. She gazed across the room and figured she was in a hotel. The cheesy pictures, the matching bed spreads, and ugly wallpaper confirmed her suspicions. She sat up in the bed she was in and tried to remember what had happened. The last thing she remembered was saying goodbye to Luis at his grave.

"Luis!" she yelled. "I saw him, I know I did" she exclaimed as she whipped the covers off herself and stood to her feet. She looked down and noticed she was clad in boxers and a t-shirt not what she was wearing earlier. "What in the world is going on here?" She frantically searched the room for a sign of human life, but she was alone. "Luis! LUIS!!" she screamed again hoping for him to appear from behind the curtain or something. She tried the door but somehow she was locked in. "How can I be locked in a hotel room? This isn’t making any sense" She thought about trying the phone, but it was dead just as she suspected. All she could do now was sit and wait to find out who her captor is.

Pilar had sent Miguel to pick up Sheridan over an hour ago and was beginning to worry. She didn’t know what Miguel would say to Sheridan but he promised he just wanted to apologize. Pilar trusted her son but now she wasn’t so sure she should have. She looked around the Russell house for Ethan. Ethan was huddled in the corner with his mother. She didn’t want to interrupt their conversation, but Miguel and Sheridan should have been back by now.

"Ethan, this is neither the time nor the place to discuss this" Ivy informed him.

"When is the right time to find out that you are the bastard son of an one night stand?"

"Ethan that isn’t true. You were conceived out of love. My only true love"

"Who was he Mother?"

"Not now, but I promise soon" by this time Pilar had made her way over to them.

"I’m sorry to interrupt" Pilar apologized.

"It’s ok Pilar. We are finished for now" Ivy stated. "How are you doing?"

"Actually not so good. Miguel still hasn’t returned with Sheridan"

""Miguel left over an hour ago" Ethan jumped up. "I’m going to look for them" he was out the door before anything more could be said.

About five minutes passed when Miguel walked in the back door. He wasn’t sure how he was going to explain he lost Sheridan. Well he didn’t lose Sheridan exactly, it was more like she disappeared. When he went to get her she was no where to be found. He drove around Harmony trying to find her, but he came up empty. Now it was time to face the music. He walked into the living room and made a beeline for his mother.

"Miguel? Where have you been? Where is Sheridan?" Pilar questioned her son as soon as she caught a glimpse of him.

"I don’t know Mama. She wasn’t there when I went to pick her up. I tried to look for her but I couldn’t find her"

"Dios Mio" Pilar exclaimed. "We have to find her. I don’t want to lose her too" Sam organized a couple of search parties but it was too early for the police to get involved. All the friends and family were eager to help.

"Shouldn’t we call the FBI?" Paloma asked hoping they would help find her.

"She isn’t a FBI matter anymore unfortunately. Roger and Pierre were caught" Sam regretfully told Paloma. Everyone dispersed the house on the lookout for Sheridan.

Sheridan sat on her bed numbly looking out the window. There wasn’t a fire escape and she was on a high floor. There wasn’t going to be any climbing out of a window to freedom this time. She wasn’t sure what to do with herself. She was sick of crying and there wasn’t any way to escape. So she sat, staring out the window. She was brought out of her reverie by an irritating beeping noise. She thought it was the alarm clock, but when she reached over to turn it off it just continued. It was coming from the way of the dresser. She got up and headed towards the noise. Then she saw it. She didn’t know how she missed it before. It was one of the walkie-talkies the FBI had given her and Luis. She quickly picked it up and turned it on.

"Hello?" she answered hesitantly.

"Hey beautiful"

"Luis?" ‘It couldn’t be him’ she told herself.

"Who else would it be?" Luis said smugly.

"Oh my god! But how? Where are you? Where am I? When do I get to see you?" she spurted out.

"Sheridan, slow down" Luis chuckled. "I’ll tell you everything soon I promise. Just promise me no stunts and you’ll stay put. You’re safe there"

"Safe? From what? Luis they caught Roger and Pierre"

"But not your father. Hal told me he was behind everything"

"You mean Hal has known the entire time that you were alive and didn’t tell me? I’m going to kill him" she fumed.

"Sheridan, Hal had your best interests in mind, just like I did. I’ll be there soon ok?"

"And you’ll explain everything?"

"Yes, everything. I’ll talk to you soon"

"Luis?"

"Yeah?"

"I love you" she was going to say those three words every chance she got now. ‘No more regrets’ she promised herself.

"I love you too sweetie" Luis smiled as he turned off the walkie-talkie and admired his new office.

Luis leaned back in his new desk chair and pulled his arms behind his head. He let out a sigh and closed his eyes. This is what it felt to be in the big time. He wondered what the Cranes would think of Sheridan getting involved with a FBI agent. Not that it mattered any more. The Cranes were all but destroyed, he just couldn’t help but wonder. As he was staring blankly at the ceiling Hal walked in.

"Glad to see the tax dollars put to good use" Hal chucked as he watched Luis struggle to open a file and make it look like he was busy. "A rookie mistake"

"What brings you by Hal?" Luis smiled.

"This, your contract" Hal handed Luis a stack of papers ready to be filled out.

"You know I can’t sign this yet Hal. I have to talk to Sheridan first"

"Man she has you whipped and your not even married yet"

"Hey I’m not denying it. I actually kind of enjoy it. But don’t tell her that, it will go to her head and then I’ll never hear the end of it"

"I won’t tell a soul"

"You know she has me wrapped around her little finger now and we haven’t even made love yet, I hate to see…"

"Stop right there" Hal interrupted. "I don’t want to hear about your sex life with Sheridan"

"Why? Jealous?" Luis smirked.

"NO!"

"God Hal you sound like her father or something"

"No…I…Well someone should look after her. Her family sure as hell didn’t. So when are you going to go to the hotel and explain everything" Hal changed the subject.

"Soon, I just thought I would give her a little more time to anticipate my arrival"

"She’s going to be clawing at the door soon"

"Yeah I know, but she’s just too damn cute when she is frustrated. I can’t help myself. I’m going over there as soon as I make a phone call"

Paloma sat by the phone at the Russell house. She stayed there in case Sheridan was found or she came back on her own. Paloma didn’t want to lose Sheridan. She was like a big sister to her. Not that she didn’t already have a big sister in Theresa, but Theresa was too caught up in her own life. Sheridan actually seemed to care about Paloma’s interests. She waited and waited and still there wasn’t any news. She was putting on her coat to head out when the phone finally rang.

"Did you find her?" She blurted out before she even knew who it was.

"Didn’t your family teach you any matters missy? You should answer the phone with hello" the man said with a thick Texan accent.

"I’m sorry. Hello. Can I help you? The Russells aren’t home right now"

"And who is this?"

"Listen, I don’t want to tie up the phone line. One of our friends is missing and…"

"What if I told you I knew where Sheridan was?"

"How did you know her name?" She became frightened.

"Cause Paloma she’s with me" Luis dropped his accent and tried to keep from laughing.

"Luis? But you’re…"

"Dead, yes I know. And you can’t tell anyone I’m alive ok?"

"But why? Mama, Miguel and Theresa will be so happy"

"I know but it is part of a FBI plan. I wasn’t even supposed to tell you it was me calling"

"What am I supposed to tell everyone about Sheridan?"

"Just tell them a FBI agent called and told you they have Sheridan in custody. And that’s all they would tell you"

"Ok Luis, I’ll do my best"

"I know you will Paloma. I’ll see you when I bring Sheridan back to Harmony"

"Bye Luis" Paloma smiled as she sank into the couch. Luis was alive and he had Sheridan. Life couldn’t get much better. Now if only she could tell someone.

Sheridan sat looking around the room. About one hundred times she had picked up the walkie-talkie and was tempted to buzz Luis. But she kept herself in check because she knew he would be here soon. Deciding that there wasn’t anything to do, he could have at least left her a book or something, she crawled into bed and got ready to take a nap. Her breath soon calmed into a slow pattern and she dreamt about what would happen when Luis arrived. Sure there was a LOT of talking that needed to be done, but afterwards she couldn’t be held accountable for her actions. She planned on showing him just how much she loved him. Of coarse she would torture him for awhile for letting her believe he was dead, but that wouldn’t last long because she wouldn’t have the strength. Luis walked into the room and was surprised she didn’t rush to the door. He didn’t figure she would play things so coolly. He walked in and noticed her sleeping on the bed. All she needed was a halo and her angelic appearance would be complete. She sat on the other bed and just watched her sleep. He knew she would want him to wake her up but she looked so peaceful. Sheridan stirred in her sleep. It was almost as if she could feel Luis’s gaze on her. She opened her eyes and looked directly at Luis and he smiled at her, but in her half conscious state she didn’t realize it wasn’t a dream and reclosed her eyes. Suddenly she bolted into a sitting position and her eyes were now wide open. Sheridan just stared at him for a moment, making sure he wasn’t just an illusion.

"Luis?" she asked her voice childlike and unsure.

"Hey beautiful" it took all of his will power not to jump beds and scoop her up into his arms. It had been too long since she had been there. Sheridan got out of bed and stood in front of Luis. She reached out her hand and let her fingertips touch his cheek but she instantly retracted them as if he had burned her.

"Is it really you?" her voice was quivering and her hand was visibly trembling. Luis didn’t respond though. He just took her hand and held it to his cheek. He leaned into her hand and she began to caress him sweetly with her thumb.

"I missed you" she declared and with that she lost her composure. Tears began to trickle down her cheeks.

"Come here" he took her in his lap and pushed her head lightly into his shoulder. "Please don’t cry" he begged as he wiped her tears away.

"I can’t help it. I’m just so happy to see you again"

"I missed you more than you could imagine"

"Show me" she stated in a sultry demanding voice. Luis couldn’t deny her anything. Her wish was his command. He placed his lips to hers and placed a series of gentle kissed there. It wasn’t enough for either of them though. Sheridan parted her lips and Luis’s tongue delved inside. Their tongues slip along each other gently at first but then twisted together as the kiss became more passionate. Before she could get too lost Sheridan broke the kiss and pulled back. Their faces remained inches a part and their eyes were masked with the dark desire they had for each other. Sheridan gave Luis a special smirk and he tried to go in for the kill again but he was rather unsuccessful because Sheridan had something else in mind. She drew her hand back and slapped him across the cheekbone.

"What was that for?" Luis yelped. His head was spinning in utter confusion.

"For letting me think you were dead. Do you know what that did to me?"

"Sheridan I had to. I didn’t want to hurt you"

"And you kidnapped me AGAIN! Don’t even try and tell me you didn’t chloroform me again" during the entire spat she remained in his lap. She had no intention of leaving his arms. "I know I fainted but there is no way I would have slept that long if you hadn’t"

"Well I had to get you somewhere safe"

"I would have willingly come with you"

"But you would have made a scene. I couldn’t risk you drawing attention to us"

"I would not have made a scene" she argued.

"Did you not just slap me?" he gave her a knowing glare.

"Ok you’re right…again, but don’t let that go to your head. I’m sorry I slapped you but you put me through hell. And for what you still haven’t explained to me"

"I deserved it" he conceited. "I’ll explain later can we get back to wait we started now?"

"We have plenty of time for that lover boy. I will have my way with you soon. And trust me I have had an abundance of time to daydream today" She ran he finger down the length of his torso. "But first you are going to tell me what’s going on. I saw you jump off that cliff"

"Do we have to discuss this now?" he whispered seductively in her ear and then he playfully nipped at her earlobe.

"Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald stop trying to seduce me and tell me what happened"

"Later" he moved from her earlobe and headed down her neck. "Do you know how sexy you look in my t-shirt and boxers?" Sheridan tried to push him away but she was fighting a losing battle. He slid his hands under her shirt and sensuously traced circles on her stomach. He pulled at her shirt and she raised her arms making it easier for him to shed her clothing. By this point all hope of a discussion was last and would have to wait until after their torrid affair with passion.

After their long separation Sheridan and Luis were finally reunited. Sheridan lay exhausted nestled in Luis’s arms. They had just made love for the first time, and the second, and the third, and the forth, and the night was still young. Sweat glistened both of their bodies and they were both glowing with goofy smiles plastered across their faces.

"Luis" Sheridan said sweetly.

"Yeah" he leaned over and kissed her forehead.

"Leave me again and there will not be a repeat performance" she said cockily.

"You think you can get to me with sex?"

"MmmHmm" she smiled.

"Ok fine you win" he chuckled. "I’m going to stay by your side from now on"

"You’re weak" she chastised.

"You’re just to damn tempting" his hands began to roam again.

"What do you say we jump in the shower?"

"I think I like that idea" he rolled them over and had her pinned under him.

"No, I don’t think you grasp the concept. I am going to take a shower and then you are. And then we are going to talk"

"We’re showering alone?" he gave her a sad puppy dog face.

"Consider it a punishment. I’m still mad at you for making me think you were dead"

"You didn’t seem mad for the past couple of hours"

"A moment of weakness. No more until you explain everything to me"

"I see a pattern here. Are you going to deny me every time you are mad?"

"That’s my plan"

"You are cruel. But I love you. And I am going to make sure I never piss you off"

"I love you too" Sheridan smiled as she got up from under Luis. She managed to find her clothes and head into the bathroom. She showered quickly and didn’t even take the time to get dressed. She wrapped the towel around her and walked out of the bathroom. Luis took one look at her and wanted to tear the towel off her body.

"Don’t even think about it" she held up her hand to stop him. "Go take your shower"

"Are you always this bossy?"

"Only when you are holding out on me" as he walked by she slapped him on the behind. "Hurry up"

"Oh you’re playing with fire" he looked at her with lust filled eyes.

"I know" she smirked at him and he disappeared into the bathroom. He must have gotten her some clothes because there were jeans and a sweater laid out on the bed. She put on the black jeans and turquoise turtleneck sweater. Finally he came out of the bathroom and he too got dressed. She stared at him while he got dressed and he could feel her gaze burning a whole in him. He grumbled wishing they were both less dressed.

"So are you ready to hear this" he asked trying to get her riled up. She looked too cute when she was frustrated.

"Luis, if you don’t tell me soon I’m gonna…"

"You’re gonna what Ms. Crane"

"Don’t call me that. I am not a Crane. I am not related to those sick bastards"

"Sheridan, calm down. I’m sorry. From now on I will just call you Sheridan. You’ll be like Madonna"

"I’m sorry Luis. I didn’t mean to jump on you. I’m just a little edgy"

"It’s ok. You have a right to be on an emotional roller coaster. Now lets sit down and I will tell you everything"

Luis sat with his back against the bed’s backboard and opened his arms. Sheridan joined him on the bed and snuggled close to him. He wrapped his arm tightly around her and started his story.

"I jumped from the cliff and I thought that was the end. I didn’t expect to live and I thank God everyday that I did. Luckily I landed on a ledge. It hurt, but I managed to miss my head so I was still conscious. I started climbing back up, but then I saw Roger and Pierre come to the edge. I crawled in this crevasse. Or more like a little hole in the side of the cliff. No one could see me unless they were right in front of me"

"So that’s how you got away. But I still don’t get it. I saw your body at Camp David. It wasn’t a pretty site Luis"

"It wasn’t me, it was an attempt to draw you out of hiding. Remember the mask?"

"Julian had the mask though and Julian’s dead"

"Alistair set it up Sheridan. After you found out he secrets he wanted you dead as much as the drug cartel. They formed this sort of alliance"

"To kill me?"

"Yes…but you’re safe now"

"But where were you all that time? Why did you let me believe you were dead?" this fact still hurt Sheridan deeply.

"I didn’t want to believe me. The first thing I wanted to do when I got off that cliff was run to you but they wouldn’t let me. They sent me to Washington D.C. We worked on setting up my funeral and getting information on the drug cartel"

"How did you get off the cliff?"

"Helicopter"

"But I thought…oh nevermind. I forgot Hal was in on this"

"Yes I talked to Hal a lot, getting updates on you"

"So basically you jumped of a cliff like a maniac, got lucky and landed on a ledge, were helicoptered to D.C., and got a new job with the FBI?"

"In a nutshell yes"

"Promise you’re done with the dare devil stunts"

"I’m only caught in those positions when you’re involved"

"Well I plan on staying out of the limelight from now on. I’m ready to play the part of the dutiful girlfriend. I think I might even get a job, or volunteer for something. I planned on taking over the youth center when I thought you were gone"

"You were?"

"MmmHmm, I was going to make you proud of me"

"Sheridan, I am always proud of you"

"But I don’t do anything, I don’t have any responsibilities"

"I love you for who you are. You can do whatever you want and nothing will make you love you any less. If you want to change your life, then do it for you, not for me"

"God I missed you. I love you" Sheridan looked up into his eyes and Luis could feel her stare into his soul. "Stay with me forever"

"I’m never leaving you again"

"Promise?"

"With all my heart. Now I have something I need to ask you" Sheridan’s eyes lit up with anticipation. And she held her breath while she waited him to pop the question.

"What do you think about Washington D.C.?"

***One Year Later***

Ethan walked up to the door and rang the bell. It had been awhile since he had been in town. He left shortly after he found out who is real father was. Ivy had convinced him not to tell Sam the truth and he found it too hard to stay in Harmony. He wanted to get close to his father, but he also realized Sam had his own family now. And telling the truth would tear his family apart. Sam was the innocent in this. Ethan didn’t want to ruin his life too. Ethan blamed Ivy in all of this. If she had told the truth in the first place, none of this would have happened. He hadn’t talked to Ivy in since he left for Boston and he was pretty sure she would be here tonight but couldn’t miss this. She noticed his uneasiness and wrapped her arms around his waist.

"It’s going to be ok sweetie. Everyone is going to be excited to see you. I’m sure you won’t even have to talk to your mother if you don’t want to" Haley urged him.

"You’ve been so great to me. I’m glad you came with me"

"There’s no place I would rather be" he bent down and kissed her on the forehead. Reluctantly Ethan finally reached towards the door and knocked. The door opened and Paloma appeared smiling on the other side.

"Mr. Winthrop" Paloma smiled warmly. "Come in the party has already started" Ethan had taken Ivy’s name when he didn’t know what else to do. There was no way he was staying a Crane, and it wasn’t a choice to become a Bennett.

"Thank you Paloma" Ethan greeted her. "How have you been?"

"I’ve been great. Can I take your coats?"

"Thank you" he took Haley’s coat and his and gave them to Paloma. "This is my girlfriend Haley. Haley this is Luis’s little sister Paloma" they exchanged hello’s and Paloma led them into the back yard where everyone was gathering.

Paloma walked through the crowd of people that were in the back yard of her family’s house. She had her camera around her neck and she took pictures. It was her new passion. She went from painting to taking pictures. She was spending the summer at home for once and she was loving every minute of it. Her nieces and nephews were running playing tag. And she loved the picture her mother was posing in the corner. Pilar was sitting in a wicker chair watching her family. She was enjoying the site. Her eldest son Antonio had moved back to Harmony with his eight children. He was on parole for his part in helping kidnap Ethan and Sheridan but he was making a better person of himself. Pilar just loved having her family with her and now that Luis and Sheridan were coming home everything would be complete.

Luis and Sheridan were making their way up the coast. It was a long drive from Washington D.C. but it was worth it. It was time to go home. They tried to have a new life but it wasn’t what they expected. The FBI sent Luis away on business way too much and he decided it wasn’t worth it. He hated leaving Sheridan alone and he never had time to spend with her. She was his life not his career. He was rejoining the Harmony Police force next week. Sheridan was happy to get back to Harmony too. She had a surprise for Luis. And she was sure Harmony was a better town to start a family than D.C. was. She twisted the diamond around her finger and smiled. Everything was turning out to be perfect. They finally reached the town limits and both got very excited.

"Luis, can we drive by the estate on our way? I just want to look" Sheridan pleaded.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes I want to see"

"Okay" he squeezed her hand and smiled. They came up to the estate and looked. Neither the mansion nor the cottage stood there anymore. After Alistair was sent to jail for life his assets were all given to Sheridan. She had the houses leveled and had plans to change the connotation of the Crane name. Her favorite idea was building an orphanage there. But there were a billion other proposals to look through first. Luis slowed the car to a stop and they looked over at the hill that used to contain the mansion.

"It looks so…gone" her eyes grew sad.

"Sheridan you had them tear everything down, what did you expect?"

"I know, but I didn’t have a chance to say goodbye. I had good memories there too. Everything I remember about my mother happened in that house"

"I know honey. What do you say we go to the party? It’s our first night back let’s have some fun"

"You’re right. This can wait. Let’s go" Luis started the car again and they headed to his mother’s house. They didn’t bother knocking when they arrived. He figured he used to live there so what was the point. They walked through the house into the back yard and were greeted with an onslaught of hugs and kisses. Everyone was happy they were back. After all their adventures they were happy to be back. It was where they belonged. It is where they would be happy and it is where they would grow old together.

THE END