Chapter 1

Nora Rogers looks around the small room. It is cold, dark, and damp. She tries to get up, but her hands are tied. She tries to scream, but her mouth has tape over it. She doesn't know what else to do. She knows that if she doesn't get out of here soon, she will die, just like the rest of them. She has been tied up for 5 days and fears that she'll never escape. Every night it's the same thing. His endless torture and beatings. He claims he loves her. A shudder runs through her spine as the door opens and he enters.

"Hello, Nora. Did you miss me, sweetheart? I know you did." He looks down at her and removes the tape that is barricading her speech.

"Please just let me go! I promise that I won't tell anyone that it was you! Just let me go!" Nora pleads. The expressions on his face turns from loving to hatred in less than 2 seconds. He raises his hand and brings it down hard on her face with a loud thump.

"I told you never to ask me to let you go! I thought you wanted to be here forever! Now you must pay, just like the rest of them!" Nora cries as she dreds her upcoming fate. She knows that she has made him angry, and now it's too late for her.

<><><><><><><><><>

"Ruin any lives yet today, Julian?" Ivy asks her parsimonious husband as she walks into the living room.

"Haha, dear. I'm not in the mood to hear your rigorous comments this morning." Julian says as he gives Ivy a dirty look. "Why don't you go shopping or obsess over our son. Those seem to be your favorite things to do."

"Did I hit a nerve, darling? Poor Big Bad Julian Crane is having a bad day. Boo, hoo, hoo. I'll make sure the staff is on alert." Ivy remarks. "Now, if you'll excuse me, dear, I am late for breakfast with Sheridan." Ivy leaves the Crane mansion and heads over to Book Cafe where she and Sheridan are to meet. As she is walking up to the door, she isn't paying attention to where she is going and bumps into someone.

"Oh, excuse me. I wasn't looking where I was going." Ivy says as she apologizes to the man. He looks to be in his mid 30's, dark hair with a bit of gray, and the strangest looking green eyes. They look evil.

"That's okay, ma'am. Accidents happen. Sometimes when you least expect it." The look that the man gave could turn her blood cold. After Ivy walks into the Book Cafe, the man peers through the window and watches her. He sees her approach a younger blonde woman. 'Both woman are very beautiful. I wonder if they're single.' He thinks to himself. Then he opens the palm of his hand to reveal Ivy's locket.

"Sheridan, I'm so sorry that I'm late. I got caught up talking to Julian and then I ran into this strange man outside." Ivy begins as she sits down. "So, what did you want to talk to me about?" Ivy looks at Sheridan and sees that she has a certain sparkle in her eye.

"Well, it's about a man." Sheridan manages to get out. Ivy notices that Sheridan seems giddy, like a school girl with a crush.

"Do tell. I can see that you really like this man by the look in your eyes."

"Ok, but please don't tell Julian or Alistair. And please don't freak out when I tell you."

"I won't Sheridan, I promise. But you have to tell me now before I go crazy with anticipation!"

"Calm down, Ivy. Ok, I'll spit it out. I'm falling in love with Luis." Miguel, who is sitting at the table behind Ivy and Sheridan, overhears what Sheridan says and spits out his pepsi. Did he just hear what he thinks he did? 'Wait til I tell Mama!' He thinks to himself.

"In love with him? You're in love with Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald?" Ivy is shocked, but not completely surprised. She has noticed lately the way Sheridan and Luis are together.

"Yes, Ivy, I am. I love Luis." Sheridan proudly states.

"Well, Sheridan, I can tell you right now that Julian and Alistair won't be happy. But that's their problem. I am so happy for you, Sheridan. It's obvious that you love him. I know things will work out for the best."

"Thank you so much, Ivy. I knew I could count on you. I should probably go now. I have to go to the Youth Center." A very happy Sheridan says.

"Have fun. I know that if I were going to see the man that I love, I would be happy." Ivy says as she thinks of Sam. "I'll talk to you later." Sheridan leaves Ivy alone at the Book Cafe and starts to walk towards the Youth Center when she is stopped by a man.

"Excuse me, ma'am, do you have a quarter? My car broke down and I need to make a phone call." Sheridan doesn't like the way the man is looking at her. There is something strange about his green eyes that makes her shudder.

"Sure, I think I have one." Sheridan digs around in her purse and then finally finds a quarter and hands it to the man. "Here you go."

"Thanks, ma'am. Don't you hate it when thinks break?" The man asks as he walks away, leaving Sheridan feeling strange. She shrugs off the feeling and heads over to the Youth Center. After the man sees her back is turned, he opens his hand and looks at Sheridan's compact.

<><><><><><><><><><>

Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald walks through the park as she heads for the Crane Mansion. She is so excited about Ethan taking her to the jewelry store. She still can't believe that he had bought her a ring. It is absolutely beautiful and she never wants to take it off. Her thoughts are interrupted when a man taps her on the shoulder.

"Excuse me, miss. I think I'm lost, can you help me?" The man asks her.

"Sure. Where do you want to go?" Theresa says. She looks at the man and notices his green eyes. She doesn't know what it is, but there's something creepy about them.

"Can you draw me a little map or something showing me how to get to a place called the Lobster Shack?" Theresa hesitates, but then takes the paper and pen that the man is holding and draws him a map.

"Here you go." She hands him the paper and then starts to walk off.

"Thanks again, miss. Don't you hate it when you get lost?" The man walks away and Theresa continues to walk to the Crane Mansion. As the man is out of view, he opens up his hand and is holding Theresa's ring.

<><><><><><><><><><>

The man arrives at his cold, dark shelter and opens up his bag. He pulls out a silver locket, a silver compact, and a gold ring and puts them on a table. "Soon you will all be mine, soon."

Chapter 2

"Hey Luis." Sheridan says as she walks into the Youth Center. She notices how sexy Luis looks today. He's wearing jeans and a tight black shirt. 'Yum.' She thinks to herself.

"Hey there, Sheridan. You're 5 minutes late." Luis says, teasingly. He smiles at her and she can't help but smile back.

"I know, Officer. This weird guy asked me for a quarter and I had to dig through my purse to find one."

"Always the generous saint, Ms. Crane. What was so weird about this guy? He didn't try to hit on you, did he?" Luis asks, starting to get a bit jealous.

"No, he didn't try to hit on me. It was something about his eyes. They were kind of scary. I don't really know how to explain it, but it gave me a weird feeling."

"Well if this creepy guy comes around again, just let me know." Luis says, offering his protection to her.

"Always my hero." Luis blushes at her last comment. "Well, Officer, let's get to work."

<><><><><><><><><><>

Ivy arrives at the Crane Mansion at the same time as Theresa. "Well hello, Theresa. Are you ready to get started?" Ivy asks as they go inside the living room. Theresa and Ivy's task for the day is to plan Ethan's surprise birthday party.

"Yes I am, Mrs. Crane. So why don't we start by making a guest list?" Theresa suggests.

"I like the way you think, Theresa. You always know what to do." Theresa gets a pen and a piece of paper and sits down on the couch. They are interrupted when Ethan comes down the stairs.

"Hello Theresa, hello Mother. What are you two lovely ladies up to?" Ethan asks in a teasingly suspicious tone.

"Nothing, Ethan, dear. Just some...business."

"Whatever you say, Mother. Anyways, I came downstairs because Pilar wants to talk to you for a minute, Theresa."

"Ok, thank you, Ethan. I'll be right back, Mrs. Crane." Theresa says as she heads up the stairs.

"Take your time, Theresa." Somebody knocks on the door and Ethan goes to answer it. Ivy sits on the couch and reaches around her neck to grab her locket. She is surprised to discover that it isn't there. She begins to panic as she remembers the last time that she lost it. Julian had found it and had almost discovered the truth about her and Sam. "Oh my God, where is it?!" She starts to cry and then gets on her hands and knees. She looks under the couch and throws pillow cushions around. "I have to find it!"

"Mother, what is going on?" Ethan asks as he enters the room to find his mother in a frantic panic.

"My locket. I have to find my locket. It's all I have left." Ivy disregards Ethan's presence and continues her desperate search.

"What are you talking about? Are you talking about that locket that I couldn't get oppened? Anyways, let's talk about that later. Chief Bennett is here." Ivy's eyes look up in horror to see Sam standing right in front of her. She immediately gets up off the ground.

"Sorry, Chief Bennett. I didn't realize that you were here. Did you need to see me about something?" Ivy asks, hoping he isn't there to give another one of his "Don't hurt Grace" speeches.

"Actually, I needed to speak to your husband. Is he here?" Sam asks.

"No, he's at a meeting. He should be back shortly. You're welcome to wait if you'd like to." Ivy suggests.

"Ok, I'll wait."

"Ethan, can you keep Chief Bennett company while I look for something?"

"Sure, Mother. Are you still going to try to find that locket? It must be pretty special." Sam looks at Ivy to see her expression.

"Yes, well, if you see it, let me know." Ivy says, avoiding the question. She exits the room and rushes upstairs. When she arrives in her bedroom, she sees Theresa with a frantic look on her face and Pilar trying to calm her down.

"Theresa, what's the matter?" A concerned Ivy asks.

"I lost my ring. It's the most important thing that I own and it's gone. It was on my finger when I was in the park earlier." Theresa cries. Ivy gets a suspicious feeling.

"That's strange, I lost my locket. Pilar, tell me that you've seen it. You have to know where it is." Ivy has a serious look of panic spread across her face and Pilar feels sorry for her and Theresa.

"I haven't seen it, Mrs. Crane" Pilar reluctantly tells her. "When was the last time you remember having it?"

"I was outside the Book Cafe on my way to meet Sheridan. I ran into a man and then went inside."

"What man?" Pilar asks.

"I don't know. This strange man with spooky green eyes." At the mention of his green eyes, Theresa tenses up.

"You saw him, too?" Theresa asks. "I saw him in the park. He asked me to draw him a map to the Lobster Shack."

"What does this mean? Do you think he stole my locket and your ring?" Ivy inquires.

"There is no way that this man stole your things. It's probably just a coincidence that you both saw him. He may not even be the same man. Mrs. Crane, you probably just misplaced your locket. And Theresa, maybe you forgot to put on the ring." Pilar skeptically suggests. Theresa and Ivy agree with her, but they still know that something odd is going on.

<><><><><><><><><><>

"Well, Sheridan, I guess I'll see you tomorrow." Luis says as he gets ready to lock up the Youth Center.

"Ok, Luis. See you tomorrow. Good night." Sheridan smiles at him and walks out of the door.

"Goodnight."

Sheridan gets into her car and drives to her cottage. She goes inside and can't stop thinking about Luis and how much she loves him. She wants to tell him how she feels, but she's afraid that he won't feel the same way and that it will ruin their newfound friendship. She goes into her purse to get her compact that he gave her. Whenever she needs a little encouragement that they have a chance together, she holds it in her hands. "Where did it go? I know it was in here." She says to herself. She frantically searches her purse and dumps all of its contents onto the couch. She still can't find it and starts to cry.

<><><><><><><><><><>

"Hey, Luis, thanks for coming in." Sam says as Luis walks through the door of the police station.

"No problem, Sam. So, what's going on? You sounded kind of worried on the phone."

"Do you remember the Brooklyn Bruiser?"

"Yeah, he kidnapped 3 women in Brooklyn and 2 of them were found beaten to death." Luis says, wondering what the Brooklyn Bruiser has to do with anything.

"Well, the third body was found. It was 32 year old Nora Rogers. The police over there have no suspects. They have reason to believe that he's heading this way."

"Why would he come to Harmony?"

"I don't know, Luis, but we have to keep a close watch. This guy likes to stalk his women before abducting them. He finds a way to get close to them and takes, what they call, their "most prized possession". All three women reported something missing just days before they turned up missing. He also sent them notes and gifts. There's more."

"Go on."

"Three women fitting the same M.O. were found murdered in Boston. It seems like three is the lucky number for this guy."

<><><><><><><><><><>

"She's so beautiful. The way the light hits her golden hair in the sun." The man says to himself as he looks at his collection of pictures. He has all of his victims plastered on the walls of his musty shack. He hangs up the pictures of his next three victims. After he's finished, he picks up his camera and jacket and goes out the door to get more pictures of his women. He arrives at the Lopez-Fitzgerald house and sneaks around back. He finds his dark haired beauty's window and hides behind a bush outside. "How beautiful you are, my angel. We will be together and we will always be happy." The man starts snapping pictures of Theresa. "Tomorrow, my love, I shall send you a gift. I will send one to you and to my two blonde angels." After he finishes taking his pictures, he goes home and prepares his gifts.

Chapter 3

"Good morning, Theresa. Are you feeling better this morning?" Pilar asks her daughter, hoping that she found her ring.

"No, Mama. I still can't find it anywhere. I know that I didn't misplace it. Somebody had to have taken it."

"Taken what?" Luis asks as he walks into the kitchen.

"Nothing, Luis. Just this ring that I had. I can't find it anywhere."

"Theresa, I know that you don't believe it, but you probably just misplaced it."

"I know I didn't, Mama. What about Mrs. Crane? She can't find her locket and we both saw that weird man." Luis looks at Pilar and Theresa with a worried expression on his face.

"What man, Theresa? And how would you know that Mrs. Crane lost a locket?"

"Just this man that we both saw. I, uh, went to the Crane mansion yesterday to drop off something for Mama and Mrs. Crane was upset because she couldn't find this locket."

"Listen to me, Theresa. I want you to be very careful and if you see this man again, get away from him. I have to go." Luis leaves the Lopez-Fitzgerald house and heads over to the station.

"Sam, we need to talk." Luis says.

"What's up, Luis? Is everything okay?"

"No, I'm worried about Theresa. She's missing a ring."

"I didn't mean to make you paranoid by telling you about the Brooklyn Bruiser. She probably just lost it." Sam suggested.

"That's what I thought at first, too, but then she said that Ivy Crane lost a locket yesterday and they both saw a strange man."

"They weren't together when they saw this man?"

"No. If they are two of the intended victims, then who is the third?"

"I don't know, Luis. We need to keep a close eye on Theresa and Ivy to make sure this guy doesn't try anything."

"You're right, Sam. Listen, I have to get down to the Youth Center. Call me if you hear anything else." Luis leaves and Sam sits down. He can't believe that Ivy might be one of the victims. He has to protect her, no matter what. Nothing is going to happen to her while he is around.

<><><><><><><><><><>

Sheridan wakes up on the couch and looks around at the mess she made trying to find her compact. She can't believe that she lost it. Out of everything she owns, it is the only thing that matters to her. She goes into the bathroom and takes a shower. When she comes out, there is a package sitting on her bed. She reluctantly opens it up and screams when she sees what's inside. Tucked away in the box is a black teddy with a note attached that reads: "Soon, my love, you will be wearing this for me, and only me.

There is no chance of you getting away from me. You will be mine, forever and always. You are my blonde angel."

<><><><><><><><><><>

After Luis leaves, Theresa goes into her room and notices a package sitting on her bed. She doesn't remember it being there before. "Oh well, maybe it's a gift or something." She is about to open it when the door opens and Whitney walks in.

"Hey, Theresa. What's in the box?"

"I don't know, Whit, I was just about to open it." Theresa opens up the box and gasps. "Is this someone's sick joke?!" Theresa throws down the box.

"What is it, Theresa?" Whitney asks and then picks up the box. She opens it and finds a black teddy inside with a note that says: "Soon, my love, you will be wearing this for me, and only me.

There is no chance of you getting away from me. You will be mine, forever and always. You are my dark-haired angel." "Oh my God, Theresa. Do you know who sent this?" Whitney asks, very worried about her friend.

"No, Whitney. It was on my bed when I came back from wating breakfast. What is going on?"

"I don't know, Theresa. Maybe we should tell Luis." Whitney suggests.

"No. No one can find out, for now, at least. Please keep it to yourself."

"Okay, Theresa." Whitney reluctantly agrees. "If this gets out of hand, I'm telling Luis."

<><><><><><><><><><>

"Good morning, Ivy. Rough night?" Julian asks his sleepy wife as he walks into the living room.

"Not that it's any of you business, but yes, so don't push me. I think I'm going to go back into my room and try to get some sleep." Ivy walks out of the living room and walks upstairs. She opens her bedroom door and sees a box sitting on her bed. She goes up to it and opens it. "What in the hell?!" She yells. Inside the box is a black teddy with a note attached that reads: "Soon, my love, you will be wearing this for me, and only me. There is no chance of you getting away from me. You will be mine, forever and always. You are my blonde angel." "What kind of sick person would do this?"

"What is it, Mrs. Crane?" Pilar says as she opens the door and comes inside. "I heard you yelling."

"Pilar, did you see anyone come in here?" Ivy asks.

"No, Mrs. Crane. No one has been in here. What's in the box?" Pilar asks as she goes over to Ivy and picks up the box. She looks inside and is sickened by what she sees. "Who would do such a thing?"

"I don't know, Pilar."

<><><><><><><><><><>

"Sheridan, what's wrong?" Luis asks as Sheridan arrives at the Youth Center with a look of despair in her eyes.

"Nothing, Luis. I just had a really rough night." Sheridan doesn't want to tell Luis what happened, but she's afraid.

"Come on, Sheridan. I can see that you're deeply upset about something. You can trust me." Luis touches her shoulder and smiles. She smiles back and decides to tell him.

"It's kind of weird. When I got out of the shower this morning, there was a package sitting on my bed. I opened it and inside was a black teddy with this note attached." Sheridan pulls out the note and hands it to Luis. "It's probably nothing, but it just scares me."

"You should be scared, Sheridan." Luis begins after reading the note. "This is sick. Whoever did this got into your room and put it on your bed. I'm gonna go down to the station and have this analyzed. Why don't you come with me?"

"No, Luis. I'll stay here. Kids will start arriving soon and they can't be alone. Don't worry about me."

"Are you absolutely sure." Sheridan nods. "Okay, then. Call me if you need anything. I'll be back soon." Luis leaves the Youth Center and leaves Sheridan alone. She doesn't notice, but there is a man hiding and taking pictures of her. "Soon, my angel, soon." The man says to himself.

<><><><><><><><><><>

"What's up, Luis?" Sam asks as Luis ushers him into the office.

"Read this note." Luis says. Sam takes the note from Luis and reads it.

"This is sick. Where did you get this?"

"Sheridan Crane. This was attached to a black teddy that was waiting for her on her bed when she got out of the shower."

"She has no idea who did this?"

"Nope."

"I don't think she's our third intended victim, though. She's not missing anything, is she?"

"Not that I know of."

"If she's not missing anything, then she's not one of the vitctim's. This guy does things in order. He takes something and then he gives gifts. It's kind of his way of giving them back they're "most prized possession". I'm going to go over to the Crane Mansion and see if things are okay with Ivy." Sam leaves the station and drives over to the Crane Mansion.

<><><><><><><><><><>

The man leaves the Youth Center and goes to the Crane Mansion. He gets past the guards and stays hidden in the bushes. He spots Ivy standing outside and gets a little closer. He takes pictures of her and then gets ready to leave. Before going, he looks back at her one last time. "Soon, my blonde beauty, soon."

<><><><><><><><><><>

"Sam, what are you doing here?" Pilar asks as she opens the door to the Crane Mansion.

"I need to speak to Ivy. Is she here?" Sam asks.

"She is, but now is not a good time. She's upset about something and she's trying to get some rest."

"Then I'll wait until she's finished. It's very important, Pilar."

"Okay, Sam, if you insist." Pilar leads Sam into the living room and he sits on the couch and waits for Ivy to feel better.

Chapter 4

"Can I ask you a question, Pilar?" Sam asks as he continues to sit on the couch.

"Sure, Sam. What is it?"

"What's wrong with Ivy? Is there anything that I can help with?"

"I'm not supposed to say anything. Mrs. Crane asked me not to." Pilar turns her head away from Sam.

"What information are you trying to get out of Pilar?" Ivy asks as she comes into the living room.

"Good, you're up, Ivy. I need to talk to you." Sam gets up off the couch and goes over to her.

"What about? If this is about staying away from Grace, I'm not in the mood." Ivy turns away from Sam and starts to walk away.

"No. It's about your missing locket." At the sound of her locket, Ivy immediately turns around and looks at Sam.

"You know where my locket is?" Ivy gets a hopeful smile on her face.

"Not exactly, but I think I know who has it."

"Well, who?"

"I think you need to sit down." Sam says as he sits on the couch. Ivy goes and sits next to him. "Luis told me about the strange man that you and Theresa saw yesterday."

"You mean the man with the evil green eyes?"

"Yes. I don't know how else to say it, but we have reason to believe that he is the Brooklyn Bruiser."

"What are you talking about, Sam? That's absurd!" Ivy gets up off the couch and starts pacing. "That guy is a sick maniac! Why would he come to Harmony? And what does he have to do with my locket?"

"The police in Brooklyn notified me that he may be headed this way. Listen to me, Ivy. The women that he kidnapped reported something very important to them missing days before they were taken. And then he sent them sick gifts."

"Gifts?" Ivy faints. Sam and Pilar rush to her side and Sam carries her onto the couch.

<><><><><><><><><><>

"Ethan, what are you doing here?" Whitney asks as she opens the door to the Lopez-Fitzgerald house.

"Hey, Whitney. Is Theresa here?"

"Yes, she is, but she's kind of having a bad day. Maybe you should come back later."

"Ok. Tell her that I hope she feels better." As Whitney tried to usher Ethan out of the house, Theresa walks into the room.

"Ethan, what are you doing here?" Theresa asks.

"Theresa, why are you crying?" Ethan asks, noticing the tears in her eyes and the distraught look on her face.

"It's nothing, Ethan."

"Maybe you should tell him, Theresa. He might be able to help you?" Whitney suggests as she goes to her friend's side.

"What is it, Theresa? Come on, you can trust me." Theresa hesitates, but then agrees.

"Ok. Follow me." Ethan follows Theresa and Whitney into Theresa's bedroom. "I found this sitting on my bed this morning after I ate breakfast." Ethan opens the box and looks inside.

"Oh my God. Who did this?"

"I don't know, Ethan. Whoever it was got into my room somehow."

"Did you tell Luis?" A very worried Ethan asks her.

"I can't tell Luis. There's nothing that anyone can do. Why don't you go home Ethan."

"I don't want to leave you, Theresa." Ethan grabs her hands and looks into her eyes. She can see that he really cares about her.

"I'll be fine, Ethan. I have Whitney here."

"Okay, Theresa. But I'm coming back later to check on you." Ethan squeezes her hands one last time and then lets go. He leaves her house and heads back to the Crane Mansion.

<><><><><><><><><><>

"How are you feeling, Sheridan?" Luis asks as he enters the Youth Center to find Sheridan sitting down and staring at the floor.

"I'm okay, Luis. Did you find anything out at the police station?" Sheridan asks in a hopeful tone.

"They're analyzing it right now and they're going to call me when they find out something." Luis says as he sits down next to her. "Sheridan, can I ask you a question?"

"Sure, Luis. What is it?"

"Are you missing anything?"

"What do you mean?"

"Like something important to you. It's very important that I know." Sheridan's muscles tighten as she remembers her compact that she still can't find. Luis notices the look on her face. "What is it, Sheridan?" Luis takes her hands in his and forces her to look into his eyes.

"How did you know that I'm missing something? I didn't tell anyone."

"Oh, God. What are you missing?"

"The compact that you gave to me. I know that I had it. I can't find it anywhere."

"When was the last time you saw it?" Sheridan thinks for a minute, and then remembers.

"It was yesterday. I was on my way here when that weird guy stopped me. I looked in my purse for a quarter and I remember seeing it in there." Luis' worst suspicions are confirmed. Sheridan is the third intended victim.

"Listen to me, Sheridan. You have to come with me right now." Luis stands up and pulls her up with him.

"What's wrong, Luis? Why do I have to go with you?" Sheridan starts to get worried.

"We need to go to my house and then find Sam. Please don't ask questions. I'll explain later." Sheridan agrees and they exit the Youth Center and drive to the Lopez-Fitzgerald home.

<><><><><><><><><><>

"Ivy, wake up." Sam says.

"Sam? What happened?" Ivy asks as Sam helps her sit up.

"You fainted when I mentioned the word 'gifts'. Do you know why?"

"Mrs. Crane, I think you should tell him. If you don't, then I will." Pilar threatens.

"Okay, Pilar. Can you go upstairs and get it?" Sam looks at Ivy and Pilar and is confused as to what they're talking about. Pilar nods and then heads upstairs. While Sam and Ivy await her return, Ethan comes into the living room.

"Mother, what happened?" Ethan asks as he rushes to Ivy's side.

"I'm ok, Ethan. I just fainted. Where have you been?" Ivy asks, trying to change the subject.

"I had to ask Theresa something, but when I got there she was upset about something."

"What was she upset about, Ethan?"

"I can't say, Mother. I promised." Pilar walks back into the living room carrying a box.

"This was sitting on Mrs. Crane's bed this morning." Pilar says as she hands Sam the box. Sam opens it and is shocked by what he sees.

"Oh my God!" Sam exclaims as he remembers Sheridan.

"What is it, Chief Bennett?" Ethan asks. He takes the box from Sam and looks inside. "You got one, too, Mother?! What is going on?!"

"What do you mean, Ethan? Are you talking about the one that Sheridan got?" Sam asks. Ethan looks at him with a confused look on his face.

"No, I was talking about the one that Theresa got. Sheridan got one, too?"

"Theresa and Sheridan got one? I have to call Luis." Pilar says as she leaves the room.

"Sam, what is going on?" Ivy asks as she gets up off the couch and walks up to Ethan and Sam.

"I'll have to explain later, Ivy. Let's go down to the station." Ivy and Ethan both follow him. "Let's wait for Pilar to get off the phone. I'm sure she'll want to come along."

<><><><><><><><><><>

"Mama, what is it?" Luis asks after he picks up his cell phone to answer it.

"Luis, thank God. Theresa and Sheridan are in grave danger. I don't know why. They both got these sick gifts and so did Mrs. Crane."

"I knew about Sheridan, she's with me now. We're on our way to pick up Theresa and then we're going to the station."

"Good. Sam is taking Mrs. Crane and Ethan down there and I'm going to go with them. I'll see you later." Luis hangs up the phone and then looks at Sheridan.

"What's going on, Luis?" Sheridan asks.

"That was Mama. She said that Ivy and Theresa got the same gift that you got." Luis and Sheridan arrive at his house and they go inside.

"Theresa? Where are you?" Luis asks as he looks around the house for her. Theresa and Whitney emerge from Theresa's bedroom.

"Luis, what's going on?" Theresa asks when she sees the worried look on her big brother's face.

"I know about the gift that you got. Sheridan and Mrs. Crane got one as well. We need to get down to the station as soon as possible."

"But why, Luis?"

"I can't explain right now. Let's go." Theresa and Whitney follow Sheridan and Luis out the door and they head down to the station.

<><><><><><><><><><>

Sam, Ivy, Ethan, and Pilar arrive at the station first. They go inside and Sam takes them into an interrogation room for privacy. Soon after they sit down, Luis, Sheridan, Theresa, and Whitney enter the room and they, too, sit down.

"Can someone please tell me what's going on?" Theresa asks.

"Ok, we'll tell you. Theresa, you, Ivy, and Sheridan are in serious danger. We have good reason to believe that the man they call the "Brooklyn Bruiser" is after you." <><><><><><><><><><>

"They're all playing into right into my hands. They think that by hiding with the police they can sneak away from me. They are DEAD WRONG." The man says to himself as he sits in the parking lot of the police station. "Now that they're houses are vacant, I can pack their things." The man drives off and arrives at Sheridan's cottage. He goes inside and starts looking through her things. He finds her suitcase in her bedroom and begins putting her clothes inside of it. After he's finished, he loads her things inside his car and then goes inside of the Crane Mansion. When he gets inside Ivy's room, he packs her things and then puts them into the car. He drives off and journeys to Theresa's house. He sneaks into her bedroom and packs her things up, too. He arrives at his shack and unloads the suitcases.

Chapter 5

Pilar, Theresa, and Whitney are the first to leave the police station. Ethan offers to drive them home and he comes inside to make sure they get settled. Whitney goes in Theresa's room to put her overnight bag inside.

"Are you okay, Theresa?" Ethan asks her. He can tell that the day's events have taken a toll on her.

"I'll be okay, Ethan. I'm just kind of scared."

"It's gonna be ok." Ethan says as he pulls her into a comforting hug.

"Theresa! Ethan! Come quick!" Whitney yells. They run to Theresa's room to see what's the matter with Whitney.

"Whitney, what's going on?" Ethan asks her.

"I went to put the shirt that you let me borrow away. Look inside your drawers, Theresa." Theresa and Ethan go over to the dresser and open up the drawers to find that they are mostly empty.

"Oh my God! Where are my clothes?!" Theresa was starting to hyproventilate. She has never been so stressed in her life.

"I don't know, but your suitcase is missing, too."

<><><><><><><><><><>

"Are you okay, Sheridan?" Luis asks as he opens the car door for her.

"I'll be okay. I'm just frightened. How far do you think this guy will go?"

"I don't know, Sheridan. He won't touch you while I'm around." Luis assures her. She gets inside the car and Luis goes around to the other side. They drive off to Sheridan's cottage. When they get there, Luis is afraid to leave her alone.

"Do you mind if I stay awhile?"

"Not at all, Luis. Actually, I think I'd feel better if you did." Sheridan smiles at him and he smiles back. They sit on the couch and then her phone rings. "Let me answer that." Sheridan picks up the phone. "Hello?"

"I'm coming to get you. Soon, my dear, you will be mine. That big bad cop boyfriend of yours will not get in my way." The voice on the other side hangs up, not giving Sheridan a chance to respond. Sheridan just starts to sob and collapses on the floor. Luis rushes to her side and gets her up off the ground.

"Sheridan, are you alright? Was that him?" Sheridan just nods and Luis holds her tight. They go and lay on the couch, where she falls asleep in his arms.

<><><><><><><><><><>

"I'm almost done, Ivy. I know you probably want to get home." Sam says as he finishes up paper work.

"Thanks, Sam. You've been great through this." Sam looks up and smiles at her.

"It's my pleasure. I know that this has probably been really rough on you. Hopefully it will all be over soon." Sam finishes his work and he and Ivy drive back to the Crane Mansion. He's reluctant to leave her, but she convinces him that she'll be alright.

"If you need anything at all, Ivy, don't hesitate to call. Day or night, I'll be here in a heartbeat." Sam assures her.

"Thanks, Sam. I'll be okay. Goodbye."

"Goodbye, Ivy." Sam leaves the Crane Mansion and Ivy goes inside. She looks around and notices that no one is home.

"Well, there's no use in waiting around here. I'll go to the Book Cafe and get something to eat." Ivy leaves and drives over to the Book Cafe. What she doesn't realize is that she's being followed by a man with green eyes.

"Can I get a blueberry muffin and a coffee?" Ivy asks the waitress.

"Right away, ma'am." Ivy gets her muffin and coffe and sits down. She stares at them and then realizes that she's not really in the mood to eat or drink anything. She decides that it's getting late and that she should go home. She walks out the door, and as she's digging in her purse for her car keys, someone comes up behind her and grabs her. She tries to scream, but he puts something over mouth.

"I finally have you, my beautiful angel. Now we'll be together forever." Tears fall from Ivy's eyes and then everything goes black....

<><><><><><><><><><>

"Good morning, Sheridan." Luis says as he wakes up with her in his arms. She smiles at him and he smiles back.

"Good morning, Luis. Thanks for staying with me last night. It really meant a lot to me."

"It meant a lot to me, too. I like being around you, Sheridan. Mama was right about you."

"She was right about you, too. I know that I couldn't live without you." Luis blushes and then looks at her.

"I couldn't live without you, either." Luis and Sheridan look into each other's eyes. Both of them know that the moment is right. They inch closer to each other until their lips meet. Their kiss starts off innocent, but becomes more passionate with each second. Sheridan wraps her arms around Luis and runs her hands up and down his back. Luis does the same thing with Sheridan. As the kiss comes to an end, he brings his hand up to her cheek and runs his fingers down her jawline. They're about to kiss again when the phone rings.

"Let me answer that this time." Luis suggests as he picks up the phone. "Hello?"

"Luis? Hi, it's Ethan. I was just calling to see if my mother is over there. I've been trying to call the house, but there's no answer."

"No, I haven't seen her. Sheridan and I just woke up. I'll have someone go over there and check it out."

"Thanks, Luis." Luis hangs up the phone and is surprised when Sheridan comes up behind him and wraps her arms around him.

"What's the matter?" She asks him.

"That was Ethan. No one's answering the phone at the main house. I'm gonna call Sam and see if he knows what's up." Luis dials Sam's number.

"Chief Bennett." Sam says as he picks up the phone.

"Hi, Sam, it's Luis. Do you know where Ivy is? There's no answer at the main house."

"Actually, I'm on my way over there right now. Ivy insisted that I go home last night. I'll call you and let you know what happens." <><><><><><><><><><>

"Good morning, Ethan." Theresa says as she comes out of her bedroom to find Ethan sitting on her couch. He had refused to leave the night before, so Pilar let him sleep on the couch.

"Good morning, Theresa. How are you feeling this morning?"

"I'm ok. Did you sleep well?"

"I slept good."

"Thanks for staying over last night. It meant a lot to me."

"Anytime, Theresa. Why don't you go get dressed and I'll take you to breakfast."

"I'd like that. Thanks." Theresa says as she goes back into her room to find something to wear.

<><><><><><><><><><>

"Where am I?" Ivy says to herself as she wakes up. She looks around the small room, but can't see much. There is only a dim light lit in the corner. She feels nauceaus and tired. She tries to move, but her feet feel heavy and she can't get up. Then she realizes that she's tied down to a small cot. The door opens, and she sees a man emerge from the shadows. She immediately recognizes him when she sees his green eyes. He approaches her and she tries to scream, but he puts his hand over her mouth.

"Listen to me, sweetheart. If you scream I'll kill you." She lets out a moan and he slaps her. "Shut your mouth! You're mine now!"

Chapter 6

Ethan and Theresa decide to go to the Book Cafe for breakfast. When they arrive, Ethan notices his mother's car in the parking lot.

"Look, Theresa, my mother's car. She must have decided to come here this morning and that's why there was no one answering the phone at the house."

"Thanks God she's alright. Let's go inside, I'm starving." As Theresa and Ethan walk towards the door, Ethan notices something in the bushes.

"What's this?" He asks himself. He bends over to pick it up and is shocked to see that it is his mother's purse. "Oh my God! I have to call Chief Bennett." Ethan dials Sam's number.

"Chief Bennett."

"Chief Bennett, it's Ethan. Theresa and I just got to the Book Cafe. My mother's car is in the parking lot and we just found her purse in the bushes."

"Ok, I need you to go inside and ask people questions. Find out if anyone saw her. I'll be right down there." Sam hangs up the phone with Ethan.

"Ivy, you have to be okay." Sam says to himself. "I'll never forgive myself if something happens to you."

<><><><><><><><><><>

Every part of Ivy's body ached, especially her face. She has never been more scared in her life. She cringes in fear as she sees the door open and her assailant walks in.

"Hello, Ivy dear. Are you feeling like you can behave this morning? I sure hope so. I have to go out for a while, my angel. There's two lovely ladies that need me. Don't worry, darling, I won't be long." The man walks up to Ivy and kisses her on her soar cheek then walks out of the room.

"Oh God, he's going after Sheridan and Theresa. I hope he doesn't get to them." Ivy prays to herself.

<><><><><><><><><><>

"I'm going to call Sam and see if he found anything out at the mansion." Luis tells Sheridan. As he's about to pick up the phone to dial Sam's number, it rings. He answers it up immediately.

"Hello?"

"Luis, it's Sam. Ethan just called me from the Book Cafe. Ivy's car was found there and her purse was found in the bushes. It looks like this guy got her."

"Okay, I'm going to go down there. I'll call an officer and have them stay with Sheridan. Bye Sam." Luis hangs up the phone.

"What is it, Luis?" Sheridan asks as she notices his worried expression.

"That was Sam. Looks like this guy got Ivy. I'm going to go see what I can find out. Meanwhile, I'm going to call the station and have an officer sent over."

"Ok, Luis. Be careful." After Luis leaves, an officer is sent over.

<><><><><><><><><><>

"Did you find anything out, Ethan?" Sam asks as he enters the Book Cafe.

"Not much. My mother came in here last night for a muffin and a coffee and then left. No one saw anything."

"Thanks, Ethan. We're gonna find her, I promise you."

"Thanks, Chief Bennett."

"Why don't you take Theresa home. And whatever you do, don't leave her alone. This guy's gonna try to get her or Sheridan soon." Ethan nods and then he and Theresa leave.

<><><><><><><><><><>

Sheridan sits down and the couch and starts to read a book when someone knocks on her door. She goes up to the door and looks as the window to see that it's a police officer.

"Hello, officer...." She says as she opens the door.

"Leoni. Officer Leoni. You must be Sheridan. I'll be right outside if you need anything, ma'am. But first, can I use your restroom?"

"Sure, come on in." Sheridan points the way to the bathroom and then sits back down. She picks up her book again and then hears the bathroom door open.

"Thanks again for letting me use your restroom." The officer says as he comes into the living room "You have such a nice house." Sheridan lifts her head up to thank him and then cowers in fear as she looks into his eyes. They are the same green eyes that she had seen outside the Youth Center. Why hadn't she noticed them when he came in?

"Oh my God! It's you!" She yells, sinking to the ground.

"I told you that your boyfriend couldn't protect you. Now you're mine forever." Sheridan screams and then he picks her up off the ground. She tries to struggle, but he's too strong. He backhands her and she lands on the coffee table and knocks it over. He checks to make sure she's unconcious and then picks her up and takes her to her new life with him.

<><><><><><><><><><>

"Well, Sam, I'm going to call Sheridan and check up on her. Ethan's staying with Theresa, right?" Luis asks.

"Yeah. He said that he wouldn't let her out of his sight."

"Ok, good." Luis goes and calls Sheridan only to discover that there is no answer. He goes back over to Sam. "Sam, there's no answer at Sheridan's. I'm gonna go over and check it out." Sam nods and Luis heads over to Sheridan's.

<><><><><><><><><><>

"Well, here we are Theresa. Home sweet home." Ethan says as they get inside Theresa's house.

"You have done so much for me, Ethan. I hope Gwen isn't angry that you're spending all this time here."

"Gwen's out of town. Besides, you're what's important right now. I don't care what Gwen thinks." Theresa gives him a little smile, but inside she's jumping for joy.

"Don't worry about anything, Theresa. I'm not going anywhere until this bastard is caught and you, Sheridan, and my mother are safe."

<><><><><><><><><><>

After "Officer Leoni" brings Sheridan to his shack, he goes into the bathroom and takes out his contacts. "Now Theresa, it's your turn."

Chapter 7

Luis arrives at Sheridan's cottage just as another police officer is getting out of his patrol car.

"Hey, Miranda, why aren't you inside with Sheridan?" Luis asks as he approaches him.

"I just got here, Luis. I was on my way over here but I got a call. I went to check it out, but it turned out to be a false alarm." Luis looks at him with a panicked expression.

"Then that means that Sheridan is in there alone. Come on, let's go check on her." Luis practically runs inside. He opens the door to see the coffee table knocked over. He runs over to it and notices that there is blood on the top of it. "Oh, God. Sheridan has to be alright." Luis picks up the phone to call Sam.

"Chief Bennett." Sam says as he picks up the phone.

"Hi, Sam, it's Luis. I have some bad news. It looks like he got Sheridan, too."

"Damnit! How did that happen?" Sam is still very upsert about him getting Ivy, and now he has Sheridan, too.

"Officer Miranda got an emergency call on his way over here. When he got there it turned out to be a false alarm. We both got over here at the same time."

"Ok, get some units over there and then go home. I'm on my way over there now to check on Theresa. She's definately his next target and she needs all the protection she can get. I'll call Ethan and tell him not to let her out of his sight."

"Ok, Sam. I'll see you there."

<><><><><><><><><><>

"Why does my head hurt so much?" Sheridan asks herself as she tries to get up. She realizes that she's tied down and remembers everything that happened. She tries to undo her hands, but the ropes are too tight. The door opens and a dark figure enters and approaches the bed.

"Good morning, sweetheart. I bet you love your new home. We'll always be together." The man says as he touches her face. "It's time to go, Sheridan. I have another room for you to stay in." The man unties her hands and feet and drags her out the door. She can't see much of anything becuase her vision is blurred and it's dark. As they're walking they pass a couple doors. He opens one and then takes her inside. The room is a little bit larger than the one she was in before. There are three beds sitting next to each other and a small table in the corner. He takes her over to one of the beds and handcuffs her to the railing. "I'll be back with some more company a little later, darling." He leaves the room and she's alone.

<><><><><><><><><><>

"Chief Bennett, what are you doing here?" Ethan asks as he opens the door to the Lopez-Fitzgerald home.

"Hi, Ethan. I came over to check on Theresa and to give you some bad news." Ethan invites Sam in and then closes the door.

"What is it?"

"He got Sheridan, too. I'm so sorry, Ethan." Sam says as he puts a reassuring arm on Ethan's shoulder.

"Why is this happening? First my mother, now my aunt. I won't let him have Theresa, too."

"What's going on, Ethan?" Theresa asks as she comes into the family room.

"Theresa, hi. It's Sheridan. He got her." Tears immediately rush into Theresa's eyes and Ethan can see that she's about to collapse. He rushes to her side and holds her. Just then, Luis comes in.

"God, Theresa. Are you alright?" He asks rushing to his little sister's side.

"She'll be ok, Luis. We just told her about Sheridan." Sam informs him.

"Listen to me, Theresa. We're gonna get this guy. You have nothing to worry about. You have me, Sam, Ethan, Whtiney, Mama. We won't let him get you."

"Thanks, Luis. I think I need to lie down."

"Ok, Theresa. If you need anything, just let me know." Theresa nods and then walks into her room. She goes inside and sits on the bed when she notices that her window is open.

"I don't remember that being open." She gets up off the bed and goes over to the window. All of the sudden, someone grabs her from behind. She tries to scream, but he puts something over her mouth and she finds herself getting sleepy.

<><><><><><><><><><>

"I hope she's okay. I've never seen Theresa so distraught." Luis says as he sits on the couch.

"She'll be okay as long as we don't let this guy get her. He's gotten my mother and my aunt. We have to make sure that he doesn't get Theresa, too." Ethan says as he sits next to Luis.

"You've really been great to my sister, Ethan. Thanks. It really means a lot to me and to my family."

"You're sister is important to me. I don't want anything to happen to her."

"The same goes with Sheridan. If anything happens to her, I know that I can't handle it."

"Did you guys hear something?" Sam asks.

"No, why?"

"Come on, I think I heard something that sounded like a window shutting." Ethan and Luis bolt from the couch and the three men run into to Theresa's room to discover that she is gone.

<><><><><><><><><><>

Sheridan's sitting alone in the room when she hears the door open. She looks up to see that her assailant is entering carrying someone. He gets closer and puts the body on the bed next to Sheridan. Then she notices that it's Theresa and that she's unconscious.

"I'll be right back, my love. I have more company for you." He leaves the room and then Sheridan tries to wake up Theresa.

"Theresa, wake up. He's going to be back soon." Sheridan says in a panicked tone. Before she gets Theresa to wake up, the door opens again and the green-eyed man brings Ivy in. He takes her to the last empty bed and ties her to it.

"Well, ladies, I guess I'll leave you alone. I have business to take care of. I'll be back later, my darlings."

Chapter 8

The man leaves and Ivy tries to get her ropes untied.

"Ivy, are you okay?" Sheridan asks.

"I'm okay. What about you?"

"I'll be fine. It's Theresa that worries me. She's still unconscious."

"Look, Sheridan." Ivy starts, pointing to Theresa as best as she can. "Theresa's not tied up."

"You're right. Do you think he forgot?"

"I don't know. But if she wakes up soon, she's out ticket out of here." Ivy and Sheridan sit for a few minutes in silence and then see Theresa stir around on the bed. "Theresa, honey. Are you awake?" Ivy asks.

"Mrs. Crane? Where am I?" Theresa asks as she struggles to sit up.

"Do you remember what happened? That guy kidnapped you." Suddenly the memories come flooding back to her.

"Oh, God. We're gonna die." Theresa starts to cry.

"Theresa, you need to calm down. It's going to be alright. Sheridan and I wob\n't let you die. You're the only one not tied up. We can get out of here." Theresa feels a little more confident about them escaping. She stands up and walks over to Ivy first. She studies the ropes and then starts to untie them. At last, Ivy's hands are free.

"Here, I'll untie my feet. You go see if you can help Sheridan." Ivy suggests. Theresa nods and walks over to Sheridan's bed.

"I don't think we're going to get her free. He handcuffed her to the bed." Theresa tells them. Ivy finally frees her feet and walks over by Theresa.

"Oh, no, you're right."

<><><><><><><><><><>

"Oh, God! Theresa's gone!" Ethan exclaims as he starts pacing in her room.

"Calm down, Ethan. We're gonna find her." Sam says. Luis calls some units to come over and dust for fingerprints. While the police are searching, Pilar takes Luis, Sam, and Ethan into the kitchen to try and calm them down.

"I can't believe it. I told her that I would protect her. I let my littler sister down."

"No you didn't, Luis. This man is sick and very clever. Think about it, son. He found a way into the Crane Mansions while the family was at home. We're going to find them and they're going to be okay." Pilar takes Luis' hand in hers and gives it a reassuring squeeze then lets go.

"Hey, Chief Bennett, look what we found." An officer says as he walks into the kitchen holding a piece of paper. Sam takes the paper from his hands and observes it.

"What is it, Sam?" Luis asks him.

"It's a phone number." Sam tells him.

"Well, let's call the number and find out who it is." Sam picks up the phone and calls the number.

"Hello?"

"Hi, this is Chief Bennett with the Harmony Police. Who am I speaking to?"

"Well, this is Gloria Aldrettie. Did I do something wrong, officer?" The elderly woman asks.

"No, ma'am. Have you been in any contact with any strange young men lately?"

"Not that I recall. I'm a lonely old woman. I don't get much company and not many people call me, either. But I am selling my house. Do you want to come and take a look at it? I can give you a good deal."

"No thanks, Mrs. Aldrettie. If a man calls or comes by, could you give me a call?"

"Well, sure, officer." Sam thanks her and gives him the various numbers where he can be reached and hangs up.

"Why would that man have some old lady's number?" Ethan asks.

"I don't, Ethan. But we're gonna find out."

<><><><><><><><><><>

Ethan arrives back at the Crane Mansion and is surprised to see Gwen there.

"Gwen, I thought you were out of town until next week." Ethan says.

"Well, sweetheart, I couldn't stand being away from you." Gwen goes up to him and kisses him, but he doesn't kiss back. "What's wrong with you, Ethan?"

"Theresa, Sheridan, and my mother were kidnapped by the Brooklyn Bruiser." Gwen laughs, thinking he's joking.

"You're joking, right?" Gwen looks at the expression on his face. "You're not joking? Oh my God! Your poor mother and Sheridan!" Ethan gives her a dirty look.

"And Theresa." Ethan adds. Gwen just smirks.

"I'm sure she's fine, Ethan. Theresa probably set up the whole thing. Instead of an imaginary boyfriend, she came up with an imaginary stalker!"

"I can't believe you, Gwen! Theresa could be dead and you're being a cold-hearted bitch!" Ethan yells. Gwen looks at him in shock.

"How can you call me that?" Gwen asks, hurt.

"Easy. It's the truth. Gwen, it's over between us. I never want to see you again! Now get the hell out of my house before I throw you out!" Ethan pushes Gwen out the door and slams it shut before she can say anything. For some reason, Ethan feels better. "Why didn't I get rid of her sooner?" Ethan asks himself.

<><><><><><><><><><>

"Luis, can I talk to you for a minute?" Miguel asks.

"Sure, Miguel. What's up?"

"I don't want to sound negative, but I wanted to tell you something that happened just in case---just in case it's too late for them."

"Don't talk like that, Miguel! They're going to be okay! They have to be okay."

"I hope so, too. But I still need to tell you."

"Okay, Miguel. Go ahead."

"Well, it was before this whole thing happened. I was sitting at the Book Cafe and I overheard Sheridan tell Mrs. Crane something." Luis looks at him, suspicious.

"What did she tell her?"

"That she's in love with you." Luis looked at Miguel in shock. Sheridan loved him! He wanted to jump for joy.

"She loves me?" Luis asks, just to make sure he heard him right.

"Yes she does. She loves you a lot." Miguel tells him as he gets up and leaves his brother to think.

<><><><><><><><><><>

"Hi, honey. How are you doing?" Grace asks as Sam comes through the door.

"Did the station call?" Sam asks, avoiding her question.

"No, honey. Are you okay?"

"It's just this case I'm working on."

"Oh, ok. By the way, this came for you in the mail." Grace says as she hands him a large envelope with no return address on it. He opens it up to find Ivy's locket inside with a note attached that reads: You had your chance. She's mine now.

<><><><><><><><><><>

"I think I got it." Ivy says as she and Theresa are still trying to get Sheridan loose. They have been sitting there for an hour trying to pull the bed frame apart. Finally, they have succeeded.

"Thank God!" Sheridan says as she pulls her hands (still in the handcuffs) free from the bed. "At least I can get up now." As the three women are hugging due to their victory, the door opens.

"I knew you would try to get away. I purposely left Theresa untied to see if she would help you. It was a test and all three of you failed miserably."

Chapter 9

Theresa, Ivy, and Sheridan rubbed the sore parts of their bodies. The man had beat them badly after they had tried to escape. Now the three women have lost all hope of ever getting out alive. <><><><><><><><><><>

Luis can't stop thinking about Sheridan. He can't believe that she loves him. A knock at the door interrupts his thoughts.

"Can I help you?" Luis asks as he opens the door.

"Yes, I have a delivery for a Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald."

"That's me."

"Ok, sign here." Luis takes the pen from the delivery man and signs his name. He takes the envelope from the man and shuts the door. He opens up the envelope and dumps out it's contents into his hand. He gasps as he sees that it's the compact that he gave to Sheridan with a note attached that reads: You shoud've told her how you felt when you had the chance. Now the only man that will be confessing their love to her is me.

<><><><><><><><><><>

Sam sits, still holding Ivy's locket tight in his hands. The phone rings and he jumps up to get it.

"Hello?"

"Is this Chief Bennett?"

"Yes, who is this?" Sam asks.

"This is Gloria Aldrettie. Do you remember me, dear?"

"Yes, I do. Did you need something?"

"Actually, I wanted to tell you that a young man called me. He sounded kind of strange and he decided to buy my house. He's moving in today." For the first time since this whole mess started, Sam feels that there is hope. He gets Mrs. Aldrettie's address and then sends an officer over there to keep watch.

<><><><><><><><><><>

"Hello, Ethan. You look like hell." Julian says as Ethan walks into the living room. "By the way, this came for you today." Julian hands Ethan a small envelope and Ethan opens it. He looks inside and sees the ring that he bought for Theresa and a note that reads: You weren't quick enough to realize your true feelings. Now she'll be mine forever.

<><><><><><><><><><>

"Well, my angels. It's time to go to our new home." The man says as he enters the room where he's holding Ivy, Sheridan, and Theresa.

"Where are you taking us?" Ivy asks.

"You'll find out soon, darling. You know I love you all and want what's best for you." He goes up to Theresa and takes her out of the room.

"I'll be back for you two in a minute." He comes back shortly and takes Sheridan and leaves again. Then he comes back again and takes Ivy. He takes her to his van and puts her in the back. Ivy, Theresa, and Sheridan await there fate as the man drives them to their new "home".

<><><><><><><><><><>

"Are you sure this is where he's coming?" Luis asks Sam as they hide in the bushes by Mrs. Aldrettie's house.

"It has to be. This is our only lead." Sam takes a quick look to make sure everyone's in place. He sees the SWAT team and the various police officer's in their hiding places. He spots Ethan's car just down the block. He had begged to come to be there for Theresa, Sheridan, and Ivy. Luis and Sam knew how hard he was taking things and they finally gave in. Everyone prepares as they see a van approaching. "All units in place." Sam says into his walkie talkie. The man gets out of the van and opens the garage. He gets back into the van and drives it inside.

Chapter 10

"Well, my angels, we're home." The man says as he opens the back of the van. He unties Sheridan, Ivy, and Theresa and then pulls out a gun. "Okay, get out of the van and if you make one false move, I'll kill you." Each of them slowly get out of the van and he points the gun towards the door. "Now go inside." The man ushers them inside and into one of the upstairs bedrooms. They enter the room and he motions for them to sit on the bed. They look around the room and notice that there are bars on the windows and only one large bed. "This will have to do for now until I get everything settled. Now you ladies stay in here while I finish unpacking. Just remember that if you make one false move, that beating last night will seem like nothing." He leaves them in the room and shuts the door and locks it.

"Well this is better than that shack." Ivy says as she gets up off the bed.

"Yeah, but we still have no way of getting out of here. What if he kills us? I'll never get to tell Ethan how I feel." Theresa says, fogetting that she's locked in a room with Ethan's mother and aunt.

"Tell Ethan how you feel about what?" Ivy asks her.

"Umm, about how happy I am that he and Gwen are together." Theresa says, attempting to save herself.

"I don't think that's what you were going to say." Sheridan chimes in. "Look, I have an idea. Theresa's right. We might die in here and there's nothing we can do about it. Why don't we make the most of the time we have left."

"I don't like the way that sounds, but we don't have anything else to do. What exactly did you have in mind?" Ivy asks.

"Well, why don't we be 100% honest with each other. Anything we tell each other stays in this room, no matter what." Ivy and Theresa both look at Sheridan and nod their heads in agreement.

"Ok, I have a confession to make." Theresa starts. "I'm in love with Ethan and I have been for as long as I can remember. I know that no one would approve of the way I feel for him or any kind of relationship between us. But I can't help how I feel. You can't control who you fall in love with. And now I'll die and he'll never know." Theresa starts to cry and Ivy walks over to her and puts her arm around her.

"It's okay, Theresa. Everything is going to be okay. You're going to get to tell Ethan how you feel. I promise." Theresa looks up at Ivy in shock.

"You mean, you're not mad at me?"

"No, Theresa, I'm not. These past few days have really made me think about life and the choices that we make. Years ago I made a choice that ruined my life. I won't let my son make a mistake like that by marrying Gwen."

"What do you mean, Ivy? What choice did you have to make?" Sheridan asks.

"Well, it was more than 20 years ago and I found the love of my life, Sam Bennett." Ivy begins. "We were so happy together until my family found out about us. I became pregnant and they told me that I had to marry Julian or give up my baby. I chose to marry Julian. I have regretted that decision every day of my life. Don't get me wrong, I don't regret choosing to keep my baby, but I just wish that I would have handled things differently. If I would have told Sam, maybe we could have figured something out."

"What happened to the baby?" Theresa asks.

"The baby is Ethan." Theresa and Sheridan just look at her in shock. Ivy has tears in her eyes as she continues. "I know that it's hard to believe, but it's the truth. I never got to tell Sam or Ethan. If we get out of here alive, then I'm going to."

"Oh my God, Ivy. I can't believe it. You still love Sam, don't you?"

"Yes I do. I love him more than life itself."

<><><><><><><><><><>

Sam, Luis, and the rest of the police wait outside to make their move. Suddenly, the garage opens and the van pulls out. The man gets out of the car and shuts the garage. He immediately gets back into the car and drives away.

"Lance, you and Estes follow the van and don't let it out of sight. Keep me updated." Sam says over the walkie talkie. "Are you ready to go in, Luis?"

"I'm ready. Let's go." Sam and Luis, along with two other officers, get out of the bushes and sneak around to the back of the house. One of the officers tries to open the door, but it's locked. Sam picks up a rock and throws it through one of the windows.

<><><><><><><><><><>

"What was that?" Sheridan asks as she hears something that sounds like glass shattering.

"I don't know, but continue your story." Theresa says. Ivy, Sheridan, and Theresa know that their fates are sealed. Whatever happens will happen and their prepared for it. Sheridan continues her story about her love for Luis.

<><><><><><><><><><>

"I've had enough of being patient. Let's get them out of here." Sam says. Luis and the other officers nod, not wanting to argue with their boss' tactics. They sneak into the house, carefully looking around each corner. "Evertsen. Herman. You two search downstairs. Luis and I are gonna look upstairs." The two officers agree and Sam and Luis head upstairs.

"Hey, Sam, do you hear something?" Luis asks as he walks towards one of the bedrooms. He puts his ear up to the door and smiles when he hears the voice of the woman he loves on the other side. "Sam, it's Sheridan!" Luis triumphantly announces. Sam runs towards the door and he, too, listens.

"You're right. We found them, Luis!"

"Sheridan, are you in there?" Luis asks through the door.

"Luis! Is that you?" Sheridan says as she gets up off the bed.

"Yes it is. Are Theresa and Ivy in there with you?"

"We're in here, Luis." Theresa answers.

"Okay, I'm going to try and get you out of there. Move away from the door." Luis and Sam try to jiggle the knob, but it's locked and the key is no where in sight. Luis backs up and motions for Sam to move out of the way. He charges at the door and it opens.

"Sheridan! Theresa!" Luis yells as he runs up to his sister and "girlfriend" and pulls them into his arms.

"Sam, you found us!" Ivy says as she hugs Sam. Sam is taken off guard, but gives into the hug. He pulls her so close to his body that not even air can fit between them.

"Ivy, I'm so glad that you're alright. But we need to get out of here." The five of them are startled when they hear gunshots being fired. Sam looks out the window and his mouth drops open in shock.

"Oh my God!" Luis runs to the window.

"Holy s***!" The man is standing outside the house. He is wired with explosives and holding an automatic rifle at some police officers. Sam runs over to the phone and dials Ethan's cell phone number.

"Hello?" Ethan says.

"Ethan, what the hell is going on out there?"

"The only thing I know is that when his van came back, there were no other cars following him. When he got out of the van he opened up his jacket and revealed the explosives wired to his chest. Then he pulled out an automatic and shot three officers."

"Thanks, Ethan." Sam hangs up the phone and looks at Luis. "We have a huge problem on our hands."

Chapter 11

"This guy is even more sick than we thought." Luis says as he contemplates a plan. Sheridan looks out the window first.

"Oh my God!" Sheridan's reaction causes Theresa and Ivy to look out the window, and they, too are shocked.

"Our best bet is to try to get them out of here before he comes back up here. I don't know how he did it, but he knew about the police being outside." Sam says as he pulls everyone away from the window. "If he sees us up here, Luis, we're dead."

"You're right. Let's get them out of here and then we'll try to stop him." <><><><><><><><><><>

"Did you tell him?"

"Of course I did, Father. Everything is working according to plan. He'll get rid of my trouble-making wife and sister. Right along with that nosy Officer Luis and uncooperative Chief Bennett."

"What about Theresa and Ethan?"

"I had to throw Theresa in there so it wouldn't look so suspicious and I didn't expect Ethan to step into the line of fire for her. But then again, he is his mother's son."

"With Ethan's death, you won't have an heir? But, who's to complain if your plan succeeds and Sheridan, Ivy, Luis, and Sam are destroyed. My favorite part about this whole thing is that they actually believe that he is the Brooklyn Bruiser."

<><><><><><><><><><>

"Ethan?! What are you doing up here?" Ivy asks her son as he walks into the bedroom.

"I snuck in around back. I had to make sure that you are all okay. I'm so happy to see all of you." Ethan says as he grabs his mother and gives her a hug. He then turns to Sheridan and gives her a hug, as well. When he gets to Theresa, he pulls her into a long, inseparable embrace. Ivy and Sheridan look at each other and smile.

"Ethan, how are things outside?" Sam asks him.

"Pretty strange. He's just standing out there holding a gun. He almost looks scared."

"Do you think we can sneak out back?"

"Possibly, if we hurry." Ethan grabs Theresa's hand and they look into each other's eyes. "Let's go." Sam and Luis like Ethan's method of thinking, and Luis grabs Sheridan's hand, and Sam grabs Ivy's. The six of them exit the bedroom and slowly sneak downstairs with the men in the lead. They get to the back door and walk outside. They stay as close as they can to each other as they make a run for it towards the back. Sheridan notices a gate and points it out to them. Surprisingly, it is unlocked and they enter the neighbor's yard. They manage to get out of there and they go to Luis and Theresa's house. Sam phones the FBI and they are sent to take care of the "Brooklyn Bruiser". They feel that they are finally safe and can move on with their lives. But they are mistaken.

<><><><><><><><><><>

"He what?"

"He was captured, Father. That stupid coward turned himself in because he didn't want to die. Ivy, Sheridan, Luis, and Sam all got away with hardly a scratch on them. Well I'm not giving up. They will all pay for betraying us, Father. All of them."

Chapter 12

After what seems like hours of interrogation, Theresa, Ivy, and Sheridan are free to go. Ethan decides to take Theresa home, Luis takes Sheridan home, and Sam offers to take Ivy home, but she declines.

"Ivy, why don't you just let me take you home? You've gone through hell these past few days." Sam doesn't know why, but he wants to take Ivy doesn't want to leave Ivy alone. Something inside of him is telling him not to let her go home by herself.

"I'm fine, Sam. I want to walk home. I haven't really been outside much over the last couple days, so I could use the fresh air." Sam nods, understanding Ivy's reasons. "Thanks Sam. For everything you did for me and for saving my life." Ivy smiles at him and then walks out of the interogation room leaving Sam alone to think about her. His thoughts drift to the past that they shared together and the times that she has tried to win him back. He begins to think about what he would have done if he would have lost her forever. He pushes that horrible thought away from his mind. 'Why do I keep thinking about her? You have to stop this, Sam Bennett!' Sam says, scolding himself. 'But I can't. I love her.' Realization kicks in and Sam finally admits his true love for Ivy.

<><><><><><><><><><>

"Thank you for driving me home, Ethan." Theresa says as he walks her to her door.

"Anytime, Theresa. By the way, there's something that I wanted to talk to you about."

"What is it? You sound serious."

"It is. I broke up with Gwen." Theresa could hardly believe her ears. Ethan had gotten rid of Gwen! He was finally free from her clutches.

"I'm sorry, Ethan. Is there anything I can do?" Theresa asks, trying to sound sympathetic while inside she is jumping up for joy.

"Actually, there is, Theresa."

"Well, what is it? I'll do anything."

"This." Ethan says as he pulls Theresa into a kiss.

<><><><><><><><><><>

"Why are we here, Luis?" Sheridan asks as they pull into the beach parking lot.

"I wanted to watch the sun set with you. It reminds me about how short life can be and that you can't pass up your chances at happiness." They smile at each other and then Luis grabs Sheridan's hand and they walk towards the shore. They sit on the sand, their hands still entwined. "I have a confession to make."

"What is it, Luis?" Sheridan begins to get a little worried.

"Over these past few months I have really gotten to know you. You are an amazing woman and so different from Julian and Alistair. I've tried to deny my feelings because I was afraid. But when that man took you, I realized that I could have lost you without being able to tell you."

"Tell me what, Luis?"

"That I'm in love with you." Sheridan's heart flutters and all she can do is smile at him. She can hardly believe that Luis loves her. She has finally found the man of her dreams. The man to lift all the pain from past relationships. The man to make a lifetime of memories with. The man that she can love forever. After a few moments of silence, Sheridan finally speaks.

"Oh, Luis! I'm in love with you, too!" Sheridan throw her arms around him and they embrace. They hold each other and watch the sun set. <><><><><><><><><><>

"Well, hello, Ivy. So that Brooklyn Bruiser didn't kill you? I was so worried, Darling." Julian smugly says as Ivy walks into the family room.

"Sure you were, Julian." Ivy walks over to the couch and sits down.

"There's a few things that we need to discuss, my dear wife."

"Not now. I've just come back from being kidnapped. Can't this wait until the morning?"

"No, it can't. It's about your past with Sam Bennett and the son that the two of you share, Ethan." Ivy's eyes widen in fear and she gets up off the couch to leave. She runs towards the door but is stopped by Alistair.

"You didn't think you could get away with your lies, did you Ivy?" Alistair says as he points a gun at her.

<><><><><><><><><><>

Sam goes into the interrogation room where the "Brooklyn Bruiser" is being held for questioning.

"Ok, Mr. Whitiker. Do you want to tell me exactly what happened?" Sam says as he approaches the man.

"As long as you keep them away from me."

"Who are you talking about?"

"This psycho guy and his father. The guy asked me to get rid of his wife and sister. He said that they were causing big problems for his family and they told me to pretend that I was this Brooklyn Bruiser guy and kill them. They offered me a lot of money so I couldn't refuse."

"Oh my God! Ivy." Sam says to himself as he bolts out of the interrogation room. He remembers letting Ivy walk over to the Crane Mansion by herself. Sam gets into his car and drives over to the mansion.

Chapter 13

"Alistair, what are you doing?" Ivy stares at him in fear and begins to back up. With each step she takes, he moves closer. She feels Julian grab her around the waist and he holds her in place.

"I think it's quite obvious what I'm doing, Ivy. I'm going to kill you. You've caused a lot of trouble lately, and it's time to pay the price. Don't worry, you won't be lonely in hell, my darling daughter-in-law. After we dispose of you, Sheridan, Luis, Sam, and possibly Ethan will be next." Ivy tries to struggle from Julian's clutches, but he's too strong. She fears that this is the end.

<><><><><><><><><><>

Theresa and Ethan end their kiss and look into each other's eyes.

"What does this mean, Ethan?" Theresa asks him.

"I love you, Theresa. When you were gone I realized how incomplete my life was without you in it. And then I noticed how uncompassionate Gwen was about your kidnapping and realized that I could never be with someone as cold and heartless as her. I have loved you all along and I will love you forever." Theresa is in complete shock. 'Mama and Whitney were wrong! Ethan loves me and we're going to be together forever.'

"I have waited so long for you to say that to me. Ethan Crane, I have loved you from the moment that I first saw you." Theresa says as she pulls Ethan into another kiss. Ethan pulls away and looks into her eyes.

"By the way, Theresa, I have something that belongs to you."

"What is it, Ethan?" Ethan digs around in his pocket and pulls out Theresa's ring.

"I wanted to give this back to you. It's a symbol of how much I love you and it belongs on your finger." Ethan says as he slips it back onto her finger.

"Oh, Ethan! You have made me the happiest that I could ever be! I want to be with you forever."

"We will be. I'll make sure of it."

<><><><><><><><><><>

Sam pulls up to the Crane Mansion and quickly gets out of the car, careful not to make any noise. He pulls out his gun and creeps up to the door and sneaks inside. He can hear people yelling in the living room. He gets a closer look and then after he sees Ivy, he decides to make his presence known.

"Put the gun down, Mr. Crane." Alistair turns around to see Sam pointing a gun at him.

"Well, Ivy, it's your night in shining armor. How pleasant of you to drop by to witness Ivy's demise." Sam looks at Ivy and sees the fear in her eyes.

"Ivy doesn't deserve this. Just put the gun down and let her go."

"Yes she does. She has led me believe that Ethan was my grandson. She was going to let me give the Crane fortune to a Bennett!" Sam is greatly confused.

"What are you talking about?"

"You mean he doesn't know, Ivy? Well, I'll be happy to tell him. Chief Bennett, Ethan is your son!"

"What?!" Ivy starts to cry and Julian tightens his grip on her.

"Shut up, Ivy!!!" Alistair yells. He is beginning to lose his patience and Sam notices. He takes this oppurtunity, as Alistair is facing in the other direction, to go for his gun. He leaps at him and the two men struggle on the floor. Julian, a coward, and Ivy just stand back and watch. Suddenly, the gun goes off....

<><><><><><><><><><>

Luis takes Sheridan to her cottage and they go inside. They sit on the couch together and Luis pulls Sheridan close to him.

"Before I forget, I wanted to give this back to you." Luis says as he pulls out her compact and hands it to her.

"Oh, Luis! This means more to me than anything else that I have. Thank you. This has actually turned out to be a great day." Sheridan says.

"Yes it has. I got you back and I'm never letting you go." Luis says, kissing the top of her head.

"It's hard to think that just this morning I was locked up with Ivy and Theresa and we thought that we were going to die. But we didn't, thanks to you, Sam, and Ethan. I love you, Luis."

"I love you, too, Sheridan. By the way, I wanted to ask you something."

"What is it, Luis?" Luis gets off the couch and gets down on one knee in front of Sheridan and takes her hand in his. Sheridan's mouth opens in shock and anticipation.

"Sheridan Crane, I have loved you since I met you, but I was too pigheaded to admit it. I want to spend the rest of my life making you happy and making memories with you. I know that it's soon, but I don't want to waste any time. Would you do me the honor of being my wife? WIll you marry me?"

"Oh, Luis! Of course I'll marry you!" Sheridan throws her arms around Luis and they hold each other through the night and for the rest of their lives.

<><><><><><><><><><>

Sam looks over at Ivy and Julian and notices that Julian has been shot in the arm. Alistair immediately gets up and goes over to him. He was the one that fired the shot, and for once he feels guilty. During the struggle, Sam's gun rolled underneath the table and was no longer in sight. Alistair threw his gun down somewhere in a panic after he shot Julian. Ivy used this oppurtunity to escape from Julian. Sam goes over to her and wraps his arms around her.

"Ivy, I'm so glad that you're ok." While embracing, they don't relaize that Julian and Alistair are taking this oppurtunity to leave. By the time Sam looks up, they are sneaking out the back. He has Ivy call the police and he attempts to go after them. He returns about ten minutes later.

"Did you find them, Sam?" Ivy asks as he enters the living room.

"No. I have my men out there searching. They just disappeared." Ivy looks down and then sits on the couch. Sam goes over and sits next to her. "Ivy, we need to talk."

"About what, Sam?" Ivy asks, looking up.

"About what Alistair said about Ethan being my son. Is it true?" Ivy hesitates, but then answers him, knowing that she can't lie to him any longer.

"Yes. Ethan is your son." Ivy looks down again, afraid to face him.

"Look at me, Ivy." Sam says. Ivy looks up at him. "Why didn't you tell me?" Ivy is shocked that he isn't angry at her. She thought that he would be furious.

"I couldn't, Sam. My parents threatened to take him away from me. I had to protect our son, at all costs. Even if it meant that I had to give up you. I'm so sorry, Sam. I hurt you and I kept our son away from you. I completely understand if you hate me." Tears start streaming down Ivy's face and Sam wiped them away.

"Oh, Ivy. I could never hate you. The truth is, I'm still completely in love with you. I understand that you kept him from me to protect him. I would have done the same thing if I were in your shoes." Sam pulls Ivy into an embrace and holds her tight.

"Sam, I love you so much!" Soon, tears are coming down Sam's face as well as he is finally reunited with the only woman that he has or ever will love.

"We're going to be together forever, Ivy. I want you to keep this." Sam says as he pulls out her locket.

"Sam! You got it back!" Ivy exclaims as she takes it from his hands.

"It's a sign of our love. You've worn it all these years and I would love it if you wore it forever."

"I will, Sam. I'll never take it off and our love will never end."

<><><><><><><><><><>

"Well, Father, we failed." Julian says as the two of them sit on a plane. A doctor is tending to Julian's bullet wound as Alistair looks out the window.

"No we didn't, Julian. They all think that they've seen the last of us. But they are greatly mistaken. We'll return, and when we do, there will be hell to pay...."

<><><><><><><><><><>

THE END