"My my my my my my my."

Alex Garcia slowly rose from his perch on another detective's desk to stare at the new arrival. "So you're the new transfer?"

Keesha Ward smiled brightly. "Yup, I'm your newest detective straight outta Philly. I just clocked in and now I need a desk," she commented, her eyes scanning the busy room.

"Here, take Taggert's old desk," Alex motioned to the empty oak desk across from his. "The chair's being fixed and the temporary replacement isn't arriving until later tonight," Alex noted as he quickly checked all the drawers to ensure they were empty.

Keesha placed her bag of goodies on her desk and smiled at Alex. "Thanks, I can manage. So how is Marcus doing?" she asked as she began to put things away.

"He likes the WSB, it's right where he wants to be. It's pretty intense, but he says it's the best." Alex's smile faded. He missed his friend and longtime partner.

Keesha patted his hand. "He'll be back before you know it," she assured him, suddenly aware that the rest of the squad room was quiet. Her eyes rose and looked over the room quickly, not wanting to be obvious. Her suspicion was confirmed. All eyes were on her, leaving Keesha slightly self conscious.

Alex too, noticed the gawkers and leaned in to Keesha. "You're a transfer detective. You might get a cool reception until you prove yourself to them." He gave her a sympathetic grin before turning his attention back to his work.

Keesha gave a small sigh as she continued putting things away, relieved when the noise level in the room went back to normal. She'd put up with this junk in Philadelphia. Cool down, she told herself, this is not like Philly.

"Ward?"

Keesha turned and Mac smiled from the hallway entrance, motioning for her to follow him. Trying to calm the nervous butterflies flitting around her stomach, she followed her new boss into his office.

"Trip okay?" he asked once they were both seated in his office. He flipped open her file and perused it carefully.

"Yes, thank you. It's good to be back in Port Charles," Keesha replied, her eyes locked onto Mac's face, watching for any reaction to his reading her file.

"You've got a great track record for closing cases and your Lieutenant had high praise for you. She was sorry to see you go," he noted casually, his eyes lifting from the folder to see Keesha smile uncomfortably in return.

"Yes, sir, listen I think I need to-" Keesha started before Mac gently cut in.

"Ward, everyone here calls me Mac, okay?" he said, his eyes dropping back down to the special notice attached to her file.

Keesha nodded, her lips pressed together tightly. She saw his gaze fix on the special notice. "My Lieutenant told you about what happened?"

Mac nodded slowly, carefully reading the incident sheet. "It's not unusual for an officer to need staff counseling," he replied softly, his warm eyes soothing her immediate fears. "It's confidential, and we've found that it's essential to the well being of those in law enforcement." He paused before speaking again, "especially in situations like yours."

************************

Saint Tropez, France

The young maid hurried along the corridor with the cart of various fruits, breads, cheeses and bottles of wine. With due care, she placed it just outside the closed majestic bedroom door. Just as she was about to turn and leave, as ordered, a piercing cry made her jump. Heat filled her cheeks as she rushed back down the empty hallway. Madame had not emerged from her room in almost 2 days, but there was no cause for concern among the sparse staff.

M. Sorel was with her.

Inside the large bedroom sat the king sized bed, the room lit up by the wall of bay windows that revealed the picturesque view of white sandy beaches, matching the colour of the four walls inside the room and just beyond, the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea. The gorgeous scenery, however, had no admirers as both occupants were far too busy with each other.

Tori let out another cry of delirious satisfaction as Joseph Sorel drove himself deeper into her, his mouth devoured her supple breasts. He groaned as Tori raked her finely manicured nails across his back, the mixture of pleasure and pain driving him faster towards the brink of mutual ecstasy. Once their fiery passion exploded and their cries died down, Tori rolled out of bed, prancing across the room towards the doorway.

"Hey! Put something on, I don't want any pool boy getting a look at you!" Joseph called, letting out a low whistle of approval as she shook her backside at him to tease him. Donning his shirt, Tori clasped one hand to the front, barely covering herself as she stepped into the hallway.

"God I love the staff here," she called back to him. Bringing in the cart of goodies, she shut the door with a bump of her hip and sauntered over to the bed. "They just do their job and keep their mouths shut."

Tossing Joseph the paper, Tori grabbed various plates of items and placed them on the bed. "Anything interesting?" she asked, snuggling up to his nude frame, gently feeding him a chocolate dipped strawberry.

Snaking his arm around her, Joseph's hand squeezed her derriere, grinning as he felt the shiver run through her. "Not really, same old junk that I left behind when I got on the plane." He let out a husky chuckle as Tori began to assault his well built chest with gentle, but not very subtle kisses. Forgetting the food, his eyes drifted lazily over the tiny words as Tori continued her exploration. The newspaper shuddered violently as Joseph let out a sharp gasp when Tori took him in her mouth. He'd almost completely closed his eyes to enjoy the journey when something caught his gaze.

"Hey, Sonny Corinthos and his girlfriend just had a baby," he drawled out, not really caring as his hand dug into her wild mane of red hair.

"What?" Tori sat up, ignoring Joseph's sharp exclamation of obvious disapproval. She snatched the paper from him and quickly read the small tidbit of information. "That bitch!" she squawked angrily. Happily ever after? For Sonny Corinthos?

"Which one?" Joseph asked, chortling at his own little joke. "C'mon baby, forget about it. He's not your problem anymore."

Joseph sat up, tugging the shirt from her slim shoulders and began placing soft kisses along her collarbone.

"Vincent's moved on. Sonny's moved on and that stupid bitch Dara Jensen's moved on too," she seethed. How dare they?!

"So?"

"So?!" Tori bemoaned. "With those three, I felt like I got screwed with my pants on Joey!"

Joseph sighed, he hated it when she called him Joey. Reluctantly he ceased his attempts at seducing her and regarded her seriously. "What do you want to do about it?" he asked grabbing for his cell phone.

"This isn't business, it's personal! I don't want to be here and hear about a couple of car bombs blowing away those fuckers!" she shrilled at him. "I want to do it myself. I want to give each one of them a piece of my mind," she stated firmly.

Joseph flipped open the phone and dialed the long distance number quickly. "I know someone who might be able to do this," he told her before turning his attention to the call. "Yeah, listen, who's the guy we know out of Athens?" he asked. Irritation flashed in his eyes. "Athens as in Greece stupid. I want his number in 10 minutes," he growled into the phone before clicking it off. "What about Mr. No Port Charles allowed?" he queried, setting the phone on the nightstand.

Tori shrugged indifferently, she hadn't heard from him in months. "I haven't talked to him since I got here and besides," she said, her voice taking on a seductive tone. "You're here to protect me."

Joseph smiled knowingly. "How long do we have?" he asked suggestively, pulling her into his lap.

Tori wrapped her arms around his neck, already satisfied that they were definitely heading back to Port Charles. "It's nine minutes now."

"Then I'll make every minute count."

*****************

Vitali Estates

"So how is Nikolas? Is he seeing anyone right now? Sabrina asked as she padded across the hardwood flooring of the dining area. Looking out the window, she could see Dominik was still swimming the lengths of the pool.

"Nikolas is well and while, no, he's currently not involved with anyone, Emily Quartermaine seems to be a frequent visitor here," Stefan admitted as he leaned back in his leather chair. "And how are things where you are?"

Sabrina smiled, hearing his inquisitive tone. "Fine. Dominik's doing well at the company and I'm really getting into my own groove at GH," she replied.

There was a pause before Stefan spoke again, this time, his voice more soft that what he intended. "I meant concerning yourself and Dominik."

Sabrina sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose before taking a seat at the dining room table. "Stefan..." she started before trailing off. "I don't want to talk about it right now."

"Sabrina, you have been living with this man for several months now," Stefan started before Sabrina cut in.

"I am not living with Dominik!" she bristled at the intended suggestion.

"Of course not," Stefan broke in gently. "You have slept in your own bed here at Wyndemere at least 3 times in the same number of months."

Sabrina closed her eyes, sighing deeply. Her mind debated back and forth over how much she wanted to disclose about her personal life and how Dominik fit into it. She was warmed by the fact that Stefan was obviously concerned about her welfare, but still. "I'm not a child," she spoke quietly. "This is my life."

"Yes, it is your life," Stefan agreed evenly, calming himself. "However, your past relationship with Dominik-"

"Is none of your business," Sabrina concluded stubbornly. Yes, it was rude, but she knew where Stefan was going with this thread and already, she could feel her heart tighten with buried pain.

Stefan paused, hearing the tension in her voice. Immediately, the guilt of having pressed her about such a sensitive topic washed over him and he bowed his head. "I am sorry for bringing this up," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. "Please, Brina, come home tonight. Mrs. Lansbury will prepare whatever you request, just come home."

Sabrina blinked back the tears that pricked her eyes, letting out a shallow breath. "Alright," she said slowly, "I'll be home in a few hours."

**************

Port Charles Cemetery

Alex Garcia moved along the path quietly, clutching the small bouquet of flowers in his hand. The clouds had lifted and now sunshine was peeking through, spreading a blanket of warmth over the grounds. His eyes moved over the flower beds that decorated the outskirts of the cemetery and he smiled sadly. Even here, life found a way to move on. He wished he could say the same for himself. She'd been gone so long now, and yet he still clung to her as if the tragedy of her death had happened only a short time ago. He hadn't felt love or attraction towards another woman since she died. His deep seeded grief plagued him for what he feared would be the remainder of his life. Finally, he reached the bend around the thickness of the bushes where she rested. Methodically, he took the old flowers and replaced them before gently kneeling before her.

"Querida," he whispered.

"Alex?"

Alex's eyes flew open. Was he dreaming? He rose quickly, whirling around frightfully. He gasped at the woman who had silently approached him.

"Alex?" she repeated softly, her eyes searching his face curiously. Did he remember her?

Alex blinked, hardly believing what he was seeing. "'Bella?" he spoke, his voice weak with complete disbelief.

She smiled, but the curious look remained. "You remember me?"

The tension in Alex's face melted away. "Isabella?" he said, this time taking a step towards her.

Isabella Moreno's smile grew. "Yes Alejandro, it's me."

Alex frowned slightly. "What are you doing here?" he asked.

Isabella's smile faded as she looked past him. "I came to visit Papa," she started softly. "And I came to visit Lily. It's been so long since I came to see my childhood friend."

Alex could hardly breathe as Isabella moved past him, placing her own flowers at the base of the gravestone.

She had come back. She had sworn up and down that she would never return when he'd last seen her all those years ago. She had whispered a few comforting words in his ear, pressed a mighty kiss against his lips and then vanished from his life.

And now, she was back.

******

Dara's Apartment

"Oh, oh God Michael."

Dara's breathless whisper sent shivers down Sonny's spine as he left a trail of wet imprints down her back, pressing one last kiss against the soft flesh. Another gasp passed through her lips as his hands closed over her plump breasts, kneading them through the lace fabric. Underneath the soapy, warm water, Dara's hands clenched the cloth as her head fell back against his shoulder.

So much for washing the dishes, she bemused thoughtfully.

Sonny's fingers gently tickled her sides before moving along the waistband of her jeans, stopping at the button fly. Dara whimpered as Sonny's fingers pressed against her, moving down the fly, easily popping open each button. Sonny bit his lower lip, stifling a groan as Dara ground against him.

"Hello? I'm here!" came a muffled voice through the front door.

Dara and Sonny froze. "Tell me I'm dreaming," Sonny murmured into her hair. He ached to be with Dara.

Dara let out a pained sigh. "You aren't dreaming," she replied, pulling her hands from the water and drying them on the dish towel. "Take down the tent," she said wryly as she headed towards the door, fastening the buttons on her blouse and jeans.

"Crap," Sonny muttered, marching for the bathroom to cool himself down.

Dara laughed gently as she unlocked the door. "Hey Mike!" she said happily as the older man stepped inside. "How have you been?"

Mike smiled, the matching dimples that his son had flashing as he gave Dara a kiss on the cheek. "Mary's downstairs getting the car ready, she's really excited about having the little tyke overnight."

Hearing the tiny cry of his granddaughter from the Master bedroom, Mike's face fell slightly. "I'm not too early am I?" he asked anxiously as he followed Dara into the living room.

Dara impulsively gave the older man a hug. "Nope, she was due to wake up from her nape in about ten minutes anyway," she smiled.

Hearing the footfalls of Sonny, both Mike and Dara turned as Sonny emerged from the hallway, cradling a sleepy-eyed baby girl in his arms. "She wasn't too impressed, but she knows she's gonna be spoiled so she'll perk up pretty quick," Sonny reported as he rocked his daughter, gently stroking her black, slightly curly hair. Dara watched as Mike swallowed, still overcome by the sight of her.

"Remember Grandpa sweetie?" Sonny whispered into her tiny ear as Dara took the stuffed overnight bag from the hall closet. "He's the nice man who'll spend all his money on you," he said, his eyes twinkling at his Father. "Remember Frankie?"

Frances yawned mightily, her tiny fist rubbing her eyes as she peered around the room serenely. Mike slung the strap of the bag over his shoulder as Dara took Frances from Sonny. Sonny then wrapped his arms around Dara's waist as the tiny family basked in their own moment until Frances turned from her Mother to glance at Mike, letting out a tiny giggle.

Everyone laughed as Dara carefully handed Mike her child, feeling her stomach tighten and the familiar tug at her heart when Frances left her arms. She smiled quickly, knowing Frances would be fine with Mike and Mary. Mary had 2 grown sons of her own, she knew the ins and outs of raising children.

Sonny and Dara watched from the balcony as Mike carefully placed Frances in the car seat and drove off with Mary. They quietly went back inside and Sonny moved about the apartment, making reservations at the restaurant for later that evening and as he finished up the dishes, Dara glanced through the framed pictures that stood proudly on the fireplace mantle.

They'd done it.

She and Sonny had made it.

Just over a year since that first night she'd sung a Sinatra tune and here they were, with a child named in memory of the first time they met each other.

The first time they really met each other.

*~*
*Strangers in the night
Exchanging glances
Wandering in the night
What were the chances
We'd be sharing love?
Before the night was through

Something in your eyes
Was so inviting
Something in your smile
Was so exciting
Something in my heart
Told me I must have you
*~*

Sonny let out a laugh as he hung up the dishtowel and sauntered to the now dimly lit living room. He watched her as she fiddled with the various buttons on the expensive sound system until she was satisfied it was perfect. She turned just as Sonny enveloped her in his strong arms, twirling her around gently.

*~*
Strangers in the night
Two lonely people
We were strangers in the night
Up to the moment
When we said our first hello
Little did we know
Love was just a glance away
A warm embracing dance away
*~*

Pulling her close, Sonny nuzzled Dara as they moved around the room. It was so peaceful, being with her. He couldn't even begin to fathom the kind of life he lived before she had entered it.

And their beautiful child, Frances.

Sonny smiled, his eyes watering as he thought of the wondrous creature he shared with Dara. They were his world now.

*~*
And ever since that night
We've been together
Lovers at first sight
In love forever
It turned out so right
For strangers in the night
*~*

Dara sighed deeply, inhaling Sonny's scent, snuggling closer to him. This was it. This was the moment Sabrina had insisted every woman must experience in their lifetime. Something so magical, so real and so consuming that every nerve ending twitched with joy.

It was then that Dara realized that with everything she had, her family hadn't entirely reached their destination.

*~*
Love was just a glance away
A warm embracing dance away
*~*

"I love you Sonny," she whispered hoarsely, hugging him tightly. Sonny squeezed her in response. "I love you Dara."

Dara closed her eyes, knowing that Sonny was doing the exact same thing.

"I've been thinking," she announced quietly.

"Hmm?"

"I've been thinking," she repeated, feeling her heart pound against her chest with a deafening thump.

"About what?"

"Our future."

"It's pretty bright isn't it?"

"Yeah, it is."

They danced silently for a few moments more before Dara spoke again.

"Sonny?"

"Yeah?"

"I've been thinking."

"You do that an awful lot," he teased gently. He knew instinctively what she was getting at. His heart began to beat wildly against his chest, or was that her heart that he could feel?

"I've been thinking," Dara started again, "that maybe we should think about," she trailed off as Sonny's mouth took hers in a searing kiss.

"I'm way ahead of you," he murmured as he broke the dizzying kiss.

"What do you mean?"

"Well, first, I'm going to finish dancing with you. Then, I'm going to make love to you several times in various rooms in the house. Then I'm going to take you to the finest restaurant in Port Charles," he stated evenly as he twirled Dara around.

"And then?" Dara asked, barely able to contain herself.

*~*
And ever since that night
We've been together
Lovers at first sight
In love forever
It turned out so right
For strangers in the night
*~*

"And then I'll bend down on one knee, show you the most beautiful ring I've ever seen and ask you to marry me."

With that, their lips met again in a soul stirring kiss, neither caring that tears were streaming down their faces.

One thing was certain.

Frank was right.

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