Chapter 10: Just In The Line Of Duty
Chapter 10:
Hank sat at a table in the Book Cafe staring at the spoon he was absent-mindedly stirring in his coffee. His face was a complete frown as he remembered what he’d done the night before. “I can’t believe I agreed to do that,” he said out loud to himself. “Do what?” A familiar voice questioned. “Beth,” Hank looked up startled. “What is it you can’t believe you agreed to do?” She asked again with curiosity. “So Beth, have you seen Luis yet?” Hank asked changing the subject. “No, have you?” She asked. Hank gave a slight bitter laugh. “Yeah, I saw him all right.”
Beth’s heart sank. She could tell by the sound of Hank’s voice, by the look on his face, she wasn’t going to like hearing what would come next. “Where did you find him?” She asked cautiously. “I found him at home,” Hank answered. “Did he say where he’s been all this time?” she asked. Hank looked Beth square in the eyes. He had a look of hatred in his eyes, which scared her. “He was in Paris, with Sheridan.” he answered. Beth was sickened by this news and sank into the chair across from Hank.
“It seems that Luis received a fax from Interpol about some guy named Jean-Luc being killed in a drug hit last summer. Luis had a strong feeling that it was Sheridan’s old boyfriend in Paris and felt she was in danger. So, he flew to Paris. It turned out, it really was the same guy and Luis ended up saving her life four or five times in Paris, then again when they returned to the States.” Hank stopped and took a sip of his coffee. Beth was nervously squirming in her seat. “Well, that doesn’t sound too bad,” she said. “I mean, after all Luis is a cop, right?” Beth let out a slight laugh. “He was probably just acting on his police instinct?” Beth was grasping at straws and she knew it.
Hank looked at her. He flung his head back in a fit of laughter and ran both hands through his hair. “Yeah, that was it. Police instinct. That’s why when I saw them kissing, I thought I heard Sheridan say ‘Save me Luis, Save me!’” Hank raised his voice several octaves and waved his hands frantically in the air. “Give me a break Beth. As it turns out, I did overhear Sheridan clearing up a couple of misunderstandings. Unfortunately they involved dates I had with Sheridan.” Hank’s expression was solemn. “What happened?” Beth asked softly, knowing Hank wanted Sheridan almost as much as she wanted Luis.
“Do you remember the date I had with Sheridan on New Year’s Eve? And the date I had with her at the skating pond?” Hank asked. “Yes, I remember,” Beth said nodding her head. Hank started laughing. “You’re going to love this Beth. It seems that Sheridan thought she was asking Luis out for New Years and thought it was Luis asking her out the night we went skating.” Hank’s face was still in a laughing mode, but the anger in his eyes was evident. “Hank, I’m so sorry,” Beth said sympathetically. She was upset by the news of Luis and Sheridan together, but somehow found comfort in Hank feeling the same way. “I gave her an opportunity to back out each time and she assured me, she knew it was me. She wanted to go out with ME!” Hank’s beady brown eyes narrowed.
“Oh, Hank,” Beth said as she reached across the table and held his hand. Hank didn’t seem to even notice Beth’s hand. He flung his hands in the air as he continued. “And LUIS! Now there’s a real pal for you! My BEST FRIEND?! HA!” Hank now stood up as he was becoming more animated. “The last conversation I had with Luis, I point blank asked him if he was in love with Sheridan. He laughed at me and told me Sheridan was a Crane through and through and he wanted nothing more to do with her. He said if she ever came back from Paris, I was welcome to her, because she meant nothing to him.” Hank’s eyes were as cold as steel right now. He was staring at Beth in such a way, she felt her body go cold.
“Then last night he tells me they’ve cleared up their misunderstanding and he’s changed his mind. He and Sheridan want to try to work things out. I don’t know about you Beth, but I for one am not going to stand still and just let it happen. If Luis thinks he’s going to get Sheridan that easily, he’s got a surprise coming. A big one!” Hank’s face lit up and he began to laugh. It was almost an evil laugh. Beth was almost afraid to ask, but she asked it anyway, “Hank, what are you planning to do?” “You’ll find out soon, Beth,” he said. “Very soon.” Hank now had a very satisfied grin on his face. Beth just looked at Hank. She had a bad feeling about what he was up to, but was secretly hoping it would work, whatever it was.
Sheridan and Tina had already been to several shops. Sheridan had bought just enough to get her through the next week. She also bought a special outfit for Theresa for helping her in her hour of need, as well as a “sexy” dress for her date tonight. They decided to stop and get a bite to eat since neither had lunch and were famished. They walked into the Book Cafe and sat down at a table. Chad quickly walked up to them and smiled. “Good afternoon, ladies,” he grinned. “Can I get you ladies something to drink?” Sheridan and Tina smiled at Chad and ordered their drinks. Chad left to fill their order. Tina was scanning the menu, while Sheridan was just glancing around the Cafe. She suddenly spotted Hank and Beth sitting there and let out a soft groan. “Oh no,” she whispered not really meaning for anyone to hear. “I didn’t need to deal with those two today.”
“What’s wrong, Sheridan?” Tina asked with concern. Sheridan suddenly realized Tina had heard her. “Oh, it’s nothing, really,” Sheridan laughed nervously as she kept looking back to Hank and Beth. They had not spotted her yet. “Do you know those two?” Tina asked motioning to Hank and Beth. Sheridan laughed. “Yes, you could say that.” “Who are they?” she asked. Sheridan rolled her eyes. “The man sitting there is Hank Bennett. He’s Luis’ best friend. The woman is Beth Wallace. SHE is Luis’ old girlfriend from high school.” “I assume by the way you said that, Beth still has the hots for Luis?” Tina questioned.
Sheridan threw Tina a dirty look, then it softened. “Yes, I believe she does still have the “hots” for Luis. “Well, I can see why!” Tina grinned. Sheridan blushed when Tina said this. “So Sheridan, Tina asked, “Why don’t you tell me exactly what happened with you and Luis? After all, I feel like I was in the middle of a romance novel while we were in Boston. I missed a few chapters and would like to hear about the make up part!” Tina laughed. Sheridan laughed as well, then blushed as she remembered the talks she’d had with Tina in Boston and the worst talk of all, on the phone from Harmony. “You know, Tina, using reverse psychology on me was a mean trick, but it did cause me to rethink things in a different manner.”
“It was so obvious to me that you two were hopelessly in love with each other, but wouldn’t even admit it to yourselves. I’ve never seen anything like it in my life!” Tina said light-heartedly. “Tina, I’m really glad you were there to start bringing me back to reality,” Sheridan said with a grin. “Does that mean that you and Luis have admitted you love each other?” Tina asked hopefully. “No, not exactly,” Sheridan said demurely. She looked away from Tina. Chad arrived with their iced-teas. “Can I get you ladies anything to eat? Chad asked pleasantly. “Yes,” Tina said smiling at Chad. “I’d like a BLT with the mayo on the side.” Chad looked at Sheridan. “Nothing for me,” she said sweetly. “Sheridan? Are you sure?” Tina asked puzzled.
“I’m sure Tina,” she said. “Remember I’m having dinner in a few hours. Luis doesn’t like it when I don’t eat.” She smiled as she thought back on their first date at the Lobster Shack. She had tried to order a salad, but Luis had set the law down on that. “Alright,” Tina consented. Chad nodded and took his leave to place Tina’s order. “Now where were we,” Tina thought. “Oh yes, you were just telling me that you and Luis didn’t exactly proclaim your love for each other. Would you care to explain that?” She gave Sheridan a inquiring grin. Sheridan blushed. Just the thought of Luis these days caused that to happen to her. She felt giddy as a schoolgirl most of the time when his name was mentioned. “OK, I’ll tell you exactly what happened,” Sheridan said.
Tina leaned in, listening intently, not wanting to miss a word. Sheridan told Tina the reason she was angry with Luis in the first place. She also told her that she now believed, Luis could never had said those things, but they didn’t know who did, or why someone would have been so cruel. She briefly explained that Luis’ mother had been the Crane’s housekeeper for many years and had been like a second mother to Sheridan after her own mother died. She told her why Luis hated the Crane Family and he blamed them somehow for his Father’s disappearance. Sheridan explained that her father and brother didn’t want her to date Luis and were willing to do just about anything to prevent that from happening.
“So you see, Tina, Luis and I have quite a few problems. We’ve agreed to take it slowly right now, because of how much we have hurt each other and all of obstacles in front of us.” Sheridan took a deep sigh as she finished. “But Sheridan, DO YOU LOVE HIM?” Tina asked. Sheridan sat there with her mouth open. She’d not yet admitted to anyone other than herself, that she was in love with Luis. She’d planned on telling him tonight, but wasn’t sure if she would actually have the courage to go through with it. She still hadn’t said the words out loud. “Sheridan, Do you love him?” Tina asked again, this time in a much softer voice.
After another brief moment of silent thought, Sheridan answered Tina’s question. “Yes, Tina. I love him. I love him with all my heart.” Sheridan laughed nervously. “I can’t believe I actually said it out loud!” Tina grinned. “See, That wasn’t so bad, now was it?” “No, I guess not,” Sheridan admitted. Sheridan started grinning from ear to ear as she imagined telling Luis she loved him and having him tell her the same thing. “Tina, I don’t know what it is about him, but every time I hear his name, see him, my heart starts to beat rapidly. I can’t stand to be close to him, because all I want to do is wrap my arms around him and kiss him.” “Do you think Luis feels the same way?” Tina asked already knowing the answer because Luis admitted it to her earlier. “I mean, do you think he’s in love with you?”
Sheridan was now really embarrassed. “Well... I... Well I sort of... I um... Well, I overheard Luis tell his mother he was in love with me.” She finally managed to say. “But he also said he wasn’t ready to tell me.” “You know Sheridan,” Tina said thoughtfully, “You do have the upper hand in this situation.” “And how is that?” Sheridan asked inquisitively. “I think the reason Luis doesn’t want to tell you he loves you,” Tina said, “is because he is afraid you won’t feel the same way. He’s still protecting his heart. Since you already know how he feels, you can tell him how you feel.” “You might be right, Tina. If I hadn’t heard Luis say he was in love with me, I know I’d never have the courage to tell him how I feel,” Sheridan admitted.
“You need to tell him, Sheridan. Tell Luis how you feel,” Tina encouraged. “Maybe you’re right, Tina,” Sheridan said, nodding her head in thought. Suddenly she had a look of determination on her face. “I’ll tell him tonight.” Sheridan grinned. ‘Tonight would be a very special night indeed,’ she thought. “You go Sheridan!” Tina said. Chad arrived with her BLT. Tina thanked him. She picked up her iced-tea and held it up as if toasting Sheridan. Sheridan laughed and began planning out scenarios in her head of how tonight would happen.
Luis and Sam escorted Antoine and the Interpol agent to the hospital. When they arrived, Luis and Sam immediately checked on Silvano’s condition. He had survived the night, but was still on life support in critical condition. They were told that surviving the night was a good sign, but he was by no means out of the woods. They were grateful at least, he was still alive. Antoine insisted on checking out the layout of the hospital, before seeing the prisoners. He made a mental note of every door and window, including which ones were exits. He learned where every door led, and how much security was on the hospital grounds. When he was satisfied, he returned to the group. They made their way to Roger and Pierre who were sharing the same room. There were two guards in the room and Roger and Pierre were both shackled to the bed. Antoine surveyed the room, much the same way he did the rest of the hospital. He glanced quickly at Roger and Pierre, but avoided any eye contact. Roger and Pierre were both smiling inwardly, but let no expression come to their faces. So far, neither had spoken a single word. Not one word to authorities, nor the doctors and nurses. It was if they were mute, but the authorities knew what they were doing.
Luis felt sick when he walked into the room. He stared at Roger and Pierre. It was a cold, spine-chilling stare. He felt hate building within him at these two men who almost took Sheridan from him. He was glad they were in custody, but he was still very uneasy. His gut was acting up again, though he knew it shouldn’t be. Still he would not be satisfied until Pierre and Roger were back in Paris with Antoine.
After a few minutes, Luis had to leave the room. He walked outside and took a deep cleansing breath. “Luis,” Sam asked, having followed him out of the room. “Are you all right?” “Yeah, Sam,” Luis said. “I just couldn’t spend another minute in the same room with those two. All I could think of was how they tried to kill Sheridan. I had to get out of there.” “I understand, Luis,” Sam said compassionately. “They can’t hurt her anymore though, Luis. They are in custody now and will be returning to Paris in a few days.”
“Sam, I know that should make me feel better, but I have a strong feeling that something is wrong. I can’t explain it,” Luis said, “I just feel like something is going to happen. I also don’t trust Antoine.” Luis moved closer to Sam and began to speak in a very low voice. “When we were in Paris, I would have sworn he was about to push Sheridan off the balcony. I even decked him because of it. Granted, I didn’t realize he was her bodyguard at the time, but still... Then, why didn’t he notice the guy who tried to poison Sheridan in the cafe? He was supposed to be looking out for something like that. I’m telling you Sam, I don’t trust the guy.” Luis was fidgeting uneasily.
“I’ll let the Interpol agent know your concerns, Luis. He’ll keep an eye on him.” “Thanks, Sam,” Luis said. Luis looked at his watch and saw it was 5:00. “Sam do you mind if I cut out of here?” “What, do you have a big date or something, Luis?” Sam asked with a grin. “Yeah, I do,” Luis chuckled. “Sheridan?” he asked. “Right again,” he answered with a unobtrusive grin. “Things are going well?” he asked. “Very well, Sam,” Luis’ grin becoming larger. “Luis, I’m happy for you. I really am. Just remember she has a family,” Sam warned. “How could I forget that?” he asked. “We’ve decided to take things slowly this time Sam. But I’m not sure we’ll actually be able to do that.”
“Why not?” Sam asked with a sly grin. Luis turned red, causing Sam to smile even more. “You don’t have to answer that if you don’t want, Luis,” Sam said. “No, it’s ok, Sam,” Luis said. “It’s just that anytime we are together, we can’t seem to keep our hands off each other.” Sam showed some surprise. “You mean you’ve already...” “No No! We haven’t done anything yet, Sam.” Luis said quickly. Then he started to laugh as he remembered their interruptions. “But you know, we might have a couple of times if we hadn’t been interrupted. I’m not sure about Sheridan, but I was a goner. She does something to me, Sam. I don’t know what it is, but I lose all sense when I’m around her.”
“Love is funny that way, Luis,” Sam said as he brought to mind a memory from the past. “I can remember feeling that way. In a way I still do.” Sam seemed to have drifted off for a minute. “I’m glad to hear the way I feel right now will last,” Luis smiled, “Because it feels great. Grace is a lucky woman, Sam.” “Grace?” Sam asked in surprise as he came back from his dream world. “GRACE! Right, Grace! Of course! Who else would I be talking about?” Sam laughed nervously.
Luis was confused by Sam’s reaction. He wondered if Sam had been thinking about someone other than Grace. He decided he’d let it go, however. Sam didn’t give the impression he wanted to talk about it.
“Well, Luis, buddy,” Sam said regaining his composure, “Go. Have a good time.” “Thanks, Sam!” Luis said. He quickly left and headed home to change. “So tell me Sheridan,” Tina asked, “What are your big plans for tonight?” Sheridan grinned. “Well, our family owns a cabin not too far from here. It’s vacant most of the time, so I think it will be a perfect location,” she said happily. “Tina, I will need your help if you don’t mind?” Sheridan requested. “I’d love to help. What can I do?” Tina agreed. “I’m going to call the lobster shack, right now,” Sheridan said and order dinner for us. Then I need you to take me up to the cabin, come back here and give Luis directions how to get there.”
“I can do that,” Tina grinned. “I feel sort of like a matchmaker!” “Well, you certainly helped matters,” Sheridan agreed. “Luis and I are both very strong willed people and I guess we needed a little push.” “LITTLE?” Tina exclaimed in surprise. “That’s an understatement!” Sheridan gave Tina a wry smile. “I need to call the Lobster Shack now,” Sheridan said changing the subject. She knew Tina was right, but didn’t need to be reminded just how stubborn she had really been. Tina laughed as she finished her sandwich. Sheridan called in her order to the Lobster Shack. She ordered a complete lobster dinner for two, a bottle of wine and dessert. It’s all set, Sheridan said. It will be ready in fifteen minutes.” Sheridan looked at her watch. “Oh No! Look at the time! It’s almost 5:30! I still have to take a shower, get dressed...”
“Sheridan, calm down,” Tina said soothingly. “We’ll leave now and still have plenty of time. How far is the cabin from here?” “I guess about 20-25 minutes from here,” she said. “No problem. Let’s go!” Tina smiled. “Well what do you know?” Hank said sarcastically. “If it isn’t the beautiful Sheridan Crane with some woman I’ve never seen before.” Beth glanced over to where Sheridan and Tina were just standing to make their exit. “I’m going to have a little fun, Beth!” Hank said evilly. Hank stood up and waited until Sheridan and the mystery woman were at the front counter. Sheridan had handed her check to Chad and turned to leave, when she ran smack into Hank.
“Hank!” Sheridan said in surprise. She was not pleased to run into Hank, especially now. “Sheridan!” Hank said with enthusiasm. He threw his arms around her and gave her a huge hug. “You know, Sheridan, I’m really glad I ran into you today. “I’ve thought it over and I’ve decided to forgive you.” “Excuse me?” She asked in annoyance. “You are going to forgive me? For what?” “For lying to me last night Sheridan. I know why you did it,” Hank said with a seductive smile. “Hank, I don’t have the vaguest idea what you’re talking about,” Sheridan said nervously. She didn’t like the way Hank was acting and she certainly had no idea what he was getting at. Tina sensed Sheridan’s uneasiness and walked up behind her.
“Come on, Sheridan,” Hank said winking, “I know what you really want, Sheridan. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure you get it and I will be the one to give it to you.” “Look, Hank, I don’t know what you are trying to do here. I told you last night how things stood. Now if you will excuse me, I’m late.” Sheridan nervously turned to leave, but Hank grabbed her arm. Before Hank had a firm grip on Sheridan's arm, Tina grabbed Hank’s and twisted it behind his back, causing Hank’s entire body to spin around. “Now, Hank is it?” Tina asked. “Sheridan is late for a very important engagement, so if you will please excuse her, she will be leaving now.” Tina let go of Hank’s arm and she and Sheridan walked off. Hank was embarrassed. “Who are you, Sheridan’s body guard?” Hank shouted as he rubbed his arm. “If that’s what she needs,” Tina smiled and the two women left the Book Cafe. Hank stood there angrier than ever.
To Be Continued…
