Chapter 13: Just In The Line Of Duty
Chapter 13:
Hank Bennett lay on his bed staring up at the ceiling. His arms were neatly folded behind his head as he thought about what he was about to do tonight. He didn’t know the specifics; he would find those out later. What he did know, however, was he was going back to the life he tried to put behind him forever. It was a decision that he came to out of anger, but one he’d been considering for awhile now. Hank enjoyed living life to the fullest. He didn’t want to be tied down to a nine to five job for the next forty years. The job he would do tonight would pay Luis’ mortgage for a year. He didn’t have to do it forever. He could just quit like he did the last time. Hank smiled, satisfied now, he’d just do a few jobs for them and that would be it. He’d save the money this time and he’d have a great start to his future.
Hank sat up and threw his legs over the edge. A great start indeed. Once this job was finished, Luis would be out of the way and Sheridan would be his for the taking. He smiled to himself at the very thought. He checked his watch. “Well Jack, he said standing up, “Welcome back.” He walked into the bathroom to get cleaned up. This night he thought would change the lives of many people in Harmony forever.
The table had been cleared, the dishes all put away and Luis had taken out the trash. Sheridan stood in the kitchen as she prepared to serve Luis dessert. She had a feeling he’d very much appreciate the dessert she’d picked out for them tonight. A dreamy look came over her face as she conjured up the image of Luis’ reaction when he saw what she’d planned for him.
Luis walked up behind Sheridan and wrapped his arms around her waist as he gently laid kisses across her neck and shoulders. “Sheridan the scent of your perfume is driving me crazy,” he whispered as he continued trailing kisses from ear to ear.
Sheridan felt tingly all over from his soft lips grazing her skin. She so loved the feel of his kisses on her body, but she knew if she let him continue her plans for the rest of the evening would never materialize. Slowly she turned around and faced Luis. She gave him a gentle kiss on the lips. Luis,” Sheridan said with a very playful smile. “I need you to do me a favor.” “Anything for you Sheridan,” he answered with his killer smile.
“I need you to go into the bedroom and stay there until I come and get you,” she said softly.
“Oh? Really?” He gave her his most seductive smile. “I won’t mind that favor one bit.”
“I hate to tell you this Luis, but it’s not what you think. I just need to do something and you can’t see what it is until I am finished. I promise you will like it though,” she said with a devilish grin.
“I may like it, but I like my idea better,” he said sticking out his bottom lip, pretending to pout.
“Don’t you worry about it Luis. All in good time. Now scoot!” she laughed as she pointed towards the bedroom door.
Luis gave her one last lonely glance as he turned and walked towards the bedroom. Sheridan shook her head as she watched him leave. She stood there watching until she heard the door clicked. Once satisfied that Luis was gone she walked over to the freezer and took out two cartons of ice cream. She then removed two containers from the cupboard and put them on the counter. One contained chocolate, the other colored sprinkles.
Sheridan scooped out two dishes of ice cream, one chocolate, the other vanilla. She smiled as she thought about putting the colored sprinkles on the chocolate ice cream, but decided against it. She wasn’t looking for any reason to argue tonight. She was having a wonderful time with Luis and wanted it to stay that way. She had a feeling that tonight was going to be a very special night for them. One they would both cherish for the rest of their lives.
Sheridan already would remember this night, as it was the first time Luis told her he loved her. Though she’d planned to tell him how she felt, she never expected he’d be the one to say it first. They both had been hurt by each other a great deal over misunderstandings and stubborn pride. She knew first hand how difficult it must have been for Luis to take the leap of faith he did. She didn’t know if she would have been able to do the same thing, until now. Right now, Sheridan felt like she could tell Luis anything. Anything that is, except one thing. There was still one thing from her past she was not ready to share with Luis.
Sheridan quickly doused the ice cream with the appropriate sprinkles and placed the dishes on the table. She then grabbed a dishcloth and walked to the bedroom to get Luis. She knocked lightly on the door. Luis opened the door and gave her the smile that made her heart flutter. “Are you ready for me?” he asked with a glint in his eye.
“There’s one more thing I need to do,” she said placing her hands on his shoulders. “Turn around please.”
Luis obeyed and Sheridan, who had wrapped the dishtowel around several times, used it as a blindfold.
“You’re kidding, right?” Luis asked in amusement.
“Hardly,” she responded as she led him out to the table. He laughed his way to the table and sat down waiting for his surprise.
Sheridan sat down gently on his lap. She picked up his dish and held it in her hand. With the other hand she removed the towel from his eyes. “This is for you and only you” she grinned as she handed him the dish.
Luis saw the contents of the dish and a huge smile broke out on his face. “So you finally agree with me? Chocolate sprinkles rule!”
“Not quite” she said turning around and picking up the other dish. “It’s colored or nothing!” She had a very satisfied look on her face.
Almost simultaneously they broke out into a fit of laughter. Each had remembered exactly what the other had said on their first date, when they ended their evening with ice cream cones. Sheridan put her dish on the table and took Luis’ dish in her hands, she then fed him a mouthful of ice cream.
“Mmm,” he said as he savored the bite. Those chocolate sprinkles make all the difference.
“Right, Luis” Sheridan said laughingly.
“Well they do!” he joked.
Sheridan continued feeding Luis bites of his ice cream. Occasionally, she would get some on the corners of his mouth and she would remove it for him with a kiss. When Luis was finished with his ice cream he insisted on returning the favor and feeding Sheridan hers. With each bite she he gave her, he ‘accidentally’ managed to smear a little on her lips. By the time she was finished with her dessert they were in another passionate kiss.
After a few minutes Sheridan came up for air. She gave Luis a big grin. “You know what? I think you did this on purpose just so you could taste my colored sprinkles,” she said impishly.
“I did not!” Luis teased.
“I think you did!” she laughed. “And I think you liked the colored ones better!”
“Well,” Luis said in a husky voice staring deep into Sheridan’s eyes, “I certainly enjoyed how I tasted them.” He raised his eyebrows causing her to grin shyly.
“Now Miss Crane, what else do you have in store for me?” Luis asked inquisitively.
Julian sat down behind his desk. He reached over to pick up the phone when it suddenly rang. He pushed the button to the speakerphone and answered, “Julian Crane.”
“Well, what do you know? You answered the first time I tried calling,” Alistair said as a sarcastic greeting to his son.
Julian scowled, but tried to keep his anger out of his voice. He despised when his father belittled him, publicly or privately. “Father, I was just going to call you,” Julian said. “We have a problem.”
“Yes Julian. I am fully aware of our problem. Sheridan is on a date with Luis as we speak,” Alistair informed him.
“How do you always know these things, Father?“ Julian questioned.
“Never mind how I know. I have my ways, Julian” Alistair barked.
“So what would you like me to do about Sheridan’s date Father?” Julian asked in almost childlike fashion.
“Nothing Julian,” Alistair said. “I’ve taken care of everything. My plan is already in motion.”
“What’s your plan, Father” Julian asked.
“Let’s just say that after tonight Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald will no longer be a threat to this family. I have a plan that will end any chance of Sheridan ever having a permanent relationship with Luis,” Alistair informed him.
“How is that, Father?” Julian asked.
“Luis will disappear the same way his Father did many years ago,” Alistair stated.
Julian sat there and said nothing for the moment.
The nurse had just finished changing the dressing on Roger’s shoulder and Antoine volunteered to check the shackles on both prisoners. He walked over to each man’s bed and pulled down the covers and checked the bracelet, making sure it was secure. As he pulled the covers up for each time, they each carefully placed their sleeping pill in Antoine’s hand. When he was finished with the check, he placed both his hands in his pockets and dropped the pills inside. He walked back to his seat and anxiously waited until 11:00. After what seemed like an eternity he looked at his watch and it was time. He stood up and yawned loudly while stretching.
“I think I need another cup of coffee. Would you like one?” Antoine asked Jake.
“That would be great. I’m going to need one if I plan on staying awake tonight,” he said.
“Certainly,” Antoine said with a smile. He walked out of the room and headed for the nurse’s lounge.
The nurses’ lounge was now empty, as it was change of shift and report was being given. Antoine poured 2 cups of coffee. He reached into his pocket and found the pills. Before pulling them out he surveyed the room again, making sure he was alone. He took the capsules and opened them up, pouring the contents into one cup. He then put two stirrers in that cup, making sure he didn’t mix them up, or he would be asleep all night and probably forever when Roger found out what happened.
Antoine fixed the cups with cream and sugar and returned to the room. He walked in to find Pierre and Roger faking slumber and Jake doing his best to stay awake. He handed Jake the cup with two stirrers. He returned to his seat and sipped on his coffee. He watched Jake as he took gulps from his cup, trying to let the caffeine help keep him awake. Antoine smiled to himself. It would only be a matter of time, he thought.
Hank checked his watch and decided it was time to go. He grabbed his jacket and put it on. He then walked over to his dresser and opened the top drawer. Underneath his clean underwear, he pulled out a .45 caliber revolver. He checked the chamber making sure it was loaded. He then reached into the drawer and pulled out a handful of bullets and stuffed then in his pocket. He placed the gun in the waist of his pants, making sure his jacket hid it from view.
Hank took one last look around the room, making sure he didn’t forget anything. He picked up his keys and left the room.
Hank drove his car to the East Side of the Towne Green, just as he was instructed. He was to wait there until a man approached him and gave him the proper key phrase; Harmony is not what it seems
“You know what I’d really love to do right now, Luis? Sheridan said with her eyes sparkling. What might that be?” he asked totally mesmerized by her gaze. Sheridan put her arms around Luis’ neck. “I would love to just sit on the floor in front of a roaring fire and whisper sweet nothings in your ear.” “That’s a tough one Sheridan,” Luis kidded, “but I think it can be arranged.” Luis gave her a gentle kiss on the forehead. “I’ll tell you what. I’ll go put another log on the fire and you can pick the music this time. Deal?”
“Deal,” she said. She kissed him fully on the lips before removing herself from his lap. “I was so comfortable there,” she complained. “Not to worry, Sheridan,” Luis said with a sexy grin. “I’ll make very sure we find other comfortable positions.” Sheridan felt the heat in her cheeks. She couldn’t prevent a smile from forming. “I am so looking forward to that Luis,” she said in a low voice, looking over her shoulder as she walked over to the stereo.
Luis laughed quietly. He proceeded to place a new log on the fire. He stared at the fire for a moment as he used the poker to reposition the logs. He vaguely heard the stereo come into play, as he was lost in thought. His thoughts were of how much his life had changed in the last few days. He never would have believed that the pieces of his shattered dreams would be falling back into place. Right now the best piece was being fitted perfectly. Sheridan. He sighed happily thinking of her.
Sheridan quietly walked towards the fireplace and threw several pillows on the floor. She then seated herself in front of the pillows and leaned back as she watched the flames as they flickered in the otherwise dark room. Luis turned and saw her sitting there watching the fire. He gasped as he looked at her. Sitting there by the glow of the fire, she was the most breathtakingly beautiful woman he’d ever seen. Sheridan heard him gasp. “What?” she asked bashfully, as she detected his stare.
Luis sat down next to her. He placed his hand gently on her face and caressed her cheek. She smiled at his touch and felt warmth overtake her body and it wasn’t from the fire. Luis was looking at her in a way, no one had ever looked at her before. She could see love in his eyes and it was the most wonderful feeling she’d ever experienced. She gazed back at the fire and heard the music playing in the background. It was a song she fell in love with years ago. “Do you hear that song Luis?” Sheridan asked. “I hear it.” he smiled. “I remember dancing to it at a wedding once. The only problem was I danced it with my sister. Theresa was only twelve at the time. Somehow it’s not quite the real thing.”
Sheridan grinned as she pictured Luis and a twelve year old Theresa dancing to this song. “I don’t know whose story is more pathetic yours or mine. “I was at a dance in boarding school the first time I heard this song. My friend Josette and I were the only two wallflowers when this song was playing.”
Luis chuckled. “Well I say we both make new memories for it. Would you care to dance, Sheridan?” Luis extended his hand, Sheridan placed her hand in his and they stood up. Luis pulled her close to him and they started swaying to the music. They held each other tightly. They gently moved to the music, lost in each other’s eyes, lost in the words of the song.
You ask me if I love you, and I choke on my reply.
I’d rather hurt you honestly than mislead you with a lie.
And who am I to judge you on what you say or do.
I'm only just beginning to see the real you.
“I’m seeing the real you, Sheridan and so far I love what I see,” Luis whispered. Sheridan blushed. She loved this man. Every minute she spent with him she was falling deeper in love. She tenderly lifted one hand to his face, tracing its outline. She briefly closed her eyes as if committing his face to her deepest memory.
And sometimes when we touch the honesty's too much
And I have to close my eyes and hide
I wanna hold you till I die till we both break down and cry
I wanna hold you till the fear in me subside.
Romance and all its strategy, leaves me battling with my pride.
But through the insecurity some tenderness survives.
I'm just another writer still trapped within my truth
A hesitant Prize fighter still trapped my youth.
And sometimes when we touch the honesty's too much
And I have to close my eyes and hide
I wanna hold you till I die till we both break down and cry
I wanna hold you till the fear in me subside.
Luis never broke eye contact with Sheridan. His smile was infectious. She too, was lost in Luis’ brown eyes. The glow of the fire dancing in his eyes, captivating her. She wanted to pull him closer and place her head on his muscular shoulder, but was unable to break the connection. It was almost as if they were one. She felt as if she could see into his soul and he into hers.
,
At times I'd like to break you
And drive you to your knees.
At times I'd like to break through and hold you endlessly.
At times I understand you, and I know how hard you've tried.
I've watched while love commands you
And I've watched love pass you by.
At times I think we're drifters,
Still searching for a friend, a brother or a sister.
But then the passion flares again.
“Somehow, Sheridan,” Luis said in a husky whisper, “I think I’ll remember this moment in time for all of my life. “I’ve never felt more at peace with life than I do at this very moment.” Sheridan’s slight smile turned into a bigger one, as she continued watching the man of her dreams staring back in the fashion he was staring. Her heart was fluttering and her body tingling. She never wanted this night to end.
And sometimes when we touch the honesty's too much
And I have to close my eyes and hide
I wanna hold you till I die till we both break down and cry
I wanna hold you till the fear in me subside.
The song ended, but their dance continued. Neither one was immediately aware the song had ended. Sheridan slowly stopped. “That was some dance,” she said completely flushed. “It certainly was Sheridan,” Luis said in a low voice. He too was now standing there directly in front of Sheridan. He placed both his hands on her face and held it. She inhaled sharply as she felt his strong hands begin caressing her face. Her body, which was already tingling, was now burning with desire. She found herself becoming breathless at the same time. “Luis,” she whispered nervously, a lump developing in her throat, “Maybe we should move away from the fire. It’s getting pretty warm in here.”
“It is very warm in here Sheridan,” he agreed, “but I don’t think moving away from this fire will help me out any.” She looked in his eyes and saw the same burning desire she was feeling. She knew he was right. Moving away from the fireplace would not cool things down. She knew she couldn’t fight it anymore. She didn’t want to fight it. She wanted him as much as he wanted her. She wrapped her arms tightly around his neck and pulled him closer, until her mouth found his. She kissed him with a passion that was unleashed from the depths of her soul. Their mouths parted, their kiss escalating to a new height.
Luis was quickly losing control. His breathing becoming heavy and irregular. breaths. “Sheridan,” he panted through a kiss. “I want you so much. I want to make love to you now.” Sheridan kissed him fiercely. “Make love to me. I want you to make love to me. Right now,” She whispered feverishly. She kissed him again. She broke the kiss and slid her hands down his arms until their hands met. She started walking backwards pulling him with her. Her eyes inviting him to join her in another place. They walked this way for a few feet, before Luis pulled her towards him and kissed her again. He then slid his arm down her back and picked her up in his arms. He continued kissing her passionately as he walked into the bedroom with Sheridan in his arms.
A look of genuine fear and horror found it’s way to Julian’s face. “Father, you can’t be serious?” Julian asked. “You know I don’t fool around Julian. Game playing is for fools. If I say something I mean it. And I mean to say that Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald will disappear just like his father. He will never be a threat to the Crane Family and its secrets again.” Alistair said coldly. “How are you planning on doing that Father?” Julian asked, not sure he really wanted to know the answer to the question. “All you need to know right now Julian is that Sheridan and Luis are right now at the Crane Cabin. They are probably in bed right now.” He said.
“Sheridan’s in bed with Luis? Making love? Father, We MUST stop this from happening.” Julian insisted. “Oh let your sister have her one night fling with her Latino lover boy. Remember what I said, By this time tomorrow, No one in Harmony will ever see Luis again, including Sheridan.” Alistair remarked matter-of-factly. “Sheridan will be devastated Father,” Julian said with rare concern. “Especially if she sleeps with him tonight. Oh perish the thought.” Julian cringed and his body shuddered at the thought.
“It’s Sheridan’s own fault. She was warned to stay away from Luis. We did everything in our power to keep them apart, including hiring an impostor to make her think Luis was using her. The only thing we didn’t do was put a permanent end to this romance, which is what I am planning on doing tonight. Sheridan’s had numerous chances to prove her worthiness as a member of this Family. As you know, members of this family who do not tow the line will be severely punished. This will be Sheridan’s punishment. She will never again lay eyes on her lover boy Luis.” Alistair’s voice was firm and controlling. “Just sit tight Julian. I will call you back later.” The phone clicked. Julian let out a weary sigh. He rested his head on his arms, which were crossed in front of him on his desk. “Oh sister. My dear sister Sheridan,” Julian moaned. “Why didn’t you listen?”
To Be Continued…
