This Can't Be Happening

Chapter 1:

Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald paced back and forth in his living room. His clothes were wrinkled from having slept in them from the night before. He hadn't shaved in a day and a half and his hair was sticking up in every direction. "If I only knew what happened," he said in a dazed confusion. Theresa walked into the living room as he was talking to himself. She shot him a disapproving look. Theresa ignored his comment, but she felt the need to say something. She had always looked up to her big brother. He'd sacrificed so much, just to keep them together as a family after their father's disappearance. He was very strict, sure, but at least he'd always been honest, she thought. Until now. "You know Luis, you were the one person I always thought of asbeing completely honest. You always told people exactly where you stood. Never played games with people's emotions," Theresa said to Luis, avoiding his face. "But after the way you used Sheridan, I...," Theresa was cut off in mid sentence by Luis. "Why does everyone keep saying that to me," Luis practically shouted. He was totally confused and exasperated. "First Ethan, then Hank, andfinally Sheridan last night when she told me she never wanted to see me again. You all keep saying I used her, but NO ONE will tell me what I did!!" His voice was getting louder with each word, as his frustration grew. Theresa rolled her eyes to the back of her head. "Like you don't know, Luis." Ethan told me all about it. I'm surprised he'll even talk to me after this. He told me he's never seen Sheridan like this before. He said she's been hurt by men in the past, but she's hurting so much right now, he doesn't know if she'll ever get over it. How could you do this to her!" Theresa shouted angrily. "Theresa, please," Luis pleaded, "will you just tell me what I did to get everyone so upset?" "Fine," Theresa said sarcastically, "Since you seem to want to hear it again, I'll tell you." She looked at her brother, this time seeing pain in his eyes, not understanding why he looked that way. Her tone softened a bit. "Sheridan went back to the wharf the other night, and overheard you on the phone with someone. You said," Theresa was now looking intently at her brother, wanting to see his reaction, "Don't worry, I intend to use the very rich Miss Sheridan Crane for my own ends. She said you intended on getting back at the Cranes. They had used and abused our family for years, and now you would use one of their own, their spoiled princess. She said you then started laughing, perversely. Sheridan felt like she'd beenstabbed in the heart." Theresa stopped for a minute waiting for Luis' reaction. Luis ran his hands through his already disheveled hair. He was now more confused than before if that was possible. His mind was a whirlwind. He'd never said that to anyone. He'd never use Sheridan like that. "This is insane Theresa, I never said anything like that, to anyone!" Luis said. His face was pale and there was a look of panic on his face. "I would never use Sheridan, or anyone else for that matter." "Well, she was confused at first, too Luis. Theresa continued, "But after what you said to her at the party at the Youth Center, she knewit was true." "What did I say to her there?" Luis questioned, still in disbelief. "I never even had a chance to talk to her at the party. She kept avoiding me." " I wonder why?," Theresa asked scathingly, "Could it be that she again heard you on the telephone, this time telling the person on the otherend, that Sheridan was putty in your hands, and you'd soon have what you wanted from her?" "What?!" Luis shouted, "I'm telling you Theresa, IT NEVER HAPPENED!" "Well big brother, Ethan heard you the second time, too. So don't even try to deny it! I just hope Sheridan can forget she'd ever met you. It's a good thing she'll be leaving for Europe in the morning," Theresa fumed. With that, she gave her brother another nasty glance and left for school. Luis plopped onto the couch, feeling like he'd been kicked in the stomach. How could this be happening? The last time he'd talked to Sheridan, besides her telling him she never wanted to see him again, was on the phone when they both discussed how much they enjoyed their kiss. It was such a wonderful night, he thought. We seemed to finally be able to talk, and that kiss. He smiled for a second as he thought about how he felt when he'd been kissing her, and she told him she enjoyed it! Now, she never wants to see me again? I don't get it. Oh, man.... Luis' thoughts were interrupted as the telephone rang. Luis picked up the phone which was on a table next to the couch. "Hello?" Luis said without enthusiasm. "Luis?, it's Sam," Sam said, "I was wondering if you wanted someovertime, buddy? One of the guys called in today, and I know how you love the O.T." "Sam, I can't," Luis said despondently. "Luis, what's wrong, and don't tell me nothing. I can hear it in your voice," Sam asked concerned. Luis remembered a conversation he'd had with Sam several weeks earlier, about the getting involved with Crane women. "Sam, I need to talk to someone," Luis stated. "Something happened." "Is anyone hurt?" Sam asked with great concern, "Is it your mother, Miguel..." "No, it's no one in my family. Sam I really need to talk to you," Luis pleaded. "Can you come to the house, I'm not really up to going out right now." "Of course, Luis," Sam said. "I'll be there as soon as I can." "Thanks," Luis replied. He hung up the phone and walked into the kitchen to get a cup of coffee. He then sat down at the kitchen table, crossing his arms on the table, he buried his head in total dismay...

To Be Continued...

Chapter 2:

Luis pulled his head up, startled as he heard the rapping at the kitchen door. He stood up from the table, walked over and opened the door. "Hey Sam," Luis said in a sullen voice. "Luis, you look terrible," Sam said as he noticed Luis' unkempt appearance and glum look. "What on earth could have you in a state like this? "You haven't heard anything about your father, have you?" Sam questioned. "No, it's nothing like that, Sam." Luis stopped. "Motioned for Sam to have a seat and poured him a cup of coffee. He was barely conscious of what he was doing and accidentally spilled some hot coffee on his hand. "OW, he moaned, pulling his hand back shaking it furiously, while blowing on it to cool it down. He then walked over to the sink and ran it undercool water. "Watch it buddy," Sam said picking up the coffee cup to prevent Luis from another careless spill. He then sat down at the table across from where Luis' cup stood. Luis, having cooled down his burn, returned to the table and joined Sam. Sam sat there, watching Luis, waiting for him to talk. He knew Luis was hurting, but thought it best to let him start when he was ready. Sam was bracing himself for what Luis would be telling him. He'd seen that look on someone else's face once before, along time ago. He waited, remembering his own pain from all those years ago. Luis finally spoke. "It's Sheridan, Sam," he said with a dour expression on his face. Here it comes, Sam thought. "She told me last night she doesn't ever want to see me again and she's moving back to Europe in the morning," Luis stated flatly. "Why? Sam asked knowing it had something to do with Alistair Crane. "That's just it, Sam," Luis continued with anguish in his voice. "I'm not sure exactly." "What do you mean you're not sure, exactly?" Sam asked. "This whole thing is so unreal to me. I feel like I'm living in the twilight zone," Luis said with a depressed tone. "All I know is this. A few nights ago I was on a stakeout at the wharf. Sheridan stopped by tosee me. I kissed her as a cover so the drug dealer I was looking for wouldn't make me out as a cop. It was a great kiss, Sam," a small smile came to Luis'face as he remembered the kiss. "I'd never felt that way kissing anyone before. Anyway, I talked to Sheridan on the phone later that night and we discussed how we both enjoyed it. We had a great talk. We got some things settled, and I was really beginning to think we COULD have a future together." The smile leaves Luis' face and his look once again becomes sullen. "The next time I saw her was at the party at the Youth Center and she avoided melike the plague. I couldn't figure it out. She sounded excited when I told her about it. I mean after all, it was for her for finishing her community service." "So what happened next?" Sam asked listening intently. "Next?, Luis threw his hands in the air, and let out a sarcastic laugh. "Next, was yesterday morning, when she showed up at the Youth Center, accused me of using her and told me she never wanted to see me again. I'd already heard that from Ethan and then Hank, but no one would tell me what Idid. They just snorted at me and walked away." Luis was starting to get flustered again. As he thought about this whole situation. "Then to top it all off, Theresa started on me this morning. Said the same thing the otherssaid." "Have you figured out what they're all talking about?" Sam inquired. Luis snickered. "Sort of. I managed to get Theresa to tell mewhat I did. Basically she said that Sheridan overheard me on the telephone twice talking about how I was going to use the very rich Sheridan Crane, and then how she was like putty in my hands. I was using Sheridan to get what I wanted. Oh, yeah, and I had an evil laugh as I said these things. First time was at the wharf later on the night I mentioned earlier. Second time was at the Youth Center the night of the party. Supposedly, Ethan heard me, the second night as well." Luis finished his explanation. He was mentally exhausted. Sam didn't want to ask this next question, but he had too. "And you don't remember making those calls?" he asked calmly. "I didn't make those calls, Sam!" Luis nearly shouted. "Don't you think I would remember something like that?" He was angry that Sam would accuse him of hurting anyone in that manner, especially Sheridan. "I'm sorry, Luis," Sam said sympathetically. "I knew the answer, but I had to ask. I'm a cop, remember?" Luis relaxed a bit. "I'm not mad at you, Sam. Sorry if it sounded that way. It's just this whole think has me crazy." "So, do you have any ideas as to what happened?" Sam asked. "Just one Sam," Luis said slowly. "I bet it's the same one I'm thinking of," Sam said dryly. "Julian Crane," both Sam and Luis said at the same time. Sam's cellphone began to ring...

MEANWHILE AT SHERIDAN'S COTTAGE
Ivy Crane knocked on the door to Sheridan's cottage. Ethan just told her that Sheridan was moving back to Europe for good. She saw her son was very upset. She too, couldn't help but thinking how nice it had been to have Sheridan around the last few months. She and Sheridan had never really been close, but she enjoyed seeing another smiling face in an otherwise dreary household. Sheridan and Ethan were so unlike the rest of the Cranes. She knew why Ethan was nothing like Julian and figured Sheridan was different because she'd spent so much time in Europe as a child. She may not have realized it Ivy thought, but being away from Alistair and Julian was the best thing that could have ever happened to her... The door to the cottage suddenly opened, interrupting Ivy's thoughts. There stood Sheridan, her eyes swollen from crying. She was still dressed in her bathrobe, half packed suitcases strewn all over the living room. "Ivy." Sheridan said as she closed the door behind her. "What are you doing here?" "Ethan just told me you're leaving for Europe in the morning," Ivy explained with a sympathetic voice. "I'm sorry to see you leave." "Well, I can't stay here another minute," Sheridan stated emphatically. Tears were beginning to well up in her eyes, once again. "Paris will be a breath of fresh air. As bad as I thought it was when I left, it wasnothing like it is right now in Harmony." She was trying to fight back thetears, but it was no use. They were flowing down her cheeks. She moved to the table to grab another tissue. It had almost become a ritual the last few days. Anytime someone mentioned Luis' name or anything to do with him, tears flowed. She'd never been this heartbroken in her life. "Luis hurt you badly, I can see that, Sheridan," Ivy said with compassion. "I've never seen you like this before." Sheridan let out a curt laugh, "Well, life's funny." I really thought Luis was different from all the rest. I thought he was the man of mydreams. As it turns out, he couldn't have hurt more if he'd taken a butcher life and stabbed me through the heart. I think it would've hurt less that way,now that I think about it. It was all an act, Ivy! The whole thing!" "Sheridan, don't talk this way, please," Ivy pleaded. She hated seeing Sheridan hurting like this, but knew from experience, there was nothing she could do to make her feel any better. Time is the only thing that will help she thought, but the pain never fully goes away, either. "Don't worry about me, Ivy," Sheridan said through her tears. "I'm a survivor. But I'll tell you this much. It will be a cold day in hell before I trust another man. Luis made sure of that." Ivy gave Sheridan a knowing glance and a quick hug and left the cottage, walking back to the main house. I'm very surprised Luis turned out to be just like the rest, she thought. He didn't seem the type that would use someone like that. Ivy reached the mansion and heard voices coming from the library and headed towards them. It was Julian talking to Alistair on the speakerphone, she realized as she came closer. Suddenly, Ivy stopped dead in hertracks as she heard what was being said. Her mouth dropped open in horror as she quietly listened to the conversation. "Well, Julian," Alistair said, "my plan worked. Sheridan will take the Crane Jet first thing in the morning, back to Paris." Julian let out a relieved sigh, and then a quick laugh. "I have to admit, Father, your plan was pure genius! I never would have thoughtto pay someone to impersonate Luis, and then make Sheridan think that he was just like all the other men in her life. He was perfect, Father. He knew exactly which buttons to push with Sheridan." Julian took a quick drink of the brandy he held in his hand. "Of course he did, Julian," Alistair said with an air of superiority. "I told him EXACTLY what to say. I left nothing to chance." "I should say not, Father," Julian laughed, very pleased with theoutcome of the situation. "You should have seen the look on Sheridan's facewhen she told me I was right all along! It was priceless!" Julian continued laughing at the thought of Sheridan's despair. "Still, it's rather sad to seeher so upset over nothing but a low life cop!" Ivy stood behind the door to the study. Her face was crimson now,as she listened to the two men she hated most in this world gloating over another job well done. They're not going to get away with it this time she said to herself. I'll make sure Sheridan doesn't suffer the same fate I did, all those years ago. Ivy quietly walked away from the study, not waitingto hear the end of the conversation. She grabbed her purse from the table in the hall and left the mansion, gently closing the door, so Julian didn't hear. She quickly ran to her car, turned over the ignition and was gone in a flash. Once she was away from Crane property, she picked up her cell phone and dialed a number...

To Be Continued...

Chapter 3:

Sam answered his cellphone. "Hello, Sam Bennett." "Sam," Ivy said in a way only Ivy can say the name Sam, "I need to see you. It's very important." Sam looked irritated at the interruption. He was fidgeting nervously as well, not wanting Luis to know Ivy Crane was calling him. He turned his head away from Luis and very quietly said, "I can't talk to you right now. I'm with one of my men who is having a personal problem at the moment. It really isn't a good time." "Tell me Sam," Ivy questioned, "Would that man happen to be Officer Lopez-Fitzgerald?" "How did you know that?" Sam asked with a confused look. Then his face turned somewhat pale. "You're not having me followed, are you?" "Of course not, Sam," Ivy said with slight annoyance. "Luis is part of the reason I'm calling you. I know why Sheridan broke things off with Luis." Sam looked over at Luis, surprise and excitement on his face. Luis was looking at Sam with great curiosity. He had no clue what this call was about, but was intrigued by Sam's demeanor on the phone. "Well, whatis it, tell me please," Sam pleaded. "I need to do this in person," Ivy continued. "I'll tell you this, neither of you will like it." "I'm at Luis' house right now," Sam announced enthusiastically. "Why don't you come here and tell both of us?" Luis was dying to find out what the call was about. He kept making gestures towards Sam, and Sam kept waving him off. "Do you know where the house is?" Sam asked. "Of course I know where Pilar's house is, Sam," Ivy said dryly. "I'll be there in a few minutes." With that Ivy turned her phone off and concentrated on getting to Sam and Luis. No, she thought. History will not repeat itself this time.
SHERIDAN'S COTTAGE
Sheridan was not paying much attention to how she was packing. She was just packing. She emptied drawers out directly into suitcases, folding nothing. Pulled clothes out of her closet, repeating the same thing, just tossing them into her luggage. Finally she had filled her suitcases, closed them and sat down. Now that her packing was done, her mind kept wandering to Luis. She remembered all the tender moments they shared. Remembered the fights, the near kisses, the real kiss from the other night. The tears flowed even harder than they had earlier. She couldn't take it anymore. She picked up the phone and dialed. "Hello, Julian," she said, trying to make her voice sound upbeat. "Sheridan, How are you my sweet sister?" Julian smiled, knowing exactly how she was and enjoying it. "Never mind that," Sheridan replied angrily. "I'm all packed and I want to leave today. I don't want to leave in the morning. Do you think you can handle that? Her tone was now sarcastic. "I know you and Father will be happy to see me leave. You never wanted me to come back to Harmony in the first place." "Well that's not true, dear Sister. " Julian tried to pacify her. "We love it when you come to visit our humble abode. But if you wish, I'm sure I can arrange to have the jet ready tonight." Julian was very pleased to hear Sheridan wanted to leave tonight. "Thank you for your kind help, Julian," Sheridan retorted. She hung up the phone. "The sooner I get out of here the better, Sheridan said out loud to herself. She then headed to the bathroom to shower and change. Shehad a long trip ahead of her.


LOPEZ-FITZGERALD HOUSE
"O.K. Sam, What was that all about?" Luis asked. He was looking intently at Sam. "THAT was Ivy Crane," Sam replied soberly. "Ivy Crane?" Luis repeated, confused. "She says, she knows why Sheridan won't see you anymore. she said,we won't like it either," Sam answered. "What is it?" Luis was nearly out of his chair in anticipation. Come on, Sam. I have to know." "That's all she said, Luis." Sam replied. "She'll tell us therest when she gets here. Luis jumped up from his chair pacing the kitchen as best he could. He kept running his hands through his hair. "Luis, relax," Sam said calmly, "She'll be here. I think she was in her car when she called. At least that's what it sounded like." Sam had barely gotten the words out of his mouth, when there was a knock at the door. Luis immediately stopped his pacing and flew to the door to answer it. "Mrs. Crane," Luis invited her in with a motion of his arm. He pulled out a chair for her to sit in. "Thank you Officer," Mrs. Crane smiled at Luis. "My, you look dreadful. Almost as bad as Sheridan." The smile left her face as she thought about poor Sheridan. "O.K. Ivy," Sam leaned in across the table. "What's this all about?" Ivy drew a deep breath. She looked at Sam, then Luis, then back at Sam again. "I came here today to make sure that bastard husband of mine and his sinister Father don't do to Sheridan, what they did to me." Ivy's voice was filled with venom. Her blue eyes were cold as steel. Sam cringed a bit as Ivy said this. He hoped Luis hadn't noticed his reaction. Luis did notice. He also remembered a conversation with Sam regarding the Crane women,and the men that were in love with them. Then he remembered his mother telling him that Sam had his heart broken before he met Grace. It all fits he thought. He momentarily glanced at Sam, then back to Ivy. He said nothing. He had more important matters at hand right now. He waited for Ivy tocontinue...

To Be Continued...

Chapter 4:

"Before I begin, you both have to promise me, you will never let it be known where you received this information," Ivy said with a nervous smile. "If Julian or Alistair ever found out, I was the leak, I'm not sure what they'd do. Believe me when I tell you, they are not forgiving, and they do desperate acts when cornered. Both Luis and Sam saw the fear and painin her eyes. "Ivy, I swear, Julian and Alistair will never find out form either of us,"he shot Luis a knowing glance. "Of course, Mrs. Crane," Luis replied. I'll never tell anyone." Ivy gave a faint smile and continued. "Alistair and Julian hired a man to impersonate Luis. The impostor's phone conversation was carefully orchestrated, by Alistair, to hit on every insecurity Sheridan has involving love, men and relationships. It was meant to convince Sheridan that Luis was just using her like all the other men she's known. He left absolutely nothing to chance. Sam and Luis looked at each other, totally stunned by what they'd just he ard. Both were speechless for a few seconds. Luis' shock suddenly turned to anger. His face was becoming crimson as he thought about what Julian and his father had done to Sheridan. He stood up from the table. "Those bastards," Luis yelled. "How could they do that to her, their own sister and daughter! What the hell kind of a family would do that! I mean, if they wanted to keep her away from me, why didn't they get rid of me, why hurt her?" Luis's anger was subsiding. He now almost felt like crying, thinking of the pain Sheridan must be going through, knowing she thought he was the one who caused it. " I need to get to her. I need to tell her. I can't let her think I hurt her like this. I lo..., I mean... those bastards aren't going to get away with this." Luis headed for the door. "Luis,wait a second. Slow down, buddy," Sam said in a soothing manner. "She'll may not even see you. Let Ivy and me talk to her. Ivy, why don't you call Sheridan and tell her you need to talk to her tonight, before she leaves, it's very important. Tell her to meet you at the Book Cafe, so we aren't seen going to the cottage together. We don't want to arouse any suspicions." "O.K. Sam," Ivy smiled. "I'll call her right now." Ivy picked upher cell phone and dialed Sheridan's number. "Hello, this is Sheridan Crane," a sad voice answered. "I'm sorry I'm not here, but I have left the country and doubt I'll ever be back. If this is a family member calling, I will leave my new number when I get settled in Paris. Sorry to leave early, but I just couldn't stay in Harmony another day. Good Bye." Ivy turned off her phone and looked at both Sam and Luis, who wondered why she hung up the phone. "She's gone," Ivy reported glumly. "She left a message on her machine that she couldn't take being in Harmony another day and was leaving tonight." Luis' face showed it all. He was heart broken, He sank down into his chair and his head collapsed in his hands. He lifted his head and looked at Sam and Ivy. "There has to be a way. There just has to." His pain was unbearable. Ivy's face brightened. "You know, I saw Sheridan only a few hours ago. She didn't mention anything to me about leaving today. It must have been a decision made at the last minute. There is a good chance the Crane jet hasn't left yet. Maybe we can catch her at the airport?" Ivy didn't need to repeat herself. Luis was at the door waiting to leave for the airport. Sam and Ivy were right behind him. The three of them were out the door in a matter of seconds. They all jumped in Sam's car and drove to the airport. Ivy and Sam were in the front seat, Luis in the back. "I think I'll call the airport," Ivy said as she picked up the phone and dialed. "Hello, this is Ivy Crane calling. Could you please tell me if the Crane Jet has left yet? It hasn't? Good. Could you please make sure it doesn't leave until I get there? Thank you very much. We'll be there within fifteen minutes." Ivy smiled as she turned the phone off. Luis let out an audible sigh of relief. Sam smiled to himself. Ivy smiled at Sam. "Come on Sam, lets get there already," Luis said impatiently. "We'll get there, Luis. Relax, buddy." Sam said with a chuckle. Luis put his head back against the seat and closed his eyes. He was trying to relax, but was finding it difficult. He kept seeing Sheridan in his mind, seeing her pain, knowing she thought he had caused it. I'll get those bastards he thought, if it's the last thing I ever do. Alistair and Julian Crane will wish they'd never heard the name LuisLopez-Fitzgerald...That will have to wait for now, though...Making sure Sheridan is o.k.is the most important thing...Oh, Sheridan...Luis drifted off to sleep. "Sam," Ivy whispered, " I think Luis is asleep." Ivy had turned her head to see why Luis was so quiet all of a sudden and saw him sleeping. Sam briefly tuned his head to see a sleeping Luis. "Good. Let him sleep for a little bit. He ‘s exhausted. Sam whispered back. "You know Ivy, I've never seen Luis like this in all the time I've known him. Not when his father disappeared, not when he broke up with Beth, not even when he thought he'd killed his own father." Sam let out a slight chuckle. "It's kind of funny. It's only been a few weeks that I've even known he had feelings for her. All I ever saw them do was fight! They were like oil and water. He must really have it bad for Sheridan." Ivy smiled. "Sheridan's got it pretty bad herself. With all the bad relationships she's had in the past, I've never seen her react as badly as she did this time. I was in shock when I heard what happened. Luis never struck me as the sort of man that would use a person like that. I'm just glad I found out the truth in time to stop Julian and Alistair's little scheme." Ivy's voice had turned to venom, as she spoke of her husband and father in law. "You know, those two have done some evil things in their life in order to ruin other peoples lives, but this... This is about the most sinister plot I've heard yet." She glanced back at Luis to make sure he was still asleep. "They really want Luis out of the picture and I'll bet it has something to do with Martin Fitzgerald's disappearance." Sam snapped to attention as he heard her last remark. "Do you know something about Martin Fitzgerald's disappearance?" Sam whispered in an investigative tone. Ivy stiffened. "No. Not really," she replied. "I know they'rehiding something, but I've never seen anything. It's just the way Julian acts whenever the subject comes up. Besides, look what they did here? I think they are afraid Sheridan will help Luis find out what happened to Martin. It's the only thing that makes sense." "I think you're right Ivy," Sam said with sadness in his voice. "And if that's the case, even when this mess is cleared up, it won't be the end of it." "I know, Sam," Ivy gloomily stated. "I know." "We're here," Sam said with relief as he pulled up to the airport departure gate. "Let's let Luis sleep, until we tell Sheridan. That way he doesn't have to wear out the carpets pacing waiting for us." Sam and Ivy left a sleeping Luis in the back seat of the car. They walked up to a girl at the counter for private flights. "I beg your pardon, Miss Sterling?" Ivy read the girl's name tag. "Hi, Madame, may I help you?" Miss Sterling answered with a large smile. "Yes, actually you can help us," Ivy smiled back. "My name is Ivy Crane. I called here a few minutes ago about keeping the Crane Jet here until I arrived. Is it still here?" "Yes, Madame. Just as you requested." The girl smiled. "Good." Police Chief Bennett and I need to speak to the passenger. I also have a few things I need you to do." Ivy pulled out a notepad and pen and began writing furiously. She spoke while she wrote. "There is a man in the back seat of Chief Bennett's car. I need you to wake him exactlyten minutes after we board the plane, and escort him to us. His name is Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald. If he starts questioning you, just tell him you were instructed to take him to the Crane Jet. He will understand. I also have a few things I've written here that I need taken care of, immediately. Call the person at the top of the page, tell them what it is you want and thatis is imperative that I have it within the hour. They'll tell you it can't be done. Tell them I said it can, if they want to keep their job. Make sure you give my name." Ivy handed the note to the girl, and there was a brand new $100 bill tucked inside it. "Do you think you can handle all that, Miss Sterling?" Ivy asked. "Yes Madame. Immediately," she replied with a large smile on her face. She then called a man over to escort them to the plane. "What are you up to, Ivy,? Sam questioned. "You'll see, Sam. You'll see," Ivy smiled. She was very pleased with herself. Sam and Ivy then walked down the corridor with their escort towards the Crane Jet....

To Be Continued...

Chapter 5:

Sheridan Crane sat on one of the couches of the luxurious Crane Jet. She had a box of kleenex sitting next to her. Her eyes were red and swollen, tears still dripping down her face. (She obviously had no idea thatthe last time that couch was occupied, her brother was playing the part of a bull, otherwise she would have been laughing-- sorry, I couldn't resist.) "I have to get over him," she said out loud, as she was the only passenger on board. She reached down for another kleenex and blew her nose. "Julian and Father warned me and I wouldn't listen," she said. "Well for once in their lives they were right." "No they weren't, Sheridan," Ivy said with a soothing voice. Sheridan looked up and saw Ivy and Sam standing there in front of her. She was stunned to see them there. "Ivy, Chief Bennett, what are you doing here? she asked in genuine surprise. "How did you even know I was leaving tonight?" "I called the cottage and listened to your machine, Sheridan," Ivy explained. "We took a chance the plane hadn't left yet. I am so glad it didn't!" "Why are you both here? Is something wrong?" Sheridan asked, fear creeping into her voice. "Yes, Sheridan. Something is wrong, terribly wrong," Ivy said suddenly. "What is it, please tell me?" Sheridan implored, still feeling like something terrible has happened. Ivy motioned for Sam to sit down, which he did. She then sat down next to Sheridan. Ivy looked directly at Sheridan . She saw all the pain, fear and hurt in her eyes. She took Sheridan's hands in her own. "Sheridan, before I tell you this, you must promise me you will. Never tell your father or Julian where you heard it from. Can you promise me that?" Ivy asked, giving Sheridan an encouraging smile. "Of course, Ivy," Sheridan replied. "I overheard a conversation earlier this morning between my miserable husband and your father. They were congratulating each other on a job well done." Ivy paused , looking intently at Sheridan as she did. "They were congratulating each other because THEIR plan worked to keep you and Luis apart." Ivy stopped, waiting. Sheridan was confused. She wasn't quite sure what Ivy was saying. "Excuse me?" Sheridan asked in total confusion. "What do you meantheir plan?" "I mean exactly that, Sheridan," Ivy continued. Her voice was becoming filled with bitterness and repulsion. Your father and brother hired a man to impersonate Luis. Alistair orchestrated the whole thing and Julian was his patsy. Alistair wrote out a script and the impostor read everyword of it. Mind you, they spared no expense in planning every detail, so you would believe that Luis was just like all the other men you've dated, worse in fact. They know all you insecurities when it comes to men, and love. They left nothing to chance. OH, just the thought of those two doing this to someone else makes me want to scream." Ivy's tone had become cold and hard. She was filled with nothing but hatred for these two men, who thrived on the misery they caused others. Sheridan was pale. She was in shock. She didn't know what to think. She had so many emotions flowing through her at the same time, she didn't know which one to acknowledge first. "Oh, my God," she finally said softly. "Luis didn't...I mean he doesn't...But why would..." the tears started flowing down Sheridan's cheeks. She was sobbing uncontrollably...Meanwhile at Sam's Car Luis jumped as he heard a knocking sound. "I must have dozed off,"he said, groggily. The knocking continued. Startled, Luis turned his head and saw a young man standing at the car window. He rolled down the window to find out what was going on. "Are you Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald?" the man asked. "Yes, that's me," Luis answered. "I've been instructed to escort you to the Crane Jet," the man replied. Luis jumped out of the car as soon as he heard Crane Jet. He was dazed when he woke up, but now remembered where he was and why he was here. "Where are Sam and Mrs. Crane? Luis asked, puzzled. "They are already on board, sir. Mrs. Crane instructed me to wait exactly ten minutes and then come escort you to the jet," the man said, having no clue what this was all about. "Well, what are we waiting for?" Luis asked impatiently. "Lets go!" Luis' heart was now pounding. He knew Sheridan was on that jet. He was following the man toward the plane, but with each step he took, the knot in his gut seemed to get larger. He had no idea why he felt this way, he only knew it was getting almost unbearable. He was barely aware of his surroundings. He followed the man like an obedient puppy followed it's master. Only one thing was in his mind right now. Thoughts of Sheridan Crane. "How would she react? Would she believe Ivy? Even if she did, was there too much damage done to salvage their relationship? He was so consumed in his thoughts, he almost ran down his escort, when he stopped at the stairs to the jet. "Here you go sir. the man said with a smile. You may go right on up. Mrs. Crane is expecting you." With that, the man turned around andleft Luis at the stairs to the Crane Jet. He slowly climbed the steps. His feet seemed to get heavier with each step. He entered, noticed only by Sam, who just gave Luis an encouraging smile. Ivy was sitting across the aisle with Sheridan, who was in tears. Luis' just stood there watching. He was overwhelmed with emotion, but wasn't sure what emotions they were. Pain, fear, joy, love, sadness... He didn't know, just yet. Sheridan continued sobbing, finding it difficult to complete a thought. Her mind was racing. Suddenly, she became very angry. "I can't believe they did this to me!" she screamed. "I finally find the one man that can make me happy and they deliberately sabotage our relationship before we even had one. Luis was the one man I could trust, the one man who I thought could care about me, not my name or wealth. They took that away from me! Those bastards!" Sheridan began sobbing again. Her voice now became very quiet. The pain in her tone evident. "Luis must hate me," she said. "The way I treated him? I didn't trust in him enough to see past the charade..." Luis was slowly walking towards Sheridan. He was looking at her, feeling the pain she was going through, wishing he could make it disappear. His eyes started to well up just a bit at the sadness in Sheridan's voice. His heart was breaking to see this woman, who he couldn't get out of his mind sitting there in so much pain. "I could never hate you, Sheridan," Luis finally said as he closed the distance between them. Sheridan was startled to hear Luis' voice. She looked up only to see Luis gazing at her. A small smile on his face. Passion and love in his eyes. She clasped her hands to her chest and let out a gasp. Her heart was fluttering as she felt a smile come to her face for the first time in what seemed like an eternity. Ivy quietly stood up and moved across the aisle and sat next to Sam, leaving her seat vacant for Luis. Luis gently sat down next to Sheridan, facing his body forward with his head turned towards her gazing intently into her eyes, in a way no one other than Luis can do. Ivy whispered something in Sam's ear. She then stood up, followed immediately by Sam. "If you two will excuse us for a few minutes, Sam and I have some business to attend," Ivy smiled, knowing neither one of them heard her or even cared. Sam followed Ivy off the plane. Ivy knew, she had done the right thing, regardless of the consequences. "You really don't hate me, Luis?" Sheridan asked demurely. "Sheridan, it's not your fault," Luis replied gently. "Your father and Julian are at fault here, not me and certainly not you. I just feel bad, that you THOUGHT it was me. The one thing I never wanted to do was hurt you Sheridan. And in a way, I did." "But, Luis, it wasn't you!" Sheridan said lightheartedly. "I don't know how I could have thought it was you, now that I think about it. It was so out of character for you. But, Luis, he looked and sounded just like you. Same hair, same uniform, same face, same voice. He knew things too. He knew about Hank, Beth, the night in Julian's study, the fact that you called me a spoiled princess." Sheridan now had a trace of fear in her voice. "Well, Julian caught us in the study. Did you ever tell anyone what we were really doing there?" Luis asked? Sheridan groaned. "Yes, Luis, I did, Sheridan admitted. "I never told you this, but remember that call I got from Julian at the Youth Center, after you asked me out on our first date?" "Yeah, I remember," Luis said. "Well, Julian had Alistair on the speaker phone and the two of them spent what seemed like hours trying everything they could think of to prevent me from going out with you that night." Sheridan remembered with disdain. "I got all the standard lectures, It's for the good of the family, Sheridan. You've always been a poor judge of character, Sheridan. You always pick men who use you Sheridan. Then they started to attack you, and I couldn't let them do that." Sheridan was getting more animated by the minute. "Anyway, the subject came up about us kissing in the library, and Julian didn't buy it. He figured it out for what it was. I admitted it, and told them,it was my idea, not yours." Sheridan suddenly got a funny look on her face. Luis didn't notice. "Well that explains it." Luis said. They used every piece of information they knew and scripted it out with a bunch of total garbage to make you believe it was me." Luis suddenly notices the look on Sheridan's face. "What's wrong?" He asked her gently. "Luis," Sheridan asked slowly and cautiously. "Did I see you at all that night? Or was it the impostor? As soon as he heard Sheridan say this, he immediately new what she was referring to. He tried as hard as he could to keep a straight face. "What do you mean?" he asked looking very serious. Sheridan felt a touch of panic. She didn't know how to ask the question, without asking it. "I mean did I... Did you..." Luis couldn't torture her any longer. "You mean was I the one that kissed you? he asked with an impish glance. Without waiting for a response Luis wrapped his arms around Sheridan and leaned in closer...

To Be Continued...

Chapter 6:

He grabbed her just like he'd done the other night at the pier. He kissed her passionately, nothing to distract him this time. Luis had one hand behind her head, gently massaging the back of her head. His other arm wandered up and down her back, her sides. Sheridan responded. She kissed him back, with more intensity than she thought possible. Her hands rifling Luis' already messy hair. After a moment they broke their kiss. Sheridan was totally breathless. "Oh, wow," she barely managed a whisper, "I guess it was you." She smiled at him in a way that made Luis feel weak. "And you know what?" Luis replied in a low sexy voice, "I'm not going to run away this time to go catch the bad guys." His smile caused Sheridan to catch her breath. The look in his eyes as he stared at her. The intensity of it all was more than she'd ever dreamed of. How could she ever have doubted this man. This wonderful, caring, gorgeous, sexy ... Her thoughts were interrupted as Luis threw himself at her, kissing her again. Sheridan fell back on the couch, Luis now on top of her. As they kissed each other they both knew this was a new experience for them. Neither had ever felt this way with another human being. Sheridan felt as if she were in another time and place. It was too good to be real. Luis suddenly broke the kiss and began kissing her face. Her forehead, her eyes, making his way to her earlobe. She let out a soft moan as she felt his breath in her ear. "Oh, Luis," she moaned softly as she struggled to catch her breath. "Do you have any idea what you are doing to me?" She closed her eyes as she enjoyed Luis' nibbling her earlobe. Feeling and hearing his breath so heavy, excited her in a way she'd never known. "What I do to you?" Luis gasped for air. Then in a low voice. "You obviously have no idea the affect you are having on me." Luis then pulled his head away from her ear and looked Sheridan directly in the eyes. "No one has ever affected me the way you do." His hand moved up to her face. He gently held her face in his hands and pulled her in for another kiss. This kiss was passionate, but slower. He wanted to savor the way he was feeling. His hands started moving again. Slowly he put one hand behind her neck. The other hand moved up and down her side. Massaging her thigh. Sheridan was quickly losing control of her senses, at Luis' touch . she too started moving her hands up and down his back. One hand slipped under his sweater and he moaned as he felt her touch her bare skin. Sheridan began kissing Luis harder. She explored his back with her hands, gently feeling his muscles. They were both so involved in each other, they never heard Sam and Ivy come back. Sam's face turned red as he smiled to himself. He Loudly cleared his throat and turned his head for a minute, hoping that would startle the lovebirds. They hadn't budged, he noticed when he turned back and saw them again. For that matter, Luis hands had moved up Sheridan's side, headed towards her chest. Ivy looked at Sam, noticing how embarrassed he was watching this. She smiled and said loudly, "Sam, isn't young love wonderful?" She may have been looking at Luis and Sheridan, but her mind was a million miles away. Remembering when Sam used to hold her like that. Her hand automatically reached up to her locket she wore around her neck, as she began to play with it. Luis and Sheridan broke apart as they heard Ivy's voice. Both were totally out of breath as they slowly sat up and gathered their composure. Both Sheridan and Luis' faces were red and they had nervous smiles on their faces like they were teens that had just been caught by their parents. "Well, it's nice to see you two made up," Sam offered with a quick laugh. "Looks to me, like they were making out, not up!" Ivy slyly grinned at them. Sheridan blushed. Luis who was also blushing, let out a soft chuckle. "What can I say," Luis threw his hands up in the air, laughing. "You caught us." Luis' face suddenly became serious. He looked at Sam and Ivy with gratitude in his eyes. "I'll never be able to thank you both, for helping to clear up this misunderstanding," Luis said. "Especially you, Mrs. Crane. I know you took a chance by telling us this." Ivy smiled at Luis. "That will be easy, Luis. First, please call me Ivy. And whatever you do, no matter what happens to your relationship, Don't let Julian or Alistair be the cause of your break up. Fight for your love. Don't let them bully you." Ivy was becoming very passionate in her statement. True love only hits once and when it does grab it and hold on to it. Don't ever let it go. I let Alistair Crane ruin my life many years ago. I was forced to sell my soul to the devil, himself. He destroyed my life and I don't want to see the same thing happen to Sheridan." Ivy's face was now sad. Sam looked at Ivy. He had seen at the ski lodge that she's had a miserable marriage, but had no idea the torment she'd been through having married into that family. He started to move towards her to comfort her when he caught himself. Sam you idiot, he thought. You're married and you love your wife. He shook his head to rid his thoughts of Ivy. "Thank you Mrs... Ivy," Luis smiled at her. "Believe me, I'm never letting Sheridan go without a fight." He looked at Sheridan and gave her a great big grin. He put his arm around her waist and pulled her close to him. "And I never lose," he boasted gleefully smiling at Sheridan. Sheridan laughed at this, but was touched by hearing him say it. For some reason, right now everything Luis did or said affected her in a way, she couldn't explain. She'd never felt the desire to be near someone as much as she did with Luis, right now. It took every ounce of self control to keep herself from throwing him on the couch and attacking him. Luis suddenly gave Sheridan a look, a look like he knew exactly what she was thinking. She blushed. Sam sensed things were about to heat up again . "Luis, I want you to be careful. I told you before, what the Cranes will do to people who don't fit into their blue blooded society. Hopefully after this, you'll realize they don't play by the same rules as the rest of us. And they always come out on top. As soon as Sheridan pops up in Harmony again on your arm, they'll realized their plan didn't work and next time, won't be as pleasant." Sam finished. Gloom filled the air. "Yeah, I know Sam," Luis said sadly. "I know that, but we really haven't had time to think about that yet." Luis was getting angry, now. "You know, Sheridan and I have only had two dates. We hadn't even finished the first date when he tried to bribe me. And the day after our second date was when he implemented the impostor. " Luis was deep in thought. He released Sheridan and began pacing. One hand under his chin as he thought. He paced for a few minutes in silence. "I need to think of something," he finally said totally frustrated. "Well, Luis, now that you mention it, Ivy and I think we have a way to at least avoid the situation for a week," Sam said with a twinkle in his eyes. Luis looked at Sam with great interest. "What?" he asked. "Out with it Sam!" "O.K. here it is," Sam said with a grin. "The Boston police chief called me this morning and wanted to know if I had an officer I could spare for a week to consult with regarding this new drug cartel that has been trying to move into Harmony. He'd like this officer to possibly identify any similarities between the two groups of thugs. They were planning on matching this officer up with a female officer of their own and having them find the information undercover." Sheridan tried to hide the green eyed monster inside her as she thought about Luis in the arms of another woman. Sam noticed Sheridan's face and quickly continued. "I told him I had an officer who had been working on the case from our end, that would be perfect, but he would have to come with his girlfriend. I told him, she'd just had a very frightening experience and you couldn't leave her alone." "Sheridan smiled as she heard herself referred to as Luis' girlfriend. "Am I his girlfriend, she thought? "They said that would be even better, because the two of you could fit in better. He doesn't really want you to interact with these people, just watch and listen. It doesn't sound dangerous at all," Sam was almost finished. "And, you'd be paid your regular salary as well as all expenses for both of you for the week." Luis' mouth was practically on the floor. He was in shock. "Sam, this is fantastic! " Luis let out a laugh. "This will give me a chance to spend some uninterrupted time with Sheridan, work some more on the investigation and figure out how to deal with Julian and Alistair when we get back!" Luis gave Sam a pat on the back. Sheridan was not sharing the same enthusiasm as Luis. "Luis, you are forgetting something rather important, she stated with a frown. "I'm supposed to be on a plane for france. If I don't go, surely Julian and Father will look for me." Luis' face fell. "You're right," he said with grief in his heart. "I almost forgot about that." "Not to worry," Ivy piped in, "It's all taken care of." She has a devious smile on her face. Luis and Sheridan looked at each other, then at Ivy. Sam just bowed his head not looking at anyone trying to keep his grin to himself. "I called Julian when I left earlier and told him I was going to go to New York for a few days, shopping. In actuality, I will be going to Paris, instead of Sheridan. I doubt Alistair's spies over there will notice much more than a blonde woman getting off the plane. I will check into a hotel under Sheridan's name, go shopping there for a day or so and then fly to New York on a commercial plane. Julian and Alistair will never know what hit them. Luis looked at Sheridan. He took her hand in his and squeezed it. "It might just work," he smiled. "It just might work." Sheridan returned his smile. She was anticipating being with Luis for an entire week without interruption from her evil family.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 7:

"Good, then it's all settled," Ivy said with a satisfied grin. "Now you all get out of here! I have a flight to Paris starting." Sheridan walked over to Ivy and gave her a big hug. "Thank you, Ivy, from the bottom of my heart." Sheridan had a warm loving smile on her face. "I'm very pleased I have you for a sister-in-law, even if it's because you had to marry that low life brother of mine. "Meeting you Sheridan has been one of the few benefits I did receive by marrying into the Crane Family," Ivy replied with a slight smile. "Just remember, what I said, will you? Don't let Alistair and Julian get the best of you?" Ivy's remark had a pleading quality to it. "I won't, Ivy," Sheridan promised, and then with a lighter tone, "Well, I can think of one good thing, that came out of your marriage to my brother, Ethan!" All the color in Ivy's cheeks suddenly disappeared, if only for a split second. She immediately let out a short cold laugh and then regained her composure and smiled, all the while holding on to the locket she cherished so much. "Yes, Ethan," she said. "Ethan has been the one bright spot in my otherwise dismal life." Ivy's smile broadened as she remembered the night Ethan was conceived. "He looks so much like his father," she muttered, forgetting for the moment Sam was standing right there. "Are you serious, Ivy?" Sheridan asked in disbelief. "Ethan looks nothing like Julian! I always thought he looked just like you." Sheridan was giggling at the thought. "For that matter he looks more like Sam, then he does, Julian. Sheridan was still giggling, not realizing what she said. Ivy's face once again went pale. This time she was finding it difficult to regain her composure. "I meant he looked like Julian a little when he was a baby." she finally blurted out. She tried her best to put a smile on her face, but it wasn't working very well. Sam saw the reaction to Sheridan's comment on Ivy's face and immediately had a sickening feeling in his gut. No, he thought to himself. It couldn't be... She would have told me... Or would she... Sheridan was just saying that because I was standing in the room... She's right, though...Ethan doesn't look like Julian... He looks just like Ivy... That's it... Sam snapped out of his thoughts, avoiding looking at anyone for the moment. Luis saw the look in Ivy's face when Sheridan made her comment. Why would she react like that, Luis wondered? Then he looked over at Sam's puzzled expression, knowing he, too was thinking about it. I wonder, Luis thought. He then tried to visualize Ethan in his mind's eye. Same color hair, almost, same eyes, same shaped face. He then remembered Sheridan, his mother and Theresa all telling him, Ethan is not like any of the other Cranes... Sam had his heart broken before he married Grace... I've known men who've been involve with Crane women... Oh my God, Luis said to himself. "You know, Ivy's right," Luis interrupted. "We'd better get going. Alistair and Julian will wonder why the jet hasn't left yet." "Luis is right," Sam said quickly. "We'd better go." Luis and Sheridan said quick good -byes and thank you's and left the jet together. Sam waited a minute. "Thank you for everything, Ivy," Sam said. "You did a good thing. Those two are meant to be together." Before he realized what he'd done leaned over and gave Ivy a kiss on the cheek and left. Ivy stood there and smiled. "He does still love me," she said when Sam was out of earshot. "I know he does." She then called the pilot and told him she was ready to leave.

MEANWHILE BACK AT THE CRANE MANSION

Julian is sitting behind the desk in his study with a glass of brandy in his hand. He was smiling as he remembered his meeting with the Luis impersonator, where he peeled off his mask. He laughed out loud. "Is something funny, Father?" Ethan asked with a perturbed look on his face. "Let's just say amusing, shall we?" Julian said with a startled smile now on his face. "And what is so amusing?" Ethan wanted to know. "Your Aunt Sheridan, that's what!" Julian smirked. "Falling in love with Officer Lopez-Fitzgerald. I mean, really! That poor girl is destined for heartache." Julian tried to hide his laughter, but couldn't. He let out an almost evil laugh. "I told her he was a good for nothing cop, but she wouldn't listen to me." Julian took another swig of his brandy. "Father, sometimes I just don't understand you," Ethan accused. "How can you be so cold hearted? Sheridan is hurting, and she'll probably never come back to Harmony again. I was happy for her that she'd finally found love with Luis. I was as surprised as she, that he used her." "Well then Ethan, I guess you have a lot to learn yet," Julian said. "Just be glad you are marrying Gwen. She'll make a fine addition to the Crane Family. Then, when you get bored with her in your bed, go after that delicious young Theresa. Just don't let Gwen know about it," Julian barely sputtered out the last words. Ethan shot his father a dirty look. "You're drunk Father. Ethan seethed. "Sometimes, you really disgust me. I wonder what Mother ever saw in you?" Ethan turned and left the room in anger. Julian continued laughing as the telephone rang. He sighed, still smiling, hit the button to the speaker phone. "Julian," he heard the familiar voice of his father. His smile completely faded. "Yes, Father," Julian said. "What can I do for you?" "You can put down your glass, and get out to the airport and find out why that plane hasn't left yet, that's what you can do," Alistair barked. Julian looked at the glass in his hand and wondered how his father always seemed to know... everything. "The plane hasn't left yet, Father," Julian asked in surprise. "No it hasn't and you need to find out why. Sheridan must be on that plane, tonight," Alistair stated emphatically. "Call me when you are sure that plane is in the air." The phone clicked. Julian rubbed his temples and sighed. He then stood up and left the study. He left the Crane Mansion on his way to the airport.

BACK AT THE AIRPORT

"Let's go get a cup of coffee in the coffee shop and I'll tell you what's going to happen," Sam said as he met Luis and Sheridan back in the terminal. Both nodded, acknowledging Sam as the three walked to the coffee shop. Luis and Sheridan were hand in hand. As they approached the coffee shop, they saw from the entrance it was pretty full. They did spot a small table in the back, and headed towards it. They arrived at their table which was locate right near the restrooms, they looked around for another table that may have been in a more secluded place, but found none. "This will have to do," Sam said as he placed his jacket on the back of the chair. Sheridan and Luis nodded and followed Sam's lead, also placing their jackets on the back of their chairs. "I'll go get us some coffee," Sheridan offered. "Would anyone like anything else?" "Nothing else for me," Sam said, "Thanks." "Just make sure mine has plenty of sugar in it," Luis said with a twinkle in his eyes. "Sheridan blushed and let out a quick laugh," You'd better be careful what you ask for," she said with a seductive smile, looking directly into Luis' eyes. "You might just get it." She quickly turned and walked to the counter. Luis was the one who was blushing, now. He shook his head as he watched her walk to the counter. Sam watched the exchange between the two. He shook his head and turned to Luis. "I'm not going to even ask." Sam grinned as he saw Luis was blushing. "Oh, it was just a little joke Sam," Luis said sheepishly. "When Sheridan first started her community service at the Youth Center, she forgot to put sugar in her coffee, one day," Luis continued to blush as he remembered their encounter. "That's why you're blushing?" Sam asked, somewhat confused. "No, that's not the funny part," Luis continued trying to keep a straight face, though it wasn't working very well. "She decided to go look for some sugar, and since she didn't know the place very well, she accidentally went into the men's locker room, where I had just come out of the shower wearing nothing but a smile." Luis' cheeks became redder still, as he told Sam this story. "If you could have seen the look on her face. It was definitely what you might call a Kodak Moment!" Luis gently laughed as he thought of Sheridan's reaction. Sam chuckled, "I have to say, Luis, you and Sheridan have anything but a boring relationship. Even when you thought you hated each other." "That's very true, Sam," Luis smiled as he glanced back at Sheridan. "It has certainly NOT been boring. I think that's why I feel the way I do about her." I'm happy for you, Luis, really I am," a note of concern crept into Sam's voice. "I just wish her last name wasn't Crane and I wish my brother Hank didn't have a thing for the same girl." Luis looked at Sam in surprise. "I can understand wishing her last name wasn't Crane, but why are you concerned about Hank?" Luis questioned? "Hank has this thing about losing to you, Luis," Sam said seriously. "I hope he'll be o.k. with you beating him again." "Well, Hank has already told me he has no intention of giving up on Sheridan." Luis stated. "I told him, I wanted her in my life, I liked her and I thought she liked me. I think he'll be o.k., though in the end. It's not like we haven't fought over the same girl before." Luis laughed. "Sometimes I win, sometimes he wins. It just so happens, I win this time." Luis proudly stated. "I hope you're right, Luis," Sam said gloomily. "There is something different about Hank, since he's come back to Harmony. I can't put my finger on it, but..." Sam was interrupted as Sheridan returned with three cups of coffee and a brown paper bag. She set the bag on the floor next to her chair, then placed a coffee cup in front of each of them. She then tossed a dozen or so packets of sugar in the middle of the table. She gave Luis an innocent smile as she did this. "So, Chief Bennett," Sheridan asked as she sat down, "What's the plan?" She has a hint of excitement in her voice. Sam gathered his thoughts and began concentrating on the matter at hand. "O.K. you two, listen up," Sam explained. "I've rented you a car in Luis' name here at the airport. He handed Luis an envelope that was loaded with papers. "You will drive to Boston tonight. It should take you about three hours or so to get there. Tonight is Sunday and you don't have to meet with their Police Chief until Tuesday morning at 10:00. The directions and address are in the envelope. "Ivy took care of the hotel reservations. They are also in Luis' name, with no connection to the Crane Family. Everything has already been paid for, so you shouldn't have any trouble with anyone asking for ID, or whatever. She couldn't arrange for two rooms, without drawing attention to Sheridan, so she arranged for a suite, instead. This way you have plenty of room if you want it." Sam stumbled over the last few words. Luis and Sheridan smiled and avoided each others gaze. They never gave their sleeping arrangements a thought until, now. Sam quickly continued. "There is a suitcase that's been packed for you Luis already in the rented car. Your mother has been told, you are on your way to Boston on police business and should be back next Monday. We had an officer pick up Ivy's car from your driveway before anyone wondered why it was there. Sheridan," Sam continued, "Unfortunately all of your bags are on their way to Paris. We were afraid to take one off the jet. We didn't want to draw anymore attention to us than was necessary. Your sister-in-law arranged to have some new clothes and other personal items delivered to the hotel." Sam chuckled as he thought about how cleverly Ivy thought this whole plan out. "Ivy said the people involved have been very well paid to keep hush." Luis let out a sigh and said, "Well, I guess all that's left is to finish our coffee and get going." He smiled at Sheridan picking up his coffee and taking a sip. Sheridan was stifling a laugh. Luis' expression turned into a huge frown as he swallowed the coffee. His face was contorted as he made a funny sound, shaking his head. Sheridan was turning red, holding her hand over her mouth to hold back the laughter. Luis looked up at her, knowing what she'd done. He was about to get her back for it when he caught a glimpse, over her shoulder. Of someone standing at the entrance to the coffee shop. His face went ashen, as his mouth dropped open, totally forgetting he had a mouth full of sugar. It was Julian Crane...

To Be Continued...

Chapter 8:

Luis just stood there, not daring to move, never mind breathing. He was near panic. Sheridan's face fell as she watched Luis' face. Her heart sank, daring to ask what was wrong. "Luis..." she started to ask. He interrupted her, placing his hand over her mouth. He didn't want Julian to hear her voice. He was only about 20 feet away. Luis noiselessly stood up, pulling Sheridan up with him, still covering her mouth. There was fear in her eyes as he did this, but she followed his lead. Sam had seen Julian, as well. When he saw the look on Luis' face, his eyes wandered over to see what he was looking at. He had felt a huge knot develop in his stomach. Sheridan, who had her back turned, didn't see him. Luis quietly with their backs turned towards the entrance put Sheridan in front of him, grabbed their jackets and pushed her towards the restrooms. He opened the door to the ladies room and gently shoved Sheridan inside. "Stay here until I come get you," Luis whispered in a low voice. "Go into a stall until you hear MY voice and only MY voice. Do you understand?" Luis' stare was caring, but frightened as well. Sheridan was petrified, but she managed to nod her head in agreement. She disappeared behind the door. Luis ran to the men's room. He made a quick motion to Sam, who knew what Luis was doing . Luis disappeared into the men's room. Sam remained at the table alone. He tried to avoid being seen by Julian, but every once in awhile would grab a quick glance to see if he was still there. "What the hell is he doing here?" Sam said muttering under his breath. Julian was just standing at the entrance to the coffee shop looking around as if he was meeting someone. Sam noticed the three cups on the table and decided he needed to get rid of two of them. Without letting Julian out of his sight, he quickly grabbed two cups and quietly walked over to the trash can throwing them away. "Thank God these were paper cups," he said under his breath. He then walked back to the table and quietly sat down. He looked at the table, checking for any evidence that more than one person had been sitting there. He picked up a bunch of the sugar packets and shoved them in his pocket. "This looks pretty good." Sam sighed with slight relief. At least if Julian did come over, it looked like he was alone. Sam took his cup and took a sip of the coffee. He smiled slightly thinking about poor Luis getting all that sugar in his coffee a few minutes ago. Those two certainly enjoy teasing each other he thought. Having distracted himself for a moment, Sam didn't see Julian approach the table. "Well, it's Harmony's finest, enjoying a traditional cup of coffee and donut," Julian said with a feigned smile. Sam looked up at Julian with a slight look of surprise. "Just the coffee, Julian," Sam replied dryly. "What brings our illustrious Chief of Police to the Harmony airport on a Sunday night?" Julian asked sarcastically. "Shouldn't you be home baking some cookies with the wife and kiddies?" Sam fought back the urge to deck him. "As it so happens, Julian, I'm working on a case, so if you don't mind..." "Oh, so this is how you work?" Julian smirked. "It's nice to see our taxpayers money is going to such good use." Sam ignored his comment. "What are you doing here, Julian? Going on another romantic getaway with your wife?" Sam mocked. Julian snickered. "Hardly. I just came to make sure my dear sister's plane left. It was delayed for some inane reason." "Is Sheridan going on a trip?" Sam asked trying to show genuine curiosity. "No," Julian replied, "She's so distraught over her broken love affair with one of YOUR men, she's decided to move back to Europe for good." "I'm sorry to hear that," Sam said, "Everyone seemed to like Sheridan in Harmony. She gave us all a ... refreshing look at the Crane's." Sam couldn't help himself. He had to get a dig in somewhere. He just smiled at Julian. Julian looked at Sam in amused disgust. He was about to reply, but was interrupted by an airport security officer. "Excuse me, Mr. Crane. There you are," the man said. He had apparently been looking for him for awhile. "I wanted to let you know that your sister's plane left twenty minutes ago." "How many passengers were on board, if I may ask?" Julian non chalantly asked. "Just one, sir," the security guard informed him. "She was a beauty, too. Such a shame she was crying." Hearing this was music to Julian's ears. "Thank you very much, my good man, Julian said with a laugh. He shook his hand, leaving behind a large bill. "Thank you, Mr. Crane, sir." the man smiled broadly. "Now if you'd be so kind as to tell my limo driver, I'm ready to depart," Julian said. "Right away sir," the man answered. He turned and left. Julian turned back to Sam. He smiled as only Julian can. " Now if you don't mind Chief Bennett, "I think I'll go home and toast the safe departure of my dear sister. I'm sure she'll fine a wealthy French diplomat to involve herself with this time, instead of the likes of Officer low life Fitzgerald." "Good bye, Julian," Sam said glaring in distaste at Julian. "Ta Ta," Julian waved his hand in the air, turned and walked out of the coffee shop smiling to himself. Sam let out a sigh. "Whew, that was close," he muttered. "I had better check to make sure he's really gone." Sam rose from his seat and went to the men's room. He opened the door. "Luis?" he whispered. Luis came out from behind one of the stalls when he heard Sam's voice. He said nothing. Stay here. I'll be right back," Sam whispered again. He then walked over to the coffee shop door looking both ways up and down the terminal. He spied Julian making his exit, out the main terminal door. Sam quickly followed, knowing he wouldn't be satisfied until he saw the limo take off. Sam quickly, but without being seen managed to see Julian get into the limo and watched the driver leave. He stood there for another ten minutes, to make sure he didn't double back for some strange reason. Satisfied that Julian was gone, he returned to the coffee shop. He walked into the men's room and retrieved Luis. Luis immediately opened the ladies room door. "Sheridan? Sheridan, it's Luis. Remember me? The one with the sugar in his coffee?" Luis smiled as he remembered that mouthful of coffee he's swallowed right before he saw Julian standing there. Slowly, Sheridan emerged from one of the stalls. Relief shown all over her face when she saw Luis standing there. She quickly left the restroom and returned to Luis and Sam. "Now, does someone mind telling me what that was all about?" Sheridan asked calmly. "Julian was here," Sam replied. Sheridan gasped, as a look of horror came on her face. She was starting to shake. Luis moved closer, pulling her close to him, comforting her. Sheridan's hand instinctively grabbed onto Luis arm for support. He just held her tighter. "It's all right, now. He's gone. I watched Julian get in the limo himself and saw it leave. I waited for at least ten minutes, making sure he didn't come back," Sam promised her. But I have to get you two out of here, now," Sam warned, "Before something else happens. Luis, do you have the envelope, I gave you?" "Yeah, it's right here, Sam," Luis held out the envelope. "Good," Sam said, "I'll stay with you until I see you leave. That encounter with Julian was a little too close for comfort." "Did you talk to him?" Luis asked as they walked out of the coffee shop. " Sure did," Sam relied dryly. "He couldn't resist making his side remarks about cops and coffee, or about Grace and the kids. I'll tell you, someday I want to knock that superior smug look right off his face." Sam's voice was becoming angry. "What was he doing here?" Luis asked, having a feeling he already knew. "Just what we thought, buddy. He was here to find out why Sheridan's plane was delayed." Sam stated. "You should have seen the look on his face when the security officer told him the woman on the plane was crying. He looked like the cat that just ate the canary. It was sick. Sheridan are you sure you weren't adopted or something?" Sam asked half kidding. I don't mean to speak ill of your family, Sheridan, but that man is beyond contempt." "I don't blame you, Chief," I'm beginning to see how truly distasteful they are. Just please don't include Ethan, when you speak of the Cranes. He's as different from them as I." Her voice saddened. "Who knows, maybe I was adopted. One can always hope?" she gave a half smile. They reached the car rental counter and Luis walked up to take care of the paperwork. Sheridan and Sam stayed behind waiting for him. "You really think highly of your nephew, don't you, Sheridan? Sam stated. "Yes, I do, Chief," Sheridan said with a smile. "He's been the only person in my family I could talk to my whole life. I think of him more as a brother than a nephew," she added. "Please, call me Sam," Sam smiled at her. "I'm glad you and Ethan are so close. He's about your age, is that right,?" Sam asked trying not to let his motive show for asking these questions. "He's a few years younger than I am," Sheridan replied. "He was born less than a year after Julian and Ivy got married. I remember hearing a conversation between my father and Julian about how fertile the Crane men were. I didn't have a clue what they were talking about at the time. Now when I remember things like that I feel sick!" she said with disgust. Luis returned with car keys in hand. "Shall we go, my fair lady?" he flashed a smile at Sheridan. "Ready when you are Prince Charming?" she giggled as she said this. Luis turned to Sam. "Thank you for everything. I really mean it." He gave Sam a relieved look. "You'll never know what this means to me." "What are friends for, buddy?" Sam smiled at both of them. "Just be careful, will you? Call me if you have any problems, or if you need anything. Use my cellphone, though. "Oh, Sheridan, I almost forgot. Ivy asked me to give this to you." He handed her an envelope stuffed with cash. "What's this for?" Sheridan asked curiously. "Well, she knew you couldn't use any of your credit cards, as you don't want then traced, so she got some cash together for you. She wants you to enjoy yourself this week." Sam grinned. "Thank you, Sam," Sheridan said with a warm smile. "For everything." "We'll be in touch," Luis yelled over his shoulder as he and Sheridan walked to their car holding hands. Sam watched them get into the car and drive away. He headed for his own vehicle, thinking about Ethan Crane...

To Be Continued...

Chapter 9:

Sheridan waited until they'd left the airport before she said anything. She kept looking over her shoulder, half expecting to see Julian's limo following them. Luis was slightly amused, watching her, but he too kept glancing in the rear view mirror. "I think I'm getting paranoid in my old age," Sheridan said with a nervous smile. "I keep expecting to see Julian behind us." "After what Julian and Alistair did to you, to us, I'll never accuse you of being paranoid." Luis looked at her with a knowing glance. "I don't know how they can sleep at night," Luis said angrily. "I've never kept it a secret how I feel about your family, Sheridan. This incident only makes me hate them that much more. My only regret, is that I held it against you for so long. For that, I am truly sorry." Luis' voice had softened, as he apologized to Sheridan. "Well, I didn't help matters in the beginning, either, Luis. I was on my anti man campaign and you just happened to get in the way of my car, on my first day back in Harmony. You were the first man I saw, and arresting me, didn't help!" Sheridan laughed as she thought back on her first meeting with Luis. "Now just a minute," Luis laughed, "YOU hit me, remember?" "Details, details!" Sheridan kidded. "Well, you know," Luis said seriously, "I almost cut you a break after my mother's birthday party, but when you threw in that sexual harassment suit, I wanted your head on a silver platter." Sheridan gave Luis a confused look. "What are you talking about? I never filed a sexual harassment suit. Julian mentioned it to Ethan, but we agreed not to do it. Ethan promised me he wouldn't and he's never broken a promise to me in his life." "Well someone did," Luis said. "Sam received a call from the Mayor's office right before we went into court." "Luis, I swear, I knew nothing about it. I never would have let him file it," Sheridan implored. There was a few seconds of silence. They looked at each other and both said at the same time, "JULIAN!" Sheridan started laughing. "It all makes sense, now. When I ran into you jogging that day, I thought maybe you'd lightened up a bit. I mean you were still full of yourself," she said playfully, but you seemed nicer. Then in court, Wham!! Back to Rambo!" She laughed. Luis just smiled and shook his head. "I should have known," Luis said. "Sheridan, I am so glad, I finally forgave you for the things your family has done. I'm also glad that you ran into my police car." "Why are you glad about that," Sheridan asked with surprise. "Because I got to arrest you," Luis replied smiling. "I don't believe you!" Sheridan was slightly shocked. "Well, it's very simple really, Sheridan," Luis said tenderly. "Because I arrested you, and you were guilty, the court sentenced you to community service at the Youth Center. If it hadn't been for that, we'd never have gotten to know each other." Sheridan was touched beyond words. She sat there for a moment just staring at Luis. She smiled at Luis with adoration. He gaze kept moving from the road to Sheridan, back to the road again. "Sheridan," Luis nervously laughed, "You have to stop looking at me like that! I'm losing my concentration." "I'm sorry, Luis," she said sheepishly, "It's just that is the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me." Luis looked at her again, raised his eyebrows and said, "Come here, you." Sheridan obeyed and immediately scooted over closer to him and Luis wrapped his arm around her, pulling her close to him. Sheridan nestled her head against his chest and closed her eyes. "This feels so right, Luis," she said sleepily. Luis smiled when she said that. Soon Sheridan drifted off into a peaceful slumber. Luis continued driving, allowing Sheridan to sleep in his arm. He was content. More content than he'd ever been in his life.

BACK AT THE CRANE MANSION

Julian was back in his study, sitting behind his desk with a glass of brandy in his hand. He was satisfied that Sheridan was headed to Paris. Things were looking up. He pushed a button on the speaker phone, a number dialed. "Hello?" the familiar voice of Alistair Crane answered. "Father, It's me," Julian said. "You'll be pleased to know Sheridan is probably half way across the Atlantic as we speak." Julian was pleased with himself. "Good," Alistair said cantankerously. "I don't need to remind you what would happen if Sheridan ever found out what we did. If she'd only listened to us earlier, she needn't have been hurt. It's her own fault. She's too easily influenced, too gullible and always falls in love with the wrong men." "Well, that worked to our advantage, now didn't it Father," Julian snickered. "Not the love part, but the easily influenced and gullible part." "Yes it did, Julian," Alistair mused. "Your sister has always been too trusting. That is why it was easy to convince her the impostor was Luis." "It's worked before with her as well, Father," Julian commented. "Yes," Alistair agreed. "No matter what Sheridan may say to us, she still trusts her family above all. That was on reason we could never allow a relationship between Luis and Sheridan. If she ever fell in love with him, it would be disastrous for the family. He would have the influence, not us." "Well," Julian said with amusement, "Thanks to your plan, Sheridan will never fall in love with Luis!" He laughed as if deranged. "But I must say, Father, it was close. She was close to falling in love with him." "Yes, Julian," she was," Alistair continued. "That is why I had to play hardball. I need to protect the Crane Empire, at any cost. Sheridan's happiness is a small price to pay , to keep our secrets. She is one member of this family that could destroy us, and not even know she was doing it. Imagine if she deliberately wanted to destroy us?" "Yes," Julian contemplated. "She is much better off in Paris. She can't hurt us there." "Goodnight, Julian". "Goodnight, Father". Julian pushed another button on his speakerphone and terminated the connection. He took a drink from his glass. "Sorry, dear sister, but it for the good of the family," Julian said out loud.

JUST OUTSIDE OF BOSTON

"Sheridan... Sheridan," Luis called her name, gently nudging her. Sheridan sat up, rubbing her eyes. She looked out the window, noticing they were stuck in traffic. "Where are we?" she asked. How long was I asleep?" "A couple of hours, I guess. We're in Boston traffic. Can't you tell?" Luis said sarcastically, waving him arm. "I've never been here when there wasn't road construction somewhere and a traffic jam to boot." Sheridan smiled. "Yes, I know. Somethings never change. I can't believe I was asleep the whole way. Sheridan was embarrassed she'd slept all the way. "Well, you had a busy day, young lady," Luis said affectionately. "And you didn't?" Sheridan replied playfully. "Well, I didn't have to pack all those suitcases," Luis laughed mischievously. All right, already," Sheridan chuckled. "Well, I'm wide awake now, and can't wait to get there," she said with excitement. "Really?" Luis asked in a soft deep voice. He raised his eyebrows and his eyes were dancing as he held Sheridan's gaze. Sheridan broke the glance, her entire face completely flushed. "Luis!" Sheridan said in surprise. "That's not what I meant," she said. "No?" Luis asked regrettably. He now looked at her with sad puppy dog eyes. Sheridan was now laughing. All she needed to do was look at him and she laughed. "You are making me crazy," she finally managed to say. "I try," Luis said with a sexy smile. He raised his eyebrows again. Sheridan's heart skipped a beat every time he did that. What was it about this man that drove her so crazy? "Luis, stop it," she said shyly. Her cheeks were once again flushed. "O.K.," Luis agreed with a grin. I'll behave. For now, anyway. Our exit's coming up." He pointed to the exit ramp . "Oh," Sheridan said with mixed excitement and nervousness. Luis drove down the exit ramp and found the street they were looking for with ease. He drove past several hotels, until he pulled up in front of the Plaza Hotel. "Sheridan, you wait here for a minute. Let me go register and then I'll come back to get you." Luis said to her. Sheridan knew she was staying in the car, because the hotel reservations were in Luis' name only. They couldn't take a chance on having her name on anything. If Julian ever found out that not only she didn't go to Paris, but she was staying in the same hotel room as Luis... She shuddered at the thought. What am I going to do, she thought. I'm not going to stop seeing Luis... But if I don't stop seeing him, next time they might hurt him... maybe kill him... Oh, my God! Sheridan thought. I can't let the do that! Tears started gently falling down her cheeks. I can't lose him... Not again... Sheridan, what are you talking about... He's not yours to lose, not yet, anyway... Do you even know how he feels about you? He did seem happy to see me when he came on the plane... OH, she thought, and that kiss! She now smiled thinking about the passionate kiss they shared. I wonder if he felt the way I did? God, I love that man... That's it, I finally said it... I'm in love with Luis... Her smile was broadening as she thought about it. Sheridan was deep in thought and was startled when her car door opened. She'd been leaning against the door, and nearly fell out, as it opened. She let out a gasp. She felt someone grab her as she started to fall. She looked up and saw a smile that made her body tingle. "I have alot of places I want to visit while we're here, but the local hospital isn't on the agenda," Luis said with a twinkle in his eye. "Luis," Sheridan said with surprise. "I was thinking about something and didn't see you coming," "That's a shame," Luis said with feigned sadness. "I thought you would have been counting the seconds till my return." "But you have no idea what I was thinking about, now do you?" Sheridan said seductively. "I can't wait to find out," Luis said smoothly. "We're all checked in, so lets go, shall we?" Luis invited. He held his hand out. Sheridan took his hand and suddenly felt her body become warm. She never noticed the temperature of the outside air. She looked into his eyes and smiled at him. She couldn't help it. She loved him. Luis grabbed the suitcase from the trunk and handed his keys to the Valet, with a tip. They walked into the hotel together, arm in arm... Neither of them noticed anyone but each other, however, they were noticed. Two men, passers by, stopped dead in their tracks when they saw the couple. They spoke with thick accents. "Do you know who that is?" the first man asked. "Yes, we have found her! All these months of searching and we have found her, while not looking," the second man laughed. "Lets call the boss and tell him we have Sheridan Crane," the first man said.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 10:

Luis and Sheridan saw themselves to their room, not wanting to attract any unnecessary attention. Luis opened the door, and they walked into a luxurious suite. "Boy, the Harmony PD really knows how to live," Luis said laughing as he looked around. He knew of course that it was Ivy Crane responsible for their accommodations. There was no way the Harmony PD would send him to this hotel for a week! It was a three room suite. A sitting room or common area as you walked in, lavishly decorated. Entertainment center, full bar, matching leather couch, love seat and chair. (I'm not great with describing rooms, like this so please forgive me). There were two open doors, one to the left and one to the right, each of these leading into a bedroom. Both rooms were identical, containing a king size bed, armoire, television, table and chair. One bedroom had boxes loading the bed. "This must be your room, Sheridan," Luis smirked. "It has Ivy's writing all over it." "Well, I need something to wear, don't I?" She gave him a coy smile. Luis just smiled. Not if I can help it, he thought. His cheeks turned red. He gave a slight laugh. "What?" Sheridan asked. "Nothing, really," Luis tried to curb the grin on his face, but was having difficulty. "So what's in the boxes?" he asked, trying to get the mental image of Sheridan out of his mind . Sheridan opened the boxes one at a time. She found sweaters in various colors, fitted skirts, several pairs of pants, two dresses, several shirts, and all the lingerie she'd need. She also found a bag with some personal items such as perfumes, makeup and some basic jewelry. (All designer, of course) "Just the basic necessities," Sheridan said, glad that Ivy had bought her things that were to her liking. "These basic necessities would cost me a year's pay!" Luis said laughingly. Sheridan's smile disappeared. She was embarrassed. Luis knew it. He walked over to her and wrapped his arms around her. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. I know I could never give you these things, but that doesn't mean I don't like seeing you in them." He was smiling. "It's part of who you are. It's part of the reason I'm crazy about you." Luis kissed her gently on the forehead. Sheridan smiled back at him. Did he just say he was crazy about me? Luis looked past Sheridan towards the bed. "I think you missed one," he said motioning to a small package on the bed. Sheridan saw the package and there was a note on the box. I don't know where you and Luis are in your relationship, so I bought this, just in case.... Ivy Sheridan could feel herself blush as she read the note. She carefully peeked in the box, not letting Luis see what it was. She only needed a quick glance and turned scarlet. She quickly closed the box and returned it into the bag. "You know what, Luis," Sheridan said, hoping he wouldn't ask her about the box. "I'm famished. What do you say we get something to eat?" "Oh, no you don't," Luis said with a smile. "What was in the box?" "It was nothing, really," Sheridan said nervously. "Just something Ivy sent me for ... something for ... later." she stammered as she said this. Luis could see she really was uncomfortable, so he decided not to pursue it. He was, however, very curious. He decided he'd find out later. "O.K.," Luis gave in. "I'll let it go for now. I'm hungry, too. But first I need to take a shower." "Me too," Sheridan smiled and was relieved he'd not pursued finding out what was in the package. "What do you say we meet in the living area in a half hour?" Luis asked. "Sounds good to me," Sheridan smiled. "O.K." Luis smiled at her and left for his own room.

MEANWHILE IN THE HOTEL LOBBY

"May I help you?" the desk clerk asked the man who had just approached the front desk. "I certainly hope so," the man said with a thick french accent. I would like to get a message to one of your guests. He held a note in his hand. "No problem, at all. If I may have the name of the guest? the clerk asked smiling. "Oui. Sheridan Crane," the man smiled slyly. "Mademoiselle Sheridan Crane". The desk clerk punched the keys of his computer. He smile turned to a frown. He punched some more keys. He looked up at the man. "I am very, sorry, sir. We don't have a Sheridan Crane registered here. She is not scheduled to arrive at any time, nor has she been a guest here within the last three months. "Again, I am sorry." The man looked irritated. "I saw her walk into this hotel earlier this evening." "Perhaps she is staying somewhere else and came here to dine?" the desk clerk suggested. "We have many guests who come for dinner only." "Perhaps," the man agreed. He did not believe it, however. He had seen Sheridan Crane being escorted by a man with a suitcase. He knew she was here. "Merci," the man said as he walked away.

SHERIDAN AND LUIS' ROOM

Sheridan was about to get undressed and get showered, when it dawned on her, she had no idea what to wear for dinner. She left to ask Luis if he wanted to go casual or dress up. His door was closed, so she gently knocked. "Come in," Luis said from inside the room. Sheridan slowly opened the door. Luis was standing in front of his bed taking clothes out of his suitcase, putting them away. He had already removed his shirt. Sheridan caught her breath, then gave a quick laugh. "I'm sorry," she stammered, blushing slightly. She couldn't take her eyes off him, as she admired his beautiful fasique. "I didn't realize you were changing. I just wanted to know if we're going casual, or dress up?" Before he could answer, there was a knock at their door. Sheridan was startled. "Don't worry, Luis smiled. "I'll get it." Sheridan stepped inside Luis' room, so as not to be seen at the door. Luis went to the door to answer it, not before gently brushing past Sheridan. She felt her heart flutter as his arm brushed her hand. Why do I feel this way every time I get near him? she asked herself. Sheridan heard Luis opened the door and chatting for a moment with the person on the other side. She then heard a rumbling noise and the door close. I wonder what that was about, Sheridan thought. Luis returned to the room smiling. He stood right in front of Sheridan smiling. "Casual, definitely VERY casual." Luis teased. Oh, no, Sheridan thought. He has that look in his eyes again. What is he up to? she wondered. "What was that all about?" Sheridan asked curiously. "It seems, Ivy thinks we make a good couple," Luis looked at her intently. "She had dinner sent up for us." He put his arm around her and took her into the other room. Sheridan saw a candlelit dinner for two sitting there. She smiled, thinking how nice it was to have someone from her family routing for them. "So why did you say casual, Luis?" Sheridan asked sweetly. "This looks like a dress up dinner to me." Luis wrapped his arms around Sheridan. She could feel the heat radiating from his bare skin. She drew in a breath. He smiled down at her, causing her to go weak at the knees. Luis sensed this, causing him to only tighten his hold and smile to widen. He leaned in and gently kissed her on the lips. "I said," Luis repeated with a low voice, "Very casual," He leaned in again, and kissed her. Slowly at first, then more passionately. Sheridan responded to his kiss. She wrapped her arms around Luis neck, kissing him with more passion than she thought possible. She felt like she was in a dream. Her arms left his neck, moving up and down his back, gently caressing him. She moved one arm to his chest, exploring. Luis deepened the kiss as he felt her touch on his body. He had one hand behind her neck, the other softly caressing her back. Sheridan broke the kiss. She started kissing Luis' neck, moving her way down his chest. He let out a soft moan. "Sheridan," he barely whispered. "We need to stop ..." he managed to get out. His eyes were closed as he enjoyed her kisses. Sheridan was hurt. "Stop?" she said breathlessly. She slowly pulled away from the embrace. He knew by the sound of her voice, she misunderstood him. He quickly gathered her in his arms, smiling at her. There was a fire in his eyes she'd never seen. "Believe me," he said out of breath, "That was the hardest thing I've ever done. I just think we need to talk about this first." "O.K.," she reluctantly agreed. "But first, I need to shower and shave," he smiled. He then gently rubbed her face. "Look at your face, it's all red from my kissing you." Luis sighed. Luis was referring to the fact he hadn't shaved in two days. "I hadn't noticed," she said truthfully. "That's one of the reasons I love you," he said with a laugh as he ran to take his shower.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 11:

Sheridan just stood there, unable to move. "What did he just say? Did I hear right?" she said out loud. Suddenly a huge grin appeared on Sheridan's face. "This trip is getting better all the time," she said as she wrapped her arms around herself, walking out of the room. "I think I'll take a shower, too" she said still smiling as she walked aimlessly into her room.

OUTSIDE THE HOTEL

Two men meet on the street in front of the hotel. "She's not registered here." the man said. "But Roger, that's impossible, the other man said. "We both saw her walk into this hotel." "Oui, mon ami," Roger said, "Nevertheless, she is not registered. The desk clerk suggested they came into dine, but she was not in the dining room." "Let's check the parking garage. We can trace the plates when we find the car," the other man suggested. "Good idea Pierre. Lets go," Roger said.

LUIS AND SHERIDAN'S HOTEL ROOM

Sheridan went into the dressing room and removed her clothes. She wrapped a towel around herself and walked into the bathroom. Standing in front of her dripping wet was Luis. this time, at least he had a towel wrapped around his waist. "Luis turned around, only to see Sheridan standing there , in total shock. He laughed. "Common bathroom, I presume?" "I had no idea," Sheridan sputtered, still in shock. "I'll shower later." Sheridan started to leave. "Oh, no you don't," Luis grabbed her and pulled her into a passionate kiss. Sheridan couldn't help but to respond. She kissed him passionately for a minute, then broke the kiss, breathless. "What about our talk?" she asked. Luis laughed. "But I've wanted to do that since you walked in on me in the shower at the Youth Center." "You did?" she asked demurely, "You bet I did." Luis smiled at her. He then took her hand and led her into his room. He sat her on the bed. "Sheridan, I need to tell you something." Luis was visibly nervous. He took a deep breath and looked Sheridan in the eyes. He stared deeply into her deep blue eyes. Sheridan, I have never felt, the way I do about you, about anyone in my entire life. You are responsible for making me feel again. . The only feeling I had, was anger. I was angry about my father, about the direction my life was taking. Then you came along. Granted, I took most of my anger out on you for awhile, but soon came to enjoy our fights. Then I looked forward to them. When we were in New Mexico, I met saw the real Sheridan. I also found the old Luis, because of you. After we came back, I started thinking about you all the time, dreaming about you. When I wasn't with you I was wishing you would come walking through the door. Until very recently, I kept telling myself it could never be. I'd try to get you out of my head, but I couldn't. When I kissed you on the wharf, I finally thought, maybe, we felt the same way about each other. Then the whole thing happened with the impostor, and I felt like I'd died inside! And when I saw you on that jet today, and you didn't hate me, I knew the reason I was on such an emotional roller coaster. It was because I love you. When we were kissing in the other room, all I wanted to do was make love to you. I want you so much, it hurts. But I didn't want either of us to wake up in the morning, thinking we'd been caught up in the moment. Thinking it was a mistake. Sheridan, I love you with all of my heart. I want to make love to you, but I wanted to tell you this first. No matter what happens, between us, I want to always remember or first time as a completely mutual decision. Not something done out of a moment's weakness." Luis was still nervous. He couldn't read Sheridan. She looked like she was in shock. "Maybe I shouldn't have said anything. Maybe you're not ready for this." Sheridan was looking at this man, the man of her dreams in total disbelief. "You love me, Luis? What did I ever do to deserve you?" Sheridan has several tears falling down her cheek. Luis gently wiped them away. He heaved a sigh of relief and now was grinning. He was delighted Sheridan felt the same about him. "You are the most wonderful, caring, considerate man I've ever known. I thought I was in love several times, but I realized, it couldn't possibly have been love. I mean, how could it be when just hearing your voice, seeing your smile, smelling your cologne, sends my heart into flutters. I never felt this way before. It scares me. I can hardly breathe when I'm with you. I never dreamed you could feel the same way about me,. I kept telling myself, Sheridan get over it! Your a Crane, remember? Luis hates the Cranes. Even with all that, you treated me like a real person. "You became my friend, and treated me with respect. Every time I was in trouble you were there. I don't just mean in danger, I mean you supported decisions I made, comforted me when I was sad. No one's ever done that for me. Except your mother!" Sheridan laughed at the irony. "I love you more than you'll ever know. No matter what happens from this moment on, I will always love you. I would never think making love to you was a mistake, but I want you to know, if you don't want to, now it's o.k., too." She smiled at him. "Don't get me wrong, I want to make love to you. I ache thinking about us... but just being with you, feeling your hand in my hand, makes me feel like the luckiest person in the world. I feel so safe and so warm whenever I am with you. I never want to leave." Luis gazed at Sheridan with an intensity beyond words. He leaned in and gave Sheridan a gentle kiss. The kiss became increasingly passionate. Sheridan responded, so in love with this man, she thought her heart would burst. Luis' lips moved down Sheridan's neck, her ear. Sheridan moaned, just making Luis' kissing more intense. He gently moved her back onto the bed, now on top of her. Sheridan started kissing Luis' chest, while caressing the small of his back. He flinched, and inhaled sharply. He sought out her mouth. Their kissed long and passionately, exploring. Luis' hands now on Sheridan's towel. He gently opened it, sending shivers through her entire body. Her body was now on fire, feeling his skin next to hers. She responded by kissing him harder. His hands gently caressing her thighs, moving up to her chest. Sheridan was quickly losing her senses. She had a flash go through her mind. The tall dark man in the shadows walked out into the light. It was Luis. This was better than any dream she could have ever had. Luis briefly came up for air. "Are you sure you want to do this?" he asked breathlessly. Sheridan smiled at him, in a way that made him even more breathless. "What does this tell you?" she asked as she ripped his towel from his torso. Luis gave her a loving smile in return. He returned to kissing her. He kissed her face, her neck. He began exploring her body. Sheridan let out a soft cry as he moved down her body. This only excited Luis more. They continued to make love for the rest of the night.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 12:

Roger and Pierre were systematically searching the parking garage for the car they'd seen Sheridan Crane arrive in earlier in the evening. It was tedious work, but they were determined to find the car at any cost. Sheridan Crane had been a thorn in their side for months. she was the only link to them and the murder of her ex-lover, Jean-Luc. "Remember, Pierre," Roger said, "It was a dark blue sedan with out of state tags. "I know," Roger retorted angrily, "I was there." The two thugs continued their search. After what seemed like hours to them, Roger cried, "Voila!" He threw his hands in the air with a satisfied grin. "Tres bien, mon ami," Pierre congratulated. "Now I will make a phone call and find out who this man is with Sheridan Crane. Pierre dialed a number on his cellphone. "Hello. This is Pierre. I need you to run a license plate and tell me whose name the lease is in... Oui... Oui, I will hold." Pierre smiled at Roger. "Any minute we will have our answer." They both patiently waited for the person on the other end to get the information. "Merci!," Pierre finally said, writing a name on a small notepad he had and shutting off the phone. He looked up at Roger and grinned. "It seems the lovely Miss Sheridan Crane has been keeping company with a Harmony police officer. His name is Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald." Pierre and Roger smiled at each other and began walking to the elevator.

SHERIDAN AND LUIS' ROOM

Sheridan and Luis had just finished making love for the first time. Sheridan lay facing Luis, his arms wrapped tightly around her. Sheridan's arms were caressing Luis' face. She couldn't keep her eyes off of him, afraid if she did, he'd disappear. Neither spoke for a few minutes. They just kept looking at each other, their eyes never losing contact, small smiles on their faces. "Well," Sheridan was the first to speak. "I can't believe it. That... was... the most... incredible... experience... of my life!!!" Luis had a huge grin on his face. "I couldn't have said it better, myself," Luis said adoringly as he gently kissed her on the forehead. " I have to tell you Sheridan," Luis said, his gorgeous brown eyes sparkling, "I knew it would be good, but I never expected..." Luis let out a satisfied laugh. " Sheridan, you never cease to amaze me!" He kissed her gently on the lips, then more passionately. Sheridan broke off the kiss, then sat up laughing giddily. "Oh, no you don't!" she said. "I am absolutely starved, Luis! I was hungry before we did this! Now I'm ravenous!" She smiled at him. "We must have burned off at least 2000 calories each!" Sheridan giggled. "And we have all that food out there that Ivy sent." Luis gave Sheridan a sweet smile. "I guess you're right. I am pretty hungry. " he gently patted his stomach. "Good," she said with glee. " I'll meet you in two minutes." Sheridan grabbed her towel which was on the floor, quickly put it on and disappeared into the bathroom. Luis just lay in the bed with his elbow propped on the bed, watching Sheridan as she disappeared. His heart was filled with love. He shook his head and gave a slight laugh. "If anyone, had told me six months ago, I would be here with Sheridan Crane, totally in love with her, just having had the best..." He shook his head and laughed again, "I would have had them committed!" He then got up and grabbed the first pair of pants and shirt he could find. He made his way to the other room, to meet Sheridan.

THE CRANE MANSION

Julian was just finishing his nightcap, about to retire for the evening, when the phone rang. "Who dare call me at this hour?" he said with disdain. He pushed a button on the speaker phone. "Julian Crane, here," he said. "Julian, we have a problem," Alistair barked. "You managed to screw things up, once again." Julian was shocked. "I screwed things up, Father?" "Yes, Julian, you!" Alistair replied snidely. "I only asked that you make sure your sister was on that plane. You couldn't even do that right!" "I have no idea what you are alluding to, Father." Julian said, concern creeping into his voice. "I told you Sheridan was on that plane. It left 20 minutes before I got there, with a beautiful blonde who was crying." "Oh, by the way Julian, where is your wife, tonight?" Alistair asked. "She went to New York for a few days. She went shopping!" Julian cackled at the thought. "She should be back....." Julian went pale. "Father, you don't think Ivy...." "That's exactly what I think, Julian," "What could have happened to make you think Sheridan didn't get on that plane?" Julian asked, bewildered. "I happen to know, that right now, as we speak, Sheridan is in Boston with Luis." Alistair said with dismay. "But Father, it isn't possible, I tell you!" Julian said adamantly, but a look of uncertainty was on his face. "I'm telling you, Julian, she checked into a hotel with Luis. He's there on some assignment for the Harmony P.D. If Sheridan learned we were responsible for the impostor, it will only cause her to grow closer to Luis. And Luis, will be more determined than ever, to bring down this family. I will not let that happen, Julian. Do you understand me?" Alistair warned. "We must protect the Crane Empire, at all cost." "I understand perfectly, Father," Julian said. He rolled his eyes and his face became ashen. "Now, go to bed Julian." Alistair demanded. "I need to think for awhile. I want you ready, first thing in the morning, so we can settle this matter once and for all. We also have the matter of what to do with your loquacious wife. I told you before, if she got out of hand, I'd stop her. I believe the time has come. Goodnight." The phone clicked. "Goodnight Father," Julian said gloomily. Julian sat in his chair, rubbing his temples for a few minutes before retiring. "Oh, Ivy," Julian said, "What have you done this time?"

To Be Continued.....

Chapter 13:

SHERIDAN AND LUIS' ROOM

Sheridan put down her fork, put her napkin on the table, pushed her chair back a little and said, "I'm stuffed. She laughed, and put her hands on her stomach. "I can't believe I ate so much. I don't think I've ever eaten so much in my life!" Sheridan was slightly embarrassed at the way she'd scarfed down dinner. She was famished, with not having eaten since breakfast, and it was nearly midnight. Luis gave her a mischievous grin and raised his eyebrows, "Well, you know, you did work up an appetite!" Sheridan blushed. Her cheeks almost matched the color of the sweater she was wearing, a deep rose color. She was also wearing a short navy skirt. "If I remember, officer, I couldn't have worked up that appetite without your help." She threw him a bashful smile. "You are so right, I did have something to do with it, now didn't I?" he flashed her a seductive smile. "Maybe I can help you burn off some more calories later tonight?" "You can help me do that right now, Luis," Sheridan invited. "Come here," she said, her hand held out for him to come take it. She was smiling and her blue eyes were dancing. Luis chuckled, as he stood up walking over to Sheridan. His cheeks slightly pink. "At your service," he said with a alluring grin. Luis took Sheridan's hand and led him into the bedroom. She gave him a gentle kiss on the lips and said, "Get your jacket, I want to go for a walk." Luis laughed, "You want to go for a walk?" "I sure do," she smiled at him and then became more serious. "I owe you a late night walk, Luis. I keep thinking about the message you left me last week on my machine. I was so upset when I heard it, because of what had happened. I would have jumped on it in a second, otherwise. So the way I figure it, I owe you a walk." She was smiling again. I would love to go for a walk with you Sheridan," Luis said with feeling. He grabbed his jacket. Sheridan walked over to her room and grabbed hers, and they left the room together, hand in hand.

HOTEL LOBBY

Pierre and Roger were sitting in the lounge, which overlooked the lobby. They were drinking wine and discussing their plans. "They change shifts at midnight," Pierre said in a low voice to Roger, so as not to be overheard by anyone around them. "We will wait, until then and ask the new desk clerk about the room that Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald occupies." "Ah, good," Roger said. "We do not need to raise the suspicions of the desk clerk, by asking too many questions. "What do you have planned for Mademoiselle Crane when we find her?" Roger asked. "We will kill her," Pierre said with an evil smile. "And her new lover will never know what hit her. I have a fool proof plan." His laugh now was almost demonic. They sat in silence for a few moments, waiting for the change of shift to be completed. They wanted to make sure the evening desk clerk had gone home, before attempting to get their information. The lobby traffic had slowed down for the evening, but there were still several people around. Mostly late night arrivals, and a few people having a nightcap at the lounge. Pierre was reading today's copy of the Boston Globe, while Roger absent mindedly watched the passers by. Suddenly he stiffened and hit Pierre on the arm as he watched a couple happily walking out the front door. "Mon Dieu, Pierre, look!" Roger whispered excitedly. He pointed to Sheridan Crane and Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald. "We follow them!" Pierre ordered. Pierre and Roger quickly stood up, paid for their drinks, and carefully followed Luis and Sheridan at a safe distance, so as not to be noticed. Luis and Sheridan walked the streets of Boston aimlessly, but keeping track of where they were in reference to their hotel. Neither one knew the city, very well, but Luis had an excellent sense of direction. They walked hand in hand, pointing out various sites of interest, noting how many people were still out on a Sunday night. They passed several bars, still bustling with people. They were totally unaware they were being followed. "Where do you think they are going?" Roger whispered. "I do not know, but we can not lose them," Pierre said adamantly. They continued to shadow their unsuspecting victim. "Luis, look!" Sheridan said with delight, pointing to a pub. "It's still open!" "What?" Luis asked. "We've already passed a half dozen pubs, and you didn't say a thing." Luis was curious. "Look at the name, Luis," she smiled, still excited. The name read, ‘The Bull and Finch Pub. The Place Where Everyone Knows Your Name' Sheridan nudged him, slightly disappointed that he didn't recognize the name. "It's the real Cheers, silly," she said. "Oh, right," Luis said with a laugh. "I should have known that!! I watched that show for years!" He now looked slightly embarrassed. "Lets go in for a few minutes," Sheridan pleaded with a girlish grin. "Sounds like a great idea," Luis agreed with a smile. He opened the door and they both entered the pub. The bar room was crowded, considering it was a late on a Sunday night. They surveyed their surrounding, looking for a table, and finally found one in the middle of the place. They slithered their way through the crowd of people walking to and for. "I'm surprised at the crowd of people here at this hour," Sheridan said in surprise, as she took a seat at the small table. "So am I," Luis agreed. "You'd never find a bar this busy in Harmony at this hour." They both laughed thinking about the difference in Harmony and Boston. Luis was facing the back of the bar, Sheridan the front. They were both looking around, taking in their new surroundings. Sheridan noticed the door open and saw Pierre and Roger enter the pub. They were looking around as if they were looking for someone in particular. Sheridan suddenly got a chill that went through her body. "That's funny," she frowned. "What's funny," Luis asked, concerned as he noticed her frown. "It seems to me I've seen those two men, before, but I don't know where." Her frown became more intense. Luis turned around and noticed the two men Sheridan was looking at. They appeared to be in their early 30's, both wearing long dark trench coats, dark hair and eyes. They both had their hands in their pockets, and were scanning the crowd, apparently looking for someone. "I've never seen them before, but they look pretty shady to me," he said seriously. "I got a chill, when I saw them standing there," Sheridan said with a touch of fear in her voice. "I know I've seen them before! I just wish I could remember where." A waitress interrupted their train of thought. "Hi there," she said pleasantly. "What can I get for you folks?" Luis and Sheridan, slightly startled, turned their attention away from the two men in black trench coats, and looked up at the waitress. "Hi," they said in unison, both laughed as they did this. My name is Trish, and I'll be your waitress this evening. "What can I get for you?" she again asked with a big smile. "I'd like a glass of white wine, please?" Sheridan asked sweetly. "I'll have a draft," Luis said smiling as he ordered. "Sure thing," Trish replied. "I'll be right back." Trish left the table to fill the drink order. Luis and Sheridan quickly returned their gaze to the front door, where they'd seen the two mysterious men. They were both gone. They quickly glanced around, but it was difficult to find anyone in the crowd. "Maybe they left," Luis said hopefully. "I can only pray they did," Sheridan said nervously. "I know I know them from somewhere, and they really leave me with an uneasy feeling." Sheridan said grimacing again. "Do you want to leave?" Luis asked. He noticed how disturbed Sheridan was by their presence and he too was uneasy. "Lets have the drink we ordered and then we'll go, o.k.?" she said, trying to fake a smile. "All right, one drink and we're out of here," Luis concurred. He really didn't want to stay but for Sheridan, he'd do just about anything.

ELSEWHERE IN THE BAR

"O.K., now, Roger, you know what you are to do, n'est pas?" Pierre asked. Roger and Pierre were standing on the other side of the bar watching Sheridan and Luis. They were actually quite close to them, but kept made sure they hadn't seen them. "Oui," Roger answered. "And as soon as I have delivered the package I will meet you at the door and we leave." "That is correct," Pierre said. He put a small vial in Roger's hand. "Go, now, she is coming. I will meet you at the door in a minute!" Pierre headed for the door, while Roger worked his way towards Sheridan and Luis' table.

SHERIDAN AND LUIS' TABLE

Luis was still looking around nervously as Trish returned to the table with their drinks. She placed the tray on the table and placed the wine in front of Sheridan and the beer in front of Luis. She was just lifting the tray off the table when Trish jumped and let out a yell, "Knock it off, whoever you are," She was visibly upset and whipped around to see a drunken man directly in front of her, who had apparently just pinched her. Luis and Sheridan watched Trish handle the drunk. "Hey, I didn't mean anything by it the drunk, protested. I got pushed into you." Sheridan smiled faintly as she listened to the drunk's protests. She picked her wineglass up and put it to her lips. Just as she took a small sip, Luis noticed one of the men in the black trench coats hurriedly walking towards the exit. He grabbed the glass out of Sheridan's hand, pulling it away from her mouth. "What was that all about?" Sheridan asked in surprise. Then she noticed the look of horror on Luis' face. He was pale as a ghost. "Luis, what is it?" She asked, fear creeping into her voice. " Please tell me you didn't drink anything from that glass?" Luis implored. Sheridan was feeling flushed all of a sudden, "Just a small sip," she said. She was waving her hand in front of her face, now feeling very hot. "Are you all right," Luis asked with morbid concern. "Is it hot in here?" Sheridan asked, still waving her hand in front of her face. She let out a slight laugh. "Boy, I'm so hot, I'm getting dizzy." Luis was now panic stricken. He knew what happened. Trish was still near them fighting with the drunk. "Trish," Luis yelled, Call 911, NOW!" Trish saw the look of horror on Luis' face, then looked over at Sheridan, who was now swooning. She ran to the telephone and dialed 911. Trish yelled after Luis, "Is she a diabetic?" "No, he yelled back, "Tell them she's been poisoned!" Luis returned his attention to Sheridan. He saw she was now getting pale, her eyes were beginning to close. "Luis," she mumbled. "What's happening to me. I feel so strange... Dizzy..." Luis was at Sheridan's side. "Come on, Sheridan, stay with me," he pleaded loudly. He felt her pulse. It was weak and thready. She was beginning to sweat profusely. "Come on Sheridan," he begged. He gently slapped her face a few times. "Luis, what is this..." Sheridan couldn't think straight anymore. She was dizzy, so dizzy. All she could hear was what sounded like a muffled cry. Was someone calling her name, so tired, she thought. Getting darker, suddenly, everything went black...

To Be Continued...

Chapter 14:

A LOCAL BOSTON HOSPITAL

Luis rode in the ambulance with Sheridan to the emergency room, but he was immediately escorted into the waiting room, while the doctor and nurses worked on Sheridan. Luis told them he thought she'd been poisoned, and refused to let anyone toss the glass of wine. He let the paramedics take a sample of the wine to bring to the hospital, but wanted to make sure the police took the rest of it. The police arrived at the bar before the ambulance left. They briefly talked to Luis, gathered their evidence and told Luis to go to the hospital, an officer would meet him there, shortly. He was grateful they let him go with Sheridan. Luis looked at his watch, as he nervously paced the floor of the waiting room. There were a dozen other people sitting in chairs, apparently waiting to be seen, or for a friend or loved one to come out. He was too oblivious to anything other than his own thoughts, so he didn't notice everyone watching him as he frantically paced the length of the small area. "I don't believe this," he muttered as he paced. He ran his hands through his hair. "I need to call Sam," he said looking at his watch again. "Damn the time."

BENNETT HOUSE

Sam was sitting in his kitchen, sipping on a cup of hot tea. He had gone to bed hours ago, but for some reason, he was unable to sleep. His mind kept drifting back to what Sheridan had said on the plane earlier that evening. "Ethan looks more like Sam, than Julian," she had said. Normally he would have ignored such a comment, but when he started adding up all the pieces, it made him wonder. Is it possible, he thought for the hundredth time that night? His thoughts were interrupted as he heard the phone ring. He jumped. Startled, he looked at the clock, noting it was 2:32 a.m. I wonder why they didn't beep me, he thought as he reached for the phone, expecting it to be the station. "Hello," Sam said, picking it up on the first ring. "Sam," Luis said frantically, "Thank God you're awake." "Luis, what's wrong?" Sam asked with great concern, as he heard the tone of Luis' voice. "It's Sheridan, Sam," Luis said anxiously. "She's been poisoned." "What!" Sam shouted in disbelief, then lowering his voice as he remembered the time, "Poisoned, how?" "Some guy in a black trench coat created a disturbance, and slipped something into her drink," he said quickly. "Where are you, Luis?" Sam asked. "At the hospital, waiting to hear anything about Sheridan. She didn't look good, Sam. She didn't look good at all," He said somberly, feeling a tear falling down his cheek. He rubbed his eye and shook his head. I can't do this, he thought. "O.K., Luis, just calm down, buddy," Sam said soothingly. "Tell me exactly where you are, and I'll be there as soon as possible. Have you talked to the police yet? "For a minute," he replied. "I told him what I thought happened, and they told me to come to the hospital with Sheridan. They said they'd meet me here after they finished their investigation. Sam, they know we're here. Somehow they know." Sam got a sick feeling in his gut. He went pale. "Luis," Sam said quietly, "If they know you are in Boston, they also know Ivy is in Paris." "Oh, my God, Sam," Luis said, "That means she is in danger, too. But... I don't know the phone number in Paris. Sheridan is the only one we can ask for it, and she can't... right now." Luis again felt a tear fall down his cheek and quickly brushed it away. Sam thought for a minute. I may have an idea, Luis. Just get me those directions and I'll be there as soon as I can. And don't forget to tell the police who you are and why you are there. It will only help." "O.K., Sam, Luis said. "Hold on a second." Luis walked up to the nurse sitting in the triage area in the corner of the waiting room. She was busily typing something at her keyboard. "Excuse me, Miss?" Luis asked. There was a sad desperate look in his eyes. The pretty young nurse looked at him and smiled. She saw how sad he looked. "May I help you, sir?" she asked gently. "My friend is coming here from Harmony and needs to know how to get here. I'm not even sure where here is," Luis admitted. "Could you tell him for me?" "Certainly," she smiled warmly. "I'd be glad to." she extended her hand to take the phone from Luis. Luis handed over the phone, barely hearing the nurse telling Sam how to get to the hospital. He was thinking about Sheridan. He thought about the events of the past 24 hours. He walked over to the door that led to the emergency room, not even really paying attention to what was going on. He just watched as nurses bustled to and fro as he thought of Sheridan. How can one person have so many different emotions in one day, he thought. Hurt, anger, pain, joy, elation, excitement, love, hate, fear, panic, frustration. He walked back to the triage area where the nurse was just finishing giving Sam instruction. "Bye then," the nurse handed the phone back to Luis. "Your friend said, he has to make a phone call, and will leave as soon as he gets what he needs." "Thanks," Luis said desperately. "She'll be o.k." The nurse said to Luis with a hopeful smile. "I have a really good feeling about it." "Thanks," Luis managed a small smile, noticing the nurse resembled Sheridan a bit when she smiled. He then returned to his pacing ritual from one end of the waiting room to the other.

BACK AT THE BENNETT HOUSE

Sam ran up to his room, being very quiet, so as not to wake Grace, rummaged through his desk, looking for his address book. He found it and quickly disappeared downstairs to the kitchen. Sam had remembered from a few months ago, that Ethan Crane was slotted to be the liaison between the Harmony P.D. and the Crane Family. He had been given several different phone numbers, in order to reach ethan if the need arose. He politely wrote them down, having no intention at the time of using them. He wanted as little as possible to do with the Crane family, but now he was glad he had them. He decided to try Ethan's cell phone first, thinking it would attract the least amount of attention. He dialed the number.

CRANE MANSION, ETHAN'S ROOM

Ethan Crane was fast asleep in bed. He was alone, as Gwen had been spending less and less time there, since their engagement. He was having a wonderful dream, and suddenly he was hearing a ringing. He rolled over, trying to ignore it, but the ringing became louder, as Ethan came into consciousness. "What the..." Ethan said groggily, as he realized it was his cell phone. He looked at the clock. It was 2;45 a.m. "Who on earth is calling me at this hour. "I hope it's not Gwen, in trouble somehow," he said as he reached into his coat pocket, which was on the back of his desk chair, for his phone. "Hello," he answered quickly. "Ethan, it's Sam Bennett," Sam said. "Sorry to disturb you at this hour, but it's vital I speak to you immediately. "It's about your mother, and Sheridan." Ethan was visibly upset. "My mother? Sheridan? "Ethan questioned with grave concern, "What's wrong? And why did you call me and not my father?" "Ethan," Sam said very slowly, very deliberately. "I need for you to listen to me very carefully. Ethan felt a pit develop in the bottom of his stomach. "O.K., Sam, I'm listening." Ethan knew by the tone of Sam's voice, that this was no joking matter. He was deadly serious about whatever he was going to say. "I need you," Sam continued in the same deliberate manner, "to meet me at the Police Station. DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT, let anyone in that house know or even suspect you left. This specifically includes, Julian. I need for you to bring with you, any information on where in Paris Sheridan may have gone to, any phone numbers. For that matter, bring all the information you have on places anyone in your immediate family, may have. Do you understand me?" Sam finished, waiting for a response. Ethan was in shock. His heart was racing, and he was feeling nauseated. He knew something terrible had happened, but wasn't sure what. He knew Sam wouldn't play games, like this, so he decided he'd do exactly what Sam wanted. " I'll meet you there in half an hour." "Good," Sam replied with slight relief. "I'll see you then." Ethan quietly started dressing. He grabbed his address book from his desktop. He walked over to his computer, looking through his pile of discs. He found one labeled Crane family friends and hot spots, stuffing it in his jacket pocket. He then grabbed his wallet and keys and like a mouse, opened his door and slipped out. He walked down the stairs, carefully listening for any activity. All he heard was the ticking of a grandfather clock, in the foyer. He punched a code into the alarm system key pad, allowing him to exit and reset the alarm without it going off. He slipped quietly into the night...

To Be Continued...

Chapter 15:

EMERGENCY ROOM WAITING AREA

Luis continued his pacing, as two men entered the waiting area. One was a uniformed police officer, the other in plain clothes, obviously a cop as well. They walked up to Luis. The plain clothed officer spoke to Luis. "I'm detective Pete O'Brien, and this is Officer Doug Fitzgerald. Luis shook hands with both men. He still had a distant look on his face, though he tried to hide it. "Is their any news on your girlfriend?" Det O'Brien asked. My girlfriend, Luis thought. That's the first time I've heard anyone mention Sheridan as his girlfriend. He felt a lump develop in his throat. "No, nothing yet," Luis said, trying to hide his emotions, but doing a very poor job. "I'm sure we will hear something soon," Det. O'Brien said. "But we do need to ask you some questions. I'm sure you understand." "Of, course," Luis said. "I'm as anxious as you are to find out what happened. The uniformed officer walked over to the pretty triage nurse and asked her a question that Luis couldn't hear. She responded by standing up, then Officer Fitzgerald waked back to Luis and the detective. "The nurse says we can use one of their conference rooms, for privacy. She will tell the ER doctor and nurses, where we are, so they can come there and update us, when they have any news. She's also going to get us a pot of coffee." He smiled at the last remark. The three men followed the nurse to a small conference room on the other side of the emergency room. Luis was looking around, hoping to get a glimpse of Sheridan as they walked past the cubicles, but the curtains were drawn, and he didn't know which one she'd been taken to. The nurse left them in the conference room, which held nothing but a long wooden table, a dozen or so chairs, an easel at the front of the room and a few paintings scattered along the walls. She then returned with a thermos of fresh coffee, cups, cream and sugar. The nurse was trying to be nice, preparing the coffee for the men. She asked Luis, if he wanted cream and sugar in his coffee. Sugar he thought. Oh, my God. He wanted to cry. "No," he snapped at her. Then realizing, what he's done, he said. "Miss, I am so sorry for yelling at you like that. I didn't mean anything by it. You are just being kind, and I nearly bite your head off. It's just that when you mentioned sugar... It reminded me..." "No need to apologize." the nurse smiled. "I understand. Call me if you need anything? " She left the men to their discussion. The three policemen sat in the small conference room, sipping coffee. Detective O'Brien broke the silence. "O.K. Mr. Lopez-Fitzgerald, he said, "Why don't you tell us why you think Sheridan Crane was poisoned." Luis took a deep breath and let it out. He looked up at the two men, who were waiting, intent on hearing what he would say. "It all started," Luis began...

IN FRONT OF THE HARMONY POLICE DEPARTMENT

Ethan Crane sat in his car, waiting for Sam Bennett to arrive. He was beside himself with worry, his conversation with Sam having left him unsettled. He heard a knock on his window. Ethan opened the door and got out, standing face to face with Sam. He knew something was terribly wrong, just by the look on Sam's face. "What is is it Chief Bennett," Ethan asked, fear in his voice. "For starters, Ethan," Sam said gravely, "Your Aunt Sheridan has been poisoned. "She is in a Boston hospital right now." "Boston?" Ethan exclaimed, "How did she get to Boston? And what about Mother?" "Your mother is in Paris. I feel she, too is in danger. That's why I needed the phone numbers you have for Paris. She must be warned," Sam explained. "You have me totally confused, Chief," Ethan said bewildered. "Why don't you take a trip with me to Boston and I will explain the entire thing to you," Sam said sadly. Ethan nodded his head in agreement. "We need to leave your keys here, though," Sam said. "Your father or grandfather, must not learn you are with me." Still baffled, Ethan turned his keys over to sam, and grabbed his wallet, address book and laptop out of his car. He checked to make sure he had his cell phone in his pocket. Sam quickly dropped Ethan's keys with an officer in the station house and returned. The two men got into Sam's car, and began driving. Ethan waited for Sam to start. Sam inhaled sharply several times, looked at Ethan then began the twisted story. "The first thing you need to know Ethan, is this. Your Aunt Sheridan went to Boston with Luis....."

CONFERENCE ROOM, BOSTON HOSPITAL

".... I saw the man with the black trench coat putting something in his pocket, and that's it." Luis was exhausted. It had taken everything he had to tell these men the entire story. Telling them how devious Sheridan's family had been to keep them apart, how they came to Boston in the first place, and about the men in the black trench coats. He didn't mention The reason he hated her family. He didn't mention about his father's disappearance, but he would later if it turned out there were a connection. They had enough information to start with. "That is some story, Officer," Detective O'Brien said. "I apologize I didn't realize earlier, you were a cop, earlier." "That's all right," Luis said. "I didn't...." He was interrupted by a knock on the door. Luis nearly jumped out of his skin as he heard the knock. In walked a doctor, holding a chart in front of him. His face was grave. Luis' heart sank. He felt like he'd collapse right there as he held on to the table in front of him for support. "Gentlemen," the doctor began. "I am Dr. Ed Walker. I have been taking care of Miss Crane this evening. Which one of you is Luis?" he asked. Luis jumped up, knocking his chair over in the process. He didn't even look back, just stared at the doctor waiting for what would come next. The doctor grinned. "Sheridan's been asking about you," he smiled. "She hasn't stopped saying your name since she came to." Luis nearly fell as he heard this news. He'd been expecting the worst, but this... He was elated. A tear came to his eye as he smiled. She's ok, he thought. She's talking. His smile grew bigger until he started laughing. The other three men in the room looked at each other and grinned. They were all thinking the same thing. "Can I see her?" Luis begged. "Please?" "Certainly, you may, but first, I wanted to give you the results of our analysis of the wine, and the toxicology results," the doctor said. Luis was most interested in hearing this, so he picked his chair up and sat back down, looking intently at the doctor. "Luis," the doctor began, "You ought to be very proud of yourself. If it hadn't been for your keen observation skills, and quick thinking, Miss Crane would be dead right now. The sample of wine we have, showed it had indeed been poisoned. Had she drunk anymore than she did, you'd be talking to the medical examiner, rather than me. We found a substance in the wine commonly referred to on the streets as China White or Tango and Cash. There are numerous other names for it as well. It is a designer drug that is made from a fentanyl derivative. Fentanyl is a pain killer, which when properly administered is quite effective. Unfortunately, China White, or Tango and Cash, started appearing in the early 80's as a popular street drug. It didn't really hit the east coast until the early 90's, but we have had many fatalities, from it. "The amount of the drug in your friend's wine would have killed her before she finished the glass," the doctor continued. It is a very potent drug, and only a few micrograms can cause death. Fortunately, Sheridan didn't have more than a taste in her mouth before you grabbed the glass from her, Luis. We were able to dilute what little amount she had in her system, and give her a partial reversal drug. She'll be ready to leave here in a few hours. What you saw in the ambulance was the worst of it, I am happy to say. She is one lucky lady to have you around!" "Now, if you'd like to see her, you may follow me," the doctor invited. Luis didn't have to be asked twice. He jumped out of his seat to follow the doctor. "We need to talk again, after you see Miss Crane, Luis, the uniformed officer said. "No problem," Luis smiled as he walked out of the conference room.

SHERIDAN'S ROOM

"Please, nurse," Sheridan pleaded, "I just need to see the man that I was with and let him know I'm all right." She tried to sit up, but her head flopped back on the pillow. She was still a little dizzy. The nurse smiled at Sheridan. "Don't worry, Miss Crane," she said. "The doctor just left to let him know you are o.k. You need to rest a little. If your friend hadn't taken that wine glass from you when he did, you might be..." she didn't finish the sentence. "Anyway, the nurse continued. "You are very lucky to be here right now, and you need to rest. Sheridan was frustrated. She so much wanted to see Luis, hear his voice. "I know you're right," she reluctently agreed. She closed her eyes, and tried to relax, but it wasn't easy. All she could see in her mind's eye was Luis' face right before she'd lost consciousness. While she lay there with her eyes closed, Luis had quietly slipped into the room, unnoticed by Sheridan.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 16:

SAM'S CAR , ON ROUTE

Ethan sat in silence as he digested all the information Sam had just told him. He was in total shock. He was horrified to learn, that his father and grandfather could be so cruel, as to plot so deviously against Sheridan. Sheridan was the one family member, whose company he truly enjoyed, the one person he trusted completely. He was sickened by what they'd done, but also very pleased, his mother had defied them, by telling the truth, allowing Sheridan to be with Luis. He knew Sheridan loved Luis, and it hurt him deeply to see her heart broken. He finally spoke. "Sam, for the first time in my life, I am embarrassed to admit my last name is Crane . It is inconceivable to me that anyone could be as reprehensible as my father and grandfather. I'm ashamed to be related to them," Ethan said with contempt. "I am just glad that my mother at least has a conscience." "Ethan, you know none of this is your fault, or your mother's or Sheridan's." Sam said calmly. "We just need to hope and pray, Sheridan and your mother will be all right..."

SHERIDAN'S ROOM

Luis stood there, at the bottom of her stretcher, smiling at her. Sheridan opened her eyes, about to protest again, when she saw Luis. "Luis," she said, relieved and pleased to see him standing there. "He continued smiling as he moved closer to her. He walked up to the side of her and took her hands in his. "You, know, I did say, I had no intention of visiting the local hospitals on this trip." Sheridan rolled her eyes and gave him a smirk. "You did say that," she agreed. "So I suggest we leave here as soon as possible." Sheridan made a move to get up, but Luis gently put his hands on her shoulders, forcing her to lay back. "You aren't going anywhere, just yet, Sheridan," Luis said. "But, Luis!" she protested. "No buts," he said gently. "I have some unfinished business with the police involving this case. Besides, Sam is on his way here. We can't go anywhere until he gets here, so I insist you rest until then. Once all this stuff is taken care of, then we will discuss you leaving." Luis gave her a kiss on the forehead. "Remember," he whispered. "I love you." He looked around to make sure no one was looking, then added, "And you need to regain your strength. I have plans for you, for later." His tone was seductive, and his facial expression sent shivers through Sheridan's body. Sheridan blushed, and then gave him an enticing grin. "I can't wait, officer." Luis let out a gentle laugh as he left. ‘ I'd better call Sam,' he said to himself, before I go back to talk to those cops. He was still smiling thinking about his plans for Sheridan . He pulled out his cell phone and dialed Sam's number.

SAM'S CAR

Sam's cellphone rang. "Hello," he answered. "Sam, it's Luis" "Luis, how is Sheridan?" Sam asked with concern. "Great, Sam," Luis said smiling, his voice filled with relief. "She's going to be just fine." "I'm so glad to hear that, Luis." "How long before you get here, Sam?" Luis asked. "Oh, and did you talk to Ivy, to warn her?" We should be there in less than an hour, buddy," Sam said. "No, I haven't talked to Ivy yet. I have Ethan with me, and I've been explaining everything's that happened to him. He needed to know before I called his mother." "Ethan?" Luis questioned. "Yeah, I'll explain everything to you when I see you." Sam told him. "Just go to the triage nurse in the E.R.," Luis conveyed. "She's the one that gave you directions, earlier and she'll tell you where I am." "O.K., Luis. See you shortly," Sam replied then turned off the phone. Ethan had been listening attentively as Sam spoke with Luis. "Good news?" he asked hopefully. "The best, Ethan, Sheridan is going to be just fine," Sam said with a grin. "Thank God," Ethan said. "I am so relieved to hear that. I don't think I could bear it if something happened to Sheridan. She's been through so much terror and torment in her life, she deserves to live a happy, healthy life." "Terror and torment?" Sam asked puzzled. Ethan realized he may have said too much, so he tried to compensate. "This whole situation with Luis, all her other failed love affairs, and the fact that she was sent away from the family at such a young age. She's never had the love she deserves," Ethan said. "I'm just glad, she found Luis," Ethan continued. "You know, it's funny, but I don't think she even knew how much she cared about him, until she thought he'd used her. She'd never been so hurt in any relationship. I think my father and grandfather's plan may have backfired on them, causing Luis and Sheridan to grow closer, rather than apart. Sam chuckled, "You may be right, Ethan," Sam said. "I too, had never seen Luis so broken up about anything in his life. I'm just glad Alistair and Julian didn't get their way, this time." His voice trailed off as he uttered the last sentence, not realizing Ethan was sitting right next to him. He was remembering the last night he and Ivy spent together, her wedding night to Julian. His face was now hard, cold. "What do you mean, ‘this time', Chief?" Ethan asked, as he saw Sam's face contort with his last remark. "Have my father or grandfather, ever broken up a love affair before?" Sam looked at Ethan. He managed a quick laugh. Avoiding the question, he quickly said, "You know what, we need to call your mother, now. you call her and tell her I need to talk to her, it's urgent. His sudden change in subject worked. Ethan immediately opened his address book and looked up the number for Sheridan's apartment in Paris. It was the best place to start.

THE CONFERENCE ROOM

Luis had returned to the conference room and was talking with the other policemen about the drug that had been slipped into Sheridan's drink. "We don't see that particular drug around as we used to," Officer Fitzgerald, said. "Whoever did this, knew exactly what they were doing and they were playing for keeps." "I know," Luis said, disturbed at the thought of what almost happened. If Sheridan hadn't noticed those two when they came through the door..." Luis shook the thought of Sheridan, that way. out of his head. He couldn't even think the word. "She didn't remember where she'd seen them before?" questioned Detective O'Brien. "No," Luis admitted sadly. "She was racking her brain, trying to figure it out. She had a really bad feeling about them too," Luis added, "and rightfully so. I didn't like their looks myself. There was just something about them. Luis was thinking. Trying to remember what it was about them that bothered him. "If Sheridan had met them before, I doubt it was in Harmony," Luis said speculatively . "I've been in that town a lot longer than she has and I never saw them. "I would have remembered THEM." Luis laughed. "Well I guess that narrows it down then. She saw them anywhere, but Harmony." "What do you mean, by that Luis?" the detective wanted to know. "Nothing really," Luis said, "Just that, she spent most of her life in Europe, traveling. She lived in Paris for quite awhile." "Paris?" Detective O'Brien repeated, as a question. "When was the last time she was there?" "Last summer," Luis answered, not sure why they cared about Sheridan living in Paris. "That's where she was headed, before we got things cleared up. For that matter that's where her sister -in- law is now." "I wonder," Detective O'Brien said, looking at Officer Fitzgerald, then at Luis, "I just wonder..."

SAM'S CAR

"Hello?" a familiar voice said. "Mother, is that you?" Ethan asked anxiously, knowing it was his mother's voice. "Thank God, you're all right." "Ethan?" Ivy responded, incredulously. "How on earth did you know I was here? What do you mean, Thank God I'm all right?" "Sam told me, Mother," Ethan acknowledged. "There's been a problem, here and Sam needs to talk to you. I'll let him tell you what's going on." Ethan handed the phone to Sam. Ivy, on the other end of the phone had turned white as a sheet. Her heart was in her mouth and she felt her legs try to give out. She sat down in a nearby chair, waiting for the bomb to drop...

To Be Continued...

Chapter 17:

SHERIDAN'S ROOM

Sheridan decided to take Luis' advice and relax, while she had the chance. She'd had a very long day, part of it the most wonderful experience of her life, part of it a horrible one. She closed her eyes, trying only to remember how wonderful it had been to finally make love with Luis. She could feel herself smiling and getting tingly all over as she remembered his kisses, his tender touch. As she started drifting off, her mind started wandering, focusing on the two men in black trench coats. Why did they bother her so much, she wondered. Was it both of them, she thought she'd seen or just one of them? She tried to separate them in her mind, trying to visualize their faces. One of their faces was so familiar, but why? Where had she seen it before? Her mind now completely wandering, she was remembering a box, she'd once seen. She remembered opening the box, being shocked by it's contents. Suddenly as if struck by lightening, Sheridan sat bolt upright on her stretcher. Sweat was pouring down her face, which was pasty white. "Nurse," she yelled, "N-U-R-S-E!!!!!!!"

SAM'S CAR

Sam placed the phone to his ear. "Ivy?" he said, "It's Sam. No reason to panic, yet. I just wanted to make sure you are all right." "Sam, what is going on there?" Ivy said, her voiced strained. "It has to be something terrible, otherwise you never would have called Ethan. Why didn't you get the number from Sheridan? It would have been simpler then getting Ethan involved." "Sheridan, is the problem, Ivy," he said gloomily. "She's been poisoned." "What?" Ivy shouted, in utter disbelief." "Did you say poisoned?" "Yes, and it was deliberate," Sam continued. "She was the intended target." "Oh, my God," Ivy exclaimed, feeling sicker than she had a minute ago. "How is she?" Ivy closed her eyes and tensed every muscle in her body waiting for the response. "She's going to be good as new. I just talked to Luis a few minutes ago, and he said she was going fine." "Thank God," Ivy said heaving a sigh of relief. "How did this happen, Sam?" Ivy now asked. "That's what I intend to find out," Sam said. "We are on our way, to Boston now to meet with them. We should be there shortly." "Do you think Julian and Alistair are responsible?" Ivy asked, afraid of the answer she would receive. "Truthfully, Ivy," Sam said thoughtfully, "I don't know what to think. It's either them, or some bizarre coincidence. It doesn't make sense, though that they would try to kill Sheridan." Sam paused for a moment, deep in thought. "O.K., Ivy," he said carefully. Here is what I want you to do. Do you have anyone there with you?" "Yes, the housekeeper lives here, why?" Ivy asked. "You stay there. Don't go out, don't talk to anyone." Sam warned. Have your housekeeper answer the phone. If they ask for you, have her tell them you are not there. If they ask for Sheridan, tell them to say she is sleeping. Jet Lag or something. Figure something out. Don't use any credit cards, nothing. I will call again, as soon as I find out what is going on. I will identify myself, first, and you can instruct your housekeeper to give you the phone. I will ask for Sheridan." Ivy was frightened. "Sam, I'm very nervous about this." she said. "I understand, Ivy, but I want to be extremely cautious until I find out what is going on," Sam said emphatically. "Whatever you say, Sam," Ivy agreed. She hung the phone up and sought out her housekeeper.

CONFERENCE ROOM

"Wonder, what?" Luis asked with concern. "It's just that....." Detective Pete O'Brien said thoughtfully, "we've had a lot of activity between Boston and Paris lately. It seems that the drug cartel from France is setting up business here, which is why we've had an increase in the amount of street drugs around. We've all been working overtime for months now trying to find the leader. So far, we haven't had any luck." "Let me ask you a question, Luis," the detective said. After all you told me about Sheridan's family and how they tried to break you up, Do you think they are responsible for this?" Luis was at a loss for words. He sat there, thinking. He finally spoke. "My first reaction is yes. It had to be them. No one knew we were here," he orated. Sam and Ivy were the only two people who knew we were here. Ivy did have to contact a few people to make arrangements, but she said they were well paid. I figured, someone was questioned, and buckled under a threat. What I don't understand, is why did they try to kill Sheridan? If they wanted to kill someone, wouldn't it have been me? From where I sit, it seems they wanted to just keep me away from Sheridan and they wanted it to look like her idea. But killing her?" Luis shook his head. As much as he hated the Cranes, he couldn't see them killing Sheridan. The other thing I don't understand," Luis continued. "If it was drug related, why Sheridan? We only came to this city a few hours ago. We don't know anyone. One thing I know for sure, it wasn't random. It was too well planned out. Those two men in trench coats must have been following us." The more Luis spoke, the more confused he became. He was nearly certain the Cranes weren't responsible for this, but had no idea who was responsible...

SHERIDAN'S ROOM

A nurse came running in to see what all the commotion was about. "What is it Miss Crane", She asked seeing the look of panic in Sheridan's eyes. "I need to see Luis, now!" she demanded in a frightened voice. "I just remembered how I know one of the men in the trench coats." "I'll get him immediately for you Miss Crane," the nurse assured her. She quicky left to seek out Luis.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 18:

CONFERENCE ROOM

"Well, Luis," The detective said in concurrence, "You are right. On all accounts. It doesn't make sense that the Crane's would hurt Sheridan, therefore it has to be another source. Now, the question is..." his sentence was cut off by a knock at the door. A young woman, that Luis immediately recognized as Sheridan's nurse quickly opened the door. Luis felt his heart drop seeing her standing there. She glanced at all three men, then her gaze became fixed on Luis. "I'm sorry to interrupt, gentlemen," she said hurriedly, "Mr. Lopez-Fitzgerald? Miss Crane needs to see you at once. She said she remembers how she knows one of the men in the trench coats." Luis shot the nurse a hugh grin. "O.K. boys," he said with a smile. "We may start to get some answers, now!" Luis and the two policemen left the conference room, following the nurse.

SAM'S CAR

Sam had placed his phone on the seat next to him. Ethan was deep in thought, remembering the story of all the events that had transpired, as well as Sam's conversation with his mother. "Chief Bennett," Ethan asked quietly, "Do you really think my father and grandfather would poison Sheridan?" "I can't imagine anyone trying to hurt Sheridan, Ethan," Sam said, somberly, "but the facts remain, someone did try to kill her. I don't want to believe that. I know for a fact, that those two men have done their share of dirty dealings in the past. They've swindled, cheated and stolen from people. Not only money, but hearts and souls. But to actually kill, one of their own family? Even I, am having a hard time with that one. "We should be at the hospital in a few minutes." Sam continued. "Maybe by the time we get there, Luis will have found some answers." Ethan nodded his head at Sam in agreement, and went back to thinking. Seems like he's been doing a lot of that lately.

SHERIDAN'S ROOM

Sheridan had just finished putting on her boots, when Luis pulled the curtain back and saw Sheridan out of bed. "And where do you think you are going, young lady?" he asked is a gentle but firm voice. "To find you!" Sheridan explained, letting out a sigh of relief. She then noticed the two men with Luis. She leaned towards Luis and whispered in his ear, "Next time you bring me company, please check to make sure I'm dressed, first? Remember, I'm full of surprises," Sheridan gave Luis a quick scowl and then a wink, letting him know she was a little upset but she would forgive him this time. Luis let out a slight nervous laugh and mouthed "I'm sorry" to Sheridan. She smiled back, then climbed back up on the stretcher, sitting on the edge of it. Sheridan," Luis said once she was settled, "This is Officer Doug Fitzgerald and Detective Pete O' Brien. They are working on this case." "I'm very pleased to meet you gentlemen, Sheridan said with a smile, as she extended her hand to shake hands with both men. She then looked at Officer Fitzgerald with slight amusement. "Any chance you two are related?" she asked nodding her head in Luis' direction. Luis looked at Sheridan in surprise and gave a slight chuckle. "Hey," Sheridan said with a genuine smile, "One thing you've taught me Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald, is that ANYTHING is possible." Officer Fitzgerald was now laughing at this situation. He was amused at the banter between these two people who were so obviously head over heels in love with each other. "Not that I'm aware of, Miss Crane," Officer Fitzgerald answered, with a grin. "And I would like to tell you it is very nice to see you feeling much better." "I concur with my fellow officer on that one, Miss Crane," Detective O'Brien said more seriously. "You had us quite worried for awhile." "Thank you both," Sheridan said. "I am very tired, but feel pretty good, other than that." Detective O'Brien was a stout man in his late 50's with white hair and pale blue eyes. He was about the same height as Sheridan. Officer Fitzgerald, contrasted him as much in personality as in looks. He was a handsome man appearing to be in his early 30's with dark brown hair and eyes, at least 6'3, slender build, and his skin was the same color as his eyes. He was easy going, compared to Detective O'Brien, who by all appearances was all business. The men, did seem to compliment each other, though. "Now, Miss Crane," Detective O'Brien asked, getting back to the matter at hand, "Your nurse told us, you remember one of the men in the trench coats?" Sheridan's burst of good humor left as suddenly as it had come. Her face suddenly had a hint of fear in it. Luis sensed her mood change, walked to her side, and took her hands in his, "It's o.k., Sheridan, "I'm right here, and I'm not letting anything else happen to you," he said tenderly. Sheridan smiled back at him. "I know," she said. She then looked up at the other two men and began her story. "The last man I dated, before I returned to Harmony, was a weasel by the name of Jean-Luc," Sheridan said wryly. At the time, I thought I was in love with him,. I have since found out it was anything but love." she gave Luis a very quick wink and smile. Luis returned the smile. "He asked me to marry him and I accepted." Anyway, I went to Jean-Luc's apartment, one afternoon, and he was with a man. The man left almost immediately after I arrived, but I remember asking Jean_Luc who he was. He told me not to worry, that we would never see him again. "Jean-Luc was very nervous when the man was there. That man was the same man at the bar tonight. I'm sure of it." Sheridan said with conviction. "Did Jean-Luc mention his name?" Luis asked gently. "No," Sheridan gave a sad smile. "He changed the subject. He then talked me into eloping with him. He was very insistent. Since I had no idea what kind of a man he was at the time, I thought it was just his excitement about marrying me." "I," Sheridan said as if scolding herself, "being the fool that I was, was in total agreement with him. What a terrific idea, I thought," Sheridan rolled her eyes in disgust, as she remembered. "He took me to his country home that night," she resumed her story, "and we were to be married the next day. He gave me a tour of the house, which was beautiful," she remembered. Then Sheridan laughed, almost wickedly. "One of the walls, had a plaque on it that said ‘Even a good marriage will shipwreck on deceit'. I guess it was a warning." she shrugged her shoulders. "Later that night after we.... ," Sheridan thought about she was about to say and quickly changed her mind. Her cheeks were turning pink and she avoided looking at Luis. Luis had a feeling he knew what she was about to say. He shoved his hands in his pockets, trying very hard to hide any look of jealousy that might show itself. Later that night, I was looking around Jean-Luc's bedroom and found a box under his bed. I thought it might be baby pictures, so I opened the box." Sheridan's voice had a hint of nervousness and she flew through her last sentence. Luis now knew he was right, but continued to hide his feelings. "I was totally shocked when I opened the box," Sheridan said, more comfortable now. "It had all sorts of drug paraphernalia in it. There was a small scale, tiny vials filled with white powder, pills, all different colors, and other things, I had no idea what they were. I was sure their had to be some kind of mistake, so I went to search for Jean-Luc and confront him. "I walked into the other room, and that is where I had my reality check," Sheridan said bitterly, as she remembered how many times she had been used by men in her past. "Jean-Luc was with another woman. The woman told him he had to decide which woman he wanted. He told her he only wanted her and then he kissed her. He told her he had to make me believe he loved me, so I would marry him." Sheridan fought back a tear. It didn't come. "He told her, that after we'd been married a few weeks, and he had my money, he would leave and they would be married. "Well, I'd heard enough, so I stepped out and confronted them both," Sheridan said. "I told the girl, she could have him. He started making up all sorts of excuses. I slapped him, grabbed my stuff and left." Sheridan let out a big sigh. Luis remembered his own slap, and now understood, completely. "He tried to follow me, but I sped out of there as fast as I could. I went back to my apartment and packed my bags. The next thing I knew I was back in Harmony." Now a grin crept across her face as she remembered the first person she met, coming home to Harmony. She smiled quickly at Luis. "But that is an entirely different story." Detective O'Brien and Officer Fitzgerald looked at each other. "O.K., Miss Crane, the detective said to her. "You have been a big help. Right now, I think you and Officer Lopez-Fitzgerald need to get some sleep. It's morning already," he said looking at his watch. "The police department will provide a ride for you back to your hotel, as soon as your friends arrive, and we will post several officers throughout the hotel, and at your door, just in case." "Thank you," Sheridan said. "Yeah, thanks," Luis agreed. "It'll be nice to get some sleep," suddenly realizing how tired he was.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 19:

Luis was standing next to Sheridan, absentmindedly rubbing her back as she was signing all the necessary forms for her release. She'd never been so happy to sign her name to a piece of paper in her life. The two policemen were in the waiting room, one filling out his own paperwork, the other on the telephone making arrangements for police protection for Sheridan. Sheridan finished signing the last of the papers, turned around to face Luis with a tired, but triumphant smile. "Finished!" she smiled. "Come on you," Luis said affectionately, as he placed his arm around her waist, pulling her close to him. "Lets get out of here." Sheridan, happily laid her head on Luis' chest and wrapped her arm around his waist. "I can't wait!" she said sleepily. Luis gently kissed her on the forehead and they walked out to the waiting room to meet up with Detective O'Brien and Officer Fitzgerald. Just as they reached the waiting room, they saw Sam and Ethan hurrying through the entrance. "Sheridan!" Ethan practically yelled as he saw her. He approached her and gave her a quick hug. "Ethan, what are you doing here?" Sheridan asked with surprise. "Sam called me. He needed to contact Mother in Paris, and I guess I was the safest person to get the number from," Ethan explained. "Luis," Ethan said, somberly, as he extended his hand . Luis shook it. "I am very sorry. I'm sorry for what my family did to you, and I'm also sorry for what I was thinking about you." "Luis let out a quick chuckle and waved his hand in dismissal. "Don't worry about it," Luis said. "It wasn't your fault. I stopped blaming Sheridan a long time ago for the things Julian and Alistair have done. Theresa and Sheridan have been telling me along, the same thing about you. I believe them, Ethan." Luis gave Ethan a friendly smile. "So, buddy," Sam said, patting Luis on the back. "Have you found out anything?" "Yeah, Sam," Luis said, now in a very serious tone. "Lots. For once, it appears Alistair and Julian aren't responsible." Sam sighed with relief. "I am glad to hear that, Luis." he said. "So who was it?" "Some drug dealer that was associated with Sheridan's last boyfriend in Paris." Luis said. "She says she only saw him once, but with some of those guys, once is one time too many. Listen, Sam, Sheridan and I are going back to the hotel to get some sleep," Luis said. "I'll introduce you to the two policemen that have been working on the case, and they can fill you in, on everything. Afterwards, you and Ethan can get yourself settled in, and we'll meet, for say dinner?" Luis asked, noting it was now 6:30 in the morning. "These guys," Luis said gesturing towards O'Brien and Fitzgerald, "have been great. They have arranged for police protection for Sheridan at the hotel. They'll make sure you know where we are, and will make sure you guys are o.k. too." "Sounds like a plan, Luis," Sam said with a smile. "Tell me, Luis, were you at least having a good time, before all this happened?" Luis started laughing. His cheeks turned red. He wanted to answer, but couldn't find the right words. Sam was kicking himself for asking such a personal question. "Forget I asked that, Luis," Sam said quite embarrassed. "No," Luis said, "It's ok, Sam. We were having the time of our lives. Until the incident at the bar, it was the happiest day of my life, to date. I told her how I felt, and she did the same." Luis started grinning and was having trouble stopping. "Glad to hear it buddy," Sam said. He was truly happy for his friend. "Now, I really need to get Sheridan back to the hotel," Luis said firmly. "She needs some rest."

THE HOTEL

Luis and Sheridan were escorted back to their hotel by a plain clothed detective. He pointed out the other plain clothed officers they saw scattered throughout the hotel. They also saw a uniformed officer who was posted right outside the door to their room. Sheridan felt relieved. They quickly thanked their escort and the officer on duty. The slipped quietly into their room. It looked the same as it had, when they left. The food tray had been left outside the door, before they went on their walk, otherwise the room remained untouched. "It feels like a million years ago we left here," Sheridan said, as she hung her coat in the closet. "Yeah, it does," Luis said in agreement. "Now, you need to get some sleep," he said with a smile, but he meant it. "You're right, Luis," Sheridan said wearily. "I'm going to get changed." She gave him a sweet smile and disappeared into her room. Sheridan quickly changed into a pair of white silk pajamas. She returned to the living area, only to find Luis gone, and his bedroom door was shut. She had a look of total disappointment on her face. "I guess I can't blame him," she said. "It's been a very long day, but I at least wanted to say goodnight." Too tired to really complain she returned to her own room. She was about to climb into bed, when she saw Luis standing in front of the bathroom door, wearing pajama bottoms, smiling at her. Luis walked over towards Sheridan. "Now, you didn't really think I'd let you go to sleep without saying ‘Goodnight', did you?" he asked flirtatiously. "Well, I... hoped not," she said shyly. Luis wrapped his arms around Sheridan and gave her a very gentle kiss on the lips. "Now, into bed," he said with a grin. "Would you stay with me?" Sheridan asked quietly. "At least till I fall asleep?" "You didn't think I was leaving did you?" he asked. "Now move over," Luis kidded. Sheridan happily obliged. Luis climbed into bed next to Sheridan. She quickly snuggled close to him and laid her head on his chest. She'd never felt happier or safer than she did at that moment, wrapped in the arms of the man she loved. She lazily lifted her head just enough to see his face looking down at her. His beautiful brown eyes were filled with love. She smiled at him. "Luis," Sheridan said, "I want to stay just like this forever." She once again nuzzled her head into his chest. Luis gently stroked her hair and Sheridan fell into a peaceful slumber.

HOTEL RESTAURANT

Sam, Ethan, and Detective O'Brien had just finished ordering breakfast. Officer Fitzgerald had returned to the Police station to file his report. Detective O'Brien had filled Sam in on the fact that Sheridan's old boyfriend had most likely been a drug dealer involved with the two men that tried to kill Sheridan. "What I don't understand," Sam asked, after mulling the situation over in his mind, "is why here, and why now? No one knew Sheridan would be in Boston, not even Sheridan, until about 3 hours before she arrived. She was supposed to be going back to Paris." "We have had many reports lately," the detective replied, "of increased drug activity. The description of two men with french accents in black trench coats, had come up more than once." Pete O'Brien sighed and looked at Sam. "I know this may be difficult to believe, especially considering all the trouble Luis and Sheridan have had, lately, but I think this is just a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time." Sam chuckled. He couldn't believe the irony of the situation. Ethan was just staring, dumfounded. "I have to tell you, Chief Bennett," Detective O'Brien said, "Sheridan Crane is one lucky lady to have someone like Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald watching out for her. His quick thinking saved her life last night." Again, Sam chuckled. "You know," he said, "That's not the first time Luis saved Sheridan. He's saved her from drowning in New Mexico, saved her from a kidnapper on New Year's Eve, and from falling through thin ice last month." "It sounds to me as if those two are destined to be together," O'Brien said thoughtfully. "It's a shame her family doesn't think so." "Not all her family feels that way, Detective," Ethan chimed in, "My mother and I support Sheridan and Luis completely." Ethan didn't want this detective thinking ALL Cranes behaved in the same despicable manner. Their food arrived, and the three men ate, discussing ideas on how to catch the two french drug dealers. Detective O'Brien informed them he would be looking into Jean-Luc's history. He was the one solid lead they had. They knew his name, and had two addresses in France for him. From Sheridan's description of what she'd found in the box, and her conversations with him, it sounded like he had been involved with these other men, and wanted out. It appeared he saw Sheridan as his ticket out of the clutches of the other two men. Ethan had arranged for rooms for Sam and himself, on the same floor as Sheridan and Luis. They too, were very tired, and needed some sleep. They agreed to meet later that night to discuss their plans for getting the frenchmen. Sam told Detective O'Brien he'd fill Luis in at dinner. Sam and Ethan shook hands with the detective and retired to their rooms. It was now nearly 9:00 am and neither had had much sleep. Sam realized he hadn't talked to Ivy yet, and decided to call her before he went to bed.

To Be Continued...

Chaper 20:

CRANE MANSION

Julian just walked into his study, as he heard the phone ring. He looked at his watch, noting it was exactly 9:00 a.m. "I must say, Father wastes no time," Julian said with slight dismay. He was not looking forward to today's activities. "Hello, Julian Crane, here," he answered dryly. "Good, you're awake," Alistair said sharply. "Of course, I'm awake Father, "What did you expect?" "I don't have time for your idle chit chat, Julian" Alistair said sarcastically. "We have a big problem." "Yes, I know Father," Julian said. "We discussed...." "Shut up, Julian," Alistair cut him off. "This is a much bigger problem. We are going to have to put my plans on hold for the time being." Julian was almost relieved. He had no idea what his father's latest plan was, but he could only imagine. Although he always did what his Father told him, sometimes, he wished he'd had the courage to say no. But as Julian knew, only too well, NO ONE says NO to Alistair Crane and gets away with it. "What's wrong, Father?" Julian asked, feigning concern. Thank God this is only a speaker phone, Julian thought. "Your sister almost died last night, Julian. She was poisoned." Alistair said matter of factly. He had no emotion in his voice. "Poisoned?" Julian repeated, shocked. "Yes, Julian," Alistair said. "It seems Sheridan's past with that frenchman, Jean-Luc has caught up with her. Two of the men he worked for saw her in Boston last night, and decided they needed to get rid of her. It seems they have been looking for her since she left Paris." "This is incredible, Father," Julian said, still surprised by the turn of events. "The police are heavily investigating the matter, Julian," Alistair continued. "Both in Boston and Paris. I'm afraid if we do anything, we will jeopardize the Crane name, and I will not let that happen." "I understand, completely, Father," Julian said. "Good. See that you do," Alistair said. "You are to forget about everything for the time being. You mention nothing, to Ivy, Ethan, no one. Do you understand?" "Yes, Father," Julian agreed. "I'll be in touch." Alistair said. The phone went dead. Julian sat down at his desk, and thought. "This is most interesting," he said out loud. "Most interesting, indeed."

IVY IN PARIS

Ivy was pacing back and forth in Sheridan's Paris apartment. She jumped at the slightest noise. Every few minutes, she looked at her watch, wondering what was taking Sam so long to call. Finally the telephone rang. The sound nearly caused her to jump out of her skin. She ran to the phone, ready to pick it up, when she remembered sam tell her not to answer the phone. She stopped, waiting for Marie, her housekeeper to answer. Marie picked up the phone. "Hello? she said. "Ah, Monsieur Bennett... Sheridan?... Oui..." She handed the phone to Mrs. Crane, who quickly took it giving Marie a small smile. "Sam, what is happening. I've been going crazy with worry," Ivy said frantically. "Everything is fine for the moment, Ivy," Sam said. "I saw Sheridan, and she's been released from the hospital. She and Luis finally managed to get to sleep. It wasn't Julian and Alistair, after all." "Thank God, for that!" Ivy exclaimed with relief. "Who was it, Sam?" she then asked. "It appears, they were drug dealer friends of Sheridan's last boyfriend in Paris, Jean-Luc," Sam told her. "She remembered meeting one of them once. These guys are playing for keeps, Ivy. They have recently set up in Boston. They must have seen Sheridan, and decided she may be able to recognize them. They needed to dispose of her." "Do they know she's still alive?" Ivy asked with concern. "Won't they try to come after her again?" "It's a good possibility, Ivy," Sam said with regret. "The police have a man stationed at her door, as well as other officers scattered throughout the hotel. We are all going to meet later tonight and decide what the best way to handle this situation will be." "I suggest, you leave Paris as you originally planned. Go to New York, and call me when you get there. I'll let you know what's new here, when you get to New York," Sam finished. "O.K. Sam," Ivy agreed. "I'll leave first thing in the morning, and will be in New York, by tomorrow afternoon." "Ivy," Sam said with concern, "Just be careful, will you? Just because it wasn't Alistair and Julian this time, doesn't mean they won't find out." "I will, Sam," Ivy said, and hung up the phone. Ivy stood by the phone, holding the locket around her neck, thinking about the man she loved. "Maybe I'll go to Boston, instead of New York," she said with a sly smile. She then laughed lightly to herself, and prepared to leave the next day.

SHERIDAN AND LUIS' SUITE

Sheridan was the first to stir. She woke up, unsure of her surroundings at first, then felt an arm around her and remembered. She smiled as she looked at Luis sleeping. How wonderfully she had slept in Luis' arms, she thought. If only we could stay like this forever she dreamed. Sheridan quietly climbed out of bed, being careful, not to disturb Luis, and decided to shower. She noted the time, it was only 3:00, so she had loads of time before dinner. Maybe I can get some more cuddle time in with Luis, she thought, smiling to herself. She grabbed some fresh clothes and disappeared into the bathroom. Luis rolled over in bed. He woke suddenly and realized Sheridan wasn't there. "Sheridan," he called out, but received no response. He walked into the other room, still not finding her. "Maybe she's in the bathroom," he said to himself, so he walked back into the bedroom and knocked on the bathroom door. He heard the shower running, then it stopped. He knew she was in there, but knocked again, just to make sure everything was all right. "Luis?" he finally heard through the door. "Yeah, it's me," he said. "Just making sure, you're o.k." he said with relief. "I'm just fine," she said smiling, thinking about how sweet he was to check on her. "I'll be out in a minute." Luis acknowledged her and returned to the bed, and sat on the edge. He looked at the clock, and saw there was still plenty of time, before they had to meet Sam and Ethan for dinner. "Maybe I'll call the police station and see if there is anything new," Luis said. He picked up the phone and was about to dial, when Sheridan, returned from her shower. He placed the phone back in it's cradle deciding it could wait till later. Sheridan had quickly changed her mind, as to what her attire would be, when Luis had knocked on the door. She put on her silk knee length silk bathrobe, tying it in the middle. She opened the door. "When I knew you were awake, I couldn't wait to get a good morning kiss," she said with a grin, as she walked towards him. "Don't you mean good afternoon?" Luis teased, motioning to the clock. "Good afternoon, then," Sheridan laughed, as she gently placed her arms around Luis' shoulders and pushed him backwards on the bed. She then kissed him, slowly at first, then building in intensity. Sheridan now lay on top of Luis, one hand rifling his hair, the other massaging his chest. Luis let out a gentle moan, as Sheridan's hand explored his torso. She moved her kisses down his neck, gently, methodically. Luis was enjoying every second of this. "Is this what you Cranes are like when you first get up," he kidded breathlessly. "Because if it is, I misjudged you." Not all the Cranes," Sheridan said in a sultry voice between kisses. "Just this one, and only with a certain cop, she smiled. Do you remember when I told you that hearing your voice made my heart flutter?" Luis nodded, still breathing heavily. "Well I was wrong," she said, as she started kissing her way up toward his neck, kissing his face, nibbling his ear. Luis inhaled sharply as he felt her hot breath in his ear. "This is the effect it had on me this morning," Sheridan said with desire, as she sought out his mouth. She kissed his lips, gently, teasingly. Luis' body was on fire. He responded, kissing her furiously. He carefully lifted her up and rolled her over. He pulled back for a moment, gazing deeply into Sheridan's deep blue eyes. He smiled. She smiled back. Their eyes both filled with love, passion and desire. He returned kissing to kissing her. He kissed her face, her neck, working his way down her body. One hand softly caressing her face, the other untying her robe. He pulled the robe away from her body, causing Sheridan to moan lightly. He started caressing her newly exposed shoulder, moving his way down her body. Sheridan was quickly becoming lost into a different world, as was Luis when they were suddenly jarred back to reality, by the sound of the telephone. It was a loud, piercing ring. For a moment they both tried to ignore it, but the ringing continued, getting louder with each passing second. "I guess I'd better get that," Luis said gasping for breath. Sheridan barely nodded in response, watching as Luis picked up the receiver. "Hello," he gasped in vague annoyance. Sheridan continued to stroke his hair. "Luis? Is that you?" Sam asked, unsure of the voice. "What is it Sam?" Luis asked curtly. Sheridan had now started kissing the back of his neck, her arms wrapped around his chest. She was touching him in a way that caused him to sigh deeply. "Are you all right, buddy," Sam asked with concern. "You sound strange.' "Never been better, Sam," Luis uttered in a deep voice. Sheridan's touches were now causing his entire body to shiver. "I gotta go. I'll call you later." Luis barely hung the phone up when he quickly turned to face Sheridan. He kissed her fiercely. She responded just as passionately. They once again were exploring each other's bodies, enjoying their heightened senses, when the phone rang. Again they tried to ignore it, but were unable to. This time Sheridan answered the phone, totally out of breath. "Sheridan, it's Ethan," Ethan said. "What is it Ethan?" Sheridan asked, trying to catch her breath. Luis was now the one caressing her arms, her thigh, causing her body to shake. Instead of catching her breath, it was becoming more difficult to breathe. "Were you asleep?" he questioned. "I'm not now," she grunted. "Good," Ethan said. "I need to see you right now." "Now?" Sheridan asked in disbelief, as she felt Luis' touches getting to areas that were sure to drive her over the edge. "Right now, Sheridan," Ethan insisted, "It's urgent. I'll be right there." With that Ethan hung the phone up. "Luis, Ethan will be here any second," Sheridan said with frustration. It took a minute for the realization of what Sheridan said to hit him. "You're kidding, right?" Luis asked in desperate hope she really was joking. He knew by the look in her face, that she wasn't. "Well, I guess it's a cold shower for me," he groaned, as he slowly climbed out of bed and walked towards the bathroom. Sheridan watched as he left. She was totally frustrated.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 21:

This entire chapter is a conversation between Sheridan and Ethan, but it is important, in that it will set the way to allow our heroes to coexist in Harmony in the future! At least this fictional future!

After pouting for a few minutes, Sheridan finally climbed out of bed and got dressed. She threw on a comfortable pair of jeans and a light pink oxford shirt. She was just starting to do her hair when she heard a knock on the door. She shook her head and laughed slightly, "Ethan, sure doesn't waste much time," she said. She looked at herself in the mirror, her hair still soaking wet, threw her hands in the air and left to answer the door. "Hello, Ethan, she said with a faint smile as she let him into the suite. She motioned for him to take a seat, as she seated herself in a comfortable overstuffed chair. "Oh, good," Ethan said, "You are dressed. For a minute there, I thought I might be interrupting something." Sheridan fought back a laugh as she vividly remembered what she'd been doing when the phone rang. A small smile crept onto her face. She realized what she was doing and quickly changed the subject. "So, what was so important, that you had to see me immediately?" Sheridan asked merrily. Ethan's face lit up. "Sheridan," he said excitedly. "I think I have a plan to help you out with your problem." "Which problem, Ethan?" Sheridan asked with amusement. ‘I have so many problems these days', she thought. "Your problem involving Father and Grandfather trying to keep you and Luis apart," Ethan said with disgust. "I'll tell you Sheridan, I have never been more disappointed in my life. I always knew that Father wasn't always, shall we say, a pillar of truths, but I never would have believed, he's be this hurtful, this devious, especially with his own sister!" Ethan stood up. He was waving his hands in the air, trying to emphasize how repulsed he was at the lengths members of his family would go to. "I know that Father and Grandfather are firm believers in Cranes marrying people with the same background, but...to do this? It is totally reprehensible, Sheridan." Ethan was fuming. "What could, Luis have possible done to them, to cause them to go to such great lengths to keep the two of you apart?" Ethan asked, knowing pretty much what the answer would be. Sheridan sat in silence for a few minutes. She remembered all the talks she'd had with Julian and Alistair about how Luis was using her, remembered them telling her she needed to stay away from him, as he wasn't in the same social circles, remembered the bribe Luis was offered to go to Virginia for FBI training. A tear came to her eye as she remembered the worst of all. Hearing Luis say all those horrible things about her. Remembering the pain she felt when she believed it was Luis, then the joy she felt when she realized it had all been part of a cruel joke. She then started recollecting her time with Luis in New Mexico, and why they were there. The search for Martin Fitzgerald, finding him alive, the fake Martin, his death on New Years' Eve. All these memories came flooding back to her. There was one she couldn't shake. What connection did Julian have with the fake Martin? Why was Julian always nervous when the topic of Martin Fitzgerald came up? She didn't know the answers to these questions, but as she thought about it she was more sure than ever, it had something to do with Julian and her fathers determination to keep her away from Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald. "Ethan," Sheridan said, finally, deep in thought. "I have dated different men in the past. Granted, they all seemed to turn out to be losers, wanting me for my money or the Crane name. However, not once in all those relationships, did Father ever try to break us up. Maybe he knew they wouldn't last," she said, trying to make sense out of the situation. "I don't know. There must be something about Luis, they are afraid of," she said thoughtfully. "Well, he's never made it a secret that he hates our family," Ethan said. "He blames us for his Father's disappearance." "Yes, he does," Sheridan said sadly. "And I'm not so sure he's wrong." She lowered her head, staring at the floor. "Sheridan, I know where you're going with this, and you're wrong," Ethan said firmly. "Am I, Ethan?" Sheridan asked seriously. "It was a dream, Sheridan, that's all," Ethan assured her. "Father and Alistair have been telling you that for years!" Sheridan laughed wickedly. "You expect me to believe anything they say?" she asked incredulously. "After what they just did?" "You do have a point, Sheridan," Ethan admitted. "That's not what I was referring to anyway, Ethan," Sheridan continued. "I was alluding to Julian's presence in New Mexico, when Luis and I were looking for his father. If, as you say, it was all a dream, then what business would Julian have with the Martin impostor? Why would he want us to believe it was the real Martin? Why did the fake Martin have Julian's private phone number in his wallet?" Sheridan could feel the anger within her building. "I can't believe, I let Julian convince me, he was completely innocent in this matter." She laughed bitterly. "You know, he had the audacity to show me the contents of his safe, proving he had nothing to hide? This was after Luis and I discovered he installed a new laser alarm. I was a fool to ever believe him. He probably took those papers out of the safe the minute he saw Luis and me kissing in front of it." "Father caught Luis and you snooping around his safe?" Ethan asked in surprise. "Sheridan blushed slightly. "Yes. At the time we kissed only to cover our true motives." Sheridan went on to explain to Ethan exactly what had happened and why they were there. "Sheridan," Ethan said after a moment, "From everything you've just told me, this could be the real reason Father and Grandfather want to keep you away from Luis. To keep him away from the truth about his father. I was never truly convinced there was any truth to the whole story, but now I am beginning to believe it. I don't believe, however," Ethan stressed this point, "That you had anything to do with it. After what I have learned in the last few days about the kind of men Father and Grandfather are, I wouldn't at all be surprised to learn they had your memory altered when you were sent to Paris. Maybe you saw something so horrible, you were having a hard time dealing with it. They could have paid those doctors to make you believe you were responsible for what you saw, that way you wouldn't want to tell anyone." "Do you really think they would be capable of doing something that devious? Sheridan asked. It was Ethan's turn to laugh. "After what you know they have done, don't you?" Sheridan thought for a moment and said dryly, "I suppose they are capable of anything." "I think," Ethan said, "that my plan will work, if it's carefully constructed. The one subject that can never come up, though is Martin Fitzgerald." Ethan frowned as he said this. "So what is your plan?" Sheridan asked, trying hard to smile after their talk of all the unpleasantness. "What is Father and Grandfather's biggest fear?" Ethan asked with a twinkle in his eyes. Sheridan did laugh this time. "That's easy," she said. "Julian and Alistair's Crane's biggest fear is that someone will drag the family name through the mud," she said mockingly. Maintain the Crane Empire! Mustn't ruin the family name!! The dynasty must stay intact! " Sheridan had stood up and was now pacing the room flailing her arms as she mocked Julian and Alistair's notions of the most important things in life. "I can't believe I am related to either one of them," she screeched. Ethan smiled. He knew, now, his plan would work. "Exactly," he said. "What if, you were to threaten their Empire?" "Me? Threaten them?" Sheridan laughed. "Look what they just did when they thought my relationship with Luis would threaten them?" "This has nothing to do with you, or Luis," Ethan promised. His mouth then curled into a devilish smile. Sheridan grinned, when she saw the look on her nephew's face. "What?" she asked. "This has to do with Julian, and his indiscretions, " Ethan explained. "Indiscretions?" Sheridan asked in confusion. "Yes, Sheridan, indiscretions," Ethan said flatly. "It seems, that my father has not been exactly faithful to my mother. It seems that he has been having affairs for years." "Julian?" Sheridan asked in surprise. "Why do you look so surprised?" Ethan asked. "He's never hidden the fact that he thinks I should sew my wild oats, so long as I don't get caught." "You're right, Ethan," Sheridan agreed. "I shouldn't be surprised." "Anyway, What if you tell Father that you will go to the tabloids with pictures of his torrid love affairs?" Ethan continued. "Tell him you will ruin his reputation, his name. Let him know that Mother will be sure to divorce him, once this is public, thus causing more scandal." Sheridan's eyes lit up. "Unless he lets me lead my own life, and choose whatever man I want, including Luis!" Sheridan almost yelled, she was so happy. She ran over to Ethan and gave him a huge hug and kiss on the cheek. "Ethan you are a genius!" she said. "When did you get to be so devious?" "Unfortunately, I guess it's in the genes," he said. "But I am using my deviousness to help someone not hurt someone." "Where did you ever get pictures?" Sheridan asked with excited curiosity. Ethan grinned. "Well, there is one set of pictures, I'd never use. I don't have them, actually, but I know where they are. Those pictures would not only destroy my father, but someone else as well, and she doesn't deserve it. The other set," Ethan started laughing, "was pure luck! Actually, it's from a surveillance monitor that someone happened to tape," Ethan laughed uncontrollably. "Sheridan, you would die if you ever saw it!" Ethan said doubled over. "All right, Ethan," Sheridan said, "Out with it! I'm dying of curiosity." Ethan continued to laugh, finally letting it subside so he could tell Sheridan the story. "Here goes," Ethan said taking a deep breath and exhaling. "Mother told me recently, that she'd caught Father and our ex-maid, Suzanne at the ski lodge she went to recently. "They were having a rendezvous. Mother was very upfront with me, telling me, that Father had been having these little liaisons with different women for years. I was appalled that he could do something like that to my mother." Ethan paused for a minute shaking his head as he thought about his father's illicit affairs. "I decided to see for myself, how long, he'd been behaving in this manner," Ethan continued. I knew he'd taken the Crane Jet to the ski lodge, so I decided to talk to the pilot. At first he didn't want to reveal anything, but I made him believe, I knew everything. The pilot had a guilty look on his face, and I used it to gain more information. I never dreamed, I'd find out what I did." "What was that?" Sheridan asked, very interested in the story. "Our pilot, it seems," Ethan said emphasizing each word, "has a grudge against my father, and was using the surveillance camera as a video camera each time Father was on board. He was hoping to find something he could blackmail him with." Ethan now smiled. "The tape, which is now in my possession, shows my father and your brother having a ‘bullish' good time with Suzanne." Ethan almost fell off the chair with laughter. "Does it show Julian having sex with Suzanne?" Sheridan whispered, her eyes wide in disbelief. "How about kinky sex games, Sheridan?" Ethan said grinning. "How about Julian dressed up as a bull and Suzanne playing his little milkmaid? Do you think the tabloids would like to have a video of the mighty Julian Crane saying ‘MOOOOOOO'?" Ethan again began laughing uncontrollably. Sheridan just sat in her chair, her mouth practically on the floor, her eyes like saucers, as Luis finally entered the room, from his shower. "What's so funny?" Luis asked with a grin. "Did I miss something?" Sheridan, too was now laughing as she pictured Julian's face with the word ‘Moo' coming out of his mouth on the front page of the Harmony Gazette. Luis just stared at the two of them.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 22:

IVY IN PARIS

Ivy was seated in her seat, aboard a private jet she had hired, to return her to the States. After her talk with sam on the telephone earlier, she decided she needed to see him, tonight. It was only 9:00 in the morning when she talked to him, their time, so she had plenty of time to get to Boston before everyone retired for the evening. Best of all, there would be no grace and no Julian. What a wonderful thought! But Ethan would be there. She couldn't let Ethan know what she was up too. She knew the time would come that Ethan would have to know the truth, but this wasn't the right time. Soon, she thought. Very soon. "Mrs. Crane?", a voice said over an intercom, "We are ready to take off. "We should land at Logan airport at 8:30 pm, EST. Ivy smiled. "Won't Sam be surprised to see me," she said under her breath. "Thank you. I'm ready." Ivy strapped herself in for take off. I guess I should sleep during this flight. After all, I don't want jet lag when I see Sam, she thought to herself. She closed her eyes as the plane started down the runway. She was going over in her head, her plans to seduce Sam, once she had him alone.

SOMEWHERE IN BOSTON

"Pierre, she was released early this morning. Mon Dieu!" Roger said. "What are we going to do?" "We will go to her hotel and kill her tonight," Roger said, as he pulled out a gun from his waistband and checked the barrel. An evil smile came across Roger's face as he watched his accomplice check his weapon. "Tonight will see an end to the life of the beautiful Miss Sheridan Crane," Roger laughed wickedly.

THE HOTEL RESTAURANT

Luis, Sheridan, Ethan and Sam had just finished eating dinner. They were finishing dessert and coffee, while they waited for Detective O'Brien and Officer Fitzgerald to join them. Sheridan had told Luis about Ethan's plan to keep Julian and Alistair off their backs. While he didn't like the idea of using a videotape to blackmail someone, which is exactly what they were doing, he could see no other alternative. Even Luis was surprised, by Julian's eccentric sexual preferences. He knew that Julian Crane would never want that videotape released, so he agreed, that it might work, for awhile anyway. Luis had a hard time keeping his eyes off Sheridan, all through dinner. He couldn't believe how incredibly gorgeous she looked tonight. He always knew she was beautiful, but there was just something about the way she looked tonight that was keeping him very distracted. Sheridan was wearing a simple but elegant black dress, completely backless. It looked like it was made just for her, as it accentuated every voluptuous curve on her body. The dress fell several inches above her knees, which was fine with Luis. He was completely distracted each time he looked at her, his eyes roamed, up and down her figure. He noticed, how her shoes to were black strapped shoes, that wrapped up her legs to about mid calf. His eyes never stopped looking there, as they would continue following the curve of her legs upwards till he could see no more. He even noticed her fingernails and toenails matched, both a brilliant shade of red, he'd never seen before. Sheridan too, kept gazing over at Luis all through dinner. He was wearing a tight fitting pair of black pants, a dark gray shirt with an open collar and black jacket. His cologne was intoxicating. She kept visualizing herself unbuttoning his shirt and caressing his muscular torso. Both of them, tried to look at the other when the other wasn't looking. Occasionally they would catch each other's longing stare, causing them each to blush. These stares did not go unnoticed by Sam and Ethan, who just smiled, happy that they were finally free, if for only the moment to be with each other. "Everything was great, Sam said, looking at his watch. "Our company should be here anytime now." "Good," Luis said, anxiously. "I can't wait to hear what they've found out about our two french drug dealers." "I just hope, they can get them, before they get me," Sheridan said. "I still don't know why they want to kill me. I never pieced any of this together until after they poisoned me." "Sheridan, they didn't know that, though," Luis said quietly. "These men, play for keeps, and take no chances on anyone being around to identify them. You met one of them with Jean-Luc. You can identify him. Hearing this, didn't make Sheridan feel any better. In fact it made her feel worse. She cast her eyes down towards her hands and just watched as she nervously wrung her hands together. Luis saw her. He reached over and gently took her hands in his own. He gently caressed them, sending shock waves through Sheridan's entire body. "Hey," he said quietly, gently. "I'm not going to let anything happen to you. No one will hurt you, and that's a promise." Luis was staring directly into her sad blue eyes. He gave her an encouraging smile. She couldn't help but to smile back at him. "That's better," he said. Luis was still caressing Sheridan's hands and the two were lost in each others eyes. They didn't even notice Detective O'Brien and Officer Fitzgerald arrive. "Hello everyone," OBrien said. Luis and Sheridan finally let go of each others hands and the men all shook hands. Sheridan smiled and greeted them both, trying to keep a positive attitude. Finally O'Brien and Fitzgerald both sat down. Both were in plain clothes. "I have some news," O'Brien said, not wanting to waste time with small talk. The small group was hanging on his every word. "It seems, that Jean-Luc, and a girl named Mimi were both killed in a car explosion, last July. From the dates Miss Crane gave us, it appears it happened the same night, you decided to leave Paris. It was a bomb planted underneath the car outside his country home." Sheridan was in shock. She couldn't believe it. "I was supposed to be in that car, not Mimi," she said, still stunned. Luis reached over and took her hand. She held it tight. "You are right, Miss Crane," O'Brien continued. "You were the intended target, not this Mimi, girl. That's why, they tried to kill you last night. I'm also afraid, they will try it again, soon." Sheridan's face went pale. Luis instinctively moved to her side and wrapped his arms around her. "Remember what I said Sheridan," Luis told her, "I will not let anything happen to you." "What makes you think, they'll try it again, soon?" Sam asked with a look of concern. "We found out that there have been numerous calls to the local hospitals inquiring about Miss Crane's condition," Officer Fitzgerald spoke up. Unfortunately the hospital she was released from told the person on the phone that she'd been treated and released." "Don't worry, Miss Crane," Detective O'Brien said. "This place is crawling with undercover cops, DEA is also here as well as Interpol. It seems that these men, whose names are Pierre and Roger are very well known. They are big time kingpins in the drug world. Fortunately for us, they don't know we know this yet." "Do you have any idea where they are right now?" Ethan asked with grave concern. "As a matter of fact we do," Officer Fitzgerald said quietly. His eyes avoided those of Sheridan and Luis. "They are here in this hotel as we speak. They are planning on killing Miss Crane as soon as she goes back to her room," O'Brien said. He had an ominous look on his face. Luis held on to Sheridan tightly as he felt her go limp in his arms. He caressed her back, trying to soothe her. He wanted so much to take away her fear, but knew the only thing that could do that was the capture of Pierre and Roger. He was going to make sure that happened. "What can I do to help?" Luis asked Detective O'Brien. "You can count me in too," Sam said. "Good. This is what I think will happen," O'Brien said. He then laid out for them, all the information he had on how the drug dealers were planning on killing Sheridan and probably Luis as well. He told them his entire plan. The group listened intently. "Any questions?" O'Brien asked. "Good," he said before anyone had a chance to ask anything. "I will see you all later." With that O'Brien and Fitzgerald left the table and disappeared. The remaining four people at the table didn't speak for several minutes. Luis was still holding onto Sheridan with all his might, afraid to let her go. Sam and Ethan were thinking, about what would happen in a very short time, praying nothing would go wrong with their plan. "Sheridan it's going to be all right," Luis said. "I know I've told you that before, but I'll tell you again. These guys know what they are doing." "I know you are right Luis," Sheridan said quietly. It just makes me rather nervous. That's all." "I can understand that," Luis said with a smile. "I'm nervous too. Now if you promise to stay here with Sam and Ethan, I want to go ask O'Brien something. I'll be back in two minutes. O.K.?" "I'll be fine Luis," she smiled back. Luis stood up and disappeared from sight. "How much longer do we have to wait Sam"? Sheridan asked nervously. Sam looked at his watch. "About twenty minutes," he said. Sheridan picked up her glass of wine that was sitting on the table in front of her, and mindlessly took a sip. She was startled when a waiter bent down and whispered something in her ear. "If you ever want to see that boyfriend alive again, you will get up without drawing any attention to yourself and come with me," the man said in a thick French accent. "Tell your friends you have received a phone call from your father and must take it. Remember, draw no attention to yourself, or I will kill you right here, and then I will kill your boyfriend." Sheridan was beyond shock. She could feel the barrel of his gun digging into her ribs, He had it hidden from Sam and Ethan's view with his tray. The man pulled his head up. "It seems that my Father has found out I am here," she said coldly. "I have to go take this call from him." Sheridan stood up and walked away with the waiter.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 23:

"Did Sheridan seem like she was acting strangely to you,Ethan?" Sam asked. "Yes, she did," Ethan replied. "It's also not like Grandfather to contact people that way. He always makes his calls when he knows you are in private. It would have been more in character if he'd called her in her room." "I don't like this Ethan," Sam said. "I don't like it at all." His view of Sheridan was now obscured as what appeared to be a table of conventioneers was piling out of the dining room. "Damn," he said, "I can't see her anymore." "Maybe we should go check on her," Ethan suggested, "Just to make sure." "I like your suggestion Ethan," Sam said, worry obvious on his face. Sam and Ethan stood up, following in the direction Sheridan had gone. The french speaking waiter had a firm grip on Sheridan's arm with one hand, a gun nuzzled into her ribs with the other. He was guiding her towards the front lobby door. Sheridan was practically oblivious to everything. She had resigned herself to the fact that she would be killed, very soon. She closed her eyes, tears beginning to stream down her face. She had only one thought as she walked to her certain death. Luis, please remember I love you. Please try to be safe. I love you she thought. The crowd of conventioneers was becoming rowdy as they reached the hotel lobby. They were yelling and shouting, resembling a bunch of drunken men on Super bowl Sunday. Sheridan could hear all the screaming in the back of her mind, but she thought it was just as unreal as the rest of what was happening. Sheridan suddenly heard a familiar voice amidst the din of the crowd. "Sheridan, I thought I told you to stay with Ethan and Sam until I got back?" Luis said as he grabbed her by her free arm. Luis didn't just grab her, he hurled her away from the waiter. His sudden movement had taken the waiter by surprise, and he let go of sheridan. His gun now pointed directly at Luis. Suddenly there were gunshots. Luis jumped, looking down, clutching his chest. The man dressed as a waiter, fell to the ground. Sheridan looked around in horror, only to see the men she thought were the conventioneers, were all standing there with weapons drawn. The waiter was lying dead on the tile floor in front of Luis. It was Pierre! Sheridan recognized him from the bar the night before. Detective O'Brien made his way through the crowd, holding another man by the arm. The other man had his hands cuffed behind his back. It was the man from Jean-Luc's country home, known as Roger. Luis moved to Sheridan's side and wrapped his arms around her stunned body. Detective O'Brien walked towards Sheridan and Luis. Sam and Ethan, had just managed to fight their way through the crowd, also finding their way to where Luis and Sheridan stood. "I'm sorry, Miss Crane," O'Brien said. "We had to do it this way. We knew you would want to know what was going on, so we made up the story I told you earlier. It was much safer to let it happen like this. Luis was the only one that knew how it was going down. We needed his help since you two seem to be pretty tight." "It's over?" Sheridan asked in disbelief. "It's all over Sheridan," Luis told her soothingly. "I told you I wouldn't let anyone hurt you." Sheridan gave Luis a small smile as she digested this information. Sheridan was still shaking. "Could we go sit down for a few minutes?" she asked. "Of course we can," Luis said to her. Luis motioned to the lounge that was now all but empty. The four of them walked over to the lounge and sat down at a table. They could see the activity that was still going on in the lobby as they sat there. Ethan ordered a stiff round of drinks for them. He handed Sheridan her glass, and she thanked him. "There is a little bad news that goes along with this mess," Luis informed her. Sheridan started to laugh when she heard ‘bad news'. "What could that possible be?" she asked with great curiosity. She couldn't imagine what Luis was going to tell her. "We are not going to be able to keep this out of the newspapers very long," Luis told her. We can stall printing you name for a few days, but that's all. Your father and Julian will know you never went to Paris." Sheridan sat there for a minute with a blank expression on her face. Suddenly as if turned on by a switch, she fell into a fit of laughter. She laughed so hard, she cried. Finally she managed to control herself long enough to speak. "If that's the worst that will come out of this mess, I think I can handle it Luis," Sheridan said with amusement. "Remember that Ethan and I have a plan to deal with Alistair and Julian." "How could I forget that?" Luis said with a cynical grin. "I'm going to go see Detective O'Brien for a few minutes and then I'll be right back. O.K.?" Sheridan nodded with a smile and Luis left the group. "Well," Ethan said, "I am sure glad that's over. Just think Sheridan. You helped the local police, DEA and Interpol capture a drug kingpin. How many people can say that?" Sheridan laughed. I didn't do anything," she said quietly. "I was the intended victim, remember"? Luis is the real hero here. Luis and all the men here. I'd be dead now if it weren't for them." "I have a feeling this incident has just sealed Luis' fate," Sam said trying to keep a straight face. "What do you mean Sam?" Sheridan asked with concern. "What I mean is he's working for the Harmony P.D. right now. He's here in Boston to confer with the Boston P.D. about the increased drug traffic between here and Harmony. Thanks partly to Luis, the biggest drug bust of the century has just occurred. If that doesn't guarantee his promotion to detective, I don't know what will," Sam finished with a huge smile. Sheridan's face broke into a huge smile when she heard Sam say this. "Sam, that's great," she said. "It's what he's always wanted. It will mean so much so he can take better care of his family." "I know," Sam said with a grin. "the extra money will make the world of difference to him. He'll make a great detective, too. Speaking of which, I'm going to make a phone call to the Harmony Brass and let them know what's going on. Maybe I can speed the process up!" With that, Sam got up and walked away from the table. "Are you doing o.k. Sheridan," Ethan asked when they were alone. "I mean really o.k.?" "Ethan," Sheridan said with a large smile, "I'm better than o.k. Sure I was scared there for a while. More than scared, but it's over. Not only do I not have to keep looking over my shoulder waiting to see if someone is following me, but as soon as I get back to Harmony WE are going to set Alistair and Julian Crane straight. I'll be able to see Luis and not worry about what will happen next. Oh, I am just perfect." Sheridan never felt happier than she did at this minute. She looked around to find Luis, but didn't see him anywhere. She wanted to share her new found happiness with him. "Sheridan, I'm happy you're happy," Ethan said with a grin. "I must admit though, I'm being a little selfish about your happiness." "How are you being selfish Ethan?" Sheridan asked looking a little confused. "Now that you and Luis are back together, you won't be moving to Paris. That means I get to keep you in Harmony, which you know I wanted," Ethan smiled at her. "I'm glad to be staying too Ethan," Sheridan told him with a quiet giggle. Luis approached the table to find Ethan and Sheridan both giggling. "What's up?" Luis asked as he watched sheridan and Luis laughing. "I was just telling Sheridan how glad I am she is staying in Harmony," Ethan explained with a grin. "That makes two of us Ethan," Luis said as he flashed an alluring smile Sheridan's way. "Words can't begin to describe how that makes me feel," he continued as he stared directly into Sheridan's now sparkling blue eyes. He now remembered how he couldn't keep his eyes off her at dinner and began surveying her gorgeous body from top to bottom and back up again. When his eyes met Sheridan's again there was fire in them. The same fire he held in his own eyes. He suddenly felt hot. Very hot. Sheridan made a motion for Luis to sit down next to her. "Lets finish our drinks Luis," she said in a very soft voice, never taking her eyes off him. She too remembered what she was feeling during dinner. She watched him with pleasure as he sat down next to her. He was sitting close to her and she could once again smell his cologne. Sheridan was also feeling quite warm. She took a sip from her wine glass and then fanned herself. "Boy it's really getting warm in here," she said. "I guess I must have had too much to drink." "No, it's warm in here," Luis agreed giving her a sexy smile, his eyes sparkling. "i was just thinking it was getting rather cool in here," Ethan piped in, unaware of what was going on in front of him. Sheridan and Luis ignored him. They were too wrapped up in each other to pay any attention to Ethan. Luis took Sheridan's hands in his and gently caressed them. She smiled at him, unaware someone had approached the table. "Mother!" Ethan said in surprise an he rose and greeted his mother with a hug and kiss. "What are you doing here?" he asked. "I thought you were in Paris, and then headed for New York?" "I was," Ivy explained with a smile. "But I decided to come back. I wanted to see if there was some way I could help Sheridan." Sheridan and Luis smiled at Ivy, but Luis was still holding Sheridan's hands in his own. "Thank you Ivy," Sheridan said, but thanks to Luis it's all over." She smiled at Luis as she said this. "Come on Sheridan," Luis said embarrassed. "You know as well as I do I only played a small part in this whole thing. The real credit goes to the Boston PD, DEA and Interpol." "That's not what the top brass think back in Harmony," Sam said as he approached the table. Luis looked at Sam, not knowing what he meant. "They seem to think that Detective Lopez-Fitzgerald had a lot to do with catching the bad guys," Sam said with a huge grin on his face. Luis face lit up. He squeezed Sheridan's hands. "Do you mean what I think you mean Sam?" Luis asked. "Yes Detective," Sam said with a smirk. "I called the brass and told them what happened. They were so impressed, they gave me the authority to tell you myself. They also told me, you can take the rest of the week off, now that this case has been solved. With pay of course." "Congratulations Luis," Ethan said shaking his hand. "Yes congratulations, Detective," Ivy said. "You deserve it." she smiled at both he and Sheridan noticing how much in love they truly were. "Does this mean Detective, that you won't be on speed patrol anymore arresting defenseless women drivers?" Sheridan asked playfully, her eyes sparkling as she gazed lovingly into his. "No, it means I will be paying more attention to crazy women drivers, even if I have to keep a very close eye on them," Luis said in a very sexy voice as he gazed into her eyes. "I think this is cause for a celebration Luis," Sam said with a grin. "Sam," Luis asked, "Could we wait till tomorrow to celebrate? We've had so much excitement for one day, I think I just want to turn in early tonight." "Yeah me too," Sheridan quickly agreed. "I didn't get much sleep earlier and I'm still rather tired from all the events of the last two days." "No problem buddy," Sam said. "I understand completely. "Tell you what? I'll arrange for a big party Friday night in your honor. That will give you a few more days to spend here if you like, and that way all your family and friends can be there too." "Sounds great Sam," Luis agreed smiling. "Shall we meet for breakfast?" Luis asked. "Not to early though!!" Sam chuckled, having a good idea why Luis didn't want an early breakfast. "Sure Luis. Is 10:00 to early?" he asked. "Just right Sam," Luis said with a laugh. Luis knew Sam knew. Sheridan and Luis said goodnight to their group and disappeared into the elevator. "So, who wants to tell me exactly what happened here?" Ivy asked after Luis and Sheridan disappeared. "Sam will have to do that, Mother" Ethan informed her. "I need to call Gwen and let her know what's happened. I never called her last night and no one at the house knows where I am." "Certainly Ethan," Ivy smiled at him. Ethan left Sam and Ivy alone in the lounge. Sam trying not to let his nervousness show, explained everything that had happened in the last 24 hours. He actually was enjoying talking with Ivy, as she seemed very interested in listening to him, and made intelligent comments along the way. He almost forgot where he was in time. He kept having flashes in his mind of late night chats he and Ivy would have, then his mind would come to the present remembering Grace and the kids. He was being torn between his present love for Grace and he did love her and his past with Ivy. Ivy was his first true love. After he told Ivy everything there was to tell, he announced it was late and he was going to bed. "Would you walk me to my room before you retire, Sam," Ivy asked. "Of course Ivy" Sam said. ‘But I'm not coming in he said to himself. Sam walked Ivy to her suite and waited for her to open the door and step inside. When she did, Sam said goodnight and turned to walk away. Ivy grabbed Sam's arm and dragged him inside pulling him into a passionate kiss. He tried to resist, He tried hard to resist, but still he was there. Ivy closed the door with a free hand, Sam still in her arms.

SHERIDAN AND LUIS' SUITE

Sheridan and Luis walked silently back to their room, hand in hand. Every now and then, each would steal a glance at the other and smile. Once inside Sheridan threw her purse on the couch and plopped down next to it. She looked up at Luis and gave him a playful smile. "Well I see you haven't forgotten how to show a girl a good time, DETECTIVE. I can't decide if I had more fun last night or tonight?" Sheridan giggled while teasing Luis. "Well," Luis said in the same tone Sheridan just used, "last night is over and from where I stand, tonight hasn't yet begun." He flashed her a very sexy smile. "Did you have anything particular in mind, Detective?" Sheridan said seductively. Her eyes were sparkling and she couldn't resist calling him detective every time she spoke. She was so proud of him. Luis actually enjoyed hearing Sheridan call him detective. He was still getting used to the idea It made him feel great when she said it. "I might know of something we can do together that I think we'll both enjoy," Luis said, walking over to Sheridan. "What might that be Detective?" Sheridan asked as Luis sat down next to her on the couch. "I think I'll let you guess," Luis said teasingly. He gently kissed her neck, working his way down to her shoulder. Each kiss sent shivers through Sheridan's body. She closed her eyes, her head falling back as she enjoyed the touch of his lips on her skin. Sheridan sat up and looked at Luis. She had passion and desire in her eyes. She started to unbutton his shirt. She very slowly undid each button. Her fingers deliberately grazed his bare chest as she did this. She could feel Luis' warm breath on her face as his breathing became heavy. Once she had completely opened his shirt, she gently massaged his well defined torso. She looked him in the eyes, and said, "I'm going to shower and change into something much more comfortable. Why don't you change into something more comfortable too? I'll find you when I'm ready." Sheridan kissed him gently on the lips and ran her hands gently over his chest one more time before leaving. Luis saw a look in Sheridan's eyes he wasn't sure he'd seen before, but it really did something to him. Luis sat there for a minute, not quite sure what to make of her disappearance. He decided to do as she asked and went into his room and changed into a pair of pajama bottoms. Without turning down the bed, he laid on top of it with his hands behind his head. He wondered what she was up to. Sheridan took a quick shower, dried off, and ran into her bedroom. She was looking for a small package she hadn't unpacked. She smiled when she found it. She reread the note from Ivy and opened the box. Inside was a very lacy, very skimpy black teddy. She quickly put it on, laughing to herself, realizing there wasn't much to it. She had decided, however that the time was right. She then put her white silk robe on over it, hiding any evidence of what was underneath it. Sheridan took a quick breath and headed back to Luis' room. She quietly opened the door and found him lying on the bed with his eyes closed. ‘God he is gorgeous she said to herself. How did I get lucky enough to have the man of my dreams feel the same way about me.' It was almost as if Luis could read Sheridan's mind. He opened his eyes and found her gazing at him, admiring his body. He smiled as he saw her standing there. Sheridan smiled back. She very slowly opened the tie to her robe and slowly let it fall to the floor. Luis' jaw dropped as he saw Sheridan wearing the incredibly sexy teddy. His eyes kept roving from place to place. He couldn't take his eyes off of her. "Do you remember the package I didn't open, Detective?" Sheridan asked seductively. Luis was speechless. He nodded his head. "This was its contents," Sheridan smiled as she walked towards the bed. Sheridan very slowly climbed onto the bed, laying her scantily clothed body on top of Luis. She could feel his heart pounding. Her own heart felt like it was about to come right out of her chest. She gave Luis a deadly smile and he reached up pulling her head down, kissing her passionately. Sheridan responded with everything she had. It felt so good to be with Luis at this minute. Nothing else mattered. She wanted to enjoy every touch. Every kiss. Every caress. Luis had never felt like this in his life. Every time he thought things couldn't get better, Sheridan pulled another rabbit out of her hat and they did. This woman was the most incredible person he'd ever encountered. "Sheridan," Luis said breathlessly as he laid kisses all over her neck, shoulders, breasts. "Yes Luis?" she groaned, as his kisses were exciting her beyond belief. "Are you going to do this to me every night?" he asked panting in between kisses. "I sure hope so," she said gasping for air. She then ran her hand up Luis' leg, stopping at the waist band of his pajama bottoms. Luis was losing his sensed quickly. His kisses became more intense. His hands roaming freely, caressing massaging. Both of them were completely lost now. They continued exploring each other, exciting each other and satisfying each other well into the wee hours of the night. They finally fell asleep in each others arms, out of nothing but shear exhaustion.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 24:

SHERIDAN AND LUIS' SUITE

Luis stirred slightly as he felt the sun's warm rays through the window. He opened his eyes to see Sheridan peacefully sleeping in his arms. She had a small smile on her face. He couldn't help but smile. He suddenly felt a surge of heat go through his body as he remembered his wild night with Sheridan. ‘How could someone who was as beautiful and innocent as Sheridan, make him feel the way she did when they made love.' He gently kissed her on the forehead.

"Umm" Sheridan said as her smile widened and she opened her eyes. "Good morning gorgeous," Luis said cheerfully. "How did you sleep?"

"Wonderfully," she smiled at him. She raised her hand to his face and gently traced the outline of his face. She then moved her fingers to his lips, tracing them as well. Luis kissed her fingers as she did this. "Oh, what you do to me, Detective Lopez-Fitzgerald," Sheridan said as she felt tingly all over. "I just can't seem to get enough of you."

Luis laughed as he kissed her hand. "Believe me, I've noticed," he said. "Don't get me wrong," he noticed her smile fade slightly, "I have enjoyed it beyond my wildest expectations. In fact, I didn't know it was possible to feel this way. I thought the first time we made love was the most incredible experience of my life, but I was wrong. Last night was better. I can't even put into words the way I feel right now Sheridan. I can tell you this. I don't ever want to leave this bed." Luis laughed, then kissed her forehead. Sheridan was gazing at him with an adoring smile. "I know we have to get up sometime and go back to our lives, but I also know things will never be the same. The only thing I can think of is you. I plan on spending every possible minute with you Miss Crane. I hope you are aware of that? I too am consumed with you. I don't think I'll ever be able to get enough of you. But..." he said with a seductive smile. "I will sure enjoy trying."

Sheridan saw so much love in his eyes, she was at a loss for words. She felt her eyes tear up and she buried her head in his chest and pulled him tight against her. She finally looked up into his handsome face, noticing the twinkle in his eyes. "Luis, God I love you. I am so glad things are going to change when we go back. I want to be with you and only you. The first thing we are going to do is tell Hank he lost, o.k.? There is no way I want to play those games again. Once we take care of the Julian/Alistair problem, I want everyone to know how we feel about each other. I want to start fresh and be able to live my life the way I want it. There are only two things I want. First, and most importantly is YOU. I want you in my life more than I have ever wanted anything. Second, I want to move out of the cottage and set up my own apartment, away from the Cranes. I can't live in a family that would treat someone the way my father and brother have treated me. "Ethan was the only person that ever cared about me in my family my entire life. He's the only reason I ever came back here to visit, while I was living in Europe. I spent my entire life trying to please my father. Trying to make him love me. For what? To have him almost destroy our love for each other? What kind of a cruel thing is that to do to someone you claim you care about? I've always known, deep down he never really cared. I just needed to feel that someone loved me." Her voice was sad as it trailed off. "Anyway, that is all in the past. "As I said, I want to start a new life."

"You will always have me Sheridan. There is nothing that will change that now. You have stolen my heart, so I guess I'll have to lock you up and throw away the key," Luis laughed. You just need to promise me one thing?" "What's that?" Sheridan asked. "If you ever have a question, a problem, a complaint, a suspicion, you come talk to me? Please?" Luis implored? "I don't want us to keep anything from each other. I don't ever want to go through what we just went through again." "I'm so sorry about not telling you right away, Luis," Sheridan said. "It's just that damned pride of mine. When I thought you had really said those things, I didn't want you to think you'd hurt me. I never want to feel that way again Luis. Never!" "It's settled then?" Luis asked gently. "We will talk open and honestly about everything? We will let nothing eat away at us?" "I promise," Sheridan said with a smile. "Good," Luis said grinning back at her. "As long as we are going to tell each other everything," Sheridan said with a coy smile, "I guess I'll have to tell you what I'm thinking about right now." "O.K." Luis agreed softly. "What do you want to tell me?"

"All I can think about right now," Sheridan said with feigned seriousness, "is how much I want you. How much I want to make love to you." She started giggling as she was unable to fake being serious for long. She raised her head slightly and whispered seductively in his ear, "I love you Luis and I want you now!" She leaned back and gave him a sexy smile. She knew by the look on his face and the blush of his cheeks that she'd gotten to him. "Again?" he teased. "You are one tough lady to please! But, I guess a man's gotta do what a man's gotta do!" Luis then leaned in and kissed her passionately on the lips. She responded immediately, and the two were soon lost in their love for each other.

THE HOTEL DINING ROOM

Sam and Ethan were the first to arrive at breakfast. It was a few minutes before 10:00. They exchanged "Good Mornings" and started drinking their coffee, which was already at the table. Sam was visible nervous this morning.

"Are you all right this morning Chief?" Ethan wanted to know. "You seem upset about something? Has something happened?" Sam forced a nervous laugh. "No, nothing else has happened." To avoid any further inquisition, he said "I'm going to get a morning paper and see if there is any news in it about last night." "Good idea," Ethan agreed. Sam left the table and went to get the paper. Almost immediately after he left, Ivy showed up for breakfast.

"Good Morning, Mother" Ethan said as he stood and quickly kissed his mother on the cheek. "Good Morning Ethan," Ivy said lightheartedly. Ivy was practically glowing this morning. "You are in an unusually good mood this morning, Mother," Ethan observed. He was smiling watching her, her smile was contagious. "I can't remember the last time I saw you this happy." Ivy looked at her son and gave him a wry smile. "Maybe it's because Julian isn't here to spoil my day," she said. Ethan was distracted at the mention of Julian. "Oh, by the way Mother," Ethan said in a serious note. "There is something I need to tell you, that may concern you." "What is it Ethan?" she asked, still with a smile.

"I came up with an idea to keep Father and Grandfather from plotting against Sheridan and Luis." Ethan said. "I don't know how you will like it though." "Do tell," Ivy insisted. Ethan explained everything to his mother that he and Sheridan discussed the day before, including the videotape he had in his possession. Ivy listened intently.

Ivy sat quietly for a few moments. She needed to absorb everything she had just heard. Finally she spoke. "Ethan, I'm rather surprised that you would think of blackmailing Julian." Ivy always referred to his "father" as Julian because she knew better. "Although, I can't come up with any other solution. In order to get the better of those two scoundrels, you need to play the game the same way they do. Dirty." Her voice was filling with venom. "A threat like this is exactly what you need to make Alistair and Julian back off. There is no way, either of them would allow those pictures to go public. They'd rather have Sheridan marry Luis and you marry Theresa, for that matter, than have that video made public." Ivy now was laughing as she thought about Julian being caught on tape.

"Just make sure you protect that tape at all costs!! Make a few copies of it. Give Julian one of them, so he knows you are serious. " Ivy was now smiling devilishly. "Make a copy of it for me too, Ethan," she asked. "It will be good leverage." "Mother, I am surprised at you?" Ethan said. "Why?" she asked. "It isn't like you," Ethan returned. "After living with Julian Crane all these years, I guess some of his shortcomings have rubbed off on me," she said bitterly. "But, I plan to change that. Soon. Very soon." Ivy was now smiling looking to be far away. Sam returned to the table, reading the front page as he walked. He was so engrossed with what he was reading, he didn't see Ivy sitting at the table. "Good Morning, Sam" Ivy said in her usual fashion when talking to Sam. "Uh, Oh Good morning Ivy" Sam said nervously immediately looking back at the newspaper. "What is it Chief? Ethan asked. Sam dropped the paper on the table so both Ethan and Ivy could see what he was looking at.

The banner headline said: HARMONY COP HELPS LOCAL POLICE NAB INTERNATIONAL DRUG LORD

Underneath the banner was a picture of Luis holding Sheridan as they both looked down at a body covered with a sheet. There were plain clothed police scattered throughout the picture. Caption of the picture said: Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald, a police officer from Harmony helps local police capture two refuted drug lords. In the process, he saves the life of Sheridan Crane, daughter of Alistair Crane, the internationally known billionaire.

The story went on to explain the events of the last two days. It briefly explained Sheridan's involvement in it and how Luis happened to be in Harmony. Luckily, however, it didn't go into details of Sheridan's involvement with Luis. Nor did it mention anything about his past episodes of saving her life. It was a straight forward news story about the arrest of one suspect and death of another. What no one counted on was the picture of Sheridan and Luis being on the front page of the Boston globe.

"Oh my," Ivy exclaimed as she read the headlines and saw the picture. "Won't Alistair just love this." She began to laugh sardonically. "Where are they anyway?" Ethan asked as he looked at his watch, noting it was 10:15. "I'm going to call their room," he said. "They need to get back to Harmony as quickly as possible. They need to play their ace in the hole before Grandfather and ather try something else." Ethan left to make the call. Ivy and Sam were left at the table alone. Ivy gave Sam a very seductive smile.

"How did you sleep last night, Sam?" she asked. "Ivy, listen to me," Sam begged. "What happened last night can never happen again. Do you understand? I love my wife and I will not let anyone hurt her." "Are you going to sit there and tell me you didn't enjoy last night?" Ivy questioned. "You certainly were acting like the old Sam I knew. I haven't felt like this since the last time we made love, all those years ago. I know you felt it to, Sam."

"All right, I'll admit that I enjoyed last night, but it can never happen again," Sam whispered furiously. "I will not hurt Grace. She's the victim here." "We'll see Sam," Ivy said with a smile. "We'll see." Ethan returned from making his phone call. "Are they coming down?" Ivy asked when Ethan was seated. "Yes," he said. "Sheridan said they overslept. "She sounded weird on the phone, too," Ethan reported densely. "Like she'd just come back from running or something."

Ethan made a face like he was deep in thought, not having a clue as to what he just said. Ivy stifled a laugh. "No doubt Sheridan is just learning to appreciate all that her life has to offer." Though not laughing Ivy's voice was filled with a satisfied pleasure. "After all, she almost died twice in two days." "And saved by the same person both times," Sam added with a sly smile.

"I suppose you are right," Ethan agreed, still not sure of what to make of his Aunt's mood. Several minutes later Luis and Sheridan arrived at the table out of breath, They had dressed as quickly as the could and practically run the entire way to the dining room. "Sorry we're late," Sheridan apologized. "I guess we were both more tired than we thought. I mean, the last few days have certainly taken its toll on us." She laughed nervously.

"Sheridan's right," Luis said. "I can't remember the last time I slept that well. I mean, I haven't had much sleep in the last few days and I guess I caught up on it last night... Sleep I mean." Luis was speaking rapidly and was nervous as hell, though he didn't know why.

"So let's see that paper," he said quickly changing the subject. He picked up the newspaper and held it where both he and Sheridan could look at it together. Both of them started to grin as they read the headlines and looked at the picture. Sheridan smiled as she looked up at Ethan. "You are definitely right, Ethan. We do need to get back to Harmony. Today," Sheridan said. "As much as I'd like to stay here for the rest of the week, I need to settle this with Father and Julian as quickly as possible. I will no longer have them interfering in my life."

"I also have come to another decision, I think Ivy and Ethan need to know about," Sheridan said. She had a look in her eyes of strength, neither had ever seen before. "Once I deal with Father and Julian, I will be moving out of the cottage. If that means I am to be disinherited, then so be it. Although both of you have been wonderful to me, I cannot live in a family where my own father and brother would be so deceptive, so conniving as to hire an impostor to break up any relationship I may have had with Luis.

"Thanks to Ivy," Sheridan gave Ivy a very warm smile, "their plan not only backfired, but it brought Luis and I closer. So close in fact, we will not tolerate interference from anyone. That is why I need to use the tape against Julian and move out of the cottage." "Sheridan, where will you go?" Ethan asked with concern. "I'll stay in a hotel until I can find an apartment, and a job." Sheridan laughed nervously as she said this. this would be a major change in her life.

"Good for you, Sheridan," Ivy said beaming at her. "It's about time someone stood up to those bastards. If you need anything, anything at all, please don't hesitate to ask? I know it's going to be tough, if you lose your trust, but I have a feeling you are going to be just fine!" "Thank you Ivy," Sheridan smiled at her, then turning to Luis, smiled at him and squeezed his hand." "This is my plan for all of us to return to Harmony..."

To Be Continued...

Chapter 25:

HOTEL RESTAURANT

Sam, Ivy, Ethan, Luis and Sheridan ate breakfast while they discussed plans for their return to Harmony. It was decided that Ivy, Ethan and Sheridan would leave in the Crane Jet, with Sam and Luis taking them to the airport. Luis would return his rental car at Logan Airport's car rental place, then return to Harmony with Sam. Sheridan decided that she would face Julian alone. There was no need to let him know Ethan was involved. Luis was so mad at him, she was afraid he might do something stupid. She then planned on taking her car and meeting Luis at his house. She had no reason to go back to the cottage as she had emptied it out before she left for Paris. He was going to say nothing to his family, until Sheridan arrived.

Ivy was being great during this whole situation. She told Sheridan she would take care of Sheridan's hotel bill and have her things sent there from Paris. Sheridan declined the offer for her to pay the hotel bill, but accepted her offer to have her thing sent from Paris. Sam offered Sheridan a room at the Bed and Breakfast, until she found a place of her own. Luis encourage Sheridan to take it, knowing the close proximity of the Bennett's to his own house. Sheridan graciously accepted, telling Sam she would pay for her room, just as anyone else. Sam and Sheridan argued the point, finally coming to a compromise. If Sheridan retained her trust fund, she could pay, otherwise the room was on the house.

Luis also offered Sheridan a job at the Youth Center full time. He told her the pay wasn't great, but it would keep her going until she found something else. He knew her skills at fundraising and how great she was with the kids. He also didn't mind the idea of seeing her at work everyday.

Sheridan was practically in tears. She couldn't believe how much support everyone was giving her. If only she'd had a family that pulled together like this, instead of......

"Before we all leave to pack, I just wanted to thank all of you for your help." She looked at each and everyone of then, her face glowing with happiness. "I don't know what would have become of me had each of you not helped. Now I think we should be going before I start to cry.

Sheridan stood up with Luis right behind her. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. He gave her a big grin and she smiled back at him through misty eyes. "Remind me to thank you later," she said as they left the dining room. The rest of the group stood up as well, going to their rooms to pack for the trip home.

CRANE JET

Everyone was aboard the Crane Jet. Plans were being finalized. Sam had called grace and informed her Sheridan would be staying at the B&B, so her room would be waiting for her. Sam would get a key to Luis for Sheridan, since she would be going directly to the Lopez-Fitzgerald house after leaving the Crane Mansion. Almost no one stayed at the B&B during the winter. Mostly tourists use it in the summer, so Sheridan would have the place to herself.

Sam had also arranged for Ethan and Ivy's cars to be taken to the airport. They had been in the police station back lot for the last few days. All the paperwork had been filled out with the Boston P.D. in regards to Sheridan's poisoning and near kidnapping. All that was left were Good byes. Sheridan walked up to Sam and gave him a hug. "I can never thank you for all you've done for Luis and me. I will never forget how kind you have been. Grace is a very lucky woman." Sheridan smiled at Sam.

"Luis knows I would do anything for him Sheridan," Sam said. "I must tell you, I was a little apprehensive when he first started dating you. I know what members of your family are capable of, only too well." Sam's smile faded, but only for a moment. "I have to tell you, though, when I saw the two of you together, I knew you were meant for each other. I also believe that what you are doing is the right thing. No one should let their family stand in the way of their happiness. I understand it can be difficult, maybe even impossible to stand up for yourself. I'm just very glad you will be able to do that."

"Thanks Sam," Sheridan said with a warm smile. Sam said goodbye to Ethan and Ivy and told Luis he would meet him at the car. He then exited the jet, giving one last glance to Ivy, who had been staring at sam the whole time. He gave a slight grin out of the corner of his mouth as he left. Luis walked up to Sheridan and hugged her tightly. He pulled his head back and gazed deeply into her eyes. "You know, if all goes well, you may be at my house before I get there," Luis said with a grin. "I don't know about before, but it won't be long afterwards," she agreed with a smile.

"Are you nervous?" Luis asked gently. "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't," Sheridan admitted. "I'll be all right, Luis. Don't worry about that. Julian and Alistair have changed the course of my life for the last time. Besides, Ethan promised to show us the video of Julian during the flight. This way, I'll have all the ammunition I need." "O.K. then, I'll see you at my house in a few hours," Luis said with a smile. He gave Sheridan a gentle kiss, which turned into a passionate kiss lasting a few minutes.

Sheridan finally broke the kiss. "You need to stop this Detective, or I'll have to have you arrested for holding up this flight," Sheridan said playfully. Luis laughed, gave her a quick peck on the cheek and left. He waved goodbye to Ethan and Ivy as he left the plane. Sheridan strapped herself in and Ivy called the pilot and told him they were ready to leave.

Once they were in the air Ethan said, "Sheridan, I am very happy for you. Both of you. You guys look great together. I have never seen you so happy. Look at you? You are practically glowing," he said grinning at her. Sheridan was now blushing. "I am happy Ethan. "Happier than I've ever been," she said demurely. "So what do you say we watch that tape, so you know how to handle Father? " Ethan asked Sheridan. "I guess I have to know what I'm threatening him with, now don't I?" Sheridan said with a wry smile. "Mother, are you sure you want to see this?" Ethan asked, concerned, since it was her husband. Ivy laughed sardonically. "I'm the one that shot Julian after I caught him in bed with that little tart, remember? My only regret is I used blanks instead of real bullets. Let's see what kind of games he plays with the little slut!"

"If you say so!" Ethan said with slight surprise. He then placed the videocassette in the VCR and it started to play. Sheridan sat and watched, her mouth open the entire time. She occasionally let out a guttural laugh, as she watched in disbelief as her proper, snobbish brother engaging in sexual escapades she'd never believed possible with anyone, never mind a Crane. Ivy sat there with her jaw dropped as well watching her asinine husband making a total jackass of himself. Ethan sat there laughing the entire time.

"What do you think?" he asked when they'd seen the tape. "I think I should be asking for the entire Crane fortune, rather than just my freedom," Sheridan said jokingly. "Ethan. It will work. There is no way, Alistair Crane will ever let this tape be publicized. Please tell me you have the master copy well hidden?" Sheridan new he did, but needed to ask anyway. "You know I do," Ethan said with a smile. "I only wish my last name wasn't Crane," he said, the smile disappearing.

"To think, only a few days ago, I told Father I was proud of my family history. Proud to have the Crane name. Money and recognition are nice, but not if one has to follow in Father or Grandfather's steps. Sheridan you are the lucky one. Once you are married, you can change your name and never look back. I can't." Ivy looked at Ethan in total surprise. She thought he loved being a Crane. Loved the idea of a political career. ‘Hmmm. One of these days soon, my son. I believe you will get your wish....' She smiled broadly at Ethan.

SAM'S CAR

Luis and Sam drove in silence. Luis knew there was something bothering Sam. He wasn't himself. "Sam, is something wrong?" Luis asked with concern for his friend.

Sam was beside himself. He was totally guilt ridden for having slept with Ivy. He loved Grace, more than anything. He never intended to hurt her. She must never know what happened between himself and Ivy. Still, making love with Ivy had brought back all the feelings from his past. He had been so in love with her, it almost killed him when she left him for Julian Crane. Finding out that her marriage to Julian had been a total sham all these years didn't help. He never really stopped to think of how unhappy she might have been. ‘The Cranes are definitely evil people,' Sam thought to himself. "Poor Ivy, stuck in a loveless marriage for all these years with Julian. Forced to marry him by Alistair and her father. Still, I was the lucky one. I met Grace. She saved me after I lost Ivy. I never believed I would love again, but I did. My God, what have I done.'

"Sam. did you hear me?" Luis asked. "I said, are you all right?" "Huh?" Sam snapped out of his thoughts. "Yeah, fine Luis." Without realizing what he was saying, Sam continued. "Luis I am really happy that you and Sheridan got this whole mess straightened out. Be happy you found out now what really happened. Be grateful you didn't find out 20 years from now when you were both married to different people. Both had children, and Sheridan had been living an empty loveless life with some rich clown her family forced her to marry." Sam had a look of a man who was speaking from experience. Luis figured out a few days earlier, but till now, said nothing.

"You are talking about Ivy Crane, aren't you?" Luis asked it as a question, but it was really a statement. Sam looked at Luis in utter surprise. Then he laughed. "Figured it out, did you?" He said to Luis. "I'm a hot shot detective now, Sam," Luis said with a smirk. "You guys pay me to figure mysteries out." "Do you still love her?" Luis asked after a short silence. "I love my wife!" Sam said sharply.

"I understand that, Sam," Luis said quietly. "I asked if you still love Ivy?" Again there was silence, while Sam thought. "Truthfully, Luis?" Sam said, "I'm not sure. The only thing I know for sure, is that I am in love with Grace and I don't want to see her hurt. She is innocent in all of this." "I understand Sam," Luis said. "I'm sorry you've had to go through all of this. I really understand now why Ivy helped Sheridan and me out, at the possible cost of her own future. She was trying to make sure another couple didn't have to suffer the way she did, when she was forced to leave you for Julian."

"I've said it before and I'll say it again. Those Cranes, most of them that is," Luis said contemptuously, "Are evil people. They care nothing about who they hurt to get what they want. I only wonder how Sheridan and Ethan managed to turn out so different from the rest." Sam was starting to think again about Ethan. How different he was from his father, then immediately shook it off. He forced himself to think about something else. "Luis, do you mind if we use the Youth Center for your party on Friday?" Sam asked out of the blue. "It's the perfect location and big enough so people won't be tripping over each other."

Luis laughed. "Just so long as I don't have to clean up after it," Luis said with a grin." Sam laughed as well. "I think we'll make it a St. Patrick's Day celebration for Detective Lopez-Fitzgerald. What could be better. You're half Irish!" Sam said. Luis looked at his watch. "Sheridan should be at the Crane mansion by now," he said with a nervous sigh. "I hope everything goes as planned." "Im sure it will Luis," Sam said comforting his friend. "I'm sure everything will go just fine."

CRANE MANSION

Sheridan Crane walked boldly into Julian's study, finding him in his usual position sitting at his desk with a glass of brandy in his hand. He was talking on the telephone and didn't see her walk into the room. Ivy and Ethan remained in the foyer not wanting to be seen. They made sure they were in earshot, though, in case Sheridan needed some assistance. Sheridan was determined to do this on her own. She didn't want to involve anyone else if possible.

"Julian," Sheridan said sarcastically, "I'm so glad my departure from Harmony didn't cause you to change your routine. I'd hate to see you miss your afternoon brandy." "Sheridan, dear sister," Julian said with a little surprise. He knew she hadn't left the States, but didn't expect to see her back in Harmony so soon. "To what do I owe this pleasure? I thought you were in Paris?" "I bet you did," she said with contempt. Sheridan's eyes were like blocks of ice as she stared at her brother. "Actually, I never made it to Paris, Julian. Luckily, I found out what really happened before I left."

Julian knew Sheridan would be upset if she ever found out what he and Alistair had done, but he never expected this. "I haven't the faintest idea what you are referring to Sheridan, dear," Julian said with a nervous laugh. "Cut the bull, Julian," Sheridan spat out. "I know what you and father did. Just for your information, it didn't work. Not only didn't it work, it brought the two of us closer than we ever thought possible. We're in love Julian! And there is nothing you or Father can do to change that!" Sheridan was practically screaming at Julian. Her eyes were like piercing daggers, aimed at her brother.

Julian acted shocked. "This is unbelievable. It is an outrage that my sister would fall in love with a low life cop that was using her! Surely you didn't believe him when he told you it wasn't him?" Julian laughed wickedly, trying to hide his worry. "Why Sheridan, that's the oldest ploy in the book. And you fell for it. Tsk, Tsk, dear Sheridan," Julian said as he bowed his head in feigned sadness. "Shut up Julian. I don't ever want to hear you speak of Luis in that manner again. He is ten times the man you will ever be." Sheridan felt great telling her brother off like this. She seemed to gain more strength and courage with each word she uttered. "He doesn't spend his days trying to break up other peoples relationships by hiring impostors."

‘Oh, God, she knows', Julian thought as the smug look disappeared from his face. "Impostor?" he said with an anxious look. Whatever are you talking about?" Stop playing games, Julian," Sheridan roared. "The game is over. The only reason I came her today was to tell You and Father to stay the HELL out of my life. Luis and I love each other and want to be with each other. I finally found the one man that can love me for who I am, and I WILL NOT lose him again. Do you hear me?"

Julian was now laughing. "Oh, I hear you, dear sister," he said in the midst of his laughter. "But let me tell you something." Julian's laugh had now stopped and he was looking at Sheridan. His eyes cold and black. His face contorted in fear (of Alistair) and anger. "Alistair Crane wants you to stay away from Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald. No one disobeys Alistair Crane without dire consequences. If you pursue your LOVE," Julian said the word love like it was the bubonic plague, "affair with Luis, the impostor incident will look like a "G" rated movie. Do you understand me?"

Sheridan didn't flinch. She continued her staring of Julian for a moment, then her face softened, turning into a smile. "All right Julian," Sheridan said quietly still smiling. "I didn't want to do this but you leave me no other choice. If you or Father, does anything to hurt Luis or me in anyway, I will make this family the laughing stock of Harmony. The Crane name will be ridiculed for years to come."

"Excuse me?" Julian said in disbelief. "You heard me Julian," Sheridan said. She had a twinkle in her eyes and her mouth was turned up in a wry smile. "And just how do you plan to do this?" he asked in amusement. There was something about the look in Sheridan's eyes that left him with a sinking feeling, however. He took a huge gulp of his brandy. Ivy and Ethan were standing outside the study listening to everything. Both were wearing huge smiles. Ethan turned to Ivy and whispered, "Here it comes".

Sheridan reached into her purse and pulled out a video tape. She waved it in the air like she was waving a carrot in front of a horse. "The contents of this tape, is why you will leave me alone Julian," Sheridan smiled slyly. "Unless of course you want everyone in your beloved country club to see you dressed up as a bull. Mooooooo. Moooooo." Sheridan laughed wickedly. Julian went pale. Actually more like green. His head was buzzing. This wasn't real. It couldn't be. He felt like he was in a dream, Sheridan was a blur, cackling like a mad woman. Snap out of it Julian, it can't be real.

"I wonder how Father would feel to see exerts of his sons' kinky love life on the cover of every tabloid in the country. Just imagine what would happen to Crane Industry stock when the find out the man running it plays with a milk maid at night." Sheridan was enjoying watching Julian squirm. Really squirm. She'd never been able to get the best of him. Not for long anyway. This time she had. "Poor Ivy," Sheridan continued, "she'd be disgraced. She'd have no choice but to divorce you. The shame. And Ethan? What kind of a future would he have, with everyone knowing what kind of a man you really are?"

Julian was getting sicker and sicker by the moment. He knew she must have a tape, otherwise how could she possibly know. He must get that tape from her. "O.K. Julian," Here's the deal," Sheridan said with authority. "You and Father stay out of my life. No more tricks. No more schemes. You let Luis and me live our lives. For that, I will never show this tape to anyone else." She tossed the tape on Julian's desk. Julian grabbed it immediately, a slight look of relief coming to his face.

"Don't get too comfortable, Julian," Sheridan said with a grin. "I have a few copies stashed. They are well hidden with instructions to bring to the media if anything happens to Luis or myself." That's about it," she said with a smug look on her face. She turned and started to leave the study. "Oh, one more thing. I've moved out of the cottage. I will not live in a family where its members treat me the way you and Father have treated me. Tell him GOOD BYE for me will you?" Sheridan walked out of the study, leaving Julian in total chaos.

THE LOPEZ-FITZGERALD HOUSE

Luis had arrived home half an hour ago. He was pacing the kitchen as he waited for Sheridan. He had managed to avoid answering any of his mothers questions for the time being. She knew something was up, but figured Luis would tell her in his own good time. Luis grabbed a can of coke from the fridge and walked into the living room continuing the same pacing. He was so absorbed in his thoughts he never heard the knock on the back door. Pilar answered it, surprised to see Sheridan standing there.

"Sheridan, what a pleasant surprise," Pilar said. "I thought you moved back to Paris?" "I did intend to do that, Pilar. It's a long story and I promise I will tell you shortly, but I really need to see Luis for a moment," Sheridan said with a small smile. She was trying not to give anything away. Not yet. "Is he here?" "Yes Sheridan," Pilar answered. "Luis is here." Pilar walked into the living room and told Luis he had a visitor. Luis bolted into the kitchen and stopped dead when he saw Sheridan. Pilar followed him into the kitchen. Luis searched her face. He wanted to know what had happened. Suddenly he saw a huge grin appear on Sheridan's face and he knew. He started to laugh. Pilar watched, in disbelief.

Luis ran over to Sheridan and grabbed her lifting her off the ground. He swung her around a few times and Sheridan squealed with delight. Finally Sheridan was getting a bit dizzy. "O.K. Luis," she said. You can put me down now." Luis obeyed. He stopped swinging Sheridan and gently let her down. He then pulled her into a passionate kiss. A very passionate kiss. Pilar knew that somehow they had managed to overcome their differences. She was happy for them and sad at the same time. She also knew the Cranes.

Pilar finally needed some answers. "Don't you two need to breathe, sometime?" she said. Luis and Sheridan broke the kiss at the same time, laughing breathlessly. "Is one of you going to tell me what is going on here?" Pilar questioned. Luis escorted his mother to a chair and had her sit down. He and Sheridan sat down as well, telling her the entire story, from Sheridan hearing the Luis impostor, to her confrontation with Julian.

Pilar was speechless when they were finished. Finally she said, "Sheridan, you know I've always loved you as if you were one of my own. I didn't want Luis to get involved with you romantically, as I was afraid something terrible would happen, which it did." Pilar was now smiling. "But if this tape of yours is what you say it is, I know Alistair Crane will never chance it being leaked out. He cares too much about the Crane name. I am beginning to believe you may have a future together." "Thank you , Mama," Luis said kissing his mother on the cheek. "Because I want you to know that this will be your future daughter in law one day." Luis gave Sheridan a huge grin and a wink.

Sheridan looked up, pleasantly surprised hearing Luis say this. She blushed slightly. "Mama, I want you to know," Luis said, "That I love Sheridan with all of my heart. It means the world to me that you approve." "How could I not, Luis?" Pilar smiled. "Sheridan is a wonderful person. And I don't think I have ever seen two people who affect each other the way you two do. I think fate brought you together. Now I sound like Theresa !" Pilar laughed. Luis and Sheridan both laughed at the "F" word as well. "I'm going to walk Sheridan home now, Mama," Luis said.

"Isn't that a long walk to be taking so late at night?" Pilar asked. Luis and Sheridan looked at each other, realizing the forgot to tell Pilar the best part. Sheridan moved out of the cottage. "Why, Mama? Luis asked, "Grace's Bed and Breakfast is right across the street."

Pilar gave them a knowing smile, kissing them both on the cheek. "Luis?" Pilar called after her son, as he walked out the door. "Behave yourself ?" she asked. Luis let out a hearty laugh, as his cheeks turned crimson. He knew what his mother was talking about, but he couldn't lie to his mother. "It's too late for that, Mama," Luis said shyly as he wrapped his arms around Sheridan. Sheridan buried her head in Luis jacket to avoid looking at Pilar. She was mortified by this conversation.

Pilar made a sign of the cross and said a quick prayer. "Goodnight," she said closing the door. Once the door was closed she smiled slightly to herself. Luis and Sheridan took the short walk to the B&B. Sheridan knew it was close to Luis' house, but didn't realize it was less than a two minute walk. Luis took the key Sam had given him and opened the door. They walked in and found a note on the desk telling Sheridan room number 3 had been fixed for her. Grace also said in the note, that Sheridan was to feel free to use the kitchen anytime she wanted. Grace had left a casserole and an apple pie for them, knowing they'd be hungry after their long day. Sheridan couldn't believe how sweet Grace had been.

They climbed the stairs to room number 3, finding it to be a very spacious room, the only room in fact with it's own bathroom. It had a huge king-size 4 poster bed and beautiful antique mahogany furniture. There was a small living area with a comfortable couch and chair, and fresh flowers were in vases everywhere. It was the warmest feeling room, Sheridan had ever been in. "It's beautiful here," Sheridan exclaimed, quite pleased with her new surroundings. "It certainly is," Luis agreed. He wasn't referring to the room. He pulled Sheridan close to him, gazing lovingly into her eyes. "Welcome to your new life, Sheridan."

"I think I'm going to like it here Luis," Sheridan smiled at him. "I can't believe how close it is to your house," she smiled seductively as she thought about the close proximity of Luis' house. "I can't think of a better place to live." "I can think of one," Luis said in a sexy voice.

Sheridan felt a shiver go through her entire body as she heard the tone of his voice. Luis pulled her into a sweet kiss, which slowly intensified. Sheridan responded as she savored every kiss, every touch. She moaned lightly as Luis kissed her neck, causing her to feel his lingering kisses everywhere. "Oh, Luis," Sheridan moaned with delight, "This is what I call a great way to start a new life." She managed a smile before she found his lips and kissed him heatedly. The two of them, started undressing each other, as they made their way to the bed. Sheridan was in her new home now. She was with the man she loved, and her family would be leaving her alone. What could possibly be better than that?

THE END