Wind Beneath My Wings

Legal Disclaimer: All I have to say is, why would I write a fanfic if I owned them?
Recap: Luis and Sheridan clear up the ‘impostor issue’ with the help of Luis’s ex-fiancée Jordan Green, who is assigned by the FBI to protect Sheridan.
Summary: Sher’s nightmares of ‘that night’ affect the star-crossed lover as they struggle to be together.
Rating: R

Sequel to “A Love from the Past” WIND BENEATH MY WINGS

CHAPTER 1:

“I didn’t do it! I swear I didn’t do it!” Sheridan yelled as she ran from the living room in the Crane mansion. She kept on running but she never seemed to reach the main door. “I didn’t mean to kill him! I’m not a murderess!” “You meant to do it, Sheridan. You’re a wicked girl.” The voice of her father boomed throughout the mansion. “You are responsible for your actions. No one will ever love you. You will never be loved, Sheridan!” “No! Luis loves me!” Sheridan exclaimed, sobbing. “He won’t when her knows what you’ve done.”

“NO!!!” she yelled and opened her eyes. She peered around the darkened room and realized she was in her bed, at her cottage. It was a nightmare. Another nightmare. Timidly, she wrapped her arms around her stomach and realized she wasn’t wearing any clothes. Her eyes flew to the figure on the other side of the bed and she saw Luis, sleeping peacefully. The events of the night came back to her. She had spent the entire evening planning a special dinner for her and Luis. She had the cook make their favorite dishes and she set up a romantic candlelight dinner out on the patio. Luis had come there straight from work and was touched by her gesture. He had a surprise of his own. He had just been promoted to detective that day.

In celebration, they had had the most wonderful dinner and for the first time, they had made love. It had been hard for both of them to control their desire but Sheridan had wanted it to be special and Luis respected her wishes. She loved him so much for understanding. For always understanding. But tonight she felt ready. And it had been well worth the wait. She had never experienced anything like that before in her life. The passion and love in Luis’s eyes when she reached her peak were forever emblazoned in her mind.

She picked up Luis’s shirt from his uniform from the ground, which had been thrown there during their throes of passion. She couldn’t find her clothes and realized that they were probably lying outside the bedroom, where Luis had discarded them. She put the shirt on and walked over to Luis’s side of the bed and watched him sleep. She was grateful he didn’t wake up when she yelled. He smiled in his dream causing Sheridan to grin as well. The man was just too sexy for words. She touched his cheek softly. “Sheridan…” he murmured in his dream. Sheridan smiled sadly as she remembered her nightmare. Why was this happening to her? Just when she and Luis were heading for a safe, comforting, loving relationship – her past was coming back to haunt her. Luis and Ethan had often told her that Theresa believed in Fate and things that happened, usually happened for a reason. Well, Fate was a bitch. “I love you. Forever.”

“Oh Luis,” Sheridan whispered softly, tears welling in her eyes. “You won’t for long. I’m so sorry. Our time is up. We can never be, Luis. Never.” Suddenly Luis stirred in bed and slowly opened his eyes. “Hey there, beautiful.” he said giving her a sleepy smile. He sat up slowly and pulled her onto his lap. “Whatcha doing outta bed?” “I couldn’t sleep.” Sheridan replied breathlessly as he kissed her neck. “I was that good, huh?” he whispered smiling against her neck. She giggled softly as he swung her over and laid her down on the bed.

“Conceited now are we, detective?” Sheridan said as he gently stroked her stomach. He slowly began undoing the buttons on his shirt that she was wearing. “What you say we take this off?” he said sensuously as he kissed each part of her skin that was exposed. She closed her eyes and bit her lip, as she felt herself becoming completely aroused. “Hmmm,” she murmured relishing in the sensation his lips on her bare skin. “I love you so much, Sheridan,” he said as he kissed the sensitive spot between her neck and shoulder. “Nothing will ever change that.” Immediately her eyes flew open and she brought her hand to the back of his head as he continued kissing her. ‘What I might have done all those years ago will change it, Luis.’ she thought to herself.

He brought his mouth to hers for an earth-shattering kiss. She couldn’t resist. She returned the kiss knowing that it might be their first and last night together. Tonight, she was going to give into the lust and love she felt for this man. Tonight, she was going to be selfish. Tonight, for the last time, she was going to let her heart control her head. And as for tomorrow – well, tomorrow her world was going to tilt right off its axis.

To Be Continued…

Chapter 2:

Luis woke up and found Sheridan gone again. He glanced at the clock on her side table. It was seven. Since when did Sheridan wake up so early? He rubbed the sleep out of his eyes, pulled on his boxers and went outside looking for Sheridan. He heard a noise from the kitchen and he saw her staring off into space, a coffee cup near her lips. He tiptoed to her and wrapped his arms around her. “You have this real bad habit of leaving me in bed alone.” he said as he nuzzled her neck. “Come back to bed and let me hold you.”

“Luis, don’t you have to go to work?” she asked obviously not distracted by his seduction. She retracted from his embrace and walked over to the sink leaving him bewildered. Did she regret what happened, last night? She couldn’t have. Something else was wrong. He could sense it. “You mind telling me what’s wrong?” “Nothing is wrong, Luis.” Sheridan snapped. “Just go to work.” “Sheridan, talk to me. Don’t put those walls up again,” he said trying not to be hurt by her harsh tone. He walked up to her and turned her to him. She dropped her eyes refusing to meet his gaze. “Dammit Sheridan, look at me!” She looked up at him and he saw the defensiveness in her eyes.

“Luis, please just go.” she repeated. He didn’t know what to do. How could he get her to tell him what was wrong? He saw that her jaw was set in determination and he knew he wasn’t going to get anything out of her. Defeated, he let go of her and quietly left the kitchen. He went to her bedroom and quickly dressed and walked to the living room. She was sitting on the couch, staring off in space again. He stopped to look at her and she looked up at him, her eyes regretful “Luis…” “Not now, Sheridan. I’m late for work.” he answered coldly putting a hand in the air to stop her from saying anything.

“Please Luis we have to-” she started to say but he walked to the main door and interrupted. “I said I have to go.” he replied and left without looking back. He went home showered, dressed and went to work, trying not to get frustrated. He got to the police station and slammed a hand on his desk. A few other officers looked up at him but didn’t say anything because they knew how he could get when he was angry. “Hey there, buddy. Bad day already?” Sam asked as he put a hand on his back. “You can say that.” “Women?” Sam asked raising an eyebrow. “More like one woman, in particular.” “Sheridan Crane.” Sam stated putting his hands in the pockets of his uniform. “Hmmm,” “Man, you are whipped.” “That isn’t helping Sam.” Luis stated as he ran a hand over his face.

“Maybe this will.” Sam said as he pulled Luis to the interrogation room. A woman, with brown hair and her back to them, was standing there in a black power suit. She looked familiar but without seeing her face he couldn’t tell. “Who’s she?” Luis asked, in no mood to play Twenty Questions. “Luis Lopez Fitzgerald, you wound me!” the woman said turning around with a smile on her face. He immediately smiled and opened his arms. “Green!” he said as she embraced him. “Am I glad to see you!” “So am I, chocolate eyes.” Jordan replied over his shoulder. Sam left saying he would be outside if they needed him. “Surprised to see me?” “Yes, but it’s a good surprise. Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Then it would’ve wrecked the surprise, silly.” she replied with a grin. “You here on business or is this a social call?” he asked as he leaned against the table still holding her hands. “A little bit of both.” she replied. He immediately got serious. “Don’t tell me the drug cartel has some other jerks on the loose.” “No, they don’t. It’s just some FBI stuff.” she replied with a bright smile. “So I hear someone got promoted to detective. Congratulations! I’m so very proud.” “Thanks.” he replied halfheartedly as he remembered the look of happiness and pride that had shone in Sheridan’s eyes when he had told her about it. “Please don’t get over enthusiastic!” she teased. “Sheridan’s acting strange.” he blurted out. Jordan raised an eyebrow. “What happened?” “I wish I knew.” “Come on, I’ll see if I can get you a break, detective.”

To Be Continued…

Chapter 3:

“I don’t know what happened.” Luis said, who was sitting across from Jordan at a table in the Book Café, “She was just so cold. I have no clue what I did wrong.” “Well did you ask her?” “Of course. But she just closed off. Those damn walls came up again.” he answered frustrated. Jordan was surprised that the two of them were having problems and it had only been a month since they were officially a couple. “Last night everything was great. She was all smiles and so happy about my being a detective. She keeps doing this, Jo. I can’t understand her. I’ve tried so hard, but I don’t know what to do when she gets like this. Last night she was so great and this morning she treated me like a disease. She gets to me like no other woman can.”

“That’s why you love her so much.” “Yeah. Last night I thought she loved me back.” “What did you do last night?” Jordan asked taking a sip of her coffee. Luis grinned and she choked a bit on her coffee. “Okay too much information.” “C’mon Jo, you should know.” he answered with a cocky grin. “Don’t do that!” Jordan replied blushing. “That was a long time ago.” “Okay. I was just joking.” he said, his laughter dying down. “Did you use protection?” Jordan asked skeptically. Luis thought about it for a second and his eyes widened. “Maybe that’s what’s worrying her.” “She’s probably on the pill.” Luis said with a wave of his hand. Jordan just shrugged. “I’ll talk to her.” Just then the door opened and Theresa and Ethan walked in. Jordan’s mouthed dropped open as she watched Ethan lean down and kiss her. “What the hell?”

“Oh, don’t you know? Crane’s in love with my kid sister.” Luis said spitefully. “And he’s still alive?” Jordan asked turning back to Luis. He smiled at her witheringly. She shook her head in astonishment. “I can’t say anything. I’m dating a Crane, too.” “So very true.” Jordan said with a smirk. “Let her be happy, chocolates eyes.” “Ironic, isn’t it? Theresa and I are both dating members of a family that had something to do with Papa’s disappearance.” “You can’t prove that, Luis. You don’t know what really happened to Martin.” “I know the Cranes had something to do with it.” he replied vehemently. Jordan closed her eyes at the harshness of his tone.

“What if they did? What are you going to do? Sheridan and Ethan are now a big part of your families lives and they’re Cranes.” Jordan asked slowly. “They were both children when it happened. They couldn’t have possibly known anything, let alone have been part of it.” Luis said. Just then, Ethan spotted them and made their way over. “Jordan! I didn’t know you were in town!” Theresa exclaimed as they hugged. “Oh I got here this morning. It’s good to see you Theresa.” Jordan said over her shoulder and then turned to Ethan. “Hey, Ethan.”

“Hello, Jordan. Does my aunt know you’re here? She’ll be thrilled.” “No. Don’t tell her if you see her. I want to surprise her.” “Did you speak with Sheridan this morning?” Luis asked Ethan. “No. Should I have?” Ethan asked skeptically. When Luis shook his head, Theresa and Ethan left saying they’ll see them later. “Golden Boy is just as bad as his father. You should see the way he throws his weight around with Sam and me.” Luis stated as he disdainfully watched Ethan and Theresa cuddle on the over-stuffed couch in the middle of the café. “She’s happy, Luis. He makes her happy.”

“I know. I’m kinda glad though that Theresa had the courage to go against the Cranes. Mama’s worried about her but she’s a strong girl. I’m so proud of her.” Luis said his eyes softening. “Now that’s the Luis I know and love.” Jordan said with a smile. “Did you and Sheridan confront Julian on his involvement with the impostor?” “Right now Alistair and Julian are trying to get the Hotchkiss-Crane reunion back on track. They aren’t worried about my involvement with Sheridan, as for now.” “What about when they do start to worry?” “Nothing is going to stop me from being with Sheridan.” Luis declared coolly with a shrug. “Not Alistair, not Julian. No one.”

To Be Continued…

Chapter 4:

Sheridan sighed for the thousandth time that day as she entered the Book Café. She spent half of her morning crying and the other half hating herself. She had been so upset about what had happened between Luis and her she had locked the door to her cottage and had even told Pilar to go away when she had come with breakfast. Pilar insisted from outside that she open the door but she remained adamant. When she finally realized that it was Luis’s mother and the woman she considered to be her second mother, Pilar had already left.

Cursing herself she took off her jacket and scanned the café. Instantly she spotted Luis sitting at a table nearby in deep conversation with a brunette. Self pity turned into anger when she realized the brunette’s hand was on Luis’s forearm. How dare he! She was crying her eyes out over their unpleasant morning and he was flirting with another woman! She was about to march up to him and give him a piece of her mind when a deep voice from behind stopped her. “Looks like they’ve known each other for years.” the masculine voice said. She turned around to meet a pair of deep blue eyes. “Excuse me, have we met before?” Sheridan asked politely.

“No we haven’t. But I know a lot about you.” the man replied. Sheridan took a second to take him in. He was tall and well built, his brown hair swooped across his forehead and his clean-cut good looks were a refreshing change from the ruggedly handsome features of Luis. He smiled and she blushed when she realized she was staring. “Hi, I’m Robert Tucker.” He extended his hand and Sheridan shook it. “Nice to meet you, I’m Sheri-” “Sheridan Crane.” he interrupted casually “I know.” “Not a lot of people come up to me and introduce themselves like you did, you’re from out of town I suppose, Mr. Tucker?” she asked with a smile of her own.

“Robert, please.” he answered politely. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Luis look up at her and she saw that jealousy was plainly written on his face. It was good that he was jealous. Now he knew how it felt. The woman sitting across from him turned around to see what he was looking at. Sheridan was never more relieved to see Jordan Green than she was at that moment. She wanted to kick herself for doubting Luis’ faithfulness. Jordan’s face lit up and she motioned her to come over. “Sheridan!” Jordan exclaimed as they hugged. Sheridan smiled brightly and hugged back.

“Jo! I’ve missed you so much.” “So have I,” Jordan replied “I see you have already met Robert.” “Oh, you know him?” Sheridan asked astonished. Robert chuckled. “Sheridan, Luis, I’d like you to meet my partner, Agent Robert Tucker. Robert, this is Luis Lopez Fitzgerald and of course you already met Sheridan Crane.” Jordan introduced as Luis and Robert shook hands. “So this is the Luis you always talk about, Jo.” Robert said with a smile “Just when I thought I couldn’t hear one more story about you, Jo came back to Washington with loads of new ones.”

“She’s talked up quite a storm about you too, Robert.” Sheridan said and they laughed. She then looked up at Luis and fell silent again. She needed to talk to him. But it was a conversation she was dreading. It was bad to have Luis angry with her, but his anger she could deal with. It was the hurt, betrayal and distrust he would feel when she told what had happened all those years ago that she wouldn’t be able to handle. “Hey, why don’t we all go out to dinner tonight?” Luis suggested. Jordan looked at Robert and he nodded. “Okay.” Jordan replied with a smile. “Seven, good for you?” “Yes it is.”

“I’ll tell you what. We’ll have dinner at the mansion.” Sheridan stated. “Ivy and Julian will be out tonight, so I can have the cook set dinner up there for the four of us.” Luis looked up at her. “Are you sure, Sheridan?” he asked quietly. She nodded silently. “Well, I really should be heading back to the station.” Luis said as he stood up. “I’ll see you tonight, then.” “I’ll come with you, detective.” Robert said “I need to get some work done and I think Chief Bennett can help me with it.” The two men left and Sheridan turned to Jordan, a bright smile on her face. “You never told me Robert was so good looking.” Sheridan said. “Robert? Tucker?” Jordan asked astonished. “God Jo!” Sheridan stated shocked “He’s your partner! Don’t tell me you don’t see it.” When Jordan remained confused, Sheridan shook her head disbelievingly. “You mean to tell me that you work side by side with a guy as handsome as Robert and you don’t have wicked thoughts about him? God, you need a life!”

“Hey,” Jordan said defensively “You are not allowed to think of other men like that! Does the name Luis Lopez Fitzgerald mean anything to you?” “It means the world to me.” Sheridan replied smiling “But I’m allowed to look.” “Speaking of Luis, he told me what happened.” Jordan said pensively, “I just thought I’d let you know, that I know and that I’m here to-” “Help.” Sheridan finished for her cursing Luis for saying anything to anyone. “Ever the sympathetic ear, huh, Jo?” “Just doing my job as a friend to Luis,” she replied coolly. “He doesn’t know what to think right now. He needed to talk.” “I know Jo.” Sheridan said placing a hand on her friends’ “I just want to talk to Luis first about what’s wrong. Then I’ll fill you in.” “Fair enough. Just to let you know, I thought that maybe you were worried that you guys didn’t use, uh, ahem, protection last night when you, uh…you know.” Jordan said coughing a bit. Sheridan turned crimson. Was it that easy for Luis to discuss his sex life with Jordan? She was his ex-fiancée after all.

“No we were um, protected. I’m on the pill.” Sheridan managed to get out. It was kind of weird because she knew that Jordan and Luis had had sex too. It was disturbing thinking of the two of them together but she knew it wasn’t fair. Luis loved her. She was sure of it…for now, at least.

To Be Continued…

Chapter 5:

Luis sighed as he fumbled with his tie. Damn Sheridan for making dinner at the Crane mansion tonight. She knew he hated being there, even if Julian and Ivy weren’t going to be there. “Need a hand?” Theresa said from the doorway of his bedroom. “Could ya?” Luis asked helplessly. He was so good with ties usually, but tonight his hands wouldn’t listen to his mind. She nodded and strode up to him. “So, we haven’t talked much lately.” she said as she worked on his tie. “Yeah well Crane keeps ya busy,” he said with a bitter tone. “Luis,” she admonished, “You’re not being fair. You haven’t given Ethan a chance. Please just try to get along with him. He’s my boyfriend and Sheridan’s nephew, you have to try for our sakes.”

“Jordan told me to be happy for you.” “She’s a smart woman.” “I want you to be happy, sis.” Luis stated clasping her hands in his. “I am happy. Ethan makes me the happiest woman in the world.” she said giddily. Her eyes shone bright and her cheeks turned red with contentment. “I know,” he said with a soft chuckle “I know the feeling.” “Sheridan makes you so happy. I’ve never seen you this happy.” Theresa said earnestly. He smiled as he thought about Sheridan. “Can you believe it? Two of the housekeepers’ children involved with the mighty Cranes? The media will have a field day when this comes out.” Luis stated as Theresa’s eyes narrowed. “What?”

“They already have had their field day. The Crane-Hotchkiss break up is all over the society pages. I think my name was mentioned as ‘the girl from the wrong side of the tracks, who has the Crane heir in a hypnotic spell.’ Yeah, they wish.” “Don’t let them get to you.” “Are you kidding? Even you and a shotgun can’t keep me and Ethan apart, let alone some sleazy journalist with a pen and piece of paper.” Theresa said with a mischievous twinkle. Luis hugged his sister tightly. “You hold on to what makes you happy.” “You too. Because we Lopez Fitzgerald’s deserve all the happiness in the world.” Theresa answered, hugging him back. “Hey! Is this a brother/sister hug or can anyone join?” Miguel said from the place in the doorway Theresa had vacated. Theresa and Luis smiled and opened their arms for their younger brother. “We really need to do this more often.”

“We could if you’d actually be here instead of at the Bennett’s.” Theresa teased. “Are you sure Charity won’t mind letting us borrow you for a hug?” “Watch it, Theresita!” Miguel snapped in mock annoyance. Luis laughed as he watched his younger siblings hit each other playfully on the arm. “We’re all happy.” Luis said reflectively, “We have to hold on to whatever is keeping us this way. It’s the only thing that matters.” “Ethan, Sheridan and Charity are important parts of our lives,” Miguel agreed “But I’m happy knowing that I have the world’s most loving family, too.” “Me too,” Theresa agreed with a smile. “All for one and one for all?” Luis said as he put his hand out. His siblings followed suite and grinned. “That was so corny, Luis.” Miguel said sighing in mock shame. Theresa picked up a pillow from Luis’s bed and Luis did too, as a wicked smile spread across their faces. Miguel put his hands up in self-defense as they bombarded him with blow after blow and all three of them were consumed in fits of laughter.

Jordan glanced over at Luis who was sitting behind the steering wheel as they along with Robert, drove to the Crane mansion in his police cruiser, later that evening. Jordan knew he was tense about talking to Sheridan and she wished she could tell him that she was protected last night when they had made love. But she promised Sheridan she’d let her talk to him, but what could it hurt just to let him know she wasn’t worried about getting pregnant? She glanced at Robert who was sitting in the back seat talking on his cell phone. The man was a total workaholic. “Hey chocolate eyes,” she said softly resting arm on the side of the armrest on the passenger door. He glanced up at her cocking his eyebrow. “She’s not worried about getting pregnant. I talked with her this morning.” “Really?” he asked shocked. Jordan nodded as she ran her fingers through her hair. “Then what else could it be?”

“I don’t know. She says she wants to tell you first.” Jordan answered. When she saw the unsatisfied look on his face she immediately regretted telling him. At least when he thought that she was worried about unsafe sex then it would’ve been a load off his mind. She could see the wheels turning behind his hazel eyes, the cop in him trying to put together the mystery of Sheridan Crane. “Luis, she’ll tell you tonight, but can you please try to relax until she does. Don’t go jumping to conclusions. Maybe what she wants to say isn’t even that important.” “Yeah maybe, but you know-”he trailed off when he saw Jordan raise an eyebrow in disapproval, he sighed dejectedly. “Okay, I’ll relax.” “Thank you.” she replied quite satisfied with herself. “You and Sheridan will get through anything. Your love is way too strong not to.” “I thought we weren’t talking about it.”

“I have to add my two cents.” Jordan said as she smiled. “You got that right.” Robert said from the back making his presence known. Jordan rolled her eyes and glared at him. “Shut up, Tucker.” she snapped. Luis chuckled and Robert launched into a full-fledged narrative of Jordan’s free advice and sarcastic barbs. Jordan zoned him out and turned to look out the window. The road passed by at forty-five miles per hour in the darkness, peppered with an occasional streetlight and then it curved upwards a bit to lead to the mansion that stood grandly at the top, looking over the peaceful little town. She caught a glimpse of the reddish brown bricks and the lofty white columns, which were illuminated with white floodlights and took in a deep breath.

She couldn’t get rid of the nagging feeling that something earth shattering was going to happen tonight. Albeit she had told Luis that everything was going to be fine she doubted it herself. Something in Sheridan’s eyes when they had talked earlier was mystifying the hell out of her. She knew what Sheridan had to tell Luis had the potential of destroying their relationship – maybe even their lives. As Luis drove through the wrought iron fence with the emblematic golden ‘C’ placed in the middle, Jordan sighed again, hoping for that the outcome of tonight wouldn’t be catastrophic and preparing for the long night ahead.

To Be Continued…

CHAPTER 6: Part A

The heels on Sheridan’s shoes clicked on the marble floor of the Crane mansion as she walked to the foyer to open the door. She sighed, ran a hand over her navy blue dress and then opened the door. “Hey, please come in.” she greeted her guests as they entered. Luis walked in and offered a small smile. She smiled back and gave him a slow kiss. “So this is the Crane mansion.” Robert said, putting his hands in his pockets. “Yes it is. I haven’t lived here much but my nephew, Ethan seems to adore it.” Sheridan said as the four of them made their way into the living room. “Only the best for the Cranes.” Jordan said as she eyed the antique upholstered sofa in the middle of the lavishly furnished room. Sheridan personally hated this room, for apparent reasons but smiled amiably.

“I prefer my cottage because it’s much more down to Earth, but Julian and Ivy are just fine about living here.” Sheridan explained as she poured everyone a glass of wine. “They would.” she heard Luis mumble and frowned. The man wouldn’t even try to get along with her family. She couldn’t blame him – after tonight he wouldn’t be able to stand her either. “So Robert, what do you think of Harmony?” Sheridan asked conversationally, as they sat down. “Well it’s quite a change from Washington. I could afford to live here for a couple of years.” “No you couldn’t.” Jordan scoffed “You’re such a workaholic, you’d die without working for the FBI.” “I would not.” Robert answered indignantly. “Believe me, you would.” “I’m not a workaholic.” “You are too.” “Remind you of someone?” Luis whispered in Sheridan’s ears while Jordan and Robert continued to squabble.

“Sure does.” Sheridan answered smiling. “He’s just as hot headed as you are.” “But that turns you on,” he teased, his warm breath tickling her neck. “It still does. “Doesn’t it?” “You better believe it.” Sheridan said as his mouth covered over hers for a tantalizing kiss. “Ahem,” somebody loudly cleared their throat. The four adults turned to see Pilar standing there, an awkward smile on her face. “Mama,” Luis said as he went over to kiss her on the cheek “I thought you were off. What are you doing here?” “I was mijo. But Mrs. Crane asked me to drop something off for her. I didn’t know you were going to be here tonight.” “Sheridan planned a dinner here.” “Hello Pilar.” Jordan greeted the older woman. “Jordan! Mija, I didn’t know you were in town. It’s good to see you.” Pilar said as she embraced her son’s closest friend.

“I got here this morning. Pilar, I’d like you to meet my partner, Robert Tucker. Robert, this is Luis’s talented and beautiful mother, Pilar Lopez Fitzgerald.” Jordan introduced as Pilar blushed. She exchanged pleasantries with Robert, bid everyone goodnight and left the mansion. Almost immediately, Marie, the cook, came to inform them that dinner was ready. “Shall we?” Sheridan said as she hooked her arm with Luis’s and Jordan and Robert followed suite. On the way to the dining room, Robert cracked a corny joked and Jordan and Luis erupted with laughter, at his lameness. Sheridan smiled and looked up at the love of her life. He was all smiles now, but she was powerless to stop the pain he would feel at the end of the night.

To Be Continued…

Chapter 6B:

Luis roughly undid his tie and threw it on Sheridan’s couch. Sheridan followed him, her whole body one entire nerve ending. “You tired?” she asked trying to stall the inevitable. “Kinda. I’m actually a little sore.” he answered and sat down on the couch. She smiled uneasily and filled herself a glass of water. “How ‘bout I give you a massage?” she asked as she joined him on the couch. “Mmm, that’s sounds nice.” he answered closing his eyes and leaning forward. She placed her hands on his shoulders and started slow circular motions to relieve the tension. “That feels nice.” “Luis, we have to talk.” she said softly. “What about?” “This morning.” she replied. He turned to her and looked into her eyes. “I want to explain why I acted the way I did.” “Go on.” he said softly. She sighed and brought a hand to her temple. “Sheridan whatever it is you can tell me. You know you can, right?”

“I don’t think this is something you’ll be very forgiving about.” Sheridan said under her breath. Unfortunately, Luis heard it. He took her hands in his and forced her to look at him. “I love you, Sheridan. I’ll forgive anything.” he said sweetly. “Luis, please don’t make promises you can’t keep.” Sheridan said tears already forming in her eyes. “This isn’t easy for me to say and you’re making it harder by being so sweet.” “I’m sorry. I just want you to believe that I will be there for you.” Luis said as Sheridan got off the couch. She paced in front of him letting the tears fall. “Luis, this is just so hard.” she cried. He stood up and held her in his arms to stop her from pacing. Gently, he stroked her back.

“Shh, it’s gonna be alright baby. I know it will. As long as we’re together everything will be alright.” he soothed her as she cried. “That’s the problem Luis,” Sheridan said after a moment. “We can’t be together. It’s over between us. It’s all over.” “What?” Luis asked as she pulled away. Pain flashed through his eyes and Sheridan broke out into fresh sobs “Why is it over?” “Because it has to be! I’m not strong enough for this. We’re not strong enough for this.” she said and completely pulled away from him. Confusion, shock and pain glazed over his features as he studied her face.

“I don’t get it Sheridan. Is it something I did?” he asked trying to remain clam. “No! Luis it’s nothing you did! It’s what I did! I’m the one at fault,” she sobbed. “Baby, you’re scaring me. Please just tell me what it is.” “We can’t be together, Luis. What I have to tell you is going to ruin our relationship and you will hate me for the rest of your life.” “Sheridan!” Luis exclaimed, “I will never ever hate you. I can’t hate you. I love you so much.” He walked up to her and pulled her into a rough kiss. He immediately softened the kiss however, when he heard her whimper. She pulled out of his embrace and walked away, pain tugging at her heart. “Luis, we can’t. You can’t do that.” Sheridan said as she brought her hand to her swollen lips. Luis sighed heavily in frustration and ran a hand through his hair. “Damn it Sheridan! Just tell me what’s going on!” Luis demanded.

“Remember the nightmares that I kept on having?” Sheridan asked timidly as she took a deep breath. “They weren’t nightmares. They’re real. They all took place in my past. And it’s killing me inside.” “What were they about Sheridan?” Luis asked his face contorted with concern. “They are about me as a young girl standing over a dead body.” Sheridan said slowly avoiding his gaze. If she looked at him she would see the hurt in his eyes and she was sure she would back out of continuing her story. “In these nightmares, can you see who it is?” Luis asked cautiously.

“No, the body is covered with a sheet. It isn’t a nightmare, Luis. It was real. As real as you and I standing here right now.” Sheridan said tears running down her face. “Sheridan, do you have any proof of it?” Luis asked going into cop mode. “Alistair and Julian and countless psychiatrist say that it was just a nightmare but I still believe it’s real. But if you’re asking for hardcore proof, I have none. Nothing but the horrific memory of a twelve year old girl.” Sheridan explained, hiccupping in between. Luis eyed her apprehensively and then strode up to her again.

“Sheridan, who do you think the murderer is?” Luis asked softly. “Luis, please, this is so hard.” Sheridan said as she again avoided his gaze. “Dammit Sheridan, if it’s Alistair or Julian or any other Crane then just tell me!” Luis said with an edge in his voice. Sheridan’s eyes widened in fear as she realized that Luis believed it was someone from her family. This way he would get his revenge on the Cranes. She could see the wheels turning in his head behind those brown eyes of his. “No!” Sheridan gasped loudly “It wasn’t Julian or Alistair! This isn’t something you can you use to get your revenge on the Cranes!”

“I never said I was using your painful memory to payback your family!” Luis protested “But if a crime is committed I have to report it. Sheridan just tell me who it was. Was it Julian? Or Alistair?” “Luis!” Sheridan yelled, scared and hurt at the same time “ It was me! I did it! I killed the person under the sheet! And I’m scared to death because I think that the person under the sheet was Martin Fitzgerald!”

To Be Continued…

Chapter 7:

Luis froze as the words tumbled out of her mouth. She stood there crying, apologizing, wringing her hands together in desperation and he froze. She looked at him with red, swollen puffy eyes, searching his face for some kind of reaction and he froze. “Luis,” she said tentatively. His name sounded foreign to him. “How do you know?” he asked finally his voice devoid of all emotion. “I-I don’t not for sure,” she started to say “I believed what the psychiatrist told me and tried to move on with my life alone at the boarding school. But when I came back here the memories started to haunt me again. Ivy told me that my nightmares started the day Martin disappeared. I put two and two together and whole heartedly believed that I killed your father.”

“What makes you so sure you did it?” His voice was still empty. “Last night I dreamt about it again. This time I saw the face. It was you father, Luis. I had seen him around the mansion a couple of times and Pilar had introduced me once. I couldn’t remember any of it at first except for blood on my hands, me standing over the dead body and a letter opener. But last night I saw the face.” Sheridan said a well of fresh tears streaming down her face. He watched as she buried her hands in her face and cried. He stood and watched.

What was he supposed to do? What was he supposed to say? The woman he loved just told him that she murdered his father and he was supposed to know what to say? He had spent his entire life trying to figure out what had happened to Martin. Wondering why a father he loved so much would just be able to leave. And now he knew. Martin didn’t leave. He was killed. Murdered. By the woman Luis loved more than life itself. And now Luis was supposed to know what to say? What to feel? He didn’t feel anything. He felt numb. Swollen. As if somebody had taken the life right out of him.

“You knew all this time?” he asked his voice deadpanned. “Yes,” she replied lifting her head out of her hands. “Who else knows about your nightmares?” “Ivy, Julian, Alistair, Ethan and Pilar.” “Mama knows?” he asked feeling a little shocked. Little, because after what he had just heard he wasn’t sure that anything in this world would shock him anymore. “Pilar is convinced it was a nightmare. I was only twelve.’ Sheridan said looking at him with her now sad, dull gray-blue eyes. “All those times,” Luis said finally bringing his arms over his chest. “You knew. And you didn’t tell me. Santa Fe. You came because you wanted to prove to yourself that you didn’t kill him. It wasn’t for Mama.”

“Luis, you have to believe me,” Sheridan said taking a step forward, her eyes pleading him to look at her. “I was there for Pilar, too. I was there for you, too.” “And the impostor’s funeral.” Luis said as if he hadn’t heard a word she had said, “You came to make certain it was the real Martin who died. You offered to help look for him to clear your own conscience.” “That was only part of it, Luis.” Sheridan begged “I was falling in love with you. I wanted you to move on with your life. I needed to help you. I was drawn to you. You have to believe me Luis; this is the hardest thing I have ever had to do.” “I don’t know what to believe anymore.” Luis said running a hand over his face. His face was expressionless. He couldn’t feel anything. No anger. No pain. No remorse. No regret. No hatred. And worst of all no forgiveness.

“I can understand if you hate me.” Sheridan said her bottom lip quivering “But I need you to know this. I wish with every fiber in my body that I could tell you anything different than what I told you tonight but I can’t. I love you, Luis.” He looked up at her and willed himself to feel something. Numbness. That’s what was left. He felt a numbness in his chest and a coldness enter his heart. She loved him. She killed his father. He loved his father. He didn’t know how he felt right now. “Please Luis,’ Sheridan said taking another step forward “Say something. Do something. Tell me you hate me! Scream! Yell! For god sakes’ slap me across the face but please don’t stand there and do nothing! I can’t take it. I can't take your silence!”

She placed her hands on his chest and broke into tears again, soon burying her face in his chest. He could feel her tears soaking his shirt and he made no effort to lift his hands and comfort her. She looked up at him, crying and begging him with her eyes to do something. He pushed away from her and she looked horrified. He looked at her face. The face that had haunted his dreams for the past year and half. The face he had loved even before he had seen it. The face of Sheridan Crane, the woman who murdered his father. They had no proof, the cop inside him reminded. But he didn’t know what to do. She had just confessed to killing his father. He couldn’t arrest her.

He backed away from her and she wrapped her arms around her body as if she could feel the coldness he was probably emitting. He took a few steps backwards and stepped up to the door. He the leaned the back of his head against the wall still looking at her with a numbness he couldn’t bear anymore. “Luis,” she whispered, “Say something.” “I can’t.” he replied deadpanned “I can’t even look at you.” Her eyes widened as if someone had just pulled her heart out and tears rushed down her cheeks effortlessly. He couldn’t see her cry anymore. He couldn’t be in the same room with her. He needed out.

He turned around ignoring her sobs and pulled open the door, the night breeze hitting his face. He couldn’t feel anything. He stepped outside and closed the door without looking back at her. “Luis!” he heard her cry out, sobbing as he made his way to his cruiser. He opened the door with his keys, his hands unbelievably steady and stared at her cottage. Putting the key into the ignition, he turned them slowly and pulled out of the driveway. Five minutes later he was already down the hill that the mansion stood upon and driving at a very high speed.

He had no idea where he was going but he knew he had to leave. He had to get away from everything. From the mansion, from the memories of his father and from her. But most of all he need to get away before anything happened. Before the emotions started to kick in. Before the pain, the anguish, the betrayal, the anger took over his heart. Because he knew once they did, they would never go away.

To Be Continued…

Chapter 8:

Beth Wallace firmly gripped the baseball bat in her hand and descended down the staircase from her apartment to the Book Café, below. Hoping that the stairs wouldn’t creak under her weight she cautiously pushed open the door that separated the Book Café from the stairway to her apartment. She knew Harmony was usually a safe place and she hoped that the sound of the door opening to the café was all in her imagination. She carefully walked past the counter and saw the familiar silhouette of Luis on the couch in the middle of the café. Furrowing her brows in confusion she stepped back to open the light.

The café lit up and Luis blinked a couple of times completely unfazed by the sudden brightness in the room. He was holding a beer bottle in his hand, playing with its cap. Wrapping her robe tightly around her body she walked up to her longtime friend and ex-boyfriend. He looked up at her blankly. “Luis?” she said concerned. “Are you okay? It’s one in the morning. What are you doing here?” “Hey Beth,” Luis greeted, his usually deep voice sounding sad. “What’s wrong?” she asked as she sat down beside him on the couch. “Everything.” he replied vaguely.

‘Sheridan,’ Beth mused to herself. ‘This has to be about Sheridan.’ “Want to talk about it?” she asked him, pulling her legs to her chest. “Not particularly.” he replied sullenly. “Hank’s coming. When I heard the door open down here I called him just in case some crazed lunatic was loose.” Beth explained. “Nope, just me.” Luis replied as he stared at his hands. “I didn’t know Hank was back in town. Actually I didn’t even know you were back in town.” “Hank and I both got here tonight. He stopped over in Boston from Washington and we decided to head back home together.” “Oh.” Luis said shortly. “How’d you get in anyway?” Beth said wondering when he was going to stop answering in monosyllables. “Sam has the key at the Station House.” “You stole it?” “I borrowed it.” Luis corrected. “I’m a cop.”

“Right, as if I could forget.” Beth joked. He remained unfazed. Something was definetly wrong. “Luis, are you sure you don’t want to talk about it?” “What good does talking do? After everything is said and done, the situation is still the same.” he answered cryptically. Before Beth could say anything there was a knocking on the door, accompanied by a voice. “Beth? Are you okay?” Hank Bennett asked from outside. “Is Luis in there with you? I see his cruiser.” Beth went to the door to open it and let Hank in. “Hey Hank,” Luis said sullenly, “Welcome home.”

“Sheridan,” Beth whispered when Hank looked puzzled “Something is wrong.” “Hey buddy,” Hank answered with care, nodding at Beth’s explanation. Beth knew that Luis and Hank’s friendship was still rocky from the whole drug cartel fiasco and was surprised that Luis didn’t show any hostility towards Hank. “You okay?” “Not so much, no.” Luis replied taking a swig of his beer. Hank and Beth approached him and eyed him reproachfully.

She hated it when he drank. “You know how sometimes you believe you know a person so well and then all of a sudden that person just changes in front of your eyes. So the question is, do we ever really get to know somebody? Can you really ever figure somebody out?” “Yeah buddy,” Hank replied, wincing at the bitterness in Luis’s voice. “We do get to know people. Life messes with ya sometimes but ya find you’re way back eventually and the people you love are still the same.” “Luis, what’s going on?” Beth asked, through with tiptoeing around the problem. “Is this about Sheridan?”

Luis’s head flew up at the mention of her name and a series of emotions crossed his handsome face – hurt, anger, despair and the most prominent – love. Beth knew exactly how he felt about her and that was one of the main reasons she had left for Boston. She needed to get away so she could get over him and move on with her life. The ‘white picket fence’ dream she had envisioned for them was nothing but a distant memory, for him, anyway. “What happened?” Hank asked putting his hands in his pockets. “She did it.” Luis answered, “She killed him.”

“Who?” Hank asked as Beth gasped and put a hand over her heart. “Who did Sheridan kill?” “Papa.” Luis replied quietly. “She killed Papa.” “What?” Beth exclaimed unbelievingly. Hank looked just as shocked and ran a hand over his face. He sat down on the armchair next to the couch and looked at Luis. “Buddy, what are you talking about? Sheridan was only twelve when Martin disappeared. She couldn’t have killed him.” “She confessed, Hank.” Luis answered, his voice strained. “Remember the nightmares she kept on having? And remember when she freaked out when she got red paint on her hands and again when she was locked in the magician’s box?” “Yeah,” Beth replied, “But that’s ‘cause she’s claustrophobic.”

“The reason she freaked out was because it all reminds her of that night. The night Papa disappeared. She couldn’t remember everything clearly until last night when it all came back to her. She remembered Martin being murdered that night.” Luis explained bitterly. “And she remembered that she killed him.” “How is she sure? I mean do you have proof?” Hank asked his face still bearing a shocked impression. “Maybe they’re just nightmares.”

“Ivy said that her so-called nightmares started right after Papa disappeared.” Luis answered. “ Alistair and Julian got shrinks to tell her that it was all in her imagination and that she was having nightmares. But she confessed. Being a cop I have to arrest her and knowing the Cranes, an investigation will follow and it will probably go to court.” “But she was only a little girl!” Beth protested. “She couldn’t have done it intentionally. Luis, you can’t arrest her.” “Buddy, are you sure you want to do this?” Hank asked seriously.

Luis stood up and gripped the beer bottle tighter, his face twisted in pain, regret and fury. He walked to the counter of the café and slammed his hand down hard rattling the glasses arranged on top. He let out a low, guttural moan. Beth looked at Hank worriedly and then approached Luis. Sighing she put a soothing hand on his back. He turned around and Beth saw tears in his eyes. Standing on her tiptoes, she reached up and pulled him into a hug. He immediately buried his face in her shoulder and for the second time in her entire life she listened as Luis cried in her arms.

To Be Continued…

Chapter 9:

“Sheridan!” Jordan yelled banging on the door of the cottage for the fourth time. She had been really worried about Sheridan and Luis and had called them but they hadn’t picked up. Fearing that something terrible had happened when Sheridan told Luis about whatever it was that she wanted to, Jordan had left the Bennett’s B&B and had driven back to the mansion in her rented car. “Sheridan! Luis! Open the damn door or I’ll shoot it open! I swear I will.”

Realizing that her words were falling on deaf ears, she pulled her gun out of her pocket and took a step back. She aimed it at the lock and shot twice, the sound of the bullets echoing into the silent night air. The door flew open and fell against the banister of the platform in Sheridan’s cottage. Quickly Jordan ran into the house and scanned the living room for signs of broken glass or anything else. Finding nothing she ran into Sheridan’s bedroom and gasped.

The bedroom was ransacked. The drapes were torn off the windows and thrown on the floor. Broken vases lay in the middle of the room and Sheridan’s mirror was shattered. The sheets had been pulled off of her bed and Sheridan lay in the middle, curled up into a ball, her hands over her ears, sobbing hysterically. “Sheridan!” Jordan exclaimed as she made her way to the bed. “Sheridan. What happened? Please tell me what happened.” “GO AWAY!” Sheridan yelled, looking up briefly at Jordan. Her whole face was crimson, tears and mascara smudged across her face. Jordan gasped and quickly joined Sheridan on the bed, embracing the grief-stricken woman.

“Sheridan, what happened? You have to tell me.” “I can’t, just leave me alone. Go away, please.” “Sheridan I can’t leave. Please, let me know what happened. I can help. I know I can help if you just tell me what happened.” Jordan coaxed. “Nobody can help!” Sheridan exclaimed vehemently, pulling away from her embrace and getting off the bed. “My whole life is destroyed and nobody can help me anymore. I’ve lost everything.” “Sheridan, please,” Jordan begged as she got off the bed and grabbed Sheridan by the shoulders, and turned her around. “Just tell me what happened.”

“I made him hate me!” Sheridan cried, “He hates me and everything that I have ever wanted is gone. I’m broken, Jo. Nobody can fix it. Nobody can help.” “Who hates you Sheridan? Luis?” Jordan asked taken aback. “Yes, Luis hates me. We’re through.” “Luis doesn’t hate you.” Jordan consoled putting a hand on Sheridan’s back. “There’s no place in his heart for anything except love for you. He can never ever hate you. Not in a million years. It’s just impossible.”

“Jo, I saw it in his eyes. There was nothing there. Everything he ever felt for me vanished when I told him what I did. I saw it, Jo. It’s all over.” “What in the world is going on here?” Ethan’s voice boomed throughout the room. The two women turned to see Ethan standing there a worried and shocked expression on his face. “Sheridan, oh my God! You’re crying! What happened?” “It’s over Ethan,” Sheridan sobbed in her nephew’s arms. “It’s all over.” “What’s over Sheridan?” Ethan asked his voice laced with concern. He looked up at Jordan when Sheridan didn’t respond.

“She thinks Luis hates her.” “What?” Ethan exclaimed and pulled her out of the embrace and looked at her in shock “Luis loves you. Why would he ever hate you?” “I told him.” Sheridan said quietly, sniffling as she fixed Ethan with a meaningful stare. Jordan furrowed her brow in confusion as understanding dawned in Ethan’s eyes. “Oh My God, no Sheridan! You didn’t tell him!” Ethan said miserably loosening his grip on her. “God!”

“What? What? What did she tell him?” Jordan asked crossing her arms over her chest. Jordan was beginning to get really worried about what was going on. She had a feeling something was terribly wrong with Luis and Sheridan’s relationship but she never figured that it was this bad. She never thought what Sheridan had to tell Luis would destroy them completely. “Jordan, I don’t think now is the right ti-” Ethan said but was cut off by Sheridan. “No, Ethan. It’s okay. I want her to know.” Sheridan replied. She sat down on the bed and sighed. “It’s about Martin Fitzgerald.”

“What about him?” Jordan asked trying to keep her voice steady. She hadn’t told Luis about it when she had come to Harmony but the reason she and Robert were in Harmony was because the FBI had a lead on Martin. “I killed him.” Sheridan said her voice deadpanned but her eyes grief stricken and filled with unquestionable pain. “What?!” Jordan exclaimed and clutched her chest. She never in a million years expected this. “Sheridan you were only twelve! You couldn’t have killed Martin!” “I did.” Sheridan answered gravely. “Sheridan it was just a nightmare.” Ethan said as he kneeled down on the floor beside her bed. Sheridan looked at Ethan and slowly shook her head.

“I refuse to believe that it was some nightmare. Oh god, it’d be so simple to believe it but I can’t. Not when the memory keeps haunting me. I saw him last night. I saw Martin’s face under the bloody sheet. I killed him.” Sheridan explained her voice numb. Jordan rubbed her temple trying to register all the ludicrous information. Then something struck her. “Sheridan, when I was guarding you, you had a nightmare one night.” Jordan said pacing in front of her bed. “Did you dream of the murder?” “Yes, I did.’ Sheridan answered nodding slightly. “You called out to Luis that night.” Jordan stated grimly. “That night I began suspecting that I killed him. For real. But Ethan convinced me it wasn’t true. But I think it is. I’m a murderess.”

“You are not a murderess, Sheridan.” Ethan exclaimed. “There’s no proof. Martin Fitzgerald’s case has been closed long ago. The FBI couldn’t find anything on his whereabouts and they believe that he ran out on his family. He wasn’t murdered.” “No!” Sheridan said, “I won’t believe it! I killed him. It’s the truth and now I have to face the consequences.” “Sheridan, the FBI found a lead on Martin’s case. That’s why I am in Harmony.” Jordan said softly sitting down on Sheridan’s bed. “With your confession and the possible lead we may have to open the case all over again.”

“What do you mean?” “Well if everything goes the way I hope it won’t then the State of Maine will probably press charges against you and your family for the murder of Martin Fitzgerald.” “My family? Why?” “Conspiring a murder, attempt to hide a murder and maybe even for the murder itself. You’re innocent until you’re proven guilty. Maybe someone else committed the crime. We’ll just have to investigate.” “Can you arrest me on my confession?” Sheridan asked fearfully.

“I don’t have a warrant and I have to see if this potential lead can help your case, but if this lead turns out to be a dead end then yes I will have to arrest you and you will be tried.” Jordan explained. “Do what you have to Jo,” Sheridan said sadly as Ethan gripped her hand tightly. “I don’t care anymore. I’ve already lost Luis. I have nothing to live for anymore.”

To Be Continued…

Chapter 10:

Sheridan woke up to the chirping of birds outside her window. Immediately the events of the night before bombarded her and she broke out into a fit of fresh sobs. The door to her bedroom flew open and Ethan was by her side in an instant. “Sheridan, shhh, it’ll be okay.” Ethan said as Sheridan snuggled into his chest soaking the material with tears. “Ethan, what have I done?” Sheridan choked. Ethan ran a hand over her back and pulled her closer. “You did what you had to do.” Ethan replied softly. “I pray to God that it didn’t happen. That everything that happened that night was all a lie, but it isn’t and we have to face the reality of the situation.” “You said we.” Sheridan sniffled and looked at him.

“I will never leave our side Sheridan. I love you so much and I will never ever believe that you killed anyone. Not until the day I die.” Ethan said looking at her affectionately. Sheridan tried to smile but her heart wouldn’t let her. “Thank you, Ethan. I love you, too.” Sheridan replied. She glanced down at her clothes and realized she had fallen asleep in her navy blue party dress. “Maybe you should go and take a shower. I’ll make us breakfast and then I’ll call Jordan and see what’s going on. I don’t want you to worry.”

“I’m not going to promise you that I won’t.” Sheridan said frowning. Ethan patted her on the back and the left to make breakfast. Sighing Sheridan looked around her ransacked room. The broken vases had been picked up but everything else was still the way it had been. She turned to the night table, opened the top drawer and pulled out a picture of her and Luis dancing the tango at the Youth Center.

“Luis…” she said as tears hit the frame. “I am so sorry. I will never be the same without you and your love and maybe one day you can learn to forgive me.” “Sheridan!” Ivy’s familiar voice interrupted her moment. Ivy opened the door and gasped. “Oh my, Sheridan, darling I am so sorry.” “You heard?” “Pilar told me this morning. Luis didn’t come home last night.” Ivy informed her as she sat down on the bed. “Sheridan, why did you tell him? “I couldn’t keep it from him any longer. I killed Martin and now I have to face the consequences.” Sheridan stated numbly.

“Sheridan, you were only twelve. Psychologists said that it was only a nightmare.” Ivy said looking around the room nervously. “Couldn’t you leave it at that?” “How can you even ask me that?” Sheridan asked incredulously. “Sheridan, I know-” “No you don’t know. You don’t know how I feel and you never will! I killed Luis’s father and I destroyed him last night. I destroyed everything we had together.” “Sheridan, I sympathize with you and you have to believe that I am on your side.” Ivy exclaimed from her spot on the bed. “But what you did can be very dangerous – for you and for Luis.”

“What do you mean dangerous?” Sheridan asked perplexed. “There are tings about Alistair that you don’t know.” “He’s my father. I know him.” “I wish you did. But you are up against your family if you do this.” Ivy said sadly. “Whose side are you going to be on when and if this goes to court? The defendants or the prosecutors?” “If it comes down to choosing between my family and the man I love I don’t know what I will do. God knows that my father hasn’t been the perfect role model for me but I still love him. I’ll be torn but I had to tell Luis. I couldn’t live a lie.”

“I understand.” Ivy said and walked over to Sheridan, “I hope everything goes alright. For your sake and for everyone else’s.” “Thank you for your support, Ivy.” Sheridan said as they embraced. “That’s what family is for.” Ivy replied. “Sheridan!” Julian’s voice bellowed from the living room. Ivy pulled away and eyed Sheridan apologetically. “I guess you have to deal with him sooner than later.” Ivy said as the two women walked out into the room. Julian stood in the middle, a decanter in his hand and a scowl on his face.

“Well if it isn’t me tell-all sister.” Julian greeted taking a swig of his brandy. “Really Sheridan I often do wonder what you have for brains. Are you sure you weren’t adopted?” “Julian!” Ivy chided. “Can’t you see she’s devastated?” “Ivy, it’s okay.” Sheridan said brining a hand up in the air. “I can handle Julian on my own. You know what Julian? At least this way I will know if what happened were just nightmares or if they were for real. And if they were then that means that you and Alistair lied and you will finally get what you deserve.”

“Sheridan, you have no idea what you are doing.” Julian mumbled, “You are playing with fire and you will get burned sister dearest.” “I already have.” Sheridan shot back he anger flaring up inside of her. “Nothing that will happen from now on will hurt me as much as I was hurt by what I told Luis. They could torture me for the next hundred years and it will pale in comparison to what I have done to Luis and myself.”

“Aw, that really was a Hallmark moment.” Julian scoffed. “Father always said you were the weak one in the family. God Sheridan you are going to destroy the Cranes!” “Father!” Ethan said from the doorway of the kitchen “How ca you be so cruel? Sheridan just lost everything and you stand there and reprimand her? I will not tolerate it. What are you so afraid of anyway? Don’t you want to know what happened all those years ago?”

“Some things are better left unsaid.” Julian mumbled. Before anyone could say anything else there was a loud rap at the door. Immediately the door swung open because it was still dented from the bullets that Jordan had pelted in. “Sheridan,” Jordan said as she walked in Robert right behind her. “What on earth is going on?” Julian asked. “Did you find anything?” Sheridan asked worriedly as Ethan grabbed her hand. “No, the lead was a faux. Martin Fitzgerald is no where to be found.”

Jordan stated sadly. Sheridan felt a dizzy spell hit her and she swayed back into Ethan’s arms. “Sheridan!” Ethan exclaimed and held her tightly. Quickly he brought her to the sofa and made her sit down. “Sheridan, are you okay?” “I’m fine.’ Sheridan replied. “Just got a little dizzy.” “What are you talking about ‘a lead’?” Julian asked puzzled. “The FBI had a lead on martin Fitzgerald and Agent Green and I were sent here to investigate. Unfortunately it was a wild goose chase.” “So what does this mean?” Ivy asked worriedly.

“Well after the confession that Sheridan made we have no choice but to arrest her.” Jordan said regretfully. Sheridan felt herself go pale and looked at Jordan. “I am so sorry, Sher.” “It’s okay,” Sheridan said standing up and trying to be strong “You have to do your job. I understand.” “Ethan you are her lawyer, right?” “Yes I am.” Ethan answered softly. Jordan nodded and pulled out a sheet of paper handing it to him. “Here’s the warrant.” “This is preposterous!” Julian exclaimed, “I will not allow it!”

“Mr. Crane, there is nothing you can do.” Robert said. Jordan pulled out handcuffs and awkwardly took a step forward. Sheridan nodded and raised her hands in the air for Jordan to cuff her. Jordan grabbed her hands and began to read the Miranda. “Sheridan Crane, you have the right to remain silent, anything you say and do can and will be used against you in the court of law…”

To Be Continued…