A Life Of Lies

Sheridan was in a contemplative mood as she arrived at the office. Soon, it would all be over soon. Lost in thought she nodded a greeting to her secretary as she strode into the offices of Crane Industries. She'd been living this life of lies for three months now - ever since she'd managed to convince her father she was ready to step up to the plate and replace Julian as head of the company. "Father," she said that night, "let me show them, let me show this whole town what it means to be a Crane." Somehow, she's managed to convince him: Alistair finally believed her when she said the only real constant in her whole life had been the Crane Empire and it was time she did everything in her power to preserve and protect it. The empire would fulfill her desire to be happy. But it was all a lie. A giant lie and living it was killing her on the inside.

Lying to both Luis and Brian, "Damn, ANTONIO, one day I'll get used to calling Brian 'Antonio'," that, had been the hardest part of all. She had to make them believe that being a Crane was the only thing in life that mattered. She said she couldn't chose between them without hurting one of them, so she'd chosen neither. At least, that's what she'd told them. Sheridan shuddered hating the fact she had become such an expert liar.

God, she missed Luis with every fibre of her being. There had been no contest between the brothers for her love. Luis was her sole mate. As for Antonio - she loved him like a brother. She trusted him and cared about him the way she wished she had for Julian. The nights were the hardest. She wanted Luis so badly insomnia was becoming her constant companion. Sleeping in their bed each night was absolute torture. Last night, she awoken from a dream of being in his arms in the hot tub on their Bermuda honeymoon - she turned over reaching for him - only to realize he wasn't there. And wouldn't ever be there again.

She ached to feel his arms around her, to feel his breath on her back as he spooned her to sleep. She remembered how the heat used to radiate from his body when he'd climb into the bed after a late shift. She smiled at the memory: it had been so important to Luis that he not wake her up when he got in that sometimes to protect his feelings, she'd pretend to be sleeping but she never had been. Not until she felt his loving presence in the bed with her. Ever since his first night sleeping beside her the bed never felt right unless he was in it. Last night, knowing that she'd need to sleep in order to do what needed to be done today, Sheridan slipped into the Youth Center and lifted one of his T-Shirts from the locker room. His cologne still lingered on it and she pulled it over her head willing herself to believe the shirt was really him, holding her close. Crying herself to sleep, she kept trying to convince herself that at least she'd known true happiness in her life even if it had been for only a very short time.

He'd truly loved her - even if things hadn't worked out the way she wanted. She'd promised him long ago, even before they were a couple, that she would help him discover the truth about Martin's disappearance. She was a woman of her word. She would solve that mystery and it would be her final gift to him. Maybe that would bring her peace of mind. "Carol," she said into the intercom once she'd stashed her purse and settled herself into her chair, "did you get the information I requested?" Carol appeared in the doorway with a push cart containing three boxes. "Here it is Miss Crane, all the details on all the secluded residential property owned by the Crane's. I still don't understand why you wanted it?"

The lies flowed freely now - she'd had so much practise. "Carol, the real estate market internationally is really hot. I want to prove to my father I have more fore sight than that idiot brother of mine. This property hasn't been used by any member of the Crane family for a getaway in a decade or longer. It's time to either develop it into exclusive resorts ourselves or off load it for a substantial profit. Carol, close the door." Her secretary entered, "Carol I have a lot to prove around here. And well this is the project that can do it. And I want to do it fast: my father's birthday is coming up and well, I want to surprise him with this. Please, believe me when I say, I intend to take care of people who help me establish myself around here. If you keep this under wraps for me, I promise I'll ."

"Miss Crane," Carol smiled at her, "I already know where my loyalty lies. You've helped a lot of families in this area by setting up the new benefit plan and health insurance and well, I'd like you to know, I enjoy working for you. I still don't know why you picked me from the steno pool to be your private assistant, but, well, I hope I never give you cause to doubt my loyalty to you. If any one can make Crane Industries more profitable and a put a human face on it - it will be you. You don't have to try and bribe me for my loyalty - you earned it." "Thank you Carol." Sheridan sighed. "Now, no one has set foot on this property in more than 10 years right?" Carol nodded. "But there is still a high security Crane compound being maintained?"

"Yes, Miss Crane. This location meets all the search parameters you laid out for me yesterday. I've attached all the financial and accounting reports as well as the personnel files for staff who maintain it, all the maps and photos of the island. It's all there, just as you asked. Will there be anything else Miss Crane?" "Yes Carol, when we're alone, please, my name is Sheridan." Sheridan smiled at the young woman. "I know that's not the usual protocol around here but I really would appreciate it if you could try to use my first name." "Yes Miss...Sheridan." Carol left the room shutting the door behind her.

Five hours later Sheridan was sure she'd found it: a small Carribean island off the coast of no where had been expensively maintained. It was acquired and extensively renovated within days of Martin Fitzgerald's disappearance. If they intended to hide him long term - it would be there. "Carol," she beeped and the young woman appeared at the doorway. "Please contact the airport and have the jet made ready for take off. I'll file a flight plan when I get to the airport." "Sheridan, what would you like me to say if your father asks where you've gone?"

"Tell him I've decided to take a long weekend in the Bahamas to celebrate my first successful corporate merger yesterday. Tell him I decided I should live the good life for a few days. And that I'll be sure to tell them all about my jaunt in the sun on Monday morning." "Yes Sheridan." Carol replied. Sheridan reached into her drawer and took out a pad of paper.

Luis, Please don't tear this up. It's not an attempt to patch things up between us. I really have given up. A tear hit the page as she continued writing. That would be impossible she thought as her heart broke yet again. It's very risky contacting you, but well, I'm trusting this courier, Carol, with my life. And very likely, I'm trusting her with your father's life too.

It's Thursday afternoon and I'll be taking off before 3 p.m. I'm taking the Crane jet to an island off the coast of Bahama, where I believe Allistair has been holding your father since the night he vanished. I don't know why, or how, but my instincts are that he's there. Alive. And I intend to bring him back to you . I don't have the kind of proof I'd need to bring in the authorities, and I won't until I produce your father, but I know he's there. I can feel it. If I don't return by Friday night, something has gone wrong. I'm attaching a copy of the flight plan with this note. Do whatever you need to do to prove I was right - make Alistair Crane pay for what he's done to your family.

Another tear hit the page as she ached to sign it "with all my unending love and devotion. I am forever yours" but she just wrote: Sheridan. Sheridan carefully placed the letter and the flight docs into an envelope. She also attached schematics of the island and the various compounds. Her failure to return would constitute the probable cause Luis, as a police officer, would need to conduct a search of the island if she failed. Then, as an added precaution, she took the pad and shredded it so no one would be able to read her note to Luis if she'd pressed to hard. "Carol, I want you to accompany me to the airport please - I have some last minute instructions for you about the Kendrick deal."

Carol looked at her surprised because she knew the Kendrick deal was on hold until next week. But she got up to follow Sheridan out the door. "Carol, we have to take your car. Mine may still be bugged." Sheridan said to the stunned young woman following behind her. "As soon as I take off you have to get this letter to my former fiancé, Luis Lopez Fitzgerald at Harmony police headquarters. It's imperative that he read this. Don't leave him until he does and I don't care what you have to do or say to make sure he does read it. If all else fails, read the hand written page to him. Under no circumstance let any one else see it before he does or even know that you delivered something to him. I am absolutely sincere when I say this is life or death. There's no one else I can ask to do this for me."

"Sheridan, I . . ." "Carol, there's no time to explain. I need your word." "Of course Sheridan. I'll do it right away but why the secrecy? I thought you and your fiancé hated one another. I thought . . ." "Carol, Luis and I can never be together, I know that now but" her words caught in her throat, "damn, there's no time to explain. Please just do this. Please." Carol looked at Sheridan carefully. Sheridan's professional mask had lowered just a little and Carol knew instinctively that Sheridan was still deeply in love with Luis Lopez Fitzgerald. Carol nodded slowly then hugged her boss silently agreeing to do as she'd been told.

Sheridan boarded the small jet and to begin the pre-flight routine. Carol hesitated slightly, "Sheridan, should I be telling you to be careful?" Sheridan took a deep breath. "That and wishing me luck wouldn't hurt right now." Carol got off the plane and watched it take off. "Good luck, Sheridan. Good luck." She reached the department and went inside. "I need to see Officer Lopez Fitzgerald," she said to the desk sergeant. "Luis, there's a lady her to see ya!"

Luis looked over and saw a strange young woman nervously looking around. "Can I help you Miss?" he asked genuinely concerned about her anxious state. "Please, I need to speak to you, privately, it's, well, it's . . . a matter of life and death." Luis lead her into Sam's office and shut the door. She handed him the envelope. "Sheridan said I'm not to leave you until you've read it." Luis hesitated. He'd know Sheridan's handwriting anywhere. "I know you're just doing your job miss but there's nothing Sheridan Crane can possibly say to me that I want to hear." He was so angry: furious that Sheridan had dragged this very young, innocent woman into the role of intermediary.

"She said it was life or death. She said you had to read it. Please, officer, before she took off she made me promise. I... Officer please, whatever went wrong between you two, if you love her, if you ever really loved her, please you have to read this." That was all it took for Luis. If he'd ever loved her? God, she'd been his life. She'd been his partner, she'd been his friend, she'd been the first thing he'd thought of every morning and the last thing he'd thought of each night. She still was. He still dreamed of her every night. No one knew that each night before he went to sleep he pulled her picture from his wallet and set it on the pillow beside him. Hers was still the last face he saw each night and the first he saw each morning. When he packed their things in Bermuda, one of her night gowns had found it's way into his bag. He hadn't returned it to the estate with her other things. He was using it as a pillow case because he couldn't fall asleep no matter how exhausted he was without some part of her beside him. And this young woman had the nerve to ask if he'd ever really loved Sheridan?

Luis grabbed the envelope and tore it open. He read the first line and felt a lump in his throat. He saw how the ink had run ever so slightly and realized Sheridan must been crying when she wrote the note. "My god, please tell me she didn't go there ALONE?" "She was the only person on the plane. What does it mean?" "That I'm an even bigger jack ass than she ever accused me of being." He said cryptically reaching for the phone. "Sam, we have to call the Bahama authorities, Sheridan's in trouble."

Sheridan landed the jet on the small private runway and took a deep breath. She had to make this good. She climbed out of the jet as a small jeep raced toward the plane. "Well, it's about time!!" She hollered using her best Crane voice. "I can't believe the condition of this airstrip. What in God's name is going on here. If my father were to hear that Crane employees were so negligent in greeting me. . ." "Miss Crane?' the senior man in the jeep began, "I'm sorry ma'am we had no idea you were coming. It's been so long since a member of the family. . ." "Well I can certainly see why no one's been here. Ugh, my bags are in the plane I'd like to see the main house now." She said haughtily, "Gentlemen, make sure I find the peace and quiet I'm looking for this weekend - I don't want to be disturbed." The other man in the jeep climbed out and held the door for her. She climbed in and the car took off for the house.

Martin Fitzgerald had heard the plane land and knew something was going on. He looked at the scratches on the floor of his room and knew this was not the time for supplies. Besides, the plane had landed not just parachuted crates as it had done in the past. He heard footsteps and quickly covered the makeshift calendar up again. The door to the windowless room opened and the only human face he'd seen in fifteen years glared at him. He was carrying the shackles again. Martin had long since given up trying to communicate with let alone befriend the bastard. He wordless assumed the position on the bed waiting for the man to secure him until whatever was going on now came to an end. Martin had tried to escape many times over the years but each time he'd been caught and punished. Alistair Crane had meant it when he called what Martin was enduring a living death.

Meanwhile Sheridan was settled into a lovely room on the other side of the compound with a beautiful view of the ocean. A maid brought a cool pitcher of iced tea and told her dinner would be ready at 8 p.m. as she had instructed. Sheridan dismissed the servant and pulled out the schematics of the compound. She quickly got the lay of the land and determined where Martin Fitzgerald would be if he was being held here. As darkness fell it was time to make her move. To boost her confidence, Sheridan went into her suitcase and pulled out the secret letter from her mother that had been hidden in the false bottom of her child hood jewelry box. The now well read page had contained the greatest shock of her life.

My Darling Sheridan, I am writing this to you now because I know my days on this earth are drawing to a close. You need to know the truth darling, you are not a real Crane. My darling daughter your father's name is David Sheridan. I named you Sheridan so that I would always have a piece of him with me. David Sheridan is the only man I will ever love. Alistair Crane thought David would never be brave enough to return to Harmony for me but Alistair was wrong. David built a life for himself and somehow managed to contact me through Martin Fitzgerald. Martin helped David and I meet several times over these past few months. We were going to run away together. Darling, I want you to know I tried to choose a life of love over this life of lies and empty wealth Alistair had given me. I decided to divorce Alistair and run away with David.

Alistair discovered us together three weeks ago. He separated us again. David is in prison now on some trumped up charge, but, my darling girl, Alistair couldn't take away the ultimate gift of David's love. You are that gift darling. You were conceived three years ago on the one and only night of love David and I ever shared. Alistair couldn't stop me from having you and I named you Sheridan before he reached the hospital to remind him of the one thing in his life he failed to completely posses: ME - It was fitting somehow.

But darling Alistair will have the last laugh. Slowly, over a matter of years, he has been poisoning me. Alistair has just left for Europe - we've had what I hope will be our last conversation . Alistair has sworn to see that you are tortured with a loveless life as a final punishment for me. But what he couldn't know is that Martin Fitzgerald overheard every word of that last conversation. Martin promised me that he and Pilar would watch out for you darling. You can always trust them.. I can die happy knowing that the Lopez-Fitzgerald family will always take care of my beloved Sheridan . You must promise me you will do everything you can to help them should they ever need it.

Love always Mother Sheridan choked back the tears. The mystery was solved: she knew why she was so different from her brother and Alistair. Over dinner Sheridan succeeded in charming the senior member of the staff on the island. She slipped a knock out drug into the man's wine and he passed out. She grabbed his keys, took a deep breath and finished her mission. By moonlight Sheridan made her way across the island to the windowless shed. A part of her prayed she'd be wrong and her hands shook as she fumbled with the keys. The door gave way and she gasped at the sight before her.

There was no doubt: the man in the room was Martin Fitzgerald. Etched into the wall was a portrait of Pilar. Down to the last detail the scratches were a tender testament to the love this man had for his wife. She sat on the edge of the bed to undo the shackles. He was weak but there was a fire in his eyes. She hoped it would sustain them. "Who are you?" Martin asked as she undid the cuffs. "A friend, please we have to hurry." She replied. "How do I know I can trust you? How do I know this isn't just another fake rescue attempt Alistair has staged to break my spirit."

"Because you promised my mother you'd take care of me. And you know Catherine would want me to be here to help you. Please, Martin we have to hurry. If they see that I'm missing from the house and find Juan passed out they'll figure out the real reason I came here. Please we have to get back to the plane." "Sheridan?" he looked at the beautiful woman who he remembered as just a child. "Sheridan is that you?" "Yes," she said taking his hand and pulling him toward the jeep. "Martin, please." Martin needed no further urging, he followed her out the door. "What a beautiful sight. I've only ever seen one man, the same face for years. It was part of the game Alistair played with me. Part of the torture I guess that sick bastard planned for me."

He reminded her of Luis so much at that moment she felt a huge lump in her throat. "Martin, I'm sorry, I had to come alone so it wouldn't cause suspicion. The airstrip is just ahead on the left. We have to get to the plane fast." She guided the jeep toward the jet but in the distance they could see it was being guarded by two armed men. They saw the jeep and opened fire. A shot caught her on the shoulder - a scratch really but it did draw blood. "Damn," she cursed turning the jeep around and driving as fast as she could. "Okay, time for plan 'B' I guess, Martin, please tell me you can swim." He looked at her. "It's been a while, but I think I can remember how." He ripped the sleeve of his shirt and tied it to her arm. "Why, what . . ."

Sheridan had done her homework. She pulled the jeep up to a small cliff - it was about a ten foot drop into a deep lagoon. They climbed out. He followed her to the edge and looked at her questioningly. "Straight down, Martin, you have to hold your arms straight out in front of you to help break the fall and keep you from going too far under. We swim for about two miles north - against the current, and spend tonight and probably most of tomorrow in the bush. Our back up will be here by nightfall tomorrow. The Crane search parties will expect us to either go right ashore or get carried to the south."

He nodded. "I hope you know what you're doing young lady." "So do I" she thought silently. The duo plunged over the ledge and into the water. Sheridan heard a plane circling above and prayed whoever it contained was on her side. Inside it Luis double checked the parachute. A voice from the cock pit interrupted his thoughts. "Officer, the local agency reports the main compound is secure but there's no sign of Miss Crane or of the man being held on this island." "Damn. She's in trouble. The maps she left showed several places to hide if she didn't get outta there in time. She's headed for one of them - I know it."

"But which one?" The pilot was annoyed. "Sir, we can send out more search teams at dawn." "Dawn will be too late." The pilot bowed to the inevitable, "We're over the target, sir." Luis headed out the hatch. As he drifted down through the sky he prayed softly. "Please God, keep her safe. Please God, I need to make things up to her." In the water Martin was having trouble with the current. He went under. Sheridan did a surface dive and pulled him back up. "Can't make it, go on without me." Martin was weak. The cold water and years of imprisonment had sapped the strength from his body. "NO." she said pulling him along. "No, I made a promise. I keep my promises." Sheridan turned toward the shoreline. They weren't as far from the airstrip as she'd wanted to be before going ashore but it would have to do. She dragged Martin to the beach where he got his footing." They rested for a moment.

"I'm sorry Sheridan, I'm just not the man I used to be. You can't let them find you. Leave me. Save yourself." "Martin, that's the last time you're going to say that, okay? We're in this together now and we'll get out of it together. That's final. Can you walk a bit. There should be cave up ahead. It's sheltered. We could use it for cover until help arrives." He nodded affirmatively. Sheridan led the way as Martin leaned on her for support. She was feeling the cold from her time in the water and as she looked closer at him she realized he wasn't doing well at all. He was warm to the touch and he looked pale. She settled him in the cave as best as she could. "I'm going for fresh water." He seemed very groggy. "Martin?!" He came around a little. "Promise me you'll hold out till I get back. Promise to do it for Pilar."

"Ill be here" he said softly. "'ll be here." Sheridan slipped back out of the cave. She was shivering violently but movement helped. She knew from her studies of the terrain that there was fresh water available from a stream less than a mile away. She'd figure out a way to carry it back to Martin on the way. She would have to. Sheridan stifled a scream as a strong arm wrapped around her grabbing her then covering her mouth. "Sheridan, it's me." Luis whispered. "It's all right. You're safe now. You can stop running. I'll protect you." He absently stroked her back.

"Luis." She said resisting the urge to throw herself into his arms and kiss him senseless. The impulse was so strong but somehow she managed to pull back. "We have to hurry. He's feverish and he's very weak. But he's alive. He's ..." she was panting trying to catch her breath, "he's in a cave we've got to get him fresh water." "Sheridan, what the hell did you think you were doing?" He had to fight with her or he was liable to grab her and hold her in his arms until the world made sense. His gut told him that the universe would finally make sense again if he held her long enough. But he couldn't - not yet. "Luis, we have to get Martin water, he's so weak." She started to run toward the stream again but he caught her arm.

"Calm down. I have water, in the back pack. There are Agents storming the compound now. Once they tell me it's secure I'll give them our position and they'll come for us. Sheridan . . . my father is really here, alive?" he couldn't believe what she'd just said. Sheridan saw the confusion in his eyes. "Follow me." She placed a hand on his cheek and led him to the cave. Luis contacted the authorities with his cell phone and estimated their coordinates while describing the terrain. A search and rescue chopper would reach them as soon as possible.

Luis was shocked by the sight of the man who lay shivering in the cave. "Papa? It' me, Luis." "Luis? Son?" Martin replied through chattering teeth. Luis dove into his back pack and dug out a thermal blanket from the survival kit and tenderly wrapped Martin inside. He stared at his father in wonder then glanced up at Sheridan. When he realized she was shivering too Luis pulled his sweatshirt off and passed it to her. Sheridan slid into it wordlessly and fumbled with the pack for a moment. She retrieved the bottled water and pressed it to Martin's lips. He drank greedily. The water brought him around substantially. "Luis, your mother? I've almost forgotten what she looks like. Tell me son, how is my Pilar?"

Luis reached for his wallet in his back pocket and flipped to a recent picture of Pilar. "She's fine. She's waiting, she never gave up on you. Papa, she's going to be so happy to see you." Martin traced Pilar's picture with a trembling hand. "Soon, mi amore. I'll be with you again. Soon."

The rescue chopper arrived shortly thereafter but the seas had turned rough. The medical team loaded Martin onto a stretcher and pulled him up. The cables almost snapped in the winds. The seas were too high to make a return trip to the beach for Sheridan and Luis. The chopper pilot was grim. "Luis, there's a storm moving in. We'll be back for your as soon as we can but . . ." "We can take shelter in the cave." Sheridan said simply. "Just get Martin to safety."

"You're sure?" "Go, get Martin help. Please get Martin to safety. Just go!!" Luis built a small fire at the entrance to the cave and they watched it in an awkward silence. Sheridan rubbed her arm - now that the excitement had abated she was aware of the sting. Luis, noticing her discomfort, used the first aid kit to disinfect it. "Salt water in a gunshot wound." He muttered shaking his head. "Sheridan, what were you thinking? Why did you have to try this alone - was it some kind of a death wish?" He was angry. It was easier to be angry than honest with her.

"I left word, you followed. I knew you would." She spoke almost tonelessly. "That's all you have to say for yourself?" He bellowed. "Sheridan, damn it. What were you thinking? Of all the reckless, stupid things I've known you to do this takes the cake! Why the hell didn't you tell me what you were . . ." Sheridan rose quickly and then broke into a run along the beach. Luis chased her. She was fast. The adrenaline and the fact that she was in great shape kept her ahead of him for a while but his longer stride allowed for him to catch her. They fell to the sand. He dove and rolled so that he was above her. She was crying, "I did try damn you. I tried last week, but you wouldn't take my call. I tried yesterday but you walked out of the Café before I got a change to say more than 'Luis, I need to..." She was struggling to get up but he kept her pinned. "I tried...you wouldn't listen. So I had to do this alone. Just like I'll have to do everything alone from now on. For God sake Luis, I tried!"

He'd captured both her wrists in his large hand. She wasn't a frail dainty woman but she was no match for his size or his strength. "Sheridan, for God's sake please. You have to forgive me. When I realized how much danger you put yourself and why I knew I had to stop at nothing to get to you. Sheridan," he whispered her name comfortingly and looked at her carefully. Guilt washed over him. "I'm an idiot. I wouldn't listen. I know you tried to tell me . . . Sheridan . . . " He looked at the pain in her tear filled eyes. "If anything had happened to you tonight. I'd have died too." He leaned over her then gathered her into his arms tenderly. "I owe you everything. Please, Sheridan, don't push me away. Let me make it right."

"Luis?" Her voice shook. "I don't know anymore. . . we've been through so much . . ." Luis kissed her then. At first she held back but then the dam broke. She'd wanted this for so long. Her hands spread into his hair, along his back, touching him as she longed to touch him for so very long. "I love you so much Sheridan," he whispered against her forehead when they came up for air.

"I've never stopped loving you Luis, I never will." Sheridan felt alive again for the first time in weeks. He groaned when her fingertips sensuously traced the hard muscles of his chest. He was so tender, gently kissing her all over. He pulled back when she winced as his hand crossed her aching shoulder. She would cherish his tenderness forever but she wanted more. "Luis, please, I won't break! I need to feel you close, my love, please hold me, darling, touch me." "Are you sure?" he asked. "I don't want to hurt you."

"I've never been more sure of anything." She smiled at him tenderly. "Be with me again. I need to be yours - and feel you're mine again." She silently added, "just once more." They made love in the moonlight and the storm rolled out to sea. "Open your eyes, love," Luis said softly as he poised above her ready to join their bodies again. "I want you to see me, see my love for you. Sheridan," he whispered her name and she opened her eyes looking deeply into his. Sheridan climaxed the moment she felt him enter her. The combination of the sensation, the emotional intimacy and the desire visible on his face brought her there right away. He felt her tremble and began to gently push. He followed her shortly after her second orgasm filled her. He kept them connected for as long as he could then rolled them both over so that she lay with her head on his chest.

"You're marrying me - as soon as we can arrange it." He used that tone of voice that left no room for argument. "Luis, what happened here tonight - as perfect as it was - it doesn't change the fact that we can't be together. We just can't be. You know that as well as I do." Wordlessly she led the way back to the cave. They watched dawn break together in a tense silence and they heard the FBI chopper arrived shortly thereafter. Sheridan and Luis helped Martin board the plane. Sheridan would fly them all back to Harmony.

"Rest Papa, we'll get you to Harmony in no time. Sheridan's a great pilot. You couldn't be in better hands." Luis settled his dad into a chair in the back of the plane then went up to take the co-pilot's chair beside a very silent Sheridan. "You saved my father's life. You've given my mother back her life. Sheridan, I don't know what to say. How to thank you..." "Luis, please, I need to concentrate here." She was lying - the plane could fly itself and he knew it. He left her and watched his father sleep for a while. Luis was frustrated that Martin hadn't been able to say much, but he would in time. The rest of the Lopez Fitzgerald family would meet the plane at the airport. Luis glanced at his watch. His mother was probably already there. Luis looked at the door to the cockpit and hesitated. He couldn't let things go on the way they were between them.

"Catherine Crane's daughter sure is something," his father said in a gravely voice. "You can say that again," Luis muttered softly. "Papa, come on, you're going to need all your strength when we get to Harmony. The press will have a hold of this by now, it's going to be a zoo." "It'll be worse for Sheridan. Tell me Luis, how did she figure it all out?" "She been researching this for months I guess. She's like a dog with a bone sometimes."

"How long have you been in love with her son? I'm not a fool Luis - it's plain that she's in love with you too." "It can't work Papa. It's a long story but, well, Antonio's in love with her too. And well, it's caused some bad blood between he and I." "Luis, you and Sheridan, you belong together. I knew that the moment I saw you together. You have with her what I have with your mother. Promise me, promise me that you'll make her see that." "I promise, Papa."

"How did Sheridan figure it all out, son?" Luis tossed his father the documents Sheridan had sent him with Carol After reading them carefully Martin said, "an impressive piece of detective work . . When did Sheridan find her mother's letter?" Luis looked confused. "What letter?" "The diary would have alluded to a letter Catherine wrote before she died. I hid in a false bottom of the jewellery box Sheridan had as a child. The one with the dancing ballerina in it."

Sheridan spoke from the cockpit door. She'd placed the plane on auto pilot and went to the cabin for a moment. "I found the letter shortly after my memory returned. Luis hasn't seen it. Martin, there's still so much I don't know for sure. So many gaps in my life." Sheridan stood in the doorway. "We should be landing soon. But, before we get back, I need to tell you how sorry I am for everything the Cranes did. I'm sure, if my mother had been alive, Alistair and Julian wouldn't have been allowed to get away with what they have. She would have found a way to stop them."

"Sheridan, I don't know how to thank you for coming for me." Martin was so sincere. "I really didn't have a choice. I made a promise. And I keep my promises." She didn't dare look at Luis. "Martin, I know there will be questions when we reach Harmony, but, if you're up to it, I need to know . . . who's body - the living room that night. If it wasn't . . . you .. Under the sheet who was it?".

"Your father, David Sheridan." He said placing an arm on her shoulder. " And Sheridan, you didn't do anything. Alistair shot David. Earlier that day David managed to clear his name, he was released from prison and returned to Harmony to get you and Catherine. He didn't know that Catherine was dead. David called me and asked me to meet him at the main house to help pull you both away. When he found out Catherine was dead, David was bound and determined to take you away from that monster who calls himself your father. He begged for my help. I came to get you so he could spirit you away and hide you forever from the Alistair but he caught us sneaking into the house. Because I was a witness to the shooting, Alistair wanted me to suffer a fate worse than death."

"I need to know, Martin, was he, was David, my father - was he really in love with my Mother. And, did he love me or was coming back for me his way of hurting Alistair? Martin wrapped his arms around her and whispered. "Oh Sheridan. Sweet little Sheridan. Honey, your father loved you. Very much. He would have been so proud of you today. I know, even though I have no right to be - I'm very proud of you. I hope that means something." The cock pit bell sounded, "That's the warning for approach, excuse me." She landed the plane effortlessly.

As they followed Martin out of the plane Luis grabbed her hand. "Don't even think of trying to run away from me. We're gonna talk this out." Sheridan nodded pretending to agree. "Luis, I have to do the post flight. I'll be right there." He agreed. An action he would live to regret. The plane began to taxi down the runway as soon as he reached the terminal. She'd vanished. Again.

It took time. Almost a year. But he found her. He'd sworn he wouldn't rest until he did. Luis' car pulled into the driveway of an average looking bungalow in a middle class neighbourhood two hours from Harmony. There were potted flowers on the front porch and from the curb he couldn't help but notice how cozy the little house looked. He turned to his mother seated beside him, "well, this is the address." "Mijo, you're sure you want to do this." "Mama, I have to see her. I finally found her. I have to see her again - try and convince her it's not too late for us. That I still love her. But, if she really doesn't want anything to do with me, I need to do this for closure if nothing else . . . thank you for coming with me. If this is Sheridan, she won't turn you away."

"Luis, she went to a great deal of trouble to hide here. What makes you so sure she'll even see me" "She told me once that, after her mother's death, you and Ethan were the only people she ever believed really cared about her. Mama, regardless of what she thinks I may have done, Sheridan always loved you - she'd never close a door in your face. Mine? Oh yeah, but not yours." Pilar nodded and they got out of the car. They walked up the path to ring the door bell.

A voice called softly, "come in," so Luis opened the door. Settled in a comfortable looking arm chair was Sheridan Crane. But Luis was shocked at the sight before him. Luis stood in awe of a newborn baby nursing at her mother's breast. He leaned against the door jam. "My God, I've never seen you more beautiful, Sheridan," he whispered tenderly. She hadn't looked up from breastfeeding the newborn child yet. When she looked up she panicked. "GET OUT!" she cried in a harsh whisper. I don't know how you found me but get out." Luis started to cross the room but Pilar held her son back. "Mijo. Please wait outside."

"Sheridan?" Luis spoke her name unbelievingly. "Mijo. Outside now." Pilar begged her son. He looked at his mother, then at Sheridan who looked like a deer caught in the headlights of a speeding car, and obeyed his mother. He plopped on the porch steps and prayed silently that Sheridan would still trust his mother. There was even more at stake now. "Pilar, please don't make me ask you to leave too. Just, please, get him in the car and drive away again. Make him forget he ever saw us. I won't lose my little girl, and I know Luis, he'll try to take her away from me and I won't let him," Sheridan spoke through her tears. Pilar crossed the room and wrapped an arm around the young woman she'd loved like a daughter for so many years. Pilar sat quietly while her first grandchild suckled peacefully.

"May I?" Pilar asked as the baby finished feeding. At Sheridan's hesitation she said gently, "I know how a mother feels when her child is kept from her. Do you honestly think I would allow my son or anyone else for that matter take this beautiful child from you? Especially when I know how much you must adore her and what you must have gone through to have her all alone." Pilar caressed the baby's cheek. Sheridan tenderly handed the baby to her. Pilar burped the baby gently singing a Spanish lullaby. Then passed the infant back to her mother. "You haven't told me her name."

"Louisa." Sheridan said simply. "Louisa Katherine." "You still love my son." Pilar said softly. "Or you wouldn't have named her for him . . ." "I must have cried out his name during delivery and the midwife thought I was naming her Louisa. That's how it ended up on the birth certificate." "You can lie to me Sheridan, if you think you have to, but don't lie to yourself," Pilar said with reproach. "I know what you think you're doing to preserve Luis and Antonio's relationship but for everyone's sake, especially my grand daughter's - hear him out."

Sheridan held the baby close as Pilar went to the door. Luis came in. He looked at her so lovingly. Pilar spoke first. "Sheridan, I'll take the baby for a walk." Pilar nodded toward the stroller stashed in the front hall. "We'll be back in an hour." Luis looked at his mother, his daughter and his beloved Sheridan with a thousand questions all over his face. "Sheridan, please, let me hold our daughter, just for a minute?" Sheridan looked at Pilar who nodded encouragingly. He said to the little one. "I'm your papa, angel." Luis grinned down at her. "You look so much like your mama." He whispered to the child. "She's beautiful." He said to Sheridan. "She can't be that old?"

"She'll be two weeks tomorrow." Sheridan replied softly. Sheridan had given birth with just the doctor and a midwife assisting. She felt a familiar pang of guilt when she looked at Louisa lying contentedly her father's arms. Sheridan longed to feel Luis' arms around her too. Her pregnancy had been difficult. Probably the most difficult part had been the loneliness that had almost driven her to the phone to call him. "Luis," she whispered his name aloud. It had been so long since she'd heard that name on her lips. A life time - well her daughter's lifetime anyway. Sheridan had told Pilar a half truth she'd cried out for him during her labour and the midwife had gotten him on his cell phone. But Sheridan had hung up when she heard his family's laughter in the back ground. But that night she had wanted so much to feel his hand in hers instead of the midwife's - but she would not be the wedge that drove he and Antonio apart forever.

Sheridan's mind raced back to the night her beautiful little girl had been conceived - the way he'd touched her, the way he'd whispered her name, the way they'd come together: she'd hoped that one last night of love on the beach with him would be enough to sustain her for a lifetime. She swallowed knowing she'd been lying to herself now. Just as Pilar had said. It was wrong of her to keep their child a secret from him, how could she deny Luisa the love of that man especially now that she'd seen how content the little girl was with her daddy? Her daughter knew instinctively that this was the man who'd love and protect her until she found the real love of her own life. "Half an hour Pilar? I've never let her out of my sight for even that long."

Luis helped his mother down the steps with the stroller and returned to Sheridan. "I've been to hell and back trying to find you. Why didn't you tell me you were pregnant?" He hadn't expected this. He should have. His mind went to the night he'd seen her last - the explosive passion they'd shared. They'd cheated death and their love making had been almost frenzied in its intensity. He shook himself and returned to the present. "Sheridan, I have to be part of her life? Please she's mine." he begged her. "SHE IS MINE. Do you hear me - She's mine. I . . ."

"No, she is living proof of my love for you! And yours for me. She's ours. That's who she is. Sheridan. You have to listen to me. To trust me." Sheridan dared to hope. She remembered his tenderness, his pledge of everlasting love and they'd made love on that beach. With his touch, with his voice, with his tender caress he'd managed to convince her not to trust anything but her feelings for him. "Antonio and I are at peace again. I know why he left. Sheridan, it's not a problem anymore. And I still love you . . " His lips met hers in a passionate kiss. "You can't tell me you don't feel anything at all. Sheridan, please, I love you . . ." He leaned in and kissed her again. She tried to pull away but her body wouldn't obey her mind.

"Luis," she whispered his name and gasped as he began tracing her jaw with kisses. He found the sensitive spot behind her ear and she arched back against him. "Luis stop, our problems they weren't about passion they were about . . ." "OTHER PEOPLE'S NEEDS COMING FIRST. NOT THIS TIME. DAMNIT NOT THIS TIME. THIS is about us. This is the time for us!" he finished for her huskily. "Look at me," he pulled away enough so she could look up into his eyes. "I love you Sheridan Crane. I love our daughter, and I want us to have a life together." He lowered his lips for another kiss. She wrapped her arms around his neck. "I wasn't there for you when you needed me. That's the biggest regret I'll ever have. But I'm here now. Let me be here!"

"Luis, I can't be the reason you and Antonio don't speak. And if Alistair finds Louisa he could..." Sheridan was afraid to finish the sentence. "No one is going to hurt our daughter. Le me take her home. Antonio can meet us at the cottage. We'll talk, the three of us. Let me bring you and our baby home?" Alistair Crane watched from a car across the street. He'd followed Luis relentlessly for weeks. Alistair knew Sheridan: she would let Luis take her to Harmony. Luis would be able to convince her that love was finally in her grasp. Alistair pulled away from the curb. He'd be waiting for them at the cottage. In a few hours, Sheridan and Luis would be dead and their child would begin her life as Alistair's new heir.

When they arrived at the cottage Luis helped her with the baby's things. He set the playpen up in the corner by the fireplace while Sheridan rocked the baby to sleep. Luis came up behind her and wrapped his arms around them both. "My girls," he said softly. "She's so beautiful Sheridan. Just like her mother." Luis kissed the base of her neck. Antonio chose that moment to knock. "Thank God you're safe. We've been worried sick." He pulled her into a gentle, brotherly hug. His appearance stunned her. "You're one of Harmony's finest too?"

Antonio spoke softly. "Yeah and I'm on duty tonight so Sheridan, let's cut to the chase here. I don't want to spoil my brother's family's first night at home. I know why think you had to pull back from both of us. I was an idiot and well, you disappearing made us all miserable. As much as I may envy this arrogant SOB, he is my brother. And I want my brother to be happy. He deserves it and so do you. I wanted a life with my sweet Diana, I did. I fell so hard for you - I never thought I'd be able to fall for anybody like that . . . But, you're not my Diana, you're Luis' Sheridan. You have a life and a real love and I won't be able to live with myself if I try to keep you guys apart. I was wrong. I hope some day - you'll be able to forgive me."

"Brian, Antonio." She smiled at him but there were tears in the corner of her eyes. "I never thought any man would ever love me for me. And then I found Luis. When I lost him, when I was lost, you were there and you helped me find myself and him again. And I'll always love you for it but not the way you wanted me to. I know how wonderful you are and I know there'll be someone." "Sheridan," Brian touched her hair gently, "don't say it okay. I'm not being noble here, I'm bowing to the inevitable. And as for you," he said turning to his brother, "hurt her again, and brother or not, you'll answer to me."

The two men hugged and Antonio turned to leave. "Mama says to come to the house as soon as you can." "Sheridan," Luis looked into her eyes. "Tell me you believe me. Tell me you know I love you. Tell me you'll marry me, right away. I can't go on like this. Let me be your husband and a father to our daughter." She nodded and he pulled her into his arms. She went into her bedroom and came face to face with the barrel of her father's gun. She screamed and he bolted to the doorway. "Don't take another step Luis, we both know I'm not afraid to use this." Luis fought to control the fear of losing her yet again. "You wouldn't kill your own flesh and blood Alistair."

Alistair laughed maniacally. "But you and I both know that doesn't apply to Sheridan, don't we Luis?" He tightened the grip around her neck. Luis swallowed. He saw Antonio out of the corner of his eye silently making his way into the room via her window. Antonio silently asked what Luis wanted him to do. Antonio drew his service revolver. Antonio would wait till he had a clear shot but he wouldn't take it if it meant risking Sheridan's life. Luis continued to talk to Alistair trying to buy some time. "Crane, drop your gun and let her go. You've hurt her enough don't you think?

Making her believe she killed a man, manipulating her emotions her whole life, punishing her for the affair her mother had? It's not Sheridan's fault, none of it ever was. For Christ's sake, end this. Now, just let her go. We can all walk away from this. You may never have wanted her but I do. For once in your miserable life be a human being and let her come to me. Then you can walk out of here." Alistair laughed again. "You don't honestly think I believe that do you Luis?" Sheridan decided to take matters into her own hands. "Luis, for God sake, just take him down."

Luis wouldn't do it. Not til he knew she was safe. "Let her go Alistair. You want a piece a me. Fine. I'll do whatever you say." Luis stood straight putting his gun down. "Let Sheridan walk away. Come on Alistair, who is it you want more her or ME?" Alistair was tempted. He wanted this young man dead and he'd wanted him dead for a long time. He looked at Sheridan and loosened his grip. He moved the gun away from her temple. It was just what Antonio was waiting for. He took the shot. Luis dove for Sheridan knocking her down and rolling them both out of the line of any further fire shielding her with his own body. Alistair hit the floor and blood oozed from his chest.

Sheridan was shaking violently. Luis continued to cradle her against his chest. He wouldn't let her look at the dead man she'd called father her whole life. Alistair had paid the price for methodically destroying her happiness. She was free at last. "It's okay, babe, it's over, thanks to you, it's over now." He rocked her gently. Luis carried the still trembling Sheridan into the living room while Antonio called the police. Louisa woke and began to cry. Grabbing his daughter in one arm and wrapping the other around Sheridan he lead her to the porch. Antonio had called for back up and the paramedics arrived with more police. Sheridan cuddled their daughter while resting her head on his shoulder. "It's really over?" she asked quietly not quite daring to believe it. "This life of lies, it's really over?" "It's over, babe. And our real lives have just begun."

THE END