Prologue
It was 3am. 3am and Luis still couldn't get to sleep. Everytime he closed his eyes his head was flooded with memories. Memories. Some bad. Some good. Most were good. Constantly he saw pictures of her, the love of his life Sheridan Crane Lopez-Fitzgerald. Tonight most of his head was filled with thoughts of Sheridan and their daughter Marissa. Marissa was so much like Sheridan.
Luis knew that if it wasn't for Marissa he wouldn't have any reason to get up and live his life. Luis was determined to raise Marissa the way he and Sheridan would have raised her if she was still here. Sometimes it was hard. Marissa was only 4 and sometimes she didn't understand what Luis meant when he said her mommy was gone. Luis himself didn't know what it meant.
Luis was going to make one thing sure. His daughter was never going near a Crane. Luis felt almost positive that the Cranes had something to do with Sheridan's mysterious disappearance.
Luis remembered that night well.... It was near 11:00. Luis had worked late that night. He came in the house and checked on Marissa. His darling was sleeping soundly in her bed. When Luis walked in his room Sheridan wasn't there. Luis noticed a trail of blood. He followed and it lead to the window. He frantically searched the house but Sheridan was no where to be found.
That was 6 months ago. The police investigated but they couldn't find anything.There was no sign of Sheridan. These 6 months were the hardest for Luis. He stayed strong for his daughter though. Even though everyone tried to tell him that it was highly possible Sheridan was dead Luis had a feeling. Deep inside Luis had a feeling. One of those feelings that comes with love when you know what your lover is feeling. Luis knew deep inside that Sheridan wasn't dead. She was out there waiting for someone to find her.
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Chapter 1
The sun slowly peeked up from the night sky. It was time to start a new day. Another day without his love, without his Sheridan. Luis glanced over at the clock. It was only 8:00.
"8:00? I think I'll get some more sleep before Marissa wakes up." Luis rolled over and closed his eyes. Just like earlier that night thoughts of Sheridan invaded his head. This time he remembered when he proposed to her..........
"Sheridan Crane, you are the most beautiful woman I know. Your heart is filled with love and kindness. I love you so much not just because of your outer beauty but because of your inner beauty. Any man on earth would be lucky to have you as their wife and mother of their children. Sheridan, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"
"Yes Luis, Yes!"
Luis pulled Sheridan in for a deep passionate kiss.
"Sheridan, this is the beginning of the rest of our lives together. We're going to have a family together and grow old together."
"That's right Luis. You and me together forever."
"If only we could still be together Sheridan."
"What did you say Daddy?" Marissa jumped on her father's bed.
"Oh nothing sweetie. Daddy was just talking to himself. Why are you up so early?"
"Aunt Theresa and abuela are making waffles downstairs and they told me to come get you."
"Oh did they?" Luis grabbed his daughter and started tickling her.
"Daddy! Stop! We have to eat breakfast!"
"Okay angel, let's go!" Luis grabbed his daughter and gave her a piggy back ride down the stairs.
"Mijo! You're up!"
"Hi Mama. Marissa tells me you're making quite the breakfast down here."
"You know mama Luis. She always makes the best breakfasts." Theresa said.
"Yea, its a plus around here. Have you ever had your sister's cooking?"
"Ethan!"
"Sorry Theresa."
Before Sheridan had disappeared Luis, Sheridan, and Marissa were living at the cottage. Luis had fought it tooth and nail but Sheridan had insisted on living there. When Sheridan mysteriously disappeared the Cranes kicked him and Marissa out of the cottage. Pilar was living with Theresa and Ethan and Theresa insisted that Luis and Marissa move in with them until Luis could find the money for a house. How could he refuse? Marissa loved her abuela so much Luis knew it would be good for her.
"Luis, mijo what are your plans for today?"
"Well, I was thinking about going down to the station to see if Sam would let me come back to work."
"Why do you want to go back to work Luis?"
"I need to do something. Marissa and I need to get back to as normal as possible and me being here everyday isn't normal for her."
"Theresa, your brother does have a point."
"Thank you Ethan. And just sitting around here all day makes me think of Sheridan all the time. I need to get that off my mind for a little while." Luis said.
"I think that's a great idea." Pilar said
-Ring-
-Ring-
"Hello"
-"Hi Theresa? It's Sam.-
"Hi Sam."
-"I was wondering if it would be okay for me to stop by in a little bit. I haven't seen you and Ethan in so long and I know your mother and brother and niece are there too. It would be nice to see everyone."-
"Sure Sam. We would love to have you."
-"Okay then I'll be over in about 10 minutes."-
"Okay bye Sam."
"That was Sam. He just wants to stop by and see everyone."
"Oh how nice." Pilar said.
Later.....
"Pilar, those waffles were great. Ethan my boy you are quite the lucky one to have this woman to cook these great meals for you."
"I know." Ethan laughed.
"Hey Sam, can I talk to you for a minute?" Luis asked.
"Sure, how bout in the living room."
"Marissa sweetie I'm gonna talk to Chief Bennett you stay here with abuela." Luis handed his daughter to Pilar and left to talk with Sam.
"Luis, she's gorgeous. She looks like you and Sheridan so much. You are doing such a good job with her."
"Thanks Sam. She's my life, my angel. She's the little bit of Sheridan I have left."
Sam sensed the hurt and pain in Luis's voice and thought it best to change the subject.
"So Luis, what did you want to talk about?"
"It's about Sheridan's case Sam...did you find out anything?"
"No, I'm afraid we didn't, but I have detectives continously looking into it. We will find out what happened to her, I promise."
"Sam, you have to let me help?"
"No Luis. I won't. You are in no condition to come back to work and I won't let you get emotionally involved in a case." Sam replied.
"But Sam, when there was an investigation into David Hastings you were on it and you were emotionally involved."
"That was different Luis. You will not be involved in this case."
"But Sam.." Luis whined.
"No Buts Luis. That's my final answer."
"Daddy?"
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Chapter 2
"Daddy?"
"Yea sweetie?"
"Are you and Uncle Sam talking about mommy?"
"Yes we are. You look tired Marissa what do ya say we put you down for your nap." Luis said.
"Okay Daddy, but can you tell me a story about Mommy?"
"Sure sweetie."
Every once in a while Marissa would ask to hear a story about Sheridan or a picture of her. She was dying to know about the mother she barely knew and Luis was going to make sure she knew every detail of her life and how much her mommy loved her.
"Sam, If you'll excuse me for a sec. I should be back in like 10 minutes. Would you mind waiting here until I come back so we can finish talking?"
"Not at all Luis. Just go take care of your daughter. I'll wait till you're done."
"Thanks Sam. Okay! Come on Marissa! Let's go tuck you in your big girl bed." Luis scooped Marissa up into his arms and walked up the stairs.
Marissa was staying in Paloma's old bedroom. When Luis's sister went to live with Aunt Maria in the old country Pilar had never changed the room. Marissa loved it. She loved the flowers on the wall, the big girl bed, she loved it all.
"Okay you little rascal crawl up in your bed and I'll tell you a story about your mommy and me when we went on one of our first dates...."
"Luis! Where are we going?"
"It's a surprise my love. You'll have to wait till we get there.
Earlier that night when Luis went to pick Sheridan up he brought a blindfold with him. He wanted to make this night speacial so he blindfolded her so she would be surprised.
"Please Luis! Can't you just tell me?" Sheridan put on her puppy dog face. She was so cute when she whined.
"Nope sorry. If I told you, it wouldn't be a surprise now would it?"
"You're gonna pay for this mister."Sheridan said.
After another 10 minutes of driving down the road they had finally arrived at their destination.
"Mi amor, we're here."
"Can I take this blindfold off now?"
"Not yet love. You'll just have to wait a little longer."
Luis got out of the car and walked to the other side to help Sheridan out. Slowly they walked towards Luis's "secret spot".
"Luis, the ground its so squishy and cool. It feels like sand. Luis, are we at the beach?"
"Yes my dear we are. Here take a look." Luis took the blindfold off Sheridan. The look on her face was priceless. Luis had prepared a candle light picnic on the beach. There was a blanket with two candles, a boombox playing a sweet love song, and enought food to feed an army.
"Luis, this is perfect."
"Just like you angel, just like you."
"I love you Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald."
"and I love you Sheridan Crane."
"and that Marissa is the story of one of your mommy and I's most spectacular dates." Marissa had fallen asleep half way through the story but Luis didn't want to stop. He enjoyed remembering the happy times with Sheridan.
"Sleep well Angel." Luis said as he kissed his daughter on the forehead. He closed the door and headed back downstairs to finish his talk with Sam.
"So, is she all tucked in?"
"Yup, she's fast asleep."
"If you don't mind me asking Luis, what story about you and Sheridan did you tell her?"
"I told her about one of our dates. We had a candle light picnic on the beach." Luis replied. He had tears in his eyes and Sam noticed.
"Buddy, are you okay?"
"I miss her so much Sam. Not a minute goes by that I don't think of her. Marissa barely even remembers her. It's not fair Sam. It just isn't!" Luis was freely crying now. He couldn't hold it in anymore. He needed to let it go.
"I know it's tough Luis, just let it all out. Things will get better you'll see." Sam said as he placed a comforting hand on Luis's shoulder.
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Chapter 3
WARNING: This first part of this chapter is in Luis's POV!!!
(Luis's POV)
There has to be some way I can get involved in the investigation. Sheridan is out there and it's up to me to find her. Sam and the guys are doing a great job, but I feel like I owe it to Sheridan and our daughter to do whatever I can. But how do I do it?
I have no clue where to start. My only guesses are Julian and Alistair. I could actually be almost 100% sure it was them. How do I prove it? I need to find a way to get "behind the scenes". I need to find out how they work.
Hmmm...Well, let's see. Talking to Julian is definently out of the question. I couldn't stand in the same room with him for 2 seconds.
I could ask Mama to see what she can find out. That might work. Wait! It's too risky and I would never put her life at risk.
I could go undercover myself. But what would I go undercover as?
Wait! I think I got it!! My sister is in love with one "former" Crane. I could ask for Ethan's help. I know just what I can do.
(End Luis's POV)
Luis had figured it all out. He had the plan in his head. He just needed Ethan's help to pull it off. He got up early that morning. He told Pilar he had some things to do and asked her to watch Marissa. Luis knew he would find Ethan at the book cafe. He was there everyday during this time.
"Hey Luis."
"Hey Chad, do you know where Ethan is?"
"Yea, he's at that table over there."
"Thanks."
Ethan was sitting in a corner table drinking coffee. Luis noticed he had a pile of books. Probably law books, Luis thought.
"Ethan, mind if I join you?"
"Hey Luis. Have a seat."
"What can I help you with?"
"Well the thing is Ethan...You're gonna think I'm really going out of my mind, but Sheridan is alive. I just know she is. Sam and the guys are doing a great job on the investigation but I need to be apart of it. For my sake, for Sheridan's sake, and for Marissa's sake."
"I understand Luis. Trust me I do. I want to be a part of the investigation as much as you do. You know I truly did love her even if she wasn't my real aunt."
"Yeah, I know Ethan. So will you help me?"
"What does this have to do with me?"
"Well, since you are a "former" Crane you have access to the things I need."
"Luis, you're gonna have to tell me a little more than that."
"Sure, see what I was thinking was...."
Luis told Ethan his whole plan. Ethan was surprised at how well planned it was.
"It sounds like you've really thought this one through."
"Yea, I have Ethan. I think it could really work."
"Yeah Luis, you THINK it could work, but what if something goes wrong? Then what? Theresa would never forgive me if something happened to you. You're walking into a dangerous situation."
"I know Ethan. With your help it won't be as dangerous. What do you say? Are you gonna help me find Sheridan or not?"
"Yea, Luis. I'll see what I can do."
"Thanks Ethan. Thanks so much. Once you see Sheridan again, you know this will all be worth it." Luis said. He got up, shook Ethan's hand, and left.
"I hope you know what you're getting yourself into Luis."
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Chapter 4
Now that Luis had Ethan's help he could finally put his plan into action. But first he'd have to wait for the sun to set. It would extremely dangerous to do it during the day. Someone might see him and then that would be the end of his plan.
Luis tried not to anxious but he couldn't help it. It was only 12:00. That meant there would be at least another 6 or 7 hours till dark.
"I don't think I can wait this long."
"Wait this long for what Hijo?"
"Mama! umm..Beth and I are going out tonight and I just can't wait to see her. It's been so long."
"Yes, it has been. That's good that your getting out. It will do you good Luis, it will."
"Yea Mama. I've finally come to realize that Sheridan would want me to move on and be happy." Luis said. Deep inside though Luis knew that Sheridan was alive and tonight he would find her.
Pilar had some things to pick up at the store so she grabbed her keys and left. Luis was going crazy. HE needed to do something."I got it. I'll go over the plan just to make sure I get it right."
"Let's see...Ethan is going to go to the library and talk to Julian. I'll sneak in through the back door. The house plans that Ethan got say there's a passage way that leads to the library. While Ethan is talking to Julian I'll sneak in through the back door of the library. I've been in Julian's office before and he keeps the key to the Crane vault in his top desk drawer. I'll grab it and sneak back out the door. Ethan is going to finish up his conversation with Julian and head downstairs. While he is doing that I'll be sneaking down into the basement where the vault is. Ethan is going to tell Julian that he wants to visit his mother when he is actually going to go to the library. Ethan will go through the library's back door and follow the passage way to the basement. Together we'll go through the vault and look for any information we can on Sheridan. After we find the information we'll sneak out the back door and no one will ever no what went on."
"Okay, it sounds like it's going to work smoothly. I hope. Okay I still have all this time to kill. Let me call Ethan just to make sure he hasn't changed his mind."
"Ethan?"
"Hey it's Luis."
-Hey Luis. Tell me you've decided this brilliant idea of yours is the wrong thing to do.-
"Unfortanutly for you no. I'm still going to go through with it. I just wanted to make sure you weren't chickening out"
-Me, a chicken? Come on Luis.-
"Well, Ethan. You are full of surprises."
-Don't worry Luis. I'm still in on this.-
"Good, meet me here around 7:30 okay?"
-Okay, sounds good. See you later-
"See ya Ethan."
"Now that that's taken care of maybe I should get some sleep. After all it's gonna be a long night."