This story is part of my Haydee and Stella series. I hope you like it and if you have done reading, please leave your review :D

Chapter 1

Haydee was sitting behind the dinner table studying for her big exam in molecular oncology exam when she heard the front door unlocking and Ryan stepped in. She turned around to greet him and the fatigue on his face did not go unnoticed to her. He dropped his keys on a small table by the door and took off the leash from Nato.

"Hi," he sighed and cupped her face for a kiss.

"Rough day?" she asked when he pulled back and sunk his tired body onto the couch.

"You have no idea. We got a hint of big haul of drugs coming through JFK with private plane and waited for it 8 hours, 10 guys with 4 dogs in one small bus. Ready to storm out and make surprise raid. And when the plane finally landed and we searched the plane we didn't find anything but empty sodabottles and unfinished sandwiches from trash. Embarrassing. If we don't get sued then maybe I can forget what happened today. The family was so upset and I don't blame them. The father had a face like he's gonna kill us right there."

"I'm sorry, sweetie." Haydee said getting up and walking by the couch. She knelt down and put her head on his chest locking her eyes with his.

"I'm glad this day is over now," Ryan answered caressing Haydee's head. "How was your day?"

"Pretty much as usual. School, studying, playing with Admiral, making dinner. Are you hungry? I made chicken parmesan."

"Thank you. I'll be right there. Just need a little rest first."

"Sure." Haydee smiled and pushed herself onto her feet. "I'll go warm it up for you."

"Thanks honey."

"No problem. What about you, Nato? Would you like to eat something?" Haydee asked pas sing Nato's nest. The dog followed her eagerly and waited for Haydee to fill his bowl.

"I was talking to aunt Stella today on the phone… I mean Stella," correcting herself with a smile. She wanted to call her aunt Stella but she also respected her wish not to do that. Stella had asked not to call her aunt because it would make her feel old. It was different with Lucy. Lucy was still baby but Haydee was already twenty-three. They're age difference was only 12 years. "I asked them for dinner on Sunday. Is that ok with you?" She had finished putting the meal on a plate and was ready to microwave it. She didn't get any response from Ryan.

"Ryan," Haydee called for him. She put the plate on a counter and stepped into the living room. Ryan was sleeping and probably didn't hear anything after Haydee had left the room. She sighed with a smile and covered him with a blanket. "So much of a dinner!"

Haydee put all the food back to their containers in the fridge and continued her studies. It was quite late but she had to keep working. If she gets at least 95 points from the test she'll get full scholarship for the next year. She didn't want to disappoint her mom, grandparents and not even Stella. They had grown very close and Stella's approval meant lot to her.

An hour later, Haydee closed her books and notepad. It was passed midnight already and time to go to bed. Ryan had slept the whole time and Haydee decided to give him few more minutes before she wakes him up and would ask him to come to bed. She went to bathroom and closed the door. After having a shower and putting on her pajamas, she tiptoed back to the living room.

"Ryan? Wake up." Haydee called him softly shaking his shoulder. "Ryan, sweetie!" When he didn't open his eyes she shook him little harder. His eyes flew open and she saw confusion on his face.

"What? What's going on? Where am I," he asked and pushed himself into sitting position.

"You're at home."

"Where did you come from?"

"From bedroom."

"Where am I?"

"You're in the living room." It was little bit funny but Haydee tried not to laugh. He must have slept pretty hard already. "Come on, let's go to bed. It's late." It took few more seconds before his brain accepted the idea that he really is at home and in the living room.

"Ok." He tossed the blanket off and pulled Haydee into firm hug.

"Are you ok?" She asked.

"Yeah, I am. I had a bad dream but I'm ok now." Taking Haydee's hand he started to walk toward the bedroom. Haydee stopped his actions and he turned around.

"Are you sure? You can tell me if there's something bothering you," Haydee said with concerned look.

"Don't worry. Everything is ok." Ryan answered with a smile and gave a quick peck on her lips. "Let's go to bed."

xxxxxxxx

On the other side of the city Ralph Herald parked his car, grabbed a duffel bag from passenger seat and stepped out. He made sure nobody's looking and walked towards the entrance of an abandoned house across the street. Everything was silent. The light from the windows of neighborhood houses had been turned off. Everybody were already sleeping, even the dogs. His face was covered with cold sweat and his hands were shaking. He wasn't ready to step through the doors. He was thinking about turning back and walk away. But he also knew that it would be his last night for walking then. He didn't want to do what he was forced to do. He hoped that when the assignment is over, he's free to leave. For good. The door opened with loud creak. He froze. He turned around quickly to be sure no one else heard it. He didn't hear anything so he continued what he was about to do and stepped in closing the door behind him. He walked carefully down the hall and knocked on the door. He heard movement inside and the door was opened by large guy. He's appearance told he "earns" his money with hands.

"I have a package for Mr. Brant."

"Sam, let him in." he heard somebody calling from inside and the guy stepped aside.

Ralph Herald walked in and was greeted with a strong smell of heroin. He saw Ethan Brant sitting by a table measuring and packing heroin, cocaine, LSD tablets, mushrooms.

"Drop the bag," Brant ordered. "Did you get everything?"

"Yes."

"Good." He stood up and walked to the couch where Ralph Herald had put the bag. He opened it and checked the goods. He opened one of the packages and tasted the powder inside of it. He seemed pleased. He walked back to the table and took an envelope from the pocket of his jacket. He tossed it to Mr. Herald.

"Here's your salary. The same amount as usually."

Mr. Herald put the money into his pocket and started to leave. He turned around to say something but changed his mind. He wanted to say he's quitting but was too afraid they would kill him. He walked quickly out of the house and back to his car, turned on the ignition and drove off.

"Keep an eye on him. He's having second thoughts and we don't want that," Ethan Brant said to Sam who nodded in agreement.

xxxxxxxx

The phone buzzed itself to life and Haydee opened her eyes unwillingly. Ryan had already left and sun was high in the sky. She grabbed the phone and checked the time. 9:05 am. Oh shoot, I'll be late. She pushed the covers aside and rushed to the living room.

"Hello?"

"Morning sweetie," Haydee heard her aunt's voice on the other end of the line.

"Hi Stella. Thanks for calling, I slept in." Haydee replied throwing her books and notebook in her bag.

"You slept in?" Stella asked with surprise in her voice. "How did that happen? You never sleep in."

"I was studying late last night and forgot to turn the alarm clock on."

"Oh, alright then."

"Is there anything I can help you with?" Haydee asked. "You haven't called so early before."

"Well... Actually if you put it like that then yes?"

"What is it?"

"I got two tickets to theater and Mac is working tonight so I was thinking if you'd be interested in coming with me?"

"It's tonight?"

"Yes."

"Ohh.. I don't know. I have the exam tomorrow."

"Haydee honey, you have worked so hard and you need break. You'll pass it. You'll do fine."

"I don't want to do fine. I want to do great. My future is depending on it."

"I understand but please come. I'm not used to beg but I really want you to come and I want to go with you. Please! You are prepared for the test. I've seen how hard you have studied this year." Stella asked her. "Pretty please," she added Haydee's favorite begging line in. "Please, I'll keep going on until you say yes."

"Ok, I'll come."

"Thank you. I'll promise you won't regret. I'll pick you up 6:30."

"Ok. Hey, what are we going to see?"

"It'll be surprise." Stella answered with smile.

"I don't like surprises and I still can change my mind."

"No, you can't. You said you'll come with me or... did you just lie to a cop?" Stella asked with serious voice.

"Oh yeah, play that card." Stella chuckled to that remark. "Don't worry, I won't change my mind."

"Good. See you tonight."

"Bye!" Haydee hung up and rushed to bathroom to start her day. She had quick shower and got dressed. Grabbed the OJ bottle form the fridge, keys from the counter and rushed out with smile on her face. She loved to go to theater and Stella was right. She really does need a break.

tbc.

What did you think? Did you like it or hated it?