DIAGNOSIS LOVE--PART II
THIS STORY IS RATED R DUE TO ADULT THEMES. DO NOT READ IF YOU ARE UNDER
18 OR OFFENDED BY MATURE THEMES.
ALL DISCLAIMERS APPLY
Synopsis: Mark and Anne go thru joy and sorrow while the whole gang works on
solving murders in a local park.
"Wow Mark," Anne laughed, out of breath, as they lay face to face, their nude
bodies pressed firmly together, "You have the stamina of a twenty year old." "I
have to have to keep up with you," Mark panted thru his smile. "You make
love-making so fun Mark," Anne said as she ran her hand across Mark's bare chest
and up around his neck. She pulled his head to hers and kissed him passionately.
"You know Mark, in this last year that we've lived together, we've made love
more times than my late husband and me did the whole five years we were
together," Anne said. "Yeah but we've both had 10 years of celibacy to make up
for," Mark replied as he held Anne tight and kissed her again and continued, "I
know I'm enjoying it." "Um, me too," Anne remarked. Suddenly the alarm clock
started beeping. "Five a.m. already," Anne moaned as she reached over and turned
the alarm off. "I've got to be at the precinct at seven this morning." Mark
pulled her close again and kissed her several times. "You better save some of
that for tonight," Anne said as she kissed Mark once more before she got up and
headed for the shower. "Don't worry, there's plenty more where that came from,"
Mark replied, grinning from ear to ear.
As Anne walked thru the office to her desk, she spotted Steve over at the coffee
machine. She walked over to get a cup . "Allow me," Steve said. "Why are you
here so early this morning?" Anne asked as she took the cup of hot coffee from
Steve. "I was called in at four this morning. We had another body turn up in the
park. I didn't want to wake you. I knew you'd be in at seven," Steve answered as
they made their way to his desk. Steve handed Anne a folder. "So this is victim
number three, huh?" Anne asked as she perused the file. "Yeah," Steve answered
then continued, "White female, approximate age 40, beat to death with a blunt
instrument of some sort. Amanda thinks maybe a baseball bat." "Excuse me," Anne
said as she put her cup of coffee down, grabbed her abdomen, placed one hand
over her mouth and ran into the restroom.
When she returned, Steve laughed at her and said, "You're not going green on me
are you?" "No," Anne replied, "It wasn't the details in the report. I'm just not
feeling well right now. I'm nauseated and I threw up my breakfast." Steve
stopped laughing and said, "Sit down. I think you need to go back home. You
might be catching some sort of bug." "No, it's happened a couple of times this
week. I'll be ok in a few minutes," Anne said. "Have you told dad?" Steve asked.
"No I haven't. I don't think it's anything serious. I'm feeling better already.
It's just kind of weird. It comes and goes," Anne replied.
In the park, Steve and Anne looked over the crime scene. "These just seem to be
random killings. I think this guy just comes out here once a month and kills the
first woman he sees alone," Steve said. "I agree. There sure doesn't seem to be
anything in common with his first three victims," Anne agreed. "He seems to be
spacing them out every four weeks," Steve said. "I think we should be out here
next month if we haven't made any progress and I'll walk thru the park every
night until he strikes again," Anne said. "I don't too much like that idea,"
Steve responded. "Why not? Have you got a better idea?" Anne asked. "No, I don't
have a better idea but I don't want you to get hurt," Steve answered. "Oh how
sweet," Anne said jokingly then continued, "Let's go by the hospital and see if
Amanda has anything new."
"Hey Jesse, hey Amanda. Have you got anything new for us?" Anne asked. "Hey
guys," Jesse said as he looked up from Amanda's microscope. "Well, it's
definitely a baseball bat that's being used to kill the victims. I pulled some
wood shavings from this body. That's what Jesse's been looking at. There's a
rosin substance on the wood that baseball players use," Amanda answered. "So
this bat has been used in a baseball game or there would be no rosin," Steve
commented. "Probably," Amanda said then continued, "But that really doesn't help
us. Do you have any idea how many bats are used in California every day?" "A
bunch," Anne said, "But we can start by looking for people in the area around
the park that have bats." "There is a small baseball field at one end of the
park. Maybe this guy plays there," Steve said.
"Well, it's been one week since the last murder in the park and we still have no
real suspects," Anne said as she poured herself a cup of coffee and sat down by
Steve's desk. "Well at least we have this list of all the league players at that
field. Can you believe that 300 people play ball in that park on a weekly
basis?" Steve said. "That seems like a lot but I think we can eliminate everyone
under lets say 16. That leaves us with only 120 people," Anne said. "Looks like
a lot of people to interview," Steve said. "We should ask the chief for a couple
folks to help us out," Anne said. "I'll be right back Steve," Anne said as she
put her hands over her mouth and ran to the restroom. When she came back Steve
asked, "Are you still sick? This has been going on far too long. You really need
to see a doctor." Anne laughed, "I see one every night thank you." "You know
what I mean," Steve said. "I know. I know," Anne said then continued, "I think
I'll call and make an appointment with my doctor for this afternoon." "You go
ahead. I'll get some help and start interviewing the people on our list," Steve
said.
At the beach house, Anne was standing on the deck, staring out at the ocean when
Mark walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around hers and put his chin on
her shoulder. She smiled and tilted her head slightly to rest it against his.
"What's wrong Anne?" Mark asked. "What makes you think something's wrong?" Anne
asked back. "I really can't explain it other than to say I can feel it and see
it in your eyes," Mark replied.
"Mark, I've been nauseated and throwing up most mornings for several weeks. I
didn't say anything to you about it because I thought it was a passing bug. But
today I went to my family physician to be checked out," Anne said. "So what did
he say?" Mark asked. Anne hesitated, looked over at Mark and then looked back at
the ocean and said, "I'm pregnant." "You're pregnant?" Mark questioned in shock.
Anne shook her head yes as Mark stepped back from Anne and stood beside her with
his hands on the deck rails as if he was trying to hold himself up. "My God!
Pregnant!" Mark said aloud as if trying to convince himself. "For once in my
life I'm at a loss for words," Mark said. "I thought you couldn't have kids,"
Mark said. "That's what I've been told ever since I was 16. My doctor told me
that I had about a one in five million chance of ever getting pregnant due to
some plumbing problems I have. He said my odds of winning the lottery were
better than my odds of getting pregnant," Anne said as she continued to stare
out at the ocean.
After a couple minutes of silence, Mark said, "I'll be back. I'm going for a
walk on the beach." Anne watched Mark as he made his way to the beach and
wondered what must be going thru his mind.
When Mark returned, he found Anne lying on the bed, curled up in the fetal
position. He laid down beside her and wrapped one arm around her and hugged her
tightly. "It's ok," he said softly. "Oh Mark. How could this happen?" Anne said
as she turned over to face Mark. She had tears streaming down her face and he
gently wiped them away. "We have to make the best of what we're dealt," Mark
said. "That's easy to say but I know you don't want another child at your age
and I was always told I would never have one and so I had accepted that and
built my life accordingly," Anne stated. "I know Anne but the fact remains that
you are pregnant and we are going to have a baby," Mark said. "I'm scared Mark,"
Anne said. "Of what?" Mark asked. "With the problems I've had and at my age,
isn't there a higher risk of complications?" Anne asked. "Yes, but we'll see
that you have the best of care and you can be tested for some problems that may
arise. How far along did he say you are?" Mark asked. "Two months," Anne
answered. "Don't worry Anne. Whatever problems, if any, arise, we'll handle them
together. Ok?" Mark said. "I love you so much Mark," Anne said as she curled up
in Mark's arms. "I love you too Anne," Mark replied as he kissed Anne.
Mark and Anne were preparing dinner. Mark said to Anne, "I'd like to tell Steve
the news alone after dinner if that's ok with you Anne." "Sure Mark. I'm sure
Steve is gonna have some mixed emotions about this news. After dinner I'll go
for a walk on the beach to give you guys some time alone," Anne replied.
"Dad. Anne. Are you guys here?" Steve called. "In here Steve," Mark answered.
"Hey Anne, I brought some info about the case home. We can look at it after
dinner. There are a couple of solid suspects out of the 120 people that we
interviewed today," Steve stated.
After dinner, Anne cleared the dishes from the table and said, "I'm gonna go for
a walk. I'll be back in a little while." "Anne, we need to go over these
interviews," Steve protested. "When I get back," she said.
"What's up with her tonight dad? She's acting a little strange. Did she tell you
she's been sick?" Steve asked Mark. "Yes she told me about getting sick. She
went for a walk because I asked her to leave us alone so we could talk about
something," Mark answered. "Uh oh. I don't like the sound of this already. What
is it dad? What's wrong?" Steve asked excitedly. "Well son," Mark hesitated as
he looked at Steve, "This is a little awkward." Steve tilted his head and looked
puzzled, "What dad?" "Anne is....pregnant. She and I are going to have a baby.
That's why she's been sick," Mark spouted the words out. Steve just looked at
his father, mouth opened, dumbfounded for a minute. "Dad! Pregnant? Did you two
ever hear of safe sex? Did you not use protection?" Steve started questioning
before thinking. "Anne was told that she could never get pregnant so NO we don't
use protection and I don't want to discuss that aspect of mine and Anne's
relationship with you. I just wanted you to hear it from me. I thought it would
be less of a shock but I can see it wasn't," Mark said as he jumped up and went
into the kitchen and started washing dishes. After several minutes, Steve went
over to his father and put his hand on Mark's shoulder. "I'm sorry dad about the
third degree. It was just quite a shock. How do you feel about this?" Steve
asked. "It's hard to say. A little of every emotion if you can imagine. Happy,
sad, proud, scared. Poor Anne. She's really a bundle of emotions. Can you
imagine being told for over 25 years that you can't have children then bam,
you're told you're pregnant?" Mark replied. "What about work dad? I mean how
long can Anne work until she'll have to take a leave?" Steve asked. "Well, that
depends. If there are no complications, she should be able to work four to six
more months," Mark answered.
"Are you ready to go over those interviews?" Anne asked Steve when she came back
from her walk and saw Steve sitting at the table alone. "Yes, I was just getting
the files out to put them on the table," Steve replied. "Where's Mark?" Anne
asked. "He's in the den on a call from the hospital. He said he'd join us when
he gets finished. He told me about the baby and I just want you to know that I'm
ok with it," Steve said. "Thanks Steve," Anne replied then continued, "It's
kinda freaked both of us out. It's gonna take some getting use to."
"Look who's here," Mark said as he came into the dining room with Jesse and
Amanda. "Any leads guys?" Mark asked. "We've got a couple suspects. We will
probably have more once we've gone over all these interviews," Steve answered.
"Anything we can do?" Jesse asked. "Do you guys play softball?" Anne asked. "We
both played last spring on the hospital's team," Amanda answered. "Why do you
ask?" Jesse asked. "Maybe you two could join teams at the park and ask about the
murders, see who talks," Anne answered. "Good idea," Steve said. "I'm game,"
Jesse said anxiously as he looked at Amanda. "No pun intended right," Amanda
said to Jesse then continued, "You can count me in too."
"It's been ten days since you guys joined the ball teams. Do you have any info
we might need to know?" Anne asked Jesse and Amanda. "Well, there's this one guy
named Bill Davis on a team we played last night and everyone hates him," Jesse
answered then continued, "He's real obnoxious and one of my teammates told me
that Bill was arrested six months ago for beating up his wife. He got out of
jail because she dropped the charges." "Well let me tell you about Amy
Pendergrass," Amanda said then continued, "She caught her husband cheating on
her and beat both her husband and his girlfriend up. The only thing that's wrong
with that is the fact that she seems to be a real sweet person. She had to serve
18 months in jail and she seems not to be bitter about it." "Well if we haven't
come up with any further leads by Friday, I guess we'll start patrolling the
park. It's getting time for our killer to strike again," Anne said.
On Thursday night, Anne and Mark washed dishes together. "Dinner was great
Mark," Anne said. "I'm glad you enjoyed it," Mark replied. "I hope you don't
mind Mark, but I've asked Jesse and Amanda to come over in the morning to meet
with Steve and I about the case. We can also use your input if you're going to
be here," Anne said. "I'm free in the morning," Mark said then continued, "I'm
beat. Let's go to bed." "Sounds good to me," Anne said as she tossed her dish
towel on the counter.
Anne lay on the bed in her silk pajamas. Mark laid down across the bed and
raised Anne's pajama top slightly and placed his hand on her abdomen. He smiled
and said, "You know, human reproduction is so incredible. It's hard to believe
that inside you there's a child growing that's part you and part me. Even though
I'm a doctor, it still amazes me."
Anne just laid there watching Mark, thinking to herself how lucky she was to be
with this extraordinary man.
Mark raised up and kissed Anne on the abdomen. "Mark, you know what that does to
me," Anne said. Mark raised up with a big grin on his face and said, "I know."
He went back to kissing her abdomen and slowly unbuttoned her pajama top as he
kissed his way up her body. He stopped to feast on her breasts as his hands
explored the wet depths of her body. Anne closed her eyes and moaned as she
indulged in every sensation her body produced. She felt the weight of Mark on
top of her and she gasped as she felt Mark shove his greatly swollen member deep
inside her. She felt her body lift with every thrust he delivered. She let her
mind and body go, losing all track of time. She felt her body start to tremble
and then convulse as she experienced an incredible orgasm. Then she felt the
great force and warmth of Mark's explosion inside her as he reached his climax.
Their bodies soaked in sweat, Mark out of breath, he kissed Anne passionately
and cuddled up in her arms and they fell asleep.
Mark and Anne prepared breakfast for Steve, Amanda and Jesse. "Well, it looks
like we start the patrol thru the park tonight," Steve said. "Do you guys have
any more info on our main two suspects?" Anne asked. Nothing new on Bill Davis,"
Jesse answered. "I have one more bit of info on Amy Pendergrass," Amanda said
then continued, "Her ex-husband that she beat up comes to every one of her
games." "It could mean something but I'm not sure what at this point," Steve
said. "We'll just have to proceed with our plan for this week. I will walk thru
the park, wired of course, and Steve will maintain a visual on me," Anne said.
"If you have to do this, I want to be there with you," Mark said. "You can be in
the communication van with the uniforms," Steve told Mark. "What about us?"
Amanda asked. "Just show up and play your ball games. After the games you can
kinda keep an eye out for our suspects. Just keep a safe distance away," Anne
answered. "We'll meet at dusk in the park," Steve said.
"Three nights now and no luck," Anne said as she strolled thru the park. The
other officers and Mark could hear her because of the wire she was wearing.
"Just hang in there," she heard Steve's voice in her ear piece. "Amanda's coming
your way," Steve said. Amanda and Anne walked past each other and when Amanda
was just our of sight she started yelling. "Steve come quick. Amanda's
screaming. I'm going to find her," Anne said. Anne took off running until she
saw Amanda. She yelled at the attacker but then she had to stop as she grasped
her stomach when an incredible cramp came over her. She fell to the ground as
her legs buckled. Steve stopped as he ran up to Anne. "Go find Amanda. I'll be
ok," Anne said gritting her teeth. Steve took off running towards Amanda. "Dad
come see about Anne," he yelled into his mike. Mark jumped out of the van and
found Anne rolling around on the ground. "Call an ambulance," Mark yelled into
Anne's mike.
Steve found Amanda leaning against a tree clutching her ribs. "What happened?"
Steve asked as he put his arm around Amanda and helped her back to where Mark
and Anne were. "Someone dressed in black, wearing a black ski mask came after me
with a bat. He hit me once in the ribs but ran off because he heard Anne
approaching," Amanda answered.
Jesse came running up, "Amanda are you ok?" "I'm alright Jesse. Help Mark with
Anne," Amanda said. "What's wrong Mark?" Jesse asked. "I think she's having a
miscarriage," Mark answered as he held Anne in his arms. "What!" Jesse
exclaimed. "Mark! You mean she's pregnant?" Amanda questioned. "Why didn't you
tell us," Jesse asked. "That's why we invited you guys out for lunch tomorrow.
We were going to break the news to you then and have a little celebration," Mark
answered.
At Community General Hospital, Mark and Steve sat in the doctor's lounge
awaiting word on Amanda and Anne. "Dad, I'm so sorry about this. I know you had
really started to relish the thought of being a father again," Steve said as he
put one arm around his dad's shoulders. "Yes I was Steve but I must accept
whatever happens. If we lose the baby, it just wasn't meant to be," Mark said as
he stared down at his hands that were folded in his lap.
Jesse entered, "Well, Amanda just has some bruised ribs and she's going to be
fine. Mark, I'm afraid Anne lost the baby just as you thought." Mark closed his
eyes and lowered his head, "What about Anne?" "I have her heavily sedated, so
she's sleeping. Physically she'll be fine but you know what a devastating
experience this can be for some women. I guess we'll just have to wait and see
how she takes it. I'm surprised she got pregnant at all after seeing her x-rays.
Oh Mark, I hope you don't mind but I am going to get Amanda to perform an
autopsy on the baby. I think it's been dead several days," Jesse said. "That's
fine Jess. Let me know what you find out. I'm gonna go sit with Anne until she
wakes up," Mark said as he headed for the door. "I'm going to go back to the
park and work on the case. Dad call me if you need anything," Steve said. Mark
threw up his hand and shook his head in acknowledgment.
The next morning, Anne awoke and saw Mark asleep in a chair beside her bed. She
pressed the button to raise the head of her bed so that she was almost in a
sitting position. The noise from the bed woke Mark up. He stood up and
stretched. "How are you feeling?" he asked Anne as he sat down on the edge of
the bed facing her. "Numb," Anne replied then continued, "I lost the baby didn't
I?" Mark swallowed hard and responded, "Yes I'm afraid so." Thru a stream of
tears Anne said, "I'm so sorry Mark. I shouldn't have been running in the park."
"Anne it's not your fault and the running had nothing to do with it. Amanda did
an autopsy and discovered that the baby had a defective heart and had been dead
several days," Mark said as tears had begun rolling down his cheeks. The two of
them embraced and held each other as they both grieved over their loss.
"Hey Anne. How are you?" Steve asked as he entered the room. "I'm feeling better
this afternoon," Anne replied. "Where's dad?" Steve asked. "I finally convinced
him to go home and get some rest," Anne answered. "I'm sorry about the baby. I
know you and dad were both getting excited about it," Steve stated. "Thanks
Steve. I guess it just wasn't meant to be. It may be a bit trying for me the
next few days because of hormonal problems, at least that's what Jesse and
Amanda have told me. I just hope Mark is ok. He seemed to be really depressed
when he left," Anne said. "I'll go by the house and check on him," Steve assured
her. "I just want us to get thru this so we can get back to normal. Steve, I
love your father and having his child would not have made me love him anymore
than I already do. Will you tell him that when you go see about him?" Anne
asked. "I will, but I think he already knows that," Steve said with a smile.
"I need to ask you a couple of questions about last night," Steve told Anne.
"Did you get a look at the person that attacked Amanda?" Steve asked. "Just a
glimpse," Anne answered then continued, "The person was dressed in black from
head to toe but I thought I saw some light brown hair sticking out from under
the ski mask." "Anything else?" Steve asked. "Just an opinion. I think the
attacker was a woman because of the way they were built and the way they ran,"
Anne said. "Maybe this Amy Pendergrass?" Steve asked. "Maybe," Anne answered.
"We're gonna keep patrolling the park just in case this person isn't satisfied
without having killed a new victim," Steve said. "Good luck," Anne said.
"I can't believe I let you talk me into dressing in drag," Jesse mumbled low so
that Steve could hear him thru the mike he was wearing. "Oh but you make such a
lovely lady," Steve replied, laughing heartily. "Very funny," Jesse retorted.
"Come on Jess, hang in there. Hopefully this guy or gal will go for you in the
next day or so and you can go back to wearing your scrubs," Steve said. "I hope
so," Jesse replied. "I think we should call it quits until tonight. It will be
daylight soon and the attacker only strikes in the dark," Steve said.
"Mark, you seem to be avoiding me," Anne said as Mark walked into her room. "I'm
sorry. I've had a heavy work load and I have been doing quite a bit of
thinking," Mark said. "Thinking? About what?" Anne asked. Mark sighed heavily
and looked down at the floor as he paced around Anne's bed. "You're being
released in the morning and I think it would be best if we spent some time
apart," Mark said. "Why?" Anne asked hurt and confused. "I think you should take
some time to yourself and think about whether or not you want to start a
family," Mark answered. "Where is this coming from Mark. You know it was just a
fluke that I became pregnant to begin with. We've talked about this before Mark,
you're the only family I'll ever need," Anne answered angrily. "Maybe you should
think about finding a younger man that you could have kids with. If you got
pregnant once, you probably can again and I don't want to stand in your way,"
Mark said still staring down at the floor. "Mark Sloan, I love you. I can't
believe you're doing this to us when we need each other most," Anne said as
tears streamed down her face. "All I'm asking you to do is take a few days and
think about it. I'll come get you in the morning and take you to a nice
hotel....on me of course," Mark said as he left the room. The door closed behind
him and he closed his eyes and whispered to himself, "I love you Anne."
"I'll meet you in the park in 30 minutes," Steve said to Jesse as he hung up the
phone. Steve walked up the stairs from his apartment to get his jacket that he
had left on his dad's sofa. He went into the kitchen to grab a soda when he saw
his dad sitting on the deck with his face buried in his hands. "Dad. I didn't
hear you come in. Are you ok?" Steve asked. Mark raised his head and stared out
into the ocean and told Steve about his conversation with Anne. "Are you crazy
dad? Anne is the best thing that ever happened to you. I hope for your sake you
haven't driven her away," Steve said. "I have to do this for her," Mark said
angrily. "She doesn't want anything but you dad. She told me that. This time
you're letting your damn nobility stand in the way of your common sense. I have
to get to the park. If I were you, I'd go back to the hospital and tell her you
were temporarily insane," Steve said as he stormed off.
Anne called down to the nurses station, "Get any paperwork I need to sign ready.
I'm checking myself out of here in 15 minutes." "Ok Ms. Barnes," the nurse
replied. Amanda barged in the door, "I was at the nurses station and couldn't
help but overhear you say you were leaving. What's wrong?" Anne, still very
upset, told Amanda about the conversation Mark had with her. "Knowing Mark for
many years now, I can understand why he's doing this. I have not doubt that he
loves you Anne but as a father already, he doesn't want to deprive you of
that...the feeling of having your own family. So don't be too hard on him. You
know he's still hurting from the loss of that baby just as you are and he's
probably acting on his emotions," Amanda said. "Thanks Amanda. You're probably
right but I think I'm going to take his advice. I'll see you all in a few days,"
Anne said as she gathered her things and left.
"How's it going Jess," Steve asked. "So far, so good," Jesse mumbled into the
mike. "Steve, someone's coming," Jesse said. "Are they in black Jess," Steve
asked. "Yes. Oh, hey stop," Jesse yelled. "Jesse! Jesse!" Steve yelled into his
mike. "No response guys. Let's move in," Steve said excitedly to the other
officers. They found Jesse and his attacker rolling around on the ground,
fighting over the bat. "Hold it right there," Steve said as he pointed his gun
toward the person in black. They dropped the bat. "It's about time. What took
you so long?" Jesse asked panting. "It only took us a minute or two," Steve
replied. "It seemed like an eternity," Jesse said. "Let's see who we have here,"
Steve said as he reached up and pulled the ski mask off. "Amy Pendergrass,"
Jesse said. Steve handcuffed her and read her her rights. "Why did you kill
those other women?" Jesse asked. "My ex-husband was making eyes at them. He was
eyeballing you all night. I just wish he could have tried his moves on you. A
man. That would have been hilarious," Amy said, laughing uncontrollably. "Get
her out of here," Steve said to the uniform officers.
"Have you seen Anne?" Mark said to Amanda as he left Anne's room and ran into
Amanda in the hallway. "She left last night," Amanda said as she put her hand on
Mark's shoulder. "Last night," Mark said with concern in his voice. "I've been
such a damn fool Amanda," Mark said as he rubbed his forehead with one hand.
"She'll be back Mark," Amanda said with a slight smile. "How do you know?" Mark
asked. "Because she loves you and I think she'll understand why you did what you
did after she thinks about it a few days," Amanda answered. "Did she say where
she was going?" Mark asked. "No, I'm afraid not. But don't worry about her.
She'll be fine," Amanda assured him.
"Dad, why don't you get cleaned up and go down to BBQ Bobs with me. You haven't
been out of this house in 3 days now. You can't mope around forever," Steve said
as he grabbed his jacket off the back of a chair. "She's been gone a week Steve.
I don't think she's coming back. What the hell have I done? I must have been out
of my mind to send her away," Mark said as he stared out the window and watched
the rain drops fall on the sand. The doorbell rang. "I'll get it," Steve said.
"Who was it?" Mark asked. "A delivery man. It's a note and small package from
Anne," Steve replied as he handed them to Mark. "You want me to wait until you
open them?" Steve asked. "No. I'd rather face it alone," Mark replied solemnly.
"See you tonight dad. Call me if you need me," Steve said as he headed for the
door.
When Steve opened the door, Anne was standing there. She put her hand on Steve's
mouth so he wouldn't say anything. She lowered her hand and he smiled and hugged
her. She quietly slipped into the house and stood by the doorway and watched as
Mark opened the note and read it.
Dear Mark, I've done as you asked. I'm ready to give you my answer. Inside the
package you'll find a CD. As you play the song, listen carefully to the words
and I think you'll know what I've decided. Love Always, Anne
Mark put the CD in, pressed the play button and stared out the window as the
music began.
Lying here with you Listening to the rain Smiling just to see The smile upon
your face
These are the moments I thank God that I'm alive These are the moments I'll
remember all my life
I found all I've waited for And I could not ask for more
Looking in your eyes Seeing all I need Everything you are Is everything to me
These are the moments I know heaven must exist These are the moments I know all
I need is this
I have all I've waited for And I could not ask for more
I could not ask for more Than this time together I could not ask for more Than
this time with you Every prayer has been answered Every dream I have's come true
And right here in this moment Is right where I'm meant to be Here with you, here
with me
Anne started walking towards Mark and he saw her reflection in the window.
With tear filled eyes and a big smile on his face, he picked Anne up as he
hugged her and twirled her around. He sat her down and kissed her passionately.
"I love you Anne," he whispered. "I love you too Mark," Anne replied. They held
each other tightly as the song continued to play.
THIS STORY IS RATED R DUE TO ADULT THEMES. DO NOT READ IF YOU ARE UNDER
18 OR OFFENDED BY MATURE THEMES.
ALL DISCLAIMERS APPLY
Synopsis: Mark and Anne go thru joy and sorrow while the whole gang works on
solving murders in a local park.
"Wow Mark," Anne laughed, out of breath, as they lay face to face, their nude
bodies pressed firmly together, "You have the stamina of a twenty year old." "I
have to have to keep up with you," Mark panted thru his smile. "You make
love-making so fun Mark," Anne said as she ran her hand across Mark's bare chest
and up around his neck. She pulled his head to hers and kissed him passionately.
"You know Mark, in this last year that we've lived together, we've made love
more times than my late husband and me did the whole five years we were
together," Anne said. "Yeah but we've both had 10 years of celibacy to make up
for," Mark replied as he held Anne tight and kissed her again and continued, "I
know I'm enjoying it." "Um, me too," Anne remarked. Suddenly the alarm clock
started beeping. "Five a.m. already," Anne moaned as she reached over and turned
the alarm off. "I've got to be at the precinct at seven this morning." Mark
pulled her close again and kissed her several times. "You better save some of
that for tonight," Anne said as she kissed Mark once more before she got up and
headed for the shower. "Don't worry, there's plenty more where that came from,"
Mark replied, grinning from ear to ear.
As Anne walked thru the office to her desk, she spotted Steve over at the coffee
machine. She walked over to get a cup . "Allow me," Steve said. "Why are you
here so early this morning?" Anne asked as she took the cup of hot coffee from
Steve. "I was called in at four this morning. We had another body turn up in the
park. I didn't want to wake you. I knew you'd be in at seven," Steve answered as
they made their way to his desk. Steve handed Anne a folder. "So this is victim
number three, huh?" Anne asked as she perused the file. "Yeah," Steve answered
then continued, "White female, approximate age 40, beat to death with a blunt
instrument of some sort. Amanda thinks maybe a baseball bat." "Excuse me," Anne
said as she put her cup of coffee down, grabbed her abdomen, placed one hand
over her mouth and ran into the restroom.
When she returned, Steve laughed at her and said, "You're not going green on me
are you?" "No," Anne replied, "It wasn't the details in the report. I'm just not
feeling well right now. I'm nauseated and I threw up my breakfast." Steve
stopped laughing and said, "Sit down. I think you need to go back home. You
might be catching some sort of bug." "No, it's happened a couple of times this
week. I'll be ok in a few minutes," Anne said. "Have you told dad?" Steve asked.
"No I haven't. I don't think it's anything serious. I'm feeling better already.
It's just kind of weird. It comes and goes," Anne replied.
In the park, Steve and Anne looked over the crime scene. "These just seem to be
random killings. I think this guy just comes out here once a month and kills the
first woman he sees alone," Steve said. "I agree. There sure doesn't seem to be
anything in common with his first three victims," Anne agreed. "He seems to be
spacing them out every four weeks," Steve said. "I think we should be out here
next month if we haven't made any progress and I'll walk thru the park every
night until he strikes again," Anne said. "I don't too much like that idea,"
Steve responded. "Why not? Have you got a better idea?" Anne asked. "No, I don't
have a better idea but I don't want you to get hurt," Steve answered. "Oh how
sweet," Anne said jokingly then continued, "Let's go by the hospital and see if
Amanda has anything new."
"Hey Jesse, hey Amanda. Have you got anything new for us?" Anne asked. "Hey
guys," Jesse said as he looked up from Amanda's microscope. "Well, it's
definitely a baseball bat that's being used to kill the victims. I pulled some
wood shavings from this body. That's what Jesse's been looking at. There's a
rosin substance on the wood that baseball players use," Amanda answered. "So
this bat has been used in a baseball game or there would be no rosin," Steve
commented. "Probably," Amanda said then continued, "But that really doesn't help
us. Do you have any idea how many bats are used in California every day?" "A
bunch," Anne said, "But we can start by looking for people in the area around
the park that have bats." "There is a small baseball field at one end of the
park. Maybe this guy plays there," Steve said.
"Well, it's been one week since the last murder in the park and we still have no
real suspects," Anne said as she poured herself a cup of coffee and sat down by
Steve's desk. "Well at least we have this list of all the league players at that
field. Can you believe that 300 people play ball in that park on a weekly
basis?" Steve said. "That seems like a lot but I think we can eliminate everyone
under lets say 16. That leaves us with only 120 people," Anne said. "Looks like
a lot of people to interview," Steve said. "We should ask the chief for a couple
folks to help us out," Anne said. "I'll be right back Steve," Anne said as she
put her hands over her mouth and ran to the restroom. When she came back Steve
asked, "Are you still sick? This has been going on far too long. You really need
to see a doctor." Anne laughed, "I see one every night thank you." "You know
what I mean," Steve said. "I know. I know," Anne said then continued, "I think
I'll call and make an appointment with my doctor for this afternoon." "You go
ahead. I'll get some help and start interviewing the people on our list," Steve
said.
At the beach house, Anne was standing on the deck, staring out at the ocean when
Mark walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around hers and put his chin on
her shoulder. She smiled and tilted her head slightly to rest it against his.
"What's wrong Anne?" Mark asked. "What makes you think something's wrong?" Anne
asked back. "I really can't explain it other than to say I can feel it and see
it in your eyes," Mark replied.
"Mark, I've been nauseated and throwing up most mornings for several weeks. I
didn't say anything to you about it because I thought it was a passing bug. But
today I went to my family physician to be checked out," Anne said. "So what did
he say?" Mark asked. Anne hesitated, looked over at Mark and then looked back at
the ocean and said, "I'm pregnant." "You're pregnant?" Mark questioned in shock.
Anne shook her head yes as Mark stepped back from Anne and stood beside her with
his hands on the deck rails as if he was trying to hold himself up. "My God!
Pregnant!" Mark said aloud as if trying to convince himself. "For once in my
life I'm at a loss for words," Mark said. "I thought you couldn't have kids,"
Mark said. "That's what I've been told ever since I was 16. My doctor told me
that I had about a one in five million chance of ever getting pregnant due to
some plumbing problems I have. He said my odds of winning the lottery were
better than my odds of getting pregnant," Anne said as she continued to stare
out at the ocean.
After a couple minutes of silence, Mark said, "I'll be back. I'm going for a
walk on the beach." Anne watched Mark as he made his way to the beach and
wondered what must be going thru his mind.
When Mark returned, he found Anne lying on the bed, curled up in the fetal
position. He laid down beside her and wrapped one arm around her and hugged her
tightly. "It's ok," he said softly. "Oh Mark. How could this happen?" Anne said
as she turned over to face Mark. She had tears streaming down her face and he
gently wiped them away. "We have to make the best of what we're dealt," Mark
said. "That's easy to say but I know you don't want another child at your age
and I was always told I would never have one and so I had accepted that and
built my life accordingly," Anne stated. "I know Anne but the fact remains that
you are pregnant and we are going to have a baby," Mark said. "I'm scared Mark,"
Anne said. "Of what?" Mark asked. "With the problems I've had and at my age,
isn't there a higher risk of complications?" Anne asked. "Yes, but we'll see
that you have the best of care and you can be tested for some problems that may
arise. How far along did he say you are?" Mark asked. "Two months," Anne
answered. "Don't worry Anne. Whatever problems, if any, arise, we'll handle them
together. Ok?" Mark said. "I love you so much Mark," Anne said as she curled up
in Mark's arms. "I love you too Anne," Mark replied as he kissed Anne.
Mark and Anne were preparing dinner. Mark said to Anne, "I'd like to tell Steve
the news alone after dinner if that's ok with you Anne." "Sure Mark. I'm sure
Steve is gonna have some mixed emotions about this news. After dinner I'll go
for a walk on the beach to give you guys some time alone," Anne replied.
"Dad. Anne. Are you guys here?" Steve called. "In here Steve," Mark answered.
"Hey Anne, I brought some info about the case home. We can look at it after
dinner. There are a couple of solid suspects out of the 120 people that we
interviewed today," Steve stated.
After dinner, Anne cleared the dishes from the table and said, "I'm gonna go for
a walk. I'll be back in a little while." "Anne, we need to go over these
interviews," Steve protested. "When I get back," she said.
"What's up with her tonight dad? She's acting a little strange. Did she tell you
she's been sick?" Steve asked Mark. "Yes she told me about getting sick. She
went for a walk because I asked her to leave us alone so we could talk about
something," Mark answered. "Uh oh. I don't like the sound of this already. What
is it dad? What's wrong?" Steve asked excitedly. "Well son," Mark hesitated as
he looked at Steve, "This is a little awkward." Steve tilted his head and looked
puzzled, "What dad?" "Anne is....pregnant. She and I are going to have a baby.
That's why she's been sick," Mark spouted the words out. Steve just looked at
his father, mouth opened, dumbfounded for a minute. "Dad! Pregnant? Did you two
ever hear of safe sex? Did you not use protection?" Steve started questioning
before thinking. "Anne was told that she could never get pregnant so NO we don't
use protection and I don't want to discuss that aspect of mine and Anne's
relationship with you. I just wanted you to hear it from me. I thought it would
be less of a shock but I can see it wasn't," Mark said as he jumped up and went
into the kitchen and started washing dishes. After several minutes, Steve went
over to his father and put his hand on Mark's shoulder. "I'm sorry dad about the
third degree. It was just quite a shock. How do you feel about this?" Steve
asked. "It's hard to say. A little of every emotion if you can imagine. Happy,
sad, proud, scared. Poor Anne. She's really a bundle of emotions. Can you
imagine being told for over 25 years that you can't have children then bam,
you're told you're pregnant?" Mark replied. "What about work dad? I mean how
long can Anne work until she'll have to take a leave?" Steve asked. "Well, that
depends. If there are no complications, she should be able to work four to six
more months," Mark answered.
"Are you ready to go over those interviews?" Anne asked Steve when she came back
from her walk and saw Steve sitting at the table alone. "Yes, I was just getting
the files out to put them on the table," Steve replied. "Where's Mark?" Anne
asked. "He's in the den on a call from the hospital. He said he'd join us when
he gets finished. He told me about the baby and I just want you to know that I'm
ok with it," Steve said. "Thanks Steve," Anne replied then continued, "It's
kinda freaked both of us out. It's gonna take some getting use to."
"Look who's here," Mark said as he came into the dining room with Jesse and
Amanda. "Any leads guys?" Mark asked. "We've got a couple suspects. We will
probably have more once we've gone over all these interviews," Steve answered.
"Anything we can do?" Jesse asked. "Do you guys play softball?" Anne asked. "We
both played last spring on the hospital's team," Amanda answered. "Why do you
ask?" Jesse asked. "Maybe you two could join teams at the park and ask about the
murders, see who talks," Anne answered. "Good idea," Steve said. "I'm game,"
Jesse said anxiously as he looked at Amanda. "No pun intended right," Amanda
said to Jesse then continued, "You can count me in too."
"It's been ten days since you guys joined the ball teams. Do you have any info
we might need to know?" Anne asked Jesse and Amanda. "Well, there's this one guy
named Bill Davis on a team we played last night and everyone hates him," Jesse
answered then continued, "He's real obnoxious and one of my teammates told me
that Bill was arrested six months ago for beating up his wife. He got out of
jail because she dropped the charges." "Well let me tell you about Amy
Pendergrass," Amanda said then continued, "She caught her husband cheating on
her and beat both her husband and his girlfriend up. The only thing that's wrong
with that is the fact that she seems to be a real sweet person. She had to serve
18 months in jail and she seems not to be bitter about it." "Well if we haven't
come up with any further leads by Friday, I guess we'll start patrolling the
park. It's getting time for our killer to strike again," Anne said.
On Thursday night, Anne and Mark washed dishes together. "Dinner was great
Mark," Anne said. "I'm glad you enjoyed it," Mark replied. "I hope you don't
mind Mark, but I've asked Jesse and Amanda to come over in the morning to meet
with Steve and I about the case. We can also use your input if you're going to
be here," Anne said. "I'm free in the morning," Mark said then continued, "I'm
beat. Let's go to bed." "Sounds good to me," Anne said as she tossed her dish
towel on the counter.
Anne lay on the bed in her silk pajamas. Mark laid down across the bed and
raised Anne's pajama top slightly and placed his hand on her abdomen. He smiled
and said, "You know, human reproduction is so incredible. It's hard to believe
that inside you there's a child growing that's part you and part me. Even though
I'm a doctor, it still amazes me."
Anne just laid there watching Mark, thinking to herself how lucky she was to be
with this extraordinary man.
Mark raised up and kissed Anne on the abdomen. "Mark, you know what that does to
me," Anne said. Mark raised up with a big grin on his face and said, "I know."
He went back to kissing her abdomen and slowly unbuttoned her pajama top as he
kissed his way up her body. He stopped to feast on her breasts as his hands
explored the wet depths of her body. Anne closed her eyes and moaned as she
indulged in every sensation her body produced. She felt the weight of Mark on
top of her and she gasped as she felt Mark shove his greatly swollen member deep
inside her. She felt her body lift with every thrust he delivered. She let her
mind and body go, losing all track of time. She felt her body start to tremble
and then convulse as she experienced an incredible orgasm. Then she felt the
great force and warmth of Mark's explosion inside her as he reached his climax.
Their bodies soaked in sweat, Mark out of breath, he kissed Anne passionately
and cuddled up in her arms and they fell asleep.
Mark and Anne prepared breakfast for Steve, Amanda and Jesse. "Well, it looks
like we start the patrol thru the park tonight," Steve said. "Do you guys have
any more info on our main two suspects?" Anne asked. Nothing new on Bill Davis,"
Jesse answered. "I have one more bit of info on Amy Pendergrass," Amanda said
then continued, "Her ex-husband that she beat up comes to every one of her
games." "It could mean something but I'm not sure what at this point," Steve
said. "We'll just have to proceed with our plan for this week. I will walk thru
the park, wired of course, and Steve will maintain a visual on me," Anne said.
"If you have to do this, I want to be there with you," Mark said. "You can be in
the communication van with the uniforms," Steve told Mark. "What about us?"
Amanda asked. "Just show up and play your ball games. After the games you can
kinda keep an eye out for our suspects. Just keep a safe distance away," Anne
answered. "We'll meet at dusk in the park," Steve said.
"Three nights now and no luck," Anne said as she strolled thru the park. The
other officers and Mark could hear her because of the wire she was wearing.
"Just hang in there," she heard Steve's voice in her ear piece. "Amanda's coming
your way," Steve said. Amanda and Anne walked past each other and when Amanda
was just our of sight she started yelling. "Steve come quick. Amanda's
screaming. I'm going to find her," Anne said. Anne took off running until she
saw Amanda. She yelled at the attacker but then she had to stop as she grasped
her stomach when an incredible cramp came over her. She fell to the ground as
her legs buckled. Steve stopped as he ran up to Anne. "Go find Amanda. I'll be
ok," Anne said gritting her teeth. Steve took off running towards Amanda. "Dad
come see about Anne," he yelled into his mike. Mark jumped out of the van and
found Anne rolling around on the ground. "Call an ambulance," Mark yelled into
Anne's mike.
Steve found Amanda leaning against a tree clutching her ribs. "What happened?"
Steve asked as he put his arm around Amanda and helped her back to where Mark
and Anne were. "Someone dressed in black, wearing a black ski mask came after me
with a bat. He hit me once in the ribs but ran off because he heard Anne
approaching," Amanda answered.
Jesse came running up, "Amanda are you ok?" "I'm alright Jesse. Help Mark with
Anne," Amanda said. "What's wrong Mark?" Jesse asked. "I think she's having a
miscarriage," Mark answered as he held Anne in his arms. "What!" Jesse
exclaimed. "Mark! You mean she's pregnant?" Amanda questioned. "Why didn't you
tell us," Jesse asked. "That's why we invited you guys out for lunch tomorrow.
We were going to break the news to you then and have a little celebration," Mark
answered.
At Community General Hospital, Mark and Steve sat in the doctor's lounge
awaiting word on Amanda and Anne. "Dad, I'm so sorry about this. I know you had
really started to relish the thought of being a father again," Steve said as he
put one arm around his dad's shoulders. "Yes I was Steve but I must accept
whatever happens. If we lose the baby, it just wasn't meant to be," Mark said as
he stared down at his hands that were folded in his lap.
Jesse entered, "Well, Amanda just has some bruised ribs and she's going to be
fine. Mark, I'm afraid Anne lost the baby just as you thought." Mark closed his
eyes and lowered his head, "What about Anne?" "I have her heavily sedated, so
she's sleeping. Physically she'll be fine but you know what a devastating
experience this can be for some women. I guess we'll just have to wait and see
how she takes it. I'm surprised she got pregnant at all after seeing her x-rays.
Oh Mark, I hope you don't mind but I am going to get Amanda to perform an
autopsy on the baby. I think it's been dead several days," Jesse said. "That's
fine Jess. Let me know what you find out. I'm gonna go sit with Anne until she
wakes up," Mark said as he headed for the door. "I'm going to go back to the
park and work on the case. Dad call me if you need anything," Steve said. Mark
threw up his hand and shook his head in acknowledgment.
The next morning, Anne awoke and saw Mark asleep in a chair beside her bed. She
pressed the button to raise the head of her bed so that she was almost in a
sitting position. The noise from the bed woke Mark up. He stood up and
stretched. "How are you feeling?" he asked Anne as he sat down on the edge of
the bed facing her. "Numb," Anne replied then continued, "I lost the baby didn't
I?" Mark swallowed hard and responded, "Yes I'm afraid so." Thru a stream of
tears Anne said, "I'm so sorry Mark. I shouldn't have been running in the park."
"Anne it's not your fault and the running had nothing to do with it. Amanda did
an autopsy and discovered that the baby had a defective heart and had been dead
several days," Mark said as tears had begun rolling down his cheeks. The two of
them embraced and held each other as they both grieved over their loss.
"Hey Anne. How are you?" Steve asked as he entered the room. "I'm feeling better
this afternoon," Anne replied. "Where's dad?" Steve asked. "I finally convinced
him to go home and get some rest," Anne answered. "I'm sorry about the baby. I
know you and dad were both getting excited about it," Steve stated. "Thanks
Steve. I guess it just wasn't meant to be. It may be a bit trying for me the
next few days because of hormonal problems, at least that's what Jesse and
Amanda have told me. I just hope Mark is ok. He seemed to be really depressed
when he left," Anne said. "I'll go by the house and check on him," Steve assured
her. "I just want us to get thru this so we can get back to normal. Steve, I
love your father and having his child would not have made me love him anymore
than I already do. Will you tell him that when you go see about him?" Anne
asked. "I will, but I think he already knows that," Steve said with a smile.
"I need to ask you a couple of questions about last night," Steve told Anne.
"Did you get a look at the person that attacked Amanda?" Steve asked. "Just a
glimpse," Anne answered then continued, "The person was dressed in black from
head to toe but I thought I saw some light brown hair sticking out from under
the ski mask." "Anything else?" Steve asked. "Just an opinion. I think the
attacker was a woman because of the way they were built and the way they ran,"
Anne said. "Maybe this Amy Pendergrass?" Steve asked. "Maybe," Anne answered.
"We're gonna keep patrolling the park just in case this person isn't satisfied
without having killed a new victim," Steve said. "Good luck," Anne said.
"I can't believe I let you talk me into dressing in drag," Jesse mumbled low so
that Steve could hear him thru the mike he was wearing. "Oh but you make such a
lovely lady," Steve replied, laughing heartily. "Very funny," Jesse retorted.
"Come on Jess, hang in there. Hopefully this guy or gal will go for you in the
next day or so and you can go back to wearing your scrubs," Steve said. "I hope
so," Jesse replied. "I think we should call it quits until tonight. It will be
daylight soon and the attacker only strikes in the dark," Steve said.
"Mark, you seem to be avoiding me," Anne said as Mark walked into her room. "I'm
sorry. I've had a heavy work load and I have been doing quite a bit of
thinking," Mark said. "Thinking? About what?" Anne asked. Mark sighed heavily
and looked down at the floor as he paced around Anne's bed. "You're being
released in the morning and I think it would be best if we spent some time
apart," Mark said. "Why?" Anne asked hurt and confused. "I think you should take
some time to yourself and think about whether or not you want to start a
family," Mark answered. "Where is this coming from Mark. You know it was just a
fluke that I became pregnant to begin with. We've talked about this before Mark,
you're the only family I'll ever need," Anne answered angrily. "Maybe you should
think about finding a younger man that you could have kids with. If you got
pregnant once, you probably can again and I don't want to stand in your way,"
Mark said still staring down at the floor. "Mark Sloan, I love you. I can't
believe you're doing this to us when we need each other most," Anne said as
tears streamed down her face. "All I'm asking you to do is take a few days and
think about it. I'll come get you in the morning and take you to a nice
hotel....on me of course," Mark said as he left the room. The door closed behind
him and he closed his eyes and whispered to himself, "I love you Anne."
"I'll meet you in the park in 30 minutes," Steve said to Jesse as he hung up the
phone. Steve walked up the stairs from his apartment to get his jacket that he
had left on his dad's sofa. He went into the kitchen to grab a soda when he saw
his dad sitting on the deck with his face buried in his hands. "Dad. I didn't
hear you come in. Are you ok?" Steve asked. Mark raised his head and stared out
into the ocean and told Steve about his conversation with Anne. "Are you crazy
dad? Anne is the best thing that ever happened to you. I hope for your sake you
haven't driven her away," Steve said. "I have to do this for her," Mark said
angrily. "She doesn't want anything but you dad. She told me that. This time
you're letting your damn nobility stand in the way of your common sense. I have
to get to the park. If I were you, I'd go back to the hospital and tell her you
were temporarily insane," Steve said as he stormed off.
Anne called down to the nurses station, "Get any paperwork I need to sign ready.
I'm checking myself out of here in 15 minutes." "Ok Ms. Barnes," the nurse
replied. Amanda barged in the door, "I was at the nurses station and couldn't
help but overhear you say you were leaving. What's wrong?" Anne, still very
upset, told Amanda about the conversation Mark had with her. "Knowing Mark for
many years now, I can understand why he's doing this. I have not doubt that he
loves you Anne but as a father already, he doesn't want to deprive you of
that...the feeling of having your own family. So don't be too hard on him. You
know he's still hurting from the loss of that baby just as you are and he's
probably acting on his emotions," Amanda said. "Thanks Amanda. You're probably
right but I think I'm going to take his advice. I'll see you all in a few days,"
Anne said as she gathered her things and left.
"How's it going Jess," Steve asked. "So far, so good," Jesse mumbled into the
mike. "Steve, someone's coming," Jesse said. "Are they in black Jess," Steve
asked. "Yes. Oh, hey stop," Jesse yelled. "Jesse! Jesse!" Steve yelled into his
mike. "No response guys. Let's move in," Steve said excitedly to the other
officers. They found Jesse and his attacker rolling around on the ground,
fighting over the bat. "Hold it right there," Steve said as he pointed his gun
toward the person in black. They dropped the bat. "It's about time. What took
you so long?" Jesse asked panting. "It only took us a minute or two," Steve
replied. "It seemed like an eternity," Jesse said. "Let's see who we have here,"
Steve said as he reached up and pulled the ski mask off. "Amy Pendergrass,"
Jesse said. Steve handcuffed her and read her her rights. "Why did you kill
those other women?" Jesse asked. "My ex-husband was making eyes at them. He was
eyeballing you all night. I just wish he could have tried his moves on you. A
man. That would have been hilarious," Amy said, laughing uncontrollably. "Get
her out of here," Steve said to the uniform officers.
"Have you seen Anne?" Mark said to Amanda as he left Anne's room and ran into
Amanda in the hallway. "She left last night," Amanda said as she put her hand on
Mark's shoulder. "Last night," Mark said with concern in his voice. "I've been
such a damn fool Amanda," Mark said as he rubbed his forehead with one hand.
"She'll be back Mark," Amanda said with a slight smile. "How do you know?" Mark
asked. "Because she loves you and I think she'll understand why you did what you
did after she thinks about it a few days," Amanda answered. "Did she say where
she was going?" Mark asked. "No, I'm afraid not. But don't worry about her.
She'll be fine," Amanda assured him.
"Dad, why don't you get cleaned up and go down to BBQ Bobs with me. You haven't
been out of this house in 3 days now. You can't mope around forever," Steve said
as he grabbed his jacket off the back of a chair. "She's been gone a week Steve.
I don't think she's coming back. What the hell have I done? I must have been out
of my mind to send her away," Mark said as he stared out the window and watched
the rain drops fall on the sand. The doorbell rang. "I'll get it," Steve said.
"Who was it?" Mark asked. "A delivery man. It's a note and small package from
Anne," Steve replied as he handed them to Mark. "You want me to wait until you
open them?" Steve asked. "No. I'd rather face it alone," Mark replied solemnly.
"See you tonight dad. Call me if you need me," Steve said as he headed for the
door.
When Steve opened the door, Anne was standing there. She put her hand on Steve's
mouth so he wouldn't say anything. She lowered her hand and he smiled and hugged
her. She quietly slipped into the house and stood by the doorway and watched as
Mark opened the note and read it.
Dear Mark, I've done as you asked. I'm ready to give you my answer. Inside the
package you'll find a CD. As you play the song, listen carefully to the words
and I think you'll know what I've decided. Love Always, Anne
Mark put the CD in, pressed the play button and stared out the window as the
music began.
Lying here with you Listening to the rain Smiling just to see The smile upon
your face
These are the moments I thank God that I'm alive These are the moments I'll
remember all my life
I found all I've waited for And I could not ask for more
Looking in your eyes Seeing all I need Everything you are Is everything to me
These are the moments I know heaven must exist These are the moments I know all
I need is this
I have all I've waited for And I could not ask for more
I could not ask for more Than this time together I could not ask for more Than
this time with you Every prayer has been answered Every dream I have's come true
And right here in this moment Is right where I'm meant to be Here with you, here
with me
Anne started walking towards Mark and he saw her reflection in the window.
With tear filled eyes and a big smile on his face, he picked Anne up as he
hugged her and twirled her around. He sat her down and kissed her passionately.
"I love you Anne," he whispered. "I love you too Mark," Anne replied. They held
each other tightly as the song continued to play.