Thanks to those who encouraged a sequel to Shattered Soul. I am steadily writing on this, but I will be posting at my own pace. If you don't like that, don't read until it's complete.

Title: Dark Paradise
Author: Cindy Ryan
Category: Angst,romance,work in progress
Summary: Sequel to Shattered Soul. Emily struggles to recover from the kidnapping. The team gets a lead on Ellis,will Matt take justice into his own hands?

At eight a.m. nearly twelve hours after they had rescued Emily, Frank stood in his boss's office. The door was closed and the blinds drawn.
Frank had decided to dress in civilian attire. No point in wearing his uniform if it was his last day.
Frank stood just inside the door, his hands clasped behind his back. Cheryl sat behind her desk. Not being able to stand her silence any longer, Frank decided to take initiative.

"I know you want my head on a platter and you have every right to be mad."Frank began quietly. "I just couldn't let Matt go at it alone. Ellis was already playing head games. Matt was barely holding it together……I figured if I kept an eye on him,it'd be my way of helping Emily. If I kept Matt in one piece and out of a jail cell until we found her….everything would be alright."

"It wasn't your call to make."Cheryl stated her hands folded in front of her.

Frank ducked his head. "I know. I know we were ordered off the case."

"That order didn't just come from me, Frank."

"I know."Frank replied as he raised his head. "How ticked off are they?"

"Very. Grafton's reports were thorough."

Frank swallowed hard and took his badge out of his right pants' pocket. He fingered the gold shield lightly before walking toward Cheryl's desk. He placed the badge on the desk, just in front of her folded hands.

Frank knew this was the consequence of his actions. He had known that going in. Even though it was hard, Frank knew it was worth it. He knew it every time he saw Emily with Matt.

Cheryl ignored the badge for a moment as she met Frank's gaze. "They did however leave punishment up to me."

At Frank's questioning gaze Cheryl continued. "The Bureau didn't want to risk ruining the good PR they got from Emily's rescue with bad PR of an internal investigation."

Frank cleared his throat. "I'll be gone by noon."

Cheryl shook her head. "Have I asked for your resignation?"

"No."

"Then let me finish."

"Sorry."

"It's mainly because of your research that we have Emily home, Frank. And that is what's saved your ass and your career. You will be on leave without pay for three days."

Cheryl stood and walked around her desk picking up the badge along the way. She reached Frank and handed the badge back to him.

"Off the record?"Cheryl asked quietly.

Frank nodded as he took the badge.

"Both of you did excellent work I honestly don't think we would've found her in time without the leg work that you guys did. Thank you."