Written for the Burg Grapevine Plum Hollywood Challenge

Scenario: Take a scene from your favorite movie and write in the Plum characters.

Disclaimer: Rated R for language, sex and violence. None of the characters are mine.

Any quotes you recognize belong to the Count of Monte Cristo.

The Count of Trenton Proper

Part 1

He took a swig of the amber liquid before looking back to the chess piece in his hand. "We are either Kings or Pawns of men." No truer statement had been made. You either walked aloof or were trodden under the heels of those that did. He was no longer a pawn, no longer an innocent. Vengeance belonged to Ricardo Carlos Manoso. It was time to execute stage three of his plan.

He arrived at the home of his traitorous friend, Joseph Morelli, now Count of Chambersburg, since his father's death, with the usual pomp befitting a man of his position. All eyes were on him as he entered, including those of the Countess, Stephanie Morelli. Morelli chose that moment to come over and welcome him to his home.

"Count, you honor our home with your presence. May I introduce my lovely wife, Stephanie?"

God, she looked every bit as beautiful as she did that fateful evening when he was arrested. She's a heartbreaking betrayer. A liar! His head screamed at his heart. He couldn't, however, stop the quickening of his heart, as he took her hand and brought it to his lips, "A pleasure, Countess."

Her ever perceptive eyes searched his face in confusion, but her face and voice didn't give her away as she said, "Thank you for coming to help us celebrate Alexander's birthday. He'll be so pleased that you are here." She stepped back then and pulled her hand gently from his.

The rest of the evening proceeded uneventfully. He made his contact with Chief Prosecutor Orr and was now in a position to execute the next phase of this plan. He bid good evening to Alexander and left for his limo.

He felt her presence the moment he slipped into the limo. The long forgotten tingle and hum instantly working through his body. She was in the far back corner of the limo, hidden in the dark. "Carlos!" Her exclamation was filled with both hope and sadness. She leapt into his arms and pressed her lips to his. His traitorous body sparked against her, and he pushed her away. "Carlos, Prosecutor Orr told me you had been executed."

"Did he?"

She kissed him again, "Oh God, Carlos, you're…"

He cut her off, "You are mistaken. Driver, back to the Morelli's."

"No, Carlos!"

"Countess, I am only thinking of your reputation."

"No, I don't care. Carlos, please."

"I am not this Carlos you speak of."

Tears streamed down her face. "Stop it! Stop it! Then what are you? A spirit? Some ghost sent to torment me?"

"This Carlos, you loved him?" He said the words softly.

"Oh yes."

"For how long?"

"For all of my life." The truth of how much could be seen in her eyes.

"And how long, after he died, before you married the Count?" His words were cold and harsh.

"That isn't fair." She shook her head and closed her eyes.

The limo pulled back up the drive and stopped, "We've reached your home Countess." He exited the car and stood waiting for her to get out. He didn't touch her or give her a hand out.

She stood next to him, and said sadly, "You are right. You cannot be my Carlos."

"Well, there you are. You said it yourself, Carlos Manoso is dead. Good night." As she walked away, he gestured for his right hand man, Lester, to get in the back of his limo.

When they were settled, he grabbed Lester's lapel and pulled him close, "If you ever again presume to interfere with my affairs, I will, I promise, finish what we started that day on the beach. Do you understand?"

Lester looked calmly into his eyes and said, "I understand that you are angry Sir. You have a fortune and a woman who loves you. Take the money. Take the woman and live your life. Let the revenge go."

"I cannot!"

"Why not?" Silence permeated the interior of the car.

Softly Lester continued, "I am still your man Ranger. I swore an oath. I will protect you. Even if it means protecting you from yourself."

Lester got back out of the limo as Ranger sat and pondered his loyal friend's words.