After hours of sitting in the main ball room being grilled by detectives by the events that took place a little over 5 hours ago, I start to shiver uncontrollably. Mark where are you when I need you? I felt desolate.

I recall sitting in the lift and froze with fear. Not realizing the blasted lift was not moving and those men at moment could pounce on me. Gawd, I didn't feel this much fear in the Thai prison. With my foot. I hit a button and waited breathlessly for the lift to move. Thankfully it did just that. The door opened at some floor I didn't recognize. Watching me with curiosity was a man and woman looking quite taken back with the scene I presented.

My dress was bunched up over my knickers and to add to my humiliation, I still had the bloody rag in my mouth. The gentleman in question had the forethought to extend his hand to help me up and removed the wad of clothe from my mouth.

I started babbling and crying uncontrollably. "Here, here now" came the calm voice. "Do tell us what has happened" was his kind reply. "Oh Gawd, something hideous has happen to the person I was just interviewing" sniffling with un-lady like noises. "I..we were saying good bye and these huge men with masks grabbed us and hauled us into the lift like sacks of meal and gagged us. They threatened us to be quiet. Next thing I know they took the gentlemen that was with me, uh I mean us, to a private car park and removed him from the lift and rendered him unconscious" was all I could muster as an explanation and burst into another epidemic of tears.

Oh My God. Someone has kid-napped Mr. Darcy!

Without delay, the kindly man used the lift phone and rang for help. At once there were security personnel all around and escorting me to the ballroom. From what I could gather from hushed tones, they security camera's had caught the whole incident on surveillance and sent back-up. I later learned that the kindly gentleman and lady were actually Colin's parent. Stroke of luck?

"Ma'am" can I have a word with you the detective inquired. "More questions? I answered. "Just a brief question I assure. I am Detective Lomax. Did you realize that in the abduction, that your recorder was on the whole time and caught the conversation of the masked men?" he questioned. "I didn't know" thinking self journalistic hero. "So is Mr Firth ok I mean?" I was afraid know the answer. "Mr Firth is resting comfortably in his suite. We have a body guard with him at the present moment." replied the detective. He was looking oddly at me. "Miss Jones, do you know who these men were?" I was appalled by that question. "How the bloody hell do I know who they were?" I felt indignant. "Well, we found this in the elevator when we were doing our forensic investigation" I was stunned by what he had shown me. It was a red rose just like the one given to me only the week before.

"Oh My God, that looks like the same rose I was sent when I was staying in Monterey last week. I thought my fiancee had given them to me as a surprise gesture when he left our mini-break early on business to Mexico" I felt drained. How could this be happening and why? I needed to call Mark!

"We are not ruling out any possibilities out at this point Miss Jones" came the non-committal response. "Wot?" I was lost in reverie. "I said, we are not ruling out any possibilities at this point" he seemed to at ease for my taste. "As a matter of fact, er detective, my fiancee didn't know who sent the flowers either" thinking I was defending Mark's honor and character, or so I thought. "Actually, he was a bit put off by the whole matter come to think" I spoke carefully trying to recall episodes of CSI. "Oh another little matter Miss Jones" "Yes?" feeling fear creep up my spine. "We have some suspects in custody that we would like you to try and identify" Detective Lomax looked at me like I had anything to with this whole bloody mess. "Wanker" I hissed under my breath. "Pardon? Did you say something Miss Jones?" he is vile I thought. "No" and he escorted me from the ballroom for parts unknown.

Though to self remain calm in face of potential danger. Hadn't I been a singleton in London and maneuvered through worse cock-up's than this? GAAH! I thought we walked forever. One corridor after another. Many turns and twists and finally came to closed door.

"Are we here?" I ventured. "Yes" is all he said. He knocked on the door. Another unfamiliar face came into view as the door swung wide open. I hesitate to enter the room. Sitting at a table not 5 feet from me was someone I knew. Oh My Gawd! I know that face! "Its Eduardo" I exclaimed pointing my finger in his direction. The bloody cad had the nerve to wink at me! Even though an alleged criminal. I rather fancied his looks still. Oh Gawd, thinking carnal thoughts about scoundrel who tried to kidnap Mr. Darcy!

Silly, silly Bridget. Keep your wits about you, I chided myself. Still, I took once last look at beautiful Eduardo and I was whisked away by the detective.

Sunday, February 21

8 st , cigs 15 as very nervous aiding the capture of criminal, alcohol units several to drown out thought of capture, carbs to bloody tired to care, heroine 1

At last, recalling all events of yesterday. Like some surreal dream. Happy ending though. Eduardo and his poof accomplice confessed their guilt. All the good looking ones turn out to be poof's thought to self. Mark exonerated and Mr Firth right as rain.

After getting call from Simon, said I was a "Bloody Fucking genius". Such compliments from sinister boss. Headlines read "Bridget Jones Legend, Saves Colin Firth"

Get call from Mark after ringing his mobile all day and getting voice mail.

"Bridget, I just heard all the row: Are you alright?" said with major concern of lovely and devoted fiancee. "Mark, I have been trying all day to ring you. Where have you been? I was getting concerned" Darling I was so sorry. Rebecca had apparently picked up my mobile by mistake" Right. Stick insect has agenda will beat her to a pulp when I return to San Francisco. "Mark, please don't mention her now. When can you join me in Los Angeles? I asked. "I am afraid it wont be for a couple of days. I have to finish a deadline on a case being presented in court later on this week" he was tired. Poor dear. "Mark, look I understand. I have some work that will keep me busy until I see you again. Mark? I whispered. "Yes?" "I love you" and the tears flowed. " I love you too Bridget" and he was gone. Feeling dreadful, betrayed, abandoned and lonely.

Knock on door. Fearful of prior day's events, look out peep hole. See nothing. Another knock. Christ, who is it? Look through peep hole again. See bugged out eye staring back! I scream bloody murder. My copper guarding me (as am important journalist and national heroine of the hour) comes running in from kitchenette pulling out his weapon.

He asks me to stand away from the door and behind him. Cautiously he swings door open a crack to see who the latest menace is. I am bloody well going to be killed in a foreign land think to self.

"Identify yourself" shouted my copper. "It's me, Colin" came the reply. Bollocks! Colin Firth. I stepped around the copper and opened the door wider. It was indeed Colin Firth with a batch of roses. Oh Shit. The irony. Colin stepped into the room with a batch of red roses and a smile on his most handsome face. "Miss Jones I presume?" he said and winked. I smiled feeling like Lizzy Bennett from P&P. Lizzy has nothing on Mr Darcy since I have the real thing. Colin gave me a big hug and many thanks for alerting the authorities. His offered his parents were eternally grateful, not to mention is wife and their children. I blushed and accepted the reign of compliments as was my due course. I was enjoying my moment in the sun with complete euphoric delight.

I went to sleep that night dreaming of both Mr Darcy's. Oh my! Wicked, wicked girl I thought and feel sound asleep.

Monday, March 1

9 st, cigs 5 no witnesses, alcohol units 10, Fiancee 1, Journalist/Heroine 1

Mark never was able to come to LA due to business. No doubt that leggy tart Rebecca had a hand in it. I had been back in San Fran two weeks since the "Colin incident" I was quoted in People Magazine. The Americans really seem to fancy Colin Firth. But, who doesn't?

Simon Pemberton at Hello mag rag has been actually quite nice about the whole situation and even allowed me the luxury of a few days off. It was nice except I hardly saw Mark these past weeks. He has been working non stop with a few out of town trips. But much to my delight, without Rebecca. She was peeved I could tell as we had her and a few of Mark's work colleagues round for a working brunch last Sunday. Actually went quite nice and they actually seemed to include me in their dull legal discussion. These Americans don't seem to have a poker up their arse as much as the barristers in England. Not withstanding my lovely fiancee of course.

Been busy giving interviews about the "Colin Incident" and rather feel like a local celebrity of sorts. Mark has taken to notice that I was not as attentive to him after the whole kid-napping and said as much. Egotistical man!

"Bridget?" Mark said twice and no response. "Bridget!" "Wot? I came out of my daydream. "Holy Jesus Mark. You scared the hell out of me" I shot back at him. "Christ Bridget I have been trying to get your attention for the last couple of minutes" Mark was annoyed and quite haughty I thought. 'What is it? I said as evenly as possible not revealing my perturbed nature. "We need to discuss my job offer. You have skirted the issue for weeks and its past the deadline" He offered. "You have bloody well been occupied elsewhere in particular without me" I ignored the last comment.

"Well, what did you tell them since its past the deadline" wondering at his answer. "I have told them nothing saying only that I have a personal matter to reconcile prior to letting on my decision. "Oh I am the personal matter?" I questioned. "Yes. After all you are my girlfriend" "Girlfriend? I squawked! "Oh you bloody well know what I mean." Mark flushed. "Mark, do you really want to marry me?" I asked bravely. Silence. Not good.

"Bridget I proposed didn't I?" "Yes and come to think of it that is one issue you have avoided these past weeks as I recall." sounding hurt. "Bridget I didn't mean as such and you know that. You are my heart my everything" Oh Gawd. What power does this man have over me? Here I am a sophisticated future ex-singleton with important job and liberated woman.

"Mark I don't want your pity or a proposal given in pity" I was hurt. "Bridget, you know I blunder when it comes to me feelings. I am an arse and feeling rather left out of your life lately" he quietly said. "Mark, I am sorry I hadn't realized" I felt bad. "Well it seems we are always at cross purposes Bridg and I am not sure how to manage" Mark confessed.

"I lead a mundane and ordinary life. Not much drama until I met you" "Wot?" I said. "Mark, I must agree you are being an arse" I stormed out of the room. Mark left the flat and didn't return that night.

Two questions remained. Am I to remain a singleton forever and will Mark take that job?

Sunday, March 7

9 st 1, alcohol units 20, calories 1,500, hideous life-altering events 2

The flat has been quiet all week. Mark came back early the next morning without an explanation where he had been or with who. I didn't want to know. We barely spoke and nothing has been settled. Mark leaves early and stays late at his office and even has taken to sleeping in the guest bedroom muttering something about not wanting to disturb me. Bugger! Bugger! Bugger! What happened to our lovely life together? It has all fallen to shit. Need self help books and work to keep mind off dwelling on Mark. Wanker!

Called Magda. "Hello? Who is it? I heard a sleepy Magda say. "Magda, its me Bridget!" feeling relief at finally talking to Urban Family member. ""Bridget, are you alright?" "Yes, no...oh Gawd I don't know?" I wailed and breaking down. "Come on Bridget it can't be as bad as all that" "But it is. Mark and I barely speak and I never see him anymore!" I cried harder. "What happened?" she asked "Well Mark proposed and he me told he is feeling neglected after the "Colin incident". "Proposed? Oh Bridget that is wonderful! Magda sounded happy. "But it isn't Magda, Mark proposed out of pity and says we don't really get on very well either. The bloody bastard" "What kind of proposal is that? Not to mention he has a job offer I am sure he is going to take and leave me!" more tears flowed. "Bridget, I know Mark feels bad about what has happened" she said. "Well how do you know that" sounding surprised. "Mark called Jeremy and talked things over since they are mates" Magda supplied. "But Mark never mentioned anything to me" I replied feeling left out of things once again. "Take heart Bridget, everything will work out" like she was speaking to one of her children. "Oh Magda, I want to come home" I sounded desperate. "Well Bridget, you are coming home" came the surprising revelation. "Sorry?" "Bridget you are coming home to England with Mark!"she said. "Bridget I didn't want to tell you this, but Mark has been receiving some threatening phone calls concerning you. He is so worried he has been working overtime to finish his assignment so he can bring you back to England". I was dumb founded. "What threats?" "Some man has been making threats against you Bridget and Mark wanted to protect you from the truth so you wouldn't worry. Bridget, Mark does love you very much. But he is a man and men do have a hard time showing their feelings. He is a Martian after all" I laughed feeling better about Mark. We spoke of other things and she rang off. I been a complete sodding fool once again where Mark was concerned.

I waited up late for Mark to arrive. I fell asleep on the couch. I heard his key in the lock and the sound woke me up. "Mark? Is that you?" No reply. "Mark?" still no reply. Given the recent conversation with Magda I decided to scream. I did it rather loudly too.

All of sudden the darkened flat is flooded with light. I am blinded momentarily. In the confusion I stumble from the couch and fall against someone.

"Bridget, what the devil are you about?" I hear a familiar voice and float away into darkness. Next thing I know. Mark is gently shaking me. "Darling are you alright"