The atmosphere in the Vic was fragile and uncertain, a few people had already left, others talking among themselves, speculating over Danielle's outburst. Archie stood frantically trying to convince Peggy and Roxy of Danielle's insanity. His frustration was building, he didn't have time for this, he needed to stop Danielle, to keep her and Ronnie apart. He had so far got away with everything, every single lie had been believed, he was not about to let this girl destroy him. Then there was Ronnie, he was so close to having her back. She believed him before, that her daughter was dead, without even a scrap of proof... he could do it again... he just had to prepare himself, gain control over the situation.

Ronnie could have sat holding her daughter forever, she could feel Danielle clutching on to her, it reminded Ronnie of how tightly her newborn baby had clung to her all those years ago. She didn't want to let go, but was so desperate to look at her daughter, really look at her, take in every little detail. But for the moment Danielle seemed contented in her mother's arms, Ronnie wasn't willing to break that connection, she worried that if she did it may be lost forever. Their mother -daughter relationship had just been born and yet it was already fractured, capable of shattering at the slightest mistake.

The delicate reunion was cut short by Archie's abrupt entrance into the hallway. Both women jumped at his appearance, loosening their grip on each other. Ronnie quickly stood up, facing her father, standing between him and her daughter. If looks could kill, Archie would be six feet under.

"Get out", Ronnie's voice was spiked with venom, it sent a shudder through Danielle, she knew Ronnie was trying to protect her but it scared her how quickly Ronnie could change. Archie, however, seemed unfazed, he had heard it all before and knew exactly how to manipulate his daughter. Besides, he was still playing the game, it was not over yet.

"Veronica, you don't seriously believe all of this!" Archie laughed, his confidence unnerved Ronnie. She was certain of the truth now, she believed Danielle 100%, but somehow Archie always managed to make her doubt herself. Similar to how the appearance of a police officer makes you automatically feel guilty, despite it having absolutely nothing to do with you.

Danielle sensed the flicker of doubt in Ronnie. She needed her mum to be strong, with no hesitation, but she knew Archie had this power over Ronnie, the ability to destroy her with just a few words. He knew her weaknesses, how to find the tiny cracks in Ronnie's ice cold armour. Danielle couldn't understand how Archie had such a hold over Ronnie, but then it was the same power Ronnie had over her. A few words from Archie and Ronnie broke, one look from Ronnie and Danielle crumbled.

"Don't you dare" Ronnie caught hold of herself in a second, he was not going to break her, she wouldn't let him, not again, not this time. Her heart filled with the thought of Danielle right behind her, her little girl was all she needed. "Don't you dare call my daughter a liar again" she hissed the words at Archie through gritted teeth as she pointed a finger of warning in his direction.

"V, I'm telling you, that girl is nothing to do with this family. She is obsessed, mentally unstable" Archie's words were a bit rambled, Ronnie was remaining slightly stronger than he had expected.

"Oh really, so why does she have the locket, my locket, the locket I gave away with my baby" Ronnie had no doubt in her voice, she was waiting to see how he was going to try and worm his way out of this one.

Archie's mind was frantically working away; he glanced at Danielle, his face showed utter disgust every time he set eyes on her. He loathed that girl, she had taken Ronnie away from him, destroyed his little blonde haired angel.

He looked Ronnie in the eye, "She doesn't have the locket you gave away with that child" Archie was smug with the look of confusion of Ronnie's face, "I'm sorry V..." his tone softened, "I thought it best you didn't know... but now..." he glared at Danielle, "it seems I have no choice".

"Know what?" Ronnie was at a complete loss as to what her father was talking about.

Please keep reviewing, your comments are helpful and encouraging. Hope you are enjoying the story so far, thanks for your reviews!!! :)