Phantom Serenity: Ronan seems to make her the most irritated though.

Trrmo77: She is, it's no wonder she got into a mess like this! I'm glad, I've gotten up to chapter 10 in Prisoner of Love.

PhantomFan01: It gets stickier.


Chapter Nine

Ronan scanned through his photos on his camera card, watching Marlena out of the corner of his eye. She was trying not to appear interested, but failing miserably. He finally handed her the camera. "Be my guest."

She opened her mouth to say something, but decided not to. She took the camera and began scrolling the pictures. The photo of a fireman holding a little girl caught her immediate attention. She turned to him. "What's the story behind this photo?"

He exhaled. "Not a pleasant one I'm afraid. The father was drunk, fell asleep smoking and a fire started. A neighbor called and the firefighter found the little girl trapped in the basement."

Marlena set down her food and looked at him. "Is she all right?"

He nodded. "Yes. Her father didn't make it though. The girl's grandparents are going to take her home as soon as she's released."

She exhaled and browsed through the photos. She made a face at hers in the library. "I suppose you're sending this story in."

He nodded. "Yes. It's a job." His phone rang. "Excuse me. Hello?"

It was his editor. "Kenton? Where are you when I need you? Marlena Destler was assaulted in a library about 40 minutes ago!"

"I know." He said. "I've got photos, experienced it first hand, as a matter of fact, Miss Destler is having lunch with me."

His editor laughed. "Funny."

"No, I'm not kidding. She is."

Marlena grabbed his cell phone. "You better believe him, he'll probably give you a dozen pictures of me eating!"

"Thanks." He said grabbing back his phone. "Sorry Sir, she's very opinionated."

"See if you can land an interview with her and her parents." His boss said. "I'll give you a raise."

Ronan frowned. "I don't know."

"You'll do it." She said taking a bite out of her fry. "But I've got a neat little package of blackmail for you in exchange for that."

"I'll call you back later," He said lowering the phone. "We're doing some dealing. Bye." He clicked the phone off and tucked it in his pocket. "All right Miss Destler, I'm listening."


Marlena exhaled and handed him back his camera. "I'd like you to try to find out something for me."

"If within my power." He leaned forward, giving her his full attention. "What can I do?"

She exhaled and shifted forward a little. "Well….I was engaged once…when I was nineteen."

"Who to?"

"He wasn't a celebrity, if that's what you're thinking." She said. "He was a few years older than me. Paul Conrad."

Words failed her for a few moments. Ronan coaxed her gently. "And…he left you?"

She exhaled. "He died…in Iraq."

"I'm sorry."

"And…I never really knew how he died. I know he was cremated. But…his parent's….they hated me and they refused to let me know what happened." She looked up at him, pleading with him. "I really, really, need to know. I-I can't leave, that part of my life behind, without knowing what happened."

He reached up and his thumb gently wiped a tear from her cheek. "I see…you want me to find out all I can?"

She nodded. "Please. In your line of work, maybe you can find out what my father couldn't."

He rubbed his thumb across her cheek. "Sure."

She smiled at him weakly before realizing that she was actually letting him touch her in such a manner. She cleared her throat and sat back. "Take me home please."

"In a moment." He said. "We haven't discussed my part of the bargain. I'm doing a lot of research for you only to get two interviews."

Marlena's guard went instantly on alert. "So, what do you want?"

"A day and two nights in the life of Marlena Destler." He said. "The first day and the first night, I spend over at your house. The second night…we go out and talk about you."

She made a face. "Like a date?"

"Call it what you want." He said extending his hand. "Do we have a deal?"

she exhaled and shook his hand. "Deal."

"Good. Now, I'll take you home."

She groaned. "Why do I feel like I've just made a pact with the devil?" He merely laughed and started the engine. "Are you always this annoying?"

"Only in the beginning." He said. "Don't worry, I grow on people."

"Like fungus grows on trees."


Michael paused his pacing before glancing up to see an unfamiliar Infinity driving up the driveway. He peered out to see Marlena's familiar red hair and her familiar figure get out of the car.

"She's here!" He called to her parents.

"Thank Heaven's!" Mr. Destler said. "The nerve of that girl. Getting into a car with a complete stranger!"

"Erik!" Mrs. Destler said as she ran after them. "Calm down!"

Michael was the first one to the car. Marlena was handing the reporter a piece of paper, both were involved in such a deep conversation, they almost didn't notice him until he was almost four feet away. Marlena's smile faded and she stepped in front of the reporter. "Michael, calm down."

"Marlena!" Her father trumpeted. "Have you lost your mind?"

"Erik!"

Marlena held up her hand. "mom, dad, this Ronan Kenton, a reporter. I've arranged a full day's interview and a date…in exchange for some information."

"A full day's interview!" Her father bellowed.

"A date?" Michael's voice mirrored Mr. Destler's outrage. "Are you kidding? What about us?"

Marlena frowned. "We're not dating, you haven't officially asked me, so I don't see what you're worried about."

"What information are you looking for?" Her mother asked, the calmest of the group. "Is it important?"

Marlena shifted and Ronan spoke up. "I'm finding all the information I can on Mr. Paul Conrad." Everyone's faces stiffened. "I shall be handing in the information as soon as possible. now, if you'll excuse me, I've got stories to turn in." he turned to Marlena and gave her a quick hug. "Now, I'll call you as soon as I have that information you need."

Michael grabbed Ronan by the shoulder and spun him around. "Michael!" Marlena cried behind him.

Michael ignored him. "You keep your hands off her, do you understand? You'll regret it and I'll prove it if I ever get my hands on you alone."

Ronan looked at Michael's hands on his shirt before smirking. "Mr. Knight, I didn't think you were that kind of guy!"

Michael shoved Ronan back, he half expected Ronan to take a swing at him, but he didn't. he simply grinned and got in his car. Marlena frowned and turned to her mother. "I really don't like that man, he drives me crazy!"

"That means you like him." Her mother said. "I'm glad you have a friend."

"With a friend like him, who needs an enemy?"

"Marlena," Michael said taking her elbow. "We need to talk."


Here you go! I got back from a show, had company over and chose to watch Whatever happend to Baby Jane with my younger siblings instead of Captain America. I've been offically dubbed the 1960 nutcase of Miss 2012!