The half empty bottle slipped from my hands spilling onto the beige patterned rug beneath my feet, with red sloshes of wine splattering everywhere. Cursing profusely I ran to fetch a towel to mop this damn mess up. It didn't matter how hard I tried nothing was going to lift the stains, it was ruined forever. A distant memory ran through my mind – the time Bonnie and I headed down to Tijuana, Mexico during the summer break, so young and carefree back then. Bonnie had the bargaining tools to snag the deal of the day from one of hawkers and off we went with the rug underneath my arm. I sighed, tossing the rug into to the corner of the room with my body slumping against the sofa, it wasn't about the rug. Damon and I were involved in something out of our control – with huge ramifications that could change our lives forever.

I checked my cell – no missed calls, so I dialled Damon's number again – voicemail. "You need to answer your phone, please call me as soon as possible," I stated calmly, even though inside I was torn because I needed direction to get us both out of this mess. Who could I turn too and trust them completely? Bonnie! Of course, she was my best friend in the world.

"Elena? What time is it? Is everything ok?" She asked, sounding slightly confused and perhaps still half asleep.

"Oh Bonnie. I don't know what to do."

Bonnie's voice immediately perked up. "What's going on? You sound terrible?"

"The hospital.. They are, they will. Oh my god it is all one big lie..." I gasped down the phone line. I stopped when I realized I was making no sense.

"Whoa. Slow down and start from the beginning?"

I took a couple of deep gulps to compose myself. Only then did I realise the stupidity of my call, what was Bonnie going to do for me? I needed someone here in LA. "I'm so sorry.. Go back to sleep."

Bonnie wasn't having a bar of it. "Elena Gilbert. No. You tell me right now, what on earth are you talking about?"

Part of me regretted calling her, because now I had put her into a tailspin of worry and I knew she wouldn't be able to rest until she knew what was going on. Once I had formulated a plan, I promised myself I would fill her in. "Trust me Bonnie, I will tell you everything soon. Please don't worry, I will speak with you soon. Sorry for waking you," ending the call.

Tossing and turning I glanced at my bed side clock two o'clock in the morning, sleep was obviously not going to be on the agenda. But how could I when there was something this big looming over both of us? Damon's words haunting me, The Lockwood's are influential people, with ties to everywhere you can think of.

Was it possible this was all their doing? Did they really have a reach that deep, with hospital staff willing and able to fudge legal documentation when they asked? Of course they were – because this right here was their backup policy. Damon would never hand over the money willingly – but they have other plans which involved a malpractice case for negligence. A win all round for Katherine and Co.

How I wished Damon was here, his strong arms wrapped around me and his assuring voice telling me it was going to be ok. But he wasn't because right now he was stuck in Chicago in the midst of one the worst blizzards in years. What was I supposed to do in the meantime? I had to take some action immediately with the help from someone inside the hospital system. What about Dr. Saltzman, Damon's friend? Maybe he was my first and only chance.


My alarm beeped at six in the morning, getting out of bed my legs felt heavy and stifling a few yawns I got myself together and drove into work. The nurses' station was unmanned as I hurriedly scurried past, like a thief in the night I was safely inside my own office. I opened the blinds allowing the natural light to flood in, not that there was much sunshine – only grey and cloudy skies looming overhead.

Like a woman on a mission, I searched through the internal directory until I found Dr. Saltzman's extension. In my haste I knocked my handbag off my desk spilling its contents onto the floor. I bent down to gather my personal belongings when I saw my cell flashing – finally Damon! "Why have you not answered before now?" I ground out.

The other end of the line crackled. "Elena? Sorry babe, can you hear me? This blizzard in Chicago – it has been causing havoc. I have been busy piecing things together – hot on the trail of Katherine's life of destruction."

Hoping he would hear me over the bad line quality, I said loudly, "I need to tell you.. There is something going down at work. Is your indemnity insurance up to date?"

"Insurance? Yes I think so? I would need to ask my office assistant to check my policy. What is going on Elena?"

I frowned, he didn't sound too concerned, that was good right? "Tyler Lockwood's case, his parents have made a formal complaint. The review board will be investigating, I'm worried Damon."

"Is that all? Trust me Elena, there is nothing to worry about. You were there, and we both know everything was done by the book. They can't touch us ok?"

"Have you found out any info on Katherine?" I asked. Please say yes, I silently prayed.

"Listen, I'm on the right track. There has been a meeting has been set up with some girl who was friends with Katherine, I'll be meeting her later today. So don't fret, I'll speak with you then Elena."

Things were moving too slowly in Chicago, I was going to have to take matters into my own hands. "Damon – you need to hurry. Please come back to Los Angeles soon, I need you." I felt my heart skip a few beats, he had me in a way no man had ever come close to before.

The line was silent for a second, before he said softly, "I miss you too baby. I hope to get back on a flight early tonight. Don't worry about a thing beautiful lady, we are going to be ok."

"Ok, please stay safe. I'll be waiting for you."

After the call with Damon, I buzzed Alaric's number – after several unanswered rings it went through to his voicemail. Feeling somewhat nervous, I stuttered, "Hi Doctor Saltzman - um could you please call Dr. Gilbert from the paediatric ward, extension 4008, thanks."

I glanced over at one of the lever arch files on the bookcase, racing towards it I flicked through until I found a copy of my insurance policy - valid through to 2016. I breathed a sigh of relief – I was fine, but what about Damon's? I couldn't just ring his office assistant and ask her outright could I? I needed to find out where his stood, and from what I did know, it was hospital policy for all employees to use the same insurer. Without a second thought I called them.

A chirpy woman answered the phone. "Good morning - Insurance Med. How can help with your enquiry today?"

"Yes hello. Can you please tell me if an indemnity policy is currently valid?"

She tapped away on her keyboard. "Sure. I just require a few details from you. Can I have the name of policy holder & number please?"

"Dr. Damon Salvatore. Registration #88221."

She stopped tapping. "Right – obviously you are not him, what is your relation to Dr. Salvatore please?"

Shit! I needed to think of something fast otherwise she was going to get suspicious and call me out. The word came flying out of my mouth, "Wife."

"Thank you Mrs Salvatore, please bear with me."

Silently relieved the woman believed my white lie, I wished that she would hurry up so I could the information that I needed.

"Right, here he is. Can you please give me the password on the account? Then I can release the information."

A blank wall hit me, I was stuck and I might as well hang up now. Just as I was about to put the receiver down, I said lightly, "Bourbon."

"Thank you. Now let's see. Please tell your husband he needs to contact us urgently because he does not have valid insurance cover."

"Yes, I will ensure he is in touch with you soon. Thank you."

My fist pounded down on my desk, why oh why would he allow his insurance to lasp? Didn't he know how important it was? Jesus Christ he was in trouble if the Lockwood's won their case. They were onto him big time and I wouldn't allow that to happen, I didn't care what I had to do fight fire with fire, just leave him the hell alone.


I walked into my final patient's room for the day, miss Amelia Johnson, a 10 year old girl – who had been in and out of hospital since I could remember. Her parents were her pillar of strength, and my patient – well Amelia she was always a bright spark. I smiled at them, "Good morning - how are we today?"

"Hello Dr. Gilbert," Amelia chimed out. "You look pretty."

I patted her hand. "Thanks. You know maybe I should come visit you more often. How are you feeling?"

She looked towards her parents, then back to me. "I feel like all the other times. Am I going to get better soon?"

Her file was in my hands, glancing through the notes I answered, "In my opinion and with more time I believe that yes you will. I'm sorry I can't be any more definite Amelia as to when."

"Thank you Dr. Gilbert. We appreciate everything you do for us." Amelia's parents replied.

Smiling proudly I said, "I love being a doctor, because I get to help people like you. Keep your chin up young lady ok?" I closed the door quietly behind me.

Back in my office I could see the red flashing from the telephone, I had voicemail. Quickly dialling my pin, I listened intently – Alaric's message stating he was free from about 12.00pm and could squeeze me in. Checking the time I saw the numbers stare back at me, 11.55am. Crap I needed to hurry, grabbing my bag I hurtled down the corridor, not even stopping when I noticed Caroline at the station.

"You off somewhere?" She called after me.

"I won't be long," I answered her, wishing the elevator doors to open. Feeling nervous I shoved my hands into my coat pocket to stop me from wringing them together, what seemed like forever the silver doors finally opened and I was on my way.

I asked the desk attendant directions to Alaric's office, she told me down the corridor, take a right with his office located at the end. I stopped outside his door, wondering how on earth I was going to explain things to him? Would he even want to help me out? Who knows, maybe they could get to him too, was anyone really safe? I stepped forward when he noticed me standing uncertainly in the doorway.

"Dr. Gilbert – please come on in. I don't bite."

His office had an amazing view – full 360 degree of LA with the most famous sign in the world blaringly obvious. Alaric's desk was surprisingly tidy, no piles of messy papers nor random files lying around, everything was in its place. He motioned for me to sit down. "I really appreciate you seeing me Dr. Saltzman."

Alaric waved his hand, "Please – call me Alaric or better yet just good old Rick will do. Are you comfortable with that?"

I felt instantly at ease with him and I knew I had come to the right place. "If that is what you prefer Rick. Then you can call me Elena, do we have a deal?"

He chuckled, "Ok done. Now what can I do for you?"

This was going better than I had expected, it was now or never – here goes. "I have a question to ask, how much of a friend are you to Damon?"

Rick answered immediately. "Damon? He is one of my closest buddies and has been for some time." He fell silent, "What is this about Elena?"

I nodded. "Ok well then, I need your help. Damon needs your help." From there the words tumbled from my mouth. What a relief it was to get all this off my chest, it wasn't just Damon and I anymore.

He listened in disbelief. "Elena. I had no freaking idea, my god what a mess. Can I ask why you are so involved?"

I looked him squarely in the eye, finally admitting the truth out loud. "I'm in love with him..."

The silence grew between us and the feeling that I had somehow failed in my bid to get him onside continued to grow. It was a big ask but if he was the friend he said he was, would he help me to back Damon up?

Rick finally smiled. "Damon is a lucky man to have a woman like you in his life. I'm in. What do you want me to do?"

Feeling more confident now that I had found an ally, I said, "Well I have an idea, and because time is something we do not have - it needs to be played out today. So let's get this set in motion shall we?"


Why did it feel as though today had dragged on for way too long? The sound of a slamming door had me jumping out of my seat and the loud crashing of a steel trolley startling me, like any minute waiting for the final penny to drop. I checked my watch close to 4.00pm, not much longer and I could get out of here. I was overdue for my break, heading off towards the staff room, I noticed Caroline huddled over near the water cooler speaking with and unknown woman – obviously I was the topic of their conversation, for as soon as I walked in they both stopped mid sentence. I looked at them pointedly, until they both averted their gazes. I waited for the machine to whizz up my flat white.

All of a sudden I felt a tugging at my sleeve, and Caroline hissing in my ear. "Why didn't you tell me?"

What did she mean? Tell her what? Had word got out that quickly? Mustering for control I asked calmly, "Sorry? What are you talking about?"

"Elena! They took one of your files, they are investigating you." She frowned at me. "Why didn't you say anything? Are you nervous? You should have nothing to worry about right?"

That was good - nobody had found out yet. "Listen Caroline, I can't really talk about it ok. I'm sorry I didn't tell you." I waved her off as I headed out the door – my day was well and truly over.

Not wanting to go straight home, I drove around aimlessly until I had an idea of where I was headed to, our beach well the one which Damon and I had learnt how to surf. On a day like today – with dark ominous clouds, the wind blowing a gale and a splattering of rain forming a misty like scene over the ocean, I watched the huge waves roll in. I could make out a few surfers crazy enough to be out there today, showing no fear. I was stuck in the position of either having done the most stupidest or the bravest thing I have ever done, knowing the consequences of my actions were going to lead me down an unknown path. But if you loved someone, what would you do to protect them from evil? If you had an opportunity to undo the wrongs, would you do it? It was a question worth asking because it was a situation I had now found myself in, I doubt I would have done it for anyone else.

My cell buzzed – Damon. He was all that mattered right now. I knew as soon as I laid eyes on him, I was never going to let him go again. "Thank god Damon. Where are you?"

"LAX – I'm back baby. I'll be at yours in a couple of hours. I'm thirsty for a drink and more than a few kisses from my girl."

"I'm so glad you are home - I really have missed you."

I could hear the smile in his voice when he replied, "That's what I like to hear. And I missed you - so that makes for an interesting reunion don't you think?"

"Mm that is entirely possibly. I can't wait to see you."

"On my way - see you soon gorgeous."

By the time I drove home, I had less than 30 minutes to jump in the shower, wash my hair, shave my legs and put on a touch of mascara and lip gloss. I gave my hair a quick brush, pulled on a pair of skinny leg jeans and a red off the shoulder top. I slipped my feet into a pair of flats and I was set.

Feeling the butterflies swirl around my stomach, as though we were having our first date, I tried some distracting methods – none of which were working. Fiddling with the radio channels, most with mushy love songs playing, no definitely too corny, I kept searching – too much rock, too much country, stopping when I found the latest top 50 countdown. Perfect. I placed two empty glasses down on the table, and a bowl of pistachios.

The intercom buzzed and buzzed relentlessly. I smiled happily. Damon was in a hurry to see me. I flung the door open - there he was lounging in my doorway, his hair falling in his eyes with his lips curving into a happy grin. His black leather jacket hugged his broad shoulders, and dark jeans that looked well worn, a small suitcase was discarded on the floor by his feet.

Our eyes met, I could feel the heat rise to my cheeks as I felt his gaze intensify staring at my lips – without words he pulled me closer hungrily fusing his mouth to mine. My arms automatically wrapped around his waist pulling him against me. The kiss deepened, neither one of us wanting to part he walked me backwards into the living room - kicking the front door shut with his foot.

Our bodies lying entwined on the sofa, I revelled in the closeness to him. God I had missed this even though it had only been a few days. His pure presence had an immediate calming effect on me, and I knew it was going to be ok. His lips left mine to trail a light path of kisses down my neck, I shivered in delight.

Damon popped his head up slightly, murmuring against my neck, "Do you know how much I missed you?" His left hand traced along my shoulders slowly, his fingers sweeping across the top of my exposed skin pausing before dipping his head again.

Feeling my body respond with need, I placed my hands on either side of his face, making him look at me. "I know, I've missed you like crazy. But there is something I need to tell you first."

His eyes flickered back and forth between mine and I started to lose my resolve, maybe it could wait until tomorrow. Why ruin the moment? In the end I didn't have to, Damon made the choice for me. "Elena, whatever it is can wait." Pulling me to my feet, he kissed me again before I could protest. Taking me by the hand we headed towards the bedroom.