A/N: Here it is guys. Here it is chapter 10. Sorry about the long wait work has been really busy lately. Thanks for all your wonderful feedback and I hope you enjoy this chapter. The italics represent flashbacks.

Chapter 10: Old Faces, New Enemies and Goodbyes

Much later that evening Mike walked down the stairs of Susan's house tiredly rubbing the back of his neck. He saw Julie sat in between Bree and Gabrielle. He was so grateful that Susan's friends had gathered around to support them. It was good for Julie that she was safe and she didn't feel alone. He walked into the room making his presence known Julie immediately walked up to him offering him a soft smile.

"Why didn't you wake me up?" he asked looking at her.

"I thought you could use the sleep," she whispered warmly. Mike kissed her on the head thanking her silently. He took a seat on a nearby empty chair. Karl was glaring at him from the corner of the room but Mike chose to ignore him, his hands instinctively reaching for the red mark on his throat.

"Where's Sophie?" he asked looking at Bree. Almost on cue Sophie entered the house a large bag in her hand.

"Mike you're awake. I bought some of your clothes over," confirmed Sophie. Mike took the bag from her, "Thanks."

In the corner of the room Karl was seething with anger. How dare Mike saunter into the room and get everyone's attention.

"Mike try and eat some of this," spoke Bree placing a plate of food in front of him. He looked at Bree sadly, "I'm not hungry."

"Sweetie, Susan would not want you to get ill. Please eat a little bit," encouraged Gabrielle.

"I…ca..," he began only to be interrupted.

"Please Mike for mom," whispered Julie taking his hand. Mike looked at her and placed a bit of chicken in his mouth. They all sighed in relief; it was the first time Mike had eaten something in three days.

Bree and Gabrielle were in the kitchen putting away the dishes silently offering each other support at this turbulent time. Lynette walked into the house slightly out of breath dressed in her blue robe. They all looked at her concern evident in everyone's eyes.

"Lynette what's wrong?" asked Bree placing a hand on her shoulder. Lynette offered her a reassuring smile. She looked at Mike who was slumped on the couch looking at some papers.

"Mike I can't stay long. I left the kids with Tom but I was thinking about what you said earlier about any abandoned warehouses."

Mike stood up and looked at her confusion and eagerness on his face.

"Anyway I was talking to Tom about it and he knew of some old warehouses that are just outside of town. Here is the list of the possible ones we could think of," she spoke handing him a small folded piece of paper.

"Thanks for this Lynette," replied Mike genuinely. Lynette offered him a sad smile.

Gabrielle and Bree decided to leave for the night, giving Mike and the others a chance to get some sleep. Mike thanked them all for their support and they told him that they would come by tomorrow.

Mike silently walked back into the lounge. Karl was sat watching television whilst Sophie was hastily tidying up the room. He looked towards the couch where Julie had fallen asleep; a look of sadness mirrored her face. He hoped she wasn't having a nightmare. He grabbed a blanket and placed it over her.

"I could have done that," snapped Karl looking at Mike with hatred. Mike refused to give him the pleasure of an answer and walked silently into the kitchen. He sat down at the table.

"You should get some sleep," he spoke looking at Sophie.

Sophie smiled at him softly, "Look who's talking. What are you going to do?"

"I have to go over this information, try and pin down various locations," replied Mike sombrely.

Sophie stood up gently rubbing his shoulder. "Try to get some sleep," she whispered leaving him alone. He looked at the map in the silence and murkiness of the room.

The following morning a tall figure walked into the grim room. He smiled sadistically at the sleeping form of a woman in front of him. Her face streaked with blood and dirt. He smiled inwardly and placed a glass of water and a sandwich next to her. He reached out silently pulling the handcuff off one wrist.

Susan moved gently her arms were wrapped around Mike's strong body as she listened to the soft beating of his heart 'Thump, thump, thump.' It was the most beautiful sound she had ever heard. She sighed slightly calling out for him "Mike."

"Sorry to disappoint darling but no," she heard the gruff reply. Susan opened her eyes the harsh reality of the situation coming into place. She wasn't in Mike's arms. She was in fact somewhere she did not know. She looked at her bleak surroundings her whole body ached. It hurt to even move.

"So now that you're awake. Eat the food," demanded the voice. Susan forcefully pushed the tray away. "Go to hell." She was hungry but there was going to let her tormenter know.

"I don't want you to die. At least not yet," snickered the voice relishing in Susan's pain. He left her alone and against her better judgement Susan took the glass of water and drank it.

Mike walked into the kitchen tiredly pouring himself another cup of coffee. He gently took a sip of the hot beverage glancing out of the window.

Susan stood in her kitchen washing the dishes and daydreaming about Mike. A happy smile covering her face. She felt a pair of strong arms encircle her tiny waist and kneeled back against the strong figure sighing contentedly.

"That feels nice," she moaned as soft kisses were placed against the side of her neck.

"Mmm hmm," moaned Mike softly in response. Susan turned around looking at him for the first time that day. She never got tired of seeing him everyday. No matter how much time they spent together it was never enough for them.

"What took you so long?" she sighed as he placed his hand up her soft top.

"I'm sorry the job took longer than I expected," he replied kissing her. She responded passionately drawing him even closer to her body. He picked her up gently placing her on the counter.

"Mmm I missed you," he murmured. "How bout we go away for a while just get away from here."

"Go where?" asked Susan smiling at him.

"Anywhere as long as we're together, on a beach I can't wait to see you in your bikini," he answered suggestively roaming his eyes up and down her body.

Susan laughed lightly pushing him away. "I have got to go and meet my publisher. We'll talk about this later."

Mike kissed her again rubbing his hands across her back. "I just got back. Are you sure you have to go?"

"Mmm baby I have too," she moaned as he slid his hands up her skirt pressing against her panties as he drew her mouth in for a searing kiss.

"Are you sure?" he asked once again darting his tongue out licking her neck gently.

Susan stood up of the counter and smiled taking his hand and leading him upstairs.

"Hey Mike," spoke Julie entering the kitchen jolting him from his thoughts. Mike looked at her before turning back towards the window. His eyes darted across the quiet suburban neighborhood. People were waking up heading towards work, saying goodbye to their families. He placed his coffee on the side and saw something he never expected to see Paul Young was walking out of his house a box in his hands. Mike ran out of the house not hearing the voice of Julie as she called out to him.

Mike was besides Paul within minutes pushing him into a nearby wall. Paul dropped the box.

"You son of a bitch. Where is she?" he growled. Paul laughed bitterly at him.

"Where's who?" he asked feigning innocence.

Mike glared at him fury evident in his icy blue eyes. He tightened his hold on Paul's shirt. Julie, Karl and Sophie ran towards them watching Mike pour out his anger on an amused Paul.

"You know exactly who. WHERE IS SHE?" he yelled hitting him against the wall

"Susan?" asked Paul looking him squarely in the eyes. A hint of satisfaction appeared in his voice as he pushed Mike away laughing gleefully. "Is Susan Mayer missing?"

Mike moved towards him once again. "You know damn well she is," he growled.

"Mike please," pleaded Julie from behind. Karl silenced her with a look. Paul shook his head and started to walk away only to be pulled back by a furious Mike who punched him on the face. Blood poured from his nose, which Paul found slightly amusing. Mike was beyond livid at his actions. He tackled him sending them both sprawling across the lawn. Paul managed to land on top of Mike; he firmly placed a kick on Mike's chest as he moaned from the pain. Mike rolled over managing to overtake his enemy.

"Where is she?" he yelled punching him on the face. He could hear Julie asking him to stop but he couldn't not until Paul gave him some answers.

"I know you threatened her. Where is she? Answer me…or I swear I will kill you right now," spat Mike punching him with each word. He saw blood on his hands and Paul's face was all bloodied and cut. His mind wandered to the photograph image of Susan, each cut and bruise on her body. His rage came forward as he repeatedly attacked Paul.

"WHERE IS SHE?" he yelled throttling him. Paul sneered beneath Mike laughing maniacally.

"Dad stop him," begged Julie looking at her father. Karl stood there refusing to do anything much to Sophie and Julie's disgust. Mike found himself being lifted off Paul his punches hitting the air around him. He looked confused as he saw Tom and Carlos pulling him away determinedly. He struggled wildly against their grip. "LET ME GO."

"Mike calm down," spoke Tom trying to get him to see some sense.

"NO I SWEAR TOM YOU BETTER LET ME GO," threatened Mike.

"Not until you calm down," replied Tom calmly.

"How can I…he knows where Susan is," answered Mike softly.

Paul got to his feet wiping his face with his hands. His pristine white shirt was covered in his blood.

"I wouldn't' tell you where she is even if my life depended on it. You have no proof that I have her. Just to let you know I'm glad Susan Mayer is gone. It will stop her from putting her nose into my business. She deserves everything that's happened," sneered Paul a vicious smile on his cold face.

Mike moved towards him struggling against the firm hold Tom and Carlos had on him. He watched as Paul Young got into his car and drive out of Wisteria Lane. Tom and Carlos let Mike go after a few minutes. He collapsed onto the soft ground beneath him. Sophie walked up to him "Mike?"

Mike looked at her and she could see the onset of tears forming in his eyes. He stood up quickly running towards his truck getting in.

"Mike where are you going?" asked Julie running up to him.

"To see detective Copeland," he replied before speeding out of Wisteria Lane.

That Afternoon

Susan woke up later that day to see someone watching her. She cowered back in fear pushing her body against a nearby wall. The voice laughed at her reaction. She whimpered as she saw a pair of legs kneel down in front of her. Susan closed her eyes tightly hoping to erase the image.

"Open your eyes," smiled the person running a cold finger across her wet cheeks. She refused to do as they asked. "OPEN THEM."

Susan gently opened her eyes seeing his face for the first time. She looked into his cold- hard eyes. She recognized him from somewhere but couldn't quite remember. He smiled at her confusion and decided to enlighten her.

"Are you thinking where do I know him from?" he asked.

Susan stared at him blankly. "Let me introduce myself. I'm detective Greg Sullivan." He offered her his hand laughing hysterically when she didn't take it.

"Detective?" she replied confused.

"Yeah we met when you came to the police station that night giving Mike Delfino an alibi regarding Mrs Huber's murder," he explained.

"I…I don't understand," she whispered softly. "Why am I here?"

"Let me explain it to you then," he responded taking a piece of her hair between his fingers. She flinched away in disgust.

"You see I was a 16 year old boy. Like many others my age I had dreams for the future. I had a brother I doted on. He was older than me but we were so close that it didn't matter. He was a cop just like me. He was smart and fun. One day I came home from school and my mom was sat in the kitchen crying hysterically. My brother was dead, he had been killed," he spat out bitterly.

"I didn't know your brother," replied Susan.

"No you didn't. But your precious boyfriend Mike Delfino did. That bastard killed him," he yelled. Susan's face paled in shock remembering what Mike had told her about his past.

"No he didn't Mike didn't kill your brother," she argued.

"HOW DO YOU KNOW?" yelled Sullivan getting angry.

"It was self defense, your brother was blackmailing his girlfriend Deidra," she retorted. "Mike's not a killer."

"Manslaughter it was murder plain and simple,"scoffed Sullivan.

"No you're wrong. Your brother was a nasty piece of scum." Sullivan slapped her harshly across the face. She winced in pain as the tears fell from her soft hazel eyes.

"Delfino is going to pay for what he did," he snarled. Susan stared at him wide-eyed in fear for Mike. "I am going to make sure he knows what it is like to lose someone he loves and then I'm going to kill him."

He pulled Susan to her feet powerfully. "No let go," she screamed. He pulled her roughly to his face she could smell the alcohol on his breath and see the true evil lurking in his eyes.

"We are going to send Delfino a little surprise," he smirked.

"So what you're saying is that Paul Young is responsible?" asked detective Copeland looking at Mike.

Mike started at him in disbelief. He had arrived at the police station demanding to see Copeland and much to his frustration and anger they kept him in a small room till he arrived. Now an hour had passed and he explained to them on numerous occasions that Paul had Susan but he was getting nowhere.

"Yes, how many times do I have to say it?" he growled running his hands through his hair.

"What evidence do you have to support this accusation?" asked the detective.

"EVIDENCE, WHAT THE HELL KIND OF EVIDENCE DO YOU WANT? HOW ABOUT THE FACT THAT HE WAS LAUGHING AND GLOATING ABOUT MY GIRLFRIEND'S DISAPPERANCE ALMOST TWO HOURS AGO," yelled Mike leaning forwards on the table towards the detective.

"Mr Delfino I would suggest that you calm down."

"Paul Young murdered Martha Huber and now he has Susan," stated Mike.

"I assure you we are doing our very best to find Susan Mayer," spoke the detective

"What exactly are you doing? You're no closer to anything. You blatantly refuse to go after Paul Young because of lack of evidence," yelled Mike slamming his fists on the table.

"Mr Delfino I already warned you," yelled the detective.

"No forget this if you won't help me, I'll find someone who will," stated Mike leaving the station. Once outside Mike pulled out his cell phone dialling a familiar number. "I need your help."

Julie hung up the phone in frustration. "His phone is still switched off," she said looking at her grandma.

Sophie gave her a reassuring hug. "I'm sure he's fine. He'll come walking through the door any minute now."

"Typical of the plumber to do a disappearing act," retorted Karl from the corner of the room. His remark earning him an icy glare from Julie. "He's not done a disappearing act. He just needed some time alone."

"Let me ask you Julie, why do you trust him so much?" asked Karl.

"Because I do, because he's always been here and he loves us," she answered confidently. Karl decided to let it go after all Julie was just a child. She didn't know much. Sure he loved her but she had a tendency or seeing the good in everyone especially the plumber.

"Grandma do you think we'll find mom?" asked Julie sadness echoing in her voice.

"I'm sure we will," replied Sophie although she had her own doubts.

"Mike said that we are going to go away just the three of us on vacation," spoke Julie her eyes gleaming with the memory.

"How about we look on the internet for some nice places?" asked Sophie hoping to distract Julie if only for a little while.

"I'd like that," smiled Julie walking away with her grandma.

"Thanks for meeting me" spoke Mike taking his seat in a corner of the small café. He looked at Noah Taylor who was silently eating a piece of cake and looking at him intently.

"What did you call me here for?" asked Noah. "I'm a busy man."

Mike looked at him unsure of how to begin. A waitress appeared at their table to take their order. She flirted openly with Mike who refused to even give her a smile. Noah ordered a coffee and once they were left alone he turned back to Mike. "So what is it?"

"I need your help. It's important," began Mike looking into his eyes.

"With what?" asked Noah taking a forkful of his cake.

"Noah I helped you with Deidra. I'm sorry it didn't turn out the way you had hoped but now I need you to do something for me," asked Mike. Noah pushed his plate aside giving Mike his full attention.

"I need information on Paul Young. Anything you can dig up, past friends, any records he might have."

"Paul Young. Why him? Who is this guy?" asked a confused Noah.

"Someone who has the woman I love," replied Mike sadly. The waitress reappeared with Noah's coffee.

"Are you sure I can't get you anything handsome?" she asked looking at Mike.

"I'm fine so if you don't mind," he glared back. The waitress annoyed at his rudeness walked away leaving them alone once again.

"The woman you love?" asked Noah taking a sip of his coffee. "Who is she?"

"Susan Mayer," replied Mike idly playing with the salt shaker.

"I thought you two had split up," replied Noah.

"We did but had gotten back together and now she's disappeared."

"And you think this Paul Young has got something to do with it?" asked Noah.

"I know he has but the police refuse to do something unless they have hard evidence," whispered Mike

"The police are good for nothing," replied Noah. "When was the last time you had a decent night's sleep?" he asked looking at Mike's tired face and bloodshot red eyes.

"The last time Susan was in my arms," answered Mike honestly.

"I will get the information for you, get my men onto it straight away. It's the least I can do after all you have done for me. Mike you need to protect yourself," he said concerned.

"I still have my gun," replied Mike. "Thanks Noah."

Noah nodded his head softly and watched as Mike walked out of the café heading back to Wisteria Lane.

Mike walked into the quiet house once full of laughter and happiness now resembled anything but that. It was eerily calm and a subdued atmosphere surrounded it. He walked into the lounge seeing Julie sat in the soothing embrace of Bree. She looked up as soon as she heard his footsteps and ran towards him.

"Mike," she cried grabbing onto his arms and placing her face against his chest. He looked at the other occupants of the room they refused to meet his eyes each looking away sorrowfully.

"What's wrong?" he asked each word coming out painfully. No one answered and he was starting to get irritated by everyone's silence.

"Julie? What is it tell me," he asked as she looked at him tears glistening in her eyes. She walked towards the table and picked up a small brown package handing it silently to Mike. He recognized the distinctive red writing on it. His hands suddenly felt cold and his heart lurched with an unmistakable fear.

"When…when did you get this?" he asked no one in particular.

"It came about 40 minutes ago," explained Sophie. "We wanted to wait for you."

Mike tore open the package pulling out a videotape and a note simply saying 'FOR MIKE DELFINO'. He looked at Julie softly.

"Julie maybe you should go upstairs," he said gently. Julie shook her head in disagreement refusing to move knowing that no one was going to able to change her mind Mike silently walked towards the video player and inserted the tape.

He watched as a black screen came onto the television. What he saw next was shocking beyond belief. A pair of hands were pulling Susan into a small room, her eyes widened in fear and her struggles increased as the guy pulled her off the floor seating her roughly on a nearby chair. He slapped her across the face as she screamed in pain.

Mike clenched his jaw tightly at what he was seeing. Sophie has started to cry in the corner of the room as Julie stared at the screen in shock.

"Delfino." Mike looked at the screen at the sound of his name being mentioned. In front of the camera was a man he recognized but in his haze he could not remember from where.

"I bet I know what you're thinking where the hell do I know this guy from. How about the car park the day you came to me for some information for Noah Taylor wanted. Remember me now? Detective Greg Sullivan. Do you remember this?" he asked bitterly holding up a newspaper article in front of the camera.

Mike looked at the article a picture of himself being led out of court by armed police. The headline reading: Cop Killer Found Guilty of Manslaughter.

"So you do remember," spoke Sullivan angrily. "The night you killed my brother, Alan Sullivan. You took away his life. Ever since that night I vowed to get revenge. Now I'm finally getting the chance it angers me that scum like you are left to walk around like nothing happened," he spat out harshly.

Everyone in the room turned to look at Mike. He could feel their intense gazes upon him. He watched furiously as Sullivan stood up and walked towards a whimpering Susan.

"I thought to myself what better way to get revenge on you then to go for someone you cared about, someone you loved," sneered Sullivan standing behind Susan. "You see it's a shame because she's so pretty." He ran a finger down her cheek. Mike watched as Susan grimaced at his touch. Her body was cut and bruised in various places.

"What would you do to save her? Should I start by cutting off each off her fingers? That's bound to cause her some pain or maybe I will take her against her will," he laughed maniacally. Susan moved in her seat Mike could just about make out her soft whimper. "Please let me go."

He looked at Julie who was quietly sobbing in Bree's arms who also struggled to hide her feelings along with Gabrielle, Lynette and Sophie. He turned his attention back to the video. His eyes widened in shock as Sullivan picked up a large knife. He looked at the camera his eyes cold and void of emotion. He turned back to the horrified Susan and plunged the knife into her leg. Susan howled and cried out loudly in pain as Sullivan smirked gleefully for the camera.

"MOOOOOOOOOMMMMM," screamed Julie her terrified yell chilling the entire room. She cried loudly in Bree's arms. Mike kicked the table over in anger.

"Don't worry I didn't puncture a main vessel. She won't die, at least not yet. She will be in a considerable amount of pain though." Mike clenched his fists breathing hard.

"The question is Delfino, Can you save her? It's your race against time," smiled Sullivan. He took the camera making sure he got a shot of Susan's tear- streaked face before turning it off.

Mike ran into the garden he threw up the contents of his stomach, sickened at what he saw. He stood there motionless. He was upset and furious vowing to exact an even harsher revenge on Sullivan before this was over. He walked back into the house determinedly opening up a cabinet ignoring the curious glances coming his way.

He threw papers, books onto the floor in his haste. He took out what he was looking for his colt.45 semiautomatic pistol not caring what everyone thought at this moment. He checked to see if it was loaded.

"Why the hell do you have a gun in my daughter's house?" asked an angry Karl.

"I come prepared," he replied bluntly placing it in his pocket. Julie moved away from Bree. "Mike where are you going?"

"To get Susan," he responded distractedly picking up his maps and keys.

"We'll call the police," supplied Lynette hoping he wouldn't do anything stupid.

"I'm not waiting for them." He looked at Julie sadly. "I can't lose her. I just got her back." He kissed Julie softly on the forehead.

"I'm going to get your mom back, promise me you'll take care of her in case something goes wrong," asked Mike.

Julie looked at him tearfully. "Mike…"

"Promise me Julie." She nodded her head yes. Mike gave her a small smile, "Be good Julie you're a beautiful young girl," he whispered walking out of the house colliding into Tom on his way. Mike ignored the desperate pleas of the others asking him to wait. The screeching of tires was all that could be heard in the silence.

"What's going on?" asked Tom looking at Lynette. She looked at him urgently. "Tom, Mike is going for Susan and they guy who took her. I'm afraid the guy will kill him. Please go after him."

Tom looked at his wife seeing a deep sense of fear within her. He went to get his own car hoping he could get to Mike in time.

Mike was parked at the side of a deserted road at a gas station. It had been almostfive hours and he was still no closer to finding Susan. Every lead was a dead end. He was stood outside the cool night air blowing against his face. He gazed at the map placed on the bonnet of his truck marking off places he had already been to. He ran a hand over his face blinking rapidly hoping to clear his mind in some way.

"Can I get you anything?" asked a strong voice invading his thoughts.

"No I'm fine," he responded. The old man stood next to Mike looking curiously at his map.

"Where are you off to at this time of night?" he asked. Mike looked at him not bothering with an answer.

"Look son you don't want to go here," he offered pointing to an area on the map Mike had marked.

"Why not?" asked Mike turning his attention towards him.

"It's completely abandoned there's no access to it. The only people that can go up there are the police and even they don't bother that much," he explained gruffly.

Mike looked at the place his mind in thought 'If only the cops have access to it then Sullivan should have no problem getting there' he declared silently. He looked at the man stood beside him "Thanks."

The man smiled unsure of what he was thanking him for. He watched as Mike got into his truck speeding off towards his destination.

The girls and Karl were sat nervously awaiting any news. Each minute adding to their already fraught anxieties. They all jumped nervously as the phone rang.

"It might be Mike," spoke Julie. Bree stood up and answered the phone. "Hello."

She looked at the others, "It's Tom." They all looked at her hoping for some news.

"Yes Tom okay be careful," she replied warmly placing the phone back on the table. She looked at the anxious faces in front of her.

"What is it? Did they find my mom?" asked Julie.

"No sweetie that was Tom. He lost track of Mike a while back. He's going to go ahead and look in some of the areas that Lynette mentioned to Mike the other night," explained Bree.

Julie looked at her sadly as Gabrielle did her best to comfort the shattered young girl.

"Sophie, Tom also said we should call the police. What is the name of the detective in charge of the investigation?" she asked.

"I don't I think…" stammered Sophie.

"Detective Copeland sniffled Julie wiping at her eyes. "But Mike said that we shouldn't call the police."

"Honey we need all the help we can get. We need to call them before Mike gets hurt," reasoned Lynette.

Julie nodded her head in agreement as Bree picked up the phone dialling the number.

Mike parked his truck silently at the side of the harbour. He picked up his gun and silently got out of the car. He looked at his surroundings. It was completely abandoned there were no ships or ferries in sight. He saw the tall broken down warehouse in front of him and cautiously made his way towards it.

Once he got there he saw a black car parked in front of the building. He looked through the windows seeing Susan's blue and white striped scarf on the passenger seat. He had the right place. Mike tried to find a safe way inside. He came towards a clear opening and with all of his body strength pushed the steel door open. The door creaked softly and Mike carefully walked into the dark room the stench of blood and oil filling his senses.

He reached towards his back pocket pulling out his gun holding it in front of himself as he walked around the room. The only sound being his soft footsteps. His heartbeat quickened as he moved stealthily across the room looking for some sort of door that would give him access to where Susan might be.

He opened a small door quietly. His eyes widened at what he saw. A soft feminine figure lying on the front of her body, her soft brown hair tumbling around her face. It was Susan he had found her. He made his way into the room his loud footsteps startling Susan from her position on the floor. He raised his gun down and ran the rest of the way towards her as she struggled to get her bearings.

Mike took Susan in his arms as she thrashed around wildly beating at his chest.

"Susan…shhh. It's me baby you're safe. It's Mike," he whispered. Susan looked up at the sound of the voice she yearned to hear the one in her dreams, the voice that kept her going. She saw him sat there. He was here, her Mike.

"Mike?" she asked questionably fear in her eyes.

"It's me Susan," he whispered tears running past his eyes.

"My Mike?" she asked once again her voice full of disbelief and uncertainty. He nodded his head in assurance seeing the tracks of her dried tears marking her face. She collapsed against his chest holing onto him tightly her tears soaking his t-shirt.

"Mike, Mike, Mike," she whispered over and over. Mike cried with her it had been so long since he held her in his arms.

"Shhh baby everything's going to be alright," he whispered. She looked at him and he saw the blood and bruises on her face. He tenderly stroked her cheek with his fingers. Susan flinched in pain.

"What did he do to you?" he said sadly kissing her forehead and covering her beautiful face in gentle kisses.

"Mike…he's…he's," she began.

"I'm going to kill him," declared Mike. Susan shook her head in protest. "No Mike, please we have to go. Please take me away from here," she cried in terror. Mike nodded at her sadly and held her up. He saw the wound to her leg and his heart broke at the misfortune she had suffered. Susan kneeled onto his shoulder as they made their way out of the room towards the exit.

Susan struggled to move but insisted that they didn't stop.

"This way," spoke Mike turning left. He held onto Susan as she moaned in visible pain. They heard the trigger of a gun being pulled.

"Not so fast," demanded a voice. Mike and Susan halted in fear and turned around. They saw Sullivan glaring at them maniacally.

"Sullivan," hissed Mike angrily. He moved his body in front of Susan's shielding her.

"Delfino I see you remembered me," he smiled.

"How could I forget you? You sick bastard," growled Mike.

"Lets not get touchy Delfino. I see you managed to find your girlfriend," he sneered. "She was a lot of fun always screamed when I was torturing her."

Susan tensed behind Mike at hearing Sullivan's voice.

"You bastard I'm going to kill you," threatened Mike.

"Ah, ah, ah. Which one of us has the gun?"

Mike pulled out his own gun pointing it towards Sullivan who laughed at him. "Looks like both of us."

Sullivan laughed bitterly. "You continue to amaze me Delfino. You're smart but not smart enough. You see I couldn't have pulled all this off without a willing partner. He insisted on helping me with my revenge. Come on out mystery man."

Mike looked at him confused. His face registered with shock, as he saw none other than Paul Young come around the corner.

"You son of a bitch. I knew you had something to do with this," he yelled moving forward.

"I enjoyed every second of it and now I am going to enjoy watching you both die," sneered Paul looking menacingly at Susan who moved back in fear colliding into a pile of boxes.

Sullivan laughed in wonder at the look on Mike's face. "Give Paul the gun," he demanded.

"Give me a reason why I shouldn't shoot you both right now?" threatened Mike raising his gun.

"Because before you know it I will have put a bullet through your girlfriends face," sneered Sullivan

Paul walked towards Mike and took the gun from him. He punched Mike firmly across the face. "That was fun," he laughed.

"Okay now let Susan go," demanded Mike.

"Why would we do that?" asked Paul looking at Sullivan.

"Look you've got me. Let her go," yelled Mike becoming angry.

"You see Mike we can't do that," smirked Paul hitting him across the face once again. Susan screamed in fear at the blood coming from his face. Paul turned away and Mike took the opportunity and ran towards him. He tacked Paul sending them both sprawling across the floor. They both grappled fiercely for the gun that fell in front of them, Mike sent a kick to Paul's stomach and punched him repeatedly with rage. Paul lay in front of him unconscious as Mike took the gun pointing it to Sullivan. "Let her go."

Sullivan smirked at him, "Fine the girl can go. I want you anyway."

Mike turned to Susan looking at her sadly. He handed her his keys. "Susan take these my car is outside and drive away from here. Please," he begged.

Susan looked at him, "No Mike I'm not leaving here without you."

Mike looked at her his composure breaking. "You have to baby."

"Please Mike don't leave me," she cried grabbing onto him tightly.

Mike touched her face and looked tearfully into her eyes. He placed his lips against hers for a gentle kiss. "I love you," he whispered.

Out of the corner of her eyes Susan could see Sullivan raising his gum towards Mike's back. She looked at him in fear. He captured her gaze and smiled viciously before pulling the trigger. In that split second Susan pushed Mike out of the way as the bullet tore through her skin.

Mike's eyes widened as Susan slumped towards him. He caught her in his arms both of them silently falling to the cold hard floor. He grabbed his gun looking for Sullivan who had disappeared. Susan looked at Mike, her eyes full of sadness and fear. He watched horrified as blood freely flowed from her stomach soaking through her top. He took his hands and frantically applied pressure to the wound. Susan moaned in pain. Mike lifted his hands seeing them covered in blood. Susan's eyes were slowly drooping.

"Susan, Susan," he spoke shaking her gently.

"Mike I'm bleeding," she replied quietly.

"Hold on baby. I'm going to get you to a hospital. You're going to be okay," he replied urgently.

She wearily looked into his sad blue eyes, wishing the pain would go away from them. "It's…too.. late," she whispered.

Mike shook his head. "No don't say that. Don't you dare say that."

Susan coughed and winced as she felt a sharp pain go through her body. "I want to sleep."

"No Susan, stay awake. Remember we said we were going to go to Paris for a vacation. You said that you wanted to try out the little French boutiques. Remember baby," he cried. Susan nodded her head sadly at the beautiful memory.

"And remember we said that we were going to try for a baby. We have that to look forward too. We need to go shopping and buy our child some of those cute little clothes and a cot and some toys," he continued trying to keep her awake.

"You are going to make a wonderful husband for someone…. and an amazing dad," she cried freely knowing her dream to have a child and family with Mike was fading.

" I don't want anyone. I only want you. I want to have a baby with you," sniffled Mike stroking her face. "Please baby, don't leave me. I'm nothing without you."

Susan reached up and touched his face one last time.

"Mike," she whispered hoarsely. He looked at her the tears running past his cheeks dropping silently onto their intertwined hands.

"Kiss me?" she asked softly. Mike placed his lips against her soft ones, both tasting the other wanting to make the memory last. He softly pulled away; Susan's face was beginning to pale.

"Mike…don't blame yourself for this…I don't…want…you…to…the times…I was….with you. Our….relationship was ….the best…thing that…ever happened to …me, " she cried out pain overtaking her body.

"Susan don't.."

"Mike promise me that…you'll look after…Julie. Please…I know..you love her..please make sure she has everything she needs….take care..of her..of yourself..and tell…her that I was proud…to have her…as my…daughter..and I love her," she pleaded softly.

"Susan please, you're going to be okay," argued Mike.

She shook her head. "It's too late." She looked at him the tears pouring down her face. "I love you…Mike Delfino. I always…will never forget that."

"I love you Susan don't leave baby fight. For me, for Julie," wept Mike.

She took his hands softly kissing them. "It's time for me…to..go..I love..you," she rasped out painfully as her eyes closed shut. Mike held her lifeless body in his arms as he crouched over her in agony; his heart wrenching sobs filling the silence of the room.

TBC

A/N: So what did you all think. Please review. I will have the next chapter up soon.