Author's Note: Hi. Sorry that it's been so long, though not as long as for my other story. There's a lot of going back and forth in this chapter, so let me know if you get confused about what takes place when. Enjoy.

To Those Who Reviewed:

LG,

Thank you. or your welcome. I'm not really sure which is appropriate, but either way, I'm glad you are happy with it. Sorry that it took so much longer this time around. It's nice that you are enjoying it, though.

Yes, more Buffy references. They make me happy too.

I also love how their relationship evolved. I am glad you think I captured it well.

Yeah, he is the biggest Jemily shipper there is.

Yep. They're avoiding it, I'm avoiding it. It's avoidance all around. I don't know that there is as much in this chapter either, but I was able to squeeze in some, and I hope you like it.

I am looking forward to it too. And at the same time I'm not.

Thank you. I am glad you think I can write well for the Graysons.

Very true. Oh, the feels.

Well, we'll see, won't we.

Thank you for reviewing and sorry again for the wait.

Chapter Nine: Fraternization

When I was a little girl, my father made a point to associate with important, influential people. His elevation to a certain status, both professionally and socially was a direct result of these associations. However, he also fraternized with less important people, like a homeless, unloved, unpopular genius. And he fraternized with someone he should not have, a married woman. These two fraternizations proved to be two of the most important relationships he would ever have.

Emily felt a shift in the bed. She turned to see Daniel sneaking in beside her.

"What time is it?" She asked, feigning sleepiness.

"I didn't mean to wake you. Go back to sleep."

Emily glanced at the clock, "It's nearly one. Are you just coming to bed now?"

"I, uh, had some, something came up. At the office."

"You went out?"

"I, it was nothing. Go back to sleep." He leaned forward and kissed her forehead.

"Daniel, you're being evasive. If something's wrong-"

"Nothing's wrong. Go back to sleep." He settled under the covers at stared up at the ceiling, "Everything's going to be fine."

The noises of the city woke Charlotte. It confused her at first. What would she be doing in the city? But as the events of last night came back to her, she relaxed, remembering where she was. She got out of her bed and headed into the living room area of Thomas's apartment.

He was pouring a bowl of cereal. "I wanted to make you breakfast, but I'm not really the cooking type."

Charlotte nodded, "It's fine. Nothing wrong with good old fashioned cheerios and milk."

"I would think a pregnant girl would need something more than that."

Charlotte nodded, "The cravings things comes and goes. Right now, I'm not actually that hungry. In fact, I'm a little nauseous. I would think you would know about morning sickness, doctor." She teased.

Thomas blushed, "I'm still-"

"I know. You're in training or whatever." Charlotte stood, "I have to head back to The Hamptons. But thanks, for everything." Thomas nodded, "And remember-"

"I won't say anything about last night. Don't worry."

Charlotte smiled at him before heading out the door to her car.

"Ashley Davenport to see you sir."

"Thank you Dalia." Conrad said. He could see Ashley fine behind his secretary, and he motioned her in.

"Mr. Grayson." Ashley greeted. Conrad gave her a condescending smile, but said nothing, "It's wonderful to see you in office. I look forward to helping you make a difference over the next few-"

"What is it you want, Ms. Davenport?"

Ashley sighed, "Honestly, payment for my services."

"Oh, and here I thought you didn't do that kind of thing anymore."

"I never … Mr. Grayson, I have been a loyal employee-"

"So you didn't conspire with Jack Porter to sabotage my election then?" Ashley blanched, and Conrad chuckled, "Don't forget who your dealing with, Ms. Davenport."

"No. I would never dream of forgetting that I'm dealing with the man who conspired to have Amanda Porter killed." Conrad's eyebrows went up, "You know that I know enough about your family to ruin you. And I haven't come to you asking you to give me an exorbitant amount of money to keep quiet, but I do expect to be paid for the job I'm doing. I'm not even making minimum wage and I'm working as right-hand to the governor."

"Empire's take time to build. You're welcome to seek employment elsewhere. I'll give you excellent references, of course."

Ashley scoffed, "I've worked my ass off for you, but you wouldn't even hint at that in a reference, would you? Well, don't expect me to wait around forever. I'm not a volunteer; I'm an employee. I have the right to be paid. I could hire a lawyer -"

"I don't think you're that stupid. I sincerely hope my faith in your self-preservation skills isn't misplaced."

"Are you threatening me?" Conrad smirked, "You can't treat me this way. I've put in more time-"

"Oh yes, you've proven your worth in many areas, and you've done all that you can to make your way to the top. We've helped each other, Ms. Davenport, and we've both done things that are … regrettable. However, I think we can both agree that the rewards are well worth the sacrifices. You've been very lucky in your career since you came to work for my wife. It would be a true shame if that changed, a waste of potential. But, as you say, you have rights. You have the right to walk out of here or attempt to hire a lawyer. I doubt you'll end up where you want to be, if you do that. Quite the opposite, in fact."

"Mr. Grayson, I'm not saying I'll abandon you, but I do have monetary needs. I'm concerned-"

"Calm down, my dear. You will be paid. Funds have been … tight recently, but I have reason to believe that that will be turning around soon. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have work to do. I imagine you do also."

Frustrated, Ashley got up and headed for the door, "Oh, and Ms. Davenport. It was truly a pleasure to see you again. Don't be a stranger."

"I have a surprise for you." Daniel said.

Emily appeared to be on her way out, but she paused, "Is everything okay."

"Of course. Yeah. Everything's fine. I just thought we could drive into the city today. I want to take you to your favorite restaurant. We'll make a day of it."

Emily shrugged, "That sounds fine. Is it all right if I meet you there? I have to -"

"Yeah. Yeah. Of course. I'll text you the details. Just, uh, drive safe, okay?"

Emily gave him a kiss and headed out.

He really should be going with her. He knew that. But he had a plan. Everything would be okay.

Fourteen Hours Earlier

"Hello? Who is this? Who are you?" Daniel screamed into the phone. Nothing. There was nobody on the line.

He sat down and took a deep breath. It was probably nothing. Surely, this was some prank, some kid playing a joke or something. But Daniel thought of all that had happened. He thought of all he stood to lose. He thought of all the times he had come close to losing everything.

No. He wouldn't let it happen. He couldn't lose Emily again. He couldn't let anything happen to their baby, the family they were creating. If he went to his father …

Conrad already owned him. After what happened with Aiden, his father had the control. Would it be such a loss to give him more? He'd tell his father about the call. And his father would fix it. It was that simple.

"Everything went according to plan?" Emily asked into the phone.

Nolan smiled back at her. Oh, how he had missed this. "We should be seeing the results we want soon. So, how was your night?"

Emily stiffened, "Successful."

"Uh-oh. What happened?"

"Nothing." Nolan just stared at her, "I just have a lot to figure out. But everything is going according to plan, with Daniel, and with Conrad. And as for you, we will get you out of here-"

"Just talking to you is more than I hoped for a month ago. Although, if anyone could pull off a miracle, I know it would be you."

"I will. I'll find a way. I promise." Nolan nodded sadly. "I have to go. Daniel is taking me to lunch in the city."

"A man taking his fiancée to eat in the city. You could almost believe he hadn't a care in the world."

"He's got concerns. Trust me. I know him."

"I really hope things work out the way you planned, Ems."

Emily nodded, "I'll come see you again soon."

"Counting the minutes, doll."

"Don't do that." Emily said with a smirk before hanging up the phone and heading off to meet Daniel.

Fourteen Hours Earlier

"This had better be important. I don't like to be disturbed in the middle of the night."

"I'm sure Victoria will find someone to keep her bed warm. She always does."

Conrad smiled. He wasn't thrilled about being called in by this convict, but he also knew what it might mean, and he couldn't say that he wasn't pleased about that, "Should I assume you've reconsidered my offer?"

Nolan sighed, "I'll help you track down who stole your hidden stash, but that's as far as I'm willing to go for you Grayson. This isn't going to be a permanent relationship, just a summer fling, and then we go our separate ways."

"You're hardly in a place to be negotiating."

"Oh contraire, mon enemy, I'm in the perfect place. I have nothing to lose."

Conrad nodded, "Get to work on helping me out, and we'll see what we can do about your incarceration."

"Suspected terrorists don't exactly get Wi-Fi access, especially when a computer was their weapon of choice."

"Let me take care of that. You'll be getting special privileges. But I expect results. If I don't have them in a week's time-"

"Then it's back to the land of lost toys for my tablet. Understood."

"Just out of curiosity, what made you change your mind?"

"If you must know, it was something your son said."

"And what's that?"

"Allow me my secrets, Conrad. I'm not getting much else from in here. Now, I believe our time is up. Sleep tight, beware your wife's bite."

"The nerve of that man. I still can't believe I slept with him." Ashley said, downing another shot.

"Yeah. I didn't need to know that." Jack said, bouncing Carl on his lap.

"He's so bloody arrogant. Thinks he can control me just because he pays me. Correction, used to pay me."

Jack nodded and Alek handed Ashley another shot. She downed it and placed it on the table, "If he doesn't want to treat me with common courtesy, that's one thing. That's just the way this country works. But if he's not even going to pay me-"

"So what are you going to do?" Jack asked.

Ashley shook her head, "I want to say get blasted, but that probably isn't the smartest course of action."

"Couldn't you report him to a union or something?" Alek suggested.

"Conrad Grayson reported to a union? That would be a headline, for sure. Of course, my obituary would be the less colorful article. Probably a car crash or something tasteful like that." Ashley put her drink down and looked over at Alek, "I'm being dramatic, of course. But people like Conrad Grayson, they don't bow to lawyers and unions."

Jack nodded knowingly, "Personally, I think you should quit. You're too good to work for that guy."

"And I love the idealism that I can find when I come here. But I'm a realist. So for now, I'll keep my mouth shut and do my job."

"Well, if you ever need to vent, you can always come here." Jack said.

"Ditto." Alek volunteered.

"Just so long as it stays between us. I could get in a lot of trouble. I shouldn't have even gone off like that-"

"Relax, we won't say anything. Right Alek?" Alek nodded, "See, he's not even saying anything now. The guy barely talks."

Ashley laughed, "Well, you're both good listeners." Ashley's phone went off. She took it out of her purse and excused herself.

"You think you can handle the rest of this." Jack said, motioning to Ashley, and the otherwise empty bar. Alek nodded, "Good. I'm taking Carl to the park. We need to spend some quality time. Don't we buddy?" Jack held Carl up, and he heard his son giggle. "I can trust you to keep what she says under your hat, right? I mean, she's just talking. I'm sure you've said worse things about me-"

"You're a great boss."

"Well, that wasn't a test, but you passed. Anyway, I don't want you to get yourself into any trouble, so …"

"I'll keep it quiet."

"Good."

Ashley headed back over, "Well, that was Victoria. She wants me to issue a press release about Patrick. Of course, that means getting to spend some time with Patrick, so it's definitely better than anything Conrad would have me do."

"Just be careful, Ash." Jack said.

Ashley nodded, "I will be. Don't worry about me. I know what I'm doing." She gave Carl a kiss on the forehead and headed out, waving as she did so.

"Have a good time at the park, boss."

"Thanks. Hopefully the lunch rush will come in soon." Jack said, placing Carl in his stroller. "Bye."

"Word around the cellblock is somebody got computer privileges. How'd you swing that?"

Nolan shook his head, "I have my friends back, and a humming machine to keep me company. Why would I continue to talk to you?"

"Because you have no choice. I can get in here, haunt you like a ghost whenever I like."

"So what do you want, anti-Casper?"

"Anti?"

"Well, he was a friendly ghost. Doesn't really describe you, does it?"

Edith smiled, "I'm friendly. I've been friendlier to you than you probably deserve, and friendlier to your friends than you were for a time. I'm more than open to being friendly with your sexy friend Jack."

Nolan rolled his eyes, "He's taken." Sort of, he added mentally.

Edith shrugged, "Shame. Anyway, you never answered me. How's a cyber-terrorist get his hands back on tech?"

"I'm not one for riddles. Why don't you tell me?"

"I think you're working for the so-called evil you swore you'd never help. Can't help but wonder what changed."

Nolan shook his head, "Wonder away."

"They'll burn you, you know. You saw how they dropped me when I became a liability."

"I'm a terrorist. Doesn't that make me already a liability?"

"I really thought you were smarter than this, Ross."

"I'm plenty smart. Maybe you're just aren't smart enough to figure out my evil master plan."

"If it involves getting out of here, I'd like a piece of that action."

"I bet you would. But why would I help you?"

Edith smiled, "I'm sure you said that to Conrad Grayson at one point too. Seems to me, you switch allies when it suits you." She yawned, stretching like a cat, "I'm heading back to my cell. Enjoy the computer privileges, Ross. May they lead you to exactly where you deserve to be."

Daniel was being the perfect gentleman, pulling out Emily's chair for her and everything. It wasn't that surprising. What did surprise her was when he left her alone to go make a phone call. After a minute, she got up to see what he was up to.

She was heading for the bathroom when she was nearly run over by a petite woman with tears streaming down her cheeks.

"Are you okay?"

"I'm sorry." The girl blubbered, "I'm such a mess."

Emily led her over to the bar and the two of them sat down on the stools, "What's wrong?"

"You really want to hear about a stranger's problems?"

"If that stranger wants to talk about it, I'd be happy to listen."

The girl attempted a smile, and Emily returned it, encouraging her, "I was supposed to go to the Hamptons this weekend to settle my parent's estate. I was going to stay with my boyfriend, but he just ended things. Via text message of all things. He says that I've become too much to handle since my parents …" the girl stopped and sniffled.

"How long has it been?"

"Three months. It was a car wreck, of all things."

"I lost my parents in a car wreck too. I was still a child of course, so it's very different, but I know what you're going through."

"It's just been so hard."

Emily nodded, "How long do you need to be in The Hamptons for?"

"Just a couple weeks, I think."

"Well, I just so happen to live there, in a nice beach house with plenty of room. How would you like to bunk with me for a little bit."

"That … that would be amazing. But are you sure-?"

"It's happening. Don't give it another thought."

"Who's this?" Emily looked up to see Daniel standing behind the girl.

"How'd your call go?" Emily asked.

"Uh, it went all right. Who-?"

"My name's April." The girl said.

"This is my fiancée, Daniel. And I'm Emily."

"It's so nice to meet you. You have no idea-"

Emily smiled, "Why don't we go get your car and drive it back to my place. Daniel, we'll meet later, okay. I want to get April settled."

"Settled?"

"She's going to be staying with me for a few weeks."

Daniel nodded, "Okay. I'll see you back there." He gave Emily a kiss on the cheek and headed off to get their car.

Emily let April lead her to the parking garage, talking the whole way.

Eighteen Hours Earlier

Emily opened up her computer and clicked on the cameras she had in the beach house. Daniel, it seemed, had gone out. A smile played on her lips at her fiancé's predictability. She made her way down the stairs quietly. Daniel's absence didn't mean she shouldn't be cautious.

The downstairs was still a mess, but Emily had expected as much. The call wouldn't have been made long after she went upstairs, and once getting it, Daniel would be too disturbed to clean.

Emily took out a burner phone and pressed in a number. The phone rang once.

"Hello?"

"You should be more careful. It could be anyone calling." Emily said, smiling to herself.

"Only you have this number. And I knew you would want an update." Said the woman on the other line.

"Very wise of you."

"He must have been ready to piss himself, the prick."

"Do you want me to send the video feed?"

"No. What do you want me to do now?"

"Bide your time. I have a few surprises planned."

It was quiet for a little bit, but then Emily heard, "All right."

"I know you're not keen on being benched, but don't worry. You won't have to sit still for too long. I promise. He needs to stew for a little, though."

"I know. I'm just … glad you called me in for this."

"Who else would I call? Goodnight."

"Same to you."

When Emily hung up, her smile dropped slightly.

"That was quite a night." The new Amanda Clarke said, falling back onto the hotel bed. She was surely a little drunk after all the alcohol both girls had consumed tonight, but she was used to holding her liquor.

"You pulled it off. That reporter, he was sure you were Amanda Clarke."

"That guy was a snake. I wish you'd let me slam him around a bit more."

"You slammed him around enough." Emily said, smiling in spite of herself.

"You always try to bench me. What's with that? In lock-up-"

"In lock-up I kept you out of trouble. You wouldn't have had it half as good in there if I hadn't stopped you from getting too rough."

"I'm not afraid to throw down."

"It's not about fear, Amanda, it's about being smart." The girl lying in the bed beside her smiled, "What?"

"You called me Amanda." Emily smiled as well, "I guess it's real now. We'll wake up tomorrow, and you'll leave?"

"I have to. I need a fresh start. If I thought-"

"I know, I just … I'm gonna miss you."

Emily nodded, "I'll miss you too. But we'll always be connected."

"Thank you. I'm … I'm glad you asked me to do this for you."

"Who else would I ask? Goodnight."

"Same to you."

It wasn't the same. There were so many reasons that it wasn't the same. Emily knew that. Still, a chill ran up her spine. And then she saw someone making their way up the front porch.

"Well, that should do it." Ashley said. It hadn't taken long for her to come up with a pithy press release about the newest member of the Grayson family. Of course, standing around while the Photographer took picture after picture of Victoria and Patrick had been slightly tiring, but the best picture was needed after all. And while Ashley tired of Victoria's company, she could never tire of looking at Patrick.

After the photos were done, Ashley had sent them off to the necessary media conglomerates. Now she stared at the computer admiring her good work while Patrick read over her shoulder, and Victoria stood somewhere in the background.

"It should be out there before we know it."

"Looks good." Patrick said, leaning closer. Ashley felt her body temperature rise slightly.

"Well, Ashley, I suppose you're dismissed to whatever ineffectual task my husband's most recently assigned you." She came over to give Patrick a hug and a kiss on the cheek, "Dear."

He hugged her back and she headed off.

Ashley shut down her laptop and closed it up, "It was nice to see you again Patrick."

Patrick nodded, "Where are you going?"

"Well, clearly your mother wants me to make myself scarce. Don't worry about me; I'll find something to occupy my time."

"Suppose you occupy your time with dinner? With me?"

"Well, that's a proposal too good to pass up."

"I was hoping it would be."

Daniel smiled to himself as he drove back to the beach house. Everything really was going to be all right. He was starting to believe that. He reached up to grab his sunglasses and a photograph fluttered down onto the seat. It was a photo of Emily. Sleeping. The time was stamped last night.

Eighteen Hours Earlier

As he drove to his father's office, Daniel couldn't help but fidget. He never wanted to be in this position again. His father was sure to use this to control him further, and being under his father's thumb was the last thing that he wanted. He didn't have much choice though, did he? He had too much to lose.

It was almost be better if the Grayson bank was still what it once was and this person was threatening his livelihood. He could live with being broke. But he had people to lose now. Of course, he needed money to keep those people and to keep them safe. He had learned that lesson well these past two years. Being a Grayson mattered.

Daniel texted his father to meet him at the office, but he never received a reply. Still, he had nowhere else to go. He used his security clearance to get into the building, and made his way to his father's office. He didn't know his father's password, but he could guess.

As it turned out, he didn't need to. His father must have left in a rush, because the computer was still logged in. Daniel took a seat and considered for a moment. This was a golden opportunity. Under other circumstances, he would take advantage of it. But with things as they were, he wasn't so sure it would be a good idea. He needed his father right now.

He clicked on a file marked outside contractors, and found a list of people with contact information. It seemed like the right thing. At least, it seemed like what his father would do. Then again, his father never did the right thing. He was, however, still alive. Daniel didn't want to be his father, but he didn't want anything to happen to Emily or the baby either. Priorities.

He took his father's office phone off the hook and raised it to his ear, dialing the number quickly. "This is Daniel Grayson. I'd like to arrange a meeting."

The voice on the other end spoke quickly, and Daniel did his best to scribble down the address. Then, the line went dead.

Charlotte had been on her way back to Grayson Manor when she saw Jack's car over by the park. He was probably there with Carl. Well, she didn't have to be home right away.

She parked next to Jack's car and headed into the park. Sure enough, there was Jack, pushing Carl's stroller along the stroller path.

"There's my favorite nephew."

Jack looked up and smiled, "Hey Charlotte. What brings you here?"

"Saw your car. Thought I'd stop by and say hi. Beats being at home. You wouldn't believe what mom did last night … well, it's not important anyway. So, how's he doing?"

"He's good. I think he's happy to see his Aunt Charlotte. Isn't that right buddy?"

Carl smiled. Charlotte reached down in the stroller and lifted her nephew up, "He's so beautiful."

"Yeah, I like him." Charlotte felt tears sting her eyes. "Are you all right?"

Charlotte nodded, rocking Carl in her arms, "Yeah. I'm fine."

Eighteen Hours Earlier

Charlotte hadn't planned to spend the night in her father's office. After Thomas walked her home, she was going to curl up with a good book and go to sleep. But then she had gotten a call from her mysterious ally, telling her that Conrad was going to be called out of his office, and if she timed it right, she might get a peek at his latest computer activities. She could update the drive. It wasn't what she wanted to do, but her ally was insistent, so she followed Conrad to the office and hid out until he was called away. Then she had to get onto his computer.

It was password protected, of course. However, as her and Andy had already been working to hack in, she knew the password. She typed it in, and found herself on Conrad's hard drive. It didn't look much different from the last time she had looked at the stuff on the flash drive with Andy, but she did her best to poke around. Before she could find anything, she heard someone coming and dove behind a bookcase. She heard Daniel's voice briefly. After what seemed like forever, Daniel left, and Charlotte hurried to sneak out as quickly as she could. She had only just gotten to her car when she felt something shift in her stomach.

"So a phone call, and now a threatening picture. Sounds ominous." Nolan said, smiling.

"This picture was taken of her last night. While she was sleeping. Who could get that close?"

"I assume you mean other than yourself?"

"This is serious. I thought you cared about Emily!"

Nolan's expression darkened, "Never question my regard for your fiancée Danny Boy."

Daniel shook his head, "Will you help me?"

"I don't know what it is you want me to do."

"Trace the call! Trace the photo! I don't know, just, find out who's behind this!"

"Calm down, you're going to scare the prisoners. They are a restless bunch."

"Is this the sort of thing you do?"

"In case you haven't noticed, Daniel, I'm kind of behind bars at the moment. There's not much I can do."

"Nolan, I need your help. Emily needs your help, okay. There has to be something …"

"I have recently acquired certain privileges, now that you mention it. I'll see what I can do."

"Thank you." Daniel said. The way he said it, with his eyes closed and his head down, one could almost think he was praying. Maybe he was.

"That was lovely." Ashley said as she and Patrick headed down the walk to her apartment.

"I concur. You liked the restaurant?"

Ashley nodded, "A man should be able to pick a good restaurant. It's on my list of things I'm looking for."

"I'd like to see that list."

"Well that would hardly be fair, would it?" Ashley said with a chuckle

They stopped in front of her door and Ashley took out her keys, fiddling with them. Patrick stuck his right arm out, learning it against the door, blocking Ashley's path to the lock. She didn't mind. "Do you think I could be what you're looking for?" Patrick asked. His voice was quite, but confidant. He was smiling at her, holding her gaze. She wanted to reach forward and pull him to her. She wanted to crash into him, feel his strong hard body against her. She wanted to drown in him.

But she didn't she stood there patiently and said, "I think you're a worthy candidate, Mr. Osborne."

He leant forward and kissed her then, his hand still on her front door. They for a few seconds, and just as Ashley was about to kick it up a notch, Patrick pulled away. She had to blink a couple times to come back to herself.

"I hope that's useful to you when you're tallying things up."

"I can't see how it would hurt."

Patrick nodded, "Good to know. Good night, Miss Davenport."

"Goodnight Mr. Osborne."

"And this'll be your room." Emily said, showing April one of the guest rooms.

"It's so nice. At least let me pay you rent or something."

Emily shook her head, "You're going through enough. You don't need to be worrying about money."

"Well, I'll have to. Sorting through my family's estate, I mean."

"I could help you with that, if you like."

"Maybe. Thank you for the offer at any rate."

Emily smiled, "I'm happy to help. Why don't you get comfortable, and I'll start on dinner. Any special requests?"

"Oh, anything's fine by me. In fact, why don't I give you a hand?"

"That's not necessary. You're my guest. I'll see you downstairs for dinner."

Once downstairs, Emily took out her phone and dialed Daniel's number.

"Who is this?" He said.

"Hello to you too." Emily said as she started searching through the fridge to get what she would need for dinner.

"Emily." He said. She could hear him breathing a sigh of relief, and she smiled, "Sorry. I didn't check caller I.D."

"Is everything okay?"

"Yeah. I was just … there's a work related call I'm expecting."

"Well, I wouldn't answer it like that if I were you. But you sound tense. When are you coming home?"

"I'm just going to go check in on Charlotte and then I'll be on my way. Why?"

"I'm making dinner as a welcome to April. I just want to time it right."

"I'll try and hurry. Although, are you sure you want this woman staying with you?"

"She needs a place to stay, and I have the room. Why? Are you not okay with this?"

"No. It's fine. I'll see you soon. I love you."

"You too. Bye."

Emily hung up, pleased with herself. She set about making dinner, humming as she did so.

"This is mom. Can you say mom?" Carl giggled as he took in the program that Jack had turned on. It was a cartoon that Amanda had purchased when she was pregnant. It told the story of a family living happily together with a child that they loved.

"I want him surrounded by family and love, in every way." She had said.

Jack had told her that he'd have them, but she had shaken her head, "Anything can happen. Parents die, or separate. But I always want him loved. I want him to have the family I never did." She had closed her eyes then, as if remembering something painful, "Promise me that no matter what happens, he'll always have a family that loves him."

Jack had promised, and that had been that.

He had come across the DVD a few nights ago, and now seemed as good a time as any for Carl to watch it.

He looked at his son, giggling, happy. Then he looked at the screen. Mom and Dad were sitting with their son on the couch. One happy family.

Nineteen Hours Earlier

Emily was poised to strike when she recognized the silhouette of the man sitting on the porch swing.

"Jack? What -?"

"Shhh." Emily took a closer look and saw the sleeping bundle in his arms.

"What are you doing here?" She whispered.

Jack stared down at Carl. "He woke up and I couldn't get him back to sleep. Sometimes it helps to drive around with him in his seat, the motion of the car. We drove around and … ended up here." Emily nodded, not knowing what to say. She motioned Jack in. "I would have knocked, but I didn't know if Daniel -"

"He's out. He'll be back but … he's out. For now."

Jack nodded. Emily sat down next to him. After a minute, he whispered, "We should talk."

"Maybe we should wait until we can talk above a whisper."

Jack nodded, "I don't want to wake him. And I know this isn't the time. But eventually-"

"I know."

They sat there for a little bit, rocking back and forth on the swing, just watching Carl sleep. To the untrained eye, they could have been mistaken for a family.

"Daniel will be back soon." Emily said, reluctantly.

Jack nodded and stood to leave. "You were right, you know." Emily looked up at him, curious, "I did love her. And if nothing else, I'll always love her for Carl. He's the greatest gift … I didn't know I could love someone that much."

Emily smiled, "That's how it should be." Her eyes met Jack's, and the corners of his eyes crinkled a little, his lips turning up in a small smile.

"Good night Emily." He said, before heading back to his car. Emily sat on the porch, watching him. She didn't head back inside until he had driven away.

When Daniel knocked on Charlotte's door and received no response, he simply let himself in. He was met with a whirlwind of clothes and shoes thrown around the room with complete disregard for any kind of organization system.

"Char?"

A dress come flying out of the closet and was tossed on the bed. Daniel went into the closest to find his sister poised to throw anther dress.

"What's going on?"

Charlotte turned to him. She looked panicked, "I, I can't … I'm looking for a dress." She stammered.

"Well, if it's not out there-"

"What are you doing here Danny?"

"I can't come check on you? You're my sister, and pregnant, and going through a rough time. I just want to make sure that you're okay."

Charlotte closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and let it out slowly. "I'm sorry. I appreciate you coming to check on me. I just have a lot on my mind right now."

"Then talk to me. What's bothering you?"

"I just … I really have to find this dress."

"I can help you look-"

"No! I mean, I need to do it on my own."

Daniel looked at her a minute, "Would your need to find this dress have anything to do with a certain young doctor you want to impress?"

"Dr.? Oh, you mean Thomas. He's not technically a doctor yet."

She didn't say anything else. Finally, Daniel said, "So, is this about him?"

Charlotte shook her head, "Do you really think I could move on from Declan that easily?" And then she was crying. Daniel took his baby sister in his arms and held her.

Seventeen Hours Earlier

Thomas opened the door and ushered Charlotte in, "What's the emergency?"

"I felt something. I don't know what it was, I just … please help me."

"We should really go to the hospital. I don't have much here-"

"You said I could come here. You said it would be safe, that you could look after me, and wouldn't tell anybody-"

"I know. I know. Relax. Just let me …" Thomas looked at his surroundings. When Charlotte had called, frantic, he had asked where she was. When she gave him the address, he had told her to come to a small practice he knew of in the area. The place was closed, but he had a key. It wasn't as equipped as a hospital, but it was as equipped as a small practice could be, which frankly wasn't horrible. And he had his training.

He led Charlotte to an exam table and helped her lay down. Then he got to work, checking her symptoms, and seeing what he could find.

Charlotte, for her part, had calmed down some. She didn't seem to be in pain anymore. She was concerned, clearly, but less frantic than she had been when she came in.

"Well, as far as I can tell, the baby's fine. Just a reaction to stress, I think. I'm sorry you had a scare, but I think it should be okay."

"Really?" Thomas nodded, and Charlotte enveloped him in a hug, "Thank you so much." She got down off the table with his help, "I guess I should be heading home."

Thomas glanced at the clocked, "It's pretty late to be heading back to the Hamptons. What were you doing in the city, anyway?"

Charlotte shook her head, "I can't thank you enough. Really. But I need you to never ask me that, and never tell anyone that I was here."

"Why?"

"I can't tell you. Just, please …"

"Okay. I won't say a word. But since it's so late, why don't you follow me back to my apartment instead of driving all the way home. You can crash there for the night."

Charlotte nodded, "Okay."

"It doesn't feel right, just sitting here while you're chopping and dicing." April said.

Emily smiled, "All right. You can help. But I warn you, I'm very meticulous."

April nodded, hopping up, excited, "Just tell me what you want me to do." Before Emily could answer, there was a knock on the door. "I'll get it." April said, going to let the person in.

"Um, hi." A confused Jack said.

Emily, hearing his voice, put down her knife and the onion she had been chopping.

"I'm April." The girl said, in that perky way of hers. Jack smiled at her.

"April's staying with me for a few weeks while she sorts out some legal matters." Emily said, coming up behind April, "Would you like to come in?"

Jack glanced from April, to Emily, and then back to April, "I didn't know you would have company."

Emily nodded, "It sort of just happened. I'll fill you in on the details later. I promise."

Jack nodded, offering Emily a tight smile.

"If I'm in the way, I could step into the other room." April said.

Jack shook his head, "I'll come back another time. It was nice meeting you."

April nodded. Once Jack was gone, she turned to Emily, "He's cute. What's his story?"

"Long." Emily said, "You ready to get to work?"

April nodded, "Absolutely. You won't believe what I can do with a knife."

Eighteen Hours Earlier

Daniel was surprised when he drove up to find a woman standing there, waiting. She had long auburn hair, and was the most petite thing he had ever seen. She didn't look like she could hurt a fly.

"Mr. Grayson." She said, extending her gloved hand. He shook it, continuing to take her in.

"The voice on the phone sounded male."

"The voice on the phone was computerized. In this day and age, all voices on phones are. You should know that."

"Actually, I do. Someone with a computerized voice called me earlier this evening. Threatened everything I have. Threatened to destroy me. I would have gone to the police but …" Daniel stopped, not sure how much to share.

"But you're a Grayson. You have skeletons in the closet that the police might find unseemly." Daniel stared at her, "Don't worry, I won't pry. As long as you pay me, I'll do my job and keep my mouth shut."

"And what is your job, exactly."

"Bodyguard. You're fiancé will be safe so long as I'm near, and I'll make sure to be near for as long as the threat lasts. As far as tracking the threat down, I suggest you and your father find someone more technologically inclined. That sort of thing isn't what I do."

Daniel nodded, "I know someone. But, with all due respect, how is someone like you going to-"

Before he could finish, Daniel was on the ground. He tried to get up, but the woman was pressing down on his chest and neck, cutting off his oxygen. He hit the floor twice.

"Is that the safe word, Mr. Grayson? We didn't have time to establish one?" Her voice oozed condescension. Daniel tried to kick at her, but his efforts were fruitless, "Stop fighting me and I'll let you up." He went slack. She stood up, freeing Daniel. He stood slowly, watching her, "Don't look so surprised. I've been training my whole life; you're hardly a match for me. And whoever is after your fiancé won't come near her. You have my word on that."

Daniel nodded, "Sorry I doubted you." She said nothing, "You should know that Emily is pregnant. It's not public yet but-"

"I'm a bodyguard, not a gossip. Your child will be safe."

Daniel nodded, "Thank you."

"Don't thank me. Pay me. Your father knows my standard fee."

Daniel nodded, "I don't want Emily to worry about anything."

"I've done that before. She won't suspect a thing. Now, can we work out the details? I love knocking guys on their asses, but the whole money thing, that's kind of my favorite part."

Daniel nodded, "I'll get started on the paperwork."

"Something smells delicious." Daniel said as he entered the Beach house. The table was set, and Emily and April were talking companionably beside it.

Daniel went over to Emily and gave her a long, hard kiss on the mouth.

"Daniel, we have company," Emily said, seemingly unable to keep the giggle out of her voice.

"I guess I just love you too much to care."

"You two are adorable." April said. Daniel shot her a polite smile, "Well, now that he's here, let's get started on dinner. I'm starving."

Emily nodded and went to get the food out of the oven, "Emily's an amazing cook." Daniel said to April.

"Actually, April helped. She's very skilled in the kitchen."

April smiled, "Maybe I can earn my keep then."

The three of them settled into there seats and began to eat, "So, April, where are you from?" Daniel asked.

"Connecticut, originally, but I went to boarding school in Manhattan, so I feel like a New Yorker."

"Boarding school, huh? My parents considered that for me but I think my mother decided controlling my life would be too hard from a distance. I did go to prep school."

April nodded, "I'm not surprised. You seem very preppy."

Daniel feigned hurt and both Emily and April laughed, "If you think he's preppy now, you should have known him when I met him two years ago."

"I wasn't that bad."

Emily smiled, her eyes softening, "You weren't actually. A little naïve maybe, but it was cute."

"I'm glad you thought so." He leant across the table to kiss her, and she obliged.

Emily's phone went off. She checked the number, "I have to take this. Be right back." She gave Daniel another peck on the lips and exited the room.

Once she was out of the room, Daniel turned serious.

"How's it going?"

April speared a piece of meat with her fork, "I'm fine, you?"

"I'm not kidding around here. Have there been any attempts? Has anyone-"

"Slow down, rich boy, it doesn't work like that." April said, her voice dropped to a whisper, "Right now, I'm just getting her to trust me. And for the record, if you want discreet, you don't drop the act the second your fiancée leaves the room."

"I'm going crazy here. That photo-"

"You said on the phone you had someone looking into that."

"I do-"

"So, relax. Being on edge and alert is my job."

"Yes, you seem so on edge, casually eating in Emily's beach house-"

"Don't question me. I know what I'm doing. Now why don't you cool off, so when your fiancée gets back, you can go back to being nauseating."

"I thought you said we were cute."

"I'm playing a character. Don't take anything I say too seriously." She speared another piece of meat on her fork.

"Sorry about that." Emily said, coming back in, "I hope you two found something to talk about."

Daniel smiled, "We're getting along great."

Nowhere. It was nowhere. Charlotte had torn her room apart, and it still hadn't turned up.

When the phone rang, she almost didn't pick up.

"Hello." She snapped, finally.

"Whoa. Someone's in a mood."

Charlotte sighed, "Andy. Now's not really a good time."

"Okay, but I had an idea. There's something I want to try out. Can you bring the flash drive to my place tomorrow?"

Charlotte sighed, "No, I … tomorrows not good. I'll call you when I can meet. Goodbye Andy." She hung up before he could ask any questions like why couldn't she bring the flash drive, or, even worse, where was it?

Fraternization and association are essentially synonymous terms, but the connotation of fraternizing speaks of a relationship that will be frowned upon, and is best kept secret. However, as a relationship grows, it becomes harder to sweep it under the rug. Eventually, it will be pushed into the light of day.

Author's Note: So, we've got a few new characters here. What do you guys think? And what about Charlotte's new problem? Anyone see that coming? Please review. I hope you enjoyed the chapter. Have a good day.