Episode 10: The Rodeo
Part 1:
"I love you…I love you Alexis."
It seemed unbelievable after everything that had happened those were the last words Alexis Colby ever expected to hear fall from Blake Carrington's lips again.
"I love you."
The words and Blake's voice haunted her dreams and Alexis tossed fitfully in her sleep, aware that she had to be dreaming yet not awake enough to drag herself out of them.
"I love you."
Choking back a sob as she felt Blake's grip close on her, his whole presence suffocating her and pulling her down back into that well of pain and betrayal and broken promises. Pulling her back to him as he coveted the remaining fragments of her broken heart.
"You will always be mine Alexis, Always."
"No." Alexis choked out, crying out in her sleep. "You can't make me…"
"You will always be mine because you will always love me Alexis."
"No…No…I don't." Alexis protested arguing with her dream Blake who simply smiled back mockingly.
"I know you Alexis and no matter how you try to hide it you love me and nothing and no one is going to stop me from getting you back. Not even you."
"Dex will stop you." Alexis insisted and as if summoned by magic Dex was there, his strong arms wrapping her in a blanket of safety forcing the dream Blake to take a step back.
"You can only hide behind Dexter for so long Alexis, no matter how you want to convince yourself you can put us behind you, it will overshadow every moment even with Dexter. I can be a patient man Alexis, eventually you will come back to me, whether you want to or not. You simply won't be able to stop yourself."
"NO!" Alexis yelled out this time jarring herself completely from her dream world and sitting up in bed with a jolt. Panting heavily it took a moment to convince herself that neither Blake nor Dex were in the room and that it really had only been a dream.
"Oh god." Alexis groaned rolling over in bed as she glanced at the clock. It was only a little after five, too late to try to go back to sleep and too early to start her day. So she was stuck in an awkward limbo. Unsure what to do but certain of one thing, that she wasn't going to spend her time even thinking about that dream Alexis rolled out of bed and reached for her robe.
Wandering the hall Alexis wasn't surprised when he feet led her towards the makeshift nursery, what did surprise her was that Jack was already awake but seemingly hadn't been making a noise. Yet when he caught sight of her he began to whimper and hold up his arms.
"Hello little man." Alexis cooed leaning down to pick up the baby and cuddling him gratefully against her side, relishing the reassuring warmth and weight of him. Yet it seemed for once it wasn't her that Jack wanted as he continued to snivel.
Rocking him gently Alexis made her way to the kitchen, hopeful that Teresa had had the foresight to make up some bottles. Perhaps with his breakfast as a distraction Jack would settle down and Alexis wouldn't have deal with her other problem before having her first cup of coffee.
"I know baby I wish I knew where your Daddy has gotten to as well."
It was the sharp stabbing light of early daylight that woke him.
And once it had Adam only wished to hell and back that it hadn't.
Every part of him ached, either from a beating or the biting cold and the blinding hangover that made his brain sluggish and his stomach churn wasn't helping the situation either. So for a long moment he just lay there, staring at the sky through the crack in the ceiling, until his brain began to process the fact that the ceiling shouldn't have a gap in it.
Then it seemed as if his other senses had finally decided to grace him with their presence although as soon as they had Adam wished they had taken a sizable detour.
His tongue tasted like vomit and ash.
His hearing could pick up on worrying squeaks, the clank of machinery and in the distance the whoosh of passing cars.
And as for the smell, Adam wasn't sure there were adequate words in the English language to describe just how truly disgusting the smells surrounding him were; rotten and putrid somehow seemed entirely lacking.
One thing was certain, he couldn't stay here.
So forcing his trembling aching body to move Adam lifted his hand to grope at the roof of the dumpster, pushing it back with what little strength he could muster, relieved when with a groan it obliged and he was at least able to take a lungful of fresh air.
Of course no roof meant what little heat had collected inside the dumpster quickly vanished leaving Adam to shiver in the early Denver morning. It also meant a sudden influx of additional light and Adam cursed as his headache quadrupled and the full nature of his predicament became apparent.
He was bruised and bloody, had the hangover from hell, had spent the night in a dumpster in some alley all thanks to some Denver scum, oh and to top it all off he was naked, the bastards had stolen his wallet and had done god knows what with his clothes. Thankful at least the beating seemed to be the limit of the physical abuse he had suffered Adam reached out and dragged himself up to the top of the dumpster before inelegantly clambering out.
Standing and shivering in the abandoned alley Adam searched for something to cover himself relieved when he found some moth eaten carpet that would do for now as he staggered towards the alley's entrance relieved that at least the worst was other, after all it wasn't as though things could get any worse?
Stepping out onto the street Adam was relieved that it was early enough that the streets seemed deserted, which would save his pride at least, yet it did present a problem as to how he would get out of this situation.
Glancing up at the street sign Adam sighed in relief that at least one thing seemed to be going his way, he knew this street, he was only a couple of blocks from Colby Co. If he could make it there, then Eric the night security guard would let him in and he was bribeable. Plus there were showers and a more importantly his sports bag sitting under his desk, after yesterday morning's game of squash with a business competitor. He could think up some reasonable excuse for the bruising, a mugging perhaps, now if only he could get to Colby Co.
For the next few minutes Adam slinked along buildings ducking into doorways and alleyways if he caught sight of a car until he was in sight of Colby Co.
Perhaps it was the fact that his safe haven was in sight that made him overly confident, or perhaps it was hangover that addled his brain, or his pain that made him forget his caution. So instead of checking round the corner to see if it was clear he stepped out boldly and was practically bowled over by a passer by.
Tripping as something caught around his feet Adam reached out to try and save himself, grasping for a handhold of anything. His head spinning as the air was filled with a female shriek and angry barking as he collapsed to the floor.
"Oh my god…PERVERT…HELP…Get him Bruno…Protect mummy!"
Shaking his head Adam opened his eyes to find himself being eyeballed by a particularly nasty poodle, the owner of which a rather fastidious looking lady in her late fifties who was eyeing him in disgust. Her opinion was not improved a moment later when Bruno decided to play tug with Adam's only item of clothing and the moth eaten old carpet gave way with a loud tear.
"OH MY GOD FLASHER….OFFICER…POLICE….HELP!"
"Madam please if you will just let me explain." Adam tried to reason with her, shuffling to his feet as he grasped the remaining piece of carpet to cover his modesty. "This has all been a terrible misunderstanding…"
"Get away from me you pervert!" The old woman screeched backing away from Adam as though he had lascivious intentions.
Realising that he had more chance of walking on water than convincing her he really meant no harm Adam settled for his only other option, running like hell. Staggering across the street, the old woman's yells and Bruno's angry yapping following him Adam hobbled as fast as he could towards Colby Co.
Banging on the door the moment he reached it, his despair only growing as Eric seemed to be absent from his desk, Adam cursed the older man's pea sized bladder and hoped against hope he would return any second and rescue him.
Yet the slow parp of a siren, the sound of a car door opening and the measured but definite command to, "Raise your hands above your head." Quickly put paid to that and also confirmed the slowly growing realisation that made itself known even through his hangover, that actually things could get worse after all.
It was hard to decide what it was that clued him into the extent of his situation.
Perhaps it was the slow steady throb from the back of his head?
From the blow to the back of his head that had felled him as he had crossed the darkened car park looking for Alexis's car. A blow that had caused him to stagger and eat the floor as stars coloured his vision before another knocked him out completely
Perhaps it was the fact he couldn't see or speak?
His eyes were bound and not with a cloth blindfold, some bastard had used tape just to make sure that sucker wasn't coming off. The same with his mouth, and Dex had been forced to regulate his breathing so that he didn't hyperventilate and pass out. He now knew his captors didn't want him seeing his surroundings or risk him calling out for help so there had to be other people around, or else why bother. Unless it was just to torment him further?
Perhaps it was the fact that he couldn't move?
He had tried, he had used his not unimpressive strength on his bonds but they were unforgiving and the more he struggled the more they bit into his flesh and they weren't rope, they were wire and if he kept going likely to cut down to the bone.
However it was probably the undeniable stench of gasoline, it coated the air and caused Dex to retch slightly when he realised not only was it in the air it was on him. That slightly sticky feeling to his skin and the way his clothes clung to his frame, someone had trussed him up like a Christmas turkey and then doused him in gasoline ready for the flambé.
Yet if all of this wasn't enough to hammer home the seriousness of the situation the constant tick tock that was the only discernable sound in this place brought it home quickly. Someone really didn't want him to live through this.
Part 2:
The breakfast room was unusually quiet when Jackson finally dragged himself out of bed and headed in for breakfast, the reason for that quickly became apparent when instead of the normal hubbub of children squabbling and Alexis and Fallon trying to control them there was only Alexis quietly sipping her coffee.
"Well at least one of my women is gracing me with their presence." Jackson joked as he took his place and poured himself a coffee. "So where is my other beauty this morning?"
Setting down her coffee cup Alexis shot him a brief smile but it seemed forced to Jackson's discerning eye. "She went to the hospital to see Krystina, Steven came over to take LB to school with Danny and Lauren is with her Nanny."
"And you didn't feel like accompanying Fallon?" Jackson asked surprised.
Shaking her head Alexis retrieved her coffee cup staring down into it's dark depths as if trying to divine her answer.
"Alexis?"
"I guess I didn't expect I would be particularly welcome considering the warm reception I received last night and besides its not like I am a 'Carrington'." Alexis muttered bitterly before taking a sip of her drink.
"And when has a little thing like what other people think ever stopped Alexis Colby?" Jackson quipped relieved when Alexis smiled genuinely at this before her expression returned to that almost wistful one he had seen on entering.
"Someone needs to stay with the little ones."
"Yes from his distinctive wail at five this morning I picked up that young Master Dexter is once again a house guest…Did he perchance bring his new nanny with him?" Jackson teased his smirk only growing as Alexis shot him a glare, yet she failed to stay mad when Jackson turned on his legendary dimples.
"Oh you men!"
Sniggering Jackson leant back in his chair studying her expression closely. "You're worried about something else…What is it?"
For a moment Alexis seemed as though she wasn't going to answer but then her aloof façade crumbled and she bit her lip. "I've lost Dex."
"Well that was careless." Jackson quipped sobering quickly when Alexis was distinctly unamused by his making light of her dilemma. "Look I'm sorry." Jackson insisted when Alexis set down her cup and made to leave. "No more jokes I promise. What happened?"
"Last night at the hospital he said he was going to find the car…"
"And then what?" Jackson prompted.
"And then nothing. I was in a hurry, I bumped into Fallon and we looked for Dex but there was no sign of him."
"Well perhaps you just missed each other?" Jackson pointed out his handsome face unusually serious.
"Perhaps." Alexis replied shrugging her shoulder elegantly. "But that doesn't explain why he didn't come back here when he couldn't find me…God I just wish I had done something last night but I wasn't thinking exactly clearly. Oh I just wish he would call or show up, I tried phoning his apartment and there was no answer, and the police are worse than useless." Alexis trailed off biting her lip.
"Hey Alexis Dexter is pretty tough, of all the men I know he can take care of himself I am sure something just came up and before you know he will be back with his tail between his legs begging for forgiveness."
"Right now I don't care as long as he does come back." Alexis sniped.
"Well in the meantime since I have you all to myself and since you're not going to the office how about you join me for a ride?"
"I shouldn't really stray too far from the house…What if Dex calls I need to be here, I have his son I don't want to be accused of kidnapping twice in two days." Alexis snapped shaking her head.
Sighing Jackson got to his feet his strong hand catching Alexis's and pulling her after him. "Alright a compromise, a walk, get some fresh air into those cheeks, give Dexter a reason to come racing back…"
"Jackson…"
"And it will give me a chance to show you the plans for the new stable block." He added before Alexis could protest further dragging her behind him out the house.
"Fine but only for a few minutes." Alexis capitulated grudgingly, not that she could argue with a man more than twice her size. "And give me back my hand." She added her annoyance growing when Jackson did as she asked only to wrap his arm around her shoulders.
"And in the meantime you can tell Uncle Jackson the real reason Dexter pulling a disappearing act has gotten your knickers in a twist!"
Her visit with Krystina had gone as well as really could be expected considering the fact that her little sister hadn't spoken a word and Krystle had looked ready to jump down her throat if Fallon even so much as thought the name Alexis Colby. So it was with a somewhat heavy and conflicted heart that Fallon went to leave, walking down the sterile hospital corridor barely sparing a glance in the waiting room at the far end.
Yet when she caught sight of something out of the corner of her eye shouldn't help but stop and take a longer second look.
It was Blake afterall. Stretched out of the waiting room sofa resembling for all the world like a well to do tramp on a park bench, his dark grey trench coat wrapped tightly about his frame. In the dull morning light Blake looked old, his normally tanned face looked grey like the weather, the wrinkles on his face seemed deeper than ever before and the silvery stubble that covered his jaw only served to add to the bum look and Fallon was unable to quell the worry that welled up inside her.
She just couldn't walk away and leave him like this, what if anyone else saw him? Blake Carrington was a proud man and he would be embarrassed to think people had been watching him and judging him. So her mind made up Fallon quickly slipped down the hall and cursing the necessity procured a cup of vile looking coffee from the nearest vending machine before returning to the waiting room.
Setting it down carefully on the table Fallon leant forward and shook her father by the shoulder. "Daddy it's Fallon…Wake up I got you some coffee."
"Fallon?" Blake grunted blinking his eyes open in surprise, his disbelief only growing when indeed his eldest daughter was stood before him. "What happ…Where am I?" He grunted his eyes sluggishly taking in his surroundings.
"Oh god the hospital…Krystina." He muttered as his memory finally caught up enough to fill him in and he grateful accepted the coffee Fallon forced into his hands even if he didn't move to drink it straight away, staring into it's dark murky depths as his brain reminded him over everything else that had happened that night. Namely his impromptu declaration to Alexis, a confession that had sent her running for the door without even a glance back in his direction and his heartbreaking realisation that he really had lost her.
Whilst Blake stared moodily into his coffee Fallon hovered nervously. Part of her felt so awkward she just wanted to leave, to run back to the safety of Colby Acres, after all it wasn't as though her father was even paying her much attention he might not even notice right away. However there was another part of her that couldn't help but notice how alone Blake seemed, a part that compelled to reach out to him and that was the voice she listened to, sinking down onto the sofa and hugging her father.
"It will be alright Daddy."
At those simple words and the reassuring hug Blake felt something break slightly inside him, unable to remember when someone had willingly hugged and comforted him last. Had he really become such a monster?
"I wish I could believe that Fallon." Blake muttered gruffly his voice raspy from sleep and lack of use. "But considering the mess I have made of my life that is highly unlikely." He added snorting in self-derision. "I guess this is the part where you say I told you so?"
"What?" Fallon muttered her sculptured brows drawing together in confusion.
"That night in the kitchen, you were right, but I was too stubborn or too stupid to see it." Blake explained slowly unable to meet Fallon's gaze as he stared down at the floor.
"I still love your mother." He added not surprised by Fallon's shocked gasp but driven by a need to keep talking rather than risk her interrupting and him losing his nerve. "I love her…I can finally say it out loud and not just in my head, finally admit that I was wrong but it's too late, far too late."
Hearing the dejection in her father's voice Fallon wanted to deny it, to scream that finally he had seen what she had known all along yet she found no joy in this victory. "I am sorry Daddy."
"What do you have to be sorry for?" Blake asked perplexed before adding. "Fallon you cannot think any of this is your fault, it is mine alone. I made a hasty foolish decision thinking it would be for the best…God it sounds so pompous now…For the best like Blake Carrington would know what the best for other people would be…No he just goes ahead full steam ruining people's lives, thinking that everyone would see things my way and if they didn't it was only because they couldn't see things as clearly as I could."
Blake broke off shaking his head in disgust at his own hubris. "Well I was a blind fool and I certainly don't blame you for seeing my own destruction and trying to warn me, dear god I just wish for once I had listened…really listened. What is it they say? There is no fool like an old fool?"
"You are not a fool Daddy." Fallon chastised him, finding his self recrimination a little too self pitying for her taste but at least he was finally admitting he had made a mistake, now he had to do something about it. "Misguided…Stubborn…Maybe even a little deluded but you have a good heart, it's just you forget to consult it before making your decisions."
Snorting at the delicate way Fallon put it Blake reached out and covered her hand, squeezing it gently, marvelling to himself just when did his little girl get to be so wise that she was counselling him. It made him feel old, suddenly so very old and tired and dwelling on things he couldn't fix only made him feel worse. So instead Blake decided to focus on things he could change.
"Did you visit with your sister?" He asked surprised when Fallon nodded biting her bottom lip, a nervous habit that she had clearly picked up from her mother. "How was she?"
"Quiet." Fallon answered honestly. "She seemed pleased to see me but she didn't speak a word…Daddy is that normal?"
Sighing Deeply Blake ran his free hand through his sleep rumpled hair. "She didn't speak last night either. The Doctors say it is shock, possibly a mild form of post traumatic stress."
"But she will get better right, as soon as she gets home and the shock wears off?" Fallon asked her concern only mounting as her father continued to look broken and distant and she caught his muttered.
"Dear God I hope so."
"So if we tear down this old barn then we get a clear stretch of land to build on from the training ring to the paddocks."
"And remind me again why we need to tear all of these buildings down to start again?" Alexis demanded as she followed Jackson around the outbuildings that seemed currently fine to her untrained eye.
"Well these old buildings are fine for Arabians even some quarter horses but they are not big enough for thoroughbreds not to mention half of them are infested with woodworm. It will be easier and cheaper in the long run to simply tear them down and build custom made to fit our needs."
"Our needs?" Alexis needled pleased when Jackson had the decency to blush.
"Alright my needs but come on Alexis I know what I am talking about." Jackson insisted dragging her over to the old barn to see for herself the toil age and the elements were taking on the structure.
"Fine you've convinced me." Alexis muttered after Jackson had shoved a particularly bug ridden piece of wood under her nose. "As long as we aren't talking gold plated feed buckets I'll give you carte blanche to the design the stables according to your needs but it had better be worth it Jackson."
Laughing Jackson thanked the lucky star he was born under, if only everything in life was so easy, and since he seemed to be on a roll where Alexis was concerned perhaps now was the time to broach that other subject again. "So you and Dexter…"
"Are just friends." Alexis snapped shooting Jackson a glare in the gloom as she swiped at a cobweb. "Now was that all you had to show me, can I leave without you dragging me back out here again?"
"Alexis if all my friends looked at me the way he looks at you…" Jackson trailed off waggling his eyebrow suggestively. "Come on the man is clearly smitten, he seems like a good sort, he's handsome, not in my league of course, you're not seeing anyone else so what's stopping you?"
"Stopping me from what?" Alexis snapped.
"From getting yourself out of this self imposed celibacy club you've founded. Sweetheart is a little late to play the chaste virgin and why would you want to when you have two willing studs at your beck and call; because if you're only holding out on Dexter because you want to keep it light then how about I show you just how much fun you can really have in a hayloft?" Jackson retorted crudely his smirk only growing as Alexis spluttered in surprise.
"I am not…"
"Well then shall we?" Jackson teased holding out his hand not surprised when Alexis slapped it away. "Fine then if not me why not Dexter, you clearly care about him otherwise you wouldn't have been so worried this morning."
"Why are you so determined to play matchmaker?" Alexis demanded.
Sighing Jackson answered. "So suspicious, well for purely selfish reasons it might be nice to wipe that wounded puppy dog expression off of Dexter's face, the man is so whipped it is almost embarrassing…And besides." He cut in when Alexis opened her mouth to argue. "It might be nice to see a smile back on that lovely face of yours."
"And you think Dex is the man to do it?" Alexis retorted yet there was something in her voice, an uncertainty that had Jackson smirking on the inside.
"Maybe…Maybe…" He added his train of thought slowly slipping away as another took it's place. "Alexis can you smell gasoline?"
Part 3:
"Alexis can you smell gasoline?"
The question hung in the air for a moment Alexis blinking at Jackson in stunned surprise before his words sank in. "Now that you mention it…" She trailed off wrinkling her delicate nose watching as Jackson tried sniff out the source; his suspicions only growing as he wandered over to the ladder into the disused old hayloft.
"Jackson?" Alexis called out as her stud manager tentatively began to climb; his face grimacing as he pulled his hands from the rungs, the whole thing was saturated.
"Alexis do me a favour don't light up ok or else you're going to need a new partner." Jackson quipped before disappearing up into the gloom unable to contain his chortle of amusement as Alexis's retort drifted up to him.
"Don't go giving me ideas Jackson."
It took a moment for his eyes to adjust and there was seemingly nothing up here, nothing save the large and obviously new canisters of fuel, which alone was suspicious enough to tweak Jackson's interest. After all who in their right mind would store fuel in an old wooden barn?
Reaching the top of the ladder Jackson swung his booted foot off the rung, not surprised when the floorboard seemed to squelch under foot, the place had been doused as clearly someone intended it to burn. But why, why target an old barn like this, unless it was meant to me a warning signal of some kind. Jackson was no fool he knew the type of woman he had signed on to work with and Alexis had made more than her fair share of enemies over the years, but torching an old barn…
Knowing he had seen more than enough Jackson was about to turn and go back down when he heard something, a repetitive noise so faint he could barely hear it but it sounded so mechanically alien in these surroundings he found himself drawn towards it. Stepping over the fuel cans he headed to the far side of the loft, the old hand bunkroom.
The closer he became the more certain he became, the old padlock had been forced and the door showed signs of being kicked in yet nothing prepared him for the scene as he pushed open the battered door.
"Oh Shit."
"Well I have to say Carrington this time you have really out done yourself."
Adam didn't need to lift his head to identify the owner of that mocking voice. Nor could he summon the energy for a proper retort, no matter what he said Dobson would only find away to twist it.
"Although I would never have thought little old ladies were quite your type but then they always say it is the quiet ones you have to watch." Frank added leaning against the bars of the cell as he relished baiting the Carrington heir, there was nothing quite as satisfying as bursting Adam's pompous little bubble and reminding him just how easy he could fall from his lofty perch.
"Are you just going to stand there and mock me?" Adam finally bit back, lifting his bruised face to glare at Frank who couldn't restrain his smirk.
"Now is that any way to talk to your knight in shining armour?" Frank taunted him glancing at his watch as if to affect his own disinterest in prolonging the conversation.
Now that comment did catch Adam's attention and he shrugged in the itchy shirt the stationmaster had so kindly lent him. "So you can get me out?"
Examining his nails Frank allowed the question to settle between them, a Cheshire cat smile stretching across his face, the broad smile looked alien and grotesque on the normally stoic face.
"Dobson!"
"Mind your tone Adam." Frank chastised him. "Unless you would rather call your sainted father after all? I am sure he would be thrilled to learn of your early morning exploits."
"You're right…I apologise." Adam admitted swallowing his pride just enough to eat humble pie. "Now can you get me out of here?"
"I can." Frank answered simply. "You are fortunate I still have some friends in this department who could do me a small favour by loosing your paperwork, of course nothing in this life is for free…"
"How much?" Adam grunted. "How much do they want?"
Laughing at his naivety Frank shook his head. "Oh they don't want money Carrington, they do me a favour because they already owe me, however if you want me to call in my markers for you, then you are going to have to give me something I want in return."
Frowning at the almost covetous way Frank said the word 'favour', Adam managed to resist the urge to shiver. "And what do you want in return?"
"Just a little information." Frank answered innocently his blue-grey eyes glinting dangerously. "It is really only a confirmation of something…"
"About what?"
"About Blake Carrington and Alexis Colby." Dobson paused innocently before letting the axe fall, his eyes locked on Adam's face waiting to see his reaction. "And the real reason Alexis disappeared from Denver."
Dex wasn't sure how long he had been sitting there. He had tried to count time but considering he had no idea what time it had been when he had woken up he really had no idea of how much time had passed since his abduction in the car park. Had it only been a few hours, had anyone even noticed he was missing yet….
Well other than Alexis, she must have wondered where he was and he could only hope she was busy kicking up merry hell on his behalf. At least she had Jack, and he knew that she would keep his son safe, he couldn't bear to think what might have happened to his son if he had kept him with him last night instead of handing him over to Alexis to avoid catching cold.
So he had tried to spend the time productively. If he couldn't escape then he could at least try to think of who might be behind this, he had made enemies over the years, but then what man hadn't but he couldn't imagine any of them doing this. In the end it all boiled down to one woman, one clearly crazy woman, that wasn't Alexis.
Monica.
The woman who had used everything to take Jack from him and when that had failed had tried to pretend to be his friend and confidant to get close to his son.
The woman he had drunkenly slept with because he had been angry and alone and she had been there and more than willing.
The woman who after he rejected her offers of a relationship, and her delusional visions of playing happy families had stormed away into the night swearing revenge.
He just hadn't realised she might take it this far, if only he had paid more attention, not simply been relieved that she had vanished into the night. She was after a Colby and Colby women did not take rejection period. Monica clearly wanted him crucified but had settled instead for burning him at the stake and as the time ticked past, regulated by the steady unsettling tick of the clock Dex had to wonder just how much longer he had left.
He thought about his son, about how much he would miss seeing Jack grow up, seeing his first steps, his first words. He thought about Alexis, how he wished he had the chance to tell her once more that he loved her and hang the consequences, to hold her and kiss her and make love to her. And then suddenly someone spoke
"Oh Shit!"
On hearing the voice Dex tried pulling against his restraints, he knew that voice, it was Jackson Hobbs. Dammit he had always suspected that man was too good to be true but he had never suspected he might be involved in this.
"God damn Dexter the things you will do to get Alexis's attention." Jackson added and Dex scowled beneath his blindfold at the man's less than amusing wit.
"Ok shit just don't move ok…I'll get you out of here…Just remember you'll owe me for this Dexter." Jackson grunted as he crossed the sodden floor his gaze alternating between the captive man and the rather nasty looking ticking device sitting on a whole load of TNT.
"And judging by the size of that bomb I would say my fee is going to be astronomical, I am sure Alexis will lend you the cash if you can't afford it." Jackson joked trying to keep his voice light and free from concern, after all Dexter didn't need to know just how bad things were.
After all the only thing more worrying than the rapidly disintegrating countdown was the tricky looking trip switch that stretched out from the device and wrapped around one of Dexter's bound arms. Whoever had set this up did not want that man getting away from this alive, so that meant Jackson was going to have to do things the old fashioned way.
"Dexter just don't move, don't even breathe deeply, there is a trip switch I need to disable, I can't move you until I do. Ok?"
Not that he could answer or show his agreement in anyway Dex fumed inwardly, now relieved that his bindings had been so tight he hadn't been able to try and effect an escape.
Taking Dex's cooperation as a given Jackson reached into his back pocket and drew out his switch blade, sliding the flat of the blade under the tied cord that ran back the bomb, inching it back and forth infinitely slowly, watching with satisfaction as it began to fray; his blue eyes flickering between it and the display trying not think if there was really enough time left.
"Jackson what the hell are you doing up there…It is really not funny anymore, and I have no intention of joining you in that hayloft no matter how long you hide!" Alexis's voice echoed loud up the open hatch and Jackson felt Dexter go rigid under his hand.
"Alexis get there hell out of here…Get the hands to get the horses as far from here as they can…"
"But Jackson…"
"Dammit woman don't argue, do as I say!" Jackson yelled relieved when Alexis clearly decided not to stay and argue back and he could focus all his attention on getting the hell out of here himself, preferably with Dexter.
"Man Dexter when it comes to woman you sure can pick them, stubborn as a bloody mule that one." Jackson muttered relieved when the trip switch finally gave away and he was able to safely remove it.
Yet one glance at the countdown convinced Jackson he didn't have time to do this delicately any longer. "Sorry Dexter this is going to hurt like a bitch." He muttered before lifting his boot up and aiming a kick at the rotten supports of the old chair Dexter was bound to; relieved when it was the wood and not Dexter's limbs that gave way with a resounding snap.
Then without waiting to remove the blindfold or gag Jackson dragged the hogtied man up on to his shoulder, staggering under the additional weight as he made his way out of the loft.
"Jesus Dexter lay off those Twinkies next time will you?" Jackson huffed as he reached for the ladder, his foot slipping on the rung sending them hurtling down until Jackson was able to grab a hold, wrenching his damn shoulder as the old ladder gave a moan at being so abused.
Reaching the ground he didn't stop to draw breath, even though his shoulder hurt like a bitch and he was winded from smacking into the edge of the loft during their rapid descent. Fresh air beckoned and he had only moments left before this whole place went to hell.
They had barely made it outside when another pair of hands where trying to help and Jackson lifted his head to glare at their unexpected assistant. "Woman don't you ever do as you're told?" He demanded as the unlikely trio staggered across the yard, making it as far as the paddock line before the first explosion knocked them clear off of their feet.
Lying in the dirt as the air erupted with fire and heat Jackson stared up at the building, which was now a burning inferno, before turning to smirk at the reunited pair. His amusement only growing as Alexis tried to gently remove Dex's bindings, only to have to rip them off after all giving Dexter the closest to a waxing he had probably ever had.
Ignoring the both stunned and grateful expressions on their faces Jackson laughed, and he couldn't help the flippant remark that tripped unthinking off of his tongue. "Well it saves knocking the bloody thing down!"
Part 4:
It was a hard pill to swallow but Dex quickly came to the conclusion as he lay in the dirt, Alexis's arms wrapped round his neck, as she seemed to determined to squeeze the one lungful of fresh air he had managed to take back out of him; that he owed Jackson Hobbs big time. So even if he found the man's sense of humour less than amusing during a life or death situation, he had saved his life and that was not something a man of honour could take for granted.
Turning his head he managed to catch the younger man's eye and he nodded his thanks, a gaze that Jackson returned genuinely for a moment and he almost had Dex convinced that there were some things the playboy took seriously. Then Jackson smirked and made an obscene hand gesture towards Alexis who was currently doing a surprisingly good impression of a boa constrictor before waggling his eyebrows suggestively.
Proving to Dexter that despite being someone you could trust in a tight corner Jackson Hobbs was still an arse who thought himself far funnier than he actually was.
"Dex?"
Alexis's quiet voice muffled close to his ear drew his attention back to her and Dex rubbed her back gently with his newly released hand, relieved to have the chance to hold her again. "Yeah?"
"Don't you ever do that to me again?"
Snorting as he rested his chaffed cheek against the top of her head Dex retorted teasingly. "Well it wasn't exactly my idea you know."
Surprised when his flippant comment caused Alexis to sniffle emotionally against his neck, "I don't care whose fault it was. From now on Jack and I are not letting you out of our sight."
Squashing down the immediate thought that that could prove interesting especially when he went inside to wash off the fuel that still clung to his skin, Dex tried to take her statement the way it was intended and not in the way his twisted little mind interpreted. "I'll try to be more careful from now on…"
"Good." Alexis's stubborn assertion didn't surprise him. "And Dex…"
"Yeah?"
Leaning up Alexis pressed a kiss to his cheek her delicate nose wrinkling in disgust as she added a teasing smile playing about her lips. "You really stink."
Steven was supposed to be at work, in fact he was supposed to be chairing a meeting with the start up team for the Lawson fields. Blake had proudly handed over management of that project to Steven the moment the leases had been signed and Steven had been forced to swallow down his own sick feeling of guilt and plaster a grateful smile on his face.
It was a big gesture handing Steven a project of this size to manage especially since Steven had only been back at Denver Carrington a few months and probably if Jeff had been back from Hong Kong it might have gone to him instead. But Blake had given it to him, a look of fatherly pride on his face that had made Steven inwardly cringe.
Then Krystina had vanished and his father and Krystle had been at their wits end. Steven had tried to do what he could, keeping Denver Carrington on an even keel whilst his father was distracted. He had been sitting there at the big desk free to reek as much havoc as he wanted and yet he hadn't been able to bring himself to do anything.
So today he had called in sick, and he was just not in body but in heart as he lay in bed going on in his own mind his reasons for doing this in the first place.
Blake had caused so much suffering and always he seemed to wiggle free, always getting off of the hook and never bearing the consequences of his actions. His treatment of Alexis had only been the straw that had broken the camel's back, there were many more before that; his own treatment of Steven growing up, how he had viciously tried to squash Walter and Mathew's business, and Ted…
Steven loved his father but couldn't honestly say he had ever really forgiven him for his part in Ted's death.
However Steven hadn't been able to stay and wallow in bed for long and knowing that Blake and Krystle were at the hospital, at Fallon's request he had taken the boys to school before returning to the mansion. It was on his return driving his sleek jaguar down the long drive that he saw something that caused his blood to freeze.
Adam and he wasn't alone, no he had brought Frank Dobson with him.
Turning his car off of the drive and parking it in front of the garage Steven waited until Frank's dark Lincoln began to move before following his elder brother into the house.
"Adam!"
"Adam wait up!" Steven demanded striding across the entrance hall and up the stairs catching up to his big brother on the mezzanine floor.
"Wait Dammit!" He snapped reaching out and grabbing Adam's shoulder turning him around.
"What Steven?" Adam demanded forcing a superior look upon his face.
"Where were you last night…The family needed you?" Steven demanded his quick blue eyes scanning his brother's unusual attire and his distinct unwashed and bum like appearance. "Have you been out drinking? Adam how could you?"
"You are not Mother Steven you have no right to demand any answers from me, and as for shirking responsibilities shouldn't you be off running Denver Carrington like a good little son and heir? Now if you will excuse me I need to shower and change, some of us have work we need to be doing."
Yet Steven wasn't prepared to let Adam counter accuse his way out of this explanation. "What was Dobson doing here?"
"Giving me a lift Steven." Adam answered trying to shake of his younger brother's vice like grip on his arm refusing to wince as Steven's fingers tightened on already bruised skin. "Now unhand me!"
"Not until you tell me what you are up to with Dobson."
"What I am up to?" Adam drawled his blue green eyes narrowing speculatively. "Surely the more interesting question would be why you are so nervous about my spending time with him…Not worried Dobson might let something slip are you, I mean why else would you be so concerned?"
Paling as Adam's insinuation hit home Steven spluttered. "I don't know what you…"
"Oh please Steven don't try to insult my intelligence." Adam snapped. "Just because I have been quieter than usual doesn't mean I haven't been watching. I heard you swear revenge on Blake one day and then the next you are buddying up to father like nothing had happened. Suspicious but considering how you have operated a double standard for Blake all of your life not entirely implausible but then soon after you start at Denver Carrington confidential information starts to leak out..."
"Whatever you are implying Adam you have got it all wrong." Steven blustered yet he could tell from the way Adam's lips twisted into a smirk. "And if you plan to go to Blake with this absurd story…"
"Why would I tell tales to Blake brother?" Adam teased. "Colby Co is only benefiting from this little arrangement and if you want to commit a felony that is your choice but don't you dare to think I am stupid enough not to have joined up the dots. It is only a testament to how distracted Blake has been that he hasn't but then again Blake has always believed in you, which considering what we now know is laughable…"
"You the golden son, you're now more of a traitor than I ever was." Adam taunted his eyes glinting with a gleeful fervour that ignited Steven's foul mood and Adam barely ducked the fist his little brother threw at him.
"That is so like you Steven, so like your father, when you know you are wrong you descend to violence."
"Why you…" Steven hissed levelling another punch that this time hit it's target and Adam grabbed his arm pulling his brother down with him and so for a moment the two rolled on the floor each trying to punch or kick the other.
Until a pair of strong hands dragged them apart before coming to stand between the panting pair and both Carrington's leant back to stare into the furious face of Jeff Colby whose blue eyes flittered between the pair.
"So who is going to tell me what the hell that was all about?"
Alexis knew she was being foolish.
Dex was safe; Jackson had saved him, a feat for which she had yet to thank her him. Yet the urge to check on Dex was just as strong as ever and Alexis put that down to the traumatic events of that morning. After all it was hard enough worrying that he was missing but now she knew someone had tried to kill him…
So perhaps it wasn't unusual that letting him out of her sight made her nervous. And it wouldn't look so strange if she just checked on him. Just make sure she hadn't imagined the whole thing and he was still missing or perhaps he had some terrible injury she hadn't yet seen and what if he slipped in the shower and hurt himself…
Still she wasn't so foolish as to enter the guest room alone even if it was for the essential reason of bringing Dex a much-needed change of clothes. Even if Alexis chose not to dwell on the reason why they were necessary, that someone had doused him in fuel, intending him to burn and suffer, that thought caused her stomach to clench painfully.
So after her own quick shower which she hadn't been able to enjoy for worrying about her houseguest, she had dressed quickly in a lightweight sleeveless silk blouse tucked into a hand printed oriental black and red silk wraparound skirt. She only paused long enough to roughly towel drying her dark curls before making her way to Dex's room via the nursery where Teresa had only been too happy to hand over her youngest charge.
So armed with Jack and the clothes as her valid excuse for interrupting Alexis rapped lightly on the door, her concern only mounting when there was no answer.
"Dex?" She called out pushing open the door and slipping into the room her panic abating when she could still hear the shower running and the occasional blast of Dex singing, and Alexis snorted at he seemingly made up his own lyrics.
Setting the clothing down on the bed Alexis decided to sit and wait herself, sinking down into the soft mattress and turning her attention to Jack who seemed content to either suck his thumb or grab at her damp curls and play tug. It was a welcome distraction from her stomach that seemed to be fluttering nervously for some reason all of its own.
"Ow young man, show some respect for your elders." Alexis teased freeing her hair as she blew a raspberry against Jack's neck causing him to laugh and she was engrossed that for a moment she didn't notice their silent audience.
Leaning against the doorframe as he tucked the towel more firmly around his hips Dex relished watching Alexis play with his son.
This was what he had wanted to go on living for, his son and the woman he loved and he was content to stand and watch them play, thankful that had been given this moment with them.
"Daaaaaaaaaa." Jack cooed out, his star shaped little hand reaching out and Alexis turned her head sharply a delicate blush gracing her features as she caught Dex staring. "Dex just how long have you been standing there?"
"Long enough." Dex teased, crossing the room and sinking down beside Alexis so that Jack was cuddled between them.
"And hello to you to little man." He added surprised to hear his own voice choking up as his son reached his little arms out for him.
Pressing a kiss to the top of Jack's mussed head he held his son close, unable to believe how wonderful it felt to hold him. He felt his son's heart beating under his palm and the warmth of his little body as he nuzzled into his fathers bare chest beating his sticky palms against Dex's pec's before gripping a patch of damp chest hair and giving it a painful tug.
"Ouch." Dex winced shooting Alexis a scowl when she laughed.
"Go easy on your old man Jack, he's been beaten up enough for one day, ok?" Dex jokingly added gazing down into his son's identical dark eyes until he heard Alexis give a suspicious sniff.
Lifting his gaze Dex's handsome face creased in concern when he caught sight of Alexis's expression, her emerald eyes literally swimming with unshed tears as she tried to hold them back.
"Hey, I'm alright." He tried to placate her, but whatever he said only seemed to make it worse as Alexis sniffed again dropping her gaze to the ugly looking bruising that was coming out around his stomach. "It looks worse than it is I swear it…"
Biting her lip Alexis tried to wipe away the tears that spilled out to her cheek, smiling despite her tears when Jack turned to face her and gave her a gummy smile.
"I know…It's just when I think what could have happened…What someone tried to do to you…I just can't help but think what if, it was only a fluke we ended up even going in that barn today and if Jackson hadn't forced me to take that walk…" Alexis broke off her voice breaking. "I could have lost you Dex."
"You will never lose me!" Dex insisted cupping her chin between his finger and thumb with his free hand and lifting her gaze to meet his own. "I survived Alexis, that is what you need to concentrate on, I'm alive, we're both fine; let's not dwell on what might have been's, ok?"
Nodding Alexis managed a slightly weak smile.
"Alright." She added reaching up to cover his hand with her own, threading their fingers together as they shared a smile and Dex valiantly fought the urge to lean forward and kiss her. They were just so close cuddled together with Jack and he could smell the lingering scent of her shampoo, the delicate scent of jasmine and rose hung in the air. The warmth of her body was intoxicating and her eyes were enticing pools of emerald green that seemed to beckon him closer.
And he wanted to…
Until the rap of knocking on the door snapped him out of his stupor and Dex leant back as if slapped.
"Dexter the police have arrived, they want to question you as soon as possible so stop trying to prettify yourself for Alexis and get your backside out here."
Only the memory that Jackson had just saved his life stopped Dex from marching out of the door and murdering him in cold blood. Feeling the blood pool in his cheeks Dex risked a glance at Alexis, anxious to see if she was as embarrassed as he was. Yet if anything her expression seemed more fuming than anything else and Dex could only assume she was mad at him for trying once more to cross the line she had drawn.
"I'll just get changed." Dex muttered handing her Jack, reaching for the clothes and beating a hasty retreat into the bathroom. "I'll meet you out there."
The moment the door shut behind him Alexis fell back on the bed her free hand slapping the comforter as she vented her frustration with an emphatic. "God Damn it!"
Part 5:
"So you don't recall seeing or hearing your captors do or say anything?" The Police officer asked for what felt the fiftieth time and Dex hung his head.
"No…Look I wish I could tell you more…Believe me I want to nail whoever did this more than anyone." Dex insisted lifting his gaze to meet the officer's. "But there was no clue, one moment I was walking across the car park at the hospital, then next I am on the floor and then I wake up in the barn, doused in gasoline and hearing my life ticking away. Believe me I am not leaving anything out."
"I don't understand why you are interrogating Dex at all!" Alexis suddenly cut in striding from her previous place at the window gazing at the fire crews who had finally gotten the blaze under control, to lean against the back of Dex's chair her hand resting supportively on his shoulder. "Shouldn't you be out questioning people who might know something…Surely someone must have seen what happened at the hospital?"
"We are pursing those angles as well Mrs Colby…" The officer replied. "However these things take time and it might help if Mr Dexter could give us his insight on just who might want to do this to him. I mean kidnapping and attempted murder on this scale are somewhat extreme, something like this had to have been meticulously planned and would have cost a few bucks unless someone already had the specialist knowledge and how many people do you know who can personally wire up a bomb?"
"On a first name basis?" Alexis quipped enjoying the way the officer smarted and Dex smothered a snort of laughter.
"I don't think we have heard from you how you came to find Mr Dexter when you did Mrs Colby, it was most fortuitous." The officer snapped back and Dex lifted his dark eyes to glare at him when he felt Alexis flinch.
"Hey buddy she had nothing what so ever to do with this."
"I wasn't saying she did Mr Dexter however the fact remains you have given us precisely no leads to follow and so naturally I have to first start with those closest to you, who had the means and may have had a motive to murder you and it does seem strange that your kidnappers would bring you all the way out here..."
"Alexis had nothing to do with this." Dex growled his dark eyes burning dangerously. "But fine you want a name, I'll give you a name…Monica Colby."
"Dex?"
Ignoring Alexis Dex kept his eyes locked on the officer knowing that had to tell them the truth even if it cost him Alexis because next time he might not be so lucky. Next time if Monica was really behind this, next time she might get her hands on Jack and that was not something he could bare to think about.
"Why might Monica Colby be involved?"
"She fought me for custody of my son and lost." Dex answered his voice low as he tried not to let his own shame stop him.
"Then she came and apologised, asked if we could be friends. I said yes because I couldn't see why not…Then the other week she just turned up out of the blue, said she wanted to spend some time with Jack and I said alright. I even let her stay at my place. One thing led to another….We slept together." Dex added his stomach dropping when he felt Alexis gasp and quickly remove her hand, the sudden loss of her support was like a physical blow but Dex forced himself to continue.
"This is all fascinating Mr Dexter but I cannot see any motive for wanting you dead?"
Running his hands through his hair Dex tried to rein in his disappointment. "Look I knew it was wrong." He added turning in his chair to fix an ashen faced Alexis with a pleading gaze.
"I just felt low and alone and it happened and I felt sick afterward. And then she started going on about being a proper family, making all these crazy plans and when I told her no she went buzzerk on me, swearing revenge and disappearing off into the night like some damn harpy."
"And you think Monica Colby would be upset enough about you rejecting her romantic overtures that she would try to kill you?" The officer asked sceptically.
Turning to glare at the police officer Dex sighed.
"Look you asked if I had any leads and yeah considering her pedigree I think Monica might just be crazy enough to try something like this when it comes to family. This is all about Jack not me, she tried the legal route and that failed, then she tried to worm her way into my family and finally she tries the only way left, killing me off. Plus she is hardly fond of Alexis, so setting up the whole bomb and murdering me right under Alexis's nose would be her idea of justice."
"That is quite the conspiracy theory Mr Dexter but since we don't have anything else to go on we'll look into it and in the meantime perhaps it might be safer if you and your son find somewhere to lie low for a while just until we find out a little more about what happened." The officer suggested before turning to face an ashen faced Alexis. "You too Mrs Colby, after all if Mr Dexter's suspicions are correct then you were a secondary target in all of this."
"But where would we go?" Alexis spluttered turning to face Dex who frowned slightly. "I'm Alexis Colby it's not like I can disappear."
"Well…." A sudden voice drawled from the open doorway and the occupants of the room turned to stare at a smirking Jackson Hobbs. "I might be able to help with that, somewhere that this Monica Colby would never think to look for you."
"So you are telling me my mother took off with Dex just like that? Without even talking to me first?"
"What can I say something came up?" Jackson retorted his brilliant blue eyes twinkling as he watched Fallon wind herself up. "Don't you think the lady works hard enough to deserve a break?" He added pushing Fallon back onto the back foot.
"Of course she does, that it not the point I am making Jackson." Fallon snapped unable to stop herself from reacting as there was just something about that man's smug sexy grin that made her want to wipe it from his handsome face. He was just so very irritating and charming and infuriating all in one and it was made worse by the fact the man himself knew it and seemed to revel in the fact.
"But leaving without so much as a note and I am expected to take you word for it that there is nothing sinister going on?"
"Nope, I wouldn't expect the impossible Fallon but since you don't have much choice other than to believe me I am not going to loose any sleep about it." Jackson taunted her, crossing his arms across his toned chest. "Now if that is all you wanted to interrogate me about….I should get back to my work."
Swallowing as Jackson's actions flexed his ripped muscles Fallon forced her eyes to remain on his face and not follow the path of a bead of perspiration as it curved down his collarbone and disappeared under his fitted white shirt that already clung to his toned frame, but it was harder than she thought it would be.
"I am not finished." Fallon cut in as Jackson moved to take his place back in the training ring signalling to the stable hand currently lunging a colt to take a break.
"Does Mother and Dex's mysterious disappearance have something that has nothing to do with that smouldering wreck of a barn? She didn't set it on fire and they've run off to avoid the police?"
Laughing at the absurd suggestion Jackson paused to glance up at Fallon from beneath his sweaty dark fringe. "What a crazy arse imagination you've got there Mrs Colby."
"And you're avoiding my question." Fallon countered testily surprised when Jackson flinched. "So it does…Jackson I live here too, don't I have a right to know what is going on in my own home?"
Sighing Jackson wavered for a moment before caving enough to give her an edited version of the truth. "Ok. Look Dexter got himself into a spot of bother with some crazy stalker, who paid some heavies to kidnap him and beat him up before dumping him on the ranch, the fire was started by accident. The police are trying to find evidence to link it back to said crazy and in the meantime they recommended Dex keep a low profile."
Blanching Fallon couldn't believe what she was hearing it made sense apart from one thing. "But what does that have to do with mother?"
Rolling his eyes Jackson fixed Fallon with a disbelieving look. "Please tell me you are joking."
"Jackson…"
"Some crazy obsessed woman is pissed enough at Dex to do that to him what the hell do you think she would do to the woman Dexter is in love with?"
"But Dex and Mummy aren't together." Fallon reasoned her annoyance only growing as Jackson laughed. "They aren't, they're only friends, Mummy is still in love with Daddy…"
"Oh and a woman can't possibly have feelings for two men at the same time?" Jackson pointed out as he reached for the lunging rein and long whip. "Look I like Alexis Fallon and from what I can make out your old man treated her like garbage. Dexter on the other hand treats her like a princess; don't you think she deserves to be happy?"
"Yes of course but Daddy…"
"Your father had his chance Fallon and he blew it." Jackson cut her off as he moved into the centre of the training ring, adding before she could argue. "Don't you think it's only fair Dexter gets his?"
Dex had thought it was not possible for the day to get any worse; first being abducted and almost flambéed, then having to admit to a stranger and Alexis about his indiscretion with Monica. Before being whisked off to god knows where, all on Jackson Hobbs crazy suggestion and having to cope with a cranky teething baby and the slightly awkward tension with Alexis during the drive down here and now this.
"How could you have given our suite away?" He all but growled at the receptionist. "I made the reservation myself."
"I am very sorry Mr Hobbs sir but it is standard policy when you had not arrived to check in before six nor had informed us of a delay we marked you down as a DNA and your room automatically became available. It was rented out only half an hour ago..."
"I don't care...I want my room." Dex practically bellowed drawing the attention of the entire lobby including the so far oblivious Alexis.
"I am sorry sir..."
"What seems to be the problem Darling?" Alexis suddenly asked appearing at his side with a sleeping Jack balanced on her hip.
"The damn hotel gave our suite away because we were late." Dex muttered clenching his fists as though he wanted to lay out the idiot who thought up that check in by six rule.
"Well I am sure they can find us another one." Alexis replied turning back to the receptionist. "Look here we're very tired and I have a child to put to bed as you can see, so why don't you just be a dear and find us another room?"
"I am very sorry Mrs Hobbs..."
"Yes so you keep saying!" Dex retorted crossly his bad mood only abating when Alexis placed a restraining hand on his arm but even that wasn't enough to stop him exploding when he heard what the receptionist had to say next.
"But due to the horse fair the entire hotel is booked solid."
"What!"
"Young lady." Alexis cut in her voice as chilling as ice. "You may not know this but I am a very powerful important person, no one tells me they can't do anything do you understand?"
"I am very sorry Ma'am." The receptionist replied practically quaking inside her uniform. "I really am but have nothing available."
"I want to speak to the manager now!" Alexis retorted and the trembling girl was only too happy to flee for re-enforcements.
A moment later a short portly man appeared; perspiring badly above a poorly fitting suit. "I'm Mr Philips The Rodeo's owner and manager. What exactly is the problem?"
"The problem." Alexis scoffed as if unable to believe the man's incompetence.
Then drawing herself up to her full height, which even on her high-heeled boots barely met Dex's shoulder she issued her ultimatum and Dex was barely able to suppress an amused grin as the fat manager quaked in terror.
"You are going to find us a room now...Or do I have to buy this tumbledown shack and evict the lot of you just to find a bed for the night?"
"I can't believe you offered to buy this place that was hardly keeping a low profile Alexis!" Dex sniggered as he shouldered their combined luggage pushing open the door to the room that the management had been able to free up all of a sudden.
"I don't recall you objecting when it got them to find us a room and believe me I would only buy a shack like this if there was no other choice!" Alexis retorted her eyes narrowing in displeasure at the poor quality of the hotel's decor. "Is this really the best hotel in town?"
Nodding Dex dumped all four bags by the couch. "Apparently according to Jackson."
"What are the others used for...Stabling the horses?"
"oooh someone's in a fighting mood." Dex replied as he headed off through the adjoining door inwardly just relived that Alexis finally had someone else to be mad at, and that she was finally talking to him again.
Five hours in a car with a teething baby and Alexis giving him the silent treatment had frayed what was left of his nerves as had all of this cloak and dagger secrecy. Not that he objected to all of Jackson's plan, the fact that Alexis was pretending to be his wife definitely had merit.
"I'm always feisty when I'm tired and after the day I've had..." Alexis retorted following him and laying Jack down on the bed, quickly and efficiently divesting him of his shoes and jacket.
"The day you've had!" Dex retorted the irony practically dripping from his tone. "What about poor old Dex?"
"Poor old Dex only has himself to blame, Monica Dex of all people…"
"Are you planning on lecturing me?" Dex demanded his voice echoing through the doorway. "Because I willingly admit up front you are right, so if you still feel the need to rub it in then get it out of your system; otherwise can we please drop it, at least for the rest of our stay?"
"Fine." Alexis snapped and she had to admit this was not the first time she had wanted to bring up the subject of Monica but the idea of Dexter and her together whilst as not as hurtful as finding out about Sable; well it still bothered her enough to want to punish him in someway. Even though some might say he had already suffered more than enough for his lapse in judgement.
"I won't mention it again." She added reaching for the bags and huffing mostly from tiredness when she couldn't find any of Jack's clothing, surely Dex had packed it? "Dex which bag has Jack's sleep suits in?"
"How the hell should I know?" Dex snapped splashing water on his face and drying it quickly as he returned to the bedroom. "I didn't pack them."
"Fine if you can be helpful at least take my bags through to my r..."
"That might be a problem." Dex interrupted, an embarrassed blush staining his cheek as he stood awkwardly tugging on his earlobe.
Glancing back at him Alexis rummaged though Jack's bag herself, quickly finding what she was looking for. "What's wrong Dex, I only asked for a small favour not challenged you run through the lobby naked?"
"Now that sounds like an easier task..." Dex muttered before reluctantly adding. "There is no other bed."
"What?"
Now it was Alexis's turn to be dumbfounded. "But that door."
"Leads to the smallest bathroom man ever made." Dex added. "It looks like we'll have to share."
"Share...The two of us."
"It's not like it's a new idea and we are playing the happy couple it would be more than a little suspicious if we suddenly demanded a second room."
"I could always tell them you snore and steal the covers." Alexis muttered bitterly choosing to ignore Dex's scoff and retort of "Well you kick like a mule lady but you don't here me complaining."
"Fine." Alexis retorted turning her attention back to the sleeping Jack and so missing the look of surprised delight on Dex's face, which fell quickly at her next words.
"Jack and I can share...You take the couch."
"You're throwing me out of bed for my son?"
Turning on her heel Alexis smiled broadly her amusement bubbling up in her voice as it looked like she had found a small way to pay him back after all. "Of course darling you know I've always preferred younger men!"
Part 6:
"Jackson?"
Fallon at least had the sense to check if the rather handsome stud manager was there before she opened the door to his bedroom as considering his laidback attitude to coming out into the corridor in only his towel Fallon could only imagine what he would or more to the point wouldn't wear in the comfort of his own bedroom.
When there was no answer Fallon turned the handle stepping inside the darkened room and pausing for a moment as her conscience plagued her slightly.
"Jackson?" She called again, after all her whole reason for invading foreign soil was to call Hobbs to task for the edited version of events he had fed her earlier, namely his completely leaving out the fact that it had been him who had rescued Dex from certain death.
However since he wasn't here there was no reason not to do a little digging around.
There was just something not quite right with the persona Jackson Hobbs put across.
On the surface he was what he seemed a handsome superficial playboy, who used his good looks and talents with horses to woo the rich and pretty and all in all it was a pretty good act but even the best actors in the world couldn't keep up the pretence twenty four seven. Eventually they would slip up and Fallon was sure she had caught flashes of another man, a more serious sensitive man who was so intuned to his surroundings and the people around him that the superficiality had to be the act.
Jackson Hobbs was a mystery inside a riddle inside a conundrum and Fallon Colby nee Carrington had never been able to resist a puzzle, especially one that looked that good in a pair of jeans; not that she would ever do anything other than look…
Or at least she deluded herself she wouldn't. It wasn't as though that moment when he had almost kissed her in the rec room had been in her thoughts or anything, so much so that she had tried to avoid him since afraid that if he tried again she might not have the strength to say no for the second time.
Closing the door behind her Fallon crept into the room as if afraid that any moment Jackson might appear out of nowhere and catch her in the act. Not that she had any idea of where to start. Pulling open the wardrobe revealed nothing more damning than that Jackson had a decent taste in clothes, although that leather jacket looked almost dangerous and Fallon tried not to imagine just how good Jackson would look in it.
So abandoning the wardrobe she glanced over the desk but there seemed to be nothing more incriminating there than the plans for the new stud block, and a rather large little black book full of girls numbers. Even rummaging in the drawers turned up nothing and perhaps that in itself was suspicious.
Huffing loudly Fallon sank down onto the bed thumping a pillow in her frustration, she had thought this little bit of espionage would tell her something more but there was as little of Jackson in this room as in any hotel room he might happen to stay in.
Glancing at her watch Fallon noted it was getting late and if she wanted to make sure she didn't get caught then she really ought to leave but not before straightening out that pillow. Running her fingers over the fabric Fallon couldn't resist the urge to breath in the scent, lifting the pillow up she breathed in deeply not surprised when the memories of being close to Jackson came flooding back with a guilty pleasure.
That was when she saw it and it made her blood freeze.
What kind of man kept a gun under his pillow?
A man who had something to hide…a man who thought he might have need to use it? Fallon froze the pillow dropping from her fingers to fall innocently to the floor as she stared hypnotised at the handgun.
"What the hell are you doing?" An angry voice demanded and Fallon's head turned so fast it was a wonder she didn't get whiplash.
"I asked what the hell you are doing in here Fallon!" Jackson demanded, no shadow of the playboy in his face as he advanced on the stammering Fallon reaching down and gripping her hard by the arms as he pulled to her feet shaking her slightly.
Such unexpected rough treatment jolted Fallon from her stupor and pressed her palms against Jackson's chest. "Let me go you oaf! And I think I am the one who should be demanding answers, what the hell are you doing with a gun under your pillow Jackson?"
"If I'm an oaf then who taught you manners Fallon…Or is it acceptable in your eyes to break into other peoples rooms and go through their things? Not that I owe you an explanation but it was my fathers and I thought considering all the crazy shit that seems to be going on here lately it might be a good idea to have it to hand. Now why the hell were you in my room, snooping?"
"I was looking for you…" Fallon began only to be cut off hotly by Jackson.
"Well now you found me. So what was sooo very pressing you decided to invade my privacy?"
"It doesn't matter…Now let me go or I swear you will regret it!" Fallon demanded trying to ignore the tightening in her stomach as his masculine scent ensnared her senses.
"Oh what is the little princess going to do, scream?" Jackson mocked, ignoring her demand and pulling her closer.
"You wish!" Fallon spat back her eyes flashing as Jackson smirked, seemingly enjoying her temper tantrum.
"No baby you wish…You want me to make you scream." He added knowingly reeling her in until she was pressed against his chest.
Glaring at him so that her eyes bore into his Fallon hissed her retort. "In your dreams."
"No I think they were yours." Jackson retorted his lips barely millimetres from her own and Fallon couldn't stop the whimper of frustration that passed her lips as he hovered there not moving closer but not pulling away either.
"Not until you say please." Jackson taunted enjoying the way Fallon's eyes blazed and she renewed her struggles to escape before sagging against him when she realised how futile that was. Her whimper turning to a moan as Jackson brushed his lips lightly across hers but still denying her any sort of satisfaction.
"Just admit it you want me." Jackson purred his free hand sliding down her back to cup Fallon's backside, rubbing it with his strong hand that left little doubt just what he intended to do to her.
For a moment Fallon warred with herself, with what she wanted and all the conflicting reasons why shouldn't but in the end the feeling of Jackson's fingers rubbing circles in the small of her back chased all those thoughts away.
"Please…"
When she was woken by a strange noise Alexis immediately assumed it was Jack, yet when she opened her sleep addled emerald eyes to glance across at the baby she was surprised to find him sleeping peacefully, his little lips pursing as he breathed out causing Alexis to smile and allow her eyes to drift shut once more.
Then she heard it again and this time she knew she hadn't imagined it.
Turning over she slid her feet out from under the comforter and dropped them as quietly as she could to the floor before creeping towards the source of the sound.
Dex curled was curled up on the sofa, his long limbs splaying out awkwardly as he seemed to shake in his sleep and even in the darkness Alexis could see enough to make out the stressed expression on his face. His dark hair was sleeked to his forehead with sweat and from the occasional panicked muttered "No" even in her sleepy state Alexis could tell he was being gripped by a nightmare.
"Get away…Don't hurt her…"
"Dex…" She whispered softly reaching out to touch his shoulder not surprised when Dex jumped at her touch.
"It's a nightmare Dex…Come on wake up." She added softly relieved when Dex opened his eyes to stare up at her.
"Alexis?" He whispered reverently his dilated pupils taking a moment to focus on her face. "Oh thank god you're alright!" He exclaimed suddenly sitting up and pulling her into his arms. "They took you away and I couldn't stop them…Alexis I am so sorry." He muttered over and over again holding her tightly in his arms and Alexis reached up to stroke his hair from his face.
"Shush I'm fine it was just a dream Dex."
"It felt real." Dex muttered burrowing his face into her neck and relishing the soothing contact of her fingers on his scalp as the dream finally began to fade and a sense of embarrassment began to take its place.
Dex Dexter, freedom fighter, man of action, lover, protector and father brought low and made to shake like a little girl by a bad dream. What was worse was that Alexis had seen it and was treating him like a frightened child, when that was the last thing he wanted her to see him as.
"Oh god I am soaked." Dex muttered realising that his sweaty shirt clung to his body and made his cooling skin prickle uncomfortably. "I'd better grab a wash…" And a new shirt he added mentally as Alexis reluctantly moved away allowing Dex to retreat to the bathroom.
For a moment Alexis sat on the sofa surrounded by Dex's lingering scent and she gripped the blanket he had kicked off guiltily breathing him in, there was just something undeniable masculine about it and it caused her stomach to flutter in a not uncomfortable way.
It was just so difficult to decide what to do.
Physically she knew she was attracted to him and there was a deep emotional bond.
They had shared so much and she loved him, almost losing him had brought home just how much; it wasn't the same way earth shattering way she had loved Blake but it was real and she knew if she gave this relationship a chance it could make her very happy. Yet for the first time in their history Dex seemed oblivious to her subtle signals and Alexis still felt uncertain of her own decision, so she was being less aggressive than perhaps she would have been in the past.
Was it too terrible to want to be wooed, pursued and made to feel certain of his own feelings before she took that last step and admitted she wanted him too? She knew it was somewhat selfish and self indulgent to need such reassurance but considering how battered her heart had been in the last few months, even thinking about a new relationship was a giant leap for her.
And there was Monica and Angela.
As despite whatever feelings Dex himself held for her they couldn't be all encompassing if he still slept with and dated other women. It just seemed so damned perverse that as soon as Alexis even considered the idea of her and Dex together, Dex seemed to lose interest in her and start to look for a replacement. Was this some sort of Karmic punishment for keeping him at arms length all these months…or if she was honest years? Poetic Justice that the moment she realised just how good a man he was and how deeply she cared for him that he was slipping from her grasp…
"Alexis?" Dex's voice jolted Alexis from her thoughts and she glanced up, relieved that the darkness would cover her blush as sudden heat flared in her cheeks at the sight of his shirtless torso illuminated by the dim light from the open bathroom.
Dear god Jackson was right it really had been too long.
"Sorry I guess I just drifted off." Alexis muttered tearing her eyes away from him and so missing Dex's confused frown as he crossed the room and began to search for another shirt, cursing as he picked up Jack's bag first.
"Well its late…or early we should try and get some sleep, tomorrow should be a long day." Dex added surprised when Alexis didn't immediately move and he reached out to brush her shoulder and wake her from her sleepy stupor.
"Alexis?" He added surprised when she suddenly started and began to babble avoiding his gaze.
"If you want I'll take the sofa Dex, you're the one who had a terrible day and I'm much smaller than you...Honestly I'm amazed you didn't fall off of it and…"
"Alexis I am not kicking you out of bed, the sofa is fine; a little firm but I will survive." Dex muttered running his hand through his wet hair causing it to stand up in adorable little tufts that Alexis had to restrain herself from smoothing out.
Alexis was so distracted that she didn't even realise she had said it out loud until after the words tripped off of her tongue, "Or we could both take the bed?"
"Funny lady." Dex quipped yet he really wasn't in the mood for her jokes at three in the morning, so Alexis's reply took him completely by surprise.
"I'm serious."
Swallowing nervously at the thought of sharing that small double bed with her, and at the knowledge they would have to sleep close so as not to disturb Jack; Dex felt his mouth go dry. He wanted to be close to her, to hold her against him as he slept but he doubted his restraint would be strong enough to have it stop there but he couldn't find the strength he needed to outright refuse.
"What if I have another nightmare, I'll just end up waking you as well." Dex tried to reason with her, surprised when Alexis smirked as if remembering something amusing before catching his hand and dragging him with her towards the bed.
"That's alright Dex I have a patented cure for bad dreams; tried and tested that I would be only too happy to administer, should you need it."