Author's Note: Good afternoon, everyone. I'm really glad you guys are enjoying when I go into other people's heads. Last chapter was meant to tug at the heartstrings and I really think Terri deserves some non-Morelli related happy in the end. I'm pretty much determined to break my major characters live on rule in either this story or LtSU so SuperCop's done for. I just need to decide which story to do it in. This one may be more appropriate but my muses do have a dark side and if they want lots of Morelli blood on the walls…well, I've learned the hard way not to ignore the Ladies. Enjoy the karma filled update.

Disclaimer: "Honestly, it's not mine!"

Morelli's POV

"…It was actually his idea, Joe. Congratulations, by the way. You're getting married and having a baby, just like you always wanted. I know you and Terri will be great together."

For her to be able to say that with a straight face is the ultimate kick in the balls. I can't even blame Manoso for it, no matter how much I want to. Cupcake stood there and without a lick of jealousy in sight let me do this Mob Enforced Marriage. She's got to know that I don't love Terri like that. She's got to know that the kid in Terri's belly may not be mine. Hell, she had to know by the very way I looked tonight that none of this is my idea. Where the fuck is that compassion of hers, the patented Stephanie Plum "benefit of the doubt" she gave away like Barndhart gives away blowjobs? Doesn't she care about me at all anymore, even a little bit?

Terri was holding the sailor outfits on her lap, tracing the shiny gold buttons with a small smile. I saw her and Cupcake talking before she went back to Manoso's fortress and it looked civil. No, it looked friendly. When I had asked what they talked about, she said it was woman's stuff and nothing for me to worry about. I wasn't worried. Hell, I was eager to know. Women talked about all sorts of personal shit and if Cupcake was even the slightest bit unhappy with Manoso, I could start some poaching of my own. I mean, I'd have to be very careful. I already spotted some of Old Man Vito's goons tailing me throughout the day and I know that at the first sign of "dishonorable behavior", my ass is grass. But getting Cupcake back from Manoso's clutches would be worth it. She may think she's happy but I know better. No matter what she says, we're fated and soul mates and I'm willing to risk it all to have her in my life…

/

Helen's POV

"RangeMan Trenton, how may I help you?"

"This is Helen Plum. I want to speak to my daughter, now. Put her on the line."

"Mrs. Plum, as I've told you the last 8 times you've called, Ms. Plum is unavailable to take your call. If you'd like to leave a message…"

"I don't want to leave a message! I want to talk to my daughter now!"

The dial tone sounded in my ear and with a growl, I dialed the thug's building yet again. Instead of the impudent boy, I heard a click and the sounds of an instrumental Barry Manilow song.

"You have reached RangeMan Trenton. Estimated time to hear from a representative: 192 minutes." an automated voice announced, making me look at the phone incredulously. Placing the phone down, I took another pull from my latest bottle of my medicine and watched as Frank moved silently throughout our bedroom. My bedroom, actually. Since that Night, he hasn't been back here to sleep. He had a duffel bag that he was filling with boxes from the closet shelf and I could hear footsteps creaking above. The Kloughn boy had lost enough of his clumsiness to bring his old Army trunk down and what looked to be an Army bed roll.

"I'll be back for the last of your mother's stuff at noon tomorrow."

"I could make lunch for you…"

"No, thank you. I can feed myself just fine. Kloughn, come grab this and get in the car!" he cut off firmly.

The boy came in and carefully hefted the bag, completely quiet for once. There was pity in his eyes as he gave me an acknowledging nod and I took a pull from the bottle in response. Why bother hiding it, now? It's not like I have much of a reputation to hold up, now. Joseph is being railroaded into marrying the Gillman trollop, Valerie has transferred her girls to schools in Newark, and Stephanie…ugh! She's been seen gallivanting about town with that Ranger creature and the thugs he surrounds himself with. She had also been seen talking to the Gillman trollop's Mobster Uncle Vito so I could at least tell Joseph who was responsible for his current dilemma. Why she can't appreciate a respectable man's love is beyond me…

Two aspirin and a bottle of water were placed on my nightstand and I met Frank's solemn blue gaze defiantly.

"I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself, thank you."

"Okay, Helen." he replied calmly while heading for the door.

"I don't know you insist on doing this, Frank! I'm doing the right thing for Stephanie and this family! Joseph is a good man and…"

He turned and I could help but shiver at the cold fury on his face.

"He is swine, Helen. Just like every other Morelli man, he is swine. I feel sorry for the Gillman girl. Sooner or later, the boy's gonna turn into Carmine Morelli and I pray that he doesn't cause an "accident" like his great-grandfather did to his wife."

"Lucia Morelli had a heart attack in the supermarket, Frank!"

"After being beaten black and blue. Is that what you want for Stephanie? I mean, I know now that you never wanted her but still…you want her to be miserable like that? Die like that? Maybe you should spend less time drinking and more time learning how to be a decent mother."

"Well, if I'm so much of a monster, then why are you still married to me, then?" I volleyed back without thought.

"I've been asking myself that for years, now. I don't have a good answer." he deadpanned.

To my deep horror, he removed his ring and placed it on the vanity, walking away from me like I was nothing. I picked his ring up and listened as Big Blue went down the street quickly, my wobbly knees giving out completely.

No. Just…no.

I could still hear the Barry Manilow muzak from the phone but I couldn't bring myself to go over and get it.

My husband just took his ring off as easily as he tied his shoes.

I'm so humiliated…