A/N: Thanks again for the reviews!!! I'll have more time this weekend, so hopefully a new chapter or 2 before next week:)


Chapter 12: Disappear

"Disappear!" Carol said in such a shocked state, that she almost passed out. How could Chris' wife be making such bold threats to her? The scary thought came to Carol's mind. What exactly did Margo mean by disappear? She couldn't think of murder could she?

Carol looked at her now quiet daughter, sucking her thumb in Chris' arms. Christian was as disturbed by Margo's comment as well. Making sure Carol was staying calm, he asked, "Margo, what do you mean by disappear?"

Margo put on another of her disturbing over happy smiles. "It's quite simple. I give Carol some money to go back to Australia with Claire, and no one will ever find out about any of this."

An anger rose up in Carol like she had never felt before. "Let me get this straight. You want me to uproot my daughter from the only place she knows as home and leave her fatherless?"

Margo rolled her eyes. "From what I see, Claire is barely over a year old. She won't even remember being an American."

Chris now spoke up, angrier as well. "I'm not leaving my daughter!"

"You will Christian if you want your job and reputation. What's stopping me from ruining your life?" Margo laughed evilly.

"Jack." He said plainly. "Our son, since it seems like you've forgotten."

"Forgotten!" She laughed again. "Hardly! He's the main reason they have to leave."

Carol couldn't believe this was happening. How could Margo think she could control their lives? She looked at Chris, who now seemed to be thinking something over.

After a long silent pause, Chris spoke up, looking at Carol. "Margo is right."

"What?" Carol was stunned more than ever. "How can you agree with this? With her?"

"It's the right thing to do Carol. We'll take Claire and you back to Lindsey's and I'll help any way I can. I promise. I love Claire too much to abandon her." He tried to explain. "Carol, please. It will work out for all of us. We all know Jack can't find out. It will destroy him. No matter what, I love my kids and I'm doing what is right for them."

Tears came to Carol's eyes. She didn't understand any of this. Margo stared at her like she won a favorite possession, which made Carol sick. But the thought came to her mind; maybe she should go home. Stop running from her old life. Start again with Claire and Lindsey, and get away from Margo Shephard.

The next thing she knew, the words were out of her mouth. "Alright. I'll call the airline for tickets to Sydney, then tell Lindsey. I'll go home."


A/N: Next chapter, how will the trip back to Sydney go?