As soon as he's taken out by the guard, I turn to face Ric at the same time he faces me, both of us uttering at the same time, "someone else killed Fell."

"Dear God, Ric, what are we going to do?"

"I think the two of us need to go to speak to the DA and Judge Nichols."

"Yeah," I add, still stunned by this turn of events. Picking up my bag, the two of us stand, Ric holding the door open, gesturing for me to walk out first.

"I'm still in shock. Didn't the coroner estimate the time of death as somewhere between six and nine in the evening?"

"Yes."

"When could someone have gotten into that house and finished him off?"

"Logan Fell wasn't well liked. He had enemies. For all we know, he could've invited someone over or someone happened to come over and seized the chance to off him. I just don't know Elena?"

"Me neither. We need to go over the evidence again."

"Yes, we do but first let's go and see if we can talk to the Brady Williams."

Nodding I follow along before veering off to where I'm parked. Since we each have our own vehicle, we drive separately over to the DA's office. I notice Ric drive up just after I park my car. As soon as he pulls into a parking spot, I walk over to join him.

"What's wrong? This is good news, Elena."

"Damon is furious at me for getting Stefanie involved. I completely understand that he wanted to protect her but he doesn't realize that it was too much of a burden for a little girl to bear."

"Stefanie is a very brave little girl. We can remove that burden from her by finding out who really killed Fell. We're going to have to reassure her that the wound that she made didn't kill her father."

"I know, I just hope Damon can forgive me someday."

"Give him time, Elena. He's not the same boy that you grew up with. He's been through a hell of a lot in his young age.

"You're right," I agree, dropping my eyes because I know what he's saying is the truth. He's not the Damon that I grew up with. I hate his mother for destroying the boy I used to know. He was such a happy child when he lived with us, loyal and protective to a fault. I just hope that eventually he can find that side of himself again.

As soon as we get to Brady's office, we both deflate when we're informed that he's gone home for the day. Sighing heavily, I decide to go along with Ric to talk to his partner, Detective Branson. Because the two of us are talking to each other when we're walking out, we walk smack dab into Tyler sending him sprawling onto the floor, landing on his tush. Maybe it's because of all the anxiety and pressure I'm under right now, I start giggling. Although it's probably inappropriate, I just can't help myself. Once I compose myself a little bit, I look at him again, covering my mouth when I see him sneering at me.

"It was an accident, Tyler," I blurt out laughing again when I notice Ric starting to crack up too. Once he's on his feet, he gets right in my face causing me to step back.

"Who is this guy? Didn't take you long to find someone new did it?" With a roll of my eyes, I step forward to let him know that he isn't going to intimidate me.

"For your information, Detective Saltzman and I are working on a case. Plus, he's married."

"Is it true, you're married?" he asks, his wrath now focused on Ric.

"Not that it's any of your business, Mr. Lockwood but yes, I am and quite happily for that matter.

"I'd love to meet her, Ric," I add, focusing all my attention on Ric which irritates Tyler all the more. After blowing out an exaggerated huff, he squares his shoulders and walks away.

"What was that all about?"

"I was stupid enough to get engaged to that man. He was a little put off when I ended things."

"Don't take this the wrong way but your taste in men is surely lacking."

"As far as Tyler goes, I'll agree with you but I disagree vehemently where Damon is concerned. You didn't know him before."

"How is it that he came to live with your family anyway?"

"Damon's father was a navy seal. He was killed in Afghanistan. My dad grew up with Damon's father. They were best friends, stood up for each other at their weddings, stuff like that. After he was killed overseas, his mother dropped him at our doorstep. We didn't see or hear from her again till she showed up with Fell in tow and took off with Damon."

"He was with your family a long time?"

"Seven years."

"Considering what became of Damon's life, he would've been so much better off it she would've left him in the care of your parents."

"Yes, he would have," I add wistfully. Since police headquarters is just a short distance from the Brady Williams office, we decide to walk. Once inside the criminal justice building, Ric leads me too his office, pulling the door open for me to step inside.

"Ric, where have you been?" Detective Branson asks, giving him a dirty look.

"Miss Gilbert and I have been speaking with Damon Salvatore."

"Why, he's pleading guilty right?"

"Damon didn't do it, Lex."

"What are you talking about? He confessed, his fingerprints were on the weapon and all over the murder scene. We have his bloody clothes."

"He tampered with the crime scene to protect his little sister," Ric informs her, dropping into the chair behind his desk. Using his hand, he gestures for me to take a seat too.

"What does she have to do with anything?"

"She thought that her father was going to rape her. When she heard him lower his zipper, she grabbed the knife and stabbed him. The coroner's report does mention significant bruising on his skull. Stefanie said he fell, striking his head the floor with a bounce. She didn't wait to see if he was alive or not. She called Damon. He got her out of there and then went back, implicating himself by corrupting the evidence. Left utterly speechless, Lexi just stares at Ric for several seconds while the information sinks in.

"Whoa! I certainly wasn't expecting this bit of news to drop."

"No, I wasn't either, Lex. After I interviewed Stefanie, Elena and I went to talk to Damon. He swears that Fell was dead when he got there so he manipulated the scene to spare his sister.

"I guess I don't take the day off tomorrow," she says, shaking her head.

"Nope, we have a murder to solve. Brady Williams is out of his office for the day so I'm going to try to see him first thing in the morning. Do you want to go with, either of you?" Nodding my head vigorously, I tell him that I do want to go along.

After setting a time to meet in the morning, I say goodbye then walk quickly back to my car. Although I'm tired, I'd like to talk to my dad so I exit onto the highway to drive the short distance to Murrells Inlet. By sheer happenstance, dad is standing outside when I pull my car into their driveway. Smiling, he walks over, pulling me into a hug as soon as I step out of the car. When I pull away, I can see the anxiety written all over his face.

"Are you okay, dad?"

"I'm worried about Stefanie. What if they try to put her in juvenile detention till she's twenty one? She did stab the man, justifiably so in my opinion, but that doesn't negate the fact that she did do it."

Taking his hand between the two of mine, I blow out a breath that I didn't know I was holding in.

"Just relax okay? I have good news and bad news. Which do you care to hear first?"

"Let's go with the good news."

"Neither Stef nor Damon, for that matter, killed anyone. Damon sullied the crime scene to make it appear that he killed Fell to protect Stefanie. But now we have a murderer to find."

"And the bad?" he asks, linking my arm in his as we walk towards the front door.

"Damon hates me for involving Stefanie in all of this. You should've seen him, dad. He was absolutely thermonuclear meltdown, out of control furious with me."

"I'm sure once the shock wears off, his anger will ebb. You have to understand his point of view, Elena. He was willing to throw his whole future away to protect her and it's all blown up in his face. And I know that her secret was eating away at her and she needed to tell but you have to consider Damon feelings in all of this. He probably thinks that he failed her. I think it would be far worse had Stefanie not told because I think the guilt would eat her alive if she knew she had the power to save him and she didn't. For her emotional health, it was for the best that she confessed. Even though I think you did the right thing, I can also understand why he's angry."

"I know, I'd probably feel the same way if our situations were reversed. I thought you said her nightmares are already less frequent?"

"Yes and I hope that with Dr. Fleming's continued assistance, her nightmares will cease altogether."

"Me too, dad. Me too."

Sighing heavily I let him lead me into the house. According to dad, mom and Bonnie's grandmother took Katherine and Stefanie to a kid's movie. Since I have to meet Ric at the DA's office the first thing in the morning, I agree to stay for supper after which I need to go home. Since it's nearly six thirty and mom isn't home yet, I share a quick bite to eat with dad. He walks me out to my car and gives me a hug. Just as I'm backing out, mom and girls arrive. Sighing, I put the car in park, jump out and give each of the girls and my mom a hug.

When I see the timid look on Stefanie's face, I pull her aside for a moment and try to reassure her that everything will be all right. She smiles at me hesitantly before running into dad's arms. I can't help but smile when I see him embracing her. He would always comfort me when I was scared too. Although I need to get home, I spend a few moments talking to Katherine and my mom. After promising my sister that I'd do something with her and Stef this weekend, I get back in my car and drive home, my thoughts heavy about what tomorrow will bring.

"Miss Gilbert, Detective Saltzman, how can I help you this morning?" DA Williams asks, after gesturing for us to take a seat. Tenting his fingers, he stares at us from his perch behind the desk.

"It's about the Salvatore case," I begin.

"It's pretty open and shut right?"

"Not at all. It's a lot more complex than we initially believed."

"How so?"

"Brady, I know you've seen Fell's criminal record. The man was a contemptible, heinous bastard."

"I'm well aware of that, Ric but the man didn't deserve to be murdered in cold blood.

"Mr. Williams, Fell tried to rape his daughter. She fought back the only way she could. Damon tampered with the crime scene to implicate himself to protect her," I explain.

"When did all this happen?"

"The girl is twelve, Brady. She's been having terrible nightmares since it happened. Elena just happened to be with her when she finally let out what happened that night. At least as much as she knew," Ric adds, raking a hand through his hair.

"Well this does shed new light on the case."

"Have you spoken to Judge Nichols yet?" he asks, his eyes focused on mine.

"Elijah told me that he was going to give him a call. We're going there next. Ric's partner is re-interviewing some of the witnesses now, asking if they know anything about his pedophilic tendencies."

'That man was a sick mother fucker. However your client can still be charged with violating a crime scene. That is a serious offense in and of itself."

"Yes, I am. But I do hope given the circumstances of this case that the Judge will let Damon off with time served or else not impose too harsh of a sentence on him."

"Good luck with that," he scoffs, standing up to pour himself a cup of coffee. He looks first to Ric and then to me, asking if we would like a cup. Nodding, he fills three cups, handing one to each of us.

"Why do you say it that way? I've always known Judge Nichols to be a fair man," I mention, taking a swallow of my coffee.

"Salvatore has been lying all along not to mention the crime scene boondoggle. How are we ever going to find the real murderer now? All of the evidence has been tainted by you client."

When I hear Ric set his coffee cup down, I turn to look at him. He stands up, towering over Brady as he leans forward, his hands flat on the desk top, his fingertips white. I swear I saw Brady cower in his chair slightly. Ric does make for a rather imposing figure. I pretend to cough to cover up the smirk that forms on my face.

"Now listen Brady. The first thing you're going to do is drop the murder charges against Damon. Elena and I are going to go to speak to the Judge. If you're determined to press charges against Damon on the other infraction, have at it."

When I stand to join him, the two of us turn around and walk out of Brady's office, sharing a smirk as soon as we're out of the door.

On the way to speak with Judge Nichols, Ric and I make a stop at the jail to have a word with Damon. I'm under no illusion that he'll even speak to me but Ric asked me to go with him.

As soon as we get to the jail, the guard takes us to a room and then goes to get Damon. Still in his orange prison jumpsuit with shackles on his ankles and handcuffs to his wrists, he shuffles in, dropping into the chair across from Ric and to my left. The guard chains the shackles to the chair, removes his handcuffs and then steps out to give us some privacy.

"Damon, I just want you to know that Elena and I just spoke to the DA. When we're done here, we're going to go over to speak to Judge Nichols. We're hoping to get the murder charges dropped."

Without so much as a glance at me, he raises his eyes to Ric's.

"Will he do that?" he asks, raking his fingers through his messy black hair.

"Yes, the Judge can do that but the DA will have to agree to drop the charges first. You did tamper with evidence though, Damon. I'm actually hoping that we can get you off with time served but it'll depend on Brady Williams and Judge Nichols," I add but it's like talking to a wall because he makes no effort to even acknowledge my presence.

"Damon, I don't know how soon we'll be able to get you out but my partner, Detective Branson and I, along with Elena here, will do everything we can to find out who really killed your stepfather."

"Don't say the word father in conjunction with him. The man was an animal and I hated him," he snaps, his face drawn tight and his brows furrowed.

"Chill, Damon," Ric says, his voice even and calm.

Glancing at my watch, I see that it's almost time for Ric and I to meet with the Judge. Although my gaze is on Damon, I mention that we need to leave. After Ric nods, the two of us get up. When I push my chair back under the table, the dragging sound causes Damon to finally look at me. His glare is lethal. Although I want nothing more than to place my hand on his, I know that he'll only react badly so I stuff my hand in my skirt pocket. After knocking on the door, we wait a few seconds for the guard to unlock it. Just before stepping out, I turn to face him one last time. As if he senses my stare, he raises his to mine, the venom in them enough to send a shiver of fear up my spine. Swallowing thickly, I give him an almost imperceptible nod before stepping out. Rather than wait for Ric, I hurry outside as quickly as I can to breathe in the fresh air.

"Elena, what's wrong?"

"He hates me, Ric. He really does."

"Whether he does or not, I can't speak for him. But seriously, you need to give him some time. He's sitting in six by six foot cell because Stefanie's safety meant more to him than his own freedom. He put up a valiant effort to save her only to have it crash and burn because you wouldn't let go."

"What was I supposed to do? I know he loves Stefanie much more than he loves himself. But there's no doubt in my mind that it would've been far harder for Stefanie to live a happy life knowing that her beloved brother was languishing in prison when she had the power to save him. You know I'm right."

"Yes, I do, but Damon is too angry to look at the situation logically right now. He needs time, maybe a lot of time."

"I know. We better get going so we we're not late."

"After you, Miss Gilbert," he says, extending his arm, motioning for me to lead the way.

"Judge Nichols will see you now," his secretary announces, standing up to lead us to his office. After thanking her, the two of us walk in to see the Judge with his face buried in a book. He looks up only when Ric discreetly clears his throat.

"I heard from both DA Williams and Elijah Mikaelson that you two would be coming over. I only know that this meeting has to do with the Salvatore case so why don't you two tell me what this is about?" he asks, motioning for us to sit.

"That is correct, Judge Nichols, it does have to do with Damon's case" I tell him as soon as I'm seated. Between Ric and I, we bring him up to speed on the case. Since Damon is homeless, he refuses to let him out on bail despite my pleas and offer of finding him a place to stay.

"I'm sorry Miss Gilbert. I assume Brady Williams will be filing other charges against him. Plus there's a killer still out there if you two are to believed. Mr. Salvatore did plead guilty to capital murder. Until those charges are dropped, I have no choice but to keep him in prison."

"I understand, Your Honor." As disheartened as it makes me, I do understand the position that he's in.

"Now, is there anything else that I can help you with?"

"Not today, Judge. But thank you for your time," Ric thanks him, urging me out with the palm of his hand against my lower back. Just as I put my hand on the doorknob to open it, he tells us that he'll make no ruling on Damon's guilty plea for the time being and that he needs to be kept abreast of what's going on. I give him a smile before walking out, Ric directly behind me. As we walk outside, Ric asks me what I'm going to do for the rest of the day. As much as I'd like to go to try to talk to Damon, I really think I should give him a few days to cool off. Maybe I'll ask dad to take Stefanie to visit him in the meantime. By the time I get back to my office, I'm already exhausted for the day and it's only a little after one in the afternoon.

After telling my secretary not to bother me for at least an hour, I go into my office and collapse in my big overstuffed chair. Laying first my arms and then my head on the desktop, I close my eyes, letting sleep overcome me.

"Don't be mad at me, please Damon?"

"But you hurted me," he pouts, his eyes still wet from crying. We were fighting over one of his toys. When he wouldn't let me play with his truck, I pushed him down, skinning his knees on the sidewalk. It's not the first time I did that. As soon as he sees blood, he runs into the house crying. After mom doctored him up, he ran to tell daddy on me too.

Daddy explains to me that he's only a five year old little boy and that it takes longer for little boys to grow up than little girls. Afterwards, he lets me go back outside by Damon.

"Don't be such a meany, I said I was sorry."

My lower lip is sticking out pretty far by the time he looks at me.

"I'm mad to you."

Even though I know it's my own fault that he's mad at me, I still feel tears start to prick at my eyes cause I hate it that he's angry at me.

"Please don't be mad at me anymore. I'll let you play with my Legos," I add, wiping the tears from my eyes with my fists.

"You promise?"

"I promise."

"Okay then, let's go play," he screams excitedly. Grabbing my hand, he drags me into the house and up the stairs, finally letting go when we get to my room. Immediately he goes to my toy chest and pulls out the Lego blocks, scattering them all over my floor. When he raises his eyes to mine, I can't help but smile at the big goofy, missing teeth grin he shares with me.

I wake up with a start when I hear my phone buzz. As soon as I pick it up, I hear my secretary inform me of a meeting. I quickly shake off my stupor, grab my purse and run out of my door without bothering to look back.

"Hey Elena," Matt says, standing up when I reach his booth.

"Thanks for reminding me. I dozed off in my office."

"Oh my gosh!" he utters feigning shock.

"What can I get you two?" Caroline asks when she walks over to the booth.

"Even though my gut hurts from all the caffeine I've drank today, I need it."

"Sure thing, Elena. Matt?"

"I'll have a coffee and a cheeseburger. Are you hungry, Elena?"

"Sure why not, I'll have the cheeseburger too, no pickles."

"You don't like pickles? What's the matter with you?" Matt teases, smiling at Caroline. She walks away coming back shortly with a couple of mugs and a pot of coffee. She slides into the booth next to Matt before asking me how Damon and Stefanie are.

"Believe it or not, she gets along wonderfully with my dad. She's really bonded with him. Deciding to keep the bombshell to myself, I tell her only that Damon is still waiting for the Judge to decide on his guilty plea.

"Please tell both of them that they're in my thoughts." After I nod, she gets up to wait on some of her other customers.

"I've actually got big news on that front."

"Well don't leave me hanging..." With my voice low so no one overhears, I explain everything that's happened in the last twenty four hours. I can't stifle the inappropriate laugh when I see his mouth literally hanging open.

"I was not expecting that," he utters in shock.

"Me neither, Matt."

"Have you spoken to Judge Nichols yet?"

"Yes, Ric and I saw him this morning. For now his hands are tied because Damon did plead guilty. Brady is going to bring charges against him for contaminating the crime scene but will probably drop the murder charges."

"Really?"

"Yes, really. Please keep it quiet," I add, raising my eyebrows at him.

"You have my word."

"So has Nick been in touch with you?"

"He's out of town right now. His mother is in the hospital so he went to be with her."

"Nothing serious I hope."

"She fell and broke her ankle so she had to have surgery. Nick is going to stay with her for a couple of weeks."

"Understandable," I utter yawning.

"You are tired!"

"I am. I'm going to go home as soon as we're through here." Just then Caroline brings our food, sliding my plate in front of me.

"I guess she forgot the no pickles part," I mutter, sticking out my tongue. After picking them out and depositing them on Matt's plate, I take a big bite, moaning at the scrumptious taste of Caroline's burgers.

"The woman does know her way around the kitchen," I utter, wiping the ketchup off the corner of my mouth. Once we finish, I win the coin toss and pay the bill and like always, he walks me to my car. After promising to keep him up to date, I drive off going straight home and into bed as soon as I step out of the shower. Pulling the covers over my head, I close my eyes hoping sleep will come soon.

When I hear the 'Dragnet' theme blare on my phone, I wake up with a start. That's the song, I gave Ric on my phone. I don't even know if he liked that old TV show but whatever.

"Ric? What time is it anyway?"

"It's six am."

"Why are you waking me at six am?"

"I got a call late yesterday afternoon from a cop friend of mine in Charleston."

"And?"

"She has someone in custody who claims to have information on the Fell murder. He's using what he knows as a bargaining chip to get the DA to agree to a plea deal."

"How do we even know that he isn't making it up?"

"We don't till he spills the goods."

"What are we going to do about it?"

"You are going to get up and get ready and the two of us are going to drive to Charleston to speak with him."

"Okay then."

"What's your address? I'll run by and pick you up."

After giving him my address, I hang up and crawl out of bed and go straight into the bathroom. Once I shower and primp a bit, I get dressed. Just as I'm about to start the coffee pot, I hear a knock on my door. Dropping my head because I am in dire need of some caffeine, I walk to the door, letting him in.

"I need coffee, Ric," I warn, my tone a little grumpy sounding.

"I've got Starbucks in the car. Grab your bag so we can get a move on. It's a ninety minute drive."

Nodding my head in acceptance, I pick up my purse then follow him into the hallway. After making sure my front door is locked, the two us walk down the stairs and outside to his car. Once inside, I buckle up.

"Which coffee is mine?"

"They're both the same. Have at it," he utters, putting the car in reverse then pulling out of the parking lot and onto the street. He veers south when we get to the US-17 exit to begin the drive to Charleston. After taking a big slog of coffee, I lay my head back and let my eyes drop closed. I don't remember another thing till I feel a nudge on my arm. Slowly I raise my eyes and turn my head towards Ric.

"Wake up. We're here."

Next chapter: Sweet Freedom.

Thank you so much Eva, so much. You mean the world to me.

Thanks so much to all of your fabulous reviews. They mean so much to me.

Dragnet was a 1960's TV show. It was made into a movie in the 80's starring Dan Aykroyd and Tom Hanks.

Chapter title: 'Mudshovel' by Staind

Because patience isn't my best virtue, I did post the first chapter of 'Nothing Left to Fear'. I do hope you'll give it a read and let me know what you think.

'Tears in Heaven' is winding down but there are still a couple of chapters left. 'Dig' is also still in progress.

Please click the 'review' button.

Be safe and have a wonderful weekend. We'll see you next week.