A/N: Thanks for sticking with me. We have a few more chapters to go as we tie up a couple of loose ends. I will try to update a little more quickly. I am incorporating some of your idea in the next couple chapters, so I hope you recognize them.

Disclaimer: I wish I owned Flashpoint...but I don't :(

Knowing Where You Need To Be

Chapter 26

It was Wednesday evening and Spike opened the door to Anisa's apartment expecting to be assaulted by his two nephews, but he didn't hear the usual ruckus that followed his nephews everywhere. Instead, he found silence and the aroma of ginger emanating from the kitchen. He put his bag down and made his way to the kitchen where he found Anisa standing over the stove.

She turned to him, smiled and slid her arms around his neck. "Hi," she said as she brought her lips to his.

He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her back. When they separated, he offered her a dimple-revealing grin as he said, "Hi." He released her so she could continue to stir what was on the stove.

"Where are the boys?" he asked.

"Ria called to tell me that we didn't have to watch them tonight because Joe was going to be home. Weird, huh?"

"Yeah...weird," repeated Spike wondering what the deal was. Joe was never home in the evenings. Besides, he should be getting ready to leave...for good. Leaning over her shoulder, he said, "Mmmm, smells good. What's for dinner?"

"Stir fry. I hope you like it," she answered with a smile.

"Like I said, it smells good. How long until it's ready?"

"About 10 minutes, why?"

"I have a quick email that I need to send. That will be more than enough time. Be back in a few minutes, OK?" said Spike kissing her on the cheek as she nodded to him.

He went into the bedroom and pulled out his laptop. It took him about five minutes to find what he was looking for and two minutes to send the untraceable email to Joe. The subject line simply said, 'Tick Tock'.

The body of the email, was as follows:

"You are running out of time. You need to be gone (out of the house) by Friday at 12:00 noon or Ria will receive the following text and picture." Spike had sent a screen shot of a text from Joe's phone showing a series of intimate messages between Joe and a woman named Camilia. The picture was one that Joe had saved on his phone of him and a woman, presumably Camilia, in bed smiling.

It had only taken a few taps on the keyboard for Spike to gain access to the information on Joe's phone. He made sure to cover his tracks so nobody could tell that he had hacked Joe's phone. He closed his laptop and returned to the kitchen just as Anisa was serving dinner.

They ate and shared stories of their days.

"Did you talk to your mother today?" Anisa asked.

"Yeah. I am going to head over there in the morning since I am working the later shift tomorrow," answered Spike.

"Is everything OK?"

"I think so. She is just worried and needs a few things done around the house."

"Anything I can do?" she asked.

"Nah, I don't think so," said Spike. "I am starting to hate that house stupid house. It is falling apart and constantly needs work done."

"Oh, Mike, I like your house. It has character and memories and is full family and love," said Anisa with a smile.

"Are you getting all sentimental on me?"

"I don't know, maybe," she said. "Anyway, moving on..." she said, changing the subject.

"Oh and I have that doctor's appointment tomorrow morning. Hopefully he will clear me for full duty," Spike smiled hopefully.

When they finished, they cleared the dishes from the table. Spike turned to her and placed his hands on either side of her face. He drew her closer and kissed her passionately. Anisa felt her breath disappear and her toes curl as her spine tingled with the kiss.

"What was that for?" she asked breathlessly as they separated.

"Just saying thanks for taking such good care of me," said Spike with a smile.

Anisa giggled and said softly, "Isn't that what we do? Take care of each other..."

"Yep. Now you go relax and I will clean up," instructed Spike as he kissed her forehead.

When he entered the living room after cleaning up, he saw Anisa curled up on the sofa with a book.

"Hey, I forgot to tell you...Jules invited us over for dinner on Friday. What do you think? Are you up for it?"

Anisa smiled at him. "Sounds like fun. We are going to have another 'girls' day' on Saturday," she said snuggling against his side as he settled in with Robot Magazine.

"No yoga I hope?"

"Ha ha. No...this time I got to pick the activity and no I am not going to tell you what we are doing," she said definitively.

"OK," said Spike with mild skepticism.

When Anisa came out of the shower the next morning, Spike was grabbing his keys and heading for the door.

"Wow, you are at it early today," she commented as he came over to kiss her goodbye.

"Yeah, got that doctor's appointment before heading to Mom's. I'll call you later. Keep safe, OK?" he said.

"Always. You, too. Love you."

"Love you too," he said as he closed the door behind him.

He arrived at Tim Horton's, ordered a coffee and took a seat. A couple of minutes later someone pulled out the chair across from him and sat down.

"Hi, Spike," came the deep voice.

"Hey, Ryan. Thanks for meeting me," said Spike trying to appear casual.

"No problem. Is everything OK? Is Anisa OK?" asked Ryan with mild concern.

"Yeah, she is OK, all things considered... with the loss of the baby and all. You know her, tough as nails, at least on the outside," said Spike trying to be lighthearted.

"Ha...and marshmallow in the inside," agreed Ryan.

Spike smiled and nodded his head. "I guess you are wondering why I asked you to meet me," said Spike trying to hide his nervousness.

Ryan sat back in his chair and said, "I am a little curious."

Spike looked at his cup as he slowly turned it in his hand. "Well, as you know, this past weekend was both shocking and traumatic. And … um... I don't know if she told you, but I made the mistake of asking Anisa to marry me on Sunday."

"Yeah, she told me. I'm sorry about that Spike," offered Ryan with empathy.

"Yeah, well, I am not known for my impeccable timing with women," he said with a smirk. "She was probably right about the timing," conceded Spike. He sat back , nervously rubbing his hands on the tops of his legs and looked at Ryan who sat quietly watching him. "You know I love her, right?" Ryan nodded his head. "This whole thing happened wrong...the pregnancy, the proposal...that isn't how I wanted it to happen," babbled Spike. He took a deep breath and then said, "So I am going to try this again ..."

Ryan tilted his head to the side quizzically, having no idea why Spike was telling him all this and acting so strangely.

Spike took another deep breath and looked directly at Ryan. "I love Anisa...with all my heart. And it is my intention to ask her to marry me."

"Spike, why are you telling me all this? I know you love her."

"It's just that she doesn't have any family and you are her best friend. You are her family...and..."

Ryan realized what Spike was getting at, "Are you asking my permission?"

"No, not really. But I would like your blessings," Spike said quietly.

"Spike, you have my blessings...you have from the start," said Ryan with a gentle smile. "You make her happier than she has ever been. And it is about time she had some happiness in her life. Actually, I think you could both do with a little happiness."

Spike smiled and breathed a sigh of relief. "Thanks, Ryan."

Ryan grinned and shook his head, "I am really happy for you guys, but, Spike, I swear, if you die on her, I'm gonna kill you. So be careful."

Spike chuckled, "I am always careful." Spike checked his watch and said, "I got get going, but thanks for taking the time to meet me. It means a lot to me."

"Anytime...anything you need, Spike and I mean that," said Ryan standing up and extending his hand.

Spike took his hand and shook it, "Thanks, Ryan."

Anisa got into her car after a long day of researching her new case. She couldn't wait to get home and soak in a hot bath with a glass of wine. She texted Spike that she was going home and that she loved him. He didn't text back so she assumed he was out on a call.

She was half-way home when her phone rang and she answered through her bluetooth connection.

"Hello, this is McConnell."

"Anisa," came Mrs. Scarlatti's voice dripping with anxiety. "Thank God. I got you. I tried Mike, but he didn't pick up and neither did Ria."

Anisa heard the panic in her voice, "Mrs. Scarlatti, I think Mike is out on a call. What's wrong? How is Mr. Scarlatti?"

"Anisa...He has fallen and I can't … something is wrong..." said Mrs. Scarlatti frantically.

"OK, Mrs. Scarlatti. You need to stay calm. Can you tell me, is he breathing?"

"Yes."

"Is he conscious?"

"Yes."

"Ok. That's good." said Anisa calmly, hoping that it would calm Spike's mother down. "I am on my way. I should be there in about five minutes. I want you to call 911." She waited until she heard Mrs. Scarlatti say OK. Then she said reassuringly, "He is going to be alright."

"OK...please hurry."

In less than five minutes Anisa was running up the steps to the Scarlatti's front door. She knocked and opened the door announcing herself. Mrs. Scarlatti came running from the back bedroom.

"Oh thank God you are here. Come with me. He is in the bedroom," said Mrs. Scarlatti scurrying to the back of the house. When she walked into the bedroom, she saw Spike's father on the floor wedged between the bed and the wall. His breathing was labored, but he was conscious.

Anisa rushed to his side and gently touched his cheek. "Hi, Mr. Scarlatti. Seems you have gotten into a bit of a jam here," she said calmly drawing his eyes to her. She smiled causing him to smile slightly. She gently moved her fingers down to his neck to check his pulse. "Can you tell me what hurts?"

Mr. Scarlatti took a labored breath and said, "My side."

"OK. Before I help you up, I want to make sure that I don't hurt you so I am going to touch your side and I want you to tell me if it hurts, OK?"

He nodded and Anisa began gently pressing on his ribs to see if they were broken. He continued to shake his head no as she move her way up his side until she reached his upper ribs. He winced slightly. She pressed a little more firmly and watched his face for a reaction. Again he winced and she said, "OK, good. Now I want you to place your arms around my neck." She squatted in front of him and he feebly lifted his arms and placed them around her neck. "Good. OK now, I am going to reach behind you and then we are going to stand. I want you to tell me if I hurt you or if I am moving too quickly, OK?" Again he nodded. Anisa leaned forward and slid her arms around his torso getting as firm a grip as possible. "On three...one...two … three," counted Anisa. On three she slowly stood lifting him up as she did. When he was nearly in an upright position, she gently turned him so he could sit on the bed. Gently she guided him down onto the bed. The doorbell rang and Anisa instructed Mrs. Scarlatti to go let the paramedics in.

When Mrs. Scarlatti returned with the two paramedics, Anisa had managed to get Mr. Scarlatti lying down in the bed. She turned around and saw Steve and his partner enter the room.

"Hi, Steve," she greeted, remembering him from his rescue of Spike after the explosion at Union Station. She didn't know that he had been the one who saved her life that day at the warehouse months before.

"Hi Anisa. So this is Spike's dad?" he asked as he approached the bed.

"Yes. This Dominic Scarlatti," introduced Anisa as she stepped away from the bed allow Steve the chance to get closer.

"Mr. Scarlatti can you tell me what happened?" asked Steve. Mr. Scarlatti explained how he had lost his balance when he was getting into bed, had fallen and had been unable to move. He then explained how Anisa had helped him back into bed.

Steve turned and looked at Anisa questioningly prompting her to explain, "I checked to see if he had any broken ribs before I lifted him. It seems that he may have a fracture in an upper rib, but it doesn't appear that his lungs had been puncture." Steve nodded his head in understanding and conducted his examination.

When he finished the exam, he turned to Mrs. Scarlatti who stood with Anisa near the doorway to room. "I think that Anisa is right, his only injury is a slight fracture of an upper rib. We can take him to the hospital for an X-ray, but it is likely that the hairline fracture won't appear in the film this soon. With these things, the fractures don't always appear until they start to heal. Since there is really nothing to be done with a fractured rib, I will leave it up to you whether to bring him to the hospital. The alternative is let him rest and then make an appointment with your regular doctor tomorrow. It is up to you." Steve looked at Spike's mother for guidance. She in turn glanced at her husband who shook his head.

"We will keep him home and I will call his doctor in the morning. Thank you," she said taking his hand in hers in a gesture of gratitude. She then returned to her husband's bedside.

Anisa walked Steve and his partner to the door. As his partner carried the gear back to the ambulance, Anisa turned to Steve, "Thanks Steve. I really appreciate our help,"

"Really it is no problem. So... Spike's dad... how bad is he?" asked Steve obviously recognizing that Spike's father was not well.

"Terminal," she answered solemnly. "I think we are getting near the end. It is heartbreaking."

"Oh, man. I'm sorry to hear that. Poor Spike," he said shaking his head. Then looking at her and smiling he said, "I'm glad he has you."

Anisa thought she detected a note of wistfulness in his voice. She smiled back and said, "Thanks." They said their good-byes as he turned to leave the house.

Anisa checked her phone as she re-entered the house and still no message from Spike. She walked back to the bedroom and poked her head into the room.

Mrs. Scarlatti waved her in saying, "I am so grateful you are here. You must be hungry I will go make you some dinner."

"There is no need..." started Anisa as Mrs. Scarlatti scurried out of the room.

"Let her go. It's what she loves to do," said Mr. Scarlatti in raspy voice. "Come sit with me Anisette," he asked, patting the bed next to him.

She slowly walked to the side of the bed and sat down. She looked into his gentle brown eyes that were watery with age. She saw so much of Spike in those eyes. He placed his gnarled hand on hers and it felt so cold.

"You are a sweet girl, Anisette. My son loves you more than he has ever loved anyone," he said, his voice still sounding gravelly. "You make him smile, you give him peace … you have given him a home...a place where he belongs." Anisa swallowed hard as a tear threatened to break free.

He continued, "And you love him, too, no?"

"With all my heart," was all she managed to squeak out.

"I feel that you two were meant for each other. My heart is at peace, now that he has you in his life. I hoped that I would see you two married and starting a family, but ..." he trailed off. "Now my hope is that Michelina will see this," he finished, nodding his head.

Mr. Scarlatti smiled warmly and patted her hand. "But I would ask something of you...," he said waiting for her to nod her head. "When my time comes, do not let Michelangelo fall into his dark place. Be his light."

Anisa's heart ached. She felt as if she were losing her own father again. "I will be with him, always, no matter what."

He patted her hand again and smiled saying, "Time for me to rest. You go get something to eat." He closed his eyes slowly to indicate that she could leave. She quietly stood and walked out of the room, stopping outside to gather herself before walking into the kitchen. As she approached the entrance of the kitchen, the phone rang. Mrs. Scarlatti began speaking rapidly in Italian. Anisa quickly determined that she was talking to Spike. She heard her name mentioned and thought she heard the word "mangia", which she was pretty sure meant "eat" in Italian.

When she hung up, Mrs. Scarlatti turned to Anisa and explained that Spike was on his way, so they could eat together. About five minutes later, the kitchen door opened and in walked Spike with worry painted all over his face. He immediately went to his mother and embraced her. The two began speaking in Italian as his mother puttered about kitchen preparing the dishes. Spike glanced at Anisa and it dawned on him that she must be feeling left out so he reverted back to English.

"So how is he now?" asked Spike walking over to Anisa and kissing her cheek.

"He is resting. I will make an appointment with his doctor tomorrow," explained his mother.

"OK, I am going to check on him," said Spike giving Anisa's shoulder a gentle squeeze before heading into the bedroom.

When he returned to the kitchen, the table was set for two. He announced, "He is sleeping."

His mother nodded and said, "I will leave you two to eat. I have some laundry to do."

When they were alone, Spike took Anisa's hand from across the table and said softly, "Are you alright?"

"Yeah, I'm fine," she said and proceeded to explain how she had found his father on the floor and managed to get him back into bed. She also told him that Steve thought that he may have an injured rib and should go to his doctor in the morning.

"You lifted my dad back into the bed by yourself?" Spike asked with a smirk.

She looked at him and smiled back, "He is not as heavy as he looks."

"Or maybe you are freakishly strong for someone your size," he teased.

Anisa wrinkled her face and asked, "Did you just call me a freak?"

Spike gave her a mischievous grin and said, "I didn't say it was a bad thing." He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively causing her to break into giggles. He loved the sound of her laughter. Then he said seriously, "I'm glad you were here. Thank you."

"I'm glad I was here, too," she said. "As I said before, that's what we do, we take care of each other, right?" Spike nodded.

"Yes, that is what family does," said Mrs. Scarlatti from the doorway, "we take care of each other." She entered the kitchen started clearing the dishes.

Anisa and Spike just looked at each other for a moment processing what his mother had said. When they tried to help her with the dishes, she ushered them out of the kitchen.

As they walked into the family room, Anisa said, "I wish your mother would let me help her in the kitchen."

"Ha ha...Do NOT mess with an Italian mother in the kitchen. It is a scary thing," warned Spike.

"OK... OK," chuckled Anisa.

"Besides, I don't think I have given you a proper greeting," said Spike drawing her into an embrace. He cupped the side of her face with his hand as he brought his lips to hers. The kiss began gently, but as she pulled him closer it deepened. Spike's hand tangled in her hair as she moaned softly into his mouth.

As his lips trailed down her chin and along her jawline, she murmured, "I love you... so much."

When Spike's lips reached her ear, he whispered, "That's good, because we're family... and you never question an Italian mother."

Anisa loosened her grip on him and slowly allowed her breathing to return to normal. She looked up into his coffee colored eyes sucking her bottom lip into her mouth. He rubbed his thumb down her jaw from her ear to her lip gently tugging it out of her mouth. He lowered his mouth so it was almost touching hers, but not quite.

"Let me do that," he said softly, taking her lower lip into his mouth gently with his teeth.

She couldn't believe how he made her heart race and her knees weak. She found herself gripping his shirt so she would fall should her knees buckle. "Mike, we need to stop...what if your mom walks in?"

"I'm pretty sure that she knows that we kiss once in a while," said Spike kissing her again.

"I know, but I don't want to get carried away."

Spike offered his best puppy dog eyes, "Bummer."

Their intimate moment was interrupted by the sound of a dish crashing to the floor in the kitchen. Spike released Anisa and bolted into the kitchen and to his mother's side. Anisa followed quickly behind. Mrs. Scarlatti was picking up pieces of the broken plate from the floor when Spike noticed that her hand was shaking.

She turned to him and said, "I'm sorry." It was then that Spike noticed that she had been crying.

He guided her up to a standing position and embraced her saying, "It's OK, Ma."

Anisa picked up pieces of the plate as Spike guided his mother out of the kitchen.

"Michelangelo, what am I going to do when he goes?"

"I know, Ma, I know," Spike said trying to comfort his mother.

"I know I should be strong, but your father has been my world for 45 years and I can't imagine what my life will be like without him in it."

Spike had no idea what to say, so he held her tight. Finally he said, "Mamma, you have been the rock of this family forever...we will be here for you, Ria, me, your grandkids and Anisa."

Mrs. Scarlatti looked into her son's eyes, "You look so much like he did when he was young." The statement caused Spike blush slightly, but also smile. She began to get control of her emotions and touched his cheek lightly and said. "Grazie, Michelangelo." She waited a minute then took hold of his hand and said as she stood up, "Don't take too long."

Spike cocked his head to the side not understanding. "With what, Ma?"

"I think I deserve more than three grandchildren," she said and turned to go into the bedroom.

Spike stood in the family room not knowing what to say, but it didn't matter because his mother had already closed the door to the bedroom He was standing there confused when Anisa entered the family room.

"Is she OK?" asked Anisa.

"Yeah...this is the first time I have seen her breakdown. Everybody deserves a chance to breakdown once in a while," he responded still a little off balance from her last comment.

Anisa nodded as she walked over to him. She noticed that vein protruding on his forehead that either indicated that he was thinking very hard about something or was worried. She assumed that in this case it was caused by worry. She slid her arms around him and drew him into an embrace.

"Mike you should stay here tonight."

He shook his head, "No. I should be with you."

"I am fine and your mother needs you tonight...and your father will want to see you in the morning," she insisted.

He looked into her slate blue orbs as if they held the answer to what he was supposed to do. "'Nis, I don't want to leave you alone. Why don't you stay here, too?"

Anisa smiled at him and said, "Baby, I can't. This your parent's home and I wouldn't be comfortable, besides I don't have any of my stuff." She kissed him and said, "It will be good for you and your parents."

Spike looked at her, "Are you sure you'll be OK?"

"I'm sure. I'll call you when I get home, alright?"

He drew her closer and kissed her, "OK...but I'm gonna miss you."

"I'm gonna miss you, too," she touched the vein on his forehead and said, "Get a good night's sleep."

"I'll try," he said kissing her again. "Ti amo."

"I love you more than anything," she murmured as they kissed one more time before she walked out the door.

A/N: Thanks again to all those who have read and reviewed. Stay tuned for another appearance of Joe in the next chapter (he is back by unpopular demand).