dessie77- I'm glad you're enjoying the flow of chapters. I try to make it's chapter stand out from the one before it for it's own reasons. I'm really sneaky when I write so their are hints to what's going to happen down the road in just about every chapter. I hope you continue to enjoy my writing.

leftlady70- The conversation between Ava, Olivia, and Natalia will remain a secret for a little bit longer. It will all come out once things start to...go to hell lol.

scarredlove-This next chapter is a bit of a tuffy for a few reasons. Hopefully you'll like it as much as the others. Once again major plot bunnies shall be unleashed.


Title: Risen From The Ashes

Pairing: Olivia/Natalia Doris/Blake Francesca/Daisy

Rating: MA for strong language, adult situations, violence, blood, drug use.

Slightly AU most invents remain the same with a few concentrated changes to the Otalia storyline.

Summary: A mysterious stranger comes to town and changes the lives of Olivia and Natalia forever.


"You look like a deranged Power Ranger…in a power suit," Natalia accused laughingly as she watched Olivia go through a quick series of forms, blocks, and attacks with her newly acquired weapons sans heels.

She'd been acting like a two year old with a shiny new toy. Olivia just grinned in response and continued playing. If only her daughter would give her the go ahead to take off the blade guards. Apparently she was too eager which led to the general consensus that she'd end up cutting her fingers off. She'd continue to practice until she proved the family wrong and graduated to a full fledged bad-ass.

Natalia watched amused and a little impressed from atop her desk in her new office until her cell phone rang.

"Natalia Rivera speaking," Natalia answered her cell with a cheery voice as she tried to stifle the giggles trying to break through at Olivia's silly behavior as she sat atop her desk. "Hello?"

A shuddering breath was heard across the line causing Natalia to frown.

"Hello is anyone there?"

Click.

"Who was that?"

Natalia looked down at her phone. The call had come from a restricted or rather blocked number. That was…odd.

"Um, I don't know they just…hung up."

"Maybe it was the wrong number and they just decided to be rude about it," Olivia said with a shrug as she hopped on to Natalia's desk.

Natalia frowned and pressed her lips to one side of her face in concentration. "It was just weird…like maybe they wanted to say something…but couldn't." She shook her head at herself. "Whatever. So back to admiring my new office," she smiled as she took in the large office the two were in.

It had taken awhile for Olivia and Natalia's offices to be finished and to their liking, but now they were perfect. All that was left to do on the top floor was for the kids offices to be completed.

Olivia and Natalia's offices were the farthest away from the elevators and took up the entirety of the back end of the floor. They were connected by a comfortable suite for the two of them should there be any late nights. There were two bedrooms much like their suite at The Beacon – one for them and one for Emma if they ever had the need to stay overnight with the little girl. Olivia was just happy about the fact that if she wanted to get some lovin' in at work they wouldn't have to relocate a few floors to do so. All she would have to do is drag Natalia (willingly) through the door of one of their offices and into the suite. That was all kinds of amazing.

The construction and design team had out done themselves. Upon entry one would be greeted by a large window that covered the entire back wall and a beautiful view of the town below. The window it self could be frosted over with the push of a button if they needed privacy. In front of the window sat a large curved shape mahogany desk with a glass top and cushy leather desk chair. On the desk sat a large wireless transparent-touch screen monitor along with matching mouse and keyboard. To the left of the desk mounted on the wall was a 52 inch monitor used for video conferencing between offices and departments around the building. To the right of the desk were large matching book cases filled to capacity. In front of the desk sat two stylish black leather arm chairs made for both comfort and design. In the left corner closest to the door was a small bar and seating area complete with plush sofas and a round glass table where three elegant seascape square vases with a purple bases filled with an array of fresh flowers sat. The light gray carpeting was thick and soft, and the walls were painted a deep hue of purple. Their offices were a direct representation of what The Beacon Hotels would stand for. Comfort, beauty, elegance, and professionalism.

Outside the offices the hallway was lined with a desk at every door leading to Olivia, Natalia, Ava, Francesca, and eventually Rafe's office. Ashley and Keira currently occupied the desks outside of Olivia and Natalia's offices. Following the long hard wood floors that made up the hallway led to a set of glass double doors. Outside of those doors was a seating area filled with comfortable sofas and chairs. Mounted in each corner were televisions that ran a number of news networks and financial forecasts, and directly behind the seating area were the elevators. Of course there were a few rooms that no one but the family were aware of that held a plethora of perks known only to those who worked on the top floor.

"It suits you well Ms. Rivera," Olivia grinned as her lover's head found its way to her shoulder.

Before Natalia could respond the phone on her desk rang. She pulled herself away from Olivia and answered the phone. "Natalia Rivera."

Silence.

"Hello this is Natalia Rivera."

There was a low sigh before the phone was hung up.

Natalia looked down at the receiver in her hand and frowned.

"What's wrong?" Olivia stood and walked to Natalia's side.

"One second," Natalia pressed a button on her intercom.

Ashley's voice was soon heard. "Yes Ms. Rivera?"

"Ashley did you connect someone to me just a moment ago?"

"No ma'am, there hasn't been a call for you in the last half-hour."

Natalia frowned and bit her lip. "Thank you Ashley." Natalia hung up and sat heavily in her chair as she rubbed her forehead. Olivia came around the desk and sat in front of Natalia.

"What was that about?"

"It was like the first phone call. I answered – nothing – I asked if anyone was on the line – I heard breathing – then they hung up," Natalia's face became weary as she looked up at Olivia during her explanation.

Olivia pursed her lips and snatched up her cell. "Let's see if there's reason to be alarmed shall we." Both women waited a few beats until the line was picked up.

"Hey mom what's up," Francesca's voice was heard over the speaker.

"Where are you," Olivia questioned.

"Over at Company getting ready to do the installs…why?"

"Your mother just got a few suspicious calls. One to her cell, and one made directly to her office line. Have you heard anything?"

Francesca paused. "No it's been quiet…same as the last few months. What did they say?"

"That's just it they didn't say anything."

"Hmm. Well it's not them. They like to antagonize…the creepy breathing over the line thing isn't their style. I'll check it out if you want me to though."

Natalia spoke up. "No that's okay sweetie. It's probably your Aunt Doris bored at work and being a weirdo."

"If you're sure. It's not a problem really."

Olivia interjected. "No. If it happens again we'll look into it, but for now we'll let it be."

"Okay."

"Oh Chess…Do you know why Rafe asked for a meeting with us?" Olivia looked at Natalia funny. This meeting was news to her.

Francesca chuckled a little over the line. "Partly. I know the reason…not all the details. I'm not going to ruin it for him though. Just…"

"Just what," Olivia led.

Francesca's smile could be heard through the line. "Prepare yourselves to be very proud…and surprised."

"Well okay then," Natalia smiled wondering what their kids were up to now.

"Have fun with all your techno-crap," Olivia teased.

"Sure thing. Oh and mom?"

"Yeah Chess?"

"Try not to poke your eye out."

Natalia laughed at Olivia's glare as Francesca hung up.


Rafe stood outside his Ma's office – briefcase in hand, trying very hard not to hyperventilate. Ashley was busily readjusting his tie with a smile. Keira watched them with a grin as she went through Olivia's schedule for the week.

"Armani agrees with you," Ashley hummed as she pecked Rafe on the lips and smoothed out his suit jacket with careful hands.

He huffed and rubbed the back of his neck. "I can do this right? I mean it's not like I just threw all this together. They'll see how hard I worked on this right?"

"Rafe…please don't go in there and start rambling. These are your parent's for God's sake. They're not going to bite. Just lay it all out for them and you'll be good."

Rafe nodded and hugged Ashley to him. He walked over to the door and read the title placard. "Natalia Rivera CO-CEO," gleamed back at him. He nodded his head with finality and knocked.

"Come in."

"Oh Rafe you never said where you got the designs," Ashley rushed out.

Rafe just turned at her and grinned before entering the office and shutting the door. Ashley turned to Keira and huffed.

"Maybe it's a surprise," the other woman shrugged.


Francesca wiped her brow as she climbed the ladder down from the roof. The satellite was safely secured along with the solar panels. Company would save a lot of money by creating its own energy; the tax break wouldn't hurt either. Once she reached the ground she tucked the ladder safely away and entered the restaurant.

Buzz smiled at her from behind the counter and sat down a large cold glass of lemonade. She grinned and sat down on a stool. "Thanks Buzz."

The older man waved her off and smiled as he wiped down the bar. He tossed the towel over his shoulder and leaned in. "You know kid…you're all right in my books."

Francesca grinned and shook her head at the completely off topic compliment. "Um…thanks."

He reached over and pat her on the shoulder. "No really. Thank you for doing this for me. I know your moms came up with the idea, but I just can't help but to think you had a lot to do with it."

Francesca shrugged but didn't comment. Her money was funding the project, but it wouldn't be long before she'd earned it all back and the company was fully operating in the black.

"I have a pretty happy grand-daughter to thank you for too."

Francesca blushed at that and ducked her head. She averted her gaze from a laughing Buzz as she downed half the glass of lemonade. She had been happy with Daisy for the past week. Francesca had never in a million years thought that she'd be so comfortable with another human being. With Daisy at her side everything just felt…right. Of course when the two weren't together Francesca felt a level of anxiety that was off the charts. She was starting to feel better about those times when Daisy wasn't right there in front of her. She wasn't looking to become the over-protective and over-bearing girlfriend. Daisy's new training schedule made her feel better about the possibility of that happening being in the negative column. She had to admit though Daisy being a cheerleader sure did make her…limber. She blushed just thinking about the way the other girl stretched. God. She was supposed to be teaching her not perving on her. Well it wasn't being a perv if she was her girlfriend right?

Francesca shook her head in an effort to get those particular thoughts out of her mind. She was nowhere near ready for…that.

"She makes me pretty happy too Buzz," Francesca mumbled shyly.

Buzz smiled at her. The two were interrupted as the aforementioned girl stormed into Company on a mission. She stomped over to Francesca and slapped a set of keys onto the counter. Buzz's eyebrows rose to an amusing height as a few of the morning stragglers jumped at the sound. They all turned to look at the cause of the noise before returning to their meals.

"Uh…hey Daze," Francesca greeted a little alarmed at her girlfriends display of anger.

Daisy fumed as her nostrils flared and she glared at Francesca.

Well there goes the honeymoon phase.Francesca thought.

"Hey Daze? Really, that's all you have to say for yourself?"

"Um…I love you?" The completely clueless look on Francesca's face would have been adorable if Daisy wasn't so pissed off.

Daisy huffed and slid onto a stool as Buzz made himself scarce mumbling something about coffee filters. Neither girl noticed his departure as Daisy slid the keys she'd slammed on the counter towards Francesca. She looked down at them and frowned. She picked them up and tried to give them back to Daisy.

Her girlfriend sighed, her anger quickly deflating and rubbed her forehead. "Chess…"

"This is what you're mad about?" Francesca really didn't get it. "I don't get it." Okay so maybe it wasn't necessary for her to voice the obvious.

"I can't accept this. It's too much. Way…way too much."

Francesca felt herself deflate. She thought she did something good. Something Daisy would like appreciate even. She pictured the older girl being so happy that she'd jump into her arms and kiss her senseless the moment she saw her. This wasn't going as planned at all.

Daisy watched as her girlfriend's demeanor completely changed. Her shoulders sagged and her eyes were downcast. There was a frown marring the perfection of her lips and fingers cautiously fidgeted with the keys still in her hands.

"Dork…" Daisy sighed and reached for one of Francesca's hands. Neither one of them found it odd that the insult had turned into a term of endearment for them. Daisy actually liked it now when Francesca called her Pest.

Francesca slowly looked up at Daisy with somewhat watery eyes causing the other girl to feel even more like crap than she already did for her reaction. She pushed a wayward lock of hair out of Francesca's eyes.

"I thought…well I guess it doesn't matter what I thought anymore. I just…it's my job to take care of you," Francesca mumbled.

"Chess we're teenagers. It's my family's job to take care of me," Daisy tried to reason.

"And they've been doing such a good job of that," Francesca snapped. Daisy's eyes widened at her girlfriend's tone. "Sorry," Francesca mumbled. She knew not all of Daisy's family was guilty of abandoning her and or leaving her to her own devices, but the amount of people actually keeping an eye on her was laughable. "I just don't understand the problem." Francesca straightened her posture as she spoke, and rested an elbow on the counter.

"Baby, you bought me a friggin car. Not just any car either, but an Audi A6. I didn't even know what it was until I looked it up on the internet."

"Why does it matter what kind of car it is? You needed one. Surely you didn't expect me to by you a hooptie?"

"It's too expensive for one, and secondly," Daisy mocked Francesca's haughty tone of voice. "I didn't expect you to buy me a car at all."

"I'm starting to understand my mom's frustration," Francesca sighed. "I really thought you'd be happy about this."

Daisy wet her bottom lip and took a moment to gather her words before she spoke. "A part of me is happy…unbelievably excited that I woke up this morning to find a shiny midnight blue car sitting in the drive way. I couldn't believe it when the guy from the dealership handed me the keys. No one has ever done anything like that for me before…ever. But the more practical part of me – and yes it does exist – was cringing on the inside. What will people think when they find out that my fifteen year old girlfriend bought me a sixty-thousand dollar car?"

Francesca twitched and scratched her ear. "Seventy-three actually because of all the add-on's."

Daisy glared. "You're not helping yourself right now."

"It's just money Pest," Francesca whined as she gripped Daisy's hand tighter. "I have more of it than I know what to do with. So why can't I do this for you?"

"I can't pay you back for it is one thought that comes to mind," Daisy argued back.

"I'm sorry, I wasn't aware our relationship required a score board." Daisy turned her head away from Francesca. Her girlfriend was having none of that as she gently coaxed her face back around with her hand so that their eyes could meet. "I don't need you to pay me back or to even the score. All I need you to do is to love me, and no I'm not trying to buy that love. You've already given me that, but can you at least try and see it from my point of view?"

"Which is?"

Francesca looked around quickly to ensure that no one was listening to their conversation. "You are with me. You love me. That puts a target the size of Texas on your back. I wish it didn't, but for right now I can't change that fact. Do you have any idea how stressed out I get when I'm not with you? Knowing that you're sitting at a bus stop, on the library steps, hell even just outside of that door waiting for a ride? And don't get me started on the panic attack I had the other day when you text me and said you were walking to the store. Buzz and Lillian finally moved into the new house which means you have even less mobility over at your cousin's. What if I'm not around and you find yourself in trouble? I really don't want to picture you running for your life like some ditz in a b-list horror movie. What if something happens with your cell and you get stranded or cornered? You'll be able to get to me or some sort of safety if you have these." Francesca shoved the keys into Daisy's free hand. "So hell yeah…I bought my girl a fucking car. If she needs to get somewhere I know she'll get there safely and on her own terms. You have full-coverage insurance, Bluetooth, and AAA which includes road-side assistance. And I'll be damned if I apologize for providing that for you. And if you really find it so hard to accept than think of it as an earlier birthday present."

Daisy felt her insides begin to melt at the impassioned speech Francesca had given her. She knew that she was right, but God did the car have to be so expensive? She could imagine Marina's snarky comments now, "It's nice…what did you do to get it?" Uncle Frank would blow a gasket, her grandpa Billy would probably have something to say about it. Reva and Buzz thought that rainbows shined out of Francesca's ass so at least they wouldn't hassle her about it. She really wished her girlfriend would have talked to her about this before she did it. Then again that talk would have probably resulted in an argument anyway. She couldn't very well refuse the rather extravagant gift now. How could she fault Francesca for loving her so much that she thought of her safety above all else?

Daisy sighed and grinned a little sheepishly at Francesca. "I'm not a ditz you know."

Francesca let out rueful chuckle. "You're with me…so that's up for debate."

"My birthday isn't for three months."

Francesca merely shrugged.

"Okay so I'll keep it…but that means you can't get me anything for my birthday."

Francesca rolled her eyes in exasperation. "Fine."


"Ms. Spencer – Ms. Rivera, thank you for meeting with me today," Rafe intoned as he shook both of his mothers' hand.

Olivia pulled an incredulous face and shook her head a bit at her son's behavior. Natalia merely pursed her lips and furrowed her brow as Rafe stood proudly in front of them dressed to the nines. The last time either of them had seen him in a suit he was standing in a courtroom. Even so, he didn't look as good as he did now.

"Have a seat…Mr. Rivera," Natalia suggested slowly.

"Thank you," Rafe replied as he smoothed down his tie and sat in one of the guest chairs in front of Natalia's desk. "You have a lovely office Ms. Rivera," he complimented.
Natalia tried her best to keep a straight face to see where all of this was going. Olivia on the other hand lacked the tacked required for such an endeavor and blew Natalia's reserve to smithereens.

"Cut the crap Rafe. What's going on here? Do you need money or something?" Olivia crossed her arms across her chest and leveled her son with a look that said "Well do you," as she tapped her foot on the carpeted floor. Natalia glared at her.

"What? No I don't need money…well I do, but hear me out first." Rafe's entire plan was crumbling before he even got started – his professional demeanor evaporated as his confidence folded like a house of cards at Olivia's stare.

"Honey we do actually have work to do. Couldn't we do this at home?" Natalia tried to dispel the tense atmosphere.

"You two aren't doing this right at all," Rafe whined. "I was supposed to come in here and impress you but now that's all blown to hell," he huffed.

"Language Raphael," Natalia warned.

"Can we start over please?" Rafe's earnest eyes intrigued Olivia. She nodded in permission. "Now I came to you two because I have a business proposition or rather an idea for the expansion of the company. As you know I am currently majoring in Hotel Management at Springfield University and am currently enrolled in summer courses. After some thought I realized that I'm not cut out for the hotel business. I began to think about what I would be good at. After serious consideration I came up with a better idea, which will prove to be extremely lucrative for this company."

Both Olivia and Natalia were taken aback at Rafe's speech and watched silently as he opened his briefcase and carefully placed a folder on the desk. Natalia sat in her chair and pulled the folder closer to herself before opening it. Olivia leaned over Natalia's shoulder and began to read with her. Rafe watched with silent hope as his mothers' eyes got bigger and bigger. He cleared his throat and began to speak.

"As you can see we…you have already acquired the perfect property for this project. The Detroit Beacon would only be a few blocks away. Shuttle services could be offered to any guests who would like to go out for the night for drop-offs and pick-ups. We could even offer VIP passes with certain room packages. The market for this is wide open. There isn't anything like this around here. LA, Miami, Vegas, New York…these are the cities people think about when they think of the club scene. People spend money just to visit these places for the weekend looking for a good party. We could start with Detroit…use local DJ's, host concert events, and parties. Plenty of pro-athletes pass through the city for games. We could offer more than just your average hole in the wall club or bar no bigger than the average person's living room for them to spend their money in. In a city like Detroit we could encourage local MC's to come out for battles…same with scratch DJ's. And we could use this first club as a blue-print of sorts the same way we're using Company. Start with the first, improve upon it, learn from the market and core demographic, and then expand in other cities with the same potential."

Natalia sat back in her seat heavily as Olivia plopped herself rather hastily on Natalia's desk. Both women just looked at him for a moment – having no words to express the thoughts running through their minds. So that's why Ava and Francesca were so adamant in adding that other property to the deal when they bought the land for the Detroit Beacon. They were helping their brother.

Their silence caused Rafe to become nervous. "Francesca…she came up with some numbers. Ava has already looked into liquor licensing and city ordinance laws. Also," Rafe paused as he reached into his briefcase and pulled out an artist's pad. He flipped through some of the pages before he found what he was looking for and handed the pad over to Olivia. "The club itself would be an experience. The overall look and feel of the club would reflect that. It wouldn't hurt the company's reputation either. The hotel will offer jobs to a city in desperate need of a pick me up. When you finally decide on the next Company location I'm sure it will be in the general vicinity of the hotel. So you'll have a triple threat – the hotel for people to come and stay, the restaurant for people to eat who have simpler tastes than that of the hotel restaurant, and the club for people to party. All within shuttle distance. Local artists, dancers, DJ's, MC's, athletes passing through, and even people in the music business would all have a place to enjoy themselves. "

Olivia and Natalia listened as Rafe rambled nervously yet efficiently as they poured over the designs in front of them. The overall look and feel oozed lavishness. Wide open dance floors, high ceilings, plush seating areas, VIP lounges over looking the dance floor, a large wrap around bar, and expertly designed DJ booth and stage with a slight avant-garde feel. The designs although rough were sleek and sexy. With a little work it would be perfect.

Natalia looked up from the designs and folder containing Rafe's proposal and smiled at her first born so widely Rafe worried her face would crack. She had never in her life been more proud of her son. Olivia arched a single brow and shook her head before smiling at her son.

"So Mr. Rivera…this is what you want to do?"

"Yes Ms. Spencer it is."

Olivia looked over at Natalia and shrugged.

"Well then we'll go over this proposal and come up with a plan of attack. With the proper planning the first club could be built in time for the opening of the Beacon location."

Rafe tried really hard not to break into an excited grin…he really did.

Natalia cut in before he could get too excited. "This first club will be a test run Raphael…we make no promises on expansion. We'll see how you handle this and go from there."

Rafe cleared his throat nervously. This was the part that had him the most worried. "My only request…demand is that if you do decide to approve this project that we hire on the person responsible for those designs. They have a fresh eye and haven't had the chance to be jaded by the industry. When time comes to expand we'll already have someone in house so we won't have to shop around."

Olivia smiled internally at her son's bargaining tactics. "We'll have to meet this person first."

"I can deal with that."

Natalia stood from her desk and walked in front of Rafe offering her hand. "Well than…congratulations…I guess you're in the club business Rafe."

He shook his mother's hand eagerly as Olivia came over and gave him an encouraging pat on the back.

"Proud and surprised…most definitely."


Frank watched from his seat at one of the tables in Company as Phoenix moved around behind the front counter. That wall mount she was carrying looked really heavy. He couldn't understand why his father went to some little girl for this project instead of him. He was good with his hands. Before Frank could contemplate any further he watched as something strange happened. Daisy walked out of the kitchen with the food she and Lea had ordered and winked suggestively at a completely captivated Phoenix. The younger girl grinned at her.

Frank perked up in surprise. What the hell was going on here? Phoenix stopped Daisy before she made it back to her booth and beckoned her with a finger as she put the mount she'd been holding on the floor. Daisy obliged and leaned over the counter. The two spoke for a second and started laughing. Daisy shook her head and leaned in…leaned in…and kissed? Wait did she just kiss Phoenix?

Frank felt his ire rise as the younger girl placed two careful hands on his niece's cheeks and cradled her face – pulling her closer and deepening the kiss. Phoenix broke away first and grinned at his niece before giving her a quick peck. What really set Frank off was when he clearly heard Daisy say "I love you" as she walked back to the booth to rejoin Lea. The other girl didn't even look surprised at Daisy's show of affection with the nuisance behind the counter. How long has this been going on?


Francesca carefully carried the flat screen behind the counter and sat it down on the floor. She picked up her screwdriver and the wall mount and screwed the mount to the back of the TV. She began to heft the TV and mount off the floor when Buzz called her from the kitchen.

"Hey kid how the hell do you work this thing?"

Francesca grinned and gently placed the TV back down and went to assist Buzz. She followed him back to his office. Once inside they turned towards the wall where a control panel had been recently installed.

Francesca quickly and simply explained to Buzz the proper way to turn on the solar panels so that they would provide electricity. She then showed him how to turn them off. She watched patiently as he went through the steps until he had the process down cold. He pat her on the back in gratitude.

A scream was heard from the dinning area. Francesca's head snapped at the sound.

Daisy.

Francesca bolted out of the office and through the kitchen to find Frank in mid fall from the small ladder she had placed in the corner behind the bar. He could bust his ass as far as she cared. What pissed her off was that he was falling with the damn TV. With a huff she jumped over the counter just as Frank's back hit the ground with a loud thud. She ignored his groan and caught the TV awkwardly just before it landed on his head. She bit back a curse as the fifty pound mount slammed down with smack on her left arm. She bit her tongue as pain radiated through her body making her feel nauseas.

Fuckin-shit-son-of-a-bitch-muther-fucker!Picked the perfect day to go without my guard didn't I? An arm sleeve will do my ass!

Francesca bit down on her lip hard enough to draw blood as her arm began to quiver. Daisy, Lea, and Buzz rushed to her side and helped her slowly guide the TV safely back to the floor.

"Baby I need my bag," Francesca whispered quietly in Daisy's ear as Buzz helped a somewhat dazed Frank from the floor. "Hurry," Francesca begged as she stood perfectly still trying hard to stave off the inevitable. The muscles in her arm had already begun to clench and tighten painfully as it shook.

Daisy ran back to the booth and brought her girlfriend's bag back to her. Without a word Francesca quickly pushed past Frank and out of the door.

"What the hell were you thinking Frank?" Buzz's worried tone made his son feel like a little boy who'd just skinned his knee after trying a trick on his bike he'd been told not to.

"Sorry Pop, but I just wanted to help. I didn't realize it was so heavy." Frank shrugged pitifully.

Buzz harrumphed as Daisy glared at him.

"Is Phoenix okay?" Lea finally spoke up having wondered why the girl disappeared so quickly.

Daisy turned her attention from her bumbling uncle. "Yeah…just give her a minute. She probably just needed some air." The lie fell from her lips smoothly.


Francesca tore around the side of the building and pressed herself hard against the wall – slightly shielding herself by the dumpster. Her breath came in quick painful bursts as she forced air in and out of her puckered lips. Tears were streaming down her face as she fumbled through her back pack. Her arm had taken on a mind of its own as it jerked and seized at her side. She let out a silent scream as the muscles got tighter and tighter.

"AHH!" She couldn't bite back the scream as tears poured faster down her face as she found the syringe and small bottle she was looking for. She used her teeth to pull the cap off the needle and quickly plunged it into the rubber stopper of the bottle. With a careful pace she really wished she didn't have to keep she pulled the proper amount of medicine from the bottle then checked the needle for air bubbles. She placed the needle between her teeth as she pulled down the athletic sleeve adorning her arm that made it possible for her to wear a tank top in the summer heat.

She used her thigh to pin her left hand against the wall and leaned her weight on it so that she could carefully insert the needle into the crook of her arm. She found her vein quickly and pressed the plunger. It took a few painful moments for the medicine to spread and her muscles to loosen. She slid down the wall – her ass hitting the ground with a thump as her breathing began to slow. Lazily she put the needle and medicine bottle back in her bag to be disposed of later. She lit a smoke and took a long pull allowing her head to fall forwards.

"Fuck," she sniffed and wiped the tears from her eyes.

Her pain and desperation were to blame for her not noticing a glaring Frank slip from the front of the alleyway.


"You really should thank her for saving your ass," Buzz grumbled as Frank continued to glare. He really had no idea what was going on with his son's sudden mood swing.

Frank huffed. "Who puts the mount on the TV first anyway?"

Buzz sighed and sat down with his son. "Frank if you haven't noticed it's a corner mount. The TV is too large to screw in with the mount already set up at that angle. She told me her plan of attack when she put up the other one." Buzz gestured towards a television already mounted and running the new satellite connection in a far off corner above one of the booths. "It would have been fine if you had just let her finish the job herself. Clearly it was too heavy for you."

Frank bristled at the insinuation that he was weaker than a fifteen year old girl.

Francesca walked back into Company a few minutes later as if nothing had happened. As if Frank hadn't just seen her shooting up in the alley behind the restaurant. He was going to nail her ass to the wall.


"Olivia where are you going? What's with that look?" Natalia trailed after Olivia as her fiancé sashayed through her office, through the suite, and into her own office.

"Our son has me feeling suddenly very inspired." Olivia hummed as she sat at her desk.

Natalia took in Olivia's expression and grinned coyly. "You have your pie making face on."

Olivia laughed. "It should be scary how well you know me." Olivia hit her intercom. "Keira did you find that information I asked for?"

"Yes Ms. Spencer it should be in your email."

"Thank you."

Olivia opened her email and read through a few files before she grinned and dialed a number on her office phone. She put it on speaker and put a finger to her lips warning Natalia to stay quiet.

"Decker."

Natalia's mouth opened in a disbelieving smile as she laughed silently.

"Hello Larry old friend, this is Olivia Spencer."

"Ah Olivia, so…nice to hear from you. What is it that you want?"

Olivia knew Larry had an idea why she was calling with the way he'd snapped at her towards the end.

"I hear you're having a little trouble over there at Galaxy…what with all the down sizing you've had to do."

"Gloating isn't a good look for you Olivia," the smarmy business man growled.

"Oh I beg to differ. I happen to be sitting very pretty in my new office here at headquarters. But, my good looks aren't what I want to discuss. You see I'm sitting here looking at my computer screen and I have to tell you I am quite shocked."

There was silence on the other line for a moment. "About?" Decker was getting antsy.

Hook.

"I wonder if the Xiao's know that you embezzled money from them to invest thinking you'd be able to put it back before they noticed only to lose it all. Karma is a cold-hearted bitch isn't she?"

Line.

Olivia and Natalia grinned as a sharp intake of breath was heard over the line.

"What do you want Olivia?"

"Oh nothing much just a very good deal on some hotels that just so happen to be on the market. Do you know where I could find such a deal?"

Sinker.

Larry sighed. "I always knew you were a bitch."


Reva watched Frank with a careful eye as he tracked Phoenix's movements. He was currently sat at a table all alone as he watched the booth she, Phoenix, Daisy, Lizzie, and Mel's daughter Lea were in. She cast a glance over at Phoenix who met her eyes. The girl nodded assuring her that she was watching the man's shifty behavior as well. Reva's attention was turned towards Remy and Christina who'd also made an entrance and was scooting into the booth with them.


"Have you seen that nice ride outside?" Remy all but drooled as he spoke.

Francesca grinned widely as Daisy slid down in her seat next to her. She wrapped an arm around her girl and pulled her closer.

"It's nice isn't it," she hummed.

"It's yours?" Christina looked at the girl wide-eyed.

"No it's Daisy's."

Everyone at the table began to ramble on questioning the silent and mortified girl on how she got such an expensive vehicle.

"Guys will you chill out? Geez. It' an early birthday present from Phoenix."

"Good job super star," Lea congratulated Francesca on spoiling her girl with a high-five over Daisy's head.

Reva tilted her head to the side and looked at Phoenix. The girl eyed Reva back. Clearly there was more of a reason for the gift than an early birthday surprise. Reva nodded her head and let it go.

Frank not so much.

"Daisy won't be accepting such an expensive gift from you. Especially sense the money came from such a suspicious source," Frank sneered as he attempted to intimidate Francesca by looming over her.

"What's so suspicious about it?" Francesca's bored tone grated on his nerves.

"It's drug money and I won't have my niece involved in it."

Everyone at the table looked at Frank as though he'd lost his mind.

"Drug money? What are you smoking Frank," Francesca stood and matched Frank's glare.

"Oh I could ask you the same thing…or perhaps what I should ask is what it is you're shooting up?"

Francesca snorted angrily. "Well which is it Frank? Am I a drug dealer successful enough to have the money to buy my girlfriend a car or am I a crack head? Make up your mind because the two don't mix. Never get high on your on supply and such."

"I saw you," Frank ground out as he pointed an accusatory finger in Francesca's face.

The girl arched a perfect brow at him trying very hard not to snap.

"Frank you need to back off." Reva warned.

"Dude what the hell is your problem?" Remy slid out of the booth backing Francesca up.

"My problem? I'm not the one with the problem. This delinquent clearly has you all fooled, and I'm sorry to say my niece included. But don't worry you won't be calling her your girlfriend for long." He goaded Francesca whose eyes were getting smaller and smaller as they narrowed to slits. "I saw you outside…you gonna try and tell me I didn't see you stick a needle in your arm out by the dumpster?"

"I don't have to answer to you," Phoenix growled. Daisy stood up and placed herself behind her girlfriend – placing a steadying hand on her lower back. She knew Francesca had officially taken a back seat on this ride.

"I'm not going to stand by and watch Daisy get brought down into the gutter with some drug-addict."

Daisy felt her girlfriend's spine go rigid as the somewhat truth of Frank's statement settled heavily on Phoenix.

"You need to check your facts before you start making such public allegations towards a minor Frank. Then again that's a little bit too much to ask from Detective Clueless isn't it?"

Company suddenly went quiet at the stand off. Buzz rushed to Frank's side. "Son don't you think it's best to do this in private?"

"No Pop if she says she didn't do anything wrong then she needs to prove it or I'm taking her in to the station." Frank made a move to grab a pair of cuffs from his jacket.

A low growl resonated deep in Phoenix's chest at the sight of the hand cuffs. "Get the fuck away from me Frank," Phoenix hissed.

"Let me see your bag," he pressed making a move to grab the bag in question from the booth. Phoenix stepped in front of him to block his path.

"I am not under arrest, you have no warrant, and I am a minor which means you have no right to search my person or my belongings without my parent's consent."

"Well then I guess you're under arrest."

"NO!" Daisy pushed herself in front of her girlfriend before she could attack and shoved Frank back a little. "You don't know what you're doing."

Frank looked down at his niece condescendingly. "She has you wrapped around her finger Daisy. I know what I saw."

"I don't think you do," she spat back surprising everyone with the level of disgust she'd just aimed her uncle's way.

Buzz stepped in again as Phoenix seethed quietly behind Daisy. "Son just take some time to gather all the facts. I'm sure there's some explanation for all of this. Are you absolutely sure you saw what you think you did?"

Frank glared at Buzz before he turned back to Phoenix. Daisy turned to her girlfriend and put her hands on he cheeks. "Calm down baby, just stay calm. It's okay…he won't cuff you. I promise you baby he won't cuff you. Calm down."

Everyone but Frank could clearly see how upset Phoenix was at the mere thought of those handcuffs. Something was very wrong.

Francesca took a deep breath and shook her head at Daisy before she took her hands away from her face and kissed her knuckles. She angled Daisy behind her body and spoke as calmly as possible. "Frank what you saw was me injecting myself with a muscle relaxant. When you so foolishly dropped the TV the very heavy metal stand banged against my arm. I have sustained injuries that something like that will cause to flare up in the most painful way possible. I'm prone to muscle spasms. I was not "shooting up" as you say but merely treating an ailment that I have suffered with for a long time."

Frank laughed in disbelief. "And you all are buying this bull aren't you?" His accusatory tone annoyed everyone present. "I bet you keep your arm covered to hide the track marks." He made a move to grab Francesca's arm but was quickly stalled as the girl snatched her arm away and just barely stopped herself from punching the man.

"Track marks!" Francesca growled. "Oh I have track marks all right." Francesca in a move Daisy would never have expected yanked down the athletic sleeve she was wearing and presented her arm to Frank. "But tell me Frank if they look like they came from a fucking needle!" Francesca's voice exploded as everyone in the restaurant gasped in shock.

"Oh my God!" Lizzie and Christina whispered as they took in the scarring on the younger girl's arm. Frank shied his eyes away from the angry girl.

Francesca gave a disgusted huff as she shoved her arm back into his line of sight. "You didn't answer me Frank. Do you think a needle did this? HUH! You wanted to see what I was hiding so look at it!"

Frank growled angrily at being made to look like a fool by this girl and made a move to smack her arm away. Everyone was shocked when he went down with a yelp as his knees buckled and he crashed to the floor. Francesca looked a little surprised to see a glaring Emma standing behind him. That right cross and side-kick to the back of his knees was impressive. Clearly someone had been paying attention from the window during morning training sessions.

"Get away from my big-sister Frank," the little girl ordered angrily. Francesca quickly slipped her sleeve back on as Ava snatched up their little sister.

"Oh boy…" Ava sighed. "Mom is not going to be happy about this."

"OH YOU'RE GOD DAMN RIGHT I'M NOT!" Olivia's voice thundered through the restaurant. She and Natalia stumped over to the booth as Frank picked himself off the ground for the second time that day.

Natalia glared at him. "You're fired Frank effective immediately. Get out of here. And you can bet your ass Doris will be having a nice little talk with her cousin about this."

Frank glared. "You can't fire me."

Buzz sighed and scratched the scruff of his beard. "Actually she can son. I've been meaning to tell you. Company is now a subsidiary of Spencer- Rivera Enterprises. They're helping me franchise the restaurant."

Franks stood dumbly as his mouth gaped open like a fish out of water.

"I think it's best if you leave son," Buzz shook his head in shame.

Frank turned and stomped out of the restaurant.

Everyone then turned and looked at the quiet girl standing with her girlfriend's arms wrapped around her tall frame.

There was never a dull day in Springfield.

Olivia turned to Reva and offered her a nod. "Thanks for the heads up."

"Not a problem."


Frank slammed his car door and yelled in frustration as he slammed his fist down on the steering wheel. He snatched up his cell, scrolled through his contacts, and hit send.

"What do you want Frank?"

"We have a problem."


Francesca sat quietly in the passenger seat of Daisy's car as her girlfriend dug through her bag in a panic. She sighed and looked over at her in question.

"What's wrong Daze?"

"I can't find my damn sketch pad!"

TBC

A/N: Thanks again for reading. MORE REVIEWS PLEASE! I need them to sustain life! Not really but just imagine I do. How sad would you be if this fic just stopped being updated and you never knew why because I died?