Hi everyone, so sorry for the long delay but life/work has been pretty hectic as you can imagine, and I'm sure the same is for all of you. I hope this chapter finds you all safe and secure and maybe gives you a little escape from our unsettled world right now, I know it does me, so THANK YOU for giving me a reason to write it.

Stay safe! Big Aloha!

Chapter Twenty

"Why are we going into the interrogation room?" Steve asked as he stood outside the heavy steel door that led into the room that was void of anything except a grey metal chair in the middle of it. Danny stood just inside with his hand on the doorknob.

"Just come in here. I have to tell you something."

"You brought me all the way down here on a Saturday to tell me something in the interrogation room?" he asked irritably. "Are you feeling all right?"

"Not really," he admitted, closing the door as Steve came inside.

He looked around but didn't see anything out of the ordinary, "Ok, I'm here, so what now? Are you going to cuff me to the chair next?" he joked.

It had crossed Danny's mind but he was afraid Steve might break an arm being restrained after hearing the news about Amber.

"I have some news," Danny began, "and you're not going to like it, but try and control yourself, you're temper I mean."

Steve glanced around the room one more time, getting the idea of why he had brought him in there. He looked back over at him as his eyes narrowed, preparing himself for whatever Danny had to say, assuming he knew him well enough to know that whatever it was he needed to be told, it had to be done in a sealed room.

"Ok," Steve said tensely, his voice deep and already strained, "what do you got?"

Danny reached his hand behind his back and pulled out the arrest warrant from his back pocket and opened it, handing it to him. "This."

Steve looked at the document and knew what it was. He'd seen thousands of arrest warrants, but wondered why Danny was so upset over this one.

He took it from him and looked at the top of the page, seeing the state seal of Indiana, feeling his heart sink, knowing the person's name that was going to be on it before he even scanned down to the line where it was displayed, seeing her name, Amber Michelle Scott.

"What the fu…" he mumbled, turning away from Danny and taking a couple of steps, gripping the paper tightly in his hand as he quickly scanned over the important areas of the document. "This is bullshit!" he exclaimed, abruptly turning around. "Murder?! Amber?!" he shouted, "And who the hell is Christopher Hairfield!" he roared.

Danny put his hands up, in an attempt to calm him seeing the rage building. "I don't know yet, but I bet she does. I checked out their department, it's a small town."

"I'll tell you what this is, it's harassment!" he yelled, pointing at him, his eyes full of anger, his muscles taught, "If they think for one second that she's leaving this island to go back there to face these bullshit charges, then they'd better pull their heads out of their asses!"

The thought of her leaving and for this reason sent not only a streak of anger through him but also panic. He clenched the paper in his one hand and turned away again the rage taking over as he pictured her being handcuffed and locked in a cell.

"Those fuckers!"

He picked up the chair in the middle of the room and threw it against the back wall.

Danny had seen him angry but knew this would send him over the edge, as it had. He stepped in the way of his path as he headed for the door. "Hey! You need to take a breath!"

"They're picking on the wrong person!" he yelled. "She's not going anywhere!" His next words inspired the term threat.

"They better be fucking prepared for me!"

"Agreed," Danny said, "but you also have to be prepared for them, and with a straight head, don't go flying off the handle and let your temper get the better of you." He calmed his voice; "It's the weekend, nothings going to happen until Monday. I advise you to take this time to get your thoughts in order." His expression weakened, "Besides, you need to tell Amber and if you are all up in arms about it, then how do you think that's going to look from her perspective? Huh?"

Steve heard him loud and clear as his chest heaved and the hysteria and anger slowly dissipated, knowing he was right.

"I won't let them take her, Danny," he said more calmly but the fire in his eyes remained.

"I know, Steve, but we don't know want evidence they have to issue the warrant."

"You don't believe it, do you Danny, that Amber was capable of doing that?" he asked, almost fearful for his reply.

Danny's posture straightened and he looked him straight in the eye, "No, I don't. I haven't known her for very long to really establish that kind of insight to who she really is, but from what I do know…I don't believe she was capable of doing that, but more than anything else, I know you, and if you believe this as adamantly as you do, well then…I've got your back, 100%."

Steve let out a breath, thankful for that. "Thanks, Danny."

He put a hand on his arm, "Go home and talk to Amber. Get your head straight and then on Monday we'll wrap this bullshit up, ok?"

Steve nodded, "Ok, ok, you're right. I'm going to do that." His expression turned to worry, "What am I going to say to her?"

…..

Steve sat in his truck outside of his house, staring at the front door.

If it would have been anyone else's name on that warrant, he would have been on his way to arrest the person and put them in jail, but this wasn't anyone else, this was Amber and she wasn't going to spend one second in a jail cell, not as long as he was breathing.

The last question Danny had asked him kept playing over and over in his mind as he drove home.

'What's your next move?'

He had a lot of answers and a lot of moves to play but the one that he gave him was the one that was above all the rest.

"Protect Amber at all cost."

He began to feel his blood pressure soar again as he visualized the arrest warrant and the name of the Officer who had issued it. It didn't take he and Danny long to piece together the information and come up for the reason for it. Christopher Hairfield had been the partner of deceased Officer Kevin Scott, Amber's husband. This was nothing more than a vengeful plot to harass her, recalling that he had also been contacting her by phone before she had blocked his number.

They hadn't got a chance to review whatever the so called new evidence that he had grounds to issue the warrant for since it was Saturday, and obviously he and Danny both thought sarcastically, they had no crime on Saturday in the little hick town because no one was answering the phone in that department.

He started to open the door to his truck and then stopped, dreading going in there and having to tell Amber the news; worried about her reaction and the toll it would have on her both mentally and physically. His concern reached out for the baby as well.

It was his job going forward to make sure she was sheltered from the fear of it as much as possible.

A self determined force suddenly began to build inside of him, an energy that he'd only experienced one time before, it was the same burst of strength that he had the day the avalanche had covered her. It was the fear of losing her that gave him the greatest determination, because he couldn't, he couldn't lose her.

He came in the house as Amber turned the corner of the kitchen with a smile on her face.

"Hi, I think I might have found a car," she said excitedly, "Can we go look at it? It's a Honda CRV for only twelve thousand."

Her smile lately was radiant and infectious, knowing she was happy where she was. The transition to Hawaii was a great success, he couldn't have been happier as well. She brought joy back into his home that had become a living tomb after Catherine's death, but now he could see the light again and it was all over Amber's face everyday.

It broke his heart that in the next few minutes that beautiful smile would be replaced with fear and stress.

"Sure," he replied to the car request, but his expression didn't share her enthusiasm. "Come here Amber," he said gently, reaching his hand out to her. "I need to talk to you about something."

She slowly walked toward him, seeing his obvious distress over whatever it was that he had to tell her, hoping she hadn't done something to bring it on.

"Are you ok?" she asked concerned over his well-being. "Did I do something wrong?"

"No," he quickly assured her, "of course not. It's not your fault."

Her eyes narrowed over that as he took her hand and sat her down on the couch, taking a seat on the coffee table across from her.

"What's not my fault?"

He let out an exasperated sigh, still holding her hand as he stared down at it, knowing it had to be done, but dreading that he had to be the one to tell her, and that it was even an issue in the first place.

"Steve," she said, feeling an ache in the pit of her stomach, "just tell me."

He looked up at her, keeping his eyes focused on hers, hoping that by doing so she would understand that his loyalty belonged to her.

"Danny called me down to work today because every week we receive a list of current arrest warrants that come from around the country for offenders who might be in our jurisdiction."

"Ok," she replied, still confused on what that had to do with her.

"Today on the list there was a warrant issued from Indiana." He saw the expression on her face become confused and then all at once it hit her, not needing an explanation.

"Was it for me?" she asked, her voice quivering.

Steve nodded, "Yes."

"For what?! What did it say? I've never even had a parking ticket."

He held steady, gripping her hand as he told her the rest, "Amber, it's for murder."

The shock of it was startling as she shook her head in confusion, grasping the magnitude of his words but knowing it was ridiculous too.

"Murder? Who? When? That's ridiculous they must…" and then the real horror of it all came to light, feeling sick to her stomach over the idea that someone, anyone would accuse her of killing Adam and Ava.

"Oh my god, my babies?" she whimpered feeling faint as her hands went over her stomach, trying to ease the nausea that engulfed it. "That's insane," she panted, "crazy, insane."

"I know it is," Steve tried to soothe her, but knew his words were not getting thru to her as she blindly shook her head, still in disbelief.

"Why? Who would say that?" No sooner did the words leave her mouth did the culprit become crystal clear to her. She looked up at him with wide eyes. "Chris," she said breathless, feeling the lightheadedness return, "it's him. It has to be."

Steve nodded, "The officer on the warrant is Christopher Hairfield; your husband's ex partner."

"Oh my god," she cried as she rose off the couch and walked away from him, her mind reeling over the trouble she was in. Kevin was reaching out from the grave and was going to strangle her to death only he was going to use Chris' hands to do so.

"He won't stop," she mumbled, not feeling Steve's hands on her arms as he tried to calm her. "He blames me. He always has." She looked up at him, her eyes filled with fear and horror. "He won't rest until I'm in prison, or worse."

"I won't let that happen, Amber," he tried to assure her.

"You don't know him!" she shouted, on the verge of hysteria, "He's just like Kevin!"

"Amber! Look at me!" He gently shook her, trying to wake her from the terrified spell that was consuming her.

When she did as he asked, he could see the doubt and terror in her eyes.

"You don't know what he's capable of," she trembled.
He pulled her closer, his voice mirroring the anger that was building inside of him once again over the threat of someone trying to harm her. "No Amber, he doesn't know me and what I'm capable of. He's the one that should be afraid, very afraid and he will be!"

She saw something in his eyes that would frighten anyone else, but not her, only because she knew the rage that she saw was a shield that she could stand behind, knowing she'd be safe.

"Do you think for one second that I would ever let anything happen to you," he gently shook her again, "do you?"

As quickly as the fear and hysteria had begun, it ended, believing every word he said.

"No," she whispered, "no, I don't."

He released her arms and moved his hands to her face, reassuring her that he was a man of his word. "I won't let anything happen to you, I promise."

She fell into him, laying her head on his shoulder as his hand moved over her head, holding her there.

She gripped handfuls of his shirt as she hugged him, feeling that same strong, warm embrace that she had the day he had pulled her out of the snow. He would save her from this the same as he had saved her that day. There was no doubt in her mind.

'I love you,' she thought with every ounce of her being, 'I do.'

….

Amber's bedroom was dark except for a faint light that came through her window from the church's security camera next door to his house. It was just enough that he could see her face as she slept.

He'd walked past her room unable to sleep, his mind diligently working on his strategy. He'd never in his working life wished for Monday to arrive so quickly than he did now, wanting more information about her warrant. It didn't matter what the so-called evidence was that they presumably had to issue it; he'd find the hole because there was no doubt in his mind that she was innocent. It angered him even more that this Christopher person would follow in her ex husband's footsteps by abusing not only Amber but the justice system that he had spent more than half of his life defending.

She stirred in her sleep with a slight moan and it made him wonder if she were dreaming, a nightmare perhaps over what she was dealing with. He forwent going back to his room, not feeling the need for sleep any time soon and not wanting to leave her side in case she did wake from a nightmare.

He quietly took the chair from the small desk in the corner and set it down by her bed, making sure not to block the sight of her from the light coming in.

She slept on her stomach, which he didn't know that she did, her hair fanned out behind her on the pillow as she hugged it. It wouldn't be a position she could sleep in for much longer he thought, thinking of the baby that was growing inside of her.

His life had changed so much over the past six months, wondering what it would be like if he hadn't met her? He almost shivered at the thought of it.

Coming home was a blessing now and it was due to her. There were no expectations from her. She demanded nothing but gave him so much. She was slowly easing him back into life again.

Her happiness and security was the only job that he felt was important anymore.

She moaned again and his heart went out to her, considering whether he should wake her, not wanting her to experience any discomfort, even in her sleep, but despite the noises coming from her, she looked peaceful and content. She looked beautiful he thought, she always did.

He pictured her in the tan dress and her walking into the bar. He was blown away that night by her transformation, attributing it to his respect that he had for her which was off the charts, but now he questioned that respect and his feelings for her.

Did he love her? It was a strong word and one that he had difficulty deciphering throughout his life. It had brought him so much joy at times, but then again so much sorrow as well. He feared it now, but it was still a lingering question that was a part of life and had somehow seeped back in his once again, forcing its way into his heart and making him question whether or not he could trust it again.

Amber whimpered quietly once again and the thought of her being in duress, even in her sleep was too much for him. He went to lean forward and touch her when she opened her eyes.

In her dream she lay back on his bed as the sound of the ocean waves rolled ashore from a distance. His naked body was on top of her and she gripped the back of his neck pulling him down and reaching up to him at the same time. The feel of his lips on hers was sensual and she moaned softly over the feel of them and the warmth of his hand as it moved down between her legs. The anticipation of feeling him inside of her was overwhelming; her subconscious skipped the foreplay and jumped ahead as he moved skillfully on top of her. She moaned again coming close to climaxing when she awoke from the erotic dream due to the pounding of her heart, opening her eyes to the sight of him sitting next to her bed.

She blinked, not sure if she were still dreaming or if the beautiful apparition before her was real.

He sat back in the chair and just stared at her, not seeing any fear or hint that she had had a nightmare, on the contrary she looked relaxed and not at all startled to see him there either. An explanation of his presence didn't cross his mind; he was too caught up in the sensual way in which she was looking at him. The question of whether or not he loved her no longer troubled him because at that second he did, letting go the fear and ghosts that had prevented him from trusting it, and trusting in her to deliver it.

She was still reeling from her dream, captivated by his presence, not considering the two a coincidence but fate. She wanted him as much as she had in her dream, and in her heart she felt there would be no rejection this time.

She reached her hand out for him and he took it without hesitation, being led by the woman who was able to heal him and bring him back from the dead.

She opened the covers and rolled over on her back as he came off the chair and laid down next to her, his body half covering hers, their hands still joined but now their fingers entwined and resting just above her head as they looked at each other, taking in the moment that had neither one of them second guessing what was about to happen.

Having him this close sent a tingling sensation throughout her body, reminding her of the dream and that night in the hotel. He hadn't even kissed her yet and she was already enjoying the pleasure of him.

The comfort level he felt with her was amazing. She gave him peace in a world that had continuously torn him down. He realized then that he was happy again, he had been since she'd walked into his life.

He gently squeezed her hand as he slowly leaned down to her lips and kissed her. The love he felt for her at that second flowed through him, filling him with a natural desire that was blinding to everything except for her.

A small whimper escaped her throat, which only encouraged him, moving his body over top of hers as the kiss deepened.

They were back to this place they had been just a few months before, being reminded how good each other felt and how much they actually needed it.

Amber released the hold on his hand as he slid it out, using it to explore her body as she wrapped a leg around his.

The clothes between them were only hindering the inevitable. Steve pushed up, bracing his hands on either side of her as she took the bottom of his shirt and pulled it over his head, tossing it on the floor. He did the same with her nightshirt, continuing the effort until he layback down on her, both of them void of any more burdens.

He smoothed his hand over her hair, looking at her in the darkness.

Neither had said a word, not needing any to rationalize what was happening, they both understood, succumbing to the feelings inside of them that were being wasted and ignored.

Maybe it was the recent circumstances that threatened their separation that brought them together, or maybe it was the friendship that had no choice but to blossom into what it was; they were two people who stumbled across each other in the most venerable times of their lives.

It wasn't as complicated as they had originally argued…it was simply love.

…..

Amber ran her fingers through his hair as he kissed her again and again, feeling his sweat on the palms of her hands. They were both beaded in it.

She was well aware of her body's sexual tension during pregnancy and needing that release of hormones to satisfy the urges. With Kevin it had been all about him, no matter what she had told him of her own needs, but with Steve, she never had to utter a word to him about what she wanted or needed, he was acutely aware.

Sex had never felt so good before in her experience. This time with him even surpassed the night in the hotel.

There were deep feelings; there was energy between them that just meshed perfectly.

He had stamina that she credited him bragging rights over any normal red-blooded man. He wanted to satisfy her, which made her all the more eager to do the same for him, taking over the love making which surprised and pleased him immensely.

She leaned forward and put her hands on his chest, straddling him as her lower body slid back and forth on top of him. Her hair stuck to places on her neck from the exertion but she didn't falter, it felt too damn good.

He had one hand above his head, braced against the wall and the other on her hip, squeezing it, but not to guide her in her effort but to just hold on as she ravished him.

He pushed his head into the pillow and turned it, letting out a gasp and then deep moan over the electricity that was shooting through his body from the sexual encounter. He couldn't talk, he couldn't move, he could barely breathe; she had him completely riveted.

She slowed her pace not wanting it to end just yet and lay down on top of him.

He faced her, grabbing a handful of her damp hair and kissed her, thanking her for that.

She held onto his shoulders as he flipped them both over in the small contents of the bed, holding her securely around the waist as he took over.

Amber continued to grip ahold of his shoulders as he held a steady pace, thrusting his body into her over and over, raising up just slightly, recalling how much she enjoyed this position from earlier, hearing it again as she gasped and dug her nails into his shoulders.

Amber let out the only words spoken between them. "Oh Steve," she cried out, tilting her head back as her body jumped from one incredible feeling to the next, crying out his name and the lord almighty's over and over.

He let go with her, resting his forehead on her shoulder as it hit him seconds after her.

The intensity of the last twenty minutes left them drained, but the severity of the climax left them both dazed, it brought them closer together than the actual experience leading up to it.

Amber laid still feeling completely sedated; the hormonal urge that had risen from her erotic dream about him was satisfied immensely.

He raised his head as if it were strenuous to do so and eased his weight off, looking down at her.

She could hear his heart pounding and see his chest rising and falling as his body slowly calmed from the aftermath.

Neither said a word but he spoke volumes as his hand moved down over her lower belly, slowly massaging the area as he leaned down and kissed her.

'All costs,' he thought, 'I'll protect you both at all costs.'