Second Chance - Imaginary Season Two

by KellyBat1219

It's one year later and Jimmy, Duval, Mary and the rest of the Pritchard's must come to terms with the truth and face demons from the past all while dealing with new threats and new allies.

22. I DoYou Won'tWill You

Chapter 22

I DO…YOU WON'T….WILL YOU?

By

Kelly Batten

Outside of the OR, Gracie, Helen, Liza and Wally could hear the people inside say, "We've got a pulse again. All right let's get him stabilized and get these bullets out!"

Three hours later, Jimmy and Mary arrived. Mary handed some new clothes to Liza who went to change and was told that her mother was out of recovery and in a room.

Helen ran up to Jimmy and Mary and hugged them. Jimmy said, "How are they?"

"Duval's been in recovery for a while. We haven't heard anything specific yet about prognosis other than he's stable. The doctor is supposed to come out and give us an update. Paula's going to be fine. She wasn't hit anywhere vital."

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Liza walked into Paula's room. She was starting to become more aware of her surroundings. "Liza?"

"Mom? Thank God you're all right. I saw the doctor. He told me that Kerning missed your vitals. You should recover pretty fast." Liza leaned in and hugged Paula. "I love you Mom."

"I love you too Liza." Paula said that as she hugged Liza back. "Liza, what about Duval?"

"I don't know. He's in stable condition but they lost him briefly on the table."

Paula's eyes began to tear up. "I need to see him."

"Mom, no one's been able to see him yet. He's in ICU. I'll go back and see if they've heard anything. The doctor was supposed to come back. Jimmy and Mary are now here as is, Helen, Wally and Gracie."

"OK, please go and let me know as soon as you hear something."

"I will Mom." She exited the room.

Paula picked up the buzzer for the nurse's station. "Yes Agent McCaffrey?"

"Where's my gun? I expect it returned to me within the hour."

"Agent McCaffrey, this was an unusual request but I'll let the doctor know you're now in your room and cognizant enough to have your gun with you."

"Thank you."

Within ten minutes, the doctor returned as promised with Paula's gun and said, "Agent McCaffrey, here's your gun. Are you sure you're coherent enough to operate it?"

"Yes. I'm feeling much more coherent than I was thirty minutes ago and it keeps getting better by the minute. What's my prognosis?"

"You were lucky. None of your vital organs were hit. Your boss Director Fielding wants to speak with you. He wanted me to tell you that he needs an official statement. He'll also have guards posted outside of your room and Agent Pritchard's room."

"I'm not quite up to giving a statement yet. I'd prefer to wait until after Agent Pritchard is no longer critical. I'd like to be with the family."

"Agent McCaffrey, give it a little bit of time. You're not quite ready to go walking around the hospital."

"Then give me a wheelchair."

"You're hooked up to an IV."

"Then I'll take it with me."

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The nurse wheeled Paula to the area where everyone was waiting for the doctor to come. Everyone was shocked to see Paula but then Helen, Gracie, Mary and Jimmy all ran up to her to hug her.

Jimmy said, "Paula, what are you doing here? You should be in your room resting."

Paula said, "No Jimmy, I need to be here. What's happening?"

At that moment Duval's doctor came out and said, "I'm glad you're all here. It was touch and go and I'll be honest, he flat lined for just under three minutes." Everyone looked like they wanted to cry. "However, he's stable now but…it won't last. He suffered severe damage to his liver. He needs a partial liver transplant. We can keep him stable for about forty-eight hours and then his liver will start to fail."

Everyone in the room began to have tears coming out of their eyes. Jimmy said, "Doctor, what do you mean by a partial liver transplant?"

"It means I need someone to give up part of their liver for him."

Jimmy immediately said, "Me. Take it out of me."

Liza said, "Jimmy, you don't have the same blood type remember?"

Helen then said, "That's right you don't Jimmy but…I do."

Jimmy's eyes got wide and he said, "No Helen…not both of you."

"It's the only way. Duval and I have the same blood type and we're full blooded siblings. I'm his best shot for a perfect match….no pun intended."

The doctor said, "That's correct. Ms. Pritchard, we can start prepping you for surgery. When was the last time you ate anything?"

"Well, there's where it's complicated, I ate a sandwich, French fries and a fruit cup about thirty minutes ago….I was really hungry."

The doctor said, "Well, there's where it gets sticky. I need you not to eat or drink anything else for the next eight hours. Come to the main desk at that point and we'll start getting you both prepped at that time."

"What happens to Duval in the meantime?"

"As I said, we can keep him stabilized but, he needs your liver Ms. Pritchard."

"I'll be there. Can anyone see him before then?"

"At this point just the immediate family can go in."

Paula said, "Jimmy, you, Helen and Gracie should go in and see him."

Jimmy said, "Paula you should see him too."

"No, we were arguing before the shooting started. It's best that just the three of you go in."

Jimmy, Helen and Gracie walked in and each approached Duval's bed. Gracie walked up first. "Dad, I love you. Please don't you leave me too. I need you. We all need you. Please do your best to get better." She laid her head on Duval's chest and squeezed his shoulders.

Helen then walked up to him and she said, "Duvey? Do you remember when you got my bike back for me from that horrible bully up the street? Bobby Needham was his name. I got on the back of your bike and we rode up there together. You proceeded to punch him in the face and I grabbed my bike and then we both hightailed it out of there." She smiled as she said, "Do you remember what I said to you as we rode our bikes home? I thanked you and told you that you were the best big brother ever and if you ever needed anything from me…all you had to do was ask. You told me that someday if you needed a kidney you'd call me." Helen laughed slightly and said, "This isn't a kidney but I think it'll suffice." She hugged her brother and stepped away.

Jimmy walked up to him and whispered in Duval's ear. "Son, I'm here. I'll always be here for you so, you just get better and we'll get these bastards. I love you Duval. Please keep up the good fight. We're all here. Gracie, Helen, me and outside there's Mary, Wally, Liza and Paula. Paula's all right so you do your best be all right." He leaned down and he did something he hadn't done since Duval was a small child. He kissed him on the forehead.

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They all walked out of the room and Mary said, "What should we do for the next eight hours while we wait for Helen to go in for surgery?"

Wally then said, "Helen, your dress and my suit are in the car. We have the marriage license. How about we get married here….today in the chapel? I'm sure there's a hospital chaplain somewhere."

Jimmy looked surprised and said, "What's this about getting married?"

Helen looked a little embarrassed and said, "Dad, when Gracie called me, we were leaving for the San Juan's to get married. We didn't want a big thing. We just wanted it to be low key. The main thing that was important to me is that I get to wear my mother's wedding dress."

Jimmy looked at her funny and said, "Am I to understand that you were going to get married in your mother's wedding dress and you didn't think your father would want to be there?"

"Dad, you didn't seem to care when Duval and Madeleine ran off to Reno to get married…"

"That's different."

"Why is that different?"

"Because he's the boy….everyone wants to see their little girl walk down the aisle…at least I do…especially if you're wearing dear Rosie's wedding dress."

Wally said, "Well Helen I guess we're getting married here. I'll go get everything."

Mary said, "I'll track down the hospital chaplain….and I'll see if I can get some flowers as well."

XXXXXXXXXXXXX

Six hours later as Wally was fiddling with his tie, Jimmy walked in and said, "Here Wally, let me help you with your tie."

Wally smiled and said, "Thanks Sheriff Pritchard."

Jimmy started to do the tie and said, "Wally, it's Jimmy. You've been calling me Jimmy ever since we met again for the first time."

Wally slightly laughed and said, "That's when I thought you were Helen's long lost brother. It's different now that I know you're her dad."

"It's not different Wally. As your father-in-law, you're entitled to call me Jimmy. I want you to call me Jimmy."

"OK Jimmy…and I hope this isn't a colossal disappointment for you?"

"No, why would it be?"

"You called me Wally the weasel when I was a senior in high school and you chased me out of the house."

"Wally, with all due respect, you're not a scatter brained eighteen year old anymore. Considering how you turned out, I'm sorry I was so hard on you."

"No Jimmy, you had every right to throw me out of the house. Helen and I were about to graduate from high school and you asked me what my plans were and the best thing I could come up with was to say my friends and I are going to Mexico for the hell of it….not a good thing to say to any woman's father let alone when he's the Sheriff of King County."

"I always wondered, did you go to Mexico?"

"No, we thought it was all squared with my friend's father and you think I was a scatter brain, my friend waited until the night before we were going to leave to ask his dad if we could use his van to go to Mexico. Suffice to say that didn't go over well with his father and we didn't go. It was for the best Jimmy. You called me a first class loser and for a long time I acted like one. Then one day after I'd gone from one dead end job to another, I still remembered how you were the Sheriff of King County and everyone looked at you with respect. I wanted to have that kind of respect. I knew I couldn't do actual police work so that's when I looked into what other types of jobs were available in that area of work and when I looked into becoming a parole officer, it seemed like a good fit….that is….up until that incident that you and Duval helped me get out of…However, I think I helped a lot of parolees get back on their feet."

"You did. I looked up your record after you went to jail. I sent it to Duval and I asked him to help you if he could."

"And he did. I owe your family a lot."

"Just make my little girl happy."

"I'll do my best…Speaking of best, will you be my Best Man?"

Jimmy smiled and said, "I'd be honored to be your Best Man Wally."

At that moment, Mary poked her head around the corner and said, "We're ready!"

They walked around the corner and there was Helen standing there in Rosie's wedding gown from 1967. Jimmy could see that she'd had some minor alterations done but the design of the dress was still there. Helen chose to make herself a new headpiece that was more subtle than the one that Rosie had worn but Jimmy thought Helen looked every bit as beautiful as Rosie did. "Helen, you look beautiful. Your mother would be so happy if she was here right now and saw you."

Helen walked up to her and said, "She's here Dad."

All Jimmy could do was beam with pride and give his daughter a kiss on the cheek. Mary came in with a bouquet of white roses and handed them to Helen. "Here Helen, no wedding is complete without some flowers." She then pinned a boutonniere on Wally that was a single white rose.

Helen said, "Mary, how did you get these flowers so early in the morning?"

"Well Helen, when you have money, you can have certain people on call for certain things. There is a florist that I exclusively use for Lookinglass events and meetings. I called her and while she wasn't thrilled with my time that I called and that I needed these items immediately, she liked how much money I was willing to pay."

"Well, Mary I'm grateful as all can be."

Gracie walked in with Liza and Jennifer. Paula wheeled in right behind with the FBI bodyguards. Gracie said, "The gang's all here Aunt Helen."

"Except where's the minister?"

A woman came around the corner and said, "That would be me. I'm Pastor Nancy Meyers. I'm the hospital chaplain that's currently on call today."

Jimmy said, "Well, then I guess we're all set. I see there's a piano. Can anyone play?"

Jennifer said, "I'll be happy to play the wedding march."

Liza said, "You play the piano?"

"Yeah, we had a piano in the house when I was growing up, so it just made sense to get me lessons. Playing the piano has helped me in my job from time to time as well."

"Really? Well, you'll have to tell me about that some time." She winked at her.

Paula saw the significance of the wink and said to Liza, "Is there something you want to tell me?"

"Ah, maybe later." She smiled and Paula knew what the smile meant.

Pastor Nancy said, "Do we have the witnesses."

Wally said, "Yes, Jimmy's going to be my best man. Oh here Jimmy, I'll give you both rings for safe keeping."

Helen then said, "Oh yeah, I need a Maid of Honor…Gracie how about it?"

Gracie smiled and said, "I'd love to Aunt Helen."

Pastor Nancy said, "OK, let's do this."

The pastor walked to the front. Liza wheeled Paula to the front row and Liza and Mary sat next to her. Jennifer took her place at the piano and started to play the wedding march.

Gracie and Wally walked in first arm in arm and then Liza and Mary stood up as Jimmy and Helen walked up the aisle.

Pastor Nancy said, "Who gives this woman in marriage."

Jimmy replied, "Nobody." Everyone looked at him funny and Jimmy smiled and said, "Helen is smart and knows her own mind. She's willfully giving herself away. She doesn't need anyone's permission or blessing to do it."

Helen smiled and said, "Thanks Da..Jimmy. That's one of the sweetest things you've ever said to me."

Pastor Nancy said, "OK then, Wally do you take this woman to be your wife?"

Wally smiled and said, "I Do."

"Helen, do you take this man to be your husband?"

Helen smiled and said, "I Do."

"Instead of traditional vows, Wally and Helen have written their own vows that they want to say to each other."

Wally said, "Helen, I thought you were the most amazing person I had ever met when we first met in high school. I was not worthy of you. Finding you years later was a miracle. Since I met you again, life has been a bit of a roller coaster but, I wouldn't have it any other way. You're the first person I want to talk to when I wake up in the morning and the last person I want to say goodnight to before I go to sleep. Helen, I promise that I'll always be there for you. I'll be there through good times and bad, in sickness and in health and I'll be faithful only to you until death parts us."

Helen said, "Wally, when I first met you in high school, I kind of thought you were a flake…but a nice flake." She laughed slightly. "I was very mad at my father for chasing you out of the house but, when we met again years later, you were no longer a flake but, still a very nice person. You're the one I want to grow old with. I promise to stay with you through good times and bad, in sickness and in health and I'll be faithful only to you until death parts us….which hopefully won't be today." She made a funny face and everyone kind of laughed.

Wally said, "Really Helen? Are you trying to jinx this?"

"No Wally but, I'm scared to death. I'm letting a doctor cut me open and take part of a vital organ out of me."

"Well, you don't have to be scared Helen. I'm right here with you." Wally motioned to Jimmy to hand him the rings. Wally placed the ring on Helen's finger and said, "With this ring, I thee wed."

Helen smiled and took the other ring and said, "With this ring, I thee wed." She placed it on Wally's finger.

Pastor Nancy said, "By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife….you may kiss the bride Wally."

With that Helen and Wally gave each other a very big kiss while Jimmy, Gracie, Paula, Liza and Mary all clapped. Jennifer played the traditional wedding march recessional. Helen and Wally walked down the aisle as Mary snapped some key pictures.

Mary said, "After this is all over, you two will have to go in and have a formal wedding portrait taken."

Helen said, "Good enough, now let's get out of this dress and I'll go turn myself in for organ harvesting."

Wally said, "Helen do you have to say it like that?"

"Wally, I'm trying to keep this light. If I don't do this Duval won't make it. My brother's done a lot for this family. He's always been there for all of us. I'm doing this for him."

"I know. You're very selfless Helen, it's one of the reasons I love you so much."

Pastor Nancy then came up and said, "Before anyone does anything else, I believe we need to sign some paperwork so this marriage ceremony actually counts with the state."

Helen smiled and said, "Good point. Get the license Wally."

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Two hours later, Helen was in surgery with Duval. Jimmy sat in the chapel. He looked up and said, "I know I haven't been the most devout person out there. In fact, I told Mary not long after she regenerated me that there were probably a whole lot of other people out there who were way more deserving of this gift that she and Otto gave me. I also know what I saw when I died. I remember what Rosie showed me. Duval and Helen were there. So my prayer is that what I saw just wasn't some fantasy. Please let it have been real. These are my kids. I know I wasn't a perfect father by any stretch but, please don't take them from me. I'll trade my life for theirs if need be but please don't take them away."

Jimmy felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned and it was Mary. "James, they're going to be all right. They're your kids. They're tough. Duval already survived. Helen's liver will heal him."

"I can't lose them Mary. I can't lose them like this. If Liza can make it so that I can live out a normal life and at this rate live to be over a hundred, chances are good both Duval and Helen will go first but at least let it be from natural causes."

Mary took his hand and said, "This is where you need to have that faith." She leaned in and kissed him. "You haven't seen Paula alone since all of this happened. Maybe you should pay her a visit."

"Mary, are you bothered by Paula at all?"

"No…James, sometimes we all just do things that we can't completely explain. It's what makes us human beings. You and Paula had one night where you both did something and had it been another night, it probably wouldn't have happened….but it did, and the world is better for it. Liza is a wonderful person. If it weren't for her, I'd be dead and so would you and I don't even want to think about what would have become of Otto with Connor. It saddened me beyond belief to lose Otto like I did but, as I look back on all of it, it was the only ending that made sense for Otto. He understood that and that's why he returned Gracie and took Connor with him to the grave."

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In Paula's room, Liza was sitting with her. "Mom, we really haven't had a chance to talk since everything happened with the museum."

"That seems like so long ago with everything else that's happened."

"Mom, please don't be mad at Jimmy and Duval. They didn't know I'd be there."

"I know. It was pointed out that you have enough McCaffrey and Pritchard in you to get you into sufficient trouble. You also have enough influence from your father Scott Elliott to stand by your principals."

"So does that mean you're not mad at me?"

"No Liza, I'm not mad at you anymore. It's good that you didn't come to see me after it happened. Where were you anyway?"

"Well, would it bother you to know that I've hooked up with a certain MI-6 agent?"

Paula smirked slightly and said, "No, it was obvious that you two had a connection the night of Mary's gala." Paula then looked sad.

Liza said, "Mom, what is it?"

"I just started to think about that night and that night might have turned out different if the gunmen hadn't shown up and crashed that party. Maybe if I had been able to explain everything to Duval without him figuring it out on his own and then us getting kidnapped, he might have taken the news better and now he's in surgery getting a liver transplant. A liver transplant…your father needed one and couldn't get one. Does this feel ironic or what?"

"Mom, this is different. Duval will pull through. He only needs a partial and he's getting it from a perfect match, his sister Helen."

"Liza, he's still critical. They lost him for almost three minutes. Will he come back to us the way he was?"

"Mom, have some faith. I know you two have a big obstacle to overcome….me….but, I know you both love each other. I have faith in you both."

"You're not an obstacle Liza." She hugged Liza.

At that moment, Jimmy walked in. "Am I interrupting anything?"

Paula said, "No Jimmy, come on in."

Liza said, "Jimmy you're always welcome." She walked up and hugged him. Paula's eyes welled up with tears.

Jimmy said, "Paula, he's going to be all right. I know he will. So will Helen."

"Jimmy, looking at the two of you…I feel terrible."

Liza and Jimmy looked at each other perplexed. Jimmy said, "Why do you feel terrible?"

"I kept the two of you apart."

Jimmy said, "Paula, don't start second guessing yourself now….and don't feel guilty."

Liza said, "Mom, Grandpa Frank used to tell us that everything was done in God's own good time. I didn't meet Jimmy until it was time to do so. Neither one of us is mad at you Mom, so don't be mad at yourself."

Jimmy said, "I agree with Liza so let's move forward. Paula, I only got a small amount of information from Mary. Since the surgery will be going on for a while, what the hell happened when Duval got to your place?"

Paula proceeded to explain everything. She then said, "He came to see me because he knew my life was in danger and I was so angry at him for the way he acted, I wouldn't listen….this is my fault. If we had left the house when he first got there, he wouldn't be getting a liver transplant right now from Helen."

A voice then said, "It wouldn't have mattered McCaffrey. You were both marked for death. They would have gotten you both one way or another."

All three of them looked to the door and it was Fielding. Paula reached under her covers and pulled out her gun. Fielding put up his hands and said, "McCaffrey, what's with holding me at gun point?"

"You tell me Fielding. Tucci comes in and it appears that he wanted to cut my throat and then a van comes plowing through my living room window with Kerning and Hoover coming out with guns blazing. I believe you sent Tucci to see me. Are you in on all of this like Duval said before he got shot?"

"No, and I can prove it."

Jimmy said, "We're listening and Liza and I aren't going anywhere so you need to convince all three of us."

"Not a problem. McCaffrey, please lower your gun and I will explain everything."

Paula lowered her gun and said, "Fine, but you're only getting one chance at this so make this convincing."

"My first question is, do you have the knife that Tucci dropped in your house."

"Why do you ask?"

"Because Tucci spoke with me later after the shooting and he told me he dropped it when Pritchard came running in and he wasn't able to retrieve it. I conferred with the SPD and they confirmed that they didn't find anything of the sort so…I ask again McCaffrey. Do you have it?"

"Yes."

"May I see it? It's for purely demonstration purposes."

"Fine, Liza go into the closet and take it out of my pants pocket."

Liza started to get up when Jimmy stopped her and said, "No, I'll do it. Duval and Helen are in surgery right now and I'm not feeling trustworthy either."

"Jimmy, I assure you, once you give me the knife, everything will be clear."

Jimmy walked to the closet, took out Paula's jeans and reached into the pocket. He found the switchblade. He reluctantly handed it to Fielding and said, "Don't try anything or there'll be hell to pay."

Fielding took the knife and said, "Relax Jimmy, within ten minutes, we're all going to be the best of friends."

"I'll let you know if I believe it in ten minutes." He walked back to where Paula and Liza were.

Fielding, opened the blade and said, "McCaffrey, did you have time to really look at this blade before you were shot?"

"Yes, it didn't seem like an ordinary knife. It seemed a little lighter and the blade seemed a little different but before I could really examine it, a van hit my living room."

"It is different…and here's the reason." Fielding reached up with the knife and to the horror of Jimmy, Paula and Liza, he cut his throat with the knife.

Liza yelled, "Oh My God! Call the nurse for help!"

Fielding was still standing and said very calmly, "Not necessary Ms. Elliott."

All three of them looked puzzled. Paula said, "You've got our attention."

Fielding walked to the sink, grabbed paper towels and wiped his neck off. There wasn't a cut on him. "Tucci, was leaning into you because he was supposed to whisper to you to fake being dead as he had to convince Kerning and Hoover in the van that he had actually killed you."

"Why didn't you forewarn me of any of this?"

"Because we needed your shock to be as genuine and your death to be as believable as possible. He had a vial of a drug on him to have you drink once you hit the floor so it would simulate your death so that if Kerning or Hoover came in, they'd believe he'd done the deed. He was also carrying a pint of real blood to dump on you as well so they'd actually smell blood."

Jimmy said, "….and all this was done because?"

"Because Tucci was threatened. He has a mentally disabled brother who lives in a group home. If he failed to comply, they would have made sure his brother would very suddenly expire. They've been blackmailing him for a while."

Paula looked puzzled and then said, "So why wasn't I or Pritchard informed of this?"

"Because, Hoover was watching you and Pritchard with Tucci closely and any deviation in any of your behavior would have been reported to Murphy. Hoover wasn't watching me like she was watching the two of you. They also thought that they had put enough fear into him that if he didn't approach you or Pritchard, he sure as hell wasn't going to approach me. I'm sorry I didn't loop you and Pritchard in earlier but, we didn't feel Tucci could be compromised…so far he hasn't been. That messed up video that cleared the two of you? You can thank Tucci for it."

Jimmy said, "OK now what?"

"I need to know first and foremost what happened on the roof with you and Pritchard. I need a full report."

"You'll get it, as soon as Duval is able to write it up."

"You are his CI and it would be helpful if you made a report as well."

"Fine…you'll have it within twenty-four hours."

"Fair enough as long as you make separate statements. Oh by the way, we've got an APB out on John Strayburn. There was one out on him before for his escape but, thanks to the wire that Pritchard was wearing, he admitted to killing Madeleine Pritchard. He's now wanted for not only what he was convicted of but now he's wanted for the murder of Madeleine Pritchard."

All of a sudden there was a voice that said, "Strayburn's going down for killing my mother?"

Everyone turned and it was Gracie. Fielding said, "Yes Gracie. He is. We're going to find him. I've already requested that he be profiled on Washington's Most Wanted this coming Saturday night."

"Thank God. Maybe Mom can rest in peace."

"Well, I'll leave all of you for now. McCaffrey, the guards will stay here as they will for Pritchard as well."

"Thank you."

Fielding walked out. Gracie came in and hugged Jimmy. "Hey Sweetheart, we'll get him."

"I know they will." She then turned to Paula and said, "Paula, I'm sorry I haven't had a chance to ask you this but how are you feeling?"

Paula extended her hand and took Gracie's hand and said, "I'm in a bit of pain from being shot but, I'll recover." She smiled at Gracie and Gracie instinctively leaned down and hugged Paula.

At that moment, Wally came in and said, "They just came to see me. Duval and Helen are both out of surgery. Mary came walking in behind Wally.

Jimmy said, "Let's go and see the doctor."

They all started to walk out and Mary said, "James, I'll be there shortly. I want to speak with Paula."

"OK."

They all left and Mary said, "How are you? With getting Helen married and everything else, I didn't have a chance to speak with you."

"As well as I can be. Thanks for checking on me….and I haven't had a chance to thank you for saving my life."

Mary looked confused and said, "I saved your life?"

Paula reached from under the covers and pulled out a gun. Mary recognized it as the gun she gave Paula. "Mary, when you gave me this gun, I realized that maybe it would be a good idea given what's been happening to have a gun accessible in every room in my house. I had this one hidden strategically in the kitchen. I was able to get to it after Duval shot Kerning and hence I was able to take out Hoover. Thank you. I have no doubt Hoover would have capped Duval and then finished me off. You know, you've done a lot for me since I first met you. I hope I can some time repay you for all of it."

"How about you agree to be my friend and we'll call it even." Mary smiled at her.

"I can do that."

"I'm glad, now the reason I wanted to talk to you is because I want you to know that I've got armed guards at your house and I've got a structural engineer there to assess the damage. I expect to hear from him at any time. He texted me the pictures and it didn't look good. I want you to know that there's plenty of room in my house. As Liza is welcome, so are you. Nobody is currently using Otto's old room. It's yours while your house gets rebuilt."

Paula looked very surprised. "Mary, I hadn't even given any thought to my house yet."

"I know, it's why I took care of it. Paula, I want you to know once and for all that I don't bear you any ill feelings about Liza coming into the world. I love James and I know you mean every bit as much to him as Duval, Helen, Gracie and Liza do. So for better or worse, I think we're all one big happy family."

"Well, I don't know that we're all happy but we're trying to be at least." They both laughed slightly.

"I should get with James and the others and find out what the doctor is saying about Duval and Helen."

"Yes, please do and please tell Liza to come and let me know what the doctor says."

"I don't think I need to tell Liza that but I'll still let her know."

"Thank you."

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Jimmy, Wally, Liza and Gracie were in the waiting area. Jennifer came in with coffee for everyone while they waited. There were other people there. Jimmy started to look at them and he recognized two of the men from the roof. They were standing in strategic places in the room and he realized they could shoot everyone there very fast.

A familiar woman's voice came from around the corner and said, "You see how easily accessible you all are?"

Jimmy turned and it was Solly standing in the shadows in a nurse's uniform. Jimmy whispered, "Solly…give me a reason why I shouldn't snap your pretty little neck right now."

"Oh come on Jimmy….after everything we've been through?"

"I'd do it because of everything we've been through."

"I don't recommend it. I have a message for you from a very concerned senator."

"What would that be?"

"Jimmy, you need to play ball with us."

"I think I made it very clear that I won't."

"Jimmy, your son had to get a liver transplant from his sister. He and Paula almost ended up dead…Duval would have died had there not been a garbage truck to catch him…and Paula would be dead as well right now from her throat being cut."

Jimmy raised his eyebrows and realized none of them knew that Tucci had played them. "What's your point?"

"The point is this. Duval and Paula got very lucky this time. You can't be there for all of these people that you care about at all times. Moira doesn't want any more bloodshed."

Jimmy rolled his eyes and said, "You honestly think I believe that?"

"It's true. Look, she went to drastic measures and she believed that if she took out Paula and your son, that you'd come to your senses and help her. She never banked on Hoover being taken out."

"What's your connection to Hoover? Duval told me that he remembered her saying that you were her cousin. Is that true?"

"Yes, we are cousins. Her branch of the family was better off financially. I was the black sheep cousin. Her family knew Moira Murphy for years. She was Hoover's godmother."

"Moira was a godmother? I find that that hard to swallow as I've been of the opinion that she thinks that she is God."

"Look Jimmy, we really can help each other. This can be lucrative for all parties involved. You want Mary Goodwin? You can have her….provided she plays ball. We know she's obtained things illegally for you…that could prove problematic for her."

"Please the government does illegal things every day so don't start lecturing Mary Goodwin's methods."

All of a sudden another voice said, "Actually, I'd like to know what kind of problems she sees?"

They both turned and there was Mary standing in the shadows. Solly said, "Mary Goodwin, so nice to finally meet the woman face to face who helped put in me prison."

Mary smiled and said, "You're welcome."

Solly raised her eyebrows and said, "Did I say thank you?"

"No but, you're welcome anyway."

Jimmy said, "How much have you heard?"

Mary looked directly at Solly and said, "Do you see those men who just came into the waiting area?"

"Yes."

"Well, they're not the police or the FBI. They're my personal security people. They answer to nobody but me. They will shoot to kill. So I suggest you end this conversation right now and you and your psychopathic gorillas out there leave without incident."

Solly smirked and said, "This isn't over Jimmy."

Jimmy said, "No, I'm sure it isn't…anything else before you exit?"

"Yeah, Moira is leaving for DC in the morning. She is grieving the loss of Hoover. She wants a truce. You and Liza and Gracie join us and nobody else will ever be in danger again. You've got until she comes back to the state after this session of Congress to decide…but before you give any answers, consider this, you're not as strong as you were. You were on that roof and you were incapacitated much more easily than you'd like to admit to the point of where you got shot and you couldn't save your son. You're all very touchable. You don't even know where Moira's lab is or how many more there are like you and Joey."

She turned and walked through the waiting area and the two men that were there walked out behind her.

Jimmy turned to Mary and said, "She's right…and after seeing Sam, it appears that she could be starting her own little army. I have no idea if those guys on the roof or in the museum were enhanced or not."

"James, we will fight this. She does NOT get to call the shots in our lives. Moira Murphy is dirty and we've got proof. We just have to tie it all together…and we will find out how many super soldiers there are."

"I agree but how do we do it?"

"Well, that's a problem we'll all have to worry about later."

At that point, the doctor came out. Everyone walked up to him and he said, "You will all be happy to know that both Duval and Helen came through surgery without incident. They're both resting comfortably in recovery."

Jimmy said, "Can we see them?"

"Not now. They're both going to sleep through the night. Since they are brother and sister, I'll make sure they're in the same room after they're out of recovery. They will make a full recovery. They will have restricted activities for a while but, they will be fine."

Jimmy had tears coming out of his eyes and said, "Thank you Doctor. Thank you so much."

The doctor then said, "All of you should go home and get some sleep. It's been a rough twenty-four hours for all of you."

Mary said, "That sounds like a good idea." She turned to Gracie and said, "Gracie, how about you come home with James and me? You shouldn't be alone right now. We'll stop off at your house and you can pick up whatever you need for staying with us."

Gracie hugged Mary and said, "Thanks, I think I'd like that."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Liza walked into Paula's room. Paula looked up and said, "Well?"

Liza smiled and said, "Duval and Helen are both going to be all right."

Paula breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Thank God."

Liza ran up and hugged her. "Mom, I'm going to go home and get some sleep but I promise to come back here tomorrow."

"You better."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Jimmy laid in his bed. He was feeling quite alone. Mary was upstairs in her bedroom and Gracie had come home with them and was in a guest bedroom. He saw Liza and Jennifer walk out to the guest cottage. He was feeling very badly for Wally.

As much as he wanted to stay by Helen's side, Jimmy convinced him to go home and get a good night's sleep so he'd be fresh when he saw Helen in the morning. He started to cry. His son Duval almost died and his daughter Helen had to give up part of her liver to save him and he was the cause of all of it.

He thought about his wedding night with Rosie all those years ago and couldn't help but grieve for the fact that Helen was spending her wedding night in recovery and Wally was alone. It was a hell of a way to start a marriage but, he knew that somehow Helen's and Wally's relationship would be stronger for it.

He wanted to sleep and forget about everything but he just couldn't get his mind to unwind and relax when all of a sudden, he heard the door open. "Mary? Is that you? Is everything all right?"

Mary emerged from around the corner but she looked much different than he thought she would. Mary was wearing the emerald green nightgown she had purchased a few months back when she was at Victoria's Secret with Paula.

"I'm not fine James. I need you. I need all of you." With that statement she walked over to Jimmy's bed and climbed in with him and started to kiss him.

Jimmy couldn't help himself and started to kiss her back but then stopped, "Mary, you know what happened the last time we tried this. I haven't had my blood levels checked by Liza…"

Mary put her hand gently over his lips and said, "James, you were beaten severely and shot like a regular guy. You didn't have an outburst of angry energy. That should have happened…especially when you saw Joey throw Duval over the ledge. You won't hurt me James."

With that she kissed him and he kissed her back. They kissed and kissed. She pulled his shirt off and he slid out of his shorts. He pulled her nightgown off of her and they very gently explored one another for the first time. Jimmy hadn't done this in quite some time but he hadn't lost his touch. He definitely knew all the right places on a woman to know how to give pleasure and Mary soaked it all up. She in turn did some things for him that he hadn't experienced in a long time.

When they couldn't take any more teasing, Mary rolled over and pulled Jimmy on top of her and they achieved mutual pleasure at the same time. They weren't content to settle for just once, they ended up seeing heaven with each other two more times.

When they finally finished and were contentedly lying in each other's arms, Jimmy said softly, "Mary…I love you. Have I told you that lately?"

"Yes, James I think so but you can tell me that any time you like because I love you."

They smiled at each other and then nodded off to sleep.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

It was very late and Senator Moira Murphy was at the lab. She was sitting in her office at the lab when John Strayburn walked in. "You wanted to see me Senator?"

"Yes, Duval Pritchard is still alive and my godchild Hoover is dead."

"You think none of that bothers me? I loved Hoover."

Moira was steely eyed as could be. "Strayburn, dial it down. I didn't tell you to come in here because I needed you to tell me how you were feeling. The fact is, I don't care how you're feeling. I only care about how I'm feeling. Since the Pritchard's have once again managed to land on their feet and I have lost my godchild, my protégée, and the closest thing I've ever had to a child of my own, I need to do something to make myself feel better. One way that always makes me feel better is to go back to DC and screw my constituents over and blame the opposition for it but, that's really kind of boring at this point. I've been there and I've done that. That's why I want this super soldier plan to work so I can retire once and for all and I can screw this country over royally by enabling our enemies to have something that my government deemed too unnatural."

Strayburn looked a little uneasy and said, "I understand that Ma'am, what is it that I can do to help you out?"

"Well, that's the problem Strayburn, you really haven't been much of a help because you keep screwing up."

"How did I screw up Ma'am?"

"You admitted to Pritchard that you killed his wife. Did you really think he wouldn't be wired?"

"I'm sorry Ma'am…I didn't think that…"

"No, you don't think. I just heard that an APB is now out on you and you can rest assured, you'll be profiled on Washington's Most Wanted as well as the local news. So, I'm going to put you where I believe you can help me the best."

Strayburn raised his eyebrows and said, "Where is that Ma'am?"

Moira stood up very methodically and said, "In a tank." She pulled her gun from behind her and put two bullets in Strayburn's chest before he could even fully react. He immediately fell to the floor.

Vic Shelley came in and said, "I see you've done it."

"Yes, you're sure the tank it ready."

"It's fully programmed with his DNA."

"Good, get him in there and then clean up this office."

"Are you sure you don't want me to grab Kerning from the morgue?"

"No, he'll be missed too much since he was taken out trying to kill two federal agents. Strayburn on the other hand, is simply wanted at the moment and when we're done, nobody will be able to find him but we'll have him and we'll control him, like we have the others…I should have done this a while ago but I let my sentimental feelings for Hoover get in the way."

"What about Hoover?"

"What about her? She doesn't have the genetic predisposition. I'll have to settle with Duval Pritchard and Paula McCaffrey on another day."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The next morning, Duval started to wake up and in his haze he remembered the last things that were said to him before he came back.

He remembered Madeleine saying, "Take care of Gracie…and love….oh and tell Gracie, I'm not mad her for telling me that she hated me. There's nothing to forgive there…and when the time is right, tell her that it makes me very happy that she named her little girl Madeleine."

Duval looked at her funny and said, "Is Gracie pregnant?"

"Of course not, but time has no meaning here."

Rosie then stepped forward and said, "It's time to go back Son. I'm so proud of you though. Tell Helen that she made me very happy wearing my wedding dress…and as for your father…he already knows everything. I don't need you to give him any messages."

And with that, Duval had felt himself fall into darkness but not before he saw one last image that would remain with him as the room was getting brighter. He heard a voice say, "Agent Pritchard? Can you hear me?"

Things came into focus and he saw a young woman with red hair. She reminded him a little of his mother when she was younger. He managed to say, "I can hear you."

She smiled and said, "My name is Abigail Staten. I'm your nurse for this shift. You're here in a room with your sister Helen in the next bed."

"What happened to Helen?"

"Agent Pritchard, it's all right. You needed a partial liver transplant and your sister here gave up part of her liver for you. She's awake too and wants to talk to you."

Abigail pulled the curtain back and there was Helen lying on her side smiling at him. "Hey there big brother. How are you feeling?"

Duval looked at her quite puzzled and said, "I've been better. Did I hear correctly? You gave me part of your liver?"

"Yes, I did. I want you know that since I gave you part of my liver, you're not getting a kidney if you need one."

Duval laughed slightly and said, "Bobby Needham. I wonder what became of him?"

"Who cares?"

"Helen! That's not very nice."

"No, it isn't but he wasn't very nice either…Duval, I got married yesterday before the surgery."

Duval's eyes got wide and at that moment he realized he didn't hallucinate what he remembered. "Helen how bad off was I?"

"You flat lined for almost three minutes. You gave us all quite a scare."

"That's right I was shot by Hoover and then Paula shot her and she fell beside me because Kerning shot her. Helen is Paula…"

"Duval, it's OK. Paula's fine. Her one wound wasn't that bad. She's going to recover very fast. She felt well enough after surgery to come to my wedding."

"You had a wedding? Where did you get married Helen?"

"In the hospital chapel. I wore Mom's wedding dress and Dad walked me up the aisle. All of the important people were there…except you. I so wish you could have been there but, Wally really wanted us to get married before the surgery."

Wally then walked in and said, "Yes, I did. Good morning my beautiful wife. Once you fully recover, we're going to the San Juan's for a much needed honeymoon. He presented her with red roses."

Helen smiled and said, "Thanks Honey. I love you." Wally leaned in and kissed her.

Duval said, "Well, can I shake your hand Wally?"

Wally walked over and said, "Of course, I'm only sorry you had to miss it."

"It's OK, I will say congratulations and do make my sister happy."

"I plan to do just that."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

At Mary Goodwin's house, Jimmy and Mary were stirring. They both opened their eyes and smiled at each other.

All of a sudden, they heard the door open and there was Gracie's voice saying, "Good morning Grandpa! I saw that Mary had some blueberries in the freezer so I made some blueberry muffins and coffee for you." She came around the corner and saw Jimmy and Mary in bed. Mary had pulled the covers up close.

Jimmy saw the look of shock on Gracie's face and he said, "Gracie that's so sweet of you. Why don't you take them upstairs and we can eat them once Mary and I get dressed."

"Ah yeah, sure. In fact, I don't need any muffins and coffee. There's plenty here for the two of you. I'm sorry, I didn't know things were like this with the two you."

Mary then said, "It just kind happened last night."

"OK then, 'nuff said. Maybe I'll take some to Liza…oh wait, she's there with Jennifer. I guess I'll just eat alone."

Jimmy said, "No, Gracie, we'll be upstairs in ten minutes and then we can all eat together."

"It's OK, I'm feeling like a third wheel here."

"No Darlin', it isn't OK. We're all family and we're going to eat breakfast together. Take the coffee and muffins upstairs and we'll be there. I promise." He smiled at her.

Gracie gave an embarrassed smile and then said, "OK Grandpa, I'll see you and Mary upstairs."

She walked out and Mary said, "Well, that wasn't quite the way I wanted Gracie to find out about us."

"She's known that you and I are a couple for quite some time. She's old enough to understand."

"I know but it's still embarrassing when you're caught without clothes on."

"Well, I'm not regretting anything about last night…are you?"

"Not for a second. James, this is probably a strange question but, would your parents be all right with you and me together if they could walk through the door right now?"

"I think so. Remember I had a gay brother so they had to be pretty accepting if they wanted Henry in their life."

"You've never said much about your sister."

"My sister's name was Suzanne and she married a guy who was the son of a very lucrative cattle ranch owner in Wyoming. When they married, she moved to Wyoming as he was going to help run the ranch. We used to see her and her three kids when the kids were young but, Suzanne was killed by a drunk driver when her oldest son was only ten years old."

"Oh my God that's awful! Your parents had to have been devastated."

"They were. That was why one of the things I really harped on was enforcing the drunk driving laws and I also helped to lobby for tougher penalties on those who drove drunk. The guy who killed my sister, didn't serve any time for what he did. I did find out after the laws changed that he killed someone else and did go to jail but, it was a shame that he had to kill someone else before he got punished."

"What happened to her three kids?"

"Her husband Tom, re-married a few years later and his wife adopted the kids and they had two more. After he re-married, our contact with those three kids got less and less which is why I told Liza that I didn't want to try tracking down any niece or nephews when she needed a donor for me."

"Wow, that's so sad."

"It is, but it's a long time ago and yes to fully answer your question, my parents would have been OK with you. As you know, I dated an African American girl in high school and I married an Irish Catholic."

Mary laughed and said, "I guess all women are your type then."

Jimmy laughed and said, "No, that's not true. I'll tell you what you, Rosie and Rita all have in common."

Mary looked at him questioningly and said, "What's that?"

"You're all smart."

"I figured it out long ago, that everyone's good looks fade with time but, if you have someone you can always talk to…well, that's the real deal."

Mary leaned in and kissed Jimmy and said, "Let's go upstairs and have breakfast with Gracie….oh and can I borrow your bathrobe. I'm afraid I left mine in my room."

Jimmy laughed and said, "You've got it."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Jimmy arrived at the hospital. He came into Duval's and Helen's room. The curtain was drawn between the two of them. Jimmy saw Wally sitting with Helen. She turned and looked at Jimmy and said, "Hey Dad."

Jimmy walked up and hugged her and said, "How's my little girl doing?"

"I'm good. The doctor expects a full recovery….for both of us. Duval will take longer. I think he's sleeping at the moment."

"He is. Helen what you did was very brave and I know your mother would be so proud of you."

"Thanks Dad. Is Mary, Gracie or Liza here?"

"Mary, has some Lookinglass things to attend to and she's also going out to Paula's house with Liza to survey the damage and as for Gracie…"

A voice said, "I'm here. I wanted to bring my own car. I told Mary and Liza I'd meet them at Paula's later…I had to see you and Dad though." She then turned and said, "Hi Wally. I'm glad you're here."

"I'm glad I'm here as well."

All of a sudden they all heard a voice say, "Who's over there?"

Jimmy removed the curtain and said, "It's us Duval, your family."

Duval smiled and Gracie ran up Duval, hugged him and said, "Dad, thank God you're going to be all right."

"I'm here Gracie. I'll always be here for you. I'm not going leave you again…at least not for a very long time and that will be by natural causes. I promise."

Gracie smiled and said, "Thanks Dad." She hugged him again and was doing her best not to cry.

All of a sudden Jimmy walked up and said, "Hey is it OK if I get in on this."

Gracie laughed slightly and said, "Sure Grandpa. You can hug him."

Jimmy looked at him and said, "Hey Son. Please don't do that to me again." Jimmy leaned in and hugged Duval and Duval couldn't help but hug him back.

"OK Dad, this is starting to feel a little strange, mainly because we've never been a big family on hugging."

Jimmy broke the hug and said, "Well, maybe we all would have been better off if we'd just hugged everything out."

"You might be right. Where's Paula?"

"She's just three doors down."

Gracie said, "Do you want me to go see if she's OK to come and see you?"

"No, not right now." He turned to Helen and said, "Helen, no offense but I really need the curtain pulled. I'm tired and I'm in pain. I'm about to fall asleep again."

Jimmy said, "Hey Kiddo, it's all right. You sleep for as long as you need to. Do you want to see Paula later?"

"Yeah, I do. I have to talk to her about something but, I need to be a little more clear headed when I do."

"That's fine. Tell you what? I'll go let her know that so she won't worry. Gracie, you stay here and hold your dad's hand until he goes to sleep. Then go and help Mary and Liza."

"Will do Grandpa."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Jimmy walked into Paula's room. She was finishing off her last bit of eggs when she looked up Jimmy.

"Jimmy? Have you seen Duval?"

Jimmy walked up and took her hand. "Yes, Paula I did. He's going to be fine. Helen will also be fine."

A look of relief came over Paula. "Thank God. Look Jimmy, I don't blame Duval if he never wants to see me again. I'm starting to think that maybe it would be best if I left Seattle."

Jimmy got a look of shock on his face and said, "Excuse me? Have you even said anything to Liza about this?"

"No, but clearly Duval and I can't do this. We can't put our emotions on the shelf and be federal agents at the same time. I wouldn't listen to what he was trying to tell me and we both got shot. It's a miracle that we're both still breathing. I doubt that Duval even wants to see me again after all of this."

"He wants to see you Paula."

"Are you sure?"

"He said he wants to see you, he just wants to wait until he's more lucid. He's falling in and out of consciousness right now. You know when Joey threw him off the roof, he screamed your name as he fell."

Paula looked surprised, "He did? Jimmy what exactly happened at the building and later on the roof?"

Before Jimmy could say anything else, at that moment, Gracie came in and said, "Grandpa, Dad's completely out again so I'm going to meet Mary and Liza at Paula's house."

Paula raised her eyebrows and said, "Wait, you're going over there too?"

"Well of course. I want to help Paula. We're family after all." She walked up, hugged her and then made an exit.

Jimmy said, "There, you see…you're family Paula."

"How can I stay after all of this?"

"How can you leave after all of this? Look Paula, it's one thing for you to leave when you discovered you were pregnant and it's another thing to leave when you discovered that Duval was my son but you can't leave now. You leave now, you are truly taking a coward's way out. You don't even know what Duval wants to say to you and you think it's going to be negative. Give my son the benefit of the doubt. You owe him that at this point."

"Why do I owe him that at this point?"

"Because you didn't give him the benefit of the doubt at Quantico. At least talk to him before you do anything rash. Think of how this would affect Liza. I have a feeling you two are closer now than you ever were before you came to Seattle. Besides, if you were to leave Seattle, do you really think Moira Murphy will just let you quietly walk away and forget about all of this? Stop the self-pity Paula. The last time you wallowed in it, you got pregnant. Moira Murphy isn't going to forget any of this. We're all in this for the long haul."

Paula was silent but then said, "All right Jimmy. I'll talk to Duval and see what he has to say. As strange as this is going to sound coming from me...You know you can be a pretty good father when you want to be."

Jimmy smiled and said, "Thank you Paula. That is truly the nicest thing you've ever said me."

"Are you going to tell me about the roof?"

All of a sudden Jimmy's phone rang. "Yeah?"

"Jimmy, it's Jennifer. I thought you'd like to come with me to see Mei Lin Li. I'd like to have a witness mainly to keep me from putting a bullet in her brain."

"I'll be right there." He hung up the phone and said, "I gotta go Paula. I think you should have Duval tell you about the roof."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Mei Lin Li came walking into her hotel room. She knew she needed to check out and that was her next priority. She put the key card in and opened the door. She was effectively ambushed by Jennifer and Jimmy.

Jennifer had her disarmed and handcuffed in record time. She then put a gun to Mei Lin's head and said, "You scream and you're dead."

Mei Lin looked at both of them and said, "If you kill me Jennifer, how will you explain everything?"

"You have your cleaners and I have mine. If I blow your head off, it's my problem not yours."

"Point well taken. I should have checked out after our little meeting Jimmy."

Jimmy said, "I guess you're not the super-agent you think you are."

Mei Lin raised her eyebrows and said, "Is it really necessary to be insulting?"

"Give us a reason not to kill you right now."

"Jimmy…Jen…if you two kill me, you won't get my help. I had every intention of contacting you once Moira Murphy was safely back in DC. She walks around her lair like a hungry tiger ready to pounce on you if you breathe wrong. Come on Jen, you know me…it's takes a lot to intimidate me and that bitch can be very intimidating."

Jennifer said, "Don't ever call me Jen again and why the hell would we trust you? Because of you, Jimmy got his knees shot up and Duval and Paula McCaffrey both ended up getting pummeled with bullets."

"Well, I see Jimmy is much recovered and I have it on good authority that both Pritchard and McCaffrey will recover."

Jimmy got furious, grabbed her face and made her look at him and he said, "Duval and Paula almost got killed. I would have gladly traded places with either of them. Are you made out of ice cold steel? Is there blood or ice water in your veins?"

Mei Lin waited for Jimmy to let go of her before she spoke. When he did, she said, "Jimmy, I'm sorry about what happened to Pritchard and McCaffrey. However, I didn't have time to pussyfoot around. I needed to prove to Moira Murphy that I was willing to play ball and give her the money she wanted for the tech that she has. As I recall, all of you messed it up with Ivan Smirnov."

"You showed up Mei Lin. If you hadn't shown up, we just might have gotten what we needed."

Jimmy said, "Yeah, we found out that Moira Murphy has an account on the dark web where she's sending the super soldier video to potential buyers. Thanks to you showing up, we didn't find out anything else."

Mei Lin said, "Oh please, once the real Vic Shelley and Joey Reynolds showed, the jig was up."

"And now you've aligned yourself with Moira."

"That's what she thinks. I proved that I was willing to take lethal measures to achieve the ends that I need. She admired that…and with that…I was in."

Jennifer and Jimmy looked at each other and Jennifer said, "What do you mean you're in."

"I mean, she wants to do business with me and my government and only me."

Jimmy raised his eyebrows and said, "So China wants super soldiers?"

"China only wants super soldiers if we're the ones who invented them. Besides, you let one country have this and soon every country wants it. Imagine what this could do to the balance of world peace if this gets out."

"So you're saying you want her caught?"

"She needs to be discredited…I'm sure you have all thought the same thing."

Jennifer said, "So what are you saying Mei Lin?"

"I'm saying I'm on your side in this. I'm willing to let bygones be bygones Jennifer because that woman is vile. Not only that, she's supported legislation in the past that was not kind to my country economically so she gets what she deserves."

Jimmy said, "We can't just cut you loose and trust you. Can you give us an act of good faith?"

"Of course…I knew I'd have to share this with you at some point. Bring me my laptop."

Jennifer walked over and grabbed it and said, "Now what?"

"Uncuff me."

"No way."

"Do you really expect me to give you my password on my laptop? Uncuff me and I'll bring up Murphy's dark web site."

Jimmy said, "Do it Jennifer."

"Fair enough."

Mei Lin opened the laptop and within five minutes, she had the website up. "As you can see, it's heavily encrypted. I have the password. I'll forward you this link with the password. You and Mary Goodwin can do what you wish with the site."

Jimmy then said, "It's appreciated but, I think Jennifer and I can surmise that you wouldn't do this if we hadn't grabbed you and threatened to kill you."

Mei Lin rolled her eyes and said, "You still need proof? All right, hand me my phone."

Jennifer said, "Who are you going to call?"

"Moira Murphy."

"What the hell?"

"You two want proof that I'm on the up and up with you? Let me call her. I'll have her on speaker phone and I can then prove to you that I'm serious."

Jimmy handed her the phone and said, "One wrong word and I swear, you're dead."

Mei Lin shook her head and said, "Yeah, yeah Jimmy, I get it. Just listen and learn."

The phone rang on the other end and it was picked up, "Yeah."

"Hello Senator."

"Agent Li, was there any problems getting out of the hotel?"

"No, not at all. I'll be there within two hours. I need to do a little shopping for myself. I traveled light when I came to Seattle."

"Fair enough, I'm leaving for DC tonight. There is one new thing you'll see when you get here."

"What's that?"

"I've killed someone in my employment and he's now in the tank so please be prepared to see that when you arrive."

"Really? Did you do that so that I could see the process?"

"Well, now that you mention it, that is a good idea but no, I killed him because he kept screwing up and once he's remade we can control him."

"Even better. Will you be there when I arrive?"

"No, I have things to attend to before I leave for DC. I'll see you when I return."

"Until then Senator." They hung up the phone and Mei Lin said, "There you see? She thinks I'm one of her faithful foot soldiers now."

Jimmy said, "I still don't trust you and I never will."

Jennifer said, "I don't trust you either but for now, we'll agree that we have a mutual enemy…I wonder who she killed?"

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The next day, Paula walked into Helen's and Duval's room. The curtain was drawn between the two. Helen had just started getting out of bed with Wally when she saw her. "Paula! I'm so glad you're here."

Paula walked in and hugged Helen. She also hugged Wally and said, "Helen, Wally I don't know that I got to say Congratulations after your wedding but I do wish you both the very best."

Wally said, "Thanks Paula. I'm glad you felt well enough to attend."

"I'm glad I was there too."

All of a sudden a voice on the other side said, "Paula?"

Helen said, "You know they think I might be able to go home tomorrow but, I have to show that I can walk around so Wally's taking me for a walk."

Paula smiled and said, "Have fun."

They exited and Paula walked around on the other side of the curtain. Duval smiled and said, "Hi there."

"Hi."

"Please sit down. Are you getting discharged? You're fully dressed."

"Yeah, I am. I just have to wait for the doctor to see me one more time and they told me he's not going to be available to come around for at least another ninety minutes. Mary is great though. She brought by my clothes and she told me to call her limo service when I'm ready to leave and I can go to her place. She really is a sweet and good person. Do you know who else is?"

"Who?"

"Gracie. She went over there to my house to help Liza pack up things with the movers to get everything into storage. It was very kind of her."

"Well my daughter is a very kind person….and so is your daughter. We're both lucky to have them."

Paula smiled and said, "I'll agree to that."

"What's the status of your house?"

"They've got temporary supports in there but I'm not sure if they can save it. I'll know more after the building inspector goes in. Enough about that though. Jimmy said you wanted to see me…although at this point, I'm not sure why you'd want to see me."

Duval looked at her funny, "Paula, how could you ever think that?"

Paula shook her head and said, "Duval, it's because of me that we both ended up getting shot. Had I not been so pigheaded and angry at you and letting my pride get in the way of common sense, we could have been out of there and we wouldn't have gotten shot."

Duval rolled his eyes and said, "Come on Paula, they were clearly watching your place. I remember driving past a parked van a few doors up from you. I didn't think anything about it when I came racing over because when I saw Tucci in the house, I figured he was the one who was supposed to kill you. Clearly, they would have followed us, most likely run us off the road and if we hadn't ended up in a fireball, they would have come blasting with guns and if we were even the slightest bit disoriented, we would have been killed…so I think maybe you saved us."

"I don't feel like I saved us. When Liza told me you needed a liver transplant, I thought I was truly being punished for being in love with you while I was married to Scott who died because he needed a liver transplant."

"Paula, you know everyone tells me to stop carrying the world on my shoulders. Now, I'm going to tell you to stop carrying the world on your shoulders."

"OK so are we still friends? And do you still want to work this with me?"

"You really need to ask those questions? By the way, as for letting pride get in the way, I had no right to get mad at you for possibly being involved with Tucci. I want to apologize for that."

"No need to apologize and for the record, Tucci wasn't trying to kiss me. He was trying to kill me."

Duval's eyes got big and he said, "What?"

"I guess Jimmy hasn't brought you up to date yet. Let me tell you what happened." Paula explained everything.

"So he was supposed to fake kill you?" Paula nodded. "Well, that's interesting. Murphy still thinks he's on her side?"

"As far as I know, he hasn't been compromised…and remember Kyle Graff? He hasn't been compromised either. This is an advantage to us. What exactly happened on the roof? So much else has happened and Jimmy hasn't given me any details. I only know you were thrown off the roof by Joey. Did you really scream my name as you fell five stories?"

Duval looked a little unsure and then said, "Yeah, I did. Before Joey threw me off, Strayburn told me that someone was going to kill you within the hour. It's why I came into your house like a madman."

Paula nodded and said, "I see. Well, I guess I can understand why you did that. I owe you a big thank you. I appreciate you coming to my rescue."

Duval smiled and said, "Any time."

"So what happened at the building and on the roof Duval?"

Duval explained everything and how they were basically lured into a trap. "Clearly Mei Lin Li set us up."

"I haven't heard from Jennifer or Jimmy yet about her. That woman seriously has some explaining to do, although if Jennifer put a bullet in her, I don't know that I'll mind."

"Paula, don't say that. You're better than that. I did get the good news that the wire that I was wearing picked up everything including Strayburn admitting that he killed Madeleine. He's now wanted on some new charges. That should put his picture out there front and center on Washington's Most Wanted."

"I think you're right. Duval, do you remember anything after you were shot?"

"Yeah. I remember everything."

"Listen I meant what I said…"

"Paula, let's not talk about that right now. I need to ask you something really important."

"Of course. What is it?"

"When I was working the bank robberies, were there any bank robberies that had a similar MO in the Portland area?"

Paula got thoughtful and said, "Now that you mention it, there were a few. I believe there were even some fatalities involved with them. However, I didn't work any of it because that was also the time where Scott was battling cancer and I actually ended up taking family leave to help take of him."

Duval looked surprised and said, "You did that for him?"

"Well of course Duval. He was still my husband and my daughter's father. I wasn't going to abandon him when he needed help. What's this all about?"

"Do you have any contacts with Interpol?"

Paula raised her eyebrows and said, "Yeah, actually I do. Duval, what's going on here?"

"Paula, I need you to contact them and check on any overseas accounts that involved Strayburn and Kerning. I believe you may find a connection to Senator Murphy and to Senator Bob Woodford. Also check on anything that leads back to my old boss Beck. I believe there are connections. You'll also find that Connor Graff was not only a huge donor to Murphy but to Woodford as well…also talk to your Portland colleagues who worked those bank robbery cases and see if there are any similarities to mine."

Paula looked dumbfounded and said, "Duval, we got that ledger of information from Sam…"

"I know Paula, please humor me and just do it."

"You're aware that Senator Woodford died of a heart attack a little over a year ago."

"I know and they were both on the defense committee in the senate."

Paula still looked confused and said, "Duval, where are you getting this information?"

"Paula, I know this is going to sound like something out of the Twilight Zone but I flat lined for almost three minutes and in those three minutes, I lived an alternate timeline."

"An alternate timeline? What was different?"

Duval was quiet and then said, "You and Dad never had sex."

Paula's eyes got wide and all she could say was "Oh…oh…OK…so who told you all of this about Senators Murphy and Woodford and the bank robberies?"

Duval looked at her stoically and said, "You did."

Paula raised her eyebrows and then said, "Well, who am I to argue with myself?"

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Jimmy sat there while Duval was sleeping. When Duval woke up, Jimmy smiled and said, "Hey there Kiddo. The doctor said you're getting better with each day. You should be able to go home by the end of the week."

"Well, that's good to know. Is Helen here?"

"Actually, she got discharged. You were asleep and she didn't want to wake you up so she told me to tell you that she'll talk to you soon."

"I'm glad she's going to be all right. What a way to start a marriage…saying I Do and then getting sliced open to give your liver to your brother."

"She wanted to do it. So how are you feeling Son?"

"Better…is Paula at Mary's?"

"Yeah she is. She told me about an interesting conversation you two had. She said she'd do the appropriate checking with Interpol and her colleagues in Portland on the bank robberies and she'd let you know what she finds out."

"Did she say anything else?"

"Yeah, she said you told her that you lived an alternate timeline when you sort of died. What's up with that Duval?"

"You know Dad, you told me once that having a near death experience can have an altering effect on a person. You're certainly proof of that."

"Well, it's true…are you going to tell your old man what happened? She told me that evidently you got to see the world without her and me ever hooking up? How'd that work out?"

"Not so good…I want to tell you but it will take some time."

"Son, I've got all the time in the world right now. You've got my complete and undivided attention."

Duval told him everything and when he was done all Jimmy could say was, "Well Son, I think you managed to outdo me on my near death experience. It's interesting that Rosie didn't have a message for me and that she told you that I already know everything."

"What happened to you?"

"That's a story for another day. I just can't believe how bleak everything was just because Paula and I never had sex…it makes sense though based on what Joey told us about that last conversation he had with Rosie. Your mother always told me that a child was a blessing, even if the circumstances aren't ideal. I guess Liza is proof of that…as is Gracie."

"I know."

"How much did you tell Paula?"

"Just about the part pertaining to the case."

"Will you tell her the rest?"

Duval nodded and said, "When the time is right, I'll spill it all. Right now I need to know if what she told me in that alternate timeline happened in this timeline."

Jimmy nodded and said, "Agreed."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Vic Shelley looked at the test results and called Senator Murphy. She answered, "Yes Vic?"

"You wanted to know the results of the test I ran?"

"That's correct."

"We've hit the lottery. We have a perfect subject in our midst with the predisposition. What do you want me to do?"

"What do you think? Kill and regenerate. I do so want a success in this area."

"When do you want me to do it?"

"As soon as you can get the tank ready."

"Are you sure about this? This isn't some homeless person off the street. This is someone who will be missed."

"Eventually missed but not immediately. Do it."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Mei Lin Li was walking through the lab. She came upon Sam. She walked up to the glass and looked at him with much curiosity.

Sam realized that someone was looking at him. He turned and said, "Who are you?"

Mei Lin pressed the button so she could be heard. "My name is Mei Lin. What's yours?"

"I'm Sam. Please help me escape. These people are evil."

"I'm sorry Sam. I've done much to endear myself to the good Senator and my government won't like it if I make her upset."

"She eats her own. Mark my words. She's not to be trusted."

Mei Lin smirked and turned to walk away but then her eyes got big. Before she could say or do anything, she had three bullets in her, courtesy of Vic Shelley.

Sam screamed, "What the hell Vic?"

Some men in black came and grabbed Mei Lin's body. Vic said, "She should have heeded your advice Sam. Murphy wanted to find a female specimen. This Chinese agent will do just fine. She actually has the genetic predisposition."

Sam looked on in horror as he knew what was awaiting her in the other room.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

At the end of the week, Duval returned home. He had been home for just a couple of hours. He was sitting in his backyard enjoying the warm weather. He was waiting for Paula. He was trying to think of the best words to use. He turned and saw Jimmy and Liza in the house with Gracie.

He couldn't help but think back to a happier and seemingly simpler time with Paula in Quantico.

FLASHBACK

Duval and Paula were running around the grounds at the academy when Duval stopped and said, "Hey hold on. My leg is cramping."

Paula stopped, smiled and said, "I told you that you needed to take in more fluids before a run like this."

"Got any Gatorade left?"

Paula took out her water bottle and said, "It's all yours."

Duval took a drink and then said, "We must be getting closer. You're letting me drink out of your water bottle."

Paula rolled her eyes and said, "Don't make more out of it than it is. Hey look what I've got."

Duval's eyes got wide as she was showing him handcuffs. "Paula why do you have a pair of handcuffs?"

"You told me the other day that you'd like to know how one can get out of handcuffs."

"You can show me?"

"Hey, my dad's best friend was a very good magician. It's all in the wrist but, it takes a lot of practice. How about I show you how to pick the lock?"

"You really are all business aren't you?" He laughed slightly.

Paula smiled and then said, "Not entirely." She pulled a quarter out of Duval's ear and handed it to him. "Do you want to know or not?"

"Why do you want to show me?"

"You've been helping me learn the finer points on how to kick someone's ass. I especially liked your tip where you said if all else fails just pick something up and beat the crap out of him."

Duval laughed and said, "Hey, if you're in a life or death situation, you have to use everything at your disposal."

"Precisely, and if anyone gets the drop on you, I'd like to know that you'll be all right."

"OK, what do you want me to do here?"

"Put your hands behind your back. If someone gets the drop on you, this is where your hands will be."

"All right Paula."

She cuffed him and then said, "Now, the first thing you need is something to pick the lock with. Pretty much anything that fits that keyhole will work. Here's a small nail that could be pulled out of a chair." She walked behind him and placed the nail in his hand and whispered in his ear, "OK, now feel where the keyhole is." Duval did as he was told and Paula said, "Now, it's all in the feel. You just need to find the catch point and the rest is easy." She watched Duval and said, "You're there Duval, now be patient, don't rush it."

Duval found the catch point and in a few seconds, he was out of the cuffs. He smiled at Paula and said, "Well, you're a pretty good teacher…although, I never had a teacher whisper instructions that were kind of sexy in my ear before."

Paula smiled and stood up. "You're a good student. Practice the move though. You want to get to where you can do it very fast…and I don't think I was talking sexy."

"Whatever you say. What about if I don't have anything to pick the lock with."

"I'll show you that some other time. That's a move you really need to practice a lot with."

"You know Paula I think you enjoyed putting those cuffs on me."

"Duval you told me that you wanted to know how to get out of cuffs so I told you."

"You waited until we were out in a very remote area."

Paula smiled and said, "Don't overthink this Duval."

"Tell me what Paula likes to do for fun besides dance and drink good wine…and escape from handcuffs."

Paula smiled and said, "Why do you want to know?"

"Because I like you…a lot."

"Am I to understand that you like me more than as a friend or a partner?"

"It's possible."

"Duval, you really don't know me…"

"Actually, I think I do."

"Do you?"

"I know that you're dedicated to what we're doing here. I know that you have a good heart. You help people out in class who need it. Not that too many people need help very often but you don't look at anyone like a rival…unless you're at the shooting range but, that's more healthy competition on your part. You found out when people in our group were having birthdays and you've brought in wonderful goodies to the bar to celebrate. You're a very kind person. I know you like baseball and judging by how you threw the ball when we formed makeshift teams, it's clear you played it when you were in school….so did I."

Paula looked at him with doe eyes and leaned in like she was going to kiss him but then put her hand over his mouth and kissed her hand while it was on top of his mouth. She laughed slightly and said, "You're quite the charmer Duval Shannon but…as I said, earlier, I'm not here to hook up with anyone but if I were to hook up, you'd be my first choice."

Duval smiled back and said, "What's your story Paula Elliot?"

Paula rolled her eyes and said, "OK, I might as well confess. I'm a Russian spy and I've got a camera in my shoe that's taking pictures of all this and recording our training techniques. Happy now?"

"Oh you must be hiding something big to divert my attention to the Russians. Come on Paula, just tell me something personal about you?"

"Like what?"

"What's your middle name?"

"Michelle."

"Like Michelle Ma Belle?"

"Yes, my mother loved the Beatles…especially Paul."

"Really? So does mine."

"It's why my name is Paula for Beatle Paul and she loved it when he sang the song Michelle. What's your middle name?"

"Ervin. I'm not sure which name is worse…Duval or Ervin."

"Where did they come up with the names?"

"Ervin was my mother's grandfather who died when she was in her teens. She said he was her favorite grandparent. As for Duval, I'm not sure where they came up with that. So now we know something personal about each other."

"Yes we do and I've got to go for now. I'll see you later."

"What are you afraid of Paula?"

She then smiled again and said, "Nothing, I've just got to go." She got up and walked away.

Duval looked at a deer in the bushes who was looking at him and Duval said, "Hey Bambi, I've got a secret for you. She doesn't know it yet but, she's the girl I'm going to marry."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Jimmy and Liza were there speaking to Gracie. Duval knew what they were talking about and he thought it best that Gracie hear it from Jimmy since he's the one who had contact with Sam.

Gracie said, "Grandpa are you sure it was Sam on that roof?"

"I can't be sure of anything at the moment. He told me he was Sam and it makes sense. He was the only one on that roof who helped me escape."

Gracie turned to Liza and said, "Is there anything you can do to help him?"

"I don't know. According to what Jimmy observed, Sam has something inside of him that makes him behave as they want him to. It all depends on where that device is."

"I got used to the idea of losing him and now it's like I have him back sort of."

Jimmy said, "Do you love him?"

"I think I did…or at least I was starting to love him. He was truly a good person."

Liza said, "…and a good soldier as he demonstrated on the night of Mary's gala and when he saved all of us from those gunmen."

Jimmy said, "Gracie, are you going to be all right knowing this. I'm hoping once Mei Lin Li makes contact with us again, she'll tell us where this new lair of Murphy's is and then maybe we can then help him."

Gracie said, "But, as it's been established, unless one has the genetic predisposition their life span after being regenerated isn't long."

"As far as we know, that's correct."

Liza said, "Gracie, if we find him, Jimmy and I will do everything we can for him."

Gracie nodded and said, "I hope so."

There was a knock at the door and Jimmy opened it. "Hello Paula." Paula was holding a tray of coffee cups from Starbuck's.

Paula smiled and said, "Hello Jimmy. I got vanilla lattes for everyone."

Liza walked up and gave her a hug and said, "Hi Mom. I'm glad you're here."

"Me too." She looked at Gracie and said, "Hi Gracie."

Gracie looked up and said, "Hi Paula. I'm guessing you know about Sam."

Paula nodded and said, "I do. Gracie, we're going to do our best to find him."

"Thanks Paula. You should go see Dad. He's been wanting to talk to you."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Paula walked outside and said, "Hey there, how about a latte?"

Duval smiled and took the coffee. "Thanks for coming over."

"Always…besides, I have some good news."

"What's that?"

"Well, the information from myself in the alternate timeline has paid off. Duval, there were a couple of accounts on that ledger that we got from Sam that we couldn't find an origin or for whom they were for."

"I take it we know more now?"

"Yes, my friends at Interpol were able to prove a connection, not only with Woodford but also with Kaplan who tried to have us discredited. Murphy got sloppy. I think she thought that when Woodford died, nobody would look into him…then again why would anyone look into him…nobody thought he was involved in anything shady. However, I'm wondering if he realized he was involved in something that could prove treasonable and he tried to back out and Murphy had him killed."

"How did he die?"

"He died from a heart attack but, his wife publicly said that he had been to the doctor just a month earlier for his annual physical and his doctor detected no red flags on his health. I'm thinking maybe we need to speak with his widow."

"I think you might be right."

Paula smiled and said, "I'm so glad you're going to be all right."

Duval smiled and said, "Me too."

"Say, how about we order some Chinese food and we can all have dinner together?"

Duval started laughing and said, "Chinese food? That's ironic as our relationship started in the alternate timeline because you and Dad had ordered Chinese food."

Paula looked at him funny and said, "Duval, if it's all the same to you, maybe I shouldn't know what happened."

"You need to know Paula. First and foremost, I saw Madeleine…and Scott when I died."

Paula's eyes got wide and she said, "You saw my late husband? Why would you see Scott?"

"He was very disappointed in me."

Paula looked puzzled and said, "Why would he be disappointed in you?"

"Because he handed you to me on a silver platter when Madeleine died and I never thought to look you up."

"It's for the best that you didn't. I don't think either of us was ready to deal with anything."

"I agree. He told me something interesting though. He said he never regretted meeting you and he told me to ask you to tell the story of when you and he first met."

Paula raised her eyebrows and said, "Why would he want me to tell you that?"

"I don't know. Tell me and maybe we can figure it out."

FLASHBACK

In January of 1994, Paula was in the church social hall getting herself a cup of coffee. She added the cream and sugar and surveyed the people there. Everyone was looking happy. Her eyes met the pastor's eyes and he made his way over to see her. He spoke first and held out his hand. "Hello, I'm Pastor Frank Elliott. What's your name?"

Paula reached out her hand and said, "Paula McCaffrey. It was a lovely service today."

"Do you live nearby?"

"About four blocks…I was taking a morning walk and I heard the choir singing and the organ playing. It was so lovely that I just had to come in. After I came in, that nice man over there made me want to stay with his voice as he started to sing a solo."

Paula's eyes and Scott's eyes met as he was talking to one of the teenagers. Pastor Elliott said, "Ah, you're admiring my son's singing." He motioned to Scott to come over.

Scott came over and said, "Hey Dad what's up?"

"Scott, this nice young lady here was admiring your voice this morning."

Scott looked at Paula and clearly noticed that she was pregnant and said, "Thank you Ms…?"

Paula held out her hand and said, "McCaffrey… Paula McCaffrey." They shook hands.

Pastor Elliott could see that Scott was mesmerized by this young woman and said, "Well, I leave you in my son's capable hands Ms. McCaffrey. I hope we'll see you here again."

Paula smiled and said, "Thank you…you just might." She turned back to Scott and said, "So did you study voice or is your voice just God given?"

Scott smiled and said, "God given. I'm actually a fourth grade school teacher. I also run the high school youth program which also entails teaching Sunday School to them as well."

"You clearly love to teach."

"Yes, I do and I know I shouldn't say anything but, I hope that is decaffeinated coffee you're drinking."

Paula smiled and said, "Are you always this concerned over a complete stranger's coffee?"

"No, it's just I noticed that you're pregnant and I know one shouldn't drink regular coffee."

Paula raised her eyebrows and said, "How sweet of you to be concerned but, did it ever occur to you that I'm just dealing with a weight problem?"

Scott looked embarrassed. "I'm so sorry…I truly thought you were expecting."

"Yeah, well to be honest, I'm having a weight problem because…I'm pregnant." She smiled slyly at him.

Scott started to laugh, "OK I guess I deserved that. Never assume anyone is pregnant…even if she is."

Paula started to laugh slightly and said, "It's OK, at least you didn't ask me if I had ever considered going to Weight Watchers. That's been said to me along with…'Are you pregnant or just fat?' It's really quite rude. These are questions that come from complete strangers. I've asked a few of them who taught them manners. That doesn't go over well. It's amazing how once you have a bulge on your midsection it somehow becomes the world's business. If they're not asking you about your weight, you'd be amazed at how many strangers want to touch my stomach when they realize I'm pregnant. That's just down right creepy."

"I'm sorry, I never thought of that. So did your husband come with you today?"

Paula got a little quiet and said, "Well, I don't have a husband."

"Oh I see…a boyfriend?"

"No, no boyfriend."

Scott raised his eyebrows and said, "Girlfriend?"

"No Scott…actually, I'm not really sure how this happened. You see, I'm a virgin."

With that statement, Scott spit his coffee out and the entire room when completely silent.

Paula looked around and said, "Sorry, I didn't realize I was talking that loud or that I'd get such a big reaction."

With that everyone burst out laughing and Pastor Elliott came up and said, "I like her Scott. She's the kind of person who'll keep you on your toes."

Everyone went back to their conversations and Scott said, "OK I get it. I ask too many questions."

Paula smiled and said, "I'm single and heterosexual. Sometimes things just happen."

"I understand."

"So now that you know my story…what's yours? Is there a Mrs. Elliott?"

"Yes, but we're divorced."

"It wasn't because you asked too many questions was it?" Scott was silent and then Paula said, "Sorry, now I'm getting too personal."

"No, it's OK. We just reached an impasse in our marriage that we couldn't resolve."

Paula could see great sadness in his eyes and she said, "I'm sorry. My instincts tell me that you're a good person so I'm going to go out on a limb and say that it's her loss."

"Thank you Paula. I hope I see you back here at church."

He held his hand out to shake hers. She took his hand and she said, "I'll see you here next Sunday. Your father gives good sermons and I rather enjoy hearing you sing. Do you ever give private concerts?"

"Never have before but for you, I'd make an exception."

Paula smiled and said, "I just might have to take you up on that offer some time."

"I look forward to it."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

In the present, Paula said to Duval, "Why did you want to know that?"

"He told me that had he not met you, he never would have gotten past Stacy. He would have died alone Paula."

Paula scrunched her eyes together in thought and said, "You know, I could see that. I remember how sad he sounded when he spoke of his divorce. After I found out that he couldn't have kids, I realized why he was so sad. Stacy left him even though she said she loved him but she couldn't love him enough to stay with him when he wasn't able to give her a child. I think he believed that all women would feel that way."

"Paula, I saw Madeleine and Scott uncover the truth about you and Dad."

"You actually saw their conversation?"

"Yes…I also saw the terrible fight you two had on your fifteenth wedding anniversary."

"Oh Lord no! Duval, I've tried to forget that ugly conversation over the years."

"Did you two say anything to each other later? Scott truly sounded like someone who had made amends with you."

"Well, I guess we did. Here's what happened three days later."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

FLASHBACK

Paula was sitting at the desk in the spare bedroom looking at her computer when she saw a bouquet of orange roses appear before her. She looked up and saw Scott holding them. They were already in a vase that he was putting on her desk. He spoke first. "Paula, we need to talk."

Paula was quiet and then said, "I know."

"Paula, we haven't spoken for three days. Liza asked me this morning what was wrong. She's seeing that something isn't right. We can't keep ignoring or grunting at each other."

Paula nodded and said, "I know. I was trying to come up with an ice breaker to talk and I'm glad you found it."

"Look Paula, I don't want a divorce. Liza's only sixteen. I don't want to deal with custody issues. My parents are in their eighties. I don't want to put them through that. Neither one of them is in the best of health. I could lose either one of them at any time. I know you care about them."

"Of course I care about them Scott. They are two of the kindest people I've ever known. Why did you sit back and take what I said to you without a rebuttal?"

"Because you spoke the truth…it was a truth that I didn't want to face but you were right. I wanted to be a father so badly that I never thought to consider your feelings. I told you that I wanted a divorce before you went to the academy because I made everything about me and what I wanted. You found someone else at the academy and you're right. I never could let go of the fact that you found someone else once I discovered the significance of the pendant."

"Point taken but Scott, you could just have easily thrown it in my face that you saved my ass. Because of you, I was able to keep Liza and be a mother. I can't imagine what my life would be like if I was without Liza. You then saved my ass again at the academy."

"How at the academy?"

"Just trust me on that."

"What happened with that guy Paula?"

"It's not important at this point. What's important is our family and keeping it together if not for us then at least for Liza."

"I agree. What do you want to do about sleeping arrangements?"

"They say that 30% of all married couples sleep in separate rooms because they want to sleep. If anyone asks, we tell them that you snore and I can't sleep when you do so that makes me toss and turn which in essence wakes you up. We sleep in separate rooms and the problem is solved. If anyone dares to ask us about our sex life we tell them that it's none of their business."

"I can deal with that. You know Paula, we started out as friends. I think maybe we might be better as good friends."

"I think you might be right."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Back in the present, Duval said, "Well, it looks like yours and Scott's arrangement ended up being similar to mine and Madeleine's."

"I never gave him my blessing to cheat nor did he give me his but, by the same token I think neither of us really cared at that point if we did or didn't."

Duval then said, "Paula, I have to tell you what happened when I flatlined." Duval explained everything but left one detail out at the end that he felt should not be revealed at this point.

Paula looked thoughtful and said, "I'm not sure how to react to all of that. I can't believe how much was changed."

"Paula…Liza is a blessing in so many ways. You told me that when Scott picked Liza up for the first time, he felt what I felt when I picked Gracie up for the first time. I remember how I felt when I held Gracie in my arms for the first time and I can honestly say that if he felt even a fraction of that then he was and is Liza's father."

"It means a lot to me that you've said that Duval."

"I also want to say something else…as for that guy that you went home with on your twenty-first birthday…I heard he was thrown off of a bridge. That guy doesn't exist any longer. Mom's right you don't need any forgiveness and neither does Dad because there's nothing to forgive. However, I need you to forgive me for being such a jerk."

Paula leaned and took Duval's hand and said, "Duval, there's nothing to forgive. You were being a human being."

"Nevertheless, please forgive me."

Paula nodded and said, "OK."

Duval leaned in and kissed Paula and she kissed him back. They put their arms around each other unbeknownst to them, Jimmy, Gracie and Liza were all looking at them from the dining room window.

Gracie said, "Oh my God, Dad's getting down on one knee."

Outside Paula said, "Duval what are you doing?"

Duval took out a box and said, "Paula, my grandmother Grace Pritchard gave me this ring and told me to give it to my soulmate. I asked her if she meant for me to give it to Madeleine and she said, 'No give it to your soulmate.' Even Grandma could see that my marriage was going to end badly. So, Paula Michelle McCaffrey Elliott McCaffrey will you marry me?"

TO BE CONTINUED….