It was pitch black when Gail awoke from her broken sleep after tossing and turning all night. She had woken up covered in sweat at 1am, then again at 3am after some strange dreams and had just lay still hoping to drop back off to sleep; however, she glanced at the clock to see it was only 5am and resigned herself to having yet another sleepless night.

Gail was becoming agitated with her sleeping patterns. She had always suffered from bad dreams and restless nights; however, her dreams seemed to spiral completely out of control when she came back to Trinity. If her dreams weren't haunted by her parents and the fire, they were usually haunted by visions of lost children or death. Sometimes she would dream about Lucas and wake up with an unnatural desire to just go to him, or sometimes she would just wake up confused like she had this morning and have no recollection of what strange happens had plagued her dreams.

The only times that Gail had managed to sleep straight through the night since coming to Trinity was when Lucas had stayed with her, it was as though he could control her mind at times to keep away the strange dreams. She knew there was something different about Lucas, he was like no man she had ever met and he knew things about people that no one should. She was was drawn to this illusive man, she couldn't deny that and it was an intriguing feeling.

Gail did not much feel the need for men, she was happier getting on with the more important things in life like her career; however, ever since she had met Lucas, that had changed. The sheer mystery of the man fascinated her, to the point where he would be the first thing that she thought about when she woke up and the last thing she thought about when she went to bed. Gail did not want to start analysing this, as it could well take her to a place she did not want to go. No, she would continue to play ignorant for the time being, her gut told her that this was the safest option.

She sat up in bed and give herself a mental shake. Enough of Lucas she needed to focus on Caleb.

Caleb had woken up at his now usual time of 7am and had headed down to eat his breakfast like he did most mornings. He found himself looking forward to the day ahead and wondered if Lucas would pick him up after school to take him somewhere. Caleb knew a lot of people thought Lucas was dangerous and they were right. Although he was only young, he was not stupid; however, Lucas had never intentionally tried to harm him or Gail, to his knowledge, and unless he did Caleb would continue to give the guy a chance. Lucas was his father after all, whether he wanted to admit it or not.

Caleb had sat down with his bowl of cereal and glass of pure orange juice, when he heard a familiar squeaking sound through the kitchen window. He let out a sigh and headed towards the back door with his breakfast, then peeked his head out to confirm what he already knew. 'Morning Cous'' he called before making his way to the porch swing and taking a seat next to Gail.

Gail was absent mindedly swinging slowly, with a cup of hot coffee. She had decided to head over to the Boarding House early to make sure she caught her Cousin before he headed off to school. 'Morning Caleb, How are you?'

'Ok I guess' Caleb shrugged and ate a spoonful of his cereal.

Gail noted that her Cousin seemed different, he was normally happy and enthusiastic to see her; however, today he seemed distant and nonchalant. She had a bad feeling about this and chose to tread carefully. 'So, I hear you've been quite busy after school recently'

Caleb did not look up from his position, he just stared out into the back garden and ate another spoonful of his cereal.

Gail felt uneasy, she did not know whether to challenge his behaviour or leave him be. After what had happened before her coma she did not trust that her Cousin was so sweet and innocent, she prepared herself in case that evil creature reared it's head. 'Caleb?' she asked softly.

'What do you want me to say Gail? I've always done things after school but you've never cared before, what's changed?' He said calmly and at another spoonful of his cereal.

This was crazy, Gail thought, he was just a young boy so why did she feel like she was handling a snake that could bite her at any moment. 'I care Caleb, what's gotten into you?'

Caleb stood up and walked towards the back door. 'What's gotten into you? You only care because you know what company I'm keeping Gail' he said hurtfully before storming off.

Gail narrowed her eyes as her 10 year old Cousin walked away from her and closed the door behind him. After taking a deep breath to calm her nerves, she decided she would bring a close to this game that she was playing with Lucas, then she could focus all her time on her only living relative.

Lucas Buck sat on his porch swing with a cup of coffee, taking in the morning air. He had a feeling that today would be a good day and was considering what activity he could do with his Son after school. The boy had hinted that he wanted to go out again tonight, before he had dropped him off at the Boarding House yesterday and Lucas wasn't one to disappoint.

His thoughts trailed towards Gail and the happenings of the previous night. To say he had been shocked to see both his ex's drinking together was an understatement, he was just glad that Billy boy had separated the party before Selena potentially slipped up and started to volunteer information about him. He trusted that Selena would remain loyal and tight lipped, but part of him would never forget what she did to his child and he would never trust her completely. It was a shame as they had shared a lot of intimate experiences together, but he would not forgive her betrayal. She was lucky that he was concerned about his son and Gail at the time, otherwise his reaction would have been a more permanent one.

Lucas tried to steer his thoughts towards more positive things, he had finally found a way in with Caleb and he felt he was close to getting Gail on side. It was evident that she was worried about the time he was spending with the boy, he could sense that instantly no matter how much she tried to hide it. When Gail had found out that he was Caleb's Father, she went through a multitude of emotions. At first she was distraught and tried to find some logical explanation for how this had come about, then she was angry at him and then herself for not figuring it out sooner, after the anger she became distant but eventually she accepted the news and he was able to seduce his way back into her bed.

Lucas believed it was inevitable that Gail would surrender to his will, he just had to be patient. For the time being he would continue on with his plan and become a part of his sons after school routine.

Caleb was fiddling with his fingers nervously waiting for the end of school bell to sound, while Miss Coombs was droning on about results from a test. His day had started in an unusual way with a visit from Gail and it had put him on edge. When he thought back to their conversation he did not know why he had been so blunt and distant with her, he loved his cousin; however, he seemed to have little patience for the women in his life recently. To add to his agitated mood, he had not seen or heard anything from Lucas today so he was unsure whether he had anything to look forward to after school.

When the bell finally sounded, Caleb rushed out of the classroom without saying bye to anyone. As he left the building he was relieved to see Lucas leaning on the bonnet of his car waiting for him. Caleb smiled and casually walked over to the man and Lucas stood up.

'You didn't think I'd forgotten about you, did you son?' Lucas asked

Caleb's smile widened, 'No Sir. So, are we patrollin' again today?'

Before Lucas could answer Gail walked casually up to them from behind his car and put her arm affectionately around her Cousin. She smiled at the confused look on both their faces and winked at Caleb. 'I thought the good Sheriff could run us up to Juniper House to visit Doctor Matt, what do you think Caleb?' she asked sweetly, feigning innocence.

Caleb's face lit up with the mention of his old friend and excitement surged through him. Gail had not mentioned Matt since the incident in Lucas' office, clearly trying to protect his feelings, so this was certainly a surprise. 'Can we Lucas?' he asked excitedly.

Lucas tried to hide his anger with a smile, he knew all of his hard work with the boy would have been for nothing if he said no. 'Why not, get in Son' he signalled to the car.

Gail gave Caleb's shoulder an affectionate squeeze then lightly pushed him towards Lucas' car. When Caleb had gotten in she was left standing face to face with Lucas, she could see the anger in her ex lovers eyes and she held his gaze for a moment longer before heading to the front passenger seat of the car and shooing Caleb over, to give her room to get in.

Lucas stood for a moment longer taking deep breaths to calm himself, then entered the drivers side of the car and turned on the engine.

The journey to Juniper House had been a quiet one. Gail had known Lucas would not be happy with her tactics but after much deliberation earlier that day, she had decided this was her only move left and he could not say no to Caleb. A small part of her felt guilty for this underhanded method of getting her way; however, a bigger part felt pride in herself for outsmarting the man no matter how underhanded the method was.

When they arrived at Juniper House, Lucas signalled Gail and Caleb to follow him and walked straight past the annoying receptionist Gail had previously encountered. Lucas took them down several corridors before entering a restricted wing, Gail made a mental note of the surroundings but didn't venture from Caleb's side. At first glance the place didn't seem as bad as she had originally thought; however, she was not naïve and knew places like this hid their true appearance. That was a story for another time, she needed to focus on her old friend now.

Lucas signalled Gail and Caleb to stop, then approached an orderly. Gail was trying to hear what they were saying; however, Caleb backed into her seemingly seeking comfort. She looked down at her Cousin, put her arm around his shoulders and gave him a reassuring smile.

'Will Doctor Matt remember us?' Caleb whispered.

'Of course, I'm sure he'll be thrilled to see us' she smiled. Gail knew this visit could go either way, she hoped her friend would still be present and sane; however, she tried to prepare herself in case he had lost it completely.

Lucas turned towards the pair and signalled Gail to follow the orderly. Gail took a deep breath, squeezed Caleb's shoulder reassuringly and began to follow. As she passed Lucas he grabbed her arm. 'I hope you know what your doin' Miss Emory' he whispered.

Gail glanced at him, pulled her arm free then continued to follow the orderly down a long, narrow corridor. At the end of the corridor was a thick grey door, the orderly looked at Gail then unlocked the door and signalled for her to enter. The room itself was dull and bare, with only one window letting in a small amount of natural light. Matt Crower was stood looking out the window, seemingly trying to take in what little light it offered. Gail turned in disgust to the orderly; this didn't look like a living quarter, it was a prison. The orderly shrugged and left the room, closing the door behind him.

Matt seemed unfazed by the sound of the door opening and closing, he remained still with his arms against the side of the barred up window. Gail felt a surge of emotion pass through her, she tried not to pity her friend but it was hard not to when she thought about how far this man had fallen. She was surprised Lucas hadn't tried to hide the state of this place from her, maybe it was a punishment and he wanted her to feel uneasy and scared. She would never believe her old friend would try to hurt her; however, if she was wrong she could easily defend herself.

Gail took a few steps closer to the window, 'Matt?' she called softly.

Matt tensed visibly, then turned around slowly to inspect his visitor. He had tried to hold on to the hope that his friend would come to visit him, but he knew Buck would prevent that from happening. When he heard her voice, his whole body froze. His mind had played tricks on him before, he swore he would not be fooled again; then he turned around and saw Gail in her usual bright long skirt, plain vest and cardigan, with her brown hair draped neatly over her shoulders. Doubt began to surface, as she looked heavier than she used to be and her hair seemed shorter, but then she smiled and he knew this was his old friend. 'Gail? How?' he asked.

Gail smiled as Matt seemed to loosen up slightly, he didn't seem crazy and relief surged through her. 'It's a long story, how are you?'

'I've got all the time in the world Gail' Matt laughed, 'I'd love to here how you pulled this off'

'I don't think we have that long...' she said sadly,'...I've been trying for a while and trapped Lucas into bringing us. I get the feeling I won't be allowed in here alone with you for long'

Matt tensed once again. 'Us?' he asked.

Gail sighed, 'Caleb...I would've liked to come alone at first, but Caleb was my way in. He's going to want to know how you are and you need to let him now everything is fine, even if it's not. He's been through a lot'

Matt turned towards the window, he had yearned to see Gail and Caleb but he was ashamed at his appearance and he didn't want Caleb to see him in this defeated way. So many thoughts and emotions began to flow through his mind, what would he say to the boy? how would Caleb react to seeing him? A soft hand on his shoulder took him away from his thoughts, he turned around to see Gail stood close to him and he inhaled her pleasant scent. This all seemed like a dream, it had been so long since anyone had been close to him and this just didn't seem real.

'What happened Matt?' she asked sadly, clearly trying to hold back tears, 'Why would you do it?'

He slowly shook his head and tried to hold back his own sadness, 'Gail something happened to me. I was angry, his mother...'

'Mother?' Gail asked.

'Well, well, isn't this the tender moment' Lucas said as he walked into the room.

Gail turned towards Lucas then back towards Matt, who's look had completely changed and he seemed ready to pounce. She placed both hands on her old friends shoulder and forced him to look at her. 'Breathe...focus on me. Remember, best behaviour'

Matt looked at Gail, took a deep breath and calmed himself. Gail was right, a reaction would only make things worse and he knew she would help him the best she could when she realised he wasn't crazy.

Lucas placed his hands on Gail's hips dominantly and spun her around to face him. Gail glanced over her shoulder and threw Matt a look to step down, then turned her attention towards Lucas. 'Disappointed I've not been mauled by this wild bear, Sheriff?' she asked sweetly.

Lucas smiled, 'It does seem like he's been playin' nice. There's a young boy out there who is itchin' to have his turn here Darlin''

Gail stepped out of Lucas's grip and turned towards her old friend, 'Remember what I said, I'll see you again soon'. As she began to walk out, she realised Lucas was not following. 'You coming Sheriff?' she asked.

Lucas kept his stare directly on Matt for a few seconds longer, then followed Gail out of the room. Gail nodded reassuringly towards Caleb, signalling him to enter and walked a bit farther away from the door, with Lucas in tow. When she was far enough away she turned towards him, 'Your Mother?' she asked confused.

Lucas shrugged, 'The man is delusional Darlin''

Gail shook her head and decided to drop this line of questioning for now. She turned her attention to the long corridor ahead and began to walk slowly towards one of the other large grey doors. Before she had a chance to get close Lucas grabbed her arm and spun her around.

'Careful Darlin', there are some dangerous people here' he said in a warning tone.

'You should know, I bet you put 90% of them in here'

Lucas feigned a hurt look, but before he could answer the accusation Caleb came out of Matt's room and walked towards them. He shot Lucas a suspicious look and put his arm around Gail, just as Matt's door was closed and locked.

'Are you ok?' Gail asked stroking Caleb's head.

'Yes Ma'am, but I wanna go now'

Lucas put out his arm in the direction of the way they had previously came, 'Lead the way Son' he advised and accompanied them out of the building.

The car journey back to town was uncomfortable. Caleb had chosen to sit in the back and just stared out of the window, silently contemplating what had happened. Lucas kept glancing in his mirror at the boy and tried to engage him in conversation, but Caleb would only answer with a word or two. Gail sat in the front passenger seat next to Lucas, playing the visit back over and over in her head. She was happy that Matt seemed to be of sound mind; however, she believed he was perfectly sane before he tried to take a shot at Lucas.

Lucas pulled up outside the Boarding House to let Caleb out. Loris Holt opened the front door and Gail could see that she was not impressed with the car Caleb had gotten out of, so Gail got out herself and waved, to show this was her doing. Loris nodded acknowledgement and returned inside, Gail gave Caleb a hug and checked again to see if he was ok. Caleb said that he was and he just needed to have some time alone; therefore, Gail let him go in and got back in the car.

'So.-' Lucas said, '-I suppose congratulations are in order'

Gail ran her hand through her hair and sighed, 'I told you I'd get in Lucas'

Lucas nodded, 'So you did...what now Miss Emory?'

What now indeed, Gail thought. She had tried so hard to try and get into Juniper, now that she had she did not know what to do next. 'Can you drop me off at the school to pick up my car?'

Lucas smiled, 'I sure can Darlin'' and pulled away from the Boarding House.

Ten minutes later Lucas pulled up at his extravagant mansion and Gail glared at him. 'Unless the school has received some serious funding in the last few hours, this certainly isn't the school Lucas'

Lucas switched off the engine and turned towards her, 'I'll take you to get you car Darlin', but I didn't say when...Seen as you won this round it's only fair that you celebrate'

Gail narrowed her eyes, 'Celebrate how?'

Lucas got out of the car, walked towards the passenger side, opened the door for her and signalled for her to get out. 'Nothin' spectacular Darlin', come on'

Gail paused for a moment, considering her options. She could walk back to the Boarding House and get Loris to give her a lift, or call Ben to come get her. Either option seemed more sensible than playing along with this game. As she was about to say she would head back to the Boarding House, a sudden clash of thunder surged through the sky and large drops of rain began to hit the car windscreen. Gail cursed as the rain suddenly got heavier and started bouncing off the windscreen.

'Darlin', unless you want us to end up like drowned rats out here, I suggest we head inside'

Gail glanced at Lucas, who was already wet from head to toe and decided to get out of the car. He gently took hold of her arm and led her around back to his porch. When he opened the back door Gail pulled away and shook her head, 'Not a chance, I'll stay here'

'Darlin' you're soaked through-'

'Lucas, not a chance!' Gail snapped sternly. She would rather be soaked and freezing than enter that house, not after what had happened with Caleb. It felt stupid, but she got a bad feeling just thinking of this place. Many a night she had awoken from a nightmare which had taken place here, she had no desire to relive any of it.

The sound of thunder pulled her out of her thoughts and she was shivering. Lucas was watching her intently, as though he had read her mind. Not saying a word, he grabbed two chairs and pulled them towards an old furnace. He disappeared indoors for a few minutes then returned with an old sweater, a bottle of red wine and two glasses. Lucas handed Gail the sweater, pulled a small table towards the furnace and placed the wine and glasses down. He disappeared again around the side of the house, then came back with some wood for the furnace.

While Lucas seemed busy Gail took off her soaked cardigan and vest, then pulled the dry sweater on. She turned back to Lucas to see him already sat to the side of the lit furnace, with two glasses of wine in his hands. She approached him, took one of the glasses and sat on the opposite chair. Gail stared out into the garden, as she took a sip of her drink. She had loved this garden from the first time she saw it, with a bit a work it could be perfect.

Lucas leaned over and brushed a stray strand of hair from her cheek. 'Is this better?' he asked.

'I suppose it's the best of a bad situation' she sighed. Now that she had started to relax, she became aware that they were alone in his territory and this was a dangerous place to be.

Lucas smiled, 'No danger here Darlin', just two friends celebratin' a victory' and he took a sip of his drink.

Gail tried to dismiss his comment, it always made her feel uneasy when he seemed to read her mind. She had convinced herself previously that he was just very good at reading people and this is how he seemed to know what they were thinking; however, part of her, which she pushed deep down, knew that it was something else.

Gail stood up and walked towards the edge of the porch with her drink, to try and create some distance between them; however, Lucas followed her. 'I love your garden, it's very bare though. It could do with some flowers and plants to brighten it up' she said, trying to ignore the familiar feeling that was creeping up from below her stomach.

'It could do with a woman's touch' he suggested, coming up behind her. 'Feel free to work your magic, I know it's therapeutic for you'

Gail tried to move to the right, to get away from his closeness; however, Lucas placed both arms either side of her on the porch railing, blocking her in. He stroked his nose against her neck and inhaled her scent. Gail closed her eyes and tried not to be fazed by this, but she felt her body betray her and move slightly back into him. She took a huge sip of wine and concentrated on a statue in the garden.

'I can't tell whether I like the statues or not' she said, trying to divert her attention away. 'How long have they been here?'

Lucas nuzzled her neck, then kissed it gently. He admired her diversion tactics; however, her body was giving out a different message. Her attempts to resist her urges amused him, so he decided to play along. He knew she would be his, so a little resistance would only add to his arousal. He pulled away from her and headed back towards his drink, he sensed her body tense when he had pulled away and smiled. 'The statues have been around since the house was built, supposedly to ward off evil spirits and such. I like them, they give the place character'

Gail turned around when he had pulled away and watched as he took a large sip of his drink. Her body had tensed when he walked away and it ached for him; however, her mind was screaming to run. As usual, she was torn. Lucas had given her some space to think, which was unusual in itself and Gail was now really confused. She felt torn between what her body was yearning for and what her mind was telling her. She was not stupid, she knew the safest option was to leave, especially seen as the rain had eased off a little but she wanted him, there was no denying it.

If Lucas would have said no to taking her to see Matt, she would just leave; however, she knew deep down that her underhanded tactics had pushed Caleb away from him and although that was what she believed was best for her Cousin, this man was his Father and she felt guilty. Lucas could have made an excuse as to why they could not go, but he took them knowing it would impact Caleb. She was not naïve enough to think Lucas did not have an ulterior motive and sometimes she admired his cunning, although she would never directly admit it. She had to be deceitful in her job to get the stories she had and to progress her career, so she could not judge too much.

Lucas had re-joined her and was leaning against the rail, watching her with fascination. It never ceased to amaze him how she could have a debate with herself in her mind. She seemed to give herself a mental shake then returned to the present, this made Lucas' smile widen.

Gail turned back towards the statues. 'I think this place has enough character and as for warding off evil, that's a laugh' she said and drank the last of her wine.

They stood side by side in silence leaning on the rail, looking out into the garden ahead. After a few moments Gail chose to break the silence. 'I'm not sleeping with you' she said calmly.

Lucas had decided that he wanted to make her ask him, after the frustrating events of the day. He was confident that he had her, she just needed one little push. 'There's other things we can do Gail, or have you forgotten?' he asked, still looking out into the garden.

Gail became completely unravelled at the sound of her name coming from his lips. She felt that familiar ache surge through her body and decided to throw caution to the wind. 'I've not forgotten Lucas' she said looking out at the garden and trying to seem cool, 'what would you suggest?'

Lucas shook his head and turned towards her, 'Now, now Gail, you're the winner for today so you get to choose...What do you want me to do?'

Gail, trying to fake restraint, considered for a moment then turned towards him. Taking a deep breath she raised her hand and stroked his lips tenderly with her thumb, then lowered her hand and touched the spot between her legs for a second.

Lucas let out an aroused breath, leaned forward as if to kiss her, then pulled away and dropped slowly to his knees. He would not make her say it, she had too much pride to beg, he was satisfied with the way she had made her choice clear and he was more than willing to comply.

Lucas pulled down her long skirt and she stepped out of it obediently. He began lightly biting the inside of her thigh and nuzzled his nose between her legs, before ripping off her panties. Gail gripped the railing and let out a small aroused cry. Lucas played with his fingers at first, looking up at her as he went, then he started with his tongue. He loved the taste of her and her reaction when he played this way. He reached his hand under the sweater and squeezed it's intended target, Gail cried out louder and placed a hand on the back of his head, lightly pushing him deeper. He nipped at her tenderly then began with his tongue again, he repeated this motion several times until she finally let go.

When Lucas stood up, he could feel how uncomfortably hard he was. Gail caressed his face and licked the excess moisture from his mouth before kissing him passionately. 'My turn' she whispered in his ear, when they broke free of the embrace and she knelt down in front of him. Gail unzipped his pants and carefully pulled them down over the tightness of his groin. Looking up at Lucas, she gently pulled him free, then began to play with her tongue.

'Darlin'-' Lucas went to protest, he had meant for this to be for her.

'Shhh' she interrupted, then took him in her mouth and began to suck.

Lucas gripped the porch rail and let her continue with her work, after all who was he to protest. She went between gently sucking and playing with her tongue, to going more vigorous, until he finally erupted. Lucas pulled her straight up and kissed her forcefully, ignoring the taste of himself. The pair stayed like this for a few moments, then Gail broke free and they both began to dress.

Gail walked slowly to the furnace, sat down and poured them both another drink, Lucas joined her after he had made himself presentable. They both drank slowly in silence, admiring the view of the garden. The rain had stopped and it had started to warm up slightly.

'Are you ok Darlin'?' Lucas asked, breaking the silence.

'I am, Sheriff' Gail responded coolly and took a large sip of her wine.

'You're more than welcome to come inside and spend the night, I will take you for your car in the mornin''

Gail smiled, 'Not a chance' and took another sip of her wine.

Lucas leaned forward, cupped her chin with his hand and gently turned her to face him. 'Nothin' is gonna happen to you and I promise I'll be a gentleman' he advised, attempting to get he to see sense.

Gail placed her hand on his wrist and carefully removed herself from his grasp. She downed the rest of her drink, then leaned forward and placed a soft kiss on his lips. 'Goodnight Sheriff' she said sweetly, as she got up and walked off the porch, exiting the garden without saying another word.

Lucas stood up and watched her walk away, presumably to the Boarding House to spend the night. He sighed and returned to his chair, this was noy how he had foreseen the evening ending; however, he was satisfied with the outcome. Gail had not shown guilt after their antics, which was a positive and he was one step closer to her being fully his.

Lucas was taken out of his reverie by the uneasy feeling of being watched. He closed his eyes and sensed the godly figure by the gargoyle statue in his garden, it appeared that the figure had managed to move closer since his initial discovery of it a week earlier. Not wanting to lose sight of the good time he had experienced this evening, he put out the furnace, picked up the bottle and glass of wine, then headed inside. 'I'll deal with you some other time Merlyn Ann' he called out before closing the door.

- The End-