Almost forty miles away, on that same November third, a young woman was taken into Norwalk's police station, a mere two miles from the scene of her crime, and never feeling more alone in her life.

This is all Cara's fault! And Elizabeth's too! And that sorry ass captain with his stupid boat!

Jessica had looked out from her cell, angrily determining who was most to blame. She was sitting on a cold metal chair, trying to figure out who she wanted to strangle the most.

How could Cara do this to me? My own best friend? My sister in law! Don't talk for my pathetic excuse for a sister! Elizabeth probably planned this! She knew I would show up, she probably figured it out. And then she orchestrated the whole thing! Yes, that's it. She's probably in cahoots with Captain John, and did it on purpose!

Jessica started sobbing again, not caring that her reckoning was completely irrational. She refused to see herself at fault for her latest upset. She had been brought into the station, where she was held in the cell, waiting a full hour before that evil jerk who arrested her brought her out from behind the bars for initial processing. He took down her name, date of birth, address, social security number, and every time he spoke, Jessica felt angrier and more frightened.

Her mugshot was taken and then she was fingerprinted, the tears seeping from her eyes as she looked at her still red nails. This morning, painting her nails in the car while not smudging her fingers had been such an important task. Now she stared blankly at her hands suddenly noticing that her wedding ring was gone. So was her bracelet. And her necklace. All of her personal effects were removed from her, including her water logged purse, and her lone three inch aqua shoe that matched her beautiful draping mermaid style dress.

She had been patted down by a female officer when she first arrived, the humiliation still fresh in her mind. The one consolation was that they didn't do a thorough strip search. She was now wearing drab, orange prison gear, and Jessica knew she should be grateful that at least it was dry as opposed to her now ruined gown.

Her beautiful gown! It would always be a reminder of this horrible day! She never wanted to see it again! In fact, if you handed it to her now, she'd probably want to burn it.

Then they'd arrest me! Jessica wiped the tears from her eyes. Oh wait….they already did!

How am I going to get out of here? This is so humiliating!

You are entitled to call your lawyer now Miss, a female officer said, noticing Jessica's distress. Or anyone else you'd like.

Who am I going to call? I don't know anyone's number, Jessica said silently.

She thought of the number she had found in her father's study. It was worth trying. If not, she'd have to find herself a local lawyer.

Can you look through my purse and get a number for me,? Jessica asked morosely. It's written on a piece of paper.

One of the clerks went into another room, brought out a clear bag with the purse. After about five minutes, she approached Jessica who was allowed to open the bag. She removed the small post it note, now ruined by it's unintended swim in the Long Island Sound. The writing was smeared, but she could still make out the numbers.

203 555 3245 or 208 555 8245? I'll call both of them…..


Hello, Dumfries residence, Monica stated after picking up the phone.

Dumfries? Who the hell is that?

Hello, I'm looking for Elizabeth Wakefield,? Jessica said hopefully.

This is really important. I need to speak to her, she continued when she heard no response. What about her mother, her father? Are they around?

Miss Elizabeth isn't here, a voice answered.

Monica listened in confusion. The voice sounded exactly like Miss Elizabeth. But why would she be calling the house, asking for herself?

Miss Elizabeth and her family are all away at the moment. Can I take a message?

I'm her sister Jessica, and I really need to talk to her!

Sister? Miss Elizabeth never mentioned a sister. I'm sorry, but I am not at liberty to disclose the family's whereabouts.

But I'm her sister! You'll regret if you don't give me a number where I can contact her, Jessica threatened, her tone desperate.

I can get into a lot of trouble if I tell you this number, Monica replied uneasily.

Please, this is an emergency,! Jessica begged.

Monica frowned, contemplating her decision. Elizabeth had always been very nice to her. She would just explain how desperate the caller sounded. And the caller sounded exactly like her.

You sound so much like Miss Elizabeth… Fine… I'll give you a phone number where she can be reached….

Jessica hung up the phone, dialed the number that Monica called out, and after seven rings, a female voice picked up.

I'm looking for Elizabeth Wakefield?

Wakefield? Who is this please,? the voice responded.

It's an emergency. Just get her on the phone!

Elizabeth was in her suite's bathroom , washing the makeup off her face. It was almost dinner time, and she had gone to the plush room to freshen up. She applied a clear lip balm and just as she was about to leave to join the rest of the party, a knock sounded out. She opened the door to see a woman named Kathy, one of the crew members on the boat.

Excuse me Mrs Morrow, the woman said. There is a call for you.

Elizabeth looked at her in wonder.

I believe it's important, Kathy continued. The person sounds distressed.

Where is the phone,? Elizabeth asked, hoping nothing was wrong.

Actually Miss, you can press seven on the phone next to your bed. Kathy walked into the room, picked up the phone, pressed the number, and told Jessica to hold on.

I've connected you to the line, she said to Elizabeth. I will leave and dismiss the call on the other phone.

Thank you, Elizabeth said, before the woman turned around to leave.

Elizabeth went to the phone and pressed it to her ear as Kathy walked out of the suite. Hello,? she said, her heart pounding.

Lizzie! I'm in jail in Norwalk! Jessica moaned. You have to help me!

The voice was unmistakable. Oh,? Elizabeth said, suppressing her surprise at hearing Jessica's voice. What did you do?

I wanted to be with you for your wedding, and I borrowed a small fishing boat. The owner says I stole it, but it wasn't real stealing! I thought you'd be there on the island. I thought you'd explain it to him, so I thought it would be OK to take the boat! I would never have done it if I didn't want to be there with all of you, Jessica sobbed. I went to Tavern Island and you weren't there! I only did it for you. You see, it's not really my fault!

Elizabeth almost burst out laughing at her sister's attempts to excuse her behavior. Why are you calling me?

Because you have to help me get out of here! It's so unfair!

Unfair? You've committed a crime and got arrested for it. Imagine that! Such cruelty in this world, Elizabeth's tone was brimming over with false pity.

But Liz!

This is not my problem, Elizabeth stated coldly.

Elizabeth Wakefield, you are my sister, you can't just do nothing!

You will address me as Mrs Morrow. As for you Mrs Wilkins, I'm quite sure your dearly beloved will be more than happy to rescue his prized damsel who's found herself in distress.

You can't leave me in here! They said I might go to prison for a year!

Frankly my dear…. Elizabeth finished wordlessly by slamming down the phone.

Jessica let out a small scream at the phone in her hand, causing everyone at the small station to glare at her. The other hand was attached to a metal rod via a handcuff. Degradation didn't adequately describe her current demeanor. She couldn't call Elizabeth back. And, the more she thought about it, she didn't want to call her father either. She couldn't bear to see the look of disappointment on her parents' faces. And the last thing she needed was to hear them yelling at her about her irresponsibility. She suddenly remembered hearing something about bail while she was being processed.

When can I get out of here,? she asked the clerk.

You can leave as long as you make bail.

I don't have to see a judge first?

No, there is a preset bail amount, known as a bail schedule, which means you can be released later today if you pay and the paperwork is complete. The charge is ten thousand dollars, which you will get back, providing you show up for your court date and abide by the conditions of release. If you violate any conditions, your bail will be forfeited.

Ten thousand dollars? Jessica looked at him incredulously.

How on earth am I going to pay that,? she thought miserably.

She remembered the almost four inch get out of jail free card that was in her wallet. Well, perhaps not free, but very available at that moment.

You do take credit cards don't you?

Actually we do. We only started doing that recently. You can pay the clerk right over there, he pointed towards a small window in the back of the building.

This was actually Todd's credit card, on which Jessica was a authorized user. The card was for emergencies, and for once in her life, Jessica wouldn't be exaggerating the seriousness of the condition calling for her to use it.

If I have to stay here to go to court, I'll just have to call home and make something up. I can't tell Todd about this! He doesn't have to know. Unless they find me guilty! And then what? I'll think about that when I get out of here…

We have some papers for you to sign, and you'll check your belongings to see that we've given you everything back. And then you're free to go, the clerk said.

After processing her payment, and about another hour of signing various papers, listening to instructions, and collecting the rest of her belongings, Jessica was released from custody.

How do I get out of here? I don't even know where I am.

You can call a taxi in the payphone over there.

Jessica called a taxi with a number she saw at the side of the phone, then went to put back on her dress, that was now dry despite being horribly wrinkled. She walked out in her bare feet, her head in the air. She opened a provided pair of horrible generic plastic slippers and put them on her feet. She knew she looked like a washed up hooker from Skid Row, but at least she could pretend she still had her dignity, now that she was no longer in the orange jumpsuit. She dumped her sad, single five hundred dollar shoe in the first trash can she could find, and went outside to wait for the taxi driver.

I'm going to the Plaza in Manhattan, she told the driver five minutes later, after getting in the car. Jessica didn't even hear the fees to drive back into the city. A tear trickled down her cheek. The temperature was perhaps twenty degrees cooler since the disappearance of the sun, and she was cold, exhausted, and starved after not eating for the entire day. All she wanted right now was to lay in her comfy bed in the warmth of her Southern California home.

The Plaza will have to do for now...

A song came on the radio, and all Jessica could think was how much she hated it.

And I hate Elizabeth too! How could she do this to me! I'm never speaking to her again!

The taxi drove along, and in forty minutes, she saw the sign that read "Welcome to New York, The Empire State."

Thank God!…. I hate Connecticut! I wish I never had to come back to this goddamned state!


Is Alex sleeping,? Elizabeth queried, as she sat at the yacht's scrumptiously set dining table, that was a lot more intimate than the grandeur of the ballroom. Nicholas was at her side, deep in conversation with his grandfather. After all the guests had left, the family remained, and they had been sailing for almost two hours now. The entire party immersed themselves in the numerous moments of pleasure derived from sailing the calm waters, and they watched the sun go down into the sea, trying to get a view of the phenomenal green flash. Elizabeth had clung to her new husband, and couldn't remember a time when she felt more happy.

Yes, finally, Enid replied. I thought she'd never keep her eyes closed. It's all the excitement. She's not used to being around all these people. She's overstimulated, and every time she gets like that, she refuses to take her nap. Nathan is what?…..Five months older than her? I'm hoping she'll learn from his example and behave herself tomorrow when we fly back.

Well, she was an excellent flower girl, Elizabeth laughed.

Liar! Liz she was terrible, Enid grinned. Especially when she embarrassed me by throwing her shoes at the governor's wife. There's one story I'll have to tease her about when she gets older. The time she almost disrupted Aunt Liz's wedding.

Speaking of disrupting. Elizabeth lowered her voice. I got a call from Jessica.

Seriously? When?

Just about an hour ago. She told me she's in jail.

What? Enid gasped. For what?

I didn't stay on the phone long enough to get much detail. But apparently, my dear sister is here in Norwalk.

Where's that?

It's about twenty minutes from Greenwich. Tavern Island is off its coast. Remember how I told you we originally planned everything for there?

Uh huh, Enid nodded.

Well, I don't know how she got wind of it. But she told me that she quote... "borrowed" a boat to get there.

What did you say to her Liz?

Nothing. I put the phone down. She was talking like it's my fault that she got arrested. Can you believe that?

Enid shook her head. Oh the irony.

Oh I know, Elizabeth agreed.

I would kill to see it Liz.

See what?

The expression on her face after you hung up on her ass!

Me too! The two of them burst out laughing.

What are you two giggling about,? Nicholas asked, his green eyes curious as he kissed the side of Elizabeth's neck.

Nothing, Enid answered. We're just talking about sweet revenge. Liz didn't aim well, and I didn't catch her bouquet. I'm planning a way to get back at her .

Elizabeth kissed Nicholas' hand, noting the newly placed white gold and diamond wedding band on his finger. She wanted to tell him about the earlier phone call, but didn't want to ruin any part of their special day. If he knew she was worried, then he'd be worried too, and that was the last thing she wanted. She placed a forkful of her coquilles St-Jacques in her mouth, savoring the creamy texture.

I've been married for five minutes and already keeping things from my husband. Thanks Jessica!

This is so good, Enid said, taking a bite of her lobster and crab Newburg. It more than makes up for the fact that I didn't catch the bouquet.

While the Polar Star was still in port, Elizabeth had tossed her beautiful bouquet of pale blue muscari, miniature sterling silver roses, and stems of baby's breath straight into the lap of a seated Eleanor, who had insisted that she didn't want to participate.

I'm eighty four years old, Eleanor protested. And I've already been married!

Make sure you throw it in my direction Liz,! Enid had whispered, before joining the bevy of single women, eager to get their hands on the delicate flowers.

Elizabeth grinned conspiratorially. I'll try! And I'll make it look like I'm not sending it at you!

She had turned around, gave her best backwards toss, as all the women scrambled for the bouquet…..

Well, Eleanor promised to keep it for me, Elizabeth told Enid. So I'll always have it.

She looked over at her parents on the other side of the table, their faces were lit with merriment, as Alice stole a piece of Ned's filet mignon with truffle sauce.

Mom won't like this, Elizabeth said to Enid. I should tell her about Jessica. If I don't tell her, I'll feel guilty all night.

And we don't want that, Enid raised her eyes suggestively. Although, the only thing you should feel guilty about is how the hot tub in your amazing honeymoon suite is almost as big as this boat! And you and Nicholas get it all to yourselves!...

After almost another hour more of fine dining and multiple toasts to the bride and groom, Elizabeth walked over to her parents.

Mom, can I borrow you for a little bit? Elizabeth smiled, as she grabbed her mother's arm.

Is everything OK? Ned asked, his voice hinting concern.

Just a few new bride jitters, Elizabeth teased, as she led her mother through the inlaid wood paneled halls and into the honey moon suite.

What's the matter Elizabeth? I know you're not fretting about your wedding night, Alice joked, when she saw Elizabeth's face.

It's Jessica, Elizabeth started. She called here.

She called? When?

A few hours ago. Elizabeth bit her lip.

What's the matter? Is it Jake?

No. She called from Norwalk.

Norwalk in California?

No Mom, Norwalk in Connecticut. She called to tell me that she….that she got arrested.

Arrested? For what? How?

From what I gather, she tried to get on Tavern Island and perhaps stole someone's boat.

What? Tavern Island?

Well, we were supposed to still be there. I guess she must have found out and tried to show up at my wedding.

But how did she?… Is she alright? What else did she say?

I didn't give her much of a chance Mom. I hung up on her.

Liz! How could you do that?

I know it's selfish, but it's my wedding day, and I don't want any part of Jessica disrupting it. Which she has already done by calling me here. But, I couldn't just leave it like that. It was bothering me throughout dinner, and I had to tell you. The call came long after we left the island. There really is nothing we can do about it now, it's not like we can turn the boat around. Why don't you call the station and find out what's going on?

Good idea Liz. Alice called information and got connected to the police station. Hello, this is Alice Wakefield. I'm trying to find out if you have a Jessica Wakefield being held there?

We do not give out personal information Mam, the voice replied.

Please, Alice said, nearly in tears. She's my daughter, and she tried calling me earlier, but I wasn't there to take the call.

Hold on, the voice spoke again, somewhat rudely.

After about five minutes, another voice came on the phone. Norwalk Police can I help you?

Alice made another plea.

Ahhhh, yes, we had a Jessica here.

Where is she?

We let her go about an hour ago. She made her bail and we let her go.

Alice sighed in relief as the voice on the line explained the situation.

What? What did they say,? Elizabeth asked, as her mother hung up the phone.

Well, she's out of jail. She bailed herself out and was released. They told me they heard her calling a taxi to go to the Plaza hotel. Alice shrugged. So I guess she's alright. From jail to the Plaza. That's just like your sister.

I have to wonder what Jessica was thinking? I guess I'll hear all about it eventually. I'm glad you told me Elizabeth. Your father doesn't have to know about this. Not tonight anyway. He's having such a wonderful time, the last thing he needs is to worry about Jessica. I'll try calling the Plaza tomorrow, perhaps they'll give me information of her whereabouts? Although, I can imagine they're very strict with privacy.

I wouldn't worry Mom. Jessica usually lands on her feet. One way or the other. She has quite the knack for getting herself out of trouble. Let's go back outside. I miss my new husband already, Elizabeth smiled.

Alice held Elizabeth's hand, admiring the new addition on her finger. It was a perfect match for her engagement ring, the difference being a more prominent green stone in the center of the platinum, diamond fitted band.

Green diamonds...That is some ring. I like that it's not too big, to overpower your finger. And this is some suite, Alice said, looking around. And I thought mine was nice. I wouldn't put it past Skye to give your father and I the smallest one on the boat!

Mom, Elizabeth laughed. I thought you and Skye were best friends now?

Ha! Alice said, as they walked out of the room. We'll see about that!...