Knight Rider 2010

Trapping Knight With A Queen

Written by
Ldydeb
Chapter Seven

Within minutes...minutes too late, The Judson Mansion was over run with police cars and armed men walking over the grounds. Devon met Michael by KITT. He informed, "Most of Judson's men here have been taken into custody, Michael. The authorities should not have trouble in surprising them at the docks."

"There is a problem, Devon," warned Michael, "Judson somehow convinced..."

A police officer came jogging around calling over Michael's voice, "Mr. Miles, would you come with me? We've found something you should see."

Devon and Michael followed the officer to the place in front of the study's window, where Patrick's little play was performed. The officer showed them what he had found and explained, "It looks like a body lying in the bottom of this pit. Those two guys in that car were trying to bury it when we got here."

Michael concluded, "That's how he...Devon, That is what I've been trying to tell you. Judson has convinced Selena that I am dead...he killed me in front of her. This was how he did it!"

Devon remarked, "Oh my god. How was she handling it? I know when she left me, she wasn't in a very stable frame of mind."

Michael answered, "She's ready to have a nervous breakdown, Devon. She blew up hysterically and then that monster took over and got her to go with him without a fight."

Devon suggested, "Michael, please let the authorities take care of this from now on."

Michael replied, "If I don't do something, those girls won't be coming out of there alive."

Devon asked, "What do you want to do about it?"

Michael became stubborn and argued, "I'm going, Devon. Judson is trying to drive Selena insane and succeeding. How can she comfort her sisters if she's not able to help herself?"

Devon agreed, "All right, Michael." He walked with Michael back to KITT and added, "The authorities are already on their way.  Cooperate with them."

Michael conceded, "Just let me get Jasmine and Tina out of there. She was right, Devon.  We did fail and let that Bastard force her to act. I can't let them be pawns in his crazy game anymore."

"I'll see what I can do." Michael entered KITT as Devon continued, "She is a strong woman, Michael. She will be all right."

"If he doesn't kill her first," Michael ignited KITT and took off for the pier.

With Michael on the way, Patrick escorted Selena down the pier to where his yacht was docked waiting for them. His friend Lenox met them just before they boarded. He reported, "The merchandise is on the boat in the cargo hold."

Patrick asked, "Is any of it operational? We may need it." He wanted to be prepared in the event that Knight escaped.

Lenox replied, "Everything is operational except the laser and one of the missile launchers. Someone made sure that none of the important products were functional." His eyes fell to the docile Selena standing with her head down next to Patrick who held the chain of the cuffs that bound her hands. Her mouth was still stuffed with the piece of cloth.

Patrick asked, "How much extra ammunition do we have?"

Lenox assured, "Enough, Patrick, I promise. What about the car, when will it be here?"

Patrick replied, "As soon as that other problem is taken care of."

Lenox again looked at Selena and demanded, "What about her?"

Patrick pulled on the chain and asked, "What about her?"

Lenox accused, "She just about blew this whole job. Major Thomas tried to have me arrested on the base."

Patrick stroked her hair as he replied calmly, "I told you I would take care of her. See, she will be a good girl for us." He got her to look at him. He lifted her chin and asked, "Will you be quiet if I take this uncomfortable thing from your beautiful mouth." She nodded and opened grateful to have the hateful piece of cotton out from between her teeth. Patrick threw his briefcase to Lenox as he said, "Carry this. I am going to escort our guest onto the boat. Don't you think she will be a nice diversion for both of us on the way to the auction?" The two men laughed as Selena passively walked over the plank to the yacht. Patrick directed Lenox to the main cabin. He pulled the handcuffs up and put the key into the lock of the first one. He spoke while removing the second, "Selena, pull yourself together. You will be seeing your sisters again very soon. They don't need to be alarmed."

Selena nodded rubbing her wrists ignoring the small stains of blood from her old wounds being reopened. She tried to smile. One of the guards inside greeted them at the cabin's door. Patrick told Selena to sit down until her sisters were brought out. She saw Tina come through the gangway first. The little girl reached for her big sister's protective embrace. Tina and Jasmine had only been allowed to talk to each other when they were brought to the mansion the day before and through the wall that separated their rooms. Selena knew their imprisonment had been rough on them, especially since they had no idea what was going on. But they were alive and that helped to build a little hope in Selena. Jasmine entered into Selena's embrace, a million questions in her eyes. Selena brushed over her questioning gaze and whispered, "You two OK?"

Jasmine answered, "Yes, Sal, but..." Jasmine reached up to touch Selena's eye, then examined her wrists.

Selena hugged her again and said into her ear, "Not now, Jazz. We do not have time. Please try not to be afraid. No matter what happens remember I love you!"

Jasmine took a breath of courage from her big sister and she smiled at Selena, "You can count on us."

Patrick coldly interrupted their reunion, "We need to get moving. Selena, keep them out of my sight."

Tina asked, "I thought we were going home?"

Selena hugged Tina and said, "Not now, Dolly."

Jasmine did not want to scare Tina but she could see that Selena was not going to be much help. Jasmine whispered, "You need to be quiet, Tina."

Lenox suspiciously watched Selena talking with her sisters. He noticed that Selena was beginning to come out of her stupor. The last thing they needed was more trouble from her. He mentioned his concerns to Patrick who ordered Jasmine and Tina taken back to their staterooms. When Selena rose to go with them, Patrick called her to come to him. He ordered her to stay with him and seeing she was about to argue with him, he warned, "My Toy, I will deal with you when the time comes, just like I dealt with your Knight. Now do as I tell you."

From the pain that swept across Selena's features Jasmine understood what Patrick had referred to. Jasmine quieted Tina's complaint about being locked up again and got her to think of it as a game. Jasmine's strength and understanding gave Selena the boost she needed. She realized her sister was dealing with the situation better than she was. She knew what she needed to do to get her sisters off the boat before it left the docks and she could not do it with her sisters present. She conceded, "You win, Patrick. Girls, do as Mr. Judson tells you."

Patrick smiled, thinking he had won another victory as Tina and Jasmine were led away. Selena had a different view of the battle. She patted the gun in her purse, as she thought of a plan.

While she was thinking about a way out, Michael was in the process of rescuing them. Entering the instructions, Michael ordered KITT to cut power from all security systems and engines. Then KITT put up a diagram of the inside of the yacht. Red dots appeared, indicating where all the people were located on the boat. Michael decided, "Lets get the girls out of there first. KITT, where would be the best place to go in?"

KITT announced, "Capt. Burns wants to speak to you, Michael."

Capt. Burn's voice reported, "Knight, I'm giving you five minutes to rescue the hostages, then we're taking over."

Michael conceded, "OK, just stay out of sight until then. KITT, watch out for me."

Getting on the deck, without being noticed was easier then getting into the cabin. KITT had to unlock three computerized locks before he could get in. Through trial and error, Michael figured out where Jasmine and Tina were. After tapping on a few doors below, he was about to give up when a voice came from inside the fourth door, "What do you want?"

Michael whispered, "Jasmine? Tina?"

Jasmine sassed, "Leave me a lone!   I don't want anymore to sleep anymore!"

Michael persisted, "Jazz! I'm a friend!"

From behind the next door, Tina shouted, "Michael! You've come to pick us up! I told you he'd be here, Jazz!"

Michael laughed at Tina's enthusiasm and was very blessed to hear their voices. He asked, however, "Please be quiet, Tina. Do you have windows in your rooms?"

They answered together, "Yes."

Michael replied, "Good. Where is Selena?"

Jasmine answered, "With those creeps in the main cabin."

Michael promised, "OK, I need you both to remain quiet and not tell anyone I was here. I promise I will be back to get you. Do you both understand?" When they agreed He exited the corridor just before one of the guards came through. Outside, Michael called for KITT to come closer to the edge of the dock. He then told Jasmine and Tina to stand by their doors, so he could break the windows. After both windows were busted out, he pulled them through the opened windows. Michael snuggled both girls against him in relief.  He felt Jasmine's hot tears on his neck.  He gently cupped the area behind her ear and looked into her eyes.  He promised, "You're safe, Jasmine!  Please don't cry."  He kissed her forehead like a father to his daughter.  His heart sank as he noticed blood staining his hand.  He realized it was from Jasmine's neck.  He wanted  to comfort her, let her vent her emotions, tell him what had happened.  But the police surrounded the docks reminding him that Selena was still a prisoner.  Michael escorted Jasmine and Tina to Captain Burn and requested, "Take care of these two precious gems, Captain!  They need immediate medical attention."

Selena had disappeared inside herself not caring about what was going on around her until Patrick's crew became agitated. Lenox ordered an armed guard be placed next to her. Patrick and Lenox's frantic collecting of their precious secrets, talking, and planning again puzzled her. Patrick ordered, "Bring those children up here. We'll need everything we have."

Jumping up, Selena demanded, "Why, What is wrong?"

Lenox unintentionally answered her, "Patrick, the cops are outside. We have to do something."

Patrick confidently answered, "We'll be able to leave as soon as the engines get going...they can't stop us then."

The guard sent to get Selena's sisters returned reporting, "Pat, they are gone! The windows were broken out."

Selena's hope and courage were rekindled. Patrick had been ignoring her, believing her defeated. She took the opportunity offered by the commotion around him to withdraw the gun from her purse and ordered, "The only place you are going, Patrick, is to jail!" Relieving her guard of his gun, she ordered, "Unless one of you wants a bullet, I suggest y'all drop your guns out into the water...out through that window!" She pointed to a window she knew went directly out to the water.

Patrick dared, slowly closing in on her, "Selena, My Toy, put the gun down. You have nothing to worry about, the game is over...I give up. Besides you could never shoot anyone."

Selena pointed the gun at his head, her aim dead on, and threatened, "Try me! You've seen me use this! You know just how good my aim is!"

Patrick challenged, "Then shoot me!" Thinking she wouldn't, he approached her with his arms open and non-offensive.

Selena however was not bluffing. She fired a warning shot to cover up her nervousness. Though she was terrified, she refused to let them see it. She did know one thing, Patrick was wrong...she could kill him if he made her do it! She would try to hold them off as long as possible so the cops could get inside. She held her captors at bay wishing those cops would get their "butts" together and rescue her! To keep herself prepared to shoot Patrick, she kept telling herself she was doing it for Michael. All her thoughts shifted to making all of Patrick's men pay for Michael's death.

Patrick ducked when a second shot was directed at him from her hand. He stood before her but did not make any more attempts to stop her. He watched for signs of her losing control of her sanity again.

Selena raised the gun again and ordered; "Now...everyone of you, throw your guns out that window and into the water!"

Patrick nodded and each of his men, including Lenox threw their weapons into the harbor, the sound of them crashing into the water satisfying Selena. She felt another panic attack coming on from having to wait on the cops, but did not let them see it.

There was a noise outside as one of the crew came through the door to announce that the engines were dead. The crewman distracted Selena's attention long enough to give Patrick time to attack her and force the gun from her hands. Lenox was about to join them but the cops came through the cabin door and yelled for everyone to freeze. Patrick kept Selena's gun pointed into her ribs and twisted her arm painfully behind her back. He then placed the gun to her temple and got the cops' entering the cabin attention. He warned them that he would kill his hostage if they so much as breathed. He backed out dragging Selena with him. Patrick noticed Michael coming towards the cabin and made Selena go in the opposite direction. They moved down the steps over to the water. He ordered, "Get in! Quietly!"

Selena loudly charged, "what! Are you crazy?"

Patrick grabbed a handful of her hair and ordered, "Shut-up and do what I said! They won't figure out that we swam for it until it is too late!"

She pleaded, "Please let me go! You don't need me anymore!"

Patrick refused, "Do you really think I'd let you go now! You are the reason I am losing the game! Having you as my consolation prize will make up for those losses! So if you do not want to die! Get into that water!"

Before she could protest again, he pushed her into the water and then jumped in next to her, causing a small splash. KITT picked up the sound of the water's disturbance and tried to let Michael know, but he was preoccupied trying to unlock the cabin door where Patrick trapped the people inside. Patrick was swimming and pulling a half-swimming, half-drowning because of his pulling, Selena to the beginning of the pier. That swim became the longest and most difficult in Selena's life. She used all her energy just to stay above water and swim at the same time. She tried to keep up with his "faster...faster..." and then the pulling that almost caused her to drown. It was no surprise when they reached Patrick's destination that she could not breathe.

After her botched performance on the yacht, she realized, somewhere in her rational mind that she had to be on guard. She knew Patrick wanted her to be insecure and unsure of what was going to happen to her. He wanted to drive her crazy...creating a realm of total confusion. His anger toward her and the thought of losing inspired a streak of revenge that he would release on her when the time was right. It was hard for him to control himself until that time, so he satisfied himself with the thought that he would take her as his consolation prize; then he would let go and would kill her slowly and easily; taking pleasure in his revenge. All he would have to do would be to watch her die after he was through with her. Then he would go after Michael Knight! His twisted mind began plotting, thinking of ways to make Michael Knight watch Selena die too. He watched his former girlfriend and convinced himself that getting rid of them would solve many of his problems.

Feeling his chilling gaze, Selena sat uneasily on the dock trying to catch her breath and regain some of her strength, which had been spent pulling her aching body from the water. Now, sitting there with her hair matted to her back in scraggly sections, her skirt wrapping itself around her legs, and her blouse sticking to her body; she wondered if she could go on. Time seemed to be taking an eternity to pass. As if to twist the knife, Patrick grabbed a hold of her shoulder and ordered, "Get up!" He dragged her to a standing position.

"Ouch! Let me go! You're hurting me!" she cried. He had a very tight squeeze on her already bruised left arm and every time he made a point, his grip became tighter.

Patrick barked, "Come on!"

Out of nowhere, a familiar voice commanded, "Let her go!"

Patrick and Selena faced the direction of the voice, but only a shiny ebony car was blocking their way. Selena breathed, "KITT!" almost too loudly.

Patrick asked, "What's that doing here? You didn't..." He pulled Selena around to face him.

"No, Patrick, I swear!" She pleaded, "I told you there is no way to communicate with the car unless you're inside of it."

Patrick demanded, "Get rid of it!" He figured that since the car was here, his owner was not far behind.

Selena tried, "KITT, I'm all right. Go back to the Foundation!"

Patrick tried to move, but KITT refused to let them pass. He thought that Michael was inside, preventing them from getting away. He warned, "Get your car away from me...don't you know how to follow orders!"

Selena mumbled, "I told you sometimes it has a mind of its own." Patrick backhanded her mouth in retaliation for her remark. He held her against him, pulled the revolver from his belt, and jabbed it into her ribcage. Selena did her best not to scream out in pain. KITT noticed the gun but refused to let them go; hoping that Michael or the cops would be there soon.

Meanwhile, Michael found out that Patrick had disappeared with Selena and that KITT had disappeared. He listened in on the situation until he could get close enough to see for himself. Waiting behind a nearby yacht, he listened to KITT's failed attempt to rescue Selena. Patrick remembered that the car had the ability to completely shut itself down. Using that knowledge, he threatened, "Now 'KITT' or whatever Selena called you! Since you refuse to leave, shut down completely or that spotless body of yours is going to have this beautiful body splattered all over it! Get my message!"

Selena begged in pain, "Go away, KITT, please?"

The hopelessness in her voice reached Michael. He knew that he could not confront Patrick even though it angered him that he was thwarted again. Patrick must believe he has won again. Michael spoke into his wrist, "Back off, buddy. We'll get him later."

KITT did as instructed. Triumphant Patrick led Selena past KITT to Lenox's blue Viper. Opening up the passenger side, He threw Selena to sit in the seat. He opened the glove box and pulled out several huge handkerchiefs from the stash Lenox kept there. He grabbed both of Selena's hands and over her protests, wrapped the cloth around her wrists until they were bound together tightly in her lap. He then strapped the seatbelt over her lap and locked the door. He entered the driver's side and raced away.

Michael, who had been staying out of sight ran to KITT and raced to catch up with Patrick. Selena stretched around to see, as she figured, KITT was following behind refusing to give up. The cars whipped around curbs, corners, and other cars, refusing to let the other give in. The chase resulted in two accidents. Far behind the cops followed them, keeping far enough away to allow Michael room to catch Patrick. Capt Burns set up roadblocks to slow them down; but that did not work. Patrick escaped the area down an unguarded path, which headed up into the mountains. KITT suggested, "What about using the micro-jam?"

Michael refused, "Can't KITT, he'd kill her before I could get to the car." Without warning, Patrick made another sharp turn and tried to stop Michael by causing a multi-car collision. KITT flew over the pile and radioed for emergency people while continuing the pursuit. KITT challenged, "Then what do you want to do, Michael?"

Michael answered, "Let's back off a little buddy, and give him some space to breathe. I want him, but not at the expense of hurting someone else. Put a tracer on his bumper so we don't lose him."

Inside the Viper, Selena tried to hold on, but it was difficult with her hands bound together. Then KITT shoved them forward, hitting the bumper. Selena shielded herself from landing on the dashboard and windshield. Patrick spat, "What is it with that guy!"

Selena charged spitefully, "It wants revenge, Patrick. It'll never let you go now!"

Patrick remarked cruelly, "It isn't worth it, My Toy, don't push me! I'm the one who gets the satisfaction of revenge!"

Selena begged hotly, "Then do it! Patrick! Kill me and get it over with!"

He reached over and patted her hands, "Oh that would be too easy for you, My Toy! But don't worry, you will be grateful to die when I'm through with you." He looked into his rearview mirror and asked, "Selena, can that car trace me everywhere I go in this car?"

Thinking quickly she responded, "It will chase you as long as you have me with you. So why don't you just let me go...right here. By the time I'm able to walk back to the city, you will be in Mexico, out of reach from everyone!"

Patrick applauded, "Nice try, but as long as I have you, the cops will stay away. I might even take you to Mexico with me. Then who knows...maybe..." he caressed her hair, trying to play with her mind; letting his plans to take revenge on her sink deeply in...hoping to make her hopeless, submissive, "We will discuss that later," he sneered.

Desperate to get away from him, Selena took her hands and blasted him in the shoulder, causing him to lose control of the car for a moment. Then she began fighting to get out, trying to undo the seatbelt and to unlock the door so she could get it open and jump whether it was moving or not. Patrick stopped the car and pulled Selena away from the door. She was becoming hysterical, screaming for him to kill her or let her go but to get it over with! He grabbed her by her hair, shoved one of the handkerchiefs in it, and then smacked her across the jaw. An eerie quiet filled the car as Selena stared angrily back at him. Patrick remained perfectly calm as he warned, "My Toy, you must behave yourself; and you will or..."

Selena spit the cloth from her mouth and countered, "Or what? You will shoot me? Big deal! I have been living with that since we started! So do it! I want you to!"

Patrick decided not to answer her challenge right away. Instead, he smiled, got out of the car, and walked around to Selena's side of the car. Throwing open the door, he undid her seatbelt and pulled her out of the car by her arms. He dragged her to the edge of the road, which loomed dangerously over the side of the mountain. The cliff sloped down to a ledge beneath it; and below the ledge, the green valley spread out, surrounding the mountain pass. On the top, Patrick positioned Selena in front of him and held her tightly, making her look out over the mountain. He whispered, "Selena, what do you see?"

She was now terrified. She whispered, "Nothing."

He pointed out the ledge and then he kicked a rock off the road to demonstrate how high up they were. He said, "Now you know I don't want to do this, Selena. I would like to take you to Mexico with me where we will have such a beautiful adventure together. But if you don't stop messing things up (His voice changed from soft and soothing to threatening and abusive to return her to the fragile state of mind he had driven her to before. He liked it better when she was terrified of him.) I will take great pleasure in pushing you off this road! No one will ever know what happened to you. Your sisters will be left alone for anyone to come to take them away. So what will it be?"

Coming around the curve, Michael was forced to slow down so that Patrick would not see him. KITT asked, "Why are we stopping here?"

Michael explained, "Because they are too close to the edge. I want to surprise him, but I don't want Selena being pushed off the road." He opened his car door and ordered, "Stay close, KITT!"

KITT was bewildered, "You're not walking out there in the open, Michael? What are you planning?"

Michael answered, closing the door, "I don't have any plan yet, KITT. But I have to let Selena know I am alive it will give her strength."

KITT commented, "That's great, Michael. How will you help her once you let her know?"

Michel promised, "Don't worry, KITT, I'll handle it! This way I'm prepared for anything." He walked a head of KITT saying, "Wait for me to call, buddy, make sure he doesn't get away again!" He waited for the right moment just beyond Patrick's car.

Then sneaking around the car, he stood up just as Patrick was about to help Selena get back into the car. He heard Patrick say, "We are going to get along just fine now, Selena, just as we planned."

Michael spoke up, "Going somewhere?"

Not believing what she heard, Selena slowly turned her head to see Michael standing by the trunk of the car in perfect condition. She called out, "Michael?" Then she looked at Patrick and asked, "But he's dead...I thought...I mean, I watched you...you kill him!"

Patrick held her chin, making her look into his eyes. "He is dead, Selena. I don't see anything. It is just your imagination. Do not look at him he will go away. Trust me."

Michael called again, "Selena, look at me."

Patrick kept her confused while trying to get away from Michael. He grabbed the gun and pulled Selena around, holding her against him as a shield, throwing out orders, "Get out, Knight. I am taking her with me until I get far enough away. Don't spoil my secret." Michael hesitated, trying to get Selena to recognize him and stall. Patrick stepped back toward the edge of the curve, facing the ledge and dragged Selena with him. Looking down again, he decided to use the same threat on Michael. He added, "Or would you rather she disappeared down the ledge?"

Michael pushed, "Give it up, Judson, just let her go. You won't get away with this!"

Patrick turned it around, "Oh I beg to differ, Knight. As long as I have this pretty prisoner to torture and use, you and everyone else will stay far away from me. But if you push me I will let her drop down this mountain...to die..." he pushed Selena closer to the edge and challenged, "Come on, Knight, watch me! All she has to do is trip on a rock and, OOOPS! Over she goes!"

Selena started to realize what she was seeing was real! Michael was alive! She looked at him with tears, hoping he would stay back. Michael went forward, but Patrick fired at him and warned, "Stay back, Knight, or your death will be real and so will hers!"

With his attention focused on Michael, he let up on his grip of Selena's arms. Gaining a little courage, she elbowed Patrick in the groin, knocked the gun out of his hand, and tried to run to Michael. Patrick was too fast for her grabbing her hair and pulling her back. Michael came after him and knocked him out of the way. Michael turned to get Selena out of the way, away from the edge of the road, but Patrick came back at Michael. Together they pushed Selena backwards; causing her to lose her footing and fall face down, her bound wrists unable to help her or to prevent her from slipping over the edge, where she tumbled down to the ledge below. As she fell, she cried out in pain and fear, the sound echoing throughout the valley and inside Michael's head where it would remain for a long time to come. Michael turned just as she slipped. He tried to reach out for her, calling her name, grabbing for her wrists. Then he helplessly watched her go over. In a split second, he was looking down at her lifeless body lying on her stomach with her arms under her and her head lying to the right.

Behind Michael, Patrick sneered, as he pulled himself up off the ground and got into his car, "You'd better worry about her for now, Knight. We will meet again to play new game!" He pulled away before Michael or KITT could stop him. Michael watched the disappearing car and promised that there would indeed be another time.

KITT told Michael that help was on the way and then they began the process of getting Selena to safety. Michael requested, "KITT, do you think you could drive down there?"

KITT surveyed the path and said, "No, Michael, you'll have to climb down. Be careful the ground is very shaky."

Michael went around to KITT's trunk and pulled out a bundle of rope and a wool Indian blanket. He threw the rope down and tied the end off on KITT's rear bumper. He then had KITT cast down the line extending from under the back fender. He began partially walking, partially climbing down with KITT and the rope guiding and protecting his every step. On the bottom, he gently turned Selena over. He tenderly removed the cloth binding her wrists. Her hands were scratched, her wrists a mass of bruises, deep cuts and blood everywhere. He cradled her in his arms. He took the handkerchief and wiped the blood from the gash that appeared from the rock that she had hit her head on when she landed.

From above, KITT informed him that the paramedics had arrived. A man called from the road above and told him that they were going to send down a litter to bring Selena safely back up. KITT pulled up his line, the medic hooked it to the litter, and then KITT sent it back down. Michael laid Selena into the litter and strapped her in securely. She stirred in his arms, her face contorting with pain, her lips pursing together trying to moisten them with her tongue. She coughed, drops of blood appearing on her lips. Michael slowed down his pace, leaning over her to sooth her hair, speak to her his loving-kindness. He grabbed the other rope; used it and the rocks as a ladder, as he safely and slowly guided Selena up to the road above. His heart skipped a beat and he forgot to breath each time the litter hit a rough spot and Selena's voice echoed into his ears her anguish, her pain. She was still unconscious but feeling every bounce, every pinch and then thrashing around slightly inside the litter. Michael had to stop several times to get her to calm down.

Both medics were standing by waiting to grab the litter as soon as it reached the top. He gently pulled it to the road and rested it on the ground. The Medics tried to take over Selena's care. But Michael refused, grabbing a medical bag from one of them. Michael began to clean up Selena's wounds. The first Medic began preparing her to be transported to the hospital in the ambulance. Not wanting to fight with him, the other medic helped Michael until Devon arrived with Captain Burns. Michael finally allowed the Medics to take over Selena's care. He went over to the ambulance to report what had happened and wait with Devon until the medics were ready. The medics carried the litter Selena lay in towards the ambulance. One of them tripped. Both Devon and Michael rushed forward to prevent them from dropping Selena to the ground. From the litter a quiet cry drifted to their ears. Michael and Devon got in with Selena. Drifting to consciousness, Selena reached for Michael's hand and sighed, "Don't leave me, Michael. Please forgive me."

Michael caressed her cheek and held her hand, gently showering it with tender kisses. He smiled into her weak eyes, "I am here for as long as you need me, Selena. It is over! You are safe!"

Selena whispered worriedly, "Am I?" her voice barely audible. Then she drifted back to sleep.

Several weeks later, Michael returned from a fruitless trip to find Patrick Judson. Upon his return, he went straight to the hospital, carrying a dozen long-stemmed red roses, and heading up to the floor where Devon had told him Selena had a room. What Devon had neglected to tell him was the extent of Selena's injuries as a result of the fall and Patrick's mental abuse. Devon met Michael outside of the elevator on the floor of Selena's room. From the reports Michael had been getting on the road, he thought she was doing very well. Now Devon had to tell him the truth.

Devon led Michael to a nearby waiting room where he explained that since the accident Selena had slipped into a coma shortly after Michael left for Mexico. She had been unconscious for days. An MRI had revealed a small blood clot on the right side where the rock had hit her. The doctors were forced to remove it through surgery. Michael was now worried but he patiently listened as Devon continued. He found out that when Selena did come out of the coma, she could not remember anything about what had happened to her. She was now going through tests to see how soon therapy could begin to restore her memory, if it could be done. The doctors feared that her traumatic experiences that resulted in the accident, plus the fear of remembering Patrick might have caused irreversible memory loss.

Michael was sorry about her memory, but somehow he felt it might be for the best. He asked about her other injuries and Devon informed him that she has to relearn to walk with the help of crutches until her legs are completely healed. Michael thanked Devon for preparing him, but now he wanted to see her. Devon blurted, "You can't Michael." Devon then explained that the doctors did not want Michael to try to see her just yet. They were afraid that having witnessed his faked death would bring back her trauma too fast and the memories too fast for them to deal with all at once.

Michael surmised, "You mean the sight of me could cause her to have a nervous breakdown, right?"

Devon tried to explain that her mental state was still very fragile. Michael let the roses fall to the seat beside him. Seeing her again had kept him going. At that moment, without warning, the sound of crutches scraping against the floor was coming around the corner. Selena appeared talking with Bonnie and being helped by a nurse. She was smiling and laughing at the crutches and begging the nurse to let her do it for herself. She was dressed in a pair of sweatpants and a hospital shirt.

Her eyes looked up and she saw Devon talking to a dark-haired man with some flowers dangling carelessly from his hands. Michael smiled, but Devon prevented him from going to her. Instead, before Bonnie or the nurse could stop her, Selena hobbled over and asked, "Devon, aren't you going to introduce me to your friend?" Then she looked at him again and smiled, "Wait, I know you. You rescued me in the rain once? Right?"

Michael smiled with relief to see Selena fighting to get what she wants. Selena was going to be fine! Patrick had lost after all. Devon introduced them and they helped her back to her room.

THE END!