Chapter 31
Miss Priss lifted her paw daintily and licked the milk that dripped from it. Luis glared at her from the corner. "Pain in the ass," he muttered. Ali gasped in horror. Her little hand over her mouth. "Daddy!" Luis closed his eyes. Ali never missed a thing. Too bad. "I'm sorry, AliCat. Promise you won't tell Mommy?" he smiled. Wiping up the rest of the spilt milk. Ali's blue eyes lit up when her father threw the dishtowel down and scooped her off the kitchen counter into his arms. "Promise?" "Cross my heart and hope to die," she said solemnly. Planting a sticky kiss on his stubbled cheek. "Daddy," she said softly. "Do you have to work today?" Luis's dark eyes twinkled back at his daughter when he saw her crossed fingers. "Nope," he shook his head. "YAY!" Ali squealed. Throwing her arms around his neck and squeezing tight. So tight Luis had to gasp for air.
"Did Daddy tell you the good news, Sweetie?" Sheridan smiled. Cristian struggled to escape the confines of his high chair. Luis grinned. Cristian loved mauling Miss Priss. The only better punishment for the cat's high and mighty attitude was an entire day spent in Jake's AND MJ's company. "Yeah," Ali singsonged. "Miss Priss jumped on the counter and knocked over the milk again, Mommy," she tattled. "Miss Priss," Sheridan scolded. Half-heartedly. Luis shook his head. His wife and daughter were both bleeding hearts. And that beast had them wrapped around all four paws. "Cristian!" Ali giggled wildly when her brother's cereal splattered her mommy in the face. "Cris! You got Mommy all sticky." "Luis.will you watch him while I go clean up?" "Watch this, AliCat," Luis whispered as Sheridan walked past. Sheridan whooped when the dishtowel smacked her soundly on the bottom. "That hurt," she pouted. But her blue eyes were smiling.
Breakfast together took much longer than Luis had anticipated. But there was still time in the day for a little family fun. Ali was off like a rocket when he suggested a day at the beach. And he was in charge of getting Cristian prepared. Almost an hour later and a whole SUV full of equipment, they were off. The beaches of Harmony look out. "Daddy?" All Luis could see from the rear-view mirror was the top of Ali's golden head. "Yeah, AliCat?" "Daddy, why couldn't Jake come with us?" Luis chuckled. Trips to the beach with Jake were anything but boring. Trips anywhere with Jake were anything but boring. After last time's little JAWS incident.the sight of Jake Bennett made every lifeguard from Harmony to the farthest reaches of Maine groan.
"Ali.Jake had to go visit his grandma today. It's her birthday." Ali's blue eyes went wide. People like Jake's Grandma had birthdays? And got presents? "Poor Jake," Sheridan laughed. Pushing a button and turning the radio on. Her eyes misted over when the familiar strains of 'their' song filled the vehicle. Luis held her hand in his and chanced a smile her way. Ali loved the way her daddy looked at her mommy. The moment was over, though, when Cristian let loose a blood-curdling scream. Seemed his son wasn't a secret sap, Luis thought with a grin. "Just a little longer, Cris," Sheridan soothed. "We're almost there." Cristian kicked his feet back and forth in a rage. Sheridan winced as another scream bounced off the SUV's windows. "He hates that thing," she said. Nodding at the carseat.
"The longest ten minutes of my life," Luis grinned as he helped Ali out of the back seat and Sheridan tended to Cristian. Cristian hiccuped as Sheridan rubbed calming circles on his back and clutched at the material of white tee-shirt. "Shh. See? You're okay." "Daddy! I can't reach my floatie!" Ali squealed. Bouncing on the balls of her feet. Luis stretched a long arm out and snagged the fluorescent pink device and handed it to Ali. "Ali," Sheridan laughed. "Wait 'til we're actually there, Sweetie." "But Mommy," Ali pointed out. "We ARE there." Sheridan couldn't argue with that. The sound of waves rolling into shore and children playing attested to that very fact. "Okay," she relented. "But let Daddy put some sunscreen on you. You don't want to get burned, do you?" Ali shook her head vigorously. Blond tendrils escaping the scrunchie in her hair.
"Luis," Sheridan teased. "What's taking you so long?" Luis rolled his eyes and hefted the last of their 'essential' beach equipment onto his shoulders. Watching his wife's shapely figure sashay down the steps leading to the beach. Oh well.it wasn't like she didn't have her hands full. Cristian was just itching to dive into the sand and shove fistfuls into his mouth. Yeah.this job WAS easier. Finally, everything was all set. He took two steps before."Luis? Do you mind holding him while I.?" Cristian clapped his hands gleefully as he watched Ali race up and down the shore. Luis couldn't help but smile. That ridiculous inner tube made Ali nearly stumble with every step.
"Are you ready yet?" he asked. Turning back around to face his wife. He nearly had a heart attack when he laid eyes on her. "Yes," she grinned. Oh my god, he thought. He couldn't let everyone in Harmony see her like that. Maybe he should have picked out a nice, unrevealing one-piece for her. "Uh.don't you think you should put your shirt back on?" he suggested. His mouth hanging open in shock as he REALLY got a good look at the sinful blue bikini. "You know.to keep from burning," he rushed. "Do you think so?" she said demurely. Leaning over his shoulder to whisper in his ear. "Not on your life, Detective," she breathed. Grabbing Cristian and making a mad dash for the water.
"Mommy!" Ali squealed. "AH!" The shock of the cold water made Sheridan lose her breath, and Cristian clung to her like a lifeline. "C-C-C-C-C-O-O-O-O-L- L-L-L-D-D-D!" Ali chattered. "Luis!" Sheridan screamed when Luis slapped his hands playfully in the water. Drenching her. Cristian sucked in a deep breath as the cold water hit his skin and shivered against her relative warmth. "Here. Give him to me," Luis prompted. Once Cristian was safely in his arms, Luis waded out even farther. Tugging Ali along with him. "Daddy!" Ali squealed in fright. "Daddy! It's too deep! My toes can't touch," she cried in a panic-stricken voice. Cristian wiggled against Luis's firm hold. And Sheridan laughed in disbelief. The little daredevil wanted down. He wanted to swim on his own. Luis grinned. "Did you see that?"
Luis was finally able to coax Ali out of her terror and convince her to try swimming without her floatie. Sheridan watched them contentedly from beneath the shade of an umbrella while Cristian plowed through the sand with his shovel and pail happily. Ali was turning into a regular little fish in the sea. "Cristian! No! Don't eat the sand!" She snatched the shovel from his grasp and bounced him on her knees. "Cris," she laughed as he struggled to spit the grains out of his mouth. "Doesn't taste good, huh?" she said. Wiping his mouth with the clean, dry edge of her beach towel.
"Mommy!" Ali giggled. "Daddy taught me how to swim. I can swim, Mommy," she bragged. "Wow! What do you think, Cris? I think you're sissy deserves a cookie. Don't you?" Cristian jabbered. Total baby gibberish. And Ali got her reward. Sheridan shrieked when Luis wrapped his dripping wet, cold arms around her from behind. Giggling when he wrestled her to the ground. Pinning her arms over her head and tickling her until her sides ached. "Uncle!" she cried. Gasping for air. Luis pulled her against his chest and kissed the top of her head. "Look at that," he whispered. Sheridan felt tears spring to her eyes at the sight before her. Those pictures of her two beautiful children cuddled up in each other's arms at the beach were her all-time favorites. Pictures from their happiest days together.
Chapter 32
"Dad," Jake whined. "Where are they?" Hank searched his pockets. Turning up empty. "Sorry, Little Buddy. Must have left them at home." Gwen slyly dropped the pair of ear plugs in her husband's lap. "Looking for these?" Emily gurgled at him and stuck her tiny fist in her mouth. "I see you're bringing her up in the fine Bennett tradition," Rebecca squawked. Her blue eyes bugging out when Sara plowed HER fists through the creamed potatoes on Jake's plate. Jake laughed. "Thanks! They're no good anyway. I think Grandma made them."
"I did not!" Rebecca exclaimed. "I'll have you know I've never cooked anything my entire life." "Finally," Gwen rolled her eyes. "She admits it. I knew it all along, Mother." Jonathan's eyes sparkled with mirth. "She just likes to pretend she's Martha Stewart." Hank grinned. "And you say you don't have anything in common with anyone in my family. Gracie's been in this sort of psychosis for years. She's Martha Stewart on acid."
Gwen spat her mouthful of mashed potatoes across the table. Right into her mother's face. "What a birthday celebration," Rebecca bemoaned. Swiping at the gloppy mess. "Good grief," Hank grumbled under his breath. "Another 'woe is me' speech." "Mother.Mother.don't cry," Gwen groaned. "How old are you anyway?" Jake piped up. "How old do you 'think' I am?" Rebecca shot back. Jake tapped his finger on his chin in thought. "Hmm. Well.your hair's not really red. Mom told me it's really gray."
Gwen glared at her son. Eyebrows raised to dangerous levels. "And Dad says you're trying to re.recapture your youth by squeezing yourself into those floozy dresses. Give it up, Grandma," Jake advised. "It's not working." Hank clenched his fists. Trying desperately not to laugh. Sure, the kid was ratting him out. But this.this was hilarious. "You got these big, floppy wrinkles around your eyes, too. WOW! I can't wait to tell Dylan. My grandma's 100 years old!"
Rebecca threw her napkin down on the table and stomped off. "Now you've done it, Jake," Gwen scolded. "What? What did I do? Grandpa?" Jonathan chuckled. "Jake.when a woman asks you how old you think she is, always lie." "But Grandpa," Jake said in surprise. "I get in trouble for lying all the time. Grown-ups are too confusing. Especially girl ones." Hank slapped Jake on the back. "Nothing gets by this one." Jake grinned proudly. "Nope." Emily cackled and smeared creamed potatoes on her chin, cheeks, in her hair. What there was of it.
"Mother! Mother! Wait! He didn't mean to hurt your feelings. He's just a kid." Rebecca rolled her eyes. "Hank Bennett's kid. I know they say 'out of the mouth of babes', but Gwen.this is ridiculous. Do I really look like I'm 100 years old," she pouted. And Gwen laughed out loud. "Mother! Now who's being ridiculous?" Rebecca grabbed the nearest pillow and hit her daughter soundly over the head. "Ouch! What was that for?" "For being so smart," Rebecca grumbled. "For doing what's best for you." Gwen gasped in surprise. "What was that? What did I just hear? My mother.telling me I've done something right?"
"Don't get used to it," Rebecca shrilled. "And don't tell that idiot in there. But you did the right thing. He's good for you. He makes you happy. Something I've never done." Tears threatened. Gwen was in a state of utter shock. "Mother.really.I know you love me." In your own way, Gwen thought. "I do," Rebecca said matter-of-factly. Patting her daughter's knee. "Floozy, huh?" "Floozy, definitely," Gwen nodded. Rebecca smoothed her hair back into place. "Well.your father's never complained."
Jake peeked around the corner. "What's happening, Little Buddy?" Hank hissed. Jake's brown eyes were wide with disbelief. "They're hugging." "Oh my god," Hank gasped. "I knew she was being too nice to me lately. Rebecca's only got 6 months to live." Jonathan rumbled with laughter, and Sara puckered her pudgy cheeks. "5..4...3...2.." Sara's screams had Jake wrestling the ear plugs away from his father. "Dad! Give 'em. Those are mine." "No way, Champ," Hank laughed. "Your sister's making me go deaf before my time." Jonathan climbed unsteadily to his feet and picked his granddaughter up gingerly. "Whew! Jake.why don't you go tell Grandma Sara's got her a birthday present?" Jake entered the living room holding Sara's squirming little body at arms' length. "A special birthday surprise." "Get.get.get her away from me," Rebecca screeched. Gwen shook her head. She knew it was too good to be true. "Would the real Rebecca Hotchkiss show herself," she laughed. "But it's my birthday," Rebecca whined.
"Yeah, it is," Jonathan smiled. Carrying a monstrosity of a cake into the living room. "Hurry up and change that child so her grandma can make her birthday wish. This thing's going to set off all the smoke alarms in the house." Hank grinned devilishly. "Forget that. We wasting valuable time here." And so he sang..."Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday Rebecca," Jonathan sang. "...Grandma," Jake bellowed. "...Miss Piggy," Hank teased. "Happy Birthday to you," Gwen sang off-key. Rebecca uncrossed her arms and blew with all her might. "There," she glared. A peculiar twinkle in her blue eyes. "Can't burn the house down. Can we?" Hank winked at Mommy-in-law Dearest. Jake stared at them both curiously. Gwen smiled happily. One question burned in Jonathan's mind. How many months? Well...actually two. Did Hell just freeze over?
Chapter 33
"Mmm. Luis." "Yes," he answered. Splaying his fingers over his wife's bare stomach and nuzzling her neck. "Do you have to go to work today?" she whined. He laughed and took her earlobe between his teeth. "This isn't fair. It's only been two days." "Two wonderful days," he reminded her. Sheridan rolled over on her side and kissed his lips sweetly. "Don't go," she pleaded. "Don't go. Something doesn't feel right, Luis. I don't know how to explain it. I just.something's wrong." His brown eyes studied her. Committing every feature to memory. "I have to," he whispered. Tracing her lips with the pad of his thumb. She sighed heavily. "Hold me. Hold me a little longer." Luis grinned at her. "I can do better than that," he said. Easing off the mattress and creeping to the door. Sheridan smiled when she heard the lock click into place.
She held her hand out to him and when he took it, she pulled him down to her. Luis brushed the hair from her eyes. And kissed her brow. "I like the way you think, Detective," she teased. "Why thank you, Mrs. Lopez- Fitzgerald. Who can blame me? I have the single-most beautiful wife in the world. Two of the most gorgeous children. And one very annoying pain in the ass pet," he smirked. "Yeah.my life is PERFECT." "Luis," she giggled. Smacking him playfully on the chest. "Lay off Miss Priss." "You love that damn cat more than you do me," he pouted. Brown eyes twinkling at her. "Never," she shook her head. "I'll never love anyone more than you. I'll never love anyone else period, Luis." "Ditto," he grinned.
"Ditto! I pour my heart out and all you have to say is.Luis! Maybe you should go on to work early," she suggested. "Really?" he queried. The smile on his face growing as her eyes darkened to a deep, deep blue. "Luis," she rasped. "Did your mother ever tell you it wasn't fair to take advantage of a woman?" Luis's laugh was deep and rumbled from his chest. "My mother would be struck blind if she saw what I was doing right now," he grinned. Easing her shorts down her hips. Along with her panties. Her legs trembled as his hand caressed her thigh. "Poor Pilar," she gasped. "Oh god."
Luis grasped her hand in his and held it above her head against the paleness of the pillow. "God.I love you," he breathed. Trailing kisses along her jaw. "I'll love you always," he promised. Meeting her lips with his own. Her nails tickled his arm as they traveled upwards to his neck. And she wrapped her arms around him. Arching into him. "You better keep that promise," she whispered. Giving him a heart-stopping smile. "I will," he swore. Rolling them over so she sat astride him. She twined her fingers with his and leaned down to kiss him once more. "I love you," she cried as the pleasure built. "I love you."
His heart thudded against his chest as she traced lazy circles on his stomach. "Sheridan.Baby. If I don't get up soon, I'm going to be late for work," he laughed. "I know," she pouted. Kissing his chest. "I still wish you didn't have to go." "Tell you what," Luis grinned. "How about I meet you and Ali and Cristian for lunch? Sound good?" "Luis! Sounds perfect." "Okay. Lunch it is. Care to join me in the shower?" he smirked. Sheridan grabbed her pillow and groaned into to it. "That's what I thought," Luis teased. "I'd never make it out of the house then." "No, you wouldn't," Sheridan grinned. As she watched his naked form stride toward the bathroom.
"Tell Daddy bye," Sheridan said. Cristian flapped his tiny brown hand back and forth. Smiling brightly as Luis kissed his sleep tousled dark head. "Bye, Daddy," Ali hugged his neck tight. "I don't want you to go," she cried. Clinging to him. "AliCat," he soothed. "Remember what Daddy told you? Lunch?" Ali's blue eyes were still serious. "You promise?" "Of course I do. I always keep my promises. Don't I?" Ali refused to meet his eyes. "AliCat?" "Yeah," she finally answered. "I love you, Daddy." Luis's brown eyes looked at Sheridan curiously. "Why's everyone so sad? I'm just going to work. I'll see you in a few hours." "We just love you an awful lot and don't want to see you go. Right, Sweetie?" Ali shook her head vigorously. "Yeah." "Well then." Luis grinned. Sweeping Sheridan into his arms. And giving her the most passionate kiss of the morning. "Daddy," Ali giggled from behind her hands. "Sorry," he apologized sheepishly. "Now.I really have to go."
"Bye, Luis," Sheridan waved. Wiping the smudge of her lipstick off his lips. "Remember your promise." Luis grinned and saluted her. Making Ali AND Cristian giggle in delight. "Yes, Honey." He was halfway to his jeep when he heard Ali's childish voice. "Daddy! Wait!" He knelt down and opened his arms. And Ali flew into them. Raining kisses on his face. "For good luck," she said seriously. Luis tucked her blond hair behind her ear and smiled. "Thank you. Now I feel completely safe and protected. AliCat's worked her magic." Ali giggled and let him go. Then ran back to her mother. The little family waved and waved until Luis's jeep rolled out of sight. The smile on Sheridan's face faded when Ali skipped back into the house. Why couldn't she shake this feeling? This awful feeling?
Chapter 34
"Good morning, Sam," Luis grinned. Marty snickered. "Are you high, Luis?" Luis just radiated happiness. "High on love." Sam chuckled and slapped his friend on the back. "Sheridan and those kids are turning you into a complete sap." Luis filled his mug with coffee. "I know it's corny, Sam. Marty.I'm warning you. Even though I AM a complete sap I can still kick your *** . It's beyond corny," he laughed to himself. "I didn't think it was possible, but I love Sheridan and those kids more and more everyday." "Hey Luis! Maybe you should put in an application at Hallmark. More appropriate for saps, you know." Luis shot Marty a warning glare. But the silly smile was back instantly. "Sam." The phone's shrill ringing interrupted whatever he may have been about to say. Marty and Luis listened to Sam's end of the conversation with keen interest. "Dammit! How could you let this happen? He's a murderer for.Yeah, he might go after the ex-wife. Last I heard she moved to Boston to be with her sister. Yeah, I know what that means. She IS closer. We're there."
"A murderer, Sam? What happened?" Sam's blue eyes."Sam? Why are you looking at me like that?" Luis shrugged. "Luis.sit down." "Sam." "Sit down!" Luis slumped in his chair. His arms crossed. "He was being transferred to a more secure facility. Somehow.somehow he was able to free himself, Luis. The driver of the van is in critical condition. The other man.he's dead." "Who's this he?" Luis asked suspiciously. "Ali's kidnapper," Sam said gravely. Luis balled his hands into fists. "No! Ali! Sheridan! I have to call them. Make sure they're alright." Sam laid a restraining hand on Luis's arm. "Put the phone down, Luis." "But Sam." "I know you want to protect them. I do, too. But there's no need to worry them for nothing. The department head down at Castleton thinks he might go after the ex-wife. It's possible, Luis. You saw how angry he was at her for tipping us off." "Might, Sam. You said it yourself. Ali's closer. What if he goes after her again as some sort of revenge?" Sam grabbed Luis's shoulders. "We won't let that happen."
"I want to be in on the search. Sam.I need to make sure he's put back behind bars where he belongs." "Okay," Sam conceded. "We leave in a few." Luis watched as his friend gave Marty a run-down of the situation. He picked up the phone and punched in the familiar numbers. On the third ring, Gwen answered. "Gwen? Hi. Is Sheridan there? She's playing with the twins? No. You don't have to get her for me. Just tell her.tell her it looks like I won't be able to keep our lunch date today. Tell her I'm really sorry. Anything else? Tell her and the kids I said I love them. Gwen.watch over them for me. No. I just feel better knowing you're there." "Ready, Luis?" Luis hung up the phone and made sure his gun was secure in his holster. "Ready as I'll ever be. Come on, Sam. Let's go get him." *********************************************
"He told you to watch over us," Sheridan chewed on her bottom lip. "Yeah.Sheridan? What are you doing?" Luis's voice mail picked up on the other end, and Sheridan replaced the phone on the hook. "Gwen.you're going to think I'm crazy and try to tell me I'm imagining things.but something isn't right. I woke up this morning with the most awful feeling. I can't shake it. It's still there." Gwen squeezed Sheridan's shoulders. "Sweetie.look around you. Everything's fine. Better than fine, in fact. Perfect." Sheridan smiled. And tickled Emily's bare feet. "We've been here over ten minutes. And Jake hasn't got into trouble yet. I think that's a record," Gwen teased. "For all we know he has Ali tied to a chair in the tree house," Sheridan smirked. "Sheridan!" Gwen gasped. Pretending to be hurt. "My son?" "Yes, your son," she grinned. Running a hand over Sara's fuzzy head when Gwen picked her up. "Or.he has her swinging from one of the branches."
"What do you say we join them?" Sheridan's blue eyes sparkled. "You take Sara. I got Em." "Ow! Maybe I should think about a change," Gwen laughed as she pried a wad of her own hair from her daughter's greedy hands. "I think you'd look great with short hair. But two very special men in your life happen to love your long hair," she confessed. "Jake would get over it. But.what kind of a wife would I be if I made my own husband cry?" she joked. Miss Priss brushed against Sheridan's legs. "Hi there," Sheridan said. "You want to go outside, too? Just be warned.I'm advising against it. No offense, Gwen. Jake's outside." The hair on the cat's back bristled, and she let out a horrific meow before tearing down the hall. Straight to Ali's room. Gwen and Sheridan burst into helpless laughter. "My son has quite a reputation. Sheridan.have you been turning that cat against my sweet little devil?" Sheridan twisted the knob on the French doors that led to the back patio. "What makes you think that?" she said innocently. *********************************************
The twins smiled and cooed in their bassinets and Cristian fussed from his playpen while Sheridan and Gwen enjoyed a breathless game of tag with Jake and Ali. "You guys.are.just too fast.for me," Gwen gasped. Leaning on her knees. Jake gave Ali a high five. "YES!" Sheridan laughed and collapsed in the plush green grass. "I need to rest, too." "Aww," Jake whined. "Come on, Ali. They're too old to keep up with us," he grinned gleefully. Sheridan lay on her back. An arm shading her eyes from the blinding sun. "Beautiful day, isn't it? Sheridan?" "What?" Sheridan asked distractedly. "I'm sorry, Gwen. Did you say something?" "You're still worried, aren't you? Sheridan," she chided. "Okay," Sheridan laughed. Groaning as Gwen pulled her up. "I'll try not to be such a worrywart." "Good." "Hey! Where are you going?" Gwen bounced a squalling Sara on her hip. "Somebody needs a change," she grimaced. "You want anything?" "A tall glass of lemonade would be lovely," Sheridan sighed. "And." "What am I?" Gwen rolled her eyes good-naturedly. "Your waitress?"
Sheridan clasped her hands on her knees and watched Jake and Ali at play. "Mommy!" Ali squealed. "Jake's cheating!" "Am not!" Jake huffed. "Uh huh!" Ali pouted. Trudging over to where her mother sat. "We were playing hide and seek. Jake peeked!" Sheridan fought the laugh that was trying desperately to escape. "Is she right? Jake? Did you.peek?" Jake's brown eyes refused to meet hers. Sheridan smiled when she saw his fingers were crossed. "No," he said in a voice so low it was almost a whisper. "He did!" "Ali.Sweetie.Jake wouldn't lie to me. Would you, Jake?" Jake's brown mop of hair fell forward into his face, and she brushed it from his eyes. "Would you?" "I'm sorry," he mumbled. "I did peek. I won't ever lie to you again. Honest. I promise," he said solemnly. "Are you mad at me?" Sheridan pulled him into a hug and kissed his cheek. "Of course not," she smiled. Jake beamed. "Flirting with Sheridan again, Jake?" Gwen teased. "MOM!" "Hush up," she laughed. "I left you and Ali a surprise in the kitchen." "A surprise!" Ali smiled. "Thank yo." Jake pulled her by the arm, and the pair raced off. Ali's blond mane flying behind them. *********************************************
The sun was fading in the sky. Luis wiped the sweat from his brow. Where could he be? With the roads blocked and all the security, he couldn't have gotten far. Right, Luis, his brain supplied. He wasn't supposed to be able to escape during transport either. Sam waved him over. "Any luck, Luis?" "None," Luis sighed. "He can't just vanish into thin air. He's out there, Sam. I know it." "Chief! Luis!" Sam and Luis looked up to see Marty waving wildly amid the flashing blue and red lights. "We think we have him. A cop pulled a man fitting his description over about 85 miles from this location." "Sam," Luis said. Sam nodded his head. "Go with Marty. And make a positive identification. Put your mind at ease." "Thanks, Sam," Luis said as he opened the passenger side of Marty's patrol car. "Call Sheridan for me. Let her know I'm okay." "Will do, Luis." *********************************************
"Sheridan.I mean it. I can call and cancel. Mother'll grumble. But she'll understand." Sheridan smiled and slipped the diaper bag on Gwen's shoulder. "Sam called and said Luis will be home soon. We'll be fine. Won't we, Ali?" Ali giggled when Gwen tapped her nose. "MOM! Do I have to go? Can't I spend the night with Sheridan. AND Ali," he added quickly. "You've spent the whole day with Sheridan," Gwen pointed out. "Besides.Grandpa would be so disappointed if you didn't come." "Okay," he muttered. "Jake! Be careful with your sister!" "Here, Jake. I'll take that," Sheridan offered. Sara's face scrunched up, and just the faintest hint of tears glittered. "Damn," Gwen cursed under her breath. "She'll keep at ir the whole way to Mother's, too." "Be right back, Sweetie," Sheridan called.
Ali watched the entourage walk to the car. Her hand resting on the doorknob. She waved back at Gwen and Jake as they backed out of the driveway. "Ali," her mom shooed her back in the house. "What do you think we should have for dinner?" "Macaroni and cheese," Ali giggled. Sheridan laughed. "Macaroni and cheese it is. But first.I have to put your little brother to bed. Look at him. He's so sleepy," she whispered. Nestling him against her. Cristian rested his head in the crook of her neck and stuck his thumb in his mouth. "Mommy! Wait! There," she breathed. Kissing Cristian's warm forehead. "I love you, Cris." "He loves you, too, Baby. Why don't you be thinking of something good to go with macaroni so we can fix Daddy a feast?" Ali's blue eyes twinkled at the mention of her daddy. "Okay, Mommy."
Ali opened the cupboard and peered inside. "Daddy likes this," she smiled in satisfaction. She climbed onto the tall stool beside the kitchen counter and let her socked feet dangle. If she were really, really quiet, she could hear her mommy singing to Cris. "Any luck, Sweetie?" her mommy quizzed. Kissing the crown of her head affectionately. "Good job," she said. Giving her a thumbs up. "Mommy?" "Yeah, Baby?" "I love you." Sheridan scooped her tiny daughter up in her arms and squeezed her tight. "What a coincidence! I love you, too.' Ali giggled wildly and Sheridan joined in. *********************************************
Luis clenched his fists. Marty glanced at his friend out of the corner of his eye. "I'm sorry he wasn't our man, Luis. But I'm almost sure Reed's headed for Boston. He has quite a bone to pick with the ex." "Almost isn't good enough. If you're so sure.why do I have this gut feeling something's wrong with my wife and children? Answer me that. This was a waste. A waste of our time. The man didn't even remotely fit Reed's description. Give me your cell phone. I need to try to get through to them. I should never have let Sam talk me into keeping quiet in the first place." Marty turned on the sirens and the speedometer climbed steadily. "Dammit! They're not answering. Sheridan.Sheridan, Baby. It's me, Luis. Listen.if you're there, I want you to take AliCat and Cristian and get out of the house. I don't care where. Just get out." *********************************************
The water boiled over the top of the pan. Spilling onto the stove as Luis's voice filled the room. Shattered glass was strewn across the kitchen floor. Miss Priss hid under the far end of the table nursing her wounds. The trail of blood seemed unending. Stretching from the back door to the living room. Where a madman with a gun paced anxiously. "It's a little too late for that, isn't it, AliCat?" he sneered.
Chapter 35
"I'm going as fast as I can, Luis," Marty bit out. Luis stared out the passenger window. "She knew something was wrong." "I'm sorry, Luis. What's that?" "Sheridan. She knew something like this was going to happen today, and I convinced her it was just silly nonsense." Twilight was falling, and Luis could barely make out the shadows of the towns spanning the miles between eternity and home. "How could you have known? Luis.you're not psychic." He didn't say anything about his friend's 'gut feelings'. How many times had he been wrong? Not that he WOULD admit it. But Marty was worried, too. "She'll be okay." "What makes you so damn sure?!?!" Marty winced as Luis's anxious voice reverberated in the confines of the patrol car. He didn't have an answer for THAT. So he said nothing. ******************************************************* Her blue eyes followed his every movement. Her fingers tangled in Ali's golden hair, and tears seeped from beneath her lashes as they came away. Sticky with blood. "Ali.Sweetie.stay with Mommy. Okay?" Ali's shoulders shook with the force of her sobs. "Mommy," she whimpered. "I'm sorry." Sheridan kissed Ali's damp cheek. "Baby.there's nothing to be sorry for." "But Mommy.big girls don't." "What's the matter, AliCat?" Reed sneered. "Need a diaper?" Ali buried her face deeper into the crook of Sheridan's neck in shame. Sheridan glared at the hateful man. And clutched her daughter tighter. Reed squatted down in front of them and reached a hand out to Ali's hair. "Like spun gold," he grinned. "Just like Lara's. My Lara was so beautiful. But a bad, bad girl. Just like you, AliCat. Good little girls don't have accidents." Sheridan slapped his hand away. "That's okay," he smirked. "Feisty. I like that in a woman. I bet you're a real handful in.DAMMIT!" "Mommy! Mommy!" Ali screamed. "Shut the hell up kid!" Reed roared. Grabbing Sheridan's wrist and twisting it. Hard. Sheridan clenched her teeth at the awful pain. The sickening sound. "Go ahead. Cry. Hurts, doesn't it?" Sweat beaded on her brow. But she wouldn't give him the satisfaction. He lumbered to his feet and stuck his gun in the waistband of his pants. "If that's the way you want to play it." ******************************************************* Luis's brown eyes glittered in the darkness. The pain etched on his face revealed to Marty with each flash of lightning. "Luis.I.we're no good to any of them if this patrol car's wrapped around a tree." Luis sighed heavily, and he picked up the radio once more. Only to let it drop from his hands. Sam was doing all he could on his end. He closed his eyes and leaned against the headrest. And prayed. ******************************************************* "You're only making it worse for yourself. Half the Harmony Police Department is out there right now." Reed clutched his abdomen in pain. The crimson stain was gradually growing. "YOU only made it worse for yourself and AliCat here when you stabbed me. With intent to kill, I might add. And I only came for a little fun. Sorry about the window. I'd offer to fix it. But after tonight...I'm probably going to Hell." "There's nothing I'm more sure of," Sheridan taunted. The blue and red lights of the police cars illuminated her face in waves. "Aww. You don't want to join me?" *******************************************************
The rosary pierced the skin on the palm of her hand. "Pilar...we're doing everything we can to get them out of there. Unharmed." Pilar frowned. "Unharmed, Sam? You know as well as I do..." Things took a turn for the worse as soon as Reed invaded their lives. Their home." Martin grasped his wife's shoulders and pulled her back into his arms. Hank's brown eyes shone with sympathy. "Hank? How's Gwen? The children?" "I tried to tell her...it wasn't her fault. She's torn up about leaving Sher and the kids, Pilar. Believes she could have stopped him somehow." "No," Pilar shook her head. "She should not feel guilty. Or wish herself in Sheridan's place. This," she nodded her head at her son's darkened home, "is EVIL at work." ******************************************************* Thunder boomed, and the house shook with its power as rain pelted the rooftop. And a sound that made Sheridan's heart pound followed soon after. Cristian! "Now the other brat's at it. Well...I'll stop that. Right now." Ali huddled in the shadows as Sheridan leapt to her feet. "NO! No," she said more calmly. "Let me get him. Please. He'll stop crying. For me." Reed eyed her suspiciously. "Okay. But just in case you decide to try another one of your stunts..." "Mommy!" Ali wailed when he pulled her into his arms. "Mommy!" "Shh. Sweetie...it'll be okay," she soothed. A finger on Ali's pale lips. "Mommy'll be right back. I promise." Cristian was bawling his heart out when she lifted him from his crib. "Shh." She started humming softly and hurried back down the hall. "Let her go. Now," she said in a low voice. Reed complied, and Ali slid from his lap. Scurrying to her side. And hiding behind her legs. She steered Ali to the couch and slumped down beside her wearily. "Doing okay, Baby?" Ali's eyelids drooped sleepily. "Mommy," she whispered. "I'm tired." Sheridan's brow creased in worry. "I know you are. But you have to stay awake. Do it for Mommy. Please?" Ali nodded her head and grabbed Cristian's tiny brown hand. Reed's cold eyes stared at them with hatred. ******************************************************* Brakes screeched, and Hank whipped his head around to see Luis scrambling out of the patrol car in a blind panic. "Luis!" Sam called. "I'm going in, Sam." "Luis...he's dangerous. He might try to..." "Try?" Luis said incredulously. "He won't just try," he growled. Making sure his gun was loaded. "I'm going in for Sheridan and the kids whether you like it or not. They're my life, dammit! Don't even try to talk me out of it." "Okay," Sam relented. "But don't do anything stupid...one false move and..." "Be careful, Mijo!" Pilar cried as he stalked off. "REED! REED! I'M THE ONE YOU WANT! LET MY WIFE AND KIDS GO!" ******************************************************* "Daddy," Ali whispered hopefully. "Daddy's here, Mommy. He'll save us." And for the first time in hours, Sheridan smiled. Luis. Luis WOULD do everything in his power. She had complete faith in him. He'd get them all out of this mess. But just as quickly as the smile appeared it disappeared. The evil gleam in Reed's eyes glowed even brighter as he readied his gun and grinned. "Lopez-Fitzgerald...I've been waiting for you," he said. Slowly twisting the lock on the door. The front door creaked open inch by inch, and a flash of lightning revealed Luis. "NNNNOOOOOOOOO!!!!!" The gunshots were lost in the violence of the summer storm as time slowed to a standstill.
Miss Priss lifted her paw daintily and licked the milk that dripped from it. Luis glared at her from the corner. "Pain in the ass," he muttered. Ali gasped in horror. Her little hand over her mouth. "Daddy!" Luis closed his eyes. Ali never missed a thing. Too bad. "I'm sorry, AliCat. Promise you won't tell Mommy?" he smiled. Wiping up the rest of the spilt milk. Ali's blue eyes lit up when her father threw the dishtowel down and scooped her off the kitchen counter into his arms. "Promise?" "Cross my heart and hope to die," she said solemnly. Planting a sticky kiss on his stubbled cheek. "Daddy," she said softly. "Do you have to work today?" Luis's dark eyes twinkled back at his daughter when he saw her crossed fingers. "Nope," he shook his head. "YAY!" Ali squealed. Throwing her arms around his neck and squeezing tight. So tight Luis had to gasp for air.
"Did Daddy tell you the good news, Sweetie?" Sheridan smiled. Cristian struggled to escape the confines of his high chair. Luis grinned. Cristian loved mauling Miss Priss. The only better punishment for the cat's high and mighty attitude was an entire day spent in Jake's AND MJ's company. "Yeah," Ali singsonged. "Miss Priss jumped on the counter and knocked over the milk again, Mommy," she tattled. "Miss Priss," Sheridan scolded. Half-heartedly. Luis shook his head. His wife and daughter were both bleeding hearts. And that beast had them wrapped around all four paws. "Cristian!" Ali giggled wildly when her brother's cereal splattered her mommy in the face. "Cris! You got Mommy all sticky." "Luis.will you watch him while I go clean up?" "Watch this, AliCat," Luis whispered as Sheridan walked past. Sheridan whooped when the dishtowel smacked her soundly on the bottom. "That hurt," she pouted. But her blue eyes were smiling.
Breakfast together took much longer than Luis had anticipated. But there was still time in the day for a little family fun. Ali was off like a rocket when he suggested a day at the beach. And he was in charge of getting Cristian prepared. Almost an hour later and a whole SUV full of equipment, they were off. The beaches of Harmony look out. "Daddy?" All Luis could see from the rear-view mirror was the top of Ali's golden head. "Yeah, AliCat?" "Daddy, why couldn't Jake come with us?" Luis chuckled. Trips to the beach with Jake were anything but boring. Trips anywhere with Jake were anything but boring. After last time's little JAWS incident.the sight of Jake Bennett made every lifeguard from Harmony to the farthest reaches of Maine groan.
"Ali.Jake had to go visit his grandma today. It's her birthday." Ali's blue eyes went wide. People like Jake's Grandma had birthdays? And got presents? "Poor Jake," Sheridan laughed. Pushing a button and turning the radio on. Her eyes misted over when the familiar strains of 'their' song filled the vehicle. Luis held her hand in his and chanced a smile her way. Ali loved the way her daddy looked at her mommy. The moment was over, though, when Cristian let loose a blood-curdling scream. Seemed his son wasn't a secret sap, Luis thought with a grin. "Just a little longer, Cris," Sheridan soothed. "We're almost there." Cristian kicked his feet back and forth in a rage. Sheridan winced as another scream bounced off the SUV's windows. "He hates that thing," she said. Nodding at the carseat.
"The longest ten minutes of my life," Luis grinned as he helped Ali out of the back seat and Sheridan tended to Cristian. Cristian hiccuped as Sheridan rubbed calming circles on his back and clutched at the material of white tee-shirt. "Shh. See? You're okay." "Daddy! I can't reach my floatie!" Ali squealed. Bouncing on the balls of her feet. Luis stretched a long arm out and snagged the fluorescent pink device and handed it to Ali. "Ali," Sheridan laughed. "Wait 'til we're actually there, Sweetie." "But Mommy," Ali pointed out. "We ARE there." Sheridan couldn't argue with that. The sound of waves rolling into shore and children playing attested to that very fact. "Okay," she relented. "But let Daddy put some sunscreen on you. You don't want to get burned, do you?" Ali shook her head vigorously. Blond tendrils escaping the scrunchie in her hair.
"Luis," Sheridan teased. "What's taking you so long?" Luis rolled his eyes and hefted the last of their 'essential' beach equipment onto his shoulders. Watching his wife's shapely figure sashay down the steps leading to the beach. Oh well.it wasn't like she didn't have her hands full. Cristian was just itching to dive into the sand and shove fistfuls into his mouth. Yeah.this job WAS easier. Finally, everything was all set. He took two steps before."Luis? Do you mind holding him while I.?" Cristian clapped his hands gleefully as he watched Ali race up and down the shore. Luis couldn't help but smile. That ridiculous inner tube made Ali nearly stumble with every step.
"Are you ready yet?" he asked. Turning back around to face his wife. He nearly had a heart attack when he laid eyes on her. "Yes," she grinned. Oh my god, he thought. He couldn't let everyone in Harmony see her like that. Maybe he should have picked out a nice, unrevealing one-piece for her. "Uh.don't you think you should put your shirt back on?" he suggested. His mouth hanging open in shock as he REALLY got a good look at the sinful blue bikini. "You know.to keep from burning," he rushed. "Do you think so?" she said demurely. Leaning over his shoulder to whisper in his ear. "Not on your life, Detective," she breathed. Grabbing Cristian and making a mad dash for the water.
"Mommy!" Ali squealed. "AH!" The shock of the cold water made Sheridan lose her breath, and Cristian clung to her like a lifeline. "C-C-C-C-C-O-O-O-O-L- L-L-L-D-D-D!" Ali chattered. "Luis!" Sheridan screamed when Luis slapped his hands playfully in the water. Drenching her. Cristian sucked in a deep breath as the cold water hit his skin and shivered against her relative warmth. "Here. Give him to me," Luis prompted. Once Cristian was safely in his arms, Luis waded out even farther. Tugging Ali along with him. "Daddy!" Ali squealed in fright. "Daddy! It's too deep! My toes can't touch," she cried in a panic-stricken voice. Cristian wiggled against Luis's firm hold. And Sheridan laughed in disbelief. The little daredevil wanted down. He wanted to swim on his own. Luis grinned. "Did you see that?"
Luis was finally able to coax Ali out of her terror and convince her to try swimming without her floatie. Sheridan watched them contentedly from beneath the shade of an umbrella while Cristian plowed through the sand with his shovel and pail happily. Ali was turning into a regular little fish in the sea. "Cristian! No! Don't eat the sand!" She snatched the shovel from his grasp and bounced him on her knees. "Cris," she laughed as he struggled to spit the grains out of his mouth. "Doesn't taste good, huh?" she said. Wiping his mouth with the clean, dry edge of her beach towel.
"Mommy!" Ali giggled. "Daddy taught me how to swim. I can swim, Mommy," she bragged. "Wow! What do you think, Cris? I think you're sissy deserves a cookie. Don't you?" Cristian jabbered. Total baby gibberish. And Ali got her reward. Sheridan shrieked when Luis wrapped his dripping wet, cold arms around her from behind. Giggling when he wrestled her to the ground. Pinning her arms over her head and tickling her until her sides ached. "Uncle!" she cried. Gasping for air. Luis pulled her against his chest and kissed the top of her head. "Look at that," he whispered. Sheridan felt tears spring to her eyes at the sight before her. Those pictures of her two beautiful children cuddled up in each other's arms at the beach were her all-time favorites. Pictures from their happiest days together.
Chapter 32
"Dad," Jake whined. "Where are they?" Hank searched his pockets. Turning up empty. "Sorry, Little Buddy. Must have left them at home." Gwen slyly dropped the pair of ear plugs in her husband's lap. "Looking for these?" Emily gurgled at him and stuck her tiny fist in her mouth. "I see you're bringing her up in the fine Bennett tradition," Rebecca squawked. Her blue eyes bugging out when Sara plowed HER fists through the creamed potatoes on Jake's plate. Jake laughed. "Thanks! They're no good anyway. I think Grandma made them."
"I did not!" Rebecca exclaimed. "I'll have you know I've never cooked anything my entire life." "Finally," Gwen rolled her eyes. "She admits it. I knew it all along, Mother." Jonathan's eyes sparkled with mirth. "She just likes to pretend she's Martha Stewart." Hank grinned. "And you say you don't have anything in common with anyone in my family. Gracie's been in this sort of psychosis for years. She's Martha Stewart on acid."
Gwen spat her mouthful of mashed potatoes across the table. Right into her mother's face. "What a birthday celebration," Rebecca bemoaned. Swiping at the gloppy mess. "Good grief," Hank grumbled under his breath. "Another 'woe is me' speech." "Mother.Mother.don't cry," Gwen groaned. "How old are you anyway?" Jake piped up. "How old do you 'think' I am?" Rebecca shot back. Jake tapped his finger on his chin in thought. "Hmm. Well.your hair's not really red. Mom told me it's really gray."
Gwen glared at her son. Eyebrows raised to dangerous levels. "And Dad says you're trying to re.recapture your youth by squeezing yourself into those floozy dresses. Give it up, Grandma," Jake advised. "It's not working." Hank clenched his fists. Trying desperately not to laugh. Sure, the kid was ratting him out. But this.this was hilarious. "You got these big, floppy wrinkles around your eyes, too. WOW! I can't wait to tell Dylan. My grandma's 100 years old!"
Rebecca threw her napkin down on the table and stomped off. "Now you've done it, Jake," Gwen scolded. "What? What did I do? Grandpa?" Jonathan chuckled. "Jake.when a woman asks you how old you think she is, always lie." "But Grandpa," Jake said in surprise. "I get in trouble for lying all the time. Grown-ups are too confusing. Especially girl ones." Hank slapped Jake on the back. "Nothing gets by this one." Jake grinned proudly. "Nope." Emily cackled and smeared creamed potatoes on her chin, cheeks, in her hair. What there was of it.
"Mother! Mother! Wait! He didn't mean to hurt your feelings. He's just a kid." Rebecca rolled her eyes. "Hank Bennett's kid. I know they say 'out of the mouth of babes', but Gwen.this is ridiculous. Do I really look like I'm 100 years old," she pouted. And Gwen laughed out loud. "Mother! Now who's being ridiculous?" Rebecca grabbed the nearest pillow and hit her daughter soundly over the head. "Ouch! What was that for?" "For being so smart," Rebecca grumbled. "For doing what's best for you." Gwen gasped in surprise. "What was that? What did I just hear? My mother.telling me I've done something right?"
"Don't get used to it," Rebecca shrilled. "And don't tell that idiot in there. But you did the right thing. He's good for you. He makes you happy. Something I've never done." Tears threatened. Gwen was in a state of utter shock. "Mother.really.I know you love me." In your own way, Gwen thought. "I do," Rebecca said matter-of-factly. Patting her daughter's knee. "Floozy, huh?" "Floozy, definitely," Gwen nodded. Rebecca smoothed her hair back into place. "Well.your father's never complained."
Jake peeked around the corner. "What's happening, Little Buddy?" Hank hissed. Jake's brown eyes were wide with disbelief. "They're hugging." "Oh my god," Hank gasped. "I knew she was being too nice to me lately. Rebecca's only got 6 months to live." Jonathan rumbled with laughter, and Sara puckered her pudgy cheeks. "5..4...3...2.." Sara's screams had Jake wrestling the ear plugs away from his father. "Dad! Give 'em. Those are mine." "No way, Champ," Hank laughed. "Your sister's making me go deaf before my time." Jonathan climbed unsteadily to his feet and picked his granddaughter up gingerly. "Whew! Jake.why don't you go tell Grandma Sara's got her a birthday present?" Jake entered the living room holding Sara's squirming little body at arms' length. "A special birthday surprise." "Get.get.get her away from me," Rebecca screeched. Gwen shook her head. She knew it was too good to be true. "Would the real Rebecca Hotchkiss show herself," she laughed. "But it's my birthday," Rebecca whined.
"Yeah, it is," Jonathan smiled. Carrying a monstrosity of a cake into the living room. "Hurry up and change that child so her grandma can make her birthday wish. This thing's going to set off all the smoke alarms in the house." Hank grinned devilishly. "Forget that. We wasting valuable time here." And so he sang..."Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday Rebecca," Jonathan sang. "...Grandma," Jake bellowed. "...Miss Piggy," Hank teased. "Happy Birthday to you," Gwen sang off-key. Rebecca uncrossed her arms and blew with all her might. "There," she glared. A peculiar twinkle in her blue eyes. "Can't burn the house down. Can we?" Hank winked at Mommy-in-law Dearest. Jake stared at them both curiously. Gwen smiled happily. One question burned in Jonathan's mind. How many months? Well...actually two. Did Hell just freeze over?
Chapter 33
"Mmm. Luis." "Yes," he answered. Splaying his fingers over his wife's bare stomach and nuzzling her neck. "Do you have to go to work today?" she whined. He laughed and took her earlobe between his teeth. "This isn't fair. It's only been two days." "Two wonderful days," he reminded her. Sheridan rolled over on her side and kissed his lips sweetly. "Don't go," she pleaded. "Don't go. Something doesn't feel right, Luis. I don't know how to explain it. I just.something's wrong." His brown eyes studied her. Committing every feature to memory. "I have to," he whispered. Tracing her lips with the pad of his thumb. She sighed heavily. "Hold me. Hold me a little longer." Luis grinned at her. "I can do better than that," he said. Easing off the mattress and creeping to the door. Sheridan smiled when she heard the lock click into place.
She held her hand out to him and when he took it, she pulled him down to her. Luis brushed the hair from her eyes. And kissed her brow. "I like the way you think, Detective," she teased. "Why thank you, Mrs. Lopez- Fitzgerald. Who can blame me? I have the single-most beautiful wife in the world. Two of the most gorgeous children. And one very annoying pain in the ass pet," he smirked. "Yeah.my life is PERFECT." "Luis," she giggled. Smacking him playfully on the chest. "Lay off Miss Priss." "You love that damn cat more than you do me," he pouted. Brown eyes twinkling at her. "Never," she shook her head. "I'll never love anyone more than you. I'll never love anyone else period, Luis." "Ditto," he grinned.
"Ditto! I pour my heart out and all you have to say is.Luis! Maybe you should go on to work early," she suggested. "Really?" he queried. The smile on his face growing as her eyes darkened to a deep, deep blue. "Luis," she rasped. "Did your mother ever tell you it wasn't fair to take advantage of a woman?" Luis's laugh was deep and rumbled from his chest. "My mother would be struck blind if she saw what I was doing right now," he grinned. Easing her shorts down her hips. Along with her panties. Her legs trembled as his hand caressed her thigh. "Poor Pilar," she gasped. "Oh god."
Luis grasped her hand in his and held it above her head against the paleness of the pillow. "God.I love you," he breathed. Trailing kisses along her jaw. "I'll love you always," he promised. Meeting her lips with his own. Her nails tickled his arm as they traveled upwards to his neck. And she wrapped her arms around him. Arching into him. "You better keep that promise," she whispered. Giving him a heart-stopping smile. "I will," he swore. Rolling them over so she sat astride him. She twined her fingers with his and leaned down to kiss him once more. "I love you," she cried as the pleasure built. "I love you."
His heart thudded against his chest as she traced lazy circles on his stomach. "Sheridan.Baby. If I don't get up soon, I'm going to be late for work," he laughed. "I know," she pouted. Kissing his chest. "I still wish you didn't have to go." "Tell you what," Luis grinned. "How about I meet you and Ali and Cristian for lunch? Sound good?" "Luis! Sounds perfect." "Okay. Lunch it is. Care to join me in the shower?" he smirked. Sheridan grabbed her pillow and groaned into to it. "That's what I thought," Luis teased. "I'd never make it out of the house then." "No, you wouldn't," Sheridan grinned. As she watched his naked form stride toward the bathroom.
"Tell Daddy bye," Sheridan said. Cristian flapped his tiny brown hand back and forth. Smiling brightly as Luis kissed his sleep tousled dark head. "Bye, Daddy," Ali hugged his neck tight. "I don't want you to go," she cried. Clinging to him. "AliCat," he soothed. "Remember what Daddy told you? Lunch?" Ali's blue eyes were still serious. "You promise?" "Of course I do. I always keep my promises. Don't I?" Ali refused to meet his eyes. "AliCat?" "Yeah," she finally answered. "I love you, Daddy." Luis's brown eyes looked at Sheridan curiously. "Why's everyone so sad? I'm just going to work. I'll see you in a few hours." "We just love you an awful lot and don't want to see you go. Right, Sweetie?" Ali shook her head vigorously. "Yeah." "Well then." Luis grinned. Sweeping Sheridan into his arms. And giving her the most passionate kiss of the morning. "Daddy," Ali giggled from behind her hands. "Sorry," he apologized sheepishly. "Now.I really have to go."
"Bye, Luis," Sheridan waved. Wiping the smudge of her lipstick off his lips. "Remember your promise." Luis grinned and saluted her. Making Ali AND Cristian giggle in delight. "Yes, Honey." He was halfway to his jeep when he heard Ali's childish voice. "Daddy! Wait!" He knelt down and opened his arms. And Ali flew into them. Raining kisses on his face. "For good luck," she said seriously. Luis tucked her blond hair behind her ear and smiled. "Thank you. Now I feel completely safe and protected. AliCat's worked her magic." Ali giggled and let him go. Then ran back to her mother. The little family waved and waved until Luis's jeep rolled out of sight. The smile on Sheridan's face faded when Ali skipped back into the house. Why couldn't she shake this feeling? This awful feeling?
Chapter 34
"Good morning, Sam," Luis grinned. Marty snickered. "Are you high, Luis?" Luis just radiated happiness. "High on love." Sam chuckled and slapped his friend on the back. "Sheridan and those kids are turning you into a complete sap." Luis filled his mug with coffee. "I know it's corny, Sam. Marty.I'm warning you. Even though I AM a complete sap I can still kick your *** . It's beyond corny," he laughed to himself. "I didn't think it was possible, but I love Sheridan and those kids more and more everyday." "Hey Luis! Maybe you should put in an application at Hallmark. More appropriate for saps, you know." Luis shot Marty a warning glare. But the silly smile was back instantly. "Sam." The phone's shrill ringing interrupted whatever he may have been about to say. Marty and Luis listened to Sam's end of the conversation with keen interest. "Dammit! How could you let this happen? He's a murderer for.Yeah, he might go after the ex-wife. Last I heard she moved to Boston to be with her sister. Yeah, I know what that means. She IS closer. We're there."
"A murderer, Sam? What happened?" Sam's blue eyes."Sam? Why are you looking at me like that?" Luis shrugged. "Luis.sit down." "Sam." "Sit down!" Luis slumped in his chair. His arms crossed. "He was being transferred to a more secure facility. Somehow.somehow he was able to free himself, Luis. The driver of the van is in critical condition. The other man.he's dead." "Who's this he?" Luis asked suspiciously. "Ali's kidnapper," Sam said gravely. Luis balled his hands into fists. "No! Ali! Sheridan! I have to call them. Make sure they're alright." Sam laid a restraining hand on Luis's arm. "Put the phone down, Luis." "But Sam." "I know you want to protect them. I do, too. But there's no need to worry them for nothing. The department head down at Castleton thinks he might go after the ex-wife. It's possible, Luis. You saw how angry he was at her for tipping us off." "Might, Sam. You said it yourself. Ali's closer. What if he goes after her again as some sort of revenge?" Sam grabbed Luis's shoulders. "We won't let that happen."
"I want to be in on the search. Sam.I need to make sure he's put back behind bars where he belongs." "Okay," Sam conceded. "We leave in a few." Luis watched as his friend gave Marty a run-down of the situation. He picked up the phone and punched in the familiar numbers. On the third ring, Gwen answered. "Gwen? Hi. Is Sheridan there? She's playing with the twins? No. You don't have to get her for me. Just tell her.tell her it looks like I won't be able to keep our lunch date today. Tell her I'm really sorry. Anything else? Tell her and the kids I said I love them. Gwen.watch over them for me. No. I just feel better knowing you're there." "Ready, Luis?" Luis hung up the phone and made sure his gun was secure in his holster. "Ready as I'll ever be. Come on, Sam. Let's go get him." *********************************************
"He told you to watch over us," Sheridan chewed on her bottom lip. "Yeah.Sheridan? What are you doing?" Luis's voice mail picked up on the other end, and Sheridan replaced the phone on the hook. "Gwen.you're going to think I'm crazy and try to tell me I'm imagining things.but something isn't right. I woke up this morning with the most awful feeling. I can't shake it. It's still there." Gwen squeezed Sheridan's shoulders. "Sweetie.look around you. Everything's fine. Better than fine, in fact. Perfect." Sheridan smiled. And tickled Emily's bare feet. "We've been here over ten minutes. And Jake hasn't got into trouble yet. I think that's a record," Gwen teased. "For all we know he has Ali tied to a chair in the tree house," Sheridan smirked. "Sheridan!" Gwen gasped. Pretending to be hurt. "My son?" "Yes, your son," she grinned. Running a hand over Sara's fuzzy head when Gwen picked her up. "Or.he has her swinging from one of the branches."
"What do you say we join them?" Sheridan's blue eyes sparkled. "You take Sara. I got Em." "Ow! Maybe I should think about a change," Gwen laughed as she pried a wad of her own hair from her daughter's greedy hands. "I think you'd look great with short hair. But two very special men in your life happen to love your long hair," she confessed. "Jake would get over it. But.what kind of a wife would I be if I made my own husband cry?" she joked. Miss Priss brushed against Sheridan's legs. "Hi there," Sheridan said. "You want to go outside, too? Just be warned.I'm advising against it. No offense, Gwen. Jake's outside." The hair on the cat's back bristled, and she let out a horrific meow before tearing down the hall. Straight to Ali's room. Gwen and Sheridan burst into helpless laughter. "My son has quite a reputation. Sheridan.have you been turning that cat against my sweet little devil?" Sheridan twisted the knob on the French doors that led to the back patio. "What makes you think that?" she said innocently. *********************************************
The twins smiled and cooed in their bassinets and Cristian fussed from his playpen while Sheridan and Gwen enjoyed a breathless game of tag with Jake and Ali. "You guys.are.just too fast.for me," Gwen gasped. Leaning on her knees. Jake gave Ali a high five. "YES!" Sheridan laughed and collapsed in the plush green grass. "I need to rest, too." "Aww," Jake whined. "Come on, Ali. They're too old to keep up with us," he grinned gleefully. Sheridan lay on her back. An arm shading her eyes from the blinding sun. "Beautiful day, isn't it? Sheridan?" "What?" Sheridan asked distractedly. "I'm sorry, Gwen. Did you say something?" "You're still worried, aren't you? Sheridan," she chided. "Okay," Sheridan laughed. Groaning as Gwen pulled her up. "I'll try not to be such a worrywart." "Good." "Hey! Where are you going?" Gwen bounced a squalling Sara on her hip. "Somebody needs a change," she grimaced. "You want anything?" "A tall glass of lemonade would be lovely," Sheridan sighed. "And." "What am I?" Gwen rolled her eyes good-naturedly. "Your waitress?"
Sheridan clasped her hands on her knees and watched Jake and Ali at play. "Mommy!" Ali squealed. "Jake's cheating!" "Am not!" Jake huffed. "Uh huh!" Ali pouted. Trudging over to where her mother sat. "We were playing hide and seek. Jake peeked!" Sheridan fought the laugh that was trying desperately to escape. "Is she right? Jake? Did you.peek?" Jake's brown eyes refused to meet hers. Sheridan smiled when she saw his fingers were crossed. "No," he said in a voice so low it was almost a whisper. "He did!" "Ali.Sweetie.Jake wouldn't lie to me. Would you, Jake?" Jake's brown mop of hair fell forward into his face, and she brushed it from his eyes. "Would you?" "I'm sorry," he mumbled. "I did peek. I won't ever lie to you again. Honest. I promise," he said solemnly. "Are you mad at me?" Sheridan pulled him into a hug and kissed his cheek. "Of course not," she smiled. Jake beamed. "Flirting with Sheridan again, Jake?" Gwen teased. "MOM!" "Hush up," she laughed. "I left you and Ali a surprise in the kitchen." "A surprise!" Ali smiled. "Thank yo." Jake pulled her by the arm, and the pair raced off. Ali's blond mane flying behind them. *********************************************
The sun was fading in the sky. Luis wiped the sweat from his brow. Where could he be? With the roads blocked and all the security, he couldn't have gotten far. Right, Luis, his brain supplied. He wasn't supposed to be able to escape during transport either. Sam waved him over. "Any luck, Luis?" "None," Luis sighed. "He can't just vanish into thin air. He's out there, Sam. I know it." "Chief! Luis!" Sam and Luis looked up to see Marty waving wildly amid the flashing blue and red lights. "We think we have him. A cop pulled a man fitting his description over about 85 miles from this location." "Sam," Luis said. Sam nodded his head. "Go with Marty. And make a positive identification. Put your mind at ease." "Thanks, Sam," Luis said as he opened the passenger side of Marty's patrol car. "Call Sheridan for me. Let her know I'm okay." "Will do, Luis." *********************************************
"Sheridan.I mean it. I can call and cancel. Mother'll grumble. But she'll understand." Sheridan smiled and slipped the diaper bag on Gwen's shoulder. "Sam called and said Luis will be home soon. We'll be fine. Won't we, Ali?" Ali giggled when Gwen tapped her nose. "MOM! Do I have to go? Can't I spend the night with Sheridan. AND Ali," he added quickly. "You've spent the whole day with Sheridan," Gwen pointed out. "Besides.Grandpa would be so disappointed if you didn't come." "Okay," he muttered. "Jake! Be careful with your sister!" "Here, Jake. I'll take that," Sheridan offered. Sara's face scrunched up, and just the faintest hint of tears glittered. "Damn," Gwen cursed under her breath. "She'll keep at ir the whole way to Mother's, too." "Be right back, Sweetie," Sheridan called.
Ali watched the entourage walk to the car. Her hand resting on the doorknob. She waved back at Gwen and Jake as they backed out of the driveway. "Ali," her mom shooed her back in the house. "What do you think we should have for dinner?" "Macaroni and cheese," Ali giggled. Sheridan laughed. "Macaroni and cheese it is. But first.I have to put your little brother to bed. Look at him. He's so sleepy," she whispered. Nestling him against her. Cristian rested his head in the crook of her neck and stuck his thumb in his mouth. "Mommy! Wait! There," she breathed. Kissing Cristian's warm forehead. "I love you, Cris." "He loves you, too, Baby. Why don't you be thinking of something good to go with macaroni so we can fix Daddy a feast?" Ali's blue eyes twinkled at the mention of her daddy. "Okay, Mommy."
Ali opened the cupboard and peered inside. "Daddy likes this," she smiled in satisfaction. She climbed onto the tall stool beside the kitchen counter and let her socked feet dangle. If she were really, really quiet, she could hear her mommy singing to Cris. "Any luck, Sweetie?" her mommy quizzed. Kissing the crown of her head affectionately. "Good job," she said. Giving her a thumbs up. "Mommy?" "Yeah, Baby?" "I love you." Sheridan scooped her tiny daughter up in her arms and squeezed her tight. "What a coincidence! I love you, too.' Ali giggled wildly and Sheridan joined in. *********************************************
Luis clenched his fists. Marty glanced at his friend out of the corner of his eye. "I'm sorry he wasn't our man, Luis. But I'm almost sure Reed's headed for Boston. He has quite a bone to pick with the ex." "Almost isn't good enough. If you're so sure.why do I have this gut feeling something's wrong with my wife and children? Answer me that. This was a waste. A waste of our time. The man didn't even remotely fit Reed's description. Give me your cell phone. I need to try to get through to them. I should never have let Sam talk me into keeping quiet in the first place." Marty turned on the sirens and the speedometer climbed steadily. "Dammit! They're not answering. Sheridan.Sheridan, Baby. It's me, Luis. Listen.if you're there, I want you to take AliCat and Cristian and get out of the house. I don't care where. Just get out." *********************************************
The water boiled over the top of the pan. Spilling onto the stove as Luis's voice filled the room. Shattered glass was strewn across the kitchen floor. Miss Priss hid under the far end of the table nursing her wounds. The trail of blood seemed unending. Stretching from the back door to the living room. Where a madman with a gun paced anxiously. "It's a little too late for that, isn't it, AliCat?" he sneered.
Chapter 35
"I'm going as fast as I can, Luis," Marty bit out. Luis stared out the passenger window. "She knew something was wrong." "I'm sorry, Luis. What's that?" "Sheridan. She knew something like this was going to happen today, and I convinced her it was just silly nonsense." Twilight was falling, and Luis could barely make out the shadows of the towns spanning the miles between eternity and home. "How could you have known? Luis.you're not psychic." He didn't say anything about his friend's 'gut feelings'. How many times had he been wrong? Not that he WOULD admit it. But Marty was worried, too. "She'll be okay." "What makes you so damn sure?!?!" Marty winced as Luis's anxious voice reverberated in the confines of the patrol car. He didn't have an answer for THAT. So he said nothing. ******************************************************* Her blue eyes followed his every movement. Her fingers tangled in Ali's golden hair, and tears seeped from beneath her lashes as they came away. Sticky with blood. "Ali.Sweetie.stay with Mommy. Okay?" Ali's shoulders shook with the force of her sobs. "Mommy," she whimpered. "I'm sorry." Sheridan kissed Ali's damp cheek. "Baby.there's nothing to be sorry for." "But Mommy.big girls don't." "What's the matter, AliCat?" Reed sneered. "Need a diaper?" Ali buried her face deeper into the crook of Sheridan's neck in shame. Sheridan glared at the hateful man. And clutched her daughter tighter. Reed squatted down in front of them and reached a hand out to Ali's hair. "Like spun gold," he grinned. "Just like Lara's. My Lara was so beautiful. But a bad, bad girl. Just like you, AliCat. Good little girls don't have accidents." Sheridan slapped his hand away. "That's okay," he smirked. "Feisty. I like that in a woman. I bet you're a real handful in.DAMMIT!" "Mommy! Mommy!" Ali screamed. "Shut the hell up kid!" Reed roared. Grabbing Sheridan's wrist and twisting it. Hard. Sheridan clenched her teeth at the awful pain. The sickening sound. "Go ahead. Cry. Hurts, doesn't it?" Sweat beaded on her brow. But she wouldn't give him the satisfaction. He lumbered to his feet and stuck his gun in the waistband of his pants. "If that's the way you want to play it." ******************************************************* Luis's brown eyes glittered in the darkness. The pain etched on his face revealed to Marty with each flash of lightning. "Luis.I.we're no good to any of them if this patrol car's wrapped around a tree." Luis sighed heavily, and he picked up the radio once more. Only to let it drop from his hands. Sam was doing all he could on his end. He closed his eyes and leaned against the headrest. And prayed. ******************************************************* "You're only making it worse for yourself. Half the Harmony Police Department is out there right now." Reed clutched his abdomen in pain. The crimson stain was gradually growing. "YOU only made it worse for yourself and AliCat here when you stabbed me. With intent to kill, I might add. And I only came for a little fun. Sorry about the window. I'd offer to fix it. But after tonight...I'm probably going to Hell." "There's nothing I'm more sure of," Sheridan taunted. The blue and red lights of the police cars illuminated her face in waves. "Aww. You don't want to join me?" *******************************************************
The rosary pierced the skin on the palm of her hand. "Pilar...we're doing everything we can to get them out of there. Unharmed." Pilar frowned. "Unharmed, Sam? You know as well as I do..." Things took a turn for the worse as soon as Reed invaded their lives. Their home." Martin grasped his wife's shoulders and pulled her back into his arms. Hank's brown eyes shone with sympathy. "Hank? How's Gwen? The children?" "I tried to tell her...it wasn't her fault. She's torn up about leaving Sher and the kids, Pilar. Believes she could have stopped him somehow." "No," Pilar shook her head. "She should not feel guilty. Or wish herself in Sheridan's place. This," she nodded her head at her son's darkened home, "is EVIL at work." ******************************************************* Thunder boomed, and the house shook with its power as rain pelted the rooftop. And a sound that made Sheridan's heart pound followed soon after. Cristian! "Now the other brat's at it. Well...I'll stop that. Right now." Ali huddled in the shadows as Sheridan leapt to her feet. "NO! No," she said more calmly. "Let me get him. Please. He'll stop crying. For me." Reed eyed her suspiciously. "Okay. But just in case you decide to try another one of your stunts..." "Mommy!" Ali wailed when he pulled her into his arms. "Mommy!" "Shh. Sweetie...it'll be okay," she soothed. A finger on Ali's pale lips. "Mommy'll be right back. I promise." Cristian was bawling his heart out when she lifted him from his crib. "Shh." She started humming softly and hurried back down the hall. "Let her go. Now," she said in a low voice. Reed complied, and Ali slid from his lap. Scurrying to her side. And hiding behind her legs. She steered Ali to the couch and slumped down beside her wearily. "Doing okay, Baby?" Ali's eyelids drooped sleepily. "Mommy," she whispered. "I'm tired." Sheridan's brow creased in worry. "I know you are. But you have to stay awake. Do it for Mommy. Please?" Ali nodded her head and grabbed Cristian's tiny brown hand. Reed's cold eyes stared at them with hatred. ******************************************************* Brakes screeched, and Hank whipped his head around to see Luis scrambling out of the patrol car in a blind panic. "Luis!" Sam called. "I'm going in, Sam." "Luis...he's dangerous. He might try to..." "Try?" Luis said incredulously. "He won't just try," he growled. Making sure his gun was loaded. "I'm going in for Sheridan and the kids whether you like it or not. They're my life, dammit! Don't even try to talk me out of it." "Okay," Sam relented. "But don't do anything stupid...one false move and..." "Be careful, Mijo!" Pilar cried as he stalked off. "REED! REED! I'M THE ONE YOU WANT! LET MY WIFE AND KIDS GO!" ******************************************************* "Daddy," Ali whispered hopefully. "Daddy's here, Mommy. He'll save us." And for the first time in hours, Sheridan smiled. Luis. Luis WOULD do everything in his power. She had complete faith in him. He'd get them all out of this mess. But just as quickly as the smile appeared it disappeared. The evil gleam in Reed's eyes glowed even brighter as he readied his gun and grinned. "Lopez-Fitzgerald...I've been waiting for you," he said. Slowly twisting the lock on the door. The front door creaked open inch by inch, and a flash of lightning revealed Luis. "NNNNOOOOOOOOO!!!!!" The gunshots were lost in the violence of the summer storm as time slowed to a standstill.