CH 3
"So how was L.A.?" Whitney asked Chad.
"It was good." He yawned. "What time is it?"
"Uh here it is nine o'clock in the morning. So there it's about six."
"Right, right." He said. "What happened? I got all five of your voicemails, but then your phone was turned off! I was going nuts."
"I had a fight with Noah and then I stayed with Rosie while Ethan kicked some sense into his brother."
"Was this fight about a certain question?"
"What?"
"You tell me." Chad said, suddenly cautious.
"I made a special dinner, just the two of, cause it was our six-month anniversary for moving in together, and not only was he late, he came in smelling like smoke and cheap perfume."
"That can't be good."
"Gee, ya think?"
"Hey I'm not the pinhead in this scenario." Chad defended himself.
"Thank you." She said. "You agree that he's a pinhead?"
"Yes." Chad said. "What did he say when you called him on it?"
"That he'd stopped in at the Piano bar to buy the wine, ran into an old friend and had a drink with her."
"It's plausible, considering."
"Considering what?" Whitney snapped.
"The question he was planning to pop."
"What question?" Whitney's voice was low and dangerous.
"He might've just had the drink to get his courage up, you know?"
"Chad, what are you saying?"
"He's an idiot, and a jerk, but he's your jerk and idiot. Or he wants to be."
"Oh my God. You're kidding me." Whitney shrieked. "He wants to marry me?"
"He emailed me a picture of a ring and asked if I thought you would like it. My best guess is-"
"Oh my God. What is wrong with me?" Whitney cried. "I have to go find him and tell him I love him. Chad we'll talk later okay?"
"Sure. Bye Whit."
Immediately, Chad dialed Noah's number. "Come on, buddy, be there." He mumbled.
Noah got the phone on the second ring. "Hello?"
"It's Chad."
"Chad?"
"Listen, I told Whitney about the ring, and she's coming over, so you better have it ready."
"You told her?"
"She was ready to call in goons to break your knees."
"Well, my knees thank you, and the rest of me thanks you for the warning."
"Good luck."
"Thanks. Hey how was L.A.?"
"Interesting. I'll tell you about it later. See you."
"Bye."
Chad and Noah hung up and Chad started to walk down the street. He ran right into Ethan who had his daughter.
"Ethan, man, what's up?" Chad asked cheerfully.
"Hey buddy. How was your trip?"
"Good." Chad smiled as he bent down so he was eye level with Rosemary. "Hey there Miss Rosie, how are you today?"
"Good." The little girl grabbed her father's hand and pretended to be shy.
Chad laughed. "So, what are you two up to today?"
"Buying bagels from the bakery." Rosie chirped. "But I get a crumb bun."
"Those are very good, aren't they?"
"Yes." Rosie nodded her head. "And then Daddy is going to take me to the park so we can see Chloe."
"A good day for you." Chad commented.
Rosie smiled sunnily. "Do you wanna come with us? So Daddy has someone to talk to?"
"What about Chloe's daddy?"
"He has to work, so Chloe and I are going to spend the night!"
"That sounds fun."
Rosie nodded. "Chloe and me decided to be best friends."
"Chloe and I." Ethan said automatically.
"Sure, I'll come." Chad straightened back up. He looked down at Rosie for a moment more, comparing her to her sister and brother in L.A. Ethan Martin had his father's fair-haired looks and Emma was darker like her mother. Rosemary Ivy Winthrop looked like Gwen Hotchkiss Winthrop. But that was about as far as the similarities went, to the best of his knowledge.
After spending some time with Ethan's son and daughter Chad had come to the conclusion that the best parts of both Theresa and Ethan had gone into their children.
"She's beautiful." He told Ethan, sotto voice as Rosie stopped to look at a pet shop window on the way to the bakery.
"Yeah she is." Ethan said with a smile. "So, what did you see in L.A.? Anything interesting?"
"Just clubs."
"Did you perform at all?"
"No just talked to the men or women in charge."
"How'd it go?"
"Next time I'm out there, the door is open."
"For all of them?"
"Most of them. Cloud Nine is especially interested in me."
"Cloud Nine--cute name."
"The women in charge aren't bad to look at either."
Ethan laughed. "From you, that's a real compliment."
"I'm serious. These women are gorgeous. They're the kind that get better with age, you know what I mean?"
Ethan gave him a strange look. "Old friends?"
"Could say that."
"People you knew once then?"
"Exactly. I mean they're not only physically beautiful. They're the kind of beautiful that shines through from the inside. And your sister, she's really changed. Oh damn." Chad said, making it clear to Ethan that he had "inadvertently" slipped.
"Jess?" Ethan blinked. "You mean Kay?" He demanded.
"Um-uh-well, yeah."
"You saw her? How is she? How's the baby? Who was with her? Is Sheridan all right? What about Theresa?"
"She's fine. So's your niece." Chad said, ignoring the rest of the questions in favor of joining Rosie at the window of the pet shop.
"Chad, you can't do this to me."
"Not now." He nodded at the little blonde girl.
Ethan sent his friend a dark look.
"The park when she's busy with Chloe." Chad promised.
Ethan nodded. "C'mon angel. We can't keep Chloe waiting."
"Okay Daddy." Rosemary smiled.
HR
"Hey Theresa," Scott Jones, a firefighter, called to her when she arrived for work.
"Hey Scott. Big fire?" She noticed the soot covered guys climbing the stairs.
"Two alarm."
"Anyone hurt?"
"Greg got bumped on the head by some debris but that's it." He smiled. "Have a good shift."
"Always."
Theresa started walking toward the common area shared by the paramedics.
"Hey Theresa." John Clarke, the head paramedic, called.
"Hi."
"You're early."
"I promised Toni I'd stock the bus."
"Isn't it her day off?"
"She traded with Steve so he could go to his daughter's play."
"So what are you doing here?" He teased.
"I work here."
"Shouldn't Toni be stocking the bus? It was Steve's turn."
"I traded with her last time so it's my turn."
"You're a good kid."
"So they tell me. Tell Toni where I am when she comes in and tell her I need some coffee."
The newest employee perked up. "I'll bring you some." He offered eagerly. "He" was fresh out of school and had developed a crush on Theresa, which she was trying to gently discourage.
"That's okay. I'll want it later when we start our runs not now."
"Oh." A disappointed look crossed the boy's face.
"Thanks anyway." Theresa said going up to change.
HR
"Okay so?" Ethan said to Chad
"They're all fine. Happy, healthy, and like I said, gorgeous. Five kids among them, and I'll be damned if there are cuter kids in the world."
"What did they have?"
"Like I said, Kay has a girl, Olivia Samantha, Sheridan had a boy, Thomas Anthony, and Theresa had a girl, Emma Sheridan."
"Emma." Ethan whispered. "I have a daughter named Emma?"
"And a niece named Olivia. They call her Livvie."
"What about Sheridan's child? She's my aunt, so technically I have a cousin."
"Thomas. They call him Thomas as far as I know. No nicknames yet."
"Won't take them long. What about my son, Chad? What's he like? What's Emma like? Do you have pictures?"
"Your boy looks like you. Emma's more like her mom. In looks and temper."
"Oh God, another charmer on the loose? The world will never be safe for man or boy again."
"She's a beauty Ethan. A real beauty."
"There was another sister, wasn't there?"
"Yeah. She's a cool customer that one. She has a son they call Alex. All nine of them share the house, the club, and the clinic. Kay goes to school to be a teacher, Theresa's with the fire department."
"She's a fire fighter?"
"She's a paramedic. I can tell you that it did her upper body good. She looks good."
"Chad." Ethan barked.
"Sorry," Chad apologized. "Anyway the club supports them pretty well and so does Theresa's job."
"You mentioned a clinic."
"Sheridan's primarily in charge of that, but they all work there. They started it to give something back, as Theresa tells it."
"How is Sheridan?"
"She's good. Her little boy looks a lot like Antonio and he has that Irish/Spanish temper Hank always says all the Lopez-Fitzgerald boys got."
"HANK?" Ethan shouted. Rosie and Chloe turned back to look at him in confusion.
"Where's Uncle Hank?" Chloe asked.
"No where Chloe. You two just keep playing," Chad said quickly. "Calm down man. You're scaring your daughter."
"Chad, you waltz in, tell me I have a daughter, that you have seen my son and his mother and my sister and my aunt and my niece and cousin, then expect me to be calm about it?" Ethan's voice grew louder and more strained on each end.
"Yes," Chad hissed. "'Cause we're out in public and you really don't want this getting back to your dad, Miguel, or Luis before you tell them, do you?"
"Fine. Good point. Watch the girls for me for today, I'm gonna go find them."
Chad grabbed Ethan's arm as he started to stride away. "Man, what's the matter with you? You can't just drop this bomb on them."
"You dropped it on me pretty damn fast."
"I slipped. I wasn't supposed to drop anything on you."
"Like hell. You purposely mentioned Kay."
Chad didn't say anything. "Look, you need to calm down and think before you go looking for your dad or anyone else. You go off like this and you're just gonna mess up."
"Fine. I just need some time to think--and to organize all the questions I have. Like where do they live and what are their allergies and why did Hank know before us and how did he keep this a secret from his best friend, his brother, and his nephew and what do my children's voices sound like and are they angels or do they have a touch of the devil and...my God, I don't even know my daughter's birthday."
"December 14, 2003. She's a little of both but your son is definitely an angel. And according to both Kay and Theresa he has the Bennett charm you, your dad, Hank, and Noah possess."
"December 14." Ethan repeated. He took a shuddering breath. "I'm going to go buy a bag of bread so the girls can feed the ducks. Ten minutes. Watch them for me, will you?"
"Ten minutes. If you're not back by then, I'm coming after you."
"Better make it fifteen then."
"Ethan, I repeat, don't do something stupid."
"I stopped doing stupid things when Rosie was born."
"Uh-huh," Chad muttered.
Ethan walked quickly to a store. Once he was there he picked up a pay phone and dialed directory assistance.
"What city please?"
"Los Angeles. The phone number for Cloud Nine," Ethan said.
Ethan scribbled the number on the back of his hand, bought the bread and left the store. Better to call for reservations at the club after he talked Jess into making a plane reservation. Better to talk to Theresa when he was thinking coherently, instead of being torn between the image of kissing her senseless or strangling her for taking away his children.
HR
"Hey Poe," Sheridan greeted. "Fancy seeing you here."
Paloma smiled as she closed the door to the clinic closed behind. It was flu shot day and the place was crowded. "Just wanted to see if your part of Saturday's guest list was done."
"Yeah, I meant to fax it but I think I got a phone call from a school nurse and was distracted. Sorry, let's go to my office and see if we can find it somewhere on my desk."
"Okay." Paloma followed her back. "How you find anything in here is beyond me."
"It's one of life's great mysteries." Sheridan agreed. "So, how's Hank?"
"You saw him, he's fine." Paloma said, flipping her hair unconsciously.
"Don't play coy with me Po." Sheridan said. "What's going on with you two?"
"Nothing." Paloma said. "We are on opposite sides of the country."
"Every time he comes in a room, he looks for you first. When you're there he lights up, if you're not there he lights up when you come in. And you do the same thing."
"I do not."
Sheridan shot her a look. "Yeah, right."
"I can talk to him about some things that I can't discuss with you or Kay or Theresa. We have a lot of business contacts. He remembers my husband, and still talks to a few mutual acquaintances I've lost touch with." Paloma sighed.
"Poe, we haven't always been close but I did love Antonio and I do love Luis. I know what it's like to lose that. You can talk to me about that at least."
"That's the thing." She shrugged. "You did love them. I respected Alejandro, but there just wasn't room for much else."
"Then why--"
"Did I marry him?"
"Yeah."
"It's a good question." Paloma said with a self-conscious chuckle. "And I don't have a really good answer."
Sheridan frowned and scrunched up her nose before she shrugged her shoulders. "Here's my list. I hope it's not to long."
"Should be okay," Paloma looked over it. "Theresa invited most of the firehouse."
Sheridan laughed. "She wants to show off. What about Kay?"
"Everyone in her study groups, and half of her professors."
"What about you?"
She shrugged. "Hank, the kids, Cole and Jose."
"You need a wider circle of friends." Sheridan said.
"Relax. It's just that everyone else had already been invited."
"How about the press list? Did all of those RSVP?"
"Yeah, the Times reporter is coming, so is the Globe, and the TV people promise to set up on the red carpet cause Theresa and Kay insisted on inviting the celebs that came on opening night two years ago to the party."
"This thing is getting huge. How are you handling it?"
"I couldn't be happier. You know me. I'm in my element when I'm dealing with crisis situations, smiling, and thanking people for coming."
"So you're working the door?"
"Yeah. Kay's gonna circulate the tables, you're still handling the music, and Theresa's gonna work the bar."
"We're putting Theresa at the bar? Do you remember the last time she did that?"
Paloma's forehead crinkled in a frown. "Yeah, she handled it."
"She spilled a drink on the tabloid reporter who remarked on her resemblance to the vanished Crane heiress."
"Why didn't I know about this?"
"Jose's predecessor had set the shrimp on fire. You were dealing with that."
"Would you rather do the bar and have Theresa handle music?"
"Nah. I think we'll be okay. Who's on bouncer duty?"
"Uh," Paloma opened the organizer in her hand. "Oh. Benny and Pete. They'll keep out anyone without an invitation."
"Pulling out the big guns, aren't we?"
"For this. Yes." Paloma said. "All right, I know you're busy, so I'll run along to pick up the kids from nursery school."
"Alright. I'll hopefully make it home for dinner." Sheridan told her as they made their way back out to the front.
"And Sheridan?" Paloma said hesitantly.
"Yes?" Sheridan tilted her head.
"Thanks."
"Anytime."
HR
"What do you mean I can't have a reservation for Saturday?"
"The club is booked on Saturday. It's a private party by invitation only," the man on the other end told him. "I can get you in on Friday or Sunday. Not Saturday."
"Friday then." Ethan said. "What kind of private party?"
"It's the anniversary of the club," she said. "How many in your party?"
"Four. Put it under the name B- Bennings."
"Done. You are aware of the cover charge?"
"It's no problem. Thank you."
"On Friday Mr. Bennings."
"Right. Bye." Ethan hung the phone up and then picked it up again.
"Hello?"
"Grace, is Dad there?"
"Hello, Ethan dear. How are you?" Usually Grace's maternal tone soothed Ethan, but tonight it irritated him.
"Fine. Can I speak to Dad please?"
"Ethan, is something wrong?"
"No. Nothing. I just need to talk to Sam."
"Of course. I'll get him."
"Thanks."
"Ethan?"
"Dad, I have something I need to talk to you about. Can you get Luis and Miguel and meet me at my house?"
"Is it about the girls?" Sam asked instantly. "Did your investigators find something?"
"No. Not the investigators. Look, I'll tell you when you get here. Don't say anything to Grace or Pilar. They'll want to come and I don't think that'll be good for right now."
"We'll be over in half an hour." Sam promised.
"I'll be waiting."
HR
"Poe, is it really necessary to make each guest a party favor by hand? This isn't a birthday party for one of the kids." Kay complained as she twisted candy into a piece of white cloth and put a twist tie around the top.
"No, it's a party for our baby," Paloma told her. "The club is our baby. We built it and we've nurtured it."
"Why didn't we just buy something?" Sheridan asked.
"It needs to have a personal touch." Paloma said patiently. "Come on, we're halfway done. Just a couple more hours."
"Hours?" Kay groaned. "You're a sadist, you know that, right?"
Paloma grinned. "I'm so happy we know each other well enough that you feel comfortable insulting me while working on a project together."
"Sisters always insult. It's a way of showing love."
"You and Jess showed as much love as you could without actually knocking each other's teeth out, right?" Theresa teased when she came in.
"How're the kids?"
"I got everyone settled down into bed." Theresa said. "They're really wound up."
"They're excited." Sheridan said.
"So's the firehouse. Just about everyone on my watch traded with guys on the first and second so they could come tomorrow."
"This is going to be great." Kay said. "I just hope we have enough food. Most of my classmates are sort of starving."
"Just remember to cut off your lieutenant Theresa. I don't want a repeat of Christmas Eve." Paloma warned.
Sheridan snickered. "Oh come on, why not?"
"Maybe she doesn't want to get hit on again," Kay teased. "Although it was funny watching him try and get her under the mistletoe."
"It would've been funnier if Hank had been here." Theresa said, slyly gauging her sister's reaction.
"Let's not go there," Paloma told her sister with a stern look.
Theresa wrinkled her nose. "You guys want something to drink while you do the favors?"
"You're not getting out of helping us that easily." Sheridan said firmly. "I'll go get the baby monitors, you take my chair."
"They're three and four years old, why do we need monitors?" Kay asked.
"Cause they're still little enough to be sick and need us in the middle of the night," Theresa said sitting down.
"And we're allowed to be paranoid." Paloma said, with an adept twist of the wrist. "Bring down a radio too?"
"Sure." Sheridan said over her shoulder.
HR
"Chad found them? How?"
"He was visiting clubs in L.A. and he found the one they own."
"They own a club?" Sam asked.
"Cloud Nine," Ethan supplied.
"Are they okay?" Miguel asked. "What did they all have?"
"They're all fine. Healthy, happy and as he tells it gorgeous." Ethan paused. "Kay had a girl, Olivia Samantha. Sheridan had a boy, Thomas Anthony. Theresa's daughter's name is Emma Sheridan. And of course, there's Ethan Martin, and Paloma's son Alex."
"Two more granddaughters." Sam said with a smile.
"I have a daughter," Miguel whispered softly.
"Luis, you okay?" Ethan asked.
"Fine. What are they doing? Do they just have the club?"
"No. Kay's in school. She's studying to be a teacher. Sheridan runs this clinic they set up. Paloma's mainly in charge of the club. And Theresa's a paramedic."
"Have you talked to them?"
"No. But I made reservations at the club and Jess is working on getting me a plane ticket."
"I'll need one too," Sam said.
"Me too," Luis added.
"And me," Miguel finished.
"Okay," Ethan nodded.
"What else do you know?" Miguel looked hungry for details.
"Not much. Just that they're okay. Happy, healthy, and together."
"What about the kids?" Sam asked.
"Same. They're okay. They go to a nursery school somewhere around where Theresa works. She works at a fire station."
"Did Chad have any pictures? Descriptions?"
"He said we'll know them when we see them." Ethan said. "Let's call Jess."
HR
"How's the club booked for tonight Sheridan?" Theresa asked as she helped Lenny, one of the other bartenders, stock the bar for the night. She had work in a few hours.
"It's great. The radio spots about the anniversary party really helped us out--we're about twenty away from capacity."
"Great. I can't believe it's been two years since this place opened." Theresa looked around the club. "Remember opening night? Boy were we nervous."
"And then when the musicians were late and the cooks ran out of onion rings? I thought we were doomed."
"Yeah but then Hank tricked me into getting up on stage and singing. You know I'm still mad at him for that." Theresa laughed.
"He's been a good friend to us." Sheridan said. "All of us."
"Yeah but I think he wants more then friendship from my baby sister."
"I asked her about it." Sheridan admitted.
"What did she say?"
"That she can talk to him about things she can't talk to us about."
Theresa frowned. "I know in the beginning, when we were all pregnant, she wanted to take care of us but I thought she'd be over that by now."
"She mentioned that he knew her husband. I hadn't realized that, did you?"
"I think I knew, but I'm not sure. And it's not just Hank who likes Poe, it's Poe who likes Hank and not just in a friend way."
"So why don't they do something about it?"
"Well I know Hank's reason. I think I do anyway. She's his best friend's baby sister. That means she's off limits."
"That is so archaic."
"I wonder about her reason though." Theresa mused. "Maybe they just need a little tap in the right direction?"
"She wouldn't appreciate us interfering." Sheridan considered.
"We're her family and besides according to Mrs. Silverstein, the kid's nursery school teacher, we're also yentas. We're supposed to interfere."
"Good. The anniversary party is a good place to start, don't you think?"
"Perfect." Theresa checked her watch. "Oh! I gotta go. I'll see you later, if you're up when I get home."
"Have a good shift tonight." Sheridan called, as Theresa fairly flew out the door.
"Thanks!"
HR
"We have reservations at eight." Ethan said to his traveling companions.
"So we should catch a nap ahead of time." Sam said.
"What's the closest hotel to Cloud Nine?" Miguel asked the cab driver.
"Hotel Monte."
"Did Jess take care of hotels too, or are we on our own?"
"We're on our own for that," Ethan said. "Hotel Monte please?"
The cab rocketed away from the curb.
HR
"Mommy?" Thomas said standing in front of Sheridan, who was sitting on the couch listening to the radio. 'Sand & Water' was playing.
"Yes sweetie?" She scooped him up.
"How come you've got tears?"
"Oh because this song reminds me of you and your dad."
"You always get sad about him."
"Because I miss him. But this song, there's a line in it. 'His laughter fills my world and wears your smile.' That's what makes me sad because it's true. You have his smile."
Uncomfortable, Thomas fidgeted a little.
"Alright, I promise not to be sad anymore today. Okay? You wanna play Chutes & Ladders?"
He shook his head. "Candy Land."
"Okay. Why don't you get it and maybe see if Ethan or Alex wants to play too."
"Aunt Paloma's making Alex take a bath now and Ethan and Emma are watching Muppet Babies. Livvie and Aunt Kay are taking a walk."
"Guess it's just you and me then, huh?"
Thomas nodded.
"Okay. We'll play at the table and I'll get some cookies and apple juice for us, okay?"
"Chocolate milk?"
"Apple juice." Sheridan's tone was firm.
"Okay," Thomas said smiling a little. "I love you Mommy."
"I love you." Sheridan crushed him in a hug.
"I'm squished," Thomas said. "Help!" he giggled.
"You'll have to call louder than that." Sheridan teased.
"Mommy ticklish," he said mischievously. Then he tickled her.
She laughed. "Thomas is ticklish too." She whispered in his ear as she started tickling him in return.
Mother and son played together for a little while, making Sheridan's heart lighter.
HR
"Hi Rick," Theresa said to one of their regulars. "You gotta stop sleeping it off in the park. The person who called thought you were dead."
"Whew! Smell that breath." Toni Risotti said. "What do you think his B.A.L. is?"
Theresa shook her head. "You in any pain Rick?"
"I don't think he's feeling anything Theresa," Toni told her. "Rick, did you hit your head?"
"Screw off!" the drunken man slurred at her.
"Okay Rick, let's go. Puke before you get in the rig," Theresa told him.
"Not gonna puke." He mumbled defiantly.
"That's what you said the last time Officer Perez put you in his RMP. He's still trying to get the stain out."
"Can't make me."
"His head's not bleeding," Toni said. "We could just have him sign a R.M.A. sheet and leave it at that."
"He's not in any condition to make that decision. He's bombed."
"You always do the right thing?" Her partner asked expectantly.
"I try." She looked around. "The clinic's open late tonight. Kay's manning the desk and that doctor from the hoity-toity hospital up in Beverly Hills is doing his shift. Let's take him there. Hey Nick?"
Officer Nicholas Porter turned around. "Yeah?"
"Watch the bus? We'll be right back."
"Sure."
"How many paramedics in this city are part owners of their own clinic?" Toni wondered.
"Just me. I promise."
"As if we needed proof of your sainthood. You keep doing this job when you could just chuck it all. Why don't you?"
Theresa smiled, but didn't answer Toni. "C'mon Rick, one foot in front of the other. That's it."
"Don't like you."
"I know but I'm gonna help you anyway."
"Stupid of you."
"Maybe." Theresa agreed.
"This guy's got more liquor in him then you've got in your bar," Toni said.
Theresa laughed. "On a normal day, yes. With this party coming up? About equal. Hey Kay, you got a free room?"
"Oh boy. Hi Rick. Did you have a nice bender?"
He mumbled incoherently.
"Yeah I think room three's open. Lemme check. Do you want Dr. Harrison to take a look at him?"
"Whatever you think is best. I'll see you later."
"Sure. Night. See you tomorrow, right Toni?"
"Wouldn't miss it," the redhead promised.
HR
"Do you see them?"
"No." Miguel sulked. "And we're getting weird looks from the bartender."
"That guy looks like he could squash a bug just by looking at it." Sam said.
"Chad said his name's Cole and he's 100% devoted to the girls."
"Good to know, I guess." Luis said. "Still looks creepy. Chad mention anything about a prison record?"
"Thanks to your sister's good efforts, he got out on bail."
"Which sister?" Miguel asked suspiciously.
"Paloma. Chad said she's passionate about giving second chances and keeping secrets. He couldn't even get Alex's full name out of her."
"Good. I'm glad it wasn't Theresa. I'd hate to have to kill her for taking off pregnant with Ethan Martin and bailing out a convict," Ethan said.
"There will be no killing until we have a complete and thorough explanation." Sam said sharply.
"Fine, fine," Ethan agreed. He looked around the club. Then he did a double take. "Guys."
"What?" All three of his companions looked at him.
"Sheridan. Over there by the door."
Luis was halfway out of his chair when Miguel and Sam each grabbed an arm.
"Ethan, you're calmer. You go." Miguel told him. "Luis, you sit."
Ethan crossed the room rapidly. "Sheridan." He called. She turned, and paled dramatically.
"I'm hallucinating." She said. She grabbed the arm of a passing girl. "Excuse me, but do you see him?" she pointed at Ethan.
"Yeah. He's cute. Who is he?"
"My nephew. I think."
"Oh," the girl with bright blonde hair said. "I'm Mack. What's your name?"
"Sheridan. He's Ethan. Distract him for me?"
"Sure." She said with a smile. "Ethan, was it? What do you do?"
"Sheridan, don't move."
Sheridan faded back, as Ethan pursued her across the club.
Suddenly a brunette got in his way. She was very familiar.
"Paloma?"
"I called you once to tell you to stay away." Her voice was a cold whisper.
"Well, you should have given your brothers the same message."
"What are you doing here?"
"I'm here for my children, their mother, my sister, my niece, my aunt, and my cousin."
"Sheridan's not your aunt, remember? You're not a Crane. You're a Bennett. Your mother and Chief Bennett did it and we got you."
"Old habits die very hard deaths. Now let me see her."
"Theresa's at work and the kids are sleeping and the only way you're getting into our apartment is if someone invites you in."
"I'm not a vampire."
"Yes but if you enter our apartment without permission, I get to call the police and have you arrested."
"True."
"So, go ahead, make my day."
"Are you going to spend all night blocking me?"
"Well, I don't have to block you tonight. Sheridan's gone upstairs and my sister and Kay won't be home till later. Night, Ethan."
"That was a spectacular failure." Ethan muttered to the other men at his table. "Your sister didn't even have to yell to be heard over the music to make her message loud and clear."
"It was Sheridan, though right?" Luis asked.
"It was her."
"Ethan, who's that?" Miguel asked.
"Who?" Ethan asked looking over his shoulder. "Oh that's Mack. Sheridan asked her if I was real."
"She's headed this way."
"Think if I tell her I'm married but my wife's in a sanitarium, she'll go away?"
"Thought you were divorced?"
"It's still worth a shot."
HR
"Cole, I need a favor." Paloma slid behind the bar. "See those four over there? They're not wanted. I don't want to make a scene, but we need to put them on the list of 'do not admit,' okay?"
"You got it Boss."
"Cole, how many times do I have to tell you? Don't call me Boss."
"Sorry Boss."
"Oy. Okay, just get rid of them."
"Anything for you."
"You're a good guy, Cole. I'll handle the bar while you handle them."
"Thanks."
HR
"Guys, we've got company."
Sam watched warily as the giant approached their table.
"You've worn out your welcome." Cole said gruffly.
"We didn't do anything." Miguel tried to protest.
"Shut up." Luis said, almost simultaneously.
"Hey, who you telling to shut up?" Cole asked.
"Him." Ethan said, pointing at Miguel. "We don't want any trouble."
"Then, I suggest you leave. Now."
"You know the ladies in charge, right? Of course. Would you give them this business card, and tell them I'll be in touch?" Ethan offered his card. Cole refused to take it. Ethan dropped it on the table. "Come on, we better go." He advised. The three cops stayed put, even as Ethan started to walk away from the table.
"You know, we're members of law enforcement."
"Good for you. You cops for the L.A.P.D.?"
"Well, no," Sam admitted.
"Should I call the L.A.P.D.?" Cole asked. "They like the girls down there at the 77th Street Station."
Luis's eyes narrowed to slits. "I'm sure."
"And I'm sure they like you right?"
"My debt to society was paid off by my hours at the Jonas Salk Free Clinic."
"Guys." Ethan tried tentatively. "We don't want to make a mess in the girl's club, especially since there's that big party here tomorrow."
"And how do you know about that?" Cole turned on Ethan.
"I tried to make reservations for tomorrow and I couldn't."
"Hummph." Cole grouched.
"We're going." Miguel said. "We're going. Just let Kay know that Miguel was looking for her, okay?"
"You're Miguel?" Cole suddenly put real effort into looking threatening. "You're the no good lying weasel?"
"Um..."
"No, he's not. He said his name was Michael."
Cole scowled and picked up the card Ethan had dropped on the table earlier.
"Let's go Mike." Sam said. "You too Luis."
"Luis? The one Miss Sheridan cried her eyes out over when he married a tramp with a bitchy mother?"
"Would it be cowardly to run?" Ethan asked.
"No." Sam said.
The four of them ran for the exit like madmen.
Cole stayed by the table with a smile on his face. "Good riddance."
Cole rejoined Paloma behind the bar. "You're losing your touch." She teased. "Usually they gibber like fools within thirty seconds."
"But they're gone anyway."
"Thank you." She smiled at him. "I don't know what we would do without you."
"Don't worry about it."
"I'll see you tomorrow. Remember, you're a guest tomorrow. I don't want to see you serving anyone."
"But-"
"No buts. You're a friend. Friends have fun at parties."
"If there's any trouble, I want to take care of it for you."
"There won't be any trouble--unless you know something I don't?"
"Not a thing." Cole smiled.
"Good. I hope you bring that girl you've been telling Mary about."
He shook his head. "Good lord woman, do you have spies everywhere?"
"Always. Night." Paloma headed upstairs.
"So how was L.A.?" Whitney asked Chad.
"It was good." He yawned. "What time is it?"
"Uh here it is nine o'clock in the morning. So there it's about six."
"Right, right." He said. "What happened? I got all five of your voicemails, but then your phone was turned off! I was going nuts."
"I had a fight with Noah and then I stayed with Rosie while Ethan kicked some sense into his brother."
"Was this fight about a certain question?"
"What?"
"You tell me." Chad said, suddenly cautious.
"I made a special dinner, just the two of, cause it was our six-month anniversary for moving in together, and not only was he late, he came in smelling like smoke and cheap perfume."
"That can't be good."
"Gee, ya think?"
"Hey I'm not the pinhead in this scenario." Chad defended himself.
"Thank you." She said. "You agree that he's a pinhead?"
"Yes." Chad said. "What did he say when you called him on it?"
"That he'd stopped in at the Piano bar to buy the wine, ran into an old friend and had a drink with her."
"It's plausible, considering."
"Considering what?" Whitney snapped.
"The question he was planning to pop."
"What question?" Whitney's voice was low and dangerous.
"He might've just had the drink to get his courage up, you know?"
"Chad, what are you saying?"
"He's an idiot, and a jerk, but he's your jerk and idiot. Or he wants to be."
"Oh my God. You're kidding me." Whitney shrieked. "He wants to marry me?"
"He emailed me a picture of a ring and asked if I thought you would like it. My best guess is-"
"Oh my God. What is wrong with me?" Whitney cried. "I have to go find him and tell him I love him. Chad we'll talk later okay?"
"Sure. Bye Whit."
Immediately, Chad dialed Noah's number. "Come on, buddy, be there." He mumbled.
Noah got the phone on the second ring. "Hello?"
"It's Chad."
"Chad?"
"Listen, I told Whitney about the ring, and she's coming over, so you better have it ready."
"You told her?"
"She was ready to call in goons to break your knees."
"Well, my knees thank you, and the rest of me thanks you for the warning."
"Good luck."
"Thanks. Hey how was L.A.?"
"Interesting. I'll tell you about it later. See you."
"Bye."
Chad and Noah hung up and Chad started to walk down the street. He ran right into Ethan who had his daughter.
"Ethan, man, what's up?" Chad asked cheerfully.
"Hey buddy. How was your trip?"
"Good." Chad smiled as he bent down so he was eye level with Rosemary. "Hey there Miss Rosie, how are you today?"
"Good." The little girl grabbed her father's hand and pretended to be shy.
Chad laughed. "So, what are you two up to today?"
"Buying bagels from the bakery." Rosie chirped. "But I get a crumb bun."
"Those are very good, aren't they?"
"Yes." Rosie nodded her head. "And then Daddy is going to take me to the park so we can see Chloe."
"A good day for you." Chad commented.
Rosie smiled sunnily. "Do you wanna come with us? So Daddy has someone to talk to?"
"What about Chloe's daddy?"
"He has to work, so Chloe and I are going to spend the night!"
"That sounds fun."
Rosie nodded. "Chloe and me decided to be best friends."
"Chloe and I." Ethan said automatically.
"Sure, I'll come." Chad straightened back up. He looked down at Rosie for a moment more, comparing her to her sister and brother in L.A. Ethan Martin had his father's fair-haired looks and Emma was darker like her mother. Rosemary Ivy Winthrop looked like Gwen Hotchkiss Winthrop. But that was about as far as the similarities went, to the best of his knowledge.
After spending some time with Ethan's son and daughter Chad had come to the conclusion that the best parts of both Theresa and Ethan had gone into their children.
"She's beautiful." He told Ethan, sotto voice as Rosie stopped to look at a pet shop window on the way to the bakery.
"Yeah she is." Ethan said with a smile. "So, what did you see in L.A.? Anything interesting?"
"Just clubs."
"Did you perform at all?"
"No just talked to the men or women in charge."
"How'd it go?"
"Next time I'm out there, the door is open."
"For all of them?"
"Most of them. Cloud Nine is especially interested in me."
"Cloud Nine--cute name."
"The women in charge aren't bad to look at either."
Ethan laughed. "From you, that's a real compliment."
"I'm serious. These women are gorgeous. They're the kind that get better with age, you know what I mean?"
Ethan gave him a strange look. "Old friends?"
"Could say that."
"People you knew once then?"
"Exactly. I mean they're not only physically beautiful. They're the kind of beautiful that shines through from the inside. And your sister, she's really changed. Oh damn." Chad said, making it clear to Ethan that he had "inadvertently" slipped.
"Jess?" Ethan blinked. "You mean Kay?" He demanded.
"Um-uh-well, yeah."
"You saw her? How is she? How's the baby? Who was with her? Is Sheridan all right? What about Theresa?"
"She's fine. So's your niece." Chad said, ignoring the rest of the questions in favor of joining Rosie at the window of the pet shop.
"Chad, you can't do this to me."
"Not now." He nodded at the little blonde girl.
Ethan sent his friend a dark look.
"The park when she's busy with Chloe." Chad promised.
Ethan nodded. "C'mon angel. We can't keep Chloe waiting."
"Okay Daddy." Rosemary smiled.
HR
"Hey Theresa," Scott Jones, a firefighter, called to her when she arrived for work.
"Hey Scott. Big fire?" She noticed the soot covered guys climbing the stairs.
"Two alarm."
"Anyone hurt?"
"Greg got bumped on the head by some debris but that's it." He smiled. "Have a good shift."
"Always."
Theresa started walking toward the common area shared by the paramedics.
"Hey Theresa." John Clarke, the head paramedic, called.
"Hi."
"You're early."
"I promised Toni I'd stock the bus."
"Isn't it her day off?"
"She traded with Steve so he could go to his daughter's play."
"So what are you doing here?" He teased.
"I work here."
"Shouldn't Toni be stocking the bus? It was Steve's turn."
"I traded with her last time so it's my turn."
"You're a good kid."
"So they tell me. Tell Toni where I am when she comes in and tell her I need some coffee."
The newest employee perked up. "I'll bring you some." He offered eagerly. "He" was fresh out of school and had developed a crush on Theresa, which she was trying to gently discourage.
"That's okay. I'll want it later when we start our runs not now."
"Oh." A disappointed look crossed the boy's face.
"Thanks anyway." Theresa said going up to change.
HR
"Okay so?" Ethan said to Chad
"They're all fine. Happy, healthy, and like I said, gorgeous. Five kids among them, and I'll be damned if there are cuter kids in the world."
"What did they have?"
"Like I said, Kay has a girl, Olivia Samantha, Sheridan had a boy, Thomas Anthony, and Theresa had a girl, Emma Sheridan."
"Emma." Ethan whispered. "I have a daughter named Emma?"
"And a niece named Olivia. They call her Livvie."
"What about Sheridan's child? She's my aunt, so technically I have a cousin."
"Thomas. They call him Thomas as far as I know. No nicknames yet."
"Won't take them long. What about my son, Chad? What's he like? What's Emma like? Do you have pictures?"
"Your boy looks like you. Emma's more like her mom. In looks and temper."
"Oh God, another charmer on the loose? The world will never be safe for man or boy again."
"She's a beauty Ethan. A real beauty."
"There was another sister, wasn't there?"
"Yeah. She's a cool customer that one. She has a son they call Alex. All nine of them share the house, the club, and the clinic. Kay goes to school to be a teacher, Theresa's with the fire department."
"She's a fire fighter?"
"She's a paramedic. I can tell you that it did her upper body good. She looks good."
"Chad." Ethan barked.
"Sorry," Chad apologized. "Anyway the club supports them pretty well and so does Theresa's job."
"You mentioned a clinic."
"Sheridan's primarily in charge of that, but they all work there. They started it to give something back, as Theresa tells it."
"How is Sheridan?"
"She's good. Her little boy looks a lot like Antonio and he has that Irish/Spanish temper Hank always says all the Lopez-Fitzgerald boys got."
"HANK?" Ethan shouted. Rosie and Chloe turned back to look at him in confusion.
"Where's Uncle Hank?" Chloe asked.
"No where Chloe. You two just keep playing," Chad said quickly. "Calm down man. You're scaring your daughter."
"Chad, you waltz in, tell me I have a daughter, that you have seen my son and his mother and my sister and my aunt and my niece and cousin, then expect me to be calm about it?" Ethan's voice grew louder and more strained on each end.
"Yes," Chad hissed. "'Cause we're out in public and you really don't want this getting back to your dad, Miguel, or Luis before you tell them, do you?"
"Fine. Good point. Watch the girls for me for today, I'm gonna go find them."
Chad grabbed Ethan's arm as he started to stride away. "Man, what's the matter with you? You can't just drop this bomb on them."
"You dropped it on me pretty damn fast."
"I slipped. I wasn't supposed to drop anything on you."
"Like hell. You purposely mentioned Kay."
Chad didn't say anything. "Look, you need to calm down and think before you go looking for your dad or anyone else. You go off like this and you're just gonna mess up."
"Fine. I just need some time to think--and to organize all the questions I have. Like where do they live and what are their allergies and why did Hank know before us and how did he keep this a secret from his best friend, his brother, and his nephew and what do my children's voices sound like and are they angels or do they have a touch of the devil and...my God, I don't even know my daughter's birthday."
"December 14, 2003. She's a little of both but your son is definitely an angel. And according to both Kay and Theresa he has the Bennett charm you, your dad, Hank, and Noah possess."
"December 14." Ethan repeated. He took a shuddering breath. "I'm going to go buy a bag of bread so the girls can feed the ducks. Ten minutes. Watch them for me, will you?"
"Ten minutes. If you're not back by then, I'm coming after you."
"Better make it fifteen then."
"Ethan, I repeat, don't do something stupid."
"I stopped doing stupid things when Rosie was born."
"Uh-huh," Chad muttered.
Ethan walked quickly to a store. Once he was there he picked up a pay phone and dialed directory assistance.
"What city please?"
"Los Angeles. The phone number for Cloud Nine," Ethan said.
Ethan scribbled the number on the back of his hand, bought the bread and left the store. Better to call for reservations at the club after he talked Jess into making a plane reservation. Better to talk to Theresa when he was thinking coherently, instead of being torn between the image of kissing her senseless or strangling her for taking away his children.
HR
"Hey Poe," Sheridan greeted. "Fancy seeing you here."
Paloma smiled as she closed the door to the clinic closed behind. It was flu shot day and the place was crowded. "Just wanted to see if your part of Saturday's guest list was done."
"Yeah, I meant to fax it but I think I got a phone call from a school nurse and was distracted. Sorry, let's go to my office and see if we can find it somewhere on my desk."
"Okay." Paloma followed her back. "How you find anything in here is beyond me."
"It's one of life's great mysteries." Sheridan agreed. "So, how's Hank?"
"You saw him, he's fine." Paloma said, flipping her hair unconsciously.
"Don't play coy with me Po." Sheridan said. "What's going on with you two?"
"Nothing." Paloma said. "We are on opposite sides of the country."
"Every time he comes in a room, he looks for you first. When you're there he lights up, if you're not there he lights up when you come in. And you do the same thing."
"I do not."
Sheridan shot her a look. "Yeah, right."
"I can talk to him about some things that I can't discuss with you or Kay or Theresa. We have a lot of business contacts. He remembers my husband, and still talks to a few mutual acquaintances I've lost touch with." Paloma sighed.
"Poe, we haven't always been close but I did love Antonio and I do love Luis. I know what it's like to lose that. You can talk to me about that at least."
"That's the thing." She shrugged. "You did love them. I respected Alejandro, but there just wasn't room for much else."
"Then why--"
"Did I marry him?"
"Yeah."
"It's a good question." Paloma said with a self-conscious chuckle. "And I don't have a really good answer."
Sheridan frowned and scrunched up her nose before she shrugged her shoulders. "Here's my list. I hope it's not to long."
"Should be okay," Paloma looked over it. "Theresa invited most of the firehouse."
Sheridan laughed. "She wants to show off. What about Kay?"
"Everyone in her study groups, and half of her professors."
"What about you?"
She shrugged. "Hank, the kids, Cole and Jose."
"You need a wider circle of friends." Sheridan said.
"Relax. It's just that everyone else had already been invited."
"How about the press list? Did all of those RSVP?"
"Yeah, the Times reporter is coming, so is the Globe, and the TV people promise to set up on the red carpet cause Theresa and Kay insisted on inviting the celebs that came on opening night two years ago to the party."
"This thing is getting huge. How are you handling it?"
"I couldn't be happier. You know me. I'm in my element when I'm dealing with crisis situations, smiling, and thanking people for coming."
"So you're working the door?"
"Yeah. Kay's gonna circulate the tables, you're still handling the music, and Theresa's gonna work the bar."
"We're putting Theresa at the bar? Do you remember the last time she did that?"
Paloma's forehead crinkled in a frown. "Yeah, she handled it."
"She spilled a drink on the tabloid reporter who remarked on her resemblance to the vanished Crane heiress."
"Why didn't I know about this?"
"Jose's predecessor had set the shrimp on fire. You were dealing with that."
"Would you rather do the bar and have Theresa handle music?"
"Nah. I think we'll be okay. Who's on bouncer duty?"
"Uh," Paloma opened the organizer in her hand. "Oh. Benny and Pete. They'll keep out anyone without an invitation."
"Pulling out the big guns, aren't we?"
"For this. Yes." Paloma said. "All right, I know you're busy, so I'll run along to pick up the kids from nursery school."
"Alright. I'll hopefully make it home for dinner." Sheridan told her as they made their way back out to the front.
"And Sheridan?" Paloma said hesitantly.
"Yes?" Sheridan tilted her head.
"Thanks."
"Anytime."
HR
"What do you mean I can't have a reservation for Saturday?"
"The club is booked on Saturday. It's a private party by invitation only," the man on the other end told him. "I can get you in on Friday or Sunday. Not Saturday."
"Friday then." Ethan said. "What kind of private party?"
"It's the anniversary of the club," she said. "How many in your party?"
"Four. Put it under the name B- Bennings."
"Done. You are aware of the cover charge?"
"It's no problem. Thank you."
"On Friday Mr. Bennings."
"Right. Bye." Ethan hung the phone up and then picked it up again.
"Hello?"
"Grace, is Dad there?"
"Hello, Ethan dear. How are you?" Usually Grace's maternal tone soothed Ethan, but tonight it irritated him.
"Fine. Can I speak to Dad please?"
"Ethan, is something wrong?"
"No. Nothing. I just need to talk to Sam."
"Of course. I'll get him."
"Thanks."
"Ethan?"
"Dad, I have something I need to talk to you about. Can you get Luis and Miguel and meet me at my house?"
"Is it about the girls?" Sam asked instantly. "Did your investigators find something?"
"No. Not the investigators. Look, I'll tell you when you get here. Don't say anything to Grace or Pilar. They'll want to come and I don't think that'll be good for right now."
"We'll be over in half an hour." Sam promised.
"I'll be waiting."
HR
"Poe, is it really necessary to make each guest a party favor by hand? This isn't a birthday party for one of the kids." Kay complained as she twisted candy into a piece of white cloth and put a twist tie around the top.
"No, it's a party for our baby," Paloma told her. "The club is our baby. We built it and we've nurtured it."
"Why didn't we just buy something?" Sheridan asked.
"It needs to have a personal touch." Paloma said patiently. "Come on, we're halfway done. Just a couple more hours."
"Hours?" Kay groaned. "You're a sadist, you know that, right?"
Paloma grinned. "I'm so happy we know each other well enough that you feel comfortable insulting me while working on a project together."
"Sisters always insult. It's a way of showing love."
"You and Jess showed as much love as you could without actually knocking each other's teeth out, right?" Theresa teased when she came in.
"How're the kids?"
"I got everyone settled down into bed." Theresa said. "They're really wound up."
"They're excited." Sheridan said.
"So's the firehouse. Just about everyone on my watch traded with guys on the first and second so they could come tomorrow."
"This is going to be great." Kay said. "I just hope we have enough food. Most of my classmates are sort of starving."
"Just remember to cut off your lieutenant Theresa. I don't want a repeat of Christmas Eve." Paloma warned.
Sheridan snickered. "Oh come on, why not?"
"Maybe she doesn't want to get hit on again," Kay teased. "Although it was funny watching him try and get her under the mistletoe."
"It would've been funnier if Hank had been here." Theresa said, slyly gauging her sister's reaction.
"Let's not go there," Paloma told her sister with a stern look.
Theresa wrinkled her nose. "You guys want something to drink while you do the favors?"
"You're not getting out of helping us that easily." Sheridan said firmly. "I'll go get the baby monitors, you take my chair."
"They're three and four years old, why do we need monitors?" Kay asked.
"Cause they're still little enough to be sick and need us in the middle of the night," Theresa said sitting down.
"And we're allowed to be paranoid." Paloma said, with an adept twist of the wrist. "Bring down a radio too?"
"Sure." Sheridan said over her shoulder.
HR
"Chad found them? How?"
"He was visiting clubs in L.A. and he found the one they own."
"They own a club?" Sam asked.
"Cloud Nine," Ethan supplied.
"Are they okay?" Miguel asked. "What did they all have?"
"They're all fine. Healthy, happy and as he tells it gorgeous." Ethan paused. "Kay had a girl, Olivia Samantha. Sheridan had a boy, Thomas Anthony. Theresa's daughter's name is Emma Sheridan. And of course, there's Ethan Martin, and Paloma's son Alex."
"Two more granddaughters." Sam said with a smile.
"I have a daughter," Miguel whispered softly.
"Luis, you okay?" Ethan asked.
"Fine. What are they doing? Do they just have the club?"
"No. Kay's in school. She's studying to be a teacher. Sheridan runs this clinic they set up. Paloma's mainly in charge of the club. And Theresa's a paramedic."
"Have you talked to them?"
"No. But I made reservations at the club and Jess is working on getting me a plane ticket."
"I'll need one too," Sam said.
"Me too," Luis added.
"And me," Miguel finished.
"Okay," Ethan nodded.
"What else do you know?" Miguel looked hungry for details.
"Not much. Just that they're okay. Happy, healthy, and together."
"What about the kids?" Sam asked.
"Same. They're okay. They go to a nursery school somewhere around where Theresa works. She works at a fire station."
"Did Chad have any pictures? Descriptions?"
"He said we'll know them when we see them." Ethan said. "Let's call Jess."
HR
"How's the club booked for tonight Sheridan?" Theresa asked as she helped Lenny, one of the other bartenders, stock the bar for the night. She had work in a few hours.
"It's great. The radio spots about the anniversary party really helped us out--we're about twenty away from capacity."
"Great. I can't believe it's been two years since this place opened." Theresa looked around the club. "Remember opening night? Boy were we nervous."
"And then when the musicians were late and the cooks ran out of onion rings? I thought we were doomed."
"Yeah but then Hank tricked me into getting up on stage and singing. You know I'm still mad at him for that." Theresa laughed.
"He's been a good friend to us." Sheridan said. "All of us."
"Yeah but I think he wants more then friendship from my baby sister."
"I asked her about it." Sheridan admitted.
"What did she say?"
"That she can talk to him about things she can't talk to us about."
Theresa frowned. "I know in the beginning, when we were all pregnant, she wanted to take care of us but I thought she'd be over that by now."
"She mentioned that he knew her husband. I hadn't realized that, did you?"
"I think I knew, but I'm not sure. And it's not just Hank who likes Poe, it's Poe who likes Hank and not just in a friend way."
"So why don't they do something about it?"
"Well I know Hank's reason. I think I do anyway. She's his best friend's baby sister. That means she's off limits."
"That is so archaic."
"I wonder about her reason though." Theresa mused. "Maybe they just need a little tap in the right direction?"
"She wouldn't appreciate us interfering." Sheridan considered.
"We're her family and besides according to Mrs. Silverstein, the kid's nursery school teacher, we're also yentas. We're supposed to interfere."
"Good. The anniversary party is a good place to start, don't you think?"
"Perfect." Theresa checked her watch. "Oh! I gotta go. I'll see you later, if you're up when I get home."
"Have a good shift tonight." Sheridan called, as Theresa fairly flew out the door.
"Thanks!"
HR
"We have reservations at eight." Ethan said to his traveling companions.
"So we should catch a nap ahead of time." Sam said.
"What's the closest hotel to Cloud Nine?" Miguel asked the cab driver.
"Hotel Monte."
"Did Jess take care of hotels too, or are we on our own?"
"We're on our own for that," Ethan said. "Hotel Monte please?"
The cab rocketed away from the curb.
HR
"Mommy?" Thomas said standing in front of Sheridan, who was sitting on the couch listening to the radio. 'Sand & Water' was playing.
"Yes sweetie?" She scooped him up.
"How come you've got tears?"
"Oh because this song reminds me of you and your dad."
"You always get sad about him."
"Because I miss him. But this song, there's a line in it. 'His laughter fills my world and wears your smile.' That's what makes me sad because it's true. You have his smile."
Uncomfortable, Thomas fidgeted a little.
"Alright, I promise not to be sad anymore today. Okay? You wanna play Chutes & Ladders?"
He shook his head. "Candy Land."
"Okay. Why don't you get it and maybe see if Ethan or Alex wants to play too."
"Aunt Paloma's making Alex take a bath now and Ethan and Emma are watching Muppet Babies. Livvie and Aunt Kay are taking a walk."
"Guess it's just you and me then, huh?"
Thomas nodded.
"Okay. We'll play at the table and I'll get some cookies and apple juice for us, okay?"
"Chocolate milk?"
"Apple juice." Sheridan's tone was firm.
"Okay," Thomas said smiling a little. "I love you Mommy."
"I love you." Sheridan crushed him in a hug.
"I'm squished," Thomas said. "Help!" he giggled.
"You'll have to call louder than that." Sheridan teased.
"Mommy ticklish," he said mischievously. Then he tickled her.
She laughed. "Thomas is ticklish too." She whispered in his ear as she started tickling him in return.
Mother and son played together for a little while, making Sheridan's heart lighter.
HR
"Hi Rick," Theresa said to one of their regulars. "You gotta stop sleeping it off in the park. The person who called thought you were dead."
"Whew! Smell that breath." Toni Risotti said. "What do you think his B.A.L. is?"
Theresa shook her head. "You in any pain Rick?"
"I don't think he's feeling anything Theresa," Toni told her. "Rick, did you hit your head?"
"Screw off!" the drunken man slurred at her.
"Okay Rick, let's go. Puke before you get in the rig," Theresa told him.
"Not gonna puke." He mumbled defiantly.
"That's what you said the last time Officer Perez put you in his RMP. He's still trying to get the stain out."
"Can't make me."
"His head's not bleeding," Toni said. "We could just have him sign a R.M.A. sheet and leave it at that."
"He's not in any condition to make that decision. He's bombed."
"You always do the right thing?" Her partner asked expectantly.
"I try." She looked around. "The clinic's open late tonight. Kay's manning the desk and that doctor from the hoity-toity hospital up in Beverly Hills is doing his shift. Let's take him there. Hey Nick?"
Officer Nicholas Porter turned around. "Yeah?"
"Watch the bus? We'll be right back."
"Sure."
"How many paramedics in this city are part owners of their own clinic?" Toni wondered.
"Just me. I promise."
"As if we needed proof of your sainthood. You keep doing this job when you could just chuck it all. Why don't you?"
Theresa smiled, but didn't answer Toni. "C'mon Rick, one foot in front of the other. That's it."
"Don't like you."
"I know but I'm gonna help you anyway."
"Stupid of you."
"Maybe." Theresa agreed.
"This guy's got more liquor in him then you've got in your bar," Toni said.
Theresa laughed. "On a normal day, yes. With this party coming up? About equal. Hey Kay, you got a free room?"
"Oh boy. Hi Rick. Did you have a nice bender?"
He mumbled incoherently.
"Yeah I think room three's open. Lemme check. Do you want Dr. Harrison to take a look at him?"
"Whatever you think is best. I'll see you later."
"Sure. Night. See you tomorrow, right Toni?"
"Wouldn't miss it," the redhead promised.
HR
"Do you see them?"
"No." Miguel sulked. "And we're getting weird looks from the bartender."
"That guy looks like he could squash a bug just by looking at it." Sam said.
"Chad said his name's Cole and he's 100% devoted to the girls."
"Good to know, I guess." Luis said. "Still looks creepy. Chad mention anything about a prison record?"
"Thanks to your sister's good efforts, he got out on bail."
"Which sister?" Miguel asked suspiciously.
"Paloma. Chad said she's passionate about giving second chances and keeping secrets. He couldn't even get Alex's full name out of her."
"Good. I'm glad it wasn't Theresa. I'd hate to have to kill her for taking off pregnant with Ethan Martin and bailing out a convict," Ethan said.
"There will be no killing until we have a complete and thorough explanation." Sam said sharply.
"Fine, fine," Ethan agreed. He looked around the club. Then he did a double take. "Guys."
"What?" All three of his companions looked at him.
"Sheridan. Over there by the door."
Luis was halfway out of his chair when Miguel and Sam each grabbed an arm.
"Ethan, you're calmer. You go." Miguel told him. "Luis, you sit."
Ethan crossed the room rapidly. "Sheridan." He called. She turned, and paled dramatically.
"I'm hallucinating." She said. She grabbed the arm of a passing girl. "Excuse me, but do you see him?" she pointed at Ethan.
"Yeah. He's cute. Who is he?"
"My nephew. I think."
"Oh," the girl with bright blonde hair said. "I'm Mack. What's your name?"
"Sheridan. He's Ethan. Distract him for me?"
"Sure." She said with a smile. "Ethan, was it? What do you do?"
"Sheridan, don't move."
Sheridan faded back, as Ethan pursued her across the club.
Suddenly a brunette got in his way. She was very familiar.
"Paloma?"
"I called you once to tell you to stay away." Her voice was a cold whisper.
"Well, you should have given your brothers the same message."
"What are you doing here?"
"I'm here for my children, their mother, my sister, my niece, my aunt, and my cousin."
"Sheridan's not your aunt, remember? You're not a Crane. You're a Bennett. Your mother and Chief Bennett did it and we got you."
"Old habits die very hard deaths. Now let me see her."
"Theresa's at work and the kids are sleeping and the only way you're getting into our apartment is if someone invites you in."
"I'm not a vampire."
"Yes but if you enter our apartment without permission, I get to call the police and have you arrested."
"True."
"So, go ahead, make my day."
"Are you going to spend all night blocking me?"
"Well, I don't have to block you tonight. Sheridan's gone upstairs and my sister and Kay won't be home till later. Night, Ethan."
"That was a spectacular failure." Ethan muttered to the other men at his table. "Your sister didn't even have to yell to be heard over the music to make her message loud and clear."
"It was Sheridan, though right?" Luis asked.
"It was her."
"Ethan, who's that?" Miguel asked.
"Who?" Ethan asked looking over his shoulder. "Oh that's Mack. Sheridan asked her if I was real."
"She's headed this way."
"Think if I tell her I'm married but my wife's in a sanitarium, she'll go away?"
"Thought you were divorced?"
"It's still worth a shot."
HR
"Cole, I need a favor." Paloma slid behind the bar. "See those four over there? They're not wanted. I don't want to make a scene, but we need to put them on the list of 'do not admit,' okay?"
"You got it Boss."
"Cole, how many times do I have to tell you? Don't call me Boss."
"Sorry Boss."
"Oy. Okay, just get rid of them."
"Anything for you."
"You're a good guy, Cole. I'll handle the bar while you handle them."
"Thanks."
HR
"Guys, we've got company."
Sam watched warily as the giant approached their table.
"You've worn out your welcome." Cole said gruffly.
"We didn't do anything." Miguel tried to protest.
"Shut up." Luis said, almost simultaneously.
"Hey, who you telling to shut up?" Cole asked.
"Him." Ethan said, pointing at Miguel. "We don't want any trouble."
"Then, I suggest you leave. Now."
"You know the ladies in charge, right? Of course. Would you give them this business card, and tell them I'll be in touch?" Ethan offered his card. Cole refused to take it. Ethan dropped it on the table. "Come on, we better go." He advised. The three cops stayed put, even as Ethan started to walk away from the table.
"You know, we're members of law enforcement."
"Good for you. You cops for the L.A.P.D.?"
"Well, no," Sam admitted.
"Should I call the L.A.P.D.?" Cole asked. "They like the girls down there at the 77th Street Station."
Luis's eyes narrowed to slits. "I'm sure."
"And I'm sure they like you right?"
"My debt to society was paid off by my hours at the Jonas Salk Free Clinic."
"Guys." Ethan tried tentatively. "We don't want to make a mess in the girl's club, especially since there's that big party here tomorrow."
"And how do you know about that?" Cole turned on Ethan.
"I tried to make reservations for tomorrow and I couldn't."
"Hummph." Cole grouched.
"We're going." Miguel said. "We're going. Just let Kay know that Miguel was looking for her, okay?"
"You're Miguel?" Cole suddenly put real effort into looking threatening. "You're the no good lying weasel?"
"Um..."
"No, he's not. He said his name was Michael."
Cole scowled and picked up the card Ethan had dropped on the table earlier.
"Let's go Mike." Sam said. "You too Luis."
"Luis? The one Miss Sheridan cried her eyes out over when he married a tramp with a bitchy mother?"
"Would it be cowardly to run?" Ethan asked.
"No." Sam said.
The four of them ran for the exit like madmen.
Cole stayed by the table with a smile on his face. "Good riddance."
Cole rejoined Paloma behind the bar. "You're losing your touch." She teased. "Usually they gibber like fools within thirty seconds."
"But they're gone anyway."
"Thank you." She smiled at him. "I don't know what we would do without you."
"Don't worry about it."
"I'll see you tomorrow. Remember, you're a guest tomorrow. I don't want to see you serving anyone."
"But-"
"No buts. You're a friend. Friends have fun at parties."
"If there's any trouble, I want to take care of it for you."
"There won't be any trouble--unless you know something I don't?"
"Not a thing." Cole smiled.
"Good. I hope you bring that girl you've been telling Mary about."
He shook his head. "Good lord woman, do you have spies everywhere?"
"Always. Night." Paloma headed upstairs.