*************************************
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO:
Michael heard knocking at the door to his and Maria's apartment. "Damned!" he said, having to tear himself away from a football game on the TV to go and answer the door. When he opened it, he found Sheriff Valenti was the one who knocked.
"Sheriff," said Michael with surprise. "Is there something wrong?"
"Not really," said Jim. "I just know that Maria is spending time with her Mother this evening and baby Lisa, so this would give us a chance to talk."
"What's there to talk about?" asked Michael.
"Care to find out?" asked Jim.
"Yeah, sure," said Michael. "Come in."
Valenti came in and Michael closed the door behind him. "Congratulations, by the way," said Michael. "Becoming a Grandfather. I just wish that Tess wasn't the one who..."
"Yeah, well, thank you for the congrats, but let's not get into the whole Tess matter," said Jim. "That's not why I'm here. Its about you and Maria and your future."
"What?" asked Michael. "Look, did Amy send you over to talk to me about me and Maria or something?"
"No, this is my idea," said Jim. "I talked to Maria today. She says that you are considering asking her to marry you, and that you know she'd say yes if you did."
"Considering, yeah," said Michael.
"Well, I know one of the things that's holding you up is the fact you don't think you would be a good provider for her," said Jim.
Michael ran his hands through his hair. "High School drop out, still working as a short order cook," said Michael. "Does that sound like someone who is ready for marriage?"
"Michael," said Jim. "I know you're a smart young man, who's unfortunately had a lot of hard breaks in your life. You didn't finish High School, but considering the lack of encouragement you got from Hank, I can understand that. But son, you've got talent, and though you can be...loose tempered, you've got a good head on your shoulders. Remember when we were investigating your friend's murder and Metachem?"
"Yeah," said Michael. "What about it?"
"I remember that you had a good mind for working with me in figuring that case out," said Jim. "I also remember how enthusiastic you were about it. Not just finding who killed your friend, but also the whole process of it. You were also good about remembering details about what exactly happened that night, at preserving evidence from the crime scene. You did good work at Metachem in general, from what I understand."
"Wait, you suggesting I go back to being a security guard?" asked Michael.
"No," said Jim. He reached into his pocket and pulled something out. Then, he handed it to Michael.
When Michael saw what it was, his face displayed a mixture of shock and confusion. "This..." began Michael with a start. "This is a Deputy Sheriff's badge."
"That's right," said Jim. "I'm willing to take a gamble on you Michael because I know you, and I think you would excel if someone just gave you a chance. Well, this is a chance for you to consider taking. Come work for me."
Michael looked up at him and chuckled. "Me, a cop," said Michael. "Wouldn't that be like making Saddam Hussein head of the Red Cross?"
"Why?" asked Jim. "I know you have been kind of a delinquent in the past. You've even spent some time in one of my jail cells. But, I've seen you act with great responsibility when you've had to or when you've wanted to. Now, I'm not saying I'm going to give you a badge, a gun, and send you out like the Lone Ranger. I'm going to watch you, train you, and assign you a partner to show you the ropes. You would have to take responsibility for the badge, for the oath you would take to me, the people of this town, and the state of New Mexico to do your duty, and if you failed to perform that duty to the best of your ability, I would be all over your ass! But son, you've got to start building your life somewhere. You've got to take on something as your responsibility. Here's your chance."
"Sheriff," said Michael. "I don't know about this. I just don't think I would be cut out for it."
"I say your wrong," said Jim. "And I've been around cops all of my life. I know what kind of person it takes to be a cop. Believe it or not, that person could be you."
"Would you be offering this if it wasn't for me considering marrying Maria?" asked Michael.
"Yes," said Jim. "Marry Maria or not, that doesn't affect this offer. Even if you decide not to marry her, which if you do, you must be the stupidest person alive considering how much that girl loves you! The job is still there if you want it. What do you say?"
Michael was silent for a moment, then finally said. "I'll...think about it."
Valenti's cell phone rang at that moment. He reached into his pocket and answered it. "Valenti," he said.
"Sheriff," said Liz. "We need your help. Tess has been hit by a car."
"WHAT!" yelled Jim in panic. "Dear God, please tell me she's alright!"
"She'll be alright," said Liz. "Max healed her. We brought her to your house to rest. Kyle was here, but he went out after the driver that hit her. It was a hit-and-run. Max and I gave him a description, then he took off after he made sure Tess was alright."
"Shit!" said Jim. "I'll get after him, no telling what he might do if he catches up with the guy! Thanks, Liz. Are you and Max still at my place?"
"Yes," said Liz. "With Amy and Maria."
"Good, stay there," said Jim. "I'll be there as soon as I find Kyle."
He hung up the phone.
"What happened?" asked Michael.
"Tess was hit by a car," said Jim. "The guy took off. Tess is fine, Max healed her. But now Kyle is out after the perpetrator."
"Damn!" said Michael.
"I've got to go," said Jim.
"I'll go with you," said Michael.
**
Kyle was driving down the streets of Roswell in his patrol vehicle, racing like a mad man to get to his destination. He had just heard over the police ban radio that the driver that had hit Tess was caught outside of town for drunk driving. Now, the young man wanted to get to the station and confront the man who almost killed his wife.
He pulled up to the station and brought the car to a screeching halt. Kyle jumped out and ran at a full gallop into the station. When he got there, he saw one of the other deputies behind the counter, and saw a drunk looking man handcuffed and seated in a chair while another deputy was processing his arrest report at the desk next to him.
"Is that him?" asked Kyle of the deputy at the desk.
"Yeah, it is, but Kyle..."began the deputy.
He never got to finish his sentence because Kyle charged at the handcuffed man and tackled him, sending the guy and the chair crashing to the floor.
"You son of a bitch!" yelled Kyle, as his fist connected with the guys jaw.
"KYLE!" yelled the deputy, trying to pull the guy off. The other deputy also joined in the effort, but Kyle was not to be denied. He threw them off like rag dolls and began to pound on the guy.
Then, two more pairs of arms grabbed Kyle, and were able to pull him off of the guy. Kyle turned and saw that it was his Father and Michael pulling him off.
"ENOUGH!" said Jim.
Kyle started to calm down, and Michael helped him into a chair while the Sheriff picked up the other guy. "Take this man to the cells," said Jim. "Have a paramedic come over and look at him."
"Damned cops!" yelled the guy. "I'll have that cop's badge, man!"
Then, Sheriff Valenti grabbed the guy by the collar of his shirt and shoved him into a wall. "Let me tell you something!" said Jim. "That girl you ran over tonight was that deputy's WIFE! Not only that, she is my DAUGHTER-IN-LAW! Now, you'd better shut the HELL UP, before I give my son the keys to your cell! CLEAR!"
The guy could only nod. Then, Jim practically threw him back to the other deputies. "Take him," said Jim.
***
About an hour later, Jim, Kyle, and Michael arrived at Jim's house. They found Liz, Max, Maria, Alex, and Isabel, all waiting for them.
"How's Tess?" asked Kyle.
"She's laying down in the bedroom," said Max. "Amy's with her."
"What about Lisa?" asked Kyle.
"She's sleeping," said Maria. "In her crib, in the room with Tess and my Mom."
"Max," said Kyle. "I...I don't know how to thank you, for saving her."
He reached out his hand to Max, who took it in his in a firm handshake. Then, Kyle pulled Max into a brief hug.
"No problem," said Max. "Glad I was able to help."
Then, Kyle looked at the others. "Thank you," he said. "For coming, to see if she was alright."
"Thank God she will be," said Alex. Everyone looked at him with a start. "I mean, for her to have died just after having a baby...no one deserves that. You definitely don't, Kyle."
Kyle came over, and he and Alex hugged one another as good friends once again. Then, Kyle went into the bedroom, along with Jim, to see Tess and make sure she was doing okay.
"So, they caught the guy who did this?" asked Isabel.
"Yeah," said Michael. "Kyle beat the shit out of the bastard. Might have killed him if the Sheriff and I hadn't pulled him off."
"You know," said Max. "When I healed Tess, I saw...I saw into her mind, her thoughts. What I saw...makes me believe that she has really changed. I saw these flashes of her and Kyle, her feelings of love for him...they were so strong! And then the moment when she first saw her baby. Her tears of joy! I felt so much love from her for Kyle and Lisa. And genuine regret for the wrong she had done, not wanting to die with that on her conscience."
"You should have seen her," said Liz. "She was about to pass into oblivion, and her last words were imploring us to tell Kyle and Lisa that she loves them. What she thought were going to be her last conscious thoughts were of her husband and daughter."
"Alex," said Max. "I can tell you, from what I saw in her soul...she genuinely regrets what she did to you."
Alex nodded his head. "Look, what's past is past," he said. "If what you say is true, then...I say we should giver her another chance."
"I agree," said Liz.
"Same here," said Max. Then, he looked at Isabel. "Is? What do you think?"
Isabel was quiet for a moment. "Its just so hard for me to forget the fact that she almost killed Alex," she said. "But...from what you said, maybe she has changed. I'm not ready to be her best buddy or anything, but I say we should give her a chance."
"Agreed," said Maria.
"I don't know about this Max," said Michael. "She could have been mind warping you, or..."
"She was way to weak, Michael," said Max. "It was real, what I saw...what I felt from her."
Maria came over to Michael, then kissed him on the cheek. "What do you say?" she asked. "I believe in second chances, don't you?"
He smiled. "Yeah, okay," he said. "But we watch her for any signs of treachery."
"Fine," said Max.
"So," said Maria. "What were you and the Sheriff talking about before all this happened? He told me earlier he had an idea and wanted to talk to you about something."
"Yeah, he made me an offer," said Michael. "And...I think I'm going to accept it."
"What kind of an offer?" asked Isabel.
"Well," said Michael. "Picture if you will...DEPUTY Michael Guerin."
Everyone's jaws seemed to drop and looks of shock passed onto all of their faces. Then, Alex began to chuckle. "Come on, be serious," said Alex. "You! A COP!"
"Hey!" said Maria. "Somehow...I don't know, I could...see it."
"Really?" said Michael.
"Yeah," said Maria. "I think...that would be SO GREAT!"
She pulled him into her arms and kissed him on the lips. "Well, I decided that its time to take some responsibility into my life," said Michael. "Speaking of...how would you like to be married to Deputy Michael Guerin?"
Maria pulled back and looked at him, then smiled. "Really?" she said.
"If you want me," said Michael. "Because....I sure as hell want you. I love you."
Tears began to fill her eyes as Maria threw herself into Michael's arms. "So," said Max. "What caused you to finally make up your mind, Michael?"
"Tess," he said. "She could have died tonight, and I guess it showed me how we have to seize the day, and commit to things and people while we still have them."
"Good for you, Michael," said Isabel.
"So," said Liz. "You think Sheriff Valenti will partner you up with Kyle?"
Michael grimaced a little bit. "On second thought, maybe I should reconsider this idea."
"Come on now," said Alex. "Take it from experience, he grows on you."
"Yeah, well, we'll see," said Michael.
End of Chapter Thirty-two. Chapter Thirty-three coming soon.
Okay, major stuff happened in this chapter. Now look for this story to enter yet another new phase, with big things happening that will shift the focus back to Alex and Isabel. This story still much more to come, so stay tuned. In the meantime, please keep those reviews coming. Feedback is always appreciated.
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO:
Michael heard knocking at the door to his and Maria's apartment. "Damned!" he said, having to tear himself away from a football game on the TV to go and answer the door. When he opened it, he found Sheriff Valenti was the one who knocked.
"Sheriff," said Michael with surprise. "Is there something wrong?"
"Not really," said Jim. "I just know that Maria is spending time with her Mother this evening and baby Lisa, so this would give us a chance to talk."
"What's there to talk about?" asked Michael.
"Care to find out?" asked Jim.
"Yeah, sure," said Michael. "Come in."
Valenti came in and Michael closed the door behind him. "Congratulations, by the way," said Michael. "Becoming a Grandfather. I just wish that Tess wasn't the one who..."
"Yeah, well, thank you for the congrats, but let's not get into the whole Tess matter," said Jim. "That's not why I'm here. Its about you and Maria and your future."
"What?" asked Michael. "Look, did Amy send you over to talk to me about me and Maria or something?"
"No, this is my idea," said Jim. "I talked to Maria today. She says that you are considering asking her to marry you, and that you know she'd say yes if you did."
"Considering, yeah," said Michael.
"Well, I know one of the things that's holding you up is the fact you don't think you would be a good provider for her," said Jim.
Michael ran his hands through his hair. "High School drop out, still working as a short order cook," said Michael. "Does that sound like someone who is ready for marriage?"
"Michael," said Jim. "I know you're a smart young man, who's unfortunately had a lot of hard breaks in your life. You didn't finish High School, but considering the lack of encouragement you got from Hank, I can understand that. But son, you've got talent, and though you can be...loose tempered, you've got a good head on your shoulders. Remember when we were investigating your friend's murder and Metachem?"
"Yeah," said Michael. "What about it?"
"I remember that you had a good mind for working with me in figuring that case out," said Jim. "I also remember how enthusiastic you were about it. Not just finding who killed your friend, but also the whole process of it. You were also good about remembering details about what exactly happened that night, at preserving evidence from the crime scene. You did good work at Metachem in general, from what I understand."
"Wait, you suggesting I go back to being a security guard?" asked Michael.
"No," said Jim. He reached into his pocket and pulled something out. Then, he handed it to Michael.
When Michael saw what it was, his face displayed a mixture of shock and confusion. "This..." began Michael with a start. "This is a Deputy Sheriff's badge."
"That's right," said Jim. "I'm willing to take a gamble on you Michael because I know you, and I think you would excel if someone just gave you a chance. Well, this is a chance for you to consider taking. Come work for me."
Michael looked up at him and chuckled. "Me, a cop," said Michael. "Wouldn't that be like making Saddam Hussein head of the Red Cross?"
"Why?" asked Jim. "I know you have been kind of a delinquent in the past. You've even spent some time in one of my jail cells. But, I've seen you act with great responsibility when you've had to or when you've wanted to. Now, I'm not saying I'm going to give you a badge, a gun, and send you out like the Lone Ranger. I'm going to watch you, train you, and assign you a partner to show you the ropes. You would have to take responsibility for the badge, for the oath you would take to me, the people of this town, and the state of New Mexico to do your duty, and if you failed to perform that duty to the best of your ability, I would be all over your ass! But son, you've got to start building your life somewhere. You've got to take on something as your responsibility. Here's your chance."
"Sheriff," said Michael. "I don't know about this. I just don't think I would be cut out for it."
"I say your wrong," said Jim. "And I've been around cops all of my life. I know what kind of person it takes to be a cop. Believe it or not, that person could be you."
"Would you be offering this if it wasn't for me considering marrying Maria?" asked Michael.
"Yes," said Jim. "Marry Maria or not, that doesn't affect this offer. Even if you decide not to marry her, which if you do, you must be the stupidest person alive considering how much that girl loves you! The job is still there if you want it. What do you say?"
Michael was silent for a moment, then finally said. "I'll...think about it."
Valenti's cell phone rang at that moment. He reached into his pocket and answered it. "Valenti," he said.
"Sheriff," said Liz. "We need your help. Tess has been hit by a car."
"WHAT!" yelled Jim in panic. "Dear God, please tell me she's alright!"
"She'll be alright," said Liz. "Max healed her. We brought her to your house to rest. Kyle was here, but he went out after the driver that hit her. It was a hit-and-run. Max and I gave him a description, then he took off after he made sure Tess was alright."
"Shit!" said Jim. "I'll get after him, no telling what he might do if he catches up with the guy! Thanks, Liz. Are you and Max still at my place?"
"Yes," said Liz. "With Amy and Maria."
"Good, stay there," said Jim. "I'll be there as soon as I find Kyle."
He hung up the phone.
"What happened?" asked Michael.
"Tess was hit by a car," said Jim. "The guy took off. Tess is fine, Max healed her. But now Kyle is out after the perpetrator."
"Damn!" said Michael.
"I've got to go," said Jim.
"I'll go with you," said Michael.
**
Kyle was driving down the streets of Roswell in his patrol vehicle, racing like a mad man to get to his destination. He had just heard over the police ban radio that the driver that had hit Tess was caught outside of town for drunk driving. Now, the young man wanted to get to the station and confront the man who almost killed his wife.
He pulled up to the station and brought the car to a screeching halt. Kyle jumped out and ran at a full gallop into the station. When he got there, he saw one of the other deputies behind the counter, and saw a drunk looking man handcuffed and seated in a chair while another deputy was processing his arrest report at the desk next to him.
"Is that him?" asked Kyle of the deputy at the desk.
"Yeah, it is, but Kyle..."began the deputy.
He never got to finish his sentence because Kyle charged at the handcuffed man and tackled him, sending the guy and the chair crashing to the floor.
"You son of a bitch!" yelled Kyle, as his fist connected with the guys jaw.
"KYLE!" yelled the deputy, trying to pull the guy off. The other deputy also joined in the effort, but Kyle was not to be denied. He threw them off like rag dolls and began to pound on the guy.
Then, two more pairs of arms grabbed Kyle, and were able to pull him off of the guy. Kyle turned and saw that it was his Father and Michael pulling him off.
"ENOUGH!" said Jim.
Kyle started to calm down, and Michael helped him into a chair while the Sheriff picked up the other guy. "Take this man to the cells," said Jim. "Have a paramedic come over and look at him."
"Damned cops!" yelled the guy. "I'll have that cop's badge, man!"
Then, Sheriff Valenti grabbed the guy by the collar of his shirt and shoved him into a wall. "Let me tell you something!" said Jim. "That girl you ran over tonight was that deputy's WIFE! Not only that, she is my DAUGHTER-IN-LAW! Now, you'd better shut the HELL UP, before I give my son the keys to your cell! CLEAR!"
The guy could only nod. Then, Jim practically threw him back to the other deputies. "Take him," said Jim.
***
About an hour later, Jim, Kyle, and Michael arrived at Jim's house. They found Liz, Max, Maria, Alex, and Isabel, all waiting for them.
"How's Tess?" asked Kyle.
"She's laying down in the bedroom," said Max. "Amy's with her."
"What about Lisa?" asked Kyle.
"She's sleeping," said Maria. "In her crib, in the room with Tess and my Mom."
"Max," said Kyle. "I...I don't know how to thank you, for saving her."
He reached out his hand to Max, who took it in his in a firm handshake. Then, Kyle pulled Max into a brief hug.
"No problem," said Max. "Glad I was able to help."
Then, Kyle looked at the others. "Thank you," he said. "For coming, to see if she was alright."
"Thank God she will be," said Alex. Everyone looked at him with a start. "I mean, for her to have died just after having a baby...no one deserves that. You definitely don't, Kyle."
Kyle came over, and he and Alex hugged one another as good friends once again. Then, Kyle went into the bedroom, along with Jim, to see Tess and make sure she was doing okay.
"So, they caught the guy who did this?" asked Isabel.
"Yeah," said Michael. "Kyle beat the shit out of the bastard. Might have killed him if the Sheriff and I hadn't pulled him off."
"You know," said Max. "When I healed Tess, I saw...I saw into her mind, her thoughts. What I saw...makes me believe that she has really changed. I saw these flashes of her and Kyle, her feelings of love for him...they were so strong! And then the moment when she first saw her baby. Her tears of joy! I felt so much love from her for Kyle and Lisa. And genuine regret for the wrong she had done, not wanting to die with that on her conscience."
"You should have seen her," said Liz. "She was about to pass into oblivion, and her last words were imploring us to tell Kyle and Lisa that she loves them. What she thought were going to be her last conscious thoughts were of her husband and daughter."
"Alex," said Max. "I can tell you, from what I saw in her soul...she genuinely regrets what she did to you."
Alex nodded his head. "Look, what's past is past," he said. "If what you say is true, then...I say we should giver her another chance."
"I agree," said Liz.
"Same here," said Max. Then, he looked at Isabel. "Is? What do you think?"
Isabel was quiet for a moment. "Its just so hard for me to forget the fact that she almost killed Alex," she said. "But...from what you said, maybe she has changed. I'm not ready to be her best buddy or anything, but I say we should give her a chance."
"Agreed," said Maria.
"I don't know about this Max," said Michael. "She could have been mind warping you, or..."
"She was way to weak, Michael," said Max. "It was real, what I saw...what I felt from her."
Maria came over to Michael, then kissed him on the cheek. "What do you say?" she asked. "I believe in second chances, don't you?"
He smiled. "Yeah, okay," he said. "But we watch her for any signs of treachery."
"Fine," said Max.
"So," said Maria. "What were you and the Sheriff talking about before all this happened? He told me earlier he had an idea and wanted to talk to you about something."
"Yeah, he made me an offer," said Michael. "And...I think I'm going to accept it."
"What kind of an offer?" asked Isabel.
"Well," said Michael. "Picture if you will...DEPUTY Michael Guerin."
Everyone's jaws seemed to drop and looks of shock passed onto all of their faces. Then, Alex began to chuckle. "Come on, be serious," said Alex. "You! A COP!"
"Hey!" said Maria. "Somehow...I don't know, I could...see it."
"Really?" said Michael.
"Yeah," said Maria. "I think...that would be SO GREAT!"
She pulled him into her arms and kissed him on the lips. "Well, I decided that its time to take some responsibility into my life," said Michael. "Speaking of...how would you like to be married to Deputy Michael Guerin?"
Maria pulled back and looked at him, then smiled. "Really?" she said.
"If you want me," said Michael. "Because....I sure as hell want you. I love you."
Tears began to fill her eyes as Maria threw herself into Michael's arms. "So," said Max. "What caused you to finally make up your mind, Michael?"
"Tess," he said. "She could have died tonight, and I guess it showed me how we have to seize the day, and commit to things and people while we still have them."
"Good for you, Michael," said Isabel.
"So," said Liz. "You think Sheriff Valenti will partner you up with Kyle?"
Michael grimaced a little bit. "On second thought, maybe I should reconsider this idea."
"Come on now," said Alex. "Take it from experience, he grows on you."
"Yeah, well, we'll see," said Michael.
End of Chapter Thirty-two. Chapter Thirty-three coming soon.
Okay, major stuff happened in this chapter. Now look for this story to enter yet another new phase, with big things happening that will shift the focus back to Alex and Isabel. This story still much more to come, so stay tuned. In the meantime, please keep those reviews coming. Feedback is always appreciated.