Whoops, a little late with getting this story done. Sorry, I know I was
supposed to have it finished today, but I get a little side tracked. Anyways,
thanks a ton to everyone who left FB for the first part, I appreciate it!
Also, this was supposed to be a 3 parter, but will be 4 parts, because
well, this chapter ended up being a little too long to be one chapter. Part
3 should be up by Wednesday, at the latest. Enjoy!
Exposed!
Part Two
Written by Shay
The pain. The pain was near impossible to bear. Clutching her stomach, she gritted her teeth, not wanting to cry out and alert her abductors that she had gone into labor. Images of her nightmare, in which the clowns swept in and stole her baby played incessantly in her clouded mind, keeping her cries at bay. She would do this herself, she vowed, she would birth this baby on her own, despite the fact that it was completely impractical to even assume.
Just then another bout of pain shot through her abdomen and it was fruitless to even try - a scream tore through the quiet home, vibrating off the sides of the pit. A sudden gush of water trailed down her legs and she stared at it in horror. Swallowing her fear, she gently lowered herself to the blanket on the cold, dark dirt, trembling as she hesitantly looked up to see the two people dressed in their clown outfits, masks hiding their faces. The two conversed quietly among themselves, until the smaller one nodded and disappeared. The larger one, the one she had more contact with, stared down at her, an odd look in her eyes.
"Looks like you're finally going to birth that brat, Blondie. Then we can finish you off. One less blonde bitch to worry about," They cackled.
An intense mixture of rage and terror coursed through her veins and she managed to glare at the plastic clown face. "You're not coming near me or my baby!" She countered with a bravery she didn't feel.
The clown shook its head and croaked out another chuckle. "That's what you think, Blondie." At that, they waved a small pistol at her. "I'm coming down there to deliver the little tyke and I'm warning ya, you try one smart move, there will be a bullet in your head before you can say 'rich bitch.'"
Without waiting for a response, the clown lowered a chain ladder down the side of the pit and climbed in. She stood still beside it until the other clown reappeared and lowered down a bucket of items and then pulled the ladder back up, leaving just the two of them.
Shaking, Sheridan scooted further away, but it was futile. The clown approached as she experienced another contraction, the worst yet, and caught her hands behind her back, snapping a pair of handcuffs around her wrists.
"I'm not taking any chances with you, Blondie."
******
It was two hours later and an incredible fight against the person kneeled before her, that a baby's wail echoed through the room. Struggling with the metal cuffs that held her captive, Sheridan cried for her baby. The clown wrapped it in a blanket and placed it in the bucket, which the other one promptly pulled to the top. With a sneer, the one with her, turned towards the ladder that had again been lowered.
"Don't worry, Blondie. We'll be taking real good care of your brat," Followed by another cackle.
As weak and tired as she was, Sheridan pushed herself to her feet, rushing towards the ladder. SHe had to get to her baby, no matter the consequences. Her attempt was in vain as it was yanked up just as she reached it. Yelling in frustration, an exhausted Sheridan collapsed into the dirt, sobbing.
"My baby - please don't take my baby!"
*******
"My baby," Sheridan moaned, thrashing about among the sheets she slept on. "My baby," She again cried before bolting up, her blue eyes wide and wet with her tears.
It took a moment for her to remember where she was, that she was safe and her gasps for breath ceased as the surroundings became familiar again. She was safe - but was her baby? Horrible images of the clowns torturing her child suddenly invaded her mind and she fought the urge to vomit. Wiping her tears, she allowed herself to lay back down on the pillow, silently praying to God and taking comfort in the knowledge that tomorrow she would see Luis - and that he would find their son or daughter.
*******
Meanwhile, back in Harmony, Luis, too, was suffering from haunting nightmares. In his, flashes of all the times he'd come close to losing Sheridan played in his head. Finding her lifeless body on the floor of the cottage, her being buried alive, them being too late to save her. Then later, the boat explosion in Bermuda and the hell he had endured afterwards. Her marrying Antonio. The scenes repeated continuously until a new one popped into sequence. This one was Sheridan running, dark woods surrounding her, shouts and a gun firing behind her. He could feel her fear, her panic. Another shot rang out and he saw her fall. It was then he shot up in bed, his body drenched in sweat.
Taking a few deep and cleansing breaths, he gazed around his darkened bedroom, the horrible images still at the forefront of his mind. His pulse was racing, he could hear the blood pounding in his ears as he reached for the framed photo of Sheridan on his night stand, blindly looking for any clues. In the three months she'd been gone, he had had a lot of episodes like this, but never one so vivid - or quite as frightening. There would be times when his body would tense up and he'd be filled with fear and he knew that she was scared out of her mind. Other times, he could feel her anger and indignant attitude and during these brief moments, he prayed she didn't do anything impulsive and get herself killed. But tonight, this was the first time he'd actually dreamt of her like this. He was by no means psychic, but he also knew how deep their connection ran, the feelings were proof enough of that.
Staring down at her smiling face, he traced her outline, trying to make sense of his dream. She was in danger, he'd known that from the moment she'd gone missing, but there was something else. An overwhelming sense of loss that broke his heart. He had to find her.
"I'm coming, Sher. Just stay strong."
*******
"Dammit, would you just be quiet!" Beth screeched as the baby laying in the small bassinet once again began to cry.
The child was incessant with its wails, at all hours of the day and night. And nothing she, Charlie or her mother did got the imp to shut it's trap. If anything, whenever they tried, it got louder. The only time there was peace anymore was when the baby was eating or the rare instances it chose to sleep.
The baby, however, paid no heed to her demands, it's little face turning red from it's sobs.
With a huff, Beth threw off the blankets and wandered over to where the baby's bed was and glared down at it. "What is your problem? Don't you know you're supposed to sleep?"
Her words were met with a whimper and she growled in anger. Just then the door opened and revealed Precious, who came in with a bottle clutched in her grasp. With a frown, Beth grabbed it from the animal and shoved it in the baby's open mouth.
The distraction worked as it began to suck on the plastic nipple greedily, the crying coming to an end.
"You feed the brat," Beth motioned towards Precious, who gave her a curious look, but waddled over. Once that was taken care of, she stomped back towards her bed, grumbling about how she would get stuck with a child that inherited both of it's parents stubborn genes.
*******
The sunlight was filtering in through a curtainless window, awakening Sheridan from her restless slumber. After her nightmare, she lay there for the better part of the night, crying for her baby and wishing for Luis. Eventually she'd fallen asleep, albeit a tortured one. Horrid dreams had followed her through the night and she was most grateful for the light, instead of the darkness. She'd seen enough of the dark to last her the next four lifetimes.
Stretching, she was glad to find at least her body felt refreshed, even if she was still emotionally drained. Her stomach growled then and she became painfully aware of just how long it had been since she'd eaten. Her kidnappers had kept her pretty well fed up until she'd given birth, but that morning had been the last time they'd given her anything. She didn't want to put the nice man out anymore then she already had, but if she didn't eat soon, she feared she might never see Luis or her baby again. Swinging her legs over the side of the bed, she stood and opened the door, where she was promptly greeted by the most magnificent scent. Eggs and bacon and sausage! Mouth watering, she ventured out to where her benefactor was placing the breakfast on the small table. He glanced up when he heard her approach and smiled warmly.
"Good, you're awake. Are you hungry?"
"Starved, actually," Sheridan said with a sheepish grin when she realized she'd been staring at him like he was an elaborate Thanksgiving dinner.
He chuckled and motioned towards the set table. "Well, breakfast is ready. Help yourself."
"Thank you," She said gratefully, taking the seat across from him, eagerly taking the offered food. Never had such a simple meal tasted quite so delicious!
The pair ate in silence for a moment until he spoke.
"I'm sure you're anxious to get home, so we'll set out once you've had your fill and I've tended to that ankle of yours."
Sheridan's blue eyes filled with tears at the thought of getting back to Harmony, to Luis. She'd almost come to terms that she'd never see him again, but now she would - soon.
"Thank you, so much. I'll never be able to repay you for what you're doing for me."
The man gave a dismissive shrug. "I'm just doing what any other decent human being would. No thank yous necessary."
With a sad smile, Sheridan nodded in acceptance, somehow knowing that he'd never agree to her insistence that she repay him for his kindness. "You remind me so much of my fian - the man I love," She finished with a frown. It wasn't fair to refer to Luis as her fiancé when she was married to Antonio, despite that both of them knew that one day they would be wed.
"Forgive me if I'm being nosy, but I can't help but notice how you keep starting to call him your fiancé, but then stop. Is he or isn't he?"
The question should've seemed rude, but for some reason it didn't offend Sheridan in the least. "It's complicated."
The man gave a short nod, his face understanding. "Love usually is."
"Don't I know it," Sheridan muttered to herself before taking another bite of her breakfast.
Clearing his throat, the man stood. "I'm going to get the four-wheeler ready. We'll bandage up your ankle when you're done eating."
Managing a smile and a nod in response, she watched him head out the front door and a few minutes later, she heard the roar of the four-wheeler starting up. At that particular moment, the reality that she was actually going home, that she was going to be in Luis' arms again, set in and an anxious feeling settled in her stomach. Swallowing the last bit of toast, she rinsed her plate and wandered back into the living area, for the first time getting a glimpse into the home of the man who had become her savior. The decor was simple, mostly wood, with a few sparse pieces of furniture. The fireplace took up most of the space and she felt drawn there. The mantle was bare, with the exception of a singular silver chain with a matching cross dangling from it. It seemed familiar to her, though she wasn't able to remember where she'd seen it before. Shrugging, Sheridan headed back over to the couch and sat down and after a minute or two, the man reentered.
"Well, she's all set to go. Let's get you fixed up and we'll head into town."
It was then that Sheridan realized she didn't have a clue where she was. Was it possible she was still in Harmony? "Town? What town, exactly?" She asked, trying not to sound too hopeful.
"Bridgeport, New Hampshire... that's the closest town, anyways." The man answered, pulling a roll of gauze wrapping from a drawer and kneeling before her. "Where are you from, if I might ask?"
Pushing aside her disappointment, Sheridan winced slightly as he lifted her foot to wrap the bandage around her ankle. "Harmony, Maine."
"Beautiful place," He murmured, tucking the end of the bandage under the wrapped portion to secure it.
"You've been there?" Sheridan asked, her eyes wide with surprise. Sure Harmony had a annual tourist season, but this man didn't strike her as one who got out a lot.
The man glanced up, alarmed. He damn near gave himself away - to a Crane, no less! "Ah, once. A long time ago."
Sheridan studied him for a second, feeling once again, that something wasn't quite right. "Oh. I see."
Fighting the awkwardness that threatened to overtake them, he stood and smiled at her. "Well, you're all set. Are you ready to go?"
With a large grin, she nodded and with his help, got to her feet. After donning the jacket he insisted she wear, the two set out.
******
"I don't understand why you won't give up," Antonio sighed, staring at his younger brother. "She's my wife, I think I'd know if she was kidnapped. She's in France, you read the e-mail."
Luis glared back at the elder Lopez-Fitzgerald, fire in his amber eyes. "For the last time, Antonio, she was kidnapped! I refuse to believe otherwise."
Antonio shook his head in resignation. "Fine, Luis, believe what you want. You'll see, when she comes home, baby in tow." With those words, he left the police station, leaving Luis shooting daggers at his back.
He knew she wasn't in France, the e-mail he'd received shortly after she disappeared didn't prove a thing. Anyone could've sent that e-mail - and if she truly was okay, she would've called to let him know, of that he was certain.
Letting out a tortured breath, he dropped down at his desk, his eyes focused on the picture of her that stood in place. Tenderly touching the glass, he sighed. "Where are you, Sheridan?"
Just then, a phone rang.
*****
The officer offered her a smile as she held the phone to her ear. The wait was driving Sheridan insane and she fidgeted in her seat.
"Hello, this is Officer Kate Watkins with the Bridgeport Police Department, is Officer Lopez-Fitzgerald in?"
There was a pause as she listened to what was said on the other end.
"I'm calling in regards to the kidnapping of Sheridan Crane. It is imperative that I speak to him immediately."
Another pause and then she nodded, shooting the woman across from her a satisfied grin.
"Thank you."
******
"Hey, Luis," A voice broke through his trance and he glanced up to see one of the younger officers standing in front of him.
"Mike, what can I do for you?"
"You have a call on line three."
Not really in the mood to speak to anyone, Luis gave him a pointed look. "Listen, I was just about to head out, take a message."
Mike shook his head, a grin on his face. "Trust me, you want to take this call."
Frowning, Luis sat back down and grabbed the phone, hitting the appropriate button. "Lopez-Fitzgerald."
"Hello, Officer Lopez-Fitzgerald, this is Kate Watkins calling from the Bridgeport, New Hampshire Police Department. I understand you're heading up the investigation of the kidnapping of Sheridan Crane?"
Curious as to why they were calling, he sat forward, his elbows resting on his desk. "That's right."
He could hear shuffling on the other end when suddenly another voice came over the line.
"Luis?"
******
Trying in vain to keep the tears from falling, Sheridan choked out the only word she could as Kate handed her the phone.
"Luis?"
There was a stunned silence on the other end until the familiar voice, full of disbelief and raspy with emotion, whispered. "Sheridan?"
The fight against her tears became hopeless at that point and she swiped them away with her hand. "It's me, Luis. It's me."
"My God," He uttered. "How-why- where are you?"
"I-I'm at the police station in Bridgeport, New Hampshire... I-I was kidnapped and my baby - Oh God, my baby," She began to sob, her words unintelligible.
"Shh, sweetheart, please don't cry. I'm on my way, all right? I'm gonig to come get you and bring you home."
Sheridan smiled through her tears and whimpered an "Okay. Please hurry."
"I'll be ther as soon as I can." He paused, choking on his words. "And Sheridan? I love you."
The sincerity in his voice gave her renewed strength and she replied in kind. "I love you too, Luis."
"I"ll see you soon. Just hang on."
"I will."
The phone clicked in her ear then and she handed the reciever b ack to Kate.
"He's coming. Thank God, he's coming."
******
Slamming the phone back down, Luis was on his feet in a blink of an eye. He grabbed his coat and keys and ran out the door to where his police cruiser sat. Focused solely on getting to Sheridan, he jumped in, shoved the key in the ignition, switched on the lights and siren and sped off in the direction of the highway.
******
A little over an hour and a half later, Luis slammed on the breaks outside the tiny building that boasted the title 'Police Department.'
Without even so much as a pause, he flew out of the vehicle and into the station, his eyes wide and frantic. An older man approached him, laying a hand on his shoulder and he whipped around in surprise.
"Can I help you, son?"
"I'm looking for Sheri-"
"Luis!"
Swiveling around to where the voice had sounded from, he found himself assaulted by a blur of blonde hair. Blinking back the tears that had appeared in his eyes, Luis buried his face in the curve of her neck, his arms pulling her into a tight embrace.
The two didn't speak for a good ten minutes, just stood in the middle of the police station, clinging to one another for dear life.
Finally, Luis pulled back and cupped her face in his hands, wiping her tears away with the pad of his thumb. "Thank God, you're alive. I was so scared..." His voice trailed off, but his emotions and unsaid words sat clearly on his visage.
With blurry eyes, Sheridan reached up to touch his face, as if she were recommitting it to memory. "I thought I'd never see you again," She cried and again he pulled her to his chest.
"Shh, I'm here. And I'm never letting you go again, I promise," He murmured into her hair.
This time Sheridan was the one who pulled away, her expression one of excruciating pain. "Luis, my baby. They took my baby."
"They took your baby?" Luis repeated, his shock apparent and his face pale.
Sheridan nodded wordlessly and her body shook with sobs as he enveloped her in his arms. "We'll find our baby, Sher. I swear. I won't rest until you have that child in your arms."
"Thank you," She whispered when he drew back to look her in the eyes, conveying the honesty of his promise.
"Don't thank me, Sheridan. That's my baby, too."
Sheridan nodded mutely, not even denying his proclamation.
Luis stared at her for a moment, brushing back a piece of hair that had fallen in her face. Then after only a seconds hesitation, he lowered his mouth to hers.
******
TBC...
Part Two
Written by Shay
The pain. The pain was near impossible to bear. Clutching her stomach, she gritted her teeth, not wanting to cry out and alert her abductors that she had gone into labor. Images of her nightmare, in which the clowns swept in and stole her baby played incessantly in her clouded mind, keeping her cries at bay. She would do this herself, she vowed, she would birth this baby on her own, despite the fact that it was completely impractical to even assume.
Just then another bout of pain shot through her abdomen and it was fruitless to even try - a scream tore through the quiet home, vibrating off the sides of the pit. A sudden gush of water trailed down her legs and she stared at it in horror. Swallowing her fear, she gently lowered herself to the blanket on the cold, dark dirt, trembling as she hesitantly looked up to see the two people dressed in their clown outfits, masks hiding their faces. The two conversed quietly among themselves, until the smaller one nodded and disappeared. The larger one, the one she had more contact with, stared down at her, an odd look in her eyes.
"Looks like you're finally going to birth that brat, Blondie. Then we can finish you off. One less blonde bitch to worry about," They cackled.
An intense mixture of rage and terror coursed through her veins and she managed to glare at the plastic clown face. "You're not coming near me or my baby!" She countered with a bravery she didn't feel.
The clown shook its head and croaked out another chuckle. "That's what you think, Blondie." At that, they waved a small pistol at her. "I'm coming down there to deliver the little tyke and I'm warning ya, you try one smart move, there will be a bullet in your head before you can say 'rich bitch.'"
Without waiting for a response, the clown lowered a chain ladder down the side of the pit and climbed in. She stood still beside it until the other clown reappeared and lowered down a bucket of items and then pulled the ladder back up, leaving just the two of them.
Shaking, Sheridan scooted further away, but it was futile. The clown approached as she experienced another contraction, the worst yet, and caught her hands behind her back, snapping a pair of handcuffs around her wrists.
"I'm not taking any chances with you, Blondie."
******
It was two hours later and an incredible fight against the person kneeled before her, that a baby's wail echoed through the room. Struggling with the metal cuffs that held her captive, Sheridan cried for her baby. The clown wrapped it in a blanket and placed it in the bucket, which the other one promptly pulled to the top. With a sneer, the one with her, turned towards the ladder that had again been lowered.
"Don't worry, Blondie. We'll be taking real good care of your brat," Followed by another cackle.
As weak and tired as she was, Sheridan pushed herself to her feet, rushing towards the ladder. SHe had to get to her baby, no matter the consequences. Her attempt was in vain as it was yanked up just as she reached it. Yelling in frustration, an exhausted Sheridan collapsed into the dirt, sobbing.
"My baby - please don't take my baby!"
*******
"My baby," Sheridan moaned, thrashing about among the sheets she slept on. "My baby," She again cried before bolting up, her blue eyes wide and wet with her tears.
It took a moment for her to remember where she was, that she was safe and her gasps for breath ceased as the surroundings became familiar again. She was safe - but was her baby? Horrible images of the clowns torturing her child suddenly invaded her mind and she fought the urge to vomit. Wiping her tears, she allowed herself to lay back down on the pillow, silently praying to God and taking comfort in the knowledge that tomorrow she would see Luis - and that he would find their son or daughter.
*******
Meanwhile, back in Harmony, Luis, too, was suffering from haunting nightmares. In his, flashes of all the times he'd come close to losing Sheridan played in his head. Finding her lifeless body on the floor of the cottage, her being buried alive, them being too late to save her. Then later, the boat explosion in Bermuda and the hell he had endured afterwards. Her marrying Antonio. The scenes repeated continuously until a new one popped into sequence. This one was Sheridan running, dark woods surrounding her, shouts and a gun firing behind her. He could feel her fear, her panic. Another shot rang out and he saw her fall. It was then he shot up in bed, his body drenched in sweat.
Taking a few deep and cleansing breaths, he gazed around his darkened bedroom, the horrible images still at the forefront of his mind. His pulse was racing, he could hear the blood pounding in his ears as he reached for the framed photo of Sheridan on his night stand, blindly looking for any clues. In the three months she'd been gone, he had had a lot of episodes like this, but never one so vivid - or quite as frightening. There would be times when his body would tense up and he'd be filled with fear and he knew that she was scared out of her mind. Other times, he could feel her anger and indignant attitude and during these brief moments, he prayed she didn't do anything impulsive and get herself killed. But tonight, this was the first time he'd actually dreamt of her like this. He was by no means psychic, but he also knew how deep their connection ran, the feelings were proof enough of that.
Staring down at her smiling face, he traced her outline, trying to make sense of his dream. She was in danger, he'd known that from the moment she'd gone missing, but there was something else. An overwhelming sense of loss that broke his heart. He had to find her.
"I'm coming, Sher. Just stay strong."
*******
"Dammit, would you just be quiet!" Beth screeched as the baby laying in the small bassinet once again began to cry.
The child was incessant with its wails, at all hours of the day and night. And nothing she, Charlie or her mother did got the imp to shut it's trap. If anything, whenever they tried, it got louder. The only time there was peace anymore was when the baby was eating or the rare instances it chose to sleep.
The baby, however, paid no heed to her demands, it's little face turning red from it's sobs.
With a huff, Beth threw off the blankets and wandered over to where the baby's bed was and glared down at it. "What is your problem? Don't you know you're supposed to sleep?"
Her words were met with a whimper and she growled in anger. Just then the door opened and revealed Precious, who came in with a bottle clutched in her grasp. With a frown, Beth grabbed it from the animal and shoved it in the baby's open mouth.
The distraction worked as it began to suck on the plastic nipple greedily, the crying coming to an end.
"You feed the brat," Beth motioned towards Precious, who gave her a curious look, but waddled over. Once that was taken care of, she stomped back towards her bed, grumbling about how she would get stuck with a child that inherited both of it's parents stubborn genes.
*******
The sunlight was filtering in through a curtainless window, awakening Sheridan from her restless slumber. After her nightmare, she lay there for the better part of the night, crying for her baby and wishing for Luis. Eventually she'd fallen asleep, albeit a tortured one. Horrid dreams had followed her through the night and she was most grateful for the light, instead of the darkness. She'd seen enough of the dark to last her the next four lifetimes.
Stretching, she was glad to find at least her body felt refreshed, even if she was still emotionally drained. Her stomach growled then and she became painfully aware of just how long it had been since she'd eaten. Her kidnappers had kept her pretty well fed up until she'd given birth, but that morning had been the last time they'd given her anything. She didn't want to put the nice man out anymore then she already had, but if she didn't eat soon, she feared she might never see Luis or her baby again. Swinging her legs over the side of the bed, she stood and opened the door, where she was promptly greeted by the most magnificent scent. Eggs and bacon and sausage! Mouth watering, she ventured out to where her benefactor was placing the breakfast on the small table. He glanced up when he heard her approach and smiled warmly.
"Good, you're awake. Are you hungry?"
"Starved, actually," Sheridan said with a sheepish grin when she realized she'd been staring at him like he was an elaborate Thanksgiving dinner.
He chuckled and motioned towards the set table. "Well, breakfast is ready. Help yourself."
"Thank you," She said gratefully, taking the seat across from him, eagerly taking the offered food. Never had such a simple meal tasted quite so delicious!
The pair ate in silence for a moment until he spoke.
"I'm sure you're anxious to get home, so we'll set out once you've had your fill and I've tended to that ankle of yours."
Sheridan's blue eyes filled with tears at the thought of getting back to Harmony, to Luis. She'd almost come to terms that she'd never see him again, but now she would - soon.
"Thank you, so much. I'll never be able to repay you for what you're doing for me."
The man gave a dismissive shrug. "I'm just doing what any other decent human being would. No thank yous necessary."
With a sad smile, Sheridan nodded in acceptance, somehow knowing that he'd never agree to her insistence that she repay him for his kindness. "You remind me so much of my fian - the man I love," She finished with a frown. It wasn't fair to refer to Luis as her fiancé when she was married to Antonio, despite that both of them knew that one day they would be wed.
"Forgive me if I'm being nosy, but I can't help but notice how you keep starting to call him your fiancé, but then stop. Is he or isn't he?"
The question should've seemed rude, but for some reason it didn't offend Sheridan in the least. "It's complicated."
The man gave a short nod, his face understanding. "Love usually is."
"Don't I know it," Sheridan muttered to herself before taking another bite of her breakfast.
Clearing his throat, the man stood. "I'm going to get the four-wheeler ready. We'll bandage up your ankle when you're done eating."
Managing a smile and a nod in response, she watched him head out the front door and a few minutes later, she heard the roar of the four-wheeler starting up. At that particular moment, the reality that she was actually going home, that she was going to be in Luis' arms again, set in and an anxious feeling settled in her stomach. Swallowing the last bit of toast, she rinsed her plate and wandered back into the living area, for the first time getting a glimpse into the home of the man who had become her savior. The decor was simple, mostly wood, with a few sparse pieces of furniture. The fireplace took up most of the space and she felt drawn there. The mantle was bare, with the exception of a singular silver chain with a matching cross dangling from it. It seemed familiar to her, though she wasn't able to remember where she'd seen it before. Shrugging, Sheridan headed back over to the couch and sat down and after a minute or two, the man reentered.
"Well, she's all set to go. Let's get you fixed up and we'll head into town."
It was then that Sheridan realized she didn't have a clue where she was. Was it possible she was still in Harmony? "Town? What town, exactly?" She asked, trying not to sound too hopeful.
"Bridgeport, New Hampshire... that's the closest town, anyways." The man answered, pulling a roll of gauze wrapping from a drawer and kneeling before her. "Where are you from, if I might ask?"
Pushing aside her disappointment, Sheridan winced slightly as he lifted her foot to wrap the bandage around her ankle. "Harmony, Maine."
"Beautiful place," He murmured, tucking the end of the bandage under the wrapped portion to secure it.
"You've been there?" Sheridan asked, her eyes wide with surprise. Sure Harmony had a annual tourist season, but this man didn't strike her as one who got out a lot.
The man glanced up, alarmed. He damn near gave himself away - to a Crane, no less! "Ah, once. A long time ago."
Sheridan studied him for a second, feeling once again, that something wasn't quite right. "Oh. I see."
Fighting the awkwardness that threatened to overtake them, he stood and smiled at her. "Well, you're all set. Are you ready to go?"
With a large grin, she nodded and with his help, got to her feet. After donning the jacket he insisted she wear, the two set out.
******
"I don't understand why you won't give up," Antonio sighed, staring at his younger brother. "She's my wife, I think I'd know if she was kidnapped. She's in France, you read the e-mail."
Luis glared back at the elder Lopez-Fitzgerald, fire in his amber eyes. "For the last time, Antonio, she was kidnapped! I refuse to believe otherwise."
Antonio shook his head in resignation. "Fine, Luis, believe what you want. You'll see, when she comes home, baby in tow." With those words, he left the police station, leaving Luis shooting daggers at his back.
He knew she wasn't in France, the e-mail he'd received shortly after she disappeared didn't prove a thing. Anyone could've sent that e-mail - and if she truly was okay, she would've called to let him know, of that he was certain.
Letting out a tortured breath, he dropped down at his desk, his eyes focused on the picture of her that stood in place. Tenderly touching the glass, he sighed. "Where are you, Sheridan?"
Just then, a phone rang.
*****
The officer offered her a smile as she held the phone to her ear. The wait was driving Sheridan insane and she fidgeted in her seat.
"Hello, this is Officer Kate Watkins with the Bridgeport Police Department, is Officer Lopez-Fitzgerald in?"
There was a pause as she listened to what was said on the other end.
"I'm calling in regards to the kidnapping of Sheridan Crane. It is imperative that I speak to him immediately."
Another pause and then she nodded, shooting the woman across from her a satisfied grin.
"Thank you."
******
"Hey, Luis," A voice broke through his trance and he glanced up to see one of the younger officers standing in front of him.
"Mike, what can I do for you?"
"You have a call on line three."
Not really in the mood to speak to anyone, Luis gave him a pointed look. "Listen, I was just about to head out, take a message."
Mike shook his head, a grin on his face. "Trust me, you want to take this call."
Frowning, Luis sat back down and grabbed the phone, hitting the appropriate button. "Lopez-Fitzgerald."
"Hello, Officer Lopez-Fitzgerald, this is Kate Watkins calling from the Bridgeport, New Hampshire Police Department. I understand you're heading up the investigation of the kidnapping of Sheridan Crane?"
Curious as to why they were calling, he sat forward, his elbows resting on his desk. "That's right."
He could hear shuffling on the other end when suddenly another voice came over the line.
"Luis?"
******
Trying in vain to keep the tears from falling, Sheridan choked out the only word she could as Kate handed her the phone.
"Luis?"
There was a stunned silence on the other end until the familiar voice, full of disbelief and raspy with emotion, whispered. "Sheridan?"
The fight against her tears became hopeless at that point and she swiped them away with her hand. "It's me, Luis. It's me."
"My God," He uttered. "How-why- where are you?"
"I-I'm at the police station in Bridgeport, New Hampshire... I-I was kidnapped and my baby - Oh God, my baby," She began to sob, her words unintelligible.
"Shh, sweetheart, please don't cry. I'm on my way, all right? I'm gonig to come get you and bring you home."
Sheridan smiled through her tears and whimpered an "Okay. Please hurry."
"I'll be ther as soon as I can." He paused, choking on his words. "And Sheridan? I love you."
The sincerity in his voice gave her renewed strength and she replied in kind. "I love you too, Luis."
"I"ll see you soon. Just hang on."
"I will."
The phone clicked in her ear then and she handed the reciever b ack to Kate.
"He's coming. Thank God, he's coming."
******
Slamming the phone back down, Luis was on his feet in a blink of an eye. He grabbed his coat and keys and ran out the door to where his police cruiser sat. Focused solely on getting to Sheridan, he jumped in, shoved the key in the ignition, switched on the lights and siren and sped off in the direction of the highway.
******
A little over an hour and a half later, Luis slammed on the breaks outside the tiny building that boasted the title 'Police Department.'
Without even so much as a pause, he flew out of the vehicle and into the station, his eyes wide and frantic. An older man approached him, laying a hand on his shoulder and he whipped around in surprise.
"Can I help you, son?"
"I'm looking for Sheri-"
"Luis!"
Swiveling around to where the voice had sounded from, he found himself assaulted by a blur of blonde hair. Blinking back the tears that had appeared in his eyes, Luis buried his face in the curve of her neck, his arms pulling her into a tight embrace.
The two didn't speak for a good ten minutes, just stood in the middle of the police station, clinging to one another for dear life.
Finally, Luis pulled back and cupped her face in his hands, wiping her tears away with the pad of his thumb. "Thank God, you're alive. I was so scared..." His voice trailed off, but his emotions and unsaid words sat clearly on his visage.
With blurry eyes, Sheridan reached up to touch his face, as if she were recommitting it to memory. "I thought I'd never see you again," She cried and again he pulled her to his chest.
"Shh, I'm here. And I'm never letting you go again, I promise," He murmured into her hair.
This time Sheridan was the one who pulled away, her expression one of excruciating pain. "Luis, my baby. They took my baby."
"They took your baby?" Luis repeated, his shock apparent and his face pale.
Sheridan nodded wordlessly and her body shook with sobs as he enveloped her in his arms. "We'll find our baby, Sher. I swear. I won't rest until you have that child in your arms."
"Thank you," She whispered when he drew back to look her in the eyes, conveying the honesty of his promise.
"Don't thank me, Sheridan. That's my baby, too."
Sheridan nodded mutely, not even denying his proclamation.
Luis stared at her for a moment, brushing back a piece of hair that had fallen in her face. Then after only a seconds hesitation, he lowered his mouth to hers.
******
TBC...