"William Stewart donated five million dollars to Cornerstone? And we're just finding this out now?" Jimmy asked. "What else?"

"He was also in France the same time Danny and Jen were killed, but when Linwood was shot dead he was in New York. This Richard Barrington had dinner with Linwood that night, and was the last one to see him," Kenny supplied. "Also, there was another set of the adoption papers from the Robinsons in the Stewart safe. Another copy, with the same signatures. Have we ever seen what Linwood's writing looks like?"

"We're gonna get him," Skeeter added. "But we still don't have a motive."

"I like the one where he's trying to win back his daughter's love," Kenny commented dryly. "We need to go up there now."

"Go," Jimmy finally said. "Keep it low key. You two are supposed to be having problems."

"We'll work on it," Kenny thought aloud.

"Linda and I will watch Emily if you want," Skeeter offered. "Give the two of you some time together."

"I know Max would love to see her," Kenny trailed off, his heart wrenching at the thought of leaving her. Max is going to kill me. "But the idea of bringing her near those psychos . . ."

"We'll take care of her. Linda was just talking about wanting to have another kid. Maybe having an almost two year old around will changed her mind."

111111111111111111111111

Max wearily pushed the back door open, and listened to the muffled voices coming from the living room. I so can't deal with them right now, she thought.

She heard her father bellow from the other room. "Maxine, is that you?"

"Hi Dad."

"Get in here. We need to talk to you."

Taking one final deep breath to steady herself the last thing she wanted to do was go in there and talk. At least one good thing came out of this. I did get a bug in my father's office. "Hi," she said again pausing in the doorway to the living room, not knowing what else to say. "Um, what's going on?"

"We've been waiting for you to get back from your tantrum," William replied coldly. "I had to explain my office why my daughter stomped out of there. We were doing you a favor, and this is how you react? I don't know why I bothered with all of this."

"You took me by surprise," Max practically whispered, hating the way he made her feel. "I meant what I said too. I'm not going to cut Kenny out of Em's life. He's a great Dad, and she needs him."

"You really want to have ties to the man who let your son be kidnapped and murdered? That influence cannot be good for Emily," Richard countered.

Asshole, she thought, I am so glad that I broke up with you. "Kenny didn't let Josh be kidnapped."

William cut her off. "I cannot believe that your defending the man! You said that your marriage is over."

Max gritted her teeth. "Just because it is, doesn't mean that this has to get ugly. I want to be able to part with him on amicable terms, and I know the two of us can come to some kind of agreement on Em. Above everything else, Kenny is a fair man, and he wants what is best for Em."

"What about the divorce papers? When are you going to sign those? Soon I hope," Richard asked. "For us."

"It's hard to let go," Max said softly. "To say good bye. We were such good friends before, we were so happy . . . I don't know what happened."

"He wasn't suited to you. Richard is," William declared. "It was a simple class difference. Sign the papers, Maxine."

She shook her head. "Not yet . . . I want to move on, have a life again. I just can't do it yet."

"Let's start our life together," Richard said, taking her hand in his. "We never had that lunch today, what about dinner tonight?"

"It's a date," William answered for her. "You will be moving on from this."

"She did one hell of a job bugging these offices," Morell commented. "I just got it cleared through my supervisor, so we're set. What about this file?"

"We've got the gist of it," Jimmy said. "Listen to this."

"When do you think she'll sign them? She's been here ten days," Richard asked. "This is what we worked for William."

"She'll sign, all of them. I'll make sure of it, then this awful mess will go away."

"It'll be so good between us, and just think of the power between us. Just the names together, no one will be able to stop us. We'll all be family."

William chuckled. "I just keep thinking about Linwood though. Poor, deluded Linwood. Remember when we had him set up that adoption? He sure as hell didn't care about the legalities until the Robinsons were killed."

"Stuck his nose where it didn't belong," Richard sneered. "Yes, Cheryl?"

"Almost," Morell said softly. "Sadistic psychos. This is a good start, what else has she uncovered?"

"Not much . . . Kenny's flying up tomorrow. To try to repair the marriage in theory, but in reality he wants to check up on her."

"Don't blame him. Does she know?"

"Not yet, communication has been a little scarce. He's going to try again tonight."

"Just a little more, and we should have them. Hopefully she can pass the file off to him, and he'll bring it back. Something to link them to the Robinsons, and Danny and Jen."

111111111111111111111111

"This is great," Max said with a bland smile. "You picked quite a place here Richard."

"This is what our life is going to be like," he promised. "First class all of the way."

"I wouldn't be surprised," she mused, wanting him to slip up about anything. "How do you like working for my father?"

"William and I are a lot alike, and we have the same views on many issues. I admire him quite a bit. I'm also quite fond of his daughter."

"Really? What sort of things do you agree on?"

He paused regarding her thoughtfully before replying. "You for one. We both want what is best for you, and I know you were upset by us drafting those papers so fast, but we had your best interest at heart. Through all of this we have."

"Through all of what?"

"Your child's death, your marital problems. If that is what brought you home, I'm sorry that's what it took, but I'll be here for you. It's our second chance, Maxine. Let's embrace it."

She nodded slowly, feeling her phone vibrate in her purse. "Your concern in duly noted. There are just so many unanswered questions about Josh's death. I mean we know who killed him, but not why. And there aren't any leads as to why. I don't think we'll ever know."

"Maybe you should stop looking if it's causing you so much pain."

"Maybe . . . I'm going to run to the ladies room."

"Hurry back."

Max felt him watching her as she made her way across the room. Stop looking? Not likely, she thought. Locking the restroom door firmly behind her, she snatched her phone has it continued to vibrate. "Hello?"

"I've been trying to call you all night," Kenny said in way of greeting. "Where are you?"

"Out with Richard, and trying not to be sick while he tries to woo me. What's going on?"

"Is this a date?"

"I consider it a fact-finding mission, although it hasn't turned up much so far. How about on your end?"

"Plenty came in through those bugs you planted, and Morell was impressed," Kenny said, as he filled her in. "Your ex out there probably killed Linwood when he figured out what was going on. I'm flying out to Boston tomorrow morning."

Max didn't say anything right away, torn between joy over seeing him again and wariness of dragging him into this mess. "You are?"

"Hey we've gotta make a stab at repairing our marriage right? It's only natural," Kenny replied dryly. "Especially with you filing papers soon."

Max smiled into the phone. "This is really going to piss my father off."

"When people get pissed, they slip up. I'll call you when I get here. Maybe we can have a fight on the phone while your parents listen."

"I better get back out there before Richard comes looking for me," Max said quietly, "I can't wait to see you. Wait. Who is going to watch Em?"

"Skeeter and Linda. I wanted to bring her, but . . .I don't want to leave her either."

"I don't blame you for not . . . I'll see you later. I love you."

"Love you too."

Sighing, she looked down at the phone before heading back out to Richard.

111111111111111111111111

"How was your date with Richard last night? You didn't get home until late," Hannah asked the following morning. "Did you have a good time?"

"It was fine Mom," Max replied blandly.

Caroline eyed her younger sister warily, and didn't believe for a minute that she was seriously interested in Richard Barrington. The guy is a jerk, she thought, and a few months ago she was totally devoted to her husband. And he loved her, that much was obvious at the funeral. Oh Maxie, what is going on with you? Not being able to hold her tongue Caroline asked. "What happened between you and Richard anyway? You had to break up for a reason. And you and Kenny?"

"We were young Caro. I was only 21 when we were supposed to get married, and there was a lot I wanted to do first. Kenny and me? Too much as happened, we can't…I can't keep fighting with him."

"And now you're just going to throw your entire life away? A career that you built? A husband who a few months ago you were crazy about? The family the two of you created? What is going on with you? I've never seen you give up before."

"Caroline," Hannah interrupted. "Your sister has been through a lot, so of course she needs."

Caroline caught her off, perturbed by both of her parent's attitudes of late. "Mom, please. This is total crap. I don't know what is going on here, but I would like to know. Maxie? Care to clue us in?"

"I don't know what you mean," Max replied lamely, before sighing. "It's just easier this way Caro. Kenny and me . . . there is just so much wrong now, we can't fix it."

Caroline bit her tongue at the pleading she saw in her sister's eyes as the phone rang. "I'll get that."

She eyed Maxie thoughtfully as she listened to the voice on the other end. "Of course. Hold on. She's right here. Maxie, phone."

She took it as it might bite her, as she avoided Caro's gaze. If only she knew. "Hello?"

"Hi, Honey. You ready to have that fight?"

Max bit her lip to keep from smiling at hearing Kenny's voice. I miss him. "Uh, hi. What do you want?"

"Good start. I want to see you naked in our bed," he replied lowly. "And I want to do some unmentionable things to you in there."

"Are you trying to be funny?"

"Hey, my flight got in an hour ago, and I'm sitting in this empty hotel room with you not so far away. And I've missed you."

"You're here? Why? Kenny," Max replied, letting the anger creep into her voice. "We have nothing to talk about."

"We don't?"

"We've said everything we needed to say to each other. It's over, you know that as well as I do. You should go," Max continued, not sure how she was getting the words out. "I don't want to see you."

"Liar."

"You've got to stop this. Go home. We'll let our attorneys settle this."

"Your attorneys suck."

"No. Just go away, so we can both move on. We were a mistake in the first place, and I've found someone else."

"Please, Max honey I can't lose you," he begged, before dropping his voice an octave. "C'mon honey, just say yes. And bring the file. You should have convinced them by now."

Max felt Caroline and her mom watching her, as she finally relented. "Fine. When?"

"Tonight. You remember the address?"

"Yeah, fine. At six?"

"I can't wait," Kenny said softly, "I've missed you."

"Bye," Max replied, sounding colder then she thought possible.

Caroline looked at her sister like she hardly recognized her anymore. "You were so mean to him. Maybe you're more like Dad I thought."

"Caroline," Max started, as she waved her off. "There's a lot going on that you don't know."

"Why don't you explain it then?"

"I can't. At least not yet. Soon, I promise," Max said looking at the clock. "Um, we're going to talk tonight."

"No date with Richard tonight?"

"No, um, I'm going to shower and change. I'll see you later."

1111111111111111111111111

"Her husband is here? Why? This could mess everything up William," Richard sneered. "We can't have this fall apart."

"It won't make a difference. She doesn't want anything to do with him."

"Max must be one hell of an actress," Skeeter said under his breath, as he, Jimmy and Morell listened to the conversation being recorded.

"This whole thing is falling apart," Richard continued. "There are too many bodies. Someone is going to put it together."

"No one will. We're too smart for that, and keep your mouth shut. Once I marry my daughter off to you, none of this will matter. Family business stays in the family."

"I can't help it. I feel like someone is watching us, and the other shoe is about to drop."

"Stop being paranoid. Why don't you stop off at the jewelry story and buy her a nice surprise that her hick, soon to be ex-husband can't afford?"

"Fine. We'll finish this later."

"Jerks," Skeeter commented, as the noise ceased. "What bodies are they talking about? I know they referred to Linwood earlier. We need names."

"We're getting enough to hang them with," Morell said with a nod. "Although I'd love to get a look at their bank transactions and computer files."

"We need to get her out of there," Jimmy interjected, "If they even suspect that Max knows anything . . . We've got the bugs in place. She should fly back here with Kenny."

"What would her family think then? Wouldn't that make them suspicious? We can't stop now," Morell stressed. "She knew what she signed up for. I know men like William Stewart, and he needs to be stopped. This Barrington is nothing but his lackey, but he needs to be stopped before he does something dumb."

"I'm not going to continue to risk her life like this!"

Morell regarded the sheriff silently before sighing. "His reach goes well beyond what you know. He has powerful connections, and unless he's stopped no one involved in this will be safe. He obviously wants his daughter back, and he won't stop. Let's finish this."

"A few more days," Jimmy conceded, praying that Max could pull it off.

111111111111111111111111

Max paused outside Kenny's hotel room before knocking. Straightening her short green sundress and shaking back her hair, she hoped she looked okay. It's gotten so long, Max thought, knowing that Kenny loved the way it hung halfway down her back. Soft and pretty, she smiled to herself, I can give that to him, as she realized she was almost giddy with excitement over seeing him again. God, it's like being a teenager again. Taking a deep breath, she knocked softly. Hearing the fumbling with the chain and door, she rocked back on her heels and waited.

Kenny stared at her without saying right away, as a grin crept on his face. Silently he took her hand in his, and led her inside. Slowly, he wrapped his arms around her waist, and pulled her tightly against his chest. Letting his fingers trail through her hair, and down her face he whispered. "Damn it feels good to hold you again."

"Hmm," Max purred, wrapping her arms around his neck. "Do you I've laid awake every night wishing you were next to me?"

"You look amazing," he commented, seeing that she had gained back some of the weight she had lost, and he added to needle her. "I'm sure your friend Richard noticed that too."

"Ugh, I don't want to talk about him," Max said with a slow, seductive smile, as he led her over to the bed. "You have such strong hands, and I want to feel them on me."

Kenny grinned wickedly at her, as they fell back onto the bed.

111111111111111111111111

"You just let her go? Hannah, she has no business talking to that man. It will just make the divorce more complicated," William raged.

Hannah recalled the conversation Maxie had with Kenny, and the way she said that there were things that they didn't know. "She still cares about him, William, and they have a child together. If they can work it out, we shouldn't stand in the way."

"They can't work it out."

"Aren't you concerned about Maxie's happiness and well being? You never saw them together, before all of this happened. They were so sweet, and so in love. I know this isn't the life we had envisioned for Maxie, but it is a good one. Don't force anything on her William. She'll find her own way through this. I'm just glad she came to us when she needed support."

"You don't know what your talking about Hannah," William growled. "This is my family, and I know what is best for people."

"She's an adult, Dad," Caroline interjected joining them. "And someone who has always found her own way despite what other people think. The more you push something on her, the less likely she is to respond. In addition Richard Barrington is a pompous jerk."

"You don't seem to mind the husband I picked for you," William sneered.

"Just because you approve of Michael doesn't mean you chose him. And I wouldn't be with him if I didn't love him. The same way Maxie loves Kenny, and I'm sure they'll work out whatever is going on between them."

"You have no idea what your talking about. I won't allow that to happen."

Hannah and Caroline exchanged a look, as William stormed off to his office.

111111111111111111111111

"Hmm, I can't move," Max groaned, rolling onto her side, so their bare chests touched. "Were those the unmentionables you were talking about?"

"And then some," he said, leaning in to kiss her again, his hands still tangled in her hair. "I thought we were supposed to be fighting."

Max trailed her fingers down his chest, and giggled when she felt his hands stroke her hips. "I don't think I ever want to move again."

"It's only eight, we've got all night," Kenny whispered, letting his lips trail along her jaw line and down her neck, as he listened to her stomach growl. "Uh, you want to order room service?"

"If we don't get out of this bed soon, I might stay here forever," Max replied, snuggling in closer thinking it felt so good to be close to his side again. "Although I could really go for some pizza and a beer."

"You're a cheap date," Kenny said with a grin. "Although the beer in the mini bar costs ten bucks a bottle."

"Ten? It must be the best beer ever," Max replied, feeling a smile creep onto her face as well. "You going to feed me or what?"

Max rested her head on his shoulder, as he placed the order, and wondered how she was ever going to go back to that house of horrors she grew up in tonight.

"Twenty minutes," Kenny said hanging up, and pulling her on top of him. "Think we can put it to good use?"

111111111111111111111111

"Mom, what is going on with him? He's obsessed," Caroline said softly, as she watched her Dad storm off. "I know he and Maxie have always had problems, but this is a little extreme. I don't buy for a minute that she is considering a future with Richard."

"She's been through a lot, Caroline, and it probably changed her perspective on life," Hannah replied. "I want her to be happy, and she was. Kenny wasn't who I would have chosen for Maxie, but they were right for each other."

"She said there were things we don't understand," Caroline trailed off thoughtfully, as a thought entered her mind. "Mom? Do you think that Dad had anything to do with Josh's death?"

"Caroline!"

"Or that Maxie thinks he does? She wouldn't come back here lightly," Caroline continued. "Think about it."

"He's your father, Caroline! How could you suggest that?"

"He's been wanting Maxie to come back here for years, and maybe this was his way to do it. And maybe she put two and two together, and she's trying to set him up."

"Stop it! Your father and I lost a grandson that we never knew, and how dare you suggest that your father had something to do with it! Get out of this house!"

"Fine. I'll see you later."

111111111111111111111111

"Finally," Max said as a knock came at the door. "I'm famished."

Kenny just looked at her flushed face, mussed hair, seductive glint in her eyes. "Well, I guess I should feed you now."

"You had me work up quite an appetite," she replied, wrapping the sheet around her chest, as she watched him pull on his jeans.

Kenny shot her an amused glance, as he yanked the door open. "Oh. You're one of the last people I expected to see here."

Max sat up a bit at the muffled voices coming from the doorway, and strained to hear what was going on.

"I knew it," she heard. "Where is she?"

Shit, Max thought, shit, as Caroline came storming into the room. Wrapping the sheet more securely around herself, she watched her gasp in shock at the rumpled bed in front of her.

"I knew it," she repeated. "Maxie, what the hell is going on here?"