A/N - This was so, so hard. I just hope I didn't disappoint anyone. I really wanted to get rid of him - but I have an idea for another fanfic and I need Caleb around to make it happen.

So - here's what was up Cam's sleeve. Let me know what you think. And sorry again - don't kill me - it's another cliffhanger. Until 44 - xox G

Chapter Forty-three

Caleb couldn't believe this guy. Who the hell did he think he was, treating his family legacy like a quarter that he was getting ready to toss. Fury burned inside him - his eyes began to glow as he spoke.

"You are something else." He commented. " I want what is mine. I don't have time for this." Caleb said as he tried to walk past Cameron. With a simple flick of his wrist Cam held him in place.

"Not so fast - Fang Face."

"Oh no. Not you too? Seriously, doesn't ANYONE stay dead anymore?" Caleb was getting tired of angels showing up uninvited.

Cam turned to look at Rafe and then back at Caleb. "We could ask you the same question. Listen. This isn't a social call." He regarded the ring in his hand. "This thing's pretty hideous looking but - you know - I'm taking pity on you. You seem so lost without it. You want your ring back. Here you go."

Cameron threw the ring to Caleb. He crossed his arms in front of his chest - looking extremely pleased with himself.

Rafe was in a state of utter confusion. He hoped this guy knew what he was doing.

Caleb caught the ring - relished the feel of its weight in his palm. He was confused. Something had to be wrong. He could feel Livvie 's rage nearly vibrating off of her. He slid his arm around her waist and held her close - not wanting her to go off and do something crazy. It'd be just like her to let her anger get the best of her.

Caleb slipped on the ring, expecting to feel a surge of power. He felt nothing.

"It's a fake!" He nearly screamed, still held at arms length by whatever force Cameron held him under.

Cameron just grinned. "I assure you. It's the real thing. I took it from Abby's apartment earlier today."

"Something's wrong. It's lost it's power or - something." Caleb's voice shook with rage.

"This can't be happening." Livvie shrieked. "You can't do this to us."

"Oh. I think I can. I'd love to tell you all about it. It's really a sad story. You guys might want to sit down."

"Listen wise guy. I've had enough of you and your sarcastic remarks." Caleb snapped.

Cam flicked his wrist again and Livvie and Caleb found themselves seated without taking a step, The two sat in stunned silence.

"Too bad. I have a few things left to say to you. First. Threatening my girlfriend and holding her hostage? Not your smartest move. Didn't endear you to me in the least. Second. Kidnapping her sister - who, as you know is in a very delicate condition - not to mention is my boss' daughter-in-law? Stupid, stupid, stupid. I might think you were the dumbest guy on the planet but there are a few guys who've got you beat. Those two clowns you had working for you? Scarily enough - they were actually the ones who took you down."

Rafe moved to stand right next to Cam. He had no idea what he was up to but it looked like he had everything under control He began to have a sneaking suspicion his father was up to something. This should be good he thought with a grin.

"What the hell are you talking about?" Caleb said, confused.

Cam rubbed his hands together - about to reveal the truth and nearly giddy.

"As Rafe well knows, his dad - he's a bit of a gambler. Thing is - he knows a sure thing when he sees it. Too bad for you - James still hasn't learned his lesson and Joshua fell for it this time too. That would've been enough - but then your father wanted a piece of the action. The three of them didn't know who they were betting against. All they would've had to do is ask me. I'd never have a doubt as to what she'd do."

"Who?" Caleb demanded.

"My Abby." Cam said with a smile and an enormous amount of pride. "I came into this late in the game. That Ed" Cam shook his head, "he'd been working on it for weeks. First, those jokers bet that once Abby figured out that the ring granted wishes she would use the ring herself to get me back. She nearly did - but then threw the thing across the room. Then, they bet she'd give in when you threatened her - to save herself. She didn't do that either." Cam voice began to shake with anger, concern and more than a little emotion as he spoke these next words. "Finally, she actually thanked the heavens above for the little time she had with me and offered to die to save the ones she loved."

"No!" Caleb and Livvie screamed in unison.

Cam continued to smile. "That ring will grant only one wish now. But it probably isn't the one you want - or maybe it is. Think you can hack it in the real world Caleb? C'mon. Let's see you try."

"I don't believe you.' Caleb said then.

Cam shrugged. "OK. Don't. You're talking to me like I actually care. Try it and see."

Caleb was dazed and completely confused. For the first time in a long while, he had no idea what to do. Should he believe Cam? Should he make a wish anyway? It seemed the consequence Cam spoke of was mortality. He'd toyed with the idea, almost craved it when he was with Tess but could he really live that way? It couldn't be true. If it was just Joshua and James he might believe it - but his father? Roderick Morley would NEVER let this happen. Not able to believe otherwise, grabbing Livvie's hand he closed his eyes and made a wish.

And immediately felt the consequence. He was mortal again.

Livvie looked at him - totally confused. "Caleb? What's happening?" She felt it too and Caleb suspected, so did everyone else who'd been turned.

Cameron grinned at Rafe. Abby's faith and willingness to give herself up to save them all had ultimately changed everything for the better.

Caleb was enraged but completely vulnerable. He held on to Livvie's hand. Finally free of Cameron's hold he did the only thing he could think of. He glared at Cameron and Rafe and left the room - dragging Livvie behind them. He needed to go someplace and contemplate all that had happened. How in one moment he'd lost it all - or had he gained something back? He couldn't think about it here. He couldn't let them think they'd beaten him.


He'd be back. Someday, somehow - he knew he could get it back. He just needed some time.

Cam and Rafe watched them go, more than a little bit smug. "Nice work." Rafe clapped Cam on the back.

"Don't look at me - it was all Ed." Cam said - still grinning madly.

"Yeah - but he told you to trust him didn't he?

"Yep."

"And even though you knew Abby was in danger you did."

"Let me tell you - it was torture."

"Don't I know it." Rafe replied. "You did it though, You got rid of Caleb and kept me here. I can't thank you enough."

"I'll figure out a way for you to make it up to me later. I'd say we've wasted enough time with him. We should go get the girls."

"You're right." Rafe agreed. "Let's go."

As they moved to the hallway, they could hear the sound of someone sobbing and of footsteps running furiously. When Caleb lost his power, the room where Alison and Abby held had been unlocked. Rafe knew exactly who it was.

He ran into the hallway and nearly collided with her.

"Alison." He said with a sigh.

"Rafe!" She cried, her voice broken. Tears were streaming down her cheeks.

"Shh. Alison. What's wrong?" He pulled her close. "Are you OK?"

Inconsolable, Alison began to push him away. "No. No. Abby."

Upon hearing her name, Cam came running towards them, panic coursing through his veins. "Where is she? What's going on?"

Rafe held her at arms length, trying to console her and get her to focus at the same time. "Angel. C'mon. Tell us. What?"

"Oh my God. I can't…" She looked over at Cam, shivering with shock and fear.

"I think she's dying" She sobbed, and collapsed in Rafe's arms.