Rating: PG-13 some sexual content; mild language.

Disclaimer: The characters in this story are property of ABC Daytime. The story follows a recent episode of All My Children, with artistic liberty taken as appropriate. Characters involved include: Jack, Erica, Tad, David and Reggie.

Please note: This is my first fan fiction. I would appreciate your feedback, positive or negative. Please add a review of the story. Thanks for reading.







Chapter One: A Place of Solace.

Erica sat in darkness at her penthouse, still reeling from her meeting with Adam Chandler. Now two people knew what she had done on the night of Michael Cambias' disappearance-Adam Chandler and David Hayward. Adam had assured her of his silence. In spite of their tortured history, she still trusted Adam and knew that her secret was safe with him. David had also assured her of his silence. Though David was inherently less trustworthy than Adam, he had thus far shown himself to be sincere. Besides, Erica had wisely insured David's loyalty by giving him an alibi for the night of Michael's disappearance. She told the police that they were together all night, making love. It was a lie, of course. But that lie would keep their secrets safe and keep David's lips sealed, for he too had a lot at stake if the truth were revealed.

The lies and secrets were beginning to take their emotional toll on Erica. Most importantly, they were wrecking havoc on her already strained relationship with Jack. Initially, giving David an alibi and pretending to be his lover seemed clever. Now, Erica was beginning to doubt the wisdom of her decision. Jack was the unintended victim of her ruse. She wanted so badly to tell Jack the truth, to have him hold her and tell her that everything would be okay. But, she couldn't tell him the truth. To do so would make him an accessory. It would ruin him. She loved him far too much to watch him throw his life and career away, though she knew he'd do it for her in a heartbeat. She struggled to convince herself that she had done the right thing. But, her heart was still breaking.

Erica tried not to think of Jack. But, every time she closed her eyes, he was there. She longed for his touch, his voice, his tender kisses. Earlier, at the hospital, he had turned down her offer to come to the penthouse to "talk". She was hurt by his rejection, but she understood it. He had told her that as long as the ruse with David continued, they'd have to remain "just friends". But, in the hours since she had seen him everything had changed. Adam's revelation had rocked her. She needed her friend.

"Erica Kane does not wallow", Erica told herself, as she ended her reverie and picked up the phone to call Jack's loft. She was relieved when Reggie answered the telephone.

"Hey, what's up, Erica!", Reggie was happy to hear from her.

"Hi Reggie", she smiled into the phone. The feeling was mutual.

"Hey, um Erica, J's not here, he's at the police station. Said he'd be home by seven".

"Oh, that's okay, Reggie. Actually, I'm glad you're there. I need a favor".

"What's up?", Reggie was intrigued.

"I want to come by and surprise Jack a little later, and I was hoping----"

"--say no more", Reggie broke in. "You were hoping that I'd get lost so you an J can get busy. I understand."

Erica laughed. Somehow he had Jack's ability to know when she was up to something. Erica continued, "So, is there a movie or something that you can go to. You know, something that will keep you away, I mean entertained, for a few hours".

"Hey, no prob. You can count on me. I'm your guy. You just show up".

"Thanks, Reggie". Erica hung up the phone, beaming. Though seven O'clock was just two hours away, it seemed an eternity.