After explaining what was going on, Luis showed up at Beth's house, as planned. Beth answered the door, and let Luis in.
"Beth, could I take Martin for some father - son time?', he asked.
"Sure, let me gather his things. How long will you two be gone?", she asked.
It worried her that he was taking him away. She didn't want him to find out about her taking Sheridan's baby. She trusted Luis, and just told herself to calm down.
"Couple days, then we'll come back. I just haven't had time alone like we should have, with Sheridan disappearing form the Psych ward", he answered.
"Oh ok, I understand. It's no problem, really", she reassured.
"So where's the little tike, I missed him terribly", he grinned.
"She handed him over to Luis. He was in a shock and awe attitude, considering what he knew about Beth, it took everything in his power not to be upset right at that moment. He was to take Martin to Connecticut, where Sheridan was waiting. Michelle helped her with a speedy divorce, and they were to marry. Meanwhile, luis was to test Martin to see if that was their baby, for back-up purposes. After Michelle heard back from Luis saying it was done, she would have the evidence to arrest Alistair, and Beth too.
"Well we are off. I'll call when I get there", he said going out the door.
"Where are you exactly going?", she wondered.
Edna and Previous looked at him, and knew he wasn't telling everything, but wanted to keep quiet for Luis and Sheridan's skae. They secretly hoped that they would be together, and Beth would get arrested.
"Visit an old friend of mine in Vermont", he lied.
"Oh ok, well have fun", she said out the door.
With that they left, with Beth trying to trust Luis, but was scared.
Luis called Michelle on his cell phone once he was outside Harmony.
"I have him", he said grinning.
"Ok, just follow the directions I gave to you. She's there waiting for you, and Luis?", she grinned.
"Yeah?"
"Leave your family to me, I think the business I have here also effects them, but they'll be taken care of greatly', she coded.
"Ok, I'll call you when we get there. What about Antonio?", he worried.
"Don't worry, just don't break my bed, Sheridan has her own", she joked.
He laughed.
"Ok, goodbye, and thank you", he said to her.
"No problem".
They hung up and she was sitting across from Ethan. He decided to go to her hotel room, where he saw surveilance set up in her room. There was a camera in every part of Harmony. He looked over at her, as she hung up the phone.
"Would you care to tell me why you are staring at me?", she asked.
"I missed you, and I thought a part of me died that day. I kept searching for someone exactly like you. To be honest, I actually loved Theresa, a part of me still does. But she has moved on", he said sadly.
"Under the impression that you helped Gwen, and you don't love her. She knows everything, which means I should get going to the Lopez-Fitzgerald residence", Michelle said.
"Let me go with you, I don't want to Gwen just yer", he said helping her with her coat.
"Alright, but I'm telling everything, ok? So be prepared', she told him.
"I'm ready", he said opening the door for her.
Ethan and Michelle walked to their cars, and drove to the Lopez-Fitzgerald home.
~Lopez Fitzgerald Home~
"Who is Agent Michelle Bradford?", Pilar asked.
"Just wait Mama, we'll find out, she has more information for me, just wait", Theresa said calming her down.
"I need tea", Pilar said getting up.
Theresa, Whitney, Fox, and Chad were there. She called them and told them to come by to be there for her, and her mother. She was eager to open the other envelope that was sent to her today. She got the first one explaining that Michelle would be by, to go over the contents of this envelope. Fox knew this woman from somewhere, but couldn't place the name yet. The envelope read "Project Ethan Martin and Martin Fitzgerald". It shocked her to see something that could help her be reunited with her son, but the part about her father was a little disturbing. Chad sat and talked with Theresa, while Fox and Whitney walked towards the door.
Whitney walked over to the enterance of the home. She was pretty atimant on not being near Chad. There was nowhere she could run to, so they stood outside the room and talked.
"What is taking this person so long?", Whitney asked looking out the window.
"Who knows, hopefully she has accurate information. Theresa being away from her son, is really tearing her up inside", he said.
There was a knock at the door, and Theresa bolted for the door. She opened it, and saw Ethan and another female standing there.
"Theresa, we need to talk", he demanded.
"You need to leave, whatever you have to say to me, I'm not interested', she spat out.
"I'm agent Michelle Bradford, Theresa, Ethan is here to help mein some of these proceedings", she interrupted.
"Michelle? What are you doing....", Fox carefully asked.
"Nicholas, it's nice to see you again", she continued.
"Bradford. I remember now, you and Ethan were...", Fox almost said.
"Yeah, and now I work for the FBI. Can we please enter, it's very cold out here", she pleaded.
"Um, ok", Theresa answered, and she let them in.
She noticed the interaction between Ethan, Fox, and Michelle. Something told her that there was more to this story than they were willing to tell. Walking in to the living room she noticed the yellow envelope, and wanted to get this done. To move along and bring closure. Ethan took Michelle's coat, and she straighten out her dress.
"Can we sit down and talk?", Michelle asked.
Ethan took their coats and hung them up and joined Theresa and Michelle. They walked into the living room with Fox and Whitney.
"Listen, this", she picked up the envelope, "is going to change your life drastically. This will get your son back, but also deliver some shocking news. Sit here and read everything. Then if you have any questions, ask me, just remain calm', she said worried.
"Alright', Pilar answered.
Theresa and Pilar opened the envelope, and read over the contents. They were excited at first, and then you heard Pilar scream and sob loudly. Theresa had tears come down her face, but was very calm, consoling her mother. Michelle almost broke down herself, knowing that this family would never be the same after delivering all the news that the FBI discovered.
"So, could you take us where he is located?", Theresa asked consoling her mother.
"Yes, he can have the proper burial he deserves. As for your son, Ethan will bring hm by tomorrow before you leave. What you and Ethan choose to do about him is up to you two", she answered.
"Ethan, I'm sorry, I didn't.....", she tried to explain.
"I didn't know until today either. It's ok, I have to help Michelle with something else. Just go and we'll talk later', he responded.
He hugged her, and it angered Fox, and Whitney and Chad were confused. Theresa helped Pilar to her room to pack for their trip. Michelle began to walk around to shake off the horrible feeling she got after telling that information. Fox lunged at Ethan, and Ethan pushed him away. Michelle and Chad went to seperate the brothers
"WHAT DID YOU DO TO HER! HUH! WHAT DID YOU DO!", Fox screamed.
"He did nothing! sit down, and I'll explain everything, just calm down", she demanded.
They sat down, and Chad sat in between them. Michelle proceeded to tell everything.
"My boss was investigating the Cranes already when he found out they were behind the disappearance of Martin Fitzgerald. My boss continued to dig farther into the case, and they found out where he was. When we went to recsue him from where they were holding him, Alistair had him killed. He knew about Juilian and Eve Johnson, now Rusell", she said looking at Whitney and Chad.
"My mother had a secret affair on my father?', she asked.
"No they were together long before you father and she married. He knew of the fraud going on in the family, and that Juilian fathered a child with Eve. Knowing that information got him killed, and also ruined the chances of Juilian and Eve knowing about their son. The bribery, blackmailing, and now murder, those charges, with a long list of other things is going to get Alistair life in prison, or the death penality", Michelle said.
"So what does prince Ethan have to do with all of this?", Fox scowled.
"He's Ethan Martin's father. Also he's helping me in the Sheridan Crane case", she answered.
"Wow, so where is her father's remains then?", Chad spoke up and asked.
"Las Vegas, Nevada", she whispered.
"Why Las Vegas?", she asked.
"That's where people figure they can hide bodies the best. What they don't knwo is that's the first place we check. So Pilar, Theresa, and Little Ethan will be going there tomorrow. Ethan will take him out for "ice cream", and bring him here instead. Two of my agents, Mkie and Tom, will escort them to Las Vegas, to retreve his ashes", she explained.
"We should go", Fox stood.
"No, you all are going to go to the "Valentine's Ball" tomorrow night. Bringing Juilian and Alistair down will involve you more than you think", she said standing.
"How can we party at a time like this?", Fox said sinking to the couch.
"Because, by the end, Rebecca, Gwen, Alistair, and Juilian will be gone forever. It's not not a party. It just looks that way. Trust me, have I ever lied to you Fox?", Michelle said.
Fox and Ethan grinned.
"No", he smirked.
"Exactly, just show up tomorrow night at the ball, ok?", she said patting his shoulder.
"Alright", he countered.
"Leave everything to me", she said walking towards the door. Ethan followed.
Pilar walked out to the door to greet Michelle. She looked at Michelle.
"Gracias", Pilar whispered.
"Denada. If it helps he said before, he loved you and his family", she whispered as she hugged Pilar.
"Yes, more than you know", she sobbed.
Theresa helped her mother to her room. Michelle handed her some pills.
"These are prescriptions for her. I figured after this she would need them. I'm sorry", she said.
"No, don't be, you helped us", Theresa said.
They walked to the back room with Chad and Whitney. Ethan helped Michelle put on her coat, and Fox stood watching them. He always thought they would end up together, he knew the chemistry was there.
"I'll talk to you later, Foxy", she joked.
"Alright", he laughed.
Ethan and Michelle traveled in their cars back to her hotel room. She was a little nervous abut what Ethan wanted to talk to her about, but better now then never. They walked into her hotel room, and there was tension in the air, sexual tension.
"So, now it's you and me, talk", she commanded.
"Michelle, I'm torn. I still love you.....and Theresa", Ethan answered.
"I don't deny it. I know that you do", she said.
"You do?", he asked.
"Yeah, you can't turn off a love like that. I see the bond you and Theresa have. You have another bond together now, and that's something you have to deal with. Just don't push her, she'll tell you on her own", she said sitting next to him.
"What do you want?", he asked her.
"At first, you, then it was revenge on Gwen, and now justice for the people of Harmony".
"What about you and I?", he asked.
Michelle was about to answer when her phone rang. Looking away from Ethan, she answered her cell phone.
"Luis", she said.
"Yes, we're here and the test was done. The resutls will be back tomorrow morning", he told her.
"Good".
"What about Antonio?" he asked.
"I'll handle him in the morning".
"How did mama, Theresa, and Miguel handle everything?", he quivered.
"As expected, everything is falling into place here like we planned", she said pacing.
"And we can fly to Vegas?"
"Yes, the tickets are with Sheridan. Get some sleep, I'll be on the news tomorrow night", she grinned.
He chuckled, "Alright and Goodnight".
She hung up with him and turned back to Ethan.
"So what is going to happen to Antonio?", Ethan said as she snuggled with him.
"He's going to jail".
"What?"
"He knew about Martin, and disappeared after he did. So now he's an accessory to murder. Not to mention he was linked to Nick Soccoli, the big mobster in Boston", she explained.
"Wow, does Theresa, Pilar, Miguel or Luis know?"
"They'll know tonight, or tomorrow for Theresa and Pilar".
He looked at her, seeing she was tired. The long journey she made to get to this point. Once again, they were in dangerous territory. He caressed her face, and she looked up at him. Ethan leaned in closer to her face. This time she moved closer. There lips connected, softly and slowly.
"Ethan....", she breathed, with eyes closed.
"You have the most beautiful skin".
"You have to go. I'll see you tomorrow", she said standing.
"Why?"
"Because you love Theresa and me. This can't happen until everything is solved. The two of you need to talk", she said opening the door.
"Ok, only because you want me to talk to Theresa. Do you still dance", he asked grinning.
"Yes, I kept my dream alive", she said to him grinning.
Standing on her toes, she kissed his cheek. They parted ways remembering their first meeting.
~Bradford Mansion~
"THAT BASTARD KNEW!", Luis screamed.
"Mr Lopez-Fitzgerald, Please, Ms. Bradford is wrapping things up. Just stick to the plan, ok?", Agent Sean Williams stated.
"Ok, I just......I can't believe he would be so cruel. I'll be fine, I'm just worried about Theresa and Mama. They'll be there, so I'll be fine. Maybe it could be a family vacation", Luis wirely grinned.
"Yes, Pilar is over due for one, but Michelle said your family would be well taken care of. Do you know what she meant", Sheridan asked Sean.
He grinned, 'That I can't tell you. She wants to tell you in person, something she put together herself. She specifically asked us not to tell you".
Luis and Sheridan looked at each other confused
"Well turn in, because tomorrow is an eventful day", Sean added.
~Harmony~
Ethan Wnithrop walked into the Hellhole that was the Crane Mansion. Gwen was waiting for him, she heard he was out with another female, and was seen at the Lopez-Fitzgerald home.
"After tomorrow night, I'm leaving Harmony", he thought to himself.
"ETHAN! Where have you been?", Gwen rushed to him and asked.
"Out".
"With Theresa. Ethan let it go, she is your past. Besides you swore.....", she preached.
"I know! You always assume the worst, give me some credit Gwen! Look.... I'm tired and I need sleep", he walked past her up the stairs to their room.
"Ethan, don't walk away from me! ETHAN!"
He slept in a guest room. Dreaming of Michelle's first meeting with him.
~FLASHBACK/DREAM~
Ethan, Douglas, and Christian were walking to the field, It was the second year of law school, and they decided to room together. Each male dorm played football against each other, it was a Harvard tradition.
The crisp September whather set a perfect scene for playing Saturday's game. Douglas Birchman was a friend of Ethan's from boarding school. As for Christian Matthews, their families did business with the Cranes for generations.
They were talking about thesis and other things as Michelle Bradford made her way around the corner towards them. She was taking her afternoon jog. The Bradfords were on of the wealthiest African American families on the east coast. They were as rich as the Cranes, but dealt with the music industry. They were also enemies of the Cranes. Each family respected each other, but loathed the other in private.
"So do you think Taylor Hall will be able to take the pretigous Crane Hall?", Ethan asked.
"No, but we'll play anyways. Look at it this way, it's as if we are stretching to go back to the gym later", Douglas joked.
As they walked and talked Ethan ran into Michelle.
"I'm so sorry", she sadi embarrassed.
"The pleasure is all mine", Ethan said grinning.
"Michelle, still dancing?", Christian asked.
"Yes, I told you, I'm going to continue until the day I die", she countered.
"Your father will kill you when he finds out", Douglas said.
"She's beautiful, and she's a dancer", Ethan thought.
"Your point?", she said.
"That your father would kill over if his heir of his family became a dancer. Just being highly upset would be a under statement", Douglas joked.
"Well let him kill over, I don't care, maybe then I'll be able to dance professionally, instead in secret", she said.
While the bickering continued, Ethan studied the nubian beauty, and wondered why he never met her before. He never met someone so intelligent, delicate, and so full of life in their social circle. He wanted to know more about her, and the way she kept looking over at him, he thought he may just have a chance. He introduced himself.
"Ethan Crane"
"Michelle Bradford"
"As in Bradford vs. Capital? You guys made a lot of money in that case", he asked.
"Yeah. My dad won that case, but your grandfather, he's ruthless", she said.
"Wait, Michelle, your heir to Bradford Records, and Industries, yet you're majoring in criminal law, and dance?", Ethan said puzzled.
She walked up to him, and they were in dangerous territory. She put his hand on her chest, to feel her heart.
"You feel that?', she whipered.
"Um..yes', he shuttered. He never came so close to a woman's chest before in his whole life.
"I listen to that. It guides me through everything", she answered.
Douglas and Chrisitan watched the interaction between the two. Noticing the gazes they were giving each other, Christian broke the tension.
"Well, mine is saying game time", Christian joked.
"Oh! I'm sorry for interrupting you're game. I got to get back to my jog, nice to meet you Ethan. Doug, and Chris, I'll see you in class", she said.
"Go ahead, I'll be there in a little bit", Ethan said.
He jogged up with her, and ran beside her.
"Hey! Wait up!", he said.
"Bold aren't we?", she asked.
"When I want something", he answered.
"What do you want then Ethan?", She asked.
"To talk. So Michelle, where is your dorm?", he asked her.
"Crane Hall, room 402", she answered.
"Oh female dorms?", he asked, trying not to sound disappointed.
"No. In the coed ones", she answered.
"You're not far from Gwen Hotchkiss. She's in 507", he answered
"Well, that's nice. Between you and me, she's too snobby, but hey, I have room to talk", she joked.
He laughed.
"What? I see a smile, did I make the Crane heir laugh? Wow, I must be good!", she joked again.
"Well you could do more if you want....what about dinner tonight at 8", he asked.
They stopped jogging, and he moved forward. Ethan rubbed her shoulders. She didn't mind and moved closer to him. He studies her movements, down to her hair flowing in the breeze. He stared up at his eyes, and rubbed his brunette hair.
"Let me look into your eyes", she said.
"Ok", he breathed.
"My mother once told me that the eyes are the window to the soul. I was also told that Cranes have no souls, so I want to see for myself if it's true', she explained.
"Ouch", he said, feeling the harsh words.
"Yeah, well my heart says different', she said moving closer.
"What's that", he breathed out again.
"That you just may be what I'm looking for", she whispered.
She wrote down her number on a piece of paper, with her dorm number.
"Call me later when you are done with your game", she said.
Michelle ran off with a grin across her face. Ethan looked at the paper, and kept it in his pocket. He wasn't about to let this woman go, not without trying.
"Beth, could I take Martin for some father - son time?', he asked.
"Sure, let me gather his things. How long will you two be gone?", she asked.
It worried her that he was taking him away. She didn't want him to find out about her taking Sheridan's baby. She trusted Luis, and just told herself to calm down.
"Couple days, then we'll come back. I just haven't had time alone like we should have, with Sheridan disappearing form the Psych ward", he answered.
"Oh ok, I understand. It's no problem, really", she reassured.
"So where's the little tike, I missed him terribly", he grinned.
"She handed him over to Luis. He was in a shock and awe attitude, considering what he knew about Beth, it took everything in his power not to be upset right at that moment. He was to take Martin to Connecticut, where Sheridan was waiting. Michelle helped her with a speedy divorce, and they were to marry. Meanwhile, luis was to test Martin to see if that was their baby, for back-up purposes. After Michelle heard back from Luis saying it was done, she would have the evidence to arrest Alistair, and Beth too.
"Well we are off. I'll call when I get there", he said going out the door.
"Where are you exactly going?", she wondered.
Edna and Previous looked at him, and knew he wasn't telling everything, but wanted to keep quiet for Luis and Sheridan's skae. They secretly hoped that they would be together, and Beth would get arrested.
"Visit an old friend of mine in Vermont", he lied.
"Oh ok, well have fun", she said out the door.
With that they left, with Beth trying to trust Luis, but was scared.
Luis called Michelle on his cell phone once he was outside Harmony.
"I have him", he said grinning.
"Ok, just follow the directions I gave to you. She's there waiting for you, and Luis?", she grinned.
"Yeah?"
"Leave your family to me, I think the business I have here also effects them, but they'll be taken care of greatly', she coded.
"Ok, I'll call you when we get there. What about Antonio?", he worried.
"Don't worry, just don't break my bed, Sheridan has her own", she joked.
He laughed.
"Ok, goodbye, and thank you", he said to her.
"No problem".
They hung up and she was sitting across from Ethan. He decided to go to her hotel room, where he saw surveilance set up in her room. There was a camera in every part of Harmony. He looked over at her, as she hung up the phone.
"Would you care to tell me why you are staring at me?", she asked.
"I missed you, and I thought a part of me died that day. I kept searching for someone exactly like you. To be honest, I actually loved Theresa, a part of me still does. But she has moved on", he said sadly.
"Under the impression that you helped Gwen, and you don't love her. She knows everything, which means I should get going to the Lopez-Fitzgerald residence", Michelle said.
"Let me go with you, I don't want to Gwen just yer", he said helping her with her coat.
"Alright, but I'm telling everything, ok? So be prepared', she told him.
"I'm ready", he said opening the door for her.
Ethan and Michelle walked to their cars, and drove to the Lopez-Fitzgerald home.
~Lopez Fitzgerald Home~
"Who is Agent Michelle Bradford?", Pilar asked.
"Just wait Mama, we'll find out, she has more information for me, just wait", Theresa said calming her down.
"I need tea", Pilar said getting up.
Theresa, Whitney, Fox, and Chad were there. She called them and told them to come by to be there for her, and her mother. She was eager to open the other envelope that was sent to her today. She got the first one explaining that Michelle would be by, to go over the contents of this envelope. Fox knew this woman from somewhere, but couldn't place the name yet. The envelope read "Project Ethan Martin and Martin Fitzgerald". It shocked her to see something that could help her be reunited with her son, but the part about her father was a little disturbing. Chad sat and talked with Theresa, while Fox and Whitney walked towards the door.
Whitney walked over to the enterance of the home. She was pretty atimant on not being near Chad. There was nowhere she could run to, so they stood outside the room and talked.
"What is taking this person so long?", Whitney asked looking out the window.
"Who knows, hopefully she has accurate information. Theresa being away from her son, is really tearing her up inside", he said.
There was a knock at the door, and Theresa bolted for the door. She opened it, and saw Ethan and another female standing there.
"Theresa, we need to talk", he demanded.
"You need to leave, whatever you have to say to me, I'm not interested', she spat out.
"I'm agent Michelle Bradford, Theresa, Ethan is here to help mein some of these proceedings", she interrupted.
"Michelle? What are you doing....", Fox carefully asked.
"Nicholas, it's nice to see you again", she continued.
"Bradford. I remember now, you and Ethan were...", Fox almost said.
"Yeah, and now I work for the FBI. Can we please enter, it's very cold out here", she pleaded.
"Um, ok", Theresa answered, and she let them in.
She noticed the interaction between Ethan, Fox, and Michelle. Something told her that there was more to this story than they were willing to tell. Walking in to the living room she noticed the yellow envelope, and wanted to get this done. To move along and bring closure. Ethan took Michelle's coat, and she straighten out her dress.
"Can we sit down and talk?", Michelle asked.
Ethan took their coats and hung them up and joined Theresa and Michelle. They walked into the living room with Fox and Whitney.
"Listen, this", she picked up the envelope, "is going to change your life drastically. This will get your son back, but also deliver some shocking news. Sit here and read everything. Then if you have any questions, ask me, just remain calm', she said worried.
"Alright', Pilar answered.
Theresa and Pilar opened the envelope, and read over the contents. They were excited at first, and then you heard Pilar scream and sob loudly. Theresa had tears come down her face, but was very calm, consoling her mother. Michelle almost broke down herself, knowing that this family would never be the same after delivering all the news that the FBI discovered.
"So, could you take us where he is located?", Theresa asked consoling her mother.
"Yes, he can have the proper burial he deserves. As for your son, Ethan will bring hm by tomorrow before you leave. What you and Ethan choose to do about him is up to you two", she answered.
"Ethan, I'm sorry, I didn't.....", she tried to explain.
"I didn't know until today either. It's ok, I have to help Michelle with something else. Just go and we'll talk later', he responded.
He hugged her, and it angered Fox, and Whitney and Chad were confused. Theresa helped Pilar to her room to pack for their trip. Michelle began to walk around to shake off the horrible feeling she got after telling that information. Fox lunged at Ethan, and Ethan pushed him away. Michelle and Chad went to seperate the brothers
"WHAT DID YOU DO TO HER! HUH! WHAT DID YOU DO!", Fox screamed.
"He did nothing! sit down, and I'll explain everything, just calm down", she demanded.
They sat down, and Chad sat in between them. Michelle proceeded to tell everything.
"My boss was investigating the Cranes already when he found out they were behind the disappearance of Martin Fitzgerald. My boss continued to dig farther into the case, and they found out where he was. When we went to recsue him from where they were holding him, Alistair had him killed. He knew about Juilian and Eve Johnson, now Rusell", she said looking at Whitney and Chad.
"My mother had a secret affair on my father?', she asked.
"No they were together long before you father and she married. He knew of the fraud going on in the family, and that Juilian fathered a child with Eve. Knowing that information got him killed, and also ruined the chances of Juilian and Eve knowing about their son. The bribery, blackmailing, and now murder, those charges, with a long list of other things is going to get Alistair life in prison, or the death penality", Michelle said.
"So what does prince Ethan have to do with all of this?", Fox scowled.
"He's Ethan Martin's father. Also he's helping me in the Sheridan Crane case", she answered.
"Wow, so where is her father's remains then?", Chad spoke up and asked.
"Las Vegas, Nevada", she whispered.
"Why Las Vegas?", she asked.
"That's where people figure they can hide bodies the best. What they don't knwo is that's the first place we check. So Pilar, Theresa, and Little Ethan will be going there tomorrow. Ethan will take him out for "ice cream", and bring him here instead. Two of my agents, Mkie and Tom, will escort them to Las Vegas, to retreve his ashes", she explained.
"We should go", Fox stood.
"No, you all are going to go to the "Valentine's Ball" tomorrow night. Bringing Juilian and Alistair down will involve you more than you think", she said standing.
"How can we party at a time like this?", Fox said sinking to the couch.
"Because, by the end, Rebecca, Gwen, Alistair, and Juilian will be gone forever. It's not not a party. It just looks that way. Trust me, have I ever lied to you Fox?", Michelle said.
Fox and Ethan grinned.
"No", he smirked.
"Exactly, just show up tomorrow night at the ball, ok?", she said patting his shoulder.
"Alright", he countered.
"Leave everything to me", she said walking towards the door. Ethan followed.
Pilar walked out to the door to greet Michelle. She looked at Michelle.
"Gracias", Pilar whispered.
"Denada. If it helps he said before, he loved you and his family", she whispered as she hugged Pilar.
"Yes, more than you know", she sobbed.
Theresa helped her mother to her room. Michelle handed her some pills.
"These are prescriptions for her. I figured after this she would need them. I'm sorry", she said.
"No, don't be, you helped us", Theresa said.
They walked to the back room with Chad and Whitney. Ethan helped Michelle put on her coat, and Fox stood watching them. He always thought they would end up together, he knew the chemistry was there.
"I'll talk to you later, Foxy", she joked.
"Alright", he laughed.
Ethan and Michelle traveled in their cars back to her hotel room. She was a little nervous abut what Ethan wanted to talk to her about, but better now then never. They walked into her hotel room, and there was tension in the air, sexual tension.
"So, now it's you and me, talk", she commanded.
"Michelle, I'm torn. I still love you.....and Theresa", Ethan answered.
"I don't deny it. I know that you do", she said.
"You do?", he asked.
"Yeah, you can't turn off a love like that. I see the bond you and Theresa have. You have another bond together now, and that's something you have to deal with. Just don't push her, she'll tell you on her own", she said sitting next to him.
"What do you want?", he asked her.
"At first, you, then it was revenge on Gwen, and now justice for the people of Harmony".
"What about you and I?", he asked.
Michelle was about to answer when her phone rang. Looking away from Ethan, she answered her cell phone.
"Luis", she said.
"Yes, we're here and the test was done. The resutls will be back tomorrow morning", he told her.
"Good".
"What about Antonio?" he asked.
"I'll handle him in the morning".
"How did mama, Theresa, and Miguel handle everything?", he quivered.
"As expected, everything is falling into place here like we planned", she said pacing.
"And we can fly to Vegas?"
"Yes, the tickets are with Sheridan. Get some sleep, I'll be on the news tomorrow night", she grinned.
He chuckled, "Alright and Goodnight".
She hung up with him and turned back to Ethan.
"So what is going to happen to Antonio?", Ethan said as she snuggled with him.
"He's going to jail".
"What?"
"He knew about Martin, and disappeared after he did. So now he's an accessory to murder. Not to mention he was linked to Nick Soccoli, the big mobster in Boston", she explained.
"Wow, does Theresa, Pilar, Miguel or Luis know?"
"They'll know tonight, or tomorrow for Theresa and Pilar".
He looked at her, seeing she was tired. The long journey she made to get to this point. Once again, they were in dangerous territory. He caressed her face, and she looked up at him. Ethan leaned in closer to her face. This time she moved closer. There lips connected, softly and slowly.
"Ethan....", she breathed, with eyes closed.
"You have the most beautiful skin".
"You have to go. I'll see you tomorrow", she said standing.
"Why?"
"Because you love Theresa and me. This can't happen until everything is solved. The two of you need to talk", she said opening the door.
"Ok, only because you want me to talk to Theresa. Do you still dance", he asked grinning.
"Yes, I kept my dream alive", she said to him grinning.
Standing on her toes, she kissed his cheek. They parted ways remembering their first meeting.
~Bradford Mansion~
"THAT BASTARD KNEW!", Luis screamed.
"Mr Lopez-Fitzgerald, Please, Ms. Bradford is wrapping things up. Just stick to the plan, ok?", Agent Sean Williams stated.
"Ok, I just......I can't believe he would be so cruel. I'll be fine, I'm just worried about Theresa and Mama. They'll be there, so I'll be fine. Maybe it could be a family vacation", Luis wirely grinned.
"Yes, Pilar is over due for one, but Michelle said your family would be well taken care of. Do you know what she meant", Sheridan asked Sean.
He grinned, 'That I can't tell you. She wants to tell you in person, something she put together herself. She specifically asked us not to tell you".
Luis and Sheridan looked at each other confused
"Well turn in, because tomorrow is an eventful day", Sean added.
~Harmony~
Ethan Wnithrop walked into the Hellhole that was the Crane Mansion. Gwen was waiting for him, she heard he was out with another female, and was seen at the Lopez-Fitzgerald home.
"After tomorrow night, I'm leaving Harmony", he thought to himself.
"ETHAN! Where have you been?", Gwen rushed to him and asked.
"Out".
"With Theresa. Ethan let it go, she is your past. Besides you swore.....", she preached.
"I know! You always assume the worst, give me some credit Gwen! Look.... I'm tired and I need sleep", he walked past her up the stairs to their room.
"Ethan, don't walk away from me! ETHAN!"
He slept in a guest room. Dreaming of Michelle's first meeting with him.
~FLASHBACK/DREAM~
Ethan, Douglas, and Christian were walking to the field, It was the second year of law school, and they decided to room together. Each male dorm played football against each other, it was a Harvard tradition.
The crisp September whather set a perfect scene for playing Saturday's game. Douglas Birchman was a friend of Ethan's from boarding school. As for Christian Matthews, their families did business with the Cranes for generations.
They were talking about thesis and other things as Michelle Bradford made her way around the corner towards them. She was taking her afternoon jog. The Bradfords were on of the wealthiest African American families on the east coast. They were as rich as the Cranes, but dealt with the music industry. They were also enemies of the Cranes. Each family respected each other, but loathed the other in private.
"So do you think Taylor Hall will be able to take the pretigous Crane Hall?", Ethan asked.
"No, but we'll play anyways. Look at it this way, it's as if we are stretching to go back to the gym later", Douglas joked.
As they walked and talked Ethan ran into Michelle.
"I'm so sorry", she sadi embarrassed.
"The pleasure is all mine", Ethan said grinning.
"Michelle, still dancing?", Christian asked.
"Yes, I told you, I'm going to continue until the day I die", she countered.
"Your father will kill you when he finds out", Douglas said.
"She's beautiful, and she's a dancer", Ethan thought.
"Your point?", she said.
"That your father would kill over if his heir of his family became a dancer. Just being highly upset would be a under statement", Douglas joked.
"Well let him kill over, I don't care, maybe then I'll be able to dance professionally, instead in secret", she said.
While the bickering continued, Ethan studied the nubian beauty, and wondered why he never met her before. He never met someone so intelligent, delicate, and so full of life in their social circle. He wanted to know more about her, and the way she kept looking over at him, he thought he may just have a chance. He introduced himself.
"Ethan Crane"
"Michelle Bradford"
"As in Bradford vs. Capital? You guys made a lot of money in that case", he asked.
"Yeah. My dad won that case, but your grandfather, he's ruthless", she said.
"Wait, Michelle, your heir to Bradford Records, and Industries, yet you're majoring in criminal law, and dance?", Ethan said puzzled.
She walked up to him, and they were in dangerous territory. She put his hand on her chest, to feel her heart.
"You feel that?', she whipered.
"Um..yes', he shuttered. He never came so close to a woman's chest before in his whole life.
"I listen to that. It guides me through everything", she answered.
Douglas and Chrisitan watched the interaction between the two. Noticing the gazes they were giving each other, Christian broke the tension.
"Well, mine is saying game time", Christian joked.
"Oh! I'm sorry for interrupting you're game. I got to get back to my jog, nice to meet you Ethan. Doug, and Chris, I'll see you in class", she said.
"Go ahead, I'll be there in a little bit", Ethan said.
He jogged up with her, and ran beside her.
"Hey! Wait up!", he said.
"Bold aren't we?", she asked.
"When I want something", he answered.
"What do you want then Ethan?", She asked.
"To talk. So Michelle, where is your dorm?", he asked her.
"Crane Hall, room 402", she answered.
"Oh female dorms?", he asked, trying not to sound disappointed.
"No. In the coed ones", she answered.
"You're not far from Gwen Hotchkiss. She's in 507", he answered
"Well, that's nice. Between you and me, she's too snobby, but hey, I have room to talk", she joked.
He laughed.
"What? I see a smile, did I make the Crane heir laugh? Wow, I must be good!", she joked again.
"Well you could do more if you want....what about dinner tonight at 8", he asked.
They stopped jogging, and he moved forward. Ethan rubbed her shoulders. She didn't mind and moved closer to him. He studies her movements, down to her hair flowing in the breeze. He stared up at his eyes, and rubbed his brunette hair.
"Let me look into your eyes", she said.
"Ok", he breathed.
"My mother once told me that the eyes are the window to the soul. I was also told that Cranes have no souls, so I want to see for myself if it's true', she explained.
"Ouch", he said, feeling the harsh words.
"Yeah, well my heart says different', she said moving closer.
"What's that", he breathed out again.
"That you just may be what I'm looking for", she whispered.
She wrote down her number on a piece of paper, with her dorm number.
"Call me later when you are done with your game", she said.
Michelle ran off with a grin across her face. Ethan looked at the paper, and kept it in his pocket. He wasn't about to let this woman go, not without trying.