Rain On Me
Chapter Seven
It was late, the clouds hung heavy in an overcast sky, threatening to let the rain fall upon the citizens of Harmony. Having just gotten off duty, Luis was walking along the wharf, his mind elsewhere. Images from the night before plagued him, the feeling of holding Sheridan in his arms emblazoned in his mind. How he missed being able to touch her, kiss her whenever he wanted and what he would give to be able to go again. He wanted to be the one to hold her close each night, his strong hands cradling the rounded stomach in which their child grew. That should be him; that was their dream!
"Dammit," Luis cursed to the wind. "God, give me some kind of answer; tell me how to fix this!"
"I think I may be able to help," A voice spoke up from behind him and Luis swung around. His face hardened when he saw just who was there with him.
"Julian, what the hell do you want?"
The older man calmly approached him. "I have the information you need, Luis. I know the way for you to get my sister back."
Luis' eyes narrowed at him. "I don't want anything from you, Crane."
As he stalked past him, Julian called out. "Is that not what you were just asking for? A way to fix things?"
Halting mid-step, Luis turned where he stood, a few feet away. "After everything you and your bastard father have done to keep me and Sheridan apart, why should I believe a damn word you say?"
Julian nodded in agreement. "I don't blame you for your distrust; you have every right, we have done some despicable things, but this time my father has gone too far. I think even we can agree on that."
"Gone too far with what?" Luis inquired, his curiosity getting the best of him as he took another guarded step closer. Julian glanced around wearily before speaking in a hushed voice.
"I'm sure you remember the imposter from a few years ago?"
A look of disgust crossed Luis' features at the memory. "Of course I do. How could I forget that pathetic attempt to ruin our relationship?"
Ignoring his dig, Julian continued. "As I was leaving Crane Industries yesterday, I overheard a conversation between my father and... Antonio."
Luis was silent and after a moment, an unreadable expression settled on his face. "Wait a damn minute. Are you trying to tell me -"
"I'm afraid so. The man my sister is married to is not the man you believe him to be. He is not your brother."
Dark eyes turned nearly black with rage and when he finally spoke, his voice was overcome with fury. "Damn him! I'm going to kill him!"
"Running in and going off is not the way to approach this," Julian advised. "Believe me, the only way to deal with my father is by going in for the kill beneath his radar."
"No," Luis protested immediately. "If what you're saying is true and that isn't my brother, God only knows what he might do to Sheridan. If I don't get her away from him now, he might hurt her or our baby and that's just not a chance I'm willing to take."
Julian's head bowed in concurrence. He was right, of course. God only knew what kind of man his father had hired to play the part. It wasn't likely Alistair gave much thought in choosing someone that could actually care for another human being.
"You're right, but you also must keep in mind that he may try to hurt her, or you, once he learns he was found out. You must approach this carefully, Luis."
"You don't have to worry about that," Luis vowed, removing his gun from its holster. "I'd never let anything happen to her or my child."
And with those words, he stalked off into the night.
Sheridan was settled in her favorite chair, idly reading a book while she waited for Antonio to return home from wherever he'd gone. She normally would enjoy the reprieve from having to play the dutiful wife, but something about him had her on edge lately. She couldn't quite put her finger on it, but something just felt off.
The soft pattering of raindrops started and the serene sound soothed her frazzled nervous until a loud bang on the door made her jump from her seat.
"Sheridan!" Sheridan, open up, it's me!"
Luis' frantic voice caused the little alarm bells to go off in her head and she hurried over to let him in. There was a wild look in his eyes as he stepped inside and he was already soaked from the rain.
"Luis? What's wrong?"
He turned to look at her and she shivered under his penetrating gaze. He was madder then a wet hen and she knew she had to calm him down before he did something he'd regret.
"Where is he?" Luis' gruff voice demanded, the fury building again with each word.
Reaching out to place a calming hand on his arm, her blue eyes pinned him questioningly. "Where is who?"
"That son of a bitch; that bastard," He stalked past her toward the kitchen. "Antonio! Antonio!"
Scurrying over to him, she grabbed his hand, surprised to find it bleeding. "Luis, you're bleeding! Would you please come sit down and tell me what's going on? You're scaring me."
He regarded his wounded hand briefly, the cuts the result of him punching out the back window of his car in anger after his conversation with Julian, before calling out again, "Antonio!"
"Dammit, Luis, he's not here! Now would you sit down and tell me what's going on while I bandage your hand!"
She stood there with her eyes set in determination and her hands on her hips and he finally exhaled and smiled. He couldn't help it; he'd missed his little spitfire.
"You're going to be one hell of a mother, you know that?"
Her demeanor slipped and she cracked a grin. "Don't you forget it. Now sit, I'll go get the first aid kit."
"Yes, Ma'am."
She returned a few minutes later with a bandage and some antiseptic and set out to tend to his cuts. His dark eyes watched her as she worked gently, so lovingly and he felt the anger rise again. He would make Alistair pay for doing this to them.
Glancing up as she finished, her gaze collided with his and for a second she was rendered speechless. His eyes were full of so much love, she felt as though she would burst.
"All done."
The corners of his mouth twitched upwards. " I think it might need a kiss."
Unable to resist the adorable look he wore just then, she brought his hand up to her lips and pressed a soft kiss there. His good hand curled around hers when she released his other and they shared a smile before he sighed.
"We need to talk."
"You mean about why you came storming in here, screaming for Antonio like a raving lunatic?" She asked sweetly and he couldn't help but chuckle. He quickly grew serious and her smile faded at the expression on his face. "Luis, what's wrong?"
"Sheridan, we have to get you out of here. Now."
Confusion marred her feature. "What? Why?"
Luis' grip on her hand tightened and she felt a chill run through her. There was something wrong, she could feel it and he confirmed it a half beat later. "Because... I think you're in danger here."
Though she heard the words, she didn't quite comprehend them. "I don't understand. In danger from what?"
"Not what; who," Luis sighed. "I'm afraid 'Antonio' is going to hurt you."
"Antonio? Luis, that's crazy," Sheridan protested, though not entirely convinced herself. Hadn't she just been thinking something wasn't quite right earlier? "He's my husband, he would never hurt me."
He shook his head. "He's not who you think he is, Sheridan. Not even close."
The conviction in his voice told her he wasn't playing around and she swallowed hard. "What do you mean?"
"I mean," He moved closer and lowered his voice. "I ran into Julian down on the wharf tonight and he had some pretty enlightening things to tell me."
"Like what?" She tilted her face so she was looking into his eyes. Anger, hatred, love and remorse lingered in their depths and she knew whatever he had to say would be the truth.
"Like... the fact that the man you're supposed to be married to is not the real Antonio Lopez-Fitzgerald. He's not my brother."
Sheridan's eyes grew wide and she studied his face for a moment before gasping in understanding.
"An imposter." She whispered, her hand covering her mouth. "Oh my God."
"Your father hired him to keep us apart. And to think if Julian hadn't overheard that conversation between him and Alistair, he may have done just that. For good."
Tears filled her eyes. "I can't believe my father would sink so low..."
Hooking his finger under her chin, he turned her head so she was facing him. "Come on, Sheridan. He's done it before and you know it. There is nothing he won't do."
She nodded sadly. "I know, you're right. What do we do?"
"We get you out of here," Luis replied firmly. "Go pack whatever you need and we'll get you out of Harmony for awhile. This is going to blow up and I don't want you anywhere near here when it does."
Sheridan remained silent for a brief time before shaking her head. "No. I'm not going anywhere."
He let out an exasperated sigh. "Sheridan, you have to. This guy could be dangerous. Please don't fight me on this."
"No, Luis. My father has gone too far this time and I'm not going to run out of town like a dog with my tail between my legs. It's time I take a stand against him and let him know I'm not going to sit idly by and let him do these things to us anymore."
Luis grabbed her. "Dammit, Sheridan, you're eight months pregnant! Now is not the time to be going head to head with your father! Who knows what he could do to you and our baby. I'd never survive if I lost either of you."
A soft smile graced her lips and her hand reached up to touch his face. "I know you're worried about me and I love you for that, But I'm stronger than you think, Luis. And so is our baby, so we'll be fine. If my father wants a fight, he's going to get the fight of his life. I think it's about time we show the world just how strong our love is."
"Well, so much for that," Fox chuckled as he and Theresa ducked into the old beach house that had gone unused by his family for years. They'd run here to get out of the rain, but now that he glanced around, he could definitely see some possibilities for the night.
"Your family owns it?" Theresa asked as she slipped an arm around him, surveying the dark surroundings.
He nodded. "Yeah. My Grandmother loved the ocean so Grandfather bought her this place." He shook his head. "They said he did it because he loved her, but I find that pretty hard to swallow."
"I wonder if Sheridan has ever been here," Theresa mused, moving further into the house. "I've never heard her say anything about it."
"She might not know about it. I came across it on accident, looking for information on one of the other Crane properties."
"We should tell her," She smiled, turning to face him, though it faded at the look on his face. "Fox, is there something wrong?"
Fox sighed, not looking forward to what was coming. But, he had to tell her about "Antonio". She deserved to know that the man she swore to love was not really her brother and it was better she heard it from him.
"Uh, yeah. Listen... let's see if we can find something dry to put on and then we'll sit down and talk. There's something I need to tell you."
She nodded. "Okay, sure."
Taking her hand, they made their way through the dark house, the lightening from outside their only source of light. Upstairs, they came across a bedroom that must've been Katherine's and were lucky enough to find some old clothing tucked away in an antique bureau.
Leaving her to dress, Fox crossed the hall to a second bedroom, which he assumed to have been his grandfathers. Finding a pair of old night pants that were a few sizes too big, he quickly slipped them on and returned to Theresa, who was dressed and waiting for him in the hall.
Downstairs, he was pleased to find that there was still wood in the box and they made a small fire before settling in the majestic parlor.
Her smile sparkled in the dancing flames and he couldn't help but steal a kiss. She sighed when they parted and snuggled closer to him.
"This isn't so bad."
"Not exactly what I had planned, but an acceptable alternative," Fox grinned.
Glancing up at him, her eyes held questions. "You said you wanted to tell me something?"
"Yeah," Fox let out a breath and took her hand. "It's uh, it's about your brother."
Alarm lit up her face. "Luis? Is he okay?"
"No, not Luis. Antonio."
"Well, what about him?"
Gazing into her warm brown orbs, Fox cursed. This was going to be harder than he'd expected.
"Listen, Theresa... I know this is going to sound crazy, but... that's not Antonio. It's some guy my grandfather hired to keep your brother and Aunt Sheridan apart. He's not the real Antonio Lopez-Fitzgerald."
Theresa stared at him blankly, her lips moving but no sound leaving them. When the first large tear fell from her eye, he pulled her to him, enveloping her sobbing petite form in his strong arms.
"I'm so sorry," He murmured against her hair and together they sat until her tears subsided and she looked up at him with swollen red eyes.
"Do Luis and Sheridan know?"
The fact that she was devastated and yet was more worried about her brother and his aunt made him smile. Her concern for others was one of the things that drew him to her.
"My father was going to tell Luis tonight. I'm sure your brother has already told Aunt Sheridan by now."
Theresa nodded. "Good. Now they can finally be together with their baby. Hopefully this time they can get married."
"Hopefully," Fox agreed, leaning down to kiss her head, though taken by surprise when her head tilted back and their lips met in an explosive kiss instead.
No words were spoken as he lowered her down to the floor, as none were needed because all his questions were answered by the look in her eyes.
Letting out a shaky breath, Luis hurried up the stairs to Rachel's apartment, his mind still back at the cottage. Everything inside of him screamed for him to go back and whisk Sheridan away, though he knew it would be fruitless. Somehow, he'd forgotten how stubborn she could be about something when she put her mind to it and she was determined to stand up to her father and the imposter. If he wasn't so damn worried about her and their unborn child, he might've laughed because she could give hell when she wanted to, but this wasn't a laughing matter. This was Alistair Crane and the lives of the woman he loved and his child.
Rapping on the door, he waited impatiently. He needed someone to vent to and he knew from experience that she had the best ear. Not to mention her knack for getting him to see the things he didn't particularly want to see. And with the exception of Sheridan, Rachel was the only one who could calm him when he was in such an agitated state.
After what seemed like an eternity, the door cracked open and one bleary green eye peeked out.
"Luis?"
"I need to talk to you. Do you have a minute?"
Opening the door a bit wider, she took in his disheveled appearance and pleading eyes. "Did something happen?"
"You could say that."
Rachel glanced behind her and sighed. "Give me a minute, okay?"
Nodding, he waited until she returned and opened the door to let him inside. Guilt washed over him when he came face to face with another man, and he realized he'd obviously interrupted something.
"Oh God, Rach, I'm sorry... I didn't realize... I'll go."
Turning to leave, he was stopped by her hand on his arm. "Luis, it's okay. Why don't we go outside and talk... Ryan, will you give us a few minutes?"
Ryan nodded. "Yeah, sure. Take your time."
"Thank you," Rachel brushed a kiss to his cheek as she lead Luis out onto the patio. As he sunk into one of the plastic lawn chairs she had there, she leaned against the railing. "What's going on? Is it Sheridan?"
"Yeah," Luis exhaled. "I'm scared, Rachel. I'm scared to death she's in grave danger and she won't let me help her."
Rachel stared at him quizzically. "Danger? From what?"
Leaning forward, his hands gripped the sides of the chair. "Of that bastard her father hired to pretend to be my brother to keep us apart."
There was no denying the shock on her face. "Luis -"
"You know, there's part of me that's relieved she isn't really married to my brother, but.. God, she's eight months pregnant, living with some guy I wouldn't doubt Alistair pulled from some psycho hospital! You'd have to be sick to do something like this to people you don't even know."
"What are you going to do?"
"What can I do?" Luis stood, pacing the small balcony. "Sheridan is determined to take care of this herself. She's so stubborn sometimes, when she gets something in her head, that's it. You can't talk her out of it."
Arching an eyebrow, Rachel implored, "I thought that was one of the things you loved most about her?"
Casting her a wry smile, he chuckled. "Yeah, when it's not her and our baby's lives on the line." He sighed. "She's dead set on confronting her father alone."
"Well... you said yourself she would never be able to heal if she didn't stand up to him and realize what a monster he really is on her own. Maybe this is what she needs."
"I just wish she wouldn't now... She's pregnant, Rachel. I'm happy she finally wants to take a stand against her father, but if anything happened to that baby..."
Reaching for his hand, she gave it a squeeze. "I think the best thing you can do right now is support her on this. If something goes wrong, she's going to need you to protect her and that baby. But, honestly, Luis, from what you've told me, I think she's a lot smarter and stronger than you're giving her credit for right now."
"I know she is," He conceded. "I just wouldn't be able to live with myself if I let anything ever happen to either of them..."