Gail slipped out of the bed wearing a lacy red camisol and panties.
Reaching for the satin robe hanging on the back of the door, she looked
back at Gabriel, sleeping soundly. He had felt comfortable leaving one of
his henchmen keeping an eye on things, and had retired fairly early for
him. Their lovemaking had been rushed with no feeling and Gail had found
her thoughts drifting to Stanley on the beach with Emma. The warmth and
love that had resonated from them, and now she was carrying his child. It
was stupid to be jealous of what they had. She had a life many women would
die for. Jetsetting all over the world, the finest clothes,
restaurants...and Jake, he was an incredible lover most of the time. But
there were times when his work took president over their relationship.
There were times when she wanted more.
She stepped out into the hall and was heading towards the kitchen when she looked down the passageway and saw Kirk slouched in a chair outside of Stanley's room. She shook her head as she changed directions and approached him. He was asleep. She could never understand Jake hiring him. He was pretty useless. She reached into his shirt jacket pocket and found the key, quietly opening the door.
Knowing Stanley, as she had last year, she was expecting him to be diligently typing away at the keyboard, but she wasn't prepared for the sight that lay before her. The computer chair empty, the screensaver now flashing a freshwater aquarium scene. Her eyes then fixed on the two naked bodies entwined on the bed in peaceful slumber. Stanley flat on his back, Emma nestled at his side, his good arm draped around her shoulder and his hand resting on her right breast. Emma's right leg draped over his, her right hand resting on his chest. His cheek rested on the top of her head.
It was hard to imagine that two people could actually sleep this way. Gail found herself wistfully staring at them. It was just one more thing that caused her to feel she didn't have it all. In fact, far from it. Even with Stanley's injuries and being held captive here, the intimacy and love between them seemed to flourish. It was a beautiful sight to behold, and Gail envied their simplistic existence over her own complicated one.
Emma stirred and slowly opened her eyes, she perched herself up a bit to see Stanley's peaceful face in slumber. It was lovely to see him so relaxed for a change. But something was strange. She felt it. Something, someone in the room. Slowly she sat up pulling a bit of sheet with her, not wanting to disturb Stanley. She saw the silhouette of a woman. She was about to speak, when Gail smiled, walked through the open door and Emma heard the lock from the outside click.
Emma thought how odd it was that this woman was there watching them. Wondering for how long. Stanley stirred beside her and reached his hand up her bareback, stroking it. A sigh escaping his lips.
She turned to him and looked down upon his smiling face. His hand now reached to stroke her cheek, "No one should look so good at this god awful time in the morning. But you are a sight to behold, Emma."
Their brief moment only a few hours ago, still vivid in his mind and hers, but now Emma felt the concern over what was actually happening here. And it was evident in her face, "Emma, what is it?"
"She was here. In this room, staring at us."
"She?" He sat up slowly, rubbing his eyes.
"Gail."
"It was probably a dream."
"No, it wasn't. Why would she just stand there and stare at us? It was disturbing."
He put his arm around her shoulder drawing her near to him. "I am sure you're mistaken."
She pulled away from him and looked straight into his eyes, "Was she your lover, Stanley? I don't understand what was between you."
She was jealous. Stanley took a deep breath, "No, she wasn't my lover, I never slept with her. Okay, does that make you feel better?"
"but you wanted to."
He knew he had to be honest. There was no point in making matters worse, "Yes, I wanted to. I'm a normal red blooded American male, Emma, who had been without for a long time and when a beautiful intelligent woman comes on to me, well, it's hard not to resist."
"Then why did you?"
It was a question he had asked himself before. He had the chance. He was pretty sure Ginger would have been up to it as well. "Because, I was being careful. I guess after some of the disappointment in my life, I wasn't prepared to let myself in for another fall. I made the right choice. She wasn't what she appeared to be."
"And now?"
"I'm not tempted whatsoever...not when I have all I could ever need right here with you. When am I going to get that through your thick skull. That I love you, want you, the whole package, Em." He smiled and kissed her forehead.
But she still wasn't satisfied, "And Helga?"
He put his hand to his head, "You want to get into this now, at 3 am?"
"You said we had a lot to get through. This is obviously one of those things."
He was hesitant. Something he had been avoiding for along time and now there was no way out. He took a deep breath before he spoke, "Helga was supposed to keep me entertained during my first meeting with Gabriel. This room was full of beautiful women, and it was pretty obvious from the get go what her job was. But I was there for one reason, to get my daughter. I didn't give a shit about any of the perks he had planned for me." His voice changed and he began to sound irritable.
Emma couldn't help but notice a pain in his eyes, as he swallowed hard and continued, "I was given a computer...and at the time I wasn't allowed to touch one or I would be thrown back into prison. But Gabriel had other ideas, he had a test for me to see if I could hack into a program and if I could do it in a minute. I was held against my will. A gun at my head.." He stopped as he felt sweat starting to dribble down the side of his face. Just the thought of that night still caused him so much grief and humiliation.
"The nightmares. When you break out in a sweat. It's from that night."
He nodded. "I haven't been able to shake them. The gun at my temple was one thing, but a woman in my lap giving me a blowjob with people looking on was another." He put his head down in shame. "I have never felt so humiliated and dirty in my life."
"Helga." It all seemed to make sense now.
"Oh, yeah, Helga. Can we drop this now? I really should be getting back on the computer."
"Oh, Stanley, I'm so sorry." She stroked his cheek and he looked into her eyes.
"It's out in the open now. Maybe that will help. I don't know."
"I want to help you. Please don't ever shut me out again."
Their foreheads touched and he smiled, "You already have...helped me. When I'm with you everything seems right. The nightmares are less. I'm getting there." He kissed her gently, "Now, I really do have to get back to the computer, maybe Jake was right, you're a distraction."
She wrapped the sheet around her and then began to help him over to the computer. The sheet started to slip and he caught sight of her breast. Following his gaze to her naked body she quickly readjusted the sheet. "Oh, but what an incredible stunning enticing distraction you are." He raised his eyebrows as he sat down at the desk. As she moved back to the bed, he managed to grab the back of the sheet and gave it a tug. Leaving her standing nude in the middle of the floor.
She slowly turned and coyly smiled at him shaking a finger, "You're extremely naughty, Stanley."
"Oh, don't you know it. Come here." He motioned for her to sit on his lap and she did as he asked.
His bad arm rested on her back his head now nestled between her breasts, ravishing her with kisses, his right hand clicking the program to close without looking at the screen, "This can wait. I have much more pressing matters on top of my agenda." It was evident that not much work would be getting done in the next few hours.
* * *
* *
Melody and Kyle got off the plane in San Diego and he searched the crowds for Brent. Stanley said he would be here. Finally he saw a familiar face waving through the crowds, but he wasn't alone.
"Hey, kid." Kyle looked past him at the stranger. "It's okay, this is Agent Roberts with the FBI."
Kyle was unsure what to do now. Stanley never mentioned an FBI agent.
"We've already contacted your dad in London, Kyle. He knows you and Melody are safe. I'll just take the disc and you and your sister can go with Brent."
"No, I'm not giving you the disc."
"Kyle, this is an FBI agent, they know what they're doing." Brent tried to persuade him.
"Stanley said to give it to him. I'm not giving it to anyone else but Stanley."
Roberts sighed, "I understand what you're saying, Kyle, but these people Stanley are dealing with are dangerous and I don't want you involved. Stanley wouldn't want anything to happen to you."
Kyle's eyes began darting around the terminal. There were a lot of people and he felt he could easily get away from them. He was always sensible and giving the disc to the agent seemed sensible,but for some reason he wanted only direction from Stanley and he needed to just have some time on the computer to find out what he wanted him to do. There was a commotion near the luggage claim and Roberts and Brent turned their heads briefly, Kyle whispered to Melody. "Don't worry about me. And whatever you do don't tell them which way I headed."
Before she could even reply to him, he had darted off. Brent and Roberts turned to find Melody alone.
"Where did he go?"
"I don't know. He's my brother. He doesn't tell me anything."
Both Brent and Roberts scoured the waiting area but couldn't see him anywhere. Roberts turned to Brent, "Are you sure he's not related to Stanley? This kid thinks like him and acts like him."
"Kyle idolizes the guy. He won't do anything stupid. I think he just wants Stan's okay."
"Fine, but we need to find him. This is not the time for a 16 year old to start playing hero." Roberts headed off through the baggage claim area, Brent motioned for Melody to follow.
* * *
* *
Kyle found himself behind an old check in desk not being used as he opened his laptop and quickly signed in on IM.
'Stanley, are you there?' he typed.
There was a brief silence, 'I'm here, Kyle. What's going on?'
'Agent Roberts? Do you know him? He is with Brent and he wants the disc and I wouldn't give it him.'
'Kyle, where are you now?'
'I'm still at the airport, but I lost them. I couldn't hand it over to him. '
'You did the right thing. I should've known that Roberts would be around somewhere. Now we just got to figure out how to get that disc to me.'
'Where are you?'
'In a house in BirdRock, near La Jolla. But I couldn't tell you a street name and I don't want you to be in danger.'
'I'll get back to you, Stanley. I have an idea.'
'Kyle, don't do anything stupid.'
'Me stupid?'
'Yeah, right, you messed around with a million dollar bank account. I think that could be considered pretty stupid.'
'I could say the same for you, getting yourself thrown into Levinworth, getting involved with these lowlives in the first place. Who's calling who stupid?'
On the other end of the conversation in the house on Birdrock, Stanley smiled. He had met his match that was for sure. 'I guess you have a point.'
'But you fell in love with my mom, and that's pretty smart. Hey, you have a name...it might help if I have a name.'
'Jake', Stan tried to remember if he heard anyone mention Jake's last name, then he remembered the driver of the car that brought him here, he had used his last name, 'Whelen..it's Whelen. But, Kyle, he has used a lot of alias' in his lifetime.'
'That will help. You aren't the only one that can work magic on a computer Stanley, I'll get back to you.' He then signed off.
Stanley sat dumbfounded, not knowing what Kyle had in mind. He leaned back onto the chair, as Emma approached him from behind, in his tshirt. "What's wrong?"
"The kids are fine. Melody is with Brent and Agent Roberts."
"And Kyle?"
"Well, Kyle is Kyle."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
He swiveled the chair around, "I don't want you to worry about him. Kyle has good sense, well, in most cases." He stroked her cheek, "this is going to work out."
The door swung open, Jake and Kirk holding a tray of food. Emma immediately moved closer to Stanley and he squeezed her hand. "Hope I'm not interrupting anything? I didn't want you to think I forgot about your breakfast. Can't have you working on an empty stomach, Stan. And what with the little lady here pregnant, it's really important you get your nutrition. You know what they say about eating for two." Emma was unaware he knew of the pregnancy and when she looked at Stanley he sheepishly turned his head.
Kirk layed the tray down deliberately rubbing up against Emma to set it on the corner of the desk. His eyes roamed down her legs, and Stanley was only to aware of his gaze. He remained in the chair but stuck his bum leg out as Kirk walked back and fell flat on his face.
"Oh, fuck, that was a bit clumsy of me. No hard feelings?" He said sarcastically as Kirk pulled himself off the floor glaring at him.
Emma sniggered behind her hand, as Jake approached looking at the computer screen, "This is taking you a helluva long time, Stan."
"It's coming along."
"so what's become of the disc?"
"You're guess is as good as mine."
"I don't like thinking that just any hacker could get his hands on that kind of money."
"Well, you don't have to worry there, it's pretty much impossible to get to those accounts even with the disc." As he said this, he thought of Kyle and how easy it had been for him. Jake sat himself on the edge of the desk looking down at Stanley.
"I have your word on that, Stanley?"
"My word. Of course. I should have this sorted within the next few hours. No problem. And then you'll let us go." Stanley pulled Emma closer to him and looked up at her with a reassuring smile.
"You live up to your end of the bargain here, Stan. And that will be no problem." He patted him on the shoulder and stood up, "Well, I'll let you enjoy your breakfast, and if there's anything i can get you, give us a shout."
"Emma could use a shirt, since your crony ruined the one she had on. "
"I am sure Gail won't mind popping out and picking up something for you.." Gail happened to be standing at the door. She cleared her throat, and Jake turned.
"Maybe I do mind popping out." The smile was cynical and smug.
Jake moved closer to her, "Of course you don't mind." He started to laugh as he put his arm around her.
"I don't find this funny, Jake." Emma, Stanley and Kirk were now enthralled by the little scene erupting at the doorway. "Maybe it's about time I didn't jump at your beck and call."
Jake didn't like when someone made him look bad in front of others, but he tried to joke it off, smiling and grabbed her by the upper arm, "I think we'll just step outside to discuss this. Kirk, go get the car. You'll be taking Gail to the shops."
Gail let him drag her out of the room, Kirk followed and the door shut behind them.
Stanley didn't seem to concerned as he dug into the eggs on his plate. "How can you eat now. What do you think is going on with them?"
"Emma, eat. I wouldn't worry about those two."
Emma went to the door and leaned against it hoping to hear something. She could hear Jake's voice escalating. "He's yelling at her."
Stanley was uninterested. "They aren't what they seem, Emma. It's all a big game to them."
"This isn't a big game. Did you see the way she eyed him. She's tired of being pushed around."
"Remember, I 've been here before, you can't believe anything on the surface. Now come over here and eat."
Emma backed away from the door reluctantly and moved over to him pulling up a chair, she pushed the eggs around with her fork, and the more she looked at them, the more it made her feel nauseous. She pushed the plate aside, "I'm not hungry." She stood up and quickly went to the bathroom.
He heard her gag, and knew she was throwing up. It took him a minute to realize she had morning sickness. When she came out of the bathroom her face was colorless.
"You okay?"
Not wanting to get into this discussion with him she just nodded. The baby. It wasn't going away. The more she avoided the conversation with him the more it invaded all her thoughts. "I guess I should eat something. There's nothing there."
He handed her a piece of toast, "This should be okay." He remembered Melissa being pregnant with Holly, and he had missed out on the first trimester. But had heard nothing but complaints from her the remainder of the pregnancy. Emma, no matter what doubts she was feeling about the child she was carrying, was handling this all very well.
She took a bite a toast and sat back in the chair next to him, he had stopped eating and was just glaring at her, "What? Do I have food on my mouth or something?"
He shook his head and smiled, "You look ravishing."
"I just threw up, Stanley, I haven't had a shower, I'm sweaty...I don't look ravishing."
"You do to me. Always."
She blushed, and he reached over and brushed a crumb off the corner of her mouth. He imagined how it would be in less than 9 months from now, Emma nursing the baby in their bed, her beautiful post baby body, the sweet smile on her lips as he leaned over to kiss her. The anticipation of their lovemaking once the baby was asleep. He sighed with the thought of what could be, but then he realized it was also just as likely not to happen. He turned back to the computer, "I wonder how Kyle's doing. God, I wish he'd let me know what's going on."
Emma knew what he had been thinking. It was about the baby. And he was doing exactly what she had asked, give her time. He meant what he had just said. That she was ravishing to him always. How could she deny this man, something he desperately wanted. Another child. It was such a huge decision. Just when she was becoming independent of children's needs, how could she go back and take care of an infant 24/7, and lose the Emma, that she had become in the last few months with Stanley. The Emma she didn't want to let go of.
* * *
* *
Jake began to raise his voice, "What the hell was that little scene in there?"
"I'm sick of the bullshit, Jake. I am not here for your entertainment or to fetch and carry for you when you so desire." Kirk was standing there and Jake immediately turned to him.
"Do you like this job, Kirk?" Jake said sarcastically.
"Sure I do, boss."
"Then why are you standing here when I asked you to get the car? Now do it." he snapped.
Kirk darted out the front door, and Jake returned his attention to Gail. He paced back and forth around her and she stood her ground confident, her arms crossed in front of her staring at him smugly. "Bullshit, so that's what you call our relationship...bullshit? How charming, Gail."
"Relationship, that's a good one, Jake. I think you need to look at those two in there." She pointed to the locked door, "now they have a relationship."
He stopped pacing and looked at her, then started to laugh, "That's what you call a relationship? He's gotten some divorced woman pregnant, not much different than his first relationship as I recall. She's a schoolteacher, with two teenagers, who doesn't seem particularly happy about this new addition. And it was pretty obvious she knew nothing about what he went through last year to get his daughter back, so there has been a lot of secrecy. What kind of relationship is that? There are no secrets between us, I give you everything."
"Except the one thing, that those two seem to have an over abundance of and that's love for each other. They have problems, sure, but even this little escapade hasn't changed what they feel for each other."
"And you can see this from the little time you've seen them together?"
Gail couldn't help but picture them in each other arms last night. "yes. And maybe I would like to feel a fraction of that. Our love making is rushed, you never show affection towards me in public."
"Now wait a second, that's not true. I have kissed you in public."
"To show people that I am yours. There is no affection in those kisses. I am a trophy to you in public. I have to look perfect, dress appropriate. Have we ever walked hand in hand? Or have you ever just put your arm around me because you couldn't resist?"
He was silent. "No we haven't is the answer, Jake."
"So that's all you want. Is a little affection in public?"
"You can't just force it, Jake. And that's not all. I want to be alone with you, without your thugs. We haven't even walked on the beach since we've been here. Had a romantic dinner. You're always on the phone or in meetings."
Kirk came through the front door and cleared his throat.
Jake turned around and snapped, "What do you want?"
"The cars ready, boss."
He looked over at Gail. He had taken her for granted, but it didn't change the fact that he was mad about her. Everything had fallen into place since they had been together. There were times when he knew he was nothing without her. Yeah, she was a beauty and others had their eyes on her, but she had chosen him. Stuck by him through everything. Accepting him for who and what he was.
Moving closer to her, he slipped his arm around her and rubbed her back. Leaning into her he gently kissed her cheek. Gail seemed a little surprised by this gesture. Then he turned to Kirk. "We won't be needing the car, Kirk. I've changed my mind. We're going to take a walk on the beach and then we'll hit that boutique up on the main road. I'll just let Tim know what's going on. You two can handle things here."
He kissed the top of Gail's head and squeezed her hand before he headed down the hall to find Tim.
Gail looked at Kirk, quizzically, " So how would you analyze that change in your boss's behavior, Kirk?"
"You're asking my opinion?"
"I am."
"Well, the guy wants to spend some time with you, make you happy."
"you think?"
"Sure. I mean, there's gotta to be more than just a roll in the sack when you've been together as long as you two have. Me, I've never experienced that kind of thing. Not sure I want to. It's a lot of work. Just let me have a woman for a bang quite frequently and I am one happy guy. This relationship crap is just too much hard work."
"I'll keep that in mind, Kirk. Really I will."
* * *
* *
Kyle couldn't risk going back to his house, knowing that was the first place they would look for him. But he had an ally in this whole mess. The one person who knew about the disc. Amy. He grabbed a cab and headed to PB, hoping that her parents weren't home.
Amy was surprised when she opened the door and find him standing there, "Kyle, what the hell...you aren't supposed to be home yet."
He nervously looked around expecting the Feds to be somewhere watching him. "Can you just let me in? I can explain everything, but not right now. My mom and Stan are in danger and I'm the only one that can help them."
Amy let him in, "your parents here?" Kyle's eyes darted around the room nervously.
She shook her head, then Kyle plopped down on the sofa and pulled out his laptop. Amy sat opposite him, watching him curiously, "I need to borrow your car?"
"My dad would freak."
"Okay, then, I need you to drive me somewhere." He never looked up at her as he typed frantically. "Shit, Stanley, where the hell are you?"
* *
* *
Stanley sat on the toilet, the last few hours had been just waiting to hear from Kyle. He heard the IM beep, "Emma." He called her for her help.
She showed up at the door, "They've left. I heard them leave. It's just the sleazy creep and the other guy."
"Are you going to help me up?"
"Sorry." She moved closer to him and he wrapped an arm around her. She had gotten used to his weight over the past few days and it didn't seem as hard anymore. As they headed back into the bedroom, she continued, "So is there anyway we can get out of here? With them gone, it just seems like it's possible."
She helped him onto the chair, and he saw Kyle's message on the computer screen, 'I know where you're at. I can get to you.'
Directly underneath another message, 'where are you, Stan? Answer me.'
He looked up at Emma, that hopeful look in her eyes, "They have guns, babe. Those two hoodlums don't give a shit about us. They'll use them."
"But I could distract them."
Stanley knew she was trying to help, and had watched too many TV shows, "Distract them? Emma, that creep would be on you in a minute. You're no match for him, and I'm immobile here, there's nothing I can do. Even if you could distract them or whatever, I could never get out of here without help. And you can't carry me."
Emma looked disappointedly, and he took hold of her hand, "Kyle's are only hope right now, he knows where we are."
Emma looked into his eyes, "He's coming here? Stanley, I can't have anything happen to him."
"I can work around this somehow, okay. I don't want anything to happen to him either." He put his head in his hand, trying to think. How the hell could he get the disc without Kyle coming to him. Emma looked at the computer screen and leaned over Stanley placing her hands on the keyboard. Stanley opened his eyes watching in amazement as she typed a message,
'I'm here. So what are you waiting for? Get your ass over here."
"Emma, are you sure about this?" Stanley looked over at her.
"I want out of here now. I want to see my kids."
"Okay, okay....this is perfect timing. With Jake not here, it could work."
She smiled at him, "Of course it will work. Because I believe in you and Kyle."
Stanley returned to the keyboard, another message from Kyle. 'Okay, Stan, I get the point. But my mom wouldn't approve of the vulgarities.'
Stanley laughed and typed, 'That was your mom using the vulgarities.'
'No way.'
'Oh, yeah, she means business....now listen to me. Jake and Gail have gone out but i don't know for how long. There are two armed men here, so you need to be careful.'
'I have a plan, Stan. It'll work. I'm on my way.' He signed off before Stanley had a chance to say anything else.
Stanley turned to Emma, "He better know what he's doing."
Emma bit her lip and closed her eyes tightly, what if something happened to him. She knew they had no choice but she was frightened. He squeezed her hand, "Come on, you believe in him. I believe in him." He leaned towards her and kissed her.
* * *
* *
Amy sat in her car, covering her eyes as Kyle stood at the top of the hill, clutching a skateboard. "Now you know what to do, Amy right?" He turned to look at her and saw her hand over her eyes, "What's with the hand over the eyes?"
"Kyle, you're going to crash and burn, it's not going to be a pretty sight, I can't bear to watch. It's a stupid idea."
"It'll get me in the house. I can get the disc to Stanley."
"You could cause some serious damage and I know I'm not the only one that doesn't want to see something happen to you. Your mom will die if you get hurt."
"I'm going to get hurt, that's the point, just be ready, okay?"
She nodded her head, as he put the skateboard down on the pavement and took a deep breath, as he pushed himself off down the hill.
* * *
* *
Emma hated the waiting and laid down on the bed. She felt so tired all the time. The baby. Everything was because of the baby, it seemed. She looked towards Stanley, cracking his neck as he sat at the computer desk, trying to release the tension he was feeling at the moment. There was a crash outside and Emma quickly sat up, "What was that?'
Then she added, "It sounded like something running into a brick wall."
They both looked at each other and Stanley blew it off, "It was probably a kid messing about or something."
Emma had a bad feeling about this.
* * *
* * ********
The impact of the retaining wall, knocked him out pretty good. When he came to after a few seconds his vision was slightly blurry, and he felt the back of his head, he could feel the wetness in his hair, and when he looked at his hand, it was covered in blood. But that was nothing, as he stood, he noticed the gouge on his left leg. It was probably close to 3 inches and the blood was oozing out of it. It wasn't supposed to be this bad. He managed to get his balance and headed towards the door. He thought he might pass out, but continued. Thank god, the door opened before he got there and the the burly man in the suit was a welcome sight.
"I fell off my skateboard." Kyle mumbled as the man approached him.
"Shit, kid...that was some fall."
Kyle felt like he was going to be sick but instead collapsed into the man's arms.
Kirk stood there holding onto Kyle as Tim walked out, "What's going on?" Seeing the boy, Tim grimaced, "you better get him inside, he needs something on that leg to stop the bleeding."
Kirk carried him into the house, "We should just call the paramedics, let them take care of it."
"Jake would have a fit."
"What do you know about first aid, Tim, because I know fuck all."
"I know enough to get by. Better yet, we'll let the little lady take a look. It wouldn't be such a bad thing, having a mother's touch you know."
Emma had been standing against the door hearing the voices but not being able to make anything out, then she heard the lock turn and backed up immediately. As the men brought the limp body in and laid him on the bed. Emma covered her mouth in shock and nearly cried out Kyle's name, before stopping herself. "oh, my god." she blurted out as she leaned over him. Without a minutes delay, she began to take over, "Get me some warm water and a cloth. Some sheets or something I can bandage the leg up with." She knew she sounded hysterical, but this was her son lying here unconscious.
Stanley pushed himself up and moved slowly to the bed, by her side, whispering into her ear, "It's okay, just be calm." He rubbed her back gently.
Tim had headed out to the hall cupboard to get some extra sheets, while Kirk was filling a pan with warm water, Emma began to cry, "That's easy for you to say, it's not your son."
He leaned closer to her, and lifted her chin so their eyes met, "He's close enough. And this isn't easy for me either."
Emma knew that had been the wrong thing to say. In the past few months the bond Kyle and Stan had together was just as close as any father and son, it was unfair to be harsh with him. She began to cry, "I'm sorry..of course you care. I just can't stand seeing him like this." Stanley continued to rub her back, trying to give some comfort.
Kyle slowly opened his eyes, and focused on the voices he could hear, but their heads were turned away from him. "Mom?" He questioned.
Emma turned back and Kyle looked up into her eyes, "I'm okay. So don't go blubbering and getting all weird."
"What were you thinking? You've never been on a skateboard in your life."
Stanley smiled at him, "When you have a plan, you don't mess about do you?"
"I'm here aren't I, and the disc is in my pocket." He managed to reach his hand into his pocket and held it up, "I told you I would come through." Stanley grabbed the disc out of his hand, just as Tim and Kirk re-entered the room. Emma immediately began to clean off the cut and ripped the sheet into strips to wrap his leg.
"I think he's going to need stitches." Tim piped in as he watched Emma cover the cut.
Kirk looked over at Stanley, "I think you should be getting back to work. The boss isn't happy with your progress."
Stanley moved back over to the desk, "But he will be, because everything should be back in place in no time."
Kirk gave him a funny look, then turned back to Tim and Emma and the boy. "Now what are we going to do with him?"
"He needs to see a doctor." Emma said.
"Kid, where do you live?" Tim asked.
"Not far. I've passed this hill a lot on my way to school and I've always wanted to try it. You know, I'm sure I could walk to my house. No biggie."
Tim was wondering what they should do with him. There was really no way he could walk, and Tim didn't like the idea of leaving Kirk with Emma and Stanley on his own. "Kirk, you can take him in the car."
"And what about them?"
"I can watch them. Now go get the keys and I'll help the boy out."
Emma and Kyle exchanged glances, then Emma looked back at Stanley already hacked into the file and oblivious to the world around him. It was up to them to get out of this situation. Kyle still clutching the battered skateboard, had no hesitation as he sat up and pretended a faint. "My head. You think I could have some water."
"Sure kid. " Tim left the room, and Kyle looked at his mom.
He whispered, "I'm going to whack him with my board when he comes back in. Amy's waiting at the top of the road with her car. You can get out, Mom."
Stanley was aware of the whispers and turned, "What's going on?"
Emma waved her hand in the air, "You just finish up what you're doing."
Not sure he liked the looks between them, but knew he had to get this problem taken care of first. "I'm seconds away." He continued to type.
Tim walked back in with a glass of water. Emma had remembered how kind he had been when she had first arrived at the house and now, with Kyle, he was showing the same consideration. Tim put the glass down on the bedside table, and for that brief moment that his back was turned, Kyle lifted the board and brought it down across the back of his head, just as Stanley completed the transfer and raised his hands in triumph, "Done."
Tim let out a scream, and his eyes widened as he collapsed onto the floor, Stanley jolted from his chair and looked in shock at Kyle holding the raised skateboard. "What the hell..."
Emma kneeled down next to the body, "He's out but who knows for how long." She looked back at Stanley, "What choice did we have?"
"I can't believe this is what it's come to. I'm turning my girlfriend and her son into common thugs." He then smiled at Kyle, "Quick thinking, Kyle. Now get your asses out of here, before the other one gets back."
Emma got up and noticed Kyle wasn't budging, "I'm not leaving without you, Stan. Mom can get to Amy and call the cops."
Emma was silent. "I'm not going either."
Stan let out a sigh and maneuvered his way over to her, sitting on the edge of the bed, he looked at her and took hold of her hand, "You need to get out of here and get a hold of Roberts, before Jake gets back. Kyle and I will hold you up. Please go. The quicker you get out of here the quicker Roberts and his men will be here to get these creeps." Emma squeezed his hand tightly and then rested it on her abdomen. He wasn't sure what she meant by doing this, but she smiled at him. God, he couldn't wait to be able to sit down and talk about this with her. He stroked her belly, then she leaned down and kissed him.
"I'll go. But promise me, you two, will be careful. No more stupid tricks."
"Hey, I think we've run out of those, falling off cliffs and smashing into walls, think that pretty much covers the stupid tricks, don't you, Kyle?"
"No more, I promise, Mom." She gave him a kiss on the forehead and then ran out of the bedroom towards the front door.
She thought she was in the clear as she carefully scanned the driveway for Kirk. The car was there, but she couldn't see him anywhere. She didn't want to take any chances, so once the coast seemed cleared she sprinted down the driveway towards the street. She had only made it a few yards when she was grabbed from behind and tackled to the ground. The impact of the fall was much harder than she could've imagined and it took her a few seconds to get her bearings. But there was no way out of this situation. He was on top of her and he wasn't about to let her go.
"What do you think you're doing? Think I would let you go when I haven't even gotten what was promised me. I don't see any time like the present, little lady. You're in such a hurry, well, I'll make it quick then."
She let out a scream and he quickly covered her mouth. Squirming didn't help, he was stronger than her. She felt his hand reach the waistband of her shorts and he somehow managed to unzip the zipper. She began fighting underneath him, her legs flailing wildly. Tears welled up in her eyes, she wasn't about to let this guy get what he wanted.
Stanley heard the scream, alarmed he pushed himself up and steadied himself against the wall, "It's your mom. Fuck, that creep...so help me if he lays a hand on her."
"I'm on it." He held the skateboard up, and made his way out towards the front of the house. Limping all the way.
Stanley wasn't about to stand there idly, he dragged his leg and braced himself against the wall, slowly making his way up the hallway.
Seeing his mom underneath this creep, was all he needed. The anger building up, he crept up slowly and whacked the guy over the head. Collapsing on top of Emma, his head now laying on her chest. In disgust she tried to get out from under him, when Kyle stooped down and began to pull the guy off her.
"Are you okay, Mom?"
She nodded, "Just get him off me."
He grabbed him under the arms and began to pull him off, when a voice from behind startled him. "Well, well, well, this is quite a sight." Emma looked up to see Jake and Gail eying the scene thoroughly, when a pain shot through her abdomen and she doubled over in pain. Her eyes blurred and she could barely make out what was going on around her. The pain sharp and unbearable, she let out a cry.
Stanley now nearly to the front door of the house, heard her cry, quickly he maneuvered along the wall and reached the door, Gail now leaning over her. Kyle not far behind and Jake standing over them.
"What the fuck have you done to her?" He questioned Jake, who was surprised to see Stanley standing in the doorway.
Gail looked back at Stanley, "She's having some kind of abdominal cramps. She needs a doctor."
Jake turned to Stanley, "Well, Stanley, the ball is in your court here. How we doing on the transfer?"
Stanley disgusted that this jerk would put money over a person's life shook his head in disbelief, "It's done. Your precious money is in its proper place. Now let me get Emma to a hospital."
"I'm supposed to take your word on this? I don't think so Stanley." As he began to head over to Stanley, he eyed Kyle, who was fingering the skateboard. Jake ripped it out of his hands, "and I'll have that, young man. I think you've done enough damage today." With the other hand he grabbed Kyle by the arm, and moved closer to Stanley. "You've been messing with me again, Stanley. And I don't' like it one bit." He shook Kyle by the arm, "And is this part of your ingenious plan, using your girlfriend's son and a lethal skateboard to get yourself off the hook. You mad a mistake, Stan. A big mistake."
Stanley didn't like being threatened especially when his only concern was Emma at this point, his anger building with every step Jake took closer to him. Jake chuckled, "Just a little upset, are we Stan. But nothing you can do about. Gotta be tough." He said sarcastically. He turned back to Gail and Emma, "And now losing the baby. A real bummer, Stan."
Kyle's eyes lit up with this bit of news. He looked at Stan who was now livid, and grabbed the lapels of Jake's shirt with his good hand, "Shut the fuck up. Get my girlfriend a fucking doctor now. She's done nothing to you."
Gail looking concerned as Emma now seemed to be drifting out of consciousness, "Both of you stop it. Jake, this is serious. Something's terribly wrong." Before anything else was said, she heard rustling in the bushes and within seconds a group of armed men had surrounded them.
"Let go of the boy, Jake." Agent Roberts moved closer holding a gun at Jake.
Jake shook his head in disbelief, and let go of the boys arm. Stan still holding on to the shirt, his eyes glaring into Jake's. Another armed agent arrived at their side to handcuff Jake, but looked at Roberts for direction, seeing that Stan had no intention of letting go.
"Stanley, let go. We'll deal with this." Roberts said calmly.
"Like you've dealt with everything in the past, Roberts? This wouldn't be happening if you guys made a move sooner and you fucking know it."
"Stanley, let go. I don't want to have to take you in too."
"I'm sure you'd like that, Roberts." Stanley still raging, but feeling weak from standing for such a long time, let go. The agent quickly handcuffed Jake and moved him to the car that how now pulled up in the driveway. Stanley began to slump against the wall, soon slinking to the ground out of pure exhaustion, "Just fucking call the paramedics. What are you waiting for?" He started to weep, his head now buried into his hands.
Roberts turned to another man, "Call a paramedic. Looks like we have a few casualties here. Anymore I need to know about, Stan?"
Stanley didn't answer. Kyle stared at him. Not sure what he thought of any of this anymore. He turned to Roberts and answered for him,"There's one inside. I hit him with my skateboard. I don't know how long he'll be out, but he's armed."
Agent Roberts motioned for another man to head in the house. Then just looked at Stanley. He liked the guy. But for some reason the guy just didn't have the best luck, that was for sure. He glanced over at Emma, Kyle now at her side. One only could hope things would be okay. None of them deserved this.
Stanley opened his eyes as the sirens could be heard coming over the hills, Gail now handcuffed was put into a second police car and their eyes met briefly. He could have sworn she looked concerned, but he knew better. He quickly turned away and looked back at Emma. Why was this happening to him? Why couldn't he just get on with a normal existence? Marry the woman he loved and raise a family. Camping in the mountains, picnics on the beach. Nights spent in front of the TV watching a favorite movie. That was all he wanted. A simple life. A happy life.
Emma looked up into Kyle's eyes, "Stanley? Where's Stanley?"
"He's here, Mom. But don't worry, the paramedics are coming. Everything's going to be fine."
"I need to talk to Stanley." She started to cry.
Roberts moved over to Stan and helped him up. Slowly making their way to Emma. Stanley was in incredible pain now. And it was almost next to impossible to find any comfortable position to sit next to her. Propped more on his side, his leg outstretched he put his left hand on her cheek and smiled, "I'm right here, Em."
"The baby. I'm sorry, Stanley. This is my fault. The horrible things i said." she was sobbing hysterically now. "I made this happen."
He put a finger over her lips, "Schhh....nothing is your fault." He was at a loss for words. How could he comfort her when it was pretty obvious that this baby wasn't meant to be.
The sirens grew louder as the ambulances pulled up into the driveway. Stanley held Emma in his arms as she began to lose consciousness. All around him, chaos. Agents, paramedics, blaring walkie talkies. As a paramedic hooked Emma up with an IV, Kyle sat a few feet away having his leg looked at, Amy standing next to him. There eyes met briefly. There was no smile, but a look of annoyance, before he turned away from him No, nothing was Emma's fault...it was pretty much his fault. And if things were bad before they just seemed to be getting worse.
She stepped out into the hall and was heading towards the kitchen when she looked down the passageway and saw Kirk slouched in a chair outside of Stanley's room. She shook her head as she changed directions and approached him. He was asleep. She could never understand Jake hiring him. He was pretty useless. She reached into his shirt jacket pocket and found the key, quietly opening the door.
Knowing Stanley, as she had last year, she was expecting him to be diligently typing away at the keyboard, but she wasn't prepared for the sight that lay before her. The computer chair empty, the screensaver now flashing a freshwater aquarium scene. Her eyes then fixed on the two naked bodies entwined on the bed in peaceful slumber. Stanley flat on his back, Emma nestled at his side, his good arm draped around her shoulder and his hand resting on her right breast. Emma's right leg draped over his, her right hand resting on his chest. His cheek rested on the top of her head.
It was hard to imagine that two people could actually sleep this way. Gail found herself wistfully staring at them. It was just one more thing that caused her to feel she didn't have it all. In fact, far from it. Even with Stanley's injuries and being held captive here, the intimacy and love between them seemed to flourish. It was a beautiful sight to behold, and Gail envied their simplistic existence over her own complicated one.
Emma stirred and slowly opened her eyes, she perched herself up a bit to see Stanley's peaceful face in slumber. It was lovely to see him so relaxed for a change. But something was strange. She felt it. Something, someone in the room. Slowly she sat up pulling a bit of sheet with her, not wanting to disturb Stanley. She saw the silhouette of a woman. She was about to speak, when Gail smiled, walked through the open door and Emma heard the lock from the outside click.
Emma thought how odd it was that this woman was there watching them. Wondering for how long. Stanley stirred beside her and reached his hand up her bareback, stroking it. A sigh escaping his lips.
She turned to him and looked down upon his smiling face. His hand now reached to stroke her cheek, "No one should look so good at this god awful time in the morning. But you are a sight to behold, Emma."
Their brief moment only a few hours ago, still vivid in his mind and hers, but now Emma felt the concern over what was actually happening here. And it was evident in her face, "Emma, what is it?"
"She was here. In this room, staring at us."
"She?" He sat up slowly, rubbing his eyes.
"Gail."
"It was probably a dream."
"No, it wasn't. Why would she just stand there and stare at us? It was disturbing."
He put his arm around her shoulder drawing her near to him. "I am sure you're mistaken."
She pulled away from him and looked straight into his eyes, "Was she your lover, Stanley? I don't understand what was between you."
She was jealous. Stanley took a deep breath, "No, she wasn't my lover, I never slept with her. Okay, does that make you feel better?"
"but you wanted to."
He knew he had to be honest. There was no point in making matters worse, "Yes, I wanted to. I'm a normal red blooded American male, Emma, who had been without for a long time and when a beautiful intelligent woman comes on to me, well, it's hard not to resist."
"Then why did you?"
It was a question he had asked himself before. He had the chance. He was pretty sure Ginger would have been up to it as well. "Because, I was being careful. I guess after some of the disappointment in my life, I wasn't prepared to let myself in for another fall. I made the right choice. She wasn't what she appeared to be."
"And now?"
"I'm not tempted whatsoever...not when I have all I could ever need right here with you. When am I going to get that through your thick skull. That I love you, want you, the whole package, Em." He smiled and kissed her forehead.
But she still wasn't satisfied, "And Helga?"
He put his hand to his head, "You want to get into this now, at 3 am?"
"You said we had a lot to get through. This is obviously one of those things."
He was hesitant. Something he had been avoiding for along time and now there was no way out. He took a deep breath before he spoke, "Helga was supposed to keep me entertained during my first meeting with Gabriel. This room was full of beautiful women, and it was pretty obvious from the get go what her job was. But I was there for one reason, to get my daughter. I didn't give a shit about any of the perks he had planned for me." His voice changed and he began to sound irritable.
Emma couldn't help but notice a pain in his eyes, as he swallowed hard and continued, "I was given a computer...and at the time I wasn't allowed to touch one or I would be thrown back into prison. But Gabriel had other ideas, he had a test for me to see if I could hack into a program and if I could do it in a minute. I was held against my will. A gun at my head.." He stopped as he felt sweat starting to dribble down the side of his face. Just the thought of that night still caused him so much grief and humiliation.
"The nightmares. When you break out in a sweat. It's from that night."
He nodded. "I haven't been able to shake them. The gun at my temple was one thing, but a woman in my lap giving me a blowjob with people looking on was another." He put his head down in shame. "I have never felt so humiliated and dirty in my life."
"Helga." It all seemed to make sense now.
"Oh, yeah, Helga. Can we drop this now? I really should be getting back on the computer."
"Oh, Stanley, I'm so sorry." She stroked his cheek and he looked into her eyes.
"It's out in the open now. Maybe that will help. I don't know."
"I want to help you. Please don't ever shut me out again."
Their foreheads touched and he smiled, "You already have...helped me. When I'm with you everything seems right. The nightmares are less. I'm getting there." He kissed her gently, "Now, I really do have to get back to the computer, maybe Jake was right, you're a distraction."
She wrapped the sheet around her and then began to help him over to the computer. The sheet started to slip and he caught sight of her breast. Following his gaze to her naked body she quickly readjusted the sheet. "Oh, but what an incredible stunning enticing distraction you are." He raised his eyebrows as he sat down at the desk. As she moved back to the bed, he managed to grab the back of the sheet and gave it a tug. Leaving her standing nude in the middle of the floor.
She slowly turned and coyly smiled at him shaking a finger, "You're extremely naughty, Stanley."
"Oh, don't you know it. Come here." He motioned for her to sit on his lap and she did as he asked.
His bad arm rested on her back his head now nestled between her breasts, ravishing her with kisses, his right hand clicking the program to close without looking at the screen, "This can wait. I have much more pressing matters on top of my agenda." It was evident that not much work would be getting done in the next few hours.
* * *
* *
Melody and Kyle got off the plane in San Diego and he searched the crowds for Brent. Stanley said he would be here. Finally he saw a familiar face waving through the crowds, but he wasn't alone.
"Hey, kid." Kyle looked past him at the stranger. "It's okay, this is Agent Roberts with the FBI."
Kyle was unsure what to do now. Stanley never mentioned an FBI agent.
"We've already contacted your dad in London, Kyle. He knows you and Melody are safe. I'll just take the disc and you and your sister can go with Brent."
"No, I'm not giving you the disc."
"Kyle, this is an FBI agent, they know what they're doing." Brent tried to persuade him.
"Stanley said to give it to him. I'm not giving it to anyone else but Stanley."
Roberts sighed, "I understand what you're saying, Kyle, but these people Stanley are dealing with are dangerous and I don't want you involved. Stanley wouldn't want anything to happen to you."
Kyle's eyes began darting around the terminal. There were a lot of people and he felt he could easily get away from them. He was always sensible and giving the disc to the agent seemed sensible,but for some reason he wanted only direction from Stanley and he needed to just have some time on the computer to find out what he wanted him to do. There was a commotion near the luggage claim and Roberts and Brent turned their heads briefly, Kyle whispered to Melody. "Don't worry about me. And whatever you do don't tell them which way I headed."
Before she could even reply to him, he had darted off. Brent and Roberts turned to find Melody alone.
"Where did he go?"
"I don't know. He's my brother. He doesn't tell me anything."
Both Brent and Roberts scoured the waiting area but couldn't see him anywhere. Roberts turned to Brent, "Are you sure he's not related to Stanley? This kid thinks like him and acts like him."
"Kyle idolizes the guy. He won't do anything stupid. I think he just wants Stan's okay."
"Fine, but we need to find him. This is not the time for a 16 year old to start playing hero." Roberts headed off through the baggage claim area, Brent motioned for Melody to follow.
* * *
* *
Kyle found himself behind an old check in desk not being used as he opened his laptop and quickly signed in on IM.
'Stanley, are you there?' he typed.
There was a brief silence, 'I'm here, Kyle. What's going on?'
'Agent Roberts? Do you know him? He is with Brent and he wants the disc and I wouldn't give it him.'
'Kyle, where are you now?'
'I'm still at the airport, but I lost them. I couldn't hand it over to him. '
'You did the right thing. I should've known that Roberts would be around somewhere. Now we just got to figure out how to get that disc to me.'
'Where are you?'
'In a house in BirdRock, near La Jolla. But I couldn't tell you a street name and I don't want you to be in danger.'
'I'll get back to you, Stanley. I have an idea.'
'Kyle, don't do anything stupid.'
'Me stupid?'
'Yeah, right, you messed around with a million dollar bank account. I think that could be considered pretty stupid.'
'I could say the same for you, getting yourself thrown into Levinworth, getting involved with these lowlives in the first place. Who's calling who stupid?'
On the other end of the conversation in the house on Birdrock, Stanley smiled. He had met his match that was for sure. 'I guess you have a point.'
'But you fell in love with my mom, and that's pretty smart. Hey, you have a name...it might help if I have a name.'
'Jake', Stan tried to remember if he heard anyone mention Jake's last name, then he remembered the driver of the car that brought him here, he had used his last name, 'Whelen..it's Whelen. But, Kyle, he has used a lot of alias' in his lifetime.'
'That will help. You aren't the only one that can work magic on a computer Stanley, I'll get back to you.' He then signed off.
Stanley sat dumbfounded, not knowing what Kyle had in mind. He leaned back onto the chair, as Emma approached him from behind, in his tshirt. "What's wrong?"
"The kids are fine. Melody is with Brent and Agent Roberts."
"And Kyle?"
"Well, Kyle is Kyle."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
He swiveled the chair around, "I don't want you to worry about him. Kyle has good sense, well, in most cases." He stroked her cheek, "this is going to work out."
The door swung open, Jake and Kirk holding a tray of food. Emma immediately moved closer to Stanley and he squeezed her hand. "Hope I'm not interrupting anything? I didn't want you to think I forgot about your breakfast. Can't have you working on an empty stomach, Stan. And what with the little lady here pregnant, it's really important you get your nutrition. You know what they say about eating for two." Emma was unaware he knew of the pregnancy and when she looked at Stanley he sheepishly turned his head.
Kirk layed the tray down deliberately rubbing up against Emma to set it on the corner of the desk. His eyes roamed down her legs, and Stanley was only to aware of his gaze. He remained in the chair but stuck his bum leg out as Kirk walked back and fell flat on his face.
"Oh, fuck, that was a bit clumsy of me. No hard feelings?" He said sarcastically as Kirk pulled himself off the floor glaring at him.
Emma sniggered behind her hand, as Jake approached looking at the computer screen, "This is taking you a helluva long time, Stan."
"It's coming along."
"so what's become of the disc?"
"You're guess is as good as mine."
"I don't like thinking that just any hacker could get his hands on that kind of money."
"Well, you don't have to worry there, it's pretty much impossible to get to those accounts even with the disc." As he said this, he thought of Kyle and how easy it had been for him. Jake sat himself on the edge of the desk looking down at Stanley.
"I have your word on that, Stanley?"
"My word. Of course. I should have this sorted within the next few hours. No problem. And then you'll let us go." Stanley pulled Emma closer to him and looked up at her with a reassuring smile.
"You live up to your end of the bargain here, Stan. And that will be no problem." He patted him on the shoulder and stood up, "Well, I'll let you enjoy your breakfast, and if there's anything i can get you, give us a shout."
"Emma could use a shirt, since your crony ruined the one she had on. "
"I am sure Gail won't mind popping out and picking up something for you.." Gail happened to be standing at the door. She cleared her throat, and Jake turned.
"Maybe I do mind popping out." The smile was cynical and smug.
Jake moved closer to her, "Of course you don't mind." He started to laugh as he put his arm around her.
"I don't find this funny, Jake." Emma, Stanley and Kirk were now enthralled by the little scene erupting at the doorway. "Maybe it's about time I didn't jump at your beck and call."
Jake didn't like when someone made him look bad in front of others, but he tried to joke it off, smiling and grabbed her by the upper arm, "I think we'll just step outside to discuss this. Kirk, go get the car. You'll be taking Gail to the shops."
Gail let him drag her out of the room, Kirk followed and the door shut behind them.
Stanley didn't seem to concerned as he dug into the eggs on his plate. "How can you eat now. What do you think is going on with them?"
"Emma, eat. I wouldn't worry about those two."
Emma went to the door and leaned against it hoping to hear something. She could hear Jake's voice escalating. "He's yelling at her."
Stanley was uninterested. "They aren't what they seem, Emma. It's all a big game to them."
"This isn't a big game. Did you see the way she eyed him. She's tired of being pushed around."
"Remember, I 've been here before, you can't believe anything on the surface. Now come over here and eat."
Emma backed away from the door reluctantly and moved over to him pulling up a chair, she pushed the eggs around with her fork, and the more she looked at them, the more it made her feel nauseous. She pushed the plate aside, "I'm not hungry." She stood up and quickly went to the bathroom.
He heard her gag, and knew she was throwing up. It took him a minute to realize she had morning sickness. When she came out of the bathroom her face was colorless.
"You okay?"
Not wanting to get into this discussion with him she just nodded. The baby. It wasn't going away. The more she avoided the conversation with him the more it invaded all her thoughts. "I guess I should eat something. There's nothing there."
He handed her a piece of toast, "This should be okay." He remembered Melissa being pregnant with Holly, and he had missed out on the first trimester. But had heard nothing but complaints from her the remainder of the pregnancy. Emma, no matter what doubts she was feeling about the child she was carrying, was handling this all very well.
She took a bite a toast and sat back in the chair next to him, he had stopped eating and was just glaring at her, "What? Do I have food on my mouth or something?"
He shook his head and smiled, "You look ravishing."
"I just threw up, Stanley, I haven't had a shower, I'm sweaty...I don't look ravishing."
"You do to me. Always."
She blushed, and he reached over and brushed a crumb off the corner of her mouth. He imagined how it would be in less than 9 months from now, Emma nursing the baby in their bed, her beautiful post baby body, the sweet smile on her lips as he leaned over to kiss her. The anticipation of their lovemaking once the baby was asleep. He sighed with the thought of what could be, but then he realized it was also just as likely not to happen. He turned back to the computer, "I wonder how Kyle's doing. God, I wish he'd let me know what's going on."
Emma knew what he had been thinking. It was about the baby. And he was doing exactly what she had asked, give her time. He meant what he had just said. That she was ravishing to him always. How could she deny this man, something he desperately wanted. Another child. It was such a huge decision. Just when she was becoming independent of children's needs, how could she go back and take care of an infant 24/7, and lose the Emma, that she had become in the last few months with Stanley. The Emma she didn't want to let go of.
* * *
* *
Jake began to raise his voice, "What the hell was that little scene in there?"
"I'm sick of the bullshit, Jake. I am not here for your entertainment or to fetch and carry for you when you so desire." Kirk was standing there and Jake immediately turned to him.
"Do you like this job, Kirk?" Jake said sarcastically.
"Sure I do, boss."
"Then why are you standing here when I asked you to get the car? Now do it." he snapped.
Kirk darted out the front door, and Jake returned his attention to Gail. He paced back and forth around her and she stood her ground confident, her arms crossed in front of her staring at him smugly. "Bullshit, so that's what you call our relationship...bullshit? How charming, Gail."
"Relationship, that's a good one, Jake. I think you need to look at those two in there." She pointed to the locked door, "now they have a relationship."
He stopped pacing and looked at her, then started to laugh, "That's what you call a relationship? He's gotten some divorced woman pregnant, not much different than his first relationship as I recall. She's a schoolteacher, with two teenagers, who doesn't seem particularly happy about this new addition. And it was pretty obvious she knew nothing about what he went through last year to get his daughter back, so there has been a lot of secrecy. What kind of relationship is that? There are no secrets between us, I give you everything."
"Except the one thing, that those two seem to have an over abundance of and that's love for each other. They have problems, sure, but even this little escapade hasn't changed what they feel for each other."
"And you can see this from the little time you've seen them together?"
Gail couldn't help but picture them in each other arms last night. "yes. And maybe I would like to feel a fraction of that. Our love making is rushed, you never show affection towards me in public."
"Now wait a second, that's not true. I have kissed you in public."
"To show people that I am yours. There is no affection in those kisses. I am a trophy to you in public. I have to look perfect, dress appropriate. Have we ever walked hand in hand? Or have you ever just put your arm around me because you couldn't resist?"
He was silent. "No we haven't is the answer, Jake."
"So that's all you want. Is a little affection in public?"
"You can't just force it, Jake. And that's not all. I want to be alone with you, without your thugs. We haven't even walked on the beach since we've been here. Had a romantic dinner. You're always on the phone or in meetings."
Kirk came through the front door and cleared his throat.
Jake turned around and snapped, "What do you want?"
"The cars ready, boss."
He looked over at Gail. He had taken her for granted, but it didn't change the fact that he was mad about her. Everything had fallen into place since they had been together. There were times when he knew he was nothing without her. Yeah, she was a beauty and others had their eyes on her, but she had chosen him. Stuck by him through everything. Accepting him for who and what he was.
Moving closer to her, he slipped his arm around her and rubbed her back. Leaning into her he gently kissed her cheek. Gail seemed a little surprised by this gesture. Then he turned to Kirk. "We won't be needing the car, Kirk. I've changed my mind. We're going to take a walk on the beach and then we'll hit that boutique up on the main road. I'll just let Tim know what's going on. You two can handle things here."
He kissed the top of Gail's head and squeezed her hand before he headed down the hall to find Tim.
Gail looked at Kirk, quizzically, " So how would you analyze that change in your boss's behavior, Kirk?"
"You're asking my opinion?"
"I am."
"Well, the guy wants to spend some time with you, make you happy."
"you think?"
"Sure. I mean, there's gotta to be more than just a roll in the sack when you've been together as long as you two have. Me, I've never experienced that kind of thing. Not sure I want to. It's a lot of work. Just let me have a woman for a bang quite frequently and I am one happy guy. This relationship crap is just too much hard work."
"I'll keep that in mind, Kirk. Really I will."
* * *
* *
Kyle couldn't risk going back to his house, knowing that was the first place they would look for him. But he had an ally in this whole mess. The one person who knew about the disc. Amy. He grabbed a cab and headed to PB, hoping that her parents weren't home.
Amy was surprised when she opened the door and find him standing there, "Kyle, what the hell...you aren't supposed to be home yet."
He nervously looked around expecting the Feds to be somewhere watching him. "Can you just let me in? I can explain everything, but not right now. My mom and Stan are in danger and I'm the only one that can help them."
Amy let him in, "your parents here?" Kyle's eyes darted around the room nervously.
She shook her head, then Kyle plopped down on the sofa and pulled out his laptop. Amy sat opposite him, watching him curiously, "I need to borrow your car?"
"My dad would freak."
"Okay, then, I need you to drive me somewhere." He never looked up at her as he typed frantically. "Shit, Stanley, where the hell are you?"
* *
* *
Stanley sat on the toilet, the last few hours had been just waiting to hear from Kyle. He heard the IM beep, "Emma." He called her for her help.
She showed up at the door, "They've left. I heard them leave. It's just the sleazy creep and the other guy."
"Are you going to help me up?"
"Sorry." She moved closer to him and he wrapped an arm around her. She had gotten used to his weight over the past few days and it didn't seem as hard anymore. As they headed back into the bedroom, she continued, "So is there anyway we can get out of here? With them gone, it just seems like it's possible."
She helped him onto the chair, and he saw Kyle's message on the computer screen, 'I know where you're at. I can get to you.'
Directly underneath another message, 'where are you, Stan? Answer me.'
He looked up at Emma, that hopeful look in her eyes, "They have guns, babe. Those two hoodlums don't give a shit about us. They'll use them."
"But I could distract them."
Stanley knew she was trying to help, and had watched too many TV shows, "Distract them? Emma, that creep would be on you in a minute. You're no match for him, and I'm immobile here, there's nothing I can do. Even if you could distract them or whatever, I could never get out of here without help. And you can't carry me."
Emma looked disappointedly, and he took hold of her hand, "Kyle's are only hope right now, he knows where we are."
Emma looked into his eyes, "He's coming here? Stanley, I can't have anything happen to him."
"I can work around this somehow, okay. I don't want anything to happen to him either." He put his head in his hand, trying to think. How the hell could he get the disc without Kyle coming to him. Emma looked at the computer screen and leaned over Stanley placing her hands on the keyboard. Stanley opened his eyes watching in amazement as she typed a message,
'I'm here. So what are you waiting for? Get your ass over here."
"Emma, are you sure about this?" Stanley looked over at her.
"I want out of here now. I want to see my kids."
"Okay, okay....this is perfect timing. With Jake not here, it could work."
She smiled at him, "Of course it will work. Because I believe in you and Kyle."
Stanley returned to the keyboard, another message from Kyle. 'Okay, Stan, I get the point. But my mom wouldn't approve of the vulgarities.'
Stanley laughed and typed, 'That was your mom using the vulgarities.'
'No way.'
'Oh, yeah, she means business....now listen to me. Jake and Gail have gone out but i don't know for how long. There are two armed men here, so you need to be careful.'
'I have a plan, Stan. It'll work. I'm on my way.' He signed off before Stanley had a chance to say anything else.
Stanley turned to Emma, "He better know what he's doing."
Emma bit her lip and closed her eyes tightly, what if something happened to him. She knew they had no choice but she was frightened. He squeezed her hand, "Come on, you believe in him. I believe in him." He leaned towards her and kissed her.
* * *
* *
Amy sat in her car, covering her eyes as Kyle stood at the top of the hill, clutching a skateboard. "Now you know what to do, Amy right?" He turned to look at her and saw her hand over her eyes, "What's with the hand over the eyes?"
"Kyle, you're going to crash and burn, it's not going to be a pretty sight, I can't bear to watch. It's a stupid idea."
"It'll get me in the house. I can get the disc to Stanley."
"You could cause some serious damage and I know I'm not the only one that doesn't want to see something happen to you. Your mom will die if you get hurt."
"I'm going to get hurt, that's the point, just be ready, okay?"
She nodded her head, as he put the skateboard down on the pavement and took a deep breath, as he pushed himself off down the hill.
* * *
* *
Emma hated the waiting and laid down on the bed. She felt so tired all the time. The baby. Everything was because of the baby, it seemed. She looked towards Stanley, cracking his neck as he sat at the computer desk, trying to release the tension he was feeling at the moment. There was a crash outside and Emma quickly sat up, "What was that?'
Then she added, "It sounded like something running into a brick wall."
They both looked at each other and Stanley blew it off, "It was probably a kid messing about or something."
Emma had a bad feeling about this.
* * *
* * ********
The impact of the retaining wall, knocked him out pretty good. When he came to after a few seconds his vision was slightly blurry, and he felt the back of his head, he could feel the wetness in his hair, and when he looked at his hand, it was covered in blood. But that was nothing, as he stood, he noticed the gouge on his left leg. It was probably close to 3 inches and the blood was oozing out of it. It wasn't supposed to be this bad. He managed to get his balance and headed towards the door. He thought he might pass out, but continued. Thank god, the door opened before he got there and the the burly man in the suit was a welcome sight.
"I fell off my skateboard." Kyle mumbled as the man approached him.
"Shit, kid...that was some fall."
Kyle felt like he was going to be sick but instead collapsed into the man's arms.
Kirk stood there holding onto Kyle as Tim walked out, "What's going on?" Seeing the boy, Tim grimaced, "you better get him inside, he needs something on that leg to stop the bleeding."
Kirk carried him into the house, "We should just call the paramedics, let them take care of it."
"Jake would have a fit."
"What do you know about first aid, Tim, because I know fuck all."
"I know enough to get by. Better yet, we'll let the little lady take a look. It wouldn't be such a bad thing, having a mother's touch you know."
Emma had been standing against the door hearing the voices but not being able to make anything out, then she heard the lock turn and backed up immediately. As the men brought the limp body in and laid him on the bed. Emma covered her mouth in shock and nearly cried out Kyle's name, before stopping herself. "oh, my god." she blurted out as she leaned over him. Without a minutes delay, she began to take over, "Get me some warm water and a cloth. Some sheets or something I can bandage the leg up with." She knew she sounded hysterical, but this was her son lying here unconscious.
Stanley pushed himself up and moved slowly to the bed, by her side, whispering into her ear, "It's okay, just be calm." He rubbed her back gently.
Tim had headed out to the hall cupboard to get some extra sheets, while Kirk was filling a pan with warm water, Emma began to cry, "That's easy for you to say, it's not your son."
He leaned closer to her, and lifted her chin so their eyes met, "He's close enough. And this isn't easy for me either."
Emma knew that had been the wrong thing to say. In the past few months the bond Kyle and Stan had together was just as close as any father and son, it was unfair to be harsh with him. She began to cry, "I'm sorry..of course you care. I just can't stand seeing him like this." Stanley continued to rub her back, trying to give some comfort.
Kyle slowly opened his eyes, and focused on the voices he could hear, but their heads were turned away from him. "Mom?" He questioned.
Emma turned back and Kyle looked up into her eyes, "I'm okay. So don't go blubbering and getting all weird."
"What were you thinking? You've never been on a skateboard in your life."
Stanley smiled at him, "When you have a plan, you don't mess about do you?"
"I'm here aren't I, and the disc is in my pocket." He managed to reach his hand into his pocket and held it up, "I told you I would come through." Stanley grabbed the disc out of his hand, just as Tim and Kirk re-entered the room. Emma immediately began to clean off the cut and ripped the sheet into strips to wrap his leg.
"I think he's going to need stitches." Tim piped in as he watched Emma cover the cut.
Kirk looked over at Stanley, "I think you should be getting back to work. The boss isn't happy with your progress."
Stanley moved back over to the desk, "But he will be, because everything should be back in place in no time."
Kirk gave him a funny look, then turned back to Tim and Emma and the boy. "Now what are we going to do with him?"
"He needs to see a doctor." Emma said.
"Kid, where do you live?" Tim asked.
"Not far. I've passed this hill a lot on my way to school and I've always wanted to try it. You know, I'm sure I could walk to my house. No biggie."
Tim was wondering what they should do with him. There was really no way he could walk, and Tim didn't like the idea of leaving Kirk with Emma and Stanley on his own. "Kirk, you can take him in the car."
"And what about them?"
"I can watch them. Now go get the keys and I'll help the boy out."
Emma and Kyle exchanged glances, then Emma looked back at Stanley already hacked into the file and oblivious to the world around him. It was up to them to get out of this situation. Kyle still clutching the battered skateboard, had no hesitation as he sat up and pretended a faint. "My head. You think I could have some water."
"Sure kid. " Tim left the room, and Kyle looked at his mom.
He whispered, "I'm going to whack him with my board when he comes back in. Amy's waiting at the top of the road with her car. You can get out, Mom."
Stanley was aware of the whispers and turned, "What's going on?"
Emma waved her hand in the air, "You just finish up what you're doing."
Not sure he liked the looks between them, but knew he had to get this problem taken care of first. "I'm seconds away." He continued to type.
Tim walked back in with a glass of water. Emma had remembered how kind he had been when she had first arrived at the house and now, with Kyle, he was showing the same consideration. Tim put the glass down on the bedside table, and for that brief moment that his back was turned, Kyle lifted the board and brought it down across the back of his head, just as Stanley completed the transfer and raised his hands in triumph, "Done."
Tim let out a scream, and his eyes widened as he collapsed onto the floor, Stanley jolted from his chair and looked in shock at Kyle holding the raised skateboard. "What the hell..."
Emma kneeled down next to the body, "He's out but who knows for how long." She looked back at Stanley, "What choice did we have?"
"I can't believe this is what it's come to. I'm turning my girlfriend and her son into common thugs." He then smiled at Kyle, "Quick thinking, Kyle. Now get your asses out of here, before the other one gets back."
Emma got up and noticed Kyle wasn't budging, "I'm not leaving without you, Stan. Mom can get to Amy and call the cops."
Emma was silent. "I'm not going either."
Stan let out a sigh and maneuvered his way over to her, sitting on the edge of the bed, he looked at her and took hold of her hand, "You need to get out of here and get a hold of Roberts, before Jake gets back. Kyle and I will hold you up. Please go. The quicker you get out of here the quicker Roberts and his men will be here to get these creeps." Emma squeezed his hand tightly and then rested it on her abdomen. He wasn't sure what she meant by doing this, but she smiled at him. God, he couldn't wait to be able to sit down and talk about this with her. He stroked her belly, then she leaned down and kissed him.
"I'll go. But promise me, you two, will be careful. No more stupid tricks."
"Hey, I think we've run out of those, falling off cliffs and smashing into walls, think that pretty much covers the stupid tricks, don't you, Kyle?"
"No more, I promise, Mom." She gave him a kiss on the forehead and then ran out of the bedroom towards the front door.
She thought she was in the clear as she carefully scanned the driveway for Kirk. The car was there, but she couldn't see him anywhere. She didn't want to take any chances, so once the coast seemed cleared she sprinted down the driveway towards the street. She had only made it a few yards when she was grabbed from behind and tackled to the ground. The impact of the fall was much harder than she could've imagined and it took her a few seconds to get her bearings. But there was no way out of this situation. He was on top of her and he wasn't about to let her go.
"What do you think you're doing? Think I would let you go when I haven't even gotten what was promised me. I don't see any time like the present, little lady. You're in such a hurry, well, I'll make it quick then."
She let out a scream and he quickly covered her mouth. Squirming didn't help, he was stronger than her. She felt his hand reach the waistband of her shorts and he somehow managed to unzip the zipper. She began fighting underneath him, her legs flailing wildly. Tears welled up in her eyes, she wasn't about to let this guy get what he wanted.
Stanley heard the scream, alarmed he pushed himself up and steadied himself against the wall, "It's your mom. Fuck, that creep...so help me if he lays a hand on her."
"I'm on it." He held the skateboard up, and made his way out towards the front of the house. Limping all the way.
Stanley wasn't about to stand there idly, he dragged his leg and braced himself against the wall, slowly making his way up the hallway.
Seeing his mom underneath this creep, was all he needed. The anger building up, he crept up slowly and whacked the guy over the head. Collapsing on top of Emma, his head now laying on her chest. In disgust she tried to get out from under him, when Kyle stooped down and began to pull the guy off her.
"Are you okay, Mom?"
She nodded, "Just get him off me."
He grabbed him under the arms and began to pull him off, when a voice from behind startled him. "Well, well, well, this is quite a sight." Emma looked up to see Jake and Gail eying the scene thoroughly, when a pain shot through her abdomen and she doubled over in pain. Her eyes blurred and she could barely make out what was going on around her. The pain sharp and unbearable, she let out a cry.
Stanley now nearly to the front door of the house, heard her cry, quickly he maneuvered along the wall and reached the door, Gail now leaning over her. Kyle not far behind and Jake standing over them.
"What the fuck have you done to her?" He questioned Jake, who was surprised to see Stanley standing in the doorway.
Gail looked back at Stanley, "She's having some kind of abdominal cramps. She needs a doctor."
Jake turned to Stanley, "Well, Stanley, the ball is in your court here. How we doing on the transfer?"
Stanley disgusted that this jerk would put money over a person's life shook his head in disbelief, "It's done. Your precious money is in its proper place. Now let me get Emma to a hospital."
"I'm supposed to take your word on this? I don't think so Stanley." As he began to head over to Stanley, he eyed Kyle, who was fingering the skateboard. Jake ripped it out of his hands, "and I'll have that, young man. I think you've done enough damage today." With the other hand he grabbed Kyle by the arm, and moved closer to Stanley. "You've been messing with me again, Stanley. And I don't' like it one bit." He shook Kyle by the arm, "And is this part of your ingenious plan, using your girlfriend's son and a lethal skateboard to get yourself off the hook. You mad a mistake, Stan. A big mistake."
Stanley didn't like being threatened especially when his only concern was Emma at this point, his anger building with every step Jake took closer to him. Jake chuckled, "Just a little upset, are we Stan. But nothing you can do about. Gotta be tough." He said sarcastically. He turned back to Gail and Emma, "And now losing the baby. A real bummer, Stan."
Kyle's eyes lit up with this bit of news. He looked at Stan who was now livid, and grabbed the lapels of Jake's shirt with his good hand, "Shut the fuck up. Get my girlfriend a fucking doctor now. She's done nothing to you."
Gail looking concerned as Emma now seemed to be drifting out of consciousness, "Both of you stop it. Jake, this is serious. Something's terribly wrong." Before anything else was said, she heard rustling in the bushes and within seconds a group of armed men had surrounded them.
"Let go of the boy, Jake." Agent Roberts moved closer holding a gun at Jake.
Jake shook his head in disbelief, and let go of the boys arm. Stan still holding on to the shirt, his eyes glaring into Jake's. Another armed agent arrived at their side to handcuff Jake, but looked at Roberts for direction, seeing that Stan had no intention of letting go.
"Stanley, let go. We'll deal with this." Roberts said calmly.
"Like you've dealt with everything in the past, Roberts? This wouldn't be happening if you guys made a move sooner and you fucking know it."
"Stanley, let go. I don't want to have to take you in too."
"I'm sure you'd like that, Roberts." Stanley still raging, but feeling weak from standing for such a long time, let go. The agent quickly handcuffed Jake and moved him to the car that how now pulled up in the driveway. Stanley began to slump against the wall, soon slinking to the ground out of pure exhaustion, "Just fucking call the paramedics. What are you waiting for?" He started to weep, his head now buried into his hands.
Roberts turned to another man, "Call a paramedic. Looks like we have a few casualties here. Anymore I need to know about, Stan?"
Stanley didn't answer. Kyle stared at him. Not sure what he thought of any of this anymore. He turned to Roberts and answered for him,"There's one inside. I hit him with my skateboard. I don't know how long he'll be out, but he's armed."
Agent Roberts motioned for another man to head in the house. Then just looked at Stanley. He liked the guy. But for some reason the guy just didn't have the best luck, that was for sure. He glanced over at Emma, Kyle now at her side. One only could hope things would be okay. None of them deserved this.
Stanley opened his eyes as the sirens could be heard coming over the hills, Gail now handcuffed was put into a second police car and their eyes met briefly. He could have sworn she looked concerned, but he knew better. He quickly turned away and looked back at Emma. Why was this happening to him? Why couldn't he just get on with a normal existence? Marry the woman he loved and raise a family. Camping in the mountains, picnics on the beach. Nights spent in front of the TV watching a favorite movie. That was all he wanted. A simple life. A happy life.
Emma looked up into Kyle's eyes, "Stanley? Where's Stanley?"
"He's here, Mom. But don't worry, the paramedics are coming. Everything's going to be fine."
"I need to talk to Stanley." She started to cry.
Roberts moved over to Stan and helped him up. Slowly making their way to Emma. Stanley was in incredible pain now. And it was almost next to impossible to find any comfortable position to sit next to her. Propped more on his side, his leg outstretched he put his left hand on her cheek and smiled, "I'm right here, Em."
"The baby. I'm sorry, Stanley. This is my fault. The horrible things i said." she was sobbing hysterically now. "I made this happen."
He put a finger over her lips, "Schhh....nothing is your fault." He was at a loss for words. How could he comfort her when it was pretty obvious that this baby wasn't meant to be.
The sirens grew louder as the ambulances pulled up into the driveway. Stanley held Emma in his arms as she began to lose consciousness. All around him, chaos. Agents, paramedics, blaring walkie talkies. As a paramedic hooked Emma up with an IV, Kyle sat a few feet away having his leg looked at, Amy standing next to him. There eyes met briefly. There was no smile, but a look of annoyance, before he turned away from him No, nothing was Emma's fault...it was pretty much his fault. And if things were bad before they just seemed to be getting worse.