A/N: Hey guys, I'm here again... another Thursday and another chapter.

Thank you for all the comments, I hope you like it and have fun.


Chapter 9

Agent Cornwell rushed into the murder room pulling a surprised look from Brenda's face, unlike what everyone thought, she didn't focus on one crime at a time, they had open cases and several reports to fill out. And seeing the Agent appear so euphoric left her confused for a few seconds, but understanding dawned and she felt herself getting euphoric too.

"What did you find?" She asked even before the Agent opened his mouth.

"A woman in Maine met Adrian II six years ago". He started and held out a file to her. "The party was packed, everyone was young and Adrian doesn't know how to take no for an answer".

"Let me guess... did he rape her?" Brenda questioned him at point blank range. "And why wasn't that in the files you guys gave us?"

"I found this out 12 hours ago, Chief Johnson". He seemed to almost growl at the accusation between the lines. "And as for the rape, we should find out soon, as the report disappeared as quickly as it appeared".

"You said six years, didn't you?" Brenda asked and Cornwell nodded. "So, Dad was still alive to clean up the mess?" Sarcasm dripped from the blonde's voice.

"You bet yes". The Agent sighed irritably. "I spoke to her yesterday, she seemed scared and not willing to help. But after I practically begged, Amelia agreed to talk to us".

"And are you going to make her cross the country or are you going to do this?"

"I'll do it". Cornwell spoke firmly. "I don't want any red flags to show up if she comes to LA".

"Alright". She spoke with a sigh. "We haven't gotten much out of Sharon and Andy yet; the girl still seems resistant to trusting them".

"It's not surprising, from what we've seen they must have been brainwashed in some way".

"Well... then we should wait". She comments "You go to Maine and keep us updated and we'll do the same".

Cornwell stated and left. Brenda was still uncomfortable having to share tasks with the FBI, she only trusted Fritz and only because she knew him well, and long before the wedding. But here she was, trusting Cornwell with her investigation.

"Chief". Julio brought her out of her reverie. "I think you'll want to see this".

In front of the Detective was a series of old photos, the bodies of three young women too much like the bodies they'd found themselves.

"What's this, Julio?"

"An old case. Lieutenant Provenza asked me to take a look". He sighed and pointed to other photos. "Look here..." Brenda tried not to cringe when she saw the numberings on the victims' feet, as well as her victims'.

"My God..." Closing her eyes, she tried not to overload herself with the whole situation. "We need to speed this up and arrest these monsters".

With that she texted Sharon and Andy about what they discovered and asked them to hurry up, they couldn't have any more victims of these criminals.


Sharon still looked frozen as she felt the baby's kicks, her feelings were all mixed up: fear, joy, anger, insecurity. The poor girl in front of her could barely understand the tears that started to spill from her green eyes.

The Captain was trying to calm down, but this was all so real that she could barely contain herself. In her heart, Rachel's baby was already her and Andy's daughter, even though she felt guilty about it. Not that she judged or found a surrogate girl wrong, not at all, when done legitimately it was wonderful. But in this way, it was a violation for these girls.

"Oh no... don't be sad, Ms. Bennett". Rachel whispered looking at her worriedly.

"I'm not, my darling. I'm just... I'm thrilled". The Captain whispered and Andy kissed her cheek, and smiled at the young woman.

"Don't worry, Rachel. Shar is just touched". He commented and moved away from the girl a little so he wouldn't overwhelm her. "It's the first time we've been through this and it's... nerving".

Rachel opened her mouth to say something, but controlled herself and tried to read the couple in front of her. Feeling a little braver today, she decided to take a chance.

"The other couples were never like you".

"What you mean?"

"What other couples?" Sharon and Andy asked at the same time and smiled to soften the surprise.

"I've been a surrogate girl before". She commented and waited for the sermon.

For a few minutes the two officers said nothing, this was a perfect opportunity to extract information. And noticing Rachel's frightened posture, they were polite in questioning her.

"How was your experience with the other couple? Did they look excited or are we scaring you?" Andy asked and left the tone light for the girl to see that he was joking.

"You guys are great, actually". She whispered and looked around.

Sharon positioned herself in front of her to shield Rachel from the gaze of the teacher and the other couples, but they were all so focused on their own worlds that it was even easy to have a conversation there.

"They didn't seem to mind having a baby". Rachel commented. "They only showed up the day we found out the sex of the baby, it was a boy. After that, I only found them when Ian was born".

"Ian is a good name. Did you choose it?" Sharon asked with a smile.

"Oh no... I couldn't speak".

"That's annoying". Andy grumbled.

"Sometimes yes, but Ms. Judith always says that with your mouth shut, you don't need to regret talking nonsense".

"It makes sense, but keeping your mouth shut also prevents good things from happening". Sharon spoke. "But tell me, do you have any idea of names?"

Sharon decided to change the subject a little, so she avoided the young woman to close herself again and asking to choose the name for the baby, the trust between them would be greater.

"Me?"

"Yeah, you're carrying our baby. I would like to know your opinion".

Surprise filled the girl's face and her mouth formed a perfect O, almost like a child's, and Sharon tried not to think that Emily did the same thing when she was caught off guard. Her heart seemed to clench again, still lost in her anguish, the Captain barely noticed Andy standing beside her and whispering that everything was fine.

"Zoe". Rachel whispered. "I always liked that name".

"Zoe Bennett". Andy tested it with a thoughtful face. "What do you think, amore mio?"

"Zoe looks perfect". She spoke and smiled at the girl and impulsively hugged her.

When Rachel froze, Sharon mentally kicked herself, but then the girl seemed to melt into her embrace and she found herself wanting to save and care for this young woman.

"Rachel, we're here for you". She said in a whisper that only the girl heard. "Whatever you need, we'll be here".

A soft sob was heard, Sharon looked at Andy a little scared not knowing what to do when she realized that the girl was crying. But the Lieutenant just smiled and found himself excited too, he kissed the foreheads of the two women and said that they would be fine. And as much as he was saying that he expected to keep his word.

As soon as they parted, the teacher's voice informed them that the class was over and that the young women should wait for Judith and the couples were free to leave.

Reluctantly, Sharon and Andy left, Gabriel was waiting for them this time and sensing the couple's mood, didn't say anything. When they got home, the Captain sat on the couch and closed her eyes.

"Hey Carino, are you okay?" Andy asked and sat down next to her.

"No". She started and snuggled into his chest. "I thought this would be easy, but I feel very involved".

"You want to save her, don't you?"

"Of course, don't you?"

"You know what I mean, I could see in your eyes that you wanted to adopt Rachel and the baby all in one package". He spoke with a smile, but his chocolate eyes were serious.

"She seems like a good girl, she looks a lot younger than Emily. And this... God- she is tearing me apart".

"We'll work this out, Sharon. Let's take this organization down and get these kids home, all of them".

The Captain stated with a shaky smile, they would have to plan their upcoming meetings well. Judith hadn't given any timelines about Rachel's activities, so they were at the woman's mercy. However, Sharon had done her homework and knew how to get around the agency's restrictive rules a little.

"I have a plan, but it will be all or nothing".

"Well... we already have nothing".

Taking a deep breath and letting herself laugh a little, Sharon grabbed a pen and paper and the two began to plan.


Three weeks later...

Brenda listened to what Cornwell said expectantly, he'd returned from Maine three days ago, but with enough information for them to be able to build a solid case.

Sharon and Andy were also making progress with the young woman, Rachel shared with them interactions with other couples and some big names came up.

"Okay... so Amelia has a nearly six-year-old son who you suspect is Adrian II's son?"

"Yes, the boy is just like him. And not to mention that the dates are compatible, she appeared pregnant shortly after the attack". He sighed wearily. "She said that she received so many threats that she had to move to another city. Mainly because she decided to go ahead with the pregnancy".

"My God... I can't imagine her pain when she found out she was pregnant right after being abused and then threatened".

"Yes, she is a very strong woman". He started. "She asked that her name be withheld, she didn't want to put her son in danger".

"I don't blame her, but how are we going to prove anything if she doesn't give a statement?"

"She gave me a clue. She spoke that during the ordeal of threats she found out about a woman who was always with Adrian II, she was an older woman".

"Any maids?"

"Possibly it took me a while to figure it out, but a name came up. Rosy Adams, 52, head of HR at the company. Or so the site says".

"But what did you find out?" Brenda asked anxiously.

"Rosy didn't come along until 1997, mysteriously she joined the agency and always seemed very protective of Adrian II".

"Do you think she is his mother?"

"Everything proves that it is".

"She's the first victim then". The Chief commented now excitedly. "Please tell me she's alive and accessible".

"Live yes, accessible no". He sighed a little defeated. "She lives in Malibu, not too far away, but I believe she is under the agency's protection".

"Damn it". Brenda grunted annoyed. "We're going to have to find something out".

"While I was gone, did something happen?"

"Andy and Sharon got some interesting names that adopted some kids".

"Well... let's see where this goes". Cornwell spoke up and took the file Brenda was holding out to him.


Andy helped Rachel to sit on the checkered towel they brought to the park, after much insistence and several treats, Sharon managed to convince Judith to let the young woman spend an afternoon with them.

Rachel's belly was even bigger now and she was starting to have a little trouble moving around, but unlike the shy girl they'd met a month ago, this young woman was fun and smart.

"I almost didn't believe it when she said I was going to spend this afternoon with you guys". She started and smiled gratefully. "It's good to get out of the room for a bit".

"But you are being well taken care of, aren't you?"

"Yes, don't worry". She tried to convey confidence. "But why were you so insistent on getting me out of there this week?"

"Well…" Sharon started and took her hands away from behind her back where she was hiding a Cupcake with a single candle on top. "We found out it's your birthday, actually we were supposed to come here on Tuesday as that was the exact day. And we also wanted to celebrate the seventh month of this adventure".

"Seven months and a few days. Zoe is about to be born".

"We're so excited". Andy spoke and grabbed a lighter. "But for now, let's celebrate".

Sharon started humming the 'Happy Birthday' song and saw the emotional look the girl was giving them. It was as if she couldn't contain her gratitude for what they were doing. And Sharon was relieved, it was another step for the trust between them to strengthen, and thanks to the documents Judith had given Rachel's date of birth was there, even if the Captain imagined it was false.

"Make a wish". Andy whispered.

The girl closed her eyes, two seconds later she blew out the candle and smiled broadly at the couple. Hugging them both she whispered 'thank you' over and over again.

The rest of the afternoon passed between the couple's laughter and stories, true stories disguised within the Bennett hoax. But it was such a good time, it was easy to pretend they were a happy family. And the environment was wonderful, they were sitting on the towel and leaning against a tree that shaded them wonderfully. And Sharon was happy to be in Andy's arms.

Before they left, however, Sharon handed Rachel a teddy bear, it was medium in size and lilac in color. It was perfect for a young child or a young woman with a stolen childhood.

"Mrs. Bennett, I didn't need that and..."

"I wanted". Sharon interrupted her. "Look... I know how difficult what you've been through must be and I know you live by strict rules, so inside the plush is a cell phone. If you want to talk or feel lonely just send me a message. If you're in danger, we'll come to your rescue, okay?"

"But what if they find out? What if they use this to trick you?" She looked desperate now, it was implied that she feared for her new friends.

"We'll be fine, Piccola". Andy smiled at her. "We're giving this to you because we know you'll be careful".

"And what do you think of ending our texts with Zoe's name? Like a code". Sharon suggested.

Rachel seemed to think and stated, she never said anything about her encounters with the Bennetts, no one could be trusted and only she would know this code.

"Okay, I can do this".

"Yes, you are the strongest person I know". Sharon spoke and hugged the little girl and this time, Rachel just enjoyed being comforted by this maternal figure that came into her life.

"Oh... before I forget. I heard you guys talking about another young lady you thought might have your baby, it was Chloe, wasn't it?"

"Yes, that was her name". Andy stated cautiously. "Have you met her?"

"Yes, she stayed with us for a few weeks. But she never came back".

"Oh... so she went home?" Sharon gently encouraged her.

"I don't know, but the baby was given to the Maxwells". She spoke with a shrug. And before they tried to get more information out of her, a car honked and Judith appeared in the back window.

Still feigning happiness, Sharon and Andy watched the car pull away and sighed wearily. At the very least, they would have more leads on Chloe's case and a connection within the agency thanks to Rachel.

"We should call the Chief". Andy spoke and turned the woman who was in his arms to face him, now her hands firmly on his waist. "I think we're on the right track".

"I hope so, I don't want to hurt Rachel any more".

"Andrà tutto bene, amore mio". Andy whispered and kissed her tenderly.

Sharon melted into his arms and moaned slightly as his kiss became more intense. She hoped that everything would be okay anyway.


Things got messy a week later, the phone they handed Rachel didn't take long to go online as the girl texted them almost daily.

But then in the middle of the night the phone started ringing waking up the two officers, both exhausted from the night of love, however they didn't ignore it and Sharon answered on the third ring.

"Mrs. Bennett?" Rachel's low, breathy voice woke Sharon up immediately.

"Rachel? What happened?" She put it on the speaker and started looking for clothes, Andy doing the same.

"They've found out something about our conversations and they want to do a C-section". Her voice was cracked. "I'm scared".

"Hey, Bella mia, let's help you, okay?" Andy spoke calmly. "Did you hear them say where they are taking you?"

"There is a warehouse on the outskirts of the city". She said and then gasped. "They're coming".

"Rachel, wait..." Sharon tried, but the girl had already hung up. "Oh my God, Andy, they're going to kill her".

"Hey... Tesoro". He said and cupped her face in his hands. "I need you firm with me. I need the Captain right now, I'm scared too, but Rachel is trusting us to save her. And if we lose our minds..."

"She dies". Finished Sharon. Taking a deep breath, she controlled herself and Andy watched in fascination as the woman in front of him lifted the Wicked Witch's armor for the battle that awaited them.

"God... I could make love to you just for that". He whispered with a groan.

"Go get ready, I need the Lieutenant now". She replied with a smile and before he could answer the phone it vibrated with a message. It was Rachel sending specific points that led to the warehouse, the end of the message had Zoe's name in bold letters.

"Call Brenda". Andy spoke and dashed off for his pants.

Sharon was quick to call out all the cavalry and in less than five minutes, the two of them were sprinting towards the address. Sharon just prayed that her girls would hold on, she didn't know if she could handle the pain of this loss.


To be continue...