Chapter Twenty-Five

Paul pulled up a seat, ordering a drink. "So," he said. "You look like the world is coming to an end."

"It just might be." Marcie said. "You have no idea, Paul."

"Try me," Paul grinned, sipping his drink.

Marcie swirled her straw in her soda. "My brother Ron was arrested." she said. "Which is... absolutely crazy. It's insane. Because... he would never do anything wrong. He... he came to Llanview because of me. And, now he's spending the night in jail... I don't know what else to do. I went for help... he got a lawyer, but... what else can I do?"

"What do the cops say he did?" Paul sipped.

"Murder..." Marcie said softly, growing sick to her stomach. "But he's innocent. I know he is."

"Then if he's innocent, he'll get off... he won't be convicted."

"The police seem to think they... Paul, they have evidence. They have evidence that puts him at the scene of the crime."

"Look," Paul leaned forward. "Marcie... you know your brother, right? Right. So, you know he wont go to jail." he paused. "You're here to get your mind off of all this, right?" Marcie nodded. "So, let's get your mind off of it." Marcie nodded slowly. "How about something to eat? Huh... A few hours of thinking of absolutely nothing." Marcie managed a smile. "Come on, let's get out of here."



Al couldn't think of anywhere else to go. He found himself standing at the apartment door, knocking.

Bo answered. "Michael McBain..." he said as he strapped on his holster.

"Commissioner," Al said. "I was hoping to talk to my..." he paused. "To Gabrielle... she isn't here is she?"

"What is this about?" he asked.

"It's OK, Bo." Gabrielle had come into the room. "I asked to speak with Dr. McBain." She lied. "I'll be fine." Bo was reluctant to leave. "Bo... I'll be fine. Promise."

"Alright," Bo gave in. "I'm gonna probably be late." Gabrielle nodded. "OK..." he stepped out of the apartment.

"Al." Gabrielle said. "What is it, what's wrong?"

"This is a disaster." he said. "Remember when you asked what happen... when Marcie sees me?" Gabrielle nodded. "Poof."

"Poof?" Gabrielle couldn't help but laugh.

"This is serious." Al paced. "Come New Year's Eve, I've gotta give back this body. My lease is up... either way. Whether she sees me or not." He paused. "What if Marcie... was never meant to see me? What if... this whole thing was just a way to help her move on? Without me. I'm changing Michael McBain, giving him some kind of heart or soul of something. What if... I'm grooming him?"

"That's crazy, Al."

"But it makes sense, Mom. I mean... it doesn't make sense, but... you know what I mean. Why else would I get stuck in this body if I wasn't going to stay? Marcie has to be happy... I'm here to help her. Right? That's right... isn't it?"

"Al... you came back here for Marcie. You wanted her to see you... like I saw you. And you can still do that. That's what you want. You go after it, Don't stop until you get it."

"Mom..."

"Look at everything you've accomplished." she smiled. "Marcie already loves you. She fell in love... with you, Al. Get her to look in here." She placed her hand above his heart. "Get her to look inside and I promise you... I promise she'll see you." She cupped his cheek with a soft smile. "How could anyone not? You have until New Year's Eve. Trust your heart Al. Trust it."