Summary: A little girl is left on the doorstep of Evangeline Williamson, now she and herfriend John McBain must figure out why she was left and figure out how to deal with their new edition.
Disclaimer: These characters belong to OLTL, and the author creates all others.
Annie by JohnandVan
Chapter2
"Sir you asked to be informed of any African American Jane Doe's brought in. the patrol officer said. "
"Yeah. Don't keep me waiting. What have you got?" John asked.
"An African American woman was found in the quarry, looks like there is minimal decomposition, but sir, someone hurt her really bad, she is almost unrecognizable. The water being cold this time of year has preserved the body, but she died hard, the officer said. "
"Take care of her, and call my brother over at Forensics and get him down there. Don't touch anything. Tell Michael I want everything by the book, and then some. No one messes this up. I'll be there soon. John said. "
Damn, I hope I'm wrong, please let me be wrong. He sighed and called Evangeline, and told her he had to go in to work, and he would be dropping Annie off. He didn't tell her about the possibility about having found Sam. He needed to go the scene to get the facts. He would tell her in person if it turned out to be her sister. He gave Annie a few more minutes before indicating to her that they had to go. She looked sad, so he picked her up and rubbed her forehead with his and kissed her gently and she settled in his shoulder content. That was there way of saying, hello and good-bye, and I'll be back. They just got each other just like he and the other Williamson woman, he was just that good, and it came easy when you knew that you were loved and loved back.
Quarry (CSI)- Crime Scene InvestigationMichael had been the Assistant Chief Medical Investigator for about two years. He was excellent in the field of forensics, he was meticulous, inquisitive, and kept up on the latest techniques in forensic investigations. He kept abreast of experimental techniques, in case they proved useful in solving future cases. Mostly he was good because he was a team player, each member had a deep respect for individuals expertise in his or her respective fields. They were a small group but close nit. There was Antoine Rosecroft (Tony), who joined the team last year, and expert in ballistics. Jane Crow (Jan) she was good in analyzing blood splatter evidence and reconstructing the crime scenes. The final and most intriguing member was Chief Lorenzo Alcazar. He had been appointed two years ago, he had received training at Quantico, despite his families' ties to organized crime. He was above reproach and had and excellent field record. No case was left improvable on his watch. Michael admired him, even if he didn't know him well personally.
The team arrived; the Chief had told them that McBain wanted everything by the book. The woman's body had been pulled from the quarry. Jan had the camera and began to take shots of the area and the body. Michael checked out the bruising and levity of body and took preliminary notes. "Guys we won't know about time of death until we get her to the lab, but the cause of death may be due to a severe beating, but I'm not going to call it until I get her on the table." Michael said.
"Look I've got all the shots. The scene looks clean. It will be hard to find evidence on a scene that has so much traffic, but we will do our best." Jan said as she put her camera and equipment up in the bag.
"Yeah, we need to bag anything that might help us, but it looks like the body was dumped here, Tony said."
Twenty minutes later McBain arrives. "Hey Michael, what you guys got for me?"
"Hey. We got an African American female. She may be in her late twenties, or early or mid thirties, hard to tell do the bruising and swelling. She appears to have been beaten by person or persons unknown. Time of her death is unknown, yet. We won't know more until the chief or I get her on the table." Michael said walking up to the body and preparing it for transport to the lab.
"I need to know if any identification is on the body, and a DNA sample, just to check and see if this is Evangeline's sister, but I hope to heaven it is not." John said this with a heavy heart.
"Hey I'll move this autopsy to the top of my list. The lab will need Evangeline to give them a sample. Maybe you won't want her to make identification until the test is run. Michael said."
"Yeah you're right. I'll talk with her. Only this is one conversation I don't want to have, John said with a sigh."
"Yeah, well I'll let you know what we find as soon as our team finishes with the examination. When we know you will. Tell Evangeline we will speed up the test, and that's a promise."
"Thanks. Mike I know you were coming for dinner tonight, but I need this report like yesterday." John said.
"Okay but tell E to hold me a plate for pick-up tomorrow." Michael said.
"Thanks, let me move out, I need to check in to start the paperwork, let me know if you find something I need to know. John said. "
"Will do, Bro, Michael said. " Michael went off to supervise the evidence collection and the finish his notes.
John scanned the scene, watched as they placed the body of the young victim in the car and took a deep breath. He knew this was the beginning, because if the victim was Samantha, then he had to find the person who hurt her. He was a protector, and his women were in danger he could smell it in the air, something dark and sinister was coming their way, and he had to be ready. No one was going to hurt another woman McBain loved, not if he could help it. He realized that he had one tough woman in Evangeline, now he had to go home to prepare her, and him self, their lives just got a little more complicated. Had he known it, someone was watching the removal of the body, and the brooding man who seemed more interested than just it being a job. The man in the shadows heard his name and set about finding out more about the man he heard called McBain.
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Evangeline's Home"Mom do you think this needs more pepper?" Evangeline asked as she checked the sauce for the spaghetti.
"Let me see, Amelia got a spoon from the counter and tasted. No tastes perfect, maybe a little more garlic though."
"I knew it was something. Annie still sleep?"
"Yes. She was tuckered out after John brought her home. She adores him doesn't she?"
"They adore each other, sometimes I feel left out, Evangeline laughingly said. "
"Yes. I felt that way too, when you were growing up."
"Mom, I'm sorry."
"Don't be. I realize with age and wisdom that you and your father had a special relationship. That didn't make it easy for me because I guess I felt shut out sometimes."
"We didn't mean to," Evangeline said and put down the spoon and turned down the burner. She took her mom's hand and caressed it gently. "Mom you know I loved you just as much, Dad just seemed to understand me, even when I didn't speak."
"I know. I watched you two finish each other's sentences. Run to each other as soon as you saw each other, but my most special memory was when you were about six and he taught you to dance."
"I remember I stood on his feet and he and I danced to him humming dum, dum da dum… or something silly like that," Evangeline smiled warmed by the memory.
"Yes, I accepted it then, that you two had something special and I thought I had that closeness with Samantha," Amelia eyes darkened with sadness.
"Mom Sam loved you. She really did. I don't know what happened?"
"Life and love and all that means." Amelia said.
"Samantha fell in love, and she walked away. Mom you didn't push her away. You tried to make her see that Gabe was trouble and I did too. We were all so fractured back then. I'm not blaming you, but when you and dad broke up, our worlds turned upside down."
"For that baby, I'm truly sorry. If I had to do it all again, I don't know. I choose not to want to look back. Right now we have a little girl here who can't or won't talk, and suffered things I don't even want to know about. I just wish we could have been there for both of them." Amelia said.
"Me too, all we can do now is hope and pray we find Samantha and we can heal, and move forward. Annie needs all of us, and I hope Sam sees that when we find her, Evangeline paused; her mom had squeezed her hand tightly. "Mom what?"
"Nothing, I just got a chill, when you said Samantha's name, I have not been feeling good lately, probably jet lag. I'm going to rest a little. Call for me in an hour, she says"
"Sure." Evangeline gave her a kiss and watches as her mom leaves a little more worried than she was a minute ago, it was as if someone had walked over her grave, and she knew her mom had felt it too.
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John had been at the station filing the preliminary report on the woman known only as Jane Doe for the last hour, and finally he knew he couldn't put it off. He arrived at Evangeline's home with a heavy heart.
"John how did your time in the park go today?"
"Fine. Annie had fun until I got the call to go to work."
"Oh new case?"
"New and it might become personal." He said with a heavy heart, he reached for her hand. She seemed so far away, and he wanted her close when he told her what he knew.
"John what do you mean, personal? She asked rubbing his hand gently, she could see he was upset, he could never hide that from her."
"I don't know how to say it except to say it. I don't have definitive proof, but a young woman was found in the quarry. I don't know if it was your sister but the young woman is about the same age and fits the description of your sister."
Evangeline breathed, she was processing. So many emotions were going through her mind and heart. The fear that it was her sister and the fear that her sister was still out their in trouble. "John what will it take for you to know for sure?"
"First are you okay?"
"I'm okay. Now what do we need to do to prove if you have found my sister, or if I can still have hope that she will come home?"
"You know. The best way is to do a DNA test, and for that I would need a sample of your hair or your mother's."
"Me. John my mom is not going to have to go through any pain of the possibility of Samantha not coming home until we know for sure. So you can have a sample of my hair. I'll go get it now, and place it in a plastic bag."
"Evan, you don't have to be brave with me, just let me in."
"I'm not being brave. I told you a long time ago; I'm a big girl. I can handle this. I promise."
"You do know if you can't I'm here for you."
"Yeah, and I count on that more than you know." She said touching his check and giving him a soft kiss on the lips, which left him wanting more. Then she moved away and got up. The sooner she got him the sample the quicker they would know the truth. The truth being whether Samantha was coming home: or was laying somewhere cold and alone.
Evangeline came back with the sample and John took it and put it in his pocket and got up to go. "I'm going back in. I know how important this is, I'll take it to the lab personally and ask them to rush it."
"John thanks for being straight with me, and thanks for helping us."
"Hon you don't have to thank me. I told you not long ago, we are in this together. I love you and I would do anything to help you."
"I know you love me, but I don't want you to become consumed by this."
"Hey I don't do anything half way. If we find that this young woman is your sister, then I'm going to make it my business to find out how it happened and who did it. That is who I am." He said wrapped his hands around her waist, and pressed his forehead to hers the way they always did. Their eyes were closed and each found comfort, for just a moment. He then broke away reluctantly, and kissed her. "Look, I'm going but I'll be back for dinner. Michael said to hold him a plate, he is tied up."
"Tied up with? She asked.
"This case. He is helping us out too."
"Michael is a sweetheart. Let him know his favorite plate will be filled with everything he likes."
"Oh and I'm coming back. So make sure you lean in some so I can get a whiff or your essence."
"My essence? John, Mom and Annie are here." She said smiling.
"Yeah I know, but your scent brings me to my knees, It reminds me of the all the times I held you close and we seem to be as one, and no one else exists."
"Oh."
"You know I have romantic moments. Since we aren't having many, I'll take what I can get."
"John I miss it too. I promise to lean in and give you your wish, just don't give me that look."
He turns as he was turning the doorknob, "What look?" He says and his eyes roam her body starting at the top lingering in his favorite spots and finding her eyes again, and he sees the desire coupled with the love, and he can't stop him self. He goes to her and pulls her in his arms, hand in her hair and brings her lips to his and he kisses her like it was their first and last, and says "Now I can go." Then leaves a woman breathless with desire and sweet memories.
Evangeline goes to the door and watches him pull away, and touches her lips, then heads into the kitchen to finish dinner and prays that her sister is still alive and that they would find her in time.
Llanview Police StationJohn stops by the lab and asked for them to run the DNA test on the Jane Doe, and to give it top priority. Then he goes to check on Michael and his status.
"Hey Mikey."
"John I told you not to call me that in the lab."
"Yeah and your point, Mikey."
"Forget it, did you give Evangeline my message?"
"Don't you ever think of anything but Marcie and your stomach?"
"No. Did you tell her?"
"Yeah, she said she was going to put everything you like on your plate. How you rate your on plate in my woman's house is beyond me."
"Well she loves me what can I say? " Michael smiled.
"Yeah. You got anything more on the young woman we found?"
"Waiting for the blood analysis, and we x-rayed the body to get a picture of the breaks, but I can tell you this, she was beaten to death. The chest seemed to have caved in we are doing the full autopsy in ten minutes I'll have the full report on your desk as soon as possible."
"I got Evangeline's sample of hair for the DNA test. As soon as I get the results I'll let you know."
"You think she could really be her sister."
"Yeah, my gut says it is, but I need to be certain."
"How did Evangeline take the news?"
"Like Evangeline, she's a big girl."
"Yeah but underneath all that strength is a really vulnerable woman."
"Yeah and I'm going to be their for her and her family."
"You mean your family, " Michael said with a smirk.
"I mean exactly what I said."
"Get a clue, you need to propose."
"Mikey stop!"
"Nope. You need to make an honest man of your self. Marry the woman."
"Look I won't have this conversation, get back to work, get me that report, and let me handle my own relationship."
"I'm just saying, you're not getting any younger, and Evangeline won't wait around for you forever."
"Look Evangeline and I are fine. I have plans, but I'm not telling you big mouth."
"Bro I'm hurt, as if I would go and blab."
"Please. You would tell Evangeline so fast, I wouldn't have to say anything but hello."
"Yeah but then I wouldn't be me."
"No you wouldn't. I'm on my way back to the house, call me if you find out something I should know." John said and waved good-bye and left the lab. He isn't aware that he has been followed for once he is distracted. First about the fact that his women may be in danger from someone unknown, and second Annie, she had become his heart and he was afraid if this woman turned out to be her mother, how would she ever recover, he never did and he was not much older than Annie by a few years when he lost his father. So he knew what she would feel, because he had felt it all those years ago.
He remember the officers coming to the house, the ride to the hospital that seemed longer than any ride he and Mikey had ever taken, then it was the waiting. Finally the news, and he saw the light go out of him mom's eyes, that only flickered again as she watched her boys become the men they were today, a part of her and her husbands deep love. Yes, he didn't want Annie to feel what he felt, but if she did he vowed that he and Evangeline would make sure she suffered as little as possible and came through with a heart healed, and memories of her mom's love in tact.
"Dinner with the Family"
Evangeline and her mom were busy getting the table set up for dinner. "Mom can you bring the garlic bread. I left the bread basket out for it to go in, please?"
"Sure. Anything else?"
"No that should do it," Evangeline said as she finished the last touches on the table. Thinking John should be coming soon, and Marcy did say she might stop buy if her book signing wrapped up.
"Annie bring me that candle from the living room, I need one more."
Annie got up to do as her aunt asked. The doorbell rang, and Evangeline went to answer it. Annie was right behind her. Hoping Evangeline knew for John to be on the other side. He was.
John stepped in and Annie threw herself between John and Evangeline, and got her pick up first. John scooped her up hugged her tight, and she hugged him back. He shifted her to the side and bent in to kiss his woman hello.
"Great, you two can go wash up, and I'll get the rest of the food on the table. Don't leave a mess. I know how you both like to splash water."
Annie and John looked at her like she was crazy; she couldn't be talking about them. John let Annie down, and reached for the others hand and went off. John told Annie he hoped she had a great day, and he was going to read to her later.
"Those two are funny momma, they don't speak and they speak. I do believe they both told me I was crazy and they didn't say a word, Evangeline laughed."
"I know the feeling."
"Mom."
"Yeah you did the same, but it is okay, you are getting some of it back. John is a good man."
"Yes he is."
"So when is he going to propose, or do you have to be the one. Since this is the 21st century I guess women can propose to men now."
"Oh, I don't think John and I are ready yet." Evangeline said.
"Ready for what?" John as came up behind her with Annie, both a little wet.
"Mom was just asking about something, I said we weren't ready."
"What aren't we ready for, he asked?"
"Marriage."
"To each other, he asked, looking quizzical."
"Yes to each other, who else McBain."
"Just want to be clear, but I'm ready."
"Ready for what?"
"Marriage, so if you aren't you need to be." He said and walked off with Annie leaving Evangeline with her mouth open. Her mom had a sweet smile; yes she liked John she really did.
Marcie did make it, and dinner was terrific. Every one enjoyed the food and he company. John even had second, sometimes he could be greedy like that. He said it was the best spaghetti he had ever had.
"Mom made the sauce. Don't worry I can make just like that. Now that I know you prefer hers to mine."
"No. I don't mean I don't like yours, this is special your mom made it."
"Clean it up John, you need to quit while you are ahead, Marcie said smiling and taking another piece of garlic bread."
"Mom made the bread from scratch. She is the best."
"Mrs. Williamson, I really enjoyed dinner." John said.
"Thanks John, now if you guys will go in the living room, Evangeline and I will clean up."
"Can we help, both John and Marcie asked?"
"No, you go on in, we have dessert, so we want to clean up first. Let the food settle, watch TV or something."
Marcie, John and Annie went into the living room, and cut the TV on, and watched a very old Disney movie and Annie really enjoyed it."
"Marcie how is the book coming, sales and all?"
"Great, still number five on the best sellers list. I couldn't be happier."
"Great."
"You and Michael get to spend much time together, he was worried that your success would keep you guys too busy."
"No. We make time. He was supposed to be here, he called to let me know he had something important to do. I'm glad I came. Dinner was great."
"Yeah being with family is the best."
"Hey, you guys we have some sherbet, do you have room? Evangeline asked the three of the them."
"Yes" John said at the same time as Marcie, Annie nodded.
"Good, I'll go prepare it, you guys sit.
Later everyone was content, and Evangeline talked about seeing a movie. John suggested they go. He would stay with Annie. At first the women protested, but John was adamant. It would be nice, plus he didn't mind staying and watching a Pooh Bear movie with Annie and getting her ready for bed. So they agreed, he saw them off. Evangeline gave him a quick kiss good-bye and patted his chest, "McBain, you are a good man."
"Glad to be of service, have fun." He saw them drive off.
John and Annie were watching the movie and Annie was laughing and having fun, his cell phone rang, he saw it was from Michael so he took it.
"Mike, what's up?"
"I got the report ready, and the DNA test is back, we were right. Samantha has been identified, we ran her prints and they confirmed. You won't believe what she was wanted for."
"Can't get into that right now. Get the lab results on my desk. I'll go over the report as soon as I get back to work. The women have gone to the movies so I got babysitting duties."
"All of them, Marcie too?"
"Yep."
"That explains why I can't reach her must have her cell phone off. When she comes back, tell her to call me."
"Will do, I got to get Annie ready for bed. Talk to you later. Thanks for getting me that report."
"Anytime" Michael said and hung up.
"Annie time to get ready for bed."
Annie shook her head no.
"Don't be difficult, I promised your Aunt and Gigi that I could handle this, so scoot on up and get washed up. I'll be up in a little while, to read you our favorite story. Now scoot."
Annie reluctantly got up and trudged up stairs, looking back to see what Uncle John was doing, he was just waiting. She went on up he had that look that she never argued with.
Annie came back down and brought her book, and waited for John to pick her up. He took her upstairs and got her ready for bed. He pulled the covers back and dropped her playfully in, she was so tiny. He tucked in the covers and sat on the side of the bed and began to read, Once upon a time, in a far off place, a beautiful African princess lived in a sand castle with…" He saw her doze off and finally he heard her gentle breathing letting him know she was asleep. He went to cut on the night-light. Then got up quietly and left with her room ajar. John was somewhat distracted, or he would never have allowed what happened next to happen, he missed a step, he reached out to steady himself, and tumbled down the stairs, crashing into the railing, knocking himself out.
Annie a light sleeper for many reasons heard something crack. It startled her awake. She pulled the covers back and went to see what happened. She got to the top of the stairs and saw Uncle John, she screamed, he was hurt, she ran down to him. Hmm, Hmm making noise, trying to get him to open his eyes. She was so scared. Uncle John, Uncle John, what was being heard in her head started to form on her lips. When they women returned they found Annie, trying to wake John up, and saying his name "Uncle John, Uncle John". The women went into action. Evangeline rushed to John and Annie. Marcie got on the phone and dialed 911. Ms. Williamson went to comfort Annie, and pray, thanking God for this miracle and praying for another, the recovery of John. He was needed, by her daughter who looked like her world was lying in front of her and Annie, he had to be okay. He had too.