Chapter 54

I was extremely careful as I made my way to that hotel, being confidant that I had no one following me, hell, even Hector hadn't seen anything that looked suspicious. Seeing Steph as she'd walked from the bathroom had made me as horny as hell, but I knew that she needed some reassurances from me.

Hell, the emotions that I went through with her that morning, guilt, passion, anger but most of all love as I explained in detail what I thought of Elaina's behavior. I hadn't realized how long that conversation had taken and was suddenly aware of how pale she was. I left her in the room to organize some food but mainly to pick up the device that Correl had left for me. It would help me to explain to Steph what Correll had asked of me and also convince her to tell me the passwords so that she had no reason to be involved. She'd be safe or so I had thought, so when I returned and couldn't find her, yet again, a lot of those emotions from before came back. Deep down though I was worried for her. Call it that gut reaction that I had always felt when she was in danger, but I just knew that she hadn't left that room on her own. What was annoying me was how the hell someone knew where she was.

I was slightly late reaching the facility, and the way that Elaina had looked at me with such anger had me knowing that she knew that I'd been with Steph. Seeing Steph there looking so fierce in front of Lukavic was nearly my undoing, but I had to let her know that a plan was in place and that it relied on her giving Lukavic the passwords. The way that I approached her, not my best decision, but at least I allayed any concern from Lukavic that I was about to double cross him.

Had I any doubts that Steph believed me when I asked her to give Lukavic the passwords because Correll was in control? No. Maybe I shouldn't have been surprised that Steph knew that a third password was needed. Even Lukavic and Elaina looked surprised. I think Steph would have died rather than let anyone know it and it was then that I knew that she trusted me, that I would never betray her.

As to plan, when Lukavic input the passwords, I used the device to signal Correll, an ultrahigh frequency sound wave against the wall, and then watched as Lukavic's man got to work. I still wasn't sure why Lukavic wanted me there, what purpose he saw me as having. I was actually worried that Lukavic had told Elaina to kill both Steph and me when he left and had all of my reactions honed for that to happen.

Then it occurred to me, he needed a fall guy, someone who the authorities would catch inside here. That way no one would ever be looking for him and see me as a belligerent prisoner who wouldn't reveal anything. Any story that I would tell them wouldn't be believed because I had no evidence to back me up. That was corroborated by Elaina. She seemed pleased with herself as she told me what part they had planned for me.

The problem was that Elaina was right, the truth could easily be manipulated against me, and I had to admit that maybe there was no way out. I'd thought that I was tricking Elaina when all the time she probably knew exactly what she'd been doing and had been playing me all along.

When Elaina had pointed her gun at Steph and told me to say goodbye I didn't hesitate in walking to Steph. I was pretty sure that Elaina would have shot her and possibly me as well, so I'd made sure that I was protecting Steph, savoring what could have been the last time that I held her in my arms. I'd been ready to do whatever I could, to draw my weapon in the hope that Steph and the baby would survive. That Steph removed my gun had taken me by surprise and as we fell all I could do was to ensure that she was safe and had already drawn my gun. Seeing Elaina laid on the floor had brought an intense feeling of relief, but I really needed to know why Steph had shouted out coconut as she'd fired.

As I sat there going through everything that had happened, I was actually alright with Elaina's death. I felt so stupid that I hadn't notice her pin a tracker onto the lapel of my jacket. Hector reamed me one for that when he came to see how Steph was doing. It explained how Elaina had managed to find Steph. She was a clever, devious and dangerous woman who would have spent the rest of her life in a mental hospital or been clever enough to escape. The problem would be how Steph would cope with the knowledge that she'd killed her. A problem to resolve later.

I felt at peace as I slept, calm as the dream took hold. A dream where Steph was curled up against me. I didn't want to wake up from it, but a whispering was interrupting me as I brushed my face against Steph's curls, assured that she was still there.

"Carlos, you need to wake up"

Came again which had the effect of annoying me as I continued to dream. Why would someone else be in my dreams? A light touch on my shoulder though had every sense in my body alert and my eyes flashed open to see Maria crouched down beside me. I was still feeling the weight of Steph laid on me and had to admit that I was surprised when she was really there curled up fast asleep with a white cotton sheet draped over her. How the hell that had happened I had no idea because I didn't remember her movement or of me lifting her from the bed. I must have been so deep asleep that the only recollection I'd had was through what I thought was a dream.

"She needs to be back in her bed. The nurse will be here soon to check on her and bring in breakfast"

I felt Steph moving and wasn't surprised when her words came to me.

"Did someone mention food, I'm starved"

Both Maria and I were smiling as we watched the mass of curls move to reveal the sleepy face of Steph. I carefully moved and lifted her, placing her on the bed and then neatened the sheet around her watching as she yawned and stretched her arms above her head. This was when I saw her as being so beautiful, her hair a halo around a face that looked so innocent and eyes that were a soft blue.

Steph wasn't kidding when she'd said that she was hungry. We were each brought a tray containing scrambled eggs and toasted plain bagels of which I probably only ate half of because Steph was determined to help her herself to mine. I was just happy that she was eating and drinking so finished off the array of cut fruit. As she looked at me, I could see that she was assessing me, though I had no idea why.

"Is it over now?"

There was the curiosity and probably a concern with what might happen now.

"It's over. Lukavic, Lambert, along with other men in their employ were arrested as they fled from that underground facility"

I saw how she closed her eyes and was sure that she was thinking of Elaina and the eventual action that she'd taken. Steph had always been regretful of having to shoot anyone no matter how dangerous they were to her.

"Babe"

Her eyes flashed open, and those steely blue eyes were looking at me with such an intensity.

"I know that I had to do it and I have no regrets, only sorrow. There was a part of her that was good and kind, a part that offered me friendship, but I know that she was struggling to work out who she really was. The bad part seemed the strongest and I wasn't going to let her kill you"

I nodded my head to agree with her, knowing that nothing that I said would take away her regrets. Only time would do that.

"Babe, why did you say coconut before you fired?"

I saw a slight smile cross her face before she gave me the answer.

"I didn't mean to say that out loud. When we were on the island, I got a bit stressed out, so Ethan had me practicing my shooting. We used coconuts for targets. It made it easier to imagine a coconut than seeing Elaina's face. Oh god Ethan, is he okay? He must hate me"

I could hear the concern in her voice and yeah, I'd had my concerns as well, not that he would hate Steph but maybe a lot of regrets for the loss of a woman that he had loved.

"As far as I know he's at Rangeman talking to Bobby. I asked Bobby to do a psych eval of Elaina from the reports"

I watched as Steph slowly took a sip from her mug and as she hesitated before asking me what that would mean.

"So Bobby, he thinks that she really was ill?"

I nodded my head but knew even after talking with her in that hotel room she would need reassurance of what Elaina was, and maybe why she had behaved as she had.

"She was lost Babe. Elaine, a quiet girl who tried to please her parents so became what they wanted, a student at university who discovered that she needed more which a new course offered to her. Then Elaina, who Gregson fed the illusion of being an agent to, so she took on that role. I think meeting her mother and Lukavic had her feeling that she was part of that family but when she came back to Miami Gregson was once again convincing her that she was working for him. Time on the streets as Lainey as she tried to investigate what was happening with the homeless. I think it shocked her when she realized that she was being used by both of them, it scared her. You became her rock, Ellie, as she decided to do what they couldn't and find that detonator. It would give her power, something to bargain with"

"But the pull from Gregson and Lukavic was too strong. Do you think that she became the person that people she was with wanted her to be?"

I hadn't really thought about it like that but maybe Steph was right. Elaine the devoted daughter from an overbearing mother. Elaina the agent for Gregson, the member of the family for Lukavic and Ellie, a friend to Steph and lover and girlfriend for Ethan. Maybe she was only true to herself for Steph, but in the end, she was so muddled up that she didn't know who she was.

"Maybe we'll never know Babe, just remember the good times that you had with her"

As Steph lay there I knew there was something else bothering her and it was only as I went through everything that had happened since last seeing her that it hit me. Yes she had trusted me but I'd never explained to her properly about the night when I didn't come home.

"Babe, you are my world and I would do anything to protect you. I love you too much to hurt you. I never planned on staying away from you that night but it made sense at the time to try and get as much information as possible from her. We spent the night in a bar with her talking. It was as if she needed me to know everything so I listened but I hated not being with you"

"I saw the video from the camera"

I closed my eyes as I realized how much that had hurt her, but I couldn't undo what she'd seen.

"I'm sorry Babe that you saw that, I needed to convince Lambert and Elaina that I was willing to work with them and by saying what I did I thought they'd leave you alone, that you'd be safe"

I stood up and leant over her, gently touching her lips with mine, as I repeated to her how much I loved her. The kiss deepened as her arms pulled me down to her and I felt the relief flood through me as I understood what she was showing me. She understood and she loved me as well.

Maybe it was fortunate that a nurse and Maria walked in at that moment because the spark of electricity between us took my breath away.

"How are you feeling this morning?"

Asked the nurse who was busy taking Steph's blood pressure and feeling for her pulse.

"Great, I ate everything and more and my stomach feels very settled"

Maria looked at the papers in her hand before glancing at me before she looked at Steph.

"All of your results are good. The baby is healthy, but maybe you need to gain a bit of weight. If the morning sickness has passed just be careful not to overeat and pile on the weight, exercise will help with that and also helps to prepare you for birth. Blood results are normal. So do you want to know the sex of the baby?"

I looked from a smiling Maria to Steph who was looking at me. I hadn't expected that knowledge to be available so soon.

"It's up to you"

Was the helpful statement that came from Steph. Did I want to know? I wasn't sure. As long as the baby was fit and healthy then I had no preference as to whether it was a boy or a girl.

"Why don't we think on that and talk it through. We can always come back to you"

A nod from Steph confirmed that she was thinking the same, so I felt easier with the answer that I'd given.

"Okay, your release papers and a prescription for prenatal vitamins. I asked Aunt Ella to send up some clothes so as soon as they are here, you're free to go. I've included your next appointment for me to see you as well, but hopefully I might see you sooner"

I acknowledged that the last quip was aimed at me. I wasn't always good at visiting my family though usually spoke to my mother via the phone. I suppose I really needed to introduce Steph to them.

Two hours later were driving away from the hospital but Steph was being awfully quiet.

"What's wrong Babe?"

"It's just that. Where are we going?"

"Home"

Was my simple reply but as I looked away from the road to her, I could see that her mood hadn't improved.

"Is there somewhere else you'd rather go?"

That Steph was looking out of the window was enough for me to know that she was worried about something.

"I suppose not. But I don't have an apartment to go to and no way am I going to stay at my parents. I don't know if I'm ready to go home yet"

That was when I realized my mistake and felt awful for letting her think that we'd be going back to Trenton. For her to return to Trenton she needed to prepare herself for all of the questions that would follow her.

"Home is my house Babe. I messaged Ella the address and asked her to have the place stocked with food and also more clothes for us"

I was a coward by not actually speaking to Ella, but no doubt she would work it out. She had the codes to gain access so maybe she wouldn't be there when we arrived.

Seeing Steph smile as I told her of my intentions lifted my spirits to the point where I was already planning out what we would do when we were there. Okay, I needed to get back into the office, but I really didn't want Steph to feel that I had abandoned her.

Those plans went up in smoke as we entered the house. I'd had every intention of taking Steph upstairs and into our bedroom. Maybe the look that I had on my face gave me away because Steph was soon in front of me smiling, and with a kiss to my cheek uttered "later" as she went in search of Ella. As I walked from room to room, I surmised that Ella had been here for a while. The place was clean from dust and the bedrooms had clean linens on them. Bathrooms smelt fresh with an assortment of towels and products and even the windows looked different.

I found Ella in the kitchen talking with Steph as she finished wiping down the surfaces. That was when the idea came to me. I knew that Steph loved the quaintness of the house, but it really needed to be updated, maybe keeping the original features but adding modern things that would complement it. I walked behind Steph and with her leant back against me faced Ella.

"And when were you going to tell me about this house?"

I raised an eyebrow letting her know that maybe never had been my original intention.

"I was hoping that you and Steph could plan what needs doing. What to keep and ideas for redecorating"

That certainly had Ella beaming at me and I could feel Steph relax against me so maybe she was pleased with the idea as well.

It was strange how we fell into a comfortable routine. I was working back in the office and Ella was cataloguing the changes to the house that we could make with Steph. Each evening I'd sit down with Steph when she'd show me their ideas. I asked for some changes, but it seemed that even with the house we were so in tune with each other.

It was on the Friday of the first week when I came home that Steph asked me about the attic. I'd completely forgotten about that room and was only aware of its existence when I'd read the surveyor's report.

"Do you have a key for the attic because the door that leads up there is locked"

To be honest I'd never even been up there.

"I think it's in the vault downstairs"

As Steph continued to look at me, I knew that we'd be making a trip upstairs so went for the key. The lock on the attic door opened easily and even though the stairs were dusty they looked to be in good condition.

"Oh Carlos"

Had me stopping my inspection of the walls worried at what she'd found. I had to admit it wasn't what I'd expected.

"It's all perfect"

I noticed that Steph had removed dust sheets to reveal a complete set of nursery furniture. I watched as she sat in the old wooden rocking chair, her hand sliding along the top of a beautiful wooden crib and had to agree that they would be just what we and the house needed. The wood was a light oak and looked to be in good condition. That the owner's relatives had never removed them surprised me, unless they saw them as being too old fashioned. Steph had avoided discussing the bedroom next to ours as a nursery with Ella because she had wanted us to make that decision. Though I was pretty sure that Ella was aware of Steph being pregnant Ella had never raised it in conversation. So far we'd agreed on modern furniture with clean lines that could be adapted as a child grew up, but I had to admit to liking this furniture.

"All we need to do is decide on the color. Do we need to talk to Maria?"

I asked as I ran my hand over the set of drawers.

"No. I would never want pink or blue anyway. Pale soft colors would suit either sex"

Looking around the room it was larger than I thought it would be and considered a use for it.

"What about this room Babe? We could add an apex to the roof to give more light. It's a large space"

"It would make a beautiful second lounge just for adults and the lounge downstairs could be a family room"

Yeah, I could just imagine being up here, watching TV or listening to music or hell, even relaxing with a book.

"Agreed. Babe the men are eager to see you. They know that you're around, probably because I'm not living in the apartment at Rangeman. But I need to ask you something before you decide to set foot in Trenton"

I had never planned for this to be the time and place, but it just seemed like the perfect moment to me. I crouched down in front of the chair that she was rocking back and forth, holding each arm to still it while I worked out exactly what to say.

"Babe, the one thing I want for all of this to be perfect is for you to be my wife. I will never love anyone as much as I love you, will you marry me Babe?

Okay as a proposal it wasn't long and romantic, but it was to the point. I stayed where I was watching Steph and waited. Man, it seemed a hell of a long wait and I was actually worrying that she was going to say no. I was almost ready to start begging her when she leant forward with her hands on either side of my face, her face smiling and her eyes sparkling.

"Yes"

Was all that she needed to say before I was pulling her into my arms. We were extremely dusty and dirty as I carried Steph back down the stairs and deposited her into the bathroom.

I was like a kid and was so eager to start arranging a wedding. Something small and personal came to my mind but I was happy to let Steph decide on that. Once the tub was full of water, I was sat behind her all sorts of ideas and questions going through my head.

"Babe, do you want a big wedding?"

"Hell no. I want it to be somewhere small and private with only our friends there. I mean if you want to invite your family then that's okay"

"What about yours?"

I felt her shake her head at that question and conceded that family didn't have to be there.

"It will our day Babe. Which friends do you want there?"

I heard her laugh at that and as she went quiet was worried what she was thinking.

"Most of the people I think of as my friends and family are the ones that have stood by me, and they're the men from Rangeman"

"Connie and Lula?"

Surprised at what she'd said.

"Lula maybe, Connie no. Mary Lou but not my sister either. How about I leave that to you"

That had me thinking of how we could do this. To be somewhere that was safe and relaxing with only our good friends. Strange really, because most of the weddings that I'd been to were for family and there always seemed to be so many people there. I hated the formality that came with weddings so was determined that our wedding would be totally different.

"We can tell people that we're married when we come back"

I suggested knowing that Steph still had to come to terms with what her family would think of her. If they truly loved her then it shouldn't be a problem but going from past experience of her mother's attitude, I was in agreement with her. Having a formal dinner was probably going to be the best way to deal with family, we could invite both of our parents and share our news then.

"Mmm and I suppose let them in on our other secret"