Author's Note: Hey guys, I'm back with the next update after waiting weeks to post. Life tends to get in the way of updating, which many of you may understand, but I'm back now and that's all that matters. Also, for those of you who are reading my other Power Rangers fanfic: I Lost My Hart, I will be updating at some point between the next couple of days. I've been developing the final match ups so it's taken a little longer than usual t update. So, that story will be back and updated pretty soon. Now, let's get on with the disclaimer.

Disclaimer: I do not own the Power Rangers, any of its series, or any of its characters. Also, this plot was inspired by the 2008-2010 storyline of Days of our Lives. However, I do own all made up characters and parts of the plot that I changed or made up myself.


"Mourning"

Adam sighed in relief as he finished his last report and tucked it into a filing folder. The commander was going to be pleased that he'd managed to get everything turned in. He always hated doing write ups on little crimes. What's the point? He'd put the offender behind bars, why write to remember the altercation.

The good officer was snapped out of his thoughts by the vibrating of his cell phone on the metal top of his desk. He checked the caller I.D. and smiled happily as Tanya's face shown back at him. He didn't hesitate to answer.

"Hey Tanya." he spoke into the receiver. "I was just getting ready to call you."

"Oh really?" Tanya spoke clearly over the annoying background sounds of chatting customers and the clanking of pots.

"Yeah. I was wondering when you're getting off tonight. I was thinking we could do something family related. You know? Maybe we can catch a movie down at the theater and take the boys to the pizza parlor."

"That sounds great honey." Tanya replied, a smile evident in her voice. "I get off in about ten minutes, so I'll be done with work around five."

"There's a five-thirty show playing at the cinema. Since I'm getting off now, I'll go pick the twins up from your sister's and we'll swing by the diner and get you. How does that sound?"

"Sounds great Adam. I'll see you in a few. Love you."

"Bye."

Adam began whistling a catchy little tune as he stood from his desk and collected his phone and keys. As he made his way out of his office, he caught sight of Tommy standing in the hallway, staring blankly out the window. He looked troubled, and that really bothered Adam.

"Hey there Tommy." he spoke, gaining the man's attention.

Tommy jumped in surprise at the sudden appearance of Adam's voice before turning around to face the man.

"Hey Adam. How are you?"

"I was just about to ask you the same thing. You look like you've had a pretty rough day."

"Try a rough night." he said tiredly as he ran a hand over his face. "I stayed up half the night trying to keep Kimberly from crying."

Adam raised an eyebrow at the statement. "What's wrong with Kim? Is she alright?"

Tommy sighed and shook his head. "No, she isn't. Our…her daughter died last night."

Adam's mouth fell open at the devastating news. "Little Grace?" he said. "I can't believe it. What on earth happened?"

"Grace had bacterial meningitis that had progressed too far for the doctors to treat. She…flat lined while Kimberly and I were in the room."

"Poor Kim…I mean, poor you too. You both must be devastated after losing her. I know how much adopting that little girl meant to Kimberly. She was doing an amazing job at raising her."

Tommy sighed. "Adam, you're going to find out eventually, so I might as well tell you."

Adam stared at Tommy for a few silent seconds before nodding for him to continue on.

"Grace wasn't adopted. She was…Kimberly's biological daughter."

"What?" Adam said as he stared at him in shock.

"While she was with me in witness protection, I found out she was pregnant. I agreed to keep her pregnancy a secret and she had the baby while Zeke held me hostage. She left the baby at the convent with me while she came back here to invent a cover story and she came back to get the baby and raised her with everyone thinking she'd adopted her."

Adam's head was spinning with the newfound information and he couldn't believe what he'd just heard. "If Kimberly was pregnant while in the program, that means…Collin was that baby's father."

"Yes, he was. I'm really sorry Adam. I know you and Collin are sort of friends."

"How could the two of you do something like that? You kept his child secret from him until her death? That's cruel, and the two of you should be arrested for what you've done."

"Then arrest us Adam. That's not going to change the fact that Grace is dead."

Adam sighed. "Why would the two of you do something so…reckless? Didn't you think of the consequences?"

"I know all about the Ignalis family and how cruel they can be Adam. I know about them always getting away with murders and all sorts of crimes. Hell, when I was in the FBI we tried mercilessly to take the family down, but they always have a way to get out of things scratch free. When Kimberly told me that he was already the father of her son, I knew that one day, he too was going to be one of those murderous bastards. She didn't want another child growing up in a family like that. Besides, Mr. Ignalis hates her, which is obvious by him having one of his pawns go after her. You already know that Adam because you're the one that told us about it. So yeah, I thought of the consequences of her keeping the baby away from them, but I also thought about the consequences of them knowing about the baby. I feel we made the right choice."

Adam stared at Tommy in disbelief before walking away. "I'm not going to punish the two of you by arresting you. That baby's death weighing on your shoulder is punishment enough. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go spend time with my children. I am their father you know."

With that being said, Adam left Tommy alone in the hallway.

Ignalis Mansion

Katherine stared at Collin sadly from the doorway of his study as she watched him glare into the fireplace with tears running down his face. He hadn't moved from that position since he'd came home last night and Katherine was awfully worried about him. He was really taking Grace's death hard, but who could blame him after the stunt Kimberly pulled?

Katherine herself was feeling devastated at the little girl's death. After all, she was the one who brought the child into the world that night back in January. She was the first person who got to see or hold her. She was like the little girl's distant mother in a way. Would she and Collin have suffered the same fate if she hadn't have switched the babies?

"Who are you kidding?" Katherine whispered to herself. "You did the right thing Katherine. If you hadn't made that switch, Collin and I would be in mourning while Kimberly and Tommy continued to raise that baby in secrecy. You aren't in the wrong here, she is."

"I wouldn't be so sure about that Katarina." Mr. Ignalis' voice came from behind her.

Katherine jumped in surprise before turning around quickly to glare at the older man. "You scared me!" she said in an angry whisper.

"You should be scared." he said as he folded his arms over his chest. "What do you think my son's going to do to you if he finds out what you've done?"

"He'll be happy." Katherine said as though the answer were obvious. The two of them stepped away from the doorway so Collin was out of sight. "After all, his daughter really isn't dead. He's in there right now mourning over a baby girl that isn't his. His real daughter is sleeping soundly in her nursery where she belongs."

"You're in way over your head Katherine." he state matter-of-factly. "You think that Collin wouldn't be mad because he has his real daughter, well don't you think he'll be mad when he finds out that you're the reason he's grieving over a child that isn't his?"

Katherine frowned at him. "That would never happen."

"You can't be too sure Katherine. If there's one thing I know better than anything, it's my son. He'll hate you for this."

"He's never going to find out about anything I've done."

Mr. Ignalis ticked his tongue in disapproval before walking into the study. Katherine followed behind him quickly to ensure that he wasn't going to say anything.

"My son." he said, alerting Collin of his presence.

Collin ran a hand over his face before spinning around in his chair to face his father and wife. "Father, Katherine, what are you doing here?"

Katherine smiled sadly. "We've been worried about you all day sweetheart. How are you holding up?"

Collin released a small chuckle, sarcasm hanging heavily on each laugh before staring at the two of them in disbelief.

"I'm doing as well as any man who just found out that a daughter, that he had no idea even existed, just passed away. How could Kimberly do this to me? Why didn't she take my feelings into account? Have I not been a good father to Jacob?"

"Of course you are a good father my son." Mr. Ignalis spoke up. "You are one of the best fathers I've ever seen and you take pride in helping your son to flourish."

"How could Kimberly do such a thing?" Katherine wondered aloud. "She kept that baby a secret from everyone until she died. What a cruel thing to do."

The look that Mr. Ignalis shot the blonde made a shiver run down her spine. It was icy and cold but most importantly, it was evil. His eyes were taunting her. They were practically begging her to tell his son the truth, but Katherine remained silent.

"I've lost a daughter…" Collin said in a low voice. "Thankfully, I still have two healthy children, and I'm going to be the best father I can possibly be."

"I don't know if this is going to make you feel any better," Katherine said, "but the funeral arrangements are being made tomorrow afternoon. If you'd…like an input, I'd go and speak with the funeral home director."

Collin nodded, his eyes remaining on the dancing flames in the fireplace. With no more words fluttering through the room, Katherine and her father-in-law made their exit.

"I feel so bad." Katherine admitted as the wooden doors swung shut behind him.

Mr. Ignalis licked his tongue in disapproval. "As you should Katarina. Everything that's happening to my son, your husband, is because of you. You switched those babies for your own selfish game and now look where it's gotten you! You have a husband who's miserable over losing a daughter that isn't his. Even though I hate the woman, Kimberly and her boyfriend are suffering loss over a child. Then there's Julia."

Katherine gasped at the mentioning of the young teen. "What about Julia?"

"Don't play dumb with me Katherine. You've been doing that too often lately. I'm talking about the pretty little girl with the brown pigtails I overheard you talking to at your wedding in that private room with…oh, what's his name…? Ah yes, Doctor Sun."

Katherine's brow narrowed before she started walking away. Mr. Ignalis' lips curved up into a sinister smile as he followed in step behind her.

"She thinks her baby's alive and healthy when in actuality, her daughter's corpse is lying on a metal slab back in the hospital morgue."

"Shut up!" Katherine screeched, the sound like the voice of a crow. "Just shut up! You don't understand!"

"You're right, I don't understand. How could you do something so evil and cruel?"

"Take a look in the mirror you old walrus! You do bad things to people all the time without a second thought. Rumor has it; you're the one who sent that killer after Kimberly."

"Ah, but you see my dear, I am safe from all punishment. That's where you and I are different. I can get away with an evil conniving plan where you've dug a hole so deep that no one can help you now."

"No one needs to help me." she said in a whisper. "I am doing fine by myself. I can handle this."

Katherine stormed off down the hall as Mr. Ignalis' voice echoed throughout the hall. "You may be in control of the car now Katherine, but in due time, you're going to crash."

Kimberly's House

Tommy sighed as he inserted his golden key into the mouth of the doorknob. With a slow twist, the bolt moved and he pushed his way through the door and into the house.

A mouth-watering smell greeted his nostrils as it wafted his way from the kitchen. The sound of sizzling grease in the background.

Tommy tossed his hat and keys carelessly onto the small hall table before walking into the kitchen, his boots echoing throughout the halls. When he stepped into the small cooking area, he saw Trini positioned at the stove, a sauté pan in her hand, as she stirred a vegetable and chicken medley in the sizzling oils. Jason was positioned at the kitchen table staring out the window near the back door where Billy is out back chasing Jacob through the backyard.

Tommy cleared his throat, gaining the kitchen's occupants' attention. Trini looked up and smiled. A tear was running down her cheek.

"Welcome home Tommy. How are you?"

"I'm fine Trini." Tommy said tiredly. "Where's Kim?"

Jason sighed before standing to his feet, the wooden chair scrapping loudly against the tiled floor. "She's up in her room. We couldn't get her to come out at all today."

"I'm going to go and check on her." he said.

Trini held up a finger before running to grab a plate from the cabinet. She walked back to the stove and spooned the contents of the pan onto the plate before placing a fork on top. She then handed the freshly prepared meal to Tommy.

"Take this to Kimberly." she said as he took it from her hands. "She hasn't eaten today either. Jason couldn't even get her to open her mouth. Maybe you'll have better luck than I did."

Tommy sighed before looking out the window towards Billy and Jacob. "How's Jake holding up?" he asked worriedly.

"He's a tough little guy." Jason said. "We sat him down after lunch and told him that Grace wasn't coming home. Kimberly didn't have the heart to tell him."

"And…what happened?"

"He started asking lots of questions like why and for how long. We explained that she was never coming back but that she was happy where she was. He nodded and Billy took him out to play. He's been out there for almost two hours. I think playing with Jake keeps him distracted from Kimberly."

Tommy nodded before turning on his heels and heading for the staircase. "I'll be back."

"I'll have a plate of food for you when you come back down." Trini said as she poured more vegetable oil into her pan.

As Tommy neared the top of the steps, he could feel fear in the pit of his stomach. What if he couldn't get Kimberly through this? He could hardly stay focused and keep himself together at all today. He couldn't imagine how she must be feeling right now.

As he neared their wooden bedroom door, he hesitated to take a breath before lifting his fist and lightly tapping his knuckles against the wood. There was no reply, no surprise to him, but he walked in anyways.

The room was dark, the only light coming from a small table lamp on the bedside table. The curtains were drawn and the window was cracked slightly allowing some of Jacob's carefree laughter to echo off the walls. Kimberly was curled up in a ball on top of their purple comforter with a black throw covering her. Her hair was messy and fanned over the bed, some of it covering her face. Her back was moving slightly, showing signs of life.

Tommy closed the door and watched as her body stiffened before walking to set the plate of freshly made food on the nightstand table. After kicking his boots carelessly to the side, he climbed onto the bed and placed a hand comfortingly on her back. He didn't say anything. What good would words do him?

Kimberly shifted slightly before pushing an arm against the mattress to lift herself up into a sitting position. Tommy's eye twitched as he took in her ghostly appearance. Her skin was pale, her hair lacked its usual chocolate luster, and her brown eyes had faded to black, puffy, red orbs with no emotion inside. Her cheeks were stained from fallen tears and her bottom lip was quivering.

They didn't speak a word as Tommy pulled her into his arms comfortingly. Kimberly rested her head against his chest as her shoulders began to shake. Tommy felt his own eyes begin to water as hers seeped through his uniform. They remained like that for several minutes until Tommy spoke.

"How are you?" he asked, his voice low and deep.

Kimberly sighed as she nuzzled her head into his chest. "I can't take this Tommy." she said in a small voice. "It's like…there's this excruciating pain in my chest and it just won't go away. Every time I close my eyes…I see Grace's tiny, adorable little face…Her beautiful, teddy bear brown eyes staring up at me, her little button nose, and her smile…God, her smile."

New tears formed in Kimberly's eyes as she described the little angel who'd left her life hours before. "What am I going to do without her Tommy?" she sobbed as she lifted her head and stared into his eyes. "How can I go on without my baby girl?"

Tommy placed a hand to her cheek and rubbed her tears away with the pad of his thumb. "You can't give up Kimberly." he said. "You have Jacob to look after. And through this whole ordeal, I'm going to be here with you, holding your hand. We've both suffered a great loss Kim, but we can't let that affect our future. Do you remember what you said to Grace last night?"

Kimberly stared up at him, unsure of what she should say.

"You told her…that she was going to be up in heaven watching us. What would she think if she looked down and saw her mother crying her heart out? How would she feel if she saw you so weak and vulnerable?"

Kimberly pondered his question before wiping at her face. Tommy's hand fell away from her cheek and rested on the small of her back as she took a deep breath.

"You're right." she admitted as she turned to look at him. "She wouldn't be happy or smiling if she saw me like this."

"Kim, I'm not saying that you have to pretend to be happy and push your misery aside. What you need to do is put on a brave face to not only keep yourself encouraged, but to encourage your son."

Kimberly nodded before removing the throw from her shoulders. "Let's go downstairs." she said, forcing a smile.

Tommy's eyes moved to the plate of food on the nightstand table. "Or, we could just eat dinner in bed?" he suggested.

Kimberly smiled. "That sounds like a much better idea. I need you…"

Tommy pulled Kimberly to his chest once more before falling onto his back, pulling her down with him. He began to run his fingers through her hair as she kept her ear to his chest, listening as he took slow, even breaths. That's how Trini found them twenty minutes later, asleep in each other's arms.


Author's Note: And so ends another chapter. Once again, I am so sorry for the wait that you guys had to endure, but life does tend to get in the way from time to time. Hopefully, the next update won't take so long to come out lol

So, go ahead and leave me a review if you'd like and wait patiently for the next update. Until next time guys!