A Fresh Start
Chapter Two Hundred Sixty One
After about four hours sleep, Jeremiah is up just as the sun comes up. "Hey, get up." He says, shaking the man in the next bed.
"Huh!" The man mumbles.
"Get up!" Jeremiah demands, watching the man roll over and fall back asleep.
Jeremiah walks into the bathroom and grabs the ice buck and then steps out into the breezeway. Opening the ice machine, he feels the bucket and then goes back to his room. Once he's back in the room, he walks over to the bed and looks down, his accomplice is still asleep. He takes the ice bucket and dumps directly on top of him.
Shooting up out the bed, the man demands. "What the hell was that for?"
"I said get up." Jeremiah says, putting the bucket down. He turns away while the man stares at him, fists clinched. "Don't think about it." Jeremiah mumbles, going into the bathroom to shower and shave.
The man sits down on the corner of the bed, and flips a piece of ice onto the floor. "Why are we up this early? We didn't get to bed until about four hours ago." He says, as Jeremiah steps out of the bathroom.
"Get dressed, we're going to get something to eat and then observe my sister's clinic. That damn prison food was awful." Jeremiah says, looking over at the man with him and lifting one eyebrow when he doesn't immediately get up and do what Jeremiah said to do.
Rolling onto his back, Jeffrey reaches for Sam but her side of the bed is empty. Leaning up, he looks around the room but she's not there either. He's pushing the covers back when she walks in, carrying a tray of food. "Uh huh." She says, pushing the door closed with her foot.
"What are you doing?" He asks, as she walks over to the bed.
"I opened the clinic and then asked Leah to take my patients for today. I talked to Stace and the only thing on your calendar, is a conference call with the Governor about..."
"Laurel Falls, I know."
"So you don't have to go into the office today." She says, sitting the tray between them before she climbs in beside him. "So I made us breakfast and we're eating it in bed, until I have to go to Megan's so that she can fix my hair for tonight."
"We never went to look for you a gown?"
"I went after lunch yesterday. Don't worry Julien went with me and the only time I was alone was when I was trying on dresses and even then he stayed outside my dressing room." She says, leaning over to kiss him.
"Can I see the dress?"
"Yes." She says, looking at him. "Tonight." She says, picking up a piece of toast.
"Don't be a tease." He mumbles, reaching for his coffee. She still insists on making it for him in the morning even though it's always makes her nauseous. He's not convinced that having the window open helps, but he humors her. Because she insists it's her job to take care of him. Putting the cup down, he leans over and kisses her cheek.
"What was that for?" She asks, looking at him.
"For insisting on taking care of me, even though it makes you nauseous."
"J, the window..."
" I know you say it helps. I'd rather you didn't put yourself through, but you're going to anyway, so thank you." He says, leaning over and kissing her.
"You take care of me too." She says, drinking her milk.
"If I didn't, that would never touch your lips." He says, nodding towards her glass. She opens her mouth to object until he looks at her. Sighing, she puts the glass down. "Are you finished?"
"Yes." She replies, as he takes the tray and sits it on the floor by his side of the bed. Turning back to her, he notices her expression. "What, what's wrong?"
"Nothing, just a little pain." She says softly, holding her side.
"What kind of pain? Should be call Dr. Sedgwick. Or go to the..."
"It's not an emergency, J. It's perfectly normal. Sometimes the muscles cramp from my uterus expanding so quickly." She pauses and takes a deep breath. "It'll be over in a moment." She says, after taking another deep breath.
Laying his hand on top of hers, he gently massages her side until he feels her relax. "Do all pregnancies do that?" He asks wrapping his arms around her.
"It's usually more common with pregnancies that consist of twin births." She pauses and then looks at him, taking a deep breath and holding it.
"Twins." He says softly. "You... you think we're having twins."
"I don't know. It's more common with twin births, but it does happen with single birth pregnancies."
"Maybe we should call Dr. Sedgwick and..."
"We have an appointment the day after tomorrow. We can ask her then." She says, leaning over to kiss him.
It was meant to be a simple kiss but the feel of his mouth and the warmth of his tongue caressing her lips. She reaches up and wraps her arms around his neck as he lays down again and she moves to straddle him. Reaching between them, she wraps her fingers around his desire and slowly caresses him. His response is instantaneous. "Sam." He mumbles, pulling away from her kiss and sucking in a deep breath.
She shivers slightly at the sound of his voice with desire rushing through him. Raising up, she reaches for him and guides him inside her. Sinking down until he buried inside her body. She clings to him. Slowly sliding her hips against his and savoring how full he makes her feel each time they are together. Sliding down lower in the bed, he bends his knees and lifts his hips, thrusting into her. "J!" She gasps. Her fingers clinging to his ribcage.
They move together. Their rhythm perfectly in tune with each other. He holds onto her sliding hips, keeping her pressed tightly against his body. After a few minutes, he feels her muscles contract, squeezing him as her orgasm rolls through her. Each contraction brings him closer to his own until he lets go, filling her with each pulsing wave that washes over him.
Trembling she lays down across his chest and he wraps his arms around her, holding her in place before he turns his head and lightly kisses the side of her mouth. He feels her smile and so does he, content to hold her. After another few minutes, she slowly pulls away from him, far enough to look into his eyes. "These hormones are something." She says, as he laughs.
"If this is how the next few months are going to go. I have no complaints." He says, reaching up to caress her nose as she laughs softly. Laying back down, she snuggles in closer and he wraps his arms around her tighter.
Richard walks into the bedroom as Cassie leaves the bathroom. For a moment, he stops and watches her until she notices him. Smiling, she walks over to him and slips her arms around her waist. "When is your last meeting?" She asks, laying her head on his chest and ignoring the fact that her hair is wet.
"I'm leaving the office at noon. I'll stop by headquarters and then Towers before I come home. You're not staying at the Beacon...?"
"I'll be back in here in a couple hours and then I'm going in to get my hair done before I pick up my dress from the dry cleaners."
"Who's watching the boys?"
"Ms. Chitwood will be here no later than six and that should give us enough time to make it to Towers before seven."
"Good." He says, still holding her.
"You know you have to go." She says, holding on to him.
"I know, but I'd rather stay right here with you." He says, as she pulls back and looks up. Their gazes connect for a moment before he leans in and kisses her softly. He pulls her back into him as she reaches up and wraps her arms around his neck. Softly he runs his tongue over her lower lip and she opens her mouth for him. Letting him inside to play.
After a few minutes, he reaches for the belt holding her robe closed and tugs on it as she pulls away. "You'll be late."
"I don't care." He whispers, pulling the belt free and slipping his hands inside, softly caressing the warm skin of her lower abdomen.
His touch bring a raging fire through her. Leaning up, she catches his mouth again. Deepening her kiss, as he slowly moves his hand up her sides with gentle caresses. Reaching for the buttons on his jacket, she pops them free and then slides her hands up his chest, brushing the jacket off the his shoulder. Pulling his arms free, she catches the jacket and lays it at the end of the bed before she shrugs out of her robe.
For a moment, he's frozen in place. Staring at her standing before him without any clothes. Taking a deep breath, he reaches up and pulls his tie free. Unbuttons a few buttons on his shirt and them pulls it over his head. Dropping it to the floor, he reaches for his belt, pulling it free as she climbs onto their bed and lays down. Propping her head against her hand, she watches him as he finishes getting undressed. When he pulls his boxers down and she can see exactly how much he needs her a searing surge of desire rushes over her. Holding her other hand out, she watches as he climbs onto the bed.
Taking her hand, he lets her pull him to her as she rolls to her back and he lays down beside her. Catching her mouth, he kisses her as he slowly moves his hands down her body, teasing her breasts with his fingers. Breaking the kiss, he glances up. Seeing the desperation in her eyes, he moves on top of her as she opens her body to him. Sliding inside her, he sucks in a deep breath while fighting his bodies demand for instant gratification.
Wrapping her arms around his neck, she bends her legs and wraps them around his waist as he surges forward. Sinking deeper, he groans softly as she takes all of him. Her body clinging to his as she rolls with him. "Cassie!" He whispers.
"I know handsome." She mumbles, closing her eyes. Clinging to him as he pulls back and then surges forward.
He sets a punishing rhythm and she goes with him, each of them building towards an incredible precipices that neither of them are afraid of. "Richard!" She whispers, closing her eyes as she tries to hold her release back.
Looking down, he realizes what she's doing. Leaning in, he kisses her and the whispers. "Let go, Darling."
Those three words free her. Arching her back, she takes him deep. Her body clinging to him, massaging him as he surges forward over and over until his own release surges through him. Pulling everything from deep inside him, which he gladly gives her as he collapses on top of her, clinging to her as fluttering waves of ecstasy swell over them.
It's several minutes before their able to move. Slowly he moves away from her, rolling to his back as he closes his eyes and takes another deep breath. Turning his head, he looks at her and she smiles at him. "Fast and Furious." She says, teasing him.
"You liked it." He teases back. Rolling to his side, he reaches out and slowly moves his hand down her still heated body.
She sucks in a breath and he smiles. Closing her eyes, she takes a moment to savor his touch before she opens them again and looks at him. "You have to go now."
"I can..."
"Richard!" She says, looking at him.
"I so do not want to leave you." He says, leaning in to kiss her again. She pulls away before it gets too heated.
"You will have me all night. I promise you." She says, reaching up to run her fingers through her hair.
"Alright." He says, sitting up slowly. "But I'm holding you to that." He says, slipping off the bed.
Leaning up onto her elbow, she watches as he dresses quickly. When he's finished, he turns back to the bed. Sitting down beside her, he leans in and softly kisses her. "Leaving you here now is as hard as it was at the palace."
"All night, I promise." She says, smiling as he closes his eyes.
Sitting up, he slowly moves his fingers over her face. "I'll be home no later than four. We'll get the boys settled and then I'm spending the rest of the night with you."
"You've got donor's to..."
"The rest of the night with you." He says, kissing her to emphasize each word before he sits back.
Smiling, she says. "Go and I'll see you this afternoon."
"I love you." He says, and then leans down and kisses her stomach. "And I love you too, baby girl."
"We both love you." She says, smiling as he stands up. She watches as he walks across the room.
Turning in the doorway, he says. "All night." Laughing, she nods before he turns and goes.
Slowly Sam pulls away from him. "Where are you going?" He asks, tightening his arms around her.
"I'm going to clean up the dishes while you take a shower." She says, leaning in to kiss him.
"The dishes can wait and we can take a shower to..." She looks at him. "Conserve..."
"You're not in the least concerned about conserving water."
"We will need to if the Governor asks me to allow Laurel Falls to build that pipeline to the lake."
"Then don't..."
"I can't ignore his order Sam. If he orders it, we'll have to comply." He says, as she leans in to kiss him.
"I wish things were solved with just a kiss." He says, running his finger over her lips.
"So you want me to convince the Governor this is a bad idea through kissing him." She asks, teasing him.
"Hold on, wait. That's not what I meant. It's just that your kisses are wonderful."
"And you want to share them with the Governor?" She asks, looking at him.
"No, no, of course not. You're only allowed to kiss me." He says, his tone turning possessive." He looks at her as she breaks into a smile. "Oh you gonna pay for that." He says, rolling over and kneeling over her.
She looks up and smiles at him. He leans over her. Letting the warmth of her smile rush over him and he forgets about making her pay for teasing him. Leaning down, he kisses her. After a couple moments, she reaches up and slowly runs her hands down his chest, gently scratching him. "Sam!" He groans, closing his eyes while desire surges through him. Settling in the pit of his stomach and filling his body with heat and need. Letting her hand rest at his waist, she pulls back and looks down watching his body react to his desire. Bending her fingers, she moves her hands down. Hovering between his legs, as she scrims her way down the bed until he's over her face.
He looks down, watching her. Sucking in a deep breath as she licks her lips and then takes a deep breath as she slowly moves her tongue over him, teasing the tip of his erection. She plays with him, continuing to tease him. She takes him into her mouth. The wetness of her mouth and the heat rushes over him. He opens his mouth to say something and then closes it. Clinching his fists, he fights his bodies demand to thrust while she continues bringing him closer to the edge.
Heat builds inside her, making her almost desperate to have him, but she wants to finish this. She continues to tease him, sucking him hard as she takes him deeper. It takes a while be he becomes aware that she's not quite there. Looking up, he watches her and he slowly becomes aware of tiny indications that she's not happy. He tries to pull away but she clings to him, going with him as he pulls back. Taking him deeper. "Sam!" He groans, as she teases him
Reaching behind them, he slips his fingers into her body. His fingers are instantly coated with silky warmth. Pressing his thumb against her desire, he follows her pace, playing her as she plays him. Pulling away from him, she sucks in a deep breath. She looks up watching him while he smiles, still teasing her. Taking his other hand, he takes his erection and gently caresses it, settling into the rhythm she set and he continues. Leaning up, she nuzzles his hand out of the way and takes him again. Sucking hard for a very few second before he pulls away from her. Moving down, he takes his erection and guides into her. Burying his body inside hers. "J!"
He leans over her, kissing her as he sets a punishing rhythm. Surging into her over and over again. She moves with him while she clings to his hips. It's a matter of seconds before her body clinches around his. He thrusts once more and their release heaves through them over and over again. When he's empty, he pulls out of her and a soft aftershock swells inside her. He feels it and smiles as he lays down beside her. Laying his hand on her stomach, he gently caresses her. Kissing her shoulder, he says. "I think this is the best morning of my life."
"What about when I came home from Belfast."
"Okay, so it's a tie." He mumbles, kissing her shoulder again as she laughs softly. Turning her head, she kisses him softly. "Isn't this how we started."
"Actually no, you were going to punish me for teasing you. If that's my punishment I'll do it again." She says. He leans in, kissing her as she laughs.
When he pulls away, she yawns. "Why don't you go to sleep and I'll take care of the dishes."
"I have to go to Megan's."
"You've got time. I'll take care of the dishes and then I'll talk with the Governor about Laurel Falls and then I'll wake you up in time for you to..." She pulls away from him.
"Sam, you're..."
"I'm fine, J." She says, leaning over to kiss him
"No, you're tired."
"It's post sex sleepy. I'll wake up when I start moving around." She says, leaning over to kiss him as he tries to pull her back down beside him. "We need to get up. You have to call the Governor."
"He can wait."
"J, seriously."
"Alright, fine." He mumbles, releasing her. "But you're resting when you get back from Megan's." He says, as she nods.
She takes the tray and he watches her leave the room. Laying back down, he lays there for a few moments before he gets up and walks into the bathroom. He's finishing up his shower when she joins him. "Didn't think you wanted to conserve water." He says, as she steps into the shower.
She smiles and then leans in and kisses him. "I've got an hour before I need to be at Megan's. This is easier." She says, stepping under the spray while he watches her. She looks at him and smiles. "And you have a phone call to make."
Sighing, he says. "Alright, fine. But you owe me time in the shower." He murmurs as she laughs.
"That might be a while darlin." She drawls, deepening her southern accent and he shivers slightly.
He leans in, kisses her and whisper. "I don't care how long it takes."
"Go call the Governor." She says, pushing him towards the door as he steps closer to her.
"Oh, you're killing me." He mutters, opening the door again and closing it quickly before the temperature can drop.
He goes to his office after he gets dressed. Pulling up his PC, he sets back and waits. He needed to check his email even if he doesn't go into the office. Twenty minutes later, Sam comes in. "I'm headed to Megan's. I'll be back in a couple hours."
"Is Julien...?"
"He's waiting in the living room." She says with a smile.
"Alright, I'll see you then." He replies. She turns to go and he says. "Sam." She turns back around. "I love both of you."
"We love you." She replies, turning around she leaves his office. Leaving with Julien a few moments later.
The morning shift nurse walks into Jeremiah's room. As she walks in the officer that Jeremiah jumped moans softly and rolls over. "Who are you?" She demands, looking at the officer and then at Jeremiah's chart. None of the vital statistics match the man sitting before her.
"I'm Officer Benjamin Garrett, where is the prisoner? Did you take him...?"
"I haven't taken him anywhere. I just got here and found you there. If you're guarding him, why were you asleep in the patients bed? The nurse demands, as Officer Garrett reaches up and runs his hand through his hair and winces. "What's wrong?" She says, stepping up to the bed.
"I'm fine." Officer Garrett says, pushing the covers back and them pulling them back over his legs when he realizes he has nothing but his boxers on. "Oh man, Chief Cooper is going to kill me." He says, closing his eyes.
"What's going on?" The nurse demands, as Officer Garrett looks around. All of his clothes, his gun, his phone is missing. "I need to call in. Our prisoner has escaped."
"Escaped... how did he..."
"Please, not so loud." He says, wincing slightly.
"I'm getting the doctor." The nurse says, turning to leave.
"Can I have your phone first. I have to call this in. I'm in so much trouble right now." He groans, closing his eyes. The nurse pulls her phone out and hands it to him before she leaves the room.
Within ten minutes, SPD is at the hospital after Officer Garrett calls in the escape. After hanging up from the call, the nurse and doctor return to Jeremiah's room and the doctor, thoroughly examines Officer Garrett before he's allowed to speak with Frank. "What the hell happened!" Frank demands, standing in front of his officer. Who is now wearing hospital scrubs instead of his uniform. "The last thing I remember is the prisoner calling me into the room. After that it's a blank until I woke up this morning."
"Where was your back up?"
"He went home Sir. His shift was over and..."
"This prisoner is considered a flight risk, that's why two guards were posted for him. He's threatened the mayor's wife." Frank says, reaching for his phone. He had to call this in, start the manhunt and then Jeffrey and warn them. "You're on leave until this is sorted out. How did he even get out of the restraints and cuffs?" Frank asks, looking at Officer Garrett.
"I'm not sure, Sir." Officer Garrett replies.
"Is there...! Go home Officer Garrett, now!" Frank barks, waiting for dispatch to answer the phone while his officer scrambles out of the room.
He really didn't remember anything. But the Doctor found more than just the bump on his head. Apparently, the prisoner had subdued him with a choke hold and either hit him in the head with something or dropped him hard enough after he was unconscious to make sure he didn't wake up until he was long gone from the hospital. As Officer Garrett walks out of the room, he hears Frank says. "This is Chief Cooper, we have an escaped prisoner from Cedars, I need all available units a the hospital now. Close all roads and departure services for the city. Have guards posted at the airport, now." He barks before he hangs up and dials Jeffrey's number. He had to warn him that Sam really wasn't safe now that Jeremiah had escaped.
Jeremiah waits in the car while his accomplice goes in and orders breakfast for them from Company. "What took so long?" He demands when the man gets back into the car.
"Did you happen to notice the parking lot? It's a tad bit busy in there." The man replies, handing him his food. "Where to now?" He asks, as Jeremiah digs through the sack. Jeremiah looks at him and he reaches to start the car. "Where's your sister's clinic?" He asks, he pulls out of the parking lot.
"Over by the hospital, two streets over." Jeremiah says, around a bite of his breakfast sandwich. The man shudders slightly as he drives through town. When they get to Sam's street, he says. "Drive by and then get close enough to see, but not so close that we're caught." The man nods, passing Sam clinic and then turns around. He pulls up behind a couple of parked cars about three doors down from Sam's driveway. Through the rear view mirror, they have a clear shot of the clinic and her drive way.
"Did you notice her car?" Jeremiah asks, looking at the man beside him.
"I don't know." He replies as Jeremiah looks at him. "I've never seen your sister's car so I don't know what she drives." He says, looking out through the mirror.
"Take a stroll back towards her house. She drives a '66 Mustang convertible." Jeremiah says, as the man looks at him. "Go." Jeremiah says.
Opening the door, the man steps out and closes the door. Walking over to the sidewalk. He walks back towards Sam's house. When he reaches the drive way. He looks around the parking lot and driveway. He doesn't see a mustang, older or new model.
While Jeremiah is alone, he pulls the gun out of the back of his jeans. He checks the ammo before he slips back under his shirt and settles back. A few moments later, the door opens and the man gets in. "Well?" Jeremiah asks, looking at him
"I didn't see any mustang in the driveway or the parking lot. So I don't think she's there."
Jeremiah sits back and looks in the mirror. He watches a few patients come and go from the clinic. His fingers tap restlessly against his leg. He broke out of jail to get Sam and cross the border into Canada. He's wasting time waiting here. Turning around, he reaches into the back seat and pulls out a cap. He slips it on and then he adjusts it to cover as much of his face. He opens the door and then turns to the man beside him. "Stay here. I'll be back." He says before he gets out of the car. The man watches as Jeremiah walks towards Sam's house.
Jeffrey's on the phone with the Governor when someone knocks on their front door. "I'm sorry sir, but someone is at my door." Jeffrey says.
"We'll continue this discussion at a later time. I haven't made a decision on this matter except to say that something must be done."
"I agree Sir." Jeffrey says, as the person knocks again. "And we can continue this discussion at a later time." Jeffrey says. "We'll speak soon."
"That's fine." The Governor says. They hang up and Jeffrey goes to answer the door.
He didn't look to see who was outside before he opens the door. He stops as he sees Jeremiah standing in front of him. "What the hell are you doing here. You're..."
"I'm out. Is Sam here?"
"No." Jeffrey says, blocking him from entering the door.
"Pardon me if I don't believe you. I would like to speak to my sister."
"She's not here. And even if she was I wouldn't let you anywhere near her."
Jeremiah reaches behind him. Pulling the gun free, he takes a step closer to Jeffrey. "I suggest you do as I ask and bring my sister to me."
"She's not here." Jeffrey says, holding his ground...
Sam is sitting in Megan's kitchen. Her hair is twisted up while Megan works on it. They are in the middle of talking about that evening's plans and the fundraiser when Sam goes silent. "Sam." Megan says after a while.
"I've got to go. Julien." Sam says, looking around for her bodyguard.
"I'm here ma'am." He says, standing up.
"We have to go." Sam says, getting up.
"Sam, we're not finished." Megan says.
"I know. But something's wrong."
"What are you talking about?" Megan asks, staring at her sister.
"Something is wrong. I can feel it." She says, reaching for her coat. Halfway shrugging on her coat as she looks for her purse. Spotting it on the kitchen counter.
"Wrong where?"
Sam stops and looks at her. "Something is wrong with Jeffrey."
"Sam."
"Don't Megan, I know something is wrong." She says, finally pulling her coat on and getting her purse. "Julien." She says, looking around.
"I'm here ma'am." He says, stepping up.
"We're leaving. Megan call... never mind." She says, rushing through the door with Julien and Megan bringing up the end.
"Sam!"
"I'll be fine." Sam calls, rushing as quickly as she can without falling on the ice on the sidewalk.
"... you need to leave, now!" Jeffrey says, still filling the doorway.
"I'm not leaving without my sister." Jeremiah spits out.
"You don't honestly believe she would go anywhere with you." Jeffrey asks.
"She will with this." Jeremiah says, pulling the gun out. "Step back." He says, pointing it at Jeffrey.
"This does nothing for you or your case Jeremiah. Sam is free. She left your father and his organization a long time ago. You have to realize that. Taking her back would be nothing more than kidnapping her."
"She left because she was brainwashed by our mother and then by you." Jeremiah says, as Jeffrey stares at him and the gun. "I said step back."
"You heard the tape Jeremiah. You heard your father plotting to frame your mother for sexual abuse. You heard the lies he said about your mother. Yet you cling to your belief that he was a good man. He wasn't!" Jeffrey says, as Jeremiah raises the gun, pistol whipping him and forcing his way into the house.
"You know nothing but what that harlot has told you about my father." Jeremiah says, taking a step towards Jeffrey.
Jeffrey could take him, disarm him and probably kill him but he didn't want to do that to Sam. Not that he thought Sam would blame him for defending himself or their home. He just doesn't want to do that. He steps back, knowing that he's made himself a hostage. "Do you hear yourself? You just called your sister a harlot. Yet you want her with you, which is it?"
"She's a harlot now. When she comes back to her place with me, she will no longer be. She will be what she's always meant to be."
Once they were free of the streets surrounding Megan's house, the main roads through Springfield were pretty clear. Julien made good time getting from Megan's to the street where Sam's clinic is located. "This is what we'll do. One of us should come in through the clinic and the other circle around and come up the front steps to the house." Sam says. "Do you have a gun?"
"Of course." Julien says, shrugging his left shoulder to indicate the shoulder holster under his coat.
"Good, but what about a spare one?"
"Sam, I don't think..."
"I'm not going into that house without a gun."
"Then you go around the house and I'll..."
"No, I'll come through the office. I have small pistol I keep locked in the safe in my office. It's a .25 caliber but it's enough to disable and if used properly kill some one. It's small enough that I can conceal it under my shirt if I have to." She says, ignoring the looks Julien was giving her.
"I should go in there. You husband..."
"I'm going in, so either your follow the plan or stand back." Sam says, tapping the side of the door with her fingers as they finish the last few blocks in silence.