I do not own EUReKA. And the world heaves a collective sigh.
Blame It On The Hormones
Chapter 8 - A Wolf In Sheep's Clothing
Allison sipped her iced green tea in silence, the background noise of patrons rustling in and out of Café Diem a minor blip on her radar. The previous week had been especially busy and tiring, leaving her somewhat overwhelmed. It was the beginning of Tess' introduction to the administrative side of Global Dynamics and Allison had expected to spend the majority of her time dealing with nasty quips and smart remarks. To Tess' credit she was attentive, amiable, and asked pertinent questions. At first, Allison assumed it was all an act but as the week progressed, her behavior remained the same. Truthfully, Allison still wasn't sure if it was all for show. There was one thing for damn sure, she wasn't going to let her guard down around Tess. Allison had put a bug in Henry, Fargo and Zane's ear. She didn't provide them the intimate details, even though she knew Henry was aware, but instead advised them to assist Tess with any queries or issues she may have and managed to add in subtle undertones that they should keep their eyes open for anything suspicious or out of the ordinary. She hated that she even had to suggest it, but from her recent dealings with Tess, this was no time to play the patsy.
So, she focused on the positives in her life. Her little girl was due to make an appearance within the next few weeks and Kevin was progressing remarkably well with his therapist. Then of course, there was Jack and Zoë. Recently Zoë had begun spending an increasing amount of personal time with Allison. She was particularly interested and even a bit excited about the impending birth and Allison found it a great delight to talk with her. She figured it was good practice in dealing with the female teenage mind. They discussed school, her future plans, her dad, and of course boys. Zoë told her she'd felt like she'd found an ally. She was someone who would combat the testosterone of living alone with Jack for the last three years. Yeah, she had S.A.R.A.H – sort of, but it just wasn't the same. Allison even utilized her suggestions when putting the final touches on the baby's room. Allison almost felt bad for thinking it, but this was the happiest she'd been in her entire life.
As she sat there, her remembrance of the days past were interrupted by Jo, who incidentally had to call her name several times before she acknowledged her presence, effectively breaking her from the starry-eyed fog she'd been in.
"Hey Allison...you okay?"
"Hey Jo," Allison smirked at the unusually concerned Jo who lately seemed more than a little interested in her well-being. "I'm fine, thanks."
"Mind if I sit with you?"
"No, of course not. What's up?"
"Nothing. I was just, you know..."
"Jo...?"
"I'm...worried about you?"
Allison stifled a laugh. The thought of Jo being protective of her was sweet to say the least. Allison liked Jo and enjoyed her company but if it wasn't for Jack, they'd still be relative strangers. It warmed her heart to think that Jo thought so highly of her because she didn't go out of her way for just anyone.
"Me? Well, I'm doing okay. At least I think so anyway."
Jo leaned forward, her voice barely above a whisper.
"I know about the...Tess situation."
Mimicking her posture and tone, Allison responded. "But...why are you whispering?"
Jo's voice lowered yet another octave as her eyes scanned from side to side. "Because I wasn't sure you'd want anyone else to know."
"Oh." Pretending to be confused, Allison played along. "What, about Tess?"
"Well, I don't know exactly what's going on, but I do know you were pretty upset when Carter and I came by. I hadn't had a chance to talk to you alone, and I know it's none of my business, but I wanted to make sure you were all right."
Allison titled her head to the side, a gracious smile on her face. "Thank you Jo. I appreciate how concerned you are about me but, I can handle Tess."
"I know you can but in your current condition," Jo indicated Allison's belly as if she didn't know she was pregnant, "I don't like the thought of anyone upsetting you."
Allison pondered in silence momentarily. "How about you come by the house tonight?"
Allison could see the shock and elation on Jo's face.
Sheepishly she accepted. "I'd like that."
"Say, seven o'clock? We'll have dinner and some girl talk."
"Okay. See ya then."
Once Jo left, Allison had the sudden realization that she'd never invited Jo over to her home for dinner before. Sure she'd eaten meals with her at Café Diem, the cafeteria at GD, even at Jack's house, but this was the first time she could remember that it would be just the two of them and the topic of work wasn't on the agenda.
The conversation she'd had with Jo set her back in the right frame of mind but that wasn't the best part of her morning. The topper of course was the stop she made to see Jack at the station before heading up to work. Some morning smooching always made the day brighter. As usual, when she walked in the room, he lit up like a Christmas tree. That smirk he gave her always sent chills down her spine. No matter how many occasions he greeted her, it was always as if it were the very first time. He immediately rose from behind his desk and took her in his arms. Rubbing her belly, he bent down and gave the baby her own morning kiss. As he crouched, whispered in conversation with the soon to be born baby girl, Allison tenderly ran her fingers through his hair. If anyone happened upon this intimate scene, they would have naturally assumed that Jack was the father. Inherently, it didn't bother her, she just wanted to make sure that Nathan's memory wasn't forgotten.
The rest of her day went relatively smooth. She was able to tackle much of her to-do list which included making final decisions on projects and a four open positions at GD. Though Tess appeared to have let the whole Jack issue go for now, Allison didn't completely trust her with certain secrets. Still cautious, Allison made sure she had an additional safety net in place – one that only her and one other person knew about so Tess couldn't usurp herself into a position of power. Tess would only be able to make minimal authoritative rulings before a series of protocols would go into effect. Satisfied that her time away could be focused entirely on the baby, Allison sighed in relief.
Jack on the other hand wasn't so confident.
Jack knew that Allison didn't need protecting and she would blow her top if she found out about what he was about to do, but it had to be done. He didn't want any fallback on her personally or professionally, so on one of his routine trips to GD, he made sure he casually bumped into Tess. He didn't know her current location, but one thing was for sure, she always kept to a routine. So, at twelve-thirty precisely, Jack ventured down to the cafeteria and low and behold there was Tess at her usual table, enjoying her usual lunch, but with an unusual look on her face. She seemed to be contemplating something and whatever it was, it gave her an almost demonic air. Jack approached her carefully, not sure if after the whole incident with S.A.R.A.H she would attack. As he drew closer to her table, she looked up at him, her expression quickly changed from what he'd seen before to one that on the surface, appeared content.
In an effort to let bygones be bygones, he extended an olive branch.
"Hi Tess."
"Jack, hi."
He swallowed hard. "Can I sit?"
"Sure."
Jack felt relatively safe. They were in a crowed area, and it wasn't as if he were trying to be sneaky.
"Tess, I wanted to apologize about what happened at the house. I think we both went a little too far. I wasn't deliberately trying to be rude."
Jack waited patiently for her response. He thought he had a good read on Tess before, but obviously when it came to her, his sixth sense was no help at all. For someone so intelligent she managed to be petty and conniving – not that the two weren't mutually exclusive.
"I agree. I should have respected the boundaries that have been set. You're with Allison now and I have come to terms with it. I should never have put you in the position where you had to decide. You've already made your decision and even though it's a bitter pill to swallow, I'll have to live with it."
Jack could hear the words coming out of her mouth, but something in his gut doubted her sincerity. At this point he could do nothing but take her at her word.
"Thanks Tess. I appreciate you taking the high road. And just so you know, Allison would never have suggested you fill in if she didn't have confidence in you, if she still didn't care about you. Don't let her down."
Before Tess could utter a word, Jack rose and headed back into town.
When Allison arrived home that evening the first thing she did was spend time with Kevin. He was so much more affectionate these last few days. She wasn't sure if it had to do with her lighthearted mood, the time he had been spending with his therapist, or the impending arrival of the baby. She changed out of her business attire, made Kevin some dinner, called Jack, then got ready for her guest.
Jo arrived at seven, clad in jeans, a T-shirt and flip flops. Allison could tell she was self-conscious.
"I hope I'm not underdressed."
"Are you kidding me? You're lucky I don't have on my robe and slippers."
Just that bit of levity seemed to ease the tension between the two. This was a new chapter in their relationship. Sure they'd conversed before – nothing too personal, but Allison knew that she and Jo were more alike than anyone would believe. She was glad that they were attempting to strengthen the bond that had grown between them since Jack's arrival. More than anything, Allison wanted and needed a friend right now, especially since Tess was no longer an option. So as they settled in the kitchen, Allison grabbed Jo a cold beer and they worked together making dinner.
While they fiddled around the kitchen, they took the chance to learn about each other. Allison knew about Jo's mother but not the intimate details. As Jo wove the tale, Allison gained a better insight into who she was and her character. Allison was so appreciative of the fact that she was open and honest with her and she felt inclined to reciprocate. They realized that their upbringing steered them into being the women they were – tough, resilient, independent and extremely confident. They talked about growing up in such controlled backgrounds, their education, the career paths they chose, and then the conversation really got interesting.
"So...you and Zane?"
Jo's mouth fell open in shock, then transformed into a youthfully gleeful smile.
"Yeah, I guess. I don't know what it is about him. He's definitely not the type I would usually go for. He's a felon, hardheaded, rebellious, a prankster...but he can be sweet, and witty, and he is soooo damn sexy."
Allison couldn't contain the boisterous laugh that immediately escaped her lips. Admittedly she had to agree with Jo's assessment. There was something about Zane Donovan that was oh so attractive. He was the bad boy that women loved. Not bad enough to cause harm to anyone, he was more the James Dean bad boy type.
Allison arched an eyebrow in her direction. "The two of you have been hot and heavy lately."
The smirk on Jo's face told it all. "It's ah...it's been good. We're keeping it casual right now, taking it slow."
"Have you told your family about him?"
"No! It's not that I'm embarrassed or anything like that, it's just that he's not my normal type. They're used to seeing me with the rugged, jarhead military type. My father and brothers would not take kindly to the fact that he has a criminal record, but I can look past that and see the good in him. I know he irritates me at times and he has the tendency to leap before he looks but, he makes me happy...I'm just not telling him that."
At Jo's proclamation they enjoyed an uproariously hearty laugh.
"Jo? I know this may be none of my business but how...is Zane?"
Jo stared at her blankly.
Her eyes stretched to the limit, Allison arched her brows in that quintessential Groucho Marx way.
"Oh. OH!"
Jo rolled her eyes playfully. "If you want to know the truth, he is AMAZING! I think I've finally met my match. I don't know what it is but I can't get enough of him."
Allison waited for Jo to continue with the juicy details and after what seemed an unusually long pause Jo had an inquiry of her own.
"Well, what I want to know is how has it been going with Carter?"
Just the mention of his name caused her to blush.
"Jo, I love him. I know it may seem strange and people may think it's too fast, but I've had these feelings for him from the beginning. It just took me a while to admit them. Not to mention circumstances kept us apart but, I know this is right."
"Well, let me tell you, when Carter first came here you know I wasn't his biggest fan but it didn't take him long to win me over. He's my best friend and I am so happy that you two are together. I'm sure you know it's no secret that he's had feelings for you for a long time. Probably from the moment he met you. He never gave up hope and I must say, I thought he was being naive. Like Zane, he's hardheaded but he's also funny, considerate, tenacious and caring. He always puts others before himself. You're lucky to have him."
"I know and I am. I don't know what I did to deserve him, but I've been blessed to have him come into our life. Yes, I do miss Nathan and who knows if we would have made it last, but I can't dwell on the what-ifs. We're here now, and this is where I want to be."
As their evening came to a close, they vowed to get together more often outside of work. Shutting the door behind her, Allison felt as if she'd spent the evening with an old friend. Allison had a few female friends in town like Dr. Lee and Dr. Monroe, but Jo was different. She was extremely close to and cared about Jack and because of that, she knew it was important to learn about her and include her in their lives. Plus, it was refreshing to see Jo in that light. Her guard down, open to expressing her emotions. Allison was honored that she was comfortable enough to finally be herself.
For Allison, it couldn't get any better.
That next morning, Allison had been scheduled for an appointment but at the last minute it was cancelled. Upon her arrival at work, she headed straight for her office and through the glass wall was stunned to see General Mansfield seated behind her desk. The most troubling part of all was that he appeared to be in deep conversation...with Tess.
A red flag immediately rose. Trying to control her anger she marched toward the office as fast as her legs would allow. Relaxing her posture before she entered what she thought was her sanctuary, she greeted the General.
"General Mansfield, what do we owe the pleasure of this unexpected visit."
"I didn't know I needed permission to visit Dr. Blake."
"Of course not General, but normal protocol would have you notify us of your arrival."
"Well, this was an unexpected stop."
Allison watched intently as Mansfield turned to Tess. "Dr. Fontana."
It was clear that he was dismissing her and that all to telling look between the two of them as she left out set off alarms in Allison's head.
"Please, have a seat Dr. Blake."
His tone had never been pleasant when speaking with her or anyone in Eureka for that matter. Allison didn't know if he felt it was a punishment or a burden to be assigned to this loose cannon, mixed bag of egotistical genius misfits – his words not hers, as she'd overheard him say on one occasion.
"I think I'll stand if that's okay."
He neither offered an opinion or requested she sit again. Whatever he had to discuss with her, she could be sure it wasn't to praise her on the excellent job she was doing.
"I've had a very interesting talk with Dr. Fontana..."
For the next hour, Allison had to listen to a barrage of accusations made by Tess. Allison knew her conduct the previous week had been fake. Tess pretended to have come to terms with the situation, effectively pumping Allison of any information she could gain to build her case. Allison admonished herself for not making other staff aware, but she knew it wasn't professional to bring them into the fold. General Mansfield went on to relay the numerous mishaps and errors in judgment by the staff not only at GD, but those who worked in town. While Allison knew he had been made aware of all these events previously, apparently Tess had taken to speaking with several staff members herself, embellishing and stretching the truth. It seems that the tale she wove to the General made it seem as if the majority of happenings were more than mere err on the scientists part, but outright sabotage.
Allison admittedly wasn't much worried about Tess' version, as she knew she could defend each accusation. The fact that she tried to undermine her authority in such an ill-conceived way was almost laughable.
What Allison was accused of next, was not.
"Dr. Blake while we are on the topic of your ability to run this facility, I'd be remised if I didn't inquire about your emotional and mental state."
"Excuse me?"
"These last few years have proved to be very difficult for you. Most recently, the untimely death of Dr. Stark who was not only a valuable asset, but your ex-husband."
"In actuality" she began, making sure to punctuate each word, "we were to be remarried."
"Yes, I apologize. There was no disrespect intended."
"What is your point General?"
"My point is, I have been informed that you are now currently in a relationship with Sheriff Carter."
"Not that it's anyone's business but yes, I am."
"See thats where you're wrong Dr. Blake, it is our business. I never supported the appointing Sheriff Carter or the return of Dr. Deacon, why you failed to fire the always bumbling Dr. Fargo and now the hiring of this...this criminal, Zane Donovan. It appears that your judgment is questionable. As the head of GD your...relationship with Sheriff Carter can be construed as unethical and unprofessional. Not to blindside you, I want to let you know I will be speaking with the Congressional Committee overseeing GD regarding this situation."
Allison felt as if she were on trail and by his attitude, already convicted. It seems Tess had indeed poisoned the well.
Just as Allison began to tell her side, she was halted by a statement that sent her reeling.
"Dr. Blake, you have to admit it also doesn't help your case that in your condition it may appear morally wrong that you are dating so soon after burying Dr. Stark."
Allison didn't know if she wanted to cry, scream or punch him in the face. What she did know was that she didn't intend on holding back.
Bringing herself to her full height – all five foot four inches, five feet seven with her heels, she made a formidable opponent.
"First off General Mansfield, it seems I have been tried and convicted without the opportunity to defend myself. Furthermore, I will prove beyond doubt that all actions, decisions, or judgment calls made by me have been in the best interest of this facility, the town, the government and it's people. As for Henry Deacon, Douglas Fargo and Zane Donavon, without their knowledge, expertise and assistance, I venture to say that not only Eureka, but this planet might not be here today."
"What precisely is your point?"
Allison moved closer so that she was face to face with him. She would not be intimidated.
"In response to Dr. Fontana's allegations, they are ludicrous to say the least. There is a situation you are unaware of that has great relevance. And as far as my relationship with Sheriff Carter, it is one that has been built on years of friendship and trust. Your insinuation that this is some torrid affair or that I am disrespecting the memory of Nathan is an insult and one I will be sure to relay to the Congressional Committee."
"Again Dr. Blake, my intention was not to insult you or Dr. Starks memory."
By then Allison was is no mood for any fake ass apologies.
"Sir, I ask that you remove Dr. Fontana as temporary Director while I am on maternity leave."
"No, Dr. Blake. The decision has been made and approved."
Allison knew there was no need in pressing the issue. He was as stubborn as a mule and she was sure he felt quite pious of the fact that he had one upped her, finally.
"We'll be talking soon Dr. Blake."
She muttered under her breath as he turned to leave. "I'm sure we will."
Allison leaned against the edge of the desk in an attempt to calm herself. She could feel the makings of a potent migraine starting at the base of her temple. She needed to release the pressure, and she knew right where to go.
She went in search of Tess who was currently located in section two working on a device which would capture memories for a Eurkea time capsule. Allison didn't know what she was going to say when she got there, but right now it was all adrenaline pushing her forward. As she rounded the corner she came to a dead stop as Tess appeared from around the bend. They started each other down like two gunslingers from an old cowboy movie. Allison on one end, her arms crossed in defiance. Tess at the other, a triumphant smirk on her lips. Slowly they walked nearer, meeting midway, neither willing to give in an inch.
"You know Tess, that cockamamie, bullshit story you told General Mansfield won't hold water. There was never any blatant acts of sabotage, just failed experiments. That's what happens when you test new boundaries in the scientific field."
Allison softened her tone, not to make Tess feel at ease, but because honestly, she had tired of the whole ordeal.
"I don't get you Tess. What's your end game? Jack is not leaving me for you and it seems you've gone to considerable lengths to tarnish my name. Let me tell you something though. I will not stand idly by while you slander me with salacious lies. I will exonerate myself, this staff, this facility, this town and it's people."
Tess shrugged her shoulders, unconcerned.
"I know Jack's not coming back and frankly, I wouldn't take him if he did. I lost that battle, but I will win the war."
"There is no way they'll believe you Tess."
"Maybe not, but by the time they finish dismantling every piece of data, shred of paper and interview every person in Eureka, either the stress or the damage to your reputation will end your career."
"You know Tess, I never thought you had it in you. No, I take that back, I did know. I just chose to ignore it. To think, all of this over a man."
"Initially it was about Jack, but we're way past that point now. Allison, I never had what you had. I tried to emulate you in school, tried to model my career and personal life after yours but, it wasn't me. So I've decided, if I can't make my own, I'll just take what you have."
Allison stood in stunned silence as Tess turned sharply on her heels and continued back to her work area. Allison holed away in her office the rest of the day and into part of the evening preparing what she knew would have to be a good defense. The nanny was with Kevin so that was one less thing she had to worry about tonight. She finally got home at nine o'clock and crawled into bed, completely exhausted. Jack called her and offered to come over, but really all she wanted was to be alone. She decided not to tell him about General Mansfield or Tess, knowing it would just upset him.
The majority of the night she slept fitfully, unable to find a comfortable position. Her stomach was bothering her, more than likely from the rushed lunch she'd inhaled late that afternoon on top of her frayed nerves from her dealings with Tess and General Mansfield. Hoping that it would eventually pass, she at rested on her right side, the only position that offered comfort and relief, then drifted off.
At twelve-o-three that morning, Allison awoke startled, an acute pain shooting throughout her abdomen. It was unlike any sensation she'd felt before, literally causing her to see stars. She slowly tried to move into a seated position, anything to alleviate the pressure. Each movement sent another shockwave through her system. The furtherest she could manage was to roll to the opposite side, her legs unwilling to cooperate. She rose up on to one elbow and threw the sheet across her body. Even though the only light in the room was the moon which shone through the window, she was still able to see the dark pool of blood that soaked the middle of her mattress. In reaction, she immediately panicked, then took several deep breaths. She knew becoming hysterical would only exacerbate her situation.
Forcing herself to think clearly, she closed her eyes and pondered her predicament. Yes, she had a medical background, but in stressful moments, it was hard for a physician to diagnose themselves. She could feel her energy draining so, she painfully groped on the nightstand for her phone to call for assistance. Barely able to utter a complete sentence, she was able to get her message across before passing out.
Back at the bunker, Jack was having a wonderful dream and was in such a deep sleep that the ringing of the phone failed to stir him. It took a thunderous call from S.A.R.A.H before he reluctantly opened his eyes.
"Ugh. S.A.R.A.H what time is it?"
"Three twenty-nine Sheriff Carter."
"S.A.R.A.H, this better be an emergency because if it's not I'm having Fargo disassemble you."
"Sheriff Carter, it's Dr. Blake."
He quickly became alert. "What?"
"She's been rushed over to the medical wing at GD."
"Is the baby coming?"
When S.A.R.A.H didn't answer right away, Jack knew something was wrong.
"No, Sheriff Carter. Somethings wrong."
Jack moved with a sense of urgency unlike ever before. He gave S.A.R.A.H instruction to watch over Zoë and inform as much as she could, but be careful not to scare her. He asked if she knew if Kevin was okay and once his curiosity was satisfied, he left out, his jeep's sirens blaring, cutting through the tranquility of the night.
Racing as fast as his feet would carry, Jack rarely found himself on this side of complex. He was constantly surprised by the immense and intricate layout of the grounds. When he entered he was met by Jo and Zane who suspiciously looked to be in the same rumpled condition. Henry and Fargo slide in, seconds behind him and over in one corner, his head bowed down was Kevin, Andy settled beside him attempting to alleviate his fears.
Jack didn't know if he should have been surprised or not, but Tess was no where to be found.
His brow furrowed, Jack was touched to see them there. "How...?"
Jo piped up for the group, "S.A.R.A.H called us. We had to come."
Jack was deeply and sincerely touched. He sometimes forgot what a tight knit group they were. Why wouldn't they be there for her in her time of need?
"Thanks guys."
Unprepared for what he would find, Jack cautiously crossed the threshold into her room. What he saw broke his heart. She lay there hooked up to various equipment he couldn't even begin to understand or explain. One thing was for sure, it wasn't the usual medical fare.
He carefully walked up beside her, a lump in his throat. Even though her eyes were closed, he could tell she had been crying, her tear stained pillow showing the evidence. He lightly took hold of her hand and squeezed. Opening her eyes, they spoke no words. All he wanted to be with her and if the smile in her eyes were any indication, she felt the same way.
Dr. Monroe entered the room and approached Allison's bedside. Allison had know Grace Monroe professionally for about two years and personally for one. When she'd first arrived in Eurkea, they often conferred on various diagnoses. They would on occasion have lunch in the cafeteria or coffee on break. It wasn't until about a year later that they made plans to get together outside of work. Grace invited Allison over to her place for brunch and that was how their friendship grew. Even though Eureka seemed like a small town, people often failed to realize how vast and different each person in the community was. So it was not uncommon to live here and not have regular contact with the same people every day.
Placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder, Grace addressed them both.
"Allison's had a partial placental abruption which is a separation of the placenta from the uterine lining. This type of trauma usually occurs during the third trimester and typically affects about one percent of all pregnant women. Now she's had some bleeding, tenderness, abdominal pain but, we've managed to get it under control."
His voice wavering, Jack asked the question he knew Allison couldn't. "Is the baby okay?"
"Fortunately yes. There had been signs of heart rate anomalies and Allison has been having moderate contractions, but we've slowed them. There was concern that the transportation of oxygen and nutrients to the baby were interrupted but, all is well. We'll give her an ultrasound, run some blood tests, and keep monitoring the baby. In all likelihood Allison, you'll be able to deliver normally."
Jack turned his head to view Allison, relieved that she seemed again composed.
Grace faced Allison, focusing the attention solely on her. "Allison, what I am recommending for you is bed rest until the baby is born due to the severity, location, and age of the pregnancy."
"Bed rest!" Allison gingerly raised herself into a seated position.
"There's no way I can take off now. There are still a hundred things I need complete before the baby arrives. A situation has...presented itself at work that needs my immediate attention. Not to mention I have to look after Kevin, he needs me. I can't Grace. This is not the right time. We'll just have to find another solution."
Before Allison or Grace could utter another word, Jack spoke up.
"Allie, you are taking time off. You and Kevin are staying with us at the bunker. You're going to allow Tess to step in and handle business while you're away and I don't wanna hear another word about it."
At that moment, Allison saw a new facet of Jack's personality. She wasn't used to anyone telling her what to do, let alone boldly making decisions for not only her, but Kevin. Hands on his hips, a stern look on his face, he was unable to hide the concern and love for her in his eyes.
Allison knew he only wanted what was best for her and Kevin, as he always had. And so, she acquiesced.
Grace granted Allison a few moments with her visitors, then good-naturedly ordered her to get some rest.
Allison was grateful to have them all here, this was her family. Feeling her eyelids grow heavy, she insisted they all go home, Jack included. Though he protested, she asked him to look after Kevin and she was sure Zoë would be worried. With resistance he finally left, taking Kevin with him only after Jo volunteered to stay with her through the night.
Allison was appreciative for the company and because it was Jo and no one else, she felt safe as she allowed her emotions to get the best of her and broke down. She recounted her meeting with General Mansfield and confrontation with Tess and to Jo's credit she listened attentively, but never babied or dismissed her notions as paranoia. Besides, that wasn't Jo's style. Beginning to feel drowsy, Allison feel asleep while talking and slept through the rest of the night, unaware of when Jo left her side.
Back on the other side of town, Tess was roused out of a sound sleep by the ringing doorbell. She turned to look at the clock, amazed to see it was six in the morning. She couldn't fathom who could be at her door so early. Being it was Eureka, she could only imagine an accident occurred that needed her expertise.
She carefully trudged toward the door, wiping the crust from her eyes. She opened the door, surprised to see the visitor on the other side, who themselves looked as if they had been roused from a restful nap also.
"Jo, what are you..."
And that was the last thing Tess remembered saying.
Next: Chapter 9 - Revenge Is A Dish Best Served Cold.