Gail glanced around the dark forest which surrounded her, she was wearing a small grey vest with a pair of navy blue long pajama's and the cold night air was causing goose pimples to form all over her bare arms. She wrapped her arms around her chest in an attempt to hold in some warmth; however, she felt herself shivering uncontrollably and just wanted to go home to her family.

As her bare feet tread carefully over the fallen twigs, she began to think about her life and how she had felt lost as a child. She had stumbled across the Kris Kristofferson song 'Little Girl Lost' when she was younger and the deep lyrics always stayed with her. At times she felt like she was walking through this world alone, not looking for a lover just looking for a home. The words of that song had shaped how she saw herself and helped her go through life with her detached way of being.

Growing up in Charleston alone had helped strengthen her character; however, it did nothing to ease her underlying feelings of being trapped in a place that she did not belong.

For years she thought the hidden feelings were down to losing her parents at such a young age and she just worked through it, strengthening her position within the Charleston Post and excelling as a professional; however, being in this mysterious place wherever it may be felt familiar and she had a sense of belonging. It seemed crazy but she had a sense of deja vu, as if she had experienced all this before and was bound to come her over and over again.

Gail shivered again and felt the twigs becoming harder under her bare feet, they were beginning to dig into the soles of her feet which added to her discomfort; however, she continued to move forward, ignoring the strange whispers that were all around her. The full moon was high in the sky and she allowed herself a quick admiring glance at it before turning her full attention back to her destination. She did not know where she was going but sensed she was getting close.

A loud snap came from her right and Gail was reminded she was on her own out here. She stopped for a moment, hearing the faint sound of twigs breaking not far from her position then picked up the pace and headed towards a clearing in the distance. As the sounds around her started to seem closer, her pace quickened until she was running for the clearing. When she reached it and turned back around to peer into the forest, she spotted a shadow behind a tree watching her.

Gail inhaled deeply and took a step forward wanting to find out who was following her; however, something deep within her made her halt and turned her around. She peered out curiously into the field before her filled with gravestones and walked out into the open, she sensed she had been here before but she could not remember when or where this location was.

Gail experienced a strong sense of being watched again and this would usually make her feel uneasy; however, she somehow knew she was protected here and sensed that this was her domain. This feeling was invigorating and for once in her life she felt she was somewhere that she truly belonged. Suddenly the cold did not bother her and she dropped her arms to her sides, letting the cool air dance all around her body.

As the wind picked up, she walked deeper into the field curious as to what she would uncover.

Caleb walked casually down the street towards school, humming Kris Kristoffersons 'To Beat The Devil' to himself. He found himself thinking about his cousin and that was the last song he had heard her play yesterday. She had not come home last night; therefore, he was not concerned about being late for school, but found himself thinking about her behavior of late.

Caleb was not a stupid boy, he saw more than people realized. For instance he knew if Gail was not home she was likely with Lucas and if Lucas was in a bad mood recently, it was likely something to do with Gail. He noticed his cousin was trying to do more simple things with him, like watch television with him and show interest in what he liked; however, he sensed something was not right with her.

His cousin loved music, not many people knew that about her as she liked to keep personal things to herself. She had been listening to more of Kris Kristofferson over the past few weeks, that would not concern anybody who thought they knew her; however, Caleb saw everything and had come to know his cousins tells. If she was happy she would listen to Johnny Cash or Elvis Presley, their music made her smile and dance which amused him. If she was annoyed or irritated she would listen to The Rolling Stones or ACDC, Caleb knew nothing about Rock music but had come to know his cousins favorite bands.

When she was contemplating something or was trying to make a big decision, she broke out her Kris Kristofferson records. Gail once told him that she connected with the pain in a lot his songs and they helped clear her mind. After several nights of listening to music with his cousin when it was just the two of them, he decided he preferred Cash over Kristofferson but made an effort to listen to what his cousin liked to strengthen their bond.

Caleb was not a clingy child and did not require a lot of outward affection; however, he sensed his cousin pulling away recently and found himself wanting to be with her more often. As she did not appear to care much about what he was getting up to these days, he had chosen to experiment with people the way his father did to see what would happen.

Caleb cut down a narrow path and came out at the school, he smiled when he saw Josh waiting for him and confidently strolled over to his friend as if he did not have a care in the world.

'Did you get it?' Josh asked nervously.

'Well mornin' to you too' Caleb said sarcastically and walked casually towards the entrance.

Josh sighed and grabbed his friends arm. 'Come on Caleb stop messin' around, we're late...Did you get it?'

Caleb smiled mischievously and reached into his backpack, when he pulled his hand out he was holding a Playboy swimsuit calendar and handed it to Josh. 'I told you I could get it'

Josh took the calendar and quickly hid it in his backpack, when Caleb had said he could get things he never believed he could get his hands on something like this. 'Ah man, you're crazy! What do I owe you?' Josh asked excitedly.

Caleb laughed and patted his friend on the shoulder. 'You don't owe me nothin'...maybe I'll ask you for a favor somewhere down the line'

'That's fine, whatever you want Caleb...I owe you'

Caleb smiled to himself, this deal business was not as hard as he thought it would be.

Lucas leaned back in his office chair and stared at the ceiling for a moment, he had not expected Gail to stay the night last night and although she had left before he had woken up he was still in a good mood. Harvard was still locked up in his cell without any interference from his love; therefore, he chose to take his time finishing up the arrest report.

A knock came at the door which brought Lucas out of his thoughts and he sat upright behind his desk. 'Come in...' he called professionally, then lay back again when Abraham entered the office. '...Since when do you crawl out from that Antique Store of yours to visit me here?'

Abe shook his head and entered the office fully. 'Careful boy, you're not too old to be put over my knee' he said sarcastically.

Lucas laughed then got up out of his chair and approached his friend. 'As interestin' as that sounds, I think I'll pass...What brings you to my neck of the woods old man?'

Abe sighed, he had always disliked being in the Sheriff's Station and he hated interfering with things; however, the young girl that now ran his Store insisted that he got involved in this instance and doing as she wished was the quickest way to shutting her up. 'Apparently you have a young Doctor locked up in your cells that you shouldn't...who've you been pesterin' now and why is this affectin' me?'

Lucas narrowed his eyes at his old friend, if Gail knew about Matt being locked up she would have been straight here which meant someone else put him up to this. 'Since when do you get involved in my business? I thought nothin' bothered you unless it directly involved your own?'

'When I'm gettin' my ear chewed off when I should be restin', it does involve my own' Abe said irritated, then walked over to Lucas' desk and sat down. All this activity was tiring him and he should be taking it easy.

Lucas sighed and shook his head, so this was Merlyn. He thought her attention would be elsewhere by now; however, it appeared she had not given in to temptation just yet. 'You need to show that girl who's boss friend' he said sitting down in front of Abe. They had known each other for years and he respected the man more than anyone else in his town, so he would not be offended by his visit.

'That girl is as hot headed as my Rosie...' Abe sighed, '...speaking of which, have you seen her today?'

'Gail? I saw her last night' he said with a wicked grin.

Abe gave him a warning look and shook his head. 'I ain't talkin' about last night you pervert and you can keep those activities to yourself. I'm talkin' about today...the poor young girl had to make her own way to the Store earlier, she was exhausted'

Lucas considered this for a moment, he had thought Gail had left early to drop the children off where they needed to be. 'Gail didn't take her in?' he asked curiously.

Abe shook his head and began to get concerned. 'Should she have?'

Lucas sensed the concern in his friend and stood up. 'Nah, she stayed late at my place this mornin' and is probably still fast asleep in my bed...' he lied, '...There's nothin' for you to be concernin' yourself with old man, but I'll go and check on her all the same'

Abe nodded, he could usually read Lucas as he had known him since he was a young boy and he did not appear to be concerned. 'Alright, as long as you're sure she's OK then that's fine'

Lucas patted him on the shoulder reassuringly and led him out of his office. 'Without givin' away any details, she needs the rest after what we got up to last night but other than that she's fine'

Abe regarded him in disgust, he hated the thought of his Rosie being defiled; however, she had made her choice to be with Lucas and she could have chosen worse people to give herself over to. Lucas was loyal when he wanted to be and the boy knew better than to treat someone like his Rosie in a bad way. 'Keep the details to yourself boy and send her my way when you find her' he ordered and left the building.

Lucas watched Abe leave then turned towards Ben, 'Go bring the car around front...there's something we need to do'

Ben nodded obediently and went to get the car.

Merlyn sat behind the counter of the Antique Store tapping her fingers impatiently, Abe had been gone for far too long and she was concerned about Matt being locked up. When Gail had called the previous night and advised she would be staying over at Lucas' Merlyn was far from impressed; however, when she got up this morning to an answer machine message for Gail from Matt, she became infuriated and knew Lucas was up to something.

She had made her own way to the Store and managed to start her shift on time, but all she could think about was Matt. She had been unable to reach Gail; therefore, the only other choice she had was to get Abe involved, as he only other closest adult to her.

The sound of the bell above the door ringing took Merlyn out of her thoughts and she stared at the attractive boy who had entered. She felt her cheeks become hot and began to blush, she did not understand why she was unable to control her reaction when it was just a boy. When the boy glanced at her and winked, Merlyn giggled to herself and smoothed down her long brown hair in an attempt to make herself look presentable. 'Is there somethin' in particular you're lookin' for?' she asked nervously.

The boy walked around the Store examining the unusual ornaments which were on display on the shelves. He picked one up and turned it over in his hand curiously, then turned towards Merlyn. 'Do people really buy these strange things? I mean where would you even put somethin' like this?' he asked.

Merlyn laughed and felt herself blush under his gaze. 'You'd be surprised what people like, my cousin has plenty of stuff like this around her house...she says it gives a place character'

The boy shook his head and carefully placed the ornament back down. 'I'd rather be out in the world buildin' my character...' he said and approached the counter. '...Aren't you bored all alone in this dull Store?'

Merlyn felt a tingling in her stomach and inhaled deeply, his scent was divine and she felt her temperature increasing the closer he came to her.

'That girl has a job to do Earl, now what are you doin' in my Store?' Abe interjected angrily.

Merlyn watched Earl stand up straight when he saw Abe and smiled. Although she was not happy with the interruption, she felt more comfortable not being alone with this boy. 'He was just lookin' for something for his momma' she lied, trying to protect this boy she did not know.

'Well that'd be hard seen as his momma left town a decade ago' Abe said and shook his head.

Earl put on his best innocent smile and turned towards the old man. 'That doesn't stop me from pickin' somethin' up for when she returns, this girl was just helpin' me find somethin' I guess'

Abe glanced at them both suspiciously. Youth of today thought they were so smart, he had been sneaking around with his sweetheart long before either of these too were a thought in their parents heads and could spot mischief a mile away. 'Did you find anythin' you like?'

Earl smiled at Merlyn and nodded, 'I think I have'

Merlyn stared down at her hands and bit her lip in an attempt to hide her smile, she did not know who this boy was; however, he made her feel good. 'You'll have no customers if you keep givin' them the third degree Uncle' she said, choosing to use the affectionate name for him like Gail did in an attempt to get him on her side.

Abe sighed and shook his head again, he was not one to get in the way of young love; however, he knew the type of boy Earl was and his Rosie would have his hide if he let this young girl get involved with him under his watch. 'Be gone boy, we're busy' he said and sat down behind the counter.

Merlyn watch Earl leave and her smile grew wider when he shot her a playful wink before closing the door. Suddenly she did not want to be stuck indoors and wanted to follow the intriguing boy she had just met, she knew she should not be so quick to drop everything and rush after someone she did not know; however, he seemed fun and she was suddenly aware of how boring her life was.

'And you judge me for spending time with a questionable character' Gail said sarcastically from the corner of the Store.

'Rosie!' Abe exclaimed and got up to meet his girl.

Merlyn looked at Gail shocked, she had not heard the bell to the Store ring more than once and had been totally unaware of her cousins presence. 'How long have you been here?' she asked, noticing something different about her cousins manner.

'Long enough...How are you Uncle?' Gail asked forcing a warm smile, she had not come here for pleasantries but Abe looked extremely pale and she supposed she should show a little concerned.

Abe smiled and put his arm around her, seeing her always brightened up his day. 'I've lasted this long Rosie, I ain't about to pack it in just yet'

'Well I should hope not...' Gail laughed and gave him a hug, '...So listen, I haven't got much time. Have you got a book on Trinity's religious monuments or something similar? You know like Churches or the most popular form of worship throughout the years?'

Abe regarded her suspiciously and took a step back. 'I dunno, maybe...why do you ask?'

Gail rolled her eyes and sighed. 'Relax Uncle, my editor wants me to write an article on how religion has changed in the town throughout the years and I just need a little background...Why are you so curious about my motives? Is there something I should be looking for in the religious community?'

Abe quickly turned away from her to hide his expression and walked towards his back room. 'Don't be silly, I'm just a nosy old man...I'll go see what I can find, give me a minute'

Gail nodded then turned her attention towards Merlyn, the girl was watching her like a hawk and could not hide her curiosity. 'What?' she asked.

Melryn shrugged and continued to regard her suspiciously. 'You didn't come home last night or this mornin' and now you show up here outta nowhere asking about religion in Trinity...What's goin' on Gail?'

Gail sighed and approached her cousin. 'Technically a rented property isn't really a home...I got caught up with something and stayed out, I'm an adult and am not required to explain myself to a young girl'

'Weren't you worried about me and Caleb? I mean anythin' could've happened while you were gone'

Gail laughed, 'In this town? Oh please...Lucas Buck would not let anything happen to that boy and I wouldn't let anything happen to you'

Merlyn was taken aback by the comment and could not hide her smile. It was nice to know her cousin felt protective of her, after the hell she went through living with her broken father she was not used to such a thing and it was good to know someone had her back with Lucas around.

'He wouldn't dare touch you...' Gail said reading her mind and started walking around the Store, '...One day you'll have to enlighten me on why you two dislike each other so much, but that's a story for another day'

Merlyn inhaled deeply and tried to hide her thoughts, she got the feeling if Gail found out what Lucas did to her there would be hell to pay and that would not work out well for her cousin. 'So what are you up to?' she asked changing the subject.

'Nothing really, just some research like I said...You know a lot about religion here don't you?' Gail asked casually.

Merlyn shrugged and glanced down the corridor when she heard Abe coming back to join them. 'I know a fair bit, why?'

Gail looked towards Abe when he entered the room with a large book and smiled. 'You're my hero' she said with a smile and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

Abe blushed and waved her away. 'Behave Rosie...will you be staying a little while?' he asked expectantly.

Gail took the book and shook her head. 'Unfortunately not today Uncle, but I'll make time to come by tomorrow...Can I borrow your assistant for the rest of the day?'

Abe looked suspiciously at Merlyn who just shrugged. 'I suppose so, there's not much to do here today...why do you need her?'

Gail was getting sick of being questioned but forced a smile. 'Oh you know, girl things...We'll see you tomorrow Uncle' she said and signaled for Merlyn to follow her out of the store.

Matt paced the small cell in the Sheriffs Station agitated, he had expected a visit from Gail by now and was beginning to get worried about why she had not come for him. He knew deep down Lucas would not hurt him or his career at the hospital at this moment in time, as the man would run the risk of loosing Gail for good and that was why he was willing to just wait this out; however, his friends lack of presence was starting to cause him concern.

'You and me both Doc...' Lucas said casually leaning against the bars of the cell, '...At first I thought the young girl in that family was more concerned about your welfare than your best friend and expected a good telling off by now, but now I'm wondering if Gail even knows you're here...It's curious really'

'So why not just let me out and you'll remain in her good books? I've got no desire to talk about you at the best of times, so I'm not going to bring the matter up in conversation' Matt said turning his attention towards the sociopath before him.

'If you knew the pleasure that inevitably comes when our fights end Harvard, you'd understand why that ain't happenin'...' Lucas said with a devilish grin, '...You know I actually thought you had a chance with her when she first arrived here, but you couldn't handle her dark side...No, that's something she reserves just for me'

Matt could feel his anger begin to rise and clenched his fists. He swore to himself that he would not allow Lucas get under his skin again, especially when he should be focused on other things at this time of year.

'If you were focused on other things previously you probably wouldn't be in mourning now Doc' Lucas said reading his mind and watched as the calm exterior of the good Doctor instantly turned hostile.

Matt could not stand anymore of Lucas' games and rushed up to the door of the cell and banged the bars hard with his hands. 'What do you want from me Lucas?...' he yelled, '...Is it not enough that you won with Gail and Caleb?'

Lucas laughed and moved his face closer to Matt's. 'I'll never be done with you Harvard, as long as you're in my town you're my pet'

Matt narrowed his eyes and stared at the man with hatred, he could see that Lucas was not going to let him out of his own accord and he may not be able to hurt him outright; however, he could continue to torture him mentally and there was nothing Gail could do about that.

'There you go Doc, you're finally beginnin' to understand. No matter how much you think you're protected by my other half, I can always get to you...She's mine and so is everyone in my town'

Matt hated hearing him refer to Gail as his property and shook his head in disgust. He pushed away from the cell bars and sat down on the hard bed in the corner by the wall. 'Well your possession appears to be busying herself with something more important than either of us at the moment Sheriff...I wonder how strong your link actually is?' he said calmly, knowing the words would irritate Lucas.

Lucas regarded Matt suspiciously and opened his minds eye in an attempt to locate Gail; however, as usual she appeared to be shielded from him. When Matt began to laugh Lucas left the cells and decided it may be beneficial to locate his love.

Merlyn reluctantly walked through the wooded area behind Lucas' property, clinging on to her cousins arm. She did not like this place as it had a dark presence and she did not know what they were doing here. 'Are we there yet?' she asked impatiently and gripped Gail's arm tighten when she felt a breath blow over her ear.

'Will you stop asking me that?...' Gail sighed, '...You always say you want to help me, well man up and help'

Merlyn kept looking behind her, she could have sworn she heard footsteps and felt as though they were being watched. 'I'm more than happy to help you Gail, but I'd rather stay in the land of the living' she said sarcastically.

Gail stopped in her tracks and turned towards her cousin, she started to wonder whether she knew something that she shouldn't then shook off the feeling when she saw the worried look on Merlyn's face. 'Look, will you trust me? I promise I won't let anything happen to you...I just need someone of your experience to glance over a few things'

Merlyn could sense her cousin was trying to reassure her and there was something within her that trusted she would protect her; however, she did not like where this was leading and the only experience she had with anything was being dead. 'I just don't understand what I can help you with and I don't think Lucas would appreciate me being this far into his property'

Gail rolled her eyes at the mention of Lucas and took hold of Merlyn's hand. They were close to her desired destination and she smiled when she saw the familiar clearing. 'I need you to help me open my mind' she whispered as they approached the clearing and felt her skin begin to tingle with excitement as they drew near.

Merlyn witnessed a sudden change in her cousin and she did not like the unusual look in her eyes. When they reached the clearing and Gail pushed her in front, her mouth dropped open and she stared at the open field before her in shock.

-To be continued-