The Turbulent Road Ahead

By SigmaStar79

A/N: OK people, this chapter has a bit of a sad twist to it, but you will be alot happier with Frances after this. Again, I would like to thank the wonderful SEZ for being my Beta, girl you are the best and I hope everyone likes the new chapter. Enjoy

Chapter 17

When Frances left, Kate decided to take a long shower. The warm water felt good against her skin since the hospital room was a bit too cool for her liking. Knowing Mike would probably be back later, she made sure she was shaved and ready to impress. The thought of his arms around her were enough to remind her how she found herself in the current position she was in, but she found she just didn't care. She was anxious for his touch, his kiss, him.

Walking out the bathroom, she went to her drawers where she quickly found the silk nightgown her sister had bought her for her last birthday. Putting it on, Kate went to go and lie down for a bit. She knew she would have to be rested up if Mike Flynn decided to be frisky tonight.

A man came up behind her and grabbed her. Kate quickly disentangled herself and moved away, screaming for assistance. The guy punched her in the stomach and Kate screamed. Security ran into the room and quickly found themselves under attack from three other men. Soon three doctors ran into the room followed by some nurses. The men were soon captured and handcuffed by security who then called the police.

But the damage had been done. Doctor Hawkins looked and found Kate lying on the floor holding her stomach. Seeing blood on her nightgown, he screamed for one of the nurses to call Doctor Harper immediately. Kate cried out in pain as a contraction hit and the doctor got help to get her back into bed and rushed out the order for meds. Kate was in Labour.

Mike was just about to say goodbye to Christina, Pete, Dutchy, and Carol when he heard his mother scream. Running into the kitchen, Mike saw his mother crying and holding the phone. Shamus had grabbed the phone and asked what was going on while Joe was trying to console Catherine. Mike's stomach dropped when Shamus started crying. He knew then, something was wrong with Kate. He didn't hesitate to grab his keys and run out the door. He needed to get to Kate.

The waiting room in the hospital was possibly the worst place for Mike to be, even if everyone was there. Upon arriving, he learned that several men had tried to attack Kate which had caused her labour to start again. When he was told Kate was bleeding, he broke down. When Frances arrived, everyone was surprised when she grabbed a nurse and asked how Kate was doing.

"Frances" Mike cried out. Turning around, she saw her brother and ran to him, taking him in her arms.

"It's OK Mike. Kate is a fighter and so is your little girl. Have faith and they will be OK."

Mike cried into the arms of his older sister as she asked what happened. When told she became furious. They didn't know why until she told them they had attacked soon after she left, which meant someone was watching and waiting for her to leave. It had left her angry and she knew just who to be angry at. She dialed the number in front of everyone and said to keep quite. Frances was not going to let this go without a fight.

"Maxine White"

"What the hell were you thinking Maxine?"

"Frances? Frances what's wrong?"

"What's wrong is you had me followed, and don't say you didn't, your thugs were here"

Putting it on speaker, everyone heard her response.

"They were only there to tell Kate something, they weren't supposed to hurt you!"

"Well they did. Maxine this is starting to go too far. This needs to end"

"Maybe you're right, I don't know"

"Yeah well I do know. It's over Maxine, let it go. If you care for Mike at all, just let it go"

"Listen I have to go"

"Maxine"

"Bye"

"Maxine I swear-"

Before Frances could finish, Maxine hung up and Frances became so mad, she threw her phone across the room, shatterening it. Joseph grabbed his daughter and hugged her. He was proud of her for finally doing the right thing. He was going to let her know it too.

"I'm proud of you"

"Why?"

"Because you stood up for Mike, Kate and the baby. Because you finally accepted the truth."

Frances looked up at her dad and gave a small smile. She didn't feel like she deserved it, but she still stood there in her father's arms for a little longer. They all sat down and waited. Soon enough, Steve and Susan arrived as did the rest of the crew.

Two hours later Doctor Harper came into the waiting room to see it filled with Mike and Kate's family and the crew. That was a really good thing, because they were really going to need it now.

"Mike?"

Hearing Doctor Harper's voice, Mike sprung to his feet and rushed over. He wanted to know what was going on. Every minute he had waited had felt like years. Looking at Doctor Harper's face was heart breaking. One look told him something was terribly wrong, and he tried to brace himself for the worse.

"How is she? How is Kate?"

"She is recovering right now. She is in a lot of pain emotionally and physically. It was not an easy road she has just taken. I am recommending she stay in the hospital for a while, except for when you have the burial."

Mike almost broke down then and there. Burial meant to baby was dead. They had lost their daughter.

"Little Catherine has gone to the angels" Mike said, his voice breaking as tears streamed down his face.

"No, but little Mary Elizabeth has"

Mike looked at Doctor Harper. Was she saying what he thought she was saying? Everyone was watching and waiting.

"Due to the stress and the actual attack itself, Kate went into Labour. Before we could stop it, she felt the baby. At first we thought it was Catherine. Then the smaller baby girl came out. We preformed microscopic surgery and Catherine is alive and healing. We put in a cervical plug to stop her from losing anymore fluids and she will be on bed rest for the duration of the pregnancy."

Everyone started smiling and cheering, but Mike knew it wasn't over. He knew there was more, and he was right.

"She is going to be staying in the hospital until it is safe to deliver Catherine. I don't think she will make the full 19 weeks she has left, but if she makes it to the 32nd week it will be a lot better than right now. She wouldn't survive outside the womb now. But there is something else."

"What is it doctor?"

"Kate wanted to give you chance to say goodbye to Mary before we send her to the funeral home. She was born, so there is a birth certificate and a death certificate."

Mike followed Doctor Harper as did everyone else to a room far from the others. When they entered, they saw Kate with a very small bundle wrapped up and she was crying. Mike rushed to her and hugged her, which just made her cry more. Looking down, he saw the small shrivelled face of his dead little girl and cried. She looked so small and peaceful.

"Can I?"

Kate nodded and handed the little girl to him. She was small enough to hold in the palms of his hands, but she was still precious to him. Placing a soft kiss to her head, he was looking at Kate when Doctor Harper came back in the room to take the smaller baby girl away. She briefly told Mike and Kate a pastor would be in tomorrow to help them plan the service.

"I'm so sorry I wasn't here to stop them Kate" said Mike. Kate understood and hugged him. She knew it wasn't his fault, but she had other fears.

"Mike, I am sure she sent them"

"I know. Frances called and told a bit of a fib but used it to have a go at Maxine"

Kate's eyebrows shot up and looked at Frances. Everyone laughed at her response.

"I'm sorry I missed that, bet it was one hell of a go"

"Yes it was" said Christina as she patted Frances on the shoulder, both smiling.

Maxine was livid. She hadn't expected them to attack Kate and Frances. Her little spy at the hospital said she had delivered a little baby girl that was dead before birth. Forgetting Kate was supposed to have twins, Maxine threw a little party. Then it sank in she still had one more baby. One more baby to be rid of before she could have Mike. But she had to make this one look like an accident, which meant waiting a few weeks. Patience was not a virtue to her, but she had no choice. Looking at the syringe in her fridge, she smiled. She had what she needed. Now she just had to wait for the perfect time.

The next four weeks went by well. Mike was a bit sexually frustrated, but he really couldn't do anything about it for another seven weeks. In that time, a scheduled patrol took precedence and he had been gone most of the four weeks. When he finally came home, he noticed his family and Kate's had finished the basement and garage. The mail had been picked up and set on the inn table and a note on the fridge said Christina and Frances had gone grocery shopping for him the night before so he had food at home.

Mike went upstairs to look at all the furniture he was yet to put together. By now all the deliveries that were originally delivered to Mike's old house had been brought over and tomorrow he would sign the papers to hand over his old place over to Ryan permanently. He called the rental company and set up for them to remove everything from his old house tomorrow when he knew Maxine would be at NavCom so there would be no problems. Things had been fairly calm, but that didn't mean anything. He was notified that Maxine was up for a Court Marshal soon, although Maxine had no idea why.

Sitting down with his tool box, Mike set out to put his daughter's room together. Thinking about the crib made him reflect on the funeral for his other daughter. They had held it at the small chapel next to the hospital. A very small pink casket held Mary Elizabeth's body and even though it had been a closed casket, Frances had picked up a little pink preemie dress for her to wear. It had engulfed her, but Mike and Kate were just happy Frances was supporting them. It had been a hard time. Then Hammersley had been crashed sailed due to Maxine being mad that Mike was attending his daughter's funeral.

Everyone waited until the funeral was over before Mike helped Kate back to the hospital and then left for the ship. No one was letting Maxine White interrupt the little girl's funeral or taking away Mike and Kate's right to grieve over her passing.

Now, he was fixing up the room his little girl would soon be sleeping in. Catherine would be cherished and Mike planned to spoil her as well. All the guys had already tried to spoil her. 2Dads and Rebecca had bought a swing and bouncy chair for her. Charge had bought a Johnny jump up for her. When he heard from Pete that Kate was pregnant, Spider had a one meter tall pink teddy bear delivered to the house and a very large light green dolphin after he learned the walls of the room was to be decorated in them. RO had bought a small baby pool and a sand box for her to play in when she got a bit older. Nav had a walker and an exercise chair sent to them since she was on a frigate at the moment. Bird had bought a ton of little night clothes and dresses. Dutchy, with his sister Carol's help, had bought a large plastic toy ship with the name Hammersley printed on the side.

Swain and Ryan were about the worst though besides family. Everything Chloe used had been delivered to Mike. Bottles, and blankets, and clothes, socks, shoes, and toys; if Swain's daughter had grown out of it, it was currently in Mike's spare bedroom. Ryan had started a bank account for her. When he handed it to Mike, he said it was the kind that collected interest. He had started Catherine on her way to a college career.

It took a good three hours, but Mike was finally finished with the baby's room. The dolphin border was around the centre of the room, with the decorations on the walls. All the furniture had been put together and finished. He had moved the new light green toy box and the two small bookcases with pink trim into the room and filled the toy box with all the toys that had given to his little princess. The dresser and chest of drawers had been given a pastel blue trim had her larger toys and her small dolphin lamp was placed on top of the draws. Her pastel colored dolphin curtains were up and he had hung the nappy stacker by the changing table and made sure the nappy genie worked.

Smelling a delicious smell, Mike cautiously went downstairs. He wasn't too surprised to see Frances there cooking several pots of food and had several storage containers on the counter. He sat on the stairs for bit watching before he said something, scaring her and almost making her drop the pan of food she was putting in the oven.

"Hello, didn't know I order a chefo for my home"

"Really? Well Kate was worried you would just eat take out every time you were hungry, so she asked me to make sure you had some real food for you. I am cooking all of my specialties and freezing them for you to microwave later"

"Not that I'm surprised at Kate's worry or thankful for your help sis, but what are you cooking?"

"Lemon Chicken, Corn Beef for Ruban sandwiches, beef roast with vegetables, Lamb cutlet with Bavarian potatoes, vegetable soup, potato soup, orange Chicken, imperial crab and beef stir fry"

Mike laughed and took one of the apples from the counter before turning back to his sister and watching her cook. He was amazed at how well Kate and Frances became friends after everything. The fact she was just as protective now as Christina was hilarious.

"I thought you and Christina were busy planning a surprise for Kate"

"We have everything ready for the hospital baby shower little brother, how about you and Steve Marshall's secret plans for the surprise wedding you are throwing for the both of you"

Mike smiled at the thought of making Kate his wife and had to remember to control himself. This was no time to pitch a tent with his sister around.

"The chapel is booked for three months from now. I was joking around with Kate online one night and while we were playing truth or dare, I dared her to send me a truthful picture of her dream wedding dress. She has no idea it is currently sitting inside our wardrobe upstairs. I booked a day spa for her and her bridesmaids. I asked what her favourite flower was and double checked her favourite colour. Invitations have already been sent out, flowers ordered, reception hall booked and the DJ will be booked tomorrow"

"Honeymoon?" asked Frances curious.

"I have a friend who owns a yacht that I can borrow for a weekend. Mum said she would watch the baby. Christina has enough to worry about"

"So you've heard then"

"Yeah, she was confirmed pregnant yesterday. Pete promised to stick by her no matter what and I think that was just what Christina needed."

"I have to agree" said Frances as she handed Mike a beer before grabbing her own."This can't be easy for her. She feels like she is waiting for him to make his move. She swears she can feel him near her every time she goes to the hospital to see Kate, or the clinic next door for her doctor's appointments. She is running scared."

Mike nodded as he took a swig of his beer. He had to admit she was right. Everyone seemed to be waiting for both Maxine and Gerald to strike, and they knew it was only a matter of time before they did. With Kate being 25 weeks along now, Mike was hoping that Maxine had just given up, but he knew better. Maxine was a woman used to getting her way and she wanted him. She wouldn't give up so easily.

"Thinking about Maxine?" Frances asked matter of factly, but she could tell by the troubled look on his face that he was.

"Waiting not only for Gerald but Maxine. She's waiting to make her perfect move. I just hope I'm here to save Kate when she does"

Frances squeezed Mike's shoulder and then went back to cooking. Mike went down to the basement to start washing all of his, Kate's and the baby's clothes. Everything needed to be ready for when Kate gave birth.

Maxine was beyond mad. Every time she tried to talk to Ryan, he was busy. He was going out with friends, he had a date, he was busy. She tried to access his banking information only to find out he had changed all his passwords and PIN numbers. When she tried to go by Mike's house, she couldn't find his car. She looked at the hospital where she found it occasionally, but on that occasion it wasn't there either.

Ryan was currently at Kmart with Jessica Bird. He was walking around looking for different things for his new place. With his Uncle Mike giving him his old place he wanted to make it his own. He had already picked out everything for his kitchen, including his kitchen table and chairs. He was currently looking at grills and patio sets.

"I don't know which one I like better, the Arcadia set or the Ellison set. I already know I want the nexgrill 3 burner and that Kenmore smoker"

"Arcadia, easier to clean"

"OK then and I need to get extra chairs-"

"Folding ones will do nicely and they are easier to store when they're not being using so the back patio won't look too crowded"

"Good point Jess, how about a fire pit? Good or bad idea?"

"Good, the Jaclyn Smith one will go great with the set you already picked out "

"OK. What's next on my list, Jess?"

"Well you already know you have a bed and living room set from the boss, you picked out your patio, grill, kitchen essentials and blinds, so that leaves your bathroom and bedroom colours, such as sheets and comforters and such."

Walking over to the bathroom supplies, Ryan quickly picked a blue bathroom set and several blue towels. The sheets were easy as he let Jessica pick those for him as he looked at a new TV and stereo system. He also picked out another computer by the time Jessica came back with four separate bedding sets and a few rugs for the house. How she managed to put it all into a separate cart he had no idea. 'Must be a woman thing' Ryan thought to himself.

"OK Ryan, I'm exhausted, is this everything you need?"

"Yeah I think so. Jess I wanted to say thank you for helping me today. I really appreciate it"

"No problem" Jessica said giving Ryan a kiss on the cheek as they took their carts to the layby area and put several things on layby along with the information for someone to collect his bigger items. Jessica didn't even realise until she saw them putting things out the back that they also had a pool.

"Ryan when did you pick out the pool?"

"While you were looking for the bathroom the first time"

"Ah, naughty boy" giggled Jessica teasing him.

"Not naughty until I get you in a bikini" winked Ryan and Bird blushed. Ryan paid the deposit and then they drove back to Mike's house and parked in the garage instead of out front. He didn't want his Mum to know it was his house now.

"So when does the boss move completely out?"

"Tomorrow. He is bringing a moving truck over while Mum is at work. That way she can't try to stop him or follow him to his new house"

"Seems like a good plan. Want to start packing up his stuff?"

"No need really, he already has most of it except for his furniture."

"Well that's good" Jessica said before she turned around and was caught up in Ryan's kiss and embrace. Things escalated quickly from there and soon they were in his new bedroom. As he laid her down, all he could think about was how beautiful she was and how lucky he was.

The next day went as planned as Mike waited until Ryan had seen his mother drive to work before picking up the moving truck and heading to his old place. Backing up the driveway, Mike quickly got out and knocked on the door. Ryan answered the door shirtless with a cup of coffee in his hands.

"Come on in Uncle Mike, Jess was just cooking breakfast. Is anyone else coming over or is it just us?"

"Shamus and my Dad will be here in a bit. Why is Bird here, Ryan?"

Ryan didn't have to answer as Bird came out in jeans, a loose t-shirt Mike knew for a fact was Ryan's and barefoot.

"Hi boss, want some breakfast? I sorta figured you all might be hungry this early in the morning" handing Mike a cup of coffee the way he liked it. It only took looking at Ryan watching Bird walking back into the kitchen to know what the problem was.

"Ryan-"

"I know Uncle Mike; we don't take it on the ship. The Hammersley is work, home is home. We keep things separate. I read on Mum's computer that Bird was up for promotion Sir and with her paramedic's training almost finished, she might be transferred to the Kingston or Melbourne. Once that happens we can come out with no problems"

Mike looked impressed. He wasn't too surprised Ryan had followed his footsteps, but he didn't want the heartache that came with it.

"Just remember not to put anything above your love for her and keep things quiet. Don't make the same mistakes I made with Kate. Don't wait til it's almost too late"

"I won't. The moment she is promoted, we are coming out and I'm going to wait six months before I propose. I did learn from you Uncle Mike"

Mike had to laugh at that. Ryan was a lot more secure with his feelings than he had been, and he was proud he was learning from them. The plan he had already set out included Jessica and he had made sure he paved a way for them and their careers. As he sat down to eat, Mike had to be impressed. Ryan was doing his best and was making the most out of it. He was proud of his Godson.

Across town, Gerald finished with the escort he had hired and watched as the woman got dressed and left. After taking a long hot shower he sat down to look over his plans. The private jet was booked and ready. He bought a piece of property on one of the Truman Islands so that he could hide them all there until Christina was ready to give birth. By then she would be his wife again and she wouldn't want to leave. Making some phone calls, he made sure the house was fully stocked and ready. Pleased to hear the solar panels were up and the generator had already arrived, he asked how everything else was looking.

"Things are going excellent Sir. The personal garden has been finished and the house has been stocked to your specifications. All 12 deep freezers are here and are packed with food. The bedrooms are ready and the delivery room for your bride is being set up tomorrow. Everything is ready Mr. Perkins"

"Excellent" said Gerald with a smile upon his face. "I will be there to verify everything this week. I need to make sure everything is ready with the security measures I have taken before I bring my children and pregnant wife home"

"Yes Sir, we will be expecting you" with that the man hung up and Gerald started making calls about the job he had just finished. A small terrorist job but it had been easy for him. But then it was easy to start wars between countries in the Middle East. He had also done a job for someone in America and had been gone for almost a month.

Learning that Christina was indeed pregnant had been a blessing when he returned. Now it was time to prepare what he needed. Packing everything in the hotel room except the bare essentials, he took his items down to the car he had waiting and went to the airport. It was time to inspect his new family home. Then, it would be time to strike and reclaim what had been taken from him before.

"Almost time my beautiful Christina. Soon you will be back where you and our children belong. With me."