Author's Note: This story has about two more chapters to go. At this time, I would like to thank everyone who has read and reviewed. I would also like to thank those who have placed this story on alert and placed it in their favorites.

I am in the process of researching my next story which will be historical fiction and will take place before, during and after the Civil War. I hope that you'll enjoy it.

Chapter 23

Old Dreams Shattered and New Dreams Begun

"Are you quite sure you want to go through with this madness?" I asked Ethan, slowly moving toward him. "You know if you kill Danielle, you'll be put in prison for murder; that is if you live long enough yourself."

Ethan brought the knife down again. Maybe some sense had seeped into his brain, after all. I was wondering if I could possible talk him out of this madness.

"You want her," Ethan said, a smile playing on his lips. "Come and get her." And he shoved Danielle into the arms of her father, who, with her mother, quickly stood aside at my signal.

Ethan threw the knife at me next and I picked it up. I should have known better because he wasn't through yet. He grabbed a smaller knife from his pocket and held up and pointed it at me as if it were a sword.

But I was quicker and my knife was bigger. I was able to knock the smaller one out of his hand. I kicked it away with my right foot, so that he wouldn't be able to reach down and grab it back.

I grabbed him and pulled him toward me, into my arms.

"Throw me your ropes," I instructed Danielle's mother and she did what I asked. I tied Ethan up and gagged him with the same ropes that he used for Danielle's parents.

Ethan struggled to free himself and I knocked him out with two punches and he crumpled in a heap to the floor.

I turned to the Danielle and her parents, although I was addressing Danielle.

"You will stay here while I take this fool to the Council to see what is to be done with him. I will return when I can."

"Rider," Geoffrey King, Danielle's father, called out. "Go in peace and return safely to us. We have a lot to discuss."

I smiled. "I shall be back within the hour. Please wait for me."

Danielle's mother, Martha King, smiled. "We owe you our lives, Thomas Flynn Rider, as well as our daughter's. With our permission, you shall have the one you've always dreamed about. "

I smiled as I picked up Ethan Carver from the floor. "There is nothing I want more, my lady. Now if you'll excuse me, I have some things to take care of.'

And with a last look, I threw open the door.

And I was lucky enough to return within the hour and start my new dream.

XXXX

Eugene stared. "You can't be the Thomas Flynn Rider. I think he's been dead for centuries."

Flynn Rider laughed. "It's true, Eugene. I have carried the name of my illustrious ancestor all my life. It is my company, you know. Your father worked for me and he did a fantastic job, if I may say so. And so did Greta Gothel. They both promoted my tiny company and made it what it is today. I'm in debt to them both, although both are now dead. So you see, Eugene, I need you to carry on where your father left off. I'm opening up a new office on Charon and I need you to carry on your father's work; not here of course, but in our new facilities in Charon."

Eugene stared at him. "I can't do that, Mr. Rider. Not now anyway. I need to find someone that I love very much and I need to tell her that I love her."

He turned to his mother. "And I will not marry Donna, Mother. I'm not in love with her and I will never be in love with her."

Olivia smiled. "We got a phone call from Donna. She's already married, Eugene. You won't have to worry about that. It's; someone that she's been seeing for some time; someone that we never even suspected.

Eugene frowned. "Who?"

"My son," Joseph said, "they've been seeing each other since they were children."

Eugene smiled and shook his head. "How can that be? We should have seen them together."

"You did," Joseph smiled, "many, many times. You and Rapunzel even played together. It's when they grew up that you never saw them together. They both worked for Rapunzel's friend, Eric. Eric and David showed up here together. He was the pressing business that Eric was working on. When she found that he was here, she grabbed Eric and practically drowned him with kisses."

"So Rapunzel was wrong about Eric, wasn't she?"

"No, my son, I was wrong. I was very wrong. I knew you and Rapunzel were attracted to one another, even at such a young age. I shouldn't have kept you apart. Donna told me what went on with Eric and Rapunzel. She was keeping the relationship alive to fool the media. He was abusive and was very handy with the ladies. You were right to get rid of him. Let's just hope he doesn't make revisit the two of you."

"Which is why we are sending you to Charon; my boy," Flynn said as he clapped him on the back. "Rapunzel is on her way there now. You won't have to convince her to be with you. She loves you very much."

He looked at Thomas Flynn Rider and his mother.

Eugene looked at the two of them. "What about you two?"

"Your mother needs some rest and relaxation, Eugene. The doctor told her that she needs to be away for a while. I'm taking her to the Healing Waters of Corsa where I have a small house until she recovers. I also have ties there and can keep an eye on the business. You see, Eugene, I'm not a married man, although I've known your parents a long time. I've always admired your mother and with her consent, I intend to marry her. So you see, Flynn Rider, you've finally become one of us."

Eugene was shocked. He didn't know what to say or do until Thomas handed him the one day ticket.

"Go on; get going, before her plane lands. Present that ticket to my secretary and she will let you on to my private jet. She's at the airport now, Joseph will gladly drive you."

Eugene was almost giddy with excitement. "I want to marry her, Mother." He turned to Thomas. "I want a honeymoon; I don't want to start right away."

"And you'll have that, Eugene, for as long as you need. But I will need someone to look after the business. And I still want you. You will learn, it will take time, maybe a year. That's when you will start. Do I make myself clear, my son?"

Eugene smiled and nodded.

"Now get going, before the plane leaves."