"Are you sure you want to be here for this?" Mac asked Alexis, careful to not give himself completely away. He was worried. What if the news wasn't good? Of course, what could be worse than losing a child? Something in Detective Harper's voice had set him on edge and he was going to get to the bottom of it right now. If he had discovered something, was it possible it was that the slain little girl Alexis had been so convinced was her daughter was in fact someone else and alive?

"This was your idea." Alexis reminded him. She couldn't pretend she was sore at him for pushing the issue; it was more that he had forced open old wounds. Still, she had been the one to bring it up in the first place. It was her guilty conscience, she supposed. "Did he say what he found?"

Hearing the faint hope in her voice, Mac instantly regretted telling her anything. Detective Harper could present them with the same information they already had. He could be setting her up to get her heart broken again. "No. He wasn't specific on the phone. He said he wanted to discuss it here." And that made Mac very nervous. What couldn't his detective say over the phone?

"I want to know once and for all." Alexis said. "I've lived with this guilt for thirty-one years."

Mac put his hands on her shoulders. "You have nothing to be guilty about."

"I let him take her." Alexis muttered. "I knew he was a monster, but I was stupid and in love with him anyway."

"You didn't let him take anything." Mac contradicted, shaking her. "He came into your house and stole her. Do you hear me? You had no decision in any of that." The knock at the door interrupted them. "Come in." He watched Alexis put some distance between them and worried he might never find a way to bridge the gap again.

Harper cautiously stuck his head in and nearly backed right back out the door when he noticed Alexis sitting next to Mac. He had hoped to be able to go over this information with the Commissioner alone and figure out a rational course of action. But apparently, just like Samantha, the former DA had other ideas. At least he had accomplished the small miracle of having her wait in the hallway while he talked to Mac. He couldn't imagine how much more awkward this would be if she had followed him in here, as she originally planned.

"Commissioner." He nodded and turned towards Alexis. "Ms. Davis. I wasn't expecting to see you here."

"This is about my daughter, isn't it? I think I'm entitled to be here." Alexis's voice was dull, but there was a challenge lying between them.

"I never said you didn't have that right. I just wasn't expecting you." Harper explained.

"I'm sure Detective Harper meant no disrespect." Mac assured his fiancé. "What did you find out?"

Harper took a deep breath and made sure the door was fully closed behind him. He wouldn't put it past Samantha to barge in here if she felt he was taking entirely too long and announce what they had discovered herself. Someone in this room had to be logical and it looked like it was going to be him. "It's nothing concrete, but I think your case intersects with another one I am working on."

"Which case is that?" Mac wanted to know.

"What does my daughter have to do with one of your current cases, Detective?"

"Not exactly a case. More like a favor to a friend." Harper explained, fudging the truth just a tiny bit. "See she was also given up by her birth mother and I've been assisting her in trying to locate her."

"Are you saying...?" Alexis let the question hang in the air.

"I have no proof." Harper stressed, just as he had with Sam a week before. "But there exists a possibility she could be your daughter."

"If you have no proof, then why are you wasting our time with this?" Alexis demanded, slamming her right hand against Mac's desk.

"Alexis, stop." Mac whispered. "What makes you think the two are linked?"

"My friend knew she was born in Victory, Vermont and we started looking through records from there. We found a promising lead on a Natasha Davidovich who appeared to have a child around the time she was born and in the same area." Harper paused and looked over at Alexis. "I'm assuming that name is familiar to you?"

"Yes." Alexis nodded slowly. "I changed my name when I left home...to escape my father and stepmother."

Nodding, Harper continued. "Then I assume it was your father and stepmother who had the birth record of your child erased from the county registry. We've tried to find them but no luck. At the time we thought our only option was to track down the disappeared Ms. Davidovich and hear her story. Then you asked me to look into this Sir, and well I couldn't ignore the possibility."

"What's her name?" Alexis inquired timidly.

"Samantha. Samantha McCall. You've met her I believe."

Alexis was thankful Mac had taken hold of her elbows because she was sure she would have fallen at Detective Harper's feet. She could feel Mac's breath on her neck; she let her shoulders relax. From the moment he had broached the idea of her daughter being alive, she had felt as if her heart was constricting more and more until she couldn't breathe. "I want to talk to her."

Harper nodded. "She's in the hallway waiting. She was a little anxious to talk to you as well."

Mac turned her in his arms. "Are you sure?"

"Yes. Come this far, right?" Alexis tried to laugh, but it was hollow.

Harper made his way over to the door, sticking his head out, praying he was doing the right thing. If this was all just a cosmic coincidence, he thought as Samantha stood up and made her way towards him, this wasn't just going to kill her, but it would hurt Alexis Davis as well, a woman he actually admired and respected. When Samantha got close enough, he reached out and took her hand into his own, squeezing it for reassurance. Leading her into the room, he took a deep breath. "Alexis Davis, this is Samantha McCall."

It all made sense now, Alexis thought to herself. She finally understood why she had been so haunted after meeting Samantha McCall that day outside of Steven's hospital room. Her eyes hadn't immediately made the connection, but her heart had. What was she supposed to say? Beneath the frightened expression the young woman wore, Alexis also saw the wariness. God only knew what Aaron had told her when she was growing up. If this was in fact her daughter, what of the newspaper article? It was possible her father had staged it. Should she ask for details? Would that prove or disprove this woman's identity for her? Later, she told herself. "Hello."

"Hello." Sam's voice cracked slightly. She cleared her throat. "I don't want to cause any trouble. I just want to know if you're my mother and, if you are, why you gave me up." Direct was the only way to go, she decided.

"First of all," Alexis said in a trembling voice, "If you are my daughter, I never gave you up. You were kidnapped."

*****

Ever since he had accepted the job in Australia, Steven had been trying to figure out how he was going to tell his baby sister. He vividly remembered her response to Grams moving out. Of course, at the time, her hormones had been a little out of whack. Still, he knew his sister was all heart. It was one of the reasons he had always wondered if she was blood related to their parents and Sarah. Gathering up his courage, he knocked quietly on the door under the excuse that he didn't want to wake the twins or Cameron if they were taking a nap. In the back of his mind he knew if they didn't hear him, he would have a valid reason for not telling her yet.

It was a wonderful opportunity Georgie kept saying. A once in a lifetime chance. She seemed to think they were going to be gone for a few weeks and then come home and he knew differently. The man was an artist, but not a miracle worker. Movies took time to shoot and edit and actors had a tendency to suck at least the first hundred times they worked a scene. It was going to be all about appointments and deadlines. It would be just like last year when the only way he had been able to contact anyone was by phone. He didn't want to think about how big Cameron and the twins were going to get in his absence and if Grams would be alright living alone again. Who would protect Elizabeth from their parents if he was gone?

What would his role be once they left? Great Uncle Steven who watched his niece and nephew grow up in pictures on postcards and Christmas cards? Would they even remember him? He and Elizabeth were closer now than he could remember them ever being and he didn't want to lose that bond. Did he really trust Lucky Spencer, the playboy mogul, to take care of his sister? I have to, he thought angrily. There was no alternative. The guy was okay. He didn't deserve Elizabeth, but she seemed to like him. Okay, love him. And Steven had gotten to see firsthand how well Lucky took care of his family.

"Steven?" Elizabeth asked as she answered the door. "What are you doing here?" Cameron and Lucky were out at the park and the twins were playing in their playpen while she tried to get some housework done.

"Can't I visit my little sister once in a while?"

"You can. But generally you like to call first to make sure Lucky isn't home."

"Is he?"

"No. He and Cameron are at the park right now. Come on in."

Steven noticed the twins in the playpen and walked over to make funny faces at them. "How's it going?" He asked Elizabeth.

"It's good. I'm just glad Cam is home and we can focus on being a family again you know?"

"I'm glad too. I know you much you care about that little boy." Steven replied.

"Yeah. And speaking of Cameron, it's a good thing you came by. I needed to tell you we'll be going out of town for a bit."

"Out of town?" Steven told himself not to panic.

Elizabeth nodded and leaned down to tickle Jake under his chin. "Lucky and I are going to take Cameron on a little trip to help defeat some of the things Lisa and Tony told him while he was them. We'll be going to Disney World in a few weeks."

"How are you going to enjoy Disney World with twins?"

"They aren't coming. Part of what we are trying to convince Cameron is we do love him as much as we love the twins. So Jake and Gracie are going to stay with Robin and Patrick."

"You picked Patrick over your own brother?" Steven was incredulous.

"It's called practice. And Robin knows if at any time Patrick freaks out, you are the first one to call to save the day."

"Thanks for that I guess." Steven muttered.

"Are you hurt?" Elizabeth laughed as she teasingly punched him in the arm. "I thought you didn't participate in the Best Uncle War."

"What? Oh, no I'm fine." Steven lied. He had planned on spending every waking moment before he left with Elizabeth and the rest of his family, but now that wasn't going to be possible. Suddenly, he didn't want to tell her his reason for coming over. "Look, I told Grams I would pick up steaks for dinner."

She didn't miss the way his speech hurried when she told him her news or the way he was nervously looking at the door. There was something going on here. "Steven is something wrong? You're not really hurt are you? It's not that we didn't consider you, but between Grams and Georgie and no one really knows what your next move is with your job and all, I just...I just thought it would be less of a hassle for the twins to go with Robin and Patrick."

"I know. It makes a lot of sense." Steven agreed.

"So why are you running out of here like the house is on fire? I mean it's two in the afternoon Steven. Yes Grams likes to eat early, but not this early." Elizabeth joked.

"I'm not. I promised to cook and I guess I'm a little nervous about it."

"Well I do know your fear of the fire department, but are you sure that's it?" Elizabeth shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know I just get the feeling there is something else going on here."

"I would tell you if there was."

"Alright." Elizabeth eyed him skeptically. She didn't fully believe his story but she wasn't going to push him anymore. If he wanted her to know, he would tell her. "Do you really have to go right now? It's pretty quiet right now and as much as I love them, Jake and Gracie need to learn some conversation skills."

"I can stay for a while."

*****

The sunset painted the normally dreary docks in a golden glow. This was the only time Ric could understand the appeal this place had on the town. The last rays of daylight danced across the water, reflecting the lights across the buildings and wooden planks in a million twinkling directions. It was, almost, the most romantic setting he had ever experienced, if he was the type of guy who considered such things.

He had planned tonight carefully, wanting to either cheer Maxie up if the interview went badly or help her celebrate if she impressed in the way he knew she could. When Maxie Jones put her mind to impressing something, she was unforgettable. He should know; he hadn't been able to forget her from the second he met her.

His message had been vague: Meet me at the docks and wear something pretty. He was obviously unbalanced. The docks weren't safe in the daytime; what made him think they would be once the sun set? Still, she told him she would and spent a ridiculous amount of time getting ready. Her outfit was the first thing she considered. There was a white cocktail dress she had bought a few months back and never worn. She had just the right silver heels to go with it. Though she normally left it down, tonight she pinned up her hair and used enough hairspray to catch a small country on fire. Last, she worked on her makeup and it took the least amount of time. A few swipes of mascara and pink lip gloss. Whatever he had planned tonight, she thought eagerly, at least she would look fantastic for it.

Maxie smiled when she caught his handsome back head. He was staring out at the water in a crisp black suit, hands shoved in the pockets of the jacket. If nothing else, the man made an entrance. She noticed it when they went anywhere. Every woman's head turned when he walked past them, but his never did. "Fancy meeting you here." She drawled with a smile.

"It is a funny coincidence." He smiled and held her hands out to inspect her. "You look beautiful."

"Thank you. You don't look so bad yourself."

"Thank you." He winked down into her blue eyes. "Now as much as I know you would love for me to stand here all night and admire you, we do have a reservation to keep."

"Oh do we?" Maxie watched him with narrowed eyes, her smile never leaving her face.

"We do." With a smirk, he gestured to the yacht anchored just off shore. "Our chariot awaits."

"That's a yacht." Maxie announced stupidly with wide eyes.

"You know me." Ric leaned down to whisper in her ear. "Never do anything small."

"Thank God for that. You know how easily I get bored with conversation." Maxie took his offered hand as he led her to the yacht. If she was still breathing, she was unaware. "When did you have time to do this?"

"I had to do something while you were busy preparing."

"I didn't take that long." Maxie defended herself.

"I meant for your interview Blondie. You ignored me shamefully for the past week."

"Well I had good reason. Don't worry. You have my complete attention...unless my phone goes off. And then I may have to steal the inflatable boat on the side." She joked.

"In that case," Ric drawled leaning across her to grab her bag from her hand. "I better take this."

"Where are you putting that?" Maxie demanded lightly.

He winked as they made their way onto the ship. "I guess you'll just have to search me later."

"Why wait?" Maxie challenged, walking toward him. She slid her hands beneath the suit jacket to stroke his ribs roughly.

"Dinner will get cold." He protested mildly, leaning down to kiss her lips.

"Dinner?" Maxie couldn't ignore the warning or the grumbling of her stomach. She hadn't stopped all day not even for a snack.

He laughed lightly. "Come on. I don't want you starving after I've spent so much time preparing this feast for you."

"You cooked for me?" Maxie traced his bottom lip with her fingertip, her gaze lazy.

"All your favorites." He promised, nipping at her fingertip.

"Well, let's eat then." Maxie suggested suddenly, breaking the sensual spell and walking toward the tiny white table in the corner.

Ric chuckled at her attempt to regain control of the situation. Two could play that game. "We can eat when you tell me about your interview."

"But I'm hungry." Maxie whined.

"It's the only way I'll know which dessert to serve you."

"The interview was..." Maxie grappled for the right word. "Fine."

"Fine? Fine doesn't get you chocolate mouse."

"That's low." Maxie complained.

"So is wearing that dress with the sole purpose of teasing me all night." Ric pointed out.

"What can you mean? I don't tease." Maxie countered. "It went wonderfully. Fiona loved my new designs and she gave me a job. It's nothing glamorous, just assistant for now."

"Congratulations!" Ric made his way around the table and dropped down to kiss her. "I knew you would impress her."

"I don't think I stopped shaking until you called me tonight." Maxie leaned forward and wrapped her hand around his neck, drawing him closer for a much deeper kiss.

"This is just the beginning for you. I know it. Today the assistant, but tomorrow you'll be running the whole thing." He promised, moving his fingers to disentangle her hair.

"You're just trying to butter me up." Maxie charged, sighing at the feel of his fingers combing through her hair.

"No." He shook his head and moved to kiss her neck. "Just being honest."

"Wha-what about dinner?" Maxie asked helplessly.

"It can wait. Right now we have to celebrate."