Part 1:
Slowly the dark limousine pulled into the long drive, gravel crunching under the tyres. Sitting in the back resplendent in cashmere, diamonds and fur Alexis Colby twisted a handkerchief nervously between her hands.
By her side a smartly suited Blake Carrington watched amused.
"You'll twist that in two if you don 't stop."
Stopping suddenly Alexis turned to her smiling companion offering him a hand which he happily took squeezing it reassuringly.
"I know I am being foolish it's just moving back here, Blake I have such mixed memories of this house. I gave birth to two of my children here, we had so many wonderful nights but then there are the dark memories the awful memories."
"Alexis." Blake began gently. "That is all in the past. Don't torture yourself by dwelling on it now."
Forcing a cheerful smile on her face Alexis threaded her fingers through Blake's before pulling his hand onto her lap. Then turning her head she watched as the mansion came into view her smile growing as she felt Blake draw closer resting his chin on her shoulder.
"You're right it will be fine." Alexis murmured snuggling back into Blake's embrace.
"As long as we're together everything will be fine."
---
Pushing her chair around her new room Alexis tried very hard not to glare holes in the back of Gerard's head as he talked to her, and the nurse Blake had engaged, through the many modifications the Doctor had recommended to her suite.
Her suite, her own private suite, with an attached room for her nurse. Her suite that was at the far end of the mansion seemingly as far as a bedroom could be from the master suite without being in the grounds.
Part of her wanted to yell and throw things, the other wanted to nail Gerard to the floor and demand just who had suggested she be housed here.
Was it Blake himself or was this the staff's less than subtle way of telling her she wasn't wanted here?
Instead she fixed a dazzling smile on her face and choking down her pride thanked Blake's butler for his trouble. Returning her smile with a pleasant if non-committal one of his own Gerard quickly left her alone.
"Is there something I can help you with Mrs Colby?"
"No." Alexis replied simply wishing to be left alone to vent in private.
As soon as the door shut behind her Alexis cursed loudly and with feeling, throwing her fur down on the bed. Wheeling over to her nearest trunk she flipped it open grabbing whatever came to hand and then moving to the nearest chest of drawers she began to them fling in. She had half the case empty when there was a tentative knock on the door.
"Come in!" Alexis barked surprised when a rather sheepish Blake pocked his head around the door.
"I heard the war drums down the corridor and wondered if there was any chance of a peaceful settlement?"
"That depends."
"On what?" Blake asked as he entered and shut the door behind him crossing the room to lean against the dresser.
"On whether this arrangement was your idea or not?"
"You mean did I ask the staff to place you as far away as possible? Now why would I do that, it only means I have a longer walk every night."
Relieved that this arrangement had not been Blake's idea Alexis stopped throwing her possessions about and instead moved over to the chaise awkwardly shifting out of her chair to sit on the more comfortable seat. Once settled she patted the space beside her and Blake joined her a moment later wrapping his arms around her waist and drawing her close.
"You noticed that too." Alexis murmured into his shoulder.
"I wouldn't take it too much to heart, they probably thought they were doing something both of us would prefer. Most of them have never known us to be anything other than adversaries."
"Competitors." Alexis corrected causing Blake to laugh.
"Alexis if all my competitors were as tenacious as you I doubt Denver Carrington would have grown larger than a five well company."
"I'll take that as a compliment even though I'm not certain it was intended as one."
Laughing louder Blake caught her chin and placed a quick kiss on her pouting lips.
"It was indeed a compliment, when you set your sights on something it is a formidable force."
"Like a hurricane?"
Nodding Blake replied. "Hurricane, tidal wave, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and Alexis Colby all forces of nature."
"All Calamitous."
"You seem determined to twist my words tonight." Blake said sighing as Alexis tightened her grip burying her head deeper into his chest.
"Care to tell me what's really the matter, it's not just the room is it?"
Hesitating Alexis finally replied softly. "It's just whenever I pictured coming home, it was always to you, back to our life the way it was. Yet things aren't the same, our children have grown up, the house seems so empty and…"
"And…"
"And I had always imagined moving back into our bedroom."
"I see."
Lifting her head at Blake's tone Alexis reached up and stroked his cheek drawing his gaze down to meet hers. "That's all you have to say?"
Lifting his hand Blake grasped the hand delicately caressing his cheek and brought it to his lips, kissing the fingertips gently as he played for time before answering.
"I have to be honest with you Alexis…I don't think I am ready for that, I think we need to keep our own space."
"For how long?"
"For as long as one of us feels it's necessary." Blake replied bluntly, unable to vocalize the very real clenching of his gut that accompanied the idea of moving Alexis into his bed permanently. It would almost be like she had never left, erasing all that had been in between and he wasn't ready to let go of Krystle yet.
He had so little left of his wife, her scent had long since left the sheets but the soft negligee he kept under the pillow, that he could bring out and hold when he needed it still smelt of her perfume and he wasn't ready to give that up; not even for a real living breathing woman who loved him, not yet.
"I'm sorry if this disappoints you."
Forcing a smile Alexis shook her head pulling out of Blake's arms and shifting back into her chair to continue unpacking.
"Of course not, you can't help how you feel." She replied breezily in her best Alexis Colby fashion.
"I do love you." Blake insisted unable to quell the feeling of panic at her sudden coolness and absence from his arms.
"I know you do darling." Alexis retorted focusing her attention on her makeup brushes so she could ignored the niggle of fear that he was deluding them both; that what had felt so real and wonderful in California would vanish in the cold light of a Denver morning- that they were making a terrible mistake.
"Alexis…"
"Blake I'm tired and I'm sure you are too. I think I should take a nap before dinner perhaps you should as well."
Nodding Blake rose from the chaise unable to contain a shiver at the sudden drop in temperature, walking to the door he watched as Alexis slipped off her shoes and tugged her sweater off over her head leaving herself clad in a simple silk blouse and trousers. Rolling her chair over to the bed he watched as she struggled to shift from her chair to the higher bed.
Crossing the room in an instant Blake gathered a startled Alexis up in his arms but instead of simply setting her down he rolled them both on to the bed.
"You didn't say where I should take my nap…" Blake murmured teasingly against her ear, pulling her body against his and sighing as her body warmed his own.
"This position is hardly conducive for napping." Alexis moaned as Blake's hands rubbed up and down her side warming her skin with every touch.
"True." Blake retorted rolling onto his back and pulling Alexis with him so she ended up draped on top of him. "Is this any better?"
Nuzzling her cheek into his chest Alexis ran her hands up under Blake's sweater, "Better yes."
For a few moments neither spoke simple relishing the renewed contact, the tender caresses that conveyed their feelings far more effectively than any words of apology; until Blake felt the urge to speak.
"I could get used to this."
"Napping in the afternoon? Well you are getting older Blake…" Alexis retorted cheekily earning herself a playful slap to her rear from a less than thrilled Blake.
"You know very well what I meant."
Smiling into his chest Alexis muttered. "I do…Me to."
"Good because I should warn you Mrs Colby I am not a man to easily part with things once I have them in my possession."
"Really you astonish me." Alexis sarcastically retorted glaring up at a smug Blake before adding "And since when have I passed into Carrington ownership?"
Tightening his grip on her Blake placed a fierce kiss on her upturned lips. "Possession is nine tenths of the law, and right now I am feeling very possessive."
"Yes I was wondering what that was." Alexis said playfully wiggling against part of Blake that seemed intent on conquest.
"I thought you were tired."
"I was now I'm not."
"What a coincidence…" Blake murmured. "I am suddenly feeling anything but tired."
"Coincidence indeed." Alexis added meeting his lips halfway.
As Blake seemed determined to prove his ownership Alexis surrendered herself to his will. He was making love to her in his house, their home. It would only be a matter of time until they did so in their bed and she could wait, for as long as it took.
----
Part 2:
---
"Well isn't this cosy?" Alexis exclaimed trying to force some levity into the conversation but once more her attempt fell flat.
Both of her dinner companions seemed more interested in staring into their after dinner coffee than lively repartee with her.
Blake merely smiled briefly at her attempt, patting her hand in a gesture that Alexis couldn't help but feel slightly patronised. Perhaps that was how he was used to dealing with the sainted Krystle but by god she wasn't about to be brushed aside so easily.
Jeff by contrast hadn't seemed to have heard a word she had said, either now or all through dinner. He had pushed his food around, taking a few half hearted bites until Gerard had taken his plate away. The rest of the time he had stared off into space like a lost little boy and Alexis had to fight the impulse to demand outright what was wrong. Yet she had learned over the years there was a point to which you could push Jeff Colby, he had worked hard to become his own man, out of his Uncle Cecil's and even Blake's shadow and he resented interference in his personal life and emotions just as virulently as Blake did.
Perhaps if Blake had been absent she would have anyway, she could have taken the rebuff, but part of her was unsure.
It was a foreign feeling to Alexis, she was so close, too close to having back something so precious. Something she thought her youthful foolishness had destroyed forever that she found herself acting unnaturally cautious. To loose Blake now would be unthinkable.
So she found herself swallowing her curiosity, and forcing a pleasant if slightly false smile on her face. At first she had tried to fill the awkward silences, amusing little stories and anecdotes about their shared past. Then when even that had done little to draw the men from their silent musings Alexis had admitted defeat.
No not defeat -- a temporary withdrawal of forces.
Sipping at her coffee Alexis allowed the boys to wallow whilst she plotted. Clearly an upfront assault would only provoke resistance, what she needed was a new plan.
Divide and Conquer....
And like a modern day Cleopatra she knew just the right buttons to press...Or more to the point the right people needed to press them for her.
Clearing his throat Blake glanced between his two companions, not sure which worried him more, Jeff's depressive mood, or the Machiavellian curve of Alexis's smirk as she clearly pondered something.
"Jeff would you mind joining me in the library?" He asked suddenly jolting Jeff from his day dream.
"Umm no of course not Blake."
"I have something's I need to clear up."
"We do have a few things we need to go over." Jeff suddenly added, switching from melancholy boy to man of business in the flicker of an eye.
"You'll forgive us for abandoning you Alexis but you know business..." Blake added.
His nervousness only growing when instead of pouting in annoyance at being abandoned Alexis merely continued to smile serenely, sipping delicately at her coffee.
"Oh don't you worry about little me I'll be fine...I have some telephone calls to place in any case...You two run along."
Nodding as he followed Jeff down the hall Blake couldn't help but wonder what she was up to this time and what the consequences for him would be--he could only hope they didn't involve the couch or the dog house as he doubted neither were very comfortable.
Entering the library he found Jeff pouring himself a large scotch, which he then offered to Blake, a drink which he gratefully accepted.
"So." Blake began hesitantly unsure just where to begin.
"So." Jeff countered and the two men shared a smile. "The Texan deal went through without a hitch."
"It did--Everything else running smoothly at the office?"
Nodding Jeff took a seat on the couch. "There were a few problems, the share price has been a bit unsteady what with all the bad publicity over the Handler case."
"It'll settle down. When we find out just who was behind Captain Handler, find the proof we need that he was trying to frame me. Then we'll be able to squash this unlawful killing charge. Denver Carrington will survive, it always had."
"Blake..." Jeff began nervously. "I don't like to pry and you can tell me to keep my nose out of it. I know since I am not really a Carrington..."
"Now hold on there." Blake insisted, suddenly unhappy with way the conversation had turned. "You and Fallon may not be together but you are still a part of this family. You know that. You are the son I never had Jeff and your happiness is very important to me."
"So is yours which is why this makes this even more awkward..."
"Alexis." Blake suggested not surprised when Jeff nodded.
"It just knocked me for a loop, the two if you have been at each other's throats for years and now she's moving in."
"And it's made you uncomfortable...Jeff this is your home too. I don't know what I would have done over the last few weeks without you being here to handle everything. Moving back into the mansion to deal with all the police, keeping the company on an even keel whilst I was in the hospital and then in California."
"Perhaps it would be better if I moved back to my apartment...I feel like I am intruding."
"Nonsense!" Blake exclaimed.
"You are not intruding because there is nothing to intrude on."
"But I thought." Jeff muttered, frowning slightly. "The two of you seem so close."
Sighing Blake ran his fingers through his hair unsure just what to say, was he ready to out his relationship with Alexis? To out them publicly? No he wasn't. It was the issue with the joint bedroom all over again, he just needed more time. So speaking slowly he tried to explain it to Jeff the only way he knew how.
"When two people both go through something, something so traumatic... We both almost died, actually I'm told Alexis did if only for a few moments, and we've both had to face losing people we love in the most horrible way possible. To have them there, alive, but unable to be with them, it tears you up inside. I don't think anyone else can understand."
"You can talk to each other about it?"
"Yes." Blake replied snorting in amusement as he recalled how very blunt they had been at times. "Alexis never pulls any punches you know that."
"And that helped?"
"Yes...Yes it did. I don't think she will ever realise just how much helping her helped me, forced me to face my own grief in order to help her with hers."
"I'm glad Blake and so that's why she is here? So you can go on helping each other?"
Nodding Blake was relieved Jeff had drawn his own conclusions and he could postpone defining his relationship with Alexis for a little longer.
"How long do you think it will take...I don't mean to push but you know Denver tongues will wag. I wouldn't be surprised if half the city didn't already know and was drawing their own conclusions."
"I can't stop gossip; no man on earth is powerful enough. Alexis is family and there seems to be precious little of that left these days. She is welcome in this house until she no longer needs to be here."
"I'm sorry Blake."
Confused Blake asked. "What do you have to be sorry about?"
"That I jumped to the wrong conclusions...It's just when Gerard told me Alexis was moving back in..."
Swallowing a large swig of his drink Blake avoided replying. He could imagine what Jeff had thought and how it was nearer to the actual truth than the more innocent picture Blake had painted. However he relaxed as the conversation returned to the safer subject of Denver Carrington, confident that he had dodged that particular bullet for the time being, unaware that their last exchange had been overheard and the lady involved was less than impressed.
---
Leaning back into the plumped pillows of her bed Alexis thumbed through one of the many reports that lay scattered across her large bed. A courier had delivered them earlier that evening and now she was ready for bed and had dismissed her nurse this was the first chance she had really had to go though them properly.
Colby Co was such a large company with many diverse holdings it was going to take her days just to catch up on current operations but there were a few key matters she had to deal with immediately hence the status reports.
The shrill ring of the telephone broke her concentration. Picking it up she heard the twang of the overseas operator telling her that her call to Hong Kong was ready. She was so engrossed in her conversation with her Hong Kong office that she didn't see Blake sneak in.
Standing in the doorway dressed in silk pajamas and a dark blue robe Blake watched in amusement as Alexis continued to bark orders at her underlings seemingly oblivious to his presence.
Unfettered Alexis was a force unlike any other. She approached everything with the same zeal, life, love and business. It was one of things that was so unique about her and a characteristic people either loved or loathed. He had only rarely seen that fire dimmed. Adam's kidnapping had doused it for a while, so had their divorce. When they thought they had lost first Steven then Fallon he had seen it flicker but he had never seriously thought anything could extinguish it for good until California and he hoped never to do so again.
Her eyes were clearly focused on the report in her hand, her beautiful face set in concentration, her voice clear and authoritive as she fired off questions and gave instruction. She seemed a contrast in human form, her face and voice all business yet her body was draped sensuously in the most seductive nightgown.
For him it was another side of this multi-faceted woman. And Blake couldn't deny he found it more than a little appealing. Blushing slightly as his eyes wandered down her body he remembered other moments he had found this side of Alexis stimulating…
Normally when they had been fighting, opposite sides of the board room, or in her office other times his. It didn't seem possible but Alexis was even more beautiful when she was angry. Then he had always had to force his desire down, trample it hard, she was not his, he had Krystle who he loved and in order to keep himself from pulling her too him and taking her over the nearest table Blake would storm away or order her from the room.
Not this time, this time she was here, in bed, and he was able to do something about it.
Creeping over to the bed he leant forward causing Alexis to start in surprise as he kissed her neck.
Twisting away as she juggled report and phone Alexis tried to wriggle out of Blake's embrace, resorting to swatting him away with her report like an annoying wasp. Mouthing I'm working. She finally got an amused Blake to cease his talented assault and leave her free to concentrate.
Pulling away and out of the reach of her report Blake slid off the bed wandering the room looking at her knick knacks and photos, smiling as he admired a particularly handsome group shot of Alexis, Fallon and the grandchildren that must have been taken recently. However there was a limit to even his patience and frustrated he returned to her side.
Grasping her chin firmly he tilted her mouth towards him not caring that she was mid speech as he tried to catch her lips, only to be stopped by her hand as it covered his mouth.
Kissing her fingers Blake sighed in relief when a moment later Alexis put the phone down. "Finally!"
"Sorry darling I still have a few more calls to make." Alexis replied apologetically.
"Make them in the morning. "
"I can't the London office will be open soon and before that there is a geologist in Paris I need to speak to--You've had the past week and Jeff to help you get your affairs in order…"
Sighing Blake sank down on the bed beside her. "Exactly how long is this going to take?
"As long as it takes, why do you need something?" Alexis asked innocently hiding her playful smile as she turned to retrieve a new report.
"Yes I need your undivided attention."
"Why would you need that?" She added being deliberately obtuse. Flicking through her telephone book.
"You really want me to spell it out?
Turning back to Blake Alexis smiled her sweetest smile feigning ignorance as she began to dial the next number. "That might be nice, help clarify the situation for the friend you are just helping out until she no longer needs to be here…"
Sudden realisation hit Blake and without a second thought he disconnected her call. "You were eavesdropping."
"I was passing in the hallway, the door was open I'm not currently in the condition for more sophisticated espionage."
"So this is payback?"
"What is?" Alexis acting innocent…"Oh you mean my not dropping what I am working on to satisfy your burgeoning lust?"
"That is one way of putting it."
"Honestly Blake if your ego got any bigger you would struggle to fit though the door, I am busy, and you of all people should appreciate how much time it takes to run an empire. Especially one the size of Colby Co..."
"Careful Alexis it can get pretty lonely sitting up there on that pedestal."
"Well then it's a good job I have you to keep me company...Honestly darling I only have two more calls to make aren't I worth waiting for?" Alexis added pouting.
Amused at her sudden playfulness Blake shook his head. Commenting "This is payback."
Frowning Alexis began to speak but Blake cut her off.
"For all those nights I kept you waiting upstairs in bed for me whilst I worked late in the library, I never realized until now how frustrating it is to be kept waiting for your lover."
"Frustrating or not patience is a virtue."
"Yes one I obvious have in short supply."
Patting his arm in just the same patronizing manner as he had earlier Alexis softened the blow by leaning forward and catching his lips in a quick kiss. Then consolingly as she dialed another number she added wickedly.
"Don't worry darling you have plenty of other virtues and there is nothing short about any of them!"
---
Part 3:
Leaning back into his chair Blake allowed himself the luxury of closing his eyes for a moment. Normally he was not a man to relax at his desk but last night. Just the memory brought a smile to his face, last night had worn him out more than he expected. Chuckling to himself he admitted privately that he was no longer a young man and that although staying up half the night making love to a beautiful woman may have made him feel young again he was closer to his seventy fifth birthday than his seventeenth.
"I do hope I am not interrupting?" A pleasant English voice drew him from memories that would have made a less controlled man blush.
"Sable." Blake called out delighted by his unexpected visitor.
"Hello Blake I didn't interrupt your beauty sleep did I?" Sable teased crossing the room in a few quick strides kissing him gently on the cheek.
Covering his embarrassment at having been caught day dreaming Blake shook his head. "No just thinking."
"Good because it gave me quite the start to see you sitting so still, I do hope your doctors approve of you coming back to work so soon after the shooting?"
"They were fine with it, I am fine honestly." Blake insisted before masterfully changing the subject. "So what brings you back to Denver the last time we talked you were moving back to LA."
"I still am. I just had some final business to wrap up here first."
"Business?"
"Yes I'm selling The Carlton, after what happened I can't bear to hold on to it."
Patting her arm Blake sighed in sympathy. "Yes it must have been horrible for you…I don't mean to pry but have you seen Dex at all?"
"Just the once. His father insisted on him being flown back to Wyoming to a private clinic where he can be looked after. I went to say goodbye before they left, it was horrible; it hardly looked like him at all with all those tubes and machines."
"I'm sorry I didn't mean to bring back bad memories." Blake said, unable to quell the relief he felt that Alexis had not been able to see Dex before Sam had taken him home. She already had enough bad memories to keep her awake without adding Dex hooked up to machines to her nightmares.
"Well let's not dwell on what we can't change. I came here specially to ask you to lunch."
"Oh that is very kind of you Sable but I simply can't."
"Other plans?"
"Well yes but none so pleasant. I am heading out to visit one of my fields this afternoon and I left the paperwork I need back at the mansion on my desk. And I have a meeting with Jeff in half an hour so afterwards I need to swing by the house at lunch and get it."
Tutting Sable shook her head. "And when in all of this running about are you planning on eating?"
"Oh I am sure Mrs Gunnerson will put a sandwich together for me."
"Blake don't be so silly. You need to relax when you eat. Why don't I go over to the mansion whilst you're meeting with Jeff, pick up the papers you need and then meet you at the St Dennis Club for lunch?"
"I.." Blake began only to be cut off mid sentence.
"No absolutely insist!" Sable added heading for the door. "I'll meet you in an hour at the St Dennis alright?"
"Very well since I cannot stop you…Oh but Sable I have a house guest at the moment and I would very much appreciate if you didn't bother her. I know the two of you haven't always gotten along but Alexis hasn't had the easiest time of things lately."
Smiling sweetly as Blake escorted her out of his office Sable didn't utter a word, her smile dropping when Blake walked away muttering bitterly. "She hasn't had the easiest time of it!"
---
Alexis did her best to ignore the comforting lull of the soft cushions behind her back. With her aching legs propped up on the couch after her physio session Alexis tried to concentrate on business matters but found her mind kept wandering.
First to Blake and the incredible night they had spent together, she would never have believed he still had it in him; clearly keeping him waiting had done wonders for his stamina. Or perhaps he felt he had something to prove, given her something to think about should she ever dare put him off again.
Whatever the reason it had Alexis purring like a contented kitten all morning until her Gorgon of a nurse had dragged her off to complete an entire hour of physio.
Yet as happy as she was having purloined Blake's library for her own work there was still something else that niggled at her. Adam.
He was still missing. He hadn't even called to let her know he was alright. All she had to go on that he was still alive, or at least had been a week ago, were the reports of a highly intelligent, highly articulate and very concerned young man who had phoned the hospital almost on a daily basis to enquire after her. He had never left a name and the police hadn't been able to trace the calls but Alexis was certain it was Adam.
Adam her son, still her baby in so many ways. Afraid and alone and still worried about her, probably drowning his guilt in the bottom of a whiskey bottle.
Putting down the report she had barely glanced at Alexis realized she wasn't going to get any further until she had least checked on the situation.
Picking up the phone she dialed a very familiar number her frustration growing when all she got was an answering machine.
"Mr Hess it is Mrs Colby. I hope for your sake you've made some progress finding my son. Call me when you get this message. I am anxious to hear if you've managed to track down those people I told you about?" She said slamming the phone down.
"Well it certainly didn't take you long…Personally I never thought you could sink any lower Alexis but to use your disability to guilt Blake into moving you back in here."
"Sable." Alexis hissed her emerald eyes flashing as she took in her long time adversary standing tall in the doorway. "I don't recall inviting you here?"
"Oh darling I don't need an invitation to visit my poor crippled cousin." Sable gloated gliding into the room a vision of fur, diamonds and maternal glow.
"Less of the saccharine Sable I doubt your Doctor would approve in your delicate condition." Alexis bit back, her annoyance growing as Sable began to rummage though the papers on Blake's desk.
"What exactly are you doing?"
"Looking for the paperwork Blake told me to pick up…Honestly Alexis I know you're chair bound but surely even in that sorry state you can gather your wits together to order someone to clean up this place. It never looked this shabby in Krystle's day."
"Krystle never had to run an empire from her lover's library!" Alexis retorted sharply, smirking as that particular piece of news hit home.
"You and Blake?" Sable asked astounded.
Leaning back in her chair Alexis smiled sweetly and savored the moment of victory. "Yes Sable… Blake and I!"
"I don't believe it."
"Believe what you like it happens to be true." Alexis retorted with a yawn. "Oh do forgive me Blake is such a passionate lover he kept me up half the night…Not that you'd know anything about that. It always amuses me that despite your best efforts Blake never once succumbed to your charms."
Scowling as she put together both Alexis's tired but smug expression and Blake's obvious exhaustion Sable grabbed the paperwork she needed and stormed towards the door.
"Not going so soon, what a shame. Not off to find someone else's husband to steal?"
"No I'm off to have lunch with Blake!" Sable hissed. "Someone needs to warn him about an infestation, a black widow has moved into this lovely house."
"Please don't you think you're overreacting a touch?"
Shaking her head Sable shifted her fur back onto her shoulder. "I won't let you hurt Blake Alexis. Drive him into an early grave."
"Me hurt Blake!" Alexis retorted aghast. "I have no intention of hurting him."
"First Cecil, then Rowan, now Dexter why is it everyman involved with you ends up dead or nearly so? Well I won't let you add Blake to that list Alexis." Sable added striding out of the library narrowly avoiding the cushion that a fuming Alexis flung in her direction.
"You stay the hell away from Blake!" Alexis called out after her, cursing her condition that stopped her from storming off after her cousin. Just the idea of Blake anywhere near that woman caused her guts to twist. There must be some way to keep them apart, if only she could think of it.
---
Smiling warmly at the maître-de Blake allowed the man to usher him over to a corner table. Sable had yet to arrive and Blake took the opportunity to peruse the menu and order himself a small scotch.
As expected Sable wasn't long but from the stormy expression on her face Blake prepared himself for the worst. And he didn't have long to wait. Sable was barely in her seat before she all but exploded.
"What on earth are you thinking Blake? Getting involved with that Woman of all people."
"Sable I would appreciate it if you would keep your voice down!" Blake hissed inexplicable furious that she would vent such news in public, and that Alexis had mentioned it at all.
"My god so it is true." Sable gasped visibly deflated. "I kept telling myself she was lying, all the way here. I felt sure you'd deny it."
"I am not sure just what Alexis has told you." Blake hedged.
"That the two of you…" She paused her facing turning decidedly green. "Are lovers? Is it true?"
"Yes." Blake admitted unable to lie when asked so directly.
"Then you're a fool; she'll eat you up and spit you back out when she's finished. If you're lucky enough to survive it-- you only need to take a look at Dex Dexter to see what happens to the men foolish enough to get into bed with Alexis Colby. Honestly Blake I thought you had enough sense, you were married to that viper once…"
"That is quite enough." Blake snapped cutting Sable off mid tirade.
"Blake I am just thinking of you."
"Are you, are you really?"
"Yes." Sable replied affronted by his accusation.
"Then tell me did you know or at least suspect Alexis was staying at the mansion before I mentioned it? Did you only offer to pick up my paperwork so you could go over and interrogate her?"
"I may have heard gossip…"
"I should have guessed. You know for a woman who apparently knows Alexis's malicious tricks so well you seem unable to recognize them in yourself!"
"Blake I am only looking out for a friend."
Huffing Blake got his feet finishing his whisky in a single swig and picking up his paperwork. "Thank you for your concern but I am a grown man Sable, I can make my own decisions, my own mistakes."
"Blake please." Sable pleaded catching his arm as he went passed. "Don't be angry with me. It just when I think of what that witch and her son did to Dex."
"What Alexis did to Dexter?" Blake snorted shaking his head in disbelief. "Haven't you ever heard the saying people in glass houses shouldn't practice their juggling, if there is blame for Dexter's condition it should be spread equally between Adam, Alexis, you Sable and Dex himself. Now if you'll excuse me I have a helicopter to catch."
"Blake…" Sable called after him.
But Blake wasn't in the mood to be placated. He wasn't in the mood to visit his oil fields either but he had to. He would make that trip as fast as he could and then hightail it back home where there was another English lady he needed to give a piece of his mind to.
---
Part 4:
---
It was early evening when Blake finally made it back to the mansion. All afternoon he had managed his work and his staff with unusual abruptness, bordering on rudeness for anyone who didn't know him better. He had found his patience inordinately tested and was geared up for a fight when he finally entered the library to find Alexis on the phone.
"Blake." Alexis exclaimed in delight on seeing, placing her hand over the receiver. "I'll just be a moment…"
However she never had the chance to finish her call as Blake crossed the room in a few fast strides pulling the receiver out of her hand and slamming it back into the phone's cradle cutting off her call.
"Blake what the hell is wrong with you…That was an important call, now I'll have to phone them back and apologize."
"Not now you're not!" Blake exclaimed pulling the phone socket out the wall with a violent jerk. "And just who gave you permission to use my library?"
"No one did, I wasn't aware I needed security clearance to enter such a sacred domain!" Alexis bit back. "Did you really expect me to spend my entire day locked away in my bedroom like Rapunzel my only relief your nightly visits?" She added sarcastically.
"Now why don't you tell me what is really bothering you? Or better yet let me guess…Sable!"
"Sable." Blake snapped. "We met for lunch and had the most enlightening conversation! Can you guess what she said?"
Snorting in derision Alexis shook her head maneuvering her chair over to the table so she could select a cigarette.
"Nothing that woman says is of any interest to me."Alexis retorted retrieving her lighter her annoyance turning to anger as Blake pried that out of her hand.
"God dammit Blake, now I can't even smoke."
"Not in my library you can't, I won't have you stinking this place up." Blake retorted placing the purloined lighter into his jacket pocket. "Now why don't you tell me what happened?"
"You actually want to hear my side of the story?" Alexis scoffed. "You already appear to have made up your mind you won't change it no matter what I say. So why don't I summarize it for you save you the trouble of a lecture, Alexis bad, wicked, evil, Sable innocent, butter wouldn't melt. Did I cover all the points?"
Biting his lip as he fought the urge to throttle her Blake couldn't resist adding. "You forgot the part where you told her about us!"
"So that's what's really bothering you. Sorry Darling did I ruin your chances?" Alexis hissed and Blake reddened at her insinuation.
"You know very well there is nothing going on between Sable and me." Blake insisted.
"Oh but she'd like there to be…So no wonder she ran sobbing to you with tall tales. The truth is I was in here working, she came barging in insults flying as always, naturally I defended myself and when she demanded what right I had to be here I simply told the truth. The truth the thing you always accuse me of being liberal with!"
Nodding Blake retorted angrily. "Something I never agreed that you could tell!"
"Wait one second!" Alexis gasped. "You're mad because I didn't consult with you first?"
"You're damn right I am!" Blake exploded. "I would never agree to have my private life flung about just so you could score points against your cousin."
"It's not just because I told Sable."Alexis muttered realization slowly dawning. "You misled Jeff last night…Just how long are you planning on keeping me your dirty little secret, that's what I am aren't I?"
"That wasn't it at all." Blake insisted suddenly on the back foot, "I was just being careful."
"Careful for whom?"
Slamming down his papers Blake felt his own temper flare in the light of her unreasonable behavior. "Both of us do you really want our pictures spread all over the gossip rags?"
But Alexis was not a woman to be easily side tracked, like a bloodhound she followed the stench right to the heart of the matter.
"We're rich famous people, what else should I expect? But isn't it more the point that you're embarrassed about people knowing, what they will say, what they might think. 'The noble Blake Carrington shacking up with Alexis Colby, the known man eater, only months after the divorce from his darling wife.' You're worried people might speculate just how long this little affair of ours has been going on?"
Gritting his teeth Blake was forced to concede "You might have a point."
Alexis fuming countered "Well if I'm such an embarrassment perhaps it is better if I leave, that way you can keep your sainted reputation. I hope the glow from such self-righteousness keeps you warm at night because…"
Rapping on the library door with his knuckles a bemused Jeff interrupted her tirade glancing between a pale silent Blake and fuming Alexis. "Sorry Blake…I hope I'm not interrupting something?"
"No Alexis and I were just having a difference of opinion."
"Tell him." Alexis cut in her face suddenly calm and serious. "Tell him now or I am out of here."
"Tell me what?"
Alexis turned to look at Blake who didn't answer; hanging his head so he could avoid both her pleading gaze and Jeff's confused one. She quickly realized Blake had no intention of telling Jeff the truth; retorting bitterly "Nothing Jeff you're not interrupting a damn thing it seems."
Swallowing down her tears Alexis struggled from the room, pushing her chair out of the library leaving a confused Jeff and a guilty Blake.
"Blake?"
"I'm sorry Jeff but can this wait?"
"Blake what is going on?"
"Please I can't talk about it now…" Blake replied running his hands through his hair as he paced unsure just what he should do. "Dammit how did this all get so complicated?"
"Go after her Blake."
"What?"
"Look I don't really know what is going on but I imagine it is more than you told me last night"
"Jeff I…"
"Blake." Jeff insisted cutting his explanation in half. "It doesn't matter, you'll tell me when you're ready and I can respect that I shouldn't have pushed. Your life is your own and I guess I can learn to accept change but Alexis clearly needs you explain it to her and I don't think she can wait any longer-- Unless you want to lose her?"
"No." Blake replied softly. "I can't lose her."
"Then I'd go after her before she turns the entire household upside down repacking those fifteen trunks of clothes."
Snorting in perverse amusement Blake headed towards the door pausing to squeeze Jeff's arm. "You're a good man, and a good friend."
"And smart too." Jeff quipped before turning serious. "Whatever this is, you've been happier these past few days then I've seen you in months, that and I'm in no mood for a new Carrington Colby feud."
Realizing the truth in Jeff's words Blake quickly headed out of the library heading upstairs where he assumed Alexis had retreated. And true enough gathered around her door were a bunch of confused staff including the nurse.
"Oh Mr Carrington thank goodness I don't know what is wrong but Mrs Colby has locked herself in, we kept hearing things smashing and…Well then it all went quiet, I am afraid in her condition she might have fallen and hurt herself."
"Thank you nurse I'll take it from here." Blake insisted shooing the curious staff away from the door but he noticed they still lingered down the corridor.
Knocking firmly he wasn't surprised when there was no reply, that was usual after one of their fights. And he quickly fell back into the old routine, cajoling her. "Alexis please open the door. Darling we need to talk about this."
The answering crash of something delicate and probably expensive soon convinced him that tactic was not going to work this time.
"Alexis open this door. You're making a scene." He snapped and that at least got him a response.
"A scene oh dear we can't possibly have that!"
"Alexis you're being unreasonable!"
"I'm being unreasonable!" Alexis retorted and he could hear the scorn in her voice. "Well don't worry Darling soon I'll be out of your house and life for good then you won't have to deal with my unreasonable behavior anymore!"
"No…don't Dammit…" Blake bellowed banging on the door. "Don't make me break this door down."
"You couldn't even if you wanted to!" Alexis sniggered and Blake was forced to agree.
Leaning against the door Blake forced himself to calm down listening for any sounds of movement inside the room. "Alexis you know I want you here."
"Well you have a damn funny way of showing it!"
"Let me explain please." Blake begged. "Before you throw this away, I know you're angry and hurt and that's my fault because I didn't explain properly….. Alexis please don't leave me all alone." He added softly unsure if she could even hear him but a few moments later he heard the key turn in the lock.
Pushing open the door he entered a scene of destruction. "My when you do things you don't do them by half."
"You made me mad." Alexis's quiet voice echoed from across the room and she sounded so sad Blake didn't hesitate to go to her and pull her unresisting form into his arms lifting her out of her chair and onto the chaise.
"I broke it."
"Broke what?" Blake asked. "Or should I ask what in particular."
"My picture." Alexis mumbled into his jacket pointing to the smashed frame. "It was a present from LB and Lauren, they picked the frame themselves…I can't believe I broke it, they'll never forgive me."
Bending down Blake brushed aside the broken glass to see Fallon and the children smiling back up at him. "It's just the glass. The photograph is fine; see the frame is a little battered but it can be mended."
"It's ok?"
"Nothing irreparable." Blake murmured stroking her hair. "In either case."
"I'm sorry I yelled." Alexis muttered into his jacket. "I'm sorry I threw things but I'm not sorry about what I said Blake. You hurt me."
"I know." Blake whispered. "I'm sorry to."
"You are?" Alexis exclaimed lifting her head from his chest to stare at him with tearstained eyes.
"I should have spoken to you about this before. I shouldn't have just expected you to know how I felt, what I wanted."
"That you didn't want people to know?" Alexis asked bravely. "Blake it's not…it's not because you're ashamed of me is it?"
"No." Blake insisted. "How could I be?"
"Then why?"
"I guess I just wasn't ready to face reality yet. I wanted to keep things between us because that way we didn't need to start justifying it to other people." Blake broke off trying to think of a way to make her understand.
Eventually he thought of something "Do you remember Singapore?"
"Yes of course."
"Do you remember telling me how you wanted to stay there forever, that you wished that time for us could just go on and on?"
"I remember." Alexis replied softly her eyes misting with tears. "They were such happy times. I really did love you Blake even back then."
"I know I guess I didn't really understand how you felt until California. I didn't want that time to end. Where we could be free just the two of us without people judging us or depending on us."
"And you wanted to try and keep that going here?"
"For a little while." Blake admitted. "Then suddenly people were intruding, asking questions I didn't have the answers to yet."
"And you freaked out."
Laughing at her choice of language Blake conceded "Well let's just say I panicked."
"You weren't ready to go public I should have realised that."
"I should have told you how I felt, but I assumed you realised this needed to be handled delicately, diplomatically, it has to be broken gently to key people first before it is splashed over every news stand."
Alexis now completely calm answered "You mean Krystina."
"Yes and Fallon, Jeff, Steven this is going to be as much a shock for them as well.
Smirking Alexis glanced down at the picture in her hands countering "Perhaps not so much of a shock for Fallon."
Blake agreed with a hint of a smile.
"I'm sorry Blake I shouldn't have said anything, it's been quite a while since I needed to discuss my life with any one; I guess I'm out of practice and Sable just gets my dandy up and I find myself automatically going for the jugular."
"I know."Blake added shaking his head as he realized what part he had played. "It just as much my fault, she obviously used the paperwork as an excuse to come and harass you. It didn't take a seer to predict that would happen, I should have phoned you and warned you she was on her way."
"I'm a big girl Blake I can take care of myself, I should have restrained myself better." Alexis insisted.
"And I shouldn't have expected you to keep quiet about us; it wasn't like I had asked you to, just expected you to because it suited me best." Blake added honestly.
Alexis laughed at his contrite tone. "Maybe we should agree that we were both in the wrong, take our medicine and go to bed."
Smiling at her playful tone and suggestion Blake wrapped his hands around her waist muttering "Now that sounds an excellent idea and I know just the type of tonic that would do me the most good." Catching her mouth gently, he pushed her down onto the chaise, all thoughts of Jeff, Krystina, Fallon and the children fleeing from his mind.
---
Part 5:
----
Relaxing in the morning light Alexis reached across the breakfast table and poured herself another cup of coffee before topping up Blake's cup. Catching his eye over the top of his paper as she stifled a yawn she found herself fighting a blush at his knowing grin.
"Busy night?"
"Hmmm…" Alexis murmured taking a deep sip of her coffee whilst Blake struggled with his crossword, twirling his silver ballpoint between strong fingers.
"There was an incessant pest keeping me awake. Perhaps I should have Gerard call the exterminators?"
"A little harsh…" Blake teased playfully, hiding his lascivious expression behind his paper when the butler in question suddenly appeared phone in hand.
"Phone call for you Mrs Colby."
Setting down his paper and half finished crossword Blake quipped "Calls already? I haven't even finished my coffee and you're already working. I'm glad I work at Denver Carrington my boss isn't such a slave driver"
"With an attitude like that your damn right it's a good job you don't work for me, you'd already be fired!" Alexis retorted playfully picking up the phone that Gerard placed in front of her. "Hello."
Her tone immediately changing when she recognised the voice on the other end of the line.
"Good Morning Mrs Colby you're a difficult woman to track down…I would never have guessed to find you at the Carrington Mansion."
"Thank you for your pointless observation Mr Hess, I'm not paying you to track down my location. Now do you have any information for me or is this a social call?"
"I've tracked down Dana Waring, she's living in Montana but there is no sign of your son Adam. I've watched her go to and from work and home, the grocery store, she's living alone. I can approach her if you like; find out if she's heard from Mr Carrington?"
"No thank you Mr Hess if you can just give me the address that will be enough." Borrowing Blake's pen Alexis made a note on her napkin catching Blake's interest. "Thank you Mr Hess that will be all for now just move down the list I gave you."
"What are you up to?"
Putting down the phone without even a goodbye Alexis studied the address in front of her seemingly oblivious to Blake's question.
"Alexis?"
Setting down his pen Alexis reached for her coffee and took a deep sip before answering. "Trying to find Adam."
"Dear god why?" Blake demanded scowling "After what he did..."
Waving her hand Alexis cut him off mid rant "He is still my son and yes he did something wrong, something hot headed and stupid."
"Many things wrong, many stupid things." Blake insisted.
"But he also did many things right, he defended me at my trial, and,,,"
Unable to listen to her defend Adam a moment longer Blake cut in.
"Yes and how many times did he turn on you? That business with Jeff setting you up to pay for his crimes, hurting Kirby, tricking me into signing over power of attorney and using it to steal from his own father; then going back to you when we uncovered what he had done. This thing with Dex was simply the last straw."
"So I am supposed to cut him out of my life? He's my son no matter what he does I will always love him. He suffered so much as a child Blake." Alexis insisted unable to contemplate what Blake suggested.
"Yes but how long can that remain an excuse sooner or later a man has to accept responsibility for his own actions he can't keep heaping them onto his parents."
"What do you expect me to do, give up on trying to find him?"
Sighing Blake reached across the table taking her hand in his, pulling her closer to him before continuing in a soft voice. "Alexis I know you love him and want to help him, but perhaps what Adam needs right now is time away to decide what he type of a man he is. He needs to decide on his own to face up to the consequences of his actions and to do so without the safety net of his mother's support."
"You don't think I should go and see Dana." Alexis muttered sadly.
"Not for the reason you intend to no but I know you Alexis and my approval or disapproval won't stop you when you have your mind set on something. Just don't badger the poor girl."
Threading her fingers through Blake's own Alexis looked up at him through her dark lashes her voice suddenly deep and throaty. "You know there is one way you can make sure of that."
"How?" Blake asked entranced.
"Come with me."
---
Settling himself down in Blake's chair as he sorted through the paperwork Blake had left him Jeff Colby was almost convinced today was going to be a pleasant one.
Denver Carrington's share price was up; Blake was taking a well deserved day off, even if it was with Alexis, at least she had managed to get him to relax a little and not work himself into the ground, and he wasn't overloaded with boring meetings.
In fact Jeff couldn't contemplate how the day could turn out anything but well until a certain snooty English businesswoman with a chip on her shoulder the size of LA walked in unannounced and uninvited.
"Where's Blake."
Glancing around the office in a deliberate manner Jeff paused before answering "Obviously not here."
Rolling her eyes at Jeff's attempt at humour Sable retorted bitingly, "As much as exchanging such titillating conversation with you thrills me Jeffrey it is Blake I am looking for so where is he?"
"Why did you have an appointment?" Jeff asked turning his attention back to his paperwork hiding his amusement as Sable snapped back.
"No"
"Then if Blake had wanted you to know where he is he would have phoned and told you himself." Jeff added smugly unable to contain his gloating tone as he got to his feet.
"You're really enjoying this aren't you." Sable said narrowing her eyes as she watched Jeff scurry about, her expression one of barely contained loathing.
"No I never enjoy any conversation I have with you Sable and if that was all you wanted I have a meeting to get to." Jeff retorted smartly as he headed for the door.
"If you want I can always mention to Blake you were looking for him, I'm sure he'll get back to you eventually." He added letting the door shut off any cutting remark Sable might have made.
Scowling Sable waited until the door slammed closed behind Jeff before sauntering over to the desk, picking up the phone she pressed speed dial.
"Hello Gerard It's Mrs Sable Colby can I speak with Alexis please…She's not there….When will she be back?...I see thank you Gerard."
Leaning back against Blake's desk Sable tapped her chin thoughtfully, "What are you up to Alexis?"
---
Blake watched as delicate white clouds passed by in an expanse of blue; sitting in the luxurious surroundings of the powerful Colby Co jet he could do nothing but stare out of the window.
Across the plane from him Alexis sat propped up on the sofa magazine in hand but she barely glanced at the print and glossy photographs her eyes kept being drawn back to really watching a brooding Blake.
"I cannot believe I let you talk me into this." Blake suddenly exclaimed slamming his hand down on the table so hard his tea cup almost jumped out of its saucer.
"Blake…"
"When I think of all the things I need to be doing, this is not one of them; digging Adam out of his messes has already taken up too much of my life."
Biting back the immediate curt remark that sprung to mind Alexis forced herself to remain calm. "He's our son Blake."
Shrugging that argument aside Blake continued on. "We have other children I don't see you running off to Europe to find Amanda or Washington to drag Steven back or even California to talk to Fallon."
Setting her magazine down Alexis was unable to stop herself retorting sharply, "The others aren't in trouble."
"Adam is always in trouble. He is trouble personified."
"Like his mother?" Alexis added tartly finally making Blake stop glaring out the window to glance across at her.
"No that is not what I said and you know it so stop trying to pick a fight."
Exasperated with his attitude Alexis fell back against her cushions venting her own frustration by slapping a few of them out of shape until she was calm enough to continue.
"Blake I don't want to fight with you, but I don't seem to be able to make you understand. Adam is my son my first born and we went through hell when he was kidnapped it was like a part of me was ripped away. When he walked back into our lives I not only got back my baby but I felt complete for the first time in years."
Sighing deeply as if he was close to conceding Blake muttered "I know Alexis."
Sensing she was close to persuading him Alexis pressed on. "Then can't you understand that having him missing, not knowing if he is hurt or suffering is tearing me apart all over again."
"I just…" Blake began meeting her gaze before breaking off.
"What is it?"
Blake finally conceded and giving into his own need to be close to her, crossed over to sit beside her. Taking her hand he stroked it gently before continuing.
"I just couldn't bear to see you hurt all over again Alexis, what if you do find him, what if he rejects your help."
"He won't Blake." She insisted conviction fairly glowing from her. "He needs us, just like when he was a baby he needs our love and unconditional support and this time I am going to make sure he gets it…Help me?"
Unable to answer, and unwilling to fight about it Blake didn't speak. Instead he simply pulled her closer, wrapping his arms around her tightly as if somehow that would protect her, would protect them both.
"I'm right Blake you'll see." Alexis whispered reaching up and stroking his hair back from his face then leaning up she placed a kiss on his cheek.
"How can you be so certain?" Blake pondered not realising until he heard her reply that he had spoken his thoughts allowed.
"Because I'm his mother. And mother always knows best." Alexis quipped causing Blake to smile softly hoping deep in his heart that that was all it would take.
---
Part 6:
---
Dana Waring had not had a good day. First her boss had given her grief when it hadn't even been her fault, then she had forgotten her purse when she went out to buy her lunch and by the time she realised and rushed back to the office it was too late to grab even a sandwich; that and she couldn't seem to shake off the feeling of being followed.
So after having struggled through evening traffic and wasted more of her precious free time queuing behind gossiping old women in the supermarket she was more than ready for a fight. And the limousine parked all too obviously outside her house when she drove passed was too obvious a target.
Pulling into her driveway a fuming Dana practically flew from her car, groceries in hand to storm over to the limo determined to give the owner a piece of her mind.
However before she could begin her tirade the tinted window scrolled down and she was shocked into silence on spotting not only Blake but Alexis as well.
"I…"
Smiling disarmingly Blake asked "Can I give you a hand with those Miss Waring?"
---
Sable Colby had not had a good day. Her argument with Blake the day before had unsettled her and yet when she tried to make amends the man himself had vanished.
It had to be down to Alexis. She was keeping Blake away so Sable couldn't talk some sense into him.
Well even Blake would have realise what a mistake he was making when the truth was plastered all over Denver.
"Are you sure this information is accurate Mrs Colby...My paper could get into a lot of trouble printing this story."
Fluttering her eyelashes innocently Sable fixed the reporter with her most earnest gaze. "I was there I saw everything, heard every word."
"Well then it looks like we have a story. If you'll excuse me I need to rush this to the copy editor. If we're lucky we can make the evening addition."
Smiling as the eager young man left Sable sat back in her chair reaching out to pick up the draft story. 'Jilted Alexis Colby & ex-lover in certain death plunge."
Setting it back down Sable added softly. "Let's see if Blake still wants you now Alexis?"
---
"I don't know what else to tell you I haven't seen Adam since I left Denver, I haven't spoken to him, frankly I've just tried to forget the name Carrington exists." Dana exclaimed pacing back and forth across her small sitting room, every so often glancing at the couple who sat unusually close together on her small couch.
"But surely you must have some idea where he might have gone?" Alexis asked her eyes wide. "You were married to him; you grew up together if anyone has an idea where he is…"
"No other than Billings I have no idea but what I don't understand is why you are looking for him at all?"
Dana paused, her eyes flickering over to the wheelchair that sat empty next to the couch. It had been a shock, even after having read about it to see such a vibrant lively woman like Alexis Colby struggling into and out of her chair.
"From what I read he pushed you off a balcony Alexis, how could you want to see him after that?"
"It was an accident I know Adam never meant to hurt me; he lost his temper with Dex and shoved him I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time."
Dana added softly "but still you're hurt…the wheelchair."
"I'm getting better every day the Doctors have high hopes I will make a complete recovery." Alexis insisted refusing to even allow the doubt to enter her mind for a moment. "What matters now is finding Adam!"
Realising that Alexis was quickly losing her patience Blake cut in "Dana we didn't come here to harass you or make you life difficult. You say you haven't heard from Adam and I believe you, but if you do hear from him can you please let us know or if you don't feel comfortable with that can you tell him something from us."
Dana hesitantly agreed "Alright."
Slipping her hand unconsciously into Blake's for support, her confidence growing as he squeezed her fingers gently Alexis said. "Can you tell him that I forgive him that I am not angry about what happened, tell him how much I love him and that if he needs me".
"If he needs us" Blake corrected, catching Alexis's eye and she responded with a dazzling smile, her eyes glowing with gratitude and affection. "That we will support him if he wants to stop running."
Touched by their words a chocked up Dana simply nodded.
"We'll be going now. But Dana remember if you hear anything please call, day or night." Alexis insisted as Blake helped her back into her wheelchair.
"Yes do, it will be a pleasure to hear your lovely voice." Blake added. "We have missed that pretty smile of yours about the office I don't suppose there is any chance…"
"Blake!" Alexis cut in playfully hitting his arm. "What did you say about not badgering the poor girl?"
"I'm not badgering!" Blake retorted catching her hand bringing it to his lips where he kissed her knuckles gently much to both Alexis's delight and Dana's surprise.
"I was simply asking…It takes a long time to train a good secretary, not something you would know about Mrs Colby. Tell me I've often wondered, what is the life expectancy of your secretary's two days -- a week a most?"
"Trying to change the subject." Alexis scoffed as they made their way to the door. "Well I'm not falling for it." She added reaching up to squeeze Dana's arm as they left. "Take care of yourself dear."
Kissing Dana on the cheek Blake followed Alexis out of the door continuing their discussion as the door closed behind them. "No I honestly want to know…I think the secretaries at Denver Carrington have a betting pool…"
Suddenly alone Dana retrieved her shopping from the hallway taking it through into the small kitchenette attached to the sitting room before walking pushing open a slatted door into the tiny utility room.
"I take it you heard all that."
Stepping out of the shadows a man's voice whispered "I did." And the fading evening light his guilt wretched face is revealed to be Adam Carrington.
---