Dynasty Series 10: New Beginnings

by ss9

Dynasty: Continuation of this Hit TV series: Picking up where the writers left off. Starring Joan Collins as Alexis Colby and John Forsyth as Blake Carrington

6. Episode 6: The Payoff

Episode 6: The Payoff

Part 1:

----

It was late afternoon as the Colby Co jet made its way from Washington to Denver, carrying its CEO and a very special passenger. They had already been in the air half an hour and with a following wind were expecting to touch down in Denver in time for tea.

Leaning back against the plumped cushions Blake tore his eyes away from the passing clouds and read the proposal through for a second time. It was a tempting offer, very tempting, but the financial constraints were immense.

"A penny for your thoughts." Alexis's voice drew him from his deliberations.

Glancing across at her Blake waved the South Korean proposal airily before dropping it onto the table. "It makes interesting reading doesn't it?"

"It does." Alexis replied folding her own copy and taking off her glasses. "Tempted?"

Smiling Blake nodded. "The possibilities are intriguing but the price…" Blake broke off. "Is a little rich for my tastes."

"Well anything worth having has to have a price." Alexis retorted pouting slightly. "Surely Denver Carrington can afford it?"

"Oh yes." Blake replied weighing his options. "But it would try up a significant amount of my liquid funds, Denver Carrington would be tied into this deal for better or for worse."

Nodding in agreement Alexis took a sip of her tea. "Colby Co can afford it but…"

"But what?" Blake asked genuinely interested.

"It is a risky investment, developing those new fields strays a little too close to Chinese territory for my liking." Alexis answered honestly, grudgingly admitting. "And my standing with that government has been better."

Snorting in amusement Blake said. "Well they do have a long memory and do not appreciate being manipulated."

Smiling as she leant back into her seat Alexis fixed her large emerald eyes on Blake.

"What?" Blake asked shifting nervously, that look on her face always made him uneasy.

Running her fingertips along the edge of the report Alexis paused before answering. "You do realise the solution to both our problems is staring us in the face."

"It is?" Blake replied.

"A partnership."

"Oh no." Blake began but Alexis cut off his objection.

"Wait Blake, you admit Denver Carrington would struggle making such a large investment, well splitting the financial risk with Colby Co makes sense. My problems stems from dealing with the Chinese yet Denver Carrington has an excellent record with the South China Sea leases. Working together we can make this work for both our companies."

"The two of us work together?" Blake tried one last time to reason with her. "Only this morning you were telling me we needed to keep business separate from personal and now you want us to go into this deal together."

"What a lady's not entitled to change her mind?" Alexis asked innocently.

"Alexis…."

"Just think about it." Alexis insisted holding up a hand to his objections.

Grudgingly Blake nodded catching her hand and stroking it gently. "Fine but can we drop the topic for now?"

"Of course." Alexis replied threading her fingers through his, her voice softening as she added. "What would you prefer to talk about?"

Getting to his feet Blake walked around the table wrapping an arm around her waist as he helped her to stand, before moving them both over to the couch. Sitting down suddenly, pulling Alexis down on top of him Blake answered softly. "And if I don't want to talk at all?"

Sliding her arms around his neck Alexis relaxed against him, sighing as Blake trailed a hand up along her leg.

"Although there is one little matter of business you could help me with." Blake began seriously stroking the sensitive skin behind her knee. "I believe my membership of a certain club might of expired and I was hoping…" He trailed off.

Laughing Alexis pulled his mouth to hers. Perhaps it was time to renew both their memberships. The leases could wait, she had all the time she needed to convince him.

---

Pacing back and forth Jeff glanced at his watch for the umpteenth time since he arriving at the detention centre. He couldn't imagine what was taking so long?

As soon as Adam had gotten off the phone Jeff was phoning back, but not to arrange to see his brother-in-law.

Prison had clearly gone to Adam's head if he thought Jeff would simply pass on his message to Blake without checking the matter out for himself first, Blake had enough to deal with right now without adding opportunistic hustlers to his list.

He was here to see Frank Dobson.

Finally the door opened and in walked the type of man Jeff had not expected. Instead of the muscular opportunistic punk he had been expecting there was a gray haired man in his fifties, as smartly dressed as it was possible to be in prison orange.

"Mr Dobson?" Jeff asked before he could stop himself.

Smiling a half smile Frank Dobson raised a slender eyebrow before replying. "You were expecting someone else?"

Shaking his head Jeff pointed to the opposite chair, watching as the older man sat, his blue gray eyes holding Jeff's gaze with no sign of discomfort. For a long moment both men sat silent, until uncomfortable it was Jeff who spoke first. "Mr Dobson…I understand you have some information I might be interested in."

"No." Frank replied firmly but politely.

Frowning in confusion Jeff asked, "But Adam…"

"Oh the boy Carrington is correct I do have information Mr Colby, but it is not for you…The only one I will deal with is Blake Carrington himself. You'll have to forgive my bluntness but such cases I prefer t deal with the Organ Grinder and not the Monkey." Frank replied pleasantly as if he hadn't just insulted Jeff at all. "It is nothing personal."

"If this is about money then I assure you…."

"That you are a rich man in your own right." Frank cut in eyes narrowing slightly the only outward sign of his annoyance. "No it is not about money, oh believe me this information won't come cheap, but I haven't yet decided whether to help you or not. Releasing this information will make a few people rather cross with me Mr Colby and I want to decide for myself whether or not helping Carrington is worth it for me…Whether he is worth taking the risk?"

"Blake Carrington is the best man I know." Jeff snarled getting to his feet.

Standing himself albeit a bit slower Frank sized up the younger man, moving over to the door he knocked for the guards. "I'll decide that for myself if you don't mind." Frank added before turning and disappearing back into the complex.

Leaving a fuming Jeff to wonder just what he was going to tell Blake.

---

"Oh my it is wonderful to be home." Alexis sighed as they pulled up in front of the mansion, surprised to see another car arriving..

It was Fallon with the children, just returning from school

"I hadn't realised it was that time." Blake muttered glancing at his watch, realising too late that he had forgotten to adjust for the different time zones.

"Grandma…Grandpa…" LB's excited greeting amused them both as he barely allowed Blake to step out of the limousine before throwing his arms around his grandfather.

"Hello to you LB." Blake gushed releasing his grandson to crawl into the limo and hug his grandma.

"Did you have a good day at school?" Alexis asked returning the wonderful hug.

"Oh yeah but I'm glad it's the weekend." LB replied cheerfully, hovering as Grandpa Blake assisted Alexis out of the limo and into her wheelchair.

"Grandma how long do you have to use that for?" LB asked innocently.

"Oh not much longer I hope." Alexis replied pleasantly, suppressing the panicky feeling that rose up every time she dwelled on her slow recovery. "My nurse thinks I should be able to start using some crutches soon."

"That's good." LB replied his blue eyes suddenly alight with mischief. "Could I have go in it when you don't it any more. It looks like wicked fun."

"As long as you stay away from the stairs." Alexis cautioned sharing an amused look with Blake.

"Now young man I think you had better head upstairs and get changed and let your Grandma and me recover from our trip." Blake insisted ushering his namesake towards the stairs, and shooting Alexis a suggestive look that told her he had no intention of letting her get some rest.

"Grandpa you're not going to bed straight away are you?" LB asked innocently causing both adults to start.

"Wha…."

"Only Mummy and Daddy promised to take me out one night when you and Grandma were back, and it is Friday…." LB wheedled his baby blues darting between both Grandparents. "Pleasssssssssse."

Sighing in defeat Blake turned to Alexis surprised to see her trying not to laugh. "Alright LB if your Mummy and Daddy agree I am sure tonight will be fine."

"Yipppeeeeeeeeeee." LB yelled out excitedly rushing up the stairs to find his mother, leaving Blake to confront a chortling Alexis,

"Just what is so funny?" Blake demanded.

"You." Alexis retorted playfully. "I've seen you face down an entire board of your peers and bend them to your will but one eight year old and you cave."

"I don't recall you voicing an objection." Blake countered.

Shrugging her shoulders Alexis brushed that comment aside. "Why should I? I'm intrigued as to just what our daughter has up her sleeve that forced her to use her best form of leverage. It must be something big." And with that she wheeled her chair towards the library, leaving a speechless Blake to think on what she said.

"Well I'll be damned." Blake muttered, shaking his head as he realised just how completely he'd been had.

----

Part 2:

---

"Three men and a little lady." Blake muttered reading the ticket stub Jeff handed him. "Sounds like a western."

Laughing at her father's charming ignorance Fallon did her best to restrain LB from diving headfirst into the mountain of popcorn? "It's not a Western Daddy."

"It's not a musical is it?" Blake asked with a shudder causing Alexis to snort with suppressed laughter.

"I hope for all our sakes, I doubt the audience wish to hear your accompanying snores Blake."

Bristling at being the source of ridicule Blake retorted. "That is not fair I only fell asleep once, and even then I barely closed my eyes."

"I had to elbow you to wake you up." Alexis scoffed. "I was so embarrassed I couldn't go back to that movie theatre again."

"It had been a long week, I'd been off traveling, and then visiting all the rigs…" Blake blustered until he caught sight of the conspiratorial grin between Fallon and Alexis. "Oh you two are terrible ganging up on poor old Blake."

Laughing Fallon retorted. "You're not old daddy."

Following the family into the theatre Blake and Alexis shared an amused glance as Fallon and Jeff skillfully manipulated them together, sitting in the seats directly behind them and the children. It was all they could do to smother their laughter as Jeff explained he hadn't been able to get six in a row.

Of course his explanation might have been slightly more credible if he had been able to meet either of their eyes when saying so.

However neither were particularly distressed by the arrangement, settling down in their assigned seats and reluctantly accepting the tub of buttered popcorn thrust upon them by an excited LB.

"Thanks LB." Blake said, gamely trying the popcorn and gagging slightly at the sweetness.

"Try it Grandma it's really good!" LB exclaimed and all eyes turned to watch Alexis daintily pick up a kernel, suppressing her distaste as the greasy texture coated her fingers. Popping it into her mouth Alexis managed to smile charmingly enough that even her grandson was convinced, turning back around in his seat and therefore missing Alexis scrunching her nose up in disgust.

"Care to have a swig of my soda to help wash it down?" Blake joked low in her ear.

"If I do, what do you suggest to get rid of that aftertaste?" Alexis retorted, causing Blake to smirk and waggle his eyebrows suggestively. "Within limits Mr Carrington."

"Are you telling me to act circumspect Mrs Colby?" Blake teased causing Alexis to groan and roll her eyes.

"Just like a child…I should have remembered the effect movie theatres have on you Blake Carrington." Alexis muttered. "If you're not falling asleep you're…"

"I don't recall you objecting at the time." Blake cut in. "Speaking of which…" He trailed off slipping his arm around Alexis's shoulder as the lights dimmed, and she shifted in her seat leaning her head against his shoulder. "Now this brings back memories."

"Shush." Alexis chided softly as the screen came alive with trailers for upcoming features.

Yet Blake's eyes didn't spend long on the screen drifting back to study his companion's face in the dim light. For a moment it seemed like another night a long time ago. Lost in his memories it took him a moment to realize Alexis was no longer watching the screen but returning his gaze.

"What?" She mouthed looking up at him, perplexed by his intense scrutiny.

"Just remembering." Blake whispered. "Our second date we went to the pictures…Anastasia…"

"It was The Opposite Sex." Alexis corrected with a scornful shake of her head. "You must have taken some floozy to see the Bergman flick, it was out earlier in the year."

Frowning for a moment Blake was about to argue when he suddenly remembered. "Oh yes I remember the actress in that was rather pretty, no way near as stunning as my charming date but…I never did find out how that film ended."

"I wonder why?" Alexis countered with a suggestive eye twinkle.

"Oh I can think of a few reasons…" Blake growled playfully.

"Shsss." Someone from the row behind hissed as the actual feature began to play, and sufficiently chastised Blake ducked his head, sliding further down into his seat and dragging Alexis with him, jostling the greasy popcorn which spilled into his lap.

"Now it really feels like our second date." Blake murmured, brushing the warm kernels from his lap hoping to god that they hadn't left a stain, whilst Alexis stifled her giggles into her hand.

"Hmmmm but as I recall it wasn't because we were talking we were asked to leave." Alexis replied a moment later when her laughter was suppressed, fingers walking a path down Blake's shirt.

"Well those were simpler times Ms Morrell and the good folks of Colorado Springs were a little easier to shock than us Denver inhabitants." Blake sermonized catching her wandering hand and holding it over his heart. "And as much fun as it would be trying to recreate the past, I don't think the children would appreciate it; so behave and watch the movie."

"Hypocrite." Alexis hissed but she ceased teasing him and returned to watching the screen.

A few moments later both started in surprise. "My god that looks like…" "Blake has your brother taken up acting?"

"Shhhhhhhhhhhhsssss."

Annoyed by their constant heckler Blake made as if to stand, confused when Alexis held him down, hissing "The children remember."

Grumbling under his breath Blake reluctantly settled back into his seat remembering all of a sudden why he hadn't been out to see a film for decades, preferring to view them at home where he had the freedom to speak, stand and leave as and when he wanted. Of course the fact that Alexis was now practically laying across him could almost be considered compensation.

Running the hand that wasn't draped across her shoulders around her waist Blake smothered his amusement as Alexis shifted trying to shake his hand off. Yet not to be deterred Blake found the edge of her casual cashmere sweater, sliding his hand up underneath before she could voice her objection.

"Blake…" Alexis whispered tensely determined not to draw any more attention to them than they already had. "Stop that right now."

"Stop what?" Blake queried innocently, his fingers roaming up and across under the cover of her sweater, sliding easily over her silk blouse until he reached the deep v neck and he began to fumble with the buttons.

Reaching down Alexis pinned his wandering hand, groaning as she realized just where it was now pressed.

Practically bursting as he fought to contain his amusement Blake took a deep breath before retorting. "You only had to ask Alexis."

---

An hour and a half later an extremely amused Blake followed his family out of the movie theatre, listening with half an ear to LB's excited chatter as he enthused about the mini and the motorbike driving across the English countryside. Nodding in all the right places Blake managed to dodge any questions that required him to have been paying attention.

Glancing across at his silent companion as they stepped into the lit street Blake was finally able to appreciate the aroused flush in her cheeks, his eyes dropping to her chest which even now still showed signs of excitement.

"A little chilly out tonight isn't it?" Blake commented generally, to which the others agreed, but it was Alexis's reaction Blake was waiting for and she didn't disappoint, emerald eyes flashing angrily.

Gallantly Blake shrugged off his coat wrapping it around Alexis's shoulder before she could protest.

Waiting until Blake leant in close Alexis whispered bitingly. "Just you wait Carrington this isn't over…Remember what you send out you get back threefold." And with that she pulled away, wrapping his coat around her and rushing to catch up with Fallon and LB.

"You there is a great burger place around here Steven and I used to visit as teenagers." Fallon announced.

"Oh yeah Mr Pete's, god I wonder if it's still there?" Jeff mused before asking. "How about it everyone fancy a burger?"

"Why not." Alexis replied surprising everyone but only Blake caught the malevolent look she sent him and suddenly he didn't feel particularly hungry.

Entering the brightly lit burger joint, the family were ushered over to a booth by an overly excitable waiter, whose lisp and pimples did little to recommend him. Wincing as he was crushed into the far corner Blake's only commiseration was that Alexis was suffering the same, seated opposite him with an excitable LB at her left elbow who was jabbering away ten to the dozen.

At least Krystina was quiet, preferring to study the laminated menu rather than rehash every moment of the film. Fallon and Jeff had wisely seated themselves at the far end of the table, able to leave whenever they wanted, and Blake was relieved he hadn't taken more than a sip of his soda.

Ordering coffee and shakes, and a round of burgers and fries, Blake listening with half an ear to Fallon and Jeff reminisce about their childhood trips here feeling a pang of remorse that he had never been with them. It had always been Joseph or one of the Nannies's bringing them here. He had spent much of their childhood travelling on business and when he was around preferred to spend the nights at home. It was only looking back now he realised just how much he had missed.

Glancing across the table he wasn't surprised to see Alexis listening with rapt attention, her eyes suspiciously glassy as she soaked up previously unheard stories.

And he felt another pang of guilt. He had chosen to miss out on time with his children but he had made that choice for Alexis. At the time it had been instinctive, a need to protect both himself and his children from the lingering agony of a custody battle and perhaps...no if he was honest part of him wanted to punish her. To hurt her back as deeply as he had been hurt, as she had cheated on him, she clearly couldn't love him the way he loved her, so divorce wouldn't have been enough.

But studying Alexis now he realised just how much damage he had done. And just like that, without any debate or argument, Blake Carrington realised he had made a terrible mistake.

Not caring who might notice Blake reached across the table covering Alexis's hand with his own, rubbing her soft skin with the pad of his thumb causing her to turn to him surprise written across her lovely face. Without having to ask Blake could see the question in her eyes.

"I'm sorry." Blake mouthed.

Swallowing down the tears that sprang to her eyes Alexis struggled to breath. She knew without having to ask what he was apologising for, the look in his eyes, the desperate way he gripped her hand.

Now he apologised, after all this time. Never in the nine years she had been back in Denver had Blake even come close to admitting this. It had always lay there between them, one hurt, just like her infidelity that could never be erased.

And now just like that...out of nowhere he was sorry.

"Grandma are you alright?" LB's innocent question caused Alexis to start from her daydream.

Smiling through her tear laded eyes Alexis answered. "Oh yes I'm fine..."

And she was. His apology couldn't erase the pain of those missing years, couldn't give them back but it did give her closure. Blake finally realised he was wrong, so perhaps now she could find a way to forgive him, and perhaps he could find it in his heart to forgive her as well.

Fortunately before anyone else could question her further their food arrived and LB was sufficiently distracted by his burger not to ask why Grandma and Grandpa were holding hands.

Fallon and Jeff shared a smile but discretely chose to ignore it.

It was only a pair of angry blue eyes that remained locked on the joined hands. Picking at her food, seemingly oblivious to the conversation that carried on over her head; this was serious. No matter what she had done nothing seemed be able to drive Alexis away. Perhaps it was time to resort to more serious measures.

---

Series 10 New Beginnings

Episode 6: The Payoff

Part 3:

"Mr Carrington I was wondering when I would finally have the pleasure of your company?"

Frank Dobson's smile was broad for him when he was ushered into the meeting room to find the silver haired senior member of the Carrington clan waiting for him.

"Mr Dobson." Blake's greeting was reserved as he cast his eye over the man that had demanded his personal appearance. "I understand you have some information for me?"

"Straight to business." Dobson mused. "How very like your son's description you are Mr Carrington…He is doing much better now, thanks to my assistance. He should actually make it to his trial in one piece…such a troubled family."

Biting his lip to keep from demanding what business was it of his Blake kept his temper firmly under control even though from first glance his instinct was telling him to have nothing more to do with this man. "The information."

"Of course…I was keeping it as insurance, but now Handler is dead it doesn't do me any good but you…Let us just say I have evidence that will enable you to prove your corruption defence, bank records of pay offs…Irrefutable evidence that links Handler to some rather suspect police brutality cases…" Frank trailed off, watching as the older man took the bait.

"And you'd expect to be compensated for your troubles?" Blake questioned dark eyes narrowing as Dobson nodded. "So just how much compensation are we talking about here? One million, two million?"

"Oh what I have can't be obtained with mere money Mr Carrington, if that were the case I would have sold it back to Captain Handler's former employers, multinational investment types have cash to burn and I could have made myself a tidy sum."

"Fine then if you don't want my money what do you want?" Blake retorted coldly. "Or do you expect me to believe that you are doing this out of the goodness of your heart?"

Smiling Frank leant back in his chair, icy gray eyes taking the measure of Blake before answering. "The price Mr Carrington reflects what I am giving you…Your freedom…The restoration of your good name and that of your company…Your future."

Frank paused his smile widening. "Can you put a price on a future Mr Carrington?"

"I am sure you have one in mind." Blake muttered sarcastically, meeting the other man's gaze unflinchingly despite the chill those gray eyes filled him with.

"I propose a trade…A future for a future." Frank answered cryptically. "Your freedom…My security…Restoring your good name…Creating one of my own."

"So we are taking about money." Blake spat in disgust. "Just how much security are we talking about here?"

Sighing as if disgusted by the sordid topic of coin Frank waited until Blake was about to burst before replying. "10% of Denver Carrington Stock holdings and a seat on your Board of Directors."

Jumping out of his seat Blake all but roared his refusal. "You have got to be kidding…You expect me to simply hand over stock that is worth tens of millions of dollars to a con artist like you, let alone have you a convicted felon on my board of directors, representing my company…"

"From what I understand I would be in good company." Dobson spat back, his temper showing briefly as Blake's insults ruffled his feathers. "That is my offer Mr Carrington, you won't get a better one."

Shaking his head Blake picked up his coat striding towards the door. "You are out of your mind, I have heard enough."

"Oh I will be hearing from you Mr Carrington." Frank replied confidently. "And since I am a fair man when you come crawling in here just before the jury comes to a verdict I won't bump the price up."

Banging on the door, Blake waited for the guard to come and let him out. "I'll see you in hell Dobson before I ever make a deal with a snake like you."

---

Alexis was putting the finishing touches to her make up when there was a gentle rap on her door.

"Come in." She called out surprised when Blake entered, still dressed in his suit from the office and not dressed for dinner.

Smiling at his reflection in the mirror Alexis could tell immediately that something was troubling him, his body was tense and agitation showed in the deep crease in his brow. Even when he bent down to kiss her cheek she could sense his distraction and it wasn't because she was sitting here in her dressing gown.

For a moment she waited prepared to let him broach the subject in his own way but as he continued to avoid her eye and instead rearrange the photographs on her dresser Alexis realised he was waiting for her to coax it out of him.

"Blake you are not going to make the right impression on your guests dressed like that."

Snorting softly Blake shrugged before sitting on the chaise his dark eyes thoughtful and far away. "Perhaps it is better if I skip dinner tonight, I don't think I will make a good impression on Jeff's business colleagues regardless of what I wear."

"Oh really and why is that? Bad Day at the office, honestly if you will go in on a Saturday…" Alexis fished, watching his reflection carefully as she dabbed perfume behind her ears, on her wrists and between her breasts. When he flinched at her mention of the office and when even the sight of her lacy underwear didn't snap him out of his depression Alexis knew something was really wrong.

"Oh so you didn't go to the office." Alexis muttered out loud startling Blake who for the first time since entering the room seemed to actually see her.

"Alexis I…"

"It's alright Blake its not like you need to account for your every movement, I trust you." Alexis replied airily, dismissively turning back to her dresser and looking at the different pieces of jewellery her maid had laid out at her request, pretending to deliberate between the diamond and emerald necklace.

For a moment that comment lay heavy between them and Blake squirmed in his seat like a chastised schoolboy. Finally blurting out ,"I went to the jail."

"The Jail?" Alexis queried her eyes now sharp and alive with interest as she watched Blake wrestle with himself. "To see Adam?"

"No." Blake replied shaking his head, clenching his fist in order to contain the anger that bubbled up at just the memory of his afternoon. "I went to see a Frank Dobson."

Frowning at the way he spat out the name in disgust Alexis wracked her memory, she prided herself on never forgetting the names of important men but Mr Dobson drew a blank. "I'm sorry who?"

Unable to completely quell a smile at Alexis's incredulous expression Blake felt his anger abate slightly. "Frank Dobson, I'm not surprised you haven't heard of him, he's a former police officer who claims to have information that will be of use to me."

"And he works at the jail?"

Shaking his head Blake sneering retorted, "No he's an inmate who has apparently taken our son under his protection."

"Good." Alexis added surprising Blake with her reaction. "Well some one needs to look after him, the last time I saw him Adam was practically Black and Blue. Do you really think being a rich man's son makes jail an easy place to be?"

"No…but this man Alexis I don't trust him." Blake muttered rubbing his hands together. "He reminds me of a snake basking in the sunlight, he looks so peaceful and harmless, you think if you just edge around him he'll leave you alone, then he looks up at you with those cool eyes of his and its like locking eyes with a cold blooded killer."

Frightened by Blake's description Alexis paused before saying, "Well it certainly looks like he made an impression."

"Oh he did."

Running her fingers across her diamond bracelet Alexis weighed up asking her next question, but her curiosity was killing her. "And what did this Mr Dobson want? You said he had information for you, about what?"

"Captain Handler." Blake answered bitterly. "He claims to have evidence of Handler's involvement with some multinational investment group, people that enjoy the privilege of operating above the law with the discrete help of persons such as Captain Handler."

"Blake that's wonderful!" Alexis exclaimed excitedly, so caught up in her own relief that she didn't notice the black scowl that settled over Blake's features.

"I know you haven't talked about the trial, at least to me but I know they must be close to setting a date… if this Mr Dobson is telling the truth we might be able to avoid that all together, with the right evidence and political pressure the DA would have no choice but to drop the charges or risk evidence of Police corruption leaking into the papers!"

"NO!" Blake snapped back surprising Alexis with the vehemence of his refusal. "I will not make a deal with that man."

"Why ever not? Blake this is your freedom we are talking about here, no price is too high."

"Oh believe me I of all people know what is at stake…" Blake began only to be cut off by a fuming Alexis.

"Do you? Do you really?" Alexis spat back her emerald eyes glinting with fury. "Have you spent even one night in jail Blake?"

"Well…"

"No you haven't. Well I have, I had to spend months in that rotten detention centre, kept away from my family, my company. Being told when to get up, when to go to bed, what to eat, what to wear, where I could go, what I could do. You have no idea what it is really like in there, it will drive you crazy if you let it and I can't imagine the men's prison will be much better, in fact I imagine it will be much worse. At least I didn't have to worry about the other inmates and guards taking pot-shots at me."

"Alexis…"

"And I'll be out here, having to go on without you, knowing exactly what hell you'll be going through but unable to do a damn thing about it." Alexis finally stopped for breath, her voice throaty. "And what will happen to your little daughter, she's already lost one parent."

"Alexis I can't." Blake managed to cut in. "If it was just money then I would pay, but Dobson wants in on Denver Carrington, 10% stock holding and a seat on the board."

Slamming her hand down on the vanity Alexis cursed when she felt her palm throb. She hadn't meant to hit it that hard but he just made her so mad, he was so stubborn.

"So once again Blake Carrington is putting business before family." Alexis spat in disgust.

Jumping to his feet Blake shot her a revolted glance. "How can you of all people say that? Denver Carrington made this family what it is, it's my legacy, our children's future."

"Wrong." Alexis countered. "On all counts. The family made the business not the other way around, every well and rig represents a missed birthday, anniversary, time that could have been spent together. Time and energy you invested in it rather than us, well now it is time for payback."

Barely pausing to draw breath Alexis continued on before Blake could even think of a reply.

"Give the children a choice Blake, your freedom or that damn company of yours, I wonder which one they would choose? Or are you afraid to, you know just what they would say and then you'd have to admit to them, to yourself that it is more important to be lord and master at Denver Carrington than here with you family."

"You are not playing fair Alexis." Blake retorted unable to shake the niggling feeling that she had a point, he did know what the children would choose, but there had to be another way there simply had to be.

"I simply won't resort to blackmailing the DA's office out of this. There has to be another way…Andrew and his team are the best there is. I trusted them and the justice system once before and my trust wasn't misplaced."

"You're a fool." Alexis muttered shaking her head. "I trusted in justice once and where did it get me? Convicted for murder on trumped up charges…If Dex and Adam hadn't gone out of their way to find that photographic evidence and obtain McVane's confession I'd probably still be there now!"

Pacing back and forth Blake refused to allow Alexis's argument to sway him, he had made up his mind, he would win this thing on his own terms, just like he always had before. He simply couldn't even entertain the idea that he could loose.

"I can't loose you Blake!" Alexis whispered softly and Blake felt all his anger slowly slip away, he had never realised just how frightening this would be for her, especially considering her own history with the legal system.

Crossing back to her Blake perched on the edge of her dressing stool his arms slipping around her slender waist. "It will be alright…I am not going anywhere I swear to you. Just trust me on this I will find a way I always do."

Resting her head on his shoulder Alexis drew strength from his unwavering conviction, Blake did have a knack for getting out of these situations. "Perhaps I did over react a little." Alexis murmured into his neck, smiling as Blake chuckled against her ear. "I'm just so frightened Blake."

"We will win this Alexis." Blake muttered soothingly rubbing her back. "With you in my corner for a change and not fielding for the opposition I can't imagine how they can win."

Snorting in amusement Alexis allowed Blake to convince her, let his soft words and warm hands blanket her fears, meeting his lips in a tender kiss that deepened as Blake clung to her just as she clung to him. Pushing him away Alexis glanced horrified at the time. "We're late!"

"So?" Blake teased trailing kisses down her neck. "I told you I really don't feel like going."

Gritting her teeth Alexis gathered her resolve, something made difficult by the way Blake nuzzled and nipped at her earlobe. "No Blake…Think of Jeff, he asked you to be there. He obviously wants your opinion of these people before he signs the deal."

"He's a big boy."

"Blake!"

Sighing Blake reluctantly got to his feet watching as Alexis glanced in the mirror cursing the mess he had made of her carefully applied lipstick. For a moment he forgot he should be leaving to dress himself, watching fascinated as she applied liner and gloss to her already full lips, checking and fluffing her hair where he had flattened it, and finally deciding on the diamond and emerald necklace to go with the full length fitted white beaded gown that lay out on the bed.

Stepping forward when she seemed to struggle with the clasp Blake surprised Alexis by taking the necklace out of her hands and fastening it himself, once finished his hands resting lightly on her shoulders. Meeting her gaze in the mirror Blake smiled, his dark mood now completely evaporated.

"How did I ever survive…" Blake began unable to finish but if Alexis's dazzling smile was anything to go by he didn't need to.

"I know…I can't imagine living without you Blake…Promise I won't ever need to."

Swallowing Blake could only nod, stroking her cheek he turned and strode from the room, not trusting himself to remain longer or they really would never make dinner.

----

"You have such a lovely home Mr Carrington."

"Why thank you Mrs Carstairs." Blake replied amiably to the rather dumpy woman to his left, plastering his most charming smile on his face. Unable to quell the thought that he wished Alexis was sitting in her place and not down the far end of the table charming the pants off a balding but obscenely wealthy Mr Carstairs.

It didn't help his mood that he could imagine what he and Alexis could be up to upstairs right about now instead of playing host to two of the wealthiest but ultimately two of the most dreadfully dull people in the western hemisphere.

Hearing her tinkling laughter down the far end Blake did his best to restrain his scowl. Alexis definitely had the better end of the deal. True she had Mr Carstairs, but on her other side she had Jeff, whereas Blake had only a rather quiet and withdrawn Krystina, Fallon sat in the middle of their guests with LB opposite her and although she had conversed politely with the wife of Jeff's potential new partner she was naturally more drawn to her mother's lively repartee.

Blake was so engrossed in his own thoughts that he embarrassingly didn't realise Mrs Carstairs had spoken until she called his name.

"Forgive me it has been a long day." Blake simpered.

"Oh that is quite alright…I understand how that can be I was just commenting on what I large family you seem to have. Such a lovely girl Fallon…and I understand you have boys as well?"

Smiling genuinely for the first time Blake nodded. "I am the proud father of five, and grandfather of three. My son Adam is my eldest…" Blake paused awkwardly for a moment but if Mrs Carstairs was aware of his son's current status she was thankfully too polite to comment on it.

"Then Fallon…Steven is next, he lives in Washington with his son Daniel, Amanda my youngest but one is in Europe and Krystina my youngest." Blake added turning to smile at his baby daughter who for once looked up and tentatively returned his smile.

"My grandson LB." Blake nodded to his namesake who was making his way through his vegetables determinedly, so Blake could only assume dessert was on his mind. "Then my granddaughter Lauren is upstairs."

"My such a large family…and so handsome too but then that is to be expected." Mrs Carstairs gushed glancing between Blake and Alexis. "If your sons take after you then I expect Colorado has seen more than its fair share of broken hearts and it goes without saying that your girls get their grace and beauty from their mother."

"She is not my mummy!" Krystina's exclamation wasn't really loud but due to its high pitch it carried down the table causing conversation to stop and heads to turn.

"Oh my…" Mrs Carstairs spluttered her round face reddening in embarrassment as Krystina glared at her.

"They're not even married!" Krystina added as she jumped to her feet and ran for the door causing Blake to groan in embarrassment.

"Mr Carrington I…"

"Please excuse me." Blake muttered shooting Jeff an apologetic glance before his eyes locked with Alexis and she nodded, so leaving her to try and explain Blake took off after his daughter.

Unsurprisingly when he got upstairs he found Krystina in her room, face down on her bed, and Blake had to sigh in relief that she hadn't had the foresight to lock her door.

"I would like an explanation Krystina." Blake began softly but firmly as he sat down beside her.

"Its true she's not my mummy!" Krystina retorted crossly thumping her pillow.

"Yes I know that but you were very rude to a guest and you embarrassed me and Alexis." Blake tried to explain. "You didn't even give me a chance to tell Mrs Carstairs the truth."

Turning over Krystina rubbed her hands across her eyes. "You were going to tell her?"

"Yes." Blake insisted although he had to concede privately he might have delayed it as long as possible.

"So you haven't forgotten about Mummy?"

"No sweetheart I haven't forgotten about Mummy." Blake soothed her pulling his little girl into his arms. "I will always love Mummy, just as I will always love you, nothing can change that."

"Not even Alexis?" Krystina asked sullenly. "She doesn't like me."

"She does like you." Blake retorted. "You're a lovely little girl what is not to like. You just don't know each other very well but don't worry there is lots of time for that I promise."

Biting her lip Krystina wondered if now was the right time to tell her Daddy what Sable had told her, he seemed like himself not under any kind of spell. She was about to when Blake foolishly added.

"Now I would like you to be a big girl and come downstairs and apologise for shouting at our guests…And to Alexis for embarrassing her."

Pouting as her former temper returned Krystina showed that she had inherited more from Blake Carrington than just his name, namely his stubbornness. "No."

"Krystina." Blake growled warningly. "I will only ask you one more time. Come downstairs and apologise."

"No!" Krystina retorted pushing her father away throwing herself back on the bed in a temper.

"Fine then you will stay up here all night, no dessert and tomorrow you will stay here when I take LB riding."

Grabbing a fistful of her duvet Krystina smothered her sobs unwilling to let her father see how conflicted she was, she wanted to go riding more than anything, it was the only time she got to spend time with her father even if she had to share him with LB.

"Are you going to come downstairs and be a big girl and apologise?" Blake asked from the doorway.

Shaking her head Krystina held on to her anger and it lasted long enough for her father to leave slamming the door angrily behind him. Rolling over she picked up her doll, the last present her mummy had given her before she had to go away, holding it tightly to her chest she buried her face into the doll's long blonde hair, not caring that her tears made the strands clump together.

She just wanted things to go back to how they were before even if she couldn't have her Mummy back again, which her Daddy had told her was impossible, at least then she had Sable and hadn't had to share her Daddy with Alexis. Perhaps if she wished really hard in the morning she would wake up and it everything would be alright again.

---

Part 4:

In no time at all two weeks had passed in the Carrington household and it had been a time of great joy and frustration for Blake Carrington himself.

Frustration because there continued to exist a sort of cold war between his youngest daughter and himself which despite his best efforts did not seem to be thawing. Alexis had in her inimitable way informed him that as Krystina was his daughter this was one problem he needed to solve alone, as in her opinion any interference from her would only worsen the situation.

Then of course Blake had also found himself expertly outmanoeuvred by the combined skills of his lover and his daughter who quite smugly presented him with a fait accompli, namely his invitation complete with costume to the upcoming hospital benefit. Grudgingly Blake accepted both, realising the look of barely restrained delight on Alexis's face almost made up for the fact he had to dress up.

At least the pair of them had had the sense not to make his costume too flamboyant. A simple pair of dark tailored breeches, leather boots, a fitted waistcoat and frock coat in a tasteful deep red; that paired with a rather magnificent fencing sword which fitted into a simple leather scabbard which attached neatly to his belt and he made quite the dashing buccaneer. He could even stomach the brimmed hat with the feathered plume for as long as it took to get inside and deposit it on their table.

At least there had been no mention of tights, much to his relief and Jeff's. And part of him eagerly anticipated seeing Alexis kitted out in her costume, the low neckline and corset alone almost made the evening worth waiting for.

But for every trying moment worrying about his looming court appearance, there were at least two good ones.

His relationship with Alexis was going from strength to strength, and although they did not go out of their way to flaunt their love affair Blake no longer insisted that they hide it either. Around the mansion it had not become uncommon to find the pair sitting together in the living room or library before and after dinner, and although he was not yet comfortable outwardly displaying his affection in front of his children Blake now made a point of not moving away or releasing her hand if they happened to be interrupted.

His prudery, as Alexis called it, was a constant source of amusement to her and she seemed to delight in trying to provoke him to fits of grand passion outside of the bedroom. So far he had managed to resist but Blake had to admit there were times he had been at the point of caving, only the knowledge that the continued battle of wills titillated them both had kept him strong.

Outside of the boudoir he had found himself able to once again get to know this fascinating woman, stripping away the layers of armour she constructed over their years apart in business and in bed. Rediscovering old forgotten treasures like her deep love for her children, grandchildren, him and anyone she let inside her heart; once in they stayed in, for better or for worse it seemed no matter how much pain it might cause her.

Discovering new qualities for the first time. Her astute business mind, the insightful almost instinctive way she viewed the oil business. As a competitor Blake had traditionally spent his time reacting to Alexis's business expansions he had never given much thought to way she came up with her ideas. Now with a peaceful armistice enjoyed between their two companies Blake found himself enjoying discussing the latest developments with her, constantly surprised by the unique way she looked at situations.

So it hadn't been too much of a surprise when Alexis's proposed joint venture with the South Korean Leases started sounding like a good idea. Even so if someone had told Blake even a week ago that today he would stand before his Board of Directors partnership proposal in hand he would have told them they were crazy.

"They are going to think I have lost my mind!" Blake muttered mainly to himself but his companion heard him, and leaning heavily on her crutch she made her way over from her chair to his desk.

Leaning against the desk she shot him a baleful look, lifting her hands to correct the knot and straighten his blue silk tie before smoothing her hands down the lapels of his dark gray suit.

"No they are going to think what an astute businessman that Blake Carrington is, putting aside old grudges to pursue what is best for his company."

Rolling his eyes Blake retorted. "You have met my board?"

"On a couple of occasions." Alexis quipped smothering a smile as Blake groaned. "I never had any problem handling them."

"Yes well." Blake hedged stepping away to glance at his reflection in the mirror over the sideboard, admitting to himself that he looked every inch the confident oil tycoon. "There is no time like the present…You don't mind my not inviting you to join us?"

Shrugging Alexis smiled disarmingly. "Somehow I don't think my presence will make your job any easier…Besides I have other things to do than sit around in your boardroom whilst a bunch of boys debate over whether or not girls are allowed in the clubhouse."

Laughing at her simplistic description Blake crossed back over to her, placing a kiss on her porcelain cheek. "Wish me luck?"

"You don't need luck." Alexis insisted. "Now go in there and show them just who is in charge of this company. I'll meet you down in the lobby at one, we have a table reserved at the St Dennis for half past so do try not to overrun."

Picking up his portfolio Blake shot off a cheeky salute before heading towards the door, Alexis's laughter echoing in his ears.

---

Alexis's good mood lasted as far as the elevator. Pressing the button she took the time before it arrived to lean against the wall.

She knew she was being stubborn, was rushing her recovery. Her nurse had given her permission to use crutches now, but they were technically supposed to be used in addition to her wheelchair, but Alexis Colby had never been one to play things safe. It was all or nothing and the sense of empowerment she felt being back at the same height as everyone else made the desperate cramps and back ache worth it.

However that didn't mean she didn't take advantage of every opportunity to get off her feet or at least take some of the weight off of them.

Finally the door of the far elevator opened and grappling for her crutch Alexis went to move, it was only when she heard two familiar voices raised heatedly from inside the elevator that she stopped and listened instead.

"Fallon I have to get to the Board meeting your Father is counting on my support."

"Jeff you simply have to talk some sense into him." Fallon's desperation was clear even from just the tone of her voice. "Daddy is burying his head in the sand over this Handler affair, you know if we do nothing he will be convicted, even Andrew Laird thinks so."

"Andrew didn't say that." Jeff replied soothingly.

"He didn't need to come out and say it, anyone who can read between the lines could see it in his face. Why is Daddy lying to us…to Mummy…If I hadn't decided to accompany you…"

"You mean gatecrash." Jeff countered. "Fallon I know you're frightened, and I admit it does look bleak."

"Then talk to Daddy, persuade him to give Dobson what he wants."

"Blake is too stubborn for that." Jeff answered with a sigh. "He is determined to find another way."

"Is there one?"

"No." Jeff's resigned tone said it all and Alexis felt her stomach clench in fear.

"But I promise you Fallon, I won't let Blake go to jail if it's in my power, even if I have to pay Dobson myself….But I really do have to go." Jeff added suddenly appearing from the elevator and storming off towards the Boardroom.

The elevator doors closed behind him and both Fallon and Jeff departed not realising their conversation had been overheard.

---

The Board meeting had passed smoothly until the final item.

Glancing across at Jeff who smiled reassuringly at him, Blake raised the new business.

"I take it by now you have all had the chance to read the South Korean proposal." Pausing Blake watched as several head nodded in agreement.

"It presents an exciting opportunity for Denver Carrington to expand our holdings…" Blake began about to launch into his prepared speech when a heckling snort from the far end of the table interrupted his train of thought. Glancing up Blake scowled, looking along the row of expectant faces. Until his gaze met that of a derisive Sam Dexter.

"Do you have something you would like to add Sam?"

Pausing for a moment Sam Dexter seemed to hesitate under the full weight of Blake's gaze, before gathering himself back together and replying. "These leases, rumours are floating about you intend to take a partner in order to bid for them…Rumour has it…" Sam paused his dark eyes hardening. "That that partner is Colby Co."

Resisting the urge to clench his fists Blake forced a light hearted tone to his voice. "My the rumour mill sure has been busy this week."

"Yes but is it true?"

"Yes it is." Blake answered honestly and the Board members immediately began to mutter amongst themselves.

Watching Sam carefully Blake saw him nod to a few others whose faces told exactly how they felt about teaming up with Colby Co. It didn't take Blake long to realise he was facing an organised coup. Yet the thing about a coup much of it depended on their strength of its leader and Sam Dexter was the weak link, it pained Blake to have to do this to an old friend, but when he set himself up in opposition he left Blake no viable alternative.

"You have something you want to say Sam?" Blake asked calling Sam Dexter out, putting him on the spot. "You want to tell this Board why you think Denver Carrington shouldn't take advantage of an opportunity to secure leases for some of the most productive oil fields on the open market?"

Growling Sam practically spat back, taking the rope Blake offered and blindly placing the noose about his own neck. "Its not the leases, it's your choice of partner."

"Colby Co is in a secure financial position." Blake argued rationally sensing he was swaying the swing voters to his side. "They are more than capable of meeting their half of the financial requirements, they have an excellent safety record, and a good international standing…The Korean's are eager to deal with both our companies. We will be able to reap the rewards without having to bear all the risk and hamstringing our capital and capacity."

Slamming his hand down on the table Sam practically exploded. "No deal is a good deal with THAT Woman."

Smiling Blake leant back into his chair, folding his hands together as he stared Sam Dexter down. "Now Sam I would have thought a businessman such as yourself would be able to put aside personal issues for something bigger…I wouldn't like to think you were allowing private issues to influence the decisions you help make on Denver Carrington's behalf."

Trembling with temper Sam turned and glanced at his allies, dismayed when several avoided his eyes. "I am doing what I think is best for the company."

"Really." Blake drawled sarcastically. "In that case what do you think I am doing, not acting in Denver Carrington's best interest?"

"I…"

"Perhaps you would like to propose a vote of no confidence?" Blake suggested boldly.

"No." Sam muttered. "I just…."

Smiling as his old friend caved under the pressure Blake turned to the other members of the board. "Gentlemen may I propose a vote…All those against pursuing South Korean leases raise your hands?"

Sam and a scattering of his remaining supporters raised their hands.

"All those in favour?"

The majority of the board raised their hands.

"Well then gentlemen with that last matter settled I declare this meeting over."

Gathering his paperwork, Blake reached for his briefcase, nodding as Board members shuffled out, some shamefaced unable to meet his eye but the most meeting his gaze and wishing him a good afternoon.

Standing Blake watched as Sam slowly got to his feet. "I am sorry it had to come to his Sam but you should know me by now I don't brook any interference in the way I run Denver Carrington."

Scowling Sam took a deep sip from his water glass, his tanned hand shaking noticeably. "You're a fool Blake…Alexis will destroy you, will destroy this company. It is all she knows how to do. When she is through with you she will won't just spit you out she will seek to wipe you from the face of the earth…And you'll let her. You'll let her…God you'll probably defend her even when she is sticking the knife in your back." Sam added trailing off his dark eyes suddenly far away.

Frowning slightly in confusion Blake tried to interpret what his old friend was saying. "Sam what…"

Waving aside Blake's concern Sam Dexter headed for the door. "Well I tried Blake, one last time for old times sake. But no more, we're through. You can kick me off your Board, no wait I resign. I think its time that the Dexter's of Wyoming went back where they came from. Next time we meet it will be to see that boy of yours sent down permanently for what he did to Dex and it would be better if there was no conflict of loyalties."

"Sam…" Blake tried one last time but his old friend simply refused to listen, leaving the Boardroom and a distressed Blake behind.

---

Part 5

Sitting in the small meeting room staring at the sterile walls Alexis felt the goosebumps rise on her arms. But she wasn't cold. Dressed sleekly in a classic Chanel navy suit, her sable fur draped over the back of her chair she actually felt a little warm.

The reason for her unease was the oh so familiar surroundings. With the empty gray walls bearing down on her, the small barred window and single table bolted to the floor, not to mention that clinical institutional smell, this interview room could easily pass for another across town, one in which she had spent far too much time.

Glancing at her delicate gold Rolex Alexis rapped her nails against the table top. She hated being kept waiting, it always put her in a foul mood, but she understood the power play behind it. Dobson was trying to assert his dominance, by making her wait he was assuming control of the meeting, it started when he said it did. It was a typical alpha male ploy.

Well that might work with another alpha male but it sure as hell wouldn't work on her, Alexis had years worth of experience in deflating male egos.

Finally the door opened and in walked the man that gotten Blake so worked up.

Pausing in the doorway Dobson seemed genuinely surprised.

Smiling charmingly Alexis didn't stand instead waving Frank Dobson over to the seat opposite her.

"Good Afternoon Mr Dobson…We have never met but I understand I owe my son's current good health to your kind intervention?"

"Mrs Colby." Frank replied with a smile and a nod of his head, lowering himself into his seat. "I must say this is a pleasant surprise…I have seen you occasionally on television but I must say you are even more beautiful in real life."

Accepting the compliment graciously with a quiet "Thank you", Alexis met Dobson's gray eyes without flinching; surprised not to find the snakelike menace that Blake had described. Oh there was definite intelligence there, and a sense of emotional detachment but none of the iciness that Blake had mentioned.

Smiling a half smile Frank was the first to break the silence. "Forgive me Mrs Colby but as welcome as this visit is, you are definitely the most pleasant visitor I have had for some time, but I take it you didn't just come here to thank me personally for looking after your son?"

"I would have come to thank you regardless." Alexis insisted. "But on this occasion you are correct I do have another reason."

"Which is?"

"Blake Carrington." Alexis answered simply, watching in amazement as Frank's eyes seemed to freeze over almost immediately. The transformation was almost instantaneous, and if Alexis had not already seen those gray eyes glinting with hidden warmth she might have been chilled to the bone.

"What about him?"

"I understand you have some valuable information which could be of use to Mr Carrington?"

"And if I do what interest would it be to you?"

Smiling disarmingly Alexis waved her hands. "He is the father of my children…And they would be quite distressed if their father was convicted."

Folding his arms Frank watched her carefully before answering. "I made Carrington an offer, he turned me down."

"Oh well that's Blake for you, he's as stubborn as an Ox, always has to do things the hard way." Alexis confided watching Dobson carefully from beneath lowered lashes. "He's not likely to change his mind I'm afraid."

"Not even to keep his freedom?" Frank questioned clearly disbelieving.

"Oh believe me if Blake has a failing, and he does, its that he can never ask for help or admit he is wrong once he has gone out on a limb. It's that wonderful Carrington pride of his, he'd rather cut his nose off to spite his face, or risk going to prison rather than be forced into a situation he didn't engineer."

"Well that is a shame for him." Frank retorted. "Still he should be an interesting addition here. Tell him to brush up on his chess, it's been years since I had a good game."

"Now Mr Dobson just because Blake is too stubborn to save himself that shouldn't mean you have to miss out as well." Alexis all but purred.

"You have an alternative offer?" Frank asked astonished.

"I do." Alexis replied smugly fixing her large emerald eyes on him. "You want to make a name for yourself, secure your future. I can understand and respect that. So perhaps you might consider a change of company…Colby Co instead of Denver Carrington?"

Leaning back in his seat Frank was noticeably bemused. "You are prepared to offer me the equivalent amount of Colby Co stock and a seat on your board if I release my evidence to you?"

"Not quite." Alexis retorted, knowing that she had him well and truly hooked. "I am prepared to offer the equivalent value Colby Co stock to the value of the 10% of Denver Carrington stock you asked for from Blake, at current market value. But only half up front."

"What?" Frank demanded his eyes narrowing.

Smiling sweetly Alexis added. "Half up front Mr Dobson…And you get the rest and the seat on my board only after the charges against Blake have been dropped."

Returning her smile Frank's eyes thawed slightly. "My you do enjoy playing hardball do you not Mrs Colby."

"It's the only game to play." Alexis retorted her smile widening. "Are you interested in playing Mr Dobson?"

Laughing at her turn of phrase Frank nodded, gray eyes glinting as he sized her up. "Carrington may be a man of poor judgement but it seems he is a lucky man in other areas."

Taking the compliment Alexis asked. "Is that a yes?"

"Alright. I am prepared to swap companies, Colby Co is an even more impressive company and it's CEO… Is rather more attractive than Blake Carrington. You have yourself a deal Mrs Colby. Of course I will require confirmation of the stock transfer before I will authorise release of the evidence."

"I am so relieved to hear you say that Mr Dobson." Alexis retorted opening her briefcase and retrieving two documents, laying the stock certificate on the table for him to see, all it required was her signature. Before laying a neatly typed contract on top of it.

Reading it quickly Dobson was visibly impressed. "You appear to have thought of everything."

"I always do." Alexis quipped passing her silver ballpoint between her hands before offering it across the table.

"What no ladies first?" Dobson teased taking the pen and signing his name to the contract, before pushing the paperwork and pen back across the table to Alexis, his gray eyes watching her every movement as she picked up the pen and signed her name fluidly across the two documents.

Setting the pen down Alexis reached across the table her hand outstretched. For a moment Frank paused then with a smile that for him almost approached warm, he shook her hand.

"Welcome to Colby Co Mr Dobson."

---

Glancing at the clock Blake muttered a curse under his breath. Leaning forward he pressed the button on the intercom. "Marsha has accounting delivered those projections yet?"

"I'm sorry Mr Carrington I can try and chase them for you." Marsha's apologetic voice sounded over the intercom.

"Please do I am already running late, if they aren't here in the next half an hour they will have to wait for Monday." Blake groused switching the intercom off and packing his files away in his briefcase.

He could only imagine the disappointed looks he would have to endure if he stayed at the office much longer. Tonight was the night of the big hospital gala. Jeff had already left an hour ago, but not before reminding Blake, probably at Alexis's instigation that they were leaving the house at seven sharp.

It was almost six now and he still had to get back to the mansion and change into his costume, although that part he would willingly skip.

It was therefore a relief when his phone rang. "Yes?"

"It's Mr Laird on the line for you Mr Carrington."

Frowning slightly Blake settled back down in his chair as his lawyer came on the line. "What can I do for you Andrew?"

"It's what I can do for you Blake." Andrew countered. "I can only say thank you for coming to your senses. The DA's office just called me, I was about to leave for the day, but I think this crucial new evidence that has suddenly appeared mysteriously, might mean I miss the gala this evening."

"What new evidence?" Blake demanded.

"Oh there is no need to play coy with me Blake." Andrew jibed. "Jeff filled me in on Dobson's offer, I'm just glad you decided to take him up on it."

Unable to believe what he was hearing Blake shook his head. "Andrew I have honestly no idea what you are talking about…But I think you had better start explaining"

---

Storming into the mansion Blake didn't return Gerard's pleasant greeting. In fact it was debatable that he had even heard him so focused was he on getting answers. Heading towards the stairs Blake only stopped when he heard the gentle tinkling of laughter coming from the library, so turning on his heel he headed there surprising the inhabitants as he pushed the door open so hard it slammed against the panelling with the loud bang.

Inside Jeff, Fallon and Alexis were sat enjoying a pre-gala drink, already in costume, clearly waiting for him to get back from the office.

"There you are Blake." Alexis's delighted voice called out. "We were about to send out a search party." She added finally looking up from her glass of champagne her pleasant smile falling from her lips as she caught sight of Blake's furious expression.

"Daddy what's wrong?"

Meeting Fallon's concerned gaze Blake refused to allow her worry to soften him, instead letting his dark eyes travel over the other two. "Who did it?"

"Did what Blake?" Jeff asked genuinely confused.

"Do you honestly expect me to believe you don't know…Why else would the three of you be here celebrating? Where you all in on it together…"

"Daddy what on earth are you talking about?" Fallon demanded setting her drink down.

"Dobson." Blake spat back. "Someone paid him off and I demand to know who!"

"Daddy I honestly don't know what you are…."

"Why do I find that hard to believe?" Blake retorted. "I can't believe this my family…People I trusted going against my express wishes."

"Leave them alone Blake." Alexis insisted drawing their attention. "I did it. I paid off Dobson."

---

Part 6:

For a moment Alexis's defiant confession hung in the air and no one spoke.

For Blake it felt as if the wind had been knocked out of him. Not Alexis...He had thought Jeff, possibly even Fallon but not Alexis. Not the woman who had lay in his arms the night before buoying his confidence, trusting his judgement. Then Sam's words came back to him, how he would 'probably defend her even when she is sticking the knife in your back'

"Children will you leave us please?" Blake asked but it was more a command than a request and they reluctantly obliged; Fallon squeezing her mother's hand as she passed her by.

As soon as the library door shut behind them Blake felt himself explode, the tenuous hold on his temper lost. He was so angry he could manage to grunt out one word. "Why?"

Trembling slightly as Blake locked that almost black gaze on her Alexis felt her previous confidence evaporate, her clever comeback stalling on her tongue. If anything her continued silence only exasperated Blake further.

"I believe I am entitled to an explanation...How YOU of all people." Blake spat out venomously. "Could go behind MY back, against MY express wishes, making decisions about MY life..."

If Blake had intended his diatribe to cow her it had the completely opposite effect. Listening to his rant sparked Alexis's own short fuse.

"Me...ME...ME." Alexis hissed icily. "Do you realise that is all that has spilled from your lips? Well I am sorry if I don't agree with you Blake. This has never been about just YOU! Being sent to jail doesn't just affect YOU Blake, it affects ME, it affects the ENTIRE FAMILY!"

"So you think that gives you the right to go behind my?" Blake retorted pacing the room, needing to put as much distance between them so he didn't accidentally throttle her. "I trusted you and once again you've betrayed me. You had no right..."

"When you behave like a stupid stubborn ASS I do! " Alexis cut in stunning Blake to silence and bringing his pacing to an abrupt halt.

"YOU didn't want to STOOP to blackmail; YOU didn't want to violate YOUR sainted principles." Alexis snorted in derision. "Your recently ACQUIRED principles I might add. Well YOU didn't have to, I did it for you, because I LOVE YOU, you ass. Because I love my children and I don't want to leave them fatherless. Because whether YOU want to admit it or not, YOU were about to get YOURSELF convicted!"

"You don't k now that." Blake countered softly but firmly.

"Oh bullshit." Alexis snapped. "You didn't have a snowballs chance in hell off getting off without a custodial sentence and everyone but YOU seem prepared to admit that."

"It was a chance I was willing to take." Blake retorted shaking his head. "You have disappointed me Alexis, I thought you trusted me—believed in me..my judgement."

"I do trust you Blake about anything other than your own wellbeing..."

"Not enough." Blake spat back bitterly. "Not enough to support me in this as a partner should, you undermined me Alexis, you made me look like a fool—Krystle would never have done this."

Reeling from that blow Alexis fought back her tears unable to stop the retort falling from her lips. "Of course she wouldn't...Your precious trophy wife had neither the brains, the means nor more importantly the balls to pull this off."

"She wouldn't have even tried to because SHE believed in me." Blake countered angrily raking his hands through his hair to keep them occupied, he had not hit a woman before but by god when Alexis poured her venom he was sorely tempted. "God I can't even look at you right now."

"Fine then I will save you the trouble." Alexis hissed making her way to the door far faster than was good for her but she chose to ignore her aching back; part of her afraid that if she did not leave now before he could say it she might once again hear Blake order her from his house.

"Where are you going?"

The question was simple but the meaning behind it was anything but, and they both knew it.

Pausing in the doorway Alexis forced herself to turn around and meet his gaze.

"To the Gala."

"Now?" Blake gasped unable to believe she could face such an event now.

"I made a promise when I returned to Denver that I was never again to let my children down, I would always put them and their wellbeing first. Well I think today I have kept that promise, and I am not going to break it now by letting Fallon down. She worked hard helping organise this fundraiser, and it wouldn't be fair to ask her to find another keynote speaker at this late stage. When you realise that your freedom and your family are worth more than that stupid male pride of yours you can apologise. But until then I can't stand the sight of YOU!"

Amazed by her reply Blake watched open mouthed as she stormed out of the room, full skirts swishing behind her. Sinking into the couch he realised it was probably for the best that she had left him when she did. In his current state, the emotional rollercoaster, he wasn't sure he couldn't be provoked to violence if she had continued to argue with him.

He was torn...Split down the middle. Furious at her for deceiving him, going behind his back, undermining the stance he had decided on. Yet he believed her when she said she did it for him because she knew he couldn't, that she did it to protect the children. He could even believe her when she said she did because she loved him. The question was did he want that kind of love?

---

"Daddy?"

Krystina's high voice cut through the silence jarring Blake from his morose thoughts. Glancing up from staring into the fire Blake blinked as his eyes adjusted to the gloom to see his young daughter standing in the doorway, dressed in her nightgown and robe clutching her favourite doll.

"Krystina what are you doing up, it's late you should be in bed?" Blake groused taking a deep sip of his whiskey.

"I thought you were going to the party?" Krystina asked innocently pretending not to hear her father's command as she scurried into the room and climbed up next to him on the settee, delighted to have him all to herself for a change.

"I changed my mind." Blake growled yet he didn't not dissuade his daughter as she crawled into his lap. Just her gentle presence helped sooth his still turbulent emotions. Stroking her hair Blake found himself curious. "So why aren't you asleep young lady?"

Shrugging Krystina bit her lip.

"That is not an answer." Blake muttered some instinct telling him there was more to this than meets the eye. "Did you have a bad dream?"

Reluctantly Krystina nodded.

"About Mummy?" Blake asked surprised when his daughter shook her head. "Well then what was it?"

Chewing her lip Krystina answered softly. "No…about you."

"Me?"

"You went away." Krystina muttered. "Like Mummy did and I wasn't allowed to see you."

Stroking her hair Blake held his daughter close. "Oh darling I will never leave you. I promise."

"That's not…" Krystina began before suddenly clamming up.

"That's not what?" Blake prompted. "Krystina tell me why you thought I might be going away?"

Shrugging she shifted in his arms, holding her doll close and muttering into her hair. "Susie Thompson said at school that you did something bad and the policemen are going to come and take you away to prison and that I won't ever get to see you anymore."

"Oh darling nothing and nobody is going to take you away from me." Blake swore faithfully, unable to believe that he hadn't considered that Krystina might now be old enough to be aware of his situation.

"Then you didn't do something bad? The policemen aren't cross at you?"

Reluctantly Blake found himself in the position of having to lie to his own child, something he had sworn never to do. "I did something the policemen think was wrong but thanks to some other people…" Blake hedged, "helping convince them, I am sure they will let me stay here with you and not take me away."

"What people?"

"Well Uncle Andrew for one and…" Blake paused before admitting. "And Alexis."

Frowning as she processed that thought, that Alexis had helped keep her father at home, Krystina was startled when the phone suddenly rang.

Getting to his feet Blake crossed to the phone on his desk. "Carrington residence."

"Blake its Andrew, I wanted you to be the first to know, the DA has dropped the charges, thanks to Dobson's evidence you are a free man."

Sighing in relief Blake ran a hand across his eyes, it was if a terrible weight had finally been lifted from his shoulders, a weight he hadn't even realised he had been carrying until that moment. "Thank you Andrew…Thank you very much."

"Don't thank me Blake, it's Alexis you should be thanking…Without that evidence I really did not like our chances."

"Yes I will…Good night Andrew and thank you once again." Blake added setting down the phone to face his daughter's inquisitive face.

"That was Uncle Andrew, the policemen won't be coming to take me away." Blake explained a bright smile pulling at his lips, a smile which Krystina returned jumping off of the couch into his arms.

Hugging her close it struck Blake how close he had come to loosing all this, to missing this time with his daughter, to not seeing her grow up or being a real part of her life. "Thank you." He whispered to the air, to what ever divine power was listening.

"Now young lady I think it was time you went back to bed."

"Will you tuck me in?" Krystina asked sweetly.

"I will." Blake readily agreed and hand in hand they headed upstairs, but it did not slip Blake's mind that he still had one more thank you to deliver, and this one should really be face to face.

----

Depressed Alexis swirled the olive around in her martini, watching as the clear liquid threatened to spill over the lip of her glass. She should have realised coming to a ball would have been too depressing. Despite her significant improvements in physio she was still not strong enough to stand for long, nor anywhere near stable enough to actually dance without having to be supported by her partner.

Fallon and Jeff had been wonderful but it was hardly fair to expect them to sit here and keep her company all evening. Glancing over at the dance floor Alexis managed a small smile as she watched them dance. The oblivious pair only had eyes for each other, and Alexis predicted it wouldn't be long until they were back together.

If only she hadn't forced Blake's hand, not that she truly regretted it, but if she had waited to deal with Dobson until after the Gala then at least she would have had someone to talk to.

"Is this seat taken?"

"Blake!" Alexis gasped in surprise turning her face up to a clearly uncomfortable Blake Carrington. For a moment an awkward silence descended, the memories of their earlier argument too fresh in each others mind.

"You can sit if you want." Alexis answered softly shrugging her shoulders her eyes drifting back to the dance floor watching the other couples enviously.

"Actually I'd rather dance if you don't mind." Blake asked as if reading her thoughts holding out a hand, which his dark eyes pleaded with her to take; to not make him grovel apologies but to accept that he was sorry by the fact that he was here now and in costume.

Taking his hand Alexis leaned heavily on Blake's arm as he escorted her to the dance floor, ignoring the interested glances of their peers as Blake slipped both arms around her supporting her almost entirely.

Sliding her arms up around his neck Alexis felt herself relax, resting her head against Blake's shoulder as he rocked them gently in time with the music. They were hardly giving Fred and Ginger a run for their money but the dance enabled them to be close, as close as they both wanted without the pressure to talk, at the moment it still felt too raw.

Eventually one of them had to speak, bending his head close to her ear, Blake muttered lowly "I'm sorry."

"I know…Me to." Alexis replied softly lifting her head from his shoulder so that she could meet his gaze. "I didn't mean to make you feel undermined Blake…I just couldn't let you go to prison. I couldn't face loosing you…I didn't think by doing what I did I might end up loosing you anyway."

"And I was being stubborn." Blake replied with a sigh, chuckling softly. "We are quite the pair."

"Why did you come tonight?" Alexis asked suddenly bringing them both to a stop. "When I left I thought I'd come home and find my luggage out on the steps."

"Oh it was tempting!" Blake teased, disturbed when Alexis broke their gaze suddenly tensing in his arms. "Hey…." He added sliding one hand up her back and along her jaw to cup her chin and draw her eyes back to his. "I was joking."

"I'm not laughing Blake." Alexis muttered. "You have to forgive me if I don't find that at all amusing."

Frowning Blake tightened his hold on her, "I hurt you very much back then didn't I?"

"No more than I deserved I'm sure." Alexis added throatily. "I guess I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop…Perhaps that's why I seem to go out of my way to provoke you. It seems inevitable that eventually you will throw me out of the mansion…out of you heart and life…If you got sent to jail it would only be over sooner."

"I am not going anywhere." Blake growled softly his dark eyes twinkling mischievously, unable to keep his good news to himself any longer.

"But…" Alexis began her emerald eyes wide her hopeful face upturned to Blake's

"The charges have been dropped and I would be a churlish buccaneer if I did not acknowledge my ladies hand in all of this."

The smile stretched quickly across her face and her eyes twinkled happily. "Say that again."

"I'm a free man Alexis." Blake replied. "Now do I get to thank my lady?"

Nodding Alexis smiled sweetly astonished when Blake leant closer pressing his forehead against hers, brushing his nose against hers, staring deeply into her eyes. At the tentative brush of his lips against hers Alexis inhaled sharply, Blake's mouth swallowing her moan as he kissed her with increasing ardour.

Running her hands through his hair Alexis surrendered herself to their passion, not realising they had suddenly become the centre of attention. Dancing couples pausing on the dance floor to stare in astonishment as the two most unlikely people came together, people sat at tables whispered behind their napkins. Yet the pair were oblivious to all this, even to a broadly smiling Fallon and a very relieved Jeff Colby who stood barely five feet away

Releasing her lips reluctantly Blake whispered huskily. "I love you Alexis."

"Oh Blake I love you to." Alexis replied emotionally. "I always have and I always will."

"Well that's good to know." Blake teased. "Even when I'm old and well greyer…"

"Even then!" Alexis laughed. "Now Darling please don't take this the wrong way but I really need to sit down before I fall down."

Immediately concerned Blake wrapped his arm around her waist, supporting most of her weight. "Are you alright?"

"I'll be fine…I guess I have just been pushing myself a little too hard." Alexis admitted grudgingly, accepting Blake assistance to head back to her seat.

They were almost there when a fuming Mr Peterson appeared out of nowhere cutting off their exit.

"Well I bet you're happy with yourself Carrington." Peterson sneered casting his eyes over the pair. "Out celebrating?"

"I am here with my family Mr Peterson, supporting a worthy cause." Blake replied politely but it didn't take a genius to realise the DA attorney was out to cause a scene and from the way conversation around them dropped off they were certainly drawing an audience.

"Well it's good your money can do more than just buy your way out of trouble." Peterson muttered. "Too bad it won't get your boy out of jail as well!"

"I think this conversation is at an end Mr Peterson." Blake replied icily, pushing his way passed the attorney.

But the lawyer wasn't through with them. "Well don't celebrate too soon Carrington. You may be off the hook but young Adam…Well he will get his comeuppance sooner rather than later, thanks to you."

"What are you talking about?" Alexis demanded unable to resist rising to the bait.

"Oh you mean you haven't heard?" Peterson retorted smugly. "Well I suggest you don't dismiss that legal team of yours just yet Carrington, set them to work on your son's defence. I mean now that his trial has been moved up…"

"A date's been set?"

"Yes three weeks from now…I wonder how they managed to find the gap in the court schedule?" Peterson taunted turning and leaving now he had managed to ruin Blake's night.

"Oh god Blake." Alexis gasped. "Why when something seems to go right for us does something else have to go wrong…Someone must truly hate us."

Sighing Blake wracked his brain for something reassuring to say. Settling instead for holding her close. "We will get through this Alexis, as a family, together there is nothing we cannot do."

"Together." Alexis echoed meeting his gaze and sealing that promise with a kiss. He was right perhaps they were just being tested, the only thing she was certain of was that there was no way she was going to give up, not on Adam, not on Blake, not without giving it the fight of her life first.

---