Thanks to Z for her excellent beta skills. I've appreciated all the reviews, critiques and comments on the story this year - you all have just been wonderful and kept me thinking as well as laughing. Scondrel73 and Roar - (chapter 13 and Mrs. DePalma's garden of herbs.)... weed indeed, as I didn't realize that could have been the case when I wrote it. I had a good laugh though, you guy's rock ;)

Chapter Notes:

For reference: Season 8 "Out of Peekskill" episodes 1&2, may give you perspective.

Jo had finally made her way through the embassy's grid locked security. She barged her way into the room where Mendoza was busy working. He was pouring over a file when he heard her come in; cup of coffee in hand.

He eyed her. "You bring me one?"

Jo looked at her cup then back at him. "You never said anything," she stood for a second then thrust the cup at him. "Here,"

Norm batted it away, smiling. "Just kidding," he chuckled.

Jo smirked then sat down on a cold steel, rolling stool. "So what'd you find out?" she wheeled herself closer to the monitor.

"That piece of cloth you gave me…" he pointed to it sitting by his computer monitor. He had just gotten it back from forensics.

"You have any information?" Jo picked it up, rolling the soft material through her fingers. The small red strip of cloth was some kind of woven cotton, she guessed. It was smooth, yet heavy.

"The material's from a scarf." Mendoza brought up the report from forensics. "They were able to trace its origin to Italy, Rome to be exact. It's from the house of Valentino." He scrolled down the report. "As far as what it's made of… the fibers are cotton and a blended assortment of—"

"Hold up..." Jo had to stop him. "Let's not run down all that, just give me the good stuff, Norm."

He cracked a grin at that. "Glad to skip it," he scrolled down again. "Here we go," he scanned the page. "Looks like the scarf was sent to the States to a place in New York."

Jo leaned forward looking at the screen. "What place? A store?"

Agent Mendoza scrolled down until he found what he was looking for. "Here it is… Sacks Fifth Avenue."

Jo nodded. "Now we're getting somewhere," she thought for a second. "Do we have a buyer?"

Norm clicked a screen, then scrolled the report. "Yep, sure do."

Jo leaned forward reading the name... then read it again… It couldn't be. She sat back shocked, staring at the screen.

Norm turned and looked at her. She looked ashen almost. "Hey, you okay?"

The brunette remained silent. She swallowed then looked at Norm. Her eyes had started to form unshed tears. "I-I…um…"

"Hey do you want to stop?" Mendoza watched as Jo stood and wiped a hand over her face a couple of times; shaking her head. "Jo, are you okay?"

She had her back to him. Her body was almost bent over and she hugged herself... trying to hold it together… for whatever reason, whatever she read on that report seemed to induce a strong reaction… perhaps something she wasn't ready for.

"Jo…" Mendoza's voice was gentle.

"Give me a second," her voice cracked. She wiped at the tears, turning around to be met with concerned eyes. "I'm okay…"

Norm nodded slowly keeping his eyes on his fellow agent. To be truthful, he'd never seen her fall apart like this. "What happened?"

Jo pointed at the computer screen. The name on it, she read... then, "Dr. Bruce Gains," she said quietly. She let her hand drop.

Mendoza looked back at the screen. The name of the person who bought the scarf was indeed Bruce Gains. "Do you know him?" he asked carefully.

Tears started to well in Jo's eyes again. "I know him," She made her way back over, taking a seat.

The room was pretty quiet, aside from the whirling of several computer terminals. There were several of them lining the walls. They were in the recovery room… recovery of forensic information. Or better known as the hard truth room.

Jo took in a shaky breath. "We promised we wouldn't talk about it… what could have happened...until we knew for sure... but..." she faded again. "...We… I never thought there would ever be a chance…" she stopped, looking at her colleague with anxiousness.

Norm reached over and grabbed a napkin he had from his morning doughnut bag. He handed it to Jo. "Here."

She took it. "Thanks," she dabbed her eyes. "Sorry…"

"Hey, don't apologize," Mendoza gave her a supportive smile. "This is obviously something deep you have to face," he reassured.

Whoever this person was, they had greatly affected Jo in a profound way. He didn't want to press the issue, but instead waited for her to come forth with whatever information she could provide.

"Yeah, okay I'm not falling apart or anything, "Jo managed a sullen smile. She hated pity of any kind. She balled up the napkin, then threw it on the desk. "It just caught me by surprise is all."

Norm nodded his head in understanding. "Whenever you're ready to provide the information, Agent," He was in no hurry.

She needed to hear that. To remind her she had a duty, a job to do. "I, uh… he um.." Jo tried to begin again.

Mendoza's brow creased. This is serious. "Jo who is this guy?" he hated to persist but this could be a significant link to the case.

Jo steeled herself before saying the name… it had been a while; and if there was any chance, any way that… She looked at Norm, her expression one of sadness and mostly heart felt desperation.

"He's Edna Garrett's husband…"

Tootie had gone over the last line many times, finally getting it to stick. She mouthed it as she made her way to the kitchen.

"I am so sorry, Mr. Anderson, but the floral department is closed," She opened the refrigerator taking a peek inside. "I am so sorry, Mr. Anderson, but the floral department is closed," she repeated, this time with more emphasis on 'floral.'

She got out a bottle of water. "…the floral department is closed…" she took a sip, "…is closed…it is closed, the floral department."

The doorbell rang and the actress was almost glad for a small break. She looked through the peephole then pulled the door open to find Meg standing there with her arms full of a barking Gigi.

"Meg!" Tootie smiled at them both.

Meg gave her a distressed look, "Oh, goodness, Tootie. Thank God you're home," she switched Gigi to one arm.

Tootie cooed at the little dog. "Hi sweetie, hi… oh yes, you are a sweetie…" Tootie looked up. "Oh, I'm sorry. Come on in."

Meg shook her head. "Tootie, I need you to do me a favor," she said anxiously.

Tootie noticed her agitated state. "Are you okay?"

Meg made an uncomfortable face. "I need you to watch Gigi for me. Joyce is in the hospital…" she informed.

Tootie's eyes rounded. "Oh my God! Is she okay?"

Meg shrugged, frustrated. "I don't know, Tootie. We were downtown, she wanted to go window shopping so I wheeled her into Tiffany's and she fainted in her wheel chair as soon as we got inside," Meg took a second to adjust Gigi in her arms, the little dog was squirming. "I called the ambulance and they've taken her to Mount Sinai, but we had Gigi with us, so I couldn't ride with her."

The rest was evident, she didn't want to go to the hospital with the little dog. Tootie held out her arms to take Gigi. "I'll take her, don't worry about a thing," Tootie looked at Meg. "Does Blair know?"

Meg nodded, allowing Gigi to transfer over to Tootie. "I told her, she's on her way over to the hospital."

"Oh good," Tootie said. "You go, don't worry about Gigi… and please let me know what happens," She reassured Meg.

"Thank you, Tootie. I'll be by to pick her up shortly, as soon as I get everything situated with Joyce," she smiled a thank you.

"You're welcome," Tootie smiled back. "Oh and Meg?"

Meg raised a brow. "Yes?"

"I'll be praying for Joyce to be alright," Tootie hugged Gigi to her chest.

Meg gave Tootie a tiny hug. Gigi barked and licked Meg on the face. She patted the small Pomeranian on the head, then smiled at the actress. "Thank you. We're thankful for all the prayers we can get."

Tootie watched her leave then put the little dog down on the floor. She checked her watch only to remember she had rehearsal in thirty minutes. "Oh, boy, what to do with you," she told Gigi.

Gigi jumped up on the couch and barked before whining and wagging her tail.

"Okay Gigi," Tootie rubbed her head. "Will you be a good girl until auntie Nat comes home?" she looked at the clock, Natalie was late today. "She'll be here any minute."

Tootie had a few minutes to get ready to go to rehearsal. She walked into the kitchen and got out pen and paper, writing down instructions for Natalie to give Gigi water until Meg returned.

"Yip!, Yop! Yip!" Gigi got up on her hind legs.

Tootie smirked. "Well now look at you, Miss I Can Do Tricks!" She made her way over to the sofa and kissed the dog on the nose. "Your mommy has trained you well."

Tootie went back into the kitchen to fill a bowl full of water from a filtered pitcher they kept in the fridge. Gigi was spoiled… or was that her owner? Nonetheless, the rule was: no city water for Gigi.

Tootie sat the bowl on the kitchen floor beside the refrigerator. "There you are Princess Gigi."

That earned her a thankful bark. Tootie went to grab her purse and left the apartment, locking the door and leaving the television on. For some reason it seemed to calm Gigi down whenever Blair brought her over – which had been all of two times since they'd moved in.

Central Park, NYC

I couldn't even get my foot in the door and here I sit. Dog sitting. Natalie pulled her knit hat down over her ears. She was agitated as she threw a stick for Ace to fetch for the twentieth time. She was freezing and sat on the hard wooden bench throwing the stick further each time when he brought it back – the little dog returning it with fervor each time.

She'd barely had her key in the door to the apartment building, when Charlie Polniaczek pulled up in a cab. He had Ace with him and asked if she could watch him for a couple of hours before Rose came by after work, and picked him up. He had to report to his job and had a rig he needed to see about.

Something like that, Natalie mused. She had decided it was better to put Ace in her car and head for the park, now, before bringing him into the apartment.

The Jack Russell plopped the stick down beside her feet. "C'mon boy. Time to go home. You've pooped and peed all over central park enough." She reached down and attached his leash. "And don't try to drag me you little runt."

"Whoof!"

"Did you just get smart with me?" Natalie looked down with a stern face. They started making their way back to the car. "I think you just sassed me… bad boy, if you did."

"Whoof!"

Natalie had guided Ace to the back seat of the company car. He stayed put for the most part; looking out of the window, occasionally barking as they maneuvered traffic. They finally reached the apartment and made their way to the door. Natalie got out her key, pausing she realized: "You don't have any food here do you?"

Ace looked up at her and whined; his tongue hanging out as he panted. "Whoof!"

"So you agree," that earned her another bark. "Tell you what, I'm going to go get you some dog food because your dear old grandpa' forgot it," she rubbed his head. "However, they don't let dogs in the grocery store and I can't leave you in the car because it's a company car and you look like the type of dog that wouldn't care about that and pee on my steering wheel anyway."

"Whoof!"

"I'm glad you agree," Natalie opened the apartment door and bent down. "Now, Ace, be a good boy for Aunty Tootie. She'll forgive me later for dumping you off on her, but we'll just be on our best behavior for now, right?"

"Whoof!"

She unhooked his leash then left, making her way to the store. She was intent to make it back before Ace could do any permanent damage to the apartment.

Stopping at a red light, the reporter cracked a self satisfied smile. Tootie will just have to suck it up.

Jo looked around as she waited in the General's office. She sat facing his desk. The room smelled of old brass and wood. There was a large, wavy US flag on one side of the desk and a similar sized US army flag on the other. She stiffened a bit as the door opened, and the General swiftly came into the office, a file in his hand.

"Agent Polniaczek, it's a pleasure," he noticed Jo start to get up to greet him. "No, no please sit," he made his way around the desk and took a seat.

Jo eased her way back down. She smiled at him. "Good to see you, Sir."

General Barber undid the middle button of his military jacket. "To what do I owe the pleasure, Agent?"

"I need to put in a request to be discharged from duty on the case, Sir," Jo decided to get straight to the point.

She saw him grimace at the request. The older man sat back in the leather chair and crossed one leg over the other. "I need you here, Agent. If we discover another mine, I don't know how long we have until things can potentially become fatal."

That much was true, and Jo knew it. Still, she felt a small lump form in her throat. Conflict was a strong emotion, and she felt it tenfold at the moment.

Agent Mendoza had confirmed the worst. The ship that had been seized by the pirates was from the States as the Empress had informed her. It had been on a Peace Corps mission. The material, a scarf, was purchased by Bruce Gains and subsequently, he was on that ship… as was Mrs. Garrett.

It was to be a romantic adventure, only to turn into a tragic nightmare. Norm was working on finding out what became of Bruce and Edna (Garrett) Gains; not knowing if they were amongst the survivors.

It was nerve racking to say the least but Jo felt compelled to return home. Also, she had to admit… she needed to go home. If there was anything the past two days had taught her it was that time and life was precious. Wasting any of it was foolish and enjoying each and every day with the people you love was something she'd missed dearly. Being constantly on the road… constantly moving from case to case, was no way to really live.

She looked up into the steel gray eyes of General Barber. "Sir, I—"

"Hold on a second, Agent," General Barber had forgotten about the file he'd brought in. He opened it. "I was just handed this by my secretary."

That piqued Jo's interest. "What is it?"

"From your superior officer," Barber turned the page.

Jo cracked a small grin at that. Superior officer was military speak. "Do you mean Agent Eric Nelson?"

Barber looked up, his face was no-nonsense. "Yes, Agent," he read the report. "Seems they need you back in the States to work on a potential case," he tightened his jaw and turned another page. "Doesn't really go into any specifics," he put the file down. "I'll give him a call. In the meantime hang tight; I'll inform you of your status once I speak with Agent Nelson."

The general twined his fingers together on the desk. "It could take a while to confirm your status either way." He looked at Jo squarely. "I'd really hate to lose you Agent Polniaczek."

Green eyes had barely blinked. Jo was speechless and sat back feeling half hopeful. Her heart skipped a beat and she wore a dumbfounded smile on her face; not really caring how she looked.

She barely acknowledged the Generals last remark. "I understand, Sir," was all she could manage to say.

Agent Nelson came into his office hastily, file in hand. He noticed David Warner had been patiently waiting.

"Mr. Warner... sorry to keep you waiting," he closed the door.

Taking a seat at his desk, he noticed David hadn't said a word. He had his head down, and he was still wearing his top coat.

"Mr. Warner?" Eric tried again, this time getting the man's attention.

David looked up, his eyes were bloodshot and his focus seemed to be wavering in and out. He was clutching his hat with both hands as he aimlessly looked around the office.

"Please tell me you have good news," he managed to say hoarsely.

Eric knew to go delicately. He arranged his thoughts before speaking. "We have new information concerning Barry Winstead."

There was a heavy sigh and David looked away nodding his head. "Alright."

Eric paused noticing a slight odor of alcohol. The toll this whole case was taking on David Warner was understandable. It was hard to witness; when a client started to lose faith. It didn't help that they had just received the worst kind of information… and to have to now inform the client...

Better to go full speed ahead. Agent Nelson jutted his chin out as he opened the file. "Barry Winstead is in the custody of the FBI. For the last 9 hours they have been interrogating him."

That seemed to sober the situation as David focused in on the information. "Where is he?" piercing eyes shot daggers. "I want to see him!"

Eric shook his head, keeping his voice tempered in a calm manner. "Mr. Warner, he is in an undisclosed location."

David stood abruptly. "I WANT TO SEE HIM!" he almost lost his balance as he stormed over to the edge of the desk. He beat his hands on the surface. "LET ME SEE HIM! I'LL KILL HIM!"He growled.

Eric shot out of his seat. "Calm down please, Mr. Warner!"

"You calm down!" David pointed a harsh finger. "He's trying to destroy my company!" spittle flew from his mouth as he challenged the lead Agent. "I'll be damned if I let that happen!"

Eric stood his ground. "We are doing everything within our ability to make sure that doesn't happen, Mr. Warner." He looked the man straight in the eye. "You'll have to trust us."

David was breathing harshly as he stared at the agent. His face was red and the veins on his neck stood out – the crisp white of his shirt collar was gray and drenched in sweat. They locked eyes in a game of wills for a few moments, until the CEO of Warner Textiles finally complied. Nodding slowly, he took out a handkerchief and wiped the sweat from his brow, taking a seat.

Eric was glad David Warner had at least made an effort to hear him out. He watched and waited until David calmed himself down, then continued reading from the file.

"From the interrogation, it has been confirmed that Barry Winstead has…" he paused, taking a glance at David, "…hired a trained hired gun targeting executives at Warner Textiles." Eric stopped, letting that bit of information sink in for a bit.

David closed his eyes in misery. "I knew it…" he said solemnly, "I knew he would come after us." He bowed his head.

Eric's brow puckered. "Do you have any idea why he would do this, Mr. Warner?" He asked frankly.

"Revenge," David said flatly and bitterly.

Eric leaned back in his chair. The information they'd gathered on the Winstead's was still inconclusive and they had kept it from the investigation… until now.

He knew about the boating accident five years ago… about Daniel's infidelity and Amanda Polmero's subsequent relation to him. But… he wondered… did David?

"For his brother, probably…" David divulged. He figured the FBI knew about the boating accident by now.

"What about him?" Eric asked. He was intrigued to know David's take on it. His side of the story.

David sighed heavily. "We had a fishing trip a few years back. Daniel and Barry got into a fight and Daniel went overboard," David looked at the agent. "I'm sure you all have seen the police records. No one was indicted. The case was closed as an accident. No body was found."

Eric knew it was best to stay silent on this one and let things add up on their own. He simply nodded, then gestured for David to continue.

David leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "Barry was supposed to be next in line after Daniel as far as being named president of Warner Textiles. But Russell was named, even though he didn't want it."

"He didn't want to be president of Warner?" Eric hiked a brow, truly intrigued now.

David smirked. "No, he was appointed by my father, right before he died."

Also five years ago. Eric pursed his lips. It was known that David Sr. was a smoker and drank heavily, he'd died of a heart attack. But still… the timeline was questionable considering the timeframe of the two deaths. "Go on please, Mr. Warner."

"After Russell died Barry made his frustration known… at least to me," he stopped, wondering if he had gone too far.

Eric pushed further. "How so?"

David weighed his next response. "He would complain to me about Blair… about her being too young, being too inexperienced," a beat. "I think Blair was picking up on a few whisperings around the office about her being named president and what others thought about that."

True. Blair had indeed heard the whispering about her being named president. It had deterred her from taking the chair at first.

"I told her to ignore the rumors." David managed to smile at that. He knew Blair would be a good fit. But now… with the new information about threats to the family finally being confirmed by the FBI?

"I see," Eric rubbed the back of his neck.

"He wants her out doesn't he?" David asked the most dreaded question he could think of... someone wanted Blair removed from her position... at any cost.

"Apparently." Eric read through the file again. "At this point, until we can nail a true motive from Winstead, I would suggest Blair have maximum security."

David blinked at agent Nelson. "What does that entail? I have a crew guarding her now." he said.

Eric put the file down. He wanted to at least give David a small branch of security. "It means, we need to make sure all departments, systems and personnel are guarded," he paused, "from the inside." Eric let that bit of information sink in.

David slowly nodded his head in agreement as he thought about it. "I'm following," he said gruffly. "How do we do that?"

Eric opened his top drawer. "I've been working on that," he took out another file. "I've been working with the FBI on a new case for the protection of your company that involves person to person protection."

David stared blankly at that. "Could you be more specific?" It made sense on the surface.

"Inside the company we will have agents involved with monitoring all systems and personnel," Eric took in a breath. "To assign Blair maximum security I will be appointing an agent to work closely with her."

"Jo," David blurted out. He looked at agent Nelson expectedly.

Eric blinked, "Well actually..."

"I don't want anyone else but Jo Polniaczek guarding my daughter," David sniffed. "I trust her. She's the best for making sure my daughter is safe."

Eric waited a few seconds to make sure David was finished before replying. "Actually, I was going to suggest the same thing."

Eric had been slow to admit that. She wasn't his first choice, he also admitted. His biggest reservations concerned her personal involvement with the client.., especially given the most recent events. That he would talk to her about during her briefing. He'd been very hesitant at first, but every which way he'd turned it, it just made since to put Jo on the case. There was just no better person for the assignment. He would have to gamble that this time the outcome would be to stop the threat to the Warner family, without losing one of his best agents.

"I'm glad we at least agree on that," David said.

"You'll need to hire her full time," Eric informed. "She needs to be close to Blair, as well as have access to the systems," he held a stern look. "I cannot tell you how important it is to monitor all computer systems now that Winstead has hired help."

So much was on the line now. David thought for a moment, glad at least his daughter would be in good hands, and with someone he trusted. He also realized in order to get Jo acclimated into the company he'd need to hire her... full time. His eyes widened as he sobered a bit. "The new division."

"What new division?" Eric questioned. "A new project?" Could work if he's thinking what I'm thinking. He glanced at the CEO.

David was almost sure it would be a good fit. "I'll hire her as the new divisional head of IT for the new project Blair is working on," he smiled realizing it just might work. "She has a habit of running paper through the system, management hates that, but it's an old law school habit of hers. To leave a trail," he glanced at Eric with a conspiring look. "Jo could help her get her project off the ground more efficiently."

Eric remained silent, thinking it over. "I think that could work." He made a note of it. "Is there an office she can use to make this whole thing look legitimate?"

Just so happened there was, David thought. "Right across the hall. Used to be Barry Winstead's office," David was smiling genuinely now. "It would be perfect."

Eric scribbled a few remarks in the file before standing and making his way around the desk. David stood as well, and the two shook hands.

"Thank you for helping us again, Mr. Warner. I'll be getting back to you once Agent Polniaczek is ready for re-assignment." Eric nodded, then made his way to sit back down.

David was used to the abrupt way Eric ended their meetings. Still, he was a little confused. "What about in the meantime? What's going to happen to my—" His phone chirped, "I'm sorry." He glanced at it realizing it was a text message from Meg saying that Joyce was fine and had been released from the hospital and on her way home.

David breathed out a sigh of relief. He had been in a meeting when he'd received the news about Joyce. He went to the hospital only to be summoned to JTI, and left without knowing his mother's diagnosis. It was proving to be a stressful turn of events for him and he'd taken to a few drinks in the limousine to calm his nerves along the way.

"Is everything alright, Mr. Warner?" Eric had been watching him. It looked as if something was at least going right in the man's life.

"Everything's fine…" he typed in a reply. "…I um… my family," was all he supplied as he put his phone in his coat pocket.

"I understand," Eric said. "In the meantime, we have a shadow crew on the case. We feel this will be sufficient until we can get Jo and other agents into corporate headquarters," he supplied.

"Good, good," David felt a little better about the situation, although not fully satisfied. "I still have my team looking out for Blair as well as other family members."

Eric nodded. "As soon as my crew is in place we will no longer be needing your personnel," he was serious. "This is too dangerous of a case to risk anyone other than our personnel," a breath. "I'm sure you understand."

That was met with firm eye contact. David felt better knowing Jo would be on the inside. Guarding his daughter was the top priority. He internally sighed a bit of relief; like a little of the weight had been lifted. "Perfectly."

"Here we gooo… Aunty Nat's baaack."

Natalie shut the door with her foot, her arms weighted down with bags. She looked around the front room. No sign of the little guy. "Ace?"

She put up a few groceries then filled a bowl with dog food. She looked down noticing the water bowl by the refrigerator. It had been emptied.

The reporter smirked. "Tootie, you could've at least refilled Ace's bowl," she said to no one. "Typical… don't tell me you forgot because you had to rehearse…" she listened, the apartment was quiet… almost as if she was the only one there. "Tootie?"

Erie silence. Huh. Natalie went to her bedroom, "Ace?" She looked under the bed, no sign of him. Closing the door she went across the hall to Tootie's room. She knocked on the door. "Tootie?"

No response. Natalie opened the door, "Tootie?" she wasn't there. Great, Ace has been all over the apartment no doubt. She put hands on her hips. "Speaking of which… where are you little guy?" She went back to the front room, pausing as she circled the couch... then gasped.

"Oh my God!"

Natalie put a quieting hand over her mouth. She hadn't meant to say that so loud, but… there over by the Television were Ace and…where did that other dog come from?

The two dogs were asleep… wrapped around each other. There was an occasional ear twitch but they were practically clinging to each other. Natalie turned her head sideways looking at the two intertwined… almost as if they were in an embrace, she thought.

"What the hell am I saying?!"

She got closer, not quite able to make out the other dog lying slightly under Ace. She got down on her hands and knees when it became apparent. Especially from the cutesy little doggie collar:

"Gigi?!"

Natalie quickly stood up. "Tootie, what the hell have you done?!" Then she thought, how the hell did Gigi…she slid her eyes over to the two dogs… you little slut… no, no that's not right…

Natalie went into the kitchen to grab a bottle of water. "This is crazy." She opened it taking a long swig, then noticed Tootie's note on the countertop. She read it and everything became crystal clear.

Leaning back on the countertop she realized she needed to call Meg and find out about Joyce. She took her phone out of her pocket and dialed the number. She peeked again at the two sleeping beauties. "Look at the two of you… shame…" She noticed Gigi lick Aces nose in her sleep and that earned a small 'awww' from Natalie.

They were cute she had to admit. Ace moved his head and Gigi laid hers down on top of it, as the two snuggled in. Natalie let a small smile work its way to her face as she watched them.

"You two have more sense than your owners."

Meg gently closed the door to Joyce's room and made her way to the grand room.

"How is she?" David asked. He was over by the bar. It was after hours and he had changed into a polo shirt and a pull over sweater. He was eating peanuts and sipping on ice water while reading one of his favorite golf magazines.

"She's sleeping." Meg walked over to him and took a seat at the bar. She looked over at Blair who was sitting beside her, completely consumed by her phone. "Are you okay?" Meg asked concerned. This was turning into a regular habit.

Blair looked up, "I'm great." She smiled. "How's Joyce?" She went back to typing.

Meg and David locked eyes, both smirking. Meg glanced at Blair's phone for good measure. "Resting. The medicine the doctor gave her will keep the fluid from surrounding her heart."

Meg would see to it. Being her in-house nurse, she saw to the daily routine of getting Joyce to eat and take her medicine. Also, she felt compelled to keep everyone calm about Joyce's diagnosis.

It was getting worse, her heart. The fluid would be kept to a minimum with the medicine but… the doctors said that was all they could do considering her age. This had been said before, however, three years ago and Joyce, being a fighter, had stayed stable. She was a fighter.

Typical Warner, David thought. "She's a tough lady, she'll be fine," he said as he sipped his ice water.

Blair agreed. "She's a natural fighter," she added.

"You mean because she's so demanding?" Meg teased.

"No. Because she's a Warner," David said with a chuckle as he turned the page of his magazine.

Blair tilted her head. You can't argue with that. "Touché." Her phone chirped and she looked down at it. "I'll go and pick up Gigi," she told Meg. She typed in a response. "I'm sure Tootie and Natalie are tired of her by now."

Blair gave them a polite smile, then exited the room. She went out into the hall and looked around, not seeing any of the staff, and quickly made her way down the hall. She then made a right turn into a small opening between the back stairs and one of the servant's quarters. Her grandmother used to use the room as her sewing room before her arthritis forced her to stop sewing.

It was a small room… somewhat out of the way from the rest of the house and quiet. It had a back door that led to a small garden. The door was knocked on two times and Blair walked across the room to open it.

There stood a small balding man holding a briefcase. He nodded a brisk hello as Blair let him into the room. She sat at a table and turned on a lamp that barely illuminated the room. The man, still in his coat, sat at the table and waited.

He watched as Blair stood and made her way over to the window. The moon was full and the light from it beamed through the window, lighting her face on one side, the other side painted gray with the shadows of the room.

"Do you have the information?" She asked, her hands were clasped behind her back as she kept her back to him.

The man opened his briefcase and pulled out a single sheet of paper. He slid it to the other side of the table. "This is all I have for now."

Blair took in a nervous breath and nodded her head. She turned, eyeing the paper for a brief second before walking over, and taking a seat.

"Is everything there?" she asked again… maybe wanting to hear something she could hang hope on…

The man nodded. "It was all I could find, Ms. Warner. I hope it will help."

Blair eyed him. He seemed sincere and she pulled out a slip of paper from her skirt pocket, then took out a pen and signed it. She slid the check over to the man, who grabbed it and put it in his briefcase.

"Thank you. I will contact you," Blair watched as the man closed his briefcase then stood.

He nodded his head again and left the room, shutting the door behind him. The room was silent for a moment and Blair sat still, both hands were flat on the table. She sighed then slowly moved the paper into her sight, the light on the table was small. She placed the paper under it and read it.

Here we go.

It was a list with two columns. One column had the names listed as: confirmed dead. The other column was listed as: not confirmed… she read it first, scanning all the way down the list. She closed her eyes letting out a sob as the very last name was what she had been waiting for… what she had hoped for…

Finally.

Edna Garrett.

The wind picked up as a few snowflakes made their way to the cold pavement. Flurries had been called for the weekend, and that had made shopping even more adventurous in the city. Patrons came and went from the various restaurants and stores as they prepared for the holiday.

They had agreed to meet at the café five years ago… when Jo had left for California. They had agreed to meet right there at Florenza's in their booth…

No matter what. Even if they had missed their regular monthly meetings, this one was special…

It was eleven-fifty two on Christmas Eve. And even though one or more of them had Skyped in their presence if they couldn't make it – there was still technically the four of them there… well except for last year when Blair had made herself scarce and sent a card instead.

Not this year... Jo was unable to be reached in such a manner; being out of the country.

Blair had barely made it herself, arriving at eleven, but nonetheless she had slid into her side of the booth – facing Natalie and Tootie.

They exchanged presents and ordered hot cocoa with marshmallow's (spiked with a bit of gin). It was their usual ritual. The café had a few patrons, but it was mostly empty on the eve of Christmas.

"Here's to the four musketeers." Tootie held her cup up, hoping to clink it with the other two. Natalie raised her cup, as did Blair. A very bland toast it was.

"C'mon guys, its Christmas Eve," Tootie was ever the optimist. "Where's your spirit?"

Natalie put her cup down. "In my cup, Tootie," she deadpanned then took a sip.

"Why such a Grinch, Natalie? I mean we've been doing this every year for the past five years. We exchange gifts, drink hot cocoa then go home and sleep it off," Tootie raised her cup again then took another drink.

"You're barely old enough to be in such good spirits, Tootie. I think it's gone a little to your head," Blair giggled.

"Besides, it's not the same without all four of us," Natalie said. She felt a bit let down that Jo hadn't at least sent a card or something to let them know what she was doing for the holidays.

Blair ran a hand through her hair, ordering it. "We'll just have to get used to it being the three of us Natalie," she popped a marshmallow in her mouth.

Tootie lifted a haughty brow. "I'm not worried guys," she ate a marshmallow. "Jo will be here."

Natalie snorted a laugh. "Oh, well I feel better now! Tootie said Jo will be here, so that must be true." She said sarcastically.

Tootie smirked at her roommate. "You should have more faith, Natalie. You're so skeptical of me." Tooie stirred her cocoa.

"Quit whining, Tootie," Natalie gave her a sour face and rolled her eyes at her friends assessment of her. "Jo's a no show…" she looked at her watch. "Two minutes guys."

Blair was almost finished with her cocoa. "I might have another before I go, these are good," she looked into her cup, then hiccupped.

Natalie took a sip of cocoa and made a face. "It's strong… a little stronger than I'd remembered, though," Natalie added. "The gin's a little strong."

Tootie giggled. "You said strong three times," she leaned on Natalie's shoulder.

The watch on Natalie's arm chimed. Twelve midnight. The three women sat in silence as the clanking of dishes and pots and pans echoed from the kitchen.

The snow had picked up tempering the night, making it seem hallowed and quiet…

"Merry Christmas." They all said at once, then laughed.

It was a happy feeling… a melancholy feeling as they clanked their cups together one last time before downing the last of the cocoa.

Tootie looked up blinking several times as a lone patron had entered the restaurant and moved toward them. Focusing, she let a warm smile grow on her face. She absentmindedly tapped Natalie on the shoulder as she was trying to get the chocolate from the bottom of her cup.

"What?!" Natalie looked over at Tootie, agitated. "What Tootie?" She noticed the smile and stare her friend was sporting and turned her head, finding what she was looking at.

Natalie put her cup down slowly, a companionable smile of her own forming. "Either this is a group illusion or I truly don't give you enough credit, Tootie." She said in amazement.

Blair snickered. "Or we're all just plastered." She daintily put her cup down and wiped her mouth.

Her two tablemates hadn't said a word… they just sat there dumbfounded, with silly grins on their faces. Blair rolled her eyes, then moved to turn around and fully see what they were gawking at.

Slowly…

It felt like she was moving in slow motion at least. There was the slightest hint of a change in the vibe of the room as her peripheral vision brought into line something familiar. Her mind had just barely registered who it was, as her smile faded and her eyes fully took in the form…

Clad in a black leather jacket, biker boots, a red scarf and a knitted, red Santa hat. The smile was unmistakable – a little lopsided, and shy. Blair's eyes widened as they looked down; held in a hand was a small box wrapped with Christmas paper and a tag that said: to Blair.

Brown eyes locked onto Green, and Jo dipped her head for a moment before bringing it back up.

"Merry Christmas."

Happy Holiday's fellow 'FOL' fans and readers! Welp, things are really developing for Jo and Blair & company in the coming new year, so get ready. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season and a happy new year :)