Matt Crower lay in the hospital bed, drowsy from the pain killers he had been given. After the incident he had been rushed to Fulton County General Hospital for proper medical care and Billy Peele had been called in to look over his wounds. Billy had regarded him disappointingly and warned him that he was calling Gail; therefore, he better get his story straight. Matt had been trying to figure out what had happened ever since.

He could hear voices outside of the door, one was Doctor Monroe, one Billy and the other was unmistakably Gail. His friend sounded furious which was unusual as she did not normally let her emotions publicly get the better off her, so he skulked down in his bed and waited for her inevitable scolding.

Gail stood with her hands placed firmly on her hips, regarding the incompetent man in front of her. She was beyond angry at this situation and Doctor Monroe was getting the full brunt of her fury at this moment in time. 'So let me get this straight, a sensible Harvard graduated Doctor managed to gnaw at his own wrists in an attempt to commit suicide and you expect me to believe your corrupt establishment had nothing to do with it? Come on Doctor, even you're not so stupid that you would believe that's going to fly'

Doctor Monroe took a deep breath and looked to Billy for help; however, he was just as angry as Gail. 'Look Hun, I can't help it if the inmates try to hurt themselves'

Billy laughed at the mans blatant disregard to Gail's comments, he knew Matt was not unstable enough to try and take his own life. 'Firstly, she's not your Hun...' Billy snapped defensively, '...and secondly, if the man was going to attempt to commit suicide don't you think he would've done it long before now. It doesn't make sense that this would happen after things seem to be looking up for the guy and what certainly doesn't add up is why it took your attendants so long to discover what had happened. The man had passed out from blood loss for god's sake, what type of facility are you running?'

'The type to house the worst mental criminals in Trinity Doctor...you should show this man some respect for taking the damaged patients that you can't' Lucas said as he approached the group casually.

Gail exhaled deeply in frustration, she had left Lucas at Johnson's Bridge and dropped Caleb off with Abe hoping to get to the bottom of what happened before Lucas spun the evidence around to his way. It had not taken him long to get here and clearly his instincts were telling him to defend the idiot in front of her. 'This man deserves no respect, he's just one of your many servants who mindlessly runs an amoral institute. He's lucky I'm here rather than exposing the place on the front page of tomorrows Guardian' she said angrily.

Lucas laughed and stepped in front of Doctor Monroe, so the focus was not on the man. Doctor Monroe had a bewildered look which indicated he had no idea what was going on and Lucas did not want him saying anything stupid. 'Come down off your ivory tower Darlin', it must be mighty lonely up there...' he said sardonically, '...If you had enough hard evidence to expose Juniper you would've done it by now, pipe down with your idle threats and let the man with the star determine what happened here'

Billy could not believe the disrespectful way this arrogant man had just regarded his friend, his instincts screamed for him to jump forward and defend her honour; however, he had been warned by Selena to keep out of Lucas' way when his behaviour changed like this and he had promised that he would heed her warning.

Gail smiled at Lucas' brazenness, she should be offended; however, it was not often that she came across a man who could challenge her so boldly and part of her applauded his efforts. 'Oh come on Sheriff, if I waited for the man with the star to get to the truth I'd have grey hair. I hate to break this to you, but you're no Columbo. Besides, I'm not allowing you anywhere near him alone'

'The lady is right...' Billy interjected, '...Matt Crower is my patient and the only person other than me authorised to speak to him is his next of kin'

'You're his next of kin now? How noble of you' Lucas said sarcastically.

Gail smiled, 'It appears I am. It looks like you'll have to postpone your interrogation Sheriff' she said smugly and followed Billy into the room leaving Lucas to talk with Doctor Monroe.

Lucas turned towards the man and dragged him into an empty room. 'I thought I made myself clear when I said no-one messes with Matt Crower except' he said with an eerie calmness about him and allowed his twin to come out to play.

Doctor Monroe backed up slightly as the door slammed shut behind Lucas without being touched and he felt his heart begin to beat faster. 'No-one went near him Lucas I swear, he was locked away as usual and...'

'And what?...' Lucas asked taking a few steps closer to the man, '...and he somehow managed to slit his wrists on your watch?'

Doctor Monroe felt a tightness in his chest and he was pushed by some invisible force against the wall, he did not know what was more frightening the lack of oxygen that appeared to be reaching his lungs or Lucas' look of rage.

Lucas sensed his twin place a hand around the mans heart and begin to squeeze, he had finally managed to make things go his way with both Caleb and Gail; however, this little interference would set him back if Gail believed it was him that hurt Harvard. The thought of all his hard work unravelling filled him with a rage he could not control and he watched as the life was squeezed out of the man in front of him. 'Do you know what this little stunt could cost me? I should've been rid of you a long time ago...you can't even keep the goings on in your asylum discreet from a Reporter, I'm failing to find any need for you right now' he said shaking his head in disappointment.

Doctor Monroe clawed at his chest when he felt something clamp around his heart and started to pant painfully, he wanted to run from this room but he felt as though he was stuck to the wall and he could not move. Everyone had heard stories about Lucas Buck and the repercussions of crossing the man; however, he had only ever followed Lucas' orders and he had not intended to cause the man any problems. 'Lucas please...I only ever tried to serve you'

Lucas laughed devilishly and watched intently as his twin continued on with his game. His twin would not ease the man's suffering as that would be too humane, no his twin would make this man suffer for the inconvenience he had caused him and no amount of pleading would save him now. Lucas smiled wickedly when Doctor Monroe's eyes began to bulge and his skin turned a red colour, not only was his twin intent on stopping the mans heart he appeared to be burning him from the inside out.

Doctor Monroe tried to scream but he felt an invisible hand around his mouth, he could not speak or plead for mercy all he could do was wait for the inevitable end and hope it would come soon. He gasped for breath while feeling his blood boiling inside his body, the pain was excruciating and when his heart could finally take no more he collapsed lifelessly to the floor.

Lucas took a deep satisfying breath as his twin retreated back inside and stared at the lifeless body on the floor. He would have to appoint a new head of Juniper due to the good Doctors accident and considered the candidates as he went to find Nurse Stacey to verify Doctor Monroe's natural heart attack.

Matt stared down at his wrists as Billy examined him, he was ashamed of his actions and did not want to face the obvious disappointed that would be painted all over Gail's face; therefore, he chose to remain silent while Billy checked him over and did not look at her.

'Well you seem as healthy as you could be after this type of thing, I'll have to keep you under observation to make sure you don't endanger yourself' he said and starting filling out Matt's chart.

Gail shook her head at the cowardice way Matt was holding himself, the man she had grown to know would never take the easy way out no matter how much he was suffering and she was at a loss as to why this had happened. 'Just tell me one thing, was this down to Lucas? Did he somehow put you up to this?' she asked, trying to find some explanation as to why Matt had done this to himself.

Part of Matt wanted to blame Lucas, he knew Gail well enough to know it would cause complications for her relationship with the evil man and could in fact break them up; however, he respected her too much to lie. 'It wasn't him...' Matt sighed, '...I don't know why I did it'

Gail laughed sarcastically. 'Brilliant, so you don't know why you bit into your wrist and ripped off your flesh with your teeth...that just fills me with confidence about your sanity'

'Gail...' Billy started, but was cut off abruptly.

'What you're gonna defend his actions? At least if he said it was Lucas it would give me someone to pin this on rather than making me doubt my decision of trusting him with Caleb recently. Jesus, if you've snapped that's something I need to know!' she shouted and started pacing the room in an attempt to calm down and regain her composure.

Matt watched his friend pacing and felt sickened by himself for causing her uncertainty when she had tried her best to help him. He went to open his mouth to apologise; however, her voice echoed within his mind to keep quiet, he did not know why he was hearing her speak in his subconscious but he chose to listen.

Billy glanced at Matt who failed to attempt to comfort Gail and shook his head. 'No-one was to know the stress of that place would have this affect on him Gail, you've told me on several occasions that you know in your gut he's not a danger to anyone...something clearly happened to cause this'

Gail appreciated Billy's attempts to talk her down, he was right that her instincts told her Matt was not dangerous and she usually listened to her subconscious; however, her subconscious was aware that Lucas was a corrupt, inhuman individual and chose to disregard these characteristics, therefore, she was not sure she could trust her instincts as much as she used to.

'That's a cheap shot Darlin'' Lucas said reading her mind as he leaned against the closed door.

'This is a private conversation Sheriff, I didn't even hear you come in' Billy said placing himself in front Gail.

Gail walked past Billy and went protectively to Matt's side. 'I don't recall giving authority for your interrogation yet Sheriff' she said and touched Matt's arm reassuringly.

Lucas approached the hospital bed and disregarded Gail's comment. 'Well well Doc, I never thought I'd see the day when you gave up the fight'

Gail shook her head and shot a concerned glance at Matt, who just smiled back at Lucas. He did not know how but his friends voice in his head had told him to wait for Lucas' arrival and told him what to say now. 'I just couldn't hack it one more night in that hell hole Sheriff, with the constant screaming and tormenting it's no wonder I didn't snap sooner'

Gail took hold of Matt's hand and turned towards Lucas. 'See what that place does to a healthy professional person, it's drained the sanity out of him and he's been held accountable for his actions long enough'

'I agree...' Billy interjected, '...this man had a case of temporary insanity last year, he has shown signs of being healthy and rehabilitated. This act only goes to show what a place like that can push a man to for some release'

Lucas looked from Gail to Matt, then to Billy in disbelief. He did not like the way this conversation was going and although Doctor Monroe could never give up any of his secrets due to his state of being, he had no doubt Gail would continue to delve into the ongoing's in Juniper while Harvard was still around. 'That man tried to kill me, I can assure you it's not a cell that has made him crazy'

'No it was just you...' Matt said sitting up fully, still obediently repeating what the voice in his head was telling him to. '...Your incessant mithering and lack of morals when it came to these townspeople, not to mention the patient I was treating who claimed to know you...'

'Now, now Harvard...you watch your tongue, unless you want someone to cut it out' Lucas said momentarily letting his frustration show.

Gail stepped forward and took hold of Lucas' hand. Much like he often took advantage of her anger, the presence inside her was calling for her to take advantage of his. She pulled him to the far side of the room by an open window and leaned in close. 'He could've blamed you for this, but he didn't' she said moving her head close to his.

'Am I to be thankful that I wasn't accused of something I didn't do Darlin'?' Lucas asked through gritted teeth, he felt his twin trying to crawl out and deal with Harvard; however, he was not yet at the point where assistance was needed.

Gail laughed, placed her hand gently around his head and pulled him close so her lips brushed teasingly against his ear. 'You should be thankful that he's not given me a reason to discard you Sheriff' she whispered.

Lucas glanced at Billy and Matt who were watching them closely, then stared into her eye's. 'You couldn't if you wanted to Darlin'' he whispered, then placed a soft kiss on her lips.

Gail smiled, she could sense him begin to soften. 'Maybe not, but I guarantee I wouldn't let you touch me if I found out you had anything to do with this. He had the opportunity to drop you in it but he didn't, that shows he isn't out for you anymore. If he remains in Juniper after the blatant lack of supervision that this proves is going on, I'll have no choice but to submit my story with the circumstantial evidence I have...If you thought the Goat Town article was bad, you won't know what hit you with this one'

Lucas grabbed her hips tight and pulled her roughly to him, ignoring Billy's readiness to come to Gail's aid. 'I don't react well to threats Darlin'' he stated sternly.

'No threat here, I'm stating the facts Sheriff' she said challenging him and licked her lips seductively, using his desire for her to her advantage.

Lucas shook his head, she was like a dog with a bone but he could fell his manhood harden at their closeness. 'So I'm just to let him go free? What's in it for me?' he asked playing along.

'Apart from the joy you should get from relieving all my stress?...' she asked sarcastically, '...Play your cards right and I might just allow this little Sunday outing with Caleb to become a regular thing, while he wants it that is'

Lucas laughed, 'You're gonna use my boy?'

Gail shrugged, she had not planned on using Caleb; however, the presence within her helped her realise that Caleb wants to spend time with Lucas anyway so she might as well use it to her favour. 'Using is such a judgemental term...I'm merely offering to step aside momentarily from something you want, in return for you to do the same'

Lucas considered her proposal, he had initially made a deal with her to allow Caleb to stay at his house once a week; however, that had not progressed and with the strange occurrences that happened when she was on his property, being able to spend time with his son unchallenged somewhere else could work out well. 'That man doesn't want you making a deal for him' he said quietly.

Gail smiled, 'Then it will be out little secret' she whispered and nipped at his ear.

Lucas looked longingly at her moist lips, then took a step back to regain full control of his senses. Being this close to her scrambled his brain and he needed to fully consider the implications of this arrangement, as he was not sure he was ready to allow Matt back in the game when it had taken him so long to get rid of him.

'I thought you liked a challenge Sheriff...' Gail goaded, reading his mind, '...Besides, you control most of the pieces on this board, what can one more lone pawn do to tip the scales against your favour?'

Lucas shook his head and smiled, he was not one to turn down a challenge and she was beginning to play the game well. 'If Billy-boy here can keep him under tight supervision I'll back off, but if he can't..'

'Oh he will, there's no but's about it' Gail interrupted, not giving Lucas a chance to second guess his decision.

Lucas inhaled deeply and started walking out of the room. 'I'm gonna go check on your cousin. Get him cleaned up...' he said signalling towards Matt, '...I'm sure the boy is worried and will want to see him'

Gail turned towards Billy and Matt then smiled when Lucas left the room. 'I think that's settled'

Matt glanced at the door to make sure Lucas was not coming back in to retract what appeared to have been decided and smiled. 'I'm staying?' he asked in disbelief.

Billy patted him on the back reassuringly. 'It look's like you are bud' he said and smiled triumphantly with Gail.

Lucas returned home after dropping Caleb off a the Boarding house with Merlyn, he was agitated with the quick decision he had been forced into and left Gail to sort Matt's arrangements out at Juniper.

For once he was happy that she was not around, now that he had peace and quiet he started to consider the possibility that he had been tricked into submission by her. Lucas had never been put in a position where he felt the need to make a rash decision and the more he thought about it, the more he felt played. He knew Harvard did not have it in him to give up and commit suicide, especially by gnawing at his own wrists due to lack of proper materials. This meant he must have been pushed to the action and the only other thing at play besides him and Merlyn Ann was Gail.

Lucas entered his house through the front door and hung his jacket up. He considered Gail having a hand in Harvard's actions, he knew she would not bring herself to promote anything like that which meant her darkness had taken a road trip without Lucas or Gail realising. This whole situation was concerning; therefore, he decided he would change into something more comfortable and ponder what had happened over a drink.

Lucas slowly climbed the stairs in his hallway and made his way to the bedroom, he usually just discarded his shirt in his study and walked around the house topless; however, he felt the urge to find some suitable comfortable clothing to help him fully relax. When he entered the bedroom he was taken aback by the multitude of candles which were lit around the place and spotted Gail seemingly naked asleep on his bed.

Lucas sighed at the sight of her and all bad feelings against her disappeared. He quietly approached the bed, pulled down the sheets then smiled when his initial thought had been confirmed and ran his hand gently over her bare breast. Gail stirred and moaned slightly under his touch, which prompted him to move his hand further down her body. He let his hand linger on her stomach for a moment, thinking about what he had learned about how Merlyn had come to being whole again then pushed the thought away and trailed his hand down to the bare sweet spot between her legs.

Gail moaned in pleasure at the feel of his fingers playing with her then opened her eyes. 'Sorry, I must've dropped off' she said and propped herself up on her elbows.

Lucas continued to stroke the spot between her legs, watching as she slowly put her head back and ran her teeth over her bottom lip with the pleasure he was giving her. 'You must've had a hard day Miss Emory...I know something else that's hard' he said taking his hand back, pulling off his shirt and trousers then climbing on top of her.

Gail allowed him to wrap his arms around her and opened her legs ready for him, it was not often that they skipped foreplay and headed straight for this act; however, it had been a long strange day and she just wanted him inside her, so much so that she could not even bring herself to engage in their usual playful conversation. She ran her hands up his chest and to his face, then pulled him to her for a passionate kiss.

Lucas tangled his hand in her hair and pulled her head closer to his to make the kiss more intense, everything that had happened was forgotten and he just wanted her. His manhood was uncomfortably hard in his boxer shorts, as if reading his mind he felt her hand brush against him and carefully pull his shorts down to release him. Lucas pulled away from the kiss to catch his breath and ran his lips down her neck to her chest, then cupped a breast in his hand and began to suck.

Gail inhaled and exhaled deeply, she loved the stimulating sensation that his lips gave her and that coupled with his hands moving over her body was enough to nearly cause her to unravel. 'I want you inside me' she whispered as his relentless sucking continued.

Lucas had decided he wanted to make her come just by playing with her breasts; however, when the words left her mouth he could not resist the inevitable any longer and pushed his manhood inside her in a quick motion. He let out a loud moan when he felt her wall close in around him and did not move for a moment, then slowly began to push in and out of her.

Gail ran her hands over his back and gently scratched her nails down his skin, the movement Lucas was doing was different to their usual roughness and she could feel her climax slowly building inside her. She moved her hands to his behind then pulled him to her, trying to get him deeper inside her and he obliged by pushing himself as far as he could go. She moaned his name softly at the unexpected subtle movements and nipped at his shoulders playfully.

Lucas continued to push in and out of her with slow precision, the gentleness of his movements stirred an unusual feeling within him. For once he could sense only him and her, their counterparts were nowhere to be found and the slowness of the motions felt exquisite. Lucas ran his hands over her breasts then reached for her arms and pinned them above her head, still continuing his slow steady movement.

Just like her he felt his climax slowly rising inside him but he was not ready to let go just yet. When he felt them both nearing their orgasm, without thinking he pulled out of her and began kissing her neck softly. He smiled when he heard Gail's confused gasp and ran his lips up her neck, over her cheek then brushed them gently on her lips teasingly.

Gail nipped at his lips friskily, this game he was playing was not fair and she did not know what she felt of how gentle he was being. 'Is this my punishment for getting you to back off with Matt?' she whispered, willing him to enter her again.

Lucas stroked her cheek tenderly, cupped her chin and looked into her eyes. 'I wasn't aware you weren't enjoying yourself here...' he said and kissed her lips softly, '...Now, I don't want to hear another man's name when we're together in my bed, do you understand?'

Gail smiled at his comment and bit her lips teasingly, 'Well don't give me time to stop and think about other things when we're together in your bed Sheriff'

Lucas shook his head and pushed his manhood inside her, taking pleasure in her aroused yell. He thrust in and out of her roughly then slowed his pace again, wanting to take his time with this act. He did not know what had come over him; however, he was enjoying this intimacy and he would not be rushed.

Gail called out with intense gratification as he forced himself inside her, then began to moan softly at the gentle movements as he slowed his pace. When he released her wrists and ran his hands down her arms, she moved her hands over his body and clawed lightly at his chest. She could sense how close he was and willed him to let go, but when he only continued his steady pace she nipped at his ear. 'If you don't find your way to the end soon honey, I'm going to beat you too it' she panted and called out his name when he thrust into her hard to tease her.

'You'll control yourself now love and just enjoy what we're doing, rather than speeding to the end' he panted and sucked her neck.

Gail resented the insinuation that she wanted to rush, she pushed him so he removed himself from her and she could climb on top. As she straddled him she began to run her hands tenderly over his chest before placing him inside her, then started to move up and down gently. She bit her lip seductively and began riding him slow, matching the pace of his previous movements. He could never control himself for long when she was on top, it would be interesting to see how long he would last. 'You control yourself love...' she said satisfied with his moans of pleasure, '...if gentle is how you want it, gentle is how you'll get it'

Lucas reached up to her breasts and squeezed, then moved his hands down her body and to her stomach. He stroked her stomach tenderly and felt a slight feeling of loss before moving his hands to her behind. Her slow rhythm felt exquisite and it was taking all of his will power not throw her down and take her hard, especially when her breasts bounced as if teasing him with every motion.

This steady pace was killing Gail, her breath began to hasten at the intensity of the slow orgasm rising within her. She felt it building up higher as she rode him and dug her nails into his chest as a sign that this could not go on for much longer.

Lucas could sense how close she was and felt his orgasm rising within him. When he could hold off no longer he sat up to hold her fully and let go of his self control, then called out her name as his climax hit and he exploded inside her.

Gail felt his warm liquid fill her and bit down hard on his shoulder as her climax hit, then nestled her head into his neck panting. She felt his hands stroke her back affectionately and raised her head to his fervently.

Lucas held her tight to him and kissed her with a passionate intensity, he did not know why he had felt the need to have her this way; however, it satisfied his desire even though it would be classed as mundane. 'Well, this was a first' he whispered in her ear and bit her neck playfully.

Gail let out a tired laugh, 'If I didn't know better I'd say you wanted to make love Sheriff'

Lucas considered her words and smiled, 'Is that what the kids call it these days?...' he asked sarcastically, '...If making love is this good, we'll have to do it more often'

'I said if I didn't know you better...' she said slapping him playfully across the cheek, '...you don't know the meaning of love. Besides, what makes you think that's what I'd want from you?'

Lucas rolled her over with his manhood still within her, he could easily take her again but he was content just resting inside her for the moment. 'Isn't that what all women inevitably want Darlin'?' he asked and placed a gentle kiss on her lips.

Gail licked then bit her bottom lip playfully. 'Not all women, you have a lot to learn...I favour a solitary life, I'd be happy with being left alone then having the odd intimate rendezvous once in a while when the mood strikes'

Lucas stroked his nose gently on hers then nipped the tip of her nose lightly. 'Unfortunately the custody agreement you got yourself into takes you away from what you favour Darlin' he laughed.

Gail shrugged, 'Oh well...we'll just have to make do won't we' she said and kissed him softly. There was a lot she needed to discuss with him including Matt, Caleb and the weirdness here that she was drawn too; however, for once she allowed herself to push thoughts of everyone else to one side and focus on what she wanted, which was him.

Lucas had sensed there were things on his love's mind and was surprised when she just allowed him to continue kissing her. There were things they needed to discuss and boundaries he needed set; however, that could all wait until the wake of a new day and he would just be content with enjoying her satisfying presence at this present time.

-The end-