Chapter one!

Liam is on his way to Hope's office. He wants to clarify with her his time with Beth for the next days. He doesn't even bother to knock, he just walks in. He can't see her at her desk, but he hears distinct noises behind a screen. He hears Hope's moans of pleasure and sharp screams. Curious, Liam comes nearer and he can't believe what he sees.

Hope and Thomas are in the middle of a heated encounter. She sits on Thomas' lap, he has his hands on her hips and directs her rhythm. He leans forward to first pepper her neck with kisses, then his lips move further to Hope's breasts, making her move even faster. Liam has rarely seen her in such a frenzy. He stands there paralyzed, the two of them still haven't noticed him.

On the way home he slowly comes to his senses. He doesn't know how he managed to leave the office and walk back to his car. The whole time, the images of Hope and Thomas having sex, hammer in his head. He doesn't understand how Hope can get seriously involved with Thomas. The fact that she kissed him was bad enough. But that he finally got her to the point where she even sleeps with him was the last straw. He wonders what lousy tricks Thomas has used to finally drag Hope into his bed.

At home, his first thought is to call his brother and father to inform them of the new development. But he decides to keep the matter to himself for now.

His hatred for Thomas and also Hope grows with every minute. He seriously considers what is going on in Hope's head. His eyes fall on a picture of Hope, Beth and him that was taken on Beth's birthday. Hope then asked him for a second chance. After he refused her, did she run straight into Thomas' arms, or how long had this been going on with them?! In any case, one thing became increasingly clear to Liam: he isn't going to let this go so easily! Hope and Thomas should be prepared for a nasty surprise! He gets his phone.

"Hey! It's Liam, we really need to talk! Tonight!"

A few hours later, Liam enters a rather scruffy Café on the outskirts of Los Angeles. He looks around briefly and finally spots the woman he was expecting. He goes to her table.

"Hey Sheila! It's good that you're here, we have a lot to talk about!"

"I assume so, after your call. Sit down and shoot. We don't have much time!"

Liam sits down next to her and tells her about the afternoon's events. Sheila is shocked about the news with Hope and Thomas.

"Oh my God! Are you sure? I can't believe it. Deacon's little princess is really involved with this psycho? That's really gross!"

"Yeah, something's been wrong with her lately. She hasn't been acting normal for a while now, but this really tops it all!"

"And how can I help you? I guess you didn't just ask to meet you because you wanted to talk to someone about it?!"

"No, I have another job for you! I want Thomas and Hope to pay for what they're doing! I don't care how you do it!"

Sheila rubs her chin thoughtfully.

"I understand! But you do realize that this is very risky for me. There's a lot at stake for me!"

"After all, you shouldn't do it for free!" Liam pulls out an envelope. "Here! Your next installment, besides I don't expect you to get your own hands dirty! I bet you still know a few people who are willing to do any job for a few bucks!"

Sheila looks into the envelope and smiles contentedly.

"Alright, I'll think of something!"

"Fine that we've sorted this out! What's the situation with Finn? Have you made any more progress yet?"

"Well, to be honest, I'm keeping my distance from him at the moment. First I'll have to figure out a way to convince him of my good intentions. But don't worry! Now with Steffy out of the picture, I'll find a way to get through to him."

"I hope so! I want Steffy and Finn's marriage to finally be history. Steffy and the rest of the family have to lose all their trust and faith in him forever. Steffy must realize that a divorce is the only option! So stay tuned! I'm planning on visiting Steffy and the kids pretty soon and then I'll need some concrete facts and information so that Steffy will send Finn to the desert for good. Don't forget Sheila, we made a deal!"

"I know! I promise you, I'll take more care of Finn again. I don't want him and Steffy to get closer again any more than you do. As long as Steffy plays such an important role in his life, I'll never have a chance with my son. I just hope you don't forget your part of the deal!"

"Don't panic! I'll take care of your allowance and I stick to what I promised you! No word about you and Deacon to the others and I'll think of something to ruin Hope and Deacon's relationship. Maybe it'll already work if I tell Deacon what his little princess is up to with Thomas! You see, soon Deacon and Hope won't be so close anymore and Deacon will devote himself entirely to you."

Sheila grins happily.

"I guess that's it for today! We both have enough to do!"

She leaves the Café. Liam also heads home. They both have a mission to complete!