Title: A New Start (Tentative title what do you think?)
Author: Inquisitive1
Email: Inquisitive1@angelfire.com
Distribution: Sooner or later my site
https://www.angelfire.com/tv/inqstive1sfanfiction
Disclaimer: I own only the characters not on a show. My
first Witchblade fic
Rating: Unsure
Summary: Future fic... Sara and Ian find out something
interesting... what happens next.
Couples: Ian/Sara.
Note: I am ignoring the season finale and the possibility
that Ian and Sara are related.
< Images > I like messing with storylines and such
so if I go off tough.
Anastasia appears May 2003- six months old
Born-
______________
Chapter 1
May 2003
"Pezzini"
Sara yawns picking up the phone
"Its me
open the door. I need to talk to you." the familiar voice says then hangs
up.
Sara groans
hanging up the phone "What the hell does he want?" she mutters
getting out of bed she pulls on her pants heading to the door. "
Ian looks over
his shoulder obviously worried "May we talk about this inside?" he
requests
Sara steps
aside letting him in. "Ian spill what is going on? Who is the kid?"
"I need
to put her down."
"I'll put her down" Sara holds out her arms
Ian looks at
the baby then at Sara's arms carefully he hands the infant to Sara.
As Sara takes
the baby she gasps feeling the Witchblade heat up. She looks at her wrist to
see the colors flaring up.
< Sara in
the hospital >
< The baby
being born. >
< Irons
staring at the newborn with fascination. >
Sara looks at
Ian "Who is she?"
Ian looks down
Sara swallows
looking at the infant in her arms "Mine?"
"Yes"
Ian says softly
Sara closes
her eyes "How old is she?"
"I do not
know." he looks at her
Sara looks at
the baby thoughtfully "What's her name?"
"They
just call her Anastasia."
Sara nods
turning around she continues to the bed.
Ian stands
there watching as Sara sets the baby down on the bed.
Sara places
pillows around the baby sitting there she stares at the baby. Sensing Ian
standing beside her she speaks without looking up "Is Irons her
father?" she asks hoarsely
"No" Ian replies
Sara strokes
the baby's cheek then looks up to catch Ian's eyes before he looks down.
"Ian who is her father?" she demands. She stands allowing the
Witchblade to activate to sword she holds it to his neck. "Tell me who is
her father?"
Ian lifts his eyes
Sara stares at
him her eyes wide "You? Tell me Ian are you her father?" she demands
Ian nods
Sara looks at
the baby "How long have you know about her Ian?"
"A few
days. I overheard his conversation with the doctor."
"Does he
know you know?"
"No."
"Let's
talk in the kitchen. I don't want to wake her." she heads into the kitchen
knowing Ian will follow
"She
won't wake for a few more hours. I had her sedated before we left."
"WHAT?!"
Sara exclaims
"I did
not want to risk her waking up."
Sara sets the
tea kettle on the stove "Ian how did you get her out?"
"Her
doctor brought her to me."
Sara looks at
him her eyes searching "Did you kill him?"
Ian looks down
"I had no choice. He would have told him."
"Ian I
don't understand how did Irons manage to do this?"
"It is my
fault. I should have watched over you better. I should not have let you out of
my sight when you were in the hospital."
Sara inhales
sharply "You mean the doctor..."
Ian nods
Sara slides to
the floor
Ian moves
around the counter crouching before her
"Why'd he
do this to either of us? To a child?" she looks at him tears in her eyes
"Ian he's going to find out she's here."
"Do what
you can to insure that he can't take her from you. Leave if you have too. Protect
her Sara Pezzini."
"I can't
hightail it out of here Ian. I have a job. A life."
"And now
a child. A child that he would love to possess."
"I won't
let that happen."
"I know.
Do what you can."
"I
will." Sara stands as the kettle whistles. "Ian why would he do this?
What reason would he have?"
Ian stands
"I do not know but I will find out." he touches her arm "I will
do what I can to make sure he does not get his hands on her."
"Why?
Your his stooge."
Ian winces
looking down "I was raised by him. I know what would happen to her. I am
not heartless Sara. I would not want that for anyone especially not a
child." he tilts his head "Especially not one who belongs to you. I
swore that I would protect you and that includes your child"
Sara touches
his hand "And if I was not her mother? Would you have left her
there?"
Ian looks at
her hand then her face "I still would have brought her to you."
"Why?"
"Because
I would want my child raised by someone like you. Someone who would grow to
love her regardless of who she belongs to."
"Oh"
Ian stands
"I should go before he gets suspicious." he looks towards the bed
"I'll do what I can to keep him away from you." he walks towards the
door
Sara stands following him "Ian"
"Go back
to bed." he gives her a knowing look as if to say 'I'll see you later.'
"Thank
you"
Ian nods
walking out of the apartment.
Sara locks the
door going over to the bed she looks at the sleeping baby stroking her plump
cheek. 'She's so beautiful.' she shakes her head "Pez what the hell do you
know about raising a baby." she sighs "Looks like I'm going to have
to learn."
"Its not too hard." a voice says
Sara starts
"Damn it Danny what is with you and
Danny looks at
the sleeping baby "She is beautiful."
"Danny
how old do you think she is?"
"Probably
about six seven months."
"Danny
how am I supposed to raise a baby? My work is too demanding."
"Ask your
friend Gabriel to help you."
"Should I
bring him into this?"
"She
needs her mother."
"She also
needs her father."
Danny looks
towards the door "Something tells me
Sara looks up
to see Danny gone "I hope so." she reaches for the bedside phone
"I guess I'm going to have to trust Gabe." she mutters dialing the
number
"Uh" the sleepy voice grunts
"Hey its
Pez. Can you come over in the morning?"
"Uh sure
what time?"
"Early as
possible. I don't need to work tomorrow but I need a favor"
"What
for?"
"I'll
tell you when you get here" she hangs up setting the phone down. Laying
down her body next to the baby she puts her hand on the baby's chest.
"Well Anastasia looks like we're stuck together." she watches as
trendles of the Witchblade reach out touching the baby's cheek. "You know
the truth don't you" she mutters at the bracelet. Slowly she drifts off to
sleep.
Chapter 2
6 AM
Sara awakens
with a start as she hears a baby cry. She groans remembering the earlier
events. She sits up lifting up the crying infant. "Shh Anastasia its OK.
Your safe now" she soothes holding the baby close. "No one's going to
hurt you."
Anastasia
calms her cries becoming sniffles as she regards the new voice.
Sara looks at
the baby surprised by her intense look "I take it that look is in the
"I think
she has your face" Danny says
Sara jumps
"Danny don't do that." she turns around to find her ghost friend
standing there.
Anastasia coos
waving her arms
"Can she
see you?" Sara asks
"Babies
and children believe in more than adults." Danny says his eyes on the
baby. "She probably holds aspects of the Witchblade in her blood."
"How
so?"
"She was
made after your trial when the Witchblade bonded itself to you." Danny
says "He knows about me too."
"Does
Irons know she's gone?"
"Most
likely."
Sara nods
"See Anastasia that's your Uncle Danny."
Anastasia
grins cooing happily
"She
seems to have adjusted quite well" Danny states
"Do you
think she knows who I am?"
"Children
seem to know who their parents are and who's going to take care of them."
Anastasia
chatters
"She
probably needs to be changed" Danny says
"I have
no diapers here." Sara reminds "Or formula. Or anything for a baby.
I'll have to wait until Gabe gets here before I can go get diapers and
stuff." she carries the baby into the kitchen. "So Ana how about we
get you some graham crackers to snack on until I can go get you some
formula." she grabs a box of graham cracker taking one she offers it to
the baby. She watches fascinated as the baby takes the cracker looking at it
curiously. "You like graham crackers?"
Anastasia
grins taking a bite she chews thoughtfully.
7 AM
"Hey Pez" Gabe calls
Sara sets the
infant on the floor going to the door she opens it to find the younger man
standing there holding two cups of coffee. "One of those for me?"
"Of
course." Gabe hands her one "So what did you want?"
"There's
someone I'd like you to meet." Sara gestures with her head
Gabe enters
"Who?"
"She's in here" Sara leads him to the livingroom
Gabe starts
seeing the infant on the floor "Who is that?"
Sara sets the
cup down picking up the baby "This is Anastasia... she's my
daughter."
Gabe stares at
Pez stunned "When were you pregnant?"
"Never."
Sara replies kissing Anastasia's head "Irons had her created in a
lab." she says bitterly
"What?!
Why?"
"I don't
know why."
"How do
you know that she's yours?"
Sara looks at
the bracelet
"It told
you?"
Sara nods
"Who
brought her here?"
Sara fidgets
"Don't
tell me tall dark and scary brought her here"
"He did.
Look I need a huge favor."
"What
kind?" he asks suspiciously
"Can you
watch her for the next few days while I'm at work?"
"Pez you have today off" Gabe reminds
"Yes but
I need to go to the grocery store and pick up somethings and I don't want to
take her with me right now. Please Gabe... I won't actually need you to watch
her full time until tomorrow."
"Pez I know nothing about babies" Gabe protests
"Gabe
other than you the only other person I can trust is Jake and he can't watch
her. He'll ask questions I can't answer."
"Pez"
he groans
"Please
Gabe." Sara pleads
"Fine all
right I'll watch her. Only for a few days."
"Gabe I
could kiss you" Sara says
"OK"
"Very
funny. Look I'll go get her some diapers and formula and some toys. I'll only
be a while"
"Don't forget some bottles" Gabe says
"Here"
Sara carefully hands the baby to Gabe. "I'll be back in half hour. And
Gabe if Ian stops by don't freak out OK."
"Why
would he?"
"Its Ian.
He shows up everywhere" Sara reminds grabbing her jacket she stops to kiss
Anastasia's cheek. "Have fun with Uncle Gabe Ana"
Anastasia holds out her arms pouting
Sara smiles
"Just give her Cheerios if she gets antsy. Keep an eye on her when she
eats them. I'll change her when I get back." she hurries out of the
apartment
Gabe looks at
the baby curiously yet slightly scared. "Well kid looks like its just
us."
10 mins later
Sara finds
herself at the grocery store grabbing diapers she jumps in surprise when she
sees Ian standing beside her. "What are you doing here?"
"I
arranged to have some things delivered for her." he looks down "I
knew you would be busy with work."
Sara looks at
him startled "Uh thanks
Ian nods
"Who is watching her now?"
"Gabe. I
have today off I just needed him to watch her so I could do some grocery
shopping" she explains
"I will
have some papers made up for her. List you has her guardian. Some long lost
friend of yours died leaving you custody. The paperwork will be finished soon.
I will bring them by when its done."
Sara looks at
him surprised "Thanks for thinking of that. I better finish up here before
Gabe starts freaking out over dirty diapers." she chuckles "I warned
Gabe that you might stop by. So don't scare him."
Ian nods
"I would not harm your friend."
"Good"
Sara tosses in a couple packages of diapers. She looks up to see Ian had
disappeared. She shakes her head 'I wish he'd stop that'
20 mins later
Sara enters
the apartment to find Gabe walking the floor trying to calm the crying baby.
"What happened?" she asks setting the bags down taking the crying
baby from Gabe
"She just started crying" Gabe replies panicked
"She
probably needs to be changed" Danny says appearing at Sara's side
"Gabe I
need the diapers and wipes. Their in one of the bags." she sets the baby
on the counter unbuttoning her sleeper. "Ran into Ian at the store."
"Ran
into?" Gabe says in disbelief as he grabs the diapers and wipes from the
bags opening them. "What did he say?"
"He's
having some things dropped off for Anastasia. Papers made up giving me custody
of Anastasia" she says removing the diaper she winces
"Holy...
no wonder she was crying." Gabe says disgusted at the smell of the dirty
diaper.
"Ian
didn't bring any diapers for her last night. That and he drugged her."
"He drugged a baby?!" Gabe yelps
"I
already scolded him on it." Sara assures wiping the baby. "I don't
think you need to know anymore" she grabs a diaper
"Doing good Pez" Danny assures
"So what
are you going to tell Jake about her?" Gabe asks
Sara groans
lifting up the newly changed baby "I'm not sure." she reaches into
the grocery bag grabbing a new still packaged bottle "Can you open
this?" she asks tossing Gabe the package "I haven't told him the
whole truth about the Witchblade so I don't know. How am I supposed to explain
her?" she tosses the dirty diaper in the garbage
Gabe opens the package "Tell him the truth"
"You know
how Jake is... he'll fly off the handle and go confront Irons and
"True"
"But if I
don't tell him" she sighs looking at the baby "Well shortie what do
you think?"
"Why don't you ask that" Gabe nods at the Witchblade
Sara looks at
the bracelet as she opens the container of formula "Maybe." she sighs
reading the directions she makes the bottle
"Pez what are you going to do about Anastasia?" Gabe
asks
Sara pauses
"I'm not sure. I've only known about her for eight hours."
"Well you
do have the day off" Gabe suggests "Spend some time getting to know
her."
"I have
to work tomorrow so I'll start looking into childcare and such today. It'll
take me a few days though" she carries Anastasia over to the couch sitting
down she offers the infant the bottle. As Anastasia begins to drink hungrily
Sara looks at the baby
Gabe sits down
"I can watch her a few times a week if you want."
"Thanks Gabe I owe you"
"That you
do especially since I'm going to have to change nasty smelling diapers"
"Hey
think of it this way you'll be prepared for your own kids"
"Thank god that is a long way off" he laughs
Sara sighs
"I don't even know if I'm ready for this."
"Ready or
not your going to have a kid to take care of" Gabe says
Sara looks at
the baby "Yeah I know. Kid your going to have to deal with one unsure
Mom"
"Like
they all say 'Your never prepared for a kid... even if you plan for one.' And
this is one who was definately not planned for." Gabe says
"True"
Sara agrees "but that doesn't mean I can't love her... she is still a part
of me no matter the circumstances behind her existance."
"Or who
her father is?"
Sara looks at
Gabe "Or who her father is."
"Don't forget to burp her." Danny reminds
"Gabe can
you grab a dishcloth from the kitchen for me"
"Uh sure
where?"
"First
drawer on the left by the stove."
Gabe stands
going to the kitchen. "What time do you want me here?"
"I have
to be at work at 9."
"I'll be
here at
"Thanks
Gabe"
"I'll go
and leave you and Anastasia to some mother daughter time." Gabe goes over
to the couch squeezing the baby's foot "Later kid don't run your Mom
ragged."
Anastasia
grins around her bottle kicking her feet excitedly
"I think she's saying bye Uncle Gabe" Sara laughs
"Bye kid.
I'll see ya later" he says to Sara grabbing his jacket he makes his way
out the door "Later" he calls over his shoulder
Sara looks at
the baby and smiles "Well Ana its just us and ghost Danny. What should we
do?"
Chapter 3
That afternoon
Sara groans as
she hears a knock at the door. "Who is it?" she calls
"Delivery
for Sara Pezzini."
Sara looks at
Anastasia laying on a blanket on the floor playing with a dishcloth. She stands
going to the door she opens it to find three men standing there.
"We're
from Babies R Us. We have a delivery"
Sara nods
stepping aside "Sure come on in. Be careful she's in the livingroom."
The men enter
"We were also told to set up the furniture... where do you want the crib
and changing table?"
"Up in
the loft" Sara says
"Playpen?"
another man asks
"Livingroom"
"Baby
chair?"
"Kitchen
table"
"Swing?"
asks the third guy.
"Livingroom."
Sara answers going around the men she picks up Anastasia.
"We also
have baby clothes, toys, bathroom stuff, diapers, carseat, and numerous other
baby stuff out in the van." the first man says
"OK uh
put the stuff in the livingroom after you put together the furniture and I'll
go through the stuff."
"Sure"
the first man nods
Sara settles
on the couch with Anastasia as they watch the men work.
Anastasia
waves happily as the men work giggling and chattering away.
Sara laughs
"You're getting stuff to play with huh sweetie" she hears a knock at
the door
"Pez"
a voice calls
Sara swallows
"Come on in Jake" she calls.
"Uh Pez
what's with all this stuff?" Jake asks entering he stops in his tracks
seeing Sara on the couch holding a dark haired baby on her lap. "Pez who's
the kid?"
"This is
Anastasia."
"Hey
Anastasia" Jake smiles at the baby immediately taken with the little girl.
"Who is she?"
"She's my
daughter"
"WHAT?!"
the detective yelps
Anastasia
starts surprised by the loud voice she sticks out her lower lip
"Uh ma'am
I'm done with the playpen" the short plump man says
Sara looks up
to see the playpen set up. She stands setting Anastasia in the playpen
"Thanks. Uh can you guys keep an eye on her for a minute... I'll just be
out on the fire escape."
"Uh sure
no problem" the tallest man says
Sara leads
Jake out to the fire escape "Look I know this is a surprise"
"Pez you
never had a kid. I'd know."
Sara sighs
"Look it would be a lot easier if you don't ask too many questions about
her. Just trust me on this Jake."
"I do.
Just tell me who she is."
Sara sighs
"An old friend of mine died... left me custody of Anastasia." she
lies 'sorry Jake I can't tell you the truth.'
"Oh."
Jake says looking out to the street "How long has she been with you?"
"Few
hours. Jake I'd prefer if few people know about her."
"Not a
problem Pez."
"You and
Gabe are the only ones who know about her."
"So
Sara looks at
Jake amused "Jake its
Jake chuckles
"Good point."
"Come on
lets go back in. She probably wants another bottle." she steps through the
window. Going over to the playpen she picks up the baby. "Hey Ana sweetie
do you want another bottle?"
Jake watches as
Sara carries the baby into the kitchen "So how'd you get all this stuff
delivered so fast?" he asks leaning against the counter
"Uh I'll
tell you later" Sara nods at the men working.
"Is it
who I think it is?" Jake asks
"It
depends on which one your thinking of" Sara replies looking at him
"Here can you take her for a sec"
"Sure"
Jake takes the baby "Hey Anastasia"
Anastasia
grins
"I think
she likes you" Sara says
"I'm a
likeable fellow" Jake smiles at the baby
Sara turns
around grabbing a bottle "That you are"
"Uh Ms
Pezzini where do you want the rocking chair?" asks one of the men
"Put it
in the bedroom" Sara replies turning back to making the bottle "So
what are you doing on your day off?"
"Not
much. Thought I'd stop by to see if you wanted to go play some pool but I see
you've got your hands busy" he laughs looking at the baby who's chattering
in his arms
"Yeah
well I have work tomorrow so I thought Ana and I would spend some time getting
to know each other." she sets the bottle in the microwave "So
McCartey do you have nieces and nephews?"
"Two
nieces and a nephew. When I was a teenager I babysat to make some cash."
"I can't
believe that" Sara says taking the bottle out of the microwave she checks
the temp. "So any chance I can get some babysitting out of you?"
"Maybe"
Jake laughs as the baby pats at his face.
Sara turns
around and laughs at the sit of Anastasia chattering away "Hey Ana you
chatterer." she takes the baby from Jake "I bet you want this
huh" she offers the bottle to the baby.
"The
furniture is all set up ma'am. We'll go get the rest of the stuff from the
van."
Sara looks up
"The door will be open." she watches as the three men walk out of the
apartment. She sits on the couch.
"What are
you going to do about work?"
"I'm
going to look into daycare for her." Sara answers "Until I find one
suitable Gabe said he'd watch her." she looks at the baby "Jake I
need you to keep this whole thing to yourself. You know what would happen if
too many people found out about her."
"No prob.
You want it kept secret then my lips are sealed."
"Thanks"
Sara says as the men reenter the apartment carrying bags and boxes. She shakes
her head 'Ian how much stuff did you get her.'
"Geez
that's a lot of stuff for one kid." Jake remarks
"There's
still some more things" one of the men states
"We put
together the crib, changing table, baby chair, playpen, rocking chair, and the
swing."
"Thanks
guys." Sara says
"Its what
we were paid for" the third man says
"We'll go
get the rest of the stuff." the first man says setting the boxes in his
arms down.
Ten minutes
later the men drop off the final boxes and leave and Sara looks at Jake
"So you know how to give a baby a bath?" she asks
"Done it
a few times." Jake says "Where's the baby shampoo?"
"In one
of those bags or boxes" Sara says with a shrug.
Jake shakes
his head going over to the pile of bags and boxes. "Let's see we got
bottles, formula, and pacifiers in this bag." he sets the bag aside going
to the next bag. "OK diaper rash creme, wipes. These guys are
organized." After a few minutes he finds the bag with the baby shampoo,
washclothes and towels. "OK found the right bag. Where do you want to do
this? Kitchen or bathroom?"
"Uh
bathroom is probably the cleanest." Sara replies burping the baby.
"I'll go
run the water then" Jake says opening the packages gathering up the stuff
he heads into the bathroom.
"Well Ana
looks like Uncle Jake is going to be of some help huh"
Anastasia
grins patting her mother's face cooing happily.
Sara smiles at
the baby 'That's my girl'
Anastasia's
eyes go to the bracelet and she reaches out touching it curiousity evident in
her touch.
"You know
what this is don't you" Sara says she looks at the bracelet smiling as it
changes color.
Anastasia
chatters happily her eyes on the glimmering jewel.
"All
right tubs ready" Jake calls
Sara grins at
the baby "Bathtime baby." she stands carrying Anastasia into the
bathroom. "Lets get you out of these dirty nasty clothes huh sweetie."
she sets the baby on the floor beside Jake and begins to strip the baby out of
the clothes she has been wearing all day.
"The
waters warm enough for her." Jake says
Sara sets the
baby in the warm water and laughs at the baby's grin. "She seems to like
it." she watches as the baby splashes
"OK we
got the baby washclothes and the wash." Jake wets the cloth pouring some
wash on it handing it to Sara. He watches as Sara lathers up the baby.
"She's still young enough to need some support."
"So McCartey
why don't you have any kids?"
Jake shrugs
"I could say its because of work but its because I'm not ready to take on
that much responsibility. That's why I send presents and spend time with my
nieces and nephew and my friends kids. They take care of the occassional kid
need."
"You plan
on having kids?"
"One
day." Jake replies
Sara laughs as
Anastasia splashes them "Ana no getting us wet." she says tapping the
baby's nose.
"Here's
the shampoo." Jake says "Good thing they got tearless"
Sara takes the
bottle pouring a little on the baby's head
Sara looks in
on Anastasia asleep in her crib "Sleep well Anastasia." she goes to
the livingroom grabbing a set of case files to read over.
After
Sara awakens
sensing someone in the apartment she sits up to see a figure over the crib.
"Ian?"
Ian steps away from the crib
Sara turns on
the lamp "Its fine." she assures glancing at the clock. "I take
it he knows she's gone."
Ian nods going
back to the crib "He thinks the doctor took her."
"Does he
know she's here?"
"Yes."
Sara joins him
at the crib looking at the sleeping baby "Is he going to try and take
her?"
"I do not
think he wants to make you mad. You are the Wielder."
Sara reaches
into the crib stroking Anastasia's cheek "
"How
so?"
She looks at
Ian "She can see Danny. I know you can sense him."
Ian nods
"Yes."
"Ian she
looked right at him."
Ian reaches
out touching the Witchblade "It knows her" he states
Sara looks at
his hand watching as the colors change "Yes" she looks at Ian
"it knows you too."
Ian nods
"As it always has." he removes his hand "I should go before he
becomes suspicious." he reaches into his coat pulling out a large envelope.
"Here is some of her papers. Birth certificate and the legal papers
declaring you her legal guardian" he hands the envelope to Sara.
Sara nods
"Good. Now I can get started with finding her daycare."
"Here"
Ian hands her a card "I arranged for a nanny for her."
"Ian"
"A nanny
is safer than childcare."
"Yes but
a nanny would be easier to pay off." Sara argues
Ian looks at
Anastasia "Not this one. Her name is Jas. She can be trusted. Call her
when you want her to start." he looks at Sara "You will have to trust
me and the Witchblade Sara. I have never willingly lied to you."
Sara nods
"I know."
Ian goes to the open window "Goodnight Sara" he says
"Goodnight
Ian." she says "Oh and Ian"
Ian looks at
her over his shoulder
"Its OK
that you visit her." she assures
Ian nods
crawling out the window.
Sara shakes
her head looking down at the sleeping baby "Well Anastasia your father is
one strange
Chapter 4
8 AM
"Danny"
Sara calls
"Yes?"
the ghost replies appearing
Sara jumps
"Don't do that." she yelps "Look can you keep an eye on her for
me? I need to take a shower."
"Sure"
Danny nods seeing the baby in the playpen
"Thanks."
Sara says disappearing into the bathroom "I won't be long" she calls.
Danny looks at
the baby in the playpen "Hey Anastasia."
Anastasia
grins at the ghost giggling happily as she plays with the plastic rings
10 mins later
Sara steps out
of the bathroom to find Danny sitting on the floor beside the playpen talking
with Anastasia. "She saying anything interesting partner?"
"Not
really. Probably to other babies yes" Danny stands "How did she do
last night?"
"Woke up
once." Sara replies grabbing a bottle off the counter she prepares one.
"Ian stopped by last night."
"Oh?"
"Almost scared the daylights out of me." Sara laughs
"As
always"
Sara goes over
to the playpen picking up Anastasia. "Yeah well he hired a nanny for
Anastasia."
"He has money"
"Even so
is that wise? I mean people will ask questions... how can a cop afford a nanny.
Let alone all the questions I'll get when people find out about Anastasia. You
know how it goes... the rumors."
"True.
But trust Nottingham Sara he seems to care."
Sara looks at
Anastasia "I know." she looks up to see Danny gone "I know"
20 mins later
Sara goes to
the door opening it to find Gabe standing there holding two cups of coffee.
"Come on in." she says stepping aside.
Gabe enters
handing her a cup of coffee setting the bag with his laptop on the counter.
"So where is she?"
"In the
playpen. I gave her a bottle and just changed her." Sara says grabbing her
boots she sits on the couch pulling them on. "I also need information on
this person" she hands the card to Gabe. "Whatever you can
find."
Gabe looks at
the name "Who is she?"
"Ian
hired her to be Anastasia's nanny. Before I agree to it I want to know if she
can be trusted."
"Don't
trust
"I trust
him I just want to know if I can trust her."
"I'll have the information when you get back" Gabe
says
"Put her
down for a nap around 10 or 11. She might want a bottle before her nap. I
already put the formula in just add warm water and put it in the microwave for
20 seconds. The diapers and wipes are on the changing table in the loft. Put
her on her back when you put her down for a nap. Put her down for a nap at 4. I
should be back around 6 or 7. If I can I'll stop by during lunch. She can have
Cheerios but keep an eye on her when she eats them. Call me if you need
something. If you can't get a hold of me try Jake. He might be able to
help."
"So he
knows?"
"Yeah he
stopped by when they delivered this stuff." Sara says setting the cup of
coffee down she picks Anastasia up. "Be good for Uncle Gabe OK Ana."
"Of
course she will" Gabe says "won't ya shortie."
"If
"I'll try
not too. But you know how scary he can be."
Sara chuckles
"Well I warned him to be on his best behavior" she assures handing
Gabe the baby. "If you go anywhere her jacket and stroller are in the
closet. The diaper bag is next to the changing table so don't forget to take it
with you."
"We'll
probably stick around here." Gabe says "Me and Anastasia will have
some fun won't we kid."
Anastasia pats
his face grinning around the pacifier in her mouth
"I'll
take that as a yes" Sara laughs "Bye" she says heading out the
door.
Hearing the
door close Anastasia begins to whimper turning she squirms in Gabe's arms
holding out her pudgy arms to the door
Gabe sighs
turning the baby around "Come on Anastasia we'll have some fun. Besides
Mommy will be back later." he wipes away the few tears falling down her
plump cheek. "I don't think you need to cry huh. How about we play."
he settles down on the floor with Anastasia on his lap. "Wow look at all
the toys your Pops bought." he picks up a stuffed cow in bright colors
"Who's this?"
Outside the
window Ian crouches watching as the young man entertains the infant. After a
moment he disappears
Anastasia
looks towards the window holding out her arms grunting
"Hey
what's wrong kiddo?" Gabe asks he glancing over his shoulder to find no
one at the window '
Sara and Jake's office
"Hey
Pez" Jake greets as his darkhaired partner enters "I see you made it
on time."
Sara laughs
"Well what can I say Gabe is definately an angel."
"I take it he showed up on time." Jake smiles
"Yep."
"How'd
your night go?"
"She woke
up once."
"Well
there is one good thing"
"What?"
Sara asks suspiciously
"You
didn't have to deal with waking up five times a night"
Sara sits down
"True" 'Though I'd have liked to have that time with her.' "So
what's on for today?"
"The
double murder at a club a few blocks from here."
"What was
the deal?" Sara asks preparing to listen to her partner
Vorschlag Industries
"How the
hell did this happen?" Irons says angrily as he paces
Ian stands
there his head bowed listening as his Master rants
"The
child was a very important project. Find the doctor. I want to know how he got
the child out of there."
"He is nowhere to be found" Ian says softly
"Detective
Pezzini was to never know about the child." Irons states he shakes his
head "But it is too late to fix that... other than kill her and all that
knows about her."
Ian looks up
"But is that wise?"
"Very
good point Ian. Keep an eye on them both. If the child shows any interesting
traits let me know."
Ian nods
glancing at Irons 'No I will not let you have her.'
Irons sits down dismissing Ian wordlessly
Ian walks out
of the office his mind on the little girl 'I will not let anyone take Anastasia
from Lady Sara.'
That afternoon
Sara and Jake
enter the apartment carrying a pizza box only to find Gabe staring at the
computer screen "Hey Gabriel what's with the look?" Sara asks
"Yeah man
we bring you food." Jake says setting the box on the counter
"Oh
nothing just doing some research." Gabe replies closing the computer
"What kind?"
"Meat"
Jake answers opening the box.
"Is Anastasia down?" Sara asks going to the
refrigerator
"Yeah I
just put her down."
Sara grabs
three cans of pop setting them on the counter. "How'd it go?"
"Watched
some cartoons, did some reading, played with the toys." Gabe shrugs
"Something
tells me Gabe had more fun then Anastasia" Jake snickers
"Hey I was an only child." Gabe protests
"So was
I" Sara shrugs sitting down at the counter she opens the pizza box.
"Any
interesting cases?" Gabe asks grabbing a slice of pizza
"A double
homicide at a club." Sara replies taking a bite out of her slice of pizza.
"Looks
like a fight gone bad" Jake says opening his can of pop.
"We still
need to find the weapon and the shooter" Sara says
"Yeah"
Jake agrees
30 mins later
Sara stands
over the crib looking at the sleeping baby. Sensing dark eyes on her she looks
up to see Ian crouching outside the window. She looks back at Anastasia
stroking her cheek "Have a good nap Ana. I'll see you when I get
home." With a final look at Ian she straightens up walking out. "We
should get back to work before Dante flips"
"Yeah sure." Jake says grabbing his jacket
"Have fun
Gabe." Sara says grabbing her own jacket she follows Jake out of the
apartment
"Thanks
for lunch" Gabe calls
Sara enters
the apartment to find Gabe on the floor entertaining Anastasia. She laughs at
the intense look on Anastasia's face "Gabe what are you telling her?"
she asks tossing her jacket on the couch she picks up the baby
"Oh
nothing much. Just the basics of hacking." Gabe says innocently
"Uh oh is
Uncle Gabe corrupting you Ana" Sara says tickling the baby's stomach.
"We can't have that now can we"
Gabe rolls his
eyes "I finished with the background on that lady."
"And?"
Sara asks going to the kitchen she grabs a box of cereal out of the cupboard.
"Brother
was military. She seems to have no record."
"Nothing
suspicious?" Sara asks
"Not that
I can find."
Sara nods
offering the baby a piece of cereal
Anastasia
spits out her pacifier taking the sweetened cereal.
Sara turns her
attention to pouring herself some cereal "Any bad feelings about
her?" she asks
Gabe sits at
the counter "No. You?"
Sara goes to
the refrigerator taking out the milk. "I guess not. When he gave me the
card I didn't get anything bad from the Witchblade. Besides he's never tried
hurting me... sure he's scared the daylights out of me appearing out of nowhere
but he's never hurt
"What
about Anastasia? Do you trust him with her?"
Sara pauses
looking at Anastasia who meets her gaze straight on. "I don't think he'd
hurt his own blood. Irons though... I'd count on that but I don't think he has
it in him."
Anastasia coos sticking her fist in her mouth
'No I don't
think he'd hurt his own child. He's not that much a monster.'
"I'll
trust you on that." Gabe says "I better go. I've got friends I'm
supposed to meet. What time do you want me here?"
"Same
time?"
Gabe nods
"Sure."
"I'll
call that woman Jas tomorrow sometime."
Gabe grabs his
laptop shoving it in the bag "I'll see you tomorrow then." he pats
Anastasia's head "Don't keep your Mom up too late kid."
"Thanks Gabe" Sara calls as he walks out the door
"Your
welcome. Have a good night." he calls closing the door behind him.
2 hours later
Sara is
brought out of her sleep by the feeling of Anastasia squirming on her chest.
She slowly opens her eyes to find Ian crouched beside the couch his eyes on Anastasia.
"What time is it?" she asks groggily
Ian looks at
her "9."
"How long
have I been asleep?"
"Almost
an hour"
"She
probably wants a bottle" Sara yawns sitting up. "Can you take
her?"
Ian hesitates
for a moment then nods taking the baby.
Sara smiles
slightly seeing Anastasia giving Ian a toothless smile. Sara stands going into
the kitchen she grabs a bottle "So Nottingham is this visit to see
Anastasia or does Irons want something?" she asks curiously
"He wants
me to keep a close eye on her." Ian says his eyes regarding the baby in
his arms cautiously
"Why?"
"He did
not say. I think he is hoping that she will show signs of being the next
Weilder."
"I
thought that there is only one born a generation." Sara says measuring out
the formula. She pauses "She is the next generation." she reminds
herself
"Yes."
"What is
he looking for?"
"He did
not say."
Sara sets the
bottle in the microwave looking at Ian "And if she is the next Wielder are
you going to hand her over to him?"
Ian looks at
Anastasia seeing the baby's innocent gaze he lifts his gloved hand stroking
Anastasia's cheek "No. She is an innocent."
"As you
were when he got you."
Ian flinches
at Sara's words "Yes. I was born to serve you." he looks at Sara
briefly "Yet I ended up serving him."
"Why?" Sara asks taking the bottle out of the
microwave
"He found
me before we found each other."
Anastasia
looks at her mother seeing the bottle she holds out her hand while keeping a
grip on her father's coat. She chatters happily
Sara laughs
"Well someone wants her bottle." she sets the bottle down reaching
out to take Anastasia from Ian's arms.
Anastasia
whimpers going to her mother yet her eyes go to her father.
Sara offers
Anastasia her bottle trying to distract her from grabbing at her father.
"Come on Anastasia I know you want your bottle."
Anastasia
begins to drink from the bottle her eyes going back and forth between her
parents.
Ian looks away
"I should go."
Anastasia kicks frantically pushing the bottle away
"Anastasia
finish your bottle its almost time for bed." she looks up to see Ian gone.
'
Reassured
Anastasia takes the bottle.
"Good
girl"
Chapter 5
Next Morning:
Sara grabs the
phone "What?"
"Hello
Detective Pezzini."
Sara sighs
hearing the smooth voice "I was wondering when you'd call. What do you
want Irons?"
"How is
Anastasia?" Irons asks turning to see Ian standing against the wall his
head bowed.
"She's
fine. I bet she's happier than she was with you and your freaky science
nerds."
"Oh come
now Sara she was well cared for."
Sara looks at
Anastasia sitting in her playpen jiggling her plastic keys "But did they
care for her only because they were paid too? Or because of the fact of who she
is?"
"Is that
really relevant Sara?" Irons asks
"Very
relevant. A child needs to be in a safe and happy environment. I doubt she felt
that at Vorschlag Industries."
"She was
safe and well cared for."
"As she
is here. What do you want Irons?"
"I just
wanted to see how she is doing out there."
"Fine."
"Good."
Irons says "If you need anything please call me and I will send one of her
caregivers to her"
"I do
have one question"
"Yes?"
"Where is
the surrogate?"
"Unfortunately
she did not survive the birth." Irons admits
Hearing that
Ian inwardly cringes at the fact that the woman who carried his daughter for
nine months is dead.
On the other
end of the phone Sara has the same thought. "And her father?"
"He
unfortunately... or fortunately has no idea that she exists." Irons looks
at his Protector
Almost sensing
her parents emotions Anastasia begins to cry.
Concerned for
her daughter Sara hangs up on the billionaire going over to the playpen she
picks Anastasia up. "What's wrong Ana?" she asks kissing the baby's
cheek "Its OK. I won't let him hurt you." she soothes the crying
infant.
Once in her
mother's arms Anastasia whimpers the tears still falling.
"Shh Ana
its OK" she kisses the baby's head
Vorschlag Industries
Irons hangs up
the phone looking at Ian standing in the corner of the office "Have you found
the doctor?"
Ian nods
"And?"
Irons stands
Ian speaks
"He is dead."
"How?"
"Gunshot."
"Self-inflicted?"
"Undeterminable."
"The
body?"
"Taken
care of." Ian replies
"Do you
have any idea of how he got the child out?"
"It looks
as though he turned off the security cameras."
"Anything
else?"
"No"
Irons sits
down silently dismissing Ian.
Ian nods
walking out of the office.
Sara opens the
door to find Gabe standing there "Hey" she greets allowing him to
enter. "She's had her morning bottle and I've changed her. Same as
yesterday."
Gabe nods
setting his bag on the floor "Sure."
"Bye" she says hurrying out of the apartment
Gabe checks on
Anastasia in the playpen "Hey Ana." he greets
Anastasia grins around her pacifier waving her hands
"Lets
keep you calm OK kid." Gabe laughs
Sara and Jake's office
"Hey
McCartey" Sara greets looking up to see her blond partner enter their
office. "Late night?" she asks with a smile
Jake scowls "Shuddup"
Sara shakes
her head opening a drawer she grabs a container of aspirin "Hey" she
calls
Jake looks up
"What?"
"Catch"
Sara tosses him the aspirin
"Thanks"
Jake says opening the container
"What did
you do last night?"
"Not
much. Played some pool" he shrugs tossing a couple aspirin into his mouth
downing it with coffee. "How was your night?"
"Good."
"And
Anastasia?"
"She woke
once." she answers as the Captain appears at the door.
"Pezzini
McCartey there's a witness to yesterdays club shooting." Captain Santos
the cop who replaced Dante after his death announces
Sara looks up
"We'll be right there."
"Come on
partner lets get going." Jake says grabbing the file
Sara stands
grabbing her cup of coffee. "Lead the way."
That afternoon
Sara picks up
the phone looking at the card Ian and given her she dials the number. "Hi
is Jas there?"
"This is
she" the woman states
"Hi I'm
Sara Pezzini"
"Oh yes
Ian told me you would be calling."
"I take
it he filled you in"
"Yes he
did."
"How
about we give it a try... see how it goes."
"All
right." Jas agrees "When do you want me to be there?"
"I have
to be at work at 9 so how about you come over at 8...
"Sounds
good."
"I take
it he gave you my address"
"Yes."
"I'll see
you tomorrow then." Sara says hanging up the phone.
Jake sticks
his head in the door "Pez I found another possible witness to yesterdays
murder."
"Where?"
"An
apartment five blocks from the club."
Sara stands grabbing
her jacket "Well then lets go."
That Evening
Sara enters
the apartment to find Gabe watching TV with Anastasia on the floor playing with
her toys. "Hey Gabe." she greets hanging up her jacket she goes to
the loft setting her gun in the nightstand drawer
"Hey Pez." Gabe greets
"I called
that woman Jas." Sara tells him picking up the baby "Hey you"
she greets kissing the baby's cheek.
"And?"
"Well you
don't need to babysit tomorrow."
"You
going to trust her?" Gabe asks
Sara shrugs
"Going to need too"
"Wow kid
your Mom is taking a big chance" Gabe says with a laugh
"Yeah
yeah yeah" Sara waves off "I thought I'd give it a chance. After all
you can't watch her forever."
"I better
get going. I still have some work do to."
"Gabe thanks
for watching her."
"Any time
Pez." he replies grabbing his bag and jacket "I'll see you
later."
Sara closes
and locks the door behind him "Night" she calls. She looks at
Anastasia "So kiddo what do you want to do."
Anastasia spits out her pacifier grinning at her mother
Sara grabs the
pacifier "Don't want that huh" she laughs setting the pacifier on the
counter. "So how about some Cheerios while I have dinner. Then you get a
bath and bottle." she sets the baby in the highchair grabbing a box of
Cheerios she puts a handful on the tray. "There you go."
"So how's
it going Pez?"
Sara starts
"Geez Danny don't do that."
"Sorry
partner" Danny says innocently
Sara turns
around to find him sitting on the counter "You know if you weren't already
a ghost I'd end up hurting you."
"What can
I say there's one good thing about being a ghost." he shrugs
"What can
I do for you?"
"Just
came to say hi."
Anastasia
giggles throwing a Cheerio on the floor
Sara looks at Anastasia "You think that's funny"
Anastasia
looks at her mother innocently picking up a Cheerio sticking it in her mouth.
"She is definately going to be a charmer" Danny says
"What can
I say... like mother like daughter" Sara grins
Danny laughs
"Sure Pez what ever you say."
"Ana I
think Uncle Danny's making fun of me."
"No never" Danny says
Sara opens the
freezer taking out a frozen dinner.
"How's the case going?" Danny asks
"Same.
Jake thinks that its a drug deal gone bad."
"But?"
"There's
something else too it. It could be a drug deal gone bad but I think there might
be something else."
"What does the Witchblade say?" Danny asks
Sara puts the
frozen meal in the microwave "Not much. Mostly shadows. Some
feelings" she pushes the buttons for the food
"What
kind of feelings?"
"Disgust.
Hate. Anger." she turns around "I can't get a clear feeling on the
killer."
"Keep
looking I'm sure you'll find it."
"Yeah I
hope." Sara laughs as Anastasia throws a Cheerio at ghost Danny. "Ana
he can't feel that."
Ana giggles happily
"You like
throwing stuff huh" Sara shakes her head
"What can
anyone say she's her mother's daughter." Danny says
Sara looks
about about to retort when she realizes Danny's gone. "Your Uncle thinks
he's so funny." she taps Ana's nose as the microwave dings "Time for
dinner." she takes the meal out of the microwave setting it on the counter
she grabs a container of orange juice out of the refrigerator sitting down at
the counter. "Mmm dinner."
Ana bangs her hands on the high chair tray grunting
"Eat your
Cheerios." Sara says picking up one of the O's she offers it to the baby.
Ana shoves her hand away pounding on the tray.
"Might
try baby food" Danny suggests appearing across the counter
Sara frowns "Where did I put it?" she wonders aloud
"Try the
cabinet next to the refrigerator."
Sara sighs
standing she goes to the cabinet she opens it to find a couple jars of baby
food. "Hmm how about applesauce" she takes out one of the jars
grabbing a baby spoon out of the silverware drawer. She opens the jar sitting
back down. She takes a bite out of her own dinner then offers Ana a spoonful
off applesauce
"Uh Pez might want to put a bib on her" Danny
suggests
"Oh
yeah" Sara shakes her head opening the drawer she takes out a bib snapping
it around the baby's neck. Sitting back down she offers the baby another spoon
of applesauce.
30 mins later
Sara drops the
empty jar of applesauce and the empty box of lasagne in the trash grabbing a
wet dishcloth she wipes Ana's face off. "Ana we're going to have to work
on your eating habits huh"
Ana tries to avoid getting her face cleaned off
"Don't
even think about that little miss." Sara laughs as she wipes the baby's
face and hands off. "Now I think someone needs a bath." she removes
the bib from Ana's neck lifting her out of the highchair she carries her into
the bathroom.
45 mins later
Sara looks at
the clean and dressed baby on her hip "Now lets get you that bottle huh.
Then off to bed with you." she enters the kitchen to prepare a bottle for
Ana.
30 mins later
Sara sets the
baby in the crib and turning around she finds
Ian looks at
her then down "I did not want to disturb you."
"Its
never bothered you before." Sara reminds "I was about to make some
coffee join me?" she asks seeing the thoughtful look she sighs "I
could also use your thoughts on one of my cases... Jake and I have run into a
wall on agreeing."
Ian reluctantly nods
Sara steps
aside allowing Ian to enter. She leads him into the kitchen
"Is this the double murder?" Ian asks
"How
did..." Sara shakes her head "Never mind I know that answer."
she goes to the coffee maker. "The files on the end of the counter."
Ian removes
his jacket and cap setting them on the back of the chair sitting down he opens
the file. "Is the Witchblade not telling you anything?" he asks
curiously as he looks through the pictures
Sara turns
around surprised to see Ian without his jacket and cap "Wow never thought
I'd see that." she says amazed at the almost innocent look his features
take on as his hair falls forward.
Ian looks at her questioningly
"You
without the cap. Everytime I see you... except when your around Irons you wear
it."
Ian looks back down at the file
Sara shakes
herself out of her thoughts of Ian and turns her attention back to his question
"I keep getting more emotions than anything else." she glares at the
Witchblade annoyed.
"And your
partner?" Ian asks his voice showing his disgust at Jake McCartey.
"I wish
you two would get over your little issues." Sara says
"He
almost betrayed you."
"He ended
up saving my life. Besides you could have told me he was a Fed and it would have
saved us all a lot of trouble." she points out. She shakes her head
"OK we'll argue about that later. Jake thinks its a drug deal gone bad the
end."
"And
you?"
"It looks
like that... though I get the feeling that there is more too it. I just can't place
it." she rests her arms against the counter
Ian looks at
the pictures of the bodies then turns them to face her. "What do you
see?"
"Two dead
people."
"No
look" Ian takes her hand holding it against the picture.
Sara stares at
the pictures allowing the images to hit her.
< Anger
>
< The two
people in the picture >
< Hate.
>
"The two
victims." Sara says "Feelings."
< The two
men talking at the club. >
"The gun
going off. Once... twice..." she shakes her head meeting Ian's eyes
"All I get is feelings."
"Follow those feelings." Ian suggests
"Coffees
ready." Sara says reluctantly not wanting Ian to release her hand yet
wanting the distance.
Ian releases her hand "Sorry" he mutters looking down
Sara goes to
the coffee maker grabbing two mugs out of the cabinet. "How am I supposed
to follow the feelings if I can't find a suspect?" she pours the hot
liquid into the mugs turning around she sets one before Ian. "Milk?
Sugar?"
Ian shakes his head looking through the names
"We only found
about three possible suspects."
"Their
pasts?"
"Both
ex-military. Both kicked out." Sara replies
Hour later
Ian starts
noticing the time "I have to go." he says slightly panicked
Sara yawns
"I should get to bed... she's going to wake up in a couple hours for
another bottle."
Ian pulls on
his jacket his mind a whir of the possible trouble he is going to face when he
returns.
Almost sensing his distress Sara touches his arm
Ian looks at
her
"Thanks
Ian." she says appreciatively
Ian nods
"Goodnight Lady Sara." he hurries to the door.
"Goodnight
Ian" she says following him to the door she locks it behind him. Yawning
she turns off the lights making her way up to her bed.
Hour later: Irons estate
Ian enters the
study to find Irons sitting in a chair before the fireplace. Head bowed he
stands there
"Where have you been Ian?" Irons asks his voice hard
"I was
looking into information on the Doctor's death."
Irons stands
stopping before Ian he grabs the younger man's hair forcing his head back
"Are you lying to me Ian?"
"No"
"Have you
been with Detective Pezzini?" Irons demands
"I checked on her." Ian lies
Irons releases
Ian with a shove he walks around Ian. "You have been spending too much
time around the lovely Sara."
"You
asked me to keep an eye on Lady Sara and the child. I did that." Ian
grunts as a foot kicks him in his ribs.
"You are
becoming too dependent on her." Irons says angrily his foot connecting
with Ian's side again. "You are loyal to me Ian... not her."
"Yes
sir" Ian replies "Loyal to you... only you."
Irons goes to
the fireplace sticking a poker in the flames "Remove your shirt."
Ian swallows
knowing what is about to happen. His eyes still on the floor he removes his
shirt.
"Ian Ian
Ian" Irons shakes his head looking at the red poker
Ian feels
tears sting his eyes as the hot poker scalds his skin. He blinks back the tears
steeling himself for more punishment.
Sara's apartment
Sara awakens
to the sound of Ana screaming. Throwing off the covers she goes over to the
crib picking up the crying baby. "Ana what's wrong?"
Ana sobs clinging to her mother's shirt
"Shh its
OK." she soothes walking to the kitchen to prepare a bottle for the crying
infant.
Chapter 6
8 AM
Sara opens the
door to find a blond haired woman standing there.
"I'm
Jas"
Sara nods
"Sara. Come on in." she steps aside allowing the woman to enter. She
sighs hearing Ana whimper "She had a bad night" she informs Jas
Jas nods
Sara picks Ana
up "Why are you crying huh? Your usually happy" she kisses the baby's
head. "This is Anastasia."
Jas smiles
immediately taken by the little girl "She is adorable"
Sara smiles
back "Well she's not at her best."
"Can
I...?" Jas asks nodding at Ana
"Sure"
Sara hands the baby to her "I just made some coffee. Want some?"
"Sounds
good" Jas replies
Sara turns to
the kitchen "So how do you know him?"
"My
brother was in the military with him. After he was killed Ian started keeping
tabs on me."
"And
Irons allowed that?" Sara says incredulously
Jas shakes her
head "Irons has no idea that Ian keeps track of
"Probably
not"
"What do
you want to know about me?"
Sara looks at
the young woman thoughtfully "That's about it. If he trusts you I guess I
can too. I guess we'll give this a try." she grabs the two mugs handing
one to Jas. "My work hours are a little odd at times. Sometimes I work at
nights. Others I'm on call. I won't expect you to be on call all the time. I
have another friend who can watch her every once in a while."
"My days
are pretty empty. The work I do I can do anywhere."
"What do
you do?"
"Make
webpages. Consult on them."
Sara chuckles
"I think you'll get along with Gabriel then."
"Gabriel?"
"Yeah
he's a friend who watched Ana the last few days. He'll probably stop by every
so often."
"Anyone
else?"
"Uh
"As
always" Jas laughs
"Well he
tends to come through the windows or he'll sit out on the fire escape. Half the
time he freaks me out."
"He's
quiet" Jas shrugs
"If Irons
stops by definately don't leave him alone with her."
"Do you
think he'll show up?"
"Its
Irons" Sara replies with a shrug "Make yourself at home. Cabinets are
full."
"Does she
have a schedule?"
"Not
really. We haven't really established one. She takes a nap mid morning and
afternoon. I'm trying to get her into the habit of having a bottle before she
goes down for a nap. Sometimes she finishes one. I give her Cheerios when I
eat."
"Baby
food?"
"There
are a couple jars. I just started giving her baby food last night."
"All
right."
"I have
to get going... I have an early meeting. My cell and office number are on the
refrigerator. As is Gabe and my Partner Jake McCartey's numbers. If its a big
emergency and neither of them answer try Ian he seems to know where I am before
I do."
Jas nods
"Sounds just like him" she laughs
"I don't
know when I'll be back... I'll try to be home by 6 or 7." Sara says
grabbing her helmet. "There's an extra set of keys on the counter."
she pulls on her jacket "Call if you need anything." she calls over
her shoulder as she hurries out the door.
Jas looks at
the baby and smiles "Your Mom is a whirlwind huh"
Ana regards
the woman holding her thoughtfully then smiles
"You are
adorable" Jas laughs "how about we find something to do."
Jake and Sara's office
"Hey
Partner" Jake greets looking up from the paperwork before him "You
look exhausted"
Sara scowls
"Don't start on me."
"Ana have
a short night?"
Sara nods
"Kept crying."
"Babies
do that" Jake replies
"Yeah I
know."
"Gabe
watching her?"
"No... I
found her a babysitter."
"Who?"
"A friend
of a friend. Anything new on any of the cases?" she asks changing the
subject.
"Not much
really."
That evening
Sara enters
the apartment to find Jas on the floor with Ana playing with some plastic
blocks. "How'd it go?"
Jas sits Ana
up "Look who's that?" she asks taking the baby's hand she points at
Sara
Ana's eyes
widen and she begins the chatter away around her pacifier.
Sara laughs
picking up Ana. "Hey you"
Ana waves her
hands excitedly
"You know
Anastasia we are going to have to work on your talking skills because I'm
betting you have important things to say" Sara says kissing the baby's
cheek "How'd she do?"
"Cried on
and off through out the day. Otherwise she was very well-behaved." Jas
assures
"Good." Sara nods
"She ate
a jar of pears about an hour ago. I just changed her about fifteen minutes
ago."
"Thanks" Sara says
"What
time do you need me tomorrow?" Jas asks
"Uh
Jas nods
"Sounds good." she gathers her laptop and papers "I'll see you
tomorrow."
"Thanks
for watching her."
"Not a
problem she's a real sweetie." Jas pulls on her jacket "Bye Ana"
she waves to the baby as she closes the door behind her.
"Well
Anastasia what should we do?" Sara muses aloud.
Chapter 7
Over a week later
Sara sighs
"Gabe thanks for watching her."
"Anytime.
Besides she slept most of the time."
"I would
have called Jas but I've called her every day this week to watch her last
minute."
"Its
cool. Me and the kid had some bonding time."
Sara picks up
the sleeping baby "I better get her home before she wakes up."
"She
still having a rough time sleeping?"
Sara nods
"Its the oddest thing. Sometimes she's fine. Others..." she shakes
her head.
"Have you
seen tall dark and deadly?"
"Not for
a week or so. He's probably in the shadows."
Gabe follows
her out to the car "I bet your looking forward to having tomorrow
off."
Sara nods
"Get some sleep. Do some much needed laundry. Go do some grocery
shopping."
"Well
call me if you need me to watch her."
Sara sets the
baby in the carseat buckling her in. "I will." she tosses the diaper
bag in the back seat going around to the drivers side. "Thanks
again." she says starting the car.
20 mins later
Sara carries
the still sleeping Ana up the stairs to the apartment "You know kid I
can't wait for you to be able to walk." she grumbles "I swear you
weigh as much as my bike." she fumbles in her pocket for her keys. Opening
the door she tosses the diaper bag on the floor turning on the light she locks
the door. Carefully she removes her jacket and Ana's trying very hard not to
wake the baby. "Thank god for the sleep of babies" she mutters
carrying Ana up to the loft. As she walks up the stairs she finds Ian crouched
under the window sill his back against the wall. She turns on the bedside lamp
"I was wondering where you were." she says setting Ana in her crib.
"Sticking to the shadows I see."
Ian stands
joining her at the crib "Do you ever wonder what it must be like to be
that innocent and free?"
Hearing the sadness
in his voice Sara looks at him startled to see a gash in his temple. "Ian
what happened?" she asks lifting her hand to his temple
Ian winces at
her tender touch "Nothing you need to concern yourself with Lady
Sara." he looks down allowing his hair to cover the gash.
Sara sees the Witchblade flare up in angry colors
< Irons.
>
< Pain >
"Irons?"
she asks softly covering his gloved hand with hers. When he doesn't answer she
squeezes his hand "Come on lets get that cleaned up." she takes his
hand leading him into the kitchen.
Ian stares at her hand amazed by the comfort he receives
"Sit"
Sara orders nodding at the stool.
Ian reluctantly sits his eyes on the floor
Sara goes to
the bathroom grabbing the First Aid kit. Wetting a dish cloth she gently cleans
the wound. "She's missed you." she says softly "I was starting
to get worried."
"But you do not like me showing up" Ian remarks
Sara pauses in
her task "I guess I've gotten used to the fact that your out there
watching out for me."
Ian lightly
touches her cheek "I will watch out for you as long as I am able."
Sara closes
her eyes momentarily. "I know" she says her voice soft. She returns
to cleaning the gash. "Ian why do you put up with his abuse?"
Ian looks down
"He raised me."
"You
aren't a child anymore Ian."
"Being
his Protector is all I have ever known. It was what I was trained to do. It is
how I can keep you both safe."
Sara notices
under his facial hair a faded bruise. She winces "How'd you get this
bruise?" she asks setting aside the washcloth touching the bruise lightly.
Ian catches
her hand his lips brushing over her knuckles.
With her free
hand Sara smoothes his hair back her hand going to his neck. When she sees the
fear flash briefly in his eyes she gives him a reassuring smile and strokes the
back of his neck.
Ian pulls her
close resting his forehead against hers. "I am sorry if I made you
worry."
Sara strokes
the back of his neck "I'm glad you're OK." she pulls back slightly
moving her hand to his cheek.
Ian nuzzles
his cheek into her hand then turns his head his lips brushing over her palm.
Feeling the
tender touch Sara meets his gaze slowly their lips meet in a soft kiss.
"Ian" she breathes
Ian looks away
"I am sorry Lady Sara."
Sara smoothes
his loose hair back "Don't be." she kisses him lightly on the lips.
Within seconds the kiss becomes passionate and intense. Sara moans as Ian pulls
her close his tongue meeting hers.
Ian pulls back
both of them breathing heavily they stare at each other. He strokes her cheek
his eyes locked on hers. "Beautiful" he says awed. His lips trail
over her forehead down her cheek.
Sara slides
her hands under his coat moving it off his shoulders and down his arms. With
his help she removes his coat her hands tangling in his hair she pulls him in
for a deep kiss.
After a few
moments of heavily making out Ian breaks the kiss his lips trailing down her
neck. Licking and sucking at her neck.
Sara whimpers
arching into his touch. "Ian" she moans her hands going to his
sweater.
Ian stands
looking down at her his eyes boring into hers as he strokes her cheek.
Sara meets his
gaze her hands resting on his chest. She feels the Witchblade heat up. Tearing
her eyes away from his intense stare she looks at it.
< Her past self kissing a man. >
< Familiar
feelings of being kissed and held by the man. >
< The man's face. >
She looks at
Ian surprised "Did you know?"
Ian lowers his
head knowing what she's referring too. "I have always known there was
something between us each time."
"Were we always lovers?" she asks softly
"Not
every lifetime... sometimes we were other times we were just friends. I was
always your protector no matter the lifetime." he looks at her stroking
her cheek with his thumb "I know I have always loved you... no matter the
lifetime"
Sara pulls his
head down kissing him
Later
Sara props her
chin up on Ian's chest her fingers tracing a scar on his arm "How'd you
get this one?" she asks softly
"Gun
shot."
Sara presses
her lips to the mark then notices a fresh mark on his side "Irons?"
she asks touching the mark lightly
Ian grabs her hand bringing it to his lips
Sara glances
at the clock "I can't believe she's still asleep."
"Has she not been sleeping?" Ian asks concerned
"Not
really. She's had a rough few days. I think she knew that you weren't visiting
her or checking up on her."
"I am
sorry."
Sara trails
her fingers over his face and moves up the bed kissing him lightly. "I'm
just glad your OK."
Ian brings her
wrist up to his lips "Why did you take it off?"
"You once
said he can pick up on some of my extreme emotions. Considering his connection
between you and the Witchblade how do you think he'd react finding out what
happened?"
Ian flinches
"I did not think about that." he lifts his hand to her face
Sara smiles
slightly "Do you realize I can count the number of times you've touched me
without having the gloves on."
Ian just looks
at her tucking a strand of hair behind her ear
"What's
wrong?" she asks seeing the intense look on his face
"I never
thought I would be able to touch you in this life."
Sara looks at
him seeing the sadness in his eyes "You don't have to be so closed off
here Ian. I don't care if you show your feelings."
Ian nods
"Will you
stay for a while?" Sara asks hopefully
"As you
wish."
"Thank
you." she rests her head on his shoulder feeling safe she drifts off to
sleep.
45 mins later
Ian looks at
Sara asleep in his arms and presses his lips to her hair. Carefully he slips
out of bed and pulls on his boxers going over to the crib.
Sara feeling
the bed shift sits up looking at Ian thoughtfully. She grabs her oversized
jersey pulling it on she goes over to him wrapping her arms around his chest.
"She's a lot like you." she says kissing his neck
"I did
not mean to wake you."
"Don't
be. Sometimes when she's trying to do something new she gets the same look I've
seen you get when your fighting."
Ian looks at
the sleeping baby "I wonder if she has any idea of how she came to exist."
he says thoughtfully
"I
wouldn't count on it. She's a baby."
"Sara why
did you ask him who her father is?"
"I was
curious to see if he'd say anything. I was surprised he didn't say himself
considering his ego."
"He
cannot father any children" Ian admits "the treatments he has
undergone over the years has left him incapable of fathering children."
"And so his only option is you." Sara finishes
"Yes."
he says sadly
"Ian are
there any other children at Vorschlag or his estate?"
"No. That
does not mean there are none. He owns homes all over the world."
"It
worries you."
"Yes. I
do not know how many children he created or if any are mine. I do know there
are none on the outside. He took care of that."
Hearing the
sadness and bitterness in his voice Sara takes his hand willing him to look at
her. "Was the possibility there?"
Ian nods his
eyes on the floor
"What
happened?"
"She was
my only friend when I was a teenager. He found out she was pregnant and tried
to pay her off to end it. She refused. A week later she was killed in a car
accident. A few days later he warned me that if it happened again he would do
worse."
Sara squeezes
his hand.
Ian swallows
pained by that memory "I should go. I have been gone too long." with
a final look at Ana he grabs his pants off the floor.
Sara goes into
the livingroom grabbing his shirt, sweater, boots and his coat. She hands him
his sweater and shirt setting his boots on the floor and tossing his coat over
the foot of the bed. She grabs the Witchblade off the nightstand returning it
to her wrist smiling as it hums. She sits on bed watching as Ian quickly
dresses. "Come by later?" she asks states hopefully
Ian tilts his head "I will try." he says
Sara moves to
her knees reaching out she strokes his cheek her fingers grazing over the gash
"Be careful."
Ian bows his
head "I will try not to infuriate him."
"I doubt
you ever have" Sara says brushing her lips over the gash on his temple.
Ian pulls back
looking at her "I shall see you later my beautiful Sara." he brings
her hand to his lips
"You know
where to find me."
Ian goes to
the crib reaching in he strokes the baby's cheek "Goodnight little
Ana."
Sara watches
as he crawls out the window closing it behind him. Their eyes meet and she gives
him a small smile.
Ian tilts his
head resting his gloved hand against the window then he disappears.
Sara crawls
back into the bed inhaling his scent she curls up. 'God what that man can do
with his body.'
Chapter 8
8 AM
Sara awakens
to the sound of Ana chattering happily in her crib. She stretches looking at
the clock "Mmm" '8 she slept the whole night' Sara groans wincing at
the feeling of her sore muscles. She smiles at the memory sitting up she goes
to the dresser grabbing a clean pair of panties she pulls them on going to the
crib. "Hey Princess Ana" she picks up the baby "You are happy
today huh." she kisses Ana's cheek.
Ana grins
patting her mother's cheeks talking animately.
"You had
a good night huh" Sara laughs relieved at her daughter's happiness. She
carries her to the changing table. "Let's get you a clean diaper and then
get that tummy filled with food." she puts Ana down unzipping her sleeper.
30 mins later
Sara turns on
the TV "Lets see what's going on in the real world." she sets Ana on
the blanket on the floor. "Don't go anywhere."
Ana kicks and
waves her arms and legs grunting.
A few moments
later Sara turns to check on the baby to see her on her hands and knees
rocking.
"She's getting closer to crawling" Danny says
"Hey
partner." Sara turns around to see Danny watching the baby
"Soon
you'll be trying to catch her before she gets into stuff."
Sara sets the
bottle in the microwave then looks at Ana "How soon do you think it'll be
before she starts crawling?"
"Considering
how stubborn she seems to be not long."
Sara takes the
warmed bottle out of the microwave taking it over to the blanket she offers it
to Ana.
Grunting Ana
rolls onto her back taking the bottle.
Settling on
the floor beside Ana Sara leans against the couch holding the bottle up for the
baby. "Soon she's not going to need help with her bottle."
"Have you seen
Sara nods
looking at Ana "He was here when we got home last night." she looks
at Danny "He took a pretty big punishment from Irons over some
stuff."
"Did he
say what?"
"Said
part of it was because of spending too much time keeping an eye on us. The
other he said was some deal of Irons crashed."
"Did
something happen?"
Sara shrugs
"Had a flash of our past lives."
"What did
you see?"
"We were
lovers"
"Did he
say anything about it?"
"Yeah
said that in the past we were sometimes lovers other times friends. But we were
always close. He was always my Protector no matter the time" she looks
down "and that he's always loved me."
"Pez"
Danny crouches beside his friend "How do you feel about him?"
"I don't really know." Sara hedges
"Hey its
me no need to lie who am I going to tell?"
Sara smiles
slightly "When we first met part of me didn't trust him but a bigger part
did. I've never really seen him as a friend or an enemy."
"Do you love him Pez?" Danny asks
"I don't
really know. I do know I care for him."
"You need
to sort out your feelings for him Sara. He's a big part of your life now. He
needs you and you need him. That's how its always been."
Sara looks
over to see Danny gone 'I know I need to figure out how I feel about him.'
Midmorning: Irons Estate
"I take
it Detective Pezzini is well" Irons says without looking up from his paperwork.
"Yes"
Ian replies standing infront of the desk his head bowed
"And
Anastasia?"
"She
seemed well."
"Good."
Irons looks up "Where were you last night?"
"I was
checking on Sara and the child."
"You did
not return until well after
"They did
not return home until then."
Irons looks
down "Go inform Sara that I would like to speak with her tonight."
"She will ask what about"
"Tell her
I have information on a case that will soon fall into her hands. Tell her to be
here at six sharp" Irons says silently dismissing Ian.
Ian nods
keeping his head down he walks out of the study.
Sara's apartment
Hearing the
knock at the door Sara closes the file she is reading then with a look at Ana
playing on the floor she goes to the door. She opens it surprised to find Ian
standing there. "Wow this is a surprise... I'm so use to you coming
through the window." she says stepping aside so he can enter. Once the
door is closed she lifts her hand to his face. She groans hearing a thud turning
around she finds Ana underneath the coffee table trying to sit up. "OK how
did you get under there" she laughs going over she bends down pulling Ana
out from under the table. She turns around meeting Ian's gaze "Something
going on?"
"He wants
to see you tonight"
"About?"
"A new
case is going to fall into your hands."
"Why?"
"He did
not tell me."
Ana grunts
holding out a hand to Ian while keeping one hand on her mother's shirt.
"He asked
about Anastasia."
Sara kisses
Ana's head "Why?"
"He
wanted to know if she is well."
"Ehh"
Ana grunts bouncing up and down
"OK
OK" Sara sets the child on the floor handing Ana her pacifier. "What
time does he want to see me?"
"Six"
"I'll see
if Gabe can watch her."
Ian nods
Sara moves
closer to him stroking his cheek "What's wrong?"
Ian
unconsciously nuzzles his cheek into her hand "He was not happy this
morning."
"When is he ever" Sara says drily
"If he
were to ever find out" he looks down at the floor
"We'll
just have to deal with it when and if it happens." she moves closer her
arms moving to encircle his neck. Gently she trails her fingers down his jaw.
Ian leans down
his lips meeting hers in a brief kiss. "I should leave" he says
softly "Shall I tell him that you will be there?"
Sara nods her
fingers trailing over his face "I'll be there at six."
"Be on
time... he will not be happy if you are late."
"Yeah I
know. He tends to get less talkative when he doesn't get his way. I've known
you two for what three years now... I like to think I've got you both figured
out pretty well." she gives him a slight smile
Ian smoothes a
strand of loose hair out of her face "That you have my Sara." he
inwardly smiles at the slight blush gracing her features.
"Yes well
you've gotten pretty psyhic yourself over these years." she teases lightly
she kisses him quickly
Silently Ian
walks out the door with a quick glance at Ana.
Sara goes over
to the baby "Well kiddo I think its time to start doing our errands so I
can make it to meet with Irons." she grabs the laundry basket from the
corner of the loft gathering all of the whites.
"Thanks
for watching her again Gabe." Sara says letting the hacker in.
"I had
nothing planned for tonight" Gabe shrugs tossing his jacket over a chair he
goes into the livingroom lifting Ana out of her playpen. "Hey
Ana-nana."
"You know
where everything is. I'm going to go take a quick shower."
Sara looks at
the clock "If I'm not back by 8 give her a bottle and put her down. Though
I should be back by then." she pulls on her jacket then stops kissing
Ana's cheek. She grabs her helmet "I'll see you guys later." she
calls heading out of the apartment down to her bike.
20 mins later: Irons Estate
Sara pulls the
bike up to the circular driveway to find Ian waiting. She removes her helmet
looking Ian over swiftly 'Damn that man is gorgeous.'
"He is
waiting for you" Ian says formally trying to keep himself from reaching
out to touch her.
Sara fights
the same urge "
Irons looks up
from the fireplace "Detective" he says smoothly silently dismissing
Ian.
With a quick
glance at Sara Ian silently walks out of the room.
"So what
did you want to talk to me about?"
"How is Anastasia?" Irons asks curiously
"She's
fine. I know she's not what you called me here for."
"She was such an intriguing project"
Sara's eyes
narrow "She's a baby not a project."
"One
cannot dwell on things they lost." Irons says shaking his head
"You
stole part of me and created a child... my child with no regard to my feelings
or hers." 'or Ian's.'
"Temper
Detective." Irons clicks. "Besides you have the child now do you
think she needs to see that"
"Irons
are we going to discuss something that doesn't concern you anymore. Look what
did you want to talk to me about"
"It is a
very interesting case..."
Outside Ian
stands waiting for Irons to call for him. Remaining neutral he thinks of Sara.
10 mins later
"This is
a first" Sara says looking at Irons "you want me to actually solve a
case."
"That is
what I have always wanted you to do."
"Yes so
that explains why you send me on wild goose chases" she replies drily.
"Is there anything else?"
The door opens
and Ian enters standing there his head bowed.
Irons turns dismissing Sara silently
Sara grabs her
helmet following Ian out of the mansion. "Later?" she asks softly as
she gets on the bike
Ian tilts his head in response
Sara gives him
a small smile pulling on her helmet
Ian watches as
she reeves up the bike pulling away from the mansion 'Until later'
Ian stares at
Sara as she sleeps 'She is so beautiful' he reaches out stroking her cheek
enjoying the feeling on her skin.
Feeling the
gentle touch Sara smiles slightly knowing who it is. "Hi" she says
opening her eyes to find Ian sitting on the edge of the bed.
"You
looked so peaceful. Were you dreaming?"
Sara nods reaching
out she touches his cheek. She sits up leaning in she kisses him gently.
Reaching up she pulls the cap off his head tossing it on the floor. She takes
the Witchblade off setting it on the nightstand.
Later
Sara looks at
Ian his head on her chest she strokes his hair and neck.
Ian lifts his
head looking at Sara his gaze thoughtful. The two just lay there still joined
looking at each other. After a few moments Ian looks to the clock "I
should go."
Feeling him
leave her Sara gasps. Rolling to her side she watches as he dresses in silence.
After he
dresses Ian crouches beside the bed trailing his fingers down her bare arm.
"I will see you in a few days."
Sara nods
reaching out she cups his cheek leaning forward she kisses him "Be
careful"
Ian kisses her palm "As always"
Sara watches
him walk towards the crib checking on Ana then opens the window stepping out.
Ian glances
back through the window to see Sara watching him. He glances at the crib then
turns climbing down the fire escape.
Sara pulls the
covers around herself grabbing the Witchblade she returns it to his wrist.
"Have something you want to tell me?" Danny asks
Sara looks
over to see her dead partner standing beside the crib. "Danny were you
spying?!" she demands
Danny holds up
his hands "No... I have better things to do then watch my partner knock
boots with
Sara groans
"Don't
worry Pez... I'm dead who am I going to tell"
"Go away
Danny... I'm tired"
"I
bet"
Sara scowls
looking over to retort only to find Danny gone. She shakes her head laying down
she drifts off to sleep her mind on the possible future.
Over a month later
"Ana
halt" Sara says without turning around knowing that the mobile baby is
about to get into something. Setting the knife down she picks up the little
girl. "Anastasia" she shakes her head amused at her daughter's
expression. Sensing someone watching her she looks up to see Ian walking down
the steps from the loft. "Can you entertain her so I can finish cleaning
up"
Ian nods
removing his cap, overcoat and gloves he takes the baby.
In her
father's arms Ana grins spitting out her pacifier.
Ian sets the
pacifier on the counter. His settles on the floor with Ana on his lap.
Sara relaxes
in the silence of her apartment the only sounds coming from Ana talking happily
to her father. After a few moments she wipes off her damp hands pouring two
mugs of coffee she goes into the livingroom settling on the floor beside Ana
and Ian. "Here" she hands Ian a mug
Ian nods his thanks
Ana reaches
for the mug in her mother's hands
"No"
Ian says firmly as he catches the baby's hands in his larger one
Sara sets the
mug on the coffee table standing she goes to the kitchen grabbing a bottle out
of the refrigerator. Returning to the livingroom she hands it to Ana who takes
it sticking it in her mouth. Sara takes Ian's free hand stroking it with her
thumb. "You OK?"
"He is not happy"
Sara looks
down at Ian's hand frowning when she sees a white bandage peeking out from
under his sleeve. Setting her mug on the coffee table she pulls up his sleeve
showing the white bandage wrapped around his wrist. She looks at him concerned
"What happened?"
Ian looks down
"He wanted me to prove my loyalty." he says softly
"You did
this to yourself?" she asks angrily when he doesn't answer she speaks
"Why?"
"If I refused" he flinches at the thought
"You
could have died Ian" she says angrily
"I had no
choice."
Hearing the
pain in his voice Sara rubs the back of his neck "Why was he upset?"
"He does
not like that I am spending more time away from him."
"And spending it with us"
"He still
believes that I am only watching." he looks at Sara then at Ana "I
should go before he gets suspicious." he leans forward catching Sara's
lips in a bruising kiss. He looks at her his eyes serious and sad "I love
you Sara Pezzini." he says fiercely "You and Anastasia are more
important to me than anything or anyone."
Sara nods
stroking his cheek "I know" she watches as Ian stands pulling on his
overcoat and gloves. She watches as he walks out the door. She looks at Ana who
is looking wide-eyed at the door the bottle still in her mouth. Sara picks up
the baby hugging her close. She kisses Ana's cheek "daddy will be back
don't worry."
2 nights later
Sara looks up
from Ana to see Ian climb through the window "You know I'm going to have
to give you a key sooner or later."
Ian looks at
her his head tilted thoughtfully as he regards Sara as she gives the baby a
bottle. "I have something for you"
Sara sees the
light in his eyes "What?"
Ian sits on
the edge of the bed "Anastasia's real birth certificate."
"Irons
gave it to you?"
Ian nods
"The surrogate, Robin Hanson, is listed as her mother father is blank but
he said that was merely a security precaution." he takes out the piece of
paper handing it to Sara.
Sara scans it
"She was born
"I did
some research... the surrogates parents have filed a missing persons on
her."
"Is she
dead?"
"He
claims she is. I do not know."
"I'll
have Gabe see what he can find out about her."
Ian nods touching Ana's cheek with his gloved finger
"You
OK?"
"Sometimes
I wonder what my parents were like."
"You
don't remember them?"
"No."
"Why
don't you ask Irons." Sara suggests
"I did
once when I was a boy."
"What did
he say?"
"That
they were dead and there was nothing else to it. After that I stopped asking
him anything about my past."
"Why don't you look for yourself"
Ian shakes his
head "I tried... he did not like it." he looks at the clock "I
have to go."
Sara touches his cheek "Thanks"
Ian nods
leaning forward he kisses Sara's forehead. He looks down at Ana then stands
going to the window
"Hey
Ian turns
"Be
careful"
Ian nods
"You too." he climbs out the window
Chapter 9
4 months later
Sara stares at
the indicator in her hand "This can't be happening" she mutters.
Sliding to the floor of the bathroom her back to the wall she pulls her knees
up to her chest.
Ian climbs
through the unlocked window in the bedroom to find Sara's bed empty while Ana
sleeps in her crib.
Sara looks
down to see the Witchblade purr and blush. She stands making her way to the
bathroom door. She stands there knowing Ian's watching her his dark eyes
concerned.
Seeing the
stunned look on Sara's face Ian moves closer "Sara?" he touches her
cheek lightly "What is wrong?"
Sara stares at
him "Ian..." she slides to the floor looking at the Witchblade
"Damn things supposed to be part of me yet it left me hanging in the
wind." she mutters
"Sara did
something happen with the Witchblade?"
Sara closes
her eyes leaning her head against the wall "I'm pregnant" she says
softly. After a second she looks at Ian.
"Are you
sure?" Ian asks softly
"I took
five tests... all of them were positive." she closes her eyes swallowing
hard.
"Sara"
he reaches out touching her cheek
Sara looks at
him taking the bracelet off she kisses him pouring all her fear and desperation
into it.
Later
Sara watches
as Ian gently trails his fingers over her skin his face intense. "Ian
what's wrong?"
"He will
not be happy" he moves down the bed nuzzling her middle
Sara squirms
ticklish at the feeling of his beard against her skin. She reaches down
stroking his hair "It doesn't concern him." she reaches down her
finger under his chin she lifts his head. "Ian I'll take responsibility
for Ana and the baby"
Ian moves up
her body face to face he speaks "I am not going to walk away from you and
our children Sara." he says his eyes serious "I never could." he
closes his eyes "I just do not want that to happen again."
"Ian he
won't hurt us. I know you don't want to lose another child... we'll do whatever
we can to make sure that won't happen."
Ian looks at
her then leans down kissing her lightly "I love you" he says softly
his eyes searching hers
Sara smiles at
him her thumb running over his lower lip "Ian I love you" she says.
She watches as his eyes brighten momentarily as a small smile appears then
disappears. "Wow that's a first."
Ian tilts his head
"You just
smiled... not like the smirk you get when you make me jump."
Ian looks down
Sara smiles
rolling him onto his back she kisses him "You definately got a cute smile
Ian just
watches her silently then pulls her down atop him.
Sara kisses
his neck. The two remain silent just holding each other.
Finally Ian speaks "I should go"
Sara sighs
moving off him she watches as he dresses "Ever wonder if you'll ever be
able to stay all night?"
Ian pauses in
his dressing and looks at Sara "One day" he promises then returns to
dressing.
Sara chuckles
Ian looks at
her quizzically
Sara smiles at
him blinking back tears "Wow... we're going to have a baby." she says
awed
Ian sits on
the edge of the bed leaning down kissing her tenderly "A baby... our
baby." he stares at her "Be careful Sara"
"I will.
Besides the Blade has protected me" she frowns "Ian has a Wielder
ever been pregnant while wearing the Blade?"
"I do not
know."
"I guess
we'll just have to see." Sara sighs giving him a small smile
Ian kisses her
again then straightens up pulling on his sweater. He goes to the livingroom
where he pulls on his boots and overcoat. He picks up the discarded Witchblade
from the floor returning to the loft he hands it to Sara.
"Mmm thanks" she says putting it back on
"I will
see you later" he says opening the window
Sara watches
him close the window then a moment later he disappears. Sara sighs resting her
hands over her middle she tilts her head "I hope your happy in there
kid." she inhales sharply as an image hits her mind
< A small figure deep within her body. >
Sara grins
"Wow" she looks at the bracelet seeing what she refers to has the
happy calm colors. "Too bad you didn't show me that earlier... would have
saved me a lot of money."
2 days later
Sara stands on
the roof of the precinct looking out over the city.
"Deep thoughts my Sara" Ian says softly as he joins
her
"Something
weird happened the other night after you left."
"What?" Ian asks concerned
Sara looks at
him a smile appearing "It showed me the baby." she answers her
fingers touching the stone of the bracelet absently
Ian looks at
the Witchblade then at Sara "It is a part of you."
"I went
to the doctor this morning... she said everything is normal and that her best
guess is that I'm about four and a half weeks." she runs her fingers
through her hair "She was amazed that I got pregnant even with being on
the Pill"
"You are amazing" Ian says his eyes gentle
Sara's about
to reply when the door leading down opens.
"Pez" Jake calls
Sara looks
over to see her blond partner searching the rooftop for her. She looks back at
Ian "You better go... we don't need you two fighting"
Ian nods "I will see you later" he promises
Sara looks
over to see Jake getting closer she turns back to Ian only to find him gone
"I hate it when he does that" she mutters
"Hey Pez I've been looking all over for you." Jake
says
"Taking a
little breather." Sara replies "What's going on?"
"We've got a new vic. Boss wants us there"
Sara nods
"Lets go then Partner."
"Ana
stop" Sara yelps as the eleven month old baby splashes water
Ana grins
innocently at her mother then her eyes widen holding out her arms towards the
door.
Sara glances
over her shoulder to find Ian standing there watching them. She looks at Ana
"Wave to Daddy"
Ana rubs at her eyes sleepily in response
"Someones
going to bed early" Sara lifts Ana out of the tub setting her on the floor
she grabs a towel bundling her up.
"Has she been sleeping?" Ian asks
"Mmm"
Sara nods "Jas said she wouldn't go down for her afternoon nap. Her teeth
have been bothering her lately." she informs Ian as she stands with Ana in
her arms. She heads out of the bathroom up to the loft. She sets Ana on the
changing table quickly she dries her off then rediapers her. She grabs a clean
sleeper out of the drawer putting it on Ana. Sara moves to put Ana in her crib
when the baby whimpers clinging to her. She sighs going over she sets Ana on
her bed. She lays down beside the baby then looks at Ian.
Ian nods
removing his boots he curls his body around Sara's his arm around her waist
with his hand splayed across her middle. His other hand laced with Sara's
resting on Ana's chest. "My family." he says possessively
Sara tilts her
head and smiles resting her free hand over his over her middle "For as
long as you want us."
"Forever?"
"Then
forever it is." The two remain silent watching as Ana drifts off to sleep.
30 mins later
Sara looks at
Ana then looks at Ian over her shoulder "I'm going to go put her in the
crib." she untangles herself from Ian's embrace then carefully picks up
the sleeping baby. After setting Ana in the crib she turns to find Ian watching
her thoughtfully. Moving up the foot of the bed she leans down kissing him.
Ian pulls her
down holding her close.
Sara lifts her
head "You seem to be in touching mood."
"I have
missed you." he strokes her cheek with the back of his fingers "It is
getting harder to be apart." he says "I wake up thinking of you and
Ana and now the new life. As I do when I sleep."
"Is there
no way to get away from him?"
"Death...
us or him. I do not want you to die and yet I cannot kill him."
"Ian what
does he have on you that make you stay?"
"Other
than you and the babies safety..." he closes his eyes "Since I was a
child he has had me put under numerous behavioral modifications."
"Like
what?"
"Words...
lights. I do not know precisely I do not remember what happens during those
black-outs. All I know is what happens after." he looks at her then his
hands "Sometimes I come out of it to find blood on my hands." he
clenches his hands
Sara kisses
his knuckles "It is his fault Ian... you wouldn't have done it on your
own."
"He has
tried to use it to get me to kill you." he admits. He looks at her
"But you are too imbedded in me for it to work."
Sara strokes his face her eyes widening at the images
< Ian
strung up in chains blood seeping down his back.
"You
disobeyed me Ian." Irons snarls backhanding his assassin across the face.
Ian just stares
at the floor ignoring the blood dripping down his chin
Irons frowns
"It must be the Witchblade... it is also a part of you. And I have always
told you to protect Detective Pezzini and the Witchblade with your own
life." Irons nods at the doctor "Patch Ian up." he orders
Ian swallows a
groan as the doctor unhooks him from the chains. >
Sara shakes
off the vision looking at Ian "You could have killed me and spared
yourself that pain."
"I would
never hurt you... I was born to protect you. Every lifetime I have sworn to die
for you Sara... and that is what I will do no matter the lifetime. All the pain
is worth it knowing you are alive and never feeling what I have had to feel.
You are what I have lived for all of these years Sara, the only one I have ever
loved."
Sara kisses
him gently then lays back down her head cradled in the crook of his neck.
"Its funny you know everything about me yet all I know about you is what I
figured out on my own."
"What do
you want to know?" Ian asks running his hand over her arm
Sara props her
head up on her hand looking down at Ian. "Ian what happened to your
parents?" she asks curiously
Ian closes his
eyes momentarily "I do not remember them. They were killed when I was a
boy."
"And you've been with Irons since"
Ian nods
"He has always kept me close. Tutors growing up. The only time I ever left
was when he sent me away to join the military and even then he kept an eye on
me. I advanced quickly as a result of my training with the trainers and tutors
he hired."
"How old
were you when you got involved with the Black Dragons?" Sara asks
curiously
Ian looks at
her "You do not know? I know that Gabriel has researched me. I maybe
sheltered from most things in the world but he made sure I was educated in everything."
"OK Gabe
did check you out when we first met." Sara admits "But it was over 2
years ago."
"Mmm"
Ian leans forward kissing her gently "You should get some rest my
love."
Sara glances
at the clock "How long can you stay?"
"A
while"
Sara yawns
A small smile
appears on Ian's face his hands going to the button of her jeans.
"Like the thought" she grins
"Not
tonight my Sara." he chuckles kissing her cheek. "Tonight you need
your sleep." he moves down the bed pulling her jeans off tossing them on
the floor. Seeing her shirt move up as she stretches Ian moves up his lips
brushing over her bare skin. He pulls the covers up laying down beside her he
pulls her into his arms. "Sleep my Sara." he says soothingly as he
kisses her head.
Sara smiles
drifting off to sleep in Ian's arms.
Next morning:
Sara awakens
to the sound of the alarm clock blaring. Rolling over she hits it. Sitting up
she stretches her arms over her head. She notices a piece of paper on the
nightstand with her name written on it. She grabs it opening it she reads
'Sara,
I will see you
and Anastasia as soon as I can get away. Be careful I will be watching over
you.
Forever your
servant,
Ian Christian
Nottingham.'
Sara grins
folding up the note she puts it in her nightstand drawer. She stands checking
on Ana she makes her way into the kitchen turning on the TV as she passes the
livingroom. She takes the bottles of prenatal pills out of the cabinet. 'Ugh
these things are hard to swallow.' she downs them wincing. "Danny"
she calls knowing her partner will answer within moments
"What can I do for you Partner?" Danny asks
Sara looks at
her ghost friend "Can you keep an eye on Ana for me... I need to take a
shower."
"Sure"
"Thanks"
she grins heading into the bathroom
Hour and a half later
Sara opens the
door to find Jas standing there. "Morning." she moves back to the
kitchen picking up her bowl of cereal.
Jas grins
"How are you feeling?"
"Fine
right now." Sara replies finishing her glass of juice. "Ana has a
doctors appointment at 2. The number and address are on the counter. Carseats
over there" she nods towards the door. "The papers you might need for
her are on the counter. Her pediatrician is Dr Erin Roberts." glancing at
her watch Sara sighs "I better get going. I'm going to be late." she
pulls on her jacket stopping to kiss Ana's head. "Oh she still needs
breakfast." she says hurrying out of the apartment.
Precinct
Sara enters
the doors to find Jake waiting "Hey Partner." she greets
"Hey Pez.
Your on time."
"Ana slept through the night so did
"Ready to
get to work?"
"Anything
new?" Sara asks
"Nope
mostly paperwork"
Sara groans
"Great my favorite thing."
Hour later
"Pez I'm
going on a coffee run... want one?"
Sara frowns
remembering the doctor's words 'No coffee.' she mentally growls then looks at
Jake "No but could you get me a juice."
"Sure
what kind?"
"Whatevers
there" Sara replies
"Be right
back... don't finish the paperwork without
"No
problem" Sara calls. She settles back taking a break to rest her hand. Her
cell phone rings she grabs it "Pezzini."
"You of
all people turned down coffee."
Sara smiles
"How'd you know about that?"
"I have
my ways." Ian says mysteriously
Hearing that
Sara frowns "Are you stalking me again? Haven't we talked about
that?"
"I do not
consider it stalking... more like checking up on my favorite lady."
"Where
are you?"
"Step
outside your office look to the left."
Sara stands
stepping outside her office she looks to the left she smiles seeing Ian
standing there partially hidden behind a wall. She leans against the doorframe
and rests her arm over her middle. "What are you doing here?"
"I wanted
to see you."
"And
didn't want Jake to see you."
"I still
do not trust him." Ian says with a growl
"Well I
do and Ana likes him."
"How long
until he returns?"
"About
five more minutes. He tends to get sidetracked with the secretaries and any
female he finds attractive." she sees a blond woman glance at Ian.
"Seems like you get the same attention."
"The only
attention I want is from you."
"And you
have it. Is checking up on me the only reason your here?"
"No...
but it is the best."
"As much
as I love the flattery why are you here?"
"He
wanted me to warn you a new version of the White Bulls is starting to
form."
"Why
would he want me to know?" Sara asks "He was part of the
original"
"He did
not tell me just wanted you and McCartey to know."
"Thanks I'll
tell him."
"I better
go. I have to go out of town with him for a few days. I will try to get a hold
of you within a few days."
"He's
taking you with him? Doesn't he usually leave you behind so you can keep track
of me?" She asks tilting her head
"Yes"
Ian nods "but he wants me around for some reason."
"Is he up
to something?"
"He is
always up to something"
"Good
point."
"McCartey
is coming back."
Sara glances
over her shoulder then looks back to see Ian gone "Ian?"
"Be
careful Sara."
"You
too." Sara says as he hangs up. She returns to her office sitting down.
Jake enters
the office "I got you apple... how's that?"
"Fine.
Thanks" Sara says taking the drink she opens it. "I just got an
interesting call."
"New case?" he asks sitting down
"No"
she looks towards the open door then back at Jake "I was informed that a
new version of the White Bulls is being formed."
"Who told you that?" Jake asks suspiciously
"Informant"
"Who?"
Sara looks at
the door then at Jake "I'm in the mood for a Egg McMuffin."
Jake nods
knowing his partners thoughts. The two stand making their way out of their
office.
15 mins later
Sara and Jake
sit down inside the McDonalds their drinks and food before them.
"What's
this about the White Bulls reforming?"
"That's
what my informant said."
"
"If it is
does it matter?"
"No I
guess not. He usually is right." Jake says reluctantly
"Your still mad about him beating the crap out of
you"
Jake winces
"It hurt."
"He
thought you were betraying me."
"Why
would he care? He's an assassin."
"Not by
choice." Sara says sadly
"How
so?"
Sara shakes
her head "Its a long story. Look I know you two have issues but you and he
are both going to have to deal with the fact that both of you are in my
life."
"Your my
partner, my buddy. I worry."
"Jake I'm
a big girl I can handle Ian and any thing else in my life."
"Does Anastasia like him?" Jake asks
"She
hasn't been around him much... but I thinks she likes him. He doesn't really
make his visits while she's awake." she takes a bite out of her Egg
McMuffin. "Look Irons told him to warn us. I guess their thinking the
heads of the White Bulls might try something."
"Have you
told Gabe?"
"Not yet.
I'm going to stop by after work. He's been working full out these last few
days."
"Doing
what?"
"He
didn't say."
"We
better get back to work. We still have major amount of files to go
through."
Sara nods
finishing off her Egg McMuffin.
That evening
Sara enters
the apartment to find Ana on the floor with Ian beside him. "I thought you
were leaving town"
"He decided that it would be best if I stayed behind"
Sara nods
removing her jacket tossing on the couch she looks around not finding the
nanny. "Where's Jas?" she asks settling beside Ian and Ana on the
floor
"She just
left a few minutes ago."
Ana crawls
onto her father's lap leaning forward she rests her head on her mother's leg.
"What did
she say about Ana's doctor's appointment?"
"That
everything was fine. I managed to talk him into giving me the files on
her."
"And?"
"Nothing
from what I can tell is out of the ordinary."
"I'll
have Gabe look at them find someone who can tell us more."
"He has
the records. I dropped them off on my way here." he leans over nuzzling
her neck "I have missed you my Sara" he purrs "I do not like
being apart from you and Ana. I am glad he did not make me go with him."
"So am
I."
Ana sits up grabs hold of their shirts tugging
"What's
going on little miss?" Sara asks smoothing the baby's dark hair.
Ian pulls back
from nuzzling Sara's neck to pick up his daughter. The two just watch each
other almost silently communicating.
Sara smiles
"Staying for dinner?"
"Taken
care of." Ian replies tearing his eyes away from Ana "Should be here
within the hour."
"Mmm like how you think" she says sleepily
"Tired?"
Sara shrugs
"I haven't had any coffee all day of course I'm tired."
"You are
addicted to coffee." Ian says
"Am
not"
Ian looks at
her "You have six different types of coffee in the kitchen. Coffee
flavored ice cream and coffee flavored chocolate. You normally drink about five
or six cups of coffee by mid afternoon. You are on a first name basis with
every coffee place in this neighborhood, around the precinct and near Gabriel's."
"And how
do you know that?"
Ian brushes
his hand over her cheek "I know all there is to know about you. From how
you got the scar on your foot to the first guy you kissed."
"And how
do you know that?"
"He's
done research on you. I have read it."
Sara groans
"Is there nothing sacred from that man."
"No"
"OK I
admit it have a coffee problem... there's no twelve step program for
that." she reminds
Ian rests his
large hand over her stomach "And this?"
Sara smiles
"OK there is a nine month program... but once this kid is born I'm back on
caffeine and coffee and everything else I'm not supposed to have." she
trails her fingers over the back of his hand.
"That is
your choice."
"You know
Nottingham one day we are going to have to work on your fun side." Sara
says
"My fun
is watching over you. Seeing how you react to everyday things." he kisses
Sara's cheek then looks at Ana crawling along the floor near them. "Seeing
how Ana reacts to things. To me those things are fun."
"What
about when you were a kid... did he even let you have fun?"
"Not the
normal type of fun. His idea of fun..." he shakes his head
"Was
probably freaky as hell"
"There
are good things about him."
"You
can't believe that." Sara argues
"He
taught me a lot of things... art, life, history, the world. He may not be much
on showing emotions other than anger but he always made sure I got the
best."
"In-between
treating you like crap and beating the daylights out of you."
Ian shrugs
"If it had not been for him I would have ended up in an orphanage
somewhere. We never would have met."
"Something
tells me we still would have met Nottingham. Who knows we might have met when
we were kids." she smiles slightly "Wonder if we would have gotten
along as kids." the two sit there thinking and watching their daughter
play.
2 hours later
Sara sighs
leaning back against Ian as they sit in the bathtub. "Are you going to be
able to stay the night?"
Ian brings her
hand to his lips "I have to return to the mansion sometime tonight
otherwise they will be forced to tell him I have been gone. I will stay as long
as I can."
"Mmm
goody."
December 2, 2003: Apartment
"I can't
believe she's one" Sara says as she and Ian lay on the bed with Ana
between them.
"She
seems to be worn out."
"She ran
Gabe and Jas ragged playing."
"He asked
me to give you something." Ian says reaching into his pocket he pulls out
an envelope.
Sara groans
"What is he up to?"
"Its
stock in all of his companies... approximate worth is fifty thousand. Also a
check in there for five thousand to open a savings account for her."
"Does he
think he can buy anything"
"Yes."
"I'm
surprised he didn't show up today."
"He would
have but he had meetings all day."
Sara looks at
Ana "I think we've lucked out that he hasn't tried to see her." she
covers the baby with a blanket "I wonder how she'd react to seeing
him."
"If we
are lucky we will never have to find out."
Sara groans
rolling to her feet she sprints to the bathroom
Ian stands with
Ana in his arms he sets her in the crib then follows Sara leaning over the
toilet gagging trying to keep her hair back. Grabbing a elastic band he kneels
behind her carefully gathering her hair back he secures it.
Sara groans her stomach still churning "Thanks"
Ian moves to
his feet filling a glass with water handing it to Sara he kneels beside her.
Sara smiles to
herself at Ian's silent attention and care of her. She rinses her mouth of the
taste of bile then slowly stands with Ian's help. She grabs the bottle of
mouthwash that sits on the edge of the sink.
Ian stands
there his eyes unwavering as he takes in the whole episode.
Sensing his
worry Sara spits out the mouthwash looking at Ian she gives him a reassuring
smile then moves into his arms. She rests her head on chest listening to his
beating heart.
Ian wraps his
arms around her.
"Ian"
Sara lifts her head "I'm going to need to tell Vickie, Jake and Gabe that
I'm pregnant. Their getting suspicious of a bunch of stuff."
Ian nods
"It probably is a good time for them to know." they remain silent for
a moment when Ian's phone rings breaking their silence. "It is probably Mr
Irons" he pulls away going to his overcoat on the couch. He grabs the
phone before it rings a third time. "Yes?"
Sara watches
as his almost relaxed form returns to his predator facade. 'Irons what now.'
"I will
be there right away." he hangs up looking at Sara as he pulls on his
overcoat. "I have to go."
"What did
he want?"
"He has
something he wants me to take care of." Ian stops before her his eyes
flickering between the emotions he shows to her and the coldness the rest of
the world sees. "I will see you later my Sara."
Sara smiles
"Goodnight Ian."
Ian leans down kissing her gently "Sleep well"
"Be
careful" she warns as he walks to the door
Ian nods
walking out the door.
Sara locks the
door behind him. "Time for bed" she yawns walking back up to the bed
she stops before the crib smiling at the sight of Anastasia asleep in her crib
"Happy Birthday Anastasia."
Chapter 10
Christmas Day: 12:30 AM
'Thank god she
slept through midnight mass' Sara sighs as she enters the apartment with a
sleeping Ana in her arms. She smiles seeing Ian standing at the window his
profile highlighted by the Christmas tree lights. She goes to his side and
looks out the snow covered city. "I love it when we have a snowy
Christmas" Sara shifts Ana in her arms. "I'm going to go put her
down." she makes her way to the bedroom turning the lamp on setting Ana on
the changing table.
Ian sits on
the foot of the bed watching silently as Sara chasing Ana. "Do you believe
in God?"
Sara glances
at Ian seeing the curiousity in his eyes "That's something you've never
asked me." she looks at Ana as she removes the dirty diaper "I don't
know if I believe in God. I do but I don't. I believe there's something up
there watching out for everyone."
"Why go
to Mass then?" Ian asks
Sara rediapers
the baby then buttons up her sleeper. "Mostly because that was how I was
raised. Mass on Christmas Eve and Easter. Mom used to drag us there." she
lifts Ana off the changing table turning to look at Ian. "I guess its just
habit that I go now."
Ian nods
"Do you
believe in God?" Sara asks
"I do not
know. I rarely think about higher powers... I have enough with one as it
is."
"Wow
sarcasm... you know Nottingham I think you've been hanging around me too
much."
"There is
no such thing as too much time with you." he says almost shyly
Sara smiles
turning she sets Ana in her crib the pulls off her boots going over she sets a
knee on either side of his legs her hands on his shoulders. "Merry
Christmas Ian."
Ian smiles
slightly "Merry Christmas my Sara." he wraps one arm around her waist
his other hand caressing her cheek. "I wish I could spend the day with you
and Ana."
"What do
you two do on Christmas Day?" Sara asks curiously
"I have
to join him for brunch and dinner."
"That's
all you do?"
"It
depends on his mood."
Sara kisses
him deeply then grins "I guess then I'll have to make it up to you for
having to have a boring Christmas day." Her hands go to the hem of her
sweater and undershirt pulling it off over her head tossing it on the floor.
Later
Sara runs her
fingers through Ian's hair as he rests. She notices the Witchblade on her wrist
"What the..."
Ian lifts his head from her chest
Sara holds up
her arm "I took it off... it never returns to my wrist when we're
together. I always have to put it back on."
Ian frowns
"What do you feel?"
Sara stares at
the stone shaking her head "Nothing." A moment later the bedside
phone rings Sara grabs it before it can wake Ana. "Pezzini."
"Detective
have you heard from Ian?"
"No he's
probably outside spying on me. Why?"
"I have
tried to reach him but his phone is not on."
"I'd go
to the window and yell at him but people are sleeping." she watches as Ian
sits up she grabs his hand. "If he stops by I'll tell him your looking for
him." she hangs up
"I should go" Ian says
"Might
want to take a shower we tend to work up a sweat." she smirks
Ian kisses her
then gets out of bed making his way to the bathroom
Sara shakes
her head getting out of bed she pulls on a pair of panties and a shirt making
her way into the kitchen as she hears the shower turn on. She passes Ian's
overcoat then grins 'He does need an excuse of why he didn't answer his phone.'
she fishes the small cell phone out of his pocket then goes into the kitchen.
A moment later
Ian walks out of the bathroom a towel around his waist he finds Sara twirling a
meat tenderizer a wicked smile on her face. "What did you do?" he
asks suspiciously as he finds his boxers on the stairs
"Oh
nothing much... helped with your excuse of why you didn't answer your
phone."
"How
so?" Ian asks finding his jeans he pulls them on going into the kitchen he
finds his phone on the cutting table smashed. He lifts his brow "Good
excuse."
"I thought so" she says proudly
Ian shakes his
head going back up to the sleeping area looking for the rest of his clothes.
Sara puts his
broken phone back into his pocket then carries it up to the bedroom finding Ian
pulling on his boots. "Be here tonight?"
"If I
can." he pulls on his overcoat he stops before the crib checking on Ana.
'Sweet dreams my child'
Sara touches his hand "Be careful Ian"
Ian nods
looking at Sara "I will." he kisses her forehead "Get some
sleep. I will see you later." he goes to the window opening it he climbs
out.
Sara goes to
the window to find him gone she smiles pulling the curtains closed checking on
Ana she crawls into bed. "Goodnight Ian."
Irons Mansion: Half hour
later
Ian enters the
study
"Where
have you been Ian? I have been trying to reach you."
Hearing Irons
tone Ian winces "I was keeping an eye on Sara like you asked."
"Did the
Witchblade activate?"
Ian shakes his
head "She has not used it in a few days."
"Why am I
feeling nothing from it." Irons mutters he looks at Ian "I spoke to
her. She said she did not see you"
"I stayed
back. I did not want to disrupt her at Mass."
"What
about your phone? Why was it off?"
"Its
broken." Ian admits 'By a meat tenderizer.' he inwardly chuckles
Irons nods
"I will have another one activated for you." he sits down silently
dismissing Ian.
Ian backs out
of the study closing the doors behind him he makes his way up to his rooms his
mind going over what Irons said about not feeling anything from the Witchblade.
'Why is it not active?'
Irons stands
infront of the fireplace staring at the flame 'Something is going on.'
Mid morning
Sara looks at
Ana standing at the coffee table as she makes breakfast she hears a knock at
the door. She wipes her hands off going to the door she finds Gabe standing
there. "Hey"
"I bring
juice and gifts"
"I miss
my coffee."
"Well its
not good for my niece or nephew." Gabe says cheekily
"Don't lecture me" Sara scowls
"I
won't." he follows her into the kitchen setting the container of juice
"Need help?"
"Can you
keep an eye on Ana... she's been going nuts all morning."
"Have a short night?" Gabe asks
"Didn't
get home from Mass until almost 1." Sara replies "And little miss
woke up cheerful. And I can't have my coffee. And I'm pregnant"
"And you
miss Nottingham"
"Ahh"
Sara starts as ghost Danny appears
"Sorry
Pez" Danny says sheepishly
"Uh is
that who I think it is?" Gabe asks
"Yes its
Danny. How many times have I told you don't do that."
Gabe looks at
Ana seeing the one year olds eyes locked on her mother arguing with air.
"So Ana what's going on?"
"Danny
don't show up like that... people think I'm insane. Good thing its only Gabe
that's here."
"Hey"
Gabe protests
"You know
what I mean"
"You've
never been worried about what people think of you."
"Yeah
well I do now that Ana's with me. You know Irons would do anything to get
custody of her. If people think I'm nuts because I'm talking to my dead partner
then if he wanted he'd get custody."
"OK OK.
Just wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas" Danny says holding his hands up
in defense
Sara groans
"Sorry Danny I have had a long morning. I miss my coffee. I'm
pregnant"
"Hormonal"
Danny adds
"Hey if
you weren't dead" Sara threatens
"I'm
going" Danny says
"Want
help?" Gabe asks
"Sure.
Put Ana in the playpen and set the table."
Gabe puts the
baby in the playpen "So how's Nottingham?"
"Fine."
Sara replies pausing in cutting up fruit as she hears the door open she looks
up to see Jas and Jake enter. "Hey"
"Pez
Merry Christmas" Jake grins setting the bag down he goes over grabbing her
in a big hug lifting her off her feet.
"Jake put me down the eggs are going to burn" Sara
laughs
Jake puts her
back on her feet "Don't want that."
"OK guys
lets finish up setting the table" Jas says shaking her head as she lifts
Ana out of the playpen putting her on the playpen "Hands up"
Ana holds up
her arms as Jas secures the tray.
"Good girl" Jas praises
Ana puts her
arms down banging on the tray.
"She
seems in a good mood" Jake says grabbing glasses out of the cabinets
"She's
been hyper all morning." Sara says "foods up" she announces
setting the eggs on the counter taking the warmed rolls out of the oven.
"Food"
Gabe says happily. Within minutes the friends are sitting at the table eating
and talking.
Sara grabs a
roll tearing it she puts part of it on the highchair tray. "There"
Ana grins grabbing the food chewing on it
"How many
teeth is she on?" Jake asks
"Three. I think a new one's coming in" Sara replies
"What's
everyone's plan for the rest of the day?" Jas asks
"I'm heading out to Cali this afternoon." Jake says
"Party
with some friends." Gabe answers
"Nothing
other than sleep. What about you?"
Jas shrugs
"Might go visit some friends."
"Don't
worry Pez I'll be back in time to help you with the paperwork" Jake
assures.
"You
better... there is nothing I hate more."
"Except
Irons"
"And
Dante" Jake chimes in
"And when
Nottingham appears out of nowhere" Jas adds
"Yeah"
Sara says thinking back to all the times Ian showed up out of nowhere to warn
her or to give her something.
"Oh boy she's got that look" Jake groans
"He's not
so bad... sure he can scare the daylights out of you"
"Beat the crap out of you" Jake mutters
"That was
your own fault... you should have been honest with Pez" Gabe says
"I
know" Jake grumbles
Ana bangs on
her tray
Jas sets a
piece of fruit on the tray for her.
"So
speaking of Nottingham where is he?" Jake asks "I would have thought
he'd make an appearance already."
"No he
won't. He has to spend brunch and dinner with Irons."
"Talk about mood killer" Gabe says
"Wonder
what they talk about at the dinner table." Jake muses
"I doubt much." Sara says
"Those
two aren't very talkative" Gabe says "I doubt they say much"
"Irons
can get talkative if its a topic he likes." Sara shrugs
Hour later
"Thanks
for breakfast Pez" Jake says after the group clears the table and opens
presents. "I'd stick around but I don't want to miss my flight. Mom's
already upset I wasn't able to get home for Christmas day. She'll have my head
if I don't make it at all." he pulls on his coat.
Sara says
goodbye to her friends then after they leave she sets Ana in the playpen then
starts cleaning up.
Few hours later
Ian sits on
the edge of the bed watching as Sara and Ana sleep. Reaching out he smoothes
Sara's hair back and slowly she stirs.
Feeling the
soft and familiar touch Sara sighs slowly opens her eyes she smiles sleepily.
"Ian" she sits up stretching "I thought he put you on house
arrest." she says her hand resting on his cheek
"He
wanted me to bring you something."
"Ian"
Sara's about to continue when she hears a sniffle. Looking over they see Ana
watching them sleepily.
Ana grins
clapping her hands crawling over to Ian chattering happily.
Ian lifts her
onto his lap as he reaches into his coat pocket pulling out an envelope handing
it to Sara. "He said use it for Ana."
Sara opens the
envelope finding a bunch of money. "How much?"
"Twenty
thousand."
Sara hands the
envelope to him "You do something with it."
"He wants you to use it for Ana"
"Ian IA
is getting nosy about Ana and how I am disappearing all the time. I'm trying to
stay under the radar with them."
Ian nods
"I will do something with the money but its yours and Ana's." he puts
it back in his pocket bringing out a small velvet box handing it to Sara
avoiding Ana's grasping hands.
Sara opens it
to find a silver chain with a pendent the same red as the Witchblades stone.
"Ian its gorgeous... thank you"
Ian nods
"Ana's present will be here in a few days."
Sara stands
going to her dresser she picks up a wrapped gift returning to the bed she hands
it to Ian. "Merry Christmas Ian" she says kissing his cheek she takes
Ana from his lap.
Ian removes
the wrapping paper to find a wooden box with his family seal on it. He swallows
opening the box to find a picture of a small boy and a couple 'My parents' he
realizes after a second "How did..." he looks at Sara surprised
"I went
through back newspapers from England and found out that some of your parents
things were put up for auction. Gabe found the box and tracked down some
friends of your parents and got the picture."
Ian stares at
the picture "I had almost forgotten what they looked like." he says
sadly
"Now you
won't" Sara replies. She looks at Ana beside them on her back playing with
her feet.
"Sara" Ian says softly unsure of what to say
Sara grins
"You know Nottingham you were a cute kid."
Ian pulls her
into a desperate hug "I love you Sara" he whispers
Sara wraps her arms around his neck "I love you too
Ian"
After a moment
Ian breaks the hug glancing at the clock "I should go"
Sara nods
sadly pulling Ana onto her lap.
Ian leans down
kissing Ana's head "I will see you in a few days." he assures
"OK"
she watches as he walks down the steps and out the door locking it behind him.
After a moment she looks down at Ana "Well little miss lets get you
cleaned up."
New Years Eve
"I hate
working on New Years Eve" Jake grumbles as he and Sara sit at the desk
filling out paperwork.
"Know the feeling." Sara says standing she stretches
Jake leans back
"You know Pez you should tell the Cap"
"I'm not
showing and I'm staying out of trouble."
"I can't
believe Nottingham hasn't locked you in a closet."
"Why
would he?"
"Its his
personality... you know how guard doggish he gets."
Sara shrugs
"He watches out for me but he doesn't run my life."
Jake looks at
her "Does he know?"
Sara nods
"Has he
told Irons?"
"No."
"How do
you know?"
"I just
do" Sara yawns "come on lets get this done." she says looking at
the paperwork.
Chapter 11
2 months later
"I'm
going to get you Pezzini" a man yells as he's led away by the cops.
"They can't keep me locked up."
At his words
Pez shivers involuntarily.
"You OK
Sara?" Captain Santos asks seeing the look
Sara nods
glancing at the Witchblade seeing the colors swirl.
"Now that
that case is done you are on official desk duty Pezzini" the Captain says
sternly
"But"
Sara protests
The Captain
holds up his hand "No arguments. You and McCartey are still partners you
just are not going out in the field."
"I'm not
incapable of doing my job."
"You can
visit crime scenes as long as someone is with you. But no more interrogations.
No more chasing down suspects."
"OK
OK" Sara holds up her hands
"Pez
we're just looking out for you" Jake says putting his arm around her
shoulders.
"I
know" she sighs
"Lets go
get some lunch... my treat" Jake steers Sara out of the Captains office.
"Pez go
home." Danny says appearing beside them "Ana and Jas are in
trouble"
Frightened by
his tone Sara looks at Jake "How about we stop off at the apartment...
check on everything."
"Bad
feeling?"
"I'm not
sure"
Apartment
Sara and Jake
hurry up the stairs leading to the apartment. Sara frowns seeing the door
hanging open. "What the...?" she draws her gun.
Jake follows
suit and they enter the apartment careful of any intruders. Jake sees the place
trashed things and strewn about. 'Jas must have struggled.'
"Their
gone" Sara says not seeing Jas or Ana anywhere. She looks down to see the
Witchblade activated with a strangled cry she slices through a kitchen chair.
"Sara?"
"I'm
fine" Sara assures heading up the steps to the sleeping area.
"I'll
call it in." Jake says taking out his phone. "This is Detective
McCartey with have a B and E with a kidnapping at Detective Pezzini's
place."
Sara half
listens to his conversation.
< Door
breaking open.
Men entering
with guns.
Ana crying
Jas arguing
with the men.
Grabbing Ana
from one of the men as their herded out the door. >
"Pez... Pez" Jake shakes her "You OK? You faded
on me"
Sara nods
"Call Gabe tell him to come over."
"Sure...
and Nottingham?"
"He'll
show up." she looks at the bracelet
Vorschlag Industries
Ian inhales
sharply
Irons hears
him looking over at him.
Ian moves
closer
"The
Witchblade has been activated... go check on her" Irons orders
Ian nods
backing out of the room. 'Sara' he grabs his overcoat making his way out of the
building in a hurry.
Sara's Apartment
Sara sits on
the floor on the bedroom leaning against the bed half listening to the cops as
they speak with Jake. She twists the Witchblade around her wrist. 'Please be OK
Ana'
Gabe enters
the apartment startled by the mess. "What happened?"
One of the
officers sees Gabe "Sir..."
"Its OK. He's a friend of Pez's" Jake says
The officer
nods allowing Gabe to enter.
"What
happened?" Gabe asks Jake
"We
stopped by for lunch and check on Ana and Jas found the door open and the place
trashed. Their gone."
Sara grabs one
of the stuffed animals Ana had received for Christmas. She closes her eyes.
'Ana where are you.' she sits there ignoring the cops milling about looking for
clues.
Outside Ian
stops as he sees the cop cars parked out front. He takes out his new cell phone
dialing Sara's number.
Inside Gabe
hears the phone ringing. He finds Sara's jacket taking it out. "Pezzini's
phone... this is Gabe."
"Where is
Sara?"
Gabe turns
away from the cops "Where are you?"
"Outside.
What happened?"
"Ana and
Jas are missing."
Ian inhales
sharply "How?"
"Someone
broke in. That's all I know. I haven't had the chance to ask her
anything."
Jake grabs the phone "That you Nottingham"
"Yes"
Ian replies "I will be right up."
"I'll
tell her... Nottingham"
"Yes"
"Use the
door" Jake says hanging up. He looks at the cops waiting around "Go
to the Precinct and get everything started. Have someone look through mine and
Sara's case files. See who's out of jail. Make a list and bring it to me."
"Yes
sir." the two say with a final glance at Sara they walk out of the
apartment.
A moment later
Ian enters the apartment with a quick glance at Gabe and Jake he goes to Sara
crouching before her.
"Gabe
lets get to work. See what we can find online." Jake looks at the hacker
Gabe nods
taking out his laptop.
Sara looks up
her eyes filled with unshed tears "Does Irons have her?"
Ian shakes his
head "No he sent me to find out why the Witchblade was activated. I have
not told him what has occured."
"I hope
Ana's OK. She's got a cold." she whispers tears falling. "She's
scared"
"Jas will
take care of her." Ian assures stroking her cheek with his gloved hand.
"Are you OK?"
"Sick to
my stomach. What if they start looking into her past? Even if we find her they
could take her away."
"You said
that you filed papers to adopt her."
"Yes" Sara nods
"They
will not find anything. I switched the filed birth certificate for the one
Irons had. Her surrogate is dead."
"What if
she has family? If they send this out to the press I could lose her."
"If the
surrogates family surfaces I will deal with them. They will not take her from
us. I swear"
Sara nods
through her tears then jumps up sprinting to the bathroom slamming the door
behind her.
That Evening
Sara is
sitting on the couch drinking some tea as her friend Vickie sits beside her.
"Do you have any idea who did this?" Vickie asks
Sara shakes
her head "Gabe and Jake are going through the case files. Most of the ones
who would be capable of doing this are in jail. Captain banned me from the
Precinct. He's put people outside the door."
"How are you feeling?" Vickie asks
"I'm
scared." Sara admits. "She's just a baby."
"I'm sure
she'll be OK" Vickie assures as there's a knock at the door. "I'll
get it you just rest."
"Thanks"
Sara says feeling the Witchblade hiss as Vickie opens the door. When she hears
the smooth voice she winces 'Irons'
"Detective" Irons says
Sara looks at
him her eyes meeting Ian's briefly before she focuses on Irons "What do
you want Irons?"
"Ian told
me what has occured. I came to see if you are well."
Ian stands behind Irons and nods
"Vickie
can you do me a favor?" Sara asks
"Sure."
"Can you
go down to the Precinct and get a couple files for me"
"You
sure?"
"Santos
and Jake will let you take them. I just need to review some things in the
file."
Vickie nods
grabbing her purse she heads out the door.
Sara stands so
she's face to face with Irons "Did you have anything to do with
this?" she asks
"No."
Sara looks at
the Witchblade trying to figure out if she believes him. She looks at him
allowing the Witchblade to activate she holds the end of the blade to his neck
"If your lying to me..." she threatens
Ian grabs her wrist shaking his head ever so lightly
"I am not
lying. Anastasia is a very special child. Why would I risk her life?"
"Because
you've tried to kill me. You've sent Nottingham out on things that could have
killed him... and you pretty much raised him. Why shouldn't I suspect you in
what happened to Ana and her nanny?"
"I may
want the blade but why risk your wrath to get it?"
Sara stares at him "I believe you" she says
reluctantly
Irons nods
"Ian will stay and help you figure out what happened to Anastasia and her
nanny. My contacts and money and anything else you need is at your disposal
just let Ian know."
"I don't
need someone to babysit me." Sara protests half-heartedly as she cries out
for Ian on the inside.
"It is
just a precaution" Irons assures then with a quick look at Ian who opens
the door.
Ian looks at Sara "I will be back up"
Sara nods
watching as Ian follows Irons out the door past the stationed cops. She grabs
the phone dialing Jake's phone "Have you found out anything?"
"Not
much. We're still looking but it seems like a lot of the possible suspects are
in jail."
"I sent
Vickie down to pick up a file."
"What
file?"
"The
White Bulls file. I want to see if I can find anything."
"Why
them?"
"Because its possible their behind this or the new
group"
"Are you
sure you don't want to go public?"
"It'll
cause more trouble. If we don't know anything by tomorrow you can call the Feds
in." she says as the door opens and Ian enters. "Thanks Jake. I'll
call you later." she hangs up turning to face Ian.
Ian moves
closer touching her cheek "Ana will be fine Sara." he assures kissing
her forehead.
Sara nods
tears falling "I hope so."
Ian leads her
to the couch helping her sit down he pulls the blanket around her. "Do you
want something to eat?"
Sara winces
"The thought of food is making me nauseous."
Ian squeezes
her hand his lips brushing over her wrist. "What is it telling you?"
"That she
was crying when they grabbed her." she pulls her knees up to her chest.
"She must be scared." she says tearfully
Ian removes
his overcoat and gloves wiping away her tears "You should rest my
Sara."
"I can't.
I want to know who took Ana."
"If you
are not well then we can not go get her when we find out where she is." he
says. "It is not good for the baby"
Sara nods curling up on her side she watches Ian
Ian kisses her
knuckles
After midnight
Ian watches as
Sara restlessly sleeps beside him. He reaches out touching her arm he inhales
sharply as he gets flashes
< Ana
crying
Jas trying to
comfort the baby
A dark
warehouse. >
Sara awakens
with a gasp her body shaking
Ian touches her arm reassuringly
Sara turns to
him her arms winding around his neck hugging him tight. "Ian" she
whispers tearfully
Ian holds her
as she cries herself back to sleep.
Midmorning
Sara is
awakened by the sound of voices arguing. Sara rolls over to find Ian and Jake
nose to nose while Gabe is trying to get them to calm down.
"Guys
your going to wake Sara" Gabe says
"I'm
awake. What's going on?"
"What's
he doing here?" Jake demands
"Keeping
an eye on Sara. Someone has too" Ian retorts
"Sara has us" Jake argues
"Both of
you knock it off." Sara says "This isn't helping Ana and Jas if you
fight." she says annoyed
Ian steps back
head bowed
"Your
trusting him" Jake says angrily
"Nottingham
has proven numerous times over the years that he's trustworthy" Gabe says
"I
guess."
"What did
you find?" Sara asks
"Found
out that some of the White Bulls have been released from jail." Jake
answers handing Sara the file.
Sara opens the
file reading over it her eyes narrow as she recognizes the names 'Sergeant
James McDaniels, Detective Harold Francis, Lieutenant Gerald Hanson' Sara looks
at Jake "How did they get let out?"
"They
served their time."
"They
were among the ones who tried to kill me and Gabe." Sara says "Why
would they get out early?"
"All they
were charged with were minor crimes."
"Where
are they?"
"No one
knows. I checked with their parole officers who said that they were at home. I
sent patrol officers to the homes and they aren't there. No ones seen them in a
while."
"Do
either of them have property?" Ian asks remembering Sara's dream
"I'm not sure"
"I'll
check the records" Gabe says opening his laptop
"I'm
going to go take a shower please behave" she says looking at the two
sternly
Ian nods
"Fine"
Jake says tersely
Sara nods
meeting Gabe's gaze they roll their eyes. She heads into the bathroom to take a
warm shower.
Half an hour later
The bathroom
door opens and a pale yet cleaned up Sara walks out of the bathroom wearing
sweats and a tank.
Ian sees her
pale expression.
Sara meets his
gaze giving him a small smile as she heads to the kitchen taking out her
vitamins. After taking her pills she heads up to the bedroom where she dresses.
"I found
something Detective Francis has a brother who owns property on the riverfront.
Its an old warehouse thats abandoned"
"Lets go
then" Sara says
"Pez"
Jake says
Sara looks at
him "I'm going. You can come with or not."
"I'll
call it in" Jake says
45 mins later
Ian pulls the
car to a stop half a block from the warehouse.
"Gabe stay in the car" Sara says
"No prob.
Call me when you find them." The three get out of the car hurrying up to
the building.
Ian nods to the fire escape on the side of the building
Sara nods
Jake watches
the silent exchange thoughtfully then drawing his gun he follows Sara into the
building. 'Something is going on between those two.'
Ian quickly
climbs up the fire escape to the roof. He goes to the door leading down to the
walkway. Silently the assassin moves about in search of his daughter and his
friend.
Sara notices
Danny standing ahead of them tilting his head. "This way" they make
their way through and aisle made by crates and boxes. As they get farther into
the building they hear voices
"This wise man?" one voice asks
"Pezzini
deserves this. She killed Dante. Got us all sent to jail" the older voice
retorts "Bitch deserves everything."
Sara steps out
holding her gun out "What can I say... I don't like cowards" she says
seeing two men she recognizes as Sergeant James McDaniels and Lieutant Gerald
Hanson.
The men jump
up the chairs falling to the floor their guns drawn. "Pezzini"
McDaniels says angrily
"That's
me. Where's my daughter?"
"Don't know what your talking about" Hanson denies
"Not
smart lying to her. He is very protective of Sara" Jake says nodding to
Ian who had silently landed behind the two men.
The two men
look at Ian who's standing there his hands behind his back
"Now
where's Ana and Jas? Or should I let him at you?"
"Come on guys put the guns down" Jake says
"Why
should we? She got us sent to jail" Hanson argues
"You
betrayed the job" Sara replies "you killed people blackmailed people.
Lined your pockets with drug money. You guys became the slime we were supposed
to arrest"
"We made things safer"
"People
where scared of the police." Sara argues "People who did little or
nothing. You tried to kill me."
"That was Dante." McDaniels says
"Where's
Ana?" Sara demands she sees the younger man's eyes stray to a corridor.
Ian suddenly
lashes out knocking one man on his stomach the gun slidding across the floor
then at the other man pulling out his gun Ian holds it at his head "Where
is Ana?" he demands his voice cold
Sara sees the
anger in his eyes "Jake cuff him and call it in" she nods at
McDaniels on the floor. She hears Ian chamber the gun "Ian no" she
moves forward putting her hand on his arm "He's not worth it. Lets just
find Ana and Jas and go home."
Ian nods shoving the man away
Sara sees Danny
standing in the corridor "Jake we're going down. Keep an eye out for the
uniforms then come down."
"Sure" Jake nods
Sara and Ian
make their way down the dark corridor "Danny?" Ian asks softly
"Yes"
Sara nods as they walk down stairs leading to a basement.
"This way" Danny gestures
Sara hears
sobs coming from other side. She unlocks the door opening it to find Jas
walking the floor with a sobbing Ana in her arms.
Jas grins "Hey"
Ana sees her
mother enter the room twisting in her Nanny's arms she holds out her arms to
Sara.
Sara returns
her gun to its holster taking Ana from Jas "Ana" she hugs the child
tight.
Ana sniffles
"Let's
get out of here" Sara says turning back to Jas handing her the baby.
Ana wails squirming holding out her arms
"Shh Ana.
Mommy will hold you once we get up there" Jas assures.
Reassured the
baby sticks her fingers in her mouth regarding her parents silently as tears
fall.
Jas follows
Ian out of the room as Sara takes up the rear.
Sara hears the
Witchblade hiss angrily. She looks down to see the swirly bloodred.
< A man jumping out of the corner shooting Ian
Ian dying in
Sara's arms. >
Sara starts
inhaling sharply looking at Ian she sees a man appear out of nowhere
"Ian" she moves between Ian and the shooter
Ian hears Sara
call his name just as a gun shot rings out. He turns his gun drawn to see
Sara's eyes widen her body falling forward. "SARA" he cries out
catching her body. He lifts his gun shooting the other man
Hearing the gun shots Ana begins to scream
Ian looks at
Jas "Take Ana upstairs tell McCartey to call an ambulance"
Jas nods
racing up the stairs to find Jake about to head down "Sara's been shot.
Ian said call an ambulance"
Jake nods
taking out his cell phone "Gabe's out in the car just down the
street."
Ian moves to
the floor Sara in his arms "Sara."
Sara groans her eyes flickering open "Ian"
He feels the
blood seep through his fingers "Why?"
"I didn't
want him to kill you" she takes the Witchblade off her wrist "Here.
The doctors will try and take it off at the hospital."
"You know
I can not wear it" Ian says "its safer on someones arm."
"Ana can.
It won't activate but it will bind itself to her wrist until I can wear it
again."
Ian nods putting the bracelet in his pocket
Jake hurries
down the stairs "Ambulance is on its way" he sees the man on the
floor his head blown away
"Ian you
need to go" Sara says
"I will
not leave you."
"Go. Give
me your gun" Sara looks at Ian trying to keep from passing out or throwing
up.
"Why?"
"Because they need to think I shot him in self
defense"
"How?"
Jake asks
"This
way" another gunshot is heard as Sara with Ian's help stands shooting the
man in the arm. "There." she looks at Ian as she slumps to the floor
"Go"
"Sara"
"Ian
please I don't want you to get into any trouble."
Ian
reluctantly nods running up the stairs. He goes outside finding Jas holding a
screaming Ana.
"Ian" Jas says relieved
Ian looks
around quickly taking the bracelet out of his pocket "I have to get out of
here" he says putting it on Ana's wrist watching as it melts to the
child's wrist. "Keep her close Jas. Neither of you let her out of your
sight" he says looking at Gabe and Jas then kisses the baby's head "I
love you Ana" he whispers so soft that he barely hears himself.
Gabe nods
"Why did you put it on Ana?"
"Because
I can not wear it and the doctors would remove it." with that he takes
off.
After Ian
leaves Sara looks at Jake "Uh buddy... I think I'm going to pass out"
she slumps over Jake catching her before she keels over on the floor.
A moment later
cops and EMTs converge on the lower floor. "She's been shot. The entrance
is in her shoulder... no exit" Jake informs the EMTs. "She's also
pregnant"
"How far along is she?" asks the female EMT
"I think
about three months." Jake answers
"What happened Detective?" a uniformed officer asks
"We got a
lead on the men who kidnapped Pezzini's daughter. The two men upstairs and this
man are all ex cops."
"We're going to take her up." the EMTs announce
Jake nods
following the EMTs up the stairs and outside where he finds police cars and the
car they had driven out front. He sees Jas walking with Ana still screaming.
"Is she
OK?" Gabe asks seeing the EMTs load Sara on the ambulance
"Gunshot to the shoulder." Jake replies
"Lets get
to the hospital." Gabe says as they get into the car.
Chapter 12
Vorschlag Industries
Irons looks up
from his computer to see Ian standing there blood smeared on his cheeks
"What happened?"
Ian bows his
head "Sara has been shot"
"And the
child?"
"She is
fine. With her Nanny."
"You
should have brought her to me." Irons says sternly. He shakes his head
"Where is the Witchblade?"
"I was
unable to get it off Sara without causing suspicion"
Irons nods
"Find out what hospital Detective Pezzini was taken to"
"Yes
sir" Ian backs up to the door
"And
Ian"
Ian glances at
Irons
"Go get
washed up. Blood is hard to clean up." Irons looks back at his computer as
Ian walks out of the office.
Ian makes his
way up to the top floor penthouse that he and Irons use when he works
overnight. Ian heads back to his private suite bathroom he stares at his
reflection blood smeared on his face he looks at his hands covered in blood.
'Sara' he watches as the blood washes off his hands.
Hospital
Jake, Gabe,
and Jas carrying a whimpering Ana enter the hospital. "Where's Detective
Pezzini?" he asks at the ER desk
"Pezzini?"
a nurse asks
"Brought
in for gunshot"
"She is
in the exam room."
"Is she
OK?" Gabe asks
"Are you
family?" the nurse asks
Jake flashes
his badge "I'm her Partner"
"I am not
exactly sure how she is doing. I can find out for you" the nurse offers
"take a seat in the waitingroom"
The three nod
"Gabe can
you" Jas nods at the baby
"Sure"
Gabe takes the crying baby
"Jake is
her diaper bag in the car?"
"No Sara
didn't grab it. I'll call Vickie and have her bring it down."
"Good. I
have to go use the ladies room I'll be back in a moment" she hurries to
the rest room
"Ana calm
down." Gabe soothes walking the floor with the screaming baby.
The nurse
joins them "Detective Pezzini is being operated on right now"
"How bad
is it?" Jake asks
"Its in
her shoulder"
"And the
baby?"
"They
aren't sure." the nurse replies seeing Ana still crying "Is she
hurt?"
"I don't think so" Gabe replies
"I think
the gunshots scared her" Jake says
"Why don't we get her checked out" the nurse suggests
Jake and Gabe
look at each other and finally Gabe relents "I stay with her."
"Who are
you?"
"Friend" Gabe replies following the nurse
Jake hears his
cell ring he steps outside "McCartey"
"Where
are you?"
"St
Joseph Memorial ER." Jake replies
"How is
she?"
"They are
operating. The bullet is in her shoulder"
"Anastasia?"
"Nurse is
checking her out now. Gabe's with her."
"I am
bringing him down"
"Are you
sure that is wise?"
"He wants
to check on her himself."
"Fine"
the two hang up. Jake returns to the waiting room to find Jas enter at the same
time. "Nottingham and Irons are on their way."
Jas frowns
"Where's Ana?"
"A nurse
is checking her out."
Jas nods
"I'm going to go see how Ana is." she makes her way back
Jake sits down
fidgeting as he waits for the others.
Jas finds Gabe
sitting on an bed Ana beside him being checked out by the nurse.
"Nurse
Diane this is Anastasia's nanny Jas." Gabe introduces
"How is she?" Jas asks
"She has
a slight fever with her cold. She looks tired and hungry. Have you fed her
today?"
"Uh no. See we uh were kidnapped that's how Sara got
shot"
"Oh"
Nurse Diane says "I'll check with the pediatric ward and have them send
down a bottle and there maybe some crackers or Cheerios in the lounge for
her."
"Do you
think you can give her something to help her get some sleep and feel
better?" Jas asks hopefully
"I'll
talk with a doctor." the nurse replies "I'll be right back"
"What's going on?" Gabe asks
"Ian's
bringing Irons. I don't know how she's going to react to seeing them
both."
20 mins later
Gabe and Jas
return with Ana. "How's she doing?" Jake asks looking up from his
conversation with the Captain.
"Doctor
gave her something for her cold. Nurse had a bottle made up for her." Jas
says sitting down with a drowsy Ana in her arms "Hopefully she's going to
fall asleep soon."
"Any news?" Gabe asks worried
"The
doctors are still working on her." Jake replies
"I hope
their OK" Gabe says
30 mins later
Jake looks up
to see Kenneth Irons enter the hospital with Ian right behind 'Great'
"How is Detective Pezzini?" Irons asks
"We don't
know yet" Captain Santos replies "all we know is that a bullet is
lodged in her shoulder"
"Hey its the nurse" Gabe nods
"Detective
Pezzini is fine. They removed the bullet and they're taking her up to
recovery." she informs the small group
"And what about her baby?" Captain Santos asks
Hearing that
Irons looks at Ian his jaw clenching 'So Ian has forgotten to tell me
something.'
"Fine.
The doctor said heart beat and everything is fine. You can see her in a few
hours."
Ian sees the
clench of Irons jaw his eyes falling to the floor. 'He is mad.'
Irons looks at
Captain Santos "Captain I regret that I have to leave but could you let me
know how Detective Pezzini is and when she wakes."
Santos nods "I will Mr Irons"
With a quick
glance at his sleeping daughter Ian follows Irons out the door.
Once inside
the limo Irons speaks "You declined to tell me that Detective Pezzini is
pregnant."
"She
asked me not to tell anyone until she was sure everything was all right."
Ian says looking down.
Irons hits the intercom button "Return to the estate"
"Yes
Mister Irons" the driver replies
Iron stares at
Ian "You have disobeyed me Ian." he leans forward grabbing Ian's chin
forcing him to look at him. "You are going to be punished for this."
Ian nods
Irons moves
back in his seat. "You are going to answer my questions Ian."
"Yes
Master"
2 hours later: Irons Estate
Irons looks at
Ian standing before him his head bowed "You have disobyed Ian. You are
supposed to be my servant."
Ian stares at
the ground trying to keep from protesting like he wants
"Why have
you turned to Sara?" Irons grabs Ian's hair forcing him to look at him.
"She is the Wielder she had no need for you." his eyes narrow
"You love her" Irons states his voice amused yet disgusted. "Do
you love her Ian?"
Ian meets
Irons ice blue eyes "Yes" he answers "I have always loved
her"
"She does
not love you back."
"Yes she
does."
"My dear
Ian she may say she does but she does not"
'I love you
Ian' Sara's voice echoes through his mind 'never forget that no matter what.'
"Ian who
is the father of her child?"
Ian remains
silent
Irons moves
away from Ian "You" he says angrily "you have been with her
without permission. Is the child yours Ian?"
"They
both are." Ian looks at Irons "I know Anastasia is mine."
"You took
her" Irons accuses
"You
created her without our knowledge."
"I own
you Ian" Irons yells
Ian looks at
the older man defiantly "No Sara does as she has for all our
lifetimes."
"Why did you betray me Ian? I raised you"
"I will
not let you hurt another child" Ian says his voice hard. A second later
Ian's head snaps as Irons hits him
"I
created you Ian... I can terminate you."
"How can
falling in love be a betrayal?" Ian asks staring at the floor he slowly
lifts his head. "I have never betrayed you"
"Anastasia
was my project... a very important one." Irons paces "Her blood is as
rich as Sara's even more so."
Ian watches as
Irons paces "Sara and I are together either you deal with it or you never
see us again."
"Sara would never abandon her life here"
"No she
would not but I would abandon my life as your servant to be with her."
Irons starts
at the idea of Ian leaving him forever then stares out the window "Perhaps
we can come to an agreement"
Ian stands
there waiting for his semi-Master explain
Hospital
Sara awakens
with a gasp as she feels a sharp pain in her shoulder.
Jake sees her
stir he moves closer "Pez?"
"What
happened?" she asks groggily
"You were
shot" Jake answers
"Where's
Ana?"
"Captain
had a car take her and Jas to Jas's place to get some sleep."
"Oh"
she mumbles sleepily
"Get some
rest."
"M'kay"
she gives into the drug induced sleepiness
Chapter 13
Midmorning: Hospital
Sara opens her
eyes to find Jake asleep in the chair beside her bed. She struggles to sit up.
Jake opens his
eyes "Pez your awake."
"How long
have I been out?"
"All
night."
"Where's
Ana?"
"At
Jas's."
"And
Gabe?"
"Outside.
Want me to go get him?"
"Sure"
Jake stands
going to the door. He finds Gabe at the nurses station talking with a nurse
"Gabe Sara's awake"
Gabe grins
"Cool" he looks at the nurse "See you" he follows Jake into
the room "Hey Pez you've looked better" he smirks
"Shut up
Bowman" Sara says groggily
"How are
you feeling?" Gabe asks
"Fine."
"Well the
Captain is interrogating the cops right now."
"They
won't tell you much." Sara says "How's Ian?"
Jake and Gabe
look at each other "Well" Gabe says
"What's
wrong?"
"We haven't
heard from him since you got out of surgery. Jas hasn't heard from him
either" Gabe says
"I hope
he's OK"
"I'm sure
he's fine. You need to get some rest."
"How's
Ana?" Sara asks Gabe
"Jas said
she's spent most of the night crying. The doctor gave her something for her
cold so she got some sleep."
"Good"
Sara says
"We'll
let you get some more rest"
Jake turns to
the door then pauses "Hey Pez... Nottingham's the father isn't he?"
Sara rests her
arm over her middle and nods "Yeah he is."
"Were you
ever going to tell me?"
"Yeah.
Sooner or later."
Jake nods
walking out the door
"He'll
get over it" Gabe assures
"I hope
so" Sara says sadly
Half an hour later
Sara looks up
as the door opens and Jake enters with Jas carrying a sniffling Ana.
Ana holds her arms out to her mother whimpering
"She's
been crying all day" Jas sets Ana on the bed
Sara hugs the
little girl kissing her head as the baby lays down on her chest. She carefully
removes the bracelet from Ana's wrist putting it on her own. "Can you guys
give me a minute with Ana?"
"Sure. We'll be right outside" Jas says
Once the door
closes Sara sighs stroking Ana's back "Its OK Ana. Daddy will be OK."
Ana sniffles
rubbing her cheek against her mother's gown. Sara lays back staring at the
Witchblade "Please protect Ian." she rubs Ana's back soothingly
"You need to stop worrying" Danny says
Sara looks at
Danny "I'm scared. I can't lose him Danny. I've lost Mom, Dad, Maria, you,
Conchobar... I can't lose Ian. He's the one completely stable thing in my life.
He's always there whether I know it or not. It scares me not having him there
watching my back or scaring me when he appears out of nowhere"
"You love
him."
"Yeah I
do"
"I always
knew you'd fall for him." Danny chuckles looking at the sleeping baby
Sara grins
"What can I say"
"He'll be
fine Pez don't worry."
"Danny
will you stay with me?"
"Will you
get some sleep?"
"Yes"
"Then yes
I'll stay with you"
Hour later: Hospital
Sara awakens
grinning as she finds Ian sitting on the chair beside the bed with Ana asleep
on his lap. "Hey"
Ian smiles
slightly "Sara" he says softly not wanting to wake Ana. "Are you
OK?" Ian asks touching her cheek
Sara nods "Fine." she looks at Ana
"The
doctor gave her some more medicine for her cold." Ian says
"I'm
surprised Gabe and Jas haven't jumped out the window. Jake said she's been
crying."
"Jas said
that along with her cold a new tooth is coming in." Ian states "I was
worried about you" Ian says. He stands moving to the bed he sits beside
Sara with Ana still dozing in his arms.
"No need
to be." Sara says her fingers trailing lightly over his face. "I
thought you'd leave us."
"I said
forever" Ian reminds "and I meant it."
Sara lifts her
hand his head her fingers moving ever so gently through his dark hair. "I
love you Ian"
"I love
you too my Sara"
Chapter 14
Couple mornings later
"Well
you've healed fast" the doctor remarks "wish more people had your
healing abilities." he chuckles "Now I want to see you in a few days.
Take care of your wound."
Sara nods
"Thanks" she watches as the doctor leaves the room. "Let's get
out of here" Sara says. She looks at Ian as he picks up Ana. "You
OK?" she asks seeing the faraway look on his face.
Ian nods
"Let's just go."
Hour later: Apartment
Sara looks at
Ian as he stares out the window. She hands Ana a bottle as the baby plays in
the playpen. She goes over to him slipping her hand into his "What's
wrong?"
Ian glances at
her then out the window "Am I doing the right thing?" he asks softly
"I mean he has no one other than me. He's alone now"
"Do you
want to go back there?" Sara asks saddened by the thought
"No"
Ian says looking at Sara "I want to stay with you and Ana. Its just"
he looks out the window "He is all I had for years. My only family."
"Ian if
he's family why would he treat you like he did?"
Ian shrugs
"No one
who's family would treat you like that." Sara moves infront of him
"Ian" she says
At her soft tone Ian looks at her his eyes sad
"If you
want to still work for him I'll understand. I won't stop you." she takes
his free hand pressing it against her middle "We'll be able to be together
and raise Ana and the baby."
Ian pulls her
close kissing her forehead "I want that too."
Sara kisses
his cheek "Why don't you go take a shower. I'm making breakfast"
Ian nods a
moment later he releases her making his way to the bathroom.
Hour later
"Ana can
you please sit still" Sara requests annoyed at the baby's squirming in the
highchair as she tries to feed her.
"Uh"
Ana grunts avoiding the spoon.
"OK then
breakfast is over for you" Sara laughs grabbing a wet cloth she wipes the
baby food off Ana's face. She grabs a handful of crackers setting them on the
tray.
Ian sits at the table watching Sara thoughtfully
Sara looks at
him lifting her brow "What?"
"Just thinking"
"About?"
she goes around the table sitting on his lap "What's going on in that head
of yours?" she asks teasingly
Ian twirls a
strand of Sara's hair between his fingers "I was thinking that perhaps we
should start looking for a bigger place." his free hands moves under her
shirt resting against her stomach.
Sara groans
"Before I get huge and can't move." she buries her face in his neck
"What do
you think?"
Sara lifts her
head pressing her lips against his she grins "What do you think I
think?"
Ian smiles
about to reply when Ana begins to pound on the tray of her highchair laughing
loudly.
Sara kisses
Ian again then stands going to the highchair "Arms up" she says. As
Ana lifts her arms Sara removes the tray picking her up. "Good girl"
she kisses Ana's cheek. "What happened with Irons after the
hospital?" she asks wincing at the cut on Ian's temple "Other then
him hitting you"
"We talked." Ian shrugs
"About?"
Sara asks setting Ana in the playpen
"He's mad
I did not tell him that you are pregnant."
"And that its yours"
Ian nods
sitting on the couch he pulls Sara onto his lap. "Sara are you sure about
not being upset if I still worked for him?"
"I wish
you didn't because I see how he treats you. But like I said its your
choice."
"Working
for him is all I have known. At least this way I could keep an eye on him.
Though I doubt he would trust me." he says his voice almost sad.
"Is that
so bad?"
"It is if
I am to protect you"
"Well
don't worry about it Ian. It'll only give you a headache." she turns in
his arms pulling his head down to hers she kisses him deeply. As they get into
the kiss hands moving under clothes caressing skin their jarred out of their
haze by the sound of Ana crying. Sara groans pulling back she sighs
"Better get her before she screams the place down" she kisses his
cheek standing she goes over picking Ana up.
Ana squirms
holding her arms out to her father.
"Uh Ian"
Ian sees
Sara's face pale he takes Ana watching as Sara makes a run to the bathroom. He
winces hearing Sara gag through the door.
Ana looks at
the door puzzled by her mother's actions "Eh" she grunts pointing at
the door then looks at her father her eyes wide.
Ian kisses her
forehead "Mama's OK" he assures moving to the floor with Ana on his
lap. He hands Ana a toy.
Ana examines
the toy for a moment then throws it down turning around to look at her father.
She tugs on his shirt giggling. When he looks at her she claps her hands
grinning and waving.
Ian chuckles
lightly picking her up he lifts her over his head causing Ana to shriek with
laughter.
In the
bathroom Sara manages to smile over her nausea at the sound of Ana laughing.
She then groans feeling another wave of nausea hit.
Ana reaches
out patting her father's cheeks grinning at the feeling of his beard.
"Ooh"
Ian smiles at
the look of fascination in her eyes. "You know you are very special
Anastasia."
Ana grins giggling
A few minutes
later Sara steps out of the bathroom to find Ian on the floor with Ana on his
lap reading to her.
Ian looks up
giving Sara a small smile. "Feel better?"
Sara shrugs
sitting on the floor beside Ian her head on his shoulder. "What are you
reading?" she asks
"Peter Pan. Found it in your bookshelf"
"Ah yes.
I loved this story... and the movie." she snuggles against Ian she listens
as he continues the story.
Hour later
Sara sets Ana
in the crib standing there she watches as the baby sleeps. She smiles feeling
Ian wrap his arms around her waist. She tilts her head back "So what do
you think of Peter Pan so far?"
"I have
to finish it before I make up my mind." he leans down kissing Sara lightly
his hands moving her shirt up.
Sara turns
around her arms going around his neck "I'm going to have to borrow the
movie from Michael"
"Danny's
son"
Sara nods
Ian moves
backwards his legs hitting the end of the bed. He kisses her deeply pulling her
down atop him not breaking the kiss.
Sara sighs happily
Ian shifts
pinning Sara under him they stare at each other silently then he speaks his
voice soft and husky "You are so beautiful." he leans down kissing
her neck.
Sara arches
into his touch her hands pulling at his shirt with his help she pulls off his
shirt tossing it on the floor. Her hands roam over his back and chest.
Ian kisses her
bruisingly pulling her shirt off he tosses it beside his own. Seeing the
bandage on her shoulder he winces touching it lightly he leans down pressing
his lips against the bandage as his hands move down her body. He starts to
unbutton her jeans when they're
interrupted by a phone ringing. Kissing her "I have to get
that"
"No" she pouts
Ian moves up
grabbing his cell phone off the nightstand "Yes?"
Sara lays underneath
him half listening to the call as she runs her fingers over the scars covering
his chest and arms.
"Yes sir
I will be right there" Ian says hanging up he looks at Sara "I have
to go. He wants to speak with me about something." he kisses her forehead
moving off the bed he grabs his discarded shirt off the floor pulling it on.
"Call him
back and tell him your busy" Sara says wrapping her arms around his neck.
Ian kisses her
"I wish I could but he is in one of his moods. If I do not go he will take
it out on whoevers nearby. I am used to getting hit but none of the others have
been."
"Because
he uses you as his personal punching bag" Sara says bitterly
Ian shrugs
"Depending on what he wants I should be back this evening."
Sara nods her
fingers trailing over his cheek her eyes thoughtful
"I can
handle his tantrums my love. I have done it for over thirty years." he
assures
"I know." Sara sighs
"Get some
rest Sara." he kisses her forehead stepping back
Sara nods
"I hope she takes a long enough nap."
Ian sits on
the edge of the bed pulling on his boots as Sara strips out of her jeans
pulling on a T-shirt. He looks at Sara then holds out his hand as she takes his
hand Ian pulls her infront of him. He looks up at her "I love you"
Sara smiles
"I love you" she straddles his thighs leaning down she kisses him
passionately then sighs. "You better go before this gets too far."
she says
"Finish
it later?"
"Oh
definately" she smiles kissing his cheek she moves off him. She crawls
under the covers "Oh and Ian use the door"
"Do I have too" he smirks
Sara laughs at
the look on his face "Don't have too but its easier then climbing up the
fire escape."
"Whatever you want my Sara" he says grabbing his
overcoat
"Bye"
she calls as he walks out the door.
15 mins later: Vorschlag Industries
Ian enters the
office standing before the desk he waits for Irons to speak.
Irons looks up
"How is Sara?"
"Resting."
Irons nods
standing "I have thought about what you said... you were right it would be
easier to keep track of her if I do not protest your involvement with
Sara."
"As I
said Sara would most likely be more willing to help you if you do not invade
her life."
"And that includes you"
Ian tilts his
head "I will continue protecting you but I will no longer do your dirty
work."
Irons nods "Agreed"
"I will
find someone to take my place in that area under the condition that you never
speak to Sara or I about the side dealings unless it involves the
Witchblade."
"Agreed"
That evening
Sara looks at
Ana pulling herself along the coffee table "Gettin' better at that"
she smiles at the child
Ana grins
Sara stands
bending over she takes Ana's hands in her own helping the little girl walk. Ana
makes it a few steps before she falls to the floor. "Oh you OK?" Sara
asks
Ana looks at her mother and grins
The door opens
and Ian enters removing his overcoat
"Who's that?" Sara asks pointing at Ian
Ana grins
clapping her hands happily. "Uh uh" she grunts holding her arms up to
her father bouncing.
Ian picks up Ana
"So what
happened?" Sara asks settling on the couch beside Ian and Ana.
"We came
to an agreement. I will continue working as his bodyguard but his other jobs
will fall onto someone elses shoulders."
Sara snuggles
against his side smiling at the sight of Ana cuddled against her father's chest
her fingers in her mouth. "Looks like she's going to sleep early" she
states seeing Ana's eyelids droop.
"Have you
thought about what we talked about earlier?" Ian asks
Sara looks at
him "Moving to a bigger place or the whole Irons discussion?"
"Moving" Ian says with a faint smile
Sara looks
around her apartment "Probably should this place definately isn't made for
kids." she looks back at Ian tilting her head "You ready to be a
domesticated stalker?" she asks with a smirk
Ian shakes his
head amused "Guess I will have to give it a try. Its time for a
change."
"Mmm this
will be a big change for us both." she rests her hand over Ian's resting
on Ana's back. The two remain on the couch as Ana drifts off to sleep against
Ian's chest. "She's out. I'll go put her down" she starts to lift Ana
up when the little girl opens her eyes her small hands clutching at her
father's shirt. Sara laughs "Something tells me she is going to be a
Daddy's girl."
Ian smiles
"Come on
Ana girl time for bed."
Ana looks at
her mother sticking her lower lip out
"Don't
give me that look you are going to bed little miss." Sara says carrying
Ana up to the bedroom. She lays Ana in the crib
Ana sits up rubbing her eyes she holds her arms up
"No time
for bed" Sara says sternly handing Ana her pacifier. She moves away from
the crib heading back to the livingroom
Ana begins to
cry
Sara sighs
"Great she's in a mood"
"Mood?"
Ian lifts his brow
"She's
probably going to cry for about five minutes then finally go to sleep."
"Mmm" Ian nods kissing Sara's neck
Sara laughs at
the feeling of his moustache and beard tickling her skin. She undoes the knot
holding his hair back. Tangling her fingers in his hair she pulls his head up
kissing him deeply.
Ian pulls her
close his hands caressing the skin of her back and sides.
Sara breaks
the kiss shifting she straddles his legs her fingers scratching lightly at his
neck. She tilts her head "She finally stopped."
"Mmm"
Ian caresses her cheek with the back of his fingers.
Sara smiles
her hands going the the hem of his shirt "You said we'd finish what we
started"
"I did?" Ian smirks
"Mmm"
Sara nods leaning down she licks his neck "you aren't going back on your
promise are you?" she asks childishly
Ian's hands go
to her shirt he pulls it off tossing it aside. "Beautiful" he says
awed his fingers trailing over her breasts
Sara tugs at
his shirt with Ian's help she removes it.
Chapter 15
Next Morning
"Ahh"
Ana yells
Sara shifts
only to have Ian tighten his arms around her. She smiles lifting her head to
find Ian watching her. "Morning"
Ian smiles
"Morning my Sara"
Sara looks
over her shoulder to find Ana standing up in her crib "How long has she
been up?"
"Not
long."
"I better
get her before she starts throwing things at us" she kisses Ian quickly
then moves off him
Ian watches as
Sara pulls on a shirt and shorts.
Sara goes over
to the crib "Hey Ana" she picks up the baby she kisses Ana's cheek.
She smiles feeling Ian nuzzle her neck she turns kissing his cheek then looks
at Ana.
Ana reaches
out her small hand tangling in her mother's hair tugging
Sara winces at
the sharp tug. "Ow"
"No
Ana" Ian says sternly he untangles the baby's hand from Sara's hair.
"No tugging on Mommy's hair." he chastises
Ana squirms
and kicks wanting to get down
"OK
OK" Sara relents walking into the livingroom she sets the child on the
floor. "Wonder if there's any formula left" Sara muses heading into
the kitchen area as Ian gathers up their abandoned clothes from the livingroom
taking them to the bedroom. She goes to the cabinet finding the container of
formula and a clean bottle she quickly makes a bottle finding Ana on the floor
playing with blocks. Sara returns to the kitchen opening the refrigerator
"Ian what do you for breakfast?" she jumps feeling Ian pull her
against him. "Well?"
"You"
he purrs kissing her neck
"I seem
to recall that you had me all night and most of this morning."
"What can
I say? You are addictive" he chuckles stroking her middle
"Don't
you have work?" Sara asks turning around
Ian shakes his
head "He gave me a few days off until you are completely healed."
"Wow talk
about a once in a million event" Sara teases kissing him. "What do
you want for breakfast?" she asks again
"Why can
I not have you?" he grumbles
"Oh you
can just gonna have to wait until she goes down for her nap" Sara replies
then frowns "Speaking of Ana where is she? Usually by now she's throwing
things and screaming"
Ian kisses her
forehead "I will make breakfast you rest."
"Oh you
cook too?" Sara grins
"I have
many talents my Sara."
"I
bet" Sara chuckles "I better go entertain her before she starts
destroying things."
Ian turns to the
refrigerator in search of what to make for breakfast.
Sara enters
the livingroom to find Ana sitting on the floor drinking her bottle. Sara
settles beside Ana
Ana grins
putting down her bottle she crawls into her mother's lap. She pulls herself to
her feet then pats her mother's cheek
"Kiss?"
Sara asks turning her cheek
Ana gives her
mother a big wet sloppy kiss
"Thank
you" Sara kisses her back causing the child to giggle "Now how about
we get working on your walking huh? Your starting to get too heavy to carry
everywhere kiddo." Sara stands taking Ana's hands in her own "OK now
lets see if we can get farther today then we got yesterday"
Ian glances
over to see Sara helping Ana walk. He smiles slightly then turns back to making
breakfast.
20 mins later
"Breakfast is ready my love" Ian announces
Sara looks up
see Ian watching them.
"Da
Da"
Sara and Ian
look at Ana watching them with a grin. "Whose that?" Sara asks
pointing at Ian.
Ana tilts her head looking at Ian "Dada"
Sara smiles at
Ian "For a while there I thought her first word was going to be considered
'uh uh'" she picks Ana up setting her in the highchair next to the table.
"Arms up"
Ana lifts her arms so her tray can be slid on
"What's
for breakfast? Smells good"
"Eggs,
bacon, pancakes, and fruit." Ian says setting the plate before her.
"What do you want to drink?"
"Coffee?" she asks hopefully
Ian looks at
her as if to say 'over my dead body'
"Fine
milk" she grumbles "can you grab her bottle?"
Ian nods
grabbing the forgotten bottle he hands it to Ana. Going to the refrigerator he
takes out the carton of milk pouring two glasses he returns to the kitchen
table setting one before Sara as he sits down.
15 mins later
Ian is
clearing the table when his phone rings. He sets the dirty dishes in the sink
"I thought you didn't have to work" Sara says
"He
probably forgot where he put something" Ian says grabbing his phone he
opens it "Yes?"
Sara looks at
Ana "So gonna say Momma next?"
"Dada"
Ana says grinning
"Yes
sir."
Hearing his
tone Sara looks over to see Ian standing with his head bowed. She sets Ana on
the floor going over to Ian she puts her arms around his shoulders stroking his
neck.
"Yes sir." Ian hangs up setting his phone on the
counter
"What's
wrong?"
"Nothing you need to worry about my love"
Sara stares at
him "You OK?"
Ian hugs her
"Never better"
"DADA.
DADA. DADA. DADA" Ana chants rocking back and forth
Ian looks at
Ana and smiles slightly "Never better"
Midafternoon
Sara looks at
Ian asleep beside her with Ana between them on the bed. She smiles at the sight
of Ana cuddled against her father. 'He is going to be a great Dad.' she reaches
out resting her hand over his heart watching as the Witchblade purrs happily.
She closes her eyes just feeling his heart beat under her hand.
Ian feeling
her light touch rests a hand over hers his fingers resting on the stone of the
Witchblade.
Feeling his
touch Sara opens her eyes and smiles seeing the tendrils of the Witchblade
touch his fingers. She meets Ian's gaze "Does the same to Ana" she
says softly
Ian nods
"It knows who we are. That we are connected." The two drift off to
sleep the Witchblade purring happily.
Chapter 16
Week later
Sara hears a
giggle then looks over to see Ana standing on her own. She smiles having an
idea she grabs a cookie kneeling a few feet from Ana "Ana you want the
cookie?"
Ana nods
clapping her hands she reaches out
"No come
and get it." Sara offers waving the cookie
Ana tilts her
head thoughtfully looking at the cookie and her mother then at the floor.
"Come on
Ana want the cookie?"
Ana carefully
takes a step
"Come on
you can do it" she encourages.
Slowly and
unsteady Ana makes her way to her mother grabbing the cookie in her mother's
hand she grins
"Good
job." Sara gives Ana a big hug "Eat your cookie"
Late that night
Ian enters the
apartment to find Sara asleep on the couch with files scattered on the floor.
Removing his overcoat and gloves he goes over to the couch crouching he
smoothes a strand of hair behind her ear.
Feeling the
familiar touch Sara smiles opening her eyes "Your home"
"You look
tired my love."
"Cap put
me on paperwork detail." she rubs her eyes sleepily "I hate
paperwork"
Ian smiles
slightly "How are you feeling?" he asks resting his large hand
against her middle
Sara yawns
"Fine."
"Lets get
you to bed" Ian stands lifting her up he carries her up to the bedroom. He
lays her on the bed tucking her in.
"Ana walked on her own" Sara says sleepily
"Good for
her" Ian says joining her in bed.
Sara curls up
against him her head on his shoulder. She frowns feeling a bandage on his arm.
"What happened?"
"Nothing
you need to worry about" Ian assures kissing her head
"Did
Irons do this?" Sara asks concerned touching the bandage
"No my
love. He has shown some restraint in punishments. He wanted me to see how the
man he hired for his dirty work did with hand to hand."
"Then how
did you get this?"
"I hit
the plate glass window. Dr Immo sewed up the wound." Sensing her worry Ian
hugs her "Do not worry my love I am fine."
"I went
to the doctors today"
"Everything
OK?" Ian asks concerned
"Great"
she yawns
"We will
talk about it tomorrow my Sara. You need your rest" he strokes her back
Sara shifts
her head resting over his heart. "I love you Ian" she says
"And I
you my Sara"
Next morning
Sara awakens
to the sound of Ana laughing and the smell of breakfast cooking. She sits up
stretching she gets out of bed making her way to the kitchen she finds Ian
standing at the stove with Ana standing holding onto his leg. She smiles at the
sight of father and daughter bonding. "Morning"
Ian looks over
"Good morning my love."
"What's
for breakfast?" Sara asks entering the kitchen she kisses Ian's cheek then
picks up Ana.
"Omelet."
"Aren't
you supposed to be at Vorschlag?"
"I told
him I would be in late."
"He must
have been pissed"
"He will
get over it" Ian shrugs
"DADA
DADA DADA DADA" Ana shrieks happily
"You know
you need to learn how to say mama next. Otherwise I'm going to find my
self-esteem lowered" Sara grumbles
"Breakfast
is ready" Ian announces
"I'll go
put her in the playpen then."
Ian puts the
plates on the kitchen table pouring drinks. He turns around to find Sara sitting
at the table. "So what did the doctor say?"
Sara smiles
taking a bite of the omelet. "That everything is good. Pretty much perfect
for being four months pregnant."
"You are perfect my Sara" he grins
Sara shakes
her head "You say that now but what about when I'm huge and in labor you
won't be."
"You will
always be perfect."
"And
you'll always be my favorite stalker."
"Lets hope your only" Ian grins
Sara stands
moving to his lap "You'd definately be the sexiest. And the
sweetest." she kisses him.
"God you
two make me wanna hurl... and I'm dead."
"Danny?" Ian asks sensing the supernatural being
Sara nods
"Danny what have I told you about appearing out of nowhere like
that?"
"What can I say... I'm dead I can do what I want"
Ian nuzzles
Sara's neck
"Danny go
away"
"Just
wanted to check on you" Danny says disappearing as fast as he appeared
"I hate it when he does that" Sara grumbles
"You
should finish your breakfast before it gets cold" Ian says
"Don't
wanna" she pouts
"Why
not?"
"I dunno.
Not hungry anymore" she rests her head on his shoulder
"What's
wrong? You seem... sad."
"Its
almost the anniversary of Joe's... death." she says sadly
"You miss
him."
"Yeah."
"Do you
work today?"
"Yeah. I
work from noon to eight."
"Ahhhh"
Ana cries
Sara groans
"Just a sec Ana" she kisses Ian lovingly "I love you Ian"
"I love you"
Sara smiles
standing she goes over lifting Ana out of the playpen setting her on the floor.
"Look there's Daddy"
"Dada"
Ana looks thoughtfully at her feet then carefully takes a step. Slowly she
makes her way to her father. Standing before him she holds her arms up.
"Dada"
Ian picks the little girl up "Good job"
Ana rubs his
beard giggling at the feeling
"Like
Daddy's beard huh Ana girl" Sara laughs going to the refrigerator she
grabs Ana's bottle of juice handing it to the child.
"I
received a phone call from the Real Estate agent yesterday afternoon" Ian
says
"Mmm what
did she say?" Sara asks after downing her vitamins
Ian smiles at
Ana then replies nonchalantly "Just that we can move in next week."
Sara looks at
Ian startled "Really?"
Ian tears his
eyes away from Ana's looking at Sara "Really. They will clean the house up
this week. She said that if you want the carpets pulled up let her know."
Sara smiles
then groans making a run to the bathroom slamming the door behind her.
Ian shakes his
head "How about we get this mess cleaned up hmm"
Ana nods
Ian kisses her
cheek "Good girl" he sets Ana on the floor and begins clearing the
table.
Ana sits there
then after a moment she crawls into the kitchen sitting beside her father as he
does the dishes.
Ian glances
down to find the child tugging on his pant leg with one hand the other holding
onto the bottle. He smiles turning his attention to the dishes. After a few
minutes he feels a tug looking down he finds Ana holding up her bottle
"You finished with that princess?"
Ana nods giving him a grin
Ian takes the
bottle "Thank you" after a few more minutes he wipes his hands off
then picks up the infant. "You get to play in the playpen for a
while." he sets her in the playpen then makes his way to the bathroom. He
enters finding Sara leaning against the toilet. He crouches beside her
smoothing her hair back
"You have
to get going huh"
"Sorry my
love."
"Its so
'kay."
"You
should stay home from work today" Ian suggests
Sara shakes her head "I'm fine"
Ian looks at
her "You are exhausted Sara. You need a break. I will take Ana over to
Jas's and you just stay home and get some sleep."
"But
Ian" she starts to protest the groans sticking her head in the toilet.
After a moment she lifts her head "Ian I've already missed three weeks in
three months. Between Ana being sick and kidnapped, my getting shot I have a
load of paperwork to take care of. Just because I'm pregnant doesn't mean I'm
an invalid."
"Sara you
have been working too much even when you were off you were doing paperwork.
Plus with the moving and the baby you are in even more need of rest. I will
call and tell them you are sick. I want you to get some sleep... and that means
no paperwork. I am going to call Jake and have him pick up all the files."
"But
Ian" Sara protests then sees the look on his face "Fine." she
grumbles
"I will check on you this afternoon." he says
"
'kay"
"Do you
want me to call Gabriel and have him come by later?"
Sara shrugs
resting her head against the toilet. "Are you coming home tonight?"
she asks weakly
"As far
as I know yes."
"Good. I
don't like it when you aren't here at night."
"I will try to be home tonight." he assures
" 'kay.
You better go or you'll be late"
Ian leans down
kissing her forehead "Feel better my love."
Hour later: Vorschlag
Industries
Ian silently
enters the office stopping before the desk he awaits Irons acknowledgment.
"How is
Detective Pezzini today Ian?" Irons asks without looking up
"Not as
well as she wishes." Ian replies
"Is that
why she is not at work?"
"Yes she
is not feeling well."
"She had
a doctors appointment yesterday" Irons states "how is
everything?"
"Fine
considering all that has gone on."
"Good"
Irons nods "Dr Immo would like to see you sometime today"
"Yes
sir."
"Now Ian
I have a job I need you to do" Irons says standing "it is within our
agreement" he assures
The apartment
Sara groans
walking out of the bathroom she collapses on the couch
"Gee partner you look like hell"
"Shut up
Danny." Sara retorts without opening her eyes "I just spent over an
hour hanging over the toilet I'm not in the mood for jokes."
"OK" Danny drawls
After a moment
Sara opens her eyes to find Danny sitting on the coffee table. "What's
going on?" she asks
"Nothing
much."
"Really?
You usually have a cryptic message for me."
"Be
careful Sara."
"Always
am Danny" she grins
"I
know" Danny stays there watching as his partner drifts off to sleep
That night
Ian enters the
apartment to find Sara curled up on the couch watching TV. He smiles at the
sight.
Sara looks up her eyes lighting up "Ian"
"Hello my
Sara" he removes his overcoat and gloves he joins her on the couch.
"Didn't
you pick up Ana?" Sara asks turning she straddles his legs
"No she's
staying with Jas tonight." Ian replies leaning in he nuzzles her neck
"Mmm I missed you"
Sara kisses the top of his head "I missed you too"
Ian lifts his
head his hand cupping her chin "How are you feeling?"
"Better"
she assures stroking his face
"Good."
he smiles
Sara smiles
back her hands going to his shirt she slowly unbuttons it. "Do you realize
we have the whole apartment to ourselves."
"I take
it you have an idea"
"Of
course"
*
Sara smiles
"So I take it you liked my idea" she looks at Ian
"Definately" Ian chuckles
"As much
as I'm glad we're getting a bigger place I'm going to miss this place."
"So am
I... we have had a lot of interesting times here."
"Yeah"
Sara kisses his chin then sits up looking down at Ian.
Ian looks her
over his eyes taking in her body the small mound of her middle. He smiles
slightly "My beautiful Sara" he says his fingers trailing over her
face and neck.
Sara rubs her
middle absently
"What's
wrong?" Ian asks
Sara sighs
"We're hungry" she flops beside him
"What
would you like to eat?" Ian asks smoothing her hair off her face
"Um"
Sara scrunches up her nose thoughtfully "Cheetos?"
"All
right... anything else?"
"Um is
there any yogurt?"
"I'm not
sure... I will check." Ian kisses her forehead getting out of bed he makes
his way to the kitchen opening the refrigerator he finds a container of lemon
yogurt. "Yes there's lemon yogurt."
"Can you
put that in a bowl with some peanut butter mixed in?"
"Still
want the Cheetos?"
"Yes."
"Would
you like something to drink?"
"Chocolate
milk?"
Ian smiles
shaking his head "I will bring it right in." he finishes mixing the
yogurt and peanut butter he pours the drink and grabs the Cheetos out of the
cupboard he makes his way back to the bedroom. "Here you go"
"Mmm
thank you" Sara takes the Cheetos and bowl dipping the Cheetos in the
mixture.
Ian sets the
drink on the nightstand settling down beside Sara. "Feel better?"
"Yep"
Sara grins taking another bite. "I swear I've spent most of today
eating... this kid is going to be one chunky baby."
Ian sits there
watching Sara as she eats listening to her ramble on.
"Your
awfully quiet" Sara remarks looking at Ian "You OK?"
"Just
listening to you talk." Ian smiles watching as Sara licks the orange
powder off her fingers.
"Learning that I'm a nutty pregnant woman" she
chuckles
Ian shakes his
head "Not just any nutty pregnant woman" he leans forward nuzzling
her neck "Mine" he slides his large hand over her middle.
Sara smiles
setting the bowl on the nightstand and the bag of Cheetos on the floor. She
winds her arms around his neck hugging him "Always yours"
Chapter 17
Week later
"Helpers
reporting for duty" Gabe says as he and Jake enter the apartment
"Ana
stop" Sara grabs the crawling baby "hey guys" she grins
"How's my
favorite short stack?" Gabe asks taking Ana from Sara
"Driving
me nuts..." Sara replies "crawling and screaming."
"Ooohh
oh" Ana grunts squirming in Gabe's arms
Sara smiles
seeing Ian enter the apartment carrying a bunch of boxes
"We
should have just taken Irons up on hiring someone to do this" Ian says
setting the boxes on the floor.
"Ian
packing up our own stuff is part of moving."
Gabe sets Ana
in the playpen "Plus its fun." Gabe grins "Get to make fun of
Sara's bad pictures" he holds up a photo albulm
"GABE"
Sara shrieks trying to grab the albulm
"Hmmm
blackmail material" Jake says grabbing the albulm from Gabe
"Jake
give it back"
"Wonder
if there's any embarassing pictures" Gabe grins
"Guys
come on"
Jake looks at
Gabe "I don't know should we play nice?"
"Well
lets see how much dirt does she have on us?" Gabe asks
"A lot
probably"
"Think we
need to even the playing field?"
"I swear
you two even think of using any bad pictures in there I'll call your parents
and get the most embarassing pictures of you... perhaps there's naked bathtub
pictures out there."
"Well
there is that one of" Gabe shudders "OK OK" he hands Sara the
photo albulm "I don't want anything bad showing up"
"Yeah Mom
would give her all the bad and embarassing pictures of me." Jake grumbles
"What can
I say... your mother likes me." Sara grins sticking out her tongue.
Ian chuckles
kissing Sara's cheek "What is not to like about you"
"I don't
know... ask all the people who keep trying to kill me." Sara grumbles
"If I'm such a likeable person why do people keep trying to kill me?"
"Because
your stubborn" Jake says
"A
cop" Gabe adds
"OK I get
it" Sara grumbles
"How
about we get to work huh" Jake suggests with a laugh
"Sounds
good." Sara nods
Hour later
"DADA
DADA DADA" Ana shrieks throwing toys out of the playpen
Sara rubs her temples
Ian enters the
apartment to find Sara rubbing her temples and Ana screaming. He goes over to
the playpen picking up the baby. "Ana stop screaming." he puts his
finger over Ana's lips
Ana stops
screaming looking at her father she nods solemnly
"She's definately a Daddy's girl" Sara says
"You
OK?" Ian asks joining Sara in the kitchen with Ana on his hip.
"Where
are Gabe and Jake?"
"Went to
pick up lunch" Ian replies
"Speaking
of lunch she's probably getting hungry" she stretches wincing
"Are you OK?" Ian asks seeing her wince
"Back is
hurting a little" Sara replies rubbing the small of her back.
"Sit"
Ian orders
"I'm
fine."
"You need
to take break... rest." Ian replies setting Ana in the highchair. His hair
falls forward Ana reaches out and grabs a handful of hair tugging. Ian looks at
the child grabbing her hand he squeezes lightly "No" he says sternly
Ana looks at her father then releases his hair
Ian
straightens up
"She
pulls pretty hard" Sara chuckles "least she's moved on to you."
Ian shrugs "Had worse"
Sara winces at
his comment knowing Ian's being truthful. She stands stopping she kisses his
cheek then opens the cabinet taking out two jars of baby food. She sighs
opening the drawer where she keeps the bibs. "Ian I packed away the bibs
can you see if there's any in the diaper bag?"
"Sure" Ian finds the diaper bag on the couch
"Oh and
see if there's a spoon in the side pocket" she requests pulling a chair up
to the highchair "What is for lunch today?" she looks at the jars
"We've got beef and beets." Sara opens the jar setting it on the
kitchen table "Peaches and pears" she opens the second jar smelling
it "at least it smells decent... better then the peas and spinach you had
last night." she groans her stomach rolling at the memory. "OK not
the time for being sick." she closes her eyes taking a deep breath. After
a moment she opens her eyes sensing Ian at her side. "Mmm thanks" she
smiles taking the bib and spoon she puts the bib on the infant
"Hey guys"
Jas greets entering the apartment "man this place is getting pretty
empty" she whistles
"The guys
are working pretty fast" Sara replies offering a spoon of baby food to
Ana.
"How was your meeting?" Ian asks as he sits at the
table
"Long.
Where are Gabe and Jake?"
"Went to
pick up lunch" Ian replies looking at Sara who shrugs "Jas there's
something we wanted to talk to you about."
"Listening" Jas replies pulling herself up on the
counter
"How
would you feel about moving into the apartment over the garage? The job would
still be the same but mostly on-call since next month I'm only going to be
working part time." Sara says her eyes on Ana as she spoons up more food
for the infant.
"When do you need to know?" Jas asks
"Take
your time. Its not necessary we just thought it would be more convienent for
all of us." Sara replies glancing at Jas then at Ian
"Give me
a couple days"
Ian nods
Sara pales
"Uh Jas can you...?" she bolts up running for the bathroom
Jas shakes her
head "Well Ana looks like your mom doesn't like the smell of this one
either" she sits down taking Sara's place in feeding the infant. She
winces smelling the beef and beets "Ugh no wonder this is nasty
smelling."
Ana opens her mouth
"But what
can I say you actually seem to like it"
Three hours later
Sara looks
around the apartment the only things left are the couch, kitchen table,
bookcases, bed and refrigerator. She looks at Ana standing beside her holding
onto her leg.
Ian wraps his
arms around Sara's slightly enlarged middle "Are you ready my love?"
"Feels
weird knowing I'll never wake up here again."
"We will
have a new place to wake up... to make new memories." he runs his hand
over the small mound of her middle.
Sara smiles
"Yeah I know" she kisses his chin "Its weird for the first time
since we met you won't have a fire escape to climb through and scare the
daylights out of me."
"You know
we could still buy this place and turn it into a hide out" Ian offers.
Sara shakes
her head "No its time for someone else to have the chance to live here and
be happy."
Ian kisses her
temple then picks up the infant "You ready to go?"
Sara nods
following him towards the door she suddenly stops "I can't believe I
almost forgot that."
"What?" Ian asks
Sara goes over
to the couch moving it out of the way she smiles finding the space of the floor
pulled up she lifts out a guitar "This... can't leave John's guitar
behind."
Ian smiles "No you do not want to leave that behind"
"Not
jealous?"
Ian shakes his
head "Do I have a need to be?"
Sara rubs her
middle absently her eyes on the drowsy Ana and shakes her head "No... he's
still a big part of who I am now... what brought us together. I loved him but
he's gone now." she smiles at Ian "I love you and your here"
"For as
long as you want me my love" he takes her hand lacing their fingers
"I love you my Sara"
Sara squeezes
his hand "I love you too."
"We should go... Gabe and Jake are probably annoying
Jas"
Sara laughs
"Those three love annoying each other." she looks at the room then
follows Ian out the door "Lets go home" she says closing and locking
the door behind them.
"Have you said goodbye to your neighbors?" Ian asks
"Yes"
she nods "just have to drop the key off with JR."
Hour later
Ian pulls the
car into the driveway of the large townhouse just a few blocks from Vorschlag
Industries.
Sara looks
back to see Ana asleep she smiles as Ian opens the door for her. "Where's
the Buell?"
"In the
garage" Ian replies "do not worry my love the bike is nice and safe.
I brought it here when I picked up the boxes... with nothing else in the
van."
"I know I
know."
Ian sees the
look on her face "Go and see for yourself I will bring Ana inside."
Sara kisses his cheek "Thank you"
Ian watches as
she hurries into the house knowing she's heading straight to the garage to
check on her beloved Buell. He opens the back door buckling the sleeping baby
from the carseat. He carries the infant inside finding Gabe, Jake and Jas
organizing boxes.
"I put
the crib together" Jake says "room next to yours?"
Ian nods
"I'll go
put her down" Jas says carefully taking the sleeping baby
"Where'd Pez go? Run for the bathroom again?" Gabe
smirks
Ian shakes his
head "The garage"
"The
Buell" Jake nods
"Of course."
Ian chuckles
"Ever get
the feeling she loves that bike more than us?" Gabe asks with a frown
Jake looks at Gabe and nods "Every day"
"Hey you
think so little of me" Sara says in mock pain
Gabe looks at her with a mock wounded look "Its true"
"Ah poor
Gabriel's jealous" Jake snickers
"Am not"
"Guys
come on you know I love you" Sara puts her arms around their shoulders
grinning at Ian. "Your my three favorite guys"
Gabe puts his
arm around Sara's shoulder "So going to tell us if its going to be four
favorite guys?" he hints
"Yeah"
Jake chimes in "we getting a niece or a nephew?"
Sara shakes
her head "You'll have to wait a while longer."
Jake looks at
Ian who's opening boxes with a knife "So Nottingham what do you
want?"
Ian looks at Jake quizzically
"Means
what do you want the kid to be? Boy or girl?" Gabe says
Ian shrugs
"Either's fine." he returns the hunting knife to the sheath in his
boot.
"So what's the pool up to at work?" Sara asks Jake
"Last
count leaning towards a boy. The pools pretty open on the due date." Jake
laughs "You should have heard the bets on the father."
"And no
one won" Gabe says "damn you should have told me about the bet... I
would have won."
"Yes and
you would have been smacked around a few times for opening your mouth"
Sara threatens
"Though a
couple people were leaning towards Irons" Jake says thoughtfully
"OK I do
not want to know how they came up with that one." Sara says shaking her
head
Jas walks down
the stairs "Came up with what?"
"People at work making bets on Pez" Gabe shrugs
"Ahh"
Jas nods
Late that night
"Ugh"
Sara groans laying on the bed on her side
"She
OK?" Ian asks walking out of the bathroom dressed in his pajama bottoms he
sits on the edge of the bed stroking Sara's arm
"Mmm its
going to take her a while to get used to sleeping in her own room." she
yawns "She just wanted to be reassured"
"So she's
asleep?"
"Yeah."
"How are
you feeling?" he asks concerned
"Back
hurts." she mumbles sleepily.
Ian moves his
hand to her lower back massaging gently after a moment he speaks
"Better?"
"Mmm"
she sighs happily "you know you never did say what you wanted" she
remarks she looks at Ian "boy or girl?"
Ian shrugs
"Eithers fine. All I want is for the baby to be healthy and happy."
he kisses her cheek
Sara shifts
rolling onto her back her hands resting over her middle she watches Ian
thoughtfully "Yeah... I'm kinda hoping for a boy"
Ian lifts his brow
"What
can't have you outnumbered now can we" she grins
Ian chuckles
"I do not mind being outnumbered... especially by my girls."
"You have work tomorrow don't you"
"Yes my
love I do." he glances at the clock "And you should be getting some
sleep."
"But I don't have work tomorrow"
"Yes but
you look exhausted." Ian replies helping her under the covers he joins her
after turning off the light.
Sara yawns
leaning into his arms "Ian"
"Hmm"
he nuzzles her neck
"Think
we'll be happy here?"
Ian's silent
for a moment then hugs her "Yes my Sara we will be very happy... we are
together now"
"Yeah"
Sara yawns "Love you Ian"
"I love
you too Sara"
After midnight
"DADA DADA"
Ian awakens
with a start at the sound of Ana crying. When Sara stirs in his arms he kisses
her cheek "Go back to sleep"
"Ana..."
"I
know." he gets out of bed making his way to the crying baby's room he
turns on the hall light then enters to find Ana sitting up in the crib sobbing.
He reaches out touching her head
Ana looks up
to see her father standing there "Dada" she sniffles holding her arms
out
Ian lifts her
up grabbing a clean tissue he wipes the tears off her face "Its OK
Ana"
In her
father's arms the child's sobs slow down she rests her head on his shoulder
listening as he talks softly
Ian slowly
walks the floor with Ana cradled against his chest. "Shh Ana Mama's
sleeping." After ten minutes he looks at Ana seeing her eyes closed he
moves to put her back down.
Ana opens her eyes and immediately begins to sob
Ian leans
against the wall by the window looking out at the stars with Ana still in his
arms
Sara looks
over to find the spot beside her empty. Getting out of bed she makes her way
out of the room and down the hallway to find Ian staring out the window with
Ana against his shoulder. She smiles slightly entering the room she goes to his
side
"You should be sleeping" Ian says looking at Sara
"I missed
you. Come back to bed. Ana's asleep"
Ian nods
moving again to set the child down when Ana again opens her eyes and starts to
cry. Ian lays the infant down wiping the tears away with his thumb "Time
to go back to sleep Ana."
Ana sits up crying she holds up her arms
"Go to
sleep sweetie" Sara says as she and Ian walk out of the room closing the
door behind them.
"DADA" Ana sobs
"How long
do you think she will cry?" Ian asks as they curl up in bed.
"Who knows... she's in a new place." Sara mumbles
"Go back
to sleep" Ian says kissing the back of her neck
"M'kay"
Sara sighs "but can you turn the monitor down" she requests
"As you
wish my love" he reaches over turning it down he shoves it under his
pillow.
"Why'dya do that?" Sara asks sleepily
"You need
more sleep than I do." Ian replies "I can tune her out unless she
really needs something."
Sara chuckles "My considerate stalker" she yawns
"night"
"Night"
Dawn
Ian is brought
out of his sleep by the sound of his phone ringing. He grabs it off the
nightstand before it can wake Sara "Yes?" he listens for a moment
"Yes sir I will be right there." he closes the phone looking at Sara
asleep beside him. After a moment he crawls out of bed heading to the bathroom.
10 mins later
Ian walks out
of the bathroom showered and dressed. He sits on the edge of the bed kissing
Sara's cheek
Sara sighs
"You leaving?" she asks without opening her eyes
"He needs
me in for something."
" 'kay. Check on Ana before you go" she requests
"I
will" he assures grabbing the monitor from under his pillow he turns it up
setting it on the nightstand. "I love you" he says
"Love
you" she mumbles rolling over she pulls the covers over her head
8AM
Sara groans
hearing Ana chatter over the monitor. She glances at the alarm clock "Damn
Jas won't be here for another hour." she sits up stretching "Mama's
coming Ana" she calls getting out of bed she makes her way to the infants
room. She smiles finding Ana standing "Hey you" she picks her up
"Ma...ma"
Ana says
Sara starts
"Did you just say Mama?"
Ana looks at
her mother "Ma...ma."
"Mama"
"Maaamaaaa"
Ana says with a grin "Mama Mama"
"Finally...
I thought your only word was going to be Dada" she kisses Ana's cheek
"Dada" Ana says looking around
"Sorry
sweetie Dada's at work." Sara says laying Ana on the changing table
"Lets get you changed and fed so Mama can get to work on unpacking."
"Mama.
Mama" Ana says flailing her arms and legs.
"Good
girl... now stay still" Sara laughs "Mama's got to change you"
"Mama"
Ana claps
Early afternoon
"Who
would have thought I'd have this much junk" Sara sighs sitting on the
couch.
"Know the
feeling... when I moved out of my brother's place I had so much junk" Jas
laughs grabbing Ana before she can bolt for the door. "So how was your
first night here?" she asks
"Ana kept
waking up."
"New
place" Jas shrugs
"Mmm"
Sara says sleepily
"Mama"
Ana shrieks with laughter
"You look
beat... why don't you go get some sleep" Jas suggests "I'll finish up
with the kitchen and get Ana-nana lunch."
"Sleep
sounds good" Sara says "god I'm exhausted and I've only been up for
five hours" she yawns "why am I not surprised... after all even
talking to Mr Cryptic can cause a person to get exhausted" she stands
stretching
Jas laughs
"Yeah he tends to do that... its the whole deep thoughts side of
him."
Sara chuckles
making her way to the stairs.
Late that night
Sara rolls
into Ian's embrace "Hi" she says sleepily
"Hi"
Ian kisses the top of her head
"Missed
you"
"Missed
you too"
"You were
gone all day" Sara mumbles "and most of the night"
"Sorry Mr
Irons had meetings in Toronto all day."
"Mmm I'm glad your home." Sara says kissing his neck
"As am
I."
"Ana
finally said Mama" Sara lifts her head meeting Ian's gaze
"You must be happy about that." Ian smiles
Sara leans
down kissing him she pouts moving so she straddles his hips "You had
coffee"
Ian lifts his
brow "Had to have something to stay awake after that meeting." he
pulls her back down for a deep kiss
Sara sighs
"You know we haven't made love yet in our new bed." she smirks
"Oh
really?"
"Mmm"
she kisses him
"Sounds
promising."
"Oh definately"
*
Sara sighs stretching on her back
Ian smiles
moving down the bed he props himself up on one hand the other resting on the
roundness of her middle.
Sara runs her hand over his hair "Mmm" she sighs
happily
"We
should get some sleep"
"You
working tomorrow?"
"Yes"
Ian replies pressing his lips against her middle moving back up the bed he
pulls her close.
"Night"
"Good
night my Sara" Ian says kissing her forehead
Chapter 18
3 months later
"Mama"
Ana says happily as her mother walks into the house.
Sara smiles at
the little girl on the floor "Hey sweetie." she notices Ian at the
kitchen table working on his laptop.
"Mama"
Ana holds up her arms wanting up
"Sorry
sweetie Mommy can't pick you up right now" Sara goes over to Ian hugging
him from behind "Hey you"
"Hello my
love. How was work?" Ian looks up smiling slightly
Sara smiles
rubbing her middle "Good" she kisses the top of his head "How
was your day?"
"Busy"
he looks over at Ana watching them curiously "We missed you" he looks
up at her.
"Missed
you too" Sara smiles scratches at his beard.
Ian gently
rubs her middle "How was this one today?"
Sara sighs
"Happy. Been moving all day."
Ian presses
his lips to her middle "Hello little one. Were you good for Mommy
today?"
Sara laughs
feeling the baby move in response "He was good"
"He?"
Ian lifts his brow
Sara shrugs
"Just a feeling."
Ian nods
"Mama"
Ana whimpers holding her arms up.
"Ugh this
is one thing I'm really hating about being pregnant" Sara sighs "Its
getting harder to pick Ana up."
Ian stands
going over he picks up Ana handing her over to Sara "Here love"
"Mama"
Ana hugs her mother
"Oh I
missed you Ana" Sara kisses the baby's cheek
Ana grins
"Kiss"
Sara laughs
"That's right" she kisses Ana again smiling at Ian.
Ian kisses his
girls foreheads as they settle on the couch. He watches as Anastasia cuddles
into Sara. 'My family.' he smiles as the doorbell rings "I will get
it" he kisses Sara's cheek. He stands walking to the front door opening it
to find a couple in there fifties standing on the stoop. "Yes how can I
help you?" he asks.
"Are you
Ian Nottingham?" the man asks cautiously
"Yes."
Ian answers
"We're
sorry to disturb you at home. My name is Grace Hanson this is my husband
Fredrick."
"Do I
know you?" he asks at the familiarity of their name
"We're
here because we received some information about our daughter. It mentions
you." Fredrick states "and Sara Pezzini"
"Your
daughter?" Sara asks joining them in the door way.
"Her name
was Robin." Grace reaches into her purse removing a picture handing it to
Sara.
Sara looks at
the picture of a young blond haired woman with blue eyes. 'Robin Hanson? Oh God
that can't be.' she pales
//"You
look like you could use some money." Kenneth remarks looking at the blond
young woman
"You want
me to what?!" Robin says stunned
"Be a
surrogate"//
Sara shakes
her head pulling her sleeve down covering the glowing stone.
"Do you
know her?" Grace asks
"I never
met her" Sara says truthfully "please come in" she invites
pulling Ian out of the way so they can enter.
"According
to this letter she was a surrogate for your daughter Anastasia." Fredrick
says holding out a piece of paper.
Sara takes the
letter reading it
'Dear Mr and
Mrs Hanson,
I have some
information regarding your daughter Robin. She was a surrogate for a Detective
Sara Pezzini and Ian Nottingham. Unfortunately Robin did not survive the birth
of Anastasia.'
Sara swallows
a wave of nausea not wanting to read more she folds the letter up handing it to
Ian "Why don't we talk in the livingroom" she invites. Sara leads
them into the living room "Have a seat" she gestures to the couch. As
they all sit Sara speaks reluctantly "Look there are things you don't know
and I don't know."
"Was our
daughter your surrogate?" Grace questions
"Truthfully
I don't know." Sara says
"Mama"
Ana calls "Daddy" she whimpers
Ian goes over
to the playpen picking Ana up "Shh" he soothes
"How can
you not know?" Fredrick demands
Ian's eyes
narrow 'Kenneth'
Sensing Ian's
anger Sara looks at him "Ian"
Ian nods
closing his eyes he takes a deep breath. He looks at Ana his anger fading as
his daughter looks at him with wide eyes. He kisses her forehead.
"Look we
want answers about what happened to our daughter!" Fredrick says angrily
"We don't
know." Ian responds
"Was she
the surrogate?" Grace asks softly as she looks at the little girl with
dark curly hair and brown eyes in the dark haired man's arms.
"Apparently.
We don't know for sure" Sara answers
"How can
you not know?" Fredrick asks angrily "You hired her!"
Ana whimpers
at the loud unfamiliar voice. She buries her face in her father's chest.
"Shh"
Ian soothes rubbing her back. He looks at the man "Can you please not
yell. It upsets Ana"
Grace touches
her husband's arm "Fredrick calm down." she looks at Sara and Ian
"I know our being here is a surprise. Its just Robin was our only child
and we just want to know how she daughter died. What she had been doing."
"We have
no idea." Sara says "We want to know as well." she stands going
over to Ian she takes Ana from him "We owe your daughter a lot."
"How do
we know that Anastasia is actually yours? How do we know that she isn't our
granddaughter?" Fredrick demands
Sara sees Ian
clench his jaw and touches his arm "Because Ana looks like us and acts
like us." she shifts Ana to face the couple.
"Blood
tests?" Fredrick demands
"They
were run when she was born." Ian answers "Plus we had a DNA test done
when we found out about her."
"Oh you
are such a cutie" Grace smiles at Ana who just watches her curiously.
"Who
would know what happened to our daughter?" Fredrick demands
"We've
been trying to figure that out" Sara answers kissing Ana's head
"since the moment we knew about her. We still don't have any clear
answers."
Ana squirms in
her mother's arms grunting she reaches for the floor.
"Want
down?" Sara asks
"Down"
Ana demands
"How old
is she?" Grace asks
"20
months" Sara answers putting Ana on the floor. "Look we've been
trying to find out what happened to your daughter but the last thing we have
that's sure is that she was living in a homeless shelter and had been for a few
months."
"How long
did you know who Robin was?" Grace questions
"We found
out on Ana's birthday. Then we started looking into how it lead to your
daughter being the surrogate." Sara explains "We still don't know
much. We wanted to know more before we contacted you."
"So is
our daughter dead?" Fredrick asks
"We
believe so" Ian answers keeping an eye on Ana as she walks around the
livingroom. "But we do not know for sure."
"How did
she die?" Grace questions
"We don't
know." Sara says sadly
"They
have no answers" Fredrick says angrily as he walks out of the livingroom.
As they hear
the front door close Grace sighs "I'm sorry for my husband's behavior. He
took it hard when Robin disappeared. Look if you find anything out about our
daughter please call us. Thank you for speaking with us."
Sara nods
"I'll walk you to the door"
Ian stares at
the floor as Sara walks the woman to the door.
"Dada?"
Hearing the
small voice and feeling a tug on his pant leg Ian notices Ana staring up at him
with wide eyes. He watches as she wraps her small arms around his leg.
Sara walks into
the livingroom to find Ana hugging Ian's leg her heart melting at what happens
next.
"Love
Dada." Ana smiles kissing his knee
Ian moves to
the floor looking at the curly haired baby "I love you too Ana" he
pulls her into his arms. He looks up to see Sara watching them from across the
room. "I love you" he mouthes
Sara smiles
running her hands over her middle. "I love you" she mouthes back.
Later that night
Sara turns her
head hearing the bathroom door open to find Ian enter. "Is she
asleep?" she asks from the bathtub
"Yes" Ian answers
"Join
me?" Sara asks hopefully. She watches as Ian undresses her heart racing at
the sight of his naked body. 'God he's gorgeous' she moves forward so Ian can
slide in behind her.
Ian pulls Sara
back against his chest his hands moving over her body.
Sara tilts her
head meeting Ian's lips in a lazy kiss "Mmm" she purrs resting her
head on his shoulder closing her eyes. "Today was definately an
interesting day."
"That it
was." Ian agrees running his hands over her belly "How are you
feeling?"
"Tired."
"Sorry my
Sara" he kisses her shoulder.
"Ian...
I'm scared."
"Why are
you scared?"
"What if
they try to take Ana from us?"
"They
won't." Ian soothes "If they try we'll do whatever it takes to keep Ana
with us."
Sara kisses
his neck "I love you."
"I love
you." Ian gently runs his hands down Sara's body listening to her moans
and whimpers as she squirms on his lap. "My Sara" he whispers awed at
her body's reaction to his light touch.
Sara turns her
head meeting Ian's lips in an intense kiss "Water's getting cold"
"It
is"
"Mmm"
Sara nods "Finish this in bed?"
"As you
wish my love." Ian kisses her nose standing he helps Sara out of the tub
wrapping her in a big towel he lifts her into his arms.
"Ian"
Sara giggles her arms going around his neck.
Ian carries
Sara out of the bathroom to their bed. He sets her on the bed seeing her shiver
he gently dries her off then kneels beside the bed he dries off her legs.
"Better?" he asks looking up at her.
Sara nods
Ian presses a
soft kiss inside her knee then level with her swollen middle he gently rubs her
belly. "Hello little one. I love you, your Mama and your sister more than
anything. I won't ever let anyone hurt you." he smiles feeling the baby
kick.
"You know
I think Jr Nottingham is saying something very important"
"Oh really?" Ian lifts his brow
Sara nods
solemnly "Jr is saying 'Enough talk kiss Mommy'"
"Oh I
think that can be done." Ian grins moving up he kisses Sara
"Mmm
that's more like it" Sara mumbles against his lips
Dawn
RING
Ian blindly
reaches for his phone on the nightstand "Yes sir?" he says in
greeting glancing at the clock.
"Ian Dr
Immo would like to see you sometime today."
"I know.
Scheduled check up."
"Also"
Kenneth swallows "I need the Weilder's blood. Immo has a new theory he
wants to work out."
"Yes sir.
I will bring it with me. Anything else?"
"No. Tell
the Weilder I said hello" Kenneth hangs up.
Ian sets the
phone down returning to his position curled behind Sara.
"What'd he want" Sara mumbles
"He needs
more blood." Ian replies "Go back to sleep" he kisses her
shoulder
"'k"
Couple Hours Later
"Daddy"
Ana grins reaching for her father when she sees him walk into her room.
"Mama?" she looks around
"Mama's
sleeping. Let's get you changed then we'll go see Mama. OK?" Ian lifts Ana
out of the crib.
Ana nods "Kiss" she demands
Ian kisses her
then lays her on the changing table. "Here you go" he hands Ana her
favorite toy a small stuffed alien Gabe had given her.
Anastasia
grins clutching at her toy giggling.
Ian quickly
changes the baby's diaper resnapping her sleeper he picks her up.
"Better?"
Ana pats at his face "Daddy"
Ian carries
Ana out of her bedroom down the hall to the Master bedroom. "Who's
that?" he points
Ana's eyes widen "Mama" she cries happily
At the
familiar childish cry Sara stirs opening her eyes she rubs at them sleepily
"Mmm" she sighs "morning" she smiles seeing Ian sitting on
the edge of the bed with Anastasia on his lap. "Don't you have work?"
Ian nods his
eyes on Ana "Ana woke up while I was getting out of the shower. Thought
I'd get her before she started screaming."
Sara rests her
chin on Ian's shoulder smiling at Ana "Hey little miss." she sweeps
her finger down Ana's nose.
"Mama." Ana giggles
"Here
I'll take her. You need to finish getting ready" Sara kisses Ian's cheek.
Ian hands Ana
over to Sara.
Sara settles
back with Ana beside her. "What did Kenneth want?"
"Remind
me that Immo wants to see me today."
"He had
to remind you?"
"No. I
just think he's starting to realize how much he depended on having me at his
beck and call." Ian pulls on his sweater "Now he's got no one but the
house staff. And they avoid him at all cost. He won't hurt the Butler, cook or
housekeeper but everyone else he would. Luckily that hasn't happened in a
while." Ian sits on the bed pulling on his boots.
Sara watches
as Ana becomes engrossed with the stone of the Witchblade. She removes it
handing it to Ana. As Ana sticks the bracelet in her mouth Sara inhales
sharply.
"You
OK?" Ian asks concerned his sensitive hearing picking up Sara's intake.
Sara nods
rubbing her middle "He just surprised me." Carefully Sara stands
walking into the bathroom.
Ian looks at
Ana and smiles seeing the little girl chattering happily as she chews on the
bracelet. Ian unlocks the top drawer of his dresser removing his favored knife.
He straps the sheathe to his ankle as Sara walks out of the bathroom.
"What are your plans for today?" he asks as Sara leans against the
doorframe.
"Mmm not
much. Lunch with Marie. I need to fill out some reports that Jake is supposed
to drop off today." she sits on the bed beside Ana.
Ian nods
grabbing a syringe off the dresser. He joins Sara giving her a pained look
"Ian
you've done this before."
"I just
don't like hurting you."
"Ana
Daddy's being wimpy"
"Hey"
Ian protests
Ana giggles
"Come on
Ian just get it over with." Sara watches Ana as she feels the pinch of the
needle in her vein.
As the vial
fills Ian removes the needle "Done" he presses a cotton ball to the
small hole "This should last a while." he muses
"Didn't I just donate to the Save Irons fund" Sara
mutters
"This is
the Immo fund." Ian explains
"Ahh."
Sara nods "The Saving the Evil One Leader" she stands lifting Ana
onto her hip returning the bracelet to her wrist.
Ian follows
Sara downstairs to the kitchen taking Ana from her he sets the little girl on
her highchair. "I have to go" he kisses Ana's head then takes Sara's
face between his hands "I love you Sara"
Sara grins
"I love you too."
MidAfternoon: Vorschlag
"Ian how
is the Fair Sara?" Kenneth asks
"She's
fine... upset" Ian replies
"Upset?"
Kenneth asks
"We had
visitors yesterday."
"Oh?"
"Robin
Hanson's parents."
"Robin
Hanson?" Kenneth asks thoughtfully "Oh yes the surrogate. How did
they find you?"
"We have
no idea. Do you?"
"Why
would I?" Kenneth questions
"Because
other than Sara and I you and Immo and the other doctors you brought in would
know. Sara and I agreed not to tell anyone who Ana's surrogate was."
"Anyone
could have found out who gave birth to Anastasia if they dug into a records
office. I had it buried deep."
"Why did you file it?" Ian questions
"It would
have been a little more suspicious if in fifteen twenty years she appeared
without one. Besides her birth certificate wasn't filed in a records office
with a full computer database."
"Robin's
parents have questions."
"If they
come to you send them to speak with me. I will explain as much as I can."
Kenneth offers
Ian nods
"Now we
have a meeting at 3. Go change into your suit" he dismisses "and have
the car ready."
"Yes
sir." Ian nods
House
"And the
dog says..." Sara trails off "What do doggies say Ana?"
"Woof"
Ana giggles
"Good
job. Now what do cats say?"
"Meow"
Sara's about
to turn the page when she hears the phone ring "Ana I have to get
that."
Ana nods taking the book "Ana book"
Sara smiles
standing she goes over to the counter grabbing the phone "Hello?"
"Hello My
Sara"
"Hey you.
What's going on?"
"Just
thinking of you."
Sara leans
against the counter rubbing her middle "Oh really?"
"Yes
really. What are you doing?"
"Reading
with Ana. What are you doing?"
"Changing.
Kenneth has a meeting to attend."
"Ahh your
favorite thing." Sara teases
"Funny."
"Mama...
cow" Ana calls laughing
Sara returns
to the couch "So are you going to be home for dinner tonight?"
"Depends
on how long this meeting takes."
Sara runs her
fingers over Ana's curly hair "Alright. I'll see you later."
"Give Ana
a kiss for me."
"I
will" Sara promises saying goodbye she hangs up. She leans down kissing
Ana's head "From Daddy"
"Daddy?"
Ana looks at her mother hopeful "Daddy?" she looks around
Sara smiles
"No baby he'll be home later."
"OK" Ana nods returning to her book "Moo."
she points
"That's
right. That's a cow they say Moo"
Late Night
Sara looks up
as Ian enters the kitchen "Ian" she smiles
Ian looks over the covered table "You look busy"
Sara shrugs
"Just closing up some files." she leans back in her chair rubbing her
stomach
"Sara?" Ian inquires
Sara smiles
"Ian I'm fine." she assures standing. "How was your day?"
she asks
"Long"
Ian pulls Sara into his arms "How's Ana?"
"Asleep.
She's gotten to be pretty good at identifying animals. She's a smart kid."
Ian kisses her
gently "That she is."
"Hey you
OK?" Sara asks scratching at his beard smiling as Ian nuzzles her hand.
"Just
missed you." he says
"Missed
you too"
"Lets
just go to bed"
Sara nods
following him out of the kitchen up to their room.
Chapter 19
Few days later: Precinct
Sara runs her
hand over her middle as she reads through a file 'Well kid at least you're calm
now.' Sara looks up hearing a knock at the door
"I got
it" Jake says standing
"Good
because I'm comfy" Sara replies returning to her reading
"Detective
Pezzini?" the man inquires
"Pez its
for you." Jake returns to his desk allowing the man to enter
Sara looks up
"Yes?"
"Sign
here"
Sara takes the
offered clipboard signing her name handing it back.
"Here"
the man hands her an envelope then walks out of the office.
"What is
it?" Jake asks
"Have to
open it to find out." Sara retorts glancing at her wrist frowning as she
sees the stone swirl. 'What's with you?'
"Geez you
are still hormonal" Jake says drily
Sara glares at
him "Back off McCartey... I still have a gun you know."
Jake holds up
his hands defensively "OK OK I give."
"Get back
to work huh" Sara says opening the envelope she inhales sharply
"You
OK?" Jake asks
Sara nods
rubbing her side "Kid's back to being stubborn."
"Considering
its your kid" Jake teases
"Funny"
Sara rolls her eyes removing papers from the envelope. As she reads her eyes
widen "Oh my God" she whispers
"Pez?"
Jake asks
Sara shoves
the papers back in the envelope "I uh have to go" she says standing.
"What's
wrong?" Jake questions
"Something
came up. I have to go." Sara pulls on her jacket "I'll call you
later." she grabs the envelope hurrying out of the office.
Jake stares
after his partner shaking his head "OK and I thought she was strange
before she was pregnant" he mutters turning his attention back to his own
work.
Sametime: Vorschlag
Ian removes
his phone from his pocket feeling the vibrations. He looks at the caller ID
frowning. He glances at Kenneth involved in a deep conversation with his heads
of department. Silently he steps out of the office pressing talk "Sara
what's wrong?" he asks concerned "Where are you?"
"Heading
home."
"Are you
OK?" he asks concerned
"No"
Sara says trying to keep her emotions under control
"What's
wrong?"
"The
Hansons just had me served with custody papers."
Ian inhales
"Ian
their suing for custody of Ana." Sara says her voice wavering
Hearing Sara's
tearful voice Ian sighs "I'll meet you at home. Be careful"
"OK"
Sara sniffles hanging up.
Ian hangs up
returning his phone to his pocket. After a moment Ian returns to the conference
room going to Kenneth he stops behind his employer's chair.
Sensing his
bodyguard behind him Kenneth gestures for the others to continue talking. He
looks at Ian expectantly "Something wrong?"
Ian leans in
"Sara called. She was just served with custody papers by the Hansons.
She's on her way home."
Kenneth nods
"Go. The lawyers will be at your disposal if you need them."
"Thank
you sir." Ian nods "Jonathon is right outside if you need him."
"Give the
Detective my regards." Kenneth waves off in dismissal. He watches
thoughtfully as Ian walks out of the office. 'Interesting.'
House
Jas jumps in
surprise hearing the door leading from the garage open and Sara hurrying in.
"Sara you OK?" she asks seeing Sara's frantic expression.
"Mama"
Ana grins happily from her Nanny's hip as they wait for her nap bottle.
Sara sets the
envelope on the kitchen counter then removes her jacket tossing it on the chair
and setting her gun in a kitchen drawer. "Come 'ere you" Sara takes
Ana from Jas. "Just wanted to see my girl" Sara says hugging Ana
"I was
just about to put her down for her nap" Jas says removing the bottle from
the microwave.
Sara nods
"I'll take her." she takes the bottle from Jas offering it to Ana.
She smiles as Ana takes the bottle sticking it in her mouth. Sara carries Ana out
of the kitchen and up the stairs to her and Ian's room. Kicking off her shoes
Sara settles on the bed with Ana beside her.
Ana grins
around her bottle cuddling into her mother. "Mama" she pats her
mother's middle "Baby"
Sara smiles
"Yep that's your little brother or sister" she runs her fingers
through Ana's hair.
Ian enters the
house to find Jas cleaning up the kitchen. "Where's Sara?"
"Upstairs"
Jas answers "why are you both home?"
Ian notices
the envelope on the counter. He picks it up removing the papers he quickly
reads through them his anger rising. He tosses the papers down striding out of
the kitchen.
Jas watches
him walk away. She shrugs wiping her hands off she heads to her apartment over
the garage.
Ian stops in
the doorway of the master bedroom watching as Sara and Ana cuddle on the bed.
He smiles at the scene before him
Ana sits up
setting her bottle aside she pats her Mama's stomach "Baby play?"
Sara smiles at
the little girl's question "Not for a while yet little miss."
Ana sighs laying her head on her mother's stomach
Sara looks at
the door to see Ian watching them with a faint smile.
Ian makes his
way over to the bed removing his overcoat he tosses it on a chair
"Daddy" Ana grins happily
Ian quickly
removes his boots joining Sara on the bed with Ana between them. "Ana its
naptime" he says sternly handing the girl her bottle
"No" Ana pouts "no nap." she shoves her
bottle away "play"
"Nap"
Ian says sternly as he gently guides the girl to her back handing her the
bottle. "Nap now, play later."
Sara watches
the stare down amused by the girl's stubbornness. As Ana takes her bottle Sara
looks at Ian "Gee I wonder where she gets her attitude from?"
"You my
love." Ian answers shifting to face Sara he cups his cheek "Are you
OK my Sara?"
Sara looks at
Ana watching them around her bottle as she plays with her feet. "I don't
want to lose her. How could they sue for custody?" she questions anger
flashing through her green eyes.
"Sara
we'll handle this." Ian assures looking at Ana shifting restlessly between
them
"I'm
scared Ian."
"Mama?"
Ana questions "sad"
Sara looks at
the little girl seeing the confusion in her eyes "I'm OK Ana. Just go to
sleep" she soothes
Half hour later
Sara watches
as Ian lays Ana down in the playpen in the corner of their room. "I just
want her close."
Ian
straightens up after covering Ana with a blanket. He turns around looking at
Sara sitting on the bed hugging her middle. "Sara everything will be
OK." he goes over to the bed sitting beside her pulling her close.
"Ana isn't going anywhere."
Sara nuzzles
Ian's neck "How could they even file for custody? Ana is our
daughter."
"They
won't get her Sara." Ian slowly rocks her as she clings to him.
"Ana's our daughter and no one will take her from us." he gently
coaxes Sara to look at him. Seeing the tears streaking her face he wipes away
the tears with his thumb "I promise." he kisses her gently resting
his forehead against Sara's.
Sara stares at
him brushing her lips over his biting at his lower lip urging him into a deep
kiss. She rests her hands on his face giving into the kiss. Needing to breath
she reluctantly breaks the kiss her lips trailing over his jaw lightly nipping
at the underside of chin causing him to growl.
"Sara"
Ian groans feeling her hands slide under his sweater "we'll wake Ana"
Sara looks
over at the playpen then at Ian "Bathroom?"
Ian picks her
up carrying her into the bathroom. He closes the door slightly as he sets Sara
on her feet. He captures her lips in a searing kiss.
Sara unlaces
his hair from the knot running her fingers through his hair moaning at the feel
of his mouth on hers. As his lips leave hers she whimpers then gasps as he
plants light kisses to her jaw and neck. She sighs in pleasure
Ian pulls back
slightly to meet Sara's green eyes. He quickly pulls off her shirt tossing it
aside. He slowly smiles his eyes taking in her body "So beautiful" he
says awed his hands gently running over her growing middle.
Sara looks at
his hands amazed by the fact that the hands that touch her so tenderly, are
hands that had at many times taken lives. She shivers involuntarily 'No that's
not my Ian... that's his Ian.'
"Sara?" he looks at her concerned
Sara smiles
shaking her head she caresses his cheek "Nothing" she tilts her head
"just missed having you touch me." she meets his lips in a sweet,
lingering kiss.
Ian
reluctantly ends the kiss feeling Sara's hands slide under his sweater
caressing his back. He swiftly pulls off his sweater tossing it on the floor.
He pulls Sara down to the floor.
Sara smiles at
the sight of Ian's chest. She runs her hands over his chest whimpering as she
feels his own hands cup her tender breasts. She reaches back unsnapping her bra
she tosses it aside. At the look in his eyes Sara hisses "Still too many
clothes."
Ian quickly
removes the remainder of their clothes. He sits back lifting Sara to straddle
his thighs. "Beautiful Sara" he says his eyes going over her body.
Sara brushes
her lips over his reaching between them caressing him.
Ian growls low
and deep in his chest at the feeling of her hand caressing him. He guides her
over his erection.
Sara whimpers
feeling the tip of his arousal at her entrance. She lowers herself onto him
gasping his name. She meets his gaze "Feel good" she moans slowly
moving.
Ian tucks her
hair behind her ear meeting her movements.
Hour Later
Sara runs her
fingers down Ian's neck and back as he clings to her shuddering at the force of
his own release. She smiles as he nuzzles her neck seeking more contact. Sara
finally speaks her voice soft "She's still asleep... wanna go another
round?"
Ian chuckles
brushing his lips over her neck before lifting his head. He smoothes Sara's
hair back from her damp face "As much as I'd love to go round three you
wore me out." he kisses the tip of her nose.
Sara grins
shifting on his lap smirking as he growls. "Thought you were tired"
"What you
do to me" he shakes his head his fingers trailing down her spine.
Sara bites
lightly at the side of his neck. "Feelings mutual." she meets his
gaze
Ian caresses
her cheek with the back of his fingers. "You are incredible." he says
awed
Sara inhales
sharply feeling a sharp movement, automatically her hands go to her middle. She
tilts her head looking down at her middle "Well someone's awake" she
chuckles.
"We
should go to the bedroom. You must be uncomfortable."
Sara sighs
"I'm fine. But we should get up. Ana could wake up soon and we do need to
talk." The two pull on their clothes leaving the bathroom. Sara goes over
to the playpen checking in on Anastasia rubbing her middle as the baby kicks.
"Calm down you." she leans into Ian's chest taking a deep breath as
Ian gently rubs her middle. "Ian... I'm scared. What if they take Ana from
us?"
"Shh they
won't." he soothes kissing her cheek his eyes on the sleeping girl.
"Everything will be fine. Please don't worry."
"I have
to worry. Ana's part of us... the idea of not having her around... actually
scares me. How is this even possible? How could they sue for custody?"
"It'll be
OK. I'll take care of this" he runs his hands over her belly "You
take care of yourself and this little one."
"We're in
this together Ian." Sara tilts her head to the side "This is our
family."
Ian smiles
"Our family."
Sara rests her
head on his shoulder watching as Anastasia sleeps.
Evening
Sara smiles at
the sight of Ana walking towards her father with her bottle in her mouth.
"I can't imagine not having Ana around."
"Sara
everything will work out. You'll see" Jas comforts "but relax you
don't want to get too stressed."
Sara runs her hands over her belly. "It scares me"
"What
scares you?" Jas asks
Sara watches
as Ian picks Ana up awed by the silent look of communication between the two.
"It scares me that someone could take Ana from us just because I didn't
give birth to her. Before Ana come along I never thought of myself as a mother
type yet here I am... two kids, a guy who loves me and a house. I have a normal
life... even though none of us is normal."
"Everything
will work out Pez."
Sara nods
"I hope so." she watches as Ian talks to Ana amused by the little
girl's serious expression. 'He is such a good daddy.'
At the ring of
the doorbell Jas speaks "I'll get it" she stands going to the door.
Sara smiles as
Ian lifts Ana over his head causing the girl to laugh hysterically. "Ian
she does have to go to bed sooner or later."
"I
know" Ian rubs his nose against Ana's causing Ana to pat at his face.
Sara laughs
"Sara
there's someone here to see you." Jas says concerned
"Who?"
Sara asks
"Mrs
Hanson"
Sara nods
"Bring her in." Sara looks at Ian confusion obvious in her gaze. She
looks at the older woman.
Mrs Hanson
looks at them nervously "Detective Pezzini. I came to speak with
you."
Jas takes Ana
from Ian "I'll take her upstairs."
"Thank you" Ian nods
As Jas leaves
the room Sara gestures to the couch "Have a seat."
Mrs Hanson
sits down "My husband doesn't know I'm here." she explains "I
wanted to speak with you both without him."
Sara nods
"I had no
idea what Fredrick was doing until I found the paperwork on the desk."
"Why is he suing for custody?" Sara asks
"My
husband was very protective of Robin. Overprotective is more the word. When
Robin ran away he became even worse. He didn't understand that Robin is... was
no longer five years old. They got into a fight over his behavior and Robin
took off." Mrs Hanson shakes her head "My husband wants answers and
wants to make it up to Robin for how he treated her."
"Why Ana
though? Ana is our biological child." Sara points out
Mrs Hanson
nods "I don't want to take her from you. My husband and I are too old to
care for a child. I'm sure after a few days of thought he'll realize that. I'll
try to talk him out of this whole thing."
Sara nods
"Thank you."
"I'm sorry for all of this" Mrs Hanson apologizes
standing
Ian stands as
well "Thank you Mrs Hanson."
Sara watches
as Ian walks the woman out of the room. She looks at her wrist to find the
stone calm 'So is she lying? Are they going to take Ana from us?' she stares at
the stone getting no answer.
Ian returns to
find Sara staring at her wrist "What is it telling you?"
"Nothing."
Sara answers "Do you think she's being serious?"
Ian nods
"I didn't catch any hint of dishonesty. I think her husband was behind
this. Just to be on the safe side tomorrow I will ask Kenneth for all the
testing and records done on Ana and Robin."
Sara nods
closing her eyes. "I just hope this doesn't lead to anything more... if
they start looking into both our pasts... you know they'd most likely get
custody."
"Don't
think about that." Ian sits beside her his arm going around Sara's
shoulders pulling her against him.
"I'll
try."
Later that night
Sara stands by
the crib watching as Ana drifts off to sleep. "Night Ana"
"Nigh' Nigh'" Ana mumbles
After a few
moments Sara walks out of the bedroom to find Ian in the hallway. "She's
asleep." she wraps her arms around him burying her face in his chest.
"Come on
my love lets get to bed. We have a long day tomorrow." Ian leads Sara into
their bedroom.
Next Morning: Vorschlag
Ian enters the
office to find Kenneth on the phone. He waits barely hiding his impatience
Kenneth picks
up on Ian's impatience "Brian I will have to call you back. Something just
came up. Yes yes" he hangs up staring at Ian curiously "So?"
"Mr
Hanson filed the paperwork without telling his wife. Hopefully she'll be able
to talk him into pulling the suit."
"If he
doesn't?"
"Then we'll just have to deal with it" Ian answers
Kenneth nods
"The lawyers are at your disposal"
"Thank
you"
Couple nights later: House
Sara picks up
the phone "Hello?"
Ian glances at
Sara then back at Ana on his lap with a book open. He listens to Ana giggle
happily over the pictures of animals.
"Really?
OK thank you." Sara hangs up smiling she turns around
"What's going on love?" Ian asks
"That was
the Hansons lawyers. They pulled the suit"
"That's
great" Ian smiles looking at Ana still involved with her book. "Now
stop worrying" he holds out his hand.
Sara settles
beside Ian her attention on Ana. 'My family will never be seperated.'
Couple Days Later
Sara stares at
the screen
"Well
your baby is right on schedule" the doctor informs Sara "Would you
like to know what it is?"
"Yes"
Sara says excitedly
"Its a...
boy"
"A
boy" Sara smiles her eyes on the screen.
Later: House
Sara smiles
watching as Ian goes through his routine with his Katana. She stands there
taking in the sight. 'God he's gorgeous'
Sensing Sara's
presence Ian turns his eyes taking in her figure. He smiles setting his Katana
aside grabbing a towel he wipes the sweat off his face. "How was your
appointment?"
Sara walks up
to him "It was good." she kisses him sweetly "I'm fine. He's
fine." at his look she grins "The doctor confirmed it." she pats
her belly "Its a boy."
Ian smiles
"A boy"
Sara nods
Ian rests his
hand against Sara's middle "A boy." he says awed.
Sara runs her
finger down his nose "A little boy who's going to be just as sweet and
smart as his Daddy."
Ian picks her
up kissing her deeply "I love you Sara Pezzini"
Sara smiles
against his lips "I love you Ian Nottingham." Sara hugs him tight
After a few
moments Ian speaks "I should go get cleaned up. Everyone's coming over for
dinner."
Sara sighs
reluctantly releasing him. "The guys will be happy to know its a
boy."
Ian smiles
"Yes they will"
"I'll go
get Ana up from her nap."
Ian nods
kisses Sara again before hurrying up the stairs.
Sara shakes
her head following him.
Dinner
Sara smiles at
Ian as she hands Ana a piece of chicken.
Ana grins
"Bawk bawk"
"Bawk
bawk?" Jake questions
"Chicken"
Ian explains "we're still working on the names of animals. She's got a lot
of them but chicken's a hard word for her."
"Dog"
Ana says "kitty. Cow."
"Good job
Ana-nana" Gabe approves
"Mama"
Ana holds out her arms from the highchair.
"Ana
finish eating" Ian instructs pointing to Ana's plate. "then you can
get out."
"Pez
how'd your doctor's appointment go?" Jake asks curiously
Sara smiles "It went good"
"So do
you know yet?" Gabe demands "We getting a niece or nephew?"
Sara grins
"Its a boy."
Jake grins
"I get to teach him how to surf."
"I get hacking rights to both of 'em" Gabe says
"Gabe you
are not teaching my kids anything illegal" Sara laughs
"Oh come
on Pez... they gotta know how to hack." Gabe argues
Sara smiles
"All right you get computer rights."
"Whoo hoo" Gabe rejoices
Ana starts in
surprise her lower lip trembling as she looks around wide eyed
Ian seeing the look touches Ana's head gently
At the
familiar touch of her father's hand Ana relaxes picking up a piece of chicken
she inspects it before sticking it in her mouth.
"I swear
Ana has way better table manners then any of my nieces or nephews." Jake
remarks thoughtfully "Every meal at my parents usually results in mash
potatoes on walls and taking green beans out of Zach's nose" he shakes his
head.
"That is disgusting" Gabe says
Jake shrugs
"Five kids under 10 makes Christmas dinner interesting."
"You
never told me how many siblings you have" Gabe remarks
"Seven.
Three girls four boys I'm the third youngest. Then there's five nephews, four
nieces and a step-nephew."
"Talk
about loud household" Jas laughs
"No kidding."
Jake scowls
That Night
Sara watches
as Ian stands at the window of Ana's room with the little girl in his arms
talking softly as she drinks from her bottle. "Hey what are you two
talking about?" she asks after a moment.
Ian smiles looking at Sara "The stars." he answers
"Ahh"
Sara joins them at the window resting her head on Ian's shoulder looking at Ana
who yawns around her bottle. "You getting sleepy huh" she smoothes
Ana's cheek with her fingers
Ian looks at
Ana and smiles "Time for someone to go to bed." he carries Ana over
to the crib laying her down covering her with a blanket.
Sara leans
against the railing watching Ana lay there watching them around her bottle. She
smiles at Ana "Night Ana-girl" she reaches in trailing her finger
down the bridge of Ana's nose causing the girl to grin. Sara moves away from
the crib going to the door Ian right behind her. Once in the hallway she looks
up at Ian reaching up she smoothes a loose curl off his forehead she smiles as
he turns into her touch. She lightly scratches at his beard amused as Ian all
but purrs his pleasure.
Ian pulls Sara
close kissing her deeply he turns pressing her against the wall. He lifts Sara
up against the wall guiding her legs around his hips without breaking the kiss.
After a few moments he pulls back staring at Sara his fingers going to a loose
strand of hair over her face. He smoothes it behind her ear then brushes his
lips over her face and neck.
Sara groans at
the feeling of Ian's lips against her neck she tangles her fingers in his hair.
She lightly yanks on his hair when he lifts his head she pulls his head down
kissing him deeply. As the kiss becomes more intense their jarred out of their
intense feelings as they feel the movement of their son.
Ian breaks the
kiss resting his forehead against hers he groans
Sara giggles
breathlessly "Your son has really bad timing." she rubs her nose
against Ian's "Or perhaps good timing... last time we made love against
the wall the next day I ended up with major back pain."
"I'm
sorry love" he apologizes brushing his lips over hers he sets her down.
"Not your
fault... if I recall I started that one." she kisses his chin "Let's
finish this in bed"
"Mmm"
Ian purrs "I like that idea."
Later
Sara sighs
happily looking down at Ian's hand resting on her belly. "You know at the
rate this kid's growing I am going to be huge by the time he's born."
Ian kisses her
cheek "Who cares... your still going to be beautiful."
"You say
that now but when I'm in labor and threatening to run you through with the
blade you won't think that."
"Yes I
will." he rubs his chin against her shoulder "You'll always be
beautiful"
Sara turns her head "I love you Ian"
"I love
you my Sara" he brushes his lips over hers "Now get some sleep."
he orders lightly
Sara snuggles
into Ian lacing her fingers with his "Night Ian"
"Sleep
well my love." Ian says softly
Chapter 20
2 Months Later
Sara awakens
with a strangled cry her heart pounding her breathing erratic. She looks at the
empty spot beside her as a piercing cry fills the air. Sara swallows heavily
battling a wave of fear and nausea as she sits up. Carefully she swings her
feet over the bed rubbing her middle gently as she feels a sharp kick to her
middle. "Where is your Daddy?" she mutters trudging out of the
bedroom and down the hall to Ana's room. "Ana its OK" she soothes
going over to the crib to find Ana sitting up screaming tears falling down her
cheeks. "Oh did you have a nightmare baby?" she picks Ana up cuddling
her close wincing at the sharp kick to her abdomen. She walks the floor
juggling Ana. She glances at the Witchblade to see it swirling angrily.
"Daddy"
Ana cries
"Shh"
Sara rubs Ana's back "its OK baby." she soothes pressing her lips to
Ana's hair. Sara continues to walk the floor trying to calm the girl. 'Where
are you Ian?'
Hour later
Jas sleepily
enters the kitchen to find Sara walking the floor with Ana. "Pez what's
with her?" she asks seeing the tears streaking Ana's cheeks
Sara shrugs
"She just woke up screaming and crying. She won't let me put her
down" Sara glances at her wrist concerned at the swirling colors as she
pats Ana's back.
"Something
wrong?" Jas questions seeing her friend's concern
"Ian
didn't come home last night." Sara says gently rocking Ana as she sobs.
"I have a bad feeling Jas." She looks at her friend blinking back
tears.
"Have you
tried calling him?"
Sara nods
"He's not answering." Sara presses her lips to Ana's head "Ian
is obsessive about answering his phone. God he even answers it when we're in
bed."
"Have you
tried Irons?"
"Yes.
He's not answering either." Sara inhales sharply her hand going to her
middle.
"Sara are
you OK?"
Sara nods
wincing "He just kicks hard."
"Want me
to take her?"
Sara looks at
Ana resting against her chest and shakes her head "I'll just go sit down.
Maybe she won't cry." Sara walks out of the kitchen to the livingroom she
sits on the couch. She holds her breath for a moment then sighs relieved when
Ana doesn't start screaming.
"Do you
want me to try Ian again?"
Sara nods
"Please" she presses her lips to Ana's head. She notices Danny in the
corner "Danny where's Ian? Is he OK?"
Danny shrugs
"I don't know."
Sara swallows
heavily blinking back tears. "Where is he?" she whispers pained
While later
Sara looks
towards the entryway as Jake enters with Captain Santos "Cap Jake what are
you doing here?"
"Sara" Jake pauses looking at his friend concerned
"What's
wrong Jake?" she demands her instincts up.
"Sara
there's been a shooting" Jake pauses "Ian's been shot."
Sara stares at
her friend stunned. She blinks back tears "Is he OK?"
Jake nods
"He's in the hospital."
"Ian
hates hospitals" she whispers "How bad is he?"
"He's in the operating room." Captain Santos soothes
"What
happened? How'd Ian get shot? He's too fast"
Jake looks at
his hands "We're not too sure. It looks like a hit on Irons and Ian got in
the way. Irons was shot as well. He's in the operating room."
Sara swallows
looking at Ana in her arms "I need to go to Ian." she says handing
Ana to Jas then stands.
"Sara you
should stay here." Jake suggests "Your in no condition to sit around
waiting for news."
Sara shakes
her head "Ian needs me." she says stubbornly
Half hour later
Sara sits in
the waitingroom waiting for a doctor or nurse to speak with her. 'Please be OK
Ian. I can't lose you... not now.' she runs her hands over her middle. She
looks up as Gabe joins her "Gabe"
"Hey Boss
you OK?"
Sara shakes
her head "I need Ian"
"Hey
he'll be OK. Nottingham's the most stubborn guy on the planet" Gabe says
putting his arm around Sara's shoulders. "How's Gabe Junior?"
Sara rests her
head against his shoulder "I told you he's not going to be named
Gabe"
"Why
not?"
"Because
Ian and I agreed that one Gabe and one Jake in our lives is enough" Sara
replies.
"Detective
Pezzini?" a doctor inquires
Sara looks up
"Yes. How is he?"
"The
bullet was lodged just below his ribs. Its been removed"
"But he's OK?" Sara asks
The doctor
nods "He's still out from the drugs. He should be fine within a few
days."
Sara smiles
relieved then tilts her head "What about Irons?"
The doctor
shakes his head "He's in a coma. Does he have any close relatives?"
"Only
Ian" Sara answers "Have you tried contacting their doctor?"
"Yes. He
is in with Mr Irons right now."
Sara nods
"Can I see Ian?"
"He's in
recovery right now. You can see him when he wakes up."
Sara nods
"Thank you."
Hour later
Sara winces
shifting uncomfortably in the chair of the waitingroom.
"Pez you OK?" Jake questions
Sara rubs her
middle "Uh guys... I think I'm having contractions."
"WHAT?!" Gabe and Jake yelp jumping up
"I'll get
a doctor" Jake says hurrying away
Sara runs her
hands over her middle taking a deep breath. "Just my luck"
"Why do
you say that?"
"Ian's
not with me." Sara says sadly "We both missed Ana's birth and now he
might miss this ones."
"They say
labor lasts a while... perhaps he'll be awake by the time Jr's ready to come
out." Gabe remarks patting her hand.
Sara nods "I hope so." she gives him a slight smile
"Hey
Nottingham will be fine."
"I
know." A few moments later Jake returns with a doctor and an orderly with
a wheelchair.
"How far apart are your contractions?" the doctor
inquires
"I don't
know" Sara shrugs moving to the wheelchair "I wasn't really paying
attention until a few minutes ago."
"All
right. Let's get you upstairs and checked out." the doctor nods
"What about Ian?" Sara asks
"The
nurses will call upstairs if he wakes up." the doctor assures
"I'll stay here just in case Pez" Jake offers
Sara gives him
a faint smile "Thanks McCartey."
"I'll keep you company" Gabe says
"What
would I do without you guys?" Sara asks
"Go
nuts" Gabe retorts.
Little Later
Sara shifts in
the bed of the maternity ward feeling anxious. "So Doc what's the
verdict?"
"You are
definately having contractions" the doctor states regarding Sara laying
back on the bed. "They are far enough apart that you won't go into full
labor for hours."
"Hours?!"
Sara groans
"Are you
in pain?" the doctor inquires
"No"
Sara replies "I'm bored."
"Pez
can't sit still very long" Gabe informs the doctor with a slight smile
"I'm
worried about Ian and Ana." Sara says "She was crying when I left.
She's worried about her Daddy. You know what a Daddy's girl she is"
"Well
relax Detective Pezzini you'll be here for a while." the doctor pats her
hand then exits the room.
Sara sighs
needlessly running her hands over her middle "Kid you have your Father's
ability to arrive at a bad time."
"He'll be fine Sara" Gabe assures
"I
know... its Ian." she smiles slightly "He's a fast healer"
Few Hours Later
"How is
he doing?" Sara asks as the doctor who treated Ian enters the room.
"He's still out"
Sara nods
"Ian told me once that his body reacts differently to different
drugs."
"The more
rest he gets the faster he'll heal" he informs Sara. "I thought I'd
come and check on you. How are you doing?"
"Contractions
are about 10 minutes apart but the nurse is surprised that I've proceeded this
far this fast."
"Well you still have a while left." the doctor smiles
"I
know" Sara pats her belly "How's Irons?"
"Still in
a coma. He took a bullet to the head. He's not expected to wake. His doctor
though wants to wait before removing him from the respirator."
"Has he
seen Ian?" Sara asks concerned
"Yes.
Just for a moment."
"Don't
let Dr Immo give Ian anything."
"He is Mr
Nottingham's official doctor."
"Can you
just keep a close eye on Immo when he's with Ian? I don't trust him with
Ian." Sara bites on her lower lip rubbing her middle as she feels a strong
contraction. She takes a deep calming breath waiting for the contraction to
end.
Late Evening
Sara groggily
opens her eyes shifting in the bed she groans her muscles aching. Sara slowly
smiles at the sight beside her bed. Ian sitting in one of the overstuffed
chairs his eyes on the small bundle in his arms.
Sensing Sara's
eyes on him Ian looks over at the bed. "Sara" he smiles carefully he
stands moving over to the bed he sits bedside her.
"What are
you doing out of bed?" Sara demands "Your supposed to be
resting."
"I
am."
"How are you feeling?" Sara asks concerned
"Fine.
Little sore." he says looking at the newborn "You?"
Sara grins
looking at the baby boy sleeping in Ian's arms "Great. Your OK. He's here
and healthy even though he's early." Sara touches the boy's covered head
laughing softly as she sees the Witchblade blush and purr.
"The Blade seems content" Ian remarks
Sara nods
"And it behaved while I was in labor."
"That it
did." Ian presses his lips to Sara's temple. "Gabriel wanted it to
form so he could see the nurses and doctor jump."
"That's
Gabe" Sara laughs then frowns looking at Ian "How's Irons?"
Ian glances away
"They are taking him off the ventilator in the morning."
"I'm
sorry... as much as I hate him I know how much he means to you."
"Thank
you." Ian looks at the baby "Kenneth and I haven't been close in many
years. He's not the same man he was when I was a boy."
"I know.
Will you miss him?"
Ian nods
"Somethings." he admits touching the sleeping baby's cheek "But
I will not miss being manipulated into doing his dirty work."
Sara sits
there silently comforting Ian as they look at the baby. "Ian... he still
needs a name." she remarks thoughtfully
"We never
did agree on one did we?"
"No. We always seemed to get distracted." she
chuckles
"Well
what would you like to name him?" Ian asks
"I don't
know... I know that I want his middle name to be James."
Ian nods
"I thought you would."
"Now
first name... kiddo what should we name you" she trails her finger over
the boy's face. She smiles as he opens his eyes blinking and rubbing at his
eyes with his small fist he yawns closing his eyes. "Christian...
Christian James" she looks at Ian "What do you think?"
Ian regards
the dozing baby and nods "I like it."
"Well kid
there you are finally decided on a name for you." Sara strokes the boy's
head smiling at Ian. "I love you Ian"
Ian smiles
back "I love you my Sara."
Next Morning
Sara looks at
Ian as he sits in the chair by the window staring outside. "Ian you
OK?" Sara asks glancing briefly at the nursing boy.
Ian glances at
Sara then back out the window "For the first time in my life I'm free."
"What are you going to do?" Sara asks curiously
Ian moves over
to the bed sitting on the edge he gazes at the nursing baby then at Sara
"I don't know. I never thought I'd be totally free."
"What do you want to do?" Sara inquires
"The
first thing I'm going to do is have
"Can you
do that? I mean alot of it was done on you... what if you need it one
day?"
"I am going
to destroy all but the original work. Find all of his papers on us."
"Since
your his only family you inherit it all don't you?"
Ian nods
"All but a small part which he left to the ones loyal to him."
"What are
you going to do?"
"Once I
talk with Kenneth's lawyers I think I will see off most of his assests and put
some in a trust for Ana and Christian." at Sara's look he explains
"Kenneth had been planning on that for a while." he informs her
"Ian his money is dirty"
Ian shakes his
head "I'm not going to use the money from any of his dirty dealings Sara.
He did have some legal business dealings. We can put it in trust for them and
they can decide when their older what they want to do with the money."
Sara sighs
"All right."
"We can
talk about this later" Ian says brushing his lips over her forehead
Sara nods
"Sure"
Chapter 21
Couple days later
Sara smiles as
Ana runs out the front door towards the car as she unstraps the dozing baby
from the carseat.
"Mama.
Daddy" Ana jumps up and down happily before throwing her arms around her
Daddy's legs "Your home" she says happily grinning up at her father
she holds her arms up.
Ian carefully
picks Ana up "Hello Ana" he kisses her cheek
"Daddy
owie?" Ana asks concerned
"I'm OK
little one." Ian assures "Just a little scratch"
"Miss
Daddy. Miss Mama" Ana says her eyes going wide seeing the bundle in her
mother's arms. Ana grins "Baby"
Sara chuckles
"Yes here's your brother. How about we go inside and you can get a closer
look."
Ana nods
"Inside inside" she orders pointing at the front door where Jas and
Gabe are talking. "Go"
Sara bursts
out laughing at the girl's tone
"Ana"
Ian says warningly his eyes laughing
"Sorry
Daddy" Ana apologizes sheepishly.
"Oh he is
so cute" Jas smiles at the dozing boy
Sara smiles
"He is."
"Me
see" Ana demands
Sara laughs
going over to the couch she sits down.
Ian sets Ana
beside Sara on the couch removing his overcoat he hangs it up in the hall
closet then picks up the two bags Gabriel had brought in from the car. He
carries them upstairs
Sara pulls
back the blanket "Ana meet Christian James."
Ana looks at
her newborn brother "Hi C'is'tan" she greets happily
Christian
opens his eyes blinking his little hands going to his face.
"Silly
face" Ana giggles as Christian scrunches up his face
Sara laughs
glancing up at the others then back at her kids. "What do you think of
your baby brother?"
Ana shrugs
"He little."
"He's
just three days old" Sara says in explanation
"I not
that little" Ana states disbelieving
"You were
at one time" Sara says saddened by the fact she'd never seen her daughter
at that time.
"Nu
uh" Ana shakes her head
Sara nods
"Yes huh" she laughs
"I
big" Ana says stubbornly
"You are
now" Sara says looking up as Ian walks down the stairs. "Christian
will be big one day too."
Evening
Sara sits back
against the couch cushions as she nurses Christian. She smiles at Ian as he
sits next to her Ana on the floor watching her favorite movie Peter Pan.
"She's taking this well" Sara remarks resting her head on Ian's
shoulder
Ian presses
his lips to Sara's hair "She's a well adjusted little girl." he
smiles touching Christian's cheek "He seems to be adjusting as well."
Sara nods
"And hungry." she chuckles turning her head slightly her lips grazing
his jawbone "Definately his father's son."
Ian chuckles
"Good to know"
Ana turns
around "Mama I hungry"
"You just
had dinner baby." Sara remarks
"I
hungry" Ana shrugs "cookie?"
"No its
almost bedtime" Ian replies "How about a piece of apple?"
"OK" Ana nods turning back to the TV
Ian kisses
Sara's temple "I'll be right back."
Sara nods
slightly her eyes on Christian. She strokes Christian's cheek with her knuckle
'You are one cute kid.' she smiles as Christian looks at her briefly before he
closes his eyes. She notices Ana scoot closer to the TV "Ana move
back" she watches as Ana scoots backwards "Thank you"
"Tinkerbell" Ana says happily clapping
Sara chuckles
at the girl's enthusiasm "You like Tinkerbell huh"
Ana nods "Uh huh"
"I was
always more partial to Wendy" Sara muses
"Now that
I've seen this movie Hook reminds me of Irons" Ian says entering the
livingroom with a couple apple slices. He kneels beside Ana handing her a
couple slices of apple "After you eat these its off to bed OK?"
Ana nods
"Yes Daddy" she looks back at the TV taking a small bite of her
apple.
Ian sits back
down beside Sara. He looks at Christian smiling as the newborn opens and closes
his small hand against Sara's breast.
While later
Sara looks up
as Ian enters their bedroom "Is she sleeping?" she asks as she lays
Christian in the basinet beside their bed.
Ian nods
"She was asleep by the time she was changed." he joins Sara at the
basinet looking in on the sleeping newborn.
Sara smiles
smoothing her finger over Christian's cheek "So was he."
Ian kisses
Sara's temple "I love you Sara."
"I love
you too" she tilts her head "How are you feeling?"
"Fine.
What about you?"
"Great.
Your OK. Their OK."
"Mmm that
they are." Ian smiles as Sara yawns "Tired?"
Sara nods
"I've been up for almost three days. Unlike you I'm not used to that
unless I have coffee." she scowls "And I can't have coffee while I'm
nursing."
"Come on lets get you to bed"
"Isn't
the day after tomorrow Kenneth's service?"
Ian nods
helping Sara into bed. "Yes. After the autopsy he'll be cremated. I'm
supposed to meet with the Feds in the next few days. As well as with the
lawyers."
"I'm going with you." Sara says stubbornly
"Sara
your supposed to be resting" Ian says changing to a pair of pajama bottoms
"So are
you."
"Sara"
he slides into bed next to her
"I'm not
letting you do this by yourself. So don't argue with me."
At her
stubborn tone Ian sighs "Yes my love."
"Good"
Sara nods kissing his cheek resting her head on the pillow facing Ian. "I
just don't want you to have to deal with that stuff yourself."
"I
know."
Sara rubs at
her eyes sleepily
"Go to
sleep my Sara."
Sara smiles
sleepily "Night"
Ian watches
Sara drift off to sleep then reaches behind himself turning off the lamp.
Couple hours later
Sara awakens
to the sound of Christian crying. She feels Ian stir beside her "Go back
to sleep. Its just Christian" she slips out of bed making her way over to
the basinet as Ian turns on the lamp. She picks up the crying newborn "Shh
its OK baby." she returns to bed leaning against the headboard looking at
the newborn as he starts to nurse. She notices Ian propped up on his hand
watching her. "Ian why don't you go back to sleep." she suggests
Ian shakes his
head gently touching Christian's covered foot
Sara looks at
Christian to see the baby is sleepily looking at her. "You certainly are a
hungry little
Ian smiles at
the sight of his beloved holding their newborn son.
Morning
Sara groans as
the sound of crying penetrates her sleep fogged mind.
"Mama. Daddy" Ana calls over the monitor "I
awake"
Sara smiles
feeling Ian kiss her cheek "Morning."
"Christian's awake"
"I know. As
is your daughter." Sara opens her eyes sitting up she gets out of bed
going over to the basinet picking up the crying boy as Ian also gets out of
bed.
Ian makes his
way to Ana's bedroom "Morning Anastasia" he greets the little girl
"Daddy" Ana grins holding up her arms
"Did you
have a good sleep Ana?" he asks lifting the little girl up he kisses her
cheek as he carries her over to the changing table.
Ana nods "Where Mama?" she asks watching her father
"She's
with Christian." Ian answers unbuttoning her sleeper.
"Why?" Ana pouts
"Because
he needs Mama and your a big girl." Ian answers
"I baby too." Ana whines
"Yes your
our baby too but your not a little baby like Christian." Ian quickly
finishes changing her diaper then picks her up "Do you want to go watch
cartoons in our room?"
Ana nods
"Ali" she reaches for her stuffed alien in the crib.
Ian picks up
the alien handing it to Ana. He carries the little girl out of the room
"MAMA" Ana calls seeing her mother
Sara smiles
looking over at Ana as she finishes changing Christian. "Morning
Ana-girl." she lifts Christian to her shoulder as the baby whimpers she
rubs his back. She sits on the bed giving Ana a kiss. "Did you have a good
sleep sweetie?"
Ana nods
grinning at the familiar music "Bob" she says happily hugging Ali the
Alien her attention on the TV as her favorite movie SpongeBob SquarePants
begins.
Ian settles
beside Sara kissing her cheek "Good Morning my Sara."
"Morning."
Sara smiles looking at the baby as he starts to nurse. She looks at Ana
"Well at least its a cartoon I can stand"
Ian chuckles
"I know
you hate cartoons." Sara remarks
Ian shrugs
"If it makes her laugh I can stand it." he smiles fondly at the
little girl sitting in the middle of the bed her attention on the screen. He
brushes his hand over Christian's covered head touching the baby's cheek as he
opens his eyes.
"Your more of a Batman type huh" Sara snickers
"Wouldn't
know. I wasn't allowed to watch cartoons growing up."
"Yet you
collected comic books."
"Hey
those are worth a lot of money now. Besides my collecting stopped
after..." he trails off wincing at the memory.
Sara pats his
leg comfortingly knowing what he's remembering. "I know you didn't want to
do that." she says softly
"I wish I
could take it back. That and so many other things" he says sadly.
"I
know"
Ana giggles
"Silly Bob"
Ian looks at
Ana laughing and then at Christian nursing then at Sara. For the next twenty
minutes Ian sits on the bed watching his family, Sara nursing their son, Ana
laughing as she watches her cartoon. 'My family. They belong with me. I belong
with them.' "Sara" he says suddenly
"Hmm"
Sara looks at Ian as she lifts Christian to her shoulder gently patting his
back.
Ian tucks a
strand of her hair behind her ear "You know I love you... I always
have."
Sara smiles
"I know. I love you too."
"Daddy"
Ana says crawling up to them she settles between her parents
"Yes
Ana?" Ian tears his eyes away from Sara's looking at the little girl.
"I hungry"
Ian smiles
"Well then how about we go make breakfast for Mama." he suggests
Ana nods
"Pamcakes?"
"Sure" Ian stands picking up the little girl
"I'll be
down in a bit" Sara smiles
Ian nods
turning off the TV as he carries Ana out of the bedroom.
Couple hours later
Sara watches
Ana silently play on the floor with blocks as Ian walks down the stairs joining
Ana on the floor. 'I love watching him play with Ana.'
"Daddy I
build" Ana grins picking up a block.
"So I
see." Ian chuckles watching as the little girl stares at the blocks
thoughtfully. Obviously trying to figure out where the block goes.
Ana sighs
setting the block aside she crawls onto her father's lap. "No more
blocks" she sticks her thumb in her mouth.
"What do you want to do now?" Ian asks hugging Ana
Ana shrugs
then looks at her father "Story?" she asks hopefully.
Ian nods
"Clean up your blocks and pick a book."
"OK"
Ana kisses her father's cheek then scrambles off his lap
Ian stands
joining Sara on the couch. He hugs Sara as she snuggles into him. "How are
you feeling?" he asks pressing his lips to her hair.
"Fine...
stop worrying." Sara watches as Ana picks up the blocks returning them to
the box. "You know Marie pointed something out the other day when I took
Ana over to see her."
"What is
that?"
"Ana's
not even two and she uses almost complete sentences and she's way more
coordinated then any other two year old I've ever seen."
"Kenneth
could have pumped up her genes. I'll go through the house and see if I can find
the remainder of the files on her."
"She definately go her brains from you." Sara remarks
"Daddy
book"
Ian picks up
the girl settling her inbetween he and Sara as he opens the book. "Once
upon a time there was a dog named Fred."
Sara listens
amused as Ian reads the story of a lost dog named Fred.
Late next afternoon: Cemetary
Sara squeezes
Ian's hand as they stand beside the grave. 'Almost free.' she thinks relieved
'After the service he won't have to step into that house ever again.' she looks
at Ian catching a glimpse of his brown eyes. 'God I love his eyes.' she shakes
off her thoughts looking around at the group of people 'How many of these
people actually liked Irons.' she asks herself. 'none probably.'
Ian brings her
hand to his lips brushing them across her knuckles. "I love you" he
mouthes
Sara nods in
return 'Goodbye Kenneth... and I guess thanks for Ana... and Ian.'
Ian looks at
the casket 'Goodbye Kenneth. Thank you for giving me my family.'
While later
Sara looks at
Ian as he drives in silence "You OK babe?"
Ian nods
giving her a faint smile "I am fine my love."
"You know
we could just skip the people part grab the kids and head home."
"I wish
but the lawyers want to go over some things with me while their at the mansion."
Ian brushes his lips over her fingertips. "It won't be long. All they want
to discuss is a few small details before they start settling the estate.
Edgarsen will deal with all of the people."
Sara nods
looking out the window watching the buildings and people go by. She remains
silent the whole ride to the mansion. As they enter the mansion on Faust she
shakes her head sensing Ian's tension rise. "Come on"
"Hello
Master Ian. Detective" the butler nods "Young Bowman is upstairs with
the children and Miss Jas."
"Fredrick"
Ian greets the elderly butler removing his cap and gloves "the others
should be here soon."
Fredrick nods
"Everything has been taken care of."
"Take
care of anything the guests need. When Mr Thompson is ready to speak with me I
will be upstairs with Sara and the children."
Fredrick nods
watching the young man he had known since childhood amazed by his more relaxed
demeanor. 'That young woman has done wonders for him... as have those two
children.'
Sara and Ian
enter Ian's former suite where Ana is coloring at a table with Gabe while Jas
works at her laptop. "Hey guys" Sara greets
"Mama.
Daddy" Ana scrambles out of the chair rushing over to her parents
"you back" she grins throwing her arms around their legs.
"Hey
sweetie" Sara ruffles the child's hair.
Ian picks Ana
up kissing her cheek "Were you good for Jas?"
Ana nods
enthusiastically. "I good" she pats at his cheeks "I
hungry"
"How
about me and Jas take Ana-nana out for some ice cream" Gabe suggests
"I-cweam"
Ana grins bouncing in her father's arms "Ana i-cweam pwease"
Ian hands Gabe
the girl "Don't let her eat too much... last time you took her out for ice
cream it took an hour to get her to stop running around in the
livingroom."
Gabe nods "Right boss"
"You guys
want anything?" Jas asks pulling on her jacket. "I know there's no
junk food in this place."
"I don't
need anything" Sara says taking Ana from Gabe she puts the little girl
back into her jacket. Then hands her back to Gabe. "Have fun" she
calls as they leave the suite. She looks at Ian as he picks up some of Ana's
toys. She's about to speak when she hears a cry from the bedroom. She walks
back to the room turning on the light she removes her suit jacket as she walks
over to the basinet. Tossing the jacket on the bed she lifts the crying newborn
out of the basinet. "Oh hey Christian." she coos "You must be
hungry again." she sits on the recliner unbuttoning her blouse smiling as
he starts to nurse vigorously.
Ian watches
from the doorway as Sara nurses the newborn. 'Sara is so beautiful' he tilts
his head thoughtfully.
Hour later
Ian listens to
the three lawyers talk all trying to explain the will and the terms of the will
and the process of the estates.
"Mr
Nottingham you need to protect the assests that were left to you and Detective
Pezzini."
Ian looks at
the lawyers Smith, Thompson, and Edgarsen "Sara and I agreed that the only
money that will be put in the trust fund for the kids is what money is from his
clean dealings. We want all of the research notes and medical files regarding
Anastasia, Sara, Elizabeth Bronte and myself. We want the Witchblade
Collection."
"What of
the companies?"
"If the
Government doesn't try to break the companies up and sell them things will
change."
"Are you
planning on selling the companies?" Edgarsen inquires "Because
Kenneth requested that you not sell the companies."
"I won't
sell them but they will be reconstructed."
"How
so?"
"If I am
able to keep the companies all of the dirty dealings Kenneth had will no longer
be allowed. Vorschlag and all the others will be clean."
"What about the estates?" Thompson asks
"Sell
"But Mr Nottingham.." Smith begins
Ian looks at
the man "Kenneth was a hard man to live with they deserve it. The rest of
the money from those estates will be put in a trust fund for future use. Once
everything is settled with this estate sell it. Use the money from this estate
to pay a compensation package for the household and garden staff."
"Why sell
all the estates?" Edgarsen demands "Kenneth would not like
that."
Ian shrugs
"He's dead. Its time for me to have a somewhat normal life. I can't do
that if this is always showing up. That and I never liked living in those
homes. I'm keeping the
"What
about the companies? You become CEO."
"I will
remain CEO but I will split it with Sara."
"You
can't do that!" Smith says quickly
"Edgarsen"
Ian looks at the head lawyer
"Technically
he can. That's the terms of Kenneth's will. Mr Nottingham has full decision
rights."
"Things
won't change too much. No one will lose their jobs except the ones who Kenneth
hired for dirty work. They will be given the chance to stay on as long as they
go by my rules."
Late that night: House
Sara looks at
Ian "So how'd it go with the lawyers?"
"I told
them that if by some odd chance I'm allowed to keep the companies that they'll
go legitimate. The conversation was long and boring."
"Do you
want to keep Vorschlag?"
"I think
it has potential to be better than its been. I'd rather bring it to a better
place and then sell it... or perhaps hand it over to the employees." at
Sara's look he kisses her forehead "Do not worry about this Sara."
At the look in
his eyes she nods "I'll try."
"Good."
"So with
Irons gone what are you going to do?"
Ian shrugs "I have time. You know" he smiles faintly
"What?"
she asks suspiciously
"You
could take a long vacation or not even go back to work. Its not like you'll
ever need to work again."
"I like
my work. Besides I'd get bored without work."
Ian nods
"If that's what you want." he kisses her knuckles "I love you
Sara"
"I love you too Ian" she smiles kissing him.
"We have a chance at a new start my love." he says "And the company has a chance to be what it should be… clean."
"Who would have thought that with Ana's appearance so many things would change and not only would we get a new start but so would the company he would have destroyed along with us."
"New
Starts lead to new things… and it all began with a little girl who's name means
Resurrection."
The End
