Chapter 15: Just In The Line Of Duty
Chapter 15
Hank remained stunned for several minutes. He stared at Frank is utter amazement. “You look just like him,” Hank finally said. “I sound just like him too!” Frank replied, mimicking Luis’ voice. Again Hank was totally speechless. His jaw dropped. “I don’t believe it!” Hank lifted his hand to the mask that was situated on Frank’s face. He needed to touch the mask to assure himself it indeed was NOT Luis sitting in the car next to him. “Hey, be careful will you?” Frank said with annoyance. “Oh, sorry,” Hank said as he came back to reality at the sound of Frank’s voice. “It’s just that you look and sound so much like Luis. “Where did you get this mask?” Frank smiled. “Let’s just say, when I put this mask on, I can convince the lovely Miss Sheridan Crane of just about anything.”
“Have you used this mask before?” Hank asked. He had a sinking feeling the answer would be ‘yes’. He also was beginning to wonder if maybe he’d gotten himself into something he shouldn’t have, but kept all concern from appearing on his face. An evil grin appeared on Faux Luis’ face. “I must admit. I was responsible for convincing Sheridan to go to Paris. The poor girl ACCIDENTALLY overheard me on my phone a few months ago. If she’d only not been so nosy, none of this would have happened.” Faux Luis did such a perfect job of imitating Luis’ voice that Hank had chills.
“That explains why Sheridan was so mad at Luis and he had no idea what he was talking about,” Hank muttered to himself. “So what are you planning on doing this time?” Hank asked hesitantly. He wasn’t sure he wanted to hear the answer to the question he just posed, but knew he was in too deep now to back away. “An encore performance Jack!” Frank announced with pleasure. “Only this time Sheridan will NEVER forgive Luis for what she hears. “And poor Officer Lopez-Fitzgerald will find his life will be quite different after today. Now, I need you to drive us to the Crane Cabin. This is where they are as we speak. It’s time for the performance of my life!”
Hank managed a small smile as he started the engine and backed out onto the main road. He took apiece of paper on it from Frank and followed the directions to the cabin. He listened to Frank as he explained to him, what part he would play in destroying the lives of his best friend and the girl he loved.
Antoine, Roger and Pierre were making their way out of Harmony, deciding what they should do about their clothing dilemma. The three men exchanged ideas and fought back in forth in their native tongue. They were getting further away from Harmony they soon realized, as houses were becoming scarcer. “Where are we going to find anything out her?” Roger commented.
“What would you suggest, Roger?” Antoine asked with sarcasm. “Would you like me to turn around and return to the Police Station in town and ask, “Excuse me? My two friends here just escaped from the hospital where they were under Police Guard and they don’t have any clothes. Do you think you could get their clothes for them so they can make their getaway under less suspicion?”
Roger and Pierre both shot Antoine an angry look. “Of course not!” Roger sneered. “I am just saying that...” “Bang!” There was a loud noise and then a rumble. Antoine held onto the steering wheel tightly as the car tried to get away from him. “Damn!” Antoine yelled, as he slowly pulled the car over to the side of the road. “Que ce c’est?” Roger asked excitedly.“The tire. I believe we have a flat tire,” Antoine announced as he shut the engine off. “We need to get out of here now,” Pierre yelled anxiously. “If anyone sees us stopped here they may try to help us. We will then not be able to explain out appearance.”
“Oui Pierre,” Roger agreed nodding. He looked around at his surroundings and noticed there were woods surrounding them on both sides. “We will go into the woods. We should be safe there for the time being,” Roger explained. “Maybe we will even find a cabin where we can get another car.” The three criminals deserted the stolen car and began their trek into the woods. Each took a deep sigh and hoped they would find something to help them in their escape.
Sheridan lay on top of Luis with her face buried in his chest. They were gasping for air as they’d just finished another session of untamed lovemaking. Sheridan had her arms wrapped around Luis shoulders and gently used this leverage to slide her body up, so her face was right above Luis’. She smiled at him. Her smiled broadened ten fold as she watched him grin back at her. “I love you, you wild thing you!” she said rubbing her nose against his.
“Wild thing?” Luis asked in surprise. “You are calling ME ‘wild thing’? Luis laughed. “Oh, Sheridan, you have it all wrong. If anyone is going to be called ‘wild thing’ it’s going to be you!” Luis kissed her passionately on the mouth. Sheridan grinned through the kiss. “No way, Luis. I said it first!” she said playfully. “Yeah, but it fits you perfectly Sheridan,” he argued with a sparkle in his eye. He kissed her again, then added softly, “I love you too, Sheridan.” After a moment of gentle kissing Sheridan wrapped herself tightly around Luis. “Luis I’ve never felt safer or happier in my life,” she announced happily. She lowered her head and partially slid to the side, trying to nuzzle into the crook of Luis’ arm.
Luis lifted his arm making this possible for Sheridan. “I feel pretty much the same way, Sheridan,” Luis agreed. “I love the feeling of having you in my arms. I’m happy knowing no harm can come to you. I love you Sheridan and I promise I will never let anyone or anything hurt you again. Sheridan smiled contently. She snuggled in as close as she possibly could and sighed happily. “I never want to leave this bed. If I died right now, I’d die happy. This is the most wonderful feeling I’ve ever experienced.” Sheridan tilted her head so she could look deeply into Luis’ luscious brown eyes. Her own eyes were shimmering in the dim light from the moon and stars flowing through the windows.
“Luis,” she said after a few moments of gazing lovingly at the man she adored, I feel the need to tell you something.” “Yes,” he said grinning as he kissed her forehead tenderly. “Do you remember what I told you in Paris about the Fortuneteller and my fate? That I would never find happiness? Or ever had a family of my own?” “Yes, I remember,” he said quietly. He was a little disappointed she was bringing this up right now. “I wanted to tell you that I now concur with your analysis of the situation,” she said seriously. “I now know it was just a waste of money because at least part of her prediction has been dispelled. “I know now that I have found true happiness.”
Luis felt a sudden warmth overtake his body. What Sheridan had just shared with him made him the happiest man in the world. His mouth contorted into a grin he had no control over, nor did he want to. “I feel the same way Sheridan,” he replied. “I also hope soon, to help you change the rest of that prediction.” His eyes were smiling at her in a way that caused a tear to escape. She caught her breath at the thought of having a real family with Luis.
“There is nothing in this world I would rather do than prove that gypsy wrong Luis. Only now, I must admit I’m being rather picky. I only want to prove her wrong if it’s with you. I can’t imagine this happiness with anyone else,” Sheridan admitted. “Sheridan, we have a lot of things we will come up against in order to build a future together. There are quite a few people in Harmony that don’t like the idea of us as a couple. Like your brother Julian for one,” he said.
“And Beth,” Sheridan frowned. “And Hank,” Luis said. “And my father,” Sheridan said sadly. “I don’t even think your mother will be pleased Luis.” “Mama always told us love was all that mattered, but I will admit she was concerned about my getting involved with you,” Luis said thoughtfully. “She warned me a while back to break things off before I fell in love with you. It’s too late for that now, Sheridan.” Luis was now smiling. “And I believe she will be our biggest supporter when the time comes. You know she loves you as if you were one of her own, don’t you?”
“I love her too, Luis. She gave me the only love I had as a child in a loveless home. I find it ironic that the man of my dreams would turn out to be her son,” she said quietly. “Just remember one thing Sheridan,” Luis said in all seriousness, “I love you with all my heart and there is nothing or no one that will ever change that. So if you ever doubt that love for any reason, you need to tell ME! Let’s not let our pride and stubbornness get in the way again.” “I promise, Luis. You have proved your love to me in so many ways tonight. I’m ashamed of myself for ever having doubted you,” she said sorrowfully.
“Sheridan, don’t beat yourself up over this. You have been hurt badly in the past by other men,” Luis stated. “I only hope you now trust me enough to realize I WILL NEVER treat you in the same manner!” “Luis, I trust you with my life,” Sheridan said. “From now on, I will never doubt you, no matter what I think I see or hear.” Luis smiled and he kissed her sweetly on the forehead. He pulled her tightly against him and playfully growled. Sheridan giggled. “Luis!” “Yes?” he laughed. “You are in an especially playful mood right now,” she said giddily. “I’m just happy,” he replied. “I’m happy to be here with you. He kissed her gently on the lips.
Sheridan returned his kiss, which soon escalated into something more passionate. It didn’t take long before they were lost in the moment. After a few minutes they both were jolted into an upright position, however, as they heard a loud bang outside. Sheridan felt a sudden surge of fear flow through her body. “What was that?” she asked. “It sounded like a car backfiring to me,” Luis said. They then heard a softer bang. “That sounds like a car door closing. “Why would anyone be coming here at this hour?” Sheridan asked. “No one knows we’re here, that I’m aware of and no one in my family has any reason to come here tonight.”
“Tina knows we’re here,” Luis reminded her. “Maybe something has happened and she needs to tell me. Sheridan, you stay here. I’m going to check it out.” Luis quietly climbed out of bed and put on his pants and shirt. He didn’t bother putting his socks on, just slipping into his shoes and he left his shirt un tucked, just buttoning a few buttons, carelessly. “If I’m not back in five minutes call 911.” “Luis you’re scaring me,” Sheridan said as the 911 remark was causing her to think the worst. “Good. It’s meant to scare you,” Luis said seriously. “If it’s Tina and she needs to talk to me or something. I’ll let you know right away. If it’s someone who means us no harm, they will understand if I come tell you everything is all right. Otherwise, there is a reason to call 911.”
Luis gave Sheridan a quick, but passionate kiss. “Don’t forget where we left off,” he grinned. Sheridan forced a smile as she watched Luis leave. She didn’t know why, but a nagging feeling told her something was terribly wrong. Once Luis left the room, she climbed out of bed and searched the room for some clothes. The first thing she found was a pair of Ethan’s sweats and she quickly put them on. She was extremely nervous as she began praying that Luis would return within the allotted five minutes.
Luis opened the door to the cabin and saw nothing. He walked outside, looking for the car he was sure he’d seen. He saw nothing. He began to walk around the perimeter of the cabin when he spotted it. He began walking towards the car. That was the last thing he would remember, as at that moment he was hit from behind and knocked unconscious.
Hank and Frank stood above Luis. Frank held his hand up and smiled victoriously. Hank looked shocked. “How did you do that?” He asked. “Martial arts,” Frank replied in Luis’ voice. “You should try it sometime. Now help me drag him around back.” Hank and the impostor dragged Luis out behind the cabin. Once they had settled, Hank noticed that Frank was wearing the same shirt and pants Luis was wearing. “How did you know what he’d be wearing?” Hank asked.
“I told you before,” Frank said somewhat annoyed. “Mr. Crane will not accept failure this time. Sheridan had to believe I am Luis. It’s just a shame that poor Sheridan is now going to have her heart broken yet again. Especially after spending such a romantic evening with her lover boy.” Frank’s imitation of Luis was now getting on Hank’s nerves. He knew it wasn’t Luis, but hearing HIS voice speak this way was un nerving. “What are you talking about?” Hank asked.
“Did I forget to tell you?” Frank said evilly. “It seems that your good buddy Officer Lopez -Fitzgerald just finished making love to the woman of your dreams.” He was now laughing, a satanic quality to it. At this point in the conversation, Hank wasn’t even surprised or upset upon hearing that Luis had made love to Sheridan. He WAS upset by the fact that this man impersonating Luis knew. ’I guess Alistair Crane is as bad as I feared,’ Hank thought. ’How could a man spy on his own daughter like that?’ Hank was now regretting everything he’d done since last night. His mind was racing, as he tried to think of a way to make things right and not let Frank know he was backing out.
“Oh really?” Hank said annoyed. “And how do you know they just made love?” “Big Daddy knows all,” Frank grinned. “Sheridan will be all yours in a few minutes Jack. Then I will come back to finish off my double here.” He walked off towards the cabin leaving Hank alone with Luis, fear running through Hank’s body. Frank was muttering to himself, as if an actor practicing lines for a show. Hank looked down at an unconscious Luis and shook his head. “I’m so sorry buddy,” he said. “I’ll do my best to make this up to you. I swear I will.”
Antoine, Roger and Pierre walked aimlessly in the woods. They were looking for something, anything that would assist them in their escape. Roger was becoming extremely irritable, as his pain medicine had worn off by now. The bullet he took to the shoulder had been removed, but the memory very fresh in his mind. Antoine stopped for a moment and looked around. “Antoine, we have no time for this. We must find a car and clothing as soon as possible. We cannot risk being in Harmony when the sun comes up.
Antoine smiled. “Voila!” He waved his hand in the air and pointed to what he was seeing. Roger and Pierre also grinned when they saw what Antoine had. A large cabin dimly lit in the distance. It also appeared there was a car parked on the side of the cabin. “Tres Bien Antoine,” Roger said patting him on the back. They continued their hike, this time very carefully, as they didn’t want to be seen. As they inched closer they saw two men talking outside. They carefully hid behind trees as they moved forward, not wanting to draw attention to themselves from the other men. Eventually, one of the men started walking away from the other. Antoine, Roger and Pierre stood still in their current position and watched what was happening. As the one man continued to walk forward, a huge grin appeared on Roger’s face. “Mon Dieu!” Roger exclaimed with delight. “Antoine, you are armed? Oui?”
“Of course, Roger,” Antoine assured him pulling the gun out from his holster. “Tres bien!” Roger said nodding his head in approval. “This is our lucky night mon amis! It is our lucky night.”
Antoine and Pierre weren’t sure at first why Roger was so excited, but the closer they crept toward the cabin, the more they understood. Walking to the door to the cabin was none other than Sheridan's American cop boyfriend! Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald.
Sheridan waited the full five minutes and then some. She didn’t want to jump the gun, so she decided to give Luis a few more minutes. She looked out the window from the bedroom, hoping to see something, but all she saw was the sky filled with stars and the moon. After an extra three minutes had passed she decided to make her way to the living room and call 911. Her heart was pounding as fear engulfed her body. She was petrified that something terrible had happened to Luis and couldn’t stand the thought of losing him again. Her heart had been broken once before by him, or what she thought was him. Now they had settled their differences and she was more in love with him than even she could believe. If he was hurt, or worse... As she was about to open the bedroom door she heard the front door to the cabin shut. She felt a wave of relief go through her and she smiled. “Oh, Thank God,” she whispered, as she opened the door and walked into the living room.
Sheridan appeared in the living room as she saw Luis on the telephone. She smiled and began walking toward him when she suddenly stopped dead in her tracks. Luis was talking to some unknown person and Sheridan couldn’t believe her ears. “Oh yeah,” Faux Luis laughed. “It’s working better than I’d ever expected. I thought my plan had completely failed when she had me arrested, but the poor girl felt bad about it.” Faux Luis laughs evilly.
Sheridan was visibly sickened as she listened to this conversation. It felt like deja vous of that night on the wharf. “I’ll tell you, encouraging me to go to Paris was a stroke of genius... Yeah, I think that‘s what helped me rebuild her trust... I almost feel sorry for her. She really isn’t like the rest of her family. And she’s great in the sack too!....(More wicked laughing) Sheridan was numb at this point. Tears were flooding her face as she watched the man she loved shatter her dreams in a few short minutes. Her head was spinning and questions kept running through her mind. ‘Why would he do this to me? How could he do this to me? I don’t understand any of this. Again, he’s like two different people. What was all that talk about trust? How could he write that inscription on the compact?’ She continued listening to him, as she was frozen in place.
‘Very soon I will have all I need from her... I know my mother will be disappointed, but when I find out the truth, she’ll understand... Hey, trust me, will you? Sheridan Crane will do anything I ask her to. I have her completely under my spell... What are you crazy? Me fall for a Crane? NEVER! I told you, she’s pretty to look at and she’s got a GREAT body, but that’s it. I’ll have fun with her until I get what I am after. Nothing more. I don’t think Beth would like that too much anyway! “ (More evil laughter)
Sheridan could not believe what she was witnessing. Her mind kept saying, ‘If I hadn’t heard it with my own ears, seen it with my own eyes, I never would have believed it. But I am seeing it and hearing it. Aren’t I?’ This looked like Luis and sounded like Luis, but there was something very unfamiliar about him. It was as if she was watching a complete stranger.
Suddenly she heard Luis’ voice in her head. “Just remember one thing Sheridan,” Luis said in all seriousness, “I love you with all my heart and there is nothing or no one that will ever change that. So if you ever doubt that love for any reason, you need to tell ME! Let’s not let our pride and stubbornness get in the way again.” “I said I would tell him,” she muttered under her breath. “I’m not running away from him again. Let’s see Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald get out of this one.” “Hey, I gotta go or Sheridan will wonder where I’ve been. “Remember, say nothing.... OK, bye.” The fake Luis hung up the phone and turned around to see a very hurt and very angry Sheridan standing before him.
To Be Continued…
