Chapter 6: Just In The Line Of Duty
Chapter 6:
Sam Bennett was exhausted as he walked into the Book Cafe. He saw Beth working at the counter and walked over to her. “Hi Beth,” Sam said tiredly. “I’d like a cup of your strongest coffee and a muffin if you don’t mind.” “Sure thing Sam,” she said. Beth then looked at Sam with concern. “Are you all right, Sam?” she asked. “You look really tired tonight.” Sam let out a half -hearted laugh. “Tired?” he said. “Let’s just say it’s been a busy day for Harmony law enforcement. Any day when an officer is shot in the line of duty, is a really rough one, Beth.” Sam now carried a grim look on his face. Beth’s face suddenly went white. Sam sensed her fear. “No Beth. It wasn’t Luis. He’s fine, so don’t worry about him.”
Beth relaxed a little when she heard Luis was all right. “I’m sorry one of your men was shot Sam,” She said. “Will he be all right?” “We don’t know yet. He was taken into emergency surgery a few hours ago and we haven’t heard anything yet. It didn’t look good, but we are all praying for him as well as his family,” Sam continued glumly as he paid for his coffee and muffin. “Let me know if there is anything I can do,” Beth offered. “Thanks Beth,” Sam said as he headed towards the door. “I appreciate that. I‘m on my way over to the hospital now to see if there is any news.” Sam opened the door to the Book Cafe and almost ran right into his brother Hank.
“Sam,” Hank said with a smile plastered on his face. “Fancy running into you here, brother!” Hank laughed, pleased with himself for his brilliant ‘pun.’ “Yeah Hank,” Sam said, not having paid any attention to his brother’s remark. “I’ll catch up with you later Hank.” Sam continued his walk out of the door of the Book Cafe. Hank stood there for a minute with a puzzled look on his face as he watched his brother depart. He then looked over to Beth. “What’s wrong with him?” he asked her.
“One of his officer’s was shot today. He’s really worried about him,” Beth told Hank. “I guess the guy is in surgery and it doesn’t look good for him. He’s on his way over to the hospital now.” “That’s a shame,” Hank said. “Did he say who it was or how it happened?” “No, he only said it wasn’t Luis,” Beth said with relief in her voice. Hank grinned. “I knew it couldn’t be Luis. He’s too ornery to get shot.” Beth shot Hank an evil eye. “Don’t even joke about that Hank,” she said. “Speaking of Luis, I haven’t seen him in awhile,” Hank said with a boyish grin. “Let me guess, you’ve been keeping him so busy, he hasn’t had time to remember who Sheridan Crane is, never mind that he misses her.” Hank was giddy at the thought. “You see, I told you Beth, you and Luis were meant to be, the same as Sheridan and I were meant to be.” He threw his hands in the air and flashed her his cocky smile.
“Hank, I hate to tell you this,” Beth frowned, “But I haven’t seen Luis in weeks. He hasn’t stopped in here, nor has he been at the Youth Center. Theresa hasn’t even seen him.” “That’s odd,” Hank said thoughtfully. “I’ve been busy lately and haven’t had time to see him. “Maybe I’ll take a walk and drop by the station later tonight. He usually works late. If not, I’ll stop by his house later.” Hank paused for a moment, then smiled at Beth. “Hey, why don’t you come with me Beth? We’ll take a nice walk, go find Luis, then I’ll leave the two of you alone and let you work your charm with him.” Beth smiled slightly at the thought of seeing Luis. “OK Hank“, she said. “It’s about time to close up here anyway. Give me a few minutes to close up and I’ll be right with you.”
Hank gave Beth a huge grin, as he plotted to get Luis and Beth together before Ethan’s wedding. He knew Sheridan would be returning to Harmony for it and he planned to have Luis and Beth the hottest couple in Harmony before that happened. “Soon, Sheridan Crane will be all mine,” he said quietly to himself. Luis and Sheridan had finally parted their kiss after what seemed like an eternity. Both were completely breathless, as they hadn’t come up for air since their lips met. As the kiss ended, Luis tightened his hold of Sheridan and pulled her close to him. She responded in turn by wrapping her arms tightly around his waist. She rested her head under his chin and closed her eyes. She had a huge smile on her face as she enjoyed finally being able to being this close to Luis. Luis too wore a smile. He gently kissed the top of her head as he held her in his arms. After a few minutes of silent pleasure, Luis finally spoke.
“So, Sheridan, do you think we have a chance to make this relationship work?” he asked as he pulled back slightly to look into her eyes. He was wearing a very sexy smile. Sheridan looked up into his eyes and returned the smile. “I’m not sure Luis,” she said coyly. “I think we may be able to make it work, but I’d like to try this again, just to make sure. What do you think?” “I think I’d have to agree with your assessment of the situation Miss Crane,” he smiled as he caressed her face. The smile suddenly faded from Luis’ face. He brought his other hand up to Sheridan’s face and gently held her face in both hands. “Sheridan, I’ve changed my mind,” he said. Sheridan smile as well was now gone. She began thinking maybe she’d been hoping for too much. Maybe the kiss didn’t mean as much to Luis as it did to her. Maybe he thought it had all been a big mistake? “I’m sorry,” she said fighting back the tears. She lowered her eyes and said, “I guess I was wrong. I thought...”
Luis pulled her in for another kiss. The kiss lasted only a moment, but what it lacked in length, it made up for in intensity. Sheridan’s knees started to buckle as Luis built the intensity of the kiss to a new height. Slowly Luis pulled back, lowering his hands to her waist and pulled her close to him. “Sheridan, let me explain something to you. You and I have had a big problem with communicating for some reason. And it almost happened again. When I said I’ve changed my mind, all I meant was I didn’t agree with your assessment about needing another kiss to make up my mind. Right now I think we need to be totally honest with each other, so there are no misunderstandings. So here is my new assessment.” Luis continued to hold Sheridan in his arms. Neither one broke their gaze. “The kiss we shared a few minutes ago was the most electrifying kiss I’ve ever experienced. If ever there were a relationship I wanted to work this is it. The reason I kissed you again, was not to make a decision, but to show you how much I care about you and because kissing you takes me to another place, Sheridan. It takes me to someplace that I can’t even begin to fully explain, because I don’t understand it myself. I’ve never had these feelings about anyone before in my life.”
Sheridan smiled at Luis as he poured his heart out to her. He was giving her a smile that caused her stomach to do flips. “Well, Luis, if it’s honesty you want, then it’s honesty you will get,” Sheridan said with a sparkle in her eyes. She stood back from Luis and smiled up at him. “I apologize for saying I needed another kiss just to make sure. That wasn’t true. I already know that I want a relationship with you. I’ve known it in my heart for sometime now.” Sheridan just stared at Luis with his big brown eyes looking at her in a way that caused a foolish grin to stay plastered on her face. “I’ve dreamed about kissing you since just after New Years and that night you kissed me on the wharf was the happiest I’d been... Until tonight.”
“Well, Sheridan,” Luis said with a devilish grin. “What would you say to going somewhere a little less public to finish that kiss?” “I’d say that was a great idea Luis,” she said grinning. “But if you don’t mind, I’d like to check on Ethan at the hospital first. And see how that other police officer is. I feel responsible for him being shot.” She now had a solemn face. “Good idea. I’d like to see how Silvano is doing myself,” Luis said. But Sheridan, understand this. In no way is any of this your fault. Roger and Pierre are the ones responsible for this, not you.” “Luis, but if I’d only lis...” Sheridan started to talk but Luis wouldn’t let her finish.
“Sheridan, even if you’d listened to me, they still would have come. Instead of Silvano it may have been another officer or even me that was shot. It doesn’t matter. You did NOTHING wrong. You must believe that. This is the way those drug lords operate. They stop at nothing to get what they want. What they wanted was you dead. Fortunately, this time we got them instead of them getting you. Now, Shall we go?” Luis gave her a sly grin as she smiled gratefully at him. Luis extended his arm motioning Sheridan to begin walking. He then held out his hand for her to take. She gave Luis a shy smile as she placed her hand in his. They began walking back to the police station to get Luis’ car, so they could go check on things at the hospital.
Ivy Crane sat at her son’s bedside and held his hand. She talked endlessly to him and she had a small smile on her face as she watched him begin to stir as he lay there. “Ethan? Ethan? It’s your mother,” Ivy said gently, but her voice strong. “I’m here darling. You’re going to be just fine, Ethan. Just sleepy for awhile. Ethan continued to stir, but he did not open his eyes. Dr. Russell walked in to check on her patient. “I see Ethan is starting to move around a bit. That’s a good sign. He should be awake before too long, Ivy,” Eve said. She was being as civil to Ivy as possible considering the circumstances. No matter what Ivy has done, Ethan did not deserve what happened to him and she was going to take the best care of him she knew how. Eve turned to leave after assessing Ethan’s condition.
“Thank-you Eve,” Ivy said quietly, not even looking up from her son. Eve gave a quick smile and left. Ivy rested her head on the bed next to Ethan. She continued holding his hand and talking to him. She didn’t even notice Sam as he entered the room. Sam stood there for a moment watching Ivy as she talked endlessly to Ethan, waiting for him to awaken. Finally Sam spoke. “How’s he doing, Ivy?” he asked.
Ivy whirled around at the sound of Sam’s voice. “Sam!” Ivy exclaimed. “He’s starting to move a bit, but he hasn’t opened his eyes yet. Eve seems to think this is a good sign and that he will be waking up soon.” She had a look of hope in her eyes. Hope for Ethan and hope for Sam. ‘He still cares, or he wouldn’t be here’, she thought. “That is good news, Ivy,” Sam smiled. “Hopefully I will get some news on Silvano soon as well. I can only pray it too is good news.” Ivy got up from Ethan side and walked towards Sam. “I’m so sorry one of your men was wounded so badly,” Ivy said sympathetically as she gently placed her hand on his arm.
“Thank you Ivy,” Sam said nervously. He was about to back away when the door to Ethan’s room opened once more. This time it was Sheridan and Luis that entered, hand in hand. Ivy noticed their hands locked tightly together immediately and smiled. ’I knew that those two would get together despite Julian and Alistair’s interfering. Nothing can interfere with true love. She smiled for another moment at Sheridan and Luis and then turned her gaze to Sam. “Luis, Sheridan,” Sam said as they entered the room. “I see you two are speaking again?” Sam asked rhetorically. He knew the answer to this of course, as he to noticed the grip they had on each other. Both merely smiled at Sam.
“ Ivy, how’s Ethan?” Sheridan asked with concern. “He’s going to be just fine, Sheridan,” Ivy said with a small smile. “Speak for yourself, Mother,” Ethan moaned. “My head is killing me.” “Ethan! Ethan!” Ivy cried. “You’re awake!” “Mother, please don’t shout. I haven’t gone deaf, but my head is pounding!” he moaned again. “Could someone please get Dr. Russell for Ethan?” Ivy pleaded.
“I’ll get her,” Sam volunteered, “I want to check on Silvano anyway.” “I’ll go with you Sam,” Luis said. “I’d like to see how he is doing as well.” Luis and Sam walked out of Ethan’s room and found Eve. “Eve,” Sam said, “Ethan is awake and complaining of a pounding headache.” “I expected that,” she said. “I’ll get a shot for his headache that should make him feel better.” Eve started to leave when Luis stopped her. “Dr. Russell, before you leave, could you tell us how Officer Silvano is doing?”
Eve gave Sam and Luis a grave smile. “He’s still in surgery. The bullet was very close to his heart, but missed it from what I understand. That is very good news. He’s lost a lot of blood, but he’s young and strong. It’s still touch and go, but things aren’t quite as bad as they looked earlier.” “Thanks Eve,” Sam said “Yes, Thank you,” Luis added with some relief. “At least he’s still hanging in there. Oh, by the way, how are the prisoners? I’m not interested in details, just are they going to live or die?” “Both Roger and Pierre will both live. Pierre just has a concussion, Roger is out of surgery and is doing fine,” Eve reported. “Now if you will excuse me, I need to get something for Ethan.”
As Eve walked away, Luis said bitterly. “It figures. they’re both going to be just fine and Silvano is hanging by a thread.” “Just relax Luis,” Sam said. “Silvano is strong, remember that. He has a wife and children that he loves very much. He’s going to fight and that is to our advantage.” “Yeah, I know Sam,” Luis said. “I know.” Eve Russell returned and gave Ethan a shot for his headache. “I am very glad to see my patient awake,” she smiled at him. “This is a codeine shot, Ethan. It is the best medicine we have for headaches. You should feel better in a few minutes.”
“Thank you Dr. Russell,” Ethan said quietly. Eve turned towards Sheridan. “Sheridan, are you all right? You’ve been through a lot in the last few days.” Sheridan smiled at Eve. “I’m better than I have been in weeks,” Dr. Russell. “Ethan is going to be fine, the men who have been trying to kill me have been caught and ... Everything is WONDERFUL!” Sheridan said beaming. “Sheridan,” Ethan said groggily as he saw her face glowing, “Does that look mean that you talked with Luis?”] Sheridan blushed as she looked at her nephew. “Yes Ethan, it does,” she said giddily. “And?” he asked. “And,“ she laughed shyly, “everything is WONDERFUL!”
“I’m happy for you Sheridan. Very happy for you,” Ethan said getting sleepier by the minute. “I’m going to take a nap now.” With that Ethan drifted off due to the effects of the headache medicine. “Ethan will probably sleep for a few more hours. When he wakes up he will feel like a new person and can go home in all likelihood. Ivy, you may stay if you wish, but Ethan does need his rest now,” Eve explained as Sam and Luis quietly re entered the room.
“It’s ok, Dr. Russell. I’ll be going, I need to get home anyway,” Sheridan said. Her face suddenly turned into a frown. “What am I talking about. I can’t go to the cottage tonight. It will still have all the remnants from this afternoon there. Police tape, blood all over.” Sheridan shuddered at the thought. “You can stay at the main house Sheridan,” Ivy suggested good naturedly. Sheridan went pale as Ivy suggested sleeping in the main house. “Ivy, really, I couldn’t,” Sheridan stammered. “Sheridan, I’m sorry,” Ivy said apologetically. “I didn’t think when I suggested you stay at the main house. That was very thoughtless of me.” Luis was intrigued by the fact that Sheridan didn’t want to sleep in the main house. She looked petrified at the thought of it, but her immediate need was a place to spend the night.
“I’ll just check into a hotel,” Sheridan said. “I’ll just stay there until the mess is cleaned up.” Sheridan was relieved she’d come up with a quick solution for herself. She knew everyone must want to know why she couldn’t stay at the mansion and wasn’t up to an inquisition. “Sheridan,” Luis said, “You can stay at our house. Mama would never forgive me if I let you check into a hotel.” “Luis, no,” Sheridan said shyly, her cheeks slightly red. “I couldn’t impose on your family like that.” “Sheridan,” Luis said seriously. “You could never be an imposition. I’m going to call Mama right now and let her know what’s going on. I owe her a phone call anyway.” Luis didn’t wait for a response. He left the room before Sheridan could utter another word. He left her standing there with a slightly embarrassed look on her face. Ivy smiled broadly and Eve and Sam kept their smiles to a minimum.
“Hi, I was wondering if Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald is working tonight?” Hank asked the desk officer as he and Beth stood in the Harmony Police Station. “Sorry, but he’s been off for a few days now. I’m not sure when he will be returning,” the officer explained. Hank and Beth exchanged puzzled glances. “Do you know where he went?” Hank asked. “I’m sorry, but I’m not at liberty to divulge that information,” he explained. “You’re Sam’s brother Hank, right?” The officer asked. “Yes,” Hank said. “Well maybe if you ask him, he’ll tell you. Better it come from the Chief than me. You know the way things are,” he said. “Yeah, right,” Hank said. “Thanks anyway.”
Hank and Beth left the station. “Why on earth would Luis take a few days off now?” Hank asked. Just a little while ago he was hear morning noon and night. He said he was pushing to make detective and couldn’t even take time off to run the Youth Center. I don’t get it Beth!” “Like I told you Hank,” Beth said. “I haven’t seen Luis in quite sometime and no one seems to know where he is.” “Let’s go to Luis’ house. If he’s not there at least Pilar will know where he is. He would never take off and not let her know where he was going,” Hank said a touch annoyed that he was unable to locate his friend. He didn’t know why, but it was really beginning to bother him. “This just isn’t like Luis, Beth.” “Don’t you think it’s late to be bothering Pilar, Hank?” Beth questioned.
Hank looked at his watch. “Nah!” he said. “This is Pilar’s late night to work at the Cranes. She probably won’t even be getting home for an hour or so. We can just walk around until I’m sure she’ll be home.” “Whatever you say Hank,” Beth agreed somewhat reluctantly. If the lights are out when we get there, I’m leaving. I won’t be responsible for waking anyone up, all right?” “Deal,” Hank said with a grin. He and Beth walked through the streets of Harmony, slowly making their way to the Lopez-Fitzgerald House.
Luis walked away from Ethan’s room and flipped open his cell phone. He started dialing a number when he heard a familiar voice coming towards him. “Luis!! Hijo!” Pilar said loudly and excitedly enough to get Luis’ attention. “Mama!” Luis greeted as he walked up to his mother. “Mama, it’s so good to see you.” Luis threw his arms around his mother and gave her a great big hug. Luis was grinning from ear to ear. “I was just about to call you, Mama,” he continued excitedly. Sheridan just emerged from Ethan’s room. She spotted Pilar and Luis, but they had not noticed her presence at this time. She just stood next to the door and threw her head back, closing her eyes. She would wait to greet Pilar until after Luis was finished, as he had not seen his mother since he had returned to Harmony.
“Hijo,” Pilar said suspiciously, but with a small smile, “I’m glad to see your mood had improved since we last spoke.” “You bet it has Mama,” Luis said beaming. He picked his mother up and swung her around a few times. Sheridan had opened her eyes to witness Luis picking his mother up and swinging her around. She smiled to herself thinking about all the love in the Lopez-Fitzgerald family. She so much wanted that in her own family, but never had it. As a child, Pilar had given Sheridan a taste of what real family love should be. She’d never forgotten that and vowed that someday she’d have a family as loving as Pilar’s family was.
“Luis, what has gotten into you?” Pilar asked with a slight laugh. “I’ve never seen you like this before.” “What can I say, Mama?” Luis said happily as he put Pilar back on her feet. “I’m in love for the first time in my life and it’s wonderful!” Pilar gave Luis a knowing smile. She tilted her head to the side and said, “I assume you are talking about Sheridan, Hijo?” “Of course it’s Sheridan!” Luis exclaimed. “Who else would it be?” Sheridan stood there in shock. She’d never expected to hear a conversation like this, otherwise she would have left, but she had heard it. Luis was in love with her! She felt her insides knot up. She wanted to scream out ‘I love you too, Luis’ but couldn’t. She couldn’t move. It was almost as if she were frozen in place. She just stood there listening to this conversation. “I assume you and Sheridan settled your differences?” Pilar questioned.
“Pretty much, Mama,” Luis said. “So much had happened in the last few days. There is so much I have to tell you. But I do have a question to ask you. “Is it all right if Sheridan stays at our house for a few days until she can move back into her cottage? Ivy told her she could stay at the main house, but Sheridan almost freaked out at the thought of it. Then Ivy apologized for making the offer. I have no idea what that was all about.” “Yes, I see,” Pilar said, knowing why Sheridan refused to spend a night at the mansion. “Of course she may stay with us, Luis. You will tell me why Sheridan is unable to stay at the cottage?” “Didn’t you work at the Mansion tonight?” Luis asked. “I thought you would have seen all the commotion?” “No. Mrs. Crane gave me the night off,” Pilar answered.
“Oh,” Luis said. “I thought you came by here to see Ethan.” “Ethan is here?” Pilar asked with concern. “I stopped by to see Dr. Russell for a moment.” “Yes, Mama. Ivy is with him. He’s probably be released in a few hours,” Luis explained. “Like I said, Mama, I have a lot to tell you. Right now I need to get Sheridan out of here. She’s had a very long day and needs to get some rest.” “ I’m glad Ethan will be all right. Hijo, you’re not going to, uh...” Pilar started. “No, Mama! Of course not!” Luis said, his cheeks flushed. “I’m not even sure exactly how Sheridan feels about me. I mean, neither one of us has told the other how we feel. We shared a kiss and that’s all.” Luis took a deep breath and entered a near trance like state as he happily recalled their kiss.”
“That must have been some kiss, Hijo, to get you to look like that.” Pilar stated. “It was, Mama. For both of us. That we agreed on. Sheridan and I still have a lot of issues to work out, but we’ve both agreed we think this relationship is worth fighting for. And I for one, will fight ANYONE who tries to interfere.” Luis, I am very happy for you,” Pilar said. “I never wanted anything for my children except their happiness. Sheridan is a wonderful woman. I told you that long ago, when you disagreed with me.” Luis laughed. He indeed remembered how his mother tried to convince him what a wonderful person Sheridan was. “I remember. I thought you were crazy at the time. I now realize you were right all along. It just took me a little longer to see it for myself.”
“Just be careful, Luis,” Pilar urged. “I am very happy that you have found Sheridan, but please, be careful with the rest of her family.” The door to Ethan’s room opened and Eve Russell, Sam and Ivy came out of the room. Sheridan was now standing behind the other three, looking like she’d just emerged from there as well. Sheridan was still in shock over the conversation she’d just overheard. She knew she had to tell Luis, but now was not the right time. She joined the others as they made their way over towards Luis and Pilar.
To Be Continued…
