Love & Power

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the character’s of Passions, blah blah blah. All that good stuff.

Chapter 1:

Sheridan Crane was back in Harmony after all these years away in Paris. The only reason she was back was because it was a request of her father to clean up Julian’s little mess. She was sitting in his office at this very moment, in his huge leather chair placed at a long square marble table for conference. He was suppose to be in half and hour ago, leave it to him to be late, probably boozing early in the morning. As she drank her ginger ale she sifted through the company files on Julian’s laptop, the percentages were pitiful. No wonder her father sent her home, Julian was incompetent. She turned around in the big chair and stood up. She looked out over the town of Harmony, the place unnerved her, specially staying in the Crane Mansion. That’s exactly why she had gotten a place near the beach, the ocean air had always seemed to calm her. Sheridan knew she had no desire to stay her longer than she was needed for. She would do what was required of her and leave.

She snapped out of her thoughts and had the secretary bring in the case files that Julian handled. The secretary brought them in and Sheridan thanked her. Julian had made a mess of things, how could one man do so much damage? As she picked up the next folder and her ginger ale the big wooden doors swung open, it was Julian followed in by two officers. Julian hadn’t noticed her as he picked up the scotch decanter, but the officers did but they remained quiet as she put her finger up to her lips signaling them to be quiet.

Officer Lopez-Fitzgerald and Chief Bennett wondered who the beautiful was especially Luis there was something about her. As Julian brought his drink to his lips he was startled by a female voice. “For God’s sake Julian it’s still morning, put the damn drink down.” She yelled. The glass dropped onto the floor with a loud shatter as he spun around, knowing full well who it was. He gave her a look of shock. “Sheridan, what are you doing here?” Julian asked. “You don’t look or sound happy to see me.” She said standing up and walking towards him. The shocked look wore away and he was beginning to glare at her. She noticed it and just smiled. “What? No hug? No how are you doing? No how was your flight? You’ve become very rude, haven’t you?” She then fully noticed the two officers more. They were both good looking, but the young Latin, there was just something about him.

She walked over to them and began introducing herself. “Hi I’m Sheridan.” She said extending her hand to Chief Bennett whom gave her a smile. “Chief Bennett.” She then moved to shake Luis’ hand. “Hi I’m Officer Lopez-Fitzgerald.” He said throwing her a million watt smile, she thought her legs would give way. The man was too good looking. She then made a realization that caused her smile to brighten. "Your Pilar’s son aren’t you?” Sheridan asked. “Yeah.” “Your mother is a great woman, I hope you know that you’re very lucky to have her.” “Yeah she is and that I do, but how do you know mama?” He asked blankly. At this point they were still holding hands in a shake that should have been over after he introduced himself. Luis noticed it and broke ‘the shake’.

“OH I know why you came home.” Julian said in his know it all voice. “Another broken heart.” Julian said somewhat amused. Sheridan’s eyes flashed with anger, which didn’t go unnoticed by Sam and Luis. “Excuse me.” She said turning around. “Poor, poor Sheridan, when will you ever learn?” Julian said with clear pity for her. “This is not about my love life.” She gritted out, sauntering back over to his chair and sitting down. “Of course it is Sheridan. You run every time your heart is broken, your running out of continents aren’t you Sheridan?” Julian smugly asked. “Low blow Julian, very low.” She said with bitterness in her voice. “Ummm, maybe we should come back another time.” Luis suggested. “Oh no stay, we’ll only be a couple more minutes, isn’t that right Sheridan, dear?” Julian replied in a grand manor. “Have a seat.” He said motioning to two of the leather chairs surrounding the marble table.

The two men sat down unsure of whether or not they should be there. “That’s always been your problem hasn’t it Sheridan? Looking for love, HA!” He scoffed. “When will you ever learn, men just use you for your name, money and power.” Sheridan now had her head hung, tears forming in her blue eyes. Her love life was definitely a sore spot for her. ‘No!’ she thought. “I don’t understand you Sheridan, you could have some of the world’s richest bachelors, they’re all at your feet but when it comes to them you act like the ice princess, you don’t want them. It’s as if any man of you own class can’t get near you, but those who aren’t in your class you give your heart and they always use you. My God Sheridan get a clue.”

Suddenly Sheridan had had it; she jumped up out of the chair and looked her brother dead in the eye. “No Julian, you get a clue.” She yelled. Julian chuckled. “My, my doesn’t someone seem frustrated, perhaps sexually.” Julian said laughing. Sam and Luis looked over at Sheridan, she was seething. “Unlike you Julian, sex is not what I’m looking for, but if I wanted it I guarantee you I could get it any damn time I wanted and you know something else, I wouldn’t have to pay for it.” She said almost laughing at the look on his face. Luis and Sam wore smirks on their faces. "I don’t pay for anything.” "Oh puh-lease, those women go to bed with you because you buy them everything they could possibly want, I can hardly fathom a woman going to bed with you unless she is paid.” Sheridan said smugly. “Why is that?” He gritted out.

“Although I didn’t want to, I’ve heard about your minute man performance.” Sheridan said smugly, she now had the upper hand. Sam and Luis were now fighting to hold back their laughter. Now it was Julian who was seething with anger, his face was red while Sheridan’s face held a glorious smile. Luis thought that she was intensely beautiful at the moment. “Now like I said before this isn’t about me, this is all about you and only you. I’ve been looking through your computer files…” Julian cut her off. “How the hell did you get into my computer, it’s password protected.”

“Yeah, some password, SEX. Didn’t you listen to the computer programmer when she told you about the most commonly used passwords…no of course didn’t, you were probably to busy looking up her skirt. Anyway like I was saying before I was rudely interrupted, I’ve been looking through your files and I can see why Alistair doesn’t like what he’s seeing.” At the mention of the old man’s name Julian seemed to quake in his expensive shoes. Sam and Luis became more alert- Luis fought to push the anger down as he heard the name. Now he was even more curious as to how Sheridan was connected to Julian and Alistair. Then he reasoned that she was probably a PR person for the Cranes, it never crossed his mind that she might actually be one of them herself. “You know something Julian if you spent half the time you spend skirt chasing and invest that time into the company you wouldn’t be in this predicament.”

“And what predicament would that be Sheridan, dear?” “You’re dragging this company down Julian.” “That’s preposterous, this company is doing excellent, thanks to me.” Julian said in a snotty tone. “Bulls**t Julian.” Sheridan said sliding one of his case files to him across the table. “You’re f*cking up, royally.” Sheridan said practically yelling. “How is it that you can do so much damage, you who’s one man, this branch has suffered ever since you took control, which brings me to why I’m here.” Sheridan was now walking beside the length of the table. She caught Luis’ eye and smiled at him, as he did the same. She hoped he didn’t see the blush on her face, God the man was too much. She couldn’t recall a time when she blushed when someone smiled at her.

She now stood in front of the big glass windows. She turned back around to face Julian. “Since you seem to think that I’m an ice princess, this shouldn’t bother me but it does.” “Just get to the point Sheridan, your not famous for delaying.” “Fine Julian, you’re no longer C.E.O of Crane Idustries, you are no longer chairman of any of the boards that you served on. Alistair has stripped you until you can get your act straight.” The smirk that had been on Julian’s face was now gone. “Now I’ve been called in to clean house, so to speak and clean up you’re the mess you’ve made of things. I’m taking over your branch of Crane Industries, that’s why I’m back home.” Luis and Sam were shocked but Luis found himself delighted that she would be in town a little longer. “This has to be some joke, you can’t do this.”

“It’s not a joke, I can do this and I will.” Sheridan stated matter of fact. Just then the phone rang. “That should be Alistair.” Sheridan hit the speakerphone button. “Good morning to everyone, Chief Bennett, Officer Lopez-Fitzgerald.” Alistair politely. “Good morning.” Both men said at the same time. “Sheridan how was your flight?” Alistair asked “It was fine father.” Hearing this threw Luis through a loop. Did she just say ‘father’? He looked up and knew that she had. She was Alistair’s daughter, Julian’s sister, she was a damn Crane.” The smile he had on his face disappeared, he was now frowning.

“Julian I trust your there, I’ve guessed by your quietness that your sister has informed you that she will be taking over your company, so not only will she be C.E.O. of her branch but yours as well. I’ve given you chance after chance and I’ll be damned if I let you run my companies into the ground. When you stop with the shirt chasing, drinking of your precious scotch and show me that you can actually be a man, this company will be your sister’s.” “Father you can’t be serious, Sheridan could never run this place like I do.” Julian said bitterly. Sheridan in return glared at him. “I am serious Julian, I’ve never been more so in my life and that’s the reason I brought Sheridan back home, I know she won’t screw up. I’ve made my decision and it’s final. The sooner you straighten out Julian the better for you.” The room grew silent; in fact the only thing that was heard was Julian’s angry breathing. “Sheridan, call me if you need anything.”

“I will father.” Sheridan said sweetly. “Goodbye everyone.” Alistair didn’t wait for good-byes as he hung up. Sheridan then reached over and dialed a phone number. The phone rang a couple of times then a groggy voice answered. “Damn it, someone better be dead calling this damn early.” Brandon Lowry said. “Oh Brandon, I’m sorry to be calling you so early.” “Oh Sheridan how are things going?” “That’s why I called, I need you to get on the next plane to Harmony ASAP.” “Will do, what about your company?” “Just follow the chain of command. Call me on my cell when you arrive at the airport and I’ll send a car for you. “Okay I’ll see you soon.” “Okay now go back to sleep.” She ordered jokingly. “Bye Sheridan.” “Bye Brandon.” With that he hung up. She turned to Julian, he looked angry as hell, his little sister had just taken his company. “I’m sorry it had to come to this Julian, I really am.” She said sincerely because she really did mean it, which was clear. But Julian wasn’t having any of it.

“This is all your fault, I think you graduated from ice princess to ice queen a true Crane woman.” Sheridan seemed to take offense at being called a true Crane. “Go to hell Julian, this is no one’s fault but your own. You can insult me all you want, but we both know if you had kept your lips off the scotch glass and kept what’s between your legs in your pants you wouldn’t be in this position.” She said loudly. Julian was at the breaking point. He raised his hand to slap Sheridan. When Sam and Luis realized what he was going to do they lunged towards them but it was already to late. Julian was lying on the floor with a big ass scratch on his face from Sheridan’s diamond ring. She had blocked his hand and back handed him, he went flying.

Sam and Luis were shocked as hell, the woman was full of surprises. Julian sat up and groaned, giving Sheridan the evil eye. Sheridan picked up her purse preparing to leave. She leaned down to Julian. “Clean up that glass you broke before you leave my office.” She then stepped by him and headed for the door, swinging it open. Sam and Luis followed her out the door, they saw no reason to stick around even if Julian had just been knocked out.

Sheridan stopped in the doorway as she listened to Julian’s secretary talking to her husband. It turns out that Julian had her working on her anniversary, even when she had begged for time off well in advance. Sheridan was disgusted at her brother’s actions, but that was nothing new. Sheridan waited for the secretary to finish her conversation with her husband while Sam and Luis stood behind her listening themselves.

“Excuse me Mrs. Winters” Sheridan said stepping in front of the secretaries’ desk. “I couldn’t help at over hearing your conversation.” “Oh Ms.Crane, I’m sorry, the things I said about Mr. Crane…” Sheridan cut her off. “The things that you said about my brother were absolutely right, he is an a**hole. Now I want you to get your things and go home to your husband. You shouldn’t be working on your anniversary.” “What about Mr. Crane?” She asked. “What about him? My brother is no longer in charge, I am so go home to your guy and have fun.” She jumped out of her chair and gathered her things. “Thank you so much Ms. Crane.”

“No problem and call me Sheridan.” All four of them got into the elevator going to the basement parking lot. The women talked about how Julian had really messed things up. “I can’t believe you two are related.” Megan commented. “You’re not the only one.” Sheridan said goodbye to Megan who went off in a different direction. “So what do you two think of my brother?” She asked digging in her purse, looking for her car keys. She found them and pulled them out. “No one in Harmony really thinks highly of any of the Cranes, especially Julian.” Luis said with anger in his voice, which didn’t go unnoticed by Sam and Sheridan. “Finally he speaks, I take it you don’t like any of the Cranes.”

“You would be right.” Luis said. “That’s too bad.” She said opening up the trunk to the convertible blue BMW. She took off her jacket and threw her purse in the back seat. She pulled out her CD case and began looking through it. One CD made her tear up, Jean Luc had given it to her. She walked over to one of the trashcans and threw it away. Sam and Luis watched her angry strides before she came back to face them. She put her sunshades on to hide the tears and closed her trunk up. “Well it was nice meeting the two of you.” She said sliding into the driver’s side seat and buckled up. Sam and Luis backed up as she started the car up. “I’ll see you guys around.” She said. She then backed out and drove away. “It seemed like something was bothering her.” Luis pointed out. He then shrugged his shoulders. They got back into the squad car and headed back to the station.

To Be Continued…

Chapter 2:

Sheridan drove straight to her beach house, the place was beautiful and it would look even better once she got all the boxes unpacked. She unpacked a couple of boxes with her clothes in them and took a shower. She changed into some blue tight fitting bootcut jeans, a black sleeveless crewneck top that showed her midriff and a black pair of boots. She called the Crane Mansion looking for Ethan, she ended up talking to Ivy for about an hour. She told Ivy about Julian being powerless, Ivy only laughed. Sheridan knew Ivy couldn’t stand Julian, that their marriage was one of convenience. Ivy then told her where Ethan was and they ended their conversation with a goodbye. Sheridan grabbed her car keys and hopped in her car, on her way to the Police Station.

She pulled into the police station a few minutes later. She walked in and walked up to the desk. “Hi I was looking for Ethan Crane.” The officer finally closed his mouth and spoke. “Oh Mr. Crane, he should be in any minute; you’re not from around here are you?” “Actually I am, I’ve just been away for awhile.” She sensed she was being stared at, she looked around the station and noticed a couple of the officers smiling at her. They had pretty much stopped doing their work, which drew Sam from his office. “What’s going on out here, you’d swear there was a woman here.” “Hi Chief Bennett.” Sheridan said.

“Should of known, you’re distracting my men. I assume your looking for Ethan, he should be in give or take a few minutes. In the mean time you can wait in my office.” Sheridan followed Sam into his office and sat down, but then got back up, looking at the pictures of his family he had all over the wall. “You have a beautiful family.” She said taking particular interest in one that was placed behind the door. “Thank you, they’re my world.” Just then Luis came in and sat down, not noticing Sheridan was there. “Julian Crane just called, he actually wanted to press assault charges against his own sister. I can’t believe she backhanded him like that Sam. She’s definitely one hell of a woman, it’s too bad she’s a Crane.” The smile that was on Sheridan’s face disappeared. “The Cranes are nothing but vultures, I’m sure she’s no different.”

Out of no where Ethan stuck his head in the door. "Chief Bennett, is there a reason all the guys are talking about a beautiful blonde woman who came in your office, they’re practically drooling. So where is she?” “Ethan Crane you’re engaged to be married, besides the beautiful blonde is your aunt.” She said in a mock voice. She stepped from behind the door and Ethan pulled her into a big hug. “It’s so good to see you Sheridan.” He said spinning her around. He finally put her down, she was facing Luis, he looked a little surprised. “What are you doing home? Wait a minute that didn’t sound right, I meant what brings you to Harmony, I know how much you dislike it here.”

“I could tell you the whole story but I don’t have enough time so I’ll see you at the mansion and tell you everything. I have to go, no scratch that, you come by my beach house and you can help me unpack.” "I would love to help but I don’t know where you live.” “Duh.” She smacked herself in the forehead. “Chief Bennett, may I get a piece of paper and a pen?” “Sure Sheridan.” She came over to his desk brushing by Luis. She wrote down her address, which Luis noticed and memorized. “Here you go Ethan.” Just then her cell phone rang. “Excuse me…Hello…hey Brandon…okay get here when you can…bye.” Sheridan closed her phone up and turned back to Ethan.

“Ever the business woman.” Ethan commented. Sheridan smiled warmly. “Some days I wish I wasn’t.” A look of regret formed in her eyes. “Okay Ethan I’ll see you later.” She said hugging him and turning to leave. She was halfway out the station when she felt someone grab her arm gently, she turned around it was Luis. “Oh it’s you. Did you think of anymore birds of prey to describe me?” “Listen I’m trying…” Sheridan cut him off. "Save it for someone who wants to listen, I don’t have time for you right now so let go of my arm.” She snatched her arm out of his grasp and stomped out. She got in her car and sped away leaving tire marks.

That night Sheridan couldn’t sleep. It was the same nightmare she had most of her life. She hadn’t experienced one in years, but Harmony was making her loose sleep. She finally gave up trying to sleep when she saw the sun rising. She got up and got dressed to go for a run. The run was very relaxing. She knew she needed to get some sleeping pills if she were ever going to help the company out. She hopped in the shower and got dressed. She then cooked herself something to eat and sat down preparing to go over the files of Crane Industries. Going over them literally gave Sheridan a headache, how could one man be so stupid. She kept looking out to the back of the house, where there was a pool, it was looking more appealing by the minute. She jumped up and ran to her room, stripping quickly and changing into a barely there red bikini. She ran back out and dove into the pool, not hearing the doorbell ring or someone knocking at the door.

Luis went around the side of the house when he heard a big splash. He opened up the gate and walked in. He saw her swimming laps in the pool. She looked like she was in a good mood, maybe he would be able to apologize. He wondered why he even wanted to apologize, she was a Crane. As he was thinking she stopped swimming and put her head above the water as if sensing he was there. She didn’t look very happy to see him, but then again why should she, he called her and her family vultures. “What can I do for you?” Sheridan asked slowly stepping out of the pool. At that moment Luis’ eyes roamed over every inch of her body. Sheridan Crane was gorgeous and flawless. He watched her wrap a towel around herself and walk through the big glass doors. She didn’t say if she wanted him to follow so he was debating on whether or not to go in. What the hell, she’s already mad at me, Luis thought.

He stepped into the house and noticed it was nothing like the Crane Mansion, her place looked comfortable, he liked it. He walked down the long hallway. “Sheridan.” He called unaware of where she was. “I thought you left.” She called from one of the rooms. “Can I come in?” Luis asked. “Please.” He added for effect. “Come in.” He walked into the spacious room, she shut the door behind him practically slamming it. Luis spun around to see her standing there looking slightly angry and beautiful all at once. She was wearing a baby blue tank top and white short shorts, plus her hair was still wet from her swim. “So what do you want?” She asked walking over to a box and cutting down the center of it with a box cutter. She began pulling out clothes and putting them away in dresser drawers. Luis sat down, although he was not asked to sit. “Don’t get too comfy. What do you want?”

“I came to apologize.” “Why apologize for speaking your mind? You think I’m a vulture along with my family, just like I think you’re a narrow minded a**hole.” She could see him getting mad. “You don’t know a damn thing about me.” Luis said raising his voice. “Bingo, you don’t know anything about me, not a thing, but you, you’ve already shown me how you can be.” “I know all I need to know, you’re a damn Crane.” “That’s it I’m tired of being grouped with my father and brother, I’m nothing like them. If you knew anything about me you wouldn’t say such things. I understand you hate my family, hell sometimes I can’t stand them but they’re still my family. I’ve spent much of my life out of this god forsaken place, I may have been born here but this is no longer my home.

So rest assured when the company is up to Crane standards and Julian can hold his own company. They’ll be one less Crane to worry about in Harmony, but until then I’m here to stay.” With that she threw him a wicked smile and left the room. He followed her to the kitchen and watched as she cut a piece of apple. “So Ms. Crane what makes you different from the rest of your family?” “Are you asking as a cop or a potential friend?” “You would consider me being a friend?” he asked not believing her. “Why not?” “I just thought that a rich woman as yourself wouldn’t befriend a common person as myself.” “That’s not me, it’s never mattered to me. I guess being away from Alistair and Julian all these years away helped.” “Just how many years have you been away?” “Since I was 12, I was sent off to boarding school.” "How old are you now?” "How old do I look?”

“I don’t know, maybe 30.” He said in a joking tone. Sheridan shot him a dirty look and threw a piece of fruit at him. “I’m just kidding.” “How old are you?” Sheridan asked. “I’m 28.” “I’m two years younger than you.” “So why a business woman?” Luis asked. “You don’t seem like the type.” "That’s because I’m not.” She said simply. “Then why do you do it?” Luis asked curiously. Sheridan just shrugged. “There has to be a reason.” “I haven’t really thought about it. This wasn’t my career choice. I was never expected to be more than a pretty face. I guess that’s my reason for my career, I wanted to show the world and my father that I’m capable of so much more.”

“What did you want to be?” Luis asked. “I wanted to be…” She laughed at the memory. “I wanted to be a writer, but that was a long time ago.” “What made you change your mind?” “When I started college my courses all had to do with English and writing. My teachers always said I was creative. When I was sent off to boarding school I had to find another way to solve my problems and my worries, so I began writing. I discovered I enjoyed it although my father felt it was a waste of time because it wasn’t benefiting the family. Then he pulled the rug out from under me when he arranged for me to be married all for a business merger, to some guy I didn’t know. I didn’t know him, much less love him so I told my father I wouldn’t do it…” Just then there was a knock on the door. “Excuse me.” She said wiping her hands on a towel. She went to the door and signed for the package. She came back and placed it on the counter.

“Aren’t you going to open it?” Luis asked waiting for her to open it. Sheridan laughed and began opening it. When she saw the crystal horse her eyes went wide and she dropped it to the floor. The shatter of the crystal echoed through her mind. “Sheridan! Sheridan!” Luis called to get her attention. She snapped back but not fully to herself. Just then the phone rang. She walked to it in a trance and hit the speakerphone button. “Hello.” “Hello Sheridan.” A man with a French accent said. “How the hell did you find out where I am?” She yelled.

“Don’t be like that beautiful. What’s the matter didn’t you like my gift? I know you like to collect them. I’ll always find you until you give me what I want.” Just then Sheridan yanked the cord out of the wall. Luis had heard the entire thing, he could see that she was fighting the onslaught of tears. “Who was that on the phone?” Luis asked desperately wanting to know who it was, he didn’t like the idea of someone upsetting her, and worried that someone might be harassing her. Sheridan whirled around, she had forgotten that he was there. “Listen Luis could you please leave? I want to be alone.” “Who was that on the phone?” He asked again determined to get an answer out of her. “It’s none of your concern, now please leave.” She said turning away from him, looking out towards the ocean.

“Sheridan who was that on the phone?” Luis asked getting angry that she wouldn’t tell him. Sheridan spun around and anger and tears in her eyes at the moment. “Get the hell out of my house, NOW!” She said angrily, practically yelling. "FINE!” He yelled back angrily. “Just remember that I offered to listen.” With that he was out the door. Sheridan stood in the same spot almost 15 minutes later just staring at the ocean. She finally snapped out of it and went to her room where she locked herself in until the sun had gone down and cried.

To Be Continued…

Chapter 3:

She got dressed in all black, grabbed her car keys and sunshades and left. She put her shades on immediately as she stepped out her door, she didn’t want anybody to see her eyes, they were puffy and red. She went to her office, grabbing some files to go through. She knew she wasn’t going to get any sleep anytime soon. She then went to the Book Café to pick up some coffee. She hadn’t noticed Pilar and Luis sitting down having a drink, but Pilar noticed her. There were only a couple of people there as it was close to closing time. Sheridan stood at the counter waiting for her coffee and blueberry muffin. She hadn’t taken her sunshades off the whole time she was there, she didn't need anybody seeing her tears.

“Sheridan!” Pilar called excitedly. Sheridan’s head snapped up and she smiled. “Pilar!” Sheridan said happily. The two women met half way and wrapped each other in hugs. Pilar took Sheridan’s hand and led her over to where Luis and her had been sitting. Sheridan hesitated a little but relented. The both of them sat down, her across from Luis. Luis raised an eyebrow at her, he looked like he might be angry at her but she ignored him. “Sheridan I’d like you to meet my son Luis.” “We’ve already met.” Sheridan stated. “Oh. I can’t get over how beautiful you’ve become, of course you were always a beautiful child.” Pilar said proudly. Sheridan was blushing like crazy.

“You’re making me red.” “It’s the truth, you’re still the same blonde haired blue eyed little girl, except your hair was longer.” Sheridan began laughing softly. "I can’t even remember when I had long hair.” “Well let me remind you.” Pilar pulled out her wallet, which enclosed pictures. She pulled out the pictures of Sheridan. She handed them to Sheridan and she smiled. “I can’t believe you still have these.” She looked at one picture in particular, it was of her and Pilar. “I’ve missed you so much Pilar, it’s just so good to see you.” “You too Sheridan. So how long are you here? Permanently I hope.” “I’m only here as long as I’m needed.”

“Oh yes Ivy told me about you taking over for Julian. Ivy has told me that he’s been abusing the scotch.” “That sounds like my brother, he brought it on himself. I don’t want his company, he’s so paranoid. As for staying permanently in Harmony I can honestly say I don’t think so, I don’t feel right here.” “Sheridan what’s wrong? I know Paris is your home but you don’t sound like you’re homesick.” “Nothings wrong. Why would you ask?” Sheridan asked hesitantly. “Don’t lie to me hija.” Pilar said sternly. Sheridan hung her head. “I’m sorry.” She said softly. Pilar lifted her chin and pulled the glasses off her face. Her eyes were watering up again and of course they were still puffy and red. “Why have you been crying?” Just then someone brought over Sheridan’s coffee and muffin.

“Thank you.” She put her shades back on. “I have to go, I have some files to go over before my meeting Monday so I’ll see you soon.” Sheridan got up to leave but was quickly stopped by Pilar’s voice. “Sheridan Elizabeth Crane sit down.” Sheridan immmediately sat down when she heard Pilar’s demanding tone. Sheridan felt like she was eight years old again. “You can either tell me why you’ve been crying or we can just sit here until you do. I don’t like to see any of my children in pain and you’re like a daughter to me so please tell me what’s wrong.” Sheridan pulled her shades off placing them on the table, she exhaled a long breath she didn’t know she had been keeping in. “It’s just been a long year.” She said. In honesty it was the truth, just not the whole truth. “What do you mean ‘it’s been a long year’? Pilar asked unaware of everything that Sheridan had been going through.

“I mean I’m just not happy, I haven’t been for a long time.” Just then her cell phone rang. “Excuse me hello.” “Hey Sheridan, its Brandon, the merger you’re working on hit a snag.” “What kind of snag Brandon?” “The investors want to talk to you.” “You mean George wants to talk to me.” "Bingo he wants a video conference. Do you have access to the equipment?” “Yeah give me an hour, I have to get ready. By the way when are you getting you behind down here?” “As soon as I can, as soon as the weather let’s up I’ll be there. You miss me or something?” “Thinking about it I do miss you. So do you want to stay in a hotel or with me?”

“Do you even have to ask? Of course I want to stay with you.” “Okay I’ll see you when you get here, bye.” “Bye Sheridan.” Sheridan ended the call and began gathering her things. “I’m sorry Pilar but I have to go. One of the clients only wants to speak to me.” “I understand, but we will talk.” “Okay.” She rose from the table as did Pilar. “Are you coming by the mansion tomorrow?” “I don’t think that’s such a good idea right now, Julian needs time to cool off. I was thinking about just sleeping in tomorrow before a full day tomorrow before a full day on Monday.” Just then ‘Lucky’ came on by Britney Spears. She listened to the words, the song described her life to a tee. She quickly put her shades on as her eyes watered up again. “I’ll see you soon Pilar.” She said hugging her and walking out the door at a brisk pace.

“I’m worried about her, she wasn’t telling me the whole truth, there’s more.” “Don’t be so paranoid mama, she seems like a very capable woman.” “You don’t understand Luis.” “What don’t I understand?” “Sheridan may look strong, she is but there has been a lot of heartbreak in her life. When certain things happen it can, it just takes a toll on her and she shuts down for awhile.” “Like what?” Luis asked. “I can’t tell you that Luis, just don’t give her a hard time because her last name is Crane. She is a good person.” “Good person? Mama she’s a Crane, they’re all scum.” “Watch your mouth hijo. Don’t group Sheridan with the rest of her family because she’s nothing like them. Now I have to go meet up with Grace, I’ll see you at home.”

“Bye mama.” Sheridan woke up with the sun. Yesterday had been a rough day on her emotionally. She got dressed to go running, grabbing her cell phone on the way out just in case Brandon called. She ran along the beach, the ocean producing an extreme comfort, easing her tension. As she was running she didn’t notice Luis and Sam running behind her. Luis noticed the beautiful blonde running ahead and told Sam he would see him at work. He caught up with her, she was definitely a fast runner. “Hi.” He said. She turned around recognizing Luis’ voice. “Hey yourself.” She said smiling at the surprised look on his face. “Didn’t know it was me did ya’?” she asked amused. “No but I should of known.” He said smiling at her.

“And how is that?” she asked and then took off running down the beach. Luis took off after her. “You’re a fast runner.” Luis commented running along side her. “Thanks, you’re not so bad yourself. So what did Pilar say after I left?” “She told me that she was worried about you and that you weren’t telling the whole truth.” Sheridan just nodded her head. “Why didn’t you tell her about the phone call?” Sheridan stopped running than. “Because there’s nothing to tell.” “Then why were you crying?” “Listen Luis my life is none of your business.” She then took off running. He caught up. "Your life is my business if my mother is worried about you, she doesn’t need the stress, so you can tell me.” Sheridan stopped then.

“Why should I tell you anything?” Sheridan asked eyeing him. “Because I know more than my mother knows about your situation and besides it’s my job to help.” “Okay I’ll make you a deal. You seem to be a good runner, if you can beat me I’ll answer any questions you have about me, past, present, hell even my hopes for the future. When you lose you’ll have to stay out of my business. Deal?” She held out her hand. “You’re a very competitive woman.” He said stepping close to her. “Your damn right so do we have a deal?” “Yeah.” He answered taking hold of her hand. They both felt a surge of electricity that neither had felt before. Sheridan removed her hand quickly startled. She then looked down the beach for a stopping point for their race.

“Here to the pier. Is that okay with you?” Luis looked at the spot she was talking about, it was about ½ mile maybe more. “It’s okay with me. Ready to lose Crane?” he asked gloating. “It’s only fair to let you know that I used to run track in high school. “You too huh? I ran track too, cross-country and 200m.” “Same here I never lost.” Luis gloated. “There’s a first for everything officer, take your mark, on the count of three.” They got into position. Sheridan began counting off. “One…two…three…” and they were off. Sheridan started off in the lead but Luis caught up, the run changed paces back and forth. When Luis pulled ahead Sheridan knew she couldn’t lose, so she tripped Luis up. Luis fell, but as Sheridan was breezing by him Luis grabbed her ankle causing her to fall. He pulled her by the ankle across the sand towards him.

“Ahhh!” She yelled as she was being dragged towards Luis. He stopped when she was under him. He was now on top of her. “I should of known you would cheat.” “What the hell is that supposed to mean?” “I expect nothing else from a Crane, cheating because I was going to win.” “You were not going to win.” She gritted out. “Yes I was, that’s why you tripped me up and for that I win by your disqualification.” He said glaring down at her. “I don’t think so, let me up it looks like the waves are about to come in.” Luis just looked down at her with a wicked grin. Suddenly the tide came in, crashing into them, drenching the both of them.

“That’s cold.” Sheridan shrieked as the cold water ran over her body causing her body to react. She shivered as a cold breeze ran through her. “Are you going to let me up now?” “I don’t know I’m still thinking about it?” Just then Sheridan’s cell phone rang. She reached down her side and got her phone. “Hello.” “It’s me, I should be there within the next two hours.” “Okay Brandon, I’ll be waiting for you, bye.” “Bye Sheridan.” “Let me up, I have to go get ready.”

“Who’s Brandon?” Luis asked with a raised brow. “My vice president.” “Anything more?” “My closet confidant. Anything else you want to know Mr. Nosy?” Luis smirked at her. “Are you saying that I won and can ask you anything I want?” “I’m not saying that you won, saying that would mean that I lost and I don’t lose.” With that she pushed Luis off of her. She pushed him off because she felt uncomfortable being under him, her body was on fire. She was confused by her body’s reaction to a man she barely knew. She only knew that he hated her family and was Pilar’s son. “I have no idea what you expect to get out of knowing about me so I want to know. Why do you want to know about me? I’m a Crane remember." He walked closer to her. “You don’t trust easily do you?”

“No I don’t, there are few people I trust. I’ve been stabbed in the back one too many times.” “And you think I would do that to you?” “I don’t know what to think about you.” She admitted. “Is that a good thing?” He asked. “No it’s not, now if you’ll excuse me I have to go home and get ready, bye Luis.”

To Be Continued…

Chapter 4 :

Sheridan ran home so she could get ready. When she got home she went straight for the bathroom. She stripped her clothes and hopped in the shower. Her body was on fire and it has nothing to do with the long run she had just been on, it was Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald. Being under him on the beach had driven her crazy. She couldn’t figure out how a man she barely knew made her feel this way. Sure he was gorgeous, she had to restrain herself from grabbing him when she saw him without a shirt on, running on the beach, his muscles flexing. Another plus was that he was Pilar’s son, she knew he was a good person.

She then shut off the water having been in for about half an hour, thinking about Luis. She got out wrapping herself in a towel and toweling off. She pulled out a black zip front suit that included a shirt collar jacket and bootleg pants. She did her make-up and got dressed, putting on a pair of black heels. She grabbed her sunshades, cell phone and some files. She figured she could at least do some work before Brandon’s plane landed. She left the house and headed for her office. Just as she was about to open the big doors her cell phone rang. “Hello.” "I’m waiting.” Brandon said jokingly causing her to laugh.

“I’m on my way.” She turned back around and headed for her car. She reached the airport 5 minutes later, driving a little faster than the posted speed limit. When she got there she looked for him and spotted him. He was dressed to the nine’s in a black Armani tailored suit. He could and did a number on women’s hearts. Brandon was a bachelor, he lived and loved every moment of it. He was a good looking man; tall, blonde, well built and a southern accent that made women go crazy. “Sheridan.” He yelled. She practically ran to him. He wrapped her up on a big hug, glad to see her and likewise. She pulled back. “How was your flight?”

“It was great, some woman was throwing herself at me. I could have become a member of the mile high club.” Sheridan smacked his arm playfully. “You’re terrible, do you know that?” “Yeah but you like that about me.” Sheridan rolled her eyes. She looped her arm through his and they walked to her car. “What happened to the Corvette Sheri?” he asked as she started up the car. “The Corvette is a little too flashy for Harmony, I thought I’d get something a little conservative…for now.” She said throwing him a wicked grin. Brandon looked around as Sheridan drove, Harmony was very beautiful and peaceful. Sheridan looked over at him. “Do you like it?” “What?” he asked coming back to reality.

“Harmony.” “Yeah I do, it peaceful and quaint.” “Good because we’re going to be here for awhile. Julian has made a mess of things. Are you tired?” "Nope I’m wide awake. Why?” “I need to swing by the mansion to pick up some files that Julian has in his study.” “I don’t think that’s such a good idea Sheridan, your not Julian’s most liked person right now, he could try and hurt you.” “Oh please Julian couldn’t hurt a fly, stop being so paranoid.” “Fine then let’s go.”

They arrived at the mansion a few minutes followed by police cruisers with Sam and Luis in it. Sheridan made a motion to get out but Brandon opened the door up before she could. “Thank you.” “My pleasure ma’am.” Sheridan laughed as she looped her arm in his. “You’re such a goofball.” They both had a good laugh. They walked up the door as Sam and Luis stepped up behind them. Luis stood directly behind her. She could feel his body behind her, smell his cologne. She turned around still latched onto Brandon’s arm. "Hi Luis, Chief Bennett. Come to see Julian?” “As a matter of fact we did.”

“Good, we can all see him.’ "I don’t think that’s a good idea Sheridan.” Luis warned her. “I really don’t care because he probably passed out by now.” Sheridan threw open the door and walked in with Brandon on her arm. Luis and Sam followed. Ivy came out of the foyer followed by Gwen. “Sheridan you shouldn’t of come here, I’m glad to see you but you shouldn’t of come here.” “I’m surrounded by paranoia. First Brandon, then Luis and Sam and now you Ivy. What could my brother possibly do to me? Now Gwen how is the planning going?” “It’s going great, I was waiting for my maid of honor to get home.”

“About me being your maid of honor, are you sure you want me to be your maid of honor? I mean you barely know me?” “Nonsense your Ethan’s aunt and he loves you and so do I.” She said as she hugged Sheridan. Just then one of Gwen’s friends walking in, she was helping Gwen with the wedding. “Gwen, who’s your friend?” Stacy asked looking at Brandon. “His name is Brandon Monroe.” “We’ll I’ll leave you two by yourself, I’m going to see my brother.” Stacy dragged Brandon off as he panicked, to another wing of the huge mansion. “Be good Brandon.” Sheridan said with a slight laugh. She watched him disappear down the hall. She headed to the study by herself. She opened the door and walked in. She saw Julian slumped over in his chair, mumbling something incoherent.

“Julian.” She said softly. Julian raised his head. “Sister dear.” He said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “I just came to get some files for the meeting tomorrow.” “Ahh yes, I’ll get them for you.” Julian dug through his desk drawers pretending to look for the files. He stood up and walked to Sheridan. She wasn’t afraid of Julian she never had reason to, he was her big brother. Suddenly out of no where he charged at her slamming her up against the wall. He lifted her so that her feet no longer touched the floor. She let out a small scream as Julian wrapped his hands around her throat, praying someone heard her. His hands wrapped tighter around her throat as Luis and Sam burst into the room.

“Son of a b*tch.” Luis said angrily as he pulled Julian away from Sheridan catching her as she slid down the wall. Sam slapped the cuffs on Julian and led him out. Luis picked Sheridan up in his arms and she struggled to breathe and placed her on the leather sofa. Ivy came running into the room with a glass of water. Luis took it from her and held the glass to her mouth as she drank. She finished the glass of water but she was still in pain. Luis stroked her cheek, thanking God he heard her. “Come on I’m taking you to the hospital.” Luis said moving to pick her up. Sheridan shook her head, she didn’t like hospitals.

“Just take me home please.” She said in a weak voice. Luis just nodded his head and picked her up, carrying her out of the mansion to his cruiser. Ivy watched them, the way they looked at each other after such a short time of knowing each other. Something was definitely going to come out of those looks. Luis placed Sheridan in the car and buckled her up. He got in his side of the car and drove off. Luis looked over at her a lot as he drove to her place. Tears were forming in her eyes. He pulled her to him and she leaned into him placing her head on his shoulder as he put his arm around her.

When they got there Luis got out of the car, taking her house keys and opening the door up so she wouldn’t have to wait. He gently helped her out of the car. He went to pick her up but she insisted that she could walk. She took a couple of steps and would of fell if it wasn’t for Luis. He picked her up, careful not to hurt her and carried her into her house. He placed her on the sofa and went to her kitchen to get her a glass of water. He came back and saw her lying on the couch crying. Luis went to her and placed her head in his lap letting her cry. After a little while, she sat up burying her face in his chest and wrapping her arms around his midsection.

“Are you okay Sheridan? Are you in any pain?” She said something but he couldn’t understand her because her face was still buried in his chest. He pulled from her and asked her what hurt. “My whole body hurts, but mostly my throat, back and chest. God I thought I was going to die. Thank you for saving my life.” “No problem.” He went to rub her back bust she cringed. “Sheridan I’m taking you to the hospital.” “I don’t want to go to the hospital, I don’t like them, please don’t make me go.” She pleaded with more tears spilling out of her eyes. “I would never make you do anything you didn’t want to do, but I’m going to need to see your back. I don’t want you in any pain.” He said sincerely. “Can you walk to your room.”

“Of course I can walk to my room.” She went to stand but fell to the sofa because her legs were hurting. “You know something, I haven’t known you long but I can already see that you’re a stubborn woman.” He said as he picked her up and carried her to her bedroom, sitting her down on her bed. “I’m going to get you some ice so I need you to take your jacket off while I’m gone and lye down on your stomach.” She just nodded. He got up and left. Sheridan pulled off her shoes with pain etched on her face. She stripped down to her underwear with increasing difficulty, her back hurt like hell. Julian had slammed her up against the wall extremely hard. She pulled back the covers and climbed into bed lying on her stomach. Just then she heard a knock on the door.

“Can I come in?” Luis asked politely through the door. “Yeah.” Luis came in with an ice pack. He came over and sat down beside Sheridan. He went to pull back the covers but he thought he would ask. “Do you mind if I…” “Go ahead.” She said cutting him off before he could finish. He pulled down the covers to her waist and could see the big purple bruises on her back. “I really wish you would let me take you to the hospital Sheridan.” Luis said placing the ice pack on the biggest bruise. She winced and he apologized. “It’s okay Luis, I really appreciate this. I know you don’t have to do this.” Just then her phone rang. Luis answered her phone, it was Brandon. Luis handed her the phone. "Sheridan are you okay? I just heard. Why didn’t you call me?” Brandon said rambling.

“Brandon.. Brandon, I’m fine.” “I’m on my way over there.” “Brandon don’t inconvenience yourself, stay with Stacy.” “Sheridan you’re never an inconvenience to me and besides Stacy is boring the hell out of me. “Then go get those case files from Julian’s office and Crane Buildings and go over them. I have to be ready tomorrow, okay.” “Okay but are you sure you won’t need me?” "I’m fine, I have Luis taking care of me, really so just go.” "Okay if you say so. I’ll see you in a couple of hours and when I get there we can talk about what’s going on between you and your hero.” Sheridan was blown away by his comment.

“What do you mean what’s going on between us?” She asked looking at Luis, who was sitting down on her cushy chair. “I saw the way you were looking at him.” “Excuse me.” She said loudly moving her legs, which caused her to flinch in pain. She tried to hide it but Luis saw it. “I mean it Sheridan, I’ve known you for a long time and I’ve never seen you look at anyone like that.” “Whatever you say Brandon, I’ll see you later.” With that she hung up. “You’re still going to the meeting tomorrow? Sheridan you can barely walk.” Luis said seriously. “I have to go, I’m president, I have to meet the board members and chew them out for letting Julian drag the company down before their eyes.”

“Did you ever think that they didn’t know about what was going on with Julian?” “HA! They knew, they just didn’t give a damn as long as the money continued to pour into their pockets.” Sheridan said disgusted by the whole thing. Luis moved to sit back beside her on the bed. “I’m not going to try and stop you from going, only caution against it. Now do your legs still hurt?” “No they don’t.” She lied trying to get him off her back. Just then Luis’ cell phone rang. “Lopez-Fitzgerald.” “Luis it’s Sam, I need you to bring Sheridan to the station as soon as she’s feeling better to file formal charges against Julian.”

“We’ll be down there as soon as she’s feeling up to it.” Luis hung up and looked back at Sheridan, who was looking at him with a puzzled look. “That was Sam, he wants me to bring you down to the station when you’re feeling better. “For what?” Luis looked at her as if she had hit her head. “Sheridan Julian tried to kill you. Sam needs you to press charges against him. “ Sheridan sat up forgetting the pain she felt, holding the sheet up against her chest. "I’m not pressing charges against my brother.” “He tried to kill you Sheridan, you can’t be serious.” He said yelling. “You can yell all you want Luis but I’m not pressing charges, he’s my brother. Why can’t you see that? He was drunk.”

“That’s no excuse.” She swung her legs over the side of the bed, pulling the sheet with her. She stood up pulling the sheet completely off the bed and walked to her closet on shaky legs. She stood in front of the closet and pulled out a simple long sleeveless baby blue slipdress. She could feel Luis’ eyes on her, could practically feel them burning a hole in her back, she knew he was angry. Sheridan let the sheet that was covering her fall to the floor and put on the dress. She then moved back to her bed. "I think you better leave Luis.”

“No at least not until Brandon gets here. You shouldn’t be by yourself.” She stood up abruptly. “Stop treating me like a child, I know what’s best for me.” Sheridan said getting up in his face. “Then stop acting like one Ms. Crane.” He said emphasizing her last name in a hiss tone of voice. “What’s that suppose to mean? You said my last name I’m some kind of plague.” “Because your damn family is.” Sheridan’s eyes grew wide. “I don’t have time for this I’ve got company files to go over plus I have to check up on my own company, so if you’ll excuse me.” She said pushing her way past him and out of her bedroom. She sat down in the living room and flipped on the tv. She flipped through the channels but nothing held her interests so she turned it off. She felt so tired, her eyes were closing as Luis walked into the room, her body felt so drained of its energy. She ended up drifting off to sleep.

Luis picked her up carefully and carried her back to bed. He covered her up and closed all the blinds in her room, she sure did love the sunlight. He sat down on the bed beside her and stroked her cheek. He watched a light smile light her face, but she was still asleep. In her sleep she brought her hand to his and entwined their fingers together. Luis smiled, she looked so sweet when she slept. She rolled onto her side taking his hand with her. He looked down at her neck, he could see the bruises and wanted to kill Julian at the moment. His thoughts were broken as he heard knocking on the door. He pulled his hand from hers and went to get the door. He opened it to see a worried Brandon.

“How is she? Is she okay?” Brandon asked walking in as Luis stepped to the side. “She’s sleeping right now. She’s going to be real sore tomorrow and she refuses to stay home.” “That’s Sheridan for you the hardass always has to win out with her when it comes to business. I’m sure you’ve seen her stubborn streak.” “Oh yeah I’ve seen it and I’ve only know her a couple of days. I just saw it a little while ago when I said that she shouldn’t go in tomorrow.” He could clearly see Brandon draw back and then laugh. “On man you don’t tell Sheridan what to do, she doesn’t like it.”

“I wasn’t telling her what to do, I was just giving her some advice.” He looked down at his watch. "Since you’re here I’m going to go, tell her to take it easy, make sure she rests, and if you can get her to stay home tomorrow that would be great for her.” “I’ll try but its like talking to a brick wall.” They both laughed. Brandon assured Luis that he would take care of Sheridan, so Luis left to go back to work.

To Be Continued…

Chapter 5:

Sheridan was awakened with a bright light as the sunlight finally streamed into her room. She opened her eyes slightly only to see Brandon opening her blinds. She raised up in bed, noticing there was still some pain in her back, but not much. She looked down and noticed she had the same dress on as yesterday, so she must of slept through half of the afternoon and night. She had never slept for so long in her life and she probably would of slept longer if it wasn't for Brandon. "Go away." she said sleepily. brandon just laughed at her. "Sheridan, it's time to get up, you have a meeting." Sheridan bolted upright, pain shooting through her back. "Owww." she cried out.

"Slow down Sheridan, I don't want you hurting yourself." "I'm fine Brandon, I just got up a little too fast, I'm going to get ready now because something tells me I'm running a little late." She said noticing that he was dressed, all he needed to do was put on his jacket. She eased herself out of bed and headed for the shower. Sheridan emerged from her room dressed to kill. Her black suit consisted of a wrap-tie jacket and a slim 18" skirt. Her 3 1/2" black ankle wrap stilettos made her look like a blonde bombshell. She and brandon left immediately for the Crane Building. When they arrived Sheridan saw Luis and another officer. Luis was turned around but she would recognize that tall muscular frame anywhere.

"Well if it isn't the law." She said with a bright smile lighting her face. "Hello Ms. Crane." Luis said in a rather formal tone. The smile on Sheridan's face disappeared. "What happened to calling me Sheridan? You did save my life after all." "Just doing my job Ms. Crane." Now he was talking to her as if he didn't know her, he sounded like she was nothing more that a citizen to him and that began to piss her off. Well to could play she thought. "We've gotten that out of the way, what are the two of you doing here?" She asked looking between Officer Lopez-Fitzgerald and Officer Smith. "We're here to make sure your brother doesn't harm you." "That's very nice but I don't need you watching me as if I were some 2 year old who can't take care of myself." She then walked over yo her secretary's desk and looked at the picture on her desk. it was of Megan and her husband, Jack. The two looked very happy and in love. Sheridan wished that she had the same thing. it was all she had ever wanted, someone to love her unconditionally and someone she could love the same way. "I'm afraid it's not your choice Ms. Crane." Luis said in a controlling tone of voice. Sheridan around asking herself if her really said that to her. "Excuse me." She said rather loudly. "Did you just say that I had no choice in the matter?" She asked, almost a dare to answer. "That's exactly what I said, orders from the mayor himself, from your father." Sheridan's eyes raged at this news.

"How the hell can it be my father, I didn't tell him anything." Sheridan said angrily. "Actually he does." Brandon said scratching the back of his head. "I told him what happened when he called for you yesterday." "Why did you do that Brandon? He's going to try and pull rank on me now." Sheridan seethed. "Maybe it's not a bad idea if he did. Sheridan you've been through alot lately that has nothing to do with Julian." Brandon said hesitantly and then wished he hadn't. It just stoked her fire. At hearing this Luis wondered if her recent problems had to do with the phone call she had received while he was there.

"It is a bad idea and where do you get off telling my father my business?" She asked demandingly. "Your father would of found out anyway. You forget that it becomes his business when his son is trying to kill is daughter.' Brandon answered. "My father is not an active part of my life, so nothing out of my business life should concern him. Hell he hasn't shown any as long as I've been on this earth. My father only gives a d*mn about himself. If he were so concerned, where is he? Huh?"

"You know your father..." Sheridan cut him Brandon off before he could finish. "I'm through talking about this, we have a meeting." She then turned to Luis and Officer Smith. "As for the two of you, do what you need to do but stay out of my way." Just then Megan came back to her desk. "The board members are waiting for you Sheridan." Megan informed. "Here are the files you asked for." "Thanks Megan." Sheridan looked through one file in particular. She put it back down and looked at her watch. "Where is Ethan?" "Right here." Ethan chimed coming through the corridor. Ethan gave his aunt a hug but pulled back when he felt her tense.

"What's wrong Sheridan?" Ethan asked, concern etched in his features. "Nothings wrong, now you and Brandon head into the meeting and I'll meet you in there in a few minutes. "Alright.' Ethan said giving her a weird look. "You sure you're okay?" Ethan asked again. Sheridan rolled her eyes playfully and laughed, her smile was back. "I'm fine Ethan, now get your butt in the meeting." she ordered playfully. "Yes ma'am." Ethan jokingly replied, he turned and left for the boardroom. "You too Brandon, I'll be in after I get some coffee."

"You sure?" "Yes I'm sure." She said smiling. He turned and left for the boardroom. She turned back towards the two officers. "You two can go on ahead, after I get my shot of caffeine I'll be in." Luis excused Officer Smith to join the board members while he stayed behind. "You know you can go on ahead too. "I know but I need to talk to you." Luis said advancing on her. "I don't have time right now, it will just have to wait." She poured herself some coffee, putting sugar and cream in it. She could feel Luis' eyes on her but she didn't turn around. He finally left as she finished her coffee. She sat down when she finished her coffee after she felt a little pain in her lower back. She looked down at her watch once again and decided that it was time for her to make her entrance.

To Be Continued…

Chapter 6:

Sheridan pushed open the big doors and walked in. Nothing but men, why wasn't she surprised. She walked to the table when one of the men called. "It's about time, my coffee is getting cold." Sheridan turned around. Brandon got up ready to knock the guys head off but Sheridan held her hand up. "Do I look like your slave?" Sheridan asked disgusted at the man's tone. "No as a matter of fact you don't, you're a very beautiful woman, and with I'm sure very special talents." Sheridan didn't miss the hidden meaning behind the words. She took his coffee from him and placed it in front of him.

"You know what I think?" She asked walking to the container of water and pouring a glass. "What's that?" The man asked. Sheridan walked back towards him. "You're a disgusting excuse for a man and I think you need to cool down." With that said she dumped the ice water in his lap. The man jumped up angry as hell. "Who the hell do you think you are? I'll have you job for this." He seethed. "Really?" Sheridan asked amused. She almost laughed. "What's your name?" He asked angrily.

"My name is Crane, Sheridan Crane. The new C.E.O. of this company, that would make me your boss." She grinned broadly when she saw the dumb look on his face. "You were saying something about firing me." She then turned her attention to the rest of the men in the room. They seemed shocked which just made her smile more. "I take it Alistair didn't tell you which Crane would be taking over or that I was a woman." Looking around she assumed as much. "We just assumed that Ethan would be taking over." The man said busily trying to dry the wet spot on his pants.

"Here's a tip, you should never make assumptions about people, especially when it comes to my father and this family." Sheridan warned. "Noted." The man said. "Now that all that confusion is over we're going to get down to business. Things are going to change..." One of the men interrupted. "Change?"

"Yes changes. I understand that you all have your little boys club but you can kiss that goodbye. Since everyone stood idly by while Julian messed everything up setting off this little chain reaction that called me home." She looked around the room and her eyes stopped on Luis. She quickly looked away. "I expect everyone to pull their weight and believe me when I say I have no problem getting rid of dead weight." Just then Megan came in with a package in hand. "Sheridan this package just came for you." Megan handed her the package.

"Thank you Megan." Sheridan placed the package on the table in front of Brandon, who looked like he was dying to open it up. "Like I was saying gentlemen I expect everyone to do their fair share of work or you can kiss your seat on this board goodbye." She looked around the table realizing she didn't know any of them excluding Brandon and Ethan. "I just realized something I don't know any of you by your names, so I would appreciate it if you all would introduce yourself going around the table." The board members introduced themselves one by one. The last person to introduce himself was Alex Whitmore.

"Why does that name sound familiar to me?" She asked herself. "Maybe it's because we were supposed to be married." Alex answered her question causing everyone's head to snap up. "Excuse me." Sheridan said a little dumbstruck and then it came to her. "Your the man my father arranged for me to marry. I never did meet you, just that you were eager to marry me.” "I was, I had seen pictures of you, you were beautiful and I see that you've gotten even more beautiful. I was quite devastated when you called it off." Sheridan was giving him a look of disbelief.

"Oh come on, you mean to tell me that you actually wanted to marry someone that you didn't know a thing about, someone that you weren't in love with." Sheridan then realized this had nothing to do with business and she dismissed everyone, however Alex remained. "Can I help you?" She asked in a purely business tone. "Would you like to go out with me tonight?" Alex asked.

"Sorry but no." Sheridan answered and then returned to her work. She noticed he was still there. "Just one date." He requested. "Listen I don't have time for a date tonight or any other time while I'm here in Harmony.” She said rudely. She thought about how it had came out of, the tone sounding rather mean, she apologized but didn't regret what she said. He finally got it through his thick head that she wasn't going to say yes to his date and he left with a goodbye.

Sheridan groaned, she never seemed to get a break. Ethan had to leave to meet up with Gwen and the wedding planner. She stood up and walked over to the window and looked out. "Aren't you going to open the package Sheridan?" Brandon asked eager to find out what was in the package.

Sheridan walked back towards the table. She pulled out a letter opener and opened the package up. She grinned widely when she saw its contents. In her hands she held a magazine, which she was on the cover of. The magazine was People and the cover story was on Sheridan. On the cover was Sheridan in a red power-play suit, the jacket had a plunging neckline and the skirt showed her long tan legs off. The captain under her read--"Who Said A Powerful Woman Couldn't Be Sexy?"

"We'll don't keep me in suspense." Brandon said as he snatched the magazine out of her hand and whistled. "Damn Sheridan, when did you do this?" "A couple of weeks ago." "You didn't tell me about it, I'm hurt." Brandon said. "You'll get over it." She said smiling at him. "No I won't." "Brandon get over it." "So why did you do it? Anyone who knows you, knows that you hate being in newspapers."

"I don't hate being in magazines and newspapers. I hate it when I'm in some tabloid. As for why I did it I really don't know, I guess I was tired about all the lies being told in the tabloids, that I'm some spoiled princess who lives off her daddy's money." Sheridan admitted getting mad. "Calm down Sheridan.' "No, it just makes me sick when people judge me because of my last name."

She said loudly looking up at Luis and catching his eyes. She made sure he understood her before she averted her eyes. "I mean everyone thinks I'm some airhead because I'm a woman and I'm blonde, that I can't stand on my own two feet without my father..." Brandon cut her off. "Sheridan, when did you begin to care about how people feel about you? You've never cared before, so why now?" He inquired.

"I mean most people see me as an intelligent, attractive, nice person I just want everyone to know I'm no dumb blond." She slumped down in her seat. "Some day I don't know why I do this. I mean I've proven myself so why go on being the business woman..." She pondered aloud. Brandon stood up then, leaning into her so that they were face to face. "Because you've become addicted to it, your brilliant when it comes to doing business and besides you wouldn't get to see me everyday." He then smiled one of his roguish grins and Sheridan burst into laughter. He backed away, his job done. He loved to see her happy and lately that hadn't been the case.

"You always make me laugh, I can't believe how full of yourself you are." At that moment Sheridan's stomach growled. "I think someone better feed you because that sound was not pretty." Brandon informed Sheridan signaling that he heard her stomach 'talking'. "Oh shut-up." She said playfully. She looked at her watch realizing it was lunch- time. "How about we grab some take-out."

"Sounds good to me." Brandon said. "Good so lets look for a good Chinese place." "Uh, Uh, I don't want Chinese, I want some pizza." "I want Chinese." She said getting louder. "Sheridan, I let you pick last time and you picked Chinese, I want pizza." "We don't always get what we want Brandon." "You should listen to your own advice." Brandon advised. "You wanna play like that, fine." Sheridan got up and strolled to the door calling Megan into the office. "What can I do for you Sheridan?" Megan asked.

"Would you rather have Chinese food or a pizza?" "Are you kidding, I'd choose Chinese food any day over pizza. In fact there's a great place close by here." "See that's what I thought, it seems you've been outnumbered by us women." Sheridan said walking over to the phone. "Megan what's the phone number?" Sheridan asked as she picked up the phone. "Whoa Missy, don't go pulling the gender card on me because in case you forgot there are two men in this room guarding you plus me. That's three against two."

"Well." Sheridan said putting her hands on her hips. "Let's just see what they want." She turned around and walked over to Luis and Officer Smith. "So what would you guys like for lunch? Chinese or pizza?" "I could go for some pizza." Luis said smiling. "Are you choosing pizza because it's what you want or because it's a guy thing?" Luis just smirked at her, which pissed her off so she just moved to Officer Smith.

"What would you like for lunch?" Sheridan asked smiling at Officer Smith. "Chinese." Sheridan smiled a beautiful smile, one that read victory. She walked back to the phone and asked Megan for the number. Since they were stuck with Chinese, Brandon and Luis ended up going along. When the food arrived Sheridan announced that she would pay for everything, no one had a problem with that except for Luis.

"No thank you, I don't need you paying for me." Luis said slightly angry. "Why are you acting this way, I just want to pay for lunch, including yours." "I don't need you to throw your money around." Luis gritted out. Sheridan's eyes blazed. Brandon just shook his head. 'Oh no.' he thought.

"Throw my money at you, you make it sound as if I'm trying to bribe you." She yelled. The two of them glared at each other while the poor delivery- man just wanted to get paid and go. Sheridan must have realized this as she reached for her purse. She handed the delivery- man the money telling him he could keep the change. The delivery- man said thank you and quickly left, he knew a disaster when he saw it. Everyone had seated themselves, all except Luis, he was brooding. Sheridan noticed and smiled, he just looked more handsome when he was angry.

“Luis your food is getting cold, aren't you going to sit down?" Sheridan asked. "Why? You going to throw more money at me?" The fork dropped from Sheridan's hand. "I'm sick of you insinuating that I throw money at people to get my way. What exactly is your problem Luis? I just wanted to do something nice for everyone and you bite my head off." Sheridan said loudly but not quite yelling. "I'm not going to even fight with you, I'm too hungry for it." She went back to eating. Luis sat down and began to eat. The tension in the room died down as everyone began talking.

Sheridan's cell phone rang but she wasn’t anywhere near it, but Brandon got it and answered it. "Sheridan Crane's phone." He said with a smirk on his phone, causing everyone to laugh. He waited a few moments for someone to talk but that never happened so he closed her phone up.

"Who was that?" Sheridan asked. "No one, at least no one spoke." Brandon said shrugging his shoulders and went back to eating. Sheridan gave him a strange look but then she too shrugged it off and went back to eating.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 7:

So Sheridan, when is your guy joining you in Harmony?" Megan asked. Sheridan laughed softly. "What guy? I'm a single woman." "You're kidding right?" "I'm afraid not, I'm not seeing anyone. I'm too busy for dating." "Stop lying." Brandon said from across the table. "You have time, you just choose to throw yourself into your work, rather than date."

"Is that true Sheridan?" Megan asked. "No it's not, I just can't find anyone." Sheridan said shrugging her shoulders. "I can't believe you just said that. Don't listen to her, she's got men chasing after her." Brandon clarified. "And when this hits the stands," he said holding up the People magazine, "they'll be banging on the door."

"Okay, my love life is no one 's business but my own. Case closed besides I'm better off by myself." She said glumly. "So Megan how long have you worked for my pig of a brother?" Sheridan asked changing the subject. "Almost 5 years as Julian's secretary." She answered with a scowl on her face. "Not anymore." She said as she finished her food and wiping her mouth with her napkin. "You have an excellent working record and you should have been promoted a long time ago." Sheridan said smiling.

"Really? You're promoting me, oh my God." Megan jumped up from her seat and hugged Sheridan. Sheridan laughed. She pulled back from Megan. "You deserve it and don't let anybody tell you other wise. Working your way up in this business is going to be hard, you have to be strong, don't let any of these bastards break you."

"I won't but you talk as if you've had the same problems that I'm about to have, which I find hard to believe because of who your father is." Sheridan was about to tell her story about her rise to the top when Officer Smith's cell phone rang, it was the nurse at his daughters school to tell him that she wasn't feeling well. Officer Smith left to pick up his daughter. Sheridan hopped up onto her desk ready to explain how she got started out and how she worker her way up. This was one thing most people didn't know about her.

"Being Alistair Crane's daughter only made it harder on me, he wanted me to fail from the beginning. My father was furious when I refused to marry Alex Whitmore, he threatened to cut me off and at 18 I hate to admit it but my favorite things were my credit cards and my expense account. In my family the women are raised to be debutantes, to be pretty so that we could marry to better the Crane family. He basically told me I was good for nothing. He asked me what I would do when he cut me off and I blurted that I could work for the family business. He flat out laughed at me, which pissed me off. I was serious and when he saw it he challenged me. My father told me if I didn't make it he would make me marry Alex Whitmore." Sheridan than took a drink of water. "I got my foot in the door without the Crane name."

"Didn't anyone recognize you?" Megan asked. "No. No one knew who I was. My father had always kept me shielded from the press, the last picture the press had of me was when I was a toddler. When I got the job I did the conservative thing, tried to voice my ideas but I got shot down all because I was a woman. It was an all boys club, few women, most of them seemed as if they were ready to break at any minute. I refused to use my real last name, instead using my mother's maiden name, Smith. Knowing that my last name was Crane would definitely of changed their minds about me. On top of it all, I had my father counting down to my arranged marriage, waiting for me to fall flat on my face. Then it came to one day while I was standing in front of the mirror, I realized something, the men I worker for were all pigs." Just then the phone rang. Sheridan groaned at the interruption as she reached over for the phone and hit the speakerphone button. "Hello."

"Sheridan, how is everything progressing?" Alistair asked. "One moment father." She put her father on hold. "To make a long story short Megan, a woman's femininity can get her foot in the door, men are so easy." Immediately Brandon and Luis took offense. "What do you mean, 'men are easy'?" Luis asked. Sheridan just smiled and took her father off hold.

"Sheridan, I don't like to be put on hold." Alistair said angrily. "I'm so sorry father." Sheridan said, her words dripping with sarcasm. "You had better watch your tone of voice Sheridan, I'm still your father." "Look, don't call here telling me what to do okay. You're the one who forced me here to rebuild your company and furthermore how dare you police protection assigned to protect me without my permission."

"You listen here Sheridan Crane, you'll show me some respect or else, I'm still your father and you'll do as I say. You of all people know better than to than to question me." Alistair boomed over the speakerphone. Sheridan had no idea of what her father was really capable of when he was defied by people, especially by family. "Why did you call father?" Sheridan asked in a calmer state. "Your presence is required at the Seascape tonight."

"I don't have time for another Crane function father, I'm trying to get this company back up and running." "The company will do fine for another day darling, your escort will meet you at 7:00 at the Seascape." "Wait a minute, I don't need an escort." Sheridan said. "Alex Whitmore will be your date for the night so don't be late." Sheridan became enraged.

"I don't believe it, you're still trying to marry me off." Sheridan immediately hung up and took the phone off the hook. She rubbed her temples feeling a headache coming on. She looked up and all three of them were staring at her. She then hopped of the desk. "I'm going for a walk." She announced. "I'll be back soon. She walked out the door and stepped on the elevator, startled when someone stopped the door from closing, it was Luis. He stepped in and the doors closed. "What do you want?" Sheridan asked in a tired voice.

"I came to see how you were doing." Luis said sincerely. "Are you okay?" "Yeah I'm just tired and fed up." Sheridan pinched the bridge of her nose and stepped out of the elevator followed by Luis. Sheridan stopped walking and turned to face Luis. "You don't have to follow me like a guard dog, I'll be fine by myself." "It's my job." Luis said. At the mention of it's my job Sheridan snapped.

"Oh yes, it's always your job, it's always a job when it comes to me." Sheridan yelled out of frustration. Luis just looked at her. "I'm sorry for yelling at you, I just need some time by myself. Can you understand that?" "Yes I can understand that, come with me." Luis said walking to his squad car, opening up the passenger side door for her. Sheridan thanked him and got in. Luis joined her in the car and started the engine up.

"So where are we going?" Sheridan asked, hating surprises. "It's a surprise." "I don't like surprises." "Too bad." The drive was quiet but not uncomfortable. Luis turned off the main road onto a dirt road and drove for another 5 minutes. Luis turned off the engine and they both got out. Sheridan was in awe of the place. There was a big pond surrounded by lush green landscape. The place was beautiful but somehow it was familiar to her. She turned to Luis.

"Why did you bring me here?" "I thought that you needed to think, this is where I come to think." "Do you come here a lot?" "I haven't been here in awhile." Sheridan looked around and finally remembered why this place was so familiar. "Did Pilar use to bring you here?" "Yeah, how did you know that?"

"Because she used to bring me here. I loved this place, she would always go swimming with me. I had so many fun times here." She exhaled a breath. "How about we go swimming officer?" She said with a bright smile. Luis laughed. "I don't think so." "Please." "Some other time." Luis said. "I'm going to hold you to that." Sheridan said smiling. She looked around, great memories had been made at this place. She thought about the times when Pilar and Ivy would bring her and Ethan here to play and have picnics. Sheridan smiled remembering good times.

"What are you thinking about?" Luis asked bringing her back to reality. She turned back around to face him smiling warmly. "Good times." Her cell phone rang. "Never a break." She muttered flipping open her phone. "Hello." Sheridan listened to whoever was on the phone and began rubbing her temple. Luis heard her say something and curse as she folded the phone back up.

"Something wrong?" Luis asked noticing her stressed look. "Oh yeah, plenty is wrong. I need to get back." Luis nodded and they both got back into the car, on there way back. Stepping off the elevator Sheridan and Luis headed back to the conference room where they last were. She saw Brendan walking towards them. She latched onto his arm and pulled him towards the conference room. She called Megan in also. Everyone sat down but Sheridan, she had a stressed look on her face.

"What's going on Sheridan?" Brandon asked. "I need you to go back to Paris, William all of a sudden wants to visit my company while I'm away." "You think he's planning something?" Brandon asked. "Hell yes, if he wasn't I'd be worried." "Why would he want to do that?" Megan asked puzzled. "The European division of Crane Industries, my company was suppose to be given to him but I beat him to it and knocked him down so to speak, so believe me when I say he's planning something."

"I'll book a flight." "There aren't any commercial flights leaving Harmony to Paris, I checked on my way over here." She picked up the phone and hit the speed dial button, a man answered the phone. "Hello, this is Sheridan Crane, I need the Crane jet fueled up now, destination Paris, France." The man assured her that it would be done right away and she thanked him. "Everything's set Brandon, a limo is waiting for you downstairs to take you to the airport. I trust you to make sure William is put in his place about who runs that company, that it belongs to me." She said as she smiled a wicked smile and fixed his tie.

"I love it when you give me the fun stuff." Sheridan laughed as Brandon hugged her. "I better get going, bye Sheridan, bye guys." He kissed her on her cheek and turned to leave. He was gone in a matter of moments. Sheridan then turned to Megan. "With Brandon gone I'm going to have to step up your responsibilities Megan. Do you think you can handle that?"

"Yes I can, you won't be sorry." "I know I won't." "Don't you think you should be getting ready Sheridan?" Megan asked looked at the clock on the wall. "For what?" Sheridan asked. "For the dinner at the Seascape that you're suppose to be at." Megan answered. Sheridan waved her hand in the air as to dismiss it.

"As I told me father before I didn't want to go, but if he didn't hear me that was his own fault." Sheridan then picked up a file ignoring the sound of the ringing phone. So Megan picked it up. It was for Sheridan. "Hello." Sheridan said. "Hello beautiful." Sheridan immediately recognized the voice and froze in the spot she was standing. She walked over to an isolated area so that her conversation was away from a certain officer. She really didn't need him on her case right now.

"What do you want?" Sheridan asked. "You know perfectly well what I want, I want you back." "That is never going to happen so leave me alone." "Sorry beautiful, but being left alone is not an option. You will give me what I want." He yelled into the phone. The next thing she heard was a dial tone. She slammed the phone back down on the cradle. The bastard would not leave her alone. She got strange looks from Luis and Megan but didn't acknowledge them. She and Megan worked hard throughout the day as Luis watched over her.

Everyone by now had probably gone home, it was just Luis and she. She had sent Megan home a long time ago. Luis was still on guard. "You should really go home Sheridan." "How long are you assigned to guard me?" Sheridan asked sidestepping his comment. "As long as Sam keeps me here which ultimately depends on your father." She took notice of the bitter way he said 'your father'.

"Why do you hate my father so much Luis?" She noticed the way his jaw tightened. She could see him growing angry, God he really hated her father. "I rather not talk about it with you." He said in an icy tone. "Fine." She said getting up and staring out of the window, it was completely dark. "You can go home now whatever, just leave me alone." She sat down again and continued with her work. Luis didn't leave.

It was almost midnight when Sheridan decided to close it up. She gathered her files together in desperate need of sleep but at the same time she was afraid to go to sleep. As soon as she could get a break in her busy day she was going to a prescription for sleeping pills. In the parking lot Luis walked her to her car where she got in and waved a quick goodbye before she sped off.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 8:

The next morning she walked into a full boardroom. She had maybe gotten about three hours of sleep before she gave up and got up. It was a different group of men on this board, but all looked like chauvinist pigs. She and Megan were the only women in the room. No matter, they already knew who she was and recognized her as the person in charge of things and the person who could make them miserable if she saw fit. She walked to her seat and finally noticed Alex Whitmore was seated beside her.

"You look tired." He commented. "That's because I am." "I thought you would of slept fine, seeing as you stood me up last night, therefore leaving time for you to sleep." Alex said in a smart ass tone, which pissed Sheridan off. "Listen here Mr. Whitmore, you can't be stood up if I didn't agree to go out with you, which I didn't."

"But your father told me he would make sure you were there." "You get something straight my father doesn't tell me what to do, I'm not Julian, I don't have to kiss anyone's ass. Furthermore I don't want anything to do with you outside of business, do you understand that Mr. Whitmore?" He was about to protest. "I meant every word that came out of my mouth, now I tried to be as nice as possible but I can also be a bitch about it too. Take your pick." Sheridan said nastily.

"I read you loud and clear Ms. Crane." He said with anger. "Good, then we understand each other." Sheridan said feeling satisfied that she had put the cocky weasel in his place. Just then Megan came in. "Excuse me Sheridan, but the police are here to see you." "Great now what?" Sheridan said getting up, adjusting her short black skirt. She set foot outside of the conference room, immediately seeing Luis and Sam.

"What now? Did my father make you guard me again? I wish he'd mind his damn business, he's always.” Luis cut her off. "Sheridan this isn't about your father." He said remorsefully. “What's it about then?" she asked confused. As Luis was about to talk her cell phone rang.

"One moment guys." She flipped open the phone. "Yeah...what do you mean he isn't there yet? I put him on the Crane jet yesterday, he's not there?" she asked. She then listened to her secretary tell her that she had called the pilot of the Crane jet and Brandon had never showed up. "He didn't show up, that isn't like Brandon." She then looked up and saw the grim look on Luis and Sam's faces. "I'll call you back." She closed the phone back up and placed it in her pocket. "Why are you here?" Sheridan asked suddenly afraid of the answer.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 9:

Sheridan stood there waiting for news, somehow knowing that it was something she didn't want to hear. "Brandon was beaten very badly, he's in a coma at Harmony hospital." Luis explained. "What?" Sheridan said devastated, tears forming in her eyes. "Who did this?" She asked. "We were hoping you could tell us, we found this note pinned to his jacket." He pulled the letter out of his pocket and handed it to Sheridan. She slowly opened it up, dreading what it would say as each moment passed by.

The note read:

Dear Sheridan I've decided to get rid of any and all obstacles in my way to you. Eventually you'll come back to me realizing that I'm the only one for you. I know you'll come back to me. P.S I'll never let you go

Sheridan's hands were trembling as she read the note over and over. The note slid from her hand and slowly drifted to the floor. The tears were slowly sliding down her face. "I can't take this anymore." She said quietly. She pushed pass Luis and Sam and ran down the corridor. "Sheridan." Luis yelled, quickly chasing after her.

Sheridan ran down the flight of stairs, almost falling a couple of times in her heels, but not caring. She could hear Luis' footsteps behind her yelling her name, but she didn't stop. She finally got to her car, she needed to see Brandon with her own eyes. She sped out of the parking lot, hearing the sirens in the background didn't slow her down one bit. She knew it was none other than Luis. She wondered why the bastard couldn't leave her alone. She swerved into the hospital parking lot in a hurry. She rushed to the nurse's desk. "What room is Brandon Monroe in?"

"Are you family?" The nurse asked. "No, but…" The nurse cut her off. "If you're not family than I'm not allowed to give out that information." Sheridan was at her wit's end, she was about to attack the nurse when she felt a hand on her shoulder. She quickly brushed him off ignoring him. "I need you to call Mr. Wilson down." Sheridan requested.

"Mr. Wilson is a very busy man." Sheridan cut her off this time. "Now or I promise you'll regret it." Sheridan growled out. The nurse immediately got on the phone. Sheridan paced while the woman talked and talked to the person on the other line. The woman then hung up, telling her that Mr. Wilson was on his way.

Moments later she stopped pacing, but only because she heard the ding of the elevator. A man in an expensive suit stepped off, he looked like he had a problem with her calling him down. From what Sheridan could guess this was Mr. Wilson, he looked as if he was ready for a fight and she would definitely give him one if given the chance. "What is this all about?" Mr. Wilson asked approaching Sheridan and the nurse. "I was just telling your nurse here that I came to see my close friend Brandon Monroe."

"I'm sure the nurse has told you that it's family members only, it's policy when a patient is in ICU." "I suggest you change your policy within the next couple of seconds." Sheridan warned. "I understand you're worried about your friend but I can't do anything about that." He turned on his heel to leave but Sheridan grabbed him by his arm turning him around with undefined strength. "I suggest you remove your hand before I have security escort you out."

"I want to see him now." "I'm sorry but you can't." "Wrong answer." She growled out. The security showed up, the damn nurse had called them. "Ma'am would you come with us?" One of the guards asked her taking hold of her arm. She quickly yanked her arm away in a huff. "No I won't." She spat out. "You obviously don't know who I am, so allow me to enlighten you." She twisted the gold bangle on her wrist, the one that Brandon had given her on her last birthday, memories began to come back but she pushed them out of her head. She turned her attention back to Mr. Wilson.

"I plan on having your job for this." She threatened, stepping closer to him. She was not playing around. "Ms. Crane." Sam called standing beside Luis. "We need to ask you some questions." The color in Mr. Wilson's face drained as he heard that she was a Crane. Sheridan saw the realization hit him like a ton of bricks.

"I see you know who I am now. My father funds this damn hospital, which means I own your ass. Now what room is Mr. Monroe in? Tell me and maybe I'll let you keep your job, if you don't I'll fire your smug ass my damn self and I'll still get the room number." She threatened. Luis and Sam watched as Mr. Wilson fumbled with the chart of patients and room numbers. Sheridan had put the fear in him.

"Room 113, ICU." Mr. Wilson said. Sheridan turned on her heel as did Sam and Luis headed for Brandon's room. Sheridan set foot in the big room. She could hear the beeping and humming of the machines before she even saw her best friend sprawled out in bed, his body looking battered, beaten and broken. She went and sat beside him, taking his hand in hers and gently rubbed it with her other hand.

"I'm so sorry Brandon, so sorry. I never thought..." She stopped, her voice had cracked and she broke out into tears. She felt a hand on her shoulder, she knew it was Luis before she even looked. She stood up and wrapped her arms around him. He wrapped his arms around her letting her cry on his chest. There they stood until she was all cried out. The doctor came in moments later to check on Brandon. Sheridan wanted to know what his condition was.

"Mr. Monroe has some swelling around the brain, caused by the multiple blows to the head. He was knocked unconscious on the first blow to the head but whoever did this is a sick man. The swelling ultimately caused him to lapse into a coma. The only thing we can do now is to wait and see if wakes up." "Has anyone called his family?" Sheridan asked in a broken voice. "We weren't aware that he had any." The doctor informed.

"Oh, well I'll call them." she said numbly. She pulled out her phone and began to dial his parents’ numbers. She was on the phone relaying his condition. They told her that they would be on the first flight out. As soon as she closed her phone up it rang. She flipped it open, tired. "Hello." She said with a strained voice. "Sheridan, why the hell aren't you at the meeting?" Alistair asked angrily. Sheridan stepped outside the room, she knew this conversation was going to get very nasty.

"Father, Brandon is in the hospital, he's in a coma." Sheridan said as her voice threatened to crack. "What does that have to do with your meeting?" Alistair asked in a cold voice. "You heartless bastard!" she yelled angrily. "My best friend is laid up in the hospital, in a coma and all you can think about is a stupid meeting." She yelled, all hospital eyes were on her. She looked around remembering where she was and quieted down.

"I'm at the hospital now, I'll be here until Brandon wakes up. If you have a problem with that then just get Julian back up there and let him run the place." She then pushed the end button on her phone and turned it off. The last thing she needed was her father calling to bother her. She turned back around to see Luis looking at her. She walked back over to see him looking into the big window at her friend. The tears immediately began to fall as she thought that he wouldn't be in this situation if he didn't know her. She looked up into Luis' brown eyes when she felt Luis' gentle hand brush her face, wiping away her tears.

"This is all my fault." She whispered to herself. "This isn't your fault Sheridan." Luis said stroking her soft skin. "Yes it is, you don't know the whole story. He won't leave me alone." "Who won't leave you alone Sheridan?" "I can't talk about this now, I'm going home to change and come back here." She turned to leave but Luis gently grabbed her arm.

"Sheridan, you can't run from this forever. Let me help please." Luis requested looking into her teary eyes. She didn't want him involved, even if he was a cop. Evidently Jean Luc was a damn lunatic. She couldn't stand it if something happened to him. But on the other hand Jean Luc would continue hurting the people she loved until he got what he wanted or he was caught. "Okay." She said softly. "I'll let you help me. Let me go home and change and I'll meet you at the station, I'll tell you everything.'

"Do you want me to come with you?" Luis asked. "No I'll be fine." "Call me if you need anything." “Thank you." She said lightly brushing her hand against his cheek. She turned on her heel and left.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 10:

Sheridan walked into the station ready to tell Luis everything. She looked for him and spotted him, he looked as if he was in a hurry to get somewhere. She walked over to his desk. "You going somewhere?" She asked with a light smile in spite of everything that was happening. Luis seemed to stop all at once, glad to see her. He had been worried sick about her.

"Where have you been? I was just about to go looking for you." Sheridan saw genuine concern in his eyes and it warmed her heart. "I'm sorry I didn't mean to make you worry, I just had to make some last minute arrangements." She then breathed a breath. "I'm ready to tell you everything, Jean Luc has got to be stopped." Luis gave her a concerned look as he led them into Sam's office. He wasn't there.

"I thought you'd be more comfortable in here than in an interrogation room." He said as he extended his hand for her to sit down. "Thank you." She sat down as he pulled up a chair in front of her. She seemed a little hesitant to start but she finally realized that she had to tell someone. ‘Here goes.' she thought. "Where do I even begin?" "From the beginning." Luis said as he gently took her hands in his. She exhaled a breath she didn't know she had been holding and began.

"I met Jean Luc at a friends party. He was quite the gentleman when he introduced himself to me. From there we began dating. I started to see him as someone I could spend the rest of my life with. Lord knows that's what I wanted. I eventually got what I wanted when he asked me to marry him, I of course said yes. It was all I had ever wanted. My track record with men before Jean Luc was horrible, each one wanting my money. I can run a company better than my own life, I just never saw it coming.

I finally thought I had gotten it right until I caught Jean Luc with another woman. He was telling her the only reason he was with me was because of the number of zeroes attached to my last name. I stood there motionless as he said all this, I could feel my heart breaking. He finally looked up and saw me, the color literally drained from his face. I turned on my heel and was half way out the door when the bastard grabbed me by the arm telling me that it wasn't what it looked like, that I misunderstood what he said.

I slapped him across the face and ran out of the house, I wasn't going to listen to anymore of his bullshit. Over the next couple of weeks I threw myself into my work, night and day. I could hear whispering in my office, people saying that I was heartbroken again. Then one day out of the blue Jean Luc called me. He wanted the engagement ring back. I hung up on him. The next day he showed up at my office demanding to get it back. I told him that it was impossible because I had flushed the damn thing. He looked like he was about to lose his mind.

He actually had the audacity to ask to borrow money from me. I asked him why and he told me that he owed money to two men who would kill him if he didn't pay up. I can recall every word that I said to him. I said, ' Do you think I give a damn about whether you live or die? How about I pay for your funeral? I had never felt such hate for someone in my life, in fact I've never really hated anyone, disliked yes, but to want him dead that just wasn't me.

I didn't regret a word that came out of my mouth. I called security and had him hauled out of the building. From there it seemed to worsen, he would call me every hour on the hour saying that he wanted me back. Each time that he called I told him that he could kiss my ass." She stopped to take a breath and began again. "A couple of weeks before I returned to Harmony he began to threaten me if I didn't give him what he wanted.

He just won't leave me alone. He promised that he would always find me wherever I went. I didn't actually get scared until I came home one day, all the mirrors in my house had 'you're mine' written on them in lipstick. I never told anyone about that, I practically jumped at the chance to get out of Paris.

I never thought he would follow me here. I underestimated him, something I've never done, and that is something I was taught not to do. I never thought in a million years that he would do what he did to Brandon." She now had tears falling down her face. Luis stood up pulling her with him. He wrapped his arms around her and let her cry on him. She cried for a while before she pulled away and wiped her face. "Are you okay?" Luis asked.

"Yeah I think so, I guess I should get going, I want to get home before it gets dark." "You walked?" Luis asked. She nodded her head. "You're not walking home, I'm taking you home." He gathered her coat and helped her put it one and she grabbed her purse. He took hold of her hand and led her out of the office and the police station. "Smith, tell Sam I left early. He said walking out the door.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 11:

They reached her beach house but Luis didn't want to leave her alone; Sheridan didn't want to be left alone either. "Would you like to come in?" She asked hoping he would say yes. "Sure." She stepped aside to let him in and moved towards the kitchen. "Do you want something to drink Luis?" She asked from the kitchen. Luis showed up a moment later. "No in fact, you don't have to play the good hostess with me. In fact how about I make you dinner." Luis suggested. Sheridan looked up surprised.

"You cook?" She asked with a slight smile. Luis pretended to be hurt. "Of course I cook, I'm one of Pilar's children, we can all cook." "Why am I not surprised? I don't want to be an inconvenience to you." She said looking down. Luis stepped towards her and lifted her chin up. "You're not an inconvenience to me, anything I do for you is because I want to." Luis said looking her straight in the eye. "Okay." He said smiling. She nodded her head. Luis smiled at her. "Now go relax while I cook."

"Well I would love to take a bubble bath." "Then go." He said pushing her out of the kitchen. Before he pushed her completely out of the kitchen she wanted to let him know where everything was. Luis assured her that he would be able to find everything he needed. He then gave her a gentle push out of the kitchen telling her to go and soak in the bathtub. Sheridan gave up and headed for the bathroom.

She stripped away all her clothes, throwing them in the hamper as the water filled the tub. She then added the vanilla bubble bath, the scent enveloped the room, she had used a great deal of it. As soon as the tub was filled she slipped into the tub with a sigh. She allowed the bad thoughts to leave her mind, she would go crazy if she though about them 24/7. She slipped down into the bubbles sighing, for once she let a good thought enter her mind. That thought consisted of Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald. She thought about how good of a man he was, of course he had to be a good man, he was raised by Pilar. That woman could do no wrong, she was a saint. Her thoughts turned back to Luis, he really was a wonderful man. She wondered if he had a girlfriend.

She quickly chastised herself. She couldn't believe she was thinking about such things when her best friend was in a coma, fighting for his life. The tears began flowing down her face again, she had herself convinced that she was a selfish, uncaring, and cold person. She pulled herself out of the tub only after 15 minutes, toweled off and threw on her baby blue terrycloth robe. She entered her room, slamming the door and threw herself onto her bed crying over her selfish attitude. Maybe Julian was right, maybe she was an ice princess. He thoughts were interrupted by Luis who came in without knocking.

"I heard you crying, what's wrong?" He asked coming to sit down beside Sheridan. She didn't feel like talking so she turned over, facing the wall. "I don't feel like talking." She snorted. "I just want to help, tell me what's wrong." She rolled back over to look at him. He was looking down at her watery eyes. She got up, kneeling so that she was face to face with him. However she couldn't look him in the eyes.

"Are you going to look at me anytime during this conversation?" Luis asked knowing full well what she was trying to do. She didn't answer him directly but she did begin talking. "Do you think I'm a selfish ice princess?" She asked twisting the ring on her finger. Anytime Sheridan twisted jewelry it meant that she was nervous. "Where did all this come from?" Luis asked, he felt as if it just jumped out of nowhere.

"I was in the tub, trying to relax, thinking about some of the good things in my life. Then it occurred to me, my best friend is in the hospital fighting for his life while I'm soaking in a tub thinking about..." She stopped herself, she was about to blurt out what she had been thinking. "Thinking about what?" Luis asked curious. "Never mind what I was thinking about, I realized I was being selfish, I was…?" Luis cut her off.

"Thinking about something good in a time when things aren't going right in your life is not selfish." He then lifted her chin so they were eye to eye. "Now get your ass dressed and come keep me company in the kitchen." He said jokingly. She cracked a smile despite herself and tried to hide it, but Luis had already seen it. "There's that beautiful smile." He said causing her to smile more. Satisfied with himself he got up. "I'll be in the kitchen while you get dressed." With that he left her to get dressed. She quickly dressed in a pair of blue jeans and t-shirt, combing her wet hair back in the process. She applied a little make-up and left her room, headed for the kitchen.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 12:

"Need any help?" She asked from the doorway. He was busy chopping fresh tomatoes. He turned around then and smiled at her. "No just have a seat and relax." He said checking on the boiling pasta. He pulled the pot off the stove and drained the pasta of the water in the colander. "I can't believe you cook, I can say now that I know a man who cooks." Luis laughed as he put the pasta back into the pot adding the tomato sauce, some red wine and the meat. He stirred them together and moved on to finish the salad.

"It comes in very handy with women." "I seriously doubt you need any help with women." She whispered under her breath so Luis wouldn't hear, but he did anyway. He laughed softly. "You say something Sheridan?" He asked smiling. "No." "Yes you did, I heard you say something. What did you say?" he asked grinning from ear to ear. "Nothing." She said getting up, making her way out of the kitchen but Luis grabbed her from behind and pulled her back against his chest. "If you don't tell me I'm going to tickle you." He said smiling.

"You wouldn't dare." She dared as she turned around in his arms. She saw the humor in his eyes. He just grinned at her for a while leading her to believe that he was bluffing. "I knew you were playing." All of a sudden he began to tickle her sides showing no signs of mercy. She burst into a fit of giggles as she tried to break from him. "Luis...please...stop." She requested in between fits of laughter. She couldn't stop laughing. She continued to plead with Luis, saying that she would tell him what she said. He stopped and waited for her to start. She pulled herself up and hopped up on the counter. Luis was waiting for her to talk and she finally did. "I said that I seriously doubt that you need any help with women." She regretted it as she saw the cocky grin spread across his face. "You hide that very well." She commented.

"Hide what?" He asked. He had an idea about what she was talking about, his cockiness. "Your ego, so Luis are you a ladies' man?" She asked, catching him off guard. What could he say, she didn't look like she would believe him if he said he wasn't. In all truth he hadn't been on a date in a long time, no one caught his eye until now. Beth was his last serious relationship and that was back in high school. Did he really want a relationship with her? She was after all a Crane, she had power and money. Hell, would she ever want him with all that she had?

Sheridan looked at Luis for a long time wondering what he was thinking about. While he was thinking she took her time to study him. He was without a doubt the best looking man she had ever seen and he was standing there in the middle of her kitchen. He had taken the time to change out of his uniform into a pair of blue jeans and a black ribbed sweater. The clothes he had on defined the well toned muscles of his body, but she seriously doubted that there was anything bad on that body. She quickly stopped the thoughts that her brain was entertaining and snapped to. She noticed Luis was still in deep thought.

"What's the matter officer? Thinking about all the women you've dated?" She asked pouring herself a glass of wine. Luis looked up and laughed. "I haven't been out with as many women as you might think, I actually haven't been on a date in a long time." Luis informed her. She looked skeptical. "You sound very truthful but I find it hard to believe you haven't been on a date in a long time." "It's true."

"Why?" She asked. "No woman has come along that holds my interest, no one special." Sheridan just couldn't believe it. "No flings, no one night stands?" She asked. Luis smirked. "Not my style." Luis said tossing the salad. Sheridan was about to reply when the phone rang. She picked it up on the second ring, it was Megan calling to check on how Brandon was doing.

Sheridan told her about him being in a coma. Sheridan excused herself to her bedroom. She told Megan that she would be in tomorrow despite what was going on in her life, that business would go on as before. Megan could tell that Sheridan had a heavy heart, but the company still had to be run. Sheridan told Megan that she would see her tomorrow. Sheridan walked into the dining room, the lights were set low and the table was beautifully set. She was so entranced that she hadn't noticed that Luis had come up behind her.

"Sheridan." She turned around with a smile on her lips. "This is really sweet of you." She said as Luis took her hand and directed her towards her chair, also pulling it out for her. "I guess I'm just a sweet guy." He said as he brought the salad, Italian bread and pasta with meat sauce in. The two of them sat and talked very comfortably as they ate dinner. They talked about whatever came to mind. When they finished Sheridan had without a doubt eaten the most food.

"My compliments to the chef." Sheridan said holding her full stomach. "Thank you, I'm surprised you found room for all that you ate. I don't think I've seen a woman eat so much." "Are you calling me a pig officer?" She asked as she poked him in the stomach, she felt the muscles there. Who couldn't feel them? Luis laughed. "No, not at all. I was just wondering where you put it all." He commented her looking her up and down. Sheridan couldn't help it, she blushed. Luis could see the blush creeping on her cheeks and smiled more.

"It's no secret, just exercise. I don't believe in dieting. I eat what I want and exercise." She said shrugging her shoulders. Luis washed dishes while Sheridan dried. She had insisted that she at least dry the dishes and Luis relented. Sheridan and Luis retired to the living room, Sheridan had a piece a chocolate cheesecake. Luis looked on in wonder, where the heck did she put it? They sat down and continued to talk, Luis could listen to her talk forever. Sheridan stopped when she realized she was droning on and on about herself. She wanted to hear about Luis.

"Why did you stop?" Luis asked. "I've just realized that you've let me talk about myself, I want to hear about you." "I've enjoyed listening to you, I want to hear so much more about you." "Tell me about you." Sheridan said smiling at him. "What do you want to know? My life hasn't been that exciting." He said laughing.

"I don't care. Talk." She said in a demanding tone but with a bright smile. Luis then proceeded to tell her about his life, including the good, the bad, the hardships and the joys. Sheridan realized that his family was everything to him. "I wish I grew up in a family like yours." Sheridan said in a sad voice.

"What?" Luis asked shocked. "Why would you want to grow up in a poor family after all that you've have?" Sheridan shook her head, he just didn't get it and why should he. "You just don't get it, do you? You have everything I've always wanted." "Me?" Luis asked, he couldn't believe it. "I may have gotten what I always wanted but my childhood was horrible.

My family was built on the almighty dollar, greed and power. My father was the epitome of all three of them. The only people who made my life tolerable at the mansion were Pilar, Ethan and Ivy. Your mother is the greatest, she helped me deal with my life and I love her for that. Ivy tried but she couldn't even make herself happy. It was as if the life had faded from her eyes when her father made her marry Julian." "It was an arranged marriage." Luis said somewhat shocked.

"You didn't think it was one of love, did you? Marrying into the Crane family has killed her spirit. I'll be damned if my father tricks me into marrying someone I don't love. Marriages in my family aren't about love, it's all a business arrangement to secure more power for the family. That's where you're lucky, you have family around you that love you. I'd give it all up to have what you have." Sheridan said as tears streamed down her face. She just couldn't stop crying lately. Luis pulled her to him and let her cry on his chest.

He stopped the rubbing her back when he sensed that she was through crying. He looked down only to find her asleep. He just smiled at how cute she looked. He made a motion to get up but she stirred a little. Not wanting to wake her up, he grabbed the blanket behind his head and covered Sheridan and himself up.

She curled up against him more and wrapped her arms securely around him. He smiled when he heard her sigh. He wrapped his arms around her and drifted to sleep. Luis was unaware of the presence standing outside of the glass sliding door. The man was looking at the picture of Luis and Sheridan with obvious hate. She was his, no one else's.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 13:

Sheridan awoke having slept peacefully the whole night, without one nightmare. She had her hand on Luis' chest, unknown to her. She was still half asleep as her hand began to move towards the bottom of his shirt. She slid her hand under his shirt just like she did with her pillowcase. Her eyes shot open when she felt the six-pack under her hand. "Sheridan if you wanted to feel me up, all you had to do was ask." Luis said jokingly. Sheridan's head shot up, she was now eye to eye with Luis. She pulled back and got up.

"I did not feel you up, I think it's just your active imagination." Her clock then chimed. It was now 10:00 a.m. "Oh my God, I haven't slept this late in a long time, I have to get ready." Sheridan dashed off before Luis could say anything. Sheridan returned about 30 minutes later dressed in a red snakeskin print suit including a blazer, a black low cut shirt and a matching miniskirt. "You sure do love your red." Luis commented, as he looked her up and down. "Did you know that red is a power color?"

"No I didn't know that, it's my favorite color. Speaking of meaning behind colors, did you know that black symbolizes mysteriousness? Every time I see you out of uniform your dressed in black. Are you hiding something Luis?" "Do I look like a person who hides things?" Luis asked. "No you don't.” She said honestly, looking into his eyes.

"Are you beginning to trust me?" He asked clearly seeing it in her eyes, but he wanted to hear it. "Yeah I trust you, now come on, I have to go to work." "You're still going?" "Normally I wouldn't but I need to stay busy." She said sadly. Luis understood completely. "So come on." She said waiting for him to get his coat and keys.

Sheridan and Luis walked into the boardroom. Alex Whitmore was in her face; he was giving her a look of sympathy and what also looked like pity. "Can I help you?" She said in an irritated tone of voice. "I'm sorry to hear about Brandon."

"Thank you.” She said stepping away from him and placing her things on the table. "I'm sure you all have heard about Brandon being in the hospital, business will go on as scheduled." She announced as she looked around the table. When she spotted the empty chair that belonged to Brandon she wanted to cry. She forced herself not to, she didn't want people thinking she was soft. Just then a man and a woman walked in, definitely of the upper class with designer suits on.



"Can I help you?" Megan asked. Sheridan looked on, giving the two of them the one over. They looked familiar as hell. "We're looking for Julian.” The woman informed with an 'I'm better than you' tone of voice. Sheridan finally figured out why they looked so damn familiar. He was an ex-boyfriend, the one who had cheated on her with her so-called best friend, the woman standing beside him. She had heard that they had married; she had always wanted to get them back. She then made herself seen and heard at the moment.

"Sorry to say but Julian Crane doesn't run this company anymore." Sheridan announced. They both looked shocked. "Sheridan." Max, her ex-boyfriend exclaimed. Sheridan smiled and walked towards them. "Hi Max, hi Kathleen." She said in a normal tone. Kathleen immediately was in bitch mode again. She stepped in front of Max, now she and Sheridan were eye to eye.

"Why don't we skip the pleasantries, you don't like me anymore than I like you. We all know why." "That's right, you were suppose to be my best friend but you seduced my man." "That's in the past Sheridan, get over it." Kathleen said in a snotty tone. "Oh I have gotten over it." Sheridan said as Megan handed her a folder. Sheridan looked it over and grinned. It seemed Max's company was in the red, practically heading for bankruptcy.

"Okay, I didn't come here to speak to you. Now I want to talk to the new C.E.O. since Julian isn't in charge anymore. Where is the new man in charge?" Kathleen asked. Sheridan smiled a glorious smile. She then stepped up closer to Kathleen. "I'm the 'man in charge'." Sheridan said with a dangerous glint in her eyes. Kathleen stepped back a little unnerved by it.

"You're in charge?" She asked thinking that God was just playing some cruel joke on her. "Gone deaf Kathleen? I said that I'm in charge, I'm the new C.E.O. of this branch." Sheridan said letting her know who was in charge. Sheridan went and sat down on the table, crossing her legs in the process. She still held the folder on Max's company. Max and Kathleen stood there gaping, knowing full well they were screwed. Kathleen regained her composure and pulled out a contract.

"What's this?" Sheridan asked looking at the contract "My brother was actually going to merge with your company, he's stupider than I thought. I'm not putting my name on this.” She said but she continued to read it. Kathleen tried to snatch it away but Sheridan pushed her away and hopped off the table. "Give it here if you won't sign it." Kathleen demanded. Sheridan ignored her. "Max have you seen this contract?" Sheridan asked.

"No, why?" Max asked. "Do you trust your wife?" Sheridan asked. "Completely." Max answered. Sheridan shook her head; the man was a fool. "You shouldn't, it seems your 'trustworthy' wife will get all of the company in the merger, a gift from Julian. Why he would do that, I don't know." Then it donned on her. "Oh my God, why didn't I see it before? You're sleeping with Julian." Sheridan said in an 'I'm right and don't try to deny it' tone of voice.

"Is this true Kathleen?" Max asked getting mad. "Of course not." Kathleen answered. "Nice try Sheridan.” She said sarcastically. "Oh please," Sheridan said in a exasperated tone, "he may fall for your BS, but I'm not that stupid honey." She said throwing the contract at Kathleen's feet. "I'm not signing that."

"You have to, Julian already promised he would." Kathleen said angrily. "First of all I don't have to do a damn thing I don't want to." Sheridan said defiantly. "You've really gotten stupid over the years. Anyone who knows Julian knows that his promises are hollow and one-sided, they benefit him. The other party just gets screwed, but you would know all about that, wouldn't you?" Sheridan asked smiling deviously.

"You've become a bitch over the years." Kathleen said getting angrier by the moment. Sheridan just shrugged her shoulders, she didn't give a damn what Kathleen thought about her. "You're still a tramp." Sheridan retorted. "You were a user than and you're a user now. Understand that you're in the House of Crane, Sheridan Crane. This merger doesn't happen unless I say so and right now it’s definitely not going to happen. My brother may have fell for you trampy ass but I see right through you." Sheridan said giving Kathleen a dirty look. She then turned away from Kathleen when someone burst into the room; it was a drunken Julian.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 14:

A drunken and disoriented Julian stumbled towards Kathleen. He grabbed her butt and pulled her into a kiss. Kathleen immediately pushed him off of her. Julian's face registered a confused look. "What's the matter baby?" Julian asked in a slurred voice. "When did you plan on us getting together again for another one of our frequent trysts? I've gone long enough without you." Kathleen stood there; this drunken bastard was ruining everything. She wanted it all and by the looks on her husband's face, she was about to get slapped with some papers, of the divorce nature.

"So it's true!" Max yelled. "You've been sleeping with Julian...you BITCH! I want you out of the house tonight, I don't care where you go but I don't want to look at your ass when I return." "It's my house too and I won't leave, I've done too much for you, I want my half." Kathleen argued, truly showing her greedy nature. Max smiled at her, but it was a sly smile.

"You forget my dear, you don't get one red cent from me if you were ever caught cheating. Remember the pre-nuptials you signed.” He saw the idiotic look cross her face"...of course you didn't or you wouldn't have cheated on me. I'm through with you." He finally announced and left. Meanwhile Sheridan had watched the whole scene play out before her. She was a firm believer of 'what goes around comes around' Kathleen had gotten hers in the end. Sheridan knew it was wrong, but she just couldn't help herself. She burst into laughter. Kathleen turned her head, infuriated at Sheridan; it was all her fault.

"You bitch, you ruined my life." Kathleen announced. Sheridan just smiled. "I did no such thing, you ruined your own life when you decided to cheat on your husband with my low life brother." "Hey." Julian said. "I can hear every word you say." "Shut up Julian." Sheridan said. By now security had arrived and were now escorting Julian out of the room.

"You screwed up your own life all by yourself and no matter what you'll always be a screw up." Sheridan said smiling victoriously. She knew she was being down right ruthless but she didn't give a damn, this woman had wronged her so much when she pretended to be her best friend. Sheridan felt no remorse for her; she had made her own bed...now she would have to lie in it. "Now get the hell out ho." Sheridan said as she turned around. Luis saw Kathleen pick up a letter opener and advance on Sheridan.

"Sheridan!" Luis yelled. He raced towards Kathleen as Sheridan turned around and noticed that Kathleen did indeed have a letter opener. The woman had a crazed look on her face. Luis grabbed Kathleen by the wrist and wrung the letter opener out of her hand. Kathleen screamed out in anguish. "You'll get yours in the end." Kathleen warned. Sheridan was completely shocked, she didn't know that she was that close to the edge that she would try and kill her. Luis called in back up and took Kathleen down to security where they detained her until more officers arrived. When he arrived everyone was gone.

"Where did everyone go?" Luis asked. "I sent everyone home." Sheridan answered. "That's exactly where I'm headed." Sheridan said picking up her things and heading out the door. She then turned around. "You coming?" She asked Luis. Luis smiled and headed after her.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 15:

Sheridan walked through the front door, dropping her keys on the table near the door. Luis followed close behind. Sheridan went straight to her bedroom and changed. She came out dressed in a simple white T-shirt and a denim double split skirt with frayed edges. She had on a pair of Nike phatheads. She also came out with a light jacket; the clouds had changed considerably. "Ready to go?" Luis asked, wondering how she could look so beautiful in something so simple. Who would of thought a Crane could dress so simple, she had a youthful look about her at the moment.

"Yeah, let's go." The both of them left together, headed for the hospital. When Sheridan got to Brandon's room, she could see that his parents were already there. She immediately went to them, the three of them embraced in a hug. Sheridan was very close to them. "How's he doing?" Sheridan asked

"The doctor's say he's responding to treatment, but it'll take a little while to see results." Josephine said, his mother. "Thank God." Sheridan said. "Do you mind if I go see him?" "Of course not sweetheart." Michael said, his dad. Sheridan walked into the room and noticed that Brandon did look a little better than the last time she saw him. She carefully sat down beside him, taking his hand in hers. She said a prayer over him and began to talk to him about what was going on and how much she needed him.

Outside Luis was talking to Brandon's parents when Pilar showed up. Luis introduced his mother to Brandon's parents, and then excused him and Pilar to talk. "What's up mama?" Luis asked, wondering why she was in the hospital. "Just here for my annual check up. Is Sheridan in with Brandon now?" Pilar asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Yeah." He said shifting his eyes to the big piece of 'looking glass' in front of them. Their Sheridan sat holding Brandon's hand and talking. "How is she holding up?" Pilar asked. "Quite well, she's a very strong woman."

"That she is." Pilar suddenly remembered where she had to be, but she had one last thing to say. "Tell Sheridan I want her at dinner tonight and don't take no for an answer. I don't care if you have to throw her over your shoulder and haul her over there, do it." Pilar said. "Yes ma'am." He answered his mother. "Bye mama."

"Bye hijo." Pilar said as she walked off. Luis then turned his attention back to the scene before him, his heart went out to her. It looked like her and Brandon were as close as two friends of the opposite sex could be without stepping over the friendship boundaries. Luis wondered if they had ever crossed that line. He quickly shook the thought from his head and said a prayer for Brandon. Meanwhile Sheridan looked at the clock, she had lost track of how long she had been there. She had one more thing to say to Brandon.

"You better get better soon or I'll hurt you myself." She said with a light smile on her face as she caressed his cheek. She could have sworn she saw half a smile on his face. She knew she was going out of her mind now. She left the room ready to go home.

When she got in the hall she noticed that Brandon's parents were asleep as was Luis. Sheridan thought he was so sweet, he could of left anytime he wanted to, but he stayed. She gently shook him away. He slowly came to. "Sheridan, what's wrong?" He asked sleepy. "Nothing, I'm just ready to go."

"Oh." Luis said standing up and stretching. "Well then let's go...oh by the way mama wants me to bring you home for dinner, she's not taking no for answer."

"I would love to go to dinner at your house with your family." Sheridan said with a genuine smile on her face. Luis smiled back at her and held out his arm for her. "Shall we go then?" Luis asked smiling a silly grin. "Yes we shall." Sheridan said taking his arm and walking off with him.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 16:

Sheridan followed Luis to his house in her car, since both of them had taken separate cars. The sky looked a shade of black; it was definitely going to rain. Luis pulled up in front of his house with Sheridan behind him. He got out of his car and went to open her door for her, surprising her. "Aren't you the gentleman?” Sheridan commented with a smile on her face, a flirtatious one at that. "You got that right, but I do have my moments." Luis said as he helped her out of the car, closed the door and gently pinned her up against the car. "I bet you do Officer." Sheridan said. "Are you going to let me go?" Sheridan asked. "I don't know yet." Luis answered. He then smiled a killer smile that almost made Sheridan sink to her knees. The man had a beautiful smile and he knew exactly when to use it. He stepped out of her way and held out his arm again. She took it and they walked into his house together.

"Look who I've got with me." Luis announced to his mother, who was still cooking. "Sheridan, I'm so glad you came." Pilar said giving Sheridan a hug. "Of course I'd come." Sheridan said smiling. "Can I do anything to help out?" Sheridan asked. "No, no, you're the guest, go have a seat in the living room." Pilar said. Sheridan was ready to protest but Pilar held her hand up and shooed her into the living room to relax. Luis followed close behind. As Sheridan and Luis sat down, Theresa and Whitney walked through the door. Theresa was surprised to see her big brother with a woman, such a beautiful one at that. Not that he couldn't get one, it was just that Luis wasn't one to bring every woman home to the family; she had to be someone special. "It's about time big brother." Theresa said with a big smile.

"What are you talking about Theresa?" Luis asked confused. Theresa went straight to Sheridan. "Hi, I'm Theresa and this is my best friend Whitney." Theresa said shaking Sheridan's hand. "Hi, I'm Sheridan." Sheridan said with a friendly smile. Theresa and Whitney sat down. "So how long have you two been dating?" Theresa asked. This statement caused Sheridan and Luis' eyes to bug out of their heads. "Is that what you think is going on? Sheridan and I are just friends Theresa." He couldn't believe his little sister sometimes, the things that came out of her mouth sometimes. "I'm so sorry Luis, but I could have sworn that the two of you were dating, I mean the looks that you were giving each other..." Theresa just shut her mouth up; Luis was giving her one of his 'I'm going to get you looks.' "You know something, we're just going to go, come on Whit." Theresa said as she grabbed Whitney and headed back to her room.

"Well that was interesting." Sheridan said laughing. "Your sister sure does have an active imagination." "That she does." Luis confirmed. Just then they heard thunder, they both got up and looked out the window. It was pouring down heavily; it was definitely going to be some amount of flooding. "It's really coming down hard out there, I hope it let's down by the time I'm ready to leave, I can't drive in that." Sheridan said. Pilar then came into the room and announced that dinner was ready. Sheridan followed behind Pilar, just like when she was a little girl. Everyone sat down at the table and said thanks for the meal they were about to receive. After the thank you everyone began pigging out, including Sheridan. There was a lot of talking and laughter. Luis noticed that Sheridan got along great with his brother and sister and her best friend.

"So Sheridan, where are you from?" Theresa asked. "Actually I'm from here, I've spent most of my life in Paris. I just recently came back to Harmony." Sheridan answered. "You look so familiar." Theresa said. Then she jumped up and ran to her bedroom. She came back into the kitchen with a look of 'awe' on her face. "You're on the cover of People, that's why you look familiar." Theresa said with an all-knowing smile, she then had a shocked look on her face. "You're a Crane! Well Luis must be in love with you if he bought home a Crane." Theresa said with laughter, everyone joined in except Luis. Sheridan was beaming. Dinner continued with the same laughter and smiles.

Dinner was now over and it was still pouring rain. Luis saw Sheridan looking out the window with a worried look on her face and a cookie in her mouth, that part made him laugh. Mama had made Sheridan a batch of chocolate chip cookies, her favorite. Sheridan had said that no one made them like Pilar did. Ever since dinner, every time he looked up Sheridan had a cookie in her mouth. He turned on the TV to see what was going on with the weather. The meteorologist advised that no one leave where they were because the rain was going to get heavier and it was safer if no one was traveling. Pilar who had heard the forecast didn't want Sheridan traveling in the rain. "Sheridan I don't want you driving in weather like this." Pilar said.

"Not a problem mama, I'll take Sheridan home." Luis said. “I don't want you driving in it either Luis, Sheridan will just stay here tonight.” Pilar said finding a solution. "Pilar I don't want to impose, I could call someone to come get me." "No, I don't want you riding around in this weather, you're staying here and that's final. You can have my room and I'll sleep on the couch." "No, no I'll sleep on the couch and you sleep in your own bed Pilar." Sheridan said; she didn't want Pilar sleeping on the couch. "I'll settle this Sheridan sleep in my room and I'll sleep on the couch and that way mama can sleep in her own bed." Luis said. "I can't put either of you out, I'll sleep on the couch." Sheridan said.

"Sheridan, really it's okay, I sleep out here most of the time anyway." Luis said telling the truth, most of the time he would fall asleep watching TV. "Are you sure?" Sheridan asked. "Yes, I'm sure." Luis said with a smile. She smiled back. "I have some pajamas that you could wear." Theresa said chiming in. "That part I've got covered, I always have an overnight bag with me in my car. I never know when I'll be sent away on business at the request of my father, but thank you anyway." Sheridan said gratefully. "It's just a matter of going out into all of that," she said pointing to the rain "and getting my bag. No time like the present.” Sheridan said as she moved towards the door. "There's no reason for you to get all soaked, I'll go." Luis said. "There's no reason for you to get all soaked either, so I'm going." Sheridan said as she opened the door and walked, closing the door behind her. Luis walked out behind her.

"Sheridan, what are you doing?" Luis asked as he saw her standing in the middle of the yard getting drenched. "I always loved the rain, especially when I was younger. I used to play in it." Sheridan said as Luis caught up to her and pulled her along with him to the trunk of her car. She opened up the trunk and pulled out her overnight bag, they then ran back into the house. Pilar halted them in the kitchen. "The two of you aren't going to drag water through my living room. So turn your backs towards each other and strip down. Here are your towels." She earned shocked looks from the both of them. "I'm waiting...I know the two of you aren't shy, I've bathed the both of you so don't act all shy. I'm going to bed, everyone is in their bedrooms so the two of you will have some privacy." Pilar then left.

"Okay...that was different." Luis said as he began taking off his shoes. He then went to take off his shirt and pants. Sheridan was watching this show; the man had the body of a god. She turned around in a rush when he looked up and winked at her. She was blushing like crazy. She then began the process of taking off her wet clothes. She did it in a hurry and soon had the towel wrapped around herself, as did Luis. Luis then showed her where she would be sleeping and the bathroom. She told Luis that she was going to shower. Sheridan took her shower and got dressed in a blue V-neck lace trim camisole and matching string bikini. She had one problem; she had forgotten the matching robe.

She opened up the door and made sure no one was in the hall before she made a mad dash towards Luis' room. As soon as she got in she closed the door behind her not noticing that Luis was in the room getting some clothes. He was totally appreciating the site before him. Luis crept up behind her and tapped her on her shoulder. Sheridan jumped up and turned around. "Luis." She said in an annoyed voice. "You scared the crap out of me." She said as she slapped him in the arm. She then remembered that she was in her underwear in front of Luis. She grabbed her robe off his bed and put it on. Luis noticed this and grinned.

"Why Sheridan are you shy?" Luis asked with a laugh. Before she could answer Luis left to take his shower. Sheridan calmed herself down and went to pull the covers back on Luis' bed. She looked around and could see that everything in his room was a characteristic of Luis. He had dark colors in his room, Sheridan was right he did have a mysterious side. She looked at the awards that he had hanging around the room and the pictures. She noticed that there was a picture of him and a pretty brunette, come to think of it; there were quite a few pictures of Luis and this woman. Sheridan wondered who she was. She picked up a picture of the two and looked at the back of it, it said 'Luis and Beth, June 19, 2000.' Sheridan hid her distaste and put it back down where she found it.

She hated the fact that he seemed to be so close to this woman, whoever she was. She took her robe off, sat down on the bed and thought about why she was thinking like this, Luis wasn't hers; hell she had just met him not too long ago. "Why am I being so childish?" Sheridan asked herself as she threw herself back on the bed. "He's not mine." "I don't know, why are you being so childish? And who's not yours?" Luis asked mimicking her. Sheridan shot up in bed, did he like creeping up on her? "Luis, don't you ever make any noises? Someone should put a bell around your neck." Sheridan said rubbing her shoulder. Luis noticed this and asked what was wrong. "I guess all the tension and stress is finally catching up to me and making one giant knot across my shoulders and back." Sheridan said as she tried to reach it.

"Here let me help, I give a great massage." Luis said sitting behind her on the bed. "Lean back Sheridan." He waited but she didn't do anything. "Come on Sheridan, I don't bite." Sheridan just laughed and leaned back. When Luis went to work he went to work. His touch was incredible, Sheridan found herself moaning somewhat but she didn't care. She was being turned on and she didn't care, he had the best hands. She knew she was falling to pieces in his arms and she just welcomed it. She realized how much she didn't give a damn with this man. Luis meanwhile was having a hard time keeping his hands just on her shoulders. He could clearly see that her skin was blushing a red color. Luis knew that she was aroused. Luis was getting aroused himself, each time a little noise of satisfaction came from her mouth he got harder. Sheridan could feel how much he wanted her on her back, that's when she knew she had to stop all of this. She pulled away from Luis. "You know something Luis, I'm kind of tired. I think I'm ready to go to sleep." "Okay." Luis strained out. He knew without a doubt in his mind that he would need a cold shower.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 17:

Sheridan was having another one of her dreams, she was standing in the Crane Mansion, holding a knife. She could see the body lying on the floor, blood seeping out of the person and hearing how it was all her fault, how she was a bad person. She broke down into tears and began screaming that she didn't do it. "I didn't mean to, I didn't mean to." Sheridan repeated over and over in her sleep, she was hysterical. She was sobbing. Luis who had been walking down the hall heard Sheridan crying. "Sheridan, are you okay?" Luis asked as he knocked on the door, but got nothing but crying. "Sheridan, if you don't open this door, I'm coming in." When she didn't open the door Luis decided to go in. He slowly opened the door and walked in, closing the door behind him. Sheridan was tossing and turning in bed, she had tears streaming down her face. She kept saying 'I didn't mean to.' Luis went to her immediately to wake her up, he couldn't stand to see her in pain.

"Sheridan, Sheridan, wake up.” Luis kept saying over and over. When she didn't wake up Luis gently shook her. "Luis." Sheridan said as she threw her arms around him, grateful. "Are you okay?" Luis asked as he wiped the tears from her face and held her. "Yeah." Sheridan answered. "Luis can you stay with me tonight?" She asked unsure of what he would say. “If you want me to stay, I will." Luis said as he caressed her cheek and looked into her eyes. He saw her gently smile. "Now come on, back to bed with you." Luis said as he laid her and himself back down. Sheridan closed her eyes as Luis circled his arms around her, she knew she was going to have a great night's sleep. "Goodnight Luis." "Goodnight Sheridan."

To Be Continued...

Chapter 18:

Luis was downstairs now, he had decided to slip out of bed with Sheridan before his mother woke up and accused them of something. He wanted to ask Sheridan about her dreams but he doubted that he would tell her; if she did tell him something it would be either a lie or the incomplete truth. He bet good money that his mother knew something. Sheridan after all had said that his mother had helped her deal with her life. Just then there was a knock on the door. Luis got up to get it- it was Beth Wallace. Sheridan woke up feeling alone. She turned over only to find a note.

Dear Sheridan, I thought it best that I leave before mama wakes up. Whenever you decide to come downstairs I'll cook you some breakfast. Sheridan just smiled; the man was so sweet. She got out of bed and put on her robe. She grabbed her bag and went to the bathroom to take a shower. Sheridan emerged from the bathroom dressed in a turquoise/aqua animal print cardigan and a teal silk beaded skirt. The cardigan that she had on was buttoned so that her midriff showed. She also had on matching stiletto heels; that were open toed. She bounded down the stairs, seeing Theresa and Whitney first. "Good morning Sheridan." Theresa and Whitney chimed at the same time. "Good morning Theresa, good morning Whitney." "I love your outfit so much." Theresa said as she beamed a smile at Sheridan. Whitney nodded her head in agreement.

"Thanks, you can borrow it if you want." Sheridan said as she sat down with the girls. "Thanks, but Luis would probably bust a blood vessel if I buttoned that cardigan up like that." Theresa said as she laughed, as did Sheridan and Whitney. The girls talked about fashion for a while before Sheridan began to wonder where Luis was. "So Theresa where's Luis?" Sheridan asked. She tried to hide the interest that she had for Luis but Theresa caught on. "You like my brother, don't you?" Theresa asked with a silly grin. Sheridan knew exactly where Theresa was going with this conversation. "I know where you're going with this conversation Theresa. I'm going to tell you the same thing that Luis told you last night. Luis and I are just friends, nothing more."

"Sure Sheridan, you say that now but you'll be saying something different soon. The last place I saw Luis was in the kitchen." Sheridan got up and headed for the kitchen. She had a big smile until she saw the woman who she had seen in all the pictures sitting at the table with Luis, sitting very close to him and rubbing the inside of his thigh. She turned back around and headed up the stairs. She began throwing her things back into her bag; she had had enough. She laughed to herself, God loved to toy with her life. She grabbed her bag and headed downstairs. Theresa and Whitney were gone. Sheridan threw open the front door only to find Chief Bennett.

"Hi Sheridan. Is Luis here?" Sam asked ignoring the fact that Sheridan Crane had an overnight bag and looked like she was kind of in a hurry. She also looked extremely upset. "Are you okay?" "Yeah, peachy." Sheridan said sarcastically. "I have to go Chief." Sheridan said rushing out the door and to her car. Immediately Sam knew that Luis had done something to upset her. Sam walked into the living room and then to the kitchen, where he usually found Luis. His guess was right and sitting very comfortably beside him was Beth, his high school sweetheart. Now Sam knew what had upset Sheridan. "Luis I need to talk to you, hi Beth."

"Hi Sam." Beth said with a fake smile. She was irritated by the fact that she and Luis had been interrupted. "Well, I'll leave the two of you to talk, bye Luis, bye Sam." Beth got up and left. "What did you do to Sheridan Luis?" Sam asked pointedly. "What are you talking about Sam? I didn't do anything to Sheridan. Why are you asking me this?" "Because Sheridan almost ran into me trying to get out of this house, she looked extremely upset. What is Sheridan doing here anyway so early in the morning?" Sam asked. "She spent the night because of the heavy rain, mama didn't want her driving and she didn't want me driving her home. Before you ask no nothing happened." "I wasn't going to ask you if something happened, I was however going to ask you what happened that could of upset her."

"I don't know, but I intend to find out real soon." Luis said as he gathered his keys and jacket. "Luis you need to get to the station when you find Sheridan, the FBI wants to talk to you about Sheridan's ex-fiancé." "Okay Sam, see you later." Luis said rushing out of the door, on his way to find Sheridan. Sheridan had driven around for a while, just driving. She had to admit that she was extremely mad with herself.

Of course the man would have a girlfriend, he was too much of a catch not to have one. She parked her car in front of this place called The Book Cafe and went inside. She turned a lot of heads as she walked through the doors. She went up to the counter and ordered herself a coffee and blueberry muffin and sat down. She ate her blueberry muffin and drank her tea in silence. Sheridan couldn't believe all the crappy luck that she had with men, it was like she was cursed or something, or at least that's what she thought. As she was drinking her last sip of ice tea she was interrupted by a phone call on her cell phone. "Hello...oh my God that's great...I'll be there soon." Sheridan said as she jumped up and gathered her things together. She ran out of the Book Cafe in a hurry. Finally some good news was coming her way.

To Be Continued...