Love & War

Disclaimer: I donıt own Passions or the characters that would be NBC and James E. Reilly, just wish I did.

Please comment, I would love to hear what you think send to crsena@iserv.net
This story takes place right after my last story, All Is Forgiven.

Written by: C. Rene

Chapter 1:

He drove her home, but where was home these days. At the funeral Julian only cared about the business between the Crane family. He was dead set on Ethan marrying Gwen to close the deal between the families. Instead Ethan was torn for his past with Gwen and his growing passion for Theresa. Ethan finally came to accept that Luis was not to blame for Sheridanıs shooting, of course now that Hank was in prison for years to come. Sheridan sat next to Luis, not knowing where home was. ³How are we going to tell our families that I am back,² Sheridan asked leaning closer into Luisı arms while he drove. ³I think the best way is to surprise them,² he said stroking her cheek. ³From what I remember, the cottage is not the best place for me to call home,² she whimpered.

³How about we go see Ethan at the mansion first. I am sure he will be thrilled to see you,² Luis mumbled. ³Now wait just one minute when did you become so buddy buddy with my nephew Ethan,² Sheridan questioned. ³Since he started becoming concerned about the welfare of my little sister. I know how much he meant to you, and now that I have you back, I have to accept him. I could only hear how wonderful Ethan was so many times from Theresa before I started to see he wasnıt so much like Julian.² ³Did he end up marrying Gwen?² ³Well, letıs just say he had a lot to think about other than which woman he would marry Gwen or my sister. A few weeks ago he found out that he wasnıt Julianıs son. He isnıt a true Crane.² Sheridan was shocked how could this be? Those two had such a connection growing up. If Julian wasnıt Ethanıs father, than who was? ³Luis, who is Ethanıs father?²

³Sam. I guess all of the warnings about staying away from the Craneıs because it would cause problem speech was what he went through with Ivy. They were together before she closed the deal with her family to marry the devil, himself, your brother. She broke Samıs heart the night she married Julian, only to come back for one more fling with Sam.² ³What? Sam and Ivy? I wish it wasnıt true. Maybe that is why, Ethan and I have the bond.² ³Why?² ³I never wanted to be a Crane. And to find out all these years later that he wasnıt one. We had something to bind us together. How did he find out?² ³Theresa.² ³What?² ³She knew and to make sure she had the upper hand in getting him to marry her, she told him. Only to lose him in the process, he decided it was time he moved on from both Gwen and Theresa. Gwen had enough of it and left for Europe, and Theresa is now pining away for another Bennett.²

³Who?² ³Samıs son with Grace, Noah. Theresa and Noah had been close for years and when he came back into town last month they picked up where they left off before he left for college.² ³I guess I missed a lot when I was dead,² Sheridan laughed He laughed also thinking about how weird that was, but shedding it off since she was now alive and well with him. He pulled up into the mansion, hoping Ethan was not out. Since Julian had found out about Ethanıs true parentage both Ivy and Ethan were still allowed to live at the mansion per Alistair of course. Alistair was positive that if word came out that Ethan wasnıt a Crane that he was actually Chief Bennettıs son, the Crane name would be tarnished. So Alistair made sure that Julian could not leave Ivy and Ethan would still have anything a Crane would have.

³Are you nervous, Sheridan,² Luis inquired squeezing her hand in his. ³Yes, to find out that the only one that I truly got along with in this family is not really a Crane, to come back to the place that held only bad memories and to be here with a family that only cares how much power they have and not how much they are loved is nerve racking,² she groaned.

To Be Continued…

Chapter 2:

When they finally walked into the mansion they were welcomed back by Ivy, who could not believe that Sheridan was back, and Julian who was worried that Luis and Sam would now counter sue him for how much chaos he caused when Sheridan was first shot down. Alistair greeted his daughter the only way he knew how over the speakerphone saying he was thrilled about her reappearance. ³Father, I would like to know why you did not show up for the funeral,² she ordered. ³Business, my dear,² he quickly responded.

³Itıs funny in my 27 years of life, you had never once been there for me, but in a little over a year the one that has been there was Luis who didnıt want anything to do with the Cranes. Now I know where I stand with this family, I am thrilled that Ethan is not a true Crane just wish I was that lucky,² she declared stomping out of the mansion with Luis on her heels. As they drove away she didnıt know where she would be sleeping that night only hoping she was with Luis. Now that she had told her father off she wasnıt sure where she would be living. She couldnıt go back to the cottage, to many nightmares of that night Hank shot her. ³How about you stay with me tonight,² Luis asked pulling into his driveway. ³Luis, I donıt want to inconvenience Pilar or Theresa,² she smiled. ³How about me?²

³Well I think you wouldnıt mind all that much since you lived in that cottage with me for so long, plus I bet you want to continue right where we left off that night.² ³True, very true. But you staying at the house it would put the whole female/male situation off balance.² They walked up to the door and when he open it there stood Pilar in awe of whose eyes she was looking in. The young woman that she had been like a mother to before she was sent off to Europe was alive. Through the night they reminisced about old times and discussed the future. Hours later Pilar was getting restless knowing tomorrow she would have to face Julian assuming he would come to the conclusion Sheridan was staying with the Lopez-Fitzgeraldıs. ³Let me set up the guest room for you, Sheridan,² Pilar commented kissing her son good night. ³Well, mamma, I was going to let Sheridan stay with me,² Luis spoke up. ³Hijo, I donıt think that is such a good idea,² Pilar replied.

³I donıt want to take my eyes off of her for at least the next fifty years,² he commented. ³I wouldnıt jump ahead just yet, Luis. You and I, both know that my father and Julian will not stand for this union,² Sheridan hissed. ³After tonight, I thought you were going to break all ties with them,² he questioned Sheridan. ³Well, whatever you decide, Sheridan, I am overjoyed that you are back in our lives. The world is a strange place taking good people away from loved ones. It is a miracle that you are back, and now I have more faith in the Lord. Just maybe there is hope for my Martin. With that said, I think it is time I turn in,² Pilar expressed.

Pilar walked up the stairs to leave Luis to acquire Sheridanıs last words. He was ready for war with Sheridan about leaving her family and starting a life with him. She knew how he felt about her, thinking that they had made progress, how could she defend her father. ³Luis, all I am saying is my father and Julian will stop at nothing to make sure we do not stay together,² she confessed taking his hands into hers sitting next to him. ³I am ready to fight for you, for us. I will not have Alistair nor Julian stop us from being together,² he replied. ³Are you ready for World War Three because I am sure that is what they are conspiring as we speak,² she stood up asking.

³Well we will just have to defend ourselves. There are things Sam and I are convinced Alistair and Julian are up to that could make sure they will be wearing black and white stripes for years to come.² ³Luis, I donıt think it will be that easy. If Julian and my father are ever convicted of the crimes that both of us think are responsible for, they will not be the only ones affected. ³ ³Is that all you are worried about? Are you worried the Crane name will no longer get you out of trouble. I will let you sleep in my room, I will sleep on the couch,² he ordered marching into the kitchen.

She was left standing there amazed how much time her and Luis had been apart, yet they could still fight over the silliest little things. True, she didnıt like being a Crane, the power it gave you to be better than anyone else, but that is all she has known. Could she survive the real world being like everyone else? Sheridan sat down on the couch suddenly feeling exhausted from the events that had happened through the day. She laid her head down on the couch her eyes feeling very heavy suddenly her eyes were closed. Luis walked back into the living room to find Sheridan asleep on the couch, he grabbed a blanket covering her up and then walked upstairs to his room.

He hated when they were fighting which of course was what they did best next to kissing. He loved her, but sometimes she was infuriating. He knew she was a Crane, and she didnıt think like the rest of them most of the time. Maybe she was defending Julian and Alistair because they were her family. He decided they would discuss it more in the morning, he got ready for bed and within minutes he was asleep. Morning came and the sun was beating into Luisı room, he knew he had to make up with Sheridan, they didnıt leave things in good nature the night before. He had to make up with her, she had been gone to long to let silly arguments cloud their feelings for each other. That is what stopped them from being together for so many months before, their petty arguments. He would make it up to her, he had to make it up to her. As he walked downstairs it was to quiet for him, maybe he had dreamed the last 24 hours, maybe she was still gone. When he came upon the couch where she laid the night before he found the blanket he had covered her up with but she was missing. Then he noticed the note sitting on the coffee table.

Luis,
I am sorry about last night, you know you mean more to me than the Crane power. I came back to be with you, no matter what my family thinks. I just want us to be together, I would hope my father could just be happy for me finally finding you. I went with Theresa to meet Noah for breakfast. We will be back soon. Always, Sheridan

A smile came upon his face knowing she was right. She wasnıt choosing the power over him, she was just worried how Alistair was going to react. Alistair Crane was a ruthless man that would stop at nothing to get what he wanted. One thing he wanted was the best for his family and being involved with a Lopez-Fitzgerald was not the best in his eyes. At the Crane mansion, Julian was drinking his brandy in his study looking over the current stock numbers when Alistair beeped in over the speakerphone. ³Father, itıs is great to hear you,² Julian stirred.

³Stuff it Julian. We have problems. I know my daughter, she has more Crane characteristics than she thinks.

There is no way she will throw away everything to be with Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald. When they finally come together, which I feel they will, we will have hell to pay especially you. I will stop at nothing to make sure our family secrets are not revealed. She has so much in her mother in her, but she does have the Crane stubbornness,² Alistair barked. ³What do you plan on doing, Father.² ³Well, I am glad my daughter is back, but we can not let her get involved with Luis.²

³From what I gather, she already is. My connections tell me she stayed at the Lopez-Fitzgeraldıs last night.² ³Well of course she did. It was her first night back, she would stay with Luis. All of us have slipped up through the years fallen for a person that does not measure up to the Crane name.

This could be hers, hopefully that is all it is. But if it is not, we have more problems than we did years ago with Martin.² ³Father, you donıt think that Luis and Sheridan will start looking into Martinıs disappearance again, do you?² ³I think this time they might just dig a little farther back and come up with things that should stay buried. Julian, I think I have a plan to make sure that Luis stays away from the Craneıs.² ³What father? I can use the impostor again.²

³No, this will involve someone they trust. I have a meeting to attend. Julian, donıt do anything that you live to regret. I will contact you later.² Will that note Alistair was disconnected and Julian stood there his mind wandering on what his father had up his sleeve. Julian knew that there were secrets that could not only destroy their family but many other families in Harmony. Secrets that could destroy families and lives everything that they built through the years would be a lie.

Chapter 3:

Luis was at the station discussing the events of the last 24 hours with Sam. Sam could not believe that Sheridan was alive and expressed her feelings towards her father. ³She actually told Alistair that she wishes she was as lucky as Ethan in not being a true Crane,² Sam pondered. ³She said that. I donıt know if it is my new understanding of miracles but I truly believe that Sheridan will leave her life as a Crane,² Luis answered sitting in Samıs office. ³We still need to bust Alistair and Julian,² Sam said. ³Speaking of Julian, how is Ethan,² Luis wondered. ³Ethan and I are doing as best to be expected under the circumstances,² Sam nervously acknowledged. ³So have you spoken to Grace about it,² Luis asked.

³She knows everything about my past with Ivy and even though she is upset that I never told her she is willing to accept it. The girls are thrilled to find out they have another brother especially one that has the Crane name attached.² ³How has Noah been doing?² ³Other than he seems not being able to get enough of your sister, great.² ³Yea, she seems to be very attached to him after Ethan and her didnıt work out.² ³Now what are we going to do about the Crane men?² ³I think I will talk to Sheridan to see what she remembers about Alistair and Julianıs business deals.² ³Good, I will research the history of Harmony and see just what Alistair did to make him the most powerful man ever to hit these streets.² ³Okay, buddy, Iıll call if I come up with anything.²

Luis left heading back to his house. As he reached the house he noticed that Sheridan was outside playing a little one on one with Noah with Theresa cheering one of them. He walked up behind his sister scaring her in the process. ³Watch out Noah she is pretty good at the game,² Luis said. ³I already heard about her beating you,² Noah commented laying one in on a slap shot. ³He challenged me to a game and you know I canıt lay down one of those,² Sheridan slapped back swooping a hoop in. ³Itıs now tied at fourteen,² Theresa clapped. ³Come on, Sheridan.² ³Yea, come on, Noah,² Luis clapped. Sheridan shot him a look right before Noah stole the ball from her hands and hit the basket in a lay-up. Once she realized what had happened Sheridan attacked Luis after a few minutes it was time to go in, both were famished.

After eating dinner that Luis quickly served for Sheridan, Noah, and Theresa, they went and sat in the living room. ³Mamma asked me to clean up the attic tomorrow, I was wondering if you could help me, Sheridan. Plus I bet there might be some embarrassing things we could find on Luis,² Theresa asked while sitting in the chair. ³I would love too,² Sheridan answered sitting next to Luis his arms wrapped around her. ³It was fun, but I better get going,² Noah commented standing up. ³Iıll walk you home,² Theresa replied. ³I had fun beating you, Sheridan, hope we can do it again,² Noah stated. ³This time I will make sure I donıt have Luis there for he can distract me,² Sheridan laughed.

Noah and Theresa walked out of the door leaving Sheridan in Luisı arms. She turned around stroking his cheek. How could she ever think about leaving him? He was the man of her dreams, one who challenged her like no other could. She kissed him with so much passion and when he returned the kiss she knew the fighting had retreated. He kissed her lips then began on her neck and nibbling on her ears. Luis laid her down on the couch kissing her feverously. He wanted to make love to her right there. As she began to pull his shirt up something stopped her. ³Sorry to interrupt,² Miguel interrupted. Luis jumped up gathering himself together, Sheridan sat up herself blushing a bit getting caught making out with Luis by his younger brother. ³Thatıs okay, man. I havenıt seen you around lately,² Luis said. ³Busy with school and work,² Miguel answered sitting in the chair. ³I am thrilled that you are back, Sheridan. And I can see so is my brother here.² ³Thanks, Miguel. Well I am getting tired so I think I will turn in.²

Sheridan got up and headed up stairs to Luisı room leaving the brothers in the living room to talk. She hoped Luis would get the hit that she was sleeping in his bed and hoping he would join her later. At the mansion, Julian was sending someone into the study for a phone call from Alistair. Alistair had called a few minutes earlier asking for someone in particular. ³Julian, please leave us alone,² Alistair ordered. ³Yes, father,² Julian mumbled leaving the room. After Alistair heard the door shut it was now time to get down to business. ³Letıs get down to business. It has been along time since you and I have talked,² Alistair stated. ³Yes, it has, Mr. Crane,² the lady standing next to the desk had replied, ³Now I need you to do something for me. It is about my daughter and Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald.² ³I know what you are thinking, Mr. Crane. I cannot stop them from being together.²

³Well, how would they feel if they found out their parents had a very brief affair years ago,² Alistair stated. ³No, they can never find that out. It would kill both of them,² she yelled. ³Then make sure that they stay away from each other or the truth will come out,² Alistair ordered. ³They will not listen to me,² she explained. ³I donıt care how you do it, but it must be done. There is more at stake then their love for another.² ³Yes, Mr. Crane.² ³Remember what I said! You know how I will stop at nothing to get what I want. Remember that Pilar,² Alistair said suddenly the line went dead.

³They can never find out about the past, it would shatter both of their lives to find out the truth, but how do I do it. I have never seen both of them happier than they are right now,² Pilar said aloud. She left the study heading home for the night. She would put it off for one more night, she had to think of a plan.

To Be Continued…

Chapter 4:

The next morning Sheridan awoke with someone holding her. She felt his arms around her realizing who it was she just smiled. She had fallen asleep the night before as soon as she hit the pillow, so she didnıt realize he had come in an hour later. He didnıt want to wake her so he laid down next to her wrapping his arms around her. Falling asleep with her in his arms was something he wanted to do for the rest of his life. She turned around to kiss him good morning when there was a knock at the door. Why did this happen every time they were about to take that next step in their relationship? Luisı eyes came into focus giving his lady a quick peck before jumping out of bed to answer the door. He was only wearing his boxers, while Sheridan had worn one of his t-shirts to bed she had found.

When he answered the door his mother stood there, looking concerned about what might had happened the night before with Sheridan and Luis sharing a room. ³Mamma, good morning,² he said kissing his mother. ³I cooked breakfast so if you want some I think you better get down there before Miguel eats it all,² Pilar commented strutting away from her sonıs bedroom. ³Good morning, Pilar,² Sheridan squealed although she knew Pilar did not hear her. Luis shut the door to his room and went back to the bed sitting next to Sheridan. She leaned against the headboard while Luis started to lean into her. ³Good morning, beautiful,² he whispered kissing her lips gently. ³Good morning, detective,² she giggled. ³I think I better get downstairs before Miguel gobbles up all of the food,² he smiled kissing her a few more times on the lips before looking for his jeans.

After breakfast he got ready for work heading off to the station. Pilar finished up cleaning the kitchen and also headed off to work without saying two words to Sheridan and Luis during breakfast. Both Sheridan and Luis along with Miguel and Theresa were worried about Pilar on why she was being so distant from her children. Luis did have an idea on why this was, being the oldest he had Miguel and Theresa who looked up to him, who needed his guidance. He would talk to his mother later on this topic when they both got home from work. Theresa and Sheridan decided to get started early on the attic. Theresa was looking through some boxes memorized on all of the pictures that her mother had acquired through the years. Sheridan was sitting on the floor looking at some photo albums herself. She was sitting there like she was a regular Joe and that felt wonderful to her. Sheridan was sitting there in blue jeans a white tank top and a light blue button down blouse with it tied at the bottom feeling like she was born to get down and dirty. Theresa would look over at Sheridan sometimes and smile and think how wonderful it was to have Sheridan here alive and well. How Sheridan looked at home cleaning out an attic like she was someone that came from the middle class like the Lopez-Fitzgeraldıs.

³Wow, look at these Sheridan,² Theresa said. Sheridan got up strolling over to Theresa, she sat on the milk carton next to her. ³These are pictures of Luis as a baby. Isnıt he adorable? Look here is mamma giving him is first bath,² Theresa laughed. ³Who is this one of,² Sheridan asked picking up another picture of two little boys in cowboy outfits. ³Oh, that is Antonio holding Luis. I think Antonio was four and Luis was two. Wow I have never seen this picture before,² Theresa pointed out of a young couple kissing under some mistletoe.

³Thatıs Papa, but I donıt know who the blond is.² ³Oh my god,² Sheridan gasped. ³What? Do you know who that is?² ³Itıs my mother,² Sheridan stated. ³What? Your mother and Papa.² ³Theresa is there a date on the back of the picture?² She turned it over to look at the date which looked like it could have been ove twenty years old. ³It says in small print, December 23, 1972.² ³Then that picture was taken over 27 years ago. Do you know what this means?² ³That our families look like they were once close,² Theresa guessed. ³Letıs see if there are any more of these,² Sheridan asked.

They dug a little deeper in the box Theresa was looking through and found a dozen or so more pictures of Martin Fitzgerald and Sheridanıs mother. The dates on the back spread between a six month period. Neither of them could explain why there were so many pictures of this couple together and none of Alistair or Pilar in the pictures. ³This looks a little fishy, Theresa. Why are there so many pictures of your father and my mother together and most of them are of them hugging or kissing. You donıt think that something was going on between them back then?² ³That is crazy, Sheridan. My Papa loved mamma, he would never do what you are suggesting to her. And if they did, why were we never told. You know what this means,² Theresa explained. ³If I am correct, it means that this is the reason that my father never wanted Ethan or I involved with a Lopez-Fitzgerald.²

³Wait, this means more than just that. If we are right then there is a chance that you could be my sister,² Theresa shouted in happiness. ³No, Theresa,² Sheridan answered standing up in shock. ³If these pictures are over 27 years old then they would have been a year before you and Luis were born.² ³That canıt be right.² ³I think we need to talk to mamma,² Theresa ordered. ³I think I need to talk to Luis,² Sheridan whispered. While Theresa and Sheridan were looking at old pictures in the Lopez-Fitzgerald, Sam was looking through archives at the newspaper when he came upon a picture of his father 27 years ago at a benefit gala.

Under the caption of the picture it had mentioned Chief Gregory Bennett had bought the breathtaking beauty Isabella Rosalin Stratton. Samıs eyes did a double-take looking at the picture of the beauty who was Sheridanıs identical. ³This must be her mother, but what was my father doing there with her,² Sam mumbled to himself. Reading the article it had mentioned that Chief Gregory Bennett and Isabella Rosalin Stratton were seen around town quite a few times within the past month. The Society page had indicated that Isabella was seen around with many men within the year but was still married to the patriarch of Crane industries. The article revealed that Alistair Crane had been out of the country for the past six months and would not be back for sometime

. Sam questioned the dates since if he was correct Sheridan would have been conceived sometime within that year and if the article was correct Alistair was out of the country. Who was Sheridanıs father? Could Sam and Sheridan somehow be related? He decided to discuss the possibility with Luis before he spoke to Sheridan. Sam didnıt want Sheridan to find out that it was possible she wasnıt a Crane just like Ethan. Why did the Cranes have so many secrets? If Samıs instincts were correct that would have meant that his father had cheated on his mother when she was pregnant with Hank. How could everyone keep so many secrets in Harmony? How many more could destroy lives? He rushed back to the station to find Luis.

Within a few minutes he was there to find Luis sitting at his desk typing up some paperwork on solving the Parker Street robberies. Luis looked up to see Sam headed straight for him looking nervous. ³Luis, in my office,² Sam pointed. ³Sam what is this all about,² Luis asked shutting the door noticing the papers in Samıs hand. ³I need to talk to you about Sheridan,² Sam hesitated. ³I know you think getting involved with a Crane isnıt the right thing to do, but I already heard the speech,² Luis stumbled over. ³Itıs about her mother,² Sam blurted out. ³What,² Luis asked sitting down. ³Has Sheridan ever discussed her mother with you?² ³Just that she died in a car accident when she was very young. Why?²

³I found out some things that you and Sheridan might want to know.² ³Like what, Sam?² ³How about the fact that the time Sheridan was supposed to be conceived Alistair wasnıt even in the States. I found some newspaper articles at the paper explaining that Isabella Crane was cheating on Alistair with not only a few other men but one of them was my father.² ³What?² ³Look at these articles and photographs, Ms. Crane was looking chummy with a lot of Harmony bachelors and some married men,² Sam said handing over the papers to Luis. Luis looked them over and was shocked on what he was reading. He thought about it and maybe Sheridan would have her wish after all. Maybe she wasnıt a Crane. That would change everything where their relationship was concerned. ³I need to talk to Sheridan,² Luis stood up declaring. ³I want to be there, Luis,² Sam replied. ³She should be at the house with Theresa.² Both of them grabbed their jackets rushing out of the station heading to the Lopez-Fitzgerald home.

To Be Continued…

Chapter 5:

Pilar arrived home a bit early, Ivy letting her go upon request for she could finally confront Luis and Sheridan. She walked in to find Sheridan and Theresa sitting at the kitchen table surrounded by ancient photographs. Once she let her eyes focus onto the pictures the memories came flooding back to her. They had found out the truth, she noticed it their eyes. She knew they were waiting for answers. What was she supposed to tell them? She wasnıt completely sure of the truth herself anymore. ³Mamma, you knew,² Theresa cried sensing the pain of betrayal in her motherıs eyes. ³Yes,² Pilar acknowledged collapsing into the chair.

Sheridan sat there looking confused, angry, and emotionally drained. Her mother had an affair with Martin Fitzgerald. ³I am so sorry, Sheridan,² Pilar apologized. ³I didnıt want you to find out this way.² ³Mamma, the dates on these pictures were before Sheridan was born. Could this mean Sheridan isnıt a Crane,² Theresa questioned. ³Is Sheridan my sister?² Instantaneously Luis and Sam walked into the room to hear Theresa ask her mother this very important question. Luis stood there in the doorway in shock of what he just heard. What would make Theresa ask such a ridiculous question? Pilar felt the draft from the door turning around she noticed the look of shock on her sonıs face. He heard Theresa and now he wanted to know where she was coming up with such a laughable notion.

Sheridan took a glimpse in Luisı eyes and noticed the terror. If this was true then Sheridan and Luis could never be together. ³Wait, before you answer that, I have a few questions myself,² Sam spoke setting the newspaper article in front of Pilar. Her eyes lit up and she knew right there that the truth was going to blow everything out of the water. The truth was out there laying on the kitchen table for everyone to realize, but did they figure it all out. Pilar was full of anger and hostility towards Alistair, he was the one that made sure the secrets were kept buried for reasons unknown. She hated keeping secrets, but being an employee of the Cranes that was part of the job requirement.

³Everyone have a seat and let me explain,² Pilar cried. A half an hour later everyone was satisfied on what they heard except Sheridan. She couldnıt believe that her father had lied to her all of these years. He was now going to pay for separating Luis and her. She leaped up from her chair running out of the Lopez-Fitzgerald home. She was confused, upset, not knowing what to think of this mess called her life. All of her life she had led a lie. Was this how Ethan felt when he found out the truth? Ethan, she had to find Ethan.

Luis sat there amazed on what his mother had explained within the last half an hour. He couldnıt believe that his mother had kept this to herself all of these years. How was Sheridan going to handle the truth? Sheridan- he didnıt realize that she had left until it was too late. He had just found out that her entire life was a lie. He had to react professional not letting his emotions for Sheridan to take over. ³Luis, you have to go after her,² Pilar stated. ³Mamma, I donıt know if I can,² Luis replied. ³She might do something crazy, Luis. You have to find her,² Pilar ordered. ³She is right, Luis. Sheridan might go after Alistair,² Sam commented. ³We have to find her before she finds him.² ³Ethan. She might go to Ethan,² Theresa shouted.

³You might be right, Theresita,² Pilar said. ³Sam, do you know where your son is today,² Luis questioned his Captain. ³Noah mentioned the Country Club. They were going to spend sometime together at the club,² Sam answered. An hour had passed and Luis, Sam, Theresa, and Pilar were at the Country Club searching for Ethan and Noah, but to no avail they were not there. They hadnıt shown up there like they were supposed to instead they had decided to take a quick flight to New York for the evening so Ethan could take his brother to a Knicks game. When Theresa had called the Crane residence to acquire Ethanıs whereabouts, Ivy had told them the guys had decided to go to the game, but in the back ground Theresa heard Sheridan ranting and raving to Julian about her fatherıs whereabouts. ³She is at the mansion,² Theresa squealed after hanging up the cell phone. ³We have to get to her,² Pilar announced. ³If she finds out that Julian knew about her motherıs past, she will stop at nothing for revenge.² ³Sam, you and Theresa, go to the airport to stop the guys. Mamma and I will head to the mansion,² Luis ordered. He didnıt realize until after he said it that he just gave his boss an order.

³If Sheridan finds out where Alistair is there is no knowing what she will do. Theresa letıs go,² Sam replied. Fifteen minutes later Luis and Pilar arrived at the mansion only to realize that Julian had confessed that Alistair was in Florence, Italy. Sheridan was already headed to the airport. She had threatened Julian if he forewarned Alistair that he would be next on her hit list. As soon as Luis and Pilar found this out they phoned Sam and told them to watch out for Sheridan she was headed straight for them and they were headed there to.

By the time they had got there it was already to late, Sheridan had booked a flight to Florence and her plane had left ten minutes before Luis had arrived. Luckily, Sam and Theresa had stopped Ethan and Noah on time, so the Crane jet was ready to go. Sam explained the situation to his two sons. ³How is it everything grandfather touches turns to poison,² Ethan asked. ³We have no idea what Sheridan will do once she finds Alistair,² Sam explained. ³But after what Pilar told us I donıt think it will be good.²

³We have to find her,² Luis stated. ³Letıs take the jet to Italy, then,² Ethan nonchalantly responded. ³Fine, Ethan are you up for a trip,² Luis asked. ³Weıll go,² Noah and Theresa shouted in unison. ³There is no need for you to go, Theresita,² Pilar commented. ³Yes, there is. The more people to search for Sheridan the better,² she answered. ³And we all know Theresa needs someone to watch out for her,² Noah told his father. ³Fine, if the plan is ready, Ethan, we are ought here,² Luis declared.

Twenty minutes later after getting everything they needed, Luis, Ethan, Theresa, and Noah were in the Crane jet headed for Florence. Noah was amazed how much his brother had the ability just to take off on drop of a hat. This was a once in a lifetime trip for Noah, and he wasnıt going to let it go. He had doubts about letting Ethan be part of his life, finding out you have a brother that had everything handed to him. Noah couldnıt compete with that, but to win Theresa he had to. Theresa and him had been best friends growing up, even if they were a couple years apart.

When he had heard that she had finally had her dreams come true of being romantically involved with Ethan Crane, he was thrilled yet heartbroken. What shocked him when he returned to Harmony was to find out the object of Theresaıs affection was his half-brother. Ethan and Theresa broke it off amicability, but they still had strong feelings for another. Noah could tell this by just looking into their eyes. Theresa sat on the plane looking out into the dark skies hoping without hope that Ethan could forgive her for hiding the truth for so long about his parentage.

She loved Ethan with all of her heart, but Noah was clouding her judgment on the matter. They had been close for years, so why was it now that she worried about him more. Was she falling in love with him? Could she be in love with two brothers? No, she shook her head in detest, she could not be in love with Noah. It was impossible. Ethanıs emotions was fluttering a mile a minute. How could the family he thought he knew be so horrible. How could a man he thought was his grandfather be cruel to his family? He needed to find Sheridan.

When he found out the truth about his life, sure he wanted to strangle his mother for keeping it from, but he couldnıt. Theresa had told him just to try to win his hand in marriage. She explained to him that no matter what, money or not, she was going to love him. Watching her with Noah tonight, was it still true, did Theresa still love him. Or had she fallen for his new found half-brother?

Luis sat on the other side of the plane, his palms in his face. How could this be happening to Sheridan and him? They had finally found their way back to each other and this is what gets thrown into them. They had already overcome so much already, was it ever going to stop. He had to stop her before she made a horrible mistake. Hours later they arrived in Florence. Ethan had known where to find Alistair, so he was the guide through the city.

Theresa and Noah was in awe of the scenery surrounding them, Theresa wanted to forget everything that happened in the past 24 hours and sightsee through the foreign country, but she knew she was here on a mission. She had to save the woman her brother loved from making a terrible mistake. The four them headed to the hotel, Alistair was staying at, not phoning him to warn him, neither. When they reached Alistair Craneıs suite they were in for a bigger surprise.

To Be Continued…

Chapter 6:

Knocking on the door of Alistair suite, Luis was getting the feeling that they were to late. The butler answered the door to a familiar face, he knew the young Crane man, anywhere, Alistair had discussed how proud he was of his grandson. Lately, he had not mentioned much of his family, though, something had upset him a few weeks ago. ³Mr. Ethan Crane, I presume,² the butler said. ³Yes, I am. Is my grandfather here, it is very important that I see him,² Ethan stated. ³He is a very busy man right now in a conference call,² the butler answered knowing Mr. Crane did not want to be disturbed. ³I am sure you and your friends can come back later.²

³No, tell Mr. Crane that we will see him now. This is a very important matter,² Luis opened up. He pushed the butler away walking into the suite that appeared to be bigger than the Lopez-Fitzgerald house. ³Sir, I donıt think that is a very wise idea,² the butler composed himself argued. ³You have no idea who you are talking to,² Theresa piped in. ³This is Detective Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald from the Harmony Police Department,² Noah stated. Luis went rushing for the two double oak doors that stood about thirty feet away from where they arrived. He pushed open the door to find Alistair sitting at the desk consulting on the phone. Alistair jumped to his feet, furious about the man standing before him.

³Detective Lopez-Fitzgerald, what makes you think you can bust your way through my residence,² Alistair ordered. ³Sheridan. She found out the truth about you,² Luis scolded. ³She is on her way here.² ³I have no idea what you are talking about,² Alistair replied finally noticing the others walking into the room. ³Grandson, you bought them here. I see now that you found out you are a Bennett, you decide to throw away any manners you had growing up as a Crane.² ³Grandfather, I am here because of Sheridan. How could you do that to her,² Ethan questioned. ³As you see your Aunt Sheridan is not here. Now if you donıt mind I would like to get back to business,² Alistair insisted sitting back down going back to the phone.

Luis didnıt leave he had a feeling that she was in danger. Theresa grabbed her brotherıs arm. Noah reached for the other one, when Ethan stood in front of Luis. ³Maybe she hasnıt gotten here yet. We could have beaten her here,² Ethan said. ³No, sheıs here,² Luis indicated. ³Grandfather wonıt listen to us,² Ethan whispered. ³He isnıt your grandfather,² Luis snapped. ³Luis,² Theresa shouted angrily. ³No, Theresa, your brother is right. Alistair is not my real grandfather, but he is the only one I have known. I know you love Sheridan and I will never be able to repay you for bringing her back into my life, but she is not here, Luis,² Ethan explained.

Luis turned around finally leaving Alistair in his study closing the doors behind him. The four of them were almost out of the suite when they heard the gunshot. They abruptly froze and hustled to the destination. Luis opened the doors to find Alistair slumped down on the floor with Sheridan a few feet away holding a gun. ³No, Sheridan, donıt do it,² Luis roared. He noticed that Alistair was shot in the shoulder although still in danger for his life since he knew in his heart she would shoot again. ³I have to, Luis. He killed her. He killed my mother,² she weeped stepping closer to Alistair. ³Your mother was unfaithful to me,² Alistair begged. ³Please donıt my dear.²

³You murdered her because she was unfaithful! The only thing a Crane man knows is to be unfaithful. I know all about your other woman and Julianıs. You murdered her because you had a hunch she was. You did not know that for a fact, but I do.² ³I read the articles my dear. I heard the gossip. Not only was she with the single men of Harmony, but also your beloved Luisı father and Ethanıs true grandfather. I knew all about it,² Alistair stated. ³NO! She was lonely while you left her for months and months for your other women. You never let her explain herself. She never cheated on you.

She believed in the sacred meaning of marriage, just like I do. You never let her defend herself instead you made sure her brakes were cut that faithful night she was driving up the coast to pick me up,² she bellowed. ³I remember you coming home telling me she had went to go pick me up from the club. She would have never left if it wasnıt for you. You deserve to die.² ³A wise person once told me not to stoop to their level. Donıt make the mistake I almost did when I found out Hank was the one that shot you,² Luis interrupted. ³This is different,² Sheridan snapped. ³No, itıs not. Donıt stoop to his level. He will pay for his crimes, show him the right way,² Luis whispered coming up behind her.

She collapsed into his arms crying letting the gun fall onto the ground. She felt such pain to know her father cut the brake line in her motherıs car. Sheridan grew up without her mother because Alistair never let Isabella justify her intentions on dating the other men. She had only been seen with them for Alistair would become jealous and rush home to be with his wife. Only Isabella didnıt realize that he could not rationalize her intentions and killed her. A week later Sheridan was placing white roses on the grave of Isabella Rosalin Stratton Crane, Born April 15, 1939 Died March 8, 1975 Beloved Mother and Friend. Luis, Ethan, Theresa, and Pilar stood behind her hoping one day she would not feel such hatred for the Cranes.

³I know I found happiness now, mother,² Sheridan told her mother staring at her grave site. ³Luis, is here with me. I wish you could have known him. He loves me. Me. Not the Crane fortune just me.² She stood walking away Luis holding her hand knowing the Craneıs could not hurt her anymore. With her fatherıs trial soon to begin she could go on with her life. Julian would be running Crane industries, but he didnıt have much of backbone without his father over his shoulder. Sheridan had ended all ties with her father and brother only considering Ethan her Crane family. Now she didnıt have to worry because she was already welcomed into Luisı family one day hoping to make it legal.

Luis was pleased that Alistair had ended up being Sheridanıs father. Pilar had told them that for one weekend during that year he made an appearance which was Isabellaıs birthday. That night was the night she was conceived and the night Alistair found out about his wife appearing around town with everyone from Chief Gregory Bennett to Martin Fitzgerald. Luis knew his father would never had cheated on his mother. The pictures were Martinıs idea to amke Alistair jealous. All of the men were involved in the plan to make Alistair come back to his adoring wife.

Those times are also when Isabella asked if Pilar would take care of her family if anything happened to her. Pilar had promised she would take care of Isabellaıs children and to the present day Pilar had done that. She kept the truth from her children with Martin and the ones she considered her children, Ethan and Sheridan. Pilar had explained all of this to them that night before Sheridan left to put revenge on her father. Now it was all over as Pilar laid some orchids on the grave of her beloved friend hoping one day Sheridan would be her daughter-in-law.

Luis held Sheridan in his arms knowing now they had nothing stopping them from being together. Once Julian and Pilar testified against Alistair Crane it would be over. Ethan and Theresa also placed flowers on the grave thanking Isabella for giving birth to a wonderful strong daughter who was a constant rock in their lives. As the five of them left the cemetary none of them knew things were not as they seemed. Living in Harmony there were many more secrets yet to be revealed being involved with a Crane or not, it wasnıt the time to live happily ever after.

The End