Chapter 7: Murder In Harmony
Chapter 7:
Luis met Sheridan halfway between the stage and the table and he grabbed her hands and pulled her close to him. “That was so beautiful Sheridan.”
“I wanted to sing that song for you so you would know exactly how I have felt about you,” Sheridan said, looking at Luis with eyes full of love.
“I do know how you feel because I feel the exact same way about you. It is definitely love Sheridan, I love you.”
“Oh Luis, I love you too,” Sheridan said and she wrapped her arms around Luis’ neck and gave him a long soft loving kiss in the middle of the ballroom while the flashes of the society page photographers cameras went off around them.
Hank’s jaw dropped. “What in the hell is he doing to my girl.”
“Oh little brother, just give it up. She’s not your girl,” Sam laughed and Beth just sat there staring jealously at Sheridan and Luis.
Luis noticed all the flashes going off and ended the kiss. “Maybe we should go sit down. We seem to be the center of attention. “Luis led Sheridan over to the table. “Beth would you mind moving on the other side of Hank, you’re in Sheridan’s chair.” Beth shot Sheridan an angry look and reluctantly moved and Sheridan sat down at the table.
The whole time Sheridan was singing Ethan’s eyes were glued to Theresa. Gwen seemed oblivious to it, but Kay definitely noticed. Ethan didn’t know why he was so drawn to Theresa, but he just couldn’t keep himself from watching her. Ethan’s trance was broken by the sound of Gwen’s voice whispering in his ear.
“I don’t know what Sheridan is thinking singing at something like this. I mean the policeman’s ball is such a minor affair, and Sheridan is a Crane after all. And look at Theresa and Whitney up there with her. They probably think that being up there with Sheridan makes them important somehow.”
Ethan couldn’t believe the way Gwen was talking. Lately Gwen had been acting more and more snobby and selfish. He had never seen that side of her before.
“I can’t believe Sheridan is getting together with Luis. She is making such a mistake, and now the whole world will know with all the photographers taking their picture. I mean sure Luis is good looking and all, but he can’t give her any kind of future. Sheridan should have just had her fun with Luis in private and then when she’s finished with him no one would have ever known about the two of them.
Before Gwen could say anything else Theresa and Whitney walked up to their table. “Hi Ethan, do you mind if we sit with you?” Theresa asked.
“Sure, please join us,” Ethan said and Gwen rolled her eyes.
The mayor stood back up at the microphone. “Before we get back to the dancing and dinner Sam Bennett, the police chief has one more special announcement to make. Chief Bennett could you come up here please.”
Sam stood up and walked up to the stage while everyone at the table wondered what he was going to say. “Today I want to honor the hard work and dedication of one of the Harmony PD’s finest officers. Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald will you please stand up,” Sam said.
Luis stood up next to his chair. Sheridan looked up at Luis with a questioning look on her face and Luis just shrugged his shoulders. He extended his hand down to her and she reached up and held it lightly.
Sam continued, “Luis has been an exemplary officer for nine years, solving case after case and most recently he successfully acted as Sheridan Cranes bodyguard and apprehended the international drug dealers and murderers who were trying to kill her. It is my pleasure tonight to announce that Luis is being promoted to detective.
Luis turned to face Sheridan as all the people in attendance began to clap for him. Sheridan stood up with a huge smile on her face. He grabbed her around the waist, twirled her around, and kissed her before putting her back on the ground.
“Oh Luis, I’m so proud of you,” Sheridan gushed.
“I couldn’t have done it without you baby,” Luis said and he gave Sheridan another kiss.
Sam walked up and patted Luis on the shoulder. “Congratulations Detective, you deserve it.”
“Yeah buddy, congratulations,” Hank said with a complete lack of enthusiasm.
Beth got up from the table. “Congratulations Luis, I always new you could do it,” she said and she hugged Luis a little too tightly, hoping to get some attention from him, but it didn’t work.
Luis pulled away from Beth quickly and turned his attention back to Sheridan. “Would you like to dance baby?” he asked.
“I’d love to,” Sheridan answered and Luis led them to the dance floor.
Whitney got up and went to talk to Chad and Theresa was having a conversation with Kay when Gwen leaned over and spoke into Ethan’s ear. “Why did you invite Theresa and Whitney to sit with us? It’s bad enough that we had to bring Kay with us. We are important people, we should be sitting at the mayor’s table or something,” Gwen whined.
Ethan looked at Gwen, annoyed by her attitude. “Gwen I want to speak with you outside on the terrace.”
“Oh, okay darling,” Gwen said happily, thinking that Ethan wanted to spend a romantic moment alone with her.
When they got out on the terrace Ethan turned angrily to Gwen. “What in the hell is the matter with you Gwen. Why are you talking about our friends that way? And you know Sheridan is in love with Luis, don’t you want her to be happy?”
“Why are you getting mad at me?” Gwen asked is shock, “Theresa is not my friend, she is a servant to us just like her mother and for some reason Whitney is always tagging along whenever Theresa manages to get herself into one of these social events where she doesn’t belong. As for Sheridan and Luis, what makes you think they’ll ever be happy? Luis is the poor child of a servant, just like Theresa. I mean he’s a cop for god’s sake.
What kind of life can he give Sheridan? Love is not as important as money, especially when you’re living in a trailer park,” Gwen spat, “and Kay Bennett is just the child of one of the common folks of Harmony who is trying to mooch off your family’s kindness. Ethan you are going to be the head of the entire Crane Empire and I’m going to be your wife. We are important people and there’s no reason we should have to associate with these people.”
“Why are you acting like such a snob Gwen,” Ethan yelled, “everyone deserves to be treated with respect whether they have money or not. Now I’m going back inside to sit with my friends and don’t bother to come back in unless you can be nice to everyone and keep all your rude comments to yourself.”
“I will not be talked to like this,” Gwen scoffed, “I’m going home to pack for my flight in the morning and when I get to New York I expect to be receiving a delivery from you with an apology attached.”
“Don’t count on it,” Ethan muttered under his breath and he went back inside. “What are you two lovely ladies gossiping about,” Ethan asked Kay and Theresa as he sat back down.”
“You,” Theresa teased, “Where did Gwen go?”
“She left,” Ethan said, “I’d ask you to dance Theresa, but Luis is here and he’d probably kill me.”
“Maybe being with Sheridan will change his mind about you,” Theresa said hopefully.
“Maybe,” Ethan said, “hey Kay, why don’t you go ask your dad to dance with you.”
“I don’t think so Ethan, my mom’s over there and I definitely don’t want to talk to her.”
“But Kay all you have to do is walk over there and ask your dad to dance. You don’t even have to say anything to your mom. You can dance with your dad and let him know that you are doing all right and then we can leave if you want.
“I’ll think about it,” Kay sighed.
“Theresa will you please try and convince her. I’m going to go talk to Sheridan,” Ethan said and he walked over to the table where Sheridan, Luis, Sam and Grace were sitting. “Hi Sheridan, your performance tonight was amazing,” Ethan said and he kissed her on the cheek. Then he shook Luis’ hand, “congratulations on your promotion Luis. I for one am very pleased with the job you did protecting my favorite aunt,” Ethan said and he sat down in Hank’s chair since hank and Beth were dancing.
“Ethan I’m your only aunt,” Sheridan laughed.
“Hey, if you’re going to be picky you wont be my favorite anymore,” Ethan teased, but then the expression on his face turned a little more serious, “Sheridan are you sure this is a good idea?”
Sheridan got mad, “Ethan Crane, I thought you of all people would support me and Luis. I can’t believe…”
“Sheridan,” Ethan interrupted, “I didn’t mean you and Luis, I mean your little public display. Pictures of you and Luis kissing are going to be in papers across the world and you know grandfather is not going to be happy.”
“I’m not worried about what father thinks. Maybe those pictures will send him a clear message. I love Luis and nothing father says or does will change that. I only wanted one thing from my father and I’ve finally realized that he isn’t capable of giving it to me, so I’m done trying to please him and caring about what he thinks,” Sheridan said.
“But Sheridan, he’s going to be really mad if you defy him. He might even cut you off from the family. Maybe I should move some of your assets around and open a new account that grandfather doesn’t know about for you, just in case.”
“No Ethan, I don’t need his money or anything else from him. I’m going to do what makes me happy and if he can’t accept that and wants to take back his money and everything else then let him,” Sheridan said, “now I don’t want to talk about this anymore. Where did Gwen go?”
“Oh, uh she went home,” Ethan said, “she had to pack for her flight in the morning.”
“What about Ivy?” Sheridan asked, “I thought she was coming with you tonight.”
“She was supposed to but when I went to see if she was ready to go she had fallen asleep.”
“Ivy’s asleep,” Sheridan said, “it’s awfully early for her to be asleep. She’s not sick is she?”
“No,” Ethan answered, “I think Kay just wore her out today.”
“How is Kay?” Sam asked perking up at the sound of his daughter’s name, “is she doing alright?”
Before Ethan could answer Grace stood up. “Please excuse me everyone, I think I’ll go say hello to the Russell’s,” Grace said and she left the table.
Sam just stared at Grace for a second as she walked away. ‘Why would she leave before we hear about Kay?’ Sam wondered silently, ‘isn’t she worried about our daughter?’
“Kay is dong fine,” Ethan said, “she is staying in Sheridan’s old room. This morning we had breakfast together and then mother took her shopping. It’s hard to imagine my mother being out shopped, but apparently Kay didn’t like most of the stores mother took her to so Kay decided they should go to the mall.”
“Ivy actually went to the mall?” Sheridan asked in disbelief, “Ivy hates the mall.”
“That’s not the best part. Kay got mother to eat chili cheese fries and an Orange Julius,” Ethan laughed.
“You’re kidding,” Sheridan said, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen Ivy eat a french fry.”
“Ivy used to love french fries,” Sam said offhandedly, not really thinking about what he was saying.
Ethan looked at Sam funny, “How do you know that?”
“Oh, uh, I guess Ivy must have mentioned something,” Sam lied.
“Huh, well anyway, they went shopping all afternoon and when they got home mother went to get ready and when I went to see why she hadn’t come down yet she was sound asleep,” Ethan said. “But don’t worry about Kay Chief Bennett, we are taking good care of her.”
“I would just rather have her back home with her family,” Sam said sadly.
“I know that’s what you want, but I don’t think Kay will come home, not unless there are big changes.”
“What do you mean?” Sam asked.
“I’m sorry Chief Bennett, but Kay asked me not to say anything and I don’t want to break her trust, “Ethan said, “but I told her she should talk to you. I tried to convince her to come ask you to dance with her and she said she’d think about it.”
“Well it looks like it worked,” Sheridan said, “she’s coming over here.”
When Kay saw that her mother was no longer sitting at the table she got the strength to get up and go ask her father to dance with her. While she was walking over to his table Grace walked up to her daughter.
“Kay I want to talk to you,” Grace said.
“I don’t really feel like talking mom,” Kay said quietly while she tried to keep herself from getting upset.
“I think it was very rude of you to leave the way you did,” Grace said, “you were supposed to be working on a school project with Charity and now she has to finish it all by herself. I think you need to apologize to your cousin for your selfishness.
Kay was too upset to speak. She just ran from the room as tears began to stream down her face. Ethan and Sam stood up from the table when Kay ran out. Grace walked up to them smiling as if nothing had happened.
“What did you say to Kay?” Sam asked his wife.
“I just told Kay that it was rude of her to run off and leave Charity to finish their school project by herself,” Grace said nonchalantly.
“What is wrong with you,” Ethan said angrily.
“Why did you say that to Kay?” Sam asked.
“Well Kay is being selfish and she should apologize to Charity,” Grace said.
“Sheridan can I borrow your car,” Ethan asked, “Gwen took the limo and I want to go find Kay and take her home.”
“Maybe I should go talk to her,” Sam said.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea, I doubt she’ll talk to you right know,” Ethan said, “I’ll make sure she’s ok tonight and maybe she’ll want to see you tomorrow.”
“Here Ethan, I’m sure Luis doesn’t mind taking me home,” Sheridan said and she gave Ethan her keys. Ethan left the ballroom and found Kay sitting outside on the steps crying with Theresa trying to comfort her.
“Kay, I’m so sorry,” Ethan said and he sat down on the steps next to her.
Kay looked up at Ethan, her eyes red from crying. “I told you she doesn’t love me, she only cares about Charity,” Kay sobbed.
“Why don’t we go home,” Ethan said, “Theresa do you and Whitney need a ride home?”
“Whitney just left with her parents but I could use a ride if you don’t mind,” Theresa answered and she, Ethan and Kay left in Sheridan’s car. When they got to Theresa’s house Ethan walked her to the door.
“Thank you for driving me home Ethan,” Theresa said sweetly.
“It was my pleasure. I just want to tell you that your singing tonight was amazing.”
“I didn’t really do anything Ethan, Sheridan’s the one who sang the song.”
“Don’t be so modest, you were great tonight and you look beautiful,” Ethan said falling into the deep spell of Theresa’s eyes, “I’d better go. Goodnight Theresa.” Ethan slowly leaned down and kissed Theresa’s cheek but when he pulled back their lips brushed slightly causing little shockwaves to flutter throughout his body. Ethan stood speechless for a moment before he finally spoke, “uh, bye Theresa, I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Goodnight Ethan,” Theresa said and she went into the house to call Whitney and tell her all about what happened.
Back at the ball Sam and Grace were arguing about Kay, and Hank and Beth were taking turns glaring at Luis and Sheridan and whispering to each other about different ways they could come between them.
Sheridan felt a little uncomfortable sitting there listening to Sam and Grace argue and she had caught Beth giving her dirty looks a couple of times. “Luis would you like to dance with me?”
“There is nothing I would rather do, well almost nothing,” Luis said and they went out onto the dance floor. As they swayed to the soft romantic music they stared into each other’s eyes. “I want you to know how much I loved hearing you sing tonight. You sounded like an angel, my angel.”
“Thank you,” Sheridan blushed.
“So if you used to sing in Paris how come I haven’t heard you sing before. We’ve been living together for months now and I haven’t even heard you sing in the shower.”
“My father didn’t like me singing. My mother was an opera singer and when he found out I had been singing he told me to stop, I think it reminded him of her. And I guess I was a little self-conscious about singing around the house with you there, but I promise the next time we’re in the shower together I’ll make sure and sing for you,” Sheridan said with a wink.
“I’ll look forward to it,” Luis said kissing Sheridan.
Sheridan pulled one arm out from around Luis’ neck and ran it slowly down his chest. “You know Luis, you look absolutely amazing in a tux.”
“Baby you look so sexy in that dress,” Luis said, letting his fingers dance across her exposed back, “in fact I’m having a hard time keeping my hands off you.”
“Well then take me home Luis,” Sheridan said seductively and she leaned in closer and whispered into Luis’ ear, “I want to feel your hands on every inch of my body.”
To Be Continued…