Chapter 31-32
“Eve, I love you,” Chris answered her pleas his heart nearly bursting with love for her as he pulled her into his arms kissing her tenderly, “I’ve always loved you,” he confessed finding the warmth of her body against his to be the most welcome invitation of love he’d ever experienced as he held her. Slowly they made their way to the floor entertained in with one another as their kisses deepened. Feeling a breath catch in her throat, Eve looked up to Chris seeing so much love behind his eyes as she touched his cheek tenderly holding on to the moment between them as he leaned in to kiss her. Running her arms over his strong shoulders, she squeezed his body over hers basking in the warmth of his love as her heart spoke in a rhythm that would only be a part of the melody that they were to have found in one another. Slowly they parted ever so slightly as Chris placed his hand over her abdomen affectionately thinking of their unborn child before dropping kisses over her skin. Eve reached out to Chris, sliding her hands over the warm contours of his body as their love radiated between them sweeping them in the moment lost in time. How can I believe
I see the heavens open, a heart that once was broken
Whispering words of love against her heated kisses, Chris felt Eve’s hands press over his torso parting the material of his shirt shedding it from his body as she sought out contact with his skin never wanting to let go of the feeling between them. Carefully scooping her up into his arms, Chris rose from the floor keeping her close to him as he crossed the room making his way towards the grand canopy bed set up in the middle of the empty warehouse. Gently easing her over the plush comforter, he watched her hair spill around her features as a smile played over her lips. He loved her so much, far more than he’d ever felt love and in that moment as he looked to Eve, as they sealed the promise of their love with their hearts, their bodies and their souls, he knew that he’d been wise not to throw away a life with her for a past that had haunted him. Eve was his heart, his love and his eternal soulmate and as they found themselves lost in the love they’d had together, the very essence of their love making as it reached down deep into their souls speaking of a love neither had imagined possible before this magical moment. I do believe we're meant to be
Lucy sat beside Kevin’s hospital bed watching him smiling at the view of their unborn child as Denise had given them a print of the ultrasound. As they looked onto one another, she felt a hope for the future, a hope that she’d been certain had faded away long ago upon Kevin’s health condition. He was the one for her, her soulmate, her hearts desire and now as they sat together looking at the life they’d created in one another, she felt his hand slip over hers and their eyes connected. “I love you Lucy,” he whispered gently as she moved in beside him on the bed making herself at ease next to the man she loved as their hope for the future lay out before them giving them dreams to look forward to. I see the heavens open, a heart that once was broken
Matt turned to look at Ellen as her eyes cast over the clouds surrounding them. She was so lost, in so much pain that she was trying to keep to herself, but behind her silence, he knew that her heart must be breaking. Reaching out to her, he said nothing as he touched her hand. She turned her eyes towards him fighting to suppress the tears building inside of her at the lose of her brother. Lacing her fingers with his, she smiled as he offered up a supportive squeeze. “Promise me we’ll always be together,” Ellen’s voice began a bit shaky as she thought of the horror they were now living in the loss of her brother and his wife. “We’ll be together forever,” Matt promised leaning in to kiss her tenderly, “whatever happens when this plane lands, know that you and I are going to face it together hand in hand because I am never leaving your side.” “For so long I wanted to keep myself from love, to keep from what was going on in the world around me, but Matt you saw me, reached to the heart of me and now I know that it’s with our love that the real me emerged and I know in you I found my home, my family.” “We’ll always have that,” Matt squeezed her to him, “regardless of what the world brings our way. We’ll get through this,” he said holding her hoping he would find a way to ease her pain. You see me, the real me
“Tell me what it is,” Karen pleaded desperately as she reached up to the blindfold over her eyes. “Not on your life,” Joe ordered with a hint of playfulness behind his eyes, “now I mean it. Stay there.” “Joe,” she began with a groan as she smelled a salty fragrance before her. “It’ll be worth the wait,” Joe replied slipping his arms around her waist as he hugged her body closer to his, “okay, now you can open your eyes.” “Joe,” she started hearing the sounds of crashing in the distance as he pulled off the blindfold revealing the rolling tide of the ocean that under the night sky before her, “wh-where are we?” “The beach,” he couldn’t help but laugh lightly, “don’t you remember this spot?” “How could I forget?” Karen couldn’t help but smile, “when we were kids, you lead me out to this spot,” she turned in his arms, “you and I decided we’d play run away from Frank and in doing so, we ended up all the way out here, on our own.” “Scared as ever,” Joe nodded, “and by the time we ended up at this spot, you were ready to punch my lights out.” “You deserved it for getting me lost,” Karen couldn’t help but laugh.” “Indeed I did,” he smiled lightly, “but well it was that day when you and I ended up sharing something very special.” “It was, wasn’t it,” Karen smiled. “It was, and now in memory of that kiss,” he leaned in towards her, “I offer up something more, something a bit more headed towards the future.” “What’s that?” she asked bringing her arms around his neck as he placed a slow tender kiss upon her lips. “This,” he replied dangling a set of keys in front of her. “Joe, what is that?” “It’s the key to our front door,” he explained nodding towards the beach house before them. “Joe, are you saying that,” she gasped in surprise. “I figure we may as well start our future in the place where you and I started something wonderful,” he explained with a smile. “Oh Joe,” she cried out as he swept her up into his arms spinning her in circles as they were wrapped up in their hopes for the future. I see the heavens open, a heart that once was broken
Henry Ramsey sat in the black, leather chair in his foyer as his eyes cast over the faded photograph he’d kept with him on a daily basis it seemed. As the twilight had fallen upon him, he’d realized he’d been surrounded in a darkness unlike anything he’d ever imagined. Here he was at a time in his life when he should be appreciate his family, pulling together with what little he had left and now as he remained fixed in his chair, he realized he wasn’t any closer than he’d been on that fateful day he’d kissed it all goodbye. A sigh rose in him as he realized that soon all that he would have left was regret. “I was wondering where you were,” a voice broke through his silence as he heard his fiancee enter the room, “I’ve been looking for you for hours.” “Have you,” Henry spoke tightly as he made no attempt to turn to face her. “Of course I have darling? Why wouldn’t I want to be with you and spend time with my favorite guy?” “I think that term is subjective or perhaps even situational,” he answered flatly as she slid around the side of his chair. “Henry, what is that supposed to mean,” she frowned making herself comfortable upon his lap as he made no effort to embrace her, “Henry what is it?” “Tell me something Vivian,” Henry spoke tightly, “what was this all about? My bringing you one step closer to Christopher? Were you really that determined to make sure my son spent his life in misery by your being with me?” “Henry, I don’t know what Chris might have told you, but whatever flirtation Chris and I may have had years ago has nothing to do with us.” “Doesn’t it?” Henry raised a brow, “you know I had a run in with him earlier.” “Is that why you’ve been in a rather unpleasant state as of lately,” she frowned, “look I realize that Christopher is stubborn, but you shouldn’t let his tawdry disposition ruin our time together.” “It’s not him I’m worried about,” he frowned withdrawing from her touch as he eased her off of his lap, “I just don’t think it’s working.” “What?” she blinked back at him, “what are you saying Henry?” “I know what you’re trying to do to my son and I won’t let you do it to him again,” Henry answered firmly, “he’s been through enough and this time he’s found real love and I won’t let you take that from him.” “I never intended to....” she blinked in surprise, “did Chris tell you that I did something?” “I think your actions speak louder than words,” he paused, “where were you the other night?” “With an old friend. I told you that it was going to be a long night,” she rose from the chair, “Henry, I swear to you I don’t know what this is about, but if Chris has tried to poison your mind about me....” “I know the truth,” he snapped at her, “so don’t try lying to me. I had you followed to the hotel. I know what your game was.” “Henry....” she stammered a bit. “I thought it was over, but it’s not,” Henry shook his head disapprovingly, “it’s long from over.” “Henry, you don’t understand. What happened, what Chris did, well, it was Chris. He prompted me to be with him, he’s the one who wanted to make love and he’d been so hurt because that woman you claim to want to see him with broke his heart. He needed someone, something....” “And you thought you’d step in?” “At first, yes I did, but then when we got the room, I told Chris just how wrong it was, just how much I loved you and what a mistake we would be making, but he just wouldn’t take no for an answer,” she began tearfully, “I tried to tell him that you were the only man for me, but he was just so overbearing and he wouldn’t take no for an answer...” “What are you saying?” Henry asked watching her closely. “I’m saying that your son raped me, Henry. He blames me for the loss of our child and last night he decided he’d make me pay for the sins he believes I’d done against him,” she burst into tears before Henry, “but the truth is that what happened with Chris wasn’t because I wanted it, it was because he decided he was going to make it happen.” “Chris raped you?” Henry repeated raising a brow. “That’s right,” Viv nodded, “but I didn’t want to tell you because I know how much your son means to you, how much family....” she began as Henry burst into a bout of laughter, “what’s so funny?” “Do you have any idea just how pathetic that sounds,” Henry couldn’t help but laugh harder, “my son raped you?” “That’s right. He forced me to be with him and I was so afraid that if I told you the truth that you’d turn me away, but now as we’re here together I know I can be strong enough to do this with you. Together we can go make Chris pay for what he’s done. Together we can....” “What? Go for the big score? Take him for all he’s worth as you pretend my son violated you?” Henry shook his head, “don’t waste your breath. This time I’m not playing the game. I know that every word out of your mouth is a con, that you’re so lost in your own lies that you don’t even see that it’s not going to work.” “Henry I swear....” “The only thing you can swear to is that I have proof that my son left your hotel room without laying a hand on you,” Henry spoke tightly stepping towards her, “and if you as so much look in his direction or mine for that matter in this lifetime ever again, I’ll see to it that not only are you made to pay for the misery you’ve caused my son, but beyond that you won’t see the light of day ever again.” “Are you threatening me Henry?” her eyes widened. “No, that’s a promise,” he replied firmly, “now I strongly suggest you pack your bags and leave.” “Excuse me?” “You heard me,” he turned away from her moving towards the window as his eyes fell upon the photograph once more. “What’s gotten into you?” she screamed at him, “we could’ve made it big this time? We had Chris by the jugular. With a little inside work here and there at the hospital we can do this. We can take all that money he’s made from the DL-56 proceeds, make a run for it and he’ll never know what hit him,” she moved forward, “Henry we can do this. Just like we’d talked about. We can take Chris and then finally have the lives we talked about.” “No,” he snapped back at her, “I’m not going to let my son fall victim to anymore of the games. He’s suffered enough at my hand in the past and I refuse to let you finish the job you started on him years ago. It’s over.” “You don’t mean that,” she replied her voice bitter and angry as she approached him, “you couldn’t mean that.” “But I do,” Henry responded, “I’m not going to ruin his life and neither are you.” “But I thought...” she watched as his eyes fell to the photograph in his hand, “you’re still thinking about that damned woman, aren’t you? About what you think you’re going to do here?” “You don’t have the first clue about what I’m thinking of,” Henry snapped at her, “but I will tell you that right now I want you gone. I strongly suggest you get your things and see your way out of Port Charles or else...” “Or else what?” “Or else you don’t want to know,” he dared awaiting her response as a fire grew behind his eyes. She opened her mouth to speak before a frown crossed over her features. Angrily and silently admitting defeat, she turned to the doorway stomping out of the room. Watching her leave, Henry expelled a breath he’d been holding as his pulse quickened. His body was telling him a tale that he was certain that he didn’t want to hear, but now as he stood in his foyer looking to the photograph in his hands, he realized that the last thing he could afford to do was to let this last chance pass him by. He had to make things right.
Matt waited in the hallway as Ellen was behind one of the thick oak doors of the old courthouse. While this hadn’t exactly been the atmosphere that he’d envisioned Ellen tending to her brother’s untimely demise, he waited in the hall hoping that there would be some kind of positive outlook to all of this. Feeling a chill rush over him, he realized that being at the courthouse was one of the last places he’d want to be at as he thought back to another place and time. “Eric, I’m so confused.....I.....I don’t know what to do.....I’m so scared.....” Tracie’s trembling voice filled over the line as he’d been awakened by her call, “there’s so much blood and....” “I’m on my way,” he had promised her as he’d left the house ready to help his cousin in her time of need. Now thinking back, Matt really had no idea of what he’d been getting himself into. That night had been such a shock to them all, but even now as he thought back to his cousin and her pain, he’d promised himself he’d shield her from the hurt Clint had caused her. He’d vowed to keep her from that horror he’d vowed would remain between them, but as he thought back to his rather menacing conversations with Ryan Chamberlain, he knew that Tracie was in just as much danger as ever should the wrong person become privy to the information he’d fought so hard to suppress. Matt took in a sharp breath as he tried to keep his breathing even. Drudging up the past wasn’t going to get him anywhere. He was certain that there would be a way to explain things to Ellen, but after Ryan’s threats and the letter Ellen had received he was certain it was all over, that his life with her and their happiness would end upon her discovering the truths behind his and Tracie’s unholy alliance. He’d made mistakes and in doing so, he’d hoped they would pass over, but Clint Richards and his memory were the very tools that Ryan was holding over their heads to keep Tracie at his beck and call. Angrily Matt shifted down the corridor thinking of the relieve he’d felt in discovering the news hadn’t been about him, that the horrible discovery was about Ellen’s brother and not his unsightly past. Cursing himself over and over again for finding any kind of relief about the horrible situation, Matt looked back to the room that Ellen had been determined to enter on her own despite his protests and a pang of guilt rushed through him. Someone had destroyed her family in the murder of her brother and she’d wanted some kind of justice to be served. Just the horror of having someone take her brother’s life had hurt her and in a sense he was helpless in his efforts to console her. The two most important women in his life were both in such turmoil and there wasn’t a thing he could do, especially now that Ryan was playing god with all of their lives. Granted, Ryan wasn’t responsible for Ellen’s brother passing, but it felt good to lay blame on someone else, to have that kind of rage directed towards someone who deserved it. As Matt began to find himself lost in his thoughts, the door to the room opened and Ellen emerged doing her best to keep herself together as she approached him. “What happened,” he questioned curiously as he moved in towards her, “what did they say?” “They had to tie up some odds and ends,” she said with an air of sadness in her tone, “odds and ends, like it’s just one of those things that just happens.” “Ellen,” he reached out to her. “No, it’s okay,” she tried to convince herself, “I’m a professional. I know how these things work.” “That doesn’t mean that the weight of the pain is any less because we’re both qualified to work in these kinds of situations,” Matt reminded her, “in being a doctor, you have to carry a great deal of detachment, but you and I both know that it’s not human not to let it out when it is part of your life and hits home.” “I just can’t believe he’s gone,” she admitted tearfully, “after all the years of the arguing and everything else, that’s it. He’s not here anymore. All that I have left is just a memory of him and well, that’s just not enough. It’ll never be enough.” “I know,” he said embracing her tightly as the tears fell freely from her eyes. “After all this time, he and I had so much to discuss, so much to still talk about, to share with one another...” “I know.” “I just wish....” she tried to compose herself, “I just wish I’d been able to say goodbye.” “I know you do and wherever he is now, I know he’s looking down upon you,” Matt reminded her, “he loved you very much.” “I loved him too even though I’m certain I wasn’t the best at showing it.” “You did what you thought was best given the situation,” Matt reminded her, “no one knows how things will go in life. We take our chances and hope that they turn out for the best.” “I know that. Deep in my heart I know that this isn’t a place where I can sit back and get lost in what might’ve been, but when I think of my life without him, it brings back so much of the pain I’d experienced in the past....” “I know,” he hugged her again, “and I promise you that we’ll experience this together. I’m not leaving your side. We will get through this. Together we’ll be here for one another, I’ll be your strength.” “I don’t know what I’d do without you,” she admitted honestly. “You won’t ever have to experience that,” he whispered comforting her as the lawyer stepped out into the corridor. “Oh Dr. Burgess,” she began approaching the two of them, “I don’t mean to intrude, but I realized we aren’t finished yet.” “What do you mean?” “We still have one last matter to discuss and I have no idea how I’d overlooked it,” the lawyer apologized, “and that is DeShawn’s guardianship. Your brother left you as his legal guardian.” “What?” Ellen blinked back. “In the event anything was to happen, he wanted DeShawn to be with you. He has explicit instructions for you to be the one DeShawn stays with from here on out. I hope that won’t be a problem.”
Scott sat near the terrace of the hotel room wrapped up in a white cotton robe as Tracie sat across from him at the small table holding her steaming mug of coffee contemplating a taste of the hot liquid before raising it up to her lips. As Scott looked to her finding her wrapped up in an oversized robe much like his own, he couldn’t help but feel some kind of connection to her. Given their circumstances he was surprised he’d even stuck around the hotel room after their wild, spontaneous romp, but something about the mystery behind her eyes had kept his interest going in her long after those usual moments of uncomfortable silence had slipped past them enveloping them up in something else. “So,” he questioned feeling her toes in his lap as he traced the curve of her ankle with his index finger, “are you going to tell me the truth now or am I going to have to coax it out of you?” “I already told you what you needed to know,” Tracie answered averting her eyes towards the window, “just because I slept with you doesn’t mean my life is an open book.” “If I do recall, you’ve come to learn the pages of my life story without my permission, so why not save me the time investigating you and just spill what is really going on.” “You like to just cut to the chase, don’t you?” “It tends to speed things up a bit,” he nodded, “of course I wouldn’t mind spending a great deal of quality time with you here.” “Then why ruin it by drudging up subjects that I’m certain you don’t want to know about?” “Because part of me thinks you’re looking for the right person to confide in.” “And you believe I think it to be you?” “Well, I am the one you brought back with you tonight.” “Maybe no one else was available,” she half teased. “Could be,” he reached out to her drawing her chair in nearer to his, “but somehow I think there is a reason that you and I fell together tonight.” “Oh don’t you dare mention anything as awful as the universe or else I’ll have to think your ex has influenced you more than you’d like to admit.” “I would say Lucy’s interests have opened up a different side to me, however, she’s not the only one who has me intrigued,” Scott admitted, “here I am with a woman I barely know and yet you know almost everything there is to know about me.” “I don’t know what your face looks like when you first wake up in the morning. Which way you like to sleep.” “We can discover that later if you’d like,” Scott couldn’t help but smile, “but I should warn you that my hair tends to be a bit of a mess.” “Oh really, I never would’ve imagined,” she couldn’t help but laugh as he ran his fingers through his wild hair, “well truth be told,” she leaned in forward closer to him, “I snore.” “Oh no,” he gasped feigning shock, “you snore? Now I knew there was a reason you were trying to shut me up and get me out the door after coffee.” “Guilty as charged,” Tracie laughed lightly, “you know my secrets now.” “I don’t even know the half of them,” he pulled her into his lap, “but you could tell me.” “Tell you what?” “What he has on you,” Scott urged, “what Ryan has on you that he’s put you in such a position.” “Ryan’s not important right now.” “But he has influenced some of your decisions.” “Not this one,” she played her finger across his chest skimming it lightly. “Even so,” Scott kissed her lightly, “he’s got something to do with our involvement.” “Not with this aspect of it,” Tracie argued. “You can tell me.” “No, I can’t,” she shook her head. “Why not?” “Because you don’t want to know.” “Try me,” he suggested. “Scott, I’m telling you that it’s not something you want to know about.” “Let me be the judge.” “Scott,” she sighed, “look it’s just something I’d rather forget.” “We all have skeletons.” “Not like this you don’t.” “Don’t be too quick to discount my mistakes.” “Scott, I’m not saying that you haven’t made any, but this one, well the mistake I made was I trusted the wrong person,” Traci sighed, “that’s all it was.” “And?” “And what?” she frowned. “What is it that Ryan has to do with that?” “Nothing, at least not directly.” “But he knows enough to make your life miserable for some reason.” “Pretty much.” “And you aren’t going to tell me?” “No Scott, I’m not,” she shook her head, “it’s none of your business,” she attempted to pull away from him as he closed his arms around her tighter. “Make it my business.” “Scott...” “I’m not letting you go until you tell me, so you may as well get it out,” Scott urged as he noted the anger behind her eyes, “well?” “Fine, you really want to know what Ryan has on me?” “That’s what I’ve been saying for a while now,” he nodded. “Fine,” she blurted out, “I killed my husband.” “What?” he questioned in surprise. “I murdered my husband, Scott and Ryan knows it,” Tracie repeated bitterly seeing the shock over his features, “Are you happy now?”
Eve snuggled in against Chris finding herself wrapped up in the warmth of his arms as he held her. Tracing the contours of his chest with her palm a smile curled over her lips as she lay in the aftermath of their love making, “So you never did answer me,” Eve began with a hint of a smile, “should I take that little exchange of ours as a yes?” “Do you need to ask?” Chris looked to her with a soft smile. “Humor me,” he urged propping herself up to look down at him, “tell me what I need to hear.” “That you are the most incredible woman I have ever met, or perhaps that I love you more than words can even begin to express,” Chris kissed her again with heartfelt emotion, “or how I want to spend the rest of my life with you and our child.” “That’s the one,” Eve couldn’t help but grin as she leaned down to kiss him, “I want us to have our happily ever after.” “And we will Eve,” Chris promised her holding her closer, “I was a fool to think that we couldn’t have it, but now I know we can.” “We’re going to have everything we’ve ever wanted in life,” Eve insisted, “when our child is born...” “Our child,” Chris smiled giving her a look before urging her back upon the mattress as he teased her with tender kisses. Seeing him now over him, Eve smiled as they parted and her heart was full of love in that moment, “what is on your mind?” “Nothing much,” Chris explained kissing her one last time before ducking down underneath the blankets tickling at her skin as he moved in over her. His breath fell upon her navel as she let out a tiny giggle. “Chris, what are you doing down there?” she asked pulling up the blanket to find him pressed against her abdomen in obvious deep thought, “Chris....” “Shh,” he instructed waving for her silence, “I’m trying to get an answer here.” “An answer to what?” she asked amused as he looked up at her with sparkling eyes. “I’m talking to our little one,” Chris explained placing a kiss affectionately on her abdomen, “I’m just telling our baby how much I love them.” “Chris,” Eve watched him as he rubbed her tummy a smile building over his features. “Isn’t that right?” Chris spoke out lovingly, “you and I are going to be so very close and I promise you that I’m going to be the best daddy in the entire world. Your mother and I are going to make you so happy and when you decide to drop by I know that we are going to be the envy of every other citizen in Port Charles because we’re going to have the most remarkable family ever. Besides that,” Chris looked up to Eve, “you already have a wonderful, loving and very strong mother. She’s come a long way to make sure that you make it into this world safely and I’m not going to let her down. I promise you that we’re going to be one, big happy family and nothing is going to take that from us.” “Chris,” Eve reached out to touch his cheek as he placed another tender kiss upon her abdomen before moving in beside her beneath the blankets as he wrapped her up in his arms. “I mean it Eve,” he held her close to him, “all the pain and suffering is in the past. What happens from here on out, it’s going to be only the best. Our family is number one in my life and I swear to you that I’m going to do everything in my power to be the best husband and father imaginable.” “You already are Chris,” she kissed him feeling her heart swell with love for him, “you’re already the world to me. You’re my dream come true.” “And you are mine,” Chris kissed her again, “I love you Lambert and I always will. The past will never haunt us again.”
Lucy rose from the bed finding herself a bit on edge as her stiff muscles were a bit much. Kevin had drifted off to sleep, but as a grumbling in her stomach rose, she realized her little one was in some need for some kind of dinner as she’d been distracted. Quietly making her way out of Kevin’s hospital room, she gave him one last look before stepping into the hallway determined to make a quick run to the vending machine before Doc noticed her absence. As she stepped forward, a smile pressed over her features as she rounded the corner of the hallway nearly knocking down the person before her. “Oh I’m sorry,” she began in surprise as she recognized Henry Ramsey as the man she‘d nearly knocked over, “oh Henry hi.” “Lucy,” Henry replied winded as he looked to her, “I didn’t think you’d be here...” “Well Doc is still here...” “Oh of course, of course. Has he come to yet?” “He has and the surgery was a success just like you said it would be,” Lucy explained, “and we’re on our way back to good again.” “That’s wonderful to hear,” Henry nodded in response, “you deserve the best Lucy.” “Thank you for being there when I needed you,” she couldn’t help but smile. “It was my pleasure. You looked like you needed someone and I was glad I could be able to help...” “I really appreciate it,” she said as a silence fell over them, “well, I was just on my way to get a bite to eat and I should probably hurry up before Kevin wakes up....” “You wouldn’t want him to miss you,” Henry nodded, “but hey you know if you get some time, I’d love to have another talk with you, you know see how things are progressing.” “Sure,” Lucy nodded, “I’d like that.” “Good,” Henry watched her for a long, contemplative moment, “oh and Lucy....” “Yes?” she asked. “Never mind,” he shook his head, “I’m just glad it all worked out for you.” “Me too,” Lucy replied with a smile, “thank you for being a friend.” “It was the least I could do,” he replied with a nod before brushing past her down the hallway. She turned to watch him for a moment still surprised at how different he was from Chris when she noticed something on the floor a few feet in front of her. Stepping forward she realized it must’ve fell out of Henry’s pocket and she bent down to pick it up. “Henry,” she called out to him as her eyes cast along the corridor to find him laying face down on the ground, “oh my god,” she gasped rushing over to his side as he was sprawled out on the floor motionless, “Henry my god,” she looked down the hall, “someone help,” she cried out trying to get a reaction out of Henry as he lay before her motionless, “Henry, Henry can you hear me?” “What happened here?” Tony questioned rushing towards them. “I don’t know. We were just talking and then he dropped something and then when I looked,” Lucy began as a few others had scattered moving in to inspect Henry as Lucy was brushed aside in order for them to get a look at Henry. “It’s just he dropped this before....” Lucy muttered to herself as her eyes fell upon the very photograph that had fallen from Henry’s pocket and it was in that moment that she found herself at a complete loss as she gazed into a faded image of her own seven year old eyes before her.
Chapter Thirty Two
“Come again?” Scott cleared his throat, “what are you trying to tell me?” “I’m a murderer Scott,” Tracie frowned slightly, “are you happy now?” “Tracie, quit pulling my leg.” “I’m not pulling anything,” she untangled herself from his lap as she walked over to the window looking out to the world below, “I’m a murderer Scott, no better than Ryan Chamberlain.” “I don’t buy that,” Scott shook his head, “you’re not killer?” “How can you tell,” she asked the aching in her head growing after her night of drinking as she turned to face him, “how can you be so convinced of that when you hardly know me?” “Because,” he rose from his chair tying his robe tighter as he pressed his hands over her shoulders meeting her eyes, “you don’t have it in you.” “But I do,” Tracie admitted turning away, “and Ryan knows it. He found out all about it and in doing so, he has managed to wipe out any hope for a future that I have.” “Tracie, I just don’t see you as a cold blooded murderer,” Scott watched her withdraw from him, “why don’t you tell me what happened?” “I already told you,” she confessed. “Fine, but why don’t you give me a few more details and let me be the judge on what you are?” “Murder is murder Scott,” Tracie turned to face him, “plain and simple.” “Not every case is cut and dry,” he pointed out, “surely you of all people should know that.” “Scott, I do,” she sighed, “it’s just....” “Just what?” he watched her, “come on. You know you can trust me. I mean you’ve already trusted me this far, so what’s one more step?” “It’s not just about me anymore Scott,” Tracie sighed, “I’m not the only one who could burn for this.” “Whatever you tell me stays between us,” Scott promised her as he stepped forward, “whatever you have to say, I won’t hold it against you.” “You don’t have to hold it against me Scott,” she blurted out, “because I already hold it against myself and it’s something that I can never forget.”
“DeShawn’s guardian?” Ellen repeated with a surprised look upon her features. “Well yes, your brother was quite adamant about where he wanted his son to be should anything happen,” the court officer explained, “I hope that won’t be a problem.” “No, it’s not. I’m just surprised,” Ellen confessed, “I didn’t think that I would be the one he would...” she shook her head, “never mind what I thought. Where is he?” “He’s with one of our social workers,” the woman explained, “and he’s a bit shaken up about things. While he’s too young to process all that’s been happening, the presence of strangers isn’t having a positive impact upon his level of comfort.” “It clearly wouldn’t,” Ellen nodded in agreement taking on an air of professionalism as she fought to suppress the shock that Matt could clearly see washing over her features, “when can I pick him up?” “He is ready whenever you are,” the woman explained, “and while he is still a bit confused, I think having family would be the best thing for him. In fact I’ll go get him ready for you.” “Thank you,” Ellen nodded accordingly as the woman took off to finish up things in order to bring DeShawn to her. Ellen let out a sharp breath as she sank into the bench against the far wall and she shook her head in silence. “Ellen, talk to me,” Matt urged. “I don’t know what to say,” Ellen confessed, “one minute my family is well and accounted for and now I have a child, my brother’s child. His toddler and he’s gone.” “Ellen, I understand this is a bit overwhelming,” Matt reached for her hand. “Overwhelming doesn’t even begin to cover it,” Ellen confessed, “Matt, I don’t know the first thing about motherhood, nor do I know anything about what it takes to be someone’s guardian.” “Ellen, I know you’d be a wonderful guardian...” “But that little boy needs his parents. He needs his mother and father and that is something I can’t give him.” “Even so, you are the closest thing to family he has right now and he needs you more than ever,” Matt reminded her, “you can’t walk away from that.” “I know that,” she answered tears clouding over her eyes, “but that doesn’t make any of this easier for me.” “I know,” he squeezed her hand again. “I can’t believe he’s gone,” Ellen sobbed into his chest finally letting go of her grief as his arms wrapped around her, “he’s gone Matt and I never had a chance to say goodbye. I’ll never get that moment to be able to make things right between us because now it’s too late.”
“Anything yet,” Lucy questioned as Amy exited the room Tony had slipped into with Henry Ramsey. “He’s still with Tony,” Amy replied an air of seriousness in her tone, “that’s all I can offer up right now.” “Well, that’s not a good enough answer,” Lucy frowned slightly as Amy rushed off to the next emergency. Alone once again, Lucy looked to the photograph in her hand tracing it for a moment as she thought of how she’d found it beside Henry Ramsey’s fallen body. A puzzled expression washed over her features as she wondered how he’d get his hands on something like this. She hadn’t known this man more than a short time, but here he was with a photograph of her. Something wasn’t sitting right with her as she felt a hand on her shoulder. “Lucy,” Kevin’s voice interrupted her thoughts as she turned to find him standing behind her, his IV line still attached at his side as his features were still quite pale. “Doc, what are you doing out of bed,” she questioned reaching out to him, “don’t you know that you’re supposed to be resting right now? If Ellen knew you were out of bed...” “I’m fine,” Kevin answered taking in a breath, “tired but fine.” “No Doc, you are still recovering and you are NOT supposed to be out here like this following me around when you should be getting your rest,” she reached out to take his arm, “in fact, you and I are going back to your room and you are getting back in bed before I end up having to call someone to have you restrained so that you don’t sneak out like this when you should be...” “Lucy,” he cut her off, “really I’m fine.” “You just had major surgery Doc. I don’t consider that fine,” Lucy pointed out leading him back towards his room. “I was concerned about you,” Kevin confessed, “I heard about your run in with Henry and somehow I had a feeling I’d find you down here.” “How did you know that?” she questioned confused as they re-entered his hospital room. “Victor told me how you and Henry were talking with one another while I was in surgery,” Kevin explained as she coaxed him back into bed, “I thought you might be checking up on him, so I thought I’d check in on you.” “Doc, you should be taking it easy. You know that now especially considering,” she began as he reached out to silence her. “Lucy, now that I know everything is going to be okay,” Kevin smiled at her, “I have all the motivation and faith in the world that I’ll be running circles chasing after you again in no time.” “Doc, you’re just saying that to try to make me forget that you were up and running around when you should’ve been resting in bed taking it easy after the procedure you just went through...” “Lucy, I’m telling you,” Kevin began stopping short before an argument ensued, “I just wanted to make sure you were alright.” “Doc, I appreciate the sentiment, but you really didn’t have to go out on a limb for me,” she felt a smile tug at her lips, “but I’m glad you did.” “Lucy, don’t you know by now, you’re always on my mind,” Kevin reached out to touch her cheek gently a smile pressing over his lips as he thought of the woman who’d kept him strong after all this time. “I love you for always being so kind and considerate of me, but I just wish you wouldn’t do it at a time like this when it’s at your own expense.” “Lucy, look at me. Know that when I’m telling you everything is going to be okay, it will be,” Kevin urged, “we’ve come this far, so have a little faith in that karma you’re always preaching to me about.” “I do,” she confessed with a nod as her thoughts lingered back to Henry Ramsey and the photograph she’d found. “What’s on your mind?” Kevin questioned interrupting her train of runaway thoughts. “I’m not sure exactly,” Lucy confessed, “as strange as that sounds, there are a lot of things on my mind.” “Well, considering that my fiancee has me bedridden here,” Kevin teased, “I’d be more than willing to offer up a supportive ear should you feel the need to divulge any deep rooted concerns or contemplations that might be running through your mind at this very moment.” “Doc, I don’t want to bother you with the things that I’m worrying about, especially not now,” she paused for a moment standing from his bedside and pacing the room a bit, “actually since you did lay out the offer and well seeing as you are a bit of a captive audience...” “The floor is yours,” Kevin offered with a small gesture watching her circle his bed in a painstakingly slow fashion. “You see I was talking to Henry before when I went to get a coffee and I was thanking him for his support, well rather I was discussing how he was right about your progress and how I was glad he was there to talk to me, but our conversation ended rather abruptly as he was in a hurry and I was on my way back to you. Anyways as I was getting ready to come back here, I noticed him on the floor and well, when I stepped in beside him, I found this, which of course puzzles me far beyond anything you can imagine because I have no idea why this would be laying beside him, or why it would be in his possession in the first place,” she waved the photograph around wildly. “What is it?” Kevin questioned reaching out towards her. “Oh right,” she replied handing over the photograph to Kevin, “what do you make of it?” “This is yours,” Kevin looked up at her, “we were looking at your things the other night and we came across this one, remember?” “Well, yes we did, but Kevin that photo you’re holding didn’t come from my shoe box. That picture came from Henry Ramsey.” “Why would Henry Ramsey have possession of this photo?” Kevin frowned slightly. “That’s what I’m trying to get at here. There is no possible reason for him to have that and I’m certain that I wasn’t the one who dropped this.” “Lucy, don’t you think it’s a possibility that maybe just maybe that photo was in your purse and you dropped it when you checked on him,” Kevin suggested, “granted, I can understand your surprise in finding it by Henry Ramsey, but you said yourself that there would be no probable reason for Henry to have that on him...” “Yes, but Doc, I’m fairly certain that I wouldn’t have had that photo on me. It wasn’t exactly one of my finer moments in life and I don’t think I’d broadcast myself as a little girl with pigtails...” “I happen to like the pigtails,” Kevin offered a teasing wink. “Doc, you know what I mean,” Lucy felt a heat wash over her by the look on his face, “I’m saying I don’t see why I would’ve put that in my purse.” “Maybe because you knew if I found it, I’d tell you once again just how adorable you are,” he reached out to her coaxing her beside him, “or maybe how if we have a daughter I would like nothing more than to have her take after her mother, with her beauty and her spirit.” “Doc, you’re changing the subject here,” Lucy offered with a hint of a smile as she leaned in to kiss his forehead, “but I’m liking it. Go on.” “I could go on for hours about how amazing you are,” Kevin confessed solemnly as he reached out to touch her face gently, “but I think I’d much rather spend a lifetime showing you.” “I think that can be arranged,” Lucy leaned in as if to kiss him closing her eyes as a sudden gasp erupted from within and she withdrew from the kiss leaving Kevin to kiss the air as she stood up, “Doc, I know I didn’t have that photograph on me.” “Lucy, I thought we already covered that,” Kevin sighed watching her pace the room once more. “Doc, I’m telling you now that I remember putting it away after you and I had our discussion. We tucked it back in the closet and I’m sure it was back in it’s box. That was where it was.” “Fine, then if you say that’s where it is, then that’s where it is.” “You’re just humoring me,” Lucy eyed him skeptically. “No, I’m not, but what I am trying to do is to coax you over here into my arms so that I can spend my time thinking about you and our child,” Kevin confessed, “right now there’s nothing I want more than to be able to have this time for you, me and our little one.” “Well, since you put it that way,” she smiled moving in beside him, “how’s this?” “It’s better,” he said wrapping his arm around her as she snuggled in beside him, “much better. In fact I’d have to say this is one of the greatest therapies I have ever known and you do realize coming from a professional like myself you should hold that statement in the highest regard.” “Doc, I hold everything where you’re concerned in the highest regard,” Lucy tipped in to kiss him, “don’t you know by now that I’m spellbound where you’re concerned?” “And here I thought it was you bewitching me,” he teased squeezing her to him as they shared a moment of tenderness leaving the rest of the world aside for a while.
“Don’t you move,” Eve urged pointing her finger over at Chris, “I mean it.” “I’m not going anywhere,” Chris promised with a soft smile as he watched Eve make her way back into her room at the apartment. He leaned over to peer down the hallway as he heard shuffling sounds coming from her room. “I said no peeking,” Eve popped her head out from the bedroom long enough to shoot him a glare before ducking back within the room. “I’m not peeking,” Chris chuckled lightly shaking his head as he made his way back into the living room giving Eve her privacy. Picking up the mail from his desk top, he thumbed through it finding nothing of interest as he noted the flashing light on his answering machine. Reaching over to it, he pressed the button opting to check the messages before Eve returned with her surprise. “Dr. Ramsey, this is Mr. Sander,” Chris’ landlord began with a slight groan, “I’ve been getting a lot of calls tonight and since it’s my job as super to keep things up and running, I just wanted to notify you of a possible power outage over the next forty eight hours due to an electrical problem. I was told that the outages shouldn’t last more than a few minutes at a time, so try not to worry the situation is under control. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to give me a call at 555-0821....” “Honey, the power’s out,” Chris called out with a shrug as he heard footsteps behind him. “And here I’ll be he’s thinking that would be a problem,” Eve’s voice rang out through the living room, “but with the plans I have for you baby, I’m sure candle light was more on the agenda at least for a while.” “Candle light,” Chris turned to face her seeing her standing before him in a soft, white satin and lace nightgown, a smile spread across her features as she leaned up against the wall to the hall entrance, a red rose in hand. “You don’t have a problem with that,” Eve questioned with a seductive tone as she took a soft whiff of delicate bud before offering up a soft sigh as the thin strap on her fragile nightgown tapered off of her shoulder, “do you?” “Not at all,” Chris tossed the remaining mail in his hand aside as he turned to her reaching for the vibrant colored rose. Tempted by the promise of seduction Eve held in store for him, his fingers brushed over the long, green stem of the rose claiming the fragile flower with his skilled touch before brushing the crimson colored petals gently against her soft skin. As the flower’s soft, silken petals embraced Eve’s creamy flesh, Chris watched as she tipped her head back allowing him complete access to her as he continued to trace the flower over her curves. The red softness brushed over the exquisite line of her jaw, to her sensual neck over her collar bone before Chris pressed a tender kiss just beneath her earlobe as her pulse thrust strong beneath his touch. Hearing a soft sigh of pleasure raise from deep within her, Chris eased his palm over her tender flesh drinking up her response as his lips eased over hers in a slow, seductive swirl. With the flower in one hand, Chris traced patterns over Eve’s shoulder as his other hand eased over the strap of her delicate nightgown. As they parted, a smile crept over his features as he eased the loose strap further down her shoulder before placing a gentle, loving kiss upon her newly exposed skin. “Chris,” Eve whispered his name feeling his hand release her body long enough for his fingers to gently tug on the laces that kept her within the soft nightgown. She watched him with loving eyes as he stepped back freeing up the material of her surprise for him with patient, skilled hands. With each lace being loosened, Chris’ eyes fell upon her as he eased open the front of her nightgown. His eyes remained fixed upon her as her supple skin warmed to the familiarity of his velvety touch. Leisurely wandering across her breastbone with the crimson colored flower, Chris’ attention fell upon Eve’s lips and the way they curled in anticipation of his next velvety touch. A smile washed over his features as he reached out to draw the material from her body, easing it from her brazen form before allowing it to cascade around her feet in a whoosh of fabric. Eve leaned in towards Chris stepping out of the nightgown and kicking it aside before her arms laced around him drawing him close to her, “I take it you liked your surprise,” Eve whispered pressing a kiss over his neck. “Very much so,” his fingers eased over her spine feeling the warmth of her pressed up against him as their mouths met in a fiery kiss. “Good,” she replied feeling his arms constrict around her as he pulled her off of her feet and into his arms, “I was hoping you’d cooperate.” “Cooperation won’t ever be a problem between us,” he held her in his arms as she reached for the flower taking a whiff of it’s sweet, romantic scent before she extended the tip of the rose out towards Chris offering him a moment to savor the soft aroma of the tiny bud. “I didn’t anticipate it would be,” Eve confessed kissing him again as he started down the hallway towards their bedroom giving life to the moment Eve had initiated between them. Halfway down the hall, there was a flicker of something before they were surrounded by darkness. “I guess Sander wasn’t kidding,” Chris remarked offhandedly as he carried her into their bedroom easing her down onto the plush comforter. “Who need electricity, when you and I have enough heat to generate a power surge,” Eve questioned drawing him in for another sumptuous kiss as the world beyond their bedroom door became nothing more than a fading memory for two lovers wrapped up in the promise and the hope their future held for them.
“I’ve spoken with your family physician back in Cleveland and I wish you’d reconsider my suggestion,” Tony Jones frowned at Henry Ramsey as he noted the look of a man determined to be stubborn. “I already told you,” Henry shook his head, “this kind of thing is something I’m accustomed to and I can assure you that everything will be fine after a couple hours rest.” “Henry, we both know that it’s not that simple.” “Even so, it’s the way things are going to be,” Henry explained, “the last thing I want is to be cooped up in a hospital.” “I really feel it would be best to keep you under observation for a while longer, just to make sure...” “Look Doctor, I realize that you think you’re doing the right thing in following whatever kind of procedure it is you have here, but by law you can’t hold me here if I choose not to stay.” “No I can’t, but at the same time I would highly object to the notion of you being alone at a time like this let alone driving home.” “I’ll be fine Doc,” Henry sighed, “I’m used to this by now.” “Still perhaps you should call Chris,” Tony suggested. “Chris,” Henry shook his head, “no, no that’s out of the question.” “You should have someone with you,” Tony frowned, “what about your fiancee?” “She’s out of town on vacation,” Henry explained, “but there is no need to be concerned about me. I know where to go if I need any help.” “I realize that, but given your condition...” “I’m fine,” Henry stood from the table, “and if you doctors would just tend to the sick people that you’re paid to take care of, things would work much more smoothly around here. Now if you excuse me, I’d like to get home.” “I still think that you should stick around.” “Thanks, but no thanks,” Henry shook his head, “I’ve spent too much time in places like these and besides, we both know that my staying here isn’t going to change what I have going on here.” “Even so, I’d like to run some more tests,” Tony offered. “Test, test, test. That seems to be all I ever hear anymore,” Henry groaned, “look if you really think it’s going to make a difference, I’ll come in and take some tests later this week, but they stay between us, got it? I don’t want things buzzing around this hospital like I’ve heard they do.” “I can assure you that I’m completely professional,” Tony explained. “You’re a good man Tony,” Henry shook his hand, “thanks again for your help.” “I just wish it was more,” Tony frowned watching Henry Ramsey leave the exam room as he thought to himself about how impossible that man was. No wonder Chris was so stubborn, Tony noted. It must be genetic.
“Tracie, I’m not going to just accept that as an answer,” Scott decided firmly as he looked to Tracie feeling her close herself off. “Somehow I had a feeling that was going to be your answer,” Tracie blurted out with a half laugh, “you never give up, do you?” “Would you?” Scott questioned moving in closer to her. “If I knew what was good for me,” Tracie met his concerned eyes. “Well, nine times out of ten I don’t, so why start now?” “I can give you a very good reason,” Tracie watched him. “What might that be?” “Serena,” she blurted out, “the last thing that poor girl needs in her life is to be associated with a murderer, even if through her father.” “Um, if you haven’t checked, it’s already too late for that,” Scott reminded her with a pointed look, “aside from my association with Ryan Chamberlain, well it is part of the job description with me and I think I handle those situations rather well.” “But as a professional, you aren’t sleeping with them,” she pointed out trying to slip away. “I don’t recall either one of us doing much sleeping,” Scott pointed out tugging on her arm, “so talk.” “Why is it so important to you?” “Because I want to know exactly where Ryan’s coming from. When he had me pinned into a corner, you did what you could to help me, so why not let me return the favor?” “Is that what you’re doing? Repaying a debt?” “No,” he shook his head, “not exactly.” “Scott,” she started to argue before giving up with a sigh, “fine, what do you want to know?” “How about the truth?” “It’s been a long time,” Tracie confessed, “and what I tell you can’t leave this room if I do tell you.” “You have my word,” he promised with a nod. “As I said I was very young,” she began meeting his eyes once more, “I was also very stubborn. It happens to be one of the greatest Mancusi traits.” “So I’ve noticed,” Scott muttered, “your cousin there...” “...is a great man and I’ve done nothing, but ruin his life,” Tracie admitted, “I wish I’d never gotten anyone into this mess. If I’d only been wiser.” “You can’t change the past,” Scott pointed. “Even so I wish I could’ve there,” Tracie continued, “as I was saying before in being stubborn, I was determined to do anything and everything to distance myself from my family. I wanted out of the kind of life I grew up in. I mean you have no idea what it’s like to have a father who’s on the FBI’s most wanted list, then again thinking about what I’ve become, I guess you could say that it was only a matter of time before I followed in his footsteps,” she took a seat wrapping her arms around her as Scott moved in beside her, “I was so against it growing up, so against the violence, much like Eric...Matt was,” she corrected herself, “we both had talked about getting out of it, getting away from that life and by the time I was twenty, I thought I had. I ended up marrying this man, this seemingly wonderful man who was everything I’d ever wanted. He was normal, down to earth and he didn’t have to worry about someone behind his back every move he made plotting his demise, but beyond that he also wasn’t concerned or afraid to marry a mafia princess and promise to spend forever with her.” “So you met someone who you thought was a good guy,” Scott noted, “I don’t see the problem with that.” “That’s just it,” Tracie explained taking in a breath, “shortly into our marriage things weren’t working as well as I’d imagined. While Clint took me away from the life I’d grown up in, things in the family weren’t going good. My father was into things that were far over his head. To make a long story short as my father would’ve put it, someone had his number and it came up about six months after Clint and I were together. My parents were both murdered in a drive by shooting or so I’m told. Needless to say when everything was said and done, despite the differences I had with my father, well he’d left everything to me. Naturally I didn’t want any part of the blood money, but Clint had other plans. It turns out that from the day he met me, he’d been scouting me out, learning all about the Mancusi family and I found out he was the one who offered the tip to where my parents would be when the hit was made. He was responsible for my parents deaths.” “Tracie, you can’t hold yourself responsible for a man who did that. A man like that could’ve been capable of anything and for you to be upset about your parents deaths and his role in it naturally....” Scott started. “No, you don’t understand,” Tracie frowned slightly, “it wasn’t until after Clint was dead that I knew what he’d done with my parents. When I’d killed him I had no idea of what he’d done to them.” “But I thought.....” “The reason I killed my husband Scott is because if I hadn’t he would’ve killed me first,” Tracie blurted out, “ as I said he wanted the money and I was his way to get it. A few weeks after my parents demise, I found him with another woman, with a woman who’d been one of my supposedly closest friends. I had left for the day to tend to some of the final things on my father’s estate and had anticiapted being gone longer than I was, but somehow the day was cut short and I’d returned hoping to surprise Clint only to discover I was the one in for a surprise. The two of them were together in my bed, making love to one another and laughing about what they intended to do to get rid of me, take my fortune, and make a clean break. I’d been so angry, so furious with him at lying to me that I wanted to kill him, wanted to take him out with such a hatred unlike anything I’d ever known,” Tracie explained rising from the sofa, “but a part of me told me not to confront him, to wait and find the perfect moment to approach him, so I did. I waited in the other wing until Erica left our home and then I confronted him. I was so, so angry and while he’d sworn to me that I’d misunderstood something, there was no mistaking what I’d witnessed. One thing lead to another and I had a gun. I don’t know exactly how things transpired, but he came at me, trying to finish me for good and I shot him.” “Tracie, that’s not cold blooded murder,” Scott watched her tremble at the memory, “what you did was self defense. You said it yourself that he came after you.” “But I should’ve been stronger, should’ve done it in another way,” Tracie closed her eyes, “I still remember the look on his face when he fell to the floor, but I was so angry and so terrified that I kept shooting. I kept going until the gun was empty and I was certain that he wouldn’t be around to hurt me again and then,” she let out a dry laugh, “here’s the kicker, the real stinger that Ryan just loves. Instead of calling the police and owning up to my actions, I’d called Eric earlier, told him that I was afraid for my life as I’d heard Clint talking and when I delivered that final blow to Clint, that bullet that I’m certain killed him, Eric was there witnessing what I’d done, but too late to change things. He saw me kill my husband in cold blood and he helped me get rid of the evidence.” “You mean Matt,” Scott frowned. “I left him no choice,” Tracie answered tearfully, “I was so afraid and being who I was no one was going to believe that Clint’s death was anything short of murder. Eric knew that and while he was uneasy about the whole situation, he and I took care of it. We took the liberty of removing Clint from out home and we turned his death into something else. We had these people come in, people who were in tight with the family and they made it look like an accident had happened outside my home. Given the pace at which everything was done and my family‘s ties with the local law officials, it was an open and shut case as there wasn’t a question about what had happened to Clint, but I knew. I knew in my heart what I’d done and I refused to stay there living the lie, so I left. I left it all behind and started over hoping and praying that my secret would stay just that.” “And Ryan? How did he find out about this?” Scott questioned. “That’s the part I don’t understand,” Tracie confessed, “there’s no way he could’ve known, but somehow he does and as long as he’s around, he’s going to keep holding that over my head.” “No one would believe him if he told them what you just told me,” Scott confessed, “and if he even tried, well then I’d make sure that he didn’t make it out of that trial in the way he’s hoping...” “No Scott, he’d only use that against you somehow if he thought you were trying to blackmail him for any reason,” Tracie shook her head, “besides it’s not me I’m worried about. It’s Eric. He has a life now and a kind hearted woman who loves him very much. He’s worked so hard to overcome the past, to make himself into something wonderful and he doesn’t deserve to risk losing it all for what I’ve done. It isn’t fair to him. That’s the part that gets me the most about all of this.” “I’m sure there are ways that we could get around this,” Scott suggested. “We?” she gave him a look. “Well, what were you expecting? Me to run out the door screaming murderer?” “I wasn’t exactly expecting this,” she gave him a puzzled look, “why aren’t you as upset as I’d imagine a man like yourself would be?” “Maybe because I’ve seen it all,” Scott shrugged patting her leg, “or maybe just maybe because I well, I kind of like you...” “You like me,” she half laughed at the boyish cuteness that washed over his features. “Well, you know it’s not everyday you meet someone with so many interesting layers,” he skimmed her knee with his index finger. “Scott, you do realize even entertaining the notion of spending any type of time with me makes you insane,” she watched him closely. “Even so,” Scott shrugged, “I don’t think I’m in any danger, nor can I blame you for what happened with that rat-bastard husband of yours. I believe you and I believe what you told me, so either you’re one hell of a liar, or you’re just too damn cute for me to question your motivation for getting close to me,” he half teased, “the way I see it, you aren’t after my money, and I’m not after yours, so all in all it looks like we’re going to be okay.” “I can’t believe you’re making jokes about this,” she watched him. “What would you rather me do? Carry crosses and bibles around behaving as though you’re some kind of demon?” “I wouldn’t be surprised if you did,” she confessed. “You won’t kill me if I don’t, right,” he offered a half smile. “Scott Baldwin, you are completely nuts. Has anyone ever told you that?” “Maybe once or twice, but I don’t listen,” Scott shrugged, “I figure why start now.”
“Ready for this,” Matt questioned as Ellen noticed the social worker up ahead with the small child in her arms. “I just hope that this won’t be too frightening to DeShawn,” Ellen confided, “I hadn’t seen him since he was born and right now while I may be family I’m still very much a stranger to him.” “I know that, but he’ll know,” Matt urged, “while it might take some time, he’ll know in his heart that you are someone who loves him very much. You’ll do what’s best for him. I know that much.” “Thank you for your faith in me,” Ellen squeezed his hand as the social worker approached. “Well here we are Dr. Burgess,” the social worker smiled, “here is a bag of DeShawn’s things and anything else you may need, well we’ll be more than willing to answer any questions you might have,” she explained looking over to the small child within the confines of her arms, “are you ready to go home with your aunt?” The small boy looked over to Ellen cautiously before burying his head in the social worker’s shoulder shyly. Matt noted the uneasiness that washed over Ellen’s features as the child withdrew from her. Moving forward, Matt cleared his throat. “Let me give it a try,” Matt suggested turning his attention to the small boy, “DeShawn, hi. How are you?” The boy looked to Matt before looking away again. “I’ll be right now you’re a bit tired and probably even a bit hungry right,” Matt began noting the small teddy bear in the boy’s hand, “do you like teddy bears?” DeShawn looked over to him for a moment saying nothing as his brown eyes fixed on Matt as if awaiting something more. “I happen to like teddy bears,” Matt offered with a smile, “in fact,” he reached inside his jacket pocket withdrawing a small stuffed keychain of a Koala bear dangling upon it. Detaching his keys from the stuffed key chain, he extended it towards the boy, “I know it’s not exactly a teddy bear, but it’s my own little teddy bear. Would you like to see it?” Matt questioned holding it out closer to him. DeShawn sat in silence for a long time, a moment of contemplation before he nodded accepting the small token that Matt had offered him. He held the bear closer to him comparing it to his own as he looked back to Matt. “My name is Matt and I hear you’re DeShawn,” Matt offered with a welcoming smile, “and this here is your Aunt Ellen. She and I came to see you because we heard what a special little boy you are. We wondered if maybe you‘d like to maybe go out with us for a little while and get some food maybe. I‘m sure you‘re hungry, right?” DeShawn nodded as Ellen watched the moment between the two of them in awe of the way Matt was putting the child at ease with his soothing voice and comforting tone. She watched him intently noting the way his eyes lit up as he spoke to DeShawn and it was as if there was some invisible force putting her mind at ease as her nephew warmed up to the man she loved. “Would you like to go with us?” Matt questioned extending his arms out to DeShawn, “we could get whatever you’d like to eat.” “Anything,” the boy’s eyes widened. “Sure anything,” Matt nodded as DeShawn shifted in the social workers arms to reach out for Matt. The social worker held him out for Matt to take him into his lap and the boy looked to Matt curiously. “What’s this?” he asked noting the wheelchair momentarily. “This is how we’re going to get around for a while,” Matt explained taking DeShawn for a small test run through the corridor as the boy’s eyes lit up and a laugh filled his once frightened face, “how was that?” “Cool,” he smiled proudly before looking over to Ellen, “so are we going?” “Sure,” Ellen nodded offering up a smile as she silently thanked Matt for making a difficult situation easier for all of them.
Eve heard a soft tapping on the door as she tied the knot in her robe with a hearty laugh, “I told you that you’d forget your keys in the haste to get out of here for dinner,” Eve began with a laugh making her way to the apartment door, “you should’ve thought twice before rushing out of here without double checking...” she explained opening the door to see Henry Ramsey standing before her, “oh,” she gasped tightening her robe around her form. “Evelyn,” Henry noted towards her, “is this a bad time?” “Well, actually,” Eve paused contemplating her words, “Chris isn’t here if you’re looking for him. He’s out getting dinner.” “Actually I was hoping to have a word with you,” he explained holding out a package, “for my grandson or granddaughter.” “Henry, you didn’t have to,” Eve began looking to the wrapping on the package, “in fact I wished you wouldn’t have.” “You wished it, or Chris did,” He questioned, “might I have a word with you?” “I don’t know if letting you in is such a good idea considering...” “...that my son and I aren’t exactly on the best of terms with one another?” he questioned, “yes I know that Chris and I aren’t typical of a father and son relationship, but I can see that you love him very much and that you make him happy. I guess what I’m asking for is a few minutes to explain some things to you.” “You don’t have to explain anything to me,” Eve began as he stepped into the apartment despite her initial protest. “But I do,” Henry explained turning around to face her once inside. He held the package out towards her until she reluctantly accepted it, “I have so much that I have to own up for and I know that there isn’t enough time in this world to do just that.” “You don’t owe me anything in terms of what’s happened with you and Chris. I’m not the one that...” “...that I should be talking to? Yes, I realize that but I also realize that while my son may never speak to me, there are a few things I need him to know, or rather, I, as a father need to make sure of.” “Such as?” “Such as the knowledge that he will be happy and he won’t make the same mistakes I did,” Henry paused, “when I married my wife, she was the world to me, but alas my own greed and selfishness overtook the promises I made to her and when I lost her, I never had a chance to tell her just how much she meant to me. She was a wonderful woman much like yourself and she loved Christopher dearly. He was her world and she wanted only the best for him. I see that he has it now, no thanks to me, but at the same time I wanted to make sure that his happiness lasts.” “And you propose to do this how?” “By asking a favor of you,” Henry’s eyes saddened, “promise me that whatever may or may not happen with you and my son, that before you judge one of his actions or feel a distance between you two, don’t let him slip away. Don’t let him dig himself into a hole and refuse to come out of it. I taught him how to do that and I shamefully regret that had my son listened to me, he’d have suffered the same miserable fate as I have. I don’t want it to come to that for him. I don’t want it to be too late to accept love in his life.” “It’s never too late,” Eve offered seeing the pain behind his eyes, “if you want to make something work, truly have it work, then you have to be willing to make a sacrifice, to take a chance at making things right.” “Those are wise words,” Henry noted. “I learned them from your son,” Eve explained, “he taught me that and he taught me to love. He also taught me that sometimes things aren’t always what they seem and maybe just maybe if you look inside yourself you’ll see that you aren’t ready to just walk away from his life and maybe just maybe despite the anger, Chris needs you more than ever.” “Evelyn, I’ve tried,” Henry began. “Don’t give up,” Eve offered, “you said it yourself it’s the worst thing to do.” “At this stage of the game, it’s a losing battle,” Henry shook his head. “You never know unless you give it a try,” another voice interrupted as Henry turned around to find Chris standing behind him, “unless of course you’ve come here to make another horrible threat against me and my family?”
Lucy walked into the nursery seeing the small infants before her resting peacefully in their incubators. A smile pressed over her lips as she noted each and every one of them lost in their slumber, no doubt having dreams of what the future held in store for them in their little lives. “Would you like to hold your daughter Mrs. Collins,” a voice called out as she turned to see a nurse beside her, “she’s been waiting for you.” “Yes, yes I would love to see my daughter,” Lucy nodded following the nurse over to the tiny incubator across the room, “how is she?” “She’s beautiful, precious even and I can see what a beautiful little angel she is,” the nurse explained, “all the other children seem to take to her and the nurse’s just adore her so.” “She is amazing isn’t she,” Lucy smiled proudly, “I love her so much and I’ve waited so long for her to come into this world.” “And she’s glad she did,” the nurse added stepping forward, “oh dear.” “What?” “I’m afraid....” the nurse looked to her. “Afraid what...” Lucy’s voice rose to a panic, “what is it?” “She’s not here Mrs. Collins,” the woman explained shaking her head, “she was never here. There must be some kind of misunderstanding.” “No, no I know my baby girl is there,” Lucy shook her head, “I know she’s out there,” Lucy stepped forward noting the emptiness in the cradle as her heart sank, “where is she? Where is my baby?” “Mrs. Collins,” the nurse began as Lucy turned towards the nursery exit frantically searching for any sign of her daughter. “Where is my baby,” her voice rose to a panic as she saw Kevin up ahead talking to Eve. Rushing over to him, she fought to keep her breathing even, “Doc, our daughter. She’s missing. She’s not here. She’s gone.” “What?” Kevin gave her a strange look, “what are you talking about?” “Doc, our baby. She’s gone. I went to the nursery to hold her and she’s missing,” Lucy explained tearfully, “our daughter is gone.” “Daughter,” he replied giving her a pointed look before a laugh erupted from deep within, “we don’t have a daughter Lucy. I have everything I’ve ever needed,” he explained wrapping his arm around Eve before drawing her in for a loving kiss, “and it most certainly isn’t with you.” “NO! No!!!” Lucy cried out in terror as she reached for Kevin as he clung to Eve, “no Doc, you don’t mean that.” “But I do. You’re nothing to me Lucy,” Kevin insisted with a dry laugh, “absolutely nothing.” “No Doc, no....” Lucy called out to him as the room grew dark around her. She found herself alone in an emptiness, a frightening coldness surrounded her as whispers of the past haunted her. “You’ll never have the family you dreamed of,” once voice spoke out. “That’s not true!” She cried out. “You’ll never be a mother and you’ll never have happily ever after. You don’t deserve happily ever after!” “No! No! Doc!” her voice cried out harsh and shaking as a tremor rushed over her, “no you can’t have my baby. You can’t take my baby.” “We can do anything we want,” another laugh flooded the room as Lucy looked down to her swelled abdomen feeling her child safe within. “You can’t have her!” Lucy cried out again as a light filled the room and a door opened revealing a man on the other side. “Lucy, come to me,” his voice spoke clear and solid through the darkness, “come over here and I’ll protect you. I’ll help you.” “They can’t have my baby,” she pleaded with the shadowy figure, “they can’t have her.” “I won’t let them harm her,” he promised as he stepped out into the light to reveal his face as Lucy woke up with a gasp. “No!” she cried out in a cold sweat as she found herself in bed next
to Kevin. She looked over to him sleeping peacefully at her side as her
heart was racing in her chest, her breathing was labored as she was left
with a horrible sinking feeling from her dream. Her nightmare had overwhelmed
her and now as she placed her hand over her abdomen fearing the worst,
she promised herself that it was only a dream and nothing more. Karma wouldn’t
be that cruel to her, she whispered softly as she looked back to Kevin.
Doc was right. They were going to be just fine and nothing would change
it. She was certain of it.
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