Chapters 13 & 14

 

 

GH 2026.13 After The Storm

"Lucky?" Emily's voice hovers in the air like one of the last lingering raindrops.

Slowly his sleep-fogged mind begins to focus, and Lucky opens his eyes to find a worried looking Emily standing in front of his desk at the club. "Em? What time is it?"

"It's late, Lucky." Emily's voice is tremulous and uncertain. "But I'm hoping it's not too late. I'm praying that I haven't made such a mess of everything that you can't forgive me."

Instantly coming awake, Lucky stares at his wife intently. "I know you're hurting, Em."

"The problem is that I couldn't see that YOU are hurting too, Lucky, and I'm sorry for being so self-centered. I don't know where we go from here, but I know I love you. I can't stand being at odds with you. It's tearing at my heart."

"You mean you forgive me?" Lucky slowly stands, coming around his desk to lean against it and study his wife's gorgeous face.

"There's nothing to forgive, Lucky. You never lied to me, not about anything that really mattered. I know how much not being a part of your son's life must be hurting you." Reaching a hand towards Lucky, Emily cups his whisker-rough cheek in her soft palm.

Moved beyond words, Lucky turns his face to plant a soft kiss in Emily's hand, and drags her hand down to his beating heart. "I love you, Emily. Nothing that happened in the past, or is happening now, or could ever happen changes how I feel about you, Babe. You are the best thing that ever happened to me."

"Come home, Lucky. Please," Emily whispers, her eyes filled with a mixture of hope, love and faith as well as a few lingering doubts.

"Try and keep me away." Lucky pulls Em close and kisses the top of her head, then her cheek, then a worshipful kiss on her lips.

**********************


"My name is Lark Madison and I am here to see Mr. Morgan." Lark announces to the guards at the door of the posh penthouse.

"Yes, Ms. Madison. Mr. Morgan is expecting you." One guard holds up his hand. "Though I can't allow you to enter the premises without a security check."

"Of course. I have a 9.mm in a shoulder holster and a .22 strapped to my ankle," Lark informs them coolly. At their collective surprised looks, she says, "Hey, I'd rather tell you about them than have you be surprised when you find them and accidentally shoot something off I might want later in life."

The bodyguards smirk at her humor and remove the weapons. "Anything in the case, Ms Madison?"

"No. Just papers and software." Lark opens the lock for them and stands by as they rifle it neatly, and efficiently.

"You can go on in, Ma'am," Lenny says brusquely.

"Thanks boys. Oh, and please. For everyone's sake. Don't call me Ma'am." Lark passes through the doors to Sonny's old penthouse, Jason's headquarters, and stands silently waiting to be acknowledged by one of the most powerful men in the world.

"Ms. Madison." Jason stops writing and looks up from his desk. "Come in. Have a seat." He indicates a chair without bothering to rise. "I appreciate you taking time out of your schedule to take over this project. Benny says that I can trust you. That you are his partner and a valuable asset to the company. I have one crucial demand that you should know about. I want complete silence regarding your work with my organization. The only person you will be authorized to talk about your work with is Benny."

"I expected this, Mr. Morgan, and in anticipation of our conversation, I have a few requests of my own," Lark says resolutely. "I need to ensure that in the event that your organization is ever in any legal difficulty, that my name is not linked to you in any way.... and I will of course take precautions to protect myself as I proceed. I also would like to protect any and all rights to software or hardware that I design, or modify to suit your purposes." Smiling frostily, Lark explains. "It's not that I have a distrust for organized crime, Mr. Morgan, but a woman's got to protect what's hers."

Jason is silent for a moment. "You have my word."

"Thank you." Lark retrieves her papers from her brief case. "Now allow me to tell you what Baird and Madison can do for you," She launches into her well-prepared speech and sales pitch.

**********************************************

I.C.U

The soft whir of machines grinds softly in the small sterile room. Laying on the stark white hospital bed, Dominique is pale and unconscious.

Sitting motionless beside her sister, Destiny holds Dominique's hand between her own and lowers her head. "Please come on, Dom. Wake up. I'm the lazy slug not you. Just wake up, tell me to shut up and then get well, okay?" She pleads. "Whoever did this is gonna pay. I mean it, Dom. No one hurts my baby sister and gets away with it."

Watching silently from the doorway, a helpless Kevin clenches and unclenches his hands, fighting the primal rage boiling deep inside of him. Turning away from the doorway, he reaches out an arm to a pale and visibly shaken Lucy. Without a word passing between them, Kevin can feel her frustration, and total fear. "She'll be all right."

"Oh Doc. I can't believe this is happening. Our little girl." Her eyes welling with tears, Lucy tries unsuccessfully to force them back. "Oh God. What if..? I can't even say it, Doc. . . .what if?" Unable to fight a mother's worst fear any longer, Lucy lets out a strangled sob and buries her face in her husband's chest. "Dominique, we can't lose her."

"We can't think like that, Lucy." Kevin soothes, wrestling with his own terror. "We have to believe that she's strong and a fighter, Lucy. She gets that from you, you know. Whenever she gets backed into a corner, she comes out fighting. That's just who Dom is. Sometimes I think she's stronger even than she knows."

Sniffling still, but feeling better, Lucy frowns at the sight of Mac, Felicia, Ian, Evan, Simon, and Serena standing in a cluster just out of earshot.

Unable to think of what Dominique has endured for another second, Kevin leaves Lucy's side and crosses the room, his dark eyes flashing. "Mac? Evan? Ian? May I have a moment of your time?" His dark tone brooks no argument from the Scorpios. Felicia, Simon, and Serena walk over to Lucy.

"I cannot believe that you didn't tell me." Lucy accuses them, her eyes filled with hurt and anger. "You didn't think to tell me that Dominique's life was in danger? What were you thinking?! She's my daughter! I had a right to know!"

"Dominique wouldn't accept any help unless Mac promised not to say anything," Felicia answers slowly. "She didn't want to be smothered."

"Felicia, you're a mother! Can you tell me that if it were Maxie or Georgie lying in that bed you wouldn't be just as upset? Don't lie! You would be demanding answers!" Turning to Simon, Lucy's voice softens. "When did you know?"

"Dominique came to me about a week ago, Mom. She wanted my help and I gave her what I could. She didn't want you and Dad to worry about her." Simon snakes an arm around his mother's waist and gives her a comforting hug. "She's stubborn."

"The only reason she told me anything was because Evan already let me know what was going on." Serena supplies. "I am sorry, I wanted to tell you, but there was nothing you could have done but worry. Dom wouldn't have let you. And I thought that it would get resolved before she was hurt."

Meanwhile across the room...

"Kevin, if you just calm down I can..." Mac's pleading words fall on deaf ears.

"My daughter is lying in an ICU bed with a stab wound in her side fighting for her life and you want me to calm down?! I could kill you all for being reckless with her life! I understand that Dominique is strong-willed, she comes by it honestly." Taking several deep breaths, Kevin begins to regain some composure. "You should have come to me. None of you are qualified to profile a mind like this. None of you have the experience to anticipate what the next move would be or the logical progression." He wards off
Mac's protest with a glare. "Even as a ex-police commissioner and a seasoned private detective, Mac, you don't know the psychological aspects of stalkers. That's why you've always called me." Kevin folds his arms and glares sternly at Evan and Ian. "And frankly, I am real disappointed in you both. Dominique should never have been left alone in that house unprotected."

"She didn't leave us much choice." Ian stuffs his hands into his jacket. "She kicked me out."

"And my patrol cars got pulled away on a bogus domestic violence call," Evan admits angrily. "They had to leave."

"Dr. Collins?" Jett Ashton calls tentatively. "Your daughter is awake and asking for you."

Kevin follows the intern back into the hospital to Dom's room where Lucy is already sitting next to Dom, a tearful smile on her face. "Hey, Sweetheart," Kevin greets her softly. "How do you feel?"

"Like hell, Dad." Dom winces slightly. "I-"

"Hush, Baby." Lucy soothes, brushing her hair back. "It's okay. You're safe now. Your dad and I won't let anything happen to you. Just relax and let the drugs the doctor's gave you work."

"But I-" Dominique yawns as her eyelids droop.

"Your mother's right, Sweetheart. Just rest. You deserve it." Kevin places a kiss on Dominique's forehead.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"Whoever did this isn't going to get away with it!" Destiny curses angrily after hearing the whole sordid tale from Simon. "The sick demented bastard who did this to my sister will pay for what he's done!"

"He's dead, Destiny. There's nothing you can do," Simon attempts to reason with his younger sister.

"You don't believe that the poor schmuck in the Firehouse was the one who planned all this, do you? That he's the infamous Napoleon you told me about? No, the poor schmuck is a run of the mill petty criminal. Someone else is behind this, Simon. And I will be damned if he's going to get away with it." An idea flashes through Destiny's mind and she smiles.

"I hate that that look," Simon mutters worriedly. "I really hate it. It's the same expression you wear in the ring when you're about to put out someone's lights." Simon looks deeply into his sister's eyes. "Whatever it is, forget it. Mom and Dad can only take one kid in the I.C.U at a time."

"Okay, Simon. If you say so." Destiny's tone is just a little "too" cooperative for Simon's comfort.

 

GH 2026.14 No Place Like Home

The I.C.U., Dominique rests quietly with her eyes closed. Lucy naps with her head on the bed, as Kevin walks in carrying a cup of coffee.

"Dad?" Dom's voice is still groggy.

"Yes, Pumpkin. I'm here." Kevin reassures her, pulling up an uncomfortable chair to sit at her bedside.

"You and Mom must be angry."

"Not angry, and never at you. We were scared though. I wish you had come to us, Dominique. There's nothing you can do or say that we won't help you with or support you with. We love you." Kevin declares quietly. "And your old parents are a lot stronger than you think."

"I know that, Dad. I do. But I just knew that if I said anything, you and Mom would have me back at the lighthouse with a 24 hour guard. It would have just scared this guy away. Then he would have come back when things cooled and I'd never have any peace of mind." Dom places a hand on her sleeping mother's head, caressing her hair. "And Mom, Mom would have bricked me in behind a wall in the basement and Destiny would have mixed the cement."

Kevin laughs tenderly at Dominique's accurate assessment of her mother and sister's characters. "Yes, they probably would have. And it's not because we don't trust you, Dominique. It's because every parent's absolute worst nightmare is to lose a child. And we know that you and Destiny and Simon are more independent than we ever imagined, therefore you're more likely to get into trouble."

"Well this time Dad, for once trouble came looking for me, not the other way around." Smiling wanly, Dominique shifts uncomfortably. "Simon and I think that it has something to do with some security software that I've been working on."

"He told me." Kevin gives in to the urge to plant a reverent kiss on his daughter's forehead. "Get some more rest for now and we'll talk later."

"Just promise," Dominique yawns delicately. "Promise that you're not mad at Uncle Mac and Aunt Felicia. It's not their fault."

"Don't worry, Sweetie. Everything is going to be all right." Kevin pulls the covers tightly around his daughter, sighing as he remembers the countless nights he had done the same thing when she was a child.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*


The next day at The Gym. .

It's dank and gray both inside and out. There is an old boxing ring in the middle of the gym, with several punching bags circling it and a few scattered weight benches. It's a gym in the most elementary sense of the word.

It is basically empty with the exception of one woman on a heavy bag. She bobs and weaves almost sparring with it as she gets in one jab after another.

The only other occupant, Gabe, lowers his own bag to the ground and watches in silent appreciation as the slim young woman attacks the punching bag as if it is her worst enemy. "You're telegraphing your right hook," He says laconically.

Ignoring him, Destiny continues to take out her frustrations on the bag before her. She blocks out any other distraction and keeps in rhythm of her moving and punching.

"You're still doing it." Gabe again attempts to break her focus.

Slowly stopping her movements, Destiny turns and faces Gabe for the first time since he's entered the gym. "Thank you so much for the much needed critique, kind sir. I have always relied upon the kindness of strangers." Destiny breathes in a high falsetto.

"Well with a right hook like that you're going to need it," Gabe responds, taking in the rumpled woman before him. She is wearing expensive cross trainers, a pair of tight spandex shorts and a sports bra. On her hands are custom boxing gloves, well worn and nicely broken in. Her long mass of chestnut hair is pulled back into a tight braid.

"Care to try a few rounds, Sen-sai?" Destiny gestures towards the ring.

"Sure," Gabe answers. "Let's go. By the way, my name is Gabe."

"Destiny." She slips easily between the ropes, not waiting for Gabe to hold them, and makes herself comfortable in one corner. "You want a chance to warm up first?" She offers, examining her gloves nonchalantly.

"The way I am feeling I don't need it." Gabe answers easily as he enters the ring. "May the best man win."

The two begin to circle each other warily. Then, knocking gloves they begin to cautiously take jabs at one another.

Then the door opens and Tyler strides in confidently. "Hey Des! Sorry I am late but I got held up with. . . " Seeing Destiny in the ring with a stranger, Tyler goes still for a moment.

"That's okay, Ty. I've found a way to amuse myself." Destiny grins wolfishly.

"Destiny! Are you feigning a weak right to sucker people into sparring with you again?" Tyler returns her smile, then faces Gabe. "Don't do it, Pal. You don't stand a chance. Destiny pulls this every once in a while when someone comes on too strong in here. She's cleaned the mat with more than her fair share."

Eying Destiny differently, Gabe arches an eyebrow. "Thanks for the warning. Being new in town I didn't know the ropes, but I get the feeling I was about to get a lesson." Gabe bows gallantly to Destiny. "Perhaps another time?"

"Anytime you want, Slick." Destiny agrees, climbing out of the ring to join Tyler.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"Papa!"

A grayed and weathered Alejandro Garcia turns from tending to his roses to see his daughter running up to give him a hug. His eyes soften with adoration as he opens his arms to embrace her. "Mi Hija! When did you get home? And why didn't you call your Mama and I to pick you up?"

"Oh, Papa! You act like I'm still twelve years old!" Marymae scolds good naturedly. "I've been traveling on my own since I was 16. Besides, you knew I was getting in from my music tour today, just not the exact time."

Alex and Marymae walk arm and arm towards the modest home. He sighs in resignation. "Is it so awful that your old papa wants to remember you as his little girl even when you're all grown up? Am I wrong to want to pamper you?"

Marymae laughs. They had this same conversation every time she came home from a music tour. "No, Papa. You know I love being your little girl and I never want you to change. So how are things for you and Mama?"

Alex opens the screen door for Marymae to enter. "The same as always. She is busy with her cases and I am busy with my roses and the garden. The house is empty with you and Bradley gone so much of the time. It's good that you are back. Your mother should be home soon from the office. She's been cooking and cleaning for days since she heard you were coming home."

"Like Mama ever lets the house get dirty! I peaked in the fridge after I took my suitcase up to my room. She has my favorite dinner all ready to be cooked." Marymae sighs contentedly. "It's good to be home!"

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*


"I think it's time you went home. Our friend is about to get in a great deal of trouble." Running his fingers through his pure white hair, an older man shakes his head in frustration.

"How so?"

"Burtanssy has a disgruntled employee on the warpath, and things have taken a decidedly complicated turn."

"How disgruntled?" The younger man asks with the barest hint of humor.

"Probably disgruntled enough to take care of the problem for us, but that would once again leave our mutual friend twisting in the wind." His Australian accent is thick with humor, he can't stop from smiling.

"You know it's her own damn fault, don't you?"

"Yes, I do. But at this juncture she is our best chance at nailing Burtanssy to the cross and lighting the match. Besides", the older man says, with a disgustingly smug grin, "How bad would it make us look if this disgruntled employee did in a couple of minutes what we've been working on for years?"

"All right! Point taken. But I tell you, I ought to be getting hazard pay just for working with this one. She's up she's down, she's in she's out, it's like a roller coaster."

"Hey, at least she's smart and easy on the eyes. What more could you ask for?" Handing the younger man a packet of papers he turns to leave. "The usual assortment of goodies and bedside reading."

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Outside Dominique's room. A young guard checks his list of approved visitors as Lucas waits patiently. "Sorry Sir, but only family are permitted. You're not on the
list."

"Please inform Ms. Collins that Lucas Jones is here to see her," Lucas requests charmingly. "That is all I ask. If she refuses to see me, then I will go away."

Still looking uncertain, the young officer turns and enters the small hospital room, a few moments later he returns. "She says she'll see you. But if you're longer than ten minutes, her doctor will have my head on a pole."

"Fine." Lucas enter the room carrying a lovely arrangement of Irises. (the flower, not the body part)

Dominique struggles to sit up straight at the sight of Lucas. "I don't know what to say." She begins, grimacing as she can feel her stitches pull some at her effort. "Evan says I owe you my life."

"I am just sorry that we had to become acquainted under such horrific circumstances." Lucas sets the flowers at Dom's bedside and takes a seat next to her, secretly thrilled to be so near and to have her smiling so brilliantly for him alone.

"I don't remember much about it," Dom confesses, her eyes troubled. "I was lucky that you were there."

"I think it was fate." Lucas' expression is intent. "Do you believe in fate, Ms. Collins?"

"My mother raised all of her children to believe that there are some things in the universe that can't be explained." Seeing her rescuer as if for the first time, Dominique cocks her head to the side and studies Lucas reflectively. He is lithe yet sturdy. He moves with an almost feline grace. His features are elegant and yet masculine at the same time. His blonde hair is gray slightly at the temples, giving him a dignified and intense appearance. All in all, quite handsome. And his voice....

"What is it?" Lucas asks, slightly anxious under her silent scrutiny.

"Your voice sounds familiar in a way."

"I spoke to you while waiting for the ambulance." Fighting the euphoria coursing through his veins, Lucas contains himself with a small reassuring smile.

"What can I ever do to repay you?"

"Allow me to visit you," Lucas asks gently, "It would give me great satisfaction to help you get well. For I feel as though I could have prevented this tragedy."

"What makes you say that?"

"If I had arrived sooner. . . ." Lucas lets his words trail off.

"OH, don't say that. Please don't even think that! What happened to me is in no way your fault." Seeing the genuinely distressed look on the older man's face, Dominique reaches out a hand to touch his arm. "Thank you again for saving my life. And yes, I would love for you to come and visit me."