The Truth in Time

“Good morning Mrs. Lopez Fitzgerald” Luis smiled as he walked into the bedroom of their rented villa on the white sandy beach in Southern Spain. Sheridan didn't move, so Luis placed the tray holding two cups of coffee, juice and several scrumptious pastries on the table near the foot of the bed and walked over to the French doors, opening the curtains, allowing the sunlight to stream inside. This was going to be their first day together as husband and wife.

“Wake up sweetie” Luis said walking over to the bed where Sheridan lay, still not moving. “I know you weren't feeling well last night, but it's almost noon.” Luis sat on the bed next to his bride and kissed her cheek. The minute Luis kissed Sheridan's cheek, he recoiled to a standing position, a sickened feeling in his gut, his heart beating out of his chest. “Oh my God, Sheridan!” He screamed.

“Julian, I'm warning you, if I don't hear by noon today that Sheridan is dead, I'm going to have the Crane jet fueled, and you're going to Spain to finish your sister off” Alistair Crane said with disdain. “All I asked you to do was a simple thing like painting that poison on that cigar band Lopez Fitzgerald called a wedding ring and you couldn't even do that right.”

“Father, I implore you, I did paint the ring with that poison, I tell you I did. And, as much as I hate to admit it, the ring was gold. I checked. I was afraid that whatever cheap metal it was made of would disintegrate with the poison...”

“Really father” Julian said with anguish in his voice, “I'm sure Sheridan will be dead by noon. It's probably just taking longer for the poison to work. I swear Sheridan must be part cat. How many times has she survived what would surely have been a death sentence for anyone else?”

“Nothing Father” Julian said, hoping his father hadn't heard him. “I assure you, Sheridan will be dead sometime today.” Julian closed his eyes as the words came out of his mouth. `If ever I screwed up, let this be the time' Julian thought to himself.

Luis was sure he was in a nightmare, as he sat in the waiting room of the small emergency room near their villa, not understanding anything that was happening. Their wedding the day before had started off wonderfully and then wham... another tabloid headline sent both Ethan and his sister Theresa reeling. Luis still couldn't believe that Theresa was responsible for sending the email to the tabloid, for that he blamed Rebecca Hotchkiss. He didn't know how she did it, but after seeing Rebecca with Julian at the impostor's house several weeks earlier, Luis knew it was she that was responsible. He wasn't sure if Gwen was involved, but he knew Rebecca was. Still, Luis was very disappointed in Theresa for not telling Ethan the truth about his paternity. And, he understood why Ethan felt he couldn't go through with the wedding after that. Ethan and Theresa had a major breach of trust and starting a marriage under those circumstances, would be far from ideal. Luis did hope that Theresa would be able to prove to Ethan that she didn't send the email. He didn't know how she would do it, but had promised her he'd help her investigate as soon as he came home from his honeymoon in Spain.

Despite the events of that day, he and Sheridan decided to go ahead with their wedding. Both of them wanted nothing more than to be husband and wife and even though Ethan and Theresa wouldn't be getting married with them, there was no reason for them not to walk down the aisle. Luis knew that Alistair and Julian would do anything to prevent them from getting married and if the truth be known, both he and Sheridan were a little afraid if they postponed the wedding, something else might happen. Besides, the plans were all made, the guests had arrived and the woman of his dreams was waiting to become his wife just a few feet away. There was nothing stopping them.

The wedding had gone off flawlessly and the reception had been wonderful, despite the mess with Ethan and Theresa`s part. Luis noticed Sheridan was feeling a bit under the weather towards the end of the evening, but he assumed it was due to her anxiety over Ethan and Theresa as well as their busy day. Never in a million years would he have expected to find his wife near death only a few hours later.

Luis jumped to attention when he heard a man's voice. He looked up and saw the emergency room doctor looking down on him with a stone faced expression. Luis swallowed hard, standing up and braced himself for the news. He was preparing himself for the worst.

“Señor” the middle aged doctor began sullenly. Luis noticed a hint of contempt in his voice as his dark eyes scrutinized him. He had no idea why. “Your wife is still alive, though I do not understand how she can be. She was poisoned.”

“I did not say she ingested it. I said she was poisoned. I am sorry to say señor, but it appears as though her wedding ring was coated with a lethal substance. Her left ring finger was swollen, so we checked... Most people would have died almost instantly from such an exposure.”

Luis' mind was racing, his heart in his stomach, knowing that it looked like he was the one who tried to kill his wife. “Let me get this straight, someone coated her wedding ring with poison? Why would someone do something like this? I don't understand.”

“That is precisely what the authorities will be asking you Señor Lopez Fitzgerald” the doctor said, glaring at Luis. The doctor raised his hand and what appeared to be an army of uniformed officers surrounded a completely stunned Luis.

“Sam, I'm telling you, it had to be Alistair Crane. There's no other explanation” Luis said angrily, slamming his fist down on the stark wooden table in front of him. As angry as Luis was at the entire situation, he was at least pleased that the Spanish police allowed him to contact someone. Knowing no one in Spain, Luis chose to call Sam, hoping he could help get him out of this mess. Never in a million years did he dream that he would be spending his honeymoon in a foreign jail, accused of the attempted murder of his bride. The last two days had been hell for him, as the local authorities refused to give him any information on Sheridan. He knew she was at least alive, because if she hadn't been, he was sure they would have charged him with murder immediately.

“No, of course not Luis” Sam said shaking his head. “I know there is no way you'd kill anyone, especially Sheridan, but these people don't know you the way I do, the way Sheridan does. All they see is a guy from the wrong side of the tracks marries a rich woman and the woman nearly dies shortly after she marries him. You stand to inherit all of her money if she dies and it's no secret that Sheridan came into a huge trust fund from her mother once she married. The tabloids have been printing stories for years about that trust fund.”

“I don't want any of Sheridan's money, Sam” Luis spat heatedly. “All I ever wanted was a nice normal middle class life. I never wanted any part of the Cranes or their money. You know it. Sheridan knows it. Hell, anyone who knows me knows that.”

“I'm telling you Sam, it was Alistair. I'm sure Julian was part of it, but there's no way he was behind it. He's bad news, but no where near as evil as that bastard father of his. Alistair never loved Sheridan. He proved that when he set up the impostor scheme and then again when he tried to use Sheridan's need for his love against her and get her to postpone the wedding and go with him to Europe.”

“Don't even go there Sam” Luis sneered. “Why would a mother systematically kill her five children? If someone can do that then Alistair Crane is certainly capable of killing Sheridan. All he cares about is his precious Empire. I'm convinced of that. He threw Ethan to the wolves the minute he found out he was your son and not Julian's. One minute he wants to name him heir and the next minute he was out on the street without a place to live. Ethan was still the same person, yet he had no difficulty cutting him off like he was some sort of plague. Or have you forgotten that?”

“Because you are an idiot, Julian” Alistair seethed. “And my sources inform me that that no good cop is trying to finger us. He`s already got Sam Bennett there with him and we both know how Harmony`s Chief of Police feels about the Cranes.”

Alistair stared at his son with utter contempt. “As much as I'd like to see you wearing an orange jumpsuit Julian” Alistair said thoughtfully, “I don't want the Spanish police, the FBI or anyone for that matter investigating this family. So, I guess I have to do some damage control.”

“That's right Luis. It seems as though they still have friends out there and when they heard you and Sheridan were getting married and honeymooning in Spain, it would be the perfect opportunity for revenge on both of you. Sheridan would be dead and you arrested for the murder.”

“Believe it Luis” Sam said. “The Spanish police have proof. It seems as though one of the prison guards overheard Roger and Pierre gloating about it. They read in the paper that Sheridan was dying in the hospital and you were in jail. They couldn't help but take credit for it.”

“Nope” Luis said shaking his head, “I don't buy it. It's not Roger and Pierre's style. They never want to be connected to their crimes. It took us months to get them the last time and look at the scam the FBI had to pull in order to bring them down. There is no way that it could be traced back to them so quickly. Alistair is responsible for this, I know he is. He must be afraid I'd convince the local authorities to investigate him and decided to buy off one of those guards in order to throw us off their trail. He's running scared.”

Luis and Sam quietly walked into Sheridan's room at the small hospital, after showing their ID to an officer posted outside her door. Luis was pleased to see that Sheridan was being protected, but believed it not necessary. Something told him Alistair wouldn't be making any attempts on Sheridan's life now that the law was involved.

Luis immediately obliged and immediately went to her side. “Sheridan, I'm so happy you're all right honey” he said, choking out his words. Gingerly he bent down by her side and places his arms around her. He was surprised by the strength she had when she pulled him into a tight embrace.

“Not a change Luis” Sheridan said with a slight sparkle in her eyes. Even in her weakened condition, Sheridan was flirting dangerously with him. She kissed his cheek and murmured in his ear, “We haven't even consummated our marriage yet Luis. You don't think I'm going to leave this earth before that happens do you?”

Now Sheridan was the one blushing. “I think I'll go find Sheridan's doctor and find out how she's doing” Sam said, realizing Sheridan and Luis needed some time alone. He was very pleased to see Sheridan was feeling so well after everything she'd been through. The report he'd received earlier on the poison she'd been given was scary. It was a miracle she was alive at all.

“You're welcome” Sam returned. He too was relieved. Relieved Sheridan was going to be all right and relieved Luis was no longer a suspect. He did hope however that the Spanish authorities were right and Roger and Pierre were responsible for this because if they weren't that meant that Luis was probably right. And Sam hated to think about the implications that Sheridan's own father wanted her dead.

“Everything is taken care of Father” Julian said in almost a giddy tone. “No one will suspect we had anything to do with Sheridan's poisoning. I even gave a statement to the press admonishing those creatures for daring to make an attempt on my dear sweet sister's life during the happiest time of her life.”

“Yes Julian” Alistair said contemplatively. “I'm aware of your statement to the press. I hope for your sake those two drug lords don't have friends on the outside or it will be they who will come after you Julian. What did I ever do to deserve you for a son?”

“Enough on this right now Julian” Alistair said. “We have a bigger problem right now. How to end you sister's marriage to Luis and we can't kill her, at least not while she is in Spain. We have to come up with another way of dissolving their wedded bliss.”

“Yes Father” Julian said automatically. Julian knew that it was imperative to keep Luis from finding out the truth behind his father's disappearance. If Luis ever found out what happened to Martin Fitzgerald, it could bring down the entire Crane Empire. That was what Alistair had been telling Julian for as long as he could remember, but if the truth be told, Julian wasn't even sure what happened to Martin. He'd spent so much time agreeing with his father that no one must ever find out what happened to Martin, he never stopped to find out what exactly it was that did happen.

“Luis must never learn what really happened to his father” Julian said, not listening to one word Alistair said. He was too consumed in his own thoughts. Julian remembered the body under the bloody sheet and Sheridan coming down the stairs late that night finding the body in the living room. `Poor Sheridan' he thought to himself. `If only she hadn't wakened that night things might have been so different. At least you're still alive sister dear and Father isn't going to try and force me to kill you again, at least not right away...'

`Here we go again' Julian thought as he wondered what it was that really made his father tick. Julian had tried for many years to please his father, always failing miserably. He'd pulled many dirty ticks in his life, but never got the sense of pleasure from them that he believed Alistair received when he ruined someone's business or personal life. Julian couldn't thank God enough Sheridan didn't die from that poison. He'd never tell Alistair, but he'd wiped most of it off shortly after he put it on. He knew he had to leave enough on to make her sick, but the thought of killing his own sister was just too much for him to bear.

`I'll never be able to measure up to you Father' Julian thought as he listened to his father's explanation of exactly how Sheridan would be arrested for killing Martin Fitzgerald and how Luis would drop her like a bad habit. `Setting up your own daughter for a murder she didn't commit. That wasn't even Martin's body under that sheet. Oh Sheridan, if only you hadn't come back to Harmony, none of this would be happening to you.'

I'm counting on it Luis” Sheridan smiled as she kissed him firmly on the lips. Luis expected it to be a gentle kiss, but Sheridan made sure it was filled with passion, enough so that Luis wouldn't waste another second getting back to their villa.

Sheridan and Luis spent the remainder of their honeymoon in complete wedded bliss. By the time their honeymoon was over, both of them were completely relaxed and more in love with each other than ever before. The day they had to leave was difficult for both of them. For one reason, they'd spent the last two and a half weeks touring Spain by day and making love by night. It was just the two of them, no interference from outside forces, a veritable paradise. As soon as the plane was in the air, headed back to Harmony, Luis however got that feeling, the one in his gut that only acted up when he sensed danger for Sheridan.

Pete held a piece of paper in front of him, looked up at Sheridan, then Luis and then back to his paper. “I'm really sorry to have to do this, really sorry. Sheridan Crane Lopez Fitzgerald, it is my duty to arrest you for the murder of Martin Fitzgerald. This order is by the Harmony District Attorney...”

Sheridan stood there completely stunned. She wasn't sure, but she thought she might have fainted for a few seconds, because she felt Luis helping her stand up. She didn't know what the officer was saying and the only thing she heard after district attorney was “Do you understand these rights?”

Luis said nothing during the trip to the station, he just held Sheridan in his arms and thought. He thought about the hypnosis session last year; he thought about Eve Russell; He thought about his father and what it would mean if he was indeed dead. Did they finally find his body? Was his father really dead? Why did this happen now? On the day he came home from his honeymoon? He thought and thought and by the time he got to the station house with Sheridan and the officers, he knew the answer to all of his questions.

Still silent, Luis walked into the station and stayed with Sheridan during the entire booking process. When they were finished, Luis asked for a favor. “Sheridan is entitled to a phone call” Luis said with a stone face. “Before she gets that, I'd like Sam to come talk to both of us.”

“Your sister has been arrested and is being booked at this very moment. Luis is with her of course, but I don't think that will be the case once he hears that tape of Sheridan confessing to his father's murder, courtesy of Eve Russell.”

“Grow a spine man! If you want to remain my heir, you need to learn that everyone is expendable. Save the empire at all cost. You'll never see me caught for anything I do. I've never not gotten what I want and your sniveling sister and that low life husband of hers will not be the first people to stand in my way. Of that you can be certain.”

Julian walked over to the bar where his father poured his coffee, looked at the pot and grabbed the bottle of brandy behind it. He poured himself a glassful and swallowed half of it in one gulp. Right now he was being haunted by visions of his mother and he didn't like it. Not one bit.

Sheridan sat there, not knowing what to say. She'd been afraid for years she'd killed someone and now it looked like it was true. Not only had she killed someone, but she'd killed the father of the man she loved; her husband's father and for that she was going to pay.

Sam did his best to be impartial, but it was difficult. This was a very emotional case for him as he'd known Luis his whole life as well as his father. Sam also knew Sheridan was nothing like the rest of her family and having the DA use her to make a name for themselves by making an example of Sheridan was cruel if nothing else.

Luis was affected briefly when he heard the tape played of Sheridan's voice admitting to killing his father. Sheridan became convinced she actually did kill Martin Fitzgerald and began pulling away from Luis. She felt Luis could never love someone who took his father from him and she thought it would be easier if she ended things now, rather than having Luis do it later.

Luis, however wasn't giving into Sheridan's wishes. Though upset initially upon hearing the tape, Luis soon became convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt that Alistair and Julian Crane were responsible for this. Anytime evidence regarding his father's disappearance came up, it was one of them involved, namely Julian, but Luis knew this was only because Alistair wanted it that way. He knew that Alistair was the puppeteer and Julian merely the puppet on a string. If their plan went awry, then Julian would be left to take the fall, not Alistair. He knew this to be true with the Martin impostor scheme and the burned files from the Crane archives. If Sheridan were responsible for his father's disappearance, they would have let her fall for this long ago. No way would they wait until now. Nope, this was another plan hatched by the master fiend Alistair. It was another attempt to break him and Sheridan apart. Another attempt to prevent Luis from investigating his father's disappearance and finding out the truth.

“Okay Sam” Luis said adamantly the day after Sheridan's arrest. “If the DA wants to use Sheridan as a sacrificial lamb, let him. Sheridan agrees with me and we want her right to a speedy trial. We want this trial as soon as possible AND we want access to every newspaper who is willing to interview us.”

“You bet Sam” Luis said firmly. “Sheridan was a child when my father disappeared. The only evidence against Sheridan is a tape that she doesn't remember making. We've asked Eve if it came from the hypnosis session she had with her last summer and Eve denied it. She has no reason to lie, so who made the tape and why? There's no body, no motive. As a child she'd be hardly capable of covering up the crime, if there indeed was a crime. I'm telling you Sam, the DA has no case. He can't even trace where the tape came from. Sheridan's lawyer will make mince meat out of him.”

“Yes, he is” Luis said with a hint of nervousness. Luis had grown to actually like Ethan, but he wasn't too sure about his ability to hold Sheridan's life in his hands. “I told her I wouldn't mind if she wanted to use her trust fund to get one of those New York lawyers, but she has complete faith in Ethan.”

The DA did look like a fool and the case never even made it to trial. There was a public outcry to stop this nonsense of making Sheridan pay for a crime that there was no proof was committed. Harmony was a small town and everyone in it knew the Lopez Fitzgerald's and the fact that they had been waiting for years for Martin to return home. Many of them did presume Martin dead, but never at the hands of a small child. If the Lopez Fitzgerald's believed Sheridan was innocent, that was good enough for them. Most didn't know Sheridan as well as Luis' family, but they did know she was nothing like the rest of the Cranes and no one wanted to see the only decent member of the family pay. It was suggested that if the DA wanted to make an arrest, he should arrest Alistair Crane or his son Julian.

Though she was happy to leave the jail cell, Sheridan spirits were not what they should be. “Home? And where is that?” She asked. Sheridan knew of Luis' suspicions of her family being responsible for sending that tape to the DA's office and though she wasn't as convinced as Luis, she knew it was a good possibility.

“Positive” Luis said softly, taking her in his arms. “We'll go to the cottage now and pack up you things. Whatever we can't bring to Mama's that you want to keep, we'll put in storage until we get our own place. A home for you and me and all the children we are going to have.”

“I've got it Sheridan” Luis shouted, though his voice was muffled through the closet walls. Luis barely had his hands on the cardboard box tucked away in the top of the closet that had once been part of the cottage living room, when he felt the ladder give way under his feet.

Luis could tell how terrified Sheridan was at this point. “Come here” Luis beckoned with his arms wide open. Sheridan welcomed his embrace. He kissed the top of her head while comforting his wife. “Sheridan, in a few hours we'll be out of here for good, away from your family's estate, but right now, I think we should investigate what's in that passageway. Don't forget, my family lived here at the time my father disappeared. Maybe there is a clue in there somewhere.”

Luis shone his flashlight through the opening in the wall of Sheridan's closet before timidly climbing through himself. He did a 360 once inside, flashing his light in all directions including floor and ceiling before he reached his hand to grasp Sheridan's outstretched arm.

The two of them continued along the path, noticing this passageway was leading them on a downward slope. The walls were made of stone, apparently hundreds of years old. Every twenty feet or so there was an old lantern holder securely fastened to the stone wall. There were even a few ancient lanterns still in place, though the chance of any oil still being in them was nil.

“My guess is these tunnels are left over from the runaway railroad Sheridan” Luis said, looking all around him. “TC Russell is quite the historian on the subject and Harmony was very active in helping the slaves en route to Canada.”

Sheridan looked down each tunnel with her flashlight and frowned. “I have no idea” she finally said. “All I can tell you is that tunnel has an upward slope while these two are still going down.” Sheridan was pointing towards the different directions as she made her observation.

“I see it!” Sheridan said excitedly. She felt her heart begin to pound and she squeezed Luis' hand tightly, not realizing she had a death grip on him. The two of them slowly continued forward, cautious now that there was light ahead, not knowing what they would find.

Several minutes later, Sheridan and Luis found themselves in a well lit opening beneath the ground. They shut off their flashlights to conserve the batteries, noting there were wide passageways that appeared to go around in a circle. Following the path to the right, both of them were looking all around them for any sign of what this place might be.

“I have no idea” Luis answered. Try as he might, he couldn't locate a power source anywhere, nor could he find the source of the light. The open passageway was illuminated much the way recess lighting worked, yet there was no sign of a light bulb, lamp, the sun or any other source of light. It was just there.

“I wish I knew Sheridan” Luis said thoughtfully. Luis decided to scan the area in the center. “There has to be something here. No one builds an area like this for nothing” he said, ”and something has to be supplying power here. If I had to make a bet, I'd say we're beneath the mansion.”

Both of them were looking for something on the damp stone walls of the passageway, so they paid no attention to the dirt floor beneath them. Sheridan suddenly lurched forward. Had it not been for Luis grabbing her quickly, she would have hit the ground with a thud.

“Luis! Look!” Sheridan shouted, falling to her knees. Still partially covered with the dirt floor, was a huge brass ring. It was considerably aged and tarnished; yet it was there. Luis, who was on his knees as well by now and Sheridan furiously cleared away the earth, exposing the entire ring.

“I can't believe this!” Alistair said seething with anger. “That damned District Attorney caved into the wishes of the people and went against ME! How dare he? He has the audacity to disobey Alistair Crane. He'll regret that decision, Julian. You mark my words. He will regret it.”

“The plan was foolproof. Either way I should have won. Either Sheridan was sent to prison for life and she and Luis would never be together, or else Luis would have dumped her and they wouldn't be together or both. This shouldn't have happened.”

The two of them scrambled to their feet, hearts pounding, heads racing. `Maybe Luis was right after all?' Sheridan thought to herself. `Maybe this was a vault beneath the Crane mansion.' Taking hold of Luis' hand, the two of them proceeded forward into the opening through the wall.

Surrounding them were priceless artworks, tapestries and antiques of all kinds. Treasure chests filled with jewels and gold, bottles and bottles of different colored liquids and in the center of it all, what appeared to be a small fountain.

“I wish I knew” Luis said. He shook his head in disbelief. Never in his life had he ever seen anything like it. The two of them continued to explore the vast cave and they both stopped dead in their tracks when they saw a huge metallic oval shaped object with a glass front and door on it, against the back wall of the cave.

Luis circled the small craft while Sheridan's attention was distracted by a rolled up piece of parchment that lying on a table a few feet from the craft. There was something strange about the parchment that caused her to pick it up. Sheridan unrolled it and her jaw dropped when she stared at the precision drawing. She was about to call Luis' name when suddenly the lights on the dash like interior glowed and everything on the small craft seemingly came to life. “What's happening?” Sheridan asked in a panic, allowing the antique paper to return to its cylindrical shape.

“I don't know” Luis said, his adrenalin rushing. “But I think we'd better get out of here.” Luis had a feeling of impending doom come over him and without wasting a minute, Luis grabbed Sheridan's hand and the two of them went rushing out of the cave. Flashlights back on, they continued to run through the passageway as fast as they could. Up and up they went through the tunnel. They didn't even stop to make a decision about which tunnel to take, they just ran.

Though both of them were totally fascinated by what they'd seen underground tonight, getting away from Alistair Crane, was the most important thing in the world to both of them. Hand in hand Luis and Sheridan walked back to the cottage in the moonlit night.

Sheridan and Luis talked endlessly about what they saw deep underneath the ground as they slowly made their way back towards the Crane Estate. Sheridan showed Luis the drawing she still had with her, which looked almost like a blueprint of the strange object they'd seen in the room beneath the ground. Though the drawing was fascinating, both agreed that the most important thing right now was getting Sheridan off Crane property, so they agreed to take another look at it later, once things had settled down.

The topic was now dropped for the time being and they concentrated on packing up the rest of Sheridan's things. As Sheridan carefully packed the rolled up parchment among her things, something was definitely nagging at her about it. Not being able to put her finger on it, she shrugged her shoulders and went on to her next project. Ethan, Hank and a couple of Luis' buddies from the station joined them to help move the furniture Sheridan wanted into a borrowed truck. Once the men arrived, things really started moving quickly. In what seemed like no time at all, the cottage was emptied, Hank had driven the truck to Luis' house for the night and the others packed the remaining bags in Luis' car.

Luis walked up to her and took his new wife in his arms. “We did have some good times here Sheridan” Luis agreed, “but soon we will have a house of our own, away from your family and we will make a lifetime of wonderful memories there.”

“Hi Mama” Luis said as he walked into his mother's kitchen with Sheridan on his arm. Sheridan was slightly uncomfortable for the first time in her life around Pilar. Then again, this was the first time in her life she had to rely on someone for a place to life. Before now, it had never been an issue.

“Nonsense Sheridan!” Pilar said in a dismissive fashion. “You are family now and my family is always welcomed to stay here for as long as they wish. For that matter, you would have been welcomed to stay here even if you had not married my son.”

“Thank you Pilar” Sheridan said shyly. One of the many things she loved about Luis was his family and how loving they were. Though his father disappeared when he was young, he grew up in a house with all the love and support she wished she'd had as a child. She was grateful that she was now part of that family with Luis and that they welcomed her so readily.

Pilar shook her head and Sheridan laughed when Luis winked at her. “I'll never understand where you put it all Luis” Pilar said. Though she was teasing Luis about his eating habits, the truth was she was really enjoying having Luis and Sheridan there, even if it was only temporary.

“Pilar, you wouldn't believe what we saw down there” Sheridan said, her eyes wide with wonder. “There were pieces of lost art I don't think anyone knows even exist. I saw a painting I swear was Michelangelo's but it was nothing I ever remember from any of my art history courses. What was there was truly amazing.”

“Oh and Mama, there was this machine on the back wall. I have no idea what it was. It was... Luis threw his hands in the air as if to demonstrate, but had no idea what he was trying to show. “It was just some sort of craft, I mean I think it was built for people, but neither of us have ever seen anything like it.”

“Luis, this story you and Sheridan are telling me is truly... amazing” Pilar said in disbelief. Had it not been for the fact that Luis had never lied to her in his life, nor was he one to make up stories, she would have immediately dismissed it as pure fancy. Her problem was, if Luis said he saw it, she believed he did and there was something very disturbing to her about that.

“Mama, I know this all sounds ridiculous, but we saw it, I promise you. I only wish we knew what it was we saw. Sheridan has a drawing of it that she took from the cave. Unfortunately I think she packed it away and it's probably buried in the garage right now.”

Luis was deep in thought as he finished drinking his coffee. “Mama, do you think it's possible that Papa found that cave? Maybe he found the secret passageway in the cottage and he confronted Alistair about it. Is it possible that finding those passageways or something in that cave is the reason that Papa disappeared?”

“Luis, mijo” Pilar began with a half nervous, half disbelieving grin, “I can't imagine finding some old underground tunnels could be the cause of your father's disappearance, but with what you say you saw in that cave... Luis, I don't know what to believe. I suppose it is possible.”

Sheridan placed a finger gently over Luis' lips, stopping him from continuing. “Luis, please don't apologize” Sheridan asked. “This is perfect, really it is. I couldn't ask for a home more filled with love than right here. As long as I am with you, my husband that I adore, I'll be happy.”

“I hope you're right” Sheridan said with a forlorn look. She found herself reaching out to her husband for comfort. “Luis, I really hope they'll leave us alone now. Maybe Alistair and Julian won't see you as a threat anymore, now that we're not living in the cottage. Maybe they'll just let us be, to live our lives.”

Luis held Sheridan protectively in his arms, gently caressing her back, as she held Luis tightly around the waist, resting her head on his shoulder. “I promise you Sheridan” Luis said with complete conviction, “One day I'll find a way to make sure your family never hurts you again. I don't know how yet, but I will find a way. I love you too much to let them ruin your life and our happiness.”

Luis saw the tears form in Sheridan's eyes. “Hey” he said softly, stopping her from finishing that sentence. “Don't even think that way Sheridan” Luis said wiping away the tears as they began to cascade down her soft cheek. “I don't believe a word of that tape. It's another cold and calculating scheme cooked up by your heartless father to break us up. I know in my heart and in my head that you could never do such a thing. Apparently the people in Harmony know it as well. Sheridan, what you and I have is special. It's a once in a lifetime love and I won't allow your family or anyone else destroy that love.”

“And I love you Mrs. Lopez Fitzgerald and don't you ever forget that” Luis replied. Luis caressed Sheridan's cheek and then kissed her gingerly on the lips. Sheridan returned his kiss fervently. She loved this man with every ounce of her being and suddenly felt the need to get as close to him as possible. She wrapped her arms tightly around Luis' neck and wouldn't let go. He responded to her kisses, having the same desire for closeness as Sheridan.

“That's the best idea I've heard all night” Luis smiled seductively as he reveled in the feeling of Sheridan's light touch. His mouth sought hers and captured it in a searing kiss. Sheridan managed to remove Luis' shirt from his body and tossed it across the room, enjoying the sight before her. She again kissed his chiseled form and Luis, who was becoming increasingly excited, decided that turn about was fair play. Slowly, he lowered the zipper to her dress, allowing it to fall lower on her shoulders. Then with a skilled hand, he lowered it until the dress fell in a puddle on the floor, leaving her in her silky bra and panties.

Luis' eyes darkened, knowing that her curvaceous body was only a flick of the wrist away. Sheridan was all too aware of the effect she was having on Luis and rubbed her body seductively against his, causing him to groan deeply. Again, they sought each others' lips, allowing them to merge in a most wild and passionate kiss. Both of them were in such desperate need to become one, they paid little attention to where they were. They didn't hear the gentle rapping on the door. It wasn't until they heard a shocked gasp, that they realized they were no longer alone.

“I am so sorry” Miguel said completely flustered when he opened Luis' door, finding Sheridan and his brother in a rather compromising position. Quickly, the two pulled apart when Miguel spoke. Luis protectively stood in front of his wife, shielding her from the embarrassment he was sure she was feeling at the moment.

“Tell Mama we're fine Miguel” Luis said in an exasperated voice. He then realized that Miguel was mortified by the whole incident and lightened his tone. Sheridan stood behind Luis with her head buried in his back. “I guess we'll have to remember to lock our door from now on.”

As embarrassed as she was, being in Luis' arms again, was just what she needed to be reminded of what they were doing before they were interrupted. “You're right, Luis” Sheridan said softly, “because I want you to be my husband in every way.”

“Then I suggest we pick up where we left off” Luis said in a deep voice. Before waiting for an answer, Luis had once again pulled Sheridan into a very steamy kiss. The two of them began to make love to each other, pleasuring each other in a way no one could ever understand. There were no boundaries when it came to their love for each other, except that where they went together when they made love, was a place no one else could ever take them. It was a place of peace and joy and complete commitment to each other. It was a place where only their love for each other took them and allowed their love to strengthen with each visit.

The next few weeks were filled with ups and downs as Sheridan got acclimated to her new home, temporary though it might be. As warm as the Lopez Fitzgerald home was and as welcome as Sheridan was in it, she still had many periods of sadness that Luis had a hard time bringing her out of. He knew she was worried about what her father and brother had in store for them. So far, neither Sheridan nor Luis had seen or heard anything from the house on the hill, but it was like a black cloud hanging over them. Both knew it was just a matter of time before Alistair and his stooge Julian did something to try and ruin their lives.

Sheridan woke this particular morning after having a rather disturbing nightmare and had been in a quiet state all day. Luis had the day off from the station and spent it attentively at her side, yet nothing seemed to help for more than a few minutes. He walked into the kitchen to get a drink for Sheridan and saw his mother wiping down the counter. Pilar had been gone all day at the mansion and snuck in through the back door quietly, not wanting to disturb Luis and Sheridan.

“No, not yet, but we're waiting. We both know they're up to something. Come on Mama, the day Sheridan and I got engaged they brought on the impostor and tried to make Sheridan believe I was sleeping with another woman. When that didn't work they tried to make her believe I battered women. Then Alistair played with Sheridan's emotions, knowing how desperate she is for his love and acceptance. When she refused to leave me and go with him, he did something so completely horrifying by trying to kill her, poisoning her wedding ring and setting me up for doing it.”

“Yeah, yeah, I know” Luis muttered angrily. “Alistair made it look like it was those drug lords who did it. He paid off guards at the prison in France to say they overheard Roger and Pierre bragging about killing Sheridan and setting me up for it. The ultimate revenge on their part, but I'm not buying it.”

“Oh, and let's not forget his latest scheme. Trying to make me believe that Sheridan killed Papa when she was a little girl? Faking that tape? And trying to get her arrested for the crime? Mama, there isn't a word to describe how despicable that man is.”

“Well, one thing I have learned about Alistair Crane, is I believe nothing I hear or see involving him or the rest of that family. I'll never take anything at face value again. I know Sheridan didn't kill Papa. She couldn't have. Whether Eve's rationale is right or not as to why Sheridan either saw or thinks she saw a body under a bloody sheet all those years ago, I'll never believe she killed Papa. I just wish I could get her to believe that. Mama, this is tearing her up. The only way Sheridan and I are ever going to have a normal life is if I can get Alistair out of her life for good.”

“I know Mama” Luis said. “But I have to tell you, the thought has crossed my mind. I've never had that thought before no matter what anyone has done to me, but that man deserves to die. The only thing keeping me from doing it is I know how much it would hurt Sheridan. I love that woman too much to ever do anything to hurt her.”

“That man has nearly destroyed her life Mama. He's been playing with her emotions since she was a child and has gone so far as to try to kill her. He's not going to stop and unfortunately, no matter what he does, there is always going to be a part of Sheridan that wants that bastard to love her. So, the only thing I can do, is find a way to put him away for the rest of his unnatural life. Some place where he can't hurt her anymore, so we can get on with our life. Have the family we've dreamed of having. Sheridan deserves that. She deserves some normalcy in her life. She deserves to be happy without that evil bastard interfering.”

“It might” Luis said, but Sheridan knows what he's done. She'll get over it with time. She's strong Mama, but she won't stand a chance with that man still on the loose. He's pure evil. Not to mention that I've been wanting to find out what happened to Papa, so now I'm going to concentrate on nothing but keeping Sheridan away from Alistair and finding out what happened to Papa.”

Pilar sighed heavily. She was worried for her son and for Sheridan. Unfortunately, she knew Luis was right. Neither one of them would ever have a moment's peace in their marriage as long as Alistair Crane was still around manipulating things.

“Luis” Pilar asked thoughtfully, “I know you've tried to find a link to the Cranes and your father's disappearance in the past and have come up completely empty handed. How are you going to prove that Alistair is behind your father's disappearance?”

“I've been giving that a lot of thought Mama” Luis answered with a stone face. “I haven't told Sheridan this yet, but I am planning on doing some research. I am going to find out everything I can about the Cranes. I'm going to go back as far as I can in their history and learn the whole sordid past of the Cranes.”

“Oh really?” Luis spat bitterly. “Well, that's just too bad, Mama, because I don't like people messing with my family either. I told you, the only way Sheridan and I will ever have any peace, is if I can put old man Alistair away for a long time. I need to find out as much as I can about my enemy.”

“I am Mama. I am at war with those bastards. Sheridan is too, only she hasn't looked at it that way yet. The problem is, we have been on the defensive all this time. We've had to fight back every time Alistair and Julian launched an attack. It's time for us to fight back.”

“Well, if it isn't the newlyweds” Tabitha said glowing. “Won't you come in dears.” Tabitha opened the door, warmly inviting Sheridan and Luis into her home. “The kids are watching a movie they rented tonight. I believe it will be over shortly. Why not join us?”

“Timmy, you still have a lot to learn” Tabitha said. “Alistair is responsible for Luis' father, Martin Fitzgerald's disappearance among countless other horrendous deeds. He knows that Luis will stop at nothing until he finds out what happened to his father, so Sheridan being married to Luis is a threat to his empire.” Tabitha spat out the last words in distaste.

“Luis and Sheridan wouldn't believe me either, Tim Tim” the old witch sneered, “but don't worry, doll face. I think the time has come. Sheridan and Luis will find out what happened to Martin Fitzgerald and in the process will learn much more than they ever bargained for.”

Tabitha perked her ears and heard the closing credits to the movie. “Watch and learn doll face. I am about to plant some seeds. If I`m lucky, it won`t be long before these seeds grow into Venus Flytraps.” Tabitha cackled to herself as she headed for the other room.

Timmy returned to doll mode and Tabitha put on her best smile to face the young people in her living room. Things in Harmony were about to change and with a little bit of luck, she would soon get a chance to see the high and mighty Alistair Crane get his.

“Wouldn't it be something if we could travel through time like that?” Jessica said, with a dreamy quality to her voice. “Wait till you see the second movie, Charity. They travel 25 years into the future and Marty gets to see what his life will be like.”

Reese puffed his chest out at the compliment, but had to set Luis straight once and for all. “I am a man of science Luis” Reese stated importantly. “But, much research is being done in this area. We may not see it in our lifetimes, but some day, time travel will be as routine as going to the moon was in the 1970's.”

“It's Reese, Tabitha!” Reese yelled in frustration before what she said had time to sink in. When it did, he found himself perplexed. “Wait, did you just say you agreed with me? You believe that someday we will be able to travel through time?”

Miguel and Charity looked at Tabitha with quizzical smiles on their faces, Kay turned to Jessica and rolled her eyes, motioning with her finger that was twirling by her head, that Tabitha was nuts, while Sheridan and Luis looked at each other in disbelief.

“Yes, well,” Tabitha continued, ignoring Reese's remark, “one of his blueprints was for a time machine, and according to legend, Leonardo actually built this time machine and it and the blueprints for it were stolen from the master by a witch named Hecuba...”

Tabitha could tell by the reactions she had the curiosity piqued of her visitors. She knew most were disbelievers at this point, but they were listening, which is all she wanted at this point. She chuckled slightly to herself and continued. Hecuba herself disappeared about 300 years ago and according to legend, the time machine was left in her lair, deep beneath the earth. That lair is somewhere in Harmony.”

Though not saying anything out loud, Charity and Miguel both knew that there was indeed a witch named Hecuba, though as far as they knew, Hecuba had far from disappeared. It hadn't been all that long ago, they had an up close and personal experience with her. Kay too knew of Hecuba's existence.

“So you are saying that this time machine has been hidden for the last three hundred years in the lair of a witch, who disappeared?” Luis asked, trying not to sound flippant with this sweet old lady, but clearly having a difficult time believing this.

“Well, according to the legend I heard, this witch, Hecuba was banished to some place or other around 300 years ago. I suppose she could still be there, but I really wouldn't know about that” Tabitha laughed. “Her lair, which was left unattended during her exile, was found by someone who lived in this town. And that someone found the time machine and it has been in use ever since.”

Tabitha shook her head from side to side and had a pained expression on her face. “Unfortunately, the time machine was not used for good, I am afraid. It was used for selfish reasons and helped perpetrate evil in Harmony. Now it's been many years since I've heard this legend, but as of it's last telling, the machine was still in use for not so righteous motives.”

The kids all looked at each other with disbelieving expressions, but didn't want to hurt Tabitha's feelings by telling her they didn't believe her; all of them except Reese though, who was still being held to silence by Kay and Jessica. Luis and Sheridan didn't know what to make of this fantastic story either, but smiled graciously as Tabitha finished her tale.

Miguel kissed Charity good-bye and all said their good nights as Luis, Sheridan, Miguel and Reese took their leave. Once outside and safely down the street, Luis shook his head and chuckled. “I can't believe that woman,” Luis said in amusement. “I always thought she was strange, but this is downright ludicrous.”

Luis squirmed anxiously. Even though he'd heard all the stories and had been present for the craziness that had happened at the Bennett's house a few months back, he still had a very difficult time believing any of it. He was relieved when Reese spoke up and he didn't have to answer Miguel.

Miguel ran back towards Tabitha's house as the rest of the group slowly walked towards the Lopez Fitzgerald's house. Sheridan suddenly stopped dead in her tracks. Something had been bothering her about what Tabitha said and she remembered what it was. “I remember now. I know what seemed so familiar about something Tabitha said.”

“I'll find your drawing Sheridan” Luis said, without being asked. He believed all of this was for nothing. It was just imaginations going wild after the colorful tale of an eccentric old lady, but he also knew it wouldn't hurt anything.”

“Reese, this is it” Sheridan said, holding the rolled up piece of parchment. “Please, whatever you do, don't allow this drawing to get out. If you have to go to your uncle, you can't allow him to tell anyone, nor can you tell him where it came from.”

Reese took his leave and Sheridan and Luis walked into the house. They didn't mention what happened at Tabitha's again that night, but it was clearly in the back of their minds, mostly Sheridan's. Luis' thoughts soon drifted to something bigger than discovering the origin of a drawing. He planned on becoming the foremost authority on the Crane family. He knew somewhere in the deep dark past of Alistair Crane and his family there had to be something he could use against him. There had to be something he could use to finally take the offensive in the war he and Alistair were at. Luis knew one thing. He didn't plan on losing.

“You're right about Luis, Timmy” Tabby said thoughtfully. “But I did what I wanted to do. I planted the seed. Now all I have to do is sit back and watch it grow. Sheridan already suspects what I said is true, yet she's not sure why.”

A full month had now passed since Sheridan had moved out of the cottage. Alistair still hadn't returned from his mysterious trip and Julian was enjoying each day of his reprieve from his father's tyranny. As much as he wanted to be the Crane heir, Julian was almost ready to tell his father to keep his money... Almost but not quite. Julian was still quite fond of being a Crane, enjoying all the power and wealth that went with it. Despite the fact that he didn't want to kill his sister, he still couldn't understand why she would leave the Crane clan for that lowly cop, he despised. Julian decided he was going to enjoy himself completely while his father was gone. He didn't have any idea where Alistair went or when he would be returning, he only knew right now he wasn't there.

Julian also hadn't heard a word from his sister or Luis. `Maybe this is the answer?' Julian wondered. `If Sheridan and Luis aren't living in the cottage, then there is no way Luis can snoop around the Crane Estate, therefore he won't find out what happened to his father.' Even though this idea made perfect sense to Julian, he knew it wouldn't be enough for Alistair and the minute he returned from wherever he was, they'd be right back at operation separate and/or kill Sheridan and Luis. Julian sighed in defeat as he thought about having to kill Sheridan again.

Sheridan too, was becoming more at ease in her new environment. What lacked in privacy in Pilar's home, was more than made up for by Luis' family. She loved being around them, sharing the loving family moments with them that were completely foreign in the Crane household. Sheridan still had days where she was feeling blue, but they were much less frequent. She was even beginning to contemplate the idea that maybe her father and brother had given up.

As pleased as Luis was that Sheridan was doing much better, he didn't share her belief that Julian and Alistair had given up. Luis didn't want to frighten her, but he did let her know as gently as possible, not to let her guard down. He on the other hand was still waiting for something to happen. For the first time in his life, Luis was almost glad his mother was working at the mansion, as she was keeping him abreast on whether or not Alistair had returned from his trip.

Just during this past week, Sheridan began volunteering at the Youth Center two days a week while Luis was at work. It wasn't much, but it kept her busy doing something she really enjoyed and the kids were very glad to have her back after her long absence. On the days that Sheridan was at the Youth Center, Luis met her for lunch. She'd pack a picnic basket and the two off them would enjoy a quiet lunch in the park or on the beach. At the end of the day, he would pick her up and they would go back to Pilar's together.

“Hi handsome” Sheridan greeted as Luis walked into the Youth Center. The girls she was playing basketball with stopped dead in their tracks when they saw the Center's handsome director approach them wearing his signature grin. “Care for a little game of one on one?” Sheridan asked with a twinkle in her eye.

The girls happily agreed. Luis winked at the young girls noting how excited they were having Sheridan working there again. He chuckled as he thought about Sheridan's community service two years ago and how much it changed all their lives. He then extended his hand, which Sheridan promptly accepted and the two of them walked out of the Youth Center together.

“As long as you know that we can't go over the amount the bank allows us” Luis warned. “If we get the loan at all that is. It wasn't easy finding a bank in Harmony that wasn't owned by your family and I'm not entirely certain they don't own part of this one as well.”

Luis sighed as he started the engine to the car. “I might as well tell you Sheridan. I've been doing a little research on my lunch hours. You know, the boring ones I don't spend with you.” He winked at Sheridan and then continued. “I decided a few weeks ago to learn everything there is to know about the Crane family. It's always smart to know everything you can about your enemy.”

A saddened expression came over Sheridan's face. It broke Luis' heart to see her like this, which is exactly why he hadn't told her to begin with. “Sheridan, I'm sorry sweetie” Luis said softly, rubbing her shoulder. “But I couldn't just sit idly by and wait for whatever your father has planned for us next. I want to be ready for it.”

“From what I remember hearing, it was Alistair Wilson Crane who made the first million for the family” Sheridan said. “He would have been Alistair's great-great-great-great grandfather. I also understand that it was Alistair Wilson Crane's father, Jefferson Crane who got the ball rolling by purchasing lots of ocean front property, as well as all the land in this area that was to be used for the first continental railroad.”

“Yeah, a real genius” Luis said sarcastically. “According to what I read, much of the property he accumulated was done by blackmail, bribery, threats and a few other illicit activities. Now why would he go to such lengths to do that, when there was so much land available at the time?”

“I'm sorry, honey” Luis said sympathetically. “I know they are your family, but the truth is, the Cranes didn't make all their money through hard work. Much of it was made dishonestly.” As Luis finished his sentence, they turned into the bank's parking lot. “Hey, we can talk about this some more later. Right now, we have a mortgage to see about.”

“Good afternoon Mr. Lopez Fitzgerald” Ronald Dawson in a business like tone as he and Luis shook hands. “Mrs. Lopez Fitzgerald” he acknowledged. Sheridan shook the man's hand as well. The loan officer escorted Sheridan and Luis to his cramped office and offered them a seat.

“I have to tell you both, that it would have been a much simpler task in granting you a mortgage had you allowed us to use Mrs. Lopez Fitzgerald's trust fund as collateral” Dawson said, looking up at the two of them as if hoping they would change their minds.

“Absolutely not” Luis said. “Sheridan and I have both agreed we do not want this mortgage if it means having to use Crane money in any way. This was the reason we chose your bank, Mr. Dawson. From the information I could ascertain, the Cranes don't own it. I just hope that Alistair Crane doesn't own the people who work here.”

Ronald Dawson knew of Luis' hatred of the Cranes. “I understand” he said simply. He then looked back to the folder in front of him. Luis heaved a sigh and turned to Sheridan who wore an uneasy smile. Luis squeezed her hand reassuringly, as they waited for the loan officer to speak again.

“You do have several things in your favor, Mr. Lopez Fitzgerald” Dawson began. “Your credit is impeccable and you received an A1 rating from your superior officer at the Harmony PD. We have also received glowing personal references about you.”

It was clear that the loan officer would have preferred to offer them a larger loan. Undoubtedly he wanted to get hold of some of the Crane money, but Luis and Sheridan wanted no part of that. They would take the small loan they requested and begin looking for a home. A home of their own, earned completely without the help of Crane influence or money.

“Luis, I don't care about any of that” Sheridan said. “I've lived my whole live having everything a person could dream of handed to me on a silver platter and the only thing I ever wanted, money couldn't buy. So, you know what? I don't want it. All I want is to live a normal life with the man I love more than life itself.” Sheridan took Luis' hands in her own and gazed adoringly into his eyes. “Luis, I've never been happier in my life than I am right now.”

“So, Sheridan” Luis asked after a moment. “Which type of house would you prefer, a small yet comfortable house in a quiet neighborhood completely redecorated and waiting for us to move in or a drafty larger house in the same quiet neighborhood that needs a loving family to restore it to its original beauty?”

Sheridan smiled shyly. “Well, yes I have seen it” she admitted. I really love watching Steve and Norm transform some of those old houses into new ones. I used to watch it when I lived in Paris. I can remember watching them renovate this big old New England farmhouse back to it's original splendor. It was fabulous what they did to that house when I saw it at the end. I would love to do that to our home.”

Luis stared at the road in front of him for a few minutes before answering. Sheridan knew he was researching her family, but the two of them rarely talked about it. “He's going to give me some information on the Crane family's history in Harmony” Luis finally said. The silence that followed was deafening. Finally Sheridan drew a deep breath and broke the silence.

“You know what, Luis?” Sheridan said. “I want to go with you. I think you're right. I think we need to know everything we can about my family's history. Maybe there is a skeleton in the Crane closet we can use against Alistair to convince him to stay away from us for good.”

“Yes, I mean it Luis” Sheridan smiled. “Darling, I know I haven't been there with you while you have been investigating my family's history, but I've had to sort out my feelings. It's been difficult enough for me to deal with my family going to the lengths they have to break us up, but dealing with the fact that my father and brother tried to kill me and make it look like you did it...”

Luis was in shock. He hadn't shared his fears with her that Alistair masterminded the plot to kill her. The cover Alistair had created of the drug lords seeking revenge had been perfect, but apparently Sheridan was beginning to see the real danger her family posed.

Luis felt her pain and it about killed him to see her this way. “Sheridan, I want you to know that I don't believe for one minute that you killed my father” Luis said adamantly. “It's just another deranged scheme of your father's to break us up.”

“Don't you see Sheridan? That's why I have to do this. I have to find a way to permanently stop your father's reign of terror and the best way to do that is to find out what happened to my father. I've never kept it a secret that I want to find out the truth, nor have I made it a secret that I want the Cranes to pay for what they did to him. But, I have a new reason to want to get to the bottom of this. Now they are trying to destroy the love I share with the most important person in the world to me. That's you, Sheridan. We both know what they've done to us in an effort to separate us. We also both know in our hearts, that just because we haven't had anything bad happen to us in the last month that they will try again. No one goes to the lengths Alistair and Julian have gone to and gives up.”

“Sheridan, I don't know if you believe this or not, but I truly believe the real reason your family doesn't want us together is to prevent me from investigating my father's disappearance. I'm guessing that the reason they haven't tried anything recently is because we aren't living at the cottage, but as soon as they get wind of my new hobby, I assure you they'll try something.”

“No, no!” Luis chuckled. “Nothing has happened yet” Luis answered. “So far I've just been going to the library doing a little reading, that's all. I ran into Mr. Reinhold at the library the last time I was there and we got to talking a little.”

“Well, the conversation started off with him offering his sympathies to me for everything we've been through. He's been following it all in the newspaper. He asked me how I was dealing with it all and when I told him I didn't believe for one moment that you'd killed my father, he shook his head, as if he knew it to be true.”

“He said that he knew for a fact, that this wasn't the first time the Crane family had been known to do something this underhanded, even to a member of their own family. It seems as though Jerry's aunt Lillian Reinhold was in love with Everett Crane back in the late 40's.”

“I don't blame you Sheridan” Luis said. “It's mind boggling to say the least. But it seems as though your father, Alistair, Everett's younger brother, witnessed his brother murder Lillian. Alistair agreed to testify in exchange for keeping this all hush hush.”

“Because as the eldest Crane son, Everett stood to gain everything and Alistair nothing. He did it out of greed Sheridan. Plain and simple. Greed. It seems as though your grandfather, Alexander?” Luis looked to Sheridan for confirmation of the name.

Doesn't it?” Luis agreed. “Anyway, Alexander told Everett he was to break off his relationship with Lillian. He refused. Alexander threatened to cut Everett off without a penny and Everett told him to go ahead. According to Jerry, Everett was nothing like his father. He didn't have the killer instinct.”

From what Jerry knows, Everett called Lillian that night and told her what happened. Her brother was there at the time which is how Jerry even knows about it. Apparently, Everett made plans to meet Lillian later and the two were going to elope. Only when Everett arrived, Lillian was gone and the police were waiting for him. He was arrested for her murder.”

“At some point between the time that Everett called Lillian and his arriving at her house for their elopement, Alistair called the police and told them he watched his brother push Lillian off a cliff at Ocean Bluff. He claimed his conscience wouldn't allow him to live with the fact that his brother murdered that poor woman.”

“That's what I said” Luis said. “Jerry seemed to think that the old man knew exactly what Alistair hdid, but chose to say nothing. Everett was a disappointment to him and Alistair was everything he wanted in an heir. The police agreed to keep everything quiet as long as Everett went to prison for life. They searched the ocean of course, before they decided on that course of action. Lillian was never found alive or dead.”

“Jerry only told me what his father told him. He doesn't know if Lillian is alive or dead, but he's sure that Everett had nothing to do with it. I guess Jerry's father and Everett were pretty good friends. Everett swore to him that he would never hurt Lillian never mind kill her and he believed him.”

Sheridan stood by the car, silent for a moment while she digested all this information. All of this new information about her family's sordid past was a real eye opener. “So if Mr. Reinhold told you all this the last time you spoke, then why are you here today?” Sheridan asked. “And how is it that my family kept this secret about Everett? Why have I never heard his name mentioned? Where is he now?”

Luis stifled a small laugh. Sheridan had practically answered her own question and didn't realize it. “Jerry's father, Jerry Reinhold Sr. will be here today. We were interrupted the other day and never got a chance to finish, so we made a date for today.”

“Tell me about it” Luis replied. He held out his arm and Sheridan took it. “Well angel, let's go find out what Mr. Reinhold Sr. knows, shall we?” Sheridan gave Luis a quick smile and together they walked up the steps into the Harmony Historical Museum.

“Of course, and how unfortunate” Jerry frowned. He then quickly waved his hand escorting his guests. “Let's go to my office now, shall we?” Luis and Sheridan followed Jerry to his office at the back of the museum. They passed through an art gallery on the way there which depicted Harmony from it's original settlement to the present day through paintings. There were several people walking through the gallery, examining the art while they made their trek to the office. Luis glanced up and saw one painting of slaves being led to a secret tunnel entrance in one of the paintings, but their pace was moving so fast he didn't get a good look at it. He made a mental note to check it on the way out.

Sheridan knew she should be slightly annoyed at the warning Jerry was giving to his father, but after the story Luis had told her, understood completely. Jerry Reinhold Sr. looked up from his photo album and held Sheridan and Luis under a scrutinizing gaze. He slowly stood up and extended his hand for Luis, who walked up to the man and shook it.

“You look like him” he finally said. “Around the eyes. Everett has the same innocent blue eyes. Innocent to the ways of that dastardly family that is.” Jerry pulled out two chairs for Luis and Sheridan to sit in at the table with his father. Once they were seated, he seated himself at the table as well.

“I dare say young lady, you don't appear to have inherited your father's genes. It's a good thing for you that you didn't. Your Uncle Everett is a good man. My father never had much use for the Cranes, but he liked young Everett. My father went to his death never believing he killed Lillian.”

Sheridan was flustered. She knew the Cranes were powerful. She knew what they'd done to her and Luis and what they suspected they'd done to Luis' father, Martin, but other than that, Sheridan was in oblivion to the unscrupulous dealings of her family.

“I guess I can't blame you dear” he answered. “Why should a pretty young thing like you get involved with that band of criminals. I must tell you, I was pleased to see young Ethan turned out to be Sam Bennett's son rather than that buffoon Julian's. I have to hand it to Ivy. She managed to pull the wool over Alistair's eyes on that one. Not many people can do that.”

Sheridan didn't really want to talk about Ethan right now. She was more interested in what happened to Everett and Lillian. “You mentioned your father never believed Everett killed his daughter” Sheridan said carefully. “What does he think happened to her?”

“He thinks Alistair killed her or had her killed” he said, his eyes cold as steel. “Alistair was everything his brother wasn't. He was a heartless, manipulative, chip off the old block. He wasn't the eldest son, so he needed to do something to gain that position. The funny thing is, had Alistair done nothing, he would have assumed that role anyway since Everett was planning on leaving. He and Lillian were eloping and he told Lillian he had no intentions of ever setting foot on Crane property again. I guess Alistair was afraid his father would come up with a way of keeping Everett home. The Cranes don`t allow their own to break from the family.”

The elder Reinhold looked from face to face. All eyes were glued to him for an answer. He mulled it over and decided the time had come. It had been over 50 years now since this began and he'd never broken this confidence, but somehow he knew this was the time. “I've been visiting Everett in prison the first Monday of every month since 1949.”

Sheridan didn't know where to begin asking questions. She had so many her mind was a whirlwind. Luis as well was sure they'd hit a jackpot with this information, but he wasn't sure exactly how it would help them, since Everett had been rotting away in prison for the last 50 years for a crime he didn't commit. How could this help them?

“You've gone against your family and they've hired a masked impostor to break you up, they poisoned your wedding ring trying to kill you setting up your husband as the murderer and tried to make you believe you murdered your husband's father. Have I left anything out? Don't worry Sheridan my dear. They WILL try again.”

“My dear, just because you have not heard of Everett Crane, does not mean that he has not heard of you. He has had nothing to do for the past 50 years except read. He knows everything that has happened to the Crane family since his unjust imprisonment.”

“What does Everett think happened to Lillian?” Luis asked. He knew what Jerry's father thought, but Jerry never shared what Everett believed and Luis had a feeling that Jerry believed Everett. For some strange reason, Luis believed all of this to be true, as fantastic as it sounded.

“Ah yes. Martin Fitzgerald. It seems as though Alistair tried to do the same thing to his daughter he did with his brother because of Martin Fitzgerald” Jerry Sr. sighed. “Only his plan didn't work as well this time. The old boy must be losing his touch.”

“I'm not entirely sure about that. Let's just say, that the Cranes disposed of anyone who caused them a problem. Some, unfortunately were permanently disposed of, while others merely imprisoned. One's not much worse than the other if you ask me. Unless one can escape, but from what Everett has determined, no one has ever escaped.”

“When my son came home and told me he'd run into you and told me what he did, I was angry at first. No one in my family has ever breathed a word about this outside the family ever, until Jerry here told you” the man explained. He then stood up and began pacing the room. All eyes followed him in his contemplative silence.

Jerry Sr. began to laugh. “Of course he would have hurt us, Sheridan. Look what he did to my sister and his own brother just to become heir to the Crane fortune? Do you really think he will allow anything or anyone to jeopardize that?”

The elder man walked back over to the table and sat down. He opened the clasp of the black metallic box and pulled out a pile of photographs and slowly flipped through them. He suddenly stopped and stared at one with a wistful smile. He handed the picture to Sheridan. “That is Everett Randolph Crane” he said. “That picture was taken about a month before my sister Lillian's disappearance.”

Sheridan held the picture so both she and Luis could view it. Everett was a strikingly handsome man with sandy hair and sparkling blue eyes. He was tall and well built, no doubt an accomplished athlete. Luis could see immediately the resemblance around the eyes that Jerry had mentioned. With the exception of the expensive suit, he bore no resemblance to aristocracy which Alistair and Julian deemed a necessary trait in being a Crane.

“He's much older now” Jerry remarked. His eyes don't have the same sparkle as they once did, but he's managed to take care of himself as well as he could considering the circumstances.” Jerry held another picture in front of him, this picture bringing tears to his eyes. He then held the other photo out for Sheridan to take. “And this one is my sister Lillian. Lillian Cooper Reinhold. She was 19 years old when this photo was taken. I took it the day she disappeared.”

Sheridan swapped pictures with Mr. Reinhold and found herself staring into a breathtakingly beautiful young lady with curly shoulder length blonde hair and emerald green eyes. Luis was immediately taken with her beauty. It was obvious the photo had been enlarged and colored, as they didn't have color film back then, but it didn't distract from her natural good looks. Luis shook his head sadly, as if thinking this could have been him and Sheridan if not for the grace of God.

The older man decide to finish what he wanted to say while Luis and Sheridan had the pictures fresh in their minds. “When I learned of this meeting the other day, I decided to make an unscheduled visit to Everett. Needless to say he was surprised to see me.”

“Yes I did. As a matter of fact, I saw him yesterday. He's getting tired” Jerry said sadly. “Tired of living, I dare say. All these years he's never given up hope, but I think the last few years have finally taken its toll on him. His interest was definitely piqued when I told him of my son's meeting with Luis and the possibility that I would meet his niece today.”

“He gave me this to give to Sheridan and her husband,” he said pulling a well worn folded piece of paper out of his coat pocket. He handed the paper to Luis, who with Sheridan looking on, opened it and found a note scribbled hurriedly . The two gave each other a surprised look and Luis began to read aloud.

I was surprised by my friend Jerry's impromptu visit to me this week. In all the years I have been here, he has not once visited me on an unscheduled day. I imagine Alistair will be wondering why after all this time his pattern has changed, but when he told me of his son's visit with your husband I realized the urgency of it.

I realize this must all be a shock to you, finding out you have an uncle in prison, but I assure you, despite my being here all this time, I am innocent. I am still heartbroken, not so much over the loss of my beloved Lillian, though my heart aches for her, but for being thought her killer. I loved her with every ounce of my being and would have given up my own life gladly to save hers. Why then would I want to kill her? Truthfully, I know in my heart she is still alive, though in much pain. Pain inflicted by my brother.

Time is short Sheridan and I don't want the guards to know I am writing this note. If Jerry were to be caught smuggling this letter out of here, he would never be allowed to visit me again. I don't want to risk losing contact with my only true friend, as well as my only contact with the outside world.

Please heed this as a warning. I know your husband Luis is digging into the Crane past in an effort to find some connection between Alistair and his father's disappearance. I understand he wants to free both of you from his tyranny, as well as finally solve the mystery of what happened to Martin Fitzgerald. BE CAREFUL! I implore you to watch your backs. Do not think for one minute that Alistair has given up. I guarantee you, he hasn't and he has the power to separate both of you in an instant if he so desires. I'm not entirely sure why he has not done so already. Maybe he is somehow afraid? Or maybe he doesn't see the urgency at this point. Irregardless of why, just know that he can and will destroy you both when he sees fit.

Alistair Crane is a very powerful man. He is an evil man and he possesses a secret that no one would ever believe possible. It is a secret that he as well as our ancestors have used to destroy countless lives, yet if anyone were to find that secret, it could be used to destroy his life. He knows this Sheridan. Alistair, as well as his father and his father's father have closely guarded this secret.

Reading Everett's words brought all Sheridan's fears crashing to life. The last six weeks since she'd been out of jail and off Crane property had been the most wonderful of her life. She'd worried secretly on and off that her father and brother might try something, but not the way she was worried right now.

“I'm sorry to interrupt you while you are in a meeting sir” the young woman began apologetically. “But Rebecca Hotchkiss is here and she is insisting on talking with you and your father at once. I tried to explain you were in a meeting, but she said if I didn't get you right now she was going to come in anyway. That woman certainly doesn't know how to take no for an answer!” The secretary was obviously perturbed at Rebecca's audacity and didn't make any bones about letting her feelings known.

“Julian knows nothing of this” Jerry Sr. reminded her, “but if he were to mention this to Alistair, it would not be good. I suggest you both leave by the back entrance before Rebecca comes barging in here. Most disagreeable woman I must say.”

“Same goes for me” the curator seconded. “If you ever want a tour of the museum, let me know. It's absolutely filled with Harmony history as well as Crane family history. If Alistair Crane had any idea how much, he'd probably have a stroke.”