Dial M for Murder

This is a fairly short fan fic when compared to YGMPS or No Place to Hide. I wrote this to keep my sanity during the spoiler blackout last December. I was nuts trying to figure out what was going on! LOL. This was the last of the drug cartel stories :)

“Someone, please! Help me! Get me out of here! I'm not dead! I'm alive!” Sheridan *screamed through her tears. She banged helplessly at the top of the coffin as tears streamed down her face. Every few seconds she heard a thump on top of her. She knew it was dirt being thrown into her grave.

“Luis, please save me,” Sheridan sobbed as she continued her banging. “Please Luis, hear me! You have to hear me! We have so much to live for! Both of us together. Please Luis, hear me, save me!” Sheridan felt her heart pounding out of her chest. She remembered feeling like this once before. When she was trapped in the magician's box last year. Luis had saved her then and he would save her again, wouldn't he?

Luis stood with Hank atop Sheridan's grave looking on as the men piled dirt into her grave, one shovel at a time. Every container of dirt he watched fill the hole, felt like it was landing on him sucking the life out of him. Hank stared at Luis and saw the tears begin to fall down his friend's cheek. “Luis please, let's get out of here. You don't have to stand here and watch this. You're just torturing yourself.” The look on Hank's face was anguished. Anguished, as he knew he was the cause of Luis' pain. He was the reason Sheridan was lying lifeless inside the coffin that now was being covered over with dirt.

“All right,” Luis agreed. Luis said quick, but silent prayer. He took one last look at Sheridan's coffin. “Good-bye Sheridan.” Luis' voice was so thick with emotion his words were barely audible to himself never mind anyone else. Luis quickened his pace until he was in a run. He began picking up speed until he was in an all out sprint. Hank started to follow but knew there was no way he could keep up, so he just settled back to a walk.

“Why did I do this? Damn! How could I ever do this to Luis?” Hank said to himself as he watched his “best friend's” life crumbling before his eyes. The Luis he knew, the Luis he's been a friend with his entire life would never be the same again. He knew Luis was going to take Sheridan's death hard, but he never expected this. He had seriously miscalculated just how involved with Sheridan, Luis had become. He never in a million years expected Luis to be so lost. As bad as he felt about being responsible for Sheridan's death, he felt worse about the effect her death had left on Luis. Hank was beginning to wonder if it might have been more humane to have killed Luis as well.

Luis found himself at the wharf staring out into the harbor. His breathing was heavy and the wind cut across his tear stained face like a razor. His lungs burned as he caught his breath from his run, but no matter how much physical pain he caused himself, he couldn't get the images of Sheridan out of his head. Instead of dimming as he distanced himself from her, the images became brighter and louder. Now he could hear her voice as well as see her face.

Luis screamed, “Noooooo!! Noooooo!!“ as he grabbed the sides of his face trying to block out the sound of her voice. As much as Luis wanted to remember Sheridan, his images of her were no longer those of the happy times they`d shared, or even the fights they`d had. He was now seeing Sheridan inside the coffin, screaming to get out. She was begging him to save her. “Luis, please save me!” He heard over and over in his head.

“Why? Why am I hearing her like this?” Luis started walking again. He wanted to get away from the grotesque image in his mind. He didn't want to remember Sheridan like this. He started walking faster. The faster he walked the louder the voice in his head, the brighter the image in his mind. Suddenly Luis stopped dead in his tracks. He closed his eyes and listened. “Luis, I'm not dead, please hear me, please get me out of here! I'm not dead Luis; I'm not dead Luis.” The words echoed in his mind and he couldn't get them out.

Luis suddenly became aware of Hank's presence. “Hank, I gotta go see Sheridan one last time. Sorry buddy.” Luis took off like a shot back towards the cemetery.

Luis arrived at the cemetery and Ethan was just leaving with Gwen. The men were still filling in the hole, housing Sheridan's coffin. Ethan looked on with disgust as he saw Luis coming back.

“Gwen, would you please take my car and go back to the house? I'm going to have this out with Luis once and for all,” Ethan announced. Gwen nodded and took the keys from Ethan. Glancing over her shoulder she watched Ethan turn towards Luis. She shook her head and continued towards Ethan's car.

Luis shrugged off Ethan's grasp and glared at him with venomous hatred in his eyes. “Look Crane, not that it's any of your business, but I had to see Sheridan one last time. I had to know... I had to know for sure.” Luis' voice calmed a little. He couldn't tell Ethan what he'd seen or heard. His own family already thought he'd reached his breaking point. The last thing he needed was for Ethan Crane to call the men in the white coats on him. Luis began walking over to the opening in the ground, which was to be Sheridan's final resting-place. The closer he came to the partially filled grave the more panic set inside of him. He suddenly felt cold. Colder than he could ever remember being and he wasn't sure why. His vision of Sheridan was still there, but was fading, as if she was tiring, giving up.

Sheridan coughed. It was getting unbearably hot. She couldn't see in the darkness and breathing was becoming a chore. “Luis, please!” She whispered. “Please hear me. I'm not dead. I was shot but I didn't die!”

“I swear I just heard Sheridan. She said she's not dead. She was shot but she's not dead. She's begging me to help her.” Luis stopped dead when he heard himself. Actually saying the words out loud made him realize how ludicrous the whole thing sounded. “I don't expect you to understand Crane.”

Ethan looked at Luis with curiosity. He thought back to what he thought he'd heard earlier. When Sheridan was lowered in the ground he would have sworn he heard someone screaming, Sheridan screaming. He'd asked if anyone heard it and of course they hadn't. He figured it was just his tired mind playing tricks on him.

Finally coming to a decision, Luis looked over towards the men filling in the hole. “Stop!” He commanded. The men looked up at Luis like he was nuts. They gave him a dirty look and continued their task.

“Hey! You can't do that! Buddy, what are you crazy or something?” The man looked over at Ethan. “I'm sorry Mr. Crane. I had no idea he was going to do that. No one has ever done that to me before.”

Luis responded by directing a shovel full of dirt right at Ethan. Ethan fumed as he spat dirt out of his mouth and brushed off his suit. “You'll pay for that Lopez-Fitzgerald! I'm calling the police right now. Your days on the Harmony PD are over as of right now!” Ethan motioned for the gravediggers to follow him and the three men walked off. Luis continued digging furiously. The image in his mind and the voice he was hearing were still present. Over and over he heard Sheridan begging him for help. Somehow, someway he had to get to her. He had to check, just one last time.

Luis stopped his digging for a moment and listened. What he heard next caused his heart to pound out of his chest. “OH MY GOD!!!! SHE IS ALIVE!!!! Luis dug with a fury he'd never known. Within a minute he heard a clunk and realized he'd hit the top of the coffin. “Sheridan, I'm right here! Hang in there!” He dropped to his knees and rapidly began flinging dirt in every direction. He uncovered the top of the casket and began feeling the sides of the lid. “Just a few seconds and I'll have you out of there Sheridan!”

He found the clasp and pulled it back releasing it. Breathless, with his eyes closed, Luis slowly opened the top half of the coffin. He opened his eyes and his heart caught in his throat.

Luis gingerly pulled Sheridan from the casket. His heart leapt for joy, tears falling on his cheeks. “Sheridan, it's really you? You're alive?! You're ALIVE!! Thank you God!” Luis was totally overwhelmed with emotion. He didn't know how to feel right now. He held her gingerly, not wanting to hurt her.

“Sheridan, we can talk later. I have to get you out of here now. Right now,” Luis said. He was suddenly wondering what was going on. How could this have happened? “Sheridan, can you put your arms around my neck?” He asked as he kicked the casket closed.

“Sheridan, this isn't going to work” Luis told her gently. “Let me try this. He picked her up and gently placed her over his shoulder. “This is just until we get out of here sweetie.” With that Luis scaled the sides of the hole, digging his feet into the dirt walls making steps. It would be a difficult task for an unencumbered man, never mind carrying another person, but Luis took each step with ease. Within seconds, he was again on top of the grave that nearly took the love of his life from him...for a second time in as many days.

“Sheridan, I'm going to put you down for just a minute. I have to replace some of this dirt. I don't want anyone knowing I dug you out of there. Not yet.” Luis took several minutes and piled as much dirt onto Sheridan's coffin as he dared. He knew time was of the essence as Ethan would be back soon with the police.

Luis then picked Sheridan up, carrying her in both arms. Sheridan slowly raised her hands and placed them around his neck. “I knew you'd save me Luis,” Sheridan whispered. She was growing increasingly tired.

“Luis, what is going on?” Sheridan asked faintly. “What's happened to me? I remember being shot and the next thing I remembered was waking up in the coffin. I couldn't move.”

“Sheridan, just try to relax. I don't know what's going on, but I sure plan on finding out. I just don't want to tell anyone you're alive until I've found out what's happened.”

Luis held her close to him and Sheridan laid her head on his shoulder. Each time she exhaled, Luis felt her warm breath against his neck and it sent shivers of excitement through his entire being. As nervous and unsure as he was of everything that was happening, he was completely euphoric that he was holding a living, breathing Sheridan in his arms once again. Though he prayed to God with everything he had, to bring her back to him, he knew she was gone. He'd seen her at her cottage after the shooting. He saw the bullet wounds, he'd held her lifeless body in his arms. He saw the pool of blood when her body was removed and he'd seen the bullets Eve had removed from Sheridan.

`Eve,' he thought. `Eve had better have some answers for me.' Though Luis had many nagging questions, for once in his life if he didn't get the answers he sought, he'd survive quite nicely. He still planned on investigating this, but if it meant putting Sheridan in danger, he'd drop it immediately and never investigate it again. As soon as the word danger flashed through his mind, Luis thought of the drug cartel. `If Roger and Pierre find out she is alive, they'll come after her again...' Luis was shaken from his reverie when the doorbell rang.

A huge smile made it's way onto Luis' face. “Oh Sheridan, don't you worry about that for a single minute. I will NEVER let ANYONE hurt you again. Luis had said similar words to Sheridan before and meant them, but this time he knew no one would ever hurt her again. He had no intention of ever letting her out of his sight again.

Luis slowly walked towards the front of the house and opened the door for Eve. Eve was surprised to see Luis in such a good mood. “Luis,” she smiled. “It's good to see you happy about something again. As a matter of fact,” she said with great curiosity, I don't think I've ever seen you so happy. What on earth is going on?”

“Eve!” Luis said as he grabbed her hands in excitement. “You'll never believe this. Sheridan is alive! She's alive! It`s the most amazing thing! She`s really alive,” he spewed jubilantly.

A look of sadness and gloom overtook Eve's face. She shook her head. “Luis, no she isn't. Sheridan's dead. You held her in your arms. You saw the bullet wounds she took to the chest and back. She's dead. I autopsied her body.”

“Eve, that's impossible. She's alive and I'll prove it to you right now.” Luis pulled an unbelieving Eve into his living room and waved his hand at Sheridan who was resting with her eyes closed on the couch.

Eve felt herself become woozy. She reached out to the chair in front of her for support as she thought she was going to faint. Luis quickly went to her side and helped her to a seat. He was pleasantly amused by her reaction. Had he not been in a position where he had to save Sheridan from another untimely “death” he might have fainted dead away himself.

“Eve, Sheridan was awake during the entire service at the church. She said she remembered being shot and then the next thing she remembered was waking up in the coffin at the church.”

“It was so frightening Eve,” Sheridan said timidly as she recalled her experience. “I could hear everything that was going on, but I couldn't move. I couldn't talk. I was screaming and no one could hear me.”

Luis slowly retreated to the kitchen. He stopped every few steps and turned around to make sure Sheridan was O.K. Eve smiled when she saw him and understood. “She'll be all right Luis.”

“Sheridan has no bullet wounds. I saw them. I removed three slugs from her. Two from her chest and one from her back. Sheridan, this Sheridan has what amounts to three scratches in the same location. The woman I did the autopsy on was not Sheridan Crane!”

Eve contemplated this information. “O.K. Luis then let me rephrase it. The woman I did the autopsy on WAS dead. There is no question. She was dead. I did an autopsy for crying out loud!” Eve threw her hands in the air in complete frustration. Never before had she encountered such a situation. “There is no way a person can come back to life after...”

“Please Eve,” Luis said waving his hands in the air. “I'm really not interested in the details right now. How could the bodies have been switched? And who took Sheridan's body? And why did they try to bury her alive? God this is getting sicker by the minute.”

“Sheridan, you can't be serious?” Luis questioned. “You sent Hank out for ice cream, don't you remember?” Sheridan didn't hear Luis' last comment. She was fast asleep. Luis' face showed growing concern. “Eve, what is wrong with her?”

“Besides being dead?” Eve asked flippantly. “Sorry Luis,” Eve apologized. “This is the first time I've ever had a patient I've done an autopsy on come back from the dead. I'm going to draw some blood from Sheridan. I really don't know what's wrong with her. Her heart and blood pressure are good. Her breathing is a bit shallow, but normal. This is truly a mystery Luis, but I know one thing. There is something not right with this whole situation. Unless this was all some kind of nightmare we all shared, someone has gone to a lot of trouble to make it look as though Sheridan is dead.”

“Look, Ethan saw me digging Sheridan's grave. I kept hearing her screaming for help in my mind and had to check her one last time. He ran to get the police. After I got Sheridan out of the coffin, I closed it and put back as much dirt as I dare. I knew I had to get out of there.”

“Look, Luis, if you take off now, everyone will just believe you left town because you were distraught over Sheridan's death. If you want, I'll tell people you came to see me seeking help. I'll tell them I suggested you get away for awhile, alone.”

“I understand. I have something in mind as to where to start with this whole mess. I really hope it turns out I'm right. I just don't know why Sheridan mentioned Hank's name. Why would she say Hank shot her? Especially if she wasn't shot?”

“I will Eve. Believe me, my guard is up and it's never coming down again. I wasn't even sure I could trust you, but with Sheridan being... well... with Sheridan needing medical attention I had no choice. Please don't take it personally.”

Luis smiled. “Could you check her one last time for me before we leave? Just to make sure she is all right? I'm going to throw some things in a bag before we leave.”

Certainly Luis. No problem” Eve answered. Luis climbed the steps to his room three at a time so he wouldn't be gone long. Eve again gave Sheridan an examination and then drew the needed blood for the tests she was going to run.

Luis sat at a small table watching the steam rise from the hot cup of black coffee in front of him. He was silent as he listened to the freezing rain pelt the roof of the motel he and Sheridan had stopped at. Luis stood up for a moment and walked quietly over to the bed where Sheridan lay curled up on her side hugging a pillow. A small smile formed on his lips as he watched her chest rise and fall with her rhythmic breathing. He shook his head in wonder as he found himself completely at peace with just watching her breathe. How many times over the last few months he had stood in the doorway of her bedroom and watched her sleep? He didn't know the exact number, but he knew he would never take the most fundamental functions of life for granted again.

As he walked back to the table, Luis glanced at his watch and realized Sheridan had been asleep for nearly six straight hours. Had it not been for the conversation he'd had with Eve earlier in the car, he would have been worried.

“Luis? It's Eve. I have the preliminary results of the toxicology and DNA tests I sent off from Sheridan's blood samples. I also ran a DNA test from the woman I did the autopsy on.”

“Well, for starters, it is Sheridan with you. No question. The other woman is a “Jane Doe.” There is no listing in the national computer database. I even checked it against the missing person's database and there is no match.”

Luis wasn't surprised in the least. He knew without a doubt that it was Sheridan he was with and if the bodies were switched, then whoever was responsible for this charade would make sure the other woman was not traceable. “That figures. I really didn't expect we'd find out who she was. A better question now is where is she?”

“The toxicology reports are quite disturbing, Luis. It seems that Sheridan was heavily drugged. She was given a paralyzing agent, painkillers as well as drugs to slow the heart rate and respirations to barely detectable levels.”

“Yes, of course Luis!” Eve said quickly trying to alleviate Luis' fear. “It will take some time, but before too long Sheridan will be completely back to herself in every way. Right now, you just need to let her rest when ever possible and try to get some fluids into her. You don't want to let her get dehydrated.”

Eve sighed. “Ethan did tell Sam what he saw you doing,” Eve explained. “According to Sam, Ethan was angry when you were gone. Sam said he was never so relieved in his life when he found you'd abandoned the idea of digging up Sheridan's coffin.”

“I told him I'd seen you a few hours ago and we discussed your leaving town for a few days. Sam agreed that was an excellent idea, but was concerned about you going away alone. I assured him, it was probably for the best, that Sheridan's death is something you have to come to terms with on your own.”

Luis let out a huge yawn. He suddenly realized how tired he actually was. He tried to remember the last time he'd had any sleep and couldn't. He stood up again and walked over to the queen sized bed where Sheridan lay and quietly stretched out on top of it. He didn't undress or get under the covers, as he needed to be able to react quickly if the need arose. He lay on his side and again watched Sheridan as she slept. Luis was relaxed and at peace and for the first time in days, he fell into a tranquil slumber.

Luis had Sheridan in his arms in a flash. “Sheridan! Sheridan, I'm right here, it's Luis, I'm right here,” Luis soothed as he cradled a shaking Sheridan in his arms.

“I could say the same thing Sheridan!” Luis grinned as stared into her blue eyes, which were so filled with life. As his grin took hold the fear left her eyes and the heavenly sparkle he'd grown so accustomed to returned. His smile grew as he realized how much he'd missed that sparkle in her eyes. “Oh Sheridan, it feels so good to see you so alive. To feel your warm body in my arms again, this is truly the most wonderful moment in my life.”

“I sure thought so for a few days and I must confess, it about killed me,” he said with raw emotion. “I don't ever want to feel that way again Sheridan. I couldn't stand to ever go through that kind of heartbreak again.”

“Luis, please, just hold me?” Sheridan pleaded. “I feel so safe when I am with you. You are the only person I have ever felt this way with. The only person who I want to be with.”

Luis pulled Sheridan close to him. He inhaled sharply as the scent of her perfume invaded his nostrils. Nothing had ever smelled sweeter, nor had anything felt so good. Luis was determined to never take another moment with Sheridan for granted again. He planned on enjoying everything about her.

Sheridan snuggled in as close as she could to Luis. “This feels so good Luis,” she said. She wrapped one of her legs around Luis' in order to stay as close to him as she could.

“I can move the other one too Luis,” she smiled as she turned herself over to face him. She wrapped her other leg around him showing him she could move both legs.

“Sheridan” Luis asked seriously, “What do you remember about any of this?” He rubbed one hand up and down her arm and ran his fingers smoothly through her hair with his other hand.

Sheridan looked into Luis' eyes. There was a mix of joy, sadness, love and longing in them. “Oh Luis,” she said with regret. “I am so sorry you had to go through all of this. I truly am.”

“Do you remember everything Sheridan? Were you serious when you said Hank did this to you?” Luis was asking the questions, but was almost afraid of the answers.

Sheridan sat up in bed and took Luis' hands in her own. She slowly nodded her head. “Luis, Agent Freeman asked me if I would go along with my death being staged. He assured me, you would be in Washington and he would tell you as soon as you got there. The original plan was for me to meet you there after it was all over. I never would have agreed to it had I known you`d come back or that you would have found out the way you did. I never wanted you hurting. Luis, you have to believe me when I tell you, I never wanted you to believe I was dead.”

“Why didn't anyone tell me?” Luis asked in disbelief. “God, Sheridan,” Luis said pulling her close, “Do you have any idea what kind of a chance you took by doing this? And Hank agreed to help with this?”

“Are you kidding me? No way Luis! All I agreed to was getting “shot.” I was supposed to be immediately taken to Washington and a body switch would take place.”

“But that's not what happened, is it? Sheridan, you were almost killed! I never would have agreed for you to do this!” Luis was getting angry. Not at Sheridan, but at Hal for asking her to do this and Hank for going along with it.

Sheridan thought about his question for a minute. “Luis, I didn`t run. When you turned and asked who was there, someone came up from behind me and grabbed me. They put something in front of my face and I couldn't breathe, I couldn't scream. I was helpless Luis.”

“I have no idea who it was Luis,” Sheridan said as she searched her memory. “You know, that was the last thing I can remember before I woke up in the coffin.”

Luis was about to say something, but was interrupted by his cell phone ringing. “I'll be right back Sheridan,” Luis said kissing her forehead. He climbed off the bed and grabbed his phone from the table.

“It seems as if someone dug up Sheridan's casket. Ethan went to the cemetery to visit Sheridan's grave and found her coffin lying open on the ground. It was empty.”

“Well, that would make perfect sense Luis, but according to the front page of the paper, you are the one who stole her body. Ethan has mounted an all out search for you. He's vowed to kill you for stealing his Aunt's body.”

“Don't worry about me Eve,” Luis said indifferently. “I can handle Ethan and the rest of the Cranes. They don't scare me at all. But if it will make you feel better, I will be careful.”

Luis walked back over to the bed and took Sheridan in his arms. “I'm not sure Sheridan. Either Hal had your coffin dug up or Pierre did it. Either way, Ethan found it empty and is blaming me.”

“The earlier the better Sheridan,” Luis said with a small smile as he moved her neck and allowed her to become more comfortable. “I need every advantage I can get and if it means waking up Hal then so be it.” Luis put his turn signal on to exit the interstate, while he took comfort from Sheridan snuggling into his neck. He'd never been a demonstrative person until the last few days with Sheridan. He'd finally allowed himself to begin to open up emotionally to another person. Thinking that he'd lost her and then getting her back had been the most heartrending experience he'd ever had. He vowed to himself that he would live every minute with her to the fullest. Never again would he hide his feelings for Sheridan.

“You got it!” Luis grinned as he pulled into the station. Luis turned off the ignition and got out of the car. He walked over to Sheridan's door and opened it for her.

Hal was curious why Luis was being so mysterious, but decided the guy had been through so much he had a right to be. “All right Luis” Hal agreed. “I'll meet you there in half an hour?”

“I'll be there” Luis said hanging up the phone. “Come on Sheridan. We're going to the Lincoln Memorial.” He took Sheridan's arm and led her back to the car.

With his trench coat pulled up to his chin and scarf covering most of his mouth Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald mounted the steps of the Lincoln Memorial with Sheridan on his arm. Both wore very dark sunglasses and looked very much out of place, if it was tourists they were trying to act like. Luis placed his hand on Sheridan's back as he escorted her to the backside of the monument. Luis wanted Sheridan out of sight until he was sure Hal was still one of the good guys.

Luis had a good view of the mall and he watched everyone as they walked by. Finally he spotted Hal as he approached the Lincoln Memorial and climbed the steps alone.

Hal looked up at Luis with a look of genuine surprise. Luis stood there with his arms folded in front of him. With his sunglasses on, his arms folded and wide stance, he looked more like a stereotypical FBI agent than Hal. Hal returned his concentration to the news article.

“Luis Lopez Fitzgerald, the body guard who is responsible for Sheridan Crane's death according to the Crane family, allegedly desecrated her grave late last night and stole her corpse. Ethan Crane, spokesperson for the family vows to get his Aunt's body back.

“This is an outrage,” Mr. Crane is quoted as saying. “My Aunt trusted him with her life and he let her down. She's dead because of him and now he steals her body? What kind of a sick man would do something like that?”

Crane has demanded the immediate arrest of Lopez Fitzgerald. He had found him in the cemetery earlier in the day, digging Miss Crane's grave, but no one was there when police arrived. A warrant has been issued for Officer Lopez Fitzgerald. Chief of Police Sam Bennett has recommended that Officer Lopez Fitzgerald turn himself in...

Luis reached up and pulled off his sunglasses. His eyes were on Hal's. Hal stared at Luis for a few minutes. “O.K. Luis, I'll tell you. We dug up her grave, but when we opened the coffin, she wasn't there.”

Hal continued staring at Luis. Luis felt as if his gaze penetrated right through him, but he didn't flinch. Hal then began looking around and saw no one. He then realized she must be hiding behind the monument. “You can come out Miss Crane! I know you're back there.”

Sheridan stiffened when she heard Hal call her by her name. She remained still until Luis came to get her. That was their prearranged plan and she wasn't doing anything to jeopardize it. .

Hal began to laugh. “Luis, did you really think you could pull a fast one like this over on me? You've been watched since the moment Miss Crane was killed. You were a walking time bomb and we couldn't take any chances with you. I also know first hand about your gut instinct where Miss Crane is involved. You might as well come out Miss Crane. The FBI is not the enemy.”

Luis took a deep breath and walked to the back of the monument and beckoned Sheridan. Sheridan walked out into the open and took Luis hand. She gave Hal a tentative smile when she saw him. “Hello Agent Freeman” she said.

“Luis whether you believe this or not, we did this to save Miss Crane's life, not end it. We had every intention of getting her out of the coffin. You beat us to it is all.”

“Miss Crane,” Hal explained, “we knew you'd never agree to it and we needed to do it in order to convince Roger and Pierre that you were indeed dead. Our plan was to get you out of there as soon as Pierre saw you buried, but once again, Luis beat us to it. There was oxygen in the coffin that would have lasted for several hours. I apologize that the drug we gave you wore off too soon. You weren't supposed to remember any of it.”

“But she did Hal! She remembered all of it! She heard everything that was said in the church, she heard the dirt falling on the casket. How can you justify that?” Luis was seething at this point.

“Not exactly Luis,” Hal said. “Your best friend Hank is in big trouble. He double crossed Roger and Pierre. They don't take kindly to people who double cross them. And let's not forget that Miss Crane is still in danger. Probably more so now that both Pierre and Roger are in the country. All of the hit men they have hired have failed, so it appears they are going to finish the job themselves.”

“Call him what you will but Roger is not stupid. The French authorities, Interpol and the FBI have been working on this case for months and we haven't been able to apprehend him yet. He is a very elusive criminal. His drug cartel is the largest in the world. He has people working for him in at least twenty countries. People whose livelihood is based on drug trafficking. I'm sure you are aware, people like that are not the most forthright citizens.”

Luis shook his head in disbelief. He pulled Sheridan closer to him in a protective fashion before he asked the next question. “So where do we go from here? What is your new plan? And don't think for one minute I am going to allow you to put Sheridan in danger again. There is NO WAY I will let you put her through the tortures of hell again. Do you understand me?”

“Don't worry Luis,” Agent Freeman assured him. “I promise I won't keep you in the dark again involving our plans, but I have to tell you, we are going to need Miss Crane in order to capture Roger and Pierre.”

“Luis, would you like to see this fax I received from the Harmony PD this morning? It was sent to me right before I left to meet you.” Hal asked as he pulled a fax out of his breast pocket.

“Oh, but it is Luis. It is,” Hal remarked sadly. “I told you that Roger and Pierre don't take kindly to people who double cross them. They also don't take kindly to people who constantly thwart their plans, namely you and your good friend Doctor Russell. You, my friend have been a thorn in their side since you rescued Miss Crane in Paris.”

“Roger and Pierre have captured Hank and Eve Russell. They have given me twenty four hours to produce you or they will kill them both. They are also looking for my mother and when they find her she will be killed with the other two.”

Luis and Sheridan agreed and walked with Hal along the Capitol Mall. They walked in silence for several minutes. Luis kept completely on the alert for any sign of trouble. Finally Hal spoke. “We know Roger and Pierre have Hank and Dr. Russell.”

“No, they won't find this one Luis,” Hal said with a mysterious grin. “This tracking device was implanted under his skin. No one will ever find it, not even Roger and Pierre.”

Sheridan stiffened when she heard the idea. Luis immediately took the offensive. “There is no way in hell I'm going to let you give Sheridan to Roger and Pierre so they can kill her. Do you understand me?” If he could have Luis would have reached across the table and shown Hal how much he meant what he said, but he managed to restrain himself.

“You heard right Luis,” Hal answered with a mischievous glint in his eyes. You will carry Sheridan Crane's corpse into the warehouse or wherever Roger and Pierre want you to bring her.”

“You just told me they watched me dig her up. They know she's alive. Do you really think they will be dumb enough to believe that Sheridan is dead or that I killed her? Think again Agent Freeman.”

“Luis, I want you to think about this for one moment, please?” Hal requested. “What sort of condition was Sheridan in when you found her? Could she walk?”

Luis thought back to when he dug up Sheridan's coffin. She was barely conscious and had no movement in her legs. “She was in pretty rough shape there for awhile,” Luis agreed hesitantly. “She couldn't move her legs and didn't have enough strength in her arms to hold onto me.”

“Precisely. Is it not possible that the oxygen in the coffin ran out before you got to her? Is it not possible that we gave her too much of the drug to paralyze her?” Hal questioned.

“Isn't is also possible that Sheridan really did die after you rescued her? And you were too grief stricken to tell anyone? I mean after all, how many people watch the woman they love die twice in several days? That would be enough to drive any man over the edge.”

“O.K. Hal,” Luis said much calmer, but still unsure how this plan was going to play out, “I can understand how she “could” die again, but how are we going to convince Roger and Pierre of that? You're not suggesting we drug Sheridan again and give her to them alive, are you?”

“Yeah, she told us the woman she autopsied wasn't Sheridan,” Luis said pensively. Suddenly it dawned on Luis what Hal had in mind. “I get it now! You're going to substitute the body of the woman Eve autopsied for Sheridan's right?”

“Not exactly Luis, but you are pretty close. We had to dispose of that body so no one else found out about it. As far as we know, Roger and Pierre don't know about the body switch. They believe the autopsy was faked, like the rest of it. They know Eve was involved and believe she was involved from the beginning.”

“Wait a minute Hal,” Luis said after a moment. “Eve ran a DNA test on the body she autopsied and it showed it wasn't Sheridan. Roger and Pierre could do the same thing. I would think their radar will be up after this whole scam.”

“Excellent point Luis,” Hal acknowledged. “This is exactly why you and Miss Crane are going to the best make up artist on the Eastern seaboard. The FBI will furnish a fresh body to Claude Henri. We will find one just as we did the last time, same age and build as Miss Crane. Mr. Henri will study Sheridan down to the finest details and make a mask changing the woman from Jane Doe to Sheridan Crane.”

“Similar Luis,” Hal answered, “but Mr. Henri didn't have a live model the last time. He only had a photograph. He is also going to take strands of Sheridan's hair as well as scrapings from her skin and add them to the corpse. Before you say anything, there is no pain involved in this Miss Crane,” Hal assured her.

Sheridan smiled weakly. “I appreciate that Agent Freeman.“ She held Luis' hand as she had been the entire time. All she wanted at this point was for the entire deal to be over with. This had been a nightmare far worse than any she'd had as a child. She thanked God, however, that this time she had Luis by her side while she was going through it, most of it anyway.

“Good, Hal answered with a grin. “The body will be prepared much like it is during an embalming, except, instead of embalming fluid replacing the blood, Sheridan's blood will be. We'll have to mix it with several other pints, of course, but none of the others will have a DNA that can be matched to anyone. When they run their test, if they do, they will be running it against Sheridan's DNA. The computer will pick up her DNA, because some of her blood will be in the corpse.”

“I just have a few more questions Hal,” Luis said. “Once I deliver “Sheridan” to Roger and Pierre, how can you guarantee the safe return of Hank and Eve? It seems to me that they now can finger Roger which is why he wanted Sheridan in the first place.”

“Don't forget about Luis” Sheridan reminded him. “If he has to be the one to carry my body, I mean the corpse to them, they'll never let him go and they'll kill him.” Sheridan involuntarily shivered at the very thought of Luis being killed.

Sheridan fidgeted nervously. She didn't like the idea that Luis was going to chance being killed in all of this. She didn't like it at all. Luis sensed her nervousness and gently placed a hand on her back, rubbing it in a soothing fashion. Sheridan responded with a sigh and tiny smile for him.

Sheridan and Luis were given FBI escorts on their trip to New York. They were flown there on a private jet and everything was done in a top secret and expedient manner. Before they knew it they were being rushed into a building downtown Manhattan. They weren't even sure what street or avenue they were on, which is exactly what the FBI wanted. Hal remained in Washington for the time being in order to coordinate the plan for the next morning. He promised to keep Luis updated on the situation, especially if his mother suddenly became involved.

Hal assured Luis his mother was being watched carefully by several agents, but Luis was still extremely nervous. Roger and Pierre were far from stupid and he had the feeling that if they wanted to, they could kidnap his mother at any moment.

Once inside the building, Luis and Sheridan were escorted to Henri's private studio. It was a very large operation, with many make up artists working there, but only one was Claude Henri. It took a lot of clout and or a lot of money to get Henri to take care of you personally. Most customers were sent to one of his associates. The associates were very good, the best in the business, but none could hold a candle to the owner.

Sheridan gasped when she entered the studio and on a cold metal slab lay the naked body of a young woman. She felt nauseated for a moment, wondering why the poor woman had to die and why she had no family to claim her. All anyone knew was she was Jane Doe number 263 this year. Hal had told them she was found dead in a crack house. That was where most of the Jane and John Does came from in Washington. Hal also told them that Washington was the best city in the country for finding unidentified bodies. They have the most shootings and murders per capita in the United States. The military sends their surgeons there to intern in the Emergency Rooms in order to learn how to treat gunshot wounds. This is a very sad statistic for the Nations capitol.

Seemingly coming out of no where, a short stocky gray haired man appeared. “Ah, maybe not now,” he said excitedly with a thick French accent, “but when the great Henri is through with her, she will be your twin. Trust me Mon Cheri.” Claude Henri was waving his hand in a small circle trying to demonstrate his point.

“Bon jour Monsieur,” Henri said shaking Luis' hand. He then glanced from Sheridan to Luis back to Sheridan again. “You are a couple, n'est pas?” Henri asked with a knowing look.

Henri studied Luis for a moment. Luis noticed he was being eyed by a flamboyant French artiste and was beginning to become uncomfortable. “Aren't you supposed to be studying Sheridan?” Luis finally asked having had enough of this man's stare.

Henri scoffed indignantly, shrugged his shoulders and turned on his heel, leaving them for his project. Sheridan gave Luis an impish grin and Luis had to fight back the laughter at Henri's reaction.

Henri walked over to the corpse and examined it for a moment. “Mademoiselle Crane would you please come sit here?” Henri requested as he motioned to a stool near his table. I need to make a mold of your face.”

Sheridan glanced at Luis nervously. He smiled at her and squeezed her hand gently, reminding her he would be there with her every step of the way. Sheridan and Luis took off their coats and joined Henri at the table. Sheridan sat at the stool Henri had motioned to, with Luis at her side.

Relative silence ensued for the next half hour as Henri went to work. Since the mold of her face would take the longest, that was where Henri began. Luis was fascinated as he watched the master at work. Henri explained to Luis how much better this mask would be, as he had a live model to work with rather than photographs. Henri was by no means modest. As a matter of fact, he boasted about some of the best jobs he'd ever done. Luis was amused by the sense of self importance Henri had, but was indeed impressed by watching him work.

As soon as I finish here I will show you my collection,” Henri said proudly. “I do much of my work for movies and theatre, so I imagine you will recognize many of them.”

Luis nodded in appreciation. Before long, Henri had the mold finished, he just had to let it dry. “Sheridan, mon amie, please, do not move your face. You need to remain as still as possible for the next twenty minutes. “

“Very well,” Henri smiled. “I will have my assistants take the needed samples while the mold dries. Then we can look at my masterpieces together, n'est pas?”

Sheridan felt a smirk coming on when she heard Luis answer Henri in French. She knew she couldn't laugh or smile, so she hit Luis' arm instead. Luis turned to Sheridan and gave her a raised brow, then feigned innocence. “What?” he asked.

Sheridan knew she'd better try to ignore him until she got the mold off her face, otherwise she'd have to endure this all over again and that was the last thing she wanted. She also knew time was of the essence and she didn't want Hank or Eve killed because she couldn't keep a straight face.

For the next thirty minutes, at least a half dozen of Henri's assistants took hair and skin samples, removed a pint of blood as well as answering her numerous questions regarding where she purchased her clothing, what makeup and perfume she used, where she had her hair done, what kind of hair dye she used, any birthmarks or moles, height, weight and other personal questions. Sheridan was glad it was a questionnaire she was answering as there were some things a woman just didn't want to divulge, especially in front of the man she loved.

When all was finished, one of the assistants carefully removed the mold from her face and immediately took it to be worked on. Sheridan heaved a sigh of relief to be freed. “Oh, this feels so much better!” she said as she moved her jaw in different directions, stretching it out.

Sheridan saw the gleam in his eye and stopped him before he could go any further. “Don't you dare!” she warned with a glint in her own eye. Both of them started giggling and didn't notice Henri return.

“Ah, you are finished mon amis. Shall we take a peek at my masterpieces, while my staff works?” Henri suggested with a huge grin. Henri loved nothing more than showing off his work. Henri adored giving tours through his gallery. It brought him great pleasure to impress others with his genius.

Henri led the way to his gallery. It was filled with hundreds of masks, busts, and entire bodies. Henri explained to Sheridan and Luis that he always made a duplicate in case something happened to the original. Those who didn't need the second figure ended up in his gallery.

Sheridan and Luis were in awe at the different faces they saw. Many they recognized as either characters from novels and plays, movie stars, even a few Disney characters. There were others they had no idea who they belonged to, but they knew the workmanship was marvelous. They saw two other bodies that appeared to be “dead”, so Luis and Sheridan figured this was not the first time Henri had helped fake a death.

As they wandered through the gallery, Henri suddenly stopped and whirled around. He smacked his hand to his forehead. “Mon Dieu!” he cried. “What was I thinking! Why did I not see this before?”

Henri looked at them for a moment and then whipped around and ran off for a moment. Luis leaned in to Sheridan and whispered in her ear, “What do you suppose he's up to?”

A moment later Henri returned laughing to himself. He was holding something in his hands, but neither Sheridan nor Luis knew what it was. They just stared at him with curious grins on their faces. Henri finally stopped in front of the couple, still quite pleased with himself. “I knew I'd seen your face before Monsieur and here it is!” Henri held up the object he was holding in his hands for Sheridan and Luis to both see. It was a mask of Luis' face. A perfect likeness.

Both of their mouths dropped open in complete shock. Their was no question about it. It was Luis' face. The only questions now, were why did Henri have a mask of Luis' face and who ordered it be made?

“Do you have any idea who ordered it?” Luis asked biting his tongue. He was trying to keep his temper under control as he did not want Henri to clam up on him.

Henri studied the mask for a few moments. He closed his eyes as he concentrated and slowly began nodding his head in an affirmative fashion. “Oui... Oui...” Henri said slowly and carefully. “As I remember it was a very odd request. The Great Henri does not just make masks for anyone! You understand, n'est pas? I received a phone call from a very secretive man. He would not give me his name, but he told me it was of the utmost importance to his family he have this mask made toute suite. He made an extraordinarily large cash deposit into my account and asked if I could make this mask from several photographs.”

“Je ne c'est pas” Henri answered shaking his head. “Maybe if you talk to my personal secretary she can be of further assistance. As I recollect a young man came to pick it up mes amis. He appeared to be, how do you say, a flunky?”

A tall spindly man came running into the gallery with his hands waving in the air and his face wearing a look of horror. “Monsieur Henri! Mon Dieu! Come quickly! This is a disaster!” The man shrieked theatrically.

Henri mumbled under his breath in French and then took a cleansing breath. “Pardones moi mes amis?” Henri apologized with a slight bow. “Mademoiselle Sheridan, Monsieur, I will come get you when I need you. Please make yourselves at home. Feel free to browse the gallery if you like or talk to Francine.” He shoved the mask in Luis' hands. “I must tend to Philippe's problem.” Henri rolled his eyes and flung his head back in a irritated fashion and followed Philippe back to the studio.

Luis and Sheridan stood there watching Henri chastise Philippe in French as he led him back to his project. When Henri was out of sight, Luis fingered the mask in quiet contemplation. Sheridan watched Luis holding the mask and felt a tear fall down her face. Luis shook his head. “I don't get it. Why would someone make a mask of me? Who would want to impersonate me? What would they gain?”

“Sheridan Crane? I intend to use the very rich Sheridan Crane for my own ends... The Cranes have used and abused my family for years. Now I have a chance to used one of their own. Their spoiled princess Sheridan...”

Sheridan walked towards the window at the far corner of the room deep in thought. She was talking out loud to herself, repeating the words that were flashing through her mind. “If I hadn't seen him with my own eyes, heard him with my own ears I never would have believed it.....” Sheridan was in a trance like state.

“What night Sheridan? What are you talking about? I need to know if we are both thinking the same thing” Luis asked. “Things were becoming clear for the first time.

“Luis,“ Sheridan asked. “It was all a setup to make me think you were using me. Julian... Alistair... They knew. They knew I would never believe them if they just told me you were using me, so they arranged it for me to see it for myself. “They are the ones who had this mask made. They did it so I would see and hear you talking about how you were just using me. Oh God, I can't believe how stupid I have been! I allowed them to play on my insecurities with men. They knew exactly what to say to cause me to turn on you.” Sheridan stared at Luis, her face filled with pain as she absorbed the full impact of the situation.

Sheridan shook her head in disbelief. “I still can't belief it Luis, but yes, that is exactly what I think happened. Right before I went to see you on the wharf that night Julian warned me. He told me if I didn't break things off with you there would be dire consequences.”

Luis listened to every word Sheridan spoke. Now it was his turn to remember the events, as vague as they were, that surrounded that night that almost destroyed any chance he and Sheridan ever had of being together. He remembered one minute feeling on top of the world and the next, Sheridan slapped him and totally blew him out of the water. It all made sense now. Everything made perfect sense. He could never understand how Sheridan could have been so convinced she saw him that night on the wharf, when he knew it wasn't him. Now as he held the mask in his hands, he understood why Sheridan was so adamant she saw him that night.

As Luis continued inspecting the mask, he saw something written on the inside. He turned the mask inside out and looked closer. Suddenly he chuckled. “There's a date in here Sheridan. The date Henri made this mask. 2/28/00 CR. Wasn't it the beginning of March this happened?”

“Sheridan, I am really glad that we finally found out what happened that night, believe me I am,” Luis said, “but I don't want us to rehash that night. Not now. We finally made it past all of that. Whatever game your father and brother were playing didn't work, Sheridan. It took us awhile, but we finally managed to overcome all of it.”

Luis gave Sheridan an understanding smile. “Sheridan, I thought you knew me better than that?” I said I wanted to forget about our misunderstanding that night. I want to forget about all the hurt and pain that we caused each other. I'll never forget about this mask or what it stands for. It just gives me more reason to hate your family.”

“I understand Luis,” Sheridan said with a sad smile. She too was glad that Luis wanted to keep the past in the past. She was elated, however that it indeed had never been Luis that had said those things. Even though she wanted to forget as much as Luis, she was finding it difficult. The fall out from that one overheard conversation had been phenomenal and now she found out it had all been a ruse . All those months they'd been kept apart because of... No, she didn't want to think about that. Luis was right.

Luis handed Hal the mask. “This!” he said disgustedly. Then he realized Hal was supposed to be in Washington. “What are you doing here anyway Hal? I thought you were staying in D.C.?”

Freeman took the mask from Luis and examined it. "I was finished in Washington and I cam here to personally take you two to Harmony." Hal then stared at Luis with a quizzical look. “When on earth did you have time to have this made? I just saw Henri and they've started working on Sheridan's mask.”

“That is the million dollar question Hal,” Luis said bitterly. “We think Sheridan's brother Julian had the mask made to break us up last winter. The date on the inside is right before we had our... misunderstanding.”

“Yep” Luis remarked as he took the mask back from Hal. “Just think, we now have Luis and Sheridan doubles out there.” Luis laughed at the irony. “Maybe the FBI should find another corpse and put this mask on it and have the Luis double bring the Sheridan double to the drug cartel! Now that would be justice.”

Hal furrowed his brow in thought. He held his finger to his lip as he formulated his thoughts. “I never did like the idea of you being the one to carry Sheridan's body to Roger and Pierre and now you don't have to.”

“I'll explain everything to you both, but first, let's let Henri finish his work. We need to get to Harmony as soon as possible and we need to finish here first. I'll tell you both the plan on the way back to town.”

Sheridan, Luis and Hal watched Henri as he worked his magic transforming the corpse of Jane Doe into “Sheridan Crane.” Sheridan was “creeped out” to see herself “dead” and all were awed by Henri's ability to recreate a perfect double.

Four hours later Sheridan and Luis were sitting in a warehouse across the street from where Roger and Pierre were holed up with their prisoners. With them were dozens of federal agents, members of the bomb squad, the Sheridan double and Luis mask. Sam was also there with several of Harmony's finest as were several members of Interpol. Next step of their plan... Hal confronting Julian about the mask. In order for his new plan to work, Hal needed Julian's mask as well as Henri's.

“If nothing else, this night should prove very interesting,” Hal grinned. With that said he left the warehouse with great care and headed for the Crane mansion.

“Luis” Sam yelled across the room. Luis walked towards Sam when he heard his name called. “Luis, I'm really happy for you buddy,” Sam said with genuine affection. “I know how hard Sheridan's death hit you and I can only imagine the relief you must be feeling right now.”

A huge grin appeared on Luis' face. “Sam, I can't even begin to tell you how it felt to find her alive. One minute my heart was broken in two and the next minute it was bursting with joy. I'm not sure I can ever forgive Hank and Hal from putting me through the wringer though.”

“Yeah and look where keeping me out of it landed everyone?” Luis chastised. “Sheridan was buried alive and Hank and Eve are being held prisoner with the threat of death looming over their heads.”

“Yeah, he did Sam” Luis frowned. “I'll tell you Sam, if I'm the one that gets my hands on that bastard, I can't guarantee I won't kill him with my bare hands for what he's done.”

“Yeah, I know Sam. I just can't believe Roger is demanding that I personally bring Sheridan to him so he can kill her. What kind of a sick bastard is he anyway?”

“He wants you too Luis. Roger made it perfectly clear that if you don't bring Sheridan he will kill Eve first and then Hank. He's also vowed revenge on your entire family starting with your mother.”

“So, what do I owe the pleasure of a visit by the FBI?” Julian said with a sardonic grin. “I am surprised you would have the nerve to show your face here Agent Freeman, after the way you allowed my poor dear sister Sheridan to meet her untimely demise.”

Julian continued to laugh at Hal's audacity, but was beginning to wonder what Hal thought he had on him. “Just what is it that you think you can do to send me to prison Mr. FBI man?” Julian asked with mocking laughter.

“Mask?” Julian laughed nervously. “What mask? I have no idea what you are talking about.” Julian sank into his plush leather chair, his gaze moving to the top right drawer of his desk, then back to Agent Freeman.

Julian stared in shock at the Luis mask in Hal's hands. Julian quickly opened the drawer containing the Luis mask, thinking he would find it gone. Julian went pale when he saw the mask still in the drawer. He was at a loss.

“Expecting to find something missing?” Hal asked in amusement. “Now Mr. Crane, here is the deal I am willing to offer you. You give me the mask in the drawer there and I will make sure that no charges will ever be brought against you. I'll also make sure that Luis doesn't hurt you personally.”

Regaining his composure, Julian stood up to face Hal, closing the drawer in the process. “I haven't the slighted idea what you are talking about. What possible reason could I have for having a mask made of Looooissss Lopez Fitzgerald? It's never been a secret that I despise the man and he hold me in contempt as well.”

“Hey! Julian old Pal!” a voice said. Julian looked around, flustered, trying to locate the source of the voice. A tall man with dark eyes and dark hair came out of the shadows to face Julian. He wore a smile that caused Julian to shudder. “I thought I would have heard from you before now. You mentioned you might need my services again to keep your sister away from that cop, Luis.”

“And you're insulting my intelligence Julian” Sheridan said angrily as she walked into the library. With her arms on her hips and a cold glare, Sheridan faced her brother for the first time since her “death.”

Julian was now white as a sheet. His mouth opened and nothing would come out. He just stared at Sheridan in disbelief for a moment. Julian then eyed Hal suspiciously. “What kind of game are you playing here Agent Freeman?” Julian asked. “My sister is dead and buried and you have the unmitigated gall to bring an impostor in here of her? What kind of a sick joke is this?”

“It's no joke Julian” Sheridan said as she walked closer to Julian. “I'm real brother dearest. And if you don't turn over that mask of Luis to Hal I am going to become a “real” pain in your behind. It was you and father all along wasn't it? You couldn't stand it that I was getting close to Luis? You couldn't stand the fact that I might be happy so you hired an impersonator to make me think Luis was using me. How low will you and Father go Julian? Hmm?”

“I...I...I.... Sheridan, dear, Father and I were doing it for your own good, you must understand. We just wanted to show you what would happen if you did get involved with Luis.” Julian shook his head as he absorbed what was happening. “Wait a minute. Would someone mind telling me just what the hell is going on here?”

“Well Julian, just for your information, it didn't work. Do you hear me? The scheme you and Father cooked up didn't work. Until today, I didn't know what happened that night and I thank God we managed to get past all of that. I only regret how I treated Luis because of what you and Father did! How could you Julian? I know we haven't been the closest of families and yes Julian, I know that Father didn't even bother to make an appearance at my funeral.” Sheridan was fuming at this point. “But why did you do this? What is it you're afraid of Julian?”

“Sheridan, I know you have some issues with your brother over this mask and you also have some explaining to do as to how it is you are here,” Hal said looking at his watch. “But I really need that mask. My friend here and I have an appointment to keep.”

Julian just sat there with a superior grin on his face. “I'll get it for you Hal. I saw Julian look in that drawer earlier.” Sheridan walked over to Julian's desk and reached for the drawer, only to have Julian grab her arm.

“Don't even think about it Sheridan” Julian warned. Sheridan glared at Julian with hatred in her eyes. She lifter her hand and slapped Julian across the face as hard as she could. Julian stumbled backward and brought his hand up to his face. He was stunned by her action.

Sheridan quickly reached into the drawer and grabbed the Luis mask and tossed it to Hal. “That was for interfering with my life Julian. I'm going to tell you one last time. Stay out of my life! I will see whomever I choose and I choose Luis. He`s the most honest, caring man I have ever met and has more integrity in his little finger than you or any of those stuffed shirts at the country club you'd love to hook me up with, will ever have.”

Sheridan stood her ground waiting for Julian's next attack. “Miss Crane, We're leaving” Hal said before Julian could get another word in. Sheridan turned her attention to Hal for the moment. “Please make sure you DO NOT leave this estate until Luis comes for you, do you understand me?”

“What do I have to say for myself?” Julian sneered. “It seems to me, you are the one who needs to be explaining herself. How is it that you're alive anyway? What kind of a scam did you pull on us? Making me and father grieve for you.”

Sheridan began to laugh uncontrollably at the thought of Julian and Alistair grieving. “The two of you grieve? You were probably trying to get the insurance company to pay double indemnity because of the nature of my death!”

“You pig Julian! How could I have been born into a family as cold and uncaring as this one? I may have looked dead in that coffin Julian, but I wasn't. I heard everything that was being said around me. The only people who seemed to show any emotion over my death were Luis, Ethan and Ivy. I heard you and Rebecca Hotchkiss plotting to use my death to further alienate Luis and Ethan. That's all my death meant to you wasn't it? My death was a means of forcing Ethan to marry Gwen.”

“Excuse me Sheridan” Julian said pompously. “It seems to me that you wanted Gwen to marry Ethan as much as the rest of the family. You named Ethan and Gwen's heirs in you will! you talked of how special their love was and how if two people were ever meant to be together it was Ethan and Gwen.”

“Don't evade the issue Julian!” Sheridan seethed. “If you'd bothered to look at the date on that will, then you would know I had it drawn up long before Ethan fell in love with Theresa. As much as I love Gwen, you should all know that I would have told Ethan to marry the woman he was in love with, not the woman that the family wanted him to marry. If Theresa makes Ethan the happiest, then I want Ethan to marry her. The issue here is you and Father using my death for your own ends.”

Sheridan's rage had reached a new height. “You know what Julian?” Sheridan said in a very quiet controlled voice. “As far as you and father are concerned, I am...”

Sheridan? Sheridan! Is that really you?” Ethan stood in the doorway with a look of utter disbelief on his face. Sheridan turned when she heard her nephew's voice. “My God it is you!!!” Ethan ran to Sheridan and pulled her into an embrace which took her breath away.

“Ethan! Don't you dare speak about Luis like that, do you understand me? I won't take it from Julian and I certainly won't take it from you. For your information, Luis is the one who saved me. The FBI faked my death in order to draw out the drug cartel. I knew about the fake shooting but I had no idea about being buried. Luis sensed that something was wrong. He and I are so connected, he knew instinctively I was still alive. Instead of blaming him for everything, you need to be thanking him. Do you understand me?”

“I'm sorry Sheridan, I never meant for that article to be published. Father and Grandfather are the ones that had it printed.” Ethan looked at Julian with disgust. “Just so you know father, I heard what Sheridan said. “Frankly I am appalled that you would use Sheridan's death in this manner. Sometimes I really wonder how I can be related to you at all.”

“One more thing Julian,” Sheridan said with defiance. “If you or Alistair ever interfere in my life or Luis' life again, I will make sure that you both go to prison. Hal may have promised you not to bring up any charges if you gave him the mask, but I didn't. The man you and Alistair hired to impersonate Luis has given me a sworn affidavit of his complicity in the whole deal. Let's not forget the fact that you didn't actually give Hal the mask now did you? I found it in your drawer and handed it to him.”

Sheridan turned to leave. “Ethan would you be a dear and call Crane security for me? I'm going to my cottage to wait for Luis. I need to get away from this overwhelming display of brotherly love before I really do die.”

“Dios Mio!” Pilar exclaimed as she blessed herself. “Sheridan, you're alive!” Pilar hugged Sheridan warmly. “Sheridan this is a miracle! How? I don't understand?” Pilar was shocked. She had no idea what was going on.

“Come with me to my cottage, Pilar” Sheridan smiled. “I'll explain everything, starting with how your son saved my life.” A guard from Crane security greeted Sheridan and escorted her and Pilar out the door. Sheridan began her story as they walked towards the cottage.

“That's Hank and Eve. The other two? Notice one or both of them are moving periodically?” Luis again nodded. “Those are Roger and Pierre. It's been like this for the last several hours. Every once in awhile one of them walks over to Hank and Eve and then back to the other.”

“That bastard Julian Crane is responsible for that. Henri always makes two. Julian and Alistair hired someone to impersonate me so Sheridan would think I was using her. That's why she flew off to Paris last April.”

“I warned you about Julian and Alistair Crane, buddy,” Sam said seriously. “They live by their own rules. There is no way they are going to allow you to get involved with Sheridan.”

“Well, it's out of their hands now Sam. Hal is over there right now retrieving the mask and Sheridan is going to have a heart to heart with Julian. She got an affidavit from Buck, the guy Alistair hired to impersonate me. She's already sent it and several copies to several different lawyers to hold for her.”

“Listen up everybody” Hal called out to get everyone's attention. “It's time to put out plan into action. Roger is expecting Luis in ten minutes with Sheridan.” Luis and Sam both inhaled sharply when they saw Luis impostor 1 and Luis impostor 2 enter behind Hal. Both were dressed exactly as Luis was dressed.

“Now, I want you all to pay close attention. All of the Luis' will be equipped with bullet proof vests. Luis will be referred to as Luis 1. He will be the person to rescue Eve and Hank. We are assuming that Pierre will stay with the hostages while Roger goes to the pier to meet Luis 2 and Sheridan. Luis 3 will be in the alley. He will be free to go in either direction as needed. If all goes well, he will take custody of Pierre while Luis 1 brings Hank and Eve to our warehouse. Once Luis 1 and Luis 3 have delivered their packages, they will both go to the pier and assist Luis 2. Does everyone have that straight? All the Luis' will be in contact with us and each other. That is why we need you to remember your numbers.”

Luis 1 hid behind some pallets he back of the warehouse where Roger and Pierre had Hank and Eve hostage. He could not see the door and would rely totally on Hal's direction. Luis 2 was waiting for Roger to show up at the pier and Luis 3 was across the alley from Luis 1. “We have an image on the move” they heard Hal say. “Stay in position men until I give the signal.”

The three men acknowledged Hal's order and remained silent. Luis took a cleansing breath and checked his weapon. He knew very shortly he would be facing Pierre and there very well could be gunfire. Luis was very glad that Sheridan had agreed to stay at the mansion, as so much was going to happen her tonight, he didn't want to endanger her life again no matter what.

“Luis 2, Roger is on the move. He has left the warehouse and we assume he is headed for the pier. Be on the lookout.” Luis 2 responded to Hal and shifted the dead body in his arms. Since the woman he was carrying was supposed to be Sheridan, Luis 2 feigned a look of total anguish, readying himself for his confrontation with Roger.

“Roger is gone. Move in Luis 1.” Luis quietly began to make his way to the side door of the warehouse. He was now on the opposite side from the exit Roger had used. He slowly opened the door and walked inside. Luis 3 carefully watched Luis 1 and followed as close as he dare. “Hold on Luis 1! What's this? Frankie, what the hell is going on here?”

Luis was getting nervous. He had no idea what was going on except he had been told to stop and Hal sounded panicked. He listened carefully trying to decipher what was going on.

“We just got three new images on the heat sensor screen. there were six images all congregated and three of them just left. Luis 1 you're going to have to take a chance and go in there. Just be careful, Pierre might still be there. Someone is there, that's for sure.”

“Roger that Hal” Luis said. “Luis 1 going in.” Luis continued inching his way into the warehouse, gun drawn, checking out every direction before moving. After what seemed like an eternity, he finally reached the part of the warehouse housing the captives. Luis was shocked at what he saw.

Sitting there tied up with Eve and Hank was his mother Pilar. “Mama?” Luis whispered as he ran over to her. All of their mouths were gagged. Luis freed Pilar's first. As he began undoing the others, Pilar frantically began to speak.

“I ran into Sheridan at the mansion. She and I were walking to her cottage so she could wait for you there with one of the Crane security guards. As soon as we got a safe distance from the main house he pulled a gun on us and brought us here.”

“Hal! They've got Sheridan! One of the Crane security people was working for Roger!” Luis yelled. “Mama, where is she now?” Luis asked in a near panic as he undid their ropes as quickly as he could.

“When We got her, the security guard and the man here began talking heatedly in French. The only thing I got from the conversation was they would not be double crossed again. Then the two men left with Sheridan. I heard one of them say they needed to find Roger immediately.”

“Luis 3, get to the dock now!” Hal yelled. “Luis 1 get those hostages out of there NOW! Sam, get a couple of your best men over to the pier. We can't let them kill Miss Crane.”

“Damn those bastards!” Luis yelled when he heard Hal mention the word “kill”. “I'll kill them with my bare hands if I have to. They're not going to take Sheridan from me. Not this time.” Luis struggling, finally finished untying the prisoners.

“Thanks Hank. Take them to the warehouse on Water St., next block over.” Luis ran off as fast as he could, headed for the pier. “Hal, I'm on my way to the pier” Luis yelled.

“She is dead” Luis 2 announced with emotion as he came out of the shadows to face Roger, Pierre and Sheridan. “I don't know who she is, but she's not Sheridan Crane. This is Sheridan Crane” Luis 2 insisted.

Roger was angry and suspicious at best. He stared at Sheridan who was roughly being held at gunpoint by Pierre, then his gaze went to the lifeless body Luis 2 held in his arms. In his anger he lashed out and slapped Sheridan across the face. She cried out in pain, but said nothing.

“Well then” Roger decided with an evil grin. “There is only one way to take care of this situation. I must kill you all! Starting with you Luis. I want Sheridan Crane to witness your death before she succumbs to death herself.” Roger raised his gun and before anyone knew it got a shot off at Luis 2. With Sheridan's “body” close to him, the shot entered the body saving Luis 2 from a gunshot wound to the chest.

Luis 1 also walked out onto the pier in between the other 2 Luis'. “And now he doesn't know who to shoot first. Isn't that right Roger?” Luis 2 took the opportunity to gently place the body on the ground. He pulled his gun out of his waist and also aimed his in the direction of the gunmen.

Luis 1 heard this and aimed his gun at Roger as Roger aimed his gun at Sheridan. “Noooooooooo!” Sheridan screamed as she gathered every ounce of strength she had and kneed Pierre causing him to double over in a blinding pain. Sheridan dropped to the ground. Gunshots reigned the wharf for a moment and then all fell silent.

“Sheridan! Sheridan!” Luis 1 yelled into the night as he ran over to where Roger and Pierre had been holding her. All three bodies lay lifeless on the wooden docks. Blood trickled out from underneath the heap of flesh, falling through the cracks into the water below. “Sheridan!” Luis yelled louder still as he was the first to reach them. Luis pulled Roger and Pierre off of Sheridan who was at the bottom of the heap. He heard groans coming from the two men as he roughly threw them aside to get to Sheridan.

When he saw her he almost cried out in agony. Her shirt was covered in blood. She looked much like she had on that fateful night not so long ago. For an instant all that pain he'd felt that night came rushing back. This couldn't be happening, not again. “Oh God, NO! Sheridan, please talk to me. God, please let her be all right!” he pleaded.

“Sheridan! You're all right!” Luis rejoiced. He pulled her into his arms and hugged her fiercely. “Let me get you out of here” he said as he effortlessly picked her up and carried her away from the two gunmen.

Within seconds, the Harmony PD, FBI and other special agents from Interpol were on top of Roger and Pierre. The third man, who had infiltrated Crane security had already been apprehended and was being questioned.

“No Luis” Sheridan said, her cheeks blush and her smile radiant. “I don't mind in the least.” Sheridan wrapped her arms around Luis' strong neck and gently lay her head on his shoulder as she sighed softly. Luis couldn't keep the grin from forming at her response. He too, sighed in complete contentment as he carried her off into the night.

“We find the defendants guilty on all charges” the translator announced immediately after the judge read the decision. A small cheer erupted in the courtroom. Luis gaze sought Sheridan's through the sea of faces in the crowded courtroom. Finally resting his eyes on hers, they exchanged a glance filled with satisfaction and overwhelming happiness.

From almost the moment Roger and Pierre had been taken down on the pier, Sheridan and Luis, as well as Hank and Agent Freeman had been kept under constant supervision. The group had been flown to Paris almost immediately and had been placed in protective custody, pending the outcome of the trial. Luis and Sheridan hadn't been allowed more than a friendly “good morning” at the breakfast table in all this time. None of the four were allowed to speak with each other or contact each other in any way except generic conversations at meals. Other than that, each of them had been kept secluded from the others except for questions from the authorities.

The courtroom was a madhouse as the judge set a date for sentencing. He was about to demand order in the court, but decided it would be more trouble than it was worth. Instead he remanded the prisoners to custody and dismissed the court.

For the last time the guards ushered Sheridan, Luis, Hank and Hal into a conference room in the courthouse. It was a difficult trip as they were mobbed with reporters from all over the word, wanting a statement from the key witnesses in the case. Once inside the conference room, Sheridan heaved a sigh of relief as she wearily slumped into a chair. She sat there until she heard the door open and Luis was ushered in by his guard.

“Luis!” Sheridan exclaimed excitedly. She jumped up from her seat and ran to him. Luis welcomed her with a glorious smile and warm embrace. “Luis, it's over!” she whispered. She nervously looked over at the guards expecting them to pull her away from Luis, but they just shook their heads and smiled. She turned back to Luis. “It's finally over!”

Luis' already fabulous smile grew as he leaned in and kissed Sheridan longingly. Sheridan responded eagerly. It had been nearly a month since she'd felt Luis' soft lips touch hers and she reveled in the sensations his kiss was awakening in her. Their welcomed kiss was soon interrupted as the door opened again, this time it was Hank, Hal and their two guards.

Hank shook his head and smirked. “Oh boy, I guess I'd better get used to this scene.” Hank had finally resigned himself to the fact that Sheridan and Luis were meant to be together and he had no chance with her. He didn't have to like it, but after everything that had happened, he wasn't going to give them anymore grief.

Sheridan blushed, as Luis shook his head and laughed. “Hey, we're entitled, don't you think?” he asked. “I haven't been able to so much as blow a kiss in Sheridan's direction without being whisked out of the room.”

“I know Luis” Freeman smiled. “That's all over now though isn't it? Roger and Pierre will never see the light of day again thanks to Miss Crane and all of you. You are now free to return to your lives as normal.”

Luis tightened his hold of Sheridan as he gently swayed her in his arms. He felt a sense of comfort and overwhelming happiness he'd never known. Luis felt at peace for the first time. It was a wonderful feeling. “So Hal, when do we leave?” Luis asked.

Hal looked at Hank, then he looked at Sheridan and Luis. “Hank and I are leaving in about an hour for the airport. “We'll be back in the States in time for dinner.”

“You and Hank?” Luis questioned, unsure where this was leading. He hoped there was nothing more he and Sheridan had to do with the French Authorities. Sheridan and Luis exchanged worried looks. “Don't tell me that we have too...”

“For a very good reason I believe” Hal answered. “Considering everything the two of you have been through, the Harmony PD and the FBI believe that Luis deserves a vacation. I talked to Luis' mother and she told me that Luis has always wanted to go to Spain, so the FBI is going to send the two of you to Spain for a well deserved two week vacation. The Harmony PD has given Luis an extra two weeks paid vacation so he can go and not use any of his earned vacation time.”

“Yes Luis” Hal answered. “I'm very serious. You and Sheridan will stay at a villa the FBI uses as a safe house. Right now we have nothing going on in Spain, so you will have the place to yourselves. Two weeks in the Spanish sun with no interruptions.”

Luis smiled his signature grin. He raised his eyebrows suggestively at Sheridan. “What do you say Sheridan?” He asked in a husky voice. “Will you be my personal guide of Spain? If I remember correctly, you said you'd love to show me Spain someday.”

Sheridan's smile was radiant. “I did say that didn't I? I meant every word I said Luis. I would love to be your personal guide.” Luis and Sheridan were momentarily lost in each other's gaze. “When do we leave Agent Freeman?” Sheridan asked as she never broke her gaze with Luis. She just stared at him, her smile getting bigger, the look in her eyes filled with excitement and anticipation.

Sheridan felt a surge of warmth and a slow grin appeared on her face as she glanced lovingly at Luis. Luis turned back to gaze at Sheridan when he felt her eyes bring into him. “You remembered?” she blushed.

“I remember everything you've ever said to me Sheridan,” Luis said quietly. Hal began speaking of Luis knowledge of world geography and then how easy it would be for Luis and Sheridan to get around in Spain as they were both fluent in the language, but neither heard them. The moment they were sharing right now was a memory of a year ago when Sheridan had given the slides of Spain to Luis. At the time it had been the most intimate time they'd shared to date. So much had happened since then and it had been one fleeting moment that Sheridan hadn't forgotten... Now she knew he hadn't forgotten either.

Sheridan nodded. Luis held his hand out to Sheridan. She placed her hand is his and couldn't help the redness from appearing in her cheeks when he closed her hand in his. The simplest touch from Luis still sent her heart into flutters.

“We're leaving now Hal” Luis said as he walked Sheridan out of the conference room. “Thanks for everything Hal. I mean it!” With their good-byes said to Hal and Hank, Luis escorted Sheridan out of the back door of the courthouse to avoid the reporters and down the street towards their hotel to pack.

With a steady but not hurried pace, Sheridan and Luis held each other for warmth in the cold crisp winter air. Sheridan snuggled closer to Luis as they walked, breathing in the fresh scent of his cologne, sighing in pleasure. “Are you cold Sheridan?” Luis asked as he wrapped his arms tighter around her.

Luis chuckled. He too was happier than he knew was possible and it warmed his heart finding she felt the same way about him. Luis spotted a flower vender up ahead and steered Sheridan towards him. As if Déjà vu, he purchased a single red rose and handed it to her. Sheridan gazed at him, her face one of pure bliss. “Thank you” she said demurely as she held the rose to her nostrils and breathed it's fragrance.

“There's nothing wrong Sheridan” Luis said as he once again wrapped his strong arm around her waist. “I just have something I wanted to tell you, that's all.”

A wave of panic flowed through her. “You're not saying you don't want to go to Spain, are you?” Sheridan blurted out. She bit her lip, not wanting to sound so desperate, but it was too late now. All she had to do now was wait for his response.

Luis shook his head as he and Sheridan sat down on the bench. “No Sheridan” he said with a cockeyed grin. “I'm not saying that at all. On the contrary, I want nothing more than to go to Spain...with you.”

“I wanted to tell you... Sheridan, I should have done this a long time ago, but I could never find the right words. I've wanted to tell you this for weeks now and we were never allowed a moment alone together.” Luis took both of Sheridan's hands in his own. His eyes locked with hers. Her adoring stare and innocent smile caused a knot to develop in his throat and his heart began pounding.

“What is it Luis?” Sheridan again asked patiently. She knew whatever it was Luis was trying to say was difficult for him and wanted to make it as easy for him as possible. She gently stroked the back of his hand with her thumb, which seemed to give Luis the courage to continue.

“What I'm trying to tell you Sheridan...” Luis said, his nervousness quite evident. He took a deep breath. “...Is that I love you. I love you Sheridan Crane and I didn't want another minute to pass without you knowing how I feel about you.” Luis let out the breath he'd been holding and now waited for her to respond.

Sheridan beamed. Her smile was luminous as his words reached her heart. She was bursting with joy upon hearing Luis' confession. Luis' every gesture, every action spoke volumes of his love for her, but until now the words had gone unspoken. Hearing Luis say those words brought tears to her sparkling blue eyes. She raised her hands to his face and caressed his cheeks gently. Luis inhaled sharply and leaned into her touch.

“Oh Luis,” she sobbed, as she stared lovingly into his penetrating gaze. “I too love you! I love you with my whole heart. I've never known a love like this before. The love I have in my heart for you is the kind that only comes once in a lifetime.”

Luis felt like a million dollars. He laughed slightly, the smile on his face, unwavering. Luis leaned forward and kissed Sheridan gently on the lips. Their tender kiss lingered for a moment and Luis pulled back with an impish grin. “I hope you know that now that I've said it, I plan on telling you on a regular basis.”

The driver pulled up in front of the picturesque seascape villa, as Luis and Sheridan stepped out into the warm Spanish sun. “Oh Sheridan!” Luis said excitedly, “It's beautiful!” Luis was completely awed by his new surroundings. As he surveyed the area he found several landmarks he'd seen in the slides Sheridan had given him. Each time he recognized something he pulled Sheridan closer to him and pointed it out to her. Sheridan, who had been to Spain many times in the past, had never been so enthusiastic before. Spain was a country that was best seen with someone you love and this time she was seeing it just that way. It was an entirely different experience.

The driver helped Luis bring the bags inside the villa and gave him the instructions Hal had left in case of an emergency. Luis thanked the man and handed him a generous tip.

Luis raised and lowered his eyebrows several times in a very suggestive fashion as he closed the distance between them. He pulled Sheridan into his arms and kissed her firmly on the lips. “Eat!” he said when he pulled back from their kiss.

“Because I have plans for us later tonight” he said suggestively. “Once I get you alone in the bedroom, I can't say when I'll let you leave, so I think we need to eat a good dinner.”

“Oh definitely Miss Crane. And it's a promise I plan on keeping. Nothing will interfere with it this time.” Luis swallowed hard. He felt his pulse begin to race in anticipation of the events later in the evening. “Have I told you lately how much I love you?”

“I'm counting on it” Sheridan replied in a sexy tone. “And you haven't told me since we left the car.” She gave Luis an affectionate peck on the cheek. “I love you too Luis and don't ever forget it. Now, unless we plan on living on love, I suggest we dress for dinner. I know a beautiful little restaurant up the beach where we can watch the sunset as well.”

Luis and Sheridan shared a very romantic traditional Spanish dinner and then walked along the beach as the sun finished it's decent over the ocean. Sheridan stopped a woman walking towards them and asked her if she would be so kind as to take their picture with the setting sun in the background. The woman happily obliged as she took the camera from Sheridan.

Luis wrapped his arms tightly around a glowing Sheridan. The woman snapped several photos as she was in awe at the love that exuded from this magnificent looking couple. They didn't even realize she continued to take their picture, as they were so caught up in the moment. The woman smiled when she handed the camera back to Sheridan. “Amor!” she winked at them as she resumed her walk on the beach.

Luis and Sheridan continued their romantic stroll down the beach. Sheridan had never felt happier or more alive in her life. Each time Luis looked over at her, she felt a warmth engulf her body. Her cheeks burned due to her constant blushing from his sultry stares. “I love you so much Luis” she finally said. It felt so good to be able to say that to him and she fell more in love with him each time the words flowed from her lips.

As the villa grew closer, the anticipation grew in both of them. They both knew what would happen when they entered the seclusion of their bedroom in the luxurious villa. Luis and Sheridan had done nothing for the last month but dream of making love to each other. Tonight would be a night they would remember for the rest of their lives and their proclamation of love for each other would make it that much more special.

“I know” she smiled shyly. Sheridan felt the butterflies begin in her stomach as she watched Luis lock the door and slowly walk towards her. Sheridan took a few steps to meet him. She tentatively placed her hand on his shoulder as Luis stared deeply into her sparkling blue eyes. She saw the flame of desire ignite in his own as her hand touched him. She slowly moved her arm until it was firmly planted around his neck.

“Yeah, I am. This way when we make love tonight, it's going to make it that much sweeter. I'm going to show you exactly how much I truly love you.” Luis leaned in and slowly lowering his lips until they met hers. They kissed in a series of slow sensual kisses, each kiss a little longer than the previous.

“Oh Luis!” Sheridan moaned as his lips left hers and trailed their way down her neck and shoulders. “You've already shown me in so many ways, your love for me.” Sheridan threw her head back as she reveled in the sensation his kisses were causing her.

“Luis, how I've missed this feeling” Sheridan exclaimed as she felt the desire build within her. “I've dreamed of this night every night since we were separated before everything happened.”

“So have I Sheridan” Luis responded as he ran his hand across her shoulder, pushing her shirt aside slightly allowing his mouth better access to her shoulder. His kisses were increasing in intensity as he was becoming lost in the feel of her silky smooth skin and the fragrance of her intoxicating perfume.

Losing her senses quickly, Sheridan maneuvered her hands towards Luis' chest and fumbled with the buttons of his button down black oxford shirt. Her breathing was quickening in anticipation as she touched his bare flesh beneath the shirt she was removing.

Luis pulled back for a moment and allowed Sheridan to unbutton his shirt. He kissed her face several times and rubbed his hands up and down her arms as she finally achieved her goal. Luis helped Sheridan ease his shirt to the floor. She then lightly ran her hands over his shoulders and down his torso, as she followed her touch by tender kisses.

Luis took a deep inhalation of breath as her treatment of his upper body was having a great effect on him. Luis placed his hands on Sheridan's waist and slowly circled it, until his hands were planted underneath her shirt. He slowly raised his hands, taking her shirt with him, until she raised her arms as well and he pulled it over her head, discarding it on top of his own.

Sheridan caught Luis' gaze and gasped slightly. The flame of desire she'd seen earlier was now a raging inferno. Her whole body trembled with a yearning for this man she loved so deeply. Sheridan reached up and pulled Luis head towards her as she met his lips in a fiery kiss. Luis groaned as she kissed him with such intensity every fiber of his being was awakened. Their kiss sparked a fire that was out of control. Gasping for air, Luis pulled back long enough to whisk Sheridan into his arms. “I want you now, Sheridan” he said in a gravelly voice. “I want to make love to you now.”

“I want you to make love to me, my love” Sheridan whispered as she stared into his black smoldering eyes. “I want to become one with the man I love. The only man I will ever love.” As Luis carried her up the spiral staircase to the bedroom, Sheridan sought his lips with her own and again kissed him passionately.

Luis kicked the door open with his foot and gently placed Sheridan's feet on the floor next to the four poster bed. Luis broke the kiss for a moment when he spotted something on the bed. He looked over Sheridan's shoulder to make out what it was and Sheridan pulled him back for another steamy kiss.

Luis smiled at her as he reached on the bed and took hold of the package. He sat down on the edge of the bed and pulled Sheridan into his lap. “What is it Luis?” Sheridan asked sweetly as she trailed tiny kisses along his shoulder.

Luis plugged the CD player into the wall and inserted the disc. The familiar music that Sheridan adored filled the air as the man of her dreams smiled at her in a way that caused her to feel a surge of heat coarse through her body. Sheridan returned his adoring gaze.

“I love you too Luis, with all my heart.” Luis stood Sheridan up slowly and helped her remove her remaining clothes. She helped him as well and for a brief moment they stood in awe of each other's magnificent form. Sheridan reached up and held Luis' face in her hands. All the love in her heart shone through her dazzling smile. Luis leaned down and kissed her with a renewed intensity. He lowered both of them to the bed, his body heating up in a way he'd never known. Luis' hands began to roam Sheridan's curved body which elicited a soft moan from her.

Luis` mouth followed his hands as he lay soft sensual kisses everywhere he touched. When he reached her breasts, he massaged one in each hand which caused Sheridan to involuntarily shiver. His mouth met up with his hands and he replaced one hand with his mouth, which caused Sheridan to loudly moan and she arched her back, pressing her body closer to his.

Sheridan desperately needed to kiss Luis, so she placed her hands behind his head and pulled him towards her. She kissed him with a sense of urgency. She wanted him and needed him to make love to her. “Make love to me, Luis” she whispered. “Make love to me now.”

“Your wish is my command Sheridan” Luis whispered back. He shared a smile with her, a smile meant only for lovers. Luis began to make love to the woman he loved more than life itself. He took her to a place neither of them had ever been before. A place that was reserved for them and only them. A place they would return to over and over again as they would express their love to each other for many years to come.