This Can't be Happening

Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald paced back and forth in his living room. His clothes were wrinkled from having slept in them from the night before. He hadn't shaved in a day and a half and his hair was sticking up in every direction. “If I only knew what happened,” he said in a dazed confusion. Theresa walked into the living room as he was talking to himself. She shot him a disapproving look.

Theresa ignored his comment, but she felt the need to say something. She had always looked up to her big brother. He'd sacrificed so much, just to keep them together as a family after their father's disappearance. He was very strict, but at least he'd always been honest she'd thought. Until now that was. “You know Luis, you were the one person I always thought of as being completely honest” Theresa said. “You always told people exactly where you stood. You never played games with people's emotions.“ Theresa couldn't even look at him as she spoke. “But after the way you used Sheridan I...” Theresa was cut off in mid sentence by Luis.

“Why does everyone keep saying that to me,” Luis practically shouted, throwing his hands in the air. He was totally confused and exasperated. “First Ethan, then Hank, and finally Sheridan last night when she told me she never wanted to see me again. You all keep saying I used her, but NO ONE will tell me what I did!!” His voice was getting louder with each word, as his frustration grew.

Theresa rolled her eyes to the back of her head and crossed her arms in front of her. “Like you don't know, Luis. Ethan told me all about it. I'm surprised he'll even talk to me after this. He told me he's never seen Sheridan like this before. He said she's been hurt by men in the past, but she's hurting so much right now, he doesn't know if she'll ever get over it. How could you do this to her?” Theresa shouted angrily.

“Fine,” Theresa said sarcastically, “Since you seem to want to hear it again, I'll tell you.” She looked at her brother, this time seeing pain in his eyes, not understanding why he looked that way. Her tone softened a bit. “Sheridan went back to the wharf the other night and overheard you on the phone with someone. You said” Theresa was now looking intently at her brother wanting to see his reaction, “Don't worry, I intend to use the very rich Miss Sheridan Crane for my own ends. You said the Cranes have used and abused our family for years and now you intended to use their spoiled princess. Sheridan said you then started laughing, perversely. She felt like she'd been stabbed in the heart.” Theresa stopped for a minute waiting for Luis' reaction.

Luis ran his hands through his already disheveled hair. He was now more confused than before if that was possible. His mind was a whirlwind. He'd never said that to anyone. He'd never use Sheridan like that. “This is insane Theresa, I never said anything like that, to anyone!” Luis yelled. His face was pale and there was a look of panic on his face. “I would never use Sheridan, or anyone else for that matter.”

“Well big brother, Ethan heard you the second time as well. So don't even try to deny it! I just hope Sheridan can forget she ever met you. It's a good thing she'll be leaving for Europe in the morning,” Theresa fumed. With that, she gave her brother another nasty glance and left for school.

Luis plopped onto the couch, feeling like he'd been kicked in the stomach. How could this be happening? The last time he'd talked to Sheridan, besides her telling him she never wanted to see him again, was on the phone when they both discussed how much they enjoyed their kiss. It was such a wonderful night, he thought. “We seemed to finally be able to talk, and that kiss...” He smiled for a second as he remembered how he felt when he'd been kissing her, and she told him she enjoyed it! “Now, she never wants to see me again? I don't get it. Oh, man.... “Luis was interrupted from his thoughts as the telephone rang. He picked up the phone which was on a table next to the couch.

Sam sat there watching Luis, waiting for him to talk. He knew Luis was hurting, but thought it best to let him start when he was ready. Sam was bracing himself for what Luis would tell him. He'd seen that look on his own face once before, along time ago. He waited remembering his own pain from all those years ago.

“This whole thing is so unreal to me. I feel like I'm living in the twilight zone” Luis said with a depressed tone. “All I know is this. A few nights ago I was on a stakeout at the wharf. Sheridan stopped by to see me. I kissed her as a cover so the drug dealer I was looking for wouldn't make me out as a cop. It was a great kiss, Sam” a small smile crept onto Luis' face as he remembered the kiss. “I'd never felt that way kissing anyone before. Anyway, I talked to Sheridan on the phone later that night and we discussed how we both enjoyed it. We had a great talk. We got some things settled and I was really beginning to think we could have a future together.” The smile left Luis' face and his look once again becomes sullen. “The next time I saw her was at the party at the Youth Center and she avoided me like the plague. I couldn't figure it out. She sounded excited when I told her about it. I mean after all, it was for her for finishing her community service.”

“Next?” Luis threw his hands in the air, and let out a sarcastic laugh. “Next was yesterday morning, when she showed up at the Youth Center and accused me of using her. She also told me she never wanted to see me again. I'd already heard that from Ethan and then Hank, but no one would tell me what I did. They just snorted at me and walked away.” Luis was starting to get flustered again, as he thought about this whole situation. “Then to top it all off, Theresa started on me this morning. She said the same things the others did.”

Luis snickered. “Sort of. I managed to get Theresa to tell me what I did. Basically she said that Sheridan overheard me on the telephone twice talking about how I was going to use the very rich Sheridan Crane, and then how she was like putty in my hands . I was using Sheridan to get what I wanted. Oh, yeah, and I had an evil laugh as I said these things. First time was at the wharf later on the night I mentioned earlier. Second time was at the Youth Center the night of the party. Supposedly, Ethan heard me the second night as well.” Luis was mentally exhausted as he finished his explanation.

Ivy Crane knocked on the door to Sheridan's cottage. Ethan just told her that Sheridan was moving back to Europe for good. She saw her son was very upset. She too, couldn't help but thinking how nice it had been to have Sheridan around the last few months. She and Sheridan had never really been close, but she enjoyed seeing another smiling face in an otherwise dreary household. Sheridan and Ethan were so unlike the rest of the Cranes. She knew why Ethan was nothing like Julian and figured Sheridan was different because she'd spent so much time in Europe as a child. She may not have realized it Ivy thought, but being away from Alistair and Julian was the best thing that could have ever happened to her.

“Well, I can't stay here another minute,” Sheridan stated emphatically. Tears were beginning to well up in her eyes, once again. “Paris will be a breath of fresh air. As bad as I thought it was when I left, it was nothing like it is right now in Harmony.” She was trying to fight back the tears, but it was no use. They were flowing down her cheeks. She moved to the table to grab another tissue. It had almost become a ritual the last few days. Anytime someone mentioned Luis' name or anything to do with him, tears flowed. She'd never been this heartbroken in her life.

Sheridan let out a curt laugh, “Well, life's funny. I really thought Luis was different from all the rest. I thought he was the man of my dreams. As it turns out, he couldn't have hurt more if he'd taken a butcher life and stabbed me through the heart. I think it would've hurt less that way, now that I think about it. It was all an act, Ivy! The whole thing!”

“Sheridan, don't talk this way, please,” Ivy pleaded. She hated seeing Sheridan hurting like this, but knew from experience, there was nothing she could do to make her feel any better. Time is the only thing that will help she thought, but the pain never fully goes away, either.

Ivy reached the mansion and heard voices coming from the library and headed towards them. It was Julian talking to Alistair on the speakerphone, she realized as she came closer. Suddenly, Ivy stopped dead in her tracks as she heard what was being said. Her mouth dropped open in horror as she quietly listened to the conversation.

Julian let out a relieved sigh, and then a quick laugh. “I have to admit, Father, your plan was pure genius! I never would have thought to pay someone to impersonate Luis, and then make Sheridan think that he was just like all the other men in her life. He was perfect, Father! He knew exactly which buttons to push with Sheridan.” Julian took a quick drink of the brandy he held in his hand.

“I should say not, Father,” Julian laughed, very pleased with the outcome of the situation. “You should have seen the look on Sheridan's face when she told me I was right all along! It was priceless!” Julian continued laughing at the thought of Sheridan's despair. “Still, it's rather sad to see her so upset over nothing but a lowlife cop!”

Ivy stood behind the door to the study. Her face was crimson now, as she listened to the two men she hated most in this world gloating over another job well done. `They're not going to get away with it this time' she said to herself. `I'll make sure Sheridan doesn't suffer the same fate I did, all those years ago.' Ivy quietly walked away from the study, not waiting to hear the end of the conversation. She grabbed her purse from the table in the hall and left the mansion, gently closing the door so Julian didn't hear. She quickly ran to her car, turned over the ignition and was gone in a flash. Once she was away from Crane property, she picked up her cell phone and dialed a number.

Sam looked irritated at the interruption. He was fidgeting nervously as well, not wanting Luis to know Ivy Crane was calling him. He turned his head away from Luis and very quietly said, “I can't talk to you right now. I'm with one of my men who is having a personal problem at the moment. It really isn't a good time.”

“I'm at Luis' house right now” Sam announced enthusiastically. “Why don't you come here and tell both of us?” Luis was dying to find out what the call was about. He kept making gestures towards Sam and Sam kept waving him off. “Do you know where the house is?” Sam asked.

Sheridan was not paying much attention to how she was packing. She was just packing. She emptied drawers out directly into suitcases, folding nothing. She pulled clothes out of her closet, repeating the same thing just tossing them into her luggage. Finally she had filled her suitcases, closed them and sat down. Now that her packing was finished, her mind kept wandering to Luis. She remembered all the tender moments they shared. She remembered the fights, the near kisses, the real kiss from the other night. The tears flowed even harder than they had earlier. She couldn't take it anymore. She picked up the phone and dialed.

“Never mind that,” Sheridan replied angrily. “I'm all packed and I want to leave today. I don't want to leave in the morning. Do you think you can handle that?” Her tone was now sarcastic. “I know you and Father will be happy to see me leave. You never wanted me to come back to Harmony in the first place.”

Ivy drew a deep breath. She looked at Sam, then Luis and then back at Sam again. “I came here today to make sure that bastard husband of mine and his sinister Father don't do to Sheridan what they did to me. “ Ivy's voice was filled with venom. Her blue eyes were cold as steel. Sam cringed at Ivy`s words. He hoped Luis hadn't noticed his reaction. Luis did notice. He also remembered a conversation with Sam regarding the Crane women and the men that were in love with them. Then he remembered his mother telling him that Sam had his heart broken before he met Grace. `It all fits' he thought. He momentarily glanced at Sam and then back to Ivy. He said nothing. He had more important matters at hand right now. He waited for Ivy to continue.

“Before I begin you both have to promise me, you will never let it be known where you received this information” Ivy said with a nervous smile. “If Julian or Alistair ever found out I was the leak, I'm not sure what they'd do. Believe me when I tell you they are not forgiving and they do desperate acts when cornered.” Both Luis and Sam saw the fear and pain in her eyes.

Ivy gave a faint smile and continued. “Alistair and Julian hired a man to impersonate Luis. The impostor's phone conversation was carefully orchestrated by Alistair, to hit on every insecurity Sheridan has involving love, men and relationships. It was meant to convince Sheridan that Luis was just using her, like all the other men she's known. He left absolutely nothing to chance.”

Sam and Luis looked at each other totally stunned by what they'd just heard. Both were speechless for a few seconds. Luis' shock suddenly turned to anger. His face was becoming crimson as he thought about what Julian Alistair had done to Sheridan. He stood up from the table.

“Those bastards” Luis yelled. “How could they do that to her, their own sister and daughter! What the hell kind of a family would do that! I mean, if they wanted to keep her away from me why didn't they get rid of me? Why hurt her?” Luis's anger was subsiding. He now almost felt like crying, thinking of the pain Sheridan must be going through, knowing she thought he was the one who caused it. “I need to get to her. I need to tell her. I can't let her think I hurt her like this. I lo..., I mean... Those bastards aren't going to get away with this.” Luis headed for the door.

“Luis wait a second. Slow down buddy” Sam said in a calm voice. “She'll may not even see you. Let Ivy and me talk to her. Ivy, why don't you call Sheridan and tell her you need to talk to her tonight before she leaves. Tell her it's very important. Have her meet you at the Book Cafe so we aren't seen going to the cottage together. We don't want to arouse any suspicions.”

“Hello, this is Sheridan Crane” a sad voice answered. “I'm sorry I'm not here, but I have left the country and doubt I'll ever be back. If this is a family member calling, I will leave my new number when I get settled in Paris. Sorry to leave early, but I just couldn't stay in Harmony another day. Good-bye.”

Ivy's face brightened. “You know, I saw Sheridan only a few hours ago. She didn't mention anything to me about leaving today. It must have been a decision made at the last minute. There is a good chance the Crane jet hasn't left yet. Maybe we can catch her at the airport?”

Ivy didn't need to repeat herself. Luis was at the door waiting to leave for the airport. Sam and Ivy were right behind him. The three of them were out the door in a matter of seconds. They all jumped in Sam's car and drove to the airport. Ivy and Sam were in the front seat, Luis in the back.

“I think I'll call the airport” Ivy said as she picked up the phone and dialed. “Hello, this is Ivy Crane calling. Could you please tell me if the Crane Jet has left yet? It hasn't? Good. Could you please make sure it doesn't leave until I get there? Thank you very much. We'll be there within fifteen minutes.” Ivy smiled as she turned the phone off.

Luis put his head back against the seat and closed his eyes. He was trying to relax, but was finding it difficult. He kept seeing Sheridan in his mind, seeing her pain, knowing she thought he had caused it. `I'll get those bastards' he thought, `if it's the last thing I ever do. Alistair and Julian Crane will wish they'd never heard the name Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald... That will have to wait for now, though... Making sure Sheridan is o.k. is the most important thing... Oh, Sheridan...' Luis drifted off to sleep.

Sam briefly tuned his head to see a sleeping Luis. “Good. Let him sleep for a little bit. He`s exhausted” Sam whispered back. “You know Ivy, I've never seen Luis like this in all the time I've known him. Not when his father disappeared, not when he broke up with Beth, not even when he thought he'd killed his own father.” Sam let out a slight chuckle. “It's kind of funny. It's only been a few weeks that I've even known he had feelings for her. All I ever saw them do was fight! They were like oil and water. He must really have it bad for Sheridan.”

Ivy smiled. “Sheridan's got it pretty bad herself. With all the bad relationships she's had in the past, I've never seen her react as badly as she did this time. I was in shock when I heard what happened. Luis never struck me as the sort of man that would use a person like that. I'm just glad I found out the truth in time to stop Julian and Alistair's little scheme.” Ivy's voice had turned to venom, as she spoke of her husband and father-in-law. “You know, those two have done some evil things in their life in order to ruin other peoples lives, but this... This is about the most sinister plot I've heard yet.” She glanced back at Luis to make sure he was still asleep. “They really want Luis out of the picture and I'll bet it has something to do with Martin Fitzgerald's disappearance.”

Ivy stiffened. “No. Not really” she replied. “I know they're hiding something, but I've never seen anything. It's just the way Julian acts whenever the subject comes up. Besides, look what they did here? I think they are afraid Sheridan will help Luis find out what happened to Martin. It's the only thing that makes sense.”

“We're here” Sam said with relief as he pulled up to the airport departure gate. “Let's let Luis sleep, until we tell Sheridan. That way he doesn't have to wear out the carpets pacing waiting for us.” Sam and Ivy left a sleeping Luis in the back seat of the car. They walked up to a girl at the counter for private flights.

“Good. Police Chief Bennett and I need to speak to the passenger. I also have a few things I need you to do.” Ivy pulled out a notepad and pen and began writing furiously. She spoke while she wrote. “There is a man in the back seat of Chief Bennett's car. I need you to wake him exactly ten minutes after we board the plane and escort him to us. His name is Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald. If he starts questioning you, just tell him you were instructed to take him to the Crane Jet. He will understand. I also have a few things I've written here that I need taken care of immediately. Call the person at the top of the page, tell him what it is you want and that it is imperative that I have it within the hour. He'll tell you it can't be done. Tell him I said it can, if he want to keep his job. Make sure you give my name.” Ivy handed the note to the girl and there was a brand new $100 bill tucked inside it. “Do you think you can handle all that, Miss Sterling?” Ivy asked.

Sheridan Crane sat on one of the couches of the luxurious Crane Jet. She had a box of Kleenex sitting next to her. Her eyes were red and swollen, tears still dripping down her face. “I have to get over him,” she said out loud. She reached down for another Kleenex and blew her nose. “Julian and Father warned me and I wouldn't listen” she said. “Well for once in their lives they were right.”

Ivy motioned for Sam to sit down, which he did. She then sat down next to Sheridan. Ivy looked directly at Sheridan . She saw all the pain, fear and hurt in her eyes. She took Sheridan's hands in her own. “Sheridan, before I tell you this, you must promise me you will Never tell your father or Julian where you heard it from. Can you promise me that?” Ivy asked, giving Sheridan an encouraging smile.

“I overheard a conversation earlier this morning between my miserable husband and your father. They were congratulating each other on a job well done.” Ivy paused looking intently at Sheridan as she did. “They were congratulating each other because THEIR plan worked to keep you and Luis apart.” Ivy stopped waiting.

“I mean exactly that Sheridan” Ivy continued. Her voice was becoming filled with bitterness and repulsion. Your father and brother hired a man to impersonate Luis. Alistair orchestrated the whole thing and Julian was his patsy. Alistair wrote out a script and the impostor read every word of it. Mind you, they spared no expense in planning every detail so you would believe that Luis was just like all the other men you've dated, worse in fact. They know all you insecurities when it comes to men and love. They left nothing to chance. Just the thought of those two doing this to someone else makes me want to scream!“ Ivy's tone had become cold and hard. She was filled with nothing but hatred for these two men who thrived on the misery they caused others.

Sheridan was pale. She was in shock. She didn't know what to think. She had so many emotions flowing through her at the same time she didn't know which one to acknowledge first. “Oh my God!” She finally said softly. “Luis didn't... I mean he doesn't... But why would...” the tears stated flowing down Sheridan's cheeks. She was sobbing uncontrollably.

Luis' heart was now pounding. He knew Sheridan was on that jet. He was following the man toward the plane, but with each step he took the knot in his gut seemed to get larger. He had no idea why he felt this way, he only knew it was getting almost unbearable. He was barely aware of his surroundings. He followed the man like an obedient puppy followed its master. Only one thing was in his mind right now, thoughts of Sheridan Crane. How would she react? Would she believe Ivy? Even if she did, was there too much damage done to salvage their relationship? He was so consumed in his thoughts, he almost ran down his escort when he stopped at the stairs to the jet.

“Here you go sir” the man said with a smile. You may go right on up. Mrs. Crane is expecting you.” With that the man turned around and left Luis at the stairs to the Crane Jet. He slowly climbed the steps. His feet seemed to get heavier with each step. He entered noticed only by Sam, who just gave Luis an encouraging smile. Ivy was sitting across the aisle with Sheridan, who was in tears. Luis' just stood there watching. He was overwhelmed with emotion, but wasn't sure what emotions they were. Pain, fear, joy, love, sadness... He didn't know, just yet.

Sheridan continued sobbing, finding it difficult to complete a thought. Her mind was racing. Suddenly she became very angry. “I can't believe they did this to me!” she screamed. “I finally find the one man that can make me happy and they deliberately sabotage our relationship before we even had one. Luis was the one man I could trust, the one man who I thought could care about me, not my name or wealth. They took that away from me! Those bastards! “ Sheridan began sobbing again. Her voice now became very quiet. The pain in her tone evident. “Luis must hate me,” she said. “The way I treated him? I didn't trust in him enough to see past the charade...”

Luis was slowly walking towards Sheridan. He was looking at her, feeling the pain she was going through, wishing he could make it disappear. His eyes started to well up just a bit at the sadness in Sheridan's voice. His heart was breaking to see this woman, who he couldn't get out of his mind sitting there in so much pain. “I could never hate you Sheridan” Luis finally said as he closed the distance between them.

Sheridan was startled to hear Luis' voice. She looked up to see Luis gazing at her. A small smile on his face. Passion and love in his eyes. She clasped her hands to her chest and let out a gasp. Her heart was fluttering as she felt a smile come to her face for the first time in what seemed like an eternity. Ivy quietly stood up and moved across the aisle and sat next to Sam, leaving her seat vacant for Luis. Luis gently sat down next to Sheridan facing his body forward with his head turned towards her gazing intently into her eyes, in a way no one other than Luis could do.

Ivy whispered something in Sam's ear and then stood up, followed immediately by Sam. “If you two will excuse us for a few minutes, Sam and I have some business to attend to” Ivy smiled knowing neither one of them heard her, or even cared. Sam followed Ivy off the plane. Ivy knew she had done the right thing regardless of the consequences.

“But Luis, it wasn't you!” Sheridan said lightheartedly. “I don't know how I could have thought it was you now that I think about it. It was so out of character for you. But Luis, he looked and sounded just like you. He had the same hair, same uniform, same face, even the same voice as you. He knew things too. He knew about Hank, Beth, the night in Julian's study, the fact that you called me a spoiled princess.” Sheridan now had a trace of fear in her voice.

“Well, Julian had Alistair on the speaker phone and the two of them spent what seemed like hours trying everything they could think of to prevent me from going out with you that night” Sheridan remembered with disdain. “I got all the standard lectures. It's for the good of the family, Sheridan. You've always been a poor judge of character, Sheridan. You always pick men who use you, Sheridan. Then they started to attack you and I couldn't let them do that.” Sheridan was getting more animated by the minute. “Anyway, the subject came up about us kissing in the library and Julian didn't buy it. He figured it out for what it was. I admitted it and told them it was my idea, not yours.” Sheridan suddenly got a funny look on her face. Luis didn't notice.

He kissed her passionately with nothing to distract him this time. Luis had one hand behind her head, gently massaging the back of her it. His other arm wandered up and down her back and her sides. Sheridan responded. She kissed him back with more intensity than she thought possible. Her hands rifling Luis' already messy hair. After a moment they broke their kiss. Sheridan was totally breathless. “Oh wow!” She barely managed a whisper, “I guess it was you.” She smiled at him in a way that made Luis feel weak.

His smile caused Sheridan to catch her breath. The look in his eyes as he stared at her was filled with an intensity and a passion that was more than she'd ever imagined. How could she ever have doubted this man? This wonderful, caring, gorgeous, sexy ... Her thoughts were interrupted as Luis threw himself at her, kissing her again. Sheridan fell back on the couch, Luis now on top of her. As they kissed each other they both knew this was a new experience for them. Neither had ever felt this way with another human being. Sheridan felt as if she were in another time and place. It was too good to be real. Luis suddenly broke the kiss and began kissing her face, her forehead, her eyes, making his way to her earlobe. She let out a soft moan as she felt his breath in her ear.

“What I do to you?” Luis gasped for air. Then in a low voice he added “You obviously have no idea the affect you are having on me.” Luis then pulled his head away from her ear and looked Sheridan directly in the eyes. “No one has ever affected me the way you do.” His hand moved up to her face. He gently held her face in his hands and pulled her in for another kiss. This kiss was passionate but slower. He wanted to savor the way he was feeling . His hands started moving again. Slowly he put one hand behind her neck. The other hand moved up and down her side massaging her thigh.

Sheridan was quickly losing control of her senses at Luis' touch. She too started moving her hands up and down his back. One hand slipped under his sweater and he moaned as he felt her touch his bare skin. Sheridan began kissing Luis harder. She explored his back with her hands, gently kneading his muscles. They were both so involved in each other, they never heard Sam and Ivy come back.

Sam's face turned red as he smiled to himself. He loudly cleared his throat and turned his head for a minute hoping that would startle the lovebirds. He noticed they hadn't budged when he turned back and saw them again. For that matter, Luis hands had moved up Sheridan's side headed towards her chest.

Ivy looked at Sam, noticing how embarrassed he was by the whole scene. She smiled and said loudly “Sam, isn't young love wonderful?” She may have been looking at Luis and Sheridan, but her mind was a million miles away. She was remembering when Sam used to hold her like that. Her hand automatically reached up to the locket she wore around her neck and she began to play with it.

Luis and Sheridan broke apart when they heard Ivy's voice. Both were totally out of breath as they slowly sat up and gathered their composure. Both Sheridan and Luis' faces were red and they had nervous smiles on their faces, like they were teens that had just been caught by their parents.

Ivy smiled at Luis. “That will be easy Luis. First, please call me Ivy. And whatever you do, no matter what happens to your relationship, Don't let Julian or Alistair be the cause of your break up. Fight for your love. Don't let them bully you.” Ivy was becoming very passionate in her statement. “True love only comes once and when it does grab it and hold on to it. Don't ever let it go. I let Alistair Crane ruin my life many years ago. I was forced to sell my soul to the devil himself. He destroyed my life and I don't want to see the same thing happen to Sheridan.” Ivy's expression was now dull.

Sam looked at Ivy. He had seen at the ski lodge that she's had a miserable marriage, but had no idea the torment she'd been through having married into that family. He started to move towards her to comfort her when he caught himself. `Sam you idiot' he thought. `You're married and you love your wife.' He shook his head to rid his thoughts of Ivy.

“Thank you Mrs.... Ivy” Luis smiled at her. “Believe me, I won't letting Sheridan go without a fight.” He looked at Sheridan and gave her a great big grin. He put his arm around her waist and pulled her close to him. “And I never lose” he boasted gleefully, smiling at her. Sheridan laughed but was touched by hearing his words. For some reason, right now everything Luis did or said affected her in a way she couldn't explain. She'd never felt the desire to be near someone as much as she did Luis, right now. It took every ounce of self control to keep herself from throwing him on the couch and attacking him.

Sam sensed things were about to heat up again . “Luis, I want you to be careful. I told you before, what the Cranes will do to people who don't fit into their blue blooded society. Hopefully after this, you'll realize they don't play by the same rules as the rest of us. And they always come out on top. As soon as Sheridan pops up in Harmony again on your arm, they'll realized their plan didn't work and next time won't be as pleasant.” Sam finished. A sense of despair filled the air.

“Yeah, I know Sam” Luis said sadly. “I know that, but we really haven't had time to think about that yet.” Luis was getting angry now. “You know, Sheridan and I have only had two dates. We hadn't even finished the first date when Julian tried to bribe me. And the day after our second date was when the impostor was implemented. “ Luis was deep in thought. He released Sheridan and began pacing with one hand under his chin as he thought. He paced for a few minutes in silence. “I need to think of something” he finally said totally frustrated.

“O.K. here it is” Sam said with a grin. “The Boston police chief called me this morning and wanted to know if I had an officer I could spare for a week to consult with regarding this new drug cartel that has been trying to move into Harmony . He'd like this officer to possibly identify any similarities between the two groups of thugs. They were planning on matching this officer up with a female officer of their own and having them find the information undercover.”

Sam noticed Sheridan's face and quickly continued. “I told him I had an officer who had been working on the case from our end, that would be perfect, but he would have to come with his girlfriend. I told him she'd just had a very frightening experience and you couldn't leave her alone.”

“They said that would be even better, because the two of you could fit in easier. He doesn't really want you to interact with these people, just watch and listen. It doesn't sound dangerous at all” Sam was almost finished. “And, you'd be paid your regular salary as well as all expenses for both of you for the week.”

Luis' mouth was practically on the floor. He was in shock. “Sam, this is fantastic! “ Luis let out a laugh. “This will give me a chance to spend some uninterrupted time with Sheridan, work some more on the investigation and figure out how to deal with Julian and Alistair when we get back!” Luis gave Sam a pat on the back.

“I called Julian when I left earlier and told him I was going to go to New York for a few days shopping. In actuality, I will be going to Paris instead of Sheridan. I doubt Alistair's spies over there will notice much more than a blonde woman getting off the plane. I will check into a hotel under Sheridan's name, go shopping there for a day or so and then fly to New York on a commercial plane. Julian and Alistair will never know what hit them.”

Sheridan walked over to Ivy and gave her a big hug. “Thank you Ivy, from the bottom of my heart.” Sheridan had a warm, loving smile on her face. “I'm very pleased I have you for a sister-in-law, even if it's because you had to marry that low life brother of mine.

“Meeting you Sheridan has been one of the few benefits I did receive by marrying into the Crane Family” Ivy replied with a slight smile. “Just remember, what I said, will you? Don't let Alistair and Julian get the best of you?” Ivy's remark had a pleading quality to it.

All the color in Ivy's cheeks suddenly disappeared, if only for a split second. She immediately let out a short cold laugh and then regained her composure and smiled, all the while holding on to the locket she cherished so much. “Yes Ethan” she said. “Ethan has been the one bright spot in my otherwise dismal life.” Ivy's smile broadened as she remembered the night Ethan was conceived. “He looks so much like his father” she muttered, forgetting for the moment Sam was standing right there.

“Are you serious, Ivy?” Sheridan asked in disbelief. “Ethan looks nothing like Julian! I always thought he looked just like you.” Sheridan was giggling at the thought. “For that matter he looks more like Sam, then he does, Julian. Sheridan was still giggling, not realizing what she said.

Sam saw the reaction to Sheridan's comment on Ivy's face and immediately had a sickening feeling in his gut. `No' he thought to himself. `It couldn't be... She would have told me... Or would she? Sheridan was just saying that because I was standing in the room... She's right, though...Ethan doesn't look like Julian... He looks just like Ivy... That's it... ` Sam snapped out of his thoughts avoiding looking at anyone for the moment.

Luis saw the look in Ivy's face when Sheridan made her comment. Why would she react like that, Luis wondered? Then he looked over at Sam's puzzled expression, knowing he too was thinking about it. `I wonder' Luis thought. He then tried to visualize Ethan in his mind's eye. Same color hair, almost, same eyes, same shaped face. He then remembered Sheridan, his mother and Theresa all telling him, Ethan is not like any of the other Cranes... Sam had his heart broken before he married Grace... I've known men who've been involve with Crane women... `Oh my God' Luis said to himself.

“Thank you for everything, Ivy” Sam said. “You did a good thing. Those two are meant to be together.” Before he realized what he'd done leaned over and gave Ivy a kiss on the cheek and left. Ivy stood there and smiled. “He does still love me” she said when Sam was out of earshot. “I know he does.” She then called the pilot and told him she was ready to leave.

“Your Aunt Sheridan, that's what!” Julian smirked. “Falling in love with Officer Lopez-Fitzgerald. I mean, really! That poor girl is destined for heartache.” Julian tried to hide his laughter, but couldn't. He let out an almost evil laugh. “I told her he was a good for nothing cop, but she wouldn't listen to me.” Julian took another swig of his brandy.

“Father, sometimes I just don't understand you,” Ethan accused. “How can you be so cold hearted? Sheridan is hurting, and she'll probably never come back to Harmony again. I was happy for her that she'd finally found love with Luis. I was as surprised as she, that he used her.”

“Well then Ethan, I guess you have a lot to learn yet” Julian said. “Just be glad you are marrying Gwen. She'll make a fine addition to the Crane Family. Then, when you get bored with her in your bed, go after that delicious young Theresa. Just don't let Gwen know about it” Julian barely sputtered out the last words.

Both nodded, acknowledging Sam as the three walked to the coffee shop. Luis and Sheridan were hand in hand. As they approached the coffee shop, they saw from the entrance it was pretty full. They did spot a small table in the back, and headed towards it. They arrived at the table which was locate right near the restrooms. They looked around for another table that may have been in a more secluded place, but found none.

“No, that's not the funny part” Luis continued trying to keep a straight face, though it wasn't working very well. “She decided to go look for some sugar and since she didn't know the place very well, she accidentally went into the men's locker room, where I had just come out of the shower wearing nothing but a smile.” Luis' cheeks became redder still, as he told Sam the story. “If you could have seen the look on her face. It was definitely what you might call a Kodak Moment!” Luis gently laughed as he remembered Sheridan's reaction.

“Well, Hank has already told me he has no intention of giving up on Sheridan” Luis stated. “I told him, I wanted her in my life, I liked her and I thought she liked me. I think he'll be o.k. though in the end. It's not like we haven't fought over the same girl before.” Luis laughed. “Sometimes I win, sometimes he wins. It just so happens, I win this time” Luis proudly stated.

Sam was interrupted as Sheridan returned with three cups of coffee and a brown paper bag. She set the bag on the floor next to her chair, then placed a coffee cup in front of each of them. She then tossed a dozen or so packets of sugar in the middle of the table. She gave Luis an innocent smile.

Sam gathered his thoughts and began concentrating on the matter at hand. “O.K. you two, listen up” Sam explained. “I've rented you a car in Luis' name, here at the airport. He handed Luis an envelope that was loaded with papers. “You will drive to Boston tonight. It should take you about three hours or so to get there. Tonight is Sunday and you don't have to meet with their Police Chief until Tuesday morning at 10:00. The directions and address are in the envelope.

“Ivy took care of the hotel reservations. They are also in Luis' name, with no connection to the Crane Family. Everything has already been paid for, so you shouldn't have any trouble with anyone asking for ID, or whatever. She couldn't arrange for two rooms, without drawing attention to Sheridan, so she arranged for a suite, instead. This way you have plenty of room if you want it.” Sam stumbled over the last few words.

Sam quickly continued. “There is a suitcase that's been packed for you Luis already in the rented car. Your mother has been told, you are on your way to Boston on police business and should be back next Monday. We had an officer pick up Ivy's car from your driveway before anyone wondered why it was there. Sheridan,” Sam continued, “Unfortunately all of your bags are on their way to Paris. We were afraid to take one off the jet. We didn't want to draw anymore attention to us than was necessary. Your sister-in-law arranged to have some new clothes and other personal items delivered to the hotel.” Sam chuckled as he thought about how cleverly Ivy thought this whole plan out. “Ivy said the people involved have been very well paid to keep hush.”

Luis' expression turned into a huge frown as he swallowed the coffee. His face was contorted as he made a funny sound, shaking his head. Sheridan was turning red, holding her hand over her mouth to hold back the laughter. Luis looked up at her, knowing what she'd done. He was about to get her back for it when he caught a glimpse, over her shoulder. of someone standing at the entrance to the coffee shop . His face went ashen, as his mouth dropped open, totally forgetting he had a mouth full of sugar. It was Julian Crane...

He interrupted her, placing his hand over her mouth. He didn't want Julian to hear her voice. He was only about 20 feet away. Luis noiselessly stood up, pulling Sheridan up with him, still covering her mouth. There was fear in her eyes, but she followed his lead. Sam had seen Julian as well. When he saw the look on Luis' face, his eyes wandered over to see what he was looking at. He had felt a huge knot develop in his stomach. Sheridan, who had her back turned, didn't see him. Luis quietly with his back turned towards the entrance, put Sheridan in front of him, grabbed their jackets and pushed her towards the restrooms. He opened the door to the ladies room and gently shoved Sheridan inside. “Stay here until I come get you” Luis whispered in a low voice. “Go into a stall until you hear MY voice and only MY voice. Do you understand?” Luis' face was filled with concern, but fright as well.

Sam remained at the table alone. He tried to avoid being seen by Julian, but every once in awhile would grab a quick glance to see if he was still there. “What the hell is he doing here?” Sam said muttering under his breath. Julian was just standing at the entrance to the coffee shop looking around as if he was meeting someone. Sam noticed the three cups on the table and decided he needed to get rid of two of them. Without letting Julian out of his sight, he quickly grabbed two cups and quietly walked over to the trash can throwing them away. “Thank God these were paper cups” he said under his breath. He then walked back to the table and quietly sat down. He looked at the table, checking for any evidence that more than one person had been sitting there. He picked up a bunch of the sugar packets and shoved them in his pocket. “This looks pretty good.” Sam sighed with slight relief. At least if Julian did come over, it looked like he was alone.

Julian turned back to Sam. He smiled as only Julian can. “ Now if you don't mind Chief Bennett, “I think I'll go home and toast the safe departure of my dear sister. I'm sure she'll fine a wealthy French diplomat to involve herself with this time, instead of the likes of Officer low life Fitzgerald.”

Stay here. I'll be right back” Sam whispered again. He then walked over to the coffee shop door looking both ways up and down the terminal. He spied Julian making his exit, out the main terminal door. Sam quickly followed, knowing he wouldn't be satisfied until he saw the limo take off.

Sam quickly followed without being seen and finally saw Julian get into the limo. He watched the driver leave and waited another ten minutes, to make sure he didn't double back for some strange reason. Satisfied that Julian was gone, he returned to the coffee shop. He walked into the men's room and retrieved Luis.

“It's all right, now. He's gone. I watched Julian get in the limo himself and saw it leave. I waited for at least ten minutes, making sure he didn't come back” Sam promised her. “But I have to get you two out of here, now” Sam warned, “Before something else happens. Luis, do you have the envelope I gave you?”

“Just what we thought buddy. He was here to find out why Sheridan's plane was delayed” Sam stated. “You should have seen the look on his face when the security officer told him the woman on the plane was crying. He looked like the cat that just ate the canary. It was sick. Sheridan are you sure you weren't adopted or something?” Sam asked half kidding. “I don't mean to speak ill of your family Sheridan, but that man is beyond contempt.”

“I don't blame you, Chief,” I'm beginning to see how truly distasteful they are. Just please don't include Ethan, when you speak of the Cranes. He's as different from them as I am.” Her voice saddened. “Who knows, maybe I was adopted. One can always hope?” she gave a half smile.

“He's a few years younger than I am” Sheridan replied. “He was born less than a year after Julian and Ivy got married. I remember hearing a conversation between my father and Julian about how fertile the Crane men were. I didn't have a clue what they were talking about at the time. Now when I remember things like that I feel sick!” she said with disgust.

“What are friends for buddy?” Sam smiled at both of them. “Just be careful, will you? Call me if you have any problems, or if you need anything. Use my cell phone, though. “Oh, Sheridan I almost forgot. Ivy asked me to give this to you.” He handed her an envelope stuffed with cash.

Sun streamed in the window as a new day in Harmony dawned. Sheridan stirred slightly as she felt the warmth of the sun on her face. She fluttered her eyes open, feeling more refreshed than she had in weeks. She glanced at her unfamiliar surroundings, then felt a warm body wrapped around her. Her face lit up as she realized she'd spent the night in the arms of the man she loved. She could feel his rhythmic breathing on her neck as he peacefully slept. She felt chills go through her body each time he took a breath.

Sheridan gently rolled over to face him. She smiled as she watched him sleeping, thinking how perfectly content she would be to stay here forever. She lightly placed a hand on his face and traced its contours as if trying to commit them to memory. She felt him move and removed her hand not wanting to wake him up, but it was too late.

“You didn't have to stop you know” he said groggily as his eyes slowly opened. “I was rather enjoying it.” Luis managed a sleepy smile as his eyes came in to focus. The first thing he saw was Sheridan smiling at him. “I can't remember the last time I slept this well” he said. “I think I'll have my doctor order you to stay here every night. We can call it an alternative to a sleeping pill” he laughed.

“I'm not sure exactly” she said as she began caressing his face again. “I just know I couldn't be this close to you every night and just let you sleep.” Sheridan's heart was beating rapidly, as she lay there so close to Luis. She could still feel his breath on her, but it was no longer rhythmic. His breathing seemed to be faster than before and now was driving her crazy. After a few moments, she couldn't take it anymore and leaned in, kissing him gently on the lips.

Luis felt like he'd been struck by a bolt of lightening as he felt the electricity charge through his body. He instantly pulled her close to him and kissed her back. This time Sheridan was the one to part their lips, deepening their kiss. This caused Luis to moan with pleasure. Hearing Luis moan sent shivers through her body. Sheridan immediately lost herself in the kiss. She'd enjoyed kissing other men in the past, but NEVER was the one to initiate such a kiss. She couldn't remember even wanting to kiss a man so desperately.

Luis pulled Sheridan on top of him, which caused her to catch her breath. She couldn't control how excited she was becoming, so she returned to kissing him wildly. Luis was completely caught up in the moment. He felt their body heat rising and began to let his hands run free over her body. He slipped his hand under the sweatshirt and gasped as he felt the silky smooth skin underneath. He caressed her back with one hand, the other moving its way up her side.

Luis' hand worked its way up to her chest. As his hand touched her breast, Sheridan moaned loudly. She lifted her head for a moment and looked at Luis in a way she'd never looked at another man. She saw a fire in his eyes, mimicking her own, which caused her to get more excited.

Luis walked downstairs and decided to use the phone in the kitchen, so he could make some coffee at the same time. He picked up the phone. “I have it Theresa,” he said completely composed now. He heard the phone click and said, “Good morning Sam. So much for letting me sleep in?”

“We slept fine, thank you” Luis retorted with light sarcasm. “Listen, Theresa” Luis continued before Theresa continued her quest to embarrass them, “Sheridan and I need to get down to the station. All of her clothes are still in Paris and we were wondering if you had something she could wear?”

Theresa helped Sheridan get some towels from the linen closet in the hall as Luis emerged from the shower wearing a towel around his waist. His upper body was still dripping wet and his hair tousled from a towel having been hastily run through it. He saw Theresa and Sheridan and smiled at them, “Ladies” he said and then went into his room to get dressed.

Sheridan just gawked at him with her mouth opened. Seeing him like that brought back memories of her accidentally walking in on him in the men's locker room at the Youth Center and the time in Santa Fe they each opened the connecting door thinking it was a closet. Theresa laughed as she watched Sheridan's expression. “What's the matter Sheridan, haven't you ever seen Luis in a towel before?”

“Luis saved Sheridan, Father” Ethan offered. “He flew to Paris on a gut instinct and saved her life. When she refused to come back to the States with him, he kidnapped her because the drug lords were still after her. Sheridan was angry with him for kidnapping her and had him arrested. She later dropped the charges, which was a good thing, because the drug lords followed her to Harmony and tried to kill her again. Luis again saved Sheridan, this time arresting the two men responsible.”

The phone clicked and Julian pushed the button hard breaking his connection. He then slumped into his chair and exhaled a deep breath as he covered his face with his hands. A moment later he reached for the brandy decanter, which was conveniently on his desk and poured himself a stiff drink. He put the glass to his mouth and downed the drink in one gulp.

Sheridan and Luis walked into a large conference room at the Police Station. The room was buzzing with activity. There were charts and graphs set up all over the room, while agents and policemen chatted together in different areas of the room. Luis searched for Sam, finally finding him standing with Tina and the two French Police men that had come to Harmony. Luis caught Antoine's glance and felt a chill in his spine. Antoine smiled as he saw the two, but Luis had a feeling something was wrong. He didn't share his feeling with Sheridan, not wanting to worry her.

The rest of the morning was spent rehashing the events happening since Roger and Pierre originally kidnapped Sheridan. Sheridan, Luis and Tina once again had to tell their stories involving the case. It was agreed that Pierre and Roger would be returned to Paris for immediate trial, even though there would still be charges against them in the United States. Antoine and an Interpol agent would replace the Harmony cops as the guards for the two drug lords until they were well enough to travel back to France.

“What was that look for?” Luis asked. “I saved your behind in Paris by kidnapping you! What was I supposed to do, say “Sheridan when you bring the plane ticket I deliberately left for you to find, please pack a suitcase because I'm going to chloroform you and take you with me?” Luis laughed at the thought.

Tina smiled at Luis in acknowledgement. “This will be one of my more pleasant duties,\” she whispered to Luis. With that, Tina climbed in the car and she and Sheridan left on a shopping spree. Luis watched the car as it drove out of sight, wondering why he couldn't shake the feeling he had.

“Boy, the Harmony PD really knows how to live” Luis said laughing as he looked around. He knew of course that it was Ivy Crane responsible for their accommodations. There was no way the Harmony PD would send him to this hotel for a week! It was a three room suite. A sitting room or common area as you walked in, lavishly decorated. Entertainment center, full bar, matching leather couch, love seat and chair. (I'm not great with describing rooms, like this so please forgive me). There were two open doors, one to the left and one to the right, each of these leading into a bedroom. Both rooms were identical, containing a king size bed, armoire, television, table and chair. One bedroom had boxes loading the bed.

Sheridan opened the boxes one at a time. She found sweaters in various colors, fitted skirts, several pairs of pants, two dresses, several shirts, and all the lingerie she'd need. She also found a bag with some personal items such as perfumes, makeup and some basic jewelry. (All designer of course.)

Sheridan's smile disappeared. She was embarrassed. Luis knew it. He walked over to her and wrapped his arms around her. “I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. I know I could never give you these things, but that doesn't mean I don't like seeing you in them.”

The desk clerk punched the keys of his computer. He smile turned to a frown. He punched some more keys. He looked up at the man. “I am very sorry, sir. We don't have a Sheridan Crane registered here. She is not scheduled to arrive at any time, nor has she been a guest here within the last three months. “Again I am sorry.”

Sheridan slowly opened the door. Luis was standing in front of his bed taking clothes out of his suitcase, putting them away. He had already removed his shirt. Sheridan caught her breath, then gave a quick laugh. “I'm sorry” she stammered blushing slightly. She couldn't take her eyes off him, as she admired his beautiful physique. “I didn't realize you were changing. I just wanted to know if we're going casual, or dress up?”

Before he could answer, there was a knock at their door. Sheridan was startled. “Don't worry, Luis smiled. “I'll get it.” Sheridan stepped inside Luis' room, so as not to be seen at the door. Luis went to the door to answer it, not before gently brushing past Sheridan. She felt her heart flutter as his arm brushed her hand. `Why do I feel this way every time I get near him?' she asked herself.

Luis wrapped his arms around Sheridan. She could feel the heat radiating from his bare skin. She drew in a breath. He smiled down at her, causing her to go weak at the knees. Luis sensed this, causing him to only tighten his hold and smile to widen. He leaned in and gently kissed her on the lips. “I said” Luis repeated with a low voice, “Very casual.”

He leaned in again and kissed her. Slowly at first, then more passionately. Sheridan responded to his kiss. She wrapped her arms around Luis neck, kissing him with more passion than she thought possible. She felt like she was in a dream. Her arms left his neck, moving up and down his back, gently caressing him. She moved one arm to his chest exploring. Luis deepened the kiss as he felt her touch on his body. He had one hand behind her neck, the other softly caressing her back. Sheridan broke the kiss. She started kissing Luis' neck, moving her way down his chest. He let out a soft moan. “Sheridan,” he barely whispered. “We need to stop ...” he managed to get out. His eyes were closed as he enjoyed her kisses.

He knew by the sound of her voice, she misunderstood him. He quickly gathered her in his arms, smiling at her. There was a fire in his eyes she'd never seen. “Believe me” he said out of breath, “That was the hardest thing I've ever done. I just think we need to talk about this first.”

Sheridan just stood there, unable to move. “What did he just say? Did I hear right?” she said out loud. Suddenly a huge grin appeared on Sheridan's face. “This trip is getting better all the time” she said as she wrapped her arms around herself, walking out of the room. “I think I'll take a shower too” she said still smiling as she walked aimlessly into her room.

“You bet I did.” Luis smiled at her. He then took her hand and led her into his room. He sat her on the bed. “Sheridan, I need to tell you something.” Luis was visibly nervous. He took a deep breath and looked Sheridan in the eyes. He stared deeply into her deep blue eyes.

“Sheridan” Luis began nervously, “I have never felt the way I do about you about anyone in my entire life. You are responsible for making me feel again. The only feeling I had was anger. I was angry about my father, about the direction my life was taking. Then you came along. Granted, I took most of my anger out on you for awhile, but I soon came to enjoy our fights. Then I looked forward to them. When we were in New Mexico, I met the real Sheridan. I also found the old Luis, because of you. After we came back, I started thinking about you all the time, dreaming about you. When I wasn't with you I was wishing you would come walking through the door. Until very recently, I kept telling myself it could never be. I'd try to get you out of my head, but I couldn't. When I kissed you on the wharf, I finally thought maybe, we felt the same way about each other. Then the whole thing happened with the impostor and I felt like I'd died inside. And when I saw you on that jet today and you didn't hate me, I knew the reason I was on such an emotional roller coaster. It was because I love you. When we were kissing in the other room, all I wanted to do was make love to you. I want you so much, it hurts. But I didn't want either of us to wake up in the morning, thinking we'd been caught up in the moment. Thinking it was a mistake.”

Sheridan, I love you with all of my heart. I want to make love to you, but I wanted to tell you this first. No matter what happens between us, I want to always remember our first time as being a completely mutual decision. Not something done out of a moment's weakness.” Luis was still nervous. He couldn't read Sheridan. She looked like she was in shock. “Maybe I shouldn't have said anything. Maybe you're not ready for this.”

“You are the most wonderful, caring, considerate man I've ever known. I thought I was in love several times, but I realized, it couldn't possibly have been love. I mean, how could it be when just hearing your voice, seeing your smile, smelling your cologne, sends my heart into flutters? I never felt this way before. It scares me. I can hardly breathe when I'm with you. I never dreamed you could feel the same way about me. I kept telling myself, Sheridan get over it! Your a Crane, remember? Luis hates the Cranes. Even with all that, you treated me like a real person.”

“You became my friend and treated me with respect. Every time I was in trouble you were there. I don't just mean in danger, I mean you supported decisions I made, comforted me when I was sad. No one's ever done that for me. Except your mother!” Sheridan laughed at the irony. “I love you more than you'll ever know. No matter what happens from this moment on, I will always love you. I would never think making love to you was a mistake, but I want you to know, if you don't want to now, it's o.k. too.” She smiled at him. “Don't get me wrong, I want to make love to you. I ache thinking about us... but just being with you, feeling your hand in my hand, makes me feel like the luckiest person in the world. I feel so safe and so warm whenever I am with you. I never want to leave.”

Luis gazed at Sheridan with an intensity beyond words. He leaned in and gave Sheridan a gentle kiss. The kiss became increasingly passionate. Sheridan responded, so in love with this man, she thought her heart would burst. Luis' lips moved down Sheridan's neck, her ear. Sheridan moaned, just making Luis' kissing more intense. He gently moved her back onto the bed, now on top of her. Sheridan started kissing Luis' chest, while caressing the small of his back. He flinched, and inhaled sharply. He sought out her mouth. They kissed long and passionately, exploring. Luis' hands now on Sheridan's towel. He gently opened it, sending shivers through her entire body. Her body was now on fire, feeling his skin next to hers. She responded by kissing him harder. His hands gently caressing her thighs, moving up to her chest.

Roger and Pierre were systematically searching the parking garage for the car they'd seen Sheridan Crane arrive in earlier in the evening. It was tedious work, but they were determined to find the car at any cost. Sheridan Crane had been a thorn in their side for months. she was the only link to them and the murder of her ex-lover, Jean-Luc.

They both patiently waited for the person on the other end to get the information. “Merci!” Pierre finally said, writing a name on a small notepad he had and shutting off the phone. He looked up at Roger and grinned. “It seems the lovely Miss Sheridan Crane has been keeping company with a Harmony police officer. His name is Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald.” Pierre and Roger smiled at each other and began walking to the elevator.

Sheridan and Luis had just finished making love for the first time. Sheridan lay facing Luis, his arms wrapped tightly around her. Sheridan's arms were caressing Luis' face. She couldn't keep her eyes off of him, afraid if she did, he'd disappear. Neither spoke for a few minutes. They just kept looking at each other, their eyes never losing contact, small smiles on their faces.

Luis had a huge grin on his face. “I couldn't have said it better, myself,” Luis said adoringly as he gently kissed her on the forehead. “ I have to tell you Sheridan,” Luis said, his gorgeous brown eyes sparkling, “I knew it would be good, but I never expected...” Luis let out a satisfied laugh. “ Sheridan, you never cease to amaze me!” He kissed her gently on the lips, then more passionately.

Sheridan broke off the kiss, then sat up laughing giddily. “Oh, no you don't!” she said. “I am absolutely starved, Luis! I was hungry before we did this! Now I'm ravenous!” She smiled at him. “We must have burned off at least 2000 calories each!” Sheridan giggled. “And we have all that food out there that Ivy sent.”

Luis just lay in the bed with his elbow propped on the bed, watching Sheridan as she disappeared. His heart was filled with love. He shook his head and gave a slight laugh. “If anyone, had told me six months ago, I would be here with Sheridan Crane, totally in love with her, just having had the best...” He shook his head and laughed again, “I would have had them committed!” He then got up and grabbed the first pair of pants and shirt he could find. He made his way to the other room to meet Sheridan.

“I'm telling you Julian, she checked into a hotel with Luis. He's there on some assignment for the Harmony P.D. If Sheridan learned we were responsible for the impostor, it will only cause her to grow closer to Luis. And Luis, will be more determined than ever, to bring down this family. I will not let that happen, Julian. Do you understand me?” Alistair warned. “We must protect the Crane Empire, at all cost.”

“Now go to bed Julian.” Alistair demanded. “I need to think for awhile. I want you ready, first thing in the morning so we can settle this matter once and for all. We also have the matter of what to do with your loquacious wife. I told you before, if she got out of hand I'd stop her. I believe the time has come. Goodnight.” The phone clicked.

Sheridan put down her fork, put her napkin on the table, pushed her chair back a little and said, “I'm stuffed.” She laughed and put her hands on her stomach. “I can't believe I ate so much. I don't think I've ever eaten so much in my life!” Sheridan was slightly embarrassed at the way she'd scarfed down dinner. She was famished, with not having eaten since breakfast and it was nearly midnight.

“I sure do” she smiled at him and then became more serious. “I owe you a late night walk, Luis. I keep thinking about the message you left me last week on my machine. I was so upset when I heard it, because of what had happened. I would have jumped on it in a second, otherwise. So the way I figure it, I owe you a walk.” She was smiling again.

The lobby traffic had slowed down for the evening, but there were still several people around. Mostly late night arrivals and a few people having a nightcap at the lounge. Pierre was reading today's copy of the Boston Globe, while Roger absent mindedly watched the passers by. Suddenly he stiffened and hit Pierre on the arm as he watched a couple happily walking out the front door.

Luis and Sheridan walked the streets of Boston aimlessly, but keeping track of where they were in reference to their hotel. Neither one knew the city very well, but Luis had an excellent sense of direction. They walked hand in hand, pointing out various sites of interest, noting how many people were still out on a Sunday night. They passed several bars, still bustling with people. They were totally unaware they were being followed.

Luis was facing the back of the bar, Sheridan the front. They were both looking around, taking in their new surroundings. Sheridan noticed the door open and saw Pierre and Roger enter the pub. They were looking around as if they were looking for someone in particular. Sheridan suddenly got a chill that went through her body. “That's funny” she frowned.

Luis was still looking around nervously as Trish returned to the table with their drinks. She placed the tray on the table and placed the wine in front of Sheridan and the beer in front of Luis. She was just lifting the tray off the table when Trish jumped and let out a yell, “Knock it off, whoever you are!” She was visibly upset and whipped around to see a drunken man directly in front of her, who had apparently just pinched her.

Sheridan smiled faintly as she listened to the drunk's protests. She picked her wineglass up and put it to her lips. Just as she took a small sip, Luis noticed one of the men in the black trench coats hurriedly walking towards the exit. He grabbed the glass out of Sheridan's hand, pulling it away from her mouth.

Luis rode in the ambulance with Sheridan to the emergency room, but he was immediately escorted into the waiting room, while the doctor and nurses worked on Sheridan. Luis told them he thought she'd been poisoned and refused to let anyone toss the glass of wine. He let the paramedics take a sample of the wine to bring to the hospital, but wanted to make sure the police took the rest of it. The police arrived at the bar before the ambulance left. They briefly talked to Luis, gathered their evidence and told Luis to go to the hospital, an officer would meet him there shortly. He was grateful they let him go with Sheridan.

Luis looked at his watch as he nervously paced the floor of the waiting room. There were a dozen other people sitting in chairs, apparently waiting to be seen, or for a friend or loved one to come out. He was too oblivious to anything other than his own thoughts, to notice everyone watching him as he frantically paced the length of the small area. “I don't believe this” he muttered as he paced. He ran his hands through his hair. “I need to call Sam,” he said looking at his watch again. “Damn the time.”

Sam was sitting in his kitchen, sipping on a cup of hot tea. He had gone to bed hours ago, but for some reason he was unable to sleep. His mind kept drifting back to what Sheridan had said on the plane earlier that evening. “Ethan looks more like Sam than Julian” she had said. Normally he would have ignored such a comment, but when he started adding up all the pieces, it made him wonder. Is it possible, he thought for the hundredth time that night? His thoughts were interrupted as he heard the phone ring. He jumped. Startled, he looked at the clock, noting it was 2:32 a.m. `I wonder why they didn't beep me?' he thought as he reached for the phone, expecting it to be the station.

Luis handed over the phone, barely hearing the nurse telling Sam how to get to the hospital. He was thinking about Sheridan. He thought about the events of the past 24 hours. He walked over to the door that led to the emergency room, not even really paying attention to what was going on. He just watched as nurses bustled to and fro as he thought of Sheridan. `How can one person have so many different emotions in one day?' he thought. Hurt, anger, pain, joy, elation, excitement, love, hate, fear, panic, frustration. He walked back to the triage area where the nurse was just finishing giving Sam instruction.

Sam ran up to his room, being very quiet so as not to wake Grace, rummaged through his desk looking for his address book. He found it and quickly disappeared downstairs to the kitchen. Sam had remembered from a few months ago, that Ethan Crane was slotted to be the liaison between the Harmony P.D. and the Crane Family. He had been given several different phone numbers, in order to reach Ethan if the need arose. He politely wrote them down, having no intention at the time of using them. He wanted as little as possible to do with the Crane family, but now he was glad he had them. He decided to try Ethan's cell phone first, thinking it would attract the least amount of attention. He dialed the number.

Ethan Crane was fast asleep in bed. He was alone, as Gwen had been spending less and less time there, since their engagement. He was having a wonderful dream, and suddenly he was hearing a ringing. He rolled over trying to ignore it, but the ringing became louder, as Ethan came into consciousness.

“What the...” Ethan said groggily, as he realized it was his cell phone. He looked at the clock. It was 2:45 a.m. “Who on earth is calling me at this hour. “I hope it's not Gwen, in trouble somehow,” he said as he reached into his coat pocket, which was on the back of his desk chair, for his phone.

“I need you” Sam continued in the same deliberate manner, “to meet me at the Police Station. DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT, let anyone in that house know or even suspect you left. This specifically includes, Julian. I need for you to bring with you, any information on where in Paris Sheridan may have gone, any phone numbers. For that matter, bring all the information you have on places anyone in your immediate family may have. Do you understand me?” Sam finished, waiting for a response.

Ethan quietly started dressing. He grabbed his address book from his desktop. He walked over to his computer, looking through his pile of discs. He found one labeled Crane Family Friends and Hot Spots, stuffing it in his jacket pocket. He then grabbed his wallet and keys and like a mouse, opened his door and slipped out. He walked down the stairs, carefully listening for any activity. All he heard was the ticking of a grandfather clock in the foyer. He punched a code into the alarm system key pad, allowing him to exit and reset the alarm without it going off. He slipped quietly into the night.

The three men followed the nurse to a small conference room on the other side of the emergency room. Luis was looking around, hoping to get a glimpse of Sheridan as they walked past the cubicles, but the curtains were drawn, and he didn't know which one she'd been taken to.

The nurse left them in the conference room, which held nothing but a long wooden table, a dozen or so chairs, an easel at the front of the room and a few paintings scattered along the walls. She then returned with a thermos of fresh coffee, cups, cream and sugar. The nurse was trying to be nice, preparing the coffee for the men. She asked Luis, if he wanted cream and sugar in his coffee.

`Sugar' he thought. `Oh, my God!' He wanted to cry. “No!” he snapped at her. Then realizing, what he's done, he said. “Miss, I am so sorry for yelling at you like that. I didn't mean anything by it. You are just being kind and I nearly bite your head off. It's just that when you mentioned sugar... It reminded me...”

Still baffled, Ethan turned his keys over to Sam and grabbed his wallet, address book and laptop out of his car. He checked to make sure he had his cell phone in his pocket. Sam quickly dropped Ethan's keys with an officer in the station house and returned. The two men got into Sam's car and began driving. Ethan waited for Sam to start.

“.... I saw the man with the black trench coat putting something in his pocket and that's it.” Luis was exhausted. It had taken everything he had to tell these men the entire story. Telling them how devious Sheridan's family had been to keep them apart, how they came to Boston in the first place and about the men in the black trench coats. He didn't mention the reason he hated her family. He didn't mention about his father's disappearance, but he would later if it turned out there was a connection. They had enough information to start with.

Luis nearly fell as he heard this news. He'd been expecting the worst, but this... He was elated. A tear came to his eye as he smiled. `She's ok' he thought. `She's talking.' His smile grew bigger until he started laughing. The other three men in the room looked at each other and grinned. They were all thinking the same thing.

“Luis” the doctor began, “You ought to be very proud of yourself. If it hadn't been for your keen observation skills and quick thinking, Miss Crane would be dead right now. The sample of wine we have, showed it had indeed been poisoned. Had she drunk anymore than she did, you'd be talking to the medical examiner rather than me.

We found a substance in the wine commonly referred to on the streets as “China White' or `Tango and Cash.' There are numerous other names for it as well. It is a designer drug that is made from a fentanyl derivative. Fentanyl is a pain killer, which when properly administered is quite effective. Unfortunately, China White or Tango and Cash, started appearing in the early 80's as a popular street drug. It didn't really hit the east coast until the early 90's, but we have had many fatalities from it. The amount of the drug in your friend's wine would have killed her before she finished the glass” the doctor continued. “It is a very potent drug and only a few micrograms can cause death. Fortunately, Sheridan didn't have more than a taste in her mouth before you grabbed the glass from her Luis. We were able to dilute what little amount she had in her system, and give her a partial reversal drug. She'll be ready to leave here in a few hours. What you saw in the ambulance was the worst of it, I am happy to say. She is one lucky lady to have you around!”

Sheridan was frustrated. She so much wanted to see Luis, hear his voice. “I know you're right,” she reluctantly agreed. She closed her eyes and tried to relax, but it wasn't easy. All she could see in her mind's eye was Luis' face right before she'd lost consciousness. While she lay there with her eyes closed, Luis had quietly slipped into the room, unnoticed by Sheridan.