Where The Road Leads by Alwayzdreamin

CHAPTER 1

"...And for those of you doing any traveling this weekend, be advised there is a winter weather warning for most of our higher mountain elevations as this latest storm system moves through the area. This storm will make for some nasty driving conditions folks, so please if you don't have to be out stay home, stay safe and stay tuned to the best country music in the Rockies."

'Right', thought Renee as she pulled out of the convenience store parking lot. 'I don't see a flake of snow falling anywhere.' "Sorry guys I don't see any reason to stay off the road!" She said out loud to the radio, as she pulled onto the freeway, leaving the small town behind her.

"Damn, it's cold out here! Look at those clouds coming in from the west, wow they are dark and nasty. Come on, we better speed it up, I don't want to get caught in anything those clouds are carrying...and why am I even talking to you, it's not like you can answer me." The tall figure said as she looked down at her four-legged companion.

"Woof!" Was the only reply she got as the animal bounded off ahead of her, heading for the safety of the cabin, as snow started to fall. Fifteen minutes later, the pair arrived at their destination just in time. The snow was falling faster and visibility was getting bad, and with the wind blowing, the temperature was falling fast. As she reached the front door, she was grateful for two things, first that they reached the cabin before the storm really hit, and secondly that Jack was such a good friend that he made sure there was plenty of wood stacked against the wall of the enclosed porch.

"Come on Bo, inside before you get lost!" Again, her only response was in the form of an excited "Woof!"

Inside the cabin, the warmth of the morning fire still lingered. She removed her outerwear and went to add more wood to the fire. Once she was done with that, she noticed the blinking light of her answering machine.

"Good we still have power!" She said as she punched the play button. Alex listened as the first message started playing.

"Hey Alex, I just wanted to check with you, make sure you're okay and have everything you need. Look, there's a big storm moving in, so try not to go wandering around as you do. And if you need something the snowmobile is gassed and ready to go...PLEASE...only if you absolutely need, at least until this passes ok. Call when you get in, love you hon." Beep.

"Alexandria, where are you? You were supposed to call when you got in so that we wouldn't worry. Guess what...WE'RE WORRIED! Call okay." Beep.

"Oops, I'm in trouble." Alex said as she picked up the phone. At hearing the word trouble, Bo, who had taken up his favorite spot by the fireplace, picked up his head, tilted it slightly and emitted a soft "Woof, woof."

"Sorry boy, you're not in trouble. I am. I forgot to call Gail when we got in last night. Why didn't you remind me?" With that, she picked up the phone and called her best friend, as she walked into the kitchen.

"Hello." Was the response she heard from the other end of the line.

"Okay, before you start let me say how incredibly sorry I am for not calling sooner. It was late when we got in last night and well honestly, we lost track of time this morning."

"Damn it Alex, we were worried about you!"

"I know that came through loud and clear, again I'm so sorry. Can you forgive me?" Alex asked.

"You know we do. So how was the drive up there? Are you alright?" Gail asked.

"It was beautiful; I can't tell you how nice it is up here. Oh, we do have a storm coming in though so if you call and cannot get through that maybe why. As to your question, yes I'm fine why wouldn't I be?" Alex replied.

"You know what I mean Al."

"I know...look, shit happens." Was all Alex could say.

"Yes shit happens, and usually you stick around and deal with it, not turn tail and run." Gail shot back.

"I did not turn tail and run." Alex replied.

"No? Then what would you call what you did why are you not here making sure she doesn't rip you off anymore than she already has? God it's like you don't care." Gail said in a frustrated voice.

"That's just it Gail, I don't care. Whatever she takes, obviously means more to her than it does me. She spent enough time getting close enough to me to get at it all didn't she...I hope she's happy with it. Look, sweetie, I just need some time okay."

"Okay, if you say so. It's just that we love you and we worry okay."

"I know you do, and I appreciate that. I'll call you in a day or so okay so don't worry. I'll be fine."

"Well, okay. Take care alright?" Gail said.

"You know I will. Give my love to Angel and the kids okay."

"Will do, bye now." Gail answered.

As she hung up the phone, Alex looked out the window, "Wow, it's really coming down now. I'm glad we aren't out in that. Okay so how about some food Bo?" At the mention of food, Bo jumped up with his tail wagging, and headed for his food dish. With a smile, Alex followed.

CHAPTER 2

The afternoon was growing darker as the clouds moved in, and soon snow was falling. True to news reports from earlier, a storm had indeed moved in fast and Renee was quickly realizing she should have listened. As if that wasn't bad enough, she somewhere made a wrong turn and was not totally lost. Seeing what looked to be a road up ahead, she hit the brakes a bit too hard and skidded off the side of the road. She came to a stop and after she got her heart back to a normal beat, she put the car back in gear and tried to pull back onto the road. The wheels just spun in the white powder. Taking a deep breath, she reached over to the glove box and took out her gloves and flashlight; she opened the door and stepped out. As she moved to the front of the car, she saw that the right side was buried in snow. Making her way to the back of the car, she realized that there was no way she was getting her car to move. Going back to the driver's side and getting back in the car she thought. With night approaching, and it snowing the way it was, which was safer, stay with the car or walk down the road she spotted just before going off the road?

"If I at least try to walk up the road I may find someone one to help, my only other option is to sit here and freeze. Those are some nice choices there Renee." She said to herself. Once again, she got out of the car and headed down the road took a left and followed that road hoping and praying that there was someone else on this mountain that could help her.

Ten minutes later she was questioning the wisdom of her choice, God knows it couldn't be any colder in her car right now. Unwilling to accept the doubts in her head, she kept going. Finally, she saw what she hoped were lights from a cabin, and not her mind playing tricks on her. With renewed hope, she moved faster towards the dim light ahead.

Inside, Bo lifted his head from his food, and barked once and headed for the door at a run. Stopping at the door, he barked loudly. Alex followed wondering what had gotten into her pet.

"What's up Bo?" She asked. Her only answer was move insistent barking. Looking out the window all she saw was snow and more snow. She flipped on the light and opened the door, which was all Bo needed. Out he ran at break neck speed, barking into the night.

"Damn it Bo NO! Come back here." She shouted, but the canine was out of sight and not paying attention to her. Grabbing her coat, she went out the door calling for her dog.

As she got closer to the cabin, she realized that her eyes weren't playing tricks on her and there was light coming from inside. As soon as her mind processed that, the next thing she realized was that she was looking up at the sky watching snow fall down on her, and that she had a weight pushing down on her chest. The one thought that kept going through her head was, "What the hell just happened?"

'Shit, Bo what did you do.' Was Alex's only thought as she reached her pet and the stranger that he had taken down. Feeling the weight being taken off of her, Renee opened her eyes and looking into a set etched with concern.

"Are you alright? You're not hurt are you? I was trying to catch him before he hit you, but at times he's just too damn fast.

"Um..." Renee tried to answer the stranger looking down at her only to be cut off.

"Are you able to stand? He took you down hard, do you hurt anywhere, did you hit your head? Can you hear me?" Alex continued.

"Woof, woof, woof."

"Bo, hush, I'm not talking to you." Alex said to her dog, "Damn, look what you did."

"Hey don't blame him. He was only doing his job." Was what the voice from below stated. "Do you think you can help me up?"

"You can talk!"

"Um, yeah I've been talking since I was like two years old." Renee said as she lifted her arm in hopes the woman standing over her would get the idea.

At seeing the arm lift up, Alex felt like an idiot. What was she thinking, it has to be cold down in the snow. "I'm sorry," she said as she reached down to help the woman up. "I thought he hurt you and...I wasn't thinking."

The second Renee was on her feet the pain hit. Starting at her ankle and shooting up her left leg. Had Alex not been right next to her she would have been right back in the snow just like that.

"Okay, that answers the 'are you hurt' question." Alex said, and without a second thought, she was scooping the stranger up in her arms. "Bo, get inside NOW." She commanded.

One minute Renee was trying to stand and the next, she was being picked up, "Hey what do you think you're doing?" she asked as she was being lifted.

"I'm taking you in." Alex answered as if it was the stupidest question she had ever heard.

"I meant...do you usually go around man handling women you don't know?" Renee asked her tone on the edge of being angry.

"No. Not usually, when I do it's usually because they have made it clear they want me to...and I suppose then it wouldn't be considered man handling would it. Look, your hurt and can't walk, not to mention its cold out here and the snow is getting deeper. So I'm carrying you in." Alex answered. Renee was about to go off when the first part of what her rescuer said caught her, and she started laughing instead. The look she was getting made her laugh even harder. Alex just shook her head.

"Alright here we are." Alex said as she gently placed her unexpected quest on the sofa. "Let's get you out of your coat and see about your ankle, your freezing." Alex said as she reached for a throw to cover Renee up with, and then she went to work on removing the boot from her foot.

"Oh DAMN that hurts!" Renee groaned as pain shot up from her ankle.

"I know, and I'm so sorry. I'm trying to be as careful as I can be." Alex said as she looked up and saw the tears in her guests' eyes. With the boot off Alex saw the swelling immediately.

"Okay, we need to get the swelling down. I'm going to go get some ice for your ankle, and some tea to help warm you up...um...my name is Alex by the way. I'll be right back." She said before Renee had a chance to reply.

Renee closed her eyes, trying to will the pain to stop. It wasn't working and within minutes her eyes opened to see Alex enter with a tray, which held cups and an ice pack. She watched as Alex approached the sofa and placed the tray on the table in front of her.

"Okay, here you go, I think we should prop your foot up on some pillows. It's supposed to be good to elevate an injury like this. Here we go...easy...I know it hurts, there we are." Alex said as she gently placed the ice pack around the ankle. Renee tried to hold still as the ice pack settled on her and once again, the ankle screamed at her.

"Thank you so much. I'm Renee; it's nice to meet you Alex. Please forgive me for intruding on you like this. Guess it's a sign I should never do something impulsive." Renee said.

"Nice to meet you Renee, and don't worry about intruding. I'm glad I was here. This time of year, it is pretty much deserted around here. What are you doing wondering around in a storm like this? Alex asked. "I'm sorry, here have some tea and do you take sugar?"

"Sugar would be great, thank you." Renee answered. Alex got one of the cups and added a couple of cubes of sugar, poured the hot tea and handed it to Renee along with a couple of Motrin.

"Here you go; these should help some with the pain. Again, not to sound like a broken record, but what where you doing out in this storm, trying to kill yourself? She asked as she sat back into the chair.

"Well, I got lost, and my car ended up going off the road by your mail box, so I had to walk towards the light I saw...hoping someone was around. Renee answered. "I know stupid, but I figured either way I was going to freeze."

"You're lucky I was here, like I said the place is usually empty. Are you warming up?" Alex asked.

"Yes, I am thank you."

"Okay, good then. I was just about to make some dinner, are you hungry?"

"Actually, yes I'm starved. Can I help at all?" Renee offered as she moved to stand.

"No, I got it. You sit here, stay off your foot and keep Bo company for me that would be great. He seems to think anytime I go into the kitchen it automatically means food for him." Alex laughed.

"Bo, stay here and make sure our guest behaves herself okay." She commanded Bo as she got up to go to the kitchen.

"Woof." Bo responded as he lay down beside the sofa.

"Would you like a book or magazine, or maybe we still have a signal for the TV." Alex stopped to stay.

"I'm good for the moment, thank you." Renee answered as she leaned back and closed her eyes.

"Okay, I'll be back shortly. Holler if you need anything." Alex said as she walked out of the room, leaving Renee alone with Bo.

In the kitchen, as she gathered the sandwich fixings from the fridge, a pot from the stove and a can of soup her mind was occupied with thoughts of Diane. 'I bet Renee would never stoop to the levels Diane did. She wouldn't have manipulated things or connived her way into my life. She'd be way to honest for that.' 'Whoa, how do you know, you don't even know her.' 'She wouldn't do it I just feel it.' 'And your judgment is just so perfect these days.' Was the conversation she was having with herself, as she waited for the soup to warm up. 'Yeah, well most of the time its right on the dot. Diane was a bad call.' 'Hm, Diane was a hot number, and she had yours from the moment she laid her lying eyes on you. And you fell for every one of her lies.' Her voice said. 'Yeah, okay but Renee doesn't have a lying bone in her body, and she is a hot little number herself.' Alex answered. 'And you know this how?' the voice asked. 'I just know.' As she was in the middle of this dialog, the phone rang, shaking her out of her thoughts.

"Hello."

"Hi baby. Now don't go and hang up on me okay. I want to talk to you." The voice the other end of the line said.

"How did you find me, and what more could you possibly want?"

"Baby...I'm sorry, I want to say that and I want you to come back home." Was the sultry reply from the other end of the line.

"First off, don't call me babe, or baby, or any other cute little name you can think of. Second, WE do not have a home, I have a place and I expect you to be gone when I do come back. And finally, no need to apologize, you did me a huge favor by letting me catch you." Alex answered.

"Sweetheart, please don't say that. We can work it out. What I did was a mistake...it won't happen again I promise." Diane pleaded.

Alex gave a fake laugh as she said, "Oh there's nothing to work out. You did everything just right. I think your only mistake was being caught when you did. You know...never mind. Oh before I forget, I had all the credit cards cancelled and the bank account I set up for you closed, so I hope you have enough to get you through until you find your next sucker."

"You did WHAT?" Was the yell from the other end of the line. It was loud enough that Alex cringed and moved the phone at least six inches from her ear and she still heard Diane's tirade clearly.

"I don't see how you could do this to me...it was a mistake that will never happen again! I thought you loved me, how can you just shut me off like this." Diane continued.

"STOP...NOW. I don't think you realize how long I was standing there at the door listening to you...watching. 'She is such a fool at times baby; she doesn't suspect a thing here's the proof. I saw this watch and I knew it was perfect for you, so I just said I would die if I didn't have it and...well here it is baby. It's yours my love.' Do those words sound familiar to you? NOW I will be back in two weeks, I want you and any trace of you out of my apartment GOT IT." Alex finished in a very icy voice, and hung up the phone.

In the other room Renee couldn't help but over hear the last part of the phone call since Alex had...well gotten quite loud. 'Wow, someone was actually stupid enough to have cheated on that gorgeous creature...what a fool!' Before she could go on with her thought Alex came back into the room and was asking, "How are you doing? I've got some soup warming up and sandwich fixings...roast beef, ham, pastrami, turkey, lettuce, tomato, mayo, mustard, wheat, rye, sourdough...what would you like."

"Well, if you could help me up I'll make my own sandwich; you don't have to wait on me."

"Sorry, you need to stay off your ankle. I do not think it's broken, but it is sprained really badly. Therefore, for now I'm your very own server. Your wish is my command." Alex said with a wink.

"Well in that case, I'll have the soup, roast beef of rye, tomato, mayo, mustard and a dash of salt and pepper." Renee answered with a smile of her own, all the while the words 'at your command' played with her head.

"Alright, I can do that!" Alex replied, "I'll be right back." And with that she was gone again. And within a few minutes she was back with the soup and sandwiches.

"More tea or I have coffee, soda or beer..."

"I'll have whatever you're having."

"Two beers it is then." And within a couple of seconds Alex was back again with the drinks. "Here we are." She said as she handed Renee the beer, and helped her with soup and sandwiches. "So tell me how you ended up getting lost."

"I was on my way to spend a couple of weeks at a friend's cabin. With all the snow, I guess I took a wrong turn. Then I went off the road when I tried to stop when I was your mailbox. Teach me to try to make a sudden stop in snow." Renee said with a laugh. "So you said I was lucky that you were here, mind if I ask who or what I owe my life and thanks to?"

"I guess that would be Diane, and trust me she has been more than adequately compensated already."

"Oh sore subject, I'm sorry."

"Not really, just a long story. Let's just say, I needed to get away and since I know Diane wouldn't set foot in anything less than a five star hotel, she wouldn't be showing up here." Alex said.

"Ah I see, not a fan of nature."

Alex laughed a deep rich laugh. 'Wow, her smile lights up her entire face, and I could listen to her laugh the rest of my life Renee thought.

"Diane isn't a fan of anything that has beauty...well okay there are exceptions, diamonds, pearls, you get the idea." Alex was saying.

"Well that's her loss." Renee said in a voice so quiet, Alex wasn't sure it was real. "So is the cabin yours? It's beautiful, at least what I've seen of it is." She finished.

Alex smiled, "Tank you. I tried to make sure it has all the modern comforts and conveniences; I can't and won't live give them up for any length of time. When you're able to walk, I'll show you the place.

"I'd like that." Renee said with a smile. And before long the two were talking like long lost friends, and it was soon close to one in the morning.

"Oh wow, look at the time. I'm sorry Renee you have to be exhausted! I only have my room made up so here let me help you to it and you can sleep there tonight." Alex said.

"No I can't kick you out of your room. I'll just sleep here on the sofa. Renee said as she looked at Alex.

"No you won't. You can have the bed, you're the injured one."

"Really, I'll be fine right here." Renee argued.

"No, you're the guest; I can't let you sleep on the sofa. I'm sorry my dad would be mortified at the thought of him not having taught me better." Alex said with a smile.

"Mm, well we can't have that can we? Wow that's a beautiful woman, is that your mom? Renee asked as she stopped to look at a photo of a very striking woman standing next to what looked like the Greek Parthenon.

"Yes, taken in Greece two years ago." Alex said.

"She's beautiful. You look like her." Remarked Renee, as she glanced over at Alex.

"Yes she is." Alex said as she kept moving, her attitude changing a little, "I'm sorry just I have some issues with her at the moment".

"Hey, don't worry about it, we all do at some time or other I'm sure." Renee said trying to lighten the mood.

Within a few minutes she had Renee settled, and had grabbed a blanket and pillow for herself. As she fixed her bed for the night, she thought of Renee. 'I wonder what her story is. I can't believe how comfortable I feel around her.' "Okay hold on there..." She told you herself as her thoughts went to wondering how she would feel in her arms. "You're just getting rid of one headache because you jumped right in without bothering to get to really know her. Don't be stupid and do that again. Besides she probably has a boyfriend or fiancée, and if not...still doesn't mean she would be interested in you.

As Alex laid there trying to sleep every time she closed her eyes all she saw was Renee. Her shoulder length, shimmering soft strawberry blonde hair, the sparkling green eyes, the smile that lit the room up... hell she could even hear that beautiful laugh of hers. She imagined holding that soft warm body in her arms, her hand following all of Renee's lovely curves. And God she had those, all perfectly proportioned and definitely in all the right places. She imagined those beautiful full lips kissing her..."URGH..." growled Alex as she tossed the blanket off, totally unaware that Renee was having just as much trouble falling asleep, and it wasn't because of her ankle.

Renee's thoughts started with what Alex had said about Diane. 'Wonder what she was thinking, I mean Alex is kind, caring has a sense of humor, intelligent...not to mention, beautiful!' Talk about tall dark and gorgeous. Legs that wouldn't quit body that's toned and well defined...well at least from what she could tell anyway. That long raven black hair that shined and smelled so good...mmm those high chiseled cheekbones, eyes the color of the sky on a clear warm day. And her walk was so confident; she was so strong and self-assured. 'Okay need to stop this line of thinking.' She said to herself. But she just couldn't stop thinking of the sensuousness that Alex exuded and it was making it impossible for Renee to sleep. "URGH?" Growled Renee as she tossed the blankets off, in a fit of frustration.

"God Alex you feel so good. Mmm no don't stop. Ooh yes..." Alex heard Renee say. Her voice was husky and her breath quick and shallow. Then slowly the ringing of the phone penetrated her sleeping brain. 'Shit...it was only a dream?' "Okay someone had better have a damned good reason for waking me from that dream." Alex mumbled as she reached for the phone.

"Yeah, hello. Better make it good." Alex growled into the phone.

"Um, Baby? Are you alright?" Diane asked.

"I'm NOT your baby. What do you want Diane?" Alex asked in an irritated voice.

"Look I know you didn't mean those things you said yesterday. I know I didn't either; look I just want you to come home. We can talk and put this behind us.

"I don't see that there's anything to talk about. I did mean what I said. God do you think I'm stupid? What am I saying of course you do, I fell for your game right from the start, what else would you think." Alex said coldly.

"No baby, it wasn't a game...I love you. I miss you."

"Diane, stop. The only thing you love was my money. Now you're cut off from it and you will never be close to it again. I meant what I said, two weeks and you had better be out of my home. If I need to I'll have you removed." Alex continued as she tried to keep her anger in check.

"Susan was right; you are a cold hearted bitch..." Diane shot back as she realized Alex wasn't going to give in. "You have no idea how many times we laid in your bed and laughed at how easy it was to get to you."

Anger erupted and Alex shouted into the phone, "Two weeks be gone or else NO ONE will be able to stop me from destroying you." As soon as she finished the sentence, Alex hit the end button and threw the phone. Once it flew out of her hand, she felt better.

The ringing of the phone woke Renee from a dream similar to the one Alex was having, and the raised voice and angry tone made sure that she was awake. Renee carefully stood up, slowly putting what weight she could handle on her foot. Slowly she limped to the door.

"Feel better?" She asked as she watched Alex laid her head back as soon as the phone went flying.

As soon as Alex heard that soft voice, her eyes flew open and she jumped to her feet. "Not sure, a part of me does, another part of me feels childish." She answered, as she rushed to help Renee to the chair and pick up the thrown phone.

"What are you doing, you shouldn't be on you foot yet. I'm sorry I woke you." She went on as she thought about her behavior and turned red.

"You didn't wake me the phone did." Renee told Alex, "and from the look Bo is giving you, it's him you owe the apology to."

"I suppose I do. A double portion of food will help right boy?" Alex asked her pet.

"Would you like to sit in here or join me in the kitchen while I make coffee?" She asked Renee.

"The kitchen, if you don't mind. A change of scenery would be good." Renee answered.

Alex helped Renee to the kitchen and into a chair. As she pulled another chair closer she said "Let's put you leg up, I'll take a look at it and see if we can find something to wrap it up with." As she gently lifted the foot she continued, "Well the swelling is down some. More ice will help I'm thinking, and staying off of it will help too.' She got up and went about getting the ice pack, once done she gently placed it on Renee's ankle, then started the coffee all as Renee watched her.

"She knows what buttons to push doesn't she." She asked.

"What's that? Yes, I suppose she does." Alex answered.

"Not to be nosey or anything, and I didn't by any means mean to listen to a private conversations, was really no way not to hear, but don't let her push you into doing something you'll regret." Renee said.

"What do you mean?" Alex asked as a confused look appeared on her face.

"I heard you say that you would destroy her." Renee answered.

"I guess I did say that didn't I?" Alex answered as she brought two cups of coffee to the table. "Would you like some breakfast? I'm not much for eating in the morning, but I'm sure I could find something."

"No coffee is fine."

"I didn't mean...Diane, is money and social status motivated. Everything she does everything breath she takes is for the achievement of a higher level of that. Seems my friends saw that long before I did. I met her, introduced her to my friends and because of me she has a wider circle from which to choose from now. My friends know what she is, and will keep her from going higher on that front. However, my clients and business associates, they aren't that lucky. Therefore, I have to figure out how to keep the playing field even.

"And how will you do that?" Renee asked.

"That's the million dollar question. If I do anything now, I come across as the 'jealous can't let the ex go, psycho. Hell maybe I should just let her do whatever, she's not my problem anymore."

"But you can't you feel responsible. And you aren't the kind of person to just stand by and watch someone be use like that." Renee said.

"How do you know? Maybe I am, maybe I've decided to wash my hands of her totally." Alex said quietly.

"I see it in your eyes...hear it in your voice." Renee answered, "I just know."

"Hm..." was all Alex could say as she got up. "Bo, come eat sweetie. Much as I hate it, you're right. I do feel responsible. She knows more people because of me... they are a target for her now because of me. I can't stand by and just watch them get taken in by her, they don't deserve it." She finished.

"True, but it isn't your fault. When all is said and done, people are in control of what they let happen or let others do to them. If you pay attention to what goes on around you and that little voice that tells you to be careful, well you don't usually get burned."

"To some degree I agree with you, but as a member of the human race I think it's up to us to watch out for each other."

"Yes, but you can only do so much. You didn't listen to your friends did you? What more could they have done to warn you or save you from going through this with Diane?" Renee asked, as she watched Alex carefully. You still feel the need to do something don't you?" she asked.

"Yes, I do."

"Well, how about another cup of coffee? That's doing something." Renee laughed.

'Wow, that laugh is...what...wonderful...heavenly...so full of life, and the most beautiful sound I've ever heard.' Alex decided as she laughed too.

"Okay, I suppose I can manage another cup of coffee." Alex said as she got up. "So what's your story? You have a boy friend you need to get away from for the week?" She asked. 'God, that was subtle.' She thought.

"No," Renee answered with a smile "actually I don't. Getting away for the week up here was my way of getting out of a week with my best friend, her girlfriend, and their latest attempt at setting my up with "the perfect woman for me." I adore Eva and Lisa, but I'm a grown woman perfectly able to find a woman on my own." Renee said, "Plus to be honest some of Eva's friends scare me." She finished with a laugh.

With a smile Alex said, "Yes you are." As she thought of how good, Renee looked. Yes, very much a grown woman, she thought.

"Mm, yes I am what?" Renee asked teasingly. A smile of her own on her face and then laughter as she watched Alex turn red.

"Uh...well...uh...you're perfectly able to find women on your own." Alex stammered. "You know, I think the snow has let up, why don't I go see about your car and maybe get you bags. It will still be a couple of days before we can go anywhere."

"You aren't going to walk are you, it's too far." Renee said with concern in her voice.

"I have a snowmobile, you don't need to worry." Alex answered.

"Oh, well okay I guess I'll get you the keys. Alex..."

"Yeah?"

"Relax okay...and thank you for all you've done for me since I barged in on you."

Taking a deep breath, Alex smiled and said, "Okay I'll try...and you're very welcome. I'll help you into the living room at least there you can read or watch TV if it's coming in."

Once Renee was settled in the living room Alex went off to the bathroom and came back with an ace bandage and went to work on wrapping Renee's ankle. "There, that will give you some support. I think isn't still best if you stay off of it but...in case you need to move around while I'm out you'll be able to. Bo, stay here and keep Renee company okay." She said as she started getting ready to head out the door.

"Woof!" Bo barked as he trotted to Renee's sided and sat down at her feet. With everything she needed Alex headed for the door. "I shouldn't be to long." She said.

"Be careful Alex..." Renee said as she watched her leave.

"I will Bo take care of her! I'll be back soon."

Alex made her way to the garage with a smile on her face. It was sweet how Renee told her to be careful. It had been a while since anyone but the gang showed any concern for her, fact Diane never had she thought. "I could get use to her and her caring...her smile, laugh...yeah." Alex pushed the overhead door open and once again thanked Jack for being such a good friend. He didn't have make sure the snowmobile had gas or even worked for that matter, but he had. "I need to invite him to dinner." She decided it's something she could do since he wouldn't take money. With the key turned on, she hit the ignition switch and off she went.

"Man this is nice." She said to herself. A nice thick blanket of snow covered the ground, and the sky had cleared to a beautiful blue, plus there wasn't another soul in sight. Alex thought, 'I love it up here, no stress...well none if you leave it at the beginning of the drive way. I tried but damn Diane just had to push and call. Yeah but you didn't have let her get to you like you did. I know, I know.' She told herself so get a handle on it!

Inside the cabin, Renee was already getting restless and looking at the clock every five minutes. 'Jesus Renee, chill. She just left not twenty minutes ago. How can miss her, I just met her!'

"Oh come on, this is ridiculous." She grumbled as she slowly made her way to the bookcase. As she looked, she saw a little of everything, true crime, classics, poetry, sci-fi, fiction, non-fiction, romance. "Romance wait, Alex reads romance?" She said aloud.

"Woof." Bo barked as his head tilted as if he was saying, "What she doesn't look like the type?" Renee laughed and said, "Wow, well okay I didn't mean in anyway to talk bad of your master Bo."

"Woof, woof." was Bo's reply, as he once again laid his head on his paws.

Renee went on looking at the books and was thrilled to come across her favorite author, and on of the books she hadn't gotten around to reading yet. With the book in hand she made her way to the arm of the sofa the phone rang. Renee carefully sat down, not worrying about the phone. 'It's probably Diane again.' she thought, 'at least it still works after that throw! Again Renee started to think about Alex. She thought about Alex being toned and defined. Nothing gross like a body builder, but enough to get Renee's blood going. "Okay need to stop thinking these thoughts." She said to herself. Realizing that the phone had stopped ringing, she decided to call her friend Lisa to let her know that she was okay.

"Hello." Lisa's voice came over the line.

"Hey there beautiful, what's going on?" Renee asked?

"What's going on is, you're suppose to be here instead of...where ever you are. Where are you anyway?"

"Well I'm kind of stranded in a cabin."

"What cabin...you took off to Aspen didn't you. Damn it Renee, you knew I wanted to go with you the next time you went."

"I know. I'm sorry. If you and Eva would stop fixing me up, you could have joined me."

"Hm, yeah right. For the record this time it was all Eva's doing. I told her that Mika wasn't your time and that you be upset. So what do you mean your stranded?" Lisa asked.

So Renee told her how she got lost, went off the road and ended up in Alex's cabin with a sprained ankle.

"You're okay though right?" Lisa asked with concern.

"Yeah, I'm good. Not so sure about my car though. Renee answered, as she thought about the possible damage to her car. Maybe it won't be so bad she told herself.

"Hey the car can be fixed or replaced, you can't be." Lisa replied. "Are you sure you're okay there with this Alex person?" she continued.

"Yes she seems real nice okay, please don't worry."

"Easier said than done sweets."

"I know, give my love to Eva and tell her I'm sorry I couldn't make it to meet...Mika...was it? And to please stop! Renee added jokingly.

"I'll tell her, not that it will matter you know. Let us know how you're doing okay?" Lisa answered.

"I will. Bye now, love you guys." Renee said before hanging up.

"Love you too!" And with the goodbyes said the hung up. Renee looked at her watch to see that only an hour had passed since Alex left. "Okay, stop worrying. She is fine. I can't believe I'm this worried about someone I just met...GOD get a grip Renee." She said out loud.

As Alex got closer to what looked to be Renee's car, she thanked what ever power was with Renee last night. A little faster and the car would have slid the remaining twenty feet into the river below. Not much water, but enough, not to mention Renee could have been hurt when the car stopped and no one would have even know where she was. At that thought Alex got scared and angry. "Jesus, of all the half-brained stupid ideas. What in the ...CHRIST she could have killed herself. You'd think she has move sense than to run around in a storm in the middle of now where, not to mention in the middle of the God Damn night. What does she think that she's Super girl or Wonder-Woman? GOD!!" Looking at the car again she said to herself, "I need Jack, I go near that and one wrong step could send both the car and me over. She shivered as thoughts of what could have happened the night before went through her mind.

CHAPTER 3

A couple of hours later, after rescuing Renee's car and following jack as he towed it to his place, Alex was headed back to the cabin, with Renee's bags strapped to her snowmobile.

Alex opened the door, took her boots off and walked to the living room where she found Renee sleeping, and Bo looking at her. Alex's heart went to her throat when she remembered the car. "How can I feel like this when I don't even know her?" She asked herself, as she watched the other woman sleep, a tear sliding down from her eye. "Get a hold of yourself." She told herself as she quietly sat Renee's bags down. She quietly walked out of the room heading to the kitchen for some coffee, and to try to get her emotions under control. She had never met anyone who affected her like Renee and it scared her. The entire time Alex was away, she found herself thinking about Renee, missing her. Yeah okay she had thought about others before but that was always sexual. Like when she would bed them again or just how long it would take to get someone to bed, or better yet, trying to decide if it was time to move on. With Renee it was just wondering how she was what she was doing or thinking, or missing her smile or her laugh. Yes she thought about taking her to bed, but it wasn't the foremost thought in her head. Renee brought out feelings of wanting to protect her of wanting to take care of her, and thoughts of sharing a home, a life...more importantly, her life. To her that was scary as hell. Alex Kincaid didn't ever think about things like that, at least not since she was a teenager. 'How can I feel this, I just met her last night.' She thought. Giving up she grabbed her coffee and headed back to the living room. As she walked in she noticed the blinking light of the answering machine. Deciding not to wake Renee, by listening to it, she went to her room and stripped, walked into the master bath and turned on the shower. Maybe a nice hot shower would help wash away the tension she was feeling.

Slowly the scent of coffee woke Renee, and she was surprised that she had slept. 'Well okay I smell coffee so that means Alex is back. I wonder where she is...where is Bo, for that matter.' She thought. Not that she had to wonder for long because right about then Bo came trotting in followed by Alex, who was wrapped in a robe.

"You're awake." Alex said as she continued walking.

"I just woke up actually." Renee answered, the smile she had fading as she noticed Alex's tone was less than friendly. 'Wow, what happened.' She wondered. 'Everything was fine when she went out'

"Coffee is still hot if you'd like..." Alex remarked as she stopped at the doorway to the kitchen.

"Sounds good, but I'll get it." Renee answered.

"Don't. I'll get it; you need to stay off your ankle." Alex snapped. 'Shit, why did you do that?' she asked herself.

"Okay," Renee started her easy going temper slipping. "What's your problem? I didn't mean to fall asleep, or even end up on your sofa, shit happens you know. As soon as I can I'll be out of your way. Until then I'll get my own damned coffee, got it."

At that Alex lost it. "You little fool, do you even realize how damned luck you are to even be alive? No I suppose not. Does anyone know where you are, where you were going? Is anyone expecting you?"

"What are you rambling about? Why would't I be alive? And not that it's any of your business but no, no one is expecting me, and yes Robin knows where I am." Renee answered.

"Did she yesterday, were you suppose to check in when you got to where ever it is you were going?" Alex continued.

At that Renee turned red. "No, she didn't know I was going out of town. But..." she never got to finish her sentence because Alex was off again.

"So let me get this straight," she started, "you took off without anyone knowing, you...drive into a snowstorm, get lost, almost kill yourself not once but twice, and no one would have known. Is that right?"

"What do you ..." Renee start to say.

"You know...I need to get dressed. Your bags are right there, if you'd like to shower, you welcomed to either bath." Alex stated as she walked out of the room fuming.

"What was that all about?" Renee asked herself and Bo, who had chosen to stay with her.

"Back in the master bedroom, Alex was busy throwing clothing on her bed and mumbling to herself. All it took was for her to see the smile on Renee's face and the sight of her car and where it sat flashed in her mind and the scare that Alex had felt was back full force. "Jesus Alex, relax." She told herself, "she is fine and you did go overboard. Shit."

As she walked back out to the living room she started to speak. "Ah, Renee...I need to apologize..." she said as she looked at Renee and say that she had indeed gotten her own coffee. That sight made her feel even worse.

"Gee, you think."

"I deserved that. I don't know what's going on with me...I saw your car and I sort of lost it. Then I saw you smiling like you hadn't a care in the world, the car flashed in my mind again and I lost it all over again."

Renee was lost, "What do you mean you saw my car? It's not all mangled so what's the big deal?"

"Renee, were inches from going off a fifty foot drop into the river below."

"No way, I looked. There was no drop off...there couldn't have been. Renee said in disbelief.

"Yes, sweetheart there is. Like I said, I don't know what's happening to me. I just met you and yet the thought of what could have happened...scared the hell out of me. The thought of never having gotten the chance to meet you, get to know you...hurts." Alex said, her voice cracking a bit.

Renee was at a loss as to what to say or think. How was she supposed to take what she had just heard? It wasn't like she could deny there was something going on between the two. Especially since the thought of never having a chance to get to know this tall, dark woman, scared and nearly took her breath away. So she said the only thing that she could think of..."I'm sorry, I need to shower now if you don't mind." With that she grabbed the one bag she knew held her clothes, and limped to the bath in the master bedroom.

Alex stood there watching her go, stunned. 'Well alright! Nothing like opening your heart and...' she thought. "Oh screw it." She said out loud, letting her anger the best of her. She shook her head and walked to the phone to listen to the recorded message. Her mood was getting worse by the second.

The phone call was quick and to the point, and something Alex could deal with. "Ms. Kincaid, this mike. I'm sorry to intrude on you but I have a problem. Ms. Gordon has been here twice now insisting that you've given her permission to remove a couple of your more expensive paintings. So far I've kept her taking them, but now she is insisting that you gave them to her as a sort of settlement now that you two have separated. Please let me know if I should let her leave with them or not. I'd hate to let her take them and then find out she was less than honest about it. Thank you."

"This I can handle...simple, straight forward...no confusion." She mumbled as she dialed the number to the front desk of her apartment building.

"Terrace Apartments, this is Mike how may I help you." The deep voice on the other end answered.

"Mike, its Alex Kincaid."

"Ms. Kincaid, once again I apologize for having to bother you."

"It's no trouble Mike. Here's what I need you to do. When you see Ms. Gordon again let her know that she will need to wait there until Detective Donnelly arrives. He will escort her into the apartment and she can leave with the two paintings and nothing more. She is to leave the key, and only she and Detective Donnelly are to enter the apartment, anyone who arrives with her is to remain in the lobby."

"Yes Ms. Kincaid, I'll take care of it." Mike replied.

"Thank you so very much Mike." Alex said, she kindly asked about his family and then said good bye. She then dialed another number; as soon as it was answered she smiled.

"Hello..."

"Hello Rick. How are you?"

"Well I'll be damned, if it isn't Alex Kincaid. I'm good how about you?" Rick answered with a big smile as he thought about the woman on the other end of the line.

"I'm good. How is Pops?" She asked.

"He's good, old and bossy, you know...never changes." He laughed as he answered.

"Good I'm glad to hear that, means he is keeping you on your toes. How about Sammy, how is she doing?" Alex asked, thinking about the only woman from her past that had mattered at all.

"She is good too. She finally settled down with a lawyer. Can you imagine that?" Rick answered as he smiled thinking of his sister. "This gal has a kid that simply adores Sammy, and well you know Sammy...she adores him right back. She's happy so Pops is happy and that makes me happy you know."

"I'm glad she's happy. She deserves to be." Alex said quietly as she continued to think of Samantha Donnelly.

"This gal...Alex, she ain't you. She ain't you that's all I got to say."

"Rick, timing is everything, and you of all people knows I wasn't ready. All I would have done was made her and everyone else miserable." Alex said quietly.

"I know...but still."

"Look Rick, the reason I called is I need a favor..." she started, want to end the conversation before it went any farther in the direction it was going.

"You know anything you need, I'm there for you." Rick said, taking the hint and letting the topic drop. Alex went on to explain her problem and, what she hoped Rick could help her with.

"You got it; I'll wait for the call, and take care of it. Anything else you need love?"

"No, that's all. Rick thanks, I owe you."

"Let's get together of a drink, maybe dinner...I know pops would love to see you, and we'll call it good." Rick answered.

"You got it." Alex replied and the two said their goodbyes.

CHAPTER 4

In the shower, Renee was still trying to decide how to deal with everything Alex said. 'What does she expect me to say? Okay yes, it was stupid to just run off without letting anyone know for sure where I was going. But damn it, I didn't purposefully set out to kill myself.' She thought. "Jesus, talk about being dramatic." She muttered. 'She was just blowing things way out of proportion. That's all there is to it.' Renee decided. Having decided that, she let the hot water wash away the remaining tension she felt.

Once she finished her shower, she let herself once again think about Alex. Nothing having to do with earlier, but thoughts about her smile, and her laugh, her long powerful legs...suddenly the thought of Alex holding her took a hold and refused to let go. 'Get a grip Renee. It's not going to happen.' She told herself. But she was unable to shake the thought or the need to just see the raven haired beauty.

Carefully she made her way to the living room, hoping to see Alex. However Alex wasn't to be found in either the living room or the kitchen. She did find a short note saying that she and Bo had gone out for a run and would be back soon. 'Well guess that means she is still upset.' Renee thought feeling, disappointed. With nothing else to do she went back to the living room and the book she had started that morning.

Outside, Alex had Bo running after his chunk of rope, and with the snow it was a good workout for him, so she didn't feel too bad at keeping the outing short. She didn't want to leave Renee alone to long, and truth be told she was missing the little blonde. So with Bo exercised and her perspective back, she headed back to the cabin. Bo barked, announcing their return before they even walked in, so Renee was watching for them. As Alex walked in she looked up and felt her heart skip a beat and a smile form on her face. As soon as Renee saw Alex she broke into a smile of her own.

"Hi..." they both said in unison.

"I think I owe you an apology for earlier. I shouldn't have lost my cool like I did." Alex started.

Renee was taken by surprise with the apology. 'Whoa, where did that come from?' She wondered. "It's not a big deal." She replied.

"Actually, I think I was a little...I went overboard, and went off on you. Really I have no right. I just got scared at the thought of what might have happened and thinking about that made me...I don't know..." Alex told her, "I'vet just never felt like this before." She finished embarrassed.

Renee stood, and slowly made her way to Alex, once there she gently placed her hand on Alex's arm and said, "It's okay, really. Nothing happened to me, and well...we both are a little thrown I think." 'What am I doing?' She thought to herself 'all I want to do right now is to hold her and kiss her.' Her hand reached up and gently touched Alex's face. Realizing what she was doing, she quickly dropped her hand and moved away.

"Um, anyway did you and Bo have a good run?" She asked. Alex, who could't stop the smile, answered "Yes we did. Usually it's longer but with the snow, Bo got in a good workout and honestly I did't want to stand around and freeze." She finished with a laugh.

"Does it usually snow like this?" Renee asked.

"Not this early, but yes. Actually this is nothing, it will get worse." Alex answered.

"Would you like some more coffee?"

"That sounds great!" Renee answered. "Oh did you get your message earlier?"

"Yes, I did. Seems that Diane has decided she likes art now. Never cared about it before or even had an interest in it but now...she has been trying to walk out with a couple of my more expensive works."

"Hm and how did you find her? I mean, not to be judgmental but, she sounds like a real piece of work."

Alex thought of how to answer that question as she poured the coffee and got a snack.

"Diane happened to be at a benefit I was working. She was the 'guest' of a client. Anyway she started talking to me, and I was stupid enough to fall for every ego stroking lie she told me."

"Some of it had to be true. I mean..." Renee stopped just short of telling Alex just how amazing she thought she was. "Um...well I mean you do have some great qualities, and I'm sure she saw them."

"I don't know, what I do know that I fell for the short tight skirt, heels...I did't even bother to look past how good she looked, and how long it would take to get her into my bed. By the time I finally opened my eyes she had moved in and was pretty much getting her hands on all she wanted. My friends saw her for what she was, but me...oh no. I did't want to believe them or even my own eyes." With a cold laugh she finished, "It took me walking into my own home, and finding her with some woman in my bed laughing about what an easy prey I was, to finally open my eyes."

Renee sat and listened, not believing any could be so cruel, so...she could't even thing of a word to describe a person like Diane. But then again there were all kinds of people in the world. "Did you love her?" Renee asked, only to be embarrassed that she had even asked the question. "I'm sorry, I should't have asked that. It's none of my business."

Alex watched Renee as she thought of how to answer her question. "I liked her, cared about her to some extent, but love...no. I don't think I could have. God that makes me sound shallow does't it." She said.

At hearing Alex's words, Renee felt instantly happy. Alex smiled as she watched Renee's reaction.

"No, it does't make you sound shallow." Renee answered.

"No matter. So tell me about you, I'vet told you my story tell me yours."

"Mine isn't interesting." Renee said as she sat back.

"Maybe so, but I told you mine. And I'm asking about yours. Besides, I don't see how anything involving you would't be interesting." Alex said as she watched Renee slightly turn red at the small compliment.

Renee thought about things, "Where do I start." She said.

"How about with why you ran away rather than meet this 'perfect woman' your friends found for you."

"They seem to think that everyone will be as happy as they are and in love as deeply as they are and will last forever." Renee answered.

"You don't believe in happy ever after?" Alex asked.

"Not anymore, no."

"I'm sorry. I did't mean to hit on a sore subject." Alex said quietly as she watched her companion.

"Oh I'm fine. It's just that I think happy endings are for everyone but me. I've accepted that, just seems like my friends haven't."

"Why do you say that?"

"Simple, it's the way it is. I gave my heart to someone and I got hurt. It's an experience I don't want to repeat." Renee answered as she thought about that period in her life.

"Maybe you just gave your heart to the wrong person, they weren't't deserving and didn't know what a gift they had." Alex said quietly as she watched the expressions on Renee's face as she replayed scenes of her past in her mind.

"She knew. It just did't matter to her. Now I just feel I wasted a lot of time and emotion and I don't want to go through that again." So everyone else can have their happy endings, I just don't believe in them."

"How long were you together?"

"Five years. We met freshman year in college." Renee answered, a small smile forming as she continued to remember. "She roomed next door to me and was in my English Lit class. One week I don't know her from Eve, and the next she is my best friend. One night we're at a party, to much to drink and both way to tired of fighting this overwhelming attraction. She confessed she was in love with me, and well there was no way I could even start to deny anything I felt. Next thing I know we're head over heels in love. At least I was."

"Well realistically, if she wasn't I don't see how you managed five years together." Alex said.

"Well some people are great at playing parts." Renee replied, "I don't know maybe I'm being to hard on her. Is that the point you're trying to make? I know she loved me, just not like I loved her, and in the end...I felt I gave everything I had and it still wasn't enough. I just don't think I have it in me to go through that again. Seems we were fine until we got out of college and started being 'adults'. We got a home together, and everything was good for that first year. Then she started pulling away, she got distant. I thought for a while she was seeing someone else. So I finally worked up the nerve to ask."

"What did she say?" Alex asked, caught in Renee's story.

"Imagine my surprise when she said no. Of course I did't believe her, so we fought. You know until that night I never saw her lose her temper like that." Alex felt her muscles tense, and her stomach rolled as she started imagining this woman hitting Renee. Renee continued, "Donna just lost it, I was saying I did't believe her, that she was lying to me about seeing someone and she grabbed a vase we had sitting on an end table and threw it at the wall."

Alex sat still, all her muscles tense. She was still waiting for Renee to say that this Donna person had hit her. She did't know how she would handle that. Renee looked over at Alex. Sensing what the dark woman was thinking she immediately got up and walked over to her and said, "Alex, she never hit me. Please believe that. Once the vase shattered against the wall, she broke down crying. She said she honestly wished there had been another woman, because then at least there would be a reason for her wanting to leave."

"So there wasn't another woman at all...ever?" Alex asked confused.

"No. After all that we sat and talked all night, and I believed her. I really did't have reason to thin she was being unfaithful, it was just the way she was behaving...no other reason. I mean, she wasn't out at all hours of the night, she was never away or with no way for me to get in touch with her if I needed. I called and she always answered so no reason to think she was sneaking around. Then we broke up and I'd run into her somewhere and well...she seemed to be happy with whoever the new woman on her arm was at the moment. And trust me there were a lot of women." Renee said.

Alex was at a complete loss as to what to think. "So she never gave you a reason for wanting out?" She asked.

"No. All she said was that she wasn't happy and that she felt like she was suffocating. Why she would feel that I have no idea, but well that was the reason she gave me. It wasn't like I expected her to report her every move to me, or call and check in whenever she was out. I did't even expect her to spend every spare minute she had with me. Hell, she was always able to go out with her friends and do whatever. I wasn't the possessive girlfriend you hear about." Alex could't even begin to imagine what Donna was thinking...well subconsciously she did, but she didn't want to examine that right now. "So she was your first and last serious relationship then." She said.

"OH yeah, after that I could't imagine ever wanting to go through that pain again." Renee answered.

"You know, not all women are like that." Alex remarked. 'Some of us realize our mistakes.'

"Right, and I'm sure somewhere in your past you've left a few broke hearts." Renee said trying to shift her thoughts. She would like to say she was over the hurt of that time but well, like everyone there were times when remembering did hurt.

Alex thought of Samantha, "I suppose so."

Renee saw the cloud flicker across Alex's face and said, "Oh that was definitely not an 'I suppose...' Alex. That was a 'Yes I have broken someone's heart' look."

"Well okay yes, I guess I did, and you know I do regret it but I have to live with what I did and know that at the time, it was the best thing to do for her. Other wise in the end she would have been hurt a lot more than she was."

"Now that's interesting. Care to elaborate more?" Renee said. Ales watched, as the other woman made herself comfortable, and with a smile answered, "No, I don't think so. We have to have something to talk about later too you know. I see you found a book to read. Which one is it?" Alex asked in an attempt to change the subject. Renee thought about if for a few seconds and decided to let it slide. "It's one of LAUREN MADDISON'S, DEATH BY PROPHECY. I love her books and haven't gotten a chance to read this one."

"I agree she is good. You'all have to tell me how it is; I haven't gotten to it yet. I think the last book I read was DECEPTIONS. Which other authors do you like reading." Alex asked.

"Well looking thru your selection in the bookcase, it looks like we share similar tastes. I love CORNWELL, and SANFORD plus there is always RADCLYFFE and of course B.L. MILLER." The next couple of hours were spent talking about favorite authors and music, and before long they realized they had a lot in common, and that evening was fast approaching. As the sun started to set Alex lit some candles around the room and soon, soothing warmth enveloped them, making the two feel closer and a lot cozier.

As they sat and continued to sip on their drinks, their thoughts moved in a direction that both found tantalizing and in need of more exploration, as well as scary as hell.

Alex, listening to Renee talk about her favorite book, started imagining her in her arms like she had been in that mornings dream. 'Now why the hell did you do that? As if you aren't't having a hard enough time not thinking about her in your arms, you go and put on soft music and light candles. Brilliant!' she thought to herself, 'God you're an idiot.'

'Okay Renee, don't go there...but damn what a thought, you could just go over there to her and wrap your arms around her. If she pushes you away blame the candles and whiskey in the coffee.' Renee thought.

Poor Alex, her little voice and thoughts were getting the best of her. "How about some dinner, I'm sure your getting hungry." She asked, as she stood up and all but jumped three steps away from Renee, a move that did not go unnoticed by the blonde. 'Now that was interesting.' She thought. "Dinner sounds like an excellent idea."

"I was thinking, lemon pepper chicken cooked in butter, steamed broccoli and some baby red potatoes roasted in garlic. How does that sound to you?"

"Oh my God that sounds fantastic. Let's go I'm starved now." Renee laughed as she stood up to go to the kitchen.

"You don't have to..." was all Alex was able to get out before Renee cut her off with, "and don't go saying I don't have to help. I know that, I'm getting tired of being waited on, and besides I want to."

"You're tired of being waited on. You've only been waited on for what 24 hours if that?"

"I know, but I'm not use to it and well I can walk better so I can help."

"Alright then, lead the way." Alex said as she stepped out of the way so Renee could go ahead of her. 'Nice move letting her in front... what, I need to make sure I'm close in case she falls, that way I can catch her. Uh huh and being behind her as she walks is just such a hardship right? OH SHUT UP.' Alex said to her self as she followed Renee into the kitchen. Just as they reached the kitchen the phone rang.

"Hello." Alex answered.

"Hey Al, its Rick, how's it going?" The voice on the other end of the line said.

"Hi Rick, It's not too bad how about with you?"

"Not bad. I just wanted to let you know that I saw Diane today. One question...what were you thinking?"

"Not you too..." Alex laughed, "Honestly Rick, that's just it I wasn't thinking at least not with my brain."

"Wow, what a piece of work. Al, I'd like to say's been taken care of...I mean I have the key in my hand so she won't be back to the apartment. But I don't think she is done, yet, there is just something in her eyes." Rick said with a trace of concern in his voice.

"She's done." Alex answered.

"I'm not so sure, look be careful okay Al?"

"I will, you know me, always careful."

"Really then why you call me today, why this trouble now?"

"A lapse of judgment is all I can figure."

"Alright well, listen you need anything just holler okay."

"You bet. Thanks for everything Rick. I'all give you a call when I get back in town and we'll have that drink okay." Alex said before she hung up.

While Alex was on the phone, Renee made herself at home in the kitchen and had started dinner. Alex leaned against the counter and just watched as Renee moved around like a professional chef. 'Gotta, love a woman that knows her way around a kitchen.' She thought to herself.

"Is anything wrong?" Renee asked, bringing Alex out of her thoughts.

"Hm, my friend Rick seems to think so. Diane finally took all her belongs and left my apartment, not without a little help mind you, and she left the key with Rick, again not without a little help. He thinks she is going to be a problem."

"Okay and what do you think?" Renee asked as she finished putting the potatoes on the baking sheet to put into the oven.

Alex moved to the refrigerator and pulled a bottle of wine out before she answered, "Diane is done. She knows she is at the end of the line, so what more can she do. No...I don't see her being a problem."

"Well for your sake I hope your right." Renee said as she went to sit down with the broccoli. "Relax Alex, dinner is under control, just need to finish with the broccoli and get it on." With a smile Alex joined Renee at the table. "I see that. So what are you a chef of something? You did't take long at all to get it going...or was I on the phone that long."

Renee laughed, "No, I just love to cook, therefore I love a well stocked kitchen...and this kitchen is...wow! I should be asking you if you're the chef."

"No, like you I enjoy cooking." This time it was Alex laughing.

"Well this kitchen is fantastic. I love the way it is designed. Did you do that...design it I mean?"

"No, I can't take credit for that one. When I designed this place, the kitchen was supposed to be one person's oasis so to speak. I have my office, which I designed; she had the kitchen, and the rest we both had a hand in." Alex answered, as she once again thought of Samantha. 'What the hell, why is she popping into my head so much all of a sudden.' Standing up she asked, "So do you want to eat dinner in her or in the den with movies to watch?"

The look that passed on Alex's face was not lost on Renee and it made her heart ache for Alex and brought out a hint of jealousy. "A movie would be nice." She answered.

"Okay will, I'll go get things set up. Would you like wine or something else to drink?"

"Wine is good. I'll check on things and be right with you." Renee said as she stood and walked to the stove.

"Any special movie you would like to see? I'll see if I have it."

"No, I'm up for anything."

"Hm, so what will it be; drama, romance, comedy, mystery, or maybe a classic like KEY LARGO or CASABLANCA." Alex commented, tossing out ideas.

"Either of those is good, I don't think I've ever seen either."

"NEVER seen KEY LARGO or CASABLANCA? My god where have you been, that you could you miss classics like these?" Alex asked.

"Just different tastes in this case I guess." Renee said with a smile. "We can't have everything in common you know. Where would the spice and variety come in?"

"Hm, guess you have a point." Alex replied, as she walked out of the kitchen, shaking her head still confused as to how anyone could not have seen either movie. Renee just laughed. Once in the den she selected the movie and placed it in the DVD player, looked around and decided to light some candles. 'After all, you can't watch a movie with the lights on, and well we still need some light while we eat.' She reasoned with herself. With that taken care of she went back to the kitchen to help Renee with the rest. Soon, with plates in hand the two were seated and the movie was going. Towards the middle of the show Alex looked over to see Renee totally lost in the movie and story. With a smile Alex turned her attention back to the movie as well. At the end of the movie Alex looked over to ask Renee what she thought of it, and saw that she was trying hard to hold it together, and was losing the battle as tears slid down her cheek. Sliding closer to her, Alex put her arm around Renee and pulled her close.

"Hey, no don't cry."

"I'm sorry; it's just that it's so sad. Why did't you warn me? I mean you can clearly see that they still love each other and she is just 'being the good and dutiful wife'. They should have ended up together. You know, ride into the sunset, happy ending and all that."

"That's life though, not everyone that's in love ends up together with a happy ending. You of all people know that...I'm sorry. I guess I should have picked a different movie. I thought you would like it, I mean I think that's what makes it a great movie. Even though they love each other and the magic is still there, they both realize they have to let go."

Renee leaned into Alex; just letting the strong arms hold her, as she listened to Alex talk, give her take on the movie. Alex's arms tightened around Renee instinctively, and the feeling for protectiveness from earlier over took her heart. Gently she kissed the top of Renee's head. Renee slowly moved away just enough to look into Alex's eyes, and that was all Alex needed and she moved in to slowly kiss Renee's soft lips. The kiss was slow and tender, and took Alex's breath away, made her heart swell and sent a lightening bolt through her. Renee's reaction was just as strong and in all honesty, scared the hell out of her. Although she wanted that kiss to last forever, Renee pulled away. She looked at Alex, her fear showing in her eyes. Alex took a deep breath, cleared her throat and spoke... "I'm sorry. I shouldn't't have done that." She said her voice husky and shaky. She stood up and trembling she reached for the empty plates and said, "I'll be right back, would you like another drink?"

Renee, knowing that the both needed to regroup and seeing that was exactly what Alex was trying to do, said another glass of wine would be great. Once Alex was gone Renee was able to relax some. 'What the hell is going on?' she thought to herself. Though she knew, she felt everything in that one kiss. 'Christ, this one can destroy me, and I know there is now way in hell I can just walk away.' She thought.

Alex in the mean time was in the kitchen thinking the same thing. 'Okay Alex, now that you've proven you can scare the shit out of her what do you do? Jesus, there is now way in hell I can feel so much for her already...and if I just scared her, what about me?' The little voice in her head answered very simply, 'You fell for her, and if it doesn't work you'll be destroyed. But isn't love worth that risk?' And for the first time since she was very young, Alex knew the answer, "without a doubt." She said aloud.

CHAPTER 5

Taking her time, to give Renee a little more time to collect herself, Alex made sure the cabin was locked up for the night. In the den, Renee was taking a deep breath and telling herself, 'Okay Renee suck it up and deal with this. There are two ways to handle this, one, you can hide head and run the other way pretending this didn't happen. Or two, you face it head on, face your fears and see where this can go. You know what you felt in that kiss.'

Alex made her way back to the den, and as she entered she said, "I'm sorry I took so long, I wanted to make sure the place was locked up. Not that it would matter way out here but you never know. Here's your drink." She said as she handed the glass to Renee. "I also wanted to apologize for that kiss. I know I stepped over the line."

"No...first off thank you for the wine, and honestly you didn't do anything I didn't want you to do. So there is no need to apologize, and besides I think I kissed back. And well I kind of enjoyed it." Renee said shyly.

Alex didn't know what to think or say but she was able to break out with a big smile at that bit of information. Renee continued with a smile of her own, "Would you mind if I said WOW!!" At that Alex let out a laugh and with it all the tension she had been holding since she walked back into the den.

"Yeah, I think I can agree with that 'WOW'. Hope you don't mind me saying this but, um...it's been a while since anyone's kiss has taken my breath away like that. Kind of scares me." Alex confided, both because it was true, and because she wanted to let the other woman know she wasn't alone in her fears. Sitting down, Renee was debating on asking a question, after a second or two, she decided to ask. "Not to be intrusive but, when was the last time your breath was taken away...when you met Diane?"

Alex looked at Renee and in that moment decided to tell her the honest truth. "No, Diane never did that. Honestly no one has since I was seventeen years old. You asked earlier about me breaking someone's heart, yeah, that would be Samantha."

Realizing what Alex was about to say Renee started, "No, Alex you don't have to say anything. I shouldn't't have asked. We can keep this for another time if you even want to talk about it ever." Alex looked at Renee and saw the concern in her eyes, and it touched her.

"It's okay really. Sammy is Rick's sister, and we all grew up in the same neighborhood, went to the same schools...god we did everything together, the three of us. I think I knew I was in love with her when I was seven years old. Anyway, like I said we went to school together, did the sleep over things. I had no idea she felt the same way until one night when we were all swimming at the lake. We were seventeen maybe, anyway Rick was off with his girlfriend, you know we wanted some privacy, or at least they did. I mean what was I going to do with Sammy? Especially then when I did't know how she felt. Anyway Sammy and I were off a ways from where Rick was showing off, you know trying to impress her, you know doing all the stupid things we do to get the attention of that special someone." Alex was saying with a smile as she remembered. "Only thing I truly remember was diving off this big rock that was protruding out of the lake. I remember waking up looking up at the stars with Rick breathing hard, tears in his eyes, Sammy crying and Rick's girlfriend running back with help. Oh and a headache that would't quit. Dad showed up a few minutes later and rushed me to the hospital to stitch up my head and make sure there wasn't anything else wrong. I ended up staying the night because I had a head injury. Not sure who was more scared, Sammy or my dad." Alex said with a laugh.

"So here I am in the emergency room getting ready to be moved to a room and the two are arguing over who is staying with me, like I was a baby or something. Dad says he already knew how Sammy felt about me and that's why he ended up letting her stay with me. Now the hospital personnel was another story. God they ended up giving in to Sammy because she was waking up the whole wing. Even Rick could't talk her into leaving. And Rick could talk her into anything. Well after I was in my room and everyone had left, Sammy took my hand and told me that she was in love with me, and that if I ever scared her like that again she would kill me herself."

"So what happened, I can see that you still love her. It shows on your face." Renee asked feeling jealous over the look, and wondering if she could even compete with a memory.

"That night I was in heaven. I mean yeah okay I was in a hospital bed but the girl I had loves since I cant remember when, just told me she loved me back. I remember asking her if she was sure, if she really understood what she was saying...can you imagine that." Alex said with a laugh. "Her answer was to lean over and kiss me. What happened after that night...we were young and in love, and had our whole lives ahead of us right. We were both heading off to college that year, of course to different schools, but be would find a way to make it work. God a lot of money spent on travel." She laughed again. "To bad there wasn't any such thing as frequent flier miles then. Needless to say after the first year at different school I transferred to her school and we got a room together, life was good."

"Nice." Was all Renee could think to say.

"It was. Our parents were happy for us, we were happy together for six years. We both graduated from college with degrees, got jobs, our own place. You talked about your life with Donna, was that her name, well mine mirrored yours only in the end I was the one that could't commit. It wasn't that there was another woman or anything like that; I just reached a point where I felt like I was suffocating. Nothing she did helped, nothing I did helped. This cabin, we designed it together our second year together. We had big dreams, we were both going to hit it big in our chosen fields, and make it a home, have kids the whole nine yards. The only thing we did't plan on was me."

"You said that you both tried everything...what all did that include if you don't mind me asking. Donna, she refused any attempt I made, and I'm wondering if it was just me trying to save something that wasn't' meant to be."

"Lets see, I moved out hoping the time apart would take care of whatever it was that was getting to me. We saw counselors, spent hours, days talking. In the end, it was all me...I broke her heart."

"But your still friends with Rick, so something must have been worked out. Do you ever see her? Are you on friendly terms now?" Renee wanted to know.

"You have to realize that this happened years ago, and my friendship with Rick did go through some hard time because of. Sammy and I, yes we eventually reached a point where we are both comfortable again. We don't see each other often and when we do its special. I think she secretly likes that I'm still single, makes her feel like I could never find anyone as special to replace her. A truth that's to close to home I'm afraid." Alex said a bit too quietly. Fact is she knows all she has to do is call and I'm there rain or shine."

"I guess that's something. Donna and I don't even speak anymore. Honestly I don't think I could deal with being friends. It would hurt too much I think.

"I can't speak for her but it was hard at first. When she finally decided to move on with someone else...yeah it killed me. I remember the first time that happened. It was a couple of years after we broke up, and we were both home for the holidays, Rick however forgot to inform me of that little piece of information. We had a football game we were going to so I went by his place to pick him up. Well I walked up to the door knocked and well you can imagine my surprise when the opened it wasn't either Rick or Pops on the other side it was Samantha. Even then my heart flipped when I saw her. She invited me in while Rick finished getting ready and when we walked into the living room, this woman walked up to my Sammy and wrapped her arms around her...yeah I knew what I had given up. We went and got drunk instead of going to the game."

"So fair question for you, are you still in love with her or have you just decided that you can no longer have her so you know you need to move on."

"In love with her no, she will always be my first love, the one you don't forget. I do know what I gave up that day I walked out of her life, and I have no right waltzing back in and disrupt it. But I do love her, and no on had better make the mistake of thinking otherwise. I left her for a reason, a very selfish one and one I learned quickly to regret, but I did and there is no going back. I've learned to live with my choice, and believe me it wasn't easy, but that's life right."

"I see, I'm sorry I asked. You know you didn't have to tell me about this, I can see that it still hurts you to talk about it."

"It hurt you to talk about Donna, yet you did. You asked a question, I had to answer it, plus I wanted you to know that, that kiss scared me too and why."

"Scared...yeah talk about an understatement. I just wasn't ready for that and to be Honestly, I felt some things I haven't felt in a long time." Renee continued.

"I understand, as I said I don't know what came over me. No, on second thought the thing I'm sorry for is scaring you. Give the chance I would kiss you again."

Renee smile at that and stood up, "Well thank you for saying that...and given the chance I would kiss you right back. And on that note, I'm going to say good night."

Alex stood and said, "Thank you for a nice evening, and I am sorry about earlier this afternoon. I think I over reacted a bit. Here, let me help you to your room, you really shouldn't have stood making dinner."

"Oh, its okay it's actually feeling better. I think I can manage." Renee answered.

"Well...alright if you're sure." Alex said feeling as though Renee had just tossed ice water in her face. Renee immediately regretted having said those words and when she saw the look on Alex's face she felt even worse. In an effort to explain, she said "It's just that...Alex I'm just afraid I let you walk me to my door I'm going to ask you to kiss me again, then I'm going to ask you to come into my room and kiss me some more and then I won't let you leave."

"But I would leave though." Alex was saying.

"No you wouldn't...I wouldn't let you. I already know this. Alex...I... plain and simple fact is, I like you a lot already, and there is something going on between us There is this attraction that I feel growing and that I can't fight.. I feel that it could be something really great and I don't want to mess it up. And right now spending the night with you in my bed would mess it up. So I'm going to say goodnight, go to my room and more than likely kick myself for not letting you walk me to my door. Good night sweet kind Alex." She finished almost in a whisper.

"Good night." Alex quietly said as she sat back.

As Alex sat in the dark there was not a word Renee had said that she could find fault with, Renee was right about there being a very strong attraction, and it did seem to be growing in leaps and bounds. She was right about not wanting to mess it up... "God I hate it when there is a valid point being brought up." She muttered under her breath, and that was her final thought that night.

CHAPTER 6

Dreams of both Samantha and Renee flowed through her subconscious mind, dreams that tormented her. She dreamt of the time she broke Samantha's heart and of the day she realized that there was no going back, that Samantha had finally moved on with her life without Alex in it.

She saw herself walking up to Ricks' father's door and ringing the bell. Then she saw the door opening and the last person she ever expected to see standing there. She saw the brief look of sorrow flash in the eyes that looked back at her just before the woman she had spent almost her entire life with stood back to let her in. She followed Samantha as she walked into the living room where, Rick's father was and she watched as a woman she never met wrapped her arms around the love of her life.

"Hey there Al, how's it going sweetheart?" She heard.

"Hi Pops. It's going okay how about you?" She replied as she watched the woman with Samantha.

"Oh, you know, same shit different day. So what are you two hoodlums up to tonight?"

"We're going to the big game tonight; you know do out part to support the local rivalry."

"Ah, there ya go...good clean fun. Suppose to be a hell of a game, I hear."

"Yes sir it should be."

"Sammy what are you doing, go grab Al a drink." Pops ordered Samantha, and to Alex he said "Make yourself comfortable Rick should be down soon but ya never know."

"Thanks Pops, its okay Sammy I got it."

"I'll get it. You know how Pops is; there is no excuse of a guest to have to serve themselves." Samantha said as she walked into the kitchen.

"True, but practically family so..." Alex was saying as she followed Samantha.

"You are family, just not in the way I ever wanted or dreamed of you being." Samantha said quietly.

"Are you happy?" She found herself asking.

"Alex, honestly, I haven't been happy since you left. But I'm trying. I couldn't keep hoping and praying for something that was never going to happen could I. Beth is good to me and she loves me."

The words hit Alex like a brick. She felt as if a knife had just plunged deep into her heart and was being twisted. "But are you happy...do you love her?" She asked, afraid of what she knew she was about to hear.

"Yes."

"I see."

"No Alex you don't see. I've come to terms with the fact that you don't want me and that the dreams I had for us will never be. It's taken me a long time to realize that. You have no right to show up here now and pretend that my happiness matters to you, or act hurt that I've moved on with my life. Like I said, Beth is good to me."

"Good to you...and what I wasn't...damn it I know I was in the wrong."

"So you know...good, now what. You want another chance to make it right or break what's left of my heart? No, I don't think so. You've had plenty of time to make it right, to try again, and I never heard the phone ring, and I waited trust me...I waited." Samantha said all the pain and anger she had kept inside clearly coming out in her voice.

"I wanted to call, just..."

"Just what...didn't have the time, didn't have my number?"

"I wasn't sure you wanted to hear from me or even give me another chance." Alex said.

"You never gave me the chance to give you that chance. After that last visit with the counselor you shut off everything. No contact, no calls nothing. Did you have any idea what that did to me. I waited night after night for you to call me. I asked Rick if I should call you and he said to just give you time, which I did...it got to the point Rick hated even talking to me because he didn't know what to tell me anymore. Damn it Alex, I prayed that you would call, and you never did...not once." Samantha said, her voice raised and tears rolling down.

"I'm sorry; I wish I could go back in time and changes things." Alex whispered.

"You can't though can you. Why Alex, why did you do this to us? Didn't I love you enough?"

"Hey, what's going on in here? Baby, are you okay?" Beth asked as she came into the kitchen, followed by Rick. As Beth stepped between Alex and Samantha she glared at Alex and ushered Samantha out, never giving Alex a chance to respond. Rick placed his hands on Alex's shoulders and led her out of the kitchen as well. Alex saw Pops standing by the fireplace shaking his head, his eyes shining with unshed tears. And as Rick led her out of the house the only thing she could think was, "That's it, I've lost my one and only love, my shot at happiness. Now what do I do."

Alex woke with that thought in her mind and a very stiff neck, "teach me to fall asleep in this chair again." She said to herself. Knowing that she would never be able to go back to sleep, she quietly went to the fireplace added more wood, and then made her way to the kitchen where she put coffee on. With nothing to do until the coffee was ready, she decided to let Bo out for a bit, after all he loved early morning romps in the snow. She followed him enjoying the sight of him running and sniffing at the snow. She leaned against the railing and looked up at the sky, loving the clear view of the early morning stars and the cold, fresh mountain air. Before long though the cold started getting to her so she called for Bo, and together the two went back inside. Bo headed for his spot in front of the fire, and Alex went to the coffee pot. Soon, with coffee in hand she joined Bo, and was once again transported to the past.

It had been a couple of years later when she saw Samantha again, and with everything that was said and done before, she was surprised that the meeting went as well as it had. It had been a long day working with a pain in the ass know it all client, and being at the grocery store was the last place she wanted to be. But she had promised her dad that she would stop and pick us some things for him, so here she was standing in the produce isle quickly losing patience. After all just how long does it take to pick up a couple of tomatoes? If she were to go by the length of time the elderly woman in her way was taking, then it was to long. She had tried to be polite and say 'excuse me,' but she got a scowl as an answer, she had tried to politely reach around, but got a lecture on manners. She was very close to telling the woman exactly what she was thinking when she heard a soft voice behind her say, "Hi Mrs. DeAngelo. Could I trouble you for a moment, I'm in a rush to get home and I need a couple of nice tomatoes for my husband's dinner. Do you think you could help me out, I don't think I could find a nice tomato right now if my life depended on it." The old woman smiled, quickly handed a plastic bag with three perfect tomatoes to Samantha, and said "Oh such a lucky man to have such a good wife, he must be so proud, and you such a good girl to take such good care of him..." Samantha smiled and said, "Well I try. Thank you so much. Take care."

Alex could only stand there with her mouth hanging open as she watched the exchange and could not believe how easily Samantha had gotten the old woman to help her.

"What...how did you do that? I asked politely if she could hand me a couple, they didn't even have to be perfect, and she all but bit my head off!"

"Come on, I have a hungry husband waiting for me remember." Samantha whispered pulling Alex's cart with her as she walked away from the produce isle. "You don't remember Mrs. DeAngelo do you?"

"No should I?" Alex asked, still amazed at how quickly Samantha got what she wanted, and at how she still looked just as sweet and beautiful as Alex remembered.

Samantha laughed as she said, "You would think setting fire to someone's car would be something that would be etched into a persons mind."

"NO...that wasn't her. My God she was old then!" Alex said louder than she meant to as she looked over her shoulder to get a good look at the woman they had just left. Samantha looked back as well and said as she laughed, "Shh, you never could keep your mouth shut when you're supposed to could you. For an old woman, she can still hear pretty well you know."

Once they had moved a couple of isles away, Alex again said, "So how did you do that?"

"Well, first off she likes me...I didn't set her car on fire. And Alex, she is old fashioned you know.

"I didn't mean to kill her car. And what do you mean by 'she is old fashioned.'

"Women in her time stayed home and raised the children. They didn't run around with a gun clipped to their belt. I'm surprised someone hasn't called the police yet. You just got off work didn't you." Samantha said with a smile, as understanding flashed across Alex's face.

"Shit, its still clipped isn't it." Alex said as she kept herself from moving her hand to her gun.

"It is."

"Okay, well I guess it's a good thing management knows me as well as the police department does huh." Alex said. "So, tell me about the husband waiting at home."

"Oh that was a good one don't you think!" Samantha once again laughed.

"Never know, you could have switched teams. You look good Sammy." Alex said softly.

"So do you Alex. I like you hair this way."

"Thank you. How have you been Sammy?" Alex asked, using the name only a very select few were ever allowed to use.

"I'm good, how about you Al?"

Alex answered and the two continued to make small talk and before long realized that they had finished their shopping together and no other choice but to pay for their items and go their separate ways. As Alex walked to her car she realized she wasn't as tired as she had been before Samantha came to her rescue, and hell she was even smiling.

Being in a better mood than she had been earlier she even offered to cook dinner for her dad. Not that cooking for him was a big deal, but for her to cook with a big smile and whistling was.

"What's gotten into you?" I thought you and a meeting with Kline today. Every time you meet with him you're a bitch the rest of the day." Her father asked as he watched her almost dance in the kitchen.

"I did. Am I really that bad?" She asked as she moved from the stove to the counter and back. "You'll never guess who I ran into at the store tonight." She continued.

"Probably not, so why don't you tell me."

"Samantha."

"You did? You didn't go make a fool of yourself again did you?"

"No I didn't. We actually had a nice little talk, even made arrangements to have dinner Friday night."

"You did huh. That's interesting." Her dad said thoughtfully.

"Don't go thinking things that aren't going to happen, dad. Its dinner and its just two friends getting reacquainted, that's all."

"You never know kiddo, she was crazy about you, you know."

"Dad...I know. But I don't think its going to work out like that. She has moved on, and I really hurt her."

"You were hurt too. I was there remember, I saw how you were when she showed up with that woman...least Rick could have done was warn you." Her father said, a trace of the anger he felt back then still evident now.

"He didn't know she was going to show up dad. And even if he had, he didn't know Sammy had met anyone."

"I guess you're right, but still. Don't think it was right you not having a clue she was around."

"Its okay dad, it happened. I should have realized she would eventually go on with her life. I chose to think I was unforgettable." Alex said with a smile. "Point is we met again down the road, and we're both in a better place with our lives, maybe we can regain at least our friendship...if it turns to more great if not...its all good."

The movement of Bo's head brought Alex back from her thoughts, and she noticed that she wasn't alone. Renee had just walked into the room. Alex smiled at her, she couldn't it. Renee was cute with her hair messed from sleep.

"I hope I didn't wake you." Alex said with a smile.

"I smelled the coffee a while ago, just tried to ignore it. How long have you been up?"

"Since about five I think, what time is it now?" Alex answered.

"It's about 6:30."

"Then you did more than just try to ignore the coffee." Alex said with a smile.

"I guess I did, didn't I? I hope I'm not bothering you...you seemed a little lost in thought when I came in."

"You aren't bothering me at all. I was just...lost in the past I guess you could say."

"Oh? That sounds interesting."

"Not really. Would you like some coffee? I think I need some more." Alex said as she moved to the kitchen. Renee followed, and grabbed herself a mug while Alex reheated the coffee, and went to the refrigerator and took out the bacon and eggs, and went to the stove, without missing a beat, Renee went and grabbed the bread, the butter, and jam and prepared to start the toast. Together the two made breakfast all the while Renee tried to get Alex to tell her what she had been thinking about when she walked into the den earlier. Finally unable to get her to stop Alex gave in and told the blonde a little of what she wanted to know. When she was finished, Renee was full of questions, and Alex was tired of talking.

"I'll make a deal with you. You tell me more about you and your life and tonight I'll answer your questions." Alex said hoping that she could get Renee to forget this topic of conversation.

"Okay. What do you want to know?"

"Were you always so nosey?" Alex asked with a chuckle.

"Hm yes always. What you think a talent like mine just is? NO, you have to develop it, hone it you know." Renee answered, and both started laughing.

And with that, as they cleaned up the kitchen, she told Alex about some of her life. She told of growing up, the second of three children in New Mexico. Her parents both teachers, were kind and loving and provided her with a happy childhood. Well, at least until she reached her high school years and stopped hiding her feelings about other girls. Her parent's just couldn't understand and the battles became more than she could handle. Finally when she couldn't take it any longer she moved in with her best friend, who was also her girlfriend. Her parents, although they didn't understand, didn't make a big deal about their daughter's choice and fully accepted her the way she was and loved her none the less. Renee told Alex how at the time she envied Rachel. At the time she said she just didn't see nor believe that her parents had loved her, she couldn't understand how the loving people she had remembered when she was seven or eight, were the same people who forbid her to be who she was. How could they have changed so drastically...she told Alex about the final fight, the one where she stated that love was love and she couldn't help it that she was attracted to girls instead of boys. Renee remembered how her parents had told her she was sick, and that she was either to change her way of thinking and feeling or leave...she left. It was years before her parents realized their mistake and made the attempt to contact their daughter. Since that time the rift had slowly healed, and in a lot of ways was still healing, much to Renee's delight. She had missed her family.

Alex, whose father had been totally supportive of her, was finding it very hard to be forgiving of Renee's parents. "I'm sorry," she said "but it's a parent's responsibility to accept and support their child no matter what."

"Alex, it's different though. Some cultures are more embracing and accepting than others. And given the area I grew up in, well it was hard for mom and dad to understand. They eventually did though and that's what I'm grateful for." Realizing she wasn't going to sway Alex, she went on to tell her about her college years, she even talked more about her life with Donna, and that was the hard part. She usually never talked about that time with anyone other than to say, she had learned her lesson about love.

Alex thought about what Renee had already told her about her relationship with Donna, and just couldn't get over the fact that someone was in her, opinion stupid enough to not see what they had. But then again, didn't she do just that with Samantha? 'Yes but in that case it was best to let her go. She would have ended up hating me.'

"You got awful quiet, what are you thinking?" Renee asked after watching Alex for a few minutes.

"I'm sorry I was just thinking. Do you ever wonder how you're life would be different if things had worked out like you wanted with Donna?"

"Of course I do. But if I'm honest with myself I have to admit that we would have ended up going our separate ways anyway. I believe we both wanted different things out of life." Renee answered. "How about you, do you ever wonder how different you life would be?"

"I use to. Again though I realize as much as I loved Sammy, I wasn't ready for a life with her, and when I was ready she had moved on. Do you still believe that love will always hurt?"

"I don't know. Do I get lonely, yes...do I wish I had someone love me for me and be there for me at the end of the day, of course I do. Am I afraid to let myself love someone as deeply as I did Donna, oh yeah, that thought terrifies me."

"So what do you do then?" Alex asked truly interested in the answer.

Renee thought about the question and honestly didn't know how to answer. She thought about the attraction she felt towards the woman in front of her, and she knew that Alex felt it too. Was it just physical, no she didn't think so because she had been attracted to other women after Donna, but it had never been this strong. Was it worth her heart to investigate things? That was the million dollar question.

Alex sat back and watched Renee, she was thinking as well. She knew there was this attraction between them and she knew, at least on her side of things, that it was more than physical. She felt a connection, almost a sense of coming home, when she was with Renee or even thought of the green eyed blonde. Yes she had to admit there was a strong sexual attraction as well, but for the first time in a very, very long time it wasn't the most important part of a relationship. A fact that in itself blew Alex's mind.

"I'm not sure, suck it up and deal? Its just hard, with Donna I trusted, I gave my heart and soul to her and in the end I got it all fed back to me. Makes it kind of hard to want to do that all again you know." Renee answered as she sat back into the sofa. As Alex added more wood to the fire she thought about the answer she just received. Is this what Samantha had to deal with, to get over? Did she feel what Renee had just described? No, she found someone and moved on; she was able to love again. 'Yes, but do you think it was easy for her?' that voice in her head shot back. 'No probably not, but she did.' She thought. God, was she responsible for making someone she loved more than life itself feel the way the woman in front of her feels? 'Don't be stupid, of course you are. You did it to Samantha and in your heart you know it. You know you came close to destroying her.' Alex found that hard to swallow. 'But Sammy...Sammy nothing, face it you fed her heart to her and nothing you do or say can justify it.'

"Alex what are you thinking? Renee asked, as she watched the dark woman.

"I'm just...I guess I was wondering if I put Sammy through what you're going through." Alex answered.

"She was in love with you right? You were her first love? I'm sorry Alex, but from where I sit...yes you did." Renee answered truthfully. "Alex, don't beat yourself up and I can see that's what you're doing. From the sounds of it you both have made peace and are friends again right, you've said she is happy. In the end that's all that matters, isn't it?"

"You know, I'm tired of talking. How's your ankle feel?" Alex asked as she stood up.

"Actually today it feels good."

"Do you think its well enough for a short walk?"

"I don't see why not, and honestly I'd love to get outside and see some scenery. I bet it's beautiful with all the snow." Renee answered excitedly.

"It is. Come on lets get you ready. You do have some winter clothes with you right?" Alex asked, remembering how Renee was dressed when she showed up at her door a couple of nights ago.

"Yes I do, they are packed in one of my bags."

"Good, then you go get ready, I'll make sure the fire has enough wood and get my things on and we can go. How do you feel about a snowmobile ride?"

"Sound great!" Renee answered as she headed for her room.

Alex added a few more chunks of wood, and hurried to get her snowsuit and boots on, then went to get the snowmobile ready. With a smile on her face she checked to make sure there was enough gas in the tank. Diane would never have wanted to go with me on the snowmobile. Some how I don't see that she would appreciate the beauty nor see the fun in it, she thought. 'So what were you doing with her?' 'Christ, I don't know, why do you have to always throw in your two cents?' She said to that voice in her head.

Renee in the mean time was in her room already dressed and ready to go. She was trying hard to not appear too eager or excited. The thought of just being out on a walk with Alex was enough to make her smile, but the thought of being behind her on a snowmobile with her arms wrapped around her enough to make her day. At the moment there was nothing more she wanted than to be that close to the other woman. 'God it's getting hot in here.' She thought, 'get it together Renee, you're a grown woman not a teenager. Stop getting all hot and bothered.' After what she thought was a reasonable amount of time, she went to find Alex.

The rest of the afternoon the two spent outside with Alex showing Renee the beauty of her, 'backyard'. After all what could be more beautiful than a forest of trees with snow covered branches, surrounded by brilliant blue skies. The temperature was not overly cold, and had just enough bite to make a person feel alive. Renee loved being behind Alex on the snowmobile, with her arms wrapped around her bundled body. Yes, it was hard with all the layers of clothing but it was enough to know that beneath it all was Alex, solid and warm. It felt good to hold on to someone. She felt alive, somehow just holding on to Alex made the afternoon brighter. Renee leaned closer to Alex, and simply enjoyed holding on to her.

Alex was sure to take her guest to spots she knew would be amazingly beautiful this time of day. The sunlight shining through the trees and bouncing off the white snow covered ground, and behind it all were higher mountains peaks, it was spectacular, and there was just no other way to describe it. The fact that Renee was leaning into her and holding her close made the day perfect a far as she was concerned. She did however want to see Renee's eyes as she took in the scenery, so when she reached a particular spot she decided to stop. As Alex killed the motor, she turned and started to remove her helmet. Renee did the same with her helmet.

"I wanted you to see this spot. It's my favorite place up here, no matter what time of year it is." She explained to Renee, who was stepping off the snowmobile. Alex stepped off as well, and took Renee's hand then led her to a small clearing. The only sound was that of their feet crunching the snow with every step they took. As they reached the edge of the clearing, they caught sight of a family of deer as they searched for food. Alex looked over at Renee, who was entranced with the sight. Renee looked in Alex's direction and caught her motioning her to remain quiet. She nodded in understanding and again turned to watch the animals. After a little while the small group bounded off in search of water, and Renee turned to Alex the excitement showing clearly on her face.

"Wow Alex that was amazing! I didn't expect to see anything like that."

"They are usually here every morning. Some days there are two groups."

"Thank you for sharing this with me."

"You're welcome." Alex answered as she took Renee's hand and they walked back to the snowmobile. The ride back to the cabin still held a special excitement for Renee, with her arms wrapped around Alex's waist and her head resting on her back, she felt at home. In no time they were pulling up to the garage doors and Alex was killing the motor. The two walked hand in hand inside where Bo greeted them happily, jumping and bouncing here and there. Alex took her boots and snowsuit off and told Renee to go get warm in front of the fire, while she made some hot chocolate for them, a plan Renee totally agreed with. Renee walked into the den towards the fireplace and added more wood. As she stood there when went thought the day in her head, it had been a very nice day. They didn't argue about anything, they learned more about each other, and were finding that they truly enjoyed each others company. Of course it didn't hurt that Alex was gorgeous...or single, and actually interested in her as well. She smiled at that thought.

Alex heated the milk, mixed in the chocolate and poured it into mugs while she too thought about the day she just spent with Renee. "Christ I'm in trouble." She said to herself. She realized as she watched Renee looking at the group of deer that she was falling for the little blonde, and falling fast. "Shit now what?" she asked herself. 'Just go with it.' The voice in her head told her. And this time she was inclined to actually listen without arguing. As she grabbed the mugs of coco she saw that the message light was flashing on the answering machine, "No, I'm not going to listen to it. I have a beautiful lady waiting for me and I'm on vacation damn it." She said to herself, and walked out of the kitchen.

In the den, Renee had put on some soft music and was sitting on the sofa gazing at the fire when Alex walked in. "Here we are." Alex said as she handed Renee a mug of the steaming mixture.

"Mm thank you, it looks wonderfully warm." Renee said with a smile.

"You didn't get to cold did you?" Alex asked with concern in her voice.

"No, I'm fine. Thank you again for showing me the meadow. It is absolutely beautiful." Renee replied.

"You're welcome." Alex said quietly, "I don't share that spot with many people, I'm glad you enjoyed it."

"My God how could I have not? I've never seen anything so...I can't even think of a word to describe it. I don't think I have ever seen deer that close in my life. You said they are there almost every day?"

"Yes, at least they have been the last few days. I'm assuming they are the same group that's been there before. There is one that's getting a bit brave. He's noticed me watching, and is getting to where he doesn't run when the other do. In fact this morning, I swear he took a couple of steps towards me before he decides to join his group."

"That would be amazing to see." Renee said.

"Maybe you can go with me tomorrow, and he'll do it again. Never know." Alex said as she smiled. She enjoyed seeing Renee so excited.

They were sitting around talking about things in general when Renee asked, "So when do you think the road will be travelable?"

"I'm not sure, maybe with all the sun in a day or so." Alex answered quietly. She hadn't wanted to think that maybe Renee would want to leave as soon as she could.

"I guess I should have told you, I had your car towed over to Jack's place. There wasn't any damage so it's ready whenever you are ready to take off. I'd imagine you're more than ready for that."

"No, actually...I was thinking maybe you were ready for me to leave you to your space. I did after all just land at your door uninvited. I don't want to overstay my welcome." Renee answered as she watched Alex's face.

"Oh, well in that case you don't need to worry. I'm enjoying your company." Alex said with a bright smile. She was happy that Renee didn't seem to want to leave and at the moment was having a very hard time keeping herself from moving over to the small woman and showing her just how happy she was. She didn't know that Renee was fighting with herself over the same thing. At that moment the phone decided to ring. Alex had half a mind to ignore it but for some reason, had the overwhelming feeling that she needed to answer. On the third ring she picked up, "Hello."

"Alex..."

"Hey Gail, how are you? What did you think I forgot all about you and wasn't going to call you today?" she teased.

"Uh no, sweetie I wish that was the case, I called to see how you're doing."

"What do you mean how am I doing, I'm fine why wouldn't I be?" Alex replied.

"Alex, sweetie your dad's had an accident and is in I.C.U." the voice on the other end of the line said quietly.

At hearing I.C.U. Alex felt the world give out from under her feet. Sitting down she said, "What do you mean...how bad is he?"

"I don't know sweetie, it doesn't't look good from what Angel has said. No one has called you?"

Alex thought about the blinking light. "I was out this afternoon, and haven't listened to the messages yet. Um, what happened? Is Angel with him, who's the doctor in charge of his care?" Alex asked, her mind going a million miles a minute.

"She is there now; she says the Dr in charge is Brennan. Alex, he's a good doctor, and you know that Swedish medical is a good hospital."

"Okay...I need to call and find out what I can. I'll call you as soon as I talk to the doctor." Alex said in a rush.

"Okay, I'll be waiting to hear from you."

As she hung up the phone she was reaching for her address book. "What's wrong Alex?" Renee asked.

"My dad has been in an accident. Gail says he's in intensive care and that it doesn't look good...hang on."

"Yes, this is Alex Kincaid; I'm calling about my father Ward Kincaid. I understand he was involved in an accident and is in I.C.U, a Dr. Brennan is in charge of his case. Yes I'll hold." After what seemed like an eternity Alex was off the phone, only to pick it up a minute later.

"Phil, this is Alex. I need you to find out if there is any place you can set down a helicopter, and how soon you can be here. Yes I'm at the cabin. I know there was a storm, Christ I'm sitting in the middle of acres of snow. Find out and call me back." Her tone did not leave room for argument, and apparently she got none.

Alex turned her deep blue eyes on Renee and said, "It isn't good news right now. If I can...rather if Phil can land, I'll be leaving later this evening. I'll be happy to take you with me and make arrangements for you to go where ever you'd like. I...I'm just not comfortable leaving you here alone...I mean if anything were to happen to you. What am I talking about; you're a grown woman..."

"Alex sweetheart try and relax. Tell me what you found out for sure." Renee said as she immediately walked to Alex and wrapped her arms around her. She ached for the woman and wished she could take the pain she knew Alex was feeling away from her. Alex took a deep breath before she turned in the arms that were wrapped around her. Her blue eyes met the green ones that looked back at her and in them she saw love and that Renee felt her pain as well. "Come sit down for a bit, you look like you're going to fall down." Renee led Alex to the sofa.

As Alex sat she started. "From what the doctor said, there was some internal damage, a collapsed lung and there is pressure on his brain...I need to get to him Renee, he's in a coma, and they aren't't sure he'll come out of it. I need to get to him." She started as she rose and started to pace the floor.

"I know you do sweetie. Where is he?"

"He's at Swedish Medical in Denver."

"Okay that isn't to far way, I heard you talking to Phil, was it, and surely he can find a way to land around here and take you to your father. If not tonight then surely first thing, in the morning, I'm sure of it. Did the doctor tell you anything else?"

"There really wasn't much to tell. Right now they just don't know." Alex was saying.

Just then the phone rang and Alex jumped up to grab it before it could ring again. "Hello? Yes Phil, what did you find out?" After talking to her pilot for a couple of minutes, Alex hung up and said," Looks I'm here until tomorrow, there is too much fog for him to lift off... is there anyone you would like to call. I was serious, I can't leave you here, and I'm not all that sure about the roads."

"Yes I need to talk to my friend Robin and let her know I'll need a ride home from the airport. And I'll just need to get a ticket home so I guess I need to call the airport too."

"Just tell your friend to expect your call. I'll have my jet ready to take you anywhere you need." Alex said quietly.

"You don't have to do that, you've done more than enough already." Renee said.

"I want to. When it's safe I'll have you're car delivered to you as well. Do you have another way to get around until then?" Alex asked with concern. Renee answered but still argued that Alex had done enough. That was until Alex firmly stated that the matter was settled. With a half hearted smile, Alex asked if Renee was hungry. Renee said yes, but only because she knew Alex needed to or at least needed to try to put her mind on something else. So together they went into the kitchen for food. They ate, and Alex did her best to keep Alex busy and her mind off of things for a few minutes and the time did pass by. It was ten p.m. when Renee said she needed to go pack her things so that she would be ready in the morning when Alex was. She reached over and hugger her new friend wishing more than ever that she could do something to help. Alex immediately felt the warmth as Renee's arms wrapped around her again, and she fought herself from hanging on when the arms moved away.

CHAPTER 7

The words "I'm sorry, there was nothing we could do.", were repeated in her head, over and over like a broken record. She saw Gail and Angel reach for her and all she could do was scream "NO." The next thing she felt were gentle hands and a voice in her ear whispering it was okay. "Shush, its okay Baby. It was only a dream...wake up sweetheart." Renee said quietly. "There you are...relax sweetheart, its okay." She continued as she saw Alex coming out of her dream, and tenderly wiped away the tears that Alex had cried in her sleep. That was all it took and Alex broke down completely. The tears fell as Alex gave up on controlling anything. All Renee could do was hold as the raven haired woman quaked. Slowly the shaking stopped, as did the tears and still Renee held Alex close. Tenderly kissing the top of her head, softly whispering how she understood. Alex lifted her head and looked into Renee's eyes, and without either of them thinking they kissed. It started soft and tender, but soon built up in intensity. Before either of them knew it they were breathing hard, trying to catch their breath, but still not able to get enough of the other. Alex was the first to move, her breath ragged and her voice husky as she said, "I'm sorry I shouldn't have done that." Renee's only response was to lean into Alex and reclaim her mouth. Alex groaned and gave in to the hunger and need she felt in her soul.

Soon Alex stood and pulled Renee to her feet and led her to the bedroom, shutting the door behind them. As they reached the edge of the bed Alex slowly untied the belt to Renee's robe, as she looked into the green eyes. At the same time Renee's hands were busy with their own task, mainly slipping under the tank top Alex wore. The feel of hot flesh beneath her fingertips felt like heaven. She felt Alex's muscles quiver as she slowly moved her fingers up, she heard the sharp intake of Alex's breath. Alex groaned but still held onto her control, barely. Alex's finger tips slowly moved up Renee's sides, the heat emanating from Renee's body through the silky material of the gown she wore. Even in her state of mind Alex saw what a beautiful vision Renee was in the emerald green gown, the silk meeting with the bodice, which held perfectly shaped creamy breasts that were aching to be released from their confinement. Alex's fingers moved up to the straps of the gown and gently pulled them off the soft shoulders. She backed away a step as she watched the gown slid to the floor. With her voice deep and rich with desire she said, "God, you're so beautiful...the way the moonlight shines off you hair..." her fingers were touching the soft curls that framed Renee's face, and as Alex stepped back towards Renee the fingers wrapped around her head and Alex's mouth descended on Renee's with a passionate kiss that soon erupted into a fiery kiss which threatened to consume them both. Renee pulled Alex closer, not fully realizing how close to the bed they really were, and down they went. Alex tried to keep from smashing Renee and Renee trying to get Alex closer, her hands on Alex's back pulling, her fingernails digging and raking into her as her need grew in leaps and bounds.

Alex broke away from Renee's mouth to kiss and nip at her neck and shoulders, her right arm supporting her weight while her left hand found the blondes breast. Soon she was kneading and squeezing it, the nipple, hard as a rock, was being brushed back and forth in the palm of Alex's hand. It wasn't enough for Alex; slowly she made her way down the beautiful blonde's neck. Tasting every inch of the lovely neck in front of her, she particularly enjoyed the feel of the jumping pulse point in Renee's neck as it skipped triple time every time Alex so much as breathed on it. Her hands were busy feeling every exposed area of Renee's skin. Her hand was gliding up and down the sides of her rib to her hips, slowly moving over her thighs, listening when Renee would make a noise, and repeating the action just to hear the noise again. She let her hand move up the inside of Renee's thigh, as her mouth tasted the sweetness from her breast. First it was just the tip of the tongue as it barely flicked over the nipple, then again...only this time it was more of the tongue, moving slower over the nipple. Renee groaned...Alex moaned, and gently sucked the hard nub into her mouth. It was her down fall, she needed more, and wanted more...her tongue flicked and rolled the hard nipple around as her hand moved up Renee's thigh and felt her heat. Her eyes on Renee's face and watched the expressions as she slowly moved her hand closer to the woman's center. At first it was just the tips of her fingers softly moving over the curls that covered Renee's treasure. The first tickling of the fingers drew a soft whimper from Renee, and Alex almost lost it, as she watched Renee throw her head back in pleasure. The fingers were soon moving, slowly exploring the hot wet opening, finding the tiny bud that was begging to be touched. With her thumb gently brushing against that nub, Alex's mouth was back to tasting Renee's sweet breast, flicking the nipple back and forth, gently biting it then sucking it deep into her mouth. It wasn't long before she had Renee pleading for release.

"Please Baby, I need you...I need you inside me..."

"With that Alex gently slide one finger inside the wet, hot tunnel, and moaned with total pleasure from both what she felt and heard...soon one finger became two, and the speed was increasing, Renee's hips were meeting each and every one of Alex's inward thrusts, and the Alex curled her finger and hit that spot repeatedly, and within seconds Renee was crashing over the edge. Her body shaking and trembling with the ecstasy Alex just gave her. Alex held on Renee came back down, and then she saw tears sliding down from the most beautiful green eyes she had ever seen. "Baby, sweetheart are you okay...did I hurt you? What's wrong?" She tenderly withdrew her fingers and wrapped Renee in her arms, totally afraid she had done something wrong, or had hurt the woman she was growing to love more with each passing minute. "I'm sorry for whatever I did," she softly said as she wiped the tears away with such tenderness.

"No, oh Baby you didn't do anything wrong...in fact everything was just so... wonderful. I'd say perfect but I'm not sure that would even cover it. Alex, you took my breath away." Renee said as she laid her head deeper into the tall woman's shoulder. Alex wrapped her arms around Renee tighter and brought the blankets up over them and knowing that Renee was next to her, she fell asleep. Renee, with her eyes closed, knew the instant Alex was asleep by the even breathing coming from the warm chest her head rested on, and soon she was asleep too.

The night pasted without further nightmares from Alex, and it was the ringing of the phone that drug them from their slumber. Alex jumped up to grab it, all the while, praying it wasn't the hospital with bad news. Renee sat up in bed and just waited. As she got off he phone Alex was torn over what was happening. "That was Phil, he says he will be leaving in about 30 minutes and be touching down in the meadow, so we have about an hour. Do you want to shower first? I'll get coffee going." Renee was sitting on the bed holding back tears she knew she had no right to be shedding. In a very quiet voice she said "Sure I'll shower first, I won't be long." She finished stronger."

Alex went to the kitchen started the coffee and made two calls. By the time she was done with it the coffee was ready. She readied two mugs and carried them into the master room, set them down and walked into the bath, undressed and joined Renee in the shower. She let her arms, wrap around the smaller woman.

"What are you doing?" Renee asked as she felt the arms wrap around her, and turned so that she faced Alex.

"Well it occurred to me that I need to shower too, and will we'll save both time and water this way, plus I get to do this again." She answered as her mouth descended onto Renee's. Again the kiss was tender, sweet, and held such passion and a promise of things to come, a fact that was killing them both at the moment. The two showered, and continued to share kisses and soft loving touches, but were careful to keep it under control...which was hard to do. They soon realized the really need to get out and dry off and finish getting things together. It took some doing and a lot of restraint on both parts but soon they were dressed, and had their bags sitting at the door ready to be put on the snowmobile. "Have you talked to the hospital this morning?" Renee asked.

"I called while the coffee was brewing. He is still in a coma. But the fact that he made it through the night is good. Still the pressure on his brain is...again no change so I suppose that's good." Alex answered.

"Okay, I know it's hard but, it's a good thing that's he's in the coma. It's his body's way of shutting down so it can heal." Renee said as she hugged Alex. "Will Bo be going with us today?"

"No, he is staying with Jack, who we will be meeting up with in the meadow. Jack will tow the snowmobile back to the cabin, lock up and take Bo home with him. And as much as I hate it, it's time to leave." Alex said to Renee, "Bo, be a good boy and go with Jack when he comes for you."

"Woof." Was her only reply from the canine.

Within minutes the two were off to the meadow, both lost in their thoughts. As they pulled into the clearing, Renee saw a stocky man that reminded her of Santa Claus, with his white beard, all that was missing was the red suit. When they stopped he moved towards them. Walking straight to Alex he pulled her into a tight hug and said, "I'm sorry to hear about your daddy, but he's a strong one, he won't be givin up without a fight. So don't you, ya hear me?"

"I know Jack...I know, and I won't. Jack this is Renee... it was her car you helped with the other day."

Renee walked over to the man, reached out her hand to shake his but found herself pulled into a big bear hug instead. "It's mighty nice to meet ya. I'm sure Al told ya, another couple of inches and you wouldn't be with us... I'm mighty glad ya are." Once again Renee had no idea what to say so she said what her parents had taught her to say, "Thank you sir, for everything. Maybe when I come back for my car you can show me where I was."

"I sure can do." And as he said that they all heard a roar and had snow flying around them. The helicopter landed and when it was safe, a man opened the door and was waving them forward. Alex said she would call Jack and give him and update whenever she knew something, and reached for Renee's and her bags. Renee said her goodbyes as well. And together the two moved to the helicopter, and entered it. Renee willed herself to hang on to her emotions. God, was it selfish of her to not want to let go of this place and Alex even though she knew Alex was needed elsewhere? The thought, 'I don't want to leave here...her, yet.' Kept running in her head and she had to keep telling herself to stop it. It wasn't like Alex had made any promises to her last night, or even this morning. Besides, wasn't it her that went to Alex and pushed things to a level she swore shouldn't happen yet?

Alex was having her own troubles with her thoughts. 'God this isn't what I want to be doing right now, sending her off one way while I go another isn't what I want. But am I assuming too much if I ask her to stay with me?' Alex thought. She was hurting over her father and having to let go of Renee right now. Last night was the start of something and she wanted to explore it more, to let things develop...it was too soon to have to part. Sitting there they both knew it wouldn't take long to reach Denver, and that their time together was limited now. Be that as it may, they were still both lost in their own thoughts and neither knew how or what to say, things for the first time awkward for them.

"I don't remember, did you get a hold of your friend, Lisa was it, to let her know where to pick you up?" Alex asked trying to break the awkwardness.

"Yes, I did. I'm supposed to call her when I land. You know Alex; you don't have to have your jet take me home. I can pay for a ticket."

"I know. But this way I'll have an idea of where to find you. I might even drop in on you sometime." Alex said with a smile. "Renee, this isn't how I wanted things to be. And I do plan on keeping in touch with you, if you'll let me."

"I'd like that very much. But you didn't have to make such a big thing about being able to fine me either, all you had to do was ask and I'd have given you my address." Renee laughed.

"Well, true but this way I get to show off some too." Alex replied as she reached for Renee's hand and held onto it, her fingers lacing with the smaller ones. Some of the awkwardness had disappeared and the two were finally starting to relax again. Of course that would be when Phil had to pipe through the headsets each were wearing and tell them they were getting ready to land. Knowing that these were their last few minutes together, the two held tighter, each trying to convey to the other what they were feeling. Once they set dawn and it was safe for them to disembark the helicopter, they were ushered to the limo that set waiting. Inside Renee asked for a pen and paper on which she wrote her, address as well as home, cell, and work numbers. She ended with strict instructions for Alex to call her and let her know how Alex's dad was. All too soon the limo pulled up to the hospital and the two hugged, and kissed each other one last time. Neither one of them wanting to go. Finally Alex pulled away and slid out of the car, and it pulled away. Then and only then did Renee let her tears fall. The limo drove to a private landing strip, where on the runway sat a jet waiting to take her home. The driver opened the door and held out her hand to help Renee out of the car.

"Ms. Montgomery, we've arrived. I've been instructed to make sure you have everything you need, and if not to make sure you are supplied with it." The driver said, as she took in the little blonde from behind mirrored sunglasses.

"I'm good thank you. How soon do I take off, do you know?"

"I believe as soon as you board." Was the reply.

"Oh well then, I suppose I better board. I'm sure the pilot has better things to do than wait on me."

'I'd gladly wait on you.' The driver said under her breath.

"I'm sorry, did you say something?" Renee asked.

"No, ma'am." She said in a rush.

"Okay, I thought I heard something. Well thank you for your help today." Renee said and then headed to board the sitting jet. She boarded and was soon in the air with only her thoughts, memories, and hopes to keep her company.

CHAPTER 8

At the hospital, Alex was in deep conversations with the Doctors going over the progress, or what she felt the lack of, of her father. She had called Rick while she waited between tests and Drs. Coming in to explain the results, and had gotten what details they had. And she was now face to face with her old friend as they waited yet again for more explanations.

"I'm not sure it was just an accident. You of all people know dad. Look at the scene damn it you'll find something. What has turned up Rick?" She asked in a frustrated voice.

"Alex I can't tell you any more than it is under investigation."

"Damn it Rick don't pull that with me, if you have something let me know."

"Do not push me Alex...I can't go into it and you know that." Rick said in equal frustration.

"FINE, then I'll start my own damned investigation."

"Considering you have an investigators license I can't stop you, but I don't think it's a good idea. What I can say is this, whatever you find; you have to turn over to us." Rick said, knowing that his job just got harder, and that he was going to have his hands full with both his job, and keeping Alex in line; because unfortunately, his gut was telling him the same thing she was saying. Shaking her head she turned to walk away. Rick just managed to grab her arm and whispered in her ear, "Alex, I'm not a complete asshole okay. Meet me outside I have something for you."

Looking at Rick she said quietly, "Let me just tell dad that I'll be right back and I'll be out."

"If you don't mind, I'd kind of like to see him."

"I'm sorry Rick, of course I don't mind. Rick, I know you're only doing you job and I appreciate it. I'm sorry for giving you a hard time." Alex said as they walked towards the ICU doors. Alex walked right by the nurses desk and Rick flashed his badge.

"Hey dad I'm back and I brought someone with me. You remember Rick...and no you can't give him a hard time, it's not his fault he doesn't have the common sense to quit the department and come to work for me." She was saying to her father as the two smiled at the joke the three shared. Ever since Alex started her own security firm, her dad felt Rick should be a part of if and took it personally when he wouldn't quit the force.

"Hey there Mr. Kincaid, I'd ask what you think you're doing laying there like you are, but after seeing some of the nurses you have taking care of you...well I guess I'd give it some consideration too." He and Alex smiled at that, it was no secret that her dad had an eye for the pretty ladies. "Just so you know though, you can't stay here to much longer, Alex needs someone other than me to keep her in line, and well honestly sir, I don't know of anyone that does a better job than you. Um anyway, I need to get going. I just wanted to stop by and say hi, make sure you know you're needed here with us still." He said as his eyes misted over and he found it hard to swallow the lump that was forming in his throat. He reached over and gently touched the older mans hand before he nodded his head to Alex, cleared his throat and told them both that he would stop by later to see them.

As he left the room he wiped his eyes and prayed the man who was like a second father to him would recover. After a minute or two, Alex joined him and the two walked to his car.

"I know you thought I wasn't going to help you, and you know this could mean my job, but...you and I go back a long way and hell he's like my own father. I made a copy of all the reports on the accident we have so far."

"Again, Rick I'm sorry. Thank you." Alex said as she took the folder and looked at the papers inside of it. "Were there any witnesses?"

"No one has come forward. We've been over the scene with a fine tooth comb Alex; we can't find any cause for the accident. We're still waiting on labs from the pickup."

"Is there any way we can honestly say he just fell asleep at the wheel?" Alex asked, knowing in her heart that was impossible, not at two in the afternoon. But right now explanations were wanted.

"I just don't know. From the looks at the scene...either that or he intentionally drove into that tree."

"NO! Rick, you know dad, there is no way he would have done that. Not in a million years." Alex said with frustration in her voice. "Look, I need to get back inside. Thank you for this Rick. I'll make sure you don't regret doing this. You'll come back later?" She asked, as the weariness and need for someone to just be with her started to show.

"You know better than to ask that. I'm here as long as you are." Rick answered, as he hugged her. Alex brushed the tears from her eyes, squared her shoulders, and mentally prepared herself to again to be with her father. "I'll see you soon then. Be safe out there." Alex opened the car door and slowly made her way back to the hospital.

CHAPTER 9

Lisa drove up to the terminal where Renee stood waiting. With the first look she got of her friend, she could tell something was different. She didn't say anything about what she saw, she just smiled and got out of the car, opened the trunk took her friends bags and hugged her tight.

"Are you alright?" She asked as she pulled back and looked into Renee's eyes.

"I'm fine Lisa, just tired."

"Okay." She said as she opened the door for Renee. Closing it, she went around to the driver side and got in. Starting the car, she asked, "Have you heard anything on your new friend's dad?"

"No, not a thing, and it worries me." Renee said as she tried not to think the worst. Her head told here there were a million reasons for not having heard anything yet. She really tried to ignore the voice that was saying, 'You haven't heard anything because you aren't important to Alex, and you're the last person she would want to have to deal with at a time like this.'

"Well, you know what they say about no news being good news. Did you want to come over to the house for a little bit? Eva is dying to ask you about your little trip." Lisa said as she tried to lighten the mood.

"Hm, as tempting as the thought of being grilled by Eva is, I think I'll have you drop me off at home. I'll come by later tonight if that's okay."

"That's good, are you going to need a ride?" Lisa asked.

"No, I don't think so. I'll talk to mom about borrowing one of her cars. If I can't I'll give you a call." Renee answered. The two caught up a little as they made their way to Renee's apartment. As they pulled up to the entrance, Lisa said, "Okay make sure you call if you need a ride. I don't want to have to deal with Eva if you don't show up."

"What can't you handle the hot Spanish blooded honey you have?" Renee laughed.

"Not when she is pissed off no." Lisa answered.

"Okay just to save you, I'll call if I need. I'll see you both later." Renee said through laughter. Lisa popped the trunk and Renee grabbed her bags. As she shut the trunk she knocked on it and waved at Lisa. She moved towards the entrance of her apartment building and Lisa took off.

Renee walked around her room unpacking her bags with one hand while she held the phone and talked or rather at the moment, listened to her mother. Needless to say mom wasn't happy that her middle child had just spent the last few days with a complete stranger in the middle of a snow covered mountain, with her car who knows where.

"Mom, really I'm, fine. My ankle is much better and Alex was nothing but kind, considering I just dropping into her lap in the middle of the night."

"Yes Renee...but the fact remains that you don't know her from Adam. Sweetheart, you just never know what kind of people are out there anymore." Her mom went on.

"Mom...Alex...you just have to meet her, there is no way she could harm a fly." Renee said as she thought about the threat she over heard Alex make to Diane. 'Well, Diane isn't a fly now is she? She is a lowdown conniving wench who deserves to be...' "I'm sorry, what did you say mom?"

"I was asking if you needed me to go get you so you can get the car. Your father won't be home till late tonight otherwise we would just take it to you."

"Yes, if you don't mind. I wasn't sure you were home so I sent Lisa home; I didn't want her to have wait on me if she didn't have to. Okay great then, I'll be waiting for you then. And mom, thank you." Renee finished saying to her mom who said she would be there shortly.

'I wonder how Alex is doing...how her dad is. Surely she has had some news by now, after all it's been a couple of hours.' "Relax, Renee she will call when she gets a chance." She told herself, as she went about straightening up the living room, trying to keep herself busy, until her mom showed up.

'Back to waiting for more tests,' Alex thought, this is ridiculous. 'How many damned tests do they need to run before they have any damned answers. Maybe it was just her imagination, but she could swear that her father was getting some of his color back. Or maybe it was just that she had been staring at him in this damned hospital lighting for the last four hours, and nothing had changed but her perceptions.

Reaching over to take his hand into hers she quietly said, "Dad, I'll be back in a few minutes. I need to stretch my legs and see if I can find some decent coffee. I'd offer to bring you some, but I think you have enough stuff being forced into you don't you think. I'll be back soon, don't you go anywhere and leave them nurses alone." Alex stood and walked wearily to the door and walked out into the hallway. Taking a few steps she stopped and leaned a shoulder against the wall. She was tired, tired of waiting for results that told nothing, tired of waiting for her dad to just wake up, tired...just tired. Last night was a long night, and seemed like such a long time ago, could it have only been little over 6 hours ago that she had last seen Renee? She pulled herself together and continued down the hall towards the elevator that would take her to the cafeteria. As she rode down, she thought of the previous night, of holding Renee in her arms. God she felt good. She should call her, let her know that she was thinking of her and hadn't forgotten to call her...hell she just wanted to hear her voice. As she walked up to the counter, she got her coffee and a donut, paid for it then found a table off in the corner where she could have some privacy. She pulled out her cell phone turned it on and found the piece of paper where Renee had written down her phone numbers, and dialed. The phone was ringing...

Renee was just about to walk out the door with her mom when the phone rang. Damn, she debated on just walking out the door but just couldn't. Looking at her mom she said "I'm sorry I won't be long." "Hello."

"Hi, it's me Alex." Alex said into the phone as she smiled at hearing the soft voice on the other end of the line.

"Hi! I was hoping you would call." Renee said excitedly as she smiled into the phone.

"I'm sorry I haven't called before now. I've just been spending as much time with dad as I can, talking to doctors...I think I'm going crazy." Alex said as she started to relax for the first time since she left the little blondes side earlier that day.

"How is your dad hun?" Renee asked with concern in her voice.

"No change. They are still running him to this test or that test, and not a one is telling me anything I really need to know."

"I'm so sorry, I wish there was something I could say." Renee replied. She hated that she didn't know what to say and that she wasn't with the one person she want to be with, Alex.

"I need to get back; I just came down for a cup of coffee and decided to call you. I hope I didn't interrupt you or anything."

"No, not at all I was just actually about to leave with mom, she is loaning me her car."

"Oh, why didn't you say so? "I'll let you go. You should have told me she was waiting on you." Alex rushed her words.

"Alex, Baby, deep breath. It's okay really. I'm glad you called. I've been waiting for what seems like all day." She said with a smile.

"Really...you've been waiting for me to call?" Alex asked.

"Yes, really you silly goof." Renee answered. Alex smiled too; it made her feel good that Renee had wanted to hear from her. "Well, I need to go, and you need to go so I should say goodbye. Maybe if it's not too late I can call later?" Alex asked shyly.

"I would like that very much. Call whatever time you want or can. Alex, I'm...I just wanted to tell you that both you and your dad are in my prayers. I'll talk to you later tonight." Renee smiled on last time as she thought of the tall beautiful woman on the other end of the line.

"So, that was your new friend huh? She makes you smile a lot. I think I may like her after all." Was all Renee's mom said as she stood up and walked to the door.

"Yes...yes she does." Renee realized, "I'm sorry you had to wait mom."

"Hm, I'm glad I did, I believe I want to know more about this Alex person now."

'Oh God, mom...please..." Renee started. The two ladies spent the rest of the afternoon talking about this and that, with mom trying to pry information from Renee about Alex. And when Maria, her mom and dads housekeeper, found out there was a new person in Renee's life, well she did her best to help pry.

Alex slowly made her way back up to the ICU and where her dad was. She hated this part, all the worrying, the waiting...the feeling useless. It was one of the very few times she wished she had a mom, or siblings to share this with. 'No not going to think about her. The bitch can lay dead in a ditch somewhere for all I care.' She always thought to herself on those rare occasions, when thought of her mom popped into her head. She was busy telling herself she didn't need to know where the woman was, nor did her dad, and she didn't notice the dark haired woman that was waiting outside the door to the room her dad was in. When she did look up she stopped dead in her tracks. Squaring her shoulders, and wiping away any trace of emotion from her face, she again started to walk towards her father's door. The closer she to the door and the woman standing there, the more the mask she tried to put on cracked, the more the fear deep inside her reached up and grabbed her. By the time she reached the door, all she could do was fall into the arms that were held open, waiting for her. The arms closed tight around her, and the soft voice whispered in her ear that it was okay to let go now, that Alex didn't need to be strong for a few minutes, and for the first time since her night mare she cried...really cried.

The nurses who had spent the day with the tall woman, nodded and gratefully smiled at the woman for what she was doing. The had seen people who had no one but the person they were here with, and when they let it out...it was...there was just to many pieces to pick up back up. They had hoped Alex was one that wouldn't be totally lost.

"What are you doing here, why? Thank God you're here Sammy."

Samantha smiled before she answered, "The answer to what is, I'm here supporting someone very special to me, and the why is because well this is where I belong right now. Family Alex, you're family, Baby."

"Have you seen dad? Did they let you in?"

"Actually I didn't try...I didn't see you in with him so I decided to wait for you."

"Come on then sweetie. Let's go see dad." Alex said as she pulled herself together, grabbed Samantha's hand and walked to the door to her father's room. The nurse at the nurse's station was new and went to tell them that only family was allowed in, stopped short when the ice blue eyes turned on her. "Jesus Alexandria, give her a break." Samantha whispered in her ear. "God..." Alex muttered, then turned to the nurse and said, "Sorry she is my sister and we're going in to see dad okay."

"Hi dad, I'm back. Sorry I took so long, especially when you consider the coffee wasn't even that good. Did you behave for the nurses? I saw when I walked up we have a new one...honestly she looks like a bitch, so I'd stay away from her." The soft cough behind her held a little laugh, and she continued, "You will never guess who I found wandering the hall, its Sammy dad. Wake up and say hi to her. Come dad, just open your eyes. Please."

Samantha walked up behind Alex and rubbed her hand up and down her back, while she said, "Hi dad, I'm sorry it's taken so long for me to come see you, but...you know how it is, sometimes life just gets in the way. I know Alex wants you to wake up now, but I know you need to sleep a little more, so I'm going to make a deal with you. I'll keep this one under control, but you have to wake up tomorrow sometime, or the day after. Deal?", as soon as she said that she leaned over and kiss his cheek. She turned to Alex and asked "Has there been any change at all?"

"None that they can see, I look at him and think maybe his color is looking better, but then maybe it's just the damned lighting in here. The tests aren't showing much of anything, so they say. I know they come in and take him for this test or that bring him back and we wait." Alex answered.

"I see. When was the last time you had anything to eat? And don't bother lying to me, I from what Rick has told me you haven't left his side since you got here at 7 this morning except for a few minutes at a time."

"I grabbed a sandwich earlier and a donut with my coffee." Alex answered, trying to defend herself.

"Uh huh...and is this the sandwich you grabbed earlier? Samantha asked as she pointed to a plate that held two sections of a sandwich, one which had a corner bitten off. "I'll bet the donut was pretty much in the same condition as the sandwich, if not better when you tossed it. Right?"

"Don't start Sammy. I'm not hungry."

"Oh, Baby you know I haven't even begun to start." Samantha said with a smile. "See dad? Already she is giving me lip. What did you do go and let her forget all the things I taught her? Yeah, I know not fair to pick on you right, okay but its no holds barred when your better you hear."

To Alex she said, "This is no way to take care of yourself and you know it. Dad is going to need you strong and healthy when all is said and done. Now, you will not argue with me do you understand. We, as in you and I, are going to say good night to dad and we are going to go have a good healthy meal and relax a little. Then I'm going to take you home and you're going to get some sleep,"

"No Samantha I can't leave dad...you know that. What are you thinking?" Alex started to argue. Then Dr. Brennan decided to drop in and check on his patient just then. "Dr Brennan, Tell her I can't leave dad, tell her there is no way."

The doctor looked from Samantha, to Alex then back to Samantha, and calmly said. "Actually, I believe it's a very excellent idea. I believe it's a good time for you to go home takes some time and relax, take some time for you to unwind. Now wait..." he said as Alex started to argue "I just looked at the scan we took of his brain. It's looking good, the swelling hasn't gone up which is what we were really concerned about, his vitals have been stable all afternoon, and in fact getting strong by the hour. So I don't see why you can't leave for a nice later night dinner, get a hot shower it will be good for you. You dad is turning the corner."

Samantha kept on... "Come on nice dinner, relax then a nice hot show and soft warm bed, I'll bring you back first thing in the morning.

"Alex gave up... okay but if ANYTHNG happens I better be called."

"You got it Ms Kincaid. Please don't worry, he will be fine."

Still not certain, Alex took her time getting her jacket and things, she walked up to her dad whispered in his ear, "I'll be back first thing in the morning so don't you dare leave me. I love you." And kisses he cheek. Then she stood up and nodded her head to Sammy who gave her a reassuring smile and reached for her hand. Together they walked out of the hospital room and then the hospital.

CHAPTER 10

It was close to seven that night when Renee pulled into her friend's driveway. She was both eager to see Lisa and Eva again, but completely not ready for the questions she knew Eva had for her. Before she was even out of the car, the front door had opened and Eva was running out with a big smile on her face.

"You're back! What did you think you were doing taking off like that Chica?" Eva asked as she pulled Renee into a big hug. Renee hugged her back as she laughingly answered, "I had to get away; you were trying to set me up again!"

"Si, yo se, but I thought she was perfect you, and yes I know I didn't listen to Lisa either. She told me you wouldn't appreciate my efforts." Eva laughed, "come on inside, we have chips and salsa and margaritas waiting and dinner will be ready in a little bit."

"Wow, I forgot what it meant to come over to visit you two!" Renee said as they walked into the house and started to smell the wonderful scents that were drifting in from the kitchen. At that moment Lisa walked in from the kitchen with an apron on, and as Renee started to laugh she said, "Not a one word...and I mean it." and that, made Renee laugh even louder.

"Aw, but you look so cute... I don't think I have ever seen you in an apron before. It looks good on you!" She said as she walked up to Lisa and hugged her.

"Yeah, I'll show you cute." Lisa whispered in her ear.

"Hey you, there will be no whispering things into another woman's ear." Eva said with a smile, followed with "Que Paso en mi cocina, mi amour?"

"I ruined the rice, that's what happened." Lisa answered, as she followed Eva into the kitchen, with Renee right behind them.

"Hm, what did't you do right, mi amour, its not that hard to make Spanish rice...rather it shouldn't be considering you only grew up in a Spanish house, with Spanish people." Eva walked to the stove and looked into the pan that sat there. "Dios mío...go. I'll finish dinner. I'm surprised you did't burn the house down. I left you for three minutes! How can anyone make such a mess in three minutes?" She asked no one in particular.

"Shh, just calmly leave the kitchen and all will be fine." Lisa was quietly telling Renee as she backed out of the kitchen door.

"Hey, don't go thinking you're just going to leave and drink all the Margaritas...you can go but bring me one. If I have to finish dinner the least you can do is make sure I'm nice and relaxed as I do so." Eva shouted to the two.

"It's coming right up my love." Eva shouted right back as once again Renee laughed, she truly did enjoy being around her two friends.

Soon the two friends we sitting in the den talking and catching up on things as they enjoyed the drinks. With in ten minutes, Eva had joined them with the tray of chips and salsa she had promised earlier. As she got a refill on her drink, she said to Renee, "Okay, you've had long enough; it's time you tell me about this woman you spent the last few days with. All I could get out of this one was, "She has a glow to her." And it seems she was right about that too."

"I told you..."

So Renee started to fill her friends in on the last few days. "Wow, talk about an adventure. This woman has made quite an impression on you."

"What, she was very nice and hospitable considering I'm pretty sure I just dropped in on her doorstep when she obviously wanted to be alone. If that impresses me than I guess she did." Eva and Lisa both laughed, and then Eva explained, "Chica, you haven't stopped to take a breath the entire time you were telling us about her. You can't stop smiling and yes Lisa was very right about that glow."

"Oh please, you're both crazy!" Renee said as she blushed.

"Uh huh and the Pope is Jewish. Just admit it, cupid's arrow found your heart this time!"

"Eva is dinner ready yet...I'm starved and something smells wonderful." Renee said in an effort to change the subject.

"Yes, dinner is ready. But don't think your off the hook, we aren't through discussing Ms. Alex." Her host said as she stood up. The three walked to the dining room laughing and joking as they went. The table was set with plates, and big bowls filled with either rice or chili, a platter with chili rellenos, enchiladas and tacos.

"Wow, this a party or what...there is so much food here! Renee commented but secretly loved the fact. Since she knew when she left she would have plenty of containers going home with her.

"You know much Lisa eats, I just wanted to make sure had a chance to eat too." Eva said as she nudged Renee so that they could both watch as Lisa filled her plate. Only when the two cracked up laughing, did Lisa look up from her task.

"Oh stop it," she said when she caught on, "you know I can't help myself when it comes to your cooking. I'm surprised I don't weigh a ton."

"So are we!" the other two said in unison and the three laughed until they cried.

Renee only got Lisa and Renee to stop grilling her about Alex, because she said she had to leave, and then it was only with a promise that they would get together again soon. Loaded with an armful of goodies, she finally headed out to her car. Since it was close to eleven pm there was little traffic, and the drive to her apartment was nice and quiet, with only the soft hum of the radio and thoughts of Alex to keep her company. Once home, she put everything in the refrigerator, and got ready for bed. As she lay in bed staring at her ceiling she quietly said, "I hope your dad is fine. Good night, sweetheart." And she drifted off to sleep.

CHAPTER 11

Back in Denver, Alex was sitting in a restaurant with Samantha, the only woman she had ever really loved and given her heart to, and missing Renee with an intensity she hadn't felt since... well since Samantha. Samantha finally asked, "Have you called her yet?"

"Called who?" Alex asked trying to act normal.

"The woman who has you a million miles away on those rare occasions when your dad isn't on your mind." Samantha said with a small smile.

Alex moved around the seat uncomfortably. Talking to an ex love about a new love, especially when the ex love was her first love, was not her idea of fun. "Uh, what makes you think there's someone?" She asked instead of answering.

"Oh please, I know you better than you know yourself Alex. Tell me about her."

"Um, there really isn't much to say right now."

"Alex, come on, for the first time in a long time there is a sparkle in your eye, and there's a bounce in your step. I'm happy you finally met someone. It's about time." Samantha said with all sincerity

"Sammy...are, you truly happy?" The blue eyed woman asked.

Yes Al, I am. It's kind of funny but Brenda is a lot like you in many ways. She is loud and opinionated, always assumes she is right." Samantha laughed and continued, "strong, caring, protective, has a great sense of humor...she does love me Al."

"She's a keeper huh. God I was stupid."

"Baby, you had your reasons, your fears...we've hurt because of them, we've dealt with them and we're back to being the best of friends isn't that worth something. I want you happy, I want you to have what Brenda and I have. And something is telling me maybe you met someone that maybe able to do that. Tell me about her; don't make me drag it out of you."

"You know sometimes I wish you didn't know me so well." Alex responded with a smile as she sat back. "I was up at the cabin this weekend, minding my own business, trying to get things straight in my mind, you know...and Bo hears something outside in the storm that was raging. I opened the door and he takes off like the hounds of hell are after him, and when I catch up to him, he has this woman pinned to the ground, with the snow burying us."

"Hm, getting things straight in your head...translates to: you were trying to figure out why you were going through another break up with the woman of the month, or trying to decide if it was time to move on. Yes I've kept tabs on you through Rick, I'm sorry." Samantha said quietly.

"Why? Why would you want to keep tabs on me?" Alex asked surprised.

"Started out as me hoping that somewhere, somehow maybe we would both be single at the same time and maybe work things out...then I guess I grew up and realized you didn't know what you wanted. Eventually I realized we were on different paths and I met Brenda."

"Ever wonder why we never reconnected again? Poor Rick, we had him in a bad spot...both of us. He was my pipeline to information on you."

"Rick's a big boy he can handle us." Samantha said as she thought of her brother. "Now finish telling me about the woman in the snow."

"Her name is Renee. After I got Bo off of her, we found out she had hurt her ankle, so I carried her in. Sammy, she is beautiful...has a temper let me tell you." Alex laughed, "With her ankle injured I couldn't let her walk to the cabin right, I mean it was a good 100, 150 yards away...so I picked her up to carry her in. I guess I should have told her my plans because she came unglued! She asked me what I thought I was doing and if I made a habit of manhandling women I just met." Alex continued.

"Okay, and do you?" Samantha asked just to tease her friend.

"Ha-ha. Sammy, you and I have always been close and able to talk, but that's because we grew up together isn't it? With Renee I feel like I've known her my whole life, or longer. I'm that comfortable with her."

"Wow, seems like cupids arrow found you." Samantha said quietly, a distant look in her eyes.

"I'm sorry." Alex said just as quietly, feeling as though she said something to hurt the woman who sat across from her.

"Don't be. You didn't do anything wrong. Al, we've been over this before. When we were together you just weren't ready to make the kind of commitment either of us wanted. I know you wanted to Sweetie, and I know there was nothing that would have made me happier, but things happen and we grow from them and move on. It's looking like you're finally ready to move on now. I'm happy for you. I was worried about you." Samantha said as she reached across the table to take Alex's hand in hers.

"I never meant to hurt you like I did."

"I know Sweetheart; I also know that I wasn't the only one hurting. I could see it in your eyes. I just didn't know how to deal with your pain and mine. Everything I did just seemed to make it worse. My point is now...I look into your eyes and I see a sparkle, something I haven't seen in a very long time. So what do you say I get you home, it's been a long day for you." Samantha said.

"Yes it has, and since I seriously doubt that you would take me to the hospital, I suppose home is a good place to go." Alex answered as she stood and moved toward the back of her friend's chair. With the check paid, Alex opened the door allowing Samantha to exit in front of her. As the two walked down the side walk towards Samantha's car, Alex reached for the other woman's hand. Alex walked towards the drivers' side door and opened it, then allowed Samantha to slide inside, and then she made her way to the passenger side and got in. The drive to Alex's apartment was quiet, with both women lost in thought. Once they arrived at their destination, Samantha put the car in park and the made arrangements for her to return in the morning to take Alex back to the hospital. With that done, Alex leaned over and placed a kiss on Samantha's warm cheek. She got out of the car and watched as her dear friend drove away, the turned and walked to the entrance of her apartment building. She never noticed the shadow watching them from across the street.

Inside Alex looked at the clock, "Damn It's late. I wonder if Renee is already asleep...shit I wanted to call her." She said to herself. Deciding to take a chance she picked up the phone and dialed the number she looked at from the paper Renee had given her earlier that morning.

"Hello." The sleepy voice said over the line.

"Hi, I guess I should have waited till morning to call. I'm sorry I woke you." Alex said as she sat back in bed and pictured the little blonde.

"Alex!" Was the happy response from Renee as she came awake to the sound of Alex's voice. "Don't worry about it I'm glad you called. How's your dad?"

"He is stable, still in a coma, but the doctor says the swelling looks to be going down, so that is a big plus. Look, I'm sorry I woke you...I just wanted to hear your voice."

"It's okay really; I wanted to hear yours too. I'm glad to hear your dad is stable too. So did you just get home?"

"Yes, Sammy showed up at the hospital and decided I needed to get out of there so she took me out to dinner and just dropped me off."

"Good, I hope you were able to stop worrying for a few hours." Renee said as she tried to keep the jealousy out of her voice.

"Yes I did, Sammy is good at relaxing me. What did you do tonight?"

"I spent the evening with Lisa and Eva."

"Ah, the famous match makers. Did you have fun?"

"I did yes. Eva is a great cook, and well Lisa does know how to make a person laugh and feel welcomed. We had a good time catching up."

"Renee...I would have much rather spent the evening with you." Alex said, hating the hurt she heard in Renee's voice even though she tried to hide it.

"I know I would much rather have spent mine with you." Renee answered.

"It's late, I should let you go back to sleep. I'll call you in the morning?"

"Okay and yes I would love to hear from you in the morning." Renee said with a smile.

"Okay then its set...I'll call first thing. Sleep well beautiful."

"Alex, call me if anything happens with your dad...no matter what time of day or night."

"I will. Good night Renee."

"Good night Sweetheart." With a smile on both ends of the line the two hung up the phone, then each lay back in bed and drifted off to sleep.

Waking before the sun rose; Alex dressed for her morning workout. It was typical of her to work out at least thirty minutes a day, unless she was in the mountains and even then she was normally outside running with Bo or hiking or something that would take place of her normal indoor workouts. This morning she made her way to the small gym in her building, hoping she would be the only one there this early. Getting her wish, she smiled as she walked into the empty room straight to the mat and started her stretches, before she went to work on the heavy punching bag, and some of her Karate kicks and jabs. An hour later she walked out of the room sweaty and exhilarated. She headed for her apartment and a nice hot shower, before heading to the hospital. As she walked into the apartment she grabbed the phone and dialed the number to Renee's place. She couldn't wait to hear the blondes' voice and pictured her smile and sparkling green eyes. While she waited for the phone to be picked up on the other end she got her coffee maker going.

"Good morning, Sweetheart." Was the reply from the sleepy voice on the other end of the line.

"Good morning Babe, how did you sleep?" Alex asked as she walked around her room getting her clothes ready for the day.

"Like a baby. How about you, did you sleep ok?"

"Fell asleep as soon as we said good night. Although I did feel like something was missing. Its funny how quickly I got use to having you around."

"I know the feeling; I'm kind of missing morning coffee with you and Bo. How's your dad, have you heard anything?"

"No, I haven't. I got up had my work out, came in and called you. I'm waiting for my coffee and heading for the shower before Sammy gets here, to take me to the hospital."

"Oh, I see. In that case I should let you go shower so you can be ready."

"No, I still have time...oh shoot, I guess I don't." Alex stated as she looked at the clock and realized she had to run. "I'm sorry; I'll call you tonight okay."

"It's not a problem talk to you later." Renee said as a good bye.

Alex hung up and rushed to the shower, completely missing the sudden change in Renee's mood at the mention of Samantha's name.

"Well, at least she didn't spend the night there. Renee said to no on as she punched her pillow. "Big deal so she didn't spend the night with Alex, she is still there...crap." She spat as she got up and headed for her shower.

CHAPTER 12

Alex had just walked out of the bedroom when the door bell rang. Unlocking it and opening the door she stood aside as Samantha walked in.

"Good morning Sweetie."

"Good morning, want a cup of coffee before we head off?

"Sure that sounds good. How was your night after I dropped you off?"

"It was good; I made a phone call and then dropped right off to sleep. How about yours? Hope Brenda wasn't upset that you spent the evening with me.

Laughing, Samantha replied, "Don't worry about Brenda, she is fine with me being with you. Besides she is away at some meeting for a client right now. And yes, she knows I was with you last night and about your dad so relax."

"Okay I just...I can see that you really love her and I don't want to cause you any trouble. I know how some women are about ex's."

"Brenda isn't like most women...and I'm not just an ex. She realizes that we have a very long history and that it wasn't just a romantic one. If she forgets, trust me Rick or Pops is there to remind her otherwise. Yes the topic of you and our friendship has come up on more than one occasion. Plus she doesn't like having to deal with me when she has pissed me off."

"Yeah, I remember not liking to have to do that either." Alex answered, "What do you mean the topic of you and me has popped up more than once?" she asked.

"Well we're all together and either Rick or Pops will comment about some memory having to do with you and...well. Alex, Brenda has had some big shoes to fill where you're concerned."

"I didn't mean..."

"Let it go Al, it happened its over."

"Hm, big shoes huh...didn't think they were that big." Alex said, getting a laugh out of the other woman.

"So are you ready to head to the hospital Babe?" Samantha asked with a smile.

"Yes, I'm anxious to see how dad did over night."? Alex answered as she went to the closet for her jacket. Samantha watched her closely as she slipped the jacket on.

"Alex, Baby, are you okay?"

"Sure, I'm fine."

"No you aren't. Come on talk to me. What's going on in that head of yours?" Samantha pushed, "And before you say you're fine, remember I know you very well and know when you're lying to me."

Alex hesitated for a bit before she replied, "God I hate that you know me so well."

"Come on sit down and talk to me. Dad isn't going anywhere, and whatever is bugging you, I guarantee you he can sense, and it isn't helping him any."

"Do you always have to be right?"

"Yes actually I do. What's up?" And with that Alex gave up, slipped off her jacket and sat down. Samantha followed suit, and patiently waited for Alex to speak.

"Have you talked to Rick since the accident?" Alex started.

"No, he called me as soon as he heard, then after he saw you at the hospital yesterday morning. But we haven't talked about the investigation; you know he can't do that. Why?"

"Can't and don't are two different things. Cops talk to family about things, we have to or we'd go crazy. Something just doesn't feel right. Sammy, you know dad. When have you ever known him to get behind the wheel when he is too tired to drive?"

"Never, but Alex it happens."

"I know it does, but this...I don't know what it is but there's just something that isn't sitting right with me. I can't shake this feeling I have."

"What feeling, honey?" Samantha asked trying to understand.

"I wish I could explain it, I can't, and I can't make sense of it either." Alex answered the frustration evident in her voice. "Come on...I want to get to the hospital and see about dad."

"Sure Sweetheart, if you're ready." Alex stood and waited until Samantha stood then followed her out the door. Together they walked to the car; neither of them noticed the figure that stood across the street watching them.

The drive to the hospital was quiet and comfortable, and took longer than expected with the traffic. At on of the stop lights, as they waited Samantha asked Alex, "Does Rick have anything that supports your feeling about the accident?"

"No, that's part of what is making this so frustrating." Alex replied, as Samantha nodded her head and pulled away from the light, and within a few minutes they were pulling up to the hospital. They had just entered the elevator when Alex's cell phone went off, and then she lost service. Not wanting to deal with anyone at the moment and knowing she was just about to stop on her dad's floor, she just shut the phone off. She would deal with whoever it was later.

"Good morning Patty, how is he this morning?" She asked the nurse who was standing beside her father.

"Good morning Alex. You know you really should be asking his Dr. not me, but I can tell you that from what I can see it was quiet last night and he had no problems, so that's a good sign." The nurse replied with a smile that was aimed right at the raven haired woman. Samantha who was standing behind Alex rolled her eyes, and muttered under her breath, "God, don't they ever stop." Alex turned and asked, "Did you say something Sammy?"

"What? No, I did't say anything."

"Are you sure, I could have sworn I heard you say something."

The nurse finished writing her notes in the chart and made a special effort to touch Alex's arm as she said, "I know I shouldn't say anything, but I think your dad has turned the corner."

"Thank you for everything you've done for him Patty. It means a lot to me...to us."

With that the nurses smile grew bigger and she said, "It's my job Alex, but I'm glad I was here to help." And with that she left the room.

"Oh my god, do they ever stop? Hm 'It's my job, I'm glad I was here to help', please." Samantha mimicked the nurse. Alex looked at her friend with and amused smile and commented, "Careful there Sweetie, one might think you're a tad jealous."

"Jealous...Um no, it's just that...God Al." Samantha said as she thought about her reaction and blushed a bit. 'NO, no way am I even a tad bit jealous.' She thought to herself, and was about to tell Alex that when the door opened and the Dr walked in.

"Well, good morning Alex, you look well rested. I'm glad you were able to get her out of here, and hopefully you got her to eat a decent meal as well." He added as he took in the statuesque beauty that was Samantha. "She certainly looks a sight better this morning." He added with a smile.

Some habits die hard and Alex felt one of her old ones rearing its ugly head, and with out really thinking about or meaning to, she snapped, "God, okay yes she got me a decent meal and then took me home, I slept like a baby and now I'm here to see how my father is doing. Do you have any new information for me at all or are you just here to ogle my friend?"

Both the doctor and Samantha looked stunned and the doctor cleared his throat and picked up the chart as he began talking. "So I'm assuming since you friend is here that it's okay for me to speak freely in front of her correct." When she nodded, Dr Brennan began going over the chart and the new information. "His vitals are good and strong, last night passed with no problems. We are taking him down for another CAT scan in a few minutes, we'll know more when we get those results. I can tell you he is looking better than he did yesterday at this time, his color is returning and that's a good sign. Keep talking to him, let him know you're here, that's the best thing I can tell you to do."

"It's just so hard sometimes; I keep expecting him to answer me. Does he even know we're here talking to him?" Alex asked.

"In all honestly, we can't tell what he knows or hears. The brain is a very complex organ and we don't have all the answers. I can tell you that it has been my experience that some patients in a coma do come out of it and tell us they heard every thing that was going on around them. So just keep letting him know he isn't alone."

"Thank you Dr. Brennan.

"Not a problem. I'll be back with the latest results as soon I have them." And he walked out of the room.

Both Alex and Samantha looked over at the man lying in the bed. Samantha was the first to speak. "Dr Brennan is right, his color is coming back. Do you hear that dad, you looking better every minute. So that means you can't just lay around here making us worry about you. I for one know that Alex needs you around. You know what kind of trouble she can get into."

"Don't let her fool you dad, she doesn't have a clue any more. Remember I've grown up. But she is right about one thing I do still need you around. Dad...please open you eyes." The two pulled up chairs and sat and talked to the silent figure in the bed just telling stories and remembering things from their earlier years. After about twenty minutes two orderlies appeared and carefully transported him to the Imaging center of the hospital

"Want to go get some truly lousy coffee?" Alex asked her companion.

"Sure." And together they walked to the elevator and rode down to the cafeteria.

"Alex,...ogle...you thought the Dr was OGLING me?"

Again Alex instantly reacted to the thought of the good Doctor looking at Samantha as he had. "Yes he was." Her answer a bit sharper than she intended.

"Whoa there...down girl.." Samantha teased. "Not jealous or anything are we?" she continued.

"Ok, lil Ms "Oh my god Don't they ever stop."

"Yes well...some habits die hard. That was one that always got to me. It didn't matter where we were or what we were doing, there were always woman falling all over themselves just for your attention." Didn't matter that I was on your arm or that I was shooting daggers at them they still looked at you like you were chocolate cake with fudge icing."

"Really...I never noticed. I guess."

"You're kidding me...you never noticed? How could you not have noticed?"

"No I didn't."

"How could you not notice?"

"Do you really want me to answer that?"

"Yes I do. I mean women are throwing themselves at you and you don't notice. I want to know why."

"I was already with the most beautiful woman there, that's why."

"No, seriously I want to know."

"Seriously Sammy that was why. When I was with you no one else could hold a candle to you."

"Then why...no never mind. I'm over it, it doesn't matter."

"It does matter Sammy, and Sammy you know why. If I had stayed we would have hurt a lot more, and ended up hating each other. You have a good life now, a woman that, from what I hear loves you more than life its self and isn't afraid to go with it. And I see how much you love her. It shows in your eyes when you talk about her."

"Yes I have a good life and I adore Brenda, it's just...damn it Alex we were good together, we had it all, could have been perfect. It took me a long time to get over you."

"But you did get over me Sammy."

"I still... still don't understand how you can't notice women throwing themselves at you all the time."

"Maybe we should head back up and see if dad is back yet."

"Yeah, maybe they will have some damned answers."

CHAPTER 13

Renee's morning and mood only got worse after her talk with Alex; of course it didn't her that her head was at war with her heart. One was saying that she was a fool if she honestly thought nothing was going on between Alex and Samantha. And the other saying that she was just over reacting and just needed to relax. Easier said than done though, when she couldn't get a certain woman out of her mind and said certain woman was with the one that got away. 'Oh get over it Renee, face it you were just another body there when she needed.' She told herself as she slammed her coffee mug on the desk

"Easy there Tiger, might want to take it easy on company property you know." Came the deep voice behind her.

"Bite me Dylan." Came her own response.

"Oh my, someone has their panties in a twist. What's up doll?"

"Nothing, I'm just a bad mood. I'm sorry didn't mean to take it out on you." Renee said apologizing.

"Sweetheart what's up, you don't usually let things get to you much less are you ever in a bad mood. And may I also add that you have never in your ever lovin mind muttered those words to me."

"There's a reason for that you know."

"What gives?" Dylan asked as he pulled up a char from a near by desk. "Last time I saw you, you were off to my Cabin for a nice quiet week away from meddling friends." He continued in a more serious tone.

"Yes, that I was...funny how one wrong turn can totally change a person and their perspective don't you think."

"Um yes I Suppose it can do that to a person. Would you like to fill me in on just what in the hell you're talking about because honestly Babe, I'm lost. You left here Thursday evening with the keys to my cabin, in a very decent mood I might add...and here you are only a few days later, and when I say a few I mean what three days later? You were supposed to be up there a week. What happened?"

"Nothing much really, I took a wrong turn, almost drove myself of a fifty foot drop straight into the river down below if I'm to believe certain people., I twisted my ankle, and spent the last three days of my stay on the mountain with a wonderful named Alex, who I think I may have fallen in love with...what am I say, I spent my entire stay on the mountain with her and god help me I did fall in love with her. We had a great time right up until she had to dash off because her father was involved in a serious accident. End of story...well okay would be if said Alex hadn't wormed her way into my heart and then take up with her one great love."

"Ouch...no wait a minute are you talking about Alexandria Kincaid?"

"Yes, do you know her? Renee asked her spirits lifting and getting excited just at the thought that someone might know Alex and she could pump some information from them."

"Alexandria...tall, dark long flowing raven hair, almost Amazon looking woman...you stayed with her?"

"Yes I stayed with her. Am I speaking German here?"

"I would have thought freezing in my car would have been preferable than to be stuck in a room with the real Ice Queen.'

"We aren't talking about the same person here. She was nothing but kind and hospitable, considering the fact that I literally feel into her arms."

"Let me put it to you this way, Alex Kincaid, is a cold hearted, self absorbed bitch. The fact that she opened the door to you in the first place amazes me; the fact that she helped you at all amazes me." Dylan answered.

Renee was totally shocked when she heard the Dylan was talking about the woman who would not leave her thoughts. "What the hell are you talking about; we can't possibly be talking about the same woman here." She said, her voice becoming defensive.

"Renee, tell me you didn't sleep with her."

"Why, would that be so wrong?" Renee asked quietly.

"No I suppose not. Look it's great as long as both parties know the score and no one gets hurt. In her case, she doesn't care if both parties know the score; she goes after what she wants and has no consideration for the other person's feelings and in my book that's wrong, end of story.

"So can I assume you're going to tell me who ended up with hurt feelings?"

"Yes, one of my cousins. Long story short she met Alex Kincaid at some social function, one thing led to another and boom, Lacey ended up hurt."

"Some how I'm just not seeing...I can't reconcile the Alex I met three days ago with the one you're describing to me. There has to be some kind of misunderstanding." Renee stated with all the confidence she was able to muster. Which, considering what she had just heard wasn't a whole lot. 'God don't let me be wrong about her' she thought.

Dylan shook his head as he said, "I know what I saw Lacey go through, and it was all because of Alex Kincaid. I don't want to see you go through that too. Do yourself a favor babe stay away from her." Then he stood and walked away, leaving Renee alone with her thoughts.

'There's no way that Alex is the same person I was with, there has to be some mistake.' she thought to herself. "Damn it!" She muttered to herself as she tried to push her thoughts away and concentrate on work. Finally after a few hours she had successfully succeeded in vanishing Alex and the conversation she had just had with Dylan, and managed to get some work done. Before she knew it there was a tap on her shoulder and a very concerned Dylan asking if she was alright.

"Of course I'm alright why wouldn't I be?" She asked.

"Maybe because I've asked you three times if you're ready to go for lunch, maybe have a drink at Sam's and you've ignored me?"

"Oh God, no Dylan I am so sorry I wasn't ignoring you I guess I just got caught up in work. A drink sounds fantastic! Give me a minute to save this okay?" Renee said as she tapped buttons on her key board.

"Sure not a problem Sweetie. Hey about earlier, I didn't mean to overstep my bounds...I just care an awful lot about you and I don't want to see you hurt, is all."

Renee thought about that before she answered, "And you're positive I'll be hurt aren't you." She stated, rather than asked.

"Yes Renee, I do. I hate to say it and to be that way but with everything inside me I do believe that." Was all Dylan could say.

"Hm... come on let's blow this popsicle stand." Renee answered as she grabbed her purse and coat. Together the two headed out the door and to Sam's, a bar and grill just a block from where the two friends worked. The two made small talk and laughed and joked as they walk both avoiding the topic that was on each one's mind... Alex Kincaid.

The two friends found a table sat down and ordered lunch and a drink, then caught up on office gossip.

Back in Denver, Alex and Samantha were both ignoring their conversation as well while they waited back in the ICU for Alex's dad to return from his latest CAT scan.

"So why don't you fill me in on what has been going on in your life. You have me at a disadvantage, Rick wouldn't tell me much other than you were fine and happy. And that of course was when we did actually talk. I suppose I shouldn't let so much time go by... never know what can happen."

"Alex, he's going to be fine you know." Samantha said as she went and wrapped her arms around Alex, placing soft kisses on her head. Alex's arms wrapped around Samantha's waist and she held her close and tight. As she held Samantha close, she was assaulted by the unique combination of Samantha and the perfume she wore, the scent of her body wash and her shampoo all mixed together. The feeling that came over her was reminiscent of going home; it was comforting and was making her feel a little warm. Feeling the kisses on her head, she looked up and a kiss was dropped on her forehead, and as she tilted her head back farther Samantha's head dropped lower and soon their lips were touching. Lips that were soft and full of warmth and soon memories were rushing in on both women. The kiss deepened, and while still tender it was bordering on one that could become all consuming. Slowly her senses returned and Alex pushed Samantha away gently.

"Baby, we can't do this." She said her voice husky with her building desire and pain at knowing it was wrong.

"Oh God, I'm sorry Alex. I didn't mean to..." Samantha said as she moved away from Alex and walked to the window. "I don't know what happened..."

Taking a deep breath Alex smiled at Samantha and gently said, "its 'US' we've always been connected, always had this...pull between us."

"I suppose so, but still I had no right to do that."

"Honestly I'm not sure who did what. I'm thinking I kissed back. Thing is we came to our senses."

"We can't let that happen again...ever."

"Have we ever?" Alex said in a low and quiet voice. "We've been together before now and always kept our emotions in check. I for one know where we stand with each other, I know the boundaries." She finished as she stood and walked to the window, avoiding the out stretched hand that was reaching for her arm.

Realizing that Alex took her words wrong Samantha said quietly, "I know we've been together before and have never done anything like this before. All I meant was that...God Alex, there is so much history between us...it would be so very easy to just give in."

Alex turned and looked into the dark eyes that looked back at her and saw the turmoil there. "Sammy..."

"Do you have any idea how much I miss you at times? Even now, when I know I shouldn't, when I have Brenda." Samantha continued as she ignored Alex's attempt to speak. "Something will happen and it's like I'm transported back in time and there you are, I hear a song and I'm reminded of you. At times the memories are so vivid I swear I can reach out and touch you."

"Do you think I don't feel the same way Sammy? But the plain and simple fact of the matter is you do have Brenda now, and you don't need me babe."

"Doesn't stop the memories or on occasion the longing."

"I know. But I bet if you're honest with yourself you'll realize that that all happens only every now and then and there is a long period of time between them. Right?"

"Is that how it is for you?"

"For the most part, yes. Once I knew you were settled I guess it finally dawned on me that you were happy, and I don't let myself go there that often any more."

"I suppose you're right." Samantha replied quietly.

Just as Alex was about to say something the door opened and her father was wheeled back into the room, followed by the nurse. Once the bed was back in place, the nurse was busy taking vitals and flashing smiles at Alex and stealing glances.

"Well, there we are, Mr. Kincaid all set and your daughter is here waiting for you isn't that great! He is doing great Alex; his blood pressure is good and all things considering he is breathing well."

"Thank you Amy I really appreciate all your doing." Alex replied as she looked at her dad, completely oblivious to the fact that the nurse was mentally undressing her. The clearing of Samantha's throat brought the nurse back to the job at hand and got Alex to look towards Samantha who rolled her eyes as the nurse walked out the door.

"What?" was all Alex said at the rolled eyes, and Samantha started to laugh.

The ringing of the phone was startled them both and Alex looked at Samantha who said "I don't know who would be calling, answer it."

"Hate that you do that." Alex said as she reached for the phone. "Hello..." There was only silence on the other end of the line. "Hello...who is this?" No reply and then the line went dead. Alex pulled the phone away from her ear and looked at it with a puzzled looked.

"What babe?"

"I don't know, whoever it was didn't speak."

"Well maybe they were just transferred to the wrong room."

"Maybe." Alex said.

The two were each lost in thought, Alex in thoughts of her dad and the phone call. For some reason she had an unsettling feeling that she just couldn't shake. While Samantha thought about their conversation before Wade was wheeled back in. Alex was right, if she honestly thought about things she knew that the times she missed and longed for Alex were far and between and yes Alex was right there has always been this pull neither could ignore. Before it was different though, it was physical and emotional, and at times more than either could fight. Now it was a very strong emotional connection, it was history; it was something that would always be there for them simply because of a shared lifetime. Yes, there was a spark felt when she kissed Alex, but there was also the knowledge that there would never be anything more than that...and that thought brought a smile to Samantha's lips. At that moment her cell phone went off... as she looked at the id screen she saw that it was Brenda calling, "I need to take this, Alex. Hi Baby!" she said as she walked out into the hall for a little privacy.

Alex noticed the way Samantha's face lit up as she answered her call, and with a melancholy smile once again came to terms with letting Samantha slip away from her. Alex truly was happy for Samantha, she deserved the very best in life, and even thought she wished that she was it, she knew she wasn't, life worked out the way it should pure and simple. That thought however didn't keep the little stab of pain from piercing Alex's heart though. Alex closed her eyes against that pain and took a deep breath and the image of Renee standing in front of her appeared in her minds eye. The warm sweet smile, the vivid green eyes that shined with love, and the soft strawberry blonde hair that glistened in the sunlight, and arms that reached out for Alex instantly soothed the ache and calmed her soul. With a calm that amazed her, Alex opened her eyes to see Samantha watching her from the doorway.

"Your thinking about her aren't you babe." Came the soft voiced question from smiling lips and eyes that said 'I totally understand.' Samantha came into the room and sat in a chair next to her life long friend and they sat enjoying just being together again and Samantha filling Alex in on her life. The day wore on, each stretching their legs by going for coffee, while one stayed with Wade, talking to each other and the figure that laid in the bed unmoving, the nurses coming in now and then to check on the patient and flirt with Alex. And true to form Alex remained oblivious to their looks and attempts. Just as one of the many nurses that was trying to get the tall beauty's attention, the phone rang and once again when Alex answered there was no reply.

"Okay, what the hell is going on." Alex said as she stared at the phone. Both the nurse and Samantha looked at her.

"Again?" Was all Samantha said.

"Yeah, same thing as earlier."

"Has to be a mix up right, I mean the switchboard has to deal with hundreds of calls." Samantha stated, as she looked at Alex, puzzlement written on her face.

Seeing a chance to help the blue eyed beauty the nurse spoke up. "Is there a problem?"

"I'm sure it's just a mix up but, twice now a call has been put through and there's no response when I answer." Alex replied.

Moving towards the phone the nurse took the receiver from Alex's hand, brushing her fingers as she did so and pushed to disconnect the call, then dialed the switchboard.

"Hi, Jen this is Tracey. I'm good thanks for asking, hey I'm in room 310, a call just came through and there was no response when the call was answered. Was there possibly a mix up, Alex said it happened earlier too." The nurse smiled at Alex as she waited for the operator to find out any information she could. "Yes, Mr. Kincaid's rooms...really, that's odd. Okay thank you you're a sweetie. Um sure, call me okay...bye."

"Jen said the caller asked to be connected to your father's room. She took both calls."

"Okay that's strange." Samantha said with a touch of concern. "Alex..."

"I need to talk to Rick." Alex said as she flashed a look telling Samantha with her eyes not to say anything else. As soon as the nurse left the room Samantha continued with her unfinished thought.

"Alex, you're thinking these calls have something to do with your fathers accident aren't you? It's no too much to think it's all just a coincidence is it?"

"I don't know Sammy, it's just too weird."

"Are you going to call Rick?"

"I'll talk to him later yeah, fill him in on the calls see what he thinks."

CHAPTER 14

"Hey Rick, I just got the report on the Kincaid vehicle, you asked for. What's up, you don't generally mess with motor vehicle accidents?" The voice of Sarah Marshall said as Rick walked to his desk the first thing that morning.

"Did they find anything?"

"I'll tell you when you tell me why you're interested... oh okay; you aren't going to like it." She answered.

Rick reached for the folder that his partner held out for him and started glancing through the pages.

"Says the serpentine belt broke, and he lost his steering. Wait... are you serious?" He asked as he looked at his partner.

"Amazing how badly this Kincaid guy took care of his vehicle isn't it. Most people I know understand that brake fluid is a necessity." Sarah said sarcastically. "Rick, what's up?"

"Wade Kincaid is the father of my best friend, hell he's like a second father to me. Sarah, Wade checked his vehicle regularly. I'm going down to the shop want to join me?" He asked as he stood up from his seat at his desk.

"I don't see that you're going to find much more, but sure why not I'm kind of interested in what you find."

"Proves it wasn't an accident. Gives us a place to start...right?"

"He have any enemies? Any reason anyone would what him dead? You know the standard questions Rick." Sarah continued to speak as she watched her partners face.

"Nope, everyone loves Wade. He's the type that goes out of his way to help you even if you are a complete stranger." Rick thought about the man he was talking about, and shook his head as he continued, "No, I can't think of a single soul that would want to harm him."

"Children, ex wives, you know..."

"One daughter, Alex and she worships him. Ex wife, last anyone heard she was in Greece married to a rich shipping tycoon or something. No reason for her to even look back."

"Well, I hate to point out the obvious, but someone had it in for your friend."

"Gee, ya got any other words of wisdom there Marshall?" Rick tossed at his partner. As the two made their way to the garage where Wade Kincaid's pickup sat, they talked over theories."

About twenty minutes the two detectives stood in the auto lab where the lab tech went through his findings in person.

"Find anything inside?" Was the first thing he asked.

"Everything is over on the stand in evidence bags. I did find one interesting thing under the seat. He just got the pickup back from being serviced." Rick picked up the plastic bag which held the receipt from a garage about five miles from, Wades place.

"Complete service, oil change, transmission, brake, power fluids... all checked and filled. How does that make sense Marshall? You said that the brake fluid reservoir was empty?"

"It was dry detective, didn't look like it had been filled any time recently. We can't tell that anything was messed with underneath the hood. Only thing to point to the cause of the accident was the belt; lose it and your steering is gone too. I was wondering about the lack of brake markings on the road... normal reaction is to hit your brakes when something like that happens. That's how I found the dry master brake cylinder. Was just pure luck the internal search of the vehicle turned up the receipt, the only conclusion I can draw is someone wanted this guy dead. No prints on the inside other than those of the victim, no other fibers, or hairs. You might want to head out to his place take a look around, if you need let me know and I'll go out and process anything out there that looks suspicious to you."

"Okay thanks Tommy, I'll do that." Rick said as he looked at his partner and started walking towards his car.

"Okay so what do you think Sherlock?"

"Well okay, lets start at obvious points... you said his daughter adores him, so no reason for her to want to bump him off, and I'm just saying okay." She threw in as she saw Rick starting to bustle at the comment about his buddy Alex.

"Okay so the ex wife is married off to some guy in Greece right, her motivation isn't there. Was he still working or retired? I don't know maybe a business deal gone bad?"

"Wade was retired construction worker. So I'm not seeing that anything would come from there but we'll dig. It's all we can do." He said as his one recurring thought was 'God please let me find this person before Alex does.' And there was little doubt in his mind that once Alex's gut feeling was confirmed, she would find whoever was responsible for her father's accident.

"Let's head out to the Kincaid place, see what we can find."

The door to the apartment was easier to open than she had thought. 'For someone who tells others how to protect themselves, Alex seems to be slacking.' The woman thought as she slipped into the apartment and quietly closed the door. She looked around the apartment, smiling as she slowly walked through room to room, touching this object or that. Her eyes stopping now and then to take in a picture or object that caught her attention. She made her way to the bedroom; walking around the bed she lovingly ran her hand over the dark burgundy comforter. As she walked around the corner to the side she gently sat down, and brushed her hand over the firm pillow, before laying back. Closing her eyes she listened to the sounds or the clock ticking beside the bed, 'leave it to Alex to still have a clock that ticks.' She thought with a smile. The scent of Alex's favorite fragrance lingered in the air, stirring the woman's senses. She opened her eyes and walked into the bathroom, looked around then back into the bedroom over to the dresser and opened the jewelry box that sat in the center. Inside she was drawn to a beautiful gold chain with a figure of a floating angel; gently she lifted it, held it by the chain admiring the beautiful work. Her hand enclosed it in her palm and she slid it into the pocket of her coat. She turned and leaned against the dresser for a minute or so then opened her coat and pulled out the rose, brought it to her nose and breathed in the sweet aroma then walked to the bed and gently placed it on the pillow.

Leaving the bedroom she then walked slowly to the kitchen and reached for a coffee cup and poured some coffee into it, went to the microwave and placed the cup inside, set the timer, so that all that would be needed was to hit the start button and placed her little note against the microwave door. She then headed towards the door and flipped on the light as she walked out; making sure the door was locked as she closed it behind her. She walked down the hall softly whistling a tune from the past and even politely said hi to a man as he exited the elevator and she entered.

As they turned into the drive way of Wade Kincaid's house, Rick remembered the day his best friend and her mom and dad moved in. He and his little sister had been playing in the front yard, this moving van pulled up and from that moment on the three had been inseparable. He looked around at the old neighbor hood, still the same yet different. Time takes its toll on everything it seems. He glanced at his childhood home across the street two houses down, his old house stood vacant, paint peeling, and grass dying...it was heartbreaking to him. Both his mom and dad had taken such pride in that house. Always kept the lawn watered and cut, and the house always had a crisp white coat of paint with hunter green window trim. Their chain link fence sturdy, to keep them safe, and the tall globe willow providing just the right amount of shade for the family to enjoy. All were now neglected and falling apart. Sadly he shook his head as he moved up the walk to the garage that was connected to Wade's home.

Sliding on rubber gloves he reached for the handle to pull the door open. It wouldn't budge.

"Locked; Let's take a look around the side okay." He said to his partner and together they moved to the corner of the garage. Reaching the side door, he tried the door knob and it easily turned in his hand. With a frown he looked at his partner... reached behind his back and grabbed his Glock 9 mm. Sarah, though confused at his reaction didn't hesitate and pulled her weapon as well. Silently they moved into the garage...only to find it empty.

Signaling to his partner to remain quiet Rick made his way to the side door leading into the house. Reaching out to grab the knob, he was glad to find it locked. Breathing a sigh of relief, he holstered his weapon, and turned to his partner.

"Sorry Sarah, that side door has always been locked. So it kind of worried me when it wasn't." Finally taking the time to look around he noticed that things in the garage were not as tidy as Wade kept things. Certain tools were sitting on the workbench, shop rags scattered as well, and a feeling of unease crept over them both.

"Rick, something just doesn't feel right to me... tell me you feel it too." Sarah said as she took in the scene as well.

"I feel it too, but other than what I see, and know is out of character for Wade, I can't put my finger on what it is. But I'm calling the boys to come and process the place. I'm also going to take a look out back okay." Having said that, Rick flipped his cell phone open and call for the CSI unit.

Within an hour the place was crawling with lab people, taking pictures, dusting for prints, gathering whatever else they concluded could be used as evidence should ever need be. Rick had made his way to the back yard, immediately noticed how the lawn was nicely mowed, and well taken care of. Everything was just as he remembered from his childhood. He could almost hear Alex's laughter and Sammy's giggle as he told some corny joke. Walking to the tire swing that hung off of the huge elm tree, he remembered pushing his sister in it and standing on top of the tire hanging on to the rope, he could swear he even heard Wade hollering at him to get down before he broke his 'scrawny neck.' And a smile appeared as his eyes misted over.

"Hey partner, are you alright?" Sarah asked as she walked up behind him.

"Uh, yeah; just thinking you know..." Rick said as he cleared his throat and wiped the emotions from his voice. The soft gentle hand that touched his shoulder told him that he was understood. He chuckled to himself, 'hell of course she'd understand. She's been my partner now for what three years...' As he looked over to her he asked, "Got any plans for dinner?"

"Yup, I've got a TV dinner with my name written on it waiting for me in the freezer."

"Well how does a steak and glass of beer sound instead?" He asked her.

"Are you buying?" Sarah said as she watched Rick closely, and accepted when he said he was paying for dinner. Truth be told she would have accepted had he said no simple because she could tell he needed a friend right now and she suspect that Alex was to close to the situation.

"Okay boss, we got everything we could find, bagged and tagged, it's on its way to the lab. I'll let you know if we find anything useful okay."

"Okay, thanks Rae." Rick said to the tech that was speaking to him, and together he and Sarah walked back around to the front of the house, making sure the garage door and house were secure before leaving.

"Sarah, I need to stop off at Swedish Medical okay." Rick said as they climbed back in the car.

"No problem." She said as she buckled up.

Walking into the care unit that Wade Kincaid was in, the first thing that Rick heard was the soft voice of his sister and some of the worry that stuck with him evaporated. The dark haired beauty looked towards the doorway when she heard him enter, and a smile appeared on her face. She stood up and walked into his arms, and was engulfed in a big hug. Alex who had looked away from her father when she heard Samantha get up smiled and she welcomed the warmth that the feeling of the three together again brought to her. Rick's arms drop from around his sister and he walked over to his friend and hugged her as well, then looked over to the bed and asked, "Any change?"

"Depends on what you call change. According to the Dr, he is stable and the swelling is going down, but he hasn't woke up yet."

"Alex hun, you know it's only been a day or so. Give him a chance for his body to heal itself."

"I know Sammy, but damn it its worrying me."

"I know that, what you think the rest of us aren't?"

"I ...just feel so damn helpless. Is there anything new on the accident Rick?" Alex asked.

The question Rick had been dreading was asked, and now he had no choice but to answer. "Yeah actually that's why I'm here. Dad have any trouble here lately with anyone? Maybe an old client or business associate?"

"Not that I know of. Rick you know dad; he went out of his way to avoid trouble. Why what did you find?"

"The lab went over the pick up with a fine tooth comb. What caused the accident was he lost power steering, which one could say theoretically is happens... his brakes also failed though. And that is just too much of coincidence Alex. I need you to really think about this."

"I don't need to think about it, the last time I talked to him everything was fine."

"Okay how about you? Any one might have a grudge against you? Anyone you can think of that would try to get to you through him?"

"Alex you need to tell him about the phone calls." Samantha spoke up just then.

"What phone calls?" Rick asked his, concern and worry deepening.

"Today two calls were patched through in here. When I answered no one said anything and then hung up. I thought it was a mistake when the first one came through, and when the second one came in, a nurse that was in here called down to the switchboard. The operator remembered the calls and said that the caller asked specifically for dad's room."

Rick looked over to the man lying in the bed and watched. "Alex, go get a nurse."

"What's wrong Alex said with panic in her voice as she ran to the door and hollered to the nearest nurse and rushed back into the room looking at her dad. Nurse rushed in to hear Rick tell Alex, "I saw his finger move, and watch his eyes." She did a quick examination of her patient then paged his Dr. who rushed in not three minutes later, and had them ushered them out of the room and did a more through examination. He then went into the waiting room where he found Alex was pacing. As he walked in Rick stood up and Alex came to a stop in front of him.

"What's going on Dr. Brennan, how's my father?"

"Alex, I can't say for sure if he is coming out of the coma or if this is just involuntary muscle spasms. I can guarantee you that he is stable, all his vitals look great. I'm sorry still looks like a waiting game."

Alex sighed and looked at the Dr. and asked if they could go see him again. After getting the okay to however, Rick said he'd kind of like to talk to Alex alone. So Samantha said she would go sit with Wade while her brother and Alex talked. And as soon as the doctor walked out he continued.

"Alex I don't like the phone calls, or what the lab found. There was a receipt under the seat dated three days ago from some garage where he had his pick up serviced. Sarah and I went out to his house... Alex is dad getting forgetful?"

"Not that I've noticed no. Why?"

"He's never left the side door to the garage unlocked right? I mean I've never known the man to do that. The overhead door was down and locked so I went around to the side, the door was unlocked. Tool were lying on the workbench covered in grease, rags were lying around too... everything else was in its proper place just like when we were little. Alex there was I... don't know just this really bad feeling in that garage, Sarah felt too."

"What do you mean bad feeling Rick?"

"I'm not sure how to explain other that what ever I felt made the hair on the back of my neck stand up. Hell if judging from Sarah's reaction, she felt it too and she couldn't wait to get out of there, trust me."

"What the fuck Rick, are you talking "the place is haunted make your stand up or what?" Alex asked with a laugh.

"I wish to hell I could explain it Al. Look, considering what the lab found, I'm going to have a couple of officers placed in front of your dad's door okay. And I'll have some one talk to the switchboard operator, although I doubt she will be able to tell us anything. You keep thinking about anyone that dad may have had trouble with or anyone that might be after you okay?"

"Sure, you know I will." Alex answered lost in thought, and then continued as Rick started walking out "Rick you find whoever did this before I do." The look in her eye was clear as a bell to Rick and that was exactly what he had been afraid of.

"Damn it Alex, don't do anything stupid!" he said exasperated.

"Then I guess you'll get busy and find whoever did this before I do, because I promise you the minute I know that man in there is fine, I'm look for them got it." She finished as she walked past him and headed back into her fathers room as she approached the door she turned around and said "I'll have my own man posted at this door, use yours for find this person." Leaving a very frustrated Rick swearing after her.

Rick knew Alex had some pretty competent people working for her and as well as contacts. Which meant his job just got harder, AND he was on a timer now.

Back in Wade's room Alex went over to her dad, took his hand as she sat down before she collapsed, her legs were shaking so bad. Samantha jumped up from the other side of the bed and went over to her, standing behind her she gently place her hands on her shoulders and leaned in softly whispering in her ear "It's going to be okay Babe." Her arms wrapping around Alex from behind.

"Has to be Sammy, he's all I have left." Alex said as she broke down, leaving Samantha with nothing to do but hold her tight, and curse whoever it was that was responsible for Alex feeling this way. The tears stopped and Alex pulled herself together after a while. Feeling a bit embarrassed at crying she cleared her throat and wiped at her eyes with the sleeve of her shirt blew out a deep breath and tried to smile up at Samantha. Samantha knowing Alex as well as she did knew that was her cue to move and pretend nothing out of the ordinary had happened. She also however was worried about both Alex and Wade and had to ask. "Alex, what else did Rick tell you? How bad does it look?" Alex filled her in on what Rick had told her.

"I need to ask you for a favor. Do you think you can stay here with him while I run out and make some calls, call in some favors of my own, make arrangements for security for dad?" She asked.

"You know better than that Alex. Go do what you need to do, I'll be here and I'll call you if anything changes okay."

"Thank you Sammy." Alex said as she hugged the woman, she then looked down at her father and said, "I'll be back soon dad you don't give Sammy a hard time you hear...I'll be back soon Sammy." and then she walked out of the room, making her way to the elevator deep in thought.

As she got to the first floor of the hospital she flipped her cell phone on and immediately the voice mails started coming in. At least four calls that went to voice mail but had no message, and three others from potential clients. Hailing a cab, she climbed in gave the driver the address to her offices and sat back lost in thought. As soon as the cab pulled up to the address she was handing the driver her money and stepping out not even waiting for her change. With a dash she was in the door and on her way up to her office on the fifth floor. Bursting in she didn't bother with formalities but instead said, "Jennifer, Get Ted and Ryan in my office now, and see if you can track down Susan Reynolds."

"Well hi boss, how was your vacation, you bet I'm on it." The woman behind the desk said as Alex went into her office and shut the door. With in minutes her line was buzzing and Jennifer putting Susan Reynolds through.

"Susan, its Alexandria Kincaid how are you? Oh good I'm glad to hear that. Look, I need some help." She said.

"Okay, do you want to come to the office or me go to your office. I think I have an hour free around four this afternoon."

"Sounds good I can go to your office. It's right on the way to the hospital so I'll see you about four. Thanks Susan."

"Can you give me an idea of what I'm doing?"

"I need you to look into a vehicle accident."

"Okay... I'll see you at four then."

"Thanks Susan." And Alex hung up the phone just in time for Susan to announce that Ted Smith, and Ryan Ericsson were there and waiting for her. She said to send them in. She stood as they entered and she greeted them. "Hey guys come on in and sit down. Susan can you bring some coffee please. I need to know what you two have on the table as far as jobs go." She started out.

"I'm clear at the moment. I just wrapped up the Morrison job yesterday." Ted answered, and then looked over at Ryan.

"I'm probably a day or two out on finishing Tyson's. Why, what's up boss?"

"You two still have permits to carry correct...and if you don't there better be a reason you let it lapse. I need you two posted at Swedish Medical. My father was involved in an accident yesterday that isn't looking like an accident anymore. Ted you will be outside the door, Ryan you're inside with him at all times, understood? Ryan hand the Tyson job over to Jim let him finish it up."

"When do you want us to head over there?" Ryan asked.

"As soon as I'm done filling you in okay." Alex gave them each a copy of the police file that Rick had given her and filled them on what had been told to her earlier verbally. They finished their coffee, and getting their questions answered then left, just in time for Alex to head off to her meeting with Susan. She stopped at Jennifer's desk long enough to let her know what was going on and left her with instructions to manage what she could in the day to day operation of the firm, and she then left. As she walked out the front door of the building she hailed a cab, and give directions to her next stop, never suspecting that her actions were being watched. It was close to 5:30 in the evening when Alex was finally heading back in to the hospital doors, through the short phone calls between Samantha and herself she knew there had been no change in her fathers condition as of yet. As she entered the elevator and the doors were about to close someone shouted "hold the doors please!" And she reached out to stop the doors from closing.

A rushed woman stepped inside the car and said "Thank you so much." Alex looked at the woman and smiled as she said "No problem. What floor?"

"Oh um 7 please, and thank you for holding the doors. You don't remember me do you Alex?"

"I'm sorry, forgive me but I've got a lot on my mind, no you don't look familiar to me." Alex said as she looked closely at the red head that was riding in the elevator car with her.

"Debra Chapman, um you did some work for my dad a few years back and um well we..."

"Oh my god, yes I remember. I'm so sorry Deb. How have you been?" Alex said as she tried to recall the name, and only came up with fragments of memories.

"I'm alright, how about you?"

"Good, I'm glad to hear that. I'm actually... well I've been better but you know that's life right. Oh god your not here to visit your dad are you, is he alright?" Alex asked as she thought about her former client. She genuinely liked the man and hoped he was alright.

"Oh dad is fine thanks for asking. No I'm visiting a friend...had some kind of surgery. How about you? I don't recall hospitals being your favorite places to hang out at." The red head said was a teasing tone.

"No, they aren't, I'm here for my father. He was involved in an automobile accident."

"Oh my god, I hope he is alright! What room is he in I'd love to send him flowers."

"He's in ICU... "

"Ok well hey, think this is your floor, can I call you at your office, I'd love to get together for coffee or something. Maybe I'll just bring you some I'm sure you don't wander far from the hospital at the moment."

"That would be great because I really prefer to not leave dad if I don't have to, it's all Sammy and the Dr can do to get me to leave for the night."

"Oh... you're back with Samantha?"

"No, no she is just keeping me from doing something stupid and going insane. That's all. Look it was great seeing you again...uh....stop by the ICU okay.." Alex finished as she stepped out of the elevator and the doors closed. And without a second thought Alex went into the room, and smiled at Sammy.

"Hey, how's he doing?"

"Hi, he is resting comfortably. I think his color looks a lot better don't you?"

"It does yes. I have Ted and Ryan coming in to watch the door. I'll make sure they know who you are and that you can come and go as you wish with out all the hassle."

"Okay... Alex tell me what you're thinking."

"I'm not sure what I'm thinking nor am I sure what to think. Sammy dad doesn't have one enemy that I can think of, not one business deal EVER that has gone bad. Christ the man is a Saint compared to everyone else, you know. None of this makes sense."

"I know I haven't seen dad in a while, and that you know him better than anyone, but is it at all possible that he was having some trouble that he didn't tell you about?"

"NO, come on. Dad wouldn't keep anything like that from me."

"No Alex I don't know that and honesty neither do you. You would like to think that, but when it comes right down to it you do not know for a fact that something was going on with him."

Alex looked as her friend and fought the irritation she was feeling, because deep down she knew that Sammy was right.

"Okay you're right. I do know how ever that the last time we spoke he was happy as a clam, on his way to meet up with an old friend, and enjoying retirement. He had no reason what so ever to even consider suicide. I can promise you that sure as I stand here."

"Okay honey, I was just making sure." Samantha said as she walked over and hugged Alex.

Dylan and Renee had an enjoyable lunch and conversation, both having decided to let the topic of Renee's vacation drop. They discussed getting together sometime that week for dinner with Dylan's partner, Drew, and then discussed ideas for up coming projects. The one thing that concerned Dylan however was that his friend continued to look at her cell phone and would slip it back in her purse with a look of disappointment when she saw there was no missed call or text message.

Deciding to break their silent agreement to leave the topic alone, his only comment was, "She'll call."

"I hope so Dylan."

"Or better yet, you can call her you know... if you are that worried."

"No, I can't bother her, not when she is worried about her father Dylan."

"She might actually appreciate hearing from you." He said before he continued, "and as enjoyable as lunch has been unfortunately its time to get back to the grind of making a living."

"Hmm, maybe." Was all Renee said as she thought about calling. And the two left the bar and grill and Renee decided to call once they got back to the office. As they got back to the office and settled back to work Renee once again got caught in projects and calls, but wasn't totally unaware that Alex didn't text or call. Finally around three pm she decided maybe she would try calling, when she did the call went straight to voice mail.

"Okay don't over react, she is probably at the hospital still... I mean God knows that's where I'd be, if it was my dad." She told herself in an effort to calm her nerves. And with that thought she went back to work although not completely distracted from her cell phone.

Rick was doing all the investigating and running down any possible idea or lead he could come up with, and there weren't many. He spoke to the operator who and taken the calls for Wade's room, of course not like there was much of a lead or anything helpful there. He spoke to a few of Wade's friends that were still in the neighbor hood, some that he worked with, and always got the same story... no one could think of a single person that would have it in for the man. "Damn it." He swore out loud. "One dead end after another."

"Rick what did you think you were gonna find a printed sign pointing to the guilty party? Look its quitting time and you promised me a steak dinner. We'll hit it again first thing in the morning. Maybe with a fresh mind we can come up with something okay." Sarah told her partner.

"Yeah, maybe you have a point. Let's stop off at the station so I can drop off these notes." Rick said as he looked over at his partner as they got into the car.

Dinner was actually very nice, a nice quiet steakhouse in town with a friendly atmosphere, and very good service. The two had a good time talking and getting to know each other on a different leave. Being partners for close to three years they were close and knew a lot about each other but had always kept a certain distance, had kept some walls up. Tonight those walls for whatever reason came down and both found themselves revealing more personal intimate details about themselves. Maybe it was because they were both for the first time since their partnership began, single, and there was no worry about upsetting the other persons current. Tonight they were both able to relax, and not have to worry about watching behavior, or joking or innocent touches that could be misconstrued by a partner. Eventually Sarah's curiosity got the better of her and she asked, "So what's the story with this Alex person? Is she an ex or something?"

Rick let out a deep laugh and answered, "Alex, no... Alex, Sammy and I grew up together. Her and her dad moved to the neighborhood when we were about six. I guess you could say we were the three musketeers or the three trouble makers depending on your take of the situation."

"Ok, but you were never interested in her?"

"No, it was more a case of Sammy being interested in her and her in Sammy."

"Oh... I see."

"Please don't tell me you're one of those homophobic cops." Rick stated calmly as he prepared himself for the axe to fall.

"No by no means am I homophobic. Rick one of my Aunts happens to be lesbian. Unfortunately it's still one of those things you don't let out until you know exactly the company you keep is cool with it. That doesn't mean by any means that I'm ashamed of her."

"Yup I totally understand, with Sammy it use to be hard at times feeling the need to smash some assholes head in for making derogatory comments to her or about her, but damn she was always the calm one telling me to just ignore ignorant people. Sammy always had a tough skin, and a mind of her own along with a 'go fuck yourself' attitude if you didn't like her decisions." Rick laughed at the memories of Sammy at age 14 poking her finger in his chest telling him to mind his own business when he told her someone called her and Alex fags, and that she needed to stop making goo-goo eyes when she thought no one was looking.

"How old were they when they came out?" Sarah asked.

"Alex came out first year of high school so she had to have been what... thirteen or fourteen. Sammy said she liked Alex when she was ten years old." Rick continued with a chuckle. "She didn't officially come out until she was sixteen. Alex and Sammy didn't officially become a couple until they were seventeen." He finished saying.

"Wow, so what happened why are they not together now?" Sarah asked.

"Alex wasn't ready for the kind of commitment Sammy was in the end I suppose. I know what ever happened it broke Sammy's heart."

"Okay and you and Alex are still friends after all was said and done?"

"Well yeah, wasn't easy though, I was mad as hell at her for hurting my sister like that and it took along time to get back to where we were, just like it took Sammy and her to get back where they are. Alex was right if she wasn't ready she would have just ended up hurting Samantha more in the long run. I can't fault her for trying to protect my sister."

"So what happened at Kincaid's house earlier? Was it just a case of nostalgic memories washing over you?"

"Yes, and the realization that Wade could have been killed. I just let emotions get to me today was all. Thank you for being there though and asking."

"You're my partner, and my friend... I need you okay ya know. Thank you for dinner, it was wonderful. Getting to talk to you on a more personal level and getting to know you... its great thank you." Sarah said shyly. Rick smiled, stood and help Sarah to her feet and together they left laughing and joking.

CHAPTER 15

It had been a long day for Alex after she had her conversation with Rick, what with arranging for security at her fathers door, and rounding up a couple of people to look into the accident, so when Samantha finally talked her into leaving the hospital around seven that night she didn't argue. Again Samantha took her out for a hot meal got her to relax some and once again dropped her off at the door to her apartment building, with the promise to again pick her up the following morning. Alex walked to her door exhausted both physically and emotionally, and was in no way prepared to deal with what she'd find in her apartment.

Once she walked into her apartment something prickled at the hairs on the back of her neck and she was at once on high alert. She cautiously made her way thru the living room and glance into the kitchen. The sliver of light from the opened microwave was all she needed to pull her cell phone out and call Rick.

Rick and Sarah had just gotten in the car intent on heading to the station to pick up Sarah's car when his cell went off. Quickly he made a u turn and headed the opposite direction at a higher rate of speed, with his emergency lights flashing.

"Someone was in Alex's apartment; we need to check it out okay?"

"Sure. Is she alright?"

"Yeah I think so, can you radio in and get someone to meet us there. She isn't going to be happy but it's a crime scene now."

"I'm thinking she knew it would be once she called you Rick."

As soon as Alex hung up from talking to Rick she slowly and mindful to not touch anything, made her way through the rest of the apartment, noticing little things that had been disturbed or moved. In the bed room was where she got the biggest surprise of all. The single red rose lying on her pillow. The knock on her door kept her from getting sick.

"Rick, you need to go to the bedroom I have a psycho I think." Were the first words out of her mouth as she opened the door. Rick and Sarah looked at each other and Rick went directly to the bed room. Sarah wrapped her arm around Alex's shoulder and said, "Come on let's sit down and you tell me what all you found when you got home. Don't leave anything out no matter how insignificant you might think it is. I'm Sarah Marshall, Rick's partner, sorry to have to be meeting you this way."

"Rick said he was just leaving dinner, I thought that meant he was off the job." Alex started... "Wait are you two..."

"No nothing like that, we were just grabbing a bite to eat after our shift is all." Sarah rushed to explain as she turned a slight shade of pink. "Now um... what did you notice when you first came in that alarmed you?"

"I unlocked the door, came in and for some reason the hairs on the back of my neck stood up. There was nothing I could put my finger on just something didn't feel right. When I came all the way in I could see a sliver of light from the kitchen, the microwave to be exact, you'll find a note stuck to the door... other than that I'm not sure I didn't touch anything. I reached for my cell and called Rick." Just then there was a knock on the door and Sarah motioned her to stay seated as she got up to let the other officers in.

"Well guess I should have expected the entire department to be called in." Alex said with a touch of displeasure.

"Well damn, if it isn't Alex Kincaid. How ya been you old dog you?" Was the shout from one of the investigators that entered.

"Well can't be all that great if you're here no can I be Simmons." Alex answered with a smile as she stood and went to hug the woman.

"I was just about to get Ms Kincaid to give me a statement on what she is observed being moved , out o place things like that, Simmons take photographs or everything for different angles and ...."

"Simmons I want you to start in here first." Rick said as he walked out of the bed room. Does anyone you know have a key to your place and is still nuts about you that you can think of?"

"No one Rick, Diane gave you the one she had... and the lock is still the same only because I've been busy with dad at the hospital, otherwise I have changed out when a relationship goes south."

"Damn I should have been a locksmith!" Rick joked, trying to lighten the moment a little. "Okay does anything seem to be missing?"

"Not that I can tell. Moved yes, but until I can touch and really look I can't answer that one."

"Okay when Simmons is done in the bedroom I want you to go in there look and see if you can tell if anything was taken."

"You got it." Alex answered him as she thought.

"Lewis, I want you to start questioning the neighbors, see if they noticed anyone coming or leaving, you know the drill." And with that the officer went to work. Within a couple of hours Simmons was done processing the bedroom, and Lewis and his partner were back from pounding on the doors of some unhappy neighbors. In retrospect they couldn't blame them for being that way after all it was past midnight already, and the last thing anyone wanted was to open the door to a police officer at that time of the night. Alex had gone into the bedroom, looked behind the painting that concealed her safe, checked to make sure it was still secure, then walked to her jewelry box, her heart sank when she saw the one piece of jewelry that was missing. As she walked back into the living room she spoke to Rick, "The only thing I can tell that's missing is the necklace Sammy gave me for our first anniversary."

"Wait, you remember what she gave you?"

"You idiot, of course I do. It was a gold chain with a floating angel, 14k gold." Alex answered. Rick stared at her in astonishment... how can you remember that it was years ago?"

Both Alex and Sarah who were standing next to him smacked him on either arm. "Ouch, what was that for? It was a legitimate question."

"Rick you'd know it if you saw it. And how can you not remember a gift that was given to you by someone special on a very special day?"

"Um, well..."

"Oh Christ don't bother to answer that." Sarah said as she walked away muttering something about men having the observation skills of a speck of dust.

"What?" He simply asked in confusion. As they wrapped things up, Rick offered to sleep on the couch, and post an officer at the door, both which Alex declined. "Okay Al but look if ANYTHING happens you call me got it." Of course that was said with the expressed look that said 'Shoot first ask questions later.' one which Alex was totally willing to follow in this instance.

With Rick, and the rest of the officers gone, Alex wandered from room to room straightening and cleaning up the mess that had been left behind, her adrenalin way to high for her to get any kind of sleep. Anger boiled in her veins, as sense of violation floated around her as well and neither emotion made her happy. Alex Kincaid, was a woman use to being in control, there was very little that was thrown at her that she couldn't deal with and now tonight, oh hell the last couple of nights it seemed that's all that was happening. First her fathers' accident, the reports coming in that were proving what her gut had told her all along, it was no accident, now this... "What the hell is going on?" she said to no one as she looked out the window and saw the lights of Denver lit up, and a soft flakes of snow drifting down, making everything fluffy and white. Looking at the clock she saw the time was after 3 in the morning, it was too late to call Renee, and even if it wasn't, what was there to say? "Gee 'I'm sorry I waited to call you so late, it's just been a really messed up day. We found out that someone tried to kill dad, and the well some one broke into my apartment took a special item left a long stem rose. No prints no leads... "Right that's just the type of thing a new girl friend just wants to hear about. So Alex decided to let the nightly call slip by for the night... Renee will understand once I explain it all to her, "You hope." She said to herself as she walked away from the window. Back in New Mexico, Renee waited for a call that never came. She ate dinner, tried to watch a show on T.V., tried to read a book paced a lot and finally gave up and went to bed; where she tossed and turned until finally falling into a restless sleep.

Renee woke the next morning tired and a little depressed when she realized that Alex never did call her again. "Well what did you think? You should have known once Samantha was back in the picture that was the end." She said to herself. Tossing the blanket off of her she got up and made her way to the kitchen to start her coffee, and then headed to the shower, her mood not the best in the world. She stepped out of the shower just in time to hear the final ring of her phone. As she rushed to her room, towel drying her hair, she reach the phone just as she heard Alex saying she was sorry she missed her and would try again later. Grabbing the phone she prayed she would make it before Alex hung up, but luck wasn't on her side this morning and she wasn't in time. As she was placing the phone back down it rang again. Hoping it was Alex she answered with a rushed 'hello' and was again disappointed to find her boss on the other end informing her that a client was pushing for a meeting first thing that morning, and to get to the office and pull up all the campaign ideas they had. For Renee that meant she had thirty minutes to get dressed and out the door, therefore any farther thought of Alex had to be pushed out of her mind.

The rush to the office was done without coffee, which didn't help Renee's disposition any at all, and it set the tone for the day. For Renee it seemed the day only got worse. The client didn't like anything she or Dylan came up with and was demanding something by the end of the middle of the next week. Dylan was snippy because he felt their work was well done, and the client was just being difficult, Renee was trying to toss ideas out that Dylan was not listening to and by the end of the morning she was ready to kill the next person that either walked in to her office to complain about something or bitch at her.

Lost in thought and staring at her computer monitor, Renee jumped when her private line rang. Out of frustration and her morning and having the shit scared out of her just then she answered with an angry "JESUS CHRIST...I swear to god if you've called to yell at me hang up now."

"Um, Sweetheart is everything okay?" She heard coming from the deep sexy voice that belonged to Alex.

"Yep, what could possibly be wrong Alex?"

"Uh, well not sure but you don't sound like yourself. I just wanted to call and tell you how sorry I am that I didn't get a chance to call you last night."

"Alex you know what, you really don't know me or that much about me, just as I don't know all about you. As for last night don't worry about it."

"Renee I'm not sure what is going on with you but I think maybe you need to relax a bit and let me explain what happened."

"Sure, explain away not sure what difference it will make but hey if you feel better afterwards go right on ahead."

"Well a lot has happened in the last twenty four hours. Rick is investigating dad's accident and it wasn't an accident after all. After spending all afternoon and most of the evening arranging for security for dad I go home to find my apartment had been broken into. On top of everything happening with dad, I have to deal with an admirer. With Rick, and the crime scene investigators not leaving my place until well after three in the morning, it was just really a long day and I didn't think it was right to call you that late."

Renee was thrown by what she heard, and warring with herself over whether to believe or not. 'That's a really good story, gotta give her credit for imagination. But now wait, it is very believable. OF course it's believable, did you honestly expect her to tell you that she was with Samantha all night and THAT'S why she couldn't call?' With her mind in a whirl, her first words at hearing what Alex had said were "Oh my God, someone tried to kill your father? Do the police have any leads?"

"Not yet. Rick is leading the investigation and I have my own people on it. We'll get whoever did this."

"Well God I hope you do. Look, I'm sorry for the way I answered your call just now, and I'm sorry for all the troubles you having, but I don't think I can deal with this."

That hit Alex like a ton of bricks, and left her winded and with a hollow feeling. "Just what don't you think you can deal with?" She asked in a guarded voice as she prepared to argue her case.

"I don't want to get hurt again and, with Samantha and you I think that's a huge possibility. The other night I just happened to be there I think... and I'm not sorry it happened. I just don't see it going anywhere, at least not anytime in the near future." Renee answered.

Taking a deep breath Alex began, "Well I'm glad you aren't sorry about what happened the other night, because I'm sure as hell not. Look I know for all you know and more than likely formed in opinions, I jump into bed with the first woman that approaches me, and you're probably thinking that's what happened with you, but it isn't. I feel a connection with you that I haven't felt in a very long time, and I would like to explore that more. Granted the other night probably wouldn't have happened as it did had it not been for that dream and all the emotions that were bubbling to the surface. But you know as well as I do, it would have eventually happened, and it wouldn't have been followed with us going our separate ways like we did. As far as Samantha goes, the past is in the past where it belongs. She has someone else that is good for her and that loves her and gives her what I couldn't. Yes we are extremely close and she does know me better than anyone, but stop and think that's to be expected for as long as we've known each other. However that's where it stops. Samantha is my friend now and that's all she will ever be Renee. Please just give us a chance."

Renee was completely torn, a very huge part of her heart said believe in Alex, but the part that was hurt and scared said you're a fool if you do. "I don't know Alex. I need to think about it okay?"

"I guess there is nothing I can do other than let you do what you need to do. But Renee, I think there is something very wonderful waiting for us, give us the chance to find it. Will it be okay for me to call you later this evening?"

"Alex... let me think okay. I'll be in touch with you."

"Alright, guess that's all I can ask of you. I hope to hear from you soon Renee." Alex said, her voice holding a slight trace of the pain she was feeling, and with that she hung up.

Renee sat looking at the phone she held in her hand, her heart hurting more than she thought possible, in fact more than it had ever hurt over Donna and her mind trying to grasp what she had just done, and a knock on her door just before it opened and her boss entered. 'Guess I have to wait to fall apart damn it.'

Back in Denver, Alex was slamming her phone against the door and watching it scatter to the floor in pieces. At hearing the loud thud at her boss's door, Jennifer rushed towards her office and without hesitation rushed in. "Alex, are you alright? I heard... okay yeah that's what I heard." She finished as she looked at the scattered pieces of the phone on the floor.

"I'm fine Jennifer. Please get me another phone. I'll be back later." Alex said, her voice holding the tightly reigned anger and pain she was feeling, and her dark blue eyes flashing the same anger. Jennifer barely got out a 'will do,' before Alex stormed pasted her.

"Well okay then... damn she is mad!" the secretary said to no one as she went about cleaning up the shattered phone.

Alex's mood didn't improve at all before she arrived at the hospital. The anger in fact boiled as she looked towards the nurse's station and saw her employee, trying to charm one of the nurses. The nurse was the first to look in Alex's direction quickly followed by Ted's who hurriedly towards his boss, knowing by the storm building in her face that he messed up.

"Hey Boss, I was just..."

"I don't care what you were just doing. Gather your things and leave." She turned on her heel and walked away from Ted who was walking trying to catch up with her and talk to her.

"I was just..."

Alex turned on Ted quickly and in a deep and cold voice said, "Ted only telling you once more. Leave, call Jennifer tomorrow and pray you still have a job."

"But..."

"DO NOT push me."

"Jesus Christ, it's a bitch to just sit at a damn door doing nothing."

"That's your job at the moment. If you can't handle it then leave, and don't bother calling tomorrow." Alex said through clenched teeth. "Either way I suggest that you get out of my sight right now."

"Damn it Alex..."

Alex turned and walked into her father's room. Samantha looked up as did Ryan. Her first words were spoken to Ryan in a tone that left no doubt in his mind that he should follow directions. "Tell Ted to leave NOW, I don't want to see him or hear his voice right now." And with that Ryan was out the door.

Outside in the corridor Ryan looked at Ted, "Damn what the hell did you do?"

"Shit I was just talking to the nurse." Ted started to defend himself.

"Fuck, you mean you were trying to score her number on company time and the boss caught you."

"Yeah okay I was. But damn it this is shit having to sit here watching a damn door."

"Oh Christ please don't tell me you told her that."

"Yeah I did. It's the truth, and you know it."

"You really are an idiot. Look, go home. I'll talk to her and call you later."

"Why bother she's a fucking bitch dyke, who gives shit jobs to me."

"You fucking idiot. She pays damn good money for the chicken shit work you do, and if you think you can get better wages for your crap work and your attitude go. Do us all a favor." Ryan said as he turned his back to Ted to walk into the room.

"I thought you were a friend. You're honestly gonna side with that cunt?"

With that Ryan turned around and swung his fist hitting Ted square in the jaw sending him backwards onto his back. Ryan quickly stepped over the stunned man, reached down and grabbed a hand full of shirt. With a low voice he said, "You thought wrong. That woman in there is the best at what she does, she is a damn good employer and a damn good person, and a better friend than you could even dream of being. If I ever hear you say another word against her I'll make you wish you had never been born." As he stood up and stepped over Ted two security officers appeared. Ryan was quick with showing his credentials stated his assignment and told the officers that the man on the floor was to be escorted of the building. The two men helped Ted to his feet and once there Ted yanked his arm away from one of the security officers and menacingly told Ryan "You both just made one huge mistake. Hope your both ready to pay for it because I'm itching to give it to you."

"Take him out of here and make sure he isn't allowed back in anytime soon."

Ryan watched as the three men entered the elevator, his knuckles swelling and the pain setting in. As he slowly shook it as he tried to flex the fingers, and the nurse that Ted was hitting on hurried to look at Ryan's hand. "I hate to say this but I think it's broken, let's get you down to x-ray and have a doctor look at it. And um, thank you. He was giving me the creeps and wouldn't take no for an answer."

"I'm sorry about that. He was always a jerk towards women... really sorry you had to even been exposed to that." Ryan said as he held his hand up to his chest and the two walked to the elevator headed to x-ray.

As soon as Ryan walked out of the room, Samantha said "What's wrong and don't say nothing because I know you to damn well and I can see that you are totally over the edge."

"Where do you want me to start, all this shit with dad? Or how about the fact that my apartment was broken into last night and I had Rick and a bunch of other police there until three this morning... or better yet, how about how Renee isn't sure that she can deal with all of this meaning she isn't sure you and I are completely over, and doesn't want me to call her. She 'will be in touch with me.' Top that off with walking in to the hospital corridor and seeing the employee I assigned to watch my father's door, hitting on a nurse instead of at his post."

"Oh hell... okay look dad is safe you know that. Nothing will happen to him here in the hospital, you know that. Did Renee say when she would be in touch with you?"

"What do you think?"

"Well okay, maybe I could talk to her and..."

"And what make it so that she thinks I told my girlfriend so she can fight my battles for me, or better yet that you're calling because I asked you to and we're both just lying to her and fooling ourselves cuz we really do want to be together." Alex snapped at Samantha.

"Look I know you've had a rough couple of days and you're dealing with a lot of stress on top of everything else, but don't snap me for trying to help come up with something to make things easier on you." Samantha hissed at Alex in a low voice so as to not cause the man lying in the bed any worry in case he could indeed hear what was happening.

Alex's eyes darkened even more as if that were possible, as she looked directly at Samantha and said, "Outside NOW." The command did nothing more that raise Samantha's ire. Her eyes now flashed with anger as she stood and said, "Fine let's go." And walked out the door straight across to the waiting room. Alex being the last one in closed the door, as Samantha turned on her, her index finger posed to jab Alex in the chest as she advanced.

"Don't ever talk to me in that tone of voice again Alexandra Jean Kincaid. I am NOT one of you employee's nor one of your damned women." She started.

"I didn't mean..."

"I'm not done talking, and you are going to let me finish and you're going to listen to all I have to say." Samantha growled as her finger poked Alex in the chest.

"I've known you for a very long time and I have always been there for you through think and thin. I do not deserve to be treated this way. I know you have a lot of shit going on so I'm going to let it slide but don't you EVER think you can pull that with me again do you understand? I get that you're under a lot of stress, but that in no way gives you the right to treat people that love you like whipping posts."

"I'm sorry Sammy, damn it I'm sorry. It's just been hell the last twenty four hours. I didn't expect Renee to end us like she did and I sure as hell didn't expect to see one of my employees's disregarding my orders."

"What did you mean someone broke into your apartment Alex?"

"I got home last night opened the door and just had a bad feeling, there was light coming from the kitchen, because who ever it was opened the microwave and left me a cup of coffee. Remember the angel necklace you gave me for our first anniversary? Whoever it was took it... and left a red rose on my pillow."

"Oh God, do you have any idea of who would have done that?"

"Not a damned one. There's Ryan, I need to go talk to him... Sammy, I'm really sorry for behaving like I did with you."

"Sure, look you are staying at my place tonight; I don't want you alone in your apartment."

"Everything is fine Sammy, I called had the locks changed and arranged for extra security with Mike. Look I'll fill you in some later, ok Sweetie."

"Okay, I'll go sit with dad." Samantha said not happy with the answer she had gotten from Alex, and together they walked out the door.

As Alex approached Ryan she said, "What happened?"

"Well boss, Ted decided to make things difficult."

"Broken?"

"Unfortunately it is yeah.

"Okay, go home. I'll figure something else out."

"Not leaving my post, feel bad enough I left to go down to x-ray."

"Ryan... you sure your alright enough to stay? How's the pain?"

"I'm good boss. And yeah I'm sure I can stay I don't trust Ted not to come back."

"Ok, what exactly happen?" Alex asked, and once Ryan told her about having trouble getting Ted to leave and tried to leave out exactly what cause him to injure his hand, but Alex pushed the issue and got him to spill it all.

"I'll be back shortly Ryan; I need to take care of a couple of things."

"Boss, I'd stay clear of Ted for a while he's really pissed."

"OH Yeah? Well so am I. Look thanks for the concern and for defending my honor, I need to make sure Jennifer has accounting cut Ted, his final check and that security back at the office is aware of the situation as well as find a replacement for him."

"I'm sorry Alex, I really thought he was better at the job than he actually was, Jefferson said he was good at what he did and I took him at his word."

"Wasn't your fault, I was in a rush to get someone to cover the influx of jobs coming in and I didn't screen as well as I normally would have. Ryan, don't worry about it. Keep an eye on my dad and Samantha...don't let her leave alone."

"You got it boss." Ryan said as Alex walked towards the elevator. "Boss, don't you think you should get your jacket. It's only dumping snow outside, not cold or anything ya know." He joked, hoping to at least get a small smile from the woman, which he did if just a slight one. Alex walked back towards the room and quietly entered, apologized to her dad who she wished she could just stay with and Samantha then left. Just as the elevator doors were closing she heard someone say "Please hold the doors!" and her hand shot out to hold them open. To her surprise it was the same woman who she bumped in to just the afternoon before, yet to her embarrassment she couldn't remember the name.

"Well hi again Alex!" the red head spoke softly. "How's your dad doing?"

"There's no change...um...I'm sorry I don't recall your name at the moment." Alex said as her face felt like it was on fire from embarrassment.

"Debra..."

"Yes that's right, Debra. I'm truly sorry. It's just been a hell of a day and sad to say it's not over yet."

"That doesn't sound good. Anything I can do to help?"

"Not unless you know of someone that is licensed to carry, and has a license to do investigation and bonded."

"How soon do you need this person?" Debra asked with a smile.

"Well from the sounds of it yesterday, today... tomorrow." Alex said with a laugh."

"Have dinner with me and I'll let you know." The red head teased.

"Debra, really it's not a good time. I just have too much to do and worry about with dad, and..."

"Look you have to eat. I'm not proposing that we move in together its just dinner. In fact if it makes it easier for you we can do coffee. I'll make a couple of calls and find out what I can okay."

"Debra..." Alex started, and then took a deep breath. Feeling both backed against a wall, and in need of a replacement for Ted she sighed and said, "Okay, sure coffee sounds great but I need to stop by my office and take care of a few things is that alright?"

With a smile Debra said it was fine, and together they walked out of the hospital and to Alex's car. With a low whistle, Deb said "Wow, you must be doing pretty well for yourself Alex!" Alex turned red, and replied, "I'm doing alright." As she pulled her Jaguar out of the parking garage of the hospital, and headed to her office building. Once there, Alex stopped and spoke to the head of security as Deb waited for her then together they rode up to her floor. Opening the door they walked in and Alex spoke Deb do you mind waiting here, I do need to make a couple of calls. I'll have Jennifer bring you anything you'd like or if you'd rather wait for that coffee I shouldn't be to long."

"No that's fine I don't mind waiting at all and I'll wait on the coffee too." Debra said as she took a seat and picked up a magazine. "Not a problem at all." She finished with a wink at Alex.

"Jennifer could you come with me please?" Alex asked as she headed for her inner office. Jennifer looked over at Debra as she stood and followed her boss.

"Jen I need to apologize for earlier."

"Not a big deal boss, I understand it's been a bad couple of days."

"Oh you have no idea, and it's gotten worse. I need you to get a hold of accounting and have the cut Ted his final check. As of today he no longer works here, and has no business on the premises, and for at least a few days when you leave you'll be escorted to your car. Don't leave the building alone is that understood?"

"Totally, do you mind telling my why I'm being guarded on my way to my car?" Was the question Jennifer asked, as she sat down and waited for Alex to answer her.

"Ted has an issue with the fact that I was his boss, and both Ryan and I feel some of his comments lean towards threatening. Therefore we aren't taking any chances." Alex answered.

"Okay how long are we going to have to worry about him?"

"I'm hoping he was just blowing off steam and that it won't be very long, a couple of days at the most. Right now it's just a play it by ear kind of thing okay. Look I don't want to scare you or worry you, but I do want you safe. At the moment I don't know for a fact that his threats were just aimed at me or if they were aimed at anyone in my employ." Alex finished saying.

As the two talked in Alex's inner office, Debra was busy on her cell calling one of her friends, who at the moment was between jobs and had all the qualifications Alex needed. Debra smiled big when Diego told her he would be interested in meeting with Alex. 'Great this totally works for me.' She thought to herself. She assured Diego that she would pass his number to Alex and she would indeed be calling him within the next few hours. Alex and Jennifer walked out of her office a few minutes later and Debra and the tall dark haired woman left. They walked to a little coffee shop just down the street from Alex's office, found a table in the corner, where Debra sat while Alex went to place their order. As Alex sat down Debra smiled and said "I'm really glad I bumped into you! Tell me what's been going on since we broke up."

"Oh you know same old same old, working pretty much. What about with you Debra?" Alex asked.

"I went back to work for dad's racing team, been doing alright actually. He's in lead on points and winning races so he's happy!" Debra said.

"Good I'm glad to hear that, I like your dad he's a damn good driver." Alex commented. "I don't mean to be rude but, I really do need the information on this person you think maybe interested in a job." She finished just as their coffee and Danishes arrived. She flashed the young lady who brought them a dazzling smile as she thanked her. A smile that made Debra's falter some.

As the woman walked away, Debra again put a smile on her face and calmly said, "Yes, I spoke to Diego and he is interested, definitely in between jobs." She said as she wrote a name and phone number down on a slip of paper, and slid it over to Alex.

"Great thanks, um do you mind if I call him now? I really need someone right now." Alex asked as she was pulling her cell phone out of her pocket.

"Not a problem, just remember I'm here when you're done though!"

"Um...yeah." Alex said as she looked at Debra, stood and said "I'll be right back." She walked over to a nearby table and sat down just as the phone was picked up on the other end. Within ten minutes she had arranged for Diego Santos to meet her at the hospital in an hour for a face to face. With a smile she walked back to the table that Debra occupied and sat down. "Thank you so much Debra, I can't tell you how much I appreciate this. I'm hoping this works out; so far it's all sounding great!"

"Glad I could help out Alex."

"I really hate to do this but I'm going to have to go here soon. I need to head back to the hospital. Can I drop you anywhere?"

"Oh, well um no I can catch a bus. I don't want you to have to go out of your way." Debra answered disappoint clearly in her voice, making Alex feel like a total heel. "Look, I just need to make sure that dad is taken care of and that Samantha makes it home safely too. Why don't you come with me, we'll grab dinner catch up and then I'll drop you where ever you need." Alex said as she kicked herself.

"You don't have to make the offer Alex; I can see you really would rather not."

"No really Debra, I want to call it a thank you bailing me out of the jam I found myself in an hour ago." 'What the hell are you doing? You have TOO much going on in your life right now with dad and Renee to do this.' She told herself even as she found herself leading Debra back up the street back to her office building and the garage where her car was. The drive back to the hospital was spent making idle chit chat and soon they were parking the hunter green jag. Debra said she would just wait for Alex in the waiting room across the hall, and Alex nodded as she escorted her to the room and then immediately walk over to talk to Ryan, who was looking like the pain was finally getting to him. "How are you doing Ryan?" She asked as she approached him.

"Well I'm hanging in there, can honestly say I probably should have held back some on that punch." He said, his smile waning.

"Look why don't you head on home. I have someone meeting me in about ten minutes. From the sounds of it he will work out for a couple of days at least. If you're up to it come back in tomorrow afternoon, if not I understand. In fact I'd recommend you take a couple of days, I don't expect you to be here with your hand injured."

"Nope, I'll be here first thing in the morning. Boss, this guy that's replacing Ted, is he on the up and up?"

"We'll know by tomorrow afternoon, but he seems to be. Ryan, catch a cab okay I don't want you driving. I'll make sure you car get to your place tonight." Alex said as she fished out a fifty and handed it to Ryan who started to protest. "Take it, your on the job, you were injured on the job I'll cover it."

"But I'm the one that punched him though. I should have shown some restraint."

"You were on the job Ryan. End of story." Alex finished as she place a hand on his shoulder a sign of both gratitude and support on her part, the she said "Go ahead and take off Ryan I've got this cover."

"Okay boss, but I'll see you first thing in the morning." Ryan stated as he grabbed his jacket and tried to figure out how to put it on. Alex helped him slide his good arm through the sleeve and draped the other over his arm and should. "Be safe Ryan." She said as she opened the door to her father's room. As soon as the door opened Samantha jumped. "Jesus Alex, you scared the shit out of me!"

"I'm sorry Sammy. Everything's okay I promise. How's dad doing?"

"Same. I think I see more movement in his eyes and fingers, doctor says its just involuntary. "

Alex sighed at the news. "Well, okay...still early though. He can still come out of this. Have there been any more call?" She asked.

"No call but...those arrived shortly after you left." Samantha said as she moved aside so Alex could see the big bouquet of Forget-me-not's. "There was no note with them Alex."

"You mean no clues as to who sent them...nothing?"

"Not anything that helps." Samantha answered as she moved the leaves over to expose a type written card with the name Wade Kincaid. "And no I didn't touch it. I have learned a few things from you and Rick." She tossed in before Alex had the chance to ask. "And I went ahead and called Rick let him know what came in. Maybe he can lift prints or something."

"Thanks Sammy but I doubt who ever sent them left prints... the card looks like one you can pick up at any florist shop." Alex commented as she looked at the card to see if she see any kind of identifying markings. As she was looking at the card there was a knock on the door just before it opened, and a tall muscular Hispanic man.

"Excuse me I'm looking for Alex Kincaid?

"Hello, you must be Diego Santos. Nice to meet you I'm Alex Kincaid." Alex said as she walked towards the door and extended her hand. "Why don't we go out into the hallway and talk a bit."

"Sure."

The two walked out and stood in the hall way quietly speaking as they were watched by Debra who stood in the waiting room with a smile tugging at her mouth. Soon the pair shook hands and Alex walked back into her father's room. Samantha once again looked up, a questioning look in her eyes.

"The new security man, he will be watching dad's door the rest of the evening and night, Ryan will be back in the morning and I'm going to the office and see if I can round up another body. Look, I don't want to scare you but, you're not to leave the hospital alone okay." Alex finished.

Taking a deep breath Samantha said "Okay time to talk, you do have me worried and sorry to say but you know damned well that's one step below scared."

"I can't tell you right now not in here where dad can hear." Alex said in a hushed voice.

"Fine then we'll go out into the hall or the waiting area."

"I can't do that either Sammy. Debra is waiting for me in the waiting room; we're going out to dinner when I leave here." Alex said.

"Damn it Alex...alright but tomorrow you will tell me what's going on." Samantha hissed just as her brother walked into the room.

"Nice pit bull ya got there my friend." He shot at Alex as he placed his badge back in his pocket. "Where'd you find him, goons-r-us?" He joked.

"God, don't Rick it's been a hell of a day, and I don't see it ending any better than it started." Alex stated as she sat down.

"Ok, so is that the arrangement you called about Sammy?" He asked as he looked at the flowers and then at his sister with a "What's going on' look in his eyes.

"Yes, arrived around four this afternoon. I looked, found the card that stated it was for Wade but nothing else, and I didn't touch it."

"Great I'll have the guys in the lab give this a going over. You know we aren't going to find anything right Al?" He said as he placed the arrangement in a big bag he had brought with him.

"Yeah I know." The talk dark woman answered. "But we have to try."

"I know Al, I know. We'll find who ever it is that's doing this alright."

"You'd better hope you find them before I do Rick." Alex answered her voice low and cold, causing Samantha to look at her brother with concern in her eyes. She had seen Alex angry many times before but never this angry and this cold, and honestly it scared the hell out of her. Had she been asked before if she ever thought Alex could kill someone and not think twice about it she would have said no never, at this very moment however she didn't think she could say that at all.

"Now Alex don't start talking like that, damn it you know...God damn it!" Rick said through his teeth. He looked at his sister and walked out with the flowers.

"Jesus Christ if it was Pops laying in that damned bed you both would feel the same way." Alex said, the frustration she was feeling in her voice.

"Probably Alex, difference is both Rick and I wouldn't lose our heads and do something stupid. At this point, neither of us can say the same about you and it worries us. Tomorrow you will tell me everything that is going on with you and everything that is going through that mind of yours, you got it." Samantha finished as she stood up. Reaching for her coat and purse, she then walked over to Wade and gently kissed his cheek and whispered her goodbye. She looked squarely into Alex's eyes and then walked out.

"Sammy wait..." Alex said as the door shut cutting off the rest of what she was about to say to Samantha. 'Shit' she thought as she rushed to the door trying to catch the blonde. She opened the door just in time to see the elevator doors shut. 'What the hell did she do run?' She thought to herself. Debra walked to the door of the waiting room, and Alex looked at the big man that stood to the side of the door to her dad's room. Diego looked from Debra to Alex and then back as he shrugged his shoulders. Not sure what to do Alex just glared at the elevator. Debra touched her arm as she asked "Is everything okay Alex?"

Looking at the hand that touched her, the dark eyes followed the arm up to it's owners face, and the look in her eyes caused Debra a moments pause before she swallowed and continued, "Come on lets go, things will be better tomorrow I promise you." With a confidence she didn't feel deep inside she looked and smiled at her friend Diego and cheerfully said "I'll talk to you later okay, and congratulations on the job!" With a sigh Alex turned as she told Debra she'd be right back and walked back into her father's room to say good night to him. When she came back out all she said was "No one but his doctor and his nurses go in got it." With that said she walked to the elevator in long quick strides that left Debra having to run after her, a feat that was difficult in heels.

Samantha walked out of the hospital door both angry at herself for letting Alex get to her as she had and at Alex for...well for acting like Alex. Lost in thought and memories of how Alex typically bull dozed head first into any situation, Samantha wasn't aware of the foot falls that followed her down the street towards her car, or the cold falling snow. She got into her car, and slowly pulled out into traffic; never paying attention to the SUV that pulled out and tailed her home.

CHAPTER 16

The ringing of the phone woke Rick from his sleep, as he reached for it his eyes blurred with the dry sand in the eyes feel, as he took in the numbers of the clock which read three a.m. 'Who is calling at this ungodly hour?' he thought as his booming voice said "Donnelly here."

"Mr. Donnelly, this is Dr. Evans, at University Hospital. We had a Ms. Samantha Donnelly brought in about an hour ago, she had you down as an emergency contact."

"Wait University Hospital...Samantha, is she alright?" Rick asked as he jumped up and started sliding his pants on.

"Well sir we'd like you to come down. I can tell you she is in stable condition. Couldn't you please come down?"

"Yeah, sure I'll be there soon as I can." Rick hung up the phone and finished getting his socks and shoes on, and then his shirt and his coat and he ran out the door, buttoning the coat as he ran. Once in the car he radioed dispatch, "Leanne, Rick Donnelly here, I want any information you can find on an accident that occurred this evening involving a silver 2007 Jeep Cherokee. I'm headed to University Hospital now, so get back to me on my cell." Once done with the call, Rick tried to put his mind on driving, but was having a hard time with it going to whether or not Samantha was truly alright. The snow from earlier had let up, but the roads were snow packed and a tad slippery. Within twenty minutes he was pulling into the emergency entrance of the hospital and was out the vehicle door almost before he had completely stopped and running for the doors. As he burst in he shouted, "Where is Samantha Donnelly?"

The doctor that stood behind the counter, looking over a chart, looked up as he placed it on the desk and with his free hand up as if to quiet him. "Detective Donnelly, I presume. I'm Dr. Evans we spoke on the phone. Come with me please." He said as he led the way to a room down the hall.

"You're sister was brought in at approximately two am, she was alert, but suffering from a head injury a few bruises and lacerations and hypothermia. She is resting comfortable right now, she was admitted for observation, she wasn't happy about that I can tell you. She asked me to call you."

"Can I see her?"

"Of course, as I said she is resting. So if you can manage to not wake her that would be great I do however realize your probably gonna want to let her know you're here and make sure for your self that she is fine." The doctor showed Rick to his sister's room and said he would be at the nurse's station if he should have any questions, and left Rick alone.

"Thank you Dr. Evans." Rick said as the dr. walked off. Inside the room was dark except for the gentle glow of a small light coming from the bathroom. He quietly walked towards the bed, careful to not make any noise.

"You can stop tip toeing, I'm awake. How the hell they expect you to rest is beyond me when someone is coming in every two hours to poke at you." Samantha said in a grumpy tone.

"I know sweetie, are you alright?" Rick asked concern dripping from every word.

"Yeah I'm fine, just ache and have a major head ache. Look Ricky I'm sure they called Pops, and now he and Joey are probably worried as heck. Can you make sure they are okay?"

"Of course I will. Look can you tell me what happened?"

"Rick last I remember was leaving the hospital. It was snowing the roads were getting slick, next thing I know I wake up here."

"Do you remember the police being there, just ambulance, other people...?"

"Rick...no I don't remember anything. I'm sorry."

"It's okay, I'll see if there are any police reports. Look you rest okay I want talk to the Doctor."

"Is Brenda home yet? I'm assuming since you had the Dr. Call me, that she isn't otherwise she would be here instead of me, well okay she'd be here with me."

"No she isn't home yet. And don't you dare call her and tell her I'm here. She worries enough about being out of town she would totally freak about this. I'll call her tomorrow."

"Sammy I'm immediate family, someone would have called me, and unless you have Brenda down and an emergency contact it's up to either me or Pops to call and let her know. But God if she ever finds out I didn't tell her ... you're covering for me got it. Cuz she is gonna be pissed as a wet hen, and I really try to NOT have to deal with pissed off females."

"Shit, she probably already knows then. I'll handle her Ricky, thank you." She said as her eyes drifted closed. Rick sat with her for a few minutes and let some tears fall, then got up and left to find the doctor and get what information he would need to know about her release. And from there he went straight to the department and went about tracking any bit of information he could about her accident, from the 911 call that alerted emergency personnel to units arriving at the scene. He even went out to the site of the accident, not that he was able to tell anything because of the snow, but it made him feel like he was at least doing something worth while rather than sitting at a desk spinning his wheels. He found out the jeep had been towed to the impound yard and he went to go look at it. From the looks of it he was amazed that she was alive. It looked like it had rolled several times; lights were broken out, as were the windows. Thank god she hadn't frozen to death. Then something occurred to him... "She said she remembered leaving the hospital, what time was that, all the reports I looked at state the 911 call came in at 130. I need to know what time she left the hospital. Looking at his watch he saw that it was close to five A.M., by the time I reach Alex's place she should be in that damn exercise room going through her work out.' He thought to himself as he once again headed to his car.

Alex was half way through her morning work out when the door to the exercise room opened. Considering the fact that she was the only one to use the room at this hour of the morning she was immediately on edge. The sight of Rick, who looked like hell, caused the hairs on the back of her neck, for a second time in two days, to stand up.

"Rick? What's wrong?" She asked as she sat up from the bench and reached for her towel."

"Alex, were you with Sammy last night when she left the hospital?"

"We had a disagreement and she left before I did...well actually she stormed out ahead of me, I tried to catch up with her but didn't succeed why?"

"Around what time was that Al?"

"I'm not sure maybe seven thirty, eight o'clock, Rick what's wrong?"

"She was in an accident last night the call came in at one thirty in the morning. She is at University"

"Oh God! Was she hurt, how serious is it? What happened?" Alex shot questions at Rick as she gathered her things together, intent on heading to her apartment to shower and the head straight to Samantha's side. Rick had to almost jog to keep up with his friend.

"I'm not sure yet. So far I know the accident call came in at 1:30, from the looks of it the jeep rolled a couple of times. With the snow on the road it could be she just lost control is all."

"How seriously was she injured Rick?" Alex asked as she expected the worse.

"She's alright Alex." Rick said as he caught up to her and gently touched her shoulder, instantly knowing where her mind went. "She has a head injury, few bruises and lacerations and hypothermia; doc said she was going to be alright. Has to stay a few days, which you know she isn't happy about! But damn I have to tell ya, considering what could have happened to her, I can't tell you how relieved I am that she is alive to have to stay anywhere period." Alex let out a breath she didn't even realize she had been holding, at hearing that Samantha was indeed alright. But being Alex seeing was believing, and she told Rick she would be ten minutes as she rushed to her shower. Rick sat on the sofa while he waited and shut his eyes for a minute or two. Alex's gentle touch is what woke him, and he groggily said, "Oh hey sorry I was falling asleep wasn't I?"

"Buddy, you did fall asleep and given the kind of night you had, I went a head and let you nap for a while. Heck I only woke you to tell you that I have to run to the office."

"What about Sammy...I thought you wanted to go see her?" He asked confused.

"I did. I came out and saw you sleeping so I decided to let you sleep. It's only been about an hour, it gave me time to go over some things I needed to get done for work. But since I have to run to the office I was gonna let you know and tell you if you wanted you could crash and just lock up when you left, we could go check on Samantha in an hour of so."

"You gonna come back by here before you head to either hospital?" Rick asked, really hating that he was exhausted and wanted to catch a few more minutes of sleep.

"Sure thing buddy, I can do that."

"Okay if you don't mind then yeah I think I need a few more minutes of sleep." Rick said as he yawned."

"You got about an hour and a half, I'll be done by then and I'll swing back by here to get you. I've been in touch with dad's Dr. seems he spent a restful night. Look I need to run; I'll give you a holler before I leave the office okay?" Alex said as she slipped on her coat.

Alex headed out of her apartment door and to her car, her mind trying to make sense of all the events of the last week: her dad's accident, the break in at her apartment, Ted. "Jesus what the hell is going here? She asked herself. "This month has to be the month from hell."

CHAPTER 17

Renee tossed and turned all night, her heart ached, in a way she had never experienced ever before, not even with the whole thing and Donna. She had managed to keep herself together until the end of the day and all through the drive home. As she dove into her garage, the first of the tears slid down, and by the time she was walking through the door of her apartment she was a basket case. The tears were falling, her hear was breaking, and her world was falling apart. "God and I've only known her a week, I would hate to know how badly it would hurt and I known her longer." She thought as she made her way to the bathroom for her morning shower. She started the water and adjusted the temperature and as she stepped back she caught her reflection in the mirror. Her eyes were swollen, blood shot and felt dry from crying all night. "Maybe calling in sick to work today would be a good idea." She said to herself. She really wasn't up to explaining why she looked like crap this morning, especially to Dylan, and there was no way in hell he wouldn't ask. 'Leave it to Dylan to be right.' She thought as she stepped into the steamy shower.

Her mind went back to the morning they left the cabin, and the shower her and Alex took together. She remembered...hell she could feel Alex behind her, felt the gentle touches and soft kisses Alex bestowed on her and she could hear Alex's gravelly voice in her ear telling her how much she liked touching her. Then like a splash of cold water, her mind heard Samantha's voice, and felt Alex slip away and the reality of her standing alone in her shower sank in full force and the tears started once again. "Oh STOP it damn it." She yelled at herself as she shut the water off and reached for her towel. "You're getting dressed, you're going to go to work and keep your hear up and your feelings buried got it!" She told her reflection. It was the only thing she could do, she would lose her mind if she stayed home, all she would accomplish would be to sit and think; and thinking wasn't what was needed right now.

For the fourth time in the last forty minutes, Alex looked at her phone willing for it to ring. Everything in her screamed for her to just pick it up and call Renee, but she wouldn't. Partly because she was that mad and hurt, and partly because Renee deserved to decide how she felt without pressure from her, although right now there was nothing more Alex wanted right now than to hear Renee's caring, reassuring voice. With everything that's happened in the last twenty four hours she needed to talk to someone, and her heart was telling her that someone was Renee.

"Oh hell, just get your work done; if she calls she calls." She told herself as she tore her eyes from the phone and concentrated harder on the files in front of her.

It took some doing but she was able to do what she needed and was soon on her way back to her place where Rick had been sacked out, she called him to let him know she was on her way back and he sounded much more rested and together. Rick was standing out in front of her apartment building as she pulled up. With a nod towards his car she waved, and waited while he ran to his car, and as he pulled out into traffic she followed. Her mind was on Sammy as she drove, and waited on the nurse's station of her dad's hospital. Finally a voice came on the line and identified its self as Regina Carter.

"Hi Regina, Alex Kincaid here, calling to check on my father Wade. Can you tell me how he is?"

"Of course let me just check on that okay." And with in a minute the voice was back, "His night nurse say's that he spent a restful night."

"Good can you tell me if the private security guard is still standing at his door?"

"I sure can, he moves to stretch his legs and that's been it."

"Great thank you Regina." Alex said as she breathed a sigh of relief, and as she was disconnected they were pulling into the parking lot of University Hospital. She pulled into a spot right next to Rick and jumped out of the car before he even had a chance to put his car into park. Then together they walk to Samantha's room. They could hear Samantha's voice as they approached the door.

"NO, damn it Brenda it was just an accident, I'm fine and you don't need to fly back. Look this meeting your at is very important in more ways than one, you can't just up and leave. Okay that I can do. Brenda I love you, you know that, but you're pushing a button right now that you need to stop pushing. Okay yeah, I'll talk to you later...be safe I love you."

Rick looked at Alex who just shrugged her shoulders, and the gently tapped on the door before opening it. Samantha looked up as the door opened and the first face she saw Alex's worried one. Alex rushed to her bedside, "Sammy are you alright? What happened?"

"I'm fine Alex, honestly so stop looking so scared okay. I have some sore muscles, and a hell of a headache but I am okay I promise your stuck with me!" Samantha said with a smile.

"Okay, Sammy. Can you remember anything?"

"I remember leaving the hospital mad as hell at you for the way you were acting, I went to the grocery store, then stopped off for a bite to eat, then headed home. After that nothing I don't remember what happened or when I just remember waking up here." Alex nodded her head and the three talked for a while longer, until Samantha's eyes refused to stay open on their own. The two quietly slipped out of the room, Alex intent on heading to see her father and Rick to the police department to see if there was anything new on either accident.

"Let me know if you find anything out ok Rick?"

"You know I will, you do the same okay?"

"You got it."

"Seriously Alex...if you expect me to keep you in the loop then you need to do the same."

"Yeah, okay I understand you Rick. Look, be safe okay, I'll catch you later."

"Hey, I'll stop by and check in on dad see how he is later."

"Alright Rick...thanks." Alex said as she slid into her car and started it up.

Just as she was pulling out her phone buzzed, with a quick touch of a button she said, "Hello."

"Hi Alex its Debra, I was just calling to see how your doing was wondering if maybe you'd be up to catching a cup of coffee or some lunch even." Debra said in a chipper voice.

Alex grimaced as she cursed herself for answering before she looked at the caller id on her phone. "Debra, I don't know. It's barely ten and already it has been a long day, and I really don't see it getting any better."

"Come on you have to eat. What would your father say if he knew you were spending every waking moment worrying about him and not taking care of yourself?" Debra asked in all sincerity. And it was a point in her favor since Alex realized she knew exactly what her father would say. Dad would be mad as hell, and she knew it.

"Okay, I guess your right. But it can't be a long lunch okay," Alex said with a smile.

"Great, I'll be at the hospital around eleven thirty, I'll stop by your dads room if that's alright and we can go from there." Debra said in a cheerful tone.

"Sounds good Debra, look I need to go...be careful alright?" Alex tossed in at the last minute. She wasn't sure why but with the way things were she had too many people she knew laying in hospital beds, and she didn't want anymore there.

As she pulled into the hospital garage and parked her car she laid her head back, and closed her eyes. Her mind just whirling over all that's happened within the last few days, had it only been yesterday morning when Renee said she had issues with her friendship with Samantha? What was that all about, surely she explained her relationship...all the ups and downs and how they had come full circle in recent years, and that Samantha was in love with Brenda and happy. Where did Renee get that things were back on track for the two former lovers? "Jesus what am I suppose to do about this?" She asked herself as she slid out of her car and headed through the hospital doors.

The doors of the elevator opened and true to Regina's word, Diego was standing at the door ready to deny anyone who didn't belong, entry into the room. As he saw Alex step out he nodded his head, and cracked a smile. She approached him and he extended his hand as he spoke, "Morning boss."

"Morning Diego, how did things go?" She asked as she shook his hand and smiled herself.

"It was quiet, so no problems at all. Just remind me tonight to bring a thermos of coffee. This may be a good hospital, but let me tell ya the coffee sucks!" Alex laughed, as she replied, "Got that right. Stick around a few more minutes, Ryan is on his way in and he has coffee, and donuts."

"No shit? Damn I like this job already!"

Alex laughed out loud as she said "Well, good I'm glad to hear that!" as she opened the door to walk in. "I just want to let him know I'm here and I'll be right back out to talk to you about tonight."

"Sure thing boss." And Diego once again took a watchful stance.

As Alex closed the door she looked over at her father. He looked so weak and helpless to her and she hated it. All her memories were of him strong and bull headed, ready to whip anyone's ass that deserved it. She walked over to his bedside and took his hand leaned down and kissed his warm cheek. "Hi dad, I'm here. You're looking better, and the nurse tells me you had a good night, that's good! You just need to open your eyes though you know. I'm not sure I'll know what to do if you don't. Dad, it's been bad the last couple of days, with you in here and well...I made a stupid decision and hired someone my gut told me was a bad call. I know, I know, I should have listened to my gut. You're always telling me that. But I needed someone to cover some of the jobs we were getting, anyway I had to fire him last night and he went and made some comments...one that could be construed as a threat. That's not the biggest thing though; Sammy had an accident last night. Dad...with you in here and Sammy's accident, I... I can't lose you guys." She took a deep breath to compose herself and continued, "I didn't tell! I met her; I met the woman that I want to spend the rest of my life with. Her name is Renee Montgomery, she is from New Mexico, and dad she is perfect. Only problem is she thinks that something is still going on between Sammy and I." Alex finished saying as she sat and looked at her father. Damn he would know exactly what to say, he always did she thought. Alex looked away from him afraid to let the pain show in her eyes. 'Get a grip its not like he can see.' She thought as she stared at her feet for a few minutes. She looked up again once she had herself composed. And she continued to talk to her dad, "Oh and you will never guess who I ran in to down in the lobby of the hospital! Remember Jeff Chapman, and his daughter Debra? I ran into her the other day. I guess she is back in town, she was visiting a family friend, and we ended up having coffee and dinner last night, and she wants to get together for lunch today."

She could hear her dad saying "What the hell do you think your doing with that one? Wasn't she kind of a nut job?"

"Dad, don't be that way she was alright." She imagined the conversation going.

"Okay so she was alright, but she wasn't the one. Now you tell me met the one and your seeing this Deb person again? What the hell is wrong with you? And what did you do to make her think that there is still something with you and Sammy? You didn't sleep with Samantha again did you...damn it Alex I taught you better than to interfere in a relationship."

She could see her father standing in his kitchen lecturing her about honor and respect and how if someone is already involved you stay the hell out if the picture and she smiled. The soft knock on the door brought her out of her day dream, and Diego opened the door slowly, he poked his head in long enough to locate her and said "Boss, Ryan is here and wants to talk to you. I think maybe it would be better if you spoke to him out here."

"Sure Diego, I'll be right out." Alex said, then quietly spoke to her dad and said, "Looks like business calls. I'll be right back don't you go any where you hear." Then she stood and walked to the door. As she stepped through the door she saw both Diego and Ryan talking with sober looks on their faces.

"What's wrong?" She asked as soon as she was out the door.

"That fucking Ted Smith is what happened; of course I can't prove it was him though. I started getting phone calls last night, some were just breathing, and the ones Jill answered were vulgar. She didn't recognize the voice or speech pattern."

"God damn it. I'm sorry Ryan, what do you want to do? I can understand if you want to distance yourself from me and the firm." Alex said.

"What? NO I'm not letting that s. o. b. run me off of a damn good job." Ryan answered her. "I had Jill and the kids go visit her mom for a few days though."

"Good. Did you by any chance report the calls to the P.D? How many calls were there?"

"I did yeah, all in all about six calls."

"Okay, let's assume if it was Ted that he isn't a complete idiot and he used different phones to make the calls from. I don't see that putting a trace on the line is going to give us what we need but, you know how to do that, I'll talk to Rick and see if he has his people on this yet." Alex said as she thought. "Do you feel up to working today? If not I can call someone else in to watch dad's door so Diego can get some rest."

"No, I'm good." Ryan answered.

"Alright, Diego I guess you can go home and get some rest and I'll see you around seven."

"You got it Boss. Ryan you take care buddy." Diego said as he slid his coat on, and then walked to the elevator.

"Ryan, I'm sorry this is happening. I can truly understand if you'd want to find another job. I'll give you a glowing recommendation, anything you need." Alex said.

"No I'm happy working for you, and I'll tell you what if it is Ted doing this crap, he won't get away with it. He isn't that smart, and your damn good at what you do."

"Obviously I'm not or we wouldn't be having the trouble we're having with Ted." She answered the anger apparent in her voice.

"Alex, he fooled me too, so don't go beating yourself up over it." Ryan stated calmly as he tried to reassure his boss.

"Okay, I need to get a hold of Rick. I'll be right back." And with that she walked over to the waiting room to call Rick who picked up on the second ring. "Yo, Donnelly here." His booming voice rang through the line.

"Hey Rick it's me Alex, do you know if there's been a request for a trace to be put on Ryan's phone?"

"I have no idea; it could've been handed to someone else; why what's going on?"

"He got a few harassing phone calls last night, the ones he answered were just breathing the ones Jill picked up were bad, bad enough that he decided to send her and the kids to stay with her mom for a few days."

"Jesus what the hell is going on, did you guys piss someone off?" Rick said in an attempt to make a joke.

"Rick I have no clue. I know at the moment we think the phone calls were made by Ted. I fired him yesterday, and he made some comments that Ryan took as threatening."

"What kind of comments and why didn't you tell me about them yesterday or hell even this morning? Is that why you have a new goon standing out side dads door?"

"Rick...I didn't think about it, and even if I had I just put it off to him blowing off steam I didn't honestly think he would do anything. Ryan says when he spoke to Ted, and told him to go home and chill out that he would speak to me and see if he could get me to change my mind about Ted's job, Ted's response was along the lines of 'don't bother I don't want to work for that dyke.' Then when Ryan didn't walk away from his job along with Ted, Ted made the comment that we would both pay. Rick, Ryan punched him so he was running at the mouth when he said all that."

"Shit. Okay I'll need to go by and get a statement from Ryan, and I'll need an address for Ted so I can talk to him too. I'll talk to the captain get all this into one case file, to many things are happening involving you for it all to be a coincidence. Hey I got some more information on Sammy's accident. An off duty police officer is the one that came up on the accident. Report from the lab says there is damage to the back bumper and indications that she was hit from behind. Was Sammy there when Ted had his meltdown, do you think there is any way he would have gone after her?"

"Yes she was in the room with dad; he could have seen her at anytime. But he would have no reason to go after her she has nothing to do with me!"

"Does he know that?" Was all that Rick said, as he sat and thought. "Do you know what he drives? I think maybe it would be a good idea if we check out repair shops."

"Rick you don't think he had anything to do with Sammy's accident do you?"

"I don't know but someone did and I'm not going to rule this guy out until I have reason to."

"He drives 08 Ford Explorer, dark green. I don't think he was involved though." Alex said as she too thought about her former employee's capabilities. 'No there is no way he would stoop that something like that.' She thought.

"It won't hurt to check it out Alex. Look I need to go, but thanks for letting me know about Ryan's phone calls, I'll see you and him later okay?"

"Sounds good Rick, I'll see you later." Alex said as she hung up, and went back out to the hall to tell Ryan that Rick would be speaking to him later, and then she went back into her father's room. As she walked in she looked over at her father, the sight that greeted her was one she had prayed for, but wasn't at all sure would happen soon. Her father stared back at her; with shock she turned back around and called for the nurse who came running. As the nurse entered the room and saw Wade's eyes opened she smiled and calmly said, "Well hello there Mr. Kincaid! It's nice to finally see your eyes, let me just go get your doctor okay? Alex keep an eye on him, Mr. Kincaid don't try to talk just yet. Blink if you understand me." And as both the nurse and Alex watched Wade indeed blinked.

The next hour was a rush of activity as the Dr. came in and examined Wade, then they removed the breathing tube, he was sent for more x-rays and another C.A.T. scan, then finally brought back to the room where he was settled until they received the results of the tests.

While she waited for all the tests and the Dr to examine her father all Alex wanted to do was call Renee and tell her the great news. But she didn't, she kept telling herself that she told Renee that she would let her call, and until that time she planed on honoring Renee's request. She had called Rick and left a message for him, and she let Sammy know as well. And just as she hung up from that phone call, Diego opened the door and quietly said, "Boss, there is a Debra Chapman out here who wants to see you."

"Send her on in!" She said with a smile. When Deb walked into the room, Alex walked up and picked her up in a big hug and swung her around. Deb was totally shocked at the action, though very pleased to find herself in Alex's arms and smiled as she asked "Wow, what's this all about? Is it your dad?"

"He's awake!" Alex answered as she finally put the other woman down. "He is having tests run yet again but he was awake and blinking his responses to me!"

"OH my God that's great Alex! I'm so happy to hear that!" Debra stated, genuinely happy for Alex. "I guess that means that lunch should be postponed."

"I'm sorry do you mind?" Alex asked.

"No, not at all. I totally understand." The shorter woman replied a little disappointed.

"How about we change it to dinner? I'll pick you up around say seven; we'll have dinner and drinks. I think it's time to celebrate. That will give me time to make sure everything is fine with dad, check in at the office and make sure Sammy is good too." Alex said as she ticked things off in her mind.

"Why check on Samantha?" Debra asked.

"Oh I'm sorry, you don't know do you...she was in an accident last night. She is over at University Hospital."

"Oh my, is she alright?"

"She has a concussion, some bumps and bruises; hypothermia...looks like the Dr wants to keep her a couple of days though."

"Good...glad she didn't suffer any serious injury." Deb replied. "Dinner sounds great, I'll be ready! You remember how to get to my place right?"

"I do, yes. I'm sorry about lunch." Alex said.

"Not a problem. I'm just glad you dad is awake you're canceling for a good reason, so its reason for celebration later. I'm going to go check in on my friend and get some shopping done, so I'll see you later okay." Deb said as she walked towards the door, just as she reached it, it opened and an orderly entered as he guided the bed with Alex's father in. She stepped aside and watched with a smile as Alex tried to contain herself while the nurses got him settled. Debra slipped out along with the orderlies.

Soon everyone had left the pair alone and Alex with tears in her eyes couldn't stop telling her father how glad she was that he was back with her. With his voice weak and raspy he tried to comfort her and tell her that all was alright now, and do the entire 'Dad is here and not going anywhere' routine, to which Alex merely nodded. They both knew tomorrow was never a certainty and that they had had a close call. His eyes closed and with in minutes he was back asleep, and Alex watched him with relief. Once she knew he was resting comfortably she quietly got up and left the room, with a nod to Diego she walked over to the waiting room and pulled out her cell phone.

CHAPTER 18

It was a little past one when Renee's cell phone rang, she glanced at the caller id and when she saw that it was Alex calling she realized she wasn't ready to talk to her just yet. So she let the call go unanswered, and tried to pull her mind back to work. As Dylan knocked on her door to remind her to eat, he desk phone buzzed. As she picked it up she motioned Dylan in.

"Yes?" She said into the handset.

"Renee there's a call from an Alex Kincaid, she said it's important." She heard her secretary say. And with an inward groan she said "Put her thru, and thank you Ellen."

"Renee, don't hang up please. I know I said I'd let you take the time you needed, but I just needed to hear your voice...and well fill you in on what's going on."

"Alex, it really isn't a good time..." Renee started to say.

"Dad is awake." Alex began. "He woke up this morning! I can't tell you how relieved I am. God, I feel like I'm going crazy. Sammy was in a car accident late last night, I had to fire one of my employee's and it appears he is making harassing phone calls, at least Diane hasn't made contact I think that might be the one silver lining in the clouds."

"That's great Alex, I'm so glad to hear about your dad. I can imagine your relief! Look I'm sorry but I need to go."

"Can I...can we talk later?"

"I honestly don't know, I would think with you're dad and now Samantha you have more than enough on your plate. Maybe when things settle down for you more we can talk, that will give you a chance to decide what you want. Now I do need to go." And with that Renee hung up.

"What's up hun?" He asked as soon as Renee looked over at him.

"Alex just called to let me know that her dad came out of his coma." Renee answered as she began arranging papers on her desk and saving documents on her computer screen.

"Uh huh, and that whole thing about Samantha let me guess. Samantha Donnelly is back on the scene."

"What do you know about Samantha?" Renee asked.

"Oh lets see...first love, never could forget, always some how involved in every relationship Alex has. Or rather that's how it appears, Lacey had to deal with or try to deal with that particular ghost."

"I thought it was because Alex wouldn't commit?"

"And she won't commit because of Samantha, at least that's what I think, but what do I know. What happened, last I knew you were totally head over heels, and waiting for her calls. Now today you don't want to talk her, you're a tad frosty and you cut the call extremely short with a 'get it together' comment?"

"It's just that she has a lot going on in her life right now, I don't think its fair to place to much pressure on her to call when me to...whatever...when she is busy with her dad, with Samantha, with work. I mean why should she have to call and make up stories just to spare my feelings? It's just easier if I step back and let her decide what it is she wants. Are you ready for lunch?"

"What do you mean make up stories? And yes I'm starved, should we do Chinese today? Oh and your not off the hook just yet, you have some explaining to do." He answered as he opened the door and allowed her to walk out ahead of him.

They were seated at their table and lunch ordered when he looked at her and said quietly, "You've been crying haven't you? What happened sweetheart?" And with that Renee told him about the few calls that Alex did place and how she was either just coming in from having had dinner with Samantha or about to walk out the door with the woman and then about the night she waited all night for a call that never came. She told him about the excuse Alex had used about a break in at her place, and how she felt when she heard that line.

"I just found it very hard to believe that all of these things are happening with her, I mean Jesus is she a magnet for bad luck?"

"Well things happen you know?"

"Yes but come on you don't find the timing a bit convenient? Okay I can grasp her father's accident; but for her to tell me it wasn't an accident at all, and then her apartment being broken into, oh and then today she tells me that Samantha was in an accident, she had to fire some employee and now he is making harassing phone calls? Please, do I look like a complete idiot? Okay don't answer that because apparently I am, after all I did sleep with her."

"Renee, I'm not the woman's biggest fan...hell I'm not even her tiniest fan, but don't you think maybe your being a tad hard on her? Lacey said she had commitment issues, she never once said she was a bold faced liar. In fact that's one thing Lacey gave her tons of credit for, always being honest with her."

"Well sorry, maybe you're right, but I find it awful convenient and very interesting that Samantha is taking up so much of her time while her dad is in the hospital. Seems like way too much together time to me; considering they aren't even a 'couple' anymore and, oh just forget it." Renee said sharply. She didn't at all like the way her thoughts were going.

"Wow, well okay then I was just saying." Dylan said quietly, as he frowned a bit. "You really fell hard for her didn't you?"

"Ha! Not even, why would you say that?" Renee asked defensively.

"Oh no reason at all, it's not like you're biting everyone's head off or spitting nails or anything like that."

"I'm sorry Dylan; it's just been a long couple of days. And yes I did fall for her, I didn't plan on it but yeah I did. I don't honestly think she is a liar, but I don't think she is being completely honest with me or herself about Samantha either."

"Have you talked to her about it, asked her point blank?"

"What's the point she will say there is nothing there but the love of two live long friends, and yet there she is always in every conversation we've had since I got back home."

Between bites Dylan asked, "Be fair Renee, it's been a stressful situation for her, and unfortunately Samantha is the one that knows her the best and off all the people in the world it makes sense that she would be the one there when Alex needs someone. When I made that crack I honestly didn't think it still held true for crying out loud that was like ten years ago. I'm pretty sure Samantha has at least tried to move on right?"

Well yes, Alex says she is with someone and happy but..." Renee started to say.

"But what just because you aren't certain Alex is lying to you? Just because a dear friend in there to console her at a time of great despair she is lying? Come on Renee you're a much better person than to believe that low of someone. Hell I don't believe that of Alex and I have reason to doubt her."

"Do you really think I'm not being fair?" Renee asked, as she thought about what her friend was saying.

"I think you were burned badly and are afraid of that happening again, I think you've built a wall around you and right now have no clue how to get out from behind it... I think you should think about it sweetie." Dylan replied. The two fell into silence as they finished up their meal. It wasn't a strained silence but a comfortable one as the two thought about circumstances and decisions that were made due to those things. The walked back to work and parted on the second floor as Dylan went to his office and Renee continued on to hers. Renee went straight to work but the things that Dylan had said kept repeating in the back of her mind. Finally around three she couldn't think or concentrate on work and decided to take off early. She gathered her things and headed out the door, headed for where she wasn't sure.

After walking around the mall and her favorite park, Renee finally closed the door to her car and grabbed her cell phone and dialed. After a couple of rings she heard the deep rich voice that belonged to Alex.

"Hello..."

"Um hi Alex, don't say anything I need to get this out okay. I want to say I'm sorry for behaving like a spoiled child. I shouldn't have jumped at the conclusion that you were back with Samantha just because she was spending so much time with you. I should have realized that she is a good friend and she would be there for you anytime you need her."

"Renee...I didn't expect to hear from you again. Uh, can you hold a second? Debra I'm sorry I need to take this call alight, I'll be right back." Renee heard, and once again she was telling herself that there was no reason why Alex shouldn't be out with another woman. "Hi, sorry I wanted a little privacy, are you alright?" Alex asked as she came back on the phone.

"Yes, I'm fine...it's obvious I called at a bad time so I'm going to let you go and I'll talk to you later."

"No, you didn't...please don't hang up." Alex begged

"Why shouldn't I Alex, you're having dinner with someone and you be giving her your full attention." Renee replied trying to keep the tears from her voice.

"Because I'd much rather be with you that's why. I'm only here because Debra did me a huge favor by recommending this guy for a job when I was in a pinch, and since we had plans to meet for lunch and dad woke up, well they turned into a celebratory dinner. And why am I even explaining this to you anyway?" Alex asked in a frustrated tone. "Damn it Renee, what do you want, you don't want me, or at least that's what it sounded like earlier, and I'm at a complete loss as to what to do...God my dad is in a coma and all I can think about is you, every little thing that happens, I can't wait to share with you."

"I'm sorry, everything just happened to fast. I tried to ignore my jealous feelings towards Samantha, but every time I talked to you, you were together or had been together or on your way to meet her... put yourself in my shoes. I know that's a crappy excuse but its all I have. I...can you forgive me and well...see where this, us, can go?"

"Really... oh God of course we can! I can't tell you how much I've missed you the last day or so." Alex said all in a rush of excitement. Just then she felt a hand on her shoulder, and heard, "Alex darling is everything alright?"

Renee instantly went cold. "Alex DARLING? Just dinner celebrating right... later Alex." She said as she hung up.

"NO Renee wait..." was all Alex could get out. As she turned the anger was clearly visible on her face and in her voice as she said, "DARLING? What the fuck do you think you're doing?" She flagged down their waiter and in a controlled voice requested their check.

"No Alex we haven't had dessert yet. Come let's go back to the table and talk, calm down please I didn't mean anything by it."

"Debra I suggest you grab your things, we are leaving now. No in fact go right on ahead and have dessert, I'll call you a cab." And with that Alex walked off towards the door leaving the red head standing there.

Renee paced her living floor as she berated her self, 'of all the stupid things to go and do you let Dylan and Her talk you into believing she was being honest with you. Yes of course it was just a celebratory dinner between what...yet another dear friend who happens to also be an ex?' She had reached the point where she was semi calm when her phone rang, picking it up she heard "DON'T hang up I can explain. Please Renee."

"Make it damn good Alex." Was all she said.

"Look, I swear I have no idea why Debra would call me that. We haven't seen each other in I don't know how many years and I sure as hell haven't given her the idea that there is any getting back together."

"Wait... you dated her too? Is there anyone in Denver you haven't dated?"

"Yes, damn it come on Renee. Yes I dated Debra briefly years ago... her father was a client, we bumped into each other the other day here at the hospital. Christ I didn't even remember her!"

"Go on."

"The other day when you said you thought it best you step back, things here got out of hand, I walked in to the hospital to find an employee hitting on the nursing staff rather than doing his job, so I fired him. I needed a replacement fast and Debra said she might know of someone for the job, we had coffee, I hired the guy, was suppose to have lunch today as a thank you for the lead she gave me. When dad regain consciousness we put lunch off for dinner to celebrate that was it nothing more."

"What was the Darling all about then?"

"I swear I don't know. I didn't give her a chance to explain, I left her standing in the middle of the lobby at the restaurant."

"You didn't..." Renee laughed.

"I most certainly did." Alex said with a chuckle, as she prayed that the fine strings of the relationship she hoped for were being rebuilt. The two women spent the next few hours talking on the phone, Alex going into depth on the events since they parted from the discovery of Wades 'accident' right on down to Samantha's 'accident' and the calls to Ryan.

"Oh my God, Baby who would do that? Are you sure they are all linked?"

"Well when you consider I'm the common denominator in this equation and that my apartment was broken into...yes. Right now I can honestly say as much as I want to see you and hold you in my arms, I'm glad you aren't here. I don't want you in danger because of me."

"Well I can honestly say I wish I was with you. This not knowing what's going on is killing me." Renee answered quietly.

"Well, with the police looking into everything and my people on as well, I'm sure we'll come up with something soon. In the mean time promise me we can always talk?"

"I think we can manage that baby. I'm sorry I let my insecurities get to me."

"I understand sweetheart trust me I do, honestly I think Sammy is the reason none of my previous relationships have worked out. One they didn't like competing with a memory and I was afraid the same thing would happen."

"Do you feel that way still? I mean afraid."

"I don't know if I'm still scared, I can say that for the first time in a very long time I look forward to getting to know some one on more than just a physical level. I hope that tells you at least a little about how I feel. With you there's more, and I don't want to push and mess things up...as it is I think we maybe already pushed with the sex the other night. But God help me I can't stop thinking about that night or dreaming about it." Alex finished saying.

"Yeah you really feel that way?" Renee asked as she tried to keep the smile from appearing on her face and in her voice.

"Mm yeah." Replied Alex as she smile, "it kind of just pops into my head when I'm least expecting it, and then I end up getting strange looks from people." She finished saying.

"Yay!" Renee said shyly.

"Look, its late and we both should really get some sleep...talk to you tomorrow morning?" Alex asked.

"You bet. Alex, I'm really glad that your dad is awake, please take care...sleep well baby."

"I will you to okay sweetheart." And with that the two hung up, each thinking of the other and missing the feel of them in their arms. Renee made sure her door was locked, shut off the lights and headed for bed. In Denver, Alex poured her a scotch, turned her lights out and sat in her favorite chair and stared out at the city lights as she tried to figure out who could be behind all her troubles lately.

The figure standing across the street looked up, at the window watching the lights fade; eyes sheltered from the falling snow. "Sleep well Alex." The voice whispered, the breath turning to a thin veil of steam, as it hit the cold crisp air.

CHAPTER 19

"Hey there sleepy head, how are you feelin?" Rick's deep voice timbered in Samantha's fog covered mind.

"Hi Ricky, I can honestly say I have had better days. God is a persons head suppose to be able to hurt this much?" She tried to joke.

"Well, not sure if it's supposed but it sure as hell can. Seriously do you need me to get the doctor; maybe he can give you something for the pain."

"No, I'm good Rick...dang stuff they give me knocks me out and makes me a zombie when I am awake. How's Wade?"

"That's partly why I came sis, he regain consciousness this morning. And no I haven't had a chance to go question him just yet. It's been a damn busy day with all the shit Alex is bringing in."

"What do you mean?"

"Well to start with there's Wade's accident, the break in at her place, your accident, Ryan getting harassing phone calls...that's where I just came from, on my way to Swedish to check in on dad and Alex."

"You're thinking this is all connected to Al aren't you?" Samantha stated quietly.

"Yeah as much as I hate to think it I do. someone tampered with Wade's breaks and steering, someone was definitely in Al's apartment, and... can you remember anything prior to going off the road Sammy?"

"Not yet now, I keep seeing me going off the road, I remember being scared but nothing more than that. Why Rick?"

"The guy that found you right after said there were indications of another vehicle involved. From the bumper and back panel, there's confirmation of that. We just cant tell if it was an accident and the party panicked and ran or if it was intentional. My gut tells me from the way that bumper was smashed...it was intentional. We're looking into good old Ted's where a bout's last night. Al says he drives a SUV, and he thinks he has reason to be pissed at her, and Ryan. Hell Ryan said he even made what could be taken as a threat yesterday." Rick answered. His eyes taking in every expression that passed over his sister's face and in her eyes. "I don't suppose you heard anything or saw anything yesterday did you?"

"Sorry Rick I didn't. I mean I could tell when she came in that she was mad but we didn't get into why other than the obvious and something about this new woman being in touch with her. That was my fault, I left a little mad at her, I wasn't really interested in listening to her." the woman in the bed said as she thought. "Uh, Rick...I just remembered she did tell me to make sure I didn't leave the hospital without someone to walk me out."

"Why was that do you know? Was this after she fired Ted?" Rick asked.

"I think so yes. Rick what happened do you know, she didn't tell me."

"No Sammy, all I know is that she is tightly strung right now. Hopefully now that Wade is awake that will calm her down some, but damn I need some breaks damn soon, cuz God help who ever is behind all this if she finds them first."

"I know. I haven't seen that look in her eyes in a long time...not since...well you know." Samantha said with a far away look in her eyes.

"Hey, how's Brenda? From the sounds of it she was not happy about something earlier this morning."

"She wanted to fly home, and well she's blaming the accident on Alex."

"Where did she come up with that?" Rick asked.

"She feels I should have been home instead of at the hospital, the accident wouldn't have happened."

"Okay so what were you suppose to do let our oldest and dearest friend go through this alone?" Rick asked as his temper started to slip. He liked Brenda, he really did, but the thought that she expected Alex to go through the last couple of days alone angered him.

"Easy Rick, you know damn well no one would keep me away from Alex if she needed me. And that is exactly what I told Brenda, that's why she was so mad. She called about an hour ago during her lunch break, she had a chance to cool off all is fine."

"Good I'm glad to hear that. Sorry I didn't mean to get so...we are all Al has, for either of us to not be there for her is crap. I can't always be because of work..."

"Hey, I get it Ricky you can't put off work like I can, or work from just about anywhere like I can. Don't worry about it you know I would have taken sick days to be with her if I had to."

"Yeah I know...I feel bad I wasn't around as much as I wanted to be."

"Why Rick? You're investigating all this, which counts for a hell of a lot more in my book! And I'm pretty sure Alex feels the same way."

"I guess, speaking of which I need to get going. I'll stop by after work and check on you. Dad and Joey will be by later too I'm sure. I spoke to him briefly early this morning, told him I'd stopped in and seen you and that you were a little banged up but nothing serious, so that calmed him."

"Great thank you."

During the drive to Wade's hospital, Ricks mind went over all the events in that week. Were they all connected, and why did it seem Alex was the target? How were they connected with the break in at her apartment, and where did Ted fit into all of this?

Of course Ted swore he didn't have a problem with Alex and there was no way in hell he would ever have followed through on any sort of threat, not that he made a threat even...he was just upset and blowing off steam, nothing he said that day was ever meant to be menacing. When questioned about having resentment towards Alex, his answer was again no, none at all; Alex was a great boss, always considerate, always generous. "I know Alex is under a lot of pressure, and stress and worry with her father. I figured that I would give her a day or so and then call her and talk through the other evening. I know with the right wording and environment things would be worked out to both our satisfaction." Ted replied.

"So you don't believe she was serious when she said leave and don't worry about coming back to work?"

"No I don't. I think we were both a tad over emotional and said things that weren't meant."

"Ted, would it be possible for me to take a look at your vehicle?"

"Uh, well...if it were here of course, I wouldn't have a problem with that. However it's in the shop getting some work done on it. Why what are you looking for or at?"

"What kind of work are you having done to it?"

"Well...its getting serviced had some problems with the transmission actually."

"I see. Would you mind if I dropped by the mechanics' shop and talk to them?" Rick asked.

"Well, not at all I mean if you're up to driving a hundred miles. It's at my brother in law's place. He is a mechanic and specializes on transmissions. So I took it over to him."

"I see. Do you always take your vehicle to him?"

"Well no, not always it all depends as I said he specializes in transmissions, I happened to need transmission work done."

"Who do you normally take your vehicle too?"

"I own a ford, so I take it to the ford dealership on Colfax. They always treat me right and do great work."

"Oh great, I will have to try them. I have an Explore, and the place I take mine to...tell ya what seems like they always nickel and dime me, or I have to take it back three different times." Rick said as he smiled. "Well okay, thanks for your help, I'll get out of your way and let you get back to whatever you were busy working on." He finished.

"Not a problem Detective...Donnelly was it?"

"Right...well if you happen to think of anything please don't hesitate to call alright?"

"Sure, of course. Ah Detective, you never did say why you were asking about my vehicle."

"Oh nothing really there was just a report of a careless driver leaving the hospital yesterday, I was just...well you know, police officer and all it's my duty to warn and remind people of the 'always drive carefully" line Rick answered.

"Ah I see. Well you be safe too detective it looks nasty out there." Ted answered as he walked Rick to his door.

As Rick started his car and backed out he didn't waste a second and was on his cell phone to Sarah. As soon as she picked up he started, "Sarah I need you to put in a call to all parts and service departments for Ford dealerships; we're looking for any orders for a rear panel and bumper for a 01 Dark green Explorer."

"Why, what did you find?" She asked as she wrote down the details.

"I got a call from Alex this morning; oh by the way can you meet me at Swedish? Wade woke up."

"Sure I'm on my way. What happened?"

"Alex called this morning with a problem from a former employee. Seems she fired him and he didn't appreciate it, started making harassing phone calls to another employee that he felt should sided with him, anyway, Sammy was forced off the road. So we have a few things that appear to be aimed at Alex. I want to see if we can connect this Explorer to Ted, the former employee, and Samantha's accident."

"Okay, I'm just about to the hospital, so I'll meet up with you there," Sarah answered.

Alex was sitting with her father when Rick walked in to the room quietly; she looked up and smiled a huge smile when she saw him.

"Hey dad, look who decided to join us!" Alex said as she watched as Wade turned his head. With a raspy and weak voice Wade said, "Hey there boy, come here and say hello to an old man."

"Hey dad," Rick started as he walked to the bed. "About time you decided to wake up, you have no idea how hard it is to keep Alex out of trouble!"

"Don't I know it boy...been dealing with her for years now and she isn't any easier now than when she was two."

"Well yeah I can imagine," Rick said with a smile. "How are you feeling dad?"

"Feel like I was hit by a freight train," Wade answered.

"Do you have any idea what happened?"

"I remember getting in my pick up to head home and that's it."

"Rick; be straight with me what happened."

"You hit a tree dad. Can you think of anyone that would want you dead?"

"What are you talking about boy?"

"Dad someone tampered with your brakes." Alex answered before Rick had a chance. "Can you think of anyone that was upset with you or wanted to make a point?"

"No what the hell are you talking about. I'm a retired damned contractor, who would want me dead?"

"Dad..."

"Wade, not only did this person tamper with your brakes, they messed with the tie rods. You lost both your brakes and steering. You haven't received any unexplained phone calls or threatening notes?" Rick asked.

"No."

"Okay do you remember what you were doing the day of your accident, where you were, and things like that?"

"I had lunch with George Greyson an old friend from high school. We spent a couple of hours yakking and remembering the good old days, made arrangements to get together again while he was still in town, then headed home."

"Okay...don't try to push yourself to remember, it will come back when you're ready. You look a little tired dad, why don't you close your eyes for a bit I'll keep an eye on Al for you." Rick said with a smile as he watched the older mans eyes drift closed.

Rick motioned Alex towards the door, and they both slipped out into the hallway as quietly as they could. Diego nodded his acknowledgement as they stepped out of the room and headed towards the waiting room across the hall.

"Alex, I really need you to think about anyone whose toes you may have stepped on or pissed off."

"I have tried, Rick...I can't think of a single soul."

"Okay...Alex the one common denominator in all of this that I'm finding is you." Rick started only to be interrupted by the knock on the door by Sarah. "Hi guy's is this a private conversation or can I join in?"

"Hey there Sarah, I was just telling Alex that she seems to be the common denominator in all of this here."

"Alright, hi Alex glad to hear about your dad."

"Thanks. I was getting worried." Alex replied, "Anything new on dad or Sammy's accident?"

"Nothing yet I'm sorry to say. We do have calls in to all the auto shops looking for repairs on front clips for a Ford Explorer within the last twenty-four hours. Of course you know there weren't any prints lifted from your place Alex, nor were there any found around your dad's shop or the vehicle."

"What do you mean there were none?" Alex asked. "Enough people are around a mechanic's shop that there should be prints. As for dad's shop with all the dust around there you shouldn't have found any."

"Alex, your dad doesn't leave his tools lying around on the floor, and that's where we found them with shop rags lying around too," Rick responded. "Alex I have never felt uncomfortable in your dad's house or shop, when we were there...I can't explain what I felt other than it was cold and I felt a lot of hate."

"Me too," Sarah chimed in which was saying something considering Sarah had never stepped foot onto Wade McCord's property.

"Rick what...I don't get what your saying, are you saying the place is haunted now?"

"No, I'm saying...shit...you know how you sometimes you walk into a place and feel warmth and love and happiness? I walked into the garage the other day and felt hate and coldness, like a cloud hanging over the place; it was eerie Sammy. I'm asking if anyone you know can hate or despise you that much."

"Rick Jesus, how am I supposed to know that? We've both pissed people off, we both have people that hate us, and we both probably have someone that wants us six feet under. But I think that most of them, are stable enough to not follow through on it," Alex answered as she thought about all of this.

"Think Alex...is Diane mad enough at you to do something like this?"

"Diane doesn't have the brain power to figure out how to even start a car much less how to tamper with brakes or tie lines.

"Uh...what...never mind," Sarah started, as she wondered why an intelligent beautiful woman would bother with someone like she just said Diane was like.

"What?" Both Alex and Rick asked as they looked at the woman.

The look on Sarah's face made Rick chuckle and Confused Alex even more, "What is with you two?" she asked.

"I'll bet anything Sarah is wondering why you would spend any time with Diane if she is as 'smart' as you say."

"Oh..." Alex mumbled as she blushed a tad and thought about the reason she entertained any idea of having Diane in her life.

"Let's just say Alex hasn't always had high intellectual standards or the need for excellent conversational ability in the women she has dated."

"Sad to say I believe Rick is right, nothing like that mattered much after I let Samantha go," Alex said as she thought of the quality of women she had had as company. "God Rick what was I thinking?" she asked.

"I have no idea Al...glad you're back though," Rick said quietly as he looked deep into his best friend's eyes. He saw the spark that had been missing for years, and he also saw the deep regret and shame that Alex felt now when she looked back at the women in her life. They truly were shallow; were only with her for what she had to offer her materially, with no original thought in their heads or any real ability to have a meaningful conversation with anyone. As much as it bothered him that was one of the biggest reasons he had allowed time and distance come between them. He couldn't handle seeing his friend used and brought down to a level of human existence that was beneath her. She had so much to offer in his eyes and he felt she was throwing it away. The smile he flashed her was full of warmth and welcome for a long lost friend that had finally found their way home. "So okay let's figure this out," he said as he sat down.

"I'll assume that Angel and Gail knew you'd be at the cabin, right."

"Yes, they were the only ones. Gail was upset because she thought I was running away instead of dealing with Diana...thinks I should have stayed and kept her from 'robbing me blind.'"

"What do you mean?"

"Gail felt that I was letting Diane take anything she wanted without putting up a fight. We weren't married, wasn't a couple, so she didn't feel Diane had any right to anything I have...paintings, jewelry, savings anything."

"But you let her take what she wanted?" Sarah started to say.

"I let her drain the account I had set up for her, I let her take the jewelry I had bought her, and a couple of paintings. That's when I called you the other day Rick, I had decided enough was enough, and the only way she would listen was if a police officer made that point. That's where you came in Rick."

"Yeah I kind of figured that Al, so does that mean she hasn't been in contact since then?"

"No I haven't heard a thing from her. That's why I believe she is done."

"Ok, so you can't think of anyone else that has it in for you? How about that one guy...what was his name Marquez...the guy that tried to break into that senator's home. You shot his brother twice, wounded him."

"He's still locked up isn't he?" Alex asked.

"Hang on let me check," Rick said as he walked towards the corner of the waiting room as he dialed his cell." Within a few minutes he was back with a look of concern on his face. "What, Rick; what's wrong?" Sarah asked.

"Well Marquez was released about two weeks ago and checked in with his parole officer in Aurora, but hasn't been in contact with his employer. So we can pretty much consider him MIA."

"Alex, I think we can pretty much add him to the list then right? What exactly happened with him and you?" Sarah said with concern. Between Rick and Alex the story was told and when they were finished the Red headed detective, let out a sigh.

"Alex, look I know your dad just regained consciousness, but I'm thinking maybe you should consider leaving town for a few days. Wait until you hear me out okay," Rick stated.

"No; I don't see how I can do that..." Alex began.

"We need to find Marquez, we need to get a handle on what's going on right now and between the accidents involving your dad and Samantha...well like I said; you seem to be the connection."

"The break in to my apartment had nothing to do with Sam or dad," Alex started.

"No maybe not, but the fact is Sammy was ran off the road and someone tampered with Wade's pick up, both have a connection to you. Another fact is that you have pissed off two very serious characters, Ted and Marquez; both who have made threats against you. Ted says he was just blowing off steam but at this point I'm not ready to take a chance on that." Rick argued.

"Rick just what the hell am I suppose to do with dad? He just came out of his coma, he is still weak and if what you're saying is true then he is still in danger."

"Alex, if what Rick says is true then he along with anyone close to you is in danger. We need to find out who is behind all of this and with you gone at least it may buy us some time," Sarah said as she stepped in before Rick could respond. "We will keep your father safe I promise you."

"Alex, look I know you feel that no one can protect your dad like you, but you have a crack security team, a P.I. team that's at your side at the drop of a hat, and a shit load of tech guru's going over every thing you can think of that has any chance of dealing with any of this; between that and our people we'll find out who is behind all of this, and keep your dad safe," Rick said, as he looked straight at Alex, "I love him like my own dad too Alex, I'll make damned sure he is safe," he finished saying.

"I don't know..." Alex said, uncertainty coursing through her. "What about Sammy, what about the other jobs I have going on...I can't just leave them."

Sarah looked straight into her deep blue eyes and said, "Honestly I'd think your life, you're fathers life and the lives of all those you love would supercede everything else. The work, in this day and age you can do from anywhere."

"You swear to me that you won't let ANYTHING happen to my father Rick?"

"Jesus Alex, of course I won't...Christ he is like my own father do you think I wouldn't?"

"I need to talk to him first, see if he is comfortable with that...but for the record I'm not, but you do have a point. If I'm the one this psycho is after then I'm putting everyone I love in danger, and I can't have that," Alex said as she gave Rick one last look and left the room.

Inside her father's room, Alex looked at the man lying in the bed; he looked pale in the hospital light, and the toll of the accident showed on his face. Slowly her eyes filled with tears as she once again thought of how differently things could have been. She took a deep breath as she walked over to the side of the bed. "Will you stop looking at me like I'm on the brink of death," Wade said in a tired and weak voice.

"I'm sorry dad, I've just...you scared the shit out of me, and I'm still not quite sure it's sank in that you're awake," Alex said quietly.

"Well I am Ally cat. Now tell me what's on your mind,"

"Rick and Detective Marshall think I should leave town for a while. Dad, you know that your accident wasn't exactly an accident, and last night Sammy was forced off the road as she headed home, my apartment was broken into, and seems that Ryan is getting harassing phone calls. The only common denominator is me, the think it would be safer for anyone close to me if I got the hell outta dodge,"

"What's your gut tell you? Ally, I can't tell you what to do, you're an intelligent woman who knows about all this kind of thing, it's your job so...trust your instincts,"

"Rick promises you'll be safe...I know Ryan will do anything and everything he can to keep you safe, Sammy is..." Alex said.

"Alex, Sammy will be fine. She always lands on her feet, she is a survivor."

"I know dad...it's just hard, it's my job to protect the ones I love and running isn't doing that."

"Alex you aren't running, you're giving the police and your people the opportunity to find out who is doing all of this while taking the heat off of your loved ones," Wade said as he closed his eyes, the tiredness weighing over him again like a lead blanket.

"Promise me you will be alright and that I'll see you up and around when I get back," She spoke softly through the tears she was choking back.

"I promise Angel," Wade said as he drifted into unconsciousness again.

"I love you dad." Alex said as she leaned over him and kissed his cheek before she quietly left the room. Once outside she looked over at Ryan who had taken up his spot in front of the door earlier that morning. "Ryan I'll be leaving town for a while, I'm not sure where I'll be but I'll be in contact. Are you alright, did Jill and the kids make it to her mom's safely?"

"Yeah she called me about five minutes ago. The kids are all excited very happy to see grandma and grandpa. Jill is afraid but calming down some so that's good," Ryan said. "God help that son of a bitch if I ever see him again,"

"I'm sorry Ryan I should have checked his background better. I know it's not an excuse but, I was just in a crunch and needed him,"

"No problem boss, how do you think I feel? Hell I'm the one that brought him to your attention."

"Ryan be careful alright, don't take any chances until we figure out all of this," Alex said with genuine concern and caring in her voice. Ryan knew that his boss cared about her employees but too actually her that in her voice kinda of shocked him. "I'll be fine boss...it's you we are worried about, someone is after you for what ever reason and it's looking like they aren't gonna stop unless we stop em,"

"I'll set up a conference call for tomorrow morning with everyone and we'll come up with a plan. I need to head to my apartment and get packed I suppose," She said as she took a deep breath and looked once more at the door to her dad's room. "Keep him safe Ryan please..."

"I will do everything I can boss you know that,"

"Ryan...thank you. I totally understand if you want to leave and find a different job," she said as she looked at the sturdy man.

"Nope I'm not going anywhere especially because of that asshole Ted Smith. I plan on staying with you in this job for as long as you'll have me,"

"Thanks Ryan...remember no unnecessary chances," she said as she started to walk away."

"You got it boss, you be safe too you hear,"

Alex went to her apartment straight from the hospital; her plan was to stop there pack arrange for her jet, and the stop off at University hospital to see Samantha before she went out of town. She packed her bag, called Rick just so she could have someone to talk to, someone that understood how hard this was for her. Alex wasn't someone that just ran and let other people take care of her problems for her, Rick and Samantha had been there plenty of times when they were growing up that they came to her rescue because she was just to thick headed to walk away. Alex's strong sense of responsibility was screaming at her that this was her fight, someone was after her and going through the people she loved to get to her. That alone was a reason for her to stay she thought. Yet there was also a part of her that told her it made sense for her to leave town. Rick did his job yet again and assured his friend that her father was in good hands and that nothing would happen to the man, he told her that he would be in touch everyday while he tracked any and all leads they got. The one piece of good news that he had was they narrowed down auto shops that had orders for a 2008 Ford Explorer. They were looking into those and checking to see if any matched the vehicle belonging to Ted Smith. As soon as she had finished packing she told Rick she would check in with him later, she grabbed her bag and started for the door then stopped and went back to pack her laptop, after all the least she could do was go over old case files and try to come up with possible leads into who was behind all of this. She made one last call before starting her car, and that was to her pilot leaving him instructions on fueling up the jet and filing a flight plan for where ever it was that he flew Renee to, and arrange for a car once she got there. With that done she headed out, with traffic and the snow she would be at her private air strip in about an hour and half or so.

CHAPTER 20

Alex stepped on the plane and took a seat, let her head fall back on the cushioned head rest and closed her eyes. With in a few minutes the jet would be in the air and maybe just maybe she would be able to sit and actually put her mind to figuring out who was behind all of this crap that was happening. At the last minute she thought that she should probably have Jennifer call and reserve a room at some hotel, she shouldn't take for granted that Renee would be pleased to see her and welcome her to stay with her, that wouldn't be a good idea. With the call made, and the jet ready it wasn't long before she was in the air headed to New Mexico, and Renee.

The flight

The room was dark when Alex entered, and a cold feeling crept over her. Her thoughts immediately went to Samantha, something didn't feel right. "Sammy, where are you?" she hollered. She looked at her watch as she hit the button that would illuminate the time, and thought to her self, 'ok, she should have been here by now. Damn it Sam, "Sammy..." she shouted again only to be greeted by the echo that rang off the walls of the room. She reached over to the wall where the light switch was and flicked it up only to find her self still in the dark. Carefully she made her way through the room, the feeling growing stronger with each step. Without warning a blow struck her head from behind and she crumpled to the floor unconscious.

She first became aware of the pain roaring through her head as she came to, and then that her hands were bound behind her. As her eyes adjusted she saw Samantha staring at her with fear in her eyes.

"Oh good your awake now, I'm sorry I had to knock you out baby. I just couldn't take the chance that you'd find Samantha here and let her go. Of course that wouldn't have been an issue had she just stayed out of your life you know. So Samantha, tell me what did you hope would happen? That Alex would toss me over for you?" she continued.

"Actually if you know anything about Alex..."

"Debra, no she didn't hope that at all... she knows my heart is yours." Alex jumped in before Samantha could say anything, knowing that at the moment anything Samantha could say would push Debra over the edge. She caught Samantha's eye and gave an indiscernible shake of her head, praying that Samantha would get the hint. Given the fact that she was bound at the wrists, and Sammy had a gun pointed at her, Debra's mental state was spiraling downhill fast, leaving Alex in a panic as to how to save herself and Samantha.

"Deb...baby, untie me and lets just get out of here okay. We can get on the boat and just sail away from here. Or better yet let Sammy go and we'll take off too. She isn't going to tell anyone I swear."

The guns barrel swung in Alex's direction and a look of disbelief crossed Debra's face. "I can't do that Alex; I can't believe you even suggested I do that. Even if I wanted to Samantha wouldn't leave us alone. She just doesn't get it Baby. Why Samantha, why would you think she wants you? Can't you see how good she and I are together; can't you see how much she loves me? No Alex, we would never be rid of her." Slowly Debra walked over to Samantha and grabbed her arm pulling her up roughly. Walking them over to Alex, she pointed the gun at Samantha and helped Alex to her feet. "I think its time for a boat ride. You like sailing don't you Samantha? Come on Alex it's time to go now."

"Now come on, Deb let her go." Alex said as she just stood there, praying she could come up with something.

"Move it Alex or I swear to God I'll kill her right here." Debra ordered, as she pointed the 357 at Samantha's head, her voice growing cold.

"No don't, I'll go with you...." Alex said as she inched her way in the direction the red head motioned, with her hands held in front of her hoping and praying that Debra would see there was no threat.

"Alex, you know, I was willing to leave her out of this but she just kept insisting on being involved. I was perfectly content on this just being you and I... after all I had a nice surprise planned for you, why would I want anyone to interrupt us darling?" Debra all put purred. I know that's not what you wanted baby, I know you don't care for her. Why couldn't you just let go Samantha, don't you see she doesn't love you any more?" Debra spat at Samantha as she again extended her arm as if she was getting ready to pull the trigger.

"No Debra, don't!" Alex cried in a panicked voice as she made a move to rush Debra, but stopped abruptly as the gun turned on her. "You're right; she does need to let me go... I don't think she meant any harm Deb. Come on, why you don't give me the gun, we'll let her go and you then I can talk about this okay."

"Oh come on Alex do you really think it would that easy? She hasn't given up yet, why would she now? Don't you see what she is trying to do to us?" Deb turned towards Samantha again and continued, her voice getting more agitated by the second. "She just keeps at you, forcing her self into your life, into our life. I know you keep telling her to go away that you love ME, Baby, SHE JUST WON'T LISTEN." Deb said as she advanced on Samantha, the gun held level right her heart. Alex forced her mind to remain calm while she slowly inched her was towards Debra, her eyes focused on the gun and desperately tried to communicate with Samantha to remain calm. Out of the corner of her eye Samantha saw what Alex was trying to do, the fear in her eyes reflected and Debra reacted with blind rage. She swung towards Alex with the gun and fired without a second thought as to her actions. The bullet hit Alex's right side high, going straight through, just as Alex's full weight crashed into her.

Alex felt the sting of the bullet as it struck, seconds before she slammed into Debra. Alex's weight knocked the shorter woman to the ground, and sent the gun flying from her hand. Alex, fighting the dizzying pain pushed to her feet, her hand reached for the wound and was immediately covered with blood. Samantha ran for the gun but was stopped by Debra's hand as she reached out and grabbed her. Samantha hit the steel work bench that stood along side the wall with her left shoulder and immediately feel something give and intense pain roar through her arm. Debra managed to grab the 375 and pull her self to her feet as Alex reached her and fired the gun again. The bullet struck Alex again, this time sending her to a crumpled heap to the ground. Seeing Alex down, Samantha struggling to stay conscious, and the sound of emergency vehicles pulling up to the boat house, Debra took the opportunity to make her get away and rushed for the boat tied at the end of the pier. Samantha seeing Alex on the ground surrounded by a growing pool of blood rushed to her side rolled her over and applied pressure to the wound that was oozing the most blood. Slowly the voices she heard receded as the blackness claimed her.

"Sweetie, come on open your eyes... come on Alex don't you leave me damn you. There is no way I want to have to be the one to tell you're dad you're gone. Come on..." Rick said into Alex's ear as they rushed to the hospital. His mind went back to that night at the lake years ago. 'Damn it Alex don't make me be the one to have to tell your dad you're gone.' He thought, as they pulled up into the emergency entrance of the hospital. The doors swung open and hospital personnel rushed to the stroller and began working on the pale woman that lay stretched out. "Call upstairs have them ready she is going up to surgery NOW..." the doctor that was examining Alex shouted. "MOVE now... he shouted at the orderlies and pushed Rick out of the way as they wheeled Alex straight to the elevators.

Stepping out of the way, Rick watched as they wheeled his best friend up, and the next ambulance pulled up with Samantha. As the door opened up and the pulled the stretcher out. Samantha was conscious and yelling for information about Alex, and totally raking the poor paramedics who had nothing they could tell her, over the coals. Relieved that his sister was giving everyone crap he was able to relax a little. As they wheeled her into the examining room he could hear her demanding answers, and finally a nurse came out and asked her he knew the woman, when he said she was his sister she asked if he would please go in and see if he could get her to calm down. As Rick entered the room Samantha looked at him and began demanding answers from him. He looked at her and told her simple to relax and let the doctors do their job or he wasn't going to let her know anything.

"Sammy you need to relax and let the doctors do their job, if you do that I'll go see what I can find out okay. But I need to run out to the crime scene, I won't be long. Okay, now do what the doctor tells you and let him do his job got it sis."

CHAPTER??

"I don't see how anyone could have survived that explosion sir, and given the strength of the current, we aren't going to find a body. We will keep searching rest of the day of course, but I don't believe we are going to find anything."

"Okay, keep me posted then." Rick said, he wanted to get to the hospital and that was where his mind was.

"Yes sir." Was the response from the younger man.

Rick wasted no time in getting to the hospital, and rushing into the emergency entrance. Stopping at the nurse's station, he was taken to the room where Samantha sat. "Are you alright?" He asked as he rushed to his sister's side. "Yes, it's just a dislocated shoulder. Have you heard anything about Alex... they won't tell me a thing."

"Okay, okay... but hurry back alright." Promising to get back as soon as he could Rick was out the door, where a police cruiser waited for him, to whisk him back to the pier.

"I don't know, I'll go see if I can find anything out. Are you sure you're okay?"

"Yes just... sore, go find out what you can about Alex." Samantha said as she lay her head back against the pillow and closed her eyes. With that Rick was off looking for the doctor to find out about their friend. Finding a nurse he stopped her and said, "I'm Detective Rick Donnelly Denver PD, I need any information you can give me about the woman that was brought in with Samantha Donnelly."

"Hold on please I'll get the doctor." The nurse said and within in minutes he was talking to the elderly man.

"Ms. Kincaid is in stable but serious condition, came out of surgery about thirty minutes ago."

"How serious Dr...?"

"Samuels. Well the fact that she is alive amazes me. She came in with two gun shot wounds, one which nicked her liver; she lost a lot of blood. She took a nasty blow to the head as well."

"But she is going to be alright right Dr Samuels?"

"She is up in ICU and barring any complications and a lot of time, I don't see any problem in her recovery."

"Okay, thank you Dr." Rick said as he breathed a sigh of relief, and made his way back to Samantha's room.

"Well how is she?" Samantha asked as soon as she heard the door open, and opened one eye to look at her brother. "Rick talk, there was so much blood, and she stopped breathing right before I passed out. God Rick she didn't die, right?"

"You don't remember talking to the paramedics? Sammy the paramedics arrived you were trying to keep Alex from bleeding to death. You were conscious enough to tell the paramedic about her injuries and as soon as they took over you passed out. Breathe Sammy, you saved her life. She was shot twice one bullet nicked her liver, the other went straight through. She's out of surgery and up in ICU, in stable condition right now."

"She's okay then good." Samantha said as she closed her eyes trying to block out the pain in her shoulder. "Rick what about Debra? She was running towards the boat, God please tell me she didn't get away. She is a nut job Rick... the look she had in her eyes, she wanted Alex dead."

"She made it to the boat, got so far out and it exploded. Near as we can figure out she made sure the boat would explode with her and Alex on it. They found some proof of an explosive device on the floating debris. They haven't found her body yet. Sammy they don't believe they will, between the explosion and the current Debra is gone sweetie." Rick told his sister as he held her hand and watched her close her eyes. Samantha gave into the medication and drifted off to sleep secure in the knowledge that the night mare they had been living for the last twenty four hours was finally over.

"So you're doing okay my friend?" Rick asked cautiously, his voice tense with emotion. It was still all too fresh in his memory. The explosion that he and witnessed for his car as he pulled up to the dock. His only prayer was that Samantha and Alex weren't on the boat when it was blown to bits.

"Yes, I'm doing fine Rick. Slightly sore still but nothing I can't handle. How is Sammy?"

"Sammy she is great. Her arm is healing beautifully, Brenda has taken some time off to help Sammy as she recuperates, Pops, and little Joey, love having her around all the time now. Hey look, I know Renee is coming in tonight and all, and you probably want to spend some time alone with her, but Sammy, Brenda, and Joey are heading off on a vacation to Spain tomorrow, and well we're having a dinner for them... We'd love it if you and Renee could join us. What do you say?"

"I'll ask her but I don't see that it would be an issue, where at and at what time?" Alex asked her childhood friend.

"O'Grady's on west 90th corner of County line. You know the place right? Be there around seven thirty okay."

"Sure I do, okay we'll be there at seven thirty sharp."

"Fantastic!! Alex this gal Renee, she loves you ya know, like Sammy did... don't hurt her okay. The way she looks at you she's got it bad for you. If you aren't interested, let her down easy don't play games."

"Rick, I won't hurt her, she is the one I swear it she makes me feel like I did with Sammy, I laugh like I did back then and I look forward to the day like I did back then. I think about the end of the day, and going home and it's her I see opening the door to me, or bringing dinner to me. I can't explain how I feel with her other than I can't think of a life with her not in it."

"Okay you are not my buddy Alex, what did you do with her?" Rick teased.

"Well hey you know how it goes, that one person that matters most of all to walk into your life to show you how it could be that makes all the difference."

"That's fantastic my friend! I'm going to let you go and I'll see you at dinner tonight for sure right?"

"You bet I wouldn't miss it for anything. Oh hey is Sarah going to be there too?"

At the thought of his partners name being mentioned Rick smiled and turned a light shade of red, and said of course she'd be there, took the light ribbing that Alex gave him. They said their good byes and hung up the phone.

She was nervous as she stepped out of the elevator, her heart was racing and she knew without a doubt that on the other side of the hall way was the one she wanted to spend the rest of her life with. Renee let out one last deep breath as she slowly walked up to the door. Brushing her hair back with her hand, and then rang the door bell.

Alex who had been pacing the room for the last thirty minutes came to a dead stop in front of the bar, where her glass of wine sat. She reached over and grabbed the glass and took a sip, just as the door bell rang. Without a second thought she called out, "Come in." The door opened and Renee walked into the room. She was greeted to low lighting, and the smell of fresh honeysuckle. Alex looked towards Renee from the bar, her eyes slowly moving up and down the blond, as she undressed her with her eyes. Renee who also was looking at Alex caught her breath as she took in the talk dark woman who was dressed in black boots, black slacks and a white button up shirt. Her short hair had been combed back and she radiated heat. Every pore oozed the tightly reigned desire the dark haired woman had coursing through her. Alex reached over and picked up the glass of wine and slowly walked towards Renee.

"God, I've miss you." She said as she walked.

"You have no idea..." Was Renee's answer as she regained both the ability to walk and talk for at least a moment. With out realizing just how or when it happened, Alex was in front of her, the glass of wine sat on the end table and she was in Alex's arms. They both intended for their first kiss to be slow and tender, but what came out was a hard fierce hungry kiss, which only served to ignite the fire that was in them both. Forgetting the fact that Alex had told her self to go slow, she couldn't fight the hunger that raged in her and she picked Renee up and as they kissed urgently, walked to her bedroom. As she reached her bed she put Renee down and unzipped the skirt letting it drop to the floor, her fingers then worked on the buttons of Renee's on teal colored blouse, only then as she was taking in Renee's beautifully formed body did she realize that the blonde wore no panties, and what little bra she had matched the garter that held up the stockings. With a groan she all but attacked Renee's neck, her lips kissed and her teeth nipped and her nose was assaulted with the fragrance that was a unique blend of Renee and the perfume she wore, all of which drove Alex to the brink.

Renee's breathing and heart beat increased as Alex's mouth descended on her neck. Her own fingers worked feverishly to undo the slacks and the top on Alex's body, the need to touch her, overwhelming. As soon as the slacks dropped Alex stepped out of them and pushed Renee back onto the bed. Renee's legs parted and Alex settled between them and almost totally lost all control when she came into contact with just how wet Renee was. Renee wrapped her legs around Alex's hips and began to grind into her, as her fingers raked over the strong back, and the teeth bit and nipped at her neck and shoulders. Before either knew they were crashing over the edge as they both ground against the other their hands on each other exploring and kneading. Wave after wave slammed against the two as they crashed over the edge. Slowly they started breathing, and their heart rate slowed, wrapped in each others arms, legs entwined they lay together simply breathing in the scent, and relishing the feel of each other.

Alex felt the warm tears on her shoulder, she gently lifted Renee's chin and asked what was wrong.

"I'm so sorry I wasn't there for you when you were in the hospital, or that I didn't trust you when you said there nothing going on between you and Samantha. God, I could have lost you and... I just keep thinking back to that stupid fight and what I said to you."

"Baby, you're here now and that's what matters. I know Debra planted enough to make you doubt, hell I would have doubted given what was being shown as evidence."

"I missed you baby." Alex said softly as her hand caressed Renee's soft smooth shoulder.

"I missed you too, God please tell me we don't have to be apart like that ever again."

"Not if I can help it no."

"Good, because I don't think I could handle it. This was hard enough. Are you sure all of this is over, Debra is gone for good?"

"It looks that way. The coast guard searched the wreckage, but found nothing. With the current as strong as it is in that area, she was carried out to sea."

"Well, I feel sorry for her father but other than that I can honestly say thank God.

"I know baby."

"How are Samantha and Rick doing?"

"They are doing well, actually they were both wondering if we would want to have dinner with them tonight."

"I would love to if you're up to it. I have a lot to thank them both for, especially Samantha. If not for her I would have lost you." Renee said quietly then asked, "How is your dad doing baby?"

"He is doing alright; he loves San Francisco and has decided to move there. He wants me to sell the house." Alex said quietly.

"Okay and how do you feel about him moving and selling the house?"

"I can't say that I want him to move, but Lynn has given him a new lease on life and I haven't seen him like this in a long time. Selling the house, considering all that's happened there you would think I'd be thrilled at the prospect of it, but... there are a lot of happy memories tied to that place you know. I think they over shadow everything else."

"So what do you say we buy it, and make even more happy memories there?"

"I thought you didn't want to leave Albuquerque."

"Alex, I almost lost you. Where I live doesn't matter as long as I'm with you."

"Renee don't say something you don't mean... I know all you've been through in the last few weeks, and I know it was because of me."

"I know exactly what I'm saying. I can't imagine my life without you." Renee said with tears in her eyes. As Alex's arms tightened around her Renee heard Alex softly say "I can't live without you, God I love you."

You are the air I need to breathe
the river of life inside of me
you are the half that made me whole
you are the anchor of my soul