Where the Road Leads by Alwayzdreamin

CHAPTER 4

'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.

"Of course that's 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? At times, even now, when I know I shouldn't miss you I do." 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."

"That 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. Am I right?"

"Is that how it is for you?"

"For the most part, yes it is. 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."

"I guess that's possible." 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." Was 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. And 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 that came out of Samantha's mouth.

"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. 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. 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. 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, 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 the need arise. 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 woken 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 badly. 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 of 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, any idea 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 face 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 slide 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.

Continued...