Where the Road Leads by Alwayzdreamin

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 was 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.

"That's not my call, but 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, eye sheltered from the falling snow, at the window; watching as the lights faded. "Sleep well Alex." The voice whispered, the warm breath turning to a thin veil of steam.

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