====================== Twisted Lives by Susan K. Droney ====================== Copyright (c)2002 by Susan K. Droney First published by The Fiction Works, July 2004 The Fiction Works www.fictionworks.com Mystery/Crime --------------------------------- NOTICE: This work is copyrighted. It is licensed only for use by the original purchaser. Duplication or distribution of this work by email, floppy disk, network, paper print out, or any other method is a violation of international copyright law and subjects the violator to severe fines and/or imprisonment. --------------------------------- "_Twisted Lives_ has everything ... the plot is good, the characters well developed, a nasty villain, and a love story that fits in with the plot. There is also an ending that will surprise the reader." -- Hattie Boyd, _Scribes World Reviews_ "_Twisted Lives_ provides an example of the tangled webs we weave ... a gratifying tale of evil and its twisted effects." -- Cindy Penn, Senior Editor, _wordweaving.com_ -------- *Chapter 1* Lightning streaked through the late afternoon sky, followed by ear splitting cracks of thunder. Rain pelted the lifeless form lying on the sodden ground. "Trevors, get over here!" Daniel Trevors moved away from the crowd of curious onlookers that had gathered, at the same time wondering what it was about tragedies that brought people out. He motioned for two officers to relieve him, then rushed to his partner's side. "What's up, Ben? I thought you said the guy had a heart attack or something." "Take a look at this." Ben pointed at the corpse lying face down. Daniel squinted, then focused his eyes to where Ben was pointing. "Who in God's name would have done this?" he exclaimed, examining the puncture wounds in the man's jacket. "He must have been stabbed twenty times!" He looked at his partner. "You don't think this is connected with the other three, do you, Ben?" Ben Wilson shrugged his shoulders, pondering the question. "I don't know what to think, Daniel. It looks like the poor guy was ambushed from behind." Lightning flashed. He looked up at the sky. "This storm's getting worse." He looked back down at the victim. "Tell homicide to get their asses over here." Daniel ran to the car and radioed homicide, then walked back over to his partner. "Do you think we have a serial killer on our hands, Ben?" Ben thoughtfully scratched his head, then looked at Daniel. "What else can we think at this point?" * * * * Jackie Davis stared at the cloudburst from the window of her dance studio. Lightning streaked through the darkened sky. She hoped the storm would let up before her class ended, and at the same time wondered if her students for the next class would show up. She didn't want to reschedule if she could help it because it would mean giving up a day she had planned for something else. She felt a tug at her arm and turned away from the window. "What is it, Jessi?" she asked with a smile, looking into the child's frightened eyes. "I'm afraid of the storm," Jessi answered in a quivering voice. "The lightning scares me." "It'll soon be over," she said, soothingly. "Go back to the bar and work on your stretching exercises with the other girls. I'll be there in a minute. She patted the child's shoulder, then watched as the chubby youngster cautiously made her way over to her classmates. Jackie turned back to the window, staring again at the raging storm and feeling her mood becoming as black as the sky. Not long ago she had thought her life was under control. She had made her own decisions and lived exactly the way she saw fit. She hadn't wanted to be tied down to anyone; that would only complicate her free nature. But recently, something had happened that made her question her priorities. She had to make some decisions about her life. * * * * Daniel Trevors hurried down the street to the Davis Dance Studio. He stood inside the door, leaning against the doorjamb as he caught his breath. He smiled at the group of young dancers as they twisted and turned their bodies in an attempt to imitate their teacher. Jackie caught his eye and winked. "Okay, young ladies, that's it for today. I'll see you on Thursday." She picked up a towel and mopped her forehead as she made her way over to where he stood. "What brings you here, Daniel?" she asked with a forced smile. She hoped he hadn't come to pressure her about resuming their relationship. "I had some business a couple of doors down, so I thought I'd drop in for a minute to say hello." His eyes traveled around the studio. "You've done a great job with this place." Jackie remembered only too well how deplorable this property had been when she first saw it. But she had a vision of what it could be; it seemed that she was the only one who saw the potential. Her energy and enthusiasm knew no bounds and she spent endless hours scrubbing, painting, and refinishing every inch of her studio. The end result was a bright and cheerful room which she proudly opened to the public. "Thank you." She threw her towel on a chair. "I've got a few minutes until my next class. Can I get you anything? A soft drink?" "No, thanks," he answered. She looked into his dark, brooding eyes and sensed that he wasn't here for a social visit. This was only the second time, since she had known him, he had come to the studio. The first time was when she had called him to investigate some broken windows. "What is it, Daniel?" she asked. He took her hand in his. "I don't want to alarm you, Jackie, but there's been another murder -- four doors from here." She stared wide-eyed at him. "That's four in the past month! What's going on?" she asked, her voice becoming high-pitched. He drew her into his arms hoping to calm her trembling body. "Please be careful, Jackie," he said softly, gently running a hand over her shoulder. He felt her stiffen. "What's wrong?" She pulled away from him. "Daniel, we'll never be more than friends. Please don't expect anything else." She picked up her ballet shoes. "I've got to get ready for my next class." He watched her closely as she changed her shoes, her leotard clinging to her shapely and well-conditioned body. Her energy amazed him; it always had. He often wondered how she built the stamina to sustain the rigid demands her many classes put on her. She was unique, and he wanted her back. He opened the door, turned and looked at her again. She was a strange woman. She had such a hold on him that no matter what he was doing, he couldn't rid his mind of her. She consumed his thoughts. And she had made it perfectly clear to him that they could only be friends. But still, he yearned for her. His only hope was that someday she would change her mind and love him the way he loved her. She waved to him. He smiled, waved good-bye, then slowly left the studio. He had a long night ahead of him and he wasn't looking forward to it. A cold-blooded killer lurked somewhere in the shadows and his instincts told him that it was only a matter of time before the killer would strike again. * * * * Jackie walked the six blocks to her apartment enjoying the freshness of the night after the earlier heavy rain. Bright stars lit the sky and a light breeze made it a perfect night for walking. She wished her mind was as clear as the night, but Daniel invaded her thoughts. He wanted something from her that she was incapable of giving to him or any other man. If things were different, she knew he would have her heart. She loved everything about him -- his warm smile, the laugh lines around his beautiful dark eyes, his slim, but firm build, but most of all, she loved his genuine compassion for others. She admired the way he raised his daughter, and still gave his all to his work. He seemed to have an endless reserve of energy. When he said he was available day or night, he really meant it. Jackie reached her modest apartment building, slipped inside, slamming the security door shut. She pulled the mail from her box, grabbed the evening paper, then walked the three flights to her apartment. Once inside her apartment, she slipped off her shoes and carried them to her bedroom. She was tired, but knew that going to bed now would only mean hours of tossing and turning, so she grabbed a magazine from the nightstand table, walked to the bathroom and drew a bubble bath. * * * * Daniel sat at his cluttered desk eyes focused on a stack of papers all needing his immediate attention. But he couldn't focus on the other cases -- not now. The murders had his full attention. This case was one of the most difficult and bizarre he had ever seen and he had no clues or motives. The murderer was slick. At first Daniel's theory had been a drifter passing through, but after the second murder that theory quickly dissipated. He gulped his coffee and signed a few reports. "Ready to call it a night?" Ben Wilson yelled from his desk. Daniel stood up. "Yeah, we've got the early shift tomorrow." He stretched. "And with this case, we'll probably be putting in a lot of overtime." Ben laughed. "So what else is new? There's always something to keep us here. But all work and no play makes Ben a dull boy. I think I'll go to Bennie's for a couple. Care to join me?" he asked, pulling on his jacket. Daniel glanced at his wristwatch. "Not tonight, Ben. Thanks anyway." "Got a hot date?" he teased. "Don't I wish. Nah, I've got to get home." "Such are the demands of single parenthood. But Jenny's a good kid." "She is. I just need to spend more time with her." "Well, I'm going to run, then. See you tomorrow." Daniel watched Ben, wondering how the man balanced his reckless lifestyle and career. Ben Wilson was a couple of years older. He had been through a bitter divorce following ten years of a stormy marriage. Now he acted like he wanted to make up for those lost years of freedom. He partied every night with a different woman and loved telling Daniel of his indiscretions. On many occasions he had tried to set Daniel up, but each time Daniel had firmly refused. He wanted someone with whom he could have a meaningful relationship. He wanted a solid foundation to build a future life with only one woman. He hoped that someday Ben would see that there was more to life and want something deeper. He knew that Ben would never jeopardize his career. He was a good cop and his instincts were sharp. But Daniel worried about him just the same. He saw the loneliness etched on Ben's face as the holidays drew near. Ben's ex, Sylvia, had moved across the country making it impossible for Ben to have much of a relationship with his only child, Josh. Ben pretended he was happy, but Daniel saw through his act. It was only a performance to hide the pain he was really feeling. In the beginning, Daniel had tried to reach out to Ben, but embarrassment made Ben retreat into his own world where no one could touch his heart again. Ben thought his moment of weakness would make him less of a man. But Daniel knew differently because he had been there himself years before. Daniel set his coffee cup next to the coffee pot, then grabbed his jacket. * * * * Half an hour later, Daniel pulled into the garage. After locking the garage, he walked up the front sidewalk of his comfortable home making a mental list of chores to do around the house. He noticed that every light in the house appeared to be on. He smiled as he was certain the electric company did every month when they sent him his bill. Jenny always left every light burning until he was safely home. "Hi, Dad," his fourteen year old daughter greeted him as he opened the door. "Hello, honey," he answered, throwing his keys on the entrance hall table. He walked into the living room then sat down in his easy chair. He pulled off his shoes, wriggling his toes. "Is your homework finished?" he asked. "Yeah, I didn't have too much." She sat on the carpet in front of him. "I cleaned the house, Dad, and I have your dinner warming in the oven -- meat loaf." He smiled, rumpling her hair. "Honey, you don't have to do all this. I want you to enjoy yourself like a teenager should." "I don't mind, Dad, honest." She stood up. "Do you want me to get your dinner?" "No, thanks, Jenny. I'll get it in a few minutes." He stretched his legs. "Anything special going on this weekend?" She shrugged. "Not that I've heard." He eyed her carefully. "Anything you need to talk to me about?" "No." She smiled. "Everything's great, Dad." "You wouldn't hold anything back from your Dad, would you?" he asked with a smile. "Like what?" He frowned. "I don't know. Boy problems, or should I say, Troy problems?" "Dad!" "Well, you know pretty soon you'll be going out without chaperones, and...." She rolled her eyes. "Are you going to change the age I can go out alone with boys?" She laughed as he slowly shook his head from side to side. "I didn't think so." She gave him a hug. "I guess I'll go to bed. I have a science test tomorrow," she said, making a face. "You'll do fine as usual, honey," he said confidently. After she left the room, he picked up the evening paper. After glancing at it for a few minutes, he tossed it aside, then leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes. His mind drifted through the dark recesses of his memories to a place he kept hidden from the world, but crept out of the silence to haunt him from time to time. Back then he thought the world was his. He was filled with life and very contented. His wife Becky and he had just purchased this house and were comfortably settling in with their new baby daughter Jenny. He still couldn't remember when Becky had begun to change. It had happened so subtly -- little things grew into mountains. When he pressured her into having another child she had put him off repeatedly with the same answer: One is enough. Today he knew that was the best choice considering what Jenny had endured the first ten years of her life. And he knew that he would always feel guilty for the pain and suffering his child had experienced. He blamed himself for not paying closer attention to what was happening in his own home. He was too busy protecting the city to notice what was happening under his own roof. Daniel sat up and looked at a picture of Jenny hanging on the wall. It was taken last spring. She was so beautiful and he knew that he would believe that even if she weren't his own flesh and blood. He thought of the past again. He knew that Becky was becoming more depressed with each passing day and he had tried so hard to lift her spirits by planning mini-vacations, lavishing her with expensive gifts, flowers, candy, nights out on the town, but nothing worked. He couldn't make her happy. He began to believe that something must be wrong with him. She was a model mother -- loving and attentive and Jenny seemed to thrive in her care, so Daniel threw himself even deeper into his career. He never noticed that his bubbly daughter was slowly withdrawing from activities, friends, and even him. She was like a vibrant spring flower that had withered and died once the first sharp bite of autumn had enveloped it. On a bright and sunny day, reality hit him between the eyes when he received an emergency call to come immediately to Jenny's elementary school. He had no warning that within minutes his life would be drastically changed forever. He was ushered into the principal's office where Jenny sat huddled in a chair with her head bowed. He rushed over to her gathering her into his arms. "Don't you feel well, honey?" he asked. Slowly she lifted her head. Her eyes held no emotion and appeared to stare through him. But Daniel was more concerned with what he saw. "My God!" he choked. "Who did this to her? What kind of school are you running here? She's only eight years old!" His stomach churned as his facial muscles tightened. His eyes were wide as he stared in disbelief at his daughter's bruised cheek and swollen eye. "This didn't happen here, Mr. Trevors," the principal, Mr. Johnson, answered. "Her teacher sent her to me when Jenny arrived at school this morning." His thin face was rigid. "Then who did this?" he demanded. The man ignored Daniel's question. "Someone from the Department of Child Welfare will be here shortly." Daniel pulled himself to his feet. "Are you accusing me, Mr. Johnson?" He eyed him coldly. Mr. Johnson continued to ignore his questioning. "I'm a police officer -- I deal with this sort of thing every day, but I never expected to find my own child battered and then be accused of doing it." "No one is accusing you, Mr. Trevors. This is standard procedure," Johnson answered tersely. "Did you call my wife?" "There was no answer." Daniel became angry at the way Mr. Johnson seemed to be cautiously eyeing him. He studied Johnson's features. He was a small man, no more than 5'8" tall and Daniel guessed his weight to be about 140 pounds. His milky complexion proved that he spent most of his time indoors. The door opened and Johnson's secretary escorted the social worker and two police detectives inside. Daniel walked over to his co-workers. "Look at my kid! I want some answers now!" "Mr. Trevors, I'm Julie Mason from the Department of Child Welfare. May I question your daughter?" Daniel glared coldly at the young woman. "What the hell is going on?" he demanded. Dale Cohen laid a hand on his arm. "We'll get to the bottom of it, Daniel. In this type of case, you know the procedure," he answered sympathetically. "Now I know how the innocent parents have felt when I've had to question them." He shook his head, then threw up his hands. "All right," he said calmly. "Will you please tell me what is going on?" "That's what we intend to find out, Mr. Trevors," Julie answered. "I need to ask Jenny some questions." "Ask her what you have to," he answered. She walked over to Jenny. "Hi, honey." Jenny shyly raised her eyes. "Hi," she answered in a barely audible voice. Daniel felt like he was suffocating in the small office. The woman's questions seemed endless. She started by getting Jenny to talk about her friends, school, and then her home life. He thought the questions would never end, but when they did, he knew that he would never be the same. "Jenny, will you tell me who did this to you?" Julie gently asked. Jenny's eyes grew wide with fear. "Was it one of your friends?" Julie coaxed. The child shook her head. "Did it happen at school?" She shrugged her shoulders. "Honey, please tell us what happened," Daniel prodded. "You need to tell us so this person can never do this to you again." His words came out soft and soothing, but inside he knew what he would do to the person who had inflicted these blows on his child. She looked into her father's eyes." "Come on, honey. Please tell us." Her eyes brimmed with tears, then spilled over. "Mommy," she whispered. "Mommy will be here soon, baby," Daniel whispered, as he knelt by her side, protectively putting an arm around her. He felt her small body stiffen. "What's the matter?" Julie noticed the way Jenny's eyes grew fearful at the mention of her mother's impending arrival. She laid a hand on Jenny's shoulder as she knelt in front of the child. "Did your mother do this to you?" "Oh, come on," Daniel said angrily. "Her mother would never -- " "Yes," Jenny choked. Daniel's eyes grew wide. "What? I...." His hand trembled. "Can you tell us why she did this, Jenny?" Julie continued. Jenny nodded. "Was this the first time your Mommy hit you?" She shook her head. Daniel felt like he was watching a slow motion movie of someone else's life because there was no way that his mind could comprehend how this could have been going on right in front of him without a clue. Or were there clues that he had failed to act upon? Guilt overwhelmed him as his daughter proceeded to tell of the years of abuse she had been put through. "Tell me about this morning," Julie said in a soft voice. Jenny sniffled. "I wasn't careful." "What do you mean, honey?" She looked into the woman's eyes. "I spilled my milk." Daniel's jaw tightened. His eyes met Julie's. "Honey, everybody has accidents. I'm always spilling something." "But Mommy gets mad." Her voice was low. "Only bad kids make messes." "Honey, that's not true," Julie answered. "Did she hit you every time you spilled something?" She nodded. "If I tell, then I'll get locked up." Daniel felt nauseous. "What do you mean, baby?" he asked in a cracked voice. She nestled closer to her father. "Daddy, don't send me away," she whimpered. "I'm trying to be good. Don't tell Mommy I told you." Daniel held her closer. "Jenny, Daddy would never send you away. Did Mommy tell you that I would?" "Yes." Daniel looked again to Julie and saw the sympathy in her eyes. "Tell us what Mommy told you. Please?" Jenny shuddered as she took a deep breath. "Mommy said you wouldn't believe me. If I was bad you would send me to a place where all bad boys and girls go and you would never see me again," she cried. Julie patted her shoulder. "No one is going to take you away from your Daddy, honey." She looked at Daniel. "I don't need to ask her any further questions." "What now?" Daniel asked. "We'll wait until your wife gets here." Ten minutes later, as Daniel sat with Jenny cradled in his arms, Becky burst into the room followed by a detective who had been summoned to find her. All eyes turned to her. If she noticed, she didn't seem to care. She rushed over to Daniel and Jenny. "Don't come near us!" Daniel shouted. She stopped in her tracks. "What did you say?" Daniel saw the confusion in her eyes and heard it in her voice. "You heard me, Becky. Stay away from us." "I -- I don't understand, Daniel." She reached out for his arm. He pushed her hand aside. "I want my daughter!" she cried. Jenny lifted her head from her father's shoulder. She stared at her mother. Julie saw the fright in the child's eyes. "Oh, no! Who did this to my baby?" Becky screamed. "Tell me!" Daniel was stunned. For the first time he understood what was happening. Becky had no recollection of abusing her own child. Daniel stared at her. He didn't know what to do. So many emotions flooded through him at once. He despised her for what she had done to their daughter, but at the same time realized that she honestly had no comprehension of committing these vile acts against her own child ... a child she had nurtured in her womb. He shook his head as he walked over to one of the detectives. "You'd better call the state hospital," he whispered. "Jennifer, let's go out to lunch," Becky was saying. "Maybe Daddy can get away from work to join us." She looked hopefully at Daniel. Jenny grabbed Daniel's hand. "No, Daddy ... please! Don't make me go with her." "It's okay, baby," he whispered. "I won't let her hurt you ever again." Julie whispered to Mr. Johnson. "Is there an office I can take Jenny to..." She nodded to Becky. "Of course," Mr. Johnson replied. "Go through this door." He pointed to a door behind Daniel. Julie took Jenny's hand. "It's okay, honey," she whispered as she led Jenny to the room. She knew the scene which would inevitably take place. Daniel stood uncomfortably looking at his wife. She was dressed to perfection with every hair in place. He wished he could look deep inside her mind to gain some understanding of what was happening to her. Her look of bewilderment made him pity her. He kept his distance even though she pleaded with him to hold her and tell her why everyone was treating her so harshly. When the ambulance arrived she didn't put up a fight, but left willingly. Daniel knew that the lost look in her eyes would haunt him for the rest of his life. The next two years were a nightmare. Becky's mental health declined rapidly and at the end of two years she had no recollection of him or Jenny. One crisp spring morning, she peacefully died in her sleep never knowing why Daniel had deserted her. Part of Daniel was relieved that her suffering was finally over, but another part of him yearned for understanding. He would never know when his wife had begun to lose her mind or if she had always been this way. He would always wonder whether he could have helped her if he had only known. He stood up, stretching. He walked upstairs to Jenny's room, opened the door and stood watching her as she slept. A faint smile crossed her lips, then disappeared as quickly as it had come. He tiptoed over to her and kissed her cheek, then walked back downstairs and into the kitchen to eat the dinner she had prepared. * * * * The bright morning light cast a glimmering ray over Jackie as she lay sprawled on her back in bed. She squinted against the bright light. She needed sleep, but knew that she had to get up and prepare for her morning classes. She turned the ringer back on her phone. Last night she had turned it off so she could get some much needed peace and quiet. Almost instantaneously the phone rang. For the first time, Jackie realized how shrill and demanding the sound was to her ears. It rang a second time. She bounded out of bed and grabbed it before it could assault her senses for the third time. "Hello," she breathlessly answered. "I finally reached you, do you know I've been trying to call you since last night?" the voice babbled on. Jackie wasn't quite awake and tried to focus her mind on the caller. "Oh, Ariel, I'm sorry. I was so tired after classes yesterday, that I just collapsed when I got home. I don't think a bomb could have woke me," she lied. "I'll forgive you this time, my friend. Anyway, I called to remind you that this afternoon we have to pick up your matron of honor dress," she said excitedly. "I'm glad you called ... I'd completely forgotten that it was today. What time do you want to meet?" "How about two o'clock at Rachel's?" "I may be a few minutes late, but I'll get there as quickly as I can." Ariel laughed. "I'll wait." She paused for a few seconds, then said, "Jackie, you don't seem to be yourself today. Is anything wrong?" "No, I'm fine, really. I'll see you at two. I've got to run." She hung up the phone, then looked at her bed, longing to climb back in. She sighed. She wished she could bury her head under the covers and never have to come back out. She smiled at her childish musings. The phone rang again, startling her. She reluctantly answered it. "I just wanted to say good morning to my lady," the deep voice tenderly greeted her. Jackie's heart beat quickened. "Rick, we've got to stop seeing one another." "Is that what you really want?" His voice was passionate. She hesitated. "You know it's not, but Ariel is my best friend. Do you know how I feel every time I see her? For God's sake, Rick, she's going to be your wife in two weeks!" she said remorsefully. "But you're the one who has my heart," he softly answered. "I could never love another woman the way I love you." "I don't think that you know what love is," she stated. He chuckled. "I know that I don't want to be with anyone, but you. You're on my mind constantly, consuming my every thought." "Then call off the wedding," she insisted. "I can't. We need the money. After a couple of years, I'll seek a divorce and a hefty settlement. Then you and I can get out of this city and spend the rest of our lives together." Jackie's head was spinning. "We would be living off of Ariel." She inhaled deeply. "I can't deal with this right now, Rick. I've got a class at ten." "How about tonight?" he asked. "I can't ... maybe ... I'll let you know." She shook her head as she hung up the phone. She threw her clothes on and rushed out of the apartment. * * * * Rick Tucker studied himself in his mirror. He knew that he was attractive to women and didn't need to be told even though many felt the need to tell him. Wherever he went, women flocked to him like bees to honey. He smiled as he looked at his naked body. Years of working out kept him in top physical condition. He lifted weights every other day, and on the even days ran at the track. His body and looks combined to get him what he wanted out of women. It never took him long to ease into the graces of some of the wealthiest women in the world. Some called him a playboy, but the term never offended him. He would play as long as his admirers would pay. He didn't mind selling his body. Sometimes he even got some pleasure out of the deal. But in his circle it wasn't called prostitution. The past two years had been difficult for him. The socialite he had been involved with took him for a ride. He should have seen it coming, but didn't. She was one up on him from day one and had caught him completely off guard. Broke and with no where to turn, he had ended up here, in this city of strangers. Here he would make a new start. He sold his soul, but the rewards were tremendous. No matter how much money he made, it was never enough. He lived frugally when he had to, but his appearance never let on to his hard times. He studied his penis ... that was his secret weapon. When he made love to a woman she knew that she had been made love to. He admired his size and knew the women did, too. No one walked away from Rick Tucker unsatisfied. If she did, then it was through no fault of his. When he met Ariel Cameron, he knew that his lifestyle would be greatly enhanced. He would never forget the night he met her because that was also the night he met Jackie. He was sitting at the bar of a swanky hotel, toying with his drink, when the most beautiful woman he had ever seen swept into the room. She was accompanied by another woman who was attractive in her own right, but didn't hold the fascination for him that the first woman did. He watched as they were escorted to a table. He smiled, recalling how easy it had been to get the women's attention. After he had had a bottle of wine sent to their table, it was only a matter of minutes before they invited him to have a drink with them. He didn't waste any time finding out their current financial standings. Jackie Davis was everything he had ever wanted in a woman, but Ariel Cameron had the money. Through wise investments, her parents had left her more than financially secure. Rick smiled as he reached for his razor. He studied his appearance once again. * * * * Daniel looked over his shoulder at the good-looking woman making her way to his desk. Her dress clung seductively to her, making her look cheap, as her hips swayed while the heels of her shoes made light tapping sounds on the dingy tiled floor. She reached his desk, her cool blue eyes taking in the immediate surroundings. "Are you Detective Trevors?" she asked in a low voice. "Yes, I am. What can I do for you?" "Are you handling the investigation of the recent stabbing?" She looked hopefully at him. "Yes, I am. My partner Ben Wilson and I are working with homicide." He studied her carefully, noticing how her bottom lip trembled slightly. "Do you have some information about the case?" He leaned forward in his chair. "I'm not sure ... maybe." She fumbled with the strap of her small purse. "May I sit down?" "I'm sorry. Of course." He motioned to the chair closest to his desk. She sat down, nervously clutching her purse. "So, what do you know about the case?" he asked grabbing paper and pen. "My ... my brother was one of the victims," she whispered hoarsely. "Maybe you'd better start at the beginning. What's your name?" "Stephanie. Stephanie Rinehart." He was thoughtful for a moment. "Yes, he was the second victim ... found on Elmhurst and Wayne." "I should have contacted you sooner, but I was afraid for my brother's reputation," she said apprehensively. "Please fill me in, Miss Rinehart," he said eyeing her carefully. She drew a deep breath. "Joseph was a good man. He was a hard worker and genuinely a kind person ... everyone who knew him liked him." She took a tissue from her purse and dabbed at her eyes. "But he was hiding something. I just knew it. He started spending money like he was a millionaire. Several times I questioned him about it, but he told me to stay out of his personal business." "Maybe he had a second job," Daniel offered. "I found out that he did." She cleared her throat. "He was selling drugs," she blurted out. "Can you prove it?" "I followed him one night shortly before he was murdered. He went to the warehouse on the east side ... you know the place?" "Yes, it's been vacant for several years," Daniel answered. "I parked my car and sneaked up to the entrance. The door was open a crack and I saw Joseph talking to another man." "Did you know the other man?" She shook her head. "Can you give me a description of him?" "Good looking with long side-burns, a thin mustache, and wears wire-rimmed glasses. He's probably in his mid-thirties." "How was he dressed?" "Very well-dressed." "Did you hear a conversation?" Daniel asked. "At first they were speaking in low voices. Then Joseph handed the man an envelope. The man looked inside, then took out a stack of bills. He counted the money, then accused Joseph of ripping him off. Those were his exact words. Joseph denied his allegations, but the man told him that he had forty-eight hours to either come up with the money or the drugs." "So you believe your brother was running drugs for this guy?" "Yes. I didn't want to believe it, but I know what I witnessed with my own two eyes." She wadded the tissue she was holding. "I couldn't believe it! My own brother. The father of two beautiful children, doing something like that!" She dabbed at her eyes again. "Did you ever confront him about what you had seen?" Daniel asked. "Yes, I did. He pleaded with me not to tell anyone." Her voice softened. "He wanted to provide the best for his family and he just couldn't make it on his salary. I told him that the money he was making selling drugs would never make him happy." "How long was he doing it?" "I don't know. It must have been at least six months. He never would tell me ... that's just my guess." She took a deep breath. "I disowned him as my brother the night I confronted him. The next night he was murdered." Her voice trembled, then broke. "If I had only gone to the police with this information he might be alive today. I blame myself and I will have to live with it for the rest of my life," she sobbed. Daniel gave her a few minutes to compose herself before speaking. "You may have just given us some very pertinent information, Miss Rinehart. Now, with your permission, I need to have you sign a formal statement testifying to what you have just told me." "I'll do whatever I have to get that bastard off the streets." "Okay, then, let's do it." * * * * Ariel Cameron peered out of the dress shop window. It was already half past two and Jackie was nowhere in sight. She knew that becoming upset was a lost cause because Jackie had been this way ever since they had become friends in junior high school. No matter the plans, Jackie was always running late. They were complete opposites, but early on had agreed that this was what made them fast friends. Ariel had been raised as a pampered little princess and after much pleading, had been allowed, against her parents better judgment, to attend the local junior high school instead of being sent to a boarding school. She had almost regretted her decision until Jackie Davis befriended her and took her under her wing. Jackie was outgoing, independent, energetic, and fun loving; the exact opposite of Ariel. Gradually though, Jackie managed to bring Ariel out of her shell and surrounded her with her simple enthusiasm for life. Ariel's happiness had always been bought for her, but Jackie showed her the things that money could never buy. Ariel held a dress against her thin frame as she daydreamed about her fiance. The night she had met Rick she was certain that he would bypass her for Jackie. It always happened that way even though Jackie never encouraged it. Jackie just had a charisma that naturally attracted men to her. But that night Jackie had excused herself from the table to give Ariel a chance to speak alone with Rick. Ariel would be forever grateful to her for that courtesy. Ariel had not only been captivated with Rick Tucker's looks, but also with his genuine interest in knowing everything about her and her family background. By the time the night had ended, she had secured a date with him for the following evening. A hand gently squeezed her shoulder, startling her back to the present. "What were you thinking?" "Rick!" She threw her arms around his neck. "What are you doing here?" "Just making sure everything is under control." He kissed her cheek. "Now, tell me, what has you so starry-eyed?" She smiled up at him. "As if you didn't know." She looked at the clock. "I hope that Jackie didn't forget that she's supposed to meet me here. She's always running late, but this is late even for her." Before the sentence was finished, Jackie came bursting through the door. "Sorry I'm late," she breathlessly called. "Nice to see you, Jackie." Rick smiled. Jackie regained her composure as Rick kissed her cheek. "I'd better let you two attend to your business." He drew Ariel to him, her back facing Jackie. He passionately kissed his bride to be as he winked at Jackie. Jackie threw him a warning look as she turned to the dresses. She took one from the rack and delicately held it up while Ariel and Rick said their good-byes. Her heart pumped irregularly as she felt the sharpness of Rick's eyes on her back. His eyes seemed to be boring through to her very soul and she knew that the kisses he so freely gave to Ariel could never match the passion she shared with him. She felt her face flush, so said, "I'll try this on," as she hurried into the dressing room. Once inside, she leaned against the wall to steady her trembling legs. The wall felt cool against her hot flesh. She felt weak as she relived the passion the two of them had shared. "Oh, Rick," she whispered, "why can't I get you out of my system?" "Let me help you try it on," Ariel smiled as she entered the cubicle and took the dress from Jackie's hands. "This is perfect for you, Jackie." She noticed how Jackie's hands were shaking. "Are you okay?" she asked, concern filling her voice. Jackie gave her a faint smile. "Just a little dizziness ... I skipped lunch." Ariel looked closely at her. "You need to get on a better schedule." "Yes, mother," Jackie teased. Ariel smiled, then gazed at the dress. "This is beautiful." "It is special," Jackie murmured. * * * * Jenny sat at her dressing table experimenting with makeup. "What shade of eye shadow should I use?" She turned to her friend. "I think Troy likes blue the best," Amanda Kane answered. "Hey, did you ask your Dad about Saturday night?" Jenny frowned. "Not really, but he's always trying to get me more involved in activities." She laughed. "So how can he say no?" Amanda smiled. "But I'll bet that you didn't tell him about Troy." "What's to tell? He knows that I'm going out with him," she answered as she chose a blue pair of earrings from her enormous collection of costume jewelry. Amanda walked over to her. "Yes, but not without a chaperone," she teased. "If he finds out, he'll kill you!" Jenny turned to her. "Then he won't find out, will he?" She looked defiantly at her friend. "But you've always been so perfect." "Well, maybe it's time for a change," she sniffed. "I'm tired of being so sheltered. I want to have some fun." "That's my style, besides, I don't have to worry about answering to anyone," Amanda laughed bitterly, "because no one gives a damn about me." "Come on, Amanda, your family really cares about what happens to you." She flopped down on Jenny's bed, then rolled onto her stomach, propping her chin up on her hands. "I used to hope and pray that they did, but I know it's just not so. When I walk out the door, no one cares where I go or if I ever come back," she retorted. "Well, I care," Jenny said firmly. "You're my best friend and a lot of fun to be around. So quit being so morbid and help me pick out the perfect outfit to wear for Troy." * * * * "Jenny, what time will you be home?" Daniel asked as he scanned his newspaper. Jenny's face flushed. "Oh, I forgot to tell you, Dad. I'm going to sleep over at Meg Stedman's house. Is that okay?" Daniel laid his newspaper down. "Remember that I want you to stay with your friends tonight. I know that Troy Miller will be there and I don't want you to go off alone with him," he said resolutely. "I won't, Dad." She kissed his cheek. "I'm going to wait outside for Mrs. Stedman. I'll see you tomorrow." "All right, honey, have a good time." * * * * Jenny sat next to Troy, nervously toying with the beer he had placed in her hand. He moved closer to her, then slipped his arm around her shoulder. "I'd like to kiss you, Jenny." She turned her face toward him, wondering what to expect. She had never been kissed before and her heart pounded with anticipation. Troy's lips felt like they were crushing hers. They were soft and wet; definitely not what she had dreamed they would be like. She pulled away from him. "What's the matter?" he whispered. "I thought that's why you came here tonight." "I just wanted to spend time with you and get to know you better." "I know one way we can get to know each other better." He smiled showing a perfect set of white teeth, then enclosed her in his arms. -------- *Chapter 2* Jackie was leading her young students through their warm-up exercises when out of the corner of her eye she spotted someone staring at her. "All right, young ladies, please continue your bar work and I'll be right back." She grabbed her towel and rushed over to the restroom where she knew Rick would be waiting for her. He smiled appreciatively at her as his eyes hungrily took in her body. He pulled her into the restroom, then shut the door. "What are you doing here?" she demanded. "After seeing you today, I am overcome with passion. I need you now!" He nuzzled her neck with his lips. "Rick, I'm in the middle of a class. Besides, I'm all sweaty." He laughed. "Baby, when I'm through with you, you'll know what being sweaty really is." He stared into her eyes. "I'm sure you haven't forgotten." He searched her eyes. She placed her hands on his chest, pushing him away from her. "Rick, go ... I've got work to do," she whispered loudly. "Come on," he pleaded. "No!" she stated firmly. He grew serious. "What's with you, Jackie? You're not much fun these days." "Maybe I've been doing some thinking about us," she began. He raised his eyebrows. "Don't tell me I'm going to get a lecture on morals, from you of all people?" he asked sarcastically. "I feel cheap and dirty for what I've done to Ariel. I can't keep hurting her like this." "But she doesn't know about us." "I can't continue this relationship when you take her for your wife. I need you out of my life once and for all." She looked into his eyes, but could read nothing there. "You'll never be rid of me, babe," he whispered. "I'm the only man who will ever be able to satisfy you. I'm a part of you. I'm in your blood, just as you are in mine. You'll be miserable without me and you know it. You'll never be able to take it. I'll always be the part that sustains you." He looked deep into her eyes, then abruptly turned and left the studio. Jackie leaned against the cool, tiled wall of the small room. Emotionally she felt twisted and drained. An exhausted loneliness crept through the very core of her being. She loved Rick passionately, but it was a passion that would destroy her. She could not count on a lifetime commitment from Rick, especially not when it would be at Ariel's expense. She stood straight, throwing her shoulders back. She knew that Rick would never be convinced of her decision to end their relationship unless he sincerely believed that her love for him no longer existed. And she honestly doubted she would ever again find the excitement that she had found with him. She walked over to the sink, splashing cold water on her face. * * * * Jenny removed the pizza from the oven. "Here, I'll cut it," Amanda offered. "So how was your date with Troy?" she chided. Jenny's eyes sparkled as only a teenager's, who was in love for the first time, could. "He's so cool!" She handed the pizza cutter to Amanda. "He moved awfully fast, though -- it scared me in a way. But he was so understanding and sweet when I told him I wouldn't do it. Do you know what I mean?" Amanda stopped slicing the pizza. "Yeah, I know what you mean." Her dark hair glistened under the bright kitchen light. "Kirk expected everything on our first date." Jenny noticed Amanda's face reddening. "You didn't, did you?" Her eyes grew wide. "Of course not." She looked at Jenny. "I wanted to, but something inside wouldn't let me." She chewed on her bottom lip. "You know what really gets me?" she continued, "It's the kids at school. They think I've given out to every guy I've dated! You don't know how it feels to be accused of something you didn't do," she said bitterly. Jenny was at a loss for words. She studied Amanda's features. Amanda's long, black hair hung loosely against her small-boned frame, making her look almost fragile. Her fair coloring and flawless skin made her look like a goddess of beauty. Her cheekbones were high and her eyes were dark and perfectly set apart. But the minute she opened her mouth to speak, the illusion was lost. She spoke as though she had no morals. Jenny knew the real Amanda and never could understand why Amanda led others to think the worse of her. It was as though she wanted the world to pay for her suffering, but didn't understand that she, herself, was to blame for most of it. "Amanda, is your life really that bad? You do have a family. It's not like you're homeless or something." "Give me a break, Jenny! Don't you believe me?" Jenny became quiet. Now that she had brought up the subject, she was at a loss for words. Amanda looked into Jenny's eyes. "You don't believe me! You are my best friend and you don't believe anything I've ever told you." Tears stung her eyes. "I really counted on you, Jenny. I guess I was wrong to think or hope that anyone could ever care about me. Thanks a lot!" She threw the pizza cutter on the counter and grabbed her jacket. "Come on, Amanda, I believe you," Jenny said. "Yeah, right!" She hastily zipped her jacket. "You know what my whole life has been like. I've confided the worst details of my life to you and you act like I'm making it up!" "Where are you going?" "None of your fucking business!" She rushed out of the kitchen door before Jenny could say another word. Jenny slumped into a chair. She couldn't figure out how she seemed to always mess everything up when all she ever wanted to do was help. The tears on Amanda's face hurt her deeply. She never wanted to be the cause of anyone's pain. When she did unintentionally hurt someone, it cut her to her very soul. She laid her head in her hands for what seemed like hours and didn't hear her father enter the kitchen. "What's the matter, Princess?" he asked, planting a kiss atop her head. Jenny slowly lifted her head. "Dad, why does life have to be so hard? I mean like sometimes it seems like no matter how hard you try, it just keeps getting more complicated and messed up." Daniel pulled up a chair and sat down next to her. "Honey," he said gently, taking her small hand in his, "I take it that you are having a disagreement with Amanda. Am I right?" "Yeah, I guess I hurt her feelings without meaning to." Her eyes widened. "Dad, she's my best friend. I would never deliberately hurt her. I was only trying to help her." Daniel saw the sincerity and pain in his daughter's eyes. He patted her hand. "Give her time to cool off, Jenny. Once she's had time to think, she'll see that your intentions were good. She'll come around in a day or two." "I wish I could be sure." He smiled. "Take your old man's word for it." He looked at the uneaten pizza. "Why don't you warm that up and I'll grab a quick shower." "Okay, Dad." She stood up just as the phone rang. "I've got it," she said. Daniel winked at her with an I-told-you-so look in his eyes. "Hello." Jenny frowned. "Just a sec. It's for you," she said, holding the phone out to her father. "Hello?" He raised his eyebrows. "Is something wrong, Jackie?" "No, Daniel." Her voice was soft and low. "I've just been thinking about how badly I've been treating you lately." "I shouldn't have pressured you," he answered. "Daniel, please don't make this difficult for me. If you are still interested, I would like to see you." "What brought about this sudden change of heart?" "I need to enjoy life. All I seem to do anymore is work. I've decided that it's about time I had some fun. You are the only man I know who can provide that for me." He hesitated for a moment as he shrugged his shoulders at Jenny who was listening intently to his side of the conversation. Jenny smiled. She had known Jackie Davis for a couple of years when she had joined a jazz class and had become ecstatic when her father and Jackie began dating. Her father needed a woman in his life. Jenny had worried about what would happen to him when the day came for her to leave home. She knew that her father needed someone who would love him and appreciate his values. Jackie Davis seemed to be the woman who could fit that bill. She gave a thumbs up to her father as she set the table. She never knew why Jackie and her father had quit seeing each other. But she had seen the deep hurt and pain in his eyes whenever Jackie's name was mentioned. Out of respect, she had never questioned him about the break-up. But now she was happy they were going to see one another again. "Would you like to have dinner tomorrow? Or a movie?" he asked. "I'd love to. How about seven?" Jackie answered. "Great, I'll see you then." He was shaking his head as he hung up the phone. "Women," he happily muttered. "Who can ever figure them out?" Jenny laughed. "Sure, blame it on us, Dad. You men are the ones who make us crazy." "Is that so?" he smiled. "But just remember that you can't live without us." * * * * Jackie hung up the phone with a feeling of accomplishment. She already knew that Daniel was deeply in love with her. Getting him to see her again was the easy part. She picked up a magazine and thumbed through it, but could not concentrate, so tossed it aside. Her head was throbbing and she could feel hot tears building behind her eyelids. She walked into her small kitchen and fixed a cup of tea. She carried her tea into the living room, set it down to cool, then picked the magazine back up. Her hands started to shake at the same time the tears she had been fighting, splashed down her cheeks. Her heart and soul ached for Rick. She hated herself. These emotions made her feel weak. She had always been able to control her emotions, until she met Rick. He had such a control over her that it consumed her. She felt like she was drowning and there was no hope of survival. How could Rick profess his love for her and at the same time plan to marry someone else? How dare he expect her to be his mistress when he would be sharing his bed every night with her best friend. Her mind could not cope with all this pressure. For too long, guilt had wracked her. She could never expect Ariel to forgive her or even to understand if she should ever find out. Rick was using both of them. She wanted to hate him for emotionally destroying her, but couldn't. The simple truth was that she loved him and always would. She knew that she wouldn't think twice about giving up her own life to spare his. But she doubted that he would do the same for her. His love for her was not strong enough or he would end his relationship with Ariel. Now anger began to build. "Damn him!" she shouted. "Why can't I get him out of my system?" The tears now fell free and heavy and she was unable to stop their flow. Something inside of her was dying. Her heart was twisting, crumbling, and slowly being torn to shreds. Her heart would never be the same. Life would continue and she would just exist. That's all that was left for her now. She didn't want to hurt Daniel. He didn't deserve to be hurt. He was too sweet and sensitive. As soon as Ariel and Rick were comfortably settled into their marriage, she would end it with him. She wanted Daniel to find someone who would return his love. She knew that she could never love again. She covered her face with her hands as her mind swept her into her own personal hell of emotions. * * * * Rick Tucker combed his hair, then looked around his room for a clean shirt, finally settling on a light blue one to go with his gray slacks. He threw a sport coat on his unmade bed, then stood smiling at the bed. It was too large for the room, actually taking up the bulk of it. He sighed deeply, recalling the passion that had taken place between him and Jackie on that bed. Jackie could tell him a thousand times that she never wanted to see him again, but her heart told him otherwise. He had the key to her heart and it gave him an unleashed power over her. He knew after his first night with her that no man would ever again be able to fulfill her. Jackie was like his own little puppet -- if he pulled the right strings, she would do whatever he wanted. He would make sure that Ariel never found out about Jackie, but if she ever did, he had that figured out, also. Ariel would be shocked that her best friend had seduced him, but she would forgive him for succumbing to Jackie's charms. After all, what man could resist Jackie Davis? He smiled smugly. He pondered what kind of lover Ariel would turn out to be. She never let him touch her. She wanted her wedding night to be perfect. But he was certain that Ariel would never match Jackie's ardor in bed. He thought about Ariel. She was convinced that he loved her for herself and not her inheritance. He never let her spend a dime on him. It proved to her that he only wanted her; not her money. Ariel was secure in his love ... he had worked hard to make her feel secure. He was a charmer who knew it and would not hesitate to use his charm whenever it was to his advantage. Rick picked up his sport coat, slipped it on, then admired himself in the mirror. He checked the time, then quietly left his room. * * * * Daniel stood by the coffee maker waiting for the pot to fill. "What do you think of Stephanie Rinehart's statement?" Ben Wilson asked. "I think she's telling the truth about what she saw, but something just doesn't click. If we could only get a better composite of the man she saw." Ben laughed. "She is too hung up on his clothes. It prevents her from concentrating on his features." "True," Daniel smiled as he poured two cups of coffee, "so we have to keep trying." He handed a cup to Ben. "If she could only think of something else. I know we would have our man." "That still doesn't mean he's our murderer." Daniel added sugar to his coffee. "No, it doesn't, but it doesn't mean he's not, either." He sipped his coffee. "I only hope that Stephanie Rinehart can give us what we need before he strikes again." Ben frowned. "I can't even come up with a decent hunch on this one. I usually get a deep gut feeling." He looked at Daniel. "But nothing this time." Daniel took another sip of coffee. "I know the feeling. But we'll get him, Ben." His voice was firm. "I guarantee you that we'll get him." Ben shook his head, then rubbed his eyes. "I just don't know." Daniel eyed him. "You seem distracted. Everything okay?" He sniffed. "Yeah. Sylvia wants a couple hundred more a month." He laughed bitterly. "That woman's bleeding me dry." "Can't you get a lawyer?" "Nah. It's called keeping up with inflation. The older Josh gets, the more money she needs to provide for him." He sighed. "It wouldn't be so bad if I got to see him once in awhile. It's hard to maintain my rightful place as his father with a couple of phone calls every few months. Just once I'd like to be there to see him hit a home run." Daniel wished he could find the right words to say, but knew there were none in this situation. -------- *Chapter 3* Rick took Ariel's elbow as he lead her to their table. He gently pulled her chair out, seated her, then seated himself. "Are you feeling all right tonight, Rick? You were very quiet on the drive over." He heard the concern in her voice. "I'm fine." He flashed her a quick smile. "Just some business worries." He patted her hand. "Now don't you go worrying about me." She frowned. "It comes with the territory." She rubbed his large strong hand with her own. "I want to help. If you're having financial problems, please let me know." He inhaled deeply. "Ariel, I will not accept your financial help for my business. I won't change my mind, so please don't bring it up again," he said firmly. She lowered her eyes. "Honey, I'm sorry if I've hurt your feelings. That was not my intention." His voice was soft. "I care, Rick. I only want to help." "I know that, honey, and I'm grateful for your offer. But I have to know that I can do this on my own. If I take your money, I'll never know." He picked up her hand, gently caressing it. "I'll make a deal with you, though. If I can't make it, then I'll ask for your help before I go under. Is that fair?" She smiled. "It's a deal." She sipped her water. "Tell me more about your business, Rick. I still don't understand exactly what you are trying to do." "You know the computer firm I work for is having financial problems. A few of us programmers got together and developed a program that will completely revolutionize the marketing industry." He leaned back in his chair. "It's a lot of road work. Fortunately, there are enough men willing to do the leg work so that I don't have to do much traveling. But I do have to report weekly to my top investor." "Why didn't you tell your boss about the program?" she asked. He laughed. "Honey, he would have given us a pittance and reaped the profits when it takes off." "So he doesn't know about it?" He shook his head. "No. We'd all be fired if he even had an inkling of what we were doing. None of us could afford the financing, so we pooled all of our resources, then found some investors willing to give us a chance." "Why don't you advertise through the mail or the Internet instead of having so much traveling? Wouldn't that make more sense?" "Yes, but my customers need to see up front what they are getting for their money. That's the clue. We give them the personal touch. That's hard to find these days." "I've got a wonderful idea! Why don't I invest in your company?" "Let's wait until after the wedding. If I need your help, then I will gladly take you up on your offer. Okay?" She nodded her consent. "But as an investor you wouldn't have to worry about borrowing money from me." "I'll think about it, honey." He winked. "Here comes the waiter. Let's order now, I'm starved!" * * * * Jackie turned the stereo volume up. "All right, girls!" she said loudly, clapping her hands. "Let's go through the routine one more time! I want it perfect this time!" She kept her eye on Jenny Trevors. She knew Jenny well enough to know that Jenny's mind was definitely not on the dance routine. Normally Jenny was a perfectionist, but Jackie noticed how even the simplest routine today seemed to throw her off. She caught her eye and Jenny looked away in embarrassment. When the routine was over and the other girls were putting on their street clothes, she walked up to Jenny. Jenny looked up at her. "Hi," she said with a bright smile. "How's everything going?" Jackie gently asked. "Great!" "If you ever need to talk, you know that you can come to me." "I know," she answered with the same smile. "Thanks." * * * * Daniel studied Jackie's long slender legs. It felt good to have her beside him on her sofa. He gathered every bit of self control not to reach over and run his hand over her smooth flesh. "Is something wrong, Daniel?" she softly asked. His face flushed. "No, everything is fine. I guess my mind wandered for a moment." He picked up his coffee cup. "Would you care for anything else?" "No, thank you. I'm fine." He set the cup down, then leaned back into the sofa. "I really missed you, Jackie. You'll never know what your phone call last night meant to me." "I never meant to hurt you, Daniel." She patted his hand. "I needed time. Things were moving too fast for me." She looked into his eyes and thought she could see the tension leaving his body. Maybe she was just imagining it. "I didn't want to get seriously involved until I was sure." "What are you telling me?" he hopefully asked. "Daniel, why do I have to spell everything out for you?" She laughed. "I love you!" He grinned. "I just needed to hear you say it. Maybe I'm dreaming." He drew her into his arms, kissing her gently. "No, this is definitely real." She settled against his firm chest. "I feel so safe with you." "And you make me feel very wanted." He caressed her arm. "I couldn't get you out of my system." "Why?" "Every time I saw you I wanted to pull you into my arms. I couldn't stand not touching you, feeling you next to me, talking with you. You'll never know what I went through." She knew what she had put him through because she was feeling those same emotions at this moment. She couldn't bear for Daniel to be hurt again, but she knew that eventually it would happen and he certainly didn't deserve it. There was no other way. She could not give herself totally to him, but she could say all the things he wanted to hear. She would go through the motions, but it would only be acting. She sighed as she listened to the rhythmic beating of his heart. A heart that she would break again. She hated herself for what she was doing to him and she hated herself for what she had let Rick do to her. Love wasn't a game; something just heartlessly thrown around. Love was the meeting of two hearts and minds to build one. One standing together to fight the evils and pains of the world. One to breathe, think, and live with another as highest priority. Love didn't hurt; it was not supposed to. Love was supposed to nurture. It meant encouraging one another to meet all the challenges of the world; to bring out the best in each other. Love never meant inflicting pain, sorrow, or suffering to the other. To deliberately cause any of these meant that one never had the love for the other. To cause such pain would be against one's own nature. Did she truly love Rick because he was dangerous or was she running from the safe love Daniel offered? Was she afraid to give her heart to Daniel? Daniel lightly ran his fingers through her hair. He picked up a strand and entwined it around his fingers. "I'm the happiest man in the world tonight," he said contentedly. She turned to face him. "I only want your happiness, Daniel." She unbuttoned the first two buttons of his shirt, then softly ran her fingers through his thick chest hair. "I love your body," she whispered. "I'm in pretty good shape considering I don't even take one of your aerobic classes," he teased. "Daniel!" She playfully slapped his arm. "Here I am trying to be romantic and you blew the mood." He laughed. "No matter what you're doing, you're romantic." He pulled her close. "I think it's just part of your beautiful nature." He ran his fingers over her cheek, then covered it with short kisses, finally reaching her earlobe which he gently nibbled. "Daniel, we need to talk," Jackie said, pulling away from him. "Did I do something wrong?" He frowned. "No. No." She patted his arm. "This may not be the proper time to bring this up, but I need to talk to you about Jenny." His eyes narrowed. "Why? Did something happen in class?" Jackie sighed. "She wasn't herself." She looked deep into Daniel's eyes. "Is she upset about you and me seeing one another again?" "Oh no, don't think that! She couldn't be happier for us." He inhaled deeply. "She's at a difficult age. She's got so many questions. I try to answer them the best I can, but I know she needs a woman to talk to." His eyebrows creased. "I've tried my best to raise her right, but now that she's growing up, she doesn't need her old man as much." Jackie kissed his cheek. "You're a wonderful father, Daniel. Jenny will always need you. If you think it will help, I'll talk to her." "You would do that for me?" "Of course I would, honey. If something is bothering you, then it bothers me." He grinned. "You're something else, Jackie. I'm so lucky to have you back in my life." "No, Daniel, I'm the lucky one. You're a good man and you deserve to be treated right." She felt guilty with every word she spoke. She hated herself for what she was doing -- giving him a dream that could never come true for him. "If I ever hurt you, I swear it's not my real intention. I only hope that I never do hurt you," she whispered. He held her tightly, feeling her heart thumping against his chest. "Honey, just keep loving me. As long as we have our love, we'll be strong; nothing will ever be able to hurt us or pull us apart." He didn't see the tear that silently rolled down her cheek. * * * * Kirk took a sack from the pouch attached to his motorcycle. "Where are we, Kirk? I can't see a thing," Amanda said. "It's cold here." He took her hand. "Come on. I want to show you something." "I don't know. Maybe we should go to our usual spot. There's no one around here," she said nervously. He looked around. A gentle breeze rippled the leaves on the nearby tree as the moon played peek-a-boo between the branches. A twig snapped under his feet causing her to jump. He laughed. "It's beautiful here, Amanda. Why do you need a bunch of people around you? Don't you trust me?" His voice was gentle. She heard the disappointment in his voice and felt guilty that she had hurt his feelings. She loved him so much. She knew that she had to prove to him that she really did trust him. "Yes, Kirk, I trust you." She held tightly to his hand. "What do you want to show me?" She tried to make her voice light. He squeezed her hand as he led her down a path to the edge of the lake. The moonlight glistened over the water making it look like diamonds sparkling. She sucked her breath in. "This is beautiful, Kirk." "I knew you'd like it." He spread a blanket on the damp ground. "Come on, sit down," he said at the same time grabbing two beers from the sack. He opened them, took a sip from one and handed her the other. He pulled a bottle from his jacket pocket, carefully opened it, then took a large gulp from it. "Here," he offered. "This stuff is really good. A friend of mine got it for me." Amanda shook her head. "No, Kirk. Beer is enough for me and I've already had enough of that for one night." She looked cautiously at the bottle he held in his hand. "Please don't drink any more. If you get busted, you'll lose your bike." He grinned. "I ain't gonna get busted, babe." He slid closer to her, putting his arm around her shoulders. "We've been going together for quite awhile now, Mandy." She laughed. "You never called me that before." "Well, I am now." He squeezed her shoulder as he moved closer to her. He nuzzled her neck with his mouth. Shivers ran through her. Kirk was kissing her deeper than he ever had before and his hands were exploring the secrets of her body. She was scared and confused. What he was doing to her made her body feel wonderful, but at the same time frightened her. He pulled at her clothes as his kisses became rougher. "Stop it!" She slapped his hands away. "You know I won't do it with you, Kirk." "Come on, babe. If you really love me like you say you do, you'll do it with me," he prodded. "I won't! This is not love." She glanced around knowing there was no one within miles. The wind whistled through the trees bringing the warning of an approaching storm. He grabbed her wrist, twisting it. With the other hand he took another swallow from the bottle. "Hey, what's the big deal anyway? Everybody thinks we're doing it." His voice was sarcastic. "You know that's not true, Kirk. Besides, I don't care what anybody thinks." She looked into his eyes. "I want to save myself for when I get married. That's the most important thing that I can give to anyone. God knows that I don't have much more to offer." Tears filled her eyes. "Can't you understand that, Kirk?" He pushed her, causing her to fall backwards to the ground. "The only thing I understand, Amanda, is that I'm going to get what everyone thinks I'm already getting." He tugged at her jeans. She screamed, punching at him. "Kirk, please! Not this way. This is not love!" His eyes were glassy. He held tightly to her wrists as he slowly lowered his body on her. She could smell the whiskey on his breath. She wanted to vomit. Her mind raced frantically, trying to think of a way to escape. Suddenly she brought her knee up as he was almost upon her. She missed his crotch. Kirk yelped as he grabbed his stomach. "What's wrong with you?" he demanded angrily. "How would you like it if I beat on you, huh?" He grabbed her hair as he swung his hand back, then quickly brought it forward catching her across the cheek. She screamed, bringing her hand to her face, rubbing her stinging flesh. She saw the bitterness flashing in his eyes. He slapped her again. "Who needs you? You're nothing but cheap trash! You strut it around like it's worth a million bucks." He grabbed the sack. "I only went out with you because I felt sorry for you. No one could ever love someone like you!" He kicked at the ground. "Fuck you!" She watched as he stumbled up the path. She sat up, pushing her tangled hair back with her hand. Kirk's words stung her. She felt void of all emotion. Most of her life she had felt alone; until she had met him. She knew that he had a reputation for being bad-tempered, but he was so gentle with her. For the first time in her life she really believed someone truly did care about her; for once she really mattered to someone. She counted for something in this big, cold, empty world. Amanda Kane mattered to someone. She thought it would end up like the other boys she dated, but after their first date, she had known that Kirk was different. Or so she had thought. He had asked so many questions about her hopes and dreams and seemed to really care. She quickly dispelled all the horrible things she had heard about him. After their first date he had gently kissed her cheek at her front door. He had expected nothing more. And he had endeared himself to her. She had finally received the respect she had ached for. But now she faced this nightmare. This was not the Kirk she knew and loved. This boy was a total stranger. * * * * Jenny opened the door. She was surprised to see Amanda. "Hi, Amanda." She felt uneasy. "It's nice to see you." She smiled weakly. "I hope you're not still mad at me." "Would I be here if I was?" she asked in a husky voice as she leaned unsteadily against the open door. "Well, you gonna let me in or what?" "Sure." Jenny stood aside as Amanda made her way into the room. "Where's your Dad?" she asked, quickly looking around the living room. "He's on a date. He and Jackie made up." She smiled. She walked closer to Amanda, noticing the bruise on her cheek. "What happened to your face?" Her eyes grew wide. "Nothing." She lowered her eyes. "Oh, yeah, it's great about your Dad and Jackie, I guess." She shoved her hands into her Jean jacket pockets. "So how's Troy?" Jenny led her to the sofa, motioning her to sit down. "I only saw him alone that one time. I really like him, but I don't feel right sneaking out like I did. Besides, he said he'll ask me out when I'm allowed to date." Amanda sneered. "Come on, Jenny, get into the real world. You need to get a life!" she snickered. Jenny became defensive. "I happen to love and respect my father. He's done a lot for me and I won't hurt him by sneaking around." "Yeah, right." She picked at the sofa. "You want a beer? I can get us some." "No way! How much have you had tonight, Amanda?" "Just a couple with Kirk." She put her feet on the glass-topped coffee table. "Amanda, please put your feet down. I just dusted and besides you might scratch it up with your shoes." Amanda brought her feet to the floor, scraping the table with her heels. "Oh, excuse me. I certainly wouldn't want to ruin any of your precious things," she said sarcastically. "Maybe I should just take off." She eyed Jenny. "I don't know what your problem is, Amanda." She looked at her friend. "What did I do?" Amanda shook her head. "Must be nice to live in such a nice house." Jenny looked around the living room. The furnishings were nice, but not expensive. The most valuable furnishings in the room were two antique bookcases which her father had inherited from his parents. He had spent many painstaking hours restoring them to their natural beauty. Jenny knew that he worked hard for everything they owned. Amanda slowly let her breath out as she stared at Jenny. "You don't know how to have any fun. I don't know why I even bother hanging around with you. You are so weird." Jenny blinked back tears. "What did I ever do to you? I've only tried to be your friend. Why don't you just leave and go find Kirk?" She wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. "You're drunk anyway and aren't even thinking straight. If you could only see yourself like I do right now, you would see how disgusting you're acting, like I'm so cool! Right!" Jenny retorted as her hurt was replaced by anger. "I'm the one who doesn't know why I hang out with you." "What do you care anyway?" Amanda asked as she slowly stood up, then wavered on unbalanced legs. "What's the matter with you? I do care. A lot of people care, but you won't let anyone get close to you. You've had a rough life, big deal, so haven't I? Quit blaming the world and start fighting back. You can be anything you want to be, but you have to want it bad enough! So what if you fall on your face; we all do. Why don't you start taking control of your life? I share everything with you, but all you do is complain." She pointed a finger at her. "I treat you like the sister I don't have and that still is not good enough. I don't care anymore. Don't hang out with me. And the next time you get messed up, find someone else to run to." Amanda tried to steady herself, but fell back onto the sofa. "I'm sorry, Jenny." Her bottom lip quivered. Jenny walked over to her. "Tell me what's going on. Why are you doing this to yourself?" She shook her head. "I don't know. Kirk and I had a fight, but you wouldn't understand. I love him ... I really do." She gulped. "He wanted me to prove that I loved him." Jenny's eyes widened. "Oh God, Amanda, you didn't!" "He insisted. He was drunk and moving too fast. His hands were all over me." She started to cry. "I ... I pushed him away. He called me names and said he never wanted to see me again." She sniffed. "He slapped me and pushed me around." She looked at Jenny. "What did I do to deserve this? I don't know what to do." She covered her face with her hands. Jenny sat next to her and put her arms around her. "It'll be all right, Amanda. At least you didn't give in to him. Don't you see what that means? You said no. You are somebody." "But I love him, Jenny. He's the only person, besides you, who gives a damn about me." Jenny gave her a tissue. "Amanda, Kirk doesn't really care about you. If he did, he never would have hurt you. You're too good for him. You've got to believe that!" She blew her nose. "I don't know why everything always gets so screwed up in my life." She brushed the matted hair from her forehead. "I wish I wouldn't have drank all that beer tonight. I think I'm going to be sick," she mumbled. "Come on," Jenny said, grabbing her arm and leading her to the bathroom. She held Amanda's hair back, then turned her head toward the tiled wall feeling her own stomach lurch as Amanda threw up. She smelled the faint pine cleaner which she had used earlier to scrub the room. She swallowed hard, choking back the bile which rose in her own throat as the pine fumes mixed with the odor of Amanda's vomit. She hoped Amanda would remember this the next time she picked up a drink. She heard the front door open, then close. "That's my Dad," she whispered. She was not afraid to tell him what had happened; she knew he would understand and want to offer his help to Amanda. And she knew that he never forced his personal views on anyone. If he felt strongly about something, he patiently explained his feelings, then listened calmly to the opposing viewpoint. He was not quick to judge circumstances or people and always gave everyone a second chance. Jenny respected him, not just because he was her father, but because he was her best friend and confidante. She trusted him completely as he trusted her. She knew that she had violated that trust the night she sneaked out alone with Troy. Her father had his reasons for wanting her to wait to date -- one passionate moment could destroy her life forever. She knew that and the guilt she carried in her heart was a burden she needed to unload. * * * * "Hello -- I'm home. Jenny?" "In the bathroom, Dad. I'll be right out." "Okay. I'll be in the living room." Daniel smiled when he saw the can of dusting spray on the floor. He didn't know how he could convince Jenny that it was all right to have fun once in awhile, but she insisted on taking care of all the household duties plus her school work. "Hi, Dad." She gave him a quick hug. "How was your date?" "Perfect. I think this time around Jackie and I will be more honest about our feelings. And I won't push her for a commitment like the last time." He smiled. "I'm going to relax and let destiny take care of it." "Great, Dad. I'm happy for you." She ran her hand across the back of his easy chair. "Dad?" "What, honey?" "Amanda's here." "Well, that's good. I told you she'd come around, didn't I?" He patted her hand. "Dad, she's drunk. She's in the bathroom throwing up. Her boyfriend hit her." She looked into his eyes. "Tell me how to deal with this, Dad." He felt the pain her eyes portrayed. She was such a good kid always helping everyone who came her way. He looked hard at her as though he were looking into her very soul. Her blond hair was tied back in a ponytail and she was wearing one of his old tee shirts and a paint splattered pair of jeans. This was her usual house cleaning attire. He hadn't noticed, until now, how tired and drawn she looked. She appeared to have lost weight, but he couldn't be sure. He wondered if he had been letting her down. He had been so preoccupied with his own life that he had neglected to give her much attention the past few weeks. Now she was calling to him for help. He needed to help her and Amanda. He also knew that he had to handle this with firmness and much compassion. He held out his arms and pulled Jenny onto his lap. He remembered holding her like this years ago when she had fallen off her bike and had been convinced that she would never learn to ride. She was just a child -- his child -- caught at a difficult age between child and woman. At any given moment she could be one or the other. She was struggling to find her niche in the world and Daniel knew that it was difficult for her. She began to cry. He stroked her hair. "It's okay, honey," he whispered. "I'll take care of it." He rocked her gently as he tried to get his emotions together. He knew the pressure teens were up against today; he saw it every day. They had a screwed up world to deal with and it was getting harder every day. "I'll talk to Amanda, Jenny." "Dad, please don't hate her; just help her," Jenny pleaded. -------- *Chapter 4* Rick sat on the edge of his bed with his hand on the telephone. He was tired, but knew that sleep would elude him until he heard Jackie's voice. He toyed with the telephone for a few moments, then picked it up and quickly dialed her number. He studied the ceiling as he waited for her to answer. "Hello," Jackie whispered in a muffled voice. "Hi, beautiful. I couldn't sleep without telling you that I love you and forgive you for our unpleasant encounter the other day," he said softly. "You forgive me? Rick, I told you that you're not a part of my life anymore. I wish you would get that message through that thick skull of yours!" He laughed. "I would if I believed that you really meant it. But you can't forget me, baby. You're hot for me; I awaken all your emotions." "I don't think so," she said coldly. "Rick, I'm seeing Daniel again." He smirked. "Oh, yes, Daniel. The cop who's a million laughs. I recall that you once told me he was only good for passing the time." "Things change." He smiled. "Now don't tell me that he can fulfill your needs better than I." "Rick, you're sick! For your information, Daniel respects me. Do you hear me, Rick? Respect. I doubt that word is even in your vocabulary." She fought back her true emotions, grabbing her pillow with her free hand and clutching it to her chest. "Something must be wrong with him if he can resist your charm. Or is the truth really that he doesn't stimulate your innermost charms?" His voice was low. "I wouldn't be seeing him again if I didn't have feelings for him." "Maybe he doesn't know how to make love to you like I do," he said smoothly. "I'm the only one who can make you come alive; I light a fire in you that can't be put out. No other man can do that to you. You need me, Jackie. You'll never be free from me." "Rick, please stop it," she pleaded as a tear slid down her cheek. "What do you want from me?" "You. All I've ever wanted is you." "I've got to go, Rick. Please don't call me again. Please, for both our sakes." She put the phone down as she sobbed into her pillow. When will it end? she wondered. When will I not love him anymore? Rick slipped his clothes off, then slid beneath the cool sheets. He put his hands under his head, staring at the ceiling. He felt at peace -- with himself and with the world. He was more convinced than ever that Jackie belonged to him. He heard her voice trying to hold back her true emotions. He knew that her heart was aching for him. He controlled all of her thoughts and emotions, knowing her protests were in vain. She desired him and only him for the rest of her life. He smiled broadly. "Yes, Jackie, my love, you didn't know what you were getting into when you gave your heart to me. We will always be together. Forever," he said aloud. * * * * Daniel opened the bathroom door. Amanda looked up from her seat on the carpeted floor. Her head rested against the side of the toilet bowl. He walked over to her and firmly, but gently placed a hand on her shoulder. "Amanda, I want to know everything that happened to you tonight." She tried to lift her head, but nausea overcame her. Daniel grabbed her shoulders, guiding her head to the bowl. When she was finished vomiting, she sat back down. "What happened tonight?" he asked again. She was silent as she wiped her mouth with the cool cloth he handed her. "Amanda, I'm your friend. I hope by now you know you can trust me." He turned her face toward him. "Please let me help you." "I don't know where to start," she said slowly. He sat on the floor next to her. "Well, the beginning's always a good place to start." She sniffed. "You know I'm seeing Kirk Michaels." "Yes." She sighed defeatedly. "This is really hard for me. I told Jenny. Can't she tell you?" "No, Amanda," he said gently. "I need you to tell me." She took her eyes from his face and focused on a design on the wall. "Okay. Kirk and I always have a few beers together. Well, tonight he had some whiskey -- I didn't drink any of it, but he drank a lot besides the beer. He ... he wanted me to ... you know ... have sex with him. I wouldn't do it." She started to cry. "Nobody ever loved me before. I know that he really did love me." Daniel awkwardly patted her shoulder. "I know this is hard for you, Amanda, but I have to ask you these questions." The pathetic look on her face tugged at his heart. He knew what her home life was like. She had no family support or guidance. She made her own rules. Her older brothers had had a few minor scrapes with the law and Daniel knew that it was only a matter of time before they moved into more serious crimes. The family had no backbone and it infuriated him. Both of Amanda's parents were alcoholics and he couldn't remember how many times the police had been to their home to quell a domestic dispute. In the end, though, Mrs. Kane always refused to press charges. Daniel finally decided that as strange as it appeared to everyone, maybe their fighting was what kept them together. He was overwhelmed with the deplorable living conditions and knew that the only source of income came from the odd jobs Amanda's father did until a drinking binge would put him out of work once again. Then the family collected welfare until another job came along. The man had no pride or self-satisfaction. Both parents were guilty of abusing their children through the years, but there was never enough evidence to bring charges against them. It frustrated Daniel to see these children fall through the cracks. Now these children were becoming young adults and he wondered if this pattern of abuse would be inflicted on their future children. "Did Kirk force you to drink with him?" he asked. She emphatically shook her head. "No. I drink with him of my own free will." "Did you drink before you met Kirk or did you start when you met him?" "Sometimes I drank at home. Kirk didn't get me started drinking." She looked at her hands which were folded in her lap. "You know how it is, Mr. Trevors. It was always around." She covered her face with her hands. "I only did it to ease the pain. It wouldn't hurt so much then." She sniffed. "Then I could pretend that my family was like everybody else's." Daniel's heart broke for this child. He wanted so desperately to help her and prayed for the wisdom to say the right words to influence her. He saw so much potential in her and he knew it would go down the tubes if someone didn't come to her aid. "Amanda, you know that you can trust me." "I know." She looked into his eyes. "Sometimes I think that Kirk is on drugs or something. My brothers started hanging out with him, especially since they got a new job." He tried to make sense out of what she was telling him. "Amanda, why do you think Kirk is taking drugs? And what does that have to do with your brothers' new jobs?" She struggled to make her words express what she was thinking. "I think Randy and Andy have been taking drugs. The guy they work for is a real jerk and they're trying to get Kirk a job with him, too." "What do you know about this guy?" "He's weird. I mean, he's not weird looking or anything like that. He dresses really cool, but he's just different." "How?" She was thoughtful for a moment. "I don't know. He acts like he thinks he's God's gift to the world." She frowned. "Like he enjoys controlling people." Daniel scratched his chin. "Amanda, would you recognize this man if you saw him again?" She sniffed. "Yeah, I think I would." He frowned. "Now this is very important. I want you to think very hard before you answer me." He eyed her carefully. "Okay." "Why do you think this man is supplying drugs to your brothers?" She shrugged. "I don't know ... just the way they act." "Do you know this man's name?" "No. They call him Boss. They don't even know where he lives. They meet at the warehouse." "How did you meet him?" "I didn't. One night I drove out there with Kirk. My brothers set up an interview for him with the guy. I waited outside on Kirk's bike, but I could see the guy in the doorway. I think I would recognize him if I saw him again. Especially his glasses and mustache." "Amanda, I'm going to ask a very important favor of you." "Sure." "Everything you told me tonight I want to keep just between us." "Is something wrong?" Her eyes widened. "I hope not, but I need your word on this." "Okay, I promise." He patted her shoulder. "You'll be all right." She nodded. "Would it be okay if I stayed here tonight?" "Of course. I'll give your parents a call." Her face flushed. "Don't bother. They won't miss me." She slowly exhaled. "Jenny is really lucky to have a Dad like you." She looked down at her hands. "I'm sorry for hurting her. I didn't mean to." Tears filled her eyes. "It's just so hard sometimes to know when someone really cares or is just using you." Daniel patted her shoulder again. He understood what she was saying and he felt sorry for her. Many times Jenny had confided to him about Amanda's home life. He knew the tough exterior Amanda wore on the outside was only a mask to protect her inner vulnerabilities. "I'm going to help you. And Jenny values your friendship, Amanda," he said. "What do you think about pressing charges against Kirk?" Amanda was silent for a moment. "If I did, it would make me look like a loser." She stared at Daniel. "He didn't force me to drink." "But he tried to force you to have sexual intercourse against your will. And he did strike you. No one has the right to do that to you." "I know, but I just don't think I could do it. Maybe I'm crazy or something, but I still love him." "Amanda, Kirk doesn't love you!" Daniel said harshly. He was enraged that this girl was so disillusioned. How could her parents bring her into the world and then fully unprepare her for the harsh realities of the world. She was so starved for affection that she grasped at anything that even remotely resembled love. Every time she was hurt, it only added to the pain she already carried in her heart. She started to cry softly. "I know that, but I love him so much. Maybe if I keep loving him someday he'll love me, too." She shrugged her shoulders. "But, as usual, I guess I'm wrong. I should be used to it by now." "There are people who care about you, Amanda. Someday I hope you'll figure it out." "Maybe someday someone will really care about me." She looked hopefully at him. "I know that'll happen." He stood up. "You're young. Give yourself time." He smiled. "I'm going to call your parents and let them know you'll be staying here tonight." "It won't really matter to them." "I'm calling them just the same. I'll tell Jenny you're staying." * * * * Andrew and Randall Kane had been inseparable since their births seventeen years earlier. When Amanda entered their world, they tried to look after her and protect her, becoming her substitute parents. The three of them had grown up enjoying a closeness with one another that most siblings didn't share. Even though they had their fair share of arguments and disagreements, they remained family. When Amanda started bringing Kirk Michaels around, Randy and Andy kept a closer watch on her, but Kirk seemed okay. They liked Kirk and grew fond of him. He began coming over to see them as much as their sister. The three boys eventually formed a special bond of trust. And they made it perfectly clear to Kirk that their bond would be broken if he ever violated their sister in any way. Of course they never let Amanda know that they were keeping a watchful eye on her. She would never have tolerated their interference. She would have found it extremely difficult to differentiate their concern from interference. Kirk knew everything there was to know about motorcycles and the three young men were often found working together on their bikes. When Kirk found out how much money Randy and Andy were making in their new jobs, he wanted in. He knew he could never make that much money sweating his life away in some gas station. He and the Kane boys had occasionally dabbled in drugs, but never anything heavy; mostly pot and a few beers together. Andy Kane tapped on Kirk Michael's apartment door. He looked up and down the street. A few boys were playing ball in the street and a couple of women were seated on a stoop next door holding coffee mugs in their hands while their children played nearby. He glanced at his wristwatch. "Dammit," he muttered under his breath. He pounded on the door with his fist which caused the women to halt their conversation and eye him suspiciously. "Yeah, coming!" a muffled voice called from inside. A moment later Kirk stood half-dressed in the doorway. "What are you doing? We're going to be late!" Andy said disgustedly. "Sorry. I fell asleep, then I had to grab a shower." "Well, let's get going." "Hold on a minute. Let me at least put my boots on." He grabbed a tee shirt, then pulled his boots on. He ran out of the apartment, slamming the door shut behind himself. Andy walked over to his bike, hopped on, then revved the engine. A couple of minutes later, Kirk slid on the seat behind him. Twenty minutes later, they pulled up in front of the Morgan Hotel. They slid off the bike, walked to the front door and peered inside. "What next?" Kirk asked. "I don't know. The Boss said to wait here for the pick up." "Where's Randy?" "He had another delivery on the East Side." "Oh." He stuffed his hands into his pockets. "So, did the Boss make up his mind if I'm in or not?" he finally asked. "He didn't say. You never know what he's thinking or planning to do. He's friendly one minute and cold as hell the next." He shook his head. "He's strange, never gives you a straight answer. He changes the subject if you ask him anything personal." Kirk let his breath out slowly. "Has Amanda said anything about me?" He nervously shuffled his feet. "I miss her." "Nah. You know girls. She's just playing hard to get." He eyed him. "Must have been one hell of a fight. Guess you'll have to send flowers," he laughed. Kirk wondered why Amanda hadn't told her brothers what he had done. He put his hand on his brow, shielding his eyes from the blazing sun as he glanced up the street. He nudged Andy. "Here comes a likely prospect." Andy observed the man confidently making his way toward them. He looked professional in his suit and shined shoes which glistened in the sun. "I bet he doesn't get his clothes at the thrift store," Kirk laughed. Andy smiled. The man stopped in front of them giving them a swift once over. "Kane?" he asked. "Yes." "Come with me. There's a coffee shop a couple of doors down." They followed him into the coffee shop where he led them to a secluded table in the back of the room. He ordered three cups of coffee, then turned to Andy. "You have something for me?" "Yes." He started to reach into his jacket pocket, but the man grabbed his wrist. "It's obvious that you're new to this." Andy looked questionably at him. "Slowly take the envelope out of your pocket and lay it on the table." He watched the waitress nearing their table. "Wait until she serves the coffee." "May I get you anything else?" she asked. "No, thank you," he answered. Andy watched as she walked to another table, then following the man's instructions, slowly reached into his pocket and withdrew the envelope. He kept it in the palm of his hand, then rested his hand on the table. He waited for the man to make the next move. The man glanced down at the envelope, then quickly slid it off the table and peeked inside. "Everything seems to be in order," he said as he took an envelope from his breast pocket and slipped it under Andy's coffee saucer. "You can tell him that I deducted a couple of hundred because he ripped me off the last time." "Wait a minute," Andy protested. "I'm not supposed to give you anything unless the money's all here." "That's your problem, not mine," the man answered, abruptly standing up. He threw a five dollar bill on the table, then quickly walked away. "This is just great," Andy muttered. "I don't know what I'm going to do now." He ran his hand through his hair. "I'll go with you. At least I can be a witness," Kirk offered. "No, I'd better go alone." He threw his hands in the air. "What can he do but fire me?" Kirk smiled as he slapped his friend on the back. "Easy come, easy go." "Well, let's get out of here." He stood up. "Want a lift back home?" "No. I think I'll hang around down here for awhile. Come over tomorrow and let me know how you made out." "Yeah, I'm going to need a lot of luck about now." * * * * Andy pulled up to the warehouse, got off his motorcycle, then cautiously walked inside the building. "Boss!" he called. He looked around the dirty building, then glanced at his wristwatch. It wasn't like the Boss to be late for a pick up. He didn't know what to do. He put his hands into his pockets nervously fingering the envelope. "I see you made it, Kane." The voice startled him. He turned around to face his employer. "Yeah," he said as he pulled the envelope from his pocket. "I got the money here, but there's a slight problem." He thrust the envelope at him. "I don't like problems," he replied, taking the envelope. Andy felt perspiration running down his back as he stared into the man's cold eyes. "He said he didn't get all his stuff the last time so he deducted a couple hundred." "I don't make mistakes and I don't tolerate mistakes by my employees." His voice was cold. "How long have you been working for me, Kane?" "A couple of months." "Have I ever withheld any of your pay?" "No." "So why are you holding out on me?" "I'm ... I'm not," Andy stuttered. "I swear." He fingered the money, slowly counting it. "There's five hundred missing." "He told me two hundred." Andy's eyes darted back and forth. "He ripped you off, not me!" The man firmly placed a hand on the boy's shoulder. "I won't tolerate this kind of behavior in my organization." His voice was icy. "How many times have I told you to count the money, then turn over the envelope?" He kept his eyes focused on Andy as he reached into his pocket. Andy trembled with fear as perspiration soaked his body. He looked at the Boss noticing the neatly trimmed mustache and wire rimmed glasses. Could he knock the glasses off him? Maybe he couldn't see without his glasses. Then he could make a run for it. The man grabbed Andy firmly, then pointed a glistening knife at him, holding it so the point was against the boy's throat. "I don't like to be double crossed." He smiled, obviously enjoying himself. "Come on, man!" Andy cried in fear. "I didn't steal your money, but I'll pay you back every cent you think I took!" he choked. He knew that he couldn't knock the glasses off now. One move and the knife would be plunged into his throat. The man shook his head. "Why would you be willing to pay back money you insist you didn't take?" "I ... I don't know, but you've got to believe me when I tell you that I didn't touch the money. The envelope was sealed ... you saw it!" He laughed. "If you would have counted it like you were instructed, it wouldn't have been sealed, now would it?" "I didn't touch it!" Andy protested. "Where would you get the money to pay me back?" "I don't know." His eyes pleaded for mercy. "Maybe you could deduct it from my pay." The man frowned. "Maybe I could," he said slowly, "but I'm not going to." He grinned as he playfully poked the knife between Andy's ribs. Andy suddenly realized what the man was planning to do. "You're going to kill me!" The man continued grinning, watching the boy plead for his life. This was the enjoyable part. It was up to him whether Andrew Kane lived or died. -------- *Chapter 5* The sun rose brightly in the morning sky. The group of girls slowly making their way to their weekly Saturday dance class chatted idly among themselves. One of the girls, who had wandered ahead, abruptly stopped two doors from the Davis Dance Studio. She squinted through the dazzling sunlight at something glittering in the alley. "What's up, Meg?" someone asked. Meg pointed at the glistening object. "I wonder what it is." The other girls shrugged their shoulders. "Who cares?" a girl named Julie asked. "I'm going to find out," Meg stated. "We'll be late for class," Julie warned. Meg shrugged her shoulders. Julie looked at the other girls. "Let's all go with Meg." The group slowly made their way down the alley with Meg as their leader. When they reached the glistening object, they halted, frozen in their tracks. After a few seconds, they looked at one another, then ran, screaming in terror down the alley and tore breathlessly into the dance studio. "Miss Davis! Miss Davis!" Meg panted. Jackie hurried over to her, placing her hands on the girl's shoulders. "Calm down. You girls look like you've seen a ghost." She slowly looked at each of them. They were pale and trembling. "We've got a few minutes before class starts, so will someone please calmly tell me what is going on?" "In the alley," Julie stuttered. "There's a guy! He's dead." Jackie laughed. "Honey, it's probably a drunk. He obviously had too much to drink last night and passed out." "No," Meg said. "He's not moving. There's blood all over!" She covered her mouth as dry heaves erupted within her. Jackie's palms began to sweat. "I'd better call the police. You girls sit down and try to relax." * * * * Daniel and Ben Wilson stood peering down at the body. "I wonder who it is," Ben said. Daniel wiped the sweat from his brow. "I think it's one of the Kane boys," he answered, examining the puncture wounds. The jacket was shredded on one side. "Damn," he muttered as Amanda's and his conversation popped into his mind. "Ben, remember Stephanie Rinehart's description of the guy she saw at the warehouse with her brother?" "Yeah, why?" "A couple of nights ago a friend of Jenny's described the same guy. She said he had a mustache and wore wire-rimmed glasses." He was quiet for a moment. "The thing she remembered most about him was his attitude." "Sounds too coincidental to pass up." "That's what I was thinking." He looked again at the corpse and became angry with the senseless waste of a human life. "Will the girl cooperate with us?" Ben asked. Daniel sighed. "I think she will, but it's going to be rough." "Why?" Daniel looked Ben in the eye. "She's our latest victim's sister." Ben sucked in his breath. "If it's the last thing we do, Daniel, we've got to get that bastard off the streets." I couldn't agree more with you, Ben." He sniffed. "It's going to be a scorcher today. I'll radio this in, then after we get a positive ID, we'll have to go to the Kane's and give them the news." He scratched his head. "He was just a kid!" * * * * Three hours later Ben pulled up in front of the Kane's ramshackle house. He looked at Daniel as they slowly made their way up the dirt path to the front door. A form appeared briefly in the dirty window, then the door was flung open revealing a woman about mid-forties who was clothed in a filthy housecoat which hung loosely on her underweight frame. "What is it this time?" she snarled at the detectives. "I know that Andy must be in some kind of trouble again since he didn't come home last night." "May we come in, Mrs. Kane?" Daniel asked. "I suppose." She led them to the sofa, scooting off two cats who had been napping together on one end. The cats lazily made their way to a table at the end of the room, curling up underneath, and resuming their naps. Ben looked at Daniel, raising his eyes as he moved a stack of newspapers and magazines from the middle of the sofa. Daniel was more concerned with the stench that assaulted his nostrils. The stifling heat in the small room blended with the smell of cat urine, was almost more than his stomach could take. "Could you please get the rest of the family?" he asked. She placed her hands on her hips. "Look, Bill's in bed. He was sick last night, so if it's not too important, I don't want to wake him." She looked around the room. "Besides, I've got a lot of housework to get to." Daniel almost laughed at the absurdity of her statement. "This is important, Mrs. Kane," he answered. She turned, then huffed out of the room. "This place should be condemned," Ben muttered, eyeing the collection of empty beer cans and whiskey bottles littering the coffee table and floor. They listened as angry voices drifted in from the next room. A few minutes later, Bill Kane sauntered into the room. His dingy gray tee shirt barely covered his sagging stomach. He hiked up his jogging pants. Daniel wondered if it was to cover his bulging stomach or to hide the gaping hole in his tee shirt. He kicked a couple of beer cans out of his way. "So what brings you here this time?" he asked, staring bleary eyed at them. "If Andy's got himself in another mess, then he can just sit and rot in jail for all I care. That boy is nothing but trouble!" He turned as his daughter entered the room. "I've got things to do." He turned to leave. "Please wait, Mr. Kane," Ben said in a somber tone. Amanda seated herself in an overstuffed chair facing the detectives. Bill Kane walked behind the chair, suspiciously eyeing the men. Daniel cleared his throat. "Mr. and Mrs. Kane, this is not easy for us." He looked at Amanda and saw her stiffen. Her expression caused him to wonder if she all ready knew that he was about to give them bad news. "We found a body fitting the description of your son Andrew in the alley on Fourth Street this morning. We have every reason to believe the body is your son. His wallet and driver's license was found on him. We need one of you to make a positive identification of the body." He cleared his throat. "We're very sorry." Amanda screamed. "No! It can't be!" Mary and Bill Kane stared at each other in disbelief. "What happened?" Bill finally asked, lighting a cigarette with a shaky hand. Ben Wilson studied the man. "He was murdered. We believe there's a connection with the other murders." Amanda's hand flew to her mouth. "Oh my God!" she moaned. Daniel turned to her. "Amanda, we need your help. This is important and we feel that you may be able to give us the information we need." "Now wait a minute," Bill Kane interrupted. "What's in this for her? Why should she risk her life?" "She saw a man whom we believe to be the suspect. We have reason to believe that he is hiring drug runners. We would like Amanda to describe this man in order to do a composite. Now if she could come down to the station with us...." "No way! You have no right to ask us to risk our daughter's life!" he bellowed. Amanda stood up, wiping the tears from her eyes. "What right do you have to act so concerned with my life when you never gave a damn about me? And you never cared about Andy! All you care about is your booze!" "That's enough, Amanda!" Mary Kane said sharply. "Show some respect for your father!" She laughed. "That's a good one, Mom. Your son, my brother, has just been murdered! Has it sunk in? Look at this pigsty you call our home! Neither one of you has cared about any of us!" Bill Kane looked at her, then brought his hand across her cheek. With fist raised to strike, he felt his arms being grabbed. "That's enough, Mr. Kane!" Ben shouted. "If I ever see or hear you mistreating your daughter again, I swear I'll run you in so fast it'll make your head spin! I'm only letting you off this time because of Andy." The man wrestled his arms free. "A girl should treat her father with respect!" Daniel watched as Amanda's eyes filled with tears. "Maybe I would, Dad, if you acted like a father. All you care about is yourself." She wiped at her eyes. "Why did you ever have kids? You shouldn't have had kids." Her voice broke. "Maybe if you had cared about us even a little Andy would still be alive!" Bill Kane mopped his forehead with the back of his hand. "I never meant to hurt my family." He looked at his daughter. "You're right. I never should have fathered children. I can't even take care of myself, so how could I expect to take care of a family?" His eyes brimmed with tears. "It hasn't hit me yet about Andy, but I swear it will, and you don't know what his death will do to me. He was my son, my flesh and blood." He placed a hand on Amanda's shoulder. "I think you should do whatever you can to help the police find this man, Amanda." He joined his wife and put an arm around her shoulders drawing her close. "Mary, I think it's high time you and I took a long hard look at ourselves and what we've done to our lives and our children's lives. We have nothing to show for ourselves. We need help, Mary. It won't bring our boy back to us, but maybe we can make things better for Randy and Amanda." Mary Kane squeezed his arm as her tears of grief flowed freely from her eyes. "I'll do whatever it takes, Bill. I only know that we have to stop the pain." Daniel cleared his throat. "I can send someone over to make arrangements for treatment at the local alcohol abuse center after your son's burial." Bill Kane grabbed Daniel's hand. "Thank you." "Temporary foster care can be arranged for Amanda, but I would be happy to have her stay with Jenny and me," he offered. Amanda looked hopefully at her father. He nodded. "That would be best." "Amanda, I know that this is a difficult time for you, but do you think you could come down to the station with us now?" "Yes, Mr. Trevors, I want to help in any way that I can." -------- *Chapter 6* Ariel ran her bath, then walked into the adjoining bedroom and picked up the telephone. She dialed Jackie's number. "Hello," Jackie answered, toweling her hair dry. "Hi, I just wanted to remind you of our dinner tonight." "Oh, Ariel, I'm so sorry. I'd completely forgotten about it." "Jackie! Don't tell me that. Am I to understand that you didn't tell Daniel?" "Sorry. I'll call him right now and see if he can make it." "Even if he can't, I still want you to come." "I don't know if I should. You and Rick are getting married in a few days and I think you two should spend this time together alone." Ariel laughed. "We're going to have the rest of our lives to spend together. Now there is no way that I'm going to let you get out of this dinner. I'll expect you to be here at seven with or without Daniel." "You win," Jackie laughed. "I'd better call him and see if he can make it on such short notice." Ariel set the phone down, then picked up the newspaper clipping sitting next to it. She and Rick were smiling at one another in the picture. He was so handsome that looking at him made her heart flutter. She loved everything about him. She reread the caption -- Engaged to Wed. She touched her diamond, remembering how nervous he had been proposing. She set the clipping down, then proceeded to her bath. * * * * Jackie studied her naked body in the mirror feeling proud of her firm and trim figure. She patted her stomach. She had missed a period, but attributed it to nerves. But when she had missed the second one, she knew that something was wrong. The pregnancy test this morning confirmed her fears. She was carrying Rick's child. She considered passing it off as Daniel's ... he would be such a wonderful father, but she sincerely doubted she would be capable of such a deception. She would have to talk to Rick. That thought frightened her. She knew that Rick would be a poor excuse for a father. And he may even deny that he was the father. She sighed tiredly. Maybe she would just go somewhere and be done with it. No one would ever know. But she didn't know if she could do it; she wasn't that emotionally strong. And she couldn't even confide in Ariel. She would erase this from her mind for now. She had other concerns facing her. She looked at her smooth, flawless skin, then at her eyes. She knew that she was attractive. Men made her feel attractive. She also knew that she could have had her choice of many, but she had felt committed to Rick. But she knew that he had never done anything to enhance her life and never would. He was incapable. He never cared about her in the way she craved to be cared about by a man. He wanted her only for his own self-serving pleasure. She wondered how she could have been so stupid to allow it for so long. Without his looks, Rick Tucker was nothing, but a shallow, cold human being -- and sometimes she even wondered if he was human. He had no heart or conscience. His number one concern was himself. He was a complete contrast to Daniel. She smiled as Daniel's image crept into her thoughts. He was so kind and gentle. No matter what type of day he had or how tired he was, he still made the time every night to call her just to let her know that he was thinking about her. She realized how crazy she was for letting him go before. As though she had just awoken from a coma, she instantly knew that Daniel was the man she had truly loved ... Rick had fed her own selfish emotions, but Daniel was her rock. Daniel's love was constant and now she wanted, no, she needed, to give him her true unselfish love in return. She knew that she would eventually have to tell him and Ariel about her affair with Rick. She had no way of knowing what their reactions would be. Maybe this child she was carrying was making her put her own selfish desires aside. Maybe Daniel would not be able to accept her betrayal and decide to never see her again. She couldn't blame him for that if that was his decision. But she held fast to the fact that he was deeply in love with her. Would he let her go that easily? She wondered if it would be that effortless for him to give her up for good. If he got past the hurt and betrayal, she vowed to do everything in her power to make it up to him, even if it took the rest of her life. Daniel was always there for her, good and patient. She knew she could lean on him for comfort and strength. She wondered why it had taken her so long to realize this. Daniel had always given his love to her unconditionally and all he had ever asked in return was for her love. She knew she could never again hold back on him. She needed and wanted him like she had no other. Rick had only used her and now it deeply angered her. Maybe Ariel would go through with the wedding; or maybe she would come to her senses after Jackie told her and realize what Rick Tucker was really made of. Jackie certainly didn't want to see Ariel hurt any more than she was. If she couldn't convince her of Rick's true intentions, then she knew her friend would suffer the consequences for the rest of her life. Her fate would be worse than just that of a broken heart.. Rick would tear her to shreds, then spit out the pieces. He only knew how to twist and manipulate others to his own advantage. He always came out on top while the other person was left in a state of confusion. Daniel grabbed the phone. "Detective Trevors here." "Hi, honey, I'm sorry to bother you at work, but I forgot about a dinner engagement tonight that we were invited to." He sighed tiredly. "Would you be very upset if I told you that I can't make it? I'm swamped with work and I don't know what time I'll get out of here. We've got a good lead in the murder investigation." "That's okay, honey. I should have asked you days ago. I'm grateful for your lead. I'll go and you can call me later tonight." "I'm really sorry, Jackie. Who's the dinner with?" "Ariel and Rick. Don't forget that in a couple of days they're getting married. You did promise to come with me." "I'll be there. That's a promise. And I do wish I could be with you tonight." He looked at the composite Ben laid on his desk. The man looked vaguely familiar to him. "I've got to go. I'll try to call you later, but I may be here half the night." "Okay." She hung up the phone, then walked to her closet, trying to decide what to wear. * * * * Daniel studied the composite. "Dammit, Ben! I've seen this guy before, but I can't place him." He looked at Amanda. "Are you sure you never heard him called by any name?" She shook her head as she placed the hot dog she had been nibbling on back into its paper holder. "Ben, take this into Lt. Jackson and ask him to have it put out over the wires. Somebody's got to know who this guy is." He handed him the picture. "Sure." Ben frowned, then shook his head as he studied the picture. "Amanda, is there anything else you can tell me about this guy?" Daniel prodded. "Think. Anything you can tell me may be important even if it doesn't seem to be to you." She sipped her soda. "I've told you everything I can think of, Mr. Trevors." He stretched. "Okay. I think I'll run you home. You can call your parents to find out about your brother's funeral arrangements." "I still can't believe he's dead." She shuddered. "Life is weird." Tears formed in her eyes. "He was only seventeen. Just because he quit school didn't mean he was stupid. The other night he was telling me about his plans for the future. I really believed that he would be something someday. He was really smart." She looked at Daniel for affirmation. "I'm sure that he was," he said softly. "He could really play the guitar." She smiled. "He used to make up these dumb songs. Especially when I was down. He would call me Mandy Pandy and sing to me. He always said that no matter how bad you felt now, tomorrow would be brighter. He was so optimistic. I don't know what Randy will do without him. I think they would have been close even if they weren't twins. They did everything together; even getting the same jobs." The realization of what she had just said suddenly filled her with fear. "Oh my God!" she said, "Randy could be the next victim!" Daniel jumped to his feet. "We've got to find out if he's all right." He raced to Lt. Jackson's office almost knocking his partner off balance. "Slow down, Daniel. What's up?" Ben asked. "Amanda just pointed out to me that her other brother could be in danger. I've got to talk to the Lieutenant." He rapped on the door, then opened it without waiting for consent. Ben followed him inside. "What is it?" Lt. Jackson asked in a gravelly voice. "We've got to have protection for Randy Kane. He worked with his brother for this guy," Daniel explained, pointing to the composite on the cluttered desk. Lt. Jackson leaned back in his chair. "I agree, but we need to locate him first." "What do you mean?" Daniel asked. "Bill Kane just called and said they haven't seen or heard from him since nine o'clock this morning when he left for work." "They didn't know if he had any plans for after work?" "No" He eyed the detectives. "Go check it out." "Right. I'll get Amanda home, then Ben and I will track Randy down." -------- *Chapter 7* Ben pulled up in front of Daniel's home. "I'll wait out here for you." "Thanks, Ben. I'll be right back." Jenny stood in the doorway. "Dad, what's wrong? Why is Amanda staying with us?" "Let's get inside, honey, and I'll try to explain what is going on." He carried Amanda's suitcase to the living room, then set it down. "Why don't you two sit down?" The girls seated themselves on the sofa, watching as Daniel walked over to the fireplace, then leaned against the mantle. "Jenny, today Amanda's brother was found murdered." "Oh no!" Jenny cried, then grabbed Amanda's hand. "I'm so sorry," she whispered. "Amanda is going to stay with us for awhile. Her parents are going into a treatment program in a few days." He turned to Amanda. "There's something else I have to tell you, Amanda," he said in a low voice. "What is it?" she asked fearfully as her eyes searched his face. "Your brother Randy has been reported missing." "No!" she screamed. "We don't know if it's by choice or not. We're going to look for him. Your parents gave us a list of his friends and favorite hangouts. I'll phone you as soon as we have any information." He motioned to his daughter. "Jenny, would you please walk me to the door?" "Sure, Dad." She followed him to the front door. He firmly placed his hands on her shoulders. He saw the fear in her eyes. "I'm counting on you, honey. Andy's death is connected to the other murders. Amanda gave us a description of a man her brothers worked for. He could be the man we're looking for. She's been through a lot today and I know that she needs you now. You're the only one who can help her. I don't think it's hit her totally yet about Andy's death." "I'm here for her, Dad," she whispered. "That's my girl. If there's any problem, call the station. If I'm not there, talk to Lt. Jackson. Now lock up because I don't know when I'll get home." He kissed her cheek. "Make sure Amanda gets some rest." * * * * Jackie stood outside Ariel's apartment door nervously anticipating what the evening would have in store for her. She pushed the doorbell. Rick opened the door, then stood grinning at her. "Couldn't stay away from me, could you?" His eyes traveled over her body. "Rick, for God's sake, stop it! I am no longer a part of your life. Where's Ariel?" she asked as she pushed past him and made her way into the spacious living room. "Would you care for a drink?" He was standing so close, she could feel his warm breath on the back of her neck. Her body felt electrified and she quickly moved away from him. "I asked you where Ariel was." "I'm right here," Ariel answered, breezing into the room. She kissed Jackie's cheek, then slipped her arm through Rick's. "Did my handsome fiance offer you a drink?" "Yes, he did." She looked at Rick. "What can I get you, Jackie?" She hoped he felt the coldness in her eyes. If he did, it didn't seem to phase him. He appeared amused by her aloofness. "Soda water," she answered. "Daniel couldn't make it tonight?" Ariel asked, motioning her toward the sofa. "No, he's going to be working most of the night." She grabbed Ariel's hand. "You have heard the news today, haven't you?" "No. I've been busy all day ... why? What's happened?" "They've found another body and the murder resembles the other four. In fact, one of my students found the body on the way to class this morning." "Oh no! Do they have any leads?" "Well, it appears that the sister of the latest victim gave the police a very good description. Daniel believes that it's only a matter of time before they catch him." Rick handed her the drink. "Thank you," she said, making sure she avoided eye contact with him. "I fixed you your usual, honey," he said, handing Ariel her drink. He seated himself next to Ariel, then turned his attention to Jackie. "What is the motive?" "Daniel thinks it's a drug operation. I don't quite understand it, but this guy seems to have no conscience, judging from the appearance of the bodies." "How terrible," Ariel said, sipping at her drink. Rick kept his eyes focused on Jackie. She caught his eye, but quickly looked away. She knew she looked beautiful tonight. She had curled her hair just enough so that it fell gently over her shoulders. Her dress clung to her in all the right places. It would be a few weeks until she began showing and she intended to make the most of the time she had left. She crossed her legs. Rick's eyes shifted to her smooth legs. Jackie looked down, noticing that her crossed legs revealed enough of her thigh to tempt him. "Yes," Jackie continued. "How someone can repeatedly stab another human being is beyond me." She shuddered. "Especially a child." "How old was he?" Rick asked. "Seventeen," she answered. "How awful," Ariel said. "I won't rest until they catch him and put him away for good," Jackie said emphatically. "Well, ladies, I believe it's time to go in to dinner," Rick said, observing the maid walking to the doorway. * * * * Daniel stepped out of the car, then walked to the door of the bar and quickly disappeared inside. Ben stayed in the car observing the bars up the street in case Randy Kane should enter or leave one of them. The bartender glanced at Daniel curiously as he opened two beers for a customer. He wiped his hands on his apron, then walked over to him. "What can I get you?" "Nothing, thanks." Daniel took a picture from his pocket. "Have you seen him?" The man took the picture and held it to the light, carefully studying it. "Maybe I have and maybe I haven't," he finally answered. "Well, either you did or you didn't," Daniel replied, despising the young man's attitude. He propped his elbows on the bar as he looked Daniel in the eye. "You must want to find him really bad." "Yes, I do, but time, unfortunately, is not on my side." The man inhaled deeply. "So, how much is it worth to you?" "Don't play games with me." Daniel's voice was sharp. "This is not TV. In the real world we don't pay for information," he said, flashing his badge. "Okay, okay," he said. "But you can't blame a guy for trying." "Do you know him?" "Yeah. That's Randy Kane. He has a twin Andy and they usually come in a few times a week." "Do you serve alcoholic beverages to them?" "Come on, man. They just like to hang out." "Why here?" "I don't know." He shrugged. "They have a lot of friends here." "Now tell me, what does the clientele here have in common with these teenagers?" "They're friendly, likable guys. They don't bother anyone. They come in and shoot a few games of pool. That's all." "Why don't they hang out with other teens?" Daniel asked. "Don't you find that a bit peculiar?" "How should I know? I'm not a shrink," he answered sarcastically. "Excuse me; I have a customer." "I'm not through talking to you." "I'll be right back." He rolled his eyes. Daniel checked out the room. It was beyond him why anyone would want to even inhabit this dive. Stale beer and cigarette smoke permeated the air. He glanced toward the back of the room. Two elderly men sat slumped in their chairs, oblivious to their surroundings. In the corner a young man and his date sat huddled together nursing their beers. Daniel watched the man slip his hand inside the woman's blouse. She didn't seem to care if anyone saw him fondling her breast. Daniel looked away. He was sickened by the degradation of the place. He couldn't understand why morals seemed to be a thing of the past nowadays. He believed that love making should be a private act between the couple; not a show for the whole world to see. It was more than he could take. He knew he was old-fashioned, but in his opinion, some things just shouldn't be done in public. He hadn't had many women in his life to boast of. After his wife's confinement, he hadn't been with a woman until Jackie. He was not a one night stand man. He needed to truly care and know the woman he was making love to. His thoughts took him to Ben Wilson. He knew that Ben was an unhappy man no matter how he tried to convince Daniel otherwise. Ben's one night stands were meaningless and Daniel knew that Ben was searching for the one true love he so desperately needed to fulfill his life. Sylvia had left him cold and bitter toward women, but he knew that someday the right woman would enter Ben's life. Even when Jackie had broken off with him months ago, Daniel had remained true to her. The love he had shared with her wouldn't just wither and die; he had given her his heart and that was the ultimate commitment. He knew that she would always be a part of him no matter what happened. Their love had bonded them, not just sexually, but in all areas of their lives. They had been so happy and then Jackie had changed abruptly. He had had no warning. But he had remained optimistic that Jackie would remember what they had shared and how good they really were together. He knew that she cared for him, but he had always suspected another man. It hurt him deeply, but he never let her know. The only comfort he had found for his pain was that he knew deep down inside that someday Jackie would realize how true and special their love was and return to him. That thought had sustained him through many long and lonely nights. "I'm back, so what else do you want to know?" the bartender asked, wiping the counter. Daniel turned to face him. "Do you know if either of the Kane boys were dealing drugs?" "Whoa." He held his hands, palms out, in front of Daniel. "If they were, I don't know anything about it. I don't mess with that stuff." "You never saw them connecting here?" Daniel eyed the man suspiciously, noticing the yellow-stained teeth. He shook his head. "No way." "Did they ever ask you to buy any drugs?" "Look, I don't know what you're getting at, but I never saw them making any drug deals." He gripped the cloth. Daniel observed him closely. "You seem tense." "No." He laid the cloth down. "I've just got a lot on my mind tonight." "Are you friends with the Kane boys?" He shrugged again. "I don't know. I suppose so. They're really good kids -- a little rough around the edges, though." "You're not really much older than they are." "I guess not. I'm twenty-two." Daniel leaned his elbows on the bar. "I'm going to level with you." He continued staring at him. "What did you say your name was?" "I didn't, but it's Scott Miles." "Well, Scott, you've heard, I'm sure, about the murders committed over the past few weeks." "Yeah." "This morning Andy Kane's body was found. He was stabbed several times." Scott's face drained of color as he gripped the counter. His knuckles turned white. "I don't believe it," he whispered. "I need to find Randy. His life could be in danger." "He was here about four." He thought for a moment. "Yeah, it was about four because I just started work." He looked skeptically at Daniel. "If his twin brother was murdered, he didn't say anything." "Randy hasn't been told." "Oh, wow! That's going to blow his mind!" He shook his head. "They were almost always together." "Did you ask him where his brother was?" "No, it gets busy when the factories let out, so I didn't get a chance to talk to him." "Was he alone when he came in?" "Yeah. He ordered a coke, then sat at a table in the back. About twenty minutes later some guy came in. He went to the back and sat with Randy. I went over and asked the guy if he wanted anything to drink, but he said no. So I went about my business." "Do you know if they left together?" "I don't know for sure. Like I said, it was busy and I didn't see either of them leave." "Can you give me a description of the guy you saw with Randy?" "Yeah. He was dressed professionally. You know; the three-piece suit deal. He was probably in his mid-thirties. A real distinct dresser, though. He looked out of place." "Anything else?" "Let me think." He was silent for a few seconds. "Oh, yeah!" He laughed. "He had a neatly trimmed mustache and wire-rimmed glasses. The glasses didn't suit his face. Real geeky." "Would you recognize him if you saw him again?" "Yeah, I'm sure of it. You don't forget someone like that." Daniel took a smaller version of the composite from his pocket. "Is this him?" Scott took the picture and held it to the light. "Yeah, that's the guy." "Did Randy tell you where he was going?" "No, like I told you, I didn't have time to talk with him and I didn't see him leave." "Do you know any of his hangouts?" He was thoughtful for a minute. "A couple of bars down the street. He doesn't really have any close friends that I know of. Andy and him are real loners. No, I take that back. They started hanging out with Kirk Michaels." Daniel frowned at the mention of Kirk Michaels' name. He held out his hand. "I appreciate your help, Scott." Scott shook his hand. "Here's my card," he said putting it into Scott's hand. "If this guy should come back, or you see him anywhere, please call immediately. The same goes for Randy. If he comes in, call the station and try to keep him here until I get here." Scott nodded. -------- *Chapter 8* Amanda lay sprawled across Jenny's bed. "I just can't seem to get it into my head that I'm never going to see Andy again. It feels like a bad dream." She looked at Jenny. "I know how you feel. I felt that way about my mother. Even though she hadn't been a part of my life for a long time, I still couldn't believe that I wouldn't see her again." "This has been such a bizarre day." Amanda sat up, bringing the pillow to her chest. "I can't believe that my parents finally realize they have a drinking problem and want to clean up their lives." She shook her head. "I don't know what to expect next." "Why expect anything?" Jenny asked. "What do you mean?" She looked questioningly at her friend. "You're always worrying about the future, Amanda. Why don't you save all that worry and just take it one day at a time? You're always so worried about things that may happen that you lose the happiness you can have today." A tear rolled down her cheek. "I can't find much happiness today." Jenny put an arm around her. "I know that you've had a lot of crap happen all at once. And I feel so bad about Andy. It might sound cold for me to say this, but you have to find a bright side. Some good does come out of every bad situation, but you need to believe it and hold on to that realization. Maybe your parents will finally treat you the way you've always wanted them to. And you know that my Dad and I are always here for you." She rubbed Amanda's back. "You can count on us. We won't leave you -- ever." Amanda hugged her as her tears let go and flowed freely from her eyes. "I just want this nightmare to be over and I want Randy to be safe," she sobbed. Jenny soothed her as she wondered how Amanda would be able to survive the next few days. Andy's funeral would be difficult for everyone to get through. * * * * "Would you like some more wine, Jackie?" Rick asked. "No, thank you. One glass is my limit." "I'll have a little more," Ariel said, holding out her glass. "The meal was delicious, Ariel," Jackie raved. "Yes, Avis is a wonderful cook." "I guess after the wedding my talents won't be welcomed in the kitchen," Rick joked as his eyes traveled over Jackie. "No, my darling, but I assure you I will find a more suitable outlet for your talents." He laughed as he lifted his wine glass to his lips. "And I promise you that you will thoroughly enjoy my talents." Ariel's face reddened. "I think we'd better stop this line of conversation or we might embarrass Jackie." "I think you're the one who's embarrassed, dear," Rick said, winking at her. She stood up. "Nonetheless, I think I'll go to the kitchen and let Avis know that we are ready for coffee and dessert. Why don't you two go into the living room and I'll join you in a few minutes." "Shall we?" Rick stood up, then walked over to Jackie and pulled her chair out for her. He gently took her elbow and led her to the living room. He seated himself next to her on the sofa. "How's your love life lately?" he asked. "My love life, as well as all areas of my life, is none of your business," she answered curtly. He grinned. "I warned you -- once you've tried me, baby, no other man will ever be good enough for you." She grimaced. "You know, Rick, you've got a serious ego problem. I really feel sorry for you. You'll never experience true love because you're too much in love with yourself." "You can say what you like," he said as his eyes wandered up and down the length of her slender legs, "but I know that you will always love me and only me." "I've done a lot of thinking about that lately and I don't think I ever truly loved you. Not the kind of enduring love that counts." She stared at him. "I was taken in by your looks and charm. But now I see what a fool I was because there is nothing inside. You're an empty vessel." She laughed. "Someday, my friend, your looks will be gone. Then you'll have nothing." "You can say what you like, but I know the truth. You'll always desire only me." He stood up. "Please tell Ariel that I will return shortly. I'm going to the den to make a business call." Jackie watched him exit the room, wondering how she would ever convince him that what was once between them was over. Suddenly it dawned on her that she felt nothing at all for him. The realization seeped into her mind filling her entire soul with the knowledge so deep and true that it shocked her. She felt absolutely nothing for Rick Tucker. All the pain and hurt he had caused her was now replaced with Daniel's secure, comforting love. She knew that Daniel would never hurt or deceive her. He was incapable of it. She knew there was no other who would ever be so faithful and committed to her as Daniel was. She knew that she had always loved him; it had just gotten lost somewhere during her infatuation stage with Rick. Yes, that was the proper term for what she had felt for Rick -- infatuation. It was so different from love. The love Daniel bestowed upon her made her feel wanted and adored. She wanted to spend the rest of her life with him. She was smiling as Ariel entered the room. A dark shadow passed through her consciousness as she anticipated Daniel's and Ariel's reactions to her past with Rick. She knew that she could lose the only two people who had ever mattered to her. She didn't have to tell them, but her conscience wouldn't let her keep a secret of this magnitude. Besides, she never knew if Rick would expose their affair some day. And she had to do something about the life she was carrying within her. Ariel set a tray on the coffee table. "Where did my handsome fiance go?" she asked. "He said he had to make a business call." Ariel frowned. "That man can't tear himself away from his work for even one evening." She handed Jackie a cup of coffee. "What type of work does he do exactly? Do you know much about his company?" She shook her head. "Not much; something to do with computers. He doesn't believe in discussing business with me. I do know, though, that he is in serious financial trouble. But he won't confess it to me. I only wish that he would let me help, but he refuses." Jackie became quiet as she wondered what he was really up to. He was going to play Ariel to the end, then walk away with her fortune and her heart. She would be left with nothing. Looking at her friend's exuberant face filled Jackie with guilt and shame for her own deception. How could she call Ariel her best friend after what she had done to her? "Why so dispirited?" Ariel asked. "Nothing," she smiled. "I was just thinking about Daniel." "I'm so happy that you two are back together." She grabbed Jackie's hand. "Maybe in the not too far future, we will be celebrating your wedding." Jackie laughed. "Not in the near future, I'm afraid. That is a topic we haven't discussed." * * * * The ringing phone irritated Bob Michaels. "Kirk, get the phone!" he bellowed after the fifth ring. When he received no response, he threw his hammer aside, then grabbed the phone. "Hello." "I would like to speak to Kirk Michaels, please." "May I ask who is calling?" Bob Michaels asked suspiciously. "Yes, this is his employer. It's urgent that I speak with him immediately." "Sure. I'll find him." Bob Michaels laid the phone down, then went to the bedroom door. He heard the loud music howling from the other side. He pounded on the door until Kirk opened it. "Telephone!" he said irritably. Moments later Kirk picked up the phone. "Yeah, what's up?" he mumbled into the receiver. "Are you still seeing that Kane girl?" "So, do I have the job or what?" "I wouldn't have telephoned you if you didn't. Now are you dating the Kane girl?" "No, we had a fight. Why?" "Have you heard the news about Andy Kane?" "No. We made the delivery yesterday and he said he was meeting you to give you the envelope." The man wiped perspiration from his brow. "He never made it. His body was found this morning." "No!" Kirk yelled, pounding his fist on the table. "How?" "Like the others -- stabbed." "Wait a minute -- " "No one double-crosses me." Kirk's palms sweated so profusely, he almost dropped the phone. "I ... I don't want the job," he stammered. The man laughed. "The choice is no longer yours." "What do you mean?" "What I said." "I'll go to the police. I'll -- " "Listen, punk, who do you think will believe you? You don't even know my name." "But I -- " "Shut up! You seem to forget who's in charge here!" he snarled. "You'll do exactly as I say. Do I make myself clear?" Kirk inhaled deeply. "Yeah, I guess so." "All right, then. I want you to find Amanda Kane for me." "No way! Besides, she won't even talk to me." "I said I want you to find her and bring her to the warehouse by midnight." "What if she won't come?" "Make sure that she does, because if she refuses, your future doesn't look too bright." He hung up the telephone. * * * * Daniel hurried to the patrol car. "What's up?" Ben asked. "I think we're on to something. Randy was here today with a guy who fit the same description Stephanie Rinehart and Amanda Kane gave us." "Want to check the warehouse again?" Daniel hesitated. "Do you really think he's that stupid? Besides, we have a couple of cars staking it out." Ben laughed. "Face it, Daniel, this guy has been one step ahead of us all the way. He's probably thinking that the warehouse is the last place we'd expect him to show up. So that's where he'll stay." He scratched his chin. "That whole area could take weeks to comb." "Yeah," Daniel said quietly. Then he was struck by a thought. "Yeah, what you said makes sense. Let's get over there." * * * * Randy wandered the north side of town wondering how he could come up with five hundred dollars in two hours. He had to meet the Boss. He was scared. He knew if he didn't show up, the Boss would only hunt him down. He was worried about Andy. He hadn't come home last night. Not that Andy always found his way home, but when he didn't, Randy usually knew about it. He was tired and hungry. When he left this morning, he hadn't even taken time for a bite of food. He couldn't figure out what the Boss wanted from him. He had carried ten grand around with him all day, but when he faithfully handed it over, the Boss accused him of stealing five hundred lousy dollars of it. He smiled as he thought about what he would have done with the ten grand. He could have disappeared and lived a life of ease. "Dammit!" he muttered as he walked over to his motorcycle. He stood admiring it, remembering when he and Andy had finally saved enough money to buy their bikes. They could hardly believe it when the day had finally come. They, along with Kirk Michaels, had spent countless hours tinkering until the bikes were in mint condition. He got on his bike, started it up, then sped off into the night. * * * * "So what have you two lovely ladies been discussing in my absence?" Rick asked, walking into the room. "Just small talk," Ariel beamed. Jackie felt sick to her stomach as she watched Ariel's eyes literally light up at the sight of him. "Just two more days and I can officially claim you for my bride," he said. He softly laid a hand on her arm. "Did you take care of your business?" she asked. "There's a minor problem." He frowned. "I'm afraid I'll have to leave for a short time." "No, Rick, not tonight," she whined. "Can't someone else handle it?" He shook his head. "I'm sorry, honey, but I'm the only one who can take care of it. I promise to return as soon as I can." He kissed her cheek, then left the room. "What could be so important this time of night?" Jackie asked suspiciously. "I don't know," Ariel pouted. "Does he do this a lot?" She sighed. "Oh, yes. He's in and out all the time. He thrives on his work." She looked to Jackie for understanding. "I have no right to take that away from him. He does have his pride." "I suppose," she answered. "What's the matter, Jackie?" Her eyes searched Jackie's face. "You don't care for Rick, do you?" Jackie became uncomfortable with the question. "Oh, Ariel, it's not as simple as that. I wish it were." "Please tell me what it is then," she said in a shaky voice. "I can't ... not this way ... not now." She avoided looking into Ariel's probing eyes. She felt like Ariel was looking into her very soul. If she were, then all her questions would be answered. "Jackie, I'm pleading with you. Please tell me if there is something I should know about Rick." "I can't." She stood up. "I've got to go." She brushed Ariel's cheek with her lips. "You'd better get some rest." Ariel grabbed her arms. "Jackie, what's wrong? I'm frightened." Jackie smiled weakly. "Nothing's wrong. I'm just feeling a bit under the weather." Ariel released her. "Why don't I believe that?" Her eyes searched Jackie's face. Jackie shook her head. "I don't know, Ariel." * * * * Randy Kane lit a cigarette as he waited for the Boss. He wondered why the Boss had asked him to meet him a mile up the road at a smaller warehouse. It was an inconvenience to get his bike through the tangled weeds in the overgrown path and then he had to go another quarter mile around the back. In his mind he practiced the speech which he hoped would convince the Boss that he hadn't stolen any money. He looked at his arms. He knew that he was husky, but not overweight. He was naturally short, an inheritance from his father. He slicked his black hair back away from his brow revealing a set of dark eyes spaced perfectly in his handsome face. He knew that he and Andy were complete opposites of each other when it came to their weight and height. Andy was about fifteen pounds lighter and four inches taller. He thought about how being a twin was like having an extension of himself. He and Andy were almost inseparable ... always had been. If one decided to do something, the other usually followed suit. It was the same with this job. They were hanging out one night at the arcade when they were approached by a well-dressed man. After he told them how much money they could make, it didn't take long to convince them that this was their golden opportunity to fulfill some of their dreams. Actually, it had been Randy who had taken the initiative and had talked Andy into it. Their minor run-ins with the law had Andy worried since they were both on probation. If their probation was violated in any way, they would be sent to jail. Andy had always been the worrier of the two, and Randy was the risk taker. He never worried about the consequences. Usually he managed to get out of any difficult situation, knowing if he played his cards right, he would get out of this, too. "I see you've made it, Kane," a deep voice said from somewhere in the shadows behind him. Randy turned, startled, on his heel. "Yeah," he said shuffling his feet. "Look, Boss, I didn't take the money, but since you think I did, I'll try to come up with it as soon as I can." The man laughed. "I can't believe that you boys think I'm that stupid." He laid a hand on Randy's shoulder. "Here I am being a nice guy offering you boys the chance to earn some good money and look what happens. I get ripped off." "I swear I didn't rip you off," Randy insisted. "I didn't touch the envelope. I never know how much money is inside. You know they're always sealed." The man shook his head. "Now what do you think would be a fitting punishment?" "Hey, look, I don't need this shit! You can shove this job up your ass!" He turned and started to walk away. "Kane, let me think about this for a moment." Randy turned to face the Boss. "So, what's the deal?" he asked. "How about a compromise?" "I don't follow you." "You will. I can't let you walk away; you know too much." "I promise I'll keep my mouth shut." "No. No, that won't work." He slipped his hand into his pocket. Randy watched as the Boss slowly brought his hand out. His eye caught the glint of the shiny blade. "No way!" he screamed as he lunged for the knife, trying to wrestle it from the man. The Boss tightly gripped Randy's wrist with one hand, then with the other swiftly thrust the knife into the boy. * * * * Rick walked into the living room. Ariel sat reading a magazine. She looked up and flashed him a bright smile. "Did you get the problem taken care of?" He bent over, then kissed her cheek. "Yes dear." He sat next to her. "Two more nights and you'll be mine." She grabbed his hand. "I can't wait, Rick. But a part of me is very scared." "Why, honey?" he gently asked. "It seems too good to be true, as though I'm dreaming." She sighed. "I'm frightened that something will go wrong." "Nothing will go wrong." He gazed into her eyes. "I promise you that." He touched the engagement ring on her finger. "When I placed that ring on your finger, I pledged my faithfulness and love to you. And in two days from now, when I place the wedding band on your finger, I will be pledging my undying love and desire to always be by your side protecting you for the rest of my life. We will bond as one." He tilted her head, then kissed her deeply. "No more worrying." She rested her head on his shoulder. "You make everything seem so perfect." "It will be." He looked into her eyes. "But I suspect that something else is bothering you." "Yes, it is," she admitted. "What is it, honey?" She frowned. "Jackie was in such a strange mood tonight. She said she had something to tell me, but couldn't. Did she say anything to you, Rick?" He shrugged his shoulders. "No. But I did notice that she was unusually quiet tonight." "I suppose if it's that important, she'll eventually tell me." "I wouldn't lose any sleep over it, Ariel." She smiled. "I don't intend to. Instead I'm going to focus all of my energy on my future husband." "That's all I need to hear." -------- *Chapter 9* Ben and Daniel jumped out of the patrol car, then ran to the entrance of the warehouse. They held their guns in position. The moon cast an eerie glow over the old, deteriorating building. Cautiously they made their way inside listening, but hearing nothing. "Cover me," Ben whispered, feeling his way along the wall. After a few moments of silence, he spoke again. "There's no one here." Daniel shined a light around the room. "Rookies," he said laughing. "They see a car speeding down the road and right away, it's got to be our guy. They're watching too many movies." Ben joined his laughter. "Well, let's check it out anyway," he said shining his flashlight in the opposite direction. "Nothing unusual," Daniel said, continuing to shine the light. He was looking down at the weather beaten, stained floor when something caught his eye. He bent down to examine it more closely. Suddenly he jumped to his feet. "Ben, get over here!" "What'd you find?" "If it's what I think it is, then we're on to something." Ben examined the place on the floor near to where Daniel was squatted. "Blood!" he exclaimed. "It's fresh." He moved closer. "Look over here, Daniel." "It's a trail. I wonder where this is going to lead?" They followed the trail for a few feet, then it abruptly ended. "We'd better get someone over here. It looks like whoever was bleeding either got some help, or the perpetrator dragged the victim on something." Ben reasoned. "And we still need to find Randy Kane." He looked at Ben. "I don't even want to believe that, Daniel." He knew that his partner was thinking the same thing he was. This blood could be Randy Kane's. "It's going to be another long night." Daniel shook his head. "How many hideouts does this guy have?" * * * * The man rummaged around his dresser drawer for a clean shirt. He found one, put it on, slowly buttoning it. He picked up the telephone, then dialed Kirk Michael's telephone number. Kirk picked up the phone on the first ring. "Yeah." "Michaels, we have a change in plans for tonight. We'll have to change our meeting place." Kirk took a deep breath. "I didn't get a-hold of Amanda yet." "You'd better meet me at the old train depot and have the Kane girl with you!" he ordered. "If you're not there, I'll find you, and when I do, I don't think I need to paint a picture for you." "I'll be there." * * * * "I guess there is some good even in the worse situation," Amanda said. "What do you mean?" Jenny asked. Amanda laid the hairbrush down. "Well, look at my parents. Andy's death seems to have opened their eyes to what is wrong in their lives. I don't know...." "Why don't you try to get some sleep?" The phone rang. "It's probably my Dad," Jenny said as she grabbed it. "Hello?" "Jenny, this is Kirk. Listen, is Amanda there?" She hesitated as she looked at Amanda. "Yes, she is, Kirk. I'll see if she wants to talk to you." She looked questioningly at her friend. Amanda shook her head. "I'm sorry, Kirk, but she doesn't want to talk to anyone right now." "Please try to get her to talk to me, Jenny. I know I hurt her bad, but I'm really sorry. I just want to talk to her. I'm busted up about Andy's death and everything." Jenny heard the tears in his voice. "I'll see what I can do." She held her hand over the receiver as she spoke to Amanda. "He's really upset. He just wants to talk to you, Amanda. He said he's sorry for what he did to you." She stared into her friend's eyes seeing the pain in them. "Okay, but for just a minute." She took the phone from Jenny. "What do you want, Kirk?" Her voice was cold, unfeeling. "I'm really sorry about Andy. I still can't believe it." He hesitated for a few seconds. "Mandy, I'm real sorry for what I did to you that night. You're right about love and everything." His voice trembled. "Please say you forgive me. I am so sorry." He knew he would risk his own life to protect her. His feelings came from deep within. There was no way he would risk Amanda's life for anyone or anything. A tear slid down her cheek. "Kirk, when I told you that I loved you, I meant it forever. But I'm scared. There's too much for me to sort out right now. I don't know why all this is happening," she sobbed. "I want to be there for you, baby," he whispered. "I promise never to hurt you again. Please don't shut me out of your life. Give me another chance." "I've missed you, Kirk," she whispered. "Thank you, Mandy," he sniffed. "I love you, Kirk." "I'm going to treat you good for the rest of your life. I promise. I'll call you tomorrow. I love you." "Goodnight, Kirk." Jenny put an arm around Amanda's shoulders. "I always knew you'd get back with him." Amanda turned and faced her. "Do you think I'm crazy after what he did to me?" "No. I never thought that what he did was really the way he is. You know how guys are? Always proving how tough they are. I was angry about what he did, but if I was in your place, I would have gone back with him, too." "Thanks for being such a great friend, Jenny. I don't know what I would do without you." "Just remember that you have a lot of people who care about you." She nodded, wiping tears from her cheeks. * * * * Kirk's palms were sweaty as he paced back and forth in his bedroom. He had to figure out a plan. He definitely would not take Amanda to the Boss. That wasn't even a possibility. He knew he was probably signing his own death warrant, but that was a chance he had to take. He wondered where Randy was. He was supposed to come over hours ago, but had never shown. When they were together earlier in the day, Kirk sensed that something was bothering Randy, but Randy wouldn't reveal anything. He wondered if Randy even knew about Andy. Kirk knew that he would just have to sit it out and wait for the Boss's next move. But he also knew that he would never let that bastard get his hands on Amanda. * * * * Ben looked quizzically at Lt. Jackson. "So what do we do now?" The Lieutenant leaned back in his chair. "Prepare for a long night, gentlemen." Daniel poured himself a fresh cup of coffee. "When will the report be back on the blood sample?" "Should be any minute now. Did you two have any luck tracking down Randy Kane?" "No, we didn't. It's as though he disappeared into thin air. We can only hope that he shows up." Lt. Jackson shook his head. "I have a hunch that if we don't find this boy soon, it'll be too late." "I've got to call home to check on the girls," Daniel said. "Go ahead," Jackson said, pushing the phone toward him. Jenny answered the phone. "Hello," she said drowsily. "Hi, honey. It looks like I'm going to be here for a while. Is everything all right?" "Yeah. Amanda's sleeping." She yawned. "Kirk called tonight." "What'd he want?" His voice was gruff. "He was really nice, Dad. And he's sorry for what he did to her." Daniel rubbed his chin. "Well, I'll have a talk with her as soon as things settle down a bit. Did anyone else call?" "Yeah, Jackie. She said it's important and to call her no matter what time you get home." "Okay, honey. You get some sleep now and I'll see you later." "Bye, Dad." Daniel quickly dialed Jackie's number. "Hi, Jackie. Jenny said you wanted to talk to me. What's up?" "I just need to discuss a few things, honey." "You seem upset. Have you been crying?" "No, I'm just a little tense. I have some news and I'm not sure of your reaction." "Can you tell me now?" She hesitated for a moment as she put a pillow behind her back. "Can you come over?" "I'd love to, but I'm still at the station and it looks like I'll be here most of the night." "Why don't you give me a call tomorrow after you've had some sleep, Daniel." "Okay. I'll see you tomorrow, then. Are you sure you're all right?" "I'm fine, just a little tired." "Okay, then. Get some rest, honey." "Goodnight, Daniel." Daniel put the receiver down, then turned his attention to the report Ben and Lt. Jackson were poring over. "It's human blood," Ben told his partner. Daniel took a deep breath. "So where do we go from here? Could it be Andy Kane's blood?" "No, it's too fresh." Daniel ran his hand through his hair. "Any word yet on Randy Kane?" Lt. Jackson removed his glasses. "No one has seen him and he hasn't checked in at home." "How are the parents doing?" "They're holding together. Bill Kane said he's grateful to you for all you've done, Daniel." Daniel nodded. "I supposed you two should get back out on the streets and see if anyone's seen Randy Kane tonight. I'll radio you if anything new develops on this end." "Yes, sir." Daniel turned to Ben who had just ended a telephone conversation. "Let's check the lake front area," he said. They walked to the car. Ben gave the keys to Daniel. "You drive this time," he said climbing into the passenger seat. He stretched his long legs. "Had to cancel your plans for tonight, huh, stud?" Ben laughed. "Yeah, and let me tell you, it was not an easy thing to do. I had a date with a new girl tonight. I was going to wine and dine her." "Anyone I know?" Daniel asked. "I don't think so. Julie Rhodes. I met her last weekend at a bar on the south side. Man, can that girl dance! You would have been proud of me, Danny, my boy. I watched her for awhile, then sent drinks to her table before I made my move. After, what felt like an eternity, she invited me to join her. We seemed to hit it off and she didn't refuse when I asked her out for tonight." "Is she upset with you for canceling?" "No, she took it very well. She said she'll ask a friend to do something with her tonight. I told her we can try for next weekend." "What's wrong with tomorrow night?" "She's seeing someone she has a standing date with." Daniel laughed. "You sure know how to pick them, Ben." "If you saw her you'd go after her, too," Ben stated. Daniel shook his head. "Not me. I need a steady woman in my life, someone I can count on to be there for me." "Remember -- variety is the spice of life." "Not in my life. I want a woman who's only there for me. Besides, the way it is today, you have to be careful." "I always am," Ben grinned. "But I just can't seem to find the right woman to settle down with." "Well, you won't find her in those bars you inhabit, my boy. Find a decent woman and build a meaningful relationship with her," Daniel advised. "You need to get down to basics and then let nature take its course." He sniffed. "I don't know. After what Sylvia did to me. And I have a long distance relationship with Josh." "That's got to be tough," Daniel said sympathetically. "Yeah, it's not easy. Every time he calls me I have to visualize the home run when I should have been cheering from the stands." Daniel heard the anger in his voice. "How's Sylvia doing?" "She has a new man in her life." He blinked hard. "Josh is getting very close to him. They do all the things together that him and I should be doing." "You know how Josh feels about you, Ben." He scratched his head. "I'm not certain anymore. I haven't seen him in so long. I just supply the checks and I don't think Sylvia even tells him when I send extra for the things he wants." Daniel gripped the steering wheel. "Maybe Sylvia will marry this guy and quit asking you for so much money." He laughed sarcastically. "Fat chance. She won't give up her alimony. Every time I get an increase it goes to her." "You need to find a nice woman, Ben." He sighed dejectedly. "Even if I did, Daniel, I wouldn't be able to support her." "Things will get better," Daniel said confidently. "Look at what happened in my life and where I am today." He laughed. "I take it that things are working out for you and Jackie." "Yes, they are. I'm ready to ask her to marry me. I bought the ring yesterday." He smiled. "Now all I need is for her to say yes." "I'm happy for you, Daniel. It looks like your life is coming together." "It's been a long, hard struggle, but it can only get better now." He pulled into a parking space. "Let's walk along the bike path." They stepped out of the car and walked toward the edge of the lake. The bright moon cast a romantic glow over the shimmering lake. "It's a beautiful night," Daniel said, wishing Jackie were by his side at this very moment. "I bet right now you wish Jackie were here instead of me," Ben teased. "Now why would you ever think that?" Ben smiled. "You've got it bad, man." Daniel returned his smile as they began to walk the perimeter of the lake. "Seems quiet tonight," he stated. "Where could that kid be?" Ben asked, pulling a candy bar from his pocket. He tore off the wrapper. "Want half?" "No, thanks." They walked in silence for awhile, each man consumed by his own thoughts. Ben sauntered over to a trash receptacle and was ready to toss in the candy wrapper when something on the ground caught his attention. He bent down, picked it up and held it in the palm of his hand. It was a brass belt buckle. He kicked a stack of papers, then felt something soft. He grabbed his flashlight, pushing the papers aside, then looked down at his find. The sight before him brought everything in his stomach up into his throat. He couldn't stop the vomit forcing itself from his body. * * * * Jackie fluffed her pillow for what she believed must have been the twentieth time since climbing into bed. Her mind was too congested for sleep. But she knew that she had Daniel's love tucked safely inside her heart; for tonight anyway, but tomorrow at this same hour she may not. She prayed that Daniel would understand, but what if he couldn't. She knew she was asking too much, but he was the most understanding person she had ever met. But would he ever be able to get past the pain of betrayal she was about to give him? He deserved so much better. She wished there was some way to spare him the pain she was about to inflict upon him, but knew there wasn't. She had to tell him. The longer she put it off, the worse it would be. Tomorrow she would come clean to Daniel and Ariel. She couldn't stand seeing the happiness in Ariel's eyes every time she mentioned Rick's name. It was all a lie. Ariel truly believed that Rick loved her as deeply as she loved him, but Jackie knew the truth. And Ariel needed to know the truth. Jackie tossed and turned. Her body was desperate for sleep. She couldn't remember the last time she had had a decent night's rest. It was getting difficult to concentrate on her students and only today a couple of her older girls had looked at her quizzically when she had fumbled a simple dance routine. It would be better for everyone when she told the truth about Rick. Her thoughts wove in and out. She was frightened at the idea of not having Daniel in her life. She had even gotten closer to Jenny in the past few months. Everything was falling into place. If she and Daniel should eventually marry, she intended to rearrange her teaching schedule so she could devote herself to Daniel and Jenny. Her soul begged for the compassion he would need to forgive her for this transgression. She knew in his place she might not be able to give the compassion she so needed from him now. She prayed that their love was strong enough to see them through this. If it was, she was determined to spend the rest of her life making it up to him. She would be the perfect wife, friend, and lover. She re-fluffed her pillow, then laid her head down and closed her eyes. -------- *Chapter 10* Ben wiped his mouth, then shone his light on the lifeless form. The head was tilted to the side, but the eyes were open. It was the look in the dead eyes that had gotten to him. They were eyes that showed the terror of death; they were wide open, staring at him. His hand trembled as a coldness engulfed him. "Daniel," he hoarsely whispered. Daniel was immediately at his side. Ben motioned to the body. Daniel bent down, then closed the eyelids. He shined his light on the rest of the body. "My God!" he yelled. "What kind of sicko would do this?" The light rested on what was left of the corpse's left ear. His right leg had been severed at the knee, and three fingers were missing from his right hand. "Dammit! I don't even dare to look at the ID." "You ... you think it's Randy Kane, don't you?" "Yes," he answered as he pulled a wallet from the boy's back pocket. He flipped it open and shined his light on a boyish face which stared back at him from a driver's license. He read the name aloud. "Randall Kane. No!" he screamed. He made a fist, thrusting it toward the sky. "Why?" he screamed. "Two boys from the same family murdered in cold blood!" "I'll radio the station," Ben said. Daniel nodded numbly as he fingered the wallet. He dreaded breaking this news to Bill and Mary Kane. And what about Amanda? One death in the family was hard enough to cope with, but two was asking way too much for anyone to handle. He wondered what his reaction would be if this were Jenny's body, then quickly closed his mind to such morbid thoughts. * * * * The man stood in the shadows waiting for Kirk Michaels. He put his hand in his pocket feeling the smooth handle of the knife. His heart quickened. He loved the power the knife gave him. More power than the world would ever let him have. His anger was kept bottled up inside. No one could see it; not even those closest to him. He was an actor in this game called life. His inner soul had died years before. He remembered his childhood. He had had few playmates and his parents had attributed it to the fact that being an only child he was used to spending his time alone. But he was so lonely. His parents doted on his every whim. He gave commands and they obeyed. They bragged about their genius son at every opportunity and heaven help the kind hearted soul who tried to point out his imperfections. The instigator would receive a tongue lashing for ever insinuating that their son was less than perfect. They idolized their demon child and went to their graves believing he was the model son and quite an asset to the world. He drifted through his life void of natural feelings, not knowing right from wrong, but he could adapt and conform to any situation. Anyone looking at the outside could never see what was on the inside. If he could, he would run in fear. If anyone got too close, he pushed them out of his life. He had no true compassion or pity for anyone. No one could penetrate his heart. Women were made only for his pleasure. He was good-looking enough to get almost any woman he desired. When he got what was between their legs, he walked away and never looked back. He never needed to. He tried to remember when the sight of blood began to cause an excitement in him. As a teenager, a bleeding animal by the side of the road would overwhelm him to the point where he could barely get home and race upstairs to his bedroom. After locking the door, he would whip out his throbbing dick and hold it in his hands slowly enjoying the ecstasy he could only receive from himself. The first time he had killed a human being, he stood over the corpse jacking off on the victim. He couldn't explain the exhilaration that overtook him when he realized that he made the choice between life and death for someone. He lit a match then held it close to his wristwatch. Michaels was already twenty minutes late. He was not a patient man and would not tolerate the lack of promptness from anyone. Especially not from a punk like Michaels. His thoughts drifted to Amanda Kane. She was ripe for the picking. He wondered if she and Michaels were making it. He wondered what it would be like to be inside of her. She was a young beauty and the thought of thrusting his rod into her excited him. He lit another match and glanced again at his watch. "Damn him," he muttered. * * * * Daniel and Ben knocked loudly on the door. Bill Kane flung the door open, rubbing his swollen eyes. He looked at the detectives. Daniel caught the fear in his eyes. "How's your wife doing?" Ben asked. "The doctor gave her some tranquilizers." He took a deep breath. "Is Amanda okay?" "Can we come in, Bill?" He led them into the living room. "I feel like a zombie." He shook his head. "It's like I'm going through the motions, but not really comprehending." He sighed tiredly. "I can't accept the fact that I'll never see Andy again." He looked at the officers. "I'm so worried about Randy. I don't think he even knows about Andy and I don't want him to hear it on the streets. Or maybe he does know and he's gone off by himself to be alone. Do you have any news?" he anxiously asked. Daniel placed a hand on the man's shoulder. "God, Bill, I wish I didn't have to tell you this." "What?" he asked hoarsely, his eyes darting back and forth. "It's not Amanda, is it?" "No, she's fine." He squeezed Bill's trembling shoulder. "There's no easy way to tell you this. We found Randy's body tonight." "Wh ... what?" he choked as he sank down on the sofa. "How?" Daniel watched as the color drained from the man's face. He looked like the last bit of air had been sucked out of him. "He was stabbed several times. We found him near the lake. We believe he was killed in the old warehouse and his body transported to the lake." "No!" he moaned as he covered his face with his hands. Sobs racked his body causing him to tremble uncontrollably. Daniel sat next to him. "Bill, if there's anything I can do for you -- I want to help you." He wiped his face on his shirt sleeve. "Please tell Amanda," he sniffed. "I'll break the news to my wife." "If you need to talk, please call." He nodded. He waited for ten minutes, then walked into the bedroom. "Mary," he choked. "Mary, please wake up." Mary Kane wiped the sleep from her eyes, then groggily pulled herself to a sitting position. "What's wrong, Bill?" She searched his face. "It's more bad news isn't it?" Her voice was high pitched, not wanting to hear what he had to tell her, but knowing that she needed to know. "I want a drink, Bill." "I have to tell you something, Mary." She looked into his red-swollen eyes. "No. Give me a drink first, Bill." * * * * Daniel and Ben sat in the patrol car outside the Kane house for a few minutes trying to deal with their individual emotions. "Dammit!" Ben yelled, slamming his fist on the steering wheel. "It's just not fair! Two young lives snuffed out for no apparent reason!" Daniel shook his head. "I don't understand, Ben. You just never know when your number's up." He shook his head again. "We've got a sick son-of-a-bitch on our hands and he's always walking one step ahead of us!" "We'll get that bastard! I guarantee it!" Daniel looked hard at him. "We don't even know where to start, Ben. It could be anybody. Who can we trust?" Ben shook his head. "I don't know, Daniel. I just don't know." "This sick bastard just loves to kill and maim. But there's something else disturbing me about this." "What?" "Why he ejaculates on the bodies." Ben swallowed hard. "There's no sign of any penetration." "He kills them, then jacks off." He cleared his throat. "What kind of pervert would do that?" "I don't know, Daniel; I just don't know." * * * * Daniel threw his keys on the table, then removed his shoes. He sat in his easy chair then slowly closed his eyes. He was exhausted, but knew that he couldn't go to sleep. He wished he could block the past few hours from his mind. Randy's lifeless corpse kept filtering through his brain. He would never forget that sight as long as he lived. He had to tell Amanda. How could he possibly find the words to tell her that her other brother was now dead, too; a victim of some fucking pervert! The frustration ripping through him made his heart pound erratically. He knew that if he could get his hands on the filthy scumbag there would be no need to worry about incarcerating him at the taxpayers expense. Daniel knew that he could kill the depraved bastard with his bare hands. This was the first time in his life that he had ever felt enraged like this and it scared him. He popped his eyes open and looked at the mantel clock. 4:45 a.m. He rubbed his eyes, trying to focus. He needed to talk to Jackie. Something was bothering her and he couldn't figure out what it could possibly be. She had sounded so distant; not her usually bubbly self. He wished she were here with him now. He needed to escape in the warmth of her flesh. He got up, then tiptoed upstairs to Jenny's room. He opened the door and peeked inside. Both girls were sleeping soundly. He closed the door, then walked to his own room. He removed his clothes and climbed between the cool sheets. * * * * The man picked up the telephone. He dialed Kirk Michael's number. A groggy voice answered on the sixth ring. "I need to speak to Kirk," the man demanded. "Hey, listen, buddy, don't you think it's kind of late to be calling someone?" "Are you Kirk's father?" "Yes, and I don't appreciate being woke up in the middle of the night." "I'm sorry, but this is urgent!" "All right. I'll get him, but in the future please call at a decent hour!" The man drummed his fingertips on his dresser as he waited for Kirk. His anger was almost uncontrollable. A few minutes later, Kirk's voice came over the line. "Yeah?" Kirk asked, already knowing who was on the other end. "You didn't show! I told you, no one double crosses me!" "Look, I told you that Amanda and I aren't seeing each other anymore. I couldn't get her to come with me." "I told you that I don't like double-crossers." "I haven't done anything to you. Neither did Andy." "Andy betrayed me as did his brother Randy." "What about Randy? Everybody's been looking for him." "They'll find him. In due time. They just haven't looked in the right place." Kirk felt perspiration bead up on his brow. "You killed him, too!" he shrieked. "And you want to kill me and Amanda!" The man chuckled. "You can't escape me, son. I'll be watching you and I will get you. That is a promise you can take to the bank." A lump rose in his throat. "I swear you'll be caught. You'll pay for what you did. And you won't get me or Amanda." He slammed the phone down, then sat on the arm of the sofa wondering what to do. Perspiration trickled down his back. He felt numb like he was in someone else's nightmare and couldn't escape. How could he have gotten into such a mess? Bob Michaels walked into the room. He firmly placed a hand on his son's shoulder. "Kirk, I want to know what is going on. Who was that on the phone?" he demanded. Kirk looked at his father and saw the worry and concern in his eyes. For the first time in his life he knew that his father really did care about him. He wondered how many sleepless nights he had caused his parents. It was a wonder that they did care after the way he had treated them. He had always done whatever he wanted to do, disregarding any restrictions they had tried to place on him. He didn't see then that what they were doing was for his own good. Never once had he considered the pain and suffering his actions were, and had, imposed on them. Now as he looked into his father's eyes, he saw the love that was there; the same love that had always been there. His father was there for him and always had been, but he had been too damned stubborn to see it. But now he needed his father. He needed him more than he could ever imagine anyone needing someone. His father had just resigned himself to sitting back and waiting for the day his son would come to him. "Dad," he choked as a tear slid from his eye, "I'm in a big mess and I don't know what to do." His shoulders sagged. Bob Michaels braced himself for his son's news. Kirk had never been one to volunteer much information about his comings and goings and he knew this news had to be catastrophic to affect him the way it obviously was. "Tell me the problem, Kirk. Maybe it isn't as bad as you think it is. We can talk it out." "It's my job, Dad. You don't understand." His father laughed. "Is that all, son? I can't begin to tell you how many jobs I lost when I was your age." "No, Dad. You don't understand. Randy and Andy Kane were working for this guy making deliveries -- the pay was fantastic. Like it was too good to be true. I begged them to get me a job and they did." He wiped his face on the back of his hand. "Anyway, now Andy and Randy are both dead. The Boss murdered them." "What!" His eyes grew wide. "Can you prove it?" Kirk knew that his father didn't believe him. He had to make him understand that what he was saying was the truth. "That was him on the phone. He wanted me to meet him last night and to bring Amanda with me. He's going to kill us, Dad," he said in a shaky voice. "He said he'll get us." "How do you know he killed the Kane boys?" "He told me." "Oh my God!" He covered his face with his hands for a few seconds, then folded them in his lap. "We're going to have to notify the police, Kirk. They'll protect you and Amanda." "Dad, we were running drugs." Bob Michaels' shoulders slumped forward. "Are you on drugs, son?" he asked in a low voice. "No, Dad. I swear ... I never took drugs. I drink beer and sometimes harder stuff, but never drugs." He frowned. "I smoked pot once in awhile, but I swear I never did anything heavier." "I believe you, Kirk." He was silent for a moment. "Try to get some sleep and let me figure this out." Kirk stood in front of him. "Thanks, Dad," he said. He started to leave, then bent down and put his arms around his father. "I love you, Dad." -------- *Chapter 11* Jackie set the phone down. She had just called her last student to cancel her day's classes. She knew she couldn't give her students what they deserved until she took care of her personal business. Her mind couldn't focus on anything, but telling Daniel and Ariel about Rick and the baby. She clicked on the answering machine, then quickly left her apartment. Thirty minutes later she was seated in Ariel's living room. "I had Avis make a fresh pot of coffee," Ariel said. She set the tray on the coffee table, then poured two cups. "Tomorrow's the big day," she beamed. "Do you think Daniel can make it to the rehearsal dinner tonight?" "I don't know," Jackie answered absently. "He's busy with the murder investigation." She looked around the room. "Do you and Rick intend to live here after the wedding?" "Yes. Rick decided that since I had done such a wonderful job of redecorating, it would be senseless for us to move to another place." She laughed. "He said that he doesn't have to worry about the ghost of a past love having residence here." "How much do you really know about him?" Jackie probed. "All I need to know. He loves me," she answered defensively. "But what do you really know about him?" Jackie insisted. Ariel handed her a cup. "Frankly, not much. He's always been somewhat of a loner. He says he doesn't like a lot of people cluttering up his life." "What about his family?" "He's been on his own most of his life. He may have had a horrible childhood because he refuses to discuss it." She stared at Jackie. "Why the inquisition?" She set her cup down. "Is there something I don't know about him?" Jackie looked away from Ariel's eyes. "For God's sake, Jackie, tomorrow is my wedding day. If you have something to say to me, then do it now!" * * * * Daniel sat up. He yawned, then rubbed his eyes. He glanced at his alarm clock. It read 8:45 a.m. He was exhausted, but knew that his mind would not let him return to sleep. He got out of bed and pulled on a pair of jogging pants and a tee shirt. He stretched, then yawned again as he made his way to Jenny's room. He peeked into the room, discovering both girls awake and dressed. He hated the task that awaited him, but knew that it couldn't be put off any longer. He lightly knocked on the door. Jenny turned around. "Hi, Dad. Come on in." He walked over to her and kissed her cheek. "Was everything okay last night?" "Yeah. What time did you get home?" She looked closely at him. "You look awful, Dad!" she exclaimed. "I was out most of the night. I managed to get a couple of hours of sleep, though." He hugged her, keeping her close to him. "Don't worry so much about your old man." He looked at Amanda. She was pale and dark circles were visible under her red-rimmed eyes. "Amanda, I need to talk to you." He sat on the edge of the bed fighting for the proper words. "What is it, Mr. Trevors?" she asked in a trembling voice. Daniel lowered his eyes. "I wish there were an easier way to tell you this." "What?" she fearfully asked. He sighed as he put an arm around her thin shoulders. "We found your brother Randy last night." He looked into her eyes. "Is he okay? Where was he?" she demanded. "Oh, honey, this is so hard for me to tell you." He rubbed his eyes. "He was murdered." "No!" she screamed. "I don't believe you!" She pounded his chest with clenched fists. Her body turned, then twisted as though she were having a convulsion. Daniel grabbed her and held her close as he tried to soothe her. "I can't stand this," she moaned. "I'm going to go crazy!" "Sshh. Just try to rest," he said soothingly. "What about my parents?" she sobbed. "I told your father earlier this morning. I promised him that I would tell you." He laid her head back on the pillow. "Try to rest now." He motioned to Jenny who followed him into the hall. She silently closed the door. "Dad, what's going on?" she asked, tears streaming down her face. "Who's going to be next? Why can't the police catch this guy?" Daniel hugged her like he was afraid to let her go. "Baby, I don't know. I'm as scared as you are, but I assure you that we'll get him. I promise you." He brushed her tears away with his hand. "Now I really need you to be strong for Amanda. This is going to be one of the roughest times of her life. She needs your strength. Help her, honey. Let her lean on you." "I'll try, Dad. I just don't know what to say or do." "You don't have to say or do anything. Sometimes it helps just knowing there is someone who really cares." She shook her head. "It's like something that happens to other people, but not us." She sniffed. "No where's safe anymore, Dad." He brushed her hair back from her brow as his gaze penetrated hers. "Honey, we're going to get that creep ... I promise you that. You'll feel safe again." "I hope so, but I don't think Amanda will ever be the same." He sighed tiredly. "No, she won't be, but she will get through this with our love and support and someday she'll be able to look ahead." "I'd better get back to her," Jenny whispered. Daniel patted her shoulder. "Dad?" "What, honey?" "I love you," she said, then disappeared inside her room. He walked back into his bedroom, then picked up the telephone and dialed Jackie's number. Her cheery voice greeted him, then asked him to leave a message. "It's me, honey. I'll call you later," he said, then hung up the phone. * * * * "Ariel, I need to talk to you about something." "Well, I wish you would. You've been in a strange mood for some time now, Jackie. Have I done something to offend you?" She pushed her hair back from her forehead. Jackie squirmed uncomfortably. "Of course not. I only wish it were that simple." Her voice was low. "You sound like you're about to drop a bomb on me," Ariel said tightly. "In a sense I am." She slowly let her breath out. "What I'm about to tell you will completely devastate you, but you have to know that I never wanted to hurt you. You're my closest friend." Ariel leaned forward. "You're serious, aren't you?" Jackie grabbed her hand. "Yes." She saw the fear come into Ariel's eyes. "You're scaring me." Jackie blinked hard. She saw the anxiety increase in Ariel's eyes. "Just tell me. Please." She swallowed hard. "This is difficult for me. You know what our friendship means to me," Jackie said slowly. "We've been through a lot of difficult times through the years," she agreed. "So please tell me what is going on." "It's Rick," she said in a barely audible voice. "Rick!" Ariel exclaimed. "I thought you two got along well together." She frowned. "I'm certain that if he did anything to offend you it wasn't intentional. Did he say something to you last night?" "No. No, it's nothing like that. I only wish there was an easier way to tell you." She closed her eyes for a moment. "Just tell me, for God's sake," Ariel shrieked. Jackie swallowed the lump in her throat. She looked at Ariel's pale face knowing that with the next sentence she would totally destroy her world. "Ever since you and Rick first met, we ... we've been having an affair." She lowered her eyes in shame. Ariel's mouth flew open. "I don't believe you! How could you do this to me? Why are you trying to destroy my one chance for happiness?" Tears filled her eyes. "Why are you making up these lies, Jackie?" she choked. "I didn't want it to happen," Jackie said gently. "Believe me, Ariel, it was not planned." Jackie felt sick as shame and guilt overtook her. "I'm sorry," she whispered. "You couldn't stand the fact that a man like Rick could love someone like me, could you? You've always been the beautiful one with the men falling all over you. But the minute a man shows an interest in me first, you can't stand it! Your jealousy got the better of you, so you decided to do anything to stop our wedding!" she shrieked. "You must have seduced him." She eyed Jackie coldly. "But then, why should I believe what you're telling me? You're lying; admit it!" she demanded. She shook her head as she returned her friend's cool gaze. "No, I'm telling you the truth, dammit! I'm trying to protect you! I know I should have come forward sooner, but I couldn't. I was scared; I knew it would destroy our friendship. Please believe me, Ariel! He was using you from day one!" she insisted. "Why do you think I need protection from Rick?" she smirked. "It doesn't make any sense." "He is only marrying you for your money. I broke it off with him because I couldn't stand what he was doing to you. I even told him that if he truly wanted me then to cancel your wedding. But he said he had a plan. He would seek a divorce, then take the settlement and we would go off somewhere together." She stopped to catch her breath. "Do you really believe I could have hurt you like that?" Her eyes grew wide with wonder. "Compared to what? Having an affair with my fiance? I don't know what you're thinking, Jackie. Nothing would surprise me now. I feel like you've just deliberately destroyed my one chance for happiness. Without Rick I have nothing. None of this means anything to me!" She threw her hands up, making wild gestures at her expensive furnishings. "Money means nothing to me. It can't keep me warm at night. I can't talk to it or make love to it. For the first time in my life I felt truly loved and wanted by a man, but you can't stand it and feel the need to take it away from me. Do you know how lonely I've been? Do you know how it made me feel to always stand in the background watching men throw themselves at your feet? I'll never forgive you for this, Jackie. Never! And the funny part is, I have no proof that any of this is true!" she shouted. "It is, Ariel. I swear." "If it is, then the joke is really on me. I've been saving myself for my wedding night and my fiance has been fucking my best friend!" "That's probably why he never pressured you for sex. If it's any consolation, he doesn't love me either. He's a selfish man, Ariel, incapable of loving anyone but himself." "But you don't know that. He was good to me -- kind, gentle, and caring. If he was out to use me, why wouldn't he let me invest in his company? He's refused my help on numerous occasions." "Can't you see what he's doing? That's exactly what he wants you to think. He wants to convince you of his love so as not to arouse your suspicion. At the same time he's scheming against you. Don't be so damned naive!" "Why should I believe you? I need to talk to Rick." "I know what he's going to tell you. I told him if he didn't leave me alone I was going to confess to you and he said he'd tell you I was lying and was only causing trouble because he had refused my advances." She stood up. "Go see if that isn't what he tells you, Ariel." Ariel looked at her in disgust. "Just get out!" "I didn't come here to hurt you. I value our friendship. I know that sounds hypocritical after what I've done, but it's the truth. What I did was horrible and I'll suffer the consequences for the rest of my life. It will be your decision as to whom you choose to believe. But right now I need to talk to Daniel. He'll be hearing what I've just told you." She brushed a tear from her cheek. "If you need further proof, Ariel, I'm pregnant. It's Rick's child I'm carrying, but you'll never know how much I wish it were Daniel's." She walked out of the room leaving Ariel standing with her mouth dropped open. * * * * Bob and Kirk Michaels walked to the Sergeants Desk. "I need to talk to someone right away," he said. Sgt. Matthews looked up, peering over his glasses at him. "What's the problem?" he asked. "I have some information about the Kane murders. Threats are being made on my son's life," he anxiously answered as he threw an arm around Kirk's shoulders. The Sergeant nodded. "Let me get in touch with the detectives handling the case. You can have a seat in the waiting area." Kirk followed his father to the small room. He walked over to the window and looked out at the gray sky. The day matched his mood. He saw no way out of this situation. He didn't care about himself, but Amanda's life was in jeopardy and he needed to protect her. He ran his hand through his hair. He wasn't just physically exhausted, but mentally exhausted, also. He didn't know which was worse. And his two best friends were dead. That hadn't sunk in yet. He knew that the finality of their lives would hit him soon and he would have to deal with it. Amanda's brothers were both dead and he needed to help her to deal with this tragedy, also. They would be able to help one another. Bob Michaels sat in a metal folding chair. He sighed tiredly. He hadn't been able to get back to sleep after he and Kirk's earlier conversation. It all seemed like a nightmare to him now. He felt like he was going through the motions, but was not really there. He wanted to help his son and hoped that he could. He was angry with Kirk for allowing himself to be caught up in this, but he said nothing to him. There would be time for that later. Kirk was going through enough; he needed his father's support now and he was determined to give it to him. Kirk and he hadn't gotten along well for a long time and maybe this could get them back on the right track. But there were so many times in the past few years that he had felt like a failure as a father. He had tried to instill worthwhile values, morals, and qualities in his son, but Kirk was stubborn. He thought he had all the answers. He wouldn't listen to anyone. He remembered when Kirk was just an infant and he had walked the floors with him sharing his own hopes and dreams with his baby boy. He had bonded with his son from the very beginning and had believed they would always have a special closeness, but when Kirk hit his teenage years things started to change. His values and morals revolved around his own concept of what was right or wrong. The only opinion that seemed to matter was his own. He didn't care who he hurt with his rudeness and ruthless behavior. Bob stood by watching his son slowly turn into a stranger, someone he almost didn't recognize any more. If he tried to reach out to Kirk, the boy only rebelled further. He tried everything. Showering him with gifts and money only made Kirk want more. Nothing satisfied him for long. He knew deep in his heart that Kirk's behavior was one of the reasons his wife had chosen to pack up and depart two years ago leaving behind her husband and wayward son. She had reached the end of her rope. Bob knew that he hadn't always been an ideal husband, but until Ruth had left, he had never even realized the stress she had been under. Towards the end of their marriage it had turned into a power play between mother and son. Kirk was always the victor. How many times had she begged him to see what overindulging Kirk was doing to them? Bob blinked his tired eyes. In the end he had lost his wife. She hadn't even requested custody, but told her lawyer that she could not raise Kirk. A year later Bob pleaded with her to come back, but she refused. For her own sanity she needed to stay away. Unless she saw a radical change, she wouldn't even visit. She had only been to the house a few times and Bob had taken her to dinner several times, but she made no attempt at a reconciliation. He wondered if this would change her mind. He was certain that Kirk was changed. Maybe this would bring Ruth back to him and their son. Kirk needed his mother. "Mr. Michaels, we understand that you have some information about the Kane murders?" Daniel asked, entering the room with a folder stuffed under his arm. "Yes, my son does." He nodded to Kirk. Kirk walked over to them. "I was sort of working with Andy and Randy," he said slowly, watching Ben Wilson walking towards them. "I've got a conference room," Ben said to Daniel. "Thanks, Ben. Let's go down the hall." They walked in silence to the room. He held the door open until everyone was inside, then closed the door. Daniel observed the boy's red-rimmed eyes. "I understand that you called my home last night to talk to Amanda Kane?" He nodded. "Yes, the Boss wanted me to bring Amanda to the old train depot because the police would be watching the warehouse. The warehouse was where Andy and Randy made the drops. I used to go with them sometimes and they were getting me a job." His words poured out in a rush. Ben motioned to the table. "Let's sit down. Can I get anyone some coffee, juice, or a soda?" He waited, and when no one took him up on his offer, seated himself. "I think you'd better start at the beginning," he said, eyeing Kirk. Kirk folded his hands and rested them on the table. "I knew Randy and Andy because I was seeing their sister. Anyway, they got jobs from this guy and they made pretty good money. All they had to do was exchange envelopes and bring the proceeds to the Boss at the warehouse every night." "Does the Boss have a name?" Daniel asked. Kirk shrugged. "That's all anyone knows him by." "Do you know where he lives?" "No, but it's probably somewhere nice because he dresses top of the line." "Did you boys ever wonder what was in the envelopes?" "Yeah, we aren't stupid," Kirk answered defensively, "but the money was too good to care. That's why I begged Randy and Andy to get me a job, too. I wasn't working in an official capacity yet, but sometimes would go to the drops and pickups with them." He fidgeted in his chair. "Sometimes they would be carrying around ten grand at a time." "You boys obviously knew that you were drug runners, didn't you?" Ben asked. "Not at first. Most of the people Andy and Randy dealt with looked like businessmen." "Did you ever see the Boss with anyone else?" "No. He was always alone." Ben kept his eyes fixed on him as Daniel took notes. "Why did he want you to bring Amanda to him last night?" "To kill us," he answered matter-of-factly. Daniel looked up in surprise. He made sure the recorder was running. "Are you positive that that's what he intended to do?" Kirk's face grew pale. "He said if I didn't bring Amanda to him that I would be sorry. He said he would find us." He swallowed hard. "He already told me that he killed Randy and Andy, so why would I doubt that Amanda and me would be his next victims?" "Why does he want to kill Amanda?" Ben questioned. "Because she can describe him. She went with us one night when we made a drop off." Ben and Daniel glanced at one another. "Can you give us a description of him?" Daniel asked. "Like I said, he always wears expensive clothes. He's good looking for an older guy." "Does he have any tattoos or noticeable scars?" He was thoughtful for a moment. "No, nothing I can think of." The detectives glanced at one another again. "Look, you've got to catch him! I don't care about myself, but I won't let him hurt Amanda!" Daniel saw the boy's eyes pleading with him. "He doesn't care," Kirk continued. "I think he likes killing. He doesn't even feel bad about it. You've got to help her before it's too late!" "She's safe at my home, Kirk. He can't get her there. I promise," Daniel answered. "But we will get someone over there to keep an eye on the house." He stood up. "Kirk, we'll need a formal statement from you." "Sure, anything." Ben set the composite in front of the boy. "Is this him?" Kirk's eyes grew wide. "That's him! That's the Boss!" His hands shook as he held the picture. * * * * Rick wiped the steam from the mirror, twisted this way and that to better admire himself. The phone rang, interrupting him. "Hello," he snapped. "Hi, honey, it's just me," Ariel said, keeping her voice calm even though her insides were in turmoil. "I'm sorry. I was in the shower." He wrapped the towel around his waist. "What's up?" "We need to talk." He picked up on the serious note in her voice. "Is something wrong? Do we have a problem with the wedding plans? Later I'll be free to help, but this morning I need to take care of some loose ends in the business so we can enjoy our honeymoon with no interruptions." "No, it's not the wedding plans, Rick. I received a visit from someone and it has left me quite upset." "Whom?" "I don't want to go into it over the phone. Try to get here as soon as possible. I really need to talk to you, Rick." "Okay, honey. I'll be over this afternoon. Don't be upset. We'll work it out. Remember, tomorrow I'm claiming you for my wife and no one will ever upset or hurt you again." "Just get here as soon as you can," she insisted. -------- *Chapter 12* The man stood, looking cautiously at the house. It looked like something out of a magazine, he thought. Quaint, but comfy with a well-manicured lawn and flowers bordering either side of the walk. A white picket fence encircled the lawn. One hundred percent Americana, he mused. He walked over to the garage and peered inside. It was empty, just as he had hoped it would be. He tried the door, then laughed when he found it unlocked. He sneaked inside, pulled a black wig from his pocket and quickly put it on. He took a small mirror from his sport coat pocket, then observed his image. He adjusted the wig, then when he was satisfied with the results, he attached a black mustache. He glanced once again at his reflection, then snapped the mirror case shut and placed it back into his pocket. He looked around himself, making sure no one saw him, then hurried out of the garage and to the front door of the house. He smoothed his breast pocket, then rang the doorbell. When he received no response, he rang the bell a second time. Jenny breathlessly flung the door open. "If you're selling something, we're not interested." She started to close the door. He put his hand on the door. "No, as a matter of fact, I'm here to see Amanda Kane," he said. "Her parents sent me. They have requested that she pick out the headstones for her brothers' graves." His voice was low and solemn. Jenny looked at him suspiciously. "I'm sorry. My name is Stan Lupas from Drake Memorials. I've been asked to pick Miss Kane up to drive her downtown to look at our selection of headstones." "I don't know," Jenny hesitated. "I'll go get her." She closed the door. A few minutes later, the girls returned. "I'm Amanda Kane." Amanda stared at him, but knew that she had never seen him before. He looked at her red puffy eyes. "May I offer you my condolences on the loss of your brothers," he said softly as he gently took her hand. "Thank you," she whispered. He was shocked by the young girl's beauty. Her slender frame was clothed in a pair of baggy blue jeans and a dark blue sweatshirt, but still her delicate beauty showed through. Her long hair was drawn back in a ponytail lending a rare view of her high cheekbones. His heartbeat quickened when he looked into her coal-black eyes. Her full, pink lips were drawn up as she looked questionably at him. "Shall we be on our way?" he politely asked. "We'd better wait for my Dad," Jenny said, nervously eyeing the stranger. "He'll be here in a few minutes." The man glanced at his wristwatch. "I can't wait. I have several other appointments this morning." He looked at Amanda. "Look, dear, we need to pick out the headstones now. If you wait, your brothers won't have a marker for their graves. The choice is yours." Amanda looked at Jenny. "What do you think? I don't know what to do." "I'd wait," Jenny cautioned. "I'll have to inform your parents that you wouldn't go." The man turned to leave. "Wait!" Jenny called. "Why didn't they pick them out?" He stopped, then turned smoothly on his heel as he answered her. "It is their wish that Amanda do this as she was very close to them. They thought it a fitting tribute to them from her." "I don't know," Jenny answered, still suspicious. She looked at Amanda. "What do you think?" Amanda sighed. "I'll go. I have to do it for my brothers." She looked at the stranger. "But can you drive me back here afterwards?" "Of course. I'll have you back in an hour." "Okay, then." She hugged Jenny good-bye. "Tell your Dad where I'll be." "I don't think you should go, Amanda. Wait for my Dad," Jenny cautioned. Amanda's eyes pleaded with her. "I have to do this for my brothers. Please understand." Jenny watched as Amanda and the man made their way down the walk. She wondered why his car wasn't parked at the curb out front. She watched until they turned the corner, then closed the door. An uneasy feeling came over her. The man was creepy. But then, she thought, why wouldn't he be? He was a mortician. * * * * Amanda walked in silence next to the tall man. Something about him seemed familiar, but she was certain she had never seen him before. She stole a glance at him, and was sure she had never seen him before. "I'm sorry I parked so far from the house," he said, "but I wasn't sure of the address and with it being such a nice day, I figured a little exercise wouldn't hurt." He laughed. "Nowadays with computers and everything no one gets out into the fresh air much anymore. No, you kids today stay stuck inside while the beauty of nature is right outside your door. Instead of taking advantage of a social life, you kids today would rather chat on the Internet." Amanda remained silent. She wished he would quit babbling. She wasn't in the mood for idle chitchat. Her brothers were dead and her whole life was turned upside down. And all this asshole could do was talk about fresh air and computers. "Here we are," he announced as they approached a dark blue Chevy. He held the door for her, then closed it after she was safely inside. He quickly made his way to the driver's side and slid behind the wheel. He started the car, easing his way into traffic. He stole several glances at her, but she appeared oblivious to him. "How old are you?" he finally asked. "Fourteen." "You look much older," he observed. She still had a nagging feeling that she knew him from somewhere. She wished she could remember. "Do you have a boyfriend?" "No," she answered, thinking his question too personal. "A girl as beautiful as you must have boys beating a path to your door," he said softly. "Hardly. I had a boyfriend, but we broke up." "I'm sorry," he said sympathetically. "What is his name?" "Kirk Michaels." She looked at the scenery whizzing by. "Maybe we'll work things out." "Hmmm, the name doesn't ring a bell. A new family in town?" "No. He's lived here all of his life." "I see." He hummed a popular tune as they continued their drive. Amanda rested her head on the plush headrest. She closed her eyes for a few minutes listening to the traffic. When she opened her eyes, she noticed that they were several miles out of the city. She bolted upright in her seat. "I thought we were going to the city," she said. The man smiled. He grabbed her hand, but she pulled it away. "Don't you remember me?" he asked. "I never met you before today," she said uneasily. "Think real hard now, honey." She racked her mind, but could not place him even though there was something familiar about him. "Take me back to Jenny's. Her Dad's a cop, you know, and when he finds out I've gone with you, they'll have the whole force out looking for me." He laughed. "That's highly unlikely." He grabbed her hand again. "Don't you remember me? I certainly remember you." He grinned. She pulled away. "No! Look, just let me out and I'll get a ride back." He smiled. "Please let me go!" she shrieked. "Think about where you've met me," he prodded. "Look, I don't know you. You must have me mixed up with someone else. Let me go and I won't tell anyone about this," she bargained. "Come on," he insisted. "Even though we never actually met, you did see me," he snarled as he removed the mustache. He opened the glove box and took out a different one. He glanced in the mirror as he kept one hand on the steering wheel. After the mustache was in place, he pulled the wig from his head. "Remember now?" She screamed, clutching for the door handle. He laughed. "Sorry. It won't do you any good -- automatic lock." He reached for her again, placing a warm hand on her leg. She slapped his hand away from her thigh. "So, you and Michaels broke up. Wasn't man enough for you, huh?" "What do you want from me?" she shrieked. "Now what do you think?" he taunted. "I don't know!" "You saw me when your lover boy dropped off a delivery one night." "So." She avoided his penetrating eyes. "Don't play games with me!" His voice became harsh. "You know that I killed your brothers. No one double-crosses me!" Tears streamed down her face. "You are so sick! I didn't do anything!" she cried. "Please don't hurt me!" He laughed again as he maneuvered the car down a dark, wooded road. "Don't worry ... I won't harm you. I'll wait so your boyfriend can watch you die!" he snarled, enjoying the terror in her eyes. * * * * Daniel raced into the house. "Jenny!" he called. "In here, Dad," she answered. He tore into the kitchen, raced over to her, then embraced her. She set down the glass she had been washing. "Dad, what's wrong? You're hugging me like I'm going to disappear or something." "Thank God you're all right," he said, squeezing her close. He glanced around the kitchen. "Where's Amanda?" He released his hold on her. Jenny wiped her hands on a dish towel. "Some guy came to pick her up. Her parents sent him so she could pick out headstones for Randy and Andy. She said she'd be back in an hour, so she should be here any time now." He sat down. "Okay. Honey, we've got some information about the murders." "Do you know who the guy is?" she asked hopefully. "No, not yet. But he did admit to it. He's also made threats on Amanda's and Kirk Michaels' lives." Her eyes grew wide with fear. "Why, Dad?" "Amanda witnessed a drop off one night and apparently can identify him. We're having police protection for the Kane's, Michaels', and our home." "Do you really think he would do something to Amanda and Kirk?" she asked, trembling. He shook his head. "I don't know, honey. This guy's a real oddball. He's already killed, so I don't think it would phase him." He looked at his daughter's pained face. "Honey, I don't want to scare you, but you have to be extremely careful. Don't let your guard down for one minute. Promise me." "I promise, Dad." "I want the doors and windows locked at all times." She nodded her consent. * * * * Daniel stood in the center of Jackie's living room. He knew by the expression on her face that she was deeply distressed. She was pale and drawn; quite the contrast to her normally vibrant self. "Are you sick, honey?" he asked. She shook her head. "Not physically. I wish I were, though. It would make things so much easier." She inhaled deeply, wondering what to say next. "This is going to be one of the most difficult things I've ever had to do." She touched his cheek with her fingertips. "You are such a sweet, gentle man, Daniel. And I sincerely do love you with all my heart." He saw the tears in her eyes. "I love you, too, Jackie. Please, just tell me what's gotten you so upset." He swept over her body, his eyes finally resting on her long tanned legs. She was wearing a pair of white shorts and a red low cut blouse. He throbbed with desire for her, but he knew that would have to wait. She needed to talk now. She pulled him down on the sofa next to her, then rested her head against his strong shoulder. He held her close, savoring the moment. His nose nuzzled her silky hair. "What's wrong, honey? Anything that affects you affects me." He turned her head until she was facing him. His eyes bore into hers. Never before had he seen so much pain in someone's eyes. He knew that her news had to be devastating, so he braced himself for whatever it was. "Daniel, I love you more than anything in this world." Her voice was gentle. "I love you, too, baby," he whispered as he watched her fighting back the tears pressing against her eyelids. She sighed. "I'm sorry that I have to tell you this now. I know you're exhausted from the murder investigation, but this can't wait any longer." "Honey, whatever it is I know you and I can overcome it. We have a strong bond that nothing can destroy." "I hope so," she whispered. "But I'll understand if you never want to see me again." "Nothing can be so bad that I wouldn't want you," he said softly, enclosing her small hand in his. She swallowed hard. "I'm going to try to explain this the best that I can. But, please always remember how much I love you and always will," she said as her voice cracked. "I'm listening." He squeezed her hand. "Earlier today I had this same conversation with Ariel." "Tomorrow's the big day, huh?" "I don't know. Ariel is going to have to make one of the hardest decisions of her life. I only pray that she makes the right choice. Maybe someday she will also find it in her heart to forgive me." He frowned. "Aren't you in the wedding?" She shook her head. "Not anymore." He frowned again. "Now I'm really in the dark. Just tell me what's going on, honey." "Daniel, please believe me when I tell you that I never wanted to cause you any pain. I can't live with this deception between us." She cleared her throat. "When Rick Tucker and Ariel first met, I knew that he was attracted to me. He only led her on because of her money." She sniffed. "Shortly after, Rick and I began an affair." She looked at him. His facial muscles tensed. "Were you sleeping with him while we were together?" he hoarsely asked. She lowered her eyes. "Dammit, Jackie, answer me!" He knew the answer when she couldn't meet his eyes, but he needed to hear her say it. "Yes," she whispered. He was silent for a few seconds, then spoke, choosing his words carefully. "Was he the reason you broke off with me?" "Yes, I really thought I loved him." She blinked hard. "But I was so wrong. It took me too long to realize that it's been you I've loved all along." Daniel put his head in his hands. His shoulders heaved up and down as his soul slowly became crushed under the weight of her words. After a few minutes, he raised his head and with tears streaming down his face asked, "When we got back together was it because you wanted me or did you have another reason?" She touched his shoulder as her own tears fell. "Daniel, I always cared for you. It was you all along I truly loved. I was confused; Rick was only an infatuation." "That wasn't my question, Jackie," he said weakly. "I wanted to break off with Rick. He wouldn't let me, so I thought if he knew I was with someone he would leave me alone." "So you were only using me," he said hoarsely. "No, no," she emphatically replied. "When did you end the affair?" "When you and I got back together." He let his breath out in a rush. "So, let me get this straight. You didn't get back with me because you loved me, needed me, or even wanted me; it was to make Rick leave you alone." "No, Daniel! Listen to me! I always did care. I've told you that. I did fall in love with you ... a long time ago. I was only too blind to see it. It was always there buried deep within my heart." He shook his head in disbelief. "In other words you used me." His voice was filled with the same pain he was feeling in his heart. "No, please don't ever think that!" Tears splashed down her face. "I love you so much. That's why I broke off with him. It's been you all along. I've only wanted you. You don't know how I've suffered with this betrayal. I've hurt the two people I care most about; you and Ariel. I don't blame you if you never want to see me again. But I will always love you, Daniel." He rubbed his eyes, wishing the pain would go away, but knew it wouldn't. His chest was heavy; heavy from the burden of his heart slowly shattering and breaking into a thousand little pieces. "I loved you so much," he said choking on his tears. She touched his arm. "We can work through this. This can make us stronger." She saw the tear escape from his eye and begin its decent down his cheek. "Honey, I never wanted to hurt you. Please believe me. Our love can overcome this," she said in a shaky voice. "Just give us a chance!" "Is there anything else I should know?" She lowered her eyes. "I'm pregnant," she said in a low voice. He looked up. "Is it mine?" She raised her head and met his eyes, seeing the sudden sparks in them. She slowly shook her head. "Damn you!" he cried. "I'll get an abortion. Anything you want, Daniel. We can put this behind us. I never wanted to hurt anyone. All I know for sure is it's you I want to spend the rest of my life with. Please give me just one chance to prove myself to you!" she pleaded. He rubbed his eyes as he stood up. "Why?" he sobbed, then turned and walked out of the apartment. -------- *Chapter 13* Amanda was terrified. Where was she? It was so dark inside the dirty, musty shack. She could see sunlight filtering in through a rotted wall board. She unsuccessfully tried to move her bound wrists and ankles, but it was no use. Even if she hadn't been tied up, where would she go? She was in the middle of nowhere. From what she could recall of the drive here, the nearest house had to be at least ten miles away. When would he return? What was he going to do to her? She cried silent tears. She thought about screaming, but no one would hear her. She was tired and hungry, but her fear kept her from concentrating on the former two discomforts. He would kill her; that was a fact. He killed her brothers and now he was going to kill her and Kirk. She couldn't stop him. Death awaited her. She thought about her grandmother. She didn't know why her grandmother's image popped into her mind; maybe it was because she was the only one Amanda had ever been able to count on; the only one she could turn to for love and comfort. She'd been dead for a few years now, the victim of a painful cancer; but conversations they had shared from the past filtered through her mind now; like a book left open by a window with a gentle breeze slowly lifting and turning the pages. These were the pages of her life. Thinking of her dearly beloved grandmother filled her with a sense of peace. She didn't understand it, but was grateful for it. When her grandmother was nearing the end of her mortal life, she spoke freely of death with Amanda. She spoke for hours of the dearly departed family members she would soon be joining. Amanda was fascinated, wondering what it would feel like. Instead of fearing it, she wanted to know what the mystery was and why everyone feared something so inevitable. Grandmother had embraced death with open arms. But then Grandmother had lived a full, happy life. I'm just a kid! Amanda cried as she thought about all the things she would never experience. Her life would soon be snuffed out and she could do nothing to stop it. * * * * Daniel parked his car near the beach. He watched lovers of all ages, sizes, and shapes strolling hand in hand, or just frolicking in the sand. His dreams were shattered. He didn't know what hurt worse -- Jackie's betrayal or the fact that he had let himself be used. His emotions were jumbled. He ran his hand over the stubble on his chin. His heart was ripped wide open and he couldn't stop the bleeding. Maybe he never would. He was alone and vulnerable. He loved her so much. Why did this happen to him? He'd always been the good guy helping everyone and he always ended up on the losing side. What was the purpose? He rested his head on the steering wheel letting his mind go where it chose. He had no control over his thoughts. He remembered long ago when Jackie had said they could only be friends. But then she had changed her mind and wanted something deeper. He had eagerly given her what she wanted. Now, after she had taken all he had, she left him alone and wounded. He wanted to be past this hurt, this heart wrenching pain. He bit his bottom lip, trying to suppress all the emotions begging to be released. His head throbbed. He was hurt, angry, and emotionally exhausted. She refused to leave his thoughts. All his dreams were now swept away. And the sad realization was that he was helpless to control it. He felt so empty. "Damn you!" he yelled as he pounded the steering wheel with a clenched fist. He had let all the guards down with her. Why had she done this to him? He didn't know how to get past this pain. Had she really expected that he could just forget this and pick up where they had left off? Knowing that she was at this moment carrying another man's child inside of her? Did she think he was just a fool? His fragile heart would never mend. He knew that. He cried for his lost love; the love he had so desperately sought and nurtured. In one brief moment it was gone. Why did lovers hurt one another? All he had ever wanted was someone to love him just for himself. Now he felt just like a man swept out to sea with no lifejacket. Love was fickle and deceiving and he knew that he would never again give into its seductive embrace. He would emerge stronger, but it would take time. And during that time he knew that he would continue to suffer as he now was. He wanted to hate her, but couldn't. His lip trembled as the tears washed over it. After a few minutes, he wiped his eyes on the back of his hand, then inhaled deeply. No one would ever figure out love. He laughed aloud. Love -- what a strange word. How could something which started out so beautifully end so tragically? How did one survive? A broken relationship left nothing but a mass of broken dreams and twisted lives in its destructive path. No one escaped this pain, but everyone was always searching for love. The irony of it made him laugh again. * * * * Kirk paced the living room floor. Every few seconds he looked out the picture window at the unmarked police car parked across the street. "Son, let me get you something to eat," Bob Michaels said, laying a strong hand on his son's shoulder. He shook his head. "No, thanks, Dad. I'm not hungry." "You've got to eat, Kirk," his father prompted. "You need to keep up your strength." He searched his father's face. "Dad, I've really messed up bad this time. No matter what anybody says, I only have myself to blame. It's bad enough what I did to myself, but Amanda shouldn't have to suffer." He clenched, then unclenched his fists. "Dad, I really hurt Amanda. She never did anything wrong. I wanted to prove what a big man I was. Yeah, some big man I turned out to be! When this is over, Dad, I promise I'll make you proud of me; no matter what it takes." Bob Michaels pulled him close. "You already make me proud, Kirk. Admitting your mistakes is what makes a real man, son, and you've already done that." The ringing of the telephone intruded on their private moment, but they both knew that there was nothing more that needed to be said on the subject. Kirk rushed over to the phone. Bob Michaels watched as the color drained from his face. The familiar, but dreaded voice came over the line. Kirk tightened his grip on the phone. "I want you to meet me, Michaels. The game is over." Kirk smirked. "Are you crazy? You can't hurt me." "Shut up and listen to me, punk! And you'd better listen very carefully. I've already got Amanda." "I don't believe you." Kirk stuffed a hand into his pocket. "Amanda is safe." The man laughed. "You'd better believe me when I tell you that your little whore is with me right at this very moment." "Prove it," Kirk taunted, believing that the man was trying to call his bluff. "I don't have to prove anything to you, you punk! But if you have any brains, you'll listen to what I have to say. Amanda is with me. I'm giving you an opportunity to say good-bye to her tonight. Either way I'm doing her. No funny stuff or she dies before you see her." "You're lying!" "Ask her friend -- you know -- the cop's daughter. Ask her about the man Amanda left with. Stan Lupas. He has black hair and a black mustache. She left with him to pick out headstones. Need I say more? Call and see if I'm telling the truth!" Kirk fell silent. If this was the truth, then he had to get to Amanda. "What's the matter, punk? Now, are you going to cooperate with me or not?" "I don't have a choice," he said as his throat grew dry. He glanced at his father motioning for him to get the officer. "No games, Michaels. If the police find out where we're meeting, you'll never see your girlfriend alive again." Kirk shifted uncomfortably. He needed to get information in case what he was being told was the truth. "I'll do what you say. You have my word." The officer followed Bob Michaels into the living room. "Where and what time?" Kirk asked. "Midnight. The old train depot," he ordered. "Don't bring anyone with you," he warned. "If you do, Amanda dies!" "I won't." "If I see anyone with you, I promise you that you'll never see Amanda again." "Is she at the train depot? Let me talk to her for a minute. Please!" He laughed. "You really are stupid, kid." The line went dead. The officer turned to Kirk. "What did he say about Amanda Kane?" "He said he has her." He shook his head. "But that can't be right. She's at Jenny Trevors' house." His eyes searched the officer's for affirmation. "He's putting you on. It's a trap to get you there," the officer assured him. "I don't know." He shook his head again. "He said he told Amanda he was taking her to get headstones or something. He said Jenny knows." He bit his bottom lip. "What if what he's saying is the truth?" "I'd better get a-hold of Detective Trevors." * * * * Rick sat across from Ariel. "Sweetheart, what's troubling you? You should be happy. This is the eve of our wedding, the day we've been planning and dreaming of." He smiled. "I think you've just got a case of pre-wedding jitters." He carefully studied her reaction to his words. She absentmindedly picked at the sofa. "No, Rick, it's more than that. I don't know what or whom to believe any more." She sighed. "My mind is cluttered with doubts when it should be filled with anticipation of a new beginning." "In a couple of hours we've got to get ready for the rehearsal, so you'd better tell me what's bothering you. Remember, we're a team now and shouldn't have secrets from one another. What bothers you bothers me." She looked into his gentle eyes. Or did they just appear gentle to her? Why would Jackie lie? She had Daniel so why would she want Rick, too? Daniel was a wonderful man. Jackie had no reason to lie to her. They had been friends for so long and never once in that time had they even exchanged harsh words with one another. She had to tell Rick about Jackie's visit. She hoped that he would tell her the truth. Either way she would still lose someone dear to her. If Jackie was lying, then their friendship would be over, but at least she would still have Rick. If Jackie was telling the truth, then their friendship would still be over and she would also lose Rick. She looked into his eyes. "Jackie came over today." She watched his face closely, looking for a sign. She saw the muscles in his jaw tighten. "So, what did she say? Her dress isn't ready? Big catastrophe! Honey, things don't always go smoothly when you're preparing a wedding." "No, Rick. There's nothing wrong with the preparations. It's much more serious than that. She's not going to be a part of our wedding. In fact, she's not even going to be a part of our lives anymore," she said quietly. He knelt beside her, resting his head in her lap. "What happened, honey?" She needed him to be sitting where she could see the expression on his face when she told him. "Sit next to me," she said patting the space beside her. "I'm comfortable here," he whispered. "Please, Rick?" she pleaded. "If it means that much to you, then all right," he said pulling himself to his feet. He kissed the top of her head as he seated himself. He took her hand in his and gently caressed her fingers. "Tell me, what's troubling you, my love." She closed her eyes for a second, wondering how she would ever survive without him. She had grown accustomed to his gentle touches and sweet kisses. He had never hurt her, but had shown her only kindness. He had never given her any indication that his love was anything but genuine. "We need to talk. This is serious." He looked questioningly at her. Mentally he prepared the answers to her as yet unasked questions. "I'll come right to the point." She took a deep breath, holding it in longer than necessary. "Jackie said that you and she had an affair." "What?" His eyes grew wide with surprise. "She told me it began shortly after you and I met, and it continued until recently," she said quietly. "She's a liar!" he said angrily. "She took every opportunity to throw herself at me. When I rejected her, she couldn't handle it and had to make up something that never existed." She saw his face flush. "Why would she do this to me, Rick? Why would she want to hurt me? We've been friends for years." She stared at him for a long minute. He avoided her eyes. "It only proves what I've said all along -- you can't trust anyone! She doesn't deserve your friendship! She's no good for you and I will not allow her near you again!" he shouted. Ariel stood up. "She's never asked me for anything, Rick. She's never used me in any way." "I haven't either," he countered. "I never said that you did." She studied his face and saw how uncomfortable the conversation was making him. "What else did she say?" he asked. "You were only marrying me for my money. Then you were going to divorce me and marry her." Her voice trembled. "Why, Rick?" "She's nuts!" He stood up, grabbed her shoulder and turned her until she was facing him. "I thought we had something special together." "I don't know who to believe," she whispered. "Think about us -- about our plans and dreams! We have a special bond. Doesn't that count for anything? Our love is supposed to be stronger than this!" "I wish I knew who I can believe." She covered her face with her hands for a few seconds, then threw her head back. "One of you is betraying me and either way I'm going to end up hurt. You and Jackie are the two most important people in my life." She started to cry. "I don't see what Jackie would have hoped to gain by making this up." He put his arms around her. "And why would I want to spend the rest of my life with you if I didn't love you? You know that I would never hurt you," he whispered. "Oh, Rick, I only wish that I could believe you. Jackie said that she only wanted to protect me. She was risking her future to tell me." "What was she risking?" She stared at him in disbelief. "Her own relationship with Daniel." "She was probably just stringing him along until someone better came along." "Why are you being so hard on her? I know her better than anyone. And I do know one thing for certain. When she and Daniel got back together, it was the happiest I have ever seen her. She's never felt about any man the way she does about Daniel." "She's no good! Truthfully, I'm relieved that she won't be at the wedding tomorrow. You don't need someone like her destroying your happiness." He rubbed her back. She pulled away from his touch. "Rick, please tell me the truth -- I'm begging you. Don't take my dignity from me. Jackie upset me terribly, but now that I've had time to think about it, it took a lot of courage on her part to tell me this. I know that she is ashamed for betraying our friendship." She searched his eyes. "And you are so defensive." "Damn right I'm defensive! What do you expect?" he shouted. "How am I supposed to react?" She grabbed his hands. "All I'm asking is for the truth, Rick. My God, is that too much to ask for?" "If you don't believe me, then what kind of future do we possibly have together? We're the golden couple, honey. Can't you see that Jackie is jealous because of what you and I have together?" "Why should she be, Rick? She's jeopardized her own future with Daniel. I don't see a motive here. She put her own reputation on the line." "She's nothing but a vicious liar!" "She's never lied to me before," she quietly said. She saw the anger flashing in his eyes. "So I'm the liar, is that what you believe, Ariel?" "Please just tell me the truth," she pleaded. "I did. I told you that she tried to come on to me and I refused her advances." "Rick, Jackie told me that this is exactly what you would say." "Look, let's not ruin the rest of the evening with this ridiculous conversation. We've got the rehearsal to get ready for and you've got to find someone else to stand up for you." She stared at him in disbelief. "I can't believe you, Rick." "Honey, come on. In less than twenty-four hours we are going to be married. We should be rejoicing in our happiness." "Rick, please?" she pleaded. He slowly let his breath out. "What do you want me to say? I love you and you are the woman I've chosen to spend the rest of my life with." He touched her cheek. "What happened was a stupid mistake." All life seemed to drain from her body as she stared into his eyes. Those eyes that had once held so much life for her were now filled with betrayal. He had hurt her like no one ever had before and no one ever would again. "Are you telling me that what Jackie said is the truth?" "Let me explain, honey," he said softly. "The night we met, Jackie had been giving me the come on all evening. I'm only human and my ego got the better of me. She called me constantly, but I always fought off her advances. One night she called very upset. She wanted me to meet her, just to talk. I went over to her apartment and before the door had even closed behind us, she was all over me. I succumbed to her, but I swear to you that it only happened that one time. Afterward I felt guilty and ashamed. I couldn't tell you and I begged her not to. She's been holding it over my head ever since." "Were you ever going to tell me?" "Yes, I swear I was. I was going to after the wedding." He started to pull her close, but she froze when his fingertips touched her bare arms. "I'm not the one you should be angry with," he said. "Your best friend seduced me." She was quiet for a few seconds. "I'm disgusted with the both of you. But mostly with you, Rick. You violated something that I held precious. When you pledged your love to me and placed this ring on my finger," she slipped the ring from her finger and placed it in his hand, "I thought that you were pledging your fidelity to me for the rest of your life. I believed that my love would be enough for you." "Honey, it was only one time. I swear. I made a mistake -- I'm only human!" He tried to put the ring back on her finger. She slapped his hand away. "No, Rick. You have hurt me more than anyone ever could have. I still believe you're lying and that it was more than one time. And I'll never be convinced that Jackie pushed herself at you. I think that you were the one who pursued her." "No! It wasn't like that at all!" "She's carrying your child." "What?" His eyes darkened. "No, she can't be." "I'm sorry, Rick. It's over. It has to be. How could I marry you now knowing I could never trust you?" She started to cry. "Please, I don't want to lose you," he pleaded. "I'll do whatever it takes to prove to you that it is you I want." "It's over, Rick. Just go. Let me pick up the pieces of my life," she sobbed. -------- *Chapter 14* Jackie sat at her kitchen table sipping a cup of tea. Her head throbbed and the aspirin she had taken twenty minutes earlier hadn't helped. She had never felt so low in her life. The two people she most cared about were now shattered because of her. She knew their lives would never be the same. She had violated everything dear to her and knew she had no right to be forgiven. And even if they some day did choose to forgive her, the relationships could never be restored to what they once were. And she couldn't blame Ariel or Daniel. They both deserved better; much better than what she could offer. She decided that she would have an abortion, then pack up and leave the city. She didn't know where she would go or what would happen to her. But she knew that she had to get away; away from the painful memories of her deceit and the love she had lost. Her doorbell rang, but she made no attempt to answer. The caller persisted, so she finally got up and walked over to the door. She opened it a crack, but felt it being pushed with such a force that it sent her reeling backwards into the room. "You couldn't keep your mouth shut, could you?" Rick yelled, grabbing her arm and pulling her to her feet. She rubbed her arm. "I had to do the right thing. I couldn't live with myself anymore, Rick. I love Daniel too much to have something like this deception hanging between us." "Right! Pure and innocent Jackie decides to pull a morals act." He pulled her close. She could feel his hot breath on her face and it sickened her. "I'm the only man you'll ever love and you know it!" She grimaced. "You're wrong. I told you that, but you refuse to believe me. With you it was just lust, but with Daniel it was a pure love I had never known before. It just took me too long to realize it." She searched his face. "I never loved you, Rick. You were like a wild adventure, but it had to end." "You're not going to get away with screwing up my life! No one stabs me in the back! I always get even, one way or another," he yelled. "You screwed up your own life, Rick. You're only getting what's coming to you." She struggled to free herself from his hold, but his powerful arms kept a firm grasp on her. "Let go of me! You're hurting me!" "You'll change your mind, baby. There's still going to be a wedding tomorrow, only instead of Ariel, you'll be my bride!" "You're crazy! I don't love you. I love Daniel!" He laughed. "All you've ever wanted was to be my wife. Now you've got your chance!" "No!" she screamed. "I love Daniel!" "I don't want to hear any more." He tightened his grip. "You're hurting me, Rick. Please let go," she pleaded, at the same time seeing the strange look in his eyes. The look frightened her. "Rick, please let go. I'll tell Ariel that I lied. Then you two can go ahead with your plans." "No. It's too late for that now." He sniffed. "Besides we have to think of our child." "I've ... I've all ready taken care of that decision," she stated. "What do you mean?" "I've decided to have an abortion," she answered. "Without discussing it with the father? I don't think so," he laughed. "The Daddy has a right to know." The look in his eyes scared her. "What are you going to do?" she moaned. She watched his face as a sickening grin crept over it sending rippling terror through her. * * * * Daniel walked into his house surprised to find his partner waiting for him. "Where the hell have you been?" Ben demanded, not giving him time for a greeting. Daniel looked at him quizzically. "I went for a drive. I had some things on my mind I needed to sort out." "Well, in your absence, we've had some serious developments," he said disgustedly. "Calm down, Ben. Let me get you some coffee." He rubbed his eyes. "You need to relax more, my boy." "Dammit, Daniel! This is serious!" Ben didn't like the way Daniel was acting. It was not his nature and it disturbed him. He would talk to him, but not now. There were more important issues to be dealt with at present. "Okay, what's happened?" "Kirk Michaels received a phone call. Our elusive slasher claims to have Amanda Kane." He waited for this news to sink in. Daniel's mouth dropped open. "That's not possible. Amanda went to pick out headstones for her brothers' graves." Ben shook his head. "It was a set up. The bastard pulled a fast one on us. There is no Drake Memorials or Stan Lupas in this entire city." He clenched his fists. "The Kanes never sent anyone here. Michaels is supposed to meet him tonight at the old train depot." "How do you know the guy isn't lying?" Ben shook his head in disgust. "Use your fucking head, man! I know you haven't had much sleep, but it doesn't take half a brain to see what he's done. We checked out the information your daughter gave us and what the jerk said to Michaels. Everything fits." "But we had police protection," Daniel insisted. "Yeah, and the bastard got here before we did." Daniel anxiously looked around the room. "Where's Jenny?" "Upstairs resting. She's pretty shaken. I thought she was going to have a break down or something, so your neighbor came over to take care of her." "Good ... good," he said, relieved that she was safe. "Do the Kanes know?" "Not yet, but guess who has to tell them?" Daniel shook his head. "No. Ben, how much more do you think they can take?" He frowned. "I'm going to check on Jenny for a minute." "Okay, but don't be long. After we see the Kanes, we've got to plan our strategy with Michaels." He checked his watch. "Oh, I almost forgot to tell you something." Daniel turned on the stair and peered over the railing. "What?" "Both of the Kane boys' motorcycles were pulled from the lake this morning." "Shit!" He slammed his fist on the railing. "We've got to get that bastard!" he said as he headed up the stairs. He walked down the hall and over to Jenny's bedroom. He peeked into the darkened room and nodded to Mrs. Peters, a retired school teacher who lived next door. She sat by the bed patting Jenny's hand. "Daddy?" Jenny whispered. He made his way over to her bed. "Honey, Amanda's going to be just fine. We'll bring her home." "I didn't want her to go. I should have made her wait until you got home," she cried. "I should have stopped her." "It's not your fault, baby. You did all you could. She thought she was doing something nice for her brothers. I don't want you blaming yourself." He bent down and kissed her cheek. "Mrs. Peters, I hate to impose on you, but could you possibly stay with Jenny tonight?" "Yes, Daniel, I'd be happy to," she answered. "Someone from the department will be downstairs so don't be alarmed." "That's fine. Just do what you have to do." She turned her attention back to Jenny. * * * * Bill Kane led the detectives to the living room. Daniel observed how clean and fresh smelling the room looked compared to his first visit. "Don't tell me anything if it's bad," Bill said in a shaky voice. "I can't take any more." Mary Kane entered the room. Seeing the two men standing with her husband in the middle of her living room brought a look of horror to her face. "Bill!" A shudder went through Daniel at the way she called to her husband. It sounded like a moan coming from deep within her. Bill grabbed her hand and held on like he was holding on for his very life. "This isn't easy," Daniel began. "No!" Mary's hand flew to her mouth. "Not Amanda! Is she -- " "No, no," Daniel quickly assured her. "But we do have reason to believe that she may be in danger." He turned to Ben. "Detective Wilson will fill you in on the details." Daniel watched as Ben talked. He observed the parents, wondering what he would do if he were in their shoes. Ben's voice was low, deep and filled with compassion as he gave them a detailed listing of the events that had transpired. When he told them about the motorcycles, the couple clung to one another as tears streamed down their faces. "We've already lost our sons," Mary sobbed, "we can't lose Amanda, too. Where is the justice?" "We'll get him. And Amanda will be all right. I swear," Daniel promised. Bill Kane swallowed the lump in his throat. "After the funerals, we're going into a clinic. We want to give Amanda the parents she deserves." His voice broke. "But now we may never be given that chance." * * * * Kirk Michaels pleaded with his father. "Dad, I have to go. If I don't, I know he'll kill Amanda." Bob Michaels knew that it was too risky. And he also knew that Kirk wanted to make amends for what he had done, but his fatherly instincts told him that it was too dangerous. "Son, there's a good chance that he'll kill you and Amanda." He stared into his son's eyes. "What good will it do anyone if he kills you both? If you don't go then at least he won't get away, and if he comes after you as he said he would, then the police have a better chance of catching him," he reasoned. Kirk's eyes filled with tears. "What if I do nothing and he kills Amanda? How could I ever live with myself? Besides, Dad, if that's what he intends to do, he'll get me eventually," he reasoned. "This is the best chance we have to get him now before he kills anyone else." "He's got a good point there," Daniel said. "This guy has all his bases covered. So far he's eluded us, but now he's given us a chance because he doesn't think Kirk will bring the police." He saw the torment in Bob Michaels' eyes. "He'll be covered. You can rest assured. We've got the place staked out and he may even be caught before we even get Kirk there." "There isn't any other way?" he asked as he looked at his son. His heart thumped erratically in his chest. "No," Daniel answered. "I wish there was another way, but I don't see any." "If it's the only way," he said uneasily. "Thanks, Dad. So what's the next move?" He looked at the detectives. Inside he was scared shitless, but he didn't want anyone to know. He knew that if he kept his thoughts focused on Amanda, he could do it. * * * * Jackie struggled to pull the sheet around her naked body. She looked in horror as the white sheet quickly turned crimson. She tried to raise herself, but searing pain ripped through every nerve in her body. She became dizzy. "God, help me!" she tried to scream, but no words would come. She tasted blood in her mouth -- it seemed to be coming from her throat. She was growing weak, but she needed to reach her phone. She tried to stretch her arm, but the pain tore through her side. She needed to talk to Daniel. He needed to be warned. She yearned for Daniel. The blood was become thicker in her mouth at the same time her body weakened. She was finding it difficult to breath. She put her hand over the gaping wound and felt the stickiness wash over it. "Daniel," she whispered. "I always loved only you." Her lips slightly parted and her eyes refused to focus anymore. A quiet peacefulness touched her soul when Daniel's image filled her mind. Then death slowly claimed her. -------- *Chapter 15* The man restlessly waited for Kirk Michaels. Tonight it would be finished. Tomorrow he would make a fresh start and that included leaving this city for good. He smiled. Leaving would be the best thing he had ever done. That thought cheered him up. He needed a fresh start and that's what he would get. He thought about how many people had come and gone in his life throughout the years. No one ever wanted to stay. They took what they wanted, then left him. But he was going to make everyone pay for the pain inflicted on him all his life. They'd all be sorry. "Where is that punk?" he muttered. He would give him ten more minutes, then he would go take care of the girl. Before he wasted her, though, he intended to have some fun first. He smacked his lips together. He would make her boyfriend watch -- show him what a real man was made of. He laughed. The punk would see how his little girlfriend would move when she had a real man inside her. Thinking about it made him grow hard. He put his hand inside his pants. "Damn," he muttered when he saw the faint beam of light making it's way up the path. "Couldn't wait a couple more minutes," he said as he removed his hand. * * * * Kirk stopped his motorcycle. He trembled slightly as he looked around the deserted train station. The man slowly came out of the shadows. "Right on time," he said. "I'll take you to her." "What about my bike?" "Leave it." Kirk looked around. "Is she in there?" He peered uneasily at the eerie surroundings. Shadows from abandoned buildings loomed like menacing fingers ready to snatch him from the spot on which he stood. He hoped the police were watching him. He knew Amanda wouldn't be in any of those buildings. If she was, she would have been rescued by now. This guy was too slick. He wondered why they didn't just grab him now. "We need to take my car." "Where is it?" Kirk asked as his knees weakened. "I'll take you to it. Follow me." Kirk followed him up a winding, narrow path. The flashlight the man held cast a steady beam of light through the tangled undergrowth. Kirk tried to focus on the thin line of light, but his eyes drifted to the darkness on either side of him. He stumbled, then fell to his knees. The man stopped. "Get up! I don't have all night!" Kirk pulled himself to his feet. He rubbed his knee feeling a small bump forming. "How much further is it?" "Right ahead," the man answered. Kirk looked at the unfamiliar road. Only someone who knew the area well would ever know this road existed. "Here we are," the man announced walking to a large clump of bushes. * * * * Daniel stood behind a tree peering out into the darkness. "We'd better get up there," he whispered to Ben. "Okay. I was positive we'd find Amanda in one of the buildings." "Well, he certainly planned it out." Ben signaled to the backup officers. "I wish we knew where Amanda Kane is hidden," Daniel said, hoping to mask the worry in his voice. "We'll find her," Ben assured him. "We'll find her." * * * * Ariel walked through the rooms of her apartment looking at all the things she had accumulated throughout her life. She had all the money she would ever need, but now it meant nothing to her. Without someone to share her life, nothing else seemed to matter. She was lonely. For the first time in her life she realized that she didn't have anyone to share her hopes and dreams with. She had more than her share of acquaintances, but no deep, true lasting friendships. Money had always been the issue. Whenever she thought someone truly wanted to be her friend, the matter of money seemed to come up. Funding was needed for this project or that charity. Soon, she realized, that no one cared for her company as much as for her money. Jackie had been the only one. But why would Jackie betray her as she had? What had she done to deserve this? And Rick -- how could he have hurt her so deeply? Why? Now he was lost to her, too. How she longed for his strong, safe arms. Wrapped in his embrace had always made her feel so safe and secure. Now there was no one left. There was nothing to look forward to. Each day would be the same; dragging endlessly on. Tomorrow was supposed to be the happiest day of her life, but now it would be the saddest. She prayed for the strength to get through it. She lay down on her sofa hoping for some sleep, but knowing that sleep would elude her. Her tortured mind would keep taking her back over the events of the day. She couldn't stand the desperate loneliness overtaking her. She didn't care anymore. She would rather have Rick and Jackie still with her than to be totally alone. She would find a way to work through the pain of what they had done, but right now she could no longer stand the emptiness engulfing her. She picked up the phone and dialed Jackie's number. She let it ring ten times before giving up. Next she dialed Rick's number. His answering machine picked up on the second ring. She set the phone down. Now she felt worse than she had before. She was crushed. She didn't know what to do, but she knew that she couldn't just sit here and do nothing. If she did, she would surely lose her mind. * * * * Kirk was trembling when he got into the car, and it wasn't made any better by the man watching him. He was scared. He knew he would have never agreed to this if it weren't for Amanda. The man got in, then started the car. He looked over at Kirk. "Feels like you're taking the last trip of your life, huh?" Kirk nervously cleared his throat. "I don't know why you're doing this. Amanda and I don't even know your real name. You'd never get caught." "I'm just covering my tracks. I don't intend to take any chances. By tomorrow at this time I'll be long gone and no one will ever know who I am," he sneered. "But no one really gets away with anything," Kirk reasoned, hoping that if this jerk had a conscience he might reconsider. He laughed. "I have for all these years." "I promise ... I won't tell. Please let us go," he pleaded. "It's too late for that now. I told you no one, no matter who, double-crosses me, punk!" He glanced at Kirk. "But I didn't!" he yelled. "Okay, then, please let Amanda go. She never did anything to you." He tightly gripped the steering wheel. "She knows too much." "Other people have seen you! How do you know they won't tell?" They won't." "You don't know that for sure. Someone could come forward at any time." "Don't play games with me, punk!" he said harshly. "I'm going to take care of you and your girlfriend. That's final!" "But -- " "Shut up!" Kirk sat back in the seat. His thoughts were on Amanda. As scared as he was right at this moment, he wondered what she was going through right now. What was she thinking -- out here all alone not knowing what his next move would be? She had been through so much the past few weeks. He had to protect her. He wondered if the police were really following his every move. The Boss had eluded them before; how could he be certain he hadn't given them a cold trail again? But he did have one small comfort. If he and Amanda were to be killed, at least they would be together. But the thought that totally alarmed him was that Amanda might already be dead. He had to play for time. That was the only way Amanda would survive. * * * * Ariel pounded on Jackie's apartment door, but no one answered. "Where are you?" she whispered aloud. She reached into her purse for the key Jackie had given her years ago. She had never used it, but Jackie had insisted she take it as a precaution should anything happen. She opened the door, then stepped into the room. "Jackie," she called as she turned on a lamp in the living room. She slowly crept through the dark apartment turning on lights as she walked. She peered into the bathroom. The last room was the bedroom. If she wasn't there, then Ariel had no choice but to go back to her own lonely apartment. She opened the door. "Jackie," she whispered. "Are you here?" She made her way over to the bed and leaned down to turn on the lamp. A soft glow illuminated the room. Jackie's opened, lifeless eyes greeted her. Ariel screamed and choked back the vomit rising to her throat. * * * * "Where is this guy going?" Ben asked. "Wish I knew. I hope Kirk can stall for time, though." "We'll get him this time," Ben assured him. "I don't want either of those kids hurt." Daniel stared at the road ahead. "They won't be," Ben insisted. "Soon this case will be over." "How's Josh doing? You going to be able to have him for part of the summer?" Daniel asked. Ben grimaced. "Yeah, I think so, but only if I meet Sylvia's demands." Daniel laughed. "Sylvia's demands? What the hell are you talking about?" Ben sniffed. "Just what I said. I can see my son if I raise the child support and alimony payments." "You've got to be kidding!" "No, deadly serious. Seems the boyfriend -- creative genius that he is -- needs to work on a project which means that he will have no income and Sylvia wants to help him out." "Ben, you need a lawyer." He slowly let his breath out. "Yeah, but I can't afford one. And what's the use? She'll bleed me dry as usual." "Oh, come on. Tell him about the boyfriend." "No. She'll only deny it." "What're you going to do? You have a right to see your son." "I have no choice but to meet her demands." "How are you going to afford it?" He shrugged. "I don't know. I'll think of something." "Well, if there's anything I can do, buddy, just ask." "Thanks, I'll keep that in mind." He stared straight ahead. "So, how are things going with Jackie? You haven't mentioned her name once tonight." Daniel hesitated. "We've got a few things to work out." "Nothing serious, I hope." "Well, until I get some sleep, I can't even think straight." "Do you love her, Daniel?" He studied his partner's face. He nodded. "It's funny, Ben. I swear she can do just about anything to me, but that emotion will never die. It's as though we have this bond and we'll never totally be apart from one another. Something always brings us back together." "It'll work out then, Daniel." "Thanks, Ben." He stole a glance at him. "So, when are you going to settle down?" He grinned. "What if I told you that I've finally met the woman of my dreams?" Daniel laughed. "I've heard that one before. It seems you've said that about Janice, Lynn, Rhonda -- need I go on?" "No, I'm serious. Kara is different. I knew it the first time I met her." "Uh-huh. So, what bar did you meet her in?" Ben grew serious. "It wasn't a bar this time. For months my mother has been pressuring me to meet Kara and a few days ago I did." "Your mother! Ben, my boy, you're slipping," Daniel laughed. "No, I'm serious. Mom met her several months ago in church." "Church! Now I know something's wrong," he chided. "No, Daniel, I'm serious. I couldn't believe it myself. She's special. Not only does she have looks, she's also intelligent. She's not like those brainless whores I used to date. I really think I could fall in love with her." Daniel slapped him on the shoulder. "I'm really happy for you, Ben. Maybe someday you'll even settle down and have the family you've always wanted." "With Kara I'm certainly going to give it my best shot." "So what about all the girls you've been bragging about waiting for you in the bars?" he teased. "Hey, didn't want to blow the image you have of me." Daniel grinned. "I never thought I'd live to see the day you would finally settle down." "Well, everyone can change. It just takes some of us longer than others," he laughed. * * * * The man stopped the car, then turned to Kirk. "I'm only going to tell you this once, punk. Any funny stuff and you won't get a chance to see your girlfriend. I see any cops and no one will ever find her." He opened the door. "Do I make myself clear?" "Yes," Kirk nervously answered. "Okay, let's go." Kirk's sweaty hand could barely grasp the door handle. "Come on," the man said impatiently. "I'm coming." He heard the latch click. He pushed the door open, feeling the rush of cool air on his face. It seemed to revive him a little. The man led the way to the building. He threw the door open, then shined the light around the room. Kirk's eyes followed the beam of light until it rested on a form huddled in the corner. He ran to the form gathering Amanda into his arms. "Kirk?" she whimpered. "Yeah, it's me, Mandy. You didn't really think I'd let anything happen to you, did you?" He tried to keep his voice light. She rested her head on his shoulder. "He tricked me. He's going to kill us!" "No," he whispered. "We've got to stall him. The cops are all around." He ran his hand over her smooth cheek. "We're going to be fine. Don't worry. Just take my lead on whatever I say. Okay?" "Okay." She squirmed uncomfortably. "Would you see if you can get him to untie me?" "Can I untie her?" Kirk yelled to the man. He was thoughtful for a minute. "If you don't try anything stupid." "We promise," Kirk answered. He quickly removed the ropes from Amanda. She stood unsteadily as Kirk put his arms around her. "It feels so good to stretch my legs," she said. "Have you had anything to eat or drink?" he asked. "No." "Do you have any food or water?" Kirk yelled. "What the hell do you think this is, a hotel?" the man asked in a surly tone. "I just thought that you may have brought some food for her. She hasn't had anything all day and night." "Well, I don't!" He shoved his hands into his pockets. "Just get your good-byes over with and be grateful I'm giving you that consideration! Hurry up -- I don't have all night!" he ordered. Kirk held Amanda tightly. "I promise you that I won't let him hurt you. When we get out of here I'll buy you the biggest pizza you've ever had." "This is a nightmare, Kirk," she whimpered. He took a deep breath. "I know, Mandy. But we'll find a way to get on with our lives. I guess we just got initiated into the real world." "I hate it, Kirk. This isn't supposed to happen to kids! Why is it happening to us?" "I don't know. I used to wish for the families I saw in the movies. But that isn't real either. Those families were just made up by the writers. The perfect family doesn't exist." "Maybe it does, Kirk, and we just got lost along the way." He furrowed his brow. "I don't know, Mandy." "Hurry it up, you two." The man's fingers clamped around the handle of his knife. He reveled in the rush of adrenaline as he anticipated plunging the knife into the girl's ripe, young flesh. He felt the bulge of desire. A rustling outside the shack made him snap back to the present. "What was that?" he called. "I didn't hear anything," Kirk answered. He walked over to where they stood. "Punk, I want you to stand over here." He motioned to his left side. "Can I have a few more minutes alone with her?" "You've had enough time." He shoved Kirk aside as he walked toward Amanda. He stopped in front of her, then stood staring at her for a few seconds. "You're a real beauty," he finally said, running his hand down her arm. Amanda pushed him away. "Please, don't do that." He liked the feel of her smooth, cool flesh. "Why not, baby? I'll bet you wouldn't complain if your boyfriend here did that to you. Am I right?" He kissed her cheek. He sensed the terror running through her body. "Get away from her!" Kirk yelled. The man laughed. "Getting jealous, punk?" Kirk looked around for something, anything he could use as a weapon, but saw nothing. Where the hell are the cops? he wondered. He could escape, but then he would be signing Amanda's death certificate for her. The Boss would surely kill her and then come after him. "Please don't touch her!" The man shone the light in Kirk's face. Kirk held his arm up to shield his face from the blaring light. "Can't take it, punk? Afraid she might like a real man instead of a wimp such as you?" Kirk struggled to hold his silence even though it took all his will power not to attack the bastard then and there. "I'm waiting for an answer, punk!" "I've never touched her that way," he answered. He turned Amanda's head until she was facing him. He stared into her eyes. He tilted her head, then crushed her lips with his as he thrust his tongue between her clenched lips. "Don't!" she screamed, punching lamely at his chest. "Don't," he mocked, then laughed insanely. Amanda softly cried. The man firmly put his arm around her shoulder. "Don't give me those phony tears. I know your type. Hanging around with this boy, I find it hard to believe that he hasn't tried to break you in. Or maybe he doesn't know how." He laughed. "Is that it? Hey, punk, come here, I'm going to show you how a real man fucks a woman." "No!" Kirk shouted, lunging at the man. The man stood up, catching Kirk by the arm. With one swift movement, Kirk was flung across the room. Amanda screamed. "Kirk!" "Now are you going to cooperate with me, baby?" he asked. "Please don't rape me," she pleaded. "Rape? You have it wrong, honey. I'm going to give you what you deserve -- what every woman deserves," he sneered. He tore her shirt from her body, enjoying the struggle she put up. "I'm not going to hurt you. I'm just going to end your suffering in this world." He held the knife to her throat. "Don't move," he whispered. "Please don't," she begged. "I never did anything to you. I'll do whatever you say. Just don't hurt Kirk and me," she pleaded through her tears. He smiled. "No chance, baby. See, in this game you give me what I want and I'm still going to kill you both." "Leave her alone!" Kirk screamed as he came up behind the man pummeling him with his closed fists. The man momentarily released her. With a raised fist he struck the boy with such a forceful blow to the side of his head that Kirk reeled backwards. Amanda screamed. The scream was so loud and shrill that it sent shivers up the man's spine. He had heard that scream before. It had always unleashed a power in him that he couldn't explain. He felt the bulge in his pants straining to be set free. * * * * Ben burst through the door with Daniel at his heels. "Stop right there!" he called as he aimed his gun at the man. "Kirk, get Amanda out of here! Now!" Daniel ordered. Kirk grabbed Amanda's hand and they raced out of the shack. The man grinned as he walked closer to Ben. "Come on, Ben. What are you going to do?" He laughed. "Huh? What's going to happen to you?" he chided. Daniel flashed a light in the man's face as he kept his gun aimed at him. The man smiled. "Surprise!" Shock overcame Daniel. "You!" he shouted as he kept the light aimed on the man. "You know this guy?" Ben asked. "Yeah, I know him all right. Rick Tucker." Rick laughed again. "Benny, boy, tell Daniel here what close friends you and I are." "I don't believe it," Ben stuttered. "You killed all those people? Why?" "For the money. You wanted too much, Benny. I couldn't keep paying the boys and you, too. It wasn't leaving very much for me." Daniel looked at Ben and noticed how pale he became. "Shut up, Tucker!" Ben ordered. "Ben, what's going on?" Daniel asked. "Hey, Ben, did Daniel tell you how good Jackie is in the sack? I did her real good tonight," he laughed. "I offed her and that fucking bastard she was carrying." "You sonofabitch!" Daniel raged as he lunged at him. "Ben, get him off me or you'll go down with me!" Rick ordered. "Daniel, keep your cool! He's lying." "Oh, Benny, boy, how can you say that? I've got proof. I've got tapes of our transactions. Tapes, Benny. You didn't think I'd be stupid enough to cut you in and not have some security, did you? Security! Remember, I always win. No matter what." "Ben, what's he talking about?" Daniel asked. He looked at his partner. Ben's face was pasty white. "He was blackmailing me for part of the take. Tell him, Ben! Tell him!" Rick shouted. Daniel shook his head. "No, Ben, not you. Tell me it isn't true, man." Ben kept silent. "God! Why, Ben?" Ben shook his head. "I couldn't keep up ... the divorce cost me everything. But Sylvia always wanted more. More than I could give her. I don't know. The money was good. More than I'd ever make...." "Dammit, Ben! You're a good cop! You threw your reputation away for this scumbag!" "I knew nothing about the murders. I didn't even know his fucking name!" He looked at Rick. "I knew about the drugs. That's all I knew. I swear to you, Daniel. I would never kill anyone!" "But what about the kids who were delivering the drugs? What about them?" Daniel demanded. "It could have been Jenny or your own son! Did you ever think about that, you slimy bastard?" "Poor, Danny," Rick taunted. "What a night -- you've lost your girlfriend and your partner." Daniel grabbed Ben's arm. "Give me the gun, Ben." "I can't!" "Ben, I've got to take you in!" "No!" "It's over, Ben. The place is surrounded by now. You don't stand a chance." "Radio it in, Daniel," Ben said quietly. Daniel grabbed his transmitter. He clicked it repeatedly, then tapped it. "Ben, what's going on?" "A defect." His voice was quiet. "What?" Daniel's eyes widened. "Shit, Ben, give it up. Don't make me do this! They're right outside this door!" "Daniel, if they were, don't you think they would have come in by now?" He eyed him evenly. "Damn you, Ben!" He pointed to his partner. "You fucking sonofabitch! You set me up! You planned this with him. That's why he knew the exact time to come to my house to get Amanda. That's why he knew our every move!" "Shut up," Ben ordered. "I told you I didn't know about the killings." "You're just as guilty as he is!" Daniel raged. "I said shut up!" Ben said, grabbing his arm and twisting it until Daniel's gun fell to the floor. "Do him," Ben said. "Come on, Tucker!" "No, Ben, you don't know what you're saying!" Daniel exclaimed. "Oh, no, man, he's yours, remember?" "Do it!" Ben ordered. "No, wait, we can work this out," Daniel reasoned. "Like Jackie and I worked it out," Rick taunted. "Hey, Danny, did she come for you like she did for me? All those nights you thought she was home pining for you, she was under me begging for more. She couldn't get enough of my dick. She pleaded until I thrust it into her over and over." He licked his lips making smacking sounds. "You sonofabitch!" Daniel screamed, lunging at him. He grabbed Rick's wrist trying to wrestle the knife from him. His hand slipped and he felt the sharp blade of the knife cut into his palm. "She was so hot," Rick taunted. "You bastard!" Daniel shouted. Before he could utter another word, he saw Rick plunge the knife into his chest, then felt his body being propelled backwards. He watched the knife being pulled out of him. He stared in horror at the bloody knife, then at Ben. The realization of his mortal life leaving him engulfed his soul as the burning pain washed over his body. "What now? Should I just run or what? Where's the car keys? You did get me the car, right?" Rick demanded. He walked towards Ben. "Answer me, Ben." Ben aimed the gun. "Come on! I've got to get out of here!" Ben kept silent, then pulled the trigger. He heard the thud as Rick slumped to the floor. He ran to Daniel's side, flashing the light on him as he examined the wound. Blood was leaking from under him soaking the floor. Ben removed his jacket and placed it over the wound. He picked up his transmitter. "Wilson here. We've got an officer down. I know ... I know. It'll be in my report. Yeah, Tucker's dead. Try to hurry. I don't think Trevors is gonna make it." "Ben," Daniel whispered. "I'm here." "Why?" "I didn't know any other way, Daniel." "Ben, do me a favor?" He blinked hard. "What?" "Tell Jenny I love her." He could barely get the words out. "Jackie loved me, Ben." Ben patted Daniel's shoulder. "I'm sorry, buddy." * * * * Daniel's mind drifted. He felt like he was floating through time. He was so peaceful; no more pain. He was sitting in a beautiful green meadow. The sun was bright and the chirping birds were singing just for him. Jackie was sitting on a blanket and he was resting his head in her lap. It felt so good as she gently ran her fingers through his hair. He looked across the meadow and saw Jenny picking a bouquet of flowers. Her golden hair glistened in the warm afternoon sun. She was walking toward them when she suddenly stopped. She held out her hand to him. He tried to sit up, but couldn't. He stretched his arms in her direction. "Jenny, wait!" he called. "What did you say, Daniel?" Ben asked. Daniel's body twitched as he struggled to get up. He watched as Jenny turned and began to walk in the opposite direction. He looked up into Jackie's loving eyes. She smiled at him. It was the most beautiful smile he had ever seen. She made him feel content. Jenny would come back. He and Jackie would wait together for her return. Jackie bent down and kissed him. It was the sweetest kiss he had ever tasted. He smiled as he closed his eyes. "Daniel," Ben said. A chill went through him as he looked into Daniel's vacant eyes. He looked for a pulse, but found none. Seconds later the room was swarming with police. "Sorry. Something went wrong with the transmitter," an officer said. "We lost you guys about forty-five minutes ago." Ben looked into the officer's eyes. The officer saw the tears on Ben's face. "I'm sorry, man." The officer shook his head and turned away. -------- *Chapter 16* Jenny stood next to Ben Wilson as her father's casket was lowered into the ground. Amanda stood on the other side of her tightly gripping her hand. "Your father was a brave man, Jenny. This world is a better place because of him. Always remember that." "I don't know why so many people had to die." A tear slid from her eye. "Do you think Dad and Jackie are together?" "Yes, I do. They had a special love and I believe they are together and very happy," he answered. "I want to believe that. It helps some. It's so hard knowing that I'll never see him again, though." Tears slid down her cheeks. "Just remember that he'll always be in your heart, honey. And he loved you so much. He always talked about how proud he was of you." She nodded through her tears. * * * * Ariel parked in front of the Davis Dance Studio. She turned off the ignition and sat staring at the vacant building. She couldn't accept the fact that Jackie was dead. Jackie was the type of person you believed would always be around. It seemed like her vibrant energy could never be stilled. She thought about all the times she had dropped into the studio catching Jackie in the middle of a class. For a second she almost believed that if she got out of the car and walked through the door, Jackie would be there to greet her. Then she could be certain that all of this was only a bad dream. But the headlines from the newspaper on the seat next to her screamed out the truth. Nothing would ever be the same. Rick had destroyed so many lives. She stared at the newspaper. Jackie smiled at her from the picture. Ariel was relieved that Rick was dead. It gave her a cold chill to realize that she had almost married this monster. She could never mourn for him. But Jackie was a different story. She would mourn her for the rest of her life. She only wished she had been able to talk to her one last time. Her final words had been angry and she never dreamed those would be the last words she would ever speak to her friend. Even though Jackie had deceived her, Jackie had come to her with the truth. She started the car. She had closed up the apartment and given notice to Avis. She was finally going to stand on her own two feet and take control of her life. She had to. She was going to make a fresh start in a new city. Instead of sitting in the background, she had decided to take an active position in the company her father had left her so many years before. There would be no more sitting around for her. The pampered princess was going to go out and face life head on. She looked at the studio once more. "Good-bye, my friend," she whispered as she drove off. * * * * Ben Wilson took Daniel's belongings from his desk. He stuffed the items into a cardboard box. He picked up a picture. In the picture Daniel had his arm protectively around Jenny as she sat on her first bicycle. That was the way Daniel had embraced the world. He had a need to protect everyone he met. He set the picture in the box. Daniel had kept one other picture on his desk: Jackie Davis. He wondered if Jackie had ever known how much happiness she had brought into Daniel's life. His thoughts turned to Jenny. She was without a mother and father now. He knew she was strong and would someday be able to go on with her life. He wasn't going to feel guilty for the deaths. Rick Tucker did those all on his own. He was sorry, though, that Daniel had to find out about the money. If Rick had only kept his mouth shut, then Daniel might still be alive. But Ben had had no choice. Daniel would never have let him get away with what he had done. Some other cop might have, but not Daniel Trevors. His integrity wouldn't let him. And Ben's secret would be safe now. He shook his head as he picked up the remaining items, set them in the box, then closed it. * * * * Amanda held tight to Jenny's hand. "I'm going to miss you, Jenny." Jenny smiled at her. "We'll write." Amanda frowned. "People always say that, but they never do." "Well, we will," Jenny assured her. "Remember, always friends. We'll always be there for each other no matter what." She smiled. "You're right. I just wish we could go back in time." "But we can't. We have to go forward. I think we all learned a lot from this." "I know that Kirk has. He feels responsible for your father's death." Jenny frowned. "But he shouldn't. If it wasn't for him, Tucker would have killed you." "How can you be so brave, Jenny?" "I don't know. I just have so many good memories of my Dad that I don't think of the bad part. He'll always be like a hero to me." She fingered a medal which hung on a chain around her neck. "I'm going to wear this for the rest of my life." She took a last look around her bedroom. "It's going to feel strange living with my aunt. I only met her once when I was four." "She seems nice," Amanda said. "She's helped me a lot." She picked up her suitcase. "What are you going to do with the rest of your things?" "It's going into storage for now. I'd keep all of it if I could." They walked downstairs and into the entrance hall. Jenny stopped briefly and took one final look around. "Are you okay?" Amanda asked. She slipped her arm through Jenny's. "Yeah, I'm a Trevors, remember?" She opened the door, then quickly shut it. "What's the matter?" "I almost forgot. Some tapes came in the mail for my Dad. There was a note and it said if my Dad wasn't available, to make sure that they were given to the police commissioner. My aunt's going to stop at the police station on our way to the airport." "Why not give them to Ben Wilson?" Jenny shook her head. "He's taken a leave of absence out of state for a few weeks. So we decided that we better give the tapes to the commissioner in case they're for something important Dad was working on." Amanda sighed deeply. "I'll be staying with Kirk and his family until my parents get through their treatment." "I think it's great about your parents, and about Kirk's mother coming back. I guess this is what they mean when they tell you that something good will come out of the worse situations." Amanda nodded. "Yeah, but it's still going to be hard on all of us." "Remember, I'm only a phone call away. And Aunt Dee said you can come stay any time you want to." Jenny opened the door and she and Amanda walked outside. She set the suitcase down, then closed the door for the last time. -- THE END -- ----------------------- Visit www.fictionworks.com for information on additional titles by this and other authors.