Midnight Mischief, WIP, but posting (usually) daily

[scarlett426]

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Maria’s eyes glinted with anger as she looked at Julia and Aidan.

“I’m not interrupting anything, am I?” She asked with an unconvincing smile. Aidan straightened and turned toward her, unconsciously placing himself between Maria and Julia.

“Not at all.” He said with an ease that he didn’t quite feel, “Julia was just a little upset that they haven’t been able to find the person that shot her.”

Maria relaxed slightly as she turned to give Julia a patronizing look, “Of course nothing was going on. I wouldn’t expect my little sister to know what to do with a man like you.” Maria turned and looked him up and down slowly.

Julia shifted uncomfortably and cleared her throat before saying, “Why are you here, Maria?”

Maria looked at her, surprised, “Why, you’re my baby sister. Where else would I be?”

“Well, you haven’t been here the past three days, so I didn’t really expect to see you at all. Its just seems convenient that you showed up at the same time as Aidan.” Julia said, her words laced with suspicion.

The anger flared in Maria’s eyes once more, and she looked at Aidan, “Would you mind leaving me alone with my sister. I think we have a few things that we need to clear up.”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea.” Aidan said, his voice low.

She turned her anger on him, “Why the hell not? And who the hell are you to get involved? She’s my sister and I want to talk to her alone!”

“I can’t let you do that.” Aidan said, his voice quiet, but firm.

Maria walked towards him, stopping only when they were toe to toe, “You don’t know who you’re dealing with,” she said, her voice menacing.

He stared back at her coldly, and said with a mirthless smile, “Actually, I think I know exactly who I’m dealing with.”

----------

Greenlee and Jack were halfway back to Julia’s room when Greenlee remembered the events of the previous evening.

“You’re never going to believe who’s in town!” Greenlee said with a shake of her head. Jack looked at her expectantly and said, “My mother.”

“Mary’s in town?” Jack replied, surprised. “What in the world brings her back to Pine Valley?”

“What do you think?” Greenlee said with a smirk. At Jack’s continued puzzled look, Greenlee sighed and continued, “Really, Jack, your too naïve for your own good. She’s back because she wants you.”

“Me? What does she want me for?” Jack was taken aback.

“To have deep conversations about the meaning of life.” Greenlee said sarcastically, “What do you think she wants you back for? My first guess would be money, although she claims it’s to give me a more stable family life.”

Jack looked thoughtful for a moment, and then said, “I wish I had given you that, you know. A happy family life.”

Greenlee stopped walking and turned to him, putting her hand on his arm, “I know that. Unfortunately, my mother lied to a lot of people and I ended up with Roger for a father instead of you. You can’t blame yourself for that.”

“That doesn’t make it any easier for a father to feel less guilty for failing his child.” Jack said sadly.

Greenlee hugged him, “You’ve been more of a father to me in the past 5 years than Roger ever was. And you have given me a family that I never expected to have. I have a sister and a brother, and cousins. I was completely alone before. Now I have all of you. Let’s be happy for that and try and let the past go.”

Jack pulled away from her and looked down at her with a smile, “When did you get so smart?”

Greenlee shrugged, and replied, “I get it from my father.”

Jack laughed and they walked the rest of the way to Julia’s room in companionable silence. Their smiles were quickly wiped away, though, when they opened the door to the tension filled room.

“What’s going on here?” Jack asked in a commanding voice. Maria turned at the sound of his voice, the anger still evident on her face.

“What’s going on here is that HE won’t allow me to speak privately with my sister.” Maria spat out. Jack sent a searching look to Aidan, who seemed to implore him silently to trust him.

“Well, Maria, if Aidan doesn’t think Julia should be alone with you I’m sure he has his reasons.” Jack said hesitantly, “I’m sure he can – “

Maria cut him off, “I don’t need his explanations!” She turned on her heel and quickly walked to the door. She opened it, then turned to Aidan and said, “This isn’t over.” The door shut firmly behind her.

“What the hell was that?” Greenlee looked at him incredulously.

Aidan shook his head slowly, and then said, “That was Maria proving me right.”

“Proving you right about what?” Jack said, “What has Maria done?” He looked from Julia to Aidan, and then back to Julia.

“Aidan thinks that maybe Maria is the one responsible for my shooting.” Julia said quietly. “And I think he might be right.” Julia explained to him what Aidan had told her about Maria’s behavior at the wedding and his office.

“At the very least, she’s unbalanced.” Aidan said seriously, “And that makes her the number one suspect in my book. I think in her state we can get her to confess. We just need to push her hard enough.”

“Won’t that be dangerous?” Jack asked him.

“Not if we get her somewhere she feels comfortable. Somewhere she feels in control. And we give her what she wants.” Aidan replied.

“But what she wants is you.” Greenlee said, already knowing what he was going to say next.

Aidan looked at her, both determination and apology in his gaze, “Then that’s what we give her.”

----------

Maria walked down the hall, her anger eating at her. She stopped suddenly and kicked the garbage can, sending it skittering down the hall. Two orderlies looked at her in surprise.

“What the hell are you looking at?!?” She screeched, sending them running with a look of unrestrained rage. She hated them all. How dare they tell her that she couldn’t see Julia alone. She wouldn’t hurt her. She just wanted to help Julia understand. Once they all understood, then she could be happy again, fulfilled. And they would all be fulfilled, too.

Maria sighed as she calmed herself. She just needed a new plan. She sat heavily into one of the nearby chairs and tried to think.

She knew what she had to do. She hated that it had come to this, but it was really the only way.

She stood and walked away with new resolve. This time, she would get everything that she wanted.

----------

“You’re going to give her what she wants?” Greenlee couldn’t quite believe what she was hearing, “Clearly Maria isn’t the only insane one running around.”

“Maybe we should talk about this outside.” Aidan suggested, motioning to the door. Greenlee narrowed her eyes, but nodded, following him out the door and into the empty hall.

“Start talking.” Greenlee said, her arms crossed over her chest.

“If I give Maria what she wants, or I should say give her the illusion of what she wants, I think I can get her to confess to the shooting.” Aidan explained patiently.

“How far are you willing to go to get this confession?” Greenlee asked with concern.

“Not THAT far.” Aidan said with a shake of his head, “But it won’t have to get that far. I just need to get her alone and comfortable, feed her ego a little.”

“And when she figures out you don’t really want her, what’s to stop her from going after you?” Greenlee said, worry creeping into her voice.

“I’m trained to handle the situation, Greenlee.” He said quietly, “But I won’t do it if you don’t want me to. It’s not worth jeopardizing everything we’ve worked for.”

Greenlee sighed, and responded, “I appreciate the gesture, but I’m not going to start asking you not to do your job. I trust you, and I trust your instincts. If this will help nail Julia’s shooter, then I say go for it.”

Aidan grabbed her and held her tightly, kissing the top of her head, “I promise that it will work out. I won’t let things get out of hand.”

“I know.” Greenlee said, her voice muffled as she buried her head in his chest. Even at his reassuring words she couldn’t shake the feeling that something bad was going to happen. And it was going to happen very soon.

[scarlett426]

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Aidan held Greenlee for a few minutes, aware that she needed some reassurance. He finally pulled away from her and gave her a dazzling smile.

“How about tonight I take you on that date we’ve been talking about?” He asked her.

“Well, it would definitely be a different experience for us.” Greenlee replied with a smile, “Just me and you, huh?”

“Think you can handle it?” He asked, his smile turning seductive.

“I think you already know the answer to that.” She replied softly, pulling him back to her and kissing him gently. He wrapped his arms around her and what started as an innocent kiss turned quickly more passionate.

A sudden throat clearing behind them had them jumping apart like guilty children. Jack gave them a sheepish smile.

“Sorry to interrupt.” He said, “I guess you two have come to an understanding?”

“Yes, we have.” Greenlee said confidently, “We’re going to do whatever it takes to nail Maria.”

----------

Ryan Lavery stared at the ceiling, unable to stop his mind from going to dark places. Ever since he had left Annie, he had been searching for something to make him whole again. He thought his children could bring him fulfillment, but the truth was, when he made the decision that he never wanted children, he had meant it. Sure, he spent time with them…every other weekend. And they were great kids, but in the end he didn’t want to be tied down, didn’t want the restrictions that came with having children.

He knew that Annie wasn’t the answer, either. He smiled bitterly as he tried to understand once again how he thought he could replace the women he loved - Gillian, Kendall and Greenlee - with someone like Annie. Good, sweet, kind Annie. She was nothing like Gillian with her spark and fire, Kendall with her fierce temper and Greenlee….God, Greenlee was all of it wrapped up in a tiny package, the fire, the temper, the passion……

He felt a sudden rush of desire course through him and he turned to the woman lying next to him.

“You awake?” He asked

She turned to him and gave him a cat-like smile, “Always, for you.”

Ryan pulled the woman on top of him and pushed the hair out of her face, trying to see her, but he couldn’t. He could only see Greenlee. It was always Greenlee, his Greenlee, looking back at him.

“Ahhh….Sweet Maria.” Ryan murmured into her neck, but his mind screamed and railed against it, as the image of Greenlee, sweet Greenlee, ran through his head.

Maria looked down at her lover, the one man she could count on, her eyes dark and sparkling with an odd mix of anger and desire, “It’s almost time.”

Ryan smiled back at her, his first genuine smile in months as he thought of the plan about to be set in motion.

----------

Aidan and Greenlee said their goodbye to Jack and Julia and left the hospital.

“Where to now, spy guy?” Greenlee asked him with a tilt of her head.

Aidan gave her a smile and looked at her out of the corner of his eye as he left the hospital’s parking garage, “I’m going to talk to Maria’s family. But first, I’m gonna drop you off at home.”

Greenlee gave him a pout, “I don’t get to come with you to grill her family?”

“I don’t think that would go over so well.” He said seriously, “It might feel like less of an ambush if it’s just me as opposed to both of us.”

“Good point.” Greenlee said leaning back and closing her eyes, “I need to go to the office and pick some stuff up anyway. Fusion can’t run itself.”

“Just be careful, Greenlee.” Aidan said in a worried voice, “Maria was pretty angry when she left today. We don’t know what she may try next.”

“I will.” Greenlee said absently. He pulled over and she turned to get out of the car. He put a hand on her arm and pulled her back in.

“I’m serious, Greenlee.” Aidan said, looking her in the eye, willing her to see the gravity of the situation, “Maria is seriously unbalanced.”

Greenlee reached up and put her hand on his cheek, “I promise you. I will be careful.” She gave him a quick kiss and then disappeared out of the car.

Aidan watched her until she was safely in the building, and prayed that she would heed his warning.

----------

Maria slipped on her shoes as Ryan silently watched from the bed.

“What’s going to happen now?” He asked her somewhat hesitantly.

She gave him a patronizing smile and then replied, “It’s better that you don’t know what’s going to happen, Ryan.”

“But you’re not going to hurt anyone, right?” Ryan said, feeling a sudden surge of fear.

“Now why would you think that I’m going to hurt anyone?” Maria asked in what she believed was an innocent tone, but in reality sounded even more menacing.

“Julia.” Ryan said quietly, “You never said that you were going to try and kill Julia.

Maria shrugged, “Like I said, its best that you don’t know all the details. Just be happy that you’re going to get what you want, and we’ll leave it at that.”

“I don’t want you to hurt her.” Ryan said, his voice suddenly hard and demanding.

“Of course you don’t, dear.” Maria came and sat next to him, “And as long as she doesn’t give me any trouble, I won’t have to.”

Ryan looked at her closely, “Even if she does give you trouble, only do what you have to.”

“You’re no fun at all, are you?” Maria said with a smirk, she stood up and headed for the door, “I’ll take care of everything. You just have that plane of yours ready when you get my call.” She walked out of the room without a backward glance.

----------

Greenlee walked into the penthouse and checked her voicemail. A frown creased her brow as she listened to a message from Annie, telling her that Kendall hadn’t shown up to work or called. They had tried to reach her on her cell, but were unsuccessful. They needed to know what to do about the new Spring line advertisements.

Greenlee called Annie and asked her if they had heard from Kendall.

“Nope.” Annie said, “And it’s really weird because she knew that we had to make the decision about the ads today to get them to the printer. It’s not like her to just not show up.”

“Well, I’ll be in soon.” Greenlee said, picking up the bag that she had just put down and throwing it back over her shoulder, “I’ll see if I can get a hold of Kendall or Zach.” Greenlee disconnected and immediately tried Kendall’s phone.

“No answer.” She murmured to herself, and then dialed Zach. Lily answered on the second ring.

“Zach is in a meeting, Greenlee, and left me strict instructions not to disturb him unless it was an emergency.” Lily told her, “Is this an emergency?”

“No, Lily.” Greenlee sighed, not sure if it was worth alarming Zach quite yet. Most likely Kendall got caught up with the kids, or had an errand to run, “Just have him call me as soon as he gets done, ok?”

“I will let him know, Greenlee.” Lily told her and they both hung up, Greenlee more frustrated then she had been before.

----------

Aidan wasn’t getting anywhere with the Santos clan. They all had the same story. Maria just wasn’t the same since Edmund died. Her behavior was erratic at best, seriously unbalanced at worst. They were thinking of having her committed against her will, but, as her family, they were hesitant to take it that far.

While they seemed upset that Aidan thought Maria may have shot Julia, they didn’t seem all together surprised. They promised him that they would get Maria whatever help she needed.

He left Wildwind feeling that he had wasted time. Maybe it was time to call Maria and see what he could make happen.

----------

Greenlee headed to the parking garage where her car was parked. She dug around in her bag searching for her keys, finally pulling them out. As she put the key in the door she sensed movement behind her and she turned quickly, her senses peaked.

Maria stepped out of the darkness and gave her a cold smile, “Well, hello Greenlee. I think its time that we go for a little ride.” Maria brought up her hand and pointed a gun, right at Greenlee’s heart.

[scarlett426]

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Maria took a few steps towards her and Greenlee tried to swallow back the fear as her eyes locked on to the gun in Maria’s hand.

“What do you want, Maria?” Greenlee said, her voice halting.

“I want my life back.” Maria said, “I want what you’ve taken from me.”

“Me?” Greenlee looked at her, puzzled, “I barely know you. How could I have taken anything from you?”

“You took Aidan from me.” Maria said, and then continued, “He should have waited for me to come back, but instead, he found you.” She gave Greenlee a frightening smile, “And that’s unacceptable.”

“So you’re just going to kill me?” Greenlee asked with bravado that she didn’t feel.

“No, lucky for you, we have other plans for you.”

“Whose ‘we’ ” Greenlee asked, confused.

“You’ll find out soon enough.” Maria said with a smile, “Now, enough chit chat. It’s time for us to go.” She motioned Greenlee towards her car.

Greenlee walked slowly toward the car, her eyes still locked on Maria. When they reached the rear of the vehicle, Maria popped the trunk.

“Get in.” She said, and Greenlee’s eyes went to the trunk, her eyes widening in surprise as she noticed the bound woman already lying there awkwardly.

“Kendall! What the hell is she doing here?!” Greenlee rounded on Maria, but didn’t get an answer as the butt of Maria’s gun met her forehead and everything went dark.

----------

Aidan looked down at his phone and contemplated calling Maria. He felt that the investigation had reached a dead end and if he wanted anything to happen, he was going to have to make it happen. His mind made up, he decided to make the call.

Before he had the chance to call Julia and get Maria’s cell phone number, his phone rang. He frowned at the unknown number, but answered.

“Aidan, this is Zach.” Aidan flinched slightly at the unease in Zach’s voice. They hadn’t exactly been on the friendliest terms these last six months.

“What can I do for you?” Aidan said, his curiosity peaked.

“I had a message from Greenlee, asking me to call her as soon as possible, but I can’t get a hold of her. Is she with you?”

“No, I dropped her off about an hour ago.” Aidan said with worry as he checked his watch, “You know what she was calling about?”

“I’m not sure, but I think its Kendall. I called Fusion and they said that Kendall hadn’t come in or called.”

Aidan nodded to himself and then said, “Ya, that makes sense. But now you can’t get a hold of Greenlee, either?”

“Nope. It’s like the two of them vanished off the face of the earth.” Zach’s voice was concerned.

Aidan had a sudden thought, and he asked Zach, “Tell me about your relationship with Maria.”

----------

Greenlee woke up to someone kicking her repeatedly in the shin. She frowned at her unfamiliar surroundings, the throbbing pain in her head and her general sense of disorientation. She tried to sit up, but was unable to as her head hit metal above her.

“What the hell?” She said, the reality of the situation sinking back in. She felt the panic starting to set in as she tried to find a way out of the confining space, her claustrophobia choking her.

She felt the kicking again, and she looked down, remembering belatedly that she wasn’t alone in the trunk. Her eyes, adjusting to the darkness, noticed that Kendall was bound and gagged, something that Greenlee had miraculously avoided.

Even as the gravity of the situation dawned on her, Greenlee had to give a small smile to Kendall, who was gesturing furiously with her eyes for Greenlee to untie her and remove her gag.

“I don’t know, Kendall. How many opportunities do I have to see you bound and gagged? If I wasn’t afraid that Maria was driving us towards a shallow unmarked grave on the outside of town, I think I would enjoy this a little more.”

Greenlee pulled the gag out of Kendall’s mouth and started to work on the knots in the rope binding Kendall’s hands.

“It’s about damn time.” Kendall said as soon as the gag was out, “You were just laying there like a lump for the last fifteen minutes.”

“Gee, I’m so sorry that I got whacked in the head with a gun.” Greenlee said sarcastically as she started working on the ropes around Kendall’s ankles.

“So, do you know what the hell is going on with crazy up there?” Kendall asked, gesturing the front of the car with her head.

“Apparently she wants her life back.” Greenlee said with a shake of her head, and then looked at Kendall, “I guess she wants Zach back, too.”

“I guess so. Not sure he’s worth all the trouble.” Kendall said humorlessly, rubbing her wrists where she had been bound. She looked up at Greenlee, looking scared for the first time, “What are we going to do?”

“I don’t know.” Greenlee said, her voice filling with fear, “But we have to think of something.”

---------

Aidan listened as Zach told him about his history with Maria, and his concern mounted. When he had finished, Aidan filled him in on the current situation.

“I became concerned about Greenlee after it became clear that Maria was looking to recapture her old life.” Aidan told him, “I didn’t think she would go after every woman that was attached to someone she was once involved with.”

“Why would you? You’re the only man that she has openly targeted.” Zach said with a sigh, “Now isn’t the time for regrets. What are we going to do to find them?”

“I’m going to make a call.” Aidan replied with grim determination.

----------

Kendall and Greenlee felt the car stop and they looked at each other, uncertainty in their eyes.

“Just keep your eyes open.” Greenlee said, “We need to find someway out of this.”

Kendall nodded quickly as the trunk opened and Maria stared down at them. She looked from side to side and determined that no one was watching. She pulled the gun from the inside of her coat and pointed it at them.

“I see you freed your little friend.” Maria said to Greenlee, “No matter. This gun is a much better deterrent than any rope could be.” She stepped back and motioned for them to get out.

Greenlee looked around and was somewhat relieved to see familiar surroundings. They were standing in the parking lot of the Pine Cone Inn. Maria pointed to a door and gestured them through the unlocked door, closing it firmly behind them and flipping the lock.

“What the hell are you doing, Maria?” Kendall said angrily, “Who the hell do you think you are?”

“I’m the woman your husband was in love with before you showed up.” Maria replied in a dangerously low voice, “And I am the woman that he will love again, once you are safely out of the way.”

The three woman stood staring at each other until the shrill ring of a cell phone broke the tension. Maria pulled the phone out of her pocket, a slow smile curling her lips as she looked at the read out.

“If either one of you makes a sound, I’ll kill her.” Maria warned, pointing to Kendall.

“Why do I get killed?” Kendall whispered to Greenlee.

“Because you have a big mouth.” Greenlee whispered in reply.

“I didn’t expect to hear from you.” Maria purred into the phone.

“I need to see you.” Aidan said on the other end, trying to keep his tone even.

“I want to see you, too, but I’m a little tied up at the moment.” Maria replied, keeping her eye on Kendall and Greenlee, “If you just give me an hour or so I should be able to meet you then.”

“I really wanted to see you now.” Aidan said, trying to keep the desperation out of his voice,

Maria smiled in satisfaction, and replied, “I knew you’d come around. I’ll call you as soon as I’m free.” She disconnected the call and immediately placed another one, “I need you to come get your prize. Now.”

----------

Aidan looked at his phone, which was hooked up to a piece of high tech equipment that he hoped would lead him to where Maria was. He knew that he wouldn’t be able to get an exact location, but he should get the general area where she was.

Zach looked at him impatiently from across the office, “Well, where are they?”

“Just give it a minute to work.” Aidan said roughly, staring at the screen. As the area was marked on the map, he smiled slightly, “Gotcha.”

[scarlett426]

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Maria smiled sweetly at Greenlee after she hung up the phone.

“Pretty soon you’ll be off, living your new life.” She said wistfully, “And I’ll have my life back.” She looked back down at her phone, “Its already starting to come back to me.” She started to pace the room nervously, “I need to be ready as soon as I get rid of the two of you.”

She looked at them thoughtfully and then pulled out a long length of rope. She gestured with the gun for them to move to two chairs that were positioned back to back. Still pointing the gun at them, she had them wrap the rope around themselves tightly before setting the gun down to tighten the knots. Finally satisfied, she gave them a cruel smile.

“Now, don’t go anywhere.” She said, laughing maniacally at her own joke, “I’m going to be in the bathroom getting ready for tonight.” She gave Greenlee a wink and walked into the bathroom with the gun and her phone, closing the door behind her. The shower turned on a moment later.

“That woman is crazy.” Kendall said.

“Thanks for stating the obvious.” Greenlee said sarcastically, trying unsuccessfully to stand up, “How about you do something useful and stand up with me so we can try and get off of this chair.

They both stood up and eased their bound arms up and over the back of the chair until they were both standing. Greenlee stopped moving and listened to make sure that the shower was still running.

“We don’t know how long she’s going to be in there, so we have to hurry.” She said, “Let’s walk over to the table over there and try to use the edge to cut through the rope.”

They moved quickly to the table, falling once, leaving Greenlee flailing on top of Kendall, whose face was buried in the carpet. It took them a moment to get back to their feet, but they eventually made it to the table. Greenlee positioned them over the corner of the table and leaned down, rubbing the edge against the rope.

“It’s working!” Kendall said in an excited voice, as they both rubbed furiously. The rope that Maria had used was thin and it wasn’t long before they had worked their way through one rope, and then another. In less than ten minutes, they were free.

They ran to the door excitedly, but their happiness was soon crushed.

“She put a new lock on this door.” Greenlee said dejectedly, “We need a key to get out.”

Kendall went to the window and threw open the curtains, “Bars.” She said angrily, “I hate cheap motels.”

“That’s funny.” Greenlee said absently, “You used to love them from what I understand.”

“Really? You’re going to insult me at a time like this?” Kendall asked her.

Greenlee sent her a sheepish glance, “Sorry. It helps me deal with stress.” Greenlee went to the phone, but the line had been cut, “What are we going to do?”

They both turned as they heard the water in the bathroom shut off. They looked at each other in horror.

“What are we going to do?” Kendall repeated Greenlee’s earlier words. Greenlee picked up a heavy lamp from the bedside table and handed it to Kendall.

“What we are going to do,” Greenlee said in a firm voice, “Is knock that bitch out.”

----------

Aidan went to the printer and pulled off the printout of all the building, residential and commercial, that were in the area that they believed Kendall and Greenlee were being held. He passed a copy to Zach.

“See if anything stands out to you on this list.” He said, his sharp eyes already working through the names and places, “Its most likely not going to be a residence, but its possible, so see if any of the names of the owners can be associated with Maria, the Santos family, or Edmund.”

They were both silent as they looked over the list. They were both aware that it was possible that Maria was in a moving car at the time they found her location, but it was the only lead they had. Aidan’s gut told him that they were somewhere on the list, and he prayed that he was right. He couldn’t stand to lose Greenlee. He just got her back.

His eyes almost went right past it, but he brought his gaze back up, the pieces falling into place. It’s where he had lived with Maria, where they had been together. If she was trying to recapture some of her old life, she just might have gone there.

“I think I found something.” Aidan said, already standing and heading for the door, “Let’s go.”

----------

“Why do I have to knock her out?” Kendall said, eyeing the lamp in her hand.

“Because I’m barely five feet tall.” Greenlee said impatiently, “I couldn’t reach her head unless I was standing on a chair. You’re a regular Amazon so you should be able to handle it.”

“If we get out of here alive, I’m gonna kick your scrawny little butt.” Kendall said with a smile, but Greenlee saw the fear in her eyes.

“You can do it, Kendall.” Greenlee said seriously, “You’re so much stronger than you think you are. And I’m right here with you. We won’t let her hurt either one of us, okay?”

Kendall nodded, tears in her eyes, “Let’s do this.”

“Okay, just stand next to the door and as soon as she opens the door and steps out, just clock her.” Greenlee gave her a reassuring smile, “I know from personal experience that you can handle that.”

Greenlee stood behind Kendall, another lamp in her hand in case Kendall’s blow wasn’t enough. She felt the hair on the back of her neck stand on end as she watched the door knob turn and the bathroom door open.

Maria barely had time to react, “What the….” Kendall brought the lamp down on her head and Maria dropped to the ground, the gun in her hand sliding across the well worn carpet. Greenlee put the lamp she was holding down and quickly went and picked up the gun, pointing it at Maria.

Kendall used her foot to nudge Maria, but she didn’t move, “I hope she’s just unconscious.” She bent down and felt for a pulse. She looked up at Greenlee, relieved, “I didn’t kill her.”

Greenlee gave her a smile, “Now we just need to find her keys so we can get out of here.” They went into the bathroom and found Maria’s cell phone and the keys to the room.

“I’m gonna get the police here.” Greenlee said, pushing buttons on the phone, “Damn, she has her phone password protected.” Greenlee threw the phone to the floor in frustration, destroying it.

“Why don’t you go to the front office and make the call.” Kendall said, “I’ll stay here with her and make sure she doesn’t go anywhere.”

Greenlee nodded, and then said, “Are you sure your okay to be alone with her?”

“As long as she stays unconscious.” Kendall said with a nervous laugh, “Just leave me the gun, and I’ll be fine.”

Greenlee handed the gun to Kendall gingerly and took the keys, unlocking the door, “I’ll be back as soon as I can.” She said reassuringly over her shoulder as she walked out the door. She closed the door behind her and started walking swiftly to the office when a hand caught her from behind.

“Ryan!” Greenlee exclaimed in surprise, “I’m so happy to see you! Maria had Kendall and me…..” Her voice trailed off as she looked at him, his face unchanging at her words, “Omigod, you were the ‘we’ that she was talking about, aren’t you?”

----------

“Where are we headed?” Zach asked Aidan as they sped through town, Aidan at the wheel.

“The Pine Cone.” Aidan answered, all his concentration on making sure that they arrived there in one piece as he expertly maneuvered through the traffic at a dangerously high speed.

Zach was quiet for a moment, and then said, “This might not be the time, but I just want you to know that I don’t blame you.”

Aidan looked over at him in confusion, and Zach continued, “For what happened, when Greenlee and I were missing, I don’t blame you and I don’t blame Kendall. Both of you were grieving, I understand that, even though it hurt Greenlee and I like hell.”

“I don’t know what to say.” Aidan said, feeling another weight lift from him.

“You don’t have to say anything, you and Kendall have suffered a lot because of this, and I just want it to end. Life’s too short for all this suffering. I’m done with it.” Zach said, staring out the window, “So, let’s just find the women we love and get back to living.”

Aidan smiled slightly, “Sounds like a good plan to me.”

----------

Greenlee looked at Ryan with fear, “You were helping her, weren’t you?”

“It’s not as simple as that, Greenlee.” Ryan looked at her, pleading in his eyes, “I love you. I wanted our life back.”

“What life?!” Greenlee yelled back at him, “The life that you destroyed when you decided to drive off the cliff? There is nothing left for us Ryan! Nothing!”

Ryan grabbed her roughly, pulling her close to him, “Oh yes there is, Greenlee. I’m never going to let you go again.”

[scarlett426]

CHAPTER NINETEEN

“Get the hell off of me.” Greenlee said through clenched teeth.

“Greenlee, don’t you see that we belong together?” Ryan said, desperately trying to make her see, “You told me that you loved me, that we were meant to be together.”

“That was long before you decided that you knew what was best for me and let me believe that you were dead.” Greenlee said, her eyes flashing dangerously, “It’s over, Ryan, and you just need to let it go.”

“I can’t Greenlee.” Ryan said sadly, “I tried to, but I just couldn’t. But we can be together now. I have my plane all ready to go. We can be far away from here in just a few hours, and we can start a new life. Together.”

“Are you hearing impaired?” Greenlee asked, “Or are you just brain damaged? Did you miss the part of the conversation where I said that I wasn’t going anywhere with you?”

“I’m sorry Greenlee, but you just don’t know what’s good for you.” Ryan took both her arms and started to pull her forward.

Greenlee’s head filled with white, hot rage. She had never been this angry. No one was going to take her choices, her life, away from her.

Without thinking, she brought her knee up, connecting hard with Ryan’s groin. Ryan looked shocked for a moment, and then his face went white. His mouth formed words that didn’t come out. Finally, he fell over and curled up in the fetal position and groaned in pain.

----------

Aidan pulled into the Pine Cone and circled the lot looking for the car that he had verified that Maria was driving. His eyes lit in satisfaction when he saw it.

“We were right.” He said turning to Zach and pointing to the car, “They are here.”

Zach’s gaze narrowed as he looked farther down the outdoor corridor, “Is that Greenlee and Ryan?”

Aidan’s head snapped to the left where Zach had pointed and he watched in horror as he saw Ryan grab Greenlee. His hand was on the door handle, but before he had the chance to open the door, he saw Ryan suddenly drop to the ground. He looked over at Zach, puzzled.

“She landed a good one.” Zach said with a laugh, and then explained to Aidan who had obviously missed it, “She gave him a knee right to the….well, you know.” Aidan winced in the way that all men do when they hear such things, but his mouth quickly curved into a smile as he got out of the car and jogged over to where Greenlee was standing over a moaning Ryan.

“You’re here.” Greenlee said quietly when she saw him. All the rage and anger had gone out of her after Ryan had hit the ground. She was suddenly exhausted.

“Ya, I’m here.” Aidan replied as he walked over and embraced her, holding her tightly against him. He pulled away slightly and gave her a wide grin, “I came here to rescue you, but it looks like you did a pretty good job of rescuing yourself.”

Greenlee gave him a weak smile, and then said, “Ryan. He was…..he was going to take me somewhere in his plane. He wanted us to be together. He planned all of this with Maria.”

Aidan’s smile faded as he looked down at Ryan, crumpled on the ground, still groaning in pain. He kissed Greenlee gently, and then pulled away from her. He knelt down next to Ryan and looked him in the eye.

“Normally, I wouldn’t hit a man when he’s down, but these are special circumstances.” Aidan said in a quiet, menacing voice. He picked Ryan’s head up by the collar of his shirt and gave him a swift fist to the jaw, knocking him unconscious.

Zach walked up behind them, and shot Greenlee a questioning gaze. Greenlee smiled, not needing an explanation from him.

“Kendall’s fine, Zach. She’s in room seventeen.” Greenlee gestured down the breezeway with her head. Zach hurried off and Greenlee turned back to Aidan, who was on his phone.

“The police are on their way.” He said, looking at her worriedly, “You want to tell me what happened?”

“She told me that I was going to have a new life.” Greenlee said, her eyes filling with tears, “And all I could think about was how desperate I was to hold on to my life here. My life with you.” Greenlee started crying despite her best efforts.

Aidan’s heart broke for her as he wiped away her tears with his thumbs. He took her in his arms and held her while she cried. When they heard the sirens approaching, Greenlee took a deep breath and wiped her face with the back of her hand.

“I suppose I have to give them a statement.” Greenlee said, mustering up a small smile.

“I won’t leave your side.” Aidan said, putting a reassuring arm around her.

“Promise?” Greenlee looked up at him, her eyes wide and trusting.

“Promise.” He said softly, kissing her once more before they turned, together, to face the police.

----------

It was several hours later that they arrived home, although Greenlee felt that it had been a lifetime since she had left.

“Oh no! I never called Annie to give her the okay to send the new ads to the printer.” Greenlee said, her voice distressed, “Now we won’t get the ads in time for the roll out of the new product, so we will have to push that back….” The words came rushing out of her and soon she had dissolved into tears, collapsing on to the couch.

Aidan rushed quickly to her side and pulled her onto his lap cradling her gently as he whispered reassuring words against her ear.

“Its too much, Aidan, it’s just too much.” She cried, “Why can’t we just be a nice, normal couple with normal problems.”

Aidan smiled down at her, and replied, “I don’t know if that would really make you happy, darling. Normal wouldn’t suit you.”

“I just want to be happy Aidan. I just want people to let us be happy.” She sighed and wiped her tear stained face on his shirt before looking at him, embarrassed, “Sorry about your shirt. I’ll make sure it gets clean.”

“You’re going to do my laundry?” Aidan said in surprise.

“Don’t be stupid.” Greenlee said with a sniff, “I just meant that I would send it to my dry cleaner. I don’t even think I own a washer and dryer do I?”

“As a matter of fact, you do, and I would be happy to show you how to use it.” He said with a smile. She looked at him as if he had sprouted another head, “It’s something that normal people do.”

Greenlee thought about that for a moment, and then replied, “Well, maybe I don’t want to be normal so much as I want strange things to stop happening to us.”

“Yes, that does make more sense.” He said, absently placing kisses on the top of her head, “We could always have that ‘normal’ date you’ve been talking about.”

Greenlee laughed and said, “I’m beginning to think that will never happen.”

“I’m game if you are.” He said with a smile.

“Maybe tomorrow.” She said with a coy smile, “Right now I just want to go to bed and crawl under the covers. With you.”

“That’s the best offer I’ve had all day.” He said with a wicked grin, scooping her up into his arms and carrying her into the bedroom.

“It better be!” Greenlee said, feeling much better as Aidan dropped her unceremoniously on the bed and then joined her, covering her body with his own. He bent his head down and captured her mouth with his own, kissing her hungrily, releasing all the fear that he had felt when she was missing.

He pulled away suddenly and looked down at her face, flush with passion and desire, “I love you, Greenlee. I couldn’t love you more.” His voice was breathless as he dropped his head and kissed her gently below her ear. Her body instinctively arched upwards towards his.

“I love you, too.” She said, her words coming out harsh as she felt all the terror from her ordeal turn to passion. She worked her hands in between their bodies and unbuttoned his shirt, slipping it gently off and throwing it on the floor. She ran her hands up and down the hard plane of his back, reveling in his strength.

“I’m feeling suddenly overdressed.” Greenlee said quietly, pushing on him slightly so she could access the buttons on her own shirt. She unbuttoned her shirt slowly while he watched, transfixed, his eyes glazed with desire. When she finally discarded her own shirt on to the floor with his, he quickly pulled her tightly against him, loving the feel of her skin on his.

“Tell me again that you love me.” Greenlee demanded, her breathing irregular.

“I love you Greenlee, God, how I love you.” He complied with her demand, his voice sounding almost tortured.

“Show me.” She whispered into his ear, her breath as hot as his need for her. He picked up his head and smiled at her.

“It will be my pleasure, darling.”

----------

Greenlee woke in the middle of the night, not because she had the nightmare again, but because of another dream. She dreamed of her family, the one that she always wanted. The one that she now knew that she could have. The doctor in France told her that she had been misdiagnosed by Dr. Madden.

She smiled as she looked at Aidan sleeping soundly next to her. She also knew now that Aidan was the key to the happiness that she wanted. Everything happens for a reason. She didn’t have a child with Ryan because he was the wrong man, and she didn’t have one with Leo because it had been the wrong time. She had been waiting for the right man, the right time. And now, she knew that she finally had it right.

THE END

[amcarenuts]

Gosh i loved this story!