CARBO FAN FICTION-Déjà Vu CHAPTER 8

Bo’s phone rang as he was leaving the Java. ‘Clarice? ’ He asked, thinking it was Carly, really to yell at her for causing a lot of anxiety. 

‘Bo, come over; we need to talk.’

Bo sighed, exasperated. He was in no mood to deal with Victor right now. ‘I’m not interested in whatever you want to spill out at me...’

‘Considering you obviously thought it was that woman calling you, more than ever I need to talk you.’

‘I don't take orders from you, so why don't you kiss my...’

‘Fine, I’ll just let Hope know what you’re hiding, she’ll certainly thank me for it.’ was Victor’s icy reply.

Bo gritted his teeth in fury, cursing under his breath. ‘I’m on my way.’ Snapping his phone shut, he hailed a passing  cab.

At the same moment Clarice was dialling his number, almost screaming in despair when she kept getting the engaged tone. What do I do now? She thought frantically. She called the station again. ‘Is Commander Brady there?’ she demanded.

‘No, he’s still out with Detective Hernandez on a case...’

‘What about Officer Hartman? Is he at the station, can I speak with him?’

‘No, he left...’

Clarice swiftly interrupted. ‘Listen carefully; Officer Dean Hartman was involved in Ciara’s kidnap; I repeat, Officer Dean Hartman was involved in Ciara’s kidnap. He’s already killed two people so he should be considered armed and dangerous! Put out an APB him right now before he can escape!’

‘Ms. Parker...’

‘Don't argue with me!’ Clarice shouted harshly. ‘I can’t get a hold of the Commissioner so find a way of calling him or Roman and give them this message! I’m a Federal Agent assigned to this case; I’m authorising you to put out the APB on Hartman... I’ll take responsibility for it, just do it!’

‘Yes Ma’am, right away!’ the dispatcher said, sounding harried.

‘Wait!’ Hope needed to be told and if she had to shake some sense on that silly woman she would. ‘What’s the Commissioner’s address?’

‘Uh... it’s... it’s 526 Scuttlehoe Road. ’

‘Okay, do what I asked you to do. I’m going there and I’ll call if  I need back up.’

Clarice put  her foot down hard, speeding to Bo’s house.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Hope set Ciara’s down, her heart beating fast. They were completely vulnerable; her service pistol was in her purse... on the bed upstairs. How was she going to overpower him without exposing Ciara to danger?

‘Nothing wrong. I just realised that we have to go to the bank after all.’

Dean’s eyes narrowed in suspicion. ‘Why? You just told me the money’s been transferred to my account already.’

‘I know, but I just remembered there’s a few documents we both need to sign; 5 million is a lot of money you know.’

Dean was not an idiot. With the way the kid was avoiding his eyes, she was suspecting, no... was already on to him. How she figured him out he had no idea but he wasn't going to waste time pondering  over that. Just as well, his revenge wasn’t over.

‘Let me just go up and grab my purse...’ she turned towards the stairs with Ciara at her heels but froze as she heard Dean’s cold voice. ‘I don't think so, Detective Brady.’

Holding her daughter close to her, she turned to see a gun armed at them. ‘Come back,’ Dean’s eyes flashed, ‘and sit on the couch, nice and slow.’

She obeyed, Ciara clinging to her tightly. ‘Why did you do this?’ she demanded, trying to keep her voice from shaking. ‘You’re one of our best officers; we trusted you... I defended you all this time, how could you?’

‘If you’re trying to make me feel guilty and all, it ain’t working.’ He sneered, keeping the gun on both of them. ‘Why? Why? I wanted the money and I almost didn't get it, thanks to your husband. But more important... I’ve always hated you Hope Brady! Spoiled rich girl who should’ve stayed at home  and arrange furniture instead of stealing jobs you didn't deserve... that  detective promotion was mine!’

‘This is what it was all about? You wanted to punish me?’ Hope gasped incredulously.

‘Yeah. And now I’m not going to leave until I get rid of the thorn in my flesh.’ Dean said grimly. ‘I’ve been waiting a long time to pin you down...’

He flinched as there was a pounding on the door. Ciara’s heart leapt at the sound of Clarice’s voice. ‘Hope! Open up, I need to talk to you.’

Hope glanced at Dean, wondering whether or not to jump at him.

‘Don't even think about it.’ He said in a low voice. ‘Get rid of her or your kid’s going to get it.’ He moved to hide behind the door, gun pointed at Ciara’s direction.

Hope got up, squeezing Ciara’s hand reassuringly, praying that Clarice was armed.

She opened the door slowly but didn't bargain on Clarice pushing her backwards angrily. ‘You! What the hell was that earlier?’ she snapped, entering the living room, glaring at Hope. ‘I was warning you about...’

‘Clarice, he has a gun!’ Ciara shrieked suddenly.

Clarice spun round and Dean shot her.      

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::

‘You’re  obviously not over that woman so why don't you stop denying it?’  Victor raged. ‘And if you’re not careful, she’s going to ruin your marriage!’

‘You sure seem to think that everybody’s just like you.’ Bo snapped angrily. ‘And for the last time, back off! I already told you she has no idea she once had a life here...’

‘Yeah right.’ Victor sneered. ‘She’s even better than Billie who came back here all saintly and look at what she did to you.’

‘Look who’s talking ... you married her Mum, remember?’

‘Story of my life; I married a string of two faced bitches; including your so called Clarice...’

Bo suddenly flinched, a strange sensation rushing through him. He hardly heard the rest of Victor’s spiteful words; he’d had that feeling before, when?

When Carly had flat lined while Marcus and Dr. Horton were operating on her.

‘Are you listening to me, Bo?’ Victor barked at him, baffled at the look on his son’s face.

Before Bo could speak, his cell rang. Not bothering to answer Victor, he pulled it out of his pocket. ‘Brady.’

‘Sir, thank God I got hold of you!’ The dispatcher said frantically, relaying Clarice’s message. Bo stood still, shocked. One of his own men?  ‘Have you told Commander Brady about this?’ he barked.

‘Yes! He’s already sent men to the airport and the bus and train station.’

‘Where’s Agent Parker?’

‘She said she was going over to  your house.’

‘Send back up over there now! I’m on my way!’ he hung up, filled with foreboding.

‘Agent  Parker?’ Victor asked, stunned. ‘What the hell..?’

Justin chose that tense moment to appear. ‘What’s going on?’

‘You give me your keys.. now!’ Bo shouted, his voice and tone brooking no argument as he grabbed the lapels of Justin’s jacket.

Bewildered, Justin produced them and Bo fled; leaving Victor trying to get over how Bo had addressed Carly.

:::::::::::::::::

‘One bitch less.’ Dean remarked, using one foot to nudge Clarice’s cheek.

‘You’re definitely going  to prison; you’ve just killed an ISA agent, you son of a bitch!’ Hope shouted, trying to comfort Ciara who was crying loudly. ‘My husband won’t rest until...’

‘Shut the hell up!’ Dean snapped. ‘We’re going for a ride now Detective, you and your brat.’

‘You’ve got your money, you don't need us; just walk away!’  Hope pleaded.

‘No way. I’ve gone too far to back out now. You just come with me, nice and slow...’

‘CIARA RUN!’ Hope lurched at him, trying to wrest the gun from his hands. Ciara ran to the door but Dean, punching her on the jaw; grabbed the child by her hair before she could get the door open. Enraged, Hope darted at him again and in the struggle, the gun flew over the couch. Hope was knocked unconscious by another vicious blow. Dean cursed loudly as he felt teeth sinking on his left leg and turned, backslapping the child. ‘You little brat... you’re going to pay for that!’ he growled, pulling out a switchblade as Ciara cowered to a corner, a vivid pink bruise on her cheek.

‘Hold it right there, Hartman.’

Dean sharply turned to find himself suddenly facing a deadly looking semi automatic Smith & Wesson. He cursed. He should have remembered that international spies were always full of tricks.

‘If you lay another hand on that child, I swear to God I’ll kill you.’ Clarice hissed, glaring at him, despite the fact she was bleeding from her gunshot wound, the bullet had gotten her on the left side, just below her rib cage but she held herself firmly. ‘Drop the knife and back away from her… I’m a crack shot so no tricks!’ Dean obeyed, watching Clarice warily as Ciara got up and ran to her mother. ‘This got nothing to do with you, Agent Parker.’

‘Murder...  kidnap... you’re an utter disgrace to your uniform.’

‘She took what was rightfully mine!’ he spat. ‘You have no idea...’

‘Nothing justifies you terrorizing an innocent little girl; causing her parents pain and worry!’ She hurled back at him.

Hope was already coming to. She blinked and hugged her daughter joyfully, looking up. ‘Clarice, you’re alive...’ she began.

‘Hope, I need a pair of... oh no you don't!’ she darted after Dean as he suddenly opened the door and made a run for it; desperately gambling she wouldn't be able to aim straight nor catch up with him while in great pain. But Clarice wasn't kidding when she told him she was a crack shot. She fired, hitting him on the shoulder and leg and he went down hard on the pavement, screaming in agony. At that moment, the sound of sirens could be heard and several cars appeared.

‘Clarice, are you alright?’ she heard Hope cry. She tried to answer but couldn't, her vision was suddenly blurry, her strength ebbing.

‘Clarice! She’s wounded, call an ambulance now!’ someone ordered. Dizzy and faint, Clarice fell but instead of the hard ground, into a pair of strong arms.

‘Daddy...’

 ‘Move back right now, sweetheart...’

‘Is she dead?’

‘Hope!’

‘Come here, Ciara.’

‘Is she dead?’ a sobbing, trembling voice. ‘Don't let her die, please!’

‘Come away...’

The sound of someone’s angry screams, Dean’s. Clarice felt a warm hand stroking her forehead and hair. It was so soothing... she wanted the person doing it to keep going.

‘Hang in there... the ambulance’s on its way; don't you crash out on me now...’ a soft voice in her ear. ‘Come on Clarice...’

Bo... he sounds so worried, poor thing; she thought dreamily, opening her eyes to peer at him. He was looking down at her, out of those beautiful, brown eyes. But... he looks different... younger.  He was weeping and his voice sounded like it was coming from far away. Come on, princess, come on... hang in there baby... please Carly open your eyes for me...

I’m not Carly... I’m Clarice; she wanted to say then finally succumbed to oblivion. 

CARBO FAN FICTION-Déjà Vu CHAPTER 7

Bo vowed to call a family meeting very soon to inform everyone- minus Hope-about how Carly lost her memory and on how to behave around her from now on; the main thing being not asking her questions that would definitely  confuse her. And he needed to talk very seriously with Victor too; there was no telling what his bio-father might do to endanger her life. As far as Victor Kiriakis was concerned Carly had treated him very badly, not the other way round and even after all these years he still hated her, from the way he’d addressed her as ‘that woman.’ What an asshole.

His mind drifted back to Hope. Roman was right, they  do need some time away to reconnect, maybe they could go sailing and do some fishing... surely that would soften her up and things will be back to the way they were before Ciara was kidnapped. Time and time again their marriage had been in turmoil but their love always amended it and made it stronger. A trip will definitely do them loads of good, including getting Hope away from someone who’s been irritating him very much lately. And as if his thoughts had conjured him up, his cousin Justin Kiriakis entered the cafe and seeing him immediately, walked up to his table.

‘Hi Bo. What are you doing here?’

‘What’s it to you?’ Bo said very rudely, glaring at him.

Justin frowned in return. ‘What’s with the attitude?’

‘Listen you and listen good.’ Bo burst out, incensed at Justin’s bewildered tone, the way Victor sounded even though he knew very well  what the other person was driving at.  ‘Just because your wife threw you out doesn't give you the right to move in on mine.’

‘Now hold on now...’ Justin denied, face red with anger. ‘All I did was support her in her time of need! Hope’s my friend and I can’t deny her if she needs help. Why are you so bent out of shape for?’

‘WHY COULD’NT YOU JUST LEAVE IT ALONE?’ Bo spat. ‘How dare you interfere with something that wasn't your business; I told Hope why she couldn't pay that ransom but you just had to convince it otherwise. You have no right!’

Justin snorted, not the least bit ruffled by Bo’s anger. ‘I got the right to state my opinion and I was right; things almost went wrong that night because of your stance about the ransom, not because of Dean after all. It was a hell of a risk...’

Bo got up to face him, his expression hard and ominous. ‘I’m warning you, Justin.’

Justin refused to back down, he wasn't scared of Bo; besides the Commissioner of Police can’t be seen beating someone up in public. ‘Whether you think so or not, you screwed up but thanks to Carly things ended well. By the way, how long is she going to be in town? ’

‘Her name’s Clarice and she’s none of your concern. Push me any further and you’ll definitely be sorry.’ Bo growled, one hand balled into a fist.

Justin shrugged nonchalantly. ‘Whatever. But by being there for your wife, I didn't do anything wrong. Maybe she wouldn’t be so ticked off with you if you’d  supported her more when she was so scared her daughter might  get killed.’

‘Go to hell.’

‘Suit yourself, Bo. I’m only giving you a piece of valuable advice.’ With that he turned and left. Just as well, because Bo was a few bars short of his self control.  Sitting down again, Bo pulled out a photo from his wallet; staring down at it. He Hope, Ciara and Shawn Douglas.

Maybe she wouldn’t be so ticked off with you if you’d supported her more....

‘ Exactly what have I been doing all  these years, Fancy Face?’ He said sadly, tracing  her features with his thumb. ‘Just what?’

:::::::::::::::::::

‘Nothing much wrong with it Ma’am, the engine just flooded a bit.’ The mechanic the bartender had summoned said as he slammed the hood shut.

‘Thanks much.’ Clarice pushed some crumpled notes into his hand, got in and drove off, impatient to give her report to Bo and Roman. Pulling out her cell again, she glanced at the display. She didn't get any signal until she was half way across town.

‘Finally!’She dialled the station after slipping a wireless earpiece on her ear. ‘I need to speak with either Commissioner or Commander Brady, it’s very important.

‘Neither of them are here, Ms. Parker and by the way, the Commissioner said you should meet him at The Java soon as you get back.’ The dispatcher gave her the address.

‘Right... thanks for the information... no wait, give me his number... his home number too. ’ Clarice placed her foot on the pedal, thinking hard. What should she do; call Bo and warn him or meet him there? Hope needed to be told too, so she’d be on her guard. Picking up the phone she dialled, placing it back on the passenger seat  as it began to ring. Soon she heard Hope’s voice. ‘Hope Brady.’

‘Hope, it’s Clarice. Listen... Dean Hartman is the third guy.’

 ‘What?’ Hope said, her tone incredulous.

‘He’s been playing everyone for a fool... I’m  half way across town, please call Bo or Roman and tell...’

‘Did Bo put you up to this?’

‘What?’ Clarice exclaimed. ‘What are you talking about;  I’m telling  you Dean is a criminal...’

‘First Bo, now you; it’s nobody’s business what I do with my money! What proof do you have against him anyway within one day?’

Was this woman crazy? What money?

‘Hope, time’s running out! Call Bo so that he gets hold of Dean before he skips town and for God sake don’t let him anywhere near Ciara.’

‘Agent Parker; Dean’ s beyond approach and he’s getting the reward in spite of any self- righteous sob story Bo must have fed you, got that?’

‘You’re giving him the reward?’ Clarice gasped. ‘Are you insane, you can’t do that, Dean planned the whole thing with Brenda and Kyle, he was her...’

Click, the line went dead.

‘Fool! Stupid, stupid fool!’ Clarice slammed her hands  on the wheel, enraged. She must have wired the money to Dean’s account already and he might be heading to the airport... he had to be stopped before it was too late! Picking up the phone once again she dialled Bo’s number with shaking fingers.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::

At the Java, Bo ordered another cup of coffee, very worried about Clarice. She should have called in by now, he thought,  looking at his watch. But then again,  he smiled faintly, this won’t be the first time she would give him the slip; like the time in México so long ago when she’d taken a walk on the beach instead of staying hidden as instructed  and he’d gone after her...

‘You’re stubborn, you’re obstinate, you’re pigheaded!’ he shouted at her.

Carly glared at him.

 ‘You’re damn too independent for your own good and most guys can’t take that. Obviously there’s something wrong with me.’ Softening, he smiled at her, touching her cheek. ‘I like that challenge. Come on... I love you.’ 

Sighing, she shook her head. ‘What, what’s wrong?’

‘Nothing.’ she replied, shifting restlessly.

‘Carly, I just told you that I love you; I like you the way you are and you’re still angry with me?’

‘I’m not angry!’ Carly snapped, eyes flashing.

‘Yeah... you  sure could’ve fooled me!’

‘Well I wish I can fool myself but I can’t anymore.’ To his distress, she looked ready to cry. ‘I’m scared, I’m scared to death!’

Bo took her in his arms, consoling her. Carly hardly showed any fear; the last time was when he was stricken with the virus, she’d been terrified of losing him forever.

‘Listen... it’s okay to be scared.’ He said soothingly. ‘Hell I’m scared too.’ Pulling away he saw she was now smiling faintly.

 ‘You’ve never been scared of anything... or anyone.’ She said softly.

Bo chuckled, shaking his head.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

‘Where’s  Commissioner Brady?’ Dean asked as Hope closed the door behind him.

‘He stepped out. Look...  I’m so sorry about earlier, that you had to see that.’ she apologised.

‘No, it’s okay; couples have tiffs now and then. But I sure hope it wasn't about me.’

‘No!’ Hope protested, shaking her head firmly. ‘It has nothing to do with you. And I got some good news, the money has been transferred into your account.’

‘Thank you Hope, I really appreciate this...’

‘Not at all; you need to take some time off anyway.’

‘Actually,’ Dean shrugged as  nonchalantly  as he could, ‘With everyone giving me beef at the station, I’m not sure if I’ll come back. I know I screwed up but I really wanted to help you guys...’

‘And you did, as best as you could. It wasn't your fault and my daughter’s safe.’ Hope assured him as Ciara came into the room.

‘Hi Dean.’ She greeted, smiling.

‘Hey kiddo. Good to be back home, eh?’ he ruffled her hair. A cold chill went through Ciara’s body. His touch was eerily familiar.

‘Yeah.’ She nodded, trying not to flinch.

‘Well, you know what they say...’ Dean said as Hope moved to the phone that began to ring again, pulling something from his pocket, ‘Home’s really where the heart is.’ Slipping a cigarette in his mouth, he fumbled with his stubborn Zippo lighter. 

Ciara stared at him, feeling her heart beat with terror at the sound coming from the lighter; Click, Click, Click.... The sound she heard at the cabin!

 ‘Man, I got to get me a new lighter...’ he grumbled, not noticing the look on the child’s face.

‘No Aunt Maggie...’ Hope glanced at him and frowned. ‘Dean, I’d rather you not light that in here.’

‘Oh sorry.’ Dean pocketed it, inwardly cursing her. This is the last day you’ll be telling me what to do, he thought. Picking up a magazine from the coffee table, he flipped through the pages without much interest. With shaking legs, Ciara edged close to her mother, tugging at her jeans leg.

‘Hmmm...?’ Hope looked down inquiringly. ‘ Mummy’s on the phone right now.’

Ciara tugged harder,  turning to look at Dean who wasn’t paying any attention to her.

‘Aunt Maggie, I’ll call you back.’ Hanging up the phone, Hope picked her up. ‘Now what is it, sweetie? Aren’t you feeling okay?’

‘Him...’ Ciara’s voice shook but she kept it low enough for Hope’s ears alone. ‘Mummy, he’s one of them...’

Hope stared into her daughter’s eyes; wide eyed with terror, her own hands shaking. After all that time in captivity at the cabin Ciara couldn’t be mistaken; she’s always been observant and oh God... Clarice Parker had warned her... what in heaven’s name was she going to do now?

Dean dropped the magazine with a sigh then noticed their scrutiny before they could mask it. ‘Is something wrong, Hope?’ he asked.

CARBO FAN FICTION-Déjà Vu CHAPTER 6

‘She didn't tell you were she was going?’  Bo asked Officer Davis who quailed at his harsh tone. Bo’s men feared him as much as they loved and respected him and always did all they could to avoid getting on his bad side; he had a terrible temper.

‘Just that she needed a car because she was going to the other end of town, sir. That’s all I know. I offered her one of the men to go with her but she said no.’

‘Protocol Davis, Protocol... no one goes out on a case alone! You should’ve insisted!’ Bo shouted, really angry.

‘Bo...’ Roman began then stopped. Chastising the Commissioner, even if he was his younger brother, in front of the subordinates was simply not done. Bo’s present mood was obviously because of what they’d gotten from Shane and he’d taking what had happened to Carly deeply to heart.

‘That will be all, Davis.’ Abe said frowning at Bo as Davis retreated gratefully. ‘Was that necessary, Bo?’

‘What if something’s happened to her again...’

‘She’s a trained agent with long experience in law enforcement; she can take care of herself! She’ll soon be back.’

But Bo knew he won’t rest easy until he saw her again. Shane’s words had ripped his heart; severely beaten and almost dead.... in a coma for weeks...severe retrograde amnesia...

‘It’s my fault... everything she went through... my fault.’ he said numbly.

‘Frankie’s full of shit.’ Roman said in his usual blunt manner. ‘You weren’t the one who beat her senseless and left her out there to die. You couldn't have known he would treat her that way after they left...’

‘I knew what kind of man Larry was!’ Bo growled. ‘He brainwashed her the whole time I was out of town working on that drug case. I should have arrested him, shot him even! Anything to gain more time to get my Carly back... get back what we had!’A relationship between equals because Carly had taken care of him as much as he took care of her.

‘Bo.’ Abe said, squeezing his shoulder. ‘No matter what Frankie thinks, what happened to Carly wasn't your fault. And once Carly gets her memory back, she’ll say the same, you’ll see.’

‘Yeah Bo.’ Roman agreed. ‘Carly will never blame you for what happened. She wouldn't have gone with Alamain in the first place if Vivian hadn’t buried her alive and scrambled her brain with whatever crap she drugged her with.... she loved you.’

And he had loved her more than life itself, which is why despite Abe and Roman’s words he still couldn't help but feel he had failed her greatly. And the sheer quirk of fate... within hours of returning to Salem, she’d rescued his daughter and right now going out of her way to help him. Whatever it took... he was going to help her in turn.

::::::::::::::

The car she’d borrowed had no radio and to add to her frustration, there was no signal in her cell.

‘Damn it!’ Clarice swore savagely. Dean was out there roaming as free as a bird... he could be plotting to abduct Ciara again or worse!

Sitting back in the driver’s seat, Clarice brushed back some strands of hair from her forehead and went into profiler mode; picturing the scenario through Dean’s eyes.

The investigation’s still going on but no one suspects me; no one ever saw me with Brenda so they can’t link her to me or Kyle. Ciara will be heavily guarded so it won’t be easy grabbing her this time, with both my allies dead. I’ll have to bid my time.

Dean didn't know about the clicking sound Ciara and the bartender had heard or that it has been identified as his lighter. Unless he was stupid enough to use it anywhere near Ciara, they had the element of surprise; they could nab him before he could blink and case closed!

Clarice reached for the ignition but another thought stilled her hand. Dean had killed his own lover to avoid arrest, hence a very ruthless, cold blooded man. For a police officer to do such a thing, the purpose for kidnapping Ciara in the first place couldn’t have been money alone... a grudge against Bo maybe? It was common... an evil mind nursing a grudge or cold rage always wore the mask of morality, planning his strategy carefully for months. Who would suspect a police officer of kidnap and murder?

He wouldn't have released Ciara even if he’d gotten his money, Clarice realised. He would’ve killed her and then killed Kyle and Brenda... making it look like self defence; no one would think he had anything to with it, he would be proclaimed a hero all the while laughing at them behind their backs.  Bo had run a great risk but he’d definitely done the right thing not paying the ransom!

Dean will be planning his strategy all over again. And for the second time, his plan will come to nothing. With that pleasing thought, Clarice turned the ignition key only to hear a click. She tried again but the engine didn't go on.

‘Oh no...’ She groaned.

::::::::::::::::::

Bo was surprised and not at all pleased to find Dean Hartman in his house in deep conversation with Hope.

‘Sir.’ Dean greeted respectfully, a wary look on his face.

‘Dean. What are you doing here?’

‘I asked him over.’ Hope said purposefully. ‘I was just telling him I’ve arranged to have the money wired into his account today.’

Dean prided himself at being so clever enough at hiding his glee at the furious look on Bo’s face; Bo and Hope were at each other’s throats. Far better than he’d planned to happen between them.

‘Dean, I need to set you straight.’ Bo said as calmly as he could. ‘You should know that department rules state an officer on duty isn't eligible for monetary rewards.’

Says you; Dean thought contemptuously.  He looked at Hope with mute appeal.

‘Bo, let’s not keep arguing about this, I already told you I was going to give it to Dean.’

‘Hope, you already know very well...’

‘I know what I want and that’s to do the right thing.’

‘Look, if this is causing trouble between you two, maybe it’s best we cancel the whole thing’ Dean said , looking embarrassed, inwardly struggling not to laugh.

‘No Dean, you’re going to have your money.’ Hope said purposefully. ‘I’ve already called my lawyer, end of discussion.’

Christ, she was impossible!

Carly wouldn't treat you like this. The voice in his head pointed out. Never.

Oh, shut up!

‘Dean, if you don't mind, my wife and I need to have a private discussion.’ Bo said, his eyes not leaving her.

‘Dean, stay... we’re not done.’ Hope replied, glaring back at Bo.

‘Listen, how about I come back later; I don't want to get in the middle of... whatever going on with you two. See you later, sir.’ Dean made a hasty retreat.

‘Just what do you want?’ he overheard Bo shout, ‘a damn apology?’

‘I’m not holding my breath for one, Brady.’

‘Then what is it? You’re mad at me because I don't think I made a mistake, well guess what lady... I didn't! No matter what you, or Justin or even my father thinks; I knew what I was doing when I didn't let you pay the ransom!’

‘Yeah... keep telling yourself that, Commissioner!’ Hope shouted back. ‘You’re so full of yourself that it’s way too much for you to actually admit that you’re capable of mistakes!’

Oh Lord, it can’t get better than this... Dean grinned, longing to dance a jig. They got their brat back but their marriage was falling apart; Hope wasn't getting her happy ending after all. Serves her right.

He dived for cover as Bo came out, slamming the door behind him; his expression that of frustration and anger. From his hiding place, Dean watched Bo as he pulled out his cell and dialled. ‘Brady here.’ He heard him say. ‘Is Clarice... I mean, Ms. Parker back yet? No? She hasn’t called in?’ a pause and Bo’s frown deepened. ‘Have her call me the soonest she gets in. Better still... tell her to meet me at The Java. Thanks.’

‘Where the hell is she?’ he muttered out loud as  he hung up and walked down the street.

Well, well... Dean thought to himself.  Bo sounded very concerned about the beautiful  ISA agent ; with the strain going on between him and Hope, this looked like the beginning of a very interesting triangle. Too bad he was leaving town, it would’ve been so interesting to see Hope squirm with humiliation  at the sight of her husband with another woman; personally he would choose Clarice too, those bright green eyes  of hers and everything about her radiated  pure sensuality. Sighing, he shrugged. There would be more than enough girls in Acapulco after all.

::::::::::::::

Much as he didn't want to compare  Carly with his wife, Bo found himself doing just that as he mulled over his coffee. Carly had been more stubborn than Hope and so independent, considering she was of blue-blood and  had lived in a world far different from his.  On the rare times they’d fought  she was usually the first to make amends.  He could still remember how he’d returned to the boat  one night after storming out and found her waiting up for him; she’d flung her arms round his neck,  tearfully apologising and saying how much she loved him. Carly never judged him, never put him down... most times she defended him. True, she’d had the annoying habit of hiding things from him but there had always been a good reason behind them, he reminded himself. They’d loved the same things, wanted the same things;  he remembered her once saying the best thing that could happen to a woman was having a child with the man she loved.

‘I can’t think of anything more incredible than that.’

‘And this  from a woman who doesn't want  kids.’ He teased.

Carly made a wry face. ‘I don't want six.’ She stressed, making him chuckle. ‘I think that’s a little more than I can handle. I don't know... maybe three?’

‘Give me four and I’ll change all the diapers.’ He promised.

‘Right... sure  you will!’ She laughed in turn, taking his hand between to press it against her cheek. ‘ I don't really care how many we have, so long as we do. I want to be able to carry your baby in my arms and watch him grow to be as wonderful as  his Papa.’

His thumb stroked her cheek . ‘You will. You’re going to be a wonderful Mum... I just  know you will.’

‘I hope so!’ Carly said, a wistful look in those lovely green eyes. ‘Because you’re a great Papa. It’s the one of the  things that attracted me most  about you.’

‘Oh yeah?’ He was flattered and touched by the admission. ‘ I thought being a father was usually a turn off for women.’

‘Not  with this one.’ She smiled wider, still holding his hand. ‘Ever since I can remember I always  wanted to have lots of babies.’

‘Well, you will have them... a whole bunch of Nobel Prize winning doctors.’

‘Yeah and maybe a few leather wearing, motorcycle riding...’

‘Oh, come here you!’ Laughing, he pulled her closer towards him and she nestled in his arms. Pressing his lips against her hair, he said softly, ‘I want you to know something, princess. You and I are going to have everything we want.’

She’d been his princess, the princess of his heart... who was now living as someone else because of him. Bo sighed and shook his head; for the first time in years thinking of what could have been, if Carly had been the mother of his three other children.... especially Zack.

::::::::::::::::

Meanwhile, Clarice, after kicking a front wheel of the car in disgust, went back to the bar for help.