CARBO FAN FICTION-Déjà Vu CHAPTER 9

Roman laid a comforting hand on his brother’s shoulder, squeezing it. ‘She’s going to be alright Bo, you must believe that.’ he said for the umpteenth time in a low voice, as Hope was several yards away along with the rest of the family, including Victor and Justin who were summoned after Clarice was wheeled into surgery. Ciara was seated on Hope’s lap, holding on to her mother for dear life; the episode at the house had truly traumatized her. Stabbed, trapped in an elevator, buried alive, and almost beaten to death and now shot... all because she was trying to help him. He was personally going to kill Dean Hartman with his bare hands for this; he sincerely hoped Clarice had crippled him for life!

Clarice… Carly. She didn’t remember her past with him yet within hours of coming back into his life she saved Hope and Ciara and single handedly caught the mastermind behind the kidnap. Bo shook his head, still dazed at the chain of events. The kidnapper was right under their noses the whole time; a vicious, disgruntled man under the guise of a loyal, dedicated officer. And Carly… she did what she always did when they were still together; she was there for him in the true sense of the words. It was simply just too overwhelming.

Abe was right now on the phone trying to get in touch with the Director of Salem’s ISA. Roman had called Shane earlier; Carly’s heroic deed was going to earn her a lot of commendations and further seal her stay in Salem now.

‘Grandma… what are you doing here?’ Bo heard Hope say and turned round. Alice Horton was on her son’s arm, her expression anxious.

‘Mickey told me what happened, are you alright darling?’ she asked, touching Hope’s face and leaning over to kiss Ciara, nodding and smiling at everyone.

‘We’re fine, Gram, really. You didn’t have to come all the way here.’ Hope protested but glad to see her.

‘Nonsense, Hope. I had to see for myself that you and Ciara are alright… I still can’t believe such a thing happened in your home. Bo…’ letting go of Mickey, she turned to him, drawing him aside from the others, beckoning to Roman who immediately joined them. ‘Is it true… that the agent who saved Hope and Ciara is Carly?’

‘Yeah, Mrs. H. And Mickey probably told you that she has severe amnesia. She has no memory of us, or of ever living here.’

‘Help me understand this… I thought she regained her memory before she left with Lawrence and Nicky.’

Bo cringed at the memory; more than ever blaming himself. ‘She did. But everything went wrong after they left town. Larry physically abused her; he doesn’t even know she’s alive.’

‘What?’ Alice whispered. ‘How can this be, how do you know?’

‘We got the whole story from Shane.’ Roman replied. ‘And it’s really a long story, Mrs. Horton.’

‘However long, I want to hear it. You’ll both tell me everything later, leave nothing out.’ was Alice’s firm answer. ‘Is Carly badly hurt?’

‘We don't know how bad, she’s in surgery. Why don't you left Mickey drive you home, we’ll let you know...’

Alice shook her snow-white head. ‘Don't even bother, Bo. Carly was like a daughter to me before and after you got together and after what she did today; more than ever. I want to see her after her surgery. I will wait with the rest of you here.’

Both men knew better than to argue. Instead, Bo took her arm and sat her between Hope and Caroline. Stroking Ciara’s hair, he touched Hope’s cheek. ‘Hey, how are you holding up?’ he asked softly. Hope merely nodded, not meeting his eyes.

‘Daddy, is Clarice going to be okay?’ Ciara asked anxiously.

‘She’s going to be fine, little one. The hospital has the best doctors who are going to help her get better. Don't worry about her.’ he kissed her forehead and resumed pacing again. Carly, please... please be okay... he said silently. 

‘Carly, is everything okay?’ he shouted as the elevator made a strange noise. His blood ran cold as she let out a scream of terror and the elevator went down with a shuddering crash.

‘Carly! Carly!’ he shouted, terrified, punching the buttons. Nothing. Forcing the doors open, he climbed down the dark shaft, stumbling to where she lay, pushing back the rubble covering her. ‘I’m here, princess, don't you worry... I’m going to get you out of here.’ Finally getting to her, he wanted to weep out loud. She was bleeding from the mouth, blood on her neck and the front of her dress. If she was dead, he might as well kill himself right now. This cannot be happening again, not again... he was not going to lose another love, not now that he was so happy again!

He touched her neck, finding a weak pulse to his great relief. 'Carly, come on talk to me...’ he pleaded. No response.

 ‘We’ll get you out of here real soon... Come on, princess, come on... hang in there baby... please Carly open your eyes for me...’ he held her head, tears pouring down his cheeks. 

‘Come on baby, talk to me.’ His heart leapt as her eyelids fluttered and half opened. ‘There you are...’ he stroked back her hair. ‘No... Don’t...’ he begged as they slowly closed again. ‘Carly, stay with me!’

‘Bo!’ a voice from above shouted. ‘Are you alright?’

‘Get down here quick!’ he shouted back furiously. ‘Carly needs help!’

‘The paramedics are here!’

‘Well, make it fast! She’s dying!’

‘Bo... Bo.’ Bo spun round to face Dr. Lexie Carver and Dr. Bobby Scavo, everyone out of their seats, their expressions harried. ‘Well?’ he demanded.

‘The bullet got near her left kidney and pierced a loop of her small intestine. We stitched it as well as the exit wounds, Dean shot her twice. She lost a lot of blood of course so she’s going to suffer some discomfort for a while.’

‘But she’s okay, right?’ Bo asked, gripping Lexie’s arm.

‘Yes, she is. And very lucky.’

‘Oh thank God...’ Caroline sobbed, hugging Bo who blinked back his own tears. Roman hugged Hope who was sobbing as well. Abe smiled.

‘When can we see her?’ asked Sami.

‘She’s been moved to Recovery now but you’ll all have to come back tomorrow to see her. We can only allow her one visitor right now.’

‘I’ll go.’ Bo said immediately.

‘Fine but only five minutes because she’s in a lot of pain. Come on.’

 Hope bit her lip, wondering if Clarice will tell Bo about her foolishness; she felt so stupid and confused right now.  Victor watched Bo as he walked away with the two doctors, his eyes narrowed. Justin had told him about her new occupation... an FBI agent; he was still reeling from the shock. And with what she just did for the family, he didn't know what to think of her for now.

Clarice looked pale and fragile in the hospital bed, her chestnut hair fanned across the pillows and breathing shallowly through the respirator under her nose; her arm hooked to an IV unit. Bo moved over to the bed and sank on the chair beside it, his lips quivering as he reached out to take her hand, remembering another time he’d seen her like this.  Her body had taken the severe injuries meant for him, including internal bleeding and her lung pierced by a dislodged bone. She’d almost died...

After the stabbing at the lighthouse, he never thought he would see Carly on a hospital bed again. The last time had been heartrending enough; he knew he loved her yet so terrified of loving her; not wanting to experience the terrible heartache and sense of loss he’d felt when he lost Hope. Now it was much worse... she’d walked into a trap meant for him and Victor was definitely going to pay for it. Marcus and Dr. Horton have done their best; the real healing process was up to God.

He smiled down at her, holding fast to her hand, openly loving her and proud of it. ‘You’re the reason I get up in the morning.’ He said softly, ‘to know you... to love you... to get kisses, to see those eyes.’

Carly sobbed weakly, her fingers entwined with his. ‘Don't leave me...’ she begged. ‘I know it’s doctor’s orders but don't leave me...’

‘I won’t.’ He promised. ‘You’re my doctor, order me to stay.’

‘Stay.’ She whispered, eyes fixed on his.

‘Yes ma’am. Now you listen to these orders; close those pretty eyes and go to sleep okay? I’ll be here, I promise. I’ll be here when you wake up... go to sleep...’

Bo took her hand and kissed it; so many emotions running through him. He had no idea what they were nor did he understand what was going on. He started as her fingers moved slightly under his. ‘Clarice?’ he said softly, leaning over her. ‘Clarice, can you hear me?’

No response; then her eyelids fluttered. ‘Clarice? It’s Bo.’

Carly’s emerald-green eyes half opened, gazing up at him. Bo smiled with relief, wiping his eyes with his free hand. ‘Hey you... how do you feel?’

Carly’s eyes closed then opened again, peering at him as though trying to focus.

‘Don't try to talk; you’ve just come out of surgery. I’m so glad you’re awake.’

Carly made an incoherent sound and winced, her face going even whiter.

 ‘No, no... Don’t try to move.’ Bo admonished gently, rubbing her shoulder. ‘Your wounds been stitched up. You need to be quiet and stay in bed. Okay?’

Carly nodded but looked anxious even in the middle of her pain. With effort, she mumbled something and Bo leaned over to hear. ‘H...Hope...’ she croaked.

‘She’s fine, she and Ciara; thanks to you.’ Bo sniffled, his heart thumping as he gazed at her face. ‘I can’t thank you enough for what you did, Clarice. You saved my family and I’ll never forget it, ever.’

Carly smiled faintly then said something else and he leaned over again. ‘Family... precious...’

‘Yes they are. Thank you, Clarice, thank you.’ He squeezed her hand, tears falling down his cheeks. Maybe she didn't remember him or her past with him and the family but inside she was still the same Carly Manning he fell in love with years ago; selfless... and so brave.

Carly sighed, closing her eyes as she drifted back to unconsciousness. Bo kissed her forehead, his eyes moving down to the rosebud mouth he’d kissed countless of times in the past. Lying there, comatose and injured, she was drawing him to her like a magnet and the connection was strong, very strong.

Your love was a long time ago, his head reminded him as he was about to give in to temptation. A lot of things have changed; Hope, the children and the life you share.

‘You rest now, Carly,’ he said softly, stroking her hair instead. ‘When you get out of here, I’m going to get you your real life back. I promise you, princess.’

It was after he closed the door behind him that he realised that he’d called her by her old pet name out loud for the first time in years.

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

True to his promise, Bo went to Alice’s house afterwards and she was told the whole story. She shook her head. ‘Poor girl...’ she whispered. ‘And she did this great thing for the family Bo... she saved your wife and daughter, imagine that.’

She took hold of his hand. ‘Are you going to tell Hope she’s your ex fiancée?’

Bo shrugged. ‘I mean to after some time but right now, I don't know. Hope’s still being so hostile towards me; she’s still mad that I offered a reward instead of letting her pay the ransom and with what’s just happened... I don't want her bothering Carly with questions she can’t answer. Nothing’s familiar to Carly right now and I don't want Hope or anyone else agitating her.’

‘No of course not, that won’t do at all.’ Alice fixed her eyes on his face. ‘It must have been a shock for you, seeing her again after all this time, and in this condition. It’s worse than before, isn’t it?’

‘Those damn Alamains!’ Bo gritted his teeth, his brown eyes flashing with anger. ‘They did this to her; first Vivian dosed her with drugs and buried her alive, Larry brainwashed her and lured her away from me and then went on to abuse her! I should never have...’ he covered his face with his hand. Alice was the only one other than Roman who knew what happened between him and Carly on the boat; the painful, heartrending talk that ended with her walking out of his life forever.

‘You had no choice! The damage was already done; you couldn’t tie her up and lock her away- what could you do except let her go? You did that because you loved her, you wanted her to be happy, even if it cost you a lot.’

‘But Mrs. H... Larry never loved Carly like I loved her; she was nothing but a plaque to him, how could I have let her go with him, knowing the type of man he was? I should have sat her down, warned her...’

‘After the way Lawrence made himself look good in her eyes... what good would it have done? I can see that you blame yourself for what happened to her and you have to stop this nonsense, dear. You did what you thought was best...’

‘I loved her, I should’ve fought harder!’

Alice shook her head. ‘You let her go because you loved her; you’re as selfless as she is. And she would’ve done the same thing I’m sure, if she was the one with you when Hope came back to us.’

Bo shrank away from that scenario. He’d left Billie to be with Hope because he couldn't deny his feelings for her but would he have left Carly? Billie had healed the wound of losing Carly but Carly.... Carly was different. They’d gone through so much to be together; she’d been his spiritual partner, bound to him by the symbolic Mayan wedding they had on top of El Castillo in México, a huge part of his life and Shawn Douglas’. With the way she affected him since she came back, he sincerely doubted he would’ve left her and he certainly wouldn't have allowed her to leave him. Mrs. H was right about that, Carly would have stepped aside, no matter how much it pain it would cause her.

‘That’s neither here nor there, Mrs. H. I need to help her get her memory back, after what happened today; more than ever she needs to be Carly again. The dangerous life of an ISA agent is not for her.’

‘What about Lawrence? Suppose he or Nicky come back here? What will you do then?’

‘Hopefully, that won’t happen. If it does, I’ll protect her. I’ll tell Hope about her... eventually.’ As he spoke, Bo wondered just how he’ll go about that task.

At the hospital, Clarice drifted in and out of consciousness, two-second visions flashing in her mind. 

A laughing little boy holding her hand....

She lying bleeding in a dark place...

Someone making love to her... the room was lit by many candles... she couldn't see his face... there was something on his back, a tattoo...

A deep voice whispering the word “Princess...”

Clarice fell into a deep sleep as the visions faded, her mind blank again.

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.