Language Disclaimer: But of course! The main character in here has a bit of a mouth, just to warn you. She doesn't hesitate to use four-letter words.

Sexual Disclaimer: No subtext. Seeing as this is alternative fan fiction, this would definitely make it main text. There're two women in here that are very much in love with each other, and not afraid to show it. Nothing is too graphic, promise.

Violence Disclaimer: Hm… combine a six-foot tall Amazon with some very annoying people and you're bound to end up with at least a little bit of anger, and quite a few bruises. There's some definite violence in here, and even a little description of the aftermaths of rape, but, as usual, not too graphic.

Author's Note: As always, a thank you to my best friend and beta-reader, Amber, and Charlene and Tina, for their support. You guys are great.

Turn your face to the sun and the shadows will fall behind you.

- Maori Proverb

Y02Mustang@AOL.com

Part 2

George had no response - his expression didn't even change. It was as if he hadn't heard.

"Daddy, say something!" she said, nearing tears, fearing that her father was angry.

"Since when?" was the first words he spoke.

Gabby sighed, and rolled her eyes. "For as long as I can remember!" she said, exasperated.

"Why didn't you tell me before now?" he asked, gently.

"Because I didn't know how you'd react, or what you'd think of me," she admitted. "Dakota offered to tell you first, to see how you felt about it."

George glanced at me, and with the power that a father has, he looked in my eyes and instantly knew my feelings for his daughter. I caught a small smile on his face, before he turned back to Gabby, and said, "I'm sorry, Gabrielle. If I would've known that, I would have never set you up with John. I'd have talked to Kelly!" he exclaimed, and Gabby rolled her eyes, and blushed a little, but smiled.

"So, you really don't mind?" she asked, and George shook his head, opening his arms for a hug from his daughter.

"No, I don't mind," he smiled, giving Gabrielle a strong hug. "I want you to stay with Dakota until I'm sure John won't come back here. She has the right idea, keeping you safe by getting you out of the house for a while," he said, and Gabby smiled at me, nearly making my heart stop just by her beauty and innocence.

"That is, if Dakota doesn't mind," said George, and I grinned.

"No problem at all," I said. "In fact, I should probably head back pretty soon. Whenever you're ready," I added, looking towards Gabby.

"Everything I need is still at your place," she said, standing beside me. "I guess we can go, then. Thank you for understanding, Daddy," she said, fondly, giving her father another hug before we left.

"Call if you need anything," I said, walking out the door.

"I'm so glad he's okay with it," said Gabby, as we drove back to my house. "And I can't believe he was so accepting of me."

"I'm glad it all turned out okay," I said, and she turned to me, her green eyes gentle but serious.

"Thank you, Dakota," she said, "for telling him about yourself first, just to make sure I would be all right. I appreciate that."

I shrugged. "Don't worry about it," I said. The rest of the time was spent in silence, as I debated whether or not to have that talk with Gabby that I had mentioned.

Well, since you brought it up, I'm sure she'll call you on it, CJ said.

Yeah, probably. I was just going to tell her how I feel, in case her father was angry enough to ban me from seeing her, she would know how much I care.

And you still want to do that?

Yes, I responded, I guess I do. Maybe she feels the same way.

With those hopeful thoughts in mind, I was quick to sit down on the couch as soon as I arrived home, and then beckon Gabby over to me. She sat beside me, and I turned to face her - she did the same, as if she knew it was serious.

"You said we needed to talk," she urged, and I nodded, suddenly losing my nerve.

"Right, talk," I said, and took a deep breath. "Okay. I said I cared for you, and I do. I, uh, I just wanted you to know how much. I was going to tell you in case your father decided to ban me or something, but just because that didn't happen, doesn't mean I don't want you to know how I feel," I finished, quietly.

Gabby smiled, her green eyes sparkling. "And I also meant it when I said I cared for you," she said. "I know we just met a few days ago, but I feel like I've known you forever. I've never felt so comfortable around anyone after such a short time," she said, and I nodded.

"I… I want to protect you as much as I can," I said, suddenly. "Uh…" I stuttered, having something else to say but not knowing how to tell her. "God, I haven't been this nervous in a long time," I admitted, and she put her hand over my own.

"Just tell me," she said, softly.

I smiled at her as my fears were instantly quelled. "I really like you," I confessed. There, I had said it. Now I just had to wait for her reaction.

Which was to kiss my cheek. "I really like you, too," she said, smiling, and I pulled her into a hug. "Is that what you wanted to talk about?"

I nodded. "Yeah," I said. "When we were at your house, and I put my arm around you, and held your hand, and things like that, I wanted to make sure you knew how I felt. That, and I wondered if you felt the same way," I added.

"Well, I do," she said, as her stomach growled, demanding lunch.

"What do you say we feed that monster?" I offered, and she laughed, allowing me to help her to her feet as we entered the kitchen. Gabby made macaroni and cheese, saying that Nicholas could finish up what was left if he was hungry when he came home, or wanted lunch one afternoon.

"That way he won't have to be subjected to your cooking," she said, and I swatted her arm, but smiled.

"Thank you for thinking of him," I said, and Gabby grinned. She had just leaned over to give me a kiss when the door burst open, and Nick ran in, not knowing what he had just interrupted.

"Hi!" he said, exuberantly. "Mom, guess what? Billy gave me his Charmander for my Weedle, and…" the boy went on and on about his Pokémon cards that he and his friend had traded back and forth, while I just smiled and nodded in appropriate places, not really having the slightest clue of what he was talking about.

Nick finds the most wonderful times to make an entrance, said CJ, sweetly.

And he knows just what to interrupt. My first kiss with Gabby - ugh! I complained, and CJ just laughed at me.

There was a knock on the door, although it was still open from my son's entrance. "Sorry about that," said Jessica. "Did he startle you?"

"He's fine," I said. "Thank you for bringing him home, but we weren't expecting him for a while yet."

Jessica frowned. "You didn't get my message?" she asked, and I glanced over at my answering machine, it's light blinking away. I had been so preoccupied with my discussion with Gabby that I hadn't even bothered to check for messages. "I called to let you know that he wanted to come home early," she added.

"No, I haven't checked messages, yet," I said, and Jessica said her good-byes, while Nicholas politely thanked her for letting him stay, and the woman was gone.

"Gabby, you've got to come see my room!" he exclaimed, dragging the woman by the hand. I caught her eye, but she smiled at me, so I knew she didn't mind. I finished my portion of the macaroni, and set hers in the microwave, knowing how long Nick would be, when he was explaining his hobby to a guest.

Gabby sat down on the youngster's bed, as he enthusiastically told her more about trading cards than she'd ever need to know. But the blonde was polite, and feigned interest, smiling in spite of herself at the boy's happiness.

Suddenly, he sat down next to her. "You like my mom," he said, bluntly, "and she likes you." Gabby said nothing, but hoped the flush she felt rise to her cheeks was not noticeable to the young man. "Now, you go out there, and you tell her I said that you guys have to kiss!"

Gabby's jaw dropped. "I, uh, I can't do that, Nick!" she protested.

"Why not? I'm sorry for coming in like that, I didn't mean to interrupt you guys," he said, and now the blonde woman was sure her entire face had to be turning several shades of red. Nicholas was much more intelligent - and perceptive - than she had originally thought.

"But this way you can continue what you started!" he said, encouragingly.

"Nick, if you don't mind my asking, why are you so determined that you get your mother and I together?" she asked, gently.

Nicholas sighed. "My mom hasn't been happy with anybody in a long time. She doesn't laugh very often, but she does with you. You make her happy, that's why. I could see it, even just the little bit I've been around you guys. So, go tell her I told you that you had to kiss her!" he insisted.

The woman took a deep breath, gathered her courage, and walked out into the living room, where I was sitting, watching TV, trying to find a channel that didn't have a commercial on.

"Dakota, I need to talk to you," she said, and I immediately turned to face her, following her with my eyes as she came to sit beside me.

"What is it?" I asked. She seemed… flustered.

"Your son," she began, "is much more observant than I gave him credit for. He, uh, he wants me to tell you that he said we have to kiss."

I blushed.

CJ laughed. I always knew Nick got his bluntness from you!

CJ, this isn't funny, I said, sternly. Nick may like it, but I don't want to push Gabby into something she's not ready for. Understand?

"Yeah, that's Nick," I said, my face still feeling red. Suddenly, someone tapped my shoulder. I turned to see my son, standing behind the couch, hands on hips, tapping his foot impatiently.

"Well? Kiss already!" he proclaimed, and I glanced nervously over at Gabby, who felt just as awkward as I did, I'm sure. I leaned towards her, and gave her a small peck on the lips.

Nicholas let out an exasperated sigh. "Oh, for crying out loud! You can do better than that!" he said.

Shooting a glance at my son, and reminding myself to thank him later, I captured the blonde's soft lips with my own, and we stayed like that for several seconds; until Nicholas turned away, satisfied.

After I heard my son retreat to his room, I reached up and cupped my hand around the side of Gabby's face, gently.

"Sorry about the audience," I said, as we pulled back.

Smiling, Gabby leaned in for one more quick kiss, before stretching out on the couch and placing her head in my lap. "It's okay," she said, "just so long as he doesn't make a habit of it."

I laughed, and we turned our attention to the TV, which had finally resumed showing its regular program.

Suddenly, Gabby snickered. I raised an eyebrow at her, and she smiled. "I just realized that Nick called me Gabby," she said, and I raised my eyebrow further, as if to say 'So?' "You and he are the only two people I allow to call me that."

I grinned, and kissed her forehead. "Well, Nick will be glad to know he's privileged, and so am I," I said, and she laughed, before turning back to the show.

That night, Nick, Gabby, and I had Chinese food for dinner, and we all sat around the kitchen table. I couldn't remember the last time I had had a real "family" dinner around the table. It was nice.

The week passed by quickly, and before I knew it, it was Friday. I decided to stop in at work, since I had spent nearly every day since Tuesday with my son, either at the park or the arcades. Gabby joined us, as well, and had a good time.

Nicholas was staying with Billy for the day, and Gabby opted to go with me. As I walked into Joe's Auto Shop, with Gabrielle close behind me, I heard David call, "Hey, blue eyes!"

I turned to embrace my friend with a quick hug. The man was about 5'9'', with a thick crop of shaggy brown hair, and gentle light brown eyes. He smiled at Gabby, and introduced himself.

"Hi, I'm David," he said, in his deep voice that Gabby recognized.

"Nice to meet you," she said. "I'm Gabrielle."

"I know," said the broad-shouldered, well-built man, "I've heard a lot about you." I rolled my eyes at this, and David chuckled. "Dakota, Joe wants to talk with you." I nodded, and walked into Joe's office, offering Gabby the only other chair in the room besides the big one the boss used.

I took that one, since the man was nowhere in sight.

"Dakota, should you be sitting in that?" asked Gabby.

I shook my head. "Nope," I said, but made no move to get up, and she laughed.

"You could come and sit in this chair," she said, standing. I went over and did just that, before pulling her down onto my lap.

"But then you'd have nowhere to sit," I murmured, wrapping my arms around her waist, and she giggled.

"Oh, I don't know," she mused, as I kissed her cheek, "this is as fine a place to sit as any." She leaned into me, and turned so we could share a heartfelt kiss. We hadn't gone to any of the big stuff yet - still lip-to-lip closed mouth kisses - but that was okay by me. I didn't want to rush her, and taking it slow was fun, too.

"Ahem," said a voice, and we jumped apart, my eyes widening as I realized my boss had walked in to find me kissing a woman, as she sat on my lap, no less!

Oh, this should be fun to watch! said CJ, excitedly.

CJ, will you shut up? I could lose my job, if Joe is homophobic, I replied.

"Well," Joe said, Gabby still too numb to move from my lap, and my heart racing too fast for me to think straight, "I guess this would explain why I could never catch your eye, wouldn't it, Dakota?"

I groaned, and buried my head in Gabby's shoulder as the blonde laughed. My boss always considered himself a ladies' man. "Hi, Joe," I mumbled, my words nearly unintelligible, as I had yet to look my boss in the face.

The tall blonde man, with an even better build than David, chuckled his hello, and then sat behind his desk. "Sorry about startling you guys," he said, "but I couldn't resist."

"How long were you watching?" I asked, guiltily.

"Since you came in and sat down in my chair," he said, and I groaned, again. "So, this is the beautiful reason you've been gone all week."

I smiled, as Gabby blushed. "Yep," I said, allowing her to get up. She moved to my side, and I took her hand in my own as she stood. "Do you want to sit here?" I offered, but she shook her head, and I shrugged.

"How's Nick doing?" Joe asked, and I grinned.

"He's great, thanks," I replied. "He's staying at a friend's house today." My boss and I chatted for a while, Gabby joining in where she could, and it was decided I would return Tuesday, since Monday was Labor Day.

"Go on out, I'll be there in a minute," I said, and Gabby nodded, waiting for me just outside the door. "Joe," I said, turning to the man, "thanks for being so understanding. I wasn't sure how you'd react," I admitted.

The man just smiled, his hazel eyes soft. "I would have let you guys continue, but a few people were around, so I figured I'd break it up before anyone got wise to it," he explained.

I returned the grin. "Thanks," I said, again, and shook his hand.

"Go," he said, "she's waiting for you. Take care of her," he added.

"I will," I promised, as I walked with Gabby back out to my truck.

David pulled me aside for a moment as I walked outside, and said, "Told you so. Wasn't even two days, was it?"

He knows you too well, said CJ.

Shaking my friend off with a grin, I joined Gabby, who was waiting patiently by my truck. Climbing in, I drove straight home, since I was expecting Nicholas back anytime.

"Anytime" turned out to be about twenty minutes after we returned home. Gabby and I were sitting on the couch, both quite oblivious to anything except each other as we cuddled, when Nicholas slipped in the door. He succeeded in being quiet enough to glide into his room undetected, but Jessica followed him in the house, unbeknownst to either Gabby or myself.

The blonde looked up at me, and smiled, so I leaned down for a kiss. As soon as our lips met, I heard a *thud* as something fell on the floor, and jerked my head up to see who was in the house. To my surprise, and fear, there stood Jessica Moore, eyes wide and jaw on the ground. On the floor was a box for Nick, a souvenir from the amusement park where they had spent the day, which Jessica had been bringing in to him, but dropped in her shock.

I leapt up from the couch. "Jessica," I said, and it seemed to bring her out of her daze with a start.

"Oh! Oh, I… I'm sorry, I," she stuttered, clumsily picking up the box. I walked towards her, and she shoved it into my hands, before backing away. I couldn't help noticing that she wiped her palms on her jeans as she moved away from me.

"Nick forgot his game in the car," she said, quickly, turned on her heel, and left.

"Damn," I swore, running a hand through my hair. By the woman's reaction, I could only guess that Nick had just lost his friend.

"I'm sorry," said Gabby, coming up behind me.

I turned to her, and gave her a hug, saying, "It's not your fault, baby. It doesn't really bother me that she knows; what bothers me is that she may not let Nick see Billy again."

"But, that's not right!" she protested, and I agreed.

"I know," I sighed, "but I've had this problem before, when Nick was younger. He made a few friends, and then, one way or another, those kids' parents would find out that I was gay, and wouldn't let their children be around Nicholas. It's not fair, but it's just the way some people are," I explained.

"Should we tell Nick?" she asked, and I shook my head.

"Not unless he mentions something," I said. "Besides, they'll still see each other in school, I'm sure." She nodded, and went back to the couch, while I brought Nicholas' game to him.

"Here you go, Nick," I said, and he smiled up at me.

"Thanks, mom," he said, and then frowned. "Is everything okay?" he asked, and I sighed. Gabby was right; he was more perceptive than I gave him credit for.

"Jessica saw Gabby and I together," I explained, and he hung his head.

"This means I won't be able to go over to Billy's house," he said, sadly. This had happened enough times, and he knew the drill. "Mom, why do people do this?"

"Because they think it's wrong for two women, or two men, to be together," I said. We'd had this conversation before, but it had been a while. "And, when they find out that I prefer to be with women, they decide to take it out on the kids."

"Mom, can you maybe talk to Mrs. Moore?" he pleaded. "Billy's the best friend I've ever had! Please, mom?"

I sighed, and drew my son into a hug, upon noticing that his blue eyes were filling with unshed tears. "I'm sorry it has to be like this, kiddo," I murmured into his hair, knowing he couldn't hear me, but also knowing he could feel my breath. I hoped it would comfort him - it always did when he was younger.

I pulled back, and signed, "I'll try, okay? I don't know if she'll talk to me, but I'll call Jessica and give it a shot." He grinned, wiped his tears, and nodded.

Giving the boy one more smile, I left his room, and collapsed on the couch with a sigh.

"Is everything okay?" asked Gabby, taking my hand.

I shook my head. "Nick just asked me to call Jessica and talk to her about letting Nicholas and Billy remain friends. I told him I'd try," I said, and Gabby gave me an encouraging smile as I picked up the phone.

"Hello?" answered a voice; Mr. Moore.

"Hi, William," I said. "Is Jessica there?"

"Who's this?" asked the man.

"This is Dakota," I said, and waited for the long line of expletives, or the shouting, or the dial tone. But I didn't get any of those. Only a: "Hang on a second." Surprised, but pleased, I waited patiently for Jessica to pick up the phone.

"Hello?" said Jessica, and I took a deep breath.

"Jessica, this is Dakota," I said, and she said nothing. "Listen, I was hoping that, despite the obvious dislike you have for me, Billy and Nick could continue to be friends. They really seem to enjoy each other's company, and it wouldn't be right to keep them apart, simply because I prefer to be with a woman," I said.

"Now you listen to me," she started, and I knew I was in for it. "I don't want your son anywhere near my Billy, do you understand me? I'll even change his teacher, if it means your boy won't be around him, because I don't want your filth to corrupt my son."

She makes it sound like it's contagious, I thought.

"Jessica, just because I am gay does not mean that my son is," I said, but the line was already dead; she had hung up on me after having her say. I sighed deeply as I returned the phone to the base.

"Now comes the hard part," I said, standing.

This sucks, said CJ, quietly, and I agreed.

Gabby stood for a moment, also, and gave me a strong hug, asking, "Do you want me to go with you?" She knew what I had to do - I had to tell my son that because of me, he had just lost a best friend.

I shook my head, but kissed her forehead. "No, thanks," I said. "I've got to do this on my own." She nodded, and sat back down on the couch. Gathering my courage, I entered my son's room, and sat down on his bed.

He joined me not long after. "Well?" he asked, expectantly. As soon as I put my hand on his shoulder, the tears started to fall, because he knew that meant I had failed. I gathered him into a hug, and held him as he sobbed, shedding a tear myself, at the sound of my son's sorrow.

"I'm sorry, baby," I said, still holding him tightly. I felt terrible.

"How come people are like that, mom?" he asked.

"That's called being prejudice," I explained. "Do you know what that means?" He shook his head. "It's when you don't like somebody just because they're not the same as you. Some people are prejudice against people who have different colored skin, or talk with an accent, or are gay, like me," I added, and he nodded.

"But why are they prejudice?" he asked, finger-spelling the unfamiliar word as best he could. I decided not to correct him just yet, since the discussion we were having was a little more serious than a spelling lesson. I figured I could wait to tell him "prejudice" does not have a G or an S.

"I don't know for sure, Nick," I admitted. "Sometimes it's because they were taught to be that way, from their parents, and other times, it's just the way they are. But I don't want you to be prejudice of anyone for anything, okay?"

"I'm not," he said, seriously. "A lot of my friends are black, or hearing, or whatever, but I don't care. Adults can be ignorant, can't they, mom? I mean, they're older, and they're prejudice, but I'm just a little kid, and I am more understanding than they are," he said.

I grinned, and kissed his cheek. "Don't ever change, Nicholas," I said. "You're so intelligent, you surprise me sometimes." He smiled. "And it's good to be so open-minded," I added, "it means you'll have lots of friends, because you won't turn anyone down just because they're different."

That done, he went back to his computer, where he was installing his new game, and I left him, feeling proud that I had such a mature son. I returned to the living room, and sat back down next to Gabby.

"How'd it go?" she asked, gently.

"Okay, I guess," I said, shrugging. "Nick cried a little, and asked me why people were prejudice. He decided that he isn't prejudice, and never will be," I said, smiling a little.

But my grin faded. "I feel horrible," I admitted, and Gabby took my hand. "Because of me, my son lost a best friend. Jessica even said she'd change Billy's teacher so Nick wouldn't be around him, which means they won't be together at school. I hurt my little boy," I said, and as a tear made its way, unbidden, down my face, Gabby pulled me into a hug.

"It's not your fault," she said. "You didn't make Jessica walk in, you tried to talk with her, and you helped Nicholas understand what's going on and why. You've done all you can, Dakota," she finished.

Extricating myself from her arms, I kissed her nose, and then patted Apollo on the head, since the dog had come up beside me, wondering why I was upset. "Thanks, guys," I said, and Gabby laughed. Nothing more was said of Billy Moore or his parents.

The next day, Saturday, I decided to take Gabby and Nick to the park, because Nicholas would be going back to his grandmother's house that night. I always took him back to my mother's home on Saturday night, so he could work on any homework he had for school, since he never brought his school papers to my house.

It was sunny and warm, so we were all dressed in shorts and T-shirts. I gave Nick the choice of walking or driving, and he opted to walk, because it was so pretty outside.

As we walked along, Nick holding my hand and Gabby standing close to me, careful not to take my hand for fear of upsetting any passers-by, Nicholas suddenly tugged on my hand.

"What is it?" I asked him.

"That's Billy!" he signed, pointing to the young man, who stood at the corner with his mother. Apparently, we weren't the only ones heading to the park. I watched as Jessica hit the WALK button, and then signed for Billy to go ahead. She was about to follow him, when we approached her, and she gave me a hard look; trying to stare me down, I guess.

Hearing a horn honk, I glanced to the road, as did Jessica, and the woman screamed. Billy, oblivious to the fact that his mother was not behind him, was walking happily along, stopping in the middle of the street to examine something interesting he found on the ground, but the sign had since changed from WALK to DONT WALK. A speeding Semi was barreling down the road, but the young man did not hear the horn.

Just as the truck was nearly upon him, Billy felt the vibrations, and turned to face the large grill of the vehicle, frightened into immobilization.

Shit!

I sprinted from the sidewalk, grabbed the child in my arms, and fell onto my back instead of rolling as my momentum carried us out of the path of the truck. I was forced to slide on my back, because rolling meant I could injure the young boy in my arms, which was the last thing I wanted to do.

I skid quite a few yards on my back, still holding the frightened boy in my arms, curling my knees toward my chest so as to protect him further, before coming to a stop. Easing myself and my charge into a sitting position, the boy wrapped his arms around my neck, before pulling back and thanking me profusely, both in sign language and by throwing his arms around my neck in fierce hugs of gratitude.

I hid my grimace of pain as I stood, taking the boy's hand in my own, and walked him back over to the sidewalk, where his mother was anxiously waiting.

Jessica had tears in her eyes, and they spilled over as she held her boy in her arms. Gabby ran over to me, worry written all over her face.

"Dakota!" she exclaimed. "Are you okay?"

I nodded. "Yeah, I'm fine," I said. She didn't believe me, and walked around so she could inspect my back.

"Oh, Dakota," she murmured, and I knew that couldn't be good. "You're shirt is ruined," she said. "Come on, we need to get you home, where I can fix up your back. You may need stitches for a few of these," she added.

I held up a hand, telling her to wait, and then walked over to where Jessica was still fussing over Billy.

"Are you all right?" I asked the boy, and he nodded, smiling up at me. Jessica stood to face me.

"Thank you," she said, and I would have shrugged, but my back hurt too much, so I just nodded.

"It's okay," I said, and met her eyes as I continued. "I'm sure you would have done the same thing for Nicholas."

Her gaze fell to the ground, and I knew she'd have had no such thought of saving the lesbian's son.

CJ snickered, coldly. Yeah, right. That close-minded nitwit doing anything for Nicholas? Why, that would mean she'd be near a relative of the lesbian who has absolutely no interest in her whatsoever… the horror!

I hid my grin at CJ's sarcasm.

"I'm sorry," she mumbled, and Gabby came up to my side, tugging on my arm for us to go home.

"Dakota, come on," she said, softly. "Please, Dakota, you're hurt." No longer caring who was around or who was watching, the blonde raised herself on her tiptoes, and kissed me. "Please, let's go home." Well, who was I to argue with that?

Nicholas tapped Billy's mother on the arm, and signed, "You're prejudice. Even I know that being different doesn't matter."

"I'm sorry," said Jessica, louder, before I turned away. "I had no right to say those things to you. You saved my son, Dakota. And, seeing you and Gabby together, I realize that you're no different than William and myself.

"You and she care for one another," the brunette said, and was going to continue, but I cut her off.

"Jessica, how you feel about me doesn't matter," I said. "You could hate my guts for all I care, and think I'm an unnatural freak just because of who I choose to be with."

Love, I added in my mind, and CJ sighed heavily at my choice of words.

"But it is not right for you to punish the children for your prejudice beliefs," I said. "If you never speak to me again, at least let Nick continue to be around Billy. They enjoy each other's company, and we both know our kids don't make friends easily. Don't take away their happiness," I finished, and turned to go.

"Dakota, wait," called the woman. "You're right. I was wrong, and I really am sorry. Why don't you let Nick come to the park with Billy and I, and you can let Gabby clean your wounds?" she offered, and I nodded, motioning to my son that he could go with the Moores.

"Thanks, Jessica," I said, and she smiled, before leading the kids across the crosswalk, each one holding her hand tightly.

"So, how bad is it?" I asked Gabby, as we walked the half-mile home.

"It's bad," she sighed. "The asphalt really did a number on your back. That was a very brave thing that you did," she added, and I smiled.

"Yeah, well, I just did it to impress you," I joked, and she gently slapped my arm.

"I'm serious," she said. "You saved Billy's life, Dakota. And what's more, you made Jessica rethink her attitude."

"All in all," I said, wincing as the pain started to become more intense with each step, "a fine day's work." The blonde just laughed, and helped me inside, immediately stripping me of my shirt as soon as the door was closed. I raised an eyebrow, suggestively, and she rolled her eyes at me.

"Don't go getting any ideas," she said, and I decided she looked cute when she turned three shades of red. "This is only for medicinal purposes." I nodded, as if to say, "Yeah, sure", and received another slap on the arm.

"Now," she said, "I'm only going to unhook this. You can still keep it on."

"Oh, but, why?" I whined, jokingly, as she unclasped my bra to examine the full extent of my injuries. Gently, she took a wet paper towel, and patted it over my wounds. I gritted my teeth, and flinched, but did not say a word.

Once they were clean to her satisfaction, she put an antibiotic ointment over my entire back, and then redid my bra, saying, "Well, I don't think you'll need stitches, but you're going to be sore for a while."

I nodded, and stood, carefully, before moving to kiss her, softly. "Thank you," I said, and she smiled. I lifted my shirt, and glanced at it, my eyes widening when I saw that it was indeed ruined; the back had been torn to shreds.

I had just laid down for a nap, the adrenaline from running in front of a speeding truck the size of a house having worn off, when the phone rang. Grumbling, I picked it up, trying not to wake Gabby, who had fallen asleep beside me.

"Hello?" I answered.

"Dakota, this is Jessica," said the woman, and I sighed.

"Hey."

"I was just calling to offer to take Nicholas over to his grandmother's tonight," she said. "He says he knows the way, and doesn't want you to drive because of your back."

I paused for a moment, thinking it over. Then, I said, "Yeah, I guess it's all right. Just give him my love, and tell him I'll talk to him later. Thanks, Jessica," I added.

"You're welcome," said the woman. "Take care. Bye." I hung up the phone, and was glad to hear the familiar snore I had come to love - Gabby hadn't been bothered by the noise.

Is she ever bothered by anything when she's asleep? asked CJ, and I laughed. You know, she's right. That was a cool thing you did, saving that kid and all.

Thanks, CJ, I said. Next time I go jumping out into the middle of the road, remind me to wear shoulder pads and armor. My shoulders were sore, as were the rest of my muscles, from cramping when I fell. Taking a deep breath, I closed my eyes, and was asleep before I knew it.

The next time I woke up, it was four in the afternoon. My room was strangely silent. I glanced around, not hearing the soft snore from the blonde, and then I realized she was no longer sleeping next to me - my bed had but a sole occupant.

"Gabby?" I called, finding any movement to be painful, as my back had started to scab over, and the skin was dry.

The blonde came rushing into my room, helping me sit up as she asked, "What is it? Are you okay?"

I nodded. "Yeah, I'm fine. I just woke up and didn't see you. I wanted to make sure you were okay," I admitted, and she kissed my cheek.

"You're sweet," she said. "I was making dinner, are you hungry?" I nodded enthusiastically, and she laughed. "How does ham, vegetables, and a salad sound?"

"Delicious," I responded.

"It should be done in just a minute," said the blonde. "You can take a few minutes to wake up, if you need. I'll be in the kitchen if you need anything," she added, and then hurried off to check on the meal.

I shook my head, smiling, as I realized that my house had been taken over. I no longer did any of the cooking or cleaning, not that I ever did, but Gabby insisted on doing things for me. It was nice to be taken care of, and she did a great job.

Dakota, what are we going to do when she goes back to her dad's? chimed CJ, and I sighed.

What is it with you and ruining nice thoughts? I asked, but answered her question. We'll just have to get along without her.

And we can do that? Come on, Dakota! We're both getting a little used to this treatment, she said, and I knew she was right. Gabby was spoiling me. Not that I was complaining, mind you, I just didn't want to impose on the kind-hearted woman.

I stretched my back, slowly and gently, getting it used to moving again. When I could walk without too much pain, I entered the kitchen, where a bunch of nice aromas were making me hungrier than I already was.

"Smells good," I said, sitting at the table as Gabby served the food. She took three pieces of ham for herself, and gave me two, since she went back for a third but I stopped her. I received a spoonful of vegetables and a small salad, while Gabby got twice as much.

Once again, I marveled at how much the petite woman could pack away.

"Gabby, you're not, perchance, starving, are you?" I teased, and she gave me a wry look, before breaking into a grin.

"Nope! Not anymore," she added, and I laughed. We made small talk throughout dinner, more or less discussing Nicholas and how grown-up he seemed to be.

"I'm glad Joe accepts us," I said, as I cleared the table. "If he didn't, I could have lost my job."

Gabby nodded. "We're going to have to be more careful, and pay more attention to where we are," she said, and I agreed.

Ambling over to her, I put my hands on her waist, and leaned down towards her, mumbling, "Well, there's no one here but us." She met my lips for a kiss, which lasted a few seconds, and then deepened. The kiss was soft, and gentle, and caring, but it was fierce and passionate at the same time. I didn't want it to end.

CJ, can I do this forever? I asked, and the voice just mumbled something about my pathetic romantic tendencies, but I ignored her.

"Uh, wow," was all I said, as we pulled back. "So, was it good for you?" I joked, quirking a grin.

Gabby looked me square in the eye, and with a mischievous expression, said, "I don't know. I think I have to try it again to be sure." All too happy to oblige, I captured her mouth again, and before I knew it, we had somehow managed to make our way to my bedroom without ever unlocking our lips.

Once inside the room, I led her to my bed, where I decided I had to lay down before my knees gave out on me from my lightheadedness. Gabby also laid down, and I climbed up over top of her, supporting myself with my arms as I admired her.

"I don't want to do anything you don't want me to do," I told her, before I made another move. "And I don't want you to do more than you want to do. You say the word, and we'll stop, okay? No questions asked, it's up to you," I added, and she nodded, slightly.

Her emerald eyes were bright, but she also seemed nervous. I kissed her softly, before moving on to her neck.

"Dakota… stop," she said, and I immediately halted my exploration, glancing down at her, worried.

"Okay," I said, "it's okay. We don't have to."

"It's not that," she said, "I'm just worried about your back."

I held back a sigh. At that moment, my back was the last thing on my mind, and I felt no pain. "I'm fine," I said, and continued where I had left off.

"No, wait," she said, and I stopped again, as soon as she spoke.

"What?" I asked, softly. "If I'm going too fast, I can…"

"It's not that," she said, and looked away from me. I wondered what was wrong. "It's not that I don't want to, I do, it's just… I… well, I…" she stumbled.

Whatever she was trying to tell me, it was obviously important to her. "Gabby, go ahead," I said, kissing her forehead. "What is it?"

"I've never…" she began, but her voice trailed off as she became embarrassed.

I smiled, lovingly. "That's all right," I assured her. "We can do as much or as little as you want, okay? And you can set the pace."

What, are you nuts? demanded CJ. You get this close, after this long, and you tell her you're willing to wait? You've finally lost it!

Lost what? I sighed.

Your backbone! Well, maybe your marbles, but mainly your backbone! You used to take whatever you wanted from whoever you wanted! You've lost that edge, she whined.

I may have lost my backbone but I've found my heart, I said, and that shut her up.

She smiled, still a little nervous. "Thank you," she said, but I'm not sure what to do. You've… done this before?" she asked, and I nodded, hesitantly.

"Yes," I replied. "… Does that bother you?"

Gabby paused for a moment, considering. "No, I guess not," she said, and then she chuckled. "At least one of us should be good at it, I suppose."

I laughed. "Hey, I never said I was good at it," I said, and she smiled.

"I'll be the judge of that," she said, suddenly serious, pulling me down towards her for another kiss.

"Are you okay, my angel?" I asked, smiling a little as I lay beside her a while later, both of us taking a moment to regain our breath. My grin faded instantly when I noticed the tears streaming down her face. "Gabby? Hey, are you all right?" Fearing that I had hurt her, I gathered her into my arms, and held her for a moment, before she pulled away.

"I'm wonderful, Dakota," she said, kissing me.

"Gabby, you don't have to," I told her, when it was obvious she wanted to reciprocate.

"I'm a quick study," she grinned, and I felt my heart melt. I was lost to an angel, I knew.

I woke up, after an exhausted sleep, and reached my arm out for Gabby, who I expected to be right next to me, since that's where she had fallen asleep. To my concern, the bed was minus a certain blonde.

"Gabby?" I asked, grabbing a robe from my closet as I wandered out into the living room.

Shit, CJ! What if I pushed her into something she wasn't ready for?

Hey, you gave her a dozen chances to stop, she reminded.

Yeah, but you know her. She'd probably go along with anything I said, just because it would make me happy, I said. She's always worried about someone else's feelings.

I was about to call for her again, when my ears picked up the familiar snore of my young blonde lover. Peeking over the back of the couch, I found the woman I sought, curled up in a ball on the couch, shivering and nude, and yet sound asleep.

Smiling to myself, I went into my room, retrieved the blanket form my bed, and brought it back out. I wrapped the cover around her, managed to climb in behind her and wrap my arm around her waist without waking her up, and I closed my eyes, falling asleep with my arm around an angel.

I awoke the next morning to the sound of… no, not music - something much more soothing and pleasant to the ear. At least, as far as I was concerned. I awoke to the sound of Gabby breathing.

Grinning, I realized that sometime during the night, she had gripped my arm tighter around her waist, placing her hands over my own. I kissed her cheek, softly, and tried to figure out how I could get out of her death-grip without disturbing her.

"Hi," she mumbled, and my blue eyes met a pair of groggy, yet happy, green ones.

"Hi, yourself," I replied, kissing her softly. "How'd you get out here?"

"I was too wound up to sleep, so I came out to watch some TV," she explained. "I cut it off just before I fell asleep, I guess."

"How are you feeling?" I asked, concerned. I had been as gentle as was humanly possible, but I still worried about hurting her.

She turned in my arms as she smiled. "Perfect," she responded, bringing her nose to touch my nose, rolling over so she was on top of me. "For being so tall and strong, you certainly are gentle."

"I'm glad," I said.

"It wasn't at all like I thought it would be," she said, and I guess I must have looked a little dejected, because she quickly kissed my lips and said, "I didn't mean it the way it sounded, love. You were wonderful." I smiled. "It's just that I had been told it would hurt, but you made sure I was comfortable."

"I am very happy that you allowed me to be your first," I told her.

"So am I," she said. Gabby leaned down to kiss me, but thought better of it, and pulled back at the last second. I looked up at her, puzzled. "I meant to tell you before: you are quite good at it."

I raised an eyebrow, too amused by her choice of words to be embarrassed, and said, "Yeah, well, you're not half bad yourself."

Gabby and I spent the rest of the day making love, and most of Monday, as well. Our schedule went something like this: sleep, eat…

CJ snickered. Yeah, eat…

No, not that, CJ, I sighed. Get your mind, or my mind, out of the gutter, will you?

…and make love. All in all, I couldn't complain. Come Monday afternoon, however, I offered to take Gabby out to dancing, dinner, and a movie.

"Really?" she asked, and I nodded. "That'd be great!" she exclaimed, happily.

"I know of a bar we can go to, if you don't mind," I added, and she shook her head. "Okay. We can dance there, then go out to dinner, and then see a movie. How about it?" I laughed when she nodded, and eagerly pushed me towards the door to get ready.

We were both ready in just a few minutes, and walked out the door at four-thirty. I drove to La Roc, a club I used to frequent every Friday night, until about a month ago.

I walked in, Gabby right behind me, and immediately fell back into the rhythm of my old nightlife.

"Well, if it isn't my old friend JD," said a voice, and I flinched. A tall woman, 5'10'', with long blonde hair, and dark gray-blue eyes, approached me.

"Blair," I replied, curtly, placing my hand on Gabby's shoulder. The small blonde put her arm around my waist, and her green eyes flashed, possessively.

Suddenly, Blair laughed, a shrill sound that I found irritating to my ears. "Oh, no, honey. Relax. I don't want her. She'll come crawling back soon enough," she sneered, and I had the urge to smack the grin off her face. "And the only reason is because I'm a better lay, and that's all you care about," she snarled at me.

I was about to reach out and put my hand around her throat, when Gabby tugged on my arm. "Come on, Dakota. She's not worth it," she said, and I walked with her to the back tables, taking a seat beside her.

"Sorry about that," I said, a little awkwardly.

"That's okay," she shrugged, but I could tell it bothered her a little. The music started, and she looked around, taking in all the people and couples that were there. "Dakota," she said, "this is a…"

"Gay bar? Yes," I answered. "One of two in this town. We can go somewhere else," I offered, quickly, thinking she might be uncomfortable, but she shook her head.

"No, this is okay. I'm going to run to the restroom real fast. I'll be right back," she said, and I nodded as she left.

As I was waving to a few people I knew, I heard someone call my name, and turned. Before I had a chance to say hello, the woman pressed her lips against mine. Just as I recovered my wits enough to pull away, she ended the kiss.

"Well, hello to you, too," I said, and stood to give my friend a hug. "If you'd have been anyone else, Laura, I'd have slapped you!"

"I know," smiled the young brunette. She was short, only 5'2'', but she had a great personality. "How have you been, Dakota? I haven't seen you in a while," she said, her hazel eyes bright.

"I've been great," I said, motioning for her to sit down. "How about you? What are you up to, nowadays?"

She grinned. "Oh, same old, same old," she said. "I've moved in with Chris, and she still helps me out down at the bookstore. We've gotten a lot of business lately," she added.

"That's good," I said, and smiled when my eyes caught Gabby on her way back to the table. Laura followed my gaze, and then turned back to me with a smile. "What?" I demanded.

She just laughed. "You love her, don't you?" was all she asked.

"Am I that obvious?" I asked, sheepishly.

"I'm glad you're happy," Laura said, covering my hand with her own. While Laura and I had never dated, and we had never wished for a relationship with each other, we were good friends, and had been for a few years.

"Listen, I really need to go." Gabby's voice drifted over to me, and I glanced up, frowning when I realized she was trying to politely excuse herself from a woman who was, without a doubt, coming on to her.

I decided to wait a moment, to see if she could handle it on her own, but when the woman's hand went to my love's waist, I was out of my chair like it was on fire. I stood behind the woman, and Gabby hid a smile as she met my eyes.

"My girlfriend really isn't going to be happy about this," she warned. "I suggest you leave."

"And if I don't?" challenged the blonde, who couldn't have been more than 5'6''. Gabby didn't say anything. "You don't have a girlfriend, do you?" Gabby nodded. "Oh?" laughed the woman. "Well then, where is she?"

"Right behind you," smiled Gabby, and the woman turned around, her eyes growing wide when she saw me.

"Hi, sweetheart," I said, going to Gabby's side, and claiming her with a soft kiss. "She bothering you?" I asked, giving the woman The Look that could make grown men piss in their pants - I knew that, I'd done it before. But, that's an entirely different story.

"Uh, I was just leaving," stuttered the woman, bolting for the door. I chuckled, and led Gabby back to the table, where Laura was waiting with a smirk on her face.

"Did you have to scare the crap out of her like that, Dakota?" she asked, and I shrugged.

"Yes." The brunette grinned, and then stood as I made the introductions.

"Nice to meet you," said Laura, and Gabby echoed the same, and then sat down beside me. A slow song started playing, and Laura stood. "I think I'll go see if I can snag Chris and make her dance with me," she said, and I laughed as she left.

"May I have this dance?" asked Gabby, and my mouth went dry when I saw the woman standing over me, her hand extended in her proposal. Nodding, since I felt my voice would betray me, I got to my feet, and she took my hand, leading me to the dance floor.

She wrapped her arms around my waist, pulling me close, and I interlocked my fingers behind her neck, leaning down so our foreheads touched. We spent most of the dance like that, lost in each other's eyes, oblivious to anyone or anything else around us.

Just as another song started up, there was a tap on my shoulder, and I turned, raising an eyebrow at the woman - Laura's girlfriend Chris, as it turned out.

"Yes?" I growled to the woman with black hair, angry at her interruption.

"Mind if I cut in?" she asked, looking pointedly at Gabby. Laura's girlfriend was a nice looking woman, with dark brown eyes, and a nice build - when she wasn't helping Laura at the bookstore she was working out - and was about 5'6''.

I was about to growl a response, when Gabby put her hand on my arm, and smiled, quelling any reply I had to Chris.

"Not at all," the woman said, taking Chris' hand as they moved a little ways away to dance to the next song. I noticed that while the two women were close; Gabby had one hand on the woman's waist and the other clasped politely in Chris' larger hand, while Chris placed her free hand lightly on Gabby's shoulder, Gabby made sure not to get anywhere near the proximity that she and I had been.

So I was calm.

Gabby and Chris talked and laughed, and when the dance was over, Chris came back with the blonde, saying, "I return her to you, safe."

"You'd better," I said, smiling as I held the woman in my arms again. Leaning against me, we more or less stood together and enjoyed the closeness for the next few minutes.

"Would you like something to drink?" I asked her, as we got back to our table, and she nodded.

"Yeah," she said. "A wine cooler would be great, thanks." I nodded, and made my way over to the bar, ordering two wine coolers. After paying, the bartender gave me two coolers and two glasses, and I prepared to return to the table, when a few friends intercepted.

"Dakota! Oh, my God! It's been forever!" a voice exclaimed, and I immediately placed it.

"Mary," I said, kindly, leaning forward a little as the woman kissed my cheek. I had my hands full, otherwise I would have hugged her. The petite 5'4'' brunette had been a friend of mine since high school, but we had fallen out of touch a few years back.

I noticed she had a few others with her, and she introduced me to them. "This is Pauline," she said, gesturing to a redhead, who stood next to a brunette, ogling me. "And this is Missy," said Mary, and the brunette, who was staring at me along with Pauline, acknowledged the introduction with a nod of her head.

"Hi," I said, smiling a little, intending to excuse myself and return to Gabby, who was watching the scene from a distance, I noticed. Mary leaned over and whispered something to the two girls, and they were suddenly all over me, putting their arms around me and draping themselves over my arms.

"Hey," I called, stepping back a little, "back off." Mary came over and placed her hand in my back pocket, as was her custom with anyone she knew, and looked up at me.

"They were just having a little fun, Dakota," she said, pouting.

"Yeah, well, I'm with someone right now," I said, "and I really don't want anyone else."

"Oh, tall, dark, and beautiful finds one, hm?" she asked, and I chuckled at her description of me, leaning on her shoulder as I whispered into her ear.

"The only one," I corrected her, and watched a surprised grin overcome her features.

She draped her arms around my neck, and said, "Congratulations." I allowed her to hang on me for a moment, before turning my head, and seeing a very upset looking Gabby watching the entire interaction.

"Oh, shit," I said, and Mary quickly removed her hands. "I've got to fix this." Mary urged me on, realizing what must have happened, and then led her friends away to another part of the bar.

"Take me home," demanded Gabby, as soon as I reached the table. Before I could say another word, she stormed out of the bar, and I ran after her.

"Gabby, please," I said, but she stood by my truck, looking blankly into nothingness.

"Home," she ordered, and I sighed. Climbing into the truck, I started the engine, and then wondered if I should venture to talk again.

"I know what you think," I began, "and it's not what it looked like."

"Is it ever?" she retorted, and I bit my tongue. We were both silent the rest of the way back to my house, and as soon as I unlocked the door, Gabby ran into the house, and flew into my room, slamming the door.

I paced around my living room for a while, my heart breaking as I heard her sobs. I wasn't exactly sure what I had done wrong, since I figured she would know that she was the only one for me, but I hated seeing her upset. I decided I had to try and fix it.

Time to see if she'll talk to me again, I sighed.

"Gabby?" I asked, knocking on the door, gently. "Listen, I don't know what I did to upset you, but whatever I did, I'll never do it again. I know you haven't eaten all night, so I've ordered Chinese food. I figured the best way to start begging was to fix dinner, but since I want to apologize, and not poison you, I ordered out."

I heard her laugh a little, and the door opened. A small blonde with red, puffy eyes stood in front of me. I took her into my arms, extremely worried that I had irreparably damaged our relationship.

"I'm sorry, honey," I said, softly.

She gave me a wry grin. "You don't even know what you're apologizing for," she said, and I hung my head.

"No, I don't," I admitted. "At least, not specifically, but I did something that upset you, and I'm sorry for that."

"It was just the way you acted around all those women, Dakota," she explained, still standing in front of my bedroom, putting her hands over my own. "You flirted right back with them, and I just got jealous, I guess."

"Gabby, I'm sorry I made you feel that way. But, you have no reason to feel jealous, because you have something they never will," I said, and she rose an eyebrow at me, curious.

"And what's that?" she prodded.

"Me."

Her face became serious, and her eyes became moist again. Worried that I had said something wrong, I went to give her a hug, which she interrupted with a heartfelt kiss.

"You are something else, Dakota, do you know that?" she asked, and I grinned. "That's the sweetest thing anyone's ever said to me."

I smiled. "Good," I said, kissing her nose, causing her to scrunch it up as she smiled, a sight I loved to see, "because it's the truth." Just then, the doorbell rang. "That's dinner!" I exclaimed, leaping for the door.

Once I had the food laid out on the coffee table, I quickly realized that Gabby did not know how to use chopsticks. I offered to help her, but she opted for a fork.

"Oh, come on," I pleaded. "Forks are for wimps. You can do this. Put your finger like this… okay, and now your thumb goes here… yeah, like that!" I instructed her in the steps, and after a few minutes of frustration, she had it.

"There you go!" I said, happily, and she smiled up at me.

"Thanks," she said, and I shrugged. "Do you think we could take a rain-check on that movie?" she asked, and I nodded.

"Sure," I said. "Why don't we stay here tonight, and just relax? We can go to the movies whenever you'd like," I added.

She agreed, and we spent the rest of the evening feeding each other, cuddling, and then falling asleep in each other's arms.

I got up early the next morning to go to work, and made sure I left a note on the kitchen table so she wouldn't worry if she woke up while I was on my run or at work.

Kissing her forehead softly as I got up, I made a quick run around the block a few times. I spent a good ten minutes just holding her in my arms, so I was a little late. Jumping into the shower, I changed into my mechanic's outfit, kissed her once more, and then patted Apollo, telling him to keep an eye on her while I was gone.

I rushed out the door, and drove to Joe's Auto Shop, entering the shop just minutes before Joe pulled up. I let out a sigh of relief - I was safe. Joe hadn't seen me hurry in, so he didn't know I'd been a few minutes late.

The boss sent me to work right away. I stocked shelves for a while, and then worked on a few cars when the male mechanics couldn't figure out what was wrong with them. It was a busy day, and I was extremely happy when I got to leave, because I knew I had someone to come home to.

"Hi!" greeted Gabby, meeting me at the door. "How was your day?"

I grinned, and kissed her quickly, not touching her because I was covered in grease. "Exhausting," I replied. "How was yours?"

"Not too bad," she said. "I hope you don't mind, but I cleaned up a little."

"Thank you, I don't mind at all," I said. "I'm going to take a shower, but I'll be out in a little while, okay?"

She nodded. "Dinner will be ready in twenty minutes," she called after me, as I walked into the bathroom. My coveralls stuck to my back, as my wounds had reopened earlier in the day, due to my lying on the ground as I fixed cars.

Normally, we would jack them up and then stand as we did our inspections or repairs, but all five of our jacks either broke or were too dangerous to work under. A month before, one of the jacks had collapsed, sending the vehicle crashing to the ground. Luckily, no one was underneath it, but it was immediately posted that all jacks were a hazard, and out of order until otherwise notified. So, I was forced to work on my back.

The hot water felt good on my tired skin, but also burned my injuries a little. I decided I would ask Gabby to put more ointment on after dinner, and patted myself dry with a towel. Throwing on a long shirt and a pair of boxers, I wrapped my hair into the towel, set it atop my head, and walked out to the kitchen, where numerous scrumptious aromas were coming from.

Between Gabby and myself, the food was polished off in record time, and the blonde agreed to put more ointment on my back, which caused me to be so relaxed by her massage that I nearly fell asleep as I laid on my bed.

To my pleasant surprise, Gabby opted to sleep in my bed that night, and I had no objections. It was nice to go to sleep with the woman in my arms. We both hit the sack a little early, me because I was tired, and Gabby because she claimed she wasn't feeling real well. The woman looked a little pale, and I hoped she wasn't getting sick.

Just as it was nice to fall asleep with the blonde, it was pleasant to wake up with her right next to me, too. I was careful not to wake her, and I once again hurried off to work, wishing the day would hurry up and be over so I could go home again. It was unusual to have someone to come home to, but it felt good.

Joe let me off a little early, and ordered me to go home and go to bed. I had been a little distracted all day, but only because I had a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach, and I was worried about Gabby. I left at three, and arrived at my house twenty minutes later, hurrying inside to check on my love.

"Gabby?" I called, as I walked through the door. I heard a coughing noise from my bedroom, and peeked in the room, very concerned by what I saw there. Holding herself up on a shaky elbow as she emptied the contents of her stomach into the wastebasket by my bed, was Gabby, her beautiful face covered in a cold sweat and her skin a pasty white.

"Gabby," I said, going to her side, brushing her hair out of her face, and kissing her forehead, only to find that she was burning up. Grabbing a washcloth, I set it in the sink with the cool water running, and then took the thermometer from the medicine cabinet.

"Here," I said, softly, placing the thermometer under her tongue. "Keep that there." She nodded, weakly, and I brought back the cloth. Laying her back on the bed, I adjusted her pillow and the covers, and then took the thermometer from her mouth, holding it to the light: 102.4. Not fatally high, but certainly not good.

"Okay, sweetheart," I said, climbing up next to her, being careful not to move the bed too much and upset her stomach even further, "here you go." I put the cloth on her forehead, and then let her curl up into my side, where she fell into an exhausted sleep.

She slept for a few hours, and so did I, before I got up to refresh the cloth that rested on her head. I woke her up at seven, to ask her how she was feeling and if she wanted any chicken broth, but she shook her head.

"I can't hold it down," she admitted, quietly.

"Well, you need to get something into your system. How about some lemon-lime soda? Or a few saltine crackers?" I offered, but she shook her head, again.

"Please, Dakota, I… I can't," she said, and reached for the basket again, although it was nothing but the dry heaves. I held her, and tried to comfort her as best I could, but I felt helpless.

I did all I could, keeping the cold cloth on her forehead to bring down her fever, which was down to 100.8 by eleven o'clock that evening, and just being there for her when she needed me.

She was still weak the next morning, but she wouldn't let me stay home from work, and urged me to go.

"I'll be fine, Dakota," she insisted. "It must have been the twenty-four hour bug or something. Go." Reluctantly, I left, leaving her with a kiss on her forehead, and orders for Apollo to take good care of her while I was gone.

Once again, I was a little out of it at work, and Joe told me in no uncertain terms that if I didn't get my head out of my ass I'd be in big trouble. That said, I concentrated as best I could on my work, and the day was over soon, thankfully. I rushed home to check on Gabby, who was cooking dinner, and looked healthy, and glad to see me.

"Hi," she greeted, kissing me as I walked in the door. "Thank you for staying with me yesterday."

I smiled. "Anytime."

The next few days were spent getting into a routine, where I would go to work, Gabby would clean or go shopping or just relax, and I would come home to dinner. All in all, I couldn't have been happier. It was kind of a subtle move that the blonde made, from her house to mine, but I wasn't about to complain - I was loving every moment of it.

On Saturday, she called in the rain check for our trip to the movies, and I obliged. "Sure," I said, "which movie?" When neither of us could decide, I simply drove to the theater, and we browsed through until we found something we both thought was interesting - Gladiator.

Satisfied, I paid for the tickets, and then for the loads of junk food that we stocked up on.

"Do you think we can make it all in one trip?" I asked, innocently, and Gabby smirked at me.

"If not, I'm sure you need the exercise," she said, and laughed.

"Why you little…" I growled, and chased her into the theater, causing several people to look at us with annoyance. I ignored them, and we chose a seat in the back, where I could hold her hand and not get strange looks, since the room was not very full.

After the film, which I found to be very good, because it had enough action for Gabby to reach for my hand three times, we decided to walk around outside. I said it was to walk off all that sugar, and Gabby said it was just a nice evening. I really didn't care why we were out there; the only thing that mattered to me was being with Gabby.

As I was walking with Gabby, wandering around the alleyways and side streets which were romantically dimly lit, I took her hand in my own, and smiled when she squeezed it, softly. I returned the gesture, smiling down at her. I was about to lean down for a kiss, when I thought I heard something behind me. Before I could turn around, I felt a sharp pain in the back of my head, and fell to the ground.

Trying to get to my feet, and clear my vision, I was aware of another pain in my side, as whoever the attacker was kicked me with the toe of their boot. I could hear Gabby screaming, and glanced up, trying to make out the fuzzy blur that was my enemy.

"Gabby?" I called, trying to make sure she was okay. That got me a hard slap in the face, and I stumbled, losing the small amount of balance I had left. The man - I had realized by the size of the blur that it was a male - continued to pummel me, hitting my face, stomach, chest, and every other body part.

I was slammed back into a wall, and felt the air in my lungs escape me, leaving me to gasp for a breath.

I managed to weakly stop one punch aimed at my face, and mutter, "What do you want?" The guy had no response, except to knee me in the gut. I dropped to the ground, and he shoved me, hard. I hit my head on the concrete, and blacked out.

The last thing I heard was Gabby screaming for me. I came to for a moment, in time to hear sirens disappear into the distance, and I knew, somehow, that Gabby was in that ambulance.

But there was nothing I could do, as I slumped to the ground, and lost consciousness again.

"Hey, lady," somebody said, and I cracked one eye open, surprised by the amount of pain I was in.

Hey, you're in pain, but we're alive! said CJ.

Yeah, I guess, I sighed. God, I hurt so much. Okay, ouch! CJ, do I have to breathe?

Don't worry, I got the license plate number of that truck, she said.

License plate of the truck? Hell, try the name of the train!

"Are you okay?" the guy asked, and I looked up into the face of an old bearded gentleman with moth-eaten clothes. "Maybe you should go to the doctor. I could get an ambulance," he suggested.

Ambulance… Gabby!!

I pulled myself into as much of a standing position as I could manage, which wasn't much, grabbing the wall and anything else within reach to help me get to my feet, holding my side as it hurt to breathe, and said, "Gabby."

The homeless man looked at me, strangely. "Listen, lady, you're real beat up. You should really go to the hospital. I can show you where to go," he offered, but I ignored him.

Shuffling one foot in front of the other, I took a few steps, wincing as every inch of body - even parts I didn't know I had - cried out in agony. The fact that I didn't fall back down to the ground on my face was a miracle. I staggered out from behind the trash bin, where I had fallen previously, which would explain why the paramedics had only taken Gabby. I started towards the hospital, where I prayed I would find Gabby.

"Hey, you shouldn't be walking!" cried the old man, as I left him behind in the alley. "Hey! Hey! " he yelled, but I didn't pay any attention. I was too busy remaining conscious.

Judging by the pain I was feeling, I guessed I had a few busted ribs, at least one good-sized concussion, a black eye, I felt blood trickle down my face and arm, and the rest of my body was cut and bruised.

All in all, I felt like death warmed over. But all that mattered to me was finding Gabby.

I stumbled down the road, gasping for breath every few steps, trying hard not to pass out. Each step was harder than the last, and I felt that I would never be able to make it. The only thing that kept me going was the need to find Gabby.

After what seemed like an eternity, I saw the glowing building, illuminated by the lights that were my beacon of hope. Entering through the automatic-sliding glass doors of the emergency room, I felt all eyes go to my bleeding and damaged form.

"Gabby," I whispered, as I collapsed on the tile floor.

The next time I opened my eyes, I realized I was lying on my back, in a bed, judging by the softness. Glancing around, I saw monitors and an IV tube, which was connected to my arm. I discovered I was in a hospital room; and still, my only thought was of Gabby.

"Gabby," I said, sitting up.

"Hold on, ma'am," said a nurse, and the brunette tried to get me to lie back down. "You're badly injured, and you're not going anywhere."

"I have to find Gabrielle Johnson," I insisted, talking more than I had in the past few hours, and found myself taking quick, shallow breaths because my ribs hurt too badly for me to breath normally.

"You see?" she said, noticing the way I was breathing. "You can hardly breathe, there's no way you're going anywhere."

I glared at her as I slowly sat up. "I know she's here. Tell me what room she's in, damn it, or I'll go door-to-door in every wing of this hospital until I find her," I said. "And don't tell me I can't, because you saw me walk in here, and you know I'll do it."

The nurse paused, and then nodded. "Let me find out for you," she sighed, and hurried out the door. I took this opportunity to rip the IV from my arm, causing me pain that I just ignored, and to get off the hospital bed. I found that I hurt more than before, but I didn't care.

The nurse reappeared, her amber eyes widening when she saw the IV hanging uselessly from its bag. "She's in R19," she said. "Are you sure you want to go down there, looking like you do?" I glanced at my reflection in a nearby mirror. My left eye was nearly swollen shut, my face was bruised, I had seven stitches on my hairline, and several scrapes on my neck and face.

I simply said, "How do I get there?" I had to know if Gabby was all right, and no one was going to stop me. The young woman gave me directions, and I started on my way, struggling with each step, but never giving up. As I neared the room, I suddenly heard someone scream "No!" and I picked up my pace.

The door to R19 was closed, so I peeked in the window. There, surrounded by a swarm of doctors, was my angel, screaming for them to stop, tears streaming down her beautiful face, pleading with them to stop, they were hurting her, why didn't they just stop? Her cries gripped my heart like a vice, and I stormed in.

"Get the fuck away from her," I said, startling everyone in the room. The doctors stepped away; I guess I was still intimidating when I was injured, and I approached Gabby.

"Dakota?" she asked, and I went to her side.

"Hey," I said, softly. They had her restrained, and as I began taking off her bonds, a doctor came up behind me, intending to stop me. "Get out of here, and let me talk to her," I ordered. The doctor in charge seemed to understand that I could help, and took his men out to the hallway, keeping an eye on us through the window.

"It hurts," she whimpered, and I kissed her forehead, before removing the other straps. "Oh, Dakota! You're hurt! You should be in bed," she said, and I grinned.

"I'm all right," I said. I hurt like hell, but I wasn't about to tell her that. "Nurse tried the same thing, but I wouldn't let her. Gabby, sweetheart, you need to let the doctors do their job."

"But it hurts," she protested.

"I know," I said, "but they only want to help. I'll tell you what; I'll stay here with you, okay? Just you, me, and the doctor, I promise. Please, Gabby, let them help you," I pleaded.

"Stay with me," she said.

I smiled, kissed her forehead, and motioned for the doctor to come back in. "I'm not going anywhere," I assured her, and took her hand as the doctor began his procedures again. Upon my insistence that they wouldn't be necessary, the restraints were kept off.

"Watch me, honey. Don't think about him, he doesn't matter. Keep your eyes on me," I told her, and she listened. Every once in a while, she would wince and squeeze my hand, but I stayed with her, talking her through it. She handled it much better than before.

When he was done, the doctor gave her a sedative to help her rest, and I drug him out into the hallway.

"What happened to her?" I demanded. I hadn't paid much attention to what the doctor was doing, because I was too preoccupied with Gabby.

"She was raped," he said. I suddenly had a horrid metallic-type taste in the back of my throat. "Thank you for your help in there; she didn't want to cooperate."

I shrugged it off, but couldn't ignore the sick feeling in the pit of my stomach, and sank into a nearby chair before I fell. "How… how bad is it?" I asked, my voice weak. I felt as though a load of bricks had just been dropped on me, and it wasn't from the physical pain I was in, either.

"It may take a while for her to fully recover, but she should recuperate within a few weeks. Physically," he added.

I stared at him. "What do you mean, physically?" I asked.

"Her wounds will heal with time, but she is very scared and confused right now. It will take a while longer for her to recover from her emotional pain," he explained.

I nodded. "I'll do whatever I can," I pledged. "What can I do to help her?"

"First, you can get back in bed, since you really shouldn't be up and around right now," he said.

"I'm not leaving her," I stated, leaving no room for argument.

The doctor sighed. "There's another bed in there, if you'd like to use it," he offered. "But if anyone asks, you aren't related, because we aren't supposed to let family members stay in the same room," he whispered through his hand, and I grinned.

"Thanks, but I'm not family," I said.

The doctor frowned. "Then how did you calm her down? And who did I just tell her prognosis to?" he asked, worriedly.

"Her girlfriend," I replied. He looked a little relieved, and not the slightest bit upset or disturbed, which was good. I added, "If I can find a phone, I'll call her father. Did she say who it was?"

"Someone named John. She kept yelling for Dakota, and screaming for John to leave them alone," he related. "Does that ring a bell?"

I didn't answer him. I was enraged. I wanted to walk right up to this guy, no matter where he was, and knock him senseless.

Easy, Dakota, said CJ, making her first appearance in a while. You can't do anything to him right now. What are you going to do if you find him, bleed all over him? Just wait until you're healthy - then we'll kick his ass. Promise, she finished.

"Okay," I sighed, aloud. The doctor glanced at me, strangely, and I continued, covering myself, "Where's the phone? I guess it's time to call her dad." He pointed down the hallway, and I spotted the pay phone. "Thanks."

As I stood up and walked away, he called, "The bed will be set up when you're done, and a nurse will help you with your IV and such." I nodded, but kept going. I stopped by my "former" room, and grabbed my clothes. I needed change for the phone, and wanted to make sure all my stuff came with me to Gabby's room.

I fed the phone a quarter, and dialed. Stacy answered, and called Mr. Johnson to the phone.

"Hello, Dakota," he greeted, sounding half asleep, and I remembered guiltily that I had called at almost four in the morning.

"George. Sorry for waking you, but I need to tell you something," I started, and then decided it would be best to give him all the details later. "I'm down here at St. Joseph's Hospital, and so is Gabby."

"Are you okay?" he asked, earnestly. "What happened? How's Gabrielle?"

"Come down to room R19 and I'll tell you everything," I said, and he hung up the phone without so much as a good-bye. That done, I knew I had only delayed the upcoming conversation I had to have with George, and I stumbled back to my room.

Truth be told, I was exhausted, having walked nearly seven miles to the hospital from the alley, and in more pain than I knew I could consciously endure. I entered R19, spotted the empty and inviting spare bed, and climbed onto it, vaguely acknowledging the pain when the IV was replaced. I was already asleep.

I had only gotten an hour or so of sleep, if that, when I was awakened by voices, some shouting. Opening one eye, I noticed that Mr. Johnson was outside the room, trying to get in, and trying to find out from the uninformed nurse what happened to his daughter.

I managed to catch his eye, and motioned for him to come in. He entered quickly, and went to my side.

"Dakota, you look like hell," he acknowledged.

"I feel like it, sir," I moaned.

"What happened to you two?" he asked, deciding not to bother with my calling him 'sir', although I knew it got to him.

"From what Gabby says, it's John who attacked us," I said. "I couldn't see well enough to tell."

"And what's wrong with Gabrielle?"

I sighed. This was the hard part. "He raped her," I said. God, it was hard to say that aloud - that made it seem more real, and not just a bad dream

"Is she pregnant?" was his next question, when he found his voice.

I kicked myself as I shrugged - I hadn't thought to ask.

Hadn't thought? said CJ. Try didn't want to know.

Yeah, whatever.

"I don't know," I responded.

"Doctor Milton!" he called, charging into the hallway to corner the man. A few minutes later, he walked in, looking relieved. He shook his head, and I sank deeper into the bed with relief.

"That's good to know," I sighed, and glanced up as George placed two capsules in the palm of my hand.

"They'll help the pain," he said, and I swallowed them quickly.

"Thanks." Closing my eyes, the last thing I saw was George, setting by the sleeping blonde's bedside, concerned.

I awoke a little while later, long before the pain medicine was supposed to wear off, because of more voices in the room. I looked over and saw two police officers standing next to Gabby, asking her numerous questions about John and the attack. George was standing outside - I assumed he had called them, and then had been asked to leave.

"Do you know John Victorman?" one asked.

Gabby nodded. "He was my fiancée," she replied. "I ended our engagement a few days ago."

"Do you believe that would give him reason to rape you?" Gabby nodded. "Has he ever hit you before?" Gabby said nothing, she just looked away. "Ma'am? Has Mr. Victorman every hit you before?" A little more stern this time. "Ma'am?"

I stood up and went to her side, dragging the damned IV rack with me, as soon as I noticed the tears. "Hey," I said, taking her hand and shoving an officer out of the way so I could stand next to her. "You don't have to answer anymore of their questions, hon."

"But, we're not done," protested the same officer I had shoved aside.

"Yes, you are," I growled. "You know who the guy is, and if you have any other questions, ask me."

"And you are…?" he offered his hand in introduction.

"Dakota Miller," I said, eyeing the extended hand with contempt. "I was there, too."

"He did this to you?" he asked, finally lowering his hand when he realized I was not going to grip it in greeting, because I was not pleased to meet him, and I nodded. "We've got a few questions for you, if…"

"No."

"What?"

"I said, no," I repeated. "I'm not going to answer your questions, certainly not now. Right now I'm going to take care of my girlfriend, so if you'll excuse me." It wasn't a suggestion or a hint - it was an order, and they obeyed. The officers slipped from room, embarrassed, as I took Gabby's face in my hands, and kissed her softly.

"Are you all right?" I asked her.

She sniffled, and nodded. "Yeah," she said. "I just didn't want to have to think about him for a while, if I could help it."

"I understand. How are you feeling?" I asked. "Does the medicine help?"

She nodded, hesitantly. "It's not as bad as it was," she replied. "Dakota," she said, watching as I found it difficult to breathe without pain, "you should be in bed."

I paused for a moment, and then said, "Okay." Walking over to the bed, I carefully wheeled it next to Gabby's, and lay down next to her, satisfied that I was within reach. I put out my hand, and covered her own. She caught my eye, and smiled, before the medicines kicked in, and she became too drowsy to stay awake any longer.

I, on the other hand, was awake, despite the medication. I was content to watch her sleep, and as I did, I thought about all that had happened…

CJ, that ass hole came back and he hurt her, I told the voice. She's sitting here, in pain, and afraid, because I couldn't protect her. I reached back and gingerly touched the back of my head with my free hand, feeling the bump there. That knock to the head shouldn't have dazed me as much as it did. I should have heard him come up behind us, and then I could've stopped him.

Dakota, sighed CJ, you know there's nothing you could have done. We tried, but when he hit you that hard in the head, it was only natural that you became disoriented for a while.

But, I should have done something to protect her. Instead of worrying about defending myself, I should have gone on the offensive and took him out, so he couldn't hurt Gabby, I protested. I let her down… I've failed my angel.

CJ started to say something, but I interrupted her, Don't say it, CJ. It's not going to work - I failed her, and nothing's going to change that. The voice was silent as I felt the tears make their way down my face, but I was too ashamed of myself to care.

Eventually, I must have cried myself to sleep, but it didn't last more than an hour or two, because the pain medicine wore off - whatever it was, it wasn't very strong - and I was awakened by a throbbing sensation in every part of my body. Even my teeth hurt, and I could've sworn moving my eyelashes caused me pain.

I pushed the call button for the nurse, and she came in a few minutes later, and asked me what was wrong.

"I need more pain medicine," I said, "stronger."

She glanced up at the clock. "I'm sorry, ma'am, but I can't give you any more for another hour or so."

Shit, I thought.

I sighed, and nodded. "You'd better be in here exactly sixty minutes from now, or I'll ransack this place until I find the pills myself, understand?" I said, and she nodded, before quickly turning to exit the room.

Suddenly, I had an idea. "Does Fal, uh, Sandy Bremen still work here?" The nurse nodded, and I grinned. "Can you get her for me? I need to talk to her." All too happy to let someone else take over, the girl was off like a shot. A few minutes later, my redheaded friend walked in, looking more professional in her white outfit than I had ever seen her.

"Can I help you?" she asked, looking down at her clipboard as she spoke.

"Falcon?" I asked, and she did a double take.

"Raven!" she exclaimed, concerned by my condition.

"You should see the other guy," I joked, and she discreetly shot a wary glance at Gabrielle. "Listen, Fal, I need something for the pain, but the other nurse said I couldn't have any for another hour." She quickly retrieved two capsules, and gave them to me, which I gratefully swallowed. An hour wasn't that big of a deal.

"What happened?" she asked, examining my wounds.

"I was jumped from behind," I said, and her blue-green eyes flashed.

"Who?" demanded the woman. Her 5'7'' frame could be deceiving, as she was fairly strong, being an Amazon and all.

I shook my head. "This is my fight, Falcon. If I need help, I'll call, but as of now, I do this alone," I said, knowing very well what was going through her mind.

"You always were too stubborn for your own good," she smiled, and I remembered just how beautiful the Amazon was, but she didn't do anything for me. Not like Gabby. Falcon took my face in her hands, careful of my bruises, and leaned down to kiss me. I gently took her hands away, and she pulled back.

"No, Fal," I said, gently but firmly.

She looked hurt, and then angry. "No? That's the first time I've heard you say that, Raven," she mocked, and I winced. "Didn't even know that word was in your vocabulary. This your latest fling?" she asked, nodding at Gabby, who was still asleep. "Seems a little…"

I cut her off before she could finish. "You leave her out of this," I growled. "I know how I used to be, Falcon, and what I used to do, but I'm not like that anymore. She's the one," I added.

Falcon laughed. "How many times have I heard that before?' she scoffed.

"I love her," I said, quietly.

The redhead's jaw dropped. "Are you serious?"

I nodded. "I love her, Sandy," I repeated, using her real name.

"Well, if you need anything, just call," she said, abruptly, and left. When she was gone, I closed my eyes, and tried to sleep, but found it impossible. I had too many thoughts running through my mind.

God, CJ, I sighed. I called Sandy in here for medicine. I didn't expect her to make a move on me.

There was a time when we would have taken her up on her offer, regardless of who we hurt, she reminded. But now…

Now I have someone in my life I truly care about, I told her. I don't want to hurt Gabby.

Dakota, you're going soft.

I know, I grinned. But if it means I'm with Gabby, then I don't care.

"No!" cried Gabby, suddenly, and I was startled out of my thoughts. Looking to the blonde, I quickly discovered she was having a nightmare. I tried, unsuccessfully, to wake her, before I finally decided that simple words weren't going to do it.

"It's me, Gabby," I said, climbing into the bed beside her. As I put my arms around her, and drew her to me, she jumped awake, and, for a moment, was frightened. "It's just me, sweetheart. I've got you," I whispered, and she slowly relaxed, and fell back asleep.

I stayed awake for the next few hours, despite the fact that I was physically and emotionally exhausted, just listening to her breathe and reveling in the feeling of holding her in my arms.

Dakota, go to sleep, ordered CJ. I want to rest, but I can't until you do!

CJ, I said, I'm not going to fail her again. I can keep her safe this way, and I won't let her down. As long as I hold her, and stay awake, I can watch over her.

And just what are you protecting her from in the hospital? she asked.

Everything and anything I can, I responded, silencing the voice.

Just as I was beginning to doze off, grateful for even a slight rest, the cops walked in again, and I was startled awake.

Damn it, cursed CJ, and I echoed the same.

"Ahem," said one, clearing his throat to gain my attention.

I glanced up at him, uninterested. "Yes?" I asked, tonelessly.

"Do you know of any places where Mr. Victorman might go?" he asked, and I glanced at him.

"Why?" I demanded. "Can't find him?"

The officer shook his head, hesitantly. "We need to talk with her, since she may be able to give us a lead. Wake her up," he said.

I shook my head. "I'll do no such thing," I replied. "She's sleeping peacefully, and if you dare disturb her, I'll get up off this bed and do something I'm sure neither of us would like."

The cop narrowed his eyes at me. "Don't threaten me."

"Oh, that's not a threat," I said, "it's a promise. And you can say whatever you want, but it's not her fault you can't find him, and you have no reason to wake her. You can ask her later, if you must," I added.

"We'll be back," he said, and he and his partner walked out the door, looking rather put off. Sighing, I gasped in pain as Gabby shifted and placed her elbow against my side, pressing on my sore ribs, unknowingly. Gently moving her arm so it lay across my stomach, I breathed a little easier, and enjoyed her company once more, having been awakened by the cops' visit. I closed my eyes and simply rested, knowing Gabby was safe.

Hoping I wouldn't wake her, I picked up the phone and dialed Joe's Auto Shop, explaining to Joe what was going on and telling him I wouldn't be into work for a while. He wished me the best of luck, asked if there was anything he could do, and when I told him no, we hung up, and I returned to my previous activity of watching an angel sleep.

I have no idea how long I lay there, but, eventually, George walked in.

"You're looking a little better," he said, smiling.

I shrugged. "I heal quickly. She had a nightmare," I added, as if to explain why I was sharing a bed with his daughter.

"That's fine," he said, with a grin. "Is she doing better?"

Again, I shrugged. "I hope so," was all I said. Gabby moved, waking up upon hearing her father's voice, and once again put her weight against my ribs. I was unable to hide my grimace, and George noticed my discomfort, frowning slightly.

Gabby turned, hearing my sharp intake of breath, and quickly shifted to the side, saying, "Dakota, I'm sorry! Are you okay?"

I clenched my teeth, and nodded, trying not to let my expression show how much it really hurt. "I'm okay," I said, and she glanced at me, curiously.

"What are you doing up here? Not that I'm complaining, but…"

I smiled, and kissed her forehead. "You had a bad dream," I responded, "and this was the only way I could figure out to comfort you."

"Well, thank you," she said. "Daddy? Is everything okay?"

George smiled, and kissed the blonde's cheek. "Everything's fine, Gabrielle. I just came to check up on you two. How are you doing?" he asked.

Gabby smiled a little. "I'm feeling a little better," she said. "Oh, goodness!" she exclaimed, happening to look at the clock. "It's three o'clock already!"

I was startled; I had been awake for… more than thirty hours, with little sleep. I was surprised that I was not more tired than I felt.

"Are you hungry?" I asked, and she nodded, hitting the call button for the nurse, to ask her to bring us some food. Although the hospital food must have tasted like crap, Gabby ate most of it, while I merely picked at it a little.

"You need to eat," said the blonde, and George said the same.

"I'm not really that hungry," I lied. I was starving, but I couldn't find the energy to eat. I was too angry with John, frustrated at the cops for being unable to find him, and infuriated at myself for allowing the whole thing to happen, for allowing my angel to get hurt.

"Dakota, please," said the woman, and I sighed; I told you she had eyes that had the power to melt. I ate little, a few bites of everything, before the sick feeling in my stomach told me I couldn't handle the amount, and I nearly threw it back up. For the sake of not concerning Gabby, I held it down somehow.

After we ate, George left, and a few nurses came in to change Gabby's bandages. They tried to take me out of the room, but I wouldn't allow it, and Gabby didn't want it, so they let me stay. The nurses warned me that I probably wouldn't like what I saw, but I shrugged it off.

I should have listened, or at least braced myself.

Gabby's hospital gown was slipped down past her shoulders, and I frowned when I noticed she had bandages on both of her breasts. I didn't think was injured that badly - she hadn't said anything, and other than a bruise on her arm and a small mark on the edge of her jaw, I hadn't noticed anything.

The gauze was removed, revealing bite marks, two requiring a few black stitches to hold the tender flesh together, the attack had been so fierce. My breath caught in my throat, and I very nearly turned away, but Gabby was afraid, so I met her eyes, and managed a small smile as I squeezed her hand.

The sutures were cleaned, checked for infection, and then new gauze was taped on. The nurses brought the gown down to reveal a few bruises on her stomach, but her sides had not been wrapped, so she, apparently, suffered no fractured ribs, which I suppose should have made me feel a little better, but it didn't.

The top of Gabby's gown was refastened, and then the sheets came off from her waist down, and the material was lifted up from the bottom. I had to turn away; I couldn't stand seeing any more damage, I was already angry enough, I didn't think I could handle anymore.

"I'm sorry," I whispered, as I looked at the ground. Gabby winced a little as the women did what they had to, cleaning the sutures and whatever else, and I maintained eye contact, but could not watch the procedure.

After what seemed like an eternity, they were done, and the gown was retied, the blankets were replaced, I had a quick check-up with results that I was healing very well, and then Gabby and I were alone.

"I'm sorry, my angel, but, I couldn't…" I apologized, but Gabby stopped me, putting a hand over my lips.

"It's okay, love," she said, tears in her eyes, as well as mine. "I understand. I shouldn't have asked you to stay."

"No, Gabby!" I exclaimed. "I wanted to be here with you, and I'm glad I was, because I don't want you to be alone. I just wasn't expecting…"

"You weren't expecting it to be so bad?" she supplied, and I nodded, sadly. "It's not as bad as it looks. The doctors think I should be out of here in a few days, a week at the most," she added, and I smiled.

"Good," I said, "because I'm going to starve without you." She laughed, a sound I realized I had missed, and I pulled her into a gentle hug, careful not to hurt her now that I knew where she was injured.

A few days later, as I was being released, Gabby got her sutures out. I was there with her, squeezing her hand as tears ran down her face from the stinging pain. When I was sure she was okay, I kissed her forehead, promised her I'd be back soon, and rushed out the door.

I was healed, and I had some ass to kick.

I had spoken with Gabby about John, and asked her if he ever went to bars, or anything of the sort. She said he frequented a bar called Jimmy's, and was usually at a pool hall nearby, if the tables at the bar were full. I called the police, let them know he was a pool shark, and then began forming my plan.

Walking around downtown Brickshire was unnerving, because it was one of the worst parts of town, but I walked with an air of confidence. That, my markings of an Amazon, and my strong build, was enough to keep me safe.

I asked everyone I saw if they knew a John Victorman, and where I could find him at two o'clock on a Wednesday afternoon. A few gave me directions to Jimmy's, and I found a guy sitting near the entrance, and decided to ask him for his help.

"Do you know John Victorman?" I asked. To my surprise, he spat at my feet. "Listen," I said, hauling him to his feet by the collar of his shirt, and holding him up by his throat, "I don't have time to fuck with you. John Victorman," I ordered, and the guy pointed to the bar. Dropping him, I left the man sitting on the ground, rubbing his sore throat as I entered the bar.

I spotted the man quickly, and walked towards him, my intentions clear as people cleared a path to let me through. The man turned to see what was going on, nearly dropping his pool cue when he saw me. I walked right up to him, grabbed two fistfuls of his shirt, and slammed him up against the nearest wall.

"Give me one good reason why I shouldn't tear you limb from limb, you worthless little shit," I swore, lightning emitting from my eyes if it was possible, I'm sure.

"Uh… because it's illegal?" stuttered the man, lamely.

"Not good enough," I said, pulling him forward only to have him meet the wall again. "Two more chances."

"Why are you doing this?" he whimpered, and I shoved him against the wall once more.

"I ask the questions, buddy," I snarled. "Last chance. Now, you can either ignore me, and I'll tear you apart, or you can come up with a credible reason, and I'll only use that pool cue to make sure you are minus one useless organ. In short, a long, painful death, or a slow, painful death. Which is it?"

The man gulped, as he attempted to protect his "organ" with his hands. "I'm sorry," he whined.

"Too late," I snarled. I pulled my hand back to deliver a nice, solid blow to his face, when someone had the nerve to tap me on the shoulder.

"Back off, or you're next," I growled, glancing back to see who was stupid enough to interfere. It was the bouncer, and my friend, Austin. "I'm sorry, Austin, but I mean it."

"What's going on here, Dakota?" he asked.

"This little fuck head raped my girlfriend after he came up behind me like a coward and nearly killed me," I explained, hotly. "I'm here to return the favor." Then I paused. "Only what he did to Gabby will look like a walk in the park when I get through with him," I snarled, turning back to John to tighten my grip around his throat.

"Listen, Dakota, let him go. The cops are on their way, and you can let them take him in. Don't do anything you'll regret later," he warned, and tried to pull me back.

"Oh, I won't regret it; I'll enjoy it," I said, and kneed John hard between the legs, letting him drop to the ground as I stepped away and stormed out the door. Once I was outside, I proceeded to beat the "sap" out of a large tree, busting the knuckles open on my right hand in the process, but I didn't care.

"Dakota," called a voice, and I spun around, ready for a fight.

"What?" I cried, ready to do some damage, until I saw who it was - Austin.

"Come on," he sighed, taking me by the arm, "let me take care of your hand." I nodded, and he led me back to the bar, retrieving his first-aid kit as I sat on a barstool. I winced as he cleaned the blood from my hand, and clenched my teeth when he had to wrap it with gauze.

"You need stitches," he said, and I shrugged. "I'm serious, Dakota. These are busted bad." Again, I shrugged, and the man sighed as she finished bandaging my hand. The cops came and took John away a while later, but they were the same ones who had talked to Gabby and I in the hospital, luckily, so nothing was said to me.

"So, that jerk raped your friend, did he?" asked Austin, and I nodded.

"My girlfriend, yeah," I corrected.

"Haven't seen you in a while," said the man, who could easily pass for a football player, with the build and boyish good looks to match. His thick crop of blonde hair highlighted his blue eyes, and I could only hope Nick would have dimples like his when he grew up.

Of course, said CJ, you'd be beating the girls off with a stick.

I grinned. Yeah, but that also means his being deaf wouldn't be as much of a problem as I think it might become as he gets older.

True, agreed the voice.

"I've been busy," I said, and Austin raised an eyebrow, earning him a goodhearted slap on the arm. "Oh, behave. That's not all I've been doing." That unexpected admission and remark caused a light flush to rise in the man's face, and I laughed.

"I've got to be getting back," I said, "or Gabby will start worrying. Thanks, Austin." The man nodded, and took his place beside the door again as I left.

I was right; Gabby was worried. I returned to the hospital after stopping at my house to take a shower, and the blonde was very concerned as to what had taken me so long.

"Dakota, where were you?" she asked.

"I had to take care of some things," I replied.

She gasped. "What happened to your hand?" she asked, taking the said injury in her hands, and examining it.

"Got in a fight with a tree," I admitted, and she eyed me, strangely. "Hey, it hit me first!"

"Dakota…" she said, warning me not to hold anything back from her. "Tell me what happened."

"I found John," was all I said, and she pulled me to her.

"Oh, Dakota, you didn't," she said, and I shook my head.

"I couldn't. The cops came, and he's in jail," I said. "He won't hurt you again," I said, softly. "And I'm sorry I let it happen the first time."

"It wasn't your fault!" she exclaimed, vehemently. "You had no way of knowing he would do that."

"But I couldn't protect you," I muttered, looking away, until she took my face in her hands and made me look into her eyes.

"Dakota, you listen to me," she said, firmly, and I nodded. "You've been here with me through all of this, and you walked all the way to find me when you should have been on a stretcher, and you found a way to stay with me in the same room, and you've held me when I've had a nightmare, and you've done so many other things it would take forever for me to name them all. I love you for that, Dakota, and so much more," she finished, and I must have had a goofy grin plastered on my face, because she laughed.

"I love you, too," I said, kissing her forehead. "So, when do I get to spring you from this joint?"

She laughed again. "Just a few days, I think," she replied, and we moved on to brighter topics, like coming home. George happened to stop by while we were discussing her return, and asked where the blonde would be going - his place or mine.

Gabby glanced between her father and I, as if trying to decide how she could make a decision that would hurt no one, and leave everyone pleased.

I leaned over and whispered in her ear, "Do whatever you want, sweetheart. As long as you're happy, I'll be happy."

She smiled at me, and then turned to her father. "Daddy, I'd love to come home with you," she said, and I kept the small smile I had on my face, despite the fact that I was falling apart inside.

It's not like you can't see her at her father's house, scoffed CJ.

I know, but I'll miss seeing her when I wake up in the mornings, I admitted.

"But, I can't," she continued, much to my surprise. "I'd like to stay with Dakota, if you don't mind."

George smiled at both of us. "Not at all, Gabrielle," he said. "I can't stay very long, I have court to prepare for, but if either of you need anything, don't hesitate to call." He kissed us both on the cheek, and then left the hospital, leaving behind a very happy me.

"You're really going to stay with me?" I asked, happily.

"If that's all right," she said, and I hugged her.

"That's great!" I exclaimed, smiling. "To tell you the truth, I've kind of gotten used to waking up with you beside me."

She nodded. "Me, too," she said.

Two days later, when the doctor was sure she was healing with no complications, Gabby was released from the hospital and I took her home. I had made sure the house was clean, so she wouldn't have to do anything but relax, and she was pleased.

"This place looks great," she said, greeting Apollo with a smile and a nice scratch behind his ears. I couldn't help but notice that she kept the dog next to her wherever she went, and seemed a little tense. Trying to help, I came up behind her, slipped my arms around her shoulders, and kissed her neck. I was very surprised, and a little hurt, when I felt her stiffen and heard a small cry escape her lips.

"Gabby?" I asked, turning her around to face me, startled when I saw a tear make its way down her cheek. I gathered her into my arms, holding her until she relaxed.

"What's the matter?" I asked, gently, kissing away her tears.

"I'm sorry, Dakota," she said, sniffling.

"It's okay," I said. "But what's wrong? Did I hurt you?" I asked, suddenly worried that I had accidentally caused her pain, maybe by touching one of her wounds or…

She shook her head. "No, it's not that," she said. "It's just, I'm scared," she admitted.

"Of what?" I asked, quietly.

"You."

I froze, and even took a staggering step backwards. That small word struck me right in the heart. "Me?" I voiced, hoarsely.

"You haven't done anything wrong," she assured me, quickly, "I just feel scared to let you get close to me. I'm sorry, Dakota," she said, the tears returning. "But, ever since… ever since he attacked me… I don't want it to happen again."

"I would never…" I began, but she cut me off.

"I know, I know you wouldn't," she said, gently. "I know you would never hurt me, Dakota, believe me, I do. But that doesn't help. I just keep thinking that everyone who sneaks up behind me is him, and that every man I don't know is going to do that again."

I nodded, as much as it broke my heart to hear her say that, and asked, timidly, "Can I hold you?" I didn't want to do anything to make her afraid. Hesitantly, she nodded, and I pulled her into my arms. "It's just me," I said, as I had when she had tensed during her nightmare in the hospital, which seemed so long ago.

We stood like that for a long time; I think we both needed a hug.

I tried as hard as I could to remember that she was walking on eggshells, but every once in a while I forgot. I would try to wake her up with a kiss, and she would cry out in fear, fleeing to the opposite side of the bed, as I kicked myself.

One day in particular sticks out in my mind. She had just gotten out of the shower, and had my robe wrapped around her body. Gabby was walking to the living room, where she said she was going to watch TV as her hair dried, and I watched as she laid down on the couch.

I crept up behind the couch, silently, so she wouldn't hear me, and waited. When I thought it had been long enough, I decided to surprise her, as I had done before the attack. Peeking over the back of the sofa, I saw that she was intently watching the program on TV, and didn't notice me. Slowly, I leaned towards her, and placed a kiss on her cheek as I ran my fingers through her hair and put my hand on her waist.

Bad idea.

Very bad idea, if I'd stopped to think about what I was doing.

She completely freaked at the feel of my hand on her waist, and, I suppose, everything else I was doing. She leapt up from the couch, ran to the bedroom, and didn't come out for nearly ten minutes. By the time she let me in there, I felt absolutely horrible, and spent the next hour giving her a massage, both to relax her, and apologize. She knew I didn't mean to scare her, but I hated not being able to do the things I was used to.

After more than a week of nightmares, and not being able to so much as give my angel a hug without asking, I couldn't take it anymore, and I told her as much.

"I'm sorry," she said, sadly. "I'll leave."

"No! No, Gabby, I don't want that," I said, quickly. "I want you to talk to me. I want you to tell me exactly what happened. Then you can get over the nightmares, and maybe I can help you get past being afraid of every shadow," I said, hopefully.

She shook her head. "I can't," she protested.

"You have to. Please, Gabby, for me," I pleaded.

Nothing.

"For us."

That had an effect; not necessarily the one I was looking for, but an effect nonetheless. The blonde broke down in tears, and told me, in broken pieces of speech that made no sense - but I listened, knowing she had to get it out anyway she could - just what had happened that night.

The gist of what she said registered in my mind, and I can't begin to describe the kind of renewed anger I felt towards John, hearing for the first time the kind of horrible things he had done to her, and how badly he had hurt her. He bit her all over, and clawed at her, and even punched her to unconsciousness when she made a sound. Using her for his sexual pleasure numerous times, the man left her, and me, for dead.

When she was done telling her tale, I gathered her into my arms, and we cried together.

Gabby's fears were completely diminished within a few days, and I was able to act normally around her. Sneaking up behind her for a hug or a kiss was no longer a problem, and I didn't have to worry about scaring her out of her skin when I tried to wake her up. Kissing was as far as we went - she said she didn't think she could handle anything intimate yet, and I complied.

I still stayed awake most nights, keeping an eye on her, making sure she was safe and not afraid. I felt responsible on a large level for the troubles she had had, and although she was better, it was hard for me to get over.

Once I was sure she would be okay alone, we got back to our normal schedule, and things were right again, for a while.

*

Two weeks later, I pulled in the driveway at 5:30. I was home early for a Friday, but David offered to close up shop for me, because he knew I had been on edge all day. That bad feeling I had woken up with that morning had yet to disappear. As soon as my truck was in park, I rushed in the house and called for Gabby.

She came running out from my room, worried by my cry. "Dakota? What's wrong?" she asked. I didn't give her an answer; I just pulled her into my arms. "Hey, are you okay?" she asked, softly, pulling back to look into my eyes.

I nodded. "Yeah. I've just had this bad feeling all day," I admitted. "Is everything okay over here?" She nodded, and then backed up as she looked at her clothes.

"Dakota, you're all greasy. Go take a shower," she said, smiling and swatting me away as I pretended to reach for her again with my blackened hands. "Dinner will be ready when you're done."

With that incentive, I dashed to the bathroom, and took the fasted shower in history. I had been too concerned to eat lunch, and now that I knew Gabby was safe, the nervousness wore off and I was starving. I threw on a pair of jeans and an old T-shirt when I was done, and entered the kitchen.

True to her word, the table was set and food was ready. I sat down next to her, and helped myself to a plateful of spaghetti.

"Well, you smell better," she commented, and I growled at her, but then smiled.

"I feel better," I said. "This is great."

"Thanks. I rented a few movies for tonight, is that okay?" she asked, and I nodded.

"Sounds great. I think we could both use a nice, relaxing evening together," I said.

She grinned. "That was the idea," she agreed. After dinner, I convinced her to leave the dishes until later, and we curled up on the couch as she hit PLAY, and I realized the first she had rented was a good one: Ghost.

It was during one of my favorite parts of the movie, when Patrick Swayze is singing Henry the VIII I Am and annoying the hell out of Whoopi Goldberg, when the phone rang. Grumbling, I picked it up on the second ring, and answered with a sigh, "Hello?"

"Dakota?" asked a teary voice that I recognized immediately.

I sat up straight. "Mom? Are you okay? Are you hurt?" I asked, and Gabby stopped the movie, sitting up next to me, also worried.

"I need you to come over, dear," she said.

"Okay, okay… I'll, uh, I'll be there as soon as I can. Just hang tight, okay?" I pleaded, and hung up the phone. "I have to go," I said, and stood. My hands were shaking, and I took several deep breaths to calm my nerves and my racing heart, but it didn't help.

"Come on," said Gabby, "I'll drive." Nodding, I followed, and climbed into the passenger seat. Gabby must have sensed my urgency, because I have never seen her drive so fast. We arrived at mother's forty minutes later, and I was startled to see two or three police cars parked on the curb next to the house.

I jumped out of the truck as the bad feeling in the pit of my stomach grew. Gabby was right behind me, and we ran to my mother, who was sitting on the couch in her living room, talking to an officer as tears streamed down her face. They must have been expecting us, because no one else was allowed in the house.

"Mom!" I exclaimed, and went to her side. "What's going on?"

"Ms. Miller?" questioned a kind looking officer, his hazel eyes serious, and I nodded. "You're Nicholas' mother?"

"Oh, God. Nick? What's happened to Nicholas?" I demanded. "Where's my son?"

For the first time, my mother spoke up. She said the three words I never wanted to hear. "Dylan has him," she muttered.

"What? No, no, he can't. Dylan's in jail," I insisted.

"Dylan Martin Francis was released four months ago on parole," interjected the officer, who reminded me of Austin, only not quite as tall or broad. "Your son and his grandmother were walking the park, and she turned to purchase a hot dog from the vendor, and when she turned back, she saw the man put your son in the car and drive away. And that man was Mr. Francis, is that correct?" verified the officer, reading from the various notes he had taken, and my mother nodded.

"Have you heard anything?" I asked, and the man shook his head.

"Dakota," voiced my mother, and I turned to her, "he had a gun." Swearing under my breath, I began to pace. If there wouldn't have been so many people around, like anyone else, I possibly would have broken down in tears, put a hole in something, or both.

But I couldn't, so I paced.

Gabby seemed to know what I was going through. "Patricia, is there anywhere we can go; quiet, and closed off?" she asked, and my mother pointed to the den, which could be made private by closing the double doors. "Thanks." Taking my arm, Gabby dragged me to the room, closing the doors behind her.

I started pacing as again, as soon as I was in there, wanting desperately to hit something, when Gabby touched my arm. I spun around, screaming "What?" and barely stopped myself from striking her in my rage.

The small woman didn't say a word. She simply took my hands and placed them on her waist, before putting her left hand on my back and using her right hand behind my neck to pull my head down onto her shoulder. She held me like that for a moment, as I battled my emotions. Finally, I couldn't stand it anymore, and I let out a heart-wrenching sob as I cried into her shoulder and held her to me tightly, needing her warmth.

Never breaking our contact, she led me to the couch, and we sat down, as I continued to cry for my kidnapped son. Nearly ten minutes later, I pulled back, and wiped at my eyes with the back of my hand. Gabby smiled at me, sympathetically, and kissed me, softly.

We were still kissing when there was a knock on the door of the den. We pulled back, Gabby gave me one more quick hug, and then said, "Come in."

Officer Harper, I finally noticed his nameplate, entered the room, albeit slowly. "Sorry to interrupt," he said, "but we need you to return to your home, Ms. Miller."

I raised at eyebrow at him. "Why?" I asked.

"We've already prepared the phones here, but if Mr. Martin calls your place, we want to be able to trace it," said the man, and I agreed.

"What do I have to do?"

"If he calls, just keep him talking for at least thirty seconds," said Officer Harper. "After we trace the call, we'll send our men down there to keep an eye on him, and we'll see what kind of state he's in, and whether or not his demands, if any, need to be considered," he finished, and I nodded, standing.

Gabby followed me to the truck, and asked me if I wanted her to drive again.

"I can handle it," I said, smiling. "But thank you, sweetheart." I kissed her forehead, not caring who saw or what they speculated, before climbing into the driver's seat and telling the blonde to buckle up. The police were leading the way, and I kept right up with them.

It only took the experienced officers ten minutes to hook up the equipment they needed to trace the call. By that time, it was about nine o'clock, and the air was tense; even Apollo was on edge, walking from room to room and back again.

"How long do you think it will be before he calls?" I asked Officer Harper, whom I learned was a Lieutenant.

The man shrugged. "No telling for sure," he admitted, as Gabby handed him a cup of coffee. "Thanks. It could be tonight, or he may wait a few hours, or he might not make contact by phone at all. It all depends on him," he said, sipping his drink.

"And how will we know if he calls my mother?"

"My guys will call me," he said, as if it was obvious.

The hours passed, and soon it was midnight, and still nothing. The phone had not rung once since we'd arrived, and I had resorted to my pacing, Gabby sitting on the couch in the living room, watching me.

"Dakota," she said, and I knew she had to be exhausted; I knew I was.

"What?" I sighed.

"Let's go to bed. We could both use some sleep," she added.

I shook my head. "You can go ahead," I said. "I'll see you in the morning."

"I'm just as worried as you are, Dakota, but I won't let you do this to yourself," she said, firmly, and I turned to face her, urging her to continue. "You stayed up for days on end, with almost no sleep at all, while I was in the hospital. You've just now gotten to the point where you can sleep well." At my shocked look, she said, "Yeah, I've noticed. Now, come on, you need sleep," she urged, but I wouldn't let her take my hand.

"I'm not tired," I lied. In truth, I was tired, worried out of my mind, and so tense I could climb the walls.

I think Gabby knew that, too. "Dakota, please. I will not sit back and watch you go through this again," she began, but I cut her off, knowing what she was going to say.

"This is different," I said, sourly.

"How?"

"He's family!" I exploded, pushed to my limit of tolerance. The whole atmosphere was making me irritable at everyone.

Smooth, said CJ, coldly, as I saw the blonde's stricken face and realized what I had said.

"Shit," I muttered, going to her side, sitting beside her on the couch. "I'm sorry, Gabby. I didn't mean that the way it sounded, baby. I love you both with all my heart."

She just smiled - God, she was a wonderful woman! "I know," she said. "You're just tired." I nodded, and realized what I had just been tricked into admitting. Shaking my head at her, I kissed her forehead.

"Okay," I sighed, "you win. Let's go to bed." I knew I wouldn't be able to sleep, but hoped, that with Gabby by my side, I would maybe be able to relax for a little while. "Bed" meant the couch, since the cops would listen to the phone in my room, which meant they'd be stationed in there for a while. They recorded on that phone, and placed the tracing machine on the line in the living room.

I had just spooned myself against Gabby, intent on holding her no matter who was in the house or what they thought, when the phone rang. Glancing at Gabby, and then at Officer Harper and his men, they nodded, and I picked up the receiver.

"Hello?"

"Hey," said a man's voice, which I recognized with a sinking heart. "He's got your eyes. Pity he can't talk, though. He can scream, I'll tell you that, and it doesn't take too much to shut him up," he added.

"Dylan, if you hurt so much as one hair on his head," I said, but he interrupted my threat with an evil, cock-sure laugh.

"Listen, bitch, you're in no position to be making threats, now are you? I know you're tracing this, so I'll be in touch later," he said, and then hung up.

"Fuck!" I cried, angrily, nearly throwing the phone across the room as I replaced it fiercely on its base.

"Ten more seconds," mumbled Harper. "When he calls again, try to keep him focused on you. Have him so caught up in ranting and raving he won't remember the time limit."

I nodded, as the phone rang again.

This time I didn't even get a chance to say hello before he started in on his demands. "Okay, listen up. I'm only gonna say this once, and if you screw it up anywhere along the line, the little brat's gonna die, you got me?"

"Okay, Dylan," I said, trying to remain calm. Gabby took my hand, supportively. "What is it that you want?"

"I want $50,000 in unmarked bills," he began.

"Jesus, Dylan!" I swore. "How am I supposed to get that kind of money?"

"Don't you fucking interrupt me, understand?" he spat, hotly. "You do that shit again, and your police friends will have a murder on their hands." That said, the line was dead, and we were five agonizingly long seconds away from finding his location.

I put my head in my hands and took a deep breath as Gabby put her arms around me. I began to panic when the phone was silent. What if I had pushed him too far? What if he had expressed his anger at me on Nick? What if I had just signed my little boy's death warrant?

Concluded in Part 3.