Hart to Hart Fan Fiction

An Anthology of Hart to Hart Stories Written

Between 1999 and 2016:

Stories with Married Harts

By Leslie T.

These Hart to Hart stories are for entertainment purposes only. The characters from the television

show Hart To Hart are copyrighted by its owners/creators. This story cannot be reprinted or

changed. Violation of this will be reported. Questions can be sent to Leslie at

itsmecici@embarqmail.com © 1999 -2017

WARNING:

These stories contain material which may not be suitable

for all readers. If you are offended by sexually explicit

material, please do not proceed.

Introduction

In the Hart Anthology 2, this set involves my original stories in which the Harts are

married. These stories aren‘t in any particular order, although Truth of the Hart (first story) does

take place early in the marriage, and starting at A Mother‟s Hart are stories that include Little

Max. While having a child would have changed the show, in fan fiction, it‘s easier to retain what

makes the Harts special and still make them parents, which means these stories are still very

romantic. A few might make you cry.

Take Time for Your Heart (aka Naked Day), was an unfinished story by Jan Miller, a fan

who tragically died young. I was asked to finish the story and I hope she‘s happy with how it

turned out.

Please don‘t share this document with others. Everyone should obtain it from me or from

where I‘ve posted it. This is only so I can keep tabs on it (I‘ve had a story stolen twice). If

you‘ve received this document from someone other than me or where I‘ve posted it, please let

me know.

I hope you‘ll enjoy these stories. Thank you for reading!

P.S. The table of contents on the next page is interactive. You should be able to click on

the title to be taken to the story.

Table of Contents

Truth of the Heart ................................................................................... 6

Jennifer stumbles on a story that the reveals Jonathan's parents' history; however, Jonathan

doesn't seem too happy about it. Will it get in the way of their young marriage?

Take Time For Your Heart .................................................................. 60

AKA Naked Day. This story was started by Stef fan Jan Miller, but sadly she died before it was

finished. I was asked to finish it.

The Christmas Gift .............................................................................. 100

Jonathan is dead…or is he. Can a prophetic dream save him?

Grieving Harts ..................................................................................... 112

Can Jennifer survive a tragic loss and a secret about her mother's death?

A Night to Remember ......................................................................... 135

What happened the Saturday before Emily by Hart that had Jonathan so eager for a repeat?

Missing Hart ......................................................................................... 150

Jonathan has been kidnapped and it's up to Jennifer to save him…plus a little surprise at the end.

A Mother's Hart .................................................................................. 177

Jennifer's fears about motherhood are coming true as she is convinced that that child she gave

birth to is not the child she brought home. When her fears are proven true, the hunt is on to find

out what happened to baby Maxwell Edwards Hart.

It’s A Wonderful Hart ........................................................................ 215

The Harts are married, but not to each other. When they meet, the sparks fly and feelings grow.

What can two honest and loyal people do when they've fallen in love but are already married?

A Hart to Remember ........................................................................... 261

Pursuing a story in France, Jennifer is in an accident that takes her memory. Jonathan is warned

that to best gage her recovery, he mustn't tell her about her history. Now Jonathan needs to make

her fall in love with him again, while keeping her save from whoever is still trying to kill her.

A Christmas Miracle ........................................................................... 306

Jonathan, Jennifer and little Max are at the mountain cabin to celebrate the holidays. But a

mysterious illness overcomes Max, and a snowstorm prevents the Harts from getting him to a

hospital. Desperate and afraid, they're still not too self-absorbed to help a man stuck in the snow.

Will the Harts get the miracle they're praying for?

Till Death Do Us Part .......................................................................... 326

Jonathan is diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor. An experimental surgery might save him. But

if he survives, will he be the same man?

Revenge of the Hart ............................................................................. 374

It never sat well with Elliot Manning how he not only lost Jennifer, but was unable to get his

revenge in Australia. Now is he's back and he won't stop until he has the woman wants and boy

who should have been his son

Harts Agony ......................................................................................... 423

Robin Wall has escaped and set her sights on getting rid of Jennifer. She nearly succeeds,

shooting Jennifer and putting her the hospital hovering between life and death. Jonathan fights to

be strong, but how will he ever survive if she doesn't live?

Truth of the Heart (Once called Spying Harts)

I was disappointed in Secrets of Hart, because we didn’t learn as much as I would have

liked to about Jonathan’s past, nor did we get to delve into the emotional and psychological

aspects of growing up an orphan. So this story is my idea of what happened to Jonathan’s

parents and how he ended up orphaned. It was also my goal to explore the early marriage

of the Harts where you’ll see that they still have some work to do in the relationship in

terms of having trust and respect.

Chapter One

Jonathan pulled into the driveway of his Bel Air home eager to spend the rest of the

afternoon with Jennifer. He knew Max was out at his weekly poker game until dinnertime. He

and Jennifer had recently celebrated the first anniversary of the day they met. What a year it had

been. To think that the woman he'd been avoiding in London was in fact the woman of his

dreams. Since that fateful evening when she sat next to him in the bar at the Ritz Hotel, his life

became full of excitement, romance and passion. He'd never known such love as he and Jennifer

shared. He was sure few did.

In a few weeks they would be celebrating their first wedding anniversary and he was

planning something special. But why wait for anniversaries? Today was as good of day as any to

celebrate his love for her.

"Hello darling. What are you working on?" Jonathan said approaching her as she worked

at her desk.

"Hello darling. You're home early." She tilted her head to his kiss.

"I thought I'd surprise you but I see you're busy."

"Yes. I'm going through some background material Mr. Rostov gave me to prepare for

my interview this afternoon."

"Kind of odd for an old Russian spy to give away secrets, don‘t you think?"

"I think he‘s trying to clear his conscience. He hasn‘t actually worked since the war so I

am sure his secrets aren‘t so secret anymore."

"So what did he give you to look at?" Jonathan sat a hip on the side of the desk.

"Well it‘s the strangest assortment of stuff. Mostly newspaper clippings and letters. But

some of the clippings don‘t seem to have anything to do with government secrets or world

affairs."

"Really, like what?"

"Here‘s one: Young Man Found Dead After Freak Fall from Golden Gate."

"Perhaps he was a secret spy who had help over the bridge," Jonathan offered.

"Or, this one: Couple Killed in Car Accident In Marin Hills."

"That's a lot of questionable deaths. Are you sure you're safe with him?" He knew

Jennifer's work could sometimes take her into dangerous situations. As much as he supported her

work, he also wanted to keep her safe.

"Oh yes, he is about 80 years old. I'm sure I could take him if I had to." She gave him a

smile and a wink.

Jonathan laughed. "How about me? Can you take me?"

"Anywhere you want to go." She stood, stepping between his legs and slipping his arms

around his neck. "I'm sorry I need to leave since you made time to come home early."

"Don‘t worry about it. Max and I can relive bachelor days." He placed his hands on her

back and pulled her closer.

"I knew you when you were a bachelor. I don‘t know if I like that idea."

Nuzzling her neck he said, "I wasn‘t a bachelor very long after meeting you. You know

that I‘m a million times happier being married to you than I was as a bachelor."

"Ah, good answer," Jennifer responded.

"And here's my proof." He slid his lips to hers, giving them a soft nibble until her lips

parted. Then he took the kiss deeper, showing her just how much he loved her.

Jennifer reluctantly left for her interview. While she and Jonathan spent more time

together than many families, she never liked it when her writing assignments interfered with time

she could be with him. She smiled at the course her life had taken. Before meeting Jonathan her

only focus was on her career as a freelance journalist. Men always viewed her writing as a hobby

and tried to steer her into a more traditional job. Jonathan was the first to appreciate her talent

and support her dream. He was also the first to completely take her breath away and show her

pleasures beyond writing. She would have probably stopped writing if he asked her too, that‘s

how much she loved him. But Jonathan would never do such a thing. It was something else she

loved about him.

Jennifer arrived at Mr. Rostov‘s apartment. She knocked on the door and was surprised

when it swung open from the force of her knock.

"Mr. Rostov?" she pushed the door open a little more. "Mr. Rostov?"

Jennifer pushed the door open all the way and stepped in. She gasped to see the

apartment torn apart. All the books, art work, and knickknacks were on the floor. Pillows where

strewn everywhere. In the middle of the living room she found Mr. Rostov lying in a pool of

blood.

"Mr. Rostov?" She went to him, placing her fingers on his wrist to check his pulse.

Turning him over, she heard a gasp of air escape his lips.

"The truth..." His voice was gargled as if his throat where full of water. Jennifer grabbed

a pillow and covered the bullet hole just above his abdomen.

"Let me call for help." She headed to the phone, but his hand caught her.

"The truth...."

"Yes, you can tell me the truth once I call an ambulance."

"Get the lettuce."

Did he say ‗lettuce‘?

"Mr. Rostov, let me call for help." Jennifer broke away and called the police. By the time

she returned to Mr. Rostov, he was dead. Jennifer sat for a moment with him. She found it tragic

that he should die alone. Well not alone. But with a stranger. She looked around the house

wondering what the intruder was after.

"The truth," She said to herself. "Get the lettuce?" she stood and looked around the

apartment then headed to the kitchen. The drawers were emptied as well as the cupboards and

refrigerator. There was food, plates and silverware everywhere. Jennifer carefully stepped over

the apples and coffee cups. Under the table she saw a head of lettuce.

"Get the lettuce." Jennifer shrugged as she crawled under the table reaching for the

lettuce. "It must be frozen," she thought as she held the solid object in her hands. But as she held

it she realized it wasn‘t real lettuce at all. It was plastic lettuce. She shook it and heard something

rattle inside. Finding a seam, she twisted the lettuce and it came apart in her hands dropping a

key and slip of paper. Opening the paper she read the name of a bank and a number. A safe

deposit box key. Jennifer licked her lips and looked around to see if anyone saw her. She put the

key in her pocket and put the lettuce back together. She heard the sirens signaling the police's

arrival, so she returned to the living room to wait.

Jennifer was with the police for an hour before they allowed her leave. She told them

everything she knew, except for the lettuce. She knew it was wrong, she really should have told

them what she found. She was risking being charged with obstruction. But the investigative

journalist in her couldn't quite let it go.

When she arrived home she found Jonathan reading on the couch.

"How did it go?" Jonathan asked getting up to greet her.

"You wouldn‘t believe it," she said slipping into his embrace.

"I'd believe anything you told me."

"He‘s dead."

"Dead?"

"Yes. Murdered."

"Are you alright?" He stepped away from her and began to take an inventory.

"Yes. I‘m fine. Just shocked."

"What happened?"

"I got there and someone had completely trashed the place and he was dying on the

floor."

"Was there anyone there?"

Jennifer could see the worry in his eyes. She had wondered too – if she'd been earlier

would she have been a victim?

"No."

"Was it robbery?"

She shrugged. "Before he died he told me to find the truth and the lettuce."

"The lettuce?" Jonathan asked. "What does that mean? Is that Russian for something?"

"No, I think he really did mean the lettuce. I found a fake lettuce… you know one of

those things you hide money or jewelry in? I think that is what the intruder was looking for."

"The lettuce?"

"No, what was inside the lettuce."

"Well it is a good thing the police arrived. I'd hate to think the intruder was watching and

thought you might have the key."

Jennifer winced.

"You did give the police the key, didn‘t you?"

Jennifer shook her head.

"Jennifer, not only could that get you killed, it could land you in jail."

"I know. But it was important to him that I find the truth and the lettuce."

"Maybe he didn't mean for you specifically to find it. He may have been perfectly happy

for the police to do it."

"I don't know. This whole assignment was by his initiation. I think he wanted me to take

care of it."

She rubbed the worry crease in his forehead. "I know I should turn this over. I just … I

don't know. There is something about this story and he wanted me to know it."

Jonathan smiled with affection. "You're something else, you know that?"

"Yes, but you can tell me again."

"I'll tell you what. Tomorrow we'll try to get in the box and see what we find. After that

we should turn everything over to the police."

She nodded. "Agreed."

"In the mean time, I think we should eat."

"You held dinner? I thought you and Max were going to sow oats or something?"

Jonathan grinned and as always it made her stomach do flips. "Max is sowing elsewhere

this evening."

"So you‘ve been home alone?"

"Yes. All alone." He dropped his head and pouted his lips.

"Darling, I‘m sorry. How will I make it up to you?"

"I‘ll think of something," he said with a twinkle in his eye. "Now. How about dinner?"

"That would be lovely." Jennifer headed to the kitchen but Jonathan took her arm and led

her to the dining room. "You‘ve prepared something special?"

"Just a night of good food and maybe a little romance," Jonathan said.

He showed Jennifer to her seat and served her a meal of cold cuts, fruit and wine.

Jennifer laughed. "Deli food?"

"Well, I didn‘t know when you‘d be home and I didn‘t want the meal to get cold. So I

thought it'd be better to serve cold food."

"Good thinking."

During the meal, Jennifer recounted each step of her involvement with Mr. Rostov from

the time he'd contacted her and gave her information, to the time she found him. She was

thankful that Jonathan was the kind of man who understood her sense of loyalty and her

commitment to her work. But she knew he was right. A man was dead and she was holding

potentially important evidence.

"Like I said, we'll see what we find at the bank. Then I'd feel better if we turned

everything over to the police."

"And not do the article?"

She watched his eyes as he took a moment to carefully choose his words. "I promised you

I'd never get in the way of your work. But if this story will endanger your life, then yes. I'm sorry

about that, but I love you and that comes first."

She smiled. "That's what I love about you."

"What's that?"

"That you love me so much."

"I do. Now perhaps you can give me a little in return."

She didn't miss the gleam in his eyes. "Feeling neglected?"

"I was lonely in this huge house all by myself."

"Tsk, tsk. You poor thing. What ever can be done to remedy that?"

"Perhaps a little specialized attention from you would work."

"When is Max coming back?"

"Max, won‘t be home for hours. His date is in Tijuana."

"Good." Jennifer stood, moved towards him, and holding his gaze slowly unbuttoned her

shirt. An appreciative grin appeared on Jonathan‘s face as he watched her remove her clothing.

She loved to watch him look at her. His eyes held awe and love and desire.

"You can come up close if you like," she said.

He stood, placing his hands on her shoulders and running them down the velvet softness

of her back. She heard his breath hitch as her lips caressed his while her hands unbuttoned his

shirt.

"Come here," he said as he pulled her to him and pressed his lips to hers. His tongue

traced the soft fullness of her lips and explored the recesses of her mouth. How she loved the

taste of him.

She fumbled with his pants as he kicked off his shoes. His kisses on her neck and throat

sent a familiar and welcomed tingling through her body. She sighed as he removed her bra and

nuzzled his face in the warm flesh of her breasts. She ran her fingers through his hair holding

him to her as he teased her sensitive nipples.

His lips continued their journey, cascading kisses down her cleavage to her stomach. Her

stomach tightened and her legs wobbled as he slowly pulled removed her skirt and panties.

"You're so beautiful," he whispered as his hands caressed her legs

Jennifer reached for him wanting him with her, in her now. She could see in his eyes that

his restraint was waning as well. He pushed her to the table, carefully lifting her to sit on the

edge. He placed one hand on the table for support. With the other he held guided himself to her,

teasing her between her thighs.

Throwing her head back, she moaned. "Jonathan."

He didn't let her down. Slowly he pushed himself into her, filling her. She wrapped her

legs around him and pulled him deeper and deeper.

He gave her a hard, fast kiss and then let himself go. His hands gripped her hips as he

thrust into her, harder, faster. Jennifer held on, moving with him, against him, in every way she

could. She couldn‘t control her outcry as pleasure speared through her. Then she felt him

shudder and thrust hard as his own release overtook him.

He held her as their breaths slowed to normal. "The only thing wrong with making love

on the dining room table is that the after-play isn‘t as cozy," he said.

Jennifer laughed. "The after-play?"

"Yes. You know, when I kiss and caress you and tell you how much I love you."

"You can do that now," Jennifer said pushing a tendril of damp hair from his forehead.

"It just isn‘t as comfortable."

"How about we go upstairs and try it again in the cozy comfort of our bed?"

"The after-play?" Jonathan asked.

"The fore-play, during-play and after-play."

Jonathan smiled and kissed her. "God I love you."

Chapter Two

The next morning, Jonathan and Jennifer headed the Bank of America Branch nearest

Mr. Rostov‘s apartment.

"Hello, this is Madam Rostov and I'm Mr. John her interpreter. We're here to check the

Rostov safe deposit box," Jonathan said to the customer service representative.

"Is Madam Rostov on the card?"

Jonathan looked at Jennifer. Jennifer mumbled something that sounded Russian to

Jonathan. Hopefully it would to the customer service lady too.

"She isn‘t sure. She's quite unfamiliar with the customs of our country. Her late husband,

Mr. Rostov always took care of everything."

"I see, well let me go look."

"I hope Mr. Rostov was married," Jonathan said as they waited for the woman to return.

"By the way, I love it when you speak Russian."

"I thought it was French you loved?"

"No that is Gomez Adams. French is lulling to me. Russian though, that's sexy."

"I‘ll have to remember that."

"I'm sorry Mr. John, there's is no Mrs. Rostov on the card."

"Oh dear," Jonathan said. "Mr. Rostov just passed away and we believe his will is in the

box. Is there any way you can help poor Mrs. Rostov here?"

The woman looked sympathetically at Jennifer who began to wipe her eyes. Jonathan

wondered if maybe Jennifer missed her calling. She would have made a fabulous actress.

"Well, I guess it won‘t hurt, as long as we don‘t tell anybody."

The three headed to the safe deposit room and obtained the box. The woman led them to

an area in which they could check the contents of the box.

"Let‘s see Mr. Rostov what is so important that you keep it in your lettuce," Jennifer said.

"Let‘s just hope it isn‘t salad."

Jennifer eyed Jonathan with her that‟s not funny gaze. She opened the box to reveal a

variety of papers and documents.

"Armageddon," Jennifer read on a paper with a list of names. "Sounds awful."

"Look at the names. Isn‘t that the name of the guy from the article that went over the

bridge?"

"Michael Peters. Yes it is. And here is Rostov‘s."

"And, look here is the couple, Charles and Helene Valentine," Jonathan said.

"I wonder what it means?"

"I don‘t know." But Jonathan began to worry that the situation really did involve

espionage. While Jonathan liked intrigue as much as the next guy, he preferred it in movies. "I

wonder if these were people Rostov worked with or maybe against. His seems to be the only

Russian sounding name on the list."

Jennifer dug deeper into the box. "Look at this. It is a birth certificate. Charles Jean

Valentine Jr. Born Feb. 2 ...That‘s your birthday darling."

"Yes it is," Jonathan said taking the document.

"He was born in Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital." Jennifer tilted her head in thought. "I

don‘t remember the article mentioning a son. Do you?"

"What?"

"Well, when someone dies, they usually have a little blurb at the end saying who survives

the deceased. Charles wasn‘t mentioned as a survivor or as having been killed in the accident,"

she explained.

"Maybe they were spies too. If I was a spy and had children, I wouldn't want people to

know."

"Yes." Jennifer looked in the box again. This time she pulled out an envelope. "Look a

letter for Rostov. Should we open it?"

"We‘ve come this far, why not."

Jennifer opened the letter. Jonathan looked over Jennifer's shoulder. "It‘s some sort of

guardianship paper."

"What does it say?"

"Well, this form here gives Rostov guardianship of Charles Jean Valentine, Jr. And this

one is a letter to Rostov. Dear Friend Uri, If you are reading this, we have had the sad misfortune

of passing. It seems things have not gone on as planned. Helene and I are hopeful that this letter

is read before they show up to the house. And we hope that it won‘t be too much trouble to

attend to these things particularly since such swift action will be needed. The boy will be at his

usual place. We trust you will handle his placement as we have discussed. Hopefully you'll have

time to find a suitable family. He has a bag packed and hidden in the crawl space of the house. It

has everything he needs for his new home but nothing to link him to you or us. It is Helene‘s

wish that someday he can be told about us and your heroic efforts to save us all. If ever it is safe,

find him and tell him he was loved and that we are sorry we were unable to provide the life we

wanted to. Also, on our last trip to Avignon, we buried a box of photos and heirlooms. It's not

much, but it's important to Helene that he have something of us. Again, only if it is safe do we

want him to know about these things."

Jonathan had an uneasy feeling in his stomach that he couldn't explain. He told himself it

was that they were looking into an old spy's file and while the war was long over, old secrets

could still be deadly. But another part of him, somewhere deep in his soul, stirred as if he'd

known about these people before. But how could he?

"Are you all right darling?"

"Yes," he answered. "Keep reading."

"You'll also find a box with valuable items. Use these to save yourself. It is ironic isn‘t it

that the enemy has become the ally and the ally is our enemy. We've had a good and adventurous

life. Both Helene and I count ourselves fortunate to have such as friend as you Uri. May God be

with you and our young Charlie."

Jennifer set the letter down with the other items found so far. "I think you're right. I think

Charles and Helene were spies. I wonder what happened to the boy?"

Jonathan swallowed hard. "I don‘t know."

Jennifer pulled out the next paper. "This is in Russian. It looks like a list of physical

features for the boy." Jennifer studied the paper. "I think this says scar on right knee or leg.

Maybe its shin. And this is ‗marking‘ on back side just above buttock." Jennifer‘s brows pulled

together. "That's a coincidence. You have both of these."

Jonathan‘s felt the world spin. Maybe he was getting the flu. But something told him that

his life and the life of these people were somehow connected. A life he let go long ago. A life of

a boy who had been abandoned and not good enough for adoption. Too many feelings coursed

through him. He couldn't sort them out. Didn't want to. Instead, he picked up the papers and

other materials still in the box and handed them to Jennifer.

"Can you fit these in your purse? We may want to look at them again later."

"Yes. You think it is alright?"

"Rostov isn‘t going to come get them."

There was an edge to Jonathan‘s voice that Jennifer had never heard. Quietly she put the

papers in her purse. They closed the box and left the bank. Jennifer watched Jonathan carefully

but she was unable to read his expression. His mind was clearly somewhere else, in a place he

didn‘t seem to want her to know about. Jennifer frowned. In the ten months they had been

married, she had never seen this behavior in him.

"Are you alright darling," she asked as they got to the car.

"Sure," he said not looking to her.

"Would you like me to drive?" She wondered if his mind was anywhere in the present.

"That would be great," he said with the same flat affect.

Jennifer was glad she drove. It gave her something to do since conversation was

apparently not in order.

"Let me see if Max has lunch," Jennifer said as they walked in the door.

"Can I have those papers?" Jonathan asked.

"They're in my purse. Help yourself."

Jonathan retrieved the papers and sat on the couch in the living room. He spread the

documents on the coffee table to review them again.

Jennifer went into the kitchen to find Max.

"How did it go, Mrs. H.?" Max asked as he tossed a salad.

"I don‘t know Max." Jennifer explained what they had found.

"Why would an old spy story upset him?" Max asked.

She shrugged. "I was hoping you knew."

He shook his head. "I never heard of those people."

"I don't know what to do Max."

"Mr. H is a pretty agreeable guy but even he gets in a mood sometimes. It'll pass."

"I hope you're right," she said. "I‘ll let him know lunch is ready."

When she got to the living room, Jonathan looked up with a blank stare. Then as if

someone snapped his fingers, he seemed to realize she was there. "I'm sorry, darling. I need to go

to the office. I probably won‘t be home ‗til late."

Jonathan got up and gathering the papers he kissed Jennifer on the cheek and headed out

the door. Jennifer was stunned.

The evening proved to be more of the same. When he arrived home after 8 p.m., Jonathan

continued to be distant and uninterested in participating in conversation with Jennifer or Max.

Jennifer finally gave up and went to bed early. When she woke in the morning, Jonathan had

already left for work.

"Max, something needs to be done. What‘s going on through his head?"

"I guess he's pre-occupied with the information you found. I don‘t know what we can do

to help."

Jennifer bit her lip and thought hard. What about what they saw would have Jonathan so

out of sorts? It was old articles about a couple of old spies and some documents making

arrangements for an orphaned boy. Orphaned boy? Oh God. Could that be it? They did have the

same birthday. But Jonathan's birth certificate said he was born in San Francisco, not Santa Rosa.

But is that something someone would change to protect a child?

"I'm going to make some calls," she told Max.

"I don't know who you're calling, but if it's about Mr. H, I think maybe we should just let

it go until he lets us know what he wants."

"Max, he clearly isn‘t going to let us know. I don‘t think I can take another night of his

brooding."

Jennifer headed to her office area and dialed information for the Mission Street

Orphanage in San Francisco.

"Yes, my name is Jennifer Edwards. I'm doing a story on famous people who were

orphaned or adopted. I was wondering if anyone would be able to give me information regarding

Mr. Jonathan Hart?"

"I'm sorry Ms. Edwards but information regarding children‘s records are sealed by the

state."

"Oh, I see. Well, what I really wanted was personal stories."

"It‘s been a long time since Mr. Hart was here. The only person who might remember

him is Sister Mary Margaret. She's now at the St. Vincent hospital. If she‘s having a clear day,

she may be able to help you."

"Thank you so much." Jennifer immediately dialed information for the hospital and

called Sister Mary Margaret. "Sister Mary Margaret? My name is Jennifer Hart. My husband is

Jonathan Hart...."

"Oh yes, little Charlie."

Charlie? He was called Charlie? His middle name was Charles. Now it was all starting to

fit.

"Yes. That‘s right. I wanted to surprise Jonathan with a little scrapbook about his

childhood, I was wondering if you might be able to help me."

"Well, I can try. My mind isn‘t what it used to be."

"Any little bit would be great. Do you remember when Jonathan came to the Mission?"

There was a silence for a moment. "Yes, he was about three I guess. He was a

foundling... someone left him on the steps. Back then you could do that and children would be

okay. He had such bright eyes. You could tell he had been well taken care of. He was clean with

nice clothes."

"Was there a note or something?"

"Just with his name: Jonathan Charles Hart and birth date. Although, he told us to call

him Charlie."

"Jonathan has a birth certificate. Where did that come from?"

"The state made that. It was routine back then. At least we had that information. Some

kids we had to make it all up."

"Did he ever talk about his parents?"

"Well, he was only three. He did call for his mom for a long time. And someone else... I

can‘t recall who though. It was so sad. You could see the light going out of his eyes each day his

mom didn‘t come back."

Jennifer frowned. The light... that is what is gone from Jonathan now.

"We would try to sing to him and comfort him but he wouldn‘t have any of it. Although,

after we would leave you could hear him singing a little French tune... Clair De Lune I think it

was."

Jennifer stopped. "Did you say a French tune?" She remembered the note referring to

Avignon, a town in France. And Charles‘ middle name was Jean, which was French for John.

"Yes, he knew every word too."

"Did the Mission keep any papers or items he arrived with?"

"Yes, except that it went into his record. Since the state took over those things, you can‘t

get in to see them. Not even Charlie can see them. Tragic. So many kids who could know so

much about their history but are denied."

"Yes," Jennifer agreed. All of a sudden, Jennifer felt a presence. Looking up she saw

Jonathan scrutinizing her with dark, dangerous eyes. "Thank you very much Sister," Jennifer

stammered as she hung up the phone.

"What are you doing?" he asked evenly.

Jennifer got up to approach him. "Hello, Darling I didn‘t hear you come in."

"I gather that. Who were you talking to?"

Jennifer glanced at the phone and then Jonathan trying to figure out what to say.

Normally she would tell him exactly what she was doing, but things were not normal. "That was

Sister Mary Margaret. I thought maybe I could help you."

"I didn‘t ask for any help."

He couldn't have hurt her more with that remark if he'd slapped her. She swallowed hard.

"No, but you seem so preoccupied about something since we found all those papers..."

"I'd have thought you would consult me before continuing a story that may affect me."

Accusation flared in his eyes.

"Jonathan?" Jennifer‘s heart sank at his tone. "I'm not talking about the story." Jennifer

wanted to say more but she couldn‘t find the words. She didn‘t know the man standing in front

of her. "I love you and am worried about you. I just wanted to help."

"I don‘t want help. And I'd prefer it if you would just leave this whole issue to me." His

voice was firm and final.

"Yes. Okay," she said trying to keep from crumbling from the pain of his locking her out.

Clearing her throat of the burn of tears, she said, "I'm going to go upstairs to get the dry cleaning.

I told Max I'd take care of it."

Jonathan watched her go. A feeling of guilt crept through him as an ache of emptiness

gnawed at his soul. Forcing himself to look away he headed to the kitchen.

Max looked up with shaming eyes and then continued with his work.

"I take it you don‘t approve," Jonathan said.

"What‘s to disapprove of? She was snooping into your business." Max‘s voice was

condescending.

"I can take care of my own problems."

"Sure you can. She should know better than to help you when you mope around for two

days. "

"Alright Max, I get it."

"You better Mr. H. I can ignore you and you can ignore me and its okay. But you can't

ignore someone like Mrs. H. I can guarantee you‘ll be sorry if you do."

Jonathan rubbed his eyes. He knew Max was right. He just couldn't deal with everything

right now. It had taken him a long time to get over his history. The feelings of abandonment. The

rejection by family after family who ultimately chose to adopt children who were younger or

better than him. As he pondered the possibility that he was the child in the Valentine's letter, he

realized that maybe he never did get over it. And as much as he loved Jennifer, he couldn't let her

into this part of him. It was dark, empty and lonely. He didn't want to go there and he certainly

didn't want to take her with him.

"I need to get some air."

"When will you be back?"

"I don't know," he said heading to the door.

"What should I tell Mrs. H.?"

Jonathan looked back to his old friend, but he couldn't find the words. I love her? He did,

but running out on her like this made a mockery of his words. He'd work it out on his own? He

wasn't sure he would. He shook his head and walked through the door.

Chapter Three

She heard him leave. Watched his pained expression as he looked up at her in the

window. But he didn't acknowledge her. He simply got into his car and drove off.

Had she made a mistake in marrying him? She would have never thought so. Up until

yesterday their lives had been so perfect. Was the honeymoon over? Or was he simply

overwhelmed by what they'd found in the safe deposit box. She had to believe it was the latter,

but that didn't give him the right to shut her out. They were a team now. They were supposed to

share everything, good and bad. She could help him. At the very least she could listen and love

him. Why wouldn't he let her?

"Mrs. H.?"

Jennifer wiped her tears. She didn't want Max to see how torn up she was. "Yes Max?"

He peaked through the door. "Can I come in?"

She nodded.

"I brought you some tea." He walked in setting a tray on the table. "And some whisky in

case you need something stronger."

She smiled. "Thank you Max."

"Sure thing," he said turning to the door. Then he stopped and turned back. "I know it's

none of my business-"

"We're family Max so of course it's your business."

He nodded. "You know Mr. H he's a great guy. Very suave. Sophisticated"

"Yes."

"But we can't ever really get rid of where we came from."

Jennifer's brows pulled together. "What do you mean?"

"When I first met Mr. H I would have bet money he'd either be President or in prison

when he grew up."

Jennifer laughed.

"He was on the grift, that's how I met him."

"I thought you met him when he sold newspapers."

"That's when I shook him down for my money back."

"Max, he was just a kid," Jennifer said feeling entertained by the story despite her

despair.

"He scammed five hundred bucks from me. I wanted it back, kid or no kid." Max took a

seat in the chair by the window. "He was good at hustling. Really good. But part of what made

him good was his charm and smarts. I could see that he could do very well in the legitimate

business world with the right guidance."

"He did say you saved him."

"Nah." Max waved her comment away. "I didn't know much about being legitimate so I

wasn't the best role model. But I did what I could. Sent him back to school and college."

"And the rest is history." She wasn't sure why Max was telling her this, but she was

enjoying it.

"The thing is, the hardest part for him to overcome was being an orphan. An orphan no

one wanted."

Jennifer's heart broke at the thought of the little boy who wanted love and a home but

couldn't have it. "But you helped with that. You're like a father to him."

"And he's like a son to me. But he lived a long time with that rejection. It takes a toll on a

man. He's overcome a lot, achieved the unimaginable, including his love for you, but even with

all that, I think that lonely boy is still in him."

Now it made sense. He was trying to explain Jonathan's behavior. "But why would he

shut us out? He may still have the orphan boy in him, but now he's not alone. He has you and

me, two people who love him."

"He probably doesn't know what to say or do. Mr. Hart wasn't always an open and

sensitive guy. You bring that out in him. And he wants to go to you. I'm sure of it. He just doesn't

know how to cope, I guess."

"So you think I still need to give him time. Do nothing?"

He nodded.

"Max, I can't do nothing."

"What else can you do?"

Jennifer turned to the window and pondered the question. It seemed like when she tried to

help it only made it worse. But she didn't get married to be cut off when things got hard. She

wanted, no expected a full partnership. The question was whether not she would settle for

Jonathan's participation in a marital relationship when it suited him?

Jonathan quietly entered the dark house. Glancing at the living room, he was relieved to

find it empty. He headed upstairs to his bedroom. Their bedroom. The moonlight cast a warm

glow over Jennifer. She slept, but he could see the puffiness of her eyes, the tracks of tears on her

cheeks. He'd done that. He could bearly live with the knowledge of that. He was ruining the best

thing that ever happened to him. And for what? There was no proof the Valentines were his

parents. And even if they were, what would it change? Nothing. As lonely as his boyhood had

been, having Max and Jennifer made up for it in spades. If he was given the choice to have

parents or Jennifer, he'd choose her. His life now was so perfect. He'd give up everything, the

success, the money, everything to have her. And yet here he was pushing her from his life.

He wanted more than anything to slip in bed beside her and hold her. He wanted to tell

how sorry he was and how much he loved her. How his life was so full and wonderful with her

in it. But he didn't desearve that. No, his behavior make him a candidate for the dog house. And

since Freeway didn't have a dog house, Jonathan opted to take the couch.

He felt her presence even before he woke. He opened his eyes to find her sitting across

from him. And she was mad. He'd never seen that look on her face. The rage in her eyes. He sat

up.

"We need to talk."

He nodded. He wanted to tell her he loved her. Tell her he was a jerk and he'd figure out a

way to make it up to her. But he desearved her anger and wouldn't deny her saying her peace.

"I can't live like this – no. I won't live like this."

All of a sudden Jonathan had a feeling he'd already lost her. He looked to the front door

to see if she'd packed her bags. The foyer remained empty but that didn't mean her bags weren't

upstairs.

"I didn't sign up for this," she continued. "I don't know what you think a marriage is, but

when one of us hurts so does the other. You can't just decide you don't want me around anymore-

"

"I never said I don't want you around."

"No. You haven't said two words to me. You've been who knows where and now

sleeping on the couch. What am I supposed to think?"

He looked down. His guilt riding him as much as Jennifer's words. He looked to her

again because he owed it to her to look in her eyes. To feel her wrath. But he hoped she would

see the love in his in return.

"I would think you didn't want me around," he admited. "But that would be wrong."

"What am I supposed to do, Jonathan? I'm not going to allow you to push me out when

you have a crisis of the heart. I signed up for better and worse."

He nodded. "I did too."

She shook her head and looked away. "You have a hellova way of showing it."

The phone rang.

"Mr. H? Its Deann from the office," Max said from the kitchen door. "She says its

urgent."

Jonathan closed his eyes. The timing couldn't be worse. But Deann was usually spot on

when it came to urgent. "I'll take it in here." He rose to get the phone. Jennifer shook her head

and then hurried from the room.

Chapter Four

Jennifer stood over the basin in her bathroom looking at her scarlet and swollen face with

bloodshot eyes. A cold fist crushed her heart and didn‘t know what to do to change it. He didn't

try leave when she told him her feeling, but neither did he do anything to respond. He didn't

apologize. He didn't tell her what he needed. No. He took a call from the office. She understood

now where she placed in the scheme of things. How did that happen? How could she have felt

she was so important to him, even more important than Hart Industries and then be so wrong

about it?

Hearing a rustle behind her, she looked in the mirror to see him standing behind her. She

took a towel to wipe her face. "I got a little soap in my eyes."

"And an ache in your heart?" His words were soft, reaching out to her.

"Yes," she whispered turning to look at him. He looked terrible. He also looked like he

wanted to hold her. So why didn't he? Then again she was so hurt, so mad, that she didn't want

him to touch her. Could he tell?

"I'm sorry," he said simply.

She could only stare at him. It's what she asked for, but it still didn't feel like enough.

He took a deep breath. "I hurt you and I've never been more ashamed of myself. I didn't

want to hurt you. I just couldn't cope … But that's no excuse. I can't blame you for wanting to

leave. But if you'll stay and give me a chance I promise –"

"Leave?"

He cocked his head. "You said you wouldn't live like this anymore. I was afraid you'd

packed your bags."

"I'm not a quitter."

He shook his head. "No."

"But that doesn‘t mean I'm going to be relegated to the background."

"No. I'm sorry if that's how you felt. I'll make it up to you. I promise Jennifer. You'll

never question my love for you."

She stood studying his face more than his words. She could see the fear and anguish in

his eyes. The pain he'd caused her had hurt him too.

"Please."

That one word said with such desperation broke her resistance. She went to him, clinging

to him as if her life depended on it.

"Baby," he whispered. "God. I'm so sorry. So, so sorry."

She relinquished herself into the strong familiar arms of her husband. His embrace and

words soothed the hurt and confusion that plagued her.

"I'm sorry too. I shouldn‘t have butted in. Max was right, I should have just let you do

whatever it was you needed to do."

Jonathan put his hands on her face, holding her gaze. "You were loving me which, is

more than I can say for myself the last few days. Ah, Jennifer, I'm so sorry."

He pressed his lips to her and she gloried in the feel of him against her body, the taste of

him on her lips Desperate to have him remove her anguish she held him, pressing herself into

him. She wasn't sure how long they stood there, holding each other, crying and affirming their

love.

"I have a surprise for you."

Jennifer eyes perked up at the mention of surprise.

"So let's go," Jonathan said taking her hand.

"Jonathan, I‘m not dressed right." She looked down at her navy shorts and her white

cotton tee shirt that was one size too small.

"You look perfect. But," he said looking himself over. "I need to change. Wait right

here."

Jennifer took the opportunity to wash her face and touch up her make-up. Jonathan

reappeared wearing tan shorts and blue golf shirt that accentuated his twinkling blue eyes. He

escorted Jennifer downstairs refusing to give the tiniest hint of his intention.

"Max? Is everything set?" Jonathan asked as he led Jennifer to the front door.

"All set, Mr. H. Have a good time."

"Everything is all taken care of Mr. Hart," a man in a white chef‘s outfit said as he

descended the steps to the boat.

"Thank you very much," Jonathan said handing the man a wad of money.

"What are you up to?" Jennifer asked.

"I'm looking to spend an incredible evening with my wife."

Once on board, Jonathan started the engine and maneuvered the boat from its slip and out

into the bay.

"I thought we‘d go to ‗Oh, Jonathan‘ cove," Jonathan called to Jennifer as she sat up

front.

"Oh Jonathan cove?"

"Yes." He grinned. "Don‘t you remember? The little cove up the coast a bit in which I

revealed some of my trade secrets?"

A smile of remembrance spread across Jennifer‘s face.

It took about an hour to reach the little cove and anchor boat. The sun had begun its

descent into the ocean. Jonathan looked up to the front of the boat, soaking in Jennifer‘s beauty

as the sun‘s last rays glistened in her hair. He walked up behind her, sliding his hands around her

belly and pulling her close. He kissed her neck and rested his chin on her shoulder.

"It is so beautiful," Jennifer said.

"You're so beautiful," he said turning her to face him. "I can't believe you forgave me so

easily. How did I get so damn lucky?"

Jennifer shook her head. "Luck had nothing to do with it. I love you. I believe in you."

Her words warmed his heart like nothing ever could. He knew he had much to tell her,

but still didn't quite know how. When it came to sharing everything else, it was so easy. Why

was delving into his past so hard?

"Growing up I never had anyone who worried about me or was there to talk to, at least

not intimately. I never learned how to do that."

He could see that she grieved for the little boy he'd been. "You're doing it now."

He smiled. "It‘s easy to do with the good stuff. It‘s the painful feelings that are hard. Max

always just left me to brood knowing I'd work it out."

"I should have trusted Max and let you do that too. I won‘t interfere again."

"No." He pressed a palm to her face. "No. I want you to. I mean, I want to share

everything with you. I want your strength and support during the times I don‘t feel I have any. I

never wanted to give myself so completely to anyone as I do with you."

Jennifer ran her hands along his chest, over his shoulders and to his cheeks. "I love you,"

she said as she pulled him to her in a loving kiss. As their lips parted, Jonathan wrapped his arms

around her and pulled her so close her feet nearly left the deck.

"It is an amazing feeling to have a family."

"Yes it is," Jennifer responded realizing the love and support she always had was a fairly

new thing for him.

"I never thought about them," Jonathan said gazing out over the ocean yet still holding

Jennifer in his arms.

"Who?"

"My parents. I never thought about them. There didn‘t seem to be much use in it."

Jonathan‘s arms tightened around her as if he were trying to comfort himself. "Why search for

people who obviously don‘t want you. Or are dead. It just seemed too depressing."

Jennifer wasn‘t sure what to say. She could only imagine the pain and loneliness

Jonathan felt as a child.

"I was pretty young when I went to the orphanage but I guess still too old to be adopted.

It can be a hard thing to not be wanted."

Jennifer‘s heart broke to hear Jonathan talk of the pain of not being loved and wanted as a

child. The concept was so foreign to her.

"Max was the first person who made me feel wanted. That was really nice. He got excited

about my grades, sports even little dumb things." Jonathan‘s face brightened at the thought. "It

never occurred to me that my parents would send me to an orphanage because they loved me."

Jennifer watched Jonathan‘s eyes as tinges of guilt crossed over them. "Jonathan, are you

feeling bad because you never actively sought out your parents?"

"I guess I am. I was angry with them for so long because I thought they didn‘t want me.

But maybe they did want me. Maybe I was unfair to them. Maybe I owe it to them to find out."

She nodded.

"I've decided I want to look into this Valentine thing and I want you to help me."

He said the words she wanted to hear. He wanted, needed her help. But she wasn't naive

enough to think that this still wasn't hard for him. That his broodiness could return. "I want to

help you Jonathan. But only if you want me to. If at any time you need space, just let me know."

"I don't ever want to be in any space that doesn't include you." He pulled her closer,

linking his arms behind her back. "Tonight though, is your night. So, no more talk about spies,

parents, or any of that. I just want to focus on you."

"I think I can handle that."

"Are you hungry?"

"Yes, but not for food," Jennifer said pressing herself against Jonathan.

Jonathan grinned. "Let me put this food on ice in case you work up an appetite."

"I‘ll meet you in the Captain's bunk," Jennifer said sauntering off.

She stepped down in the interior of the boat and headed back to their room. She

wondered for a moment if she should have eaten. He'd obviously put some time and thought into

this evening. But in the room she found champagne and flowers. He'd planned for more than just

dinner. She plucked one of the red buds from the vase and inhaled its sweet scent.

She heard Jonathan approach. He stood watching her in the doorway.

"Somebody thought of everything," she said motioning to the champagne and room full

of roses.

"I want this night to erase the pain I caused you."

"What pain?"

He smiled. Grabbing a glass of champagne he joined her on the bed.

"To my beautiful wife," he said holding his glass up.

"Here, here!" They entwined their arms and sipped the cool bubbly. "Oh, it tickles my

nose."

"Why don‘t you give me that," Jonathan said taking the champagne from her. "I want to

be the only thing tickling you tonight."

Turning back to her, he put his hand on the back of her neck and pulled her lips to his, his

kiss urgent and demanding taking her breath away. He reached for the hem of her shirt and

pulled it over her head. He quickly rid her of the rest of her clothes and then gazed at her.

Jennifer loved the way he looked at her. He wasn't guarded now. All his love and awe and desire

shone in his eyes.

He picked up the pink rose and gently ran its soft bud along her neck and down her chest.

He used the flower to caress the peaks of her firm breasts. Her moan of pleasure made him smile

and he ran the flower over her stomach and to her thighs. She felt a gentle prod on her thighs.

Knowingly she opened her thighs and allowed him to caress her intimately with the flower. She

gasped at the cool, velvety feel of the bud as it moved over her most sensitive spot.

"What would please you most?" he whispered.

"You would."

She could feel the flower caress and tap against her, causing her blood to thicken and

pool at her core.

"Jonathan." She wanted his hands, him, on her in her.

"I'm here," he said continuing to use the flower against her.

She was beginning to feel tortured. The flower didn't provide enough friction. The need

burned until she didn't think she could take it. Her hand slid over her abdomen and between her

thighs. She knew he was watching which made it even more erotic.

Then she heard him groan and toss the flower aside. He slipped his hands under her hips

and lifted her to his mouth. In an instant the slow, languid rise, turned fast and desperate. She

cried out and her hands grabbed the sheets as his mouth worked her up and up. And just when

she was teetering on the edge, he stopped.

" Don't stop. Please don't stop." She knew she was begging and didn't care.

She felt his lips work their way up her body. She started to protest but then felt his fingers

sliding inside as his thumb flicked over her swollen nub. Again he worked her into a frenzy,

moving his fingers in and out, his thumb alternately pressing and flicking against her. And then

he took her breast into his mouth.

"Oh Jonathan!" She nearly came out of the bed as her release slammed into her hard and

fast. And when she thought it was over, he took her up again, shooting her to the stars.

She felt boneless and so wonderful. She glanced to see him stripping his clothes off. She

would have liked to have helped him, but her arms weren't working.

Jonathan had been driven to the verge before with Jennifer. But this time he felt he may

not make it. He was determined though. Nothing was more important at this moment than

seeping himself in her. Becoming a part of her. He had gotten so caught up in watching her, his

own desire nearly peaking when she touched her self and then again when she came so hard,

shattering in his arms.

Kicking off his shorts, he climbed on the bed and without finesse, slid deep into her

waiting body. He had a moment when he thought he should take more time, but her long moan,

the wrap of her legs around his hips told him he was right where he needed to be. He took a

couple of deep breaths, reining in his desire.

His palms held her face as he looked down on her flushed face, her amber eyes shining

up at him with such love he nearly wept from the perfection of the moment. "I love you Jennifer.

I love you so damn much."

She smiled and pulled his lips to hers. "Come in me," she whispered.

Her erotic words prevented any more restraint. He didn't even try. He let his body take

over, moving in her, with her. He levered himself up so he could move faster, harder, deeper.

Her breath was as ragged as his now. And because he had to feel her body tighten around him, he

managed to dip his head and suckle her breast. She cried out. Her body clamped round him, hard,

sending him over with her.

He rolled pulling her with him.

"You know," he started. "I was trying to be serious there a minute ago."

"It felt pretty serious to me."

He gave her a light pinch. "I'm talking about when I told you loved you."

"I know. I'm sorry. I didn't want serious. I didn't want you paying restitution. I wanted to

feel you in me. Your power. Your love."

He thought about that for a moment. "And so how was it? The power and the love?"

"Baby you rocked my world."

Jennifer woke nestled in Jonathan‘s arms. Looking into his face, she smiled. A warm

feeling of gratitude filled her body. She was a fortunate woman indeed. She had been surprised

by his unusual mood swing but believed him when he said he wouldn‘t let it happen again. She

grieved for the child Jonathan had been, lonely and unwanted. She made a note to be sure and let

him know all the time that he was loved and wanted by her forever.

Jennifer hoped that Jonathan would soon forgive himself for hurting her. She forgave him

the minute she saw his face in the mirror that morning, but she knew his guilt would linger in

him.

"I‘ll just have to do something to get his mind off it." Jennifer shifted her body so she

could rest her head on his chest. She took in his musky scent and the sound of his heart beating.

Lightly, she kissed his chest, his dark hair tickling her lips. She ran her kisses down his chest to

his stomach, stopping to play with his bellybutton. A soft moan escaped from him. Jennifer

looked up to find him smiling in his sleep. Still watching him, Jennifer reached down to gently

stroke him. Immediately, his body responded by tensing and hardening.

Jennifer enclosed her soft, warm lips around his hardness. A moan escaped Jonathan‘s

lips. His eyes fluttered open as he came to consciousness.

"I knew this couldn‘t be a dream," he said. "My dreams aren‘t this good." He reached

down and ran his fingers through her hair as she continued to stroke and love him. She could feel

his body grow taught, vibrating under her hands. She would have been happy to continue until

his release but he reached for her, pulling her up to him.

She straddled him, easing him into her. She watched his face as she moved. The way his

breath hitched or caught when she moved a certain way. The way his eyes, dark with passion,

held hers.

"I love you," she said as she leaned forward to kiss him.

She felt his hands slide down and grasp her hips. "Ride me."

She smiled at the knowledge that he was letting himself off the hook and enjoying their

joining instead of using it as a way to fix what had happened. "Just tell me how fast."

Chapter Five

The evening was a perfect mix of passion, sharing, and a re-bonding of their souls. As

the sun cascaded through the windows of the boat the next morning, they both had a tinge of

sadness that their brief time in heaven was about to end. They made a promise to each other to

take time regularly to escape to their paradise.

"I need to go into the office today," Jonathan said as they pulled up in front of the house.

"I hope to be home by 6 and maybe we can start looking into this Valentine thing."

"Is there anything I can do to help in the mean time?"

"I don‘t think so. Maybe just going through the materials again. Here, I left them in my

brief case." Jonathan reached in the back seat and got his brief case. "I'm hoping Stanley will

have found something so I may have more information this evening."

Jennifer tried not to be bothered that he'd asked for Stanley's help instead of hers. She

took the papers from Jonathan and opened the door to get out of the car. Jonathan grabbed her

arm and pulled her back in.

"Just one more kiss before we re-enter our regular lives."

"There is nothing regular about our lives," Jennifer said pressing her lips to Jonathan‘s.

They strolled to the front door arm-in-arm, enjoying their last few seconds of their

escapade. Jonathan opened the door, swinging it open to let Jennifer in first.

"Jonathan!"

"Oh my."

The door opened up to a home they didn‘t recognize. Books, pillows, paintings and

sculptures carpeted the floor. There wasn‘t a single place to walk as the mess encompassed the

entire entry area and living room that they could see. It reminded Jennifer of Mr. Rostov‘s

apartment.

"Do you think they were looking for the papers?"

"I don‘t know. Let‘s check on Max and call the police. This Valentine thing has shot its

arrow in the wrong direction."

"Hey what happened here?" Max called as he entered the house.

"Oh, Max, thank goodness you're alright!" Jennifer replied. "Jonathan. Max is here and

he‘s fine."

Jonathan returned from the kitchen. "Max, you okay?"

"Sure Mr. H. Freeway and I went to the park to play a little catch."

"And who did you catch?" Jennifer asked with raised brows.

"You cut me to the quick Mrs. H. But if you must know, her name is Debbie."

"I just hope the police have as good as luck catching whoever did this to our home,"

Jonathan said surveying the mess.

"Looks like we have a long night ahead of us," Jennifer added.

"Well, we can‘t start cleaning Darling until the police come."

The police arrived a few minutes later and took everyone‘s statement as well as

investigated the scene.

"There is not a lot to go on here Jonathan," Lt. Gray said. "There are no prints and

nothing seems to be missing. You think they were looking for something related to Jennifer‘s

story?"

"We really don‘t know Lt." Jennifer shared. "It‘s just that Mr. Rostov was murdered just

before my interview and now this."

"And what would make these two incidences related?" Lt. Gray asked.

Jennifer looked at Jonathan wondering if they should spill the whole story. He nodded so

she told Lt. Gray about the lettuce and the contents of the safe deposit box. She didn't share their

suspicion that Jonathan might be connected though.

"Wait a minute," Lt. Gray interrupted her statement. "You took evidence from a scene?

Do you know I could arrest you for that?"

"But you won‘t, will you?"

"No, I won‘t although I should. I could get in deep trouble for this."

"I appreciate it Hershel. I think Jennifer has learned her lesson."

"Perhaps you better pass this evidence to me," Lt. Gray suggested.

"It was just a safe deposit key," Jennifer said reaching into her purse for the key.

"With your prints on it, I bet." Lt. Gray stated annoyingly. "I imagine the box is empty."

"You know us too well, Lt." Jonathan said. "We‘d like to hold on to the box‘s contents

just for another day or so if you don‘t mind."

"Jonathan, I can‘t do that! It may be a key to who destroyed your home. I can‘t do my

job, the homicide guys can‘t do their job..."

"It would mean a lot to me if I could have another day or two." Jonathan‘s voice was

serious. "It may have a clue to my past."

Lt. Gray eyed Jonathan. "Two days. That‘s it. Then I want it all."

"Thank you Hershel. Really. It means a lot to me."

"Ya well, if I get fired I expect a cushy security job at Hart Industries."

"You got it."

Later that evening after the home had been cleaned up; Jennifer headed upstairs to bed.

Jonathan had gone up a few minutes earlier. When she entered the room, she found him staring

pensively out the window.

"Darling, are you all right?" she asked moving towards him.

He looked at her but didn‘t speak. For a moment, she feared Jonathan‘s alter ego had

returned. Instead, he took her in his arms and held her tightly. Jennifer felt stifled in his

embraced. It seemed to her that he was holding on for dear life. She returned his embrace, resting

her head on his chest.

"I don‘t think you realize how much I love you or how grateful I am that you have chosen

to be with me," he finally said. His voice was serious, not his usual playful tone.

"I see it in your eyes and feel it when you touch me," Jennifer responded. Jonathan kissed

her head and pulled her tighter. "Are you thinking about your childhood?" Jennifer finally asked.

Jonathan was silent for a moment then said; "When I met Max, he told me I could be

whatever, do whatever.... and I believed him. And look at me. I became Jonathan Hart. And

when I met you, my life became perfect. I would have never in a million years thought that I

could have what I have today. I mean Jonathan Hart has love, a family, security, success,

respect...." He paused for a moment before continuing. "Charlie Hart had none of that."

His words tore at Jennifer‘s heart as she realized he saw his life as two distinct lives.

"Today my life is full and I rarely want for anything. But lately when I think back about

my childhood it‘s like this huge chasm opens in my soul and all the loneliness and fear and

uncertainty are right here… right now."

Jennifer rubbed her hand up and down his back and kissed his chest. "Darling," she

whispered. "You don‘t have to do this. We can turn everything over to Hershel and just go on as

we have. Or maybe..." Jennifer stopped as she thought back to Jonathan‘s response to her earlier

meddling.

"Or maybe what?"

"Nothing. It‘s not important. The only thing that is important is that you find peace."

"You're afraid I'll get upset again."

Jennifer nodded her head reluctantly in consent.

Jonathan put his hands on her cheeks and looked pointedly into her eyes. "I promised you

I won‘t do that again and I won‘t. Please tell me what you were going to say."

"I was going to say that maybe if you take some time to investigate your past that it might

help bring closure to your feelings and you can reconcile Charlie with Jonathan."

Jonathan grinned.

"What is so funny?"

"You should have been a shrink. You sound like a shrink."

"Jonathan," Jennifer said annoyed that he was making fun of her.

"You may be right though. I know I need to do this. It‘s just hard to look back when I

have only lived for today and the future for so long."

Jennifer smiled. "Come on. It‘s late and we‘ve had a long day. Let‘s get some sleep."

"We're going to need it for our trip tomorrow."

"What trip?" Jennifer asked.

"To San Francisco."

"San Francisco? What are we going to do there?"

Jonathan took a small key from his robe pocket. "Open a box."

Jennifer eyed him suspiciously. "Another safe deposit box?"

"Charlie Hart‘s safe deposit box. I stuck what few things I left the orphanage with in

there. I was going to throw them out but Max convinced me to save them."

"You've paid for a box all these years? Why not just store them somewhere?"

"I am storing them somewhere. And Max thought it would be harder for me to throw

them out if I kept them locked up."

"Max is clever," Jennifer said. "Come on Charlie. Time for bed."

Chapter Six

The next day, Jonathan and Jennifer flew in their private plane to San Francisco. Max

stayed home to be available to the police in case there were any further developments.

The couple arrived in San Francisco mid-morning and checked into a suite at the

Fairmont Hotel. Once their things were settled, they headed to the Mission District to the bank in

which Jonathan had long ago opened a safe deposit box.

"Hello I'm Jonathan Hart," he said to the older gentleman behind the bank counter. "I'm

here to retrieve my belongings in a safe deposit box."

The older man eyed Jonathan carefully. "You've come a long way haven‘t you young

man?"

"Yes sir I have." He looked at Jennifer and shrugged.

"I remember Maxi bringing you here to open this box."

"Really?" Jennifer said.

"Really. Max and I used to earn money together."

"Cards or horses?" Jennifer asked.

"Cards. Until this whippersnapper pulled the hustle on us."

Jonathan gave Jennifer his 'who me?' look.

"This I've heard already."

"He told you?" Jonathan asked surprised and yet oddly comforted by the knowledge that

Max had come to see Jennifer as part of their family so completely that he'd share stories from

long ago with her.

"He told me. At least some of it. I have a feeling there's more."

"How is Max?" the banker asked.

"Let's just say that Max hasn‘t changed much over the years," Jonathan responded.

"You two don‘t still bum around together do ya?"

"Well, we don‘t bum around much any more. But we're still together."

"That‘s great. Listen, here is fifty bucks I owe him. I couldn‘t pay him at the time and

then when I could he disappeared. Tell him hi from Lefty."

"I sure will."

"Now let's get you that box." The man led them to a room and retrieved the box.

Jonathan sat for a moment staring at the box sitting in front of him. He wasn't completely

sure he wanted to go down this path and yet he knew he had to. Not just for his sake, but for his

family's sake.

"Are you alright Darling?" Jennifer asked.

"It doesn‘t feel like 20 something years that I put this stuff in here."

Jennifer placed a hand on his shoulder. Feeling her support gave Jonathan the needed

strength to open the box.

"Look at this. This is me when I was about 3. It‘s the only picture I have of me as a kid

except for a few school pictures."

"You were a beautiful child."

"I‘ve aged well though don‘t you think?" He gave her quick wink. His insides were

jumbled but he wanted her to think that all was well. He couldn't let the darkness take over again.

He couldn't risk losing her as he'd very nearly done.

"Very well," she said with a waggle of her brows.

"I have got some report cards, progress reports... I don‘t really see anything though that

may help."

"What is this?" Jennifer asked pointing to a blank envelope.

"I think that is a goodbye letter from the sisters at the Mission Street Orphanage."

Jonathan took the letter out and read it over quietly. Again he could feel a mixture of sadness and

despair. Jonathan ran his fingers through his hair as he read the details of his being admitted to

the orphanage, the number of couples that considered him for adoption, his love of graham

crackers, and so on.

"What does it say?"

"It seems to be a rundown of my time at there. They couldn‘t give me any official

documents so this was their way of sharing information."

He felt Jennifer give his shoulder a squeeze.

"Look here, it says there was a family that wanted to adopt me, but they were turned

down because the mother had to work part-time," Jonathan said unable to prevent the crack in his

voice. "It just says I was left on the doorstep but that I was well dressed and healthy. Apparently

I was easy going at first but got depressed when my mother never returned. Also, I asked for

somebody else but they couldn‘t figure out who it was."

"Kind of odd you didn‘t ask for your father," Jennifer commented.

"Yeah but back then, father‘s weren‘t as involved in child rearing as they are now." For a

moment he wondered what kind of father he'd be? He certainly would be involved. Now that he

had Jennifer in his life, he truly knew all things were possible. For him that meant someday he

could be a father, an idea that hadn't ever been considered before.

"I suppose it was different. Who is Janet?"

Jonathan looked up at Jennifer with a mischievous grin. "You don‘t want to know."

"Yes I do."

"I got in trouble when I was caught after hours with Janet."

"What were you doing?"

Jonathan grinned, "I told her I would never kiss and tell."

"Oh Jonathan."

Jonathan was watching Jennifer and all of a sudden his heart filled with love. He threw

the paper down and grabbed Jennifer pulling her on his lap.

"Jonathan? What are you doing?"

"I just had this uncontrollable urge to kiss you and tell you how much I love you."

"You‘re sure it isn‘t Janet you are thinking of?"

"Who?" Jonathan said pulling Jennifer‘s lips to his

Jonathan and Jennifer left the bank with the papers in tow. While the items in the box

didn‘t reveal anything, Jennifer was relieved that Jonathan didn‘t seem disappointed. Instead he

seemed content.

"You know Charles Valentine‘s birth certificate said he was born in Santa Rosa. I wonder

if that is where the Valentines lived?" Jennifer asked.

"Funny you should ask that. I had Stanley do some research. He hasn‘t been able to find

any information about Charles Valentine Jr. except a birth certificate record in Sonoma County

where Santa Rosa is located."

"What about the Valentines?"

"Sebastopol."

"What?"

"He found an old directory that had a Chuck and Helen Valens in Sebastopol."

"You think it could be the same?"

"Who knows? This whole thing rides on a lot of coincidence."

"If it is them, they're sure hard to keep track of with all the names," Jennifer lamented.

"Sebastopol. That‘s Russian."

"There were several Russian settlements in Northern California from way back."

"I wonder if that is how they met Rostov?"

"I thought the same thing but there was no Rostov in the directory."

"Maybe he changed his name too."

"Probably. I figured we could look at the house, maybe talk to some neighbors. It was so

long ago that it would be long shot to find someone who knew them."

"Well, we won't know unless we go."

It was a little over an hour drive to Santa Rosa from San Francisco and another 20

minutes west to the quaint town of Sebastopol. They drove though the older neighborhood of

town looking for the Valens' home.

"Shall we go knock on the door?" Jennifer asked.

"Why not? We‘ve come this far."

They walked up to the front of the house. Jonathan studied the home hoping it might

trigger some sort of memory but none came.

"Hello." A young woman answered the door.

"Hello. I'm Jonathan Hart and this is my wife Jennifer. We‘re sorry to interrupt you. This

may sound strange but I might have spent a part of my childhood in this home."

"Really?" the woman‘s eyebrows raised and Jonathan could see the uncertainty in her

eyes.

"We're hoping that there may be someone in the neighborhood today that was around at

that time. About 30 or so years ago," Jennifer added.

"Most people here are fairly new. The only one I can think of is Mrs. Simpson. She lives

directly behind me. She must be 100 or so years old. She lives there with her daughter."

"Thank you very much," Jonathan said.

Jonathan knocked on the door of the Simpson home and found himself feeling nervous

about what to say when it was answered. A woman of about 60 years old answered the door.

In Jonathan‘s hesitation, Jennifer jumped in. "Hello, I'm Jennifer Hart and this is my

husband Jonathan. We're sorry to drop in like this but my husband is on a search for his birth

parents and it is possible that they lived in the house behind you."

"A lot of people have lived in that house over the years," the woman said taking an

inventory of them. If he were Charlie, she'd probably be calling the police. But today he was

Jonathan, wearing expensive suits and waving the air of money. That was a rule Jonathan had

learned early on; money opens doors.

"His name may have been Charles Valentine or Valens."

"Charlie?" The woman‘s voice softened.

"Yes that is right," Jennifer said.

"Please come in."

Jonathan and Jennifer entered the house and took a seat on a couch in the living room.

The daughter, who introduced herself as Sarah Collier, quickly went to the kitchen to get some

coffee.

"I don‘t know how much I can tell you," she said when she returned.

"We have a picture of me when I was about 3, right as I entered the orphanage, perhaps

you could tell me if it looks like Charlie," Jonathan asked.

"Oh, I wish I could. I never actually saw him. During that time I was raising my own

family in Oregon. I've been back here about 10 years ever since my husband died and mom

started failing."

Jonathan tried to hide his disappointment but it was hard as he felt like a boulder had just

landed on his heart.

"Is she here?" Jennifer asked.

"Yes, but her mind isn‘t very clear. She is resting now."

"What did she tell you about Charlie?" Jonathan asked.

"Oh she talked about him all the time. She watched him a lot when his parents went out

of town. She thought it was terrible how his parents were coming and going all the time. They

were foreign which my mom didn‘t like much. To her everyone sounded German or Russian.

She couldn‘t tell the difference. Back then everyone was always suspicious of foreigners you

know."

Both Jennifer and Jonathan nodded.

"Do you know what nationality they were?" Jennifer asked.

"I think it was French."

Jonathan and Jennifer looked at each other.

"Is there any way we could see your mother," Jonathan asked beginning to feel desperate.

How had this journey gone from being something he was reluctant to do to something that was

so necessary?

"I don‘t think it would help you. She barely remembers me. Usually she calls me Diane

who was a childhood friend. You know though, I remember her being distraught because his

parents were killed. There was a car accident."

"Yes."

"And some man, a Russian man arrived demanding the boy. He had some sort of paper

saying he had rights and had to take the boy for his own safety. But Mom didn‘t believe him."

"What happened?" Jennifer asked.

"Apparently he just barged in and took him. Mom said Charlie wasn‘t afraid though, you

know, like he knew the guy."

"Rostov." Jennifer and Jonathan said at the same time.

"Who?"

"We think a man named Rostov was Charlie‘s guardian."

"That I don‘t know. What I do know is mom got really worried when all the official

looking people started going through their house after they died."

"Official looking people?" Jonathan asked.

"To her that would have been men in black suits. She said they were there for several

days."

"She didn‘t know why?"

"She just assumed they were taking care of the Valens‘ affairs."

"Did they ever come and question her?"

"I think they did ask her some questions. She said it was odd they had known nothing

about Charlie. And she didn't want to get in trouble for letting a Russian take him so she didn't

mention him to them." Sarah took a sip of her coffee. "And, I can‘t believe I remember this but

the guy‘s name was Fitzmeyer. Mom was all bent out of shape because he wouldn‘t discuss if he

was related the Fitzmeyers in Willits."

Jonathan didn't know what to make of all the information. It seemed odd that an orphan

like him could have been in the middle of espionage.

They thanked their hostess and headed back to San Francisco.

Chapter Seven

Jonathan pulled the car into the hotel garage and parked. "Darling you head up to the

room," he said as they got into the elevator. "I'm going to stop at the front desk to check

messages."

Jennifer agreed and stayed on the elevator when Jonathan disembarked in the lobby.

"Do you have messages for Jonathan or Jennifer Hart?" he asked the front desk clerk.

"Yes, here they are." The clerk handed Jonathan several messages.

"Thank you. Listen, could I trouble you to go back and get me a couple of champagne

glasses and a bottle of champagne that I could take back up to my wife?"

"We can deliver it up to your room if you like sir."

"Well actually, I‘d like to hand deliver it myself if I could."

"Certainly, let me call someone to bring it here."

Jonathan got the champagne and as he headed up in the elevator he stuffed the glasses in

his back pockets and the champagne he hid in his coat. He had remembered seeing Bill Holden

do the same in Sabrina. Jennifer loved that movie and thought the dance scene with Bill and

Audrey Hepburn on the tennis court was very romantic. Jonathan wasn‘t sure what she saw in

Bill, he was almost twice her age. He really didn‘t see how dancing on a tennis court was

romantic either.

"Darling I'm back," he said upon entering the suite.

"I'm in the bedroom," Jennifer called. "I was just about to take a hot bath. Care to join

me?" She asked as Jonathan entered the bedroom.

"I was thinking of something a little more bubbly," he replied. Then again, seeing her

wrapped in a robe, presumably with nothing underneath was more tantalizing.

"What are you up to?"

Jonathan cocked his head in a you have to guess manner.

"Perhaps you want to work up a sweat before taking a bath?" she asked as she pushed

him toward the bed.

"I‘d like that too." Jonathan looked behind him to see the bed looming close. Looking

back at Jennifer he realized she intended to push him back on the bed.

"Darling? Please. Wait...." He quickly pulled the champagne bottle from his coat.

"Oh champagne. Now that is bubbly."

Jonathan turned around to show her what was in his back pockets.

"My goodness," Jennifer laughed. "We almost had a Sabrina remake."

"Yes but I don‘t have a brother to steal you away," Jonathan said removing the glasses.

Jennifer smiled. "Even if you had a brother, he couldn't steal me away from you."

Jonathan smiled. He put the glasses down and took Jennifer in his arms. "I want you to

know that I appreciate your helping and supporting me. Every day I wake up and see you next to

me and can‘t believe it isn‘t a dream."

"I'm as grateful as you to have you in my life."

"Good."

"How about the bubbly in the bath?" Jennifer suggested.

"It'll have to wait," Jonathan said pulling Jennifer close so that her lips were only

millimeters from hers.

"Why?" Jennifer asked disappointed.

"Because I want to make love to you. Right now."

"Mmmm, I like the sound of that."

His need for her rose swiftly as he took her mouth with a savage intensity.

"Oh, my," Jennifer gasped as he seared a path of kisses along her throat.

"Get this off," he said yanking her robe open and down her arms.

Jennifer responded to his urgency with her own. Her fingers worked the buttons of his

shirt, shoving it off his shoulders.

Jonathan pushed Jennifer back against the wall. Masterfully he caressed and kissed her

body. His lips were wet and hot as they teased and suckled her hard swollen breasts. With one

hand, Jonathan bound Jennifer to him tightly while the other slid down searching for her pleasure

points. Wanting to taste her gasps, Jonathan devoured her lips with his, as his fingers slid into her

warm, moist body.

The desire roared through Jennifer‘s body rendering her immobile to do anything but

accept his advances. She wanted to return favor; to touch and kiss him but her body was a slave

to the sensations Jonathan was sending through her. She had no control of them.

Jonathan bent slightly in the knees and pulling Jennifer‘s thigh up around his hip, he

teased her with his hardened desire.

"Here?" Jennifer asked breathlessly.

"Yes!" Jonathan‘s voice was husky and primal. His erection strained against her before

finally pressing himself into her.

" Joooonnnnaaatthhhannn." The pleasure was unbelievable. She wanted more. Leaning

back on the wall for support, Jennifer raised her other leg and wrapped it around Jonathan‘s hip

entwining it with her other leg.

"Oh, yes," Jonathan gasped as he leaned into her and the wall. Her arms wrapped around

his shoulders as if she were holding on for life. He moved in strong, driving strokes that

alternately forced her to bury her head in his shoulder and then back against the wall.

"God… You..... feel....good...." Jonathan spoke with each deep stroke he gave. Jennifer‘s

body reacted completely on its own; instinctively moving to the rhythm set by him. Every inch

of her body burned and pulsed. Each deep thrust sending her closer and closer to oblivion. And

still she wanted more, more, more. She cried out certain that she was going to shatter in a million

pieces as her body flooded with rapture.

A low growl escaped Jonathan‘s lips as Jennifer‘s muscles tightened around him sending

him to the brink of unconsciousness with his own explosive release.

Jennifer dropped her head onto his shoulder. She was glad the wall was there because she

was certain she wouldn't be able to stand.

Still joined, Jonathan carried her over to the bed where he sat on the edge with her

straddling him.

"What do you think?" Jonathan asked rubbing his hands up and down her back, while

kissing her shoulder.

"About what?" Jennifer murmured into his shoulder.

Jonathan frowned. "Darling? Are you all right? I didn‘t hurt you did I?"

Still unable to lift her head, Jennifer replied; "Of the million sensations running through

my body, pain isn't one of them."

Jonathan smiled. "I guess that answers my question."

"About what?"

This time Jonathan laughed. "I was thinking that this love making session would rank in

the top 10, actually top 5, maybe even top 3 of all time great love making sessions."

"Does that include the other women you‘ve had?"

"Are you kidding? They don‘t rank at all."

Jennifer slowly raised her head to look at him. "I don‘t know, I think maybe this was

number one."

"Hmmm, I kind of like the time in the bush of Africa."

"You liked that did you?"

"Very much. Maybe we could try it again?"

"I'll need to recuperate."

"Take all the time you need." He kissed her shoulder and then wrapped his arms around

her pulling her close. "I think we should go home now."

Her head popped up. "Go home? But we haven‘t solved the mystery yet."

"I don‘t need to anymore. I've gotten what I needed. I know I was cared for and I know

people wanted to adopt me. Most importantly, everything I want or need I have; you and Max."

"Aren‘t you the least bit curious about whether or not the Valentines are your real

parents?"

"You know what curiosity did to the cat. And this cat was into something dangerous."

Jonathan could see the disappointment in her eyes. But he truly didn't feel the need to know for

sure who his birth parents were.

"So I guess you are not interested in knowing that you sang a little French tune each night

when you went to bed?‘

"French tune?" Jonathan asked.

"Clair de la Lune. Or what about their connection to Rostov. And who were the official

looking men going through their house. G-men I bet....."

She was probably right.

"Darling," Jennifer said switching to a luring tone, "Where is your sense of adventure?"

"I used it against that wall."

"Jonath-"

Jonathan pressed his lips to hers to stop her protests. "Okay, I‘m intrigued. I'll call some

of my government contacts see if they can give me a line on this Fitzmeyer guy, Valentine and

Rostov. But Darling, we need to consider the fact that it has been a long time. Many of the

people involved may be dead. And what if we get to the end and find out they aren‘t my

parents?"

"Oh, Darling, I‘m sorry. I wasn‘t thinking of that. I guess I just got caught up in the

mystery. You‘re right. If you want to drop it..."

Jonathan put his finger to her lips. "Don‘t be sorry. I'm as intrigued as you. I just don‘t

want you to be disappointed if I'm still an orphan when all is said and done."

"Will you be disappointed?"

"I don‘t know. Probably. But like I said, I have everything I need right here, right now."

"That's nice." Jennifer rubbed noses with him.

"How about we order in and go over what we‘ve got, figure out where to go from here,"

he suggested.

"Sounds good." Jennifer pushed Jonathan back on the bed. "But first, I have a request to

fulfill." Jennifer gave Jonathan a feral smile. He smiled back and relinquished himself to

Jennifer‘s erotic exploits. It exceeded Africa.

While Jennifer was in the shower, Jonathan ordered dinner and made some phone calls.

Then taking a glass of champagne, he sat by the window watching the streets of San Francisco.

"Why is it lately I always find you pensively looking out the window?" Jennifer asked as

she came in the room.

"I‘m not pensive this time," he said getting up and taking Jennifer in his arms. "I‘m

content, grateful, satisfied, you name it. You have fulfilled every dream I ever had."

"What a nice thing to say." Jennifer welcomed his lips to hers but was interrupted by a

knock on the door.

"Dinner is served," Jonathan announced as he opened the door.

"So what have we got?" Jonathan said as they spread their dinner and papers on the floor

in a picnic.

"Should we start from the beginning?"

"Okay. Rostov. Why did Rostov pick you ...?"

"Jonathan!" Jennifer said insulted. "I'm a good writer."

He smiled. "There is no doubt about that darling. But is that why he asked you to write

the story?"

Jennifer thought a moment. "You think that maybe he asked me so he could tell you

about the Valentines?"

"Maybe."

"So why not just go to you? Why call me about a story?"

"I don‘t know. Maybe he picked you because you could speak Russian and he thought

that would make you more understanding and sympathetic?"

"Hmmm," Jennifer nodded as she took a bite of hamburger.

"The question is: what would he have told you? Was the ‗truth‘ part of the deal or did

that just come up because he was dying?"

"And is the truth about who killed him or what we found in the box?"

Jonathan looked up at Jennifer. "We seem to have questions for everything but not a

single answer."

"Let‘s go the box. What do you think Armageddon is?" Jennifer asked.

"I don‘t know." Jonathan took a sip of champagne as he looked over the contents of the

floor.

"And, were the Valentines and Rostov working together?"

"I imagine they were. The question is who were they working for?"

"The Valentines were French and Rostov was Russian. Who is Fitzmeyer and his men?

Who were they working for?" Jennifer added. "The Valentine note mentions an ally who's an

enemy and an enemy who's an ally."

"You know the more we do this, the more confused I get."

"Me too. Did Stanley have anything to add?"

"He said there is no record of a Jonathan Charles Hart before my third birthday, except

for my birth certificate which they know was created at the request of the orphanage."

"That‘s interesting."

"And there is no record of a Charles Jean Valentine after his third birthday."

"Coincidence?"

"It‘s all coincidence. But is it more than that?"

They sat, eating in silence as the mound of information continued to baffle them.

"I wonder who it was you always asked for besides your mother at the orphanage? You

think it could have been Rostov?"

"I couldn‘t tell you."

"What about Avignon?"

"Stanley said he was still working on that." Jonathan said.

"What about your contact in the military?"

"Well, I ended up waking Jake, but he said he‘d see what he could find out tomorrow and

get back to us."

"Do you think we should copy this stuff since we have to give it to Hershel when we get

back?"

"Yes, but we can do that tomorrow."

"So what‘s the next step? Do we assume the truth is about you? Do we try to find this

Fitzmeyer guy? He didn‘t even know the Valentine‘s had a child."

"Let‘s see what Jake digs up. Maybe that will get us pointed in the right direction."

"You know Jonathan, have you ever noticed that when I speak French, you understand

me even though you can‘t speak it?"

Jonathan thought a moment. "No. But I guess I do, don't I?"

"And the other day you said French lulled you. Mother‘s voices lull."

"Ah yez, zee great Dr. Freud now explains my penchant for French."

"Oh stop it." Jennifer said throwing a piece of bread at him. Jonathan‘s eyes lit up in

mischief as he threw a piece of his bread at her. Jennifer squared off with him. The two of them

poised to strike with pieces of fruit and other assorted edibles. Neither moved from their stand

off. Jonathan broke from Jennifer‘s gaze looking for new ammunition. He picked up the slice of

cherry pie.

"You wouldn‘t!"

Jonathan smiled devilishly as he moved towards her.

"You aren‘t going to do this." Jennifer's eyes watched the pie as it moved toward her.

Jonathan reached up to loosen Jennifer‘s robe. Dipping his finger in the cherry filling, he

ran his finger from her neck down between her breasts. Jennifer jumped at the feel of the cool

fruit against her but gasped as Jonathan‘s warm lips quickly lapped it up.

"Now that‘s dessert," he said. Jennifer scooped some pie filling with her finger but before

she could do anything Jonathan took her hand and put her finger in his mouth. He suckled the

fruit from her finger as he stared straight into her eyes. Jennifer smiled but didn‘t want to be

taken in.

"That‘s not fair," she said unconvincingly. Jonathan smiled as he slowly pulled her finger

from his mouth.

"All is fair in love and war," he responded. He didn‘t notice Jennifer‘s other hand as she

mashed it fully in the pie and then pressed it against his chest. His robe fell aside as she slid her

hand down to his stomach and below.

"Hungry?" Jonathan asked.

"Ravenous," Jennifer responded as she pushed him back.

Chapter Eight

"How‘d it go?" Max asked as Jonathan and Jennifer returned the next day.

"Well we have lots of questions but no answers," Jonathan replied.

"No word about your parents?"

"No and we aren‘t sure they are my parents."

"Did you at least have fun?" Max asked.

"That, we had lots of," Jennifer said smiling at Jonathan.

The phone interrupted their conversation.

"Hart residence." Max answered. "Who‘s calling?" he asked after a moment. "It's Jake

Adams."

"Great." Jonathan took the phone from Max. "Hi Jake."

"Jonathan, I‘m glad I caught you."

"Did you find out anything?"

"Well, Jonathan I don‘t know how you did it but this request reaches way into the bowels

of espionage."

"Really?" Jonathan‘s brows rose. "What is it?"

"I can‘t tell you over the phone. Can you fly out to Virginia this weekend? I have a house

down in Charlottesville. We can meet and I can tell you then."

"Can‘t you just tell me now?"

"No I can‘t. And, I can‘t meet you here in D.C. about it."

"What‘s with all the cloak and dagger?" Jonathan was both intrigued and concerned.

What had they stumbled into?

"This is not stuff people want to let out Jonathan. And normally I wouldn‘t but I figure I

owe you since you saved my life..."

"Twice."

"Yes, twice. Can you meet me?"

"Yes, we‘ll meet you."

"We?"

"My wife and I," Jonathan replied.

"Perhaps you don‘t want to involve her."

"She's the whole reason I'm involved. Besides, I don‘t go anywhere without her... if I can

help it."

"Suit yourself." Jake gave Jonathan directions to his home from Dulles Airport.

"It's gorgeous here as long as you can stay in air conditioning," Jonathan said as they

drove along the tree lined highway from Dulles airport to Charlottesville Virginia.

"Now you know why it was so easy to convince me to move to California," Jennifer

replied. "August is the worst month here in the east. The humidity is awful."

"Ah, it's good for your complexion."

"What‘s wrong with my complexion?" Jennifer asked.

Jonathan laughed. "You and your complexion are beautiful."

Jennifer eyed him suspiciously but let it go. "You know Jonathan, I‘m not sure I like this

whole thing. I feel like I‘m in a Ludlum novel."

"Exciting isn‘t it!"

"There are other authors who are exciting without being so dangerous."

"Like who. What author‘s novel would you like to be in?"

"How about Sidney Sheldon?"

"Isn‘t there murder in some of his books?"

"Yes but there‘s much more extra-curricular activities."

Jonathan looked at Jennifer and grinned. "I like the sound of that!"

It took two hours to reach Jake‘s weekend home in Charlottesville. Nestled in the rolling

hills outside of the city, the 1860‘s home transported the couple back in time.

"Oh, it‘s so lovely!" Jennifer exclaimed.

"Not much different than your house," Jonathan said.

"I know. This is what I miss about the east. The sense of history."

"Jonathan!" Jake said as he opened the door. "How the hell are you?"

"Never better," Jonathan said as they shook hands.

Jake looked over at Jennifer. "I can see why."

"Thank you." Jennifer replied.

"Jake, this is my wife Jennifer. Jennifer this is Jake Adams."

"It‘s so nice to finally meet you," Jennifer said. "I've heard a lot about you."

"Really?" Jake asked. "I hope only the good stuff. Of course in the Navy in the middle of

a war, there is little good stuff."

"She knows it all, Jake," Jonathan said.

"Well, I hope you don‘t hold it against me. You married him so I guess you can‘t have

thought it was all that bad. Come on inside."

They all went through the door and headed towards the back. Off the kitchen there was a

sunroom where they all congregated.

"Here I made some coffee and bought some bakery stuff." Jake set the food on the coffee

table and took a seat. Jonathan and Jennifer sat next to each other on the couch.

"I can‘t believe you‘re married." Jake shook his head.

"Why?" Jennifer asked. She had known Jonathan had been a bachelor for a long time but

didn‘t think it was something he was determined to be forever.

"Well, meeting you, I can see why he is married. He always had such high standards. We

used to kid him about it."

Jennifer looked at Jonathan in surprise. Warmth filled her heart that she somehow met a

standard that no other women could. Jonathan raised his brows and smiled.

"And you see, Jake," Jonathan said. "I was right."

"Yes, I guess you were. But you aren‘t here to reminisce. You want to know about

Armageddon and all these folks," Jake said taking out his list. "You know Jonathan, I worked

hard to get where I am in intelligence. If this doesn‘t get me killed, it will certainly get me court

marshaled."

"Why would a 30 year old spy assignment be such a big deal? Most of people involved

must be dead." Jonathan took a sip of coffee.

"Let me ask you this? How did you ever find out about it?"

"Mr. Rostov came to me wanting me to do a story," Jennifer explained.

"On Armageddon?"

"I don‘t know exactly. He handed me a bunch of old clippings," Jennifer reached in her

bag to pull them out. "But he was murdered just before I arrived to the interview."

"Actually he was mortally wounded," Jonathan intervened. "He said something about the

truth and directed her to a head of lettuce."

"Lettuce?"

"It was one of those fake ones you hide valuables in. I found a safe deposit key in it."

"The box is where we found that information on Armageddon and a birth certificate,"

Jonathan said.

"And you think that might be you? And your parents might be the Valentines?"

"I don‘t know. There are certainly some interesting coincidences between Charles

Valentine and me. Perhaps you can help us."

"I'm going to tell you what I found out but you must proceed with caution. And if at all

possible, keep my name out of it. This case is old but the ramifications are far reaching."

"Okay," Jonathan and Jennifer agreed and leaned forward to hear the details.

"If you're up on your history, you know that during the war the Soviets were our allies.

But that was only because we both were afraid that the world would be speaking German if we

didn‘t team up. The fact is both countries hated each other over a little difference of political

philosophy," Jake started.

"Anyway, that difference caused both sides to make drastic plans on how to eliminate the

other... thus the cold war. During WWII war, the United States got word that the Soviets were

planning an attack on the United States. The plan was that the attack would be on the West

Coast, which makes since because that side of the Soviet Union is closer to us than the East

Coast. Hell, they could practically walk the Bering Strait. Many top officials poo-pooed the idea.

The Soviets were struggling as it was keeping the Germans out. The West Coast was littered

with U.S. military. I mean, we had chains in the San Francisco bay to keep submarines out. But

the success of Pearl Harbor caused other officials to want to take action. They figured it was

feasible because of how close the Soviet Union was to the United States. They could take Alaska

and we wouldn‘t know it. The other factor was the large group of Russian immigrants living in

California. Granted they had been there for 50 or so years but they lived along the north coast of

California."

"They weren‘t thinking of putting them in internment camps like the Japanese

immigrants were they?" Jennifer asked.

"Actually the story was that they were to be deported."

Jonathan and Jennifer looked at each other. "Deported?"

Jake nodded. "Even though they were citizens. But it never happened."

"Thank goodness," Jennifer said.

"I don‘t think you‘ll think so when you hear what happened."

"Sound ominous," she replied.

Jake looked to the two of them. "In the end many of them died."

"Armageddon." Jonathan said, his voice flat as realization hit him.

"How?" Jennifer asked.

"Again the information given to the public had to do with some sort of food poisoning

from the fish they ate or something."

"What does the file say?" Jonathan asked.

"The file says that U.S. sources believe a double agent by the name of Rostov infected

them with one of the viruses the Soviets were experimenting with."

"Why would he kill his own people?"

"That doesn‘t make sense to me either. He was a double agent supposedly more on our

side. The report indicates that he was afraid they‘d report him to the KGB so he killed them."

"I don‘t know, it doesn‘t sound right to me. Any chance our Government ordered the

virus spread?" Jonathan shifted uncomfortably at the thought his own country could do

something so terrible.

Jake looked to Jonathan and then Jennifer. "It's possible. Not likely though. The United

States may have wanted to eliminate large a number of people but for some reason its conscious

prevailed."

"So how do the Valentine‘s fit in?" Jennifer asked.

"They were part of the team working on the project. Charles Valentine was French by

birth but a naturalized American. He grew up with nothing but traveled a lot during the first war.

He met many influential people and learned to speak several languages. He lived in California

but returned to France at the request of the United States when Hitler started taking over the

world. He met a woman there who was working as a war correspondent. The story is that the

U.S. let them work together once they were married. They returned to the United States before

the war was over. It was his request to be reassigned and they gave him Armageddon."

"Unusual isn‘t it to get reassigned just because you want to?"

"I guess. Like I said, he traveled in top circles in Europe. Plus he spoke Russian. Perhaps

they thought he could be better used there."

Jennifer furrowed her brow. "I don‘t get it. If Rostov killed all his own people, why did

the Valentines entrust their son to him?"

"There is no indication of a child," Jake reported.

Jonathan looked at Jake, "We know there was a son. Here is his birth certificate. But what

was going on that no one knew about the boy except Rostov?"

"This just doesn‘t get any clearer does it darling?" Jennifer lamented.

"No it doesn‘t. Jake who headed the operation?"

"It was a George Fitzmeyer."

Jonathan and Jennifer looked at each other. "Fitzmeyer?"

"You know him then. He‘s a zillion years old and the only one left of the group. His son

is David Fitzmeyer."

"Senator Fitzmeyer of California?" Jonathan asked.

"One and the same."

"Jonathan do you really think our country could do something so terrible as to

exterminate a group of people?" Jennifer said in the car on the way to their hotel. Jake had

offered to let them stay but both knew that if anyone cared about Armageddon and knew they

were together, he would likely come after them.

"I don‘t know darling. I don‘t like to think so. On the other hand we did put the Japanese

in concentration camps."

Jennifer fell silent grieving for all the suffering in the world in the name of freedom but

actually for power.

Chapter Nine

Once in the hotel, Jennifer went to take a hot bath while Jonathan sifted yet again through

the information. If Rostov killed his own people, then why didn‘t his own country punish him

when he returned? If he didn‘t kill his own people, then who did? And how did Rostov get in the

United States again. Even today, in 1977, tensions remain high between the two countries.

Jonathan ran his fingers through his hair and then took a drink of his scotch. Fitzmeyer probably

knew the truth....the truth! Was that what Rostov was after? To have his named cleared? It was

common knowledge though that George Fitzmeyer was suffering from dementia. His son David

used that fact to win the campaign by promising better care for the elderly. If Fitmeyer and

Rostov were the only two left, and Fitzmeyer was suffering from old age, then who killed

Rostov? And who ransacked the house while he and Jennifer were on the boat?

"Are you okay darling?" Jennifer asked as she came into the room.

"I‘m just trying to figure this thing out." Jonathan went over with her what he‘d been

thinking.

"I can see your point. Do you think we're on the wrong trail?"

"Well, we came here looking for my parents and we have found a huge government

cover-up instead."

"I guess we are a little off." Jennifer began to massage Jonathan‘s shoulders.

"Did Rostov tell you how he got into the country?" Jonathan asked.

"No. But I'm sure as an old spy he has his ways. Why?"

"What if his government helped him back in to expose the injustice done to the Russian

immigrants?"

"Why now?"

"Because the Soviet Union now is strong. They know we‘re nervous about them."

Jennifer nodded. "That would be the truth then."

"Yes."

"So why wasn‘t any of this in the lettuce... the safe deposit box?" Jennifer sat down next

to Jonathan at the table. "The box had more personal than professional effects."

"I don‘t know. Maybe he heard you dabbled in crime solving," Jonathan said.

Jennifer laughed. "Nick Charles I‘m not." They sat for a moment in silence. "So what

should we do next?"

"How would you like to visit Senator Fitzmeyer?" Jonathan asked.

"Do I have to dress up?"

"Not tonight you don‘t," Jonathan said as he pulled Jennifer into his lap. "Tonight we can

rest up and Frank can fly us home tomorrow."

"Home sounds nice. We haven't been there in a while."

"Well the sooner we get home, the sooner we can get this mystery solved and on to the

really important things."

"Like what?" Jennifer said turning to look at Jonathan.

"Like our anniversary."

Jennifer smiled. "Do you have something planned?"

"Besides the obvious?" Jonathan‘s eyes were twinkling.

"The obvious would be enough."

"Then, I guess it will be a surprise."

Jonathan and Jennifer entered the airport and headed towards the area designated for

private planes.

"I don‘t see Frank," Jennifer said.

"I don‘t either."

"Excuse me?" A stocky man approached them. "Are you Mr. Jonathan Hart?"

"Yes."

"This is a message for you." The man handed Jonathan the note.

"There‘s a problem with the plane," Jonathan said after reading the note. "Where‘s a

phone I can use?" Jonathan asked the man.

"You can use the one in our office." The man began to lead the way. "I know they‘re

expecting your call."

Jonathan‘s hackles raised. It must be serious if the airport is going to let him make a long

distance call on their dime.

"This is Jonathan Hart. I‘m calling in regards to Frank Laslow and my plane."

"Yes, Mr. Hart," the woman on the other line started.

"Mr. Hart?" This time the voice was deep, a man.

"Yes."

"I‘m Inspector Gills with the FFA."

"FFA?" Jonathan turned to Jennifer with a baffled look on his face.

"Yes, there was an incident regarding your plane this afternoon."

"Is my p-"

"No your plane is quite damaged."

"I was asking about my pilot."

"Oh, yes of course. Mr. Laslow is fine. He had some smoke inhalation but that‘s it. Very

lucky actually."

"Inspector Gills what happened?"

"We aren‘t sure yet but we would like to talk to you. We have an agent on the way there

to talk with you."

"We'll be here."

"Mr. Hart." Frank said as Jonathan and Jennifer entered the Dulles Airport security

offices.

"Frank, are you okay?" Jonathan looked to Frank and then all the men in dark suits.

"Yes, fortunately."

"What happened?" Jennifer asked sitting next to Frank.

One of the dark suited men approached. "Mr. Hart. I'm glad you're here. We would like to

ask you a few questions."

"I‘d like to know what happened first." Jonathan turned to Frank.

"It all started routine. I checked the plane. Got my two cups of coffee and bag of M&M‘s

and then headed out. As I got close to lift off, there was a loud bang. I quickly tried to lower and

stop the plane. The smoke filled the cabin really fast but fortunately she stopped in time for me

to escape."

"What do you think it was?" Jonathan asked.

"I don‘t know." Frank looked at the men in suits. "By the time the fire was out and I was

seen by a medical person, these men were here. I haven‘t been able to check the plane."

"That‘s standard Mr. Hart. We take plane accidents very seriously. I‘m sure you

understand."

"Can you tell us what happened, Inspector?" Jennifer asked.

"Not at this point. My men are still going over the craft. But maybe you can tell us if you

have had any problems with plane?"

"No. Frank here could tell you better, but there haven‘t been any incidences."

"The plane checked out before I left," Frank said flatly as if he‘d said it a hundred times.

"We‘d like a copy of all the service and inspection records," Inspector Gills said ignoring

Frank.

"I‘ll make sure you get them." Jonathan began to have a sinking feeling in the pit of his

stomach. "I just need to make a couple of calls."

"Good. And please let us know where you‘ll be in case we have any more questions."

"I think we‘ll be in Washington for tonight but we‘ll be heading home as soon as we can

book a flight."

"I can do that now," Jennifer said standing up. "Frank, shall I get you a seat too?"

"Actually, I‘d like to stay with the plane."

"That‘s fine," Jonathan said. He was glad Frank would stay. He was better than anyone to

decipher any information about the plane.

Jennifer watched Jonathan as he fidgeted in his seat, tapped his hands on his thighs and

looked eagerly out the window of the plane the next day. She had never seen him so nervous and

tense. She was surprised he had the energy considering all the tossing and turning he‘d done the

night before. It didn't make much sense. He was a pilot. And he'd flown commercial before. Why

was he so tense?

"Darling," she said softly reaching to take his hand.

He looked over at her. "What?"

She laughed. "You‘re making me nervous."

He managed a smile. "Sorry. I guess I'm a little tense."

"A little?"

"Excuse me a minute," he said getting up out of his seat.

Jennifer let him pass. "Where are you going?"

"Rest room."

In the rest room, Jonathan looked at himself in the mirror. He couldn‘t figure out why he

felt so agitated. There was no indication that the plane had been tampered with. But he trusted

Frank and Frank said the plane checked out. Jonathan shuddered at the thought of he, Jennifer

and Frank being in a plane crash. This case was out of control. Yet, it wasn‘t the first time he and

Jennifer had been embroiled in a murder mystery. Yeah, but that always involved two-bit

crooks… not the experience of government intelligence. For the first time, in a long time,

Jonathan feared he was out of his league. Worse yet, he and Jennifer were in too deep. Even if

they backed off now, he was sure they knew more than they should.

He splashed water on his face and looked at himself again. Shaking off the unsettling

feelings so he could appear composed for Jennifer, he opened the door.

"Hey handsome," Jennifer said as she stood outside the bathroom.

Jonathan gave her a quizzical look as she pressed her hand to his chest and pushed him

back into the bathroom. "What are you doing?"

"You‘re way too tense. I‘m going to fix that." Jennifer squeezed her way into the

bathroom with him. Maneuvering the door shut, she locked it, engaging the light. The space was

cramped, with no room to move around. She smiled up at him as she pressed her body to his and

began to undo his tie.

"It‘s a little tight, don‘t you think?" He said, the tension momentarily replaced by

amusement.

"I thought you liked tight places." Jennifer unbuttoned his shirt, splaying kisses on his

chest.

He was a goner. "And here I thought I was on the no-frills flight." He unbuttoned the top

portion of her dress.

"Not at all Mr. Hart. This is the Seduction 747 and I‘m your pilot." Jennifer fumbled with

Jonathan‘s belt and pants until they fell around his knees.

"I'm beginning to feel and increase in cabin pressure." He whispered as he pulled her

dress off her shoulders and softly scattered kisses from one shoulder to the other.

"I can help with that." Her graceful hands slid around his growing desire.

Despite the distraction from Jennifer‘s expert hands, Jonathan finished unbuttoning the

rest of her dress.

"Did you plan this?" Jonathan whispered in Jennifer‘s ear as he realized that her dress,

which buttoned all the way to the end, was perfect for undressing in cramped places. She

answered with a smiled. He removed her dress, hanging it on the coat hanger and quickly

followed it with her bra.

Jonathan moved his hands to cup her breasts, his thumbs gently flicking and rubbing until

Jennifer moaned. He kissed her neck and jaw as he pushed her satin lace panties down and slid

his hand between the warm wetness of her thighs.

Jennifer‘s head dropped back as his fingers massaged her to the verge of oblivion. Then

she cried out as Jonathan‘s expert fingers delved into her aching desire. He could feel her

shudder as the waves of pleasure tumbled through her.

"Hey, I‘m the pilot here," she said as she regained her bearings in the world.

"Well, hurry up because I‘m about ready to come in for a landing."

Jennifer sat on the edge of the basin and wrapped her arms and legs and around him. "I‘m

in an upright and locked position."

How lucky was he? While the bathroom of an airplane wasn‘t the most romantic or

comfortable of places to make love, it certainly showed Jennifer‘s adventurous and daring spirit

that made life with her such a thrill. Placing his hands on her cheeks, he pulled her lips to his,

letting her taste his passion for her.

Jennifer smiled up at him as their lips parted. She mouthed the words ‗I love you‘ then,

leaning back with a feral smile and raised eyebrows she invited him to join her.

Planting his hands against the mirror behind her, Jonathan let Jennifer guide him into her.

He gave her one last kiss before allowing his instincts to take over. He rocked back and forth in

quick long strokes and gave one final releasing thrust as Jennifer‘s body convulsed around his.

"Well," he said as he caught his breath. "That does take the edge off."

Chapter Ten

"Welcome home Mr. and Mrs. H." Max said when he picked them up at the airport.

"Good to be home Max. Good to be home." Jonathan replied.

"Sure is terrible what happened to the plane. Lucky thing you and Mrs. H. weren‘t on it."

"I don‘t even want to think about that." Jennifer shivered at the thought.

"Max, any calls while we were gone?"

"Frank called just before I left to come get you." Max put the suitcases in the trunk of the

Bentley. "He said he wasn‘t sure what the FFA people were going to tell you, but he is sure

someone tampered with the plane."

"Tampered? But why?" Jennifer asked as she got in the back of the car.

"That he didn‘t know. But he said that he got a look at the plane and that you could tell

the explosion didn‘t come from anything inside the plane."

"He thinks someone stuck some sort of explosive on the outside of the plane?" Jonathan

asked as he pushed the seat back and climbed in.

"Yep."

"That makes sense. He checked the plane before leaving. The plane was alone for 10

minutes while he got his coffee and candy." Jonathan thought aloud.

"That would be time for someone to plant something," Jennifer added.

"Not enough time to get in the plane but certainly enough to a walk by and place

something on the outside." Jonathan added.

"That still doesn‘t answer the question of why?" Jennifer said.

"I‘ll give you one guess."

"Armageddon?"

Max started the car and pulled out from the curb to head home.

"Mr. H., Stanley called with some information on old man Fitzmeyer." Max said as he

merged into traffic.

"What‘s that Max?"

"He says old man Fitzmeyer was a powerful guy. After the war he was one of the key

players in the red scare craze. He turned in a lot of people. He and McCarthy were good buddies.

But when that all ended, he sort of lost credibility so he retired quietly."

Jonathan sat up. "Fitzmeyer was involved in all those communist accusations?"

"Yep, according to Stanley, Fitzmeyer was obsessed with the whole thing. He wanted to

rid the country of all Russians. He was quoted as saying he thought we should nuke ‗em in a pro-

active move."

Jonathan turned in his seat to look back at Jennifer. "Are you thinking what I‘m

thinking?"

"Fitzmeyer ordered the killing of all those Russians."

"Exactly."

"Jonathan. Do you remember what Charles‘ letter to Rostov said? Something about the

enemy becoming our ally and our ally being our enemy?"

"So Fitzmeyer became the enemy while Rostov became the ally. I wonder if Rostov and

the Valentines were enlisting the help of Russians in the community." Jonathan asked.

Jennifer shrugged. "But what about Rostov and our house? Fitzmeyer is too old and

senile to pull that off."

"Well, Jake did say that this was something the government would be motivated to keep

quiet." Jonathan remembered.

"I don‘t like the sound of that." Jennifer said.

"You know Mr. and Mrs. H, if you know something the government doesn‘t want you to

know, that would make you an enemy of the state."

"Oh, now I feel much better." Jennifer said weary from the strain.

"Don‘t worry darling," Jonathan said looking back at her. "Tonight we‘ll go out, have a

good time, and clean up this mess."

"I don‘t know if I like the sound of that either."

"You did get the invitations didn‘t you Max?"

"Right here, Mr. H." Max handed the gold embossed envelope to Jonathan.

"Look darling, we‘re cordially invited to a party at the Fitzmeyer Mansion."

Jennifer forced a smile although she was beginning understand why Jonathan had been so

nervous earlier.

"Jonathan? What do you hope to gain by crashing Senator Fitzmeyer‘s party?" Jennifer

asked as they drove through the wrought iron gates of the Fitzmeyer estate.

"First of all, I‘m not crashing, we were invited…"

Jennifer rolled her eyes knowing full well he finagled the invitation from someone.

"Second, everything we have learned so far has brought us here."

"Yes but Fitzmeyer didn‘t even know the Valentine‘s had a son. If you remember, that is

what started us on this road, finding out if they were your parents. Not if they were spies."

"Do you want to hear my theory?"

"I don‘t know."

"Come on, let me tell you my theory." Jonathan set the gearshift to park and turned to

her.

"Well, if it will make you feel better."

"I think a renegade in the Armageddon team killed a whole group of Russian Americans.

And, I think Rostov, the Valentines and even the kid who took a dive off the Golden Gate knew

about it and were eliminated…."

"And you think old man Fitzmeyer did that?"

"That‘s my guess but even if he didn‘t do it, I bet he knows who did. Perhaps he covered

up for the renegade because he hated the Russians."

"But what about Rostov‘s murder and our house. He couldn‘t have done that."

"I don‘t know. But I think the next step is here."

"Let‘s just hope it‘s not our last step." Jennifer said.

"Mr. and Mrs. Hart." Senator Fitzmeyer greeted them with typical political saccharine

sweetness. "Thank you so much for coming."

"We appreciate the invitation," Jonathan said shaking hands with the Senator.

"I wasn‘t sure you would make it. I heard you were out of town."

"Ah yes, I have been working on a story that has taken me all over the country," Jennifer

said.

"I went a long for the ride." Jonathan said his eyes wide with amusement and innuendo.

"Jonathan!" Jennifer chastised under her breath.

"Actually Senator…" Jonathan started.

"Oh please, call me David."

"David. Your father has come up in the course of Jennifer‘s article."

"Really? What‘s your article on? The challenges of caring for elderly parents."

"No…"

"This had to do with his service the country." Jonathan watched the Senator carefully for

any sign of knowledge.

"Oh, my father the G-man. Perhaps you could share some tidbits. He could never talk

about his work when I was growing up. Well, he could but then he‘d have to kill me." Senator

Fitzmeyer let out a great laugh. Jennifer and Jonathan joined in out of courtesy

"How about now?" Jennifer asked.

"I guess if I had the patience to listen to him ramble on I‘d hear some interesting stories.

He spends a great deal of time in the 1940‘s."

"Oh, I‘m sorry."

Senator Fitzmeyer shrugged. "It‘s life. And he‘s had a good one."

"Does he stay here with you?" Jonathan asked.

"I set him up with a private room in the house and have a fulltime nurse for him. I just

couldn‘t send him to a home and fortunately I have the means to care for him here. I‘m sure you

will do the same for your parents."

"I don‘t have parents," Jonathan reported flatly.

"Oh, yes. I had heard that. I‘m sorry."

"It‘s alright. I‘ve had my whole life to adjust to it." Jonathan was sure the remark had

been made to remind Jonathan of his origins, or lack thereof.

Another guest caught Senator Fitzmeyer‘s eye. "If you will excuse me a minute, I see

some other guests I haven‘t greeted yet."

"Jonathan!" Jennifer exclaimed under her breath. "What‘s with you?"

"Everyone knows my parents are dead. I‘m known because of my rags to riches life. I

would just be another rich fat cat if it weren‘t for the fact that I was an orphan."

"So he has bad taste. You usually ignore that in people."

"How did he know we were out of town?" Jonathan said pulling Jennifer to a corner.

Jennifer shrugged. "Maybe was trying to find out how we got an invitation since we

aren‘t a member of his political party."

Jonathan brushed it off. "Come on, let‘s find old man Fitzmeyer."

"You‘re kidding right?"

"No, come on."

"Jonathan, even if we do find him, you heard the Senator. He‘s senile."

"But he spends a lot of time in the 1940‘s." Jonathan took Jennifer‘s hand and dragged

her out of the main room and up the stairs. Jennifer knew there was no stopping him so she

joined him.

"He‘s not here," Jonathan said as his eyes searched and re-searched the hallway for a

door they may not have tried.

"Maybe the Senator sent him away for the evening so he wouldn‘t get disturbed."

"Or because we were coming."

"Jonathan, you are starting to sound paranoid."

"Come on." Jonathan took Jennifer‘s hand again and led her back up the hall.

"We checked every door. He‘s not here." Jennifer was growing weary and the jetlag

wasn‘t helping.

"We didn‘t check the attic."

"The attic?"

"What better place to set up a private room?"

Jennifer gave in to Jonathan and followed him to the door that had lead to the attic.

"What‘d I tell you," Jonathan said as they ascended the stairs. The access hallway had

been finished off and a door with a ‗do not disturb‘ sign stood at the top. "Mr. Fitzmeyer?"

"Maybe he‘s sleeping." Jennifer hoped.

"We‘ve come this far." Jonathan tried the door but it was locked. "Do you have pin or

something?"

Jennifer rolled her eyes but looked in her purse for a pin. "How about a paper clip?"

"That‘ll work." Jonathan straightened the paper clip and then inserted it in the door lock.

After poking around a bit, it released the lock.

"Mr. Fitzmeyer?" Jonathan called again as he and Jennifer entered the room. The attic

had been completely finished off. They could see a small sitting room that led to a little kitchen

area. There were a couple of doors that they guessed led to a bathroom and bedroom.

"Jonathan, look at all the medical equipment." The sitting area was filled with oxygen

tanks, syringes and other supplies.

"Looks like old man Fitzmeyer isn‘t doing so well."

"I'm doing great for a man in my condition sonny."

Jonathan and Jennifer turned to see Fitzmeyer exiting the bedroom with the aid of a

walker. He wore pajama bottoms and a tee shirt. His white hair stood up all over his head. He

certainly didn't look like a man in the middle of espionage.

"Mr. Fitzmeyer," Jonathan said. "We‘re sorry to bother you like this. I was hoping to be

able to talk to you for a few minutes."

"About what?" His voice was annoyed but winded and he sat down in the closest chair he

could find.

"Armageddon."

"Armageddon? Listen sonny. I‘m sick but those four horsemen aren‘t coming now. I‘m

not ready."

"You know, Jonathan." Jennifer whispered. "He doesn‘t seem senile to me. Confused

maybe but not senile."

"Senile? I‘m not senile. I‘m sick. Now get out."

Jonathan moved swiftly, almost like an eager boy and sat next to Mr. Fitzmeyer. "I want

to know about Charles Valentine."

Mr. Fitzmeyer gave Jonathan a blank look.

"You were his commander in a project called Armageddon."

Mr. Fitzmeyer sat back in his chair. While his appearance seemed scattered, his eyes

were clear, sharp, pointed. "How do you know about that?"

"Rostov."

"Rostov? Rostov is dead."

"Yes I know but before he died he told ..."

"Sonny, I don‘t think you were born when Rostov died. He was shipped back to Russia

and executed for treason in 194.... well during the war."

This time Jonathan sat back. "Uri Rostov?"

"Yes."

"Mr. Fitzmeyer, Uri Rostov was killed last week here in Los Angeles."

"That can‘t be true."

"He is the one that told us about Armageddon and the Valentines."

Mr. Fitzmeyer eyed Jonathan suspiciously. "What were you told?"

"You were to assess and then eliminate the threat of a Russian attack. That the project

when horribly awry when one of the communities was wiped out..."

Mr. Fitzmeyer chuckled sending a chill through Jennifer.

"Armageddon went off fine. Got rid of those damn Ruskies."

Jonathan looked knowingly at Jennifer and then back to Mr. Fitzmeyer.

"What about the Valentines?"

Mr. Fitzmeyer shrugged. "Intelligence. Espionage. They're dangerous games."

"So their car accident wasn‘t an accident?"

"They weren‘t the first to die for this great nation."

Jennifer felt her knees get weak and she found a place to sit. She was grateful that she

didn‘t have to face Fitzmeyer in his younger years.

"What about their son?"

"Son?" Fitzmeyer searched his mind. "There was no son. At least not that I knew about."

"What if you had?" Jennifer asked.

"I don‘t know. Maybe I‘d have taken him in. My wife had always wanted more kids."

Jonathan shuttered at the thought. It was at that moment that he realized he believed he

was Charles J. Valentine Jr. Or at least he hoped he was. He would set right for them what

Fitzmeyer had made so wrong.

"Why are you bugging me with all this? This was long ago. Everyone is dead or about to

be."

"Who wouldn‘t want us to know about all this?" Jonathan asked ignoring Mr.

Fitzmeyer‘s question.

"Nobody would care anymore. Its over. And even if it wasn‘t done right, nobody would

still care. I mean, we survived Nixon. We survived Vietnam. Armageddon is small peanuts and

way too old compared to those two."

Jonathan realized he had inched his way forward again. Sitting back he turned to Jennifer.

"I don‘t get this."

Jennifer shrugged. They sat quietly thinking, while Mr. Fitzmeyer was still trying to

figure his two strange guests out.

"Does your son know about this?" Jennifer asked.

"My son? I don‘t know. He doesn‘t give a rat‘s ass about me despite what he tells people.

Look at me locked in the attic."

"What would he do if he knew about the extermination of American citizens?" Jennifer

asked again.

"I never exterminated Americans... at least not true blue Americans. Even the Valentines

weren‘t American."

Jonathan looked at Jennifer. "How would people vote if they knew your father, whom

you touted as being a great American patriot, killed thousands of Americans?"

"We‘ll never find out Mr. Hart."

Jonathan and Jennifer turned to the doorway to see Senator Fitzmeyer and his handgun.

"Why is it darling that we always solve these mysteries one minute too late?" Jennifer

asked.

"I've never been very good with timing."

In any other situation, Jennifer would have disagreed with that statement. But in this case,

she couldn‘t argue.

"So you ransacked my beautiful home." Jennifer said more annoyed than afraid. "Not

very fitting behavior for a Senator."

"Darling," Jonathan said quietly as he leaned towards her. "Perhaps now is not a good

time to provoke him. He‘s got a gun."

"You should listen to your husband Mrs. Hart. But to answer your question, yes, I

ransacked your home. I wouldn‘t have had to if you could have left Rostov and his old man

jabberings alone."

"Why kill him if he was just jabbering?" Jonathan asked trying to buy time until he could

think of a way out.

"Rostov is dead."

"Shut up father."

Mr. Fitzmeyers eyes were on fire with anger at his son‘s treatment. "Get the hell out of

my room," he said as he struggled to get up and leave the sitting area.

Senator Fitzmeyer ignored his father.

"Not winning points with the family values proponents either," Jennifer whispered.

"You really think a 30 year old government cover-up involving your father would hurt

your career?" Jonathan asked.

"It was hard enough to overcome my father's zealous persecution of accused communists.

We live in conservative times Jonathan but people still hold the constitution near and dear to

their hearts. My father arranged the murder of thousands of American people. Yes their ancestry

was Russian but many couldn‘t even speak Russian, they were third generation. Then there's the

fact that his actions were treasonous."

Jonathan and Jennifer wondered if the Senator was appalled at his father‘s behavior or

just how it would effect him. Probably the latter.

"After Rostov and us, you‘ll still have a long way to go to achieve such stellar results,"

Jonathan said.

Jennifer chastised him with her eyes. "What were you looking for in our house?"

"For the key of course. Rostov called for my father saying he was here to set the record

straight and clear the names and reputations my father had ruined. I asked my father about

Rostov but he said he was dead. So I met him. He told me he had evidence linking my father to

the massacre and treason. I heard you come up and saw you find the key."

Jonathan looked at Jennifer. "I told you so."

"You said you would never say that to me."

"TRAITOR!" The voice of Mr. Fitzmeyer entered the room. This time he was without his

walker using the wall for support instead. In his right hand he carried a military issued gun circa

1940.

Jonathan instinctively grabbed Jennifer and moved her from his aim. But by doing so, she

was now an easy target for the Senator. Pushing her behind him, he positioned himself between

the two men.

"Father, get back in your room. You're going to hurt yourself, or someone else."

"I‘m going to hurt you! You‘re one of them."

"What? I saved you by killing Rostov."

Jonathan watched as the father and son argued and felt the time had come for he and

Jennifer to leave. If only Senator Fitzmeyer wasn‘t blocking the exit.

"Maybe they‘ll shoot each other." Jennifer echoed his thoughts.

"Dad, put the gun away."

The elder Fitzmeyer put both hands on the gun and pulled back on the lever. "I‘m tired of

your attitude boy."

"We can settle this later."

"Like hell." He pulled the trigger. "Damn!"

"Dad, you know I unloaded all your guns."

"Weasel!" He threw his gun at Senator Fitzmeyer.

"Jesus, dad," he said as he ducked the gun. Seeing his chance, Jonathan lunged towards

the senator knocking them both down the stairwell.

"Be careful, Jonathan." Jennifer could hear the two men bumping down the steps.

Rushing over, she saw that the senator had dropped his gun. Picking it up, she hurried down the

steps. She arrived just in time to see Jonathan throw on last jaw breaking punch. "Well, I guess

you won‘t need this."

Jonathan looked at the gun. "No I don‘t think I do." He straightened his tie and taking

Jennifer‘s arm escorted her to the nearest phone to call the police.

Chapter Eleven

Jennifer snuggled further into the sheets as the most glorious dream weaved through her

mind. She was in a field of wildflowers; the scent of them swirled around her. The sun was warm

and bright. And despite the fact there were no clouds, it was raining, raining wildflowers. She

could feel the soft velvety petals against her skin…..

Jennifer opened her eyes and discovered that it wasn‘t a dream, at least the raining

flowers part. "Jonathan!" She sighed at the site of him standing above her on the bed dropping

wildflowers on her.

"Happy Anniversary." He plopped down next to her giving her a big full kiss.

"What is this?" she asked as she scooped up some flowers and tossed them up in the air.

"You always remind me of a wildflower," he said kissing her neck.

"I do?"

"You smell so sweet."

"You're so romantic Jonathan Hart."

"You inspire me."

"Where did you get all these flowers?"

"I picked them myself. Authentic mountain wildflowers from right outside our cabin."

Putting her hand on his cheek, Jennifer pulled him to her for a lingering kiss. "I‘m so glad

you decided we should come to the ranch."

"I wanted to be sure I could spend my anniversary with you without any interruptions.

Speaking of which…" Jonathan reached to his bed stand and pulled out a rolled up paper.

"Happy Anniversary."

"What‘s this?"

"Paper. First anniversary is paper."

"How‘d you know that?"

Jonathan just lifted his brows. Jennifer unrolled the paper.

"It‘s a certificate of authenticity."

"For this," Jonathan said as he handed her a rose. Perched on top was a 10 carat blue

diamond pendent.

"Oh Jonathan, it‘s gorgeous!"

"You like it?"

"I love it. And I love you." Jennifer pulled him to her and thanked him with a full kiss.

Jennifer continued to marvel at the exquisite stone.

"Well?" Jonathan asked.

"Well what?"

"It‘s my anniversary too."

Jennifer smiled at his expectant, child-like expression. She reached to her side-table

drawer.

"Paper." Jonathan said as he took the folder from her.

"Yes." Jennifer put the rose and the diamond down and watched Jonathan open the

folder.

"Two plane tickets to France."

"Yes. They‘re open tickets, so we can go anytime."

"We have another Hart Industries plane."

"Yes, but don‘t you think the last flight we took was so much more thrilling?"

"That was pretty good." Jonathan admitted. He set the tickets down and looked over the

next set of documents. Jennifer‘s eyes carefully studied his face for his reaction. When he looked

up, she could see moisture in his eyes.

"These documents say that I‘m Charles Jean Valentine."

Jennifer nodded and bit her lower lip to stop from crying.

"How did you get this?" he asked. Jonathan was stunned. While they had been successful

in revealing the truth about the Valentine‘s and Rostov as well as catching Rostov‘s killer, they

hadn‘t found anything about the Valentine‘s child.

"Lt. Gray. The Russian government was notified about Rostov and arranged for his return

to the Soviet Union. Because it would cause embarrassment to the U.S. about Fitzmeyer‘s

actions, the Russians allowed Lt. Gray to talk to Rostov‘s family in Russia regarding his death.

You know, see what they might know that could help the investigation. Anyway Rostov‘s

daughter asked him if the Valentine‘s son was located as that was one of the reasons he came

back. Lt. Gray said he wasn‘t sure. She said it was important to her father to find him and would

Lt. Gray help with that. He of course agreed and asked for details. She told him that the boy was

placed in an orphanage in San Francisco under the name of Jonathan Charles Hart."

Jonathan swallowed hard. "That was easy. Why didn't we think of that?"

Jennifer shrugged.

Jonathan sat quietly, trying to absorb what he'd learned. "I …. I‘m speechless. I never

thought it would feel so strange..."

Jennifer smiled and took his hand. "There‘s more but we can wait if you want."

Jonathan looked into her eyes. "No. I want to know."

Jennifer took out the next paper. "This is information about Luc Valentine. He lives in a

little town outside Dijon France. He was Charles‘ brother. Your uncle."

"I have a living relative?" The world was spinning a little too fast, but Jonathan didn't

want to get off.

"Yes. And see this? This was from the safe deposit box. It shows the location of some

heirlooms the Valen… your parents left for you. Stanley was able to verify that the location still

exists and in fact is now owned by Luc."

"And you bought the tickets so we can go?"

"Yes."

"This is amazing." He was overwhelmed by the feelings he was having. To have lived is

whole life alone, not connected anyone except by mutual consent. Now he had a past, and a

biological family.

Jonathan studied the papers that proved little Charlie had been loved and wanted. He tried

to sort out his feelings discovering they were a mixture of joy, peace, wholeness, and belonging.

He‘d never had such powerful feelings, except with Jennifer. He looked up at her pensive,

worried face and realized she was afraid he was unhappy with her again. He put the papers aside

and reached for her. "This is the most wonderful present I've ever been given. Thank you so

much."

"You‘re welcome." Jennifer blew out the breath. "I was a little…."

"I know you were and someday you'll believe me that I won‘t ever shut you out again."

He pulled her close, inhaling the delicate floral scent of her skin and hair. "I love you so much I

can‘t even begin to tell you." He held her tight offering reassurance and at the same time probing

his mind for the words to convey his love. "I don‘t have a way with words like you do. And right

now, love just doesn‘t seem like a strong enough word to tell you how I feel about you."

Jennifer swallowed hard. "Well, in the writing field we have a saying, ‗show don‘t tell‘."

"That I can do," He said as he pushed her back on the bed. He straddled her, looking

down on her, taking in her beauty. Her eyes gleamed at him, the amber hues from the sunlight

flashing sparks. Her mouth was lush and full and waiting. He leaned down taking her mouth in

his. His kiss was deep, slow, and passionate.

Jennifer groaned at the liquid flame that his kiss stirred in her. His lips slid down her jaw

to her neck. He could feel her quickening pulse as he licked and nipped and kissed her.

She slid her arms around his neck, her fingers clutching in his hair as his tongue and teeth

seared her skin. She could tell that she was in for a long sweet torture of the senses.

He scooped up some flowers in his hand and caressed her breasts and belly with them. He

followed his hand with kisses, cascading them down between her breasts. God, she tasted sweet.

Her skin was silky and damp and he savored it with his lips and tongue.

"Oh, Jonathan." Jennifer jerked as his tongue lightly brushed the tip of her breast

followed by a light blowing of air. He smiled at her response and gave the same treatment to the

other breast.

"Are you trying to kill me?" She was gasping. "Please," she begged as she pulled his head

towards her breast urging him to feast instead of graze.

"I love you," he said. "Let me show you how much I love you." Jennifer released her

grip, letting her hands drop to her side. Her surrender fanned Jonathan‘s desire. He fought for

control winning the battle if only for now. His mouth continued its descent, sucking and nipping

while her body quivered and her hands fisted in the flowers and sheets. His hands slid under

buttocks, lightly raising them for his next conquest. Jennifer writhed in anticipation. He could

feel her body humming with energy in response to him.

"I love you Jennifer," he said as he feather kissed the insides of her thighs. Her body

arched to him, wanting, begging for more. "I love how you make me feel." He continued his

torturous assault on her thighs.

"Oh Jonathan. Please." She sobbed.

He descended on her using his lips and teeth and tongue, driving her beyond reason.

Jennifer struggled for air as she sped towards delirium. She cried out as her entire body rocked

from the hot explosion of pleasure. Totally spent, she sagged back on the bed.

Jonathan smiled, giving her a moment of reprieve, before his mouth continued its

relentless assault. He felt her heat again as she began the ascent to the next peak and the next and

next until her body collapsed from exhaustion.

Jennifer figured she must have lost consciousness because the next thing she knew

Jonathan was lying next to her.

"You were right," she said weakly. "There are no words for that kind of love."

Jonathan smiled and leaned forward to lightly kiss her lips, eyelids, cheeks and temple.

Jennifer‘s strength slowly returned through those kisses. She pushed Jonathan back. "My turn."

She took some of the wild flowers and stroked his damp skin. Her lips slid down his neck

to the hard muscle of his chest. She smiled as he groaned from the flick of her tongue over his

soft sensitive nipple. She cascaded flowers down his chest and belly following them with her

hands. She maneuvered her body lower until she was perched over him.

He grabbed her arms. "I won‘t make it," he said as he pulled her up. "I want to feel you

around me."

Jennifer acquiesced moving to straddle over him. Their eyes met, burning with desire.

She closed around him, surrounded him in hot, wet heat. She watched as his head dropped back

and he groaned. Jennifer began to ride. She was in control now and her pace was long and slow.

Each stroke exquisitely sweet and agonizingly painful. It was Jonathan‘s turn to plead. He

reached for her hips, pulling harder and faster, in desperation. Jennifer resisted, pulling his hands

from her hips, and instead entwining them with hers.

"Oh, God Jennifer." Jonathan was delirious, bucking and writhing for release. With each

stroke, Jennifer drove him closer and closer to meltdown. Desperate, Jonathan tore his hands

from hers and slid them over her breasts, kneading them.

"Come with me." He gasped as he sat up to take her breast in his mouth. Shots of fire

sped through Jennifer‘s body as Jonathan coaxed and coerced her into responding. And respond

she did. Jennifer‘s pace was fast and fierce driving them both towards ultimate pleasure.

Jonathan teetered on the edge, struggling to hold on as the taste of her flesh and the soft

silkiness of her skin stripped his sanity. He fell back against the bed savoring the moment before

release, the moment in which he could no longer tell where she began and he left off. The edge

was quickly coming but he didn‘t want to go alone. He slid his hand up her thigh, using his

thumb to lightly stroke her swollen bud. Jennifer closed around him, crying out his name as she

pulled him over with her.

"What are they saying?" Jonathan asked. He, Jennifer and Max sat in the living room of

Luc Valentine and his wife in France.

"They are suspicious of what you might want."

"Explain to them I don‘t want anything except to see the contents of the box."

"I did darling. They don‘t know of any box. I showed them the instructions here but they

are still suspicious."

Jonathan sat back. All this way only to come up empty handed. Well, he couldn‘t

complain too much. He did know the answer about his parents and that had been the original

goal. He was surprised though at how disappointed he was feeling at the prospect of not being

able to see what his parents had left for him.

"S‘il vous plait, Monsieur et Madam Valentine. Nous ne voulons rien." Jennifer tried

again to let the Valentines know they had nothing to fear. "Nous ne voulons pas argent,

seulment voir quelquechose dans le boit."

"Vous lui dites sourir." Madam Valentine said.

"Que?" Jennifer and Monsieur Valentine responded.

"Sourir."

"She wants to see you smile." Jennifer said to Jonathan.

"What?"

"Smile. She wants to see you smile."

"Don‘t show her the one that is like the boy with his hand in the cookie jar. Use the one

…." Max offered.

"What are you talking about? I only have one smile."

Jennifer eyed him. "We can discuss the coercive nature of the many smiles of Jonathan

Hart later. Just smile."

"Fine." Jonathan turned to Madam Valentine and gave what he hoped was a genuine

smile.

"Luc. Regard. Comme son pere."

Jennifer smiled but didn‘t say a word.

"What did she say?" Jonathan asked still smiling.

"She says you have your father‘s smile."

A few minutes later, Jonathan, Jennifer and Max were led to a small building at the back

of the house.

"This used to be for storing meat and such before there was refrigeration. I think Charles

used it as a storeroom though," Luc said in English.

"Amazing how quick they learned English," Max grumbled

"It says here, there is a trap door in the floor." Jennifer went over the instructions left by

Charles and Helene Valentine over 30 years before.

"I don‘t know. I inherited this house from Charles but haven‘t made much use of the

other buildings."

All five began to move old furniture from the center of the room in search of the door.

"Look!" Madam Valentine said. "There it is."

Luc pulled open the door. Under it there was a crawl space and a small chest. The chest

was removed and set on an old table.

"Viens Luc." Madam Valentine said pulling him towards the door.

"We will be at the house."

"Yes, thank you." Jennifer said. Turning back to Jonathan, she watched as he leaned over

the box and started to lift the lever. She stayed by Max to give Jonathan privacy.

Jonathan was surprised at how nervous he felt. He turned to see Jennifer and Max

standing behind him near the door. "I want you two with me."

Jennifer smiled and went to Jonathan. He reached out his hand to hold hers as he opened

the lid with his other hand. His stomach whirled about. He sucked in air as the contents of the

box were revealed.

"A pocket watch." His voice cracked. He studied the watch as a faint image of a man

pulling it out of his breast pocket came to mind. Let‟s see how fast you are young Charlie.

Jonathan felt his legs get weak. He grabbed a chair and sat down.

"Are you alright darling?"

He nodded and squeezed her hand. Putting the watch down he reached back into the box.

He pulled out an ivory hair clip beautifully painted with gold trim. The scent of roses came to

mind. And a woman combing her long dark hair. What do you think Charlie? Am I beautiful

now? Jonathan set the clip down and rubbed his eyes. He could feel Jennifer‘s hand on his back

and Max‘s concerned stare, and was thankful for their quiet support.

"My mother smelled like roses. She used some special hand cream that my father would

get for her on his trips."

"Oh Jonathan." Jennifer gasped.

Jonathan reached in the box again and pulled out a black and white wedding photo. He

studied it carefully, running his fingers around the edges of the faces as images flashed through

his mind. "They both had blue eyes."

"They were right, you have your father‘s smile." Jennifer said as she looked at the

picture. "But you have your mother‘s eyes."

Jonathan pulled out the next photo.

"Oh Jonathan." The photo showed Charles and Helene Valentine holding a little boy

wearing a cowboy hat.

Jonathan cleared his throat. "I think that was a birthday. I loved cowboys, Hop-a-long

Cassidy, Lone Ranger….."

Jennifer squeezed his arm as the emotion swirled and threatened to overwhelm him.

"That‘s me with my parents." His voice was soft, quivering as if the realization was just hitting

him.

"It‘s a handsome family." Max said quietly.

Jonathan held the picture of Charles, Helene and little Charlie as feelings washed over

him. As he studied it, that part of him that had been the unloved and unwanted little Charlie was

fading. Little Charlie had a family he belonged to and that had loved him. Jonathan Hart had a

past and finally knowing about it somehow gave him a better sense of himself. He looked up at

Jennifer, her eyes streaming with tears. He reached up and brushed a tear away. Jennifer laughed

that he would be offering her support when the moment was clearly his.

"Thank you for following through on this with me." He said, "The both of you," he added

looking at Max.

"Darling, you know we would do anything for you. I‘m just so happy that we found the

truth and your family."

Jonathan pulled her close, wrapping one of his arms around her. He then reached out and

took one of Max‘s hands. He savored the feelings of completeness and love and joy that

permeated his soul as he sat in the little storage room with his family, his entire family.

Take Time For Your Heart AKA Naked Day

This story was originally written by Jan Miller, a fan of Stef’s and a good friend to the Stef

group. Unfortunately, we lost her several years ago. I was asked to finish the story in honor

of her. My challenge was that I didn’t know Jan’s vision for the story. For the most part,

the original story she wrote is intact. I made a few tweaks to make my parts fit together

with hers. Interestingly, I can’t figure out where her bit ends and mine begins. I hope Jan

would be happy with how the story turned out.

Chapter One

Dustin Parker sat with his hand caressing the old clock, his mind ranging back to other

days. Days spent with his beloved Rebecca and their precious Elizabeth, the apple of his eye.

When things were bright and the sunlight still shone in his life. The days before the "accident"

that had taken all the light from his life.

The clock had been Becky's first present to him. She had scrimped and saved enough

money to send away for this ornate clock claiming that a man as successful as she knew he was

going to be should have an elegant clock as a centerpiece for his parlor. Her love, pride, and faith

in him had meant so much to him and was the motivator for all the success he had eventually

achieved. The clock symbolized all that love for him and he had treasured it and it always had a

place of pride in a succession of increasingly bigger houses even after they could have afforded

something finer.

He smiled as he ran his hands over the old clock. He patted it fondly and slowly got up to

put it back in its proper place. "You, my old friend, I know I can trust."

Thunder slowly penetrated Jonathan's sleeping mind. As the downpour rattled against the

window of their bedroom he floated just beneath the surface of consciousness and relished the

warmth of the blankets and of the form that lay cuddled next to him. The thought of her brought

him fully awake. One of his favorite occupations was watching his wife while she slept. These

days she was much more of a morning person than he was, often arising before he was awake.

That cut down on his Jennifer watching. Of course, he liked watching her when she was awake

too but the unguarded sweetness of her sleeping face was so beautiful he could scarcely contain

himself. Even after years of marriage he sometimes had a hard time believing she was his, that

she accepted his love and loved him in return. "Jonathan, you are one lucky guy," he whispered

to himself. Too soon, Jennifer stirred and he reached out to brush her hair back from her eyes and

caress her cheek. She responded, moving her head to kiss his palm. Her eyes opened and looked

at him with such love that it took his breath away.

"Good morning, beautiful, did you sleep well?" He asked as he reached over to kiss her.

He started at that soft spot at the corner of her eye, moved on to the tip of her nose and the corner

of her mouth. He stopped there for a second helping before losing himself in the journey down

her long beautiful neck.

"I always do when I'm next to you. Mmmm, nice. You bring me the sweetest dreams. If

I'd known you were in this kind of mood I would've woke up sooner! Mmm." She sighed happily

as he continued his amorous exploration of her body, content to let him lead the way. She

planned to do a little exploring of her own a little later. But, first things first.

"Uh, Jonathan? Sweetheart, do you think you could put that thought on hold for a

minute?"

"Hmmm? What's wrong?" he answered, not looking up from his task.

"I do hate to be depressingly mundane at a time like this but I gotta go!"

Laughing, he let her up. "Never let it be said I interfered with the Call of Nature."

"You just be ready for the Call of the Wild when I get back!"

AAAWOOooooOOOOooooo! echoed through the dressing rooms and Jonathan smiled.

Basking in the after glow of their passion they lay together quietly, enjoying the

closeness and drowsy conversation.

"What time do you have to be at the office today?" Jennifer asked.

"I am still officially on vacation. They don't even know that we're back from our trip yet.

I thought we could use a little down time here at home before hitting the front lines again. I know

I could. The kind of traveling we do saps a fellow's strength, y'know?"

"It does? You couldn't have proved it by this morning's activities," she teased him gently.

"You must have been playing close attention to all that wildlife on our safari. Talk about the call

of the wild! I expected you to start swinging on a vine any minute. You Tarzan, me Jane. Ooh!

Ooh! Ooh!" She smiled dreamily at the memory, drawing circles in his chest hair with her

fingers. "I suppose you need a big breakfast after expending so much energy. Max is still in Las

Vegas so we will have to forage on our own. Does anything in particular sound good?"

"There is one thing that I would like but it could take a while. What's on your schedule

for today? "

"I have an article that I need to work on for Marcia sometime this week but it isn't urgent.

I am willing to consider anything you're up to suggesting."

"That sounds like a challenge to me!"

"Well, you're the one with the sapped strength...." Her eyes sparkled at him suggestively.

"Okay, here's the plan. We stay right here all day. Sure, if we want to we can go on a

grocery run to the kitchen. But that's all. No telephones, no newspapers, mail, TV, other people

or clothes."

"No clothes?"

"Nope, we don't need them. Unless we decide to play Strip Monopoly, Strip Trivial

Pursuit, or Strip Whatever. I hereby declare Naked Day!"

"You're on. Sounds like a productive day to me." Jennifer laughed, eyes sparkling with

amusement. "Where do you want to start? You know, we haven't given that new washing

machine in the "Hart Treatment" yet."

"Hmm?" He asked, puzzled.

"You remember, the way we initiate every new piece of furniture or appliance that we

bring into the house?"

"Oh yeah. We haven't done that one, have we? Well, it at least has a flat surface. It will

have to be more comfortable than that damn doghouse we bought for Freeway. And the chimney

won't keep falling off either!"

"Washing machines don't have chimneys dear."

"Neither should dog houses!"

"Well, it was your idea to do that one. We wouldn't have had to since it didn't exactly go

in the house."

"Well, we didn't exactly initiate it in the house either, did we?" They both smiled at the

memory.

"So, you want to go down and see if we can get agitated into a spin cycle?" She proposed.

"Not right now. I don't think we've finished in this room yet. Come here."

"Closer than this?" She wiggled to show him they were already just about as close as two

people could get.

"I think I can find a couple ways to get closer," he murmured as he began exploring her

body with his lips. The sensual morning combined with his skillful handling had her body

singing with sensations almost immediately. He paused and watched her face as the powerful

feelings swirled within her like a wave filling a tidal pool. As she began climb to the surface he

resumed his stroking. This time she wasn't going to let him send her off alone. She pulled away,

pushed him flat on the bed and climbed onto his back, trailing kisses as she massaged her way

across his shoulders and down his back to his buttocks. There was a secret little place there

where his legs met that cute little rear. She didn't get to see it often, only when he was nude and

bent over or walked away from her in a certain way. For some reason these shy, tender little bits

of untanned skin did wicked things to her libido. She loved to kiss and nip and caress there. She

focused her attention on that area until she was returned to reality by then sound of Jonathan

moaning her name. Turning him over she kissed him tenderly on the lips and assumed one of

their favorite positions. He needed no further encouragement. They came together in a frenzy of

rocking movements that seemed to continue even after they had both reached the heights of

pleasure.

In fact, even after the haze of pleasure began to recede from their minds some things that

shouldn't be moving seemed to be doing a dance all their own and the house was making strange

creaking noises.

"Jonathan, did the earth just move for you?"

"You too, huh? Damn, I knew we were good together but this is ridiculous."

"Do you think it really was an earthquake?"

"I don't know what else could have shook the house up this way. Maybe we ought to go

check on things." As they got out of bed the earth trembled again, shaking the house. They heard

breaking glass downstairs and more ominous creaking noises.

"Jonathan, I have a bad feeling about this."

"You're not the only one. Let's get out of here!"

"Darling, I think this should be an exception to the no clothes rule. I'm not going out there

without shoes and we'd better dress in case we can't get back in safely."

"Party Pooper!"

"Do you want to explain Naked Day to the police or whoever comes to fix the house?"

"Well, when you put it that way."

There were no more big shocks but the small aftershocks came fairly regularly for a

while making walking down stairs seem like a ride at the carnival. They had to descend by the

back stairs because when they came out of their room they could see broken glass and tree limbs

covering the landing area. What they saw from the outside was worse.

"Oh Jonathan!" Jennifer cried as she surveyed the damage to their beautiful home.

A large tree had fallen across the porch and taken out the dining room windows and had

broken out the several of the stones from the dining room wall. Not good since that was a

supporting wall. It had been a big tree. The porch roof had fallen completely. The tree had

knocked down two pillars and the one the far end seemed to have crumbled on it's own initiative.

The remaining pillar hadn't had a chance. While it had not fallen, it was no longer holding up any

part of the roof. The rest of the house wasn't so bad but a lot of windows had broken out and the

arbor-like carport area had fallen over and buried the cars.

They stood holding each other, looking at the wreckage.

"Well, I guess Naked Day is over. It doesn't look like we'll get to that washing machine

today, after all." Jonathan said regretfully.

"Although we did get the benefit of the agitation and spin cycles! Oh Jonathan, can you

imagine what would have happened if that tree had fallen in that direction," she asked, pointing

toward their bedroom window. "It would have come all the way into the room and landed right

on us. In that position everyone would have known what we were doing when we died!" She was

blushing just thinking about it.

"I don't know, I can think of worse ways to go and besides, they'd probably just be

jealous.

"Oh you!"

They walked carefully around the wreckage of the front porch, stopping by the pillar

farthest away from the fallen tree. Even though the pillar had shattered halfway down its length

there didn't seem to be as much rubble here as there was around the others.

Jonathan moved in to take a closer look. "Jennifer! Look at this. No wonder this pillar

crumbled even without the tree hitting it. It's hollow."

"Hollow? Are you sure? Why would the builders have made one hollow and the others

solid?" She came over and looked down into the recess. "Wait a minute! Look at this." She

reached down into the hollow space and lifted up a yellowed envelope.

Inside, over coffee, the Harts examined the letter.

"Should we open it?" Jennifer asked.

"That's the only way we're ever going to find out what it's all about."

"But, it's not addressed to us. Maybe it's something very private."

"Jennifer, where are your journalistic instincts? Don't you want to know what's in there?

Whoever put that envelope inside the pillar is long gone. Besides, we own the house now and

that means whatever is inside is ours too. Just open it."

"Okay, here goes." She tore open the envelope and took out a single sheet of paper. She

read the hand written document out loud.

To whom it may concern.

I, Dustin Parker, being sound in mind and body, do hereby revoke any previous will

made by or for me, in favor of leaving no will at all. This letter is to attest to my reasons for

doing so.

I have changed my mind. My remaining relatives, such as they are, have shown no

interest in knowing about me or my family or my life. All they are interested in is my money and

how much they will get when I die. Greed is such an evil thing. Another's greed and lust for what

was not his cost me what I treasured most. I let that loss possess me until money and revenge

were all I lived for. That sad truth shames me. My girls deserved a better memorial.

As I approach the end of my life I am reminded of something I knew long ago. Money

means nothing. Money cannot bring you happiness, it cannot heal your wounds and it cannot

replace the precious experience of living and loving and making your own way through life. I

have come to despise my money. I know my eager young relatives will not see this as a kindness

but I mean it as such. Since they are only interested in the money and not in real reasons and

motivations I had for building this fortune I am going to do them all a great favor and leave them

nothing in the fond hope that they will find and keep, as I failed to do, the greatest gift life can

give ... true love and that it will move them to find their own fortunes. I have destroyed all copies

of my last legal will. Let them fight the state for what money is still there. It's unimportant.

However, before you, I place a challenge. In this house I have hidden a great treasure. If

you can solve the riddle then the treasure and all the wealth it brings is yours. The man or

woman who finds the treasure will know riches that will stand the test of time.

Dustin Parker

August 3, 1966

Hands covering my face I stand alone

running even though I have no feet.

Measuring what cannot be seen or held

but in passing can be keenly felt.

Age brings wisdom, adding a rich patina

to youth's fire bright glow.

Surround yourself with knowledge to

find my secret place and when we meet

Do not judge by my appearance

but look beyond my face.

Others have more value

but none my worth can replace.

For he who hid my secrets

loved me best of all his things.

Treasured not for dollar value

but for fun and love of memories that I bring.

Hold me close, and with a twist of fate, you‘ll see that I‘m more than I seem.

For though I‘m worthless on the outside, I hold the key to riches beyond your wildest

dreams.

"Wow," Jennifer said as she stopped reading.

"Wow is right. What do you make of all that?"

"I wonder who he was? Maybe the realtor we bought the house from can tell us

something. If not, I bet the newspaper archives at the library would have something in the files

about a very rich man who died in testate. I wonder...."

"Uh oh, I recognize that look."

"What look?"

―The look that says you aren't going to let go of this until you have solved this little riddle

and know exactly who Mr. Dustin Parker was."

"Oh, that look," She nodded. " I can't just walk away from a story like this in our own

house. That would go directly against all my investigative instincts. Nancy Drew would probably

come and give me nightmares!"

"I can see it now. You'll end up knocking on the walls looking for more secret

passageways and you'll be distracted by that riddle for weeks."

"Surely not that long, especially if you help me."

"Me!"

"Yes you! You don't think I recognize your look too? This has stirred up your Hardy boy

persona and you want to solve it as much as I do."

"Well, it could be kind of interesting..." he trailed off with a challenging sparkle in his

eye. "Partners, Nancy?"

"Sure thing, Frank!"

The two shook hands to cement their new project.

"Geez, Mr. and Mrs. H, what'd you guys do, have a party and not invite me?" Max set his

bags down on the drive and carefully skirted the damaged front portion of the house.

Hearing the taxi, Jennifer came around from behind the house to see who was there.

"Max," she said in surprise, "you're back early."

"Good thing too, by the looks of things. I heard about the earthquake but didn't think it

would bother us. They never have before."

"This one must have been on an off branch of the fault. We're lucky we didn't get more

damage. Some of the houses lower down the hill were really flattened."

Jonathan came around the corner just then. "There you are. Max! Welcome home, or, to

what's left of it anyway. Darling, I got hold of Peter Waters who will send someone out to look at

the damage to the house, but we may be pretty far down the list. We still have a roof. He's going

to have some plastic sent out so we can cover the windows and the worst of the damage."

"Y'know," Max said, "we're really lucky that tree didn't fall the other way. It would have

done a lot more damage to the house. I bet it woulda taken out your entire bedroom."

He didn't notice the look the Harts exchanged or the slight blush on Jennifer's face as

Jonathan told him, "Yeah, we thought of that. It could have been even worse since we were still

in bed when it happened. Recovering from jet lag, you know."

Max stifled a knowing grin. Sure, jet lag, he thought.

Chapter Two

Long before the Harts moved into the big house on Willow Pond Drive a happy family

had called it home. The Parker family bought the house after Lawrence Freeman died. Mr.

Dustin Parker was another self-made man. He had worked his way up in the construction

business until he was one of the richest men in Los Angeles. His companies had built much of

the city, but everyone who worked with him knew that money was not what was important to

Dustin. He treasured his family. His wife Becky was a good, decent woman who loved her man.

She was civically active when a good cause caught her imagination but her central interest was

being a wife and mother and she devoted her life to those activities. Dustin and Becky had only

one child, and she had been long in coming, arriving after many years of hoping and praying.

Her name was Elizabeth. She was the apple of her Daddy's eye and he spoiled her unashamedly.

It was all Becky could do to keep him from ruining the girl all together. Luckily, Elizabeth had

been born with a pleasant disposition and all that attention merely made her more confident and

charming. The little girl turned the successful, talented couple into a family that was nearly

legendary for their generosity, their kindness, and for the richness of their love.

Unfortunately, all fairy stories do not have a happy ending. In 1947, during the summer

that Elizabeth would have turned twelve the family went on an outing to try out the big new

convertible that Dustin had brought home the day before. It was the finest car money could buy.

Nothing but the best for his girls, he always said. The fine car ran smooth as a silk, the power

humming under her hood, just waiting to be released. The odd part was, they weren't moving fast

when the disaster occurred. They had slowed to take a corner when out of nowhere a large truck

plowed into the passenger side of the car. Dustin was thrown free but his girls hadn't had a

chance. The last thing he could remember before waking up in the hospital was his precious

child's piercing scream of terror and pain.

"Okay, where do we start?" Jennifer asked, eager to get started on the mystery.

"With the windows." answered her pragmatic husband.

"Spoil sport!"

They spent the rest of the day and most of the next day "helping" the grounds and

building maintenance crews make what repairs they could to the house, sweeping up glass and

branches and covering the many windows that had been broken by the quake. The front of the

house proved to be more damaged than previously thought so it was roped off with bright yellow

caution tape.

"You know, Jonathan. I think the Keelys are out of town so Mr. Peterson is there alone."

"He's still there?"

"Yes. He's been renting their guesthouse for, oh, nearly 20 years I think. But, he's quite

old. I think we should check on him."

"That's a good idea. I'll stay here to see how the reconstruction is going and you can see

how he's doing."

Jennifer nodded. "I'll bring him some of that lasagna we have frozen in the freezer."

"Yeah, give him that," Jonathan said secretly happy to get rid of the lasagna Jennifer had

made in abundance. God he loved her, but she couldn't cook.

―Mr. Hart,‖ a worker called Jonathan over to the pillar that had been hollow.

―Yes?‖

―Did you know this pillar was hollow?‖ the worker asked.

―Not until we found it that way yesterday.‖

The worker studied the broken pillar again before looking back at Jonathan. ―You didn't

build in some sort of safe or hiding place?‖

Jonathan frowned. ―No. Why?‖

―Well, you see this here, how it broke? If we put it back together, it would have left an

area that could be used to hide something. The whole pillar wasn‘t hollow, just a square about

the size of a bread box.‖

―I see.‖

―It‘s custom. I was wondering why someone would build it like that if they weren‘t using

it to store something.‖

―Like what?‖

―I don‘t know. People with money get strange ideas in their heads sometimes.‖

Jonathan arched a brow.

―No disrespect sir.‖

He smiled. ―None taken.‖

―If you want it rebuilt like it was, it will take a custom job and even then, I don‘t know if

it would pass code. Earthquake codes are pretty strict now.‖

―We‘ll take the standard earthquake proof pillar.‖

―I‘ll get them ordered today. We will have braces up in the mean time.‖

―Great. By the way, what‘s your name?‖

―Jeff. Jeff Hall. I‘ve been with Pete about five years now.‖

―Jeff. Good to meet you. I see you do good work. I can see why Pete hired you.‖

―Thank you sir.‖

Next morning Jennifer called the realtor who had sold them the house.

"Joanna, this is Jennifer Hart."

"Hello Jennifer! How are you doing? I haven't seen you since the last community players

show. What can I do for you? Please tell me you're in the mood to buy something big." she

laughed.

"Well, no, not right now anyway. What I would like is some information. Do you know

anything about the people who owned our house before we bought it?"

"Hmmm, let's see. It's been a while but I believe that we sold it for a businessman named

George Riley. We're not really supposed to talk about the clients but seeing as it's you, all I really

know about him is that he had to sell the house because of a pretty nasty divorce settlement.

Does that help at all?"

"Riley? Not Parker? Rats. We've found a letter signed by a Mr. Dustin Parker hidden in

the house and we wanted to know more about him."

"What's the letter about?"

"It's all very mysterious. Who knows, we may have a buried treasure on the grounds!"

She laughed.

"A treasure!"

"Yes, supposedly this Mr. Parker hid his entire fortune somewhere in the house."

"Jennifer! That's amazing. What are you going to do about it?"

"Well, to start with I called you to see if you knew anything about the previous owners."

Both women laughed. Jennifer continued, "Seriously, you've lived here a long time. That name

doesn't ring any bells?"

"No Jen, I 'm sorry, it doesn't."

"That's OK, Jo. It isn't a big deal. I just thought I'd take a chance and check with you. I'll

just have to dig a little deeper. Thanks anyway."

"Well, I'm sure it's only a matter of time until you find what you're looking for. We all

know that no obscure fact is safe from the research skills of Jennifer Edwards Hart. Happy

hunting!

Jennifer called Jonathan at his office and shared the news. "Darling, Jo didn't know

anything about him. The last people to own our house were named Riley and they had a nasty

divorce. That's sad. I don't like think about our house filled with that kind of anger. Hope they

didn't leave any bad vibrations lying around. You know dear, the mysterious Mr. Parker didn't

seem to be too happy in the house either. And Laurence Freeman was a lonely old hermit. I hope

there's not a jinx on our beautiful house."

"Hardly. Even if there was a jinx you and I are happy enough there to override any old

vibrations that might be hanging around. We've lived there long enough to establish our own

vibrations."

"We didn't do to well with the vibrations that wandered through a couple days ago!"

"Oh yeah? I thought we did pretty good since they had to practically knock the house

down to get our attention." His voice took on that lovely low mellow tone that drove her crazy.

"We're going to have to reschedule Naked Day."

"Soon!" They said together. Jennifer laughed and continued, "I'm going to go open the

safety deposit box to check our deed for previous owners and then I'm going to the library for the

afternoon to see what I can dig up. I'll see you tonight. You have a good rest of the day. I love

you."

"I love you back sweetie. You take care of my favorite girl, OK?"

Their deed confirmed that the house had had four owners, Lawrence Freeman, Dustin

Parker, George Riley and Jonathan Hart. Parker had purchased the house in 1935 and Riley

bought it in 1974.

Jennifer walked into the big building and felt welcomed by it. The researcher in Jennifer

always felt as if she was coming home when she walked into a library. The very atmosphere

inside seemed charged with information and knowledge lingering just under the surface. She

spent a little time chatting with one of her favorite librarians about her search and the treasure

and then got down to business.

She found Dustin Parker right away in the indexes of the Los Angeles Times. There was

no obituary listed but Mr. Parker had been the subject of numerous articles. Jennifer copied the

citations and went to find the rolls of film.

Dustin Parker had been a hermit during the last years of his life, seeing no one and only

tolerating a few part time servants. He was a man of mystery. Then he had apparently

disappeared from the face of the earth. His servants came to work one day and couldn't find him.

This was remarkable because the man rarely left his house. The police searched but could find no

trace of him. Nothing in the house had been disturbed. None of his clothing had been found

missing. The man was simply gone.

The newspapers had a field day with the mystery, milking the story for all it was worth.

When it was found that the missing millionaire was really almost broke accusations of undue

influence and insinuations of theft or even murder sprang up like wildfire among his relatives.

The investigation was a tabloid editor's dream. More and more assets were found to have been

liquidated and the relatives were certain someone, probably one of them, had been victimizing

the old man. Public scenes and vicious arguments between Parker's presumed heirs turned the

situation into a three-ring circus. No sign of Dustin Parker or his missing money ever turned up.

It was assumed he had been the victim of foul play but without evidence the suspicions could not

be proved.

The news coverage of the whole affair was abundant and the reporters had done their

homework. Jennifer found that Dustin Parker had been a famous man in his day. He had built

much of the city, his company anyway, and had been a well respected and liked man. Nothing in

articles, however, explained why and how such a popular man had ended up a lonely hermit.

Sensing there was more to this story Jennifer went back to the indexes. One of the articles

had mentioned a wife and daughter that had proceeded him in death. Cross-references in the

index led her to 1947. On her way through the microfilm to the dates cited in the index Jennifer

was amused as her eye was captured by advertisements from the 1940's with their low prices and

innocent, wholesome style. No half dressed sex goddesses in these ads! Things had changed and

she was sure that the people of the 1940's would have been shocked by the loose morals of the

1980's. Even the daily comics seemed sweeter and more innocent. She could get lost in the past

while scrolling through old newspapers. Jennifer was a born researcher.

When she found the right page the source of Dustin Parker's sorrow became clear.

Coverage of the accident was extensive. Rumors surfaced that the "accident" had been caused by

a business rival who was known to be bitter and jealous at Parker's business success and

seemingly charmed life. This rival's company was plagued by a shady reputation, poor

workmanship and suspicions of Syndicate connections. They consistently underbid by Parker

Construction and their shady reputation was not enhanced by suspicions of organized crime

connections.

After the war ended Parker had retired to spend time with his family. They were popular

and well known, supporting many civic groups with their money, talents and time. The tragic

deaths of Rebecca and Elizabeth Parker had shaken the town. Their funeral turned out to be the

kind of spectacle that Hollywood did so well. Mountains of flowers and crowds of mourners

lined the gravesite. Dustin, the bereaved husband and father endured the ordeal in a state of

shock. When it was over he retired to his hilltop estate in Bel Air and was rarely seen again.

Jennifer thought about how happy she and Jonathan were and felt tears prick her eyes.

She couldn't imagine how she would survive if he were suddenly taken from her but she hoped

that she would eventually find the courage to go on with her life. Jonathan wouldn't want her to

seal herself away from life forever. She knew she wouldn't wish that on Jonathan. Hopefully God

would be kind and let them live long happy lives and then bring them home together. "I'll bet old

Dustin's Rebecca wouldn't have wanted that for her love either." Sadness and pity for the old

man filled her. His love for his ladies had been so strong it had crippled him, isolating him and

embittering him, bringing him to a lonely, mysterious end.

But, if what he had written in the letter they found was true, the anger and bitterness

hadn't won him over completely. Even after all those years he had still remembered and valued

the beautiful love they had shared.

Eventually, Dustin Parker was declared dead by the State Of California. His heirs divided

what was left of his estate. News reports told how his heirs had been unpleasantly surprised by

the size of their inheritance. The only thing of real value left in the estate was the house on

Willow Pond Drive. It was quickly auctioned off so the heirs could split the take. They

squabbled and sued each other, stirring up all the furor again. The high profile case filled the

papers with stories of the jealousy, suspicion, bitterness and anger. "No wonder he didn't want to

leave anything to his family. They wanted money and then they sold the place the money is

hidden. How ironic," she thought.

Jennifer had not noticed that her interest in Dustin Parker had drawn attention of it's own.

Jonathan arrived home and found a note from taped to the refrigerator.

"Mr. and Mrs. H,

Dinner is in the oven. It'll be done by 8:00. I'm off to Charlie's for a little gathering of

pasteboard aficionados. Don't wait up. I feel lucky tonight.

Max."

Jonathan looked in the oven. Some sort of covered casserole was in there. It didn't smell

like much yet. Max must have just left. "Hmmm, Max out for the night and Jennifer not home

yet." The perfect chance to get up to some mischief.

Jennifer flexed her shoulders as she got out of the car. Long hours in front of a microfilm

reader was hard on the neck and shoulder. She was hungry and hoped Max had something solid

planned for dinner.

"Hello!" She called as she walked through the foyer and living room. "Where is

everybody?" The kitchen was deserted too. Dinner was beginning to smell good and she went

over to peek in the oven. That's when she saw the note.

"Find Me" It was Jonathan's handwriting. She smiled, wondering what he was up to.

Calling out for him she went upstairs to see if he was hiding in the bedroom. That was one of his

favorite games and it always led to pleasant things. Cautiously moving through the bedroom to

the dressing rooms. No Jonathan. In one of the closets she found another note. "You are

overdressed. Max has gone out for the evening."

"Well!" she said out loud. "That certainly makes things a little more interesting."

Back downstairs she went out to the utility area to look for her sweetie. They never had

gotten to the washing machine the other day. Maybe that's what he had in mind. Sigh. Still no

Jonathan. Another note was taped to the dryer. "You're all wet! No, wait, I'm all wet. Bring me a

towel." Now she had him. Dropping her clothes in a laundry basket she grabbed a couple of

towels and went out to the pool where she found him waiting for her.

Secure in the privacy of their estate they didn't bother with swimsuits. The day had been

warm and the water still held just enough heat to be refreshing without chilling them, inspiring a

long leisurely swim and frolic with many a sea monster encountered and defeated by the lone

sailor who bravely protected his shipwrecked Princess. After awhile the underwater play took a

natural change of course and became more amorous than playful and swimming was abandoned

for sport of another kind as the Princess rewarded her stalwart protector. Nestled in a pile of

thick soft towels under the first stars of the evening and lost in each other they did not realize

that their play had been observed.

Hunger and the evening chill had eventually driven the Harts inside. Jennifer went ahead

as Jonathan detoured to put something away in the pool house. Jennifer couldn't believe her eyes

when she walked into the house. It looked like a tornado had blown through. "What on earth?"

Since she knew that the kitchen hadn't looked this way when they had gone out to the pool she

prudently called for Jonathan and went back outside. At her call he came running. "Jonathan!

Someone's been in our house!" she told him about the mess inside. They carefully reentered the

house and Jennifer rescued their forgotten dinner while Jonathan called the police. She hoped

Max wouldn't notice they'd let it get a little well done. They were surveying the damage to the

living room when they heard a thump from upstairs. Jonathan sprang into action and ran up the

stairs, Jennifer right behind him. The fact that he was dressed only in a loose towel didn't make

him feel particularly invincible but no one was going to get away with creating this kind of

havoc in his house! Jennifer wasn't so sure. "Jonathan, don't you think we should wait for the

police? We don't know who or what is in there and I couldn't stand it if something happened to

you!" she pleaded.

"No, I want to know who's in there. Nothing's going to happen. Besides, we've got to get

in there somehow. We can't exactly greet the police dressed like this."

Oh!" her eyes opened wide, "I guess not. You know, this is getting to be a habit."

As they opened the door they saw that the window curtains floating in the breeze,

Jonathan looked out and thought he saw a faint form running down the drive but realized he

would have no chance to catch the person. After a quick check of the dressing rooms the

discovered that the intruder had indeed escaped, leaving another big mess behind him.

"Damn! What could he have been after?" Jennifer asked.

Chapter Three

By the time the police arrived the Harts were dressed and waiting for them. They

explained what had happened and the officer called in for a detective and the crime scene lab and

asked the Harts not to touch anything. They answered the detective's questions when he arrived

and waited for the lab techs to finish their job. Jennifer fretted at the mess they were making on

top of the mess the burglar had left. Although the technicians were careful the gray fingerprint

powder was soon all over the place. She knew that she would have to call in a cleaning service to

get things back to normal but that was a task for another day. It was getting late and they still

hadn't had anything to eat. Being both hungry and tired was making them impatient for the law

to leave them alone. Jonathan called the security alarm people to have them check into why the

alarm hadn't gone off and was assured that a crew would be there first thing in the morning. He

then called the security division of Hart Industries and requested a security squad to come and

patrol the place until they could get the alarm fixed. He also alerted the Bel Air Security patrol

and asked them to keep a close watch on the neighborhood.

The police finally finished their work and departed. Jennifer resurrected Max's casserole

while Jonathan prowled the house like an aroused guard dog.

"Darling" she said, going over and taking him in her arms, "we've done all we can for

tonight. Come relax and eat something."

"I'm sorry dear, it just bothers me that someone can come in here so easily despite our

security precautions. We've had too many things happen to us to let me take your safety..." She

gave him a look. "...okay, our safety for granted. I mean whoever this person was, whatever he

was after, he was in here while we were out there totally vulnerable." His voice trailed off as he

thought about what could have happened if the intruder had been a little more aggressive.

"Jonathan, we can't worry about what might've been. If we do that we'll be to frightened

to live life. We're okay, the man isn't coming back today, not with all the security guards you

have in place and tomorrow the workmen will be here to take care of the alarm. Please don't let it

eat at you this way."

"You're right, of course." He smiled. "But you might as well not ask me to stop worrying

about your safety. It's not something I can give up. You are my life and without you I'd cease to

exist."

"You say the sweetest things." She reached up and brought his head down so she could

kiss him. They stood that way for a while until Jennifer remembered the food on the stove and

ran to take it off the burner before it was ruined.

"Whatever it is smells divine. I'm starving." Jonathan grinned.

"Well, just make sure you leave room for dessert." Jennifer replied with that special

sparkle in her eyes that indicated to Jonathan that dessert was going to be something special

indeed.

During dinner Jennifer told Jonathan what she‘d discovered about Dustin Parker.

―Tragic,‖ Jonathan said.

―Sure is.‖

―What was the rival company?‖

―A company called Calvert Industries.‖

―Really?‖ Jonathan‘s brow rose as he stopped mid-spoonful of soup.

―Yes why?‖

―Well, I own that.‖

―No! Really?‖ She waved her hand through the air. ―I don‘t know why I‘m surprised. Is

there anything you don‘t own?‖

He winked. ―I bought in 1970 or so.‖

―Hart Industries isn‘t into development or construction, is it?‖ Jennifer asked.

―No, but at the time I bought it, it had moved towards communication technology. Parker

may have built most the city but Calvert wired it all up.‖

―Oh, I see.‖

Jonathan frowned. ―I would hate to think I bought a company that was built on a

murder.‖

―Well there is no proof of the murder or of mob connections.‖ It was Jennifer‘s turn to

frown. ―You don‘t buy any company without a thorough investigation of it.‖

―No.‖

―You didn‘t come across this info?‖

Jonathan thought. ―What I remember is that Calvert Industries was started in the early

40‘s. There was some competition and the company struggled until 1949 when it decided to

focus on communications.‖

―That‘s after the accident.‖

―Yes, but if Calvert was going to profit from Parker‘s misery, he‘d have stayed in

construction and development.‖

―True.‖

―Although,‖ Jonathan said. ―Perhaps it wasn‘t about development.‖

―What do you mean?‖

―Well, I wonder who had the contract to wire Parker‘s buildings?‖

―Oh, yes. Except if he wanted to get the contract, wouldn‘t he kill the other

communications people?‖

―Maybe. Or maybe there was a more personal grudge. I refused the Manning contract for

silica in Africa. The guy sent me a kangaroo for a wedding present.‖

Jennifer laughed. ―That‘s not why you went with someone else. And it's not why he sent

you a kangaroo.‖

―Well, not entirely.‖ Jonathan admitted. ―You did say Parker retired after the war. Who

took over when he left?‖

―His brother. Darren. But he wasn‘t very good at business and it faltered. It was sold in

1973 or so.‖

―A year before Parker disappeared.‖

―Yes. And, according to the papers I read, the Parker family wasn‘t close. His siblings

fought over the estate and were unhappy that Dustin didn‘t have any money.‖

―Except he did. Or at least his letter says he did.‖

―Right. You know, maybe it was just a terrible accident that killed his family.‖ Jennifer

said.

―Sometimes people look for reasons that aren‘t really there when bad things happen,‖

Jonathan agreed.

―Its interesting that with all the gossip and speculation though that Parker didn‘t pursue it.

Its like he died that day too.‖

―I‘m sure grief can do that. Or maybe he believed it was an accident.‖

―Maybe.‖

―You know, it's interesting in all this excitement we haven‘t even solved the riddle or

looked for the treasure.‖

Jennifer cocked her head at him. ―No, we haven‘t. What do suppose that means about our

investigative skills?‖

―I think it means we believe by understanding Parker better will make it easier to

understand the riddle and find the treasure than tearing the house apart.‖

Both eyes shot to each other‘s. ―Do you think…?‖

Jonathan thought for a moment and then shook his head. ―How would anyone know? If

they did know, they would have searched the house long before we bought it.‖

―Well, his disappearance has been a mystery as was his money.‖

―Yes, but for someone to break in now would mean they knew we found the letter.‖

―You‘re right,‖ Jennifer agreed.

―Who knows about the letter?‖

―Jo knows.‖ Jennifer said. ―I mentioned it on the phone with her.‖

―She doesn‘t strike me as someone who‘d break in.‖

―Not to me either.‖ Jennifer thought, ―How about the people working on the house?

Perhaps someone overheard us talking?‖

―Or someone knew the letter was in the pillar.‖

―But if they knew it was there, why wait until now to break in?‖

Jonathan furrowed his brows. ―Right. That doesn‘t make sense.‖

―I wonder if someone saw me at the library?‖

―But why would they care unless they knew about the letter?‖ Jonathan asked.

―It‘s a mystery.‖

―It definitely is. I asked Stanley to do some research as well, mostly on the house. I‘m

sure he‘ll have something for us tomorrow. But its late, and I think we should sleep on it.‖

―Hmm, good idea.‖

―I‘ll close up and meet you upstairs.‖ Jonathan said standing and taking their plates to the

sink.

―Good we‘ll be hidden in our room when Max gets back and sees the mess.‖

Jonathan found Jennifer wearing his pajama top as she usually did. As many years as

she‘d been wearing it to bed, it still gave him a wonderful sense of rightness to see her in his

shirt. She was standing at the window. She appeared to be looking out over the moonlit sky, but

he knew better. He could tell she was deep in thought.

―You okay?‖ He asked slipping his arms around her and stared out the window with her.

―Yes. I was just thinking about how sad Dustin Parker‘s story is. He had it all. And the

letter shows that it was his wife and daughter not the money was his true treasure.‖

Jonathan nodded. ―Makes it hard to find the treasure if its his family.‖

Jennifer nodded. She turned towards him, her hands resting over his heart. ―Jonathan. If

something happened to me? Would you be able to go on?‖

He stared down at her. Taking her arms in his hands he held her. ―Losing you would

completely undo me. I don‘t know how I would survive it.‖

―But you would try, wouldn‘t you? You‘d live life to the fullest, with adventure and

passion just like we do know because I‘d want you to.‖

His hands rubbed her arms and then pulled her towards him. ―I‘d try,‖ he whispered into

her ear. ―But I think I‘d fail.‖

Jennifer‘s arms banded around him. ―I don‘t think I could do it either.‖

Jonathan shivered.

―Cold?‖ Jennifer asked.

―The idea of losing you has left me cold.‖ He smiled down on her. ―Perhaps we should

seize the day. Celebrate that we are here together, happy and healthy.‖

She smiled up at him. ―Yes, you‘re right.‖

―Lets make it a real celebration. I‘ll run down and get some bubbly.‖

―Hmm, sounds divine. I wonder if I should dress for the occasion.‖

―No, I like you in that outfit. Shows off your great legs.‖ He waggled his eyebrows.

―Well, then, I‘ll just wait for your return.‖

A couple minutes later Jennifer heard Jonathan call her through the intercom.

―Yes, darling?‖ she said.

―Well, funny thing. To get to the cellar, I had to go through the laundry room and the

washer was looking quite forlorn.‖

Jennifer laughed. ―I‘ll be right down.‖

―Come on in, Max,‖ Jonathan said at the knock on the bedroom door the next morning.

Max entered with a tray of coffee and toast.

―Good morning,‖ he said. ―I thought you might like some coffee.‖

―Nervous about what else we may do to the kitchen?‖ Jonathan asked.

―What did you do to the kitchen? And the living room?‖ Max asked.

Jennifer emerged from the dressing area in a robe. ―Then again, maybe it‘s none of my

business.‖

―Good morning Max,‖ Jennifer said. ―Oh good, coffee.‖

―Max wants to know what we did in the kitchen.‖

Jennifer ignored the suggestive glint in Jonathan‘s eyes. After all, they had been in the

laundry room, not the kitchen. ―We didn‘t do it.‖

―We had a break in.‖ Jonathan handed Jennifer a cup of coffee.

―Break in? What was taken?‖ Max asked.

―Nothing that we can tell.‖ Jennifer took a sip of the hot brew.

―What were they after?‖

―We don‘t know. Maybe the treasure in the letter,‖ Jonathan replied.

―You think that‘s true?‖ Max asked.

―Why not?‖

―After all this time. And other homeowners, surely someone would have found it by

now.‖

―I never thought of that.‖ Jennifer said.

―Me neither.‖ Jonathan admitted.

―But what else could they be after? It‘s too much of a coincidence to find a letter

indicating money is hidden in the house and then have a break in.‖ Jennifer said.

―Perhaps we should talk to Mr. Riley and the ex- Mrs. Riley,‖ Jonathan suggested.

―Okay.‖

―Stanley should be calling soon too. What time is it Max?‖ Jonathan asked.

―I don‘t know,‖ Max said tapping his watch with his index finger. ―My watch stopped

running. I scratched the face of it last night.‖

―How‘d you manage that?‖ Jonathan asked.

―I –―

―That‘s it!‖ Jennifer said jumping up from the bed.

.―What‘s it?‖ Both men asked.

―The riddle.‖

―Riddle?‖

―A watch or a clock runs but it doesn‘t have feet. It has hands covering its face.‖

―You‘re right.‖ Jonathan said putting his coffee down and grabbing his robe.

Jennifer grabbed the riddle from the table she‘d placed it on in their bedroom. ―Surround

yourself with knowledge to find my secret place and when we meet.‖

They all looked at each other and said in unison, ―The library.‖

All three moved quickly from the bedroom, down the hall and round the corner to the

upstairs library area.

―I don‘t remember ever seeing a clock up here and I‘d think I know considering the

amount of dusting I do,‖ Max said as they cast their eyes over the room.

―The letter says not to judge it by is look so it must be small or old,‖ Jennifer said going

to the first bookshelf.

―Wouldn‘t we have found it when we unpacked our books?‖ Jonathan asked.

―Maybe it‘s built in and we missed it,‖ Jennifer suggested.

Jonathan and Max looked at her dubiously. Jennifer agreed that it would be odd not to

have seen it but all three selected a bookshelf and began removing books.

An hour later all the books were stacked on the floor. Jonathan, Jennifer and Max sat on

the leather couch staring at the empty shelves.

―Maybe there is a trick door or something?‖ Jonathan suggested.

―We checked that.‖

―What is behind that wall there?‖ Max asked referring to a wood paneled wall that was

flush with the bookcases.

―Some sort of venting system I would think,‖ Jonathan said.

Jennifer‘s brows furrowed. ―That doesn‘t make sense. The window seat downstairs is

right under it. If it were a vent wouldn‘t it go to the first level too?‖

―You‘re right,‖ Jonathan said getting up. He began knocking on the wood wall. ―It‘s

hallow in there.‖

―So it could be a vent,‖ Max said.

―But no echo,‖ Jonathan said. ―Wouldn‘t a vent have an echo when you banged on it?‖

He turned to the others. ―What do you think?‖

Jennifer shrugged. Max said, ―What the heck, it‘s the only part of the house that isn‘t a

wreck. I‘ll go get some tools.‖

A half hour later, the three stood back to admire a plain, dusty mantel clock sitting on a

built in secretary desk. ―I think we found the treasure,‖ Jennifer said.

―Parker was right. No one would look at this and think it had any value,‖ Jonathan said.

―Why was it covered like that?‖ Max asked. ―It‘s a nice desk.‖

―I guess he wanted to make it harder to find,‖ Jennifer offered. ―After all, the letter was in

the pillar.‖

―So how is this a treasure?‖ Max asked.

―Good question,‖ Jonathan said. He was stopped from investigating further by the phone.

―That‘s probably Stanley.‖

―Well, what did he say?‖ Jennifer asked when Jonathan returned.

―He had a lot to say.‖

―Are you going to tell us?‖ Max asked.

―Well, Parker had two servants,‖

―Yes, I read that,‖ Jennifer said.

―They were a married couple names Jim and Margie Waters. They lived in the guest

house and had two children, Peter and Joanna.‖

Jennifer‘s brows pulled together. ―Peter Waters? Like Peter Waters we hired to work on

the house?‖

Jonathan nodded. ―And brother to Joanna Dudley our Realtor.‖

―Oh my,‖ Jennifer said.

―My thoughts exactly,‖ Jonathan said. ―I think its time we invite Peter and Joanna for a

visit.‖

―I think you‘re right,‖ Jennifer said.

―I have to go into the office today,‖ Jonathan said. ―Perhaps you can call them and see if

they can come by later this afternoon.‖

―All right,‖ Jennifer agreed.

―Well,‖ Jonathan said rocking on his toes and sporting a grin. ―I need to get a shower.

―Jonathan?‖ Jennifer said with a condescending tone. ―Surely you are going to help us

put all these books back.‖

―Yeah, Mr. H. You know you could use the exercise,‖ Max patted his belly. ―You‘re

looking a little soft in the middle.‖

Jennifer nodded.

―I‘d love to stay and help but I have a meeting with the board.‖ He turned and headed

back to the bedroom but not without patting his belly to see if he really were getting soft.

Perhaps he should stop at the gym too.

Chapter Four

―Hello, Darling,‖ Jonathan said as he entered the house at 4:30 in the afternoon. He saw

that Peter and Joanna had already arrived and were sitting comfortably on the couch.

Jennifer met Jonathan as he entered the living room. ―Hello Darling.‖ He kissed her and

gave her a quick squeeze.

―Mr. Hart,‖ Peter stood and extended his hand. ―I hope everything is okay with the work.

It exceeds all new earthquake resistant requirements.‖

―The work is fine, Pete,‖ Jonathan said shaking his hand. ―Joanna, how are you?‖ He said

as he shook her hand too.

―I‘m fine Mr. Hart. And you?‖

―Very good, thank you.‖

―I was just going to get some tea for everyone,‖ Jennifer told Jonathan.

―Why don‘t I help you?‖ Jonathan said taking her arm and escorting her to the kitchen.

―We‘ll be just a moment,‖ Jennifer called over her shoulder.

―They don‘t seem to be acting suspicious,‖ Jonathan said when the door to the kitchen

had closed behind them.

―No, they don‘t.‖ Jennifer put water in the teakettle and set it on the burner to heat.

―How do you think we should play it?‖ Jonathan asked wondering if Jennifer had come

up with something different than he had.

―Well, I did tell Joanna about the letter.‖

―We can‘t just come out and accuse her of ransacking our house.‖ Jonathan put teacups

and saucers on a tray.

―No I guess we can‘t.‖

―I think we should let them know what we‘ve discovered about their connection to

Parker, see what they say.‖

Jennifer shrugged. ―Sounds good.‖

They finished preparing the tea and then headed back to the living room. After everyone

received their cup, and were sitting Jonathan asked, ―I guess Jennifer mentioned the letter we

found in the pillar the other day.‖

―Yes, she did.‖ Joanna said with enthusiasm. ―Imagine, another hidden treasure in the

house.‖

―Another?‖

―Yes, well I read about the hidden room you found. It sure was nice of you to give all

those certificates to Ida.‖

Jonathan nodded. ―Well, she‘s the one who really found the room.‖

―This house sure has had an interesting cast of characters,‖ Jennifer said. ―I did some

research on Dustin Parker, he seems to have gone mad with grief.‖

―Mad?‖ Joanna said in a clipped voice. Her brother pressed his hand against hers. She

looked at him and then as if realizing her error, she forced a smile. ―I mean, he seemed fine when

I helped him sell the house to the Riley‘s.‖

―Well, he did hide himself away, did who knows what with his money and hid a letter

revoking his will in a pillar. It seems a bit crazy to me.‖ Jonathan said.

―Strange indeed,‖ Peter chimed in.

All four sat in silence. Jennifer hated the game about waiting to see who‘d speak first.

Despite being a writer and knowing that the less she talked the more she could glean from an

interview, dead silence was always a challenge for her. She looked to Jonathan who always

seemed to enjoy the game. She wondered how many business deals he‘d won with his ability to

out wait his opponent.

―So,‖ Joanna finally broke the silence. ―Did you find the treasure?‖

It was Jonathan‘s turn to press a hand over Jennifer‘s. ―We haven‘t deciphered the riddle

yet.‖

It was relief he saw on both Joanna and Peter‘s faces. It was an odd sort of relief. Not the

kind that two people who where trying to get the treasure for themselves. It was as if they wanted

the treasure to always stay hidden. It was time to play.

―Here‘s the thing, we have been doing some research and we know that you two grew up

in the guest house, that your parents worked for Parker.‖

Peter and Joanna‘s faces dropped. ―I suppose a man of your means can find out anything

if sufficiently motivated,‖ Peter said. It wasn‘t a compliment.

―You‘re right,‖ Jonathan said.

―I would imagine that you would have gotten to know him pretty well growing up here as

you did,‖ Jennifer added.

―We can‘t help you,‖ Joanna said, her voice clipped once again. ―Peter, I think we should

go.‖

Jonathan watched them both for a minute. ―Why are you protecting the treasure?‖ he

finally asked.

Everyone, including Jennifer looked at him agape.

―We are doing no such…‖

―Stop Joanna. It‘s their house. They found the letter. They are going to figure it out. And

who better really?‖ Peter said.

―Its not right,‖ Joanna said. ―Those people are leaches.‖

―I beg your pardon,‖ Jennifer said standing.

―Not you two,‖ Joanna clarified. ―The Parkers. You were right, guilt and grief sucked the

life right out of Dustin. But it was his family, their greed killed him.‖

―He was murdered?‖ Jonathan asked.

―No one knows,‖ Peter said.

Jonathan looked at him skeptically.

―Really, we don‘t know. He did leave. Left everything behind. But I don‘t think he meant

to disappear. We thought he just wanted to get away for a while.‖

―We encouraged it,‖ Joanna added. ―He‘d been a recluse. We thought it was great he

wanted to get out. But then he vanished.‖

―So how‘d they kill him?‖ Jennifer asked.

―Their greed. Never being happy with what he gave them and never grateful. It was like it

sucked the life right out of his heart,‖ Peter said.

―I‘m certain they killed Rebecca and Elizabeth,‖ Joanna offered.

―We don‘t know that,‖ Peter said.

―Oh come on, Peter. You know Darren was capable of it. He probably tried to take them

all out and Dustin just happened to survive.‖

―In my research there was never mention of the possibility that his brother was involved.

Only a business rival,‖ Jennifer said.

―Calvert. Dustin enjoyed that rivalry. He used to be a wheeler and dealer. It was like he

was high on the drama of the deal,‖ Peter shared.

―You don‘t think he was involved?‖ Jennifer asked.

―Well, we were only kids during this time,‖ Joanna said. ―We would over hear him tell

about his day and what great business deal he‘d out maneuvered Calvert on.‖

―When Calvert switched business plans, Dustin admired his courage, said it was the right

thing to do, but he was sorry to not have Calvert kick around any more,‖ said Peter.

―You know I got the impression that Dustin was a doting husband and father,‖ Jennifer

said. ―Not a ruthless businessman.‖

―Well, he was both. There isn‘t anything he wouldn‘t do for Rebecca or Elizabeth. But

often it was through money that he showed his love,‖ Joanna said.

―If we interpret the letter, it seems he found out too late that money doesn‘t buy

happiness,‖ Jonathan said.

Both Joanna and Peter nodded. ―He used to say he‘d give all his money away to have one

more day with his girls,‖ Joanna said. ―It was very sad.‖

―In the end, he used his money to hurt people,‖ Jennifer offered. ―Revoking the will and

not leaving anything to his family. He did that to hurt them.‖

―He did that to teach them a lesson,‖ Joanna said tersely. ―Those people got everything

out of Dustin they could get and it wasn‘t enough.‖

―I read there was no money left anyway,‖ Jennifer said.

Joanna and Peter shrugged. ―When he was finally declared dead and the assets were

calculated, this house was pretty much it,‖ Peter said.

―What happened to your parents when he left?‖ Jennifer asked. ―Were they let go?‖

Joanna shook her head. ―No, actually they stayed and cared for the house for…what do

you think Peter? A year or so?‖

Peter nodded. ―About that. But then, it seemed like he wasn‘t going to come back and

Dustin‘s family made a big stink about the salary our parents were getting so they resigned.‖

―How were they getting paid?‖ Jennifer asked.

―Especially if the money was gone?‖

―They weren‘t,‖ Peter said. ―Truth was, they stayed and cared for the house for free.‖

―Actually, since they were living in the guest house for no rent, they figured their

payment was to keep up the main house for his return.‖ Joanna said.

―What about utilities?‖

Joanna and Peter looked at each other. ―We paid them.‖

It was Jonathan and Jennifer‘s turn to look at each other then back to the siblings.

―You‘re family seems quite loyal to the house or Parker,‖ Jonathan said.

The two nodded. ―He was very good to us. And we felt his pain. We thought he‘d be

back. We wanted a place for him to come to when he did,‖ Peter explained.

―But he never did and the family finally was able to get a court to declare him dead. The

house was sold and the money given to Darren and a sister, Darla,‖ Joanna said.

―And what about you and your family. You just let it go like that.‖

―There was nothing we could do, Mr. Hart,‖ Peter said.

―We had a break in yesterday,‖ Jonathan said. ―We think they were looking for whatever

Parker left behind.‖

―A break in? How‘d they get in?‖ Peter asked.

―Well, we aren‘t sure. There aren‘t very many people who can have access and can move

around Bel Air without bringing attention to themselves.‖ Jonathan looked at both.

―Now wait a minute, Mr. Hart,‖ Peter said. ―We grew up here and our jobs do involve

going into people‘s homes but we‘d never do what you are suggesting. If we‘d wanted the

treasure, we‘d have taken it years ago.‖

―Peter!‖ Joanna hissed.

―What?‖ Peter said looking at his sister. ―They know Joanna. They‘ve probably already

found it.‖ He looked at Jonathan. ―If you have, you better watch your back.‖

Jonathan stood, and looked down on Peter with dark, dangerous eyes. ―Are you

threatening me?‖

―No, sir. But if Joanna is right, and Dustin‘s family did try to kill him in that car accident,

they would have no qualms about killing you.‖

Jennifer shivered at the thought.

―You should have just left it alone,‖ Peter said.

―So there is money involved?‖ Jonathan asked not liking to tip his hand but wanting to

know exactly what he and Jennifer were involved in.

―We don‘t know what‘s involved, Mr. Hart.‖

―Is the answer to the riddle the treasure? Or is it just a clue?‖ Jennifer asked.

―We can‘t help you,‖ Peter said taking Joanna‘s arm and leading her out of the house.

―I wonder if maybe we shouldn‘t have told them everything,‖ Joanna said as Peter

helped her into her car.

―After all this time, its better to let it all go.‖

―Somebody hasn‘t it let it go.‖ Joanna said. ―Its weird. Who else would know about it?‖

Peter shrugged. ―I don‘t know. But it can‘t be someone who‘s known all the long. They

would have gone through the house long before now. The Harts must have told someone else.‖

Joanna nodded her agreement as she started her car. ―I‘m not really surprised the Harts

are on to it. If everything we know about them and read about them is true, then they are the best

ones to find it.‖

―It‘s not a quest or a prophecy Joanna. We agreed that it should all be dead and buried, or

lost when Dustin disappeared.‖

―I know. But you have to agree, Dustin would probably have approved of the Harts.‖

‖They certainly seem to have the love most people strive for.‖

―And Dustin lost.‖

He nodded. ―Do you think the Harts know what they‘ve got?‖

―For their sake, I hope so.‖

Jonathan put his arms around Jennifer and pulled her close. ―That was an interesting

meeting.‖

―It sure was.‖ She looped her arms around his neck. ―Do you really think they are

protecting the clock?‖

―They don‘t seem to have much interest in finding it or getting it which leads me to

believe they already know where it is.‖

Jennifer nodded. ―Well, she was the Realtor when the house was sold to Riley.‖

―And Peter is a building contractor. What do you want to bet that he built wall covering

that desk with the clock?‖

―But why?‖

―You know what else I think?‖

―What?‖ Jennifer asked seeing the familiar wheels turning in Jonathan‘s head.

―I think they put that letter in the pillar.‖

―Why would they do that?‖

―It makes no sense for Parker to do it. Why write a letter no one is going to see?

Especially one that disowns the family?‖

―Good question. But it doesn‘t make sense for Peter and Joanna to hide it unless they

wanted it for themselves, which it doesn‘t seem like they do.‖

Even deep in thought, Jonathan‘s hands gently rubbed Jennifer‘s back. Jennifer wondered

if he realized it. Now knowing Dustin‘s story, she wanted to notice and be grateful for the love

she found with Jonathan. The way he touched and caressed her, even unconsciously, was one of

those things.

―The real question is, why would anyone want the clock? It‘s old and tarnished.‖

―Maybe something is hidden in it?‖ Jennifer suggested.

―Maybe. We didn‘t take a very close look at it today.‖

Jennifer leaned back from him. Back rub or no back rub, she wasn‘t going to do all the

work to access that clock again.

―What?‖ He asked surprised by her jerking away from him.

―I just remembered how you slyly got out of doing some work today.‖

He grinned in his ―who me?‖ way.

―Don‘t even try it,‖ she said in response.

―I would never. And I wanted to help but I had work to do. I don‘t know if I ever

mentioned but I run a pretty big corporation.‖

―You mentioned it a few times.‖

He pulled her back to him. ―Jennifer.‖ He brought his lips to her ear. ―How could you

think I would purposefully abandon you?‖

The warmth of his breath did exactly what he wanted it to do, melted her insides. But

years of his manipulation, albeit titillating, made her strong, sort of, to resist it.

―I wanted to help,‖ he said placing a kiss just below her ear. ―Really I did.‖

―I believe you,‖ she whispered back in a tone she knew would lead him to think his

seduction was working. She lifted her head to look into his eyes. ―That‘s why Max and I left

some books for you to put away.‖

Before he could respond, she pressed her lips to his in a quick kiss and sauntered to the

kitchen.

Jonathan smiled after Jennifer as she headed to the kitchen to help Max with dinner. She

got him. He had to admire that. He took the spiral staircase up to the library to find a stack of

books waiting for him. But curiosity about the clock had him removing the paneling and

studying the clock instead.

―Stalling?‖ Jennifer asked when she found him 20 minutes later.

―No. Look at this,‖ he said handing her the clock.

―What?‖

―These numbers here? What do you think they are?‖ Jonathan said pointing to a series of

numbers printed on a label on the bottom of the clock.

Jennifer shook her head. ―It looks to long to be a bank account or a phone number.‖

Jonathan nodded his agreement. ―What if it‘s a combination of things?‖

―Like what?‖

―Like a bank account, safe deposit box and some other number?‖

―It could be,‖ Jennifer said. ―But that would be very difficult to decipher. Every bank has

a different routing number. Just finding the bank would be difficult. Besides what would be

there? All of Parker‘s money was gone. And why wouldn‘t have been listed as an asset?‖

Jonathan‘s brows pulled together. ―I don‘t know, except if that‘s what these numbers are,

he hid his assets. It seems possible if what Joanna and Peter say about his family is correct.‖

―True.‖ She looked at the clock some more. ―Why the clock?‖

Jonathan shrugged. ―I don‘t know. Perhaps it‘s a test. It‘s inconspicuous and looks nearly

worthless. Money-grubbers would certainly miss it if they were looking for treasure.‖

Jennifer studied it more closely. ―Its very old. I wonder just how old it is?‖

―I don‘t know. Maybe you can find that out for us.‖ Jonathan said. ―I‘m hoping to hear

from Stanley at any time about his research.‖

―Do the accountants get mad at you for having Stanley do our personal research on Hart

Industries time?‖

Jonathan grinned. ―Darling, I own the company. I can do whatever I want.‖

Jennifer smirked.

―And I pay for the time.‖

―I thought so.‖ She put the clock back on the desk and saw that the books she and Max

had left were still on the floor. ―Well, I‘ll let you finish here. Dinner will be ready just about the

time you are finished.‖ She kissed his cheek and headed back down stairs. Jonathan grinned after

her.

Chapter Five

Jennifer entered Jonathan‘s office at noon the next day.

―Wait until you see what I‘ve learned about our clock,‖ she said as he hugged her and

kissed her cheek.

―What?‖ Not wanting to part from her, he leaned against his desk and pulled her to him in

a leisurely embrace.

―Turns out this clock was made in the late 1920‘s. Even for that time, it wasn‘t

considered an expensive clock.‖

―That time was the depression,‖ Jonathan said.

―Some people still had money. The Parkers weren‘t one of them.‖

―So we‘re still back to why this clock?‖

―I‘m wondering if it had sentimental value. Perhaps it was the first item they bought as a

married couple? They were married about that same time.‖

Jonathan nodded. ―I guess that would make sense.‖

Jennifer looked into his eyes. ―Do you remember the first thing we bought together as a

married couple?‖

He grinned. ―Sure, it was that red and black lace thing. Do you still have that?‖

―Jonathan!‖ she gave him a light punch.

His hands slipped around her back and pulled her even closer. He kissed her cheek on his

way to whisper in her ear. ―It was a Van Gogh. We bought it before we even had a house to hang

it in.‖

She smiled. ―You do remember.‖

―I remember every detail when it comes to you.‖

―Very sweet.‖

―Thank you.‖

―You‘re welcome. But we still don‘t know the significance of the clock. Even if it had

sentimental value, why write a riddle about it?‖ Jonathan said getting them back on track.

―Any luck with the numbers on the bottom?‖

―No, I have the computer guys working on it. Did you know that computers can now

decipher codes and find patterns? Amazing. I think that Gates guy in Seattle is going to be very

rich. As much as I have Hart Tech working it, I think he‘s going to succeed in his goal of a

computer in every home.‖

―Every home?‖ Jennifer said unconvinced.

―If Steven Jobs doesn‘t beat him to it.‖

―Don‘t you worry, dear. You‘re still tops with me.‖

―Well then I‘ve already won,‖ he said and he kissed her again.

―Mr. Hart,‖ Stanley Friesen said bursting through Jonathan‘s office door. ―Oh, excuse

me. I‘m sorry. I didn‘t know you‘d be kissing. Sorry, I‘ll – ―

―Its okay Stanley,‖ Jonathan said. ―What do you have for me?‖

―Are you sure? Geez, Mrs. Hart, I didn‘t mean –―

―Its fine Stanley. I can kiss him later,‖ Jennifer said amused as Stanley‘s cheeks turned

redder.

―Right. Okay. Well, I got that information on Parker and the house you wanted, Mr.

Hart.‖

―Let‘s hear it Stanley.‖ Jonathan led Jennifer to the couch and sat with her.

―Dustin H. Parker, born 1905 in Omaha, Nebraska. Made his way out west by hoboing on

trains…‖

Jennifer frowned. ―How does he get all that? I didn‘t get all that?‖ she whispered.

Jonathan shrugged. ―I think he was born with it.‖

―Met Rebecca Chamberlain, daughter of George and Ann Chamberlain of Beverly Hills-―

―Is that Chamberlain as in Chamberlain Agriculture?‖

―You know about them, very good Mr. Hart.‖

Jonathan chuckled at Stanley‘s praise.

―Yes, the one and the same. She came from money but the family lost big in the 20‘s. She

was supposed to marry Andrew Calvert but ran off with Dustin Parker instead.‖

―Calvert?‖ Jennifer asked.

―Yes, Mrs. Hart. Brother of James Calvert. You bought his telecommunications company

Mr. Hart.‖

Jennifer and Jonathan looked at each other. ―No wonder there was such a big rivalry

between Parker and Calvert,‖ Jennifer said.

―Shall I continue?‖ Stanley asked.

―Yes, please do.‖

―Parker started a small construction company but he networked with some important

people of the day and he became quite wealthy. When his friend Lawrence Freeman died, Parker

bought his house, your house. He and his wife had one daughter, Elizabeth in 1935. His wife and

daughter were killed in a car accident in 1947. Dustin survived the crash.‖

―This I read about,‖ Jennifer said. ―There was all sorts of speculation about the cause of

the crash.‖

―Right you are Mrs. Hart.‖ Stanley said. ―Most thought Calvert was responsible because

Parker had pretty much run him out of business. Calvert denied it. And most law enforcement

didn‘t believe it.‖

―I didn‘t get that,‖ Jennifer said disappointed again that she some how missed something.

Jonathan patted her on the knee but she wasn‘t comforted by it.

―Why is that Stanley?‖ Jonathan asked.

―Well, Calvert was thought to be in the with mob. So law enforcement was watching him

pretty closely and he knew it. Its not likely he‘d do something like murder a rival with the feds

watching his every move.‖

―Good point.‖

―So what did he mean when he said ‗another's greed and lust cost me what I value most‘‖

Jennifer asked.

―That‘s assuming that his family is what meant the most to him,‖ Stanley said. ―After his

disappearance, it was discovered that he had no money. Perhaps that‘s what he meant.‖

―I don‘t think so,‖ Jennifer said. ―The letter was laced with guilt at not having been more

attentive to his family. He realized too late just how important they were.‖

―I have to agree with Jennifer,‖ Jonathan added. ―Which means, he believes someone

killed his family.‖

―All three were in the accident, which by the way is listed as an accident,‖ Stanley said.

―But, if it wasn‘t an accident maybe he was supposed to die too. After he retired, his brother

Darren took over the business and pretty much ran it into the ground. It was later bought by

Thorder Corp for nearly nothing. And after the accident, Parker became a recluse. His brother

and sister tried to have him declared incompetent but failed.‖

―Joanna and Peter did say that his family were greedy,‖ Jennifer said.

Jonathan nodded. ―But how does this fit in with the note?‖

Jennifer shook her head. ―The thing is, we have three mysteries here. One is, what is the

treasure? Two is what happened to the family and is it related to the treasure? And three, what

happened to Parker?‖

―The three must be related. The letter suggests that his wife and daughter were killed out

of greed, which is why he wrote the letter to disinherit his siblings.‖

―Ah, but Mr. Hart, there didn‘t seem to be any money for them to inherit anyway,‖

Stanley chimed in.

―A fourth mystery,‖ Jonathan said. ―Parker was adamant in the letter that he didn‘t want

his family to get the money. Only someone who could figure out the riddle would be worthy of

the treasure.‖

―He must have liquidated everything and … what? Hid it in the mattress?‖ Jennifer

asked.

―I don‘t know.‖

―If it is in the house, that is likely what our intruder was after.‖

―Which brings us to another mystery. Who would know about it and why now? Wouldn‘t

they have gone through the house when Parker disappeared?‖ Jonathan said.

―Maybe Peter or Joanna mentioned something?‖ Jennifer suggested.

―It seems unlikely given how much trouble they went through to hide the clock and the

note.‖

―Hmm. You‘re right. Maybe someone over heard us?‖

Jonathan's brows pulled together.

―What?‖ Jennifer asked.

―Jeff.‖

―Jeff who?‖

―Jeff… Hall I think. He asked be about the pillar. He said it would have had to have been

custom made.‖

―That would suggest Peter made the pillar.‖

Jonathan nodded. ―Jeff said that it appeared to be a hiding place. He could tell by the way

it broke apart.‖

―You think he broke in to steal what was in the pillar?‖

―I don‘t know. But he knew it was made to hide something. And anyone going to so

much trouble would have to be hiding something important.‖

―Did he have any ideas at the time?‖

―He basically said rich people were odd.‖

Jennifer laughed. ―There have been enough odd rich people in our house.‖

Jonathan frowned.

―But not you darling. I won‘t let you get eccentric.‖

He smiled. ―I‘m holding you to that.‖

―So where do we go from here?‖ Jennifer asked.

―I think we should talk to Jeff for sure.‖

"What about Parker‘s brother and sister. And Calvert?‖

―Ah, Andrew Calvert is dead. He died not long after Parker‘s family actually in a freak

fall.‖

Jonathan and Jennifer looked at each other. ―Revenge?‖

―And, I don‘t know who broke into your home but Darren Parker is about 85 years old…

his sister is 83 or so.‖

―Good point,‖ Jonathan said. ―Whoever broke into our home was definitely not elderly.‖

―Shall we start with Jeff Hall then?‖ Jennifer asked.

―I‘ll do a background check Mr. Hart.‖

―Thank you Stanley.‖

The Harts found Jeff not far from their own home working on another home damaged by

the earthquake.

―Is there a problem with the work, Mr. Hart?‖

―No problem. We just had a couple questions related to that hollow pillar.‖

―Right. Really weird. Like I said, I don‘t think I can rebuild that and have it pass code.‖

"We don't need you to rebuild it, Jeff. We were wondering, did you happen to mention

anything about the pillar to any one."

Jeff's brows pulled together. "I don't think so. Maybe."

"Can you think a little harder?" Jennifer asked.

"Why?" Jeff asked.

"We think someone may be interested in what was in the pillar," Jonathan said.

"There was nothing in the pillar."

"But there was a hiding space," Jennifer said.

"I may have mentioned it to my foreman, Gabe Anderson."

"Is he around?" Jonathan asked.

"No. Odd thing, he didn't show up today. It's not like him either. I was going to visit him

see what was going on."

"We'd like to go with you if that's all right," Jonathan said.

"Sure. I don't think he told anyone. Why would he?"

"We'd still like to go with you."

"Okay. Let me finish here and we'll be off."

Jonathan and Jennifer pulled the Mercedes behind Jeff's truck. "He lives in the upstairs

apartment," Jeff said as the three up them headed up stairs.

"Hey Gabe?" Jeff said pounding on the door. "Get your sorry ass up and to work." Then

realizing where he was he apologized to Jennifer.

"Do you smell that?" Jennifer asked. Both Jonathan and Jeff sniffed the air.

"It smells like gas," Jeff said. Realization dawned on all of them at the same time.

"We need to get in there, but don't break the door. A spark could set this place off."

"I'll go get the manager and call the fire department," Jennifer said. "You two be careful."

It took several minutes that felt like hours to discover Gabe's dead body. The police

suspected it was an accident that the gas had been left on, but Jonathan and Jennifer suspected

something more sinister. They shared their thoughts with Jeff.

"Is there anyone he would have told about the pillar?" Jonathan asked.

"Like I said, I can't imagine why?"

"Maybe someone knew he worked on our home and approached him," Jennifer offered.

Jeff shrugged. "Maybe."

"Contractors will talk to others about the work they do in people's homes?" Jonathan

asked.

"Well, we don't talk about security codes or where safe's are, but sometimes we may talk

about interesting architecture we find."

"Like a pillar?"

"Maybe. I just don't see why anyone would be interested," Jeff said.

"It seems we keep finding more damage and now a murder and aren't any closer to

understanding what's going on," Jennifer said as they entered the house.

"The more I think about it, the more I think your theory of someone seeking Gabe out

makes sense," Jonathan said. "The question is, who else knows about the house? And why now?"

Jennifer headed to the kitchen. "Those are the questions. I wonder what Max made for

dinner."

Jonathan followed her in and found her reading a note. "Max got a hot date?"

"So it appears." She put the note down. "Do you want to cook or shall I?"

"How about I cook now, and you," he said pulling into his arms, "can cook later."

"Hmm, dessert."

"Yes." He kissed her. "Yum. Maybe we could skip dinner and go to dessert."

"I think I could go for that."

Jonathan grinned down at her as he took her hand to lead her upstairs. They passed

through the living room towards the foyer to the stairs.

"I can't wait." Jonathan said grabbing Jennifer and pressing her against the table next to

the stairs. "Its too far."

"My, my," Jennifer said wrapping her arms around him.

"My, my indeed," Jonathan said as he unbuttoned her shirt to reveal her porcelain skin.

He cupped her lace-covered breast. Bending forward he took the taught nipple between his lips.

"Mmm, dessert."

The ring of the phone interrupted further exploration by Jonathan's mouth.

"This better be good," he said picking up the phone, but keeping Jennifer trapped

between his body and the table. "Hart residence."

"Hi Stanley. Is this important?" Jonathan said running a finger down between Jennifer's

breasts. "Mmm humm. That is interesting." He slipped his finger inside the cup of her bra,

pulling it down to expose her breast. Jennifer bit her lip as he gave her a light pinch. "Stanley,

send that to me. I'm in the middle of something important here and have to go." Stanley's voice

could still be heard as Jonathan hung up the phone.

"Have we made love here before?" Jonathan asked.

"Not on this table, no."

"Good," he said helping her up on the table and stepping between her legs.

"So Stanley's call wasn't important?"

"Not as important as this," Jonathan said grinding his hips against Jennifer's.

She sighed as she slipped her hands under his waistband. "Kiss me," she said as she took

him gently in her hand. He groaned his approval of her talented fingers and kissed her deep.

The phone rang again.

"Not again."

"You get it. My hands are full," Jennifer said giving him a slight squeeze.

"Getting fuller if you keep doing that." He reached over to the get phone. "Stanley this

really isn't – Oh Joanne… what?"

Jennifer watched as Jonathan as his face turned serious.

"Okay, we'll be right there."

Jennifer removed her hands from his pants and waited to learn what was happening.

"That was Joanne. Peter was attacked. She thinks it has to do with the house."

"Is he okay?"

"He's in the hospital. I guess its pretty bad."

"Well lets go," Jennifer said slipping off the table.

"Just a minute darling," Jonathan said stepping in front of her again. "I can't ever get

enough of your beautiful breasts, but I don't like to share." He helped her button her shirt.

"Thank you, darling."

"Not a problem." He kissed her. "On the way I'll tell you what Stanley told me about

Parker's local relatives."

"Oh interesting."

"So Darren is on his deathbed and his son is here in town waiting to inherit?" Jennifer

asked once Jonathan had explained what Stanley had told him.

"Right. I guess the sister lives up in Pasadena. Her two kids live out of state. But Darren

is suffering from heart failure. He has one son who moved back from New York to be with him."

"But you don't think its joyful family reunion?" Jennifer said.

"It seems unlikely that people who would have their brother declared incompetent –"

"Or killed –"

"Or killed, would have warm loving families."

"You think it maybe a relative?"

"Well, who else would know about a possible fortune than someone who'd been around at

the time Dustin became a recluse and then disappeared?"

"True, but it still doesn't answer why now?"

"We know that Darren is too old and too sick to be the person who broke in the house,

but he'd know or suspect a missing fortune somewhere in the house. Perhaps he told his son

about it."

"But why didn't he try to get it when he was younger and healthy?"

"He did. He tried to have Dustin declared incompetent."

"But if he thought something was in the house he would have searched the house before

now when its nearly too late."

"True. Unless he did try years before and we don't know about it. The house was virtually

empty for a long time and I doubt the Waters were there 24/7 without an employer to care for."

"Maybe." Jennifer agreed. "He could also have told the son and the son is acting on his

own."

"It‘s a possibility. I have asked Stanley to send me what he can find out about him."

"That still doesn't answer about the car accident."

"Well, I'm thinking maybe it was an accident. We've been working on the theory that

everything is related, but maybe it isn't. Maybe the accident was just that, an accident and not at

all related to what's happening now except that the loss profoundly impacted Dustin."

Jennifer nodded. "I wonder if Joanne will have more information for us. I do hope Peter

is okay."

"I do to," Jonathan as he pulled into the hospital parking lot.

"Thank you so much for coming," Joanna said when Jonathan and Jennifer arrived. "I

didn't know what else to do."

"How is he?" Jennifer asked.

"I'm not sure. Its not good though."

"What happened?" Jonathan asked.

"I don't know exactly. I was supposed to meet him for dinner, but he didn't arrive. So I

went to his home and I found him, beaten nearly unconscious. All he could say was 'warn the

Harts' and then he went unconscious."

"Warn us about what?" Jonathan asked.

"I don't know. But, I can only guess is it's this whole thing about Dustin."

"Do you know anything about Dustin's siblings?" Jonathan asked.

"Only that Dustin had given them both jobs when he became successful and they repaid

him by running the business into the ground and trying to declare him incompetent. And

probably killing him too."

"Is there evidence of that?" Jennifer asked. "Other than he disappeared? Could he have

just left?"

Joanne shrugged. "Sure, but why?"

"We understand that his brother Darren is sick. His son is with him. Do you know

anything about him?"

"Not much. I remember him when I was growing up when he'd visit Dustin and Becky

with his parents."

"Any chance he knows about the letter?" Jonathan asked.

"No one is supposed to know about the letter except Peter and I."

"What about the idea of a treasure?" Jennifer asked.

"Everyone speculated about it or at least, what happened to the money. Dustin's brother

and sister were certain there was something hidden in the house or a safe deposit box or

something. But they didn't know about the note or the clo… or anything else."

"We know about the clock, Joanna." Jennifer admitted. "But we still don't know how it

fits in with the riddle."

"Peter figured you knew."

"The clock is quite ordinary."

"It was a gift from his wife before he was rich. He used to sit and hold that clock. He

treasured it."

Jonathan looked at Jennifer. "Treasure."

A doctor emerged from behind double doors. He informed Joanna and the Harts that

Peter was alive, but in a coma.

"Maybe we should pay Darren and his son a visit," Jennifer said.

"I agree. But it's getting late. Let‘s get some dinner and get a good night sleep. We can

drive out to see them tomorrow."

"Oh no!" Jennifer exclaimed as they entered the house again and found all their furniture

and belongings strewn all over the room. "Not again."

Jonathan stepped in front of Jennifer to look around and see if he could hear anything.

Carefully he stepped inside. Jennifer followed. "I can't believe it. You know, maybe we should

leave and just call the police."

"I think you're right," Jonathan agreed. He motioned for her to exit. But before they could

leave, the door swung shut. A man in a black ski mask stood with a gun aimed at them.

"I think we've found who killed Gabe and attacked Peter," Jonathan said.

"Where's the money?"

Jonathan reached for his wallet.

"Stop!"

"I'm getting my money."

"Not your money. Dustin's money. Where's it hidden?"

"We don't know." Jennifer said.

"Don't toy with me. I have no qualms about killing you."

"You'll kills us anyway," Jonathan said as he frantically tried to figure out how to get

Jennifer out of harm's way.

"We don't know about money. All we found was an old clock," Jennifer shared.

"Honest."

"Old clock?"

Jonathan nodded. "You're welcome to it. Its upstairs," he pointed and waited for the man

to glance towards where he was pointing. When he did, Jonathan lunged, knocking the man back

to the wall as he grabbed the hand his gun was in. The gun fired, echoing through the house.

Jonathan slammed the man's hand into the wall forcing the gun to drop. The man kicked,

narrowly missing Jonathan's most sensitive organs. Jonathan jumped away, giving the man

enough time to swing and catch Jonathan in the jaw. Jonathan staggered back. Catching his

breath, he found his balance and lunged again, striking the man in the gut and again with his

other fist, under his chin. The man fell back, but Jonathan didn't give him a chance to recover.

He struck again, and again, until the man fell to the floor.

"Are you okay, Darling?" Jonathan asked turning to Jennifer. "Jennifer? Jennifer!"

He ran to her lifeless body on the foyer floor. "Jennifer!" he called again as he scanned

her body. There was blood, lots of blood. Too much blood. He pressed his hand over the wound

in her stomach. "Oh God, Jennifer. Stay with me baby. Stay with me." He didn't want to leave

her, but knew he needed to get help. "Hold on," he said as he grabbed the phone and called for

help. As he went back to Jennifer, he saw their assailant move. Jonathan picked up the man's

gun. "Hold it right there or I'll kill you, right here and right now."

The man looked up into to Jonathan's dark dangerous eyes and the gun pointed down on

him. "It wouldn't be self defense," he said.

"I don't care." The venom in Jonathan's voice had the man backing down.

"Mr. H?" Max said as he entered the room.

"Max! Here take this. Shoot him if he moves." He handed to the gun to Max and headed

to Jennifer as he heard sirens move up his drive.

"Jennifer," his voice pled. "Jennifer hold on. God please hold on."

"The shooter is Joe Parker," Lt. Gray told Jonathan at the hospital.

"What's taking them so long," Jonathan said looking for the hundredth time towards the

operating room door.

"I'm sure they are being thorough. About Parker. Did you know him?"

Jonathan reluctantly turned away from the door. "Not personally. If he is Darren Parker's

son, then we suspected him of being the one to break in our home earlier this week."

"Why him?"

"The Parkers believe that the previous owner of our home, Dustin Parker, hid his fortune

there before he disappeared. We figured the only ones to really know about are too old, aren't

interested in the money or are relatives."

"Sounds plausible." Lt. Gray said.

"I nearly killed him."

"It would be self defense."

"Not in this case."

"Well, it would be justified then. Jennifer is going to pull through Jonathan. She is a

strong woman with a lot to live for."

"While you're at it, I think this Joe Parker probably killed Gabe and attacked Peter."

"Why?"

"Well, Peter and his sister Joanna's parents worked for Dustin. They would likely know

something about Dustin and hiding places in the house. We think he killed Gabe because he did

work on the house after the earthquake and knew about a hiding place in one of our pillars."

"Hiding place in the pillar?"

"Yes."

Lt. Gray shook his head. "Rich people are sure strange sometimes."

Jonathan ignored the comment and instead went back to the operating room doors and

prayed his life wasn't over.

For several hours, Jonathan waited. He'd sent Max home and promised he'd call when

had news. He couldn't understand what could be taking so long. "Mr. Hart?"

Jonathan looked up into the eyes of an elderly man. "Mr. Peterson."

"I was here visiting a friend and heard your wife was brought in. Something about an

intruder."

"Yes."

Mr. Peterson sat down next to Jonathan. "Can I get you some coffee or something?"

"No thank you."

They sat in silence for a moment. "I don't envy you this moment. I went through it myself

a long time ago. I wasn't so lucky."

Jonathan really didn't want to hear about bad luck. "I'm sorry."

"I loved my wife. Maybe as much as you do, if everything I hear about your marriage is

true. I'd do anything to have more time with her."

Jonathan nodded.

"That's the thing about money isn't it? It can't buy back the one thing you really want."

"No. I guess not."

"Well, today's medical care is much better than when I lost my family. I'm sure Mrs. Hart

will be fine."

"I hope you're right."

Jonathan felt a hand on his forehead. For a moment he couldn't remember where he was.

Then it flooded back. Jennifer shot. Laying bleeding on floor of their home. The wait in the

hospital. And finally, he was told she would survive and was allowed to sit with her. She looked

so frail, so pale. He took her hand and waited for her to come back to him. He realized he must

have fallen asleep.

"Jennifer," he smiled as he stood up to look into her beautiful hazel eyes.

She gave him a week smile.

"You're going to be fine," he said brushing a strand of hair off her forehead. "Just fine."

"I feel terrible."

"But you look beautiful. God, I was so scared. So scared," he said as he leaned down and

brushed a kiss on her cheek. "Peterson was right. My money would have meant nothing if I lost

you."

"I guess time really is the richest treasure."

He smiled down at her. "You're my richest treasure."

Chapter Six

Jennifer rolled over and snuggled against the warm hard body next to her. Her eyes

fluttered open to find Jonathan watching her. She smiled. "You're doing it again."

"Sorry. I can't help myself," he said as his hand gently caressed her cheek.

"How long have you been watching me?"

"Admiring you. I'm admiring you."

"How long have you been admiring me?"

"Since the first time I saw you sitting next to me in the Ritz Hotel."

"Jonathan."

"Not long. I just woke up myself. How are you feeling?"

"I‘m fine," Jennifer said.

"I mean physically."

Jennifer's brow rose. Could he possibly be referring to sex? God she hoped so. It had

been weeks, but Jonathan wanted to make sure she was fully recovered from the shooting. "I feel

great physically."

He smiled down on her and then reached behind him. "Here. This is for you."

Jennifer looked at the beautiful rose with a card attached. "What's this for?"

"Its an invitation."

"Invitation to what?"

"Read it and find out."

Jennifer removed the card from the rose and read it. "Cordially invited to Naked Day."

He grinned.

"I take it Max is off somewhere for the day."

"Vegas. For several days."

"Mmm. Perfect. But I think I'm over dressed," Jennifer said as she looked down on the

nightshirt she wore.

"That can be easily remedied," Jonathan responded as he fingered each button through

the buttonhole. He tossed her shirt aside and pushed the sheet down so he could admire her long,

sleek body. She shivered as his intense eyes inventoried her body.

"Cold?" he asked.

"No."

He smiled down on her. "Do you know how much I love you?"

"Nearly as much as I love you."

"More." He bent down, his lips pressing against hers in a kiss so gentle and tender it

nearly brought tears to her eyes. Her fingers slid through his hair and held him to her.

His lips left hers, trailing along her jaw down to the sensitive V of her neck. Then he

lifted his head and gazed down on her. His eyes, brilliant and blue, showed all his love and desire

for her.

"Your scent is more fragrant than this rose," he said holding the rose to her again. "And

your skin, even softer." He took the rose and ran the soft petals along her cheek. He trailed it

down her neck and between her breasts.

Jennifer closed her eyes, savoring the silky softness of the rose as it caressed her body.

She felt the rose brush against her breast, the cool velvety petals causing her nipples to tighten

and distend. "Jonathan," she sighed.

"Right here," he whispered back. He dragged the rose to the other breast, watching how

her body reacted to the touch, how her breath hitched, and her pulse quickened. "So beautiful,"

he said as he used the rose to caress her belly, giving it swirl around her belly button before

moving lower. "Open for me, Jennifer."

She obeyed, and he rewarded her by dragging the rose across her most sensitive bud. She

gasped, her hips bucked. Jennifer couldn't remember a more sensual experience. The sent of her

and the rose mixed, causing her blood to heat and thicken. He teased her with the flower bud,

watching face express pleasure and frustration.

"Jonathan." It was a request.

"My turn," he said. He tossed the rose aside as he moved up her body and captured her

lips. This time his kiss was more passionate, more urgent. Her arms wrapped around him, pulling

him closer and closer. His lips left hers, and moved across her jaw, and down her neck, taking

the same journey the rose had. His tongue lightly laved her breast. He smiled at her moan and

they way her body arched, inviting him to take more. He did, wrapping his lips around the tips

and gently suckling. He felt her fingers press his scalp, could feel the tension he was creating in

her. His lips moved to the other breast, treating it with the same sensations.

"Don't stop," Jennifer begged when his lips left her.

"Shhh." He kissed her belly, letting his tongue swirl around her belly button just as the

rose had. But this time, her breathing was labored, her heart hammering under the hand that still

caressed her breast. "Jennifer," he whispered.

Knowingly, her legs parted again. He moved between her thighs, slipping his hands under

her and lifting her to his lips.

She gave a long guttural moan as his expert tongue laved and flicked over her. "Oh God,

Jonathan." Her fingers fisted in his hair, wanting to make sure he didn't abandon his effort.

"Right there," she cried as his lips suckled her hardened nub. Her hips bucked as wave after wave

of pleasure rippled through her. He stayed with her and when she thought the pleasure was over,

another wave gripped her, and still he stayed with her. Finally, her body went pliant. Jonathan

gave her one more kiss and move up her body, sliding inside her in one smooth movement.

"Yes," Jennifer whispered, savoring the feel of being a part of him once again.

His hands cupped her face. "Do you know how much I love you?" he asked again.

"Yes," she said, letting her hips move in the same slow dance his did. "I see it in your

eyes. I feel it in your touch."

He dropped his head and kissed her, needing to complete the connection. Making love

with Jennifer was always different. Sometimes it was playful or adventurous. Sometimes it was

slow and sensual. It was always passionate. But never had he needed to connect with her like

this, body to body and soul to soul. It was like something had gone missing when she was shot,

and now, finally that piece was back in place.

"I love you Jonathan. Can you feel it too?" she said, her hands gripping at his hips to pull

him deeper.

"Yes," he said reaching to take her hands in his own. His fingers entwined with hers.

They both moved, in no hurry, but with purpose. Their eyes held, until Jonathan bent down again

to kiss her, as he pressed deeper, felt her body tighten around his, and let himself go.

Even after the rush of the release was over, they lay entwined, lips brushing against lips

and murmuring their love for each other.

"I could stay like this forever," Jennifer whispered.

"We can. At least for today," he said shifting his weight so that he wouldn't crush her.

"Maybe tomorrow too."

"Sounds wonder-" Jennifer was interrupted by the gate buzzer.

"There seems to be a conspiracy against naked day," Jonathan said.

"It might be Max letting us know his plans changed," Jennifer said.

"He wouldn't do that. He'd find something else to do." But Jonathan answered the buzzer

anyway.

"Mr. Hart. Daniel Peterson here. I'm sorry to just drop in, but I was on my morning walk

and wanted to know how your wife was doing."

"She's fine, Mr. Peterson." Jonathan fully intended to let the conversation end at that, but

Jennifer nudged him. "Would you like to come up for some coffee?"

"That would be wonderful," came through the receiver. Jonathan pressed the button to

open the gate. "Coffee and then he's gone and we're back to just you and I."

"Aye aye sir." Jennifer said slipping on her robe.

"Promise?" Jonathan said as he tied the sash to his robe.

Jennifer went to him, and slipped her hand inside his robe to cup him. "Promise."

"Ah look at you. As beautiful as ever," Daniel Peterson said when he saw Jennifer. "But

it seems I've come too early."

"No, its okay. We were just being lazy," Jennifer replied. "Coffee is coming right up.

Won't you sit down?"

"I'd love to." Jonathan watched as Daniel scanned the living room with a lingering gaze

on the upstairs library. "You have a beautiful home."

"You've been in here before haven't you?" Jonathan asked.

"Why sure, when you invited me to that wonderful Christmas party."

"Before that." Jonathan said noting Jennifer's quizzical look.

"Sure. I've lived in this area a long time. I think I've been in everyone's home along

Willow Pond."

"Who were you visiting the night Jennifer first went to the hospital," Jonathan asked.

"You sure are inquisitive," Daniel said looking Jonathan straight in the eye and for the

first time not looking like an elderly man, but a strong assertive man.

"It was Peter Waters, wasn't it?"

Jennifer looked to Jonathan and then to Daniel. "Peter?"

"Jennifer. Meet Dustin Parker," Jonathan said.

Jennifer's mouth dropped. Daniel's expression remained unreadable. Then his lips slowly

curved upward.

"What gave it away?"

Jonathan studied the man. "It just fits. You moved here about the time Dustin left. You

were already at the hospital visiting a friend when Jennifer was taken there. But, you have a

reputation for keeping to yourself. So, that friend would have to be someone you know really

well, from the past. Peter Waters."

"Very good."

"And the long look up to the library. The library where you hid your clock."

"I didn't hide the clock. That was Peter and Joanna. But, I knew it was there, along with

the treasure. I would have thought you‘d have found the treasure by now.‖ Dustin said.

―But we did,‖ Jennifer said. Getting up from the couch she took the clock from the

mantle. ―See.‖

―The clock is not the treasure.‖

―We realize that. The treasure is time. Time with those you love.‖ Jonathan said.

―Yes,‖ Jennifer agreed.

Dustin smiled. ―But time isn‘t riches.‖

―My riches come from loving and being loved by Jennifer. The money is nice, but I‘d

give it all up in an instant. Jennifer is my treasure.‖

―Ah, that‘s nice darling.‖

―Thank you.‖

Dustin laughed. ―That is a good thing. But, the clock is not the treasure, it‘s the key.‖

―Key?‖

Jennifer frowned. ―The riddle says For he who hid my secrets loved me best of all his

things. Treasured not for dollar value but for fun and love of memories that I bring. We

determined that it was a gift from your wife or something you bought together. It was

sentimental.‖

―That‘s why I chose it yes. And only someone who understood the power of love could

have figured that out. But the riddle also says, Hold me close, and with a twist of fate, you‟ll see

that I‟m more than I seem. For though I‟m worthless on the outside, I hold the key to riches

beyond your wildest dreams.‖

―Well, we don‘t need any more riches, Dustin. And, I imagine you‘d rather have your

clock back. And of course, any riches you maybe hiding in it,‖ Jonathan said.

―Oh please. Humor an old man. Take a good look at the clock.‖

Jonathan studied the clock as Jennifer looked over his shoulder. ―Okay.‖

Dustin rolled his eyes, ―The key is in the clock. In plain view.‖

Jonathan and Jennifer looked again. ―The hour hand!‖ They both exclaimed.

Dustin grinned, clearly pleased at his cleverness.

Carefully, Jennifer opened the face of the clock and tilted it until a small old fashion key

fell out. ―You‘re right. The key is in the clock.‖

―Where does it go?‖ Dustin asked.

―Why not tell us.‖

―Because that would spoil the fun.‖

The Harts looked carefully. ―Hey, I bet that key will fit in the drawer of that old desk we

found in the library," Jennifer finally said.

―There is quite a sense of karma or destiny in this drama," Dustin said as they stood by

the desk.

―I‘ll take your word for it,‖ Jonathan said as he slipped the key into the drawer. It took

some effort to turn but he finally managed to get it unlocked. He pulled the drawer open to find

an old dusty envelop.

―Open it,‖ Dustin said.

Jonathan handed it to Jennifer. She opened the envelope and pulled out stock certificates.

As she read them, her eyes widened.

―What?‖ Jonathan asked.

―They‘re Hart stock.‖

―What?‖ He took one and read it.

―That‘s right. I saw a bit of myself in you when you started … what was it 1969? I took

all my money and invested it all in Hart stock. Crazy isn‘t it? That after all this time you would

live in this house? That you would be the one to find the stock.‖

―It is strange,‖ Jonathan agreed putting the stock certificates back in the envelope and

handing it to Dustin.

―I don‘t want it,‖ Dustin said. ―It‘s yours.‖

―No,‖ Jonathan said. ―This isn‘t mine.‖

―But you found it. You solved the riddle.‖

―Not exactly. But as you said in your letter, money is nothing without love. I found my

treasure at the Ritz in London.‖

Jennifer smiled. ―You of all people should understand that, Dustin.‖

He nodded. ―I do. And it fills my heart with a joy I haven‘t felt in years to see real love,

true love once again.‖ He took the certificates. ―May be the Waters could use some cash. They

were always good to me.‖

Jonathan nodded. ―I think Peter could use a little help with medical bills and keeping his

business going. He‘s in construction you know. He would probably value your expertise.‖

Dustin nodded. ―You‘re right.‖

The door closed behind Dustin. Jennifer turned to clean up the coffee, but Jonathan

pulled her to him. "It's naked day."

"Jonathan? What if he comes back?"

"The door is locked. The drapes are closed," he kissed to stop any further protest. Deftly

he slipped the knot on her robe and it fell to the ground. "We never did finish our business on the

table here."

Jennifer felt the back of the legs hit the table. "You aren't playing fair."

"Who says?"

"You still have your robe on."

"That's because you're slow."

Jennifer sniffed and proceeded to remove his robe.

"I meant what I said."

"You did? About what?" Jennifer asked as she slid her arms around his neck.

"You're my treasure and I'd give up everything to keep you in my life."

She smiled. "Well, fortunately, you don't have to give up anything."

He grinned. "Are you up for an adventure."

She noted the mischievous twinkle in his eyes and knew it meant she was in for a

wonderfully erotic journey. She pressed her body against his. "I am if you are, and from what I

can feel, you are definitely up."

Later they lay wrapped in blankets in front of the fire.

"The one thing I have learned from all this is to never take our love for granted," Jennifer

said laying content in Jonathan's strong arms.

He nodded. "We've been pretty good about that I think."

"Still," she turned her head to look into his brilliant blue eyes. "It could all be gone in an

instant. I don't ever want to have the regret that Daniel…uh Dustin has."

"Then maybe you should tell me again how much you love me and worship my body."

Jennifer laughed. "How about I show you?" She pushed him back so she could sprawl her

body on his.

"That's acceptable." His hands cupper her face. "I know we can't have naked day every

day, but we just need to remember take time for our hearts."

Jennifer grinned. "I'm going to take time for my Hart now."

He grinned back. "Its about time."

The Christmas Gift

A short, sweet…sometimes emotional holiday story.

Written 12/2016

Jennifer watched the snow as it fell in large sticky flakes from the dark sky outside the

window. Usually she liked snow, but tonight she hated it. Although snow accumulation was rare

in London, tonight it was falling in record amounts, and as a result, she couldn‘t get home. She‘d

never missed a Christmas with Jonathan, but this year, she would.

Her gut clenched at the thought. Guilt and sadness mingled. She shouldn‘t have taken this

assignment. She knew it was going to be close getting home on time as it was. She hadn‘t

counted on snow stopping her altogether.

Jonathan was disappointed, but took the news well. ―Every day is Christmas with you. So

whatever day you get home, we‘ll celebrate.‖ He was in New York, taking care of a business

deal. He‘d planned to fly home, but agreed to stay in New York and she‘d meet him there as

soon as the airport opened and she could get a plane home.

Unable to cope with her disappointment and guilt, she changed into her pajamas and went

to bed. Maybe, she‘d be able to catch a plane to New York in the morning and seen Jonathan

while it was still Christmas.

***

Jennifer woke to the pounding on her hotel room door. She glanced toward the window

and saw the sun just peeking through the clouds. It wasn‘t snowing, halleluiah. Checking her

watch, she saw it was nearly eight in the morning. She scurried from bed, slipped on her robe

and peeked through the peep hole. A bellboy stood outside her door with a large tree. She opened

the door.

―Mrs. Hart?‖

―Yes.‖

―Merry Christmas.‖ The bellboy grinned. ―Special delivery for you today. From Santa

Hart.‖

Warmth flooded Jennifer‘s heart. Of course he‘d figure out a way to make her day

special. She opened in the door and let the young man in.

―Is over here by the window okay?‖

―Yes, thank you.‖

He set the tree down. ―It‘s a fake, because of fire hazard, but it‘s still pretty.‖

―Yes.‖ She found her purse and pulled out a few bills. ―It‘s lovely, thank you.‖

He nodded, took the bills and left, whistling Santa Claus is Coming to Town. She went to

the tree, fingering the green plastic needles, when there was another knock on the door. Smiling,

she made her way to the door and peeked through the hole. This time a different bellboy held

boxes of decorations.

―Merry Christmas, Mrs. Hart.‖

―Merry Christmas.‖ She opened the door and let him in.

―Should I set these on the table?‖

―Yes. Please.‖ She pulled out a few more bills from her purse, as well as her phone. It

was still the middle of the night in New York, so she‘d wait to call Jonathan. Maybe she‘d video

chat so they could decorate the tree together. She tipped the bell boy and then scanned the

decorations. She decided the tree needed at least a little decor, so she hung one large shiny red

bulb, when a knock sounded again.

She laughed as she made her way to the door. She‘d been so lucky to find a man like

Jonathan. The only thing that could make this surprise better is if he were there. She opened the

door.

―Merry Christmas, Mrs. Hart.‖ A bellgirl wheeled in a breakfast cart. ―Pancakes, orange

juice, and coffee.‖

Their traditional Christmas breakfast. She tipped the young woman, but before she could

get to breakfast, there was another knock on the door. What possibly more could he have

arranged. She peeked through the hole and saw a stack of gifts. Of course.

―Merry Christmas, Mrs. Hart.‖

Her heart stuttered in her chest. The man lowered the packages to reveal his face.

―Jonathan!‖ She launched herself at him, not caring that she sent the packages scattering

to the floor. All that mattered was him. And that he was here. She gripped him as if she‘d hadn‘t

seen him in ages. Clung to him as if she were afraid he wasn‘t real.

―You missed me.‖ His arms wrapped around her and he pulled her in for a kiss. He tasted

divine.

―How‘d you get here through all the snow?‖

He grinned. ―Paris.‖

―Paris?‖ She helped him pick up the presents and bring them into the room.

―There‘s not so much snow in Paris, so I flew there and took the train here.‖

―You must be exhausted.‖

He set the packages on the table. ―I slept on the plane and train.‖ He reached for her,

pulling her to him. His crystalline blue eyes stared into hers. ―I hated how sad you sounded on

the phone.‖

She looked down, embarrassed by her emotion. ―It was my fault. I feel terrible-―

His finger pressed against her lips to stop her. ―It‘s my fault to. The truth is, they didn‘t

need me at that meeting in New York. In fact, I‘ve decided, they don‘t need me at all.‖

She frowned. ―What do you mean?‖

He tugged her closer. ―It means, I think I should retire and dedicate my life to serving

you.‖

―Retire? You‘re not that old and you love your work.‖

―I love you more. And if I don‘t work, I can travel with you. Unless you don‘t want me

around.‖

She gave him a shake. ―You know I always want you around.‖

―Good. I‘m here right now, and it‘s Christmas. Let‘s decorate the tree and have

breakfast.‖

―Yes.‖

They decorated the tree and then Jonathan put out the breakfast. But Jennifer was too

preoccupied by his presence to eat much. All she wanted to do was touch him. Hold him. Let

him know how much she loved him.

―You‘ve got that look.‖ One dark brow arched as he looked at her.

―What look?‖ She feigned innocence.

―That look that says you‘re hungry for something other than pancakes.‖

She hoped her smile was seductive as she stood and went to him. He backed away

enough from the table that she was about to straddle his thighs. ―Is that a problem?‖

―Not for me.‖ His hands slide inside her robe and pulled her close for a kiss. ―I‘m a bit

hungry myself.‖

She sighed into his kiss, loving the warmth and softness of his lips as they brushed over

hers.

―You taste sweet.‖ His tongue slid over her lips.

―Do I?‖

He nodded and then leaned forward. He drew his finger through the syrup on his plate

and then glossed her lips with it. She moaned at the erotic of the gesture. She wanted to lick her

lips, but knew that was reserved for him.

He ran his tongue over her lower then upper lips, before delving inside her mouth again.

He pushed her robe from her shoulders and she shook her arms until it fell to behind her. His

hands slid under her night shirt, pushing it up and over her head. Not wearing a bra when she

slept, her breasts puckered at the cool air and feral gaze in Jonathan‘s eyes.

He lifted his gaze to her eyes, and his thumbs skimmed over the firm sensitive peaks of

her breasts. Her breath hitched at his touch.

―I‘m still hungry.‖

Thank God. She looped her arms around him, and arched, offering herself to him.

Begging him to feast on her.

He leaned forward, dragging his finger through the syrup again. Her heart rate pitched up,

at the thought of what he planned to do next. His sticky finger drew over her collar bone, down

over her breast. He got more syrup, rubbing it in circles over the pink tips of her breasts.

―Jonathan.‖ God what he could do to her with just a touch, a look. But when he added

food or toys, it was always a wonder that she didn‘t self-combust.

He added more syrup to the other breast. ―You look delicious.‖ With a wicked smile, he

leaned forward, retracing the path of his finger with his tongue. Then he sucked in her breast,

tugging, and laving, driving her mad.

She writhed in his lap, feeling the hard length of him between her thighs. She was

desperate to feel him inside her. It was like the cold of the snow and the absence had left a hole

in her that only he could fill. He groaned against her breast, sending little shock waves down to

her center.

He pushed the plate back and then stood, lifting her and setting her on the edge of the

table as he fumbled with his pants. She unbuttoned his shirt, wishing she‘d have time to douse

him in syrup, but knowing they were both too needy for that. The best she‘d get was running her

hands over the hard, smooth plains of his chest.

―Jennifer.‖ His voice was raspy as he pushed his pants down.

She pushed him back. ―Sit.‖

He growled, but complied. She rewarded him by straddling his hips and sinking over him

in one long, erotic slide. Their groans of pleasure filled the room. In that moment, she felt whole

again. She was a part of him and exactly where she needed to be.

Their eyes caught. She rocked against him, and their gazes held, filling the air with erotic

charges.

His fingers played with her breasts, and while her eyes wanted to roll back in her head,

she continued to watch his blue eyes, shifting from clouded desire to feral need.

―Come, Jennifer.‖ His fingers slid between her folds.

Her breath caught, as her desire ratcheted up. She changed her motion from rocking to

sliding up and down the steel length of him, the friction building and building.

He let out a long groan. ―Now.‖ He leaned forward, and sucked hard on her breast and

shot her straight to the heavens.

She let go, giving pleasure the lead, knowing that it would bring him along. He called

out, his fingers gripping her hips as he bucked under her. Together they moved, fast, hard, but

completely in sync until sated she went boneless around him.

His hand rubbed her back. ―Merry Christmas, Darling.‖

She kissed his neck. ―I love you.‖

He found the energy to stand, with her still wrapped around him, and walk to the

bedroom of the suite. ―Let‘s take this to bed. I‘ve got more gifts to give.‖ He winked.

―I love your gifts.‖

Jennifer woke to the sound of pounding on the door. She reached her hand out but only

found emptiness. She opened her eyes. He wasn‘t there. Her stomach clenched. She got up from

the bed and put on her robe. She exited the room, and entered the main area of the suite. Her

heart stopped. Her knees buckled and she fell to floor.

―No.‖

The room was empty. No tree. No presents. No sign of an erotic breakfast. But of course

there wouldn‘t be. He wasn‘t here. He‘d never be here. He was gone. Taken from her forever.

The only time she had with him now was in her dreams. So vivid and real, it was as if he was

still alive.

But he wasn‘t.

Chapter Two

Jonathan watched in anguish as Jennifer wept on the floor. He went to her, even though it

was fruitless to do so. She couldn‘t see or hear him. Except in her dreams. There he could talk

with her, hold her, love her as she deserved to be loved. But at what cost. The dreams were

perfection, but the aftermath broke her. The realization that it hadn‘t been real always devastated

her making him wonder if it was worth it. He hated seeing her like this. Was he being a greedy

bastard by prolonging the agony of his passing just because he couldn‘t cope with being away

from her? Maybe he should go to that damn light after all. Except she was his light. Even if it

meant spending eternity in purgatory or hell, he couldn‘t leave her. But he could stop entering

her dreams. He could instead watch her from afar.

She inhaled a deep breath. It was her way of calming herself. She looked up, straight at

him, although she couldn‘t see him. But he saw her. Her strength and determination. She rose

from the floor, and went back to the bedroom. She showered and dressed. She was forcing

herself to live. He admired her for that. Was his nocturnal visits slowing down her ability to

move on? He hated the idea of her meeting someone else, but that was just jealousy on his part.

He knew without a doubt that no one would ever replace him in her heart. But that didn‘t mean

she couldn‘t love or be loved again.

She dressed and went to the picture of the two of them, facing off on the plane. They

were in a battle of wills that ended with a kiss. She held the photo, staring at it before clutching it

to her chest. ―I should have been on that plane with you.‖ Then she fell back on the bed in a long

heart wrenching sob.

Jonathan‘s guilt built even more. The idea that she‘d rather be dead with him than living

alone, broke him. ―No, Darling. I should have never gotten on that plane.‖

Chapter Three

―Jennifer. Jennifer.‖

Someone was shaking her. Calling her name. It sounded like Jonathan. But if she woke,

he‘d leave, so she fought to stay asleep.

―Jennifer! Wake up.‖

That last jerk shook the sleep away. She opened her eyes to find bright, brilliant blue eyes

filled with panic staring back. ―You‘re having a nightmare.‖

―Jonathan?‖ She clutched at him, bringing him to her. Was she still sleeping?

He pulled back. ―Are you alright?‖

She reached up to touch his face. ―You‘re here.‖

―Where else would I be?‖

She glanced around the room. Home. She was home. In their bed.

―Jennifer.‖ He gave her little shake again. ―Are you sick?‖

She rubbed her hands over her face. ―No. Just a really weird dream.‖

―You sure? I can call off this trip to New York.‖

Automatically, she shook her head. ―No. I‘m okay.‖

―Okay.‖ He stood, but continued to study her as he straightened his tie. ―I‘m heading in

the office this morning. I‘ll leave around eleven-thirty to fly to New York.‖

―Wait. What day is it?‖

He frowned but gave her day.

―The date.‖

His brows grew together in confusion and concern as he told her the date.

She swallowed hard. Panic, ―Don‘t go.‖

―What?‖

She rose on her knees and reached for him. ―Please, don‘t go. They don‘t‘ need you

there.‖

He cocked his head to the side. ―Are you sure you‘re alright?‖

She shook her head. ―I‘ve got a bad feeling.‖ She knew she sounded like a maniac, but

the desperation to keep him with her overrode everything else.

He sat and pulled her to him. ―Why?‖

―It‘s supposed to snow in New York. It‘s not safe to fly.‖

―The weather report says it‘s cold but clear. Besides, I‘ve flown in snow before.‖

She swallowed hard, knowing she was about put her life in danger. But she‘d rather die

with him, than live without him. ―Then let me come too.‖

His brows furrowed in confusion.

―I know I sound crazy, but I...you can‘t go, Jonathan. You just can‘t.‖

―Okay.‖ He pulled her close, held her tight. ―I just need to call and let them know I‘m not

coming. Maybe I can send Joe instead.‖

She looked up at him. ―No. Don‘t fly anyone out.‖

―Are you sure you‘re not sick?‖ He pressed his hand on her forehead.

She tried to let out a calming breath, but she was fighting for his life. For her life. ―I

know how this all sounds, but please, please don‘t fly to New York tonight or send anyone else.‖

―Okay. Let me call and let the office know I‘m staying home. I think you‘re right in that

the meeting can go on without me.‖

―Thank you.‖

―Of course. I love you.‖

She gripped him. ―I can‘t live without you.‖

****

Jennifer wasn‘t a woman prone to illness or odd moods, which is the only reason

Jonathan decided to indulge her. Her behavior made zero sense, but her desperate need for him to

stay home was all he needed to cancel his trip. He didn‘t understand it, but he didn‘t have too.

His number one job was to love her.

He wanted to send Joe in his place, but she‘d been firm that he shouldn‘t do that either.

Had she had some sort of vision? Neither of them believed in that stuff, but something had her

spooked. So he spent a lazy day with her. He was glad he did. It made him realize that work had

been taking too much of his time. He‘d need to cut back.

Max indulged her too, making her favorite dinner before heading out to a poker game in

The Valley. After they ate, Jonathan poured them each a brandy and sat with her on the couch.

―Shall we watch the news?‖

She nodded. ―Sure.‖

He used the remote to turn on the TV.

Breaking news. A plane crash in New York has killed all on board a small commuter plane.

Jennifer‘s glass fell to the floor, shattering on the expensive handmade needlework rug.

Jonathan went to get a towel, but she gripped him so hard he was sure he‘d have marks for weeks

on his arms.

The crash happened at 8:44 this evening. Investigators aren‟t quite sure the cause, but suspect

the unexpected snow and wind contributed...

Jonathan missed the rest of the report when Jennifer began to sob. Jennifer wasn‘t a

weepy person. Sure, she cried on occasion, but this was out of the blue.

―Jennifer.‖ He pulled her close, holding her tight to offer her comfort even though he

wasn‘t sure why.

―That would have been you.‖

―What?‖ He pulled away enough to look at her.

Her eyes dripped with tears. He used his thumbs to brush at them.

―If you‘d flown out to New York, that would have been your plane.‖

Jonathan glanced at the news and then back at her. He ran his flight schedule in his head,

realizing that he‘s have been landing close to nine in the evening. ―This is why you didn‘t want

me to go?‖ It didn‘t seem possible she‘d have known this and yet, it was clear, she had.

She nodded. ―That dream I had.‖

―You dreamed this?‖

She explained how she‘d dreamed about Christmas in London, except he wasn‘t really

there because he‘d died in a plane crash.

―Jesus.‖ He pulled her close and held her. He couldn‘t imagine life or death without her.

If he‘d been the one to have the dream, he‘d have been unsettled too. ―I‘m here, Jennifer.‖

―I hope I‘m not sleeping.‖ She laughed, but there was fear in her eyes that this moment

wasn‘t real.

―I‘m here. I‘m here.‖ He chanted it over and over, not just for her, but for himself too.

She saved his life. She saved Joe‘s life. And then he remembered that she‘d asked to go with him

on the trip to New York, essentially saying she‘d rather die with him than live alone. He shivered

at the thought of a world without her. ―I‘m here.‖

Chapter Four

Her hand patted the bed next to him. Immediately he rolled to her, and pulled her to him.

―I‘m here.‖

She relaxed in his arms, but he‘d seen the flash of panic in her eyes. Since that day

several months ago, he‘d made a point to always be next to her when she woke, to assure her that

the nightmare hadn‘t been real.

―I‘m sorry.‖ She averted her gaze.

―Hey.‖ He used the crook of his finger under her chin to tilt her head up. ―I‘m not here

for you. I‘m here for me.‖

She smiled. He wasn‘t just giving her words. He was there for her. Every morning, noon

and night. Her dream scared him to death as well. So much so that he‘d been making big changes

at work.

He inhaled, taking in her exotic floral scent...and ... ―Hey, I smell pancakes. It must be

Christmas.‖

There was a knock on the door. ―Are you decent?‖

―No, but we‘re covered.‖

―Jonathan.‖

He gave her quick kiss as Max entered their bedroom. ―Someone‘s been good. There‘s a

major haul of goods sitting under the tree.‖

―Are there any for me?‖ Jonathan scooted up to a sit so Max could give him the tray.

―Nah, most are for Mrs. H and Freeway.‖

―As it should be.‖ Jonathan grinned at Jennifer.

―We aren‘t having Christmas breakfast together?‖ Jennifer picked up coffee from the

tray.

―Well, me and a couple of buddies are going to have a little Feliz Navidad in Tijuana.‖

―Sounds festive.‖ Jonathan quipped.

―He he he. You guys have a Merry Christmas. Don‘t forget there‘s more to unwrap

downstairs when you‘re done up here.‖

Jonathan snorted. Jennifer gasped.

―You‘re a bad influence on him,‖ Jennifer said when Max had left.

―Me? You‘re the one who likes to unwrap.‖

She blushed. ―Yes, I do.‖

―Speaking of which.‖ Jonathan reached to his side table and picked up a red bow. He

stuck it on his forehead. ―I‘ve got something for you to unwrap.‖

She smiled that sexy smile that always revved his libido. ―I like the bow a little lower.‖

He arched a brow. ―We‘ll get to the that. Consider this the card.‖ He put their tray aside

and pulled her to him again.

―What does my card say?‖

―It says that I love you with every fiber of my being.‖

―Ah.‖

―I‘m not done.‖

―Oh, sorry.‖

He kissed her nose. ―It says that you are my greatest gift and that with you, every day is

Christmas.‖

Something flashed in her eyes. Something unsettling.

―You okay?‖

She nodded. ―Yes. I‘m sorry. You...you said that in my dream.‖

He pulled her tighter. ―It says that I don‘t want to spend another day away from you. So

as of January first, I‘m retired as CEO of Hart Industries.‖

―What? But you love your work.‖

―I love you more. And I‘m not needed. I‘m so good at hiring people that I‘ve made

myself obsolete. Now I‘ll be able to spend all my time with you until you‘re sick of me.‖

―Never.‖

―If or when that happens, I can work on Hart Foundation activities or with the Hart

Young Entrepreneur program. But most of all, I can travel when you travel. For the rest of our

days, I will be here when you go to sleep and when you wake up.‖

She gave him a sheepish smile and looked away. ―I won‘t be like this forever.‖

―Why not?‖ He shook her. ―Because I want you to want me here.‖

―I do.‖ She pressed her palm to his cheek. ―I just don‘t want you to think you have to be.

That I‘m not strong enough.‖

―You‘re the strongest person I know. And all I want to do is spend every moment I can

loving you.‖

Her eyes softened in that way that let him know he‘d said the right thing.

―And now.‖ He took the bow from his head and brought it under the covers. ―You can

unwrap.‖

Her eyes flashed, this time with an erotic gleam that promised he‘d enjoy her unwrapping

him. She pushed the covers down, finding the bow right where she wanted it.

―You‘re my favorite gift of all.‖ She straddled him, running her hands up his abdomen to

his chest. The bow bobbed, as her hands slid back down again. She plucked the bow from its

perch and tossed it aside. ―Well, look what we have here.‖

―Do you like it?‖

―Mmm.‖ She licked her lips and he was a goner. Jennifer was the epitome of every

fantasy he‘d ever had times a hundred. Other men his age were having trouble with stamina in

the bedroom. Many had tried Viagra or younger women, but those methods didn‘t always work.

But Jonathan never had trouble in that department. There was never a moment when he worried

he wouldn‘t be able to perform. Or that he wouldn‘t have his own enjoyment. Jennifer aroused

him in every way, every time. She was beautiful, and perfect. Her body was lean, yet lush, with

curves in all the spots a woman should have them. Her breasts were just the right size, fitting in

the palms of his hands or his mouth, whichever he happened to be using at the time. In this

moment, he opted for both, sitting up to suckle one sublime pink tip while his other hand

kneaded the other breast.

―You‘re distracting me.‖

―Sorry.‖ Reluctantly, he laid back, giving her the lead.

She looked toward their breakfast tray and back to him. That same flash of fear or

uncertainty flickered in her eyes. She inhaled deeply, and the unsettled expression morphed into

determination.

―I‘m hungry.‖ She reached for the syrup pitcher.

Jonathan groaned as visions of sticky and sweet and Jennifer shimmered in his brain.

She waggled her brows and licked her lips.

―I think I‘ve died—‖ He stopped, but not before she flinched. ―I‘m in heaven. You‘re my

heaven.‖ His hands caressed her thighs, hoping he hadn‘t ruined a perfect moment.

She shook her head. Pushing the bad memories away and replacing them with the here

and now. She was taking back her life, including the part of using syrup as an erotic tool, from

the dream that continued to haunt her, even months after having it. She wasn‘t a weak woman.

She wasn‘t prone to letting her fears dictate her life. But since the very real dream of losing

Jonathan, and then discovering that it could have been a reality had she not stopped him from

taking his business trip, she‘d had a hard time letting go of the fear. Of the devastating,

paralyzing grief she‘d felt when he‘d been gone.

But he wasn‘t gone. He was here. Lying naked beneath her. Waiting for her drive him

wild with pleasure. So she pushed the dream and fear and grief away and focused on him. She

dipped her finger in the syrup to make sure it wasn‘t too hot. She sucked the sticky fluid from her

finger, delighting at Jonathan‘s groan. Now she had to decide if she‘d use the syrup on her, and

let him lick it off. Or if she‘d use it on him. She opted for the latter.

She tilted the pitcher, letting a slow flow of the syrup drizzle over his chest and down

lower, lower. Then she set the pitcher aside.

―You look delicious.‖

He groaned in response. ―It‘s completely possible that I won‘t be able to wait for you.‖

―Don‘t wait. Let me love you, Jonathan.‖

He hissed in a breath as her teeth scraped over his nipple, lightly bit and then suckled.

―Jennifer.‖ His fingers threaded through her hair keeping her close. She laved the syrup

from his chest, and other nipple, before following the trail down. Her tongue swirled in his navel,

and he let out a expletive.

―Now, the main course.‖ She smiled as she hovered over his steel length. She swore she

could see it grow and harden, as if it was offer itself to her.

He swore again, his eyes looking a dazed with desire.

She laved him from base to tip, swirling her tongue around the rim. His hips bucked up in

response. Her name came out on a harsh groan.

―Remember, don‘t wait.‖ She captured his gaze with hers. ―Watch me, Jonathan. Watch

me love you.‖

Another expletive escaped his lips. She smiled, dipped her head, and drew him deep into

her mouth. He tasted sweet, like syrup and Jonathan. She moaned in pleasure at the feel of him.

His fingers dug into her scalp as she moved in and out, up and down, around and around. His

breath was harsh and quick, and she knew it wouldn‘t be long. She removed her mouth, and he

swore in protest. To help, she wrapped her hand around him, and held tight, while her mouth

ventured to suckle each round sack.

―Jennifer!‖

She smiled, loving that she was able to bring him such pleasure. She thought about

drawing it out more. Making him wait in that exquisite spot hovering between pleasure and

torture. But she changed her mind. She slowly drew her hand away, replacing it with her mouth,

and drove him hard, fast and furious into his release.

She stayed with him until the last remnants of his pleasure ceased. Then she snaked up

his body, not caring that she was sticking to him. She rested her head on his chest, listening to

the frantic beat of his heart as it began its descent into a normal rhythm.

―Jennifer.‖

She lifted her head to look at him. She expected a quip about whether or not she‘d had

enough to eat, but his eyes were serious.

―I love you, so damn much.‖

She smiled. ―I know. I see it every time you look at me. I feel it when you touch me.‖

―I want to touch you now.‖

She nodded.

―I want to bring you pleasure.‖

―You always do.‖

―Then I want to make love with you.‖

She wasn‘t sure the difference.

―So, I‘m going to massage this syrup into you and lick it off every inch of your body.‖

Her heart rate kicked up into high speed. She knew exactly what his hands and mouth

could do to her and her body was ready to get started.

―And then, we‘re going to take a shower, and I‘m going make love to you until I don‘t

know where I end and you begin.‖

Ah, there was the difference. Joined. Two different hearts and souls melded into one. She

nodded. She wanted that too.

And so he started. And true to his word, his hands and mouth touched every part of her

body, until she was writhing and begging him to finish.

―Look at me, Jennifer.‖

His fingers had stopped filling her, touching her. His body hovered over hers. His blue

eyes gazing down at her. ―Come for me.‖

His fingers worked her again, and he watched as he pushed her up and up until she flew

over the pinnacle into pleasure.

She was a limp noodle when he picked her up from the bed, and carried her into the

bathroom.

―Do you know how beautiful you are when you come?‖

Her head lolled on his shoulder. ―I can‘t see myself when I come.‖

He grinned down on her. ―I think there‘s a mirror in our future.‖ He kissed her. ―But this

time, I‘m thinking of a bath instead of a shower. What do you think?‖

―I think I we may never get to the presents under the tree.‖

He set her on the side of the tub, and started the water. ―The only present I need is right

here.‖

She reached out, and squeezed his hand. ―Me too.‖

Several minutes later, they were soaking in the hot tub. She settled over him, taking him

deep inside her, marveling at the feel of him pulsing around her. If she lived forever, she‘d never

have enough of this feeling. Of being a part of him. She knew there would be no forever, so

instead, she would savor every moment. As he looked into her eyes, she knew without a doubt,

he was thinking the same thing. They would be one body, one heart, one soul, until death did

they part.

Grieving Harts

This story delves into Jennifer‘s past. She‘s suffered a devastating loss, made worse by a

secret that suggests an accident was actually murder.

Chapter One

Jennifer felt nothing. The chilly autumn air flushed her cheeks, but she was numb to it.

She was aware of the others mourning with her, but she was alone. The minister‘s lips moved,

but she heard nothing. She was void.

A hum sounded through the fog in her mind and the casket began its descent into the

cold, dark earth where it would rest forever. In a whoosh, acute anguish burst through like a tidal

wave, crushing her heart. She gasped, unable to breath. This couldn‘t be real. He couldn‘t be

gone.

―Oh, God. Jonathan.‖ Her knees buckled. An arm came around her, preventing her from

crumbling in a heap. She wanted to turn away from the scene, but couldn‘t knowing this was the

last time she‘d be near him. It wasn‘t fair. She was going through her day as always and then

without warning, he was gone. She hadn‘t been able to say goodbye. To tell him one more time

how much she loved him.

The casket sank into the hole, going deeper and deeper, just like her despair. How would

she‘d live without him?

***

She‘d wept in the car on the way home. By the time she reached the house, she‘d pulled

herself together enough to greet the other mourners coming to pay their respects, even as she

resented having to entertain them. The tradition that dictated the one who suffered the loss had to

hold a gathering was sadistic.

Jennifer sat in the car, looking out the window one last time before she had to be ‗on‘ for

her guests. ―I could never do this without you.‖

―Yes, you could. But you don‘t have to. I‘m here.‖

She looked up into brilliant blue grieving eyes. Then Jonathan‘s strong arms wrapped

around her, pulled her close and offered strength and comfort, even if it was just for that

moment.

***

―Jennifer.‖ Joe Williams, an old family friend, and retired Hill Haven Sheriff gave her a

hug. ―You‘re father ...‖ His voice broke, but he cleared it. ―You know, if this day had gone as

planned, you‘re father and I would be frying up the fish we would have caught this morning.‖

The bittersweet memory caused Jennifer‘s lips to tease into a tentative smile. Jesus she

was an amazing strong woman, and Jonathan desperately wanted to kick everyone out of the

house so she could grieve on her own. She was gracious and kind to her guests, but it was taking

a toll on her. Each word of consolation, each memory shared, he could feel her withdraw a little

more.

―You‘re pa was a good man and he couldn‘t have been prouder of you. Of both of you,‖

Gil Lassiter said when it was his turn.

Jonathan scanned the room where more people than he could have imagined were stuffed

into the house, paying their respects. Most he‘d met at least once over the years he‘d visited

Stephan Edward‘s home with Jennifer. But a few he‘d never seen before. It wasn‘t a surprise that

so many people would want to pay their respects. Stephan was a well-liked and respected man,

not just in Hill Haven, but in many places around the world where he‘d worked. But Jonathan

hated that Jennifer had to endure their condolences, when what she needed was rest and a time to

grieve.

Ella Martin used her plump body to an advantage, as she pushed her way through the

crowd toward them. ―Jennifer, honey, you don‘t need to do this anymore.‖ The older woman

took Jennifer‘s hands in hers. ―I know you feel obligated, but you just don‘t. You need to rest.

Jonathan, you take her up now and I‘ll start emptying this place.‖

―Thank you Ms. Martin.‖ Jonathan breathed a sigh of relief and gratitude.

―I can‘t—―

―You can. I insist on it. And if you don‘t go up on your own accord, I‘ll make Jonathan

carry you.‖

Jonathan didn‘t like bossing or manhandling Jennifer, but he‘d make an exception in this

case because Ella was right. Jennifer needed the rest. She hadn‘t slept since the call had come in

three days ago telling her that Stephan had died of natural causes. Stephan‘s age made his death

not such a surprise, except that he was always healthy as a horse. Jonathan and Jennifer had

visited just a few weeks ago and they‘d all gone riding. He‘d been the same lively, robust and

acerbic. And within weeks, he was gone. There had been no warning.

―She‘s right, darling. You need the rest.‖

―No one will think worse of you and if they do, they‘re not worth knowing anyway.‖

―Come on.‖ Jonathan guided her toward the stairs and led her up.

―Ella has to be grieving as much as we are, and yet she‘s able to take care of things.‖

Jonathan could hear the guilt in Jennifer‘s voice. ―We all cope in different ways. I think

Ella finds comfort in caring for others.‖ Jonathan led her to their bed and pulled down the covers.

She looked like she‘d argue, but his expression must have stopped her. Good. His only

concern was her. She lay down in the bed. ―Will you go help her?‖

The last thing Jonathan wanted to do was leave Jennifer‘s side. But he knew she wouldn‘t

sleep if she was worried about how well her guests were being cared for or that Ella was being

tasked with too much. While Ella was close to the Edward family, Jennifer would feel it was her

responsibility, not Ella‘s to play hostess.

He sat on the edge of the bed. ―If you promise to rest, I‘ll go help her.‖

―I keep expecting him to show up.‖

He nodded. He remembered having the same feelings when Max died. It had taken

forever to get over the disappointment of not finding Max in the kitchen every morning when he

walked in for breakfast. ―I know.‖

She swallowed. ―Thank you Jonathan.‖

―For what?‖

She gave him a sheepish smile.

He kissed her forehead. ―I love you. Get some rest.‖

Chapter Two

Jennifer woke disoriented. The minute she realized she was in her childhood home, the

memories and profound grief washed through her again. She looked over at Jonathan‘s side of

the bed, but it was empty. She remembered he‘d sent her to bed to rest, but had expected him to

return when the guests had left.

She rolled out of bed, and made her way to the bathroom were she splashed cool water on

her face. Studying herself in the mirror, she understood why he‘d been so worried. The dark

circles under her eyes were proof that she hadn‘t slept for days.

She exited the room, listening for signs of life in the house, but it was quiet. When she

reached the landing, she called Jonathan‘s name.

―In here.‖ His voice came from her father‘s study. By the time she entered, he was at the

door, and pulling her into an embrace. ―How‘d you sleep?‖

―I slept. I thought you might have come to rest with me.‖ She savored the feel of him,

strong, and loving in his arms.

―I was going to, but I was afraid I might wake you and you needed the rest.‖

―What are you doing in here?‖

He pulled back and studied her. ―I napped and then checked Stephan‘s paper work for the

visit with his lawyer tomorrow.‖

―Everything in okay?‖ There was something in Jonathan eyes that hinted at unease.

―With the legal work, yes.‖

―But?‖

He stared at her and she knew there was something important. His hesitation had to be

because of the fragile state she was in.

―I found something that you‘ll want to check, but I‘m afraid it will add more to your

pain.‖

Her heart clinched at that.

―I‘ve been vacillating between telling you and holding off. But holding off feels a little

bit like I‘m keeping it from you.‖

Jennifer‘s imagination ran wild with ideas and because she was just as good as conjuring

up bad scenarios as good one‘s she decided the truth was probably the best option.

―After that build up, I think you need to tell me.‖

He nodded, taking her hand and leading her to her father‘s couch. On the coffee table in

front of it a large folder sat unopened. Jonathan sat, pulling her next to him while he pulled a

piece of paper out of the folder and handing it to her.

She glanced at the paper. ―It‘s a newspaper clipping of my mother‘s car accident.‖

―Yes. And all this is research your father did surrounding your mother‘s accident.‖

Jonathan placed a hand on the folder.

―I don‘t understand. It was an accident.‖

Jonathan inhaled a deep breath. ―Stephan thought it was murder.‖

It took Jennifer a moment for what he said to sink in. Murder? Her father thought her

mother had been murdered. She looked to Jonathan, always finding clarity and a grounding from

his blue eyes.

He took her hand. ―He investigated on and off for years. And then last month, he started

again.‖

―Why?‖

―He just didn‘t buy the report. But it was ruled an accident, so there wasn‘t much he

could do. He did recruit a lot of help, but in the end, he never found anything.‖

―So maybe she wasn‘t murdered.‖ Intellectually, Jennifer knew dead was dead, whether

by accident or murder. But for some reason, she wanted her mom to have died by an accident

and not at the hands of someone else.

Jonathan shrugged. ―You never knew about this?‖

―No.‖ Jennifer opened the file to find reports, interviews and even pictures of her

mother‘s accident. She closed the file. Normally she‘d have read it, but her mind was scattering

in a million directions through fog. ―What does he think happened?‖

―He thinks...thought...someone purposefully drove her off the road.‖

―But who or why?‖

Jonathan studied her again, and she worked to show him she was strong enough to hear it.

―He has theories.‖ Jonathan pulled out a few pages. ―One is Jean Luc Beauvoir, who was a

suitor of your mom‘s during the war. In fact, they worked in the resistance together in France

and had been engaged according to your dad‘s notes.‖

―Engaged? The resistance? I didn‘t know about that.‖

―He went missing and was presumed dead, during which time your father met her.‖

Jonathan took her hand and it steadied her.

―She always said he swept her off her feet.‖

―That‘s probably why when Jean Luc showed up, she didn‘t go back with him. According

to your dad though, Jean Luc didn‘t take the rejection well, which was one of the reasons you

father got her out of France and to the U.S. quickly just at the end of the war.‖

―One of the reasons?‖ Jennifer had sinking feeling in her gut.

―This guy.‖ Jonathan took out another paper that included the photo of a Nazi soldier.

―Rolf Schmidt. He blamed your mother for his brother Hans‘ death and promised revenge.‖

―My mother killed someone.‖ Jennifer pressed her fingers to her temple, unable to wrap

her mind around the information.

―Not directly. But he believed she lead resistance fighters to Hans.‖

Jennifer sat in a daze. If her mind was working right, she‘d have a ton of questions. But

her research instincts weren‘t kicking in. Finally, she formulated a question. ―These men were in

France. My mother was killed many years after the war here in Hill Haven.‖

Jonathan nodded. ―Apparently, Jean Luc came to the U.S. about six months before your

mother was killed. She actually ran into him when she was in Washington, D.C. on some sort of

press club event.‖

Jennifer nodded. ―She‘d gone back to writing once I was in school.‖

―Your father writes that she said they were friendly, and they had lunch a few times, but

your dad wasn‘t convinced Jean Luc didn‘t want more.‖

―And Hans?‖

―Your father had to tap into his O.S.S. network for this. Hans initially fled to South

America, and then to the United States about two years before your mother‘s death. He changed

his name to Ralph Smith.‖

―Not very creative if you‘re trying to hide her identity.‖

Jonathan shrugged. ―Your father didn‘t find anything to link Ralph to your mom here, but

neither could he find anything that would eliminate Ralph since he ended up living in

Baltimore.‖

―Small world.‖

―I think that‘s what Stephan thought.‖

She sat back, as memories of her mother‘s death came back. Her father had taken it hard

and it wasn‘t surprising that he‘d seek someone to blame. ―He never fully recovered from her

death.‖

―I think he did a tremendous job considering.‖

Jennifer looked at Jonathan, his blue eyes so filled with love.

―I can‘t imagine going on a single moment if I lost you.‖

Tears filled her eyes. She felt the same about him, although if she died, she hoped he‘d

find a way to live. She‘d want that for him. And her father had found a way to live through his

work. He‘d have said he‘d not done all he could for her, and there had been a time she‘d felt

emotionally abandoned by her father. But he‘d taught her to be strong and brave and

adventurous.

Jonathan kissed her forehead. ―Maybe we should put this away. I suspect he didn‘t want

you to know about it.‖

No doubt he didn‘t. But now she did. She couldn‘t put it away. ―You said he picked it up

again a few months ago. Does the file say why?‖

―He got a notice of Jean Luc‘s death and with it was a note from his son telling Stephan

that on his deathbed, Jean Luc had asked him to tell Stephan that Susanne‘s murderer was closer

to home. The son didn‘t know who Susanne was, so it took some time, but he delivered the

message.‖

―What would Jean Luc know? And what does he mean by closer to home?‖

―Stephan couldn‘t ferret that out, at least why Jean Luc would know about Susanne‘s

death except that it was no secret to Jean Luc that Stephan suspected him. The closer to home

your father took literally and made this list.‖

Jonathan handed her a piece of paper. She glanced at the list. Her eyes widened as she

look at him. ―These are all long time family friends. Of both my mom and dad.‖

Jonathan nodded. ―I know.‖

―My father really thought one of them killed my mom?‖

Jonathan sighed. ―I‘m not sure how seriously he took it, but he did consider it.‖

Jennifer looked at the list again. ―Why?‖

―Well, Sheriff Williams is the one that found your mom and your mom was doing an

article on Gil Lassiter‘s run for senate at the time of her death.‖

A horrible thought entered Jennifer‘s mind. ―Do you suppose someone killed my father

because of this. He wasn‘t sick.‖

Jonathan took her hand. ―No. The autopsy didn‘t indicate anything suspicious. But if

you‘re concerned, we can talk to the medical examiner.‖

She shook her head. ―No. I‘m just being paranoid. After all, it‘s possible my father‘s grief

got away with him and mom really did die in an accident.‖

Jonathan nodded.

―Excuse me.‖ Ella entered the study. ―Oh Jennifer you‘re up.‖

―Ella, you‘re still here.‖ Jennifer looked at Jonathan, wondering why he hadn‘t sent her

home.

―Yes. I just wanted to make sure everything was in order. There‘s a lasagna from Mrs.

Miller warming in the oven and Mrs. Gardner brought her ambrosia. It‘s very good.‖

―You didn‘t have to do that.‖

―I know, but you‘re like family to me. Your parents were so good to me after my Henry

died.‖

―And you were there for us when mom died.‖ Jennifer thought about asking Ella about

her father‘s investigation, but decided she was too tired and overwrought to have that

conversation.

―Of course. What a lovely woman she was. Such a loss.‖ Ella shook her head.

Jennifer stood, went to Ella and gave her a hug. ―Thank you for looking out for us. For

me.‖

―You‘re like one of my own.‖ Ella‘s eyes teared up. ―Well now, I don‘t want to blubber. I

know you and Jonathan want alone time. But if you need anything, you call. I don‘t know what

you plan to do with the house or when, but if you need help there, let me know that too.‖

―I will. Thank you.‖ Jennifer hugged her again. ―Let me show you out.‖

―I know the way. I‘ve been here enough times. Besides, you two need to eat.‖ Ella

headed toward the foyer. ―I‘ll check on you tomorrow.‖

―Thank you.‖

Jonathan stood, taking Jennifer in his arms. She let herself be coddled by him. She drew

strength from him. ―She‘s my Mrs. Russell.‖

―Hmm?‖ Jonathan leaned back to look at her.

―From Persuasion. Jane Austen? Anne‘s mother died and Mrs. Russell became the

mother figure. Anne‘s confidant and advisor.‖

―Ella was that for you?‖

―On some things. My father guided my education and career, but Ella helped with other

things.‖

―Men?‖

Jennifer smiled at Jonathan‘s smirk. Only a few hours ago she wondered if she‘d ever

smile again. ―Yes, well, boys.‖

―Did you talk to her about me?‖

Jennifer shook her head. ―There wasn‘t time. We met. We fell in love.‖

His arms held her tighter. ―Did she have any concerns about the whirlwind nature of our

marriage?‖

Jennifer held him tighter too. ―Yes. Until she saw us together.‖

He kissed her. ―I knew the minute I saw you.‖

―Hmm... and the next minute you were having me arrested.‖

―It seemed only fair. You stole my heart.‖

Even after all these years, his words, his touch, made her heart swell, her insides go

gooey. His fingers traced her cheeks. ―You need to eat.‖

She nodded. She wasn‘t hungry, but she knew she needed to go through the motions of

life. With Jonathan at her side, she knew she‘d survive the loss of her father.

Chapter Three

Jonathan was a deep sleeper, unless Jennifer wasn‘t by his side. So when he woke in the

middle of the night, he knew without even checking her side of the bed that she wasn‘t there.

Worry had him bolting up.

―Jennifer.‖

She was the strongest women, strongest person actually, he knew, but her father‘s death

was a heavy blow and he hated the idea that she was grieving in the middle of the night by

herself. Or maybe she was looking into Stephan‘s folder, which as he grabbed his robe, he

decided was just as likely. She wasn‘t in her father‘s study, but Jonathan could tell the folder had

been disturbed.

―Jennifer?‖ He called again as he began his search of the house. He found her on the back

patio, asleep in a porch swing. ―Jennifer.‖ He spoke softly but she still jerked. Afraid she might

rock out of the swing, he bent over to her.

―Oh...I must have fallen asleep.‖

―Must have.‖ She sat up so he took the seat next to her, pulled her close. ―You okay?‖

―Yes. I‘m sorry if I woke you.‖

―Well, you know I can‘t sleep when you‘re not with me.‖

She smiled, not quite the full radiant one, but beautiful none the less.

―You went through your father‘s folder.‖

She nodded with a sheepish expression. ―I don‘t know what to think. My father wasn‘t

stupid or impulsive.‖

―So you think he was on to something?‖

―Normally yes. But my mother was everything to him.‖

―Well, maybe we can talk to Joe Williams and hunt down this Jean Luc‘s son and find

out firsthand what they say about it.‖

Jennifer looked up at him. ―You think we should look into it.‖

―I know you, Jennifer. You‘ve got that look.‖

―Look?‖ She feigned innocence but he knew her well enough to know she knew what he

meant.

―You won‘t rest until you do your own investigation.‖

Her expression turned serious. ―He died not knowing.‖

Jonathan nodded, hating to make his next point. ―There may be nothing to know. Or we

may not be able to find out anything definitive.‖

―I know.‖

―But you can‘t let it go until you at least try.‖

She nodded. ―Is it crazy?‖

―Yes.‖ He kissed her head. ―But I love you anyway.‖

She turned, straddled his lap. ―I love you. So much. Do you know how much?‖

He brought his hands to her hips. Instinct had body responding, but his brain told him to

cool it. This wasn‘t the time.

―I do. It‘s just about as much as I love you.‖

Her forehead dropped to his. ―My father never really lived after my mom‘s death. Not

really. When I think about my life if I lost you, I‘m even more amazed at what he did do.‖

Jonathan felt the same about her. He was certain he‘d die of heartbreak if he lost her.

―That‘s why we need to savor every moment.‖

She nodded. ―I do. I just wish he‘d been able to live more. I understand why he didn‘t or

couldn‘t. But I get sad thinking he was alone when we weren‘t here. Especially after Walter

died.‖

―What about Ella? She was around a lot.‖

―Ah, Ella. She‘s wonderful and I have no doubt she‘d have been happy to be the second

Mrs. Edwards.‖ Jennifer frowned.

―Stepmom?‖

―That would be weird. But if it made him happy, I‘d have adjusted. But he didn‘t feel that

way about her. About any woman I can remember.‖

―Hard to believe a man could go that long—―

―I‘m sure he ...well...you know. But he never had a relationship. He never loved another

woman.‖

―Could you? Love again?‖ Jonathan wished he could take that question back. It sounded

desperate on his part.

―No. Not like I love you.‖

―I‘ll never love anyone like I love you.‖

―So, we‘d end up like him.‖

―I wouldn‘t sell your dad short. Maybe he didn‘t love another woman, but he honored

your mother. That love never left. And he had you, a symbol of that love. And did a lot of other

things. I don‘t think your father would think he missed out because he hadn‘t loved another

woman.‖

Jennifer snuggled against him. Resting her head on his shoulder. ―You‘re right.‖

―I‘m also right in thinking that it‘s the middle of the night. Do you think you can sleep?‖

She lifted her head, nodded. ―Yes.‖

***

The next morning, the grief had Jennifer wanting to stay in bed, but she forced herself up

and convinced Jonathan to go for a ride with her. She would live instead of mope. She was glad

of her decision. The feel of the wind on her face and the power of the horse reminded her of rides

she used to take with her father. Soon she‘s have to sell the horses and help her father‘s foreman

find other work, but today, she could enjoy the things her father enjoyed.

When they finished, Jonathan went to the kitchen to make omelets while Jennifer

gathered her father‘s folder to re-read it while sitting at the kitchen table.

―Do you think it‘s too early to call Jean Luc‘s son?‖ Jennifer pulled the notes from her

father‘s folder.

―If he works, he‘s probably on his way to a job.‖

―I‘m going to call.‖ Jennifer picked up her phone and dialed the number her father had

hunted down during his investigation.

Jonathan set two plates on the table. ―After the call, you need to eat.‖ He leaned over and

kissed her.

She gave him a smile. She asked for Jean Luc and within a few minutes was connected.

―I‘m sorry for your loss, Mrs. Hart. It‘s difficult to lose a parent.‖

―Thank you.‖

―But I don‘t know how I can help you.‖

―You were in touch with my father a couple of weeks ago.‖

―Yes. My father made me promise to deliver a message, but I have no idea what it

meant.‖

Jennifer frowned. ―Did you know my mom and your father had been friends in France

during the war?‖

―He he‘d been engaged to her before he came here and met my mom.‖

―My father believes my mother was murdered.‖

―By my father.‖

She heard the tension in his voice and couldn‘t blame him. She wouldn‘t like someone

accusing her father of murder either. ―He had several suspects.‖

―My father wasn‘t a murderer Mrs. Hart.‖

―Is that was his message was about?‖

―I think so.‖

―Did my father ask you about it?‖

―Yes, but I can‘t tell you anymore than what my father had me tell your father.‖

―Closer to home. Its sounds like he knew something but he kept it to himself. Why would

he do that? Why didn‘t he tell him that right after my father talked to him after my mother‘s

death?‖

―I don‘t‘ know. I know my father was grieved by my mother death. I think he tried to

help. I don‘t know what he knew or when.‖

Disappointed, but not surprised, Jennifer hung up.

―No help?‖ Jonathan asked pushing Jennifer‘s plate in front of her.

―No. It‘s strange. Why, if someone close to him is responsible, would Jean Luc know?‖

And why would he wait until his death to say anything?‖

―Perhaps Jean Luc had connections other than your mom in Hill Haven? Or maybe your

mom said something to him before she died.‖

―Maybe. That would suggest she knew she was in danger. Would she have said

something to us?‖

―Maybe, maybe not. She may have told your dad, but she wouldn‘t have told you. You

were just a kid.‖

Jennifer frowned. ―There probably a lot I didn‘t know about her.‖

Jonathan took her hand. ―There a lot you didn‘t know about your dad until you were

older.‖

She nodded.

―Eat. You need your strength.‖

***

The meeting with the lawyer about her father‘s estate went as expected. Stephan had

taken care of everything, leaving most of his assets to Jennifer. When the business portion of the

meeting finished, Jennifer veered into the more personal.

―Were you aware of any concerns my father around my mother‘s death?‖

Stephan‘s lawyer, Lyle Monroe stared at her startled. ―Concerns?‖

―About the accident?‖

Lyle blinked and looked between Jennifer and Jonathan. ―He told you about that?‖

Jenifer didn‘t respond.

Lyle sighed. ―He did have concerns, but nothing that could be substantiated.‖

―Do you think it was just an accident?‖ Jonathan asked.

―I‘ve never seen anything to suggest otherwise. It was dark, slippery....it was a tragic

accident.‖

―So my father‘s concerns weren‘t...‖

―I think your father lost the love of his life and needed something other than bad luck or

fate to blame.‖

Jennifer sighed. Another dead end. ―Thank you.‖

―Your mother was a beautiful woman. You‘re a lot like her. Not just in beauty, but in

intelligence and grace. Your father was very proud of you.‖

Jennifer managed a smile. ―Thank you.‖

Once the meeting with Lyle was over and they‘d shown him out the door, Jonathan put

an arm around Jennifer, leading her back to the kitchen. ―I need coffee. How about you?‖

―Yes.‖

―So, who do you want to talk to next?‖

―You‘re very certain about my pursuit of this.‖

―I know you.‖ He stopped, his brows furrowed into a frown. ―But if you want to stop, we

can.‖

She shook her head. ―This is hard, but it will be worse to not know. Or not try.‖

Jonathan nodded and continued to the kitchen with Jennifer in tow. ―So, who‘s next?‖

Jennifer sat at the table while Jonathan poured two cups of coffee.

―Joe Williams. He was first on the scene. And, in my dad‘s notes, he seemed sympathetic

to my dad‘s plights.‖

―So you don‘t think he‘s a suspect? Stephan listed him as a person who was close.‖

Jennifer looked out the window, trying to push away what she thought she knew to make

room for what could be. ―I don‘t know.‖

Jonathan handed her the mug of coffee and sat next to her. ―Do we invite him here? How

do you want to play it?‖

Normally, she could come up with plots and plans, but her brain was still not firing on all

cylinders.

―I think we ask him to come because I found something. Which is true.‖

―Alright.‖ He squeezed her hand.

***

Joe Williams arrived mid-afternoon. ―How are you Jennifer?‖

―I‘m okay.‖

―Good. So what can I help you with?‖

Jennifer led Joe back to the kitchen, wanting to keep the interview informal.

―Would you like coffee? Or I think there‘s beer,‖ Jonathan offered.

―A beer would hit the spot.‖

Jonathan got the beer and then sat with Joe and Jennifer at the table.

―We found a file of my dad‘s investigating my mother‘s death.‖

Joe‘s face fell. ―Ah, Jennifer. He didn‘t want you to know about that.‖

―Well, I do and I have questions.‖

Joe sighed. ―I don‘t know how I can help. I tried to help your dad, but wasn‘t able to.‖

―Why did he think it wasn‘t an accident?‖

Joe studied Jennifer while he tapped his fingers on the table. ―The report came back

saying she was speeding, but anyone who knew your mom knew she was a timid driver.‖

Jennifer closed her eyes as memories of her mother filtered through. She had many

memories, several she thought of often, but being in the car with her hadn‘t been one of them

until now. She opened her eyes. ―You pulled her over once for driving too slow.‖

―You remember that.‖ Joe gave her a smile. ―But that night, it was dark and a little icy.

It‘s possible she picked up speed and couldn‘t slow without skidding down Haven Gulch.‖

―You looked into it for Stephan?‖ Jonathan asked.

―I did. Unofficially because it was ruled an accident and closed right away. But between

your mother‘s propensity to drive too slow, and a report of an earlier reckless driver on the road,

I investigated on my own.‖

―Reckless driver?‖

Joe nodded and took a sip of his beer. ―Yes, Ella Martin made a report that she was

clipped by a car on Jennings Road near Haven Gulch. That was why I was out there when I

found your mom. Initially, I thought the car was the one Ella reported and that he‘d wrecked.‖

―Could this car have caused Jennifer‘s mother‘s accident?‖ Jonathan put a reassuring

hand over Jennifer‘s.

―Sure, but I never found him. There were no other reports or sightings.‖

Jennifer had a moment to wonder if her mother had been the one to clip Ella, except her

mom was a careful driver.

―What about evidence on my mom‘s car?‖

―Well, today, forensics might be able to find something, but back then, things were

different. The car was... well with weather and all, we just didn‘t have the technology to find

anything.‖

―And everyone thought it was an accident.‖

―That‘s right. Now I snooped around a little for your dad. That frog man had a weak

alibi.‖

―My mother was French,‖ Jennifer said annoyed at Joe‘s reference to Jean Luc.

―I‘m sorry. You‘re right. I just never liked how he came back around.‖

―Are you sure it wasn‘t him?‖ Jonathan asked.

―No. His car never showed sign of clipping another car. I even checked rentals in our and

his areas, but there were none that came back damaged.‖

―But you thought it was him?‖ Jennifer toyed with her mug.

―I didn‘t know one way or the other, but he seemed most likely. He‘d found a way back

in her life. It was causing people to talk.‖

―Talk.‖ Jennifer looked up from her mug to Joe.

Joe rubbed his hand over his nearly hairless head. ―No one who knows your mom ever

believed the talk.‖

Jennifer eyes widened.

―But times were different then. Women didn‘t work unless they were single or financially

strapped. But your family was well off and still your mom worked. Some people thought there

was something suspicious about that.‖

―They thought my mom went back to work to have an affair?‖

―As I said, no one who knew your parents believed it, but Hill Haven is a small town. It

was smaller then.‖

―Was Jean Luc the only talk.‖

Joe looked down and then out the window.

―There were others?‖ Jennifer looked at Jonathan incredulously. He squeezed her hand.

―There was talk about your mom and Gil. Your mom was on the way back from seeing

him—―

―Interviewing him.‖ At least that‘s what her father‘s notes had said.

―Yes. Interviewing him about his run for senate. But like I said, no own who knew her

believed it. We knew she was a strong, independent woman following her passion. And your

father supported it.‖

There was silence of a long moment.

―What do you think happened?‖ she finally asked.

Joe shook his head. ―My gut says it was an accident. Plain and simple.‖

―But...‖

―But, Stephan‘s arguments were persuasive. However, he couldn‘t prove them.‖

Just because you can‘t prove murder, doesn‘t mean it didn‘t happen.‖

―No. But you can‘t get justice without proof.‖

***

When they were done, Jonathan showed Joe out. He returned to the kitchen to find

Jennifer staring out the window.

―You okay?‖

She turned and gave him a wan smile. ―Yes.‖

―You want to keep at this?‖ He knew her answer would be yes, but he wanted her to

know it was okay if they stopped.

As expected, she nodded. ―Do you think Gil would come here?‖

―Let‘s call and find out.‖

Several hours later, Gil sat on the same place Joe had. And like Joe, he sighed and shook

his head when he was told the purpose of the visit.

―Stephan didn‘t want you to know about his suspicions.‖

―I know, but now that I do, I have to pursue it.‖

Gil nodded. ―Yes. You‘re like your mother. She‘d be proud of you. Just like Stephan was.

―Thank you.‖

―But I don‘t have anything to tell you.‖

―She was with you that day.‖

Gil‘s eyes darkened and his voice became terse. ―I don‘t know what you‘ve been told, but

she was interviewing me, that was it.‖

Jennifer flinched. Jonathan patted her hand to comfort. ―You sound defensive.‖

Gil rand an hand over his face. ―People in small towns talk, even when there‘s nothing to

talk about.‖

―They talked about you and my mom?‖

―Yes. There was nothing there though. As if you‘re mom would cheat on Stephan. The

sun rose and set by him as far as she was concerned.‖

Jonathan thought he heard a note of jealousy in Gil‘s tone. ―Would you have?‖

―Have what?‖

―Had an affair with Suzanne?‖

―Everyone who met your mother loved her. She was the epitome of womanhood.

Beautiful, smart, gracious, funny, exciting, elegant.‖

Jonathan had always thought the same of Jennifer, which was probably why everyone

who met her fell in love with her too.

―That‘s not an answer.‖

Gil sat back. ―Maybe. I loved my wife and Stephan was my friend. But Suzanne...‖

Jonathan wasn‘t surprised. He felt some of his acquaintances would feel the same about

Jennifer. But he trusted her, just like Stephan had trusted Suzanne.

―Was there anything she said that suggested she was in danger?‖

Gil shook his head. ―No. She was her usual self. Friendly, but tough on pushing me in the

interview.‖

Jennifer sat back and Jonathan felt the same disappointment she did.

―Stephan had concerns about a French man who‘d came back into Suzanne‘s life, but she

seemed to think he was harmless. In fact, I think they renewed their friendship. I know he was

high on Stephan‘s list of suspects.‖

Jennifer nodded. ―He told my father to look closer.‖

Gil frowned. ―When?‖

―A few weeks ago. His son delivered the message after Jean Luc died.‖

Gil shrugged. ―I didn‘t know that.‖

―Did my mom talk to you about Jean Luc?‖

―Only because I asked her about it. I know it was bothering Stephan. Not her relationship

with him. Stephan trusted her. But he didn‘t like this guy‘s intrusion.‖

Jonathan wondered if he was really looking out for Stephan or trying to determine if

Suzanne was having an affair, which would mean Gil might have a chance with her too.

―What did she say?‖

―Not much. Just that they were friends. Although I do believe she was supposed to meet

him for coffee or something after our interview. She never made it of course.‖

―Did she tell you anything about her intended visit with Jean Luc? Or give any clue about

how she felt? Was she nervous?‖

Gil shook his head. ―She was her usual delightful self.‖

Chapter Four

Jonathan watched as Gil drove off. Next to him Jennifer sighed.

―If this could be solved, my father would have done it. He had OSS training and decades

of intelligence experience.‖

Jonathan thought the same, but for him, this wasn‘t about solving the mystery of

Jennifer‘s mother. This was about Jennifer occupying her mind. It was a way for her to be close

to Stephan and her even her mother.

―You‘ve only talked to two people. You sure you‘re ready to let this go?‖

She turned, pressed hands to his chest. He covered them with his own, lifting one of her

hands to his lips. She looked up at him with her gorgeous hazel eyes.

―I don‘t know. I think I‘m afraid of what I might discover.‖

Jonathan frowned. ―You‘re worried the rumors about your mother are true?‖

―No.‖ She looked down. ―I don‘t‘ think so.‖

Jonathan put his arms around her, pulled her close. ―You don‘t have to decide anything

now. How about a rest then I‘ll cook you dinner.‖

She smiled in gratitude. ―I think we have enough dinner to feed an army in the freezer.‖

―Then I‘ll defrost something.‖

She nodded.

He hated it when her mind was troubled and he couldn‘t help. ―I love you.‖

She stroked his cheek. ―And I love you.‖

He‘d just put an arm around her to guide her back into the house when a car pulled in

front.

Ella emerged. ―Was that Gil I passed back on the road?‖

Jonathan wanted to Ella to go away, but knew it was bad manners. Besides, Jennifer said

she‘d been like a mother figure. Maybe that would help.

―Yes.‖

Ella gave Jennifer a hug then stood back to study her. ―You look tired.‖

―I am, a little.‖

―Jennifer was just about to take a rest.‖ If he was lucky, Ella would take the hint.

―Yes, yes. Go right now. I just stopped by to put something in the oven for you. You

shouldn‘t have to worry about your meals and the house during this terrible time.‖

―Thank you Ella, but I can‘t ask you to do that.‖

Ella‘s features dropped. ―But I want to.‖

Jennifer‘s head tilted to the side to side as it always did when she was about to give in.

Jonathan was about to say something, but she got to it first. ―Come and sit with us. We‘ve got a

lot of pie.‖

―You shouldn‘t be entertaining me.‖

―Please.‖ Jennifer put an arm around Ella. ―I‘d like the company.‖

Jonathan rolled his eyes, but followed them in. Then he checked himself. If Jennifer

wanted Ella there, he‘d support her. He supposed it was his own inadequacy that had him

thinking unkind things about Ella. He needed to focus on Jennifer and what she needed.

He started a new pot of coffee and wondered if he‘d be able to sleep that night.

―So, did Gil visit you?‖ Ella sat at the kitchen table with pie and coffee.

―Yes.‖ Jennifer tilted her head and bit her lip. Jonathan knew her well enough to know

that it meant she was pondering something. He guessed it was about her mother. ―I was asking

about some papers of my dad‘s I found.‖

―Oh?‖

―My father had a file on my mom‘s accident.‖

Ella choked. Immediately Jennifer patted her back.

―Oh dear.‖ Ella pulled herself together. ―You‘re not supposed to know about that.‖

―It seems like everyone but me knows about it.‖

―Only people close to Stephan. People he trusted.‖ Ella patted Jennifer‘s hand. ―It was a

terrible accident and he wanted to blame someone. But it was just an accident.‖

―I know. It‘s just there‘s a lot of unanswered questions.‖

―Life is messy. But you need to take solace in how happy they were. They didn‘t have

enough time together, but they made the most of what they had.‖ Ella picked up her coffee. ―And

they‘re together now. They wouldn‘t want you wasting another minute on them.‖

Jonathan winced at her choice of words. For Jennifer, any thoughts of her parents

wouldn‘t be seen as a waste.

But of course, Jennifer knew what Ella was trying to say. ―You‘re right. They wouldn‘t

want me worrying about the past.‖

―Joe said you had an accident that day too,‖ Jonathan said.

Ella‘s eyes widened. ―You talked to Joe too?‖

―Yes.‖

At first, Ella didn‘t say anything. Then she sighed. ―I guess you‘re not going to let this

go. You‘re like your parents in that way. Curious like your mom, stubborn like your dad.‖

Jennifer gave a wan smile.

―Yes. I was driving along Jennings road and a car sped up behind me. Well, I can‘t stand

tailgating so of course, I slowed down. Well, he didn‘t like that one bit.‖

―You could tell it was a man?‖

―Well, no. Not until he passed me. He hit me in front like he was trying to drive me off

the road. I‘ve never been so scared in my life.‖ Ella‘s hand covered her heart. ―I called the sheriff

as soon as I could. When I heard about your mom, I thought it had to be the same maniac.‖

―Did you recognize the man?‖

―No.‖ Ella looked down shaking her head. ―I tried.‖ She looked up again. ―Especially

when I knew Stephan and Joe were looking into it. But it happened so fast.‖

Jenifer patted Ella‘s hand. ―I know you did your best.‖

―I thought for sure it was the Frenchman. Your mom‘s old boyfriend. I don‘t think he

ever got over her.‖

―Did you ever meet him?‖

―No.‖

―Did mom ever talk to you about him?‖

―Not really. She said he was an old acquaintance who was having trouble adapting to

America. Why she just didn‘t let him go back to France I don‘t know. Especially with all the

talk.‖

Jennifer stiffened and pulled her hand away. ―Talk of her cheating.‖

Ella‘s eyes rounded. ―You have learned a lot. Yes, people who didn‘t know your parents

talked. You know how people are in small towns.‖

―Do you think she was having an affair?‖

―Good gracious no. But...‖

―But what?‖

―It‘s not just a small town, but a small town back when married women with children

stayed home. Not that anyone blamed her. Stephan traveled a lot and you were in school. A

woman like Suzanne wouldn‘t be content to stay home to polish silver all day.‖

―Not blame her?‖ Jennifer‘s back straightened and Jonathan put an hand on her shoulder

to help her stay calm.

―The people who talked. Not me. I told them they were wrong. You only had to be in the

same room with your parents to know they were devoted, but towns people talk. I tried to talk to

your mom about it, but she brushed it aside as silly idle gossip.‖

―How could they think that, and I never knew?‖ Jennifer sat back in her chair.

Ella took her hand. ―Stephan sent you to boarding school not long after. And new

scandals replace the old. Why just the other day I heard Sally Wallace was caught sneaking out

of Frank Langer‘s house while his wife was off shopping in Baltimore.‖

Jennifer sat quiet for a moment. ―Well, I‘m glad you weren‘t hurt that night too.‖

―I was lucky. I ended up having to send my car to the junkyard. The whole right side as

smashed to bits. I loved that car.‖ Then as If she caught her insensitivity, Ella said. ―I‘m sorry.

The loss of my car pales to losing your wonderful mom.‖

Jennifer nodded.

Ella sat back. ―Your poor father. He never did recover from losing Susanne.‖

―No.‖

―I tried to help. I told him to get back in the world and live. That you needed a mother

figure, but he just couldn‘t do it. Susanne was his soul mate.‖

―Thank you for saying that. I was so young and don‘t really remember them as a couple.‖

―Oh honey, they were in love and never wasted a moment. And you shouldn‘t either.‖

Chapter Five

Jonathan climbed into bed and pulled Jennifer close, kissing her head as she maneuvered

it snuggle it on his chest.

―My parents were happy, but their marriage wasn‘t perfect.‖

Jonathan looked down at Jennifer who tilted her head up to him. ―You‘re not thinking she

cheated?‖

―No. I mean, I was a child and wouldn‘t be able to know the signs, but I believe Joe, Gil

and Ella. But, my dad didn‘t always like my mom working. Joe was right. It was different back

then and my dad was a bit old fashioned at times.‖

Jonathan nodded. ―Most people are a product of their time.‖

―Ella was right too. My dad traveled a lot and my mom wasn‘t the stay at home type. She

had a bit of wanderlust.‖

Jonathan smiled. ―Like someone I know.‖

Jennifer returned the smile. ―We‘re better than they were.‖

For some reason, that statement made Jonathan ridiculously happy. He‘d long thought he

and Jennifer‘s relationship was unique. Not that there weren‘t other happy marriages, but he felt

certain theirs rose above the rest. ―I like to think so.‖

Jennifer shifted, lay over him. Instinctively, Jonathan‘s body reacted. Inwardly he worked

to tamp down on his libido. Jennifer had just lost her father and was dealing with the possible

murder of her mother. Now was not the time for love making.

―Sometimes I look at you and wonder how I got so lucky.‖

Jonathan grinned. ―I am a catch.‖

She laughed. ―Yes. But I‘m being serious. When you look at life and how messy and

random it is. What if Kingsford Motors hadn‘t needed help and what if you hadn‘t agreed to help

it? What if I hadn‘t decided I needed a change and moved to London for a year? What if—‖

Jonathan covered her lips with his finger. ―But it did, and I did, and you did. And I‘m

grateful everyday for it.‖

―But you know what I mean. When my mom left that morning, she and Pa and I had

every reason to expect she‘d be back. That we‘d have dinner together. In an instant that was

gone.‖

Jonathan wasn‘t sure where she was going with her thoughts, so he simply waited for her

to continue.

―We need to savor every moment. Not waste one minute.‖

He pushed a tendril of her hair back from her face. ―Do you think we waste time?‖

―I think we do better than most, but even for us, life can become so daily.‖

Jonathan knew what she meant. While not a day went by that they didn‘t say they loved

each other, there were times the days passed in a blur. She expected him home every night and

he expected her to be home when he got there. He didn‘t want to imagine a day like the one she

and her father had to endure the day her mother died.

Jennifer scooted her body up higher, and leveled her face above his. ―I want to savor

every minute.‖

He nodded. Before he could respond, her lips pressed to his. He kissed her back, working

to sooth her torment, but she ratcheted up the kiss. Turning it hot, hard, and passionate.

―I want to savor you...‖ Her lips trailed down his jaw, his neck to his chest. ―To savor

us.‖ She lifted her head and gazed down on him. He thought of words he could say, but decided

he didn‘t need them. With one hand, he slid his fingers through her hair, pulling her head back to

him. The other he slid down her back, and then he let his senses take over. She took the lead,

taking her time to touch and taste until he thought he might go mad. Her lips and hands were

everywhere, building his need until it was nearly painful. She moved slow, savoring him, and it

was all could do to keep from rolling her on her back and pounding into her. Her touch had

always been like that. Potent, powerful and so pleasurable it always made his world tilt.

It seemed like forever, but finally they were both flesh to flesh. She rose over him, took

him in, deep, deeper. Christ it was perfect. He forced his eyes open, wanting to watch her move

over him. She was a like a goddess, all smooth skin, fluid movement, and radiant. He levered up,

took her in a hot, wet kiss, as one hand kneaded the hard peak of her breast. She gasped in his

mouth, but he still kissed her. Sometimes, such as moments like this, it was as if he couldn‘t get

close enough, deep enough.

She broke the kiss on a groan, throwing her head back as her body rode him faster,

harder. Stars swam in his eyes, but watched her. Watched her pleasure rise. Watched her reach

higher and higher. He felt her body sliding over him, the friction building until he worried he

wouldn‘t be able to hold back his own release.

She let out a gasp and her head snapped forward, her gaze caught his and she came hard

around him. It was the most beautiful thing he‘d ever seen.

When she finally sag against him, kissed his neck, he held her despite the pain of his own

lack of release.

―What are you waiting for?‖ She nipped his earlobe.

―I want to savor you, us, more.‖ He rolled her under him and hissed as the slide of their

bodies nearly took away his chance to pleasure her again. To make sure he could, he withdrew

from her body.

―Jonathan.‖

―Shh.‖ He kissed her, clasping his hands with hers, palm to palm and lifting them over

her head. ―My turn.‖

Jennifer closed her eyes so she could focus on the sensation of Jonathan‘s mouth on hers

and then her neck. His tongue laved her breast and this mouth covered it and suckled. Even

though she was spent, she could feel the desire build again in her belly.

Jonathan wasn‘t the first man to touch her, but he did it in a way she‘d never experienced

before. Where was always an awe in the way he loved her. It was as if the love he felt for her

seeped from his skin into her with every touch. The pleasure was always spectacular, but it was

the connection, as if it wasn‘t just their bodies connecting, but their souls as well that made the

love making so perfect.

And as usual, he didn‘t disappoint. Where his fingers caressed, her body shivered. Where

his lips kissed her soul sang.

―So beautiful.‖ His words trailed along with this lips down her body. He was savoring

her. He always had. She knew he always did and always would. But he understood her need to

do so now. If something happened to her or him, she didn‘t want to have any moment that he

didn‘t know just how much she loved and admired him.

He took his time, and the need grew, from a soft fluid flow into a flood. ―Jonathan.‖

She thought he might make her wait, but in an instant, he moved up her body, clasped her

hands over her head again, and slid in smooth yet deep. Their sighs echoed through the room.

―I love you.‖ Her words came out in a harsh breath as he withdrew and thrust again.

He kissed her then, completing the connection. The kiss was rough, needy and she loved

that moment when his finesse dissolved and there was just him and his desperate need for her.

His lips tore from hers. ―Jennifer.‖ He levered himself over her, his body gaining speed

and force as he sought his release. He was thick, hard and pulsing, and he sent her reeling.

She cried out as her body convulsed around him. He let out a feral groan and followed

her over to heaven.

***

The next morning, Jennifer woke just before the dawn. She looked at Jonathan sleeping

peacefully next to her. God she loved this man. She thanked God for putting him in her path. She

wanted to touch him, but he‘d been carrying so much of the heavy emotional load since her

father died. So she quietly slipped from bed, put her robe on and headed down to the kitchen.

She put a pot on for coffee and then went back to reviewing her father‘s file.

She cursed herself for not writing down what Joe, Gil and Ella had told her the day

before. She pulled out a blank paper and wrote what she could remember. Her mother left Gil‘s

home after an interview presumably to meet Jean Luc. Joe happened on her mother‘s accident

after a call from Ella warned of a reckless driver. According to Joe, there were no other sightings

of the driver, although it was dark and the weather was bad. Most people would have stayed

home.

Jennifer closed her eyes, imagining what Joe must have seen. Or maybe he did it. But

why? Had there been rumors about her mom and him? Jennifer didn‘t think so. Ella or Gil would

have said something. Maybe.

She tried to imagine a reckless driver. Was he after her mom or just crazy or drunk? He‘d

somehow made it from Jennings Road to Haven Gulch, a curvy road, only hitting Ella. She

imagined Ella driving along the road and the reckless man catching up, passing her and hitting

her on the ...

Jennifer‘s eyes flew open. She sat for a moment as the unthinkable flashed in her brain.

She grabbed the spoon and knife laying on the table. The spoon was Ella‘s car, the knife was the

reckless driver. She moved the knife behind and then to left to pass the spoon. The knife veered

right hitting the spoon on the left.

―Oh god.‖

―Daring?‖ Jonathan‘s hand slid onto her shoulder.

She looked up at him. ―Ella was the knife.‖

Jonathan‘s brows pulled together.

Jennifer shook her head, knowing she sounded like a loon. ―The two cars. This is the

reckless driver.‖ She held up the knife. Then she reenacted her experiment.

Jonathan inhaled. ―The spoon is Ella.‖

―It can‘t be. I think Ella killed my mom. She said her car was ruined on the right, but that

could only happen if she was the one passing. Otherwise the left side would have been

damaged.‖

―Jennifer.‖ Jonathan sat next to her.

She could see the whirlwind of shock in his eyes. It was the same torrent of emotion

swirling through her.

―Maybe she hit the guardrail. Or she confused her left and right.‖

―Maybe.‖ But Jennifer didn‘t think so.

―What motive did Ella have to want your mom dead?‖

―My dad.‖

Jonathan studied her.

―She never remarried either. And from the moment my mother was dead, she was here. If

he‘d shown the least bit interest, I have no doubt she would have been my step-mom.‖ Jennifer

couldn‘t hold back the cry. ―And I would have loved her. I did love her.‖

Jonathan shook his head. ―You didn‘t know. It‘s not a betrayal.‖

―It sounds crazy doesn‘t it? To kill my mom to have my dad?‖

―She didn‘t deserve him.‖

Jennifer‘s head whipped around to see Ella standing in the kitchen. She didn‘t look like a

killer. She looked like the same sweet woman Jennifer had known and loved her whole life.

―What do you mean?‖ Jonathan stood, but he kept a hand on Jennifer‘s shoulder.

―She was always running off. Shirking her duties to your father and you. No wonder he

traveled so much.‖

Jennifer felt like there was an anvil on her chest. She was unable to breath with the

weight of it. ―He traveled for his job.‖

―She wasn‘t faithful. She didn‘t need to work. It was all an excuse to see her men.‖

―No!‖ Jennifer stood. ―My parents loved each other.‖ That she knew.

―She didn‘t deserve him.‖

―You stole her from us.‖ Jennifer took a step forward. Anger seethed like red fire ready to

consume her. Jonathan‘s hand on her arm slowed her progress.

Ella stepped back, but that didn‘t stop her words. ―He could have it so much better. He

never saw how much better I took care of him and you.‖

―Ella, why don‘t you sit down.‖ Jonathan motioned to the terrace. Jennifer was about to

protest, but his eyes conveyed a message to go along. ―Jennifer, I think the coffee is ready. We

can have it outside.‖

Jennifer studied him, wondering why he was inviting the woman who killed her mother

for coffee. But his eyes nodded toward the phone on the wall in the kitchen. He leaned forward,

appeared to give her kiss. ―Call Joe.‖

She nodded. ―Yes. Ella, why don‘t you stay.‖

Ella stared at them both. ―There‘s no use.‖

Jonathan put a gentle hand on Ella‘s elbow. ―It‘s nice this morning on the terrace.‖

―I‘ll bring out the coffee.‖ The words burned in Jennifer‘s gut, but she‘d play nice for the

time being.

―It doesn‘t matter now.‖ Ella muttered as she let Jonathan guide her to the terrace.

―It matters, Ella.‖

Jennifer went into the kitchen and picked up the phone. What did she say? ―Hey Joe, Ella

killed my mom because she was in love with my dad.‖ No. He probably wouldn‘t believe her.

Instead, she just asked him to come over regarding more papers of her dad‘s.

Jennifer brought the coffee on the terrace setting it on the table. Fortunately, Jonathan did

the honors of serving. The grief and pain and anger had Jennifer shaking too much to deal with

Ella.

―Tell Jennifer what you told me, Ella. About Jean Luc.‖

Ella sighed. ―I told her to stay away from him. It wasn‘t right. She had a perfect husband

and daughter. ‗He‘s an old friend, Ella. That‘s all.‘ But I knew what was going on.‖

Jennifer could only seethe over her coffee.

―He told her he should stay away from me. Can you believe that? I was her friend. I was

trying to help her and he thought I was dangerous.‖

―You were.‖ Jennifer wasn‘t going to play nice anymore.

Ella‘s eyes darkened into hate. ―You‘re like her, you know.‖

Jonathan reached out to take Jennifer‘s hand. His eyes asked her to hold it together. Told

her he loved her.

―Never happy just taking care of your man. Stephan wanted more children. Did you know

that? But she didn‘t. She wanted to travel. To work. To whore around.‖

Jennifer inhaled a deep breath, turning away. Jonathan took her coffee, as if he knew she

might throw it on Ella.

―What‘s going on here?‖ Joe‘s voice came from the around the side of the house as he

made his way to the terrace. ―No one came to the door. I hope you don‘t mind my poking

around.‖

―Joe.‖ Jonathan stood and shook the retired sheriffs hand. Jennifer wondered if she

should have called the current sheriff. She had to trust Joe would know what to do.

Joe looked from Jonathan to Jennifer to Ella. ―Some sort of pow wow?‖

―Ella killed my mother.‖ There. It was out.

Joe‘s caterpillar brows shot to his hairline. ―What?‖ He wasn‘t going to believe her. She

could see it in his eyes.

―She deserved it.‖ Ella stood. ―None of them appreciated what I did for them. Not

Stephan. Not Jennifer. I gave them everything. And what did I get in return? Nothing.‖

―You took everything from us. You deserve nothing.‖ Unable to cope any longer,

Jennifer hurried into the house.

―Hey.‖ Strong arms came around her, pulled her close and held her. Thank God, because

she felt like she was about fly apart.

―I‘m sorry—―

―No. Don‘t be sorry. That was difficult. And you were strong. So strong Jennifer.‖

―I shouldn‘t have run off like that.‖

―Hey.‖ He used the crook of his finger to lift her chin. ―There are no rules for something

like this. You did what you needed to do and that‘s that.‖

Grateful that he understood, she buried her head in his chest and wept again for her

mother and her father.

A Week Later

Jonathan walked through the front door of his home, exhausted after his first day back at

work. He and Jennifer had spent a tumultuous week in Maryland burying her father, and

discovering a long time family friend had killed her mother. But Jennifer was a trouper. Yes, she

cried and threw a few things in anger, but was strong, and when it counted, did what she had to

do to stand up for the mother she hardly knew against the woman who took her away.

There was a question about whether or not Jennifer would get justice. After all these

years, there wasn‘t much to link Ella to Susanne‘s death. Even her confession might not be

enough according to the prosecutor. Inially, Jennifer took the news hard, but then she recounted

something her mother had told her.

―I told her it wasn‘t fair that Jimmy could cheat and win. Everyone knew he cheated and

he still won. My mom said that life wasn‘t fair sometimes, but that we couldn‘t linger on it. We

had to look forward, move ahead. I think that‘s what I need to do here. Carrying in resentment

only keeps me from living fully. And I have so much to savor in life.‖

It was another reminder of how strong she was. They closed up the house, not ready to

make decisions about the content and returned home the day before. The next morning, Jonathan

was up and off to work as usual. But it wasn‘t usual. Today, he was acutely aware of being apart

from her during the day. At first, he shrugged it off as adjustment since they‘d been together 24/7

over the last few weeks. But as the day progressed, the awareness only increased. He called her

in the middle of the day, thinking perhaps the unsettling was due to concern over her emotional

state, but she sounded fine. She said she slept in and was taking care of some overdue edits on

her most recent article. And still, the feeling didn‘t go away. By the time he walked into their

home, he knew the issue and how to resolve it.

―Jennifer?‖

There was no response. He headed toward the kitchen where he saw her pants and then

her shirt on the floor heading out the back door. Unsure, he followed the trail, discovering her

bra and then panties. He grinned, and followed them on to the terrace. She stood, so beautiful

and radiant in her robe by their hot tub.

―Remember when we used to take a soak nearly every evening after work?‖

―I do.‖ His smile was mixed as he realized it had been awhile since they‘d indulged in the

dusk time soak.

She dropped her robe and his mouth went dry. It didn‘t matter that he‘d seen her body

hundreds of times. Seeing her smooth, silky peach flesh, feminine curves and long legs always

stopped his heart initially, and then kicked it into high gear.

―Care to join me?‖

Well duh. ―Absolutely.‖ He undressed quickly not caring if his expensive suit and shirt

made it to the lounge chair he tossed them to or not. He sank into the hot frothy water, and

immediately she was in his arms.

―Welcome home.‖

He grinned, and gave her a short nod, his cue that it was time to kiss. She smiled

knowingly and took his lips with her own.

All day she‘d waited for him to come home. Initially, she was a little annoyed at herself.

She wasn‘t a person who pined. She was an independent woman with her own career. And yet,

all she could think about was having him home again. It didn‘t take a shrink for her to know that

going home and being immersed in the loss of her mother and how her father had spent the rest

of his life without the woman he loved was involved in her emotional state. She wanted to make

sure she never missed an important moment with Jonathan. That he never went a second without

her knowing how much she loved him. She started by returning to an old activity they‘d often

done after work; a soak in the hot tub.

She kissed him, thoroughly, lovingly. When she pulled away, she leaned her forehead

against his. Her hand slid down over his chest to feel his heart beating. ―As a writer, it‘s

annoying that I can‘t find the words to tell you how much I love you.‖

―There are no words.‖

She lifted her head and looked into his brilliant blue eyes.

―But I see it, in your eyes when you look at me like that.‖

She smiled. ―It‘s palpable between us, isn‘t it?‖

He nodded. ―Like magic.‖

She kissed him again and then just held him.

―I missed you.‖ His lips whispered on her skin.

She laughed. ―Really?‖

―Really.‖

―I missed you too. I was feeling silly about it.‖

He shook his head. ―No. It‘s not silly. Actually, I‘ve starting thinking it might be time for

me to retire.‖

―What?‖

―Hart Industries doesn‘t need me.‖

―But it‘s your legacy. And you enjoy it.‖

He inhaled a deep breath. ―Yes, but when I think about spending a day pondering

mergers or being here with you, like this, you win every time.‖

―Ah. That‘s sweet.‖

―And it‘s true. You said it in Maryland. We need to savor every moment. I don‘t waste a

minute of life I can spend with you.‖

Jennifer felt emotion well in her chest. ―You don‘t think you‘d get tired of me spending

day in and day out together?‖

―Not possible.‖ He cocked his head to the side. ―You think you‘ll get tired of me?‖

―Never.‖

―And you don‘t have to stop your work, but now I can travel with you. I‘ll carry your

bags.‖

She laughed. ―You‘re amazing.‖

His hands slid up her back and pulled her closer. ―You amaze me.‖

Her hands cradled his face. ―It will never be enough time.‖

―So we‘ll make the best of what we‘re given.‖

She nodded, moved closer, and then sank over him, thrilling at the groan that vibrated in

his chest. Her gaze caught his and she moved slowly over him, around him. She was going to

spend her life dedicated to him. Loving him. Savoring each moment with him. Starting now.

The End

A Night to Remember

In Emily by Hart, Jonathan references a night a week earlier that he’d like a repeat of. This is the

story of what took place that inspired him to whisk her away a week later to Santa Luisa. Note…his

reference is about an intimate encounter between them so this story is one long “good bit.” If you

don’t like love scenes, you probably should skip this story.

Epilogue

Jennifer turned away from the perfect ocean view to look at the perfect man who‘d brought

her there.

―It‘s beautiful hotel.‖ She slid her hand up over his shoulder, needing to touch him. ―What

a lovely idea and very well planned.―

―Only the best for you.‖

―I‘ll drink to that.‖ She clinked her champagne flute against his and drank. She didn‘t know

what had compelled him to whisk her away on a surprise weekend trip, but the reason didn‘t

matter. It was in his nature to surprise her, especially since he knew she loved surprises. ―This is

certainly a perfect place for 36 hours. How long have you been planning this?‖

―Since Saturday.‖ There was a twinkle in his eye that hinted at a greater meaning.

―Saturday?‖ Her brows drew together as she tried to remember what had happened the

previous weekend. ―But Saturday was a….‖ And then it came to her. The images flooded her

brain. Every erotic whisper. Every sensual caress. Everything. ―Oh…Saturday.‖ The delicious

shimmer of sensuality flowed through her. ―Well that was very…‖

He grinned. ―Very inspirational.‖

―Yes.‖ She felt her cheeks flush at the memory.

―I‘d like a repeat without any interruptions or annoyances or anything like that.‖

She smiled coyly. ―Okay.‖

*Scene from Emily by Hart

Chapter One: One Week Earlier

Jennifer fanned her face as she studied the erotic images before her. When she‘d accepted

the assignment to write a series of articles on the history of lifestyle guides, she hadn‘t imagined

she‘d be looking at these pictures. She thought she‘d write about Miss Manners and the 1950s

housewife manual her mother had but never used. Those and several others like it were on her

review list, including the Bible chapter, Leviticus, which is why it was so strange now to be

looking at sexual pictures.

She turned the page, leaned closer to study the two people intimately entwined. I wonder if

Jonathan could do that? She shook her head. He wasn‘t flexible enough. Then again… She

studied the picture more. They could at least try it. He was always game for anything when it

came to sex. She laughed at herself. If there was one thing she and Jonathan didn‘t need, it was a

manual about sex. Or love and marriage for that matter. Still.

Jennifer pulled out her notebook, and turned the manual back to the opening chapters. As

she took notes, she plotted how she might research the topic further, with Jonathan‘s help of

course.

Jonathan left for the office that morning annoyed. He avoided working on Saturdays

whenever possible. But that morning, issues had arisen with the computer servers running Hart

industry‘s intranet and it couldn‘t be ignored. The day was made even more annoying that Deann

wasn‘t there to run interference on Stanley, so Jonathan had to endure every bumble and ramble.

Jonathan figured that alone kept him away from home for two hours more than needed.

But as he shut the front door behind him, he pushed that away. He was home. Now he

could put all his time and focus on the thing he loved most.

―Jennifer?‖ He started across the foyer toward the living area.

―Upstairs.‖

He stopped, looked up to the closed door of their bedroom, and then headed to the stairs.

His mind filled with the image of her warm, rosy and sated…just the way he‘d left her that

morning. He laughed and then tried to clear his head of carnal thoughts. It wasn‘t easy. The truth

of the matter was, he could spend every minute of every day for the rest of his life in her arms.

Talking, laughing, making love.

He opened the door expecting to see her writing or reading. Instead, the room was dim,

except for the light flickering from candles strewn around the room. Immediately his heart jack-

hammered, and the lower part of his body sprung to life. A slow grin spread on his face as he

saw her standing in the middle of the room. She wore the gorgeous dark green negligee he‘d

bought for her during their last trip to Paris. It clung to her curves and dipped enough between

her breasts to look sexy and tantalizing. His mouth watered with the urge to run his tongue from

her collar bone down her cleavage, then to feast on her soft peaks. The light from the candles

shimmered over her hair, making it look like spun gold. She was breathtaking.

He moved toward her as fast as his legs could carry him, but when he reached for her, she

held a hand up and stepped back.

―This is my seduction, darling.‖

His mouth went dry. It was amazing she could still have that effect on him after all these

years. After all the times he‘d touched her and she touched him. But she did. Now, just like the

first time, he hungered for her like an addict craved a drug. ―Okay.‖

―I‘m doing research.‖

He wasn‘t sure what to think of that. ―You‘re going to write about this?‖

Her cheeks flushed, as if she was embarrassed. It was adorable, and he had to clasp his

hands behind his back to keep from pulling her into his arms.

―Not this specifically. I just want to test some things out. You‘re alright with that, aren‘t

you?‖

His head was nodding before she finished. ―I‘m always ready with you.‖ He cocked his

head to the side. ―Is this part of the life guides you‘re writing about? What‘s this one? The Joy of

Sex?‖

She shook her head. ―The Kama Sutra.‖

Jonathan had already been hard, but at those words, he was painfully so. He swallowed.

―The book about sex positions?‖

―There‘s that, but there‘s actually a lot more.‖

More?

She moved away and turned on the stereo. Sensual jazz filled the room, and Jonathan

actually felt a little dizzy from the heady atmosphere she was creating. She was like an angel or

goddess. When she returned to him, she held up her hands. ―Will you dance with me, Jonathan?‖

He nodded, because his tongue was suddenly too thick to speak with.

―It‘s actually a guide to love and marriage. The sexual positions are just one part of that,‖

she explained.

It was instinct more than purpose that had him putting his arm around her waist and pulling

her close. He held her hand, pulling it into his chest, wanting greater intimacy. ―Do we need

that?‖

She shook her head. ―Actually, we‘re the poster couple for marriage.‖

He grinned. ―Good to know.‖

―For example, we fit perfectly.‖

He slowly led her around the room, letting her words distract him from the need pounding

through his bloodstream. ―I knew that.‖

She laughed. ―According the Kama Sutra, there are three types of men and three types of

women. The men are the hare—―

―As in the stuff on my head or a rabbit?‖

―Rabbit. They tend to be small in stature and …well…other areas.‖

Jonathan snorted. And then he frowned.

―Don‘t worry darling, you‘re not a hare.‖ She winked.

Well, I hope not.

―There‘s also the bull.‖

That sounded better.

―He‘s robust, powerful…thick…though not very long.‖

All of a sudden, he didn‘t want to be a bull either.

―And then there‘s the stallion or horse. Tall, muscular, loves adventure.‖

―It sounds like a dating ad.‖

―And…long.‖ She gave him a coy, knowing smile that let him know he was a stallion. It

was dumb to be pleased by that, but he was a man after all.

―And the three women?‖ They were still dancing, and he pulled her a little bit closer,

letting the sweet exotic scent of her tease his senses.

―Don‘t you want to know the erogenous zones for men first?‖

―Sweetheart, I know that already.‖ He ground his hips against her to prove it.

She smirked. ―You have more than just that, you know.‖

―If I do, they‘re dormant at the moment.‖

―We‘ll get to that later then.‖

The promise of her words sent an electric current through him. He wondered for a moment

if it was possible to die of arousal. Because he was at his max and they were still only dancing.

―The women,‖ she continued. ―Are the doe or deer. She‘s petite and gentle. She fits best

with the hare.‖

―Because of temperament? Because a rabbit and a deer...‖ He shook his head.

―Then there is the mare, she‘s stout and a little wild.‖

―She‘s the one for the stallion.‖

Jennifer shook her head. ―No, the bull.‖

―Then shouldn‘t she be a cow?‖

Jennifer frowned.

―Not cow in a bad way. But a bull is a cow, right? What‘s a female cow?‖

Jennifer brows furrowed. ―Heifer?‖ Then she shook her head. ―I didn‘t decide these

things.‖

―Cows are sacred in India, right?‖

―Do you want me to finish?‖

At her annoyed tone, Jonathan gave her his I‘ll behave face.

―The third woman is an elephant.‖

Jonathan bit his lip to keep from laughing.

―She is tall, radiant and harmonious in demeanor.‖

―That describes you, except the elephant part. And elephants and stallions don‘t really

go…‖

He stopped when she gave him a disapproving glare.

―And what are her erogenous zones?‖ Chancing more rebuke, he slid his hand up her side

to just below the swell of her breast.

Her eyes flashed with heat. ―More on that later.‖

―You‘re killing me here, you know that.‖

She waggled her brows. ―I know. But it‘s all in the name of research.‖

―So what‘s next?‖

―Well, there are many parts to romance and sex. We‘re starting at the beginning with

mood.‖

―This is lovely, but you know, one look at you…hell just thinking of you…and I‘m in the

mood.‖

―A romantic mood. And you‘re not taking this very seriously. Maybe we should stop.‖

He knew she was teasing, but on the off chance she wasn‘t, he sobered up and focused on

her experiment. ―Sorry. I‘m all yours.‖

―Are you sure? Because I think you‘ll like what‘s ahead, but you‘re spoiling the mood.‖

He stopped dancing and cradled her face in his hands. ―I already like what we‘re doing and

I want to go wherever you want to take me tonight.‖ Then he frowned. He didn‘t know the Kama

Sutra very well, but he‘d remembered seeing pictures once of sexual positions that only

contortionists could do. ―I will try whatever you want to do. I only hope I don‘t disappoint you.‖

―You won‘t.‖

He wanted to kiss her, but she was in charge of this show and so he simply pulled her into

his arms and started dancing with her again.

―Can I tell you the four paths to love without you laughing?‖

He winced, realizing his teasing embarrassed her. ―I won‘t laugh.‖

She studied his face, and he did his best to look serious. Apparently it was enough.

―The first is imagination or fantasy. It‘s really about attraction before you really know them

and thinking about what being with them would be like. The next is, practice. The couple grows

closer through intimacy.‖

―Emotional intimacy?‖

She shook her head. ―Sexual.‖

He swallowed down the lust that flamed at her words and they way her amber eyes glowed

in the candle light.

―The third is belief, where the couple has a bond and a commitment.‖

―I skipped down all three of those paths the night I met you.‖

She smiled, and it told him he‘d said the right thing, and she‘d felt the same. ―The fourth

path is objects.‖

Again, his libido spiked. ―Like…toys?‖

Jennifer laughed. ―No. Objects like a house. Actually, I think it means the couple has the

same goals.‖

He was disappointed, but fought to keep it from showing on his face.

―Toys are an option in the embrace and touch phase.‖ Her smile held mischief. As if she

had a secret.

He groaned.

―But we‘re not there yet.‖

Heaven help him. ―Soon?‖ His voice was tight.

She only smiled.

Chapter Two

Jennifer released her hands from Jonathan‘s so she could move to the next phase of her

seduction. She began to unbutton his shirt, worrying her lower lip because she felt a little silly

playing sex games. Not that she and Jonathan didn‘t have fun and adventure during love making,

but this was a little different.

―You‘re beautiful.‖

She lifted her gaze to brilliant blue eyes, and her nerves scattered as she saw the love and

desire swirling in them. He always seemed to say the right thing just when she needed it.

Just then the phone rang. Jonathan closed his eyes, but his frown showed annoyance. ―I

should probably get that.‖

She nodded.

―Hello?‖ Jonathan spoke in the phone, but his gaze held hers. ―Nah, Max. Don‘t worry

about it. Yeah, okay.‖ Jonathan hung up the phone. ―Freeway got into a mud fight with a poodle.

Max is taking him to the groomers. Now, where were we?‖ He pulled her into his arms.

She continued to undo the buttons of his shirt. ―The Kama Sutra describes three kinds of

passions.‖

―Three?‖

She nodded, pushing his shirt open and running her hands over his strong chest. ―Intense,

which is passionate, thrilling and sensual.‖

He groaned when she scraped her fingernails over his nipples.

―Middling, which is okay sex, but nothing too memorable. And feeble, which in my mind

hardly seems worth it.‖ Her hands slid lower, loving that his muscles quivered under her touch.

―Have you ever had feeble or middling sex?‖ His voice was raspy, and she appreciated his

attempt to let her lead, even though she was sure he was ready for intercourse. Or maybe that

was just her.

―Not with you, darling.‖

―I‘m dying to kiss you.‖ His hands rubbed up and down her arms, but it felt less loving and

more like he was urging her to hurry up.

―Soon.‖

The phone rang again.

Jonathan swore. ―I‘ll take it off the hook next time.‖ He grabbed the phone. ―Hello.‖ He

listened, his eyes rolling as he did. ―Stanley, it‘s all good. We can work on it Monday. I‘ve gotta

go.‖ Jonathan blew a breath in annoyance. ―Yes. That‘s fine. I‘ve gotta go.‖ Jonathan didn‘t wait

for an answer. He hung up the phone, and then set it off the hook on the side table. ―I‘m sorry.‖

―It‘s okay.‖ She reached for him, but then the phone started making a sound to indicate it

was off the hook.

Jonathan growled. He went to the wall, and yanked the phone cord out. ―I‘ll get a new one

later.‖

Jennifer smiled. It did her ego good to know how much he wanted her. He pulled her into

his arms and she resumed her seduction. She undid his slacks, pushing them along with his

boxers down his strong legs. His erection sprang free, strong and hard, and she thrilled at his

reaction to her. ―Do you remember the second time we made love?‖

―Second? I remember every time. Even the first.‖

She drew a finger down the length of him and smiled when he swore. ―The first was a bit

frenetic. But the second, you touched me everywhere.‖

―I wanted to know every inch of you,‖ he managed through gritted teeth.

―The passion and embrace part of the Kama Sutra is about touch, and sensual massage.‖

―I love it when you touch me, but I don‘t think I can bear to lay on my stomach for a

massage.‖ He glanced down at where the source of his pain and desire was poking her in the

belly.

She smiled. ―Then lay on your back. I promise you‘ll love it.‖

He gripped her arms tighter. ―I know I will. But I can‘t promise I‘ll last very long.‖ He

stared at her, awe and need swirling in a fiery mix in his eyes.

―I have faith in your control.‖

―More than I do.‖

―And your stamina.‖

He groaned. His hands slid up to her shoulders. ―At least, can we be on the same playing

field?‖ His fingers slid under the straps of her negligee and pulled them down.

She stepped back, and smiled coyly as she let the negligee fall from her body into a pool on

the floor. His eyes flashed with burning heat.

―God I want you.‖

―I‘m all yours.‖ She led him to the bed. ―But first, you‘re all mine.‖

He laid on his back, his gaze on her. She straddled his thighs, careful not to touch his most

intimate spot. Her hands lightly rubbed his temples and down to his chest. Her fingers pressed

more firmly against his pecs as she massaged him. Again, she let her nails scratch over his

nipples and then down around his navel. A groan rumbled through his chest. She adjusted her

body so she could continue the massage down his legs, teasing the area between his thighs.

―Jennifer.‖ His voice was needy and desperate.

―I was thrilled the first time I saw your body.‖ And relieved, she remembered. She had

agreed to marry him before ever seeing him naked. Before ever knowing just how good they

could be in bed. And while a sexy body and bedroom skills weren‘t at the top of her list in

choosing a partner, they were still important. But like his generous heart, endearing boyish

charm, and devastating good looks, Jonathan had the body and sensual skills to match.

―You took my breath away.‖ His eyes were closed, and she couldn‘t be sure it was to enjoy

her touch or a mental effort to keep from coming too soon.

She continued her ministrations down his leg and up the other until she returned to his

temples. His eyes opened and she saw hope that she was ready to move on. She nearly indulged

him, but she had so much more planned.

―Close your eyes.‖

He inhaled deeply and complied. Jennifer picked up the bottle of cherry scented oil from

her side table and squirted a bit into her palm. She rubbed her hands together to warm them.

Then she pressed them over his chest and repeated her massage.

―You like cherries.‖

He made a sound, but she couldn‘t decipher what he said.

Finally, she settled over his thighs. Her fingers nimbly massaged one round sack.

―Ah God.‖ His hips arched.

―This is the lingam.‖ She massaged his hard length between her oiled hands.

His growl was low, nearly under his breath.

―The Kama Sutra has various ideas on what I should do with it.‖

―You‘re killing me.‖

―There‘s the fire starter, rubbing like this.‖

He hissed out a breath.

―The old one two.‖ She gripped him with one hand, sliding it down his shaft, following it

with her other hand, in alternating strokes. His hips gyrated, moving with her.

―Or the head start.‖ She wrapped on hand around him and held, while the other massaged

his tip. ―I‘d like to try the belly flop, but it‘s impossible.‖

―Thank God.‖

She pushed his length down against his belly and then released it. It popped back up. ―It‘s

supposed to stay down so I can pet it.‖

―Jennifer. God, please.‖

His tone suggested he was moving from excited to torment. She didn‘t want to torture him.

She released him and moved up his body.

―There are several types of kisses, but the hell with it.‖ She fused her mouth to his, wanting

to taste his desire, his desperate need for her. His arms banded around her, and drew her in

closer. His tongue danced with hers in a frenetic tango. ―I want to run my lips over you.‖

He groaned. ―I won‘t make it.‖

She lifted her head and moved away.

―Jennifer...‖ his word drew out in a long moan.

―Maybe this will help.‖ She opened her side table drawer and pulled out a soft plastic ring.

She studied it, hoping it would be big enough.

He took in a shaky breath. Then he grabbed the ring. ―I better do it. You‘ll force me to

make a mess if you do it.‖

She smiled. They weren‘t really a couple to use toys. Why would they be when the real

thing was always so spectacular? The only reason they had a few toys was because people would

occasionally give them as gag gifts. They‘d tried them, of course, but nearly always tossed them

aside, instead choosing to use their own bodies to bring pleasure. A few times, they‘d used them

when one or the other had been traveling as part of a late night video sex chat. But even then, it

wasn‘t as satisfying as when he was inside her. Loving her with every fiber of his being.

Jonathan took a few steadying breaths and then looked up at her. ―Do I get a turn with the

touching?‖

She answered by laying back on the bed offering her body to him.

―Close your eyes.‖

She cocked an eyebrow, wondering what he had planned. But she complied, shutting her

eyes and waiting to feel his large, warm hands on her.

A few moments later, she felt a velvety soft object caress her forehead, down her nose to

her chin. The sweet floral scent told her it was a rose. She loved how Jonathan, without being

told, understood this little experiment. He was extremely intuitive about things like that.

―Do you know how beautiful you are?‖ The rose slid down her neck. ―Not just outside, but

inside too?‖ The rose slid between her breasts and rested over her heart. ―But the outside is

perfection.‖

Jennifer gasped as the cool rose swirled around the sensitive tip of her breast.

―When we‘re apart, I dream about you. About your smile…about your curves…about how

it feels to touch and taste you, to move inside you.‖

Jennifer bit her lower lip as Jonathan drew the rose down lower and lower, nudging her

thighs apart.

―I crave you.‖

―Yes.‖ The bud lingered over the folds of her most sensitive flesh. She whimpered when

the rose left that one exquisite spot and slid lower, down her thighs.

―Jennifer.‖

She opened her eyes to find Jonathan kneeling between her legs. He tossed the rose aside

and lifted her foot, pressing it to his chest.

―Tell me about the kisses.‖ He kissed her ankle.

―There‘s too many.‖

―Tell me one.‖

―Soft kisses.‖

―Like this?‖ His lips where a whisper on her calf.

―Yes.‖

―And?‖

―Moderate kisses. Like nibbling.‖

His lips pressed against her inner thigh, bit softly then drew the soft flesh into his mouth.

She was sure there would be a mark, and the idea of it had her writhing.

―Are there more?‖ He slid his tongue over the spot he‘d just marked.

―Full-on kiss.‖

―Does that include anywhere on the body?‖

Scorching heat seared her body at his tone and knowing what he intended. ―There‘s an

entire chapter on yoni kisses.‖

―Yoni…is that what it is on a woman?‖ His hot breath wafted over her center. She was

nearly ready to beg.

―Yes.‖

―I‘m going to full on kiss your yoni, Jennifer.‖

In another time, she‘d have laughed at that statement. He probably would have too. But

now there was only passion and need. Instead, she moaned, unable to explain to him that those

kisses had their own set of names.

―I want to make you come. Can I?‖

She appreciated that while he‘d taken control, he still wanted to abide by her rules.

―Yes.‖ God yes!

His mouth covered her most intimate spot, just as it would have if he‘d been kissing her

lips. His tongue swept inside her, hot and firm, and oh so delicious. Her hands fisted in the

sheets, and her hips moved with him as he devoured her. He slanted his mouth one way and then

the other, and each swipe of his tongue sent her higher and higher, tighter and tighter. Just as she

reached the pinnacle, he stopped, and pressed the palm of his hand over her. It worked much in

the same way as the ring he still bore. But he said he‘d make her come. She looked up at him,

ready to beg.

―I want to hear you come.‖

―Yes, yes…‖

He gave her cocky smile, letting her know he knew exactly what he was doing to her. Then

he dipped his head, and his mouth feasted. Again, she shot up, teetering on the edge of bliss,

Then his thumb stroked her most sensitive flesh and sent her soaring. Her body tightened and

then convulsed as her orgasm swept through her like a storm.

She cried out his name, and encouraged him to keep going, to never, ever stop. He stayed

with her, pushing her to her limit and then slowly bringing her down.

In a flash, he was lying next to her, and his lips were on hers. She tasted him, her, and their

passion. In that moment, she was done playing and only wanted him nestled deep inside her.

Chapter Three

The only thing that had prevented Jonathan from making a mess so far, besides the ring,

was the distraction of being able to focus on Jennifer. To touch and taste her. As many times as

he run his hands and tongue over her, it never got old. And to feast on her, to listen as he drove

her passion higher and higher, was like being in heaven. And now, he wanted to drive inside her,

and pound away his desperate need for release. But he‘d agreed to this ―research‖ and so he

needed to wait for his next instruction.

―Jonathan.‖ She pushed at him until he was on his knees, sitting on his heels. ―I want you.‖

In one swift move, she removed the ring, and straddled his thighs.

He growled out an expletive as the most perfect sensation of her sliding over him, settling

around him filled him. He held her still, hoping to prolong his own release long enough for her to

have another. He kissed her, savoring the moment they became one. Reveling in the joy of their

love.

He broke the kiss, his lips caressing her jaw to her ear. ―Do you have positions in mind?‖

―This is a position.‖ She nibbled on his ear.

―A Kama Sutra position?‖

―Yes.‖ She rocked over him, and he grimaced to hold off the beast inside chomping at the

bit to be let loose. ―Elephant.‖

Somewhere in the back of his mind, he remembered there was another thing about an

elephant. But he was too lost in the moment, in her, to retrieve it fully.

―Tell me what you want.‖ His hands slid up her sides, his thumbs flicking over her nipples.

She gasped, and her body squeezed around him. She felt divine.

―I want you.‖

He decided that meant he could do what he wanted. He laid her back, opening his knees

and rising off his heels. His hands gripped her hips, holding her too him, as moved. It was all he

could do to keep his strokes slow, steady, instead of pounding to release like he wanted.

―Jonathan.‖ His name left her lips in a soft moan.

―What about this position?‖ He decided if he kept talking and focused on her response, he

might be able to hold off of the orgasm that sat on the cusp of release for far too long.

―Cello.‖

He thrust in, ground his hips against hers, forcing a gasp from her.

―Yes.‖

―Yes what?‖ He watched her face. The beautiful way it shone with perspiration, and didn‘t

hide a single feeling or emotion. He was always in awe of her. Her grace, her generosity, her

intelligence. More than that, he was in awe of her total and complete trust in him. He‘d never

met anyone, man or woman, who was more giving of themselves.

―More. Oh, Jonathan, more.‖

He smiled, picked up the pace, but in doing so, felt the tether on his own control slip. He

shifted, coming off his knees to lay over her. She lifted her legs higher, and he sunk deep, so

deep inside her. She adjusted, hooking the back of her knees over the crook of his elbows, as he

put his hands on the mattress beside her. Was this a position? He‘d have to ask later, because all

conscious thought was gone, replaced only by the driving need to mate.

―Jonathan.‖ Her hands kneaded his thighs.

The tone in her voice told him she was close. Good thing too because he could no longer

hold back. His hips took on a frantic pace of their own. Thrusting, fast, deep. God it felt so, so

good. She shifted slightly, and he felt her hand massage one sensitive sack.

―Oh God…‖ Hot liquid fire coursed through his veins. He felt his insides coil, tighter and

tighter.

―Jonathan, come.‖

Her hand slid behind the sack, to the soft flesh between his thighs. She pressed against the

soft skin, and holy hell she rocketed him to the stratosphere. He let out a feral cry as the room

spun and stars burst behind his eyes. His hips took on a life of their own as they pounded and

pounded. Just as he thought he reached the pinnacle and would begin his descent, she came. Her

body squeezed and massaged him, and sent him careening like an out of control freight train into

another mind blowing release.

―Oh God, Jonathan, yes…‖

At least he wasn‘t hurting her. And because he wasn‘t, he completely let go. Let love and

passion and exquisite pleasure consume him. His arms and lungs burned, but he didn‘t care. He

drove in and out of her, reveling in her moans of pleasure that matched his own.

It could have been minutes or hours, he didn‘t know. But finally, his body gave out, and he

sagged on her. He had only energy enough to unhook his arms from her legs, so he could wrap

her up. He kissed her temple, and then waited for his heart and breathing to slow until he could

form a coherent thought.

Her arms held him. It made him think of the first…no the second time they made love. The

way she‘d held him and for the first time he‘d felt like he‘d truly belonged to someone. That the

missing piece of his life was finally in place.

―What did you do to me?‖

She smiled up at him. ―I found your g-spot.‖

―I thought only women had those.‖

―Nope. See what a little research can reveal?‖

―You might have killed some of my brain cells in the process, but I‘m okay with that.‖

She laughed. ―You‘re such a trooper.‖

―I also may need more time than usual before you can do more research on me.‖

―We‘ve got all the time in the world.‖

Downstairs the front door opened and closed.

―I‘m back,‖ Max called from downstairs.

Jonathan dropped his head to Jennifer‘s shoulder. ―All the time in the world, later.‖

Epilogue 2: Santa Luisa a Week Later

Jonathan watched the waves crash against the shore from the window of their hotel room.

The sight should have been beautiful under the moonlight, but he couldn‘t shake the dread he‘d

felt when he realized Jennifer was in a plane with no pilot. At least none that had flight training.

So much could have gone wrong, even if she did everything he‘d told her do.

He was glad she agreed to stay one extra night in Santa Luisa. He didn‘t think he could

drive the way his nerves were shaking.

Her scent, exotic orchids wrapped around him like a soothing balm.

―Penny for your thoughts.‖ She was wearing the blush negligee they‘d bought when they

arrived in Santa Luisa. The moonlight cast an ethereal glow over her. Like a ghost. The thought

brought back his fears.

He pulled her close. ―I was afraid I‘d lose you today.‖

―But you didn‘t.‖

He inhaled deeply, let his breath out slowly. ―The air is precarious. One little dip and-―

She cradled his face in the palm of her hands. ―I‘m here now. And I‘m long overdue on

giving you that repeat you brought me here for.‖

He dipped his head, resting his forehead against hers. ―I love you.‖

―So let‘s celebrate that.‖ She kissed him. Lovingly at first, and then she deepen the kiss,

turned up the heat. When she pulled away, her expression was wanton, inviting. ―I‘ve got lots

more to share with you.‖

He held her close. ―I don‘t need a sex manual, even one that‘s two thousand years old, to

tell me how to love you.‖

She cocked her head to the side. ―No. You don‘t.‖

He guided her to the bed, lay next to her and for a moment simply held her.

Jennifer nestled her body as close to him as possible, knowing he needed to the contact to

sooth his soul. She understood his fear. She‘d have been scared witless too, if she‘d had a

moment to think. But she was too busy learning to fly, she didn‘t have time to be scared. She‘d

trusted he tell her what to do and she listened, grateful that she‘d always been a good listener and

learner as she took her first flying lesson. She‘d been a little unsteady when she‘d landed, while

he‘d been a rock. Then, her nerves settled and his shattered.

―Remember, two nights ago, when we talked about what was special about our marriage?‖

―We talk.‖ He kissed her head, drew her closer.

―And we trust each other.‖ She looked up at him.

―Implicitly.‖ He looked into her eyes. She saw so much in them. Love. Awe. ―I never

knew, until I met you, how much love there could be. How I could totally and completely give

myself to another person. To you. Only you.‖

She smiled brushing her fingers over his lips. Wanting to kiss him, but knowing she needed

to finish telling him what was in her heart. ―Only you. It‘s no different for me. What I‘ve learned

this weekend is how fragile life is. How we need to savor every moment. Be grateful when

seemingly bad things turn around and go our way. Emily and Mike didn‘t have that. We do. We

have here and now. And right now, I want you to know how much I love you. How I love how

you love me, not just with your body, but with everything in you. How you respect and honor

me. And I hope you know that my love is as deep and pure.‖

For a minute, he looked like he was going to say something, but instead he kissed her. It

was tender and loving, and then little by little, degree by degree, he turned up the heat. He rolled

her under him, and pressed his growing hardness against her clef. She knew then he was back to

himself. That he was going to lavish her with love and pleasure.

They rolled, getting what little clothes they had off, and rolled again, a little too far and

they fell from the side onto the floor.

―Well, how‘s that for mood?‖

Jennifer laughed, filled with joy at this man. ―I‘m ready for the embracing and kissing.‖

They didn‘t bother getting off the floor. Jonathan sat up, leaning against the side of the bed

and pulled her to straddle his thighs. He kissed her, firmly, passionately, his tongue thrusting in

between her lips in a prelude to what would come later. His hand slid down her body, between

her thighs. She moaned as his fingers swept between her folds.

―Jonathan.‖ His name escaped her lips on a harsh breath as one finger, then two, dipped

inside.

―Is this right?‖ He nipped at her ear, his fingers thrusting up inside her.

―Yes.‖ She gripped his shoulders for purchase as she rode his talented fingers.

―Or this?‖ When he thrust in, his fingers curved forward, finding that one perfect spot, and

immediately Jennifer‘s world exploded in a white hot light. Her head threw back as his

ministrations wrenched a long feral moan from her lips.

―Give it to me, Jennifer. God, you‘re so beautiful.‖

His head dipped, suckled on a breast, as he again, thrust inside her, and shot her again to

the heavens. She rode his fingers, and even as her thighs gave out, and she sagged against his

shoulder, her core throbbed and convulsed around him.

But he only gave her moment before he lifted her, and laid her on the bed. He covered her

with his body, clasping their hands, palm to palm, and holding them above their heads.

―Jennifer.‖ His voice was a whisper.

It took all the energy she could muster, but she opened her eyes to gaze into the brilliant

blue ones staring at her with such love it took her breath away.

Holding her gaze, he slid in, slow and deep and then held himself steeped inside her. No.

He didn‘t need a manual to understand the power of love in every form. There was never a

moment that she didn‘t feel surrounded by his love. She hoped he saw how she loved him.

Hoped that he felt her love around him always, as well.

He moved slowly, as if he had all the time in the world. The pleasure built by little degrees.

Their gazes held, building the intensity of emotion between them. Then he dipped his head, and

kissed her with the same slow seduction. She could stay there forever, entwined with him.

Connected to him in every way possible; body, heart, soul.

But nature had other ideas and eventually, desire took control. He moved faster, more

forcefully, each powerful stroke pushing her higher and higher. He grew thicker, and pulsed

inside her, and feeling that, knowing she was the cause, made the moment more erotic. She

lightly bit his shoulder.

He growled. ―Come with me, Jennifer. Now, now…‖

Jennifer let go. Let his powerful thrust send her soaring in exquisite pleasure. She thrilled at

feeling him buck as his own release overtook him and filled her with his heat.

Together they moved in a perfect harmony of love and desire.

Later, they lay entwined, her sprawled on top of him savoring their love.

―As repeats go, that was good.‖

Jennifer smiled. ―So you got what you wanted?‖

―Well…‖

She lifted her head and frowned at him. ―Well what?‖

―If I said I got what I wanted, there might not be any more repeats.‖ He gave her his

mischievous sexy grin. ―I like repeats.‖

She smiled coyly. ―Darling, there‘s so much more to the Kama Sutra than we‘ve even

tried.‖

―Really?‖ His eyes widened at the possibilities.

―Really.‖

He rolled her under him and kissed her. ―I meant it when I said we didn‘t mean a manual.‖

―We could write our own manual.‖ She kissed him again. ―The truth is, what makes sex so

perfect with you isn‘t just mood or touch or position. It‘s the way you do it. The love behind it.‖

He nodded. ―You do me good, Mrs. Hart, which I suppose means you love me.‖

She nipped at his lower lip. ―You‘re mildly amusing to have around sometimes.‖

He growled, insinuated himself between her legs and thrust in again. ―How about now?‖

She wrapped her legs around his hips. ―Right now, you‘re pretty amusing.‖

―Stay with me, and I‘ll show you amazingly amusing.‖

―Promises, promises.‖

His only response was to love to the stars and back again.

Missing Hart

Missing Hart came from my desire to have a story in which we could fully see Jennifer’s strength.

Jennifer is a strong woman, but the 80s were still a time in which men saved the day. In this story,

it’s Jennifer who saves the day!

Chapter One

Jennifer reached for Jonathan as she turned over in bed. Not finding him, she sat up to

look for him. He was sitting on the window seat looking out into the pre-dawn night. He looked

troubled. But why shouldn‘t he? This year was proving to be difficult. Max‘s illness and then

death two months ago had been very difficult. She and Jonathan were trying to fulfill Max‘s

wishes of living life to the fullest but were finding it difficult. Last month they went on a retreat

to their Napa Valley auberge and even discussed the possibility of having children. While it was

a wonderful weekend, they were thrown into their same disheartenment upon their return home...

Max was not waiting and no child was conceived.

Jennifer studied Jonathan. Something more than Max‘s death was bothering him. She

wondered why he was keeping the information from her. She got up from the bed and went to

him.

"Is something wrong, darling?" she asked running her hands over his shoulders from

behind.

"I‘m sorry did I wake you?" he asked, taking her hand from his shoulder and pulling her

around so he could face her. Jennifer sat in the window seat across from him.

"The bed felt empty." Jennifer reached out to touch him. "Why won‘t you tell me what‘s

keeping you up?"

"Ah, darling. So much has happened over the last couple of months. I didn‘t want to

burden you..." Jonathan gazed at Jennifer, marveling at her beauty even upon waking. Her

questioning expression reminded him of their pact to always share everything, good or the bad

no matter what. "There is some interesting stock trading going on. I don‘t know what to make of

it."

"This wouldn‘t be the first time someone had tried to make a run on Hart Industries

Stock."

"No but this is different. Usually, I can identify the culprit and counter the offense. This

time it's different. Lots of stock is moving but in small amounts to different people."

"I would think that was good."

"Well, normally yes but the stock is moving in the same amounts at the same time. Its

like a 10 people are buying 100 shares each at one time."

"Kind of like an investment club?" Jennifer asked.

"Except in an investment club, 10 people would pool their money to buy 100 shares

together. These are separate."

"But you think it‘s related?"

"I don‘t believe in coincidence. Nick and Stanley can‘t trace the buying."

"Are you worried?"

"Nah," Jonathan said pulling Jennifer to sit on his lap. "I just don‘t like not being able to

take action. We‘ll figure it out and then I‘ll be able to put a stop to it if that‘s what‘s needed."

But Jennifer could see the worry in Jonathan‘s face. He had lost so much already this

year. It would be devastating to lose Hart Industries too.

"You‘ve been so wonderfully brave these last couple of months. I didn‘t want to add to

that." Jonathan held Jennifer close. His arms were warm and strong. If the world crumbled

around them, she would survive in his arms.

"I‘m stronger than I look." She smiled at him and gave him a kiss. Her kiss, although

short, a peck really, sent a wave of warmth through Jonathan. He didn‘t realize how cold and

empty he‘d felt until Jennifer had come to him. He put his hand behind her neck and pulled her

lips to his. Guiding her head to the best angle, he kissed her, drinking in her warmth. He could

feel her responding as her mouth parted and her arms slid around him. His hand caressed her

thigh, moving upward under her satin nightgown. She gasped and broke from his kiss, as his

hand reached her breast, his thumb lightly caressing her nipple. He trailed kisses from her

cheeks, down her throat to the small v in her neck.

"I need you." Swiftly he picked her up and headed to the bed. Laying her on the bed, he

slowly undressed her and himself. His hands and lips slid over her body, savoring her fragrant

scent and sweet taste. He gently caressed the warm bud of her desire.

"Jonathan." Jennifer gasped as she pulled him to her. Kneeling between her legs, he

slowly entered her, feeling her tight warmth envelop him. Jennifer arched to him, taking him

deep into her, into her very soul. Their lovemaking was slow and gentle, as if they wanted their

ultimate joining to last forever. Jonathan continued to kiss and caress Jennifer as he moved in

long, slow strokes, in and out of her until their fervor could no longer be contained and their

passion erupted in pure ecstasy.

Two weeks passed without any headway on the stock buy-out of Hart Industries. Much to

his dismay, Jonathan was working longer hours. It seemed a lifetime ago that he and Jennifer had

spent more than a few quiet minutes alone. Jennifer responded by taking on some extra writing

assignments. Neither liked their work to take on so much of their time, but there was no choice if

Hart Industries was to remain in Jonathan‘s control.

Jonathan sat at his desk, scrutinizing the latest of reports Stanley had brought him. His

coat was off, his tie loosened. "Not much here, Stanley."

"I‘m sorry Mr. Hart. I‘ve never seen anything like it."

"Each week the same number is bought but by several different people."

"Yes."

"Somehow they have got to be related."

"Nick and I agree but we haven‘t found the link. Nick will be here soon. He was doing

some research on corporate buy-outs and hostile take-overs to see if there is a similar case or

something we can work with."

Jonathan sat back in his chair. He looked at his clock: 6:30. He hadn‘t had dinner with

Jennifer in over a week. At that moment, he felt more bothered by that fact than the attempt to

buy out Hart Industries. "Stanley, I‘m going home. Why don‘t you and Nick do the same? We

won‘t find anything tonight that can‘t wait until morning." Jonathan put his coat on and headed

towards his office door.

"But Mr. Hart...."

"Stanley, I‘m going home and having dinner with my wife."

"Yes sir." Stanley watched Jonathan go, as the worry loomed larger.

Jonathan headed down the elevator to the garage. He used the time to clear his mind and

focus on what was most important, Jennifer. Max‘s death reminded him that he should live life to

the fullest and always show gratitude for all that he had. When the doors opened, Jonathan

entered the empty dimly lit garage. He made a mental note to get more security and lighting. As

he approached his car, he felt a presence behind him. Before he could turn around, a hit on the

head rendered him unconscious.

Chapter Two

Jennifer sat in bed reading over her article. Her eyes felt heavy and a yawn escaped her.

Looking at the clock she discovered it was after 10 p.m. She furrowed her brows. It wasn‘t like

Jonathan too work so late especially without calling. She picked up the phone and dialed his

office.

"Jonathan Hart‘s office."

"Hello Stanley. Are you the one keeping my husband so late? Really Stanley, slavery was

abolished 100 years ago."

"What?"

Jennifer shook her head. "Can I speak with Jonathan?"

"Mrs. Hart? Mr. Hart went home to have dinner with you hours ago."

Terror ripped through Jennifer‘s chest. "Are you sure?"

"Yes. He left about 6:30."

"I‘ll be right there."

"What‘s going on?" Nick asked as Stanley hung up the phone.

"Mr. Hart didn‘t make it home."

"Oh God." Nick‘s face dropped. "Let‘s go the garage."

"Mrs. Hart is coming down. I‘ll wait for her here."

Jennifer arrived to find Stanley and Nick in Jonathan‘s office.

"I‘ve called the police Mrs. Hart," Nick told her. "His car is in the garage but there is no

sign of him."

Jennifer felt herself get weak in the knees.

"Here sit down," Nick said guiding Jennifer to a chair.

"What‘s going on?" Jennifer asked more to herself.

"I don‘t know." Nick said reluctantly.

"I wonder if it has anything to do with this attempted buy-out?" Stanley offered.

"It wouldn‘t make sense but nothing about this has."

"Mrs. Hart?" Capt. Gray said entering Jonathan‘s office.

"Oh, Capt. Thank you for coming." Jennifer knew that beat police would have normally

been sent. It meant a lot to her that Capt. Gray showed up instead. She and Jonathan had known

him since he was lieutenant and always respected him. The respect went both ways as Capt. Gray

was keenly aware of Jonathan and Jennifer‘s role in his career.

Everyone explained what he or she knew regarding Jonathan‘s disappearance. Capt. Gray

had police investigate the garage and scour the area. In the end there was very little to go on.

Jennifer returned home at two in the morning. Capt. Gray arrived at the same time to set

up surveillance and a tap her phone.

"I‘d have thought I‘d be a kidnap victim if someone wanted ransom," Jennifer responded

to Capt. Gray‘s idea.

"You never know. It‘s no secret you and Jonathan share everything equally. You have as

easy access to the money as he does."

"You don‘t give much credence into his disappearance being related to the buy-out

attempt."

"At this point, everything is possible. We‘ll work that angle too."

Jennifer sat and watched the police work. Even with a house full of police, she felt alone.

She pulled her arms around her in attempt to ward off the emptiness. Capt. Gray sat next to her.

"Why don‘t you get some rest? We‘ll come get you if a call comes in."

Jennifer didn‘t think she could sleep but perhaps it would give her reprieve even if only

for a few hours.

Jonathan woke to complete darkness and silence. "Hello?" He called out as he sat up

from the cot he was on. "Anyone here?" Even though his head pounded with pain, he got up to

find a light. He knocked over a small table, and bumped into a chair before locating a lamp. The

room was small, dark and damp. A basement. A chill ran up his spine as he realized there was no

door or stairway from the room. There has to be…how else would I have gotten here? The walls

were covered in a paneling. Picking up the lamp he carefully analyzed the panel for seams or a

trick door. The light was not strong enough and the lamp couldn‘t reach the far wall. He searched

for another outlet to plug in the light but found none. He was trapped. It was a feeling he‘d never

really known. If only his head would stop throbbing so he could think. There had to be a way

out.

Chapter Three

The ransom call came in early the next morning.

"If you want to see your husband alive, deliver 2 million dollars to the Jordan Warehouse

on San Ramone Street by three o‘clock today. No police. You will be notified of Mr. Hart‘s

whereabouts once you have delivered the money.

"How do I know my husband is okay?" Jennifer asked with a bravado she didn‘t feel.

"You don‘t. Two million. Three o‘clock. Jordan warehouse."

Capt. Gray held up his hand in a rolling gesture letting Jennifer know she needed to keep

the caller on the line longer.

"I don‘t know where that is," she told the caller.

"Get a map." The phone line went dead.

"Sorry Capt., Mrs. Hart, we didn‘t get it." Jennifer picked up the phone.

"Who are you calling?" Capt. Gray asked. Jennifer pressed star 69 on her phone. Capt.

Gray raised an eyebrow. "If that works….."

"The number is 555-1342 and can be re-dialed…" Jennifer wrote down the number.

"It‘s probably a pay phone," one of the officers said.

"Yeah, but maybe there will be prints or some other lead." Capt. Gray answered passing

the information to a police officer. Jennifer began dialing the phone. After several minutes she

hung up.

"No answer." She dialed another number.

"Now who are you calling?"

"Jack? This is Jennifer Hart. I need you to help me liquidate two million dollars in cash

by noon today. Can you do it?"

"Mrs. Hart, I saw on the news about Mr. Hart. Yes, I‗ll help you."

"Great, be here by noon." Jennifer hung up the phone.

"It‘s not wise to just give in like that," the police officer said. Capt. Gray gave him a

warning look.

"Mrs. Hart will do what she feels is best. But, you must let us help. You can‘t go alone.

Mr. Hart would never forgive me."

"Okay," Jennifer agreed knowing he was right. "But you must promise to hide until I

know Jonathan‘s location."

At three o‘clock Jennifer arrived at the Jordan Warehouse. Capt. Gray had assured her

that there would be no police intervention until she knew Jonathan‘s whereabouts. "Let him take

the money. All I care about is Jonathan."

Jennifer waited in her car near the abandoned warehouse. She looked about anxiously for

any sign of someone but she was completely alone. A sound of a telephone ringing broke the

silence. Jennifer got out of the car and went to the pay phone.

"Hello?"

"Mrs. Hart. Leave the money in the phone booth. When you have left and I have the

money and am safely away, I‘ll call you with Mr. Hart‘s location. If the cops pick me up while I

am getting the money, I will not be able to call you and Mr. Hart will die."

"I understand." Jennifer said. She left the money as directed and drove away. She called

Capt. Gray on her cell phone to let him know what the kidnapper told her.

"If we don‘t get him at the drop, we may never get him."

"If you get him at the drop I‘ll never see Jonathan again."

"We don‘t even know if he has Jonathan or that Jonathan is alive."

"If you mess this up for me …" Jennifer couldn‘t even get the words out. It was too

horrible to think of what could happen.

"We‘ll get him back."

Jennifer headed home and waited. She looked at the clock, 4:30. Surely he must have the

money by now. She looked at the police officer that was waiting with her. He shrugged, unable

to offer any reassurance. Time passed. Five, six, seven p.m. and still no call. Capt. Gray arrived

at the house at 7:30.

"No one has shown up yet to pick up the money," he said.

"You‘re kidding me?"

"I wish I was."

Jennifer‘s heart sank. "He must know you are there. You have to get your guys out."

"If we get them out we won‘t be able follow him and catch him after he calls you with

Jonathan‘s location."

"You can catch him through the money. It‘s marked."

Capt. Gray watched her. She shrugged, "He never asked for unmarked. He won‘t even be

able to tell."

He nodded. "Okay."

At midnight, Capt. Gray‘s phone rang. "The package has been delivered. We aren‘t sure

when. A local patrol confirmed for us that it was gone."

Capt. Gray relayed the news to Jennifer but by three a.m. all hope of a call regarding

Jonathan was gone.

"Why don‘t you get some rest? We have people working on the money. The F.B.I will be

here soon. You‘ll need your strength in the morning when we get this guy and bring Jonathan

home."

Jennifer knew Capt. Gray was being overly optimistic but she was grateful for it. "I don‘t

think I can sleep. But I will go upstairs. I need sometime alone."

In bed, she pulled the blankets tightly around her but it did nothing to ward of the

emptiness or fear. How would she ever live a full life without Jonathan? She felt like half of her

had been completely cut out and only a shell remained. Burying her head in her pillow she cried.

Chapter Four

Two more days passed with no phone call from the kidnapper and no leads from the

money. Jennifer tired of sitting and waiting decided to go into Jonathan‘s office.

"Mrs. Hart!" Nick said as she entered Jonathan‘s office.

"Good morning Nick." Jennifer looked around the office to find papers, pizza boxes and

soda cans everywhere.

Nick smiled sheepishly. "I hope you don‘t mind. Mr. Hart‘s office has become command

center for this stock buy-out thing. We figured even though he wasn‘t here, he‘d still want us

working on it. Stanley just ran out for some coffee. You want some?"

"No thank you. That‘s fine Nick. In fact, I want you and Stanley to get me up-to-date on

this stock thing. I think it may be related to Jonathan‘s disappearance."

"I thought you got a ransom call?"

"I did but, after giving the money, Jonathan is still not home. I don‘t know. There‘s

something strange about the whole thing...." Jennifer words trailed off.

"Like it was a diversion?" Nick asked.

"Yes, something like that."

"Mrs. Hart!" Stanley said entering the office. The site of her caused him to spill some of

his coffee. "Oh, I‘m really sorry. Here let me clean that up." He set his coffee Jonathan‘s desk

spilling some on the papers.

"It‘s alright Stanley. We‘ll ask Deanne to get someone to clean up. Tell me what you and

Nick have found out about the stock."

"Well we actually made some headway. We found that all the stock is being brokered

through Hamilton, Weiss Brokerage located at 650 W. Calista Street…"

"Jonathan owns that building," Jennifer interrupted.

"Yes, well, they aren‘t being too helpful."

"Why not?"

"Something about confidentiality."

"Can we evict them?" Jennifer blurted frustrated by the constant barriers.

"Not legally."

"Damn!" Jennifer walked around Jonathan‘s desk, sitting in his chair. She looked over his

desk. Even covered with papers she could see the pictures of her and Max, the momentos from

travels they had taken and framed poem she had written to him just before their marriage.

I Never Knew Spring with Its Fresh Cleansing Way

Until You Showered My Tears Away

I Never Knew Summer with Its Light Above

Until My Heart was Warmed by Your Love

I Never Knew Autumn with Its Colors So Bright,

Until You Showed Me the World Through Your Vibrant Eyes

I Never Knew Winter With Its Traditions And Cheer,

Until You Shared with Me A Love So Tender and Dear

Through All the Seasons and All the Year,

You Have Given Me Life Without any Fear

And For All the Seasons Yet To Be, I Promise My Love For Eternity.

Jennifer wiped a tear away as she looked up. Stanley and Nick waited quietly for her to

do something. Shifting to sit up straight in her chair she said, "So which one of you will be

visiting Hamilton and Weiss with me this evening?"

"This evening?" Stanley asked. "They will be closed this evening."

"Yes they will," Jennifer said raising her brow. "As a landlord I have a right to inspect

my property at any time."

"Well, technically you need to give notice," Nick corrected.

"Well, too bad. So, who‘s coming?" Nick and Stanley looked at each other and then at

Jennifer. She sat back in the chair waiting for a response.

"I guess I can go," Stanley said reluctantly. Jennifer had hoped that Nick would step up.

She thought the world of Stanley but his bumbling antics might get them in trouble. Nick,

however, did not volunteer.

"Fine. I will pick you up here at 9."

"I‘ll have coffee and pizza waiting for you when you get back," Nick offered.

"Nick, you can‘t live on pizza. Order from La Scalla and charge to the Hart account. This

is, after all a business meeting." Jennifer got up from the chair and went to the table covered with

more papers. "Tell me what else is going on in Hart Industries."

Jennifer, Nick and Stanley spent the day together going over all aspects of Hart Industries

that Jonathan would have been working on. Except for the stock issue, everything else was going

smoothly.

"Well, here we go," Jennifer said as she used her coded card to enter the building.

"How will we get into Hamilton Weiss?" Stanley asked nervously looking around.

"I brought a special key." They walked through the building, using the stairs to get to the

6th floor. At the door to the Hamilton and Weiss brokerage firm, Jennifer took out a nail file.

"Mrs. Hart!" Stanley exclaimed at the site of her picking the lock. "How? Where? "

"Mr. Hart taught me," Jennifer responded, amused by Stanley‘s response.

"Mr. Hart? How? Where? "

"I think he was a thief in his former life." Jennifer opened the door. "Do we know which

broker is doing the transactions?"

"It appears to be the head of the firm, Joe Hamilton." The two headed to the office

marked ‗Joe Hamilton‘. Fortunately it was unlocked. They proceeded to search the office for

documents or other information about the trading.

"I am not finding anything," Jennifer said after going through each drawer. "Maybe they

store documents in a different room."

"Here‘s something," Stanley said as he hacked into the computer.

"Stanley! How? Where?"

"Oh," Stanley blushed. "Mr. Hart. He likes people to purposefully break into Hart

Industry‘s computers to find where they are vulnerable and then we try to fix it."

Jennifer nodded, impressed with Stanley‘s talents.

"Here is a list of names and stock amounts."

Jennifer went to stand behind Stanley. "Look at that. Richard Peterson, Richard Peters,

Rich Petersen, Rich Peter, Dick Peterson, Dick Peters, And then look, on the close of market on

Friday they are buying 100 shares each."

"Weird."

"Yes." Jennifer agreed. "Stanley, can you print this out?"

Stanley checked to see that there was a printer and then printed the information.

"What do you think of this?" Jennifer asked.

"Whatever it is, I don‘t like it."

"Let‘s get back to Nick and see what he thinks."

Back at Hart Industries, Jennifer and Stanley shared what they had found.

"Good luck trying to hunt down people with these names. There must be hundred‘s of

thousands of people with some variation of Richard and Peter in their names," Nick said looking

over the paper.

"It‘s got to be one person." Jennifer said sitting at Jonathan‘s desk. "But we couldn‘t find

any address or social security number to go with the name."

"I don‘t get why, if they want to get their hands on Hart stock, they just don‘t buy the

1000 or whatever under their name?" Stanley said.

"You know how Mr. Hart is Stanley," Nick said. "The minute that happens, he goes on

the offensive. He buys it or moves it or whatever he does. Everyone knows when it comes to

trying to make a run on Hart stock, Mr. Hart is cutthroat."

Jennifer‘s head snapped towards Nick. She had never heard Jonathan described like that.

On the other hand, Hart Industries was created and built by Jonathan and he did protect it. He

was fair in business but he would never let anyone take his company. "That‘s probably it!"

Jennifer exclaimed.

"What?" Nick and Stanley asked.

"Whoever is doing this knows Jonathan will eventually stop it no matter what bizarre

technique they use to buy it. So they took him."

Nick and Stanley nodded. It seemed the most logical of explanations they had yet come

up with. "So what do we do now?" Stanley asked.

Jennifer got up. "I‘ll talk to Capt. Gray and see if he can help. By the way, if he asks, we

don‘t remember how we got that stock information from Hamilton and Weiss."

Jonathan woke up feeling heavy headed and groggy. Looking at the date and time on his

watch, he realized that he‘d been sleeping for over a full day. It had been two days since he was

taken. He sat up and looked around the room. There was no sign that anyone had entered his

prison to check on him. Across the room he noticed a mini-fridge with a box on it. He

investigated and found the box full of crackers and peanut butter, the fridge full of soft drinks.

"Looks like I am going to be here awhile alone," he thought to himself. "At least they

aren‘t intent to kill me," he deduced from the stock of food. Still, he didn‘t like how the room

was sealed up. That it was so quiet. That no one had been there to check on him. That he seemed

to be buried alive.

His eye caught an air vent near the ceiling. Climbing on a chair, he worked the cover off.

It seemed to vent up between two firm metal walls. The room was a hidden room, he decided.

But where is the door? Jonathan began to pull the paneling off the walls. It took most of the day

before he had ¾ of the paneling down and found a door. The walls were made of metal that

reminded him of a meat locker. The door had no handles or hinges in the room. Standing back,

then running shoulder first, Jonathan attempted to knock the door open.

"God dammit!" he yelled on the second attempt after hearing a pop in his shoulder. "I am

getting to old for this." Jonathan sat on the bed to rest his arm and his soul. He was truly trapped.

The room was sealed. No one would find him unless they knew he was there.

Chapter Five

Another two weeks had passed with no new revelations regarding Jonathan or the stock.

Capt. Gray and his men were working as best they could with the information Jennifer and

Stanley had found. Stanley, Nick and Jennifer continued to work on deterring the buy out and

run the rest of Hart Industries.

Jennifer was exhausted. She chastised herself for her lack of energy. She wasn‘t eating

well and she knew it. She just didn‘t have interest in eating. In fact, it seemed to leave a funny

taste in her mouth. And as tired as she was, she just couldn‘t sleep. The worst part was being in

the house, alone. She spent as much time as possible at the office where she felt useful and close

to Jonathan.

Jennifer sat in Jonathan‘s chair going over reports and letters Deannehad left her.

"Mrs. Hart?" Nick said poking his head in the door.

"Come in, Nick." Nick and Stanley entered the office. The grim look on their faces told

Jennifer bad news was in the making.

"What‘s up?" she asked gearing herself up for the worst.

"Well, the board is requesting a special session to talk about Mr. Hart‘s absence." Nick

started. "His absence? You make it sound like he‘s run away."

"They know, we all know, that Mr. Hart‘s disappearance is not of his own doing."

"So what‘s the meeting about?" "Now these guidelines are set in the by-laws and policies

made by Mr. Hart...."

"Nick just tell me." "Well, the board wants to elect someone to take Mr. Hart‘s place...

temporarily until he gets back."

"What?"

"They are worried the news that he is not running the company... that no one is running

the company, will hurt stock values and current business negotiations. It‘s really routine."

Jennifer slammed her fist on the desk. "There is no way I will let the board or any one

else take this company from my husband."

"That‘s not it at all."

"It isn‘t? Then why the stock run, why is he missing..." Jennifer stood up quickly, to

assert herself more forcefully. Immediately she felt lightheaded. She put her hands on the desk to

steady herself.

"Mrs. Hart? Are you okay?" Stanley asked moving towards her.

Jennifer looked up towards him. She would be okay once the room stopped spinning but

it just seemed to move faster and faster and got darker and darker until there was nothing.

PART THREE

"Mrs. Hart? Wake up Mrs. Hart." Jennifer could hear Deanne‘s voice. Opening her eyes,

Jennifer realized she was lying on the couch in Jonathan‘s office. Deanne was sitting with her,

while Stanley and Nick watched on.

"What happened?"

"You fainted, I think. Good thing for Stanley‘s quick action or you would have hurt

yourself in the fall." Jennifer laughed at the thought of a graceful rescue from bumbling Stanley.

The others laughed with her.

"I called your doctor. She should be here any minute," Deanne said.

"Oh, you didn‘t need to do that," Jennifer said slowly sitting up.

"Oh, yes she did," a woman‘s voice came from the door.

"Really Catherine, I am feeling better."

Dr. Catherine Dalton approached Jennifer, sitting on the couch next to her. "I heard on

the news about Jonathan. I imagine you‘re under a lot of stress, and not taking care of yourself."

"You‘re right. I need a little rest that‘s all."

"Let‘s make sure shall we?" Catherine asked. "Would you mind leaving us alone?"

Stanley, Nick and Deanne left the office.

"So, what happened?"

"I just felt dizzy, that‘s all."

"Is this the first time?"

"It‘s the first time I have fainted."

"So you have felt dizzy before?" Catherine asked reaching over to take Jennifer‘s pulse.

"Just a little head rush every now and then," Jennifer explained.

"For how long?"

"I don‘t know . . . a few days."

"Are you sleeping?" Catherine shot the questions off with little affect.

"I‘ll admit I am exhausted. It‘s been worse lately. I just can‘t sleep." Jennifer looked

down at her hands. "Jonathan and I have never been apart this long." The burn in her eyes from

tears she couldn‘t stop grew. She felt Catherine‘s arm around her.

"I know honey." She let Jennifer sit a minute in silence. "Have you been eating?"

"Not very well," Jennifer admitted.

"Is your stomach upset or you just aren‘t hungry?"

"My stomach is fine. I guess I‘m just not hungry or too busy."

Catherine sat for a moment trying to determine which diagnosis to pursue.

"You know though," Jennifer started. "My food has tasted kind of funny. I get a strange

after taste."

"Is it kind of metallic like?"

"Yeah, I guess so."

"Is it strong enough that you don‘t want to eat?"

"No. A stick of gum seems to help."

"Jennifer, when was the last time we talked?"

Jennifer shrugged, "I don‘t know a month or so." Catherine pulled out a calendar and

then looked Jennifer straight in the eye. "When was your last period?"

Jennifer‘s eyes widened, "Whenever it was supposed to be."

"Are you sure? You called me about 6 weeks ago," Catherine said referring to her

calendar. "That was right about the time you started your period. Have you had one since? About

two weeks ago."

Jennifer sat in thought. Time had gotten away from her. It felt like Jonathan had been

gone for years when it was just two weeks. If Catherine were right, she would have started her

menses when Jonathan disappeared… but she didn‘t.

"No," Jennifer answered softly. Catherine watched her for a minute and then reached into

her bag pulling out a pregnancy test.

"You don‘t think I am pregnant?"

"I don‘t know but why not? You were trying to get pregnant before. That‘s why you

called me."

"Could it just be stress or something?" Jennifer asked. She wanted to be thrilled at the

prospect of being pregnant with Jonathan‘s baby but wasn‘t. She didn‘t want to raise a child

without him.

"Yes. That‘s why we need the test. If it is negative, then we need to look at another

culprit." Catherine watched Jennifer sensing her unease. "I know this adds to the stress Jennifer

but it is really important that we know and start taking care of you."

Jennifer took the box and headed to the restroom. She looked in the mirror for several

minutes. She didn‘t want to use the test, not with Jonathan gone. He should be here to share this

moment. She had fantasized about telling him she was pregnant. She could picture his face, the

love in his eyes. But now . . . now she may never get to tell him. Reluctantly, Jennifer used the

test and took it to Catherine.

"Well?" Catherine said.

"I don‘t know."

"You didn‘t check?"

"No."

Catherine looked at the test and back to Jennifer. "You can do this Jennifer." Jennifer

sucked in air as Catherine‘s words hit her, "You and Jonathan." Jennifer sat down, trying to

prevent the tears from coming.

"Don‘t tell anyone," Jennifer told Catherine.

"Okay," Catherine was hesitant. "Why?"

"Jonathan should be the next to know."

Catherine smiled. "Yes, you‘re right. For now, you must rest and eat. Here is a

prescription for vitamins. And drink lots of water and orange juice. If you start to feel a little

queasy in the morning, keep some crackers and ginger ale near your bed and take some before

getting up. And let‘s make an appointment for you and Jonathan to come see me in two weeks."

Jonathan sat on the edge of the bed trying to ignore the pain in his stomach. He didn‘t

think he could bear to eat another cracker with peanut butter for as long as he lived. He knew by

the date on his watch that he had been held captive for two weeks. He wondered how much

longer he would be able to be completely alone before starting to hallucinate or go mad as he

heard men did when isolated for long periods of time. To pass the time he thought of Jennifer

and the wonderful life they had built and the fantastic adventures they had gone on. He closed his

eyes picturing her chocolate brown eyes, luscious lips and illuminating smile. He rubbed his eyes

and forehead of the fatigue and frustration of his situation. He wondered how much longer he

would be trapped. But more than anything, he hoped that Jennifer was safe and not a victim of

whatever strange scheme was unfolding.

Chapter Six

"Mrs. Hart?" Deanne said knocking on the door. "Ms. Anderson is here to see you."

Jennifer slowly got up to greet her visitor. "Hello. It‘s been a long time."

"Yes it has."

Jennifer looked to Catherine and then Deanne. "Did we have an appointment?"

"Oh, no, Mrs. Hart. I am here to take you home."

"Home? I don‘t understand. I can drive myself home."

"Mrs. Hart." Deanne started. "I am sorry but Max made me promise." Deanne held up a

letter. "He knew that you would never hire anybody else after him. He wanted to be sure that if

ever you and Mr. Hart needed help that someone would be available. He told me to call Ms.

Anderson."

"You can call me Ruthie," Ms. Anderson said.

Jennifer thought for a moment. "Well, if this is what Max wanted, who am I to argue. But

I‘ll be back here first thing tomorrow."

"After a hearty meal and good night‘s rest," Catherine said.

"I‘ll see to it," Ruthie said.

"Deanne, tell Nick and Stanley I want them here ..... What time is that board meeting?"

"It‘s at ten."

"Tell them I want to see them here at 8am to go over strategies before the meeting."

"I will."

Jennifer put on a pair of flannel pajamas and climbed into bed. Rolling over on to

Jonathan‘s‘ side of the bed, she inhaled trying to take in his scent. After so much time, there was

no trace of him. Tears sprang to Jennifer‘s eyes. Getting up she went to his closet. Taking a coat

from its hanger, she pressed it to her face. She could smell the faint scent of his after-shave.

Clutching the coat to her, she went to bed.

Jennifer finally succumbed to sleep. In her dream, she was pushing a small boy on the

swing.

"Higher Mommy! Higher Mommy," he called. Jennifer was smiling as she indulged her

beautiful boy. His shimmering blue eyes twinkled with delight. He looked just like his father.

Then all of a sudden the boy was standing in front of her, looking up at her. "Where is my

daddy? Where is my daddy? Where...."

Jennifer bolted up. Rubbing the sleep from her eyes, she got her bearings straight. She

was home alone still. Her husband, love of her life, her heart and soul, was still missing. She put

her hand on her stomach. "I don‘t know sweetie," she answered the dream child. The tears started

slowly but quickly built until she was sobbing uncontrollably.

"Mrs. Hart?" Jennifer heard Ruth outside her door. Jennifer tried to stop crying, to answer

but couldn‘t.

The door slowly opened. "Mrs. Hart? Are you okay?" Ruthie could see that Jennifer was

distraught. She went to sit on the edge of bed putting her arms around Jennifer. "That‘s right

Mrs. Hart. You just let it all out." Ruthie said nothing more after that, knowing there was nothing

that could be said.

Jennifer arrived at Hart Industries early the next morning not quite refreshed but she felt a

strength she hadn‘t felt in a while.

"Deanne, can you please arrange to have some coffee, orange juice and bagels brought up

for my meeting with Stanley and Nick?"

"Yes, Mrs. Hart." Deanne‘s voice was timid.

"Oh, and Deanne?"

"Yes, Mrs. Hart?"

"Thank you for calling Dr. Dalton and Ms. Anderson. I don‘t know what I would have

done without them yesterday. Or you."

"Thank you Mrs. Hart."

Jennifer sat at Jonathan‘s desk. A new feeling of determination swept over her. She

would not give up. She would save this company and her husband no matter what.

"Good morning Mrs. Hart," Nick said as he entered the office.

"Good morning Nick."

"You are looking much better today."

"Thank you. I feel much better."

"Mrs. Hart before we get started, I was wondering if we could talk a minute."

"Sure but please, call me Jennifer."

"Yeah, well all right, Jennifer." Nick took a seat across from Jennifer. "I wanted to

explain why I didn‘t go with you when you and Stanley broke into the brokerage."

"You don‘t need to explain. I was asking you to do something unethical, which I

shouldn‘t have done. Besides, that was weeks ago..."

"I want to. You see. Before I came here, I got into some trouble with the law. Mr. Hart

knows all about it and he hired me anyway."

Jennifer smiled. It warmed her heart to hear about the kindness and compassion of her

husband.

"Anyway, if I went with you and we got caught, there is little you or Mr. Hart could do to

help I‘m sure."

"Nick, thank you for sharing that with me. I know it wasn‘t easy." Nick nodded as the

door opened. Stanley came in followed by Deanne with the morning food.

"Well Gentlemen, let‘s say we get started. I understand the board has some concerns

about the running of the company."

"Yes but Stanley and I have taken care of everything, right Stanley."

"Right. The fact is Mrs. Hart, you have been running this company. Nick and I placed a

few key calls last night and I think you should have most of the board‘s support in maintaining

control until Mr. Hart comes home."

Jennifer smiled. She felt grateful to have Nick and Stanley on her side. "I appreciate that.

I really do." She got up and got some orange juice. "Please have some breakfast."

The two men got some coffee and a bagel.

"I am glad you have confidence in me but I can‘t do it without you two." Jennifer sat

back down in Jonathan‘s chair. "What I was thinking is maybe this meeting is the next step in

this take over."

"Who on the board would want to take over Hart Industries? Jonathan doesn‘t necessarily

see eye to eye with all the members but he respects them and they respect him," Nick said taking

a sip of coffee.

Jennifer pulled out her list of board members. "Let‘s see, Michael Adams, George Fisk,

Thomas Laslo, Paul Richards, Charles...... wait Paul Richards...."

"What about him?" Nick asked.

"He doesn‘t go by Paul... he goes by Pete, doesn‘t he?"

"I think so. I guess he used to be called P.T. to differentiate between him and his father

who is also named Paul. P.T. eventually became Pete."

"All the names on the list at the brokerage where a variation of Richard and Pete,"

Jennifer said, her adrenaline rising.

"Not Pete?" Nick said in shock.

"She‘s right. But wouldn‘t that be too much of a coincidence. I mean who ever it is has

gone out of his way to not be discovered," Stanley argued.

Jennifer nodded. It was a long shot but she couldn‘t help but shake the feeling that it was

him. "I guess we just need to wait and see what happens at the meeting," she finally said.

Jennifer, in a bold move, took a seat at the head of the board table. Board members took

notice but didn‘t say a word. Nick and Stanley were amused by the whole thing and knew

Jonathan would be sorry to have not seen it.

The meeting got underway, headed by Joe Myers. Jennifer listened attentively to his

arguments.

"Stanley?" Jennifer called when Joe was finished speaking. "What have been the recent

stock movements?"

"Stocks continue to be up. They are selling regularly. In fact, this morning, it‘s up $1.20 a

share."

"Mr. Meyers, Jonathan has been missing for two weeks. It has been in every newspaper

and news show in the country and yet the stock remains strong. I don‘t see what the problem is?"

"Mrs. Hart, with all due respect, people know that Hart Industries is a finely tuned

operation. Mr. Hart surrounds himself with the best. But how long will the company be able to

run on autopilot? We need someone to take the helm. Let the world know there is someone

steering the ship."

"And who do you have in mind for the job?" Jennifer asked ignoring the plethora of

mixed metaphors.

"Well, that‘s what we are here to decide."

Jack Kincaid cleared his throat. "I don‘t believe this company has been on autopilot. In

fact, I know that Mrs. Hart, along with Mr. Friezen and Mr. Sims, has been working hard

running this company. I say let them continue. The stocks show that people aren‘t worried. I am

sure Mr. Hart will be found soon."

"I agree," several other men said.

"There is no doubt that Mrs. Hart, Mr. Friezen and Mr. Sims are capable people. But Hart

Industries is a conglomerate of over 20 companies. Experience in business is important." Mark

Samuels jumped in.

"That is true, but Mark, do you want to tell Jonathan that you voted against his wife?" Al

Tipton said joking in his usual manner. "We all know that Mrs. Hart is knowledgeable about

Hart Industries. She sits on this board with us and is as experienced as the rest of us. Indeed, she

sleeps with the head guy... I am sure that gives her way more experience on the inner workings

of Hart Industries."

"I have to agree with Al," Pete Richards said. "The policy allows for us to review this

later but I think for now, it would be better to continue to run things the way they have. Not only

would Jonathan be mad but think of how the public would take it if they knew we threw Mrs.

Hart out."

Jennifer wasn‘t sure what to think. They seemed to want her there but mostly to save

their skins. The vote was about 80% in Jennifer‘s favor. She tried not to hold a grudge against

the few who voted against her but she couldn‘t help but wonder if any of them were involved

with Jonathan‘s disappearance.

***

Back in the office, Jennifer, Stanley and Nick sat down relieved.

"Well, we still have the company for now," Jennifer said. "Stanley, I want you to see

what you can learn about Pete Richards and members who voted against me."

"Pete voted for you," Nick pointed out.

"I know. Indulge me."

"If he or any of the other board members wanted to take control, there are other, cheaper

ways to become CEO," Nick said.

"You said yourself though that Jonathan would never let that happen. Many board

members wouldn‘t let that happen. No I think I am on the right track. It doesn‘t matter who took

over. Joe was right. Eventually people may begin to worry. All the culprit needs to do is to create

worry about Hart Industries. Then stocks go down. He can buy more or have an easier time

weaseling his way in…"

"I‘ll get on it right away," Stanley said.

"Nick, I want to you to call Mr. Hamilton and tell him that I will be there in an hour and

that I expect to meet with him."

Nick nodded. He didn‘t know what Jennifer had in mind but he could see it would take an

act of God to stop her now.

Chapter Seven

Jonathan finished washing himself in the cramped closet that served as a bathroom.

While he had water and soap, he didn‘t have any shaving supplies or a mirror. He could only

imagine what he looked like with two weeks of beard growth. "Well, what are we going to do

today?" he asked himself. He shook his head. He didn‘t feel like he could take the isolation much

longer. He walked out of the bathroom and looked around the room for the millionth time,

looking for some chink in the armor that confined him. He already had tried bashing the door

with a chair and a table. He tried to pry it open with a rung from the bottom of the cot he slept

on. Looking around the room, he was out of ideas. Flopping back on the bed he resorted to the

last tactic he could think of, prayer.

"Mr. Hamilton, thank you for seeing me on such short notice." Jennifer entered his office

and took a seat before being invited to do so.

"It‘s always a pleasure to see you Mrs. Hart. I am sorry to here about Mr. Hart‘s

disappearance. Is there any new developments?"

"I think we are on the verge of figuring this out. That‘s why I am here to see you."

"Really? What can I do to help?"

"You know of course that we are aware that you are the broker in some unusual stock

purchasing."

"Yes and as I told your people I would like to help with that but confidentiality prevents

me from doing that. I would lose credibility and clients if I did that."

"Sure, I understand. I am sure Mr. Hart would too. He respects people who live up to

their ideals. I think he‘d understand that you put your business first despite the fact that when

you were almost bankrupt and needed new office space, he leased you this office for ½ of its

worth for over 5 years. And, I am sure you haven‘t forgotten that most of those clients you are so

protective of, Mr. Hart referred to you."

Mr. Hamilton shifted in his seat. He owed Jonathan Hart a great deal. But he would lose

it all if he started giving away information about his clients.

"Don‘t worry about it Mr. Hamilton. I didn‘t come here to guilt trip you. I came here to

warn you."

"Warn me?"

"You see, I have enough information to give to the police that leads to your business.

They will get a warrant and search the premises, probably close you down for a day or two. But

that isn‘t the worst of it. I am afraid they may think you are a part of this scheme."

"You think that the stock buying and Mr. Hart‘s disappearance are related?"

"I know it. And I know that you are the one person standing between the answers and me.

The police Chief, being such a good friend of ours, might not be as understanding as I am."

Mr. Hamilton tugged on his tie. "I need to leave the room for a minute Mrs. Hart. I think

if you wanted to sit over here for a minute you might find what you are looking for. Of course, I

don‘t know because I will be out of the room."

"Very well," Jennifer said. Mr. Hamilton left the room. Jennifer took his seat. She sifted

through the papers until finding a list with the Richard Peter names. On this list she saw different

addresses next to each name but that was it. Is this the key?

"Mrs. Hart, I have that information on Pete Richards you asked for," Stanley said putting

the information on the desk as she took a seat.

"Thank you Stanley. Anything interesting?"

"Well, he owned Biggs Construction for many years but recently sold it. Plus he owns

vast amounts of real estate. The addresses are there on the list."

Jennifer looked at the list. Opening the folder she pulled out the list she got from Mr.

Hamilton. "Stanley, I think this is it!" Jennifer exclaimed.

"Really?"

"Look. Here are the addresses associated with all the people buying Hart stock. And look

here, Pete owns all of them."

"Wow!"

"I wonder if Jonathan is at one of these properties. Stanley, is there any way we can

quickly find out if any of these properties are vacant?"

"Here, these marks show whether it is a residential investment or commercial."

"What does this mean?" Jennifer said pointing to an ‗O‘ next to the properties."

"I am not sure. I was thinking occupied."

Jennifer scanned the list. "There are three here with no ‗O‘. Come on Stanley, let‘s go."

"Go? Shouldn‘t we call the police or at least wait for Nick?"

"I am not waiting a single minute if Jonathan is at one of these homes."

"Okay."

Jonathan was lost in thought when the first hallucination came. He could hear creaking

and voices above him. His first thought was that perhaps someone had come to free him.

However, not wanting to be too optimistic he wrote it off as his mind playing tricks on him.

***

"Stanley? Is this house on a slab?" Jennifer asked as they walked through the last house.

"Slab?"

"Concrete. You know verses a basement?"

"Oh, I don‘t know."

"The floor gives too much to be a slab," Jennifer said.

"Maybe it‘s on a crawl. I didn‘t see any signs of there being a basement from the

outside."

Jennifer walked through the house once and then on her second trip began to open all

cupboards and closets. In the back room, she went into the closet to investigate and felt the floor

shift. "Stanley? Can you help me?"

Stanley came into the room.

"Help me pull the carpet up." Jennifer and Stanley ripped up the carpet to reveal a trap

door. Jennifer felt giddy with anticipation.

"Jonathan?" She called as she opened the door. The only response was her echo. "Help

me down."

Stanley helped Jennifer down through the door. She found herself in a narrow hallway

with a metal wall on one side. It was dark. Reaching into her purse she pulled out the little

flashlight she carried on her key ring. "This is spooky," she said to herself. Feeling along the wall

she followed the hallway. She stopped when her hand hit a seam. Feeling around she discovered

it was a door.

Stanley paced up in the room. He didn‘t like the feel of this at all. He wished he had

called the police. He hoped that Nick and found his note and called them. He heard a noise and

turned to help Jennifer out from the basement. Instead, his head met a blunt object and he was

knocked out cold.

"Jonathan?" Jennifer called as she tried to figure out how to open the door. "Jonathan?

Are you in there?"

Jonathan lay on the bed willing his mind to stay sane. It was no use. The voice, her voice

was so clear and so close… as if she was really here.

Jennifer found the last latch and pulled the door open. "Jonathan?" She stepped into the

dimly lit room. "JONATHAN!" She ran to him as he sat up. Kneeling in front of him she took

his face in her hands. "I found you, darling, oh I found you." Jennifer kissed his lips through her

sobs.

"Jonathan?" Jennifer couldn‘t understand why he wasn‘t responding. Aside from the

beard, he looked physically fine. "Jonathan? Are you okay?"

For the first time he looked into her eyes. "Jennifer?" his voice was soft, cracking.

"Yes, darling! It‘s me." She smiled with complete joy. Jonathan reached out to touch her

face. As if convinced she wasn‘t a hallucination, he took her arms and pulled him to her.

"Thank God," he said under his breath as he held her close to him and wept.

"Enjoying your reunion?"

Jennifer turned. "Pete."

"Yes. Although, you knew it was me already didn‘t you, Mrs. Hart."

"Why?"

"The same reason people climb Mt. Everest; the challenge was there."

"It‘s been a game to you?" Jennifer‘s voice couldn‘t hide the horror at what this man had

done for a challenge.

"I beat Jonathan Hart. That‘s not an easy feat."

Jennifer instinctively stood in front of Jonathan to protect him. "Fine. You won. Now

what?"

"Well." Pete said revealing the gun he was carrying. "Unfortunately I had to resort so

some unlawful activities to win this game."

"I bet you cheated in Chutes and Ladders." Jennifer said under her breath.

"I‘m sure I did. The point is, I need to protect my investment now." He held the gun up,

pointing it at Jennifer.

Chapter Eight

She gasped and stepped back. She looked quickly at Jonathan who still seemed dazed and

disoriented.

"Don‘t worry Mrs. Hart. I don‘t have it in me to kill people. No I just need enough time

to cash in on my investment and get away. Preferably to a country that doesn‘t have an

extradition treaty with the US."

"So what are you going to do?"

"Do? Nothing. Except close this door. If you are lucky, someone will find you before you

run out of food."

"You‘re just going to leave us here?"

"I would think you‘d enjoy it. You two have a reputation for romance. What could be

more romantic than being locked in a room together alone, for eternity?"

Jennifer shook her head, stunned at Pete‘s total unbalance.

"You‘re not locking me or my wife in this dump." Jonathan‘s entrance into the

conversation surprised Jennifer and Pete.

"Come on Jonathan. Now you won‘t be lonely. But, time is up for me. I need to get

going. Enjoy."

"NOOO!" It was a cross between a growl and roar. Jonathan was up in an instant like a

caged lion fighting for its last hope of freedom. His movements were quick, deliberate, as he

pushed Jennifer down and knocked Pete into the wall. Jonathan was running on instinct.

Something primitive, almost savage, burst through him. And his prey, Pete, had no hope of

survival.

Jonathan grabbed Pete‘s hand knocking the gun from his grip. He seized Pete‘s coat

lapels and proceeded to slam him into the wall, back and forth. Pete, his small, pudgy body

seemed to bounce back for more until it finally began to sink to the ground. But reality was gone

for Jonathan. Weeks of isolation had stripped him of everything but the will to survive. He

continued to pummel Pete even as consciousness slipped away.

"Jonathan."

Jonathan continued his attack oblivious to everything else but saving himself and his

wife…. Wife…. Jennifer.

"Jonathan." He heard her this time, her voice as soft and sweet as a song. He turned

towards her, hoping beyond all hope that she was real.

"It‘s over Jonathan. We‘re safe now." Jennifer sought his eyes for a glimpse of the

rational Jonathan. Slowly she could see the savage darkness of his eyes switch over. He grabbed

her, pulling her to him. He held her tight, taking in the sweet scent of her, the soft feel of her. He

held on with all his might, fighting to pull himself out of the darkness.

Jennifer wrapped her arms around him, savoring the feel of him. She could feel her need

to be strong slip away as Jonathan‘s strength returned. Melting into his arms, she began to cry.

Jonathan stood in his backyard gazing out over the view. He‘d been home for several

hours and except for a shower and shave, he spent all that time outside. He breathed in fresh air

letting the cool, fresh country scent fill his lungs. The sun, starting its descent into night, warmed

his face. The only thing missing was Jennifer.

"Hey stranger." Jennifer had watched Jonathan from a distance. He seemed to be

handling his ordeal very well although she wondered if he‘d ever venture inside again.

"Hi." He watched her approach. She was like a Goddess, with sparks flying from her

auburn hair. He noticed her carrying something behind her back. "Whatcha got there?"

"This?" Jennifer pulled the sleeping bag out. "I doesn‘t seem like you have any interest in

being inside so I thought we‘d camp out."

"I‘m sorry darling. I know it‘s rude. I just can‘t be cooped up. God, it was..."

"I know darling. It‘s okay. It will be fun." She threw the bag down and stepped closer to

Jonathan.

He wound his arms around her and pulled her close. Burying his face in her hair, he held

her taking the feel of her body against his, the sweet scent of her skin and hair, the soft rhythm of

her heart.

Jennifer rested her head on his shoulder letting herself swim in the feel of his strength. "I

was so scared."

"I know. Me, too." He slid his arms up her back and took her face in the palms of his

hands. "I love you." His eyes were dark with seriousness, as if it would be the last moment he

would be able to tell her.

Tears fell lightly from Jennifer‘s eyes. "I love you too."

He smiled as he pulled her lips to his and drank, consumed their honeyed taste, letting her

love fill him, envelop him, build him up again. And when he pulled away, he still held her as if

by osmosis he could draw her into him.

"While you were finishing up with Ruthie, I called the office."

"Everything okay?" Jennifer asked turning her head so she could look up at him.

"Because of you, yes." He pushed her back so he could look at her better. "You saved the

company and me. I‘m so proud and grateful...."

"Oh it was nothing." Jennifer said trying to keep it light because the alternative might

lead to a complete breakdown in tears.

"It was everything." Jennifer cleared her throat. "Nick and Stanley deserve much credit

Jonathan. They stood by you and me when it counted."

"Is it true you corrupted poor Stanley?"

Jennifer smiled. "Not anymore than you already had."

Jonathan reached out to brush a tendril of her hair out of her face. "Nick wanted to know

if you were feeling alright."

Jennifer stiffened a bit.

"Apparently you fainted the other day."

"Yes." Jennifer nodded. "But I‘m fine." "Were you going to tell me about it?" Jennifer

could hear the edge to his voice. Despite her heroics, Jonathan would always want to be in the

protector position.

"Yes, when the time was right."

"The time is right now." He said, "It‘s not like you to faint. What‘s going on?"

"Well, Jonathan, it‘s a lot of work to run a multi-million dollar company, thwart a take-

over, head a missing person investigation and grow a baby at the same time."

Jonathan listened to her words and ached to know the pressure she‘d been under. And yet

she prevailed and triumphed. What was that last thing?

"Wait. Go back."

Jennifer smiled a smile that lit her face and echoed in her eyes. She was beaming,

glowing. "I said it‘s a lot of work to run a company...."

"No, that last part." His eyes were searching, wondering, hoping.

"And grow a baby. Our baby."

"Our baby?" The words hit Jonathan with the force of a freight train. He was thrust from

the depths of despair to the ultimate pinnacle of joy. As the realization sunk in, he grinned.

"We‘re having a baby?"

"Yes."

"A baby!" Jonathan wrapped his arms around her and swung her around. And then,

realizing what he was doing quickly set her down. "I‘m sorry. Are you okay? Is the baby okay?"

Jennifer laughed with delight. "We‘re fine Jonathan. Just fine now that daddy is home."

"A baby." Jonathan pulled her to him, kissed her lightly and then held her close. "God, I

feel so good."

Jennifer pulled back. "You look good too." Her smile turned feral as she pressed her body

to his.

Jonathan looked at her knowingly but cautiously. "Is it okay? I mean with the baby?"

"Jonathan! That‘s so old fashioned. Of course it all right. In fact, I‘ve read that some

women have an increased sexual drive during pregnancy. Do you think you can keep up?"

He smiled back with his own devilish grin. "Keep up? Oh, yeah, I can keep up."

"Let‘s go then."

In the dusk filled sky, they undressed and laid on the sleeping bag. While there was a

primitive desire to take quickly, they suppressed the urge in favor of the slow rhapsody of giving

and savoring. Jonathan slid his hands down her damp skin followed by the warm wet caress of

his lips. His hands molded to her, rediscovering in person that which he fantasized about in his

captivity.

Jennifer relished in the languid, drugging hands of her husband letting him take her

slowly to their ultimate destination. She returned the favor, immersing herself in the feel of his

hard body, the taste of his damp skin, and the musky scent of him.

As she moved up and prepared to take him into her, he took her arms. "Please, let me. I

want to feel you under me."

"Yes." Jennifer responded as Jonathan slowly rolled over so he covered her. Her eyes fell

shut as he reached between her thighs and prepared to enter her.

"Look at me," he whispered. "I want to see you."

Jennifer lifted her heavy lids to gaze into Jonathan‘s eyes. The connection of their eyes

sent a wave of joy and love straight to both their hearts. Jonathan slowly filled Jennifer. Their

eyes continued to unite as he slid deeper and deeper until their bodies and souls became one and

they savored the moment of ultimate joining.

When Jonathan bent to kiss her, the slow sensuous lovemaking erupted in a quick

flaming passion. Jennifer wrapped her arms and legs around him, pulling him closer, deeper,

faster as her gasps sent heat straight to Jonathan‘s loins. Jonathan was frantic, wanting to

continue to taste and touch as he sped towards delirium. As Jennifer bucked under him and then

tightened around him, Jonathan poured his heart and soul into her.

Chapter Nine

"You‘re doing great," Catherine said. Jennifer could hear her but didn‘t respond. She

knew everything that was going on around her but somehow felt detached from it. As if by

instinct, Jennifer had turned inward, acutely focused on her body and the task at hand: deliver

this baby.

Jennifer knew when she woke up that morning that she was in labor. She felt wonderful

that the time was near. She and Jonathan spent the day walking and sharing their last days

together before welcoming another member of their family. By one in the afternoon the

contractions were strong enough that Jennifer needed to stop whatever she was doing and use her

breathing techniques. And by four, Jennifer was sure she was close, the frequency and pain were

intense.

At the hospital, she was told she was only 4 centimeters dilated and Jennifer wondered if

she would be able to make it to 10 centimeter. It wasn‘t so much that any particular contraction

was more than anyone could bear, it was that they came every minute and lasted more than a

minute. It was wearing her down.

Looking at the clock, Jennifer noticed it was 7 in the evening.

"Got an appointment?" Catherine asked amused.

Jennifer could feel Jonathan massaging her lower back as she stood with her hands on the

bed. He seemed to have tuned in to her, not talking too much and yet trying to let her know that

he was there and loved her.

Jonathan watched in awe and helplessness as Jennifer dealt with one contraction after

another. God he wished he could help her. Hart Pharmaceutical would definitely have to come

up with something to help women in labor without affecting the baby.

He wanted to hold her and talk to her but it was clear that she needed some space. Instinct

seemed to have taken over and she was dealing with the labor how her body and mind told her

to. He was glad she at least let him stand near, even massage her lower back. And he prayed for

it to be over soon.

Jennifer lost herself again as another wave of cramping tightened in her belly. "I want to

push." Jennifer said as the peak of the contraction came.

"Okay. Go ahead. When this contraction is done we‘ll check you."

Jennifer cried out softly as Catherine checked her dilation. Jonathan instinctively reached

for her, hating to see her in pain.

"I know that hurts. But you are close enough. Let‘s get you up on the bed and push this

baby out." Catherine moved to set the bed up.

Jonathan helped Jennifer up onto the bed, kissing her forehead. During moment‘s

reprieve he looked deeply into her eyes. "I love you, Jennifer," he said softly. Jennifer managed a

smile and squeezed his hand.

"Okay Jennifer, see this bar here, I want you to pull yourself up so you are upright. It will

help open your pelvis up and put gravity on our side. When you have the contraction, push.

When it‘s done the baby will start to slide back up a bit. Keep a little constant pressure if you can

to keep it from doing that."

Jennifer placed her hands on the bar and pulled herself forward.

"That‘s right. Now, whenever you‘re ready."

As the next contraction came Jennifer began to push.

"Push really hard Jennifer," Catherine coached.

Next to her Jonathan began to count softly to ten as he had been taught in their labor

classes.

"You need to count faster," Jennifer gasped as the contraction ended. Jonathan looked to

Catherine.

"You‘re doing great Jonathan, just like you were taught but, child birth is individual to

each woman. I think it would okay if you counted a little faster. Besides, she‘ll just ignore you or

yell at you if you don‘t." Catherine winked at Jennifer.

Jennifer pushed two more times before she could feel the head approaching.

"Okay, Jennifer, next time I want you to push until I say stop. Then I want you to

maintain pressure there while we stretch the perineum a bit so you don‘t rip okay?"

Jennifer nodded and began to push as the next contraction hit.

"Stop." Jennifer did as she was told even though the pain was the most excruciating yet.

She felt like she was on fire. "Use your breathing Jennifer."

Jonathan watched on, helpless as Jennifer attempted to handle the pain. "Can‘t you give

her anything?"

"By the time it took effect, the baby would be here," Catherine explained. "She‘s doing

great Jonathan."

Jennifer held fast until she couldn‘t bear it anymore. "Please," she begged.

Catherine looked up and smiled. "Next contraction Jennifer, I want you to push until the

head is out." She looked at Jonathan, "Why don‘t you come here and watch this?" Jonathan

looked to Jennifer. He didn‘t want to leave her side while she was in so much pain. Jennifer

didn‘t return his gaze, too lost herself to notice. He moved from her side to stand next to

Catherine.

"Let‘s have a baby!" Catherine said as she saw Jennifer begin to push. Jonathan watched

in amazement as the area between Jennifer‘s legs began to press aside from the force of a head.

He could see a hairline.

"That‘s amazing," he said under his breath. He looked up at Jennifer and was torn at the

complete awe and joy he felt at watching the birth and the total helplessness he felt for Jennifer‘s

pain.

Catherine looked up at Jennifer. "It has the hair line a boy." Noticing Jennifer was

petering out she said, "Come on Jennifer, you‘ve almost got it. One last surge."

Jonathan moved back towards Jennifer hoping he could somehow, maybe by osmosis,

give her more strength.

Jennifer mustered all her strength and pushed. She could feel it as her body opened up

and a head slid out.

Jonathan watched as the baby, their baby emerged from Jennifer‘s body. He had never in

his life experienced the overwhelming sense of awe.

"Oh Jennifer, it‘s beautiful." Catherine said as she suctioned the baby‘s mouth and nose.

"Now, one last push once I turn the baby a bit. Are you ready? This is it Jennifer. The hard part

is done."

Jennifer felt the wave of a contraction hit again and pushed. This time the baby slid easily

the rest of the way.

"It‘s a boy!" Catherine exclaimed setting the baby in towel held by a waiting nurse. She

then gave the baby to Jennifer.

"Oh, my, he‘s so small," Jennifer said quietly resting back in the bed. All of a sudden she

could feel herself rejoining the world. Her fatigue seemed to be diminishing, replaced by a giddy

joy. "He didn‘t feel that small coming out."

Jonathan‘s heart welled. "You were incredible. I … I …" Jonathan couldn‘t find the

words to express the joy and love that filled his heart.

Jennifer reached out to take his hand. He took her hand and pressed his lips to it. "I love

you," he whispered as tears ran down his cheeks. He looked down at the baby, their son.

"He‘s beautiful," he said.

"He‘s Max," Jennifer said looking up at Jonathan.

He smiled, "Maxwell Edwards Hart."

A Mother's Hart

Having a child on the show wouldn’t have ever worked, but in fan fiction, there’s a lot you can do

that can’t be done TV. The show had several episodes involving children, and it always felt to me

that Jonathan was the one depicted as nurturing in most cases (not all but most). So A Mother’s

Hart specifically speaks to Jennifer’s worry about the type of mother she’ll be (something most

women go through, I think) and how in fact, she is an extremely intuitive and nurturing mother.

Chapter One

Jonathan leaned against the doorframe watching Jennifer, as she stood silent, strong, and

peaceful. It didn‘t matter what she did, he could watch her forever and be totally captivated. But

there was something mystifying and alluring when she did her stretches. She stood drenched in

early morning sunlight on one foot. Her other foot was nestled comfortably against her thigh.

Her arms over her head, palms together. It was called "tree" in yoga but Jonathan called it

beautiful. The stance was made even more amazing by the fact that at 39 ½ weeks pregnant, she

stood firm and steady on one foot.

He watched as she slowly exhaled and lowered her foot. Taking a few more deep breaths,

she turned. "Darling? I didn‘t hear you there."

"Sorry. I was memorized. How do you do that with 30 extra pou…"

"25," she said.

"25 extra pounds." He pulled her close, letting her belly rest against his.

"Well, I didn‘t‘ have this weight overnight. I had time to adjust. I imagine it will be

harder when this baby is born and I‘m suddenly 25 pounds lighter, then I might have some

trouble re-balancing."

"You can always count on me to hold you."

"Ah, you are always there when I need you." She pressed her lips to his. "Aren‘t you late

for work?"

"I would be if I were going," he led her to the bed and had her sit on the edge.

"You aren‘t going? Don‘t you feel well?"

"I feel great." He knelt in front of her, resting his hands on her thighs. "But, it‘s not long

now before baby Hart arrives."

"Jonathan, Catherine says that first babies are usually late…."

"First babies?" He looked at her amused as his hand absently stroked her belly.

"Well, this is our first baby. Anyway, she said it could be another week or two even."

"Regardless, I don‘t want to be stuck on the Santa Monica freeway trying to get to you

and miss the whole thing."

"No, that would be bad."

"So, from now on where ever you go, I go."

"Mmmm, sounds divine." She let her fingers run though his hair. "Will you go on my

walk with me?"

"Of course."

"Good, then you can tie my shoes for me."

Jonathan looked up at her and smiled. "Anything you need."

Jonathan entwined his hand with Jennifer‘s as they walked along the boardwalk. "You

walk at a pretty good clip for …" he stopped.

"For what? A woman with 25 extra pounds?"

"For a woman carrying my baby." He grinned.

"Your baby? Do you think that maybe you could carry your baby even for just an hour?"

"Ah darling, you know I‘d love to."

They walked along some more in silence until Jennifer said, "Darling, are you afraid?"

"Afraid? Of having the baby?"

"Of being responsible for a little life?"

"I wouldn‘t say afraid. I suppose there are some nerves involved. And, well, I‘m a little

sad that some aspects of our lives will be changing for the next 18 years."

Jennifer stopped, pulling his hand to join her. "I have felt that too. That it won‘t be just

the two of us."

Jonathan rubbed his hands up and down her arms. He nodded. "I‘m certain though that

new things will come our way and be as fulfilling."

Jennifer nodded and looked away.

"Jennifer?" Jonathan used the crook of his finger under her chin to turn her back to him.

"Are you okay sweetheart?"

"Yes, I‘m just… well, Jonathan you are going to be such a good father. You are so

natural with children. So confident. You had all that experience helping the other children in

orphanage. But I have no experience and so far I don‘t feel particularly maternal…." Tears began

to run down her cheeks.

"Oh darling," Jonathan gathered her into his arms. "I don‘t know how you can say that.

Since the day you found out about the baby you have taken care of it. You have watched what

you eat, exercised. You talk and sing to it …"

"But what if after its here … I haven‘t held a baby … what if it doesn‘t feel natural…"

"Jennifer. How could holding a child we created out of love not feel natural? Its an

extension of us and our love."

Jennifer looked down. He was right of course. Still, she was scared out of her wits.

"Hey, I love you and I have total confidence that you are going to be a terrific mother.

It‘s going to be hard. It‘s going to be a change but together we can do anything. You are the most

caring, compassionate woman I know Jennifer."

Jennifer rested her head against his shoulder. She wasn‘t convinced and yet she knew

with Jonathan she‘d be able to get through anything. "I want so much to give you a child…"

"Wait a minute," Jonathan pushed her back so he could look in her eyes. "You aren‘t

carrying this child just for me are you? You wanted this too, didn‘t you?"

"Yes, yes of course."

"Are you sure Jennifer?"

"Yes, I‘m sure. I just want to do it right. I never played with dolls, I have so little

experience with kids." She looked up into his eyes, "I want you to be proud …"

Jonathan shook his head. Was it hormones or could she really feel so insecure? "I don‘t

know what to tell you Jennifer. You are an incredible person. You fill my life with such joy. And

so you will fill it with more when you deliver this person that we made … do you remember

when we made him…"

"Well, I‘m not too sure which time …."

"I am," he said with complete certainty. "It was the night that my worries about Hart

Industries and my sorrow at losing Max were overwhelming me. And, disappointment that after

we‘d decided to have a baby that it didn‘t happen. Here I thought I was this virile stud and I

couldn‘t get my gorgeous sexy wife pregnant…"

"That wasn‘t it…"

"I know but that night, despite all that I had, I was feeling low … I was letting you

down…"

"Jonathan you‘ve never let me down…"

"And when I was feeling my lowest in a long time, you came to me, remember?"

Jennifer nodded, she remembered that night vividly.

"There wasn‘t anything particularly different about our making love that night," Jonathan

continued, "and yet for me it was like nothing I‘ve felt before. Your love for me surrounded me

and filled me at a time I needed you just to love me. And in turn, I felt an incredible need to give

… I don‘t know if I‘m explaining it right, but our love that night had something magic to it and

from it came this baby."

Jennifer remembered that night the same way. It wasn‘t earth shattering and yet there was

some sort of magic cloaked around it.

"It‘s hard for me to hear you talk like this Jennifer. I love you so damn much. And I want

you to be happy always. Its hard when you aren‘t and I can‘t seem to change it."

"I‘m not unhappy Jonathan. I‘m just a little scared. I‘m afraid of the change and I‘m

afraid of how good a mother I will be."

"It‘s a little late to change things now."

Jennifer looked up into his blue eyes. "I wouldn‘t change anything anyway Jonathan.

Certainly you have felt apprehensive and yet jumped in wholeheartedly into something…"

He smiled. "Like when I met you."

"Jonathan! You weren‘t scared of me were you?"

"Jennifer, the way my emotions about knocked me off my feet scared me to death."

She smiled. It had been the same for her. "And see, it all turned out well."

"It couldn‘t get any better." His eyes turned more serious. "Please talk to me though when

these feelings come to you Jennifer. I‘d like to know."

"You can‘t always be responsible for my feelings Jonathan."

"No, but I can try."

Jennifer laughed. It would be a losing battle to tell him differently. He lived to spoil her

and it was certain to happen to their child too.

They spent the rest of the day together enjoying the last moments they would have. Soon

the twosome would be three and their lives would change forever. Jonathan wanted to focus as

much attention on her particularly after their talk that morning. It made him crazy when Jennifer

wasn‘t happy. She deserved all the happiness he could give her … but she was right, he couldn‘t

always be the hero. But he felt certain that once the baby was in her arms, all her fears would

vanish.

Jennifer may underestimate her maternal feelings but Jonathan knew first hand how

loving, caring, and gentle she could be.

After their walk, he provided a picnic lunch on their lawn at home. As she relaxed in the

shade in her lounge chair, he fed her grapes … he even offered to peal them. After a little catnap,

they took a swim. Along with walking every morning, Jennifer swam each afternoon. But the

swim had nothing to do with exercise and everything to do with relieving the weight of her belly.

That evening, Jonathan took her to a quiet restaurant that was sure to be free of tabloid

press snoops who were eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Hart baby. It was also sure to have the

food that Jennifer had lived on for the last nine months; bacon burger and frosty mug root beer.

Then it was home with a video of Three Men and a Baby only it was the French version

which Jennifer insisted was much better than the American but Jonathan could never be sure

because reading a subtitles was never as good as understanding the dialogue.

After the movie, Jonathan escorted Jennifer upstairs. She rubbed her belly absently.

"Are you alright?" He asked.

"Hmmm, oh yes. The baby is quiet. Gymnastics doesn‘t start until about 4 am."

Jonathan laughed.

"Jonathan, thank you for a wonderful day," Jennifer said as they entered the bedroom.

"It was my pleasure."

"It could be … more that is."

Jonathan raised a brow. "Are you seducing me?"

Jennifer frowned looking down at her sizable belly. "I guess it‘s not quite the same is it?"

Jonathan took her in his arms. "Jennifer, I get aroused just thinking about you. You know

that. And, the belly is only an obstacle…"

"A big one…"

"And your breasts … well they are magnificent…"

"You know they will sag … "

Jennifer was cut short by Jonathan‘s lips on hers. "You are so beautiful. If only you could

see you the way I do," he said as his lips trailed down her cheek.

Jennifer sighed. He was incredible. He never failed to make her feel pretty and sexy even

when she felt nothing of the sort. It wasn‘t just his words; it was that he meant them. He loved

and cherished her. Jennifer knew that it was rare to have someone love her way Jonathan loved

her. Just as she knew it was rare to love the way she loved him.

"The question is," he said as his lips found the soft lobe of her ear. "Do you want to risk

starting labor?"

"I didn‘t go into labor last week when we made love." Jonathan could hear the

disappointed tone in her voice. "Besides, once the baby is here, it will be at least six weeks

before we can make love again."

Jonathan‘s head bounced up. "Six weeks! Jennifer we‘ve never gone six days much less

six weeks without making love."

Jennifer grinned. "Well, then you better get your fill while you can."

"Indeed," Jonathan said as his lips returned to her neck.

They took their time, caressing and holding. When she was naked, Jonathan stared in awe

at her body. It was slightly embarrassing for Jennifer but he assured her that she was beautiful.

He shared his amazement at her body and what it had done to grow their child. His hands and

lips caressed her as he shared his praise of her. And as he did, Jennifer was able to forget the

large belly and instead feel like a woman being thoroughly loved by a man.

Jonathan watched Jennifer as she made the accent to glorious pleasure. Her face, her

body, everything about her revealed the pleasure she felt as he touched and kissed her. Despite

the pregnant belly, she moved fluidly and gracefully, taking him on the ride with her. He loved

her so much and there was some bittersweet feelings that their perfect dyad would soon become

three. He would have to share. The joy at creating a life with her, starting a new adventure

together, overpowered the sadness but the sadness was there. So he took this night, to give her

everything he could. To join with her, fusing more than their bodies but also their souls.

Chapter Two

Jennifer awoke to the feeling of tightness in her lower belly. She opened her eyes

checking the time; 6:50 am. She closed her eyes again, sleeping until another tightness squeezed

through her belly. She opened her eyes again; 6:57 am. Closing her eyes again; she waited. 7:04.

She smiled. Perhaps today was the day. She continued to rest and watch the clock until 8:00 am.

Then she rolled over to Jonathan.

"Darling?" she whispered.

"Mmmmm," he murmured gathering her in his arms. "Again?"

Jennifer laughed. "I think we‘ll need to wait. I think today is the day."

"What day?" Jonathan asked still in the fog of sleep.

"Baby Hart‘s birthday."

Jonathan lay still for a moment then his eyes shot open and jumped up. "Now?" He

frantically tried to free himself from the tangled sheets.

Jennifer placed her hand on his arm. "Not this moment darling. Come back to bed. Hold

me."

Jonathan looked at her trying to decide if he should be calling out all forces to take her to

the hospital. He was pretty sure that women who were close to delivering exhibited a great deal

of pain. Jennifer was calm; smiled up at him and somewhat amused. "Are you sure there is

time?" He turned back to her and held her.

"Catherine said not to call until the contractions are 3 or 4 minutes apart. And, this could

just be a false alarm. It‘s only been about an hour."

"An hour! Why did you wait to wake me."

"Jonathan," Jennifer said his name calmly, quietly. "Just hold me."

He acquiesced, pulling her close.

She and Jonathan spent the day walking and sharing their last days together before

welcoming another member of their family. By one in the afternoon the contractions were strong

enough that Jennifer needed to stop whatever she was doing and use her breathing techniques.

And by four, Jennifer was sure she was close, the frequency and pain were intense.

At the hospital, she was told she was only 4 centimeters dilated and Jennifer wondered if

she would be able to make it to 10 centimeter. It wasn‘t so much that any particular contraction

was more than anyone could bear, it was that they came every minute and lasted more than a

minute. It was wearing her down.

"You‘re doing great," Catherine said. Jennifer could hear her but didn‘t respond. She

knew everything that was going on around her but somehow felt detached from it. As if by

instinct, Jennifer had turned inward, acutely focused on her body and the task at hand: deliver

this baby.

Looking at the clock, Jennifer noticed it was 7 in the evening.

"Got an appointment?" Catherine asked amused.

Jennifer could feel Jonathan massaging her lower back as she stood with her hands on the

bed. He seemed to have tuned in to her, not talking too much and yet trying to let her know that

he was there and loved her.

Jonathan watched in awe and helplessness as Jennifer dealt with one contraction after

another. God he wished he could help her. Hart Pharmaceutical would definitely have to come

up with something to help women in labor without affecting the baby.

He wanted to hold her and talk to her but it was clear that she needed some space. Instinct

seemed to have taken over and she was dealing with the labor how her body and mind told her

to. He was glad she at least let him stand near, even massage her lower back. And he prayed for

it to be over soon.

Jennifer lost herself again as another wave of cramping tightened in her belly. "I want to

push." Jennifer said as the peak of the contraction came.

"Okay. Go ahead. When this contraction is done we‘ll check you."

Jennifer cried out softly as Catherine checked her dilation. Jonathan instinctively reached

for her, hating to see her in pain.

"I know that hurts. But you are close enough. Let‘s get you up on the bed and push this

baby out." Catherine moved to set the bed up.

Jonathan helped Jennifer up onto the bed, kissing her forehead. During moment‘s

reprieve he looked deeply into her eyes. "I love you, Jennifer," he said softly. Jennifer managed a

smile and squeezed his hand.

"Okay Jennifer, see this bar here, I want you to pull yourself up so you are upright. It will

help open your pelvis up and put gravity on our side. When you have the contraction, push.

When it‘s done the baby will start to slide back up a bit. Keep a little constant pressure if you can

to keep it from doing that."

Jennifer placed her hands on the bar and pulled herself forward.

"That‘s right. Now, whenever you‘re ready."

As the next contraction came Jennifer began to push.

"Push really hard Jennifer," Catherine coached.

Next to her Jonathan began to count softly to ten as he had been taught in their labor

classes.

"You need to count faster," Jennifer gasped as the contraction ended. Jonathan looked to

Catherine.

"You‘re doing great Jonathan, just like you were taught but, child birth is individual to

each woman. I think it would okay if you counted a little faster. Besides, she‘ll just ignore you or

yell at you if you don‘t." Catherine winked at Jennifer.

Jennifer pushed two more times before she could feel the head approaching.

"Okay, Jennifer, next time I want you to push until I say stop. Then I want you to

maintain pressure there while we stretch the perineum a bit so you don‘t rip okay?"

Jennifer nodded and began to push as the next contraction hit.

"Stop." Jennifer did as she was told even though the pain was the most excruciating yet.

She felt like she was on fire. "Use your breathing Jennifer."

Jonathan watched on, helpless as Jennifer attempted to handle the pain. "Can‘t you give

her anything?"

"By the time it took affect, the baby would be here," Catherine explained. "She‘s doing

great Jonathan."

Jennifer held fast until she couldn‘t bear it anymore. "Please," she begged.

Catherine looked up and smiled. "Next contraction Jennifer, I want you to push until the

head is out." She looked at Jonathan, "Why don‘t you come here and watch this?" Jonathan

looked to Jennifer. He didn‘t want to leave her side while she was in so much pain. Jennifer

didn‘t return his gaze, too lost herself to notice. He moved from her side to stand next to

Catherine.

"Let‘s have a baby!" Catherine said as she saw Jennifer begin to push. Jonathan watched

in amazement as the area between Jennifer‘s legs began to press aside from the force of a head.

He could see a hairline.

"That‘s amazing," he said under his breath. He looked up at Jennifer and was torn at the

complete awe and joy he felt at watching the birth and the total helplessness he felt for Jennifer‘s

pain.

Catherine looked up at Jennifer. "It has the hair line a boy." Noticing Jennifer was

petering out she said, "Come on Jennifer, you‘ve almost got it. One last surge."

Jonathan moved back towards Jennifer hoping he could somehow, maybe by osmosis,

give her more strength.

Jennifer mustered all her strength and pushed. She could feel it as her body opened up

and a head slid out.

Jonathan watched as the baby, their baby emerged from Jennifer‘s body. He had never in

his life experienced the overwhelming sense of awe.

"Oh Jennifer, it‘s beautiful." Catherine said as she suctioned the baby‘s mouth and nose.

"Now, one last push once I turn the baby a bit. Are you ready? This is it Jennifer. The hard part

is done."

Jennifer felt the wave of a contraction hit again and pushed. This time the baby slid easily

the rest of the way.

"It‘s a boy!" Catherine exclaimed setting the baby in towel held by a waiting nurse. She

then gave the baby to Jennifer.

"Oh, my he‘s so small," Jennifer said quietly resting back in the bed. All of a sudden she

could feel herself rejoining the world. Her fatigue seemed to be diminishing, replaced by a giddy

joy. "He didn‘t feel that small coming out."

Jonathan‘s heart welled. "You were incredible. I … I …" Jonathan couldn‘t find the

words to express the joy and love that filled his heart.

Jennifer reached out to take his hand. He took her hand and pressed his lips to it. "I love

you," he whispered as tears ran down his cheeks. He looked down at the baby, their son.

"He‘s beautiful," he said.

"He‘s Max," Jennifer said looking up at Jonathan.

He smiled, "Maxwell Edwards Hart."

Chapter Three

Jennifer looked down at the baby in her arms. He looked up at her with a serious almost

questioning look. Their eyes seemed to make contact and Jennifer felt a force of awe and love

she‘d only felt once before. Tears ran down her cheeks as overwhelming love and joy filled her

being. She was a mother. She felt like a mother.

She looked up at Jonathan. He was watching her intently, tears running from his face.

"You are incredible." His voice was hoarse. "You don‘t know how beautiful and perfect you look

holding our son."

"Join us," she reached for Jonathan who came to sit next to her. She looked at the

beautiful being in her arms and then to beautiful man next to her. "I never knew … " her words

trailed off.

Jonathan nodded as he wiped his tears from his cheeks. "I never imagined myself… the

awe and emotion. You look so natural."

"I feel so perfect." She grinned, "I‘m a mother."

Jonathan smiled and placed a kiss on her temple. He hadn‘t realized until then he had

concerns about this moment. But her statement, her reaction, showed him that all was well. Her

fears were unneeded.

"Would you like to hold him?"

This time it was Jonathan who looked apprehensive. "Maybe you should keep him …

maternal bonding and all that."

Jennifer smiled to him knowingly. "You won‘t break him, daddy."

Daddy. He was a daddy. The tears flowed again.

"Hold your son, Jonathan." She carefully maneuvered little Max to his father‘s arms.

"Oh God," Jonathan said as he looked down on the little person he and Jennifer had

created together. Jennifer smiled.

"Do you think Max is watching? That he knows?"

Jonathan looked to her and then up towards the heavens. "He‘s grinning from ear and ear

and handing out cigars."

They both laughed. At the same time, it was bittersweet that the other important person in

their lives wasn‘t there to share their joy.

"Okay Jennifer," Catherine said breezing back into the room. "This is Sharon. She is a

lactation consultant and she is going to give you a crash coarse in nursing this little guy."

"Crash course?" Jennifer asked. "Women have been breastfeeding since the dawn of man,

certainly there isn‘t much to it."

"You‘d be surprised," Sharon responded. "I have seen some pretty chapped and battered

breasts in my time, all from improper breastfeeding."

"Can‘t have that," Jonathan said cringing at the thought of Jennifer‘s beautiful breasts

suffering from any ill fate.

Jennifer took Max back from Jonathan as the nurse gave instructions on proper latching.

"So just having his lips not flared can cause all that trouble?" Jennifer asked when little

Max was nursing.

"Yep, amazing isn‘t it."

Jennifer nodded and made a mental note to check his lips carefully each time she fed him.

She looked down on her child as he suckled from her breast. Again she was filled to overflowing

with emotions.

"He‘s doing great," Sharon said. "He‘s an active eater. You‘ll like that as he‘ll eat quicker

and sleep through the night sooner."

Jonathan had stepped away slightly to give Jennifer and nurse some room to work. But he

watched in complete awe. Jonathan had come so far and done so much. Never in a million years

could he have dreamed of having all that he had. It wasn‘t the money. It was Jennifer. Did she

know just how much she meant to him? There were never words to adequately express the depth

of his love and admiration. And now, she sat nursing their child. The love and admiration

seemed to fill his heart and soul until he thought he would burst from it.

"You did great dad," Catherine said putting a hand on Jonathan‘s shoulder.

"Jennifer did all the work," he said wiping a tear from his cheek.

Catherine smiled. "You‘d be surprised how much influence you have on how labor and

delivery goes. Imagine if you weren‘t here."

He nodded. He knew the experience would have been different for Jennifer if he hadn‘t

been there. "I wish I could have done more."

"You know Jonathan, psychologists think women have penis envy because throughout

history men have been the ones to build really big civilizations and inventions. But the truth is,

men have uterine envy because despite all their building and inventing, men can not build the

ultimate creation, human life. Only one other has been able to pull it off … which is why I think

God is a woman."

Jonathan looked at her wondering at first why she was sharing that. And then he realized

that he had felt useless and out of the loop. And he supposed there was some envy that Jennifer

could perform such a miracle. "I think you are right."

"Still, she didn‘t start that baby off without some help from you."

"Releasing sperm in the throes of passion seems insignificant to Jennifer‘s contribution,"

he said.

Catherine laughed. "Well, now you can take a more active role … you have about 18

years to ‗do more‘."

Jonathan and Jennifer sat quietly watching their son resting in Jennifer‘s arms. They had

already counted fingers and toes and marveled at the little being they‘d created. Both were trying

to get a grasp on the miracle they were holding. They knew that babies were born everyday but

somehow this experience seemed beyond the everyday. It was magic.

A nurse came in disrupting the quiet peace. "I‘m Caroline a nurse here at the hospital. If

he is done eating I can take him for his first real check-up."

"Can we go too?" Jennifer asked. Already the maternal instinct to protect was deeply

ingrained.

"I‘ll just be taking him to the nursery where Doctor Anderson will check him out and I‘ll

bring him back. I suggest you use the time to get some rest. You are going to need it."

Jonathan and Jennifer looked at each other. How could they let him go?

"I assure you I will take good care of him. And you see, here," the nurse said pointing to

the band on little Max‘s hand. "It has your name and the same patient number as you. So I won‘t

get him confused with another baby."

Jonathan looked at her sheepishly. "I guess you get this a lot?"

"Every day," Caroline smiled. "But I‘d be worried at the parents that didn‘t get nervous

about it."

Caroline took little Max from Jennifer and placed him in the bassinette. "It won‘t be long,

I promise."

As promised, Caroline brought little Max back in less than an hour. Behind her came Dr.

Anderson.

"You have a very healthy little boy here Mr. And Mrs. Hart. What have you named him?"

"Thank you. His name is Maxwell. Max for short," Jonathan said.

"It‘s a family name," Jennifer added.

"It‘s a great name. Very strong," Doctor Anderson said. "Do you have any questions of

me this evening?"

"Ah… I don‘t know," Jennifer said looking at Jonathan and then back to the doctor.

"Well, you can have Max here room-in with you. He should eat every 2 or 3 hours. You

may need to wake him but based on what Sharon said, it‘s more likely he‘ll let you know when

he wants to eat. Caroline is arranging for some dinner to be brought to you two. I‘ll be back

tomorrow morning and will check on him again."

"Is something wrong?" Jennifer asked.

"No, not at all. It‘s routine." "How long do he and I need to stay?" Jennifer asked.

"Most insurance allows two days…"

"I‘d rather go home tomorrow if I can."

"Well, if all goes well with Max‘s check up and your OBGYN okays it, you can go

home. However, here you can get rest…"

"I have someone to help me at home already," Jennifer said referring to Jonathan and

Ruthie.

"Then as long as all is well tomorrow there shouldn‘t be any problem."

"Thank you Doctor."

Jennifer, Jonathan and Max settled into their private room. Although it was a tight fit,

made even tighter by the addition of little Max, they all laid together in the same bed.

"I know I‘m supposed to sleep when he does but I just can‘t stop watching him."

Jonathan leaned over and kissed her temple. "Both of you are beautiful. You amaze me

Jennifer. You always have but today, I‘ve never been more in awe of anything in my life."

She smiled at her husband. "I love you."

He returned her smile. "I love you too, darling. More than I‘ll ever be able to tell you."

As the night wore on, Jonathan slipped out of Jennifer‘s bed and into his own. Jennifer

slept with little Max carefully cradled in her arms. As predicted, with in a couple hours, Max

awoke with a wail, demanding to be fed. Jonathan looked up from the bed and watched as

Jennifer, with great love and care, took the child to her breast. She cooed and sang as little Max

eagerly filled his belly. Within twenty minutes everyone was back asleep.

Jennifer was up with Max three more times before the sun began rise. She was tired but

the excitement of Max‘s arrival still echoed in her and she didn‘t mind the fatigue. Each time she

nursed, she would watch him. His cupid bow lips sucking wildly as if she might turn off the

flow. His fingers wrapped tightly around her index finger. She leaned over, kissing his soft peach

fuzzed head, inhaling the scent of baby. How she could have ever worried about having enough

love or feeling a maternal bond was beyond her. While some of the logistics still innerved her,

motherhood felt as natural as being Jonathan‘s wife. She looked over at him and remembered

feeling apprehensive about being enough woman for him. And look how well that had turned

out.

At seven in the morning a new nurse arrived to take Max to see the doctor again.

"It‘s early isn‘t it," Jennifer whispered.

"The pediatricians always stop by the hospital early before they go to their offices for

regular appointments," the nurse explained. Checking the tags on Jennifer and Max‘s arm, she

then put Max in the bassinette. "It won‘t be long." She smiled.

Jennifer watched her roll Max out of the room and felt a sense of unease creep in her. She

shrugged it off. After all, that nurse brought him back last night. Jennifer realized at that point

she hadn‘t gotten this nurses name. Reaching for her robe she gingerly got up to go to the

nursery.

"So where are you off to?" Catherine asked as she entered.

"I didn‘t get the nurses name who took Max."

Catherine looked at Jennifer. "It‘s okay honey. I‘ll check once I check you."

"I know its crazy but I just feel like I need to know."

"And you were worried that you had no maternal instinct. I‘ll go now and find out and

then I‘ll check you over."

"Would you?"

"Sure."

While she waited Jennifer looked over at Jonathan whose light snore let her know he was

sound asleep. Quietly she climbed into his bed and wrapped her arms around him.

"Mmmmmmm….six weeks…must wait six weeks…"

Jennifer giggled but was pleased his dreams were still erotic in nature. "Jonathan," she

whispered.

"Hmmm?"

"I want to go home."

"Hmmm," shaking the fog from his brain, Jonathan turned over. "Well, look what Santa

brought." He wrapped his arms around her.

"He brought two." "Speaking of which…"Jonathan looked over her shoulder.

"He‘s been taken to see the doctor. And Catherine will be here shortly to check me out

and then I want to go."

"Okay…what‘s the hurry?"

"I just want to be in my own home. Starting my life with my family."

Jonathan smiled. He couldn‘t argue with that. "Let‘s do it then."

They both got up but before Jennifer could get away he pulled her to him. "This is the

closest I‘ve been to you in months," he said noting how much smaller her belly was.

Jennifer laughed. "I guess you are right."

His eyes turned from lighthearted to serious. "I love you Jennifer. So damn much. What

you did yesterday… I just can‘t put to words." His hands came up to her face. "I love you."

Jennifer‘s heart skipped. Even after all these years, he could still make her insides quake

with his love. He pressed his lips to hers, in a deep but tender kiss, showing her just how much

he loved her.

"Well, that‘s what got you here in the first place," Catherine said walking in on the scene.

"Just telling my wife I love her," Jonathan said not taking his eyes from Jennifer.

Catherine smiled. "Well, now she knows. Let me check her out and then we‘ll see about

getting you home."

"What about the nurse?" Jennifer asked.

"It was Jorjan Chrisman."

"Are you sure?"

"Pretty sure, she‘s the only in there."

"What about the nurse?" Jonathan asked.

"I didn‘t get the name of the nurse who took Max this morning."

"Is there a problem?"

"No," Jennifer looked at him sheepishly. "I was just being overprotective." He smiled.

"As you should be."

Jennifer‘s check up with Catherine went well so she and Jonathan packed up their stuff

and waited for Max‘s return.

"It‘s taking longer this time," Jennifer commented trying not to show her concern.

"Well, he‘s coming home so maybe they are making extra sure he‘s fine," Jonathan

hoped.

"Here we are," the nurse said as she rolled the bassinette into their room. "All is well and

baby Hart is ready to go."

Jennifer looked into the little bed but seeing the baby didn‘t eliminate the unease she‘d

felt since he‘d been taken from her. Jennifer picked him up, cradling him.

"Hey little guy," she whispered. That is when her stomach seemed to fall. She looked

down on the baby and then to Jonathan. This wasn‘t Max.

Chapter Four

Jonathan noticed her demeanor immediately. "What‘s the matter?"

"I don‘t know." She turned to the nurse. "Are you sure this is the right baby?" Jennifer

pulled his hand from the blanket to check his tag. "Baby Hart"

"Yes, I checked the tags."

Jennifer laid him on the bed an opened his blanket. "He seems a little smaller," Jennifer

noted.

"All babies lose a little weight in the beginning. As long as he gains it back by his next

appointment there is no cause for concern."

Jonathan watched Jennifer and could see that the explanation didn‘t alleviate her concern.

He went to her and looked down on the baby. Surely they would know their child just by looking

at him. It looked like him, sort of.

Jennifer wrapped him back up and lifted him to her arms. She looked at Jonathan who

noted the unease in her eyes.

"He doesn‘t … feel right," she said quietly.

Feel? Jonathan couldn‘t understand.

"It‘s okay Mrs. Hart. It‘s normal to be nervous. You can still stay the extra day if you

like."

Jennifer‘s eyes didn‘t leave Jonathan‘s. He could see her wanting him to say or do

something but for the life of him, he couldn‘t figure out what.

Jennifer bit her lower lip and looked to the baby. Guilt began to build. How could she not

know her own baby?

"Can we see the other babies?" Jonathan finally asked. "Just to be sure."

The nurse looked at them with annoyance. "I assure you Mr. Hart, this is your baby."

"Please," he motioned towards Jennifer hoping the nurse would take pity on his wife‘s

distress.

"Well, all right."

As they looked through the nursery window, Jonathan realized that most babies do look

alike. He hoped though that they looked enough different to confirm to Jennifer that she was

holding the right baby.

"Well?" The nurse asked.

Jennifer looked at all the babies. None of them grabbed at her heart or soul, as she‘d

expect baby Max to. She looked at the baby in arms. He was beautiful and peaceful, surely he

was hers. Maybe the nurse was right and it was just nerves.

"Have any left this morning?" Jonathan asked seeing Jennifer was still not convinced.

"Just two, baby Peters who was a girl and baby Simpson who was born two days ago."

"It‘s okay, Jonathan," Jennifer said. "Let‘s just go."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, I just want to get home."

When they got home, Jennifer realized that it had been over four hours since the baby had

eaten. She went to his bassinette that rolled with her wherever she went and found him still

sleeping. Remembering the doctor telling her she may need to wake him up, she picked him up

and tried to wake him.

"Come on sweetie," she cooed while sitting in the rocking chair. She tickled and lightly

pinched his toes. He slowly opened his eyes. Jennifer smiled down on him as their eyes

connected. "There you go." But as she looked on him, there was something haunting about his

eyes. They didn‘t hold the same strength or alertness she‘d remembered. Shrugging it off, she put

him to her breast.

"Come on," she said again as he seemed uncertain as to what to do with it. By now her

milk had come in and a tiny drop perched at the tip. She pressed the drop to his lips. "Drink up

sweetie." Finally his lips parted and he began to nurse but within a few light suckles he was

asleep. Jennifer couldn‘t help the flow of tears that began to fall. This baby was nothing like the

baby that had been placed in her arms, the one who‘d looked at her with inquisitive eyes and

who‘d eaten voraciously. But it had to be. The band on his wrist said he was. None of the other

babies were him either.

Jennifer realized her fear was coming true. She had been afraid that she wouldn‘t be a

good mother; that she wouldn‘t develop the type of instincts that comes naturally to others.

"Darling?" Jonathan burst into the room. "What is it?‖ He‘d her crying, sobbing really.

Jennifer hadn‘t realized how loudly or uncontrollably she was crying. She looked up at

him and saw the worry on his face. He‘d been worried since they‘d left the hospital. He‘d tried to

support her. Tried to understand but she knew that he‘d agreed with the nurse. She was probably

overwhelmed and nervous about motherhood.

She could try and tell him again how this baby didn‘t seem like the same baby, but then

what would he think? What would everyone think if she continued like this? They‘d think she

was rejecting him. It was bad enough for her to realize in her heart that motherhood was not in

her nature, but she couldn‘t let others know.

"I‘m sorry, hormones I guess."

"Are you sure," He came to kneel before. He gently rubbed his hand on the baby‘s head.

She nodded. "And tired. I guess I‘m just a bit out of sorts."

Jonathan watched her. Something more was wrong. He could feel it. But as he watched

her she began to sing to the baby. He noticed that she had to wake him up every few minutes to

keep him eating.

"He doesn‘t seem hungry," he said.

Jennifer‘s eyes flashed up at him and Jonathan got the distinct feeling that she felt he was

criticizing her. "The doctor said I might have to wake him up to eat. He hasn‘t eaten for four

hours."

Jonathan nodded. "You‘re right. You are doing beautifully Jennifer. You are most

beautiful mother I know."

Jennifer managed a smile knowing that he was trying to sooth things over. But the

damage had been done at the hospital when she questioned them about the baby. The nurse had

probably written it in the chart. Everyone now knew that Jennifer was having difficulty bonding

with her baby. But she would change that. She would be a good mother. Her baby needed that.

Jennifer kept the baby with her at all times. When he slept she slept with him by her side.

Every three hours she would wake him to eat and as he did, she would talk to him and sing to

him. The more she watched him as he slept or the few moments he was awake, she was able to

learn more about him. He really was a sweet baby. His eyes were soft and … wise was the word

that came to mind. Like he knew secrets of universe. When he finally grasped her finger during a

feeding, Jennifer cried with joy. But it also made her wonder… had he felt the same? No matter

how much she found herself bonding with the being in her arms, she couldn‘t shake the feeling

that he wasn‘t the one that had come from her body. But each time the thought came, she shook

it off.

Jonathan watched Jennifer and found himself relieved. She looked more and more natural

with him and relaxed. He didn‘t know what to make of her earlier concerns. He would never

doubt her and yet, well it didn‘t make sense that she would think she had the wrong baby. He

looked like Max, sort of. He didn‘t really act like Max but when Jennifer slept and he called

Catherine she assured him that babies go through a sleepy period and that Jennifer was doing

fine.

Jennifer got up and put the baby in the bassinette intending to take a shower and get

ready for bed. She saw Jonathan watching her as she rose. He smiled.

"Are you okay?"

"Yes, tired but fine. I think I‘ll take a shower and get ready for bed."

"Sounds good. Can I get you something? Are you hungry?"

"A little."

"How about some toast and soup."

"Good." The feeling of small talk didn‘t escape either of them. Jonathan was worried but

didn‘t want to pursue the matter after her response in the afternoon. Jennifer still felt uneasy but

didn‘t want to reveal her ineptitude.

Jonathan left to fix her some food. When he came back, he set the food on the bed.

Checking in the bassinette and lightly touching the baby, he headed back into the bathroom to

find Jennifer. When he didn‘t hear the shower he thought maybe she‘d taken a bath. Instead, he

found her sunk down against the sink counter weeping.

"Jennifer?" Panic streaked through him.

Embarrassed, Jennifer tried to turn away but Jonathan would not have it. He took her

arms and pulled her into his lap as he sat. "What is it, baby? Oh God Jennifer, please tell me

what is going on."

"There is something terribly wrong Jonathan. Terribly."

"Tell me what it is darling. I will fix it." God help him he would fix it.

Jennifer looked at him. What was he going to think? Would he be right? "I don‘t think

he‘s our baby."

Jonathan felt his heart drop. How could they not have the right baby? Was there

something really wrong with Jennifer‘s ability to bond with him? No, that can‘t be, she was so

natural with him in the hospital.

Jennifer could see the wheels turning in his head, the doubt and the concern. What the

hell was wrong with her that she couldn‘t feel right about the baby? Unable to bear Jonathan‘s

scrutiny, she pulled away from him. She left the dressing room, unsure to where she was

heading.

"Jennifer?" Jonathan called, his concern and fear evident in his voice. He followed her.

"Please just leave me alone," she begged. "I can‘t bear to see you look at me like that."

"I‘m sorry sweetheart. I‘m just trying to understand. I don‘t understand."

Jennifer swung around to him, "What‘s to understand? I‘m going around the bend. The

nurse thought so, you think so…"

"No I don‘t. Jennifer, really I don‘t. I just don‘t understand. I don‘t know what to do.

Please," he begged taking her arms gently to prevent her from getting away. "Please explain it to

me."

Jennifer, tired and weary, sank into him. "He doesn‘t feel right."

That‘s what she‘d said earlier. "How is he supposed to feel?"

His question made her realize how ludicrous her comment was. She shook her head.

"Never mind. I need to check on him."

"No dammit!" Jonathan didn‘t mean to sound angry but he couldn‘t let this go on. "Tell

me. What is missing?"

"Do you remember the first time you saw me? Kissed me?"

Jonathan frowned. What did that have to do with anything? But he decided to go along.

"Yes."

"Tell me."

"What?"

"Tell me what it was like."

"Well, it was like nothing I‘d felt before. I felt like you‘d reached right into my heart and

soul."

"And when you kissed Dominique or took Simone home thinking it was me, how‘d you

know it wasn‘t me? They looked like me…"

Jonathan began to get the picture. "They didn‘t feel right."

"Yes," Jennifer let her tears fall again. "Jonathan, that is not the baby that was placed in

my arms after birth. He‘s a sweet baby with the most amazing soul that you can see in his eyes.

But he‘s not Max. Max ate eagerly and was alert. This baby would starve to death if I didn‘t

wake him. And I think he knows I‘m not his mom."

"If this is true, then someone else has Max."

"If it is true?" Jennifer could still see the doubt in his eyes. But the more she thought

about it, the more it had to be. She knew she bonded with her baby. And she knew she was

bonded to this baby but he wasn‘t Max. "I‘m going to eat and then feed him and go to bed."

"Wait, we aren‘t finished here. Why do you keep running from me? I‘m trying to

understand Jennifer. I want to believe you."

"Want?" Jennifer didn‘t hide the hurt. It was the problem. "You used to believe me no

matter what."

Jonathan closed his eyes realizing his mistake too late. She started to walk away but he

held her arm. "I believe the baby doesn‘t feel right to you…"

"You just don‘t believe that it could be the wrong baby which means you think I‘m a

mother gone batty. Or suffering from post-partum craziness." She yanked her arm away. "I knew

I couldn‘t tell you. I shouldn‘t have said anything to you or anyone. Now everyone will know

what a horrible mother I am."

She moved away quickly but Jonathan caught her again. He pinned her against the wall

so she would stop struggling. "Jennifer. Listen to me. I love you. Nothing will change that, ever.

I don‘t know what is going on. I don‘t know what to think. But no matter what, I will always

support you and believe in you." He moved his hands placing his palms on her cheeks. "I love

you." He pulled her into his arms. "I love you," he whispered. "We will figure this out. I

promise."

It wasn‘t quite what Jennifer wanted to hear, but she couldn‘t fight anymore. She didn‘t

want to carry the burden anymore. Maybe she was suffering from some sort of post-partum

depression. Maybe she was going mad. But somewhere deep down in her heart and soul, she

knew she was right and yet was helpless to do anything.

Chapter Five

Jonathan had watched Jennifer until she fell asleep. He knew she‘d set her alarm because

she believed the baby wouldn‘t wake to eat. Despite her feelings that the baby wasn‘t Max, she

showed a great deal of caring and concern. She‘d decided to take the baby back to the doctor just

to check on his health. Jonathan had to agree that he seemed a bit lethargic. He hoped that

whatever it was, it would pass and they could both resume the perfect life they‘d led up until

then.

He must have fallen asleep because he was startled awake by a terrible cry.

"JENNIFER?" he called as he jumped from the bed.

She cried out for him again. He ran to the hall and found her hurrying towards him

carrying the baby.

"He‘s sick, I don‘t think he‘s breathing." Jennifer set him on the hall table. "Call for

help." She ordered as she resumed CPR on the tiny infant.

Jonathan shook the fog from his brain and picked up the phone. "Maybe we should take

him in?"

"I think paramedics would get here sooner than we‘d get him to the hospital," she said

between breaths.

Jonathan nodded and made the call. It was certainly the longest five minutes of their

lives. The paramedics rushed in and began working on the baby. Jonathan and Jennifer watched

helpless. Within minutes, everyone was on the way to the hospital.

Jonathan and Jennifer waited anxiously for an eternity it seemed. Jennifer paced and

refused Jonathan‘s suggestion of coffee or taking a break. Inside she was a jumble of nerves. She

knew she wasn‘t cut out for this. She should have done something different but couldn‘t figure

out what. That only made her conviction stronger; she wasn‘t a good mother. A good mother

wouldn‘t have questioned her baby. A good mother would have realized sooner that the problem

was more serious.

"Jennifer." Jonathan called to her. He didn‘t like how she looked. She was distant, getting

farther away from him with each moment. The more he tried to pull her close, the more she

resisted him. "Jennifer," he called again.

She turned to him. "You are going to wear a hole in the floor."

"I can‘t help it," she stated as she turned back to pacing.

Jonathan shrugged. He knew his desire to have her come to him was his need to hold her;

his need to be needed by her. "I‘m going to get some more coffee, you want some?"

"No, no, I‘m fine."

***

The evening wore on. Jennifer finally used up some of her nervous energy and sat on the

couch. Still, Jonathan noticed, she sat across from him.

When a doctor emerged, both jumped up. "How is he, Doctor? Is he okay?"

"Mr. And Mrs. Hart, I‘m doctor Kepler, I‘m the chief of staff here at the hospital."

"Chief of staff?" Jonathan said.

"Did you work on our baby?" Jennifer asked.

"No, I didn‘t but I do know his status. I would like for you to come to my office to

discuss his case."

"But is he all right?" Jennifer asked growing irritated at not having her question

answered.

"The baby is alive and stable…"

"Will he stay all right? What is wrong with him?" Jennifer continued.

"If you would please follow me to my office, I‘ll answer all of your questions."

Jennifer looked to Jonathan. Annoyance flared at himself and Jennifer for the one time

she turned to him for support or help, he was not able to offer it. Instead he took her arm and

followed the doctor.

In the office the doctor offered coffee but both refused. "Please just tell us what is going

on," Jonathan said sternly. "The hospital doesn‘t call the Chief of Staff in the middle of night to

meet with people without something serious."

"How is the baby?" Jennifer asked again.

"He is fine at the moment. But he has a rare congenital disorder…"

"It is treatable?"

The doctor looked to Jonathan and then to Jennifer. "I‘m afraid not."

"What!" Jennifer looked to Jonathan who looked equally as stunned. Turning back to the

doctor she said, "Will he survive? Have a normal life?"

"Doctor Kepler, whatever he needs, specialists, equipment, we will pay whatever it

takes."

"Unfortunately, no amount of money will save him…"

"Save him? You mean he‘s going to …" Jennifer couldn‘t bring herself to say the words.

The doctor nodded. "It is terminal."

"Oh God no." For the first time since the unusual behavior of the baby started, Jennifer

turned to Jonathan. Burying her head in his shoulder she wept.

"Surely there is something that can be done. Maybe in Europe or something." Jonathan

said as he held Jennifer.

The doctor would have normally been offended; after all, his hospital was one of the best

in the world. Under the circumstances though he understood Jonathan‘s desire to do whatever it

took. "There is nothing. The disorder, it involves the heart, a delicate matter as it is, but it‘s not

curable at this point. We just don‘t have the technology. And, because it is so rare, only limited

research is conducted to find a way to cure or prevent it."

Jonathan turned to Jennifer. "I‘m so sorry sweetheart," he whispered as his own tears

began to fall.

"There is something else I need to inform you about," the doctor said.

Jonathan turned to him. All of a sudden he had a fear that perhaps Jennifer had this illness

too. He would survive the loss of this baby, but he‘d never survive the loss of his wife. "Is it

hereditary?"

"Well, little is understood about the disease but it doesn‘t seem to be hereditary no. The

thing is, it is a anomaly that would have been detected after birth, when he was checked over."

Jennifer turned to the doctor, "But he had a perfect bill of health."

"Yes, well Doctor Parker had his record pulled because we wouldn‘t have sent him home

particularly without informing you of his condition. That is when he called me."

"Why? What‘s in the record?" Jennifer asked.

"Well, it‘s just as you said, the Hart baby had perfect health. The file also revealed other

information that made it clear that this baby is not your baby."

"What!" Jonathan bolted from his seat.

Jennifer sat numbly in her chair.

"How can that be?" Jonathan asked.

"I don‘t know how it could happen as we take great precautions to avoid accidental

switching." The doctor stood up. "But let me assure you that we are looking into it as we speak

and the police are on the way."

"The police?" Jonathan said. "Why the police? Do you think this switch was on

purpose?"

The doctor looked at Jennifer who still sat numbly in her chair and Jonathan who

appeared to be ready to pounce. "As I said, we take great precaution to avoid this sort of thing.

We place name bands on the mother and baby minutes after birth. We check them when we take

the baby and bring it back..."

"So the only way this could happen is if someone switched the bands?" Jonathan asked.

"Yes, that‘s right."

"But why?"

"A terminally ill baby versus a healthy baby…"

Jonathan could not conceive such a thing. The magnitude of it deflated him and he sank

into his chair. He looked over to Jennifer. She had been right the whole time and he‘d not

supported her. How tormented she must have been to think the baby wasn‘t hers when everyone,

including him, told her it was a response to being a new mother. He reached out and took her

hand. "You were right."

What good it did her now. Although it was somewhat reassuring to know she wasn‘t

crazy it didn‘t change the fact her baby had been switched.

"So what happens now?" Jennifer heard herself ask.

"I‘ve called the police already and I have asked hospital security to look into this as

well."

"That‘s it?" Jonathan asked. "You just called a few people? Who is the baby we had?

Who was supposed to have him? Why isn‘t anyone telling us that? Why isn‘t any one out finding

him?"

"We are, I assure you we are. My staff has identified the file of the sick child and the

names of the parents …"

"Which are?"

The doctored eyed Jonathan. "I can‘t divulge that information but I have sent a security

person and the police to the address in the chart."

"Oh and I‘m sure they‘ll be there seeing they kidnapped a baby. Who are they?"

A knock at the door saved the doctor from having to tell Jonathan that he couldn‘t

divulge any more information. "Yes?"

"Lt. Gray, I‘m here regarding a kidnapping."

"Hershal. Do you know anything?"

"I‘m sorry Mrs. Hart. All I know is a few of my men have been dispatched to a home in

the valley. I‘m here to get the details."

The doctor told Lt. Gray everything he knew and the Harts shared their side of the story.

"Why don‘t you two go home and get some rest," the doctor suggested. "The police or the

hospital will be in touch as soon as we know something."

Jonathan looked at him as if he said the most ludicrous thing in the world.

"What will happen to the baby?" Jennifer asked before Jonathan could say anything.

"The baby you had? Well, we‘ll keep him here. He is being made comfortable …"

Jennifer frowned. "He doesn‘t have much time?"

"No. I‘m sorry Mrs. Hart that you have had to suffer the tragedy of his loss as well as that

of your son. But the people who took your son don‘t want to harm him so I‘m confident he‘ll be

found and returned to you. We‘ll take care of this baby so you don‘t need to concern yourself

with him …"

"What?" Jennifer‘s tone caught everyone‘s attention. "He may not be my son but I have

cared for him, sung to him, cried for him … and you expect me to just leave him. I‘m not like his

parents. I want to see him."

The doctor looked as if he were going to protest and then thought better of it. Although it

seemed unlikely it would make a difference for the baby, it seemed it would for her. "All right."

Jonathan followed Jennifer to the neonatal intensive care. He was still in shock and not

quite sure why he was visiting the sick baby while his son was missing. Then again, there was

nothing to do. The police and the hospital were tightlipped on any information. While he was

clearly confused about his feelings, Jennifer showed strength and compassion. She‘d clearly

taken charge. She‘d informed the hospital and the police they had until daybreak to get their little

Max back or at least have something significant to share about his whereabouts. At that time, it

would be no holds barred on the search for Maxwell Edwards Hart.

Jennifer approached the little bed that held the baby she cared for over the last day.

"Hello sweetie," she whispered as she took his hand. His eyes were closed and he appeared to be

asleep. But his head turned towards her voice and his fingers clasped her finger. Jonathan

watched in awe as she tenderly began to sing to him.

"Do you think she sings to little Max?" Jennifer asked Jonathan when she was done.

Jonathan nodded. "I think the doctor is right, they wanted a healthy baby and are treating

him like their own."

Jennifer stroked the baby‘s head. "He doesn‘t have a name."

"Why don‘t you give him one?" the nurse said touched that the Harts would give this sick

abandoned baby love during his last hours.

Jennifer looked to Jonathan. "How about Charlie?" He suggested.

Jennifer smiled. He was another orphan in her life. "Hey Charlie, little angel." Then she

frowned. "He hasn‘t been christened."

"I can arrange for that as well," the nurse said as she finished her charting for Charlie.

Jennifer sat with Charlie a bit longer. "Do you think he knew? I mean that I wasn‘t his

mother?"

"I don‘t know. I think he knew you cared for him."

"I should have done better. I should have insisted he be checked out. Maybe if I‘d

realized he was sick, we could have done something..."

"Darling, there is nothing we could have done even if we‘d all listened to you this

morning. You have given him so much. He was left by his parents and yet you loved him and

cared for him…"

"But I questioned him… was uneasy… he probably felt that from me."

"Jennifer," Jonathan put his hands on her shoulders. "You sang to him, talked to him, you

love him. Look at you now, still loving him. Not wanting him to be alone … you can‘t know

how much I admire your strength at this moment. How proud I am of you."

Jennifer smiled. She appreciated the words but wasn‘t convinced. She was torn. She

knew she should be out looking for Max but here she was with a dying baby. She knew in her

mind that there was nothing she could do at that point but a part of her felt she was betraying

Max by staying with Charlie.

As if he could read her mind, Jonathan said, "This is probably the best place for us to be.

Max is being cared for and the police are looking for him. Hershel is leading the investigation so

I know they are being thorough."

Jennifer nodded. "I just hope he‘s okay. That they are loving him. That they don‘t hurt

him."

Jonathan took her in his arms and held her as much for himself as for her.

Chapter Six

The minister arrived blessing little Charlie and said a prayer for little Max. It was only a

few hours later when Charlie left the Harts. Somehow Jennifer knew the time had come. She‘d

once again started singing to him and caressed his frail body. Jonathan watched, not quite feeling

comfortable with watching an infant die but at the same time admiring Jennifer‘s efforts to

comfort him, to say good-bye.

"Why does this happen to us?" Jennifer said as she absently caressed Charlie‘s head after

he was gone.

Jonathan shook his head.

She looked up at him. Her eyes were mixed with pain and something resembling anger.

He wondered for a moment if the anger was directed at him. Or maybe it was his own guilt at not

listening to her when she first questioned whether or not she had the right baby.

"We are good decent people," she continued. "Yes we are blessed to have each other and

great wealth but we didn‘t hurt anyone to find our happiness. We use the money for good."

Jonathan went to her to comfort her. While he was somewhat relieved to know her anger

was directed somewhere else, it frustrated him that he still couldn‘t help her.

"I want to know. Are our cups so filled? We aren‘t allowed anymore?"

Jonathan looked at her not knowing how to answer.

"We‘ve lost our son and another child left in our care. Why Jonathan? Why?"

He wished he knew what to say to make her pain leave.

"Why?"

"I don‘t know darling," he finally said. He felt much the same way: grieved and afraid for

Max and Charlie, and angry at the forces that would put them both through such agony. She was

right that it didn‘t seem quite fair. Certainly the powers that be knew they would trade almost all

they had to save Charlie and little Max. "I don‘t know," He said again this time mostly to

himself.

They were leaving the neonatal unit when Hershel found them. "What did you find?"

Jonathan asked.

"Well, the house is empty. The family left and in a hurry. Witnesses say that the man was

agitated but the wife seemed confused…"

Jennifer didn‘t like the sound of that. "Confused… as in unstable?"

"No as in she didn‘t understanding why they were moving on the day they brought their

baby home." Hershel shrugged. "We do have a lead. Its possible they are heading out of state so

I‘ve contacted the FBI. I told them I‘d meet them here. I figured you‘d still be here. How‘s the

little guy?"

Jennifer‘s tears fell at Lt. Gray‘s question. Jonathan put his arm around her. "He‘s gone."

"I‘m sorry. It‘s not right for people to take your child but leaving a little guy like that …"

he shook his head.

Jonathan and Jennifer met with Lt. Gray and Special Agent Larson. They finally agreed

to go home to get rest knowing that they‘d need their strength soon enough. Once home, Jennifer

went to the nursery. Jonathan found her there. She had finished pumping her full breasts and was

preparing the milk for storage. Little Max would need that, he agreed. Her action indicated she

fully intended to find little Max alive and well. He was glad Jennifer was optimistic about

finding Max. Perhaps that maternal instinct of hers knew something he didn‘t because Jonathan

was terrified little Max wouldn‘t come home. Jonathan was terrified that his son would grow up

not knowing his parents. He never dwelled on his own feelings of being abandoned, not any

more. When he met Max Brenner, Jonathan learned what it was like to have a father figure,

mentor and best friend. When he met Jennifer, he felt he‘d gained everything he‘d ever want. He

often felt like a protector but Jennifer was usually his source of strength. When he sought to

comfort or keep her safe, it was usually Jennifer who in turn brought sanity back to his life.

"Darling?" The sound of Jennifer‘s voice calling him brought him out of his thoughts.

"Hey."

"Are you all right?"

"I was just thanking God to have you in my life."

Jennifer smiled wearily.

He cleared his throat that all of a sudden closed on him. "And, I‘m scared… oh God

Jennifer, I‘m scared."

Jennifer watched baffled for a moment as Jonathan began to weep. While Jonathan never

hid his emotions, he always wanted to be strong for her. So it surprised her to see his emotions

get the best of him. She went to him, wrapping her arms around him. They both sank to the floor,

holding to each other.

"I never knew my parents and now I may never know my son…"

Jennifer listened to his grief and chastised herself for wallowing in her own grief and

expecting him to comfort her. While she knew he would grieve if they lost little Max, it never

occurred to her how he might relate it to the loss of his own parents. It broke her heart when she

thought about Jonathan‘s life as an orphan. But he persevered. He never felt sorry for himself as

he built his company. Certainly he wouldn‘t then be forced to deal with an even greater loss of a

child?

"I‘m sorry," Jonathan said, repositioning himself so that he could hold Jennifer to

comfort her.

"No, stop," Jennifer said, preventing him from changing their emotional positions. "I

need this." She put her hands on his face. "I need to be reminded that I‘m not the only one

hurting. I can be selfish like that."

"This shouldn‘t be happening. If I had listened to you, if I had done something…"

Jennifer shook her head. "We can‘t think like that. I don‘t blame you Jonathan."

His eyes narrowed as if he didn‘t believe her.

Jennifer dropped her head against his. "I was annoyed and frustrated. I thought I was

going crazy or worse that I was a bad mother..."

"I know and I‘m sorry. I could have helped you better."

There was nothing Jennifer could say and she knew it. But it was late and both were

exhausted. "Let‘s get some rest," she said. "We‘ll need to be rested when the police call about

Max."

"You‘re right." Jonathan stood. He took a deep breath to settle his emotions. He reached

down to help Jennifer up. He held her arms and looked into her eyes. "I love you. God help me, I

don‘t know what I‘d do without you."

Jennifer smiled sympathetically as she placed her palm on his cheek. "You think it‘s any

different for me?"

"I won‘t let you down again, I promise."

Jennifer leaned into him, resting her head on his chest. She wanted to assure him that she

didn‘t blame him but she knew it was a lost cause.

They were woken early the next morning by the phone. "Hello!" Jonathan said as he

grabbed the phone. Jennifer moved to listen in on the line.

"Mr. Hart, this is Special Agent Larson."

"Yes, do you know where my son is?" Jonathan didn‘t even attempt to mask the

desperation in his voice.

"We have a lead we are following up on. I just wanted to check to see where you would

be today so I can contact you."

"What is this lead? Where is he?"

"We got some information from a neighbor and his employer that we are currently

sending some agents to follow-up on. I‘m heading there as we speak…"

"Where?"

"Mr. Hart, I know you want to be there but its best if you stay home by the phone and let

me call..."

"Where?" Jonathan asked again more forcefully.

"New Mexico. I land in 20 minutes. I will call you when I have more."

"Albuquerque?"

"New Mexico?" Jennifer whispered.

"Mr. Hart, please, I need you to stay where you are."

"And I have a infant who needs his mother. If it‘s Max, she needs to be there."

There was a pause. "You do it my way, Mr. Hart. You can come. Get a hotel room and let

me know where you are. I will meet you there and give an update but that is it."

"Where?"

"Sante Fe."

Jennifer and Jonathan found a hotel in the old part of Sante Fe and paged Agent Larson.

"What‘s the news?" Jonathan asked as he let Agent Larson into their hotel room.

"So far nothing. The house has been empty. He showed up but not the wife or baby."

"Did you question him?" Jennifer asked.

"Yes, but he indicates that baby is his. Without the wife and baby there, we can‘t push

too much. We do have people watching the house."

"Did he say where the wife and baby are?"

"Just out."

"Where is the house?" Jonathan asked.

"Uh uh, nope, you stay here an I‘ll call you."

"Maybe he‘ll listen to us," Jennifer argued.

"He doesn‘t care about you. If he did he wouldn‘t have taken the baby in the first place.

We aren‘t even sure if this is your baby or if the baby is with him."

"It‘s him," Jennifer said turning away and walking to the window. "I feel it," she said

more to herself than to the agent.

"You can‘t really expect us to just sit around," Jonathan argued.

"I have heard about your propensity to get involved in crimes but this time you really

need to let us handle it. We are experts. Anything less puts your son at risk."

The agent didn‘t stay around to be coerced by Jonathan. When the door shut, Jonathan

turned to Jennifer. "We‘re close sweetheart, very close."

"He‘s here. I know it." She turned to him, her hands fisted in his shirt. "I feel it."

If Jonathan had learned anything over the last few days it was that Jennifer‘s maternal

instinct was right on.

"Then they will find him. He will be home soon."

"You believe me? You feel it too?"

"I believe you and Max have a bond stronger than anything else. If you feel it, then he‘s

here."

Jennifer watched Jonathan and knew he was sincere. "Only you and I have a bond as

strong," she said.

He pulled Jennifer to him. His arms wrapped around her as her words wrapped around

him. She didn‘t know how much he needed to hear that. Until she said it, he didn‘t know how

much he needed to hear it. They clung to each other giving and getting strength in each other‘s

arms. A knock on the door jolted them apart.

Jonathan reached the door in quick long steps. The door swung open and he waited

expectantly.

"Mr. Hart?" a small waif like woman asked.

"Yes."

"My name is Anne Kramer."

"Yes?" Jonathan watched as the small woman looked worriedly down the corridor and

then back to him.

"I think I may have your baby."

Jonathan reached out and grabbing her arm pulled her into the hotel room.

"Max?" Jennifer said running to the woman. "Where is he?"

"He‘s safe, at home…"

"His home is here." Jonathan‘s voice was dark. The woman stepped away from him.

Jonathan realized she moved away in fear. "Yes, well, I couldn‘t bring him with me. That

wouldn‘t have been safe."

"Where is he?" Jonathan said trying to be calm and not frighten the woman more.

"He is with my husband. I had no idea …" A look of panic came over her face. "I didn‘t

know what he‘d done. I mean not really. The baby seemed a little different but I was so happy to

have a healthy baby this time that I didn‘t pay attention to the difference."

"This time?" Jennifer asked.

"Yes. I had another child but she died shortly after birth. It seems my husband and I don‘t

have good genes for a baby. We‘d hoped that this time we‘d beat the odds. Joe really wanted a

son. Having a son meant everything to him. There was nothing, not even me, he wanted more. I

didn‘t realize what he might do…"

She was shaking, Jennifer realized. It must have been difficult for her to come to them

she thought. And how would she respond when they told her about Charlie.

"Why don‘t we sit down," Jennifer suggested. "Do you want some water?"

Jonathan watched Jennifer in amazement. His whole body was vibrating with a nervous

energy and she was being a host. He realized that Jennifer understood the woman would need to

be handled carefully.

"I was out and got a call on my cell phone. He said we needed to move again. I should

have guessed." Anne sat on the couch and accepted a glass of water from Jennifer. "He said the

police had been by. Some rich people were accusing the hospital of switching the babies and

wanted to take ours."

Jennifer sat across from the woman but Jonathan paced. He didn‘t want the story. He

wanted Max. He wanted to go and get him now.

"I knew then." She looked up pleadingly to Jennifer. "I would never abandon my baby.

Even if he was sick. Never." She began to weep.

"We can help you and your husband," Jonathan offered.

"I couldn‘t bring the baby. My husband … he‘s not himself. He‘s crazy with protecting

him. We‘d waited so long. Had so much loss…." She looked to them hoping they would

understand and not judge to harshly.

"We just want our son home. We don‘t want anyone to get hurt."

"I want to help you. I want to be a mother but not like this."

Jonathan felt some of the tension drain. At least she wanted to help.

"What about your husband?"

Anne nervously played with her fingers. "He … he won‘t give up the baby."

"He won‘t hurt him will he?" Jennifer asked.

"No, he wants a son."

"The FBI is here. If you help them, you can be protected." Jonathan sensed that she might

be in danger if she agreed to help them.

"I‘m here to help but I‘m not sure how. I met him at a fast food place. When he explained

to me what was happening, I knew the baby wasn‘t ours. I told him I needed to get some more

diapers for the baby and tried to leave. He made me leave the baby with him." She checked her

watch. "I need to get back soon or he‘ll be suspicious."

"Where are you supposed to meet him?"

"I‘m supposed to go back to the fast food place and wait for him to call on the public

phone there."

"How did he get past the FBI that was watching your house?"

"Joe used to work in some sort of special secret unit in the marines…"

Jonathan nodded knowing that some of the military‘s special forces could be practically

invisible. However, the FBI should have known that. He reached for the phone to call Agent

Larson. He wouldn‘t bring up the FBI‘s ineptitude now though. He needed their help.

Jennifer reached into her purse and pulled out a tiny picture. She handed the picture to

Anne. Immediately, Anne knew who the sickly little infant was. She began to weep. "Its not bad

enough he took your baby. But he took mine away from me." She looked to Jennifer with

desperate hope that perhaps he was fine.

"He was a beautiful baby. We called him Charlie. It was a nickname of Jonathan‘s."

Jennifer quickly added, "We would have done anything to save him even though we knew he

wasn‘t our son." Her eyes teared as well. "We stayed with him. It was very peaceful."

Anne nodded. "Thank you for being with him. May I keep this?"

It was the only photo Jennifer had of Charlie but she relinquished it without a thought.

She would always remember Charlie; she didn‘t need the picture for that. But Anne, she needed

to have something of him. "Yes, please take it."

Chapter Seven

It took some doing but Jonathan was able to convince or coerce Agent Larson into letting

them tag along when they followed Anne to wherever Little Max was. She was nervous yet eager

to help. And Jennifer, despite her own grief and worry, was right there supporting Anne in the

difficult task ahead. It couldn‘t be easy for a wife to betray her husband, Jonathan thought.

Especially a husband that seemed to be off-balance and obsessed. He found he had to admire

Anne‘s bravery as well.

Jonathan and Jennifer sat in the back of the car several houses away from where the FBI

and local police were about to make their move. They had all discretely followed Anne to a fast

food joint. She left from there and took a roundabout trip all over town until arriving at the

dilapidated home.

Jennifer held Jonathan‘s hand tightly. He could feel all her hope, fear, and anxiety

coursing through her. It was mixed with his own unease. They watched the house as the minutes

dragged on.

Jennifer bit her lower lip. "What if he does something to Max?"

Jonathan took his hand out of hers and wrapped his arm around her. He then entwined his

other hand with hers. "He wants a son. This whole thing is so he can have Max. I don‘t think

he‘ll hurt him."

"I hope you‘re right."

So do I, Jonathan thought. So do I.

It seemed like eons before police and FBI agents made their move and then exited the

house. They grouped together in the shabby front yard. There was no sign of Max.

"I don‘t like it," Jonathan said to himself. He moved to get out of the car.

"Where are you going?" Jennifer asked.

"To find out what‘s going on."

"I‘m coming with you."

Jonathan learned long ago that there was no holding Jennifer back when she made the

decision to follow him into a potentially dangerous situation. Since she‘d saved his life on more

than one occasion, he figured she‘d earned her right to follow him anywhere.

Agent Larson saw Jonathan and Jennifer approach and quickly moved to head them off.

"What‘s going on?" Jonathan demanded. "Where‘s Max? Where‘s Anne?"

Agent Larson ran a hand through his hair.

"Oh no!" Jennifer exclaimed as she read the doomed expression on his face. "Mr. Kramer

and Max are not here…"

"And Anne?" Jonathan asked darkly.

"Mrs. Kramer is dead."

"Dead?" Jennifer felt like she was hit in the chest.

"What do you mean? You were supposed to follow her, keep her safe."

Agent Larson fought off a shrug. It would be misinterpreted he knew. The truth was most

missing children were never found, at least alive. And psycho kidnappers and killers usually left

a trail of many victims before being found. Its what made that position in the Bureau so difficult

to hold for any length of time. Eventually agents quit before they could lose their belief in

humanity. "We have several agents on the trail. He moves quickly and seems to have a plan.

He‘s not haphazardly moving around."

"He planned to kill his wife?" Jennifer asked horrified.

"That I don‘t know. Probably not. We found this." He pulled out the picture of Charlie

that Jennifer had given her only hours ago.

A gasp escaped Jennifer as she fought to control overwhelming grief and despair.

Jonathan put his arm around her and watched her. She was strong, stronger than he was. But he

could see the wariness. She was beginning to lose hope.

"So what do we do now?" Jonathan asked hoping to get something, some little bit to hold

on to.

"Go back to your hotel. I will stop by later tonight to fill you in on everything."

Jonathan hated that most of all. Go home and wait. He should be doing something

besides sitting around and waiting for someone else to do something. He didn‘t fight it this time.

The wariness was getting to him too.

"I need to stop by a drug store," Jennifer said when she and Jonathan had gotten out of

Agent Larson‘s car.

"Why don‘t you go up to the room and I get what you need." Jonathan really wanted her

to rest. He couldn‘t bear to see her so distraught.

"No, I want to come. I need some feminine things."

"I can get those." They‘d been married a long time. It wouldn‘t be the first time Jonathan

bought feminine things.

"I need different ones. You might not pick the right ones. And I need breast pads too."

"I would really feel better if you would get some rest." How many different kinds of

feminine products could there be? Then he remembered that they usually took up half an isle.

"Please, let me come."

He‘d never remembered hearing that kind of desperation. She was too tired to insist and

so she was pleading.

He nodded, "Yeah, okay, honey. There is a place a block or two up the street. Shall we

walk?"

She nodded and took his hand. She was somewhat embarrassed by her inability to hold it

together. She knew it was difficult for Jonathan to see as well. She told herself she needed to be

strong for Jonathan and Max but it was becoming more and more difficult.

They entered the store and headed straight for the women‘s isle. Jennifer carefully looked

over all the options. Mini, maxi, curved, winged, thin, and so on. Jonathan realized he probably

would have picked the wrong one. In fact, he probably wouldn‘t have picked pads at all. Jennifer

picked up a very large package with very large pads in it.

"I need to get some breast pads too."

"I think I‘ll pick up some shaving cream while I‘m here. I forgot mine at home."

She nodded as he headed to another isle. Jennifer made her way down the same isle with

pads until she found what she was looking for. She picked up a box when she heard the cry of a

baby. As usually happened, the sound of the infant caused her breasts to fill with milk. Every

time it happened, it nearly made her weep. But this time was different. She didn‘t feel like

weeping. She felt like a mother bear ready to fight for her cub.

Jennifer‘s head came up and searched for the source of the crying baby. The more it

fussed the more she felt the cries reach right into her soul. She dropped her packages and moved

quickly from isle to isle until she saw them. The baby was in a car seat sitting on the floor as a

man gathered cans of formula.

"Max," she whispered. She started to head to him.

"What are you doing?" Jonathan asked taking her arm. There was something different

about her and if he didn‘t know better, he thought she might be heading to take that baby.

She turned to him. "It‘s Max."

Jonathan‘s brows furrowed. "What?"

Jennifer clinched her fists into his shirt. "It‘s Max, Jonathan. Look at him."

Jonathan looked down the isle to the baby. He didn‘t need this. He‘d already questioned

her sanity once and regretted it. But it couldn‘t be possible that Max was sitting there in the

middle of the isle.

Jennifer pulled his face to hers. She had a look of controlled scorn. "Listen to him."

Jonathan turned again to look and listen at the baby.

"Not here," Jennifer said referring to his ear. "Here." She placed her hand on his heart.

This time Jonathan closed his eyes and listened to cries. The force of emotion that swept

through him about knocked him down. Only once before had he felt something so strong reach

right into his soul and grab hold.

His eyes blinked open. "It‘s Max."

Jennifer smiled, almost giddy. "Yes." She started to head to him again.

"Wait." Jonathan pulled her to the end of the isle so the man couldn‘t see them as easily.

"What are you doing?"

"He‘s dangerous remember? And he probably knows who we are." Jonathan looked over

the isle to make sure the man hadn‘t moved.

"I don‘t care," Jennifer struggled to free herself.

"You don‘t want to put Max in danger." Jonathan said holding his grip on her.

Jennifer relented but only a little bit. Jonathan pulled out his cell phone to call agent

Larson. "Let‘s keep an eye on him until we can get the FBI here."

Jennifer nodded. "But let‘s wait closer to the door." She headed up an adjoining isle and

positioned herself near the door. Jonathan watched her, hoping she wouldn‘t make a move.

"Agent Larson."

"This is Jonathan Hart. We are at a CVS down the street from our hotel. Max is here with

Mr. Kramer…"

"What the hell." "Hey, we were minding our own business."

"Are you sure it‘s him…"

"Yes."

"I‘ll be right there. Don‘t do anything."

"I can‘t guarantee that," Jonathan said as he watched Kramer pick up the infant seat.

Joe Kramer gathered the formula and headed to another isle presumably to get some

headache medication. Jennifer loitered near the entrance while Jonathan held his position near

the back of the store. He wondered if maybe he should join her near the front. He had a bad

feeling of her being vulnerable if Kramer attempted to leave. He started up the isle next to

Kramer‘s. He glanced over at him briefly and caught Kramer‘s eye. The recognition was

immediate.

"Damn," Jonathan said.

Kramer grabbed the infant seat and hurried to the door.

Jennifer watched as Kramer dashed to the exit with her son. She positioned herself in

front of the door. She would not let him past her. She truly believed this was her only chance to

end this once and for all.

Jonathan felt the world tilt on its axis. Everything that he held close was now in jeopardy

and he wasn‘t close enough to stop it. He willed his feet to fly but Kramer‘s seemed to be

moving faster.

Kramer saw Jennifer but didn‘t slow down. He hunched his shoulders as if he were a pro

football player getting ready to break through the defensive line.

Jennifer saw Kramer‘s intent but kept her eye on the infant carrier. No matter what, the

baby couldn‘t get hurt. She braced herself to take the brunt of Kramer‘s collision and hoped that

she would simultaneously be able to grab the baby. Or maybe she should let him pass. What if he

dropped the carrier? Oh God.

She felt as if she were being hit by train as the full force of his stocky body rammed into

hers. Her arms came out, wrapping around the carrier as she started to fall back. Hold on and

don‘t let go, she thought.

Her breath was forced from her lungs as she hit the floor. She couldn‘t breath and yet she

held on to the carrier that had come to rest on her chest. She held on with everything she had as

Kramer attempted to pull the carrier loose.

Jonathan finally reached the front of the store. With a leap, he was on Kramer and they

rolled across the floor.

Jennifer caught her breath then got up to check on Max. She became aware of the

commotion of Jonathan fighting and the store employees and customers gasps of surprise.

"Oh sweetheart, mommy missed you." Jennifer pulled the baby out of the carrier and held

him close. She inhaled his baby scent, rubbing her cheek against his. Life was finally perfect

again. That is until she heard the gun shot.

She knew without looking that her life had just taken a turn for the worse. She and

Jonathan had a bond that defied reality. She had read once that identical twins could sometimes

feel things that happened to the other twin. That was what it was like between her and Jonathan.

At the moment the gun went off, her soul cried out.

Jonathan fell back against the magazine rack. He tried to reach out to stop Kramer from

running off but this time he‘d been beaten. He saw the look on Jennifer‘s face as she knelt down

in front of him. At least she had the baby, he thought as the world went dark.

Chapter Eight

Jennifer paced the waiting area of the hospital. Little Max slept fitfully in her arms. She

had never felt the level of fear or guilt that she felt now. Even when Max was missing, it wasn‘t

quite like what she felt now. She‘d been so focused on Max that she hadn‘t even considered

Jonathan. He warned her Kramer could be dangerous but she didn‘t listen. And now he was

paying the price of her selfish and impulsive behavior. What would she do if he didn‘t make it?

He wasn‘t just someone she shared her life with. He was a part of her. If he died, she was sure a

huge part of her would die too. And then what kind of mother would she be? God if she‘d just

listened to him. Agent Larson would have been there. He had grabbed Kramer before he could

reach the street.

"Mrs. Hart?"

Jennifer swung around hoping for news on Jonathan but turned to find Agent Larson.

"I just wanted to stop by and check on you. You look tired. You need some rest."

She shook her head. "I couldn‘t rest even if I wanted too."

He‘d known she would refuse. But, with Jonathan‘s life in the balance, he felt compelled

to support her. "How about some food?"

She shook her head again.

"You need to eat. You‘re a nursing mother. Max needs you to eat."

He was right. And damn, she was still doing it; still focused on her needs at the expense

of her family. She nodded, "Yes, I could use some food."

"Let me take care of it. Milk? Maybe a turkey sandwich?"

"That sounds good. Thank you."

When Agent Larson returned, Jennifer was still pacing the floor. "No word?"

"No," she said. "They said it could be hours still." She bit back a sob. She was holding on

by a bare thread.

"I can hold Max while you eat."

She shook her head. "No, I don‘t think I‘ll ever put him down again." She sat down. ―If

you could just put the food down here next to me."

"Sure."

"I appreciate your getting this. I don‘t seem to be able to think very clearly lately."

"It not hard to understand why." Agent Larson sat down next to her. "I think you are

holding up very well."

"Thanks," Jennifer said taking sip of milk.

"I do need to ask you what happened in the store before I got there. Are you up to it?"

Jennifer shrugged. "We went there to pick up some things and there he was."

"You were sure it was Max?"

"No doubts. Jonathan knew it too."

Agent Larson nodded. "Did he see you?"

"Yes, he saw Jonathan and immediately made a run for it. I shouldn‘t have gotten in his

way but I couldn‘t help it…" A new batch of tears threatened. "If only I‘d listened to Jonathan.

He told me to wait." She shook her head.

"You were acting on instinct. I know that and so does he. Besides, he could have let

Kramer go too. You were safe. You had Max. He didn‘t have to stop him."

Jennifer knew he was right and yet she couldn‘t help but think Jonathan attacked Kramer

because they were safe. Jonathan was a decent and fair man, until it came to his family. Then he

felt a need to exact his own kind of justice. He‘d almost killed Elliot once … it was the first time

she‘d seen the dark, desperate and menacing look in his eyes. She‘d stopped him, not for Elliot‘s

sake but for Jonathan‘s.

"I don‘t know what I‘ll do if I lose him. He is as much a part of me as my heart."

Agent Larson nodded. "You‘ll make it. You‘ll have to for Max. But, Jonathan is strong.

He has a strong desire and reason to live."

Jennifer smiled. "You are very kind and forgiving. I would have thought you‘d be

chastising me."

He shrugged. "I can‘t chastise people who are acting on impulses such as yours. You

couldn‘t any more help risking your life to save Max than Jonathan could to save you both."

Jennifer ate some food. She wasn‘t hungry but she knew she needed the fuel for Max.

"Listen," Agent Larson started. "I arranged a room for you here at the hospital. I know

you don‘t feel like sleeping but you need your rest just as you need to eat. I‘ve made the nurses

and doctors promise to wake you as soon as there is news about Jonathan."

Jennifer would have argued except at the mention of a room and rest, she felt the fatigue

through her entire body. She nodded. "Thank you for all your help."

"Here is my number again. Call me if you need anything or just to let me know how

Jonathan is doing."

Jennifer was asleep before her head hit the pillow. She‘d sat in the rocking chair nursing

Max. For a bit, she reveled in the feel of him suckling at her breast. It had seemed forever since

she‘d last held and fed him. The perfectness of having him in her arms was diminished by the

fear that her husband may not survive.

When it was clear she couldn‘t stay up a single second longer, she climbed into the

hospital bed. With Max tucked in by her side, she sank into a deep sleep. It seemed she‘d only

just fallen asleep when Max woke her with a wail.

"Hungry again already?" she whispered. She looked at the clock. It was two hours later

than when she fell asleep. "My, I hope you learn to sleep in longer spurts soon." She put Max to

her breast. She watched him as his little pursed lips suckled and caused little squeaking noises. "I

sure wish your father were here to see this." She gently rubbed her hand over Max‘s peach fuzz

of hair.

"Dammit," the doctor said as attempts to clamp a new source of bleeding failed. "George,

can you get that?"

"Alex, he should have been dead hours ago. It‘s lost."

"He‘s not dead yet. And if he‘s fighting this hard to make it, we can‘t give up. We don‘t

give up until long after he does."

Jonathan was vaguely aware of life around him or leaving him. He wasn‘t sure. He felt as

if he were in that state of sleep when you aren‘t quite awake and yet you weren‘t sleeping either.

Light illuminated the distance and then faded. What was he supposed to do? The light came

again. Not like one you‘d see at the end of a long dark tunnel. This advanced slowly like a mist.

As it came closer, he was torn between a desire to let it encompass him and a fear that if he did,

he wouldn‘t be able to return. The fear forced him to move back but he couldn‘t move. Try as he

might, he stayed in place as the mist surrounded him. It was warm and comforting but he knew

he didn‘t want it to be. He looked up and saw a figure approaching. He once heard someone say

that a person came to meet you when you were dead. It didn‘t matter what religion you were,

someone always met you on the other side. Who would meet him? The mother he‘d never

known? Sister Margarite?

"Hey Mr. H."

"Max?" Jonathan watched as his dearest friend emerged from the mist.

"I hate to say it but I‘m sorry to see you."

Jonathan‘s face dropped. He couldn‘t be dead. He wasn‘t ready. There was so much love

left to give Jennifer. There was more he hadn‘t been able to give Little Max.

"No." His voice was barely above a whisper. He looked to Max for help. "I have … we,

Jennifer and I, we have a son. He‘s only a few days old. I can‘t … We named him after you Max.

Max smiled, his eyes glowing. "I know. I can‘t tell you what that meant to me… to be

honored like that."

Max was now right next to him. He seemed so real. Jonathan would have reached out to

touch Max but he was afraid if he did he‘d ruin any chance of going back. "Max, I‘m not ready."

"You are one of the few people who will never be ready, Mr. H. Not unless Mrs. H. were

right next to you."

"There must be something I can do, Max. Anything, tell me please. My heaven is with

Jennifer. You know that."

Max nodded. "It‘s not for me to decide." "Then who Max? Who do I appeal to?"

"The decision is with you … in this case."

"Huh?" "Well in some cases, the decision is made by the nature of things. Old age, severe

car wreck, stuff like that. But in cases like yours, where life lingers, where doctors or nature can

heal wounds, then often the choice is yours. You have been fighting hard and long this night.

You are tired and even the doctors seemed to lose hope. But look, they have stopped the bleeding

and they are waiting to see …"

When had the ability to see outside of himself appear? He watched as the doctors worked

in anticipation. He heard them say he‘d been out nearly 25 minutes.

"The time to choose is running out … Go Mr. H… Jonathan. Go back to Jennifer and

your beautiful son. We will meet again another time… much later."

Jonathan watched as Max began to drift away from him. "I love you Max," he called.

"I love you Jonathan." The power was stronger than he‘d have imagined. Like gravity,

his body seemed to pull him back. The closer it came, the darker it got until there was nothing.

"Mrs. Hart?"

Jennifer heard the soft, quiet voice but found it difficult to pull herself from the sleep.

"Mrs. Hart. I have news of your husband." At that Jennifer‘s eyes popped open and

bolted upright to a sit with Max still in her arms. "How is he? Please God, please tell me he‘s

okay."

The nurse smiled. "He‘s pulled through the operation. The doctor still has him on the

critical list but he feels very good about Mr. Hart‘s prognosis. He will be here to see you in a

bit."

"Thank you, nurse. Thank you so much."

"You‘re welcome. Now, get some more rest. I think you need it to care for your husband

and your new baby."

Jennifer sat back. "Did you hear that Max? Daddy is going to be okay." She kissed his

soft head. He began to stir and looked up at her. "Hi sweetie." She looked at her watch. "Just in

time. It‘s been two hours."

"No, Max will not go anywhere without me."

"Please Mrs. Hart. We don‘t want to risk your husband or your son getting infections

from each other. We‘ll put him in the nursery where he‘ll be cared for."

Jennifer smirked. "You don‘t seem to understand. I will see my husband and I will take

my son to see him as well."

"What‘s going on?" Agent Larson asked as he approached Jennifer and the nurse who

were in a fairly heated debate.

"I was just explaining to Mrs. Hart that she shouldn‘t take the baby in with her to see her

husband. I offered to take the baby to the nursery but she flat out refuses to be reasonable."

"I don‘t blame her really," Agent Larson said. "I mean the last time a nurse had a hold of

Max here, she switched him with a terminally ill baby. Certainly some sort of exception can be

made."

The nurse looked horrified. "That was you?"

"Yes."

"And, Mr. Hart‘s injuries are a direct result of saving his son. I think he‘d like to see the

little guy."

"Well," the nurse hesitated. "Let me check with the doctor and see what we can do."

"Thank you so much for that," Jennifer said as the nurse left.

"Not a problem. I was getting worried."

"Worried?"

"You might hurt that nurse."

Jennifer offered a coy smile. "Who me?"

Jennifer sat next to the bed with her hand in Jonathan‘s and the other wrapped around

little Max. She‘d never seen Jonathan so frail looking. It broke her heart. Max began to fuss

again. Checking her watch, she noticed it was time for another feeding. "Remind me to set my

watch by you," she said to him.

She sat back in the chair to nurse Max. Although the feedings every two hours was

wearing, she never got tired of watching him as he took nourishment from her body. It was a

miracle.

Jonathan‘s eyes opened to Jennifer nursing little Max. For a minute, he was afraid he did

go to heaven after all. The image was too perfect. But then her eyes lifted to his and a glorious

joy spread over her face.

"Jonathan," she whispered as tears ran down her cheeks.

He smiled and tried to talk but found his mouth raw and dry. Still he had to let her know.

"You are beautiful," he mouthed.

Jennifer smiled back. She carefully got up from her chair and moved closer. "We are

together finally. A family." She took his hand with her free hand.

It was then that Jonathan realized he was in heaven, his heaven on earth.

EPILOGUE

"What‘s this?" Jonathan asked as he walked into the kitchen.

Jennifer turned to him. "Surprise!" The table was set with his favorite foods. Little Max,

now two months old, was in his special reclining high chair.

He smiled as Jonathan bent over him. "What have you and your mother been up too?"

"We wanted to celebrate your first day back to work."

"Glad you got me out of the house, eh?" He took a seat at the table and ran his finger over

Max‘s cheek. Max turned his head toward the finger as if he planned to gum it.

"Not on your life," Jennifer said as she sat herself in his lap and wrapped her arms around

his neck. "It‘s been a long two months. Today seems like the first that life is how it is supposed

to be."

Jonathan smiled in understanding. It had been a more difficult recovery from the shooting

than he would have guessed. He blamed it on age. And although he enjoyed being home with

Jennifer and Max, his worked often called to him. He hadn‘t realized how much his work was a

part of him. He missed Jennifer and Max while he was away and yet, being back at work

exhilarated him. She understood that. Of course she did. She understood everything about him.

He slid his arms up her back and pulled her to him. His kiss was a mixture of love and awe, and

little something else.

"Does that mean the day went well?" She asked as she came up for air.

"It‘s been perfect so far."

She smiled impishly, "And the day isn‘t over yet."

Jonathan‘s brow‘s lifted but Jennifer was out of his lap and serving dinner before he

could question her.

The dinner was filled with joy and gratitude. Afterward, they both gave Max a bath and

played with him. When Jennifer nursed him for his final feeding before bedtime, Jonathan sat

cradling Jennifer as she held their son. Together they put him to bed with a little song and a kiss.

Jennifer turned on the baby monitor as they headed quietly to their own room.

"What a perfect day," Jonathan said as he took Jennifer into his arms.

Jennifer smiled up at him. The emotion at having him with her when two months ago she

feared she lost him overwhelmed her.

"Hey?" Jonathan said as he realized she was beginning to cry. He wiped her tears with

her thumbs.

"I‘m sorry, I just … I was so scared I lost you." She looked into his eyes. "I don‘t know

how I could survive without you."

He smiled. "It‘s the same for me. But I have it on pretty good authority that we‘ll be

around for awhile still."

"Really, did you have one of those out of body experiences?" she was teasing until she

saw the look in Jonathan‘s eyes. "You did, didn‘t you?"

"I don‘t know what it was actually. Maybe a dream. But I did see Max and a light. And I

was terrified that my time had come."

"Oh Jonathan," Jennifer wrapped her arms around him. "Hold me."

He did as she asked and savored her warmth as she held him back.

"I‘d planned something a little less intense than this," Jennifer whispered. "But, I‘m not

sure I can lift myself from this emotion."

Jonathan pulled back and looked down on her. "You had plans?" He grinned as he

pondered the possibility.

His smile, that gorgeous, boyish grin, lifted her spirits like nothing else. It turned the

desperate need to something lovingly wistful. "I had a little something planned, if you were up to

it."

He was up to it all right and he pulled her against him so she could feel it. Her eyes

widened. "My," she gasped.

"It‘s been awhile."

"Yes." Jennifer felt the youthful exhilaration that came from sexual anticipation.

"Is it okay? I mean, did Catherine okay it?"

Jennifer smiled. "Catherine okayed it on my six week check up, two weeks ago."

"Two weeks ago!?" Jonathan gaped. "Well, what are we waiting for?" He pushed her so

she fell on the bed and he followed her down with a flop. He grinned at her as she looked up at

him starry eyed.

"We were waiting for your doctor to okay it," she said as she looped her arms around

him.

"Who needs a doctor? I haven‘t felt this strong and virile in a while."

Jennifer laughed and shifted her body so her warmth cradled his hardness. "Indeed."

Jonathan captured her lips in a kiss that was filled with joy and elation. It was about

celebrating life and each other. "Oh wait." Jonathan broke the kiss.

"What‘s wrong?"

"Do we need anything … protection or something?"

Jennifer laughed. "Jonathan, you make it seem like we‘re 16."

He grinned again. He couldn‘t stop grinning he was so damn happy. "I feel 16. This time

may go by quickly," he said with no sense of embarrassment or apology.

"So the next time will be longer."

"My thoughts exactly."

Jennifer slipped her hands under his shirt.

"But what about …"

"It‘s okay," Jennifer said. "Catherine put me back on some pills."

"Is that okay for Max, since you are breast feeding?"

"Yes. Now can we do this Jonathan?" Jennifer feigned impatience.

"You want me bad." "Jonathan, you don‘t even know how bad."

His eyes turned feral, "Don‘t tell me. I‘m going to find out for myself." His hand slipped

inside her pants, reaching for her heat. "Oh my," he whispered as his lips nibbled on hers.

"That‘s bad."

Jennifer moaned as his fingers found that one exquisite spot. "Not yet," she begged

hoarsely.

With a quickness they‘d never had guessed they had, they disposed of all clothing. With

the same sense of joy and wistfulness, they sought to give pleasure and take delight in each

other. They rolled and tumbled, nipped and nibbled, and they squeezed and clung. They made

the ascent together and then not wanting it be over yet, they held each other at the tortuous

pinnacle. Over and over again, they took each other to the edge of the peak only to hold off the

final release until neither could hold back any more. Their bodies sleek and damp slid together

joining as one. Moving in perfect harmony they took each other even higher than they‘d ever

remembered going until the passion flooded them both, bursting forth in waves of ecstasy.

It was several minutes before either could speak. Jennifer‘s head rested on his chest

where she could hear the steadying beat of his heart.

"That was…"

"Yeah…" Jennifer responded.

"But I don‘t think I want to make love only once every few months to achieve this

result."

Jennifer giggled. "Two months! God, Jonathan, no wonder." She found enough strength

to pick up her head and look down on him. "I like all the ways we make love. But this, I don‘t

think I could do more than once every few months."

He pushed back a perspiration soaked tendril of hair. "It‘s something we can strive for

from time to time."

"A goal. It‘s good to have goals."

"Perhaps this next time we can go for something a bit more slow and sensuous."

"This next time?"

Jonathan smiled sheepishly as he pulled her body to his again.

Jennifer‘s eyes widened at the feel of his almost full arousal. "Jonathan you are randy this

evening."

"I have two months to make up for."

"That you do."

As the dawn came up on the new day, Jonathan watched Jennifer as she slept. He knew

she‘d been up at least once to feed Max and more times than that to satisfy his own hunger. Still,

she didn‘t look tired. She looked peaceful and happy. She looked as he felt. A few months ago,

they had made love and wondered what their life would bring with a new being. Their life as a

family started joyously enough and in a flash it seemed to end. Now, two months later, they had

each other and Max. Jennifer‘s concerns about being a mother were completely unwarranted.

Even she wondered how she could question her ability to be a mother. She had told him that Max

was the second man in her life who really made her feel like a woman.

Jennifer rolled over, nestling into his arms. It was then he noticed she held little Max as

well. She did that sometimes still at night. She said it was because she was too tired to get up and

nurse him; it was easier to keep him with her and nurse him in bed. He wondered though if

maybe sometimes she needed him near just to feel secure that he was home. He couldn‘t blame

her. He frequently woke up in the middle of the night to check that she was there and he was

home.

Jonathan pulled Jennifer close, holding her and their child. Life just didn‘t get any better

than this.

It’s A Wonderful Hart

It’s a Wonderful Hart allowed me to play the “what if” game. What would they have done if they

hadn’t met in London, but instead years later, after they’d married other people? I tried to explore

what they would have done (cheated? left their spouses? lived their life knowing their soul-mate

was out there?) knowing how loyal, committed and decent they are. I consulted a few fans and we

were all in agreement that regardless of the situation, they’d never cheat. So thank goodness they

met when they did! Little Max is in this story. He’s about two here.

Chapter One

―Jonathan? Are you coming? We‘re going to be late.‖ Jennifer grabbed Max‘s coat and

bag from the foyer table. ―Max? Come on sweetie. We‘ve got to go.‖ Jennifer looked around the

area for her two-year-old son as he came running in from the dining room. ―Jonathan?‖ she

called again. ―Here Max, let‘s get your coat on and get in the car while we wait for daddy.‖

―I want daddy to do it!‖

―Come on Max. Daddy is busy.‖ Jennifer looked up stairs hoping to see Jonathan

coming. ―Let mommy help you.‖

―I want daddy to do it!‖

―Fine.‖ Jennifer took a deep breath but it didn‘t seem to help the growing tension. The

last few months were a whirlwind of activity and Jennifer found her self increasingly fatigued

and annoyed. She had agreed to chair the fundraising committee for the Healthy Children Project

without realizing the size and scope of the Southern California based public health group.

Further, she was late with the rewrites on her new book about healthy eating for children.

To add to it, Jonathan‘s new project at Hart Industries seemed to be keeping him longer

at work. Jennifer couldn‘t understand why he wouldn‘t delegate the project to one of his many

capable staff but Jonathan insisted the project, a safer and easier to install car seat, needed his

full attention.

It didn‘t help either that Max was in one of his ‗daddy-only‘ moods. For a two-year-old,

he was generally a joy. He definitely needed more supervision as his curiosity was running wild.

Like most two-year-olds he was prone to temper tantrum primarily when tired. But overall,

Jennifer didn‘t feel two years old was too terrible. Still, she wished he‘d let her help him with his

jacket. She considered forcing herself on him but decided that battle wasn‘t worth taking on

considering her already irritated mood.

―JONATHAN!‖

―I‘m coming, I‘m coming.‖ Jonathan came down the stairs finishing the knot in his tie.

―Max would like you to help him with his coat,‖ Jennifer said tightly.

Jonathan looked at Max and then to Jennifer. ―Okay,‖ he said feeling the tension in the

room envelop him.

Jennifer grabbed Max‘s bag and her purse and headed out the door.

Jonathan picked up Max‘s coat. ―Why didn‘t you let mommy help you?‖ He started to

help Max.

―I can do it!‖ Max grabbed the coat.

―Come on Max, mommy‘s in a hurry.‖

―I can do it.‖ Max laid the coat on the ground so that the collar was at his feet. He leaned

over, putting his hands in the sleeves. He pulled the coat up over his head, sliding his hands the

rest of the way into the coat.

Jonathan stood back. ―That‘s great champ. Where did you learn that?‖

―Mommy taught me.‖ A twinge of guilt crept into Jonathan. He had been annoyed by all

the hurrying he was being required to do that morning. Actually, he‘d been annoyed for some

time by how busy Jennifer had been and how she wasn‘t as supportive of his new project at Hart

Industries as he had expected her to be. But hearing Max report a new trick she had taught him

made him think maybe he was the one who was too busy.

―Come on. Let‘s go.‖

Jonathan pulled out into the busy six lane traffic heading towards the birthday party of

one of Max‘s pre-school friends.

―I want Barney.‖ Max demanded from the backseat.

―Thank goodness we have faders on the speakers,‖ Jonathan said as he popped in the tape

and turned the front speakers off. Jennifer forced a smile. Jonathan glanced over at her. Another

tinge of guilt crept up at how things had been over the last few months. ―Great trick you taught

Max.‖

Jennifer looked over at him. ―Hmm?‖

―With the coat. Great trick.‖ Jonathan smiled, the humble one.

―Oh, yes. He picked it up pretty good didn‘t he?‖ Jennifer glanced back at Max as he

sang about raindrops and gumdrops. She then turned back to Jonathan. She knew he was trying

to lighten the tension and she felt bad that she didn‘t seem to have the energy to help out so she

looked out the window.

Jonathan watched her gaze shift from him to outside. Annoyance reared up in him again

that she wouldn‘t at least try. Putting both hands on the steering wheel, Jonathan forced his gaze

forward.

They approached the busy intersection, each in their own separate world oblivious to the

car running the red light.

―Jonathan!‖ Jennifer screamed when she saw the car veer into their path.

―Oh God.‖ Jonathan stood on the breaks and tried to swerve out of the way. Instinctively

his hand shot out to protect Jennifer. But all attempts were useless. They ran into the car head on.

There was gnashing and crumpling and breaking of glass and then nothing.

Jennifer began to stir. Her eyes fluttered open and then shut again as the room began to

spin.

―Ah, there she is. She‘s coming around.‖ She heard a man‘s voice. It was vaguely

familiar although she couldn‘t place it. ―Jennifer? Can you hear me? How do you feel?‖

―Like someone put my head in a vice,‖ she mumbled.

―There you go Steven. She‘s going to be fine.‖

―Dr. Sawyer?‖ Jennifer asked. Why would her childhood doctor be here at … at…

Jennifer opened her eyes again and realized she was in her room at her father‘s home in

Maryland.

―That‘s right Jennifer.‖ Dr. Sawyer sat beside her on the bed. ―Your father is here.‖

―Jennifer.‖

―Pa?‖ She brought her hand to her head. ―What happened?‖

Steven looked at the doctor concerned that she wouldn‘t remember.

―You were in a horse accident dear,‖ Dr. Sawyer answered. ―Do you know what day it

is?‖

―Saturday.‖

―That‘s right.‖

―How about the date?‖

―Ummmm. December 3rd

?‖

―That‘s right. She‘ll be fine Steven. Let her rest. Wake her up every 2 hours or so. Call

me if she starts to get disoriented or groggy.‖

―I will. Thank you for coming Martin.‖

―No problem. Jennifer has always been one of my favorite patients.‖ Steven showed Dr.

Martin Sawyer out and then returned to Jennifer‘s room.

―How are you feeling Jennifer?‖

―My head is killing me.‖

―Here is some medicine. Sit up and take these.‖ Steven helped Jennifer sit up and take the

pills. ―I called Alexander. He wasn‘t available but I left a message to call immediately when he

was.‖

Alexander? Jennifer‘s head was pounding making it difficult to clear her mind. Oh yes,

Alexander. My husband. ―It‘s okay Pa. No need to bother him. I‘ll be fine.‖

―I‘m sure I will get an earful if he found out you were hurt and I didn‘t call.‖

―It‘s fine. I just need to rest and I‘ll be fine.‖

―You can tell him that when he calls. Right now you need to rest. I‘ll be back in an hour

or so.‖

Jennifer nodded. She relaxed her body and let her mind drift. She was in her childhood

home with her father spending a much-needed week off. Alexander Chancellor, her husband of

five years was in Europe on business. She was glad she could remember although it all seemed

fuzzy, not quite right. Of course, how could she think straight with all the pounding in her head?

Jennifer let sleep carry her away and hoped it would clear her mind.

Jonathan rolled over and immediately regretted it. His brain felt detached from his head

and it was sloshing around, ramming against the inside of his scull.

―Mr. Hart!‖ Ruthie came running into the living room. ―Are you alright?‖

―If the room would stop moving I‘d be better.‖

―Let me call Dr. Jamison.‖

―What happened?‖

―We just had an earthquake.‖ Ruthie said helping Jonathan sit up. She picked up a crystal

bowl that had been on a shelf. ―You must have gotten hit with this.‖

―There‘s lead in crystal right?‖

―Yes sir.‖

―That must be why I feel I was hit with a ton of bricks.‖

Jonathan managed, with the help of Ruthie to get to his couch. ―Let me go call Dr.

Jamison.‖

―That‘s okay Ruthie.‖

Ruthie ignored him and went to the phone. Jonathan lay back on the couch to settle his

brain.

―Oh Jonathan!‖ Jonathan opened his eyes to find a pretty brunette coming towards him.

Sitting on the couch next to him she took his hand. ―Are you okay?‖

―Fine. Just a little bump on the head. What are you doing here?‖

―I felt bad about working on the weekend and came home.‖

―Are you okay?‖ He asked entwining his fingers with hers.

―Yes, I‘m fine. I was in the car and barely noticed.‖

―Not surprising considering how you drive.‖

―Jonathan! You rest a bit for now. I‘ll be back in a minute.‖

Jonathan closed his eyes and willed the throbbing in his head to stop.

―Jonathan. What‘s this I hear about you avoiding me?‖ Dr. Jamison entered. ―Hello Mrs.

Hart.‖

―Hello Dr. Jamison,‖ Catherine Hart replied.

―What happened?‖ the doctor asked.

―I was hit by expensive crystal. Can I sue?‖ Jonathan said winking at his wife.

―Maybe but my docket is full.‖ Catherine leaned over and kissed her husband. ―Now let

Dr. Jamison check you over and behave.‖

Dr. Jamison checked the bump on Jonathan‘s head and asked a series of questions. ―Well

Jonathan, you are going to live although you will have a doozy of a headache. You‘ll need to

take it easy.‖

―Did you hear that honey?‖ Jonathan called.

―We‘ll make do.‖ Catherine responded.

―Put him to bed.‖

―I like this.‖ Jonathan smiled.

―Are you sure he‘s not drunk?‖ Catherine jeered.

―Either way, he‘ll feel the same tomorrow.‖

Jonathan rested his head back on his couch as Dr. Jamison gave Catherine instructions.

At least the room wasn‘t spinning anymore. His mind seemed to be clearing. Yes, he was at his

home in Los Angeles. His wife of three years, Catherine, was here taking break from her busy

law practice. Yes, it was coming back to him. It was still fuzzy though, somehow not quite right.

Chapter Two

Jennifer sat at the desk in her office overlooking busy New York City. She had

recuperated at her father‘s home for a week and was now back at work as president of the

Alexander Chancellor I Foundation. The foundation had been struggling when Jennifer and

Alexander (the third) had married but since taking it over, the foundation was thriving and

supporting a variety of children‘s organizations. Jennifer enjoyed the work and was happy with

her success. Still, it took a lot of time and her writing suffered. She hadn‘t published anything in

over a year.

―Mrs. Chancellor?‖ a voice came over the intercom.

―Yes, Callie?‖

―Nancy Shift is here to see you.‖

―Yes send her in.‖

Jennifer got up from her desk as her door opened. ―Nancy. Come in.‖

―Hello Jennifer.‖ Nancy burst into the office obviously excited about something. ―I got

him Jennifer. I got Jonathan Hart.‖

―Really?‖ Jennifer raised a brow. She knew of Mr. Hart and his generous donations to

children‘s charities but she somehow could never get over how he never returned her call all

those years ago in London.

―He‘s agreed to speak at the Holiday Benefit AND he said he‘d consider sitting on the

board.‖

―Terrific.‖ Jennifer stated.

―Terrific? It‘s more than terrific. It will mean lots of money and he‘ll bring other high

powered people with him.‖

―I understand that. Great work Nancy.‖

―The thing is, he wants to get a closer look at the foundation; how its run, the accounting

etceteras.‖

―That‘s where I come in,‖ Jennifer guessed.

―You are the president. I think he will be miffed if the president didn‘t take some time to

woo him.‖

―Woo him eh.‖ Jennifer knew Nancy was right. Jonathan Hart had money and influence.

Having him support the Chancellor foundation would make all the difference in the world.

Maybe they would be able to get a new president and she could go back to her passion; writing.

―When does he arrive?‖ Jennifer asked.

―Your first meeting is Monday morning. Over the week you have been scheduled for a

luncheon, planning sessions, a board meeting and toy lift committee meeting. Then whatever he

feels he needs to get him on board.‖

Jennifer nodded. ―Be sure Callie and I have a copy and put together a prospectus and any

other documents we may need.‖

―Already done.‖

―Great.‖ Jennifer watched as Nancy left. Jonathan Hart. Well maybe this time she would

get an interview after all.

―Mrs. Chancellor? Mr. Chancellor is on the line.‖

―Thank you Callie.‖ Jennifer picked up the line. ―Hello there.‖

―Hey you. How are you feeling?‖

―You know you don‘t have to call me three times a day.‖

―That‘s not a nice thing to say to your husband.‖

―It‘s not that I don‘t want to here from you. I just don‘t need to be babied.‖

―I am thousands of miles away. At least let me check in with you. How are you?‖

―Good. You‘ll be interested in this latest piece of news.‖

―Really? What‘s that?‖

―Nancy has arranged for Jonathan Hart to speak at the Holiday Benefit when she

extended the invitation to sit on the board.‖

―Wow. That would be a great help to the foundation.‖

―Yes, in fact. I was thinking that if he came on the foundation would be strong enough

that we could get someone else to run this place and I could start writing again.‖

―I thought you liked running the foundation.‖ Jennifer could hear the strain in

Alexander‘s voice.

―Its fine but not what I set out to do in my life. You know that Alexander. We agreed this

would be temporary. I have been here over three years now.‖

―It‘s just that this stability is new not yet solidified. I‘d hate for you to leave

prematurely.‖

Jennifer sighed. ―I‘m not the only one qualified to run this place.‖

―I know honey. Look, we‘ll talk about it when I get back. I have another week here but

I‘ll be back in time for the benefit. Be sure to extend my greetings to Jonathan Hart.‖

―I will. Bye.‖

―Jennif…‖ Jennifer hung up before he could finish. Alexander sighed and hung up the

phone. He wondered what it would take for Jennifer to be content? She excelled at running the

foundation. She saved it from certain ruin. Now she wanted to leave it to pursue a hobby. Well,

more than a hobby. After all she was a published author. Still, her gift, her skill was in raising

money and running the foundation. How come she couldn‘t see that?

Jonathan sat in the kitchen drinking his morning coffee.

―Good morning Jonathan,‖ Catherine said as she came in.

―Good morning.‖ He lifted his head for a kiss. She pecked him on the cheek.

―You‘re up early.‖

―I leave for New York today.‖

―Oh that‘s right. A week right?‖

―Mmm.‖ Jonathan took a sip of coffee. He watched as she sat with some fruit and coffee.

―Why don‘t you come with me? We can have a little vacation, spend some quality time

together.‖ He reached over to toy with a tendril of her hair.

―Jonathan, you know I have to be in court this week. I‘ll be there Friday night for the

benefit.‖

―How about we stay the week after?‖

―I have appointments, clients.‖

―You know, you don‘t have to work so hard…‖

―We have been over this hundred times. I like my work. I don‘t want to be a housewife.

Really, its very chauvinistic of you.‖

―Wait a minute. You know that‘s not what I mean.‖

―What do you mean then.‖ Her face was flush and her eyes dark with anger.

―I mean, we have lots of money to do what ever we want and all we do is work. I want to

travel, shop, have fun. We can get a horse ranch and ride whenever we want. Or find some

deserted island and make love on the beach…‖

Catherine rubbed her eyes. ―I like my work and I don‘t want to go horseback riding.‖

―I don‘t want you to give up something you like Cat, I really don‘t. But God, I could

really use some excitement, adventure.‖

―Life with me is boring, eh?‖

―Don‘t do this, Cat. I love you and we have a great life. I just want to be able to spend

more time with you. We have the means why can‘t we create the opportunity?‖ Jonathan reached

out to take her hand.

Catherine sighed. ―I guess it might be fun to spend some time on the beach.‖

―There you go.‖

―I‘ll check my schedule and see when I can get a week… or two.‖

―Music to my ears. Come here.‖ Jonathan took her hand and pulled her into his lap. ―Will

you wear that red bikini I got you last year?‖

―Maybe, if you behave.‖

―I don‘t want to behave.‖ He ran his hand along her thigh, pushing her satin robe open.

―Jonathan! I don‘t have time for this today.‖ She pulled her robe together and slid off his

lap.

Jonathan sighed. ―I hope you can get that time off soon.‖

―Mrs. Chancellor, Jonathan Hart is here.‖

―Send him in please Callie.‖ Jennifer got up from behind her desk to greet the formidable

Jonathan Hart. The door swung open followed by a tall well-dressed man.

―Mrs. Chancellor.‖ He extended his hand. ―I‘m Jonathan Hart.‖

For a moment Jennifer stood dumfounded. He was much more impressive in person.

Larger. And his smile was devastating. It seemed to reach right into her chest to play volleyball.

―Mr. Hart. I‘m please to finally meet you.‖ She said pulling herself together. His warm hand

enveloped hers.

―The pleasure is mine.‖ Jonathan found himself staring at the stunning woman. She was

gorgeous no doubt, but he found himself drawn to her eyes, which were full of energy,

excitement, even danger. Realizing he held her hand a little longer than customary he dropped it.

―Please sit down,‖ Jennifer said motioning to a chair. Normally Jennifer would have sat

next to him but there was something overwhelming about Jonathan Hart so she opted to sit

behind her desk, where it was safe. ―How was your trip?‖

―Uneventful. I forgot though how cold it is back here in December.‖

―It is winter.‖

―Not in Southern California.‖ He smiled again and Jennifer felt her stomach lurch.

―I guess not. We are thrilled you have agreed to speak at the benefit this year.‖

―I‘m always happy to help children‘s causes.‖ Jonathan couldn‘t take his eyes off of hers.

―I have followed your efforts to save the Chancellor Foundation. You have become a major

contributor to children‘s charities. It‘s admirable.‖

―Thank you. Perhaps you will like to be a part of that?‖

―Ah, the board. You don‘t waste time do you Mrs. Chancellor?‘

―I try not to and its Jennifer.‖

―Okay, Jennifer.‖ The sound of her name off his lips sent a chill up Jennifer‘s spine. ―I‘m

interested in your board but I do need to research it a bit more. See how you work. I‘m very

selective on how I spend my time.‖

―Of course. I understand you are a busy man Mr. Hart…‖

―Jonathan.‖

Jennifer smiled and Jonathan thought it would melt snow in the North Pole with its

warmth. ―Jonathan. I know you are based mostly in Los Angeles. We have supported programs

there and even a new homeless youth outreach program at the San Francisco Mission Street

Children‘s Home, formally orphanage.‖

―I see you do your homework.‖

―I like to know what I am getting into as well Mr.….. Jonathan.‖

―I bet you do.‖ There was a silence that echoed between them. It wasn‘t uncomfortable. It

was more amusement, challenge, wonder.

―Well, how much time do you have for us today Jonathan?‖

―For you, I have all day.‖

Jennifer raised an eyebrow. ―Why don‘t we start with a tour then?‖

Chapter Three

Jennifer showed Jonathan through the offices, introducing him to key employees and

giving him a general idea of how the foundation was run. She felt good about the tour. As long

as she was focused on talking about the foundation, she was able avoid the annoying prickly

sensations that ran over her skin when he looked at her.

―So, what do you think so far?‖ She asked when they returned to her office.

―I think you found your niche, Jennifer.‖ He stood in front of her with his hands safely in

his pocket.

Jennifer flinched. ―Thank you.‖ She went to sit behind her desk.

Jonathan noticed a frown or annoyance in her. ―Did I say something wrong?‖

Jennifer looked up from her desk. ―No not at all.‖

Jonathan frowned. ―I just meant that you run a very fine foundation here.‖

―I know what you meant. And thank you.‖

Jonathan couldn‘t help but think something was wrong but let it go. ―So what is next on

the agenda?‖

―The rest of the afternoon I have meetings with the hotel and caterers regarding the

benefit on Friday. Certainly not something you want to waste your time with. I do have a

meeting scheduled tomorrow to take a look at some of the grant proposals for the spring if you‘d

like to sit in and see how we dole out the money.‖

―Okay.‖ Jonathan turned to go. ―How about lunch?‖

―What?‖

―You need to eat. How about lunch, my treat.‖

Jennifer fought off the feelings of something clandestine happening. It was her job to get

Jonathan Hart on the board and if he wanted lunch with her, she‘d go. ―Okay. Let me get my

purse.‖

Jonathan watched as she got her purse and coat. It was only lunch he told himself. So

why couldn‘t he shake the feeling that it was wrong?

―So how did you get involved in philanthropy?‖ Jonathan asked hoping to learn what had

caused a shadow to cross over Jennifer‘s otherwise lively eyes when he‘d suggested she was

suited to it. They were at a small café waiting for their order of sandwiches.

―By marriage.‖ She responded.

―Yes, Alexander Chancellor. You weren‘t involved before?‖

―Not in running a charity no although I used to help bring awareness to important

causes."

―How‘s that?‖

Jennifer looked at Jonathan. What was he after? Did he interview everyone like this? ―I

was… am,‖ she corrected herself. ―A writer.‖

―Really?‖ Now he was intrigued. ―What do you write.‖

―Not much anymore. The foundation has taken most of my time.‖

―So what did you write?‖

―This and that. Whatever interested me at the moment.‖

―Sounds fascinating.‖

―Yes,‖ Jennifer felt her bravado rising. ―I once had this interesting lead on a story in

London, something to do with Jonathan Hart and Kingsford motors.‖

Jonathan‘s eye brows shot up in surprise. ―That was over ten years ago.‖

―Yes. Unfortunately, I didn‘t get the interview.‖ Jennifer took a sip of her drink.

―Jennifer Chancellor.‖ He mulled the name over in his mind.

―I wasn‘t married then. It was Edwards. Jennifer Edwards.‖

―Of course.‖ An amused smile spread over his face. ―You were tenacious.‖

―Not nearly enough.‖ She could feel frustration building as if it happened yesterday.

―You are not at all what we expected.‖ Jonathan said easily.

―We?‖

―Max and I. We thought you were some old reporter broad.‖ He smiled again at the

thought of it. ―Good old Max.‖ He lifted his drink and sipped.

―Who‘s Max?‖ Jennifer asked ignoring his comment.

―Max? Max found me as a teenager. He saved my life. We were never apart until he died

a few years ago.‖

―Oh, I‘m sorry.‖

―Yeah, they don‘t make ‗em like Max anymore.‖ He looked up at her. ―I can give you

that interview now if you like.‖

She smiled sarcastically. ―Somehow I think its old news.‖

―I guess so.‖ Jonathan found himself lost in her eyes again. Regret nipped at him, regret

that he hadn‘t returned Jennifer Edwards‘ call.

―Is your wife in town with you? Will you be taking in the sights of New York during

Christmas?‖ Jennifer asked once they were back at her office.

―She‘ll be here for the benefit. She had work to do back in Los Angeles. So I guess I‘m

on my own to learn about New York.‖ Of course he knew some about New York. He had an

office there.

―I would be happy to show you the sites.‖ Jennifer said surprised at her invitation

considering how Jonathan made her insides quake. Well, he is here by himself and it is her job to

be sure he joins the board.

―That sounds like fun. When should I pick you up?‖

―Ah, I will be here until about 6.‖

―I‘ll be by at 6. Thank you Jennifer.‖ Jonathan left her office with a nagging feeling that

he‘d be better off not to spend so much time with her. Jonathan didn‘t like feeling unsettled. As

he rode the elevator down, he pondered what exactly he was feeling. He was happily married to a

smart, attractive woman. And while he always appreciated other good-looking women, there was

something more than just beauty drawing him to Jennifer. The eyes. Deep inside them there was

fire waiting to ignite and burn brightly, out of control. Well, he‘d let her show him the sites of

New York and be sure to keep everything professional.

―Do you ice skate?‖ Jennifer asked after they‘d seen the Christmas tree in Rockefeller

Square.

―Not on purpose.‖ Jonathan replied.

―Oh come on. It will be fun. Think of it as an adventure. You look like a man who could

use a little adventure.‖

Jonathan turned towards her. Could she really see that in him? Of course, he thought the

same of her. ―Okay, I‘m up for a little adventure.‖

They rented skates and headed to the ice. Jonathan wasn‘t a complete novice at ice-

skating but he definitely was not at ease. Jennifer on the other hand moved along the ice with the

grace and skill of a dancer. Jonathan watched her as she slid along obviously taking in the

sensation of the cold and wind in her face. She did a little spin and turned back to him. Her face

was flush, her eyes twinkled. Jonathan felt like he was hit in the head with a two-by-four; she

was the most beautiful woman he‘d ever seen.

―You alright there Jonathan? You‘re looking a little unstable.‖

Jonathan cleared is throat. ―I‘m smoother off the ice than on.‖

―Yes.‖ Jennifer said mostly to herself. She watched as Jonathan carefully moved towards

her. Despite his lack of grace, he still seemed smooth and very sexy. Jennifer frowned. How

could this be happening? She was happily married to a handsome, kind man. She shouldn‘t be

thinking of another man in terms of ‗sexy‘. She definitely would have to avoid him except on a

professional level.

―Now you‘re the one looking a little unstable.‖ Jonathan said as he caught up to her.

―Just don‘t want to lose my newest board member.‖

Jonathan smiled, a wide, sexy smile. ―You are good.‖

If only I could show you just how good, she thought and then chastised herself for her

lustful thoughts.

Jonathan lay back in bed as his discomfort was replaced by guilt. While he would never

act on his attraction to Jennifer, he still felt he was betraying Catherine just for feeling the desire.

He would have never thought it possible for his mind and body to respond so strongly to

someone, someone he didn‘t even know. While he‘d felt immediate attraction towards other

women before, it was never with the force or intensity he felt with Jennifer. He rubbed his hands

over his eyes. He had friends and acquaintances that had left their wives for other women

claiming to have fallen for someone else. Jonathan always thought they were weak cowards, not

making a strong enough commitment to their wives. Now he wondered. Is it possible to love two

women? Jonathan shook his head violently. Don‟t go there Jonathan. But that was it. The

problem with Jennifer wasn‘t that she was beautiful and fiery, the problem was that he could

love her. It won‟t happen. He‘d let things get complacent with Catherine. Well, he‘d do

something about that. He‘d bring the life back to their marriage.

He headed to the phone and called home. ―How‘s my beautiful wife?‖

―Jonathan? Are you okay? You don‘t sound well.‖

―I‘m fine. I guess I miss you. I feel bad about this morning.‖

―Oh, honey. So do I. In fact, I was able to get two weeks in January. And, I was going to

surprise you but I went ahead and made reservations in Hawaii.‖

―That sounds great.‖ Relief spread through Jonathan. Yes, he would be all right. ―I can‘t

wait. When are you arriving on Friday?‖

―It will be mid-afternoon sometime. I figured you‘d be busy so I reserved a driver to take

me to your hotel.‖

―I love you Cat.‖

―I love you too.‖

Jonathan lay back in bed feeling much better. He had just been feeling a little detached

from Catherine that is why Jennifer got to him. But it was all right now. He closed his eyes and

drifted off to sleep.

He was on a tropical beach, Hawaii. The beach was a paradise; palm trees and colorful

exotic flowers surrounded the parameter. The sand was white and soft and fine as silk. The water

was a clear blue as it moved in and out gently from the shore. Jonathan looked up and down the

beach. Deserted. No one there except… ah there she is. The long graceful legs peaked out from

under a beach umbrella. He walked towards her, the heat and humidity and the promise of

something hot made his skin damp.

―I finally found you,‖ he said as he reached her.

―I‘d been wondering when you‘d get here.‖

His eyes wandered up the long legs, over the smooth stomach, around the full breasts to

the luscious lips. Lying beside her he pressed his lips to hers. She tasted of strawberries and

champagne and he wanted more. She moaned under him as he pressed his lips harder devouring

its sweetness.

Her hands slid up his back, under his shirt. They were soft yet demanding as they pulled

and scratched. Flames threatened to consume him. He snapped as all control left. His hands

roamed everywhere, grabbing, squeezing, and pinching. She writhed beneath him, spurring his

assault. He ripped the bikini top from her, let her breasts fall in to his waiting mouth. He sucked,

nipped, bit. He felt her grab him as the first wave of ecstasy overtook her. She was calling his

name. Begging him to take her higher, faster, harder. He tore her bikini briefs to shreds.

Spreading her legs, she pleaded for him to fill her. He settled between her legs and readied

himself to enter her. As he began to press himself into her, he looked deeply into her eyes.

―Jennifer,‖ he whispered. Jonathan bolted up from bed. Oh God! He flopped back down.

What was happening?

Chapter Four

Jonathan sat at the table with Jennifer and several other staff as they went through grant

proposals. He forced himself not to look at her and focused on the documents.

―This school prevention program sounds good,‖ Jennifer said as she flipped through the

materials.

―Except they are asking us to fund 75% of the program. We don‘t usually do that much,‖

Tracy Sanders reminded Jennifer.

―Yes but they seem to have few resources. Look here, it‘s in Cloverdale California about

two hours north of San Francisco. Jonathan do you know anything about his area?‖

Jonathan looked up. ―It‘s very rural. I imagine most people need to drive to Santa Rosa

for resources.‖

―How far is that?‖ Jim Schneider asked.

―Probably 45 minutes.‖

―It looks like they have made some attempts at fundraising,‖ Jennifer added. ―But with

only 3000 people in the town it‘s got to be hard.‖

―It says here they have a lot of migrant children in the fall.‖ Susan James added.

―I think we should consider it. Add another $1500 to have Dotty Maddix do her

fundraising training with them. That way next year they‘ll be able to ask for less.‖ Everyone

nodded to Jennifer‘s suggestion. Jonathan couldn‘t help but admire her dedication to help and yet

still provide resources so that she wouldn‘t have to help so much in the future.

―How about this one,‖ Susan asked. ―It‘s a private adoption agency seeking funds for its

special needs program.‖

―What is ‗special needs‘?‖ Jim asked.

―Kids who are over four, of minority race, with siblings or with some sort of disability.‖

Jonathan explained.

Jennifer lifted a brow. ―You are an expert in adoption?‖

―In being an orphan.‖ He smiled. ―Adoption is an important part of my philanthropy.‖

―I imagine. Well, let see this program is asking for moneys that will allow them to

network better with other agencies in the matching and placing of children.‖ Jennifer said going

through the grant.

―It looks like a one-time request.‖ Tracey said going over the money figures.

―The network allows children and families to be matched anywhere in the country. For a

long time, agencies were limited to finding homes for kids in their area or even the state. Now,

kids have more opportunities to find a permanent home.‖ Jonathan shared.

―I like the sound of that.‖ Jennifer said. Everyone agreed. The meeting continued as they

weeded out definite no‘s and set aside the possibilities until the close date of the grant period.

When the meeting ended, everyone filed out of the room except Jennifer who refilled the grants.

She snuck a peak at Jonathan out of the corner of her eye. He seemed bothered and distant.

―You alright Jonathan? You seem a little out of sorts.‖

He looked up at her. ―Bad night.‖ He responded as the image of her naked and writhing

beneath him came to mind.

―I guess for some people, it‘s hard to sleep anywhere but in your own bed.‖

―For some, but not you?‖

―No. I love it. I love traveling especially to exotic places. One of the best nights I ever

spent was on safari in Africa.‖

Oh, God, she was doing it again. Being alluring, fascinating, exciting. ―Africa?‖

―Yes. Unfortunately I don‘t get to travel much anymore.‖

―Your husband travels doesn‘t he?‖

―Yes, in fact he‘s in Europe right now. But the foundation keeps me here.‖ Jonathan

could hear the disappointment with a tinge of resentment in her voice.

―My wife‘s work keeps her pretty busy too.‖ Jonathan said. Although he realized the

situations were completely different. Catherine liked her worked, preferred it to travel. Jennifer

on the other hand, she would quit in a minute to go on an adventure.

―Yes, well at least my father isn‘t far from here. I visit whenever I can and horseback

ride. ―

―You horseback ride?‖

―Yes I love it. All that power between your legs,‖ Jennifer‘s brows lifted at the

connotation. Jonathan laughed. ―Ah, there we go, Jonathan. I though perhaps I lost you to the

boring world of corporate life.‖

―I guess I can count on you to keep life interesting.‖

―How about you? Do you horseback ride.‖

―Not really but I would love to. I was thinking of buying a ranch but our lives are really

too busy.‖

Jennifer nodded. She sat near him as a serious look came over her face. ―Do you ever

wonder if you‘re living the life you were meant to?‖

Her perfume swirled its way into Jonathan‘s mind making it difficult to think. He looked

at her. Her eyes were dark but her lips… oh yes; they looked like they would taste of

strawberries and champagne.

Jennifer sensed that maybe she had asked something too personal. ―I‘m sorry, I‘m being

too….‖

―No.‖ Jonathan reached out and touched her hand. ―The answer is yes, lately I have

wondered if I‘m living the life I was supposed to live.‖ Jennifer‘s eyes went wide at his touch.

The heat from his hand was searing, sending flames through her body, to her core.

Jonathan pulled his hand away as the touch felt much too intimate, much too … right. He

ran his fingers through his hair and stood up. ―I was always a man who believed I made my own

destiny but I wonder if somewhere I made a wrong a choice….‖

―Yes.‖ Jennifer stood, thrilled that he seemed to understand. ―I wonder though if there

really is a ‗perfect‘ life. Not perfect but satisfying. Alexander always complains that I‘m never

content. I always want more, different, new.‖

―You shouldn‘t change that.‖ Jonathan stood away from Jennifer with his hands in his

pockets. If he were closer, if his hands were free, he might just take her in his arms and taste

those tantalizing lips.

Jennifer looked up at him. His eyes seemed cloudy, dark, brooding. It made him look

dangerous and Jennifer liked danger. ―I‘m sorry for going on like that. It really is unprofessional

of me.‖ Why did I go on like that? She thought. How is it that he is so easy to talk to?

―You shouldn‘t ever apologize for your feelings.‖

―I‘m not apologizing for feeling them. I‘m apologizing for subjecting you to them.‖

―I didn‘t mind being subjected to.‖ Jonathan knew he needed to leave because the desire

was just to overwhelming. In fact, he should pack the whole thing in and go home, to his wife.

Catherine. God what is going on?

Jennifer watched Jonathan and wondered if he was reeling from heat in the room as she

was. This is bad. She thought to herself. It just wasn‘t right to lust … no it wasn‘t just lust it was

something more. She realized at that moment she could love him. But still, it wasn‘t right. How

could it be possible to have such intense feelings with a man she didn‘t know? She wanted to run

from the room before she did something foolish like throw herself at him. Still, she couldn‘t be

rude.

―I appreciate that.‖ Jennifer got up and took his hand in a friendly gesture. ―You‘re a

good man Jonathan Hart.‖

Jonathan‘s heart thundered against his chest. He was certain she could see it through his

shirt. His hand slowly raised as if to cup her face. What are you doing? A voice screamed at him.

He dropped her hand. ―You aren‘t so bad yourself, Jennifer Chancellor.‖

Chapter Five

―Hey you.‖ Alexander‘s voice came over the phone line.

―Alexander. It must be the middle of the night there.‖ Jennifer was lying in bed going

over notes of the book she hoped to write.

―Actually, I‘m up early. It‘s four in the morning. I just wanted to be able to talk to you

before work.‖

Jennifer looked at her clock. It was 10 p.m. her time. ―Are you alright?‖

―Fine. Fine. I just miss you and I felt bad about our last conversation.‖

―Yes, I‘m sorry too.‖

―I know you want to write and I‘m sorry for not understanding that better. It‘s just you

are so good at the foundation I can‘t imagine anyone doing better.‖

Jennifer began to wonder if his apology was going to turn into the same old argument. ―I

know.‖

―But, you‘re right. We said it would temporary so when I get back we‘ll start figuring out

how to turn the reins over to someone else.‖

Jennifer sat up. ‗You mean that?‖

―Of course I do. I love you Jennifer. I don‘t want you to be unhappy. Besides, if you were

writing you‘d be free to travel with me and there is nothing I‘d rather have than you with me

right now.‖

―Oh, Alexander. You don‘t know how happy that makes me. I promise you will be well

rewarded.‖

―I think maybe I will head home now then.‖

Jennifer laughed. Finally her life was going to be as it should be. ―I love you.‖

―Me too. I‘ll see you in a few days.‖

Jennifer hung up the phone and settled back into bed. A feeling of relief and relaxation

swept through her. She and Alexander had a little period of not connecting well but that was

over. She was going to write again and travel with him. That must have been why she was

attracted to Jonathan. She was feeling neglected and he showed interest. But now, things were

going to be right again. Jennifer‘s eyes drifted shut.

She was in Africa, the base of Mt. Kenya. The sunset had been gorgeous full of yellows

and oranges that only nature could create. She was in her tent settling in for the night and

enjoying the peace and tranquility of being in the wild. Her eyes were closed as the tent opened

and a dark figure entered. Her eyes fluttered open and she could see the silhouette of a large

strong man against the tent‘s mesh.

―I‘ve been looking for you.‖ His voice was low and husky.

―I‘ve been waiting for you,‖ she responded.

He pulled the covers of her sleeping bag back exposing her naked body. She watched his

sleek body as it came down next to hers. She reached for him wanting run her fingers across his

strong chest and arms. His lips pressed against hers with a hunger she‘d never known. He tasted

dark and mysterious and she begged for more.

His hands molded to her body, not leaving a single inch of skin untouched. He followed

his hands with his warm moist lips. Fireworks exploded inside Jennifer with each touch. She

arched up wanting more, wanting it all.

―Please,‖ she begged. He smiled like the devil as he kneeled between her legs. She

wrapped her arms and legs around him, pulling him deeper until he filled her soul.

―Oh, Jonathan.‖

Jennifer bolted upright from bed. Oh, God!

Jennifer put all her focus into the board meeting the next morning. There was much to be

done for the toy lift and the benefit, and she couldn‘t afford to have fantasies about a married

man. After introducing Jonathan and asking members to help him with any questions he might

have, Jennifer dove straight into the business at hand and didn‘t come up for air until she was

done. Afterwards she left Jonathan with the board members and buried herself in her work.

A knock on her office door startled her from her work. She looked at her watch. Oh my,

already 5:30. ―Come in.‖

―You wouldn‘t be trying to avoid me now would you?‖ Jonathan asked as he entered her

office.

―Of course not. I just wanted you to have time with the board. I needed to get the benefit

finalized anyway.‖

―They took me to lunch. I don‘t think I have been work on so hard except maybe by a car

sales man.‖ He was grinning and it took her breath away.

―I hope it wasn‘t that bad.‖ She smiled back.

―It wasn‘t bad at all. They all had terrific things to say about you.‖

―That‘s nice to hear. I know some were skeptical of me at first. Was there something

further you needed?‖

You mean besides you? ―Actually I wanted to know more about the Toylift Program that

you talked about this morning.‖ Jonathan hoped she bought that story. As much as he knew he

should stay away, he found he couldn‘t.

Jennifer came around her desk and motioned for Jonathan to sit at one of the chairs. She

sat across from him. ―Well, we get people to donate new and used toys to be distributed to needy

children at Christmas. We get the names of children, their ages and their interests through the

schools.‖

―So the kids actually get what they ask for?‖ Jonathan thought that it would be quite a

feat to personalize Christmas present for thousands of children.

―We try. There was much resistance to the program at first, at least the aspect of trying to

fulfill children‘s Christmas wishes. It is a bit complicated and tedious. The toys are sorted by age

and sex, then they are boxed according to the kids and area. We load them up and deliver them.

It requires a lot of donations and volunteers but since its Christmas people are more likely to

help.‖

―That‘s really great. I used to get upset when I didn‘t get what I wanted for Christmas.

Then I got sent to confession for being ungrateful.‖ Jonathan smiled boyishly.

―I forgot you are a true rags to riches story.‖

―That I am.‖

―Very admirable.‖

―Not anymore than this program. So tell me Jennifer. Who is going to run all this when

you leave.‖ Jonathan sat forward, his eyes piercing hers.

―What do you mean?‖ How could he possibly know of her plans to leave?

―I know you well enough now to know that doing this too much longer will kill you or at

least that free spirit dying to get out of you.‖

―I made a commitment to the foundation…..‖

―You made a commitment to your husband. The foundation is just a job. A job you hate.

So why do you do it?‖

Jennifer felt her hackles rise. He was baiting her, challenging her. But why? ―I don‘t hate

it. And, I don‘t think that is your business.‖

―If I‘m going to be on the board, I think it is my business.‖ And if he is going to be on the

board of this terrific foundation, he‘d be better off if she spread her wings. He‘d feel like a heel

declining just to avoid her but he couldn‘t in good consciousness continue to work with her even

in a limited capacity. The attraction, the desire was too strong and he knew himself well enough

to know that eventually he‘d be too overwhelmed to stop himself from taking her. The only way

he could accept the board offer would be if she followed her dream and left the foundation.

―It hasn‘t been discussed yet. Alexander and I will though when he returns.‖

―Good.‖ Jennifer wasn‘t sure she liked how firm his voice was.

―You don‘t like how I run the foundation?‖

―I think you do a marvelous job. I also know you don‘t like it. Life if too short, don‘t you

think not to do what you truly want to do?‖

―I guess you‘re right. But I also have a responsibility. I‘ll remain for as long as I‘m

needed. I hope that won‘t affect your decision.‖

―I don‘t think it will.‖ Jonathan knew the foundation was a worthwhile cause. Either way,

he would need to accept their request. ―Do you have plans this evening?‖

―Just the usual, work.‖

―Can I take you to dinner.‖

Jennifer bit her lip. There was nothing she wanted more than to spend time with

Jonathan. But she questioned the wisdom of it. Not so much that she might betray Alexander but

that the more time she spent with him, the harder it would be to say good-bye.

Jonathan watched the thought process in her eyes. Was she nervous? And if she was,

why? Was she worried that he would make a pass? Could she be feeling the pull of attraction

too? ― I‘m sorry if I am stepping over the bounds. I‘ve enjoyed your company, Jennifer. And I

would like to spend more time with you before I go this weekend.‖

Jennifer swallowed hard. ―I‘d like that too.‖

Jennifer chose a small, quiet restaurant, one in which she wouldn‘t likely see anyone she

knew. Although she wouldn‘t have an affair, her mind and her heart were betraying her.

Certainly anyone who knew her would see it if she were to be seen with him.

―Champagne?‖ Jonathan asked.

―Are we celebrating?‖

―Why not?‖ He caught the waiter‘s attention and ordered a bottle of vintage champagne.

―Could it be you have decided to join the foundation board?‖ Jennifer‘s lips curled in

anticipation. Jonathan found him drawn to her lips, wanting to taste them, hell, feast on them.

―It‘s a surprise.‖

―Oooh, I love surprises.‖ Her nose crinkled as she smiled.

Jonathan‘s heart was full and warm. He would give her a million surprises if she would

just continue to smile at him like that. The champagne arrived and after Jonathan tasted and

approved it and it was served, he lifted his glass to toast.

―Too the most beautiful foundation president I have ever had the honor to sit on the board

for.‖

―Oh, Jonathan!‖ She felt her face flushed but wasn‘t‘ embarrassed. She was happy.

Happier than she could remember being in a long time. ―I‘m so pleased and excited to have

you... on the board that is.‖

Jonathan raised a bow. ―I‘m please to be had... on the board that is.‖

They drank the champagne, ate their dinner and talked about their childhoods, hobbies

and philosophies.

―So tell me Jonathan Hart, why didn‘t you return my call?‖ Jennifer asked. The she was

feeling warm and little daring as a result of the champagne.

―What call?‖ Jonathan asked as he watched, with amusement as Jennifer‘s eyes got

glassy.

―In London. The Kingsford deal.‖

―You‘re never going to forgive me for that are you?‖

―Maybe not. After all, my life could have been totally different.‖ Jennifer‘s eyes got dark

and sorrowful at her statement. Her words hung in the air between them as the truthfulness of the

statement was pondered.

―I couldn‘t talk to reporters without risking the deal.‖

―And why not afterwards?‖

―Because I didn‘t know you‘d be so….‖

Jennifer waited. ―So what?‖

―Never mind.‖

Jennifer shrugged. ―I guess I could have pushed my way in to your apartment. I was

there. Talking to your butler.‖

―Max.‖

―There ain‘t no leaks here, water or otherwise.‖ Jennifer said impersonating Max.

Jonathan laughed. ―You do that very well.‖

―Thanks.‖

―But, I wasn‘t in my room. I was in the bar.‖

Jennifer looked up. ―The bar!‖ Jonathan watched amused as her face flashed anger and

annoyance. ―I should have gone for a drink. I thought about it. You about drove me to it.‖

―I seem to have that affect on you.‖ He poured her some more champagne.

―Yes, well, champagne makes me a bit silly.‖

―It‘s cute.‖

Jennifer raised an eyebrow. ―Cute. I always wanted to be gorgeous and glamorous but

cute will do.‖

―You‘re that too.‖

Jennifer watched Jonathan and wondered what would have happened if she‘d gone into

the bar all those years ago. Would she have been overwhelmed by his good looks, devastating

smile and wonderful charm as she was now? Would he have said something rude and had her

kicked out?

―What are you thinking?‖

―Just wondering what you would have done if I hunted you down in the bar.‖

Asked you out. Jonathan knew that he would have been equally as taken by her eyes as

he was now. ―Probably better if we don‘t go there.‖ He had to set boundaries. If he told her how

he felt, it would be too easy to act on it.

Jennifer mustered a smile. ―I guess you‘re right.‖ They sat in silence holding back the

things they wanted to say and do out of respect for their spouses or perhaps it was guilt.

―Tell me about your wife.‖

Jonathan didn‘t want to go there either. ―She‘s a lawyer. Dedicated to her work.‖

―How‘d you meet?‖

Jonathan cleared his throat. ―Nothing dramatic. We were introduced by a mutual friend.‖

―Was it love at first sight.‖

―Is this twenty questions?‖ Jennifer heard the irritation in his voice. ―I was interested and

it grew from there.‖

―Sorry. I was just trying to make conversation. We were doing so well there for awhile.‖

Annoyed, Jennifer began to eat her food. Well, actually she didn‘t really want to know about his

wife anyway.

―I‘m sorry I didn‘t mean to be rude. I met Catherine at a particularly hard time in my life.

Max had recently died and I felt…lost I guess is the best word.‖

―You were close to him.‖ It was a statement not a question.

―Yes. He was the only family I‘d ever had. Everything I am, everything I have, is because

of him.‖

Jennifer could see the loss still lingered deep in Jonathan. ―I lost my mother when I was

a teenager but sometimes I still need her to be here so bad.‖

Jonathan nodded. He‘d never heard the ache to see Max spoken quite so simply yet

accurately. He needed Max to be here. ―How about you and Alexander.‖ Jonathan asked to get

off a subject he still found difficult to talk about.

―I met him at a polo match. I didn‘t like him at all but I guess he grew on me.‖

―How long have you been married?‖

―About five years. I never thought I would get married. I think I had too high of

expectations of it. Don‘t get me wrong, I‘m happy. But I had believed in the whole fairy tale

thing. You know passion beyond belief, being swept off your feet, whirlwind romance….‖

If only he‘d called her back. He would have given her the fairy tale. ―You don‘t think that

exists?‖

Jennifer glanced over at Jonathan. ―I gave up on it.‖

Jonathan nodded. ―You don‘t have children?‖

Jennifer did a spit take. ―Children? Me? No.‖

―Really why?‖

―I know it goes against Mother Nature but I don‘t feel like I‘m very maternal.

Fortunately, my life and Alexander‘s life isn‘t really conducive to having a family. He and I

aren‘t together long enough to make a baby anyway.‖ Jennifer‘s eyes opened wide surprised to

have revealed so much. She didn‘t need to let Jonathan know that her sex life was practically

non-existent. Especially when she wanted nothing more than to have Jonathan‘s large warm

hands touch her.

―We have no children either. For about the same reason.‖ Jonathan wondered if he‘d ever

be able to make love to Catherine again... at least without thinking of Jennifer.

―You aren‘t maternal?‖

He smiled. ―No though I‘d be willing to learn. No, it just doesn‘t seem to fit in our lives

right now.‖

―I imagine you‘d be a good father.‖

―I‘d like to hope so. It may seem selfish but I‘d hate to die and not have a part of me

living on.‖

Jennifer nodded.

―I mean there was no one before me, well there was but I don‘t know anything about

them. And with no one after, it would be like I was never here.‖

Jonathan‘s words struck Jennifer smack in the center of her heart. I‟d give you a child.

The thought came quickly and she never questioned it. She reached out and touched his hand. It

was meant to offer compassion. But the fire that shot from her hand straight to her heart wasn‘t

about compassion but love. She started to pull her hand back but he held on.

Jonathan could see the reaction in her eyes as they met. She did feel it too and that filled

his heart even more. If he couldn‘t have her entirely, he would at least have this moment. It was

so clear now that despite his attempts to keep her out, she‘d penetrated his heart. He loved her.

―You have time yet don‘t you?‖ Jennifer said trying to keep on the topic.

Jonathan shrugged. ―I suppose so.‖ He hadn‘t really thought about his and Catherine‘s

status on starting a family. Now talking about it, he realized that it was something not likely to

happen and it broke his heart.

―Jonathan? Are you okay?‖

―Can I ask you something, as a career woman?‖

―Sure. Will I need more champagne?‖ Jonathan smiled and with his free hand filled both

their glasses.

―Would there be any circumstance that you‘d consider having a child? Maybe if you

didn‘t have the foundation.‖

―Yes.‖ Jennifer said it without thinking because she knew already it was true. If she‘d

been married to another man, to this man.

―Any thoughts about that.‖

―I think we already agreed not to go there.‖

Their eyes met and connected in a way their bodies would never have the chance to. The

connection was intense, deep, soul to soul. Jennifer was sure at that moment that it wasn‘t lust

that was humming in her body. No, she was in love, and it broke her heart.

Chapter Six

When Jonathan got back to the hotel, he saw a message for him from Catherine.

―Cat? Its Jonathan.‖

―Oh, Jonathan. I‘m so glad you called. Where were you? You‘re out kind of late weren‘t

you?‖

―Just getting some dinner. Is everything all right?‖ Jonathan could hear the strain in

Catherine‘s voice.

―It‘s just that I won‘t be able to make it tomorrow, to the benefit to see you speak.‖

Jonathan rubbed his eyes. Why wasn‘t he surprised? ―Why not.‖

―Stanford gave me big case today. Jonathan, it could be the one that gets me the

partnership. I just couldn‘t let it pass.‖

―No I guess you couldn‘t.‖

―I‘m not sure I like your tone, Jonathan. You know my work is important to me. Why

must you always insist that I throw it aside to be some dutiful subservient wife?‖

―I know you‘re work is important to you Cat. And I would never ask you to give it up. I

never have.‖

―You are always asking me to not work.‖

―That‘s not true. What I ask is that you work less.‖

―This is an important case Jonathan. Please support me on this. We will still have Hawaii

in January.‖

―Cat, now is not a good time to lie to me.‖

―Lie?‖

―A big case is likely to go well into January. Or if its not this case it will be another. I

don‘t want you to give up your work Cat. But for once I would like to come first.‖

―Jonathan.‖ Her words came out in a whisper as she sat shocked by Jonathan ‗s

accusations. ―You know you come first.‖

―No, I don‘t. You can‘t even give me one goddamn night Cat.‖ Jonathan was surprised at

how fast the anger enveloped him. ―A night that is important to me. Cat, when can I be

important?‖ Jonathan sat on the end of the bed and hung his head. He sounded like a damn

nagging husband and he hated it. He began to resent her for putting him in that position. Her

silence on the end of the phone didn‘t help. ―Listen Cat, it‘s late here and I have a busy day

tomorrow. I will see you Saturday afternoon.‖

―Fine.‖ Her voice was curt. ―Will you need a ride from the airport?‖

―No, I‘ll manage.‖

Jonathan lay back on the bed and this time prayed for a dream to make him forget his

emptiness, his pain.

―Jennifer, you look lovely this evening.‖

―Thank you Elizabeth.‖ Jennifer replied kissing her mother-in-law on the cheek.

―As usual you have out done yourself,‖ Alexander said. ―Don‘t you think so mother.‖

―Yes, Jennifer has done a marvelous job. I hope you are treating her well Alexander. It

would be a shame to lose her.‖

Jennifer forced a smile. It was a compliment she knew and yet she felt as if the family

welcomed her because the foundation was a success therefore making the Chancellors look good

in the public eye.

―Quite a feat to get Jonathan Hart here.‖ Alexander said. Some how his boasting seemed

less about praising Jennifer and more about him. Look what a good wife I picked.

―Actually, that was Nancy‘s accomplishment. Nancy Shift....‖

―Yes, but you are the one who wooed him.‖

Not nearly the way I wanted to.

―Where is this formidable Jonathan Hart?‖ Elizabeth Chancellor asked.

Jennifer looked around the crowded room. She hadn‘t seen him or heard from at all

during the day. Although they had nothing planned she found she missed being able to see his

smile. And when she finally saw him, she still didn‘t see his smile. Something‟s wrong. ―I think I

see him. Why don‘t I just go get him and bring him here to meet you?‖

―That would be wonderful Jennifer. Thank you.‖ Elizabeth responded.

Jennifer started towards Jonathan. He seemed to be looking for someone and a part inside

her hoped it was her. He looked uncomfortable... no not uncomfortable... angry.

Jonathan entered the benefit alone. He‘d attended many benefits and parties alone and so

that didn‘t bother him. What bothered him was the discontent that was growing in his life. Matter

of fact, it made him angry. Jonathan Hart, self-made man, rags-to-riches, generous to a fault.

Jonathan Hart, married man, in love with another man‘s wife. But then he saw her coming

towards him. She was like goddess come to save him. Her emerald sequined gown accented all

the curves he‘d spent the night dreaming about. Her eyes hinted at a fire he wanted to ignite and

have consume him. And when she smiled, he thought his heart would burst.

―Hello Jonathan. Are you all right?‖

―Yes.‖ He smiled letting the anger and discontent slide away. ―You look beautiful.‖

Jennifer flinched in surprise making Jonathan believe that she didn‘t hear it enough. ―Really

beautiful.‖

―Thank you.‖ Jennifer‘s insides melted. Jonathan had an amazing way of giving a

compliment without it seeming like just another line. ―Is you wife here?‖ Jennifer could see the

darkness settle over his eyes again.

―Something came up.‖

―I see.‖ Jennifer wouldn‘t say she was sorry or disappointed because in fact she wasn‘t.

―Alexander and my mother-in-law are very eager to meet you, if you are up to it. It looks like

you could use a drink.‖

―That I could.‖

Jennifer waved down a server.

―You have done a really fantastic job here Jennifer. Really.‖ Jonathan said as he took a

glass of champagne from the tray. He could have used something stiffer to ease the rage of desire

and yearning that had replaced the discontent and emptiness.

―Thank you. We have had a record turnout and earnings. I have you to thank for that.

Most people are here to see you.‖

Jonathan looked around the room. ―That is nice of you to say.‖

―It‘s true. So, are you ready to do the obligatory mingling with the Chancellor family.‖

―Can I just have one Chancellor?‖ Jonathan asked not meaning for the innuendo to be a

strong as it was.

―I wish I could.‖ It was Jonathan‘s turn to flinch.

Jonathan met Alexander Chancellor and couldn‘t find nearly enough faults with him. He

seemed attentive enough, handsome enough, and even fairly interesting. But when it came time

for Jonathan to make his benefit speech, he had no problem finding faults.

Alexander and his mother stepped up to the podium. ―Ladies and Gentleman. Thank you

so much for attending this year‘s holiday benefit. Because of you, this year‘s has exceeded any

benefit we have ever done,‖ Elizabeth began. The crowd clapped.

―Why aren‘t you up there?‖ Jonathan whispered to Jennifer.

Jennifer pushed down her anger. ―This is their show.‖

―The hell it is. I saw you this week. You broke your back to put this benefit on.‖

―They are the Chancellors.‖ Jennifer said matter of factly as her head turned to Jonathan.

He could see the anger mixed with sadness. ―That‘s not right.‖

Jennifer just shrugged.

Alexander was speaking now. ―We won‘t keep you much longer. We know you all

opened your pocketbooks to come see a most remarkable man who showed us that all children

have potential if we just give them the opportunities.‖ He moved aside from the podium. ―Please

welcome, Mr. Jonathan Hart.‖

Jonathan looked at Jennifer feeling her resentment and hurt. How could they do that to

her? As he walked up, it seemed unbelievable to him that Alexander and Elizabeth said nothing

of Jennifer‘s accomplishments. Jennifer did all the work and they took all the credit and glory.

Well, that was going to change.

―Good evening.‖ Jonathan started. ―Thank you to the Chancellor Foundation and in

particular, to Ms. Nancy Shift and Mrs. Jennifer Chancellor for asking me to speak here to you

tonight. It is no secret why I am a big supporter financially and with my time to organizations

that are dedicated to helping improve the lives of children. As an orphan, I know the feelings of

unworthiness, loneliness and hopelessness that can plague a child without the support of a

family. I was fortunate to have been found and mentored by a great man who saw something in

me that I didn‘t see in myself. It was through his love and guidance that I came to believe in

myself and became the success I am today.‖ Jonathan paused for a moment as his words

lingered. He was a huge success in business but he didn‘t quite feel that way in his personal life.

―Amazing isn‘t it, how one man, one man with little means but a huge heart, could take a

punk kid off the street and turn him into Jonathan Hart. When I support organizations, what I

look for most is the heart. And I have to tell you, the Chancellor Foundation has a lot of heart

thanks to its President Mrs. Jennifer Chancellor.‖

A mix of joy and pain swirled through Jennifer and she could feel the tears well up within

her. While Alexander was always telling her how good she was at the foundation, it was always

self-serving. No one else in the family wanted to deal with it so he needed Jennifer to stay. But

Jonathan, a man she‘d known for barely a week, stood before a group of hundreds praising her

and acknowledging her efforts. She could here some clapping to which she gave a slight nod.

Looking behind Jonathan to Alexander and Elizabeth she could see the polite, obligating

clapping that masked something else.

―I had the privilege to watch Jen… Mrs. Jennifer Chancellor and her staff begin to

process grants. While the programs these grants support deal with people on a human level, the

grants themselves are dry documents filled with numbers attempting to quantify the value of

those lives and those who work to make it better. Instead of getting bogged down in cost-per-

child or obscure statistic, Mrs. Chancellor was able to see straight to the humanity of these

programs. I don‘t think I have ever been more impressed in my life.‖

Jennifer was sure she was going lose it with the collision of opposing feelings ramming

into each other inside her. She felt awe at Jonathan‘s accolades and rage and grief at her

husband‘s inability to do the same. She could see Jonathan looking down on her and smiling

and she realized he was doing this for her. This wasn‘t the speech he‘d prepared but a deviation

of it to give her the credit he believed she deserved. She could feel her heart pounding from shear

love and gratitude and at that moment, she would have done anything Jonathan had asked her to

do.

―The foundation takes a great deal of time which Mrs. Jennifer Chancellor gives

unquestioningly. It is my desire to help the foundation secure its financial base so that Mrs.

Jennifer Chancellor can be allowed to contribute to the world in other ways as well.‖

Most people weren‘t sure what Jonathan was referring to, including Jennifer. ―I have here

a check made to the foundation in the amount of $1,000,000 to be used as Mrs. Chancellor sees

fit.‖

The room gasped, Jennifer included.

―I would like to personally hand this check to you, Jennifer Chancellor and on behalf of

the less fortunate children of the world, thank you for all your work.‖

The crowd applauded and cheered enthusiastically. Jennifer was stunned and required a

nudge from someone in the crowd to get her to walk up to the podium. As she walked up she

looked up at Jonathan. Their eyes held as she approached him to accept the check.

―This is wonderful, just wonderful,‖ Alexander said as he took a place next to Jennifer at

the podium.

Jennifer flinched and Jonathan frowned as Alexander attempted to accept the check.

Jonathan held firm. ―Mrs. Chancellor, I know this check will be put to good use.‖ Jonathan

handed her the check and then leaned over as if to kiss her cheek. But as he did, he whispered,

―Be sure I get an autographed edition of whatever it is you are going to write.‖

Jennifer‘s eyes were wide. Did he really do this so she could have time to write? He

supported and believed in a dream of hers that her husband didn‘t or wouldn‘t. Jennifer was too

stunned to for words.

Annoyed, Alexander stepped to the podium. ―It seems my wife is a little overwhelmed by

Mr. Hart‘s generosity. But, I would like thank you on behalf of her and the foundation for this

wonderful donation.‖

Jonathan‘s eyes held Jennifer‘s. He couldn‘t believe how wonderful it felt not only to do

something so nice but also to be fully appreciated for it. He could see the admiration and

something more in Jennifer‘s eyes. They were oblivious to everything else, the clapping and

Alexander‘s speech. It wasn‘t until Alexander took her arm to escort her off the stage that

Jennifer was brought back to reality.

―You really do have the skill Jennifer.‖ Alexander spoke quietly. ―You must see now that

the foundation couldn‘t possibly succeed like this without you.‖

Jennifer shot Alexander a look. He didn‘t get it. Well, of course he didn‘t. All he saw was

money and a way to keep her at the foundation. He missed the whole part about making the

foundation stable enough to let her pursue other interests. Her hurt quickly turned to rage.

―You promised,‖ she hissed.

―Jennifer.‖ Alexander seemed genuinely stunned by her outburst. ―You can‘t possibly

think of leaving after such a success.‖

―You promised,‖ she said again but without the venom. Instead it was grief. ―You

promised.‖ This time she whispered it before walking off.

Chapter Seven

―Aren‘t you going to follow her?‖ Jonathan didn‘t usually butt into other people‘s private

spats but he couldn‘t believe what a jerk and self-serving man Alexander had turned out to be.

Alexander looked at him. ―It‘s better if I let her vent a little. Amazing isn‘t it? On a night

of great success, she still isn‘t happy.‖

Not so amazing, Jonathan thought to himself. If you paid attention.

―Let me get you another drink Mr. Hart.‖

―I‘m fine for now. I think I‘ll just mingle a bit.‖ Jonathan headed in the same direction as

Jennifer.

Jennifer stood outside. She hadn‘t even gotten her coat so the cold winter night stabbed at

her through her exposed skin. She stood looking out over the street, wondering if anyone would

notice if she just took a cab and went home, to Maryland.

‖Mind if I join you?‖

Why wasn‘t she surprised that he‘d come? Because that was the kind of man he was. And

while social etiquette dictated she should send him back inside, she didn‘t. ―I‘d enjoy your

company.‖

Jonathan realized she didn‘t have her coat. ―You must be freezing.‖ He took off his

tuxedo jacket and put it around her shoulders.

―I was too mad to go back inside and get it.‖

―I‘ll go get it. Then we can go for coffee or something stronger if you need it.‖

Jennifer laughed. ―That might set tongues a wagging. You‘re getting my coat and our

leaving.‖

―Do you care?‖

Jennifer looked at Jonathan. His cheeks were flush from the cold, his bright blue eyes

twinkled and then he smiled that amazing smile.

―No, I guess I don‘t.‖

―Good.‖ Jonathan got her coat and the two of them hailed a cab to anywhere.

―This looks like as good a place as any.‖ Jonathan said as he opened the door to the bar.

―I‘m sure it will be fine.‖ They sat at a table and ordered drinks. ―We‘re a little out of

place in our formal attire.‖

Jonathan shrugged. ―It will get us better service.‖

Jennifer looked at him quizzically.

―We look like good tippers,‖ he explained.

Jennifer smiled.

―You have a wonderful smile,‖ he said not wanting to hold such a tight rein on his

feelings.

―I have often thought the same about you.‖

―Really?‖ They both smiled then.

―I‘m sorry to have ruined the evening for you. People are going to wonder what happened

to you.‖ Jennifer began to feel guilty for needing Jonathan with her.

―Not really. Once the alcohol and food start flowing, people won‘t notice. And you didn‘t

ruin the evening.‖

―I‘m sure you‘re the only one who thinks so.‖ Jennifer gulped down her drink causing

Jonathan to raise and eye. He hailed the waitress of another. He wanted to tell her what he

thought of Alexander but then she might be in the position to defend him.

―I‘m not quite sure how I got to this place in my life.‖

Jonathan didn‘t say anything.

―He didn‘t get it. Or maybe he did and he doesn‘t care.‖ This time Jennifer took a sip of

her drink.

Jonathan could see the sadness in her eyes and wondered how any man could live with

himself for causing such pain.

―I really thought it was the perfect situation. We are quite compatible. We have very

independent lives and let each other live them coming together out of mutual desire to be

together.‖

Jonathan nodded. He understood fully what she was saying. After all, wasn‘t it the same

with Cat?

―Somewhere along the way I lost myself I guess.‖

God he wanted to help find her. He reached out and took her hand. A wave of warmth

spread from her hand to the rest of her body. Instead of pulling away she grasped his hand and

savored the feel of true love.

Jonathan watched her. Her eyes always drawing him in. He could tell what she was

feeling all through the look in her eyes. He wished he could lose himself in them, watch them

turn cloudy from passion, passion he wanted to show her but never could.

―Would you like to dance?‖ he asked.

At first Jennifer thought he wasn‘t paying attention. She just bared her soul and his

response was to ask her to dance. She looked into his eyes and saw instead desire, desire to hold

her.

―I‘d like that.‖

Taking her hand Jonathan led her to the dance floor. Although the bar played more

contemporary music than they were used to listening too, Jonathan recognized the slower riff of

a love song. On the dance floor, he wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her to him,

close but not too close. Jennifer could feel his warm breath on her ear and it shot a wave of

desire straight to her core. Her body acted on its own when it pressed closer. As they glided

along the dance floor, they lost themselves in each other and the song. She fit perfectly against

him, as if she was meant to be there and for a moment he wished he weren‘t the type of man to

cling to loyalty and commitment.

Jennifer could almost hear the click as the two perfect pieces of their bodies came

together. She let him lead her around the room in a slow graceful rhythm, the same rhythm she

was sure he‘d use if they made love. She let her mind wonder, finally pondering what could have

been had they met all those years ago in London. Images came to her as clear as if they were

real. Dancing in a foyer, tipsy like now, on an anniversary. Standing entwined watching a sunset

off the bow of a boat. Horseback riding together across a mountain meadow. Jennifer lost herself

in the images, responding to them as if they were real. Her hand slid up his back and rested at the

base of his neck. Her fingers lightly brushed the back of his neck.

Jonathan held back a groan as Jennifer‘s touch shot fire straight to his loin. Hoping to

avoid the embarrassment of a physical response, he tried to focus on something, anything, other

than her warm, firm body rubbing against his. But his mind filled with images of her and him

and a life they never could have. Walking on a tropical beach, holding hands and watching the

sun go down. Dancing along the Themes to the rhythm of their own hearts. Seeing her eyes in a

child, looking at him and calling him daddy. And then it wasn‘t arousal but love that flowed

through his body and he pulled her close, letting his hand slide up to the exposed part of her

back.

His touch shocked her system, almost like in a climax. She wasn‘t able to hold back the

sigh. She wanted this, to be held by him, to talk to him, to love him. How would she ever stop

now that she had a taste?

Jonathan felt her body shudder and for a moment he thought he‘d gone too far. But then

her breath released and her body seemed to melt against his more. She was completely pliant in

his arms. And he never wanted to let her go. As so he held on as the words of the song seemed to

tell their story.

I would have waited forever

If I‟d known that you‟d be here

We could have shared our life together

Jennifer could feel the sting of tears rising. She‘d never felt so complete, so perfect in a

man's arms. The love filled her heart until she thought it would explode. It was the pain, the

agony of an unrequited love that threatened to shatter her heart. How could she survive now

knowing what she was missing?

The words of the song sent a pang of hurt and desperation to their hearts. This was it,

their moment to be together. It would be only a moment, insignificant in the great scheme of

things. But for Jonathan and Jennifer, this moment was everything and would always be

everything.

And then it was over.

―I should probably get you back to the benefit.‖ Jonathan stepped back but let his arms

linger around her.

―I‘m not going back. I‘ll go home but you should go back.‖

Jonathan nodded. ―I‘ll escort you home.‖

Jennifer nodded in return. They stood gazing at each other, know that in any other

situation the moment would have been completed with a kiss, a kiss they could both only dream

about.

Jennifer was lying in bed, unable to sleep when she heard Alexander come in. He was

quiet as he changed his clothes and then climbed into bed. He fell asleep facing away from her as

she was facing away from him. Jennifer realized the situation was metaphorical. Here were to

people together but separate. She understood now that her marriage would not survive such a

lifestyle. And she wasn‘t so sure she wanted it to.

Jennifer sat in the window seat in her living room apartment watching the city come to

life below her. As she drank her coffee, she took a close, painful look at her life. She loved

Jonathan, that she knew. Her feelings about it were as confused and complicated as the situation

itself. She knew it was wrong to love another man, another married man. And yet, her love felt

so pure, so real how could that be wrong?

―Jennifer?‖ Alexander had been watching her before calling out to her. He could tell she

was lost in some sort of inner battle. A battle for what, he didn‘t know. But a tinge of worry rose

through him as he wondered if it involved him.

―Alexander.‖ Jennifer forced a smile.

―We missed you last night.‖

―I‘m sure you and your mother did fine.‖ Jennifer turned towards the window again. Was

her love for him dead? Did she ever really love him?

Alexander pulled a chair over by the window to sit next to her. ―I‘m sorry I made you

angry.‖

Jennifer didn‘t look at him. ―You hurt me. Do you even know why? What you did?‖

Alexander lowered his head. He didn‘t know, of course. He knew he was self-absorbed.

Not that he meant to be rude or selfish. He was the product of his upbringing, which gave him

the world and all his desires without having to consider others.

―I didn‘t think so.‖ Jennifer said when he failed to respond.

―We agreed that mind reading was not realistic between couples.‖

―It doesn‘t take a seer to know why I was hurt Alexander. The problem is you don‘t

care.‖

―Jennifer I do care about you. I love you.‖

Jennifer knew it was true. Alexander cared and loved her in his own way. He made no

demands on her and until now she‘d never made demand on him. He was so used to having thing

go his own way he never even considered there were other ways of thinking, that others might

want something else.

―I haven‘t ever asked any more than what we agreed to when we married. Except for one

thing, one thing that is a dream of mine.‖

―The writing.‖

―The writing. I have held up my end of the deal. I have run the foundation, made

financially stable, a jewel in the Chancellor crown ….‖

―I don‘t see why you say that with such disdain. You are a remarkable fundraiser

Jennifer. How can you turn away what is so obviously a gift of yours.‖

―I‘m a good driver but I don‘t want to be chauffeur. Have you ever read anything I

wrote? I‘m certain I‘m good at that and its what I want. And I‘m going to do it whether you like

or not.‖ Jennifer got up to get more coffee in the kitchen.

Alexander rubbed his hands over his eyes. ―You came to that decision last night when

you rudely abandoned your guests?‖ He followed her into the kitchen.

Jennifer swung around to him, spilling some of her coffee as she did. ―My guests? Since

when do I have any credit much less guests at a Chancellor function.‖

―Where did you go last night?‖ All of a sudden Alexander didn‘t know his wife and

wondered what had put such obstinance in her.

Jennifer glared at him. He still wasn‘t listening to her. ―For a drink.‖

―Alone.‖

Jennifer could see the accusations in his eyes. ―No.‖

―Have you met someone else. Is that what this is about?‖

―You are so dense Alexander. This is about you not caring enough about my dreams and

me. I can‘t be the wife you want anymore. I won‘t even try.‖

―What are you saying?‖

―Just what I said. I‘m going to the board and resigning as president. I will stay one month

to find a replacement and then I am gone.‖

―Just from the foundation or from me too?‖

―That‘s up to you Alexander.‖ Jennifer‘s eyes met his head on.

―I see, so it your way or no way?‖

―Seems only fair that I have a turn too. After all, for 5 years it has been your way.‖

Alexander was stunned, too stunned to reply. Jennifer watched him for a moment

wondering if he would finally understand, would finally make the effort. ―Well, you can let me

know.‖ Jennifer said after no response. She put her cup in the sink and walked out.

Chapter Eight

Jonathan entered his apartment in Los Angeles after a long sleepless night and equally as

uncomfortable flight. He expected to come home to an empty apartment and was surprised to

find Catherine home.

―Jonathan.‖ Catherine put down the papers she was working on and stood up to greet

him.

―Cat, I didn‘t think you‘d be home.‖

Catherine frowned. He seemed almost disappointed she was there. ―Still wanting to

punish me for being successful at my job.‖

Jonathan was too weary to fight. ―No malice was intended.‖ He put his bags down and

went to embrace her in a welcome. They hugged and he kissed her cheek. The gesture was tense

and forced.

―How was the benefit?‖

―I understand it was a success.‖ Jonathan headed to the bar for a drink.

―You didn‘t go?‖

―I did my part.‖

―I‘m sorry I missed it….‖ She wanted to say something else but couldn‘t think of what it

should be.

―How‘s the case?‖

Cat watched Jonathan and for the first time didn‘t feel free to express her complete

excitement at the case and the opportunity it provided. That fact angered her. ―Do you really

want to know?‖

Jonathan turned to her, surprised by the curtness in her voice. ―Yes, Cat. Despite what

you think, I admire your work.‖

―It‘s hard to tell when you are always complaining about it.‖

―I only complain that you work too much. We don‘t spend time together. Why is it so

unreasonable of me to want to spend time with my wife?‖ Jonathan drank the two fingers of

whisky and poured some more.

Cat bit her lower lip. ―I don‘t think it‘s unreasonable. But you never talk about weekend

outings. You talk about round the world trips and other excursions that would require me to

leave my work.‖

―I‘m tired Cat. We keep going around and around on this. I say I want to spend time with

you and you translate it into I want you to quit. I don‘t know how to say it anymore clearer and

right now I don‘t want to try. Keep your job, Cat. Take the cases you need to get your

partnership. I know its what you want and I know you are good at it.‖ Jonathan finished his drink

and headed to the bedroom.

―Jonathan?‖ Cat was stunned. What had gotten into him lately? She followed him into the

bedroom. ―It‘s not like you don‘t work long hours too.‖

He swung around towards her. His narrow, glaring eyes frightened her. ―I need

something to pass the time while you‘re working. I could leave it all in a minute if you wanted

me to. What would you like me to do Cat?‖

Cat looked at him like a deer with its eyes caught in headlights.

―Let me know when you decide one way or another.‖ Jonathan stormed off to the

bedroom and went to bed.

The next week Jonathan went through the motions of his life. He realized that was what

he‘d been doing for a long time, even before he met and married Cat. In fact, since Max had

died, Jonathan had ceased to pay attention to life, to grab it and live it full force as he‘d done

since meeting Max. It wasn‘t until meeting Jennifer that he‘d realized how numb he was inside.

How much he‘d settled for less than he could get. Max would have been disappointed. No, not

disappointed but sad for Jonathan just the same.

Jonathan drove up the winding road that led to the hilltop cemetery. Parking his car, he

walked towards the big oak tree that shaded the gravesite of his friend, mentor, and for all

intensive purposes his father, Max. Jonathan sat leaning against the tree and took out a cigar.

―Here‘s to you Max,‖ Jonathan holding the cigar up to salute. ―I sure could use you

around now because I‘m not doing very well.‖ Jonathan took a puff on the cigar. ―On the other

hand, you‘d probably box my ears.‖

Jonathan sat in silence for a few minutes. ―Max, I‘m in love with a married woman and

she‘d not my wife.‖ Jonathan paused as if he expected Max to materialize and chastise him.

―And it could have been different. If only I‘d returned her call.‖ That was what made the whole

situation so unbearable. It wasn‘t bad enough to have met too late but to have known their paths

could have crossed… almost crossed all those years ago. That hurt. If only he‘d called her. If

only she‘d come to the bar. Jonathan knew he‘d have fallen in love with her then.

―She was the one Max. I feel for her like I never felt for anyone. I never knew you could

feel like this. And I want more than anything to take her away from that ungrateful husband of

hers. And for that I have terrible guilt. God, it turns out I am a heel.‖

―You will do what‘s right.‖

Jonathan heard the voice but never questioned it. He‘d been so close to Max, he knew

what he‘d tell him.

―That‘s the thing. What is right is not clear. Being with Jennifer feels right, perfect. But

leaving Cat for another woman, that doesn‘t feel right either.‖

―Is it more right to stay with someone when you love another?‖

―See, that‘s the dilemma.‖

―Are you more worried about what others will think?‖

―Maybe I am more worried about what I will think.‖ Jonathan took another puff of the

cigar and continued to debate with himself about what was best. ―I don‘t know if I have been fair

to Cat. In some ways I blame her for my unhappiness because her job takes so much time but in

reality that‘s what attracted me to her in the first place. I am the one who has changed and is

trying to change things in the marriage after the fact.‖ And that bothered him a great deal. It

didn‘t seem fair to demand her to accommodate to his new goals and dreams in life. It made him

wonder if two people could really spend a lifetime together maintaining the same goals in life.

Of course, at the time he met and married Catherine, he didn‘t really have goals and dreams. His

work had become a dominant part of his life not out of a dream but out of a necessity to survival.

The grief after Max‘s death was devastating and work was the only way to cope. So, he hadn‘t

really changed. He was now coming out of a three-year fog and having to deal with the

repercussions of acting without really paying attention. The question was, how could he turn

around the events in his life that had led him to a place he didn‘t want to be?

―I leave for New York on Sunday for a board meeting on Monday. I hope to God she

resigns then. If I can‘t have her, at least I could have the joy of knowing she was living the life

she needed to live… that I helped give her.‖ Jonathan pressed his fingers to his eyes. ―At least I

met her.‖ He put out the cigar and set it on Max‘s grave. Then he left.

Jennifer closed her laptop and checked the clock. Three in the afternoon. She had been

writing for six hours straight and it felt good. Great! It had taken a while to get started but once

she had, the words flowed as if they had been standing in line waiting to emerge. Standing up,

she stretched before heading to the kitchen for a glass of wine to celebrate.

Jennifer poured the wine and stood in the kitchen as the joy of her achievement turned

bittersweet. She was alone. There was no one to share in her excitement. Alexander was in

Argentina on business. Although he had made some attempt to support her writing in the few

days they had together before he left, she could tell it was at great effort. Still, he had said that

she could accompany to Hong Kong in two weeks. She had to give him some credit for making

the effort.

She looked over at the phone. Desire to call Jonathan and tell him about her writing was

almost too strong to ignore. He‘d be thrilled, she knew. But, she needed to forget him. Not forget

him but get over the grief at having met him too late. The irritation at wanting him when she‘d

never be able to have him. She was gulping down the wine when she heard the doorbell.

―Pa?‖ she said when she answered.

―Jennifer.‖

―What are you doing here?‖

―Since when do I need a reason to see my daughter. Are you going to let me in?‖

―Yes, of course.‖ Jennifer stood back to let her father in. ―Can I get you a drink.‖

―Martini would be good.‖ He watched as she headed to the bar. Something wasn‘t right.

It hadn‘t been for a while but it seemed more obvious now than before. ―How are you?‖

―Good. Really good, Pa. I just wrote for an entire day and it felt wonderful.‖

―Writing? You‘re writing again?‖ He knew she loved writing. It had been the one thing

she‘d always wanted to do.

―Yes. I will be giving my resignation at the board meeting on Monday. I‘m a writer

again. Marcia said she was anxious to see what I had planned.‖ Jennifer handed her father his

drink.

―I‘m so pleased Jennifer. I know you didn‘t want to give up the writing.‖

―No I didn‘t,‖ Jennifer turned away from her father to look out the window.

―And Alexander supports you?‖

―He‘s trying Pa.‖ Jennifer turned back to him with a sheepish smile. ―He‘s in South

America now but he‘s bringing me to Hong Kong on the next trip.‖

―I‘m glad to hear it. I always thought that boy should give you more than he did.‖

Jennifer smiled at her father‘s use of the word boy. All her boyfriends had been ‗boys‘ in

his eyes. ―He‘s not thrilled but he‘s making the effort because he knows it‘s important to me.‖

―Good.‖ Steven took a sip of his drink. He eyed Jennifer over the rim of the glass and

wondered what she wasn‘t saying. ―Anything else?‖

―Else?‖

―You seem a little melancholy. Since your husband is trying to let you have your dream

and you spent the whole day writing, you don‘t seem as thrilled as I‘d expect you to be.‖

Jennifer sat in the window seat wondering how she could… if she could… tell her father

about Jonathan.

―I know I haven‘t been the most attentive father …‖

―Pa, you are the best father.‖

He nodded. ―Be that as it may, I could have been there for you.‖ Jennifer knew he was

referring to her difficulties with Alexander. ―But, you can talk to me about anything Jennifer.‖

―Ohhh, it‘s a mess Pa.‖ Jennifer broke down and cried.

Steven‘s eyes widened in surprise. Whatever it was, it was worse than he imagined.

―There, there.‖ He sat next to her, pulling her to him.

―I‘ve met someone.‖

Oh, it really was worse. ―Another man?‖ Steven tried to mask the disapproval in his

voice.

―Yes.‖ Jennifer looked up to see the reaction in her father‘s eyes. ―A married man.‖

―A married man?‖ Steven was stunned. But seeing Jennifer so distraught, he knew he had

to put his personal feelings aside. ―Is it serious?‖

―We‘ve never… I mean we didn‘t… we‘re just friends.‖

Steven nodded. She hadn‘t broken her vows. ―But you‘re in love with him.‖

―Yes. He‘s so perfect Pa. When I‘m with him, he makes me feel valued, confident,

interesting…‖

―Well of course you are all those things.‖

―I know, but he makes me feel it.‖

Steven nodded. He understood. He knew Alexander was lean with the sincerity and

compliments.

―If only…‖

―If only what?‖

―Our paths almost crossed ten years ago. If they had, things would have been different.‖

―Our lives are always filled with choices. We can‘t be so sure that one choice would have

led us to something better.‖

Jennifer looked up at her father again. ―I know with all my heart, Pa, that I would have

loved him, stilled loved him, if we‘d met then. I can‘t tell you how or why but I feel it.‖

―And how does he feel about you?‖

―I think he feels the same. We sort of agreed not to talk about it. Pa, he donated a million

dollars the foundation so I could leave and write.‖

Steven had heard of generous gestures but none so generous. He must love his daughter

and he could only guess at the ache they felt at wanting to love each other but not being able to.

―What are you going to do?‖

―I wish I knew. If Alexander hadn‘t started to try more, I would have left. I think I wish

he had fought me on this. But now, for the first time in our marriage he is trying. I feel like I

need to try too. It would always hang over me if I didn‘t.‖

Steven nodded. ―You‘re probably right.‖ Because he couldn‘t think of any words of

wisdom or guidance, he held Jennifer in support.

Jennifer put the magazines on the coffee table and then took inventory of the apartment.

All of a sudden, the words that flowed so easily had stopped. So Jennifer had done what had

worked in the past… she cleaned the house. Now after several hours, her home was cleaner than

it had been in years. She grabbed the bottle of water on the table and took a long drink. Now that

it was done, she wondered if the words would come. She stepped over to her desk and turned her

laptop on. As she went to sit, there was a knock on the door.

―Jonathan?‖ Jennifer‘s heart leapt to her throat.

―Hi, Jennifer. I hope its okay I just showed up like this.‖

―Yes, please come in. I wasn‘t expecting to see you until tomorrow.‖

―I flew out this afternoon for the meeting tomorrow. Since I was in the neighborhood...‖

Jonathan followed her in, embarrassingly captivated by the long legs extending out of short

shorts, and the snug tee shirt that seemed painted on. Her hair was up in a ponytail and her face

flush as if she were working out. She looked more beautiful; natural than he‘d ever seen her

before.

―Good. I‘m glad you did. You‘ll have to excuse my appearance. I was cleaning the

house.‖

―You look fine although, it‘s 30 degrees outside.‖

―Ah yes, well its rigorous work to clean house. Would you like a drink?‖

―That would be nice. Scotch if you‘ve got it.‖ Jonathan looked around the apartment as

Jennifer went to the bar for a drink. ―Alexander?‖

―He‘s in Argentina right now.‖

―Hmm.‖ Jonathan nodded relieved and yet nervous about doing what he‘d come to do.

―Jonathan?‖ Jennifer handed him his drink. ―I never really thanked you for the money

and the opportunity you gave me at the benefit. I don‘t know if I could ever express my thanks

adequately.‖

―The only thanks I need is to know that you are pursuing your dream.‖

Jennifer smiled, taking Jonathan‘s breath away. ―Yes. I‘ve been writing. Well not today. I

have a little writer‘s block today but I have been writing. I have over 100 pages written.‖

―Oh, that‘s great Jennifer. I‘m so happy to hear that. Congratulations.‖ He clinked his

glass with Jennifer‘s water bottle.

―Thank you.‖

―And Alexander?‖

―He‘s dealing with it, at least he‘s trying to. I didn‘t give him much choice.‖

―Good.‖ Jonathan said wondering if she still had feelings for him now that her marriage

was getting back on track. Jonathan walked over to the large windows over looking the city.

―Quite a view you have here?‖

―Yes. Jonathan? Is something wrong?‖ Jennifer walked over to stand next to him.

―I came her for a purpose and all of a sudden I‘m a little nervous.‖

―Really? I wouldn‘t ever guess you got nervous.‖ Jennifer teased but deep down her

stomach lurched.

Jonathan laughed. ―Ya well, that‘s in business. This isn‘t business.‖ They stood near each

other by the window as a light crystalline snow fell outside.

―I see.‖ Jennifer couldn‘t hide her own nervousness.

―I came here to tell you something.‖

―Okay.‖ Jennifer could feel her heart quake in anticipation. Was he going to confess his

love? Or was she wrong about his feelings? Was he going to quit the board?

―The thing is,‖ Jonathan started as he ran his fingers through his hair. ―I have feelings for

you Jennifer.‖

Jennifer‘s breath hitched.

―Feelings that I shouldn‘t have. And I‘m betraying Catherine by saying this but it would

be betraying myself and my heart not to say it. As wrong as it is, I have a hard time referring

thinking it‘s wrong.‖ Jonathan placed his hand over his heart. ―It‘s so sweet and pure and perfect.

How can it be wrong?‖

―I don‘t know,‖ Jennifer whispered as she tried to find her voice.

―Do you understand?‖

―Yes. ―

Jonathan let a breath out that he held since he‘d entered her building. ―I have debated

with myself all week about what I could do. What I should do. Even as I rode up the elevator I

toyed with the idea of asking you to run away with me.‖

Oh yes! Jennifer‘s heart yelled out.

Jonathan swallowed hard. ―But, you and I aren‘t the type to run away. We‘re loyal and

dedicated to our commitments. Running away wouldn‘t change the guilt we felt for what we left

behind.‖

―No.‖ He was right. She knew he was but damn, it hurt.

―The guilt would get in the way of anything we tried to build together. I have had a pretty

good life. Up till now I‘ve had no regrets. And now, I have a regret I can barely live with. I

regret not returning your call.‖

―Oh, Jonathan.‖ Jennifer felt a mixture of joy and pain. She wanted to reach out and hold

him and yet, it was clear that this meeting was to say they shouldn‘t see each other anymore.

―I blew it ten years ago. You don‘t know what I would do to change it. But I can‘t change

it.‖

―No.‖

―And, so I think it best, after tonight, that we don‘t see each other anymore. You go have

a brilliant writing career and I‘ll make sure the Chancellors‘ don‘t ruin all your good work at the

foundation.‖

Jennifer licked her lips. But she couldn‘t find her voice.

―Please tell me I haven‘t‘ made a fool of myself by telling you this. That I‘m not alone in

what I‘ve been feeling since the moment I met you.‖

―No. No you‘re not a fool.‖ Jennifer reached out and touched his face. ―You are not alone

in your feelings. You just have more courage.‖

Jonathan tilted his head to kiss the inside of her wrist that still rested on his face.

―And, I know you are right. It just really hurts.‖ Jennifer crinkled her nose and swallowed

back the tears that threatened.

―We can have this one last evening.‖ Jonathan said as she took her hand away. ―For

dinner, enjoying each other‘s company.‖ He added quickly so she wouldn‘t misunderstand.

She nodded. ―I just need to change.‖

Jonathan blew out a breath. ―That wasn‘t so bad. Two out of three.‖

―Three?‖

Jonathan chastised himself for his slip. ―Yes, well, I came her to tell you how I feel about

you. And to see if you‘d spend this last evening with me.‖

―And three?‖ Jennifer could feel the excitement of something dangerous swirling though

her stomach.

Jonathan licked his lips. ―And, three was …‖

―Yes.‖

―I was hoping …‖

―Jonathan.‖

―Oh Hell.‖ Jonathan stepped close to her. Her head tilted up to look at him, putting her

lips within tasting distance. ―I want to kiss you Jennifer. Just one kiss.‖

Jennifer‘s lids drifted shut, her hands slid up his chest, her lips parted slightly. Oh God,

Jonathan thought. Would he ever be able to stop once he started? He slipped his hand around her

waist, the other he pressed against her cheek.

His lips gently rubbed against hers as they took in the soft fullness of them. Jennifer

leaned in to him, surrendering to the power of the love she felt. The feel of her body pressed

against his sent a wave of need and longing like never before. He had hoped to steal a soft gentle

kiss to satisfy his curiosity, but that was left behind, as desired roared through him. Yanking her

closer, he crushed his lips to hers, using tongue and teeth to taste and consume.

Jennifer felt warmth that turned into an inferno as Jonathan‘s kiss turned from soft and

sweet to primal and savage. When his tongue forced its way deep, all thought left her mind.

There was nothing but him. Filling her mind, her heart, and her soul. She moaned and slid her

hands up his check and around his neck, pulling him closer, begging him to go deeper as her

tongue danced with his.

Jonathan had known it would be a kiss to remember but he had no idea just how

memorable. It was like no other kiss he‘d ever had. He knew it was like no kiss he‘d ever

experience again. And since this was the one and only time, he forged on, relentless in his pursuit

to fill himself with her.

Jennifer melted against him, savoring a passion that she‘d never felt and would never feel

again. His body felt strong and hard against her, his arousal pressing against her belly. She felt

alive, excited, sexy. She wanted this, needed this. She let her body press and rub against him,

throwing all caution to the wind.

Jonathan moaned as his desire begged for something more. He pulled her tighter to him.

He slid one hand up her side, lightly brushing the swell of her breast. He heard her breath hitch

and then she arched, pressing her breast into the palm of his hand. Her moans urged him on and

he let his thumb massage the outstretched nipple.

Jennifer‘s body was possessed by instinct as it pressed and rubbed against him in a

rhythm of passion. She could feel power pooling in her core, building toward the point of perfect

glorious release. He hadn‘t even touched her bare skin, or slid his hand between her thighs and

here she was ready to explode from ecstasy.

The roar in Jonathan‘s head was deafening as passion thundered through him. God she

was perfect, was all he could think about. Her lips tasted sweeter and were more intoxicating that

the strawberries and champagne he‘d imagined. She molded against him as if she were made just

to fit her body to his. And she wanted him. With a snap, his resolve left. His lips left hers,

running trail down her jaw and neck to feast in the soft spot at the base of her throat.

―Oh, yes.‖ He heard her say. Encouraged he moved on. He kissed her breast through her

shirt, flicking it with his tongue, teasing it with his teeth. He felt Jennifer reach for him, her hand

cupping him firmly. He slid his hand down her thigh and between her thighs. ―Oh yes. Please.‖

Jennifer‘s head fell back as her body strained against his hand. Jonathan brought his head up,

preparing to kiss her again as he tore his and her clothes from their bodies. As his head lifted, he

caught sight of a picture of Jennifer with Alexander and reality hit him with a force of a freight

train.

―Oh, Jennifer.‖ He pushed her back by her hips. It took a moment for Jennifer to get her

bearings. She looked up at Jonathan as they both fought to get back their control. He let his head

drop forward to rest against hers. ―It was just supposed to be a kiss. I‘m sorry. I‘m so sorry.‖

―No. I‘m as much to blame.‖ They stood silent for several minutes. Then Jennifer stepped

away. ―I‘ll go shower and change… if you still want to get dinner.‖

Jonathan nodded. He watched as she headed back to a bedroom. He headed to the kitchen

where he splashed cold water on his face and wondered how he would be able to live the rest of

his life without the love, the passion and excitement only Jennifer could give him.

The awkwardness of what almost happened lasted until they reached the waiting cab to

take them to dinner. It seemed like they were suffering from a ‗morning after‘ effect but since

they didn‘t really consummate their feelings, there was no need to have the uneasiness that can

come after. As they rode the elevator down, they both laughed at the situation and decided to

make the most … to a certain extent… of the evening they still had left.

―So where are we going?‖ Jennifer asked as they got in the cab.

―I know of a great jazz place that serves the best Cajun food this side of the Mason-Dixon

Line.‖ Jonathan said taking a seat next to her.

―Ooh, sounds adventurous.‖

―I was once told I could use an adventure.‖

―Yes, I do remember.‖

―So, what are you writing?‖ Jonathan asked as they drove through the streets of New

York.

―It‘s an adventure. A book about grabbing a hold of life and not letting go until the grim

reaper drags you off.‖

―Ah, carpe diem. Seize the day.‖

―Yes. I haven‘t been a good model of that kind of life for awhile but I intend to do as

much and see as much as I can with what I have left.‖

Jonathan looked at Jennifer. ―You will live the adventure Jennifer… for both of us.‖

Jennifer smiled although it was mixed with sadness. ―Thank you for giving it to me. I will

never forget you or what you have given me Jonathan. I‘ll always be grateful.‖

―I know.‖ He said as he lifted her hand to his lips. ―And I will always remember you

Jennifer as I live the adventure vicariously through your writing.‖

The car swerved throwing Jonathan onto Jennifer. ―What the …‖ Jonathan‘s words were

cut off as their car was hit from the side by a drunk driver.

Chapter Nine

Jonathan stirred in his sleep. He head was pounding and his face hurt. Opening his eyes

he glanced around the room. The sterile surroundings clued him into the fact he was in a

hospital. A car accident. The memory of it came back in bits and pieces. Jennifer. Jonathan

slowly got up from bed. He had to know; was she alright? Oh God, please let her be all right.

The hallway was quiet as he exited the room he was in. There were several doors and despite the

fact that a jackhammer was going off in his head, Jonathan set out to check each one to find her.

He found her on the fifth try. She looked like an angel, all in white. Feeling nothing but the

need to go to her, Jonathan went to her side.

―Jennifer,‖ he whispered as he leaned over and kissed her temple. His love for her

grabbed at his heart causing him to climb in bed next to her. Wrapping his arms around her, he

held her close and filled himself with the feel of her and the scent of her.

―Mmmmm.‖ Jennifer moaned as she began to wake up.

―How are you feeling?‖

―Like I drank two bottles of champagne.‖ She could feel him holding her and decided it

must be a dream. Except she couldn‘t possibly feel hungover in a dream. She felt his lips pressed

against her temple. She turned towards him, nuzzling closer. ―What if we get caught?‖

―The only thing that matters is you Jennifer.‖ Jonathan pulled her closer. ―Always. Only

you.‖ He could tell by her breathing that she‘d fallen back asleep. Closing his eyes, he joined

her.

Hours later, as Jonathan lay in the middle of sleep and wakefulness, scenes flashed like

movie trailers in his mind. He was sitting in a hotel bar. Glancing over he saw Jennifer‘s

beautiful smile shining back at him. He was standing at the altar of a church, filled with a joy he

could never have imagined as Jennifer walked up the isle to join her life with his. He was

dancing with her at some benefit, knowing every one in the room stared at them in awe and envy.

He was walking with her on a beach as the sun set in a scene he knew God created just for them.

He was making love to her after she woke him in the middle of the night. He was holding her

hand as she delivered their son into the world.

Jonathan‘s eyes opened and looked on the woman lying in his arms. His wife. His life.

The realization grabbed at his heart and he wept quietly in gratitude for the perfect life that

wasn‘t a pipe dream but a reality.

Jennifer slowly left her sleep state heading towards consciousness. As she did a series of

scenes played through her mind. She was sharing champagne with Jonathan. She stood on the

banks of the Themes as a marriage proposal unfurled from London Bridge. She was whisked into

Jonathan‘s arms as he carried over the threshold at a tiny inn in wine country. She was galloping

across a mountain meadow, feeling Jonathan‘s loving stare on her as she did. She was making

love with him in front of a fire. She was stoking a hand through his hair as his head rested on her

belly listening to their growing child inside her.

Jennifer‘s eyes opened to catch Jonathan watching her. Seeing her awaken, Jonathan

caressed her face with his hand. ―I love you, so much.‖

Tears filled Jennifer‘s eyes. This was real. He was with her. She was his wife. Their life

together was real. ―Oh, Jonathan.‖ Burying her head in his shoulder she wept.

―Shhhh. Everything I alright now.‖ Jonathan stroked her hair.

Jennifer‘s mind reeled as the images from the crash came back to mind. Her ignoring

Jonathan, his annoyance at her, Barney‘s voice crooning in the backseat. Barney?

―Oh God! Max. Jonathan? Where‘s Max?‖ Jennifer said looking pleadingly in his eyes.

―Max is fine.‖ A voice came from across the room.

―Where is he Doctor?‖ Jonathan‘s voice was stronger than he felt.

―He is fine. Not a scratch. Car seats are a wonder. You nanny has him.‖

―Ruthie?‖ Jennifer asked.

―Yes.‖

―Thank goodness.‖

―How about you? Are you okay?‖ Jonathan asked Jennifer.

Jennifer turned towards Jonathan. ― I know this is going to sound really odd but I feel

wonderful.‖

The doctor raised an eyebrow.

―Me too.‖ Jonathan pressed a kiss to her temple.

―Well, this is first,‖ the doctor said heading to the bed. ―No headaches or soreness?‖

―Well, yes, I have plenty of that.‖ Jonathan said.

―Me too,‖ Jennifer confessed. ―I‘m just so glad to be alive and in your arms.‖

―My sentiments exactly.‖

The doctor chuckled. He knew about the Hart‘s and their idyllic marriage. He‘d never

realized they were also so mushy. ―It‘s highly irregular for you to be in here like this Mr.

Hart…‖

―I‘m not lea…..‖

―Let me finish. I was going to say that I will allow it for the time being seeing it seems to

help you forget you both have pretty good bumps on your head.‖

―Thank you doctor.‖ Jonathan replied. He wasn‘t sure he had the energy to take on the

hospital system and was relieved he didn‘t have to.

―Are you feeling up to guests? You have a couple waiting. One of them is short and looks

very much like you Mrs. Hart.‖

Mrs. Hart. He called her Mrs. Hart. She was Mrs. Hart. Another wave of happiness and

gratitude cradled her heart.

―Yes, please, send him in.‖ Jonathan said.

Jennifer looked up at Jonathan as the doctor left. ―I‘m your wife.‖

Jonathan smiled. ―Forever.‖ He hooked his finger under her chin and kissed her softly.

The door opened. ―Hello you two.‖ Ruthie entered carrying Max.

―Mommy! Daddy!‖ Max cried out. Wriggling from Ruthie he landed on their bed and

climbed up between them.

Both Jonathan and Jennifer held him close, kissing him on the head.

―How are you Max? Are you alright?‖ Jennifer asked taking an inventory of Max.

―Mommy, stop.‖ Max wriggling free of Jennifer‘s inquiring hands.

―He‘s fine Mrs. Hart. It‘s amazing really. He didn‘t get a single scratch.‖

Max looked up at Jennifer. ―You have a boo boo Mommy.‖ He reached up and touched a

mark on her cheek.

―Yes, Max.‖

―Should I kiss it?‖

―Yes, please.‖

Max climbed up on his knees and pressed his cupid‘s bow lips to Jennifer‘s cheek. ―All

better. Do you have a boo boo Daddy?‖

―A few.‖

Max moved to Jonathan. ―Should I kiss it to make it better.‖

―That would be great.‖ Jonathan leaned over to get a kiss from Max.

―Daddy?‖ Max asked as he settled between the two of them.

―Yeah, champ.‖

―The car is broken.‖

―Yeah but that‘s alright we can get a new one.‖

―Are you and mommy broken too?‖

―No, champ.‖ Jonathan gazed into Jennifer‘s eyes. ―No we‘re fine. We‘re going to be just

fine.‖

By the time they left the hospital, most of the aches and pains were gone. Only a few

scratches remained to remind them of their ordeal. But for both, the dream or alternate state left a

huge impact that would never leave. Neither talked about it. Both were too wrapped up in

savoring being alive and together. And now they were home, ready to completely appreciate and

savor their lives together. They had already made plans to take Max to get a Christmas tree the

next day, to go to Disneyland the day after that, and to the zoo the day after that.

On the first day home though, everyone took it easy. And now Max was in bed, Jennifer

was finishing up some dishes and Jonathan was off making some phone calls.

Jennifer stared out the kitchen window to the canyon view she had taken for granted. The

image of saying good-bye to Jonathan to send him home to his wife played in her mind. She

shuttered and found herself wishing Jonathan would finish up and hold her.

―You alright?‖ Jonathan said coming to stand behind her.

―Yes. You must be psychic now. I was just wishing you were here.‖ Jennifer turned to

put her arms around him.

―I‘m sorry about the calls. I just wanted to get it done so I could focus on you and Max.‖

Jonathan slid his arms around her waist and pulled her to him.

―I understand.‖

Jonathan looked down into her eyes. He remembered the lack of fire he‘d seen in them

and was grateful that the flame was returning. The idea that he could have never met her or loved

her frightened him. He understood now that he‘d neglected her, hadn‘t appreciated her enough

lately and that was going to change. His need to immerse himself in her roared through him like

a wild fire. ―Jennifer?‖ His voice was a whisper.

―Mmmm?‖

―I need you.‖

Jennifer looked up at him and could see the savage need in his eyes. ―I need you too.‖

―I‘m afraid I won‘t be gentle.‖

―I don‘t want you to be.‖

Jonathan took her lips with reckless abandon. His kiss was hard, deep and desperate as he

plunged, sucked and bit. She tasted of need and desire causing him to push even more.

Jennifer moaned as his kiss sent her senses soaring. Yes, she needed this, needed him to

wash away the pain and emptiness of the dream. Her hands fisted in his hair as desire washed

through her. Her mind and body were void of anything but him as she let him take what he

needed and took what he gave.

Jonathan felt his desire surge through him like an inferno. He wanted her with every fiber

of his being, needed her to make him whole again. Buttons spilled to the kitchen floor as he tore

open her blouse in a blinding need to touch and possess.

Jennifer gasped as his hands cupped her breasts, and grabbed and pinched her nipples

through her bra. Her mouth sought his again, and with equal desperation and need, she kissed

him. She grabbed at his shirt, freeing it from the confines of his pants. Her hands greedily slid

inside to touch and squeeze the warm hardness of his chest. She could feel the power pooling

between her legs. She didn‘t want to wait, couldn‘t wait. She needed to feel him fill her now. She

grabbed at his belt and pants in a frantic attempt to free him.

―Jennifer,‖ Jonathan growled out her name. He pulled up the long frilly skirt until it

rested around her hips. His hand slid between her legs and found her wet and ready.

―Oh, now please Jonathan.‖ Jennifer lost all control as his hand cupped her. All she could

do was hold on knowing Jonathan would catch her when she fell.

Her pleading, her complete relinquishment pushed Jonathan over the edge. His mind was

empty except for the dark swirling need to join with her. He tore away the silk panties that

covered her. Grabbing her hips, he plunged fully, deeply inside her.

―Oh yes,‖ Jennifer cried out. He filled her again and again, each thrust driging away the

unsettling feelings left by the dream until there was just him and her.

Jonathan continue to plunge into her even as her first wave of release turned into the

second and third. She was clinging and sobbing, as he took her from peak to peak in a primal

need to reclaim, to possess until he exploded in his own release.

They stood for a moment, catching their breath.

―Jesus, Jennifer. Are you alright?‖ Jonathan asked gently stroking her back in complete

contrast to the grabbing done earlier.

―Mmm. I‘m perfect.‖

―I took you over the damn kitchen sink.‖

―It‘s not the first time.‖ Jennifer opened her eyes to see distress in Jonathan‘s.

―I tore your shirt. Look, I didn‘t even wait to get your clothes off.‖

―It was exciting.‖ Jennifer reached up to press her hand to his cheek. ―I love it that you

wanted me like this. So desperate and needy. I needed it too.‖

Jonathan wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. ―As long as I didn‘t hurt

you.‖

―No. You didn‘t hurt me.‖

He held her close for a few minutes, savoring the closeness of the moment. ―Maybe you

could let me try again in a more romantic fashion.‖

―I‘m always up to making love to you in any fashion.‖

Jonathan stepped back and helped her get the remains of her clothes together. ―You go on

up stairs maybe even take a bath. I have one thing I want to take care of first.‖

Jennifer looked at Jonathan with concern. ―Are you alright darling?‖

He smiled. ―Yes.‖ He kissed her head. ―Trust me.‖

―Okay. See you in a few minutes?‖

―Few minutes,‖ he agreed.

Jennifer took a quick shower letting the hot water pelt away the nerves that seemed to

linger after the dream. Her life was back and she would never take for granted just how

wonderful a life it was. Poor Jonathan. He was equally as unsettled as she was. That was the only

thing that could explain the way he‘d so desperately took her. Had he had the dream too? Or was

it just from the prospect of possibly losing his family in a car accident? Then again, maybe it

was just because it had been such a long time since they‘d made love? He had no reason to feel

desperate. She was the one who‘d forgotten how perfect her life was. She was the one who took

him for granted. The dream was her wake up call and she planned to heed it.

Jennifer was securing her robe as she emerged from the dressing area. ―Oh my,‖ she

exclaimed at the room full of flickering candles, the bottle of champagne chilling by the bed, and

Jonathan laying comfortably on his side in long pajama pants but no shirt.

―Refreshed?‖ he asked.

―Yes,‖ Jennifer continued to take in the warm light cast by the candles and her husband

so beautifully poised on the bed. ―This is wonderful.‖

Jonathan sat up to open the champagne.

―And champagne too.‖

―We have much to celebrate.‖ Jonathan popped the cork and poured her a glass.

―We do?‖

―Yes.‖ Jonathan handed her a glass and motioned her to sit on the bed with him. ―To my

beautiful wife,‖ he said clinking his glass with hers.

―And to my equally as handsome husband.‖ They both sipped, their eyes locked on each

other.

―I want to make a pledge to you Jennifer.‖

Jennifer cocked her head in question. ―A pledge?‖

―Yes. I haven‘t been a very good husband lately. I haven‘t been nearly attentive enough

to you or Max. That won‘t ever happen again. I promise.‖

―Oh, Jonathan.‖ She reached out to stroke his face. ―It wasn‘t you. I took on too much

work…‖

Jonathan took her hand in his. ―No. I‘m to blame too. The call I made today was to Nick.

I turned over the car seat project to him and Alan. You were right, they are capable of doing it

without my constant supervision.‖

―Jonathan, that project was important to you, to parents, please don‘t give it up because I

was being selfish.‖

―I‘m giving it up because you and Max are the most important things in my life.‖

Jonathan kissed the palm of her hand. ―You and he do things. You teach him things, and I‘m

oblivious to it. I don‘t want to miss a single thing from now on.‖

Jennifer smiled. She understood. He wasn‘t doing this just because of her, but for himself

and Max too. ―I have a confession to make.‖

Jonathan raised a brow. ―Confession? I don‘t know if I like the sound of that.‖

―It‘s good. While you and Max were hunting bugs and snakes this afternoon, I resigned

from the Healthy Kids project and told Marcia that book would be late and she just had to deal

with it.‖

―Darling, the healthy kid project was important to you. We discussed it before you even

took it.‖

―You are more important. And it was more than I thought it would be. I don‘t want to do

it.‖ Jennifer moved closer to him. ―Jonathan, I had the most unsettling dream or vision or

something while I was in the hospital. I saw my life… no I lived my life without you. Like we‘d

never met. Except we did meet later. But by then it was too late for us. We were married to other

people.‖

―Oh. That is a frightening prospect.‖ Jonathan wrapped an arm around her and rubbed her

back. ―Was she pretty?‖

―Who?‖

―My wife? Was she pretty?‖

Jennifer raised a brow and then frowned. ―Jonathan! I‘m serious.‖

―I am too.‖ He moved closer to her. ―Did she have your beautiful eyes that change colors

when you‘re mad, or happy, or turned on?‖ He kissed each of her eyes.

―I don‘t know.‖

―Did she taste as sweet and rich an you do?‖ He trailed kisses down her neck and throat.

―I wouldn‘t know,‖ Jennifer said getting distracted.

―Did she have gorgeous, firm, round, succulent breasts like you do?‖ He used his teeth to

pull her robe aside to reveal her breasts.

―I hope not…‖ Jennifer said letting the warmth flow from Jonathan‘s mouth through her

whole body.

―Because if she did, I‘d like to meet her.‖

―Jonathan!‖ Jennifer pushed him away and pouted.

Jonathan laughed.

―I never met her but my husband… well… he was tall, dark and handsome.‖

―Really?‖ Jonathan said completely amused.

―Yes. He had eyes the color of a summer storm, and his kisses were wet and hot, and he

had the largest, longest…‖

―Wait a minute,‖ Jonathan said putting his hand over her mouth. ―I met Alexander and

the only thing he was large and long on was ego.‖

Jennifer‘s eyes were wide as saucers. ―You had it too! The dream. You had it too.‖

Jonathan smiled. ―Yes. Although it was more of a nightmare.‖ He pulled Jennifer against

him. ―It made me realize that I had gotten selfish and complacent. I promise it won‘t happen

again.‖ He brushed his knuckles across her cheek. ―I love you so much. I wouldn‘t have a life

without you. I‘ll never forget that again.‖

Jennifer bit her bottom lip trying to keep from crying. ―I love you,‖ she whispered. ―I

promise to never let you forget that.‖ She could feel tears threatening again as they had over the

last couple of days when she remembered the dream and the possibility that her life could have

been so much less. She let herself be held by Jonathan, immersing herself in the feel of him.

―Are you alright?‖ He asked sensing her desperation.

―Yes.‖ She looked up at him. ―Make love to me,‖ she said as her robe dropped from her

shoulders. Jonathan realized that like him, Jennifer needed a period to reconnect, to rid their

souls of the empty feeling the dream had left. The dream had frightened them both and they

needed to fill and refill each other until the fear and pain were gone.

―God, you‘re so beautiful.‖ His voice cracked as the intensity of the moment

overwhelmed him. He had made love to her before but somehow this felt like the first time. That

made him want to go slow, to savor and prolong the passion for as long as possible. He leaned to

her, his lips gliding over her mouth and jaw and neck in a sweet caress.

Jonathan stood and removed his pajama pants. As he returned to the bed he maneuvered

them so they kneeled facing each other. Jennifer reached out running her hand over his strong,

muscular chest. Jonathan closed his eyes savoring Jennifer‘s hands and lips as they explored his

body. When her lips returned to his, he reached for her, pulling her close so she could feel his

desire for her.

He slipped one hand behind her, to hold her firmly to him as his other hand explored the

silken softness between her thighs. He massaged her intimately, knowingly, wringing a gasp

from her as his finger delved into her warmth.

Jennifer‘s head dropped back, her body arched to his hand, encouraging him, begging

him. Not holding back, she moaned as she moved against his hand, feeling the waves of passion

building until the final climax crashed through her.

Jonathan continued to caress her soft petals as he leaned over to take a taut peak of her

breast in his mouth. He felt her quiver as his actions rekindled her desire. Slowly, he slid his

arms to hold her buttocks and pulled her to him. Sitting back on his haunches, he pulled Jennifer

onto his thighs.

Knowingly, Jennifer adjusted her legs and positioned herself over his waiting manhood.

She closed her fingers around him, sending a low growl through him. She let her entrance brush

lightly against his is velvety tip and smiled when he begged her to take him. Slowly she eased

herself on him, taking him in inch by inch. His hand on her waist pulled her down, down, until

he filled her very soul. It had felt like forever since she had felt so close to him.

With her hands wrapped around his shoulders, she began to move rhythmically, sliding

almost all the way off and then taking him fully again.

Jonathan nestled his head in her breasts, nipping and licking them with each stroke until

his desire took over. Together they moved gracefully, knowingly, as the wild sensations grew

hotter and more intense, building into a glorious crescendo.

―Jonathan!‖ Jennifer felt herself burst into a million brilliant shards. The moment was so

sweet and so perfect.

Jonathan felt her climax as his own consciousness dimmed and he poured his life and

soul into her. Then they clung together as their hearts beat together as one again.

A Hart to Remember We saw Jonathan have amnesia in What Murder? In A Hart to Remember, it’s Jennifer who can’t

remember. However, Jonathan doesn’t have the luxury of telling Jennifer they’re married and

instead needs to make sure he wins her heart again, while also trying to figure out who’s out to kill

her. Little Max is mentioned and has a small appearance. He’s about 4 years old.

Chapter One

Jennifer flopped back on the bed, drained after a long day of interviews. She checked her

watch, eagerly waiting for Jonathan‘s scheduled call.

"Allo?" Jennifer asked when the phone rang.

"How is that gorgeous wife of mine?" Jonathan asked.

"Oh Darling, it is so good to hear your voice," Jennifer cooed as Jonathan‘s voice re-

ignited her energy.

"How are things in France?"

"It‘s going well. I have two more interviews tomorrow. Madam Chappelle has been a

great help. It is amazing that she has been able to continue running the winery with all the

opposition."

"What opposition?" Jonathan asked. He always enjoyed hearing about Jennifer‘s

journalistic adventures.

"Well the winery has been in the family for many generations. She married Lawrence

Chappelle only last spring. He died suddenly and as the heir she has taken it over. However, in

the past the winery always went to a male heir so Madam Chappelle has had to hold her ground.

The relatives feel that Lawrence‘s cousin, Jacque, should run the winery. The thing is Lawrence

Chappelle didn't designate anyone in his will. So for now, Madame Chappelle has the winery. It

is hard enough to be a woman in business in France but, when there are people out to get

you....well that makes it harder."

"I love strong women."

"Is there anyone I should know about?" Jennifer teased.

―Just one.‖

Jennifer laughed. "So how are you darling? Has your business gone well?"

"Yes, in fact tomorrow I finish up and I was thinking I might join you after all."

"Oh, Darling that would be wonderful. What about Max?"

"Well, I thought Max could stay here. It has been a long time since we‘ve had time

together just the two of us. He‘ll be fine." Jonathan said reassuringly.

"I guess you are right," Jennifer said, her thoughts filtering back to a day several years

earlier when in France Jonathan had taken her on a picnic in a secluded place where they ended

up making love all afternoon.

"Will you be done by Friday?" Jonathan asked.

"I‘ll be done with the research. I can put off the writing for a day or two or three."

"I love you," Jonathan said grinning in the phone, "I‘ll be there Friday evening. I‘ll meet

you at your hotel."

"I love you too Darling. Give Max a hug for me."

Jonathan hung up the phone and looked over to the kitchen dining table where Max was

writing. He smiled as his heart filled with joy at looking at the beautiful auburn haired boy. He

thought back to the time when the idea of the boy first came to be. He and Jennifer had never

talked about whether or not to have children. If it happened, they would be thrilled but they

never set out specifically to start a family. Life had always been so perfect. Their love remained

strong, passionate and exciting. Why mess with a good thing?

But when big Max, Jonathan and Jennifer‘s friend and butler became ill, Jennifer over

heard a conversation between him and Jonathan. Max was home from the hospital but the

prognosis was grim. All they could do now was keep him as comfortable as possible.

"Ya know Mr. H.....Jonathan," Max began, his once grizzled voice now soft, "I have

always loved you like a son."

"Max, I know. Me too," Jonathan stated trying to be strong but the grief evident in is

quivering voice.

"You‘re my legacy."

Jonathan looked at Max thoughtfully, touched at his statement.

"I don‘t have children of my own. And while I did some good things in my life, you are

definitely the best thing I ever did. You are the best of me .... I‘ll live on because of you."

Jonathan‘s eyes welled with tears. He couldn‘t figure out what to say so he took Max‘s

hand and held it close to his heart.

It was several months after Max‟s death, when Jonathan and Jennifer decided to get

away for the weekend. Actually, Jennifer had planned it for a month. She wanted everything to

be perfect. They decided to stay at their auberge in Napa Valley. They had bought it at an

auction for a particular piece of furniture: their honeymoon bed. Unfortunately, as an heirloom

of France, the bed was returned to Versailles. But, they loved the area so they decided to keep

the inn even without the bed.

They arrived in the evening. Choosing a room with a fireplace they sat quietly in front of

the fire.

"Jonathan?" Jennifer finally asked.

"Yes darling."

"Do you remember before Max died, a conversation he had with you about your being his

legacy?"

"I do," Jonathan said, not realizing Jennifer had known about his talk.

"Do you ever wonder about your legacy?"

"I never thought about it," Jonathan said beginning to ponder his legacy after he was

gone. "It‟s not like I haven‟t made lots of contributions to society."

"Yes, you‟ve made a difference in many people‟s lives," Jennifer agreed. "But I was

thinking more of a living legacy. Max lives on in you. Who will carry your spirit when ..."

Jennifer‟s voice trailed off not wanting to talk about Jonathan‟s demise.

“You aren‟t trying to get rid of me are you?” he teased kissing her nose.

“No. Actually I‟m being serious.” She let her hand drift over his chest, watching it before

looking up to his eyes.

Jonathan sat silent for a moment, taking in Jennifer‟s words. He looked into her eyes and

saw hues from the fire dancing there. She looked beautiful...as beautiful as the day he met her.

"Are you talking about children?" he finally asked.

"Well, I don‟t know about children but, one child maybe." She couldn‟t understand why

this conversation made her nervous. There were no secrets between them. They trusted without

question. But this one topic, they‟d never really discussed. A part of her believed he wanted

children. She knew he‟d be a terrific father. But since they‟d never talked about it, Jennifer

couldn‟t be sure.

"We have never talked about this before. I didn‟t know that was something you wanted."

"I want for nothing but a life with you," she asserted looking directly into Jonathan‟s

eyes hoping he understood that she had everything she ever wanted in her life with him. "There

was just something about what Max said. You are a great man Jonathan. It would be wonderful

if that greatness could always live on just as Max does in you."

They sat quiet for minute. "Things would change," he said finally.

"Yes they would," she agreed. But, both realized that anything they did together would

always strengthen their marriage. Certainly nothing could represent the their love and devotion

for each other more than a child.

Jonathan reached up and traced Jennifer‟s face with his finger. Placing his hand on her

cheek he pulled her close placing his lips on hers.

“I can‟t imagine anything more special…magical than having a baby with you,” he

whispered and then kissed her again.

Tears came to Jennifer‟s eyes as the feelings of love and awe at what she knew they were

about to do overwhelmed her senses. She felt a heady sensation as Jonathan‟s lips traced her

jaw, her neck and lower.

Unbuttoning Jennifer‟s blouse, Jonathan pulled her blouse open, caressing her with his

lips.

“You‟re so beautiful,” he whispered as his hand and lips trailed lower. He kissed her

abdomen as if blessing the home of his unborn child to be. “So amazing,” he whispered more to

himself than to her.

Jennifer ran her fingers through his hair. Already she was hoping this child had his thick

soft hair. He looked up her and she hoped their child would have his crystalline blue eyes as

well. He grinned at her and she smiled back.

“Are we going to do this?” he asked moving his body in line with hers again and pulling

her to him.

“Yes,” she said never feeling more certain about anything accept for the time she

accepted Jonathan‟s marriage proposal two days after they met.

“What about protection?”

“We don‟t need it. In fact, it can hinder the baby making process.”

He rolled his eyes. “You‟ve been on the pill.”

“I was. But I stopped taking them a month ago.” She searched his eyes to see his

reaction.

His brows pulled together. “So you could already be pregnant.”

“Probably not. It‟s been a while…”

“It‟s been more than a month!” He said as realization came to him. He looked at her

again. “We‟ve never gone more than a month.”

Jennifer smiled. “There was a lot happening,” she said referring to Max‟s death and the

ensuing grief.

“Jennifer, I‟m sorry…”

“No,” she said cradling his face in her palms. “Don‟t be sorry Jonathan. Our marriage

is so much more than having sex. I wasn‟t much in the mood either.”

“But a month. You won‟t tell anyone will you.” He grinned. “I have a reputation to

uphold.”

Jennifer laughed. “I‟ll keep it to myself under one condition.”

“What‟s that?”

“You make love to me right now.”

“You‟ve got yourself a deal.”

Jonathan could always get aroused with Jennifer. But there was something about the idea

of impregnating her that added an extra element to his excitement. He pressed his body to hers

wanting her know what she did to him.

“My,” she gasped. “You‟re nearly there.”

He smiled sheepishly. “Making a baby turns me on.”

Jennifer smiled back as she pulled his head to hers. “Give me a baby,” she whispered

against his lips knowing it would ignite him further.

He responded by pushing her blouse off her shoulders and reaching behind her to

unfasten her bra. He caught her breasts with hands and lips as he laid her back on the pillows

they had arranged on the floor in front of the fire. He caressed her sensitive, swollen breasts

suckling and playing with each. He had a special way that always sent shivers through her body.

Jennifer reached down to pull Jonathan‟s shirt off. He sat up to help her and she watched

as his muscles rippled and flexed as he pulled the shirt over his head. Her face flushed at the site

of his beautiful body and what it could do to hers. She sat up to kiss his chest and he held her

face, savoring the feel of her mouth and tongue on his chest. Pulling her face up, he placed his

mouth on hers and delved deep with his tongue. Gently he eased her down again and undid her

pants, helping her take them off. Jennifer did the same for him. Completely naked, they took time

to caress and kiss everywhere, stopping in certain areas they each knew the other found

especially arousing. All the while, the idea of making a baby heightening the arousal, the

sensuality, the intensity of their love making.

"Jonathan, please," she moaned as currents of white hot need shot through her. Jonathan

did as his wife desired. He eased himself over her, maneuvering himself ready to enter her.

Jennifer grabbed at his arms in desperate need. Jonathan smiled down on her. He loved to

please her and so he watched her as he slowly began to push into her. Immediately, Jennifer‟s

muscles tightened and engulfed him.

“Oh Jennifer,” he gasped as the sensation of her gripping and pulling him into her sent

fire throughout his body. Unable to hold back, Jonathan pressed forcefully and deeply into

Jennifer as her body arched towards him. She grabbed his buttocks pulling him deeper into her

body, into her soul. Waves of gratification radiated through her as Jonathan erupted in her. They

continued to move, prolonging the pleasure as Jonathan‟s seed was milked into Jennifer‟s womb.

Sated and exhausted, they laid quietly in each other‟s arms.

It came as a complete shock, when Jennifer wasn‟t pregnant that month. But, it only took

one more try to succeed. Jennifer was gorgeous and radiant throughout her pregnancy. And

when the healthy baby boy was delivered into the world nine months later, there was no question

about what to name him: Maxwell Edwards Hart.

That was four years ago. Adjustments had been made. Max's presence required that they

put much more creativity and planning into their romantic life. They both found the challenge

exciting and arousing.

Jonathan and Jennifer knew that their lives had only been enriched with Max‘s arrival.

Whenever Jonathan was required to travel, he took the whole family. As a couple Jonathan and

Jennifer knew every romantic haunt in the world. As a family, they knew all the museums, parks,

amusement parks, and toy stores.

Jennifer wrote at home. With Max as her inspiration she wrote frequently for parent and

family oriented magazines. She wrote several children's stories but never submitted them for

publishing. "They‘re for Max," she would say. Once or twice a year she would indulge in a travel

piece or some other investigative report that would require time away from home. Usually, the

whole family would go. This time however, important business at Hart Industries prevented

Jonathan from attending.

"Hey, champ, whatcha making?" Jonathan asked sitting down next to Max.

"A picture for mommy," he said holding up the paper.

"That's great. She is going to love it."

"Yep."

"Max, how would you feel if Ruthie stayed with you a few days while daddy goes to pick

up mommy?"

Ruthie was slowly becoming a part of the Hart family. After big Max died, Jonathan and

Jennifer couldn't bear to have anyone else around to help out. But when little Max was born, they

realized that they didn't want to waste precious time cleaning and cooking when they could be

him. They had known Ruthie before, as she had been a friend of big Max. At first, Ruthie would

come for a few days per week to clean. As time went on Jonathan and Jennifer invited her live-

in. Ruthie loved the Harts and felt like a grandmother to Max.

"Can I come too?" Max asked.

"Well, no I was just going to go. You are going to stay with Ruthie. Remember last year

when you stayed here with her while mommy and daddy went away?"

"She took me to the zoo," Max said large hazel eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Yes."

"Can we go to the zoo again?"

"Sure, champ."

"Oh goodie." Max said clapping his hands. "Can you take this to mommy. Its a lion." He

handed the picture to Jonathan. ―She likes lions.‖

"Yes she does. I‘ll be sure to give this to her."

"Ruthie?" Max called running out of the room, "We‘re going to the zoo."

Jonathan laughed as he watched Max run out to find Ruthie.

Chapter Two

Jennifer arrived at Vineyard Chappelle at mid-morning to finish her interview with

Madam Chappelle. Afterwards, she was scheduled to drive north of town to visit Jacques

Chappelle, Madam Chappelle‘s late husband‘s cousin to get his side of the story.

It had been a gorgeous drive to the vineyard though the road was a bit treacherous at

times with sharp turns and narrow bends. Jennifer tried to concentrate on the road but images of

her upcoming reunion with Jonathan permeated her thoughts. She smiled as she remembered

again their last visit. Knowing Jonathan, he would find a way to make it just as special this time

around.

Jennifer pulled her rental car into the circular drive of the Chappelle estate and parked.

She grabbed her briefcase and headed to the front door.

"Oui, Je m'appelle Jennifer Hart. Je suis ici pour visiter Madam Chappelle," Jennifer told

the butler who answered the door.

"Oui, Madam. Entrez-vous," the butler said escorting her to an office. "Restez ici, s'il

vous plait."

Jennifer waited in the office admiring the French works of art decorating the room. As

she neared a side door, she could hear arguing in French.

"I don't know what you are so worried about. Things couldn't be better," Jennifer heard.

"Is it wise though to be interviewed for a magazine. You should keep a low profile," said

a man. Jennifer was intrigued.

"The article will only help things. Mrs. Hart is well respected. Her story will give my

being here credibility and will generate sympathy in the public." Jennifer smiled. She was

pleased that she was considered "respected".

"But you know she is going to speak with Jacques. He will say things..."

"Let him say whatever. He has no proof of anything," the woman hissed.

"Reporters are nosy. She may want to look into what he says," warned the man.

That piqued Jennifer interest. Of course she always checked out what she was told but the

man‘s concern suggested that perhaps whatever Jacque would tell her was true.

"There is nothing to find. We covered our tracks. No one will ever think that Lawrence's

death was anything but an accident." At that, Jennifer‘s hackles raised. She quickly moved away

from the door, deciding that leaving would be the best course of action. She headed to the door

from which she had entered the room.

"Mrs. Hart?" Madam Chappelle said entering the room from the door Jennifer had been

eavesdropping. "Are you leaving?"

Madam Chappelle was a striking woman with blond hair and gray eyes. She had sharp

facial features, which were accentuated by her stark blue suit.

"Leaving? Ah...no. I was just waiting to finish our interview."

"Yes, well please be seated."

"Yes,...fine....thank you," Jennifer's mind raced. She wanted to leave and fast. She

quickly read through the questions she had prepared for the day and selected just a few. Within

15 minutes, Jennifer reported that she was finished.

Stunned, Madam Chappelle said, "That is all? I blocked off through lunch."

"You were so kind and gave me so much material yesterday that I really didn't need much

time today."

"I see," Madam Chappelle said sensing Jennifer's uneasiness. "Well thank you for

coming. Please let me know when I might see a draft of the article."

"Oh, yes definitely." Jennifer rose to leave. Shaking Madam Chappelle's hand she left the

room.

Jennifer got in her car and headed out the winery gate as fast as she could.

"Do you think she heard something?" Luc asked. He had been the man whom Jennifer

overheard.

"I don't know. She did seem agitated. But, we were speaking French,‖ she said

dismissively.

Luc‘s eyes narrowed. ―She speaks French. If she did overhear anything, she will likely

expose us. Jacques will tell her what he thinks and she may believe him enough to investigate it."

Madam Chappelle sighed, "Well, I can't really wait around to find out. Go take care of

Mrs. Hart. Just in case."

"Oui Madam," Luc said kissing her hand and leaving the room.

Jennifer wished the road were wider and straighter. It was taking too long to get back to

town. She glanced in her rear view mirror catching site of a car moving up on her at a pretty

good clip. Her heart began to race as panic seized her. Did they know she‘d heard their

conversation. She had a good poker face when playing poker but not at other times. Did she tip

her hand by cutting the interview short?

She glanced in the rear view mirror again. The car was moving at speeds that she didn't

feel comfortable trying to out run. She firmly grasped the steering wheel with both hands. The

car cruised up behind her and without hesitation ran into her. The force jolted Jennifer forward,

her car swerved but she was able to keep in on the road. Again the car rammed her and again she

maintained control. Jennifer searched rural deserted road for any sign of help. It was then she

saw the car pull-up along side her. Jennifer tightened her grip as the other car swerved and

rammed hers from the side. Her car jolted to the side. Catching the shoulder of the road her car

jerked sideways. Jennifer could feel the car rolling and then nothing.

"Can you please show me to Jennifer Hart's room," Jonathan asked the hotel desk clerk.

"I‘m Jonathan Hart."

"Ah... oui Monsieur Hart," the man said glancing over to a man sitting in the beau parlor.

Jonathan followed his glance.

"Monsieur Hart?" the man in the chair said rising to meet him.

"Yes," Jonathan said as a prickle of worry rose.

"I am inspector Marché."

"Yes?"

"I am here in regards to your wife."

"Jennifer? What's wrong? Where is she?" Jonathan demanded.

"I will take you too her. She had an accident yesterday."

"Accident? Yesterday? Why didn't anyone call?"

"It took us some time to figure out who she was. We did call but we were told you were

coming so I came here to meet you."

"Is she alright? Where is she?"

"Come on and I will take you to her now," the inspector said leading Jonathan out of the

building.

"What kind of accident?" Jonathan asked once in the car.

"She was in a car accident."

"Car? Jennifer is a pretty good driver," Jonathan said mostly to himself.

"Yes, well, I was wondering if your wife ever mentioned any concerns she had while

staying here?"

"No, she didn't say anything. Why? Do you think this wasn't an accident?" Jonathan

watched the road pass by and wondered why they couldn‘t go faster.

"No I don't think it was. For miles back from the crash site there are skid marks from two

cars..."

"Someone drove her off the road? But, why?" Jonathan was holding on to his temper and

worry, but only just.

"Well, that is what I want to find out."

"What does Jennifer say?" Jonathan asked.

"She doesn't know."

"She doesn't know if she was driven off the road?" Jonathan said in disbelief.

"No."

"That's kind of odd don't you think?" Jonathan said.

"Well, she had a pretty good hit in the head and seemed confused. When she came to last

night, we began interviewing her, in French. She speaks beautiful French," the inspector said, "It

wasn't until we found her passport that we realized she was American."

They pulled up to the hospital.

"The doctors will be able to tell you more. Ask for Dr. Suché,‖ said as Jonathan bolted

from the car. He figured he could find Jonathan again at the hospital to question him and Mrs.

Hart further so he let him go.

Jonathan entered the hospital frantic to find Jennifer. He should have made the time to

travel with her. His deal wasn‘t that important. Nothing was more important than Jennifer.

"Where is Jennifer Hart?" he demanded the woman at the front desk.

"Are you family?"

"Yes, yes, I‘m her husband. Where is she?"

The nursed picked up the phone, speaking in it briefly she turned back to Jonathan. "Dr.

Suché will be right with you."

"Monsieur Hart," Dr. Suché said extending his hand.

"Where is my wife?" Jonathan said nearly boiling over with frustration.

"Yes, I will take you right to her but, I must first explain her condition to you."

"You can tell me on the way."

"Monsieur Hart,‖ Dr. Suché said blocking Jonathan‘s movement.

Jonathan grabbed him as frustration and panic coursed through his veins. ―Take me to her

now.‖

―Yes, I will but you need to know. Your wife is physically fine except for a few

contusions. Unfortunately she suffered a pretty severe concussion and has no recollection

of....well...anything?"

"Anything?" That stopped Jonathan in his tracks.

"Non. She didn't remember her name, where she was, what she does, anything."

"Surely she would remember me," Jonathan asked incredulously.

"Well, monsieur Hart, memories don't always have ties to the heart. She doesn‘t know if

she‘s French or American. She has total amnesia."

"I want to see her." Jonathan knew, just knew, that one look and she‘d remember. A love

like theirs couldn‘t be wiped out with a hit on the head. It just couldn‘t.

"Yes, I will take you. I just want to warn you that she may not know who you are. And

for now I think, if she doesn't remember you, that you shouldn‘t tell her anything."

"Why?" That didn‘t make any sense. When he‘d had amnesia all she and Max did was

pump him full of information.

"For us to make a prognosis on her recovery, we need to be able to know if she is starting

to have recall. If you start telling her factual information about her life, it will be hard for us to

determine if she has actual memory or just knowledge of facts you have told her. It is just for the

next day or two."

"Are you saying that her memory may never be restored?"

"It‘s a possibility. We are doing everything we can though."

Jonathan was stunned. A lifetime of happiness wiped away. No, that could never happen.

It wouldn‘t. As soon as she was stable, he take her to finest specialists who would fix it.

Dr. Suché escorted Jonathan to Jennifer's room.

―I‘ll let you go in alone so we can see how she reacts. I‘ll follow you in a moment.‖

Jonathan nodded and entered the room. Relief spread through him as saw that her

physical injuries didn't look bad. She had a few scrapes and bruises but no large cuts. Jennifer

stirred and opened her eyes. Jonathan smiled the one he knew Jennifer found irresistible. Jennifer

smiled back.

See, there, she does remember.

"You are the most handsome doctor yet," she said in French. Jonathan's heart sank.

"I speak English," he replied.

"An American doctor. Now that is great service."

"How are you feeling?" he asked slowly taking in the ramifications of his wife‘s memory

loss.

"Sore. And I hate that I can't remember anything. It is so frustrating."

"Yes," Jonathan agreed.

Doctor Suché entered the room.

"Now I have two handsome doctors to take care of me," Jennifer said flirtatiously.

Jonathan was surprised, not so much that Jennifer was flirtatious. After all he had been

the benefactor of so much of her playfulness. No it was the fact that it was directed at another

man.

Dr. Suché smiled. "Doctor, eh?" he said looking at Jonathan. Jonathan shrugged but

didn‘t miss the pleased look that passed over Dr. Suché face. He could see that despite her

injuries, Dr. Suché recognized Jennifer‘s exquisite beauty. Her ability to speak perfect French

would certainly appeal to him as it should she was intelligent. She was obviously a woman of

substance.

Jonathan wasn‘t a man prone to jealously. Then again, he‘d never had to compete for

Jennifer‘s affection, ever.

"Actually, Mademoiselle Jennifer, this is Jonathan Hart. He is an American like you and

will be around to help you." Dr. Suché explained.

"Oh, okay," Jennifer agreed.

"Mr. Hart," Dr. Suché started, "Mr. Dubois is outside to speak with you."

Jonathan reluctantly stepped outside Jennifer‘s room.

"Mr. Hart, I am Mr. Dubois, the hospital social worker."

"Social worker?" Jonathan craned his neck to look inside Jennifer‘s room to see what Dr.

Suché was doing to her.

"Yes, hospital‘s have social workers to provide resources and counseling. Mr. Hart? I

something wrong?"

―Huh?‖ Jonathan turned his attention to Mr. Dubois. ―Yes, my wife.‖

―Yes, I know. But, her physical injuries are small and we have high hopes for her to

recover her memory.‖

―Dr. Suché didn‘t sound so optimistic,‖ Jonathan said straining again to see into her

room.

―The doctors are more researved in their prognosis. Mrs. Hart is a strong woman and

everyone knows of your idyllic love affair. I think that makes her an excellent candidate for

recovery but, please come to my office. I would like to speak with you about Jennifer."

Jonathan followed Mr. Dubois to his office.

―Can I get you coffee, water, anything?‖

―No,‖ Jonathan said. ―Just tell me about Jennifer.‖

"I have met with Jennifer to help her cope with her amnesia," Mr. Dubois said when they

had sat down.

"I thought you said you think she‘ll get better?"

"I believe the prognosis is good but, I‘m not a medical doctor. It is my job to help you

and Jennifer in the short or long run."

"Me?"

"Yes, I work with family members as well. This amnesia certainly affects you too."

Jonathan felt like he was drowning. He had overcome murderers, embezzlers, psychos

and more. How could he overcome the loss of his wife‘s memory? And what would that mean

for their relationship? If she didn‘t remember him, would she still want him?

"On a more hopeful note, amnesia can be away for the brain to protect itself."

"I don‘t know about that. Jennifer is a strong woman. We‘ve had brushes with death

before and she has never faltered."

"Still, Mr. Hart. The police believe someone tried to kill her. If she knows something that

some one else would kill for, it is much safer for her to forget. The psyche is strange that way.

We‘re doing all we can. She will be having tests tomorrow to determine if there is damage to the

brain. If that goes well then it may just be a psychological amnesia which has a very good

prognosis."

"So if there is no damage to the brain, then she will get her memory back."

"Theoretically. Like I said the psyche is a powerful thing and is not fully understood."

"What is being done about her safety?"

"We have alerted hospital security and the police has assigned an officer to the hospital."

Jonathan was weary. It had been a long time since he had felt so completely helpless. ―I

want to stay with her.‖

Mr. Dubois said. ―The orders are for her to have no outside contact for the next day or

two.‖

Jonathan noted the hesitation in Mr. Dubois voice. ―You don‘t agree with that? Then I

want to stay with her.‖

―Mr. Hart, the doctor always takes precedent over what I think or believe. Go back to the

hotel, get some rest. I hear you are an amateur detective. Perhaps you can find something to help

the police find who did this to her. Come back tomorrow and I‘ll arrange for you to have as

much time as you want with her.‖

Jonathan didn‘t like it. But he believed Mr. Dubois was being upfront with him. The

question was, did Dr. Suché make the orders just to keep Jennifer out of reach of her killers or

way from him?

Back at the hotel, Jonathan got a bite to eat and then sat quietly on the balcony

overlooking the small town. The sun was setting over the valley casting shadows and hues fit for

a postcard but it left Jonathan feeling empty and more than a little lost. Instead of taking in the

scene playing before him, he pondered his predicament. He, on several occasions had fears of

losing Jennifer but it was always related to her physical safety. Never had he thought that he

would lose her this way. She didn‘t know him. There had been no glimmer of recollection. No

déjà vu. She didn‘t even look at him as she had when they first met in London. The look that two

people give each other when attraction courses between them. No, that look had been given to

Dr. Suché.

He cursed under his breath and downed the glass of whiskey he‘d been holding but not

drinking. "I should be making love to her now," he thought to himself. He closed his eyes and

imagined holding her, touching her, and taking in the scent of her. He went back into the room

and in an effort to feel close to her he began to go through her things. Taking a blouse from her

suitcase, he held it up to his face, soaking in her scent. Putting it back, he sat at the desk where

she had been working on her article. He rifled through the papers mindlessly. He stopped as he

touched her journal.

Jennifer had always kept a journal since he had known her. She must have 30 books now,

he thought. Could it hold a clue? Jonathan deliberated about whether or not to open the book. He

held Jennifer in the highest regard and would never want to invade her private world. On the

other hand, perhaps she left a clue as to who would do this to her … to him.

He opened the journal to the last written page dated the evening he called her.

Today was exhausting. I just don‟t have the interest in in-depth assignments like I used

too. Am I getting old? Boring? I hate being away from Jonathan. I don‟t think I will live long

enough to feel I had sufficient time with him. Nothing new. My love for Jonathan is a constant

theme in my journal. And, Max. My sweet boy. I never knew how wonderful life could be until I

saw it through the eyes of a child. Perhaps Jonathan is right. I wonder what Marcia would think

of my submitting my children‟s stories.

Jonathan called tonight to say he was coming. A weekend in France for two. Nothing

could be better. I can‟t wait to feel his strength around me. I guess I am lonely. All the more

reason to stop taking these assignments. There is nothing more banal than rich people fighting

over a dead man‟s will. And while I admire Madam Chappelle‟s courage, she is clearly in it for

the money. I am very curious what light Jacques Chappelle will shed on this story. Probably

another rich brat wanting another helping.

Jonathan read about the Chappelle‘s again. Greed is always a motivation for murder. I

wonder what she stumbled into?

"So what have you learned?" Madame Chappelle asked Luc on his return from town.

"Madam Hart has survived the crash but is suffering from amnesia. She didn't even

remember her husband."

"I guess that is good for now. What is her prognosis?"

"No one seems to know. She is supposed to undergo some tests to see if there is

permanent brain damage."

"I‘m uncomfortable leaving our future in the hands of someone who could at anytime

report our crimes." Madam Chappelle began to pace.

"I can take care of it for you, Madam," said Luc who's obsession with Madam Chappelle

made him loyal to a fault.

She stopped and gave him a smile that promised rewards. "See that you do Luc.‖

He nodded to her and with a skip in his step, excited the room.

Chapter Three

"Mr. Hart?"

Jonathan didn‘t miss the clipped tone in Jennifer‘s voice as he entered her room the next

morning. "Jennifer," he greeted.

"So what are you going to help me with?" she demanded sarcastically.

"You sound upset."

"You would be too. I have no memory of anything. We‘re nobody without our memories.

And no one here seems to be able to tell me anything about who I am."

"I can," Jonathan stated not sure if he should.

"So who am I, then?"

"Your doctors felt it‘s best that you remember on your own."

"If I could remember on my own I wouldn't be in this predicament, I would be.... Well I

don't know where I would be but it wouldn't be here with all of you," she glared at Jonathan.

"Maybe we could just start new."

"Fine," she answered not really caring.

Jonathan tried to think of something they could talk about that wouldn't require Jennifer's

knowledge of her past. "It's very nice in this part of France now, don't you think?"

"I wouldn't know. I have been stuck in this room for two days. And, oh yeah, I don't

remember ever not being in this room."

Jonathan took a deep breath. He wanted to tell her he loved her. He wanted to tell her she

would be drinking champagne and making love right now if she wasn't hurt. He wanted to kiss

her and make all this go away.

Jennifer watched Jonathan's expression. "I can't do this."

"Do what?" Jonathan asked.

"Look at you looking at me. You know about me but you won't tell me. Looking at you

just now only accentuated the fact that I know nothing. I can't be around someone who knows

God knows what." Her angry retorts tore at Jonathan's heart.

"Why?"

"Because it makes me look and feel stupid. Each time I look at you I wonder what secrets

do you know about me? What intimacies have we shared?‖

Jonathan jerked. Did she know they were close?

―See? I can see it in your eyes. You‘re hurt that I can‘t remember you. Every one else

here doesn't know me and didn't know me before. What they see is what they get. They have no

expectations..."

"I can do that."

"You‘re lying. You want me to remember. It‘s painful for you that I don‘t know you.

Were we lovers or something?"

Her words were clipped and cold. She was right. Jonathan was hurt. More and more he

could feel his heart breaking. "I do want you to remember. And, I am sure you would like to

remember too. I can help you with that."

"I think it would be easier if I just accepted this and started with a blank slate...or mind."

"Is that what Dr. Suché suggested?" Jonathan asked wondering if Dr. Suché‘s attraction

to Jennifer would lead him to sabotage her recovery.

"He agreed that some people have to do that."

"What about your life? You are willing to give that up, just let it all go with out at fight?"

"Fight for what? For all I know I had a terrible life. It couldn't have been that great,

someone tried to kill me. And, right now I don't seem to have a choice."

"This isn't like you,‖ Jonathan said feeling his life slip away.

Jennifer laughed wryly. "So what is like me, Mr. Hart? I don't have a clue."

Jonathan's frustration was at an all time high. He felt like grabbing her and kissing her

until she did remember. Or maybe just shaking her. Something, anything to stop her from

abandoning her life...his life... their life.

"I would like for you to leave," Jennifer said, her voice firm and final.

"Please don't...." Jonathan pleaded. "Don't do this."

Dr. Suché smiled at what he was hearing as he opened the door to Jennifer's room. "How

is everything going in here?" He walked over to Jennifer's bed and took her hand.

"I am just so frustrated, Dr. Suché," Jennifer said taking his hand in both her hands and

pulling it up to her chest as if she were holding on for dear life.

"Yes, yes. I know it is hard," he said rubbing her forehead with his other hand. "But,

we‘re about ready for those tests. How about you?"

Jonathan's mind whirled. It couldn't be possible that his wife not only didn't remember

him but also was accepting the affections of another man. He shuddered at the thought. His

anguish turned to rage as he watched Dr. Suché kiss Jennifer's hand. Jonathan didn‘t know where

he found the strength to suppressed the urge to attack the doctor. It was clear Jennifer would

object and probably have him arrested. So he restrained himself and instead he left without a

word.

"Mr. Dubois?" Jonathan asked poking his head into the social worker‘s office.

"Yes, Mr. Hart. Please come in." Mr. Dubois stood and offered Jonathan a chair.

"I was wondering if that offer to help was still available?" he asked in a low tormented

voice.

"Yes, it is. Please sit down. You don't look well."

"I don't feel well. I think my wife is falling in love with Dr. Suché." Mr. Dubois shook his

head. He knew Dr. Suché‘s bedside manner. He had no doubt that Dr. Suché was instigating

Jennifer's affections.

"Well, it is not unusual for patients to be grateful to their doctors,‖ he said instead of

confirming Jonathan‘s suspicions.

"I‘m told not to help her remember but she is so lost without her memory. She can't even

stand the sight of me because it makes her feel stupid and exposed."

"It makes her feel left out that you know things she doesn't."

―But she must have some memory. How else would she know that I know things about

her?‖

Mr. Dubois smiled. ―Mr. Hart, even a blind man would be able to know how much you

love your wife. Its evident in how you look at her, talk to her. Your wife has amnesia but she

hasn‘t lost her ability to read people.‖

"I'll tell her what ever she wants to know," he said in desperation.

"Yes, but having factual information such as your name, marital status, occupation, isn't

the same as having visual pictures about who you are. People are a result of their experiences.

Our memories give us our personal histories of who and what we are. Telling her she is married

to you won't make her fall madly in love with you. Do you see the difference?"

"So I am just supposed to let her go. I can't do that." Jonathan dropped his head into his

hands.

"Don‘t give up yet. It‘s early. She may still regain her memory. Her tests today will help

us better understand the level of trauma suffered by her brain."

"And what if she doesn't remember?" Jonathan asked lifting his head to look at Mr.

Dubois. ―What do I do then? What do I tell our son when she decides to live a different life?‖

Mr. Dubois‘ eyes softened. He could see the heartache in the man before him. "You won't

be able to rely on memories to bring her back. But, that doesn't mean you can't start fresh. That

she won‘t fall in love with you all over again. Tell me, is Jennifer's personality any different?"

Jonathan thought for a minute, "It's hard to tell. Today she was angry and appeared to

give in to her difficulty. She‘s not usually like that."

"Well, she fell in love with you once, why not again? You need to do what ever you did

the first time you won her heart."

"You mean like date?"

"Yes, exactly."

"I could do that, if she will let me." Jonathan could feel his spirits lift.

"It may take some effort but, I am sure what ever charm you used before will work again.

Just reassure her that you can let the memories go too; that you don't have expectations. And of

course, you really do need to let go of any expectations."

The next morning Jonathan went to Jennifer's hospital room shortly before lunch. Waving

a white rose in surrender, he poked his head in her door.

"Truce?" he asked.

"Mr. Hart is that you?" she asked.

"Yes," he said pleased she didn‘t yell at him. "You remember me....from yesterday," he

teased smiling.

"Yes, I do. Come in," Jennifer said finding it impossible not to return his disarming

smile. She watched him as he entered the room and dropped a basket near the end of her bed. He

then handed her the flower

"Its lovely. Mr. Hart, I am so sorry about yesterday. I just was feeling so out of it."

"Its Jonathan and I understand. I once had amnesia."

"Really?"

"Yes, it was a little different than yours but, I do remember the frustration at not knowing

what the hell was going on."

Jennifer nodded. She watched him and tried to figure out what it was about him that

made her feel … safe. She knew from the first moment he‘s visited her that he was someone

from her past, someone she should remember. She had spent that first night after seeing him

trying to remember only to come up with nothing. Nothing but a feeling of warmth and safety.

At first she thought she‘d cling to that as he was the only person who brought a sense of

groundedness to her now uncertain life. But when she looked in his eyes, she could see the hurt

and even pity, and she couldn‘t tolerate that. So she‘d been rude and asked him to leave. When

Mr. Dubois visited her, he helped her see that Mr. Hart maybe the key to understanding not just

her past but why someone would try to kill her. After her session with him, she knew she wanted

to see, needed to see Mr. Hart again. He may make her uncomfortable but he also gave her a

sense of stability she didn‘t feel otherwise. So she was relieved that he‘d returned despite how

she treated him the day before.

"I thought that maybe we could start, as you say with a clean slate. Only the present and

future," he offered.

"I guess I could try that. I mean here you are a good friend, at least I think we are good

friends and I acted so rotten to you. I owe you a chance."

"Great," he said picking up the picnic basket and setting it on the bed. He sat at the end of

the bed facing Jennifer.

"What is this?"

"This is lunch. I went to the best boulangerie, the best charcutrie and all the other -ries to

get lunch," he said in a horrible French accent as he layed down a red and white checked cloth on

the bed. He emptied the basket of an array of cheeses, breads and pates.

"Do I like all this?" Jennifer asked watching him unpack the picnic basket.

"I don't know. You'll have to try it and see." He grinned.

His smile was arresting and somewhat mischievous. It was captivating and all she could

do was smile back.

When they finished the meal, Jonathan took out some strawberries and chocolate dip.

"Ah that looks scrumptious," Jennifer said.

"See what you do is, dip the strawberry in the chocolate, like this,‖ he said as he held the

ripe berry by the stem and dipped into the thick chocolate. ―And then, eat it."

He held the strawberry up to her lips. She wrapped her lips around the chocolate covered

berry. She saw a flash of heat in his eyes but he quickly corrected it. What was their relationship?

Had she hit the nail on the head when she suggested they might be lovers?

―Here, let me help.‖ He lifted a napkin to her lips to catch some strawberry juice and

chocolate. ―I don‘t want to get in trouble from housekeeping.‖

He grinned again, that slightly mischievous one. Jennifer found herself, warmed by his

gentleness and was thoroughly enjoying all the wonderful tastes, smells and textures he was

introducing her to for the first time. She looked again to his eyes, as if her memories could be

found there. Their gaze caught and held.

"What is this?" Dr. Suché asked entering Jennifer's room.

Jennifer jerked away. Jonathan cursed under his breath and nearly throttled the doctor.

"I brought lunch. You don't have problem with that do you?" Jonathan challenged the

doctor.

"She is in the hospital. We have food for her here."

"I have had your food and its not that great," Jennifer replied. Jonathan laughed, now that

sounded like Jennifer.

"You yourself said she wasn't physically hurt. So what is the problem with having some

authentic French cuisine?"

"It's not authorized."

"Yes, it is," said Mr. Dubois entering the room.

"You cannot authorize such a thing."

"Sure I can. I felt it was good for Jennifer's morale. And I can see that it has been," Mr.

Dubois argued.

Dr. Suché glared at Mr. Dubois and then Jonathan. ―I‘ll see about this,‖ he huffed as he

left the room.

"You two enjoy," Dubois said following Dr. Suché out.

―I hope he doesn‘t get in trouble,‖ Jennifer said.

―I don‘t think he will,‖ Jonathan said. But he didn‘t mention that his wealth brought

power and clout that would back Mr. Dubois if needed.

"So what else have you got in that basket?" Jennifer asked thoroughly enjoying the

surprise.

Jonathan pulled out a deck of cards.

"I‘m going to teach you how to play Gin."

"Do I play that?"

"Not very well," Jonathan laughed thinking of all the money she lost to big Max. He

probably should teach her poker. She was aces at that. "Perhaps I can teach you better this time."

"This time, eh?"

Jonathan dealt the cards. Holding her cards up Jennifer said, "Now all I need is a cigar."

Jonathan cocked his head.

"What?" she asked.

"It was just interesting what you said."

"Why?"

"We had a good friend who smoked cigars and beat you mercilessly at Gin."

Jonathan and Jennifer played cards for several hours. ―It time for me to go,‖ Jonathan

said as he gathered the picnic items together.

―Oh, already?‖

―Yes. I‘m sorry.‖ He was going to tell he‘d be back tomorrow but remembering he was

wooing her, he rephrased. ―I‘d like to see you tomorrow if I could.‖

―Yes,‖ her head bobbed up and down. ―I‘d like that.‖

He smiled and couldn‘t hide the love he had for her. But Jennifer didn‘t shy away this

time. Instead she basked in the warmth of it. Letting it calm and sooth her until she could see him

again.

―Oh, I did bring you something to do. It must get boring here.‖ He pulled out several

books and handed them to her.

"Do I like to read?"

"I don't know," he said that boyish grin returning. "But you need something to do when I

am not here to entertain you."

Jonathan bent over and kissed her on the cheek. As he did, Jennifer instinctively reached

up with her hand to touch his face. She felt something stir in her as his scent enveloped her.

"I'll see you tomorrow," Jonathan whispered in her ear.

"Okay." Jennifer sat bewildered at the swirl of feelings his nearness evoked.

Jonathan looked down on her. He caught a glimpse of the Jennifer he new. Her eyes

slightly cloudy, that quick hitch of breath when he was near. He smiled. He felt much more

himself. There was something titillating about courting his wife.

Jennifer fell asleep early with the help of some medication. She dreamt that she was in a

room filled with people who were talking but she didn't know what they were talking about. She

was frightened and confused, turning around to find an escape she started to run. As she ran, she

saw Jonathan holding a hand out for her. She tried to reach him but the room got dark, and

stuffy. She couldn't breath. She gasped for air. Her hands flailed as she tried to draw in breath.

Jennifer awoke with a start and found it was no dream. Someone had a pillow on her face. She

could feel the fibers of the pillow burn her nose as she tried to breath. She struggled; her ams and

legs thrashed everywhere. She felt her arm hit something and then heard a crash.

"What's going on?" she heard a woman asked. "Oh my God."

All of a sudden the pressure was off Jennifer's face. She pulled the pillow off and gasped

for air as a team of doctors ran into her room.

"What happened?"

"Someone tried to kill me!"

Chapter Four

There was definitely a skip in his step and a song in his heart when Jonathan entered the

hospital the next day for his visit. When he reached Jennifer's room he found her bed empty.

"Where‘s the patient in room 314?" he asked the nurse.

"There was an incident last night. She has been moved."

"Where?" Jonathan asked growing alarmed.

"See, Dr. Suché. Try the next floor up."

Jonathan flew up the stairs to the next floor. He found a hall full of offices.

"Monsieur?" a woman stopped him. She proceeded to tell him that everyone was in a

meeting and he would need to come back later. Not understanding French, Jonathan didn't

understand and didn't care. He burst into each room until he came to a conference room where

the doctors and hospital staff were meeting.

"Mon dieu!" cried one of the doctors.

"Monsieur Hart. We are in a meeting. You‘ll need to wait," said Dr. Suché.

"Just tell me where my wife is and I will be on my way.‖ Jonathan‘s voice was low but

hinted at something dark.

"There was another attempt on her life and we had to move her for her safety," Dr. Suché

explained as he stood and tried to escort Jonathan out of the room. ―Until its all resolved, no one

is to see her.‖

"Tell me where she is." Jonathan demanded.

"I am sorry I cannot do that. How do I know you are not the one who wants her dead?"

asked Dr. Suché.

"Don't even try," Jonathan threatened.

"I‘ll show you where she is," Mr. Dubois said getting up from his seat.

"She is my patient and I determine who comes and goes to her room."

"Don't think that I don't know you are trying to seduce my wife," Jonathan accused. All

the other doctors looked at Dr. Suché questioningly.

"Don't be ridiculous," he stated.

―Do you really, really want to take me on?‖ Jonathan‘s words snaked out, daring,

cajoling the doctor.

The room was silent as everyone waited and worried about the next move.

"Mr. Hart? Mr. Dubois will show you where your wife is," the chief of staff stated.

Jonathan didn't realize how much tension he was carrying until he burst into Jennifer's

new room, startling her.

"Jonathan?" she said, "Are you trying to scare the memories out of me?"

"I‘m sorry.‖ He wanted to grab her and pull her close. Instead, he sat on the edge of her

bed. "I hear you had some trouble?"

"Oh, it was horrible. I woke up with a pillow on my face. I couldn't breath. I guess in my

struggle I knocked something over because someone came in and the person ran out."

―Did you see the person?‖

She shook her head.

―Did he say anything? Did you recognize his voice?‖

―No, nothing. The nurse couldn‘t even describe him. It was so dark.‖ A tear escaped. ―I

was so frightened.‖

He took her hands in his. He pulled them to his lips and kissed them. ―It‘s okay now.‖

She nodded somehow comforted now that he was here.

He looked straight into Jennifer's eyes. "Do you trust me?"

"Yes," she answered without even thinking.

"Then I‘m taking you out of here. I brought you some clothes thinking we might go for a

drive. But now, you can‘t stay here." He picked up the bag he‘d brought her and pulled out

slacks and a sweater.

"I have no place to go."

The lost look in her eyes broke his heart. Someday, he vowed, that would be gone. "Yes

you do, you‘re coming with me. It‘s the only way I can protect you."

As if entranced, Jennifer obeyed. She got out of bed. "Can you excuse me while I put

these on?" She asked sheepishly.

"Oh, ya sure," he said going to stand outside her door.

"Mr. Hart, I see you found your wife," Dr. Suché said when he found Jonathan outside

her door.

"I‘m taking her home. Get whatever papers you need -"

"You can't take her from here. She‘s a patient."

"I will take her with or without your consent."

"And what does Jennifer think of this?"

"She‘s getting dressed as we speak."

"I‘m ready," Jennifer said as she opened the door. "Oh, Dr. Suché, Jonathan is being kind

enough to take me in. I hope that is all right."

"Jennifer your safety is just as important to me. I have a wonderful hideaway. I can take

you there.‖

Jonathan flinched at the gaul of Dr. Suché. His eyes narrowed and he was about to protest

when Jennifer said, ―Oh, that‘s very kind of you but I‘d rather go with Jonathan. Besides, you

have work to do.‖

―I can take time off for my favorite patient,‖ he said in French.

Jennifer‘s eyes narrowed questioningly as she answered in English. ―I appreciate the

gesture, doctor but under the circumstances, I think I‘ll go with Jonathan?‖

―What circumstances? Have you remembered something?‖ he asked again in French.

Jennifer looked from Dr. Suché to Jonathan. She didn‘t remember anything but his

comment let her know that the key to her past was with Jonathan. And while she wasn‘t sure

what kind of life she had, she knew she liked the feelings that Jonathan evoked. ―No I haven‘t

remembered anything.‖ She said in French. ―But I think I love him.‖

Jonathan didn‘t know much French, but he knew the word amore. He looked to Jennifer.

Did she just tell Dr. Suché she loved him? He was about to say something when Jennifer said,

―I‘m ready Jonathan.‖

"Very well," Dr. Suché said. "Be sure to stop by once a day so we can see how you are

progressing. Be advised though that we can not be responsible for any medical problems once

you leave."

Jennifer nodded. ―I understand.‖

As Jonathan escorted her out of the hospital, he desperately wanted to ask her what they

were talking about. But he held his tongue. Jennifer was with him now. He needed to focus on

that. That and stopping a murderer.

"Where are we going?" asked Jennifer once they were in the car.

"Paris."

"Is it close?"

"It is about 45 minutes. We‘ll stop at the hotel and get the rest of your stuff."

"Why so far?"

"I think it‘ll be easier to keep you hidden in a big city," he said. Realizing that Jennifer

probably felt frightened and vulnerable he asked, "Are you afraid?"

"Nervous," she answered. Jonathan looked at her and then touched her hand.

"You never need to be nervous or afraid of me, Jennifer. I promise."

"No ... I guess I don't," Jennifer stated as the touch of his hand stirred emotions in her.

They arrived in Paris late in the morning.

"It beautiful here," Jennifer exclaimed as they drove through the streets and by the parc

de Bologne.

"Yes it is," Jonathan said beginning to relax now that he was away from the Loire Valley,

Dr. Suché and whatever dangers lurked for Jennifer.

"Hey, how about we make a day of it,‖ he suggested. ―We can sight see, have a nice

dinner, maybe ride on the Seine river... if you‘re feeling up to it."

"I would like that." Now that she was out of the hospital, Jennifer didn‘t feel like hiding

away in another room.

Jonathan drove straight to Versailles.

"What a beautiful palace," Jennifer exclaimed. ―Look at the gardens!‖

"Yes, it was built by a king named Louis who liked to wear tights and high heels."

"Really?"

"Yes. He was actually a good king although vain." In the past, Jennifer had been

Jonathan's guide though Versailles and other historic sites but this time they took a professional

guided tour of the palace.

As they entered a bedroom, Jennifer said, "Look at the beautiful picture in that bed," Her

brows pulled together as an odd feeling of familiarity came over her.

Jonathan watched her face. Does she recognize it? Does she remember how they once

spent the night in this very room? If she did, she didn‘t give it away as they headed to the next

room.

At the end of the tour they took a stroll through the gardens. Jonathan found himself

doing most of the talking since Jennifer, with only 2 days worth of experiences, had little to talk

about. Still, he made every attempt to include her in the conversation. He asked her what she

thought of the different flowers and plants. And what aspects of the tour interested her most.

Jennifer was keenly aware of Jonathan's attempts to make her feel comfortable and adjust to her

new life.

"Have you always been like this?" she asked as they sat on a bench over-looking the

gardens.

"Like what?"

"Kind, funny, charming...."

"Always," he grinned.

―It‘s the smile, isn‘t it?‖

―I‘ve gotten a lot of mileage out of it,‖ he agreed.

"I bet you're right."

They sat in comfortable silence for a bit.

"What am I like?" she finally asked.

"Well, since meeting you two days ago, I would say you are beautiful, headstrong,

enchanting, brave... very brave."

"What about before that?" Jennifer asked.

"The same." They sat watching the people walk by.

Jennifer broke the silence again, "While I was in the hospital, I thought my life must have

been not so great.‖

―Why?‖

―Well, for one thing, I forget it so easily and two, that someone is trying to kill me. I

figured that maybe it was an omen to start over."

"And now?"

"And now, I wonder what kind of woman I am to have such a wonderful friend as you.‖

She turned to look at him. ―I think that maybe my life was good and worth trying to regain."

Jonathan stared into Jennifer's eyes without trying to hide his love for her. Encouraged by

her words he leaned in and kissed her cheek. Jennifer blushed as every look, every touch sent her

heart tumbling.

"You know, maybe if you gave me some tidbit of information, it could trigger my

memory,‖ she finally said.

Jonathan looked at her pensively. "I guess one tidbit won't hurt. Lets see. Oh, I know.

Animal rights and conservation."

"What?"

"Animal rights and conservation."

"What kind of clue is that?"

"It's a good one. If your idea worked, you would have remembered that you dedicate a lot

of time and energy to these issues."

"Oh," Jennifer said disappointedly. "Well, I suppose if my idea was going to work, just

spending time with you would have triggered my memory."

"It will come," Jonathan put an arm around her and pulled her close to comfort her.

"Mr. Dubois thinks I am crazy."

"No he doesn't. He told me that you had a scare and this amnesia is your brain's way of

protecting yourself."

"Well, its not doing a very good job." Jennifer looked over at Jonathan and noticed he

was deep in thought.

"What? You have a funny look in your eyes," she said.

"Perhaps the best way to get your memory back is to figure out who wiped it clean."

"You mean find out who tried to kill me?"

"Yes."

"My brain is trying to keep me safe. Hunting down someone who wants to kill me doesn't

seem safe. My brain may fail all together."

Jonathan squeezed her shoulder. "You said you trusted me."

"I know. It's just that your plan will be dangerous."

Jonathan gazed into her eyes. "I would never let anything happen to you," he said softly

but firmly. ―Never.‖

―Okay,‖ she reluctantly agreed.

"Tomorrow we‘ll get started on this mystery. Tonight is all yours."

After their visit to Versailles, Jonathan took Jennifer to the hotel to get some rest. During

that time he called home to let Ruthie and his staff know what was happening and that it would

be a little while longer before he would return. He and Ruthie agreed to not tell Max of his

mother's condition for now. He then made reservations at a quiet restaurant.

"What a wonderful little place," Jennifer said as they were seated. Jonathan watched her

as she soaked up the ambiance of the restaurant. He enjoyed experiencing the world through

Jennifer's eyes. She didn‘t know it but she always experienced things as they were the first time

even when it wasn‘t. It was one of the things he loved about her. But now, she really was

experiencing things for the first time. And while he enjoyed seeing the excitement and awe in her

face, it still hurt that she didn‘t remember anything about their life together. He shook of the

melancholy and focused on having her with him.

"You‘re going to have to decipher the menu for me," Jonathan informed her.

She smiled, "How would you ever eat without me?"

"I would never eat without you."

Jennifer looked to him. She was struck by how his words seemed to carry extra meanings

though she could not figure out what they were.

As they waited for their meal, Jonathan asked Jennifer to dance.

"I don't know how." Jennifer's voice was both apprehensive and excited.

"You don't need to know how. In dancing, the man leads." Jonathan winked.

Jennifer agreed to give it a try. Jonathan held her but not too close and began to guide her

around the room.

"This is wonderful," Jennifer sighed enjoying the feeling of gliding about.

"You are a terrific dancer," he whispered in her ear.

"Are you talking past or present?" she asked trying to keep his warm breath on her cheek

from fogging her brain.

"Both."

Jennifer let Jonathan hold her and lead her through several songs. He felt so strong but

warm. She found herself not wanting it to stop.

After dinner, he took her on a riverboat ride to see the city lights. All the wonderful

sights, sounds and experiences Jonathan was introducing to her overwhelmed her senses. She

was hypnotized by Jonathan's charm and kindness, and aroused by his mysteriousness and

mischievousness. She was disappointed when he said they should call it a night.

Jennifer was more tired than she realized and was asleep as soon as her head hit the

pillow. She began to dream. She was driving down a narrow, windy road. She was driving

quickly with a car behind her. The car hit her, driving her off the road. But, as she headed over

an incline, her car changed. Now she was in a little yellow convertible. Still on a treacherous

road, she was driving behind a little red convertible. The wind was flowing through her hair and

a thrill ran through her body as she tried to pass the red car. As she came along side of it, she

looked over. Jonathan turned to her and smiled. Then there was a crash but it wasn't her, it was

him.

Jennifer woke up. The room was dark but she could see Jonathan leaning against the

window gazing out into the night. She flushed at the sight of him in his pajama pants but no shirt.

"The couch not comfortable?" she asked as she moved towards him.

He looked at her, his gaze as soft as a caress. "I couldn't sleep."

Jennifer stood at the with him. "I had the strangest dream."

"Really what?"

"Well I was driving up a road and a car was chasing me. It drove me off the road except I

didn't go off the road. All of a sudden I was a little convertible chasing a red car with you in it.

You‘re the one who crashed."

A terrific grin spread on Jonathan's face.

"What?" Jennifer asked.

"Well the second part of your dream really did happen."

"I drove you off the road?" she asked incredulously.

"Well, not really. There was some construction and I ran into a police car," he said. "I bet

that means the first part is true too. You had a dream about your accident. Can you remember

any details? The kind of car? What the driver looked like?"

Jennifer thought for a moment but nothing came to her. "No, I can't remember anything."

She shook her head. All the fear, frustration and confusion welled up in her and she began to cry.

"It's ok. It‘is a good sign that you had that dream." He reached out to comfort her.

Jennifer relinquished herself to him resting her head on his chest. The scent of him soothing and

titillating at the same time. Could she be in love with a man she knew only two days? Or did her

physical body remember things her brain didn't? All she knew is that being near him created a

wealth of wonderful sensations of safety, warmth, joy and even arousal. Whether these feeling

were new or lingering somewhere in her past, she knew she loved him.

They stood in silence for a time. Jonathan was grateful to be able to hold her close. His

heart beat faster reminding him of the time they first met and the nervousness that goes with

early love. His mind drifted to all the many wonderful memories he had with her. And as he did,

he felt his desire for her grow. He wanted to kiss and caress her. And though he felt like a brute

for his lustful thoughts, he wanted to feel their bodies joined as one. Feeling overwhelmed by his

thoughts, Jonathan bit his lower lip and closed his eyes to fight his urges.

All of a sudden, he felt soft flesh touching his lips. He opened his eyes to find Jennifer

kissing him. He jerked in surprise.

Jennifer pulled away, embarrassed. "I ... I'm sorry."

"No, no don't be sorry," he said. Putting one hand behind her head and the other around

her waist, he pulled her to him, pressing his lips to hers. Without resistance, Jonathan began to

explore her mouth with his tongue, holding tightly not wanting her to ever get away again. Then,

fearing he may have gone too far, he released her. They stood looking at each other, not sure of

what to say.

"Well, I guess I‘ll go back to bed," she said breaking the silence.

Jonathan smiled, "I‘ll see you tomorrow."

"Have you tracked them down?" asked Madam Chappelle annoyed at Luc's

incompetence.

"Mr. Hart took her out of town somewhere."

"I can't believe you had her right there and you still failed... again." Her mood veered

sharply to anger.

"I‘m sorry Madam. Apparently she is much stronger than she looks. She will be coming

back to town for treatment. I‘ll arrange to finish it then."

"Luc, make sure that you do," Madam Chappelle warned.

Chapter Five

When Jennifer awoke, Jonathan was already up and going through her notes on the

Chappelle story.

"Good morning," Jonathan greeted.

"Good morning," Jennifer said getting out of bed. She was feeling more energetic and

refreshed than she had yet.

"Any more dreams?" he asked.

Jennifer came and sat on the desk where Jonathan was working. Jonathan took note of her

curvaceous calves and suppressed his urge to touch them.

"No, I was exhausted."

They looked at each other, both wanting to make a statement about what happened the

night before but afraid of the other's reaction.

"I was just going over your notes here trying to decide where we should start to look for

your memory."

"What notes?" Jennifer asked.

Jonathan decided he would have to share some things with her such as her writing

profession. He told himself it was okay because she‘d had a memory the night before.

"I guess I‘m just going to have to tell you this one. I don't know any other way around it."

"Tell me what?" Jennifer said eager to hear some tidbit about her past.

"You were here to do an article on the Chappelle winery..."

"Article? Am I a writer?"

"Yes. Your accident occurred on the road you would have taken to and from the winery.

At this point, the winery is our only connection. I think that while you are getting your check-up

at the hospital, I will visit with Inspector Marché to see if he will share what information they do

have. After that, we can visit Jacques Chappelle. You were scheduled to interview him but never

made it there. So what do you think? Are you feeling up to it?"

Jennifer was only half listening to Jonathan. She was digesting the information about her

being a writer.

"Am I a good writer?"

Jonathan looked at her, amused. "Better than you are a listener."

"Oh, I am sorry," Jennifer said placing her hand on Jonathan's shoulder. "What ever you

think. I‘ll go along."

"You think you‘ll be alright with that Dr. Suché?"

Jennifer cocked her head, "Why wouldn't I be?"

"No reason. I just don't trust him." He shifted uncomfortably.

"You‘re jealous," Jennifer chided.

"Me? Jealous?" Jonathan shook his head.

"Yes, you‘re jealous," Jennifer repeated this time laughing.

"Well, maybe a little," he admitted sheepishly.

"A little?" she challenged.

"I refuse to admit to more," Jonathan grinned. ―You seem to be enjoying this a little too

much.‖

"I‘m sorry. You don‘t need to worry. He's not my type."

"And what is your type?"

"Well, I don't remember but I‘m certain he's not it." Jennifer winked and jumped off the

desk. "I‘m going to get dressed. I want to look my best for Dr. Suché."

Jonathan smiled as he watched her head to the bathroom. Things were definitely looking

up.

On the trip back to the little village, Jonathan allowed Jennifer to read the notes she had

made during her interview and research.

By the time they reached the small town, Jennifer had finished reading the notes and was

taking in the scenery.

"Wait! Stop!" she called while passing a row of parked cars.

"What is it?"

"That car! That is the car in my dream."

Jonathan pulled over in the first available space. "Are you sure?"

"Yes I‘m sure."

They got out and walked to the car. Jennifer stayed on the sidewalk while Jonathan

looked around the car.

"It doesn't seem to have any damage," he said.

"Well, they could have fixed it couldn't they? I mean if I tried to kill someone with my

car I wouldn't leave the dents for people to find," Jennifer said annoyed that Jonathan didn't seem

to believe her. Jonathan looked closely at the front and sides of the car.

"Yes, yes they could have. It does look like a nice paint job for such an old car."

"Well, there you go."

Jonathan stood up and went to Jennifer, "Don't worry darling, I believe you."

"What did you call me?" Her eyes as wide as saucers looked up at him.

"Ah... darling. You know a common term of endearment. People use it all the time,"

Jonathan stammered.

Jennifer watched him for a moment and then said, "I am going to be late for my

appointment with Dr. Suché. We'd better go."

"Let me just write down the information about this car."

"Do you think the police will do anything?"

"I believe you. But I think the police will be skeptical. There just isn't enough to go on. I

do know some people who can help us though."

"Bonjour Mademoiselle Jennifer," Mr. Dubois said when Jennifer entered his office.

"You are looking lovely today. The real world is doing wonders for you."

"Yes, thank you."

"Your visit with Dr. Suché? Did it go well?"

"Everything seems to be healing."

"So tell me," Mr. Dubois said showing Jennifer to a seat in his office. "How was it your

first night out?"

"It was wonderful. Jonathan showed me so much. I felt like I experienced a million

sensations in just one evening."

"Very good."

"You think so?"

"Of course it is good for you have a good time. Happiness is good for the health,‖ Mr.

Dubois said.

Jennifer nodded, "I did have a dream and when I told Jonathan about it, he said that he

knew one part was true so the other part must be too."

"Tell me about the dream."

Jennifer told him about the dream with the cars. And how she was certain she had seen

the car from the dream parked on another side of town.

"That is a good sign. Is that the only memory?"

"Yes," Jennifer said disappointedly.

"We may want to consider hypnosis as a way to trigger your memory."

"Hypnosis?"

"Yes, we have a specialist here at the hospital. He puts you in a special state of sleep

where we can access your subconscious. And, then we can wake you up and your memories

should be there,‖ he explained.

"It's that easy?"

"Well, it's not fool-proof but I think it‘s worth considering."

"What do I need to do?" Jennifer sat at the edge of her seat eager to do whatever she

could do to get her memories and find out what she and Jonathan were to each other.

"Why don't you think about it? Call me in the morning and I can set it up."

"Why wouldn't I want to do it?"

"It may not work. And, the subconscious is a very delicate place. Perhaps you should

discuss it with Jonathan."

―Why? Why should he have a vote?‖

―Well, he‘s been a big help to you. It‘s often helpful to bounce ideas off friends,‖ he said.

Jennifer began to wonder what would happen with Jonathan if she did remember. What

was her place in his life? Did her life before include Jonathan? It surely did to a certain extent

but to what extent? Jennifer enjoyed where things were going with Jonathan. What if they were

only friends before?

Chapter Six

"How did it go?" Jonathan asked as Jennifer came out of Mr. Dubois office.

"Very well." Jennifer grinned.

"Ah, Mr. Hart," Dr. Suché said as he approached the group. "Jennifer tells me you are

taking good care of her."

"That's right." Jonathan said. He wanted to put his arm around her in a masculine

territorial kind of way but restrained himself.

"Jonathan has been wonderful." Jennifer beamed taking Jonathan's hand into hers.

Jonathan responded with a squeeze of her hand.

"That's great. I am happy for you both," he said. "You should continue to come the next

couple of days but I think it won't be long before you are ready to return home."

Jennifer's face dropped. "Home? I don't know where that is?"

Jonathan shot Dr. Suché a scorned look.

"Ah, Mademoiselle Jennifer. Don't you worry about that right now. You still have several

days and options to jog your memory," said Mr. Dubois giving the doctor a similar look.

"We need to get going if we are going to make our other appointments," Jonathan said.

"Are you okay?" Jonathan asked while they were in the car driving to Jacque Chappelle‘s

home.

"Yes, I just get a little out of sorts when I am confronted with the fact that I have no sense

of me or where I am from. I don‘t know where I live."

"You know why he did that don't you?" Jonathan said referring to Dr. Suché.

"Who, Dr. Suché?"

"Yes. He is jealous of me!" Jonathan grinned.

Jennifer smiled back; "Yes I guess he is."

"And, Mr. Dubois is right. You need to focus on getting better and restoring your

memory. I‘ll be here for you no matter what so don't worry about all the other stuff."

Jennifer took his hand again. She wanted to ask how he had the time to do that? If there

was someone waiting for him to come home. But, she wasn‘t sure she wanted to hear the answer.

"So what did you learn at the police?" she asked instead.

"I think they know less than you do."

"That's not reassuring."

"They talked to Madam Chappelle. She runs the winery now. She said you cut the

interview short and seemed agitated when you left."

"I wonder why?"

"Why indeed. I also asked about the dispute between her and Jacques Chappelle over the

rightful heir to the winery."

"Oh, yes. He thinks it should go to him," Jennifer said recalling her notes.

"Yes. Although your notes don't make anything of it, I find it curious that Madam

Chappelle was married to Lawrence for a brief time when he had his unusual accident."

"How did he die?" Jennifer asked going through the notes again.

"Apparently, several of the big wine barrels that are used to age wine, fell and crushed

him."

Jennifer made a face at the thought of it.

"And, no one seems to know much about Madam Chappelle before she met and married

Lawrence. So I put a call into some people I know to check the car and Madam Chappelle."

"How do you know people who can find such stuff."

Jonathan smiled and winked. "Magic."

"Monsieur Chappelle, s'il vous plait," Jonathan said in his best French.

"Not bad," Jennifer complimented as they waited.

"I just hope he speaks English."

"I do speak English. How can I help you?" Jacque Chappelle said as he greeted him. He

didn‘t look happy to see either of them.

"I‘m Jonathan Hart and this my… this is Jennifer." Jonathan said hoping Jennifer didn‘t

catch his slip.

"Oh, yes. You were to come last week but you had an accident?"

Jonathan began to worry that Jacque would call her Mrs. Hart, which could be a problem.

"Yes," She said even though she didn‘t remember the appointment.

"I‘m very glad to see you are well. Not many survive trips to Chappelle Winery

anymore."

"What makes you say that?" Jonathan asked.

"Please come in and sit down," Jacques said leading them to a sitting room. "Well, my

cousin you know recently died. That is how Isabel got the winery."

―Isabel is Mrs. Chappelle?‖ Jonathan asked.

―Yes.‖

"I take it you suspect foul play?" Jennifer asked.

"Oui Madam, wine barrels don't just come crashing down."

"According to the police, the mechanisms holding the barrels were pretty old and not well

maintained," Jonathan said.

"Mr. Hart, you are a business man and I hear owner of a winery yourself. You know that

in business you take the utmost care of your major commodity. The care and storage of wine can

make or break a winery. There is no way Lawrence had unstable equipment."

"Why would Madam Chappelle kill her husband?" Jennifer asked.

"For the winery. There is a lot of money and status that goes with the Chappelle winery.

It is one of the oldest in the area. It has been in the family for hundreds of years."

"It's no secret that you are not happy that Madam Chappelle has been able to successfully

inherit the winery. How do we know this isn't sour grapes...so to speak?" Jennifer asked.

Jonathan looked at his wife in admiration. Her memory was gone but her spiritedness and

candor where intact.

"The winery has always passed to male heirs even if there is a wife or eldest daughter.

There was only one time in history a female ran the winery and that was only until her son got

old enough to take it over."

"But we are almost to the 21st century, Monsieur, surely progress could make room for

women in the wine business. Don't you think a woman can be a good business person?" Jennifer

challenged again.

"This has nothing to do with women's abilities. My wife could certainly run the winery.

This is about tradition, family tradition. It‘s something we hold dear in France." His tenor

indicated he though Americans had little respect for tradition.

"What can you tell us about Madam's Chappelle's history?" Jonathan asked.

"Nothing. Lawrence met her on Cote D'Azur. We knew it wouldn't last. Whirlwind

romances and marriages never do."

Jonathan cleared his throat. He really wanted to challenge that remark.

"Do you know anything about a mid-sized white Citroen?" he asked instead.

"Monsieur, that's like asking me about a blue Ford in your country."

"Jennifer thinks the car that ran her off the road was a white Citroen. I‘m having the

license checked now. I just thought you might know of someone."

"I don't know if the Chappelle winery has one. But they do have huge garage on the left-

hand side of the property before you get to the main house. Perhaps you should check there."

"You were terrific," Jonathan told Jennifer when they got to the car.

"You think so?"

"It's all still in there, just waiting to come out!" Jonathan said referring to her memory.

"Jonathan, Mr. Dubois suggested I might try hypnosis to recover my memory. I‘m all for

it but, he seemed to think that there might be some risks and I should talk to you."

"Hmmm, hypnosis." Jonathan mulled over the idea in his mind. He could remember the

two previous times Jennifer was hypnotized with almost deadly consequences to both of them. "I

don't know. So much can go wrong."

"Don't you want me to remember?" she asked wondering if maybe he didn't want to go

back to the way things were before.

He pulled the car over on the side of the road. He took her hand as he said, ―I want you to

get your memory back more than anything. But, you‘ve have had some .... well one memory on

your own. I think given time, it will come on its own. Maybe you haven't given it enough time."

"Well, I‘d like to consider it."

"When do you have to let him know?"

"He told me to call tomorrow."

"Let's see what we can dig up today and consider it again tomorrow."

Jennifer nodded. Jonathan gave her hand a squeeze instead of kissing her like he wanted

to. Then he put the car in gear and drove.

They drove back into town and had a late lunch. During lunch, they decided their next

plan of attack was to visit Chappelle winery garage once it got dark to see if the car was there.

To kill time, they shopped and toured the area. Jonathan took every chance he got to hold her

hand or touch her. He was pleased that she allowed his touch and hoped that it meant she cared

for him.

Jennifer found herself wanting his touch and at the time wondering what it all meant.

Instead of dwelling on it though, she focused on all the experiences she was having with him. He

was funny and kind, and she found herself completely in love with him. What would he say

when he found out?

That evening, they drove out to the Chappelle winery. Parking in the trees outside the

winery, they walked through the woods to the garage building.

"That's a garage?" Jennifer asked. "You could fit an airplane in there."

They checked the doors but all were locked.

"There‘s a window. Lets see what we can see from it," Jonathan said. As he looked in he

saw dozens of cars.

"Some women collect shoes, she collects cars," Jonathan said. "But I don't see yours."

"While we are here maybe we could look at the winery, check those barrels Jacques was

talking about." Jennifer suggested.

"Couldn't hurt."

The two snuck around the garage and house, sticking close to the woods. The door to the

winery was locked too. They looked into the window but, weren't able to discern anything

unusual about the set up.

"Well, if she did kill Lawrence, she isn't going to leave evidence around for us to find.

We should probably get back. It‘s been a long day and you need your rest."

"I am a bit tired," Jennifer agreed. The two went back to their car and headed to Paris.

"So what did our visitor's want?" Madam Chappelle asked.

"I‘m not certain. They spent some time looking in the garage and then at the winery.

They didn't come near the house."

"I imagine they have talked to Jacques," Madam Chappelle said. ―They‘re probably

looking for evidence of murder. But they won‘t find it.‖

―I could have taken care of them. They were tresspassers,‖ Luc said disappointed that he

wasn't able to right his wrong.

"No, that would have been too coincidental for the police. First Lawrence then Mrs. Hart

and then both Harts killed on or near Chappelle winery. No, we need to find another way. See

what you can find out about her treatment. I imagine we don't have much time."

"Yes, Madam."

Chapter Seven

Back at the hotel in Paris, Jonathan picked up a paper to read while Jennifer rested. While

all his focus was on Jennifer, he did feel the need to check on financial news.

As Jennifer got ready for bed, he sat in the living area and read. When Jennifer emerged

from the bathroom in a dark green satin robe, he openly admired her beauty.

He smiled, "That‘s a great color on you."

"Thank you." She smiled back, pleased that he noticed.

Still in his suit, Jonathan set his paper aside and went into the bathroom to brush his teeth

and wash up.

Jennifer sat on the couch and began to skip through the paper. She got to the business

section when something caught her eye.

Jonathan Hart Concludes Deal with Tasker Electronics: In a long drawn out deal that

left stockholders in a state of confused limbo, Jonathan Hart of Hart Industries convinced Tasker

Electronics to accept the former's offer to buy. The undisclosed sum paid by Hart Industries is

apparently much more than Mr. Jonathan Hart originally wanted to pay. When asked why he

decided to give in instead of using hostile take-over tactics Mr. Hart responded, "First of all, I

am not a hostile man. Second, I really would like to see my wife again."

"You're married!" Jennifer accused as Jonathan emerged from the bathroom.

"Yes, I am," he said pleased that she remembered.

"You aren't even going to deny it?"

"Why should I?"

Jennifer shook her head in confusion. "I guess I was all wrong about you. So what am I,

your mistress? ... a little something on the side? "

"What a minute," Jonathan interjected. "Yes I‘m married. I‘m married to you!"

Jennifer looked at Jonathan wide-eyed. "That's even worse."

"Worse? How could us being married be worse?"

"Because I don‘t know you and you know everything about me, every intimate detail.‖

She pulled her robe around her. ―You‘ve seen me naked.‖

Jonathan gaped at her. This is not the reaction he‘d expected or wanted. Frustrated he

asked, "Would it help even the playing field if I took my clothes off?"

"It might!" she responded irritated at his insensitivity.

"Fine," he said. His tie was already undone so he just slid it from his neck and toss it on a

chair and then went to work on the buttons of his shirt.

"Fine," she said settling on the edge of the bed to watch.

"Let me ask you something," he said pulling his shirt from his slacks and removing it.

"Do you think it will be better or more frustrating to have information about your history but, not

to be able to actually remember it?"

"What?"

"Well, now you know we are married, but do you remember when I proposed or how I

proposed? How about the honeymoon? Do you remember that our honeymoon bed is sitting in

Versailles?"

"No," Jennifer said sadly.

"So, it is better to not know what you don't remember or to know it but not be able to

remember it?" he said dropping his pants to the floor.

"I don't like either," she said softly.

Jonathan stood in his silk boxers looking down his beautiful but unhappy wife. He felt a

twinge of guilt over his insensitivity to her situation. He let the hurt at her forgetting him and

anger over her reaction to their marriage get the best of him.

He picked up his pants and dug through his pockets.

"Are you stalling?" Jennifer asked.

"No," he said getting down on one knee in front of her. He took her hand in his knowing

that this moment was the most important moment of his life. Everything hinged on his doing this

right. Not even when he‘d proposed to her had he felt more unsure, more terrified of her what her

response could be.

"Jennifer, I love you more than words can say. You don't know how agonizing it has been

to not be able to show you or tell you how much I love you. I know things have changed and

they may not change back. And I can accept that. But, what I can‘t accept, won‘t accept, is not

having you in my life. And whatever I have to do to make that happen, I will do it. You just let

me know what you need.‖

Jennifer swallowed hard. His eyes were so intense. His grip on her hands so tight it nearly

cut the circulation off in her fingers. She was looking into the face of a desperate man. A man

who loved her with everything he had. A man that even though she couldn‘t remember a single

thing about him, she knew she loved just as deeply.

"There is so much I don't know," Jennifer started. "I don't know if it is just the last few

days of being with you or maybe somewhere in my soul I do remember, but I do know that I‘m

in love with you."

Relief rolled off Jonathan in waves. He held up her engagement and wedding rings the

doctors had given him at the hospital. ―Then, will you marry me?‖

"I... I‘ve only known you three days," Jennifer replied realizing how dumb that was since

they were already married.

"That's all it took the first time," he smiled.

"We‘re already married."

"But, you don't remember it. In the hospital we agreed to focus on the present and the

future. I love you and I want a future with you. Let's make new memories together. "

"What if you don't like the new me?"

Jonathan smiled reassuringly. "The only thing different about you is that you don't

remember your past. You are the same wonderful, kind, smart, feisty, gorgeous woman I fell in

love with. Over the last couple of days, I feel like I have fallen in love all over again. And I have

been working so hard to woo you back in life. So, will you marry me?"

Jennifer's heart skipped a beat at what she was hearing. ―All right.‖

Jonathan slipped the rings on her fingers and kissed her hand.

"This doesn't get you off the hook though," she informed him.

―Right,‖ he said as he stood up and took a hold of the waistband of his boxers.

"Wait," Jennifer stopped him. She picked up his robe and approached him. ―You don‘t

need to do this.‖ She draped the robe around him.

―I‘m sorry if I made you uncomfortable,‖ he said as he put his arms through the sleeves.

She shook her head. ―No. I‘m not uncomfortable. Its just not fair of me to ask you to

expose yourself to me.‖ She pulled the lapels of his robe together. Her hand slipped and brushed

against his bare chest. She heard his quick intake of breath and looked up to his face.

He smiled sheepishly. ―Sorry. Your touch does things to me.‖ And one of those things

was close to peaking out of his boxers. He reached for the ties of his robe to hide his reaction. He

didn‘t need to make her more uncomfortable than she already was.

But Jennifer found herself intrigued by his reaction. It wasn‘t that she‘d totally forgotten

human sexual response. But, the fact that such a little touch could have such an effect on him.

She looked down towards his briefs and found confirmation of his reaction. She looked back to

his face. He was regarding her, worry and embarrassment in his eyes. He began to step away but

she stopped him.

―Touch me,‖ she said softly.

God he wanted to. He wanted to touch her and for her to touch him. But it didn‘t seem

right.

―Jennifer, I …‖

She pressed a finger to his lips. ―I know you want to.‖ She stepped to him, pressing her

body to his so she could feel just how much he wanted her.

―Yes, I do,‖ he admitted, as he placed his hands on her hips to prevent her from doing

more damage to him. ―But, under the circumstances, maybe we should wait.‖

―Did we wait when we first met?‖

They did but only because he‘d fallen asleep on her. ―We agreed to not think about the

past. You just said yourself that you just met me.‖

Jennifer‘s brows pulled together in thought. Why was he resisting her when he clearly

wanted her? And she wanted him. Really wanted him. Her body felt hot and flush and needy.

She looked to him again. ―We‘re married. You love me and I love you. And I think I‘ll

die Jonathan if you don‘t touch me.‖

―Jennifer, please be sure,‖ he said as his restraint began to falter. ―Because I‘d die if we

did made love and you came to regret it.‖

She shook her head. ―I won‘t regret it. I won‘t. No past. Only new memories,

remember?‖

Jonathan bent forward and placing his mouth on hers he savored its softness. His hands

slid from her hips around to her back and pulled her to him. ―God I want you,‖ he said against

her lips. ―Please be sure.‖

―I‘m sure,‖ she said as she cradled his face in her hands and pulled his lips against hers.

She opened to him, inviting him in physically and emotionally. Their tongues danced and

explored even as Jonathan picked her up and laid her on the bed. He gazed at her as she lay long

and beautiful against the silk of the sheets. Her arms reached for him and went into them

willingly.

He took her lips again as his hands began to explore. It occurred to him that without her

memory, she may not enjoy the same things that she had before. In many ways, this was the first

time.

―Tell me what you like,‖ he whispered as his hand found her breast and gently kneaded it.

―You know what I like.‖

He smiled. ―No past remember?‖

―Then kiss me again.‖

He complied, taking her mouth with his, this time deeper with more urgency. He slipped

his hand under her negligee, pulling it up and up until he was able to get it off of her.

Jennifer saw the love and awe in his eyes as he inventoried her body. She wondered if she

always felt so loved and revered in her life with Jonathan as she did in this moment. And then the

thought was gone as he took a soft peak of her breast into his mouth. Jennifer gasped, grabbing

his head holding him to her as waves of pleasure radiated.

―Yes,‖ she gasped letting him know what she liked, just as he‘d asked her too.

Slowly, his lips trailed down, across her belly and to her hip. Hooking his fingers in her

satin panties he drew them down her long dancer legs. Seeing her, laying open for him, ignited

his desire. With a quick shake of his head, he reined it in. He needed to take time with her, to

show her how much he loved her. He kissed her hip again, moving with small kisses towards her

thigh and in between.

―Jonathan!‖

He stilled and slowly looked up to her. He could see uncertainty mixed with anticipation.

―It‘s okay,‖ he said. His kisses trailed up her body as his fingers found her warm and wet.

He stroked her, long and slow, alternating with quick flicks, just as he would have done with his

tongue. She moaned and arched to him. He watched her as she made the ascent, pleased that she

wasn‘t holding back her response. Finally, he took her breast into his mouth and suckled as his

fingers entered her and his thumb pressed on her hardened nub.

Her body tightened and then she was flying. Jonathan stayed with her, drawing out her

pleasure for as long as he could.

When her breathing slowed, he pulled her into his arms and held her to him. She turned

her face and kissed him. She wanted more than anything to give him the pleasure he‘d shown

her. Her hands explored his hard lean body. She could feel his heart beating against her lips as

she kissed his chest and suckled his nipples.

Jonathan was in heaven. She didn‘t have a memory but her touch still made his blood

pump hard and fast. Her hand slipped inside his briefs and cupped him. He jerked and moaned

giving Jennifer the reassurance she needed to continue. He helped her remove his briefs and

guided her hand back to him. He wasn‘t sure how long he‘d be able hold back, but God he

needed her to touch him.

She stroked him, long and slow, lingering around the swollen cap where he found the

most pleasure. He encouraged her with words of love and praise until he didn‘t think he could

take it anymore.

Jennifer could understand Jonathan‘s attempt to taste her because she was wanting to do

the same to him. But before she got the chance, he pushed her back and looked down on her.

―I can‘t take much more,‖ he said through ragged breath. He kissed her, hard, his passion

now getting the best of him. He trailed his kisses down her neck and over her breasts. As he

lightly bit on breast, he gently pinched and twisted the other with his hand. Jennifer gasped,

digging her fingers into his shoulders. This time he felt her push him, not away but down. He let

her guide him, his kisses trailing down her over her belly, and lower. He stopped short and

looked up to her for confirmation. Their eyes caught giving him the approval he needed.

Sliding his hands under her buttocks, he lifted her to his lips and feasted.

―Oh God, yes,‖ he heard her gasp. He took his time, letting his tongue explore and

experiment. And then he felt her body tighten, heard her cry out his name as she shuddered long

and hard.

He moved over her, ready to make her his all over again. But he waited, again wanting

her to be sure.

Her eyes opened to see him watching and waiting. Realization spread on her face. She

wrapped her arms around him and pulled him deep into her.

―Oh gawwwwwdddd Jennifer.‖ Jonathan stilled and dropped his head against hers.

Jennifer held him tight, wrapping her legs around his waist. She wasn‘t sure why he

stilled but she savored the feel of him inside her. For the first time in days, she felt as if she were

home, exactly where she needed to be.

Jonathan lifted his head to look down on her. Jennifer saw the sheen in his eyes.

―I‘m sorry.‖ He cleared his throat of emotion. ―There was a time I thought I might never

be able to hold you like this again. I guess the intensity got the best of me.‖

Jennifer smiled up at him. Her hands cradled his face. She couldn‘t believe her luck to

have a man like him in her life. For him to be so emotionally open and vulnerable. ―I‘m here and

I love you, Jonathan.‖

He smiled. ―I love you, too. God how I love you.‖ He bent forward to kiss her and pushed

himself deeper into her. Her body arch instinctively to meet his and he moved in rhythm set by

Jennifer's rocking hips. He hoped he could stay with her long enough for her to come again.

Together they moved in harmony their bodies remembered even if her mind didn‘t. Soon,

Jennifer cried out as her body was inundated again with waves of pleasure. Feeling her tighten

around him, Jonathan let himself surrender to the pleasure.

Chapter Eight

The warmth of the sun permeated through the window. The feel of it on his face,

reminded Jonathan of Jennifer's warmth. He rolled over reaching out for her. He bolted up as his

arm failed to find her.

"Jennifer?" He leapt out of bed, heading to the bathroom. "Jennifer?"

Panic shot through his veins. She was gone.

He grabbed his briefs stumbling as he put them on while heading to the door. He threw

the door open prepared to call her name again.

"Good morning," Jennifer greeted holding a tray of coffee, bread, fruit and condiments.

"Oh, jeez. You scared me to death." Jonathan said escorting Jennifer into the room.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I wanted to surprise you with breakfast in bed."

―Are you okay,‖ he took the tray from her and grabbed her as he inventoried her body.

No wounds. No scrapes.

―Of course I‘m okay.‖ She cocked her head. ―Did I really scare you?‖

―Yes,‖ he said taking a deep breath to slow his heart rate.

―I‘m sorry. Here.‖ She said picking up the tray again and taking it over to the bed. "Come

on. Get back in bed."

Jonathan obeyed. "I need an hors d'oeurves first," he said climbing into bed next to

Jennifer.

"Hors d'oeurves for breakfast?"

"Of course," he said pulling her head towards him and kissing her.

"Hors d'oeurvers for breakfast! I like that." she grinned.

"It's not fair that you are dressed, you know," Jonathan said taking a sip of coffee.

"I couldn't very well go out in my negligee."

"No, but you are back in bed now."

"I guess you‘re right." She found her negligee on the floor. Jonathan watched eagerly as

Jennifer removed her shirt and pants put the sexy green satin on.

"You are gorgeous!" he said lovingly.

"Thank you." Jennifer smiled. "Now, is that better?" she asked climbing back in bed.

"It will do for now."

After eating breakfast, Jonathan put the tray on the floor and pulled Jennifer to him.

Although he was always in the mood to make love to her, he wanted more than anything just to

hold her and reassure himself that he had her back. Jennifer felt safe in his strong arms. When

she thought about all the uncertainty in her life, she became frightened. Only Jonathan seemed to

calm her fears. She trusted that he would protect her and take care of her.

Jennifer propped herself up to look at Jonathan. With a gleam in eye she maneuvered

herself on top of him. Jonathan smiled, running his fingers through her soft auburn curls.

"So last night? Was I as good as before?" she asked.

"Last night was great," he responded.

"That‘s not what I asked."

He smiled, "One of the great things about our love life is that making love is like

snowflakes.... it is always different."

"You are just avoiding the question."

"No I‘m not," he said turning her on her back. He slid his hand under her negligee to

caress her thigh and stomach. "I can show you."

"Mmmmm." Jennifer smiled pulling Jonathan‘s lips to hers.

While the night before there existed a great urgency on both their parts, this time,

Jonathan moved slowly, caressing and kissing her at length, careful not to touch the most

sensitive areas in effort to prolong the act. He wanted his love making to last as long as either of

them could stand.

Jennifer‘s instincts took over. She pushed Jonathan on his back and took a turn at

caressing and fondling him. As she kissed Jonathan‘s chest, her elbow lightly touched his

manhood. Jonathan gasped; not realizing just how much energy was pent up. Sensing a need to

for release, Jennifer straddled Jonathan, pushing him in her to the far reaches of her soul.

Jonathan grabbed Jennifer‘s hips pulling her down on him in long, forceful strokes. He watched

Jennifer as her body shuddered. As he heard her cry out, Jonathan thrust one last time for his

own release.

"You‘re right, just like snowflakes," Jennifer stated afterwards as she cuddled with him.

"You know, I‘m not supposed to tell you things about your life but there is one thing I

really think I do need to let you know," Jonathan said while they were still cuddling in bed.

"What's that?"

Jonathan shifted so that he could look at Jennifer. Jennifer sensed the importance of his

information and turned to him.

"Well... we have a son," he said.

Jennifer furrowed her brows, processing what she had been told. "A son?"

"Yes, Max. He is four. He's wonderful, like his mother."

Jennifer turned away from Jonathan, flopping back on her pillow.

"Are you all right?" Jonathan asked.

Jennifer shook her head, "What kind of woman forgets her son? Or her husband?"

Jonathan pulled Jennifer close, "One who has had an accident. Jennifer, this is no

reflection on the kind of woman you are. You‘re an incredible mother and wife. You don't know

how much you enrich our lives. You asked me the other day if I was always kind and charming.

While I was always a good man, you have made me a great man. There‘s no way my life would

have ever felt fulfilled without you in it."

"But, now it‘s different. What is he, Max, going to think when I don't know his favorite

story or snack?"

"He's smart. We‘ll just tell him. He‘ll get a kick out of teaching you things," Jonathan

smiled trying to ease her pain but, Jennifer lay silent.

"I want to do the hypnosis," she stated firmly.

Jonathan could see the determination in her eyes. "Let's call Mr. Dubois."

"Madam, there‘s good and not so good information regarding Madam Hart," Luc said

entering Madam Chappelle‘s office.

"Well what is it," she demanded impatiently.

"Madam Hart is scheduled to undergo hypnosis this afternoon."

"Hmmm, so she‘ll be in town."

"Yes, but if the hypnosis is successful, she will be able to report us."

"Perhaps we can give Madam Hart a hypnotic suggestion of our own," Madam Chappelle

said with a twisted smile.

"I can take care of it."

"No, Luc, I don‘t think you can. I‘ll take care of it. You can chauffeur me. It seems to be

the only thing you do well."

"Mademoiselle Jennifer," Mr. Dubois said. "You‘re looking radiant."

"Thank you Monsieur Dubois. You can call me Mrs. Hart," she said letting him know she

knew her true identity.

"Ah, you have memories?" he said gleefully clapping his hands together.

"Not exactly."

"Monsieur Hart, breaking the rules, are we?"

"She forced it out of me," Jonathan said leaning over to give her a kiss.

"I guess I can‘t blame you. I was wondering how long you would be able to resist your

beautiful wife," Mr. Dubois said. "I am going to take you to Dr. Pique who will be doing the

hypnosis. Come with me."

Mr. Dubois led Jonathan and Jennifer up to the psychiatric floor to Dr. Pique‘s office. Dr.

Pique seemed amicable enough but he wasn‘t one on small talk. He insisted on starting right

away.

"Monsieur Hart, if you don‘t mind, could you wait outside?" Dr. Pique asked.

"I do mind," Jonathan stated firmly.

"I see. I really must insist. You can wait just outside the door."

"It‘s okay darling," Jennifer assured him. "I‘ll be fine."

Still uncertain, Jonathan agreed to wait outside.

Jonathan had been waiting about 25 minutes when a nurse approached him.

"Monsieur Hart? You have a phone call from the United States."

Jonathan sat for a moment trying to figure out what to do. If the hypnosis didn‘t work,

this call could provide some clues to Jennifer‘s would be killer. On the other hand, he didn‘t feel

comfortable leaving the area.

"I‘ll let your wife know where you are if she finishes," the nurse added.

Jonathan decided he was being paranoid and followed the nurse down the hall and around

the corner to the phone.

"This is Jonathan Hart."

"Mr. Hart. Stanley Friesen. I have some of that information you were asking for."

"Great Stanley, what is it?"

"Well, the car you asked about is registered to a Luc Sesan whose address is in Cote

D‘Azur."

"Cote D‘Azur?" Jonathan asked thinking back to where he last heard that.

"Yes. He‘s got a record too although its mostly petty stuff like pick pocketing." Stanley

continued, "Isabel Chappelle was much harder. According to the marriage record, her maiden

name was Dumas but we couldn‘t find any records of an Isabel Dumas. After some heavy

research we were able to find information on an Isabel Suché who seems to match her

description."

"Suché?" Jonathan asked.

"Yes. Why?"

Jonathan‘s head was a whirl. So Isabel was related to Dr. Suché. But, if Isabel wanted

Jennifer dead, why did Doctor Suché save her? On the other hand, the only way someone could

have made the attempt on Jennifer‘s life in the hospital would be if they were familiar with the

hospital. And that attempt didn‘t happen until Jonathan began wooing her away from Suché. If

he was working with his Isabel to prevent her memory from returning then that would explain

the attempt on her life in the hospital as well as his anger over Jennifer leaving the hospital. But

what did Jennifer know? Jonathan realized he had left Jennifer alone for several minutes.

"Stanley, thank you. I need to go now."

"Wait Mr. Hart there is more."

"Stanley, really I need to go."

"Isabel Suché spent some time in a psychiatric hospital. It appears she is somewhat of a

black widow, if you know what I mean. She killed her first husband, a Bernard De La Coeur."

Jonathan slammed the phone down and ran back to Dr. Pique‘s office. When he got there

the door was still closed. At first Jonathan felt relieved but something beckoned him to open the

door. He knocked first.

"Jennifer? Are you alright." There was no answer. He opened the door slowly. Not seeing

or hearing anything he pushed the door open all the way.

"Oh God," he exclaimed as he saw the body of Mr. Pique slumped in his chair, blood

oozing over his desk from where a soccer trophy was used to bash in his head. Jonathan ran out,

calling desperately for Jennifer. As he ran through the hospital he ran into Dr. Suché.

"Where is she?" Jonathan demanded.

"You have lost your wife again?" He said smugly.

"I know you tried to kill her. Now tell me what you and your psycho relative have done

with her!"

"Mr. Hart I‘m sure I don‘t know what you are talking about," Dr. Suché said nervously as

people began to gather and watch.

Jonathan drew back his arm and threw a punch into Dr. Suche‘s face. Although Jonathan

wasn‘t a violent man, he was tired of Dr. Suche‘s attitude. Jonathan left Dr. Suché sprawled on

the floor.

"Call the police," Jonathan yelled as he ran on to find Jennifer.

Chapter Nine

Jonathan reached the front door with no sign of Jennifer. He ran outside, looking up and

down the street. He noticed a crowd of people around the hospital all looking up. Jonathan

followed their gaze. His heart stopped. There on the roof edge stood Jennifer, poised to jump at

any minute.

"No," he yelled as he ran back into the hospital and up the stairs. Please don‟t let me be

too late! Jonathan‘s heart pounded from his exertion and sheer fear.

He swung open the door to the roof and frantically looked for Jennifer. He saw her still

standing on the ledge. She seemed frozen in time. She was still almost comatose, her eyes glazed

over. Realizing she was still under hypnosis Jonathan moved slowly to her and said firmly,

"Jennifer. Come to me."

Jennifer‘s head turned to his direction. Without emotion, she stepped down.

"No! Get back up there and jump!" Jonathan heard a woman yell. He looked but a shed

on the roof blocked her. Jennifer stepped back up, her foot extended over the edge.

"Jennifer. Come to me."

Jennifer started to obey again but lost her footing. Jonathan ran and grabbed her hand as

she tumbled over the side of the building.

"Jennifer, darling. Give me your other hand," he called holding on with all his might.

Jennifer, still in a daze, lifted her other hand up to him. Jennifer hung like dead weight making it

hard for him to pull her in.

"Jennifer, pull yourself up," he stated. Jennifer obeyed and soon the two were sitting on

the roof. Jonathan sat and caught his breath while Jennifer waited for her next command.

Jonathan heard a door slam and realized the killer was getting away.

Thinking about movies he‘d seen on t.v. Jonathan said, "When I count to three, I‘ll snap

my fingers and you will come out of it. One, two three," he snapped his fingers.

Jennifer blinked and then looked at Jonathan. "What‘s going on?"

"I‘ll tell you later," he said helping her up. "Right now we have a killer to catch."

Jonathan and Jennifer ran back into the hospital and down to the ground floor.

"Who is it?" Jennifer asked.

"Madam Chappelle," he said.

"Just like we thought," Jennifer replied trying desperately to keep up with Jonathan.

When they got to the bottom floor, Jonathan began running towards the front door.

Jennifer, exhausted, stopped to catch her breath. From the corner of her eye, she thought she saw

Madam Chappelle heading towards the back of the hospital. Jennifer began to pursue her.

"Jonathan, this way," she called. Jennifer felt a second wind as she approached Madam

Chappelle. Madam Chappelle exited out of the side of the building and seemed to be heading

towards a white car. Jennifer picked up the pace. Reaching out she could barely touch Madam

Chappelle‘s sweater. Jennifer let out a big grunt and hurdled herself forward, knocking Madam

Chappelle down. Madam Chappelle quickly pushed Jennifer off and began to get up. Jennifer

grabbed her but lost her balance. Holding on to Madam Chappelle‘s sweater, Jennifer pulled

herself up. Madam Chappelle struggled. Jennifer swung her fist, knocking Madam Chappelle

squarely in the jaw. Madam Chappelle fell to the ground stunned.

Jonathan ran up to see the aftermath. "Darling, that was terrific," he grinned.

Jennifer was shaking out her wrist. "I was so mad. I haven‘t been that mad since Paul

Monnard burnt down our house."

Jonathan grinned.

"What?" Jennifer asked.

"You remember!"

"Yes, yes I do," Jennifer said ecstatic.

"Not for long," a voice came from behind them. Jonathan turned to see Luc with a gun.

"That‘s the man that drove me off the road!"

"Oui Madam. I am afraid your time is up now," Luc gloated. All heard Madam Chappelle

stir behind them and turned to look. Jonathan, realizing the opportunity, pushed the hand Luc‘s

gun was in down and punched him in the face. Luc stumbled back, dropping the gun. He swung

at Jonathan, catching him in the stomach. Seeing the gun on the ground, Jennifer and Madam

Chappelle both lunged at it. Madam Chappelle took the gun in her hand. Jennifer stepped on

Madam Chappelle‘s hand making sure that her heel dug into it.

"Arretez!" all four heard. Inspector Marché and a group of police quickly ran in and

gathered up Luc and Madam Chappelle. "So it was Madam Chappelle, eh?" the inspector finally

asked.

"Yes," Jennifer said. "I remember now. When I went to the Chappelle winery, I

overheard Madam Chappelle and this man talking about Monsieur Chappelle‘s accident only

they indicated it wasn‘t an accident. They killed him. I left as gracefully and quickly as I could.

That man drove me off the rode."

"And, I believe Dr. Suché tried to kill Jennifer in the hospital," Jonathan added.

"Oui, Monsieur Hart, we have him already." The inspector finished taking statements.

"Darling? Are you alright?" Jennifer asked looking Jonathan over for injuries.

"I‘m fine, darling." The two embraced, sighing in relief.

"Jonathan, I don‘t know why we just can‘t go home," Jennifer said the next morning

while Jonathan was getting dressed.

"I know you would like to go but I also want to be sure all that hypnosis hocus pocus is

gone and you are completely recovered. Dr. Benois said it would just be another day or two."

"I feel fine," Jennifer protested.

"I know," Jonathan said putting his hands on her arms and pulling her close. "Humor me.

I‘ll make it worth your while."

"A surprise?"

"Yes."

"I love surprises!"

Jonathan kissed Jennifer. "Let‘s go then."

Jonathan drove out to the countryside. Taking an isolated road, he stopped near a stream.

He parked and emptied the trunk of a large picnic basket.

"Looks like you are hoping to get lucky," Jennifer said as they walked to their picnic spot

near a large oak tree.

Jonathan smiled pleased that she remembered. "I‘m already lucky."

The two shared a wonderful lunch after which they took their shoes off and walked

through the cool water. After a small water-splashing contest they sat together under the tree.

"I have something for you," Jonathan said. Jennifer was sitting between Jonathan‘s legs,

leaning against him while he leaned against the tree. Reaching into the basket, Jonathan pulled

out a small jewelry box.

"Jonathan, someday I‘ll be able to open a jewelry store with all the jewels you get me."

"I think you‘ll keep this one."

Jennifer opened the box to find a heart-shaped locket. "Its beautiful."

"Open it."

Jennifer opened the locket to find two pictures, one of Jonathan and one of little Max

inside.

"Oh, Jonathan."

Jonathan reached for it to help her put it on. "I was thinking that if we should ever get

separated again, this locket would help you remember us."

"It‘s beautiful," Jennifer whispered with tears in her eyes. Turning around in his lap,

Jennifer put her arms around him to kiss him.

Jonathan responded by pulling her close. "I love you."

"Oh and I love you too." Jennifer pressed herself into Jonathan, wanting to fully express

her love for him.

"I‘m getting luckier all the time," Jonathan said with a grin.

"I‘m the one who is lucky," Jennifer said unbuttoning Jonathan‘s shirt. "I‘d be lost with

out you."

She gazed lovingly into Jonathan‘s eyes and then covered his neck and chest with kisses.

Jonathan groaned, pushing Jennifer over to lie on the blanket. They made love under the tree in

tune with the rhythms of the stream and nature.

They headed back to the hotel late in the afternoon. Once there, Jennifer headed to their

room.

"We‘re over here," Jonathan said taking her arm and guiding her to another room.

"Jonathan, I‘m not suffering from amnesia. Our room is here."

"I changed it."

"Why?" she asked as they neared the door to the suite.

"I thought we‘d need more room," Jonathan replied opening the door with the key.

"More room for what?"

Jonathan swung the door open. "For them."

"MOMMY!"

"Max?" Jennifer was overwhelmed by the sweet voice of her child. She dropped to her

knees to scoop the running child into her arms.

"Oh, Max." She said with tears in her eyes.

"I missed you mommy."

"Oh I missed you too sweetie," Jennifer said. "Hello Ruthie. It is so good to see you too."

"You too Mrs. Hart."

"Are you sad, mommy?"

"No."

"Then why are you crying?"

"Sometimes we cry when we are happy too."

"That‘s silly."

"Yes, it is," Jennifer agreed. She turned to Jonathan. Her eyes conveyed her deepest love

and gratitude.

Jonathan approached his wife and child. Embracing them both he was filled with joy. He

knew that he was, indeed, the luckiest man alive.

A Christmas Miracle I wrote A Christmas Miracle to have a holiday story and to use Jonathan’s upbringing in a Catholic

orphanage. It features Little Max, who is about four years old.

Chapter One

―Look mommy, I did it!‖

Jennifer looked to her 4 year old son who was covered in flour holding up a cookie with a

thick layer of icing and even thicker layer of sprinkles. ―You did. It looks delicious.‖

―I‘m gonna to give it to Santa.‖

―He‘ll love it. What do you think of mine?‖ Jennifer showed him her star cookie.

He frowned. ―You need sprinkles.‖

―You think?‖

―Yep.‖

―Why don‘t you do it?‖

―Well, if you like it like that, it‘s okay.‖

Jennifer smiled. Little Max was a sensitive boy. She could see he was worried he‘d hurt

her feeling by suggesting her cookie needed more sprinkles.

―I think you‘re right. It needs sprinkles and you are an expert at sprinkles.‖

He grinned. His father‘s grin. It stole her breath how much she could love him. She had

been poleaxed by her love for Jonathan. To think she could love like that again had been a

wonderful gift. She'd been worried during the pregnancy about what kind of mother she‘d be.

And then he was here and Jennifer discovered she had the maternal instinct as strong as any

mother and cub. Last week she was frantic when he‘d suffered a terrible bout of flu. It broke her

heart to see his pain and discomfort. And worried her to death.

―Do you think Santa will like my cookies?‖

Max‘s question brought her out of her thoughts. ―I know he will. Santa knows a good

cookie when he finds one.‖

―Does he really get toys from daddy?‖

Jennifer smiled. This was the first year Max understood Christmas and Santa‘s part in it.

―I thought the elves made them.‖

―The elves make many of them but there are so many children and Santa needs help,"

Jennifer explained.

Max frowned again. ―Is daddy an elf?‖

Jennifer laughed. ―Yes, I guess you could say that.‖

―Hello? Anyone home?‖ Jonathan entered the kitchen.

―Daddy!‖

―Hey champ.‖ He kissed Jennifer and hugged Max. ―Whatcha doing?‖

―We‘re making cookies for Santa. He likes cookies. And Jacob told me to leave carrots

for the reindeer ‗cause they love carrots. ‗Cept Rudolph he likes apples.‖

―Really?‖ Jonathan look to Jennifer who shrugged and grinned.

―Do you know Santa daddy? Will he like these cookies?‖

―I know he will.‖

―Are you an elf?‖

Jennifer grinned and waited for his response.

―‘Cause you make toys for Santa.‖

―Well, I guess I am. But I‘m an honorary elf.‖

―What‘s onory?‖

―I‘m not a real elf, but they include me anyway.‖

―I see.‖

―Why don‘t you go wash up for dinner, Max, and I‘ll take care of your cookies,‖ Jennifer

said.

―Okay.‖ He jumped off his chair and started to run out of the kitchen. He stopped and

turned back. ―Don‘t mess up my decorations.‖

―I won‘t,‖ Jennifer assured him.

―It's wonderful what you‘re doing with him,‖ Jonathan said as he pulled Jennifer into his

arms.

―It's wonderful to see the joy and wonder of the season through his eyes. This is the first

year he really gets the concept of Santa. I want to do it up for him…the magic of it all.‖

Jonathan smiled. He wondered if Max‘s enthusiasm came from Jennifer or vice-a-versa.

―So why don‘t we do it all the way?‖

―What do you mean?‖

―Let‘s go to the cabin. It snowed last night and I understand more snow is predicted for

Christmas Eve. We can give him a white Christmas.‖

Jennifer smiled and then frowned. ―But what about the tree and decorations?‖

Jonathan shrugged. ―We‘ll get a new tree. We‘ll chop it down even. And you and Max

can make decorations.‖

―Popcorn and cranberries?‖

―Or Legos,‖ he said referring to one of Max‘s favorite toys.

Jennifer thought for a moment. ―It would be wonderful wouldn‘t it?‖

―The truth is that it's Christmas everyday and everywhere I‘m with you and Max.‖

―Ah. You are incredibly romantic.‖ She leaned in to kiss him. Jonathan slid his arms

around her back and pulled her close to take the kiss deeper.

―I can be even more romantic,‖ he whispered nibbling her neck.

―Don‘t I know it.‖

―I‘m all clean,‖ Max announced as he entered the kitchen. Jonathan gave Jennifer one

more quick kiss.

―Good job sport.‖

―Let me get dinner.‖ Jennifer patted Jonathan‘s cheek, a cue that they would resume their

interlude later.

―Are you sure Santa will find me?‖ Max asked from the back seat of the SUV as it

headed up the drive of the rustic cabin the Harts owned in the mountains.

―Santa always knows where the good children are.‖ Jonathan winked at him through the

rearview mirror.

―I‘m good.‖

―As good as they come, champ.‖

―How does he know?‖

Jennifer looked over her shoulder. Max sat restrained in his booster seat; worry etched on

his little face. ―His magic snowball of course.‖

Max‘s eyes widened. ―Magic snowball?‖

―Yes. I‘ve told you about that. When he makes his list of children who are naughty or

nice, he uses his magic snowball.‖

―Wow.‖

Just as they pulled up to the cabin Max asked, ―Can we see him again on the c‘putor like

last year.‖

Jennifer stopped. She hadn‘t realized he remembered how they logged on the internet to

watch Santa‘s trip through NORAD.

―I brought the laptop.‖ Jonathan turned to Jennifer, "It‘s a boy thing. Flying, rockets, …‖

Jennifer smiled. ―I‘ll have to remember that.‖

―Is it Christmas tomorrow?‖ Max asked for the hundredth time.

―Tomorrow is Christmas eve,‖ Jennifer said. ―We‘ll go get another tree and decorate it

and the house tomorrow.‖

―And sit by the fire, have s‘mores and hot coco,‖ Jonathan added.

―But it will burn him.‖ Max eyes widened in panic.

―We‘ll put the fire out before then.‖ Jonathan parked and looked back to Max. ―Don‘t

worry Max. I‘ve been around a long time and Santa has never missed a Christmas.‖

Max cocked his head. ―Even thought you didn‘t have a mommy or daddy?‖

Jonathan smiled at the memory of the Christmases he had at the orphanage. They were

not filled with toys, but there had been warmth and caring. ―Yes. Santa will always find you. He

has radar straight to here,‖ Jonathan reached back and pointed to Max‘s heart. ―As long as your

heart is kind and open, Santa will be able to find you.‖

―I thought it was the magic snowball?‖

―That too.‖

―Let‘s get unpacked,‖ Jennifer said. ―We have a busy day tomorrow if we're going to be

ready for Santa.‖

Once Max was in bed and asleep, Jonathan built a fire in the large stone fireplace while

Jennifer made hot toddies. When she brought the drinks in the room, Jonathan had the fire going

and Christmas music playing. She handed him his drink. He took a sip and then put it down. He

took hers and did the same and then pulled her into his arms.

―Ah, a dance by the fire.‖ She smiled up at him.

―Of course, because baby its cold outside,‖ he said singing along with the song.

―You know I can‘t stay,‖ Jennifer sang.

―But baby, its cold outside.‖

They danced close enjoying the warmth.

―You know, your lips really do look delicious.‖ Jonathan‘s gaze slid down to her lips.

Jennifer licked them and grinned when Jonathan groaned. He yanked her even closer.

―Why Mr. Hart...‖

―Why not?‖ He captured her lips with his.

Jennifer threaded her fingers in his hair and pulled him closer. ―Why not indeed.‖

His lips moved from hers to trail along her jaw. He nipped her ear lobe.

―This is quite a Christmas you have orchestrated,‖ he whispered.

―I just want Max to have great memories.‖

―This is all for Max?‖ His lips slid down her neck.

―What are you getting at?‖ She pulled away from him.

His brilliant blue eyes twinkled with delight. ―Remember the first Christmas we ever

spent together.‖

―Yes. So?‖

Jonathan‘s hands massaged Jennifer‘s back as he began to pull her back into the rhythm

of the music. ―Max…Big Max and I never decorated for or celebrated Christmas really. We got

each other gifts of course and then we‘d play poker. And then you came along.‖

―If I remember correctly, you asked me to ‗come along‘. And in fact, I think you got us

stranded in a blizzard.‖

―I did. And it was the best thing I ever did. You brought wreaths and trees…‖

―And mistletoe.‖

―Yes, I always liked that. And then there was the baking and the singing.‖

―I thought you liked my singing.‖

Jonathan laughed. ―I love everything about you. I love how you're passionate about

everything and everyone.‖

She eyed him suspiciously. ―So what‘s wrong with me wanting to give Max a Christmas

to remember?‖

―There‘s nothing wrong, but it's not just for Max is it?‖

Jennifer sniffed. ―I like seeing the wonder in his eyes.‖

―What about me?‖

―What about you?‖

―Ah, come on now.‖ Jonathan pouted feigning hurt.

―So you want me to do something extra special for the holidays for you?‖

He grinned, ―What did you have in mind?‖

―Hmmm…. Let‘s see, I could tie a bow on your …‖

Jonathan's brow lifted as he covered her lips with his finger. ―Be nice now.‖

She smiled back mischievously. ―Well, it would be a waste to not take advantage of this

fire. And we do have some wonderful hot drinks.‖

―That sounds better.‖

―You know, if you let me put a bow on you, then I could unwrap you.‖

He tilted his head as if thinking about it.

―I could even add mistletoe.‖

―I didn‘t consider that.‖

Jennifer picked up their drinks and handed Jonathan‘s to him. ―Maybe you should.‖

They sat on the thick rug in front of the fire. Jonathan maneuvered her to sit between his

legs. He loved this position as it was perfect for inhaling her scent and kissing her temple.

―Do you think Max is sleeping soundly?‖ Jonathan asked after he and Jennifer had

enjoyed the fire and finished their drinks.

―He was pretty tired.‖

Jonathan put his cup on the table beside the couch. He took Jennifer‘s cup and did the

same. In one fluid move, he pushed Jennifer onto her back and covered her body with his own.

―My fantasy of coming here includes making love to you in front of the fire. Think we‘re

safe?‖

Jennifer looped her arms around his neck. ―I think we should grab a blanket, just in case.‖

―Right. Don‘t move.‖ He kissed her nose.

"Maybe you can hang that Christmas bell on his door handle too?"

Jonathan looked down on her with a quizzical expression.

"Just in case. We'll hear him open his door."

"Good idea." He picked up the little ornament Max loved. He'd ring it and say, "Another

angel got his wings!"

As Jonathan moved down the hall to Max's room, Jennifer grabbed the large thick quilt

folded on the couch.

―So, where was I?‖ Jonathan slipped under the blanket and pulled her to him.

―Right here.‖ She pulled his lips to hers.

Jonathan helped her remove her sweater and then set to work unbuttoning the blouse

she‘d worn underneath. His palm slid over her belly with each release of the button.

―How do you stay so sexy?‖ He kissed her neck, his hand finding her lace covered breast.

She might have answered, but at that moment, he replaced his hand with his mouth and

suckled. She moaned and pulled his head against her. God he had magnificent lips. The things

they could do her.

She slid her hands under his sweater, letting them glide along his strong back. He shifted,

helping her remove his sweater. Her hands caressed him as her lips kissed his neck and shoulder.

Jonathan used his deft fingers to unclasp the front hook of her bra. He pushed the cups

aside and tilting his head, marveled at her sublime body as the fire light flickered over the rosy

tips of her breasts.

―You‘re beautiful. So beautiful.‖ He dipped his head and took her breast into his mouth

again.

Her body arched in response, her hands clung to him, holding him in place. His hand slid

down her belly to unclasp her pants. His fingers slid under the lace waist band of her panties

finding her hot and ready for him. His slid one finger into her heat as his thumb pressed the

hardened nub.

―Jonathan.‖ His name escaped on a harsh breath.

―Right here.‖ He watched her face as he massaged her purposefully, taking her up, higher

and higher. He loved how responsive she was to his touch. She never held back, letting the

pleasure he gave her show through. Her head tilted back, her fingers dug into his back as she

reached for release. Unable to resist, he pressed his lips against her exposed neck and gently

sucked, careful not to leave a mark.

She moaned as her body tightened. He lifted his head again, wanting to watch as she took

the final leap. In that instant, she called his name as her body shuddered and her hips arched up.

He stayed with her, gently caressing as he brought her down. When she finally relaxed

again, she opened her eyes to see him staring down at her. She remembered the first time they

made love, she'd opened her eyes to find him looking at her just as he was now. She‘d been

embarrassed at first to learn he‘d watched her. But she‘d since learned how much satisfaction he

got in watching her pleasure. She marveled at the awe and reverence she found in his eyes when

she came back to earth.

Her palms pressed against his cheeks and pulled his head down to hers. ―Kiss me.‖

He did, with passion and purpose. Jennifer‘s hands slid down his back and cupped his

buttocks before sliding between their bodies and unclasping his pants. Her hands slid inside the

pants, pushing them down his strong thighs.

He groaned as his hard length sprang free and into Jennifer‘s waiting hands. Her tongue

pressed deeper into his mouth as her thumb slid over the tip of his arousal.

―God...,‖ he hissed as he scrambled to push her pants off her legs without also kicking off

the blanket that kept them hidden.

Jennifer smiled. Most times, Jonathan had tremendous control. He could often make her

come two or three times before he‘d sought his own satisfaction. He could control his need long

enough to let her explore and tease him. But that wasn‘t to be tonight. And that was okay

because she really wanted to feel him in her, a part of her.

He covered her and slid slowly, but deeply inside. Together they sighed as the pleasure

spread. For Jonathan, that moment of joining with her was always the best, well second only to

the moment of release. But when he was deep within her, he felt a profound sense of rightness,

of being home. Some night‘s he could lay with her, deep within her for hours. Tonight, he

needed to feel her hold him, massage him with her body. So he began to move, slowly, but with

purpose.

―Jonathan…‖ she gasped, her hands pulling his body to hers in attempt to make him

move quicker.

―Slow,‖ he whispered as he moved, in deep and out, in and out.

Jennifer tilted her hips, digging her heels into the floor.

He wanted to feel her pleasure before succumbing to his own desire, but he couldn‘t stop

it. ―Jennifer…‖

She held him tight, feeling the strength and power of his love, as he took over the edge.

―Merry Christmas sweetheart,‖ he said. ―I love you.‖

―I love you,‖ she whispered into his ear.

Chapter Two

Christmas Eve was busy. Max woke his parents up at 6:30 in the morning.

―Santa is coming tonight!‖

―Oomph….‖ Jonathan grabbed his son as he jumped on the bed.

―We need a tree and decorations and cookies…‖

―Come here you.‖ Jonathan rolled him between him and Jennifer. ―Let us wake up here

first.‖

―Come on daddy. Santa‘s coming.‖

Jonathan smiled. ―You‘re right. This is an important day.‖

―Do you want to take a shower first?‖ Jennifer asked as she stretched.

―You go ahead. I‘ll get monkey boy here breakfast.‖

―I‘m not a monkey,‖ Max protested.

―You‘re not?‖

―No, I‘m a boy.‖

―We don‘t have many good one‘s left,‖ the Christmas tree farmer said as the Harts

arrived.

―We understand. I‘m sure we‘ll find something,‖ Jennifer stated.

―Good thing you came early,‖ the man said as he found a saw for Jonathan. ―Weatherman

says we‘re going to get quite a storm tonight.‖

―Really?‖ Jonathan said.

―Yep. They were predicting just a few inches, but now they're saying we could get

several feet.‖

―Oh my.‖ Jennifer said looking to Jonathan. ―Maybe we should stop at the store and

stock up in case we get snowed in or the power goes out.‖

―Good thinking little lady.‖

Jennifer‘s brow rose at the man‘s comment, but she let it go.

―Let's find a tree first and then we‘ll get supplies,‖ Jonathan said, putting his arm around

Jennifer and leading her out to the trees.

―I hope it doesn‘t get too bad,‖ she said.

―At least Max will get his white Christmas.‖

―It's already white,‖ Jennifer said as the trudged through the snow.

―Slim pickings at the tree farm,‖ Jonathan said as they walked through what was left of

the trees.

―We could adopt a Charlie Brown tree,‖ Jennifer suggested.

―What‘s that?‖ Max asked.

―Remember, on Charlie Brown, the little tree he got?‖

―Oh, that‘s too small. The presents won‘t fit.‖ Max ran off to look at more trees.

―How many presents do you think he's expecting?‖ Jonathan asked.

―I‘m sure he‘ll be thrilled with what he gets.‖

―Here! Here! Mommy, Daddy…how ‗bout this one?‖

They found Max by a short, but fat tree. Max‘s eyes glistened with excitement.

―Looks good, Champ. Are you going to help me cut it down?‖

―Can I mommy?‖ Max asked when he saw Jonathan with the saw.

―If your dad helps.‖

They cut the tree down and headed back to the cabin after making a stop at the local store

for canned goods and non-perishable food. They spent the afternoon making paper chains, dough

ornaments, and paper snowflakes. Jennifer chose not to do the cranberries and popcorn fearing

Max would stab himself with the needle. As they worked, the snow began to fall. By dinner, the

gentle fall of flakes picked up as the wind began to howl.

―Looks like that storm is coming,‖ Jonathan said looking out the window.

―Will Santa still come?‖ Max asked.

―Yes, nothing could keep Santa away,‖ Jennifer answered as she handed Max another

ornament to put on the tree. He didn‘t take it and she looked to find him sitting on the floor.

―You okay sweetie?‖

―Yep. Just want to sit.‖

Jennifer looked at him closely. She bent down to touch his head.

―Stop mommy,‖ he pushed her hands away.

―Are you sick again?‖

―No. I just want to sit.‖

―Okay. Why don‘t we take a break? I should probably figure out dinner in case the power

goes out.‖

―Dinner‘s ready,‖ Jennifer called.

―Come on champ,‖ Jonathan said patting Max on the head.

Together they headed to the dinner table. Max climbed into his seat, teetered and fell off

the other side.

―Max?‖ Jonathan leapt to his side to help him

―I‘m okay,‖ Max said pushing Jonathan‘s arms away.

―Are you sure? That‘s quite a tumble you took.‖

―Yes, I‘m okay.‖ He ignored Jonathan‘s helping hands and climbed back into his chair.

Jonathan watched him.

―What‘s up?‖ Jennifer asked as she set the dinner on the table.

―Max fell out of his chair.‘

―He did?‖ Jennifer looked to Max her brows drawn together in concern. ―Are you feeling

alright sweetie?‖

―Yes!‖

Jennifer‘s eyes widened as they looked to Jonathan. Max wasn‘t usually so aggressive in

his tone. Jonathan tilted his head.

―Over excited,‖ he mouthed to her.

Jennifer wasn‘t so sure, but accepted that explanation.

After dinner, Jennifer encouraged a quiet evening in front of the fire reading Christmas

stories. Max sat quietly with her and Jennifer hoped that Jonathan was right; he was just excited

and over stimulated by all the events. But when she pressed a hand to his forehead she wasn‘t so

sure again.

―Are you sure you feel okay Max? You feel a little warm to me.‖

―Yes," he said pushing her hand away. "When is Santa coming?‖

Jennifer looked to Jonathan. He stepped over to Max pressing his hand on Max‘s

forehead.

―Stop daddy.‖

―Just want to make sure you‘re okay. We don‘t want you to be sick for Christmas.‖

―Santa won‘t come if I‘m sick?‖ Max asked, panic laced in his voice.

―Santa will come if you're sick,‖ Jennifer reassured him. ―Are you sick?‖

―No.‖

―Maybe it's just sitting so close to the fire.‖

―Maybe. But I think Max should get ready for bed. It's been a busy day and he should get

some rest.‖

―No, I don‘t want to.‖

―Santa can't come if you're not in bad sleeping, Sport.‖

―No. He‘s not coming is he? He can‘t find me.‖

―He‘s coming Max.‖ Jennifer said.

―NO. He won‘t. You lied to me. He can‘t find me.‖

―Max!‖ Jonathan‘s stern voice echoed in the cabin.

Both Jennifer and Max jerked to attention. Max pressed his body to Jennifer.

―You need to settle down. Santa knows exactly where you are, and –― Jonathan knelt

down in front of him. ―How you're behaving. If he is going to come, you need to get ready for

bed, right now.‖

―I‘ve never seen him like that,‖ Jennifer said once Max was tucked in and she was seated

next to Jonathan on the couch.

―He‘s just excited and over exerted.‖

―I don‘t know. Falling out of his chair. That‘s odd.‖

―I think he needed a nap. He‘ll be okay.‖ Jonathan put his arm around her and pulled her

closer. ―Me on the other hand, I need a little attention.‖

Jennifer‘s lips tilted up. ―Do you?‖

―Yes, I do.‖ He leaned over and pressed his lips to hers. He heard her sigh, and pulled her

closer. His life was full of perfect moments like this. It was Christmas every day in his world. He

knew it wasn't the success or money that made him wealthy. It was Jennifer and Max. ―Merry

Christmas, sweetheart,‖ he whispered in her ear.

The lights flickered and went dark.

―Wow, that was some kiss,‖ Jennifer said as they sat with only the light of the fire.

He smiled. ―Let me go light some candles. The generator will run the heat, but it looks

like we‘re out of power for lights and other electronics.‖

She nodded. ―I‘ll just check on Max to make sure he doesn‘t get scared with the lights

out.‖

Jonathan found some candles and began to light them around the living area. He heard a

big gust of wind blow over the trees and looked out the window.

―It‘s really coming down.‖ He looked closer. ―The car is nearly buried.‖

―I guess we‘ll have a white Christmas,‖ Jennifer said as she headed towards the

bedrooms.

―Just like we ordered.‖

Jonathan continued to light candles and check the windows and doors. His heart dropped

as a panicked call from Jennifer interrupted his activity. He sprinted to Max‘s room, but he found

it empty.

―In here,‖ Jennifer called from the bathroom.

Jonathan hurried to find Jennifer holding Max‘s head over the toilet bowl.

―I don‘t know how long he‘s been in here, but it just keeps coming,‖ she said. ―He‘s

disoriented too.‖

―Is he warm?‖

―No.‖ Jennifer said confusion etched in her voice.

He squatted down in front of them and pressed a hand to Max‘s head.

Max responded with a weak push of his hand against his. ―Stop ....‖

―Tell me what hurts Max,‖ Jonathan said with force driven by fear.

―No,‖ he squirmed, pushing away from Jennifer without success. ―Let me go.‖

―Are you going to be sick?‖ Jennifer asked.

There was a pause and then his body heaved. Jennifer lifted him back to the toilet as he

dry heaved in the bowl.

―What‘s wrong with him?‖ She looked to Jonathan.

He shook his head. ―I don‘t know. Let me call Dr. Lewis.‖

―Aren‘t the phones down?‖

―Let me try the cell phone.‖ He sprinted to the living area to find his phone. He returned a

few minutes later. ―Yes, he had the flu last week. But he‘s been better for several days,‖ he said

into the phone. Jennifer looked to Jonathan relieved that they still had service and eager to know

what the doctor would say.

―He‘s vomiting and seems disoriented.‖

Jonathan listened then said, ―He did seem a little defiant this evening. And he‘s a little

combative.‖

There was another long pause. ―No, he‘s conscious.‖

Another pause. ―No, no convulsions....‖

―We may be snowed in…..‖

―Oh God. Is there anything we can do now?‖

The break in Jonathan's voice ripped through Jennifer's heart. "What?‖

Jonathan nodded. ―Okay. Thank you Dr. Lewis. Yes I will.‖

He hung up the phone. Jennifer could see the worry … no panic in his eyes. ―Dr. Lewis is

worried it could be Reyes Syndrome.‖

―Reyes Syndrome?‖

―Yes. If it is, we need to get Max to the hospital right away.‖

―Is it fatal?‖

Jonathan looked to Jennifer‘s eyes. ―Yes.‖

―Oh god no.‖

―I‘m going to call 911 and see what I can do to dig us out of here.‖

Jennifer nodded. ―I‘ll stay with Max.‖

Jonathan left the room. Jennifer pulled Max to her despite his protest.

―Max, look at Mommy.‖

―No, let me go.‖

―Please Max,‖ Jennifer said as tears dropped from her eyes.

Jonathan came back in. ―I can‘t get help out here. The roads are impassible.‖

―Helicopter?‖

He shook his head. ―Too much wind. I‘m going to get the car out.‖

―What if you can‘t? If the rescue people can‘t…‖

―I‘m more motivated.‖

Jennifer watched as he headed out of the room. She heard him in the living area, probably

putting on warm clothes and then she heard the door open and shut.

Chapter Three

For every shovel of snow Jonathan was able to get off the car, another two shovel fulls

seemed to cover it. But his desperation wouldn‘t let him stop. He was cold, deep down to the

bone cold. But inside he was hot with panic and fear. He couldn‘t fail Max or Jennifer. He

wouldn‘t.

―Excuse me, sir.‖

Jonathan whirled around hoping a medic had made it through somehow. He found a man,

staggering towards him.

―I‘m sorry to bother you. My car broke down…‖

Jonathan heard the same fear and desperation in the man before him.

―You‘re welcome to stay in our cabin. The power is out but it's warm. I‘m sorry I can‘t

bring you in. My son is sick and I need to dig out.‖

―The roads are terrible …‖

―I have to get out.‖

The man nodded. ―Thank you sir. Thank you so much.‖

Jonathan nodded and went back to work.

―Jonathan?‖ Jennifer called from the bathroom.

―Excuse me ma‘am‖

Jennifer jumped up. ―Who are you?‖

―Your husband said I could come in. My car broke down. I saw the lights of your

cabin…‖

Jennifer nodded.

"Is that your son? Your husband said he wasn‘t well.‖

―He‘s very sick.‖

―I‘m sorry. Is there something I can do to help?‖

―Are you a doctor?‖

He shook his head. ―I‘m afraid not.‖

―You're welcome to help yourself to some food. We don‘t have power but there is an iron

kettle if you want to warm some water by the fire and make tea.‖

―Thank you. You‘re very kind. I won‘t be in your way.‖

The heaving had stopped, but it had taken a toll on Max. He was tired and wanted to

sleep but Jennifer was terrified that if he did he wouldn't wake up. She brought him to the living

room and set him on the couch.

"Let's see if we can see Santa come," she said. When Max didn't ask about Santa making

it through the fire burning in the fireplace, she knew he wasn't well. She looked up to the

heavens and prayed it was just the flu like he'd had the week before. It was then she noticed the

man by the fire.

"Thank you for helping me," he said again. "My name is Nick by the way."

"I'm Jennifer. This is Max." She wasn't sure where her manners were coming from. It

seemed surreal to be exchanging names with a stranger when her son could be dying.

"What does he have?" Nick asked.

"I don't know," she said not able to bring herself to say the illness that might claim her

son.

"But it's bad?"

She nodded.

"I experienced a miracle tonight in finding your cabin. Tonight, Christmas Eve is a night

of miracles. Maybe it'll bring you one."

A part of Jennifer was angered by the comment. She couldn't rely on a miracle. She had

to get her son to a doctor. But another part of her understood he was trying to provide comfort

Nick rubbed his hands together and then stood. "I'm feeling better. I'll go help your

husband."

The door burst open. The wind howled through the room as Jonathan and Nick entered.

With effort they closed the door. Jonathan stood in the middle of the room, looking down on his

wife and son.

He swallowed hard. "I can't get out."

Jennifer closed her eyes trying to keep the panic from overwhelming her.

"Even if I could dig the car out, I wouldn't be able to go anywhere."

She could see the terror in his eyes. The same terror that burned deep in her gut. She

wanted to tell him to keep trying, but she understood that it had cost him something to admit

defeat. If he couldn't get them out, then no one could.

"I'm sorry," he said simply.

He moved out of the room and Jennifer could hear him in the bedroom. She determined

he was probably changing out of wet clothes. A few minutes later he came back into the room.

"I think I‘m a little bigger than you, but here are some dry clothes," he said handing the

clothes to Nick who had returned to the warmth of the fire.

"Thank you." Nick looked to Jonathan. "You're very kind to me especially under the

circumstances."

Jonathan nodded. He took a breath and then turned to Jennifer. It had seemed to her that

the breath was his attempt to gather his courage. She knew his heart had to be breaking and his

soul dying that he had failed. She reached her hand out to him, wanting the contact with him.

Wanting to let him know that she understood he'd done all he could.

Jonathan knew she was attempting to console him, to tell him he wasn't a failure. But it

didn't alleviate the utter helplessness he felt. He took her hand, giving it a quick squeeze then let

it go.

"You must be hungry. Let me see what –"

"Please. Don't concern yourself with me. Your wife and son need you."

Jonathan looked to Nick. He didn't want to play host, but he also didn't want to sit around

and wait for his son to die either. At least being busy he felt useful.

"If you get hungry you can help yourself to whatever we have," he said.

"There are some leftovers in the fridge," Jennifer added. "There are cast iron skillets that

you can use to heat with the fire."

"Fortunately I had some food before I got stranded," the man said. "I think I'll be fine."

"I'll make a fire in the fireplace in our room," Jonathan said to Jennifer. "We can stay in

there with Max and Nick can stay here on the couch by this fire."

"Can I help you build the fire?" Nick asked.

Jonathan shook his head. "No, that's fine. Thank you anyway."

Jonathan got the fire built and then brought Jennifer and Max into the room. "One of us

should probably stay up," he said.

She nodded. "I'll do it."

"Are you sure?"

"You must be exhausted from all the shoveling. Get some rest," she assured him as she

sat in the rocking chair cradling her son.

"Wake me if you need me."

"I will."

Jonathan climbed under the sheets and blankets, but he couldn't sleep. His mind wouldn't

settle. Instead it searched for possible ways he could get Max to a doctor. But as the wind howled

and the snow continued to fall, he determined it would take an act of God to get them out.

"Oh God!"

Jonathan bolted up and out of the bed. "What?"

"I …ah…." Jennifer looked up at him. "I thought he was having a seizure or something."

Jonathan looked down on the still body of his son. He looked peaceful enough.

"Maybe it was just a shiver."

"Why don't I take a turn?" Jonathan said.

"No. I'm fine," Jennifer clutched at Max as if she were afraid Jonathan would rip him

from her arms. For some reason that made him mad.

"You're tired. Get some rest."

She shook her head. "I'm fine," she said with an edge. "Just because I mistook a shiver

for something serious doesn't mean I can't care for him."

"I didn't say you couldn't," he said feeling the edge creep into his tone as well. "But I'd

like a turn too, Jennifer."

Jennifer looked up at her husband. There was annoyance and despair in his eyes. She

realized that he hadn't been criticizing her. Instead he needed the same thing she needed. To feel

Max close.

"Okay," she said. She stood and handed Max to Jonathan.

"He seems like a healthy sleeping boy," she said pushing a strand of his auburn hair out

of his face. She looked to Jonathan hoping he could give her some sort of confirmation that all

was as peaceful as it looked. He gave a nod, but couldn't give her what she needed.

Jennifer settled under the covers and wondered how she'd get any rest. She knew

Jonathan hadn't. He'd tossed and turned the entire time. It would be the same for her.

Chapter Four

Somewhere between sleep and wakefulness she lingered until a pounding on the door had

her bolting up. Jonathan was already out of the chair and handing Max over to her. It was still

dark out, but she could see that the edges of light were making their way through the darkness.

Jonathan left without a word. A few moments later he was back, ordering her to get Max

covered in warm blankets as he threw on his coat and gloves.

"What's going on?"

"Rescue squad is here. They're taking Max to the hospital."

Jennifer got up and quickly wrapped Max in the bedding then put on her coat and gloves

as well. She was glad she'd gone to bed in her clothes as she wouldn't have wanted to go out in

the cold in her pajamas even with her coat and gloves. By the time she was finished, Jonathan

was carrying Max out of the room. She ran to keep up.

"This way," the man said to Jonathan. They headed out the door with Jennifer in tow.

"You have to hike a bit," she could hear the man saying. "We couldn't get all the way up

the drive."

"How did you know to come?" Jennifer called to the man.

"The emergency call last night. Just because we can't make at the time, doesn't mean we

don't work to get there as soon as possible."

"I can't believe you were able to get here at all."

"It's a surprise to us as well. We can often navigate the main roads when they're bad, but

not these side roads. But some of the snow was already driven over when we got here. We

determined I could hike the rest of the way."

"It's a miracle," Jennifer said.

To Jennifer the ride took forever. She wanted them to drive faster even though the roads

were slick and more than once they nearly slid into the embankment. The hospital staff was

waiting when they arrived and whisked Max away. She and Jonathan followed, but were

prevented from entering the emergency room. Instead they could only watch through windowed

doors as doctors and nurses poked and prodded. They could hear Max protesting and asking for

them.

Jennifer felt Jonathan's arm go around her. "I hate to hear him cry out like that," he said.

"But it's better than not having treatment and not knowing."

She nodded in agreement as she turned into him and wept.

"How is he?" Jonathan asked when the doctor came out.

"To be honest. He seems fine."

"Are you sure?" Jennifer asked.

"Well, we'd like to keep him here a little bit longer just to be sure. But he's lucid and

coordinated and not showing any signs of anything beyond a cold."

"What about Reyes Syndrome?" Jonathan asked. "Our doctor was concerned it could be

that."

"Yes, that was my concern as well. But my guess is that he was just over excited. I

imagine Christmas is a big deal in your family."

"But he was vomiting and so combative," Jennifer said.

"Perhaps it was too many Christmas cookies."

Jonathan could see the doctor was trying to help Jennifer lighten up, but after the night

they'd spent, he would have hoped for a doctor with a little more tact.

"He's going to be fine. He may have had a relapse of the flu. And again, excitement can

sometimes change children's behavior. But as I said, we'll keep him and watch him for a bit just

to be sure."

"Can we see him?" they asked together.

"Yes. Of course. But I suggest you put on your smiley faces. You don't want to alarm him

any more than he is."

Several hours later, a sheriff's deputy was driving the Harts back to their cabin.

"Sure was lucky that the rescue people were able to get to you," said their driver.

"Yes."

"He said some of the roads had been driven on." Jennifer said.

"I wonder if that could have been …" Jonathan and Jennifer looked at each other.

"Did you tell Nick we were leaving?"

Jonathan shook his head. "I didn't even think about him."

"He must think we're so rude."

"I'm sure he'll understand," Jonathan said.

"I hope Santa came," Max said.

Jonathan's eyes caught Jennifer's again. Neither of them had put the presents out. Max

was going to walk in on an empty tree. Jonathan could see the anguish in Jennifer's eyes.

"We'll think of something," he said.

"This is as far as I can go," said the deputy. "You'll have to hoof it from here."

"Let's wrap you up Max," Jennifer said.

"I don't have shoes."

"Your dad will carry you."

"Can we go fast? I want to see what Santa brought me."

Jennifer ignored the comment. Jonathan searched his mind for some story to tell Max.

The hike that seemed to take forever in the wee hours of the morning, was going all too fast as he

carried Max up the drive.

As they walked up the steps, Jonathan turned Max in his arms. "Max, I need to tell you

something. Something about Santa."

"Did you see him?" Max asked.

As Jennifer opened the door, Max wriggled until Jonathan was afraid he'd drop him.

"Hold on Max," he said, but it was no use. Max slid from his arms and bolted through the door.

Jonathan's eyes closed as he waited to hear the disappointment in his son's voice.

"Jonathan?"

He opened his eyes to find Jennifer looking dumbfounded towards the tree. He stepped

into the cabin. Max was moving around the tree, trying to decide which of the many gifts he

wanted to open first.

"Did you do that?" Jonathan asked even though he knew she hadn't.

She shook her head. "Maybe Nick?"

Remembering their guest from the night before, Jonathan looked towards the fireplace

but no one was there. "I wonder where he went?"

"I'll check the back rooms," Jennifer said.

"When can we open presents?" Max asked.

"Just a minute, Max," Jennifer said. "We want to see if Nick wants to join us."

"He left already," Max said. But Jennifer was already up the hall, while Jonathan was

heading to the kitchen to make coffee.

"He's gone," Jennifer said as she sat near Max.

"I hope he's alright," Jonathan said handing her a cup of coffee.

"Can we open presents now, pleeeeeese?"

Jennifer laughed. "Well I've already got my present," she said ruffling Max's hair.

Not wanting to put him through anymore agony, Jonathan handed him a present. "Merry

Christmas, Champ."

"What a day," Jennifer said as she entered their bedroom after tucking Max into bed.

"Do you think he'll be alright? Maybe we should have headed home or found a place

closer to town," Jonathan said.

"He's fine." She started to undress. "He's had a fabulous Christmas. I don't think he even

remembers the hospital at this point."

"I really thought he was sick," he said has he opened his dresser drawer. "How could I

have been so wrong?"

"I thought he was sick too. Maybe the doctor was right. Maybe he was over excited and

we were over worried."

"Maybe," Jonathan said, but he didn't quite believe it. "This is weird."

"What?" she said buttoning up her pajama top.

"The clothes I gave to Nick. They're folded in the drawer."

"That was nice of him."

Jonathan looked up. "Exactly where I had them before."

Her brows pulled together.

"Like I never took them out," Jonathan said looking into the drawer again to make sure

he'd seen what he thought he'd seen

"That is weird."

He gave his head a shake as he pulled out his own pajamas. When he was done putting

them on, he pulled on his robe and headed out to the living area.

"Where are you going?" Jennifer asked.

"I just want to check something."

She followed him out. They found Max taking an ornament off the tree.

"What are you doing Max?" Jonathan asked.

Max turned to them. "I forgot. The angel asked me to give this to you."

Jonathan looked to Jennifer, who shrugged.

"What is it?" he asked, moving towards Max.

"I don't know." He held it out for Jonathan. "He just said to give it to you."

"Do you mean Nick?" Jennifer asked. "The man that was here last night?"

Max nodded. "Yes. The angel."

"He wasn't an angel, honey," she said. "He got stuck in the storm so we let him stay out

here on the couch."

Max shook his head. "No. He stayed in your room."

"What?" Jonathan said.

Max looked to him. "By the chair."

"The chair? You mean the rocking chair?" Jennifer asked.

Max nodded. "Yes."

"Max it was just you and me and your dad in the room."

"No it wasn't. The angel was there. I saw him."

Jennifer looked to Jonathan but he was studying the ornament.

"Well, he's gone now and you should be in bed." She took his hand and led him back up

the hall.

"What do you make of all that?" Jennifer asked when she returned. Jonathan was standing

by the fireplace, lost in thought. "Jonathan?"

His eyes lifted to hers. "I think he saw an angel last night."

Her eyes widened in surprise.

"I think we all did."

"What?" she couldn't believe what she was hearing. Jonathan was one of the most down

to earth people she knew. Surely he understood that Nick was a man needing refuge.

He held up the ornament and she took it from him. Studying it she saw it was a golden

medallion with a bust of a man etched into it. "What is it?"

"It's Saint Nicholas."

"Santa Claus?"

"Sort of. He's the Patron Saint of Children."

She studied his eyes to determine if he truly believed what he was saying. The

conviction…awe in his eyes … told her he did.

"No. If he were an angel he would have helped Max sooner. Gotten us out of here."

Jonathan took the ornament back. "He did help Max. And he did get us out of here

sooner. It was his car that left the tracks."

"Since when do angels drive?"

Jonathan turned away from her and she felt it like a slap. He probably felt the same at her

rejection of his idea. But how could it be true?

"It‘s the only thing that makes sense," he finally said. "Max was sick. You and I both

know it. But once Nick was here, Max settled. The rescue people got here despite the odds. You

saw the roads Jennifer. And the doctor thought we were nuts because Max wasn't sick. Not

anymore. And the presents. And this." He held out the ornament.

"But he was a real man."

"They can do that."

"Do what? Do you really believe this?"

He gave a sheepish smile. "I was raised by nuns." Then his face turned serious. "There

are a lot of things that happen in the world that we can't understand, Jennifer. And some of it

can't be explained by another means than there is something bigger than us."

"Why us? Why Max? Not that I don't want a miracle for Max, but of all the suffering in

the world, he chose Max. But where was he -" Jennifer bit off her question, not wanting to

remember all the praying she'd done as a teenager that had failed to bring back her mother.

Jonathan hooked a finger under her chin and drew her eyes to his. "Why wasn't there an

angel for your mother?"

She drew away. Usually it was a comfort when Jonathan could read her so thoroughly.

But now she felt a bit childish and ungrateful and he knew it.

"If there's one thing I've learned from growing up in a Catholic orphanage, it's that we

don't know … are not to know the why of it all. Maybe there was an angel there for your mother.

Maybe Max will grow up and cure disease. Maybe he'll save someone else who'll give back in

ways we've never dreamed of. I don't know. No one does. I think it's part of what we need to

learn about life."

Jennifer remembered the comment Nick had made about miracles and that she might

experience one as well. Could it be true? Could the man that had sought refuge have been the

barer of a miracle? Hadn't she thought it was a miracle that the rescue people had made their way

through the snow?

Jennifer turned back to him. "I always thought angels had wings and wore white flowing

robes."

"In the Bible they appear in ways that often caused fear and a sense of unworthiness in

those who they appeared to. Maybe they decided it would be better to be more subtle."

Jennifer looked at the medallion again and tried to equate the man who'd sat by the fire

with the image in the ornament.

"Plus there are many different kinds of angels," Jonathan added.

"Did the nuns teach you that?" Jennifer asked now wishing she'd paid more attention in

Sunday School.

"No, that came later when I wanted to know why I ended up an orphan and Shirley

Temple was a movie star."

Jennifer reached up to touch his cheek. "And what did you learn?"

"At the time," he said kissing her palm, "Nothing. But eventually I realized that we're

dealt a hand and have to play it to the best of our abilities. Sometimes, you get a bad hand, but

can still win the game. And sometimes, people with a good hand waste it."

"That sounds like something you'd hear from big Max."

"It is. And he was sort of an angel, when you think of all he did for me."

Jennifer took a deep breath as she let the previous night's events replay in her mind. "I

wish I'd been kinder to Nick," she finally said.

Jonathan pulled her to him. "You were very kind under the circumstances."

"What shall we do with this?" she asked about the ornament in Jonathan's hand.

"I think we should put it in Max's room."

"Good idea."

"Let me put out the fire and we can go to bed."

Once the fire was out, Jonathan took her hand and led her back to their room.

"There was a time I thought you were an angel," he said.

"Really?"

"When I met you, I had this feeling in my heart that I'd never felt before. And I felt saved

in a way."

"Saved?"

He laughed. "Not as in redeemed, but more like I was whole. Saved from being less than

I could be. With you, my life finally had purpose."

"I felt that too. Maybe you're an angel."

"I don't know that angels do the things we've been known to do," he said with a waggle of

his brows as he pushed her back on the bed.

"You don't think he's watching do you? Lurking to make sure everything is okay?"

Jonathan laughed. "No. Some things are sacred."

"Sex? Sacred?"

Jonathan kissed her lightly on the lips. "Love. Love is the most sacred thing there is."

Jennifer smiled, knowing he was right. "I love you," she whispered as she pulled him

closer to her.

He responded by taking her lips in a deep kiss that had her toes curling. It amazed her

that after all these years, his kiss could still do such things to her.

Together they undressed and found warmth under the down comforter. Jonathan used his

hands and lips to show her how much he adored her, admired her, revered her. Jennifer

responded in kind, pushing him back so she could savor the hard lines of his body. Unable to

hold back, she took him deep within her, savoring the feel of his hardness as it joined with her.

Being one with him was like heaven; filled with passion and pleasure and mixed with a love so

pure.

In one deft move, he had her on her back, his lips crushing hers, his hands gripping her

hips as he sought to bring them both to heaven. She moved under him, with him, seeking the

same release, the same pleasure.

"Jennifer," his voice strained from the effort to hold back for her.

It was all she needed to for her body to respond, sending her soaring. He moaned, as her

body clung to his, bringing him to his own release.

Jennifer lay with her head on his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart. His hand

gently played with the curls of her hair. "Merry Christmas, Darling."

Jennifer lifted her head and smiled. "Merry Christmas."

Till Death Do Us Part

Of all the stories I’ve written, this is the only one in which you might need a box of tissues. The idea

of this story came from the movie Regarding Henry, in which a husband is shot in the head and left

mentally impaired. In my version, I wondered what if Jonathan were terminally ill or impaired?

This story explores how the Harts would deal with the prospect of dying or living with limitations.

It includes Little Max, who is about 5 in this story.

Chapter One

Jennifer stepped out of the car, inhaling the fresh pine scent of the mountain air. "Isn't it

wonderful here?"

"Perfect," Jonathan said as he opened the back of the SUV to remove their bags.

"What a terrific idea you had to come up here."

"I've been known to have a few good ideas."

"Yes, you have." She leaned to him, pressing her lips to his. "Are there more?"

"Bags? No this is it."

" Ideas. Do you have more good ideas?"

He grinned. "Honey I have plenty. Especially since Max isn't with us on this trip."

"What a coincidence that he'd be invited to Disneyland with the Shepherds for the entire

weekend."

"Just because he isn't with us, doesn't mean he shouldn't have fun. Besides, Disneyland is

much more fun for kindergartners than the mountains with old people like us."

"Speak for yourself, old man."

Jennifer picked up her day bag and walked with Jonathan to the front door of the cabin.

She was happy to have a weekend alone with Jonathan, but she couldn't help feeling that this was

more than a pleasure trip for them. Over the last few weeks Jonathan had at times been distracted

even aloof, and then he'd become overly attentive. His sexual drive had picked up significantly.

Not that she was complaining. But if he were a woman, she'd think it was hormones.

Jonathan opened the door and let Jennifer precede him. But he didn't let her get far.

Dropping the bags, he caught her arm and pulled her to him. "I'm having an idea."

"Oh. Well, let's hear it," she said sliding her arms over his shoulders.

"It involves you and me, sans clothes, in front of the fire."

"So far I like that idea. Except there is no fire."

"Then we'll have to make our own."

She let him lead her towards the stone hearth at the base of which laid a thick faux fur

rug. She smiled up at him, waiting for him to kiss her and take her breath away. He didn't

disappoint her, but for one moment, before his lips touched hers, she thought she saw sadness in

his eyes. In an instant the thought was gone as his kiss delivered the punch it always did.

She sank down to the rug with him as they shed their clothes. She sighed as she felt the

weight of him on her.

"I can't get enough of you," he whispered as his lips made their way over her face, down

her neck. Their love making had many facets depending on their mood, but lately he was always

slow and very thorough as opposed to some of the playful and more energetic times. She didn't

mind it. In fact, Jonathan really knew how to draw out the sensuality and pleasure. But there was

a part of his love making that seemed desperate.

"Then touch me," she whispered back. He worked her body, bringing her pleasure, at

times taking her to the brink but never letting her tumble over.

He nudged her legs apart, and then kissing her deeply, he pressed himself inside her. She

responded immediately, crying out as her world shattered in his arms. She could feel him

gyrating against her, drawing out her pleasure. When her body settled, he lifted her hips, and

sank deeper into her. Jennifer helped him by pulling her knees up and wrapping them around his

waist.

He rested his forearms by her head, letting his fingers play in her hair as he kissed her

again.

"Is something wrong?" she asked as he lifted his head to look down on her.

"Everything is perfect." His thumb outlined her mouth, caressed her cheek. "I love you so

much Jennifer."

She smiled, reaching up to press her palm against his cheek. "I love you too."

He searched her eyes, her lips. "I wish I could keep this moment forever. You're always

beautiful, but there is something about you right after you've made love."

"After? I think we're only about half way done," she said arching her hips to his.

He groaned. "I'm trying to have a moment here."

There was amusement in his eyes, but she could see he was serious. For something so

wonderful, to Jennifer it felt so … sad.

"Let me know when you're ready." Then, knowing it would drive him mad, she stretched

reaching her arms over her head. The movement lifted her breasts and shifted her hips.

"Moments over," he said as he levered his body and began to move in long slow strokes.

"Mmmm." Jennifer's hands slid down his back and pulled him to her.

His head dipped and nipped at her breast. Her body responded and soon she was moving

with him in a rhythm only they could find until their pleasure consumed them both.

Jonathan watched as Jennifer slept beside him. They were still naked, their bodies tangled

under the blanket from the couch. Their bags were still sitting at the door and there still wasn't a

fire in the fireplace. None of that mattered. All that mattered was being her with her, immersing

himself in her.

She must think he'd developed psychiatric condition or a sex addition. His behavior over

the last few weeks was erratic. He was sorry for it. Knew she could see it. And while she asked

him about it, she respected his space when he told her nothing was wrong.

It was a lie of course. The only time he'd lied to her. But he hadn't been ready. He still

wasn't ready. But it was time.

"You're watching me again."

He smiled. "Can't help it."

She raised her head and kissed him. "I'm glad."

"Are you hungry?"

"A little," she admitted.

"Why don't you get us something to eat? George said he'd stocked the kitchen this

morning. And while you do that, I'll make the fire."

"Okay."

"Let me get your robe." He hated to move away from her. Hated the loss of contact. But

he rose and pulled her robe from her suitcase, grabbing his while he was at it.

By the time the fire was built, Jennifer had put together a small meal of cheese, bread,

fruit and wine. A picnic by the fire couldn't be any more romantic so he'd wait to tell her. But

soon she stopped eating and simply sat against the couch watching the fire.

He set his plate aside and turned to her. "Jennifer?"

"Yes?" She turned to him, her eyes so beautiful as they looked to him.

"I have something I need to tell you."

Her face fell. "That doesn‘t sound good."

He could see in her eyes that she was expecting bad, but was hoping that whatever it was,

it was fixable.

"Remember those headaches I was having?"

She nodded, her eyes growing more worried. Why couldn't he just say it?

"I finally went to the doctor."

She stiffened, braced herself. Hadn't he done the same? "And?"

God he hated to do this. Hated what it was going to do to her. "It's not good."

A single tear fell. "What is it?"

"It‘s a tumor."

"Oh God." She reached out to him. "But they can operate. There's treatment."

Jonathan felt the dampness on his cheeks, knew she could see in his eyes the truth of

things. He shook his head. "No-" His throat closed as his heart leapt into his throat. God, he

couldn't do this. "It's … not treatable. I'm … dy-"

"NO! It's wrong. You're fine. You haven't had a headache –" She clutched at him, her

eyes and words begging him to take it back.

"I've been taking medicine."

"Noooooo…" she shook her head. "There are specialists. Maybe Switzerland or –"

He wrapped his arms around her, pulled her to him as much for himself as for her. "I sent

my records all over the world, baby. They all say the same thing. There's nothing they can do."

Her eyes widened in surprise. "How long have you known about this?"

"Two weeks."

"Two weeks! Two weeks and you're only now just telling me," she said as she pushed

away from him.

He let her go. Somehow her anger was easier to deal with than her grief. "I'm sorry. I

know I should have told you sooner, but I couldn't."

"Couldn't tell me?" She was hurt. She was scared, crazy with grief and now hurt.

"I just couldn't let go of my life just yet. I knew once you knew, everything would

change. The way you looked at me …" he shook his head. "I had to have more time to pretend

everything was okay. To live my life, be with you and Max before it all changed."

Her eyes softened as she returned to his arms. "Oh God, Jonathan. Oh God-" her word

ended on a sob. All he could do was hold her and weep with her.

Jonathan woke to the sound of a crash. He sat up and realized that he and Jennifer,

exhausted from the night before, had fallen asleep right where they were and the sun was now

rising. Another crash had him looking towards the kitchen. Jennifer hurled a pot across the room

and she was reaching for something else to throw. His first instinct was to go to her, but he

understood the anger and frustration, so he let her go until her knees gave and she crumpled to

the floor. Then he was with her, holding her, rocking her, telling he loved her.

"Don't leave me," she said on a sob.

It broke his heart. To leave her, to hear the pain and fear in her voice was by far the most

difficult part of his illness. The dying he could accept. But causing her such grief - that was

unbearable.

He held her as she wept, wishing more than anything he could stop it and knowing it was

hopeless. Soon her body settled and her tears subsided. "Look at the mess I made."

He kissed her temple. "You should have seen the corporate apartment when I got done

with it."

She looked up into his eyes. He smiled. "I had to get a cleanup crew and hire an interior

decorator to fix the damage."

"Oh Jonathan." Her hand reached up to touch his face. "I'm being selfish-"

"Selfish? Darling-"

"You're the one who … who… and here and I am having a fit when I should be

supporting you, not the other way around."

He smiled at her. "No. I've had a little more time to deal with the news. And this affects

you just as much as me. Maybe even more. " The truth is he felt her situation was more difficult.

If it were reversed, he wasn't sure how'd he be able to go one without her. If one of them had to

go he preferred it to be him. "And because I have, I've come to some decisions."

"Oh?"

"We can't help to feel sad and angry, but I don't want whatever time I have left to be

about dying. I want it to be about living. That's why we're here. I want to fill the time with as

much joy and laughter with you as I can."

She sniffed and attempted to pull herself together. "You're right. I'm sorr-"

"Don't be sorry. There will still be tears and tantrums. But I don't want them to take up to

much of the precious time I have with you and Max."

She nodded. "Okay." She wrapped her arms around him and he was soothed by having

her hold him tightly. "How much time are we talking about?"

"Six months, give or take."

Her face crumbled, but he could tell she was trying to hold back. "Its okay baby," he said

gathering her even closer. "Let it out."

Her face buried into his chest as she wept again.

During the first part of the horseback ride to the lake, Jennifer found it difficult to enjoy

or appreciate the beauty of the mountain scenery. But then it occurred to her that perhaps this

was their last time at the lake. Knowing that Jonathan was probably taking it all in as he'd never

had before and she should do the same.

At the lake, they tied the horses to a tree and spread their lunch on a blanket.

"It‘s a perfect day," Jonathan said.

Perfect? Jennifer wondered how he could do that. She felt ready to crumble from the

feeling of impending loss. He turned to her. She nodded, but couldn't speak.

Reaching out, he touched her face. "You know, when you have a situation like mine,

there's a tendency to want to insure you've done everything in you life that you've wanted to do."

She nodded. "Did you make a list?"

"The interesting thing is that my list isn't about big things. For a long time I wanted to go

Everest and into space. I could probably do that. I've got enough money."

Jennifer smiled.

"But my list doesn‘t' have big things. It has things like teach Max how to tie his shoes

and make love to you."

Jennifer couldn't help but feel touched by his words. Of course he would recognize what

was really important.

"You know, in all the years we've been coming here, we've never made love out here."

"You have some fantasies too?"

"You bet," he said with a wink.

Jennifer moved her lunch to the side and went to him. It was surprising to her that they

never had made love at the lake. The last couple of years, little Max was usually with them, but

before that, they'd ride out to the lake, and then later make love in front of the fire.

"Aren't you afraid you'll get sunburned?"

"Nah. You can be on top." Then he pulled her close and kissed her deeply and thoroughly

with so much love. "Touch me Jennifer. Make me live."

Jennifer swallowed the lump in her throat, found strength from somewhere, and then

determined that she would do just that.

Her hands slid inside his shirt, caressing and massaging his chest. She helped him pull it

over his head and then she used her hands and lips to touch and taste. She could feel his heart

beating under lips could feel the life in him and vowed to make it as perfect for him as she could.

They undressed and lay together, taking their time as their hands explored. Jennifer

finally understood his need to take time, go slow, to savor every moment, every feeling. Her

emotions were at war. On the one hand, the joy and pleasure were so perfect. On the other hand

they only served as a reminder of what she would be missing. But she put that out of her mind

and instead focused on him. Always him.

She straddled his body, drawing out the moment when they would become one. He sat

up, putting his hands on her waist, he pulled her to him. "I need you. I need you," he said as he

guided her to him.

She sunk down on him, filling herself with his power and love. She wrapped her arms

around him and simply held on. "I don't ever want it to end," she whispered. "I love you,

Jonathan. I love you so much. Hold me."

His arms wrapped around her, held her tight as they sat, joined body to body, heart to

heart, soul to soul. But nature had its own ideas, and soon instinct had her moving on him,

around him. His lips found her breast piercing pleasure through her. They took each other higher

and higher, until together, the leapt over the edge.

Later they relaxed together in the hammock. Jennifer savored the feel of his arms,

holding her. She pretended that they would be like this forever.

"I want you do know that everything is taken care of…"

She turned her head to look at him; slightly annoyed that he was bursting her bubble even

if was a pretend one. "I'm not worried about money."

"Who knows who's going to come out of the woodwork and claim to be an illegitimate

child or an heir?" It certainly had happened already. "But I've talked with Gabe, and he'll take

care of everything."

"He knows?" Jennifer asked referring to Jonathan's lawyer, Gabe Tolleson.

"I don‘t' want to have to worry about anything. I just want to focus on you." He leaned in,

kissed her firmly. "Part of that is making sure you and Max will be okay when I'm gone."

She could feel the tears coming again and she let them. "How will we ever be okay?"

"Jennifer," he whispered and pulled her to him.

She didn't want to talk about his plans, but she had to admit, it was nice to know that

someone else would be handling the aftermath. Jennifer shuttered at the media attention it would

get. She and Max wouldn't be allowed to grieve in private.

As if he could read her mind Jonathan said, "I also think you think about spending some

time away, maybe in Maryland, maybe Europe."

As much as he had a point, Jennifer shook her head. "It will be hard enough for Max to

be without you, I don't want to change his home either. He'll need…I'll need to stay."

Jonathan nodded. She could see in his eyes, the mental note he made to do something

about helping protect their privacy. She wouldn't be surprised if there were security guards 24/7

around the house once he was gone.

"Max. What are we going to tell him?"

"I've talked to a social worker, who suggested we don't say anything until I become …

sick."

Jennifer swallowed. She didn't want to hear about what was to come. "I don't like lying to

him about something so important."

"I agree. But the social worker said since he's only five, he won't really understand at this

time and it may cause him additional stress."

"Okay." She wasn't sure how she was going to hide this from him. She knew kids were

very intuitive. Surely Max would pick up on her grief and despair.

"I haven't said anything at the office either. I have made plans to put Nick in charge.

Since I've periodically handed over the reins in the past, no one thinks it's unusual."

"You'll have to say something at some point."

He nodded. "I know. I should say something now so there is time to plan…" he trailed

off. Jennifer looked into his eyes and saw the pain. So they would put it away for now.

"So tell me more about these fantasies."

He smiled and his pain turned to gratitude. "They are vast and many."

Chapter Two

It was difficult, but Jonathan was able to get through the weekend focused on savoring

every moment with Jennifer. It was a bigger challenge for her, but she tried and he'd always be

grateful for that.

They returned home in time to have dinner and spend the evening with Max. There was a

time when Jonathan thought he'd never marry and or have children. Even when he'd married

Jennifer, their life together had been so full, so perfect; he'd thought it was enough. Then she was

pregnant and life took on a whole new meaning.

He'd finished helping Max tie his shoes and now watched him as he played with his

trucks. Jonathan could see Jennifer's determination in the face of his son. Max had his smile,

which meant the world would be laid at his feet. That and the fact that he was the son of

Jonathan Hart. But Max had an innate intelligence and kindness that would make him a success.

Jonathan wondered what he would grow up to become. Would he someday be the head of Hart

Industries? Or would he drive a dump truck as his heart desired now? Sadness filled Jonathan as

he realized he would never know. He wouldn't see Max graduate from high school or college.

Wouldn't watch him get married or play with his children. He couldn't stop the tears that came

from that knowledge.

"I'll be right back."

Jennifer looked at him, and as if she understood, she nodded and let him go. At the bar he

poured two fingers of whisky, downed it and then poured two more. At least he didn't have to

worry about cirrhosis.

"Do you need anything?" Jennifer asked from behind him.

He gave a weak smile. "Just time."

She wrapped her arms around him, held him tight and he let himself go. He let the tears

come knowing she was there to catch him as he fell.

"Daddy?"

Jonathan quickly pulled himself together. Lifting his head, Jennifer wiped his tears. "Yes

Champ?" he said turning to him.

"Why are you sad?"

Jonathan looked down on his observant son. "I'm not now." He lifted the boy to his arms.

"Do you know that I'm the luckiest man alive?"

"Out of the whole world?"

Jonathan laughed. "Yes. Out of the whole world. Do you know why?"

"Because you own it?"

Jonathan laughed again. "Who told you that?"

"I heard Mrs. Shepherd said that you owned the know world."

"Known world?" Jennifer asked.

"Yes. Do you own the world?"

"Not the world, but I own a lot. But that's not why I'm the luckiest man. It's because I

have you and your mother. No one else has that. Just me."

Max grinned, showing a dimple. "I have mommy too. Does that make me the luckiest?"

"It sure does, Champ. It sure does."

Later, Jonathan found Jennifer soaking in the tub. A spear of lust shot through him, but

he bit it back. She was probably sore considering all the times he made love to her during their

trip. He wondered what it meant that in his last days all he seemed to think about was sex. But it

was more than sex. It was a need to be a part of her and her of him. To fuse his heart and his soul

with hers. To try to fill a lifetime of love and passion into whatever time he had left.

He knelt by the tub picking up a wash cloth.

"Want to join me?" she asked, her message clear. She was ready for more.

He smiled. "I just want to be with you." He dipped the cloth in the water and then used it

to wash her shoulders.

She closed her eyes; letting him wash her, watch her.

"Do you know how damned beautiful you are?"

Her lips curled. "You make me so."

"I don't see how."

"You're love makes me happy, keeps me smiling. And your virileness keeps me fit." She

opened one eye to see his response.

He grinned. "Your fitness keeps me virile."

He picked up the soap, lathering it in his hands; he massaged her shoulders and arms,

preferring to have the direct skin to skin contact. "Remember when I said I want these last

months to be about living? Fulfilling goals?"

"Yes."

"Well, it's not just mine. You gave up a lot to marry me-"

Her eyes shot open. "No. I gave up nothing."

"You were a frequent traveler, living the fast life in New York. I took you away from that

to be a corporate wife. I know that you made some sacrifices-"

"No Jonathan. I grabbed on to love, to you and found a life of happiness I'd never

dreamed possible. I've never felt like I lost anything, because I gained more than I could have

ever wanted."

He didn't protest, but he wasn't convinced. She reached to him, made him look into her

eyes. "Have you always thought this?"

He shrugged. "Not so much I guess. When you're handed your death sentence though,

you think about a lot of things. I just want to make sure that this time is also used to fulfill your

dreams for us."

She smiled. "I've had more than I deserved. Although, I may have a few fantasies."

He kissed her. "I can help with that."

Jennifer sat next to Jonathan in Dr. Spader's office. She couldn't imagine what it had

been for him to sit here, alone, getting news that he was terminally ill. It broke her heart to think

about the fear and pain.

"I see you finally told your wife," Dr. Spader said with a hint of disapproval for not

telling her sooner.

"I wish I'd been here for him and had known sooner," she said reaching for Jonathan's

hand. "But I understand why he kept it from me."

He nodded. "How is the medication helping with the headaches?"

"Fine," Jonathan said.

"It's likely they'll stop working as well as things progress. Let me know and I can

prescribe something stronger."

Jonathan nodded.

"I had wanted to talk to both of you today about planning, what to expect and making

hospice arrangements." He looked to Jennifer. "It was Jonathan's wish that he stay home for as

long as possible."

Jennifer nodded. They had discussed it already. Jonathan had in fact wanted to die at

home, but didn't want to traumatize Max and so agreed that eventually he should go into some

sort of hospice facility.

"I have some information for you," Dr. Spader said handing Jonathan a folder.

"Thank you," Jonathan said. She could see the reality of the situation hitting him hard,

just as it was for her.

"I understand you sent your files to other doctors."

Jonathan looked at him in surprise. "I hope you're not offended-"

Dr. Spader waved the comment away. "Not at all. I'd do the same. But I got a call from

Dr. Meyers from UVA in Virginia."

"I was told by everyone the same thing you told me."

"Yes, but Dr. Meyers doesn't practice medicine like the others do. He's in a teaching

hospital."

Jennifer could feel hope return. Was it possible that this Dr. Meyers could save Jonathan?

Could save her family?

There was a knock on the door. "That's likely him," Dr. Spader said. He stood from his

desk to open the door. "Ah, Dr. Meyer, thank you for coming. I was just telling the Harts about

you."

Jonathan stood to greet Dr. Meyers. Once the introductions were made, Dr. Meyers told

them all about his reason for traveling to Los Angeles.

"I happened across your file in Dr. Collier's office. After reviewing it, I thought I may be

able to help."

"So he can be cured?" Jennifer asked.

Dr. Spader still looked skeptical.

"Well, there are no guarantees. We've been trying some new surgical and treatment

options for conditions such as Mr. Harts. It's very experimental and doesn't have a track record. I

won't kid you. Its risky will little chance of success."

"How many people have undergone this treatment?" Jonathan asked. Jennifer could feel

the hope in the hand that clutched hers.

"Four. And the results are … well mixed."

"How mixed?"

"Two have survived the surgery and are living tumor free-"

"So far," Dr. Spader threw in.

"So far. We're about 6 months and one year from treatment date of those cases."

"What about the other two," Jennifer asked.

"One survived the surgery, but is in a coma. His prognosis is not good. The fourth died

during surgery."

"So it's a 75% survival rate," Jonathan said.

"Its 50%," Jennifer said.

"A coma is bad, but it's still life," Jonathan said.

"He's alive, but we don't expect him to ever regain consciousness," Dr. Meyer said.

Jennifer could see the wheels in Jonathan's head spinning. "When would I have to

decide?"

"The sooner the better. The more time that passes, the more the tumor grows. The brain,

as I'm sure you know, is a very delicate organ. The less we have to poke around in it the better."

"How soon is soon?"

"I'd like to have you in surgery by Friday." Dr. Meyer said. "We can do it here. This

facility has all the needed equipment and my team is on stand-by to fly out here."

"So you need to know now."

"Now would be optimal," Dr. Meyer agreed.

"Now? We need to think about this," Jennifer said as she saw her six months whittled

down to days.

Jonathan shook his head. "No. I'll do it."

"Jonathan. We really should talk about this." The panic threatened to consume her.

He took her hands. "The way I see it, I'm one-hundred percent dead in the next six

months or I have a fifty percent chance to die in your arms 50 years from now."

"But this week? And there is no guarantee. I need more time."

He put his arm around her, pulling her close. "I was ready to make the most of six months

when I believed there was no hope. But now there is a chance, and I have to take it. I need you to

understand that."

"But maybe there are other options. If Dr. Meyer came forward, maybe there are others."

She looked to the other doctors for confirmation but found none.

"Mrs. Hart," Dr. Spader said. "I don't feel there are any options for Mr. Hart. Dr. Meyer is

here because I would be remiss in not offering his opinion and skills. However, I'm not

optimistic."

"One way I die for sure. The other I die maybe," Jonathan said. His eyes were imploring

her to support him but she couldn't.

"You could be dead by Friday! I can't do that, Jonathan. I just can't." Unable to cope, she

ran from the room. She heard Jonathan call for her. She knew she was being unsupportive and

selfish, but dammit, she wasn't ready to say good-bye.

Jonathan found Jennifer standing by the car. He'd taken care of necessary paperwork,

which mostly consisted of waiving hospital liability. He didn't like the idea that he could be dead

by Friday any more than Jennifer did. But there was no way he could wait to die if there was

even a minuscule chance he could save himself.

She'd been crying and it pained him to know he'd been the cause of it.

"Jennifer-"

"I can't now Jonathan. I'm sorry, I just can't."

He nodded. He helped her into the car and drove her home. She didn't talk during the

drive, and retreated to their bedroom when they arrived home. He gave her the space she needed.

He understood her position even if he couldn't live by it.

But an hour later he began to feel resentment. He had precious little time either way, and

she was wasting it sulking. Determined to make her see his side, even if she wouldn't agree, he

headed upstairs. He found her sitting in the window seat. She'd been crying, a lot if the number

of crumpled tissues was any indication.

"Jennifer."

She turned to him. "I know what you're going to say."

"Really?" He saw the look of surprise in her eyes by his tone. "I'm dying Jennifer. Friday

or in September, I'm dying. And I'm not going to waste it what time I have. Are you?"

Jennifer swallowed hard as tears filled her eyes. His words were harsh, but they broke

through. She rose from the bed and launched herself into his arms. "I don't know how I'll survive.

Oh God Jonathan. What will I do?"

He held her. "You will survive. You're strong. You have Max and Ruthie and I know

you'll live life to the fullest because I want you to."

He knew they were just words. He believed them to be true, but knew she didn't think so.

It would be the same for him if the situation were reversed.

"I'm sorry. I'm just thinking of myself again."

"I understand. But you can feel sorry for yourself some other time because now is not

about dying. It's about living."

She wiped her tears. "You're doing the surgery."

He nodded and waited for her to argue. Instead she wrapped her arms around him. "Hold

me Jonathan. Hold me like you'll never let go."

"Only if you hold me too," he said as he pulled her close and pressed his face to her neck.

"We're back," Jonathan heard Ruthie call from the foyer.

"Max and Ruthie are home," Jonathan whispered to Jennifer. He wasn't sure if she'd

fallen asleep or not. They'd held each other for hours. At first just standing in the middle of the

room, and then later he pulled her into his lap on the window seat.

She stirred. "Okay. Let me freshen up."

He watched as she made her way to the bathroom and then headed down to greet Max

and Ruthie.

"How was your day Champ?"

"Daddy, you're home. Don't you work anymore? Kenny's daddy doesn't work anymore

either. He got a pink paper. Did you get a pink paper?"

Jonathan laughed. "No. I just want to spend more time with you and your mom. That's

okay isn't it?"

"Sure. You comin' to my t-ball game? I can hit hard and sometimes make it to second

base."

"I wouldn't miss it for the world." Jonathan fought tears as the realization hit him that this

could be the last t-ball game. Maybe Jennifer was right. Friday was too soon. How would be

ready to say good-bye in such a short amount of time?

"Hey Max!" Jennifer said as she descended the stairs.

"Mommy, guess what?"

Jennifer sat on the steps and Max took a seat next to her as he opened his backpack.

Jonathan realized that they had ritual. A ritual he usually missed because he was at work. How

much else had he missed?

"What?"

"Mrs. Wheeler said that we're goin' on a fieldtrip to see real life dinosaur bones." Max

handed Jennifer a paper. "Can you come too mommy? And you daddy?"

Jonathan looked into the hopeful eyes of his son.

"Its next month," Jennifer said looking to Jonathan. Then turning back to Max she said,

"I'm not sure of my schedule, but I'll try. If I can't go with you, can Ruthie go?"

Max shrugged. "I guess so. She's pretty fun. Do you think she's ever seen a real

dinosaur?"

"I don't know. Why don't you ask her?" Jonathan said with his tongue in his cheek.

"Jonathan! Max, don't ask Ruthie that. Why don't you go get your snack and then get

ready for t-ball."

"Okay," he said handing her a folder.

"What's that?" Jonathan asked after Max left the room.

"Just school papers I have to look at and sign." She picked up Max's backpack and hung

it up on a hook by the door. "I always tell him to hang this up and he never does."

Jonathan could see that she didn't really mind. Like him, she was seeing just how much

life was about to change. He moved to her, pressed a palm to his cheek. "You're a wonderful,

beautiful mother, Jennifer."

"Thank you."

He knew they would be fine if things didn't go well on Friday. He still hurt knowing he

would be missing so much, but he felt better knowing that Jennifer would manage and that Max

would have the best upbringing Jonathan could ever hope for.

"So do you think you'll ever wake up?"

Jennifer stirred as Jonathan's voice whispered to her. "What time is it?"

"Six."

"I don't have to get Max up until 6:30, you know that."

"I have plans for us today and we need to leave as soon as Max is on the bus." Jennifer

wondered at the wisdom of sending Max to school when they could be spending time with him.

But Jonathan wanted to keep Max's life as normal as possible for the next day or two. And as bad

as it sounded, Jennifer didn't want to share her time with Jonathan.

"Okay. What do I need to wear?"

"Something comfortable and sea worthy."

Sailing. Of course he'd want to go sailing. He loved the water and they'd had so many

marvelous adventures on their boat. "I'll get ready."

The boat slide across the water, the sea breeze misting in Jennifer's face. At the helm,

Jonathan looked strong and happy. It was a contrast Jennifer found difficult to accept. "I thought

we go to 'Oh Jonathan Cove'. Have a picnic. Maybe swim."

Jennifer laughed. It had been a long time since they'd been to 'Oh Jonathan Cove', a

secluded area off the coast where early in their marriage Jonathon had shown her just how

sensual and erotic he could be.

"Aye Aye Captain." She saluted him.

Once the boat was anchored, Jonathan helped her into the dingy and they made their way

to the small beach.

"My you've thought of everything," Jennifer said as Jonathan emptied the picnic basket of

sandwiches, champagne and strawberries with chocolate dip. "If I didn't know better, I'd think

you were expecting to get lucky."

He grinned and the beauty of it warmed her heart. "I already am lucky. I'm just hoping to

get you naked."

"If we'd brought our swim suits, we could swim. The water doesn't feel so cold today."

"Who needs swim suits?"

Jennifer thought he was right so she began to disrobe.

"Not hungry, eh?" Jonathan said as he watched her.

Jennifer smiled coyly. "You said this was all about getting me naked. I'm saving you the

hassle." She shed her last piece of clothing and was pleased at the dark, predatory look that had

grown in his eyes.

"Want to join me?" she said as she turned from him to enter the water. She dove in and

when she came up for air she found Jonathan tripping is way to the water as he tried to take off

his clothes and get to her.

Finally he was naked and she had a chance to marvel at his body. He really was perfect in

every way. He dove in, coming up from the depths to take her in her arms.

"Do you know what you do to me?" he asked once he given her a breathless kiss.

"I saw it bouncing on your way to the water."

He gave her a little shake. "The water isn't as warm as you said. It's hiding now."

"Oh, too bad," she said as she pressed her body against his. Her breast grazed his chest

sending wonderful currents of pleasure through her. She kissed him, firmly, passionately as her

hand reached down to cup him. "Come out. Come out wherever you are."

She saw something change in Jonathan eyes. The desire and need seemed to overwhelm

him as he grabbed her. He lifted her slightly so her breasts bobbled on the water. He eagerly took

one into his mouth, his teeth capturing the sensitive nipple and giving a slight tug. She could feel

the ripple of it right between her legs.

"Yes!" She encouraged him, nearly begged him to continue. Gone was the slow, tortuous

touch he'd used for so many weeks. Now it was need and lust pushing him, pushing her. She

wrapped her hands around his head, holding it to her breast. His mouth feasted on her breast, first

on one and then the other. His hand found her between her thighs, entered her deeply, catching

her off guard and sent her spiraling. "Oh god," she said as the orgasm took her.

"Oh Jonathan," he said. "Look at me. Say it."

His fingers continued to thrust, her body continuing to convulse. She wasn't sure how, but

she brought her eyes to his. It was wildly erotic.

"Say it," he demanded and slipped an additional finger inside her.

Once again her world went flying. "Oh Jonathan!"

As she found her way through the fog, he pulled her to him, entered her in one swift

thrust, eliciting another cry from her.

He hands held her, moved her over him, forcefully, up and down. His breathing was

labored, his eyes dark, his words erotically charged. She returned the words and it was all he

needed. His body jerked as he pulled her down hard and let go.

They lay on the beach, not bothering to dress. Jonathan rolled to his side.

"There's so much I want to say, but I can't seem to find the right words. I suppose that's

why I keep making love to you."

"This last time was my idea," Jennifer said turning her head to look at him.

He smiled. "Still. I can't seem to come up with anything poignant."

"You don't need to say anything to me. The way you look at me, touch me. It tells me all

I need to know."

"I've wondered if it would have been better that we hadn't met. It would have spared you

all this grief."

Jennifer shook her head. How he could think such a thing boggled her mind. "And what

about all the happiness and joy I would have missed? What about Max? I wouldn't change

anything about my life with you. Even with this. I'm still not sure how I'll survive, but even if I

knew then what I know now, I'd do it again."

He smiled, leaned to her, kissed her. "Me too. I guess I just needed to hear it."

"How about a strawberry?" Jennifer asked wanting to move away from the subject.

"Sounds good."

She dipped the red fruit in the chocolate, holding it up for him to eat. A drop of chocolate

dropped on his chest. He reached with his hand to wipe it.

"Let me," she said leaning over and lapping the drip with her tongue.

"That's dangerous," he said.

She held the strawberry over his lips as he took a bite. "I don't know. It didn't feel so

dangerous to me."

"Let me show you." He chose a strawberry, dipping it in the chocolate. "Lay back."

He used the strawberry to trace chocolate around her lips, down her neck, swirling around

her breasts. The chocolate was warm and smooth in contrast to the abrasiveness of the fruit. She

could feel her blood thicken and pool in response.

"My, you're messy," she said.

"I'm not the one with chocolate all over. But not to worry, I can help."

She would have responded but his lips were on hers, licking and laving as they worked

their way down. He shifted his body so that he could hover over her, each hand holding a breast

as his mouth feasted again.

"You're delicious," he said, his voice husky. His fingers dipped into the chocolate then

pressed against her abdomen, traced a line down, lower and lower. "I think there is better fruit

down here."

Her vision blurred as his fingers, covered in chocolate found the exquisite spot between

her legs. Then he moved up her body, letting his lips and tongue retrace the path of his fingers.

"Open for me," he whispered as his hands lifted her hips and his mouth found her center.

He was an expert with is tongue, sending her higher and higher until she was pleading for him to

take her over. His lips wrapped around her swollen nub, sucked. She cried out as he sent her to

the stars.

When her heart rate slowed and her vision cleared, she found him staring down on her.

"Tasty."

She laughed and pulled his lips to hers, tasting the exotic mixture of him, her and

chocolate.

"I'd like dessert too," she said pushing him back.

"I thought you were worried about too many sweets."

"I'll burn it off." She dipped her fingers in the warm melted chocolate, and just as he'd

done, traced his lips, his chest and lower. Her lips followed the path and she was pleased when

his breath hitched as her teeth grazed his nipple. "Mmm."

She dipped her fingers in the chocolate again. "I hope we have enough," she said.

"There's so much of you."

He groaned and his hips instinctively rose from the blanket. She took her time, letting her

fingers glide along his rigid shaft, coating him. His body writhed, his breath labored, but he

didn't stop her. She knew it had to be difficult for him.

"I'm hungry."

He groaned again in anticipation, but he didn't have to wait long. Her lips covered his

swollen tip and sucked.

"Oh God." His hips bucked.

Jennifer wrapped her hand around him, sliding up and down with the help of the

chocolate. "Oh Jennifer." She flicked her tongue over him. "Say it. Oh Jennifer." She dipped her

head, letting him slide all the way into her mouth.

"Oh Jennifer!" His body jerked as she took him to heaven.

Chapter Three

Jennifer didn't envy Jonathan as he sat at the head of the table in the board room. The day

before, on their boat trip, they'd be able to pretend that all was well. But now it was business, and

making plans for Hart Industries.

He'd already talked to Nick who didn't take the news well, but vowed to keep Hart

Industries at the top of the business world. Now it was time to tell the board, and next his staff.

"I know and trust all of you to continue the traditions of Hart Industries. To maintain the

values of the company while working towards bettering the future."

The members of the board were stunned. Several were crying. All looked devastated.

"Many companies have lasted many years; even a hundred years after their founders were gone. I

know you will give Hart Industries your best, ensuring her success well into the future."

"I want to thank all of you for your work and dedication. It means so much to me-" His

voice caught. Jennifer squeezed the hand that had been clutching hers. The room was silent. She

knew what they were all thinking; how could something take the formidable Jonathan Hart?

"You know what kind of man I am. I take risks at times. This time is one of those times.

I'm hopeful and I'm praying that I'll be sitting back here again in the near future. But if that

doesn‘t come to pass, please know that all of you mean so much to me."

After the meeting, Jennifer stayed with Jonathan as he sequestered himself in his office.

The task had taken a toll on him and she wished there was something she could do ease his pain

and grief. But all she could do was sit with him.

By the time they got home, they were both drained. Hart Industries was in a state of grief.

It was a testament to him at how devastated Hart Industry staff was at the news.

Jennifer knew the grief would be felt beyond Hart Industries. The publicity team was

instructed to not release anything until Friday. She knew that by Friday afternoon, the world

would be holding its breath and praying for Jonathan Hart. That was the man she married. And

she couldn't be prouder.

"You'll be getting calls and probably paparazzi outside," Jonathan said as he laid on the

bed, exhaustion finally forcing him to rest.

"I'll manage."

"I've asked for extra security and the incoming phone line will be forwarded to a service

to weed through the calls."

"That seems excessive. What if Max's teacher needs me?"

He pulled Jennifer to him as she lay next to him. "I think you'll have enough on your

mind and Max's teacher will understand that."

She nodded. "Jonathan?"

"Hmmm?"

She could hear the sleep creeping in to take him. She shouldn't share her fear. Not now.

So instead of what she wanted to say, she said, "I love you."

He gave her squeeze as he fell into sleep.

"I don't have to go to school?" Max asked when Jonathan explained the next morning

how they were going to have a family day.

"Not today Champ."

"What are we going to do?"

"I thought we might go see those dinosaur bones you were talking about."

"Really?" Max's eyes lit up. They reminded Jonathan of Jennifer's eyes whenever he

promised her a surprise.

"Really. And then maybe we'll have ice cream for lunch."

"For lunch." Jonathan didn't think Max's eyes could get any wider.

"Sure why not?"

"Will mommy let us?"

"I think this time I might," Jennifer said as she entered the kitchen. She gave Max a kiss

on the head and Jonathan one on the lips.

"Wow. This is so awesome!"

"But, you should eat a good breakfast," Jennifer said as she took her place at the table.

"Spoil sport," Jonathan said winking.

The morning seemed like any morning except the fact that it could be the last day of his

life hung over Jonathan like a lead weight. But he was determined to give Max and Jennifer the

perfect day. The perfect last day.

At the La Brea Tar Pits Jonathan watched with a mixture of awe and grief as his son

excitedly toured the dinosaur bones. The world through a child's eyes was nothing like he'd

expected and he regretted not having paid better attention.

"Max," Jennifer called. "Your shoe's untied."

"Want me to help Champ?"

"I can do it." Max sat in the middle of the path, his brows pulled together, his tongue

caught between his teeth as he carefully manipulated the strings of his shoes.

"You taught him that." Jennifer slipped her hand in Jonathans and gave it a squeeze.

He looked to her face, and was ridiculously pleased that she understood the magnitude of

the moment. He wanted to teach Max so much more like how to shave or talk to girls. But this,

teaching Max to tie his shoes would have to be enough.

As promised they had ice cream for lunch and then took Max to the beach where they all

ran in the surf and collected sea shells.

As Max slept in the car on the way home, Jennifer asked. "When are we going to tell

him?"

Jonathan had been putting off the task of explaining his illness and trip to the hospital, as

well as the possibility that he'd never come home. It was too much for one little boy to have to

deal with.

"Tonight. After dinner." He felt Jennifer's hand in his, giving him a squeeze. "I'll need

your help."

She nodded, but he could see in her eyes that she wasn't feeling comfortable with the task

either.

"But they'll fix you right? Mrs. Wheeler says that's what hospitals do. They fix people."

"I hope so Champ," Jonathan said trying to hide the tears that threatened.

Max looked to Jennifer is questioning eyes asking for clarification.

"Max, sometimes hospitals can't fix people. We're praying that they will fix daddy. But

we don't know."

Max shook his head. "What happens if they can't fix you?"

This was the moment Jonathan had dreaded. Now that it was here, he desperately wanted

to lie. But it wouldn't be fair to Max or Jennifer who would have to deal with his deception if all

didn't go well. "In this case…" He bit his lower lip as his throat closed.

"Max," Jennifer pulled him to her. "He might go to heaven."

"Like with God?"

"Yes. Like with God." Jennifer said.

"But when people are with God, they don't get to come back."

"No, they don't."

Panic and fear lanced Max's face. "No. You can't go the hospital. I don't want you to go."

He broke from Jennifer and threw his arms around Jonathan. "Don't go daddy."

Jonathan couldn't hold back his grief any longer. He wept as his son clung to him and

begged him not to go. He lifted his head to see Jennifer too succumbed to the terrible sense of

loss.

"I don't want leave you." Then he took Max by his arms and held him in front of him so

he could look into his son's eyes. "I love you Max. I love so much and I never ever want to leave

you-"

"And mommy too?"

"Yes and mommy too. But if I don't go to the hospital, if they don‘t try to fix me, then I

will go to heaven."

"No I don't want you to go." He turned to Jennifer. "Tell him not to go, mommy."

"Oh Max. I don't want him to go-"

"Then don't let him."

"I have to Max. It‘s the only way to help your daddy."

"But you said they can't fix him."

"I said that we hope they will fix him, but we can't be sure."

Jonathan could hardly bear to see the confusion and fear in Max's eyes.

"But don't forget, honey that mommy will be here. I'm not going anywhere. And no

matter what happens, your daddy and I love you. We love you more than anything and we're

going to take care of you and keep you safe."

But Max didn't get it. So all Jonathan could do was hold him, and die a little bit each time

his son begged him not to go.

The next morning the scene was even worse as Max struggled to free himself from

Ruthie and cried out as Jonathan and Jennifer left for the hospital.

When they got into the car, they both simply sat as weight of the world descended on

them. Jennifer reached over to Jonathan. "We'll get through this."

"Maybe you should stay with him. Jesus, Jennifer, did you see him? He's terrified."

"We're all terrified, Jonathan. And maybe you're right. Maybe I'm a bad mother for

leaving him with Ruthie, but I'm not letting you do this alone and he can't come to the hospital."

They'd been through it before and Jennifer didn't want to continue to be torn between the

two people she loved most in the world. "When the surgery is done and you're recuperating, I'll

come home and be there for him."

Jonathan nodded and started the car. He drove in silence. It wasn't how Jennifer wanted

to spend their last moments, but how could one act happy with such a frightening day ahead?

"Do you still believe in God?" he finally asked. She looked at him and saw anger. "Why

would he do this to him?"

Jennifer gave a small laugh.

"This isn't funny!"

"No. No of course not. I was just thinking how your anger at God isn't because your

illness but because of the effect it has on your son."

"And you."

"And me."

"I went to see Janet," Jonathan said referring to a childhood friend who'd become a nun.

"She gave me that 'God has a plan' speech. But there was no comfort in what she told me." He

glanced at Jennifer.

"I don't know the answer Jonathan. Bad things happen. I don't know how many years

after we were married that I waited for the other shoe to drop. Our lives were so perfect, our love

so pure. For a time I failed to truly savor it because I was looking over my shoulder for

something bad to happen."

"So you think pain and happiness our doled out and we've already taken more than our

fair share?"

"No." Although for time after he first told her she wondered if the shoe had dropped. "I

think bad things happen. We're not the first family to go through this. So many more families

have less than we do and go through tragedy. I think it just happens."

"Our happiness didn't just happen."

"Our meeting did," she said. "I suppose if we are to blame God for your tumor, then we

need to blame him for our meeting, our son our, wealth, for everything. But then that takes away

from our part in creating our lives. You're a successful wealthy man because you worked hard

and are a good man. We are happy because we completely respect, trust each other. We have a

part in this. Just as your decision to have this surgery is your decision, your choice."

She could see the anger wane, but the tension was there.

"I'm not afraid to die Jennifer." He reached out, took her hand. "But I sure as hell don't

want to."

"I don't want you to either. And I'm so completely terrified."

He kissed her hand. "Me too."

Chapter Four

Jennifer paced the waiting room. She'd called home several times in the last few hours.

She had no news for them, but was relieved to hear that Max had settled down. Ruthie deserved a

raise and wings for her part in helping Max. In helping all of them.

A special announcement on the television had her stopping.

The business world was stunned today when it learned that Jonathan Hart, founder and

CEO of Hart Industries was admitted to the hospital this morning to undergo surgery for a brain

tumor. His PR sources indicate that expectations are high that Mr. Hart's procedure will be

success. However, other sources at Hart Industries report that Mr. Hart's tumor was terminal

and that his surgery is experimental and a last hope. Here at News 20 we want to say to Mr.

Hart and his family that our prayers are with you.

So it was out. She was glad to be in a separate room away from where the media could

find her. A call earlier from Lt. Gray assured her that she would have an escort and additional

security when she returned home. Although she was a journalist and understood the importance

of a news story, she couldn't help but feel contempt for the people who would now swarm on her

and her family for a story. She and Jonathan weren't a story. They were people. People who were

enduring the most difficult and painful thing they could imagine.

"Mrs. Hart?"

She turned to the voice of Dr. Meyers. One look told her more than she wanted to know.

"No. NO!"

"Mrs. Hart. I'm sorry. We did everything we could."

Jennifer could feel her knees begin to buckle. NO! What would she do? How would she

tell Max? She knew this could happen, but never really thought it would.

"Dr. Meyer! Dr. Meyer!" A nurse ran into the room.

"Not now-"

"No. It's Mr. Hart. He's alive. He's breathing. He has a pulse and brain activity."

Jennifer felt like she was at the end of a bungee cord beginning the upswing. God please

let it be true. She looked to Dr. Meyer who didn't seem impressed by the news.

"I'm going to check on this Mrs. Hart. But please know that sometimes there is

involuntary activity-"

"Hurry doctor," she nurse said ushering him back through the double doors.

Jennifer had been a church going girl growing up. She knew faith was an important part

of who Jonathan was, despite his crisis with Janet. But never before had she needed God to hear

her prayers. She vowed to do anything, everything, if only Jonathan would survive. Her world,

the entire world would be a dimmer place without him. Surely he had more good, more kindness

to bestow on the world.

She hoped it would be a short wait, but she found herself two hours later, still sitting and

hoping and praying.

"Mrs. Hart."

She turned to see Nick, Jonathan's right hand man and interim CEO enter the waiting

area.

"Any news?"

"God, I don't know what to think. He… they… they said he was dead-"

"Dear God no."

"And then a nurse came out and said he was alive. The doctor went back with him.

They've been there so long. I don't know if that's a good sign or not."

"I'll go check for you."

Jennifer nodded and watched as he left the area. She really should call home, but what

could she say? He was dead but maybe he's not.

A few moments later Nick returned carrying a sandwich and can of juice. "They had

nothing to say either way." He sat next to her. "I brought you a sandwich and something to drink.

You look like you could use the energy."

"Yes. Thank you." She took a bite of the sandwich and tasted nothing. Is that what life

would be like without Jonathan? Without taste? Or color? She swallowed hard, forcing the food

down.

Nick sat quietly next to her and then moved to look out the window. "He told me he

believed I could take Hart Industries farther than he ever would have planned. But he doesn't

realize that so much of Hart Industry's success is him. Sure we will continue to do business.

Leave something for Max if he wants to come on board. But it won't be the same. It won't have

his heart."

"No. I don't suppose it will." Jennifer set her sandwich aside, unable to get anymore down

around the lump in her throat. "He has that effect on people. I wasn't ever going to get married."

Nick turned to look at her. "I can't imagine that. Surely you had many suitors before

Jonathan."

"Yes, but it wasn't love. Not really. My parents had a terrific marriage, but when my

mom died, something in my dad…something in me just died. I sometimes wondered why my

father never met another woman, but then I realized he was afraid to love. Just like I was." She

wiped a tear.

"But then you met Jonathan and the rest is history."

Jennifer smiled. "Not exactly. The first night we had a wonderful night despite the fact

that I lied to him about who I was and why I wanted to be with him. The next day he thought I

was a murderer."

Nick's brow rose. "I don't think I heard this part."

"And then he asked me to marry him. I'd known him two days and he wanted to marry

me."

"Were you uncertain?"

"No. I was stunned for sure, but I knew, when I looked into his eyes, I knew love for the

first time."

"You're right. He has that effect on people."

Jennifer smiled. She knew Nick would understand. Jonathan had taken him in, nurtured

him even though he had a checkered past. Nick was just one of thousands of people who

benefitted from Jonathan's generosity.

"I can't lose him." Jennifer felt her world tumble again. "How will I go on?"

Nick went to her, knelt before her. "You'll go on. You'll have that empty dead space, but

you'll go on. You'll have Max and through him Jonathan will live on."

Jennifer nodded, but the words didn't help. Instead she wept. Nick wept with her.

"Mrs. Hart?" Jennifer jerked as she was startled awake.

"Dr. Meyer." She bolted upright. "How is-"

"He's alive."

"Oh thank God."

"But he is in a coma. At this point it could be a good thing. It will allow his body to

recuperate. However, I can't say whether or not he'll come out of this or if he does what sort or

state he'll be in. He did go without oxygen for several minutes."

"But he's alive. So there's hope."

"There's always hope," Nick said from behind her.

"Can I see him?" she asked.

"Just for a moment. We're moving him now and when he's situated you can visit. But

only a short one for now. We want to monitor him very closely."

She nodded. "Yes, I understand."

Dr. Meyer's looked back at her with pity. "I don't ever want to take hope away from

people, but Mrs. Hart, you need to prepare yourself … I'm not optimistic about his prognosis."

"He clearly doesn't know Jonathon, or his will to live, or his love for you, or how he

nearly always gets his way," Nick said.

Jennifer hugged him. "Thank you."

"I'm putting my money on Jonathan."

"Jonathan." Jennifer whispered as she took his hand. Jonathan was a larger than life man

who now looked beaten and worn. His head was wrapped in a bandage and an IV was hooked to

his arm. But it didn't matter because she could see the rise and fall of his chest that indicated life.

She rested her head on his chest and listened to the steady beat his heart, her heart. "I love you."

Jennifer got home to find Ruthie asleep on the couch. Ruthie offered to make tea or a

sandwich but Jennifer refused, instead sending her to bed.

"Ruthie? Thank you so much. I don't know how I would've gotten through all this without

your help."

Ruthie waved the gratitude away. "I just pray that Mr. Hart wakes up is same old

mischievous self."

Jennifer then made her way to Max's room. What a day it was for such a little soul. It had

been so hard for her as a teenager to lose her mother. She couldn't imagine what it would be like

to so little and lose a parent. She was pleased that he was sleeping peacefully. She lay beside

him, running hand through his dark hair so much like his fathers. Max rolled into his mom,

finding comfort by her side. Jennifer smiled on him then closed her eyes and let sleep come.

The next day, Jennifer spent the morning with Max, reassuring him as best she could.

Since the doctors weren't optimistic, she didn't want to paint an all-is-well picture. But she also

didn't want him to be scared. Still he had to notice the panic on her face every time the phone

rang. Fortunately, the answering service Jonathan had set up took care of everything and only a

handful of calls needed her attention. One of those calls was from Gabe, Jonathan's lawyer who

insisted he needed to see her. Jennifer wasn't much in the mood for legal issues, but Gabe was a

good friend and wouldn't cause her undue stress if it wasn't important.

He arrived at the door with what looked to be a box of flowers and gift.

"Gabe?"

"Jennifer." He kissed her on the cheek. "I'm so sorry to barge in on you like this. I know

this is a difficult time."

She nodded and let him pass.

"You know my prayers are with him. He survived the surgery. I know he's fighting

because he wasn't done living. Not with you and Max in his life."

Jennifer smiled. It was nice that so many people had kind words about Jonathan.

"I've come to give you these." He handed her the flower box first.

Jennifer's brows drew together. "What's this?"

"The card will explain."

Jennifer took out the card that came with a single red Jennifer Hart Rose.

To my darling Jennifer.

I love you so much. I don't want a single day to go by that I don't tell you just how much I

love you. – Jonathan.

"What is this?" Jennifer couldn't explain the anger that was building.

"He arranged for this, incase-"

"Incase what? He died? He's not dead!" She thrust the flower and the note back to him.

"Take it away."

"And if he was incapacitated."

"I don't want it."

"It was his wish, Jennifer. It was important to him. He needed to know that you'd never

forget how much he loved – loves you."

Jennifer bit back a sob, but it didn't work. The tears began to fall. Of course he'd do

something like this. Only Jonathan would think about her and his family before himself.

"He made these too."

Jennifer opened the box to vide two DVD disks. "What are they?"

"Well, the first one is for your eyes only. See it says there, ‗For Jennifer‘. The other is for

Max."

Jennifer swallowed hard. "Thank you."

He nodded. "Is there anything you need from me? Anything I can help with?"

She shook her head. "No. Thank you for bringing this by."

When he left, Jennifer checked to make sure Max was still busy making cookies with

Ruthie and then headed to her bedroom. She inserted the DVD into the player and sat back on

her bed.

"Darling." Jonathan sat in their bedroom. Grief was evident on his face. "I have only one

regret in my life and that is that I won't be able to tell you in person how much love you. The

sadness is unbearable and I know for you it‘s even worse. Perhaps I'm making it worse now by

doing this. But I can't not leave you something to remind you of just how much I love you. Just

how much you mean to me. The complete joy and … perfection you brought to my life. You are

the most wonderful, beautiful woman and I love you madly." Then she heard the music, You Are

So Beautiful by Joe Cocker as the soundtrack for a montage of their life. Pictures and videos

from all the years of their marriage displayed the joy of their lives. To see him looking at her

with pure love and awe, Jennifer's heart swelled. And then it was was ripped from her chest as

she realized this may be all she had left. She watched the DVD over and over until finally she

didn't think she could bear it. She turned it off and wept.

"Mommy?"

Jennifer lifted her head to see Max poking his head through her door.

"Yes, sweetie." She quickly pulled herself together, wiping her tears.

"Why are you crying? Are you hurt?"

She hurt so badly, she didn't think she survive. "No honey. I just miss daddy."

"Me too. Is he coming home today?"

"No. I'm not sure how long he'll be away."

"But he's coming home?"

She wrapped her arms around him. "I hope so, baby." Then before he could ask more

questions, Jennifer pulled out the DVD for Max. "Daddy made this for you. Shall we watch it?"

His eyes perked up. "What's on it?"

"I don't know. Let's see."

Jennifer put the DVD in and hoped she'd be able to handle the emotion the video would

evoke.

"Hey Champ!" Jonathan was sitting in Max's bedroom tossing a baseball. "I can't be there

with you right now, but I wanted to tell you how much I love you and how proud I am to be your

dad. Every minute of your life, you have given me so much joy…" Jennifer watched as

Jonathan's eyes misted and he swallowed down his tears. "I remember every moment Champ!"

Then like Jennifer's DVD, it played a montage of scenes from Max's life; his birth, his first steps,

his first birthday. Jennifer looked at Max who was completely enthralled.

"So what'd you think?" Jennifer asked wiping away a stray tear.

"It was okay. I'd rather he was here though."

Jennifer wrapped her arms around him. "Me too, Max. Me too."

After she gave Max lunch, she left him with Ruthie and headed to the hospital. As she

approached Jonathan's room, she found herself becoming more and more fearful that something

would be wrong or that he wouldn't be there. But he was there lying quietly just as she'd left him.

She leaned over to give him a kiss. "Hello Darling." She sat next to his bed and took his

hand. "Thank you for the beautiful flower and video. I loved them. But I'm looking forward to

the day that you can tell me in person that you love me and we can make new memories." He

looked peaceful now. As if he were sleeping.

"I brought a picture for you. Max drew it today. I know you were worried about him, but

he's doing fine now. So you just concentrate of getting better."

She continued to talk to him about anything and everything. As she left that evening, she

was disappointed he hadn't opened his eyes and smiled his dazzling smile that always made her

heart skip. She knew it was a pie-in-the-sky thought, but she'd learned about magic long ago

from Jonathan Hart. She would hold on to that.

The hours she spent with him, talking, reading, and even singing him turned into days.

On each of those days a single red Jennifer Hart rose would arrive at the house with a note from

Jonathan. Sometimes she found herself looking forward the arrival. It was as if he were here, just

away on a business trip. But other times, she wanted to hide when the door rang, knowing

another reminder of his absence was arriving.

The days turned into weeks, and soon several months had gone by with no change. The

roses and gifts for her and Max continued to arrive daily. But Jonathan was still in a coma. The

only difference was that his bandage was off and his hair was starting to grow back.

Jennifer tried to ignore the pitying looks from the hospital staff. They didn't think she

heard them but she did. She knew they thought his case was hopeless. Jennifer knew better. As

long as he was alive there was hope. But after months of her vigil, even she had moments in

which she wondered if he'd ever come back. She still dreaded the phone for fear it would be the

call that told her he was gone.

Unable to break her doubts, Jennifer went to visit Janet. She wasn't sure what Janet would

be able to do or say to help, but she needed to talk with someone.

"Jennifer." Jennifer could see the sad look in Janet's eyes. "I'm glad you came. Would

you like some tea?"

"That would be lovely," Jennifer said taking a seat in the sanctuary.

"I went by to visit Jonathan the other day."

"Oh?"

"I've been by a couple of times."

"I must have missed you," Jennifer said.

"I hear you're there every day."

"Yes. I want to believe that he can hear us, knows that we are there."

"I think he can even if he can't show us," Janet agreed.

"They think I'm wasting my time. They don't think he'll pull through," Jennifer bit back a

sob as the gravity of the situation hit her.

Janet sat next to her, putting her arm around her. "It's never a waste to show love towards

those who need it."

Jennifer sniffed. "I knew you'd understand."

Janet smiled. "You know when Jonathan told me he was getting married, I was worried."

"Really? Why?"

"He had a really difficult time as a child. He was so wonderful, but people didn't want to

adopt older boys. Especially since he could be a little mischievous."

"That's his charm."

"Yes. I know. But after awhile, it took its toll. He found Max and I think that really

helped put him on the right path."

"Jonathan said Max saved him," Jennifer said.

"But I didn't think Jonathan would really ever know love. I used to read in the tabloids

about his exploits or he'd share with me about his woman du jour."

Jennifer laughed.

"And I believed he cared for them, but I don't think he loved them. I could see there was

always a part he kept from them. So when he told me he'd asked you to marry him after knowing

you for only two days, I thought, oh no. This is going to be a disaster. She's going to take his

money…"

"I already had money."

"Well, I didn't know that. Anyway it didn't matter because when I saw him look at you, I

saw that he really did know love. And that he probably knew it better than anyone else. And even

better, when I saw you look at him, I knew that he'd found the right woman."

"And I found the right man."

Janet nodded. "Love can do miracles Jennifer. Those doctors and nurses believe they

know Jonathan's fate because their experiences have told them that cases like Jonathan's aren't

good. And maybe those other cases had people who really loved them. But none of them had the

love and determination of Jonathan. Or you."

Jennifer nodded.

"You can't give up hope. You can't give up on him."

"You're right. I know you're right," Jennifer said wiping her eyes with a tissue. "I just feel

outnumbered sometimes."

"I know."

They sat for a moment, sipping their tea. "So tell me about little Max. Does he still look

like his father?"

Jennifer sat on the steps of the pool as Max splashed around.

"Look mommy," Max said as he dove under the water.

"Look at you. You're a fish."

Max grinned at her and she smiled back. How she wished Jonathan could be here to see

how well Max was progressing in swimming, reading, in everything. He'd lost a tooth, went

through a growth spurt, and was more and more like his father every day.

Jennifer still made her way to the hospital every day, but now four months later, it was

the middle of summer. Max was out of school and Jennifer wanted to be sure she spent time with

him. He frequently asked about Jonathan and her response was always that he was sleeping. Max

was too young to really understand, but he seemed to accept her answer.

"Mrs. Hart!" Ruthie came running from the house to the pool. "Telephone. It‘s the

hospital."

Jennifer jumped up from the step.

"I'll watch Max. You get the phone," Ruthie said as she reached the poolside.

Jennifer didn't know her legs could carry her so fast. Especially since they felt like lead.

Was this the call she'd dreaded? He'd been fine yesterday.

"This is Mrs. Hart."

"Mrs. Hart. This is Doctor Spader."

"Yes. My husband-"

"Is awake Mrs. Hart."

Jennifer felt her knees give as she fell to floor. "Oh. Oh. Thank God. Can I see him?"

What a question. They wouldn't be able to keep her from him. She found her legs. "I'll be right

there.

Chapter Five

Jennifer ran into the hospital and straight to Jonathan's room.

"Mrs. Hart." Dr. Spader stopped her before she could enter his room.

Jennifer was focused on one thing and didn't want Dr. Spader to get in her way.

"We need to talk before you see him."

How much more agony would she have to endure?

"It's important that you know a few things before seeing him."

"If it's important."

"It is." He guided her to a private area.

"Is something wrong?"

"Well considering the situation, I would say things are going well. In fact, it‘s a miracle.

However, you're not going to walk in and see the man you knew before and I want you to be

prepared for that."

"What do you mean?" Jennifer could feel the panic rising again.

"He has little control over his movements. We're going to be testing to determine if this is

simply an effect from atrophy or from brain damage. We suspect it‘s the former as he is able to

speak."

"Did he ask for me?" Jennifer didn't know why she asked that, or why it was so

important.

"Well, that's another issue. He doesn't remember much about anything."

"Amnesia?" He'd had that before and it had all returned. She could handle that.

"Well, again we aren't sure. It could be simple amnesia that will return or it could be a

side effect of his brain surgery. We just don't know at this point."

"So he didn't ask for me?"

"No. I'm sorry."

Jennifer shrugged, telling herself that it was enough that he was awake.

"However, he's in remarkably good spirits and will likely enjoy your company. Just

remember, he doesn‘t know you. We've told him about you and that you're his wife. But he

doesn't quite get what that means. Which is another thing we're looking into."

"What?"

"Well, he's confused about things."

So am I, thought Jennifer.

"My point is, you may startle him if you rush in and throw your arms around him. You'll

want to respect his boundaries until he knows you again."

Jennifer nodded although she couldn't promise anything.

"Well then. Let's go see him."

Jennifer wasn't sure what to expect after Dr. Spader's description of Jonathan's condition.

But she didn't care much as long as he was alive. He was sitting up in bed while a group of

medical people poked and prodded at him. She would have felt crowded, but he seemed curious.

"Mr. Hart?"

Jonathan looked up towards Dr. Spader's voice. Then his eyes found Jennifer's. He smiled

and for a moment, Jennifer could swear there was recognition. But then he said. "She's a better

looking doctor than you are."

Dr. Spader laughed. "She's not a doctor. She's Jennifer. You're wife. Remember we talked

about her."

Jonathan nodded as he studied her some more. Jennifer's heart sank even though she told

herself it was enough that he was alive.

"I'm sorry," he said. "I seem to be missing the memory part of my brain." He grinned,

clearly meaning his comment to be a joke.

Jennifer smiled to play along, but she didn't think it was funny. Not after thinking he was

dead. Not after five months of wondering when or even if he'd wake up.

She wanted to run into his arms and kiss his face and tell him how much she loved him.

But as she approached him and took his hand, he seemed confused by the gesture. "I'm so happy

to see you Jonathan. I've been waiting a long time for you to wake up."

He looked at his hand being held by hers and then to her face. "Thank you." He cocked

his head. "You're the one who sang to me, right?"

Jennifer couldn't be more pleased or feel more validated by his comment. He had heard

her. "Yes, that was me."

"Mrs. Hart we're getting ready to take Mr. Hart to run some tests so we can get a better

sense of what's going on."

She nodded. "I'd like to wait." She looked to Jonathan for permission.

"I'll be back," he said.

Jennifer found Dr. Spader's comments to be right on. Jonathan didn‘t have a memory or

much muscle control. But he was quite affable. It would be like him to look at his situation and

still somehow find the good. He allowed her to sit with him and prattle on about Max and what

had been happening while he was asleep. He smiled and even laughed at some of Max's exploits,

but he clearly had no idea what she was talking about. When it was time to go though, he asked

if she would come back to visit him, and she took that as a positive sign. He wasn't the Jonathan

she'd known before, but parts of him, the charm, humor and optimism were still strong.

So every day she headed to the hospital. Some days she helped him and his physical

therapist, Clayton, with therapy. Other days she simply read to him or told him about things that

were going on. Each time she brought a picture from Max which he would ask her to hang on the

wail. And each day, each week, each month he grew stronger. He learned to feed himself and

hold a hand of cards. Despite his lack of memory, he was still very good at rummy. He was

nearly walking on his own and Jennifer enjoyed taking him outside to sit in the sun.

But his mind was still foggy, he was often confused. And he still didn't remember

anything about his life, their life, before the surgery. Even so, when doctors began discussing is

release, Jonathan was agreeable to going home with her.

Jonathan sat in his room waiting for Clayton to arrive to start physical therapy. He was

pleased at how far he'd come. Just a few months ago he couldn't do anything. Now he was

walking and moving around. It helped to have a cheerleader like Jennifer on his side. He still

wasn't sure why a woman like her would spend so much time with someone like him. He

guessed that it was what wives did. Since she was beautiful and fun to be around, he wasn't about

to complain.

He picked up the remote and clicked on the TV.

We have an update on Jonathan Hart who has been in the hospital since March following

his surgery to remove a brain tumor. Sources indicated that he will be released from the hospital

within the next week or so.

Jonathan wondered if all hospital patients were talked about on the news.

We have put together a special segment profiling Mr. Hart's incredible life. Little is

known about Mr. Hart before he was three when he was abandoned on the steps of Mission

Street Orphanage.

Jonathan frowned. His parents didn't want him? As he watched, he learned about a man

who was a risk taker, at times mischievous, but nearly always successful. He'd dated many

women including an heiress. But apparently Jennifer had "stolen his heart" as he'd asked her to

marry him within days of meeting her.

His new idea regarding transistors led to the start of Hart Industries which was now a

conglomerate of 20 different companies, all run by him.

Jonathan began to feel uncomfortable. He wasn't this man. He didn't even know what a

transistor was much less how to run a huge corporation. It turns out his wife was an award

winning journalist with an education beyond compare. How could he compete with that, with the

man he used to be? He shook his head. He couldn't.

"Hey Jon Jon my man. What's happenin'?" Clayton said as he breezed into the room.

Jonathan looked up to the PT who'd taught him everything he knew over the last few

months. "I'm not Jonathan Hart."

Clayton looked confused. Glancing at the television he turned back to Jonathan. "Oh hey,

look at that. You're life in pictures. I guess you'll get a big head now that you know just how

important you are."

Jonathan shook his head. "No. I'm not him. Not anymore."

Clayton frowned. "What's the problem? Why are you upset about this?"

"Look at me!"

"Yeah. I'm looking at you. What's the problem?"

"The problem is I'm not like him. Not anymore."

"So?"

Just then the door opened. "Hello!" Jennifer said as she walked into the room. "I've

brought a guest."

A child walked in with her. He took one look at Jonathan and ran to him. "Daddy!"

Jonathan felt the child's arms go around his neck. He searched his brain. Matt? Mac? Max? Max,

that was it Max. No wait, Max was the old man on the television. The one that was like a father

figure.

"Well, look at you little man. Are you Max? Are you the one who made all these

pictures?" Clayton asked.

"Yep." Max turned to Jonathan. "You're coming home soon."

Jonathan swallowed the panic that was rising. He looked to Jennifer who smiled. Looking

at her, he knew, just knew he couldn't go home with her.

"I … I…I don't think I can."

Everyone in the room looked at him in concern.

"Is everything alright?" Jennifer asked.

"He just learned he's Jonathan Hart. THE Jonathan Hart."

"Oh." But Jennifer still looked confused.

"It‘s a lot to take in, being a man that owns the world."

"He doesn‘t own it all. Just a lot," Max chimed in. "Hey daddy. Your shoe's untied." Max

bent down. "I can tie it. Watch."

"NO!" Jonathan stuck his hand out causing Max to go off balance and fall back.

"Jonathan!"

"I can tie my own damn shoe!"

Max's eyes were wide. He scooted away from him and into Jennifer's arms.

"He just wanted to show you how good he's gotten at tying shoes. Something you taught

him to do."

Jonathan felt bad about scaring the little boy. But how the hell was he supposed to know

what the boy wanted? That he'd taught him to tie his shoes? Until a few weeks ago, he couldn't

even feed himself. All the pride he'd had in his recovery was gone as he realized that he'd never

be able to be the man he'd once been. People would expect to see that man and wouldn't they be

disappointed.

"I can't go home with you."

"What?"

He could see his words were hurting her. She looked to Clayton who shrugged.

"We still have time," Clayton said.

Jonathan shook his head. "No."

"Well you can't stay here forever Jon."

"There must be something else."

"Let's not worry about it now." Clayton looked to Jennifer. "I was getting ready to take

him for physical therapy. Usually I'd say come along, but considering Mr. Grumpy's mood,

perhaps he should fly solo."

Jennifer nodded. "Yes. I think you're right."

Jennifer was thankful Max was young and could easily be convinced that his father was

just in a bad mood. She on the other hand knew something had changed in Jonathan. Just when

she thought she was about to have him back, she was losing him again. She couldn't understand

it, but vowed to fight against it. She hoped his feelings were temporary. That he'd come around

to his agreeable self.

But as the next few days and weeks wore on, it wasn't to be. Each time she visited him,

he seemed surlier than the time before. And he became more distressed the closer the time came

for him to come home.

With a discussion with his doctors, Jennifer agreed to arrange for Jonathan to move into

the corporate apartment downtown. She didn't like it, but she tried to understand Jonathan's

position. He was still adjusting to all the changes and trying to make sense of his life, a life he

had no memory of. At least she'd been able to hire Clayton to take care of him. She trusted the

physical therapist to keep Jonathan's recovery moving forward and to keep him safe.

She figured Jonathan wouldn't want her to stop by, a thought that hurt her deeply, but she

couldn't help to make sure he was settled.

"Mrs. Hart," Clayton said when he opened the door. "What a surprise. Come in. Come in.

I was just about to make lunch. Would you like to join us?"

Jennifer saw Jonathan turn towards her. He had a look of surprise but not annoyance.

"I don't want to intrude. I just wanted to make sure everything was in place," she said as

she stepped into the apartment.

"It's fine," Jonathan said.

"Good." How wanted to shake him until the memories jogged loose. "Do you have any

plans?"

"For today?"

"For any day?" She hoped he'd talk about how long he planned to 'find himself' before

coming home.

He shrugged. "I'm not sure. But I won't be here too long. I'll find my own place and-"

"Jonathan this-"

"It's Jon."

"What?"

"It's Jon. I go by Jon now. It's shorter. Easier. Don't you think?"

Jennifer swallowed hard as she felt him slip even further from her. "I'm sorry. Jon. As I

was saying, this is your place. You own it."

His brows pulled together. "I see."

"He says he wants to get a job," Clayton said with amusement in his eyes. "I've tried to

tell him he doesn't need to work another day in his life if he doesn‘t want to."

Jonathan shook his head. "I need to earn my way. I can't be babied forever."

"Volunteer or get a hobby then. Why take a job from someone who really needs it?"

Clayton said.

"No one wants to baby you Jonath-…Jon. But you're still recovering. Give yourself

sometime," Jennifer said hoping she didn't sound as desperate as she felt.

"So I'll be back to 'normal'?"

Jennifer heard the sarcasm in his voice but didn't understand it. "Yes."

He shook his head. "That's not happening. Face it. The man you knew is gone."

She looked to Clayton who gave her an 'I-don't-get-his-problem' look.

"Regardless of whether or not you get back to hundred percent, you do still have some

recovering to do."

Jonathan shrugged and then as if he were done with the conversation, turned away. To

Jennifer it was like a slap in the face.

"I … I wanted to leave this with you. In case you needed anything." Because Jonathan

didn't respond, she handed the slip of paper with phone numbers of Dr. Spader, Gabe and other

people she thought he might need to Clayton.

"Excellent. Thank you."

She waited to see if Jonathan would rejoin their conversation and when he didn't, she

turned to leave. "My number is there as well," she said to Clayton. He nodded and she left.

"You know, you could be a little nicer," Clayton said when Jennifer had left.

"Why? She'll just think it means I'll go home with her."

"No. It will mean she knows that you have some decency in you. Just because you're not

'Jonathan Hart' anymore doesn't give you the right to be rude. Especially to her. That's just

ungrateful."

Jonathan winced. Clayton was right. He didn't need to be so cruel. But he needed her to

know that he wasn't the man he once was. That he wouldn't ever be able to be that man again.

How he'd ever been that man in the first place was a mystery. Who could be that successful, rich,

happy…perfect? More than that, he'd wanted to make sure he didn't do what he really felt

compelled to do and that was go home with her. Sure she'd be happy if he'd done that. At least at

first. But how long would it be before she was annoyed at him for falling short. She was patient

and said she understood his limitations, but it was clear, she was expecting Jonathan Hart and he

just wasn't that man anymore.

"You're right. I'm sorry-"

"I'm not the one you should be apologizing to."

"Listen, I'm tired. Can we just drop this?"

"You're due for some exercise."

"Let me rest first."

Clayton shrugged and Jonathan was glad he gave up. He wasn't in the mood to do work

on anything.

Chapter Six

For the next week, Jonathan stayed homebound. Clayton had tried to get him to workout

using the equipment sent over for Jonathan's therapy. He'd even tried to get him to go for a walk.

But Jonathan preferred to stay in where it was safe. No one would run up to him and say how

pleased they were at his recovery and then expect some great bit of Jonathan Hart charm or

wisdom. No, at home there were no expectations and no one to disappoint. Except Clayton, but

for some reason that didn't count.

"Listen Jon. Thanksgiving is in a couple of days. I'm planning on spending it with my

parents. If you want, you're invited."

"Thanksgiving?"

"Yes. It‘s a holiday started by the Pilgrims in thanks for surviving in the New World.

Today we use it to remember them as well as count our own blessings. Seems like you have a

few things to be grateful for."

"I guess."

"Well you think about it and let me know. I imagine your family would like you to spend

it with them, but seeing as how stubborn you are-"

"Don't go there Clayton."

"Right. Well, I'm going out for a bit. Why don't you come? The fresh air will do you

good."

"No. I'm fine here." Jonathan sat on the patio overlooking downtown Los Angeles."

"The air is better at the beach. Let's go there. The walk in the sand will be great for your

legs."

"My legs are fine." Sure he still had a bit of limp, but he could get around well enough.

"You're legs could be better. Listen. Ever since you got out of the hospital, you haven't

worked at all on your PT. You're beginning to lose those hard earned gains."

Jonathan shrugged. H e didn't need to work for more. He didn't have anything to work

towards.

Clayton shook his head. "Man, you're wasting your life away in here."

"Well, it's my life to waste isn't it?"

"That and your wife and son's."

Jonathan turned away from Clayton. He couldn't be burdened with that. Jennifer was a

brave, intelligent, resourceful woman. He looked her up on the Internet and learned she had

money and a successful career of her own. She and the boy would be better off without him.

Clayton said something else that Jonathan didn't hear. He didn't ask what it was as

Clayton thankfully headed out the door.

A short time later there was a knock at the door. Normally he'd ignore it except it was

possible Clayton had forgotten his keys again.

Jonathan opened the door to a shapely blonde woman.

"Mr. Hart?"

"Yes."

"Hi." She flashed a smile accented with dimples. "I'm Elizabeth. I live across the hall."

"Yes. Hello."

"I just wanted to welcome you to the building. I'm new here too and I know this is a

tough city to make friends in."

Jonathan looked at the woman standing in the doorway. She didn't say anything about

who she thought he was or ask about his recovery. Was it possible she didn't know who

'Jonathan Hart' was?

"Would you like to come in for some coffee?"

She smiled again and Jonathan couldn't help but feel that she thought she won a prize.

"That would be wonderful."

Elizabeth Corning turned out to be a delightful woman. She was bright with a sense of

humor. She had just moved to L.A. from Florida and was a lawyer with some law firm Jonathan

probably new about in his old life, but didn't care about knowing about in his new life. She was

attractive and best yet, she didn't expect him to be the Jonathan Hart. Sure she wasn't as beautiful

as Jennifer, but that was impossible. She didn't seem to have the same sincerity or authenticity

either. But Jonathan knew that he couldn't be picky. Jennifer was out of his league.

He and Elizabeth talked and when she went to leave, he invited her to dinner. Jonathan

wasn't sure why. He liked her. He figured it had to do with the desire to not be alone.

After dinner, they sat on the patio and continued to talk. While she asked about his work

and other aspects of his life, he was able to give vague answers. He was a retired businessman

recovering from major surgery. She didn't probe any further much to his relief.

When a knock came at the door, Jonathan once again thought it was Clayton.

"Lock yourself out?" he asked when he opened the door.

But it wasn't Clayton, it was Jennifer.

"Jonath- Jon. I‘m sorry to just drop in like this but-" Jennifer looked past Jonathan to the

beautiful blonde woman sitting on the patio. A table set for two had recently been vacated. For a

moment she couldn't breathe. Despite everything, she had truly thought that he would someday

come home. Never in her wildest dreams did she think he'd move on, start a new life. Then her

grief turned to anger. He was married, dammit.

"I need to talk to you," she said brushing past him into the apartment.

"Okay." She looked into his eyes. He didn't look surprised or guilty. In fact, he seemed to

be taking her in. Like he was admiring her. But when his eyes caught hers, they turned blank.

The woman from the patio came into the living area. "Hello. I'm Elizabeth."

"Hello," Jennifer said extending her hand. "I‘m Jennifer Hart."

The woman frowned. "Hart? Jon's sister?"

Jennifer could hear the hope in the woman's voice. "Wife."

Elizabeth turned to Jonathan. "You didn't tell me you were married."

"I find it hard that you didn't know." Jennifer couldn't help the venom in her voice.

Although he wasn't wearing his wedding band since he couldn't wear it in surgery and it never

got put back on, who in the world didn't know about Jonathan Hart?

The flash in Elizabeth's eyes told her that she knew exactly who Jonathan and his wife

were.

"I'm sorry to break up your date here, but I really need to talk to my husband."

Elizabeth nodded. "Sure. Of course. Settlement and everything. I see it every day."

Jennifer frowned as she watched Elizabeth leave. "What did she mean by that?"

Jonathan shrugged. "I don't know."

"Is she a lawyer?"

He nodded. "Yes. Some firm I don't remember."

"Are you divorcing me?"

Jonathan's eyes widened in surprise, but he didn't have time to respond. Jennifer's anger

once again took control.

"I have been really patient Jonathan."

"It's Jon-"

"And despite what you want to believe, you are Jonathan Hart. My husband. You can't

just will me and our marriage away for whatever reason."

"I'm not-"

"What's happened?" Jennifer's anger turned into despair. "What happened to make you

dislike me so much?"

"It's not that I don't like you. I just can't be the man you expect."

"What does that mean?"

"Look at me!" This time she heard anger and frustration in his voice. "Take a good look

at me. And compare me to that man you were married to."

She was still baffled. "And?"

"Surely you see a difference!"

She nodded. "Yes." She wanted to tell him what she really thought but couldn't quite

bring herself to say the words to the man she desperately loved.

"I'll never be that man again. I can't think straight. I can hardly walk straight. I don't know

a corporation from a company and I … I'm just not him."

She studied him a long moment. "You're right. The Jonathan Hart I knew never felt sorry

for himself. He saw adversity as a challenge that could be overcome. And he had a heart the size

of Texas."

She could see the barbs hurt him, but also they seemed to be justifying what he was

saying.

"What you don't seem to get is that I didn't fall in love with the money or the power of

Jonathan Hart. I fell in love with the man who had the courage to face death and fight to survive.

Who loved life. Who loved his family more than anything. More than money, power … more –"

she broke off. Taking a deep steadying breath she continued. "You're not Jonathan Hart because

you can't walk the way you used to or run Hart Industries. You're not Jonathan Hart because

you're self absorbed and don't have the courage to reach your potential whatever that might be."

He looked at her for a long moment. "The end result is the same." She didn't think he

fully believed it, but then he said, "I'm not going home with you. Ever."

She swallowed hard. She'd lost him and got him back during his illness and surgery. Even

during the initial phase of his recovery, he'd been coming back to her. But now, he was lost to

her. And there was nothing she could do about it. Unable to say anything further, she turned to

leave. She saw Clayton standing in the doorway.

"Mrs. Hart," she could hear the sadness in his voice.

She waved him off and fled out the door.

"I can't believe you just did that."

"I don't want to talk about this. It's finally said and done." Jonathan felt like throwing

something but couldn't find anything.

"And that's what you wanted?"

"Yes. I've said that whole time."

"You want that woman…that beautiful woman who stood by you, cheered you when you

made huge gains and held you when you were frustrated. That woman who believes in you more

than anyone else does. You really want her out of your life?"

"I've already told you. She'd only be disappointed in me. I can't live up to the image of

Jonathan Hart."

"Not can't. Won't. Didn't you hear her? She didn't love the image. She loved you. And

you just threw that all away."

"Look I don't want to talk about it."

Clayton shrugged. "Well, maybe you're right. After all, even as nice as she was, you don't

remember her. Maybe you don't love her. It's probably better that she knows that. And boy does

she know it."

"I didn't say I didn't love her."

Clayton's eyes widened. "Then you are a jerk."

Jonathan sat on the couch and played the evenings events in his head. He was hurtful.

He'd meant to be. He needed to keep her away. Clayton was right. He'd probably finally

succeeded at pushing her out of his life. And now that he had, he couldn't help but feel like he'd

made the biggest mistake of his life.

All the time Elizabeth had been over, he kept comparing her to Jennifer. Then he thought

about all the times Jennifer had been by his side as he learned to feed himself and walk. Not once

did she show any disappointment in him. In fact, she'd always seemed so happy just to be with

him regardless of what he was doing. Her words haunted him. "… I didn't fall in love with the

money or the power of Jonathan Hart. I fell in love with the man who had the courage to face

death and fight to survive. Who loved life. Who loved his family more than anything."

Could that be true? Could she have loved him regardless of whether or not he became the

same as he was before?

What bothered him the most was that she believed he didn't love her. Because he did. He

always did. He always would.

"You still here?"

Jonathan jerked awake finding to discover he'd spent the night on the couch.

"Restless night eh? Conscious get the best of you?" Clayton asked.

Jonathan rubbed his eyes. "I keep thinking I did the right thing, but I can't get the look in

her eyes out of my mind."

"Right thing for who?"

"For both of us. I can't live up to the expectation she has of me. Why disappoint her and

make me resentful?"

"If you believe that then you weren't paying attention."

Jonathan looked towards Clayton. "Do you really think she meant what she said about not

loving the image of Jonathan Hart but the person?"

Clayton lifted a brow. "Yes. Sure she wants you to be like you were, but that wasn't the

mogul we saw on TV. It was the man in here." Clayton pressed his hand over his heart. "That's

who she wants."

"Do you think I'd let her down if I never became like I was?"

"I think you let her down when you don't try to become who you can become. It's being

the type of person who's willing to live life to the fullest, face the obstacles and keep what's

important foremost that matters to her. You have that. Or at least you did until you got it in your

mind that you had to become Superman."

Jonathan sat for a long minute. His mind was foggy, trying to determine what was really

best for him and Jennifer. But he couldn't get past one thing. "I want to go home."

Clayton smiled. "Finally."

Jonathan was glad Clayton agreed to go along. He needed the moral support. When they

arrived at the gate, a woman was hesitant to let them in, but finally acquiesced. She answered the

door with a scowl that let Jonathan know that Jennifer had likely told her of his behavior.

"I'm Jonathan Hart," he said.

"I know. I'm Ruthie Carmichael. I take – took care of you."

He waited but she didn't budge from the door. "Can I come in?"

"It's your home." She stepped aside to let Jonathan and Clayton in.

Clayton introduced himself and Jonathan noticed she was much nicer to him.

"Is Jennifer here?"

"No."

"Max?"

"No."

Jonathan stood not sure what to do.

"Ruthie I can understand your anger at Mr. Hart here. I've been ready to box his ears

myself. But he really does need to speak to Mrs. Hart," Clayton said.

"I thought she told you last night. She and Max decided to go to Napa for Thanksgiving."

"No," Jonathan said. Of course she wouldn't have told him. She been told he didn't care

what she did with her life.

Still uncertain, he took a moment to study the house. It wasn't anything he'd expected.

He'd pictured Jonathan Hart having a mansion with pillars of gold and extravagance. This house

definitely required money, but it was a home, not a museum. It looked lived in, comfortable,

warm. "Can I look around?"

Ruthie shrugged. "Go ahead. I'll make some coffee."

Clayton followed Ruthie to the kitchen while Jonathan explored the home. He didn't

remember it, and yet in his heart he knew this home. He belonged here and with the people in it.

He studied the pictures on the mantel and piano. They showed a family full of love and life, and

he'd destroyed all of it with his fear and anger and selfishness.

Heading back to the foyer, he climbed the stairs, entering the double doors at the top. Her

room. Their room, he corrected himself. Checking the closets he could see his suits and clothes

were still there. She hadn't burned them. Yet. Going through her side of the dressing area, he

could smell her scent, sweet and exotic. It made him yearn for her like he couldn't have thought

possible.

He sat on the edge of the bed to regroup. What should he do? He could stay. Wait for her

to come back. She may still throw him out. Hell Ruthie may throw him out. As he thought, he

saw the television and a DVD box. Looking at the box, he discovered it was a home video.

Putting the DVD into the player and pushing play, he sat on the bed again to watch.

What he discovered brought tears to his eyes. There he was, a man nearly destroyed by

grief at the thought of leaving his wife and yet wanting to make sure she knew, for the rest of her

life, how much he loved her. He connected with the man in the video. The heart ache and the

need to have her with him. How had he missed that before? How had he seen such a different

man on the television?

He put in a second video and found himself talking with his son. Again the same

emotions flooded through him. In the eyes of his wife and son he saw love and joy and awe not

of a man who was rich and powerful, but of a man who loved them back so deeply.

Jonathan turned off the television and headed downstairs. He found Ruthie and Clayton

talking in the kitchen. "I'd like to go to Napa."

Ruthie looked to him, her eyes weren't as dark and menacing as before but she didn't say

anything.

"I… I don't know how to get there. Where is it?"

Ruthie's eyes immediately turned soft and empathetic. "I'll make the arrangements. I

always do," she said.

"Is it far? Can I go now?"

She wiped a little tear. "Its about 600 miles north of here. You can fly-"

"Fly?"

"Yes, you own a plane. You can fly it even although perhaps you shouldn't do it at this

time."

Clayton laughed.

Ruthie looked at her watch. "He's probably dropping her off now. He'll fuel and fly back

and get you."

"How will he get from the airport?" Clayton asked.

"He can fly right into Napa. I'll arrange a car to take him to the inn."

"Inn?"

"Yes. You and Mrs. Hart own a beautiful inn and winery in Napa."

"Oh."

"What about you Ruthie," Clayton asked. "Are you all alone for Thanksgiving?"

"No. I'm leaving later today to visit my sister in San Diego."

Jonathan was feeling hopeful. At least he was getting some help to find Jennifer.

"I'll go pack you a bag," Ruthie said. "I'll be sure to put a lot of blue in it. Mrs. Hart loves

it when you wear blue. And you'll need all the help you can get."

Just then there was a knock at the door.

"That'll be the flower," Ruthie said heading to the front door.

"The flower?" Clayton and Jonathan asked.

"Yes. Everyday Mrs. Hart gets a flower and sometimes a gift. And something for Max."

"From who?" Jonathan asked beginning to feel jealous.

"From you of course."

"Me?"

"You set it up before your surgery. If you died or were incapacitated, the flower comes

everyday to remind her how much you love her."

"And they're still coming?" Jonathan asked. He looked down at his fingers to count how

long that was. "Eight months?"

"Yes. According your lawyer, they'll continue to come until you tell him to stop. I think

that was also why Mrs. Hart went to visit you yesterday."

Jonathan got that niggling feeling again, like he wouldn't be able to measure up to

Jonathan Hart. But this time he gathered his strength. "Can I take it with me?"

"You probably should. You'll likely need it."

Chapter Seven

Jennifer sat by the fire in the open area of the lodge reading to Max while they waited to

be called for dinner. Max always liked eating in the little restaurant and since his future looked a

little bleak she wanted to give him some happiness. The book about a kid sleuth named Nate

took her mind of her troubles at least for a moment. Since leaving Jonathan's apartment the night

before, she barely thought of anything else but what she should do. On the one hand she wanted

to fight for him, somehow. On the other hand, she was hurt by his disregard of her. And finally

she was heartbroken that he didn't love her anymore. She hadn't really anticipated that his

amnesia would lead to his determination to start a new life without her and Max.

What really worried her was Max. How would she tell him? What would she tell him? It

didn't seem right to say, "Your dad has forgotten you and doesn't love you anymore." She would

definitely need to seek the advice of a child psychologist on this one.

But for now, she was planning a quiet Thanksgiving at their inn in Napa. There were a

few other families around, but not so many that she couldn't have space alone. The staff was

wonderful and as usual was being paid over twice their salary to work over the holiday.

"Hey! Daddy!" Max bolted from Jennifer's arms and ran to the man approaching him.

"Max that's not-" But it was him. Jennifer felt her heart leap but she stamped it down.

Too many times over the last months had she been given hope only to have it torn away.

"Hey Max."

She watched as Jonathan tentatively squatted down showing his need for continued

therapy. "How are you?"

"Great. I didn't know you were coming." Max turned to Jennifer, his face beaming. "He

did come mommy."

"Yes."

Jonathan stood, his eyes holding hers. "I hope you don't mind."

She didn't speak. She wanted to tear into him and then hold him forever. Because she

wasn't sure which would be the wisest for her or Max, she did neither. "Why are you here?"

He shifted, rolled his shoulders. "I … I wanted to see you. I need to talk to you."

"We can't do that here. Not with Max." She still couldn't tell what he wanted to say. She

could feel the hope in her heart that he was here to apologize and come home, but she couldn't let

that hope grow.

He nodded. "Of course. I can …" he looked around and Jennifer's heart broke a little

more at the man who was so unsure and lost. "I guess I can get a room."

She laughed. "You own this place."

He grinned. "Oh yeah." He held her gaze a little longer. "I like it when you smile."

Her smile faltered.

"We're going to have dinner down here. Are you eating with us?" Max asked.

"I don't know," Jonathan said clearly waiting for her lead.

"Why don't you ask Guy to set a place for daddy," she told Max.

"Okay." He ran off toward the restaurant.

Jonathan moved towards her. Jennifer held the book in her arms in front of her, knowing

it was a weak way to put a barrier between them. How had they lost so much?

He swallowed. "I want to come home."

Huh? Despite her hopes, she hadn't really expected that. And while she wanted nothing

more than to have him come home, she wasn't quite ready to forget how he'd treated her.

"Last night you couldn't stand the sight of me and now you want to come home?"

Jennifer said in a low voice so others wouldn't hear.

"That's not true."

"You told me you weren't coming back. You didn't want to be Jonathan Hart. And I know

I was slow or maybe hoping you'd change your mind, but I get it now. You're a different man

now. A man who doesn't love me."

"That's not true either."

Jennifer could barely handle what was happening. Why was he doing this? "You told me

you weren't coming back."

He nodded. "I know. But it's not because I don't love you, because I do. I always have.

Since that first moment I saw you in the hospital."

Jennifer felt tears stinging her eyes. She wanted to believe him, but after the way he'd

treated her, how could she? What had happened in the last 24-hours for him to change his mind?

"I looked forward to everyday when you were there in the hospital. Because of you I got

better. Even the doctors were surprised by how far I've come."

"I don't understand."

"I saw this show on TV that talked about my life and I saw this man who was bigger than

life. Rich. Powerful. Successful. And I realized that people would expect me to be that man

again. Here I was excited to finally be able to use a spoon, but the world expected me to know

what a transistor was and how to run a company."

"I didn't expect that from you." While she felt bad for him and hadn't realized how

difficult it had been for him, she was ready to let it justify his behavior.

"I think if we're going to be completely honest, you did want that. Who wouldn't? But

what I feared the most, never happened. I don't know why I didn't realize it earlier but you never

looked disappointed in me when I failed. I've been terrified that if I came home, Jennifer, that

you'd resent me for not being the way I was. I wouldn't measure up and I would make you

unhappy." He reached into his coat and pulled out the Jennifer Hart rose. "This is a beautiful

gesture by Jonathan Hart. And I know that I love you as much as he did. But I don't think, the

way I am today, that I would think to do something like this."

Jennifer felt a little chink break in her armor. "I don't need roses Jonathan. In fact, I

started to hate them because the reminded me of what I lost."

"Really?"

"Really. And while I do want what we had before, I don't need that man you saw on TV.

The man I fell in love with, he's still there. I saw him every day I went to the hospital. The man

with the heart and courage to face obstacles. And do it with a smile on his face and twinkle in his

eye."

"Mommy, daddy. Guy says our table is ready."

Jonathan turned towards Max. "Jon?" Jennifer started. "I want to talk about this some

more, but I need to be honest with you in that I don't know if I can take any more heartache. If

you're coming home, you have to be sure. Not just for me, but Max too."

He nodded. "I understand."

Jennifer headed towards the restaurant. "Jennifer?" Jonathan said reaching out to touch

her arm.

She turned to him. "Yes?"

"It's Jonathan."

The next day, Jennifer woke up to an empty bed. But that's how she'd wanted it and

Jonathan indicated he was okay with that. She didn't need people at the inn talking about them

sleeping in separate quarters though, so she put him on the couch. In her mind, he deserved at

least that.

She rose, put on her robe and headed to the living area of the suite to find it empty.

"Jonathan?" she called. She went to Max's room. "Max?" Neither of them was there.

Worry slowly crept up her spine. Then she heard the door open.

"Mommy? I got a surprise."

She left Max's room, finding Max and Jonathan standing at the doorway.

"I love surprises," she said.

"Here. It‘s fancy coffee to get your eyes open."

Jennifer laughed. "I could use that."

"And here," Jonathan said as he held out a flower. "This one is from me in person. It's

still a reminder of my love, but hopefully it will remind you of what you have gotten back."

She was touched, but still found herself guarding her heart. "Thank you. I love it."

"I'll called to have the others stopped. I hope that's okay."

She smiled and wondered how he knew who to call. Ruthie probably helped him. "That's

fine."

"Can we go swimmin'?" Max asked.

"After breakfast. And I need to check on the staff to make sure everything is ready for

Thanksgiving."

"I already checked," Jonathan said.

"You did?"

"Well, they told me everything was okay. I don't know anymore about running an inn or

hosting Thanksgiving than I do about transistors. But I was told all was well."

Jennifer smiled. That's the spirit, she thought. There is the man she loves. She leaned in

kissed him on the cheek. "Happy Thanksgiving."

They spent the day together as a family. And with each passing moment, Jennifer could

feel her heart becoming whole again. Jonathan was still foggy and occasionally confused. His

motor skills were a bit stiff. But his heart was there. With her and Max.

At dinner he shared how thankful he was to be with them again. And she and Max were

of course thrilled to have him there. After dinner, they went to the pool. It was an indoor pool to

protect from the chilly November air, but it was housed in an atrium style room which allowed

them to swim under the stars. Not that Max or Jonathan noticed. Both tried to outdo each other in

cannon bombs. But nothing could have pleased her more than to see the two men she loved most

playing together. Again.

"He's out already," Jonathan said as he shut the door to Max's room.

"He had a full day."

"He's a great kid. I wish I could remember."

Jennifer reached up to touch his cheek. "I wish you could too. But even if you can't, the

new memories will be as wonderful."

He smiled and for a minute she thought he was going to kiss her. If he'd tried the night

before, she might have resisted. But now she wanted nothing more than to connect with him.

Uncertainty shone in his eyes. "Well, I should get out the blankets."

"Blankets?"

"For the couch."

Jennifer licked her lips. "You don't have to sleep on the couch any more if you don't want

to."

He swallowed hard and she found herself amused by his wide eyed look. "It's not very

comfortable."

"Well then. That settles that." She took his hand and led him to the bedroom. Their

bedroom.

At the door he hesitated. "Jennifer?"

She turned back to him. "What?"

He seemed to search for the words. He finally said. "I'm nervous."

She hadn't expected that. "Well, we can just … sleep."

"I don't want to sleep."

"Oh."

"But I'm not sure I'll know what do to. How to make you happy."

She smiled and tugged his hand to bring him fully into the room. "Making love isn't

about technique. It's about expressing how you feel."

That was easy for her to say, Jonathan thought. He took it as a good sign that she'd let

him come this far, but he didn't want to screw it up by doing something wrong.

"How do you feel?" she asked.

He was hot and hard, but that was probably not the right answer. "I love you."

She slid her arms around his neck. "Show me."

He stood for a moment, not sure what to do. He felt her hair tease his cheek as her lips

pressed against his neck. Her scent, her soft body pressed against his. Could there be anything

more perfect? More arousing?

"What do you want to do?" she whispered.

"Touch you."

She stepped away from him and for a moment he worried that he said the wrong thing.

But then she undid her blouse, letting it slide from her shoulders. She tossed it aside as she did

with her camisole and bra.

"You're… so beautiful." The awe had him choking on his words.

She stepped back to him, taking his hand in hers. "Touch me."

He searched her eyes for confirmation. What he found was love and desire. He let his

hand graze over her breast. Her hitch of breath had him looking up to watch her face. She was so

beautiful and he wanted more than anything to make her happy. Not just in this moment, but

forever. He cupped her breast feeling the weight of it all the while watching her face. Her eyes

had closed, her breath quickened. Her body pressed closer to his. He wished he had a hundred

eyes so he could see all of her at once, watch what his touch did to her.

He brought his other hand to caress her face, and then he pulled her to him and kissed

her. He was tentative at first, but once his lips touched hers all he wanted was to taste. Her lips

parted and he slipped his tongue in side. She moaned softly as he deepened the kiss and

continued to brush his fingers over her breast.

"I want to touch too," she said when their lips parted. Her hands slid under his shirt and

he quickly removed it, wanting to feel her touch as much as she wanted to touch him. Her hands

stroked over the lines of his chest. He wondered how different his physique was now, but when

her lips trailed over his nipple, he lost any thought about his appearance.

Together, they disrobed and lay on the bed. He took his time, touching and tasting every

inch of her. Jennifer thought she'd go mad from the slow torture. But this time there wasn't

sadness that hung over their love making like before. Instead, he was savoring her, worshiping

her. It was his first time. So she didn't hurry him as much as she was dying to feel him in her, a

part of her. And she returned the favor, caressing him, kissing him, telling him how much she

loved him and what he was doing to her.

Finally he moved over her, positioned himself between her legs.

"Look at me," he whispered.

Jennifer smiled. He may not remember anything, but his body, his heart did as he used

his words just as he always had before.

She looked into his eyes. "Jonathan," she whispered pulling him to her, not wanting to

wait a single second longer.

He slipped inside, taking his time to fill her. She arched her body to bring him in deeper.

The emotion of it brought tears to her eyes.

He looked down on her, his brows pulling together as he tried to pull out of her.

"No! Don't." Jennifer grabbed at him, pulling him to her, clutching him as if her life

depended on his staying joined with her.

"You're crying."

"It's okay. I'm not hurt. I'm just…so overwhelmed to finally be here with you. … Like

this."

He seemed to accept her reasoning and pressed his hips to hers. She let out a long moan

and held on. She felt his lips touch hers and she eagerly sought his tongue. Then they began to

move. Their bodies were fluid, graceful, in perfect harmony. His fingers thread through her hair

and his lips sought to kiss every part of her face. Soon the slow rhythm of their dance quickened.

Together they sought to go higher, to bring more pleasure, until Jennifer cried and together they

came apart in each other's arms.

The tears still flowed and Jonathan didn't know what to make of them.

"I'm sorry," Jennifer said. "I thought you were gone from me forever…but here you are."

He nodded. "I'm sorry for… for everything."

Jennifer pressed her palms to his cheek, a gesture Jonathan found ridiculously endearing.

"No. You're here now."

"Forever."

She hiccupped and then sniffed. "I missed you."

He would have liked to have said he missed her too. And in some ways he did. But he

didn't have the same reference as her. He didn't remember a thing before waking up in the

hospital. It didn't seem fair as he was certain they had some incredible memories. And while he

didn't remember anything specific, deep down he knew her. And Max. It was like his heart or

maybe it was his soul knew them. "I really do love you," he said.

"And I love you."

"I always did. I know I was a jerk. You didn't deserve it. You were with me every step of

the way. You supported me and I treated you badly. I don't know how you can forgive me."

"I do forgive you because I understand and because I love you."

They lay on their sides, nose to nose, body to body. Jonathan couldn't remember ever

feeling happier or safer. "Jennifer?"

"Hmm?" she said snuggling her body close to his.

"Will you marry me?"

She tilted her head to look at him, with questioning eyes.

"I know we're already married, but I don't remember it. And even if I did, considering all

I've put you through, I'd like to do it again. Prove to you that I'm going to stick."

"You don't need to prove anything to me."

"I'd like to do it anyway."

She smiled. "Renew our vows. It sounds romantic."

"Is that a yes?"

"Yes."

He rolled her under him, kissing her with all the love he had. She responded, pulling him

to her. This time they laughed and rolled and tangled in the sheets. Their love was joyful, playful

and tumbled them onto the floor.

"Are you alright-"

Jennifer ignored him and pulled his lips to hers and wrapped her legs around him.

"Now!"

He obeyed, planting himself firmly within her, matching her movements until they cried

out from their pleasure.

And even then they weren't done. By the time they were sated, they were laying

diagonally across the bed, the sheets a tangled mess on the floor.

They lay, each on their backs as they caught their breaths. They turned their heads to look

at each other and laughed. He wasn't sure how he had been so dumb to miss how wonderful she

was. But he wasn't ever going to make that mistake again. Gathering her in his arms, he pledged

all that he had to her.

Jonathan didn't waste any time when he got home. He set up a gym and had Clayton over

for several hours every day to assist in his recovery.

"I told you she was good for you," Clayton said.

Jonathan nodded. It was true. His progress had faltered when he thought he should go it

alone. But now back home with Jennifer and Max, he felt his heart soar.

When he wasn't working on his physical therapy, he was playing with Max. They swam

and wrestled and played practical jokes on Jennifer. And at night, he pulled Jennifer into his

arms where she'd admire his new muscular physique, and he knew his life was as it should be.

Even some of his memories were returning. Many of them didn't make sense, but Jennifer

was patient and helped him decipher what they meant. The doctors were pleased with his

progress and indicated they thought eventually he'd have more of his memories back. The best

news was that all signs of the tumor were gone and the doctors were optimistic that it would stay

that way.

At Christmas, Jonathan determined they should be in the snow, since he couldn't

remember ever being in the snow. So they packed up and went to the cabin. Despite being away,

the presents were plentiful as was the gratitude. They all made snow angels and snow men, and

hooked up one of the horses to a sleigh for ride through the country winter wonder land.

"This is the best Christmas ever!" Max said as he threw a snowball at Jonathan.

"You're right about that Champ."

"Hey! You called me Champ!"

Jennifer beamed. "He sure did."

"Well of course. What else would I call you?" Jonathan said winking at Jennifer.

Chapter Eight

On New Year's Eve, Jonathan stood at the front of the church with Max by his side. He

still had very little recall about his first wedding so he was determined to remember every bit of

this one.

"How do I look Champ?"

Max looked up and yanked on his collar. "I don't like this."

Jonathan smiled. "You look terrific. Very debonair."

"I don't want to be debon- whatever you said."

"Just for a bit longer."

The music started. She took his breath away. So beautiful. So radiant. And all his. Her

eyes reflected back the love and devotion he felt for her.

"We are gathered here today to renew the vows of Jonathan Charles Hart and Jennifer

Edwards Hart-"

"And me too."

"And Maxwell Edwards Hart," the minister said. Jonathan and Jennifer both smiled down

at their son.

"Mr. and Mrs. Hart have written their own vows."

Jonathan turned to Jennifer, taking her hand. "Jennifer-" he nearly choked on her name as

all the love came flooding through him. "I feel so honored to be standing here with you, again. I

know that over the last year there has been sickness and bad times, and you remained faithful to

your vows to me, even when I didn't deserve it."

She smiled as she reached up t wipe a tear that had fallen on his cheek.

"I promise you that I won't ever give you any reason to question your vows to me. I stand

here before our friends, our son, and God to recommit my life and my love to you."

He squeezed her hand knowing the words didn't quite convey the depth of his feeling, but

hoping she understood anyway.

"Jonathan. I once believed that I'd never be married or have a family. But from the

moment I looked into your eyes, everything changed. I could see my future bound with yours.

Our son's eyes in yours. I always thought I understood how fortunate we were to have found

each other. The trials over the last year made me realize just how blessed we are and I don't ever

want to forget it. I'm here today to promise to you again that I will always love you and honor

you. Always."

Jonathan couldn't help the overwhelming feeling of love. "Sorry padre," he said as he

reached out and pulled Jennifer to him, planting a solid kiss on her lips.

"It's your wedding," the minister murmured. The small group of friends that included

Janet and Clayton laughed and clapped.

"Shall we exchange rings?" the minister asked when they pulled apart.

"Sure. Max?"

Max reached into his pocket and pulled out ring with diamonds embellished all around it.

"What's this?" Jennifer asked. "I didn't know we had rings involved this time."

He shrugged. "I wanted a symbol of our second commitment." He held her hand, slipping

it on the finger that held her engagement and wedding ring from their first marriage. Despite

having three rings, they all fit together perfectly.

"I don't have a ring-"

"Here mommy." Max held up a gold band for her.

"This looks like the same one."

"It is. I just had the second date inscribed on the inside."

She smiled. "You think of everything."

She placed the ring on his finger. "I love you."

"Oh and one more thing." Jonathan reached into his pocket and pulled out a pocket

watch. "This used to be Big Max's. Your mom and I want you to have this as a symbol of our

love and devotion to you."

Max studied the watch. "Okay," he said noncommittally

"I know pronounce you man and wife … and son. You may now again kiss the bride."

Jonathan didn't hesitate. He pulled her to him, dipping her as he kissed her.

"Not again," Max sighed.

The congregation clapped.

Jonathan could have stood there holding and kissing Jennifer forever. A tug on his coat

had him looking down.

"Can we have cake yet?"

He smiled. "Sure Champ."

He bent down to pick Max up. Then with an arm around Jennifer he turned to the

congregation.

"I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Hart. And Max."

They attended the reception mostly so Max could have his cake. They planned it so that

when they left the party would continue as a New Year's Eve party for the guests. But by the

time the New Year rang in, Jonathan was home and seeped inside Jennifer, marveling at her

beauty, the pleasure she brought him, and his good fortune to be where he was. He had a second

chance at life and with her, and he wasn't going to waste a single moment of it. They were bound

not just by their bodies, but by their hearts and souls. Not death, not even his stubbornness and

fear could keep their love apart. As she cried out his name and tightened around him, Jonathan

whispered his love and devotion to her so that she'd know he would be there with her forever.

Revenge of the Hart

Hart fans who know me, know that Elliot Manning is my all time favorite Hart villain. This story is

how he takes revenge on the Harts for what occurred in Australia in Harts in High Season (which I

always call Harts Down Under). This story features Little Max, who is now 9 or 10 years old. It’s

from this story that I always thought Max would grown up to an FBI agent and have considered

writing his story as an adult, where he has to save one or both of his parents. You’ll have to stay

tuned on that one.

Chapter One

Jennifer bent over letting her hair fall as she finished blow drying it. She had an

exhilarating afternoon run and once she finished cleaning up, she planned on editing her latest

article until it was time pick up Max at Little League practice. Standing up and flipping her hair

back, she caught the reflection of a man in her mirror.

"Jonathan! You scared me to death!"

"You know you‘re gorgeous don‘t you?" Jonathan leaned against the wall watching her.

Jennifer smiled at him through the mirror. "So you tell me. What are you doing home?"

He stepped behind her, slipping his arms around her. "I couldn‘t get you out of my

mind." He kissed her neck.

"Ah." Jennifer tilted her head allowing Jonathan greater access to the succulent parts of

her neck.

"It‘s been awhile since we‘ve had some love in the afternoon." He slowly slid the robe

from her shoulders, following it with his kisses.

"Yes, it has. Of course I‘m very busy today."

Jonathan‘s lips remained on her shoulder as his eyes looked at her through the mirror.

"You‘ll have to change your plans."

Jennifer shifted as the warm tingling feeling Jonathan's touch always evoked spread

through her body. "What if I wasn‘t in the mood?"

"You know you can‘t resist me." He kissed her again, letting his tongue lightly lave her

shoulder.

"Your arrogance is showing Darling."

"Mmmmm." Jonathan lips slid up her neck to the spot where it met her jaw. "It pointless

to stop me now." He stepped up closer behind her. She could feel him hard against her.

"Hmmm. You do have a point." Jennifer leaned back against him, watching his seduction

through the mirror. He watched too as her robe fell to the floor. He slid his hands up her belly to

cup her breasts, rub his thumbs across her outstretched nipples. She gasped as the slow burn

ignited. Her head fall back on his shoulder and she savored his caress, his kiss.

Jennifer reached behind her and fumbled with the belt and button of Jonathan‘s pants. He

helped her by loosening his tie and unbuttoning his shirt enough so that he could pull both over

his head. In moments their clothes were on the floor, their bodies fused, skin to skin.

Jennifer arched her back, pressing herself against him as she reached back and slid her

hands along his strong thighs. She couldn‘t remember the last time she felt so deliciously

sensual.

Like a voyeur he watched her reaction to his touch with his lips and hands. He slid a hand

over her belly to the soft curls between her legs. She gasped as his fingers found her most

pleasurable spot. With expertise, he touched and teased her.

Jennifer‘s body instinctively moved, straining against Jonathan‘s hand. "Jonathan," She

gasped. She tried to turn around, wanting to take him into her.

He prevented her from moving. "Not yet," he whispered. "Watch." With two fingers, he

continued his slow rhythmic seduction. Jennifer continued to strain against him, her head thrown

back on his shoulder as desire swirled around and through her.

"Watch," he said again. Jennifer managed to lift her head to see their reflection in the

mirror. She saw desire and confidence in Jonathan‘s eyes as his fingers continued to stroke. She

saw her flushed face and clouded eyes, the look of passion and desire. Jonathan smiled as his two

fingers slipped into her. Jennifer cried out, throwing her head back as the climax slammed

through her.

He continued to stroke her until the aftershocks subsided. As her breathing steadied,

Jennifer lifted her head to look at him in the mirror. He smiled, obviously pleased with his

results. "There is nothing more erotic than watching your reaction to my touch."

"Then you must be ready to burst." She turned round and resting against the counter top,

she invited Jonathan to enter her.

"Almost." He leaned towards her, eagerly devouring her lips. They were moist, full and

sweet reminding him of some sort of exotic fruit. He felt her reach for him, but he wanted to

slow things down. It had been so long since he‘d loved her like this. He wanted to make this

afternoon last as long as possible. He took her hands, entwining his fingers with hers. "Not yet."

His lips slid down her neck to her breast as he nipped and licked before finally taking it into his

mouth.

He felt the quick beat of her heart at his ministrations. He let his hands continue to roam

as his mouth returned to her luscious lips. She returned the kiss with equal fervor. It was one of

the many things he loved about her. She lived life so fully. Jumped into every moment. Savored

everything, including him.

He wrapped an arm around her and maneuvered her from the dressing area to their

bedroom. Together they fell on the bed, rolled until she was on top.

"I want a turn," she said on a breathless whisper. It was Jonathan's turn to savor as her

hands caressed and her lips tasted. He allowed her as much as she wanted until he could bear it

no more.

"I need to be in you." He rolled her under him, covering her with his body. Despite the

urgency pounding in his blood, he took his time as he slipped, slowly, steadily inside her. It was

like heaven. Not just the physical pleasure, but to be joined with her, to be a part of her. As if

they were truly one soul.

Together they kissed and caressed in a dance all their own. Jonathan thanked God to have

Jennifer in his life. The minute he met her so many years ago in London, he knew she was more

woman than any other he‘d known. She was more beautiful, more gracious, more intelligent and

definitely more sexy. Even after all their years of marriage, she never failed to excite him in

every way.

Jennifer wrapped her legs around him, closing her eyes and savoring the wonderful warm

sensations running through her body. She‘d never been touched physically or emotionally by any

one like Jonathan. And she knew no one else ever could. She was grateful everyday that

Jonathan had come into her life when he did. At the time she met him, she‘d been nursing

wounds inflicted by a former lover. Breaking up with him was the second smartest thing she‘d

ever done; marrying Jonathan was the first.

But she did have to give that old boyfriend some credit. Had she not been unfortunate

enough to get involved with a scoundrel like him, she may not have fully appreciated the selfless

and unconditional love Jonathan gave her. Jonathan showed her a love she never believed

possible. And after all these years, his touch still sent her reeling.

"Touch me," she whispered.

Jonathan knew her tone and it sent a rush of adrenaline through him. He gave her one last

deep, breathless kiss before he gave free rein to his passion. When he didn‘t think he could be

anymore aroused, she writhed and arched to him, and Jonathan thought he‘d die from shear

desire. Not able to hold back any longer, he thrust into her, his release made all the more

satisfying when Jennifer tightened around him like a fist and cried out his name.

Jennifer nestled in the crook of Jonathan‘s arm completely sated and drowsy.

"Need a break?" Jonathan teased.

Jennifer rolled on top of him. "Ready when you are big guy."

Jonathan looked up at his wife, tousled and flushed. "You‘re so beautiful."

Jennifer was often surprised how after all these years Jonathan‘s compliments could

make her blush. Of course he was biased. He thought she was beautiful when she looked like

death warmed over from the flu and after 16 hours of labor and delivery of Max.

MAX!

"Oh God, what time is it?" Jennifer looked at the clock.

"It quarter to five."

"I‘m going to be late to get Max." Jennifer leapt out of bed and hurriedly put some

clothes on.

"I‘ll come with you," Jonathan said getting out of bed.

"Hurry!"

Maxwell Edwards Hart stood out in right field. He hated right field. He thought he could

actually see the grass grow it was so boring out there. He preferred shortstop or even catcher to

right field. At least you could count on some action in those positions. But his coach felt

everyone should practice playing in every position. And today he was in right field.

He stood with his one leg cocked and a hand on his hip while his gloved hand hung to the

side. He looked around to see what else was going on. The field they practiced in was actually

four fields together. He could see the Beverly Hills team doing sprints and wished he could join

them.

"Okay that‘s it." Max heard his coach call. Max headed back to the infield walking along

the chain link fence as he did.

"Max? Maxwell Hart?" Max turned to see a man standing on the other side of the fence.

Max didn‘t answer, choosing instead to check and see how far it was to his coach. "It's okay. I‘m

a detective. I need to talk to you Max."

Max looked at the badge the man held up. "‘bout what?"

"Your parents Max. And your safety. It's important you come with me."

Max felt his heart jump to his throat. "What‘s wrong with my parents?"

"There has been an accident Max. And we fear you are in danger too."

"Where‘s Captain Gray?"

"He‘s dealing with the situation. Max we don‘t have much time. It is imperative that you

come with me so we can make sure you‘re safe."

Max bit his lower lip. "I should tell my coach."

"There‘s no time Max. We need to hurry." By now the detective had entered the gate. He

placed an arm on Max‘s shoulder. "Let's at least get you somewhere safe and then I‘ll give you

the details."

"Are my parents okay?" The panic shot through him again until there was nothing but the

need to know.

"I‘ll tell you all about it. Come on."

Chapter Two

"We‘re only ten minutes late," Jonathan said as he parked the car at the baseball field.

"He‘ll be mad. What will you tell him about why we‘re late?"

"Me? You can tell him why we‘re late."

"It was your idea."

"You wanted to do it a second time."

"I‘ll tell him I took a nap." Jennifer got out of the car and headed to the field without

waiting for him. Jonathan chuckled and followed her.

"I don‘t see him." Jennifer said as she entered the field. "Coach Andrews? Where‘s Max."

"Max? Why he was here. Maybe he fell asleep."

"Put him in right field?" Jonathan asked.

"Yep." The three of them gazed out over the field. There were a few kids left playing

catch but no Max. Jennifer shuddered at the fear that began to fill her chest. It was ridiculous, she

knew. He probably went to the bathroom or to get water.

"Could he have gone home with one of the other kids?" Coach Andrews asked.

"That‘s probably it." Jonathan said placing an arm around Jennifer.

"Maybe. I‘ll call Scotty‘s mom. He‘s the only one Max would have left with though,"

Jennifer said, holding back the fear.

Jonathan gave her his cell phone and listened while Jennifer made the call. "She says she

didn‘t take him. She said she didn‘t even see him. Scotty thought I picked him up early because

he didn‘t see Max at the end of practice." As she got the words out, the panic escaped from it's

hold. "You were supposed to watch him! Where is he?"

"Jennifer." Jonathan‘s voice was firm but gentle.

Jennifer turned to him, hoping Jonathan wasn't going to try and placate her. "Max is gone

and he should have been watching him."

"I know. But maybe he just wandered off or went with another friend."

Jennifer considered it and tried to have it make sense, but it didn't. "Max wouldn‘t do

that. You know he wouldn‘t Jonathan."

"He is a young boy. Sometimes they like to get in a little mischief," Coach Andrews said

trying to help.

Jennifer ignored him. "You know he wouldn‘t Jonathan." She was almost begging him to

agree. Max was a normal 10-year-old boy in all ways except that he never went off without

calling. It was the one rule stressed and enforced above everything else. And while Max had his

moments of disobeying, even he understood that some rules were meant to be followed.

"You‘re right. Let‘s search the field and talk to the people who are still here."

"And call Captain Gray."

Jonathan nodded. "I‘ll call now."

"Where are my parents?" Max demanded as the detective drove along the coast.

"Are you hungry?"

"No. I want to know about my parents." Max could feel his heart pounding in his chest.

He‘d made a mistake. This guy was not like any of the police he‘d met before. He‘d should have

known. "What are you going to do with me?"

"Do? I‘m protecting you. I‘m a little surprised by your tone. You mother certainly would

expect better manners from you."

"Where is my mom?"

"All in due time young Max. Do you like to sail? I have a boat. You‘ll be safe there."

Max‘s fear and panic swirled through his stomach. "I‘m going to be sick."

The detective used the automatic window opener to lower Max‘s window. "There you go

sport."

Max hung out the window letting the cool fresh air whip over his face as fought dry

heaves. He‘d heard stories about kids being taken. Not many ever seemed to get home. And no

one ever detailed the things that happened those kids, but he had an idea and it wasn't good. Just

the thought of it sent what little was in his stomach up and out of his system. "Please," he

begged. "I want to go home."

The detective smiled. "Here you are young Max. Home."

Max looked out the window to see a marina.

Jonathan headed upstairs to find Jennifer. Their search of the baseball field that afternoon

yielded very little. One boy thought he saw a boy that looked like Max talking to a man, but he

was unable to describe the man in any detail. The police were not able to find anymore and

instead set up shop in the Hart‘s living room waiting for a ransom call. Jennifer seemed to cruise

through the evening in a daze. Shock, Jonathan thought. He wondered if he should call a doctor.

"Hey." He said as he opened Max‘s door. She was sitting on the edge of Max‘s bed,

quietly crying into the pillow she clutched in her arms. Jonathan went to sit by her, putting an

arm around her and pulling her to him.

"Do you think he‘s afraid? Is he even still alive?" she asked through her sobs.

"Don‘t even think like that, Jennifer." Jonathan shuddered at the thought.

"He should be here. I should be tucking him in. If only I was on time…."

"We don‘t know that. We don‘t know when he disappeared."

"He needed me and I was here indulging myself…"

"Don‘t! Don‘t ever feel guilty for making love to me." Jonathan didn‘t know why it

bothered him so much. Maybe because the tentacles of guilt grabbed at him too. It had been so

long that he and Jennifer had made love in such a free and uninhibited manner. As Max had

grown older, Jonathan and Jennifer‘s sexual exploits, although pleasurable, were less frequent

and more tame than before they'd been parents. Had he been selfish in wanting to reclaim some

of the excitement he knew could be found in Jennifer‘s arms?

She looked to him, studied his face. He seemed so composed and strong. How did he do

that? How could he function? The pain consumed her and Jonathan seemed impervious to it.

Then again, Jennifer had never known Jonathan to express emotional pain. She‘d seen him show

anger and ultimate joy. She knew firsthand the depths of love and generosity, but never pain

except for one brief moment when their best friend Max for whom little Max was named, died.

And even then Jonathan thought he was alone as he wept.

"How can you do that?"

"Do what?"

"You aren‘t even upset."

"How can you say that to me?" She heard the terseness of his tone.

"You don‘t look devastated. Jonathan I don‘t know how I will survive if something

happens to him. Tell me you are as scared as I am."

Jonathan pulled her close to kiss her temple but Jennifer pulled away. "I don‘t want to be

comforted I want to know how you feel dammit."

"It won‘t do any good." It required every bit of strength Jonathan could muster not to

succumb to the terror he felt. He saw Jennifer‘s anger and resentment, but he couldn‘t let go.

"Max needs me to stay strong and focused. You need me that way too."

"Oh right and as the woman it's my role to be the grieving mother?"

"You can only do what you have to do Jennifer. I ask you to let me do the same. Why

don‘t you try to get some rest? I‘ll come get you if we hear anything."

Jennifer stood up. Her body rigid and he knew she was disappointed in him. "Will you

sleep?"

"No."

"How can you think I‘ll possibly sleep? Jonathan I‘m terrified for Max. Our son."

"Don‘t think that because I won‘t weep that I don‘t love Max as much as you."

Jonathan‘s voice was cool with the tone of a warning.

"I think I‘ll just stay here for right now." Jennifer‘s voice quivered.

Jonathan knew that the conversation could only get worse if he stayed. She needed time.

He supposed he did too. "I‘ll go downstairs and see what I can do to help."

"I can help too," she said. "Even as a distraught mother."

"Jennifer." Jonathan sighed, wishing he knew what to say. Instead he just nodded. He

wanted to take her hand as they left the room and made their way downstairs, but the distance

between them felt too wide at the moment.

"What do you think Max? Nice yacht, eh?"

"I guess." Max was frightened but gathered his wits enough to decide the safest course of

action would be to be nice… and look for an escape. The boat was large. His parents had a boat,

but it was a sailboat. This was huge. Not as big as a cruise ship, but certainly too big for just one

guy. Max began to worry. While his parents had a boat, they rarely sailed. Not since the last time

Max spent the entire afternoon heaving over the side of the boat. Seasickness. God that was the

worst feeling.

"This will be your room." The detective opened the door. The room was scarcely

decorated and consisted of a double bed and dresser. "Over there on the dresser you will find

some posters and stuff I thought you might like."

Max‘s hackles rose. The guy had been planning to bring Max here for longer than one

afternoon. "Thanks. How long will I be here and when will you tell me about my parents?"

"This is your home now Max."

"No." Max‘s voice caught in his throat.

"If you are a good boy, maybe your mom will join us."

Max stood dumbfounded. He couldn‘t understand.

"That means you need to do as I say. Do you understand Max? If you ever want to see

your mom again, you need to do what I say."

Max could only nod.

"I know you are afraid. I can see it in your eyes. But, I‘m a pretty fun guy to be around.

At one time your mom thought so too. And before long we can all be together."

"Are you really a detective?" Max wasn‘t sure why he asked such a stupid question.

"No. You can call me Elliot. Elliot Manning." And when all is done, you‟ll call me dad.

And oh the revenge on Jonathan Hart will be so sweet when Jennifer wraps her long legs around

me.

Jonathan stared out the window, but he didn't see the lush backyard. His son was missing

and Jennifer was disappointed in him. He understood why, but he couldn't give her what she

needed. If he gave in to the horror he felt, he'd be no use to Max.

He knew the minute she stirred. She'd fallen asleep on the couch late the night before. He

considered putting her to bed, but since he wasn't going to bed, she might consider his actions a

betrayal. She wanted to be in the middle of it, he'd let her.

He could see confusion at waking on the couch and then dawning in her eyes. The fear

and grief moved in quickly. His first instinct was to go to her except that she‘d seemed to resent

his efforts to comfort her the night before.

"Did I miss anything?" she asked.

"No." He could see she understood the ramifications. If he wasn't taken for money, then

he was taken by a predator, which to Jonathan's thinking was more dangerous for Max.

She gathered herself together. "I‘ll go make some coffee." He could practically hear the

ripping as his heart pulled in two as she hurried to the kitchen. He knew she was upset. He

should go to her. But would she accept his comfort?

Jonathan found her at the sink, the coffee carafe over flowing with running water as she

cried. He wanted to reach out to her but was afraid of her reaction. Was she giving him a dose of

his own medicine by keeping her pain to herself? Didn‘t she understand that when he comforted

her, he was comforting himself as well?

He stuck his hands safely in his pockets as he stepped behind her. "Jennifer?"

She jumped at the sound of him. "Oh, I‘m sorry, darling. I didn‘t hear you come in."

"I‘m sorry I startled you. Is there anything I can do for you? Get for you?"

"No. No I‘m all right. I‘m not going to dwell on the negative. I need to focus on Max

being found safe."

This time Jonathan didn‘t stop himself. He reached out and pulled her back towards him

wrapping his arms around her. He needed to hold her, feel her warmth and strength. She turned

around and returned his embrace. Jonathan let out a breath he didn‘t realize he was holding. He

needed her, needed her to need him. He slipped one hand up behind and neck to pull her closer

and then just held on letting the feel of her, the scent of her fill him and give him strength.

"Mr. Hart? Mrs. Hart?" a young police officer entered the kitchen.

"Yes." Jonathan replied, but didn‘t ease his hold on her.

"The FBI agent and victim‘s advocate are here to see you."

"Victim‘s advocate?" Jennifer asked pulling back and looking to Jonathan.

He shrugged. "We‘ll see them."

As the policeman exited two people entered. "Mr. Hart? I'm Special Agent Quinn."

"Yes, we were expecting you." Jonathan shoot the agent's hand.

"And I am Julia Kaiton with the victims advocate division of the police department.

Captain Gray asked that I come by."

"I was just making some coffee," Jennifer said. It felt so odd to have her hostess reflex

kick in when her son was missing.

"Can I help you with that?" Julia asked. "I know Agent Quinn has some questions to ask

you. I‘d be happy to make the coffee."

Jennifer just looked at Julia, as the whole oddness of the situation hit her. Jonathan put an

arm around her and led her to the table. "That would be wonderful, thank you," he said.

Jennifer, Jonathan and Agent Quinn sat at the kitchen table. "We were told you are the

best in this sort of situation," Jonathan said.

"You sound a little surprised. I assure you that I have much experience."

Jennifer looked at the agent. He did look a little young and really not much like a FBI

agent. He didn‘t wear a dark suit. Instead he had khaki pants and a green shirt that seemed to be

the same color of his eyes. His hair was dark and his features were etched deep into his face. He

was young, but his experience was chiseled in his face.

"I‘m sorry if it sounded like I was questioning your skills. I've seen your file and know

you are the best."

"I have gone over the reports given thus far…"

"And?" Jennifer asked anxious to know what an expert might think.

"I think we need to start talking about people who Max would have known."

"You think the person knew Max?" Jonathan's tone was skeptical.

"Kids are taken off the streets everyday without anyone noticing, but in this case, he was

surrounded by friends and there was no sign of a struggle. I think whoever it was coaxed Max to

go with him."

"No." Jennifer‘s voice was firm. She looked to Jonathan. "He wouldn‘t have gone

without letting us know where he was going."

"She‘s right."

Agent Quinn shrugged. Jennifer could guess what he was thinking. But he'd be wrong.

Max could get into trouble, but he understood how important it was stay away from strangers

and to let his parents know where he was.

"Well, we don‘t know the circumstances, but the fact that he didn‘t put up a fight or call

out to anyone would lead me to believe he knew the person."

Jennifer shook her head.

"Maybe the person said he could call home from somewhere else," the agent threw in.

"But why?" Jonathan asked. "No one has called and asked for a dime."

"It‘s still early. If they did know you or Max, it could be they are trying to get to you by

not calling. Yesterday, did you have your usual routine?"

Jonathan looked at Jennifer and remembered the strong desire he‘d had when he glanced

at her picture on his desk the day before. A desire that sent him home with a need to fill himself

with her. "No."

Agent Quinn nodded. "What was different?"

"I came home early." Jonathan replied.

"Was there any particular reason?"

"Is this really important?" Jonathan asked a little uncomfortable with sharing the

intimacies of his life.

"It could be. Did whoever it was know you left early. Had he been waiting for such an

opportunity?"

"It wouldn‘t have mattered," Jennifer cut in. "I was the one who was supposed to pick

him up. I was late."

"Why was that?"

"I don‘t see why this is so crucial." Jonathan said.

"Again, I‘m just trying to get a feel for the whole situation."

Jonathan shook his head. "I came home to make love to my wife. How do you think that

relates to my son being kidnapped?"

Agent Quinn showed no reaction to Jonathan's confession. "Is that what made you late

Mrs. Hart?"

"Yes." Jennifer couldn‘t hold the tears back any longer. "Yes. I was late and now my son

is missing. Oh God! It‘s my fault."

Jonathan sent Agent Quinn a warning look as he put his arm around Jennifer. "Jennifer.

This is not our fault. It the kidnapper‘s fault."

"If I‘d been there... He was counting on me. I should have been there."

"But we weren‘t." Jonathan‘s voice was thick with his own grief and annoyance that she

blamed him.

"Here is some coffee," Julia said giving each person a mug.

"Can you think of anyone that may have a grudge against you or your wife?" Agent

Quinn asked.

Over the years, they had run into many people who seemed to have grudges. Robin Wall.

Forde Beebe. Elliot Manning. Alfred Raine. Most the time they didn‘t know about it until they

were already in the middle of danger. "I suppose it's possible, but I can‘t think of anyone."

Jonathan said.

"You haven‘t bought out a company or fired someone?"

"Not this week." Jonathan said a little annoyed at the inference.

"What about you Mrs. Hart. Can you think of anyone who‘d want to hurt you or Mr.

Hart?"

"If they wanted to hurt me or Mr. Hart why take Max?"

"If they do want to hurt you, then they don‘t want to hurt the boy. They will keep him

safe because he is the key to hurting you at least for now. As you know now, there is no greater

agony."

Jennifer nodded. "I don‘t know of anyone who‘d be out to get us."

"Well, why don‘t you think about it a little more." Agent Quinn got up from the table.

"I‘m going to return to the site and talk with some of the witnesses. I‘ll be back later to give you

an update."

Jonathan and Jennifer sat at the table stunned and overwhelmed by the helplessness that

seemed to paralyze them.

"This is very difficult," Julia said sitting down at the table. Jonathan and Jennifer

remained speechless. "I‘m here to offer any support or assistance. I can also guide you and

explain what is going on. Sometimes things can get confusing. I know how horrible you must

feel."

Jennifer‘s eyes shot up. "How can you possibly imagine how we feel."

Jonathan was surprised by the venom in Jennifer‘s tone and reached to take her hand.

"No, Jonathan. All these people are here to help us, but I see them. They look at us with

pity. They go home to their families and hug them and thank God it isn‘t them. While my heart

has been completely ripped from my chest. How can she possibly know?"

Julia sat straight in her chair. "March 8th

1990 my son Josh didn‘t come home."

Jennifer‘s eyes grew large with shock and then regret. "I‘m sorry."

"There is no need. I sat where you are right now. I have been through the waiting, the

looks, the agony of not knowing, being afraid to know. I can‘t say that my experience is the same

as yours but I know what it is like to lose a child."

Jonathan wanted to ask, but was afraid of the answer about Josh‘s outcome. "No," Julia

said. "Josh never came home."

Jonathan shuddered. That wouldn‘t be Max. Max was going to come home. Whatever

had to be done, he would be home.

"This situation can be very stressful on you individually and as a couple…."

Jennifer and Jonathan looked at her in confusion. "We are not worried about ourselves,

Mrs. Kaiton."

"You won‘t do Max much good if you don‘t. This type of thing can eat away at you. The

guilt, the blame. It can grow and consume until it's all that is left of you and your marriage."

"Are you saying that Max‘s disappearance will ruin our marriage?" Jonathan asked

stunned at the direct comment by Julia.

"It‘s not a certainty but it‘s a possibility… IF you don‘t take care."

"Jennifer and I have a very strong marriage. Stronger than most."

"So I have heard." Julia knew all about the Harts and their idyllic marriage. She was

certain it was the truth. But she also knew how something like the loss of a child could consume

people until they were shells of themselves.

"And we don‘t have any guilt or blame. Whoever has Max is the guilty party. And I will

blame him with my own two hands if I get the chance."

Julia smiled knowing that she shouldn‘t pursue the matter further at this time. But she

could see doubt in both Jonathan and Jennifer‘s eyes. There was definitely guilt and quite

possibly blame as well. "I‘m glad to hear that."

Jonathan took Jennifer‘s hand. "I‘m going back out in the living room and see what the

police and FBI have planned." He wasn‘t sure to ask her if she wanted to come with him or if she

would fine to stay there. And that made him wonder if maybe Julia had a point about how these

situation can change people.

"I‘ll be out in a minute."

Jonathan smiled and kissed her cheek. "Max is coming home."

"He‘s very devoted to you and Max." Julia said when Jonathan was gone. In some ways,

Jennifer thought it was an odd statement. Weren‘t all fathers devoted? But she knew it wasn‘t

true. She knew Jonathan was special and a tinge of guilt lapped at her for pushing him away.

"Yes, he is."

"Are you alright Jennifer? You look a little pale?"

Jennifer looked at Julia. She was a stranger. A stranger who‘d been in this situation. A

stranger who was sent here to offer support. "I was a little hard on him last night."

Julia nodded. She knew. She understood. "Men tend to keep their feelings wrapped up

tight."

Jennifer looked up. "That‘s just it. Jonathan is a very openly feeling man. He‘s so warm

and loving. He‘s affectionate with Max and me. And I have seen rage in him that would set this

house on fire."

"But he doesn‘t share his feeling about this."

"No. I can see it in his eyes though. It‘s killing him. But he won‘t say it. He won‘t share it

with me, cry with me."

"What did he say to you when you asked?"

"He was angry, not hurt that I questioned his feelings about Max. He said he needed to

handle it his own way. I just feel like such a dope, weeping and hurting. The typical woman.

He‘s right. It doesn‘t help get Max home"

"Jennifer, we can‘t help how we feel. We can only help how we deal with feelings.

Perhaps Jonathan has some sort of difficulty handling painful emotions. Maybe now, during the

most painful of times, it isn‘t the right time to analyze it."

"But he treats me like I am delicate and frail. Like I am going to collapse and he‘s going

to hold it all together for us. He doesn‘t need to do that."

Julia nodded. "My best advice would be to support him no matter what. When it‘s over,

then you can discuss your ability to hold him up when he‘s down."

Jennifer took a sip of coffee. The talk seemed to help her, but it wasn‘t helping Max. "I

need to get back to him and see what I can do."

Julia nodded. "I‘ll just clean up here."

Chapter Three

"Hey sport." Elliot opened the door to Max‘s room. "I made some pancakes you want

some?"

Max sat at the end of the bed. He had hoped it had all been a bad dream, but when he

woke up he was still in the boat with Elliot. At least he wasn‘t sick. But the boat hadn‘t left the

dock. "I‘m not hungry."

"Suit yourself." Elliot popped a pancake from the plate he was carrying into his mouth.

"You slept in your clothes. I told you there were pajamas and clothes in the drawer."

Max didn‘t respond.

"Say, I have some pictures of your mom and me. I told you I knew her. Do you want to

see them?"

"Where is my mom? You said I could see her."

"You will. If everything goes well. You and I need to get to know each other first. Come

on." Elliot put an arm around Max and led him out of his room, up the corridor and up some

stairs. At the top of the stairs, they entered a large open room. Elliot motioned towards the back

of the room where a table was set for breakfast. "Let‘s eat and I‘ll show you the pictures."

Max was hungry. He hoped he wouldn‘t be seen as a traitor for eating this man‘s food.

"This one here? This is your mom and me at the beach in Australia. She‘s pretty, don‘t

you think?" Max looked at the picture. His mom looked younger, a lot younger. She was wearing

a bikini bathing suit and her hair was different, shorter and curlier. She was pretty and yet, there

was something missing. Her eyes didn‘t seem as sparkly.

"And this one, was New Years 1976. Your mom is quite a looker isn‘t she?"

Max nodded, uncomfortable of thinking of his mom the same way he might think of

Brittany Spears.

"We loved each other Max. Your mom and I."

Max could feel his pancakes shift in his stomach. Somehow he couldn‘t imagine his mom

even liking this guy.

"We were going to be a family."

"It‘s different now. She loves my dad." Max knew that for sure. He may only be ten years

old, but he knew love when he saw it. It wasn‘t in his mother‘s eyes in the pictures. And it

wasn‘t in Elliot's eyes now.

Elliot ruffled Max‘s hair. "It will be different when she‘s here with us."

The next two days were agonizingly long. The FBI and police worked their angles,

keeping Jennifer and Jonathan informed, but not allowing them to do more than sit and wait.

Jonathan was not one to sit and wait. No he was a doer. He needed to be active, to feel like he

was doing something to help. While Jennifer wasn‘t one to rush out into danger, she didn‘t like

the sitting and waiting either.

"What can we do?" Jennifer asked as she watched Jonathan pace around the bedroom.

"I don‘t know." Jonathan stopped for a minute and ran his hand through his hair. He

looked to Jennifer. She was waiting for his lead, but he didn‘t know what to do or where to start.

It was making him crazy. His stomach tightened as he realized he was nearing the edge. He was

going to lose it if he didn‘t do something, anything.

He couldn't remember ever having this level of negative energy. He felt liked a caged

animal ready to attack at the first opportunity.

"Darling?" Jennifer walked to him, placing her hand on his arm. Without think he

flinched and pulled away. He didn't need to the see the hurt look in her eyes to know his action's

impact.

"I‘m sorry. I just can‘t …"

Jennifer nodded. "Okay." Clearing her throat she continued. "I think I might take a

shower."

"That‘s a good idea."

Jonathan watched Jennifer leave to take a shower. "Jerk," he said to himself. He knew he

should go to her, but he couldn‘t trust himself to keep it together. She thought she could support

him, be there for him and in most cases she could. But this was different. Jonathan felt on edge,

like every nerve was poised to scream out and strike. And then what? He‘d throw things and

Max would still be gone. After the energy was released all that would be left is a sobbing shell of

a man. How would he find Max then? No he couldn‘t go to her and he hated himself for it.

Jennifer let the hot steaming water pelt her body. She tried not to think about the horrible

turn her life had taken. Her son was gone, her husband was here, but equally as distant. Well,

that wasn‘t quite right. Some moments he seemed to be attentive to her. And then other times, he

seemed almost afraid to touch her, afraid of himself. Jennifer didn‘t know what to do about it.

She decided to focus on the case. That was something she had some experience at. The

first baffling thing was how Max could disappear. She knew Agent Quinn didn‘t believe her, but

she knew Max would have never gone willingly with anyone without calling. But how could he

have been taken unwillingly without anyone noticing? So maybe he went willingly because he

was threatened? Or maybe he was approached by someone he was taught to trust like a

policeman? That had to be it. He had to have been tricked. But by whom and why?

Jennifer indulged in a little pampering when she got out of the shower. It helped relax her

to put on lotion and do her hair. And when relaxed, her thinking was clearer. Once dressed, she

would go to Jonathan and talk to him about her theory. Maybe he would have more ideas to add

to it.

While Jennifer showered, Jonathan headed down stairs. He first headed to the bar

thinking a good stiff drink might help settle his nerves. Then he decided that dulling his senses

might not be the best thing. He headed to the kitchen to get a glass of juice. He found Julia doing

the dishes.

"Where‘s Ruthie?" he asked as he headed to the fridge.

"She said she had to do some grocery shopping. I told her I would finish these." Julia

looked to Jonathan from the corner of her eye. "She seems to be taking this pretty hard too."

Jonathan found a glass and poured some juice. "She‘s known Max since he was a baby.

He‘s kind of a grandson I guess to her."

Julia nodded. "She seems a little worried about you though."

"Really?" Jonathan sat down at the table and called for Freeway Jr.

"She and Jennifer."

Jonathan eyed Julia suspiciously. Of course Ruthie would worry, it was in her nature. But

bringing up Jennifer seemed like perhaps Julia was trying to provoke him.

"We are all under a lot of stress right now."

"Where is Jennifer?"

"She‘s taking a shower."

"Oh good. I‘m glad she is taking care of herself. It will help her think clearer."

"I wish she‘d get some sleep. She‘s only gotten a few hours a sleep over the last few

nights."

"You‘re worried about her?"

"I don‘t know if its worry."

"It‘s something you can do though. You are stuck here at the mercy of the FBI and police

and feel helpless. But, taking care of Jennifer is something you can do."

"Keen observation Dr. Freud."

Julia laughed and sat down at the table with him. "I have a feeling she feels the same."

Jonathan remembered how Jennifer reached out to him and he shied away. The memory

sent a burn of shame through him. "I wish I could give her what she wants, but I can‘t."

"Won‘t." Julia‘s voice was calm, but it was clear her word was a challenge. "She only

wants to know how you feel. She doesn‘t want to be overwhelmed by her grief by herself."

"She‘s not alone. She never will be. But, I don‘t have to let my feelings out to be there for

her."

"It's not a matter of being there for her, it‘s a matter of sharing with her. Letting her be

there for you."

Jonathan shifted in his seat. "There would be nothing left of me if I did."

"Really? Why is that? Usually letting our feelings out clears the mind and soul allowing

us to gain a better perspective and think more clearly. What do you feel Jonathan?"

"I feel like if I release even on little bit of the anger or guilt or fear, that I will destroy

everything I hold dear."

Julia‘s eyes widened in surprise. "I don‘t understand."

"Once it was out, there‘d be nothing left."

"Of what?"

"Of me." Jonathan rubbed his hands over his eyes. "I can‘t be there for Max and Jennifer

if I lose control of my feelings. And right now, I feel like I‘m on the edge of doing just that."

"So why don‘t you tell her that?"

"I can‘t."

Jennifer stood outside the door to the kitchen. She wasn‘t sure if she was more angry or

heartbroken at what she heard. She heard Jonathan talking to Julia, expressing feelings. Maybe

not the total intensity and depth of feelings, but he was talking to Julia not her. Jennifer turned

away from the kitchen. She grabbed her coat and headed to the door.

"Mrs. Hart? Where you going?" the officer asked.

"Out." She said closing the door behind her.

Jennifer knocked on Agent Quinn‘s office door. It was actually an office for a ranking

police officer but Agent Quinn had occupied it to stay close to the police during the

investigation. She hoped he wasn‘t too busy to talk to her about her ideas.

"Come in."

Jennifer opened the door to find Agent Quinn putting on his coat. "Did I catch you at a

bad time?"

"No, actually I was heading out to your house. Is Mr. Hart with you?"

"No, I came alone."

Agent Quinn motioned for her to sit. "Is everything alright?"

Jennifer sat in the chair and watched as Agent Quinn sat on the edge of his desk. "Yes. I

just had some thoughts I wanted to run past you."

"Okay."

"Well, I know you think Max would have easily gone off without calling us but it just

isn‘t true. So I was trying to think of what situations would he have walked off."

"And."

"I thought he would have to be tricked by someone he trusted or was taught to trust."

"Like whom."

"Like a police officer. Someone from Hart Industries-"

"Do you know of any one at Hart Industries that would do that?"

"No. And he wouldn‘t with just anyone, but he does know many people there."

"What makes you think of the police?"

"We have always taught him that you could trust them. He really is a good boy. He would

have had to been tricked." Jennifer looked straight into the agent‘s eyes to drive her point home.

"So you think maybe someone pretended to be police officer and kidnapped Max?"

"I don‘t have any real theories, but it would have to be something along those lines."

"And Max would go with a police officer even if he didn‘t know him."

"I think he might." Jennifer was feeling hopeful all of a sudden. It seemed that the agent

was really listening to him.

"Mrs. Hart, does Elliot Manning mean anything to you?"

"Oh God." Jennifer gasped. "I knew him. He‘s in prison in Australia now. For life I

believe."

"Did he know Max or would Max have known him?"

Jennifer started to get an uneasy feeling that moved quickly from her stomach to her

chest. "No. The last I saw Elliot was before Max was born. Agent Quinn why are you asking me

this?"

"I just got word that Elliot Manning escaped from prison last week. It came to me

because your name was in the file and someone remembered hearing about Max."

"Oh God." Jennifer stood up and paced the room. Elliot Manning. Elliot was capable of

anything. That she‘d learned the last time she saw him. And he would kill. She had no doubt in

her mind that he would hurt and even kill Max. "Oh God no." Jennifer began to sob.

"Mrs. Hart we don‘t know for sure it is him, but from your reaction I think it is something

we need to consider." Agent Quinn got from his desk and walked to her.

"He‘s evil." Jennifer grabbed at Agent Quinn‘s shirt. "He‘ll kill my boy. Oh God he‘ll kill

him." Jennifer dropped her head to Agent Quinn's chest. He put his hands on her arms and gently

rubbed up and down. "It‘s okay. We‘ll find him." He set his chin on her head as she cried into his

chest.

"Take your hands off my wife."

Agent Quinn pulled his hands off and up in a defensive manner.

"Jonathan!" Jennifer looked at him in surprise although she wasn‘t sure if she was

surprised at his tone at finding her in the arms of another man or if she was surprised at finding

herself in the arms of another man.

"What‘s going on?" He said tersely as he entered the office. He could see Jennifer had

been upset and the need to rush to her and wrap his arms around her, to protect her welled up in

him. The guilty look in Jennifer‘s face made him stop.

"I was upset…" she turned to Agent Quinn. "He was just trying to help."

What the hell was happening that he couldn‘t hold his own wife? That she would look at

him with resentment. What kind of man was he that he would just let it go on? Jonathan rubbed

his hand over his face. "Jennifer." His voice was tired and full of longing. He looked up at her,

the longing highlighted by his eyes.

"Jonathan." She replied with the same need in her voice. He stepped forward and took her

in his arms. He held her close, blocking out everything, but her and the need for her.

"I‘m sorry." He whispered it. Then looking to the agent he said, "I‘m sorry."

Agent Quinn nodded his acceptance.

"Jonathan." Jennifer started. "It‘s Elliot."

"Elliot? Elliot Manning. He's in prison."

"Well, we don‘t know that for sure Mrs. Hart."

"He escaped last week."

"Oh, Jesus." The knot in Jonathan‘s stomach tightened.

"I need for you two to tell me everything you know about him." Agent Quinn said.

"You need to be out finding the bastard." Jonathan argued.

"I assure you people are looking for him but, here at the FBI we do more than collect

clues and look under rocks. We try to get into the mind of the criminal so that we can think like

him."

Jennifer looked to Jonathan and shrugged. "I don‘t know how much help we can be. It‘s

been over 10 years since we saw him."

"According to the file I have here, you once were pretty close to Mr. Manning."

The acid in Jennifer stomach churned as she thought back to the time she‘d been with

Elliot. "Yes, that was even longer ago."

"If Elliot has Max then what ever happened all those years ago must still make a

difference."

"What do you need to know?" Jonathan asked. He remembered the time when he‘d told

Elliot that Jennifer had never mentioned him and it was close to the truth. He‘d known she‘d

dated him, but she‘d never gone into details and Jonathan had respected that. Now he wasn‘t sure

he wanted to know.

"Everything. I need to know the man so I can get a sense of what his plans are for young

Max…. if he indeed has young Max."

Jennifer sat in the chair and took a sip of water Agent Quinn arranged to have brought in.

"I met him in 1975 at a party in New York. We took to each other immediately." Jennifer looked

sheepishly at Jonathan who smiled in understanding. Turning back to Agent Quinn she

continued, "He had a confidence, which I would discover later was arrogance. He had a wildness

in his eyes that at first seemed exciting." Jennifer took another sip of water. "It didn‘t take very

long though for the intrigue to wear off. He is very full of himself. He doesn‘t seem to

understand words like ‗no‘ or ‗it can‘t be done‘. If Elliot set his mind on something he was

determined that it would happen and usually it did."

"Until you?" Agent Quinn asked.

She nodded. "Until me. Except that when Jonathan and I married, he really left us alone

until the issue about the game ranch came up."

"Go back to the relationship, where you together long, were you intimate?"

"I don‘t see where that can help." Jonathan‘s voice was sharp.

"If I am going to get into this guy‘s head, I need to know everything I can know. If he has

targeted Jennifer then I would think those detail are a part of what he‘s thinking about now."

Jennifer shifted uncomfortably in her seat. She had never talked of her relationship in

detail with anyone, not even Jonathan.

"If you would be more comfortable with just us two…."Agent Quinn started.

Jonathan shot him a look. He wasn‘t really suggesting he leave was he? Still, he knew it

was painful part of her life. He stood up; "I can leave if you like darling."

"No," Jennifer grabbed his hand. "No." She said again as if it was the most ridiculous

think he‘d ever suggested. He sat by her continuing to hold her hand. "This isn‘t easy for me

Agent Quinn."

"Take your time."

"Yes, to answer your question, we were intimate. At first it was... well... passionate I

guess. But Elliot likes to dominate and have an element of danger."

"Even in sex?"

"Yes. I‘m not a prude Agent, but Elliot was unpredictable and sometimes it concerned

me."

"Concerned. Do you mean you were afraid of him?"

"Maybe. I know he cared for me as much as Elliot can care for a person. But sometimes

he didn't know when too far was too far."

"Did he ever beat you?"

"No, but he could be rough. Not when we argued, but during sex. We were together for a

short period of time before I broke away. And it wasn't just the rough intimacy. I didn't like how

he treated people who worked for him. I didn't agree with his politics or attitude towards

wildlife. We just didn't fit. But he didn't seem to understand that I didn't want to see him

anymore."

"He stalked you?" Agent Quinn asked.

"Not like how you define stalking. Weeks could go by and I wouldn‘t hear a thing and

then he‘d just show up with flowers and wine like I was expecting him. Like I said, Elliot

expects the world to move to his ministrations."

"How did he respond to your rebuffs?"

"To be honest I think he went along with it thinking I was just miffed. Once I was over it

I'd take him back. Eventually I realized that it wasn't really me he wanted. He just didn't like that

I was the one to end things. I considered getting back with him just so he could break up and be

done with it. But it didn't seem right to feed the ego of an egomaniac."

"But you finally did get him to leave you alone, how was that?"

"To be honest, I'm not sure why he stopped. I took an assignment in London as soon as

possible. Through the grapevine I‘d heard he left and went to Australia. I was thinking maybe I

was rid of him finally. I was in London for several months and that‘s when I met Jonathan." She

smiled him. Jonathan brought her hand to his lips.

"Most productive business trip I ever took," he said.

"Did Elliot try to get in your way?"

"No. Things happened very fast in London. Jonathan and I were engaged within two days

of meeting." They both smiled at each other as the memory of that time flooded in their hearts.

He needed that, Jonathan thought. He needed to remember the way she captivated him. How she

still owned him heart and soul.

"He never tried to contact me but he did send Jonathan a kangaroo for a wedding

present."

"Had you known Elliot Mr. Hart?"

"Not really. He was a sore loser in a boat race we had before I knew Jennifer. And I had a

few business dealings with him."

"What happened in Australia?"

"We thought we were buying a game ranch," Jonathan said.

"You weren't suspicious of him?"

"Well, with Elliot you always suspect something, but we hadn't expected what

happened," Jennifer said.

"I knew the game ranch would be important to Jennifer, as did Elliot which is why he

contacted me. I did my research and knew Elliot's business was struggling."

"He was broke."

"He had assets, but no cash. The game ranch would give him that, plus the ability to pay

off some debts," Jonathan said.

"So what went wrong."

"Jonathan likes to be thorough," Jennifer said.

"You found something in the business you didn't like?"

Jonathan nodded. "It turned out he was hunting the animals he was supposed to be

protecting, so I didn't want to buy it until I could learn more. Actually, that's not true. I didn't to

give him the money until I knew more."

"But he was counting on the money," Agent Quinn finished.

"Yes," Jennifer said. "He concocted this crazy scheme to make a pass at me, which he

knew Jonathan wouldn't tolerate-"

"I don't know. I think he may still have made that pass. I think he saw you as part of the

winning pot," Jonathan interrupted.

Jennifer shook his head. "Elliot is many things, but he's not stupid. I could see even as he

made the pass that he wasn't expecting me to really respond. He was more angry that I made a

scene and embarrassed him."

"What about this scheme?" Agent Quinn prodded.

"He was right that I would confront him," Jonathan continued. "When he made a lewd

remark about Jennifer, I hit him. We scuffled although his intention was to get his blood on me."

"The next day," Jennifer said. "The police showed up saying Jonathan was the main

suspect in Elliot's murder."

Agent Quinn nodded as he looked over notes in a manila folder. "He faked his death to

get at you Mr. Hart."

"He tried extort the money, but the check got blown up, he hunted us like game...and

well, in the end he was caught and sent to jail for murder."

Agent Quinn eyes grew wide. "Blow up?"

"It's a long story," Jonathan said.

"We tend to get into trouble," Jennifer added. "The thing is, Elliot believes the world

should revolve around him. If it doesn‘t, he‘ll force you. And he holds grudges."

"So he could take Max to get back at you?"

"Except that Elliot would want us to know its him. That‘s where the pleasure comes

from," Jennifer said.

"Perhaps he hasn‘t reached that part of his plan. Or perhaps it‘s not him at all," Agent

Quinn said.

"Oh it‘s him alright." Jonathan said. "If he‘s out, he will come after us I have no doubt.

So now what do we do?"

"Now you let me and the other law enforcement people do their jobs."

"No." Jonathan slammed his hand down on the agent‘s desk as he stood. "I‘m done

waiting around. I need to do something."

"Then I suggest you take your wife home and wait for Elliot‘s call."

"Jesus Christ." Jonathan stormed around the office again. "I‘m not playing his game his

way. We're sitting ducks. And I don't trust him with Max."

"If you're right and it is Elliot, then Max is the pawn. He won't hurt him. Not yet anyway.

Let us do our job so we can get him before Elliot can play his next move."

"No. I want all the information on his prison term and escape," Jonathan demanded. "I

know this man. Better than your profilers. I can help."

"Mr. Hart, the more you argue with me the more time you take away from finding your

son."

"Don‘t give me that crap. You know I can get the information. I know people." Jonathan

hated using his influence, but he wasn‘t going to sit idly by anymore.

"Darling." Jennifer reached out placing her hand on his arm. For the second time that day

Jonathan pulled away from her.

"Jennifer I‘m not leaving here without that information."

"You get your friends to help you Mr. Hart. Right now the information stays here. And I

would recommend that you keep out of it for your sake, your wife‘s sake and your son‘s sake."

Jonathan stood speechless, his narrow eyes directed toward Agent Quinn. "I‘ll be back."

He took Jennifer‘s elbow and led her out of the office.

They had reached the parking lot, and neither had spoken. "I want you to go straight

home." Jonathan‘s voice was flat.

"Are you ordering me?" Jonathan could tell by the sound of her voice that she wasn't

happy with his tone toward her.

"I want you home where you‘ll be safe."

"And where are you going?"

"I have some contacts to make."

"Let me come with you," Jennifer said.

Jonathan bit the inside of his lip. The truth was he needed her to go home because he

needed time to pull himself together. He wouldn‘t be able to do that with her around.

He saw something change in her eyes. Not just annoyance and hurt. But fury. "Maybe

you‘d like Julia to go along instead. You don‘t seem to have any problem talking with her."

Jennifer grabbed the handle of her car and flung her door open.

"Jennifer?" He held the door open as she climbed in. "What are you talking about?"

"You don‘t want to confide in me, share with me but you will with a total stranger. Even

now, after sharing a difficult, intimate details in my life, you walk away from me. I‘ll go home

Jonathan. I‘ll let you brood and do your macho man stuff." Jennifer pulled the door from

Jonathan‘s grip and slammed the door. She started the engine and drove off.

"God dammit!" He did it again. Why couldn‘t she understand? The best way to support

him now was to let him handle things in his own way. He'd get the papers about Elliot and then

he‘d go home. Together he and Jennifer would go over them. They always worked together well

as a team. By then he'd be calmer and she'd be glad to help. They'd be on track again.

Chapter Four

Jennifer began to second-guess herself as she pulled out of the parking lot. She should go

back to him and at least talk to him rationally. Except, talking things out was the problem.

Jonathan didn‘t want to talk. So she continued home. As she pulled on to the freeway, her cell

phone rang.

"Jennifer Hart."

"Hello Jen."

"Oh God. Elliot." Jennifer's heart jumped into her throat.

"I knew you‘d still recognize my voice."

"Where is Max? Where is my son?" Jennifer‘s eyes darted across the freeway looking for

an exit so she could stop and concentrate on the call.

"Max is fine. You‘ve done good work figuring that out. Don‘t you worry your pretty little

head. Max is having a grand ole time here with me."

"Elliot don‘t do this." The desperation cracked in her voice. "Please don‘t."

"It‘s okay Jen. Why don‘t you come and see him."

Jennifer finally found a place to pull over. "Where are you?"

"First things first. I‘ll let you see him, but you can‘t tell anyone. Not the police, not the

feds and especially not Jonathan."

Jennifer pressed her hands to her eyes. Jonathan would probably never forgive her if she

didn‘t call him, but she also knew Elliot would ensure that she never saw Max again if she didn‘t

agree. "Alright."

Elliot smiled to himself. He knew she‘d cooperate. Deep down she‘d been waiting for

him. It took hardly any effort at all to get her to abandon Jonathan. "I will meet you at MacIntire

Park in 30 minutes. If I think Jonathan or anyone else is with you, I will leave and take Max with

me."

"I understand.

Jennifer followed Elliot up the boat ramp wishing she‘d played this out differently. Why

had she thought Elliot would have Max at the park? Of course he wouldn‘t. Why had she agreed

to leave her car at the park and ride with him to see Max? And why hadn‘t she called Jonathan

when she had the chance. Jennifer knew deep down that she hadn‘t really had a choice. She

knew Elliot well enough to know that he had a carefully devised plan. Had she not agreed, she

would never see Max again. Oh Max. Her heart cried out for him. Oh please be all right.

"Well, what do you think?" Elliot asked referring to the yacht.

"I‘m not here to see your boat Elliot. Where‘s Max."

"I see where he gets all his vim and vinegar." He sounded pleasant, but Jennifer could

hear the tinge of annoyance in his voice.

Jennifer didn‘t respond as she followed Elliot into a long hallway on the boat.

"He‘s in here." Elliot opened the door.

Jennifer speedily pushed past him. "Max? Max sweetie?"

"Mom?" Max looked up from the Sega Playstation game in which he pretended he was

hunting down Elliot in a jungle. All of a sudden he felt wrong for playing with Elliot‘s toys.

"Oh Max." Jennifer rushed to him dropping down beside him and pulling him close. "Are

you alright? Did he hurt you?"

"I didn‘t lay a hand on you did I sport?"

Max looked at Elliot with hate in his eyes. "No, he didn‘t hurt me." Turning back to

Jennifer he asked. "Can we go home now?"

Jennifer turned to Elliot. "Now that you‘ve played your little game, I‘m going to take

Max home."

"Why Jennifer," Elliot started leaning against the doorjamb. "You are home. I know it‘s

not a sprawling mansion in Bel Air, but it will have to do for now."

"No, Elliot." Jennifer stood up. "We are not staying here with you."

"Yes. Yes you are." Elliot said clearly pleased with himself.

"What‘s this about?"

This time Elliot straightened and approached Jennifer angrily. "This is about getting what

should be mine."

"We are not yours."

"The hell you aren‘t. You are here, on my boat, with me."

Jennifer looked down at Max who was anxiously watching her. Turning back to Elliot

she said, "I‘ll stay Elliot but let Max go…"

"No."

"Elliot listen please." Jennifer approached him and used all the strength she had to appear

like she‘d be willing to give herself to him. "Max was never yours not like I was. Let him go. I‘ll

stay here with you and do whatever you want. Just please let him go."

Elliot‘s eyes softened as he looked down at her. She hoped that somewhere inside him

was compassion. "We are a family now Jennifer. The family we should have had, but never had

the chance to because of Jonathan Hart."

Jennifer searched Elliot‘s eyes. She didn‘t see lust or greed. No she saw revenge. This

wasn‘t about winning her back because he loved her. No this was all about Jonathan. Elliot was

out to destroy Jonathan and what better way than through his family. "This isn‘t right. You know

Jonathan will never stop coming after you."

"Let him come. It's time we finished our business." Elliot looked at his watch. "You two

stay here and get reacquainted while I take care of some business and get on our way."

"Way? Where?" Jennifer asked.

"It‘s a surprise. I know how you love surprises." Elliot left the room locking the door

behind him.

Jennifer pressed her ear to the door and once she thought Elliot was gone, tried to open

the door. "He‘s locked us in."

"And the windows don‘t open either. Or break." Max said getting up off the floor.

Jennifer turned to him. "Max. I‘m so sorry." She put her arms around him and held him.

"I‘m sorry I went with him. He told me he was a detective."

"I figured it was something like that, honey. It‘s not your fault." Indeed, Jennifer thought,

this was all her fault for getting involved with Elliot in the first place, for not letting Jonathan kill

him when he had the chance, for not being on time to pick Max up at practice.

"Is dad coming? He knows you‘re here right?"

Guilt and panic stabbed at her heart. She couldn‘t look at Max, so she just held him. "He

doesn‘t know I‘m here sweetie."

"Why not?"

"I didn‘t tell him I was coming. He took my phone."

"But when he called you before to meet you."

Jennifer could hear the fear in Max‘s voice and it broke her heart. She swallowed hard.

"Elliot told me not to or I‘d lose you." She knew that was lame. For some reason she‘d let Elliot

and her own pride get in the way. "He‘ll find us sweetie. I have faith."

Max let himself be comforted by his mother but the knot in his stomach remained tight. It

didn‘t make sense. His parents always talked about and shared everything. Why wouldn‘t she

call him? "Mom?"

"Hmmm?"

"You don‘t like this guy do you?"

Jennifer pulled away to look at Max, shocked that he‘d ask such a question. "No Max. I

love your father. Only your father." She pulled him close and prayed Jonathan would think the

same of her when he realized what she‘d done.

Jonathan slowed down as he pulled up to the front gate of his home. His home. What a

joke. Over the last few days the FBI, police and now reporters seemed to have taken up

residency on his property. Jonathan wondered if a judge would give him leniency if he ran any of

the reporters down.

"Mr. Hart? Mr. Hart. Is it true that little Max has been taken by a scorned lover of Mrs.

Hart?"

Jesus? How‟d they hear that?

"Mr. Hart? It's been said missing children can put a strain on a marriage. It that why you

and Mrs. Hart fought today down at the police station?"

"Get the hell of the way before I run you down." Jonathan seethed as he gunned the

engine and sped through the gate.

Jonathan entered his home, but headed straight upstairs. He needed a moment away from

the circus his life had become. And he hoped beyond all hope that Jennifer was upstairs waiting.

She would have been home for several hours and would have had time to stop being angry with

him.

"Jennifer?" he said as he entered the bedroom and throwing the documents he collected

on the bed. He was met with silence. She must be downstairs. Not quite ready to meet the deluge

of people camped out in his house, he sat in the easy chair and loosened his tie. As he sat in the

dark, he felt a chill run up his spine. Something wasn‘t right. Well that‘s an understatement. He

needed Jennifer. He needed her now. But of course she‘d given up on him. She had every right to

be angry. He pushed her away at a time she needed him. First with Max missing, and now Elliot.

The images of Jennifer with Elliot were bad enough, to imagine the twisted acts he'd would have

asked her to perform, made him burn. The rage and guilt swirled through Jonathan.

"Mr. Hart?" Ruth called from outside.

"Come in Ruthie."

The door opened slowly. Ruth stepped in followed by Freeway Jr. who ran to Jonathan‘s

lap.

"Is Jennifer down stairs?" Jonathan asked as he pet Junior.

"No. She hasn‘t been home."

Jonathan‘s eyes shot up. "Not home? She left to come home hours ago. Did she call?"

"No and her phone is off."

Oh God, he didn‘t need this. Where the hell did she go? A mixture of fear and guilt and

anger coiled in Jonathan‘s gut as he contemplated the possibilities. She was angry when she left.

Would she have gone somewhere else? To get away from him? It wouldn‘t be like her to do that,

but then, nothing about the two of them had been normal. Or maybe Elliot got her. The thought

was more than Jonathan could bear. There is no way he could let that vile man ever get near his

family. But he already had. And Jonathan had been helpless to do anything. He knew the FBI

and police weren‘t convinced yet that it was Elliot, but Jonathan knew. It was the only thing that

made sense.

"Mr. Hart? Do you think we should tell the police?"

Jonathan looked up at Ruthie. Like Max, the friend and father figure for whom little Max

was named, she was the pillar of strength. She saw reason where Jonathan saw chaos. She was

level headed when he was beside himself with emotion. He sighed and rubbed his eyes. "She‘s

angry at me."

Ruthie‘s brows drew together as if she were trying to understand what he meant by that.

Jonathan looked at her when she failed to respond. "I haven‘t been handling Max‘s

disappearance very well. Even worse I wasn‘t there for her when she needed me." And here he

was doing it again. Expressing his disappointment in himself with someone other than Jennifer.

"I don‘t understand. Just because you fought, Mrs. Hart wouldn‘t run off. That‘s not like

her."

She was right of course, but this situation was so different. "It‘s been building up."

"Do you want her to be off somewhere because you're afraid that she might really be in

trouble?" Leave it to Ruthie to cut to the chase.

"I hope with all my heart she‘s run off because the alternative is something I would never

be able to live with."

"But if it is the alternative, shouldn‘t we get help?"

Jonathan shook his head. How is it his own selfish need to deal with his own feelings

were taking precedence over what was really important? "Yes, you‘re right. Could you ask Capt.

Gray to come up here?" Ruthie nodded and left the room.

"So is everyone reacquainted now?" Elliot asked, peeking his head in the room where

Max and Jennifer were held captive. He was carrying a tray of food and new Playstation game.

"Where are you taking us?" When the boat first started to move, she had to focus on

easing Max‘s fears that they would be all right. And then she had to care for Max as seasickness

set in. She had hoped that the size of the ship would lessen the motion that made him ill, but it

wasn‘t to be. It tore Jennifer up to have her son be so scared and sick, and her helpless to do

anything about it. Jennifer leapt from the bed towards Elliot.

"Woe, there Jennifer." Elliot set the tray down in time to receive a shove from Jennifer.

"Knock it off."

He grabbed her wrists, squeezing them until she winced. "I have been nothing but cordial

to you and Max. You two are a bunch of ungrateful, spoiled brats. Why Jonathan had put up with

you I‘ll never know. But here, with me, you will behave." His voice was calm, but the darkness

in his eyes told Jennifer to back off.

"Where are you taking us?" She asked again more calmly.

"Home."

"And where is that?"

"You ask too many questions. Come on. I have a surprise for you." Turning to Max he

said. "Max here‘s your dinner. You don‘t mind if I dine with your mother alone tonight do you

since it‘s our first night."

"I would prefer to stay with Max. He‘s sick Elliot." Jennifer tried to keep her voice calm,

but firm.

"And, I‘d prefer you didn‘t. Hey Max, you‘ll find a new game there. Let me know what

you think of it." Elliot pulled Jennifer out the door with him. She looked back to see the total

horror in Max‘s eyes.

"It‘s okay sweetie," she called hoping it was true. "I‘ll be back shortly." Max understood

enough to know that it wasn‘t okay and she had no idea if she‘d be back soon. Still Max clung to

her words as they were all he had.

"Here we are. What do you think?" Elliot escorted Jennifer on to the deck of the boat

where there was an elegant table set for two complete with music and champagne.

"I think you aren‘t right in the mind." Jennifer stepped away from him.

Elliot frowned. "There was a time you enjoyed romance. Not getting enough from your

husband?"

Jennifer shot him a look. "You don‘t know anything about love or romance."

"You didn‘t always think so," Elliot said as he took a step towards her. She backed away

hitting the guardrail and allowing Elliot to box her in.

"You don‘t know what I thought about anything. You don‘t care about anything but

yourself. I don‘t know why you have this sick vengeance against Jonathan."

Elliot placed his hands on the rail around her, trapping her. "He took everything that was

important to me."

"I was never important to you. I was some sort of prize. No Elliot, this is about how

Jonathan is a better man than you. Smarter, more handsome and certainly better in business."

Jennifer kept her chin up hoping to show bravado she wasn‘t sure she felt.

"How about in bed. Is he better in bed?" A wild wicked smile spread on Elliot's face.

"You‘re sick."

"Answer the question, Jennifer." Elliot pressed himself into Jennifer, letting his lips skim

over her neck.

Jennifer‘s arms came up, pushing him away as the bile churned in her gut. "Stop Elliot."

"See you can‘t deny it. I was the best lover you ever had," Elliot slid his hands down to

her buttocks and jerked her against him.

A gasp of revulsion escaped her lips. "You aren‘t even worth ranking." She could feel

Elliot stiffen, but he didn‘t back off. Instead he ran his hands roughly over her. A hand slid up to

grab and squeeze her breast as his lips snaked around her neck. "Elliot please. Stop." Jennifer felt

sick and dirty. "Oh, God Elliot, stop."

Elliot pulled back, a feral smile on his face. "Don‘t worry Jennifer. I‘m not going to force

this. No, it will be so much better when you come to me."

Jennifer looked up at Elliot trying to mask her disgust and fear. She didn‘t respond

hoping that by tempering her feelings he‘d let her go.

"Let‘s have some dinner." He took her by the elbow and led her to the table.

"I‘m really not that hungry and I‘d like to be with my son."

"Suit yourself." Jennifer could hear the disgust in Elliot‘s voice. "There is no other food

until morning."

Jennifer nodded in understanding and headed back to Max.

Chapter Five

"I really think we need to let the FBI in on this Jonathan," Capt. Gray said once he heard

Jonathan‘s story.

"Let‘s find her car first. Figure out where she went." Jonathan sat at the end of his bed as

Capt. Gray sat in a chair.

"You don‘t really think she‘s run off, Jonathan. Deep down you know it and I know it."

Jonathan nodded. "But the FBI won‘t help. They still don‘t think its Elliot. I know you

aren‘t convinced. But I do know you care about Jennifer-"

"And you Jonathan."

"And me. You‘ll do this for me."

Capt. Gray stood. "Yes, I‘ll put an APB on the car, but you really need to consider letting

the Feds know. The more help the better."

Jonathan knew that in theory that was a good idea. But he‘d come to the point of

realization that if he wanted to find his family he was going to have to stop relying on the

authorities. "Just find her car."

"You get some rest. I‘ll call when I find it." Capt. Gray left the bedroom. Jonathan rubbed

his eyes as the weariness threatened to overwhelm him. He took the papers he had gotten earlier

in the day regarding Elliot. Spreading them across the bed he searched for the clue to finding his

family, his life.

Max was resting on the bed when Jennifer returned. He looked pale and weak. Going to

him she lay next to him and rubbed his back.

"You okay sweetie?"

"I don‘t think I‘m going to be sick anymore."

"Well, that‘s a start." Jennifer tried to keep her voice lighthearted.

Jennifer turned as the door opened. Immediately her eyes turned dark as she saw Elliot.

"You aren‘t locked in anymore. You two are free to move about any area that isn‘t locked. Just

so you know, there are no life rafts and we are too far out to swim."

"Fine." Jennifer turned back to Max and waited to hear Elliot walk away.

"Max? Why don‘t we go up on deck? Some fresh air might help how you feel."

"Okay." Max agreed.

Up on deck, Jennifer found a lounge chair and took a seat pulling Max down to sit

between her legs and rest back against her.

"Take deep breaths sweetie." Jennifer brushed his hair off is forehead. Just like when he

was a baby she mimicked the long, slow breaths that calm and sooth. Soon Max was breathing in

time with her. "That‘s right. Isn‘t that better?"

"A little." Max shifted so he could rest his head more comfortably. "Why is he doing

this?"

Jennifer stiffened and then forced herself to relax.

"He said you loved him. He showed me pictures."

Jennifer swallowed hard. "Well, he‘s wrong honey. I never loved him. I was attracted to

him and dated him for a short time, but I never loved him."

"Is he crazy?"

"Yes, sweetie I think he is."

"He says he wants us to be a family. I don‘t want to."

"No matter what happens Max, we‘ll never be his family. He just wants to hurt your dad

and knows taking us is the best way to do that."

"I don‘t get it. I thought he wanted you."

"It‘s complicated, but this is about Elliot and your dad."

"Why does he hate dad so much?"

Jennifer kissed his brow. "He thinks your dad has taken things from him. He is jealous

that your dad is so happy and successful. That he has me and a terrific son like you. What he

doesn‘t understand Max," Jennifer shifted so she could see in his eyes. "Is that your dad is happy

and successful because he is generous and kind and works hard. Your father gives without

thought to receiving. Elliot only gives if he will get something out of it."

"Like the Playstation?"

"Yes, why do you think he gave that too you?"

"So I‘d like him?"

"Yep. Did it work?"

"No. I hate him." Max‘s voice was the strongest it had been since they left. Then he

turned his head away. "But I played with it."

Jennifer heard the guilt in his voice. "Don‘t feel bad about that, Max. It doesn‘t mean you

like Elliot or that you don‘t love your dad. It means you were bored and wanted to play. Matter

of fact, I may want to try it out too."

"Really?"

"Really." Jennifer and Max sat in silence for a few minutes as Max gathered the strength

to ask his next question.

"Mom? Why did you go out with him?"

Jennifer blew out a long breath. "It‘s hard to explain. When you get older and start liking

girls you might understand better." Jennifer could feel Max‘s shudder at the thought. That‘s fine.

He didn‘t need to be interested in girls now. "Elliot can be charming when he wants to be. When

I first met him he was nice and interesting. But after I got to know him I realized how he really

was."

"Did dad steal you away like he says?"

"No honey. I tried to get rid of Elliot long before I met your dad. But as you have seen

Elliot doesn‘t take no for an answer."

"What was it like when you met dad?"

"Oh honey." Jennifer wrapped her arms around Max as the memory filled her with a

warmth she wanted to pass to him. "It was wonderful. I fell in love with him the first night I met

him."

Max turned in his seat to look at her with a grin on his face. "That‘s what he says about

you. Even though you just wanted a story."

Jennifer laughed. "So he told you this story?"

"Yep, he said that he loved you the minute he saw you. I think that‘s kind of mushy, but

nice too."

"Yes, it is nice." Jennifer sat quietly for a moment. "Max, sometimes in our lives we

don‘t feel very certain or confident. Sometimes we feel lost. I was lost when I met Elliot and so I

made a mistake."

"But you weren‘t lost with dad?"

"No, when I met your dad, for the first time I felt I was where I belonged."

"You didn‘t look happy in the pictures. Not like you are with dad."

"No."

"Do you think dad will find us?"

"Yes, sweetie. I think he will." And then Jennifer prayed that she was right.

Elliot stood in the shadows watching the mother-child scene with a mixture of hate and

amusement. Yes, Jonathan Hart would find them. But then it would be too late. Jennifer and Max

would be his. And as soon as Jonathan Hart came to the realization that he‘d lost everything,

he‘d be dead.

Hours passed. Jonathan read every paper, twice but didn‘t feel any closer to finding the

clue. Elliot had some difficulty in prison at first, but then settled down and became a model

prisoner. He had cleverly escaped in a supply truck after a delivery was made. But once out,

there was no clue as to where he‘d gone. Jonathan knew of course, he‘d come to California but

how? And where was he? Did he have fake identification? How else could he get into the

country without fake identification? The phone startled Jonathan. Looking at the clock, it was

two in the morning.

"Jonathan Hart."

"Yes, Jonathan. Its Capt. Gray. We‘ve found the car."

"Where? Is Jennifer there?"

"MacIntire Park. And, no, there‘s no sign of her."

Jonathan lay back on the bed, defeated. "Any clues?"

"No. I am having her cell phone records checked. Maybe she got a call or tried to call

someone." Jonathan nodded and wondered why he hadn‘t thought of that. He was losing it.

When it counted most, he was losing it.

"I‘m on my way."

"There is nothing to see here Jonathan."

"I‘m on my way." Jonathan hung up the phone.

Jennifer turned towards a sleeping Max. He was still not feeling well but at least Elliot

had some Dramamine, which seemed to help enough that Max could sleep. Elliot had tried to put

her another room, but there was no way she was going to leave her son‘s side. She reached out to

brush a strand of hair out of his face. How did she mess things up so badly? How was she going

to fix it and would Max and Jonathan ever forgive her?

Max turned over, but continued to sleep. He looked so peaceful and angelic when he

slept. He had turned out to be Jennifer greatest accomplishment. She smiled down at him. She

remembered how terrified she was at the prospect of being a parent. She had never felt

particularly maternal. She never played with dolls growing up. She felt certain she would have

never had a child if she hadn‘t married Jonathan. Although they had never really talked about

having children, she had known Jonathan wanted to be a father. He wanted what he‘d never had.

And Jennifer wanted to give him that. Being a parent had turned out to be even more beautiful

and rewarding than she could have imagined. Max was a wonderful combination of the two of

them. He had her hair and eyes, but Jonathan‘s captivating smile. He had her innate curiosity and

creativity, but Jonathan‘s sense of order as well as his sense of humor.

Jennifer laid back to stare at the ceiling. How was she ever going to get out of this?

Jonathan waded through the sea of reporters again as he tried to drive up to his home as

daybreak peaked over the ridge behind his home. The night had yielded very little. The only

shred of hope was the phone call made from a payphone in McIntire Park to Jennifer‘s cell

phone. Unfortunately, they had been unable to get any fingerprints or other clues from the phone.

But Jonathan didn‘t need prints or clues to know it was Elliot. The only thing he couldn‘t

understand was why Elliot hadn‘t called to rub it in that he had Jennifer and Max. Elliot would

certainly be full of himself with his exploits.

Jonathan entered the house to a barrage of questions from Agent Quinn. Jonathan held his

hands up in surrender. "Just give me a minute would you."

"A minute? I ought to give you kick in the pants. What the hell are you doing

withholding information about your wife? Some people might question your intentions."

Jonathan‘s eyes narrowed and darkened. "In fact," Agent Quinn continued. "Some people are

questioning you." He threw the morning paper at Jonathan.

Jonathan opened the paper. "Harts Buckle Under the Strain." He read. He looked up

Agent Quinn who only raised an eyebrow. Jonathan read on.

The disappearance of young Maxwell Edwards Hart has created marital strain for self-

made millionaire Jonathan Hart and his wife, award-winning journalist Jennifer. The two were

seen arguing outside the police station yesterday afternoon. „She seemed upset, slamming her

door and driving off without him,‟ one witness reported. Sources camped outside the Hart home

indicate Mrs. Hart did not come home last night. „It isn‟t uncommon for marriages to suffer

during times of great tragedy,‟ reports Joe Willis a clinical psychologist at UCLA. „It would be

irresponsible though to speculate on the Harts marriage.‟ In the meantime, the search continues

for young Max who disappeared after baseball practice April 8th

.

Jonathan was surprised that it was grief more than anger that consumed him. How could

they question the love he had for his wife? It seemed inconceivable. He looked up at Agent

Quinn. "I love my wife, Agent. I have no life without her or my son."

"Then help me find them."

"It‘s Elliot."

"We don‘t have any proof of that. My people are working on that as a possibility, but we

can‘t ignore that it could be someone else."

Jonathan looked at Agent Quinn and found himself too tired to argue. Instead he nodded

and headed to the kitchen for coffee.

For the rest of the day, the FBI and police continued their investigation while Jonathan

agonized about his family and tried to figure out the missing piece… where was Elliot?

It was dusk and Jonathan had retreated to his room when he received the call on his cell

phone.

"Lose something Jonathan?"

"Elliot! Where are they? Where are Jennifer and Max?" Jonathan jumped up from the

chair he‘d been sitting in to pace the room.

"They are well and happy with me."

"I swear to you. If you hurt either of them, I‘ll kill you. Do you hear me? I will hunt you

down and kill you like the dog you are."

"Those are strong words considering you have nothing. And I have no intention of

hurting them. In fact, Max is having the time of his life. And Jennifer. Well we had a lovely

dinner last night. She keeps herself up good doesn‘t she Jonathan? She is still firm, but soft in all

the right places."

Something primal, animal, roared through Jonathan. "I‘ll kill you Elliot."

"Idle threats."

"It‘s a promise."

"You‘ll have to find me first."

"The planet is not big enough for you to hide from me."

Elliot laughed. Jonathan knew his anger was only feeding Elliot's enjoyment of the

moment. "Then I‘ll see you in hell Jonathan. Until then, I have the family you stole from me."

Jonathan paced, the rage rumbling through him like a storm. The roar of it was deafening

making it impossible to think.

"Are you there Jonathan? Because I‘m not all that nasty, I have one parting gift for you.

A chance to say goodbye to your wife."

"It‘ll never be goodbye for Jennifer and me."

"Whatever, do you want to talk to her or not?"

"Yes, put her on." Jonathan sat on the edge of his bed and took deep breaths to pull

himself together.

"Jonathan?"

"Oh God, Jennifer are you alright? Is Max alright?"

"Yes, we‘re fine. Well, Max is a little under-the-weather. You know how he doesn‘t

travel well."

Jonathan rubbed his eyes then ran his hand through his hair. Would this be the last time

he talked to her? Would it really be good-bye?

"Jennifer?" Jonathan‘s voice hitched as he tried to suppress the tears. "I love you. I love

you with a love that never existed before and never will again. And Max too. Tell Max I love

him."

"Don‘t do this, Jonathan," she said and Jonathan knew she heard his defeat. "Max and I

need you. You can tell us when we get home."

"Okay that‘s enough." Elliot grabbed the phone from Jennifer. "Nice sentiments

Jonathan. Now you know the pain of losing everything you ever wanted."

"That‘s what this is about? Because you know Elliot, I will give you anything for my

family. You want your reserve back? You got it. You want Hart Industries? It‘s yours. Just bring

me back my family."

"Right. And how could I manage those. I‘m a wanted man. No, I think I‘ll be satisfied

with the boy and your voluptuous wife."

Jonathan could heard Jennifer gasp in the background, and could imagine what vile thing

he was doing to her. Like a slap in the face everything snapped. "This isn‘t over Elliot."

"No I guess not." Elliot hung up the phone.

Jonathan picked up the phone and called his office. "Stanley?"

"Yes sir, Mr. Hart. I‘m so sorry about…"

"I have something I need you to do."

"Okay. Shoot."

"I‘ll meet you at the office in an hour."

"I‘ll be here sir."

Chapter Six

Jonathan‘s mind was a whirl as he drove to the office. Jennifer in her cool headed

wisdom gave him the clue.

"You know he doesn‘t travel well." It took a while; much longer than it should have, for

him to catch the clue. Max was a great traveler, except on a boat. They had to be on a boat. It

was the only way Elliot could have gotten into the country and taken Max at a little league

practice. How did he get Jennifer? He must have called her and she met him. Why hadn‘t she

called and told him? Because she was upset at you for pushing her away, he told himself. That

had been just one of the many critical mistakes he'd had made.

"Anything I can do to help too Mr. Hart?" Nick asked as Jonathan walked into his office.

"I could use all your help." Jonathan explained his theory to the two most trusted men in

his company.

"What is the FBI doing?" Stanley asked.

"Nothing." Jonathan looked up momentarily. It was a warning to let any question about

his actions drop. He didn‘t want them involved, which is why he snuck out of his own home. "So

what I need to know is, how far could he have gotten out to sea assuming left sometime after 4

PM yesterday."

"Are you sure that‘s when he left?" Nick asked.

"No, but it will be close. Jennifer and I parted at about 2 and I know she drove down to

MacIntire Park. Then they would have had to have driven to a marina somewhere, my guess is

Marina Del Mar."

"I‘ll get right on it," Stanley said leaving the office. "Oh, do we know what kind of boat

he is on?"

"No, but knowing Elliot it is top of the line. I need you, Nick, to find out where any of

our ships are in the Pacific. When Stanley gets back with possible locations I‘ll want to contact

those ships."

"Right."

Alone in his office, Jonathan sat back in his desk. He rotated his shoulders and noted how

he felt like his resolve was returning. Hold on Jennifer, I‟m coming.

It seemed like forever although it was only 30 minutes before Stanley was back. "Okay,

what I have here is a map showing the possible locations of the boat taking into consideration

speed, weather, and currents. We can't be sure because we don't know the boat." Stanley put the

map on Jonathan‘s desk. "I have drawn a circle here. This is the area I would anticipate he could

be in."

Jonathan looked at the map. The circle radiated out encompassing a great deal of ocean.

"That much eh?"

"That‘s assuming he‘s on yacht that can go 35 or 40 knots which, is pretty fast but

possible."

"What ships do we have in this area?"

"We have one located here, about 75 miles out heading back to the Port of Los Angeles.

We have a second one here, about 25 miles out heading towards Japan," Nick said.

"The thing is Mr. Hart, it depends too on where in this circle the boat is," the ever

analytical Stanley explained.

"Contact both ships and have them use whatever equipment they have to see if the boat is

within their radar."

"Mr. Hart, the radar on these ships is designed mostly to prevent them from hitting other

ships. They don‘t have a very wide range of sensing," Nick said.

Jonathan looked at the map. He could feel the sense of helpless and despair threaten

again. Pushing it back he went to look out the window. He looked out over the lights of the city.

The only time he ever saw this view was when he worked late and Jennifer brought a picnic

dinner to him. Often they would make love right on the floor, the couch, the desk…. Jonathan

shook his head and looked out into the night sky. He could see the Big Dipper. A star shot

against the sky.

"What about Starlab?" He said turning back to Nick and Stanley.

"Right now it‘s…"

"Could it do it? Could it find a yacht in this area?"

"Yes, but…"

"Whatever has to be done do it."

"A call to General Wyatt would help," Nick said.

Jonathan picked up the phone to make the call of his life.

Jennifer lay in bed next to Max. She was unable to sleep. During the second full day of

the trip, she had been able to avoid Elliot for most the day. Although she hated that Max felt so

puny, it was a blessing disguise. Elliot allowed her stay with and care for Max. He hadn‘t

attempted any more romantic escapades. But Jennifer knew it was only a matter of time before

Elliot made a move. She didn‘t know why Elliot was being so agreeable, but she knew he had a

secret agenda behind it. She hoped Jonathan had gotten the clue and would find them before

Elliot moved on to the next step of his plan. She hoped it was soon and that Jonathan was on his

way. And when he found them, she would beg his forgiveness and do everything she could to

make up for betraying him. The quick movement of the door busting open startled Jennifer.

"Get up!" Elliot grabbed her arm and pulled her out of the bed.

"Elliot, what are you doing?" Jennifer could feel the rage swirling around him. She could

smell the whisky he‘d been drinking. And she became afraid. "Please Elliot. You‘re hurting me."

Elliot said nothing as he dragged her up the hall to his room. "What the hell did you tell

him?" He finally said when he pushed her in his room.

"Who? What?"

"Jonathan. What did you tell him? What clue did you give him?"

"Nothing, Elliot you were there. You heard what I told him."

Elliot stormed around the room. It gave Jennifer the impression of a wild animal, on

edge, and ready to strike. He swung around, "Max. Max is sick."

"Yes he is. Can I go to him?"

Elliot grabbed her arms and jerked to him. "You said he doesn‘t travel well. You told him

he was sea sick." He started to shake her.

Jennifer could feel the fear rising to panic. How did he know? Jonathan must be on his

way. "What‘s going on?" Jennifer said jerking herself away.

"Radio transmissions. Seems your husband has used his influence to use satellites to

locate us. And he‘s right now being helocoptered out to a ship only 25 miles from us."

Joy and relief spread through Jennifer until Elliot grabbed her again.

"He may be coming but he won‘t find his sweet, loving, faithful wife." He pushed her on

his bed and pinned her down.

"No!" Panic burned in her gut as her fear shrieked towards her throat. "Elliot, no!"

"This time I will have you, Jennifer. Any way I have to." Elliot's eyes were narrow and

dark as he looked down on her. A feral smile crept across his face, and Jennifer knew this time

he wouldn‘t stop.

Tears blurred Jennifer vision as she felt her shirt tear away. "Don‘t do this Elliot. Please

don‘t do this." She could hear herself beg. He grabbed at her pants, not budging at all as she tried

to push him off. She began to use her fingernails and fists alternately. To her dismay, he seemed

oblivious to her attack. His anger and adrenaline were too high. He was too focused on his goal.

And Jennifer was helpless against him.

"Mom?"

She heard his voice. First it was like an angel and then reality struck. Her son was there.

"Max! Elliot please Max is there."

Elliot stopped his assault and turned to look over his shoulder. "Get out!" His voice

roared like a wild beast. Jennifer took the moment of reprieve to shove as hard as she could.

Elliot fell to the side and she quickly scrambled towards the door.

"Max, run, honey. Run away." As she approached the door, Elliot grabbed her leg forcing

Jennifer to fall short of her goal. "Run, Max, run." She called again as she fought against Elliot

on the floor.

Max watched paralyzed by the sight. His mother‘s eyes were red from sobbing, her shirt

was torn, and there were bruises on her arms.

Do something! He thought to himself. He watched as Elliot straddled his mother pinning

her down.

"Max, please honey, run." Jennifer was pleading. She couldn‘t let her son watch this.

"Dad‘s coming, Max run and hide."

"Shut up!" Elliot's hand met her face. Small white stars burst in front of her eyes.

Max eyes widened in horror. Run! He could hear the chant in his head. Was it his or her

voice? He didn‘t know but his legs finally received the message. He turned and ran without

abandon up the corridor and out onto the deck. It was dark and chilly. He ran to the rail and

looked out over the ocean. Where is he? She said he‟s coming. Come now dad, come now. He ran

to the other side of the boat, searching the water, praying his dad would be there. He heard

Jennifer scream again. Oh please. He ran up to the bridge of the yacht, fumbling with the door.

Open, open. It was locked. Max stood for a moment desperate for some idea to come to his brain.

He ran back down the room he and his mother shared. Dumping her purse out he

searched for a nail file. He could pick the lock open. His dad showed him how. He wasn't

supposed let his mom know he could do that, but she would care this time.

Running back up to the bridge he shoved the file into the lock, toggling the handle. His

hands shook making it hard to manipulate the file. Oh please he begged. He used his forearm to

wipe away the tears that blurred his vision.

A loud crash from below interrupted his concentration. He could hear his mother

weeping. Turning back to the door he purposefully manipulated the lock as his father had

showed him. The door swung open, but Max couldn‘t figure out what to do. He stood in the

room looking for something, anything that he could use to help his mother. He saw what he took

to be a radio like he saw on the movies. He flipped all the switches and watched as the lights

came on and static hummed.

He picked up the receiver and pushing the button he prayed. "Hello? Is anyone there?

Hello?"

"Anything?" Nick asked Captain Williams in the bridge of the ship. "Mr. Hart is eager for

a report."

"Nothing." The captain said as he again checked the radar.

"Hello? Is anyone there? Hello?" Both men heard the call over the radio.

"That‘s a kid," Captain Williams said.

"That‘s Max. You talk to him. I‘ll get Mr. Hart."

"Please, I need help. Is anyone there?"

"This is Captain Williams of the Mauritania in Hart Shipping. What do you need son."

Hart Shipping! Max heard his mother scream again. "Please help me. He‘s hurting her."

"MAX! MAX!" Jonathan burst into the room.

"Dad? Daddy." Max began to sob. "Where are you? He‘s hurting her." Max could hear

more commotion. "Oh, please, he‘s hurting her."

The acid in Jonathan‘s gut threatened to eat him alive. He didn‘t know what to say.

Didn‘t know what to do. WHY AREN‟T WE THERE YET? "Max, are you safe?"

"Right now I am, but mom, he‘s got her. She‘s crying. He hit her, please hurry."

The room spun as the dark swirl of rage enveloped Jonathan. "I‘m coming Max." His

voice hitched as grief entwined with the rage. He wouldn‘t cry, he wouldn‘t rant. They needed

him. He just hoped he was on time. "We have their location right?" Jonathan asked the captain.

"Yes, sir. We are about 1 hour away."

"There must be something other way. Jesus. You heard him. I need to get on that ship

now."

"How about Ruby?" Nick suggested the new research sub.

"Ruby can‘t make it that far and back. And it wouldn‘t hold all of you," Captain Williams

said.

Jonathan‘s body was radiating with anger, humming with it. "You have to get me on that

boat."

Captain Williams and Nick remained silent. There was nothing that could be done.

"Max. Is there somewhere you can go to hide, where you will be safe?" Jonathan said

using all his strength to keep his voice calm.

"I don‘t know."

"I need you to find a place until I can get there." Jonathan ran his hand through his hair

wishing he could climb through the radio wires to save his family.

"Can‘t I stay here and talk to you."

Jonathan could feel his heart ripping. "I want to Max, but I‘m afraid what will happen if

you are found talking to me." Max nodded in agreement. He saw firsthand the kind of violence

Elliot was capable of. "Max? Can you hide?"

"Yes, I‘ll go hide."

"Okay son. I love you Max. I‘m coming for you and your mom."

"Hurry."

Jennifer fought Elliot as if her life depended on it. She was sure it did. Her shirt was

completely torn off. Her pants were ripped, but somehow continued to cover her. Her struggle

enraged Elliot more, and she noticed that in that state he preferred to push her around more than

force himself on her. That she could survive. If only she could get the upper hand.

The room was in rambles where Elliot had pushed her into bookshelves and side tables.

She was physically fit, which was the only reason she had lasted as long as she had. But she

could feel her strength waning. If she was going to do something, she‘d need to do it now. If she

could just think.

Elliot grabbed her, pulling her hard against him. "Don‘t have any fight now do you?"

Jennifer could feel his whisky breath on her face, his hardness against her belly.

"I won‘t ever give in." her voice was weak. With one last bit of energy, she brought her

leg up to knee him in the groin.

"You bitch!" He hissed as he pushed her hard. Jennifer lost her balance as she tripped

over the debris on the floor. She fell hard, hitting her head on a table on her way down. She lay

stunned as the world lingered between light and dark. Oh, no, don‟t pass out now.

The world was a haze, moving in slow motion as she watched Elliot tower over her. "You

didn‘t break anything important." He was sneering, victory in his eyes as he undid his pants.

This is it, she thought. She couldn‘t fight. She could barely stay conscience. The last few

days passed through her mind. If only she‘d called Jonathan was her last thought as Elliot began

to grab at her pants.

Chapter Seven

"Mom? Wake up mom."

From somewhere Jennifer could hear him. Her sweet Max. She slowly opened her eyes.

"Max?"

Max blew out a breath of relief as Jennifer opened her eyes. "Yeah."

Jennifer tried to look around, but her head was pounding, her body ached, no screamed in

pain. "Where‘s Elliot?"

"He‘s there," Max pointed.

Jennifer realized that Elliot was lying beside her on the ground. She looked to Max.

"I hit him, with this." Max held up a sailing trophy.

A smile crossed her lips. "Thank you."

Max smiled back. "Can we get out of this room?"

"Sure champ. But, you‘re going to have to help your old ma here."

Max wiped his final tears as he helped her get up. Jennifer swayed or the room did. She

held on to Max‘s shoulder as he led her out of the Elliot‘s room and to the living room.

"Dad‘s coming." Max helped Jennifer sit down on a couch. Then she decided she

preferred to lie down.

"Soon I hope."

"Let me get you another shirt." Max wasn‘t bothered as much by seeing his mother only

in a bra, but he didn‘t like to see the bruises all over her.

"Thank you sweetie." Jennifer hadn‘t realized how disoriented she was. She understood

that she should take control of the situation, but her head, the throbbing was excruciating. She

couldn‘t think.

Max returned and helped her put her shirt on. He rebuttoned her pants and then helped

her lay down. Jennifer held out her hand as Max sat on the floor next to her.

"I love you Max." Jennifer said as sleep threatened.

"I love you too mom."

Jonathan was opening Ruby‘s hatch just as she emerged from the water. Leaping onto the

boat he quietly maneuvered around. Over the hour he played a million different scenarios in his

mind. The most frightening of which would have left him without a family. Brushing the thought

away, he quietly walked to the entrance of the yacht hoping to take his family home and armed

to kill Elliot. As he entered the living area, he immediately saw Jennifer on the couch, Max

sitting with her, both asleep… or so he hoped.

"Max? Jennifer?" he whispered.

Max‘s eyes shot open. "Don‘t you touch her again. I‘ll kill you." Max‘s arms flew out to

hit Jonathan.

"It‘s me champ. It‘s your dad." Jonathan said taking him in his arms and holding him

close.

"Dad." Max buried his head in Jonathan‘s shoulder and wept. Jonathan looked over

Max‘s shoulder at Jennifer. Pulling Max back he asked. "How‘s your mom?"

"She‘s sleeping. But she‘s hurt. She was passed out."

Jonathan pushed down the rage yet again. "Where‘s Elliot?"

"He‘s passed out in his room." When Jonathan looked quizzically he said, "I hit him with

a trophy." Jonathan smiled his approval.

"Darling?" Jonathan moved close to her, whispering in her ear. "Darling? Let‘s go

home."

"Jonathan?" Jennifer‘s voice was a whisper. Was she dreaming? Could it be after the

worst night of her life, the man that could make it all right was here. She opened her eyes as

Jonathan lightly kissed her. Relief flooded Jennifer. She grabbed him and held him with

everything she had.

"Come on." Jonathan said lifting her from the couch. "Let‘s go home."

Jennifer rested her head on his shoulder. How was it that in his arms she could feel the

energy filling her, bringing her back to life. As they reached the side of the yacht, Jonathan set

her down. "Can you stand?"

"Yes." Though she decided she should hold on to the railing, just to be sure.

"Max, come here." Jonathan led Max to the rail and hoisted him over into the waiting

arms of Ruby‘s driver. Normally, Max would have thought it was really cool to ride in a sub.

Maybe when this whole thing was over it would be a great story. Right now, he was just happy

to be getting off this boat.

"Jennifer. Can you help me get you down into the sub?" Jonathan asked.

"It sure is tiny."

"It will take you and Max back to the ship and then come back for me."

Jennifer turned quickly to Jonathan, too quickly for her head as the world swayed and her

brain sloshed around. She reached out to steady herself. Jonathan held her arms. "No. I won‘t

leave you here. Not with him."

"The sub can‘t hold us all. Only three people at a time. You need to go. You need a

doctor." For the first time Jonathan could see the light blue of a bruise on her cheek.

"I won‘t leave you. I‘ll wait and go back with you."

"Jennifer, please don‘t fight me on this. I‘ll be fine. Max told me he knocked Elliot out."

"We never had any problems until we stopped doing things together." Jennifer‘s eyes

were clearer than they had been when Jonathan first found her. "We work best as a team."

Jonathan held her gaze, knowing in his heart it was true, but wanting desperately to get

her away from Elliot. He dragged in her into his arms. "Jennifer." Her name whispered in her ear.

"Please. Go. I can't bear anything more happening to you-"

"Well, well. A Kodak moment."

Jonathan‘s head swung around as Elliot stood on deck with a gun pointed at them.

Turning back to the sub Jonathan called, "Get out now. Go." The submarine driver closed

the hatch and headed out. Jonathan pushed Jennifer behind him and hoped she had enough

strength to stand on her own.

"It‘s over Elliot. I‘m taking my family home."

"You found me a little sooner than expected."

"You always did underestimate me." Jonathan held his hands behind him, feeling for the

gun he put in the back of his pants.

"Ah aha," Elliot approached him. "No funny stuff. Hand me the gun."

Jonathan dropped the gun on the deck and kicked towards Elliot. "You won‘t get away

with this."

"I don‘t plan to. My only goal is to kill you Jonathan and it appears that I will get away

with that." Elliot held the gun pointed at Jonathan‘s chest.

"Oh." Jennifer began to slide down to the ground.

Jonathan could feel her falling and instinctively turned to help her. "Jennifer?" He looked

at her and saw her smile and glance at the life preserver on the rail. Jonathan smiled back. Laying

her on the ground, he quickly grabbed the preserver and flung it towards Elliot.

Elliot fired, but missed. Jonathan lunged, grabbing the hand that held the gun and rapping

it on his thigh to force Elliot to drop it. Elliot grabbed Jonathan hugging him close to ward off

punches. Instead, Jonathan used his weight to force Elliot over on the deck. Even with the

incessant jackhammering in his brain, Elliot understood this was a fight to the death.

Instinctively, his body thrashed, pushing Jonathan off. He scrambled for the gun knowing that he

wasn‘t physically able to compete with Jonathan. He was able to get his hand on it. He pulled it

towards him until a burn in his hand forced him to drop it. Looking up he saw Jennifer stepping

on his hand. As he withdrew it, she kicked the gun over the edge of the boat.

Jonathan grabbed Elliot slamming his head into the deck. Hoisting himself up over Elliot,

Jonathan proceeded to punch Elliot in the face. Jonathan‘s mind went blank as the reason for his

anger, grief and despair lay beneath him. All the hate flowed to his fists that pounded and

pummeled intent on the destruction of the man that threatened to destroy his life.

"Jonathan?" Jennifer laid a hand on his shoulder. It took all her strength to remain

standing and go to him. As much as she would have liked Jonathan to kill Elliot, she knew it

would be something that would haunt him forever. "Darling?" she said as she sank to her knees

on the deck. "Don‘t kill him. He‘s not worth it."

Jonathan stopped, sitting back on Elliot‘s gut. Elliot barely held on to consciousness.

"Listen to your wife." Elliot‘s voice was like sandpaper.

"You shut up." Jonathan pulled his arm back in a threat. Elliot turned his head, ready to

take the blow. Jennifer took his fist and pulled it to her lips.

"Please Jonathan. Take me home."

Jonathan looked at Jennifer. She was hurt, tired and weak and still she was trying to save

him. "Jennifer." He pulled her to him, holding her close, filling himself with her.

The next two days were a blur to Jonathan, Jennifer and Max. The sub had returned for

Jonathan and Jennifer. After tying Elliot up, Jennifer and Jonathan returned to the ship and two

other crewmen went back for Elliot who was then locked up. Nick notified the authorities and

arranged for a helicopter to transport Elliot back to land and to prison. Jonathan considered

transporting his family back on helicopter as well, but the ship‘s doctor advised against it.

Jennifer had been unconscious and he wanted to observe her. Other than that, her injuries were

considered minor.

For Jonathan however, all injuries seemed too much for him. Although he had Jennifer

and Max with him, he couldn‘t shake the dark feelings that had become a part of him over the

last several days.

Jennifer spent the first 12 hours sleeping in two-hour shifts out of concern for concussion.

Each time Jonathan woke her up, a huge wave of relief swept through her and she held him until

sleep overtook her again. The next day however, she rested on her own, encouraging Jonathan to

be with Max.

Jonathan and Max spent the days exploring the ship. Jonathan felt he should talk with

Max about what had happened, but found it difficult. So instead they played.

"This will be mine someday, huh?" Max asked.

"Trying to get rid of me already eh?" Jonathan and Max were up on the bridge high over

the rest of the ship.

"Nah. I was just wondering."

"Well, if you‘d like to be a part of Hart Industries someday then I guess this will be

yours, sort of."

"Sort of?"

"I don‘t own all of Hart Industries."

"You don‘t?"

"No. I control most of it, but stockholders own the company."

"Why did you do that?"

Jonathan laughed at Max‘s incredulous tone. "To get money so I could make Hart

Industries bigger and better."

"Hmmm." Max turned to look over the water. "Maybe I‘ll be a policeman instead."

Jonathan ruffled Max‘s hair. "Probably more exciting."

"Then I could kill Elliot and people like him."

Jonathan‘s heart ached. "I would be nice if we could get rid of people like that."

"Mom didn‘t love him."

Jonathan looked down at Max curious to his statement.

"She said she was lost, but didn‘t love him. She loves you. She told me."

"Max are you worried about your mom and me?"

"I.. uh.. I don‘t know."

Jonathan dropped down on one leg. "Max, listen to me. I love your mother and you more

than anything in the world. And even if your mom didn‘t love me anymore, I would still always

love her. But, I know your mother does love me as much as I love her. I know about Elliot and

that he hurt your mom…"

Max turned away as the image of his mom battling Elliot flashed in his mind.

"Max?"

Max nodded that he understood.

"You okay?"

Max nodded again; biting down on the tears that threatened. Jonathan could see a

struggle in Max‘s eyes, but didn‘t understand where it came from.

"If you want to talk about it, we can. Anytime you need to talk Max, about anything, I‘ll

be here for you."

Max shook his head. "I just want things to be like they were."

Jonathan was surprised at how relieved he felt that Max didn‘t want to talk. "So do I

champ. And they will. I promise."

Finally home, the Harts sought to put the whole ordeal behind them, as much for

themselves as for Max. Jennifer sat on the edge of Max‘s bed tucking him in.

"How are you feeling?"

"Good."

"Really?" Jennifer asked. On the ship Max had returned to a normal 10 year old boy, but

Jennifer sensed he was bothered by something. She realized that neither she nor Jonathan had

really sat down to talk to him, to help him deal with the ordeal. In fact, she and Jonathan hadn‘t

even discussed it together. Perhaps Max knew that. Maybe he thought he was supposed to stop

thinking of it now that it was done. "Because if something is bothering you, maybe something

about Elliot or what happened, we can talk about it."

"No," Max shook his head.

"Anything Max. You remember that. You can talk to your dad or me about anything. At

any time. Okay?"

"Okay. Dad said that too."

"Your dad and I love you very much and we don‘t want you to hurt or be scared."

"I‘m fine."

"Okay." Jennifer pushed some hair away from his face. "I love you forever." She smiled.

"I like you for always." Max said back sheepishly reciting lines from I Love You Forever.

"As long as I‘m living your mother I‘ll be. Good night sweetie." Jennifer kissed him on

the forehead.

"Goodnight mom."

Jennifer found Jonathan on the patio gazing out into the night sky. "Darling?"

He turned and smiled. Holding his hand out, he pulled Jennifer to him. "Max all tucked

in?"

"Yes. Are you concerned about him Jonathan?"

"Why do you ask?"

"Apparently we both gave him the ‗you can talk about anything with us‘ speech."

"I just want to be sure he‘s okay with things. He was pretty scared when he radioed for

help." Jonathan could still here his son‘s voice. Please help. He‟s hurting her.

"I still can‘t believe he did that. He‘s so resourceful. And to pick the lock…."

Jonathan smiled. "I wasn‘t sure he got that lesson."

"Jonathan!"

"You have to admit darling, it came in handy."

"Yes well, okay. But I am a little worried. He seems preoccupied. I think he‘s having

nightmares. I just wish he‘d talk about it."

"He will when he‘s ready."

Jennifer looked up at Jonathan and wondered if he‘d ever be ready. "Darling, I wanted to

talk to you about how I behaved…‘

Jonathan turned to her shaking his head. "There is nothing to talk about now. We are safe

and together. That‘s what is important."

"I know, I just want to explain-"

Jonathan pressed his lips to hers stopping her from saying more. "It‘s over." Jennifer

didn‘t want to give in. And she began to realize where Max was getting his message about not

talking about fears and pain. "It‘s important to me."

Jonathan looked at her. He couldn‘t do this. It was still too soon. All the fears and rage

were still right there, right beneath the surface. Letting them out would be dangerous. "Can it

wait? I‘d really like to take a shower. It‘s been a long stressful day."

Seeing she wasn‘t going to win this particular batter, Jennifer retreated. "Yes. Of course.

I‘ll lock up."

Jonathan kissed her on the forehead and turned towards the house.

Jennifer walked through the house, checking doors and windows, and turning out lights.

As she was leaving the dining room, Freeway Jr ran in nipping at her heels.

"Junior? What‘s with you?" Still nipping he let out a little bark and then headed for the

stairs. "Is something wrong?" Jennifer followed him up the stairs and to Max‘s room. Inside she

could hear Max crying. Oh Max. Jennifer opened his door.

Chapter Eight

Jonathan stood in his robe waiting for the water to warm up. In all his life he couldn‘t

remember being as curt and insensitive as he had been over the last few days. He knew why, but

he couldn‘t figure out why it was so important to him that Jennifer not see him loose himself.

They‘d been married 20 years and he‘d never shown her that side of him. Of course, the only

other times he‘d felt on the edge of sanity, was because she was missing or hurt or in trouble. It

was big Max who had been witness to Jonathan‘s darkest moods. But, that was different. Max

never asked him to get it out, to express the feelings that were drowning him. He knew Jennifer

would never think less of him, and yet he still felt he couldn‘t show that side of himself. Even so,

he had no right to push her away. She needed him, needed to talk with him. He could at least

listen. Turning off the water, he headed out to find her.

Hearing voices, Jonathan stopped outside of Max‘s room.

"It‘s okay sweetie. I‘m here. You let it all out." Jonathan heard Jennifer say as Max wept.

"He …. Hit….you…"

"I know honey." Jennifer held him, running her fingers through his hair.

"He … was…on..you. Your…clothes … were … He was touching you…"

Jennifer nodded. "I‘m so sorry you had to see that honey."

Jonathan felt the bile rise in him. He knew it had been bad. He‘d heard Max‘s distress

during the call. He was there when the doctor told him of Jennifer‘s injuries. But to hear them

discuss it was too overwhelming.

"I should have helped." Max‘s tears slowed.

"Oh Max. I would never expect you to try and stop Elliot." She held his head back.

"Besides, you did. You got him good with that trophy."

"I should have tied him up. Or killed him."

Such big words for a small boy. It broke Jennifer‘s heart.

Out in the hall, Jonathan was equally as torn up. His son was feeling guilty because his

father had been to slow to save them. Unable to hear anymore, Jonathan headed back to the

shower.

"Max, you did just right. Honey, I‗m so proud of you. You can‘t even know how proud I

am. And I know it was so scary and we‘ll talk about that more, but please honey don‘t feel guilty

about what happened to me. There was nothing you could have done, but exactly what you did."

Max nodded and sniffed.

"Okay?" Jennifer asked.

"Okay."

"Now you try and get some sleep. We‘ll talk more in the morning I promise."

"I don‘t think dad wants to."

"No," Jennifer agreed tucking his covers on his chin. "It may take your dad a little time,

but you can talk to me okay?"

Max nodded and then draping an arm over Jr. he closed his eyes.

Jennifer smiled down at her son as he drifted to sleep. She was truly blessed. She could

have never dreamed up someone as wonderful as Jonathan, so why was she so adamant about

him exposing this one vulnerable side. Admittedly, part of it had to do with wanting him to feel

open enough to share everything. But she understood that his fear wasn‘t about her, about

trusting her. It was his one vice. Why not let him keep it?

Jennifer left Max‘s room and went to her own. She could hear the water running in the

shower so she went to put her pajama‘s on. Pulling Jonathan‘s pajama top out of the drawer she

smiled at the thought that she would be wearing her own clothes, sleeping in her own bed and

laying next to her husband. Washing her face and putting on lotion, Jennifer started for the

bedroom. She frowned as she heard the water in the shower still running. He‘d been in there a

long time.

Jennifer headed back towards the shower. "Darling? Are you alright?" Jennifer opened

the steamed-covered door. Jonathan stood in the corner of the shower sobbing uncontrollably.

Jennifer‘s eyes widened in surprise. Her surprise was followed by guilt. He hadn‘t wanted her to

see this. She started to close the door.

"No," she heard him say through his weeping. "I need you."

Jennifer felt her heart fill her entire chest. She stepped into the shower and took him in

her arms. Turning her so the water sprayed his back instead of her, he buried his head in her neck

and hair as he let all his fear, and grief out. Jennifer said nothing as she held his convulsing body.

Tears sprang to her eyes. Tears of joy and tears of pain. Her hands ran up and down his back,

caressing, soothing.

Jonathan could feel the blackness draining from him being replaced by serenity. Her

hands caressing his back rejuvenated him. The scent of her hair filled him. And the joy of it

made him cry more.

"I‘m so sorry, Jennifer." Jonathan‘s tears subsided and he could feel himself returning to

normal.

"Shhhh." Jennifer continued to rub his back. "I love you."

"I love you too." He lifted his head to rest his brow against hers. "I heard you with Max.

I‘ve been so selfish, Jennifer."

"No."

"All this time, I‘ve been focused on me and how this whole thing was tearing me up. But

you, you and Max. You actually lived it and I wasn‘t there for you."

"Yes, you were. You were there when we needed you."

"I was late."

Jennifer looked up at Jonathan. She wanted to ease his pain, but looking at him she

realized that wasn‘t what he wanted. He just wanted to tell her.

Jonathan gazed down at his wife. The hot water misted on her face and hair giving her a

pinkish glow. He could see the bruise on her cheek, not as blue as before. Letting his eyes fall he

could see lighter marks on her neck. He‘d been too scared to know, to look. But not now. He

reached down to unbutton her soaking shirt.

Jennifer took his wrists in her hands. "Jonathan, you don‘t need to do this to yourself."

Of course she'd, know. He thought. He'd understand that he wanted to see what he hadn't

been able to prevent. "I need to know."

"I won‘t let you do this if you are going to blame yourself."

"My wife and son were terrorized. I was here alone, not knowing. I can‘t explain it, but I

don‘t feel like I can deal with it without really knowing what happened."

They held each other‘s gaze for a moment and then Jennifer dropped her hands. Jonathan

unbuttoned and pushed the wet shirt away from her body. He couldn't stop the gasp as he came

face-to-face with the results of Elliot‘s attack.

"Jonathan, there is nothing here that is permanent. He didn‘t break me. He didn‘t break

you or Max. All this," Jennifer said referring to the bruises, "all this will fade into nothing."

Jonathan nodded. He knew it was true and yet he couldn‘t help the new wave of guilt. He

reached out and held her breast, letting his thumb brush the marks Elliot‘s fingers had left there.

He leaned over, pressing his lips to the marks, letting his tongue lightly lave over them as if he

could heal them.

"Jonathan." Jennifer pulled away.

"Hmm?" He pulled her close, letting the feel of her nestled perfectly against his body

complete him.

"I‘m sorry I pushed you so hard. I‘m sorry I didn‘t respect your feelings and needs."

Jonathan lifted his head to look down at her. He was going to correct her, tell her she had

nothing to apologize for. But he could see how important this was to her. He nodded. "I

understand."

Jennifer smiled; relieved he didn‘t try to talk it away. Then her face turned to shame

again. "I‘m sorry I didn‘t call you. I should have called you when Elliot did and I have no excuse

for it. These are the result of my stupidity." Jennifer said referring to her injuries.

Jonathan held her face, using his thumbs to brush away the tears. "Don‘t cry Jennifer.

And don‘t ever feel you are responsible for what happened to you and Max."

Jennifer looked down, too ashamed to look him in the eyes. He pulled her face up to his.

"Nothing will ever change the way I feel about you. We were both under a lot of strain and

didn‘t handle things as well as we might have. What‘s that they say about hi-insight?"

Jennifer smiled. "Something about it being 20/20."

He leaned over to kiss her tears away. "That‘s right. I wished you had called me too…"

Jennifer‘s breath hitched and she started to respond.

"But." Jonathan put his fingers to his lips. "I know why you didn‘t. I know why without

you telling me. How many couples can say that?"

Jennifer reached up to stroke his face.

"I wished to God that I could have given you what you wanted..." Jonathan started.

"But you needed to feel in control. I guess I know why you did what you did without

telling me." Jennifer let her head rest on his shoulder as the scent of man and soap, and the feel

of warmth and water soothed her.

"Through it all I knew you loved me, would always love me. Even when you were

disappointed in me. Even when I was annoyed at you." Jonathan caressed her back. "Even when

the press said we were in trouble.."

"What?" Jennifer‘s head shot up to look at him.

"The press saw how you jilted me at the police station." Jonathan smiled.

"They did?" Jennifer thought about it for a moment. "Yeah, well I was mad."

"I know. And I‘m going to look forward to taking you out in public to squash that story."

Jennifer watched as Jonathan‘s eyes scoured her body again. His hands gently slid over the

marks Elliot had left.

"Jonathan." Jennifer called him back to her. "Don‘t." She brought his hand up to her lips

and kissed the tips of his fingers.

"What happened?"

While Jennifer wanted to be able to talk freely, she wasn‘t sure she wanted to discuss

this. "Don‘t." She said again.

"I will respect your wish not to relive it, but I'd like to know."

Jennifer nodded. Jonathan turned off the water and led her out of the shower. He wrapped

a towel around his waist and then used another towel to gently, lovingly dry Jennifer‘s body.

Then taking her hand he led her to the bedroom.

"Cold?" he asked.

Jennifer shook her head. Pulling back the sheet, Jonathan helped Jennifer in bed and then

climbed in next to her. She savored the feel of him as he pulled her close. It was proof that he

was here, alive and still in love with her.

"Are you sure about this?" Jennifer asked looking into his eyes.

He nodded, and she could see his effort to mentally brace himself for the pain and grief

they were about relive.

Jonathan said nothing as Jennifer told her story. She could see the anger, grief and guilt in

his beautiful eyes.

"I‘m so sorry." He said it over and over again.

"Even if he had taken me, he would never beat me, Jonathan. Never."

He pressed kisses to her eyes, temple and cheeks. She was grateful for his strength. For

how he could her and make her feel as if they were one. His soothing kisses and strong arms

created a need in her. A need to be held, to be loved by him. She wrapped her arms around his

shoulders and pulled his lips to hers.

"Jennifer." His lips whispered as they brushed against hers.

She could feel his resistance. She understood it. But she needed him.

"Make love to me." Her arms pulled, her lips encouraged and Jonathan discovered his

need was there too. A need to reclaim her. To drive out any thoughts of Elliot and his assault of

her. But he knew he needed to be gentle not just for her sake but his. He pushed her back and

began the slow process of loving her with his hands and mouth. He caressed each bruise,

following it up with a gentle kiss.

Jennifer savored the wonderfully sweet and sensuous feel of his hands and lips as they

soothed and healed her soul. She knew that this slow sinuous loving was healing him as well. By

the time Jonathan journeyed back up to her lips, her whole body was humming with life, with

energy. She sighed as Jonathan‘s lips took hers, in a slow yet decadent kiss.

Entwining their fingers, holding each other‘s gaze, they joined their bodies. She arched to

him, wanting more, wanting to fill the void made by Max‘s disappearance and the strain between

her and Jonathan.

Her response hastened Jonathan‘s desire, but he pushed back the need to hurry. He felt

her wrap her legs around him, urging him to complete the act. But he wanted to wait; to savor the

feeling of being joined in the most intimate of ways. Jennifer‘s eyes, clouded with desire, looked

up at him, questioningly.

"This is the second best part of making love to you. The moment we come together like

this."

Jennifer smiled. "Kiss me. Kiss me the way that takes my breath away."

Jonathan smiled back and gave in. His mouth came to hers nibbling at first and then

pressing his lips to hers, sliding his tongue into to dance with hers, he deepened the kiss by

degrees until Jennifer thought she explode from the sheer pleasure of it.

Their eyes caught, completing the circuit made by their bodies and souls. They were

entwined, bonded together so that neither knew where they began or ended. They only knew

oneness, until the tension rose and together they crested into pleasure.

They lay in each other‘s arms, sated and content. "You don‘t have anywhere to go do

you?" Jonathan asked as he shifted his weight off her.

"No. Why?"

"Because in a few minutes I‘m going to want to do that again."

"I think I can pencil you in." Jennifer said running her fingers through his chest hair.

Jonathan smiled as he leaned forward to kiss her. "Think you can schedule me in for the

whole night?" He nibbled on her lips and then trailed his kiss along her jaw to whisper in her ear.

"Because I will need at least that long to adequately love you."

"I‘m all yours," Jennifer said on a breathless sigh.

By the time the sun shone through the bedroom window, Jonathan and Jennifer had

exorcised the pain and grief that had momentarily allowed them to lose sight of the strength of

their love. They'd celebrated and honored each other, reconnecting their hearts and souls.

Harts Agony

This story currently shows near the end of this anthology because it occurs later in the

timeline (It takes place after the Hart’s home has burnt down in Hart Returns). However,

it was written a long time ago, as you might be able to tell because the quality of writing

isn’t as good as other stories. It’s told mostly from Jonathan’s point of view in dealing with

the potential loss of Jennifer. It features little Max, who, in this story is ten. It also allowed

me to kill off Robin Wall because, well, she deserved it.

Chapter One

"Mr. Hart?" Deann‘s voice rang through the intercom. "Mrs. Hart is here to see you."

"Great, send her in. And Deann? Please hold all calls and visitors until I tell you."

"Yes sir, Mr. Hart."

"Hello, Darling." Jennifer entered Jonathan‘s office, locking the door behind her.

"You look beautiful." Jonathan walked over to kiss her, his eyes shining with intrigue.

Locking the door could only mean one thing.

"Why thank you very much."

"To what do I owe the honor of your visit?" He wrapped his arms around her, nuzzled his

face in her elegant neck.

"I just wanted to see you. I have a surprise." Jennifer‘s eyes twinkled.

"A surprise?" Jonathan‘s brows rose in expectation.

"I went shopping today and I couldn‘t wait to show you what I bought."

"Show away."

Jennifer unbuttoned her suit top, exposing her breasts covered in a sexy hunter green silk.

"Wow."

She removed her skirt and stood before Jonathan in a dark green teddy that accentuated

her round firm breasts and long dancer‘s legs. Jesus, she was beautiful. He never got tired of

looking at her, touching her.

Smiling mischievously, she began to undo Jonathan‘s pants.

"It‘s a good thing I told Deanne to hold my calls."

"Good indeed." She pushed his pants down, and then coaxed him back into his chair.

Straddling Jonathan‘s lap, she undid his tie and shirt, caressing his chest with her kisses.

Jonathan groaned running his hands through her auburn hair. Not wanting to wait a

second longer, he pulled the straps of her teddy down, kissing her shoulders and neck. Jennifer

arched her head back in pure enjoyment. Sliding his hands around her back, he pulled her close,

sucking her breast into his mouth. Jennifer gasped, grabbing his head.

"Come here." Jonathan put his hand behind her neck and pulled her lips to his. Their

tongues danced in each other‘s mouths. Jonathan reached with his other hand between Jennifer‘s

legs. Another gasp escaped from her, as his undid the snaps of her teddy. Jonathan expertly

massaged between Jennifer‘s thighs while sucking and kissing her breasts. He couldn‘t see her,

but the way her hips moved and she moaned at his ministrations was all the feedback he needed

to know he was touching her right.

―Jonathan!‖ Her breath came fast and hard as waves of gratification rippled through her

body. He continued to touch and taste, wringing every last bit of pleasure from her until she

sagged in his lap. Her head dropped to her shoulder as she caught her breath.

―This was supposed to be my seduction.‖

―Sorry.‖ He grinned up at her.

She gave him a chastising shake of her finger, and then slipped off his lap down to her

knees. She pulled his boxers from his hips, finding him rock hard. She smiled up at him and

licked her lips. He groaned even before she took him into her mouth. But then her hot, wet

mouth was on him, encompassing him as she massaged him to the edge of ecstasy. And then she

stopped, and he growled in frustration until she climbed back onto his lap. She maneuvered

herself over him, and eager to feel her around him, he grabbed Jennifer‘s hips, pulling down in

one fast, hard glide. She moaned along with him as he guided her to the speed and force of his

desire. Jennifer threw her head back as the shudders radiated through her body again. He

watched her, her reaction pushing his own need until he exploded in gratification.

"You really should shop more often." Jonathan nuzzled her breasts.

Jennifer smiled. "Do you think other married people do things like this?"

"Yes, but not with their spouses." He looked into her hazel eyes, looking more green as

they did when she was aroused. He didn‘t know what he‘d done to deserve her. He only knew he

planned to spend every day for the rest of his life making sure he‘d earned her love and that she

knew she was the center of his world. Even after twenty years of marriage, his love and desire

for her was as strong as the day he met her.

"Max called this morning." Jennifer straightened his tie.

"I thought there were no phones."

"Apparently they stayed the last two nights at the lodge getting wilderness training. They

left this morning on their backpacking trip."

"Was he homesick?" Jonathan leaned against his desk and pulled Jennifer close to him.

"I don‘t think so. He seemed more concerned about us."

"Us?"

"He couldn‘t figure out what we would find to do without him around to entertain us."

Jonathan laughed. "I can‘t believe how big he is. Doesn‘t it seem like yesterday he was

starting to walk and now he‘s ten and wandering the wilderness without us?"

"He‘s a wonderful boy isn‘t he?" Jennifer marveled at the boy their son had grown into.

He had his father‘s smarts and her sense of adventure. While she was certain Jonathan would be

a fabulous father, she had been scared out of her wits to be a mother. But Max had proven to be a

joy and inspiration. She couldn‘t ever imagine a life without him or Jonathan.

"Just like his mother." Jonathan pulled her close for a kiss.

Later in the afternoon, Jonathan found it difficult to concentrate on his work. Stanley was

babbling about something while Janet was asking questions. But Jonathan‘s mind lingered back

to his wife‘s visit. He smiled to himself as he thought about the birthday gift he was preparing

for her. He felt so much love and adoration for Jennifer it sometimes overwhelmed him. She was

his whole life. Now that Max Sr. was gone, she and little Max were all he had. Max Sr.‘s death

reminded him of how fast life can pass. He wanted to savor every moment with Jennifer.

"Mr. Hart?" Deann‘s voice broke through his reverie. "You have a call from a Robin

Wall."

Robin Wall? Why is that name familiar? He sat for a moment and then it came. Robin

Wall was the psychotic girl who‘d almost killed Jennifer 15 years earlier.

"This is Jonathan Hart." His voice was tense as he scanned his brain for where she could

be and why she was calling. Wasn‘t she in prison? Or a psych ward?

"Hello, Jonathan," Robin cooed with a tinge of victory in her voice. "The day has finally

come. I waited all these years and now it is here."

"What are you talking about? Where are you?" An uneasy feeling grew in the pit of his

stomach.

"Home of course. You know Jonathan, all those years you didn‘t call or send flowers. I

finally realized that you didn‘t love me. It‘s because of her. But I took care of that..."

Jonathan covered the mouthpiece and gestured to Janet. "Call the police and send them to

my house immediately. And call Jennifer on her cell phone. Tell her not to go home," Jonathan

whispered to her.

"... You won‘t need to worry about me anymore. I realize now that you don‘t want me. I

know you understand that if I can‘t have you, she can‘t either, so don‘t be mad. I‘ll leave you

now too. I love you, Jonathan."

Panic ripped through Jonathan at her words. ―If I can‘t have, you she can‘t either.‖ What

did they mean? He heard a loud bang through the phone. A gun.

"Oh, God." He dropped the phone and ran from his office.

Chapter Two

Jonathan drove wildly toward home. Heading up Willow Pond Road, he didn‘t pause as

usual to pay homage to their former home. Instead he made haste to their rented home of five

years.

Police cars and an ambulance packed the road as Jonathan screeched into his driveway.

He flew into the house calling for Jennifer.

"Mr. Hart!" Lt. Gray called.

"Where is Jennifer?" Jonathan frantically looked around the house, his gaze stopping as it

reached a body lying on the floor next to the phone. Dark hair revealed it wasn‘t Jennifer and a

sigh of relief escaped him.

"Jonathan." Gravity in Lt. Gray‘s voice sent terror through Jonathan‘s veins once again.

"Where is she?" Jonathan broke away heading up stairs.

"You don‘t want to go in there." Lt. Gray grabbed Jonathan by the arm, but he jerked

away and entered his bedroom. On the floor, Jennifer laid motionless in a pool of blood.

Paramedics hovered over her as they worked to save her life.

"Oh no. God, no!" Jonathan wailed at the sight.

"Come on, Jonathan. Let them do their work. You need to stay out of their way." Lt. Gray

pulled Jonathan out into the hall. Jonathan went cold. His entire life was on the verge of ending.

"Jonathan! Where is Max?" Lt. Gray shook Jonathan.

It took a moment for Jonathan to register the question. "He‘s backpacking this week."

"Do you know the girl downstairs?"

"Her name is Robin Wall."

"Robin Wall?" Gray‘s brows narrowed as if he was searching his brain for the memory.

"Oh geez."

The paramedics came through the door with Jennifer on a stretcher. Jonathan‘s heart

broke to see his wife so pale and lifeless.

"I‘m going with them." Jonathan followed the paramedics.

"Let me drive you," Lt. Gray said. "You may just get in their way."

"I‘m going with them," Jonathan repeated. "Jennifer needs me."

Lt. Gray sighed. Apparently he realized the futility of arguing, and nodded to Jonathan.

At the hospital, the minutes seemed like hours, hours like days. Jonathan waited in agony

for word on Jennifer‘s condition. He jumped from his seat as the surgeon emerged into the

waiting area.

"How is she?" Jonathan‘s voice cracked.

"Mr. Hart. We have done everything we can..."

"No!" Jonathan felt his knees buckle.

The doctor held his hands up stopping Jonathan so he could finish. "She is alive but she

fell into a coma and needs life support. At this point we need to wait and see. She is very strong.

Anybody else wouldn‘t have survived this far. But I won‘t kid you Mr. Hart, it‘s very grave."

Jonathan tried to take comfort in that she was alive but the doctor‘s demeanor gave him

little hope.

"Can I see her?"

"Sure, follow me."

Jonathan was not at all prepared for what he saw. Jennifer‘s face was pale, her body void

of all signs of life. The blowing noise of the respirator to echo through the room. She had tubes

in her mouth and nose. She was in the room, but not really there. Jonathan wept at the sight. He

stood by the bed, taking Jennifer‘s hand into his, he put it up to his face.

"Jennifer, darling. Please fight..." His tears moistened their hands. "I can‘t live without

you."

The nurses watched from outside the room, shaking their heads at the tragedy.

A half-hour later the doctor returned.

"Mr. Hart. Why don‘t you go home and get some rest. We will call you if there is any

change."

Jonathan looked at the doctor as if the doctor had said the most ludicrous thing in the

world. "I am not leaving."

"I know you want to be here but there is really nothing that can be done. She probably

doesn‘t even know you are here..."

"Come here." Jonathan grabbed the doctors arm and pulled him out of the room. Jonathan

dragged the doctor up the hall. "See this?" Jonathan pointed to a plaque.

Jonathan and Jennifer Hart Children‟s ICU

"She built that for you, doctor. It was her idea. It was our money. I think we deserve a

little consideration."

The doctor backed off. "I‘ll arrange for a bed for you in her room. But, Mr. Hart, you

need to stay out of the way when medical staff are treating her."

Jonathan didn‘t say a word. He headed back to Jennifer‘s room.

He sat for hours holding Jennifer‘s hand, willing her back to him.

"Mr. Hart?" a nurse asked. "Would you like something to eat?" She set a tray of food on

the table.

"I‘m not hungry."

"Is there someone I can call for you?" she asked.

Stephen.

"No." He started to pull out his cell phone.

"I‘m sorry Mr. Hart. I can‘t let you use a cell phone in the hospital. There‘s a phone right

outside the door though."

Jonathan dragged himself out of his chair. Using the force of his weight to open the door,

he headed to the phone.

"Hello?" Stephen‘s voice was groggy but had a tinge of alarm. Jonathan looked at his

watch. It was 3 am in Maryland.

"Stephan? It‘s Jonathan."

"Jonathan. What is it." Stephen‘s voice was panicked. Jonathan knew it would be worse

when he delivered the news.

"It‘s Jennifer." Jonathan was unable to finish as his emotions surged and began to weep.

"What about Jennifer? Jonathan! Tell me."

"She was shot and is in pretty bad condition," Jonathan managed to say.

"Is she alive?"

"Yes, but the doctors aren‘t very optimistic."

"I‘m on my way."

Jonathan hung up the phone. He knew he needed to call someone from Hart Industries

but he couldn‘t think of who. He was relieved that Max was out of town and unreachable as he

knew he wouldn‘t be able to find the words to tell him about his mother. His body felt heavy and

weak. He went back to Jennifer‘s room to continue his vigil.

Jonathan had never known so much pain. He thought he had. His childhood had been

lonely. He‘d never known a parent‘s love until he met Max. That was the first time Jonathan felt

happiness. Once he met Jennifer, his life was complete. And when little Max was born, Jonathan

knew he had achieved the greatest gifts a man could receive. And, now, life had come full cycle.

Max was gone. If Jennifer died, he would be losing his soul mate. How would he ever be able to

be a parent to little Max without her? The prospect tore at his heart and soul. For the first time, in

a long time, Jonathan felt helpless. Worse yet, he didn‘t have the strength to carry on.

"Please," he pleaded with Jennifer, to God or whoever might hear him. "Don‘t leave

me..."

Chapter Three

Stephan took the earliest flight from Dulles Airport to LAX. He tried not to dwell on the

desperation and agony in Jonathan's voice from the phone call earlier that morning. Jennifer was

a strong woman. It wasn't possible that she would lose her life when there was so much left to

live. Certainly God wouldn't take the only family he had left. He had endured the loss of his

wife. It wouldn't be right to have to suffer the ultimate loss, that of a child.

Stephan took a taxi from the airport to the hospital, arriving around lunchtime. He had

prepared himself for the worst in terms of Jennifer's condition. However, it was Jonathan's

appearance that took him by surprise. It wasn't the day old growth of whiskers, or the redness in

his eyes. The once strong and ever-confident Jonathan Hart now was a shell of a man.

Overwhelmed by fear and grief, Jonathan could hardly lift his head from the side of Jennifer's

bed when Stephan entered the room.

"How is she?" Stephan dropped his bags near the door rushed to Jennifer's side.

"The same. They checked to see if she was breathing on her own but she's not. She is still

in a coma. They say the longer it lasts, the worse her prognosis."

"But it's only one day. Surely, they haven't lost hope."

Jonathan said nothing.

"Where is Max?"

"He is on a camping trip. I can't reach him."

"Have you gotten any rest?" Stephan put an hand on Jonathan‘s shoulder. Wanting to

offer comfort even though he knew it wouldn‘t make a difference.

"Off and on. I want to be awake in case she comes too."

"What happened?" Stephan asked hoping his voice didn't sound accusatory.

Jonathan shook his head as he relived the scenes of the night before. "A woman who

once had an obsession with me... she shot her... in our bedroom...."

"Shouldn't people like that be locked up?"

"She was. I don't know, maybe they thought she was better. Maybe she escaped. I don't

know. I tried to save her. Really I did." Jonathan looked up at Stephan.

"I‘m sure you did. Did they get the woman?"

"She killed herself. She called me and killed herself while on the phone with me."

Stephan shuttered at the picture that came to mind.

"I called the police once I realized who it was. I told them to call Jennifer and tell her not

to go home. I don't understand..."

A nurse entered the room. "Mr. Hart, there is a call from a Deann."

"Can you take a message?"

"That‘s your secretary isn't it?" Stephan asked.

"Yes."

"Have you called and told them about Jennifer?"

"No. I only called you."

"You go handle your business. I‘ll watch Jennifer."

Jonathan looked at Stephan in shock. How could Stephan think he would leave Jennifer

for even one second?

"Jonathan, at least need to let them know what is going on so that they can take over for

you."

Jonathan knew he was right but what would we say. To think about Jennifer's condition

was painful enough. To speak about it was impossible. Jonathan heaved himself up to take the

call. He reluctantly left the room, stealing a glance at his sleeping wife, hoping beyond hope he‘d

look into those gorgeous hazel eyes again.

"Hello, Deann." Jonathan's voice was heavy.

"Mr. Hart. I saw on the news last night, about Mrs. Hart. I‘m so sorry."

"Thank you."

"I wouldn't have bothered you but I can't initiate the emergency plan for when you‘re

unavailable without your authorization. Mr. Sims is here and ready to take over while you are

with Mrs. Hart."

"Yes, Deann. That would be fine."

There was an entire process required before an alternate could take full control of Hart

Industries, but Deann must have realized he wasn't going to be able make it. "I‘ll take care of

everything Mr. Hart."

"Thank you." Jonathan hung up and returned to the room. As he entered, he realized that

he secretly hoped Jennifer had awakened during his absence. The fact that she hadn't tore at his

heart.

Stephan sat on one side of Jennifer's bed humming a nursery rhyme. Jonathan returned to

his spot on the other side of the bed and took her hand.

"I don't know what all the fuss is about," Stephan started. "I mean she‘s alive. She‘s

warm. So she is in a little coma. Well, she was shot. Her body needs some time heal itself."

Jonathan looked at Stephan not comprehending what he was saying. "Look at her,

Stephan. The life... has drained out of her. Without all those tubes she would be dead. She is

hanging by the tiniest of threads. God, the doctors were here this morning giving me preliminary

talk on organ donation..."

"For God sake boy, pull yourself together. You forget I have done this before. I did it

just like you and it got me nowhere. Your problem is you have lost hope. Well, I won't count

Jennifer out just yet. You know she was in coma once as a child. She got thrown from a horse.

But Jennifer, she came through. And they knew a whole lot less about medicine then than they

do now. You have got stop sulking and feeling sorry for yourself. She is going to be horrified

when she sees you." Stephan got up and went to his luggage. "Here." He tossed Jonathan his

grooming bag. "At least go shave and wash up."

Jonathan was stunned. Stephan was right of course. He was being selfish. And he had lost

hope. He picked up the bag and headed to the restroom. Even he was astonished at what he saw

in the mirror. It was a completely different man. A defeated, hopeless man.

Jonathan splashed water on his face. The cold shocked his senses. Taking out the

shaving cream and razor, he removed the stubble on his face. Jennifer always preferred a clean-

face. She said she liked how it felt on her lips and neck. Jonathan found a comb and ran it

through his hair.

When he finished he looked again at the man in the mirror. As he studied the face, the old

familiar Jonathan, the determined, hopeful, persevering Jonathan slowly reappeared.

"I‘m going home for a minute." Jonathan told Stephan when he returned. "Here‘s my cell

number. Call me if anything happens. I‘ll be back in an hour."

Stephan nodded and returned to Jennifer.

An hour later, Jonathan returned with a suitcase.

"Moving in?" Stephan asked.

"Just taking your advice... about not giving up hope." Jonathan set the suitcase on the

extra bed and opened it to reveal a host of Jennifer's belonging. He began to set some pictures on

the table near Jennifer's bed.

"Jennifer, remember this picture? Big Max took this on our trip to Africa. Remember

after the Sheik took all my money and the ruby." Turning to Stephan he said, "She was so mad

about the ruby."

"And remember this. This is the day Max was born. You look gorgeous. I don't think you

even broke a sweat." Jonathan placed other pictures around the room, telling her about them as

he did.

He went back to the suitcase and pulled out a bottle of gardenia lotion. Jonathan always

preferred the lilac but Jennifer was partial to the gardenia. He squeezed a small amount of lotion

into the palm of his hand. Careful not to disrupt the IV lines in her arm, Jonathan lovingly

massaged the lotion into her skin from her shoulder to her fingertips.

"Do you remember that boat trip we took to Mexico and we ended up in jail?" Jonathan

spoke while performing his massage. Stephen's eyes widened in surprise but he kept silent. "You

were so clever in getting us out of that. You know, I was thinking, it has been awhile since we've

taken a boat trip. We should do it soon, without the jail part of course."

"How about a round the world trip? We could take the boat or not. I know you think

school is important but what better education for Max than seeing the world?"

Stephan was in awe of Jonathan's love for Jennifer. He had known Jennifer was

completely in love and happy with Jonathan. But to see that love conveyed so purely back

toward her warmed his heart. If she did die, he would be comforted by the fact that she had a

wonderful life.

Taking Jonathan's lead, Stephan took some lotion and massaged Jennifer's other arm. "I

don't suppose you ever told Jonathan about the time you ran away with Tommy McElroy."

Jonathan raised his eyebrows in curiosity. "I haven't heard that one."

"Yes, well, Jennifer was all of 7 years old. She and Tommy had had enough of parents

and ran away to the little museum in town. It took us almost the whole day to find them. In the

end Jennifer, you were glad we found you. You said Tommy wasn't as interesting to talk as your

old Pa here."

"Jennifer is wonderful at conversation," Jonathan said softly.

"Yes, she is. Smart girl."

Jonathan finished with Jennifer's arm and proceeded to her leg. Moving the sheets back

from the side to expose her leg from the thigh down. Jonathan admired the grace and strength of

her legs. Taking more lotion into his hand, he started from the thigh and worked down.

"Did you ever tell your dad you danced on Broadway?" Jonathan asked Jennifer.

"No she didn't."

"This was only a couple of years ago. An old classmate of Jennifer's who actually turned

out to be crazy, asked her to help him with a play. Well, the play kind of fell apart but you and I

danced on Broadway. Let's see....what was it we danced to?" Jonathan thought a moment and

then sang, "You were meant for me. And I was meant for you...."

"That's lovely." Stephan finished with Jennifer's other arm then took a seat. He didn't feel

comfortable continuing on with her leg. Besides, it seemed to be very cathartic for Jonathan.

"Jennifer, you always loved to dance. Oh, you would dance around the house. Of course,

your mother enjoyed dancing too. I have always admired how you developed her grace and style.

Your mother would have been so proud of you. She sure would be please by your choice of

mate."

Jonathan smiled at Stephen's compliment. "I don't know if Jennifer told you, but I fell in

love with her the minute I saw her."

"She always did have that effect on men."

"Yes she does. That's why I knew I had to marry her right away before anyone could

snatch her away from me."

"Oh, I don't think that would have been a problem. You see Jennifer called me after your

first date in London. She was so pleased to have the beginnings of her story. But she said to me

that night that she was going to marry you. She knew you were the one. It is so fortunate that you

two met. Of course you didn't make it easy for her..." Stephan chastised.

"No I guess I didn't." Jonathan remembered how hard he tried to avoid the persistent

reporter Jennifer Edwards.

A high pitched beeping noise arose from one of the many machines surrounding

Jennifer's bed. Both Jonathan and Stephan jumped back startled by the noise. A nurse ran in.

"What is it?" Jonathan‘s heart pounded in panic.

The nurse left quickly and returned with the doctor.

"Doctor what is going on?" Jonathan begged for an explanation. The noise was

deafening.

"Well, Mr. Hart, it appears that your wife has decided to breathe on her own."

"All that noise was for that?" Stephan asked.

"The noise alerts us to any change, good or bad. This is good." The doctor turned to the

nurse. "Let‘s go ahead and extubate her."

Jonathan and Stephan stood back as the doctor and nurse removed the tube from

Jennifer's mouth. They added a smaller less intrusive tube on her nose.

"Well, Mr. Hart, Mr. Edwards, this is a good sign. We still need to be concerned about

the coma but at least she is sustaining her own life."

Jonathan wasn't sure how to feel. He hated that the doctor always negated anything good

with something bad. He looked at Jennifer. It was amazing how much better she looked without

the tube extending from her mouth. She was his sleeping beauty. He leaned over her and kissed

her lips.

"You are doing great, Jennifer. Keep working your way back to us."

Jet lag, travel and stress wore on Stephan so he lay down on the extra bed. Jonathan

moved the suitcase, removing a book he brought.

"How about some Pride and Prejudice?"

She enjoyed Jane Austin immensely. Jonathan sat on the side of the bed and began to

read:

"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune,

must be in want of a wife."

Chapter Four

Hours passed. Days passed. Jennifer continued to survive without life support but would

not wake from her coma. Jonathan and Stephan continued their vigil by her side. Each day they

took time to comb her hair, massage lotion into her skin, sing, and read to her. They would move

her arms and legs to ward off atrophy. When one began to feel hopeless, which was several times

a day, the other was there to encourage positive thinking.

Jonathan dedicated all his time to Jennifer, leaving Hart Industries in the hands of his

trusted executive staff members and Deann. Occasionally he would call to get updates but mostly

he didn't care.

At the end of the week, Jonathan made plans to pick up Max in Yosemite. He dreaded

looking into Max's huge blue eyes and telling him about Jennifer's condition. He wasn't afraid of

how Max might take the news. He was more afraid of his own condition. Would be able to

support and comfort Max as a father should?

Jonathan flew to Merced early in the morning. A waiting car drove him to Yosemite. He

was told the group should arrive between 1 and 3 so Jonathan waited in the vast beauty of

Yosemite but didn't notice it.

"Mr. Hart? What are you doing here?" the guide asked as they arrived from their hike.

"I need to speak with Max." The strain in Jonathan's voice let the leader know that the

situation was serious.

"Max? Hey, Max. Your dad is here."

"My dad?" Max trotted down the hill past the other campers. "Dad, what are you doing

here?"

Jonathan cleared his voice. "I need to talk to you." Jonathan could see the worry growing

in Max's eyes. "Let's go over here and talk." Jonathan led him to a park bench.

Max eyed his father. Whatever it was, it was bad. He had never seen his father so run

down. "Is it mom?" He was almost too afraid to ask.

"Yes." Jonathan nodded. "She is in the hospital in a coma."

"Coma?" Max mulled the words in his mind trying to make sense of it all.

"Yes, it's like she is sleeping but can't wake up."

Max nodded. He had heard the term before. He just couldn't actually picture his mother

in such a condition. She was always so lively and active. He didn't know what to say, too stunned

to even think.

Jonathan realized that Max was having difficulty processing the information. He couldn't

blame him. Who would ever thought the spark of life would leave Jennifer.

"Your grandfather is with her now."

"Can I see her?" Max asked.

"I guess so." Jonathan didn't know if that was wise. He didn't know much about

psychology. He had always parented Max by instinct which up to now was pretty good.

Jonathan and Max returned to L.A. and headed directly to the hospital. As they

approached Jennifer's room, Max looked at her through the window of the ICU. His eyes

transfixed on her in horror and his body stiffened in apprehension.

"You don't need to go in," Jonathan said seeing Max's reaction.

Max looked at Jonathan, his eyes wide. Blinking he said, "No, I want to see her."

Jonathan and Max entered Jennifer's room. Max walked slowly towards her bed.

"Does she know we‘re here?" Max‘s blue eyes looked to Jonathan for reassurance.

"I don't know, Champ."

"Are you sure it is a good idea for him to see her like this?" Stephen whispered.

"No. Did you let Jennifer see her mother?"

"Jennifer was older."

The two men watched as Max approached Jennifer's bed. He felt too weird to talk to her

since she wouldn't talk back. He looked at all the tubes and wires hooked up to her and fear

ripped through his body. He stepped back afraid she might reach out and grab him.

"It's been a long day. Why don't I take you home," Jonathan said. He wanted more than

anything to stay with Jennifer but he knew his priority now was with Max.

When they headed home, Jonathan realized that he hadn't done anything to clean up the

blood and mess in the house. Not wanting Max to see it, he took him to the Hart Corporate

apartment instead explaining that it was much closer to the hospital incase Jennifer awoke.

"Dad? What will happen if mom doesn't wake up?" Max asked as Jonathan went to

check on him in bed.

"I don't know. Some people stay in comas for years."

"But then they wake up and everything is okay, right?"

"I don't know son. I think some never wake up." Jonathan's body was hot with anxiety.

He didn't want to give false hope to Max but the truth was so scary even to Jonathan.

"They sleep forever?"

"Well, I think sometimes they die."

Max was silent, his eyes filling with tears. He quickly wiped them away not wanting his

father to see him cry. Jonathan's heart broke at Max's attempt to be brave.

"I have cried a lot over the last week," he confessed to Max. "It is very sad. Your mother

is such a wonderful person. I don't know where I would be without her."

"Tell me again about how you met her," Max asked seeking comfort in happy old stories.

"Well, I first met her in a bar in the Ritz Hotel in London. Remember, we took you there

once."

Max nodded as he thought about how cool it was to sit in the exact stools his parents had

sat in when they met.

"I was immediately in love with her. How could I not be? She was so beautiful. I invited

her out and was surprised she said yes since I was a stranger."

"She just wanted the scoop," Max chimed in.

"Yes. Here I thought I was this handsome, debonair guy, and she just wanted a story."

The two smiled.

"Still, I won her heart. I asked her to marry me two days later."

"You forgot the part where you put her in jail."

"I see you have been listening to your mother's version of this story," Jonathan said

ruffling Max's hair.

"Yes," he replied sheepishly.

"I didn't put her in jail, I just had to detain her until my business was done. I didn't want

her to leave. It was Max's idea you know."

Max smiled to hear about his namesake. "If mom dies, will Max watch over her?"

Jonathan's heart cried out at the thought. "I think they will both watch over us."

After Max went to sleep, Jonathan called Ruthie. Ruthie came to live with the Harts after

little Max was born. She was like a member of the family. Jonathan felt bad he hadn't thought to

call her. Every year at this time, she took a vacation to Palm Springs with some of her

girlfriends. Normally he wouldn't think of bothering her but he realized he needed help.

"Mr. Hart! You should have called me right away," Ruthie's voice was hurt and angry.

"Yes, Ruthie, I know. I just haven't been thinking straight."

Ruthie knew first hand of the loving relationship between Jonathan and Jennifer. She

understood his devastation and forgave him. "I will be back right away, Mr. Hart." Jonathan

explained about the house and Ruthie assured him she would take care of everything so he and

Max could return home.

Jonathan awoke to his normal routine. For a month now, he got himself and Max up to

spend the day with Jennifer at the hospital. Stephen sometimes stayed with them and other times

remained at the hospital. On this particular morning, Jonathan came downstairs to find Max

already eating breakfast and Ruthie cleaning up.

"You are up early," Jonathan said.

"Yes," Max said sheepishly.

Jonathan looked at Max, realizing something was on his mind. "What's up?"

Max licked his lips, fearful of how his father would take his announcement. "I don't want

to go see mom today."

Jonathan tried to hide his surprise. A flicker of anger lighted in him. "Why not?"

"She doesn't even know I am there. She is so scary looking and I don't like it," Max

blurted out.

Jonathan was stunned. And then he felt remorse at not realizing how the whole situation

was affecting Max. "Okay," Jonathan agreed. "What are you going to do instead?"

"Mom signed me up for soccer camp. It starts this week. I want to go."

Jonathan looked at Max. A part of him could not believe Max could go on 'life as usual'

and another part of him admired him for it.

"I can take him Mr. Hart," Ruthie chimed in.

Jonathan looked at Ruthie and then at Max. "Okay, champ." Jonathan smiled to let Max

know he meant it.

Max smiled back. "Thanks dad." He ran out of the room to get ready.

"Its good for him to do something normal. Take his mind off his troubles," Ruthie said.

"Yes," Jonathan agreed. He wished sometimes that he could do the same.

"It has been over a month now Jonathan. I am finding it harder and harder to think of her

as just sleeping. She feels lost to me," Stephen said as Jonathan arrived at the hospital.

"People have come out of coma's a lot longer than this," Jonathan stated. He threw

Stephan a folder. "Here read this. It has some hopeful information on comas. I had Stanley get it

for me."

Stephan looked through the folder but really had no interest reading medical mumbo

jumbo. "I think I will take a walk. I need some fresh air."

Jonathan watched Stephan go and went to sit on Jennifer's bed. God he missed her. He

reached out to touch her face. His heart ached to see her this way. He wanted to hold her and

protect her from the demons preventing her from returning to him. He pulled his legs up on the

bed and turning sideways, he lay down beside her. Her hair tickled his nose as he rested his head

on the pillow. He reached on arm over her and laced his hand through hers.

"Oh Jennifer," he whispered in her ear. "I am getting weary too. Where are you? We have

our own heaven here on earth, together. I don't think I will be able to go on without you..."

Was that a squeeze he felt on his hand?

Jonathan lifted his head to look at his hand entwined with Jennifer's. "You squeezed my

hand!" Jonathan's heart leapt. He looked into her face to see some sign of life but there was none.

"Jennifer," he whispered softly, slowly. Again he felt a squeeze.

Jonathan got up and paged the nurse. "She squeezed my hand!"

The nurse gave Jonathan a look of pity. It happened all the time. Involuntary movements

that gave loved one's false hope. But, following protocol she called the doctor.

The Doctor was equally as unenthusiastic. "We will check it Mr. Hart but, I must inform

you that it is not uncommon for coma patients to experience involuntary movements or

twitches..."

"This wasn't a twitch doctor. It was a squeeze. She squeezed my hand." Jonathan went to

Jennifer's side and took her hand in his. "Darling, show him. Squeeze my hand again." But this

time there was no response. "Please darling. The doctor thinks I am grasping at straws, show him

I am wrong." Jonathan watched his hand. Please he thought to himself. Jennifer squeezed his

hand.

The doctor smiled but still wasn't convinced. "We will check her over but as I said, it

may mean nothing." The doctor left to get some supplies.

"I need to get you a new doctor," Jonathan said. "This guy is just way to pessimistic for

my taste." Jennifer squeezed his hand again. Jonathan brought her hand to his lips. "That's right

Darling, come back."

Jennifer's eyes began to flutter. Jonathan watched with tears of joy as Jennifer awoke

from her long sleep.

He smiled at her as he wiped the tears from his eyes. He brought his face near hers and

whispered, "Welcome back sleepyhead." Jennifer managed a smiled.

The doctor entered the room again and was surprised to see Jennifer staring at him. "Why

Mrs. Hart." The doctor checked her over, running some tests. Jennifer wasn't able to speak. "It's

because of the tube you had in your throat. We will get you some cool water."

"Mr. Hart, if you would. Try to keep her awake for a little while. Don't want her lapsing

back. Once she has some water she should be able to talk. She will be weak and maybe confused

but it seems that she is well on her way to a full recovery."

"What's going on?" Stephan asked entering the room. "Jennifer! Look at you. Oh you

look beautiful!"

"Doesn't she?" Jonathan leaned over and kissed her again.

Jennifer was certain they had gone mad. She felt like she had been hit by a truck and was

sure she looked it too.

Chapter Five

Jennifer was in the hospital another three weeks. Instead of bringing her home, Jonathan

took her, Max and Stephan to their cabin in the country. He wanted her to be away from the

phones and everyday life so she could rebuild her strength.

All three men pampered Jennifer. The babying began to wear on her.

"How long are we going to be here?" Jennifer asked after they had been to the cabin for 2

weeks.

"You aren't sick of us are you?" Stephan asked.

"No I just feel like you are trying to hide me away from the real world. I am fine now. I

want to go home and sleep in my own bed. Besides, Max starts school soon."

"Ahh mom."

"Well, I have really enjoyed it here but I do say that will have to be leaving tomorrow."

Stephan said. "I can see that Jennifer is fine... back to her old self again."

"I guess maybe we could head home as well," Jonathan agreed.

"Well I'm staying," Max announced.

Everyone laughed.

"I think now I am going to go fishing. How about you Max, ready to catch that big trout

that has been alluding us?"

"Yeah," Max shouted.

"You know don't you that fish don't get big by being stupid." Jonathan grinned.

"We‘ll out smart him, huh Grampa?"

"That's right." Stephen and Max gathered their fishing gear and headed to the lake.

Jennifer eyed Jonathan who was reclining in the hammock. She went to him, straddling

over him to sit on his thighs. "So, now that my dad and Max are off playing Huck Finn, how

about a ride to inspiration point?" Jennifer referred to a special place she and Jonathan frequently

horseback rode to on their trips.

Jonathan took her hands into his and kissed them. "I don't want you to overdo it."

"Over do what? I don't do anything. I want to do something, Jonathan. I am bored out of

my gourd."

Jonathan smiled. "How about a walk to the stream."

"I guess that will do." Jennifer couldn‘t hide her disappointment. She was beginning to

get annoyed at his over protectiveness. She felt fine and her strength was improving every day.

She understood the ordeal was very difficult on him but she didn't need to be treated with kid

gloves. In fact, she really wanted a good romp! She wanted him to touch her and love her, not

treat her like she was a delicate flower that would break.

"You know, we missed your birthday." Jonathan steered the car with Jennifer and Max up

Willow Pond Road on their way home.

Jennifer cocked her head. "Yes. I can't believe I missed my own party."

"Oh, you didn't miss it. We postponed it."

"Oh, yeah? I love surprises."

Jonathan turned into the driveway at 3100.

"Jonathan, have you lost your mind? We live up the road."

"No we don't." He continued up the driveway.

Jennifer eyed Jonathan suspiciously. "What are you up to?" He didn't respond. "Max,

what is your father up to?" Max pursed his lips shut in a big grin. "You two are incorrigible."

Jennifer's mouth dropped as Jonathan pulled up in front of the newly reconstructed home

they had shared for so many years. So many memories washed through her mind. All the love

and happiness they‘d shared.

"Wow! Cool." Max got out of the car and took an inventory of the massive stone home,

pond, guesthouse and pool.

"You didn't." Jennifer whispered.

"I did." Jonathan got out of the car and opened Jennifer's side. Her breath caught in her

lungs as she stared speechless at the house that had been their home. "For so many years we have

avoided buying a home and yet we haven't been completely happy with renting. The truth is, this

is our home. Looking at it know, I feel guilty I let it sit here this long."

Jennifer shook her head in disbelief. He was right. Nothing had ever felt like home and

she had come to believe nothing ever would. "I bet it cost a fortune."

Jonathan shrugged. "I got a few bucks."

Jennifer walked over to Jonathan. Her eyes were filled with pure love. She put her hands

on his cheeks and pulled his lips to hers in a luscious, lingering kiss.

"Oh God. Not again," Max cried at the sight of them.

"Yes, please. Again." Jonathan waggled his brows.

Jonathan had arranged for the home to be rebuilt exactly as before although he did

update the color scheme. "I was never wild about harvest gold appliances."

"When did you get all this stuff in here?" Jennifer scanned the living room, filled with

their furniture.

"While we were at the cabin. I asked Ruthie to arrange it."

"Ruthie? Where is Ruthie?"

"Well, her vacation was cut short so I sent her and her friends back for an extra week. I

hope that is alright."

"I am sure she deserves it," Jennifer said.

"Hey, can I change rooms? I want the one at the end of the hall," Max called from

upstairs.

Jonathan looked at Jennifer. "Max's room," they said in unison. "Sure, champ. We'll

switch you tomorrow."

"Hey Max." Jennifer pushed open the door to his room.

"Hey mom." Max lay in bed waiting to be tucked in.

Jennifer wondered how much longer he‘d tolerate the ritual. He was getting so big. She

sat down on the edge of the bed. "Are you settled in?" She pulled his sheets up to his chin.

"Yes."

"What do you think of this place? Your dad did a great job don't you think?"

"I really like those curly stairs."

Jennifer laughed. "Those are kind of neat aren't they?"

"Can I invite Patrick and Scott over tomorrow to show them?"

"Sure, I don't see why not."

"Cool. They are going to be so jealous."

Jennifer laughed again. "Ruthie and your dad told me about how brave you were when I

was in the hospital."

Max looked at Jennifer sheepishly. "It was hard."

"I bet it was. I know I would be a hysterical wreck if something ever happened to you or

your dad."

"I didn't like seeing you like that. You looked dead, like a ghost."

Jennifer nodded. She remembered how frightening it was for her to see her mother just

before she died.

"You aren't mad are you that I went to play soccer?" Max asked.

"Not at all. Why would I be mad?"

"Well, you‘re supposed to be all sad and everything when people are sick," Max

explained. "I was sad," he quickly added.

Jennifer tousled his hair. "Even when we‘re sad, we can do things to make us happy. I‘m

glad you played soccer. I would hate think you spent all your time being sad."

"Dad did."

Jennifer sighed. "You and I are very important to your dad. I think because he didn't

have a family when he was little, he is very protective of us." Jennifer believed that Jonathan was

strong and would be able to live and raise Max without her. But she suspected that the lost and

lonely feeling that plagued him as a child would envelop him again.

Jennifer held her pinky finger up to Max. Max took his and entwined it with hers. In

unison they said, "I will love you forever. I will like you for always. As long as I'm living my

baby (mother) you'll be." Jennifer smiled wondering how much longer Max would let her recite

the lines from the book she read to him every night until he decided he was too old to be read to.

"I love you sweetie. Goodnight." She kissed him on the forehead.

"I love you too, mom."

Jonathan lay in bed reading when Jennifer entered the bedroom from saying goodnight to

Max. "How is he?"

"He's great. You know he apologized to me for going to soccer camp while I was in the

hospital. Isn't that sweet?" Jennifer headed to her bathroom to get ready for bed.

"He's a great kid."

"You didn't make him feel bad for going to camp did you?" Jennifer called out.

"No. I'll admit I was a little surprised."

"If I were to die Jonathan, you and Max have to go on living. You don't have to remarry,

but you do have give Max a full and wonderful life." Jennifer emerged from her closet area

wearing the top to Jonathan's pajamas.

"Can Max get married?" Jonathan grinned at her.

"Of course, but check her out. He can't marry just anyone."

"What if she says her name is Louise?"

Jennifer laughed. "Then call the preacher." Jennifer climbed into bed. "I still can't

believe I am back in this house. It feels so good to be home."

Jonathan smiled, pleased that she was happy. "Happy Birthday darling."

"Thank you." Jennifer gave him a kiss and turned out the light. She‘d given up the

possibility of physical intimacy for the time being. Jonathan just seemed too fearful.

"Goodnight." She turned on her side to go to sleep.

Jonathan put his book down and curled up behind her. "I love you." He put an arm over

her and kissing her neck. His breath on her neck sent currents of desire through her. She turned

over and put her arm around him.

"You‘re beautiful." Jonathan cupped her cheek and gently kissed her soft lips.

"Make love to me," she whispered, her voice pleading. "Please."

Jonathan ran his fingers through her hair. Passion pounded blood through his heart, chest

and head. He laughed uncomfortably. "Would you believe I am scared?"

"Why?"

Jonathan kissed her forehead. "I came so close to losing you. It was like you were

slipping through my fingers..."

"I‘m here now. I‘m fine and healthy. And if you don't make love to me soon I‘ll have to

make love to you." Jennifer pushed Jonathan back and maneuvered herself on to him. "Look at

you tormenting me. Coming to bed without your shirt. Flaunting your sexy chest but telling me

not to touch."

Jonathan laughed. "Well, in that case." He unbuttoned Jennifer‘s nightshirt. "I'll just have

to take my shirt back."

"Don't you dare!" Jennifer's eyes were wild and fiery. She took the shirt off and threw it

on the floor. She sat on Jonathan, naked except for panties, in playful defiance.

The rush of passion and love that overtook his body overwhelmed Jonathan. He pushed

Jennifer over and rolled on top of her. He pressed his lips to hers, hungrily devouring her

luscious mouth.

"That's more like it." Jennifer gasped as Jonathan kissed her jaw, ears and neck. He was

frantic, wanting to feel and taste every part of her, wanting to reacquaint himself with her

gorgeous body.

Jennifer savored the feel of his strong hands and warm mouth as he used them to caress

her entire body. She matched his urgency with her own lusty, unsated needs. She trailed kisses

down his neck and chest. Her hands explored his magnificent, fit body.

Unable to resist longer, Jonathan slowly pushed himself in her. He was unprepared the

overwhelming emotional response as he did. He slid in deep, reaching for her soul. When he

could fill her no further he lay with her motionless, wiping the tears he shed.

"Jonathan?" Jennifer whispered. "Are you alright?"

He smiled and kissed her. "There was a time that I thought I would never be with you like

this again. I was caught off guard with the intensity of emotion...."

Jennifer wiped his tears away. "I love you so much, Jonathan." She put her hands on his

cheeks and pulled him to her. Her kiss was tender, loving, and pure.

Saturated in each other‘s love, they found a tempo that bound their bodies and souls in

perfect harmony, reaching a crescendo of pure joy and ecstasy.