3.12 Diana - What Is

Pressing her advantage Jennifer deepened the kiss feeling Chase respond to her.

"No no no," he murmured trying to disentangle himself from her advances. In his haste he started the scene fast forwarding into Diana's life the way it is today. The loud deafening music caught Jennifer's attention as she looked up and frowned. Turning angrily to Chase she demanded "what did you do?"

"I didn't do anything," he shook his head "I hit the controls and it must have started playing Diana's life as it is now."

Scowling Jennifer said "this is wrong. My sister would never..." she waved her hand at the scene.

"It looks like she is," Chase said dragging his eyes from the scene.

***

The music was pulsing through her system loud and stimulating. Diana wrapped her body around the pole in rhythm to the music. She no longer heard the cat calls, the whistles or the propositions of the leering, drooling men watching her. Her existence was the music, the dance, the beat. It didn't matter she this without her clothes most days. It no longer phased her. At least it didn't. Tonight was different. Her carefully guarded secret was out.. Her baby brother Jeff saw her dancing. Dragged her from the stage until the bouncer hit him. His face kept entering her mind. His disapproval obvious. The same look daddy would give her when he was disappointed in her. The same look she was sure he would give her if he were here.

She could feel the tears building behind her eyes. Knew she was a disappointment. An object to give these faceless men pleasure. Thankfully she didn't have to take any of the to bed with her. It wasn't in her contract. She was exotic goods. Something to be gazed upon but not touched. Something she could thank her genetics for.

Her mind drifted back to the night she met with that disgusting producer. Her willingness to do anything to get him to make one  her dad's novels into a movie.. His easy promises. The lies. The night she slept with him.

The thought of it still made her skin crawl. The bile rise in her throat. The beginning of the nightmare life she lived. She no longer had time to pursue her dream of seeing her dad's novel's on the big screen. His life's work should be out there for everyone to see, to enjoy. She didn't have the ability to see it happen. He would be so ashamed of her and her life choices. Her feelings of shame let her to cut ties with her family. She didn't want them to see what she had become.

The loud music stopped. Diana gathered her discarded clothing as she existed the stage. "The boss man want's to see you," one of the girls told her as they passed to take her place on stage. 

Sighing Diana knocked on the door. The boss looked up from his desk frowning "close the door. I don't like scenes," he told her "who was that man?"

"My brother," she replied "it won't happen again. I didn't know he was going to be here."

"See that it doesn't or I will have to review your contract," his tone ominous sending shivers up her spine.

Nodding she took the warning to heart. A girl who caused too many scenes or too much trouble was either terminated, thrown on the streets or had their contract renegotiated. A renegotiation might mean losing  her exotic status. She would have to pull tricks. She had no intention of doing that.

"You can go now," he dismissed her. Backing from the room knowing enough to never turn her back on him. He was dangerous and cruel. It was easier to defend herself if she could see him coming. Closing the door behind her she sighed in relief. Going to her dressing area she glanced at the clock. Smiled as she realized her shift was over and she could go home. She looked forward to picking up her little sunshine from daycare.

***

"I hate you," Jennifer spat at him.

"Why? This isn't my fault" he pointed at her "your the reason everything changed. Remember in the previous timeline Colt said he almost didn't go that night because of an audition? Well we're seeing the results of him not stopping her from meeting with that producer. Do you really think it's possible to go back and change everything? Don't you get it? There is a no quick easy fix to this mess."

She looked down at her hands clasped in her lap "don't yell at me," she cried. "I didn't know what I was doing. I didn't. It's not my fault."

"Honey I hate to burst your bubble but all of this is your fault," Chase told her callously "the question now is whether or not you've learned anything from it. What are you going to do about it?"

Shaking her head Jennifer ignored the question requesting instead "resume the show."

***

The door opened and an excited three year old flung herself in to her mother's arms,"Mommy," she cried.

"How's my sunshine?" she asked the little girl.

A frown marred her serene features for a split second "ok I guess."

Lifting her chin up Diana asked "what happened sunshine?"

"Nothing really," she shrugged refusing to talk.

A woman appeared in the doorway "Ms Bennett we need to talk." Her angry disapproving look wasn't lost on Diana.

Following her inside Diana knew she was on the verge of losing yet another daycare provider. "Is something wrong?"

"Your daughter is disruptive. I can't have her in my facility," she said crossing her arms.

"It's not my daughter whose the problem," Diana told the woman keeping her voice flat devoid of emotions "it's my occupation."

"I don't approve of your lifestyle," the woman glared at her "the other parents don't want their children associating with your daughter."

"Stripping isn't contagious nor is it hereditary. My livelihood isn't anyone's business." Diana told the infuriating woman. "My daughter has the right to have first rate care despite how I decide to pay my bills."

"I don't agree," the woman stood as if dismissing her. "The sins of the mother..."

"How dare you," Diana cried "my daughter has never been anything but a well behaved little girl. 

Don't you dare judge her or me." She got up, wrote a check to cover the days services. "I won't be back." Throwing the check at the woman "be careful you don't fall off your holy mountain cashing that I wouldn't want my sins rubbing off on you."

"Mama? Something wrong?" Isabel asked looking up.

"It's nothing sweetie," Diana smiled down at her little girl. Her reason for getting up in the mornings. Her sunshine. 

"Mama I don't want to come back here."

Picking the little girl up Diana kissed her cheek "you don't have to." She felt Isabel's little arms go around her neck.

"Terel come?"she asked.

"I don't know sweetie. I'll see," Diana sighed she knew that Terrell was getting tired of her depending upon him for help. He was family. Who else did she have? Jeff? He probably wouldn't speak to her again. Exiting the apartment complex she groaned as the she saw the bus pull away. "Great we'll have to walk."

"Mama it wet" Isabel announced as it began to rain.

"I know sunshine," Diana acknowledged trying to keep her daughter from getting too wet on the long walk home. As she was about to step out into the street a man walked out of the elevator.

"Looks like it's raining cats and dogs," he observed smiling at her "are you waiting for someone?"

"No we just missed the bus," Diana informed him.

Frowning he said surely you're not thinking about walking in the rain?"

"We have to get home," Diana moved to open the door.

"Wait let me give you a ride," the man suggested.

Shaking her head "I don't want to put you out."

"It's not a bid deal," he smiled "come on let me do this."

"Peas mama it wet," Isabel inserted into the conversation.

***

Grabbing his arm Jennifer cried out "look it's him it's Colt."

"You sound like that's a good thing," Chase eyed the girl "yet when Robbie met Miranda in this timeline it wasn't. What's the difference?"

Averting her gaze she mumbled "I'm not mad at Diana. I want her to be happy...."

"Any reason why you don't wan't Robbie to be happy?" He shook his head. She had so much potential but her thinking was so warped.

"I want him to be happy too," she said grudgingly "I shouldn't have done what I did to him." Tears sliding down her cheeks "he probably hates me. How can I blame him if he does? I'd hate me too."

***

Diane kept glancing over at him "I've seen you before..."

Laughing he nodded "I opened at a club you were dancing at."

"I....I....oh dear," she stammered feeling her face heat up.

"You don't have to be embarrassed. You have to make a living right?"

Shrugging Diana looked out the window "not according to Mrs Du Mont."

"That woman," he laughed "no one meets with her approval. She tried to get me kicked out of the complex when she found out I played the guitar. Devil's music don't you know."

"I thought that was rock n' roll," Diana laughed with him.

"That too but she didn't exactly wait for me to explain. Just jumped to conclusions." Looking at Isabel asleep in the backseat "I suppose she was your daycare provider."

"She was until tonight," she looked over at him "she found out what I do for a living and decided Izzy had to go. She thought that she'd contaminate the other kids or something."

"That woman is a menace," he frowned "you live in this neighborhood?"

"It's not much but it's all I can afford," Diana moved to get out. Before she was to able to Isabel from the backseat Colt had her and insisted upon carrying her up to her apartment.

"I would be remiss if I didn't see you to your door," he explained. He waited patiently while Diana got her keys and let them in. After laying Isabel on the couch Colt stood up and backed towards the door. "Would it be alright if I called you sometime?"

Nodding Diana smiled in response "I'd like that."

"Good," he said turning to leave. Stopping at the door "So are you going to give me your number?"

"I thought you'd never ask," she said waiting for him to get out his phone.

"Thank you," he said as he left the apartment.

Smiling Diana closed and latched the door behind him. It felt good to meet someone who didn't judge her as soon as they found she stripped for a living.

***

"He better call," Jennifer announced to the room in general.

"What does it matter if he does or doesn't. You could wipe this all out by going back in time and changing one infinitesimal thing," Chase pointed out.

"I know," she said under her breath. "What should I do?" she cried "I don't want to give up on my dream but I....I..." She buried her head in her hands "I don't know what to do. I want to go back and undo everything I've done....and I can't."

Chase pulled her close letting her sob on his shoulder "You have to stop. Accept that your dad is gone...."

Clinching her fist in his shirt she cried "I don't know if I can. I've given up my dreams, my life to bring daddy back..."

"Sweetheart I've always been here," Robert told her "I'm sorry it can't be the way you want it. It's time to let me go. Time to live your life."

Wiping her eyes she turned to her dad "how daddy? This is all I know."

"Sweetheart your life isn't over," Robert told her "you have time to change. To make new dreams."

"But .... I've done so much harm. Mom, Drew, Alex they're all dead because of me. The babies that should have been born and no longer exist. I've hurt people I don't even know. Amanda and the pain she's in." Jennifer stopped gulping for air "I'm so sorry daddy I didn't think that something so simple could be so bad."

"Nothing is as simple as it appears honey," Robert kissed her forehead.

"How do I go on knowing everything I've done," she cried "Robbie and Amanda hate me..."

"It'll be alright," Robert told her "give them time. Give yourself time. They'll forgive you."

"No they won't but I'll try," she looked up at him "I'll do it for you daddy. I'll make you proud of me." She stood up running from the shack she called home. Startled Robert and Chase followed after her.

With shaking hands she entered a code into the time machine. As the door opened she hesitated a moment looking back at Chase running towards her. For a moment she allowed herself to wonder what it would have been like to be kissed for real. To be held by someone who loved her. It was too late for her. She didn't deserve the happy ever after ending. Turning to enter the time machine a force knocked her away just as the explosion went off.

Running up beside her Chase picked her up "why did you do that? You could have been killed."

"I know," she mumbled looking up at him "I don't deserve to live. I've done to much. I don't deserve a second chance."

Holding her as she sobbed Chase smoothed her long hair "sometimes we don't get to decide why we get the second chance and someone else doesn't. But what we do with that second chance is our decision."

He moved to get up only to have Jennifer grab him "no don't go. Please just hold me."

3.12 Diana - What Should Have Been

Author's Note: This is Diana Bennett's story of what should have been before Jennifer messed up the time line. Colt Critchley  was made by Rosessupposesmanythings for my story. We'll see more of Lisa in the next chapter. Thank you Rosessupposesmanythings for allowing me to have Colt in my story.

"Terrell you coming tonight?" Diana asked her cousin.

"Wouldn't miss it," he told her.

"Great there's someone I'd like you to meet," she told him with a hint of excitement in her voice.

"Is that the  old bald guy I've seen leaving your apartment?" Terrell asked "you're not serious about him are?"

"Eew gross,"she protested "but he is the guy I want you to meet. He's the producer I've told you about. The one whose interested in dad's novels."

"Yeah you've mentioned him to me a time or two. I didn't think the old guy and the producer were the same," Terrell laughed "honestly Diana the way you talk about him I'd think you had a crush on him."

"That's so gross," she screwed up her face in disgust "I'm just flattering his ego."

"Whatever," Terrell laughed "I'll meet him but I won't promise to like him."

"You don't have to," sighing into the phone she said "I've got a million things to do before the party. I'll see you soon."

Looking around the room Diana tried to imagine where everything should go to take advantage of the small space to best advantage. She wanted to impress the producer. She needed someone to take her seriously. He just might have the connections she needed.

***

Nudging Jennifer "I'd pay attention to what's happening here," Chase said directing here attention to the scene before them.

Shrugging she turned lifeless eyes to the scene "what am I looking at other than  a bunch of snotty people boring each other to death."

"Half of them are stoned out of their minds. Pay attention to the bald guy," Chase pointed to the one he wanted her to watch.

"What is he? A perv?" she asked.

"You'll see," Chase told her refusing to divulge anything else.

***

Taking an uneasy step back Diana tried to redirect the producers thoughts back to her dad's novels. "So what needs to be done to my father's manuscripts to get them ready for film?"

Leering at her the man placed a hand on her back "this is a party Diana you need to learn to relax."

He slid his hand across her back drawing her close to him letting his hand rest against his hip. "If you want to talk shop come to the office. Tonight is for fun and relaxation."

Feeling his hands caressing her thigh and hip she tried to move away uncomfortable with the unwanted attention. "I think I should go check on...on the refreshments."

"It's fine," he leaned in close to....

"Excuse me," Terrell said tapping on the older man's shoulder "I'm Terrell Olivia. Diana's cousin. You must be the producer she's told me so much about."

Diana stepped away relieved when she felt his hands fall away from her. She made her way to the kitchen checking on things as she went.

As the evening faded to morning and the last guests made there way to the door Diana came face to face with the producer. "Good night Darren" she said holding the door open for him.

Smiling he firmly pushed the door closed "now that we're alone we can discuss terms for producing one of your dad's novels."

"It's late," she protested "I think we should discuss this in your office...."

"I think now would..."

"Diana do you need any help cleaning..." Terrell looked up frowning as he saw the sleazy producer guy still in the apartment. "I think you should go..."

Stiffly the man nodded turning to Diana handing her his card "tomorrow. My office. Six p.m." He glared at Terrell before letting himself out of the apartment.

"Diana I don't like that guy," Terrell told her once the door closed behind him.

"He's the only person whose shown any interest in Dad's novels," she protested.

Shaking his head "i have a feeling he's interested in seeing how far you'll go to get what you want."

Lifting her chin "you're wrong," she protested.

"Am I?" he asked "do you seriously think that guy was acting professionally pawing you all night. If I wasn't in here, what do you think he would have done?" Shaking her head she wiped a tear away. 

"Find someone else. Someone legitimate," Terrell pleaded moving towards the couch. "Do you have an extra pillow and blanket?"

Exasperated she opened the storage closet and tossed him what he requested "goodnight" she said going into her bedroom.

***

"Diana listen to her," Jennifer pleaded to the scene. Turning to Chase "tell me she doesn't go to meet that guy."

"You have to watch and see," Chase told her not missing the look of concern in her blue eyes. "Don't forget that everything we're seeing now may have changed..."

"I know. I know," she muttered "why do you like to torment me?"

"I don't but this seemed to be the only way to reach you," Chase explained.

"Who says I've changed my mind?" she snapped sitting up glaring at him.

Shrugging Chase resumed the scene.

***

Terrell spent several hours helping Diana clean up from the party. He tried several times to broach the subject of the producer only to be glared at. Shrugging he gave up. What more could he do?

"Call me when you home?" he requested.

"Sure. I'll let you know how it goes," she smiled at him despite her misgivings of the intentions of the producer.

She arrived a few minutes early. As she waited she paced the sidewalk in front of the building trying to convince herself that this was what she wanted. She turned towards the door when a voice behind her said "I wouldn't do that if I were you."

Frowning she turned toward the source of the voice. A young man sat with a guitar beside him. "Why?" she asked approaching him.

"That guy is a real sleaze" came the response.

"How do you know?"she asked moving closer.

"He'll tell you anything to get you into bed," the young man told  her.

"Speaking from experience?" she smirked.

"As a matter of fact I am," he stood up "the guy's a perv. He don't much care what be beds as long as he's getting some. When I realized what his proposition was I left. I may be fresh from the farm but I'm not stupid. It's a bad deal whatever he's offering. Don't go in there."

Looking over her shoulder she sighed. Terrell had been right the guy had just wanted in her pants. Nothing more. Why ha she let herself believe he was on the up and up? "Hey" she turned calling after the boy who was in the process of leaving "thank you."

Stopping "that's what I'm here for," he said shrugging "doing my part to prevent young dreamers like myself from being taken advantage of."

"Really?" she asked walking up to him.

"It might sound silly but I figure he schedules his special meeting at about 6:00. I try to discourage anyone I meet from going inside. If I succeed I feel I'm doing something to help."

"What about the police?" Diana asked.

"It's just my word against his," he said "since that guy has clout they don't even listen."

Hearing his stomach growl she asked "would you like to join me for dinner?" then added "my treat."

Looking down at her he shrugged "don't mind if I do but it'll be my treat."

Shaking her head "no it's the least I could do for being saved from making a terrible mistake."

"Sense you put it that way I'll let you treat me to dinner if you'll let me take you out tomorrow."

"Like a date?" she asked sounding surprised.

"Of course," he replied following her towards the bus stop "what no car?" he asked.

"Who needs a car in the city?" she laughed adding "beside they're too expensive."

"I know I sold mine as soon as I moved here," he glanced at her extending his hand "I'm Colt Critchley."

Blushing she took his hand "it's nice to meet you. I'm Diana Bennett."

***

"He seems nice," Jennifer said "I hope she gives him a chance."

"Are you talking to me?" Chase asked.

"Um no," she looked at the scene "Diana and I used to be close. I don't know what happened..."

"Could it be you spent too much time going into the past that you forgot to live your life?" Chase asked her.

"I....I never thought about it," she turned to face him "all I wanted to do was save my dad. I didn't think about anyone or anything else."

"Don't you think it's time you did?"

"I...I don't know. Maybe," she turned back to the scene.

Trying not to hope to much Chase found himself thinking he was starting to make headway.

***

Six months late Colt found himself moving his stuff into Diana's apartment. Coming up behind her he wrapped his arms around her "how did I let you talk me into this?"

Leaning into him "I was wondering the same thing. How did I get myself in this situation?" Turning in his arms she looked up at him "I could stay like this forever."

Leaning in he nibbled on her lips "I love you," he murmured against her cheek.

"Mmm I love you too," she squeezed him tight. "I'm so glad you came into my life."

"Not half as glad as I am," she said kissing the end of her nose. "I almost didn't go that night."

"Really? Why?" she asked looking into his eyes.

"I had a audition lined up. They canceled at the last minute. So I decided to go and do my good deed." Kissing her again "what would you have done if I hadn't been stopped you?"

"I'd have gone in," she told him looking down "I was so desperate to have someone take me seriously and make one of dad's novels into a movie. I was flattered by all the attention that producer showered on me." Shaking her head she turned away "it would have been the worst mistake of my life."

Putting his hands on her shoulders "it's ok I understand that drive. That desire to see one's dreams come true. Don't give up Diana. Someone out there is going to appreciate what you're trying to do. If nothing else I'll soon be raking in the dough from my recording contract and world tour you'll be able to produce them yourself."

"Do you think so?" she asked turning to him "are my dad's novels any good?"

"Hey don't doubt yourself," he lifted her chin "no matter how long it take it'll be worth it. I'm not just saying that either. I've read your dad's books. They're good. Believe me once you find the right person they'll see it to. Don't give up."

"Easy for you to say," she said turning to look out the window "your dreams have already started coming true."

"I've been working at longer then you have too," Colt told her pulling her away from the window. "Tomorrow why don't we brain storm what producers to see next."

Eyes brightening Diana asked "why not now?"

"Because I have other things on my mind right now," he said pulling her close.

***

 "Ugh," Jennifer covered her eyes "I think I know entirely too much about my siblings sex lives."

Smiling at her "what's the matter? Jealous?"

"No of course not. It's just..." her voice trailed away "it's been a while."

"If  you let go of your obsession you'll have time for a relationship..."

"Are you offering?" she asked staring at him an unreadable gleam in her eyes.

"Depends," he said as she leaned in close "will it have any affect on your decision? Will you stop messing with time?"

"Why does everything keep coming back to that?" Jennifer asked pouting.

"Because that's the whole reason why I'm here. Why I'm showing you these things," Chase said standing up.

Crossing her arms pouting "I want to do something else. Something more fun." She stood up following Chase. Leaning in close she planted her lips on his.

For a moment Chase felt himself give in to the pleasurable sensations of being kissed.  Putting his arms up he pushed her away from him "no Jen I can't."

"Why not?" she demanded scowling at him. "Don't you see? With your help I could change everything that went wrong. You have the knowledge I lack."

Staring into her beautiful blue eyes he felt drawn to her. He wanted to help her. Wanted to make everything right for her.....

[Author's note: The next chapter will be the what is chapter and we'll finally find out what Jennifer's decision is. Will she continue to change the past? Will she stop? I hope to have the next chapter out in the next couple days.]

3.11 Jeff - What is and What Might Be

Every morning Jeff lined up for inspection. Listened to the Drill Sargent bark orders. The routine never varied. It was mind numbing.

"Is there a problem Cadet Bennett?" the Sargent barked in his face.

"No Sir."

"Why are you still standing here?"

"I didn't hear the order sir," Jeff replied back.

A stiff nod and tight lipped smile flashed across the Sargent's stern face as he turned to reprimand the ones stupid enough to disburse without the proper order. Jeff stood stiffly waiting for the order to run the course. Keeping his eyes front he tried not to see the envious glances that his fellow cadets shot at him. The disapproving grunts as they were raked over the coals for their error. So deep in thought he almost missed the order to disburse but not quite. He ran to the first obstacle. Staring up at the wall plotting out how best to climb it with the most efficiency.

Starting up he saw from the corner of his eye one of his fellow cadets struggling. Debating whether to assist or continue he almost missed  his hand hold. Breathing heavily he struggled to the next hand hold. What was the matter with him today? He could run this course blind folded but today his mind was distracted. Forcing his mind to go blank he couldn't afford any screw ups, not this close to graduation.

***

"Hey Bennett," a familiar voice called out to him .

Stopping he waited for Lisa to catch up to him. Leaning on the wall Jeff smirked "what's the matter Kimble? Losing your edge?"

Shaking her head "hell no I'm still top dog around here. You're getting there Bennett but there's no way you're going to edge me out."

"We'll see," Jeff said nonchalantly "we test out on the target range tomorrow. I'm the better marksman."

"I'll give you that,"she smiled up at him "I'm better at everything else." She walked past him secure in her belief that she had the upper hand and the last word.

Shrugging Jeff let her go. What difference did it make if he forced the issue or got in the last word? What mattered was being the one with the top marks. He could choose the field he wanted. What police department he wanted. He wanted the assignment at Bridgeport in forensics. Staring into the night sky sighing. He couldn't let anything distract him from that goal.

***

Waking early Jeff lay on his bunk concentrating on stilling his jack hammering heart beat. He had the dream again. The one he had every time he had to fire his gun. The one where he watched his parents die in front of him. A defenseless ten year old kid should never have to witness something like that.

Jumping from the top bunk Jeff padded to the communal bathroom. Splashing water on his face. He stared at his reflection. Why did he push himself so hard to become a cop? He hated the idea of having to use his gun. Hated even more the possibility of having to use his weapon on another human being. He felt the doubts niggling away at his self-confidence.

Dressing in a hurry he ran for the track. Hoping exercise would clear his mind. He didn't notice her until she spoke "Bennett where's the fire?"she called from behind him.

Breaking stride he slowed enough to let her catch up to him. "No fire,' he smirked "I just like to run fast."

"I like being in front," she gave him a sideways glance adding "but I can't say the view has improved any."

Pointing towards the ocean "that's breath taking. It could only improve without someone blocking it."

"That's not the view I was referring to," she told him as she increased her speed "you have a cute butt."

She said what? His mind asked stunned. Losing his stride he almost tripped. He had to have heard her wrong. She couldn't have said what he thought she did. Fraternization was frowned upon at the academy. Definitely not among officers who worked together. But....his mind wandered off as his eyes watched Lisa running in front of him. She was infinitely better looking then the scenery.

He caught up to her as she decreased her speed allowing him to come along side her. "Well?" she asked.

"The sunrise is glorious this morning," he said with a smile racing ahead.

"That's not what I meant," she yelled after him.

"I know," he called back "see you at the gun range." He had just enough time to shower before he was required to report to the range. Sliding into place as the Sargent was calling them to order. 

Avoiding eye contact with Lisa who was standing across from him. Her nearness was suddenly unsettling and he found it increasingly difficult to keep his eyes front when he wanted to see of she was looking at him.

***

"Cadet Bennett your up first," Drill Sargent announced "show these rookies how it's done."

Breathing deeply he drew his gun from it's holster. Pushing aside his dread of firing it. Hoping the sound wouldn't vibrate to his soul and effect his dreams. Firing at the first target. A masked man with a gun. It was all rapid fire decisions. Recognize the bad guy. The danger. Make a mistake and someone dies.

Wiping sweat from his frown he received his results. Record time and a perfect score. He could do this course in his sleep and did most nights in his dreams. All of the nightmare the victims all had faces of his brother and sisters. One mistake and they were dead. He couldn't live with that on his conscious.

"How'd you do?" a voice asked beside him. Handing her his results she groaned. "I take too long to decipher the victim from the bad guy." She looked up at him "how do you do it?"

Shrugging he felt heat rush to his cheeks "I just do."

"Afraid of giving away trade secrets?" she asked "come on Jeff help a girl out."

"I don't' know," he gave her a sheepish grin "there's a look in the victims eyes that the bad guys don't' have. It's more of a feeling..."

Blinking at him she shook her head "your pulling my leg. You don't get that kind of scores on a feeling."

"It's true," he insisted unsure why he felt the need to defend himself. "It's a look I've seen over and over in my head for years. It's the look my parents ...."

"Your parents? What do they have to do with it?" she asked intrigued.

"They have everything to do with it," Jeff moved away from her seeking to put space between him and his memories. Looking down when he felt her hand on his arm.

"Jeff? What's wrong?" she asked in concern "did I say something?"

"It's not you," he said softly staring out to sea "I...I can't talk about it here. Not while guns are firing in the background."

"Alright," she looked over her shoulder dropping her hand to her side "let's meet at the track. I could go for a run."

They turned back towards the gun range coming face to face with the disapproving face of their drill Sargent. "Cadet Kimble my office 18:00 hours. Cadet Bennett may office 19:00 hours."

"Yes sir," they said in unison acknowledging the summons. The snickering and cold looks of the cadets were not lost on them either.

There wasn't time to meet up for a run before Lisa was due in the Sargent's office. They moved apart from each other both fearing that this summons was due to what could be perceived as fraternization. They both knew they could be in serious trouble.

***

As his pointed time drew closer Jeff arrived early and waited outside in the dark. Stomach churning feeling as if he awaited his time with the guillotine. He watched as Lisa emerged from the building. Their eyes met and skittered away. As he passed her on the stairs she slipped a note into his palm. Without stopping he pocketed the note too afraid to read it before his meeting. Opening the door he stood at attention until the Sargent announced "at ease."

Breathing deeply he tried to focus on the man's words. He had his response rehearsed but he didn't' get a chance to use it. "I'm sorry sir what did you say?"

Standing he came in front of his desk " I said congratulations. You have been assigned to Bridgeport to the missing persons division. This is a great honor them offering two young officers straight out of the academy with."

"Two sir?" he asked bewildered.

"Yes," the Sargent frowned "Cadet Kimble was assigned there too. Which leads me to the second reason for this meeting. Are you and Cadet Kimble involved?"

"Involved sir?" Jeff asked confused.

"Yes involved" he said impatiently "I witnessed what could only be described as an intimate moment between you and Cadet Kimble this afternoon."

"No sir we're not involved" Jeff replied.

"Pity she's good people," the Sargent frowned causing Jeff to look at him in consternation.

"Sir?" Jeff questioned "fraternization isn't allowed among cadets."

"Right you are," he smiled "however with you being assigned to different departments it opens up a world of possibilities. Don't worry son I'm not playing match maker," the Sargent told him "but I can tell there's something between you two. She's good people. I knew her dad well before he gave his life in the line of duty. I also know your Uncle. So consider this a gentle nudge in a direction I'm sure your already going. Just don't get there before you graduate."

"Yes sir," Jeff hesitated "Sir why did you recommend me for this position. I've always wanted forensics."

"I know but your talent of observation and perception would be wasted in forensics." Turning to his desk he shuffled through some files "If your interested I can tell you who your partner will be."

"Ok," Jeff said defeated.

"He's a young hot shot. Zayne Thompson. You'll learn a lot from him and you'll steady him. We like to pair altering personalities together to balance the teams." Standing he handed him a card "give him a call. Get to know him before you report for duty."

"Thank you sir," Jeff took the card and left. Walking out into the cool crisp air he sighed in relief. Standing under the light he remembered the note Lisa had slipped to him. Taking the crumpled piece of paper out he smiled.

***

 "Lisa at the track Jeff found it easy to keep stride with the girl. "So how did it go?" she asked after they had been running for several minutes.

"Better then I thought it would," he colored a little remembering how the Sargent had basically given his approved for him to date Lisa once they graduated.

"Did he tell you to cool it on the PDA?" she asked.

"No. Did he to you?

Nodding "I guess cadets can't touch without someone taking it out of context."

"Yeah I guess," he tried to keep his disappointment from his voice.

"Did he say anything else?" she asked eyeing him intently.

"Just that he recommended me for the missing persons division in the Bridgeport police department. 

He gave me my partners contact information." They spent the next hour running and discussing their future assignments.

***

Two years later Jeff was scowling at his computer trying to find a lead in the case he was working on. His partner Zayne tossed crumpled wads of paper at him. "Will you stop?" he demanded. Sometimes Zayne could really get under his skin. He was even worse since his humiliating defeat on the bachelorette show.

"If you'd answer my question I wouldn't need to resort to throwing things at you," Zayne told him.

"What do you want? You have my undevided attention," Jeff scowled at him.

Rolling his eyes Zayne repeated "has your sister come up with any leads yet?"

"I'd tell you if she had," Jeff sighed "Why are you always so impatient?"

"I hate cases like this," Zayne mumbled "a nut job kidnapping babies to lure their parents into traps. It makes me want to put Charlie in a bubble for safe keeping. It just makes me angry."

"When aren't you angry?" Jeff asked knowing that Zayne hadn't always been this way. His anger issues began when he lost his wife in a tragic boating accident. Jeff knew the story well. Their boat capsized. Cheri could swim enough to keep her head above water for short distances. Zanye had been forced to choose between his infant son or his wife. His son would surely drown without help but Cheri could hopefully stay afloat long enough for him to swim back to her. His decision made he swam to the dock. Leaving his son Zayne went back for his wife. It took divers three days to find her body. The subsequent suspicion and needing to prove he had not been responsible for the accident that took his wife's life left Zayne with a deep well of pain and anger that bubbled to the surface at the least provocation. There was also the loss, the pain and heart break he suffered. Jeff was there through it all and was willing to give him a break. Zayne was a good cop. A great father and a loyal friend.

"Should we go and see her?" Zayne asked breaking into Jeff's thoughts.

Smiling Jeff got up "might as well. I want to see how her meeting went with Lee."

Looking sideways at Jeff as they drove through the crowded streets of Bridgeport Zayne asked "do you think Amanda would contact Cheri again?"

Shaking his head Jeff sighed "no Zayne I don't think that's a good idea. You know Cheri told you to move on with your life. That's why you went on the Bachelorette show."

"Yeah and look how well that went," he grumbled.

"It would have gone better if you hadn't lied. You could have won serious sympathy points if she had known you were a widower with a two year old son."

Shrugging Zayne stared out the window "It wouldn't have worked anyway. The longer I was on the show the harder it was to keep all my feelings bottled up. I took my anger out on her and it wasn't even her I was angry with."

"I doubt a conversation with your dead wife is the answer..."

Zayne felt the familiar rage bubble to the surface but this time he held it in mumbling "you're probably right."

***

Moaning Lee opened his eyes, blinking he fought the darkness that threatened to overwhelm him. 

"Lee honey," her sweet voice was soothing "you need to listen to me."

Moaning he smiled as he looked into Melissa's beautiful face. "Am I dead?" he wondered aloud.

"No sweetheart," she touched his cheek softly.

"I'm so sorry," he sat up "if I had only listened none of this would have happened. The kids and you would still be alive."

Shaking her head "what happened wasn't your fault." He felt her lips brush his forehead "it's time you let us go. Live your life."

"I....I don't want to without you," he protested.

"You don't have a choice," she told him. Lifting his face to look into hers she said "Amanda needs you. She needs the love only you can give."

Stunned Lee stuttered "you wanted me to come here..."

Nodding "you have the same gift of sight as Amanda. It was dormant until the accident. I had to work extra hard to influence your desire to find her. She needs your help."

Jumping to his feet he stared around Amanda's silent apartment. "Where is she? Where did they take her?"

"Listen carefully Lee and when her brother arrives tell him exactly what I tell you. Understand?"

Nodding Lee listened to her feeling sick knowing the danger Amanda was in. "Someone else is there with hir?" he asked.

Nodding "yes Zayne's two year old son. The monsters are luring them into a trap using Amanda and the baby as bait. I can help you find Amanda and the boy. Get them to safety. You will need to go with them."

"Why?" he asked 

"I can only speak to you. I'm connected to you not them. Your sight is limited and weak. We don't have time to strengthen it and in time it should fade completely. If you go with them I can guide you around the traps. I will keep you safe."

Loud knocking on the door had Lee stumbling to door. Recognizing Amanda's brother Jeff he let them in. "Where's Amanda? Where's my sister?" Jeff asked grabbing Lee's arms demanding answers.

"I...I" he started "I'm sorry I tried to stop them but they hit me and when I came to she was gone."

"Who took her?" Jeff demanded.

"If you give me a chance I'll explain," Lee told him.

"Alright you have five minutes and you better convince me you had nothing to do with this," Jeff motioned towards the couch. Neither one was aware of Zayne as he answered his phone. Missed the shock that spread across his face. The tears as he realized he was about to lose his son, the most important person in his life. 

"No absolutely not," Jeff told Lee once he was done explaining what he knew and how he knew it. 

"Why is it so hard to believe that I might be able to help you?" Lee demanded desperate to convince Jeff that he was a valuable asset. "Do you think that only Amanda has this ability to contact spirits? You would believe her without question wouldn't you?"

"Yes but I still wouldn't let her come with me into a dangerous situation..."

"Jeff....Jeff" Zayne called to him the anger and fear in his voice palpable "let him come. We both know this is a trap. They have Charlie. I can't lose my son ... I just can't. We could use all the help we can get."

"I don't like it," Jeff muttered wishing there was an alternative but time was running out.

***

Uttering a wordless cry Jennifer whirled on Chase "why are you doing this me?" 

"I'm not doing anything to you other than making you see some of the damage you've done," he stood to face her. "I wish there was another way but you set these events in motion."

"I didn't know...I thought I was doing something good..." she said shaking her head feeling for the first time that maybe her actions weren't entirely justified. Turning from Chase's steady gaze to peer at Jeff's image recalling the explosion in the timeline that should have been and nodded her head "I prevented Jeff's death didn't I?"

"Did you?" Chase asked her "we haven't seen the final outcome yet. He doesn't exactly trust Lee. What if he doesn't listen and triggers a trap. His destiny may still be the same..."

"No" she screamed at him "I won't....I can't believe that." She hurled herself at him pounding her fists on his chest crying.

Pushing past his desire to comfort her Chase caught her pummeling hands and coldly told her "We have one more sibling to check on." He dropped her arms and adjusted the scene to focus upon Diana.

Hanging her head Jennifer refused to turn, to watch "I don't want to see it. I want to know what happened to Jeff and Amanda ....." dropping to her knees she cried "I don't want to see anymore."