Gen 4 Heir Vote

Author's Note: It's that time again to decide who the heir should be. I've provided traits for all three choices and a little snippet/drabble of a scene that will occur in the future. Please vote for your favorite.

Indira Marie Bennett/Gray
Traits: Ambitious / Loner / Snob / Virtuoso / Lucky

"You really embarrassed me this evening," Indira spoke letting her disappointment come across in her voice as she stared at the man she thought would always have her back. "How could you do this to me? You knew how important this night was to me."

The man looked away sighing knowing that anything he might say or do would only make her angrier. He was so tired of always being wrong. If he wore a tie he should have known it was an informal dinner if he didn't wear a tie he should have known it was a formal dinner. When did he become a mind reader? When had they stopped communicating with each other? Where was the girl he fell in love with? Did she even exist anymore under the gloss and polish of corporate business. "I just don't know anymore..."

"What don't you know?" Indira demanded frustrated that he was more interested in the darkening night sky then in her. Didn't he find her pretty any more? Was she losing her looks now that she had achieved her business goals she pursued relentlessly for years giving up family ties, having children all to be the best? Did he embarrass her just to punish her for not wanting children?

"This" he waved his hands around to encompass the room, her "our marriage ... it's not working...."

Swallowing she adjusted her face so as not to show any emotion. Something she had learned years ago when dealing with temperamental customers. "What are you saying?" her voice came out brittle, angry. To be continued....

Andrew Malcom Bennett/Gray

Traits: Charasmatic / Dare Devil / Easily Impressed / Genius / Virtuoso

If only I'd just gone over when she called he thought for the millionth time. He could hear the fear in her voice but he had brushed it aside assuming it was just another ploy to get him to come back to her. How many times had she called him in the middle of the night for some imagined intruder breaking into her house? How was he supposed to know that this night the danger was real? The night he had finally decided he had enough. That he wouldn't come running no matter what she said.

He had gone to bed that night wondering why she hadn't called again. He knew her pattern well. She'd call crying that someone was breaking into her house. If that failed to get him running over to her she'd call again and again but not that night. Worry gnawed at his stomach until he reached for his phone and dialed her number. No answer. No response. She had never failed to answer his calls before. Had she suddenly taken the hint that he wasn't coming back? Had she decided that she had enough of rejection? No he thought throwing back the covers and turning the bedside light on. Something was wrong. He could feel it.

He remembered that night as if it happened yesterday instead of five horrible long years ago. Parking in her driveway he knew instantly something was wrong. Lights were on and yet she refused to answer his repeated calls. He went to knock on the door only to find it ajar. His pulse leaped into his throat as he entered the familiar house. The house he had lived in for a couple of years back when he thought he loved her. He called her name into the stillness of the house and stretched his ears listening for some kind of sound to let him know she was alright.  He remembered thinking it odd the kitchen was the only room in the house where the lights were off. He stumbled over something as he reached for the light switch. Flipping the switch flooding the room with light a scream rose to his lips and filled the room..... To be continued.

Emmaline Hope Bennett/Gray

Traits: Animal Lover / Absent Minded / Athletic / Easily Impressed / Friendly

"Why did you lie to me?" she asked the man standing in front of her barring her exit. 

"I didn't" he denied crossing his arms a smirk upon his lips.

"Liar," she hissed taking a step towards him "I'm not an idiot...."

The man snorted "really?" he asked unimpressed "if you weren't I wouldn't have been able to fool you for so long."

Blinking back the tears she could feel building behind her eyes she couldn't afford to show him any weakness. He was right. She was an idiot for believing he cared about her. He was only interested in her for being the daughter of the famous lead singer of Molten Lava. "So did you get all the dirt you wanted on my family?"

Snorting he shrugged "wouldn't you like to know?" 

The resounding sound of someone being slapped filled the room. Emmaline stared at her raised hand seeing it turn red from the force she used to slap the infuriating man. Her palm tingled and her eyes bulged from the shock of what she had done. She looked up in time to see the man rub his cheek where it had connected with her hand. His smirk was gone as well as his cocky self-assured attitude. He mumbled something as  he turned and ran from the house without a second glance. 

Emmaline stared after him unsure what to do or what to think. Had she really slapped him? Did he really say what she thought he did? He couldn't have she dismissed it as ludicrous. Even if he did say it he didn't mean it. He couldn't have. He was just a no good liar who she thought loved her. She fell to the floor sobbing.... To be continued.

3.26 Time Marches On - Finale

Emmaline stared out the window towards the ocean. She wanted to go to the beach. They promised they'd go to the beach someday. But someday never came. Her parents were too busy with their careers. Mommy was painting and preparing for her next gallery showing and Daddy was on tour. She wanted to go with him. See all the different places he got to go to. But no she had to go to school. She hated school. Sighing she knew she could ask Andy or Indy to take her to the beach but they were always busy with their friends.

She turned from the window. She decided to go outside where her mom was painting on the patio.
"Mom," she said as she approached.

Turning at the sound of her daughter's voice Drew smiled down at the little girl. "Why are you in your swim suit Emma?"

"I want to go to the beach," she replied "you promised...."

"Oh honey I'm sorry," Drew bit her lower lip "not today. Maybe tomorrow, ok?"

"But you said that yesterday," she whined.

"I know I did but I have to finish these paintings before I can do anything else" Drew said turning back to her canvas. "Maybe your sister or brother will take you," she suggested to the sullen child.

Nodding Emmaline turned from her and trudged back inside the house. She burst into her older sisters bedroom without knocking. "Indy, Indy," she called trying to get her sister's attention from whoever she was talking to on the phone.

"Get out," Indira snarled at her pointing towards the door.

"Mom says you can take me to the beach," she informed her.

"Oooh I'm so excited....not," she shoved the girl out the door saying to whoever was on the other end "she's such a pest."

"Meanie," Emmaline screamed while kicking at the closed door.

"Hey what's up short stuff?" Andrew asked as he came out of his room.

"I want to go to the beach," she turned away head hanging low "everyone is always too busy to take me."

"Well today is your lucky day," Andrew smiled down at her "I'm on my way there to meet some friends. If you want you can tag along. I won't mind but" he stared down at her with a serious expression as she started to jump with excitement "you have to promise to be good and do everything I tell you."

"I promise," she squealed giving him a hug "you're the best big brother ever."

Indira poked her head out of her room "did I hear you say you were going to the beach?"

"Yeah" Andrew told her warily.

"Can I come?" she asked

"No," Emmaline told her.

"I wasn't asking you," she scowled down at her sister "Please Andy I won't get in the way."

"I asked Emmy to come with me," Andy winked at his little sister "sorry sis."

"You're you're impossible," she screamed slamming her door shut.

"Emma go pack a bag with extra clothes and beach towels while I go tell mom where we're going," Andrew said.

"Alright Andy" she gave him a mega watt smile as she skipped to do as she was told.

***

"Mom," Andrew said approaching her as she painted on the patio facing the ocean. "I'm going to the beach to meet up with some friends."

Nodding she looked up at him shading her eyes from the sun "have fun and be home by supper."

"I will" he made to turn then added "I'm taking Emmaline with me."

"Thank you dear," she said putting her paint brush down to give him a hug "she's been wanting to go for days and I  haven't had the time."

"I know..."

"Mom" Indira called as she came hurrying from the house "tell Andy to let me come too."

"You didn't even want to go until you fond out I was going," Andrew growled at her "Mom don't let her. She already told Emmaline no and she pushed out of her room."

"She didn't even knock," she protested.

"So that gave you the right to be mean to her," Andy shook his head "unbelievable."

"Hush you two," Drew scolded "your both acting like two year olds. Act your age."

"But mom she only wants to come because she knows Charlie is going to be there," Andrew protested.

"He's so cute," she trilled turning bright red when she realized what she had said.

"Mom she'll embarrass me," Andrew pleaded "make her stay home."

"Mom my friends are going to be there too" she argued "why do I have to stay home when Emmaline gets to go?"

"You can go only if you agree to watch your little sister. Make sure she doesn't get too much sun or goes swimming by herself," Drew told her.

"But Mom she'll destroy all my fun," she argued "why can't Andrew watch her?"

"Because you're the one inviting yourself on you're brothers outing," Drew tried to reason with her "that's your only option Indira. Watch your sister or stay at home."

"Fine I'll watch her," she grumbled as she ran into the house to get ready.

"She's such a drama queen," Andrew said as watched her go.

"She's what every teen girl is like when they have a crush," Drew laughed at his look of disgust and gave him another hug.

***

"Hey short stuff what are you doing?" Andrew asked as he came up along side her. He had noticed that Indira had abandoned the little girl in favor of talking with her current crush.

Shrugging Emmaline muttered "I'm looking for shells."

"Mind if I join you?" he asked scooping up a shell from the wet sand.

"If you want to," the girl said "you don't have to."

"Now why wouldn't I want to spend time with my sister?" he asked kneeling beside her.

"I thought you might want to be with your friends" she smiled up at him "Indy complained the entire time she was with me. Aren't you afraid you'll miss out on something fun?"

"Nope because I'm having fun with you," he handed her another shell "have you gone swimming yet?"

Shaking her head "no Indira didn't want to mess up her hair and makeup."

"Unless you want to hunt for shells let's go swimming."

"Really?" she asked almost dropping her pail.

"Hey careful you'll lose all your hard work," Andrew told her taking the pail from her and putting it beside their beach towels. He took her hand and ran with her towards the water

***

"So Charlie are you going to stay here and go to school?" Indira asked him twisting her hair around her fingers.

"So far it's just for the summer. Dad has some academy training to do and then we're going home to Bridgeport," Charlie told her.

"You know you could stay with us. Your Dad's partner is my Uncle." Indira informed him batting her eyelashes at him.

"Yeah I know," Charlie said scanning the crowd looking for Andrew. He had promised him Indira wouldn't be here today. Now he was having to listen to her talk his ear off. He sighed in relief when he spotted his friend splashing around in the ocean with his little sister. "Hey let's go swimming," he suggested to everyone within hearing distance.

Grabbing his hand as he turned to follow Indira said "not so fast. We're not finished talking."

"Oh sorry," he blushed as he turned to face her resisting the urge to just keep going "what were we discussing?" His eyes followed as everyone raced past to the water. "Don't you want to go swimming? It's kind of hot..."

"I don't want to get wet," she told him.

He gave her an astonished look "but isn't that the point of going to the beach?"

She frowned up at him "I spent a lot of time doing my hair and makeup. Why would I want to mess it all up by going swimming?"

"Because it's fun," he said grinning. He grabbed her and threw her across his shoulders and ran towards the water.

"Put me down," she demanded when she realized what he was up to "put me down. I don't want to get wet."

Ignoring her he ran into the ocean and dived into the cold water soaking them both. She came up screaming mascara running down her face, hair dripping. "You freaking idiot," she cried. To her astonishment her cries were met with laughter. She turned to Charlie "you ruined everything."

At a loss he mumbled "I'm sorry. I just....I'm sorry." He looked up to find Andrew beside them laughing.

"Dude don't worry about it. She's a pain," Andrew told him.

Indira turned to Andrew demanding "I want to go home...now."

"You know the way," he told her determined she wasn't going to spoil his fun.

"You cretin," she screamed stumping away.

"Yeah and if you weren't such a snob a little water wouldn't bother you," he hollered after her followed by gales of laughter.

"Charlie where are you going?" Andrew asked when his friend turned to follow her.

"I can't let her go home by herself," Charlie told him.

"She'll be fine" Andrew insisted losing his smile "but ah heck you're right. Mom will kill me if I let her go home by herself." Turning to Emmaline "short stuff it's time to go."

"Alright," she said trudging from the water and went to get their things.

"I really should go with her," Charlie suggested following Andrew "It's my fault that she's leaving."

Shaking his head Andrew chuckled "you do realize that's what she wants don't you?"

Shrugging "yeah but what else can I do?"

"She's my sister I'll take her home" looking after her retreating figure as it went into the public bathroom. "I'll talk some sense into her."

"Don't be mean," Charlie insisted "I'm just not interested in her."

"Don't worry I'll be gentle. Let her down easy," Andy assured him. "Just don't muddy the water by going after her. She'll never believe me if you do that."

"I know it's just..." he looked over his shoulder at everyone splashing around having fun "I wanted to have some fun. All she wanted to do was talk and have me admire her."

"Dude that was epic though," Andrew laughed "not even I would have thrown her into the water and I'm her brother. I'm supposed to do stuff like that."

"Andy I've got everything," Emmaline said coming up to him.

"Thanks short stuff," he took the bundles "would you mind going into the bathroom and telling your sister we're ready to go?"

Frowning she sighed "I'd rather not but I will."

***

"What do you want?" Indira demanded when Emmaline walked in

"Andy's ready to go" she informed her. She half turned to the door when she said "you really don't look that bad."

"Sniffing Indira dabbed at her eyes "your just saying that."

Emmaline took a hesitant step forward "no I'm not. You look better without all that make up on."

"Just wait until your my age," Indira told her "you'll want to wear makeup too."

"I don't think so," the little girl declined "why do you wear it?"

"To look better," Indira laughed "it enhances my eyes and guys like it."

"Why?" Emmaline asked stepping closer "Charlie didn't seem to care much for it otherwise he wouldn't have thrown you into the ocean."

"Charlie's an idiot," she said glaring at her reflection in the mirror "I don't want to talk about him."

"I thought you liked him."

"I did but not now," she declared "he's just a stupid boy." Turning to the girl "how do I look?"

"Better," Emmaline told her wrapping her arms around her sister "I'm sorry Charlie threw you in the ocean."

Squeezing her sister Indira sighed "so am I but Dad would say there's plenty of fish in the sea."

"Fish?" Emmaline asked confused.

"You know boys," Indira laughed at her look of disgust "one day they won't be so yucky."

"If you say so," she said doubtfully "are you ready to go?"

Looking in the mirror one last time "yeah I'm ready."

Coming out they found Andrew waiting for them by the bikes. "Don't talk to me," Indira advised him.

"I did try to tell you," Andy said getting on his bike.

"I know," she sighed looking out towards the ocean "I should have listened before I made a complete fool of myself."

"Don't worry about it," Andy said leaning on the bike rack "come Monday every one will have forgotten about it."

"I know" she sighed taking one last glimpse at Charlie splashing with their friends in the water.

"He's sorry you know," Andrew told her "it's just you weren't listening and he was desperate..."

"So he decided to dunk me in the ocean," she finished for him "I guess I was coming on a little strong."

"Ya think?"

"Oh stop it," she cried pouring on the speed "last one home's a rotten egg."

"Come on short stuff" he encouraged going faster but making sure Emmaline was able to keep up.

***

Emmaline woke up early and walked out into the living room to watch some cartoons. She stopped rubbing her eyes when the front door opened. "Daddy," she cried running to him.

Caleb scooped her up into a bear hug. "Emmaline it's so good to see you," he said swinging her around.

"Are you home for good?" she asked when he put her down.

"For a couple of days," he told her. Looking around he asked "where's everyone?"

"Sleeping," she told him.

"Why aren't you sleeping?" he asked her.

Shrugging "I woke up early and wanted to watch cartoons."

"How about you help me make Mommy breakfast in bed?" he suggested instead.

"Pancakes. Let's make pancakes" she suggested giggling as she took his hand and dragged him towards the kitchen.

While they were busy cooking Indira and Andrew made there way into the kitchen. "Dad you're home," they said together.

"I wouldn't miss your sixteenth birthday now would I?" Caleb asked as they rushed to give  him a hug.

"This is the best present ever," Andrew enthused.

"It could be better if there were two new cars in the garage," Indira hinted.

"Is your mother up yet?" Caleb asked ignoring her. 

Andrew rolled his eyes at him "Dad you know she always waits for you to bring her breakfast."

"We'll even clean up the kitchen for you" Indira offered "so you can have some alone time. If you know what I mean."

Blushing Caleb nodded "I know what you mean. I just didn't think it was so obvious."

"We're not blind."

"Or deaf," Indira added accompanied by her brother's giggles.

Looking around at everyone Emmaline asked "what are you guys talking about?"

"We'll tell you later?" Andrew told her.

"No you won't," Caleb said.

Putting his hands up "alright we won't but she's going to figure it out sooner or later. Like we did," 

Andrew said.

"I'd prefer it to be later," Caleb said "while your mom is eating breakfast in bed why don't you guys check out what's in the garage." He tossed them each a set of keys.

"You got us cars," Indira shouted running towards the door.

"Hey wait" Andrew told her "we can't even drive yet. We only have our permits."

"I know," Caleb said with a smile "the driving will have to wait until your Mom and I have 

breakfast." He picked up the tray and walked away humming.

***

Drew was waiting for him as he slipped into the room. She shook her head at him as he juggled the tray of pancakes. "You know you don't have to make me breakfast. The kids know..."

"All of them except Emmaline," he acknowledged.

"Oh I wouldn't be so sure about that," Drew said wrapping her arms around him.

"Let me keep my fantasy" he said kissing her soft lips "you have no idea how much I've wanted to do that."

"I hate it when you're gone," she said letting him pick her up and carry her to the bed "how did the kids like their presents?"

"I'm sure they're anxious for us to emerge from our room to take them for a drive," Caleb said as he made progress down her chin to her neck kissing and nibbling as he went.

"Is that why your in such a hurry," she gasped as he bit her neck making her pulse quicken.

No" he mumbled coming back up to her mouth "I've just missed you so much..."

"I've missed you to" she said pulling his shirt over his head. She ran her fingers down his back eliciting a moan from him.

Once they had satisfied their desires for each other they lay in each others arms. "We should get dressed" Drew murmured.

"I know, the kids have been unusually quiet," Caleb kissed her cheek.

Stretching languidly next to him "we never did eat that breakfast you work so hard on."

Chuckling softly "I guess we didn't." He kissed her again putting a little more passion into it. "I had something else I was more hungry for than food."

Arching an eyebrow at him "I wonder what that could be?" Laughing as he rolled her over.

"Let me demonstrate...."

***

"Short stuff where do you think you're going?" Andrew asked his little sister.

"To see what's taking Mommy and Daddy so long," she said opening the door into the house.

"Oh no you don't," Indira rushed over to her slamming the door shut.

"Why not?" she demanded.

Andrew came over to them "cuz they're busy."

"Doing what?" Emmaline asked "it doesn't take that long to eat pancakes."

"Oh they're not eating pancakes," Indira giggled causing Andrew to give her a warning glare.

"If they're not eating" Emmaline asked "what are they doing?"

Andrew knew his sister well enough to know she would continue to pepper them with questions until she got the answers she wanted. "You know those mushy love stories Indira and Mommy watch?"

Emmaline nodded "what does that have to do with Mommy and Daddy?"

"Well they're doing the stuff you like to call yucky," he told her.

Her eyes widened covering her mouth with her hands "yuck."

"It's not yucky," Indira told her "not when you're in love."

"Then I hope I never am" Emmaline enthused.

"You'll change your mind when your older," Andrew told her.

"Have you?" the girl demanded.

"Have I what?" he asked confused.

"You know done all that yucky stuff?" Emmaline asked.

"Yeah lil bro have you?" Indira asked all innocent like.

Andrew could feel his cheeks flaming with heat "err."

"You haven't have you?" Indira laughed "I knew it."

"Have you?" he demanded of her.

She turned red as she replied "that's none of your business."

"Now you know how it feels to be asked personal questions like that." 

"You're both crazy," Emmaline informed them. 

Author's Note: I'll have the heir vote up sometime over the weekend. I'll try to give you a glimpse into what's in store for each of the possible heirs.

3.25 Moving On

There were shouts as police men and paramedics walked over and around her as Drew held her son close. She was shaking from having attacked the large man who was threatening to walk away with her little boy. Not this time was the only thought Drew had as she threw herself at the man's knees. Now when it was all done she wondered what had possessed her. It almost felt as if someone had been with her helping her, giving her the strength that she needed. She smiled at the thought and knew without a doubt that her father had been right here helping her. Protecting her once again as he had been doing through the years.

Drawn to the unusual activity in the lobby she approached the front desk "what's happening?" she asked.

"That man," he nodded towards the big man Drew had knocked down "shot several people upstairs."

Drew turned and ran towards the stairs. She knew without being told that the man had hurt the people she loved. She prayed she was wrong even though she knew she was right. "I'm sorry ma'am no one can go upstairs."

"Please my husband and brother are up there," Drew begged attempting to go around the officer.

"You'll have to wait here," the officer repeated.

Dejected Drew turned from the stairs as the elevator door opened. "Caleb" she cried as he was wheeled out of the elevator holding a bloody towel around his head.

He looked up at the sound of her near hysterical voice. "Drew" he mumbled "you're ok?"

Taking his hand "I'm fine," she mumbled "what happened to you?" she asked "you're covered in blood."

"Concussion," a man stated from behind "excuse me ma'am we need to get him to the hospital for x-rays. He may have internal injuries we don't know about."

"He's my husband," Drew said "I'm coming with him."

Looking up his manner softened "I'm sorry but the little boy" pointing towards Andrew who was clinging to her side "shouldn't be in the ambulance in case something happens."

Gasping for air Drew's eyes widened in shock. Caleb squeezed her hand "I'll be ok."

Despite his reassurance she couldn't help but notice how pale his looked, the blank glassy eyes and shallow breaths. He was hurt more then the paramedic was telling her. "I'll be there as soon as I can." She told him as the paramedic continued to the exit doors.

"Mommy" Andrew tugged on her hand "is Daddy going to be alright?"

Looking down she gathered her thoughts forcing her tear aside as she knelt in front of her son "of course he is."

Andrew gave her a worried look before nodding and snuggling into her side for comfort.

"Excuse me ma'am" a deep voice said above her "we need to ask you a few questions..."

The elevator door opened and a man with brown hair on a gurney appeared unconscious. "Alex" she cried running over to him.

He stirred opening his eyes mumbling "Lexi."

"I'll call her," Drew told him.

"Please ma'am," the officer gently took her arm and guided her away "do you know what that man is?" He point towards the large man in handcuffs she had tackled earlier.

Shaking her head she stammered "nnno".

"Do you know why he would shoot up a hotel room full of people?" the officer asked.

Drew gasped as she tried to think "I don't know why he would do that. How would I know what he was thinking? All I know is I wasn't going to let him leave with my child. I wasn't going to let my son go anywhere with that man." She pulled Andrew close as she spoke.

Looking down at the little boy "was that the man who kidnapped you?"

Looking at the big scary man Andrew nodded "he picked me up and wouldn't let me go." He pressed closer to his mom as the man glared at him from across the room. "I don't like that man mama."

Ruffling the boys hair the officer said "don't worry about him. He's going away for a very long time." Turning to Drew "we just needed to confirm that was the man who took your son. The man had the keys to the car the kidnapper had been sighted in. We also found a young woman in the trunk. Sick SOB that guy is." The officer mumbled as  he walked away with a self satisfied expression.

"Mommy do you think that was Ricky's sister?" Andrew asked.

"I don't know but I hope so," she hugged him close "why did you tell the officer that man kidnapped you?"

"Because Ricky only did it because that man made him. So he really was the kidnapper if you look at like that."

"True," Drew smiled down at her son unable to fault him for his logic "and you like Ricky don't you?"

"Not at first but...he's not a bad guy," Andrew acknowledged "just someone forced to do bad things to save someone he loved. I'd do the same thing for Indy or Emma."

"Let's hope you never have to," Drew said pulling him close kissing his cheek.

"Drew" a deep voice said behind her. She turned startled at the voice "Ambrose?" she cried turning to him "you're hurt" she stopped wide-eyed at the sight of all the blood.

"No," he shook his head sounding shocked "it's not my blood." He ran a shaky hand through his hair 

"Ricky knocked me down when the guy shot at me. Sssaved my life." He started to tremble "I'm fine" he repeated "not my blood."

Despite the still fresh blood Drew pulled him close holding him as his body shuddered in shock. "I'll let Tayla know you're alright," she told him.

***

It took a while for things settle down and go back to semblance of normal. It had been decided as a family that no one including the police needed to know Ricky's involvement in the kidnapping. It was made easier to cover up with the help of Ms Jeffries description she had given to the police. Plus she had given the police the license plate number that matched the car to the keys in the drug lord's possession. How Ricky's sister had gotten into the trunk was anyone's guess. Obviously Ricky had been watched and the boss thought it would be a fitting punishment for Ricky to know his sister perished inside his own car. Luckily that didn't happen since the police found her before she suffocated.

A year later and everyone's lives were finally calming down, moving forward from the near catastrophe. At least that's the way it felt until Drew watched the blood drain from Caleb's face as he held the phone to his ear. He nodded mumbling a couple of words before turning to stare mutely at Drew. 

"Caleb you're scaring me," she cried grabbing him as he started to tremble and shake "tell me what's wrong?"

"That was the police" he said stopping to gulp air into lungs that seemed to have forgotten how to breathe "the drug boss escaped..."

"Escaped," Drew gasped "what? How?" she cried crumbling to the floor.

"They didn't say," he murmured sitting on the floor beside her "that's not the worst of it..."

"What else?" she asked "what could be worse?"

Looking down fiddling with his shoe laces "Patricia escaped too...."

"No," she shouted shaking her head "tell me your joking," she demanded.

"Drew I would if I could," he said grabbing her before she could get up "the police think it was the same people who staged the prison break for the drug boss."

"I know she was involved in all of this, the evil witch. Why can't she just leave us alone?" she cried as Caleb drew her close "she already took my parents from me. What more does she want?"

Not sure what to say or do he just held her tight while she soaked his shirt with her tears. He murmured inane things like it'd be alright all the while wondering if they were safe. If some unseen menace was closing in around them.

"Is mommy alright?" Indira asked looking down at them.

Caleb smiled up at his daughter "she just received some bad news..."

"It's not about Great Grandpa was it?" she asked "he's not dying is he?"

"No sweetheart it wasn't about Great Grandpa," he felt Drew stir in his arms. Looking down he found her drying her eyes. He kissed her forehead quickly as she moved to get up.

"Indy mommy's alright," she assured the girl taking her hand she asked "do you remember the bad man who took Andrew?"

Indira nodded wide-eyed "well the police just called letting us know that man escaped."

"Oh" the girl gasped "that's bad."

"Yes it is and mommy got scared," Drew explained "but we don't have to be scared the guards will keep us safe."

"They didn't last time," she said a worried tone in her voice "what if he comes back? Will they take Andy again? I don't want them to take him away."

"You don't have to worry about that," Caleb told her firmly "I'll protect you."

"How?" she asked looking steadily at him "last time he hurt you. I remember. I thought you were dead."

Once again Caleb was at a loss for words. He simply pulled the girl close. He looked up to find Andrew staring at them from across the table. He held his arms out and Andrew ran to him. "I don't like it here anymore," he said.

***

Later that night while they were getting ready for bed Caleb turned to Drew "what do you thing? Should we move?"

Looking around the room Drew sighed "I loved this house. All of our kids were born in Monte Vista but it's not a safe place anymore. Not to the kids. They're scared to go to sleep at night. Scared to go to school because they're afraid we won't be here when they get back." Turning to Caleb "I don't want our children to live in fear. I want them to be happy."

"That's the way I feel too. Ambrose and Tayla told me a couple days ago they've decided to move to Sunset Valley."

"Is that where you'd like to go?" Drew asked knitting her brows together "that'll put you even further away from the band then we are here."

"I know," he said quietly "as much as I don't want to be separated from my family I can't expect the band to continue to make concessions for me."

Startled Drew sat up looking at him "you're not considering quitting the band are you? They need you. You're their lead singer, the front man. The one all the girls swoon over and wish were me."

Chuckling a little Caleb shook his head "I'll never get used to that. I'm just me not some bigger than life rock star." He shook his head "I'm not quitting. I couldn't even if I wanted to. I signed a contract."

"Then what were you thinking?" Drew asked snuggling into his arms.

"Moving to Sunlit Tides," Caleb told her "It's a smaller community. The kids will love it. Plus it has the added benefit of being close to Alex. We can collaborate on songs better being in the same place."

"Is that what you want?" Drew asked "I want you to be happy more than how convenient it is to the band. If you want to be close to Ambrose the band will just have to make do."

Pulling her close he smashed his mouth down on hers. "I'm happy where ever my family is. My family are the people in this house. You my beautiful wife, the kids you are my family. This is where my heart is. This is where I belong."

Drew squealed pulling him close "I love you."

"I know," he said in a matter fact tone.

"Kind of conceited aren't you?" she giggled as he rolled her over gazing into her eyes.

"Not conceited," he kissed her nose "just happy. Content to be where I am." He moved his kisses down her neck then up to her ear nibbling at it. Hovering above her lips he held her gaze "I love you," he said capturing her mouth with his.

***

"Tayla I'm going to miss you," Drew said pulling her best friend close "take care."

"We will," Tayla assured her "we'll miss you too. Don't forget to call and come for visits."

"Oh we will," Drew hugged her again "You'll need to visit us too when you want to have some fun in the sun."

While the girls were saying their goodbyes Ambrose pulled his Uncle aside. "Don't do anything stupid while we're apart."

Shaking his head Caleb couldn't help but laugh "shouldn't I be telling you that?"

Shrugging "yeah maybe but you seem to be struggling more then I am at be husband and father."

"Says you," Caleb frowned "it's not as easy as I thought it would be. When I helped your mother with you an Apollo I relied a lot on her. It's different when you don't have that."

"Or it just maybe me seeing you in a different light," Ambrose frowned "I never thought you could make mistakes before."

"What I'm not superman anymore?" Caleb joked.

Shaking his head laughing "sorry but no." Ambrose sighed looking towards the mountains in the distance "I wish I could go back and make things right..."

"How do you know your duplicate hasn't already?" Caleb asked him putting reassuring hand on his nephew's shoulder.

"Because I know me," Ambrose shook his head trying to rid it of his depression.

"That's where you're wrong," Caleb told him "he used to be you. You're different now. You've experienced things your other self hasn't. Made different decisions."

"Like you," Ambrose nodded "you're different from who you used to be. The guy I remember as a kid always seemed a little melancholic but you're happier here." He glanced over at Drew "she's been good for you."

Caleb couldn't help the smile that spread across his face "she is good for me. She's probably the only one I could have loved other than Star."

Ambrose nodded turning back to him "what would you do if Star ever came back?"

A sad smile crossed his face "at one time I thought I'd give up everything if she was able to come back. Things are different now. I'm different. I still love her and probably always will but I have Drew and the kids now. I wouldn't be able to give them up for anything including Star."

"Good" Ambrose said with a sudden ferocity that had Caleb looking at him in concern. "Drew deserves to have all of you. Sometimes it feels like we have your pleasant shadow but not all of you. Today...." he shrugged "you seem different. I don't know how to explain it."

"I do," Caleb looked over towards his wife and smiled "I'm finally at peace with the way things are. Accepted it. I'm happy with the life I have with her. I wouldn't change it even if I could."

"Caleb I'm going to miss you," Ambrose said pulling him close "don't be a stranger."

"I won't," Caleb said hugging him back "take care of Tayla and the kids."

"Don't worry I will," Ambrose smiled "did I tell you we're pregnant again?"

"What is that now, four?" Caleb asked.

Shrugging "I always wanted a big family. Tayla's a good mom so we'll be fine...

***

Wrapping his arms around her Caleb asked "so what do you think?"

"It's beautiful," she smiled up at him "I always wanted to live on the beach close to the ocean."

"Liar," he said tilting her chip up to his "you would have been happier in the mountains."

Sighing "I was a lousy liar as a kid and I still can't as an adult. Yes I love the mountains but I love you more. The kids love it here. Speaking of which, where are they?" she asked looking around in concern.

"I arranged for them to stay with Alex and Lexi for the night." He grinned down at her "so we have the entire house to ourselves."

Taking his arm she smiled up at him "I like the sound of that. So what do you have in mind?"

"How's this for starters?" he held her face still between his palms kissing her forehead, eyelids, the tip of her nose, he led a trail down to her lips "I just want to savor all of you," he hovered a moment above her lips yearning to press his against her soft full lips. He wanted to fill his senses with her taste, her smell, the feel of her body pressed against his "I love you," he moaned as he pressed his kissed her lips.

She moaned in response as his kiss burned through her. Weakening her knees as she let him have all of her. She felt his arms supporting her as she was too weak to hold herself up. She wrapped her arms around him as he lifted her into his arms and carried her into the house.