CHAPTER FORTY: THE BEST LAID PLANS SATURDAY MORNINGJared and Amy had been seeing Dr. Kimmy for three weeks. She felt there was nothing more she could do for them. They had come to terms with their past and were ready to move forward.
As they left her office Jared asked Amy "Would you consider coming to my room for dinner? We can order room service and discuss where we go from here." "I'll be there Jared. How about 6 o'clock?" Amy replied. They parted ways--Amy was due at the station.
Dr. Kimmy was ready to begin the sessions that would ease the transfer of Marty to Luis. For someone so young he'd really accepted everything easily. Dr. Kimmy arranged for Luis, Chris and Marty to be in her office first thing on Monday. "Man" she thought, "I really need to take Saturdays off!!!"
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Che' arrived promptly at 9am to meet with Fancy and Theresa. "Thank you for this opportunity--I promise I won't let you down Fancy. You either Mrs. Crane." she said as she laid down her sketchbook and pencils. "Oh please--call me Theresa."
"Have you come up with anything yet Che'" Fancy asked. "I have a ton of ideas and I keep getting new ones all the time. Maybe you should just check these out---then we can go from there." Che' handed Fancy her sketchbook.
Theresa and Fancy "oohed and aahed" over every page. Then they started all over again. "Che', these are unbelievable!! How will I ever decide??" Theresa exclaimed. "Well, these are my favorites for the setting that Fancy described to me." She handed them each a sketch. "I think these would suit each of you best."
"These are GORGEOUS!!!" cried Fancy. "And--they are perfect. Just what I had in mind." Theresa added. "Remind me to set up an interview with Crane Couture for you. I'll tell them that as far as I'm concerned,--you---are hired!!! We definitely need talent like yours."
"But Mrs. Cr--Theresa, I don't have any formal schooling in design." Che' protested. "Honey--all you have to do is put your ideas on paper. And that you have down pat!!" Theresa said.
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Sam was watching her sleep--in his light blue oxford shirt no less!!--feeling more relaxed than he had in a long time. Something about Julia settled his being. She was good for him, but were they moving too fast?? His entire being screamed NO, but his head wasn't so sure.
Slowly, her eyes fluttered open. "Good morning sleepy head!!" Sam kissed her nose "Did you sleep well?" "Better than I have in a long time." she replied.
"Want some breakfast? I'm feeling French Toast." Sam suggested. "That does sound good, want me to make it?"
Sam got up and threw on a robe. "Uh-uh, you stay right there--I'll be back." Julia grinned, "Whatever you say Chief." She lay against Sam's pillow thinking maybe, just maybe, this time would be different.
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Sam softly whistled as he entered the kitchen and began to prepare breakfast. He could get used to this--waking up with someone he had no secrets from. Someone who was honest--someone----
His thoughts were interrupted by the phone. "Sam Bennett". "Chief--it's Tyler--you might want to get down here. We just got the DNA results you've been waiting for." "I'll be there as soon as I can."
D@mn!! He didn't want to leave her--he'd wanted to spend the morning with her. Not much choice now--duty called. He finished preparing breakfast, loaded it on a tray complete with a single pink rose in a vase and headed up to his bedroom.
He filled her in and told her to stay and finish her breakfast while he got ready.
He stepped back out of the bathroom minutes later, dressed in his uniform. "I don't want to go" He started. "Sam, you have to. I'll get out of here myself. You'd better leave though, that uniform is driving me WILD!!" Julia teased. "And I will not be held responsible for my actions."
Sam kissed her goodbye "Ok-but promise me you'll keep the shirt--it looks better on you anyway." He dodged the pillow Julia launched at his head, laughing as he closed the door.
CHAPTER FORTY-ONE: CAN THIS BE RIGHT?Sam pulled up at the station at the same time as Luis. They met just outside the door. "Tyler called you too?" asked Sam. "Yeah-he thought I'd like to see it for myself." They entered the station and headed for Sam's desk. The file lay on top of his 'in' box, Sam reached for it, opened it and started to read as he sat down.
"Well Luis---there it is in black and white. The results are 98.999% that the remains in fact belong to Alistair Crane and Beth Wallace. Guess there isn't any doubt. They died when that train exploded, but if they WERE on the train, how is it that Marty didn't----I guess the boy they had with them wasn't really Marty." Sam reasoned.
"This just took another turn didn't it?" asked Luis. "If James is Marty, who was that boy?? Who was with Alistair and Beth on that train? And if it really was Marty on the train--who is James really?"
"I can't believe we didn't think to do this before. I think we need to have some DNA tests run. On you and Marty." Sam said.
Just then, the new ADA Daniel Vanjue entered the station. "Chief Bennett--glad I caught you. I have been informed that you have the remains of my gr--, um, Mr. Alistair Crane?" "Yes we do. What is your interest in them?" Sam replied. "I have been---contacted to obtain the remains and place them to rest--as the next of----I mean for the next of kin."
"And who would that be??" Sam wondered. "Mr. Alistair Crane left strict instructions with the DA's office. Those instructions were then given to me." Daniel explained. Sam looked over the paperwork Daniel had given him. "Well--I guess everything is in order. Go down to the morgue and give them these. They will follow the instructions as outlined." Sam handed the papers back to Daniel.
As Mr. Vanjue went on his way Sam thought "Things just took a very strange turn indeed."
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Tabitha was preparing for their trip to Saturn. She was to see Dr. Bombay, maybe the two of them could figure out her problems. Her spells and curses had never turned out quite like she wanted them to. Something almost always went awry.
"It's the mortal in you Tabby" came the basement voices. "Oh poppythingy!!! It's probably just another virus." Tabby replied. " Now----I can't leave my house unattended while I'm gone. Who can I get to keep an eye on things??? Aha!!! I'll get my cousin Piper and that nice young man of hers--oh fiddlefaddle, what's his name??? Oh yes--Paul McCartney!! One heck of a musician that one!" She rubbed her hands together and *ZAP* there they were!!
"Tabitha? How are you?? I really wish you'd give some warning before you do that!!" Piper said. "It is very disconcerting." added Paul as they greeted Tabitha. "What is it this time?? The only reason you zap me here is for a favor---so what is it?" Piper asked.
"I need someone to um *handle* the boys in the basement while I am gone. I'm on my way to Saturn for my 100 year check-up. Something is off and I'd like to find out what." Tabitha explained.
"What am I supposed to do here? I'm supposed to be giving a concert in London tonight!!! I can't just sit here and twiddle my thumbs." "Now Paul--we can find something for you to do. You go ahead Tabitha, we'll look after things here." Piper decided.
"Thank you dear. I'll just collect Endora and we'll be on our way." Tabitha takes her bag and leaves the room. "Great Piper, now what??" Paul complained. "Relax dear, maybe you could play tonight at the Blue Note, I hear it's quite a club!!"
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Amy was at the Bayside Arms and at Jared's door at 5:45pm. She was anxious, nervous and excited all at the same time. Jared, at one time had been the love of her life. She'd never stopped loving him--"God" she said, "please let us get back together." Then she knocked on the door.
Jared opened the door and Amy was fully appreciative--he was wearing a dark green polo shirt that set off his eyes and tan khaki's. She'd forgotten just how sexy she thought he was.
They stood there for a minute each taking in the other. "You look very pretty Amy." Jared said as he stepped back so she could enter. "I hope you don't mind--I ordered dinner already, Pepper-jack Pork Chops--it should be here soon." "That's fine with me" she replied as she stepped through the door. "I can't believe I'm so nervous!" Amy said as she sat down.
"I know, me too. But seriously, you look fantastic." Jared remembered that Arabelle--she'd always worn soft floral prints. It seemed that hadn't changed. The cream dress with the lavender iris and coral rose print fit her perfectly. The thin straps showed off the shoulders he'd always found he couldn't keep away from. Had she done that on purpose he wondered.
Amy reached for his hand---just as he was reaching back there was a knock at the door. "Room Service". "I'll be right back" Jared excused himself and quickly dispatched of the waiter.
They sat down to their dinner and began to talk. "Amy--I've missed you so much. My life has been so wrong without you. Not a day went by that I didn't wonder what our lives would have been like if only---" "I love you Jared- I never stopped. It just hurt so much. I only want us to be together--please-say you want that too." Amy said softly.
Jared stood and held out his hands. Amy placed hers in his and he drew her to him. "This is the moment I 've been waiting for. You truly make me whole--I love you Amy." he said and pulled her into a sweet, much longed for kiss. Dinner sat forgotten as they lost themselves in each other.
CHAPTER FORTY-TWO: A LITTLE MAGIC NEVER HURTS"Way to go Noah!!" he congratulated himself as he actually reached Meagan's door on time. He checked to make sure his Royal Blue shirt was tucked neatly into his black jeans. Not too casual, not too dressy either. Meagan had been eagerly awaiting his arrival. After she'd dressed in a mint green slip dress she'd staked out her own front door. She'd heard him approach and flung open the door.
"Right on time!!" she smiled. "You ready??" he asked. Meagan nodded and they hit the stairs.
"Shall we walk?" she suggested, "It'll give us a chance to get to know each other?" "Sure Meagan. So, how's life treating you?" he asked distractedly. "Can't complain. Business is good. Seems my social life is picking up as well!!" she laughed. When he didn't respond she eyed him quizzically. "I thought for sure you'd laugh at that one. What' up? You seem a little out there, is something bothering you?"
"I'm not sure I should be discussing this with you----I got dumped. Look--I just can't figure out why ok??" Noah felt horrible. "I mean-here I am on a date--worrying why someone else dumped me. I mean it's not like we were really an item. We'd only been out a few times--I'm sorry. You don't want to hear this" Noah apologized.
"Well" said Meagan "I guess you'll just have to make it up to me. Promise you won't bring it up again tonight---and take me to see that movie!!!" Meagan pointed. Noah looked up at the marquee 'A Walk To Remember'---"Well-that's an oldie-but deal, as long as we still go to dinner after." "You got it--Let's go!!" Meagan replied as she drug him into the theater. He was going to pay for talking about another woman, and pay dearly. And he'd start right here---at the theater concession stand!!
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Luis couldn't believe his luck. Just when everything was as it should be--or almost anyway--something came along and screwed it up. He had to tell Fancy--they needed to talk to Dr. Kimmy--see what she thought about this new complication. What should they do until they knew for sure if Marty was actually Marty?? "D@mn you Alistair!! Even in death you manage to f^ck up my life. What will it take to purge you forever??" he wondered.
He finally found Fancy--wrapped up in wedding planning with Theresa. She looked so happy--he hated to break the mood. He'd tell her later--later when he could hold her--after they made love. No reason to upset her tonight---he'd tell her tomorrow!!
MEANWHILE"Chris, its Sam Bennett. I need you to take Marty to the hospital" Sam began. "What is this about Chief Bennett?" Chris cut him off. "Well--its just--we have reason to believe that Marty isn't---I just need you to take him for a DNA test ok?" "When, why???" Chris persisted. "Tomorrow will be soon enough. We'll get into details once we know the results." Sam almost slammed the phone down as he hung up. "D@mn!! Could this day get any worse??" he stood up, grabbed his jacked and headed for his car. "Jackson---I'm outta here. Do NOT bother me unless it is a REAL emergency!" he ordered as the station door slammed behind him. "What the f^ck can happen next?
"
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Paul and Piper sat at Tabitha's kitchen table plotting his concert. "But love--how are we going to pull it off??" Paul questioned. "Simple my dear---this is Harmony. Strange things happen here every day!! No one will think twice. Now---you get ready and I'll prepare the scene."
"Let's see, well need the band, a sign and the venue. "Blue Note--check". "The band"--she wiggled her nose and pointed her finger and *POOF* stood the band. "perfect and check!! and now for a sign."
"A sign at the Blue Note, make it clear--
Live--Tonight--Paul McCartney's here!!!""That oughta do it!! Paul honey--we're ready to roll!!!"
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Sam was driving home when all of the sudden he couldn't believe his eyes!! Out of nowhere appeared a sign in front of the Blue Note--"Paul McCartney-Live-Tonight--11pm" he read. "No way!! I gotta call Luis--he and Fancy will want to catch this!!"
When he finally got ahold of Luis they agreed to meet at the Blue Note. As he reached his house he looked to the B&B and wondered if he should call Julia. He made his way to the kitchen and needn't bother with the phone. Julia was already here. She'd made dinner--Manacotti stuffed with cheese, Caesar Salad and Garlic Bread. Meagan's famous Chocolate Mousse sat on the counter. "I hope you don't mind---Noah let me in. I thought maybe we could have dinner and then-maybe--I hear Paul McCartney is in town tonight--"
Sam pulled her to him "That's the best offer I've had all day!! And that explains the t-shirt" he chuckled. "You don't like my Paul McCartney and Wings t-shirt?
?" she feigned indignation. "Baby--I love whatever you wear---now let's eat. I'm starving!!!"
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Jared and Amy had decided to take a walk on the wharf when they too noticed the sign at the Blue Note. "That could be fun" said Amy "Are you up to it?" "Sh!t yeah, I love Paul McCartney. Let's do it." Jared said as they turned and headed for the Blue Note. They met up with Noah and Meagan who had just exited the theater. "You two heading to the Blue Note???" asked Amy, "seems there's a concert there tonight."
"What, when did that happen??? I worked last night and nobody said anything about it. We were heading to the Lobster Shack but, well--what do you say?? Wanna check it out??" Noah turned to Meagan. "Sure--sounds good!"
As the four of them neared the Blue Note, they could see a tour bus parked in front of the club. There was a woman just coming off the bus and Noah decided to ask her about it. "Excuse me, I'm Noah Bennett, a bartender here. When was this concert set up???" he asked.
"Well hello--I'm Piper--Paul McCartney's fiancée, manager and all around right hand. We were traveling through and saw we had a few days before the next gig--I made a few calls and *POOF** here we are!! Paul likes to do surprise, free concerts now and then." she winked.
"It's free?? That's even better." Noah said. Her answer must have appeased them because they all headed into the club without a second thought.
"Cool" said Piper. "This is going to be sweet!!!"
CHAPTER FORTY-THREE: A CONCERT IN HARMONY!!It seemed all of Harmony had turned out for the concert. Theresa and Ethan, Luis and Fancy, Sam and Julia, Jared and Amy, Noah and Meagan gathered at tables close to the stage. Piper of course was sitting front row center, where she always sat to watch her man in action. Paul took the stage and launched into 'Band on the Run'. The crowd erupted and soon was dancing wherever they could find room.
Sam spotted Chad and Whitney in a corner acting like nothing had changed-he wondered if Chad had even told her yet. He grabbed Julia by the hand and pushed her in front of him as he steered them toward Chad and Whitney. "I need you to do me a favor. Can you try to get Whitney away?? I need a few minutes with Chad." he whispered in her ear. In reply she nodded and said "Anything for you Sam."
"Chief Bennett--how are you? And who is this??" Whitney asked. "Hello Chad, Whitney--this is Julia Carter, honorable judge and my gir--um-date." Sam introduced them. "It's a pleasure to meet you. Say Whitney--I was just about to go powder my nose. Care to join me???" Whitney nodded and turned to Chad "I'll be back honey." She gave him a quick kiss as they headed off. Sam grabbed Julia by the wrist as she passed him, "Thank you" he said as he let her go.
"So Chad--I take it Whitney is still clueless about your little, shall we say, extra curricular activities??" "Chief B-- I can't tell her. I just can't. It will be the end. I can't risk losing her--she's the only woman I love." Chad replied.
"Why is it Chad that you keep saying she is the only "woman" you love?? Do you love Vincent too?" Sam questioned. "Is that it?? Are you torn between the two people you love?" Chad was furious " It was just sex!! Two men can't be in love--It's just--he gave me what Whitney couldn't, what I needed. I thought Whitney and I were over--but--how could I love Vincent??"
"Chad--I'm not saying it is love. I just think you need to tell Whitney the truth, everything. She deserves to know. You cheated on her--and that's not right. You lied and snuck around. You need to let her make her own decision with ALL the facts--not just the ones you chose to tell her."
Chad saw the ladies approaching and said "I'll think about it." "Do it soon Chad--I'll be there if you want me to be--just get it done." Sam said just as Julia reached for him and pulled him to the dance floor.
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The music drifted into the soft strains of John Lennon's 'Woman' as Julia and Sam reached the dance floor. They were joined by Ethan and Theresa, Luis and Fancy, Jared and Amy and Noah and Meagan. All eyes were on the center of the dance floor as these five couples began to dance.
"This song is perfect" Ethan said to Theresa. "You are everything to me--Lennon sure knew how to write." He wrapped her tightly in his arms. "I'm never going to let you go--never again." "That's fine by me" Theresa said as she settled into his embrace, "I wouldn't let you anyway."
"Fancy" Luis said. "I want this song played at our reception. It describes you to a T." Fancy wrapped her arms around Luis's neck "Whatever you like" she said as she kissed him.
Jared couldn't take his eyes off of Amy. "You really amaze me. I know this may seem sudden, but Amy---will you marry me?? Again? I promise this time I'll be a better husband--I won't" Amy cut him off with a searing kiss. "Jared--I've been waiting weeks for this---every since I saw you at the police station--I knew it would lead to this."
Noah and Meagan danced in silence--taking in the music and the scene around them. His eyes lit up as they landed on Paloma. Two things stood out---One--she was looking hot tonight, and Two--she was staring daggers into the back of Meagan's head. He decided to fuel her fire by showing her what she was missing. He gave Meagan a soft, lingering kiss. As he looked back at Paloma he realized he'd done it. He'd sent the little spitfire into a rage.
As the music flowed into 'Let It Be' Sam looked into Julia's eyes. What he saw there made him very happy. He reached up and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "You know---maybe I'm jumping the gun here but---I know you are looking for a more permanent place to home. Hey--don't look at me like that!! Darine tells me stuff. Anyway---If I'm out of line just tell me--I wondered if you might consider moving in with me??? I know we haven't been dating long but it just feels right." Julia started to speak "No Julia--don't answer me yet--just think about it. There's no hurry."
Piper was amazed at what was going on around her. Harmony seemed to be---happy. From what she could tell--almost every couple that was supposed to be together was. "That must make the boys in the basement HOT!!" Evil was losing its grasp on Harmony and good was taking its turn!!!