Just Before Dawn Chapter 6! (standard:mystery, 8876 words)
Author: Sarah Spenser	Added: Apr 24 2005	Views/Reads: 3274/2271	Story vote: 0.00 (0 votes)
This chapter picks up from when Jack was admitted to the hospital.

Click here to read the first 75 lines of the story

would be great. Connor>?” “What?” “After that will you please go home 
and get some rest?” “No, sweetness. I want to stay with you. I think 
you should get some rest too. You've been worrying yourself sick.” “I 
can't. I'll sleep later.” “Allison I ...” she gave him one of her stern 
looks that said “Shut up or die!” and he stopped talking. He knew just 
by that look that he wasn't going to win this battle. Lynn and Jack 
called it the “Don't mess with me look.” Connor turned and began his 
journey to the cafeteria. 

A few minutes later, Connor returned with two steaming cups of coffee. 
He put milk into Allison's coffee and handed it to her. He was truly 
concerned, her eyes were red from crying, and she looked exhausted. She 
smiled at him grateful for his kindness. He slipped his arm around her 
again while they sat together in the waiting room. The hospital had 
grown quiet, as night descended upon it. In these late hours, anything 
was possible, and Connor felt the sense of dread like a plague. He 
couldn't pinpoint exactly what it was, but he just had an ominous 
feeling. One that he knew all too well. When he used to work on cases, 
he would have the same feelings, only then they din't involve the love 
of his life. “How is it?” he asked softly as Allison set her coffee cup 
down. The styrafoam cup was burning her hands and the coffee was piping 
hot. She could use a shot of caffine at this hour, she would need it to 
get through the long night that awaited her. “It's delicious. Thank 
you, Connor. I really appreciate it.” “You're welcome.” He said as he 
kissed her lightly on the lips. “Do you want to rest? Jack's not going 
to be awake for hours. You're not going to do him any good sitting 
here. Why don't you let me take you home. I won't stay, I'll just make 
sure you get in the door. Then you can rest, and when you come back in 
the morning, Jack will be awake.” “No, I should really be here for him. 
I think that Mark did this.” “Allie, we can't be sure of that.” “I know 
that we don't even know what happened, and I know that it's not logical 
to jump to conclusions, but it would fit in with all the other strange 
things that have been happening lately.” “I know, honey, but don't 
think about that right now.” “You're right, I'm probably jumping to 
conclusions.” The nurse emerged then smiling. “Ms. Shure, your father's 
out of r ecovery. He's been moved up to a room.” “May I see him now?” 
“Yes, but he won't be awake for hours.” “I don't care, I just want to 
sit with him.” “Follow me.” The nurse said exiting the room. “Do you 
want to come?” Allison asked looking adoringly at Connor. “No, that's 
all right, you go. I'll call you in a little hwile.” “Okay. Thank you, 
sweetheart, I love you.” “I love you too.” He kissed her on the mouth 
and disappeared around the corner. Allison went in the opposite 
direction following the nurse to Jack's room. Little did she know, 
there was someone following her. 

Jack's room was located on the fourth floor. Room 414 to be exact, he
would be having a room mate, but he hadn't been brought from recovery 
yet. Allison shuttered as she looked at the man who was her father. He 
was still unconscious from the anesthesia and he looked pale. Allison 
thanked the nurse and sank into a chair beside his bed. She tenderly 
took his hand and gently caressed it as she talked in a low soothing 
voice to him. Her voice was barely more than a whisper, she didn't want 
to break the quietness of the room. “Dad, it's me. I'm here with you. 
I'm so glad that the surgery went well. You'll have to have lots of 
therapy, but I'll see to it that yo're taken care of. We can get 
through anything as long as we have each other. I love you, Dad. I was 
so scared, you're the only parent I have left.” Her eyes began to fill 
with tears as she thought of her mother. Marie, beautiful, sweet Marie. 
Senselessly taken from both of them, it wasn't her time yet, and 
Allison knew that she could not rest until her killer was caught. “I 
... I love you, Dad. I'll be here for you when you're ready to wake 
up.” Allison finished the coffee that Connor had given her and set the 
cup on the nightstand. She sank back into the chair, resting her head 
against the soft cushion. Within minutes, she was asleep. 

She wandered the halls of the hospital in search of her prey. She knew
exactly where her victim would be too, it was just a matter of doing 
this as discretely as possible. Getting caught was not part of her 
plan, and if it did happen, she could permanently lose her license. She 
retrieved the necessary drugs from the supply closet and proceeded onto 
the elevator. She tiptoed into the room and surveyed its occupants, the 
one she desired was right in front of her,  and with the vulnerability 
of sleep, anything was possible. 

Connor tossed and turned until 5, he couldn't sleep. All he kept
thinking about was Allison. He wondered if Jack had come out of the 
anesthesia yet, and how Allie was holding up. He pictured her as he 
left the hospital: her tired eyes, lines of worry etched on her face, 
that crease in her brow. He had to call, he looked up the number for 
Fallwood General and dialed. Once the receptionist answered, he asked 
to be put through to the fourth floor. Susan Smalling answered on the 
first ring. “Fourth floor, Susan speaking. May I help you?” “Hi, Susan, 
could you put me through to Allison Shure. Her father Jack is in room 
414.” “Surely, may I tell her who's calling?” “Connor Cassidy.” He 
twisted the phone cord nervously in his hands as he waited for her 
reply. “Hold on one moment, please.” He heard the phone being put down 
as Susan briskly walked to room 414. She tapped lightly on the door and 
then entered. She saw Allison asleep in a chair beside Jack's bed. “Ms. 
Shure?” she whispered shaking her lightly. Nothing. “Ms. Shure?” she 
repeated shaking her harder. Still no response, Susan had a feeling 
that something wasn't right, she felt Allison's rist, it was cold and 
clammy and her eyes were dialated. “Ms. Shure? Can you hear me? Open 
your eyes!” Susan ran frantically from the room to get some assistance. 
She completely forgot about Connor and retrieved Joan the head nurse as 
soon as possible. “What's wrong, Susan?” Joan asked as they hurried to 
Jack's room. “Allison Shure is unresponsive, I think there's something 
really wrong!” “Relax, Susan. We'll see what the problem is.” Joan said 
calmly, but as she walked in to the room, she knew this was anything 
but ordinary. “Ms. Shure?” Joan repeated the same steps that Susan had 
tried to revive Allison, but again nothing was successful. “Her pupils 
are dialated.” Susan snapped as Joan was trying to assess Allison's 
condition. “I know. Let's get her into a cubicle. Get a gurney in 
here!” Joan shouted. Susan ran out at top speed down the hall. 

After several minutes, Connor replaced the receiver and redialed the
number. His feeling of dread was increasing to almost fever pitch. He 
instinctively knew something was wrong with Allison. Connor couldn't 
explain how he knew, but he did. Without even waiting to be transferred 
to the fourth floor, he grabbed his car keys and headed to Fallwood 
General. 

The tiny cubicle was crowded with doctors and nurses. All were perplexed
by Allison's unresponsiveness. They hovered over her and shouted orders 
to each other. Susan stood quietly waiting to see if she could be of 
any assistance. 

”Can I do anything?” “No!” they all said in unison. “Ms. Shure? Can you
hear me?” one of the nurses asked. “I found her like this. At first, I 
thought she was just sleeping, but when I couldn't wake her I got 
concerned!” Susan chimed in. All the doctors scrambled to medical 
journals and tried to review the events of the previous day. Nothing 
that Allison had done the prevous day would cause this. They tried in  
vain to figure out what was wrong, as Allison slowly slipped away. 

She surveyed all the confusion around her. Her mission was completed,
and by all accounts it had gone successfully. In all the chaos, she was 
able to slip away and dial him from a pay phone. He sounded pleased 
that her mission was successfully accomplished, and promised a big 
celebration. The mysterious woman got into her car and quietly pulled 
out of the hospital parking lot. 

Connor parked and raced through the hospital doors. His feeling of dread
had only deepened on the drive over, and his heart was thudding a mile 
a minute. He could swear that was the only sound he heard as he rode 
the elevator to the fourth floor. He walked down to Jack's room and 
peered inside. Jack was asleep, but Allison wasn't there. He knew that 
nothing could've kept her from being by her father's side and ran to 
find a nurse. “Excuse me, but can you tell me where Allison Shure is?” 
“Who”?” the nurse inquired barely looking up from the mountain of 
paperwork that laid in front of her. “Jack Shure's daughter she's 
beautiful. Uh ... dark brown hair, blue eyes.” “Shure, that name sounds 
familiar. Hold on I'll go check.” The nurse got up from her desk and 
went into the cubicle where the doctors were working on Allison. “Have 
you seen Allison Shure? She's Jack Shure's daughter.” “You're looking 
at her. Something happened to her, but we're not sure what.” One of the 
doctors named Cory Brown stated. “What happened? I have someone who is 
looking for her.” “We're not sure. Susan found her unresponsive, her 
pupils were dialated. Looks like some sort of drug overdose to me. As 
soon as we know anything, we'll inform her family.” Cory said hurredly. 
“Thanks.” The nurse said pulling the curtain closed behind her. Susan 
checked all the supply closets to see if anyone could've drugged 
Allison. Although the possibility was highly unlikely, Cory insisted 
that she check. As she took stock of the inventory, she noticed that a 
bottle of Chloral Hydrate was missing. 

Connor paced frantically as he waited for the nurse to return. Horrific
thoughts ran through his head while he waited, and all of them were 
about Mark Renson. Even though he had told Allison not to jump to 
conclusions about Jack's injuries, he knew better. He smiled when the 
nurse finally appeared around the corner. But his smile quickly faded 
when he saw her face. “Mr. Cassidy, there's been a problem.” “Problem? 
What kind of problem? Where's Allison?” the nurse stood in front of him 
her hands on her hips. Her dark eyes conveyed a gentleness as she broke 
the news. She seemed kind and not as harsh this time. “Well, a nurse 
went to wake Ms. Shure and she's unresponsive.” “What ... what do you 
mean unresponsive?” Connor's heart raced, it pounded so loudly it 
drowned out the nurse. “She won't wake up. I'm sorry to have to tell 
you this, Mr. Cassidy. But we don't know what caused this.” “Well find 
out!. You can't let her ...” he couldn't finish the rest of his 
sentence. Allison dying was not an option he even wanted to consider. 
“We're doing all we can, sir.” “What the hell does that mean? How can 
you? If you don't know what caused this?” “Is she on any medication?” 
“No.” “Has she had anything alcoholic lately?” “No, her father was just 
admitted for hip surgery.” “Yes, I know. I know you're the gentleman 
who was with Ms. Shure earlier. Are there any immediate family members 
you want to call?” “Her best friend Lynn.” Connor numbly walked to a 
pay phone and dialed Lynn's number. He shook as the phone rang two, 
three, four times. 

Hours passed and they were no closer to finding out what was wrong with
Allison. Susan thought like Cory, that because Allison's pupils were 
dialated, she may have been the victim of a drug overdose. It was an 
odd thing to do, but their last resort. They were running out of 
options and time. Susan rechecked her list against the inventory in the 
supply closet. One bottle of Chloral Hydrate was definitely missing. 
She asked Joan about the missing Chloral Hydrate, but she didn't know 
where it was either. Joan and Susan both raced into the cubicle as the 
doctors ran more tests and tried everything known to science to revive 
Allison. “What about testing for Chloral Hydrate?” Susan asked over the 
din of machinery and activity. “Are you kidding?” Cory asked mocking 
her a little. “No! a bottle of it is missing from the supply closet!” 
Cory drew some more blood and put a rush on it at the lab. As they 
waited, Joan went into check on Jack and found an open bottle of 
Chloral Hydrate which was a fast acting sedative in the waste basket. 
She put on gloves and retrieved the botel and it's contents. She placed 
them in a bag and sealed it. Joan also noted that this specific type of 
the drug was the liquid, taken with either water or fruit juice. 
Chloral Hydrate acted as a sedative and in extreme cases, produced 
extreme tiredness, drowsiness and confusion. 

Connor and Lynn paced back and fourth as they waited for news. They both
didn't speak much, there wasn't anything to say. Each one was lost in 
their own thoughts and if someone had tried to kill Allison who was it? 
After what seemed like an eternity, a nurse emerged from the little 
cubicle. “How is she? Can I see her? Is she conscious?” Connor asked as 
soon as the nurse came into view. “She's beginning to come around. Mr. 
Shure is awake by the way. We told him what happened and he is very 
upset. I know that neither of you are family members, but I will make 
an exception just this once and let you in to see him.” Connor smiled. 
“Thank you.” He whispered. “You're welcome, I'll let you see Ms. Shure 
as soon as possible.” Lynn stepped forward and headed to Jack's room 
while Connor waited for news on Allison. He thought that Lynn was the 
better person to go, since Jack knew her well. 

Allison opened her eyes slowly, everything was too loud, and way too
bright. She didn't know where she was, and nearly panicked when she saw 
the dizzying array of doctors that hovered around her. One of them 
shined a light in her eyes and gently tapped her on the shoulder. “Ms. 
Shure?” she turned drowsily toward the doctor and tried to focus on 
him. But her eyes could barely stay open. “Yes?” “Can you hear me?” 
“Yes. What happened? Where am I?” “You're in the hospital. You had a 
reaction to a drug called Chloral Hydrate. It's a sedative.” “A 
sedative? Why ... from who? How's my father?” “We don't know why or 
from who, your father's awake, and asking for you.” “I have to go see 
him!” she said trying to get off the gurney, but the doctor stopped 
her. He gently put a restraining hand on her arm. “Ms. Shure, you can't 
go anywhere just yet. We have to treat you for this reaction. Is there 
anyone you want to see?” “Connor.” She said before she lost 
consciousness completely. The doctor signaled a nurse who went out to 
tell Connor. “Mr. Cassidy?” Connor put down the magazine he was 
attempting to read and focused on the nurse. “Yes?” “Ms. Shure is 
asking for you. She's very drowsy and in and out of consciousness but 
she asked for you.” Connor started up from his chair and followed the 
nurse down the hall to the tiny cubicle. Allison was lying on a gurney, 
her eyes were half closed. “Allison?” he said softly, he didn't want to 
startle her. She opened her eyes and looked at him. He gently took her 
hand, she was grateful for this and caressed it. “Connor? What 
happened? How's Dad? Can I see him?” “You need to relax, sweetness. 
Everything's going to be fine. The doctors are going to make sure 
you're just perfect. I'm sure they'll let you see Jack.” “They said I 
was given some sort of ... sedative.” Her eyes were glassy and Connor 
was worried. “Allie? Stay with me, honey.” “I'm not going anywhere. I 
love you, Connor.” “I love you too, sweetheart. More than you'll ever 
know.” She smiled at that, trying to piece together the events of that 
evening. “I have to see Dad. He must be frantic.” “Lynn's with him, 
honey.” “Lynn's out of town.” “She just got back. I called her and told 
her about what happened to you. Do you remember anything? Do you 
remember taking anything?” “No. Nothing. You left and ... I ... talked 
to Dad.” She tried to rise but Connor stopped her. “You have to stay 
here for a while, sweetness. Jack will be fine.” “I have to see him.” 
She said trying to get out of bed. Connor put a hand on her shoulder. 
No, sweetness, you need to stay in bed.” “I have to see him, Connor! I 
already lost Mom! I ... I can't lose him too! Mom died in that car 
jacking! I still can't believe that someone would shoot her!” she 
attempted to rise again, but Connor stopped her. A nurse came over and 
assessed Allison's condition. “She's very confused. What do I do now?” 
Connor asked in a low tone. “Humor her. She can't get out of bed. Ms. 
Shure do you know where you are?” “No! help me, please! I ... I need to 
see my father!” she began to sob, Connor gently wiped her tears away 
and held her hand. “Calm down, Allie, everything is going to be fine. 
You will see Jack, darling. In a little while. He's fine. Lynn's 
keeping him up to date.” “Why did this happen? Where am I?” Connor was 
perplexed by her confusion, Joan signaled for him to step outside. 
“Allie, I'll be right back. You're in the hospital. You were given some 
sort of sedative. Stay there, I just have to talk to the nurse.” He 
placed a kiss on her lips before he closed the curtain and met with 
Joan covertly in the hallway. “What's happening to her?” “We're not 
sure. Apparently someone slipped her a sedative called Chloral Hydrate. 
It's used for insomnia and to reduce anxiety. It's also used for 
alcohol withdrawal. But I'm not sure how this happened, since Ms. Shure 
isn't a patient, and I don't know how someone was able to get their 
hands on it. But this is a fast acting sedative. In extreme cases, it 
can produce drowsiness and confusion.” “That's the problem, she's very 
confused. I'm worried.” Connor's eyes spoke volumes, they reflected the 
love that he had for Allison. Joan felt sorry for him. “I know, Mr. 
Cassidy. Just humor her.” Connor thanked her and went back to sit with 
Allison. For hours, she drifted In and out of consciousness and 
lucidity. The doctors were concerned as Connor continued to hold her 
hand and talk to her softly. 

Several hours later, Allison had fully regained consciousness. She was
asking to see Jack, Connor knew she would hound the doctors until she 
got what she wanted. After she was tested for any remaining traces of 
Chloral Hydrate, she was led to Jack's room. He smiled when he saw her 
and quickly tried to hide the fact that he had been crying. “Allison! 
I've been so worried about you.” He said trying to embrace her. She 
came closer and hugged him in spite of all the tubes,  Ivs and machines 
that went everywhere. Lynn smiled tiredly as Allison hugged her as 
well. “Are you all right?” Lynn asked concerned. Allison was like a 
sister to her, and she couldn't imagine anything happening to her. “I'm 
better now. Someone drugged me apparently. But I don't remember 
anything.” “Did anyone give you anything while you were here with 
Jack?” she pondered Lynn's question for a moment. “I don't remember.” 
“Hmm, we can talk about this later. The important thing is that you're 
fine. I'll let you talk to Jack.” Lynn said rising from her chair. 
“Thank you, Lynn. I really appreciate all your help.” They embraced 
again. “No problem.” She discretely left so Allison and Jack could have 
some time together. Lynn and Connor headed down to the cafeteria. They 
tried to piece together how Allison had been drugged. 

Allison was concerned about Jack and asked him if she could do anything
for him. He looked weak and pale, and she thought he needed rest. 
“You're already here. I don't need more then that.” “Are you sure?” she 
asked concerned. “I'm positive. I'm worried about you. You should go 
home and get some rest. Have you been here all night?” “I never left, 
Dad. I love you!” she began to cry, Jack put his hand on her shoulder. 
“It's okay, honey. I'm going to be fine.” “I know, I'm sorry. I just 
love you so much.” “I know you do.” He smiled at his daughter proud of 
all she had become. 

“So what happened to you?” Allison asked Jack as he attempted to eat
lunch. The hospital food wasn't appealing at all, but he tried for his 
daughter's sake. She didn't need to be worrying about him. “I don't 
remember. All I remember is feeding Lulu. That's it! The next thing I 
knew I woke up here.” “You're sure that's all you remember?” “I'm 
positive. I'm sorry I can't be of more help. I'm concerned about you, 
Allison. I can't believe that someone would try to drug you with a 
sedative. How'd that happen?” “I don't know, Dad. One moment I was 
drinking my coffee, and the next I was on a gurney with all these 
doctors around me.” “So, you think someone snuck in here while I was 
under the anesthesia?” “It looks that way. I guess I must've dozed off 
or something. I'm not really sure.” “What's the sedative called?” 
“Chloral Hydrate.” “What does it do?” Jack inquired as he took 
Allison's hand. “Sometimes, it makes you confused or very drowsy. I'm 
going to do some research on it.” “I know you will.” He said knowing 
how determined she could be. She saw fear in her father's eyes and 
wanted to take it away. When he worried, she wanted to take his worries 
and make them her own. “What is it?” she asked reading the questions in 
his eyes. “Allison, I'm worried about you. Please, reconsider giving up 
the Renson case. Honey, they found an overdose of a strong sedative in 
your system, don't you think that someone was trying to kill you?” 
“Definitely, but I won't give up on Mark Renson!. I've worked too hard 
on this case.” “It's not worth your life!” “Listen, Dad let's not 
argue. I want you to get some rest. You're going to have to go to 
therapy to get your hip working again.” Jack frowned. “I know, Dad. But 
I'll take care of you. I promise.” “You always do, and you always have, 
sweetheart. I love you.” She could tell he was getting tired, she rose 
from her chair and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. “I love you too. 
I'm so glad you're all right.” “I'll be fine, a few more days and I'll 
be ready to do the jig!” “Not for a while.” Allison retorted teasing 
him. “Yeah, not for a while. I want you to get some rest too. How long 
have you been up?” Allison thought back, for a long time, she just 
wasn't sure how long. “I don't know. But a while.” “Will you promise me 
you'll get some rest?” “Okay, if that's what makes you happy. I will. I 
have to go home and feed Scarlet.” “Thanks, for being here with me, 
honey. I love you.” “You're welcome. I love you too.” “Tell that damn 
bird I said hi!. He bit me the last time he saw me.” Allison smiled and 
turned to go. 

Once home, Allison changed into her nightgown and robe and climbed into
bed. She was tired, and she knew she would sleep for hours. Half an 
hour later, Connor quietly let himself in with his key and surveyed the 
apartment. He saw Allison's car in the lot and knew she must be asleep 
by now. He tiptoed down the hall and peered in to the bedroom. He saw 
her sleeping peacefully, and gently covered her with more blankets. He 
bent down and placed a gentle kiss on her lips, thanking  her for 
having survived . “I love you, Allie.” He whispered as he turned toward 
the door. Then, Connor tiptoed out of the room and down the hall. 

He sat in the living room and perused the Bernard, Swenson and Brindle
cases again. Greg's death was the most peculiar, and he thought that 
maybe the cases would help him figure out what had happened to Allison. 
It bothered him that Lynn was the only other person who knew that 
Allison was at the hospital. Connor flipped through the Brindle case 
again. The medical examiner had said that Greg had been strangled and 
there was an unknown drug found in his system. Connor wondered If it 
was the same drug Allison was given last night. He decided to call the 
lab in the morning and have them run some tests. He would protect 
Allison with his life and make sure that no harm ever came to her. 
Connor felt compelled to be with Allison, so he quietly returned to the 
bedroom. He climbed into bed beside her and held her for a long time. 
He gently stroked her hair and whispered how much he loved her. 
Content, Connor drifted off to sleep with Allison in his arms. 

Grace laid in bed watching her lover sleep. She knew that she loved him
beyond life itself, but she had never really gotten over Connor. After 
she had betrayed him, their relationship had never recovered. She cried 
when she signed the divorce papers, but that was what he wanted. She 
remembered his haunting words as she left the house that day. “Where 
there is no trust, there Is no marriage. Not for me, Grace. I will 
always have a special place in my heart for you. You were my first 
love, but you betrayed me and damaged my heart so much that it's beyond 
repair.” “I'm sorry, Connor.” Was all she could say over and over 
again. “Save it, for someone who believes you. I tried to save our 
marriage, Grace!. But you didn't!. What does it matter anymore? It's 
over, that's the main thing.” Connor handed her the divorce papers he 
had signed, the ink was still a little wet, and Grace wanted to smudge 
it. She couldn't believe that their lives together had ended so 
abruptly. She had searched high and low but had never found another 
exactly like Connor. She wanted him, and her friends told her they had 
seen him with Allison Shure. Grace sneared as she thought of the 
quick-witted reporter. She was no match for her. Grace devised a plan 
to get Connor back, and it would have to work. 

Connor woke several hours later, he glanced at Allison who was still
asleep in his arms. He watched her for a long time, he knew he was 
grateful to have someone like her in his life. He was also grateful 
that she had recovered from the affects of the sedative. She had been 
pretty out of it for a while, and relived Marie's murder. She had also 
tried to get out of bed. Connor had stayed with her the entire time, as 
Lynn breezed in and out regularly keeping them updated about Jack's 
progress. Dawn was beginning to break, Connor watched as the sunlight 
began to filter through the window, he tried to get up to close the 
blinds, but Allison moved closer to him. He slowly and ever so gently 
slid his arm out from under her. She stirred at the sensation and 
smiled at him. “Connor?” “It's just me, Allie. Go back to sleep.” “What 
time is it?” she asked rubbing her eyes as she turned over to face him. 
“Around 5 I think.” She looked at the blinds which were now closed. “Is 
everything all right? Is Dad all right?” “Don't worry, sweetness 
everything is fine.” He said kissing her on the mouth. She returned his 
affection and they realized that once they started kissing, they 
couldn't stop. 

Connor took Allison in his arms and caressed her, he slowly began to
peel her nightgown off and kiss every inch of her body. She moaned in 
pleasure as he did this, ridding him of his sweats and shirt. Allison 
kissed Connor long and hard, until her knees went weak. She caressed 
him, massaging his body as he continued to explore hers. She made him 
weak, and he didn't realize until that precise moment how much he loved 
and needed her. Nearly losing her the night before, brought Connor's 
passion to an unbearable peak. Allison kissed him long and full as she 
explored his body and let him work his magic on hers. In this moment, 
there was no one but the two of them in the world, Connor looked at 
Allison adoringly as he continued to kiss her and stroke her hair. “I 
love you, Allie.” He said kissing her long and deep. “I love you too.” 
She said breathlessly, she kissed him again, and they both began to 
need each other even more. They continued the foreplay until neither of 
them could stand it anymore. 

When the time was right, Connor slowly entered her and made love to her.
She moaned his name in pleasure and enjoyed every second of it. She 
knew that their souls were forever entwined and making love just 
confirmed it again. When they were both exhausted, they collapsed and 
laid in each others arms. Connor continued to stroke her hair as she 
laid in his arms. “That was amazing.” Connor said softly. “You were 
amazing!. Thank you for last night.” She said smiling at him. “You're 
welcome, honey. I love you.” “I love you too.” “You're the beat of my 
heart, every breath that I take. Allie, I don't know what I would've 
done if I had lost you last night.” “Don't think that way. I'm fine.” 
She said smiling. But behind her smile, he knew she was worried. “I 
know that, darling. But we're going to find out who did that to you.” 
They talked for almost an hour, before Allison got up and made coffee.  
She was planning to go to the hospital and work on some cases. Jack 
would be there for a few more weeks according to the doctor. Even  
after he was able to return home, he would need physical therapy. As 
they leisurely sat and sipped their coffee, Connor's cell rang. “Are 
you going to get that?” Allison asked noticing that me was making no 
move for the phone. “No.” he said kissing her. She had made ham, cheese 
and onion omlets and he took a bite as the phone continued to ring. But 
the incessant buzzing got on his nerves. “Oh, I'm coming!” Connor said 
reluctantly getting up. He crossed the room and grabbed his phone. 
“Connor Cassidy.” “Connor?” he froze when he heard the voice. “Yes?” 
“It's Grace. I know I'm not the person you want to hear from, but can 
you meet me for dinner?” “Why?” he was suspicious, but curious at the 
same time. “I have something I have to tell you. Please, it's 
important.” “Okay. Where?” “The Little Beastro.” Grace said 
confidently. “All right. How's 7?” “Fine. Thanks, Connor.” Grace 
replaced the reciever and smiled to herself. This plan had to work, it 
just had to. 

Allison was curious about the phone call, but she didn't ask as Connor
returned to the table. He slipped his arm around her and told her about 
Grace. “That was Grace. She wants to meet me for dinner. She says she 
has something important to tell me.” “Do you think she's all right? Or 
is this just what she does?” Connor smiled surprised at how concerned 
she was. Grace was after all his ex-wife, and could be viewed by some 
women as a threat. But not to Allison, he kissed her again, knowing he 
loved her even more for her caring nature and generous heart. “It 
depends on what day you catch her on. I hope you don't mind.” “No, I 
hope everything's all right.” “Oh, I'm sure it will be.” Connor watched 
as Allison piled the plates and took them into the kitchen. As she 
disappeared behind the partician that separated the living room and 
kitchen, he knew he could never love another more. He also knew that 
whatever Grace had to say couldn't change the way he felt about 
Allison. 

At 6-45, Connor sat in a booth at the Little Beastro.  He was early, but
he needed some time to hink, what could Grace possibly have to tell 
him? He was preoccupied all day just thinking about it, Allison noticed 
but she hadn't said a word. He had kissed her before he left and told 
her he would be back as soon as he could. It was Saturday, and he 
wanted to spend the weekend with her, but Grace's voice, her plea had 
tugged at his heart. After all, they did have a history, Connor knew 
that nothing could ever erase that from his heart. But Allison would 
never have an affair like Grace did. He was lost in tought until 
someone sat down across from him. “Hi, stranger.” Grace said 
seductively, her hair was perfectly pulled back into a bun, her green 
eyes sparkled with promise and her smile was still captivating. “Hi, 
Grace. How are you?” “I'm ... I could be doing better. I'm glad you 
came, Connor. Thanks.” “You're welcome.” “So, Connor, how have you 
been? What have you been up to? Are you dating anyone?” he thought her 
interest was a little too personal as he sat back and drank some red 
wine. “I thought we agreed to lead separate lives, Grace.” “Yes, we 
did. But I was just asking.” She knew about Allison Shure, the reporter 
who seemed to catch his eye, she just wanted to hear it from his lips. 
“As a matter of fact, I am dating, she's one of the most compassionate 
people I've ever met. It took my heart a long time to get over you, 
Grace. It's still hard, but I'm getting better every day. Your betrayal 
hurt me, but Allison's patience and kindness have taught me to trust 
again.” Grace felt a surge of anger as she heard that dreaded name 
again. But she quickly suppressed it with a smile. “That's wonderful, 
I'm happy for you.” She said putting down her wine glass. “Are you 
dating that hot lover of yours?” Connor asked sarcastically, secretly 
wondering if Grace had taken up with her dark-haired lover once their 
marriage had ended. “No, not him. I'm seeing a wonderful man though. 
He's sort of like your Allison. Maybe we should put them together and 
start over.” She said with a flirtacious wink. 

Acrosstown, Allison was having a drink with Lynn. She was lonely without
Connor so t she and Lynn made a night of it. Drinking wine coolers and 
talking about their high school days. Allison was getting quite tipsy 
at this point, as she told Lynn about Connor and Grace's dinner date. 
“Wait a second! He left you to go out with Grace?” Allison nodded as 
she went into the kitchen to get some more chips and salsa. “Allison, 
how could you let him spend time with her? She wants to get her claws 
into him again!” “Oh, Lynn stop!. Connor's over her.” “When was their 
divorce final?” “A few months ago.” “See, I told you!. You're going to 
lose him if you keep letting him do stuff like that!. I guarantee you 
she's going to try to get him in the sac.” Allison laughed as she set 
the chips and salsa on the table. “He wouldn't fall for it, Lynn. 
That's why he divorced her.” “That maybe true, but that doesn't mean 
that she's going to stop trying. Does Grace know about you and Connor?” 
“I don't think so.” “You moron! And you let him go out with her!. What 
did you say when he told you?” she knew what Allison's answer was going 
to be before she spoke. “I asked him if she was okay. Then he asked me 
if I minded that he go out to dinner with her.” “And you said no?” she 
nodded. “I've lost more men that way, you have to listen to me and play 
this the right way.” “Well, Lynn since you've been around the block 
more than the Good Humor Man how about you tell me.” “Around the block, 
hell!. I learned his route and everything!” they laughed at Lynn's joke 
as Lynn poured herself another wine cooler. The room was starting to 
spin now, and Allison knew she needed to stop. She had started drinking 
when Marie died, and any alcohol since triggered memories of her 
mother. But she would have the occasional drink once in a while. She 
reached for some chips dipping them generously in the salsa as she 
listened to Lynn's advice. “When Connor comes home, you've got to be 
mad as hell!. Question him, grill him like Barbara Walters. If you 
start letting Grace run your life, you'll never have Connor.” “You're 
right. I have to try harder. I have faith in him, Lynn. I know that he 
wouldn't have an affair or anything.” “That's more faith than I've got 
in Richie.” “Richie is gorgeous! He's amazing!. How's that going by the 
way?” “Did I tell you he's great in bed?” Allison blushed feeling quite 
dizzy. “No, tell me everything.” “He's amazing!. I'm lucky I remember 
my own name when we're together!. He's got magic hands!” they both 
laughed as Lynn reached for the chips. Lynn had missed their friendship 
and was glad they had this time together. She thought of almost losing 
Allison the other night and how empty her life would be. 

Connor looked at Grace curiously, he knew what she was getting at, and
there was no way he was revisiting the marriage from hell. He set down 
his wine glass and skimmed the menu, he was avoiding her eyes. Even 
though he didn't want to admit it, Grace still had a hold over him. If 
he wsaw her eyes, he was done for. “Grace, you know why we can't go 
there. We tried that once. To be honest, that was enough for me.” The 
waiter arrived and took their orders, as he disappeared, Grace began to 
sob. “That's just terrific!. You never loved me!. You were the one who 
wasn't willing to give it a second shot!. You made me sign those damn 
divorce papers!” diners turned to look as Grace's voice raised in pitch 
with every word. “Grace calm down. People are staring at us!. I had you 
sing the papers because our marriage was over. I'm sorry, but I don't 
trust you anymore.” She let that little comment slip as she wipped her 
eyes with a tissue. “I'm sorry, Connor. I just can't seem to get passed 
what we had. I've searched and never found another like you. You know 
why? Because there isn't another, Allison is one lucky woman.” They 
talked all through dinner recounting the good times and bad, but just 
as dessert came Grace began to get sick. “Connor! I'm not feeling 
well.” “What's wrong?” he asked concerned, she saw the worried look in 
his eyes and was delighted. “I ... I don't know. I have the worst 
stomach pains!” “Okay, don't panic, Grace. We'll be out of here in a 
minute.” Connor paid the check and went to get the car. Grace could 
barely stand, so Connor practically carried her to the car. 

On the drive back to her apartment, Grace remained quiet. Connor was
worried but tried to concentrate on driving as he travled the long 
Windy road that led into her apartment complex. He helped Grace to the 
elevator and was about to leave her at the door when she turned. 
“Connor, can you come in so I can tell you my news?” “I don't think I 
...” “Please, I didn't want to tell you in the restaurant.” “All right. 
Just for a minute.” Grace fumbled with the keys until  she found the 
right one. She let him in and they sat on the couch. She too his hand 
and looked into his eyes. “Connor, I know we've had our differences, 
but this news is going to make that all go away. Everything is going to 
change and for the better. Connor, I'm pregnant.” 

Lynn stared at the clock, it was nearly midnight. Allison was flipping
through the channels looking for something remotely interesting to 
watch. She wondered where Connor was, and if Lynn was right. Had she 
given him too much freedom? Lynn noticed her silence and was worried. 
“What are you thinking about?” she asked softly. “Connor. I wonder 
where he is.” “I don't know.” “Oh, Lynn, I hope you weren't right after 
all.” “I'm sure not, Allison. You know how suspicious I can be.” “Yeah 
but still.” “Don't worry so much!. You've got Connor hooked!. He'll be 
back. I'd love to stay but I have to be to work tomorrow.” “On Sunday?” 
“Yeah, the reporter who does the Fallwood Morning Show is on vacation. 
I didn't realize how late it was.” “Well, thanks for coming over. I 
loved it.” “Me too. You call me if you need me okay?” “Sure.” Allison 
walked Lynn to the door, and as she watched her go, she thought about 
Connor. She picked up the portable and dialed.' 

“Pregnant? What do you mean pregnant?” “I know it's a shock, it is to me
too. We didn't have ... those sorts of relations much after the 
affair.” “Are you sure it's mine?” “What the hell kind of a question is 
that?” “A valid one, Grace!. We didn't get divorced because you were 
playing footsy with Mr. Romeo!” “Well, of course it's yours!. I'll have 
a DNA test done if it'll make you feel better.” “Okay. Grace, you know 
if the child you're carrying is mine, I'll work with you.” “Oh, how 
lovely. Only for the sake of our baby?” she retorted. “Don't do this.” 
“How will Allison feel about this latest development?” it was a 
possibility Connor had to consider. “I don't know. But we'll get 
through it. Listen I really have to go. It's getting late and Allison's 
probably getting worried.” “Thanks for the dinner. I'm sorry I got 
sick.” “It's all right. Are you feeling better?” “Yes. Thanks.” She 
watched as he let himself out. Her plan had to work, it couldn't fail 
it was the only way to win Connor back. 

Connor let himself into Allison's apartment. He knew she had to be
asleep by now. He closed the door quietly behind him and saw her 
sleeping on the couch. She had been waiting up for him, and he felt 
extremely  guilty for being out this late. How was he going to explain 
that Grace was pregnant? He glanced at the clock, it was nearly 1, 
certainly now wasn't the time to tell her, Connor searched for a 
blanket to cover her with. He found one in the hall closet and gently 
draped it over her. He kissed her lightly on the lips and quietly 
padded out of the living room. He pondered Grace's words as he drifted 
off to sleep that night. 

Grace stared at the clock, she was waiting for him to arrive. She had
been keeping him up to date on her plans for Connor ever since the 
divorce. Although she loved him, no one could ever take the place of 
Connor. She turned when she heard a key in the door. The front door 
quickly opened and he closed it softly behind him. He saw her sitting 
on the couch waiting for him. “How'd it go?” he asked giving her a kiss 
on the cheek. “Pretty well, he took the bait.” A thin smile formed 
across his lips. She appraised him again, dark hair, alluring eyes, he 
had everything. Everything accept her heart. “Perfect. So you think 
that will win him over?” he asked taking a seat beside her. “I hope 
so.” Their hands touched igniting the fire of passion that burned 
within them. It was purely physical, but Grace loved him. They began to 
kiss and before long they were wrapped in each others arms murmuring 
their love between passion filled kisses. 

Allison woke around 10 the next morning. She wondered if Connor had come
in last night. If he had, she hadn't heard him. Her head pounded and 
she knew she had drank too much last night. She put the coffee pot on 
and then tiptoed into the bedroom for her slippers. She saw Connor 
sleeping peacefully and grabbed her slippers and robe. As she went back 
into the living room, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the 
air. Scarlet began to squawk and Allison quickly shushed him. She 
petted him and told him how much she loved him. “Hi, Scarlet. How are 
you, sweetie? Do you know how much I love you?” he squawked. “Shh, 
Connor's still asleep. Come here.” She opened the cage door and Scarlet 
hopped onto her hand. She petted him while she enjoyed her first cup of 
coffee. She heard footsteps and then her name. Connor was beside her in 
an instant. “Allie, good morning.” “Good morning, sweetheart. What time 
did you get in last night?” “Not until 1. You were asleep, so I   just 
covered you with a blanket. I didn't want to wake you.” “You could've . 
I was waiting up for you. Lynn and I had some wine coolers last night. 
Those pack some punch. Want some coffee?” “Sure.” She rose and went 
into the kitchen to fix him a cup. While she was pouring she inquired 
about Grace. “So, how was Grace? Was her news Earth shattering?” she 
chuckled a little at the thought. What could she possibly say that 
would rock his world? When he didn't respond, Allison came back into 
the living room with his coffee. “Connor?” “Uh ... it was sort of. 
Allie, I ... I don't know how to tell you this.” “Just say it. We can 
get through anything as long as we're together!” she said with a smile. 
“You've been so understanding about Grace, and not questioning me about 
where I was last night. That ... I ... uh ... just don't know how to 
tell you. Except to come right out and say it. Grace is pregnant.” 


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