Double Jeopardy Chapter 4 (standard:mystery, 6195 words) [4/13] show all parts
Author: Sarah Spenser	Added: Jun 13 2005	Views/Reads: 2821/2031	Part vote: 0.00 (0 votes)
This chapter picks up from where Allison loses consciousness in the hospital.

Click here to read the first 75 lines of the story

out to speak to him. He was frantic with worry, and Drake tried to 
comfort Connor. “How's Allie?” “She's fine now. She has a severe case 
of hypothermia, it was uncertain for a while whether she'd pull 
through, but she's resting now.” “How about our baby?” “The baby's 
fine. It's amazing that the hypothermia had such little affect. She's 
been asking for you. We gave her something to calm her down, so she may 
be a little drowsy. But you're welcome to see her.” Connor followed 
Drake as he led the way to Allison's room. She was lying on the bed 
covered in blankets. Connor tiptoed over to her and gently shook her. 
“Allie?” she opened her eyes and smiled at him. “Connor, oh I'm so glad 
to see you!” he leaned in and she kissed him. “Oh, Allie, everyone 
thought you were dead. What happened? Where have you been? Is the baby 
all right? Are you okay?” she looked at him blankly. “Wait a second, 
too many questions.” “Sorry.” Connor gently kissed her again, tasting 
paradise on her lips, and took her hand. “The baby's fine, I'm fine 
now. It was touch and go for a while from what Drake says, but I'm fine 
now. I was driving back from the station when I noticed someone 
following me. I tried to elude him, but after a wile he got annoyed. He 
rammed my car, I skidded in the rain and wound up plunging into the 
lake. I don't remember anything else. Where were you when I called?” “I 
was in the hospital.” “Oh, my love, what happened to you? Are you 
okay?” “I'm fine, I went completely nuts when I thought you were dead. 
I searched the lake, I even had Charlie do a search with his divers and 
dogs. But he called off the search and said it was hopeless, he thought 
you were dead. I went crazy, Allie! All I could do was think about our 
last fight, and our last words to each other. I love you, sweetness, 
and I know now that nothing is more important than you!” “I love you 
too, my love. I'm sorry, Connor, I really am.” She began to cry. He 
gently brushed her tears away and kissed her full on the mouth. “Shh, 
Allison, it's going to be all right. As long as your by my side, 
everything's perfect.” He stayed with her for hours. They talked and 
rekindled their romance, soon she drifted off to sleep. Connor tiptoed 
from the room and called Lynn. She was overjoyed and flew to the 
hospital. “Is she really alive?” “Yes, she is! She's sleeping right 
now, but she's alive.” “The baby?” “The baby's fine too.” “Can I see 
her?” the nurse looked at Lynn carefully. “Are you immediate family?” 
“No, but Allison's like a sister to me.” “Okay, you've got five 
minutes. But if anyone asks, you didn't hear it from me.” Lynn headed 
into Allison's room. She didn't want to wake her, just see for herself 
that she was alive. But as she pulled a chair beside her bed, Allison 
began to scream. “No! stop! Oh God no! stop!” Lynn gently shook her. 
“Allison?” she opened her eyes and stared in terror. “Allison?” “Lynn, 
are you okay?” “I'm fine. How about you?” “It was a dream wasn't it?” 
“Yes, that's all it was.” “I ... I saw the man who was coming after me 
in the car.” “What car? You're not making sense.” “The man who was 
coming after me, Lynn! This wasn't an accident! It was fowl play.” 
“Allison, get a hold of yourself, it was just a dream.” “No, you don't 
understand, the man in that car rammed my car, Lynn. That's why I lost 
control!” “It's all right, Allison. It's over now, nothing's going to 
happen to you. It was just a dream. I was elated when Connor told me 
you were alive! We all thought you were dead! Oh, Allison, I don't know 
what I'd do without you.” They hugged before Lynn departed. The nurse 
had signaled that their time was up, and Lynn didn't want to get her in 
trouble. Once in the hall, she told Connor about Allison's dream. 
“Sounds more like a nightmare.” “Yeah, Connor I've never seen her so 
freaked out.” “I'll talk to her.” He went in and tried to comfort 
Allie. He held her hand and stroked her hair. “Lynn tells me you had a 
nightmare.” “Oh, Connor it was awful! I relived the accident all over 
again! I swear there was someone following me. I know she didn't 
believe it but there was, I know there was. I saw him.” “Can you 
remember the car?” “A black sedan.” “I believe you, tomorrow morning 
I'll go back to the site and have a look. But right now, you need to 
get some rest, Allie.” “I will.” He held her hand until she drifted off 
to sleep. He watched her just to make sure that the nightmares didn't 
haunt her again. She seemed restless, and he worried about her. 

By the next morning, Allison was released from the hospital. She was
tired, she had slept fitfully the night before, and Connor still 
worried about her. She seemed determined to prove that she was almost a 
victim of fowl play. She knew the source of her problems. Allison drove 
to Chad's mansion and pounded on the door until someone answered. 
“Yes?” “I'm here to see Chad Batano.” “Mr. Batano is in a meeting with 
the Rosini crime family. May I say who's calling?” “Allison Shure.” 
“One moment, Ms. Shure.” The maid said, she left Allison in the 
vestibule while she went to retrieve Chad. He came out eyes bulging and 
muscles tight. “What the hell do you want?” “I want answers, Chad! What 
the hell was that? Plunging my car into the lake.” “You deserved it! 
You're medalling in my affairs, Allison. When you do that, buttercup 
you're going to get hurt.” She hadn't heard the pet name in years, and 
cringed. “Buttercup? What was that flattery?” “Listen, I have a meeting 
to get back to. So whatever it is you came to say can wait.” “No it 
can't you arrogant piece of trash!” she grabbed his arm so hard he was 
temporarily speechless. “I'm pregnant! You better not mess with me 
again!” “I can have you wearing cement shoes in a matter of minutes, 
buttercup!” “Shut the hell up! I'm not a threat to you, Chad! Why can't 
you just leave me alone? All I want to do is find Ernie Grimson.” “I 
know, dear, that's the problem!” “Listen to me, if you endanger my 
family, you'll regret the day you were  born!” “Oh, Allison empty 
threats. Now I know why I left you at that chapel.” “That was a rotten 
thing to do!” “I'm sorry, but you just weren't mature enough for a 
marriage!” “You left me at the altar! In front of 200 guests! Do you 
know how embarrassing that was? Then Mom died the same year!” “You just 
weren't right for me, Allison. I didn't want to break your heart.” “So 
instead of telling me before our wedding day, you decided the best 
thing to do was to leave me at the altar? What kind of a man does that? 
Besides that, you planted drugs on me!” “Oh, do you have to keep 
bringing up ancient history?” “Yes! Because if you don't leave me and 
my family alone I will go to the police about what happened in Atlantic 
City.” “If you even remember! You were stoned out of your mind! Drunk 
as all hell!” “You drugged me!” “Yeah whatever, buttercup! Well, this 
has been shall we say ... lovely but I have to go.” She watched him 
disappear and quivered in fear. She prayed that her little tease 
worked. It was the only way to keep her family and her marriage intact. 


Allison's insomnia continued to plague her, she walked the floor at
night and Connor would wake up and search for her. He knew she was 
having nightmares about her car accident, and he couldn't blame her. 
When she did sleep, the dreams would always come, and she'd thrash and 
wake up screaming. One night, she fought Connor bitterly when he tried 
to wake her, thinking he was Slim Hawkins. She started flubbing on air, 
and she was having trouble concentrating. Connor knew it wasn't good 
for her or the baby. Especially in her condition, A Allie needed her 
rest. He talked to Lynn about it over coffee while Allison was at WFTR. 
“I don't know what to do. She won't sleep. She tries, but the 
nightmares always come. Did you see that report last night?” Connor 
asked concerned. “I did, she's never messed up so badly before. I'm 
really worried, have you talked to her about it?” “I have, and she 
shuts down.” “Connor, do you mean to tell me that she doesn't think she 
has a problem?” “Exactly. Allie told me that she used to go to a 
psychotherapist. Could she help her?” “I don't know.” “Could you give 
me her name?” “Okay. I'll have to look it up. Something with Stone in 
it. Longstone that's it! Mae Longstone.” Connor thanked Lynn, when he 
arrived at the office he dialed Mae's number. 

Allison was busy at her desk, she was trying vigorously to cover last
night's mistake. Doug knew she was under a lot of stress, and she still 
jumped at every sound she heard. Always thinking it was Slim coming 
back to haunt her. She still couldn't Place the man's face in the black 
sedan that had run her off the road that night. She thought it was Slim 
but couldn't be sure. Allison was lost in concentration when her phone 
rang. “Good morning, WFTR. Allison Shure speaking, may I help you?” “Um 
... Ms. Shure?” the voice stammered. “Yes?” “Is this Allison Shure?” 
“Yes. May I help you?” “This is Ernie. Ernie Grimson. I need your help. 
Could you meet me somewhere.” Ernie Grimson was alive. Allison smiled 
as she heard his voice. She wondered why he was calling. “Okay where?” 
“How about Martha's?” “Sure, I'll see you there in half an hour.” Ernie 
thanked her and hung up. Little did he know that a man was following 
his every move. 

Allison entered Martha's twenty minutes later. She sat in the first
booth and kept a lookout for Ernie. She brought the only photo she had 
of him with her. He was a striking young man, 6-2, brown hair, and 
hazel eyes. In the photo, he looked gentle and kind, and Allison 
secretly wondered how he had allowed himself to get mixed up with the 
mob. But then how had she gotten mixed up with Chad? She pushed the 
thought aside as a tall gentleman entered the coffee shop. He stared at 
Allison and then timidly approached her. “Are you Allison Shure?” “Yes, 
you must be Ernie.” “That's right.” He said sitting shyly across from 
her. She was beautiful, and Ernie found himself drawn to her. Those 
damn blue eyes, captivating and her dark brown hair gave her an angelic 
look. “Um ... thanks for meeting me, Ms. Uh ... Shure.” “Ernie, it's 
okay. I'm not going to hurt you. By the way, you can call me Allison.” 
“Do me a favor?” “What?” “Don't tell my parents you found me.” “Why 
not?” Allison was flabbergasted. “Because things aren't always what 
they seem.” “Would you like something to eat?” “I don't have a dime to 
my name, Ms. ... Allison.” “I'll spring for it. Get something, a strong 
young man like you needs to eat.” She smiled endearingly at him, Ernie 
returned her smile and instantly felt comfortable with her. They 
ordered, Allison ordered a cappuccino and Ernie a burger and fries. 
While they waited, they made small talk. “So, what happened? Why have 
you been gone for so long?” “Long story. Let's just say, I got in with 
the wrong crowd. Ever heard of a man named Slim Hawkins? They call him 
The Hawk out on the street. He's one bad man! He told me he tried to 
kill a woman the other night in a black sedan.” Allison froze, it 
must've registered on her face because Ernie stopped talking. “Allison? 
Are you okay?” “Uh ... yeah I'm fine. Just a little tired.” But he knew 
that something he had just said had upset her. Her eyes gave her 
thoughts away. Connor always told her that when she hid her eyes, he 
couldn't tell what she was thinking. For some reason, she thought of it 
now. “What did Slim say?” “He said he was going to try and off the 
woman, but her car plunged into the lake instead.” “You should be 
careful, Ernie.” “I will, I promise. I ran away from home, and then got 
involved selling and dealing on the streets. I had gotten in too deep 
and couldn't tell Mom and Dad. So I split.” “You mean you weren't 
kidnapped?” “It's been a long day already, Allison. I'm not ready to 
tell you my whole story yet.” “Oh, sorry.” “No, I didn't mean to snap 
at you. You've been nothing but kind and I'm grateful for it. I've just 
been living on the streets too long. I've got to learn to trust again.” 
“Do you have any place to stay?” “No.” “Well, why don't you come back 
to my place? You can rest there, and we'll figure out something in the 
morning.” “Oh no ...” “Ernie, come on.” She paid the check and drove 
Ernie back to the apartment. Once he was settled, she left for the 
station again. Allison was definitely too trusting and good natured, 
and Ernie knew it. 

Connor was glad to get home that night, he had a long day and just
wanted to relax and pop open a bottle of wine with Allison. He was 
shocked when he walked in and saw a man sleeping on their couch. He 
closed the door and put his briefcase down. Connor went over to the man 
and shook him awake. “What's happening, man?” Ernie said opening his 
eyes sleepily. “Who are you?” “Huh?” “Who are you? You're in our 
apartment sleeping on our couch! Now who the hell are you?” “Ernie 
Grimson.” “Who let you in here?” “Allison.” “Oh, well I'm Allison's 
husband Connor. Nice to meet you. Can I get you anything?” “If you 
could get me a beer that would be great.” Connor muttered something as 
he went into the kitchen. He was going to have a word with Allie. How 
could she not ask him? After all, this was his house too. 

Half an hour later, Allison arrived home. Connor and Ernie were watching
TV. Connor got up and kissed her. She returned his affection as they 
embraced, Ernie watched from a far. “Hi, Allie. How was your day?” “Oh 
fine. How was yours, my love?” “Fine, until I came home and found Ernie 
here.” “Um, Connor let's talk in private.” Allison said leading the way 
to the bedroom. He closed the door and sat next to her on the bed. 
“What the hell are you doing? Don't I get a vote? This is my house too 
you know? Or have you forgotten that?” “Wait a second, before you get 
all mad at me. There's something you need to know! Ernie's just having 
a little bad luck that's all. He's just a kid who's down on his luck. 
He needed a place to stay I offered him our house for the night.” 
“Allie, he's going to take advantage of us! You're too trusting, honey. 
When you're too trusting you're going to get hurt!” “Oh, Connor please! 
There's that detective streak in you! Ernie's not going to hurt me. You 
don't have to worry, I'm not going to be stupid enough to put us and 
our unborn child in danger!” “I know, I just ...” the phone rang 
interrupting there conversation. Allison answered it. “Hello?” “Hi, 
Allison it's Mae Longstone. How are you?” she froze when she heard the 
voice. Her face went white, and her mouth went dry. “I'm ... I'm fine 
how are you, Dr. Longstone?” “Fine, Connor called me this afternoon. He 
told me you're having trouble sleeping. You have insomnia, because you 
were involved in some sort of accident?” Allison felt betrayed, and 
looked at Connor with sad eyes. “Uh ... yes. Is something wrong?” 
“Well, I thought you might like to come in for a visit. Maybe talking 
would  help.” “Okay, well, I'm free Monday at 1. Is that good for you?” 
“Sure,  that's fine. I'll see you then. Oh and, Allison?” “Yes?” “It's 
great to hear your voice.” Mae hung up, Allison replaced the receiver 
and turned towards her husband. “How could you? Where did you get her 
name from?” “Lynn.” He said softly. “How could you? What is this pay 
back for Ernie?” “Allie, I'm worried about you! You're not sleeping, 
you're flubbing up on air, it's not like you. I'm only trying to do 
what's best for you.” “What's best for me? You didn't consult with me! 
You didn't even talk it over with me! And say how would you like to see 
Dr. Longstone?” “Allison, I'm sorry! I was just trying to help! Every 
time I try to talk to you, you bury your head in the sand! I can't even 
get you to admit that you have a problem!” “That's because it's a 
little insomnia! Listen if you were a woman and your car plunged into a 
lake on purpose and you were pregnant you'd be a little on edge too!” 
“But, Allie! This has gone on for over two weeks, sweetness! I was just 
trying to help!” “Well, Connor next time I need your help I‘ll ask for 
it!” she turned on her heel and walked out of the bedroom. A moment 
later, he heard the front door slam. Connor tried to go after her, but 
it was no use. Ernie was watching MTV and looked up when Connor entered 
the living room. “Trouble in paradise?” “Shut up!” Connor said angrily. 


Lynn was in an intimate embrace with Richie when the doorbell rang.
Richie Comings was the best doctor in Connecticut and one of its most 
available bachelors. “Lynn?” she recognized he voice immediately, it 
was Allison. She opened the door as Allison came in. They embraced in a 
friendly hug and Allison turned to see Richie standing in the kitchen 
doorway. “Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bother you. But I really have 
to talk to you, Lynn. This won't take long.” “Okay.” They left Richie 
in the living room while Lynn led Allison to  her bedroom. “What's up?” 
“How could you?” Allison began to sob uncontrollably. “What? How could 
I what, Allison?” “How could you give Connor Mae Longstone's name? How 
could you betray me like that?” “Allison, it's not what you think. He 
came to me this morning, he was very concerned about you. You aren't 
sleeping, messing up on the air, he was just worried about you. He was 
only trying to help. So was I.” “I still can't believe it! Both of you 
should've talked to me. Mae called and I have an appointment for Monday 
afternoon.” “Do you want me to go with you?” “No! you've done quite 
enough already.” “Listen, I know you, and when you calm down, you'll 
see that it's for your own good. Connor and I love you very much, 
Allison. We don't want you or the baby to get hurt. You need to sleep, 
especially since you're pregnant. You need rest, Allison, you're going 
to crash one day if you don't.” “Well, thanks for the talk, Lynn. I 
really didn't mean to interrupt.” Allison left a short time later. She 
drove back to the apartment. By this point, it was late. Around 12 when 
she entered. The apartment was silent, Ernie was sleeping on the couch, 
she checked on him, she padded down the hall to the bedroom. Connor was 
asleep, she changed and quietly climbed into bed beside him. But as 
soon as she slid in, he opened his eyes. “Allie?” he mumbled sleepily. 
“Yeah.” “You came back. I never thought you'd speak to me again. Where 
did you go?” “To give Lynn a piece of my mind. I know you both were 
trying to help, Connor but it's one of my pet peeves. If you're going 
to do something that involves me, discuss it with me first.” “I'm 
sorry, sweetness. I didn't mean to upset you so much.” “I'm sorry too, 
my love. I guess I'm a bit irritable because of not sleeping.” “It's 
okay, Allie.” “Let me show you how sorry I am.” She pulled him towards 
her and kissed him long and hard. He returned her affection and the 
passion began to build within him. 

He let Allison control the pace As she gently kissed every inch of his
body. Once she had his pajamas off, she flipped her nightgown onto the 
floor. She whispered how much she loved him as she took possession of 
his lips and gently began to massage his chest. “Allie, you're driving 
me crazy!” he said breathlessly. “Tell me you want me, Connor. Tell me 
you want to make love to me!” she panted between passion filled kisses. 
“Oh, Allie I want you! Make love to me, Allie.” She let him take over, 
as he caressed her breasts and planted kisses all over her. He gently 
stroked her hair, feeling it's luxurious texture beneath his fingers. 
Allison kissed him long and hard and ran her hands delicate over his 
chest and caressed his cheek, she ran her hands through his soft blond 
hair as well. He slowly entered her, taking her to new heights of 
passion. 

Their dance started slow and rhythmic, but at its peak, it grew faster
and ever more sensual. Allison moaned his name in pleasure as Connor 
conveyed his love for her with his body. Once they were too exhausted, 
they collapsed in each others arms. Connor stroked her hair as she 
smiled at him. “I love you, Connor.” She whispered. “I love you too, 
Allison.” Soon they were asleep. 

The next day, Allison tried to think of a new place for Ernie to live.
Connor was none too happy, and they had to be careful not to arouse his 
suspicions that they had made love last night. They had both tried to 
be quiet, but Allison wasn't ready to have a sixteen-year-old asking 
questions. She fixed him breakfast and then headed off to work. “I'll 
look in the classifieds. I really appreciate your kindness, Allison.” 
Ernie said biting into his bacon and egg sandwich. “You're welcome, 
Ernie. Any time.” “Allison?” “Yeah?” “Are you and Connor okay?” “Oh, 
we're fine. Just a little lovers' spat.” She said with a laugh, she 
thought of Connor and how upset he had been about Ernie last night. But 
things had a way of working out. Just as she was heading out the door 
the phone rang. “Hello?” “Allison?” it was Lynn. “Hi, Lynn.” “Are you 
still speaking to me?” “Of course. Listen I'm sorry that I went off on 
you last night. I know that you and Connor were just trying to help. I 
love you, Lynn like a sister. I'm sorry. Do you forgive me?” “Of course 
I  forgive you, Allison. I missed you. I was so worried about you. 
That's not like you.” “I know, and  I'm sorry.” “Did things work out 
with you and Connor?” “Yeah, we made up. Then,” she lowered her voice 
so Ernie wouldn't hear. “we made love!” “Oo how romantic!” “Yeah.” 
“Well, I just wanted to call and see that you were all right.” “Thanks, 
Lynn and I really am sorry.” 

“Oh, Allison, stop apologizing! I forgive you!”  she laughed and they
hung up. 

Connor was working at his desk when the phone rang. He was hoping it was
Allie, he couldn't get last night out of his head. He wanted to make 
love to her again and again. But unfortunately, real life intervened, 
Connor set down his pen and picked up the phone. “Detective Cassidy.” 
“Connor, it's Slim Hawkins. How are you?” “Fine, Slim what do you 
want?” Connor deduced that Slim had been the one who ran Allison off 
the road. Fresh tire marks at the scene revealed that another car 
deliberately pushed her off the road. But a conclusive match still had 
to be determined. “Meet me down at Martha's.” “Why?” “I have some info 
on the Grimson case.” With that he was gone. Connor got up and headed 
over to Martha's. 

Slim entered and sat across from Connor. He was a tall man with graying
hair and dark ominous eyes. Connor had been trying to nab him for 
years, but had been unsuccessful. Connor wonted to get right to 
business. “What's up, Slim?” “I have some news for you, Connor. Ernie's 
alive.” “I know that.” “Well, okay. So it's not news anymore. I do have 
a  little tidbit for you about your wife.” Connor's ears perked up. 
“What? You better not hurt her!” “Relax, did you ever hear her talk 
about Chad Batano?” “No, why?” “Oh, Allison's got some deep dark 
secrets in her closet.” “You said you had some information on Grimson! 
What is it?” “Relax, Detective I'll give you you're info. Just remember 
this sage piece of advice, things aren't always what they seem. Did you 
know that Ernie asked Allison not to tell his parents that she found 
him?” “Yes.” Connor said calling Slim's bluff. Even though this was 
news to him, he didn't want Slim to think that he had the upper hand. 
“Well, why do you suppose that is?” “I have no idea! But if you're not 
going to give me any more information I'm leaving.” “Okay, Connor. Nice 
chatting with you! Ask Allison about what I told you now.” With that 
Slim left. 

Ernie had no luck going through the classifieds, he was going to ask
Allison if she would let him spend one more night with her and Connor. 
He loved the apartment, and he also loved Scarlet. He seemed to take a 
liking to him, and when Allison got home, Scarlet was playing 
basketball with Ernie. Allison stood watching amazed. “Wow! He doesn't 
do that with anyone but me! Congratulations!” “Thanks. Listen, Allison 
I didn't find anything yet. Can I stay one more night?” “I don't see 
why not? I'll ask Connor, but I certainly don't mind.” When Connor got 
home, Allison was cooking dinner. The apartment smelled of fried steak 
and baked potatoes. “What are you making?” Connor asked kissing her 
hard. “Steak and baked potatoes. I hope that's all right?” “Oh, fine 
with me, sweetness. Whatever your heart desires.” “How was your day, 
Connor?” “Oh it was fine. How was yours?” “Fine. Do you mind if Ernie 
stays here tonight?” “No, he didn't find anything yet?” “No not yet. He 
asked me if it was okay. I think you should go out there and make him 
feel welcome.” “I'd rather make love to you right here, right now!” she 
laughed and kissed him. “Okay, I'll go out there.” Connor reluctantly 
left her side to try and be hospitable. 

All through dinner, Connor contemplated what Slim had said. What did
Allison have to do with Chad Batano? When they were in bed, he got his 
opportunity to ask her. She was shocked when he finished telling her 
what Slim had said. “No, Chad? Are you kidding. That was such a long 
time ago.” “What was?” “Uh ... nothing.” She turned away from him so he 
couldn't see her eyes. “Allie? What are you hiding from me?” “Nothing, 
Connor I swear.” “Allison?” “Just leave it alone. I promise you I'll 
tell you one day. There was something but it was a long time ago. When 
we're old and gray I'll tell you.” She turned out the light and 
pretended to be asleep. Connor turned on the light on his side of the 
bed and stared over at her. “Allie?” he whispered softly, she made no 
move to answer him. He was glad she was finally getting some sleep and 
turned out the light. 

Monday afternoon after her appointment with Mae Longstone, Allison
headed to WSPL Lynn's TV station. Lynn took her fifteen minute break 
and went out for coffee with Allison. “So, how'd it go?” “Well, Mae 
gave me something called Amytal. It's a sedative, she said I should 
take it an hour before I got to bed.” “That doesn't sound so ad. Isn't 
Amytal truth serum?” “It's used for many purposes, I think truth serum 
is one of them.” “How's it going with Ernie?” “Well, Connor is less 
than thrilled, but he's getting used to him. He's not a bad kid, just 
down on his luck. I'm getting nervous about Chad.” “Why?” “Because Slim 
told Connor that I used to be involved with Chad.” “Oh, Allison, come 
clean with him. He'll understand.” “No, Lynn! I'm afraid he won't love 
me! Or I'll lose him for sure.” “Allison, he loves you, and everyone 
has skeletons in their closet.” “I don't know, maybe you're right.” “Of 
course I am. That's why I'm not married.” They both laughed, Allison 
thanked her for their little chat and paid for the coffees. 

As she made dinner, Allison thought about her marriage. She loved
Connor, and since her car accident, things had significantly improved. 
She had made an effort to cut back on her hours at the station, and 
Connor had drastically cut back on his hours. Even though there were 
some nights he had to work late, it wasn't every night. Besides those 
nights were few and far between. As she was putting water on for soup, 
the phone rang. “Hello?” “Hi, Allie. How's my favorite reporter?” “I'm 
great! How's my dapper detective?” “Unhappy. I have to work late. I'm 
sorry, sweetness.” “It's okay, Connor. I'll wait up for you.” “I 
wouldn't want you to do that.  I think it's going to be a long night.” 
“Okay, then I think I'll turn in early. Maybe I'll take an Amytal.” 
“Okay, I'll be quiet when I come in.” “No, wake me, just so I know 
you're home safe.” “Okay, I love you, Allie.” “I love you too, my 
love.” Ernie entered then carrying loads of newspapers. “What are 
those?” “Classifieds! I'm going to find a room for rent.” “Oh come on.” 
“No, Allison, I can't live here forever. You and Connor have been 
generous. But I can't impose anymore. When's Connor coming home?” “He's 
working late tonight. So it's just us for dinner. I think I'm going to 
turn in early tonight.” “How'd the shrink go?” “Pretty well, she gave 
me a sedative.” “I'll be quiet.” “Don't worry, that Amytal stuff will 
have me out like a light. I don't think anything will wake me.” Ernie 
appraised Allison, she had circles under her eyes, and she looked 
tired. She could use the sleep, and he also knew from Lynn that she was 
pregnant. “Well, I'll be quiet anyway.” She laughed at him realizing 
how considerate he was. 

The evening passed uneventfully, at around 9, Allison took the Amytal.
She laid in bed and waited for it to take affect. Usually, she went to 
bed around  11, but pregnancy coupled with the insomnia tired her out. 
Soon she was sound asleep, as the Amytal sent her into virtual 
unconsciousness. Ernie soon drifted off to sleep watching MTV on the 
couch. The man knew the time was right. He walked up to the Fallwood 
Apartment Complex and poured accelerant on the building. He lit a match 
and watched as the building began to go up in flames. 


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