Double Jeopardy Chapter 12 (standard:mystery, 5462 words) [12/13] show all parts
Author: Sarah Spenser	Added: Oct 10 2005	Views/Reads: 2668/2002	Part vote: 0.00 (0 votes)
See if Allie and her baby survive the fall!

Click here to read the first 75 lines of the story

with your daughter since she was born. She has some breathing problems, 
which is why she's on the warming table. It's faster than an incubator 
if we need to attend to her immediately.” “What kind of problems?” 
Allison asked beginning to panic. “Her lungs are very underdeveloped, 
so she has trouble taking in air. But she seems to be doing pretty 
well. The warming table is just a precaution, in case we need to get to 
her fast.” “Are you sure?” “I'm sure, she's a fighter. You must be 
Allison. Connor's told me quite a lot about you.” “Yes I am. I'm sorry 
I forgot to introduce myself. Barbara, thank you for taking care of our 
daughter.” “You're welcome. Your husband thinks the world of you, 
Allison. I'm glad you're doing better. You gave us all quite a scare.” 
She smiled warmly at Barbara. “I'm better now thanks for asking. They 
have to give me more blood, but I'm lucky to be alive.” She smiled in 
her daughter's direction, knowing this was the reason she was spared. 
“You're going to be just fine. You can't hold her yet, but you can 
touch her.” Allison reached out her hand and touched her daughter's 
delicate skin. “Hi, sweetheart. I love you so much.” She talked 
soothingly to her as she stared in amazement at the miracle they had 
created. She was tiny, too tiny, but a fighter. Her hand was smaller 
than Allison's pinky. Connor watched her and knew she would make a 
great Mom. “What should we name her?” Connor asked softly. Allison 
stared in wonder at the miracle their love had created. She talked 
softly to her as she held her tiny hand. She appeared to be a calm baby 
so far. “I don't know. I haven't even thought of names yet. How about 
Franchesca?” she said thoughtfully. Connor rolled it off his tongue a 
few times before responding. “Sounds perfect. What about a middle 
name?” Allison's eyes brimmed with tears as she spoke. “I wish my 
mother was here to see her. Would it be all right if we named her Marie 
after my mother?” “Franchesca Marie Cassidy.” Connor said in amazement. 
Allison smiled at her daughter. “Welcome to the world, Francie.” 
Allison said smiling at her. 

A short time later, Connor watched as Allie settled into bed. She had
been wheeled back to her room and was getting tired. The anesthesia 
still had an affect on her. Connor sat quietly by her bed holding her 
hand. “She's beautiful, Connor. But we're not out of the woods yet.” 
“No, but we'll get through this together. Francie could have 
complications, some sight problems, hearing or lung problems. But we 
don't know that yet. She's in one of the finest hospitals in the 
country. Barbara Bishop is a wonderful nurse, she's looking out for 
her.” “Are you sure?” “I'm sure, Allie. You need to get some rest, 
sweetness.” He said placing a gentle kiss on her lips. “I love you, 
Connor.” She said kissing him passionately. “I love you too.” The nurse 
had brought in a cot for Connor. It was already well past 8 the next 
morning. Connor watched from the cot as Allie did her best to make 
herself comfortable. Within minutes, she was asleep, Connor glanced 
over at her knowing how lucky he was to have her. 

Lynn had just called the hospital for an update on Allison and Francie.
Connor had called her when Allie woke up, but she just wanted to be 
sure that everything was all right. All the news services buzzed with 
news of Charlie and his break in at Allie and Connor's. Charlie was now 
a wanted man and had virtually disappeared. This caused concern among 
local residents and the police. Bob Frank was giving a press conference 
on the state of affairs. “Are you going to have Allison Shure and her 
family protected?” a reporter asked. “Yes, absolutely. I have an 
officer on his way to the hospital right now to ensure their safety.” 
“What are the charges pending against Mr. Chattum?” “Well, he has 
several aliases and was once the main crime figure for the mob. A list 
of those charges hasn't been written as of yet. But definitely the 
attempted murder of Allison Shure and her baby if the reports 
circulating are correct.” Lynn turned off the TV when the conference 
was over. She felt a sense of urgency and headed over to the hospital. 

Connor felt himself being shaken awake by a nurse. He opened his eyes
and glanced over at Allison. She was still asleep, his thoughts turned 
to Francie as he became more awake. The nurse tapped him on the 
shoulder. “Mr. Cassidy?” she whispered. “What's wrong?” Connor asked 
looking in Allie's direction again. 12. Future Plans 

“Jill, please how's Allison?” “We stopped the bleeding.” Connor couldn't
believe it, they had struggled for hours and now the battle to save 
Allie's life was finally over. “You did? Is she stable? Can I see her?” 
“Well, she is stable, she's going to be very weak. We still have to 
give her some more transfusions. It may take her longer to wake up from 
the anesthesia, her body's recovering from all of this.” “I don't care, 
I just want to sit with her.” “Okay, let me make sure she's out of 
recovery.” Jill left quickly. Lynn and Thelma hugged Connor. Clint 
shook his hand and hugged him as well. “I knew she'd make it!” Connor 
said. “Give us an update when she wakes up okay?” Lynn said 
frantically. “Sure thing.” Connor waited anxiously for Jill to 
reappear. When she did, he was escorted into see Allie. “She's going to 
be asleep for a while, but you can certainly sit with her.” Connor 
thanked her and took the chair beside Allie's bed. He gently took her 
hand, he was grateful to have her in his life. As he stared at her, he 
thought of how close he had come to losing her, she was a miracle and 
he would protect her with his life if need be. Tears brimmed in his 
eyes as he began to speak. “Allie, it's me, honey. You made it through 
the surgery, you gave us all quite a scare. I'm so happy that you're 
all right. All you have to do is wake up for me, sweetness.” Connor 
held back tears thinking of how close he came to losing her. “We have a 
beautiful baby girl, she's amazing. I can't wait till you see her. 
She's premature, but she's beautiful, Allison. We have a future 
together, sweetheart, you and me.” Connor looked at her face as he 
spoke, she looked pale and he could see what Jill meant about her being 
weak. He talked to her for hours, telling her of all the plans he had 
for them. Nurses came and went regularly as he talked to her. It had 
been hours since the surgery and Connor was getting concerned. One of 
the nurses paused by Allison's bed and checked her vital signs.” Why 
isn't she waking up?” Connor asked as the nurse scribbled on a pad. 
“Well, she's weak from the surgery, she's been through a lot.” “Is 
there anything else I can do?” “Just do what you're doing. Your love is 
all she needs.” Connor continued to talk to her, he was growing 
impatient, he wanted her to wake up. He wondered If she remembered any 
of her harrowing ordeal with Charlie. “Allie, come back to me, 
sweetness. Listen to my voice, think of the future we're going to have 
together. Before you came into my life, I was a lonely man. I didn't 
think I'd ever find love again, but then you swept me away. Allie, I've 
never met anyone quite like you, your heart is so big, that's one of 
the things I love the most about you. I love you so much, Allison. 
Please, honey come back to me. Wake up, sweetness, we have a whole life 
to share together. You're my light in the dark, my compass, Allie. I 
don't know what I'd do without you. We have a beautiful new daughter to 
raise, just open your eyes, sweetheart. Come back to me.” Connor placed 
a gentle kiss on her lips, he couldn't resist the urge to show his 
affection. He sat and held her hand, he thought he saw her eyes flutter 
open. “Allie?” she was dazed and very confused, she slowly opened her 
eyes and looked at Connor. “Connor.” “Allie, you came back to me! Thank 
you!” he kissed her tenderly as tears cascaded down his cheeks. “I love 
you, Connor. I'd never leave you and our baby.” “I love you too, Allie. 
Are you in pain? Can I get you anything? How are you feeling?” “I'm 
weak ... so weak. Connor what happened?” “You lost a lot of blood, so 
you're going to be weak for a while. Sweetheart, you had a C section 
and started hemorrhaging. But you're doing fine now. Do you know where 
you are?” “I'm in the hospital. How's the baby?” he could see the worry 
in her eyes and patted her hand. He stroked her delicate fingers as he 
spoke. “She's beautiful, Allison! You have to see her!” “She's early.” 
“They're doing all they can for her, sweetheart. They said she's 
holding her own.” “When can I see her? Have you seen her? Did you get 
to hold her?” she was overcome with emotion, she couldn't believe they 
had a daughter. “I saw her, but I didn't get to hold her yet. They have 
her in the NICU on oxygen and a warming table. I'll go talk to a 
nurse.” Allison tried to move, but pain shot through her. “No, 
sweetness, don't move. You had a C section. You should try to lie 
still.” “Connor, I have to see her.” She said on the verge of tears. 
“Of course, sweetheart. Just let me talk to a nurse.” Connor left to go 
find a nurse. “Well, we can't bring your daughter here. She needs to be 
in the NICU. Maybe we can bring Allison to the NICU.” Connor returned a 
few minutes later to an anxious Allison. “What did she say, Connor? 
When can we see her?” “Well, they're thinking of bringing you to the 
NICU.” A few minutes later, two orderlies gently wheeled Allison's bed 
down to the NICU. Connor slipped into a gown again and gloves. Allison 
put on gloves as the nurse spoke softly. “I'm Barbara Bishop, I've been 
with your daughter since she was born. She has some breathing problems, 
which is why she's on the warming table. It's faster than an incubator 
if we need to attend to her immediately.” “What kind of problems?” 
Allison asked beginning to panic. “Her lungs are very underdeveloped, 
so she has trouble taking in air. But she seems to be doing pretty 
well. The warming table is just a precaution, in case we need to get to 
her fast.” “Are you sure?” “I'm sure, she's a fighter. You must be 
Allison. Connor's told me quite a lot about you.” “Yes I am. I'm sorry 
I forgot to introduce myself. Barbara, thank you for taking care of our 
daughter.” “You're welcome. Your husband thinks the world of you, 
Allison. I'm glad you're doing better. You gave us all quite a scare.” 
She smiled warmly at Barbara. “I'm better now thanks for asking. They 
have to give me more blood, but I'm lucky to be alive.” She smiled in 
her daughter's direction, knowing this was the reason she was spared. 
“You're going to be just fine. You can't hold her yet, but you can 
touch her.” Allison reached out her hand and touched her daughter's 
delicate skin. “Hi, sweetheart. I love you so much.” She talked 
soothingly to her as she stared in amazement at the miracle they had 
created. She was tiny, too tiny, but a fighter. Her hand was smaller 
than Allison's pinky. Connor watched her and knew she would make a 
great Mom. “What should we name her?” Connor asked softly. Allison 
stared in wonder at the miracle their love had created. She talked 
softly to her as she held her tiny hand. She appeared to be a calm baby 
so far. “I don't know. I haven't even thought of names yet. How about 
Franchesca?” she said thoughtfully. Connor rolled it off his tongue a 
few times before responding. “Sounds perfect. What about a middle 
name?” Allison's eyes brimmed with tears as she spoke. “I wish my 
mother was here to see her. Would it be all right if we named her Marie 
after my mother?” “Franchesca Marie Cassidy.” Connor said in amazement. 
Allison smiled at her daughter. “Welcome to the world, Francie.” 
Allison said smiling at her. 

A short time later, Connor watched as Allie settled into bed. She had
been wheeled back to her room and was getting tired. The anesthesia 
still had an affect on her. Connor sat quietly by her bed holding her 
hand. “She's beautiful, Connor. But we're not out of the woods yet.” 
“No, but we'll get through this together. Francie could have 
complications, some sight problems, hearing or lung problems. But we 
don't know that yet. She's in one of the finest hospitals in the 
country. Barbara Bishop is a wonderful nurse, she's looking out for 
her.” “Are you sure?” “I'm sure, Allie. You need to get some rest, 
sweetness.” He said placing a gentle kiss on her lips. “I love you, 
Connor.” She said kissing him passionately. “I love you too.” The nurse 
had brought in a cot for Connor. It was already well past 8 the next 
morning. Connor watched from the cot as Allie did her best to make 
herself comfortable. Within minutes, she was asleep, Connor glanced 
over at her knowing how lucky he was to have her. 

Lynn had just called the hospital for an update on Allison and Francie.
Connor had called her when Allie woke up, but she just wanted to be 
sure that everything was all right. All the news services buzzed with 
news of Charlie and his break in at Allie and Connor's. Charlie was now 
a wanted man and had virtually disappeared. This caused concern among 
local residents and the police. Bob Frank was giving a press conference 
on the state of affairs. “Are you going to have Allison Shure and her 
family protected?” a reporter asked. “Yes, absolutely. I have an 
officer on his way to the hospital right now to ensure their safety.” 
“What are the charges pending against Mr. Chattum?” “Well, he has 
several aliases and was once the main crime figure for the mob. A list 
of those charges hasn't been written as of yet. But definitely the 
attempted murder of Allison Shure and her baby if the reports 
circulating are correct.” Lynn turned off the TV when the conference 
was over. She felt a sense of urgency and headed over to the hospital. 

Connor felt himself being shaken awake by a nurse. He opened his eyes
and glanced over at Allison. She was still asleep, his thoughts turned 
to Francie as he became more awake. The nurse tapped him on the 
shoulder. “Mr. Cassidy?” she whispered. “What's wrong?” Connor asked 
looking in Allie's direction again. “Nothing, your wife and daughter 
are fine. You have a visitor.” “A visitor?” “Yes, he says it's urgent 
that he speak with you.” Connor sat up slowly and walked out of the 
room. Bryan Sutten stood in the hallway. “Hi, Connor. I'm sorry to 
bother you I know this  must be a difficult time.” “Hi, Bryan. What's 
up? Did you catch Charlie yet?” “No, he's on the run, that's what I 
came to talk to you about. I need to speak with Allison.” “She's 
sleeping right now. She needs her rest, she's recovering from 
surgery.”” Connor, I understand this is difficult, but when we find 
Charlie we can't hold him unless we have her statement. I really need 
to speak with her.” Connor looked at Bryan sternly. “Okay, but make it 
quick.” Bryan waited discreetly outside as Connor went in. He was 
concerned for Allie and Francie but tried not to show it. He looked at 
Allie, she was still pale and would need more blood transfusions. He 
worried about her, but pushed the thought aside as he tiptoed over to 
her bed. Connor gently shook her. “Allie?” she stirred a little but 
didn't wake up, he gently tapped her on the shoulder. “Allison?” she 
opened her eyes sleepily and smiled at him. “Is something wrong? Is 
Francie okay? Are ...” “Allie, everything's fine. Francie's fine, 
darling. I'm sorry to wake you, but Bryan wants to talk to you.” 
“Bryan?” “Yeah, he wants to take your statement about what happened 
with Charlie.” “Oh okay.” “Are you sure you're up to it?” Connor asked 
looking at her with concern. She was still very pale and she needed 
rest. “I'm a little groggy, but I'm up to it.” He kissed her softly, 
she returned his kiss firm on the mouth. He smiled at her and went to 
retrieve Bryan. He came in and took a seat by her bed. “Hi, Allison, 
I'm sorry to bother you. But I need your statement about what happened 
with Charlie.” “It's all right, Bryan. Did he go on the run?” “Yes, 
unfortunately. We can't hold him without your statement.” Connor 
strolled in and took the chair opposite Bryan. “How are you feeling, 
Allison? How's the baby?” “Francie's fine, and I'm doing much better, 
Bryan. All that matters is catching Charlie.” “We'll catch him, don't 
worry. Can you tell me what happened?” She took a deep breath before 
she began to recount the events that led up to Francie's premature 
birth. “We were sleeping and I heard a noise. I woke Connor and asked 
him to check it out. When he didn't come back, I knew something was 
wrong. I called his name a couple of times and got no answer, I put on 
my slippers and was about to go downstairs when Charlie walked in. I 
didn't know it was him at first, he was wearing a mask and glasses and 
a wig. He had a gun and began to come towards me, I ran as fast as I 
could and he continued to chase me throughout the house. I came to the 
top of the stairs and saw Connor lying on the living room floor 
unconscious. I started to scream and then I don't remember anything 
else. I guess I ran from Charlie or he pushed me.” “How did you know it 
was him?” “As I was struggling with him for the gun, I pulled his mask 
off, he was furious and said that he had to kill me. That was after I 
saw Connor. I don't remember anymore.” “But you're pretty positive that 
he pushed you down the stairs?” “I'm sure, I remember being at the top 
of the stairs and begging him not to push me. I remember feeling this 
jolt from behind and falling. I guess I blacked out or something. The 
next thing I remember is waking up here.” “Thanks, Allison. We can book 
Charlie on the attempted murder of you and Francie.” “”We'll we have 
protection?” “Yes, Bob Frank the new interim chief is placing an 
officer at your door at all times. There's no way Charlie can get near 
you or Francie.” “Can you place someone by the NICU too? I worry, he's 
ruthless, Bryan.” He could see the fear in her eyes and wanted to rip 
Charlie apart with his bare hands. He could only imagine the rage 
Connor felt. “I'll do that too. We're going to get our best officers 
all right?” “Okay, thanks.” They watched as Bryan departed. Connor 
kissed her firm on the mouth. “You're so brave, Allie. I love you so 
much.” “I love you too, Connor. I'm worried about Francie.” “Nothing's 
going to happen, sweetness. Bryan's working on it. You must be tired, 
I'm going to let you get some rest.” “I'm doing pretty well.” “I'm 
worried about you, honey. You're pale and very weak, you need to rest.” 
“If it'll make you happy.” She said with a sigh. “It would. I love you, 
Allie.” He said kissing her again. She smiled as she placed a 
passionate kiss on his lips. He watched as she soon drifted off to 
sleep. 

Lynn arrived a few minutes later. She was worried about Allison and
Francie. She just wanted to see for herself that they were both all 
right. She headed up to Allie's room and encountered Orson Crebbs. He 
was a formidable man standing at 6 2, he carried himself with an air of 
arrogance and he struck Lynn as a little odd. He eyed her suspiciously 
as she approached Allie's door. “Who are you?” “Not even a hello? Who 
are you?” Lynn asked raising her eyes. “I'm Orson Crebbs, the officer 
hired to guard Allison Cassidy. Are you a friend of the family, ma'am?” 
Lynn sighed exasperated, something about this man ticked her off. “I'm 
Allison's best friend Lynn Raznack. May I go in?” “We'll need 
verification on that, ma'am.” Orson left her long enough to summon 
Connor. “There's a woman out here claiming to be Allison's best friend. 
Her name's Lynn Raznack. Can you verify that, Mr. Cassidy?” Connor came 
out and greeted Lynn warmly. “That's right, Orson. Is there a problem 
here?” “No, sir. Just trying to be secure.” “How is she?” Lynn asked as 
they entered Allison's room. “She's sleeping right now, but she's 
holding up pretty well. She's worried about Francie. Bryan came by to 
take her statement about Charlie.” “He's on the run isn't he?” Connor 
nodded. “There's no telling what he'll do, Connor!” he placed a finger 
to his lips to silence her. “I'm not going to let anything happen to 
her or Francie. I love them with all my heart.” “Want to go get some 
coffee? You look beat.” Lynn suggested glancing over at Allison. “I 
don't know if that's such a good idea.” Connor said hesitantly. “You've 
got Mr. Attack Dog out there he's not going to let anyone get in here.” 
Just then Margery burst through the door. “Connor come quick! 
Something's wrong with Francie.” She whispered. Both Lynn and Connor 
followed Margery down the hall and to the elevators. 

He was glad his little ruse worked. How else would he be able to get
Cassidy out of the room? He needed access to Allison, and this was the 
only way to get it. Orson sat in his chair trying to stay awake. This 
job didn't leave much in the way of excitement, and no one including 
him thought Charlie would be foolish enough to come near Allison again. 
Orson leaned back in his chair and began reading the paper. He kept one 
eye on Allison's door and thought nothing of it when a doctor strolled 
past. 

The man smiled ominously as he had just gotten past the obstacle known
as Orson. He wasn't so tough he thought as he approached Allison's bed. 
She stirred a little and looked at him. There was no hint of 
recognition as he came closer. She was groggy and had no idea who this 
man was. But as she became more awake, suddenly it dawned on her. 
“Don't scream!” she gasped as his hands touched her skin. “Charlie!” 
she stammered. “Don't move or scream!” he said producing a syringe. 
“Where's my daughter?” “Wouldn't you love to know?” “Where is she?” 
“I'm not telling you.” Allison began to frantically pull the IVs out as 
she slowly got out of bed. As she stood, a wave of dizziness overtook 
her and almost caused her to fall. Charlie placed a finger to his lips 
to silence her as they snuck past Orson who  was engrossed in his 
paper. “Scream and your daughter dies!” he said as Allison caught her 
last glimpse of Orson. 

Lynn and Connor left the nursery perplexed. When they arrived they found
that Francie was fine. Barbara Bishop was surprised when they came 
rushing in. Connor was convinced that it was an honest mistake. Margery 
wouldn't alarm him needlessly. As they were walking back to Allison's 
room, an announcement came over the PA. “Security please report to room 
406.” “Oh my God! That's Allie's room!” Connor and Lynn raced down the 
hall only to find a frantic Orson searching for Allison. “Where is she, 
Orson?” “I ... I don't know, sir!” he said nervously. “What the hell 
happened?” “I don't know, sir!” Orson shouted as he scanned the 
surrounding hallway. All the IVs were disconnected and left in a jumble 
on the  floor. Lynn gasped as she saw the scene before her. “The 
hospital's on lockdown.” Margery said coming into the room. “We've 
locked all the doors, if Charlie's here he's not going far.” 

Allison was very weak and walking took all the strength she had. Every
step hurt because of her C section, but she pushed on through the pain. 
She had to get to Francie, Charlie was behind her in hot pursuit with 
the syringe. Could he have killed her? Francie was so fragile anything 
could happen. Millions of thoughts ran through her head as Allison 
tried gathered all her strength to get to her daughter as fast as 
possible. “I've finally come to finish the job! You little witch! You 
couldn't leave well enough alone! When you push me you get what you 
deserve!” “I'm not going to let you hurt my little girl!” “Who says I 
haven't hurt her already?” Charlie followed her down to the nursery, 
the nurses screamed as they saw Charlie enter. One security guard tried 
to apprehend him, but he produced a pen knife. “Try to apprehend me and 
I'll cut all the machines that are helping the Cassidy girl!” he said 
angrily. Allison tried to fend him off, but she was too weak. Connor 
entered the nursery with Orson and Lynn in hot pursuit. “Freeze, 
Charlie! Let Allie and Francie go.” Not a chance, someone's taking the 
fall for my prison term and it's not going to be me!” Allison watched 
in horror as he approached Francie. “No! stop! I won't let you hurt my 
daughter!” Allison began to struggle with Charlie as everyone looked on 
in horror. Connor rushed to her assistance, as a wave of dizziness 
overtook her. “Connor! He's going to kill Francie!” with the last word 
Allison collapsed exhausted and weak. “Allie!” Connor moved to assist 
his wife, but Charlie stopped him. “See this syringe? It can stop your 
wife and daughter's hearts, you leave Allison right where she is! Don't 
move, Cassidy! I'm giving you two choices, you can watch your wife and 
daughter die, or you can let me walk out of here.” Connor froze and 
glanced at Allison again, how could he make that choice? 


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