Roswell Fanatics

okay sorry guys, trying to move back home things are crazy..some questions are answered this chapter others will have to wait...Doing a fly by posting so will try to answer individual feedback later,, thanks to all that posted. I will state again I no nothing about court proceedings so sorry if it stinks..and I also in no way trying to offend anyone with this chapter, I am not against anyone who lives this way.


Chapter 11



“ I swear you have completely lost your mind’ Pam stated walking into the office.

‘Why’ Max asked dumbfounded looking up from some notes.

Pam slammed the newspaper down in front of him, there on the front page it read ‘Is Local Attorney Max Evans suitable for DA’.

‘Oh’ Max said shrugging his shoulders pushing the papers aside he went back to his notes.

‘Oh...all you can say is Oh! Your blowing this case for what...a hopeful romp in the hay before she goes to prison’.

‘Watch yourself Pam’

‘What the hell has gotten into you, you have never let a case get to you like this before. Are you trying to lose it” she argued?

Max ran a hand through his hair and sighed ‘truth is making DA not so important to me anymore’.

‘Your willing to throw away your career for a girl’ she asked disbelieving? ‘You realize how completely nuts you are’.

Max shrugged and mumbled ‘wait till tomorrow’.


*******

The courtroom was busy with whispers and glances as they waited for the judge to appear. The door opened and Judge Rauch walked out ‘I suspect that a night in jail did you good gentlemen, I expect no more monkey business in my courtroom’.

‘Yes your honor’ Michael and Max both replied.

‘Good lets get started, Mr. Evans proceed with your whiteness’s’

‘Permission to approach the bench your honor’ Max stated standing up.

‘Make it quick Mr. Evans’.

‘What’s he doing’ Liz leaned over whispering to Michael.

Michael shrugged his shoulders and got up to follow Max. Liz watched in confusion as they both turned to talk to the judge. Her mouth dropped open when Max walked back and picked up his briefcase ‘It’s all yours’ he told Pam and then walked out only stopping longing enough to give her a soft smile.

Pam sat there frozen as the courtroom went into a frenzy.

‘Order....order right now’ the Judge screamed.

The roars only got louder with people talking about how Max Evans just walked out on the case.

The judge banged the gavel down hard ‘I said order or I will clear this courtroom’.

The roars went down to whispers as Liz looked at Michael ‘did you know he was going to do that’.

Michael shook his head ‘no’

She narrowed her eyes and looked at him ‘just what did you two talk about in that jail cell’.

Michael smiled ‘we bonded that’s all’

Liz rolled her eyes and turned her attention back to the judge.

‘Miss Troy are you ready to proceed’.

Pam looked flustered ‘Your honor I wasn’t prepared for this, I need at least a day to get things straight’.

‘You have five hours, court is in recess’ she got up and walked through the door.

Five hours later

‘State your name’

‘James Patrick Khivar’.

Pam walked forward ‘what is your relationship to Miss. Parker’.

‘She’s my sister’.

‘You mean step-sister’ she corrected.

‘Maybe on paper but in here’ he pointed to his heart ‘she’s my sister’.

Pam nodded ‘How well did you know Miss Harding’.

‘Well enough’ he answered.

‘By well enough you mean intimately’.

‘Yes I was intimate with her on several occasions’.

Pam glanced at Liz then turned back to him ‘how did you two meet’.

‘I meet her when she was in college, she was Liz’s roommate’.

The whispers started up again and the judge banged her gavel ‘quiet’.

‘Were you intimate with Miss Harding then’.

‘Yes once or twice’.

‘So you were in a relationship with her’.

‘Briefly’.

‘Why did you break up’

‘Just didn’t work out’.

‘Explain please’.

James sighed ‘I told her when I first started seeing her I wasn’t looking for anything serious, she wanted differently so I ended things’.

Pam walked back towards the table and leaned against it crossing her arms over her chest ‘you wanted nothing serious but you continued to sleep with her on several occasions’.

He shrugged ‘I used her’.

Michael silently squeezed Liz’s hand under the table, the truth was about to come out and he only hoped that his brothers life wouldn’t be destroyed by it.

‘Did she know you were using her’.

‘Yes’

‘And why exactly were you using her’.

James let out a breath ‘because...I’m bisexual’.

Pam looked surprised ‘you like men’

‘Yes’

She uncrossed her arms and walked forward ‘that’s not really a reason to use someone Mr. Khivar, I mean in this day and age gays are more than open’.

‘I’m not gay’

‘You like men’

‘Objection your honor, she is badgering the whiteness he has already stated what his sexual preference is’ Michael hollered.

‘Overruled’

“And I also like women, what’s your point’ James fumed.

‘My point is Mr. Khivar is why do you feel compelled to hide your sexual status and why did you felt the need to use Miss Harding’.

‘Because Miss Troy, I work for a very high political company during the day and my employers frown upon people like me. They are very old fashioned and they would have never hired me if they knew what my sexual preference was, so I used Tess as a cover, and like I said before I like women too. So of course when the opportunity presented itself I acted on it’.

‘There are laws Mr. Khivar that prohibit discrimination’

‘I am aware of that, but I really didn’t feel like going through the hassle with it’.

Pam glanced at the jury before proceeding ‘when was the last time you had sexual relations with Miss Harding’.

‘Two days before she was killed’.

‘Where were you on the night of March Sixteenth’.

‘At home watching tv’

‘Can anyone vouch for you’

‘No I was alone’.

‘No further questions your honor’ Pam stated and walked back towards the desk.

‘Counselor re-direct’.

Michael stood up and walked forward ‘just a couple of questions, when you first ended things with Miss Harding what was her reaction’.

‘She went crazy’.

Pam stood up ‘objection your honor, hearsay’.

‘Sustained Counselor watch your questioning’.

Michael nodded his head and walked over toward the table he picked up some photos. Turning back towards the judge.
‘Were you aware that Miss Harding was having you followed’.

‘Objection your honor’.

‘Your honor I can vouch that Miss Harding was indeed having Mr. Khivar followed, I have the private investigator on my witness list’.

‘Very well you may proceed’.

‘Yes I knew she was, I just didn’t let it get to me’.

‘If you knew she was displaying obsessive tendencies why did you continue to see her’.

‘She was easy’

Pam jumped up ‘YOUR HONOR”.

‘Sustained, jury will disregard witness last statement’ she leaned towards James “Mr Khivar your threading on thin ice’.

‘Sorry your honor’

“No more questions your honor’ Michael walked back towards the table.

The Judge sighed ‘witness is excused, court will re-veen in the morning’.

*********

‘Now what the hell are we going to do, you assured me Max Evans was the best and he would send her to prison’.

‘Well I didn’t think he would go and get hard up for her’.

‘You better fix this’

‘Relax she’s not going to get off’.

‘No I will not relax, do you realize what could happen my life, my job could be down the drain’.

‘Then you should have never agreed to help me in the first place’.

‘Trust me I’m regretting it now’.

‘I’m telling you everything is going to be okay, as long as you covered our tracks nobody will ever know, you did get rid of everything at the warehouse’.

‘Yes I did, and you better pray it stays that way’.

‘I’m not worried’.

‘Get worried because it’s getting harder and harder to cover up this shit’.

The phone was slammed down the person not knowing that someone was listening outside the door. Quickly and quietly he walked down the hall and slipped out the door, pulling out his cell phone he dialed ‘Michael meet me at your office, I need to talk to you ASAP’.

I want to thank everyone for thier patience, I promise not to leave you too long waiting again. I love everyones thoughts on who they think it is I wont say who's right and who's wrong but, I'm pretty sure after this chapter you'll know one if not both.

Dreamer<3
Lashon
Icequeen
Michelle in Yonkers
begonia9508
RhondaAnn
nibbles2
Erina
tequathisy
Em
xmag
L-J-L 76
LairaBehr4


Thank you all again for the feedback and for the nominations. Hope your not disappointed.


Chapter 12


Michael sat behind his desk his head in his hands, looking up he stared him in the eyes frowning ‘are you sure about this’.

Alex nodded his head sadly ‘I know what I heard’.

Michael wiped is face tugging on his bottom lip ‘this is going to kill her Alex’.

‘I know’

Frowning Michael looked out his window ‘we can’t tell her-

‘Michael-

Looking back at Alex, he put up his hand ‘not until we have proof. She’s already dealing with enough; we don’t need to throw this at her too”

Alex nodded his head and leaned his head back rubbing his eyes ‘why is this happening, what went wrong’.

Michael turned in his chair and stared out the window again ‘I don’t know…I just don’t know’. After a minute he turned back to Alex ‘we need to find out who was on the other end of that line’.

‘I can bug it’

Michael shook his head ‘no I don’t want you involved’.

Standing up Alex fumed ‘don’t tell me to back off here, we both are betrayed just as much as Liz is’.

‘Alex calm down, I just don’t want to see anyone else get hurt’.

‘Well too late, Liz is sitting in jail for a crime she didn’t commit, James is on the verge of losing his job, the whole family is going to get hurt Michael’.

Michael stood up and walked over putting a hand on his shoulder giving it a squeeze ‘I know and we will get through it’.

Alex ran a hand thru his hair ‘I just don’t understand why this is happening’.

‘Neither do I’.

Alex looked at him with worry ‘what do we do”.


<center>********************</center>


Max sat at his desk reading through some papers, hearing the outside door slam close he calmly set the papers aside and clasped his hands together on top of his desk waiting.

Not a second later Pam stormed through the door ‘I hate you, you know that’.

Max bit his lip and nodded.

She stalked forward and placed both hands on his desk leaning in real close to his face ‘I am never never forgiving you for this’.

Max smiled knowing she was lying ‘I deserve it’.

Sighing she flopped down in the chair ‘how could you do that to me, to this law firm’.

Max leaned back in his chair ‘I couldn’t do it anymore Pam it was getting too personal for me’.

She scoffed ‘I guess so; you let yourself be guided by your dick’.

Slamming his hands down on the desk ‘watch yourself’ he screamed.

Standing straight up she hollered back ‘no…you screwed us all Max, you walked out on a major case and you left me standing there like an idiot’.

‘You just don’t understand’ he said a little softer.

‘What about becoming DA, it was you dream remember. It’s all you talked about for the last two years’ she asked.

Max sighed and ran his hand through his hair ‘well I wasn’t prepared to have my whole life turned upside down by falling for the defendant’.

Sighing she sat down ‘you really like her, don’t you”

‘It’s more than that; I can’t stop thinking about her. She’s evading my every thought and being that close to her was driving me crazy’.

Pam crossed her legs and folded her arms across her chest ‘they why didn’t you just dismiss the case, with draw the complaint’.

Max got up and walked over closing his door, walking back he leaned against his desk ‘because I have a feeling something big is about to happen and I know it sounds crazy but I think she’s better off where she is right now’.

<center>********************</center>


Liz sat with her knees drawn up resting her head on top of her knees wondering if she was ever going to get her life back.

Sighing she closed her eyes and leaned her head back against the wall trying to think of anyone who would want to set her up this badly.

‘How are you holding up’ she heard and opened her eyes to find Serena standing on the other side of the bars.

‘Okay I guess where have you been’ Liz asked.

Serena shrugged her shoulders ‘been busy’.

Liz raised her eyebrow at her ‘too busy to visit your sister in jail’.

Serena narrowed her eyes ‘I had to work okay, some of us don’t get the luxury of taking off whenever they like or having mommy and daddy footing the bill’.

'What in the hell is that supposed to mean' Liz yelled shocked.

'Nothing...I'm sorry I shouldn't have said that, I've just had a crappy day'.

‘Mom and dad are not like that you and you know it, they have always treated us the same’ Liz said staring at her

Serena rolled her eyes ‘so you say…anyways I came because your landlord wants to know what you tend to do with your apartment’.

‘I plan on living in it’ Liz said sarcastically.

‘Well then you better find some way to pay your rent, because it’s due and he’s demanding the money or he’s going to sell your stuff’ she replied back the same way.

‘Then have Michael cut him a check…what the hell crawled up your ass’ Liz demanded.

Before Serena could reply they looked up to someone clearing their throat.


<center>********************</center>

Michael sat next to Maria’s desk whispering so no one else could here ‘do you think you can help’.

Maria nodded her head ‘of course I’ll help, maybe you could hire that private investigator you know the one who took all those pictures of James and Liz’.

Michael shook his head ‘no the less people who know the better, we have a better chance this way’.

‘You know if you bug the phone the information won’t help you in court, it’s going to immiscible.’

Michael smirked ‘I know the law’.

Maria rolled her eyes ‘I know you do, I’m just saying your going to need something more hard core’.

Michael looked around the office then leaned in closer ‘I know okay, I just want to bug it to find out who was on the other end, once I know that then I can worry about getting better proof’.

‘I’ll get you the equipment’ Maria said taking her hand and resting it on top of his.

‘Thank you’ Michael said giving her hand a squeeze ‘you know once this is all over with I’m going to have to take you out’.

‘Oh you better believe you’ll be taking me out’ Maria smiled.

Both jumped apart when Tristin walked in ‘Maria….oh sorry didn’t realize you had company’.

Michael reached for his bag ‘its okay I was just leaving’.

‘Hope it’s not on my accounts, what brings you by Mr. Guerin’.

Maria spoke up ‘we were just talking about the case’.

Trisitan raised his eyebrow ‘oh any more new leads’ he asked.

Before Maria could speak Michael opened his mouth ‘we were just discussing the examination tomorrow’.

Tristin looked between them as they gave each other a look ‘oh well I wont interrupt then’.

‘Did you need something’ Maria asked as he turned to leave.

He stopped by the door and looked back ‘not important it can wait till later’ he said then walked out the door.

Maria turned and looked at Michael raising her eyebrow as Michael narrowed his ‘I don’t like that guy’.


<center>********************</center>


‘I can come back later’ the deep voice stated.

Serena shook her head ‘that’s okay I was just leaving’ she turned and looked at Liz ‘see you later’.

Liz frowned as she watched her walk away, only diverting her gaze when she heard him ask ‘are you okay’.

‘I’m fine’ she said folding her arms across her chest ‘what are you doing here’.

Max shoved his hands nervously into his pants pockets ‘I wanted to talk to you’.

Liz raised her eyebrow ‘just because you walked off the case doesn’t mean you earned any brownie points’.

Max nodded his head ‘can I ask you something’.

‘Go ahead’.

He stared into her eyes ‘if we had met under different circumstances would you give me a chance’.

She walked over to the bunk sitting down ‘I don’t know Max, I was not looking for anything and never in wildest dreams did I think I would develop feelings for someone’.

Max stepped closer to bars ‘so you do have feelings for me’ he asked hopefully.

Liz sighed and stood up walking over to him ‘okay look yes I think you are attractive, yes I feel something but I don’t know what it is, one minute I want to strangle you and the next’ she trailed off.

‘The next what’ he asked coming to stand right in front of her getting as close as he could, cursing inside at the stupid bars that were separating them.

Liz grabbed the bar and rest her head against it ‘it doesn’t matter, I can’t think about the future when I might not have one’.

‘You going to get out of this Liz’ he said sincerely.

‘Glad to see someone believes that’ she stated.

‘I’m not the only one, you have a lot of people on your side’ he said taking the chance to reach up and place his hand on top of hers.

When she didn’t pull her hand away his heart skipped a beat and his whole body tingled. He rubbed the back of her hand with his thumb ‘when you get out of here will you let me take you to dinner or something’.

She looked up at him ‘what if I am found guilty’.

‘Then I’ll wait for you…as long as it takes I’ll wait for you, because you Liz Parker are under my skin and I’m not willing to let you walk away without a fight’.

Liz smiled softly and pulled her hand away, not knowing what possessed her she leaned forward and left a soft kiss on his cheek ‘goodnight Max’.


<center>********************</center>

The Next Day


Judge Rauch walked in and took her place, banging her gavel down ‘lets begin, Miss Troy any more witnesses’.

Pam stood up ‘the prosecution rests your honor’.

‘Very well. Mr. Guerin is the defense ready to call their first witness’.

Michael took a deep breath and let it out standing up he faced the judge ‘The defense calls detective Maria Deluca to the stand’.

Thank you guys so much for your patience, cheerleading has been hetic. I've been bumped up to head couch over all the cheerleading squads so things have been really crazy.

Hope you all like this chapter, it answers one question, but will have to wait on the other

Chapter 13

Four Hours Earlier

Alex pulled up in front of the office building prepared to do some snooping, spying a certain redhead jumping into a cab he jumped back in his car ‘where the hell is she going’ he asked himself.

Throwing it in drive he followed the cab at a safe distance, parking a block away when the cab came to a stop in front of an abandoned building.

Stepping out he walked quickly and quietly to the side of the building, the windows were covered in dirt preventing him from seeing inside ‘shit now what’.

Walking along the edge of the building he looked for another way in, coming to the back door he found it covered in wooden planks. Holding his breath he took hold of one the planks and pulled roughly pulling the plank off the door frame. Repeating the process he pulled one more off making a hole big enough for him to squeeze through.

It was pitch black inside making it impossible to see anything, the only sound was the muffled voices from somewhere in the near distance. Walking forward slowly he prayed he was heading in the right direction.

When he could make out the voices out clearer he stopped and peeked around the corner.

“I told you we were getting careless’.

‘And I told you to relax, it’s under control’.

Alex craned his neck better trying to see who she was talking to, in the process he foot slipped and he stepped on a piece of broken glass ‘Shit’ he whispered.

“Who’s there’ they command.

Alex closed his eyes, he couldn’t run it was too far from the door and he would never make it in time. Mustering up his courage he took a deep breath and stepped around the corner into the light.

Surprised eyes went wide ‘Alex what in the hell are you doing here’.

The other occupant stepped to the shadows before he could be spotted, Alex stood straight ‘no the question is what in the hell are you doing here and who the hell were you talking too’.

‘No one’ she stuttered.

Taking two steps he stood in her face raising his voice ‘bullshit I heard you talking too someone’.
She narrowed her eyes ‘your hearing things’.

‘Serena what in the hell are you doing’ he questioned.

Before he could get his answer, he was met with darkness.

Serena screamed ‘what the hell did you do that for you idiot’.

He bent down checking the pulse ‘because you stupid bitch our cover was blown’.

‘You don’t know that’ she screamed.

‘Then why the hell was he here, he probably followed you. I told you…I told you about this’.

She bent down to see if he was still alive ‘and you just made the situation worse you jackass, you have no idea what you’ve done’.

“I’m covering our asses, help me move him’

Serena shook her head ‘no…no I won’t’.

He stood up and grabbed her roughly by the arms ‘this shit was your idea, I won’t go down alone. Now move your ass and help me’.

Shakily she bent down taking his legs as the other grabbed Alex’s arms, the shoved his body in a darken corner.

‘Your something else you know that. You had no problems stabbing a woman, but you’re going to cry like a baby when I hit someone over the head’.

“He was my brother’ she cried.

‘And you’re trying to send your sister to prison, you really are something’.

“That’s different; Liz deserves to rot in prison’.

‘It’s not different, now you better listen to me good. Leave and don’t open your mouth to anyone. Anyone asks you never saw you brother, I swear if you breathe one word I’ll make sure you never even make it to trial’.

Present Time

‘Please state your name’.

‘Detective Maria Deluca’.

Michael walked forward prepared to begin when the doors to the court room were thrown open. All heads turned to see Isabel practically running to the front.

‘One minute your honor’ Michael stated walking quickly over to Isabel.

She stood ringing her hands together in front of her, her eyes rimmed with tears.

“What is it’ Michael whispered panicking.

‘I can’t find Alex’ she whispered shakily.

Michael glanced at Liz to see her watching them, turning his back so she couldn’t read his lips his brows creased ‘your upset about that’.

Isabel leaned forward ‘you don’t understand he was supposed to meet me two hours ago. I’ve tried the house, his cell, he’s not answering anything. I called his work he never showed up Michael, you know he’s not like that’.

“Shit’ Michael whispered, he nodded his head and turned to judge ‘your honor I would like to request a recess until tomorrow, an emergency has come up that I must attend too’.

Annoyed the judge agreed ‘Court is in recess, bailiff please escort the prisoner back to her cell’.

Michael walked over quickly collecting his notes; Liz placed a hand on his arm ‘Michael what is it…what is going on’.

‘Nothing’ he said quickly.

“Michael’ Liz said shakily.

He quickly scolded himself, taking a deep breath he calmed him self down and turned to her ‘it’s nothing, just something I have to take care of, I’ll stop by later tonight and talk to you.’

She looked at him skeptically; he gave her a small smile ‘I’ll see you later’.

He quickly walked out of the courtroom with Isabel, stopping outside when he heard Maria call his name. ‘We have to go Michael’ Isabel pleaded.

‘She can help’ he said turning towards Maria.

“Okay what’s going on, that was pretty hasty retreat’ she asked.

Michael glanced at Isabel ‘Alex is missing, he never showed up for work and he didn’t show up to meet Isabel’.

Maria raised her eyebrow ‘no offense honey but are sure he just didn’t stand you up’.

Isabel narrowed her eyes ‘He did not stand me up, you don’t know him

Michael quickly interrupted before is could escalate anymore ‘Alex doesn’t stand people up especially Isabel he’s been in love with her as long as I can remember’ Ignoring the blush that spread across Isabel’s face he continued ‘and he never misses work without letting them know’.

Maria nodded her head ‘sorry…okay so where do you think he would have gone’.

‘Not here, let’s go somewhere more private’ he said leading them out of the building.


Five hours later

Liz sat on the cot her knees hugged tight to her chest; it was all she could from going crazy. She knew Michael was lying to her about something, and it was killing her. He never lied to her before.

Raising her head when she heard the bars sliding open, she rolled her eyes at her visitor ‘don’t you have anything better to do’.

He smiled ‘no…I just wanted to see how you were doing’.

She opened her mouth in shock then quickly shut it ‘how do you think I’m doing, I’m sitting in a jail cell where you put me’.

He sat down next to her ‘technically it wasn’t me’ he tried to joke, seeing it wasn’t doing any good ‘sorry stupid question’.

Dropping her head back on her knees she sighed in defeat “Max why are you here’.

‘Because I like you’ he said.

She raised her head ‘I’m already aware of that but the question is why. I may never get out of here, so why would you waist your time on someone who you could never have a relationship with’.

Taking a chance he raised his hand and brushed a lock of hair back ‘because Liz Parker I am going to help you get out of here and when I do you are going to let me take you dinner’.

She raised her eyebrow ‘what makes you think I would have anything to do with you if I get out of here’.

He smiled at her ‘because you like me too, even if you won’t admit it’.

She rolled her eyes ‘you’re unbelievable’.

Before he could replied the bars slid open again to reveal a stricken Michael.

Liz jumped up ‘Michael what is it’.

He quickly glanced at Max then back to Liz ‘there’s been an accident’ he said quietly.

Liz sat back down her knees giving out not realizing that she sat down right next to Max, he quietly slipped an arm around waist holding her.

Michael ran his hand thru his hair “Alex is in the hospital’.

“What’ Liz cried out?

‘Maria found his car empty on the side of the road, she searched around the area and found him in an abandoned building, and He was hit pretty hard over the head’ he said shakily.

Liz turned her head and buried in the crook of Max’s neck, he held tighter as she started to cry.

‘He’s alive but barely, they have him in CCU right now’ he told her trying hard to keep him self under control. He had a pretty good idea on who did it and it was time to let her know.

Taking a step forward he blew out his breath “Liz there’s something that I have been keeping from you and I think it’s time you know’.

Liz sniffed and looked up him ‘What could be worse than what you just told me’.

Michael closed his eyes taking a deep breath, opening them up he looked at her ‘I think I know who is behind all this’.

Only took me four months, But I finally have a update. I am really sorry it took me so long but RL got really hetic and I had to put it on the back burner for a while. I hope I still have some of you guys reading and I will try not to be so bad with the next update. Thank you everyone for your patience and your nominations. And because I made you all wait so long, another BIG clue is revealed in this chapter.

Chapter 14

Michael stood staring at her as he told her who he thought was behind it all, he went to take a step towards her to comfort her but stopped when Liz stood up rigid "you’re wrong Michael'.

Michael sadly shook his head 'I'm not Liz, Alex told me he overheard her talking to someone before he was attacked'.

Liz shook her head vigorously as the tears spilled over 'no...why would...no I don't believe you...she's our sister Michael".

Michael interrupted her 'she is not your sister, she is a foster child".

Liz gasped 'how can you say that, that's... that's like saying your not my brother, do you really think that way about me".

"That's different Liz' he started but she cut him off 'how is it different, she's been there just as long as you. What could I have possibly done to make her hate me so much that she would set me up for murder' she tried to even out her breath, her body was shaking and it wasn't from being cold.

Michael ran a hand over his face "I don't know okay, but even you have to admit Liz she has always been a loner growing up. She never really warmed up to anyone."

Liz just shook her head 'No, I won't believe that she would do this too me, that she would destroy my life like this'.

Max watched the interaction between the two wanting to get up and comfort Liz, he moved to get up to do just that but thought better and stayed where he was folding his hands in his lap.

“Liz I’m telling you what Alex told me, he is your blood and do you honestly think that he would lie about something like this’ he asked.

Liz wiped her cheeks with the back of her hand ‘maybe he heard wrong.. I don’t know maybe it was something else in entirely’. Dropping back to the cot she covered her eyes with her hands ‘I just can’t believe she would do something like this’.

Max raised his hand and placed it on her back, glad when she didn’t twist or move from his touch, he lightly started rubbing small circles on her back hoping it would calm her down some.

Michael walked over and kneeled in front of Liz, gently pulling her hands away from her eyes he tilted her head to look at him “I have to get back to the hospital, I don’t want to leave him alone for too long. Are you going to be okay’.

Liz looked away ‘what choice do I have’ she whispered as she sniffed and stood up. Michael put his arms around her and leaned into her ear ‘I really want to be wrong here Liz, trust me when I say I will get to the bottom of it’.

Liz nodded her head against him and gave him a squeeze, pulling away she wrapped her arms around herself tightly.

As Michael started to leave Max stood up ‘Hold up, I’ll go with you’ he turned and looked at Liz ‘Is it okay if I come back later’ he asked.

She shrugged her shoulders ‘sure..whatever’ she replied and walked closer to the cot. She stood staring at the walls until the guards came and opened up the cell. Once Michael and Max were out she laid down on the cot facing the wall, drawing her knees up tight she let her sobs come.

Halfway up the stairs they paused when her cries reached their ears, they looked at each other. Max could tell Michael was trying to hold it together and was battling with himself about going back. Placing a hand on his shoulder he led him up the stairs “I have an idea’.

**************

Serena paced back and forth across the room, both of her hands holding a handful of hair on both sides of her head. Nothing was working out the way they had planned. Why in the hell did she think she could get away with something like this.

She scoffed to herself ‘because Mr. almighty said he had everything under control’, she continued to ramble as she paced ‘it is not under control...God I’m so stupid’ she yelled as she balled up her fists and started to hit herself on the sides of her head.

Crouching down she covered her mouth with both hands looking frantically around the room, I’ve got to get out of here she thought we have to leave . Jumping up she ran to her room and flung herself on the floor pulling out a duffle bag from underneath the bed.

Racing around the room she grabbed whatever she could and started shoving it in her bag. Her cell phone started ringing and she jumped looking at like a scared cat. Shakily she picked it up and saw who was calling.

She flung the top up and didn’t wait ‘we have to get out of here now, they know’ she screamed.

‘Stop being so paranoid, they don’t know’ he sighed on the other end.

‘He’s not dead, I just came from the hospital...he’s going to wake up and tell them...we have to get out of town now’ she said frantically.

Jumping and pulling the phone away from her ear she shook as he raised his voice ‘we are not going anywhere, and if you run Serena I will find you. Now the only solution is go back to that hospital and finish what we started’.

She blinked a couple of times then put the phone back to her ear ‘what’ she squeaked out.

He gritted his teeth ‘go back to the hospital and make sure he doesn’t get the chance to wake up and tell anyone’.

She started shaking her head like he could see her ‘I...I can’t...people...no...no I won’t do it’ she stared to hyperventilate.

‘Don’t make me come over there, let’s not forget this was you fucking idea. I will not let you fuck it up with being stupid’ he yelled.

‘It was never suppose to go like this, you’re the fucking cop and said everything was under control. IT IS NOT UNDER CONTROL...YOU FIX IT’ she screamed and slammed the phone shut throwing it across the room.

She sat down on the floor wrapping her arms tightly around her knees and started rocking back and forth.

************

Michael looked over at Max like he had lost his head ‘no...no way’ he argued as they pulled to a stop in front of Max’s building.

Max sighed ‘think about it Michael, what better way to make them act’.

“No, I won’t put her at risk like that. She’s better off where she is. They will screw up sooner or later’ he countered.

Max shook his head ‘you don’t know that, what if they run...what if its years, are you really going to let her sit there like that’.

Michael looked at him ‘She’ll get off with the trial, at least now she’s safe’.

‘And what is she’s found guilty’ Max asked putting his hand on the door handle.

Michael raised his eyebrow ‘let’s not forget, you’re the one who put her in position to be found guilty in the first place Mr. want to be DA.”

Max looked down guilty ‘I know and I was wrong, I’ll admit that now. I want to help her get out, make sure she’s safe, and I want-‘ he trailed off looking out the window.

‘You really care for her’ Michael said rather than asked, he knew the answer already but wanted to hear him say it.

Max looked back at him and smiled ‘Yeah I do, I don’t know how it happened but from the first second I laid eyes on her in that courtroom I was gone.’

Michael smiled ‘that’s Liz for you, get’s under your skin and she doesn’t even know she does it’ he turned serious ‘if you hurt her, I’ll kick your ass’.

Max smiled and opened the door ‘noted’ he said and stepped out ‘call me if you change your mind’.

Next afternoon

Max smiled as he walked into the police station, papers in hand. He had been busy all morning long and couldn’t wait to see the look on her face.

He thought back to last night after Michael called him and finally agreed to go with his idea. He had rushed right over to Pam’s house afterwards banging on the door and waking he up. She was not happy at all.

‘What the hell Max, it’s two-thirty in the morning’ she yelled.

Max pushed past her walking into the house ‘it’s important and it couldn’t wait’.

She followed him into the living room cussing him out the entire way for waking her up. He quickly shut her up when he stunned her ‘I need to draw up the papers to dismiss the case’.

She stood there blinking at him trying to process what he just said , shaking her head ‘what?’ she asked confused.

He smiled at the look on her face ‘I need you to dismiss the case’ he waited until his words sunk in and knew the minute they did, her confused looked turned into a furious one.

“Have you lost your mind, why the hell would I do that’ she barked out.

Max sat down on the couch placing his right ankle over his left knee ‘because Pam she’s innocent and she’s already been in there long enough.’

“Do you have any idea what this is going to do to us, to the firm. What happened to becoming DA, what about me what am I supposed to do after this, I’ll never get another case after this’.

Max stood up and walked over to her putting his hand on her shoulder ‘were just dropping the case Pam, the firm is not going anywhere. As far as becoming DA, yes I still want that, but this is not going to get me it. I’ll think of something else further down the line.

Don’t worry your job is secure, I would be lost without you and Isabel there to help me and as far as cases, they will still be there.’

“Hmpf if your dad doesn’t kill you first’ she remarked.

He laughed ‘my dad is not going to kill me, when I explain he will understand. Now please you know this is the right thing to do.’

She rolled her eyes and walked towards her office ‘the newspapers are going to have a filed day with this’ she looked over her shoulder at him ‘I hope you know I’m taking a vacation after this’.

He smiled then dropped it when she said ‘a long one... a paid one...a very long paid one’ he coughed behind his hand and walked into her office ‘You’re the best’.

He had spent all morning at the court house filing papers and getting the judge to sign the papers. Right afterwards he had rushed to the station calling Michael to meet him there.

Max spotted him standing inside the doors and waved the papers in the air. Michael smiled and took them walking up to Maria who was waiting behind the station desk.

She smiled and reached down grabbing the keys, all three of them walked down to the cells. Liz spotted them and her brows creased when she saw them standing there with goofy grins on their faces, personally she thought they looked sort of demented.

The bars slide back and Maria stepped forward smiling bigger “Liz Parker, you are free to go.’

Yay Look at what I have LOL.. I gave myself a deadline to have this fic finished by March. So cross your fingers that happens. Thank you guys so much for your feedback, It means alot to me that you didnt give up on me.. It's hard to get back in the groove when you've left it alone for a while, so I hope I'm still doing it justice. I did run spellcheck, but if I missed anything sorry.


Chapter 15

The elevators doors closed with a ding as Serena stepped out onto the floor, her heart beating fast she glanced both ways down the hallway looking to see if anyone was around. She crept quietly down the hall, pass the waiting room where a couple of people were camped out sleeping in the chairs and some on the floor waiting for the next round of visitations to begin.

Glancing at her watch she only had a few more minutes left of this round, before she would have to wait another hour to get in. Stopping she peeked around the corner noticing the nurse’s station was empty. Quickly she scurried past the desk and into Alex’s room.

It was an eerie quiet inside, except for the beeping of the breathing machine hooked up. The only sign that he was still alive. Shakily she walked up and stood by the side of the bed staring down at his lean body laying on the bed. Reaching up she pushed his bangs back on his forehead ‘I’m sorry Alex, you weren’t supposed to be part of this.’ she whispered to him.

‘Out of all of them, you were always the nicest to me. I know what you would think, that it wasn’t true. It was though, you didn’t notice...notice how they always treated me different. I know they wanted me to be just like Liz, be the good girl like Liz was, get the good grades that Liz did.

I never could, they couldn’t see that. I was never their daughter, it was all about the money and a way for the system to get rid of me. I could tell they never wanted me, they might not have said it, but I knew...my own mother didn’t want me. I only hope you can forgive me one day.’

She quickly wiped her eyes blowing out her breath, as she reached up to take hold of the tubes breathing life into him, the bathroom door opened from behind her startling her, she whipped her hands down jumping when Isabel asked ‘Serena what are you doing here’.


<center>********</center>

Liz walked down the stairs pulling her hair up into a pony tail, the minute she walked in the door she went upstairs and put on a pair of sweat pants and tank top, thanking the stars to be out of that awful orange jumpsuit. She didn’t even stop in the station to change clothes, telling Maria she would return them later, she wasn’t about to ask questions she just wanted the hell out of there.

Walking into the living she spotted Max and Michael seated on the couch talking quietly, she let her gaze linger on Max for a minute, starting from the rich brown hair that sat on his head down to his black boots. She smiled to herself okay she would admit it he was every woman’s fantasy and she wanted him.

She watched as he gestured something with hands and she stared at how his muscles moved with every motion showing off his the tightens of his muscle. As if he knew he suddenly looked in her direction and smiled. Her cheeks flushed at being caught and quickly walked into the room ‘Okay how did you get me out’ she asked hoping to hide her embarrassment.

Max stared at her, he couldn’t help it even in a pair of plain sweat pants and tank top, she took his breath away. His whole body itched to hold her, to kiss her and if it didn’t happen soon he was sure he was going to explode.

Michael watched him a minute before not so subtly elbowing him ‘Max got Pam to drop the charges.’

Liz looked at Max surprised ‘not that I’m thankful, because I really am...but why now?’

Max tired to hide rubbing his side where Michael just elbowed the hell out of him ‘we think with you out, we can draw the real killer out. As long as you were in jail it kept whoever it was safe. If your out then maybe it might force them to make a move.’

Biting her lower lip, she hugged herself ‘so you want to use me as bait’ she whispered nervously. Michael stood up and walked over to her ‘yes and no’ she looked up at him confused.

‘We want them to know your out, but I want to keep you safe. So I want you to go away’ he explained.

She raised her eyebrow at him ‘what do you mean...I’m not going anywhere.’

Michael sighed and put a hand on her arm “Liz please’ she started shaking her head in protest ‘Max’s parents have a cabin, noone knows about it. You can go there and be safe.’

‘Michael–

‘Listen, whoever set this up and I’m sorry I still think Serena is behind it. If she knows your out and can’t find you, it might make her act.’ he said quickly.

Liz walked over and sat down on the couch next to Max covering her mouth, she was trying hard not to cry. She was free but still wasn’t free, what did she do to deserve all this. Sniffing she closed her eyes ‘okay’ she agreed.

Max reached over and placed his hand on top of hers ‘I could stay there...’ when she whipped her head to face him, he stammered ‘I mean...not on a permit basis, but I can bring you supplies and things just until this is over with’.

Liz smiled at him ‘Thank you.’

<center>********</center>

Maria sat at her desk with photos and evidence bags lined up on her desk looking over everything again, something was there she was just missing it.

Tristan walked up and sat down across from her at his desk startling her ‘what are you doing?’ Placing a hand over her heart she glared at him ‘you scared the shit of me, where the hell have you been?’

He shrugged his shoulders and toyed with the edges of an evidence bag ‘had some personal issues to deal with, the chief knew.’

She raised her eyebrow at him before picking up a picture and looking at it ‘so Parker is free, how did that happen’ she heard him ask. Looking up she watched as he picked up a picture and looked at it.

‘She didn’t do it, the DA finally realized it and let her go’ she stated still watching him.

He picked up another photo ‘is that why all this out?’ Dropping the picture back on the desk she leaned back in her chair, pushing her hair off her shoulder ‘the case is still open, there is still a killer out there and a pretty sick one to have tried to set up an innocent woman’.

He nodded his head and picked up another photo ‘well let’s get to work shall we’ he replied.

Twenty minutes later both of them were scanning photos and reading over notes, out of the blue Tristan spoked ‘Hey Deluca, did I ever tell you I had a sister?’

Maria stopped writing her notes and looked up at him ‘no you didn’t’ she stated annoyed.

He shook his head ‘yeah, crazy bitch she is.’

“And your telling me this why?’ Maria asked.

He shrugged his shoulders ‘just trying to make conversation’.

‘I think we should just work on this case, I want it solved as soon as possible’ she stated. He threw up his hands ‘okay no small talk, got it’.

She eyed him for a minute more before going back to her notes, flipping the page on her note pad she re-read the contents of it, creasing her brows she looked up at her partner ‘hey didn’t you go to the University of Boston?’ she asked.

His eyes shot up to meet hers ‘yeah for a little while’ he answered.

‘You went the same year Liz and Tess went’ she stated.

He shrugged his shoulders ‘so, never knew them’ he looked down at his notes.

Maria raised her eyebrow ‘you went to the same school and never once saw them?’ she questioned.

‘No I never saw them, it’s a big campus Deluca.’

She nodded her head and went back to work, after a few minutes he started up again ‘so what’s Liz going to do now that she’s out?’ he asked.

Maria shook her head sighing as she continued to keep working ‘oh I don’t know, maybe get her life back.’

Tristan nodded his head ‘yeah that would be the best thing, so where is she staying. Is she going back to her apartment?’ he asked.

Maria looked up and just stared at him not saying anything, he smiled ‘just wondering’ he stated, picking up the business card ‘do you think we should talk to that private detective again.’

Maria watched for a few more minutes then stood up ‘sounds good, I need a break. I”m going to go get something to eat, would you mind putting this back up for me’ she asked pointing to the evidence laying around.

He nodded his head ‘no problem’ she walked towards the door and turned to look at him again for a minute. He looked over his shoulder finding her standing there ‘bring me back something’ he stated watching her. Maria nodded her head and walked out the door.


<center>********</center>


Serena nervously rubbed her hands on her jeans ‘Jesus Isabel you scared me, I didn’t think anyone was here’ she squeaked out wondering if Isabel heard anything she said.

Isabel walked forward wondering why she didn’t hear anyone come in the room ‘I don’t like to leave him alone’ she walked over to the other side of the bed and placed her hand on his arm ‘they say talking to him helps, so I stay here as much as I can just talking to him’.

Serena tucked her hands into the back pockets of her jeans ‘that’s good, has there been any change’ she asked looking back down at Alex.

Isabel shook her head sadly ‘no, and they are getting worried. If he doesn’t wake up soon’ she sniffed.

Serena looked up at her ‘you really care for him.’

Isabel smiled ‘I do, I didn’t want to admit at first, but looking at him here like this, and there being a chance that I might never know what could have been...I don’t want to deny it anymore. I want him to wake up so I can tell him that I do like him, may even be something more. I want that chance to find out.’

Serena looked away guilty thinking about what she was getting ready to do, she looked back at Isabel before she could say anything a nurse came in to check on Alex. Looking at the two young women ‘Visiting hours are ending, you’ll need to leave.’

Isabel wiped her eyes quickly and walked over picking up her coat and purse, she looked over at Serena “I’ll walk out with you’ she said. Serena closed her eyes shit she would just have to try and sneak back in later. Plastering on a smile she turned to Isabel ‘that would be great’.


<center>********</center>

‘You ready’ Michael asked as Liz came downstairs with a suitcase packed. She nodded her head and walked up giving him a hug.

‘Call me when you get there’ he stated squeezing her.

‘Would you...would you stop by and tell Alex that I’m sorry I couldn’t come see him, I know that he’s not awake, but...’ she said tearfully.

Michael pulled back ‘I will, be careful and I’ll keep you informed’ he kissed her forehead and let go, turning he signaled Max it was time to go.

The car ride was silent for the first thirty minutes of the drive, Liz sat staring out the passenger window as they left the city lost in her thoughts. The ringing of a cell phone startled her and she looked over as Max answered his phone.

She couldn’t tell who was on the other line, but whoever was on the other end was not happy at all with all the screaming. She raised her eyebrow as Max quickly said “can’t talk right now, I’ll call you later’ and slammed the phone shut.

He looked over at her as she made the comment ‘your good at pissing people off’ she teased.

He coughed ‘I don’t mean too...that was my father he is not to happy with me right now.’

‘Really, couldn’t tell with all that screaming’ she smiled.

He smiled back then turned serious ‘I let him down, I think he wanted me to make DA just as much as I did, if not more.’

Liz frowned and looked back out the window ‘Because of me you won’t make it now’.

He looked over at her ‘I’ll make it someday’ he stated with assurance.

‘If was something that was so important to you, why did you risk it all?’ she asked looking back at him.

He turned and looked at her taking his hand from the steering wheel he took a chance and reached down sliding his fingers into hers ‘some things are more important to me at this moment.’

I'm sorry it has taken so long and I'm not really happy with it but its something, I really have no excuse. There just never seems to be enough time in the day anymore and life is really busy. This should make a couple of you happy.

Chapter 16

Liz stared up at the two story cabin hidden away from the world, driving through the woods she didn’t think they would ever get there. Now she could see why Michael wanted her there, the dead couldn’t even find her here.

Opening the door, Max bent down and grabbed the bags he placed there then turned to lead her inside ‘It might be kind of dusty, no ones been up here in years.’

She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear nervously, glancing around she noticed the furniture covered in white sheets, smiling at him ‘it’s okay, it will give me something to do while I’m here’.

‘Hopefully you won’t be here to long’ he tried to comfort her, when he saw it didn’t do much he motioned his head towards the kitchen “I’m going to go put these up and make sure the water is running.’

She started walking towards him ‘would you like some help?’ He shook his head ‘I got it, why don’t you go ahead and look around get familar with things’ he suggested.

She watched him until he disappeared down the hall, turning around she walked forward and started to remove some of the sheets covering the furinture. She could tell some of it was really old and antique making herself a mental note not to sit on any of it.


<center>******************************************</center>


Isabel walked up and knocked on the door waiting for Michael to answer. She glanced over her shoulder getting the feeling that someone was watching her.

Michael flung the door open ‘It’s about....Isabel what are you doing here’ he asked surprised to see her.

Isabel jumped and swung back around, raising her eyebrow at him ‘sorry to disappoint you boss, you’ll have to settle for me instead of a green eyed cop’.

He scowled ‘get in here’ he said yanking her inside ‘for your information I was not waiting on Maria’.

Isabel smiled ‘I never said Maria, but for the record. I like her, she’s just what you need to keep you in line’.

“Your opinion doesn’t count’ he stated walking into the living room ‘now why are you here?’ he asked.

‘I wanted to see Liz’ she said following him into the living room.

He flopped down on the sofa and threw his legs up on the coffee table ‘she’s not here.’

Isabel sat down on the opposite side of the sofa ‘what do you mean she’s not here, Michael you know its not safe for her—‘

Michael cut her off ‘she safe Isabel that’s all you need to know right now, the less you know about where she is the better for everyone’.

She nodded her head ‘I understand, there was another reason I came over, I wanted to talk to you about something’.

He nodded his head but before she could answer the front door opened and closed, jumping up he frowned when he saw Serena walk in “what are you doing here?’

Serena narrowed her eyes ‘last I checked I still lived here, what’s with the attitude?’

‘Shouldn’t you be at work?’ he dodged her question with one of his own.

She folded her arms over her chest ‘I took the day off, I wanted to see Liz since she got out.’

‘How did you know she got out?’

‘It’s not exactly a secret Michael, what the hell is with all the questions. Who pissed in your cheerio’s this morning.’ she fumed.

“In case you haven’t noticed, someone is setting our sister up for murder. Not something to be happy about lately’ he stated staring straight at her.

Serene cringed inside ‘I know that okay, I wanted to talk her to see how she was doing.’

Michael crossed his arms over his chest ‘I told you she’s not here’.

‘Well then where is she, did she go back to her apartment?” she asked.

“She’s away.’

Serena huffed ‘she’s away that’s all your going to say, where did she go?”

Michael threw his arms down ‘I told you she’s away, I don’t know where she is okay’ he started to get angry.

“Fine!’ Serena screamed ‘that’s all you had to say, why don’t you just bend over and let Isabel pull that stick out of your ass’ she turned and stormed up the stairs.

Michael muttered sinking back down to the couch, glancing at Isabel ‘what did you want to tell me’.

Isabel glanced towards the hallway ‘I’ll tell you later, I’m going to head back to the hospital to sit with Alex, you know you should stop by there.’

Michael nodded his head “I know, I”ve just been busy with trying to free Liz.’

Isabel stood up “I know and Michael’ she paused looking towards the ceiling then back towards him ‘be careful, I don’t want to see you wind up like Alex.’

Michael stood up and followed her to the door ‘I will be’ she nodded her head and walked out halfway down the steps he stopped her, looking back over her shoulder he told her ‘make sure he stays safe.’

She nodded her head ‘don’t worry, noone will touch a hair on his head again.’

<center>******************************************</center>


Max walked back into the living room to find Liz staring at a picture on top of the mantle ‘you know now that you have seen that hideous picture, I”m going to have to keep you here forever.’

Liz looked over her shoulder and smiled ‘it’s not bad, was this your graduation’ she asked looking back at the picture of him standing in between his parent’s in a cap and gown, his mother was kissing him on the cheek and his father was sporting a big grin pointing to the diploma in his hand.

Max walked forward ‘yes, it was when I graduated from law school.’

Liz turned towards him ‘your parent’s must have been really proud, your dad especially.’

Max reached up and scratched his eyebrow ‘it was his dream come true, his only son to follow in his footsteps.’

Liz walked over and sat down on the sofa curling her legs up underneath her ‘you make it sound like it wasn’t yours.’

Max sat down in the middle placing a leg over his knee ‘no it was mine too, ever since I was little I’ve always been interested in helping people and wanting to see the bad go to jail.’

‘Like me’ she stated.

He whipped his head towards her and shook his head when he saw her smiling, rubbing his hands on his jeans ‘I am sorry about that, I thought you would be my chance at becoming District Attorney. I jumped on the case not really looking things over.’

She placed her elbow on top of the sofa and leaned her head against her hand ‘so what did change your mind about me?’

He looked towards her ‘honestly?’

She nodded her head.

‘The second you walked into that court room I was a goner, you stirred something inside me that I have never felt before and no matter how much I tried to convince myself that you were guilty my heart kept telling me something else’ he stated looking at her.

She felt tears glisten her eyes and acting on impulse she leaned forward and planted her lips on him. He jumped surprised at her actions, it took him a minute to realize what exactly what was going on, as soon his brain caught up he quickly returned the gesture.

His hand reached up cupping the back of her head to bring her closer, softly he ran his tongue along the bottom of her lip and she opened her mouth welcoming him. His tongue swooped in massaging hers, she mimicked his actions her hand coming up to rest on his shoulder.

When air became a need she pulled back quickly and shakily ‘I’m sorry I shouldn’t have done that’ she stated drawing her legs down.

He looked at her confused ‘I’m not, do you know how long I’ve been wanting to do that.’

Liz sighed and stood up ‘Max I can’t right now.’

He smiled softly at her ‘Liz it was just a kiss.’

She turned and looked at him ‘it was more than that and you know it...Max everything is in turmoil, there is still a murderer out there that is trying to frame me. I can’t get involved right now not when my life is such a mess.’

He stood up and turned her to face him, reaching up he tucked a strand of hair behind her ear letting his fingers linger on the ends, with his other hand he placed it on her waist ‘then let me be the one right thing right now.’

She looked up at him as a tear rolled down her cheek, he reached up and wiped it away “I’m not expecting anymore than you can give me Liz, I’ll wait as long as I have to for you. I’m going to help you get your life back and after all this is over I’ll still be here for as long as you want me too.’

She closed her eyes and leaned into him wrapping her arms around his waist, he sighed in relief when she didn’t pull away, wrapping his arms around her, he softly kissed the top of her head and just held her.

When she finally pulled away, he let her go “I’m going to go ahead and head back’ he stated.

She looked at him scared and relieved at the same time, sensing her fear he took her hand ‘don’t worry no one can find you here, and you have my number if you need anything. I want to get back so Michael and I can start working.’

Liz nodded her head and gave him a smile ‘call me when you find out anything’.

“I will, why don’t you go ahead and get some sleep. We’ll call and check up on you later’ he took the chance and leaned forward placing a soft kiss on her lips.

Walking him to the door, she watched as he got in the car and drove up the driveway, when she couldn’t see the dust from his car anymore she closed the door and locked it. Walking towards the kitchen she decided to make herself something to eat before going to take a shower.


<center>******************************************</center>



Maria sat on the stairs waiting, she knew it would be only a matter of time and she wasn’t disappointed.

She watched at the door slid open and the person quietly snuck in, standing up she waited quietly as the walked closer.

When they got close enough she flipped on the light scaring them ‘didn’t take you long’ she stated.

He glared at her ‘what the hell are you doing here?’

Maria raised her eyebrow ‘I think that’s my question for you.’

He smiled cocky at her ‘let’s just cut the crap Deluca, you know why I’m here.’

‘Yeah I know why you are here, and I hate to disappoint you but she’s not here’ she stated.

He glared at her ‘I guess you’ll just have to tell me where she is then, we have some unfinished business.’.

Maria placed her hand over her gun, before she could get it out Tristan pulled out his own and aimed at her ‘don’t be stupid’ he stated.

She slowly lowered her hand ‘funny I thought the only stupid cop here was you, especially since you fell for that fake address I wrote down.’.

He shrugged his shoulder ‘well had to take a chance, can’t let that bitch walk around trying to find out who set her up.’

‘What the hell did Liz ever do to you, your suppose to be a cop. You know protecting the innocent not setting them up’ Maria said angrily.

“Who said she ever did anything to me, I told you I had a crazy sister’ he stated twirling the gun around in his hand.

“Serena’s your sister isn’t she’ Maria stated already knowing the answer.

Tristan smiled ‘give the cop a gold star, I knew they made you detective for a reason.’

‘So your sister is crazy, if she told you to jump off a bridge would you do it?’ she said sarcastically.

Tristan scratched his temple with the barrel of the gun smiling ‘maybe I’m just crazier, now no more chatting’ he stated advancing on her.

after forever and a day, I finally have an update! Please forgive me it's not up to par, I'm trying to get back into the swing of writing., that's the bad part about stepping away from it for a little while, so hard to get it back. I have however made myself promise to have this fic completed by August so I can concentrate on my other ones that I have planned, two that are in the Sneak Peek section of my board. Also forgive the mistakes, I did run spell check, but you know those things don't catch everything

Because I know it's been so long, a memory jogger of the last part.

‘What the hell did Liz ever do to you, your suppose to be a cop. You know protecting the innocent not setting them up’ Maria said angrily.

“Who said she ever did anything to me, I told you I had a crazy sister’ he stated twirling the gun around in his hand.

“Serena’s your sister isn’t she’ Maria stated already knowing the answer.

Tristan smiled ‘give the cop a gold star, I knew they made you detective for a reason.’

‘So your sister is crazy, if she told you to jump off a bridge would you do it?’ she said sarcastically.

Tristan scratched his temple with the barrel of the gun smiling ‘maybe I’m just crazier, now no more chatting’ he stated advancing on her.

Chapter 17

Maria groaned as the pain in her head intensified as she regained conscious, opening her eyes she shut them quickly against the harsh light blinding her.

Squinting she opened one eye to try and gain focus, when that eye adjusted she opened her other eye only to groan again at the person in front of her.

Tristin sat backwards on a chair facing her, his arms draped over the back of the chair twirling the gun in his hand ‘I thought you were never going to wake up.’

Maria went to reach up only to find that her hands were tied together behind her, rolling her neck to work out the kinks she took in her surroundings. They were still in the warehouse she found, she noticed there was table to the side and they were in the only seats available. A huge bright light hung from a rusty chain in between them.

Tristin cracked a smile when he noticed her looking around ‘like my get-up?” he asked with a smile.

Maria rolled her eyes ‘I think you’ve watched one to many cop movies.’

He stood up and motioned with his hands ‘come on even you have admit it’s classic.’

‘I always wondered how you played the bad cop so well...now I know’ she said sitting up straighter in the chair, her arms were starting to hurt and she wondered how the hell she was going to get out of this situation.

He grinned ‘I did, didn’t I and you played the good cop so perfectly they never suspected’.

“Your never going to get away with this, you do know that’ she stated.

‘You have no proof, who do you think they would believe....me or the cop who is sleeping with the defense attorney’ he twirled the gun around on his finger.

“Not that it’s any of your business, I’m not sleeping with anyone. How long do you think your crazy sister is going to be able to hold her tongue. I’ve seen her, she looks like she is ready to start singing like a canary. Just offer a deal and I bet she’d spill her guts’ Maria stated while tugging on the ropes behind her back.

Tristin stood up abruptly knocking the chair over, storming over he grabbed the back of her hair and twisted her head back shoving the gun underneath her chin ‘don’t talk about her like that, my sister knows what will happen to her if she talks’ he stated. “Now enough small talk, where is Liz Parker?’

“Go to hell’ she yelled as she jerked her head trying to get loose of his grasp.

‘Oh trust me I will, but not before I’m ready” he replied as he flung her head forward and walked towards the table. Picking up her cell phone he turned and leaned against the table waiting for the other person to answer.

As soon as he heard the voice on the other end ‘If you ever want to see your little spitfire girlfriend again, bring Liz Parker to 2560 Park Lane in the warehouse district... you have twenty minutes”.

********

“Wait...” Michael shouted into the phone but was met with a dial tone.

“Shit...Shit’ he cussed as he stared at his cell phone, he hit the redial button waiting ‘shit’ he cussed again as he got the voice mail.

He hung up and then hit speed dial again ‘it’s me, I need you bring Liz back here’.

‘What...I just dropped her off, I am already half way back’ Max swore as he pulled off onto the side of the road.

“Then turn around and get her, they made the first move. I wasn’t expecting it to be this soon’ Michael demanded.

“No..not if it’s going to put her in danger Michael, the whole point of bringing her out here was to keep her safe’ he argued.

“Look just go get her, I don’t have time to argue with you...they have Maria’ Michael said on the urge of panic.

“Who has her’ Max asked as he turned the car around heading back towards the cabin.

‘I don’t know, it was a male.” he looked toward the stairs ‘but I’m going to find out and I know just who to ask.”

“NO!” Max shouted ‘if you confront her, you may never see Maria again.’

Michael started to pace back and forth “I can’t just sit here, we have exactly twenty minutes.’

“Look get Serena, make something up and get her to go with you. Give me the address and I’ll meet you there with Liz as soon as I can’ Max said pressing harder on the gas.

‘What’s your plan?” Michael asked

“I don’t know, I’ll think of something’ Max said then hung up the phone.

*****************

“So do I get a potty break’ Maria asked as she fidgeted in her seat, pretending like she had to go.

Tristin eyed her for a minute ‘now who’s watched too many cop movies, do you actually think I’d fall for that, I untie you and you try some super move that you think will free you’.

“If you want to sit her with a smelly prisoner that’s fine with me, in about two seconds I’m going to pee on myself.” she argued.

He shrugged his shoulders ‘go ahead, I really don’t care sweetheart’ he grinned resting his hands behind him on the table.

Maria glared at him when he didn’t budge ‘oh come on, I really have to go and I’ll even tell the judge you were nice enough to let me use the bathroom when they send your ass to prison”.

His smile grew bigger ‘The only place I’m going is to a nice beach resort, while the department is busy cleaning up the bodies that will be laid out here, but since you asked so nicely I think I can let you go...of course with supervision.”

“Of course’ Maria mumbled as she watched him walk closer, straightening up in her chair she waited.

He stopped in front of her and pointed the gun at her head ‘no funny business, I will shoot you” he stated as he leaned over.

As soon as he untied her arms, she swung her foot back tripping him backwards. He landed on the floor with a thud and she jumped on top of him knocking the gun out of his hand. Tristin gained his bearings and using his knee flipped her over his head onto her back, scrambling he landed on top of her pinning her arms down underneath his legs and wrapping his hands around her neck.

Maria twisted her body using her legs to kick him in the back, he reached behind him trying to grab her leg, ripping her arm free she reached up forming her hand into a claw digging her fingernails into the side of his face. Howling he let go of her neck grabbing the side of his face, she used the opportunity to knock him off of her, flipping on her stomach she started scrambling for the gun.

He grabbed her ankle just before she could grab it and yanked her backwards towards him, flipping her he punched her in the mouth. She screamed out kicking him hard to knock him away from her, she scrambled for the gun again, grabbing it this time she flipped and aimed at him ‘don’t move you bastard’.

He sat up on his knees holding his hand up ‘you and I both know you don’t have the guts to fire that thing.’

Keeping the gun aimed on him she staggered upright ‘there’s always a first time’ she said wiping her mouth. She glanced down at the blood on her hand and she cocked the gun in anger.

“Stand up asshole’ she demanded, looking for her radio she missed him reaching down underneath his pants leg, when he stood up he had another gun aimed at her ‘now what you going to do?’

Her hand started to shake and she did her best to hide it ‘I will shoot you’ she stated.

‘Tsk, Tsk Deluca you know I’m a better shooter, you’ll never get to pull the trigger’ he cocked his gun.

She glared at him “I’m willing to take that risk.’

‘Let’s do it’ he grinned.

Both stared at each other as they straightened their backs and fired the guns.

I finally have an update for this, all I can say is I'm sorry it's taken so long. Real life hit and it hit hard. I can only try to get it out as fast as I can. Won't waist time with endless excuses so here you go and thank you for being patient with me. If anyone is interested I am in the process of co-writing a fic with Behrsgirl77, we have the first six chapters posted in the sneek peak section of our board Roswellian Chronicles we will post it here after we get a few more chapters written for it. If your not a member and would like to join, send me a pm here after you register and I'll activate you.

From Previous Chapter

Keeping the gun aimed on him she staggered upright ‘there’s always a first time’ she said wiping her mouth. She glanced down at the blood on her hand and she cocked the gun in anger.

“Stand up asshole’ she demanded, looking for her radio she missed him reaching down underneath his pants leg, when he stood up he had another gun aimed at her ‘now what you going to do?’

Her hand started to shake and she did her best to hide it ‘I will shoot you’ she stated.

‘Tsk, Tsk Deluca you know I’m a better shooter, you’ll never get to pull the trigger’ he cocked his gun.

She glared at him “I’m willing to take that risk.’

‘Let’s do it’ he grinned.

Both stared at each other as they straightened their backs and fired the guns.


Chapter 18

Maria groaned for the second time that day, her head was throbbing, her arm felt like it was on fire. “I’m beginning to think that you don’t want me to take you on a date” she heard. Cracking one eye open she saw Michael leaning over her.

“You’re not going to get off that easy” she whispered out as she fully opened her eyes, the pounding in her head intensified and she saw white spots as she tried to sit up “Easy” Michael said helping her sit up “Where the hell is your back-up?”

Maria inspected her arm noticing it was just a flesh wound, good thing he was a lousy shooter she thought “ my partner did this” she said kicking herself that she didn’t catch on to this sooner.

Michael’s eyes got wide ‘Wh…What?’ he asked, he didn’t just hear that.

“You heard me, help me up” Maria held her hand up and he took it pulling her up.

“Where else are you hurt, I noticed a blood trail over there” he pointed to the small pool of blood that led towards the exit.

Maria grabbed her arm putting pressure on the wound; she looked to where Michael was pointing at the blood she must have hit him because they had a nice trail leading out of the door "didn't hit him good enough" then under her breath she said “won't make that mistake again.” She stated limping for the exit. Her leg was killing her too; she knew she was going to have multiple bruises on her body.

He ran to catch up with her, taking off his outer shirt he touched her arm “Wait…slow up.”

Maria looked at him “I can’t wait; I have to call this in. This is bad Michael.”

“Tell me what happened.” He begged.

“I will…hold on” she limped to her car that was behind the warehouse, leaning in she grabbed the handle for the CB ‘Officer needing immediate assistance at 2530 North shore warehouse district…repeat officer needing immediate assistance.”

She threw the receiver back in the car and limped back towards the warehouse. Michael caught her at the door and held up a piece of fabric, he had tore his shirt in half to bandage her arm “You need to get to a hospital” he said as he started tying the fabric around her arm.

“It’s just a flesh wound, but you need to get out of here before the others show up.”

‘What…no, I’m not leaving you” he protested “I want to know what happened and what do you mean your partner did this? He let a guy shoot at you, why the hell wasn’t he backing you up.” He shouted upset and scared at the same time.

Maria sighed trying to concerate but the massive headache she had was making it impossible “Michael I swear I’ll tell you everything, but you need to go now.” It dawned on her that she didn’t tell him she would be here, she didn’t tell anyone “What the hell are you doing here anyways, and how the hell did you know I was here” she questioned him.

Michael looked down at the ground “I got a call…he told me to come here and to bring Liz-

Maria cut him off fearing that she was on her way here “NO! Michael you don’t understand its Tristin…Tristin is Serena biological brother.”
Max pressed his foot harder on the pedal, he was already doing over the speed limit, the speedometer read eighty, he pushed it up to ninety swerving around corners as flew down the highway. He wasn’t that far from the cabin when Michael called but still it seemed like he was miles away.

His heart was pounding and he was scared. The phone call from Michael shook him and he was desperate to get back to Liz. He hoped that Michael could get to Maria safely and get her out without actually having to pull Liz from safety.

They had both agreed on letting Michael try before having Liz come back. Skidding to a stop in front of the cabin he raced inside “LIZ” he screamed searching the rooms, he ran into the kitchen and came up short when he saw her backed in the corner holding a knife.

“You scared the shit out of me” she hollered as she placed a hand over her heart trying to get her heartbeat back down, lowering the knife she let out a big breath.

“I’m sorry” he said bending over and placing his hands on his knees trying to catch his breath.

Placing the knife on the counter she walked towards him, “what are you doing back here” she noticed him frown and she started quivering “what happened?” she asked in fear.

He took a step towards her ‘Michael called…they have Maria. They demanded you in return.” He whispered already know what her answer was going to be and she didn’t disappoint.

“Let’s go” she fought the tears building up as she walked towards the opening.

Max grabbed her arm as she reached him “No we are not going anywhere.”

She looked at him like he lost his mind “Max we have too, I will not let Maria suffer.”

Max’s eyes softened ‘Michael doesn’t want you there, he won’t risk you. I won’t risk you.” He stated.

“And I will not risk Maria, she was the only one who believed me in the beginning, she was the only one willing to help me besides my family” she screamed.

Max flinched guilty knowing he was on the opposite side of that at first, turning towards her “Michael has it under control, he’s going to get Maria out of there safely” he tried reasoning with her.

She wasn’t convinced and yanked her arm free “I’m going” she sidestepped him and made it to the living room before he caught her.

“Liz, please just wait until we hear from him.”

“What if he can’t get to her in time, what if he gets hurt? I’ll never be able to live with myself if something happened to them.”

“Maria can handle herself, and you know Michael will be careful. I’m begging you please just stay here until we hear from him.” he said in desperation.

A tear escaped rolling across her cheek as she gave in; walking to the couch she sat down buying her head in her hand, the tears falling faster now. Max walked over and sat down next to her putting his arm around her shoulder he drew her to him ‘shh’ he soothed as he tucked her head underneath his chin.

“I can’t take this anymore, Alex…Maria…who else has to get hurt because of me” she cried.

“Hey…hey” he pushed her up and cupped her cheeks ‘none of this is your fault. Do you hear me this is not your fault?” She cried harder as he wrapped his arms back around her. Sinking back into the couch he drew her legs up and pulled her onto his lap. He ran his fingers through her hair as he closed his eyes and tried to soothe her crying.
Michael stood there stunned with his mouth opening “He’s what?” he asked not believing what he heard the first time.

“Where is Serena” Maria countered instead.

Michael shook his head “I…I don’t know, she wasn’t in her room and she’s not answering her cell. I was going to bring her with me because I know she’s involved in all of this somehow.”

“Tristin and Serena are in this together he’s her biological brother, we need to find them both.”

Michael shook his head “that’s impossible, she was a foster kid like me she didn’t have any family.”

“I guess mommy and daddy produced another spawn, who knows why they were separated. It is possible and now that I think about it they have the same eyes.” Maria stated looking out the door for reinforcements.

He dragged his hands down the front of his face “this is all just too much, Liz never did anything to her, we did everything possible to make her feel like family. “ he was fuming now.

“Well I think it is more him than her, even though he tried to play the it was all her card I think he had the upper hand.”

Michael punched the door ‘how the hell are we going to prove any of this he’s a fucking cop, we have shit to go on.”

“We can start with the attack on me –“

He cut her off “there is nothing to prove that they set Liz up, they are going to get away with murder.”

Maria heard the sirens approaching in the background “we will get them we just have to play our cards right, get out of here I’ll meet you back at your house when I’m done here.”

Michael sighed “you need to go to a hospital and have that armed looked at.”

“I told you I was fine, now go before they start questioning you.” she pushed him towards the door.

He paused and turned towards her placing a kiss on her lips “don’t keep me waiting long” he turned and left knowing that he would have at least an hour or so he decided to do some background checking of his own.

The thunder boomed outside as lightening raced across the night sky, inside Max was busy digging out candles just in case. Liz followed behind him clutching a flashlight “I hate the dark” she said jumping when the windows shook from the thunder.

“It’ll be okay, we have candles and flashlights if the lights go out, we can go camp out in the living room just in case” he stood up and placed two candles on the island in the kitchen. Picking up two others he stretched out his hand towards her “Come on.”

She placed her hand in his noticing how soft it was, somehow it magically calmed her inside, he led her to the living room taking a seat on the couch “Hopefully it will pass soon” she said as she curled her legs up underneath her.

Max leaned back sideways propping his elbow on the back of the sofa “When I was younger my dad would come in my room and count with me, he told me to count from the start of the thunder to the first sign of lightening you could tell how fast the storm was moving from that.”

She smiled “my parents would let us have a campout in the living room; we would all grab our pillows and blankets and spread out all over the place.”

“It must have been nice growing up with all those brothers and sisters” he hesitated a moment before he asked ‘How did Michael, Serena and James come into the picture. I mean what made your parents decide to take in foster kids?”

Liz shrugged her shoulders “I’m not really sure, Alex was six and I was five at the time. One day my parents came home and said we had a new brother, Michael came in and we just bonded. Six months later Serena came, we never really did get close. She was so closed off and made it hard to get to know her.

A year later James came, he and Alex are close. So it was Alex and James, Me and Michael, we tried to involve Serena in things but she would never join. I don’t know why it seemed the harder I tried to be friends with her the more she pulled away.”

Max looked at her ‘Did you know anything about her background, in the past I’ve dealt with cases that involved physical and sexual abuse. The client was withdrawn and sometimes prone to violent outbreaks.”

Liz bit her bottom lip ‘not that I know of, my parents didn’t want us to ask them about their past, it was all about the present and the future. They said that they were part of our family now and that was all that mattered.”

She stood up “I have to use the restroom, I’ll be right back.” Once there she tried to be quick, a loud pop echoed through the house as the lights went out "Shit' she screamed yanking her jeans up.

“Max” she hollered for his name as she felt her way down the dark hallway, when he didn’t answer her heart started pounding “Max” she noticed her voice was shaking.

Still no answer she made it to the living room and held her hand out walking slowly to the end table where she left the flashlight. Grabbing it in her hand she clicked it on screaming when she came face to face with Tristin.

“I’ve been looking for you Liz Parker’ he sneered as he leaped towards her.