tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31928805227982935862024-03-04T20:26:08.336-08:00Sessionsthewyndhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09476656359810192923noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125truetag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3192880522798293586.post-47397497805575401722018-03-29T11:50:00.001-07:002023-03-29T11:52:16.066-07:00Party at Rob's - Argument<img alt="ScreenShot003" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5046/5278485703_8acecd3fc3_z.jpg" height="374" width="599" /><br />
Blade pulled Beth into a secluded corner near the pool, pressing her gently against the wall. Muted sounds from the rest of the guests confirmed they were out there alone. Sliding his hand along her side Blade cupped her breast while the other hand grazed her bare thigh as he slowly lifted the hem of her dress. Beth pulled him tight against her body, rocking her hips up into his, sliding her hands down his back, slipping them down into his jeans, finding skin, raking gently with her nails, her breath coming hard and then gasping, tried to push him away. <br />
<img alt="ScreenShot004" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5208/5279092370_050c3b77a3_z.jpg" height="374" width="599" /><br />
“What's wrong...shhh...hey come here, nobody's watching, trust me.” Taking her hardened nipple between his fingers Blade squeezed and twisted it, eliciting another gasp as he fumbled to unbutton his jeans and free his erection.<br />
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She leaned into him, reaching down, silking her fingers over him, a light skilled exploration, closing, tightening, both of them moving with it now finding the rhythm breathing into the heat, before she abruptly turned her face away, shuddering, pulling back. “Oh god...no...I can't, I can't do this someone might see us...”<br />
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Keeping his stance in front of her, struggling with a raging hard-on, not allowing her to move, Blade glared down at her and fought for control, controlling his voice, keeping it low, keeping it even. “This isn't about anybody watching us. You're doing the same damned thing you always do, you take it so far then you fucking shut down on me. Beth, I'm tired of this. What the hell do you think you're doing?”<br />
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"You don't understand, I can't do something like that to him again, I have to get out of here!" Beth shoved him hard, pushing back and using strength he hadn't known she had, determined and unexpected.<br />
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Moving in tight, Blade placed his hands on either side of her, trapping her against the wall. “No you don't...stop, stop NOW. Listen to me, are you listening to me?”<br />
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“Let go of me.” Beth’s eyes narrowed as she glared at him, breathing heavily from both anger and the heat that had been between them moments ago. <br />
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Throwing his hands in the air in frustration Blade moved back. “I'll let go. You want to know why? You're chasing a man who doesn't want a goddamned thing to do with you, you've got his damned pictures on your walls, you're doing everything but camping outside his house, and maybe you're doing that too. You know what you are? You're nothing but an obsessed woman stalking a fucking rock star. Hell no I don't want to hold onto you!”<br />
<img alt="Beth final argument shot" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5161/5278669873_3640ed865b_z.jpg" height="366" width="599" />thewyndhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09476656359810192923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3192880522798293586.post-30863592135551201902010-12-14T22:39:00.002-08:002022-05-09T20:44:00.051-07:00Sessions Chapter 46<b>South Beach - West Harbor Place</b><br />
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Blade was late. The date had been casually arranged, whenever he finished at the studio, but whenever had a limit and he'd passed it by half an hour. Elise wandered from store to store and restlessly picked up and discarded sweaters, dolls, cheese graters, an 'as seen on tv' thing that steamed the wrinkles out of your clothes, a purple bed-in-a-bag, finally stopping to examine a tray of silver rings. She had done her Christmas shopping. She shouldn't be looking at rings and thinking about how they'd look on Cooper. <br />
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She shouldn't be doing a lot of things. She shouldn't be hunkering down with her laptop at 2 a.m. googling Cooper to find out what he was doing and who he was seeing. She shouldn't be waiting for another man who was late.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKiL6y7rJzA-dL5oUJdS-jh0rpF3U9XWxVUWIAUi7t1ayehmJ2PKq3WQm8Cv5Edrt3YkLC7LjgN4Qgre-fuW03kyCP8-rrlZ-hBQ6PdsiWfncGNmUGeYDyI4ZgVYpQcIJfftPhOIHK9UuB/s1600/ScreenShot007.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKiL6y7rJzA-dL5oUJdS-jh0rpF3U9XWxVUWIAUi7t1ayehmJ2PKq3WQm8Cv5Edrt3YkLC7LjgN4Qgre-fuW03kyCP8-rrlZ-hBQ6PdsiWfncGNmUGeYDyI4ZgVYpQcIJfftPhOIHK9UuB/s800/ScreenShot007.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />Elise saw the woman only seconds before the woman saw her, too late to pretend she hadn't, too late to run. The woman, glancing around as if looking for another way out, hesitated. Was she considering simply walking away? Wishing she would, caught between a toothy green plant and a fountain, Elise waited. <br /><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Z4-uaufTx0OEuZaE9vTaEnrkyV7CvWtED7I8gHrW9BM-H15egklh2AA1F91VxQK1oCxOXCfQXPssAIz9oOx4touU-tJI2iU4MqqfYmQUhSTD50BLiC3EXr_idmLBD_csf9CdXznnaELO/s1600/ScreenShot013.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Z4-uaufTx0OEuZaE9vTaEnrkyV7CvWtED7I8gHrW9BM-H15egklh2AA1F91VxQK1oCxOXCfQXPssAIz9oOx4touU-tJI2iU4MqqfYmQUhSTD50BLiC3EXr_idmLBD_csf9CdXznnaELO/s800/ScreenShot013.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />The woman did not walk away. She looked directly at her drawing a deep breath as if mustering the courage to step forward. She was, Elise saw, knowing what she would see but still reluctant to look, she was definitely pregnant. Thin and elegant and pregnant.<br />
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What do you do when you run into the woman carrying your husband's child? Speakers caroled 'Oh Holy Night' and other lovely hymns about babies and light and love and lions lying down with lambs. Forcing her mouth into a really big smile, Elise met the other woman's uneasy gaze. "Gemma Wilson? We haven't met but I know you're acquainted with my..my daughter. I'm Elise Stanfield."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9DENLFrBrqRuoOaj_T-aBw2IjwCuvQ3KNXUwDNmqjcElV3-coHY-mlCN7Ny-JJfgS9FfFkr2O53QbnwsbR6zAbWibya026ZVH6t9-KfyM6IVSeQ0kEOaqzMfSZHizNbxU4BC8KxaV_CEr/s1600/ScreenShot010.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9DENLFrBrqRuoOaj_T-aBw2IjwCuvQ3KNXUwDNmqjcElV3-coHY-mlCN7Ny-JJfgS9FfFkr2O53QbnwsbR6zAbWibya026ZVH6t9-KfyM6IVSeQ0kEOaqzMfSZHizNbxU4BC8KxaV_CEr/s800/ScreenShot010.jpg" /></a><br />
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The woman stroked back locks of her long black hair with a breakable hand. Her whole body looked breakable. "Hello, yes, it's a pleasure to finally meet you. Rayne has said so much about you."<br />
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Both of them knew that was a lie. Elise kept smiling. Gemma passed her shopping bag from one hand to another. She looked remarkably like Julia, based on Julia's photos since Elise had never actually met Julia. Cooper had always managed to keep them from running into one another, not that he had had to try very hard since Elise had not wanted to meet Julia, and she was pretty sure Julia had felt the same way. If she had lived, eventually they would have met.<br />
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Had he fantasized he was in bed with Julia when he was screwing Gemma? Had Gemma played at being Julia when she put her tongue in Cooper's mouth? She felt warm and faintly sick.<br />
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It would be polite to mention Gemma's 'condition'. She couldn't. She couldn't scream, couldn't slap the woman, couldn't make a scene. But she could deliberately refuse to mention the pregnancy, and she could deliberately refuse to return the pleasure. "Yes, well, I'm meeting someone." And that was it, close the sentence, shut the paragraph, punctuate it and wait for her to walk away.<br />
<br />Mild relief washing over her face, Gemma escaped down the sidewalk toward the street, and from very close behind, right at her shoulder, Elise heard Blade approach. "I'm late, sorry, Duff wasn't happy with a track." <br /><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpDwj_Rf8HxHsoX8BFiM9AaQz_wmm2NiOt5UTuQok0YEFujqOmzL6j6q0_rzEzu6LMlI4_Hl0rjgJgCT3RAVoNufDO0OcFMlUaRdSLdVm2vCgrxnVF2qGWV2iufsPQ8bfLGIDPtxpHdWYg/s1600/ScreenShot019.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpDwj_Rf8HxHsoX8BFiM9AaQz_wmm2NiOt5UTuQok0YEFujqOmzL6j6q0_rzEzu6LMlI4_Hl0rjgJgCT3RAVoNufDO0OcFMlUaRdSLdVm2vCgrxnVF2qGWV2iufsPQ8bfLGIDPtxpHdWYg/s800/ScreenShot019.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />His voice tapered off as he followed her gaze. She didn't move, still watching Gemma, wondering if that was baby clothes in the shopping bag, her stomach in a knot and her heart an empty dreary hole. She didn't give a flying fuck about Duff or a track.<br />
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<br />"I didn't notice," she said.<br /><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKtpyeGnNxL6maA-lOyv6wXLl8ShihPaYymwy7aX9Ice0ZkK7Bidto4Ub_1T5GlSW_ejuPgMI3-tYCZC1zfZOBOQGhWpQF2HAZv0TRurHIH_9QixrbzVcN31xDHGyFsK880oTOjW4xCxmO/s1600/ScreenShot023.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKtpyeGnNxL6maA-lOyv6wXLl8ShihPaYymwy7aX9Ice0ZkK7Bidto4Ub_1T5GlSW_ejuPgMI3-tYCZC1zfZOBOQGhWpQF2HAZv0TRurHIH_9QixrbzVcN31xDHGyFsK880oTOjW4xCxmO/s800/ScreenShot023.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />"Uh," he said, "Okay. Let's go over there." Blade slipped one arm around her waist and turned her firmly away from Gemma. "There's something I want to talk to you about."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji_nHJePLqkgcleO2fQUSHXCIGlevYFHlH99HoZDBdYh3t0X_xO1npewM6mZbWpbtRfp9OWTQTYWc1_GjL2x_NE2ovGVAY31UjNsfaaAarflW7asovY88BPfC2XurcZPQp2iKlTD4oeVSn/s1600/ScreenShot025.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji_nHJePLqkgcleO2fQUSHXCIGlevYFHlH99HoZDBdYh3t0X_xO1npewM6mZbWpbtRfp9OWTQTYWc1_GjL2x_NE2ovGVAY31UjNsfaaAarflW7asovY88BPfC2XurcZPQp2iKlTD4oeVSn/s800/ScreenShot025.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />Still disinterested in whatever Duff wanted or anything connected to tracks, Eliset leaned against the balustrade, took in a deep breath of cool salt air and swept her hair back from her face. "I didn't notice," she said again.<br />
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He kept her close, hip pressing against hers, arm around her waist, quiet, giving her time. It was late afternoon and the sailboats were returning to the windward side of the bay, a popular, pretty, peaceful and very expensive anchorage. Blade finally turned away from the view and put an end to the silence. "I take it you're acquainted with the mommy in waiting back there?"<br />
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"I know who she is." Glaring up at him, losing some of her control, Elise snapped, "Do not make assumptions. Don't ask 'who's the father'."<br />
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"Do you want to talk about it or do you want to drop it?"<br />
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A couple of girls strolled by and stared at them, wide eyed, obviously recognizing him. Blade had signed a woman's bare back three days ago and laughed as he scrawled his name across her shoulders. It didn't matter. She didn't care. She was dropping it. Been there already and seen it already.<br />
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Blade flashed that charismatic grin at the girls. His charm was nowhere near the same as Cooper’s. "We're throwing a party tonight at Rob's place to celebrate the RMA nominations, nothing elaborate, the band and a few friends. It'll run late. You could...bring an overnight bag." He waggled his brows at her, playing, making it a kind of joke except it wasn't a joke. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBWAbl8vbq4sHjhM26Pg5tPqJ9Is6UEYlg4IDyneyFty3OLHUQouVyTSC2zxWouG-sAyMt-fuuB-nsx8bMK6fmTLs4LnwfywwBz0mTK8sCKS5ImddOLPFdWmlx5UtDLbDALk_aO6xt1KNU/s1600/ScreenShot032.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBWAbl8vbq4sHjhM26Pg5tPqJ9Is6UEYlg4IDyneyFty3OLHUQouVyTSC2zxWouG-sAyMt-fuuB-nsx8bMK6fmTLs4LnwfywwBz0mTK8sCKS5ImddOLPFdWmlx5UtDLbDALk_aO6xt1KNU/s800/ScreenShot032.jpg" /></a><br />
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"Blade, I'm not staying. I've got things to do tomorrow even if I were inclined. Rayne has some kind of thing."<br />
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"Speaking of Rayne," balancing on the balustrade, long legs stretched out, maybe showing off or maybe just sitting there, he said, "Duff bought that charity donation painting of her not knowing who she was and hung it up on his wall. He seems kind of embarrassed about it now that he knows who it is."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOcnjREl747RYoK3lue1y2MNHQ5gRDMwC2Rpqli11Btp4LWxBz7NsXlOkYga_A70I9AlOg1U368-XgHWVGR6KLJC8kM0VpJ57jEkE-ekSLp4_-q6VroetSvlFsAEVHRXr7yEhdWPuUpuQt/s1600/shooters+place-028.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOcnjREl747RYoK3lue1y2MNHQ5gRDMwC2Rpqli11Btp4LWxBz7NsXlOkYga_A70I9AlOg1U368-XgHWVGR6KLJC8kM0VpJ57jEkE-ekSLp4_-q6VroetSvlFsAEVHRXr7yEhdWPuUpuQt/s800/shooters+place-028.jpg" /></a><br />
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They looked down to watch a boy playing a guitar out on the beach, his body curved over the instrument, caressing it, passionate and oblivious. Long light brown hair fell over his face. Eliset lingering, listening. "Rayne has her admirers," she said quietly. "She is, after all, a lot like her father."<br />S.B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15236399168777815648noreply@blogger.com45tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3192880522798293586.post-36361290600836504882010-11-21T16:13:00.001-08:002023-03-29T11:49:50.350-07:00Sessions Chapter 45 - Itsy Bitsy Spider<i>The itsy bitsy spider climbed up the water spout<br />
Down came the rain and washed the spider out<br />
Out came the sun and dried up all the rain<br />
And the itsy bitsy spider climbed up the spout again</i><br />
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<b>South Beach: Brick Garden Park - 4 PM</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPH3iE5rE4-E8yGYg47NTXR_Rus803InVKoWhq6GaEMx0uaxQdP5fRoWaFWn6YMCrm-xAsZ6iKDUT0kixrNGzZSzs0JT0N6Qy6rdQRga_aTItjmXt7SUMO_SbaOt610PTIHolPaC1p4LdG/s1600/ScreenShot038.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPH3iE5rE4-E8yGYg47NTXR_Rus803InVKoWhq6GaEMx0uaxQdP5fRoWaFWn6YMCrm-xAsZ6iKDUT0kixrNGzZSzs0JT0N6Qy6rdQRga_aTItjmXt7SUMO_SbaOt610PTIHolPaC1p4LdG/s800/ScreenShot038.jpg" /></a><br />
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Rafe once said if you wanted insight into the lives of the rich and famous, watch the mothers with their children at Brick Garden Park. One block off the bay and stacked with attractions to keep the kids busy, it offered enough privacy for adults to keep watch while they enjoyed more grown up distractions including a coffee shop and a discrete bar. Beth sat with a woman whom Gayl didn't recognize. They were both subdued, talking quietly while glancing over at the children in the near distance behind them. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjorV4U6CNQ8CBoYau85y2iu43EXELSLHV4h1lSh8AG_FYCiCTGgX_LJgeM1qljE-42nKyT-gxhXEkz-FJZ-vMTTsqqIVPyZcX1ZmD1hzPUSAc9X6OlbI49Q8QMMg7TAzhgIOExqpLt3pyF/s1600/ScreenShot020.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjorV4U6CNQ8CBoYau85y2iu43EXELSLHV4h1lSh8AG_FYCiCTGgX_LJgeM1qljE-42nKyT-gxhXEkz-FJZ-vMTTsqqIVPyZcX1ZmD1hzPUSAc9X6OlbI49Q8QMMg7TAzhgIOExqpLt3pyF/s800/ScreenShot020.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkau2HTyNT44Wag1ybIZYNuyR6xCU_XPapPZyEmuHRqgw6w1YtBNLDeQtxyIlK_38CTOgeJODlLyErCFl-kCldj3SzlR35aW0yQjUbE9cjKc2YDfqZmRod1v-QIPE-Ko13BybGztIQWsNj/s1600/ScreenShot019.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkau2HTyNT44Wag1ybIZYNuyR6xCU_XPapPZyEmuHRqgw6w1YtBNLDeQtxyIlK_38CTOgeJODlLyErCFl-kCldj3SzlR35aW0yQjUbE9cjKc2YDfqZmRod1v-QIPE-Ko13BybGztIQWsNj/s800/ScreenShot019.jpg" /></a><br />
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Meeting Bonni Savage at the park, Gayl stuck it out through a chilly light rain, letting the kids run around in wet leaves, both of them sipping lattes and sheltering near the bar to avoid the wind. Camilla had dropped off Jay, breezily 'asked' them to watch him while she shopped, then blew back in and strolled up and aimed her gaze across the pond toward Beth. "Do you believe she's out here running around like that have you seen Coop because he looks terrible and I think she's had work done. Do you think she's had work done?"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuwYm4Ai9dP5GqoBPhF0sBTaL8xlohHV_Rxc4PptRZiCNRwiFO7K5ttjATNwsVBFeMLSsm92uoKVK1FLSD6mIh1Z2uUlf9JqPrEt5xYg-yyfOnFlqx7cIfTDijF100z8ynGrugaggibSlG/s1600/ScreenShot021.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuwYm4Ai9dP5GqoBPhF0sBTaL8xlohHV_Rxc4PptRZiCNRwiFO7K5ttjATNwsVBFeMLSsm92uoKVK1FLSD6mIh1Z2uUlf9JqPrEt5xYg-yyfOnFlqx7cIfTDijF100z8ynGrugaggibSlG/s800/ScreenShot021.jpg" /></a><br />
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With Camilla it was hard to know if she actually expected a response, not that it was possible to get a word in. The World According to Camilla - long since having learned it was pointless to debate her, Gayl bit back a caustic response in defense of her friend. Bonni folded her arms in disapproval, "If anyone could tell, I'm sure it's you."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigBnl0qG27jIoZgYGlMWbLnJWwY8m01xEJgi_Tj5l9N4Bwprp_V222YNIa6i3fjrKAT2wQ6UIZE8oxwVkYzqH_B8xBLoCnOa-rmr1v8O_3lzWXdrQ4jbXYOPm6K6QQiNYWbgWt_jgHiNp9/s1600/ScreenShot022.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigBnl0qG27jIoZgYGlMWbLnJWwY8m01xEJgi_Tj5l9N4Bwprp_V222YNIa6i3fjrKAT2wQ6UIZE8oxwVkYzqH_B8xBLoCnOa-rmr1v8O_3lzWXdrQ4jbXYOPm6K6QQiNYWbgWt_jgHiNp9/s800/ScreenShot022.jpg" /></a><br />
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Oblivious to the remark Cammie turned and flashed a knowing smile at her. "You're right absolutely I could tell and if she went to someone good it would be hard to do since she's young. Relatively."<br />
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By this time Beth had risen and moved toward the north end of the park and up onto the bridge. Blade Ferguson had shown up; they chatted briefly, friendly and light with a brief hug and it was good to see her relaxed and smiling. The exchange had not gone past Camilla's notice either. <br />
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Cammie brushed back black hair and studied the woman on the other side of the bridge. "How old is she anyway? I know his ex the last one and her body is really tight I can't imagine why he would go after that woman. All those kids too, her body has to look like hell under those clothes."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibki6cvADzmHqFCT1kP0CsieVK6YMJ0flqvjI_GdfQLMOFFGMxQ3W4n5YL0cOY0twDB8efrl49LTg58AJuRt_CF_g8nEJ7b_qI9W0tjRN78pc6aJgrzGp-RjA5xJIMn9xPlbBE9o_-JTch/s1600/ScreenShot011.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibki6cvADzmHqFCT1kP0CsieVK6YMJ0flqvjI_GdfQLMOFFGMxQ3W4n5YL0cOY0twDB8efrl49LTg58AJuRt_CF_g8nEJ7b_qI9W0tjRN78pc6aJgrzGp-RjA5xJIMn9xPlbBE9o_-JTch/s800/ScreenShot011.jpg" /></a><br />
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That did it. Gayl stepped toward her. "Camilla -"<br />
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Before she finished the thought Cam turned, stopped and looked back, changing the course of her path and the conversation, Cheshire cat smile on her face as she looked at them.<br />
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"I've got to be somewhere and Jay's had enough don't you think he looks like Gabe but you have to look at Jay sideways to see it. Bye and Bonni love those shoes and yours too Gayl they are so sweet!"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLHxOfCx3ZU4MjnkMvrqTTaDgsAvDtOJUyu453VhFmwRyAScV5CWaFqZs3tAn0M6ANx1eyVv41jryM-K1MoQFYcvueKtMYhtjVnd8RIIKls91cYZX0uSDEeM4wyjaO5rc7OrIgjGkBV9ir/s1600/ScreenShot024.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLHxOfCx3ZU4MjnkMvrqTTaDgsAvDtOJUyu453VhFmwRyAScV5CWaFqZs3tAn0M6ANx1eyVv41jryM-K1MoQFYcvueKtMYhtjVnd8RIIKls91cYZX0uSDEeM4wyjaO5rc7OrIgjGkBV9ir/s800/ScreenShot024.jpg" /></a><br />
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Bonni and Gayl stood there momentarily stunned as Hurricane Camilla moved on leaving nothing in her wake but the sound of her boots echoing against the iron stairs. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCkovaB53JkjGiy8RHZ9DwppXon7sbt1vHyqvFghH8GtY5CTScQeeh4ShdFbpHeUVa-GStJMwwxFhnHHZ_WZ8zRu4ddKChU3W4ad-38An_ZTrs1IqVUF6NyLI68BMj541QUJhZc3Q5IA4L/s1600/ScreenShot026.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCkovaB53JkjGiy8RHZ9DwppXon7sbt1vHyqvFghH8GtY5CTScQeeh4ShdFbpHeUVa-GStJMwwxFhnHHZ_WZ8zRu4ddKChU3W4ad-38An_ZTrs1IqVUF6NyLI68BMj541QUJhZc3Q5IA4L/s800/ScreenShot026.jpg" /></a><br />
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"God..."<br />
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It took a great deal to leave Bonni speechless. <br />
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Gayl stood watching as Camilla called out to Jay, her voice carrying, turning heads in her direction, gathering attention as she catwalked down the bricks, never putting one stiletto heel wrong. There were no bricks under her feet. It was Camilla's sidewalk, Camilla's stage, Camilla's universe.<br />
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"I know. Unfortunately, sometimes I think that's who she is."<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
~~</div>
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<br />
"Hi, I'm Autumn. What's your name?"<br />
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The boy had been playing with them for a while before Autumn decided to stop and find out who he was. He looked kind of shy, but he smiled and said, "Riley." <br />
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"This is my friend Hugs." Hugs hung back a little and didn't say anything because she usually didn't say anything when she met somebody new, like she was scared of them or something.<br />
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Riley smiled again and looked like he wasn't sure what to say next. When he did, he said something goofy. He said, "That's a funny name."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSyaGxpcXDAbW0U1pUeD6WLgSqdJTKXs584xPlWUIw3sJ36ViQd4CfuCg_bALdEpZlMA6w0av0TVvyAMdYc7BcvqTy9oY_rp8TtRopP_RQTQbwZgp1ItjTevzyp3aiakkiu7m6uEq6MDPQ/s1600/ScreenShot028.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSyaGxpcXDAbW0U1pUeD6WLgSqdJTKXs584xPlWUIw3sJ36ViQd4CfuCg_bALdEpZlMA6w0av0TVvyAMdYc7BcvqTy9oY_rp8TtRopP_RQTQbwZgp1ItjTevzyp3aiakkiu7m6uEq6MDPQ/s800/ScreenShot028.jpg" /></a><br />
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Shoving in where he wasn't wanted like he always did, Jay got in the middle and declared, "And you got a funny face, what's that all over your face?"<br />
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Hugs looked down at the sidewalk and sideways before she said anything. "That's rude," she said quietly, maybe to Jay or Riley or both of them but probably it was Jay. "And that's not my real name. I have a real name."<br />
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Jay glanced at Riley, looked back at Hugs, and then doubled over laughing like it was the biggest joke in the world. "Yeah, her real name is HugsandKisses!" <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYxjFAf-iZgqcFmuAmwVKm51TyqVAhnlGycEb7zVfMIBhhTJ2xKsAofOQAKTks4SUeXDSaaClLNOfYUVchCUzrWnJV7dkQNS7g0WSVnuqMeUnDQwmF84KUJfTW8_IpjY5Jo6XbhHT2OzbR/s1600/ScreenShot036.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYxjFAf-iZgqcFmuAmwVKm51TyqVAhnlGycEb7zVfMIBhhTJ2xKsAofOQAKTks4SUeXDSaaClLNOfYUVchCUzrWnJV7dkQNS7g0WSVnuqMeUnDQwmF84KUJfTW8_IpjY5Jo6XbhHT2OzbR/s800/ScreenShot036.jpg" /></a> <br />
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Now that was really rude. Garret dropped the football on the other side of the jungle gym and started up the sidewalk toward them, maybe because Jay was making so much noise. Autumn didn't expect Hugs to do anything but stand there, but this time she got right up in Jay's face and pointed at him and yelled. "No it's not!"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUf71f5s1-inRRgSpzADFfXzBf0EsqhTEi1z6A5Elj89Mok79wqVX-gMVGK4p2hzURDp4bT4RN4UlUFmE6AK7_VVxXX1XvFg8dLmFveBZF0hvS0jVFD-vkTOq_mC-JhzQ_P8OixFq6fvOD/s1600/ScreenShot031.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUf71f5s1-inRRgSpzADFfXzBf0EsqhTEi1z6A5Elj89Mok79wqVX-gMVGK4p2hzURDp4bT4RN4UlUFmE6AK7_VVxXX1XvFg8dLmFveBZF0hvS0jVFD-vkTOq_mC-JhzQ_P8OixFq6fvOD/s800/ScreenShot031.jpg" /></a><br />
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It was kind of cold and kind of wet and they weren't going to be able to play out here much longer. Autumn had been watching her mother talking with Garrett's mom and Jay's mom and now she was coming in their direction. She didn't see Hugs' mom right now, but she'd probably hear the noise and come over too. Jay always messed up everything. "We don't want to play with a bunch of dumb boys. We're gonna play with that girl. And he's got freckles, Jay, in case you're so stupid you don't know that."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju36TT-ReOyGDIBbnlR37X44MdBE9tsrsxB_Y8Z9QFQFnrMNSYArLmhBR7fAliBXS9NKq8IcR0cFYM2ox0XMx7OHLd-OmB0oaF1LyZ1_WlitCwSPG82vr0QNLdgBJFK4DE0NYq5ivobIh5/s1600/ScreenShot032.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju36TT-ReOyGDIBbnlR37X44MdBE9tsrsxB_Y8Z9QFQFnrMNSYArLmhBR7fAliBXS9NKq8IcR0cFYM2ox0XMx7OHLd-OmB0oaF1LyZ1_WlitCwSPG82vr0QNLdgBJFK4DE0NYq5ivobIh5/s800/ScreenShot032.jpg" /></a><br />
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"Hey," Garrett said to the new boy, holding out his hand and pushing Jay aside. "My name's Garrett. You wanna play ball with me? Jay drops it all the time. Don't you, Jay?"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieYJBZxjRH0jpgifUJdiNLtyxgVu1ctMikEuUUpikB5Px-xHyDmdRJ48B8rsPrw4-sRV82UPM5MgYUzGY8cMcV4i7VslyP8tUR243TVnW9JIX9-EHq7hlX08-hUH7LEZX0hi-VpL5A1OYa/s1600/ScreenShot033.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieYJBZxjRH0jpgifUJdiNLtyxgVu1ctMikEuUUpikB5Px-xHyDmdRJ48B8rsPrw4-sRV82UPM5MgYUzGY8cMcV4i7VslyP8tUR243TVnW9JIX9-EHq7hlX08-hUH7LEZX0hi-VpL5A1OYa/s800/ScreenShot033.jpg" /></a><br />
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Jay didn't even look at him. He probably didn't care if Garrett said he dropped the ball. He never cared if anyone said he did something wrong. He just kept looking at them until Autumn grabbed Hugs by the hand, still glaring at her cousin, and said, "Don't look at him. He's being a stupid turd again, don't you look at him."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9QchSnnE0rsjUX7oKVR8mC9zse4vlwWfuTT0a94kR1025-s8vGNE_FDGql_Y3lfAcoPpyTaSjDpamo37UQaKS6tdlkQG6VslB6YlsWwl6otLpC9WPgHHXMfWYjglcmDWG-BIJqeFrugNb/s1600/ScreenShot035.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9QchSnnE0rsjUX7oKVR8mC9zse4vlwWfuTT0a94kR1025-s8vGNE_FDGql_Y3lfAcoPpyTaSjDpamo37UQaKS6tdlkQG6VslB6YlsWwl6otLpC9WPgHHXMfWYjglcmDWG-BIJqeFrugNb/s800/ScreenShot035.jpg" /></a><br />
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She did though. Hugs was her best friend but she didn't ever listen to her. She didn't listen now. She slid her hand away and she kept looking right back at Jay. Leaves were blowing all around them now and her mom was calling and Autumn heard Jay's mom saying something in a loud voice to Hug's mother and Hug's mom was saying something back and she sounded mad, but Hugs and Jay just kept looking at each other like there was nobody else in the whole park or the whole world but just Hugs and Jay.<br />
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<a href="http://ddpassages.blogspot.com/2010/11/passages-27.html"><b><i>NEXT CHAPTER</i></b></a>S.B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15236399168777815648noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3192880522798293586.post-23061157890888459692010-11-15T16:07:00.003-08:002022-05-09T20:43:41.274-07:00Sessions Chapter 44<br />
<b>South Beach - The Harbor</b><div><b><br /></b>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdM_aKKudYsDq_QWlnS13ocHRUzuYFhtRPbJp1M47V333jNk9f9qbmUOGpXtsnAj4PfClJjtilC8myMIOSEHbilBiOZpmogh8yjiT1fixAENsXHYkoKhS0Wnr_kcbYjH75EEAZq4PE6ZIE/s1600/ScreenShot004.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdM_aKKudYsDq_QWlnS13ocHRUzuYFhtRPbJp1M47V333jNk9f9qbmUOGpXtsnAj4PfClJjtilC8myMIOSEHbilBiOZpmogh8yjiT1fixAENsXHYkoKhS0Wnr_kcbYjH75EEAZq4PE6ZIE/s800/ScreenShot004.jpg" /></a> <br />
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Blade drew breath and listened to the voice on the other end. It was late morning, the ocean was calm and the skies were clear although in South Beach you never knew when a rain shower would breeze through. He stood on the deck, shirtless, wishing he’d had another cup of coffee before calling her.<br />
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“You need to understand this, I am not interested in getting involved with you or anyone else.” Elise’s tone was clipped and decisive, undercut by what sounded like water. Maybe she was outside.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZmL175E8a4rzXAfnlQ0QNA2X1Wu0QPlSKlS1v4V7rINluBW_m0aiVuiZYnrAnIESOH4ZjPnz_BXBGM2zTodjIe7dW3qy-t-HjYl3wejJWXHjaE3TW9ddf33ZCGQbRm1GYanWPfGztg0Cg/s1600/ScreenShot003.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZmL175E8a4rzXAfnlQ0QNA2X1Wu0QPlSKlS1v4V7rINluBW_m0aiVuiZYnrAnIESOH4ZjPnz_BXBGM2zTodjIe7dW3qy-t-HjYl3wejJWXHjaE3TW9ddf33ZCGQbRm1GYanWPfGztg0Cg/s800/ScreenShot003.jpg" /></a><br />
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Blade could sense that he may have pushed a little too much. Never one to give up on a challenge, and he was sure the prize was worth it, he switched directions. Backing off only a bit he kept his tone light. “Getting a little ahead of yourself, aren't you? I'm not asking you out on a date; it's business.”<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj907Z8tZQXnseF_mugDK7jI-FQPZDtSqL6isvHOUoArrDJ3oJ1meHb19I0VUEZ6jVgqUpeJVbRqVaJkwhDu9-pk9FsKGYwdRPLGbAQW-ocz8PGWtdUW-5lg8mG8sgj0A5SW8ZfVJhDyciy/s1600/ScreenShot001.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj907Z8tZQXnseF_mugDK7jI-FQPZDtSqL6isvHOUoArrDJ3oJ1meHb19I0VUEZ6jVgqUpeJVbRqVaJkwhDu9-pk9FsKGYwdRPLGbAQW-ocz8PGWtdUW-5lg8mG8sgj0A5SW8ZfVJhDyciy/s800/ScreenShot001.jpg" /></a><br />
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She paused and Blade waited, imagined her thinking on the other end, not trusting himself to push further until she said something. He didn’t wait long.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhU7_h-ZLhyphenhyphenLIGqLy4lpeu0bebXq-DlQcs99HnulSoxsN9JoI89Rj44wxI9mnKQSMV13dLbsQ0LoYXmvsz0_tZQfb7urRpRY0nAFJbbB85FtThKcOcqD8DfRSHCHYfOQrhIs5w6uz8tNnI/s1600/ScreenShot012.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhU7_h-ZLhyphenhyphenLIGqLy4lpeu0bebXq-DlQcs99HnulSoxsN9JoI89Rj44wxI9mnKQSMV13dLbsQ0LoYXmvsz0_tZQfb7urRpRY0nAFJbbB85FtThKcOcqD8DfRSHCHYfOQrhIs5w6uz8tNnI/s800/ScreenShot012.jpg" /></a> <br />
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“Blade, stop it please. This is not a good time for me, I'm really not into the games. It's not business. You know it and I know it. If you want to ask me out, do it, but no games.”<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyxN4laEGD4g6_FXp8wAmUOa01CrZzLWZKrRflXX2_nEI4dBjP1_9XQvS6SfNJqsjOOhff5QEzigi-LVk-4xgyiKeZZL1ZDw5q0OiUpbL3qL2Z64ZliLVlpOFuA6bkRei6OND4pgkITq8R/s1600/ScreenShot002.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyxN4laEGD4g6_FXp8wAmUOa01CrZzLWZKrRflXX2_nEI4dBjP1_9XQvS6SfNJqsjOOhff5QEzigi-LVk-4xgyiKeZZL1ZDw5q0OiUpbL3qL2Z64ZliLVlpOFuA6bkRei6OND4pgkITq8R/s800/ScreenShot002.jpg" /></a><br />
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Satisfied that he had made it through at least one barrier, Blade smiled and gazed beyond the bridge, wondered if she was doing the same. He could hear the surf crashing through the phone. He’d won this round but he still had an uphill climb to win meaningful interest from her. In his most assuring voice, Blade answered. “No games, just dinner and some distraction. I can't do card tricks for you, but I promise I'll be entertaining.” <br />
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They’d settled on the time; he would pick her up in an hour. Moving toward the end of the deck Blade sighed and stared at the breakers. He had been serious about not playing games with Elise. He wanted her, knew her worth, at least he convinced himself of that last part. She was a woman of surprises and considerable strength. No doubt he had barely scratched the surface. Taking one last long gaze Blade inhaled and began formulating his plan to win her over. <br />
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<b>South Beach - <i>First Break</i>: 11:00 AM</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKvz22VPMigCTMy35wbBtih-VwFKiPbc6mzPXr1tgc7AfMplz8GZepc82HaIQmOTMUU8m8l2x6RkOJ-FXP5KIRPaZPO6uNlMDIf4BDnj2qhlYvj242UcydRkoqJi36oATkEwdc2BhCkTQk/s1600/ScreenShot010.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKvz22VPMigCTMy35wbBtih-VwFKiPbc6mzPXr1tgc7AfMplz8GZepc82HaIQmOTMUU8m8l2x6RkOJ-FXP5KIRPaZPO6uNlMDIf4BDnj2qhlYvj242UcydRkoqJi36oATkEwdc2BhCkTQk/s800/ScreenShot010.jpg" /></a> <br />
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<b>South Beach - <i>Seaglass Corner</i></b>: <b>12:00 PM</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwO-KnEOEXcq0gqQvfIbvoe-sdf1FcFyHt3m7iBPH4lKFyRsm9qDtJxOtM6m-TDr55ZAX7-sGmpSi9gr32gBXKfLSBhBMPwXIpwceORcJcf0wD2ZhlE6OMIT0Tg6Ts09NFdH5sWACfndsv/s1600/ScreenShot022.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwO-KnEOEXcq0gqQvfIbvoe-sdf1FcFyHt3m7iBPH4lKFyRsm9qDtJxOtM6m-TDr55ZAX7-sGmpSi9gr32gBXKfLSBhBMPwXIpwceORcJcf0wD2ZhlE6OMIT0Tg6Ts09NFdH5sWACfndsv/s800/ScreenShot022.jpg" /></a> <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFeiPhPEvSVFNY8YNnA7ObT8muIEvLfx0NS_3Qrke0dTvBKHR3svQU2_l_f1CpsD1IC91-BtgM2TwfpffUkB3MaGuBcY5uD_Vo4jFCjHFCxL3Lrw8Aoc_QjNVM1d0_2kmsEKmMbK0YGTof/s1600/ScreenShot035.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFeiPhPEvSVFNY8YNnA7ObT8muIEvLfx0NS_3Qrke0dTvBKHR3svQU2_l_f1CpsD1IC91-BtgM2TwfpffUkB3MaGuBcY5uD_Vo4jFCjHFCxL3Lrw8Aoc_QjNVM1d0_2kmsEKmMbK0YGTof/s800/ScreenShot035.jpg" /></a> <br />
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<b>South Beach - <i>Blue Moon Marina</i>: 6 PM</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpyakA91i2NkFoby24npip-nT0A365CT0g6L6oleogzSMAvaXWkGdfLDakvm0ygiVZBpU_DRb8VKeRsaPtDFJPagmTL9kN9oOGZu0W8EDih35j29Q0YnlqwfwMsLEVC7pvnsRFO99oxDfU/s1600/ScreenShot015.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpyakA91i2NkFoby24npip-nT0A365CT0g6L6oleogzSMAvaXWkGdfLDakvm0ygiVZBpU_DRb8VKeRsaPtDFJPagmTL9kN9oOGZu0W8EDih35j29Q0YnlqwfwMsLEVC7pvnsRFO99oxDfU/s800/ScreenShot015.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWr63GLD8jo8uqC7E42y-CzU-WddI5utByrcIbMolf3inOrYlC4h-HVeiTltKqrHva-awAFRnsMGQhOA1Thn9iEM5HRjl6ToUjpDJA8u381FJCS7acya2_SXs055mhLpWF4ae0epaiu2uj/s1600/ScreenShot014.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWr63GLD8jo8uqC7E42y-CzU-WddI5utByrcIbMolf3inOrYlC4h-HVeiTltKqrHva-awAFRnsMGQhOA1Thn9iEM5HRjl6ToUjpDJA8u381FJCS7acya2_SXs055mhLpWF4ae0epaiu2uj/s800/ScreenShot014.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXF1nx2jUSNTKxfHivzdmWg8_i7Jl3EOzA8L24H6g3qEcP3frfcJxnORpWTCDrLUnoSPbRIuTStoKJwsxS61Reql2u-YmfX7wASX8PQPrvYt6N-HM0jzPXtiaGVVYuCuR27-kDjwhb4Abh/s1600/ScreenShot030.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXF1nx2jUSNTKxfHivzdmWg8_i7Jl3EOzA8L24H6g3qEcP3frfcJxnORpWTCDrLUnoSPbRIuTStoKJwsxS61Reql2u-YmfX7wASX8PQPrvYt6N-HM0jzPXtiaGVVYuCuR27-kDjwhb4Abh/s800/ScreenShot030.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdtoTTZpAeD36lyA_rZsONHEjH26mpHNS1h7vsAYwfRjOGCxzsy7D3Vdw2AxWT-LNFZoQZfGvxC2eK-n1cJYGIbpYSu5kmWt2IahwAyLpepX99alRQsB7es7NQBxrwfIa4zg0s95JeFwE6/s1600/ScreenShot027.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdtoTTZpAeD36lyA_rZsONHEjH26mpHNS1h7vsAYwfRjOGCxzsy7D3Vdw2AxWT-LNFZoQZfGvxC2eK-n1cJYGIbpYSu5kmWt2IahwAyLpepX99alRQsB7es7NQBxrwfIa4zg0s95JeFwE6/s800/ScreenShot027.jpg" /></a> <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2LD3V-nYSW8b3g4UAGMIrR1VN9LcfU-spzqDw99T7Bi8aPe4ByZ8Sy6yvPHVk1cloQ6OEAPmPZ2ngc5DewUETu4y0dE5KvoBBXfswfVBFun3eFvjwviFOfaN8JL52q02UQlTsL45wKSlB/s1600/ScreenShot032.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2LD3V-nYSW8b3g4UAGMIrR1VN9LcfU-spzqDw99T7Bi8aPe4ByZ8Sy6yvPHVk1cloQ6OEAPmPZ2ngc5DewUETu4y0dE5KvoBBXfswfVBFun3eFvjwviFOfaN8JL52q02UQlTsL45wKSlB/s800/ScreenShot032.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2U_AU9IYIgTzbJtE4oxWr5934poXn7PJMQPaFkAsKVzdvv_p7opbmywSSWFmB1GE9Reim_ENcOKzg1N5v3lVVM2WPMq9IOL7HBk61yVMngPTCQGq_YyrG79yBC7i1nOD9qm-M3maJa0ov/s1600/ScreenShot021.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2U_AU9IYIgTzbJtE4oxWr5934poXn7PJMQPaFkAsKVzdvv_p7opbmywSSWFmB1GE9Reim_ENcOKzg1N5v3lVVM2WPMq9IOL7HBk61yVMngPTCQGq_YyrG79yBC7i1nOD9qm-M3maJa0ov/s800/ScreenShot021.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijD-dhFx3BD8NMMEcLV7DJx4ec5Apdv1XFp21YMGjKsYKNeziY0eTnLp1GwWS7n9jr9CDPOdmpJ9nizjV5Qucd2vWBwdra6dxhYqHhhS5yeNnv2vVOkOk9LTFZtByEIZMOaIUVYjfpDGNv/s1600/ScreenShot017.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijD-dhFx3BD8NMMEcLV7DJx4ec5Apdv1XFp21YMGjKsYKNeziY0eTnLp1GwWS7n9jr9CDPOdmpJ9nizjV5Qucd2vWBwdra6dxhYqHhhS5yeNnv2vVOkOk9LTFZtByEIZMOaIUVYjfpDGNv/s800/ScreenShot017.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUyxGBCRwch0j_ruPIy0T0lrLPNGslF8JLZUF6-zQ1niOQ6G7c6JWcIPMGK7iQ6NBULeknaiV8ZUO2c21Z6d7uh-IhjS6Cn-THXF0xy2TsgGm-atnE4chXMHDw62ejJB4Gu-rnIPErKvbT/s1600/ScreenShot019.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUyxGBCRwch0j_ruPIy0T0lrLPNGslF8JLZUF6-zQ1niOQ6G7c6JWcIPMGK7iQ6NBULeknaiV8ZUO2c21Z6d7uh-IhjS6Cn-THXF0xy2TsgGm-atnE4chXMHDw62ejJB4Gu-rnIPErKvbT/s800/ScreenShot019.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEbQzKVDnQ9UacNLRhTeFgQoWfXrBVGeZ2D9TOmf9AJI3CZWZ8x8qwbpnyVuvkLFL0JttWFSWK_HUtqCPPSfHAZy_l94ImZ_cpiL6CteI3s8WTRIle9c0MEx1mELWxDZ7SKTGj5nspNFJI/s1600/ScreenShot020.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEbQzKVDnQ9UacNLRhTeFgQoWfXrBVGeZ2D9TOmf9AJI3CZWZ8x8qwbpnyVuvkLFL0JttWFSWK_HUtqCPPSfHAZy_l94ImZ_cpiL6CteI3s8WTRIle9c0MEx1mELWxDZ7SKTGj5nspNFJI/s800/ScreenShot020.jpg" /></a><br />
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<b>Millwood - <i>Parrot Pier</i>: 10 PM</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiluGRYyXAVUcuO6BkYwVsMmrBtBk_ZHT3RulavNjn8VIpZR503kdl_aVTphZPqwW5qAY3nT6ViBIw5bhT1cryGc9ewGjUrI-qmb3DbE65x8CWxMZy-ydtH2-jsrhKnjpvIBnUz8RaNQlRG/s1600/ScreenShot038.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiluGRYyXAVUcuO6BkYwVsMmrBtBk_ZHT3RulavNjn8VIpZR503kdl_aVTphZPqwW5qAY3nT6ViBIw5bhT1cryGc9ewGjUrI-qmb3DbE65x8CWxMZy-ydtH2-jsrhKnjpvIBnUz8RaNQlRG/s800/ScreenShot038.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFCqrk7kBtkalYso0NI2zfFvehBIeqkOoBYOQj_GtLJTiDLmuooC9eSzP5PhJ8z12BzgyptDaKHYkZ_GZhBTHw77VqFou82Kjvm_TYFpd0wVtVBnhv9grv9sC-jHGPjjPJAGhIKAzK8BFf/s1600/ScreenShot039.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFCqrk7kBtkalYso0NI2zfFvehBIeqkOoBYOQj_GtLJTiDLmuooC9eSzP5PhJ8z12BzgyptDaKHYkZ_GZhBTHw77VqFou82Kjvm_TYFpd0wVtVBnhv9grv9sC-jHGPjjPJAGhIKAzK8BFf/s800/ScreenShot039.jpg" /></a><br />
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It had been a pleasant afternoon. They stood beside each other in the cool evening, comfortable and silent, listening to the ferries in the distance and the occasional gull. The salty air was crisp and damp, laced with the aroma of fish, both from the ocean and the seafood shacks that lined the beach down the road from where they stood. Eliset broke the silence, “You've been married four times.”<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifZ-qZVkjgZd626PtjQDoezq7UOVI18BtEm_hXTxAcabqXHLcZ8UqT7XiwwA3XUnimshVSkUPgl83CC6Ha69RCAAOMgW22PIyOgki21X7BRGKxhCfgf15F_YWJV5kYcQp5cMJ2DDCtPwOA/s1600/ScreenShot040.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifZ-qZVkjgZd626PtjQDoezq7UOVI18BtEm_hXTxAcabqXHLcZ8UqT7XiwwA3XUnimshVSkUPgl83CC6Ha69RCAAOMgW22PIyOgki21X7BRGKxhCfgf15F_YWJV5kYcQp5cMJ2DDCtPwOA/s800/ScreenShot040.jpg" /></a><br />
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Blade glanced down, reflected on those marriages and what he had hoped to gain from each one. Grinning sheepishly he confirmed it. “Yeah, four, kind of embarrassing to admit it. I haven't sworn off marriage yet; maybe that's excessive optimism, but I still want it, if I can find the right person.”<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb-5Ou2iQAgOFgXnPO-lchw0Vc9wlWe5IEQVZ_WAW__uYvvx0O2rWoVonjC73dlh22-ZVzNhN1DNSQOko6BcUGLTpjkUgIqogBQ-yL2QQ5DTze2i9brpnfnBCqG1PhdARvD0DFiFVl3y0f/s1600/ScreenShot042.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb-5Ou2iQAgOFgXnPO-lchw0Vc9wlWe5IEQVZ_WAW__uYvvx0O2rWoVonjC73dlh22-ZVzNhN1DNSQOko6BcUGLTpjkUgIqogBQ-yL2QQ5DTze2i9brpnfnBCqG1PhdARvD0DFiFVl3y0f/s800/ScreenShot042.jpg" /></a> <br />
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Eliset turned to face him, her arm resting on the railing and a look of amusement in her eyes. “How old are you, twenty eight or nine? Thirty? Four is ridiculous. Maybe you ought to figure out why you keep driving the car into the ditch before you get back behind the wheel.” <br />
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His smile grew wide at the remark. Absently flicking a loose stand of hair from her cheek he challenged her. “Are you offering a refresher course in driver's ed?”<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ6A5k6CMNKO_HWXJTNrg1m3IISXX_hV9-txRX3idSvm2mEh5XpkiGJ0ZOSxxk4WY2blUiyYhnx9P5NOAHGfNAf4mPzqJ2t4TrVeeovBJzHMXlXiaNTGSzQNSvK7qDpGQ3QZyoMQ4kWU1y/s1600/ScreenShot043.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ6A5k6CMNKO_HWXJTNrg1m3IISXX_hV9-txRX3idSvm2mEh5XpkiGJ0ZOSxxk4WY2blUiyYhnx9P5NOAHGfNAf4mPzqJ2t4TrVeeovBJzHMXlXiaNTGSzQNSvK7qDpGQ3QZyoMQ4kWU1y/s800/ScreenShot043.jpg" /></a><br />
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“You wouldn't want one from me. No doubt, NO doubt you've seen those photos of me in <i>Probe</i>.” Elise laughed and then turned away, gazing out at the darkness once more. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2vgxHW8-NNgiaZ15keWBWvuc9dQJ8vbo7BCZcpFBxe2GyIBLR_KPVqzmsJr7WUzHA8z5TQDmYKCBYhmKFr0KzcIukIZ-vh48F565VED71EKgJ6k2rq_vuh2gFgSuxNRSXOSd518RNdDuw/s1600/ScreenShot044.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2vgxHW8-NNgiaZ15keWBWvuc9dQJ8vbo7BCZcpFBxe2GyIBLR_KPVqzmsJr7WUzHA8z5TQDmYKCBYhmKFr0KzcIukIZ-vh48F565VED71EKgJ6k2rq_vuh2gFgSuxNRSXOSd518RNdDuw/s800/ScreenShot044.jpg" /></a><br />
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Blade moved closer, looking at her quietly, admitting, "I saw them; I've heard about the guy. You didn't go back to him when you split with Cooper, or is that still going on?”<br />
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Moving further down the pier Elise folded her arms, turned and shaking her head, answered, “No, it's over, it's been over for a long time. It was a terrible mistake, the one mistake I would take back if I could.” <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY1WGDJ78dH55wUCuEqFeGUvAsa_Kr4kOyQPTXu06gLOJf7FPSQHu2o8l742YYt_HOVbHDV9OWbmIxZtpLPegXjvm94l0JeG2FRSFN1baICjuD8FB2KLXOSLSAy14AoiDTWGXQj97qpRt7/s1600/ScreenShot046.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY1WGDJ78dH55wUCuEqFeGUvAsa_Kr4kOyQPTXu06gLOJf7FPSQHu2o8l742YYt_HOVbHDV9OWbmIxZtpLPegXjvm94l0JeG2FRSFN1baICjuD8FB2KLXOSLSAy14AoiDTWGXQj97qpRt7/s800/ScreenShot046.jpg" /></a><br />
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Taking several long, easy strides Blade stood before her. He searched her face, wondered what went on in her head, looking for an opening that could draw her closer to him. “From where I'm standing, you look pretty damned human; you're allowed to make mistakes.” He paused, thought about it, thinking about what he knew about the man, what he'd done, what he'd done himself, looked away before fixing his eyes on her again. "Coop was on the road all the time, doing what we do. It's a problem that ends a lot of marriages. My hands aren't clean either.”<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgodfJZKRdCWx8njhZjpX-91JIWRLOaxcdhgqK8PAKaozudOuIpM0R4BNAPRmVR_dXat0qP4AKnN0YSkAE4fMxY5hus0lOCWqJb0IcNTVTszawydIi6Uow2MTfm1MHDsNzw1O0NYEZUPYIj/s1600/ScreenShot048.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgodfJZKRdCWx8njhZjpX-91JIWRLOaxcdhgqK8PAKaozudOuIpM0R4BNAPRmVR_dXat0qP4AKnN0YSkAE4fMxY5hus0lOCWqJb0IcNTVTszawydIi6Uow2MTfm1MHDsNzw1O0NYEZUPYIj/s800/ScreenShot048.jpg" /></a> <br />
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“Don't try to excuse what I did. There isn't any excuse. It's not a math problem: you don't get to cancel it out.” Elise stopped, changed course. ”You don't have any children? Out of all those marriages, no children?”<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzLfes4szljEP-pJWuu8tygVX1WoZgK33AYkae4QRUIb-qk6SG6YH9AAkVvWVOo0TQxGy8IimE7WgnsooWY1t6E8Ifq7uMXAwYHvKvxBQjtrwMooOCZHS_8Xxv_0eGNC7nf3SEcpjDFLuG/s1600/ScreenShot049.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzLfes4szljEP-pJWuu8tygVX1WoZgK33AYkae4QRUIb-qk6SG6YH9AAkVvWVOo0TQxGy8IimE7WgnsooWY1t6E8Ifq7uMXAwYHvKvxBQjtrwMooOCZHS_8Xxv_0eGNC7nf3SEcpjDFLuG/s800/ScreenShot049.jpg" /></a><br />
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Blade gazed out at the surf and the lights lining the road back to the city. ”I grew up bouncing around from one place to another, and I hated it. It's no life for a kid. Children who grow up in this business, ninety percent of the time they're messed up. I'm not doing that to any child of mine.” <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjloYEFyIHyZaoT87FIf_H9aiYkijITcna6eClaJ8c7-cPR5EMl5iAcLeH3uQpMLfoyMmsptvNUbWIsPJSmxyoqp_pFhea79QZTVlf0_q181TJxKQD1Bal2lOvqqyghyphenhyphenNJhgLsCitaZFQ2c/s1600/ScreenShot050.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjloYEFyIHyZaoT87FIf_H9aiYkijITcna6eClaJ8c7-cPR5EMl5iAcLeH3uQpMLfoyMmsptvNUbWIsPJSmxyoqp_pFhea79QZTVlf0_q181TJxKQD1Bal2lOvqqyghyphenhyphenNJhgLsCitaZFQ2c/s800/ScreenShot050.jpg" /></a><br />
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Blade looking back at Elise, realized how that sounded, “I'm sorry, I didn't mean to include your kids in that group. I can be pretty damned insensitive, one of the reasons I'm single again.” He shook his head and lifted corners of his mouth in a wry smile.<br />
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“It's all right. It's been hard on all of them.”<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5oRSyetm4XKgVmQoMso2y-vEnRnGFUiuBVZkMmOyFRiTIu7VdsLMtfjOA3phkSHcZlB-Dt5yjTfaPeVTiESU3tzd7lQNLFLaszfPZzSOFbrbnScwysC53H-ux2JLRGLu1MZhioyIdzzn8/s1600/ScreenShot052.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5oRSyetm4XKgVmQoMso2y-vEnRnGFUiuBVZkMmOyFRiTIu7VdsLMtfjOA3phkSHcZlB-Dt5yjTfaPeVTiESU3tzd7lQNLFLaszfPZzSOFbrbnScwysC53H-ux2JLRGLu1MZhioyIdzzn8/s800/ScreenShot052.jpg" /></a> <br />
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“You stuck with him and all his shit for a hell of a long time though.” <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicv_GIks7ZBedaRUEo2YzOST0IBVhbmQ-8MfBPhgEl_bLXLR5GfF5wFoKxfpnrNTqFjdncGFrDIQbK2Dq5Mts6s_tuVV5D-rR_DxLcGSjvYFYoHNZxMvWbBdwmtP45pTgMG5Rv_XWOFM9n/s1600/ScreenShot051.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicv_GIks7ZBedaRUEo2YzOST0IBVhbmQ-8MfBPhgEl_bLXLR5GfF5wFoKxfpnrNTqFjdncGFrDIQbK2Dq5Mts6s_tuVV5D-rR_DxLcGSjvYFYoHNZxMvWbBdwmtP45pTgMG5Rv_XWOFM9n/s800/ScreenShot051.jpg" /></a><br />
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Elise turned and the ease with which they had been talking seemed to lessen. “Let me make this perfectly clear, I do not want to hear anything negative about Cooper. No trash talk. No revelations. Nothing.” <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_0VNAQTLztZgXF7xiUML4gWgnw1O7gb18c997PSMdqNmDtxAbbJRPvryOPvAZb-JvApLOuj4NrlVqK4eYaRGXetL4uQetRWTDB0PLrv34rEq6emOaguxED8SS06o33UGXcxZW-EShOtD8/s1600/ScreenShot053.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_0VNAQTLztZgXF7xiUML4gWgnw1O7gb18c997PSMdqNmDtxAbbJRPvryOPvAZb-JvApLOuj4NrlVqK4eYaRGXetL4uQetRWTDB0PLrv34rEq6emOaguxED8SS06o33UGXcxZW-EShOtD8/s800/ScreenShot053.jpg" /></a><br />
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Surprised, Blade attempted to turn things back around. He raised his arms in surrender and threw his best smile at her. “Absolutely. The man's a saint. Not a word otherwise. I never saw anything, I'll never say anything.”<br /><br />
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He allowed his smile to widen as he reached for her. “I know I'm an ass but I'm an interesting ass. Come on, aren't I?”<br />
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Elise smiled and moved just out of arm’s reach. “As long as you know you wear the ears, and that they're the most interesting thing about you, ok, I'll give you that much. I should go. It's getting too late."<br />
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Moving slowly, carefully toward her, knowing he might be pushing too far but needing to take it further, Blade’s eyes narrowed slightly, “Too late for what, Elise? He's not there. I'll take you home if that's what you want, but you can make your own decisions now.” <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7V6mWeYX5lks7oP-IeQAhKbn4X_-FlB11S5W_EC6LohANFKMKbtyjSTIO15Xbyn2eRne7DIo0ZHa8LjVcdkuuMKKgxDJV8Tz0zaVCuLFc8atkKs2aXZ16jU88P_hlF9pJdRn4rnE0AWuU/s1600/ScreenShot059.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7V6mWeYX5lks7oP-IeQAhKbn4X_-FlB11S5W_EC6LohANFKMKbtyjSTIO15Xbyn2eRne7DIo0ZHa8LjVcdkuuMKKgxDJV8Tz0zaVCuLFc8atkKs2aXZ16jU88P_hlF9pJdRn4rnE0AWuU/s800/ScreenShot059.jpg" /></a><br />
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He moved closer, lowered his gaze to her mouth. Knowing the risk he was taking but unable to stop himself Blade leaned down, brushing her cheek with his lips, pulling her up against his body, slowly, waiting for her, letting her move first and maybe she did or maybe he imagined she did, but he found her mouth with his, and, finally, kissed her.</div><div><br /></div><div>The return was not what he'd hoped for but she didn't shove him away. If she was thinking about what Cooper would feel, she hid it. If not, she was about as controlled and probably calculating as any woman he'd ever known. She did, however, kiss him back.<i></i></div>S.B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15236399168777815648noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3192880522798293586.post-45224132422115963182010-11-11T20:13:00.002-08:002022-05-09T20:43:29.860-07:00Sessions Chapter 43<b>South Beach - The Peninsula</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwjZcaRd80NFbOQKJn7NBDych4DYC-AK4NMzI_QcXWbGdzm0lnufQGTVjI632wixjC_deEtJ75hlS23qlSVNfYlHtbUzljMVWLLKfTuy-ffPc2GKy33Tzz9he3HTgIkVB7GKdEr4i1GKeK/s1600/ScreenShot001.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwjZcaRd80NFbOQKJn7NBDych4DYC-AK4NMzI_QcXWbGdzm0lnufQGTVjI632wixjC_deEtJ75hlS23qlSVNfYlHtbUzljMVWLLKfTuy-ffPc2GKy33Tzz9he3HTgIkVB7GKdEr4i1GKeK/s800/ScreenShot001.jpg" /></a><br />
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Elise opened the front door and welcomed the embrace Cooper offered. He held on tight breathing deeply, trying not to let the anguish he felt bleed through his arms. He was going to hurt her, he knew it, and there was nothing he could do to prevent it. That moment had come and gone the morning he came home and kept his mouth shut while she held out her pain and guilt in open hands.<br />
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Reluctantly, Cooper released his hold running his hands along her arms. "Where are the kids?"<br />
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Before she could answer a peal of laughter rang out as Harmony bounded down the stairs. "Daddy! You came!" Running up to her father she threw out her arms as Cooper scooped her up and planted a kiss on her forehead. Behind her walking more slowly down the stairs were Nate and Eric.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPAVsN5RSyLBUrpxaxSxdbQmg1nTOsTjGWeS1OrT1_EQXKNxkxaKaIWROZ1eolOPMIw8u-OPl5MKpcq1OiwU2Vy0XoFKllJZTZ6sGxW_oEJP1kugUx9GDuoaBGQc_tci6txQpAVYwAGOSG/s1600/ScreenShot004.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPAVsN5RSyLBUrpxaxSxdbQmg1nTOsTjGWeS1OrT1_EQXKNxkxaKaIWROZ1eolOPMIw8u-OPl5MKpcq1OiwU2Vy0XoFKllJZTZ6sGxW_oEJP1kugUx9GDuoaBGQc_tci6txQpAVYwAGOSG/s800/ScreenShot004.jpg" /></a><br />
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Cooper rose looking directly at the twins, "Your grandmother is waiting for you in the car." Before they could respond Cooper glanced down at Hugs, "I think she said something about pancakes at the diner." As Hugs raced to the car Cooper shifted his gaze back to the boys, "Don't keep her waiting, go." Exchanging glances with their mother neither twin spoke as they left the house.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGiLYoipO-ZokBPOOTjotkJ3AEevLitHhW4zE4g7O9AYXfuOX7LXQprqr9p9uwNLWsUZitJwfV8GCKwvQ7igX3I2i75WH-8R0fYs0wImjGYKYZUyrI1TLl_pFT8U-6_ZaGKMqXxTUi-lDB/s1600/ScreenShot010.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGiLYoipO-ZokBPOOTjotkJ3AEevLitHhW4zE4g7O9AYXfuOX7LXQprqr9p9uwNLWsUZitJwfV8GCKwvQ7igX3I2i75WH-8R0fYs0wImjGYKYZUyrI1TLl_pFT8U-6_ZaGKMqXxTUi-lDB/s800/ScreenShot010.jpg" /></a><br />
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Elise folded her arms as she tilted her head slightly, watching his mother drive off, obviously confused. "Hugs has been waiting all morning to see you. Is everything all right with Rayne? Is that why you sent the kids off with Cass?"<br />
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"Rayne is fine, as well as can be expected I guess. She wanted to move out on her own; I said I'd help her. Baby, that's not why I'm here, can we go somewhere to talk?"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6p4DpSYzWsbkUcc7vL8y_vBFYIHslKTlnV5BpJieBrA3XOBex08umiCgfJrbc6jsXH5rIkXwI8BaId4-4IciY8UWJRLfGFEQGVdGazv82X9P-umF1z1_aIlot4yzoZBBsbbJF8leRrr37/s1600/ScreenShot014.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6p4DpSYzWsbkUcc7vL8y_vBFYIHslKTlnV5BpJieBrA3XOBex08umiCgfJrbc6jsXH5rIkXwI8BaId4-4IciY8UWJRLfGFEQGVdGazv82X9P-umF1z1_aIlot4yzoZBBsbbJF8leRrr37/s800/ScreenShot014.jpg" /></a><br />
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They walked down to the beach, a place that seemed to connect them to each other. Settling into the warm sand Cooper drew her down toward him until she sat facing the ocean as he slid his arms around her. "I love you baby." His words were little more than a sigh as he leaned into her. "I never meant to hurt you. I don't know how you manage to forgive me every time I fuck up but you do. It's a lot to ask and I don't deserve it but I'm asking - I need you to forgive me again."<br />
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Elise stood and Cooper rose with her. She took a light breath and looked away out at the beach before facing him. "Coop I told you, it was my fault, I cheated. Nothing you have ever done compares with that, and whatever you do now, we're separated. You don't need to share it with me. I don't want you to.”<br />
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Cooper shut his eyes. He'd let her believe that lie and allowed her to bear the brunt of his mistakes. He had to tell her the truth, a truth that might end his marriage for good, not a choice he wanted but one that he created without anyone else's help. It wasn't Ryan or any of the women that fucked it up, not this time. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7d3xqKZJob-5F5k9AZALmeCuQknjY73h_U7J6wOoGmBzYV-aML_RNiuG0H80iz51lHJMbM0L0SuYdjXEeYtf7JRoNHj7uYRYbBvsKdR0W8-Akn1WeD7iFJew0FzczBTYnet7XNd8z02sy/s1600/ScreenShot019.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7d3xqKZJob-5F5k9AZALmeCuQknjY73h_U7J6wOoGmBzYV-aML_RNiuG0H80iz51lHJMbM0L0SuYdjXEeYtf7JRoNHj7uYRYbBvsKdR0W8-Akn1WeD7iFJew0FzczBTYnet7XNd8z02sy/s800/ScreenShot019.jpg" /></a><br />
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He wanted to reach out to her so he could hold her to him when she tried to pull away and leave him but his arms were like lead weights. His heart raced and his throat went dry. He was going to lose her, <i>please don't let me lose her</i>. <div><br /></div><div>“This isn't about anything that happened since I moved out. Elise, that night after I saw you with Ryan, there was something I didn't tell you. I went to Chameleon and talked to Melinda, that part is true, I was there but not all night." He drew a breath; this was it, the final cutting words. "I went to Millwood, to Gemma Wilson's place. You were there when Ryan nailed me to the wall and I don't know, don't even remember what I did or how I got there, but I think I slept with her." <br />
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Elise took a little half step back, walking carefully, slowly, then a few steps up the stairs away from the beach. “Gemma Wilson. Julia's cousin. What are you saying, that you've been seeing Julia's cousin? Wyatt's cousin?” <br />
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"No, God no! I was angry at her, at you, at Ryan. I never intended to fuck her it just happened! I thought I'd lost you and I wasn't thinking straight. Shit El, I wasn't thinking at all." Coop rubbed his forehead before continuing. "She came to see me last night at the hotel to tell me she's pregnant. She thinks it's mine but baby she's going to have to prove it before I'll believe it. I'm sorry I didn't tell you that night. I'm asking you to forgive me, please."<br />
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A long moment passed. Her silence hung between them, and for the first time since he had known her, Cooper could not read her. If she'd shouted at him, hit him, something, he could deal with that but not her silence. "El, I know you're probably upset, I'm sorry."<br />
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"Upset?” She started slow, her voice picking up speed, breath after breath, finding octane, coming right at him hurtling at him.<br />
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“I’m ‘upset’," she said, biting it off. "Coop, I am 'upset' when Nate and Eric break curfew. Upset. You let me hang out there, the bad one, the one who cheated, and you used it, you used it. You were rolling around in bed with Julia’s cousin? And she's pregnant? With your child? And I am UPSET?!"<br />
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"I know I'm not a perfect man, but you have to believe me when I tell you it didn't mean anything. I should have come clean but I thought we could put everything behind us and start again. I still want that." Cooper reached out to her but she pulled away anger written all over her face. And worse, disappointment.<br />
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"Don't touch me! I've blamed myself all this time, overlooked your behavior because I didn't have the right to say anything and you think this is about believing you? I don’t care if it didn’t mean anything! That is not the point! Your betrayal is not the fact that you fucked some girl; it's that you let me carry the blame so you wouldn't have to face yours. And it's not 'some girl' Cooper, it's that particular woman. She's Julia's cousin! She looks like your dead wife!"<br />
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She stood there cool, tightly controlled, and quiet. Cooper held his breath and waited. "You need to go," she said without looking back at him. "Now. Before the kids get back. You have to go. I don't want to see you again." Without another word Elise moved toward the house her head held high but even then Cooper could see her trembling.<br />
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"I'm not going to let go. Elise, listen to me, I need you, we need each other. We know each other...I am not letting go!" Cooper thought she might have said something but if she did, her words were lost, carried away, carried away by the wind and the tide and each and every long quiet step she took away from him, each and every single and irrevocable footstep going away.<i></i></div>S.B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15236399168777815648noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3192880522798293586.post-31860511468861271962010-10-14T23:00:00.001-07:002022-05-10T16:51:21.914-07:00Sessions Chapter 42 - COOP AND GEMMA AT HOTEL too long break rayne v2<br /><b>Oceanside - The Palms</b><div><b><br /></b>
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<br />By the time Gemma tracked Cooper down at the Palms she was prickly, hot, and irritable. They stonewalled her at Hitman. Cooper wasn't there and the girl in reception had refused her repeated inquiries as to his whereabouts. <br />
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<br />It had taken time and several phone calls before she tracked him down at the Palms. Flirting with the bellhop at the front desk scored her the correct room number. <br /><br />
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<br />Stifling a wave of nausea, maybe it was just her nerves and not the hormones, Gemma firmly knocked on the door and braced herself having no idea what she was going to say.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">**</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Cooper</i><br />
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Coop had just showered and pulled on a shirt when he heard the knock. There was no way Rayne could have made it that quickly from Sandy Point. Moving toward the door he pulled it open and found the last person he wanted to see.<br />
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"What are you doing here?" he demanded.<br />
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"May I come in please?"<br />
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"No, you can't. I thought I made it clear I didn't want to see you again."<br />
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Gemma pushed past him. "Yes, crystal clear but what I have to say is best handled where we can't be overheard."<br />
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Fully aware that Rayne would be there soon Coop eyed Gemma suspiciously and left the door propped open. "You've got three minutes and then I'm tossing you into the hall."<br />
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She stood arms folded and glared back at him coldly. "Fine. Have it your way then. I'm pregnant."<br />
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Cooper froze and then kicked the door shut with his boot, shaken. He couldn't flat out deny it was his. They'd had sex unprotected more than once that night, but he'd be damned if he was going to take responsibility on her word alone. She wouldn't be the first woman to claim he was the father of some kid when he'd had nothing to do with the conception.<br />
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He moved toward her, menacing, threatening, white hot anger searing through him, and growled, "I don't believe you. From the second I laid eyes on you I knew you were trouble. Why are you even telling me this? You got what you wanted. That kid - if there even is one - if you think you're going to hold that over my head - I'll destroy you."<br />
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Gemma stepped back until her thighs hit the table. Reaching back she braced herself and in as calm a voice as she could manage replied, "You know perfectly well why I think it's yours. I don't want anything from you. I thought you should know."<br />
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"That's bull shit! You're going to stand there and tell me you don't want anything? Don't fuck with me Gemma!"<br />
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<br />He could see anger in her expression, not the fear he expected, and Gemma held her ground. "You think I wanted a baby, that I orchestrated this? You're insane! I wanted a fucking contract! If it gets out that it's yours, it could ruin me! Every contract I get will be because of my relationship with you!"<br /><br />
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<br />Cooper glared at her, anger roiling inside him. His voice was grim, cold, unfeeling and flat. "You know that's more bullshit."<br />
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"We'll see," she said flatly. "If it's yours, you will acknowledge paternity. I am not backing down."<br />
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Clenching his fists, how the hell could he have been so damned stupid, Cooper threatened, "I want nothing to do with this. You breathe one word, you come near me or anyone in my family, you give anyone the slightest idea that this kid might be mine and there won't be a corner in this world where you can escape what I will do to you. Now get out."<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>**</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Rayne</b></div>
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<br />Yanking her hair up, struggling with windblown tangles, Rayne found a clip in her purse, took it in her teeth and forced her hair into it.<br /><br />
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<br />The valet parking guy was staring at her. Let him stare. She said, "Hi nice hotel you got here shame if Cooper Stanfield's daughter said something mean about it."</div><div><br /></div><div>He kept his mouth shut and let her in.<br />
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She started inside, stopped, nervous and tired and briefly reviewed what she wanted to say. Hi Dad, sorry about bitching you out, I need money. Why had she thought this was a good idea? She didn't even have a place to stay tonight if he turned her down or ordered her back into rehab. There was Randi...but Toad's comment about Nic bothered her...she didn't want to push that, it would be really strange and awkward.<br />
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Uneasy, she went out into the courtyard, standing there in the spray between the fountain and the heavy heaving pounding surf and tried to remember the room number. Was it 102? She could call him again. She didn't want to call him again. He might change his mind.<br />
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<br />A door opened, slammed shut, and there at the end of hall was Gemma Wilson. <br /><br />
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<br />The Wilson walked right out of Room 102 with attitude not bothering to even see if anybody else saw her.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDG0SrsENYyE9y8wGqHIwJRwUp3_DmBUIZkcni33aYKdf8jh0ngFoO6QdwshApKDNGLPMKbOVzMVnJei6cax_vHDwYXGISfc3oEqfgxSKxnyoquwjjbt_-Q_30Bxt4BpEITG7CBtiuPsSl/s1600/ScreenShot029.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDG0SrsENYyE9y8wGqHIwJRwUp3_DmBUIZkcni33aYKdf8jh0ngFoO6QdwshApKDNGLPMKbOVzMVnJei6cax_vHDwYXGISfc3oEqfgxSKxnyoquwjjbt_-Q_30Bxt4BpEITG7CBtiuPsSl/s800/ScreenShot029.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
One long sashay through the hotel past the luggage and the chairs and the damned bellboy, all that black hair swinging and red shoes tapping on the tile just as if it made absolutely no difference in the world if somebody knew she'd come out of Cooper Stanfield's hotel room.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8qdZ1iToQDzZGe06kwukDhX8_Sgs12rIDhRqIBzXX-80Wq_oXxiFqGTFBLBwL4RsHI-gQwIHIZKKZF9F94r8tkyoZ_KyYEk_D4_cI-vGLKJRg_77-jm0wP3c5zJZw35R1G1akPStrMRLD/s1600/ScreenShot062.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8qdZ1iToQDzZGe06kwukDhX8_Sgs12rIDhRqIBzXX-80Wq_oXxiFqGTFBLBwL4RsHI-gQwIHIZKKZF9F94r8tkyoZ_KyYEk_D4_cI-vGLKJRg_77-jm0wP3c5zJZw35R1G1akPStrMRLD/s800/ScreenShot062.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />Rayne watched her until she caught a taxi. She wasn't carting any luggage with her. Rayne didn't know if that meant anything. That might depend on how long she planned to stay, and knowing her father, it probably wasn't more than a few hours. She wouldn't have needed luggage.<br /><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSTt-ifoqnrg8zga7JaBJSN6gjgx5sX4eFy75ttUG_xem2-o5h2uzDCWM-n3awqA8bhyphenhyphen688QjsFFTYXKt5HstPia5YLByTRVSh9vNp_I1VveK6l-vuGahSuAvHdfGpuNwJVwo01lz84CMo/s1600/ScreenShot064.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSTt-ifoqnrg8zga7JaBJSN6gjgx5sX4eFy75ttUG_xem2-o5h2uzDCWM-n3awqA8bhyphenhyphen688QjsFFTYXKt5HstPia5YLByTRVSh9vNp_I1VveK6l-vuGahSuAvHdfGpuNwJVwo01lz84CMo/s800/ScreenShot064.jpg" /></a> <br /><br /></div><div>That whore, she knew it she KNEW it and there it was. Got another great contract offer, Gemma? Need to stop by his hotel room to use his big pen again? <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRiZDY4wLOi_32pC9pDGj1BqBcN-OrrcsMRe26fe6LqNb2mG17iF5IE2oDWtfrltRyDYbsUoHNhThziBTUhFntef0SJCvHPqaQWPH9qtgsnXoTT580sxii7a8RiFvIhnvJ_nHcbzJvOBb_/s1600/ScreenShot065.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRiZDY4wLOi_32pC9pDGj1BqBcN-OrrcsMRe26fe6LqNb2mG17iF5IE2oDWtfrltRyDYbsUoHNhThziBTUhFntef0SJCvHPqaQWPH9qtgsnXoTT580sxii7a8RiFvIhnvJ_nHcbzJvOBb_/s800/ScreenShot065.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
She fought it, trying to focus on why she was here. If she was distracted by the Wilson, she might loose any chance of getting what she'd come here for. <i>Go. Be sweet. Wait. Your turn is coming Gemma. It will come.</i><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>**</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Cooper</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzyPee3p0oRIWr7_DL06UEg6XnxKIXn7m912b7qyXbjAE3G7IDKGsEO5XBRusOAbR3A6QejMXc73crSCU1Ssw4aJ_-3LyHtAdxvgNZNlnTCaNeucRwpMCfddCckky9BUXXJ5RM7J6_oYa-/s1600/ScreenShot030.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzyPee3p0oRIWr7_DL06UEg6XnxKIXn7m912b7qyXbjAE3G7IDKGsEO5XBRusOAbR3A6QejMXc73crSCU1Ssw4aJ_-3LyHtAdxvgNZNlnTCaNeucRwpMCfddCckky9BUXXJ5RM7J6_oYa-/s800/ScreenShot030.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Cooper slammed the door behind Gemma and paced the length of the room, distracted, shaken, desperately trying to think of some way, any way he could manage this. As much as he would like to believe the gossip and rumors wouldn't reach his family, he knew they would. <br />
<br />
The phone rang. He jumped, startled, hesitated for a couple of seconds, uncertain he would even talk coherently, then picked it up and answered cautiously, "Yeah?"<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSguZx2bhSU8RL7tfmjPA_kfMQa8NHWsau-3X-cmEUAirhUXTPRIdL9YnOKeYdoKqs1Y8SVxgL8-ESOFTDdLxa_wjnUWbSdXJWuU9RsqfQ3tYTDsAXTvK__lFRb1XEPnsRqlRuKvvPQPgc/s1600/ScreenShot036.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSguZx2bhSU8RL7tfmjPA_kfMQa8NHWsau-3X-cmEUAirhUXTPRIdL9YnOKeYdoKqs1Y8SVxgL8-ESOFTDdLxa_wjnUWbSdXJWuU9RsqfQ3tYTDsAXTvK__lFRb1XEPnsRqlRuKvvPQPgc/s800/ScreenShot036.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
It was Elise. Coop listened, blank, as she told him she'd just finished up with Blade, adding dryly, 'what a piece of work', then asked if he was coming over. Hugs was expecting him. She sounded happy and hopeful and calm; she sounded like she wanted him. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFJu6jsEV7l-oZsG29DUi6HUXrBkzVUyT2SS7XezTWUzS4RqCtjco3P0X8AIXdBSVoZnirbvdLysgwFokALgJ8wiV1dhAxAEHyvhLfD7xFWn8ZtsonCLBF5UBh4L7hCUANgsnwVJrIWTFp/s1600/ScreenShot032.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFJu6jsEV7l-oZsG29DUi6HUXrBkzVUyT2SS7XezTWUzS4RqCtjco3P0X8AIXdBSVoZnirbvdLysgwFokALgJ8wiV1dhAxAEHyvhLfD7xFWn8ZtsonCLBF5UBh4L7hCUANgsnwVJrIWTFp/s800/ScreenShot032.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
"I can't," he began and almost choked on the words. "Rayne called, said she wanted to talk. I'll be there as soon as I can tomorrow. I'm sorry."<br />
<br />
There was a pause, then she said, "That's fine. If Rayne wants to talk to you, that's more important. Cooper, are you all right?"<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfXohXnrPgv4SpLGvg6aax2gneVe0rSSPkKRAnAAmwvySuvCxR0TZjog_K8CsAfU1PCQU54KVfbAQ2Yt40LaYMF9rAckr_5_f6qVr0XXtae7zgum4a9-M6cfIRnj5dV0853KjQg3GXjdpE/s1600/ScreenShot033.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfXohXnrPgv4SpLGvg6aax2gneVe0rSSPkKRAnAAmwvySuvCxR0TZjog_K8CsAfU1PCQU54KVfbAQ2Yt40LaYMF9rAckr_5_f6qVr0XXtae7zgum4a9-M6cfIRnj5dV0853KjQg3GXjdpE/s800/ScreenShot033.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
He could not possibly respond to that. Gripping the phone, he came up with some lame reassurance, lying, hearing the disappointment in her voice. Damn it, if he'd been able to get there tonight, maybe he could have convinced her to let him stay. Blade obviously hadn't made any headway. <i>Fucking idiot, you screwed up before but this time you've really torn it all apart</i>.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuZwlULfzeaJtWtCsisek2olaNmlBMG6EuQA4xix-6ozCIEDkz__UtwJOB1HyOPNycwgASuWkYa_LVtZN4yRiIAOassfX6Ce3aP8VS_rEo3ZodcV9A5T-xVmWHEwiPVGdqHg6rWJKlX4AY/s1600/ScreenShot037.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuZwlULfzeaJtWtCsisek2olaNmlBMG6EuQA4xix-6ozCIEDkz__UtwJOB1HyOPNycwgASuWkYa_LVtZN4yRiIAOassfX6Ce3aP8VS_rEo3ZodcV9A5T-xVmWHEwiPVGdqHg6rWJKlX4AY/s800/ScreenShot037.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Another knock on the door; he pulled himself together, quickly buttoned his shirt, and there stood Rayne. "This is a surprise," Cooper managed to say, "a good surprise. Come on in."<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjqH-lc_lPXPo2M5WR50YRIQb6YIIRSuVNLQzAObzYdhLVECw-dcDH9HGAQyVur643N0hIV5gc5Rqw_mitp_o_BOlQIXORoVUlQQ9bUphhOVWkyR2BkSFgQ1CLQv-1mDuXaPnD1xs96EJL/s1600/ScreenShot040.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjqH-lc_lPXPo2M5WR50YRIQb6YIIRSuVNLQzAObzYdhLVECw-dcDH9HGAQyVur643N0hIV5gc5Rqw_mitp_o_BOlQIXORoVUlQQ9bUphhOVWkyR2BkSFgQ1CLQv-1mDuXaPnD1xs96EJL/s800/ScreenShot040.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
She marched in and strode to the door leading to the balcony and stood there, her posture stiff, not even facing him as she said, "I want to set up on my own for a while. I don't have any money and I was wondering if you'd help me out."<br />
<br />
He kicked absently at the foot of the bed with the toe of his boot, completely unable to focus. If his daughter needed money, he'd give her money, it was the least he could do now. "Sure sweetheart, whatever you need, it's yours."<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUeoACp1gfq8GWOiOahBHhys4RvnmX9C5KZKQKuwywLL-cYnqgNdRRw6s3aQqsCUNVTVTD6I3LbNYN4R-E7Q2fEho1z44HR5PDD6gRxOs0BTepn2rOiNdUMEKL-7XHtAe_67k-qWi6hTaU/s1600/ScreenShot043.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUeoACp1gfq8GWOiOahBHhys4RvnmX9C5KZKQKuwywLL-cYnqgNdRRw6s3aQqsCUNVTVTD6I3LbNYN4R-E7Q2fEho1z44HR5PDD6gRxOs0BTepn2rOiNdUMEKL-7XHtAe_67k-qWi6hTaU/s800/ScreenShot043.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Rayne crossed the room, circling close to the bed, examining it as if searching for something before she stopped uncomfortably close and stared up at him. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5XGWtAnyHU1sShq6glHyLJkXsiQ3qvWtoGaWnnIEs0DhJzQmVVHejMm1Zgvt5FRvpk8bkZx9EJzwkFFiGkFEaIsFy2MKu2X45Lx9KqRJhn2Qlg6Y-95xwjY-dKiFINXldVFqSEwHIh8IR/s1600/ScreenShot044.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5XGWtAnyHU1sShq6glHyLJkXsiQ3qvWtoGaWnnIEs0DhJzQmVVHejMm1Zgvt5FRvpk8bkZx9EJzwkFFiGkFEaIsFy2MKu2X45Lx9KqRJhn2Qlg6Y-95xwjY-dKiFINXldVFqSEwHIh8IR/s800/ScreenShot044.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
It was a long challenging look, very direct, and he began to wonder why. "Thanks Dad. By the way, you know who I saw just now? I saw Gemma Wilson coming out of your room. Is that why you gave Jimmy that contract, because you're fucking Gemma?" </div><div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioWdVmSXFk7WVgFR_3xLsgGvAckEClyJoHMYhe-p1SpwYtXDDUCQ4RMaMpqbn82VN-VYqniYH0GxCaEH04K5hViDwZ_8VU6F_4im2cFCAmZWfkunhzfpi1rjA4G88KdTvBdpIzpvlOtg3T/s1600/ScreenShot045.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioWdVmSXFk7WVgFR_3xLsgGvAckEClyJoHMYhe-p1SpwYtXDDUCQ4RMaMpqbn82VN-VYqniYH0GxCaEH04K5hViDwZ_8VU6F_4im2cFCAmZWfkunhzfpi1rjA4G88KdTvBdpIzpvlOtg3T/s800/ScreenShot045.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Stunned, his heart hammering in his chest, Cooper folded his arms, struggling hard to retain some composure. "She stopped by because she had something she thought was urgent. She was mistaken. Rayne, I love your mother. I do not have anything but a professional relationship with Gemma."<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-LuearrWlSwXPQOg2UqC1TSxXRD5wr-REqW0ntHnPU2d-kiateLdSI6Q323Xve7veFEmvbZcUXcqjEVLYR6fXEVdh772xzocNxColia98SdsVCCqOP0fl64FsX4kTl9Es9aCWIwZOUBW/s1600/ScreenShot048.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-LuearrWlSwXPQOg2UqC1TSxXRD5wr-REqW0ntHnPU2d-kiateLdSI6Q323Xve7veFEmvbZcUXcqjEVLYR6fXEVdh772xzocNxColia98SdsVCCqOP0fl64FsX4kTl9Es9aCWIwZOUBW/s800/ScreenShot048.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
She sat down on the end of the bed and, in a quieter voice, countered, "I believe that part. I doubt you have a 'relationship' with her. Look, I'm involved with Jimmy. That's more than a professional relationship to me. I wouldn't blame you if you left my mother, not after Ryan, but if you're messing around with Jimmy's agent I have to know."<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvao_0bIIGyVG4uUUWix1rtiH6FDBoGcZvCPdP9Drm0oipJ1He9azXj-V1nvioV5BEZVLhdzyuhbNvG3BCCIr-SAJTYSqZDGesAa8v1uIJYQjwetjyZMhWiOh7iWH6WWwE_2Nx9jYqoiRR/s1600/ScreenShot047.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvao_0bIIGyVG4uUUWix1rtiH6FDBoGcZvCPdP9Drm0oipJ1He9azXj-V1nvioV5BEZVLhdzyuhbNvG3BCCIr-SAJTYSqZDGesAa8v1uIJYQjwetjyZMhWiOh7iWH6WWwE_2Nx9jYqoiRR/s800/ScreenShot047.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />Something about the way she was sitting there watching him reminded him of the little girl she'd been, stubbornly demanding a toy or a trip to the beach, relentless but endearing.<br /><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh5z1ryUuFuuWBEjXyZ0lXpqmbyBMJM47u9H0R2zh3yyBcDJRFMJ72v6Rdu1KWgY8BtNoqo6M71z3hlMkZpMTtt2FGSaj-AX_mpqm5lhj_UPbwLKtn1Q7emPGEbAdDywGxewvHTRSocjAN/s1600/ScreenShot051.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh5z1ryUuFuuWBEjXyZ0lXpqmbyBMJM47u9H0R2zh3yyBcDJRFMJ72v6Rdu1KWgY8BtNoqo6M71z3hlMkZpMTtt2FGSaj-AX_mpqm5lhj_UPbwLKtn1Q7emPGEbAdDywGxewvHTRSocjAN/s800/ScreenShot051.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />"Rainie, it's complicated. People crawl out of the woodwork wanting things, pulling at you, latching on for the ride. Shit baby I'm no saint, I'm not perfect, but you don't understand, it doesn't mean anything."</div><div><br /></div><div>What the hell was he saying?<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibIe5WL6GmZNX9Z9QnpS-rkw_g7n21XYtBL6h6XSpVd2RJJwjhTgd331ipo7UihE4tDzzvnglS8A2EcGGveB_oUOnB5b35cnZU_mZEOcq6KKElGt-aGW2YuYkz6Mr3y3i_9Uc_cvmBbzD8/s1600/ScreenShot050.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibIe5WL6GmZNX9Z9QnpS-rkw_g7n21XYtBL6h6XSpVd2RJJwjhTgd331ipo7UihE4tDzzvnglS8A2EcGGveB_oUOnB5b35cnZU_mZEOcq6KKElGt-aGW2YuYkz6Mr3y3i_9Uc_cvmBbzD8/s800/ScreenShot050.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />She stared up at him and said carefully, "What the hell are you talking about, Dad? I grew up in this business. I've seen the people in the woodwork since I was a child. I thought you'd stopped all that shit with other women but you haven't, not with this one. You bought a contract for her, that contract for Jimmy. Are you buying other things? What are you doing?"<br /><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNsrGu2sifICz9lrxbnmKK_rxOBkD37fslC98jtzvqhIGYGAthTZp4aIIvM23yv8sFSbDPT_OZDb4Roi-ptqv2nqEG6NfJD6cshxpVpoH5waXQ6FFhxUTO9H-YNL4mtBj2Q0U77quQ4GZm/s1600/ScreenShot053.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNsrGu2sifICz9lrxbnmKK_rxOBkD37fslC98jtzvqhIGYGAthTZp4aIIvM23yv8sFSbDPT_OZDb4Roi-ptqv2nqEG6NfJD6cshxpVpoH5waXQ6FFhxUTO9H-YNL4mtBj2Q0U77quQ4GZm/s800/ScreenShot053.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />Cooper took a step back, stunned into silence, shook his head and managed to say, "It's not what you think." <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj16jL135sTHZ7iB46rwbtfKSS8-J1-aUxQRRxuU2r33s3nl6qIzECvq6YhRynfKR-iNQxlsWPGzU5ehduRaBlAIk-BO06cKfZqbYpf0fsSN0_TX5D79MkPqMQChaq5mx23KL7-21mbbKHg/s1600/ScreenShot060.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj16jL135sTHZ7iB46rwbtfKSS8-J1-aUxQRRxuU2r33s3nl6qIzECvq6YhRynfKR-iNQxlsWPGzU5ehduRaBlAIk-BO06cKfZqbYpf0fsSN0_TX5D79MkPqMQChaq5mx23KL7-21mbbKHg/s800/ScreenShot060.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />Before he could finish, Rayne slid off the bed, reached out and wrapped him in a long tight and completely unexpected hug.<br /><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuPRWllGxvZl95YvZ060UO3kc0Kqm8EnI-TIq3zgUuCrs8F3mzQhRUGL-iuhl2E9uNpiIeajkKH3RKXKZcuhbf7Gtybvs30SfmuXhtcF9W-HMrp5UYpDbOiGt5GJTZuQRCoGFUwFR9At4-/s1600/ScreenShot058.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuPRWllGxvZl95YvZ060UO3kc0Kqm8EnI-TIq3zgUuCrs8F3mzQhRUGL-iuhl2E9uNpiIeajkKH3RKXKZcuhbf7Gtybvs30SfmuXhtcF9W-HMrp5UYpDbOiGt5GJTZuQRCoGFUwFR9At4-/s800/ScreenShot058.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />"I know what she is, Dad," she whispered fiercely. "You may not and my brother may not but I do. She's not Wyatt's mother. She's not Julia. Julia is dead."<br /><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgURedjqjVWN0pqUgeuvKfXpUoEkDPqufqEvyLAnknn4_zYLWJPID0gVWcjcraB_Ndo5AdzLKs0kZsJcX0s1NoIabA2ueOMYLhGCJyxcBfG-5w8r8hpzaVr5nG69uYySoi6XdcgN1YwbfIs/s1600/ScreenShot061.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgURedjqjVWN0pqUgeuvKfXpUoEkDPqufqEvyLAnknn4_zYLWJPID0gVWcjcraB_Ndo5AdzLKs0kZsJcX0s1NoIabA2ueOMYLhGCJyxcBfG-5w8r8hpzaVr5nG69uYySoi6XdcgN1YwbfIs/s800/ScreenShot061.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />He leaned down and held onto her tight, his rough, weary voice against her hair, "I do know, Raindrop. I know."<i></i></div>thewyndhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09476656359810192923noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3192880522798293586.post-51698558508745617252010-10-08T21:12:00.000-07:002018-11-04T07:26:41.614-08:00Sessions Chapter 41 - Thank You<i>the moment I let go of it was the moment<br />
I got more than I could handle<br />
the moment I jumped off of it<br />
was the moment I touched down</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Sandy Point - 11:30 AM</b><br />
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"Almost home," Jimmy remarked, glancing sideways at her as they stopped for the light near the Sandy Point bridge. Rayne had slept through most of the trip. The glass felt hot against her cheek, sunlight at its worst. She fought with the hand crank and rolled down the window. Her head ached. <br />
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"Ok," she said.<br />
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He tightened his grip on the steering wheel while the light cycled again. Traffic had been heavy. Wincing against the light, Rayne examined the car in front of them. The driver looked familiar. She was putting on makeup in the rear view mirror, or pretending to put on makeup while she checked them out. Wasn't that the Mia girl? Casually, looking straight ahead now, oblivious to the occupant in the other car, Jimmy asked, "What's the deal with you and that guy Nic?"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY3WoINhFDJ-5ogRhXQls9dEpBtd7h33NSlc2ebfKIacr5O7MhJvHN2SBE-_m-v1ZMcPh6CgcHw1lKdpK5lzQMRNRLHFpsw-UDGRtC7FVrcMoA7GJ7eD-wb2FVLDZrW8u1OjPzQwQoG9dR/s1600/ScreenShot007.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY3WoINhFDJ-5ogRhXQls9dEpBtd7h33NSlc2ebfKIacr5O7MhJvHN2SBE-_m-v1ZMcPh6CgcHw1lKdpK5lzQMRNRLHFpsw-UDGRtC7FVrcMoA7GJ7eD-wb2FVLDZrW8u1OjPzQwQoG9dR/s800/ScreenShot007.jpg" /></a><br />
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Smiling, she ran her hand down his thigh, letting it slide between his legs, and leaned back and into him. "Nic's a friend. I tried to get him to kiss me when we were about 12 years old, but he was more interested in chasing bugs around the backyard. I got mad."<br />
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Jimmy grinned, released the clutch started moving through the intersection. "It's not some bugs he wants now. Asshole about took my head off."<br />
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Somebody honked at them. Jimmy swore, breaking hard, downshifted with a lurch and took the turn to the right away from the traffic. Rayne's stomach lurched along with the car. Here she was in Toad's truck going to Toad's house and maybe she'd play in Toad's band if she could stand giving Gemma a percentage of her own pay and she knew she couldn't, or she might sit around Toad's beach waiting. Waiting for him to come back from gigs. Or trailing around after him. She couldn't focus. "I don't think he feels that way about me. You think we might be able to pick up a rental car until mine is fixed?"<br />
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<br />
He reached down, took her hand and held on while the truck bumped along the pot holes down toward the beach, and said quietly, "Sure we can, Rennie. We got us some cash now; we're gonna be all right."<br />
<b><br />
Sandy Point - 7 PM</b><br />
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"Hey..." His voice soft, wrapping her in voice and arms, "Rennie, you mad at me?"<br />
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"No." Rayne took his mouth, soft warmth, held onto the kiss until he was breathless. "I love you" whispered shared breath and tongue and need between them and she thought, I should let him have this tonight, I should, I want him, I want, I should...heartbeat, blood moving through her heart, the pulse of her heart, want should want should want should...<br />
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Like taking one drink, if she did, she wouldn't stop; stop the heartbeat, stop it. "You know what though."<br />
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"Uh..." An incoherent murmur, his fingers tangled in her hair, tightening, pulling..."yeah you coming to bed with me..."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF7-Cg-NJiu1-b6Z99FgPgLiwxPXIlYw5x_dWyHegPy7yhIV1ig7uEykz5rf0fiIC4u1P7_MKtMpkrStQE-gNEJLbn6xsaM8FA6rXMM1TrIJlwW5CF1j7_-YUJjEhNIEO5o5sP5bj_N-U1/s1600/ScreenShot006.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF7-Cg-NJiu1-b6Z99FgPgLiwxPXIlYw5x_dWyHegPy7yhIV1ig7uEykz5rf0fiIC4u1P7_MKtMpkrStQE-gNEJLbn6xsaM8FA6rXMM1TrIJlwW5CF1j7_-YUJjEhNIEO5o5sP5bj_N-U1/s800/ScreenShot006.jpg" /></a> <br />
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She could see how it would end. She was borrowing her mother's life, trying it on, and it felt so good, at first it did, it really did. She saw it and how it would happen and how it would end. If she got out now, she could come back, maybe she could, she could try. "I know," Rayne whispered, voice shaking, hands shaking, reaching up to him, "but Toad...I'm leaving. I love you, I don't love anybody else but you, believe it, please believe it, but I can't live here with you. I have to do something else for a while. I have to go. I'll call you. I love you." <br />
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Jimmy staggered, reaching for her, eyes still blurred, mouth hot, grabbing at air, his voice a shaken gasp. "What?! What the hell Ren, what'd I do? Where you going?"<br />
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It was cooler off the porch. It was cold. It was a rip tide of cold air and it tore open the door to the rental car and swept her into it, and she didn't have any choice at all now, she had to go before she looked back and saw him drowning or she got out and drowned there with him. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZ9iSJqMLGiPXhPQScLrod1L5Ng_Lncn0gGsl2tUXZdq4PEJW69p3qiXXdQkpf0_EYxBS3rnh2s2OViV8039lXTbM7opQJ0n250zuBBaiPwC0sVy6RcM7-eHKLogzyOszyH2iWtllgfV5/s1600/ScreenShot011.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZ9iSJqMLGiPXhPQScLrod1L5Ng_Lncn0gGsl2tUXZdq4PEJW69p3qiXXdQkpf0_EYxBS3rnh2s2OViV8039lXTbM7opQJ0n250zuBBaiPwC0sVy6RcM7-eHKLogzyOszyH2iWtllgfV5/s800/ScreenShot011.jpg" /></a> <br />
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Turning the car west, fumbling, grabbing the wheel with one hand, feeling blind for her cell, uncertain where he was, how to reach him, how to keep the car on the road, how to find the road lines and follow them through the dark, Rayne started calling her father.<br />
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<i><b>NEXT CHAPTER</b>: <a href="http://ddsessions.blogspot.com/2010/10/sessions-chapter-42-yesterday.html"><b>Sessions Chapter 42</b></a></i>S.B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15236399168777815648noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3192880522798293586.post-42818473090529812772010-10-06T19:46:00.002-07:002022-05-09T20:42:38.249-07:00Sessions Chapter 40<b>South Beach - The Harbor</b><br />
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Blade threw another bag of trash out the back, missing the pool by inches: a good thing since he hadn't found anything resembling a pool skimmer. Slamming through the door back into what passed for a living room, he glanced around it again. Nothing much more he could do to make it presentable.<br />
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And there was Rob. Still there. "I thought you left."<br />
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"Not yet." Rob slid a hand around the the stack of boxes, made a face and said, "We're up for an RMA award."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi07Xvoz5Rb2is49vo_hvspTo-eE2agDkMNKeJqieUatDkh4LxHFA9iAey1wj4iNQK-PlnfUp7HgINTNrI2SgbF4GnoQXlTM-fhCdOH-jvdY8bu7WvhXnZW1DLT-t0tyiap9esydaPSlMY/s1600/ScreenShot009.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi07Xvoz5Rb2is49vo_hvspTo-eE2agDkMNKeJqieUatDkh4LxHFA9iAey1wj4iNQK-PlnfUp7HgINTNrI2SgbF4GnoQXlTM-fhCdOH-jvdY8bu7WvhXnZW1DLT-t0tyiap9esydaPSlMY/s800/ScreenShot009.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />RMA, yeah, he knew that. Glancing at the clock, he had less than 15 minutes before she arrived, if she did. Rounding on Rob, he drew a breath and tried to deal with him although he'd never been able to 'deal' with Rob. "I know. Look man, I'm expecting company, you want to get out of here?"<br />
<br />
"Yeah, about that," Rob said, sifting through the mail. Rob the thief. Rob the thief who had kept the band afloat but didn't seem to know when to stop getting into every damned thing. "I want to know why you think taking down Cooper's wife gets us anywhere."<br />
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He didn't feel like explaining anything, irritated and impatient, shot out, "Why the hell do you think it's any of your business?"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQDmRfoMnRQ8h_GFPMVdmNPaDQaU0N3qrUB6YNjmGbSwxwKbDz2VlJtBf-Ek_5ZFXzG2geOlVgOz0EMY0MfMb11vxYv17n9_V697NI_QFQipRHR7-jC-OqAhRrPjL9ULJX0q4hKPrfEmM/s1600/ScreenShot012.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQDmRfoMnRQ8h_GFPMVdmNPaDQaU0N3qrUB6YNjmGbSwxwKbDz2VlJtBf-Ek_5ZFXzG2geOlVgOz0EMY0MfMb11vxYv17n9_V697NI_QFQipRHR7-jC-OqAhRrPjL9ULJX0q4hKPrfEmM/s800/ScreenShot012.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Rob shrugged, wandered around the room and stared out at the bay. "Every time you decide you want to get married again, you fucking go offline. Six months of bullshit, you don't work, you do nothing. Not this time, Alex. Not now."<br />
<br />
That wasn't the way it had gone down. Maybe the first one had been trouble, maybe the second, not the third and hell no not the last bitch. "I'm not marrying the woman. She's still married to Stanfield."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcbhhL-AsHvR1UHFFyXYzT06BzA9SFwv91vjsYrgCv-qIlXWKtjvaxpIhAhC78kTdPVfqViuZd1IL2rLpWQlWyYSRi2oAtdUNUvAJYOqZmxLaqQPy7_i5nm_sKwFHWLgbF1OUvVrqMAik/s1600/ScreenShot013.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcbhhL-AsHvR1UHFFyXYzT06BzA9SFwv91vjsYrgCv-qIlXWKtjvaxpIhAhC78kTdPVfqViuZd1IL2rLpWQlWyYSRi2oAtdUNUvAJYOqZmxLaqQPy7_i5nm_sKwFHWLgbF1OUvVrqMAik/s800/ScreenShot013.jpg" /></a> <br />
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Sprawling out on the couch, Rob coolly retorted, "And she should stay married to him. I want to meet this paragon, think I have met her and she's not all that damned hot. Have you seen his daughter? Strike that. She IS available. Do not see his daughter."<br />
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Blade glared at him, looked around for something to throw at him, didn't find anything, settled for demanding, "Chase that yourself asshole. Come on, get out of here."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnR_dyRiwFHNMZx-FApZYdxZ_ibh2wNl4j4y_oonYplcuGSddhG7IntMJFNSHD2Ecbmtn0D6TTiK_5JkxIYAngbnTAw5-RQlZDPGpj39LXxUdY-WlcCmkJW1-JX_Ja0vL_33ptL7aH3aY/s1600/ScreenShot015.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnR_dyRiwFHNMZx-FApZYdxZ_ibh2wNl4j4y_oonYplcuGSddhG7IntMJFNSHD2Ecbmtn0D6TTiK_5JkxIYAngbnTAw5-RQlZDPGpj39LXxUdY-WlcCmkJW1-JX_Ja0vL_33ptL7aH3aY/s800/ScreenShot015.jpg" /></a><br />
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The doorbell rang. The doorbell didn't work right, it was a strangled ring. Nothing worked here. Somebody should have told him about this side of the harbor. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAEUy_Tmgz6MoaGLlBFkx7i-SCCYrsN4lmP4RE_lWyoNZpJVwQUy24qryQoxt7tQ519zGH_90_p-pJwnP1ecir_FV6iRfM92cHnj_ctQbiVvbdo7REqqxVVtH5kWcZ0zJhpYahtqvRY6w/s1600/ScreenShot014.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAEUy_Tmgz6MoaGLlBFkx7i-SCCYrsN4lmP4RE_lWyoNZpJVwQUy24qryQoxt7tQ519zGH_90_p-pJwnP1ecir_FV6iRfM92cHnj_ctQbiVvbdo7REqqxVVtH5kWcZ0zJhpYahtqvRY6w/s800/ScreenShot014.jpg" /></a><br />
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Rob smiled, shifted on the couch. "And that would be Lady Stanfield. Ding dong the bell tolls for you...hurry up, she might run away."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ6r5LjhtHD7SZhv47Rs_6MMWFXHr0zydXbZMNWFLK1jcbz3C7pqM-p2S0iZIczZY_R48Ip8hTwTyGc0NvArBcrC4WSP187Wp_hLkMwW6geAZQlO50D2OUYMb_4-vvDjJ9pHNPuIcJK2s/s1600/ScreenShot016.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ6r5LjhtHD7SZhv47Rs_6MMWFXHr0zydXbZMNWFLK1jcbz3C7pqM-p2S0iZIczZY_R48Ip8hTwTyGc0NvArBcrC4WSP187Wp_hLkMwW6geAZQlO50D2OUYMb_4-vvDjJ9pHNPuIcJK2s/s800/ScreenShot016.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
The front door stuck. Grabbing it, yanking it, maybe it would break this time god no not with her standing there watching him trying to open his own damned door, Blade leaned hard into it, forcing it open. <div><br /></div><div>Elise Stanfield stood there looking at the cracked driveway or the leaky windows or the dying plants. In an amused voice she said, "Hi Blade. Kind of the wrong side of the harbor for a house you know."</div><div><br /></div><div>"Yeah," he said and smiled. "I'm figuring that out. Come on in and let me show you some of the broken things."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJRVQsNJCI_b7zabBlcCA46JWaS9apJF4EzEyF0k11VLIiV-3efqBvVcxj2gWSZZuCWy7_4NhN2ihkSPJSKJ_f15lj9O5ax-vEDPnb2mp6c1MMmbgxdVOJrYBUWLOMt_fFaNEbxwub450/s1600/ScreenShot017.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJRVQsNJCI_b7zabBlcCA46JWaS9apJF4EzEyF0k11VLIiV-3efqBvVcxj2gWSZZuCWy7_4NhN2ihkSPJSKJ_f15lj9O5ax-vEDPnb2mp6c1MMmbgxdVOJrYBUWLOMt_fFaNEbxwub450/s800/ScreenShot017.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Behind him, he heard Rob shove something, Rob walking up, Rob standing right behind him breathing down his damned neck. Elise smiled. Rob muttered, "We're screwed."<i></i></div>S.B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15236399168777815648noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3192880522798293586.post-474157212955390332010-09-28T05:54:00.001-07:002022-05-09T20:41:21.403-07:00Sessions Chapter 38<i>Here we stand<br />
Somewhere in between this moment and the end<br />
Will we bend?<br />
Or will we open up and take this whole thing in?</i><br />
<br />
<b>South Beach - The Peninsula</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTFlT3nfahPfBla8D_Oeeud2f6r-ylsOKYzhB_NBMKVqipNcGp5iWbzHEg4JzEhcOhdieyblbXBUCMoYpKhveKg-0JDj6LyTbYGzhMqDiSyAskPsNArxCWB85YfwB-3rnsY_0CsDhvmQI/s1600/ScreenShot002.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTFlT3nfahPfBla8D_Oeeud2f6r-ylsOKYzhB_NBMKVqipNcGp5iWbzHEg4JzEhcOhdieyblbXBUCMoYpKhveKg-0JDj6LyTbYGzhMqDiSyAskPsNArxCWB85YfwB-3rnsY_0CsDhvmQI/s800/ScreenShot002.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3R7YpR9zUO2tIdeDHQcOpPMxnZTWSgXpyZlTuLnOfpg9rCCrmP64NwKJSPwaCZZFNhXuwSSxdvMVAu9pzVW6zQIaSTvJ79cq_EEb_C0XCH8iJY-IA1s5rCAo6hf8SFC0AzvOunwsovvE/s1600/ScreenShot005.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3R7YpR9zUO2tIdeDHQcOpPMxnZTWSgXpyZlTuLnOfpg9rCCrmP64NwKJSPwaCZZFNhXuwSSxdvMVAu9pzVW6zQIaSTvJ79cq_EEb_C0XCH8iJY-IA1s5rCAo6hf8SFC0AzvOunwsovvE/s800/ScreenShot005.jpg" /></a><br />
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Cooper awakened disoriented and exhausted. Dealing with Nate's arrogance, Eric's quiet defiance the previous night he'd struggled not to lose his failing patience. Hugs' wide eyed trepidation at the chaos along with the raging storm had prevented him from sleeping and it hadn't helped that the opposite side of the bed had been empty, a situation he intended to rectify soon. Enforcing his parental authority that morning, and that had been a lot harder than he expected, insisting the twins come directly home from school and scrambling to find Ericca to watch Hugs, Cooper headed downtown to meet with Elise.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaAOGK2qy0ucuDK071ny3Ty7C2mhyZR-8j6y6ReL9zgfb1rDAJJAGuZiwRzLHQcnHX1ThPPJIKrqbqkdWql_WZ0sGk-v89DxdFqXmknDywOvuNZturbhwaVYHshVXjT4uWlbEoKE0aTgw/s1600/ScreenShot008.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaAOGK2qy0ucuDK071ny3Ty7C2mhyZR-8j6y6ReL9zgfb1rDAJJAGuZiwRzLHQcnHX1ThPPJIKrqbqkdWql_WZ0sGk-v89DxdFqXmknDywOvuNZturbhwaVYHshVXjT4uWlbEoKE0aTgw/s800/ScreenShot008.jpg" /></a><br />
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Preoccupied, ambling down the sidewalk with a strong cup of coffee he thought about how to approach her. Elise had been furious at him last night and it had set him on his heels. Frowning, he considered how he would make it right when he walked head on into a guy who had just rounded the corner. Losing his grip on the cup it tumbled from his hand splashing its contents on the concrete between them.<br />
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"Shit! Sorry about that man." Coop looked up, studied the guy for a few minutes before recognition set in. Rob Porter, backup guitarist for Flight. What was he doing here?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje_7NrYef1sE1ffmQkB8bsY4f0OSRrzKCRN6ruDNkemPgK_f1ARFa2Lc3zidByMzTf1iWfnOSznnrZl1dHT3Lr0-K5FBYNAiAgq4TlVtqUFDcDl_V_5RzDZ8xbaXjQGtoqtkAbdYkr1-o/s1600/ScreenShot016.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje_7NrYef1sE1ffmQkB8bsY4f0OSRrzKCRN6ruDNkemPgK_f1ARFa2Lc3zidByMzTf1iWfnOSznnrZl1dHT3Lr0-K5FBYNAiAgq4TlVtqUFDcDl_V_5RzDZ8xbaXjQGtoqtkAbdYkr1-o/s800/ScreenShot016.jpg" /></a> <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-SD21jNzpGC9cTDHlR2FWu3ot7Ll8EitZ_jLv7A-oQ1BQHhFaj-8gb0k6lccTxZFZPXaDmIsTGdXO-DtzFMzOFrXD_rJ2uOVWEZ9SNnrQKyGWEg1EVDFKEMoBi9osxtcYMqHWyVifZ7g/s1600/ScreenShot014.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-SD21jNzpGC9cTDHlR2FWu3ot7Ll8EitZ_jLv7A-oQ1BQHhFaj-8gb0k6lccTxZFZPXaDmIsTGdXO-DtzFMzOFrXD_rJ2uOVWEZ9SNnrQKyGWEg1EVDFKEMoBi9osxtcYMqHWyVifZ7g/s800/ScreenShot014.jpg" /></a><br />
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"It's all good man, no worries." Brushing a spot of liquid off his jeans he added, "I'd love to catch up but I've got a 'thing' and I'm running a little late." Gesturing with a nod of his head, Rob turned and headed toward the strip. He stopped, shot a final enigmatic glance back at Cooper, speculative, before he walked away.<br />
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<b>Oceanside - The Palms Hotel: 10 AM</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQfz3NnwitONsTz7pNiPcnNrxqgZ9lcvl5EjWgCpy80Hke_XeoqnZ4wm611uosOb84UVzcQPXyUOt8JWQFBQynqhOar8gc9I8w39F2Z0FAhDq18W8A6iXf5PFYMYw5QQFhUISUpIgk4Uc/s1600/ScreenShot018.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQfz3NnwitONsTz7pNiPcnNrxqgZ9lcvl5EjWgCpy80Hke_XeoqnZ4wm611uosOb84UVzcQPXyUOt8JWQFBQynqhOar8gc9I8w39F2Z0FAhDq18W8A6iXf5PFYMYw5QQFhUISUpIgk4Uc/s800/ScreenShot018.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP0n_PMlnPtIbPIajqadtMuZ2Nt8QdKEwNQw_iK5UTwz9d8XVxiL-BPwOkigPe0gUGgs4-zsr2DTzU4fU-T-LD6tKQ-6RSSPLGMrBrD8f7CAj7XKyVJ1o5_TyPBuhFk8KBWmA1QU7P_uk/s1600/ScreenShot019.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP0n_PMlnPtIbPIajqadtMuZ2Nt8QdKEwNQw_iK5UTwz9d8XVxiL-BPwOkigPe0gUGgs4-zsr2DTzU4fU-T-LD6tKQ-6RSSPLGMrBrD8f7CAj7XKyVJ1o5_TyPBuhFk8KBWmA1QU7P_uk/s800/ScreenShot019.jpg" /></a><br />
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Finally making it to The Palms he went up to the room, found it vacant and ended up checking at the front desk, relieved to hear she was in the dining room and not simply gone. Entering the restaurant he saw Elise sitting at a table talking to someone, laughing; maybe a waiter said something amusing. Coop moved toward her, smiling and confident until, stopping abruptly at the table, he glared at the cause of her laughter.<br />
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<br />
Alex Ferguson. Blade. It didn't take much to figure out Blade's motives. Coop had seen him openly admiring Elise on more than one occasion. He'd let it go at the time, Coop couldn't blame him for appreciating his wife, until now. Cooper folded his arms and struggled to keep his face devoid of expression.<br />
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"Hello Coop, it's been awhile." Blade barely glanced up, his eyes riveted on Elise.<br />
<br />
"Alex." Cooper never called him by his nickname. It bothered Alex and Coop knew it. While they weren't exactly enemies, they weren't friends. Rival was a more accurate assessment and Alex had just upped the ante. "Aren't you a little out of your domain?"<br />
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Blade rose from his seat. He stood nearly as tall as Cooper. "We were just working out details for Beth to check out the place I bought out by the beach. It could use her expertise in decorating."<br />
<br />
"Is that right?" Coop folded his arms and held Blade's gaze. The corners of Coop's mouth turned slightly upward but the smile never reached his eyes. Did this arrogant prick actually think he was going to worm his way into Elise's bed? Whatever game he thought he was playing Cooper would effectively end it. Stepping closer to him, Coop asked, "What gave you the impression that she had the time or inclination?" <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglbPypudlRHmaJuVkosITIjIFjW-H_y5W5WbNvVco5sFv4YC66sSPX-tiDGbMB0fqV4JZ3745h5urKVy9u09_gr10WQKAVvPEZy6WUCtoWcWVEivu_QBOTT2N-4cB-vZ8k3d5oujIHhBo/s1600/ScreenShot002.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglbPypudlRHmaJuVkosITIjIFjW-H_y5W5WbNvVco5sFv4YC66sSPX-tiDGbMB0fqV4JZ3745h5urKVy9u09_gr10WQKAVvPEZy6WUCtoWcWVEivu_QBOTT2N-4cB-vZ8k3d5oujIHhBo/s800/ScreenShot002.jpg" /></a><br />
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Blade held his position and returned the smile. "Actually your ex did. We met up last night out on Coast Road. I rescued her and that little car you've got her driving from the brink of disaster. We worked out the details over dinner and drinks."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSjmGt3-O92YnPG5m6rQFOlD-TBl56nXz6ycwbBxviPgpFYi5a8dm9lgOZEvrQAdhGykaFVa-Xu_75DLr3OFhI1qqHxogxta9kqTb6Hv3LdMY4yAkckod1k88yoR6AcrsjgEAC4cGHMUU/s1600/ScreenShot025.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSjmGt3-O92YnPG5m6rQFOlD-TBl56nXz6ycwbBxviPgpFYi5a8dm9lgOZEvrQAdhGykaFVa-Xu_75DLr3OFhI1qqHxogxta9kqTb6Hv3LdMY4yAkckod1k88yoR6AcrsjgEAC4cGHMUU/s800/ScreenShot025.jpg" /></a><br />
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What the hell? He had dinner with Elise and she hadn't mentioned it? Coop's eyes narrowed as he reined in his anger. "She's not my ex, Alex, she's my wife, although I know how hard it is for you not to confuse the two. What is it, three or four divorces under your belt?"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB4B386MMbQy3ZC8CSkbgqwujUqwMQwIeOOmNr5hpqfz2IhAsnsttzyNML10zwHDm-OWsnLoBHMZnqn5TwpbTgEYOBzi0vowNhKvS5qlHty5H11QrEUkoUgRGeGaLAPilBXzExrWX9fEQ/s1600/ScreenShot004.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB4B386MMbQy3ZC8CSkbgqwujUqwMQwIeOOmNr5hpqfz2IhAsnsttzyNML10zwHDm-OWsnLoBHMZnqn5TwpbTgEYOBzi0vowNhKvS5qlHty5H11QrEUkoUgRGeGaLAPilBXzExrWX9fEQ/s800/ScreenShot004.jpg" /></a><br />
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Blade laughed and turned toward Elise who had been watching the scene with amusement. Taking her hand, lightly squeezing it, he took his leave. "Last night was a singular pleasure, Elise. I'll see you soon."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipJg8Ia_ggV6HsOlCPD6oAX3P8He6BOBZDyTZnohQO_z9_EO1WFegZsRCBKBVkegD-MZIq7kxUvuXmxa_IFt_8ZLlLtTqh7IdocwOIJ0ToHiG_BKimISHHe4jx71bQGloacz45V_50PlU/s1600/ScreenShot006.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipJg8Ia_ggV6HsOlCPD6oAX3P8He6BOBZDyTZnohQO_z9_EO1WFegZsRCBKBVkegD-MZIq7kxUvuXmxa_IFt_8ZLlLtTqh7IdocwOIJ0ToHiG_BKimISHHe4jx71bQGloacz45V_50PlU/s800/ScreenShot006.jpg" /></a><br />
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Straightening, he slid those blue eyes on Coop, began to walk past him and in a smooth, low voice taunted, "You better watch it Coop, your crown is beginning to tarnish."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBWp0owlN8ILEEQous22u6Ib4j-dutR0gz6YELOIQU-ByaLH4E5F7yWIbprANI5Cbsy-NkYut2ipM7NNealhHbU0257h2lMmbuY3H_6aGj0PJjb002Su0rNeI4vNYWdnqnTooj0RcGmjE/s1600/ScreenShot007.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBWp0owlN8ILEEQous22u6Ib4j-dutR0gz6YELOIQU-ByaLH4E5F7yWIbprANI5Cbsy-NkYut2ipM7NNealhHbU0257h2lMmbuY3H_6aGj0PJjb002Su0rNeI4vNYWdnqnTooj0RcGmjE/s800/ScreenShot007.jpg" /></a> <br />
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"Game on." Coop muttered before he turned back to Elise who met his gaze with obvious challenge. Holding his breath long enough to pull back an angry expletive he demanded, "You want to tell me what that was about?"<br />
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She stood up, putting one hand on the table to steady herself, never dropping her gaze, but Cooper saw her hand shaking. "Why do you think I'm here? I drove through a hurricane to meet you. I left our children alone in that storm to meet you. You want to know what it's about? It's about the same thing it's always about. I'm tired, Coop. I'm going home."S.B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15236399168777815648noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3192880522798293586.post-21633932469753998772010-09-24T19:58:00.003-07:002022-05-09T20:36:48.068-07:00Sessions Chapter 37<b>The Crossing</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpFA76MIZSIuJNEYvmB8J98Q5XMBjE_g80dJIOEsQ6-E4s4NuC0eP_tcXiqBOB6lRjVZsB1xNjQK6B2syN6NQkc0qegcei3wico4DLHRj6kRxQUONMWFvYaPE-q2ZJjBqp9Jv9ItxiEAQ/s1600/ScreenShot001.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpFA76MIZSIuJNEYvmB8J98Q5XMBjE_g80dJIOEsQ6-E4s4NuC0eP_tcXiqBOB6lRjVZsB1xNjQK6B2syN6NQkc0qegcei3wico4DLHRj6kRxQUONMWFvYaPE-q2ZJjBqp9Jv9ItxiEAQ/s800/ScreenShot001.jpg" /></a><br />
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"Recalculating..."<br />
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Blade punched off the GPS and sat in his car and looked at the restaurant. It wasn't what he expected. Iron Gate, he'd thought that might be something private, some private club he'd have to crash, but it was just an Italian place on the bay with some kind of gate in the middle. She was here, that was the same car he'd shoved out of the mud, and he didn't see any other cars. Cooper wasn't here.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaQNnEYc2oPYgVB44HowHJRma7xM1nGzInY7vEyvxO_0ebui6URNOFdIMnJf1zy8dgyYHYTundNEYy4rDlSnxt01lm2C3n0JfOF6UyFe7z-TL23kGy2YWzi6FG4EuMJpPlrPlH52yd838/s1600/ScreenShot002.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaQNnEYc2oPYgVB44HowHJRma7xM1nGzInY7vEyvxO_0ebui6URNOFdIMnJf1zy8dgyYHYTundNEYy4rDlSnxt01lm2C3n0JfOF6UyFe7z-TL23kGy2YWzi6FG4EuMJpPlrPlH52yd838/s800/ScreenShot002.jpg" /></a><br />
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Good thing that place he'd bought was close by; once Rafe dropped him off, he hadn't even bothered to go inside. Take the chance. Blade had come in a close second to Coop more times than he cared to think about, even three of his ex-wives would have jumped at Stanfield if he'd been inclined. Blade couldn't help the slow grin as he calculated how long it might take to return the favor. It wouldn't be easy, but it would be worth a hell of a lot of time and effort to finally stick it to Cooper.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqACIYs5IbdYU3sqtlBInsEVqOxUFFAuXx6996wMWQAaawYvoQBLF_pcv366ZNDnE9_dtHiqa2hqWEAhFnIdEqsTQpAHmn9X9_x_sA9p8jfQNVDpcCn75nTy2RZBzXAs7ePnWWzdqF3u8/s1600/ScreenShot003.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqACIYs5IbdYU3sqtlBInsEVqOxUFFAuXx6996wMWQAaawYvoQBLF_pcv366ZNDnE9_dtHiqa2hqWEAhFnIdEqsTQpAHmn9X9_x_sA9p8jfQNVDpcCn75nTy2RZBzXAs7ePnWWzdqF3u8/s800/ScreenShot003.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYhpqIVCSpfZA2pevk9-2aN0B12_-R3aBYhNFkLvdXzGYyPBTGyaxWhRWUJWBHLpOzZRkgaLmbnuTo-YQEzoJ8GdfhkA28qIeTvSSrRGGkOQo_OkX_A0fs9Ed1YvTd4k2LpFEoafUO6_8/s1600/ScreenShot004.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYhpqIVCSpfZA2pevk9-2aN0B12_-R3aBYhNFkLvdXzGYyPBTGyaxWhRWUJWBHLpOzZRkgaLmbnuTo-YQEzoJ8GdfhkA28qIeTvSSrRGGkOQo_OkX_A0fs9Ed1YvTd4k2LpFEoafUO6_8/s800/ScreenShot004.jpg" /></a> <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXhfskFa7uDrlH2xO0syKtzLvo8jdglvV8akqGQKMOdPpiNeVvJ9nMzGDmV5CA3yfYbUo38PJt6UkTZV-4D0AUT6DtFTl9IM08L83p8E9hOZ8h9xWWfJC019u2aunZ2hW-j8vJlx1QdvE/s1600/ScreenShot005.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXhfskFa7uDrlH2xO0syKtzLvo8jdglvV8akqGQKMOdPpiNeVvJ9nMzGDmV5CA3yfYbUo38PJt6UkTZV-4D0AUT6DtFTl9IM08L83p8E9hOZ8h9xWWfJC019u2aunZ2hW-j8vJlx1QdvE/s800/ScreenShot005.jpg" /></a> <br />
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Striding quickly out of the rain into the foyer, looked around for someone, anyone, didn't see anybody but a woman scurrying somewhere. The place was deserted. He turned and waited and tried to think where she would be when he heard her voice. Raised and angry. "Fine. I'll stay at the Palms while you stay there. That's just perfect Coop. I am soaking wet...yes I can probably buy something there...ok...make sure Hugs has that bunny to sleep with."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZoBI_hQfaqJQUmdEiW1KkHgFeseWqKb8zUt0Miq-KP7bbvedEDAf08kVYq_nz0zHhEV5PPxrlNUkTfZ0si6TLMn5mAxiw4mbvuIOau6EqqBo-dzITSgKtCWjPUlXrdMMSskCthND3pxE/s1600/ScreenShot007.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZoBI_hQfaqJQUmdEiW1KkHgFeseWqKb8zUt0Miq-KP7bbvedEDAf08kVYq_nz0zHhEV5PPxrlNUkTfZ0si6TLMn5mAxiw4mbvuIOau6EqqBo-dzITSgKtCWjPUlXrdMMSskCthND3pxE/s800/ScreenShot007.jpg" /></a> <br />
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Elise hung up, slammed the phone down. He took a few steps toward her and waited until she turned and saw him, the look of surprise on her face. Raindrops shining on the swell of her breasts, she stared at him and demanded, "What are you doing here?"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9C3zcHugR9DZxqUh3eFDBvLCcd42gB74s_tCpAmp16osNpgqyadpeA7T8Jsy_gAZ0JQh2lMMhaYCwSzXL0Re4-AXzwjzZ6CnWN_F-KO3HLJOKFeVOaswfx-JHH9Z_T7qQsIzwdjqezg4/s1600/ScreenShot009.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9C3zcHugR9DZxqUh3eFDBvLCcd42gB74s_tCpAmp16osNpgqyadpeA7T8Jsy_gAZ0JQh2lMMhaYCwSzXL0Re4-AXzwjzZ6CnWN_F-KO3HLJOKFeVOaswfx-JHH9Z_T7qQsIzwdjqezg4/s800/ScreenShot009.jpg" /></a> <br />
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"Making sure you don't run off the road again. Come on, Cooper's not here. Let me help you get somewhere safe." Blade slid into a relaxed smile and waited.<br />
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"I got this far, I think I can make it a few more miles all by myself. If you want to tag along, it's up to you. You'll probably be stuck there for the night - they're closing the road to South Beach."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuXqSroMcCCRumbI5mwZxSAV03jxj0J4EnYjYig16Gy4TQ8-AnRC080paeqr-ztvNO-x5xgCsxRWLeeLjbcyZCfR8A_23GKKGjXoa7LOmcsOqthe7zw5_X-Qn43wIfFKusK0Bc6lGKT1M/s1600/ScreenShot010.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuXqSroMcCCRumbI5mwZxSAV03jxj0J4EnYjYig16Gy4TQ8-AnRC080paeqr-ztvNO-x5xgCsxRWLeeLjbcyZCfR8A_23GKKGjXoa7LOmcsOqthe7zw5_X-Qn43wIfFKusK0Bc6lGKT1M/s800/ScreenShot010.jpg" /></a> <br />
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Blade's luck could not have been better but he tried to hide his elation. "I couldn't stand by and let you fend for yourself. Besides, you still haven't eaten. I'd consider it a privilege to buy you dinner after you're settled and dried off. We can discuss your fee for decorating my new place."<br />
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Elise glanced out toward the street, then looked back at him and said nothing, stretching it out until he began to feel the silence before she finally, with a dry edge to her voice, replied, "I never agreed to do any design job for you and you know it. Is there any particular reason you think you'd like anything I might do for you?"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsuFCnKHtC0i-MAQreeuDwr_kAcCbgqfkGhpCl4RCNLqHXROcfj-QeLnnqtphkb4MNt9tX07ls9rbAuWgv0t9kKmlCqPuv3vcVHNePQf2I9w3RTNzVbsea6J3M6YbaGOVOuoBB68FaiDE/s1600/ScreenShot019.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsuFCnKHtC0i-MAQreeuDwr_kAcCbgqfkGhpCl4RCNLqHXROcfj-QeLnnqtphkb4MNt9tX07ls9rbAuWgv0t9kKmlCqPuv3vcVHNePQf2I9w3RTNzVbsea6J3M6YbaGOVOuoBB68FaiDE/s800/ScreenShot019.jpg" /></a> <br />
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Blade eased her toward the door, stifling amusement...was there anything she could do...they weren't talking about wallpaper now were they? He didn't know one damned decorator from another but doubted it made a difference. She knew he didn't know. Playing along, he responded, "I've seen your work; you did my second wife's loft awhile back. Very impressive." He stopped, carefully took her arm and turned her toward him, "I told you I might stay awhile, settle here, it's looking better and better as a matter of fact. At least give me the opportunity to convince you...over dinner."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpNpU8Ndvw6siGLywq3nf7xp9T49-zj8qLxVDxT7FS9r1FvQ1t3FN9kaai3O0_bIYL71DDq4ancmclmMskqJXVSviWp_TwinIYxH91afPHSY0xH6RZKub7ewWhUsXTjCU-Sy1B1UdIMcs/s1600/ScreenShot021.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpNpU8Ndvw6siGLywq3nf7xp9T49-zj8qLxVDxT7FS9r1FvQ1t3FN9kaai3O0_bIYL71DDq4ancmclmMskqJXVSviWp_TwinIYxH91afPHSY0xH6RZKub7ewWhUsXTjCU-Sy1B1UdIMcs/s800/ScreenShot021.jpg" /></a> <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizBmH7Ht_reJXnpf_qEcjcsbXPYPQgWquaG4R-lagTePb5kcGubpS6zGLpQZgTxk2T6M2WzyYwq5jrGJn8Vr0SWubGBxPPGgHoOXAzGpJw3LTEqAkSqYYu3YD8gsKhLfPDAWtMZgJMHxo/s1600/ScreenShot023.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizBmH7Ht_reJXnpf_qEcjcsbXPYPQgWquaG4R-lagTePb5kcGubpS6zGLpQZgTxk2T6M2WzyYwq5jrGJn8Vr0SWubGBxPPGgHoOXAzGpJw3LTEqAkSqYYu3YD8gsKhLfPDAWtMZgJMHxo/s800/ScreenShot023.jpg" /></a><br />
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Lightning struck a transformer across the street, an explosion of sparks and fire spreading through the air and the water. He caught his breath and took a quick, protective step closer to her. She startled, watching the lightning flash.<div><br /></div><div>"Show me you can drive around that," she said in an amused voice, "and you've got a deal."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSGglJDQ0Tu42rOkMUbLYP4gW_QFkSt7KbiFneK98aaHcU-2pc95GOSFitDbJfAubDzB-1CZ6aqKtQJPgAakC8sfsVZ3xQUWA-utwUnJloyo2qKnBjLFCo9GAtpBrvY01v_E9h6DdrGAU/s1600/ScreenShot024.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSGglJDQ0Tu42rOkMUbLYP4gW_QFkSt7KbiFneK98aaHcU-2pc95GOSFitDbJfAubDzB-1CZ6aqKtQJPgAakC8sfsVZ3xQUWA-utwUnJloyo2qKnBjLFCo9GAtpBrvY01v_E9h6DdrGAU/s800/ScreenShot024.jpg" /></a><br />
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Uneasy, Blade tried to recall the way to the Palms; it was a few miles north, uphill, on higher ground, away from exploding transformers and falling power lines...not that he knew where power lines were falling or exploding. "I can do that," he assured her, and then, because driving through a storm like this wasn't something he'd done before and he wasn't all that goddamned certain he could do, no way to back out now, he took a deep breath and murmured to himself, "Take it out of warp drive, put it into impulse, go for it."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG77EsiOqamGQaKRa0dLOpWtWR2_52cEFwI_Ih5n4LIqMvyVyL-dkvgngLIf4x6Wmf6Hs_6U7IZblqwdisGFsiJaUAwJdgWTOVIhei-9IHmlRdhIwc0AGZVbFCKPNkFfOiX_es5-Vix_M/s1600/ScreenShot025.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG77EsiOqamGQaKRa0dLOpWtWR2_52cEFwI_Ih5n4LIqMvyVyL-dkvgngLIf4x6Wmf6Hs_6U7IZblqwdisGFsiJaUAwJdgWTOVIhei-9IHmlRdhIwc0AGZVbFCKPNkFfOiX_es5-Vix_M/s800/ScreenShot025.jpg" /></a><br />
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She abruptly and unexpectedly laughed, surprising him, putting him off balance, forcing him to look down at her again, to see her. Stepping away from him, removing his hand from her arm, she shook her head and, still laughing, said, "Well make it so then, Captain Blade, but you keep your hands on those controls, not on me."<i><b></b></i></div>S.B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15236399168777815648noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3192880522798293586.post-46659719235378249272010-09-19T15:33:00.002-07:002022-05-09T20:37:04.925-07:00Sessions Chapter 36<div><div><br />
<b>South Beach - Coast Road</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Lznj1bR_PUavy6eVOkIQxbR5VgVkPjAQ88sOsdju_c3zHuadgsYSfEJ0BIm4SCMvfXrSQIMczDDJ9zLDK5V_jvlJ6E3nvJJ7vWWN1Pqn7kOeTLG_Ddwu9GNK2fYwf8m3fXHszBviRUc/s1600/ScreenShot003+v2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Lznj1bR_PUavy6eVOkIQxbR5VgVkPjAQ88sOsdju_c3zHuadgsYSfEJ0BIm4SCMvfXrSQIMczDDJ9zLDK5V_jvlJ6E3nvJJ7vWWN1Pqn7kOeTLG_Ddwu9GNK2fYwf8m3fXHszBviRUc/s800/ScreenShot003+v2.jpg" /></a><br />
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The first kick landed squarely on the door. The second didn't. Elise shouted at the car as if it were to blame for sliding down the hill next to the bay. She'd hydroplaned, run off the pavement and dug herself even deeper trying to get back on the road. And she'd dropped her cell. It was lying somewhere down there in the rocks and the heavy surf, and if she didn't rein in her temper, she'd be down there with it.</div><div><br /></div><div>She'd known about the storm. Storms weren't unusual this time of year. She should have stayed home. No, she should have driven a different way. Or slower. Or something other than what she'd done. </div><div><br /></div><div><span><a name='more'></a></span> <br />
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Half a dozen cars sloshed by. Nobody stopped and probably wouldn't. She could walk. She could walk in high heels for over a mile and hope she didn't get hit by someone else who had driven too fast. Or she could sit here. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnplPDe78DIaPEyemYyJKIbUKZlhlZLK5D31ueJu_N8yqTeKZrDwpMNImkCR0dvm9Npp-8GoVLV7Aajxk6oW4HPw6IRvzzTuc4NcwG73-5E2rs7zEMfPQpL6Xya7n9bCvkw1YHjKwaGS8/s1600/ScreenShot006+v2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnplPDe78DIaPEyemYyJKIbUKZlhlZLK5D31ueJu_N8yqTeKZrDwpMNImkCR0dvm9Npp-8GoVLV7Aajxk6oW4HPw6IRvzzTuc4NcwG73-5E2rs7zEMfPQpL6Xya7n9bCvkw1YHjKwaGS8/s800/ScreenShot006+v2.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Trying to come up with something else, something that didn't involve walking or sitting all night, she saw a car pull up and stop, wipers batting furiously at the water, powerful engine shutting down. Against all hope and expectations Rafe Lombardo stepped out into mud, swore and yelled, "What the hell are you doing out here?"<br />
<br />Defensive, prickly and wet, she tossed it back at him. "I'm meeting Cooper. I ran off the road. I could ask you the same thing, about the road."<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvP4zfcx3qfdhyD3WhSX5vO9O0K2BfH_lJawrscjxIr6P02eJmQHWvA0-htPtC2NM1AnIj6ZJc69Lf1q15ktaXilNRWXOk1Ny84-csQ8TrbY8gMA211HdgToYIgpSHt4nU4QBCR4CfLrA/s1600/ScreenShot007+v2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvP4zfcx3qfdhyD3WhSX5vO9O0K2BfH_lJawrscjxIr6P02eJmQHWvA0-htPtC2NM1AnIj6ZJc69Lf1q15ktaXilNRWXOk1Ny84-csQ8TrbY8gMA211HdgToYIgpSHt4nU4QBCR4CfLrA/s800/ScreenShot007+v2.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
"I'm on my way home, and that's what you should be doing. You left your kids there alone in this storm?"<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5pUX06b2pIJ-YG_mtdBi9G2oJYb2Lgm52a974kuhUElQEOfrWhbYE44goIDLdihWKliZnUb5bUvm98FJWj6F6Y6jTu19TN7m83iPDvO_yxrSyW_czeg5LemjQ2Icf_L9HjyOa5F1DsnQ/s1600/ScreenShot011+v2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5pUX06b2pIJ-YG_mtdBi9G2oJYb2Lgm52a974kuhUElQEOfrWhbYE44goIDLdihWKliZnUb5bUvm98FJWj6F6Y6jTu19TN7m83iPDvO_yxrSyW_czeg5LemjQ2Icf_L9HjyOa5F1DsnQ/s800/ScreenShot011+v2.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />The passenger door opened and a tall man wearing a long leather coat eased out, hunching against the onslaught of rain and wind.<br /><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglasr97rrKTbzhDWcvNJDOIBhI3bsA4ZF49ihq0RsjmDh4Z85Ucycka35uw6vmUHL7jdsdJ3Lk7qZsBmhEqoL8yNSr8UU9N_cryjEjP6CtdA87-H1x7Z0lb-VwDL51R3N0ACIFNfbagTA/s1600/ScreenShot009+v3.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglasr97rrKTbzhDWcvNJDOIBhI3bsA4ZF49ihq0RsjmDh4Z85Ucycka35uw6vmUHL7jdsdJ3Lk7qZsBmhEqoL8yNSr8UU9N_cryjEjP6CtdA87-H1x7Z0lb-VwDL51R3N0ACIFNfbagTA/s800/ScreenShot009+v3.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />Rafe sloshed back, conferred with him briefly and then together they stared at the car stuck in the ditch. He glanced at her. "Elise Stanfield - Alex Ferguson. Alex, this is Elise Stanfield, owner of the car stuck in the ditch."<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxY28NOUn_uZ4Tld7MDP2C0aREKFOM-6CI956_JI4dP0p-9qWce923c1eEFMBX0Ryu7nfbnl_cUS2do5HiC0DVekC2jPPY-oF4NEQrZPjEsP7w1JlubapLwlvaeL0ANBPXu9mp_hhuP2k/s1600/ScreenShot013+v2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxY28NOUn_uZ4Tld7MDP2C0aREKFOM-6CI956_JI4dP0p-9qWce923c1eEFMBX0Ryu7nfbnl_cUS2do5HiC0DVekC2jPPY-oF4NEQrZPjEsP7w1JlubapLwlvaeL0ANBPXu9mp_hhuP2k/s800/ScreenShot013+v2.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
At first she didn't recognize him, and, when she finally realized who he was, it wasn't some wonderful happy moment. Superstar frontman for the band <i>Flight</i>: Alex Ferguson AKA Blade. Another arrogant musician. "Hi <i>Blade</i>." <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR13uG5Nzozi5MRMq-zanlS-31uaZn7A9nUx_jK30LiixRj9zkv9vDOrEncHgRR8OuknzC2eIQKlH47j8wBSO1TEssd8uSAcVo-kDvkatpn44vfu3gcdN46ORXyPkxErKr0-mqFPVvv7o/s1600/ScreenShot012.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR13uG5Nzozi5MRMq-zanlS-31uaZn7A9nUx_jK30LiixRj9zkv9vDOrEncHgRR8OuknzC2eIQKlH47j8wBSO1TEssd8uSAcVo-kDvkatpn44vfu3gcdN46ORXyPkxErKr0-mqFPVvv7o/s800/ScreenShot012.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
"Rafe's giving me a ride," he offered as if he expected her to be overcome with astonishment and concern. He was smiling. Bright blue eyes, thick brown hair and a sprinkle of freckles that didn't quite jibe with the name Blade; the freckles reminded her of Ryan.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPUaPY1L2MFFwDJHiB-yiKHKI-_tEK8dGyVSEQVPLRx655XXVbMijByGDXqhTMbMUsF3IwQqbk_IUHyQp1a8tZH-lfRlRDERWY-hZsqm0XDSacFxVPMoJ4SadjJsxjV-nTwOXr7er2uCE/s1600/ScreenShot014+v2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPUaPY1L2MFFwDJHiB-yiKHKI-_tEK8dGyVSEQVPLRx655XXVbMijByGDXqhTMbMUsF3IwQqbk_IUHyQp1a8tZH-lfRlRDERWY-hZsqm0XDSacFxVPMoJ4SadjJsxjV-nTwOXr7er2uCE/s800/ScreenShot014+v2.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
"How nice for you." She turned her agitated attention back to Rafe. "I have to make it to <i>The Iron Gate</i> and I'm really late. Can you get me out of the ditch?"<br />
<br />
"Probably. Alex, give me a hand over here."<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGhySxX56KItsJW5G511Mp8ku9Bov837Zsyi10qpTSzEoI7q9-4vez5xh6y2UzgM4IvtUEZRDU8z69EfjdkyQRxV0dxPX3p6P-UeRuDw1KgFxHRg_bg85I5sMg3141oytpR7JdIfz3jB0/s1600/ScreenShot017+v2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGhySxX56KItsJW5G511Mp8ku9Bov837Zsyi10qpTSzEoI7q9-4vez5xh6y2UzgM4IvtUEZRDU8z69EfjdkyQRxV0dxPX3p6P-UeRuDw1KgFxHRg_bg85I5sMg3141oytpR7JdIfz3jB0/s800/ScreenShot017+v2.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />He didn't move. "I hear you and Coop split up. His loss."</div><div><br /></div><div>Was he, inconceivably, trying to chat her up in the middle of a storm while she was on her way to meet Cooper? Elise stared at him, literally speechless. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhymkZfKfNunZLbLNLe7QEDi9vkxNgIKJHLvWGyEJoMwbhoXl1Y5T-bkttBISOPTPyYF78BrEYkFR-k55DNZbqFquBF0I8sqSD1sNc9WpegQjuQP7mdim6FzlWvnqVtsB5m67sJlP7JRuk/s1600/ScreenShot018+v2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhymkZfKfNunZLbLNLe7QEDi9vkxNgIKJHLvWGyEJoMwbhoXl1Y5T-bkttBISOPTPyYF78BrEYkFR-k55DNZbqFquBF0I8sqSD1sNc9WpegQjuQP7mdim6FzlWvnqVtsB5m67sJlP7JRuk/s800/ScreenShot018+v2.jpg" /></a> <br />
<br />"Cut the shit," Rafe ordered him. "You going to help me or or you going to stand out here in the rain in which case I leave you here standing in the rain."<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm279AGzoRsCt416o18tuKTDNUyEDZRSarTELOAkrzmkAlFUEGwu-3px1Fc09MsBzWsD_5Mnk7nd_hMbnNex9jjforpEc76YAzCXCC2K_ltIRsCD6OFYN3c7Lew-JRFlZ4r0u-iY2WOPY/s1600/ScreenShot020+v2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm279AGzoRsCt416o18tuKTDNUyEDZRSarTELOAkrzmkAlFUEGwu-3px1Fc09MsBzWsD_5Mnk7nd_hMbnNex9jjforpEc76YAzCXCC2K_ltIRsCD6OFYN3c7Lew-JRFlZ4r0u-iY2WOPY/s800/ScreenShot020+v2.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />'Blade' finally put his shoulder to the rear fender, and together they rocked the car until it moved forward out of the mud and back onto pavement. <br /><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOnj_2sjgUhk30W2bradtrhJebekUYIvnUKBTeAZeaIMBjTkGcrKZHnpgCAHCPK2mvyTr2YjyCkoUSTc5pj68KMbltE-z0A1MPu1OhrfZQyVLwMaq25PmAIBEAgkHa8W5TcqyAS9Qnlp0/s1600/ScreenShot021+v2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOnj_2sjgUhk30W2bradtrhJebekUYIvnUKBTeAZeaIMBjTkGcrKZHnpgCAHCPK2mvyTr2YjyCkoUSTc5pj68KMbltE-z0A1MPu1OhrfZQyVLwMaq25PmAIBEAgkHa8W5TcqyAS9Qnlp0/s800/ScreenShot021+v2.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />She watched, waiting for him to slip and fall face first in the mud, but he grinned at her and put as much muscle into it as Rafe, well almost as much. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI0oKtJpwWSCCTbfQY6BZNtrz5jmyxyv5eN7q9E3S-0EjR1J20HFYj-bI8VZltn_c8jobzwOLxDZuwSl1CCqujvYAehPYcp0vb3Jll1sThOLCbAcJGjQMPcw2LcyXtND6ydwme59jfaNU/s1600/ScreenShot022+v2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI0oKtJpwWSCCTbfQY6BZNtrz5jmyxyv5eN7q9E3S-0EjR1J20HFYj-bI8VZltn_c8jobzwOLxDZuwSl1CCqujvYAehPYcp0vb3Jll1sThOLCbAcJGjQMPcw2LcyXtND6ydwme59jfaNU/s800/ScreenShot022+v2.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Rafe slapped his hands on his muddy jeans, muttered another expletive, and turned back to her. "Turn this piece of crap around and go home. Your kids need you more than Stanfield does; he's probably not going to make it in this weather anyway."<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEuUzAvRiizRNFcr_E3kGLtyi0uns56pI05erUaR3V19bW8k4ibua9Vhz9IpzD7MLIKjmlxpzYdSEeVidJYPD6GnY6QHrjQK3RFS6FSXqeMRr8hxtCH-B9T6eSmn4Rmk76g9tR_HsGhqU/s1600/ScreenShot024+v2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEuUzAvRiizRNFcr_E3kGLtyi0uns56pI05erUaR3V19bW8k4ibua9Vhz9IpzD7MLIKjmlxpzYdSEeVidJYPD6GnY6QHrjQK3RFS6FSXqeMRr8hxtCH-B9T6eSmn4Rmk76g9tR_HsGhqU/s800/ScreenShot024+v2.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Taking a couple of careful steps toward her, Blade said quietly, "If you need anything, give me a call. I've got a place right up the road, I bought it last week, I'll be there the rest of the month, maybe longer."<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-nijF-r7KkY286YFIi1s__VEsuv66mQah9n14mIZ8vYweJyuE2p0G2OIptrqjLEDuTcI2L6vza1l11p5D9alSUJZ28FCDjyO2Wn_NYhZ6vv-3vQ9ZYGmNyVpookc07HH_RPWFUYcZVgY/s1600/ScreenShot026+v2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-nijF-r7KkY286YFIi1s__VEsuv66mQah9n14mIZ8vYweJyuE2p0G2OIptrqjLEDuTcI2L6vza1l11p5D9alSUJZ28FCDjyO2Wn_NYhZ6vv-3vQ9ZYGmNyVpookc07HH_RPWFUYcZVgY/s800/ScreenShot026+v2.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
"Shit man, drop it," Rafe growled, "she doesn't need anything you've got including directions to your rental." <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9OPTbjmwjUN4RJHrBWr31gGZcaRpet67uYSEoOwWS4Vp2otnp7lMnmqvJV9umSC-_gd1TRhR9lkFF6U6OpAwM3MIHaMNo3_WP9kVHgxrItxtQT1eme5IzpfyZua0yx7OnXJq8C0_ymRo/s1600/ScreenShot027+v2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9OPTbjmwjUN4RJHrBWr31gGZcaRpet67uYSEoOwWS4Vp2otnp7lMnmqvJV9umSC-_gd1TRhR9lkFF6U6OpAwM3MIHaMNo3_WP9kVHgxrItxtQT1eme5IzpfyZua0yx7OnXJq8C0_ymRo/s800/ScreenShot027+v2.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Rafe shoved into his car with Blade close behind, started the engine and vanished behind the wall of pounding water. She was wet and cold. Lightning hissed and struck, but she was a creature of storms, and if she hadn't been bitten by that electric snake yet, either it couldn't find her or no longer cared.</div></div>S.B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15236399168777815648noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3192880522798293586.post-18084547816091464282010-08-25T08:07:00.000-07:002019-01-04T13:07:26.853-08:00Sessions Chapter 35 - If Looks Could Kill<br />
<b><i>Sandy Point - The Rusty Pelican</i></b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47955452@N00/4923276525/" title="S35-001 by g@yl, on Flickr"><img alt="S35-001" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4114/4923276525_7958b3c134_z.jpg" height="374" width="599" /></a><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Slim watched the two of
them, Gemma sitting at the table with her slender legs crossed, her
body language enigmatic. She idly toyed with the long strands of her jet black hair
while Coop sat at the opposite side of the table glaring at her. He steadily tapped the toe of his heavy boot against the chair leg,
aggravated and on edge.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Focusing on her, Slim
got into it. "I'm going to cut to the chase. We aren't giving you a blank
check. Name your terms. What's the price for you to keep your mouth shut?""</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47955452@N00/4923276575/" title="S35-002 by g@yl, on Flickr"><img alt="S35-002" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4098/4923276575_d05b4cd5ba_z.jpg" height="374" width="599" /></a><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Gemma turned her eyes on Cooper. She let him hang under that gaze for a few moments before responding in a cool, controlled voice. "You raped me."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br />
Cooper laughed, a long mirthless denial. "That's bullshit! You were right
there with me!" <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">"You
walked into my house uninvited, ripped my clothes, carried me to my bedroom and
threw me down. Are you going to tell me it happened some other way? You were
brutal. That's rape."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">"That's a lie! You removed your own clothes before I even got my shirt off. You've got to be kidding...</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">I
didn't hear one word of complaint from you. You were right there with me the first time, the second..."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">She shot right back at him. "I'm not surprised there are holes in your memory - you staggered around like a drunk - but you heard me ask you to stop!"</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47955452@N00/4923276639/" title="S35-003 by g@yl, on Flickr"><img alt="S35-003" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4101/4923276639_5ce6759423_z.jpg" height="374" width="599" /></a><br />
<br />
"That's enough!" Slim shifted his eyes back on her after throwing a look of warning at Cooper. "You're here so tell me what you want?"<br />
<br />
"I want a contract for Brew...for Jimmy. Long term."<br />
<br />
Rising from the table, Coop snorted derisively and walked away. "What the hell? That's what this is about? A contract for Jimmy Breaux? No way you're forcing me into a fucking corner over Jimmy Breaux!"<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47955452@N00/4923276693/" title="S35-004 by g@yl, on Flickr"><img alt="S35-004" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4122/4923276693_ca6ed9fe42_z.jpg" height="374" width="599" /></a><br />
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"Coop, sit down." Trying to bring things back to business Slim played his hand. "You know Jimmy's a risk. If..." pausing for dramatic effect, "...<i>if</i> we consider it there will be stipulations in the contract. And this will not be an open ticket. One contract with Hitman. That's all it will take for you to market your...talent."<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47955452@N00/4923871174/" title="S35-005 by g@yl, on Flickr"><img alt="S35-005" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4117/4923871174_66af7f0b5a_z.jpg" height="374" width="599" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">"I
have as much to lose here as Cooper does. There will always be doubts about how
I got a contract as a green agent. I want it long term...and I want him to
admit he raped me so there is no question in this room what went down. And I
want to see it...the contract."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47955452@N00/4923276953/" title="S35-006 by g@yl, on Flickr"><img alt="S35-006" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4082/4923276953_337655d9d3_z.jpg" height="374" width="599" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Slim
leaned in resting his large hands on the table in front of her and growled,
"I don't give a damn what you want or what you have to lose. Shut up, sit
there and listen to me. Nobody's admitting anything. We draw up a contract for
Jimmy Breaux, but it's our terms. He blows it, that's it. You get whatever the
hell you think you're getting out of this, and you shut the hell up and go
away."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">He looked at Cooper who met his gaze straight on. "Coop doesn't want you near his kids. You leave them alone. You don't say
a thing about what went down between the two of you, you stay away from his
wife, you stay away from the media. And lady, if you think you're coming back
and asking for more, you don't know me. I'll ruin your ass. You know I can do
it. Now get out of here."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47955452@N00/4923276997/" title="S35-007 by g@yl, on Flickr"><img alt="S35-007" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4136/4923276997_ee7d65c041_z.jpg" height="374" width="599" /></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Gemma
finally stood. "Threaten me all you want. He forced himself on me, you
know he did; I can see it in your face that you're wondering. As for his
kids...Wyatt is Julia's son. If he wants to see me I am not going to discourage
it and you will not stop me." Turning, head held arrogantly in the air,
she left them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47955452@N00/4923277039/" title="S35-008 by g@yl, on Flickr"><img alt="S35-008" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4119/4923277039_a28737964e_z.jpg" height="374" width="599" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47955452@N00/4923277091/" title="S35-009 by g@yl, on Flickr"><img alt="S35-009" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4100/4923277091_4bf8763c0f_z.jpg" height="374" width="599" /></a><br />
<br />
After a long moment Slim drew a deep breath and exhaled. "Coop...man this is bad. The woman is going after your ass and she's serious. You know the way this thing works. You're going to be lucky if she limits it to Jimmy Breaux. What the hell were you doing out there? What happened? Anything to her claim that you raped her?"<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47955452@N00/4923277145/" title="S35-011 by g@yl, on Flickr"><img alt="S35-011" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4115/4923277145_90a9311ebe_z.jpg" height="374" width="599" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Pacing, shoving the chair aside,
every move on edge, his voice hard, Cooper came back at him. "No you know
I didn't rape her. I wasn't gentle but I didn't rape the bitch. Look, this sounds idiotic, but I got into it with McDermott before I went over there and he knocked the shit out of me. I was pissed, that's why I went, doesn't make any sense and I know it, but I did and things sort of got out of control. She's right, I was staggering, but I wasn't drunk, and she was holding me up on my feet a couple of times. There wasn't any rape. Without her help I would probably have spent the night on the couch instead of in her bed. Look, can we knock
this contract out? I want to get it over there, get the damned thing signed and get this over with. And Slim, thanks."</span><br />
<br />
<i><b>Sandy Point, 10 Big Tree Road: 4 PM</b></i><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinUu_SOl4NyqlG-HG3G6r2Xf6euQnSQECZpsptG2arsi24I6v50ZHX4rLFXT41itgssin1oWp-UZjAhjijgknDKI4TGXD_cxDFdlCzrF3t_pSoUY4qWuC-6zkOm6hzFJ4BJ_bEECyOYZk/s1600/ScreenShot002.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinUu_SOl4NyqlG-HG3G6r2Xf6euQnSQECZpsptG2arsi24I6v50ZHX4rLFXT41itgssin1oWp-UZjAhjijgknDKI4TGXD_cxDFdlCzrF3t_pSoUY4qWuC-6zkOm6hzFJ4BJ_bEECyOYZk/s800/ScreenShot002.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
"A year." Jimmy read slowly, working his way through the 20 pages of small type, scared and determined to read the whole damned thing and knowing Rennie was biting her lip because he was slow with it. He started to use his finger to keep his place while he read and then quit that. Glancing up across the table at Cooper, he asked him, "How many clauses you throwing at me? Am I gonna need to get a hall pass to hit the john?"<br />
<br />
It was kinda supposed to lighten the mood.<br />
<br />
Cooper sat there under that rainy afternoon window and his face was cold. "Show up and do your job. You get one chance. One."<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzGvXDnDcAlCwzzusncPOQaUyCy9sS0M4ulUgWYAi0r4Pw8itB4j4hzhhPWm4TuUB2fs2NJdc3UrWTI8q-YqTApwzBhK5uizGKLTfl5qPGEUr-kpDYeN7p2c9nUKc7IRVYW2Ax9308CWs/s1600/ScreenShot004.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzGvXDnDcAlCwzzusncPOQaUyCy9sS0M4ulUgWYAi0r4Pw8itB4j4hzhhPWm4TuUB2fs2NJdc3UrWTI8q-YqTApwzBhK5uizGKLTfl5qPGEUr-kpDYeN7p2c9nUKc7IRVYW2Ax9308CWs/s800/ScreenShot004.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
They had less than an hour from the time they took that call until he showed up with a contract. Nothing more than that and he didn't explain why.<br />
<br />
Without asking him Rayne pulled the contract across the table and started flipping through it and looking up at her father at the same time. Jimmy knew she was going to do this, they'd had enough time to cover that much even if she hadn't told him what she was looking for. "Gemma Wilson gets an unusually generous percentage. Why is that?"<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoqn7ply8ai_Zg0DHqqumnD8kusboUgwXNRufMA-bM1QcxG7rX6jnEg13nCuq5EhQJydlFp5cp3J6Vhwv8oVSOwVVXwI0Gi6y1iRND1SMQ3OcLeswlUrsz83BBlKv7Hj72kolzgrLtqM0/s1600/ScreenShot015.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoqn7ply8ai_Zg0DHqqumnD8kusboUgwXNRufMA-bM1QcxG7rX6jnEg13nCuq5EhQJydlFp5cp3J6Vhwv8oVSOwVVXwI0Gi6y1iRND1SMQ3OcLeswlUrsz83BBlKv7Hj72kolzgrLtqM0/s800/ScreenShot015.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
He was sitting in the chair with the short leg, stupid choice of a chair but he couldn't get up now so he did what he could with it, trying not to rock it, leaning forward, smoking too much.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlpgBTzZy2RCisLfp_uyLiIaDNaSdQL6BKNWLn1EGL6rGmBNhoxlhr0o-fn3-7VY8ZM65rlHRaKX1S3tv3NNx7cJkSZCAru8LB2OSxhOc3EuaEsGCBeX4u8sCLbCUOaJ4urs3iu6cmXik/s1600/ScreenShot005.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlpgBTzZy2RCisLfp_uyLiIaDNaSdQL6BKNWLn1EGL6rGmBNhoxlhr0o-fn3-7VY8ZM65rlHRaKX1S3tv3NNx7cJkSZCAru8LB2OSxhOc3EuaEsGCBeX4u8sCLbCUOaJ4urs3iu6cmXik/s800/ScreenShot005.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Cooper shoved his hair back like a man who didn't know what to do with his hands, an angry man. "He signed the contract, ask him. I assume he can read."<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA8Vp0-iooS3ngdBhbyn_HgyFT-LYa3yNxQxx9HoORvZVbzC5Gz-7AjaHY2Rim-v3iq5LxIM1IYwNHZw-WXbVUL1JieCA1fL8Gvwm7Bewh7G5J7P5p4UixVPs02BZh3bOaSYzpaIQgZTk/s1600/ScreenShot008.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA8Vp0-iooS3ngdBhbyn_HgyFT-LYa3yNxQxx9HoORvZVbzC5Gz-7AjaHY2Rim-v3iq5LxIM1IYwNHZw-WXbVUL1JieCA1fL8Gvwm7Bewh7G5J7P5p4UixVPs02BZh3bOaSYzpaIQgZTk/s800/ScreenShot008.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
She was clenching her hands on the bottom of the chair, a thing she did sometimes when she wasn't getting her way. "What if he fires her? Would you resubmit the offer?"<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP9yQommtY276sGGh7eSTTpxS8mTGl_56SNnrssK-AwbBBASruNffOT2zVs7XMYCFrQVMiEZE58aBYid5POBkPxPYRKGwXHY0Ft3CG40iGY1NWgaqVuRb0JZh7m-0-vYDesV0F14XzwGw/s1600/ScreenShot019.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP9yQommtY276sGGh7eSTTpxS8mTGl_56SNnrssK-AwbBBASruNffOT2zVs7XMYCFrQVMiEZE58aBYid5POBkPxPYRKGwXHY0Ft3CG40iGY1NWgaqVuRb0JZh7m-0-vYDesV0F14XzwGw/s800/ScreenShot019.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
The room was full of the steady drip drip sound of water leaking through the hole in the gutter outside the window. Cooper shot him a narrow eyed look over the table. "Take it or leave it and do it now. I'm not resubmitting anything."<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdE6iKruUNlDTqiha_K-ihjuDKj_j9SZpzd2fm1Xr9UNuT00MubV8lqqo65ze2s2bshQ8KFAvUPFajHgw6mEJYlYKxptsUeDN_GceTDfgP2C4HQm5z5k6DbjhQA-mbfFmR_PqIg2oJPX8/s1600/ScreenShot001.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdE6iKruUNlDTqiha_K-ihjuDKj_j9SZpzd2fm1Xr9UNuT00MubV8lqqo65ze2s2bshQ8KFAvUPFajHgw6mEJYlYKxptsUeDN_GceTDfgP2C4HQm5z5k6DbjhQA-mbfFmR_PqIg2oJPX8/s800/ScreenShot001.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Rayne got up, pushed the chair out of her way, pushing it hard she was banging it against the table, announcing, "Excuse me, I need some air. It stinks in here."<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSRURUFeLa9IvjvPotYZeCda8P1apcPJdLtDvD1jv5Ka65V2mdOpYBjwD5UPAvWxcYjTBz-2mUiWiR4SmIbR14HU7weX4M9s2haBexM77hGSjjempWUuEcHdluOS6z5Y9SYlQ2l0TI87Q/s1600/ScreenShot002+%282%29.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSRURUFeLa9IvjvPotYZeCda8P1apcPJdLtDvD1jv5Ka65V2mdOpYBjwD5UPAvWxcYjTBz-2mUiWiR4SmIbR14HU7weX4M9s2haBexM77hGSjjempWUuEcHdluOS6z5Y9SYlQ2l0TI87Q/s800/ScreenShot002+(2).jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Jimmy let her go. Screen door slapping shut, she was standing out there in the rain, leaving him to sit here with Cooper. Cooper watched her go out there but he didn't get up or say a damned thing. He didn't want to lose this chance, insult the man, make a wrong move. What was worse? Losing the contract or losing his girl? He stood up, dropped the butt in the ashtray, hands shaking, refusing to make that choice, he said, "Gimme a minute."<br />
<br />
Cooper nodded, something Jimmy was sure he wouldn't have done if it wasn't his own daughter out there, nothing to do with Jimmy himself.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3VCxKQbEDPS2WnTQ6LexYBFHQ3l74FLX2vAc41iZnNX9Z8XPhf8gky0Q9bXgHklrU-PyWwpCvFARsAbtJXVoEAAP7RUdEsvRJEgojzJYEouYE0Veqq2LgSSoCfNw4RmXAfvj-HuJJ0BQ/s1600/ScreenShot006+%282%29.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3VCxKQbEDPS2WnTQ6LexYBFHQ3l74FLX2vAc41iZnNX9Z8XPhf8gky0Q9bXgHklrU-PyWwpCvFARsAbtJXVoEAAP7RUdEsvRJEgojzJYEouYE0Veqq2LgSSoCfNw4RmXAfvj-HuJJ0BQ/s800/ScreenShot006+(2).jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZIdSL6PbuJRpUnUVdT0U4rD7jjB4xm0qIAtSgqOYuFl18LV6F9IDIrMeopGwj9We05CeplXWepFyipcjm_T_kWXoaw-s0XJvQ_SmVyNbH5mpmj0_OG4iStUlJdIl_Nk63kJD84B6iunU/s1600/ScreenShot005+%282%29.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZIdSL6PbuJRpUnUVdT0U4rD7jjB4xm0qIAtSgqOYuFl18LV6F9IDIrMeopGwj9We05CeplXWepFyipcjm_T_kWXoaw-s0XJvQ_SmVyNbH5mpmj0_OG4iStUlJdIl_Nk63kJD84B6iunU/s800/ScreenShot005+(2).jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Standing on the far side of the front porch, staring out at wet trees and wet boats, Rayne didn't move when Jimmy came up, planted himself between Rayne and the kitchen window, and asked quietly, "You gonna tell me what's wrong?"<br />
<br />
She kicked the wet rail and leaned on it harder and didn't look at him. "You're her present. He can't stand you. There's only one reason he'd do this, and it's for her. Don't do it, Toad. Don't start out like this."<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8IZRVnEYJTnGDBvy-X28cjDe_saul0d12_b60-brjWHhU17IDJWctgrr95Rq1BAfcdhyu674GBDQrmXnReOWZUAwS_25D3PLhmpDF0qWVQR6ot6tP6uUhcOrkT4bzCYCvai_q-2VoqvU/s1600/ScreenShot001.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8IZRVnEYJTnGDBvy-X28cjDe_saul0d12_b60-brjWHhU17IDJWctgrr95Rq1BAfcdhyu674GBDQrmXnReOWZUAwS_25D3PLhmpDF0qWVQR6ot6tP6uUhcOrkT4bzCYCvai_q-2VoqvU/s800/ScreenShot001.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
The kitchen window was open. Whatever they said, Cooper could hear it. Jimmy leaned over the porch rail next to her and whispered, "Rennie, sweetheart, that's the way it works. Me, I don't give a damn if I'm hanging on a chain around her neck, his present, it's still a contract. You don't get Cooper Stanfield driving up and giving you a contract, nobody gets that. If I got to use his girl on the side to get us a start, I'm doing it. You gonna work with me?"<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4_08HhhEVEjW-hBRUdZgKmFCaNc9QENau2f_Y_cwU2VdB9moLlhp8y-j0G_-rZK3SNEpmvJe7PfQlxD_TN8DrjoQMk3l3cQQK7Fm8jWVogmBG5Kxr1_GYAde7M1EDKTGOmyZrzDTzS0M/s1600/ScreenShot004.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4_08HhhEVEjW-hBRUdZgKmFCaNc9QENau2f_Y_cwU2VdB9moLlhp8y-j0G_-rZK3SNEpmvJe7PfQlxD_TN8DrjoQMk3l3cQQK7Fm8jWVogmBG5Kxr1_GYAde7M1EDKTGOmyZrzDTzS0M/s800/ScreenShot004.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Rayne, all wet and angry, looked past him through the kitchen window at her father, and pushed him aside and stood stuck between him and his arm across the steps down since he didn't want her to go what the fuck was this about? Making him give it up for some piece of ass Cooper took down? You get one shot, one big chance, you can't don't choke on it. Didn't make sense, no sense at all, he tried to think of something to say when she hit him again.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvmdljYTRN7J7XOfzOy7A8eQZi3szbRvEfl1N_dvts0pPQhcAB6Vlv-p6zA2hGazkyIqOQZ2fkkV5IC12BZUELDgJL83dcWkoSMb9g3zAL6en7EccqUyJCxDfYn8bvcE1qGO2s4QJgFZg/s1600/ScreenShot003.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvmdljYTRN7J7XOfzOy7A8eQZi3szbRvEfl1N_dvts0pPQhcAB6Vlv-p6zA2hGazkyIqOQZ2fkkV5IC12BZUELDgJL83dcWkoSMb9g3zAL6en7EccqUyJCxDfYn8bvcE1qGO2s4QJgFZg/s800/ScreenShot003.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
"Work with you to use my father's whore to get what you want? You may as well fuck her yourself. I grew up with this, I know all about how it works. You want it, take it, but it's going to come back at you, Toad, and it pisses me off. I have to go, I can't be here right now, I need to get out of here."<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2rv3QdXvLnrw_yEJWQCRudkQ0RAYlxivqjpj9s5iORQFJLmVP2cBX1FGm4UYeqQH-IOMGiI1tYWV1nv0Jl5dq5O-pEmE0z8zjC5zprTEY6SG6xMH8Jv0gpKUZyjevukYuoYQdNv8J3Dg/s1600/ScreenShot005.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2rv3QdXvLnrw_yEJWQCRudkQ0RAYlxivqjpj9s5iORQFJLmVP2cBX1FGm4UYeqQH-IOMGiI1tYWV1nv0Jl5dq5O-pEmE0z8zjC5zprTEY6SG6xMH8Jv0gpKUZyjevukYuoYQdNv8J3Dg/s800/ScreenShot005.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP4CRAlul29m7joPJxNzKkYLzMC_x72y55KjOSy3Fz0VR5ribMclaWnnxuSizESwlqAO_Bog8IH2jN1hU2pZM1kXdB1zPWhYRNo1OQLn-NyUlUygeS4YKz2q-FQTuMtWqFh5WZFKHevYY/s1600/ScreenShot006.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP4CRAlul29m7joPJxNzKkYLzMC_x72y55KjOSy3Fz0VR5ribMclaWnnxuSizESwlqAO_Bog8IH2jN1hU2pZM1kXdB1zPWhYRNo1OQLn-NyUlUygeS4YKz2q-FQTuMtWqFh5WZFKHevYY/s800/ScreenShot006.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8_DqTqrYSex_KKk3uqvLXS7mcwe-OPemMb1e8gMPm2KIchVubwT71Km-bTGesmjsIeFo5pCTVb04V2k_tzJb2ke5lTvlo_LAqUi19Ao5D9YZjxapddy2oWg0d3odW723qndbYog11Npo/s1600/ScreenShot007.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8_DqTqrYSex_KKk3uqvLXS7mcwe-OPemMb1e8gMPm2KIchVubwT71Km-bTGesmjsIeFo5pCTVb04V2k_tzJb2ke5lTvlo_LAqUi19Ao5D9YZjxapddy2oWg0d3odW723qndbYog11Npo/s800/ScreenShot007.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiejZt82SDAD_Tmu_oe6b8bYbtM_vnGqimCLb8hYmTiy-fsL5tFFQEBehD-5b8aR96FD5BpmkPsDH1eoL_WoLhcZr0OCormWFGXErrIn2zyuMpGctH56jWBStVWBFGIqv8anESY1cuipGc/s1600/ScreenShot010.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiejZt82SDAD_Tmu_oe6b8bYbtM_vnGqimCLb8hYmTiy-fsL5tFFQEBehD-5b8aR96FD5BpmkPsDH1eoL_WoLhcZr0OCormWFGXErrIn2zyuMpGctH56jWBStVWBFGIqv8anESY1cuipGc/s800/ScreenShot010.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
He heard the back door squeak open. Rayne hurried down the steps toward her car. Through that open window, he saw that contract fluttering on the table. He went in, walked past it, walked past his Fender, walked out the back where Cooper was leaning against a porch column that might fall any damned minute now. The whole place was falling down. Never was gonna be another chance like this, not like this. Cooper didn't say a thing. "I'll sign it," Jimmy told him. "Gimme a pen and I'll sign it."<br />
<br />
-----------------------<br />
<br />
<i><b>NEXT CHAPTER: <a href="http://thechamaeleon.blogspot.com/2010/09/chapter-9-door.html">Chameleon Chapter 9</a> </b> </i>thewyndhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09476656359810192923noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3192880522798293586.post-55848976567431303712010-08-12T17:41:00.000-07:002018-07-02T10:38:00.139-07:00Sessions Chapter 34 - Secrets<i>So tell me what you want to hear<br />
Something that were like those years<br />
Sick of all the insincere<br />
So I'm gonna give all my secrets away</i><br />
<br />
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<br />
<b>Sandy Point - Ed's Pier 7 PM<br />
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Rayne set her Fender next to stage along with Toad's. The lights sputtered and flashed and went dark and came back again, and Jimmy's attempts at some kind of sound check sputtered and flashed and went dark right along with the lighting. "Shit amps." Jimmy walked around looking at them, kicking cables aside. It was a stage crammed into one end of a pier set up for beach party music. Vince hadn't showed. Adrian was sulking. Jimmy was livid, deep into every freaking detail and finding fault with everything.<br />
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She sat on the edge of stage, swinging her foot against the paneling, finding rotten spots, her high heel sinking into them, watching Woody saunter up. "I brought Mia," Woody said, grinning as if he'd remembered to bring the beer to a party when everybody else forgot.<br />
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Mia was a short blonde girl, all chest and no legs, and she was wearing pink sunglasses that kind of matched her pink top and her pink flip flops. The pink top had an umbrella and fish design, a big fish hiding under a pink umbrella. It was night. Nobody else was wearing sunglasses. She swung the sunglasses toward Rayne and announced in a matter of fact voice, "I'm Brew's manager."<br />
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Oh yeah right, she was a manager. Rayne glanced at Jimmy. He jumped off the stage, pissed, ignoring the manager girl, glaring at Woody. "Where the hell is Vince?"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg91vBoMyZD7fOu2OBKaQKPP6ABAIAJ1FV_wuI2Dm0i1Mzu3RgWYwAS23I-qHBhUUc6ciyvWoo9U4o_rSMSxy1X2zsBu9OPkVTeXuq6L9RBqxALuyjOEDsL8iazW81IKOCFJH5OSmd-QB9a/s1600/ScreenShot009.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg91vBoMyZD7fOu2OBKaQKPP6ABAIAJ1FV_wuI2Dm0i1Mzu3RgWYwAS23I-qHBhUUc6ciyvWoo9U4o_rSMSxy1X2zsBu9OPkVTeXuq6L9RBqxALuyjOEDsL8iazW81IKOCFJH5OSmd-QB9a/s800/ScreenShot009.jpg" /></a><br />
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"I don't know man, haven't seen him."<br />
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"I help set up gigs," Mia huffed, sounding defensive even though nobody had said anything to her, or maybe that's why, because nobody had said anything to her. "And I write a column for the <i>Sandy Point Independent</i>. It's a paper." <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMn0k4EMCRrqO9RSiV-6MRFiuyXyCnInR6zJGtYjJxjn8F63xhTuMIMrmU8BvlLUJQAgapynFGTccr_qIrFeOsCBmgaTZjQzArYMyfU-wdNa4Db-mz3jslPcnxYOkGXG5f_bN4NCdq8sgN/s1600/ScreenShot008.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMn0k4EMCRrqO9RSiV-6MRFiuyXyCnInR6zJGtYjJxjn8F63xhTuMIMrmU8BvlLUJQAgapynFGTccr_qIrFeOsCBmgaTZjQzArYMyfU-wdNa4Db-mz3jslPcnxYOkGXG5f_bN4NCdq8sgN/s800/ScreenShot008.jpg" /></a><br />
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"It's a circular with letters to the editor about potholes," Woody laughed. "And a couple of columns. Mia does one called <i>BarCrawlers</i> - you should read her last one, what was it? Oh yeah, <i>Have Fun in a Field</i>."<br />
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"It wasn't about cows," she snapped, still looking uncomfortable and still looking at Rayne and still hiding behind the sunglasses. "Sandy Point has a summer music festival, and there's some pretty good bands. And they pay them, on time, with checks that don't bounce. Jimmy knows that. We've known each other a long time, Jimmy and me."<br />
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Now that was interesting. Was Mia an ex? Maybe she hadn't realized she was an ex until very, very recently, as in right now recently. Rayne didn't understand why Woody was poking at her, which struck her as sort of mean, unless it was his version of flirting. She didn't know what to say, so she aimed a deliberate stare at Pink Sunglasses and kept her mouth shut. <i>Fun in a field, yeah...I'll bet you're fun in a field.</i><br />
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"Long enough to know I ain't interested in your damned paper right now," Jimmy growled. Turning on Woody, he demanded, "You come with me, we got to find Vince. Mia you want to do something useful, you go find Adrian and get his ass up here."<br />
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He hesitated, leaned over, gave Rayne a quick kiss, whispered, "She's nobody sweetheart; you wait up here for me."<br />
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She had no intention of waiting anyplace else. The person she'd been expecting was striding toward her, barely avoiding bumping into Jimmy who was pushing past him. The two of them stopped short. Jimmy shot a quick look at him, a brief mutual acknowledgment, then dragged Woody along past the lanterns toward the road, Pink Sunglasses scurrying along behind...<i>keep scurrying....</i> <br />
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"Hey Wyatt, you found the place." She gave her brother a quick hug. "Come on over here, those guys are going to run over anything and anybody in their way."<br />
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He laughed before turning careful attention back to her. "Are you okay Rainie? Do you need anything?"<br />
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Was she okay? That was a hard question to respond to. Rayne sat down at a table near the stage and thought about money and watched the lanterns bob in the wind blowing onshore. Cheap pieces of paper shredded and torn, about the same as everything in Jimmy's house. She eyed her brother then shook her head. "I need absolutely everything but I'm getting used to recycled coffee. Look Wy, I didn't ask you to come out here because I want money from you. I want to know what you heard about Mom and Dad breaking up."<br />
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Wyatt sat back, looked out at the surf, and finally said, "I doubt I know anything you don't know. Dad called me and said it's temporary, they're working things out, and to blow off the rumors. That's about it."<br />
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Somewhere behind her, Rayne heard Toad yelling at somebody. She waited, waiting until the echo of his angry voice moved in the other direction. This conversation wasn't something she intended to share with Jimmy. Leaning forward across the salt scoured table, she pressed her brother, "What kind of rumors?"<br />
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Slightly surprised, Wyatt insisted, "You know what they say about him: one hundred proof lies. Come on, they've held on through a lot of shit including that asshole McDermott; if he says he wants to work it out, he'll try to work it out."<br />
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Her brother was right about that; they'd held on long past the point most couples would have given up which made the whole separation even stranger. "Ok listen Wy, Ryan was like years ago. Something big must have happened for them to split up like this. Dad's moved out. If they were working things out he would still be there. Something's different and if Dad is worried about rumors..." Rayne watched him expectantly.<br />
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Confused, Wyatt asked, "What's your point?"<br />
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"My point -" Something thudded behind her, she jumped, took a deep breath and started again. "My point," she repeated, "is that they've been through a lot of shit and didn't break up until now. My point is, what's different? Gemma Wilson, that's what. You know as well as I do that she looks like your mother. Gemma arrives, starts 'working' with Dad, and bang, they split up."<br />
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Wyatt sat back, staring at her, and then laughed out loud. "No way! She's not interested in Dad."<br />
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This time Rayne clearly heard Jimmy approach. She glanced up at him; he looked frustrated, cigarette flaring, guess they hadn't solved the missing Vince problem. She knew what he was going to ask and she didn't know the set but in this place, who would care? "Give me a sec, Toad, just a couple more seconds."<br />
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Jimmy backed off, crouched on the end of the stage and waited, making it clear that he was definitely waiting and wasn’t going to wait much longer.<br />
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"You're delusional," Wyatt told her finally. Arms crossed, his voice, so like their father's, tight and hard now. "They're all after Dad. Every single woman in the world is after him. That's bullshit, Rainie. You're buying into a myth."<br />
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Rayne stood up, trying to pull this together, why would Wyatt be so certain Gemma wasn't interested in Cooper? Because he thought she was interested in someone else. Why would he think that? The lanterns swung, weather picking up, throwing wind and water over the pier and casting yellow and red and shadows across his face. He would think it, she realized, uneasy, because he'd seen it. Wyatt was into Gemma, or Gemma was into Wyatt…that’s what he meant, and it would topple her brother right into the same sick place she’d been with Ryan.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq5RQHnMj1GcYKv3EAO8howcz5mWjrGeknm46BhPr3U_kZ0e4ZnyYGA_4Dho4rdOLxYuqlvW7bvjyV4lTXksefRlWoVyr_3FtKz_pH93z6dIsBknpu3bNnuc2GVHBhrjgUIyOJC89rQu_t/s1600/ScreenShot010.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq5RQHnMj1GcYKv3EAO8howcz5mWjrGeknm46BhPr3U_kZ0e4ZnyYGA_4Dho4rdOLxYuqlvW7bvjyV4lTXksefRlWoVyr_3FtKz_pH93z6dIsBknpu3bNnuc2GVHBhrjgUIyOJC89rQu_t/s800/ScreenShot010.jpg" /></a><br />
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She didn't want to follow this, she didn't have time now and even if she had, she didn't want to. "I have to go, but Wyatt, I'll bet you I'm right about Gemma. Something will happen, I don't know what, but it will, and you'll know I'm right."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglU5xSza_YzOF4FQ1W2TF6l9bmsojYqudIHJ__VcnTiHGS0n1SE9E1S1os4ae_LNMSd6gLOmCMg6VMa-hM03E9dmaUhCsPgz5Kwj325vTCmMRmY4DYICWW7dwZG7seXfE7n4aPK1vrIn4T/s1600/ScreenShot008.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglU5xSza_YzOF4FQ1W2TF6l9bmsojYqudIHJ__VcnTiHGS0n1SE9E1S1os4ae_LNMSd6gLOmCMg6VMa-hM03E9dmaUhCsPgz5Kwj325vTCmMRmY4DYICWW7dwZG7seXfE7n4aPK1vrIn4T/s800/ScreenShot008.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
He shook his head, shifting his feet, then stood firm although his voice held a touch of doubt. "No, not this time." <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgURQCRal_HautIrE8lwy915LXjwofFNaBxRt8HG1LF2hyC6pbc0uRrR02midt5L4kdzChnohZ_RuzOzeSpW0kCx29UroeWYjPKJG2sdddwrtLG4RP5SVlvUQqpauH5qZfJgxsHhvGPoMQ3/s1600/ScreenShot013.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgURQCRal_HautIrE8lwy915LXjwofFNaBxRt8HG1LF2hyC6pbc0uRrR02midt5L4kdzChnohZ_RuzOzeSpW0kCx29UroeWYjPKJG2sdddwrtLG4RP5SVlvUQqpauH5qZfJgxsHhvGPoMQ3/s800/ScreenShot013.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Jimmy eased up off the stage; she'd run out of seconds. Discouraged, anxious, Rayne grabbed Wyatt and held on tight, staring intently in his eyes as she warned, "Be careful, Wy. Please. Promise you'll be careful."<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF6P6LzvMDHxKH1f_KY9fnZ1oyegVpolivmJ9FSdehMB3MMQBLEUIkjo4c11YNw2UxjeDj6Kl6nmsE4U4ol2bq9v_hw4-Hjvjh9n2zAotf11qofh6HroT-ZF5UDY4WnxtBkjvfUon7CFv9/s1600/ScreenShot012.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF6P6LzvMDHxKH1f_KY9fnZ1oyegVpolivmJ9FSdehMB3MMQBLEUIkjo4c11YNw2UxjeDj6Kl6nmsE4U4ol2bq9v_hw4-Hjvjh9n2zAotf11qofh6HroT-ZF5UDY4WnxtBkjvfUon7CFv9/s800/ScreenShot012.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
---------------------<br />
<br />
<i><b>NEXT CHAPTER: <a href="http://ddsessions.blogspot.com/2010/08/sessions-chapter-35-if-looks-could-kill.html">Sessions Chapter 35</a></b></i>S.B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15236399168777815648noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3192880522798293586.post-39571715958703662262010-08-09T14:31:00.002-07:002022-05-09T20:41:52.005-07:00Sessions Chapter 33<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX6oN6VG5mfVETjNSW7YMFfg9a5oFtHQAm8AjN9GDnChpuKwb8ZdxYFB99VF38Fg9lFV0OdK_a9qAvxcetkB8UuoQtyFzXMH_R9RRnkMWnsjOqUNhuHKXHu6WdeYHWaS6fViwVy4ja9vuA/s1600/ScreenShot001.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX6oN6VG5mfVETjNSW7YMFfg9a5oFtHQAm8AjN9GDnChpuKwb8ZdxYFB99VF38Fg9lFV0OdK_a9qAvxcetkB8UuoQtyFzXMH_R9RRnkMWnsjOqUNhuHKXHu6WdeYHWaS6fViwVy4ja9vuA/s800/ScreenShot001.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
"He's outside." Melinda shut the door and looked at her warily. It had been a long drive from South Beach, raining all the way, and Elise had that dinner date tonight looming. She hadn't slept. She was nervous. She was irritable. She was scared. She was going somewhere she should not go to open something she should keep closed. And the door was open and it was too late to run away.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr94h38Gq7mpUMCXktE_d9vc0qQNIwX1U8jkU769ToBgNqNnYuYa4dk_LluVdNviSlt63C_k_-S_altweXBsn5OPpjsLzWJ_ql-0mXbvS4yjYtaMNInvx4odViUVQP0psmYn9MpJ5uKxMN/s1600/ScreenShot002.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr94h38Gq7mpUMCXktE_d9vc0qQNIwX1U8jkU769ToBgNqNnYuYa4dk_LluVdNviSlt63C_k_-S_altweXBsn5OPpjsLzWJ_ql-0mXbvS4yjYtaMNInvx4odViUVQP0psmYn9MpJ5uKxMN/s800/ScreenShot002.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
"Thank you," Elise said, trying to sound rational and calm. She hadn't considered Melinda and Ryan as a couple of any kind and it no longer mattered. She'd called her, she'd asked if Melinda would set it up, and she had, so here she was. "I appreciate this. I shouldn't be more than a few minutes, I won't get in your way."<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXqdBQBlofwn9EABlXJnGV_E8D0sNBPbfEUkSd5IhenRUpIpklBd_ox50YQ2mMx8dqzgyppNsBBmwKR9ZvDropzI6dXFUmkI0Q2bjbdZbMhat5zNAqlTbFq6MB6RCOFyeaukoHyIawGeti/s1600/ScreenShot004.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXqdBQBlofwn9EABlXJnGV_E8D0sNBPbfEUkSd5IhenRUpIpklBd_ox50YQ2mMx8dqzgyppNsBBmwKR9ZvDropzI6dXFUmkI0Q2bjbdZbMhat5zNAqlTbFq6MB6RCOFyeaukoHyIawGeti/s800/ScreenShot004.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Melinda looked at her for a long, uncomfortable moment before replying. "You're not in my way, and he's expecting you." <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaWNFQdQci6-mtiC7V7YkjmAdoa19NTSGdlezQNRZ7CU7HzB8u7-EW1yaaLvv5aqJSwiLF1WVf2O-52R41T8Kzxz5wTpKPR_J_lNrh6MiXuKU3MbLlyfeDZqwGWZ1hDkARGeYje9heqC36/s1600/ScreenShot003.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaWNFQdQci6-mtiC7V7YkjmAdoa19NTSGdlezQNRZ7CU7HzB8u7-EW1yaaLvv5aqJSwiLF1WVf2O-52R41T8Kzxz5wTpKPR_J_lNrh6MiXuKU3MbLlyfeDZqwGWZ1hDkARGeYje9heqC36/s800/ScreenShot003.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
That had not come out the way she meant it. Embarrassed, wondering how she was supposed to talk to this woman, wondering how many times she'd done Coop, what she'd seen him do. Elise mumbled something apologetic and escaped in the direction Melinda pointed. The last thing she wanted right now, apart from what she intended to do, was to think about Cooper and Melinda.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeh1WYfgeOjlm8yp78yi9szOYdgS0JFI3SUfuXxJUifTWUZ77r_GvnXoCZmJ2VtDilxc3j-9y38NVPwMv8HXNrxnoViF-xh1gQnFbJb37JHP9qcjsA7cktTv0rOPQ2V84FEj_10OY8yJt4/s1600/ScreenShot005.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeh1WYfgeOjlm8yp78yi9szOYdgS0JFI3SUfuXxJUifTWUZ77r_GvnXoCZmJ2VtDilxc3j-9y38NVPwMv8HXNrxnoViF-xh1gQnFbJb37JHP9qcjsA7cktTv0rOPQ2V84FEj_10OY8yJt4/s800/ScreenShot005.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
She pushed open the door and walked out onto a low deck facing a rocky shore and heavy surf. Ryan stood with his back to a pine twisted by the wind, his arms folded across his chest, watching her as she walked to him through deep sand.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6cUNZePyABPJ0khFEwrHbSc2sPJ4TXO2usjPIV4JAA3L0NIX-OqXfVTh7efo3QCCnQCSq3eSCnACI_VzSZ4PR8blUuwwd_3bknOuDyJFQC3XTQoK7yQrGDztpsVXiWVOAk-GhjPgu4cqC/s1600/ScreenShot007.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6cUNZePyABPJ0khFEwrHbSc2sPJ4TXO2usjPIV4JAA3L0NIX-OqXfVTh7efo3QCCnQCSq3eSCnACI_VzSZ4PR8blUuwwd_3bknOuDyJFQC3XTQoK7yQrGDztpsVXiWVOAk-GhjPgu4cqC/s800/ScreenShot007.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
"Elise," he said, taking her name, giving it back to her. "Are you all right?"<br />
<br />
The wind whipped her hair across her mouth. Elise swept it back from her face, more uncertain now than ever about her motives, stepped into the lee Ryan himself created. "You almost killed my husband. I'm definitely not all right."<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO_IWxhb0Cr7sinvzDgk3sKPM7tx81Q9HRggjPHhoatF7wM5CKClW3In-3l0LrtrJJHXG5afG2Te6PzMoQG2LWno7obywAPj-o7TMq2KdAhlUulnyoUmWcPyXERJeU7LUHPvBcOY6F14R8/s1600/ScreenShot008.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO_IWxhb0Cr7sinvzDgk3sKPM7tx81Q9HRggjPHhoatF7wM5CKClW3In-3l0LrtrJJHXG5afG2Te6PzMoQG2LWno7obywAPj-o7TMq2KdAhlUulnyoUmWcPyXERJeU7LUHPvBcOY6F14R8/s800/ScreenShot008.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
He raised one eyebrow, snorted in derision. "He'll hurt for a couple of days, but I didn't come close to killing him and you know it. Come on, Elise, you're not here to complain about his damned headache."<br />
<br />
No she wasn't. "Is there someplace we can sit?"<br />
<br />
Ryan jerked his head toward a pile of boulders. "You've got a choice: a wet rock or a wet chair. I recommend the chair."<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZJK8F9opxSHlK1CJl3JpW5sFlOpDmjs-ZkjgkS0IMh0ozPo93Vl_etoV1QN1eUfZ0qB3sPVY_b4sgxqYZlI0WWFHz9gqrkd12fQUwJvGPHWoasoN1r9vAPEk8UIxQVbb2GFTUT6_yJWBI/s1600/ScreenShot010.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZJK8F9opxSHlK1CJl3JpW5sFlOpDmjs-ZkjgkS0IMh0ozPo93Vl_etoV1QN1eUfZ0qB3sPVY_b4sgxqYZlI0WWFHz9gqrkd12fQUwJvGPHWoasoN1r9vAPEk8UIxQVbb2GFTUT6_yJWBI/s800/ScreenShot010.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzARkKtUO3n19UVrNvFJOLrM5Bn1WCu-8-765CBTbt_H9znUdj_1C7FPmPEN78FYAi5QNclyOvsp_2iK9i0EaFqcjPS1-RlPYtOEoVodpwjj4YhwLTEMCN9bYW-TFt4o0XpQTHnTtxNfSH/s1600/ScreenShot011.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzARkKtUO3n19UVrNvFJOLrM5Bn1WCu-8-765CBTbt_H9znUdj_1C7FPmPEN78FYAi5QNclyOvsp_2iK9i0EaFqcjPS1-RlPYtOEoVodpwjj4YhwLTEMCN9bYW-TFt4o0XpQTHnTtxNfSH/s800/ScreenShot011.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
The rock might be the better choice. Lawn chairs carried memories, Ryan landing hard in the sand when a deck chair collapsed under his weight, laughing, blaming her for sabotaging the chair, abandoning the chair, both of them sitting on the beach watching thunderheads sail across the horizon into the sunset, a long time ago.<br />
<br />
She followed him toward the chairs. It was just a chair after all. Ryan picked up one of them, shook it free of sand, set it back down, and said, "Have a seat."<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvhdrnC6QfFNNpbrt1y9jdPUxGkX5N6G8chPD66WNno6O5rtFnHbjuXYtQ5de4wANzzKnsEsU6dFMsGh6Wd7bZXg9q_fSuIrAsbP7bFJKkqnHUPNz7Cqf1FWOs2AmHya2VkgyHWg15A-aG/s1600/ScreenShot012.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvhdrnC6QfFNNpbrt1y9jdPUxGkX5N6G8chPD66WNno6O5rtFnHbjuXYtQ5de4wANzzKnsEsU6dFMsGh6Wd7bZXg9q_fSuIrAsbP7bFJKkqnHUPNz7Cqf1FWOs2AmHya2VkgyHWg15A-aG/s800/ScreenShot012.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
He pulled the other chair around to face her, eased his weight down onto it, clasped his hands loosely between long legs and studied her. The wind blew his red hair across his face, the freckled nose, long honey brown eyes. It suddenly became difficult to sit so close to him. She crossed her legs and tried to steady her breathing. "It's all right," Ryan assured her, quiet, gentle. "I'm not coming any closer. Tell me why you're here."<br />
<br />
"Coop and I separated." It wasn't why she was here but it was a start.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZzI3ytqUToMxUtHgCsb-Z16FbCNN34ywZvERUZiMLZA53pQ-ja9yju2dDbfbSf9PaBNHkwSMdSRu0hC2pkcMs2IAKljlYDf2RIeUG0k9hxKkGmkLGuMQpCruqbpqqNmS8yLnxlWc-yLhE/s1600/ScreenShot017.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZzI3ytqUToMxUtHgCsb-Z16FbCNN34ywZvERUZiMLZA53pQ-ja9yju2dDbfbSf9PaBNHkwSMdSRu0hC2pkcMs2IAKljlYDf2RIeUG0k9hxKkGmkLGuMQpCruqbpqqNmS8yLnxlWc-yLhE/s800/ScreenShot017.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
He looked down, then directly back at her. "I know, I heard about it. You know my opinion; I'm not offering condolences. The last time I saw you, you said you never wanted to see me again and kissed me goodbye with a steel pipe across the back of my head. What's going on, what do you want?"<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk2qe-S9vQvcnT55yjoz-BXx_iPHfslnl1geY0BFe6xKFe_f9HhG0VA1SiJKXhWlkdiwqQj7EFdLjUUsfefMufxducgeqTn9noMWCdO_woxc1l9Gs4DmhXgIMqUaISi1W738-tZndoM4Rf/s1600/ScreenShot019.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk2qe-S9vQvcnT55yjoz-BXx_iPHfslnl1geY0BFe6xKFe_f9HhG0VA1SiJKXhWlkdiwqQj7EFdLjUUsfefMufxducgeqTn9noMWCdO_woxc1l9Gs4DmhXgIMqUaISi1W738-tZndoM4Rf/s800/ScreenShot019.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
"I...Ryan, there are some things, well there is one thing, there's something I have to tell you." <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi5GkhcgGpZ8JT4zrP0wLvlXl_hPdg638LVNbQv3_WpV8TLh6hZGV9ohpCIoepwiKuRQf3ApxQcEg-La7tqQRhrBv0E_3CNzjRLne9ZL2tBAVRhGlvTUEopYBm3y4RXhUdP-W4g2LYEYiE/s1600/ScreenShot015.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi5GkhcgGpZ8JT4zrP0wLvlXl_hPdg638LVNbQv3_WpV8TLh6hZGV9ohpCIoepwiKuRQf3ApxQcEg-La7tqQRhrBv0E_3CNzjRLne9ZL2tBAVRhGlvTUEopYBm3y4RXhUdP-W4g2LYEYiE/s800/ScreenShot015.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
She shifted on the uneven slats, uncomfortable, dug her heels into the sand, clenched her hands together in her lap, all while Ryan continued to study her from a distance of only a few inches. This was going to hurt him, and she had already hurt him enough. It had seemed like a good idea in the middle of the night, get rid of all the secrets, scrape them out, scour everything clean.<br />
<br />
Scouring someone else down to the bleeding core did not seem like such a great idea now that she was looking at this man. She was here, scour she would do.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3SToyHuJaWH5fiv10z4Bi7srcFaqdq9ZBUgiFGq2mM-P9p90yu7ojhk9-wxEsC6y-vsWxkKGnT92q5rRMjfDMc8u6SvhrSkjf62UwrcqoIJdEk-JVzEx79tTQ9IzCS8cZlWgPczNY95Dl/s1600/ScreenShot020.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3SToyHuJaWH5fiv10z4Bi7srcFaqdq9ZBUgiFGq2mM-P9p90yu7ojhk9-wxEsC6y-vsWxkKGnT92q5rRMjfDMc8u6SvhrSkjf62UwrcqoIJdEk-JVzEx79tTQ9IzCS8cZlWgPczNY95Dl/s800/ScreenShot020.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
"I know about Rayne. I know what she did to you, what you both did. You and Rayne, you and my daughter." One long hard push and there it was. "You slept with my daughter."<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG5H85X9G4uJjmkgnhuTXhjXi1nPe5w7SKSQhdySaLsPH0qQXDH5ZOt0Gla-B0cwfvtDVoAA8gpPhzg8YIKTrNVcQ8V5g3EHcdO8f5kPqprZ-feTYf2guJ0QBNWW5-y0x8YaywEK6BS0bO/s1600/ScreenShot021.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG5H85X9G4uJjmkgnhuTXhjXi1nPe5w7SKSQhdySaLsPH0qQXDH5ZOt0Gla-B0cwfvtDVoAA8gpPhzg8YIKTrNVcQ8V5g3EHcdO8f5kPqprZ-feTYf2guJ0QBNWW5-y0x8YaywEK6BS0bO/s800/ScreenShot021.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
He jerked back as if stung, got to his feet, the chair toppled over into the grit and the water coming up into the sand. Beth leaped after him, banging her hip on the other chair, and put one hand on his back. "Ryan? I'm sorry." <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCDIuUdj5Jqdfjj0Zj10mACVY-Z75xlwjtfxHrzWS6XjmyoeqEY1wXpC0mvzXORXgJ2hyphenhyphenve-OgUFghKU4wANJlUB1Ec99n8mQ9oR51l9T3RzizOodjb6WthY5L-lEpLOkEBkqqhaoQarEw/s1600/ScreenShot022.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCDIuUdj5Jqdfjj0Zj10mACVY-Z75xlwjtfxHrzWS6XjmyoeqEY1wXpC0mvzXORXgJ2hyphenhyphenve-OgUFghKU4wANJlUB1Ec99n8mQ9oR51l9T3RzizOodjb6WthY5L-lEpLOkEBkqqhaoQarEw/s800/ScreenShot022.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
He kept his back turned to her, gazing at the water, at the bridge, something anything except her. She felt him draw a long breath, felt it through her hand. Still not looking at her, his voice thick and unsteady, Ryan said, "Don't apologize, you don't have a damned thing to apologize for. Elise, I didn't know it was Rayne...I was stinking blind drunk, I thought it was you. I don't know what to say to you, I don't know what harm I did to Rainie, I should have said something to you when I found out, but I swear I didn't know it was her."<br />
<br />
"I know. Ryan, I know. I don't think it caused her any harm other than regret. She's very headstrong, and I know it sounds strange, but she's looking for someone. You're not him. It's bad, it was a bad thing, you should not have...you should have made sure, but no one is irreparably harmed."<br />
<br />
"God I hope not. I apologized to her, I asked her if she needed anything, if there was anything I could do. She turned me down."<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4c6wpbg7a2OFArbxD50mZqynAbUFolFyLU3R-H81x5d5EdHTcEOQpGmGxDTzg6WdR8jFzey7dvaXSMv9ao9jEgWaV-sP1YkvQzBpYR86pJG11Ak-h2Q36DtDLyQUoRuLbMQhrI8ooZPji/s1600/ScreenShot023.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4c6wpbg7a2OFArbxD50mZqynAbUFolFyLU3R-H81x5d5EdHTcEOQpGmGxDTzg6WdR8jFzey7dvaXSMv9ao9jEgWaV-sP1YkvQzBpYR86pJG11Ak-h2Q36DtDLyQUoRuLbMQhrI8ooZPji/s800/ScreenShot023.jpg" /></a><br />
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They stood there in silence, only the wind and the rasp of surf dragging pebbles out into the water and drowning them. "Tell me something," Ryan finally said, looking down at her, "what are you doing? You forced him out? Strategy to force his ass back into line, or are you moving on?"<br />
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She still heard Cooper's voice, the message he'd left last night, the aching empty hole in her life without him.. moving on felt like dying. "He wasn't happy, isn't happy. I don't know if I can make him happy again. I destroyed it, the trust, I destroyed all of it."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivjMD8cVi7H7GPQmErgeBSdlRx7U1KgRt-mgQvokkzxFFB2bDZHWB37fi0xD03jm5Mx1rrgfliHVCKyLCEONhEICpuxZotDPOszEG52exq2wKJ5feHTyOBkMjiMKpnDDxAebBiqP1TIsC1/s1600/ScreenShot025.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivjMD8cVi7H7GPQmErgeBSdlRx7U1KgRt-mgQvokkzxFFB2bDZHWB37fi0xD03jm5Mx1rrgfliHVCKyLCEONhEICpuxZotDPOszEG52exq2wKJ5feHTyOBkMjiMKpnDDxAebBiqP1TIsC1/s800/ScreenShot025.jpg" /></a><br />
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Ryan shook his head, a short derisive bark of harsh laughter. "You're always taking the blame. He didn't deserve your trust."<br />
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"He's a good man -"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipU8jyTzMOdv9mai_hCeATpryH59IlyuJ2vcGFUSVRaVyUr_klxpd2okxE7pgKexvkeUkNfvGoTwdHbM9C2Zs_65WAcNXjSaBvzpIW2e2gzhefC_Ii5VWLw1pevK6MOjeCPJI5DNgo_DPu/s1600/ScreenShot026.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipU8jyTzMOdv9mai_hCeATpryH59IlyuJ2vcGFUSVRaVyUr_klxpd2okxE7pgKexvkeUkNfvGoTwdHbM9C2Zs_65WAcNXjSaBvzpIW2e2gzhefC_Ii5VWLw1pevK6MOjeCPJI5DNgo_DPu/s800/ScreenShot026.jpg" /></a><br />
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He abruptly grabbed her arms, his expression fierce and cut in hard. "Bullshit! He's an arrogant son of a bitch and you know it!"<br />
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"And I'm his wife, and I cheated on him! He has a right to be angry!"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwYuFguKKj5AyFTMw18POXOiNyMS9_xqudAchjTf1uMgU08A7JnXD1Xl5Jlyh4XgZ-TYlqOP4ymbDMVMSQMlOh-v-4DE6h4BphcPLMqbub41aOGP3U0yPP3rh9_d7BVrT5on6eevkStJZK/s1600/ScreenShot027.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwYuFguKKj5AyFTMw18POXOiNyMS9_xqudAchjTf1uMgU08A7JnXD1Xl5Jlyh4XgZ-TYlqOP4ymbDMVMSQMlOh-v-4DE6h4BphcPLMqbub41aOGP3U0yPP3rh9_d7BVrT5on6eevkStJZK/s800/ScreenShot027.jpg" /></a><br />
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He tried to yank her around and threw one hard demanding question directly at her like a knife strike aimed right at her heart. "Elise, do you love me?"<br />
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This was not why she was here, not to answer that question. Elise pulled hard, trying to break free of his grip, he held on, tightening it. "I'm not waiting for you," so close she could feel his breath against her skin, remembering the taste of his skin, remembering his mouth, remembering everything, "I love you, but I'm not waiting. I won't let you come around me again after this, it's the end. You came here, you know why you came here. Be honest with me and yourself for one damned last fucking time!"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYMU-m7OLr7FsFun1758tkhqHscxZKiet2X7QwWThAuGdtgxlqQzg9LuJK46FpDa4u_IVnnrQWwgQ8Ow08mLaL5RTatMZ0ZFzyB42915cf525eBJvqAvo1eMEpAZfoaZhnkviVUyez2Spe/s1600/ScreenShot028.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYMU-m7OLr7FsFun1758tkhqHscxZKiet2X7QwWThAuGdtgxlqQzg9LuJK46FpDa4u_IVnnrQWwgQ8Ow08mLaL5RTatMZ0ZFzyB42915cf525eBJvqAvo1eMEpAZfoaZhnkviVUyez2Spe/s800/ScreenShot028.jpg" /></a><br />
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She shook her head, refusing, and he tightened his hold on her, demanding, ordering, "Tell me!"<br />
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What was she waiting for? For clarity? For honesty? Wasn't that why she was here? Why was she here? Emotion sunk sharp teeth into her and shook her until she gasped and cried out, "I love Cooper more, I always have, I always will. It ends here and that's my choice no matter what you decide. This is the very last time and that's the truth you say you want."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWm4AtrU5Utbg496R8d8zeTIvDbqElYOpok4zb45Y7WycKKDRdPwBDbNzJTGQOjT1KwfUb1H6GODumBSuTWyVNwCvU6hsjXSqLUrz_mwwjI4N5TBG6FyFVPaK7urB0ceKXmmD96tOvy-9p/s1600/ScreenShot031.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWm4AtrU5Utbg496R8d8zeTIvDbqElYOpok4zb45Y7WycKKDRdPwBDbNzJTGQOjT1KwfUb1H6GODumBSuTWyVNwCvU6hsjXSqLUrz_mwwjI4N5TBG6FyFVPaK7urB0ceKXmmD96tOvy-9p/s800/ScreenShot031.jpg" /></a><br />
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Ryan didn't let go. He pulled her close, wrapped his arms around her, holding on, giving his warmth strength heartbeat, the ocean of pain and tears pounding through her against that massive strength. It would tear him down. In time it would tear down a mountain. For now, the mountain still stood, resting his chin against her forehead, taking her pain, silent, wet, windblown, shaking, but still standing. Still there, this time, this one last time.<i><b></b></i>S.B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15236399168777815648noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3192880522798293586.post-65598266291786936912010-08-03T20:17:00.001-07:002022-05-10T17:17:01.920-07:00Sessions Chapter 32<b>Oceanside - Palms Hotel: 2 PM</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzpjZSBnfeY2vGsR1rjfWMnQ71Oh4CwOOJKOLnDG_n9eyYDP3BmVa49NnRQGkUHD5HRraE6hkr70I1hNhzTUt12Yu1e0YhwXdvz8wZcyOWNPorCQgv5wP9jS7cL0TvvfepLYRBDkAzj1gS/s1600/ScreenShot001.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzpjZSBnfeY2vGsR1rjfWMnQ71Oh4CwOOJKOLnDG_n9eyYDP3BmVa49NnRQGkUHD5HRraE6hkr70I1hNhzTUt12Yu1e0YhwXdvz8wZcyOWNPorCQgv5wP9jS7cL0TvvfepLYRBDkAzj1gS/s800/ScreenShot001.jpg" /></a><br />
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Kicking sheets aside, Cooper struggled up out of that old dream, sucking for air through suffocating dream smoke, fighting for breath, fighting past the fire it caught him burned pain god he was burning.... there was no smoke. He could breathe. The room was cool. A hotel. His thoughts blurred, where the hell was he, on tour, in a room he couldn't for the moment recognize. He'd dreamed it, it was another nightmare, he didn't go there in his dreams, hadn't gone there in years, she kept him from going there, she stood in the way.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizZtIQbb-pP0WTjcoHXGgWbaKuYizI6wsURFqtalYUcK4GNXpu4SVFXiF4bZdCgvhEWrM38CupJknCUjzYMMhW9XCMqYCQ4-PEoDsURUjLckLLPFdGXJSRr-T7VD9WScZ-UpHXewykshdK/s1600/ScreenShot002.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizZtIQbb-pP0WTjcoHXGgWbaKuYizI6wsURFqtalYUcK4GNXpu4SVFXiF4bZdCgvhEWrM38CupJknCUjzYMMhW9XCMqYCQ4-PEoDsURUjLckLLPFdGXJSRr-T7VD9WScZ-UpHXewykshdK/s800/ScreenShot002.jpg" /></a><br />
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He sat up on the the bed and peered out through a headache that wouldn't quit at sunlight in palm trees. He'd dumped the suitcases in a corner when he dragged himself here a few hours ago and literally fallen into bed. That was about four hours ago. It was quiet. The expensive quiet he insisted and paid for, couldn't hear the wind in those trees, couldn't hear a thing. Quiet. He clenched his hands in the pillow cases, <i>damn, no I didn't dream it. Fuck. It's real. This time it's real.</i><br />
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<b>Oceanside - Palms Hotel 4 PM</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6C37cLx7iEYa6bAvflziGw3OzLa2mTgdrie4hyphenhyphenSxa-_1l37IsrVgRFPLJxeJ35BRIPNQM3auO9ys_bbXVe5s_Bh8bEiSDvPSE9l6gs5ppeGB8YvWf-Ne2t2TrE3HPY-k57KXBOntQbXd2/s1600/ScreenShot004.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6C37cLx7iEYa6bAvflziGw3OzLa2mTgdrie4hyphenhyphenSxa-_1l37IsrVgRFPLJxeJ35BRIPNQM3auO9ys_bbXVe5s_Bh8bEiSDvPSE9l6gs5ppeGB8YvWf-Ne2t2TrE3HPY-k57KXBOntQbXd2/s800/ScreenShot004.jpg" /></a><br />
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Arriving shortly after Cooper had finished eating, Slim took the chair opposite him and signaled the waitress for coffee. "Strange place to be meeting isn't it?" One look at Slim's expression was all it took to realize he had a pretty good idea why Coop was at a hotel. Still, he needed to talk to him, strategize, and formulate some kind of plan to deal with the Gemma issue. Slim was not only his trusted friend but a shrewd business partner.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn2P25jnCBWPVKtExia1baR16CxMHVKvbg91dxwZc_j8at6GhVn5UC8kZ-n8MmocFm460EkOHz9n7Q5eWFiV8n1gBEMLKfqn56Lbxb-yNBNX4KIVc6B_miKyG9nB6lRRgteMLQmRJcK0rK/s1600/ScreenShot007.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn2P25jnCBWPVKtExia1baR16CxMHVKvbg91dxwZc_j8at6GhVn5UC8kZ-n8MmocFm460EkOHz9n7Q5eWFiV8n1gBEMLKfqn56Lbxb-yNBNX4KIVc6B_miKyG9nB6lRRgteMLQmRJcK0rK/s800/ScreenShot007.jpg" /></a><br />
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"Elise tossed me out of the house yesterday." Cooper watched Slim's face for a reaction. He got none except for a slight tensing of his jaw. Slim merely sat back arms folded and Cooper wondered how much he may have already known. <br />
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"Go on."<br />
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Cooper dove into it. Wyatt, Rayne, Ryan and Mel, but he left out the worst of it: Gemma. "I should have let it go but I didn't. I promised her we'd start over but I didn't keep up my end. I pushed her too far Slim. I beat her down until she thought the only thing left was to let me go. It's the last thing I want."<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWz2iW8GP5kSQAku5yqn_Q_Z0fzOhYOixo-28aiPKuLzErHNmk17AYtzrUm9gRaW2LOXlmj5_tIf4tJWsT6roGUZQVSVOcX0cg4cSweIENNnw2l-uuBEqYyAl_HvlM7diVl7ywMQN1zBKF/s1600/ScreenShot008.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWz2iW8GP5kSQAku5yqn_Q_Z0fzOhYOixo-28aiPKuLzErHNmk17AYtzrUm9gRaW2LOXlmj5_tIf4tJWsT6roGUZQVSVOcX0cg4cSweIENNnw2l-uuBEqYyAl_HvlM7diVl7ywMQN1zBKF/s800/ScreenShot008.jpg" /></a><br />
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Slim's face remained impassive and yet Cooper knew instinctively that his friend was not pleased with either him or his behavior. That reaction further solidified his anger with himself at having been too hotheaded and stubborn to see things clearly. </div><div><br /></div><div>"By now you should have figured out how to keep your damned mouth shut. You keep after her about McDermott and throw the whorehouse in her face, I see why she threw you out, no mystery there. If you want her back, man go do some groveling. Is there something else going on?”<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1DmqvTiKcjnrTAYQQBhIwOAcCN7-Zkw5mZP7o31M8k1z6jd9zDW1Kbno9XNRkRJ3SmqIf97P4BWSnrA7RhERuwi7hzG1n7jWjamDx1W3eFTO1pNPekkq487yvw84iqXLZk98X2BplNBDm/s1600/ScreenShot010.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1DmqvTiKcjnrTAYQQBhIwOAcCN7-Zkw5mZP7o31M8k1z6jd9zDW1Kbno9XNRkRJ3SmqIf97P4BWSnrA7RhERuwi7hzG1n7jWjamDx1W3eFTO1pNPekkq487yvw84iqXLZk98X2BplNBDm/s800/ScreenShot010.jpg" /></a><br />
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This was it. Cooper leaned an elbow on the table and rested his chin in the palm of his hand. A vivid memory of that time so long ago when Slim believed Cooper had cheated on Julia came to mind. He winced slightly and then braced himself as he spoke in a quiet voice. </div><div><br /></div><div>"That's what I am going to need your help with. I went to Gemma Wilson's house. I was livid. At Elise. At Ryan. At my kids. Ryan bounced me off a wall, I wasn't thinking straight. Anyway, I drove out to Cloud Lake, and I slept with Gemma."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJVMszl2I4thDetlEaP517HOx7wdLC9DTYEBB7TlT4w91jxp-FjhkU94rDJEtT3NSfKzaWH4s0myaJDz9csm78UrkE4vR-q10sdxTtKk_xOo7BsxFLcrLs7XIYuNC7l3W2sMwBhGwt0EEw/s1600/ScreenShot011.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJVMszl2I4thDetlEaP517HOx7wdLC9DTYEBB7TlT4w91jxp-FjhkU94rDJEtT3NSfKzaWH4s0myaJDz9csm78UrkE4vR-q10sdxTtKk_xOo7BsxFLcrLs7XIYuNC7l3W2sMwBhGwt0EEw/s800/ScreenShot011.jpg" /></a><br />
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Slim leaned in, his mouth a twisted scowl. "Jesus fucking christ Coop: Gemma? Are you out of your mind? What're you telling me, that we've got to come up with a way to keep her from telling Elise? Give her what? Any damned thing she wants? Contracts for any piece of shit band she can dig up?"<br />
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Cooper frowned. "I know it's bad; I know I fucked up. I shouldn't have gone over there. Are you going to help me deal with this or not?"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizgdGP0wcAqr-3em55i1rdhbwfUh_EO7ZtGDDEa9djcIE9vmd_Vvnsakf9NujMrvX6uCWmoA7huq0dviM8shkzFpICed4r3A8eMHRFd7vm1zAhWbxp0jG2bmYkyqo-EkmSFmy93n1J48wW/s1600/ScreenShot013.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizgdGP0wcAqr-3em55i1rdhbwfUh_EO7ZtGDDEa9djcIE9vmd_Vvnsakf9NujMrvX6uCWmoA7huq0dviM8shkzFpICed4r3A8eMHRFd7vm1zAhWbxp0jG2bmYkyqo-EkmSFmy93n1J48wW/s800/ScreenShot013.jpg" /></a><br />
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Slim stood and looked down at Coop. "I'll make the call and set up a meeting." Hesitating as if he intended to say more, Slim released a deep breath. "I'll let you know the when and where." Turning he strode purposefully away.<br />
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<b>Oceanside - Palms Hotel 10 PM</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibugNhc0r0MVpurHVQl7zvQEeKXlUDni74zsrRLZqoUE5-fUOLzTV47qt7N11139CxLZHD8bhN_oxd7GnDCRyzN9GLQXuhBaCRIqrr7SQWzNbM9vYoZXcBW9yk4Nnw0BqSrMAtEgmDWd_U/s1600/ScreenShot015.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibugNhc0r0MVpurHVQl7zvQEeKXlUDni74zsrRLZqoUE5-fUOLzTV47qt7N11139CxLZHD8bhN_oxd7GnDCRyzN9GLQXuhBaCRIqrr7SQWzNbM9vYoZXcBW9yk4Nnw0BqSrMAtEgmDWd_U/s800/ScreenShot015.jpg" /></a><br />
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Restless, Cooper paced back and forth. He'd tried to write in between calling Elise. No one answered the house phone. He wouldn't leave a voice message knowing that the twins would more than likely intercept and erase any message he would have left. Besides, what he wanted to say was too personal, too intimate for their ears. He'd already left messages on Elise's cell telling her where he was staying and how to reach him. She hadn't called.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ7XKpC9RawO88h1ZCqxhPWWXqCO-yst2MAQE5gbkRt7U-M6UnLrifk3WvL4jeJi87xA5MEFFGBAWGx5YAvh1ACkUxHF24iRSH82RxgZN4fs8brCFT_Zi1dd5D_FiLxdY-0y4aY0xv3Bhp/s1600/ScreenShot021.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ7XKpC9RawO88h1ZCqxhPWWXqCO-yst2MAQE5gbkRt7U-M6UnLrifk3WvL4jeJi87xA5MEFFGBAWGx5YAvh1ACkUxHF24iRSH82RxgZN4fs8brCFT_Zi1dd5D_FiLxdY-0y4aY0xv3Bhp/s800/ScreenShot021.jpg" /></a><br />
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Cooper eased onto the couch in his room and plucked absently at his guitar, then set it aside and stared out at the ocean. It wasn't very late but he was in no mood to go out and deal with the club scene. Maybe a walk on the beach would help clear his head.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHec_OC2kZShe_32lbo69joBn4YUkB2DX5N3rLN3F84W3oP3nXQ2pJM9zA8p5sQ9qLD7ckdD9Wg7QehvY-MUksLPpoyugDpn50j_jqgK_gLdn_daVDBLurftZWGftnPtNiZs98rpkfzLjh/s1600/ScreenShot016.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHec_OC2kZShe_32lbo69joBn4YUkB2DX5N3rLN3F84W3oP3nXQ2pJM9zA8p5sQ9qLD7ckdD9Wg7QehvY-MUksLPpoyugDpn50j_jqgK_gLdn_daVDBLurftZWGftnPtNiZs98rpkfzLjh/s800/ScreenShot016.jpg" /></a><br />
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Rising he stood in front of the window and looked out at the lights and beyond toward where he knew his home was. Certain that Elise remained there with the kids he exhaled and tried her cell. One ring and it went straight to voice mail. It was off. She had turned her cell phone off.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWL7tiVd4NoYBar5VynD5trrtFsk0r33o88lWFUsVHB_50KVoqm54FZCkOD1Y1xOuu_f1PsPrTaxQYX-8wWlLBWeJGbZkD5WQunhWwEEBFqjn6_ltHjQRjWQSQO9KvcFie2AD_oe-PKYoR/s1600/ScreenShot018.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWL7tiVd4NoYBar5VynD5trrtFsk0r33o88lWFUsVHB_50KVoqm54FZCkOD1Y1xOuu_f1PsPrTaxQYX-8wWlLBWeJGbZkD5WQunhWwEEBFqjn6_ltHjQRjWQSQO9KvcFie2AD_oe-PKYoR/s800/ScreenShot018.jpg" /></a><br />
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Grumbling inwardly he snapped it shut and resumed staring out the window remembering the first time they met, the connection that was like electricity. He'd fought hard to make Elise his. They had been through so much, so many obstacles stood in their way but he persisted and won her heart. Then he managed to crush her slowly and painstakingly, something he never meant to do but his jealousy and pride prevented him from seeing that. She had been his touchstone and he let her slip away.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG7ZPwqa36vhjPivNTFviSFWu64fU0NvOIgdkDUsKv_mkLB7h_poLRHpgwkJmfZh_w41KmBXirm2w1zcrXq6WBlI5Nx7LZy8JqY1NEV7zyR3jMvocKj0ZKKkNrwNDBWbQIhbcEEcw3PqHu/s1600/ScreenShot017.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG7ZPwqa36vhjPivNTFviSFWu64fU0NvOIgdkDUsKv_mkLB7h_poLRHpgwkJmfZh_w41KmBXirm2w1zcrXq6WBlI5Nx7LZy8JqY1NEV7zyR3jMvocKj0ZKKkNrwNDBWbQIhbcEEcw3PqHu/s800/ScreenShot017.jpg" /></a><br />
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Swearing he picked up the cell once more and dialed. "Ellie, baby it's me. Meet me for dinner tomorrow night at that restaurant on the pier in Bay View, you know the one. I'll be there at 7. I miss you baby. Please. We need...I want to talk about this. I love you."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJSyV15PyIJfjMvtgyf1p89P3L_TpvVx05A9wFHBc2u3yFVWRWgoupX38aN9R3YMw900IZN-EDOExOyWzkJkoeC2CCSZxKaROzsh8E9raxAXJbYg-EN2CFCS-xSeZwpxmhQszEJ3MzydCr/s1600/ScreenShot019.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJSyV15PyIJfjMvtgyf1p89P3L_TpvVx05A9wFHBc2u3yFVWRWgoupX38aN9R3YMw900IZN-EDOExOyWzkJkoeC2CCSZxKaROzsh8E9raxAXJbYg-EN2CFCS-xSeZwpxmhQszEJ3MzydCr/s800/ScreenShot019.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Setting the phone down Cooper ran a hand through his hair absently and returned to the window more determined than ever to find his way home. He'd always been able to seduce her, get her to put everything aside for him. He had never lost a woman he wanted to keep, and damn it, this was not going to be the first time, not with the only one he'd ever really wanted.<br />
<br />
<b>South Beach - The Peninsula</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFF2M6DnB39GE7EV6nFpy48Lqvy6DHThDvWkD9tGxPr7V_DE-R_gTksnb-L9F2wcPIpq14LAmin0kruj6xZDp4YDmaTxdeK0dcD7PefHLwawaG-j24EZ2JoTLS3rhiEY2FLU0GjupeGeDj/s1600/ScreenShot001.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFF2M6DnB39GE7EV6nFpy48Lqvy6DHThDvWkD9tGxPr7V_DE-R_gTksnb-L9F2wcPIpq14LAmin0kruj6xZDp4YDmaTxdeK0dcD7PefHLwawaG-j24EZ2JoTLS3rhiEY2FLU0GjupeGeDj/s800/ScreenShot001.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<i>"I miss you baby. Please. We need...I want to talk about this. I love you."</i><br />
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<i>Damn you, Coop...no. Just no.</i></div>S.B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15236399168777815648noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3192880522798293586.post-74925923515430216032010-07-27T13:41:00.006-07:002022-06-20T21:25:42.226-07:00Sessions Chapter 31<div class="separator"><br /></div><b>South Beach - The Peninsula</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVJIiaEhUG-mjvjw3vv7HKROeoPn1Cw_Ibuf2E1gxRFk3SmRWKMFYb0aIy7dwLVpUrwfh8fLAjyWcyQr_fyklNcAhgPSbBD_wMBiU4eE6v9JBt6qA2dQ1n0qRFCGCqSejX0VmXw3Y0zPzx/s1600/S31-001.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVJIiaEhUG-mjvjw3vv7HKROeoPn1Cw_Ibuf2E1gxRFk3SmRWKMFYb0aIy7dwLVpUrwfh8fLAjyWcyQr_fyklNcAhgPSbBD_wMBiU4eE6v9JBt6qA2dQ1n0qRFCGCqSejX0VmXw3Y0zPzx/s800/S31-001.jpg" /></a><br />
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Cooper left his bike at the curb, stumbled as he stepped away from it, his vision still blurred, the headache a relentless web of pain. He put his hands to his temples and tried to work through this. He could fix it. Make apologies for the misunderstanding, put it back together. No reason she ever had to know about Gemma. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghxXbEboHVJ0JI_Dk4sGEliYKqDSBzVGajlX8vnws9Amyq1vO7Y4UuGU0KWmeU9dUh9JvMTNDf75n4Ebck_3bNcQGaTblVh8EaADRHUczx4M7pTJmlnIZOjmbn-qkKdcfjS2YPrth_dQQ0/s1600/S31-003.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghxXbEboHVJ0JI_Dk4sGEliYKqDSBzVGajlX8vnws9Amyq1vO7Y4UuGU0KWmeU9dUh9JvMTNDf75n4Ebck_3bNcQGaTblVh8EaADRHUczx4M7pTJmlnIZOjmbn-qkKdcfjS2YPrth_dQQ0/s800/S31-003.jpg" /></a><br />
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He punched in the security code twice, and twice it failed. Someone had changed it. Swearing quietly, Cooper stepped back, looked up at the house, the second story an illusion toppling on him. He could get in from the back but it wouldn't be easy. He couldn't climb a fence even a fence about a foot tall.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip80X28K3kaM0yB3v_hfYZ28gPacFOC1z75xnAEBcReGOlc22H4mNf-Xc0EKujlMY9XzwxnqX3SgSjyAV5GWrdc2Y9cbcQdSCy3zTJ3eGAAhqtNtQvgU0zfM47Fzw3ymtLsvnuD6hpeiyM/s1600/S31-004.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip80X28K3kaM0yB3v_hfYZ28gPacFOC1z75xnAEBcReGOlc22H4mNf-Xc0EKujlMY9XzwxnqX3SgSjyAV5GWrdc2Y9cbcQdSCy3zTJ3eGAAhqtNtQvgU0zfM47Fzw3ymtLsvnuD6hpeiyM/s800/S31-004.jpg" /></a><br />
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"You should leave." The voice was steady, cool, and close. <br />
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Nate stood in the grass near the fountain, his brother a few steps behind him. Both of them had gained height, and they lined up together, blocking the path to the gate and the rear entrance. Weary and anxious, Cooper snarled at his sons, "Open the damned door. I'm not playing games with you."<div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMJbVM3vY5Ypk9RfIfp6HzAGWJhOe1N_71mv6_dfDd3MyRhH0b13xuEyytGRovsFu3UjoPxANFGqGj6Hxgud7o4MPZlLNXT7zK2JpezKEZ0TCEm5MOZOLgyxcgmuAfB7TupCgAoRopKgEoBpwV0-EaX18r8R36KhrZbOCYkMBmAo0n1P3fMvwH3mEzLg/s599/Nate%20&%20Eric%20confront%20Cooper%20v2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="374" data-original-width="599" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMJbVM3vY5Ypk9RfIfp6HzAGWJhOe1N_71mv6_dfDd3MyRhH0b13xuEyytGRovsFu3UjoPxANFGqGj6Hxgud7o4MPZlLNXT7zK2JpezKEZ0TCEm5MOZOLgyxcgmuAfB7TupCgAoRopKgEoBpwV0-EaX18r8R36KhrZbOCYkMBmAo0n1P3fMvwH3mEzLg/s16000/Nate%20&%20Eric%20confront%20Cooper%20v2.jpg" /></a><br />
<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><div>"You're right," Eric said, taking a stance a few feet behind his brother. "We're not playing games with you."</div><div><br /></div><div>Nate smiled, showing teeth, a long cold smile. "Go play somewhere else. Take it back where you put it last night. Maybe she's missing it by now, never can tell, miracles happen. Either way, you're not getting past us."</div><div><br /></div><div>Cooper heard a small noise behind him that he thought he recognized but did not spare attention to check. The dog maybe. </div></div><div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDoKrKVki98fFsOZCapPEZIUSbjXOHC7scdUwnSNuMLOD9oCeZm2S0GxPiFs4VDyYEMKKOSiubHasud2IwYgPs3ZsIS-ikLPHDV4N2JvmPGzLiZulzV0i5PtuNR11Dn6W-MuT12EVTUWHh/s1600/S31-007.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDoKrKVki98fFsOZCapPEZIUSbjXOHC7scdUwnSNuMLOD9oCeZm2S0GxPiFs4VDyYEMKKOSiubHasud2IwYgPs3ZsIS-ikLPHDV4N2JvmPGzLiZulzV0i5PtuNR11Dn6W-MuT12EVTUWHh/s800/S31-007.jpg" /></a><br />
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One long moment of incredulity, incredibility, no, his kid hadn't said that, fuck yeah he had said it, Cooper strode through the damned bush, stomping bush and grass and grabbing his son by the shoulders and slamming him hard against the wall, Nate slipping on the wet grass, head banging on the stone. He heard his son's teeth click together, his own golden eyes glaring back up at him as he pinned Nate against the wall. "You don't go there with me. Do you understand that?" He tightened his grip, demanded again, "Do you understand me?"<div><br /></div><div>"Better than you understand me," Nate shot back at him in a cold and steady voice.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUnA000HhPZTu5_VYwBYY_EO6o8GkehHqdgyWdF2uChWJhBkMh3PeGAPpGCULPum8HXCK_D2RFGA2J_M4ybU4MXGcHjayjRm3V_s7NB3JiPhyphenhyphennuBt5J8eVrDVKvqkfk5F9JM0NSMa1UL70/s1600/S31-008.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUnA000HhPZTu5_VYwBYY_EO6o8GkehHqdgyWdF2uChWJhBkMh3PeGAPpGCULPum8HXCK_D2RFGA2J_M4ybU4MXGcHjayjRm3V_s7NB3JiPhyphenhyphennuBt5J8eVrDVKvqkfk5F9JM0NSMa1UL70/s800/S31-008.jpg" /></a><br />
<br /><div>“Better than you understand me,” Nate shot back at him in a cold and steady voice. </div><div><br /></div><div>Then from behind him, another voice, the one he’d come here so desperately wanting to hear. "Cooper, stop it. If you’re looking for understanding, look to me, not your son."</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-LNTmitUKFUmyVO0w5SIUtNtEU-5tTWpRGNUubjrlV26tIUobHJhZUNNBtOMbE7KLJ1nsSDSktb7r83hikOVnKOZljnJ3k3s6kW02Cr0A26Ryhc2fcYSyNPU9MqwBBUn3bJH3HaXbLSvl/s1600/S31-011.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-LNTmitUKFUmyVO0w5SIUtNtEU-5tTWpRGNUubjrlV26tIUobHJhZUNNBtOMbE7KLJ1nsSDSktb7r83hikOVnKOZljnJ3k3s6kW02Cr0A26Ryhc2fcYSyNPU9MqwBBUn3bJH3HaXbLSvl/s800/S31-011.jpg" /></a><br />
<br /><div>Elise stood in the watery sunlight, watching him, dark eyed, standing in her own shadow as the sun rose over the roof. Cooper dropped Nate, leaving him staggering but defiant, and turned to face her. The woman who had dragged him up from the shadow and fought to keep him had turned to someone else.<br /> </div><div>Or had she? What was real? Mel said it was nothing like that, and if he looked at everything from even a slightly different angle, he could see, finally did see another pattern in the picture.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3vasfaxEfntmpiDF-eO1teEY7lnXzD5PqkboQTbeJW062qi_4B2EFbGdvxtIT5l-bgP2B5sGLJiHgKjHeLLSpSBwUjmGOnuPGj8cNaCaBAeaghNqcC6ApjU17GOweoJhscObpYsv-_AzO/s1600/S31-013.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3vasfaxEfntmpiDF-eO1teEY7lnXzD5PqkboQTbeJW062qi_4B2EFbGdvxtIT5l-bgP2B5sGLJiHgKjHeLLSpSBwUjmGOnuPGj8cNaCaBAeaghNqcC6ApjU17GOweoJhscObpYsv-_AzO/s800/S31-013.jpg" /></a><br />
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Cooper went to her, looked down at her, unsteady, and said, "We need to talk."<br />
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Eric, the son named after his own father, always the cooler of the twins, glanced at his silent brother and then swept blue eyes toward his mother. Waiting. "It's all right," Elise assured him. "We have things we need to settle. Watch Hugs for me will you Eric?"</div><div><br /></div><div>Cooper suddenly realized with horror that the long breath taken behind him had been from his daughter, from Hugs, not from the dog, and he couldn't even pick her up and reassure her. Later, he told himself, and for the moment simply smiled down at her. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFOBXaB3hEVKHTfE3Ms7RUIB2Z_jktfD6k4kTRs4cHfvCq3cuf-SxdmQ0jfUkwGgR2OzMbDJOnae6VGu8X4dvIhNPmo7sYRgwXTsQ_spgMURufxNvg2J06x_BOHYR_NFFjULmTs_HlRhPz/s1600/S31-014.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFOBXaB3hEVKHTfE3Ms7RUIB2Z_jktfD6k4kTRs4cHfvCq3cuf-SxdmQ0jfUkwGgR2OzMbDJOnae6VGu8X4dvIhNPmo7sYRgwXTsQ_spgMURufxNvg2J06x_BOHYR_NFFjULmTs_HlRhPz/s800/S31-014.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />Following her through the door into the shaded foyer, Cooper noticed suitcases ominously stacked in the hall. <br /><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn8g8lQMqaavIpAPmUnjZ2gzMIz_HaoNV_oTV8_UKuldMzCspjYjLXax6ftXNjfX6ezwr8mwJ2HkYChFC6FBd4pwVsdc6U-2N_22SvhYHy-TsSZfdgcrh1a1khtLZW5S-ZOI4jgUZaMLjk/s1600/S31-015.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn8g8lQMqaavIpAPmUnjZ2gzMIz_HaoNV_oTV8_UKuldMzCspjYjLXax6ftXNjfX6ezwr8mwJ2HkYChFC6FBd4pwVsdc6U-2N_22SvhYHy-TsSZfdgcrh1a1khtLZW5S-ZOI4jgUZaMLjk/s800/S31-015.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />He started to demand an explanation then rapidly realized there was only one explanation. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLLPp979mThGO3Xcyc4XB9RMzJP60jV4QpiTTPd3jtuP8ZgBT_c-ZLyd8BIANaKQ-7Ag9TuQMeeUd382UdJk7l7zfbazTRhjH4QLFtkLuxwOITajE_ieeHJ61nPT3DVqQ8qpWqS6YyR4mX/s1600/S31-016.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLLPp979mThGO3Xcyc4XB9RMzJP60jV4QpiTTPd3jtuP8ZgBT_c-ZLyd8BIANaKQ-7Ag9TuQMeeUd382UdJk7l7zfbazTRhjH4QLFtkLuxwOITajE_ieeHJ61nPT3DVqQ8qpWqS6YyR4mX/s800/S31-016.jpg" /></a><br />
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She walked ahead of him into their bedroom, waited for him, closed and locked the door, walked right past him to the doors overlooking the terrace and the ocean and asked in a small voice, "Are you all right?"<br />
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"A bitch of a headache but I'll live. I guess I have you to thank for that."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifjjEH8Rmz8KvwXrulMfm8UEHGX6ibyGhAIywKwPkUPdyoNBxPMTgGTQgz1arEN_8NITEX6voFOdg3wrzQ35YVT1TanV_o47PBcThrI94IvA77vk0zUyNXytivkVYmpofybznqvhVfhUvU/s1600/S31-017.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifjjEH8Rmz8KvwXrulMfm8UEHGX6ibyGhAIywKwPkUPdyoNBxPMTgGTQgz1arEN_8NITEX6voFOdg3wrzQ35YVT1TanV_o47PBcThrI94IvA77vk0zUyNXytivkVYmpofybznqvhVfhUvU/s800/S31-017.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
"The headache or the life?"<br />
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"Little of both baby." Cooper reached out, touched her cheek, she looked like hell, looked as bad as he felt, but she'd probably spent the night crying instead of the way he'd spent it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijnsnHH5rRZjS2HFQx2wtU_UrYL1vEqE_m8KhbHiBblP-Cz5ysxA3h3yKBLGa2mmwaKoxpvkJLP_CgcYgS2kr7KeFOMnlCU7A0LTgwwtJDUmG03pWKU07wtwJRTECU7Qf3rj4xvdkR0lmo/s1600/S31-018.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijnsnHH5rRZjS2HFQx2wtU_UrYL1vEqE_m8KhbHiBblP-Cz5ysxA3h3yKBLGa2mmwaKoxpvkJLP_CgcYgS2kr7KeFOMnlCU7A0LTgwwtJDUmG03pWKU07wtwJRTECU7Qf3rj4xvdkR0lmo/s800/S31-018.jpg" /></a><br />
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Drawing a long breath, uncertain what to say, what would be enough, he started in on it. "Ellie, I'm sorry. I should not have said that to you, never meant it, I should not have left you there, I'm an ass. I fucked up."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaj-eL_niEf8ptYhmykLKoPCXm4mxiCyXKoCxmZLKQHc87s675AqlsTbrmfrqbOitNaO89bBrn6apz2KBjtL-Akvy7WJ1E5NLthctdvQRpshC0xx55P2GtZ3cJlu1O3dd6RZn2xFpWg1hg/s1600/S31-020.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaj-eL_niEf8ptYhmykLKoPCXm4mxiCyXKoCxmZLKQHc87s675AqlsTbrmfrqbOitNaO89bBrn6apz2KBjtL-Akvy7WJ1E5NLthctdvQRpshC0xx55P2GtZ3cJlu1O3dd6RZn2xFpWg1hg/s800/S31-020.jpg" /></a><br />
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She hesitated, then took a careful and deliberate step away from him, staying out of reach. Ready for it, prepared for the crack of her anger, it didn't come. Tracing something invisible on the glass with the tip of one finger, her voice still, quiet, expression remote, she seemed to force herself to even ask the question. "What made you change your mind?"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPvUd4OKAcHRy0sWqJFlOqGG4gbzbKw_Jzpf7H2aqsilVBTR5Xi2A1YwdqC9Nn_S4-UJsgK3kgvJIybT-gKz4CLhfLk-Ix3ekq5rnrdFv0-RmHpWDTPxxwsjsxvKl-wdywKKl-2OEj8SO1/s1600/S31-022.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPvUd4OKAcHRy0sWqJFlOqGG4gbzbKw_Jzpf7H2aqsilVBTR5Xi2A1YwdqC9Nn_S4-UJsgK3kgvJIybT-gKz4CLhfLk-Ix3ekq5rnrdFv0-RmHpWDTPxxwsjsxvKl-wdywKKl-2OEj8SO1/s800/S31-022.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
He cast a glance at the bed, exhaustion shaking him. If he could put this all aside for a few hours, get her in bed, get some sleep, he'd be better prepared to deal with an ugly explanation, an explanation that was never going to include Gemma, he couldn't even begin to think how he was going to deal with that.<div><br /></div><div>Leaning against the wall for some small support, Cooper considered it, he had to tell her something, "Mel explained what happened, Ryan's working for her, something like that, I went over there and she explained."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW_jdGbTjzF41Y_mZQInD6D08uyKlAG5tqHb17fdwzd_6rFwU7pF5o-JZ6n5BpFvVCB8TDKiR9mt3XSwJHiOocxR6N3LSD6zVkFlsc1AJbq1qY03OsjeCMvGRTZHNjC_CCdevOiz9OgpH6/s1600/S31-023.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW_jdGbTjzF41Y_mZQInD6D08uyKlAG5tqHb17fdwzd_6rFwU7pF5o-JZ6n5BpFvVCB8TDKiR9mt3XSwJHiOocxR6N3LSD6zVkFlsc1AJbq1qY03OsjeCMvGRTZHNjC_CCdevOiz9OgpH6/s800/S31-023.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
The reaction he was waiting for didn't happen. Elise opened the doors and walked out onto the terrace and the blast of sunlight and water. "I owe her then."<br />
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Stunned, the last time Mel and her whorehouse had come up, she'd blown the roof off. Cooper walked after her, squinting into the light, pain ripping through his head, he stiffened trying to fight it, reaching out for her, catching her around her waist, pulling her against him, her body pliant and warm and he could breathe again, it was going to work. </div><div><br /></div><div>"It doesn't mean anything, you know that. Baby I'm wiped. My head's killing me, every bone and muscle in my body aches. I want to talk, we need to talk but I just need a couple of hours. I'll do anything to make things up to you, anything you want. I'm so damned sorry, baby I love you, you know I love you."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmykMHeijsSOGDUFnUg_XQuZdlodX0mt7-zN7KBr3nLPUxcexa-fTR5qtUS5eJu2njwWw1lJcClRMYzCvViSJm2hTR_yeePhjV9oDfPpd9x_rcaEF44FxaZYBCcq92W1BSiGq-p_B56ayW/s1600/S31-025.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmykMHeijsSOGDUFnUg_XQuZdlodX0mt7-zN7KBr3nLPUxcexa-fTR5qtUS5eJu2njwWw1lJcClRMYzCvViSJm2hTR_yeePhjV9oDfPpd9x_rcaEF44FxaZYBCcq92W1BSiGq-p_B56ayW/s800/S31-025.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS6TGyanKco26KDnh7s6zJCOd1nYPPolmWkKHdIG-wu7-695EPL_N0-tHFWEyY5aBpkuLxoXKG1j2gVW98f8qAB7LAjgfLm4mIMp4Jzxth3iE-KMeMVjdi5J0mc3YeCeQILrfQ_D4nwT14/s1600/S31-028.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS6TGyanKco26KDnh7s6zJCOd1nYPPolmWkKHdIG-wu7-695EPL_N0-tHFWEyY5aBpkuLxoXKG1j2gVW98f8qAB7LAjgfLm4mIMp4Jzxth3iE-KMeMVjdi5J0mc3YeCeQILrfQ_D4nwT14/s800/S31-028.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinnHUy-i0zcncvzYgeanEm1f4CQgATNKW3IlhaB87iWBRO8qkBeObLepqwvA0rBBrFil32OXSLV7YKdh0oPePRW3h0Vwa5LgA6JJh_GN1vU_O2a9iFAsuLq-audsV69XrNAsF2iwudbSbH/s1600/S31-012.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinnHUy-i0zcncvzYgeanEm1f4CQgATNKW3IlhaB87iWBRO8qkBeObLepqwvA0rBBrFil32OXSLV7YKdh0oPePRW3h0Vwa5LgA6JJh_GN1vU_O2a9iFAsuLq-audsV69XrNAsF2iwudbSbH/s800/S31-012.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
She took his hand, lacing her fingers through his, the clasp gentle, but she was trembling, shaking. "You don't understand. I'm the one who cheated. I've tried, Coop I've tried so hard to make you know it will never happen again, that I regret it, but nothing works. It's broken. It can't be fixed. I can't fight about this anymore. The suitcases by the door, they're yours. You need to take them, you need to cut your losses, and you need to go. I love you, I love you so much, but it's over."</div></div></div></div>S.B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15236399168777815648noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3192880522798293586.post-52762062275459713382010-07-22T11:31:00.001-07:002022-05-10T16:54:23.706-07:00Sessions Chapter 29<b>The Crossing</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGQK6tPY21OsObUU0ZhvGFeUleeRx3zafdduToFbPe_eNFfzYhh6G_sP7G3-lN42JntcR3QR0t_X4uJd6ILPuZbxKKGvz-2uKwqnrSXNa8Vk_NHEg4twxwckszW0F3eGD6qJbdOdMzZ4kJ/s1600/ScreenShot001.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGQK6tPY21OsObUU0ZhvGFeUleeRx3zafdduToFbPe_eNFfzYhh6G_sP7G3-lN42JntcR3QR0t_X4uJd6ILPuZbxKKGvz-2uKwqnrSXNa8Vk_NHEg4twxwckszW0F3eGD6qJbdOdMzZ4kJ/s800/ScreenShot001.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
"Stay down," Ryan ordered, watching Stanfield walk off, not one damned look back. He kept his hand on Elise's shoulder, slid it up through her hair, taking a deep fistful of her hair and clenching his hand around it. She was shaking. She landed a good one across his back, something he was going to feel tomorrow, something he was already feeling, but she'd fallen hard, and hearing that asshole rip into her, he knew it had taken whatever breath she had.<br />
<br />
Mel knelt down, quietly questioning her, something Elise didn't appear to understand or hear. "I'm all right," she said it in a strange thin voice, and shifted, trying to get to her feet. "I have to go. I have to explain."<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCWbcTvSj1lsDnP6T6ypya_avhzWwYo9b4okrJvaGhCxakqRfwFAe0tUZRNzp6ZKpunKxYi9ormmuidO2_c-mQePmnhbQNoHl1D4ZAl7uA-2Ft9HecE4fgco1GiIqrEYjhgOE5xrOBFu7R/s1600/ScreenShot002.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCWbcTvSj1lsDnP6T6ypya_avhzWwYo9b4okrJvaGhCxakqRfwFAe0tUZRNzp6ZKpunKxYi9ormmuidO2_c-mQePmnhbQNoHl1D4ZAl7uA-2Ft9HecE4fgco1GiIqrEYjhgOE5xrOBFu7R/s800/ScreenShot002.jpg" /></a><br />
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"We need to talk about that." He lifted her easily and held on, and she let him hold her, blank, boneless. <br />
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"Ryan," Mel began carefully, "we need to go."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO7AT6pfvIT8o4LcwrxumL7vGrNTcMnTUnRxpryae4tNCQj657723RKJTTG72fIAwOFxW4TOW_b2R_ZZ7XBPSl9wxEUhlDEXBcYoQrFyd1xqrk-zG_FvunAVqSERu433evHzcN5Wm76ecE/s1600/ScreenShot003.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO7AT6pfvIT8o4LcwrxumL7vGrNTcMnTUnRxpryae4tNCQj657723RKJTTG72fIAwOFxW4TOW_b2R_ZZ7XBPSl9wxEUhlDEXBcYoQrFyd1xqrk-zG_FvunAVqSERu433evHzcN5Wm76ecE/s800/ScreenShot003.jpg" /></a><br />
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Elise put her hands against his chest and pushed back, pushed hard, smacking against him. No way she could shove him aside but her intent was clear, and, stung, he let go. "Get away from me!" she hissed. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKeJIu5Uny7Gim29sRnXSgIKNNODZ48krEws980i4XlihyAcM20CcuGIH5Nu-qnaUlcl7qHlJN9IJYT3b9qTSE4PtSaZRJXB_v6RdUMUIk5FIicB0Bd4IRxZLOStEj7LYgUXOLui9_rNgJ/s1600/ScreenShot005.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKeJIu5Uny7Gim29sRnXSgIKNNODZ48krEws980i4XlihyAcM20CcuGIH5Nu-qnaUlcl7qHlJN9IJYT3b9qTSE4PtSaZRJXB_v6RdUMUIk5FIicB0Bd4IRxZLOStEj7LYgUXOLui9_rNgJ/s800/ScreenShot005.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
She started to get into the car, stumbled and leaned against it with a long gasp, Mel coming up beside her, Elise shaking her head. "Leave me alone. Both of you, leave me alone."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7IY1GhAH_6fzVczuxHGrZ85VEZZ-wj6sL_y1anZjGkwkhzHbGpmguFY1JNq_bTsjzFS1-ORc_FDqn2GwVPCxjuZHBvXgg1VH9MrMZLpJeg-1FkVvG4GXdS-LGvfWwrtteW5QewkOacyNH/s1600/ScreenShot007.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7IY1GhAH_6fzVczuxHGrZ85VEZZ-wj6sL_y1anZjGkwkhzHbGpmguFY1JNq_bTsjzFS1-ORc_FDqn2GwVPCxjuZHBvXgg1VH9MrMZLpJeg-1FkVvG4GXdS-LGvfWwrtteW5QewkOacyNH/s800/ScreenShot007.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
He knew her, knew every little move, knew she wasn't anywhere near fine, moved in and blocked her from getting in the car. She wasn't getting past him. Trying to get through, she was upset but he had to try, "Where the hell do you think you're going? Come on Elise, he doesn't give a shit about you! Don't go running after him, give me a chance to work something out, but damn it don't chase him down!"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAKDWgobOz3n7mWI0UjvW475BAmeEu1ZSIvbokMKLx97p6SW6a84cgbDkQR3iFnWxRCekb4dCHEeE5_1RgYwy0LeTQl1nlVI28sDc-SCF9IV8zualT6car0MKqtHpuETkROLxssKnUYFA/s1600/ScreenShot009.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAKDWgobOz3n7mWI0UjvW475BAmeEu1ZSIvbokMKLx97p6SW6a84cgbDkQR3iFnWxRCekb4dCHEeE5_1RgYwy0LeTQl1nlVI28sDc-SCF9IV8zualT6car0MKqtHpuETkROLxssKnUYFA/s800/ScreenShot009.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Leaning back against the white fender of that expensive car, mud on her dress, right up in his face, yell first and then walk it back, that was his girl, yelling at him now. "Back off, Ryan! I told you we're done and I meant it then and I mean it now! Get out of my way and stay out of it!"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj90ozhBenzwOXqvlGmDMUFZDZ_T0mdMlFxRVvBZmLbI1l2nnn-mh1NvZE5vx6tF3XvXbVh_p7r8YNrLXAirdKFrvnhQC1bgo_UJ8KOzGTziNJZ6Er0K_L8vhkCyKF1xIpLsCrs1wTuSvEe/s1600/ScreenShot010.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj90ozhBenzwOXqvlGmDMUFZDZ_T0mdMlFxRVvBZmLbI1l2nnn-mh1NvZE5vx6tF3XvXbVh_p7r8YNrLXAirdKFrvnhQC1bgo_UJ8KOzGTziNJZ6Er0K_L8vhkCyKF1xIpLsCrs1wTuSvEe/s800/ScreenShot010.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Elise yanked open the door, staggered into the car, rain all over the dash and seats and the key, she kept her head down and started the car. Backed it up, hitting the wall on the way out, and burned rubber, headed in the wrong direction, accelerating the wrong way down a one way street. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd6QQXWjQw5ekDTKy6BHzDoJZSC_5Xcc9MnyLpUP_t4kYoFGkY0vnzUzQk6W8pozdbzRhsUWsLugK86Wn7wk3eK6uT6A0TiGx2TIPHJroncMK-Ir5SGyE3172u7wUfTLkVmsNef4rkN2wy/s1600/ScreenShot011.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd6QQXWjQw5ekDTKy6BHzDoJZSC_5Xcc9MnyLpUP_t4kYoFGkY0vnzUzQk6W8pozdbzRhsUWsLugK86Wn7wk3eK6uT6A0TiGx2TIPHJroncMK-Ir5SGyE3172u7wUfTLkVmsNef4rkN2wy/s800/ScreenShot011.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
He wanted to go after her, make her see how wrong she was, take her somewhere, wrap his arms around her and keep her safe. He wanted to hunt down Stanfield and kill the son of a bitch. He'd waited so damned long, knew it was coming, but he'd underestimated how hard it would be when he saw it tear her apart. His shoulders hurt, pain climbing up through his neck, misery so powerful he had to fight to stand there.. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqvyMBWvXk0iYd8Mb25TpL5jnaNV2kNileCjPXXVkElzWbPDz_8-BNC4BxesOXhBQ1dmjIAwoy3B-tfENxKNSA6oTxOfgwdWagfheSbGBFDe2P1i_Kw1MzG-WMuXlo8a_vDwLDAvA15rQF/s1600/ScreenShot013.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqvyMBWvXk0iYd8Mb25TpL5jnaNV2kNileCjPXXVkElzWbPDz_8-BNC4BxesOXhBQ1dmjIAwoy3B-tfENxKNSA6oTxOfgwdWagfheSbGBFDe2P1i_Kw1MzG-WMuXlo8a_vDwLDAvA15rQF/s800/ScreenShot013.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Mel placed a cool hand on his arm, and Ryan leaned into her, torn, trying to hang on, trying to convince himself she'd be back, she needed him. She'd be back. Despite the heat, he shivered, and stood there, stuck, speared, pinned and bleeding. <br />
<br />
"Ryan," Mel urged again gently, "this isn't your fight. Come on, we have to go."<i><b></b></i>S.B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15236399168777815648noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3192880522798293586.post-86695468748722791562010-07-20T13:41:00.000-07:002019-01-04T07:18:58.357-08:00Sessions 28 - Closer<br />
<br />
<b>Millwood: North Lake Drive - 7:30 pm</b><br />
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<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Xvu3wH7eO5TW7zIObthDtkrHwhgCfKyObF2c7LXcZLU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzu65w2dwEBQX3pEP1yiDW8xUDep7qpoqfdKirO3FuE46xrYFhXFG6gtxC4PtvEhaRJAjFTlLk4dpOkkJYmj_bZS_zO5UwAvk_FjBJP4jUDM5NrkI3JzxEHZQh8JRaUld_kFMVDT8qtrvO/s800/S28-001.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Millwood was quiet, the road around the lake dark, fog dropping down from the mountains to shroud the homes around the lakefront. He knew the deep mountain lake as well as he knew his own road home - his parents lived on the eastern shore - but it looked unfamiliar. Cooper spun out once and recovered only to wonder if he had already passed the turn, and when he finally pulled up and got off his bike he staggered. Where was he, whose house was this, what the hell was he doing here...then he remembered with a surge of anger. He straightened and moved toward the front door, one long stride after another then stumbled over a stray flagstone.<br />
<br />
No doubt the front door would be unlocked; no one locked their doors here. He reached for the handle and had to grab for it again. He was seeing double. Once he was able to hold it the latch gave way easily; he shoved the door open and entered.<br />
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<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Va6By6Jk5oqNvLf65UpntUrHwhgCfKyObF2c7LXcZLU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL9gccOGiUI0LQvQVjbHptMms7ACSXOP50JECjWTly9UPR2TdWtDk16AzYNLgK1nUfPq5Sz32LfTdU769wyVguFmCK28sea_j6xWG72JlkoItr0z1FrSRj3zJE_nZ4KRfP9Q1RGPzRrr-2/s800/S28-002.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
"Gemma!" Cooper's rough voice shouted as he quickly walked from room to room sidestepping the annoying interference of a cat as it wove in and out of his path as if to waylay him and looked for her. "Gemma where in hell are you damn it?" Cooper massaged the back of his neck, bruised and aching; he'd tear the place up if he had to. Turning he saw her slender legs as Gemma moved fluidly down the staircase.<br />
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<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/sersEWsxPUC2oEPscJD6JErHwhgCfKyObF2c7LXcZLU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTvKdy8PJislu_ZPMO9ADAfcLiEZWEwPZXYZB7VBoE9uS76gaSXqwkn9YdnU7Q7KNdMBegtwkr3TGmlmg5zmr9jS5MLGcXaTJ7w8XJL9d2eFKwIw50xudbGTt8F-26liBpUzPagyKlrmFO/s800/S28-003.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
"Cooper, this is a surprise, what are you doing here?" <br />
<br />
She moved toward him, every step just like his dead wife, smooth and delicate, her voice had that same lilt. It only served to further incense him, then for a couple of seconds he tried to shake himself free, caught between a memory and the woman before him. What was the answer, what was he doing here? That moment passed. "I warned you to stay away from my family." The deep timbre of his voice was a barely contained threat as he moved toward her. "You wanted my attention, well now you've got it!" She seemed to shift, in one place and then another. He reached out, more to find something to steady himself than to grab her.<br />
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<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/zb21aU61zBmogg-Xqaz5VErHwhgCfKyObF2c7LXcZLU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY4dZNuENuOuESsfwXobDzs_pxBgRLhpy33T4W44yWsJPPOxFg1ZvuD2qWgn7BKgrxdVRLIwOuzLFPi7oeq_9EEY-zhAAGz7kTDGC7YNx5oIRlTdsh58VwhAtSVoTl70INAJZUksVxX6xz/s800/S28-005.jpg" /></a><br />
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Gemma's expression turned from surprise to alarm as she tentatively stepped backward. "Don't flatter yourself into thinking anything I do is for your attention. I came to you looking for an opportunity and you slammed the door in my face. I told you I would approach Wyatt. He was free to turn me down but he didn't. It's just business." She tried to move away from him slowly as she spoke.<br />
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<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/YA4DB-xUW2DQc3MgH8ggiErHwhgCfKyObF2c7LXcZLU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdeRbqR30-w_WdqqYHsPKzma6CwwWI70weULpgnNIimn1VGAMLYU_fSN7HrpKTfATLban3LVbuEWJ49HlF2xeJUtBbaAidky8oe6-LNBy8A6ZmVJqB87MWwH_4E92dh2j1BjjehYW2comI/s800/S28-006.jpg" /></a><br />
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Cooper blinked at her, incensed, angry, in turmoil over the range of emotions that shook him and almost confused. With his vision blurred she looked more like Julia than ever. The woman who was his light, his touchstone, had betrayed him, had chosen
another man and that pain was infinitely
worse than any physical pain McDermott could have dealt. He started to grab her roughly, realized he was easily bruising her pale arms and softened his grip only to stagger when he lost even that frail support. Cooper saw
the growing alarm in her eyes as she tried to push him away and then hold him up at the same time.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
"What is the matter with you! What happened to your neck! You can hardly stand up! Quit grabbing at me!"<br />
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<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/mj7sQifBejG4PXvvBtDoEkrHwhgCfKyObF2c7LXcZLU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8MPSIduBqJLDQEFIZuSpbYhKaQnNy2dEU14Sxqkcg3J8wUQl4eAH0LMpb0Oz-1Irv7kJYpI-hzvzV8ZXaaDmLHyg8zYjz_09xf_BED5HXCioKUq4t4pbNHf8ZkzOa4xjpMX_NIuBVSm_q/s800/S28-008.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
She was at the heart of everything that threatened to
destroy what he had left of his family. The spectral form of his dead wife,
Julia incarnate, and he had to exorcise her ghost once and for all. "Damn
you! Why can't you stay dead?"<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/S7jC6HHoD6zNr2i8Fx8mE0rHwhgCfKyObF2c7LXcZLU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy3hS2Ok3Whe8WfvGBkarHi8rEltG8gW3EuThvbUefpBGo57MUNbIgFk7FNZ_pDi4HpI6jmaKlFWCO28YsAR-aoW5saygzSk7hwlq0jCNCABdwd4nW2Lgb8cDel9VI9vVM5XcGpQvCvT_w/s800/S28-014.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Gripping her hair roughly in his fist he lowered his head and crushed her mouth against his in a violent kiss. Gemma struggled at the ferocity of his passion, if it could even be called that, until he stopped the assault on her mouth briefly and ripped her top off.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cooper could see her pulse beating wildly in the curve of
her neck. His body roiled in pain,
fury, and arousal. He remembered her. He was going to take her. He was not going to be gentle. He
was going to fuck her until they were both spent. And then he would walk away,
forget them all. Then once again, he staggered.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She suddenly and unexpectedly returned that kiss then closed her own hands around his arms. Even in the rush of his own arousal he leaned into her and she probably saved him from falling.<br />
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Lifting her easily Cooper carried down a short hallway, kicked
open a door left ajar on what he saw was a bedroom and roughly laid her on the bed. With silky grace she slid down her remaining clothing as he pulled his own shirt off and moved toward her. Her eyes provoked him,
the damned bitch. He dragged her body toward him as he loosened his belt. When
he spoke again his voice was hoarse, rough. "Why can't you just stay
buried?"<br />
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She wrapped her arms around him and pulled him down toward her. He could feel her warm breath against his mouth. "Because I'm not Julia, Cooper, and you know it."<br />
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<i><b>NEXT CHAPTER: <a href="http://ddsessions.blogspot.com/2010/07/sessions-chapter-29.html">Sessions Chapter 29</a></b></i>thewyndhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09476656359810192923noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3192880522798293586.post-87597399429783287422010-07-18T20:55:00.000-07:002018-11-04T07:54:11.829-08:00Sessions 27 - Not Meant to Be<i>It's like trying to turn around on a one way street<br />
I can't give you what you want<br />
And it's killing me, and I, I'm starting to see<br />
Maybe we're not meant to be</i><br />
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<b>Metro: Chinatown Tunnel - 5:15 pm</b><br />
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Cooper braked hard, staring at the couple strolling down the sidewalk past the Rooms for Rent and Triple XXX DVD signs, struggled with rage and disbelief before he yanked the heavy bike down the alley after them. The bike bucked over a curb; he fought it, forced it, skidded left, braked again, cut the engine.<br />
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Beth stood between her car, parked next to a goddamned dumpster, and Ryan McDermott. She saw him, and she looked white to the bone. McDermott took two quick strides and planted himself next to her. Son of a bitch...<br />
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The place stunk. Exhaust from the freeway, garbage, somebody pissing against the wall. He hadn't been in a shit hole like this in years, many years, and did not believe she'd been hanging around and breathing the fumes because she enjoyed the smell. <br />
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The heavy skies opened up, dumped rain, water filling the air, dull thunder. Shoving in between them, Cooper glared at his wife and demanded, "What the hell is going on here?" <br />
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"Coop, nothing's going on." He expected her to come back at him, fight, argue; she didn't. She glanced uneasily between the two of them and put her hand on his arm. He felt the tension in her hand, the rings, the canary diamond he'd given her, the wedding ring, she gripped his arm so hard he felt every ring, then she pulled back. "I had an appointment and it didn't work out," she said, a tight voice. "I'm leaving. That's all I'm doing, I'm leaving."<br />
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"An appointment," he repeated. <br />
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Cooper shifted his eyes from one to the other, anger roiling inside him, Beth watching him, wary, and McDermott, his expression murderous, waiting poised to strike. He didn't buy it; appointment my ass, in this part of town? They'd played him. Meeting in a cheap, filthy place like this to fuck - the thought of it made him sick as he bit out a response. "By the hour was it? What's the problem, did I interrupt the meeting?"<br />
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The blow came before he'd even finished the sentence, fast, hard. McDermott slammed him against the side of the wall, taking his breath, one long harsh growl, "You miserable prick, I should have kicked your ass a long time ago!" Ryan's hands gripped him brutally; he could feel them tightening like vices, vision fading as he struggled to breathe.<br />
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He tasted blood, heard Beth screaming "Get off him GET OFF HIM!" might have seen her, one quick glimpse, the glimpse gone hurled against the dumpster, heard her long terrified cry even though he couldn't see her or catch his breath. <br />
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McDermott staring him down, the man's breath in his face, a deep grinding threat: "You want to sing me a song rock star? Sing your last damned song. I'm done with your shit."<br />
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Fighting back, digging in an elbow, finding an edge, losing the edge, losing it, losing breath, Beth's voice echoing drifting through the rain. Something hit, a long pipe swung at the man's back, rain pounding down, he saw it, blacking out, Beth at the other end of that pipe a long silent solid thud. The dumpster rocked under the force of that swing forcing all them back against the brick bouncing back again skidding on the wet pavement.<br />
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Ryan dropped him with a grunt of surprise. Dropped him cold. Staggering, Cooper saw McDermott turn his attention to Beth, she was down on her knees in the rain on the pavement next to the pipe. She wasn't fighting, she was kneeling there in the rain, rain running down her hair and her face. Another woman came running, running in the rain, he couldn't see her clearly, couldn't focus. <br />
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Enraged, in pain, wanting to go back at McDermott, knowing he couldn't take him, knowing she knew it, he locked his wife down with his gaze, Beth... and she was looking back at him now but she didn't get up. She didn't move. She should move, he wanted her to get up, to come to him. She sat there in the oily rain blocking McDermott, hanging onto McDermott. <br />
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"You want him, take him. I'm finished with you. I'm out of here."</span><br />
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<i><b>NEXT CHAPTER: <a href="http://ddsessions.blogspot.com/2010/07/sessions-28-closer.html">Sessions Chapter 28</a></b></i>S.B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15236399168777815648noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3192880522798293586.post-39628155543863198042010-07-15T18:09:00.000-07:002018-11-04T08:36:35.819-08:00Sessions 26 - Torch<i>These are the things that I miss<br />
These are not times for the weak of heart<br />
These are the days of raw despondence<br />
I never dreamed I'd have to lay down my torch for you like this</i><br />
<br />
<b>South Beach Crossing: Chinatown Tunnel - 4:55 pm</b><br />
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Ryan paced the ten steps down the sidewalk, past the liquor store, keeping an eye on the bank across the street. Mel had been in there only two minutes. He glanced around the corner, started to turn back, when one of parked cars caught his attention. You're imagining things, he gruffly told himself. No way she would be in this neighborhood. <br />
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The hotel door swung open, banging on broken hinges, catching the woman by surprise as she tried to catch it, prevent it from slamming into the glass. She missed, let it go, stepped out into the hot sunlight, blinked, and looked directly at him.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm-z7WFe3xCDtWWl32h9AFh3K0RZ3b7sdUvwR8hS-lNUo0RPkM9pswgwKAOI8d6JQk8OSBJ2sJkbeEtEYO00BLd6y_xhgELRTcI7r-znshreJGb-Ax5D9KJvLXIOy67zUeHxGXVQyTi826/s1600/ScreenShot002+%282%29.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm-z7WFe3xCDtWWl32h9AFh3K0RZ3b7sdUvwR8hS-lNUo0RPkM9pswgwKAOI8d6JQk8OSBJ2sJkbeEtEYO00BLd6y_xhgELRTcI7r-znshreJGb-Ax5D9KJvLXIOy67zUeHxGXVQyTi826/s800/ScreenShot002+(2).jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Stunned, Ryan could do nothing, say nothing, staring at her while she stared back. She took a step in the other direction, then turned back, looking at him, still silent. "Beth?" he finally managed to say. When she didn't move, didn't speak, he drew a long, unsteady breath and went to her, still not sure she was going to wait for him. The air shook, cars thundering across the overpass above him. She looked up, hesitated, but she didn't go. She waited.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfYa8cFrCawEtRGR9VbRLL8LKxq0iU7mKCEmbrRWKxyy6wsx04qdOpaaKJyt3oyAjpmAwNaLepNR46Y6eDrc_4dLYtYZW0SZrBAVCv7v3fWG_Yc-NIcP8XRZ_ZD4iFr6l4O6jhVD9wJGBX/s1600/ScreenShot004.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfYa8cFrCawEtRGR9VbRLL8LKxq0iU7mKCEmbrRWKxyy6wsx04qdOpaaKJyt3oyAjpmAwNaLepNR46Y6eDrc_4dLYtYZW0SZrBAVCv7v3fWG_Yc-NIcP8XRZ_ZD4iFr6l4O6jhVD9wJGBX/s800/ScreenShot004.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
The awning cast a shadow across her face but she hadn't changed, the same woman who continued to haunt his dreams, the one he had when he woke up alone and sweating. "How are you, Ryan?" she said, that soft familiar voice, but she seemed stiff, her voice careful, formal. She backed up, smoky blue eyes, pretty little lace dress, rings sparkling on her fingers, exactly as he remembered her. Better than he'd remembered her. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFkN9LwFnNtHorCrNxATqlz7ZkRVC8NzLOUqY5YgUNJdL4hlPbY92nJ4Pm1JVUKuJUO3HWv9G884UMWGv3jy-a735JLeWztUsiFi5fptTcdeCOsokAK2Dw_73KkGt5UTz5CDpCLLa_FRc1/s1600/ScreenShot003.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFkN9LwFnNtHorCrNxATqlz7ZkRVC8NzLOUqY5YgUNJdL4hlPbY92nJ4Pm1JVUKuJUO3HWv9G884UMWGv3jy-a735JLeWztUsiFi5fptTcdeCOsokAK2Dw_73KkGt5UTz5CDpCLLa_FRc1/s800/ScreenShot003.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
His right hand propped against the grimy wall, he smiled down at her. He hadn't seen her since that brief glimpse at the police station, and hadn't been this close since she turned him away that night outside Stanfield's mansion. It couldn't hurt to say a couple of words to her. It couldn't hurt to talk to her... "What are you doing here? Are you here by yourself?"<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvZkuusreqxs8uYUH22a7W31BmTInbZLer0rdZ1Xi8FM2miakw4Cx3CnZyzx6jXqo7rBZ4BMXwQ29JJ8w8u7qc_z33wyH5ABb5N4xIrQG-3tdPffEeR8hEOHbe9UenxlzkKImWWn_R1QB9/s1600/ScreenShot007.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvZkuusreqxs8uYUH22a7W31BmTInbZLer0rdZ1Xi8FM2miakw4Cx3CnZyzx6jXqo7rBZ4BMXwQ29JJ8w8u7qc_z33wyH5ABb5N4xIrQG-3tdPffEeR8hEOHbe9UenxlzkKImWWn_R1QB9/s800/ScreenShot007.jpg" /></a><br />
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"I was supposed to meet someone about a renovation; he didn't show. I was just leaving." All the easy camaraderie they'd once had was gone, replaced by painful intensity and wariness. She looked almost frightened, poised to leap and run, arms crossed defensively across her breasts. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJN_A2W2IszXpCiC8B_Q5whTwy98p1GOTxH-dXFPxwA8mcZaQU5JC_OU0c6q-OToKkG8bunygCg1QhXnsZ3rGNPwMcngeZcR6k41wCT6TsLtD1wTAWKvKG6mwQgaHbLvP4CLYkgt5YoVP6/s1600/ScreenShot006.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJN_A2W2IszXpCiC8B_Q5whTwy98p1GOTxH-dXFPxwA8mcZaQU5JC_OU0c6q-OToKkG8bunygCg1QhXnsZ3rGNPwMcngeZcR6k41wCT6TsLtD1wTAWKvKG6mwQgaHbLvP4CLYkgt5YoVP6/s800/ScreenShot006.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Ryan had spent a lot of time wondering if she knew about Rayne, struggling with the shame, shoving the thoughts aside, but they crept back again now. He didn't believe she knew. She wouldn't exchange one word with him if she did. It wasn't him, it had to be Cooper, that had to be it, and there wasn't a damned thing he could do but respect that choice.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXdbB4FDJhK8nrwcNVzLm0y9eUzvqAHRjAlgP3mhIUaPhzBVaDyNGxKSdoTQlztLsuu7aHjSX0RuYaqD0ebPShtbbqCbXnc02cTWHHewpl1hZWAYbjmkCFuN2B-2x3UudtZPd0E1RzIFyy/s1600/ScreenShot008.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXdbB4FDJhK8nrwcNVzLm0y9eUzvqAHRjAlgP3mhIUaPhzBVaDyNGxKSdoTQlztLsuu7aHjSX0RuYaqD0ebPShtbbqCbXnc02cTWHHewpl1hZWAYbjmkCFuN2B-2x3UudtZPd0E1RzIFyy/s800/ScreenShot008.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
"It's not safe," he gently told her, letting his hand brush her bare shoulder, travel down to her hand. Beth didn't pull away, but neither did she accept the handclasp. His heart aching, he let it go. "I'll walk you to your car."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFE5lfEqBDrsthkr5SC_P5NyZr2avZzmwvZOFhINtTdqHzaH-A8-sIwO53dJg2S6ZihpqPpxNFIywg-nZ7n0UAdWdi7bvKjc5YZ7-lHfLD_C8R60r2_oN219v8yUTulG5sIQ_FYT-BDuG0/s1600/ScreenShot013.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFE5lfEqBDrsthkr5SC_P5NyZr2avZzmwvZOFhINtTdqHzaH-A8-sIwO53dJg2S6ZihpqPpxNFIywg-nZ7n0UAdWdi7bvKjc5YZ7-lHfLD_C8R60r2_oN219v8yUTulG5sIQ_FYT-BDuG0/s800/ScreenShot013.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi03mLKW6R9PpY_hkTUXK00N-7yEl4jT-Qf9sfuMZkp1885EM3c8A06nTP2a0KyIC2TlTpOAP9-eqDdkm44ZmQbj5INaC0042kCba2hUAqAmqkCP3VJw8be6-L-yoSMbYLHxfNc_9nEmhkT/s1600/ScreenShot011.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi03mLKW6R9PpY_hkTUXK00N-7yEl4jT-Qf9sfuMZkp1885EM3c8A06nTP2a0KyIC2TlTpOAP9-eqDdkm44ZmQbj5INaC0042kCba2hUAqAmqkCP3VJw8be6-L-yoSMbYLHxfNc_9nEmhkT/s800/ScreenShot011.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXUyB3dpXUieV85uibm-ZTbP-pvYrvmGFQuuzB5fGmpgeAtf1Ei1YwSgYUlFWItiENdooawYMf3yQ-ds6pPUfBmHNW-qk3OZ-nvfVnhINTroFv1ZNl4_FWtEgUStEZNGqDrzW_U6Y-Whov/s1600/ScreenShot010.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXUyB3dpXUieV85uibm-ZTbP-pvYrvmGFQuuzB5fGmpgeAtf1Ei1YwSgYUlFWItiENdooawYMf3yQ-ds6pPUfBmHNW-qk3OZ-nvfVnhINTroFv1ZNl4_FWtEgUStEZNGqDrzW_U6Y-Whov/s800/ScreenShot010.jpg" /></a><br />
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<i><b>NEXT CHAPTER: <a href="http://ddsessions.blogspot.com/2010/07/sessions-27.html">Sessions Chapter 27</a></b></i>S.B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15236399168777815648noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3192880522798293586.post-6044333696615348352010-07-12T21:12:00.000-07:002018-11-04T08:53:13.486-08:00Sessions Chapter 25 - Eruption<br />
<b>South Beach Crossing: Hitman Studio 4:19PM</b><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47955452@N00/4788345851/" title="S25-001 by g@yl, on Flickr"><img alt="S25-001" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4141/4788345851_315c929ccc_z.jpg" height="374" width="599" /></a><br />
Wyatt slid the red Beetle into the parking lot and walked slowly toward the front entrance to Hitman Studio. Before he reached the door a deep voice called out. "You still drive that little thing?" Wyatt turned in the direction of the voice and grinned. Slim had been like a father to him during the years that his father had been missing. They remained close even after Cooper's return even though they had not seen as much of each other as they used to. With Wyatt at the university it wasn't always easy to make the trip to the metro area. Today however, Wyatt insisted on finding the time; he needed to speak to his father.<br />
<a name='more'></a><span id="fullpost"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47955452@N00/4788345913/" title="S25-002 by g@yl, on Flickr"><img alt="S25-002" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4073/4788345913_5f6eb75d54_z.jpg" height="374" width="599" /></a><br />
"You're a bit off course aren't you kid? You should be at school." Slim's voice was admonishing but his green eyes flickered with amusement behind his ever-present shades. Draping a muscular arm over Wyatt's shoulders Slim steered him toward the door. <br />
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"I'm here to see my dad although I don't see his bike anywhere. I called the house but no one was home. I figured he'd be here."<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47955452@N00/4788345983/" title="S25-003 by g@yl, on Flickr"><img alt="S25-003" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4114/4788345983_57ae839d04_z.jpg" height="374" width="599" /></a><br />
Wyatt followed Slim to the front desk and waited patiently while Slim asked the girl if Coop had arrived. She smiled flirtatiously at Wyatt and shook her head. "I'm sure your father is on his way in kid; we have some contracts we need to go over, tour dates to review. Come on upstairs and we'll catch up until he gets here. You ever see Will on campus?"</span><br />
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"Yeah, he hangs out with Randi and Nic."<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47955452@N00/4788974090/" title="S25-004 by g@yl, on Flickr"><img alt="S25-004" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4123/4788974090_6f96e9717a_z.jpg" height="374" width="599" /></a><br />
Wyatt trailed Slim up the stairs. Picking up a pool cue, he challenged Slim to a game. Figuring he might get some information from Slim that he wouldn't from his father Wyatt casually mentioned a name. "Slim, what do you know about my mother's side of the family?"<br />
<br />
"Not much. Why do you ask?"<br />
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"My mom had a cousin, Gemma Wilson, does that name mean anything to you?"<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47955452@N00/4788346053/" title="S25-005 by g@yl, on Flickr"><img alt="S25-005" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4134/4788346053_bc869ef0e7_z.jpg" height="374" width="599" /></a><br />
Slim's expression was impassive as he gripped the stick and regarded Wyatt. "That is one name I do know. Gemma's an agent. She's aggressively shopping Jimmy Breaux and that band of his, so far nobody's interested including me. She's some kind of cousin isn't she?" He drew a breath and held it for a long while before continuing. "I take it you've come in contact with her?"<br />
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Wyatt nodded. "We've talked. I had dinner at her place. She seems all right to me."<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47955452@N00/4788346115/" title="S25-006 by g@yl, on Flickr"><img alt="S25-006" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4082/4788346115_387fe47642.jpg" height="374" width="599" /></a><br />
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Slim bent over the table to line up his next shot. "She's got an uncanny resemblance to your mother." It wasn't a question.<br />
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Wyatt straightened up, set the stick down. "I'm aware of it. She looks like my mother, she's related, it happens, so what? What's the big deal about signing Breaux? I met him. He was helping Rainie move out; he seems like a stand up guy, talented. He just needs a chance."<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47955452@N00/4788346157/" title="S25-007 by g@yl, on Flickr"><img alt="S25-007" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4115/4788346157_536cc5ed52_z.jpg" height="374" width="599" /></a><br />
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"Did she send you here to try and sway a contract?" Cooper strode into the room already looking thunderous.<br />
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It momentarily surprised him but then Wyatt's temper flared. "Nobody sent me here. I said I ran into him, he was with Rayne, and yeah, I think it's shortsighted to walk away from Breaux, I think it's a mistake. He's damned good. You're throwing away great talent. If you want the label to be about nothing but what's safe, then go right ahead and ignore bands like <i>Brew</i>. And what the hell is going on with Rayne? Why am I hearing it from Randi that my sister's been cut out?"<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47955452@N00/4788346215/" title="S25-008 by g@yl, on Flickr"><img alt="S25-008" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4081/4788346215_02a1822fda_z.jpg" height="374" width="599" /></a><br />
Slim shot a quick glance at Cooper, took a step back from the table, crossed his arms and leveled his eyes at Wyatt. "We built this label together, Wyatt, and I can guarantee you nothing we do is about safe, but like I said, some risks aren't worth it. Jimmy Breaux is one of them. I'll leave you and your father to talk about your sister." He nodded at Cooper, shoved past him and walked out, shutting the door behind him.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47955452@N00/4788346267/" title="S25-009 by g@yl, on Flickr"><img alt="S25-009" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4119/4788346267_f3a08b01d9_z.jpg" height="374" width="599" /></a><br />
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Cooper waited, watching Wyatt, then slowly strode around the pool table, prowling, stalking him. "What's going on with you and Gemma? You two are hanging out a lot. You've been discussing my contract decisions with her?"<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47955452@N00/4788974344/" title="S25-010 by g@yl, on Flickr"><img alt="S25-010" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4098/4788974344_6cf06445e7_z.jpg" height="374" width="599" /></a><br />
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Standing his ground Wyatt glared at his father eyes burning like dry ice and bit back hard. "Yeah I talked to her. She's got some good ideas. We discussed setting up my own production company with Gemma, picking up talent you won't look at, like <i>Brew</i>. Or Rayne. Rayne's damned good, never noticed that did you? Yeah, I'm thinking about it, and I'm working with Gemma."<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47955452@N00/4788346345/" title="S25-011 by g@yl, on Flickr"><img alt="S25-011" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4140/4788346345_9e354e2515_z.jpg" height="374" width="599" /></a><br />
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<br />
"What the hell are you thinking Wy? You don't know - stay away from that bitch, the hell you are working with her!"<br />
<br />
"Come on Dad, what's your problem? She looks like Mom? Did you hate Mom so much that you can't let me have some piece of her?"<br />
<br />
"Don't throw that shit at me. Don't be stupid Wyatt, she came onto me and didn't get what she wants so she is going to use you just like Bailey did! Open your eyes damn it! She doesn't give a damn about you; she wants me and she is going through you!"<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47955452@N00/4788346381/" title="S25-012 by g@yl, on Flickr"><img alt="S25-012" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4139/4788346381_ae7a6a4285_z.jpg" height="374" width="599" /></a><br />
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<br />
Wyatt exploded. "What the hell are you talking about? You think Gemma wants you? Every woman in the world wants you right? You're dead wrong! No they don't - get over it! It is always about you! You push us all around like some kind of game and do whatever you want and don't give a damn! That's probably why Beth fucked McDermott!" Wyatt paused for a split second then turned on his heel. "Fuck you Dad, I'm out of here - you figure it out!"<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47955452@N00/4788346421/" title="S25-013 by g@yl, on Flickr"><img alt="S25-013" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4080/4788346421_5273b25184_z.jpg" height="374" width="599" /></a><br />
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<br />
Wyatt left the room without bothering to look back. Cooper leaned heavily on the pool table, a blinding rage consuming him. "That goddamn bitch I am going to rip her apart!" <br />
<br />
Tearing down the stairs Cooper pushed through the back door, threw his leg over the bike and peeled away leaving a trail of rubber in his wake.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
**</div>
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<b>South Beach Crossing: Chinatown Tunnel 4:53PM</b> <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6C6ciBsee2g_0oR9u1hgszZ1S3sm_lnFcP9mR2eOnRXOe3rmKifUJxURR-wlmyrs2-FqXH6bjC6YwVvZkJXI8nhdOWypPzQzwgoL4m6xJWm7sQrCSV5MRy_Mw24kinbbqNPbUcV8A9kkt/s1600/ScreenShot001.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6C6ciBsee2g_0oR9u1hgszZ1S3sm_lnFcP9mR2eOnRXOe3rmKifUJxURR-wlmyrs2-FqXH6bjC6YwVvZkJXI8nhdOWypPzQzwgoL4m6xJWm7sQrCSV5MRy_Mw24kinbbqNPbUcV8A9kkt/s900/ScreenShot001.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvWq6osz3aeCCwWfG2YRrNNXM1qpL_vzBLWZO5xeGUA8qKjL8PTd-N5Kif0zxBpp10Rf8UFVS9IgTgMtzliY-YVfhXW0OVzADNaXhiyypaV2gJOCNhLhZOigiR7qERHBU1ck0vdDZCTybZ/s1600/ScreenShot003.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvWq6osz3aeCCwWfG2YRrNNXM1qpL_vzBLWZO5xeGUA8qKjL8PTd-N5Kif0zxBpp10Rf8UFVS9IgTgMtzliY-YVfhXW0OVzADNaXhiyypaV2gJOCNhLhZOigiR7qERHBU1ck0vdDZCTybZ/s900/ScreenShot003.jpg" /></a><br />
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<i><b>NEXT CHAPTER: <a href="http://ddsessions.blogspot.com/2010/07/sessions-26-torch.html">Sessions Chapter 26</a></b></i>thewyndhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09476656359810192923noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3192880522798293586.post-62466432349253187412010-05-31T17:38:00.000-07:002018-11-04T08:12:33.701-08:00Sessions 24 - Half Light<i>Fade black light, white light and stay<br />
Stay half light<br />
Half night and day</i><br />
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<br />
<b>Hitman Studios: South Beach Crossing, Late Afternoon</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJgIwvS7SoK5QBS53eWUn0G9gjNdr-1cvb8A9FlIJ5V1npeVYAergGU6NMQANFTvC228ud6LDJ46lYhUMISUrAEL3QiAUaYzi9oRQJTRVfTrSgqLEVBiFBj0n6IuDOPVQ5lGvNN8jS5wRI/s1600/Hitman-000.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJgIwvS7SoK5QBS53eWUn0G9gjNdr-1cvb8A9FlIJ5V1npeVYAergGU6NMQANFTvC228ud6LDJ46lYhUMISUrAEL3QiAUaYzi9oRQJTRVfTrSgqLEVBiFBj0n6IuDOPVQ5lGvNN8jS5wRI/s800/Hitman-000.jpg" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-4E4XQlm2W0coie-706FlHakybKRpzG0dBOh5Dt96G-uNgeaEzW3n6PFQWdPqfQ7mol6_qm8Db7hyphenhyphenwQBBJ76rdjyRY1FRPPpftLSh1B3SVXzIB-oavdsMf5M0daoOnVRG5-LIRaT_7fAM/s1600/Hitman-001.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-4E4XQlm2W0coie-706FlHakybKRpzG0dBOh5Dt96G-uNgeaEzW3n6PFQWdPqfQ7mol6_qm8Db7hyphenhyphenwQBBJ76rdjyRY1FRPPpftLSh1B3SVXzIB-oavdsMf5M0daoOnVRG5-LIRaT_7fAM/s800/Hitman-001.jpg" /></a><br />
It was late afternoon, scattered beams of sunlight filtered through the windows as Cooper made his way downstairs. There weren't many people left, a few staffers, a couple of studio musicians and him. Pushing open the door to the recording studio Coop picked up his Kramer wrapping his long fingers around its neck almost lovingly as he eased onto a stool. He was surrounded by mahogany and expensive rugs, sensual deep colors that Beth had chosen. Closing his eyes he breathed in the aroma of rich leather as he began to carefully pick at a particular melody with which he had been toying.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaDJV__bpPfWm-c1MJUih9eMoayKYty5ANFO9s86sDA_2cTa5tDyfmN-UeAB-SQg1gt8XJlmNi5I2mJGpDQoGOooFF23v2qpqzaNnW6H5px-qThyphenhyphen68j-bzO_-c1wNxHU1FwCCAZiuTm16_/s1600/Hitman-002.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaDJV__bpPfWm-c1MJUih9eMoayKYty5ANFO9s86sDA_2cTa5tDyfmN-UeAB-SQg1gt8XJlmNi5I2mJGpDQoGOooFF23v2qpqzaNnW6H5px-qThyphenhyphen68j-bzO_-c1wNxHU1FwCCAZiuTm16_/s800/Hitman-002.jpg" /></a><br />
His hands slid fluidly over the strings as he played drawing himself deeper into the song until he was oblivious to everything else. Cooper played the melody over and over changing it up, slowing it down, dropping the key. However much time had passed, he was unaware. This was his element and Cooper's entire body hummed; he was the hypnotic melody that flowed through the amp and filled the room. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCsEwkf-QehH14ZLEXqyYhUSrOnPDp48nWiBGh5HqmHevoJ07d5pKVeOmO3zP77MkjSK6CQWzyg7NBqp4HcIYHdesoDnwfyduAxKdWxHL7WZbx0LvkAiC76WFCkLSHZrZy2T-yF658tawx/s1600/Hitman-003.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCsEwkf-QehH14ZLEXqyYhUSrOnPDp48nWiBGh5HqmHevoJ07d5pKVeOmO3zP77MkjSK6CQWzyg7NBqp4HcIYHdesoDnwfyduAxKdWxHL7WZbx0LvkAiC76WFCkLSHZrZy2T-yF658tawx/s800/Hitman-003.jpg" /></a><br />
It would have been impossible to count the number of times over the years that he spent long evenings playing and writing music. How many dinners had he been late for, how many times over the long span of time had he lost himself here in this room. Cooper wasn't sure what caused it but he suddenly felt a prickly sensation on the back of his neck. The music stopped as he rose, gently set his guitar against the leather couch and glanced around the room. His heart hammered in his chest as he saw the reflection in the control room window, a petite woman with long black hair stood in silhouette watching. Once the moment had passed, Cooper motioned for her to join him.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtQV0u2axUxTP8MoxQxxt5Qhfku8SUQNGJK2UE8f8EpDjA3Hh_c7sJdtzseVjJjrW7zmQlIr9FTcsdhA6iqS6xJZ6ihO2f8BRZeoOTBTFK2D6i0KeoGuVJZcP2mVP6prk7COItZRGnHSHv/s1600/Hitman-004.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtQV0u2axUxTP8MoxQxxt5Qhfku8SUQNGJK2UE8f8EpDjA3Hh_c7sJdtzseVjJjrW7zmQlIr9FTcsdhA6iqS6xJZ6ihO2f8BRZeoOTBTFK2D6i0KeoGuVJZcP2mVP6prk7COItZRGnHSHv/s800/Hitman-004.jpg" /></a><br />
Gemma entered the room and smiled at Cooper as she lowered herself onto the couch. "That was impressive! I had heard that you really got into the zone when you were creating music but I never expected it would be like that. I still have goose bumps."<br />
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Cooper leaned against the stool, folded his arms and suspiciously watched her. "How did you get into my control room Gemma? Why are you here?"<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihp664pEM9k9n2EiZQ0OrdP-Jol8HT389ZO9MveSy-pkP_Dg_ld_5MDMtnwjswwLODSOF5TFHb2NF7X8kHVR-wReuk718wk_xm7hMXMFZp7C0opJb_ufI6ws13YW-xvLNu70Ls-z5A5BOd/s1600/Hitman-005.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihp664pEM9k9n2EiZQ0OrdP-Jol8HT389ZO9MveSy-pkP_Dg_ld_5MDMtnwjswwLODSOF5TFHb2NF7X8kHVR-wReuk718wk_xm7hMXMFZp7C0opJb_ufI6ws13YW-xvLNu70Ls-z5A5BOd/s800/Hitman-005.jpg" /></a><br />
Gemma rose and walked around the room admiring the various guitars and other equipment scattered around. Her hand rested against the neck of the guitar that Coop had been playing moments ago and drew a quick breath as if she could still feel the heat of his hands or the vibration of his music still flowing through it. Without looking at him she sidestepped his question and instead answered, "I was here once, a very long time ago. I'm sure you don't remember. It was just after Julia had disappeared."<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB1aWlxHUoFNxSo6Li8tKcTyEFZwg6yd9PlzSWVGpZZEFLgWCssnDe-LzQMsgzLrvguePa6sTU5TcGq4B9mUqHcR-lC2WgDEcoS-MEJ_8-c9iREpPqqIJKpkwl6SXbc3WwGti72E55W-3z/s1600/Hitman-006.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB1aWlxHUoFNxSo6Li8tKcTyEFZwg6yd9PlzSWVGpZZEFLgWCssnDe-LzQMsgzLrvguePa6sTU5TcGq4B9mUqHcR-lC2WgDEcoS-MEJ_8-c9iREpPqqIJKpkwl6SXbc3WwGti72E55W-3z/s800/Hitman-006.jpg" /></a><br />
Walking forward, Gemma watched him thoughtfully, "You were wasted out of your mind and entertaining a couple of girls, equally wasted as I recall. You were a very sad man, I could see that, but I was a star-struck young girl who wanted what my cousin had and lost. I envied her luck finding a guy like you, I was never as lucky in love as Julia. And there you were grieving for her, drowning in your loss."<br />
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Cooper stepped back struggling to remain focused. He didn't want to relive those painful days and preferred to keep them buried. "That was a lifetime ago. You're out of your mind to come here and try that with me."<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4MdrymZKhowaAoIMkdwQfLHWBOOrcdiWIXtzaZloALhO3M6bnPLYgDCO7CNK9ezbGLq2b7wx3t02mfGmNc6Ri0KpCMxLouag6GVPLzv_6xXk87lvYqA1wR7paJcPJHwzH72HFaDKXnqDD/s1600/Hitman-007.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4MdrymZKhowaAoIMkdwQfLHWBOOrcdiWIXtzaZloALhO3M6bnPLYgDCO7CNK9ezbGLq2b7wx3t02mfGmNc6Ri0KpCMxLouag6GVPLzv_6xXk87lvYqA1wR7paJcPJHwzH72HFaDKXnqDD/s800/Hitman-007.jpg" /></a><br />
"I'm not trying anything Cooper! I've spent the better part of my adult life trying to make something of myself no thanks to my family. So what if I use what I have to get my foot in the door? That's all I'm doing! Give me an opportunity; take a chance on me, is that so much to ask? I don't want anything else from you and I swear you won't regret it."<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsyEDqvwqsk18w7hs26B3G2qFov04aqc4kWU9TxtLyi8Ve2154f3QVRxFULOLBY8K0ZX7uUW9sGILzGNbtse52OHiolQ-xUtQKfiCUbJpgwbG0x1uy6OZ9IvnNaT10MIAApLOyGUGNF_3Z/s1600/Hitman-008.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsyEDqvwqsk18w7hs26B3G2qFov04aqc4kWU9TxtLyi8Ve2154f3QVRxFULOLBY8K0ZX7uUW9sGILzGNbtse52OHiolQ-xUtQKfiCUbJpgwbG0x1uy6OZ9IvnNaT10MIAApLOyGUGNF_3Z/s800/Hitman-008.jpg" /></a><br />
"I'll ask again, how did you get in?"<br />
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Gemma waited, held her breath for the briefest of seconds, let it out and replied, "The girl at the desk let me in. I told her who I was. Look, don't fire her please? I was pretty convincing."<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTSiUdm7AaDo8WMdcfEF6q7tgAcZdI2OY-c2vFM4efAwim9iB2R5vFWN64203s8Xoe4lESfVs25JDzWfCzCkY14vZOjN9qt0jjMVsoiKXgTYQn0IkTqvTg40LbhEorFFisTCq-YZAYUcWD/s1600/Hitman-009.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTSiUdm7AaDo8WMdcfEF6q7tgAcZdI2OY-c2vFM4efAwim9iB2R5vFWN64203s8Xoe4lESfVs25JDzWfCzCkY14vZOjN9qt0jjMVsoiKXgTYQn0IkTqvTg40LbhEorFFisTCq-YZAYUcWD/s800/Hitman-009.jpg" /></a><br />
He hesitated, glancing past her at that leather couch. He remembered stretching out on it, his wife wrapped in his arms, her skirt hiked up, his pants unzipped, and Beth's laughter afterwards when he'd murmured a teasing complaint: he would never be able to look at the couch without seeing her there naked. "That," she had purred in contentment, "is the exactly the point." They'd grown closer, closer than they'd been in years, trying to rebuild trust, trying to keep everyone else out. Gemma's little trip down memory lane felt like an intro to seduction, and it alarmed and infuriated him. She was not just another woman; she threatened the fragile peace he'd finally attained.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS8sJPTZk1ltYoiQZWj_qomOXxurb4WhBh-1zXjwkGalEHg9O54fzKACK58HlaGJeVmHFtuDrOnYdcUduMP7ZU3lPVvZ8a8P6t2XAKQ6Es0stzgSwzTgVQUXqN5yWvyJ0UdFzhCGnh79Sm/s1600/Hitman-010.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS8sJPTZk1ltYoiQZWj_qomOXxurb4WhBh-1zXjwkGalEHg9O54fzKACK58HlaGJeVmHFtuDrOnYdcUduMP7ZU3lPVvZ8a8P6t2XAKQ6Es0stzgSwzTgVQUXqN5yWvyJ0UdFzhCGnh79Sm/s800/Hitman-010.jpg" /></a><br />
Leaning in toward her, he spoke in a low, almost menacing voice. "Understand this, Gemma. You have no claim on my attention or my business. None. You want a chance? You've got the same chance any other agent has, and so far I am not impressed. Now get out of my studio, and do not, I repeat, do not pull this kind of stunt again."<br />
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<b>Finnigan's Pub, South Beach Crossing, Early Evening</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZHUIbn5oWZivWqtQdFgA0P7VC3uO-tGYdQSXVqGHuAgPtzmcGrA6lYJYJNXIoxSmAQ7ojjFjcQppptp7P0rKQ_uux5J7ssneYH2OO47HLeJ6GKbfBjgTrPC705gq4qw_ZlXQQ0Aaa8VEc/s1600/Hitman+Pub-001.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZHUIbn5oWZivWqtQdFgA0P7VC3uO-tGYdQSXVqGHuAgPtzmcGrA6lYJYJNXIoxSmAQ7ojjFjcQppptp7P0rKQ_uux5J7ssneYH2OO47HLeJ6GKbfBjgTrPC705gq4qw_ZlXQQ0Aaa8VEc/s800/Hitman+Pub-001.jpg" /></a><br />
Gemma walked purposely down the street toward the garage where she parked her car. Angry and distracted, she abruptly turned and headed toward the pub just ahead. How could she have been so foolish; she knew better than to play the seduction card. Hell she hadn't really even tried but that's exactly how she came off and now she may have blown her chance. Worst of all, Cooper, a notorious flirt, didn't even give her the time of day. Gemma always thought she was much more attractive than her cousin. She was certainly considerably more outgoing if her sordid past with men was any indication. Had Cooper buried his feelings for Julia for good? "He's moved on, cousin, truly over you. I wonder how that would make you feel?"<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx58n1yfKuyt1rmapyjYHoiw3NfZZwlmU6iDpCTto4xPpRPzmUoScrcdjSz85CxU6EQ4BcQOjqTqpm-8GLjfHxQb5Ik7f6rm876xCRyanetW62DcIz5n-Iv70_v14oPAGb4j2zkBfpCxws/s1600/Hitman+Pub-002.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx58n1yfKuyt1rmapyjYHoiw3NfZZwlmU6iDpCTto4xPpRPzmUoScrcdjSz85CxU6EQ4BcQOjqTqpm-8GLjfHxQb5Ik7f6rm876xCRyanetW62DcIz5n-Iv70_v14oPAGb4j2zkBfpCxws/s800/Hitman+Pub-002.jpg" /></a><br />
Pushing through the door Gemma chided herself, "Stupid girl, now what are you going to do?" She as much as guaranteed a contract to Brew, to Jimmy in particular, and he was the key to the kingdom. If she blew this he would walk and effectively flush her career down the toilet. What band would trust her after this?<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXvfkRK1NP2W1HKPxOKhynY4LukhIcLSmroOJAqjDkTYBo6m9HV9RZT2isnPTUgg9vn-c8dKOVbDTNRkGNCH9XAJXhEfYyZpvbpra9LJIWkNejFmmpJWNGzZFvFIrUw6ALY2-Vs698Ywbt/s1600/Hitman+Pub-004.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXvfkRK1NP2W1HKPxOKhynY4LukhIcLSmroOJAqjDkTYBo6m9HV9RZT2isnPTUgg9vn-c8dKOVbDTNRkGNCH9XAJXhEfYyZpvbpra9LJIWkNejFmmpJWNGzZFvFIrUw6ALY2-Vs698Ywbt/s800/Hitman+Pub-004.jpg" /></a><br />
Gemma ordered a drink, an expensive Merlot, and carried it with her upstairs. She had to think, find an angle that would get her back into Hitman with a signed contract before she met with Jimmy and the boys. She was so preoccupied, so lost in thought, that the man who approached her from behind caught her off guard. "Well hello there gorgeous; you look lost in thought. Did you know that would give you wrinkles frowning like that?"<br />
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Smiling, she turned slowly and faced the man behind her. Perhaps this night wouldn't be a complete bust after all.<br />
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<b>Hitman, Late Evening</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4H0Hf8YzVBMqm7TV-zEH1n5EPNEobthX6am8f0jjma-98WBzpHyEMlIvd3kWA7wFZlmPgRSxkFpauNf0P7QBqx8LV4cmJmoyCc-CPrEClmyvSOCGJBN07hg1GDRHTonlh7-BXnB2pqXMj/s1600/parking+lot001.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4H0Hf8YzVBMqm7TV-zEH1n5EPNEobthX6am8f0jjma-98WBzpHyEMlIvd3kWA7wFZlmPgRSxkFpauNf0P7QBqx8LV4cmJmoyCc-CPrEClmyvSOCGJBN07hg1GDRHTonlh7-BXnB2pqXMj/s800/parking+lot001.jpg" /></a><br />
It was long after dark, hours after he'd planned to finish and leave. The last riff still running through him, through his hands, Cooper shut it down, left the studio, slammed and locked the door and strode across the parking lot toward his bike. A light flickered, spat, burned out, leaving him in the dark.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLPiNcAxT6WMDaQaYiLTvpTJ-mQnd5NK034F6BpywkfGRNXYF0MQYirtMbE1kui_TlVjniMTjov-pzq-68XbNGHYkMyZy-dmCaIw5WtyE3IXNgWVMGxZvgebMf8yFVIz94M7tlmytW7rDK/s1600/parking+lot002.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLPiNcAxT6WMDaQaYiLTvpTJ-mQnd5NK034F6BpywkfGRNXYF0MQYirtMbE1kui_TlVjniMTjov-pzq-68XbNGHYkMyZy-dmCaIw5WtyE3IXNgWVMGxZvgebMf8yFVIz94M7tlmytW7rDK/s800/parking+lot002.jpg" /></a><br />
"Cooper." One word, his name, quiet, close, neither male nor female, a breath carrying his name.<br />
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He stiffened, turned hard, staring into the shadows. A couple at the far end of the sidewalk crossed the street toward the club, laughing and hanging onto each other. A car drove by and took a left at the light, red tail lights shining. There was nothing there, nothing but ordinary traffic in the city at night. Unnerved, recalling his reaction when he saw Gemma's reflection a few hours ago, so much like Jules standing there watching him and waiting for him, waiting and watching, he found it hard to breathe. Come on, he told himself. Don't do this. You're gaslighting yourself.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfcZgR_lBaA7v2z-wttbvHTC_blG1NSQyUAThSwcrjLIw_dbVkxGwYGgHBysi2SBVQ1o5-Pyqwv1iPL-Lh_WIGLTyEOh_FK2GbfUc7b0I9jjVbxzaxe2TWm90v5PSCoXwh7iJvnY1_BFZU/s1600/parking+lot003.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfcZgR_lBaA7v2z-wttbvHTC_blG1NSQyUAThSwcrjLIw_dbVkxGwYGgHBysi2SBVQ1o5-Pyqwv1iPL-Lh_WIGLTyEOh_FK2GbfUc7b0I9jjVbxzaxe2TWm90v5PSCoXwh7iJvnY1_BFZU/s800/parking+lot003.jpg" /></a><br />
"Fuck," he muttered, tired, close to exhausted, thinking he wanted to make that trip again tomorrow to see Rayne but damn it was two hours away. He needed to go home, take Beth to bed, let her help him shut it out, the memory, all of it, deal with the rest of it tomorrow. He'd set the whole issue of Gemma aside, hadn't explained her relationship with Jules to Beth, and he wondered, again, if he should. And decided again, that it wasn't worth it. There was no point in worrying her about nothing. Things were good between them now, very good, and he was determined to keep them that way.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhog3MNZhG-xgN02yNIMZ_1v79v4f7Q484YQbwDv9ZZWQNFKPHCOjMXzuePKjEwYlF7TwAYRup8rGA106F9O7Hq_ObX2Hjo8hF41Jy5rP0rxPgRSD4bASHyTn1b37PJIrErPXwBv741T0QC/s1600/parking+lot005.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhog3MNZhG-xgN02yNIMZ_1v79v4f7Q484YQbwDv9ZZWQNFKPHCOjMXzuePKjEwYlF7TwAYRup8rGA106F9O7Hq_ObX2Hjo8hF41Jy5rP0rxPgRSD4bASHyTn1b37PJIrErPXwBv741T0QC/s800/parking+lot005.jpg" /></a><br />
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He dug into his jeans for the keys, found them. He threw one leg over his bike, still struggling with the key, when he thought he heard it again, the quiet voice calling his name. This time he ignored it. Started the bike, revved the engine, and with one last look back into shadow, his skin crawling, turned his back and tore away, burning rubber, leaving a long black smoking track behind him.<br />
</span><br />
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<i><b>NEXT CHAPTER: <a href="http://ddpassages.blogspot.com/2010/06/passages-20.html">Passages 20</a> </b></i>thewyndhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09476656359810192923noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3192880522798293586.post-78592582552642210722010-04-01T09:47:00.002-07:002023-05-18T15:55:18.213-07:00Sessions 23<i>Oh, I've seen fire and I've seen rain<br />
I've seen sunny days that I thought would never end<br />
I've seen lonely times when I could not find a friend<br />
But I always thought that I'd see you, baby, one more time again, now </i><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiydyh3cD2R_ehuAaiTV0UiyzEkKnGyTD4xJOGEjh_i9L1OKyzD5-KF_0ZCMelC_xiy6uAKcsyTRXcm7r-j-ZvJ_iQXHTdklS3p5_Bq-ZkLc5Qg5R1fwjWSVHT9o-3iCd6ajzco5Ob0TY2y/s1600/s+23+1+005.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiydyh3cD2R_ehuAaiTV0UiyzEkKnGyTD4xJOGEjh_i9L1OKyzD5-KF_0ZCMelC_xiy6uAKcsyTRXcm7r-j-ZvJ_iQXHTdklS3p5_Bq-ZkLc5Qg5R1fwjWSVHT9o-3iCd6ajzco5Ob0TY2y/s800/s+23+1+005.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Their encore had been a blur of music and lights along with the crowd screaming for more but Cooper's attention was definitely focused elsewhere. Whoever the woman was, she was the spitting image of Julia. He didn't discount the possibility that she could be a manufactured replica meant to derail him, it wouldn't be the first time he had been deceived with smoke and mirrors, but he shoved the idea aside. Julia was dead but this woman was a living, breathing mirror image of his long dead ex-wife and he was going to find out who she was.<br />
<br />
He was quickly realizing the plans he had made with Elisa were going to need to be postponed. There was no way he was going to walk out of here without finding out who the hell this woman was and what she wanted. Grabbing his cell, he placed a call. "Hey baby, it's me..."<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiApeFIeDr6QEo8i-urZys-9UB_xYRBUVcYwVASJWzGvqge-tVQDN_7mmJg5Kr9v2kr-Z_vCg5wQWigfJ9A16pxoA_Me2-NVifb8QfpaFMv0Q1MNwwCAV53nfKnYgBanhVRLUcdfGw3VqWt/s1600/s+23+2+005.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiApeFIeDr6QEo8i-urZys-9UB_xYRBUVcYwVASJWzGvqge-tVQDN_7mmJg5Kr9v2kr-Z_vCg5wQWigfJ9A16pxoA_Me2-NVifb8QfpaFMv0Q1MNwwCAV53nfKnYgBanhVRLUcdfGw3VqWt/s800/s+23+2+005.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div>
"I'm going to be longer than I thought - something's come up….Baby, I’m sorry. I’ll be there as soon as I can."<br />
<br />
Elisa stared speechlessly at the phone, then glanced up at the clubhouse. She saw him through the windows, standing there, not looking in her direction, looking at a woman. Who was she? She looked like Julia. Julia was dead. Tightening her grip on the phone, she almost asked her husband not to leave her down here but she took a deep breath and let him go. "It's ok Coop, I’ll see you later." <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0cXJhdoNTXor93q5xx1wGYLy1SJ5CaMqQkBLM4dUy2MRHQnbXT5TlSiXk1hB6y9mlZiU84ycTyBGV6WtU0AfDIa6NE04LdigEAdhLe-q2ZXTyLNu7kgsHXw89INy5H8CPabcfnJ_nHNAl/s1600/s+23+2+010.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0cXJhdoNTXor93q5xx1wGYLy1SJ5CaMqQkBLM4dUy2MRHQnbXT5TlSiXk1hB6y9mlZiU84ycTyBGV6WtU0AfDIa6NE04LdigEAdhLe-q2ZXTyLNu7kgsHXw89INy5H8CPabcfnJ_nHNAl/s800/s+23+2+010.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Brooding and uneasy, she lingered in the warm night air and continued to watch Cooper and the mystery woman. He leaned over her, then turned away, then turned back, his body language agitated. Several other women were wandering around, trying to catch his attention, getting distracted smiles but not the usual flirtation. Coop could knock them dead and dismiss them at the same time when he was into it. He wasn't into it. Something was wrong.<br />
<br />
Women came up with all kinds of bizarre excuses to get close to Cooper. It was conceivable that some look-alike was deliberately playing up the resemblance to Julia, hoping to intrigue and excite him. He would definitely be intrigued and excited. All that old guilt and love and sorrow were still there, bottled up, waiting for something like this to release them.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZwqqx2zfNRY9vVxsvhtoZJJE8a1uFRFXFLz8y6ZQDuCsCl3hVwTQ1zENkrnk035LJe82EP9A5ydJanEq47SzcS0ZHece6QIYHq8PXyKx0inwiqGxiP4oTu2ni_dVLflM8iv2fPH40AwYc/s1600/s+23+2+015.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZwqqx2zfNRY9vVxsvhtoZJJE8a1uFRFXFLz8y6ZQDuCsCl3hVwTQ1zENkrnk035LJe82EP9A5ydJanEq47SzcS0ZHece6QIYHq8PXyKx0inwiqGxiP4oTu2ni_dVLflM8iv2fPH40AwYc/s800/s+23+2+015.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
A thread of memory, a sunny day in the city in an art gallery, Ryan there with her, Ryan's deep voice warning her about Julia, about women in Cooper's past, what had he said? Something about women, about ghosts from Cooper’s past. He’d said, "It doesn't do any good to look back at them." That advice had proved to be seriously wrong.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Bf-5o8HxoRZzrwfjXdis6U19HVQmNnp4W8NI9C3grnzss-_f7szsKK2-xvQL2BJXQzCpTJezBfAF5uXmLVkabbu7OBUPxG7rxJikVCEpWGgz1-MrGpgoEhnzgU6x_D1VmlXFdpnZEGk6/s1600/s+23+2+020.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Bf-5o8HxoRZzrwfjXdis6U19HVQmNnp4W8NI9C3grnzss-_f7szsKK2-xvQL2BJXQzCpTJezBfAF5uXmLVkabbu7OBUPxG7rxJikVCEpWGgz1-MrGpgoEhnzgU6x_D1VmlXFdpnZEGk6/s800/s+23+2+020.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Instead of heading north across the dark field toward the parking lot, Elisa grabbed the rail and started rapidly up the stairs, running almost headlong into Rafe Lombardo who was exiting the press room via the back door. “Hey,” he greeted her absently, trying to get past.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0It0URcGEfYH6sYKvCbReA8daa3_rhxB45gS_MCiKCZzkuEV6Eh89526PezrdwukafQ4D9qip28SGWz0CpXBFTXHKPBiwn0fKtqspP0rpF5Ptr0BOnDX49yNjZrddkVa7BdFTBz9VgH86/s1600/s+23+2+025.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0It0URcGEfYH6sYKvCbReA8daa3_rhxB45gS_MCiKCZzkuEV6Eh89526PezrdwukafQ4D9qip28SGWz0CpXBFTXHKPBiwn0fKtqspP0rpF5Ptr0BOnDX49yNjZrddkVa7BdFTBz9VgH86/s800/s+23+2+025.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
“Rafe, wait a minute,” she said, grabbing at his arm, which seemed to be the only way to slow him down. “Do you know that woman with Cooper?”<br />
<br />
He glanced back, shrugged, “She’s an agent; she’s shopping a couple of clients.”<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM3U0cTQ1huTZGbeDeQluMzojqrAboiqJr-4tAMqrXmWXVboKK-fe3m6nFI3ai0K3rNLz0-aY6vsqLI6W982-9jR7zKhdx2pOBu92anEYu3dQcfl_UgXjmp7y4AcvxTrSQdVQwIGb22oHF/s1600/s+23+2+030.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM3U0cTQ1huTZGbeDeQluMzojqrAboiqJr-4tAMqrXmWXVboKK-fe3m6nFI3ai0K3rNLz0-aY6vsqLI6W982-9jR7zKhdx2pOBu92anEYu3dQcfl_UgXjmp7y4AcvxTrSQdVQwIGb22oHF/s800/s+23+2+030.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
That made some sense; at least it explained her presence. Elise mused, “She looks exactly like Julia.”<br />
<br />
He stopped trying to get around her, looked back at the woman and then said, “I never met Julia. Pretty good angle though, she’s sure got his attention. I doubt he’s going to buy what she’s selling. The best of her catalog is Jimmy Breaux who can’t stay sober long enough to find his way to the studio.”<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj75L8R4Z3nFaA6eIrAGICuXw5NFc_KVBYLt4emMDxnBRtwLL9ywHzoCt5to29jf5LxdnUScIxm6LxOkr-aosGbwUsjwQT1SRgAVP4s-KrTumIyvwXUQPSebNWKMVXhS7dlU9X1VuMNwlia/s1600/s+23+2+035.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj75L8R4Z3nFaA6eIrAGICuXw5NFc_KVBYLt4emMDxnBRtwLL9ywHzoCt5to29jf5LxdnUScIxm6LxOkr-aosGbwUsjwQT1SRgAVP4s-KrTumIyvwXUQPSebNWKMVXhS7dlU9X1VuMNwlia/s800/s+23+2+035.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
The name Jimmy Breaux meant nothing to her. Elisa started to thank him and move on past when Rafe stepped into her path. It was quiet on the catwalk, and he pitched his voice low. “Speaking of rehab, how’s Rayne?”<br />
<br />
She pulled away from him. “I suppose she’s all right. Thank you. I don’t want to keep you, Rafe.”<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVf0dO3dDOsjXyEnCRkLdWfETPmRBiM4HdsgHytS2RfYFAVEAgDrgsL8CmMDsPQSW6R541AkeMqZmDpxakSkBA1OD-GmWoS8lxzjddIAVJFtapMB_BD3rJm7Ax0nbfNRNKCANxdhQWN7wZ/s1600/s+23+2+040.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVf0dO3dDOsjXyEnCRkLdWfETPmRBiM4HdsgHytS2RfYFAVEAgDrgsL8CmMDsPQSW6R541AkeMqZmDpxakSkBA1OD-GmWoS8lxzjddIAVJFtapMB_BD3rJm7Ax0nbfNRNKCANxdhQWN7wZ/s800/s+23+2+040.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
“Elisa,” he continued firmly, “she’s a kid. You and Ryan did a lot worse, and you know it. Think about how she felt seeing your bare ass plastered all over the tabloids. Give her a break.”<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkKudIHob2oWYU6bSF9NwW4FwcdbGgyeJyrK4iJdiAthq5YuVM1mLwhtw30KjkgHXSgkbPtxMOBBFYqDIwUSSvq93vP_C-bgiA4W_hJn5Ho2_qLJaGeYh4iM005wVvbFijsxbEUAV9dXdP/s1600/s+23+2+045.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkKudIHob2oWYU6bSF9NwW4FwcdbGgyeJyrK4iJdiAthq5YuVM1mLwhtw30KjkgHXSgkbPtxMOBBFYqDIwUSSvq93vP_C-bgiA4W_hJn5Ho2_qLJaGeYh4iM005wVvbFijsxbEUAV9dXdP/s800/s+23+2+045.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
She could hear Cooper’s voice through the glass door. He sounded confused and irritated. This was not the time to chat about Rayne. She didn’t want to talk about Rayne, or think about Rayne and Ryan together, it brought up such impossible and conflicting emotions including a couple best left stomped down hard and buried in the cellar at the bottom of her mind. “Rayne will be fine. Thank you for your concern; I have to go.”<br />
<br />
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG2ndsAuhyphenhyphenpWG6D0fQGdxTYXyLxjnhWGRsvd9FKJszjXgh7F6MW5-oN-1Dx_g43avJ9gR5jXRqtXQdIoVvhKrWfL0tghTxNtoK4y78N92hqkVKGiBulIxd9tViFhlwjCOOqvO7J0lcV40J/s1600/s+23+3+005.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG2ndsAuhyphenhyphenpWG6D0fQGdxTYXyLxjnhWGRsvd9FKJszjXgh7F6MW5-oN-1Dx_g43avJ9gR5jXRqtXQdIoVvhKrWfL0tghTxNtoK4y78N92hqkVKGiBulIxd9tViFhlwjCOOqvO7J0lcV40J/s800/s+23+3+005.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Cooper wove through the crowd mingling in the press room absently acknowledging fans, press, or the promoters that greeted him as his eyes scanned the room for the slender woman that threw him into a tailspin. Cooper spotted her at the buffet table idly chatting with a distributor. He watched her carefully, even her movements were like Julia's, but there was an edge to her that he never saw in J. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG4bcpAjfT9NuacHRdJOOsZLN2C8uf1k1Q5_F9xjATVlC90MHVsjNBwz0NdHYlsHBWIsYE04t0gPVRKEWUasAxoOzhoPlrHxUdpx2uCX9HN1FMGfd_FvxrxzSGzL3jorJEQ1LSL01WBQmz/s1600/s+23+3+010.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG4bcpAjfT9NuacHRdJOOsZLN2C8uf1k1Q5_F9xjATVlC90MHVsjNBwz0NdHYlsHBWIsYE04t0gPVRKEWUasAxoOzhoPlrHxUdpx2uCX9HN1FMGfd_FvxrxzSGzL3jorJEQ1LSL01WBQmz/s800/s+23+3+010.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Drawing a deep breath he worked his way through the crowd and grasped her arm. "We need to talk. In the other room.” Leading the way, Cooper steered her away from the crowd. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvEhvPcOIDQPtDYtTevyl1s8i_hOD5YAO2xECYzFUNz9cyuXwrwc8ufJWqt2NkF7-1LKN6UdnpP67XelRC3Apz6FMsmUfckw2q9LbhuYIf6wBM-4CdAyVNFtE0tUZuK1kv5FIF_JXpklbk/s1600/s+23+3+015.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvEhvPcOIDQPtDYtTevyl1s8i_hOD5YAO2xECYzFUNz9cyuXwrwc8ufJWqt2NkF7-1LKN6UdnpP67XelRC3Apz6FMsmUfckw2q9LbhuYIf6wBM-4CdAyVNFtE0tUZuK1kv5FIF_JXpklbk/s800/s+23+3+015.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
“I don't believe you answered my earlier question. Who the hell are you?" She faced him, slowly dragging clear blue eyes up along his body until they met his gaze. Cooper was struck once more with the familiarity of those eyes, Julia's eyes, Wyatt's eyes. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA2zTRAO6knYIGJQrRAR8LyBbZR1xw25GQNhPsAeskGizleyoX5k6WF-yOTSOEKi-Qs0RMeHHHS7IBACNj9-Z4pk5mYu8l0jo0wnUSw_qhHk6wllbeXliJBBRHWotrrwCECdpqOjI-9NsW/s1600/s+23+3+020.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA2zTRAO6knYIGJQrRAR8LyBbZR1xw25GQNhPsAeskGizleyoX5k6WF-yOTSOEKi-Qs0RMeHHHS7IBACNj9-Z4pk5mYu8l0jo0wnUSw_qhHk6wllbeXliJBBRHWotrrwCECdpqOjI-9NsW/s800/s+23+3+020.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
"I didn't expect you to be this tall," she began. "I can certainly see why Julia would have been so smitten. I'm Gemma Wilson, Julia's cousin."<br />
<br />
Cooper rocked back, stunned, and eyed her suspiciously. So she was related to J, but he didn’t remember a cousin, and he couldn’t wrap his mind around why she would be here, distracted by her looks, so much, too much like Jules. His skin crawled. "Julia never mentioned you."<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyPelMv1WEHokmZqTOcuTrAb6SUUIaeDNYFHshPnirBx7_f-D_jaN85UbMHFfHpCuJbizYsUdlmn3cxpBs-SIFZtMSvN-psENTeLG0RC_rDkawpzT3H4mk5DJeIVNByxH7xPNwg6-B91Ge/s1600/s+23+3+025.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyPelMv1WEHokmZqTOcuTrAb6SUUIaeDNYFHshPnirBx7_f-D_jaN85UbMHFfHpCuJbizYsUdlmn3cxpBs-SIFZtMSvN-psENTeLG0RC_rDkawpzT3H4mk5DJeIVNByxH7xPNwg6-B91Ge/s800/s+23+3+025.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></div><div>
She laughed; it was almost musical, "We were never really close; our fathers didn't exactly see eye to eye on much of anything and neither did we. We were rather competitive, Julia in her mild-mannered way and me...well, not so mild-mannered. But I'm not here to discuss Julia."<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3gZkCSPEdyi5d-IWgIZq_tyUOqtIyDSAsIDUN94xEv-SegJv7AbJBO4Ercolqjr5gJoDSVV8PTfcqXjYUx-EQ3qzXshz9HDoL4xEJcXfEAcXZSe2MhH2o5hKrcjuCCcW2FFUTZ3MyMt_9/s1600/s+23+3+030.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3gZkCSPEdyi5d-IWgIZq_tyUOqtIyDSAsIDUN94xEv-SegJv7AbJBO4Ercolqjr5gJoDSVV8PTfcqXjYUx-EQ3qzXshz9HDoL4xEJcXfEAcXZSe2MhH2o5hKrcjuCCcW2FFUTZ3MyMt_9/s800/s+23+3+030.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></div><div>
He stepped close and in a hard voice, demanded, "Then why are you here? What do you want?"<br />
<br />
Gemma slid back and settled on top of one of the crates, stretching out one long leg. "I represent Jimmy Breaux, the band Brew. I'm shopping labels. Yours seemed like a good fit. Jimmy's going to be a big star so I'm giving you the first shot."<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjGDgz_pjF8yhXBlkeqpZbHLISywo5VTKG2YhKGbCuthEQqfqcv_DlA6HfXVHWY3IYPTlBrGEFw7kbN107nf4vgNVKXWArsCY6UI1YNxgnErf-AJs8q1Gn7cRGXcqRQwQtIVlNY9L5b80z/s1600/s+23+3+035.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjGDgz_pjF8yhXBlkeqpZbHLISywo5VTKG2YhKGbCuthEQqfqcv_DlA6HfXVHWY3IYPTlBrGEFw7kbN107nf4vgNVKXWArsCY6UI1YNxgnErf-AJs8q1Gn7cRGXcqRQwQtIVlNY9L5b80z/s800/s+23+3+035.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></div><div>
The last thing Coop wanted was to give Jimmy Breaux a chance to get any closer to him or to Rayne. Opening the door to further contact was not going to happen. Breaux had fucked up every opportunity he'd ever had. He couldn't come up with any reason to associate his label with that idiot. "Jimmy Breaux? Why in hell would we sign him?" <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi067chawC1CpW_0NcQaEl7eJh5I28Vt54zPXEpsKsPIyh7GRXgFYQUGJi3sDuHimI4SP2YqVPwH6wwrO3QfYUcV6ULWEvqO9IG9elyJukL8-EX9cntFkn4N_WzFxau78pDQK1T4cPoNqjX/s1600/s+23+3+040.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi067chawC1CpW_0NcQaEl7eJh5I28Vt54zPXEpsKsPIyh7GRXgFYQUGJi3sDuHimI4SP2YqVPwH6wwrO3QfYUcV6ULWEvqO9IG9elyJukL8-EX9cntFkn4N_WzFxau78pDQK1T4cPoNqjX/s800/s+23+3+040.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></div><div>
"Jimmy's getting his shit together, and when he does he is going to be a force in this business." She hesitated for a moment as if weighing her next words carefully, "You and Julia had a son...Wyatt was it? Is he signed? I've heard he's pretty good. Maybe I'll stop by and see him while I'm in town. I wouldn't mind shopping him around; in fact I know a few labels that would jump through hoops to sign him."<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLHqgcl8m7ZMWSaBdDJXlZ9y-h3yWBscynwPCrvsxjl6xoilGVWLF141anFJCNLah4okKVaqR-h2P2O7Y1G8ev_0LoTexIlLmuqkbSikhvdSzr6cdmV4ky_tEQHNpHsYS9gSnsei9nKj45/s1600/s+23+3+045.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLHqgcl8m7ZMWSaBdDJXlZ9y-h3yWBscynwPCrvsxjl6xoilGVWLF141anFJCNLah4okKVaqR-h2P2O7Y1G8ev_0LoTexIlLmuqkbSikhvdSzr6cdmV4ky_tEQHNpHsYS9gSnsei9nKj45/s800/s+23+3+045.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></div><div>
Cooper's anger flared. The last thing he needed was for Wyatt to be thrown back into painful memories by this doppelganger. He was suspicious and wary. "What makes you think he would be the slightest bit interested in what you have to offer? Wyatt knows where his best interests lie. That's one trip you can cancel."<br />
<br />
"He's my cousin, even if he is once or twice removed; it's the least I can do to stop by and meet him while I'm here." Gemma started for the stairs but hesitated and, looking over her shoulder at Cooper, she smiled, "I have a small house on Cloud Lake near my aunt and uncle. Stop by if you're in the area and we can talk more about Jimmy." Almost an afterthought, she added, "I wouldn't mind hearing about Julia if you don't have a problem talking about her. It was nice meeting you, Cooper."<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2rHLszaV2FY_xH6ZpZ9m2R43GFLLPusNo6bWQ3r7NRpm6LBfrkg-1sWAjEnF3geJOrUmiCY0Lgyuj49Shv5HdeX9UKaDessQpmBJzbg_c2qm_K5alLo1wmOfd5XRRyEdBa7PbkutwbKdT/s1600/s+23+3+050.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2rHLszaV2FY_xH6ZpZ9m2R43GFLLPusNo6bWQ3r7NRpm6LBfrkg-1sWAjEnF3geJOrUmiCY0Lgyuj49Shv5HdeX9UKaDessQpmBJzbg_c2qm_K5alLo1wmOfd5XRRyEdBa7PbkutwbKdT/s800/s+23+3+050.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></div><div>
She turned to leave without waiting for a response leaving him stunned. Cooper watched her descend the stairs, disturbed and confused. He had no idea what to think of this woman and her motives. Access, definitely she was after that. He hadn't missed the subtle moves, something he'd normally ignore, but he couldn't with this woman, so much like Jules, the way she walked, the way she looked at him.</div><div>
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"Damn it!" he growled realizing how much time had passed, and he knew he had already blown apart the new beginning that he wanted with Elisa. Once again, he’d put her second, and he’d done it after pressing her to come with him, after insisting that since Ryan was out of the picture, he’d have no problem making things right on his end. And once again, something had gone wrong.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4wk1tjkJV9WZqwZqjZ3QAou1FR172NLJO5XIUNymPxDftuUcNOhZfYFKGitmrZ_bUoXu6irAicsNiYmTEQ7z6svMJx3z3ITeYQIJCw-kcBgkKW66uc0JX7fmFPedvd22blhjEI7XldT9r/s1600/s+23+3+060.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4wk1tjkJV9WZqwZqjZ3QAou1FR172NLJO5XIUNymPxDftuUcNOhZfYFKGitmrZ_bUoXu6irAicsNiYmTEQ7z6svMJx3z3ITeYQIJCw-kcBgkKW66uc0JX7fmFPedvd22blhjEI7XldT9r/s800/s+23+3+060.jpg" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1rvcvYLk-6o3NQHn4SGlmc1LSFd-Lq39jXhkaW7llrXf6DlaDohxpZM6wxBvlMrtCTxdF1ptoEX9PJMsQer0U41WvI-ZCDtcOtra55MVZW7rFVojlWl4h4lK39CHSmzPUDtnu3UBuf9Fg/s1600/s+23+3+065.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1rvcvYLk-6o3NQHn4SGlmc1LSFd-Lq39jXhkaW7llrXf6DlaDohxpZM6wxBvlMrtCTxdF1ptoEX9PJMsQer0U41WvI-ZCDtcOtra55MVZW7rFVojlWl4h4lK39CHSmzPUDtnu3UBuf9Fg/s800/s+23+3+065.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></div><div>
Before his cell was out of his pocket, Elisa had come through the door and headed for him. The expression she wore was hard to read. When she reached, put her arms securely around him and murmured against his chest, a quiet reassurance, he relaxed and leaned back into her. She’d known, somehow she’d known he needed her. Instead of leaving, she’d come back for him. They were going to get through this. He didn't need to tell her about Gemma right now. "Let's go home baby."<i><b></b></i></div>S.B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15236399168777815648noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3192880522798293586.post-77290874136261248042010-03-08T13:53:00.002-08:002022-05-09T20:56:11.431-07:00Sessions 22<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">The Crossing - Wildcat Stadium - Benefit for Performing Arts</span><div><b><br /></b>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiMu_afOO_-dO400GpdTXxRiLEjhqv_e6hb_ygLYnFbIjoYSm5sGgx5aa6cZ7NKJasd_gmBmLUQfyVYgyOdBlieOUcagBgt_RaXdhpeVvJHZvzQJL7V1cpgGc8B2YAok_MBjJ0S2ryNNRa/s1600-h/S22-01-001.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiMu_afOO_-dO400GpdTXxRiLEjhqv_e6hb_ygLYnFbIjoYSm5sGgx5aa6cZ7NKJasd_gmBmLUQfyVYgyOdBlieOUcagBgt_RaXdhpeVvJHZvzQJL7V1cpgGc8B2YAok_MBjJ0S2ryNNRa/s800/S22-01-001.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></div><div>
Pacing between the stacks of equipment, Cooper watched Storm Warning as they moved into the last set. If they hadn't booked the benefit concert months ago and featured Storm Warning as the opening act Cooper would have found another band. The energy in their music was gone; they were doing nothing more than phoning it in and even that sucked. "Everything all right Coop?" Slim had walked up quietly behind him.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWyORGGIaN0wuDIPF4tEEawesqkSncwmySV2FdYi1as40T3SVWVJTFLR-5unQlN8RTy06IJadXdG0YRzhbFC8d9YRPR-QtY7PLtLLlZQj7ph1AVGxy3AjYNgpN8VwhbLse9qOrUGDMRA6w/s1600-h/S22-01-002.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWyORGGIaN0wuDIPF4tEEawesqkSncwmySV2FdYi1as40T3SVWVJTFLR-5unQlN8RTy06IJadXdG0YRzhbFC8d9YRPR-QtY7PLtLLlZQj7ph1AVGxy3AjYNgpN8VwhbLse9qOrUGDMRA6w/s800/S22-01-002.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></div><div>
He turned to Slim, shrugged, trying to mask the unease he felt and glanced back at the press door for the hundredth time. "Yeah...you haven't seen Elise, have you?"<br />
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"Not since you asked ten minutes ago."<br />
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Choosing to indulge Slim's sarcasm he muttered, "She's probably waiting until Storm Warning finishes." Cooper looked down at the stage once more his face drawn tightly as he stood with his arms folded.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEGacJwsdQTxvbLfo3kxUSGmA3lgteTMw222a3xEtcxoXmyAFpQvfYSUiKfk1b_nTNY_sMT7GD_GXRdIcNYk8Gn3UxO3PSX3q4CPHrLSMZHNTjxgmL0buGxDQNoLeqByqNTssIIYFJT1vy/s1600-h/S22-01-004.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEGacJwsdQTxvbLfo3kxUSGmA3lgteTMw222a3xEtcxoXmyAFpQvfYSUiKfk1b_nTNY_sMT7GD_GXRdIcNYk8Gn3UxO3PSX3q4CPHrLSMZHNTjxgmL0buGxDQNoLeqByqNTssIIYFJT1vy/s800/S22-01-004.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></div><div>
"Probably." Obviously changing the subject, Slim asked, "You still thinking about touring again?"</div><div><br /></div><div>On edge, distracted, Cooper continued to impatiently stride around, all the while shooting glances back at the door. "I've got some details I need to work out before that's going to happen but yes, I am."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUE45jQ3hUL4PlyCsKeswN3X2PvUR82O03uOd3U9Lpw_skKul8u-K-W8s5jD2de0uyzAKVwIRWShHXdd19w8fu0-yf8T3Fp-B5s-G0dOms0I9uYMmOGUTyhMp4QvKjPCjhsKxGKFWhWrhyphenhyphen/s1600-h/S22-01-006.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUE45jQ3hUL4PlyCsKeswN3X2PvUR82O03uOd3U9Lpw_skKul8u-K-W8s5jD2de0uyzAKVwIRWShHXdd19w8fu0-yf8T3Fp-B5s-G0dOms0I9uYMmOGUTyhMp4QvKjPCjhsKxGKFWhWrhyphenhyphen/s800/S22-01-006.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></div><div>
They both watched as Stevie rose from behind her kit and waved to the crowd as she joined the other two for a bow before filing off the stage behind Shaun and toward the clubhouse doors. "Any chance Stevie would be one of those details?"<br />
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Tyler briefly, and without much interest, acknowledged the benefit performance crowd again and strode offstage in the other direction without a backwards glance. "Yes she is," Cooper agreed, thoughtfully watching Tyler. <br />
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"All right," Slim remarked, "then we need to address it soon. I'll get in front of it. If things go sideways with them, and I have no doubt they will, we need to be prepared." Briefly resting his hand on Coop's shoulder, Slim strode away and began barking orders at the crew.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOzJ7EOy55sPHvB8DTJBEYPcsD_SMGngDID2jhjcIu-Q9W3u1Vt6bT7bpaJlBADYtyyVSx7KPnRZSqG-X8nXAol-AME7eKMzgi4ZH-Bj29rfMSKnybB2WP1W1j_SRYFFVXpa-iN4L7MRyz/s1600-h/S22-01-009.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOzJ7EOy55sPHvB8DTJBEYPcsD_SMGngDID2jhjcIu-Q9W3u1Vt6bT7bpaJlBADYtyyVSx7KPnRZSqG-X8nXAol-AME7eKMzgi4ZH-Bj29rfMSKnybB2WP1W1j_SRYFFVXpa-iN4L7MRyz/s800/S22-01-009.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></div><div>
Wanting to move away from the chaos, Cooper stepped out onto the balcony that led to the catwalk that would take them onstage. Absorbed in his thoughts, he jumped, startled, as someone lightly stroked his back. Elise pulled back, startled herself and apologized, "Sorry! I thought you were expecting me."<br />
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He drew a long breath of relief, slid his arm around her waist and smiled down into her eyes. She didn't want to be here, not with Stevie in the same venue, and it had taken a good deal of effort on his part to cajole and seduce a promise from her. He'd told himself she'd keep that promise, but as hours dragged by, he'd begun to worry. They had to start rebuilding trust. This benefit performance, close to home, was supposed to be that new beginning for both of them. "You're a couple of hours late. What happened? Did they give you trouble out front?"<br />
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"Just waiting for the main event, that's all." She touched his mouth with her fingertips, her expression serious, uncertain, and said to him, "You really didn’t think I’d stand you up, did you?"<br />
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“It crossed my mind,” Cooper admitted. <br />
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Elise’s attention drifted away from him toward the door that Stevie just exited. They exchanged a wary glance until Stevie abruptly turned and walked out, Elise's eyes following the direction Stevie had gone. “Hey,” he warned her, his voice gentle but his grip on her shoulders hard. “Let it go. It’s over. We’re not looking back. Fuck the past; that was our deal. I don’t want you thinking about anybody but me tonight. Got it?”<br />
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or a heartbeat she didn’t respond, and then she smiled and slowly ran her hand down his bare arm. “Then get out there and make sure I don’t.”<br />
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"Let's do this," Heydon's voice cut into the moment and Cooper looked up. The rest of the band stood waiting for him to take the lead, looking to him the way they always did to set the pace. Danny drummed absently on his thighs, Aidan waited calmly with a half grin, and Heydon, still seemingly bitter over what Coop could only imagine was resentment for the way things had gone down. But no matter what their differences were off stage, when they performed they were one cohesive unit.<br />
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Adrenaline pumped furiously through him; that same rush, the amped up electricity moving him forward with confidence as the legendary rock monster prepared to take the arena.</div><div>
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Strutting around the stage, giving it everything in his impressive arsenal, Cooper put on a show for his woman who stood by the back of the stage and watched him, waited for him, wanted him and supported him; it was what he dreamed of.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh1Q6VRfzNGgK6xE3U2QUYkmSYEZAHh2jyAmAP96hy0vMiwLqmtC7CUzjtUmpw3MZKcNiP2ctcI9RWpa0oYRPAeM93Le2Q5F6-esacCEPyNOXWxA2AkVIW4_glukoElke-G_eOosoNlQGB/s1600-h/S22-02-007.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh1Q6VRfzNGgK6xE3U2QUYkmSYEZAHh2jyAmAP96hy0vMiwLqmtC7CUzjtUmpw3MZKcNiP2ctcI9RWpa0oYRPAeM93Le2Q5F6-esacCEPyNOXWxA2AkVIW4_glukoElke-G_eOosoNlQGB/s800/S22-02-007.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></div><div>
Finishing the last song in the set, they took their bows and ran off the stage. "I hope that performance met with your approval," his eyes were lit with the energy and passion he took from the music as he smiled down at Elise.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVU7NE0hRLUgQERdsNE6hqQ5Htkm76PtgyDnhk-VNOWz_DfCHIXc8PwD83iP8KXMFIyxZas4qaEDZmGYTXVc42UVra_h4I8Rj9K2fghOIYt04WZxYkjv99buH4dlbBFvWOtKOx8WMqkVzH/s1600-h/S22-02-008.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVU7NE0hRLUgQERdsNE6hqQ5Htkm76PtgyDnhk-VNOWz_DfCHIXc8PwD83iP8KXMFIyxZas4qaEDZmGYTXVc42UVra_h4I8Rj9K2fghOIYt04WZxYkjv99buH4dlbBFvWOtKOx8WMqkVzH/s800/S22-02-008.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></div><div>
He was dripping with sweat now, and her skin glowed with the heat, fever hot against his as she brushed up against his body, shouting above the crowd and breathless. “You’re going to do this – you’re going to tour again. I want you to do it.”<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjttYvMryaAFN2ZILQ3v57ixM6sPcPSXG6vDXKSJc3VJTpprMEu845chvEVmeu4HvEV5VRk_rXH811J5Er4UTN9iOhuYRqmfTs6B45-ODJvgTG6cUB6rETcL3cFJtg0i3E3sbJFe1JGK2ZK/s1600-h/Beads+of+sweat.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjttYvMryaAFN2ZILQ3v57ixM6sPcPSXG6vDXKSJc3VJTpprMEu845chvEVmeu4HvEV5VRk_rXH811J5Er4UTN9iOhuYRqmfTs6B45-ODJvgTG6cUB6rETcL3cFJtg0i3E3sbJFe1JGK2ZK/s800/Beads+of+sweat.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></div><div>
"When have I said no to you baby,” he grinned sucking in the heat and the sexual energy, electric between them, and impulsively dove into what he’d been considering. “You're coming with me. I know what you want, and I’m taking care of that, but this is what I want. I want you with me, I want you there. You come with me."<br />
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Laughing, Elise stepped even closer and whispered in his ear. "I always do come with you."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN8s4CPKB2OL2wF9c5k6hunQG0COOjWcOUkIeo788zD8RjifGw2xkFH754gpsVfjhbTF3Fhbze6vcjLT3WnMdghfS_3Zy8rCzYq5RXZAkCaKehf7fl4zlX3yQmFE-F3Bn-hfIixU5VZhj_/s1600-h/S22-02-010.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN8s4CPKB2OL2wF9c5k6hunQG0COOjWcOUkIeo788zD8RjifGw2xkFH754gpsVfjhbTF3Fhbze6vcjLT3WnMdghfS_3Zy8rCzYq5RXZAkCaKehf7fl4zlX3yQmFE-F3Bn-hfIixU5VZhj_/s800/S22-02-010.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></div><div>
Drawing a quick breath Cooper looked around before shifting his eyes back on her. "I've got one quick encore and a meet and greet upstairs. Wait for me and then we're getting out of here." He started toward the stage before looking back, happier than he had been in years, and caressed her cheek, "I love you baby."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGEWlK9N3SJzJ60ysGk7u-4XtnfldM7ODUOrOqFAMgLYxcrN1CVaTEFvHb4CBl6k07nq04mnp863tUIEqdRctLIXwhGOOXxXDtYsAlBxIGMajc1cU6XGIKq82KN4Q0hnwYqxCP0Zo_qCJi/s1600-h/S22-02-011.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGEWlK9N3SJzJ60ysGk7u-4XtnfldM7ODUOrOqFAMgLYxcrN1CVaTEFvHb4CBl6k07nq04mnp863tUIEqdRctLIXwhGOOXxXDtYsAlBxIGMajc1cU6XGIKq82KN4Q0hnwYqxCP0Zo_qCJi/s800/S22-02-011.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></div><div>
As he turned once more, Cooper stopped suddenly hoping to avoid running straight into someone and the euphoria he felt moments ago left him as instantly as if he had been drenched with a bucket of ice water. The woman blocking him, standing in his way, looking directly at him – Julia. It couldn’t be. He staggered and fought for his balance, found it somehow and angrily confronted her, "Who the hell are you?"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixSVBODS-b-HLxDN3I36VQIV_MtIsgAerMVf_T2dKEK52rl9DvyIlBwpyT6DYhZqd8grgZMtAL4NRUkPFnnMq9N_LSzdz2rBEz2sgEeWJNhEvQ-0VkK9FGrwB-0gtOgFA9kr3NULe4vcRX/s1600-h/S22-02-012.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixSVBODS-b-HLxDN3I36VQIV_MtIsgAerMVf_T2dKEK52rl9DvyIlBwpyT6DYhZqd8grgZMtAL4NRUkPFnnMq9N_LSzdz2rBEz2sgEeWJNhEvQ-0VkK9FGrwB-0gtOgFA9kr3NULe4vcRX/s800/S22-02-012.jpg" /></a><br />
<br /><br /><i><b></b></i></div>thewyndhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09476656359810192923noreply@blogger.com55tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3192880522798293586.post-41705542567675661362009-12-13T14:09:00.001-08:002022-05-09T21:14:33.053-07:00Sessions 21<b>South Beach - The Peninsula</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcvkHGafR9vZmL0S0mSokIz-Ll6ERn3wbSaaxCzCILLnvGguUAb1TTlW29vgUXzIlX19XIHAZV6NxMTz9uxBn9pPhDWeeVPkruFjGRC-XoDRnbfzzN4P-JK-eKAdeLmthHRI10KYnQbwWl/s1600-h/Coop+by+the+bridge.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414859736815713842" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcvkHGafR9vZmL0S0mSokIz-Ll6ERn3wbSaaxCzCILLnvGguUAb1TTlW29vgUXzIlX19XIHAZV6NxMTz9uxBn9pPhDWeeVPkruFjGRC-XoDRnbfzzN4P-JK-eKAdeLmthHRI10KYnQbwWl/s800/Coop+by+the+bridge.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 450px; width: 600px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQY7Du71rvgmxIOyhXo0YlFlAcYkL8ZhjayePKLGDF774X-CK7gLMInH8vbWfrkrJR5U0mqvtzMCWpXiQ6K82fJkhJRE8LDILjUMjXc7TEJXF8aXOq2zF8Ll0dj8f9F_nH6YEBIjdnc7yd/s1600-h/ssn+21+1+005+copy.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414843299589660866" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQY7Du71rvgmxIOyhXo0YlFlAcYkL8ZhjayePKLGDF774X-CK7gLMInH8vbWfrkrJR5U0mqvtzMCWpXiQ6K82fJkhJRE8LDILjUMjXc7TEJXF8aXOq2zF8Ll0dj8f9F_nH6YEBIjdnc7yd/s800/ssn+21+1+005+copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 450px; width: 600px;" /></a><br /><br />
</span><div><span>Cooper awakened with a start, disoriented, stiff and uncomfortable. Early morning light had begun to filter slowly through the heavy windows casting shadows against the stark white walls. It came hammering back on him as looked at the time and groaned. He had only sat down for a moment and closed his eyes to clear his head and think. That moment had been hours ago.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7htbnHWyhuZ7sl0jDUW5KO2N1sahvT50CxE0SJqbJCJMhry5OabbqdYA7E58o7Bku-n9nJ2ahLi1uWnrqn2sc3cPidwCBwNw3ukqX_Q18lE_ww524EAsQyJASFon2dg0uOjIu4v5Zlzwm/s1600-h/ssn+21+1+010+copy.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414842846931895410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7htbnHWyhuZ7sl0jDUW5KO2N1sahvT50CxE0SJqbJCJMhry5OabbqdYA7E58o7Bku-n9nJ2ahLi1uWnrqn2sc3cPidwCBwNw3ukqX_Q18lE_ww524EAsQyJASFon2dg0uOjIu4v5Zlzwm/s800/ssn+21+1+010+copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 450px; width: 600px;" /></a><br /><br />
</span></div><div><span>Cursing vehemently for losing precious hours Cooper stretched to ease his sore muscles, and headed across the silent living room toward the downstairs bathroom. He could use a shower. He could still feel the salt on his skin from the marina last night, on top of road dirt and sweat.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjplHKv7JDW9AA6lZXZnPPdTSpuRSjBN2EgBlppprpCL-WGyGRO5ZYHKR_y2o11wjAXTKhWJK_bdXXxUMcchM4fvzOtKNXI6QrAdhKGE0kB-fXAA775OSl64ppiaxsLypegDqlesijO7zkV/s1600-h/ssn+21+1+015+copy.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414844693290705282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjplHKv7JDW9AA6lZXZnPPdTSpuRSjBN2EgBlppprpCL-WGyGRO5ZYHKR_y2o11wjAXTKhWJK_bdXXxUMcchM4fvzOtKNXI6QrAdhKGE0kB-fXAA775OSl64ppiaxsLypegDqlesijO7zkV/s800/ssn+21+1+015+copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 450px; width: 600px;" /></a><br /><br />
</span></div><div><span>The 6 foot wide photo hung on the wall in front him: himself, playing a Gibson, a photo taken a long time ago. It might, he thought uneasily as he passed it, it might have been taken when he was living with Stevie. He hadn't thought about that photo in years, walking by it, never paying much attention to it. Elise liked it; he thought she did, no, he was sure she did. You're not sure of anything, he told himself wearily. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim-i_koDj1UdFctBZMTnm6wkxhLK80b_lxB3uB-m4YngZC9Tt5kSY8PrmXblaVEKimq5kv660he73qbiowwDuaEdetnZFE9YHXuywtpWT7UXALHNL7DWZf2XObY55buJNAmMTIz6-GNxlm/s1600-h/ssn+21+1+020+v2+copy.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416794676040004002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim-i_koDj1UdFctBZMTnm6wkxhLK80b_lxB3uB-m4YngZC9Tt5kSY8PrmXblaVEKimq5kv660he73qbiowwDuaEdetnZFE9YHXuywtpWT7UXALHNL7DWZf2XObY55buJNAmMTIz6-GNxlm/s800/ssn+21+1+020+v2+copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 450px; width: 600px;" /></a><br /><br />
</span></div><div><span>He splashed water on his face before angrily staring at his reflection. "Where the fuck did you go?" He combed through the house last night looking for something, anything that would lead to where Beth had gone. He came up empty; the house was clean. No clue as to their whereabouts, just an empty, dark house. Not even a note.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLmuqJfM7voNoY7iFsvDrR2XOXdwI1aZ0RiInbidxM3ugp38SwcseiuLQl1tkWJ6Cthcmhgs_vG1uLahSzZ4NLN1nvzxnoBFiZhH3m0MfEAYz1HUOLeyVtzekpTTANjU7DI7HN50HfLeeh/s1600-h/ssn+21+1+025+copy.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414842837675639890" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLmuqJfM7voNoY7iFsvDrR2XOXdwI1aZ0RiInbidxM3ugp38SwcseiuLQl1tkWJ6Cthcmhgs_vG1uLahSzZ4NLN1nvzxnoBFiZhH3m0MfEAYz1HUOLeyVtzekpTTANjU7DI7HN50HfLeeh/s800/ssn+21+1+025+copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 450px; width: 600px;" /></a><br /><br />
</span></div><div><span>Nothing about this felt right. Uneasy, dark anger bubbling to the surface once more Cooper quickly went upstairs. The bed was made; he couldn't stand the thought of her not being in it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfsfsGZx0ByS6_aURtcLTqskyxhR6sY66RYNS2pa2yiur3HOcBwpTtZ94VCo0BFsFHlPR2nXy7Q9jM0qWiE32KNGG9joJA03jdPP2k1Q4PzLcE4if_dS0lCHdWvgafcTuK-cIj9U7-R2_s/s1600-h/ssn+21+1+030+copy.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414842836220706130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfsfsGZx0ByS6_aURtcLTqskyxhR6sY66RYNS2pa2yiur3HOcBwpTtZ94VCo0BFsFHlPR2nXy7Q9jM0qWiE32KNGG9joJA03jdPP2k1Q4PzLcE4if_dS0lCHdWvgafcTuK-cIj9U7-R2_s/s800/ssn+21+1+030+copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 450px; width: 600px;" /></a><br /><br />
</span></div><div><span>Camilla's words came firing back at him, striking right between the eyes. He had effectively made himself unavailable, and if Elise had tried to reach him, had known where he was, damn he didn't want to think about what she would have felt at that point.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj0yolbgsJvU1MqLttaJ-sBRc-a11J__5mO0jPkBYFA2C0mJBgGBOz-Dy15PlDMGBmb1fyHnQuZNL6dtU4yxrbZUqvuB6uTghQp6A3t7ytQUEqanzeTCfRoQAkKr006l67fJDGz9T8JbVL/s1600-h/ssn+21+1+035.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414843099038733810" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj0yolbgsJvU1MqLttaJ-sBRc-a11J__5mO0jPkBYFA2C0mJBgGBOz-Dy15PlDMGBmb1fyHnQuZNL6dtU4yxrbZUqvuB6uTghQp6A3t7ytQUEqanzeTCfRoQAkKr006l67fJDGz9T8JbVL/s800/ssn+21+1+035.png" style="cursor: pointer; height: 450px; width: 600px;" /></a><br /><br />
</span></div><div><span>Cooper threw on a clean shirt and pushed through the doors and outside. Early, thin sunlight shone through the trees. Maybe he’d stayed here too long; maybe it was time to get out of this place with all its memories and take her somewhere else. He looked down the street to the west, toward Bay View, groggy, trying to ignore the ache in his neck and back. How long ago had things started to come apart? Heydon was on his case; Stevie, that was bad and he'd missed that completely; and now this. He could make it right, he'd always been able to make it right, but first he had to find her. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRqMG73GHMABDW9HMQgrKdPmdAguC_Fp9JebBE72LkSRa-2G386Tjd09-R9CaZktCsNDKBpx-mfFyhZRIE9BXqwxrcAxYkm2OhAaatM2C4VoBeb83eMCoOAjbtwSjj-9TEHFYfdZ_Qe-0V/s1600-h/ssn+21+1+040+copy.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414842830931741186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRqMG73GHMABDW9HMQgrKdPmdAguC_Fp9JebBE72LkSRa-2G386Tjd09-R9CaZktCsNDKBpx-mfFyhZRIE9BXqwxrcAxYkm2OhAaatM2C4VoBeb83eMCoOAjbtwSjj-9TEHFYfdZ_Qe-0V/s800/ssn+21+1+040+copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 450px; width: 600px;" /></a><br /><br />
</span></div><div><span>He’d make a call, try that first. If that didn’t work, taking a deep and troubled breath, he knew where he had to go.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNNdxAxZ-9wkG_gJzu3XUmmQ23pFULRLeoEdjy4B5eWkm5o22PQTLhPFv02zFXXlbLU1i5uNDxEoqMR-WPirLuhMc_oKQmxGYogbWbJsK0oJq0qZMxGQ91aFjtDih5MrSG3XJDa69M11Fw/s1600-h/S21-Wyatt-01.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414837926232787810" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNNdxAxZ-9wkG_gJzu3XUmmQ23pFULRLeoEdjy4B5eWkm5o22PQTLhPFv02zFXXlbLU1i5uNDxEoqMR-WPirLuhMc_oKQmxGYogbWbJsK0oJq0qZMxGQ91aFjtDih5MrSG3XJDa69M11Fw/s800/S21-Wyatt-01.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 450px; width: 600px;" /></a><br /><br />
</span></div><div><span>Cooper punched in the number on his cell as he started down the stairs. He knew Wyatt would be in class or heading to one but he was going to get what he could from him. "Wyatt, have you heard from Eric or Nate?"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaCrJOd3ysFRdxtTFG_0hLxbKxEkAxu7vz-XAMRmc3prdnHamZ_tJ_ryYDaMmeg45m8vSm7BTax5F7CQh8ckRebp0qQptqzuOv113HlKVOJ8OqvVSmcRRmifMumaSHN87Ak4R1Ow2QzwVp/s1600-h/S21-Wyatt-02.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414837919015153794" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaCrJOd3ysFRdxtTFG_0hLxbKxEkAxu7vz-XAMRmc3prdnHamZ_tJ_ryYDaMmeg45m8vSm7BTax5F7CQh8ckRebp0qQptqzuOv113HlKVOJ8OqvVSmcRRmifMumaSHN87Ak4R1Ow2QzwVp/s800/S21-Wyatt-02.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 450px; width: 600px;" /></a><br /><br />
</span></div><div><span>Wyatt had barely answered the phone before Cooper went at him. Throwing his guitar over his shoulder he started toward the door. "Hello Dad, nice to hear from you too."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWcNU0UmiGh9v_qsv7cCu9yk8Y635hmRtIXbOv_yEhE-x_Pz5UJG3wO-9_iVN2CvmaBZuahNgvgTOSzQhU4kt4ZqSbWbu-3hdCSPFixg79FBfgu5ARhoFxnEpdu3C6ykkakg5rvNy2xTs5/s1600-h/S21-Wyatt-03.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414837902095689410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWcNU0UmiGh9v_qsv7cCu9yk8Y635hmRtIXbOv_yEhE-x_Pz5UJG3wO-9_iVN2CvmaBZuahNgvgTOSzQhU4kt4ZqSbWbu-3hdCSPFixg79FBfgu5ARhoFxnEpdu3C6ykkakg5rvNy2xTs5/s800/S21-Wyatt-03.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 450px; width: 600px;" /></a><br /><br />
</span></div><div><span>"All right cut the sarcasm. I can't get in touch with Elise or the boys. Wyatt, they're gone, when I got home last night the house was empty. Have you talked to either of them?"<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHhlZmaoTIypTudM6FR_NyRBCyHjeMWfDDRpD5UO7y4yb7Ko82YkLvA-fVm1Ice4S5x0s-GL21B2GMb6UllvDs8Kl4axCF3KSx29Mji_qHLcWDQXVhwNFq03fZoUvpuU_1S5udKwhChCp9/s1600-h/S21-Wyatt-04.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414837802508214098" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHhlZmaoTIypTudM6FR_NyRBCyHjeMWfDDRpD5UO7y4yb7Ko82YkLvA-fVm1Ice4S5x0s-GL21B2GMb6UllvDs8Kl4axCF3KSx29Mji_qHLcWDQXVhwNFq03fZoUvpuU_1S5udKwhChCp9/s800/S21-Wyatt-04.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 450px; width: 600px;" /></a><br /><br />
</span></div><div><span>Wyatt's confusion was evident in his voice. "Yeah I talked to Eric yesterday. Elise didn't leave a note? Call you? Nothing? Look Dad, Eric was asking me about you and Stevie, nothing specific but he did sound a little...freaked out about it like there was something serious going on." There was a brief hesitation before Wyatt continued. "Are you and Stevie hanging out?"<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2F-QkIoc9ugmBS0PFAp0mmIRbrTzAqJO9pbDe2IK6S97_DntrdAmx0PuAFWcCrHGvPsotz6LZqpCO3LNuxUHlcL-YI-kW-k-jFuqvA9_N2chJrsAmDdAuKv9D4ssLuUxwhdk8kxVTg2Yg/s1600-h/S21-Wyatt-05.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414837794691552450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2F-QkIoc9ugmBS0PFAp0mmIRbrTzAqJO9pbDe2IK6S97_DntrdAmx0PuAFWcCrHGvPsotz6LZqpCO3LNuxUHlcL-YI-kW-k-jFuqvA9_N2chJrsAmDdAuKv9D4ssLuUxwhdk8kxVTg2Yg/s800/S21-Wyatt-05.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 450px; width: 600px;" /></a><br />
<span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-style: italic;">"No, damn it! There's nothing between me and Stevie, nothing! What did he say; did you ask him where he was?"</span> Cooper's voice blasted through the phone causing one girl to look strangely at Wyatt as they passed each other between classes.<br />
<br />
"I assumed he was home. Why would I think anything else?" <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcVM7IVNiGYO80-N8m3ieUxLHBPZc3sF6jc_jqU4xo9lQY7i_MZC6YdR8AnYY8iACMmd6bQ3nhyr7RAPTL7EcVuyWCMD5-4E334brI_wnvVunBXv056l2ixGPH-GqeQk1Qs4TsZNE_iOIA/s1600-h/S21-Wyatt-06.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414837791503206610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcVM7IVNiGYO80-N8m3ieUxLHBPZc3sF6jc_jqU4xo9lQY7i_MZC6YdR8AnYY8iACMmd6bQ3nhyr7RAPTL7EcVuyWCMD5-4E334brI_wnvVunBXv056l2ixGPH-GqeQk1Qs4TsZNE_iOIA/s800/S21-Wyatt-06.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 450px; width: 600px;" /></a><br /><br />
</span></div><div><span>Cooper needed air; he stepped outside where he had left his bike and leaned against a tree, any glimmer of hope at a clue to their whereabouts dashed. He was worn out, his voice shaky as he spoke. "Did he at least sound safe or say anything about Elise?"<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPcoy9pZNSnRxgid2UIf1L8eWsspTfgHLpDxtAmXuVCO-d1mE8VQHuihyNKZ18w6rg53opGj_pwzN3hf7UKYCoJQrXAK2VZ3IwwWXZKIF-l-7KB7SbIAw7Bf0Fa2NWtGyQaYcKMpkeTu05/s1600-h/S21-Wyatt-07.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414837786751689410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPcoy9pZNSnRxgid2UIf1L8eWsspTfgHLpDxtAmXuVCO-d1mE8VQHuihyNKZ18w6rg53opGj_pwzN3hf7UKYCoJQrXAK2VZ3IwwWXZKIF-l-7KB7SbIAw7Bf0Fa2NWtGyQaYcKMpkeTu05/s800/S21-Wyatt-07.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 450px; width: 600px;" /></a><br /><br />
</span></div><div><span>"I'm sorry Dad. He didn't tell me anything. Nate walked in, I heard his voice in the background saying something to him and he cut the call off. I wish I could help. Look Dad, Elise loves you. Whatever is going on, she'll come home. Don't worry."<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA3dYe2fpP41-pEoCKkz6Y2t8GP-a23kQdRJMnaNaz4udxnDWO6HnGt44ZUz09JnRySzuW61e9RwC7FiwAzJzbazHRvzbcukIUZ4P1rHHIaPnBEa8dcaeykQJ_nYZkCNSU8zzXjifMb7jO/s1600-h/S21-Wyatt-08.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414837783317921826" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA3dYe2fpP41-pEoCKkz6Y2t8GP-a23kQdRJMnaNaz4udxnDWO6HnGt44ZUz09JnRySzuW61e9RwC7FiwAzJzbazHRvzbcukIUZ4P1rHHIaPnBEa8dcaeykQJ_nYZkCNSU8zzXjifMb7jO/s800/S21-Wyatt-08.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 450px; width: 600px;" /></a><br /><br />
</span></div><div><span>Cooper smiled weakly. "I hope you're right Wy. Look I gotta go. If you hear from Eric again, find out whatever you can and please, let him know I'm trying to find him, trying to find everyone."<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">The Crossing - McDermott<br />
</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfhjyacRDig6DGaHnTsVTV-ev9WoxGBLgnJM7YhJf2qtrA6XBfO41C-GXVYm9dQodkaGz09ZSgkznQnxm56a0SZfpFLkT8tqbWFq3AcESRJ5wtzVQg6EOfNkZwxKegsBxMakCjEHtI0PZR/s1600-h/ssn+21+ryan+005+copy.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414840373569611218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfhjyacRDig6DGaHnTsVTV-ev9WoxGBLgnJM7YhJf2qtrA6XBfO41C-GXVYm9dQodkaGz09ZSgkznQnxm56a0SZfpFLkT8tqbWFq3AcESRJ5wtzVQg6EOfNkZwxKegsBxMakCjEHtI0PZR/s800/ssn+21+ryan+005+copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 450px; width: 600px;" /></a><br /><br />
</span></div><div><span>Ryan's place was quiet, no activity inside that Cooper could see. He walked around, glancing upstairs, down the road, and back at the house, uncertain. Ryan might not even live here now; he hadn't been seen around the place in weeks. If Elise had gone back to him, after kicking him to curb. If she had, it wouldn't be easy to get her out. Easy? It would be impossible. Neither of them could go back if she'd done that. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijAhtFmXftH0nK5XIHnAJuAat14v1PbHAV_ExSTusitJoyheWeU2q2Q9juVlAsSvMAat5T6oDBFn20JXa_nmmE-ExXpKJBo0AXOc8SXhVLhh7Z_QL8ZPGF1TYel4OkDNL716xx6GuEKtt7/s1600-h/ssn+21+ryan+010+copy.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414840369455669826" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijAhtFmXftH0nK5XIHnAJuAat14v1PbHAV_ExSTusitJoyheWeU2q2Q9juVlAsSvMAat5T6oDBFn20JXa_nmmE-ExXpKJBo0AXOc8SXhVLhh7Z_QL8ZPGF1TYel4OkDNL716xx6GuEKtt7/s800/ssn+21+ryan+010+copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 450px; width: 600px;" /></a><br /><br />
</span></div><div><span>The loud rumble of a bike behind him drew Cooper's attention - and there was McDermott himself. Ryan threw a long leg over the bike, placed his hands on his hips as he stared back at Cooper and then slowly and deliberately walked toward him. Ryan didn't speak; he only glared at Cooper with contempt and anger. Cooper drew a deep breath. Damn he didn't want to come here like this, but he was here, nothing for it but go ahead and come right out with it. "Do you know where Elise is?"<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgboIx90_Aw-xn5ykjVdrqcvKAVXxvugkPMAhzLAj0O1DFgn31OyyvjNVlj1YM4AdFVUTBTNj1wzCXgqRGx_aqebigmjKDS_7SAEQBzPnU9q_LKfjjO_-I4OjtWEZ0dxBkrf3QuD7GcTT2F/s1600-h/ssn+21+ryan+015+copy.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414840368283852514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgboIx90_Aw-xn5ykjVdrqcvKAVXxvugkPMAhzLAj0O1DFgn31OyyvjNVlj1YM4AdFVUTBTNj1wzCXgqRGx_aqebigmjKDS_7SAEQBzPnU9q_LKfjjO_-I4OjtWEZ0dxBkrf3QuD7GcTT2F/s800/ssn+21+ryan+015+copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 450px; width: 600px;" /></a><br /><br />
</span></div><div><span>Ryan looked like hell, the side of his face bruised, but he still managed to force a grin on his face even if it didn't reach his eyes. "Why, did you lose her again? And you thought she came to me. That's priceless. If you're here looking for answers you made a serious mistake." <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYJe1ZJfz5WJEoBvSLK_kGYf116iYnoJ3RD9Uaw1c2pirTb_I7tpkSAbGtgCIK7jiYUL1dVlI_0rX2Hq7_KowJHS7PcFhoE0mZss66T6108G_QcZICiToUx8WSTXSeyp5OpVR_4v8aVAwJ/s1600-h/ssn+21+ryan+020+copy.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414840367190932050" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYJe1ZJfz5WJEoBvSLK_kGYf116iYnoJ3RD9Uaw1c2pirTb_I7tpkSAbGtgCIK7jiYUL1dVlI_0rX2Hq7_KowJHS7PcFhoE0mZss66T6108G_QcZICiToUx8WSTXSeyp5OpVR_4v8aVAwJ/s800/ssn+21+ryan+020+copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 450px; width: 600px;" /></a><br /><br />
</span></div><div><span>Grabbing at the back of Ryan's shoulder as he turned to walk up the stairs, infuriated, convinced the man was playing with him and enjoying it, Cooper shouted at him, "You son of a bitch, you know where she is, don't you!"<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMtqsic2ETlIS2iA_Li_FHx9sGFhxqs7hf30PlmbOXBsnaCrbVl2MvmAsTtJYId4UMlNJIRs7CHeF_sYuiBGaG3SPup-f-0hWeGiCMvu3SXu4FLxun4Hrpsd0CmfPTsjXWen_4lTUeG4-T/s1600-h/ssn+21+ryan+025+copy.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414840359919298818" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMtqsic2ETlIS2iA_Li_FHx9sGFhxqs7hf30PlmbOXBsnaCrbVl2MvmAsTtJYId4UMlNJIRs7CHeF_sYuiBGaG3SPup-f-0hWeGiCMvu3SXu4FLxun4Hrpsd0CmfPTsjXWen_4lTUeG4-T/s800/ssn+21+ryan+025+copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 450px; width: 600px;" /></a><br /><br />
</span></div><div><span>Ryan wheeled around to face Cooper once more, knocking aside his hand. "What if I do? What are you going to do with her? Nail her up on your wall? Hurt her again? You think there's any chance in the world I'm going to help you find her? I'll tell you what I'll do. I'll let you walk out of here alive. For her sake. Now get the fuck off my lawn."<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">The Crossing<br />
</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho7tSCMOgtANYdZudq6bgOS2cuyWcmaiBpLZR9sL1OIBDtnltAUQm8X_45ojelGiUI3Hh9Q7vXWqllncgSUCtF8piWYKsNpfkDjAi5qjs2cSGEx8on8UBQ37kxB4eQP2mDzaxMr3WZOddW/s1600-h/ScreenShot005+copy.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414833989364969954" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho7tSCMOgtANYdZudq6bgOS2cuyWcmaiBpLZR9sL1OIBDtnltAUQm8X_45ojelGiUI3Hh9Q7vXWqllncgSUCtF8piWYKsNpfkDjAi5qjs2cSGEx8on8UBQ37kxB4eQP2mDzaxMr3WZOddW/s800/ScreenShot005+copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 450px; width: 600px;" /></a><br /><br /></span></div><div><span>"Rayne! Hey can you hear me?" It had taken half the day before he’d gotten her to answer. The sky had begun to darken into twilight over the bay and the marina, and now Cooper's anger and frustration were reaching catastrophic proportions. His body shook with rage; he needed answers. Squeezing the cell tightly in his fist he blasted in the mouthpiece. "Rayne damn it! Answer me!"<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7SI3C8nHqOK2mHaNt5cBWofc9fGYe1t04Ak4vdIjYLjovbzZp7uU2V6HyKHxXR9k5bMxwKJp6lLAH6oRfv5V7kBOKs_TJEg0gcwSKBUhGTeTsQqBDmcPK3jgbDMgRs8EjY9-TDqAOqfN9/s1600-h/ScreenShot042+copy.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414834861154317570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7SI3C8nHqOK2mHaNt5cBWofc9fGYe1t04Ak4vdIjYLjovbzZp7uU2V6HyKHxXR9k5bMxwKJp6lLAH6oRfv5V7kBOKs_TJEg0gcwSKBUhGTeTsQqBDmcPK3jgbDMgRs8EjY9-TDqAOqfN9/s800/ScreenShot042+copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 450px; width: 600px;" /></a><br /><br />
</span></div><div><span>He heard music, laughter coming through the receiver. Cooper paced down the street, shouting into the phone again until she finally answered, "Yeah hang on hang a sec got to get out of shit wait a minute ok what?"<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrTlaGcWE8kLnoEPt3E-yHiv8QsvcEdIKnds8zT_9H2XwFYsfVhBdgraYgrW_mWtjKho60T7jYOEOMsvCkR7rSbSJm4P6vfNyjighyphenhyphenHtT3LcghxaqxlNTmujYIupslcm6jeXya5V80Qyyz/s1600-h/ScreenShot015+copy.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414833986560842354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrTlaGcWE8kLnoEPt3E-yHiv8QsvcEdIKnds8zT_9H2XwFYsfVhBdgraYgrW_mWtjKho60T7jYOEOMsvCkR7rSbSJm4P6vfNyjighyphenhyphenHtT3LcghxaqxlNTmujYIupslcm6jeXya5V80Qyyz/s800/ScreenShot015+copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 450px; width: 600px;" /></a><br /><br />
</span></div><div><span>She was drunk. He knew it before she’d said half a dozen words, and it stunned him. If she had a problem with alcohol, he had not known it. If he hadn’t known that, what did he know about her? Yanking back hard on the anger, he tried again. "Rayne, I want to know what’s going on with you, but I need to take care of this first. Where is your mother?" <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9rnwgjuTFBzXI-areH6kUZLXt-R_o-BaRRsW4VoKa2D2PnPcnjs8YvsZFLbdLFWzg8U9q6wI65pT23K_qmJCo9aM-IGh8JfLI6akRPi_RRA5ZX1ij5ZdzO6RSNAQW_9H1wZOmJjtCINeR/s1600-h/ScreenShot040+copy.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414834865087576738" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9rnwgjuTFBzXI-areH6kUZLXt-R_o-BaRRsW4VoKa2D2PnPcnjs8YvsZFLbdLFWzg8U9q6wI65pT23K_qmJCo9aM-IGh8JfLI6akRPi_RRA5ZX1ij5ZdzO6RSNAQW_9H1wZOmJjtCINeR/s800/ScreenShot040+copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 450px; width: 600px;" /></a><br /><br />
</span></div><div><span>Her voice, slurred, drunk, but intense, as if she was mouthing the cell, came right back. "Oh yeah! Damn I did pay for that, didn’t I pay for that? Put it on this card not the other one. Dad? They're by a bridge. There's a very big bridge. You go take care of all of that because you do not want it to be like Ryan. It can’t end up like Ryan! Ok? I have to go." <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi42H9OxgOVNSDP9DhErOc8AFrJLsqpcS2VL5gFkmUA7wWW-iTjDUT7jBgQ3yyynEbksVN7KLWK4Ht3BqaOo6Xyr5bbuh6WdS0kBGDfBnPa5at2NDjJlZIAQMXoyoZdpP7PId8dqziovlpL/s1600-h/ScreenShot020+copy.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414833982613907298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi42H9OxgOVNSDP9DhErOc8AFrJLsqpcS2VL5gFkmUA7wWW-iTjDUT7jBgQ3yyynEbksVN7KLWK4Ht3BqaOo6Xyr5bbuh6WdS0kBGDfBnPa5at2NDjJlZIAQMXoyoZdpP7PId8dqziovlpL/s800/ScreenShot020+copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 450px; width: 600px;" /></a><br /><br />
</span></div><div><span>The phone went dead leaving him disturbed and deeply uneasy as he stared at the phone. Rayne’s incoherent response, meant to be helpful as far as he could tell, left him with no answers and even more questions.<br />
<br /><b>South Beach - The Harbor</b></span></div><div><span><b><br /></b>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ2H2gHJ3R79udxn5G7MX6-BA_ZNWt5V_A5H8ita2B7qFX7n6zXg1FCH8NI8H1CIBb24KKYX_q9IOvFlGeEwCo5B_TdC9P9izdoSn4EzNgS80ZdYfmLy4B0rVTSoJqhm2snbbj_oeI23tO/s1600-h/ssn+21+Rafe+005+copy.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414833623063753090" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ2H2gHJ3R79udxn5G7MX6-BA_ZNWt5V_A5H8ita2B7qFX7n6zXg1FCH8NI8H1CIBb24KKYX_q9IOvFlGeEwCo5B_TdC9P9izdoSn4EzNgS80ZdYfmLy4B0rVTSoJqhm2snbbj_oeI23tO/s800/ssn+21+Rafe+005+copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 450px; width: 600px;" /></a><br /><br />
</span></div><div><span>Cooper kicked aside the gate, the thing was hanging on one hinge as it was, and stood in the front garden looking up at the house. He'd been here before a few times but not like this. With any luck he'd find Rafe or one of the Lombardos out somewhere, anywhere, on the other side of the damned world.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg00jWxRXMFosXY13z5Tqh0yr8mgYxwgE69_7vyAGhW83bxSjSeIb-qMGulHB1JBw87tkb1J_IXSBJT_DXPWEN1wTc9zh73J7ynARVmcLpoNuRzFXIE7TU91F58A9dZTZQEbK3dKZhP7Sm3/s1600-h/ssn+21+Rafe+010+copy.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414833619659537826" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg00jWxRXMFosXY13z5Tqh0yr8mgYxwgE69_7vyAGhW83bxSjSeIb-qMGulHB1JBw87tkb1J_IXSBJT_DXPWEN1wTc9zh73J7ynARVmcLpoNuRzFXIE7TU91F58A9dZTZQEbK3dKZhP7Sm3/s800/ssn+21+Rafe+010+copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 450px; width: 600px;" /></a><br /><br />
</span></div><div><span>He took a few seconds to think about how he wanted to deal with this if Rafe was here while walking through overgrown bushes toward the front door. Nothing.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJIgRndMAIS5t6L4zeLAwv4PFlNCavkh63hAcihg-8UsqHoJDtwhf5pOXXXkgk9BXr9eB3NPb7u7vW_TqpuBw517Jrgvd2lKljUTgetC8RM3bMRK4WX-divBvObOhHKb98Rjms61NUcWi7/s1600-h/ssn+21+Rafe+012+copy.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414833615973782914" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJIgRndMAIS5t6L4zeLAwv4PFlNCavkh63hAcihg-8UsqHoJDtwhf5pOXXXkgk9BXr9eB3NPb7u7vW_TqpuBw517Jrgvd2lKljUTgetC8RM3bMRK4WX-divBvObOhHKb98Rjms61NUcWi7/s800/ssn+21+Rafe+012+copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 450px; width: 600px;" /></a><br /><br />
</span></div><div><span>Tired, close to exhausted, nothing came through. Fuck Rafe. If Rafe was here, he was here.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm8LsLLSjgnwwwpgELz3Dtwf6nwtyM_h5sjPcNe7QReoLjZnL-iBmfBvz083urHKtAQHeTNXZ0i-jo_jfO_029XIkxLmC5Bn31HC-ffHS5hlc1XEWEq2PkZ131IVTlchyphenhyphenDs50nV1w6brhM/s1600-h/ssn+21+Rafe+015+copy.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414833608703559026" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm8LsLLSjgnwwwpgELz3Dtwf6nwtyM_h5sjPcNe7QReoLjZnL-iBmfBvz083urHKtAQHeTNXZ0i-jo_jfO_029XIkxLmC5Bn31HC-ffHS5hlc1XEWEq2PkZ131IVTlchyphenhyphenDs50nV1w6brhM/s800/ssn+21+Rafe+015+copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 450px; width: 600px;" /></a><br /><br />
</span></div><div><span>"Cooper?" Rafe's wife opened the door and started to join him out on the front porch. "Elise has been--"<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyYBPiLz3HBrIAi3K88K9ONRsNbYozYsIfB2-3VmrS_ACIgfiaI6HSl5ke7FkHNMqDQUukiYAchinImVXguvm-_n_6NyGT-Ls0X3Nc8BlNvQkxXO9fyWKVgZSg7UV2AuaSn8glQIDPyp6m/s1600-h/ssn+21+Rafe+020+copy.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414833405362800834" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyYBPiLz3HBrIAi3K88K9ONRsNbYozYsIfB2-3VmrS_ACIgfiaI6HSl5ke7FkHNMqDQUukiYAchinImVXguvm-_n_6NyGT-Ls0X3Nc8BlNvQkxXO9fyWKVgZSg7UV2AuaSn8glQIDPyp6m/s800/ssn+21+Rafe+020+copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 450px; width: 600px;" /></a><br /><br />
</span></div><div><span>"She hasn’t been here," Rafe interrupted. He loomed up, coming out of nowhere, cutting her off. "We haven’t seen her, and yeah, I know she’s not where you’d like to have her."<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhdq_a_jCtKoO0WVvnRSmI0BldmZkRifY-aL9NIVgIzwxqfXAMZcBBLRHvCGAc8Peu8-_E_N4fqAKr_Pi-RvGum7afjkJrgcWImHcyuSlhOBlbZZaCVsp8iPuiVHJNqMKTfDEP1QEASLly/s1600-h/ssn+21+Rafe+025+copy.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414833401209713826" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhdq_a_jCtKoO0WVvnRSmI0BldmZkRifY-aL9NIVgIzwxqfXAMZcBBLRHvCGAc8Peu8-_E_N4fqAKr_Pi-RvGum7afjkJrgcWImHcyuSlhOBlbZZaCVsp8iPuiVHJNqMKTfDEP1QEASLly/s800/ssn+21+Rafe+025+copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 450px; width: 600px;" /></a><br /><br />
</span></div><div><span>Taken by surprise, he hadn't heard him coming, Cooper wheeled around hard. He drew a long angry and weary breath and shot back at him, "I'm tired of the damned games Rafe. Don't get in my way, not this time. Where is she?"<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLjHUqN_Wl9rFxPV9xc_P1brzK-G_YQiTY1AfcNoJy7At7WckXTg_YAYOn3vufCxVoxDUEOVWeON4uzoynFip4GYPgocR-l2pecURqm5Y3QwUBo_iMNKItwHXdysHJL9asXJrSVUZSVP1A/s1600-h/ssn+21+Rafe+030+copy.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414833400791953490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLjHUqN_Wl9rFxPV9xc_P1brzK-G_YQiTY1AfcNoJy7At7WckXTg_YAYOn3vufCxVoxDUEOVWeON4uzoynFip4GYPgocR-l2pecURqm5Y3QwUBo_iMNKItwHXdysHJL9asXJrSVUZSVP1A/s800/ssn+21+Rafe+030+copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 450px; width: 600px;" /></a><br /><br />Rafe cast one glance at his wife, careful, an exchange that seemed to go both ways, then whipped long light eyes back at him. Wind from the beach tossed black hair over his shoulders, and Rafe rocked back, crossed his arms, and shook his head and aimed that feral smile at him. <br /><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg110fKT-M0V873oXAmLeq2XcaBzunCW5MUD63PtS4C8MWhwU3WsD-iRLl3sVX8qut9V_tM4BZgT3mjMJ5cphgwjhrqhKsHWsFbzRjIAloMX2m_miW_Uprki5BxG2mbbkB5Y2NlK2Qgac1n/s1600-h/ssn+21+Rafe+040+copy.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414833387544757346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg110fKT-M0V873oXAmLeq2XcaBzunCW5MUD63PtS4C8MWhwU3WsD-iRLl3sVX8qut9V_tM4BZgT3mjMJ5cphgwjhrqhKsHWsFbzRjIAloMX2m_miW_Uprki5BxG2mbbkB5Y2NlK2Qgac1n/s800/ssn+21+Rafe+040+copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 450px; width: 600px;" /></a><br /><br /></span></div><div><span>"I'm going to be in your way. I'm always going to be in your way. You don't go through my wife, and you sure as hell don't go through me to get to her. If she wants you, she'll let you know. Think about it – you know you can have what you want, but you can’t have everything you want. Good night, Cooper. And don’t trip over my holiday tree on your way out.”</span></div><div><span>
<br /><b>Cloud Lake</b></span></div><div><span><b><br /></b>
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<br /><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-1OISA3KlIZ32OFHSSKsncgM_ZFEjszoyfACILYyuMxrt701deQpXjNpvRyi9hdLD56l1QHtR7jChPZiO_t4HPWbHqrwQqdrOe9Zlgm3l9Q4Spm2x-7mFXnlF-ceau7za-orNHUUiiQZz/s1600-h/Cooper+looking+at+Christmas+tree.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414850407675993010" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-1OISA3KlIZ32OFHSSKsncgM_ZFEjszoyfACILYyuMxrt701deQpXjNpvRyi9hdLD56l1QHtR7jChPZiO_t4HPWbHqrwQqdrOe9Zlgm3l9Q4Spm2x-7mFXnlF-ceau7za-orNHUUiiQZz/s800/Cooper+looking+at+Christmas+tree.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 450px; width: 600px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE6eaK9lnom3welhyQHxQ_2V-cl9WJlIdd45tEtsVZ-_vsGLx4lptp8QLx2gysxObQVgr_tl3u4QHOWWbx0E5GFRhj5THUBiP4Cqj88SPP9vpm7RK7WoS3paMtsqA4r5BcP8ZApRU4jXGx/s1600-h/ScreenShot023+copy.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414832600780024642" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE6eaK9lnom3welhyQHxQ_2V-cl9WJlIdd45tEtsVZ-_vsGLx4lptp8QLx2gysxObQVgr_tl3u4QHOWWbx0E5GFRhj5THUBiP4Cqj88SPP9vpm7RK7WoS3paMtsqA4r5BcP8ZApRU4jXGx/s800/ScreenShot023+copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 450px; width: 600px;" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">It don't matter where I lay my head tonight<br />
Your arms feel like home, they feel like home to me<br />
Hold on, you're home to me, just hold on, you're home to me...</span></span><i><b></b></i></div>S.B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15236399168777815648noreply@blogger.com36