Always and Forever 3a

Steph looked at the clock pacing the floor. Louise was late by over an hour and she hadn't called to say she would be late. Perhaps she had broken down? Maybe she was sick? Come on Steph she's a big girl she can take care of herself, she doesn't need a knight in tarnished armour looking out for her, does she?

Emily was asleep, Argo was in his basket having been tempted by a bone by Mrs. Collins, and Henry Masterson was in his study.

Well, no one would worry if I kind of retrieved the car and went to meet her would they? Hell, we are in love. I'll be called a lovesick fool but I will live, something is tearing at my gut and I need to know that Louise is okay.

She picked up her jacket and told Mrs. Collins she was leaving to see what had happened to Louise. Mrs. Collins smiled at her, and said she would take care of Emily until they returned.

The Jaguar had never really been pushed until recently and it's superior engine power was a godsend now as it cruised at hundred miles an hour, she didn't give a damn about her license, her soul was crying and she didn't know why.

Arriving at the campus she noticed that the truck was still parked up in the lot, and that it was nearly the end of the lunchtime break as students were milling around going to their next classes. Unfamiliar with the surroundings she asked for directions to the principle's office.

Fifteen minutes later, her temper was at boiling point, she was angry about the lack of help she was receiving. The principle had been out but was due anytime now. The secretary showed her Louise’s office but she wasn't there, other teachers had said they thought she had left about an hour before.

As always when things started to get emotional, or she was under pressure the headaches started. That is all I need now!

Steph wanted to check out every single room in the place. Something is wrong! It has to be! Why won't these idiots understand there's a problem!

"Ah, Principle Jackson, Ms. Gregarious here was looking for Ms. Masterson it appears that she hasn't gone home. Her car is in the lot and she hasn't been seen for almost two hours." His secretary apprised him of the facts.

Principal Jackson knew about the woman in front of him. She had been something of a novelty when she first arrived in town. Then there was the business with Louise and the apparent dubious nature according to some folks in town when they lived together. Now he came face to face with the woman that had made going to the bar at weekends somewhat enjoyable, when the old cronies used to lust over the beautiful woman as she could be seen in her gallery opposite the bar.

Looking at the scar across her forehead and the obvious concern she was showing for the disappearance of her friend, things looked like they had not changed much. She was still very beautiful but in a more primitive way, and if he was ten years younger and not married to a beautiful wife himself, he wouldn't have minded trying to see if she really was attached to the gentle Louise Masterson.

"Yes, yes pleased to meet you too, but I need to find Louise." She shook his hand briefly, her obvious agitation emphasizing to him the importance of the problem.

"What have we done so far?" He looked at his secretary who informed him of the actions already taken.

He looked it over and glanced at Steph, who grimly nodded that it was hers, having carried it for her to her truck earlier that day.

“Near the screened off area by the old buildings,” he pointed to the renovation sign.

Steph didn't need any more information she flew out of the room and ran as fast as she could towards the building. Hot on her heels was the Principle who shouted for his secretary to call the police.

Steph ran as if her life depended on it, the adrenaline feed having a remarkable effect on her body. The headache, which was now pounding in her skull, was taking a back seat to her emotions, her whole body was hyped and ready to face whatever she came across.

Kicking open the door of the main hall, her senses so in-tune it was like radar as she picked up on two figures in the far corner of the room, one clearly on top of the other. Like a slow motion sequence in a movie she caught the cold blue eyes of the oppressor, who looked up at the disturbance, he hadn't finished with his date yet.

Jon Arenas looked into the ice blue eyes of Stephanie Gregarious, she was without emotion, and she looked at him as if he was a bug to be crushed under foot.

Ha, her little friend here wouldn't be much good for anyone when I'm finished with her, she certainly has been worth the effort.

"Looking for some action dyke?" he sneered at her as he pushed himself off the naked form of Louise Masterson who lay motionless on the dusty ground.

Steph glanced in the direction of her friend, briefly mesmerized by the sight, closing her eyes at the horrific scene then opening them to look at the scum in front of her.

From somewhere deep inside her she built up tremendous energy as she vaulted over to him, planting a booted foot on his chest knocking him down immediately.

As she turned in distress to examine the still unmoving body of Louise Arenas got up launching an attack of his own. The punch to her face took off guard and sent her reeling off balance falling to her knees. Her head protested the abuse. Blood started to trickle from her nose, quickly leaving a trail of crimson over her face and shirt.

"Not as tough as you thought huh? I get to have fun with you both, today is turning out to be my lucky day wouldn't you say?" His cold heartless laugh echoed in the hollowness of the empty room. The main door crashing open disturbed his next action as Principle Jackson came rushing inside.

Jon Arenas looked at the naked form of Louise Masterson smirking at her, as he turned his attention to the dazed half-prone figure of Stephanie Gregarious. Sneering his satisfaction at her ineffectiveness to stop him in his pursuit of cruel pleasure. Glancing towards the principle he knew he had to get out of here, his daddy would clear it up, he always did. Who would give a damn about two dykes anyway, especially in this stuffy town?

He inspected the building with care prior to abducting Louise so he knew how to escape to his car waiting near the small exit door. Giving Jackson an evil sneer he made for the exit.

Principal Jackson ran over to the prone women and dragged his jacket off tenderly placing it over the naked, bloody form of a very still Louise Masterson.

Steph held her head in her hands, groaning in pain for a few seconds, before glancing up with vacant eyes into the Principal's. Getting her bearings she immediately pulled herself up off the floor, tenderly glancing at her fallen mate then rushed out of the building in pursuit of the attacker.

Jackson couldn't believe what he had seen! The woman who rushed out of the building wasn't the same one that he had been talking too previously. If I weren't such a practical man I would think she was possessed. He reached down and felt the weak pulse of Louise Masterson. There was blood everywhere with marks visible on every part of her body that wasn't covered. He looked away in horror as tears fell unashamedly. What kind of sick mind would do this to another human being? Where the hell are the police and paramedics? She can't last much longer! Hold on Louise help is coming.

Steph wasn't in control, something else was she became merely a bystander looking out on the scenes. Her body vaulted several cars, finding her vehicle and then pulled out of the car park at break neck speed. Whatever was in control had one goal and that was the bringing to justice the attacker of her lover. The car she followed was also moving fast, only managing a minor head start and with this car she was going to get close to the crap in front easily. Then the car in front veered off the main road, proceeding down a track towards a mountainside road. If he wants a race on rough terrain I'm game.

The paramedics had Louise on a stretcher to go to the hospital. They had done all they could here for this poor woman's battered body. The sight of her is horrific. How could anyone do such a vile thing? Hopefully the doctor’s could save her it would be touch and go.

The police looked around the place and asked the Principle what he knew about the attack. They gave startled glances to each other when Jon Arenas name was mentioned. This was going to be messy if the Mayor was involved! He had protested his son's innocence on more than one occasion when things had looked bad for the boy. This was different though no way could the Mayor cover up this one. It would have to be a Masterson too! Hell Henry Masterson was another hot potato in the small township. Whoever gets hold of the little bastard should cut off his manhood, after what he'd done here today.

Detective Sergeant Anson moved to the smaller town from New York City after suffering a breakdown shortly after being involved in a nasty gun battle. She spent six months in a hospital recovering from a couple of gunshot wounds and getting some needed therapy. Never did she think something like this would happen in Ampolisa! The sight of the woman's battered body made her sick. What kind of evil did this?

"Was anyone else involved?" Anson asked not expecting any answer from the shocked Principle.

Jackson watching the retreating backs of the paramedics taking away Louise knew he had to talk to Henry Masterson, he didn't want her to be alone at the hospital.

Distracted, he muttered. " Yeah a Ms. Gregarious. Can I leave now I need to talk to the victims family?"

Detective Anson looked at the distraught man and thought she would get back on that one later, he could describe the woman to them when he'd had a coffee and made the call to the family. I am glad he is calling them it will be better coming from him than me just turning up at their home. I will quiz him about the woman when he has calmed his nerves a little.

"Got a nasty one here Jerry, a Louise Masterson has been brutally raped and beaten by a male, identified as Jon Arenas, he appears to have an accomplice a woman named Gregarious. Check the records see what we have on them, then send out the descriptions to all units now!"

Looking around the scene she left the patrolmen to do the rest as she walked briskly across to the main complex and the Principal's office.

Jon Arenas knew where to pull the car off the road in the event someone was following him. He had another stashed away in an old barn on land owned by his father. He also had a change of clothing and he could burn anything he had.

No one would find him, his father would see to that! He grinned evilly at the car following him and knew it was the dark woman who was in pursuit, that high class car of hers wouldn't be a match for the rough terrain they would be hitting shortly.

Steph pulled the car onto the rough roads, managing to match the speed of the vehicle she was following. If anyone looked into the car at that time they would see a blank, almost vacant look on a face smeared with blood and a nose that was bleeding profusely. Her jacket was covered in blood, and her hair was tangled as the sunroof blew it around in the slight breeze.

Nothing was going to stop her from getting to her target, nothing. This was her quarry she could feel it in her bones, there would be no going back without a win now.

Jon Arenas skirted the side of the mountain in hopes that the person behind the other wheel, unfamiliar with the surroundings, would lose control and go over the edge. She hadn't, but it was an interesting maneuver and one he knew might just work at the next bend, it was called Devils Corner a place of accidents in the past.

He pushed his car forward, scanning his rear view mirror to see a police patrol car appear, in hot pursuit behind his pursuer. Grinning evilly knowing she was going to get a ticket he pumped his arm up in the air in expectant triumph at her ill fortune, she would be left behind in his dust.

The policeman relayed a description of the black Jaguar and the Chevy back to the station when he saw them take off onto the mountainside road at break neck speeds. With lights flashing and sirens blaring he finally gained on the black Jaguar although the person behind the wheel refused to acknowledge him in anyway. As his partner radioed for backup he thought, what a way to end lunch usually we have a quiet nap, nothing like this excitement it is enough to give someone indigestion!

Devils Corner came into view as Jon Arenas grinned wickedly, this is it dyke you're toast, go burn in hell.

He pulled his vehicle towards the edge as Steph pushed the Jaguar to its limits, settling within centimeters off the Chevy’s back bumper.

The policemen couldn't believe that the Jaguar had accelerated and slipped away to practically attach itself to the car in front.

Hell, it is going to push the car over the edge, Jesus this could be murder! Officer Dean thought as he saw the scene in front of him. “Do you see what I am seeing Tom? What is that person trying to do?” asking his partner to confirm the events as he saw them.

Jon Arenas glanced in his rear view mirror and saw the Jaguar behind him and the demonic expression on the woman's bloodied face. Without thinking he lifted a victory fist at the woman, as he watched her sneer at him. Steph then unexpectedly veered to the side of his car and passed him. Taken off guard, his attention to the dangerous bend forgotten, his anger boiled at her maneuver. Loosing control of his vehicle as it sprung off the edge, crashing down into the gully below, bursting into flames on impact.

Steph stopped the Jaguar immediately as her quarry disappeared over the edge, the patrol car almost smashing into her but swerving away at the last moment.

Scrambling out of their car the two officers ran towards the edge, watching the fireball, surmising it would be impossible for anyone to survive that explosion.

They looked behind them remembering the other party in this weird situation, seeing a woman crawl out of the car in front of them. She looked terrible covered in blood, her eyes glazed and vacant. Clutching her head she sank to the ground groaning in pain.

Officer Dean cautiously approached, his gun pulled, not sure if she had a weapon of any kind. He bent down slowly to take stock of her condition. No weapon. Putting his gun back in the holster he touched her shoulder with little response, as she continued to hold her head. Lifting her chin he saw agony etched on her face with blood streaming from her nose.

“Can you tell me your name, where you live? Lady I really need some answers here. Please try to talk to me.”

"She doesn't look too injured but I think we better get her to the hospital, she seems to be in shock. We will sort this mess out from there. Call it in Tom and I'll get her in the car. They're going to need the fire department and a tow truck out here along with the coroner I think." Just then more patrol cars arrived.

He picked the keys out of the Jaguar and locked it then pulled Steph to her feet and half pushed her towards the patrol car, this certainly wasn't a good sign.

Henry Masterson had been called by Principle Jackson and given a brief description of events. Instantly flying out of his office looking panicked for the second time in his life, the first being the last assault on his daughter.

"Mrs. Collins, Grace I need you!" he shouted for the woman who had held his household together for years.

Grace Collins rushed into the room from the kitchen having heard the panic in his voice, knowing something was terribly wrong.

"Yes Henry, what's the problem?" she asked tentatively noting the ashen features.

Henry turned to the woman noticing for the first time her gentle demeanor and her tenderness, no matter what situation was thrown at her. Shaking his head he looked at her with tears in his eyes.

"It's Louise, she's been attacked again she's been taken to the hospital I don't know any more. I have to go, would you call Kay for me and look after Emily?" his voice strained his eyes flashing around the room to track his car keys.

Grace Collins gave a heavy gasp, but knew that it was pointless at this time to break down in front of this man who was distraught enough.

"Go, go Henry to the hospital I will take care of things. Kay will meet you there I will ring her now." She looked around and found his keys quickly retrieving them and handing them to him.

Henry smiled weakly at her and gave her hand a gently squeeze as he took the offered keys. Then rushed out of the door as if the devil where at his heals.

When the patrol car neared the hospital they received a message over the radio, detailing the car, which had gone over the side of the mountain. Jon, the Mayors eldest son was apparently the victim. The Jaguar belonged to Stephanie Gregarious who it appeared was his accomplice in a brutal rape at the campus earlier that day. They were to return to the Station with her immediately after she had been treated for her injuries.

"Tom it didn't seem like those two were accomplices, the opposite I would have thought, what about you?"

Officer Tom Cook looked at his partner and over his shoulder, starring keenly at the woman slumped in the back holding her head and bleeding all over his leather seat.

"Well, if that's what the station says they must have some reason for their suspicion, lets get her cleaned up and take her in."

Entering the hospital and into one of the secured treatment rooms to wait for the doctor on call.

Louise Masterson was being transported to a private room after several x-rays and a CAT scan to determine the extent of the damage. She hadn't regained consciousness from her ordeal and it was therefore difficult to treat her with any degree of efficiency. Her minor contusions and cuts had been cleaned and patched up and her face bandaged.

A nurse was posted at her bedside until she woke up, if she ever did, monitoring her for any change in her condition.

Henry Masterson parked his car haphazardly in front of the hospital doors, he didn't give a damn his daughter was in there in who knew what sort of condition. Rushing towards the reception counter he asked where she was, and was immediately given the room information. He pressed the button to the elevator and waited drumming his fingers on the panel, the doors opened and he rushed inside pushing for level three. The doors closing behind him just as the door to a secure treatment room opened opposite the elevator doors.

Officer Dean escorted Stephanie Gregarious by the arm to the waiting patrol car.

The doctor had examined her face and cleaned it up. Stopping the major bleeding from the nose, it had been broken. As they were very busy that afternoon they gave her a cursory look over and then released her to the officers.

She hadn't uttered a word as the doctor examined her briefly and never flinched when they set the broken bone, in fact it was almost as if she had stopped all physical feelings. Slumping into the back seat next to the officer she winced and clutched at her head, sitting silently holding her head in her hands.

"Let's get back to the station fast Tom, something tells me this isn't a straightforward case." Moving out of the parking area towards the center of town.

Kay Macklin was frantic for she hadn't been able to get hold of Dave. The only solution was to take Daniel to Mrs. Collins and go on her own to the hospital.

What didn't make any sense was that Steph hadn't been mentioned at all! Collecting her bags together she thought it might be wise to ring Paul he would want to know and surely would be on the next plane here.

Dialing the number she connected to his answering machine and left a brief message.

Henry Masterson sat close to his daughter opposite the nurse, who had looked at him in sympathy on his arrival. Taking hold of her hand, holding it to his lips as he gently kissed her fingers.

This isn't happening! It can't be again! His mind screamed at him. Where the hell is Stephanie Gregarious? Has she bailed out again when the going gets tough? Christ I just want my baby to open her eyes and smile at me with those clear green eyes of hers.

The door was wrenched open and in walked a woman who wasn't a doctor that he was sure of. He glanced her way with eyebrows drawn in question and irritation at the disturbance.

"I'm Detective Sergeant Anson, in charge of this case and you are?" she ignored the nurse.

Henry Masterson looked the rather dour woman and gently replaced Louise’s hand on the bed as he got up and approached the Detective.

"This is my daughter, I'm Henry Masterson." he gruffly replied and held out his hand.

Detective Anson shook the offered hand and glanced at the woman in the bed, and motioned him to sit back down.

Glancing from the Daughter to the Father, she motioned the nurse to leave them alone.

"But...but I have to stay the doctors gave me explicit instructions." The nurse was flustered at the dismissal by the police detective.

"Then I'll watch for you, don't worry if she moves we will call you, it's in our best interests too." Detective Anson tried to persuade the woman.

Henry rose from his chair and motioned for them to leave the room, Louise was better off with the nurse, typical approach from a cop from out of town. They stood outside the door of the room much to the detective's irritation.

"Okay, what have you got to tell me? Have you got the scum this time?" he angrily retorted.

"This time? I'm sorry I don't understand has it happened before?" Anson was perplexed no one at the station had mentioned this happening before.

"Yeah about two years ago, she was driven off the road and raped in her car by four assailants, the inept police around here never found out who it was!" Henry was appalled at the lack of knowledge of this officer.

"I'm sorry, I've only been in town about six months, and I guess people maybe assumed I'd know. Well, in this instance we do have somebody in custody and another one is dead. Maybe this time we can solve the crime to everyone's satisfaction." She countered his angry reply.

"You call this satisfactory? You think this will ever go away? Jesus woman wake up to life, my daughter may never come out of this particular episode!" Henry spat the words out.

Anson knew that things with this case had gone too smoothly there was just something not right about the whole situation. If I could only pinpoint what that was.

"I know your hurting Mr. Masterson, I'm only doing my job. I thought you would want to know that we have arrested a woman, and the man is dead." She finally sighed as she wondered where the coffee machine was.

Henry hadn't been listening to the last words the detective said he was intent on going back to his daughter.

Anson shrugged her shoulders as she watched him slip back into the room without another word.

Paul Ironside been working on his paintings for the last twenty-four hours non-stop and he was tired. Since Fay was out of town with the children to see her mother, he took the opportunity to work all the hours he could.

Letting himself into the house he walked into the kitchen putting on the light. His first priority was setting up the coffee maker.

I bet its Fay, razzing me about the hours at the studio. He grinned at the thought of his wife.

Turning towards the machine he saw there were five messages, walking around the kitchen he started the machine. The first message was from Louise to give her a call when he came back she had great news. The second was from Fay his wife, indeed telling him he was keeping long hours in the studio. The third from Emma Phantos asking him to call when he had time, she wanted to meet the government doctors who had treated Steph for her breakdown. The fourth from Kay Macklin, Louise’s sister briefly saying there had been some trouble, Louise was in the hospital and he might want to think about contacting them immediately. Noting the time of the message was six hours earlier Damn! Almost switching the machine of in haste he heard the last message. It was from Liz Eponin, Steph was in jail, in deep trouble, she was traveling to Ampolisa did he want to go with them? Jesus Christ the shif was certainly hitting the fan that would be the last time he was out of contact for a day!

Paul called his wife and briefly explained he had to get to Ampolisa immediately there was trouble, as soon as he knew what it was he would call back.

Emma sounded relieved at the voice on the other line, when Steph had called two hours earlier she had frightened the hell out of Liz.

"We don't really know Paul, all we received was a faint and garbled message from Steph, that she was in jail and in trouble. She appeared disorientated, almost as if she wasn't really with us. Do you know what's going on Paul? Liz is distraught and wants to get the hell up there!" Emma was concerned for her friend but equally so her lover, who had cried in anguish when she had arrived back from the hospital earlier that evening.

"No! What's going on Paul?" Emma was now even more worried. She pondered the growing headaches of her friend and wondered if they might flare into some sort of violent reaction.

"I don't know any details, I can't get through to the ranch it's permanently engaged, and now I know why I couldn't reach Steph. Maybe Jane West can shed some light on the situation I’ll call her. In the mean time I'm going to arrange a private jet for us, we should meet at the airport in about an hour, okay with you?" Paul wanted to get things moving and talking about it wasn't going to achieve that only action would.

"Sure, I'll explain to Liz we will both be there, thanks Paul." Emma put the receiver down.

Walking towards the master bedroom she looked in, Liz was lying on top of the bed staring at the ceiling.

"I should have gone to Ampolisa when she needed me Emma. She's hurting now and we aren't there to help." Liz whispered brokenly as she heard the approach of her lover.

"It's going to be okay do you hear me? Steph will be fine it will have been a misunderstanding, you know how they can be?" Liz never moved from the shoulder she was pressed against.

"Paul has called to find out what's going on. He wants us to meet him at the airport in an hour, okay with you?" she smiled tentatively over the head of her friend.

Shifting slightly in the arms that were lovingly holding her, Liz looked up into the grey eyes of her lover and smiled weakly.

"Yeah it is Liz, we will all help her." Emma whispered into her hair and then placed a gentle kiss on the top of her head.

Jane West had heard rumours of an attack at the campus that afternoon but nothing specific, having also heard rumours that someone was killed and another in custody for the attack. It had broken up the day with the few people who had come to gossip in the gallery. Later as she was about to close up the gallery with everything locked up she noticed a woman was waiting by her car.

The woman was average height with brown shoulder length hair and a stocky build with a dour expression on her face and looked distinctly bored at having to wait around.

Ms. West?" the woman asked as she reached into her jacket and brought out her ID.

"My name is Detective Sergeant Anson could you spare me a few minutes?" The detective asked the woman she could only describe as very striking. She was immaculately tailored and had an air of sophistication that if she had gone to classes for ten years she wouldn't get anywhere near her poise.

"Do we need to go inside or would you mind if we went and had a coffee over in the square and then you can ask me your questions detective?" the woman spoke quietly, she really didn't want to go through all the security procedures if she didn't need to.

Anson looked around and smiled briefly giving her unfriendly features a hint of mischief, which brightened up the hazel eyes, focused on the woman in front of her.

Detective Anson smiled and nodded her head in acknowledging the silent question.

Jane looked directly at her and nodded her head "Yes, Stephanie Gregarious is the owner of the gallery and therefore by definition my boss, she's also my friend is there a problem?"

"Yeah I'm afraid there is a problem! We have arrested her on suspicion of being the accomplice in the brutal rape of a young woman at the campus today." Watching as Jane West gasped and her composure slipping slightly with the tremor of her hands, which spilt her coffee into the saucer, she was holding.

Detective Anson put her hand over the trembling one and tried to calm her a little.

"I need to know when was the last time you saw Ms. Gregarious?" Unexpectedly she was sorry to upset this woman, unable to understand why.

Jane looked down at the now cooling coffee, her own shattered composure struggling to remain intact.

"I saw her yesterday morning, she came in to see how it was going. We had a chat for half an hour, and then she went home, I believe she needed to make a call. I haven't seen her today, she probably had plans...." Jane drifted off closing her eyes as she considered the absurdity of the accusation against her boss.

Jane smiled briefly. "Oh at times it seems like forever but in reality maybe eight years, on and off. We have worked together at different times but she gave me this job over two years ago, it was a new start for us both!" Jane seemed to be talking in part to herself reliving old memories.

Anson hadn't wanted anyone to go near the suspect, but for some reason she felt it was important someone made contact with the woman as she hadn't talked to anyone since arriving from the hospital. Her expression was getting more and more glassy as the day had moved on.

"Sure, and the name is Dee." She said quietly to the woman who got up out of her chair and strode towards the door.

Paul had taken the time while waiting for his cab to contact Jane West. She was with Steph when he called her.

"She's a mess Paul, she wouldn't look up. She was virtually incoherent, and her eyes, her eyes Paul they're so vacant. They say she helped to brutally rape someone at the campus, which isn't true, are you coming here Paul?" Jane rushed all her thoughts out at once.

"Hey my friend take it easy, it's going to be fine. I will be there in a couple of hours. Emma, her doctor in New York, will be with me maybe we can find some answers then. You say she was involved in a brutal rape? Who the hell did she rape?" he was aghast at her explanation.

"They haven't told me, from all accounts the other person involved is dead, Christ Paul what has she gotten herself into?" Jane couldn't help the slight tremor in her voice.

"Look try and find out what's going on, and Jane can you find out what's happening with Louise? They say she's in the hospital!" He didn't want to think about all the lines that appeared to be running into one here. It is all such a sick joke it just has to be!

"Louise is in the hospital? That explains why she's not here, I did wonder. Yeah I'll find out, and please hurry Paul."

Jane looked at her boss for the final time and put a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"It's going to be fine Steph, Paul and your doctor are on the way. Stay with us Steph just a little while longer?"

Dee Anson looked at the woman in front of her and wanted to ask her out, but she didn't have the nerve. Hell she just looked too good for the likes of her and she probably didn't date women anyway.

Jane pushed her fair hair from her eyes, as a lone tear traced itself down her high cheekbones.

"No! No don't think that, when major trauma happens lots of things get screwed up especially the psychological part of our humanity." Dee Anson quickly replied.

"Who knows it's up to her now, only she can bring herself back from the edge, she may not want too especially under the circumstances." Dee gave an honest reply.

"I need to go to the hospital, it appears a mutual friend of mine and Steph’s was taken there today, I have to go." Turning on her heel before the detective could say more.

Looking at the retreating back of the woman she sighed and resigned herself to a long night with her suspect.

Paul Ironside looked at the two women in the jet with him, Emma was trying to calm Liz who had looked even more distraught than he had expected. After Emma explained Steph had been upset the day before, and she had told Liz not to worry it made perfect sense.

He hoped the fact that Louise was in hospital had nothing to do with Steph being in jail, life had a habit of shocking you at the most unexpected times. Having spoken to Jane he was nervous about the situation in Ampolisa and had made a call to Andrew Sawyer, Steph’s lawyer to keep him on standby.

The plane was coming into a landing at the small airstrip in Ampolisa it wouldn't be long now before they knew the truth.

They had discussed what they would do when they landed, Liz and Emma would go to the police station and see Steph and he would go to the hospital and see how Louise was.

* * *

Friends In Need

Liz and Emma arrived at the police station, amazed at how quiet it was. Having both been brought up in large cities where the local precinct was like a railway station always teeming with people.

They approached the central desk where a police officer sat reading a paperback and drinking coffee, feet placed precariously on the edge of the desk.

Clearing her throat loudly Emma gave the officer a piercing look.

"What can I do for you ladies?" he asked as he seated himself up right in the chair, startled by the arrival of anyone at this late hour.

Emma had to stop the laughter that threatened at his attempts to sound official.

"We need to see someone about someone you have taken into custody, Stephanie Gregarious."

He eyed them up and down with interest. "I'm sorry but you will have to come back in the morning we don't allow visitors at this time of night."

Liz moved forward in front of Emma placing her hands menacingly on the desk.

"We have flown in from Chicago to see her, and we are going to see her! This is all a stupid misunderstanding." Liz retorted angrily.

He looked at the two women standing in front of him, one definitely wouldn't take no for an answer. Oh hell, might as well get the detective to clear this matter up that's why they're paid more bucks.

"Give me a minute." He walked away from the desk going through a set of doors at the rear of the room marked private official personnel only.

Emma placed a hand on Liz's back to settle her down as she smiled in understanding. "Don't lose it Liz, we don't know the facts yet and it could get nasty."

Liz looked at Emma in disgust. "You don't think she's involved in such a horrendous thing do you?" Accusing her lover of lack of faith.

Emma was taken aback by the anger flashed in her direction.

"Hey I'm on your side, remember?"

Liz took a minute and simply said, "You could have fooled me!" and sat down on one of the chairs away from Emma.

God, what brought that on? Glad I didn't fill you in on what I have been thinking these past weeks or I would be in serious trouble here. Emma glanced about the room, unable to notice anything but the unhappiness of her friend and lover.

A few minutes later the officer came back, trailing behind him a short stocky woman, who they assumed was a superior, who looked none too friendly either!

"I believe you want to speak to the suspect?" The woman detective asked interested in the two women who had obviously traveled from out of town. No one in town except Jane West had shown any interest in Stephanie Gregarious, unusually not even the local paper, wonder who owned that?

Emma quickly moved forward before Liz could get out of the chair, offering her hand politely. "Yes, we would like to see her if possible Detective...?"

Responding to the friendly approach from this woman, also she was bored watching an exhausted suspect sit and hold her head continuously. The woman's nose had started to bleed again too and she had been thinking about calling a doctor out. If this woman turned out to be innocent they might have a lawsuit on their hands for neglect whilst in custody that wasn't going to happen on her watch either!

"Anson, what relationship is she to you?" Retorted the detective curiously.

Emma looked at Liz’s angry profile briefly, and gave her a tight smile.

"I am her doctor, Emma Phantos. Ms. Gregarious has been suffering from head trauma from an accident in New York over a year ago. Maybe it has some bearing on events." She answered partially truthfully, and felt Liz stiffen as the words could be taken in two ways and Liz was obviously thinking that she had betrayed their friend.

"Funny you should arrive when you did, I was thinking that perhaps she needed to see the doctor again. I guess as you're her doctor maybe you could help?" Anson never one to miss an opportunity and it would be free also.

Emma gave the detective a friendly smile and again glanced at Liz. "This is my nurse Elizabeth Eponin, and a friend of Steph’s. I hope you don't mind her coming too to help in the examination of course?"

The remark brought a relieved look from Liz and a thoughtful one from the detective.

"As long as you don't plan on doing anything stupid, sure she can come. I see you brought your bag of tricks?" Anson smiled briefly at the attractive doctor.

"Never leave home without it detective, do you do the same with your gun?" Emma flippantly replied.

Receiving a grin from the woman, Emma saw her features flash mischievously rather than the dour expression that appeared to be her normal expression. Liz watching the exchange tried to keep her jealousy under control, along with all the other emotions she was going through, this wasn't the time.

"Quite so, as it happens neither do I doctor" She smirked at the woman as things had just brightened up on her horizon.

Walking beside the detective to the holding area, they saw through the glass their friend, obviously in pain and clearly in distress.

"Oh Christ what have you done to her?" Liz unable to stop the accusation, as the words tumbled from her lips at the sight of her injured friend.

Detective Anson looked at the obvious distress of the smaller of the two women, and cleared her throat to answer.

"We haven't done anything, it happened during the attack I believe. She hasn't talked to us and to be honest the only thing she's done since we got her back here is make her phone call, she's been silent ever since. Maybe you will have better luck?"

Emma turned to Liz and looked at her in compassion, she had schooled her features over the years to show no obvious emotion even when it was someone close to her. "You had better let us in then detective."

"Sure, I'll be monitoring the conversation through here. Wouldn't want you to think we are complete hicks in this town." The detective said brusquely.

Emma declined to comment, and made her way quickly to the door of the room with Liz following closely behind her.

* * *

Paul arrived at the hospital and was shown to the room where Louise was still unconscious. Knocking softly on the door he waited for someone to open it, within a few seconds the door was opened quietly by a nurse.

"I'm sorry but we weren't expecting anyone else, are you family?" she whispered as she eyed him suspiciously.

Paul briefly saw the outline of Henry and Kay and heard someone coming towards the door, before he could identify himself the door opened and Dave Macklin appeared.

"It's okay nurse, this is a good friend. Paul good to see you!" Paul shook Dave's hand and entered the room, Kay looked up at him with tearful eyes, rising to hug him.

"Hey Kay, no tears for me please I haven't been gone that long have I?" he knew that she wouldn't want him to be anything other than the joker he was, even under the present circumstances. Perhaps it would ease the tension of the situation.

Kay gave him a weak smile "Good to see you Paul. Louise would want you to be here." She sank back into her chair beside the bed.

Henry Masterson moved out of his chair, progressing to the foot of the bed, giving Paul an emotional glance.

"Paul, hell of a mess we have here again." Was all he could muster his eyes filling with tears.

"Yeah I gathered. Sorry Henry, has she come round yet?" he asked gently.

"No. My little girl doesn't seem to want to open her eyes this time around." Henry let a tear roll down his cheek, gazing at the silent form of his daughter.

"Maybe she would respond if someone talked to her?" he tried to think of something to say to stop the gathering emotions engulfing him.

Kay looked at him and smiled weakly. "We have been doing that for hours Paul. She doesn't appear to respond perhaps she doesn't want to hear or we aren't the voices she wants to hear."

Dave looked at Paul and led him to a corner of the room and whispered.

"We haven't asked…we did kind of wonder what happened to Steph? She went looking for Louise when she didn't get home on time, but she hasn't been seen since. Do you know where she is?"

Paul looked at him in astonishment. "YOU DON'T KNOW? I guess you don't." He stammered out reducing the volume of his voice, which had increased in incredulity.

They all looked at him quizzically.

"She's been taken into custody by the police for being an accomplice at a brutal rape on your local campus." He explained matter-of-factly.

Dave looked at him and then to Louise and then back.

"Are you sure?" he asked in horror.

"Yes. Emma and Liz are at the precinct now trying to glean all the details. We had a message from Steph, a bit jumbled but Jane West confirmed it."

"Louise was the one brutally raped on Campus today!" Dave brought him up-to-date on the current situation as both men shook their heads at the absurdity of the situation.

Paul glanced at Louise and then at Dave. It wasn't possible, not Steph, not this way! She wouldn't, she couldn't do that! "They have the wrong person then that's for sure. How the hell did this incredible misunderstanding occur?"

Dave moved over to whisper in his wife's ear. As the information was imparted a look of sheer shock crossed her face.

Paul walked over to the bed and crouched down beside it as close as possible to Louise’s bandaged face. Gently placing a hand on her forehead where flesh was still visible.

"Louise my friend, hang in there, your daughter needs you! Steph certainly needs you, and I think you need her to get through this as well. I'm going to try and clear this mess up and bring Steph to you Louise, you just wait a little longer for her do you hear me?" he placed a tender kiss on her forehead and stood up as he glanced across at Henry.

"There's going to be a major miscarriage of justice if we don't clear up some misunderstandings soon Henry. I have to go, but I'll be back. Hopefully with the antidote for our sleeping beauty here." He smiled briefly at the man who looked prematurely aged.

"Gregarious isn't here! She hasn't been by all afternoon, you think I want her here now?" Henry tried not to sound angry, but failed miserably. "Louise trusted her to be here if things went wrong, how much more wrong could it get?"

"I have to go Henry, Kay will explain, I'll be back soon." He smiled at Kay and rushed out of the room, Dave Macklin close behind him.

* * *

Justice

Paul and Dave Macklin drove from the hospital to the police precinct, each silent thinking their own thoughts, not least of which was the totally ludicrous situation that had presented itself.

Arriving at the station they both steadfastly strode towards the door, surprising the officer on duty who was clearly falling asleep with his feet up on the desk.

Discerning one of the local residents the officer sheepishly swung up and out of his chair, looking at the two approaching men with interest.

"What can I do for you Dave?" he had known Macklin for years, they had played on the same baseball team in college.

Dave Macklin smiled briefly. "Danny we need to see whoever is in charge of Ms. Gregarious, we have some information that's vital to her case."

"Well, the detective has taken a Doctor to see her at the moment, you will have to wait until they have finished?" Danny Fisher advised him.

"Look Danny those people are friends as well, we need to see the detective can you go get him?" Dave said in exasperation.

"Well, he's a she. Sure Dave I'll go and tell her you are here. Hell, there's been more activity here tonight than during the past month." He wandered through the rear door muttering about his break in peaceful night's work.

Paul Ironside grinned at Dave and sat on the bench on the left-hand side of the wall waiting for the detective.

Running his fingers nervously through his hair he thought about his wife and what she must be thinking. I must call Fay soon she will be worried. Hell, I'm worried.

Moment's later officer Fisher was back with a short woman following him, preoccupied if the frown on her plain features was anything to go by.

Glancing at them, one she didn't know him personally she had seen him about town, the other a stranger and yet he seemed familiar in some way.

"Gentlemen what can I do for you?" she asked quietly.

"You've made a mistake!" both men shouted in unison.

Paul and Dave glanced at each other grinning bashfully.

"Well, it seems that whatever mistake you think we have here you both agree with it I guess that's a start." She smiled briefly at the abashed expressions on both men's faces.

"You're holding Stephanie Gregarious on charges that she couldn't possibly have committed." Dave Macklin blurted out.

"Oh, and you're an expert?" Detective Anson replied with raised eyebrows.

"Well… no not exactly. We heard that you are holding her as an accomplice to a brutal rape at the campus, is that true?" Paul resumed the conversation, which made the detective think they were working in tandem.

"We have a witness who says she was at the scene. As yet we haven't charged her with anything, we are merely questioning her on suspicion.” Anson wanted to laugh at the sheer idiocy of some people; the police didn't take the law into their own hands and keep people without just cause, not on her watch anyway.

"Is the suspicion in connection with Louise Masterson?" Dave asked his tone brisk.

The detective was getting bored, it was turning out to be a long night and she had already been up twenty hours already. "That is confidential information."

"Look Detective, Louise Masterson is my sister-in-law and the woman you have locked up is her lover. If you think for one minute that she had anything to do with it your mistaken, and if you call whoever it is who gave you the information, they had to have been mistaken!" Dave bit out savagely.

Detective Anson was to say the least surprised at the tirade from this man, as she looked at Officer Fisher for confirmation. "Fisher you know this man, is he telling the truth?"

Officer Fisher looked around him.

"Yeah I guess, he's married to Kay Masterson and Louise is her sister. Heard tell some time back that Louise was living with a woman sometime back, I never knew the name though." The officer remarked seriously.

Anson looked at Paul Ironside. "What's your involvement in this?"

"I'm both their friends, and a close family friend of the Masterson’s. The doctor and nurse who are here are friends too." Paul looked beseechingly at the dour expression on the detective’s face.

"Hell, I was just thinking that she didn't seem to have anyone interested in her welfare, suddenly the whole world and his dog wants a piece of the action. I guess you had better come this way too, while I check up with our witness."

Anson unexpectedly saw what was a clean-cut case, now wide open to the elements. However there would still be the death of the Arenas boy to answer for if the other charge didn't stick.

* * *

Back From The Brink

Emma walked over to Steph, and laid a gentle hand on her shoulder, attempting to prize the hand matted with blood away from her head. The hand refused to give up the vice like grip it had.

"Hey Steph we’re here now it's okay. Steph, its Emma and Liz, come on love lets take a look at you?"

Receiving no response from the woman she inspected the blood flow, ever increasing, from her nose. Now, that could be good, but it could also be bad, real bad news. Glancing at Liz behind her motioning her forward.

"Liz you try, she might respond to you."

Liz Eponin was practically crying, having virtually broken down when she saw her friend. Although she realized that wouldn't help they had to get through to Steph and fast, as her professional persona kicked in.

Walking slowly towards her friend, crouching down so she was on face level with her, she stroked her cheek. "Hey lover, thought you said I didn't need to come sort your love life out for you?"

A faint movement from Steph indicated that she might have responded to Liz’s voice as she blinked several times, although refusing to look directly at the voice.

"Going to keep me on the floor like this all night Steph? Or are you going to sit and talk to me in comfort." Liz was gently bantering with the woman.

For what seemed like hours there was no response, unexpectedly the blood covered hand moved from her head, as she looked with unfocused eyes in front of her.

"My head hurts Liz." She replied pathetically.

Liz put a hand to her mouth to stifle the sob, as she looked at Emma for guidance.

Emma immediately looked at the non focusing eyes and dropped down in front of Steph, as Liz moved out of the way and gently put a hand on her shoulder in comfort.

"I know lover, I know. Emma's here Steph will you let her look at you?" Liz coaxed her gently.

"I'm frightened Liz, it's so dark can you put a light on?"

The voice sounding so weak, hardly recognizable to her friend’s normally rich vibrant tones produced a pool of tears as one rolled down Liz’s cheek as she looked at Emma.

Emma Phantos hoped that things wouldn't be this bad, however when she saw the state of Steph she knew her worse fears were coming true. The fact that someone hit her in the face and broke her nose gave her cause for grave concern.

"Hey Steph it's Emma. I need to check on the bleeding from your nose okay? Do you hurt anywhere else?" she gently tilted the head towards the glare of the overhead light in the room.

Well, she has a broken nose, a blinding headache, and I’m really concerned that she can’t seem to see! That is not uncommon in head trauma but it could also mean there are things happening inside that pretty head of hers and that isn’t good. Damn! The sooner we get her out of here and to a competent hospital the better chance she has.

"How about I give you some pills for the headache Steph, you know the ones okay?"

Steph looked towards the sound of the voice. "If it gives me some peace you can give me a boat load of them." She replied for the first time seemingly the Steph they knew.

Emma gave a brief smile and Liz clutched the shoulder she held gently.

"I still say put some lights on in here it's way too dark." Steph protested.

"Yeah well you know what the police are like, budget cuts and all." Emma replied hastily.

Placing two pills in Steph’s hand watching as she swallowed them, Steph remarked. "I'm going to need at least another one Emma, two don't work anymore."

Emma looked astonished at her patient and friend. "What do you mean?" as she gave her another pill.

"It's been happening awhile now, I've had the headaches everyday since Paul and Louise entered my life. Speaking of Louise you better get word to her where I am. Incidentally what happened and why am I here with the police?" she said appearing strangely innocent to all the events that had happened to her in the last twelve hours.

Liz stiffened, as Emma stood up in front of the woman, they each looked at the other in dismay.

"What do you last remember Steph?" Liz asked tentatively.

Steph looked around to gauge where the voice was coming from, why the hell was it so dark, maybe they had a power cut, damn public services.

"I was worried about Louise she hadn't arrived home for lunch when she planned too, and she hadn't called. I took off in the car to find out what the problem was, I guess I must have crashed the car or something?"

"Or something, would be more appropriate Steph." Emma replied with a wry smile.

"Will someone please tell Louise, I don't want her worried, she gets mad at me about the headaches. You wouldn't believe what a temper she has when it blows. I have an appointment can’t be late damn government want me out! No telling what will happen next should have been more careful…" Steph spoke so softly it almost missed the other women’s hearing, the tumbling out in a jumble of incoherent sentences.

"Sure Steph, already done." Liz answered puzzled at the comments from her friend, she certainly didn't understand everything Steph talked about. Head trauma had that effect and possibly the pills wouldn't help to clarify anything to her muddled senses.

"Can I go home and get some sleep now? My head really hurts Emma and I know Liz gives the best massages possible, and I sure could use one about now." Steph said her speech slowing as the pills kicked in.

"We will see what we can do." Emma spoke softly her mind sifting over the fact that Steph talked about something that surely couldn’t have happened in such a short space of time since they had been reunited. Is she finally remembering the past?

Emma motioned Liz to the other side of the room.

"I need to get her to a hospital as soon as possible, she can't see!" Emma spoke briskly to her lover.

"I gathered, how did that happen?" Liz asked anxiously.

"Not sure yet, the hit to the head won't have helped and the constant headaches she's had. Why the hell didn't she say something earlier? Did she mention it to you at any time?" Emma said exasperated at her friend’s reluctance to tell them about the headaches.

Liz looked at her lover and realized she was reacting much like she had done earlier when they arrived here. "No! No she never mentioned it. Guess she didn't want us to worry, what are we going to do?"

The door opened at that moment and in stepped Paul Ironside, Dave Macklin and Detective Anson. Paul immediately rushed to the chair that held his sorry looking best friend.

"Hey Steph, how are you doing?" he stroked her hair gently.

Steph looked up with her un-focusing ice blue eyes staring but not seeing her friend. "I'm fine, is that you Paul? Can't see a damn thing with this power cut."

Paul looked towards Emma for an explanation, as did the other newcomers to the room.

"Let’s discuss this outside shall we? Liz will be here with you Steph, it will help to give you some quiet for the headache relief, okay?" Emma led the others out of the room.

"Emma what's the score?" Paul asked as soon as the door closed behind them.

"She appears to be visually impaired. It could be the knock to the head today, it could be the headaches she's been getting recently, or it could be from the original injury in New York. She needs to be hospitalized. Oh, and I think she’s starting to get her old memories back I guess that's the bonus in all this!" Emma glanced at the detective as she finished her explanation.

Detective Anson examined the three people in the hall with her and sighed heavily.

"Look I can't figure this out yet, but I know one thing she's certainly not going to be going places anytime soon. You can take her to the hospital with one of my officers. I will arrive shortly I need to see Principle Jackson."

“Just one moment Detective.” Paul wasn't standing for this.

“Yes.”

“Have you charged her with a crime? Have you read her, her rights? Let her see a lawyer?”

“We haven’t charged her with anything so no rights or lawyer are needed. She is merely a suspect at this time.”

“Unless you are prepared to charge her at this time we will be taking her with us without your officer present! Any objections Detective?”

“No. I will be seeing you at the hospital once I have spoken with Mr. Jackson. Then we shall see about charges.” She walked off leaving them dumbfounded, why had it been so easy to convince her?

Paul then put a hand on Emma's forearm to stop her from going back into the room.

"Emma you need to know what's happened to Louise."

Emma looked at him with compassionate eyes. "I think I already do my friend." As he swiftly explained before they entered the room to make Steph comfortable for the move to the hospital.

* * *

A Critical Meeting

Henry Masterson choked on his coffee when he heard what Kay had to say about why Steph hadn't been able to come to the hospital. "I don't believe it! What's this world coming too? She was at the ranch when Louise went missing for God’s sake!"

"Father please, getting upset won't do anyone any good. Dave and Paul are going to find a solution, we just have to wait and see okay?" Kay placated her father. If Louise woke up she didn't want her first sights to be her father wound up and angry over something.

"Are they going to bring her here to see Louise?" Henry asked his daughter.

"If they can they will, but Daddy it might not be that simple." Kay said in a resigned voice.

"Yes it's that simple! If that's what my daughter needs to bring her round then that's what she's going to get!" he said aggressively. There is always a good reason being a rich man in a small town it opens doors otherwise shut and locked to many. If I have to go pay calls on certain people in this town to get that woman here I am going to do it and do it fast!

"Well, I hope your right Father." Kay said softly.

They both sat silently with their own thoughts and watched over the comatose body of a daughter and sister.

* * *

Only one person manned the reception area of the hospital, he was busy talking on the phone to a friend. Dave and Paul were holding up Steph, as she groggily walked towards the desk, Emma and Liz following quickly behind.

Emma moved towards the man on reception and gave him a powerful stare as he quickly finished his call and gazed at her expectantly, a little annoyed at being interrupted.

"Who's the doctor on call tonight?" Her voice was authoritative and demanding as she glanced around for any evidence of security. In her hospital that would have been the first priority if they were due a patient suspected in a vicious crime, not only for the safety of the staff but the patients too!

"Doctor Travis, he's the resident in charge tonight, why?"

"Call him, don’t waste any time either we have a patient." She made no bones about her request shrugging at the lack of welcoming committee, it suited her less red tape to contend with and they didn't have time for copious red tape.

Quickly looking over the two men who held up a woman whose nose was bleeding profusely he pressed the call button. More because of the stance of the woman who had requested the doctor rather than the patient, who didn't look that bad to him, they could have waited in ER.

Within minutes a disheveled looking young man appeared, obviously not that experienced he looked far too young. Casting a weary eye over the assortment of people at the reception area, he pushed a hand through his hair.

"What can I do for you?"

Emma quickly interceded again and explained quickly what the problem was and her own professional status. He quickly showed them to a treatment room and shouted for the guy on reception to get someone out on call for a CAT scan.

"Jesus, Doc Andrews isn't going to be too pleased it's 3a.m." He retorted.

"Just do it Leonard, he gets paid for it!" The Doctor answered shortly.

They moved Steph as gently as possible to the treatment room, Emma and Doctor Steven Christian both carried out the examination.

Once Paul and Dave fulfilled getting Steph inside decided to return to Louise’s room to see if there was any change. They couldn't do anything else for Steph at the moment and Liz was here waiting and she would let them know if there was a problem.

"How the hell am I going to get Steph here to see Louise? She's in no state to talk to her! What are we going to do Dave?" Paul said worried at their predicament.

“Dave Macklin was not used to this kind of emotional entanglement, he was better at straightforward situations. Shrugging his shoulders he replied, "Maybe Kay will have an answer."

Three hours later Louise’s condition hadn't improved, Steph having been given a bed two doors away from Louise once her CAT scan had been completed. She had been asleep the whole time with Liz keeping a vigil over her. Louise’s family including Paul was waiting with high hopes of her waking and being the miracle that could bring Louise out of her coma.

Emma was deep in conversation with Doctors Andrews and Christian about Steph’s condition. The only thing they all agreed to was she had to be moved quickly to a major hospital for surgery, she was hemorrhaging and time was running out.

Emma called the hospital in Chicago, it was the natural choice, and had a bed arranged within minutes of her call. The air ambulance would be with them in three hours and she would be taken immediately into surgery.

Emma hoped it wasn't what she suspected when she saw Steph, her gut reaction in her job had helped her in situations before and this one was no different.

Guess I'm going to have to tell Liz, she's going to be unhappy. Sighing as she left the other doctors and went towards her friend's room.

Steph had been sleeping all through the emotional upset of the time Emma told Liz and then Paul about the operation, and the fact that she had to be moved quickly her life depended on it and there was no guarantee as it may already be too late!

The Masterson family had been informed and Kay silently walked into the room, smiling wearily at Emma who held Liz in her arms as she cried for her friend's predicament.

"Is it okay if I see her for a few minutes?" Kay asked.

Emma nodded her head and smiled at her over the top of Liz's head.

Kay approached the sleeping form of Steph and gently touched her cheek.

"If only you could have spoken to her Steph for a moment, maybe she would have responded to you." She sighed heavily then continued.

"I always wondered what she saw in you, especially the first time. This time around she really wanted it to work you know, and have nothing get in the way. Guess you and she are destined to have obstacles thrown at you all the time. I just wanted you to know Steph that we are all rooting for you, and God willing you’re going to come back to us, as we know Louise will too." She softly spoke to the sleeping woman who looked more like sleeping beauty than Louise did.

Rising from the chair ten minutes later she looked at the tired and tearstained face of Liz Eponin, Emma had gone for a coffee.

"They’re both going to make it you know!" Liz said in tear filled voice.

"Yes I know.” I certainly hope so. Kay answered quietly her own voice shaking with emotion.

"She would want to be by Louise’s side if she could, she loves her very much." Liz continued.

"Louise would have wanted the same if she had been awake." Kay regarded the woman who she hadn't been formally introduced to but Paul had talked about Steph’s new friends.

"If she wakes and Emma allows it I will bring Steph in to say good-bye, if that's okay?" Liz asked tentatively.

Kay smiled at her and tears traced her cheeks understanding the compassion this woman had and what she was trying to achieve with that gesture. "Yeah, thanks we would like that." She turned and left the room.

An hour before the air ambulance arrived, Steph woke up from her deep sleep.

Emma crouched in front of the bed and gently touched her shoulder. "It's Emma Steph, do you need anything?"

"Hi Emma, a little thirsty and it's still dark out, you going to tell me the truth now?" Steph croaked out.

"Guess it's time to level with you my friend." Emma smiled gently at the sightless woman.

Emma motioned Liz over to the bed.

"Hey Steph, how about a hug for your best friend?" Liz said tremulously.

Steph smiled and although sightless those ice blue eyes looked directly at the area the voice came from, taking on a warm depth to them.

"For you anything lover, just don't let Louise hear me say that will you?" She said quietly.

"Never my friend. Never." And pulled her friend into a gentle bear hug.

Within a short space of time Steph had been given a brief but concise account of her condition and what was going to happen next, after Emma finished Steph looked perplexed.