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Post by Shanna on Mar 13, 2005 23:06:02 GMT -5
The D Sting... Chapter 13
Safe house…
“Something HAS gone wrong Jeffrey, I know it, I know my girl!” Gus replied as he turned to stare at him.
“It’s been an hour since you talked to your assistant and as she could tell you then was that Harley had let her know Brad was taking her somewhere.” Jeffrey stood and walked toward Gus, “Harley will be fine.”
“You DON’T know that! Gus said as he tried to control his temper.
Sitting down heavily in a chair he said, “If we can’t do anything until your guys get a handle on the situation or until Brad calls me – and we know he’ll call me Jeffrey.” Jeffrey nodded while Gus continued, “then I have to get out of here for awhile… I need to check on the boys then I need to get some air; if you need me you can reach me on my cell phone, if Brad calls me I’ll let you know.” He replied as he stood up and walked out the door. Jeffrey watched as Gus drove away.
Meanwhile at the Cabin…
Brad pulled Harley by the arm into the cabin with a hard jerk and she stumbled as he steadied her. After he’d set her on the cot against the wall he tied her hands behind her then her feet after her feet were tied he took the blind fold off but left the gag in her mouth. He wasn’t ready to un-gag her just yet. Brad laughed to himself as he said,
“Welcome to your new home Harley, for now anyway.”
“You are going to pay for that con you and Gus tried to pull over on me.” He replied as he slapped her. “I can see it now, you and Gus decided to let me think you too had broken up, so I’d get close to you.” Through her gag Harley said, “We did break up Brad!” Brad smiled and stopped he knew she said something but it was muffled.
“You get some rest now Harley, I’ll be back later.” Brad replied as he left her alone.
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The house
Gus walked through the door and threw his coat in a chair as Buzz walked in the family room from the kitchen.
“How are the boys?” he asked.
“They’re fine, Zach’s upstairs playing and Jude’s taking a nap.” Buzz answered. Taking one look at him, he asked, “What happened Gus?” just as the little boy came down the stairs and ran to Gus. Kneeling so Zach could hug him he asked
“What’s wrong Gus?” “I’m just really tired little man; I could use one of your hugs though!” As Zach hugged him he looked up at Buzz and mouthed, “Hold on a minute.” Buzz nodded as Zach pulled away
“Is that better?” he asked. Gus nodded, “that helps thanks, little man could you go back upstairs I need to talk to Grandpa?” He nodded as he ran upstairs. After Zach was upstairs Buzz walked to him, “What happened Gus?” he repeated.
Running his hands over his face Gus told him what had happened and why. After he had finished the story Buzz looked over, “So you too never broke up that’s why you were miserable knowing you couldn’t be together?” Gus nodded as Buzz continued, “But I saw her give you the ring back.”
Taking the ring from under his shirt he answered, “That was planned as well.” Still watching him he replied, “Buzz what I need you to help with now is to take care of the boys until I can get Harley back.”
“You know you have it Gus, tell you what why don’t you go take a shower while I get the boys ready.” Buzz suggested.
Gus nodded, “Thanks Buzz, I’ll get her back.” He replied as he went upstairs. “I know you will, you love her. Turning away to go to the phone Buzz made a call before going to get the boys ready.
Thirty minutes later, Gus came back down just as Buzz was getting the last of the boys’ things. “Gus, why are we staying with Grandpa?” Zach asked. Taking Zach in his arms he answered, “Because little man, Grandpa asked if you and Jude could stay with him for a few days and I know how much you like being with Grandpa so you and your brother will stay with him. Now I want you to be good okay?” he replied as he set the little boy on his feet and then hugged Jude.
“Will you kiss mommy for me Gus?” Zach asked.
“You bet!” Gus answered as he tried to smile.
After Buzz got the boys settled in the car he walked over to Gus, “Follow me to company okay.” Gus nodded as he followed them to company.
When they arrived at Company Gus waited in the car as Buzz got the boys settled inside and thirty minutes later walked out carrying a big bag and brought it to him.
“I know you want time alone so here is some food to take with you, make sure you eat if not for your sake then for Harley’s… when you find her she’ll need you.”
Gus smiled as he took the bag, “Thanks Buzz, I’ll call and check on the boys.” Buzz nodded as he watched his future son-in-law drive away.
While Gus drove he realized how alone he felt and he knew he needed that air to clear his head so he could get the love of his life back where she belonged. Turning the car toward the one place he could go to think he drove to the beach.
Meanwhile at the cabin…
Harley sat there trying to figure out a way to get herself out of the mess she’d found herself in, the only thing she wanted to do was call Gus but Brad had her phone. Very slowly she started to work to loosen the ropes at her hands but the more she did the more the ropes were causing burns on her wrists. She knew that she must have in all the twisting with the ropes done something to her shoulder because it hurt, and her cheek where Brad slapped her hurt and throbbed.
With tears in her eyes, Harley began to wonder if Gus even knew if Brad kidnapped her.
Knowing she had to save her strength and for now knowing that Brad wasn’t there, Harley let herself relax and dream of Gus and how much he meant to her.
At the Beach…
Gus had been sitting in the same spot for a long time, he didn’t know how long. He was letting the air clear his head so he could think straight and as it did he began to start thinking with his cop instincts. However, he knew there was not really anything he could do until Green called him. He’d heard from Jeffrey earlier and all he remembered him saying was that they were still searching. He and Jeffrey both knew that the next move was Brad’s and he was going to call Gus.
After Gus had hung up from talking with Jeffrey he began to just get lost in thought about his Harley and how better his life had been with her and her kids in it.
When he heard the change in the water, Gus looked down at his watch and he realized he’d been there for almost three hours because it was almost 5 o’clock. Realizing he hadn’t eaten yet Gus took a sandwich and a drink out of the bag Buzz had made for him and began to eat. After he ate he sat there longer as he thought back to the day he’d written a love letter of sorts to Harley.
Seeing that he was lost in thought as she walked up she stopped so she wouldn’t scare him.
“Gus?” she called out to him.
Not knowing anyone was with him, he turned quickly when he heard his name. “What!” he almost shouted until he saw her.
“It’s okay, it’s just me. She replied as she walked toward him.
He smiled as she reached him, “Susan sweetie? What are you doing here?” he asked as he stood.
Stepping into his hug, Susan wrapped her arms around as he kissed the top of her head. Pulling back he looked down at her, “Come on sit down, what are you doing here?” he asked as they sat. Since he saw her looking at the food bag he passed her some food then he waited for her to start talking.
“Grandpa called me earlier and told me that you and mom had been working on a case and that the covers were blown and mom had been kidnapped by the guy. I told him since my Easter Break started tomorrow I’d come home and help anyway I can until you can find mom.” Susan replied.
“Good ole Buzz” Gus replied as he slowly shook his head.
“Don’t be mad at Buzz, he told me you needed a friend and why. He also thought I could help with the boys” Susan stopped and looked at him, “We’re friends aren’t we?” she asked smiling.
Gus’s eyes flew to her, “Oh Sus you know we are!” “Then let me help you with the boys until Harley’s found and then if you and mom still need me after she’s back I can be there.” She replied.
“You got a deal Susan, plus it’s nice to have the chance to see my future step daughter.” Gus said
Cabin…
Harley woke up just as Brad walked in the door, “Dinner’s here Harley.” He replied as he brought the food to her and began to feed her. After he threw the dinner away Brad stayed with her for a little while and then left again. Sometime later after Harley had fallen asleep Brad came back to watch her for a little bit before he left again and as he walked out the door he held up the small vile and smiled.
Company…
After Gus dropped Susan off and told her he’d see her in the morning he went to find Buzz. When he did Buzz looked up
“She found you, I see.”
“Yeah at the beach.” Gus answered.
Looking down he asked, “Why did you tell her?” “Gus look at me, I did for three reasons, 1) Because she needed to know about Harley 2) plus you needed a friend and 3) the whole family can be there when you bring Harley home.” Buzz answered.
“I appreciate it Buzz, thanks. I’ll check on the boys tomorrow, If Zach wakes up and asked if you saw me tell him I came by last night and kissed him and I’ll see him for breakfast.” Gus replied.
“Go home Gus and try to sleep.” Buzz answered. Gus nodded as he left company and headed home. Once he was home he went upstairs, changed and climbed in bed then holding Harley’s pillow tried to sleep.
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Post by Shanna on Mar 13, 2005 23:09:09 GMT -5
The D Sting... Chapter 14
Cabin…
“Today’s the day, she’s mine!” Brad thought smiling as he carried the food toward the cabin. Opening the door he saw Harley who was watching him.
“Good morning my sweet.” Brad replied as he closed the door and set the food down on the table by the door.
Harley glared at him. “MMMMMMM” she mumbled. Walking to her Brad took the gag out as she said in a hoarse whisper but mad, “Can I go to the bathroom?” Looking over at the bathroom and knowing there was no window or anything sharp he helped her stand and walk to the bathroom. Once she was there he untied her and left to go back to there breakfast as he shut the door.
Turning to face the bathroom door Brad took the top off of Harley’s drink and reaching into his front pants pocket took out the small vile of “D” and poured some into her drink. Capping the vile and putting what was left of the drug in his pocket he stirred the drink with the straw and put the top back on just as Harley walked back into the room.
“If I promise not to go anywhere or do anything will you leave the ropes off long enough for me to eat Brad.” She asked in a weary voice as she sat back down.
Thinking for a minute he nodded as he brought over the food and placed it in front of her. Wanting liquid for her throat Harley reached for her drink.
Gus sat at Company waiting for his breakfast when he heard Zach screech, “Gus, Gus!” as he ran into the room and over to him. When he picked him up Zach wrapped his arms tight around him and clung to him.
“Whoa, little man I’m here.” Gus replied as he tried to pull the little boy away to look at him but Zach buried his face in Gus’s neck. Rubbing his back he watched as Buzz walked up
“What happened?” Gus asked as he tightened his hold on Zach.
“He had a nightmare right after you left last night and it took me a long time to get him to go back to sleep, he said you always took the scaries away.”
Nodding Gus thanked him and said, “Zach will you look at me.” When he looked up Gus saw tears in his eyes. “I’m sorry you had a bad dream last night. Did the scaries finally go away?” he asked.
The little boy nodded as he clung, “Yeah but you help the scaries go away faster Gus.” Zach replied. He settled Zach more comfortably on his lap as he saw Susan walk in.
“There is somebody here that wants to see you?” Gus answered as she walked up. “Hey Zach!” Susan replied as they watched him smile. “Susy!!!”
She held her arms out but he shrank back into Gus’s chest and held on. Susan looked at Gus puzzled, “He had a nightmare last night.” She nodded in understanding as she leaned over and kissed Gus’s cheek as she asked
“Good Morning, are you ok?”
He shook his head to let her know he hadn’t slept, just as Buzz brought Susan over her breakfast.
“What are you going to do today Sus?” Gus asked as they ate. “I’m going to help Grandpa take the boys stuff home then I’ll take care of mom’s guys.” She said smiling.
“Are you sure?”
She nodded and they all talked as Gus finished his breakfast even though his heart and mind were with Harley.
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Cabin…
As Harley looked around she began to see things double and it felt like her heart was going to burst out of her chest. While she tried to clear her head she looked at Brad
“What’d you do to me!” she screamed.
Before he could answer he saw her eyes change as the “D” coursed through her system again and she smiled, “This is nice.” She whispered. Even as she felt the drug she tried to fight it
“What’d you give me?” she screamed again. Smiling Brad stood up, “A little Delirium, that’s all.” He answered as he stood up “I’ll be back in a minute he replied as he stepped outside to make a call.
Company…
Gus answered his cell when it rang, “Aitoro!” he answered.
“Hello Gus.” Brad replied. Gus stood and motioned for Susan to stay with Zach then he went outside.
“Where is she Green, where the hell is she?” Gus said through clinched teeth.
“Touchy, Touchy aren’t we.” Brad answered. She’s in a cabin outside of town, here’s the directions because I want to see you too Aitoro.” Brad replied as he finished giving him the directions.
“If you hurt her….” Gus started to say as Brad laughed and hung up.
As Gus composed himself he called Jeffrey and told him that Brad just called and where to meet him. Jeffrey said he’d meet Gus there and hung up.
Going back inside he walked over to Buzz, “I just got a lead on where Harley is, I gotta go.” He replied as he turned and walked to Susan
“Sweetie, will you watch Zach and Jude for me until I get back?” She nodded as he knelt by Zach, “I need to take care of something but I’ll be back I promise, be good for Susan and Grandpa.” He nodded as Gus left and Susan ran after him.
“Gus!” she called as he turned, “Is it mom?” He nodded, “I know where she is Susan, her kidnapper just called.” Hugging him tightly she replied, “Be careful Gus, and bring mom home.”<br> He kissed her hair, “I will.” He answered as he ran to the car and drove away.
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Cabin…
Harley knowing she didn’t have a lot of strength left fought until she couldn’t anymore as the drug worked its way completely in her system. Brad watched as she continued to fight the drug and went to her. When he reached her he unbuttoned his shirt then unbuckled his belt…
Thirty minutes later Gus stood with Jeffrey in the front yard. “He’s been here for 3 days.” Jeffrey said. Gus’s eyes flew to his, “How do you know?” “Because I’ve had a guy tailing him.” Was Jeffrey’s answer.
“You’ve had Brad tailed and you DIDN’T tell me?” Gus asked in a deadly calm voice. Jeffrey nodded as he replied, “let’s go get Harley, I have guys surrounding the cabin and I have an Ambulance on standby should we need it.
Three guys ran after Jeffrey and Gus as they went to the door. “I’m here Green.” Gus replied as he kicked in the door and walked in with Jeffrey and three guys behind him all carrying weapons.
“You’re to late Aitoro.” Brad says as he pulls out a gun. “She was…” Brad started to say but all Gus could see was Harley who had her blouse ripped open and her jeans down. With a growl Gus ran to her and knelt as he yanked his jacket off and wrapped it around her as Jeffrey called for an ambulance.
“Is she hurt anywhere else Gus?”
Wrapping his arms protectively around her he stroked her uninjured cheek as he answered
“Besides the obvious which I hope we got here in time to stop she’s bruised and I think she was tied because she has rope burns on her wrists. Jeffrey looked at him as he continued when he snarled at Brad,
“She’s unconscious slimeball, what’d you give her!!!!”
Brad laughed but never answered him and just watched. When Brad didn’t answer, Gus lunged at him and managed to punch him as he shot, grazing Gus’s arm with a bullet.
Jeffrey seeing the change in Gus’s eyes and knowing he was edgy and out for blood grabbed Brad by his shirt collar and yelled “GUS!!! I got him.” then said, “The ambulance is here; get her and yourself to the hospital… I’ll get him to lock up.”
He nodded as he stood and wrapping the coat tighter around Harley to cover her as much as possible he gently picked her up and carried her out to the waiting ambulance; after climbing in held her hand as they went to Cedars.
As he was watching the EMT work he was hoping…
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Post by Shanna on Mar 13, 2005 23:14:28 GMT -5
The D Sting... Chapter 15
To the readers, When I was in chat sometime last week chatting with a few including the ones that asked me to do this story based on Gush’s current story w/ Brad Green and the Street drug “D” we were brainstorming as to how considering it was Brad Green Harley could find herself in a situation like in Chapter 14 and 15 so…I had to change Chapter 14 a bit to make sure 15 fit itself in right… You may need to go back and read parts of 14 again so this will make sense.
Due to the sensitivity of this chapter it is rated PG-13
This will start the Gus and Harley / family sections of the story … hope the readers of this story are still with me LOL
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Cedars
Gus was still holding Harley’s hand as the EMT’s wheeled her into Cedars and Mel came to them.
“What have we got?” she asked.
“A kidnapped victim, Caucasian female in her thirty’s.” an EMT answered.
“Let’s get her in exam room 1.” Mel replied as she started to follow but stopped when Gus grabbed her arm, “Mel when I got to her; her clothes were torn.” She nodded, “I’ll check Gus, in the mean time get your arm looked at and I’ll be back.” She answered then hurried off to take care of Harley.
Hearing what his wife said Rick walked to him, “Come on I’ll take care of the arm.” “I have to call Buzz.” Gus replied distracted as he continued to watch Harley being wheeled away from him. Nodding Rick had the nurse transfer the outside line to Exam 2 and then ushered Gus in and had him sit and take off his shirt then Rick handed him the phone.
While Rick took care of his arm he called Buzz to let him know Harley had been found and to let Susan know. Buzz told him that he and Susan would be over because Frank and Darci were there at Company and they could watch the boys. After hanging up Gus looked at Rick.
“It was just a graze Gus, I’ve cleaned it and stitched it up but for the next 48 hours I want you to take antibiotics.” Rick answered as he bandaged his arm then handed him a pill to take. When Rick stood he replied “I’ll bring you back a scrub shirt you can wear. A few minutes later Gus walked out wearing a green scrub shirt and jeans and went to sit and wait.
A few minutes later Buzz and Susan walked in and went to him. “Gus are you okay?” Susan asked as she saw the bandage on his arm. Holding his hand out to her she took it as he replied
“Yeah Sweetie, I was just grazed by the bullet, I’m fine.”
Just then Mel walked out and motioned for him to come there. “I’ll be back.” Gus replied as he walked to her. Reaching her he stopped and glanced in the window at Harley as Mel stood by the door.
“Gus there’s 2 things: First, we ran blood test on Harley and the results just came back, it looks like she was under the influence of the street drug “D” she said but stopped when Gus looked at her, “Delirium?” he said hoarsely. She nodded, “She’ll be fine from that once the drug clears her system.”
“You said two things Mel.” He replied afraid to ask the one question he knew to be answered by the look of Harley’s clothes when he saw her. Putting a hand on his arm she continued, “I checked her Gus and it looks like it’s a possibility she could have been assaulted, and there’s a large amount of D in her system. We’re checking that out now.” Mel said. Mel seeing him turn white a as a sheet waited then she saw his anger, pain, disbelief take over “You mean he….” Gus stated not wanting to say the word but knowing it could be true. She nodded.
“NOOOO!!!! Gus replied in a whisper as he slid to the floor when his legs wouldn’t hold him anymore and tears ran down his cheeks. “You can see her anytime Gus, she should be waking up soon. He nodded without looking up. Buzz went to him
“What happened Gus?” he asked as he pulled him to his feet. “Green possibly assaulted her after he drugged her drink with Delirium, and if he did he’s a dead man.”
“Are they sure?” Buzz asked trembling. “Yeah, I’m scared that he did, when I found her; Brad had his shirt unbuttoned and her clothes were torn.” Gus replied as he looked at her father then said, “I’ll be in with her.” Buzz nodded as he watched him disappear through the door.
Gus went to her, sat down and took her hand in his, “Harley honey, its Gus I’m here. You’re safe I’m with you.” He replied as he softly kissed her hand. As he sat there he slowly rubbed his finger along the back of her hand as he talked to her and waited for her to wake up.
After, about an hour, he felt her squeeze his hand and looked over as she slowly opened her eyes. “Gus?” she whispered. He nodded as he stood and stroked his fingers through her hair
“I’m right here babe.”
“Can I have water?” she asked. Turning Gus poured her a small cup and brought it to her. When she took it she just held it.
Seeing this Gus replied, “Babe look at me.” When she did he continued, “Its water… I promise.”
“Are you sure?” Taking the water from her and the pitcher he went to the sink; dumping the water in the sink he turned the water on and refilled the pitcher while Harley watched. Once he had the water he went back to her and poured her a cup and she drank it.
After she handed him the cup she took his hand
“You know don’t you?” she asked.
He nodded, “Yeah I know.” Harley couldn’t stop the tears as she whispered
“I’m so sorry! You probably hate me now.”
“Honey, it’s not your fault it never was, Green is the one at fault. I could never hate you, I Love you with all my heart.” “Still?” she asked.
“Still…. I never stopped.” Harley began to talk, “I can’t believe Jeffrey and the idiot agent he had with him took there time.”
She saw him smile, “Why are you smiling?” she asked then realized why, “You were with him?” He nodded then she asked, “Why didn’t you tell me?” “Because I knew if you knew I was there you wouldn’t be able to your job honey.”
As she began to look at him she saw him wearing the green scrub shirt
“What happened to your arm?”
“I found you; and Brad grazed me with a bullet.” Harley’s eyes got big as he saw the tears.
“Honey I’m fine I promise. When you’re ready we’ll talk but for now I want you to try and get some sleep. Before you do you need to know that Susan’s here.”
“She’s here?” Harley asked puzzled.
“Yeah she wanted to come home for her break and she came in yesterday.” Gus answered. “So she knows that I was taken?” He nodded, “Do you want to see her?” Harley nodded, “Okay, I’ll be back.” Gus replied as he stood and went to the waiting room.
Waiting Room…
“Gus!” Susan replied as she walked to him, “How’s Harley?” “She’s awake and wants to see you. She doesn’t know why you’re here other than you wanted to come home for your break.” Gus replied as she nodded.
“Tell her I love her Gus.” Buzz said from behind Susan. “I will, she’s really tired right now – the drug is still working its way through her system.” “I’m going to go home, to be with the boys if you need me call me, Susan you want me to wait?” Buzz asked.
“No thanks Grandpa, I’ll stay here.” She replied. “Buzz kiss the boys for us.” Gus asked. He nodded as he left and Gus and Susan went back to Harley.
“Mom?” Susan inquired as she walked in with Gus behind her. Harley looked up “Hey Baby.” She said as she held her arms up to hug her daughter. “I just wanted to see you before you went to sleep.” Susan replied “I love you.”
“I’m glad you stopped in, I love you too, we’ll talk later.” Harley answered as she began to drift off.
Seeing that Gus was starting to walk away Harley grabbed his hand, “Don’t leave me.”
“I’m not going anywhere, I’m right here.” He replied as Susan looked back and whispered, “I’ll be out there if you need something.” He nodded.
Harley watched as Gus pulled the recliner closer to the bed, sitting down he took her hand and whispered softly,
“If you can; go to sleep baby I’m here.” She nodded as she whispered sleepily “Talk to me.”
Knowing she needed to hear his voice he slowly began to sing to her and watched as she drifted off. Once he knew she was asleep he stopped singing then closing his eyes, slept.
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Post by Shanna on Mar 13, 2005 23:15:10 GMT -5
The D Sting... Chapter 15 Continued
Some time during the night, Gus was woken up when Harley screamed. Quickly standing he turned on the little light by her and began to talk to her
“Harley, you’re okay come back to me babe. You’re Safe I promise. Nobody can hurt you now.” He said as he saw she was trying to listen and focus on his voice so he kept talking.
When she finally looked at him she reached for him and he wrapped his arms loosely around her as he held her. Feeling her shiver when his arms went around her he pulled back and knelt so she could see him
“I want you to hold me but…” Harley started to say but stopped when she turned away. “Sweetheart, look at me?” Gus asked. When she did he continued, “I’ll be here whenever you’re ready okay.” “Promise?” He nodded as he pulled the ring from under his shirt and she saw it. “I promise.” He answered as he gently kissed her hand.
“Try and see if you can sleep again.” He asked as she closed her eyes. As he sat down he watched as she drifted off again. While he sat there watching her he heard the door open and saw Mel motioning to him
Walking to her they stepped outside the door, “I need to talk to you.” She replied.
“According to the other test we ran she wasn’t assaulted but she is traumatized and does have some bruising in the pelvic area. It looks like you got there just in time.” He nodded letting out the breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding.
“Right now she wants you close but don’t be surprise if she starts to shut you out as the emotion sets in and she begins to relive what happened. She’ll think over this and as she deals with it she may shut down a little. She may shy away from you but still want to know your close. Just give her time and if and when she’s ready let her talk about it.” Mel stated.
“I’ll do whatever I can and however I can to help her Mel you know that, even if that means space.” “I know Gus.”
Looking over, Gus saw Susan lying on the couch asleep, “Can I get a blanket?” Mel nodded and went to the supply room and came back with one.
As he started to walk away Mel stopped him, “Hold on Gus.” she replied “It’s time for more antibiotics.” She said passing him a pill. After taking the pill he handed her the water then went to Susan.
Unfolding the blanket he laid it over her. When he pulled it up over her arms she slowly opened her eyes
“Gus? What’s wrong?” she asked sleepily. “Nothing’s wrong sweetie, go back to sleep. I was just covering you up.” He answered. “Okay, love you.” Susan mumbled.
Gus smiled as he leaned over and kissed her temple, “Love you too; I’ll be with mom okay.” She nodded then he walked back in Harley’s room.
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Post by Shanna on Mar 13, 2005 23:18:51 GMT -5
The D Sting... Chapter 16
Gus had been awake for awhile sitting in the recliner by Harley as she slept. He’d woken up early and couldn’t stop thinking about everything she’d been through. While he watched her the only thing that kept running through his mind was if he’d been five minutes later… he shuddered as he thought about it.
While he was lost in thought Harley slowly woke up dazed and confused and called out the only person she wanted near, “Gus!”
“Right here Coop.”
Turning toward his voice she watched as he stood up and smiled, “I’m here love.” Not sure what to do he asked, “Hey sweetheart, its time to eat, do you want something?” She nodded. “Okay.” He replied feeling helpless; as he pressed the intercom and asked that Harley’s breakfast be brought in now.
“Please tell me you were with me last night?” Harley asked. Carefully taking her hand so he wouldn’t rub her bandaged wrist he held it loosely.
“I’ve been right here all night honey.” He answered just as Susan walked in carrying Harley’s tray and breakfast for her and Gus.
“Morning mom, I thought we could have breakfast together. Susan replied as she set the tray down. “I’d like that.” Harley answered. As Harley ate she watched her daughter and Gus
“Gus, I want you to eat this.” Susan replied setting his breakfast in front of him. He looked at her, “Sus, I’m not hungry right now.” He answered. Leaning over she whispered in his ear, “You need fuel Gus, and mom’s going to need you so eat something.” As she sat back down all he could think to say was, “Yes ma’am.” When he finished Gus stood, “Sus I need to go get an antibiotic, I’ll be back in a minute.” He replied as he walked out. Letting the door close behind him he shut his eyes tight, he didn’t know how much more he could take but he knew he had to be strong for Harley.
Going to get the antibiotic he walked down the hall. When he came back he opened the door to her room and walked in; he heard her say, “Stay there please.” He looked toward her and nodded.
“Mom?” Susan asked puzzled looking from Harley to Gus. “It’s okay Susan.” He answered as he went to the window. Standing she went to him, “I’m going to go home and bring mom back some clothes I’ll be back. She said as she left.
Later after they’d finished breakfast and Susan left to go home it was just Gus and Harley again.
“Are the boys okay Gus?” Harley asked. Resting the side of his head against the window he quietly spoke, “Yeah they’re fine sweetheart, they’re with your dad.”
She couldn’t stop the tears as much as she wanted to she couldn’t. Seeing her tears he asked “What is it Harley?”
“Are we going to be okay? I want you with me but…” she asked softly.
Turning to face her he replied, “Harley we’ll be okay, Right now I feel helpless as what to do for you.” “Just be here.” She answered. “I’m not going anywhere babe.” He answered as she began to shake her head as if to clear it.
“Gus, I still feel so fuzzy.” “The drug’s working its way through your system – you’ll be okay.” “I’m going to take a nap for a while.” She replied as she lay facing him. He nodded as he stood from where he was sitting propped on the window sill and went to cover her up then went to sit in the recliner. Harley watched him as she fell asleep as she did she quietly whispered, “I love you Gus.” Hearing her he turned, “and I love you.”
Later that Afternoon after lunch…
Harley looked at him, “Can you get Susan for me honey?” “Sure.” He answered. “There’s something I need to do.” Harley said quietly. Looking over Gus waited as she tried to continue, “I NEED to shower, I feel so ashamed, so dirty.” She said looking away from him.
“I’ll be back alright.” She nodded as he left. Fifteen minutes later he came in carrying pajamas for Harley while Susan walked in behind him. After he helped Harley stand he softly said
“Tell Susan when you’re ready for me to come back in and she’ll come get me ok?” She nodded.
While Harley walked toward the bathroom; Gus started toward the door just as Harley stopped him, “Don’t go to far please?”
He turned and went back to her, gently squeezing her hand he answered, “I’ll be outside, I won’t be far away.” She nodded as both ladies watched him. After helping Harley in the bathroom he heard Susan say, “I need to tell Gus something real fast okay, I’ll be back in a second.” A minute later she walked out and shut the door
“Sweetie, I’ll be outside getting some air okay. When she’s ready for me to come back that’s where’ll I’ll be.” Susan nodded, “She’s beginning to pull away from you isn’t she?” Susan asked. He gave a weak smile, “Mel told me to expect this, yes…. she is …. But she still wants me close right now.”
“Will you tell me what Mel said to expect?” Gus nodded, “I’ll tell you next time she’s asleep. It looks like I’m going to need your help with the boys when we get her home.”
“You got it. I’ll come get you when she’s ready.” Gus nodded as he headed outside and Susan went back to Harley.
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Gus walked outside to the basketball court; picking up the basketball he went to the wall. Reaching it he began to bounce the ball continuously as hard as he could in that one spot against the wall. When his arms gave out he leaned against the side of the hospital then slid down and tilted his head back to rest on the wall. Taking a deep breath he slowly let it out, not able to hold his feelings in check anymore he let the hot angry tears he’d been holding back run down his face.
As the tears continued he hooked his fingers together as he closed his eyes and everything Harley’s been through in the last few days replayed in his mind. When the picture of Harley with her clothes torn exploded inside his head he jumped up and went to the nearest wall and began hitting it hard as all the fear, anger, and frustration that he had surfaced
“WHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!” Gus screamed until his throat hurt as he continued hitting the wall not seeing through his tears the scratches and blood on his hand.
He felt so helpless as he tried to help her. He didn’t know what to do. He sat back down and began to slowly wrap his mind around the fact that he was just going to have to wait for Harley to let him know. He didn’t know how long he sat there but he looked over when he heard his name
“Gus?” Susan called when she didn’t see him.
“Over here Sus.” Gus replied as she finally saw him and walked toward him. Kneeling she saw his hand, “What’d you do?” “I hit the wall.” He answered as the pain from his hand began to register with his brain.
“How long have I been here?” he asked looking up and saw that it was dark
“About three hours, they brought her dinner right after you left so she ate a little then got in the shower. She just got out of the shower and after she dressed she wanted to know where you were so I told her I’d come get you.” Susan replied. Standing she held out her hand and pulling Gus up she said, Lets get your hand looked at before you see mom.” He nodded as they went in and Mel ushered him in a cubicle while Susan went to Harley. Taking one look at his face then his hand she asked
“What’d you hit?”
“A wall.” He answered softly.
Nodding she examined it then said, “Nothing’s broken but you bruised both your hand and your fingers pretty bad, I’ll wrap up your hand. After seeing Mel Gus went to Harley’s room and slowly opened the door. When he saw she was turned away from the door he quietly walked in.
Going around the bed where she could see him, he knelt keeping his hand low where she couldn’t see it he saw she was awake,
“I’m here honey.”
She focused on him but didn’t take his hand. He saw her shiver, “Susan will you cover her up please.” She nodded as she pulled the covers up. While she still focused on him she whispered, “I’m sooo tired Gus.” “Try to sleep, I’ll be here.” She nodded “Talk to me?” He nodded as he began to sing like he did the night before. As he sang Susan walked to Harley and quietly whispered to her,
“I’ll help you take care of them. I love you.” Harley nodded sleepily as Susan backed up and waited by the door as Gus sang and stayed there till he made sure Harley was asleep. When he stood he lightly kissed her hand, “I Love you very much.” Then he followed Susan to the waiting room.
Once they were there he dropped heavily in a chair as Susan sat across from him. “How’s the hand?” she asked and he looked at her. “I bruised my hand and fingers pretty bad but they’ll be okay, I took something to help with pain.
“Can you tell me now?” Susan asked. Taking a deep breath Gus began, “You wanted to know what to expect when she got home?” he replied. Susan nodded as he sat up. “From what Mel told me, right now she wants me close but not to be surprise if she starts to shut me and or us out as the emotion sets in and she begins to relive what happened. She’ll think over what happened and as she deals with it she may shut down a little. It is possible she may shy away from me but still want to know I’m close. We just give her time and if and when she’s ready let her talk about it.” Gus replied watching Susan.
“Things are starting to come back to her and she’s trying to deal with it.” Gus answered. “Can I make a suggestion?” she asked. “Yeah.” “Take time for you when you need it, we’ll all help.” Susan replied. “You sound like your mom Sus.” Gus said smiling.
“I’m going to the Cafeteria to get dinner while Harley’s asleep.” Gus replied. “Okay, I’ll stay here and keep and eye on mom till you get back.” She answered as Gus left.
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Post by Shanna on Mar 13, 2005 23:22:02 GMT -5
The D Sting... Chapter 17
Gus pulled in the driveway and stopped as he watched Harley who was staring out the window.
“I’m scared Gus.” she replied looking at him. “I’m right beside you honey, I’ll do whatever you need me to do.” He answered then got out of the car and walked to her side. Helping her stand he shut the door then locked it and went in the house.
“Mommy!” Zach and Jude screeched when they saw her. Seeing them she carefully knelt after taking her coat off and handing it to Gus and hugged them as tears came to her eyes. Leaning over until she saw him he said, “I’ll be with your dad.” She nodded as he walked in the kitchen.
“Hey Buzz.” Gus said when he walked to her father. “Hey, how is she?” he asked “Right now she’s with the boys; she’s scared it will happen again and doesn’t want to think about it. We have to follow her lead. Gus looked into space as Buzz waited for him to continue,
“I’ll tell you Buzz, I’m feeling, helplessness, pain, fear, anger, frustration, sadness at what this creep did to her.” Gus replied shrugging his shoulders.
“Will all help Gus don’t worry. Buzz replied. “Why don’t I finish lunch and then we’ll eat.” “That sounds great Buzz thanks.” Gus answered as he went back to Harley.
“Honey.”<br> She looked up, “Your dad will have lunch ready in a little while.” “Do I have time for a shower?” she asked. He nodded, “Go ahead.” Without another word Harley stood and went upstairs. After he watched her leave Gus dropped heavily on the couch and dropped his head in his hands and just sat there. After a few minutes he went back to the kitchen.
Thirty minutes later Harley walked downstairs again wearing Gus’s FBI sweatshirt and a pair of sweatpants. Hearing Gus and Susan in the kitchen she sat on the couch to wait knowing they’d be back. While she sat there the doorbell rang and she went to answer it.
Opening the door, she saw Frank and gave a tiny smile, “Hi Frank.” She answered as she started to walk to the couch. Just as Gus walked in the family room he saw Frank give Harley a hug and saw her shudder at the touch then look around as she tried not to panic.
“I’m right here Harley.” He answered as he walked to her and slowly ran his hand over her hair.
Seeing the panic in her eyes still he walked where she could see him. When Frank let her go after hearing her voice Gus knelt, “I know you’re scared; I’m not going to let anyone hurt you okay.” She looked at him, “I’m sorry.” “Its okay… lunch is ready are you hungry?” he asked. She shook her head, “Not really.” Rubbing the back of her hand Gus asked, “We’ll you try and eat a little please?” She nodded as she memorized the face of the man she loved.
While they ate Gus sat across from her with the boys between them and Susan sat on her other side. As he ate he watched her eat a little and when she looked at him he hated seeing the dullness in her eyes which were always so happy.
After lunch was finished Susan replied, “I’m going to play with the boys for a while, mom you want to come?” Harley nodded as she followed Susan to the family room.
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Post by Shanna on Mar 13, 2005 23:22:34 GMT -5
The D Sting... Chapter 17 Continued
“I’ll be back.” Gus said to no one in particular but Buzz, Frank and Darcy nodded as he went through the family room and out the door, Harley looked up as he headed outside. Gus was sitting on the bench when Frank opened the door and walked out after closing the door, he asked
“Are you alright?”
“NO!! Frank I’m not!” Gus replied trying not to shout, but not managing to hold his temper very well as he stood and paced
“I’m so angry at the slime ball for what he did to her; did you see her eyes Frank? He shook his head no.” “Well I did, there is dullness there right now that he put there and he changed her. Brad took away “my girl.” I can’t see straight, and I just wanna pound something until I can’t anymore.”
“Does sis know?” Frank asked. “Your sister and I communicate, and it’s sometimes without words so yes she probably does.”
Frank stayed still and didn’t say anything for a minute, before he could Gus replied, “If you wonder if we still love each other the answer is YES!”
He looked up, “That’s not what I was thinking, and I know you do, I was just about to ask you to explain to me what happened in there when I hugged her?” Frank replied and then continued before Gus could say anything, “I’m her big brother, her protector and she’s scared of me.” Frank saw anger spark in Gus’s eyes when he said, “You may be her big brother and protector but she has ME as a protector and I Will not let anyone hurt her or scare her again!” Gus hissed. He stopped for a minute to take a deep breath then continued,
“She’s traumatized Frank, and right now any touch or tight hold like a hug causes her to panic because it takes her back to what that slime ball Green did to her. Being close to any man right now Harley can’t handle.”
“But she lets you that close.” Frank interrupted.
Gus shook his head, “No, she wants to know I’m close because she knows I’ll make everything safe but she’s beginning to shut me out to; where she wants to know I’m still there but not get too close.” Gus answered.
“So when she panicked back there, it was because she thought she was going to be hurt like that again?” Frank asked. Gus nodded.
“What’d Mel say?”
“Basically, be there when she needs or wants us and back off and give her time when she doesn’t.” Frank looked at Gus, “tell you what, how about you and I go for a run in the morning.” He answered just as the door opened and Harley stepped out. “Frank, can I talk to Gus for a few minutes?” He nodded as he went inside.
Walking to the bench she sat by him, not touching him. Laying his bandaged hand in hers she softly said, “What’d you hit?” “A wall.” He answered. “How bad is it?” Harley said. “I bruised my hand and fingers pretty bad.” Slowly holding his hand she raised it to her cheek and held it there for a minute then let go.
Standing she went toward the door. Not turning to look at Gus she didn’t see the love come in his eyes as he thought of the love of his life nor did see when anger, frustration, and sadness replaced it as he thought of the dullness that Brad Green had left her with. He sat outside for a while then went inside and spent time with the family before they all had dinner and then the others left; leaving only Gus, Harley, Susan and the boys in the house.
“Come on boys, bath time.” Harley said as she herded the boys up the stairs. While she was giving the boys there bath and getting them ready for bed Susan walked over to Gus, “Hey Gus, what happened to mom earlier.” She asked as she sat on the arm of the couch. “She panicked Sus but after a few minutes she was ok.”
“I wanted to let you know, I’m going to go for a run in the morning so If I’m not back when Harley gets up tell her where’ve I’ve gone and that I’ll be back soon.” She nodded. “If you are mom need something come get me?” Gus nodded as he headed upstairs and Susan went to her room.
Once he was upstairs he went to the boys’ room and gave them their good night hugs and kisses then went to his and Harley’s bedroom.
Seeing the door was partly closed he knocked.
“You can open the door Gus.” Harley replied. When he did he saw her in bed and watching him as he walked in. Going to the dresser he pulled out his pajamas then went to the bathroom to change. Fifteen minutes later he walked out and stood by her side of the bed. “If you need me, I’ll be here.” Gus answered. Harley looked at him, “Gus could you sleep in the guest room tonight?” When they looked at each other she saw sadness and anger, but also love in his eyes. He saw the pain, yet longing for him in hers.
With a reluctant nod, “I’ll be in the guest room if you need me… Sweetheart, I won’t be very far.” She nodded. When he leaned over to get an extra blanket off the foot of the bed he saw her jump then said, “You’re wearing my FBI sweatshirt.” “I wanted to wear something of yours.” She replied. Smiling he stood and she watched as he gathered his pillow as well as the blanket and put them by the door.
When he turned he went to her, “Do you want me to stay till you fall asleep?” he asked. She shook her head no. As she lay down he said,
“I’ll be across the hall and I’ll leave my door open.”
Watching him as he went to the door she saw how tired he was. Stopping at the door he faced her again, “I love you.” He said softly then blew her a kiss. Picking up his pillow he turned off her light and went to the guest room.
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Sometime later Gus woke up when he heard a noise. As he listened he realized it was coming from Harley. Throwing the covers off; he jumped up and ran across the hall. When he stepped in the room he saw she was shivering. Seeing the movement in the door Harley jumped as she said
“Don’t hurt me?"
When he heard those words Gus’s heart broke as he walked further in the room then took a blanket off a chair and slowly walked to her as he said
“Harley, honey its Gus, I’m here; your okay.” He answered even as he carefully wrapped the blanket around her and she jumped. Kneeling in front of her; he continued talking
“Harley? Its Gus babe I won’t hurt you, I’ll never hurt you. Can you hear me? I’m here and I’ll keep you safe. Nobody will hurt you okay.” He could see she was trying to focus, “You’re safe Coop, Brad can’t hurt you I won’t let him.”
When she focused completely on him she whispered, “Gus?” “I’m right here.” He answered. Seeing the man she loved in front of her brought tears to her eyes. “I was scared he was coming back.” She whispered. “He won’t hurt you again.” Gus replied as he covered her back up. Harley looked in his eyes, “Thanks.”<br> Nodding Gus left to go to the guest room, a minute later Harley watched as he walked back in and at the foot of the bed laid a blanket out flat then tossed his pillow down and lay down, hearing him move she saw as he crawled around the bed to her, she stared at him a minute without saying anything, then closed her eyes.
“You’re my heart.” He whispered. He went back to his place at the foot of the bed and went to sleep.
The next morning…
Gus rose early and dressed in sweats and went for the run with Frank.
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Post by Shanna on Mar 13, 2005 23:23:39 GMT -5
The D Sting... Chapter 18
Harley has little by little shut down and been walking around in a daze as she relives the events. She jumps at sounds and she wants Gus close but not too close, however she is beginning to want those small touches from him she’s use too. He has been running every morning and is dealing with the anger he has for the situation Brad has put Harley in.
This chapter begins as Gus gets a call from Spaulding.
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Gus was sitting at the kitchen table keeping Harley company as she ate soup when they heard the phone ring and Harley jumped.
“Sweetheart it’s the phone.” Gus replied as he heard Susan answer it.
“Gus it’s for you.” Susan replied as she walked in the kitchen and sat down. “Thanks.” He replied getting up and going to the family room. Fifteen minutes later he came back to them, “Sus I need to run an errand I’ll be back alright?” She nodded then he knelt by Harley
“Harley honey, I have to go out for a while but I’ll be back okay? Sus is here with you. I’ll be back soon.” He said as he stood and slowly leaned over and kissed her hair. As he did he felt her lay a hand on the side of his neck. Kneeling down again so he could see her eyes he gently pushed hair behind her ears as he softly said
“I love you.”
She smiled and nodded. “Susan, will you walk me out?” She stood and followed him after he stood and blew Harley a kiss then went to the door. Reaching it he turned, “I’ll be back as soon as I can, see if she’ll eat the rest of her soup, if you need me call my cell.” He said as he opened the door. She nodded as she went back to the kitchen with Harley. As he left, he thought about how he hated leaving Harley, but felt a little better knowing Susan was with her. Going to the car he jumped in and drove to Spaulding Enterprises.
Spaulding…
Walking directly into Alan’s office he replied, “Okay Al I’m here, what did you want? He asked as he dropped in a chair. Seeing how tired Gus was Alan asked, “Gus are you alright?”
“No, I need to get home.”
Alan watched his son as the sadness came in his eyes, “Considering the fact that your cover has been blown and I’m allowing the FBI to have access to the company I need to let you know…. You’re fired.”
Gus stared, “Well great you’re the second person who’s fired me… Jeffrey O’Neill fired me too since my cover was blown. Right now that’s good I guess so I can be there for Harley.”
“Harley?” Alan asked puzzled. “Never mind, if I can get boxes I’ll pack up my stuff.” Gus started to say as Alex walked in.
“I’ll tell maintenance to send boxes up.” Alan replied then without another word left the office. Alex followed him out and once they were in the hall she looked at him, “You really did the right thing; after all he wasn’t really part of us.” Not saying a word Alan got in the elevator and left.
Fifteen minutes later, Alex walked back in and watched as Gus was packing up his things.
“I hope you’re satisfied to what you’ve done to him.” Alex replied snidely. Gus turned to stare at her for a second then began putting more stuff in a box, “I did what I had to do.” “You turned your father into the FBI Gus!” Alex replied at a near shout.
“I don’t need this now!” Gus growled, “If you’ll kindly leave I’ll get out of your way. With a huff she walked out and he finished packing. When he finished he picked up the box and walked out. Reaching the hall he saw both Alan and Alex standing there talking. Not saying anything he walked by them and they watched him leave.
Once he was in the car he called Jeffrey, “Do you have Green in lock up?” “Yeah why?” He asked.
“Because I’m going to see him.” Gus replied then hung up.
Ten minutes later Gus reached the station and went in. As he walked through the station down to lock up Jeffrey met him there. “I just want to see him a minute.” Gus answered.
“I know but I’m going in with you.” Jeffrey replied. Opening the door both men walked in the room as Green was brought in.
“Hello Gus and how is Harley? I miss her.” Green replied with a smirk as he stood there.
“I just came by to let you know Green, if you thought this would make me love her any less your WRONG I love her and nothing could make me stop loving her.” Gus answered.
“Isn’t that sweet, I must admit she was….. Great.”
Jeffrey knew what was coming when he saw Gus tense up. He watched Harley’s fiancée as he with a deadly calm walked up to Green and stopped in front of him. With steel in his voice he said
“Brad, this is for Harley.” then he punched him knocking flat on the floor.
Turning he looked at Jeffrey, “I’ll be at home.” O’Neill nodded as Gus walked out the door and out of the station to his car. As Gus left O’Neill had his own talk with Green.
When Gus opened the door he saw Harley laying on the couch and Susan sitting on the floor quietly reading a book.
“Sus?” Gus softly said as he balanced the box and opened the door. Hearing him she looked up. When she saw him at the door balancing the box she went to him and held the door open as he walked in.
“Gus?” Harley asked.
He looked up, “Yeah babe, I’m here, I’ll be there in a minute.”
Putting the box down Gus went to the couch and sat down while Susan resumed her place on the floor.
“What’s in the box?” Harley asked.
“It’s all my stuff from Spaulding honey.” He answered as he lightly rubbed her foot.
“Why?” Susan asked. “Alan fired me today so I brought my things home.” Gus answered.
Without much thought to what she was doing Harley scooted closer to him and wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him. “I’m sorry sweetheart.”
Gus stayed completely still as she hugged him; he didn’t want to scare her. After a few minutes he said, “Are you ok?”
Looking at him she replied, “I think as long as you don’t move I’ll be okay, I miss hugging you Gus.” “And I miss being hugged.” He replied smiling, “We’ll go at your pace Coop.” Susan stood and sat on her other side
“I’m sorry I’m being such trouble.”
“Honey you’re not, we all love you and we’ll do whatever you need or want us to do to help you through it. Gus said as he gently ran his fingers over her hair and felt her relax knowing she was safe.
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Post by Shanna on Mar 13, 2005 23:27:04 GMT -5
The D Sting... Chapter 19
“Noooooooo Brad!!!” Harley screamed as she tried to fight him in her dream.
When Gus heard her, his heart broke into a million pieces as he jumped up and went to her side of the bed and knelt. “Coop sweetie I’m here and I won’t let Brad hurt you. Harley I’m here.” He replied as he carefully pried open her fisted hand then linked his fingers with hers and held her hand.
“Get Away from me!” she hissed even as she fought Gus. His eyes turned to steel as he thought of Green and what he did to this loving woman. Watching her fight the dream killed him because he knew she needed his strength but he wanted to talk to her about what this was doing to him and he knew he couldn’t just yet.
“Harley Babe, you’re safe with me I love you. You’re not with Brad you are home safe in your own bed; the kids are here we love you, he can’t hurt you anymore.” He said as he started gently squeezing her hand as he laid his head next to hers and whispered in her ear
“I love you; you’re my heart Harley and always will be. I’m your life line babe hang on to me love, I’ll always be with you.”
While he was talking Harley began to calm down when she began to see Gus’s face in her mind instead of Brad Green. Feeling her calm down he waited until she slowly opened her eyes and looked at him.
Seeing tears flood her eyes as she looked at him he gently lay a hand on her cheek as he pushed hair from her face.
“You’re safe sweetheart.” He whispered.
Reaching for his hand she held it against her as tears rolled down her cheeks, “I have to talk to you about this or it will eat me up inside, can I talk to you?”
He nodded as he saw her began to drift off again, “You know you can sweetie, we can talk later tonight okay; right now its time for you to try and sleep, daylight will be here in a few hours.” She nodded as Gus grabbed his blanket and pillow and made himself comfortable on the floor beside her. Harley lay on her stomach close to the edge and with her hand resting in his they went back to sleep.
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Later that day...
When they’d gotten up that morning Harley had pulled away and didn’t want him that close but needed to know he was there. He had seen it in her eyes and had been rather quiet all day. Susan saw Gus on the front porch after lunch and went to him, Opening the door she stepped out then closed the door behind her. “Are you okay?” she asked.
“No, Sus I’m not, I miss your mom.”
“I heard her this morning what happened?” He looked up, “She’s having flashbacks of what happened and she told me she wants to talk to me about it which is great but later when she woke up again she was distant like she has been.” Going to sit beside him Susan said, “Why don’t you take a drive and take time for yourself, I will be here.”
He nodded as they walked back inside, When Harley saw him walk in she saw him go to the closet and get his coat then turn and look at her when she softly called his name “Yeah honey?”
“Can we still talk tonight?” she asked. He nodded even as she saw the anger/hurt and sadness in his eyes. “I need to go for a drive, I’ll be back.” He replied putting on his leather jacket. She nodded as he left without another word. She watched as he hoped in his car and drove away. Telling Susan she was going to take a nap she went upstairs. Once it was quiet Susan made a phone call.
“Hey Grandpa, its Susan I need your help.”
“Sure what can I do?” Buzz asked. She thought for a minute then said, “Mom finally wants to talk to Gus and I want to give them that chance. I want her to feel safe and not worry about me or the boys tonight --.” She started to say but Buzz interrupted, “I’ll be over about 8:00 to pick up the boys and this will give me a chance to see my granddaughter.” Susan smiled. “Tell Gus to take all the time he wants.” “Thanks for the help Grandpa.” She replied as they hung up.
After Gus got home he realized it was quiet so he went and knocked on Susan’s door.
“Come in.” she said. Gus came in, “Hey sweetie, I’m back” He replied after he closed the door and sat on the bed.
“Where’s your mom and the boys?” he asked. She and the boys are all taking a nap.” Susan replied as she lay her book down. “Sus, this hasn’t been much of a trip for you I know, but I appreciate your help.” She smiled; “Did the drive help?” “Yeah it did, it gave me a chance to clear my head and really think about your mom and how much we love each other.” He answered, “This morning when she finally told me she wanted to talk to me, I was glad she was finally willing to open up but then when she closed down again it hurt.”
Susan looked at him, “I want mom to feel like she can talk to you and not have to worry about me or the boys so I called Grandpa and we’re going to stay with him tonight.” Gus stared at his future step daughter, “Are you sure? Is Buzz okay with this?” he asked. She nodded, “Yeah he told me…tell Gus to take all the time he wants. He’ll be here at eight. ”
He smiled, “You’re more like your mom every day, thank you sweetie, we love you.” He replied as he left her room then headed upstairs.
Quietly opening the door Gus walked in but Harley wasn’t on the bed. Realizing she was in the bathroom and not wanting to scare her he called out
“Harley it’s me honey, I’m back.”
Coming out of the bathroom she looked at him and smiled and his heart turned over when he saw her because that was the first genuine smile she’d given him since this all happened. As he watched her smile he saw the smile fade and hesitation come in her eyes. “What are you thinking?” Gus asked slowly walking to her as she sat on the bed.
“It hit me when I looked in your eyes before you left earlier, how you‘ve been strong for me but I haven’t been there for you. Even though you may not realize it Gus in the past weeks you are what keeps me balanced.”
He was quiet as he moved to the window for a minute. Turning he looked at her and when he started to say something changed his mind, what he wanted to say could wait instead he said, “Susan arranged for her and the boys to stay with Buzz tonight so we can talk without interruption.” Harley’s eyes went to his, “She did?”
He nodded, “She loves you and wants you to feel safe and protected and she knows you feel that here and with me.” Gus replied.
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Post by Shanna on Mar 13, 2005 23:27:42 GMT -5
The D Sting... Chapter 19 Continued
Later that night after everyone ate and Buzz picked everyone up…<br> Harley looked at the clock while Gus was in the kitchen it read 9:00. Walking back in the family room he went to her and sat down on the arm of the couch
“Harley will you let me do something for you?” Gus asked.
“Uh-huh.”
“Okay I’ll be back.” Gus replied heading upstairs.
Once he was in the bedroom he quickly changed into his pajama pants and white tee-shirt then went to the bathroom. Getting to work he turned on the hot water to run then pouring her favorite bath scents and bubbles in he waited for the tub to fill. While he waited he went to the sink and picked up the clip she used to put her hair up when she was in the tub. After the tub filled to where she liked it he turned off the water and went downstairs.
“Sweetie here.” He said as he handed her the hair clip, “I ran a hot bath for you, go relax and take your time. When you’re ready I’ll come up alright.” He replied.
Putting her hair up she watched him and he saw a single tear roll down her cheek as he followed her to the stairs. After she went up he climbed the stairs and sat on the middle step; leaning against the wall he closed his eyes and replayed everything in his mind wondering how on earth he was going to explain to the love of his life how he felt seeing her unconscious and everything that came after that.
After what seemed like an hour, Gus didn’t hear anything so he headed to the bedroom when he opened the door he saw Harley sitting on the middle of the bed wearing her pajamas hugging her knees and crying.
“Honey are you okay?”
Holding her hand out to him, he walked to the bed. When he reached her she wrapped her arms around his waist and laid her head on his chest. After holding her just a minute he let her go and climbed on the bed behind her
“Sweetheart, I’m going to put my arms around you and hold you, when you’re ready we can talk okay.” Gus said as he slipped his arms around and held her; propping his chin on her shoulder. Harley didn’t say anything for a few minutes as she let the warmth from Gus’s arms slip over her and make her feel safe and warm.
“I tried to get Brad to tell me where he was taking me but he wouldn’t. He just kept telling me somewhere we could be alone." Harley whispered. Feeling her tremble slightly he lay his hand on her cheek and she leaned into his hand.
“What happened after your ear piece fell out? as he took you out of his hotel room?” Gus asked as he held his hand on her cheek another minute then wrapped it back around her again.
“He’d found my phone and showed it to me the word “Antimonious” was on the screen. He’d begun to slowly walk toward me as I was walking backwards but when I hit the wall I knew I was trapped Gus. She stared to say as Gus felt her tense up and go inside herself but continued talking as she started reliving the events
“Harley, sweetheart stay with me, he can’t hurt you I’m here.” Gus said softly as he ran his hands over her arms. She leaned her cheek against his
She said "okay." then took a deep breath and he could hear the tears in her voice. Not saying anything as he waited Gus began to slowly run a hand up and down her arm to make sure she felt his touch. "He asked again about the phone and I told him I didn’t know what he was talking about then he kissed me hard and shook me by the shoulders, that’s when I felt my earpiece come out of my ear." The only change you could see with Gus as he listened was when his eyes sparked with anger when he heard what she’d said about Brad.
“What happened then?” Gus asked quietly as he continued to rub her arm. "I whispered your name at one point and he heard me, he seemed to put it all together then about what we were trying to pull over on him but I told him we had broken up but because of our past relationship your name just slipped out."
“I heard you honey.” He replied as he watched her link her fingers with his and hold on tight. Harley was quiet for several minutes and just sat there and Gus held her. Hearing her cry Gus gently ran a hand over her hair.
“Sweetie take a break we have all night okay.” Gus said when she nodded. He stood and stretched but stopped when he heard,
“Gus will you kiss me please?” she asked.
He turned and looked at her then very gently he lay his lips on hers and let his warmth sink into her. Pulling back he whispered, “I’ll go make you some tea okay. You just rest until I come back.” She smiled as he went downstairs…
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Post by Shanna on Mar 13, 2005 23:31:26 GMT -5
The D Sting... Chapter 20
Going downstairs Gus thought about everything Harley had told him. The two emotions he felt the most as he went to the kitchen were anger and sadness, the sadness outweighed the anger the more he watched Harley go inside herself and relive what Brad did to her.
He went to the stove got the kettle filled it and put it back on the stove to boil. While he waited hot tears ran down his face as he thought of Harley being slapped then bruised. Gus knew she must have felt so alone, so scared. When the kettle sounded he jumped. Turning he reached for an insulted travel cup and spooned out the tea.
Not feeling the tears that still ran down his face he stirred the tea and threw the spoon in the sink not knowing if he could listen to the next part that he knew was coming; he wanted to break Green’s neck. Putting the top on the mug he carried it back upstairs.
Reaching the bedroom he walked in, Harley took one look at his face and stood up. Before taking the tea from him she hugged him then looking in his eyes, wiped the tears from his face with her thumbs whispering, “I’m sorry honey.” He nodded
“I just feel so helpless! I want to do something for you.”
She hugged him again then he handed her the tea as she sat on the bed again. “Will you just hold me like you were for a little bit?” she asked quietly as she sat on the middle of the bed.
Not saying a word Gus climbed on the bed behind her and wrapped his arms around her. Relaxing against him, Harley sipped her tea in silence while he held her.
After a little bit, Harley crawled off the bed and walked to the table on her side and set the tea down. Gus didn’t move as she crawled back to him and sat in front of him. Taking his arms she wrapped them around her and he propped his chin on her shoulder.
“Telling you the next part is really hard Gus.” Harley quietly said.
“I know sweetheart.”
“You’ll hate me?” she whispered.
“Oh Harley, I love you, we’ve been through so much you can tell me. Just take your time baby.”
She took a deep breath before she continued, then looked at him and memorized his face then kissed his cheek. Not moving he watched her then picking up his hand she linked fingers as she tightened her hand in his but kept her head down as she talked
"Once we were in the car he blindfolded me and gagged me and tied my hands. Reaching the cabin he pulled me in with a hard jerk and I stumbled. Sitting me on the cot against the wall he left my hands tied behind me then tied my feet again. When my feet were tied he took the blind fold off but left the gag in my mouth. Then he laughed and said “Welcome to your new home Harley, for now anyway.” She shivered, “That laugh just gave me the creeps.”
Gus began rubbing her arms again then grabbed a blanket and put it around her. “He told me we both were going to pay then slapped me. He told me to get some sleep then left me alone. I started working the ropes at my hands, but the more I did they caused burns on my wrists. I knew I’d also done something to my shoulder because it hurt. I fell asleep Gus and dreamed of you." She said as she went inside herself again but knew he was there.
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"The next morning he brought me breakfast and I asked if I could use the bathroom. When I came out I asked if he’d leave the ropes off as long as I promised not to do anything or run he agreed.
Brad must have slipped the D in my drink while I was in the bathroom because a little later I was seeing things double and it felt like my heart was going to burst out of my chest. Trying to clear my head I screamed, “What’d you do to me!” But before he could answer the “D” coursed through system again and even as I felt the drug I fought it."
Harley didn’t see the anger spark in Gus’s eyes but she felt him climb off the bed and go toward the window. He really wanted to punch something. Without looking she replied, “I really tried Gus.” Starting to cry she continued "When I screamed again, what’d you give me? He smiled stood up and with a laugh said, A little Delirium, that’s all. Then he went outside and I guess called you. Still fighting the drug when he came back in I saw when he walked toward me then unbuttoned his shirt and unbuckled his belt. I started crying when he knelt over me and ripped my top and worked my jeans down. I fought him and did everything I could so he wouldn’t but my coordination was off because the Delirium was in my system."
"I thought he'd try something but the D was starting to make me loose consciousness. I heard the door being kicked in and saw him look towards it then I heard you as you said, “I’m here Green” and saw you come it was then I lost consciousness."
Looking at him with tears in her eyes she asked, “Did he Gus?”
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Post by Shanna on Mar 13, 2005 23:31:55 GMT -5
The D Sting... Chapter 20 Continued
He knew what she was asking. Slowly turning to look at her he answered, “No, I got there just in time, you have some bruising there but nothing more.” Harley started to climb off the bed as he turned toward the wall and punched it hard. Standing she stopped and watched. Facing her he said in a whisper as tears ran down his cheeks, “I have to do something… but I can’t and that makes me mad.” When she started to walk to him he held up a hand to stop her as he looked at her and she saw the bleakness in his eyes.
“Stop don’t come closer I’m still angry and don’t want to hurt you.” Gus said his voice raspy with tears.
She came closer saying, “I sometimes forget how my getting hurt effects you.”
“I wanna break his neck Harley, not just for the cabin but also for the night in his hotel room where he almost tried something.” Gus said, his eyes turning to steel as he fisted his hands tighter by his sides.
Harley had tears in her eyes, “You want to know what I thought right before I lost consciousness?” when I heard your voice she asked.
“What?”
“He’s here now, he found me, the love of my life will keep me safe.” She replied when he looked at her.
“I’m sorry baby, I knew you felt shut out at the hospital but there was no way I could show you that you were still here honey.” Harley said placing her hand on her heart.” “Because of this I felt so ashamed and so dirty.” Holding up his hand to stop her again as she walked toward him he replied
“I knew you loved me.”
Taking the last step to reach him Harley hugged him just as his knees buckled and holding him they both sank to the floor. Gus buried his face in her neck as all the emotion he’d been holding in came out in sobs.
“I felt so helpless when I saw you at the cabin; I thought I’d gotten there to late. Thinking of what he’d done to you nearly killed me babe.” Gus said softly. “After we’d gotten you to the hospital and I was watching you sleep I kept thinking, I was supposed to protect her, and I didn’t, I let you down.”
“Sweetheart, you did protect me and you didn’t let me down.”
Gus stood and walked to the bed; grabbed a pillow then sat by her again. She watched as he slowly told her about the terror he felt when he didn’t know where she was. He hit the pillow over and over as he replied, “Watching you pull away from me hurt because little by little I saw the light in your eyes fade and it broke my heart.
Harley sat back and held his hand; looking at him she saw the love he had for her shining in his eyes. “Gus honey, you may not believe this but even though I’ve pushed you away I’ve watched you and every time I did I saw your anger towards me?” she said softly.
“Towards you?” Gus asked puzzled.
She nodded, “Yeah, I know you’re angry.”
Surprised, he gently brushed hair behind her ear, “I’m angry at Brad Green, at the situation, and at what it was doing to you, and at myself for not protecting you…. But I was NEVER angry at you.”
“You weren’t?” Harley questioned.
“Oh love I’m sorry if that’s what you saw, yes I was angry but it never at you. I was upset at watching you shut down a little more every day because I realized he’d taken something from you and it will take you time to get it back.” Gus replied caressing her cheeks lightly with the backs of his fingers.
“Then you still love me?” she asked softly.
Raising her chin so he could see her eyes he answered, “Harley Davidson Cooper I Love you now and I’ll love you even after I draw my last breath.” Gus replied even when he noticed that she was getting sleepy.
“Sweetie you’re tired why don’t you crawl back in bed and get some sleep. I’ll move over and sleep beside the bed.” Gus said.
When Gus started to stand Harley stopped him, “Can we try you sleeping on the bed tonight? I think I can sleep tonight.” She answered.
“Are you sure?” he asked.
She nodded then continued, “Did the doctor say when we can be together again?”
“You are still bruised so when you’re healed and when you are ready darlin’” he answered as they climbed in bed and still wanting to feel his arms around her lay her head on his shoulder.
As she drifted off she asked, “Will we make it Gus?”
Wrapping his hand around hers, “We’ll make it baby. We’ve been through so much to get to the happiness we’ve found. I can’t imagine not loving you Coop.” Gus whispered as they went to sleep.
Across town at the jail
Brad Green smiled after he managed to get the cell door open. Going out the far door Brad Green escaped. As he walked out a man in black called someone then began following him.
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Post by Shanna on Mar 13, 2005 23:33:53 GMT -5
The D Sting... Chapter 21
Harley woke up before daylight the next morning and turning to look at Gus asleep beside her decided to watch him sleep for a while before getting up. While she lay there all she could think about was everything the wonderful man beside her has done for her and how much he loved her looking back towards him she saw he was awake and watching her.
“Good Morning Beautiful!” Gus asked in a voice rough from sleep. “How’d you sleep sweetheart?”
“Better than I have in a long time.” She answered caressing his cheek with her index finger. Smiling she said, “I need you my white knight.”<br> Surprised he propped up on an arm, your white knight honey?” She nodded, “You’ve always been my white knight.” She replied seeing in his eyes when the rest of her sentence registered with him, “Are you sure?” he asked.
“Yeah, I miss being with you.”
Slowly he rolled toward her, “We’ll go slow and if you need me to stop tell me alright?” he asked even as he began kissing her face with light kisses. Wrapping her arms around his neck; she held him close as her lips met his in a kiss only they could understand --- A kiss that reached them both soul to soul. Gus looked into her eyes as they kissed and they each knew the kiss spoke of his love for her and her love for him.
When he reached a hand down for the hem of her shirt she froze and he stopped. Not saying a word Harley climbed out of bed and stood there. Turning and giving Gus her back she began to take her close off; once they were off she stood there. Watching her he whispered
“Look at me?” She shook her head, “Please?” Slowing turning he saw the tears, “I’m not your ‘beautiful.” Holding his hand out to her
“Come here love.”<br> Reaching and taking his hand, Harley climbed back under the covers. Looking in his eyes she listened as he said
“Harley you still are ‘my beautiful’, you always have been and always will be. You’re my girl -- nothing has changed; you’re still the heart of my heart the beautiful woman that captured my heart the moment I laid eyes on her. When I look at you; you take my breath away. Looking at you I see the loving, beautiful woman who is a daughter, sister, mother, a friend to so many, and when you look at me I see a fiancée, my lover, and my best friend.” Gus replied softly.
Stripping his shirt off; he watched her. When Harley saw what still hung around his neck tears flooded her eyes.
Not taking his eyes from hers he reached around and unclasped the necklace and took it off. Pulling her engagement ring from the necklace he put it back on then leaned in as he continued, “You might want me to put this back on your finger before I finish.” She nodded as he slipped the ring back on her finger.
“And most importantly I see the woman I’ll spend the rest of my days with…. The beautiful, loving woman I love with all I have and I’ll call my wife.
She caressed his face, “I love you too… but I’m still scared.” “I know.” He replied running his fingers through her hair. He slowly kissed his way over her and back again until he saw her eyes go blind then slowly waited as her body adjusted to his, “You need me to stop babe?” he asked. She held his hand as she shook her head. With love in his heart their desire took over.
A few hours later as they both slept Gus was woken up by his cell phone. Grabbing the phone he mumbled “Hang on” to whoever it was then slowly untangled himself from Harley and stood up. Hoping from foot to foot as he held the phone on his shoulder Gus managed his way into a pair of jeans. After snapping the jeans he grabbed a shirt then with a last look at Harley took the phone and went downstairs.
Reaching the family room he sat on the couch then said, “Yeah what?”<br> “Gus, its Jeffrey.” He replied. “What do you want?” Gus asked.
“I wanted to let you know that Brad Green escaped from jail last night.” Gus stared at the ceiling as his eyes turned to steel. “I’ve had one of my men watching in case this happened. He called me right after Brad escaped and began following him. When my man checked in this morning he said Brad was back at the cabin. I have the cabin surrounded now and thought you’d want to be here when I take him in.”<br> “You know I do, where are you?” Gus asked. “I’m on the road leading to the cabin you’ll see us when you get here. “Okay I’ll be there as soon as I can.” Gus answered.
“Are you going to tell Harley?” Jeffrey asked. “I have to tell her, I’ll be there soon. “Gus said as he hung up.
Slipping the black tee-shirt over his head he went to there room. Going to her side he knelt. Brushing her hair back, he softly said, “Harley babe wake up sweetie.” When she didn’t budge he shook her shoulder until she opened her eyes.
“Morning honey.” She replied.
Leaning in to kiss her he replied, “Hey Beautiful. I need to talk to you for a minute.”<br> Seeing that the smile didn’t reach his eyes, “What’s wrong Gus?”<br> “I just got a call about Green from Jeffrey, Green escaped last night but O’Neill and his men know where he is so he needs me to come meet him.”
“Why?” Harley asked.
“I will tell you but when I get back alright I promise. Do you want to go to company or stay here?” Gus asked. “Company.” She answered as she was getting dressed. After she was dressed they left. Once at company she climbed out of the car but he reached for her, turning her head to look at him she leaned in and kissed him.
“Be Careful.” she whispered after they broke the kiss
“I will honey. You’re safe and I’ll be back when I can.” He replied then watched in his rearview mirror as she went inside and he drove away.
Cabin
“I’m here O’Neill.” Gus answered as he walked up beside the man. “Hey Gus, ok this is what we got.” He started to say then looked out through the trees surrounding the cabin before he continued,
“I have men surrounding the entire property front and back, they are far enough out that Green can’t see them or get spooked and run. On my order the men will move closer but not close enough to be seen by him. Right now Green is out back sitting by the lake that runs along the back side of the cabin.
“I’m going to make a wide arc to the back; He knows I’m here some how but he doesn’t know the place is surrounded you can be in on this but stay outta sight where he can’t see you. Wear this or Harley will have my head.” Jeffrey said handing Gus a protective vest. Slipping the vest on Gus and Jeffrey made the wide arc around back as Jeffrey ordered the men closer.
Reaching the positions Jeffrey stopped and Gus moved outta sight.
Pulling his weapon out and holding ready Jeffrey waited. “I knew you’d find me.” Brad said without turning. “Is that right?” Jeffrey answered.
“You’ve been following my Antimonious movements for years.” “Then you knew I wouldn’t stop until I found you.” Jeffrey replied as a muscle jumped in his cheek.
“So you followed me here to America.” Brad stated. “I’ve been following your movements since you decided to make San Cristobel a stopping point for D and Antimonius…Yes, I did follow you here. Nothing changed Brad until you stepped over the line.”<br> “Ahhh Harley.” Brad said chuckling.
“Is Gus here?”
Jeffrey glanced at Gus letting him know he could answer.
“I’m here Green.” He answered as he stood in the middle of a nearby clearing so Brad couldn’t follow the voice and find him.
Turning to face Jeffrey, they saw that Brad also held a gun. “I miss her; to I need to go back to her.”<br> “I suggest you leave Harley alone.” Jeffrey said as his eyes turned intense.
“Jeffrey why couldn’t you just leave me with the Antimonius in San Cristobel and let me run the drug shipments through there?” Brad asked angrily even as Jeffrey moved closer.
“Because you were starting a dangerous drug ring and it had to stop.”
“But it wasn’t me?” Brad said smugly. Jeffrey angry now took another step toward him. "You were giving the okay for the stops there."
“If you try to pull that again in San Cristobel you’re a dead man Brad.” Laughing he said, “It was easy when…” Gus saw when Jeffrey’s eyes changed. “I ought to take you out now.” Brad answered
“Don’t say it Brad, I’d like to see you try.” Jeffrey replied. Gus and all the men watched as both Jeffrey and Brad did battle with there eyes, as he watched Gus felt something different in the air just as he watched Jeffrey and Brad fire at the same time.
Jeffrey watched as Brad fell then he turned and looked at Gus as the blood bloomed across his chest and he fell.
A few of the men ran to Brad then Gus did. When he reached the men they looked over at Gus as one man said, “Det. Aitoro, Brad Green’s dead.” Nodding Gus knelt by Jeffrey as he pressed his hands on the wound as hard as he could but knowing there was nothing he could do.
Jeffrey slowly opened his eyes as he placed a heavy bloody hand on Gus’s wrists. Drawing in a breath he quietly said as Gus watched
“Harley’s safe now Gus, he can’t hurt her now.” Gus nodded, “I know Jeffrey, I’ll tell her.”<br> As pain coursed through Jeffrey’s body and he saw his men gathered around him; he drew in his final breath and whispered
“I did it for my twin brother.” With those last words Jeffrey O’Neill died.
Standing, Gus looked down at his blood covered hands and wrists for a minute before one man near him pasted him a towel that he’d gone and gotten from the company truck. Taking the towel Gus wiped off what he could of the blood.
With only one thought Gus turned and walked to his car and drove toward Company… toward Harley and the kids…. toward home… toward his family…<br>
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Post by Shanna on Mar 13, 2005 23:35:40 GMT -5
The D Sting... Chapter 22 (Conclusion)
As Gus parked in the parking lot at Company he just sat there. He felt himself start shaking a few minutes earlier when he’d realized the whole nightmare with Brad was really over. Taking a deep breath he slowly climbed out of his car and went in.
Harley saw him as he walked in; seeing the faint streaks of red on his face from where he’d run his hands over his face earlier and his bloody hands and wrists she ran to him as he sat down heavily on a stool still shaking.
“NOOO!!!” She shouted on a whisper even as Buzz and Susan saw him and ran to him.
Wrapping herself around him he held her tight, “Harley babe, it’s not mine, I promise.” He replied. When she didn’t seem to hear him he kissed her then repeated
“It’s not my blood; I’m not hurt I promise.”
When she looked up she saw he was memorizing her face even as she said, “You’re really okay?” He nodded, “I’m really okay.”
“What happened Gus?” Buzz asked after Susan had hugged him. Looking over he replied, “I’ll explain everything but –.”<br> Seeing he was upset, Harley sat on his leg, “But what baby?” she asked. Turning to look at her, “—but right now honey, all I want to do is be with my family, I want to gather our kids and go home.” She nodded, “Okay, Susan will you help me get the boys?” She nodded as Harley stood and the girls went upstairs.
Getting Gus’s attention Buzz said, “I’ll pull something together here and bring it over, if that’s alright?” “That’s great Buzz thank you.” Gus replied then Buzz continued, “I’ll leave after I drop it off.” Gus looked puzzled, “Why? You’re part of my family—my future father-in-law.”
Buzz stopped, “I maybe you’re soon to be father-in-law Gus but your family is right there.” He answered looking over at Harley and Susan as they each stood holding Zach and Jude. “I’ll bring the food over.”<br> Standing Gus nodded then went to them, “Let’s go home.” They all nodded as they left. Buzz smiled as he watched them leave.
After the girls got the boys settled playing Gus went to Harley. Leaning over the back of the couch she looked at him,
“Harley, I’ve got to shower… I have to get this off me.” He said showing her his hands.
“Take your time sweetheart.” She replied softly kissing his lips then watched him walk up the stairs.
Reaching the bedroom Gus went straight to the bathroom. Stripping out of his clothes he went to the shower and turned the water on as hot as he could stand it. Stepping in Gus just let the water beat down on him for a minute. Grabbing the soap and wash cloth he lathered it up then began scrubbing his face to make sure the blood came off. Looking up, Gus let the water wash over his face. Picking up the cloth he began scrubbing his hands and wrists as hard as he could until he couldn’t scrub anymore. Once the blood was off he went rather quickly through the rest of his shower.
Wrapping a towel around his waist he walked into the bedroom, Gus stopped when he saw Harley sitting on the bed.
“Feel better sweetie?” she asked as she watched him put on sweatpants.
Going to her he ran his hand over her hair, “Can I just hold you a minute?” he asked quietly as they wrapped their arms around each other. Laying a cheek against the top of her head he just held her close. After a few minutes Harley said, “Daddy’s here with dinner honey, why don’t you put your shirt on and we can all spend time together. He nodded as she waited then hand in hand they left the bedroom.
Reaching the family room he knelt when he saw Jude run toward him. Picking him up Gus held him as Jude kissed his cheek. He smiled at Harley as he turned Jude and blew on his tummy making the little boy squeal and giggle with delight. Just as he turned Jude to sit against his hip Buzz walked in, “Dinner’s on the table.” Gus looked at Zach,
“You want a piggy back ride to the kitchen?” he asked. Zach jumped up and ran to him as he knelt back down. After getting him settled on his back Gus stood up.
Harley smiled, “Let me take Jude honey.” Gus shook his head, “I got them.” He answered as he carried Jude on his hip and had Zach on his back making sure his free hand held the little boy on and then went to the kitchen.
“Mom? Is Gus okay?” Susan asked walking up beside her. “She nodded, “Yeah he is.” Still watching Gus the ladies went to the kitchen.
After they ate and Buzz and Susan got the boys moved upstairs to play Gus went to the family room and waited for Buzz and Susan to come back down, he only wanted to tell this once. Harley watched as she sat down. When they came back down, Harley took his hand when he stood behind the couch,
“Baby, what happened?”<br> He took a deep breath as he sat on the arm of the couch beside her but where he could see Buzz and Susan.
“Sometime around 9 this morning, I was woken up by Jeffrey O’Neill. He wanted to let me know that Brad Green had escaped from jail last night. He --. Gus started to say then went to sit on the fire place hearth still facing them.
“What?!” Buzz exclaimed when he interrupted.
Seeing the look in Gus’s eyes, “Daddy let him finish.” She replied even as Gus squeezed her hand.
“Sorry.” Buzz answered and let Gus continue.
“He wanted to let me know that they knew where he was. O’Neill knew I wanted to be there when he brought him in so he told me that Green was at the cabin. When I got there Jeffrey had the place surrounded. He and I made a wide arc around the back where we knew Brad was then I stayed outta sight.” Gus replied then stayed quiet for a few minutes before Susan stood and walked over to sit beside him as she took his hand.
Smiling at her he squeezed her hand then began talking again, “Apparently Jeffrey had been following Brad’s Antimonious movements for years. Brad had been running Antimonius and D shipments through San Cristobel. Jeffrey told him nothing had changed until he stepped over the line.” Harley watched him.
“He made a remark about Harley then asked if I was there. Jeffrey let me answer so I said, I’m here Green. When Brad turned to face Jeffrey we all saw he had a gun. Brad made another remark about you.
Jeffrey told him to leave Harley alone. Then he and Brad started talking Antimonious again. Jeffrey had told Brad, if you try to pull that again in San Cristobel you’re a dead man. Brad laughed.
Gus locked eyes with Harley, “as we all watched; both Jeffrey and Brad did battle with there eyes. I swear honey as I watched I felt something different in the air – just then Jeffrey and Brad fired at the same time.”<br> Everybody’s eyes got big as he continued, “Brad went down then Jeffrey. When I reached them, Brad wasn’t moving and so I knelt by Jeffrey and even though I knew there was nothing that could be done I tried to put pressure on the wound. Harley got off the couch and knelt in front of him. Jeffrey opened his eyes and looked at me and said, Harley’s safe now Gus, he can’t hurt her now.” Taking both her hands in his he softly said
“Both Brad Green and Jeffrey O’Neill are dead.”
Without Gus, Harley, or Susan noticing Buzz quickly wrote a note and then slipped out the door. Hearing the door close Harley looked up, “Where’s daddy?” Gus shrugged as he looked around then saw the paper on the coffee table and went to pick it up. When he picked it up he saw
“Be with your family Gus, they are what you need.”<br> -- Buzz Smiling Gus folded the note and smiled, “Thanks Buzz.” Seeing what time it was Harley and Gus both realized the boys were probably asleep so they headed upstairs.
Opening the door they all smiled at what they saw; both boys were sound asleep on the floor covered up by Zach’s blanket.
Smiling to each other Gus and Harley walked in and carefully picked up the boys. After carefully changing the boys into their pajamas they put them to bed. Closing the door Susan said, “I think I’ll turn into I’m sleepy.” Nodding they turned but Susan stopped them, “Gus?”<br> Looking back at her he waited as she walked to him and hugged him. “I love you.” She whispered. Hearing her held her as he kissed her on the top of her head, “I love you to Sus, very much.” He whispered back. Harley had tears in her eyes as she watched them.
When they reached the bedroom and climbed in bed Gus kissed her lightly, “Why were there tears in your eyes while I was talking to Susan?” “Because you love her as much as you do the boys.” Harley answered quietly.
“Of course I do, she is my family just as much as the boys are sweetie, they always will be.” He answered. Looking in her eyes, “I just need to hold you and know that your in my arms tonight.” He asked softly. She nodded as they kissed and laying in each others arms they slept.
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