You Have Me --- (Completed)

[Shanna]

You Have Me

Gus & Harley

January - Febuary / 2005

This story is based on 3 specific events in storyline of Phillip's murder

[Shanna]

You Have Me... Chapter 1

Before going in, she looked up at the sky and sat down outside on the steps just wanting to feel the slight breeze on her face for a little bit. There was no one she could turn to and talk to about how she might be Phillip’s killer. Harley dropped her head in her hands and thought about her family and friends. Cassie was busy with planning her wedding to Edmund so she didn’t want to bring her down; she hadn’t seen Blake in a while since she’s busy being the mayor’s wife. She couldn’t talk to her brother since he was police chief and as much as she wanted to talk to her dad she didn’t because she didn’t want to make his heart condition worse.

“Gus.” she said quietly—almost as soon as she realized she said it she shook her head, “No, no, not possible he’s a Spaulding, but he seems to be the only friend I have right now.” She stated as she stood up.
Taking another deep breath she opened the door and went into J Farley’s bar to unwind. Finding a table she sat down, “I am so tired.” Harley whispered to herself as she sat back a few minutes before ordering a drink.

From her seat on the stool Blake saw when Harley walked in and went to a table. Motioning to the bartender where she’d be she stood and went to Harley.

“Hey sweetie, what are you doing here?” Blake asked sitting down. “O hey Blake, I just needed to get away from my family for a little bit—what are you doing here?” Harley wondered.

“Well Clarissa refused to eat turkey and said she wanted the baby corndogs that Farley’s had so I said I’d come get them, so I’m waiting.” Blake stated.

Blake took a long look at her friend; not only did she see the worry about all this with Phillip but she saw that she was missing Gus. “Sweetie, Cassie and I are here if you need us you know that.”<br>
“I do know Blake, but your busy with the kids and Cassie’s excited about the wedding and I don’t want to bring you both down with my problems.” Harley replied quietly.

“Well if you won’t talk to us – talk to him.” Blake said as she watched behind Harley as the door opened and Gus came in.

“Who?” Harley said hoping Blake didn’t mean who she thought.

“Who?—you know who; Gus.” Blake replied seeing as he crossed behind them without a word.

“I can’t Blake, you know that he’s a Spaulding now and he’d never understand.”

“Harley he’s your best friend –.” Blake started to say even when Harley interrupted, “No, you and Cassie are my best friends.” Blake laughed, “We are yes but he’s the best friend of your heart even if you don’t want to see that; he is and he loves you and believes in you.

Gus quietly watched as he nursed a drink

“I can’t talk to him Blake you know that, I might have been the one to shoot his brother.” She said. Gus sat behind them and when he heard her last sentence he tightly closed his eyes.

“O Coop, your innocent I know you didn’t kill Phillip babe.” He thought to himself not seeing that Blake was watching over Harley’s shoulder.

Leaning against the wall as he slowly drank he took a sip then let out a breath, “I’m just tired.” He thought as he continued to watch without a word.

“Harley who do you want to talk to most about this?” Blake asked.

“Gus,” she replied.

Seeing the bartender motion with the bag of food Blake stood, “I have to get this back to Clarissa…. But if he is the one you want too talk to him Harley then find him.” She laid a hand under Harley’s chin, “Then find him honey… its okay to need someone.”

“I’ll think about it Blake.” Harley said as she stood and they hugged.

As Blake hugged her friend she looked over at Gus who acknowledged her look with a slight nod…<br>

[Shanna]

You Have Me... Chapter 2

Gus sat watching her for a moment longer then leaned over to talk to the bartender, nodding the bartender fixed the drinks that was requested then passed them to him. Picking them up he walked over to the table and stood behind her. Carefully he placed the drink in front of her, “I didn’t order tha---.” Harley started to say as the arm behind her stayed still. She started to say something but she saw the hand… Harley knew that hand anywhere.

He set the drink down and moved where she could see him. “Hey.” He whispered. “Hi.” Harley said. “What are you doing here?” “I just needed a drink and to get away from the mansion.” Gus replied as he sat down across from her.

“What about you?” Gus asked.

“I just wanted some time away from my family for a little bit.” She answered.

Harley didn’t say anything as she memorized his face; she just wanted to see a friendly face and right now he was it.

Gus reached over and slowly ran his thumb on the inside of her wrist as she studied his face.

“Harley, how are you doing?” he asked.

“I’m okay, just tired though… Gus I’m sorry!”

“There is nothing to be sorry for sweetie.” He replied. Harley let go of his hand like it was on fire and looked away…. “I could’ve killed your brother.” She said. “But you didn’t.” Gus remarked. “You don’t know that!” Harley said fiercely.

She leaned back and closed her eyes even as Gus watched and saw that when she opened her eyes again they were bleak.

Taking one last look at him Harley jumped up and began to run toward the door. Watching her he thought to himself, “Oh Harley, sweetheart!” With one last drink he watched and jumped up as she continued toward the door

“Harley wait!!!” he yelled as he went after her.

[Shanna]

You Have Me... Chapter 3

“Harley wait!!!” he yelled as he went after her.

Gus ran after her fully planning to find her but he stopped short when he got outside and saw her with her back to him.

Going to her he stood behind her and gently laid a hand on the back of her neck. “Harley?” he asked quietly.

“Come back in and finish your drink.” He remarked as she turned and he led her back to her table. After she sat and he picked up his drink and went back to his spot by the bar.

They sit where they are in silence for a minute, without turning to look at him he raised her hand and with her finger motioned for him as she said his name, “Gus.”<br>
Quietly getting up he went to her table and sat down, “I’m sorry --.” She starts to say but he stops her, “Sweetie, its okay, but I really didn’t come here to talk about the investigation—I get enough of that from Alan, I just want to have a drink without my family around.” He said. Harley gave him a weak smile. “What about you?”<br>
“The same—I wanted to get away from dad and Frank for a little bit.” Harley said.

“Tell you what, if you can stand having a drink with me; I need to see a friendly face and it seems you are the only friend I have right now.” Harley stated.

“Yes, I can share a drink with you and we can talk about anything but the investigation.” Gus replied laying his hand over hers.

For a little while Gus and Harley talk about anything and everything except the investigation. Both wanting to be close but knowing that they can’t be as close as they once were.

“Is it wrong of me to want to do something fun for a little bit?” Harley questioned looking at Gus.

Having an idea Gus looked at her, “No, it’s not wrong – you want to shut down for a little bit.” Standing Gus holds out a hand, “Dance with me beautiful.”

Slowly taking his hand he pulls Harley to her feet. After pushing her hair behind her ear he pulls her close and wraps his arms around her. Burying her cheek on his shoulder they begin to dance in silence.

When I fall, you're my place to land.
I lose my touch, you're my hands,
The one I hold on to.
If you run out of reason to try,
I'll love enough for both you and I,
I'll be the one you can run to.

Harley looked up at him, “Thank you for dancing with me.” Gus smiled, “No problem I know how much you like to dance; dancing for us was fun remember?” he asked laughing softly.

I'd rather go through any pain love puts us through,
Than to spend one day without you by my side.

“Yeah I remember.” Harley answered. “Did I ever tell you I was in a dance marathon?” Gus asked with a twinkle in his eye. “I kept going to the left though – since I have two left feet.” Harley cracked up and gently hit him on the shoulder, “You do not Gus!”<br>
“No I don’t have two left feet; I just wanted to see you smile.” Gus remarked. “Just rest and enjoy the dance Coop.” he said as they danced in silence again.

If you ever leave me, will you take me with you?
If you're ever lonely, I wanna be lonely too.
My home's beside you, no matter where you may go.
My love's inside you, even more than you know.

Gus lifted Harley’s face to his and laid a hand on her face, “I miss us Harley.” She broke out of his hold, “I can’t do this Gus.” she said as tears came to her voice.

“I could’ve killed Phillip!” she whispered fiercely. Gus placed his hand over his eyes then looked at her, “But you didn’t kill him, I know that!” he answered.

“You don’t know!” Harley said again as tears filled her eyes. “You’ve got me on your side. Gus whispered.

“Gus don’t sa—.” She started to say but he gently placed his thumb over her lips “Shhhhh—.”

With tears heavy in her eyes she stared at Gus, “I have to get home to the boys.”

Gus nodded, “Yeah, give them a kiss from me.” He asked.

As tears fell she wrapped her hand around his arm, “Yeah.” He watched as she left…. His heart going with her.

Song Credit: "If You Ever Leave" by: Vince Gill & Barbara Streisand

[Shanna]

You Have Me... Chapter 4

Guys… this whole story takes place like original --- Gus has knowledge that she is “Ruth” I’ve changed the way timing wise these scenes happened (I think!) The dance at Farley’s has just happened and its a few days later that the scene at bridge happened. As you read this; picture the scene on the bridge. Hope this was worth the wait…. Enjoy

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Harley walked in Company; shutting the door and leaning against it. Buzz saw his daughter come in but didn’t say anything as he watched her go upstairs.

“Marina, I’ll be back in a minute.” He replied as he went upstairs to see her. After knocking he heard her muffled answer then opened her door and went in. Closing it behind him he just stood there watching,

“What happened?”

“He danced with me daddy?” Harley said quietly as she stared into space.

Buzz watched her as they sat in silence, knowing she wanted to say something the one thing that she still felt so he waited.

“I still love him Daddy.”

“I know honey.” Buzz replied. “No matter what he did and put you through – you never stopped loving him have you?”<br>
Softly she answered him, “No.”

“Sweetie, think about what you just said and what happened with Gus tonight and get some rest. Buzz remarked as he left her.

A few days later…<br>
She was sitting at the counter talking to her father when her cell phone rang; Buzz excused himself and left. A few minutes later when he came back he found a note on the counter asking Buzz to watch the boys; she’d be back later.

Outside Gus sat in his car trying to decide whether or not to go in when he saw Harley leaving. Deciding to wait he turned on his police scanner he carried in his car. An half an hour later Gus hear voices over the radio:

“Suspect Ruth Karloff has been spotted on the bridge at the river. All units close in she has been spotted.”

Not having a good feeling about the situation Gus flipped the ignition, gunned the motor and pealed out of Company’s parking lot. As he drove in the quietness of the car he kept saying, “Baby, what have you done!?”<br>
Reaching the bridge Gus got just as Frank saw him, “What are you doing here?”<br>
“I want to question her as a Spaulding employee when you bring her in.” Gus stated. Frank nodded and turned to talk with someone. When he did Gus ran around to the other end while Frank gathered his men.

When Frank shouted Gus stepped up on the bridge where Harley could see him but it was his nightmare. He heard Frank and Harley turned to look at him; then even as Frank fired the shots Gus started screaming “NOOOOOOO Frank!”

Seeing that the shots had scared her; Gus screamed at Frank and they both ran toward her. He saw that she was looking at him and he tried to run faster. Gus saw when Harley lost her footing and fell over the side taking the netting with her.

Gus dived and hit the bridge just as he made a reach for her hand. He felt when Frank stopped him from skidding and both men just stood there.

His heart stopped as he stared at the water as Frank shouted. Not remembering as he moved Gus grabbed Frank by the collar, “Do you know what you’ve done? DO YOU!!!” he screamed as he shook Frank. “I wanted to scare her; I didn’t mean to hurt her.” Frank replied as Gus pushed him away and he continued to scream for ‘Ruth’.

As Frank continued to make suggestions about the fall Gus shook his head watching the water. “She’s cold, probably hit her head… WE need Light Frank… Light!” Gus stated as Frank left.

Gus began to pace, “You never listen to me, I said the confession wouldn’t work.” The cold began to settle in and he started trembling but continued, “You are so stubborn but that’s one of the things I love about you.”

From her spot Harley watched as he began pacing and trembling and listened as he continued, “Ahhh Harley… Damnit, why did you do this? Harley can you hear me?? SPEAK TO ME!!!” He shouted as he watched the water wondering if she was alive.

He was beginning to tremble more; he didn’t know if it was because he was cold or if it was because he was trying to fight the thought and terror of loosing her…<br>

[Shanna]

You Have Me... Chapter 5

Sitting there he heard, “Gus, Gus!” Jerking his head up; he looked around. Seeing her he went over and lay down so he could talk to her, “Coop, you are okay.” He whispered. “Ruth has to die Gus—help me finish this?” Harley asked.

Both hearing footsteps, Gus stood and went back to staring at the water as Frank walked up carrying a video camera. “Gus I found this and figured we had both better look at it.” He replied as he punched the play button and they began to watch Ruth’s confession. Frank stopped the tape after it was over.

“You have your answer Frank.” Gus remarked just they heard a noise farther down river and Frank went to investigate. “Are you coming?” he wondered. “In a minute I want to look one more time.” Gus said then Frank walked away.

From her spot, Harley saw the anger flash in Gus’s eyes as he stared at the water and wandered why she saw the anger. She heard when he said, “She’s dead!”

But when she said his name he turned and walked away leaving her there.

Springfield Inn…<br>
Gus could hardly get his key in the lock he was shaking so badly. He realized he’d begun shaking as he drove home. After he threw the key on the dresser he stood where he was and let the terror he’d been fighting at the thought of loosing Harley and seeing her go over the bridge wash over him. Staying were he was for a minute he just heard his own heart as it raced in his chest. Carefully so he wouldn’t fall he sat on the bed and dropped his head in his hands.

At Company, Harley came in and saw Alex talking to her father so she went to them, “Excuse Daddy, Alex… But Alex would you happen to know where Gus might be? I’ve been trying to reach him on his cell and he’s not answering.” Harley wondered.

“Of course darling, he’s staying at the Springfield Inn since he moved out of the mansion, so you might try there.” Alex replied. “Thanks Alex, daddy I’ll be back.” Harley said as Buzz and Alex watched her leave.

“She still loves him very much.” Alex stated.

Buzz nodded as he came around and put his arm around her, “Yes, and Gus still loves her just as much.”<br>
Once Harley reached his room, she knocked but there was no answer so she knocked again and after not getting an answer a second time she tried the door and found it unlocked. Going in she saw Gus sitting there with his arms wrapped around himself saying her name over and over.

“Gus?” she asked softly. Looking up at her she saw that Gus was really somewhere else. He had no tears yet his eyes were vacant. Kneeling in front of him she saw he was still shaking.

“Gus, its Harley, I’m right here with you.” She said laying one hand on his arm and the other on his face. Finally seeing her, he pulled her in his lap and held her in a rib crushing embrace as he buried his face in her shoulder.

“I’d thought I’d lost you.”

“I know I’m sorry.” She said as he looked at her and she saw anger as he let her go and got up.

“Do you know what seeing you go off the bridge did to me?” Gus wondered calmly as he angrily paced the room. Harley shook her head but knew him enough to know that when he was this calm he was angry.

“I nearly died when you fell.” Gus said as he stopped beside her.

“You weren’t supposed--.” Harley started to say but stopped when Gus picked up his briefcase and sent it crashing against the closet door with a bang.

“I wasn’t supposed to be there?!” He asked a little shocked as he punched his balled up fist in his other hand.

“I’m the ONLY person who knew you were Ruth and I wasn’t supposed to be near by when I heard she’d been spotted on the bridge?” Harley nodded. “Ahhh Harley, how could you not think I’d be there…? I saw you on the bridge not Ruth.” Gus replied turning away from her. “Do you understand…?” he said turning to look at her again. “I died inside when you fell.” He replied his voice rising. “And I never thought I’d have you in my life again!” He shouted furiously as one tear slipped down his cheek.

Standing Harley walked to him and put her arms around him. Even though he tried to fight her somewhat she held him tighter until he stopped. “Gus, I’m sorry…look at me please?” Harley asked.

“What?” he said looking at her? She reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck as she kissed his cheek. “You are still shaking and are so cold, why don’t you go take a hot shower to warm up.”

“Will you join me?” he asked. “I don’t think so… Gus we’re not together anymore.” Harley replied. “I’ll be here when you get out though.” He nodded and went in the bathroom

A few minutes later, Gus walked out with his sweatpants on and his robe undone.

“Did the shower warm you up?” Harley asked getting off the unmade bed.

“Some but I’m still cold.” Gus remarked. She closed his robe and belted then taking his hand led him to the bed where he laid down and she covered him up. Going to the door she turned off the light and came back climbing beside him.

“You need to know I’m with you tonight, so close your eyes and rest.” She said kissing his cheek. When she looked down at him he put a finger over her lips

“Let me?” he asked softly.

She nodded and he pulled her into a kiss that spoke with no words only he’s emotion. Breaking the kiss, Gus looked at her and she saw the unshed tears as he quietly said, “Thank you.”<br>
Harley smiled, “You sleep now.” She said as he held her hand and she ran her fingers through his hair and over his cheek as he fell asleep.
After he was asleep she lay beside him with her head on his shoulder and went to sleep.

[Shanna]

You Have Me... Chapter 6 (Conclusion)

“If you represent Harley… you might as well consider yourself out of the family Gus!” Alan shouted even as he watched Gus softly place his hand on Harley’s cheek.

“I am Alan no matter what you say …. So you might as well deal with it.”<br>
Harley looked over his shoulder to Alan and then looked back at Gus

“Gus, no.” she stated softly grabbing the wrist of the hand on her face.

“I just did babe.” He replied looking at her. “Let’s go.” She nodded as he took her hand and they started to the door.

“Consider yourself out of this family!” Alan shouted as they went through the door. Gus stopped and looked back, “I was never really apart of the family and you know that. I am who I am Al and you can’t accept that.” He replied as he took Harley’s hand. As the walked away they both heard

“You’re a loser Gus… if you walk away now you’re a loser.”<br>
“Come on baby, I’ll take you home.” Gus said softly as he saw tears come in her eyes. All Harley could do was nod as she thought, “All he’s ever wanted was a father—and his father considers him a loser.”<br>
Company…<br>
After closing the door Gus pulled her to the middle of the room and just stared into her eyes. “I’m not going to let you go to prison Harley, I promise.”<br>
“But Gus, Alan is going to make sure that the judge doesn’t even consider what was said in his chambers today; you know that.” She remarked quietly as she watched his face.

Seeing the unshed tears brighten her eyes he stroked her cheek gently. “We’ll keep trying.” He said leaning in close to her as he watched her eyes then looked at her mouth then looked at her eyes again. “I’m not loosing you.” He whispered

Staying in the silence of that moment he held her close as they watched each other. After a few minutes he took her hand, “Come with me… I want to take you for a drive.” Gus said as they left Company.

Harley’s Lot…<br>
Stepping up to where her house used to be Harley stopped and with her flash light looked around as Gus did the same. As she looked around she saw a mailbox sitting on a work bench with the post next to it.

“Great someone’s getting ready to put up a brand new mailbox at what used to be my house!” she replied.

“Why don’t you open the mailbox?” Gus said.

“Nope not going to.” She said eyeing a loose board. Gus seeing where her mind was headed grabbed the board before she could.

“Ahhh Gus! You are always stopping me.” She said.

“O shhhhh….. Just open the mailbox.” He said watching her as she shined the flashlight as she opened it. Pulling out what was inside she turned back to face Gus

“It’s mail for me?” she answered surprised. “You might want to open it in case it’s a bill or something?” he remarked. He shined his flashlight on the paper as she opened it and looked at it.

“It’s a deed….to this land… for me?!” she said shocked then her eyes found his, “Did you?” she wondered.

“I was divesting money and funds from Spaulding…” he said looking at her as she watched him. “Now wait… don’t go all proud and stubborn on me --.” He started to say but she stopped him

“Thank you.” She replied quietly as she carefully put her arms around him; hugged him then stepped back. “—I wanted you to have a home to come to when your acquitted and the trial is over.” He finished. Harley smiled, “There’s more...” Gus remarked. “I found a contractor I really liked and so he’ll begin working on the house so it will be ready and waiting for you and the boys when the trial is over.”

Pulling her beside him, Gus closed his eyes, “Picture it baby, its moving day for you, Zach and Jude.” He began as Harley looked up at him as he continued to talk. As he talked she looked at him with so much love and she thought to herself, “I just need to touch him- just for a minute.” And she gently caressed his cheek then let her hand fall.

Gus felt her touch his check but continued talking then opened his eyes and looked at her.

“Thank you!” Harley said again.

“Gus smiled, “I wanted to do this for you. I want you to be home.” Without a word Gus held out his hand and she softly placed her hand in his and together they walked off the lot.

At the curb she stopped, “Can you give me a minute?” she asked. He nodded, “Sure, I’ll be in the car… take your time.” He said and left her there and went to the car to wait.

Once she was alone she thought of everything that had taken place in the house that was on this lot. She knew she’d never forget all that happened in the house --- memories that were painful, good, bad and very sweet. Thinking of very sweet memories she closed her eyes and smiled then turned slightly to look at the man sitting in the car.

From the car, Gus sat watching the woman he loved as she said goodbye to the house and relived some of her memories. He had his head against the back of the seat and his eyes partially closed watching her when he saw her turn looking toward him for a minute,

“You Have Me, Harley, Always.” He said to himself in the quiet of the car as he watched her turn back to look over the lot.

Still thinking of the sweet memories that she had with Gus in the house that once stood on this property a tear slipped down her cheek as she smiled and began to think of the house that would stand once again on this property

“Our Home” she whispered as she turned and went to the car and smiled when Gus leaned across the seat and opened the door; smiling up at her.

“You ready beautiful?”

She nodded as she slipped in beside him then closed the door then he drove her back to Company.