Series 13: Ties that bind (Continuation of Blood Lines)

[Corporate Paige]

I feel bad for Blake because Alexis isn't ready for marriage. I do hope that Alexis will want to marry him soon. Update soon!

[ss9]

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That hadn’t almost happened…

Striding out of the house Fallon was so preoccupied with her and Dex’s almost…well god only knows what that had almost turned into…for a moment Fallon had been certain Dex was going to kiss her and just the memory of him being so close sent frissons of excitement through her body. Then her mother had arrived and Dex had backed away from her as if she was toxic.

Of course the last thing Fallon would have wanted would be for her mother to have walked in and caught the two of them kissing. Yet she couldn’t deny that Dex’s overt rejection and barely concealed look of disgust hurt more than it should do.

“Fallon…Hey Fallon are you in there?”

Jackson’s greeting startled Fallon and she glanced up in surprise as the stud manager was holding pace with her and she hadn’t even noticed.

“Sorry Jackson I guess I was a million miles away.”

“At least.” Jackson commented flippantly, concern growing when Fallon barely reacted and didn’t even seem the least affected by his piercing blue eyes or his flirting grin. “Fallon are you alright?”

“I…I’m fine.” Fallon replied yet even she realised she sounded less than convincing. Jackson certainly wasn’t convinced as he placed a restraining hand on her arm bringing them both to a stop.

“You know if you could look me in the eye and put a least a thimble full of conviction in that statement I might consider believing you…for at least a second or two.”

“Jackson please…please.” Fallon pleaded lifting her own large blue eyes to meet his. “Let it go will you?”

“Alright.” Jackson conceded before pulling a surprised Fallon into a hug.

Leaning into his embrace Fallon breathed in the clean scent of Jackson’s aftershave and the smell of fresh air and hay. It was simple and uncomplicated…just like Jackson. And simple and uncomplicated sounded pretty good right about now.

Pulling away slightly Fallon smiled softly up at Jackson running her finger down his shirt buttons. “Jackson…” Fallon drawled fluttering her eyelashes. “How about you help a damsel in distress. I’ve already had one hell of a day…buy me a drink?”

---

[Corporate Paige]

So Fallon is using Jackson to soothe her wounded ego. I'd like to see if Jackson sees right through Fallon's scheme. I also want to find out if Jackson is interested in Krystle. Great update!

[ss9]

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“You did what?” Shaking with quiet rage Alexis sank down into the chair in her study unable to believe what she was hearing.

“I…Well I thought it better to get it over with…I couldn’t risk her finding out from somebody else and really there is anything to worry about Alexis she took it well…she was excited she can‘t wait to see you.”

“You told Krystina?” Alexis echoed her fingers gripping the edge of her desk so tightly her knuckles turned white.

It seemed as though her less than enthusiastic reaction had finally filtered down the telephone line and Blake seemed to hesitate. “Look I know we didn’t plan this but I really didn’t have any choice Alexis.”

“You didn’t have any choice?” Alexis scoffed this was the last thing she needed right now. “Bollocks you didn’t have any choice!”

Hadn’t they agreed to keep news of their attempt of a reconciliation out of the public eye? How the hell was telling a five year old girl in line with that plan? How the hell was she going to be able to work on getting Dex to stay in Denver and letting her be part of Jack’s life whilst the rest of Denver chased after him for his side of their complicated love triangle. He needed time and space to calm down and think rationally not journalists dogging his steps bringing up her choosing Blake every five seconds.

“Darling please…”

“Don’t you Darling me Blake!” Alexis spat back rubbing her forehead. “Dammit can’t you see you’ve ruined everything…Now Krystina knows we will have to tell the children and god knows how they will take it? Somehow I don‘t see Steven or Adam reacting well do you?”

This was getting out of control too many people were already involved…Krystle…Dex…Jackson and now Krystina. How long would they have before the story broke and their personal lives were once more thrust into the limelight? How long would it them be before some muck raking journalist decided to do a little digging…how long could she keep her secret then?

Then there was Ethan…god knows what he would do when this news broke. He was already tormenting her by mail and Alexis didn’t want to see what lengths he would go to when he learnt of her reconciliation with Blake. The man was already sadistic and unhinged, and clearly obsessed with the Carrington family, why else would be try and pretend to be the long dead Carrington bastard?…That he might actually be Tom Carrington was something Alexis refused to even consider. No that boy was dead, he had to be.

Alexis was so preoccupied with her thoughts that she hadn’t realised Blake had carried on speaking.

“…it was part of the deal Alexis, I agreed to tell Krystina and she promised to keep it to herself. Darling you have every right to be angry but Krystina is my daughter she had to find out eventually. I love you Alexis and I am sorry that things aren’t going the way we wanted but I am trying my best to keep it all together. It will all work out I promise, I will do whatever it takes…”

“You can’t make promises like that Blake.” Alexis sighed her anger subsiding enough for her to be able to hear the real resignation in his voice…besides it wasn’t like staying angry with Blake would change anything. It was done now they couldn’t take it back and Alexis had enough to worry about now without adding fighting with Blake to the list, not when all she really wanted to do was curl up safe in his arms and forget about the rest of the world.

“I suppose it’s not the end of the world, it’s not like Krystina will be phoning up any newspapers is it…“

“Not unless she has learnt to use the operator all of a sudden.” Blake quipped and Alexis could hear the smile in his voice and something inside her relaxed a little.

“So she really was happy about it?” Alexis added surprisingly anxious to hear his reply.

“She was thrilled.” Blake insisted unable to contain his relief. “She loves you remember.”

“Yes but that was before and somehow I cannot see her mother feeling the same way, Krystle is not going to allow me to have a role in Krystina’s life Blake…and as much as it galls me to admit if I were in her position I would feel exactly the same. I had to sit by and watch my own children turn to her for advice for years…to have a better relationship with your second wife than their own mother.” Alexis muttered bitterly unable to stop the thought that her sons…or one son in particular might once again take Krystle’s side in all of this.

“I am sorry you had to go through that Alexis…I didn’t think of how you would feel at the time, I was selfish…”

Sighing Alexis could only wish she hadn‘t said anything at all, the last thing she wanted was to set Blake off on another round of apologies. “Blake I’m sorry please I didn’t bring it up so we could go over all that again, we’re trying to put the past behind us aren’t we?”

“Well if you are sure?”

“I’m very sure Darling besides I really don’t want to fight about this…I miss you Blake.”

“Alexis you only saw me yesterday…” Blake began before relenting and admitting. “I miss you too Darling…You know there is nothing stopping us solving that problem, I have a free afternoon and I know a pretty brunette I would like to spend it with just lazing about….If you want to?”

“Oh I want to…but before we get to the lazing about I think there is something we need to do first.”

---

[Corporate Paige]

What do they need to do first? Is there hidden meanjng in that? More soon, please.

[ss9]

---

Stretching out the kinks in her back Fallon couldn’t help her smirk as Jackson’s strong hands moved to massage her back sensually, pressing a kiss to her shoulder blades before heaving himself off of the couch in his office and reaching for his jeans. Fastening them slowly Jackson leant back against the edge of his desk staring down at his companion of the last hour who continued to stretch out butt naked along his couch without seemingly a care in the world.

“Hey who said you could get dressed?” Fallon demanded pouting like a child denied a much favoured toy as Jackson only laughed and reached for his shirt.

“Just because it’s Saturday for you doesn’t mean this isn’t a working day for the rest of us Fallon.” Jackson retorted. “I still have my paperwork to finish so you’d better take this delicious backside of yours and skedaddle and let me get back to it or your mother will be having my hide when the bills aren’t paid on time.” He added punctuating his suggestion with a playful smack to Fallon’s bare rear.

“You’re chucking me out to do your paperwork?” Fallon spluttered in disbelief turning on her side and tucking her hand under her cheek. “Are you sure it’s not just because you already have another lady pencilled into your busy diary Mr Hobbs?”

“Well it would hardly be gentlemanly of me to kiss and tell Mrs Colby…now come on scram I really do have to finish my report and your being here…especially like that will be far too distracting.”

“Oh you don’t really want me to go…” Fallon teased reaching out with her foot and running her toes seductively up and down Jackson’s calves.

“Fallon I am being serious it was fun but I do have to get on.”

Scowling as Jackson backed away and moved to sit behind his desk even going so far as to pick up a sheaf of papers and begin reading them, Fallon reluctantly reached for her own clothes. Dressing in a hurry her previous frustration already returning Fallon could feel her mood souring.

“Fine I’ll leave then you don’t have to make up an excuse I can tell when I am not wanted.”

“Fallon it’s not like that I really do have to finish this report…”

“Yeah right.” Fallon scoffed buttoning her blouse. “So when I bump into my replacement on the stairs I shouldn’t bother to send her up then?”

Setting down his paperwork Jackson frowned; Fallon was clearly insinuating something, yet what that was had Jackson confused. “What are you talking about?”

“Shouldn’t the salient question be who?” Fallon mocked as she sashayed towards the door. “Oh don’t worry your secret is safe with me Jackson, still it’s not really much of a secret considering the way you look at her. Really I just wish I knew what it was that seems to attract you. I mean sure she is pretty but surely that born again virgin act must get a little old…espeically at her age.”

“Fallon nothing is going on between Krystle and me.” Jackson answered slowly and patiently watching as his answer merely caused a smirk to appear on her face.

“Yet you knew who I was talking about…and even if nothing is going on now it’s obvious that you’d like there to be, otherwise you wouldn’t get so angry over the way she found out about Daddy and Mummy…which anyone with any sense could have seen coming a mile off, so Krystle must have been wearing blinkers to have missed the warning signs.”

“Well clearly she is not the only one, because as much as I enjoyed your visit I cannot help but think you had something else…no make that someone else on your mind Fallon.” Jackson retorted cuttingly watching closely as Fallon seemed to blanch her grip on his door handle tightening.

“Now I always have fun with you Fallon but I don’t enjoy being used as a stand in for anybody …it seems to be a trend in your family, falling for men who treat you badly. So next time you have that itch to scratch pass me by.”

“I don’t know what you are talking about.” Fallon answered tightly her pronouncement more clipped when she was angry. “And if ever dare air that disgusting suggestion again…As if I would so much as touch him after what he did to me and to mother…”

“I never said his name Fallon.” Jackson countered coolly before his gaze softened in sympathy and he added. “But no need to worry it’s our secret.” He said echoing Fallon’s earlier words yet his was sincerely meant.

“Just for your sake get over it sooner rather than later. Why not go give good ole Jeff another chance? Anything but get this insanity out of your system before more than you get hurt and I don’t want to see you hurt Fallon I really don’t. Just promise me you’ll be careful?”

“I don’t…”

“Promise me Fallon and we don’t ever need mention this again.” Jackson insisted relieved when this time Fallon didn’t continue to deny it instead nodding sharply before opening the door and disappearing down the stairs.

Sighing Jackson waited until the door had shut, reaching into his bottom drawer for the emergency bottle of scotch, pouring himself a stiff drink before retrieving the real paperwork he needed to work on. The report from his contact down in Brazil. He had already scanned it through once but Jackson was sure something had escaped his attention the first time. It wasn’t like someone could just up and vanish overnight, certainly not someone as well connected and established as Charles Davenport.

Unless of course he had already done before…which of course he had…Charles Davenport aka Tom Carrington and god knows how many other alias’s in between. It had taken years to track him down to that last alias and that had merely been a fluke of luck, a passing glimpse in an airport three years ago now. Jackson knew he was unlikely to get that sort of luck again.

Jackson himself had had first hand experience of constructing a new life and history from scratch; of course his had been with the full support of the US government and was standard practice for retiree’s who had been involved in the sort of missions he had been on. The sort which left people out for your blood and with the finances to extract that revenge years later if necessary.

Yet for a civilian to accomplish not once but twice that Jackson himself knew about it took money…lots and lots of money which it seemed thanks to the mysterious and recently departed recluse Mr Davenport Snr Tom undoubtedly had in the billions.

No Tom Carrington had slipped through his grasp yet again and the only possibility of finding him was to sit tight and wait for Tom to come to him…or more to the point the Carrington’s.

---

[Corporate Paige]

Cecil and Ethan were working together against Blake. No wonder they were out to destroy him. This story just keeps getting more exciting.

[izziewizzie930]

ss9 you are a brilliant writer, i am well and truly hooked!! update soon

[ss9]

Series 13: Ties that Bind
Episode 3: Baby Blues

Episode 3: Baby Blues
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Setting the flowers down Blake struggled back to his feet, twinge in his back reminding him once more that he wasn’t getting any younger, yet one glance at the newly filled grave before him was more than enough to confirm that fact. A parent should never have to bury they own child.

Glancing around at the flower arrangements that still remained from the funeral, some of the flowers were starting to go over and needing removing, still Blake was touched by the number of them. He watched as Alexis crouched down and began gathering the cards and occasional plucking a flower from an arrangement, waiting until she glanced back at him before asking the question with a gaze.

“I was planning on pressing some of the flowers and writing to thank the those who sent flowers…some of them are from people couldn’t make it to the funeral, old friends from school and later. Since we couldn’t say our thank you’s after the funeral I thought it would be the least I can do.”

“We can do. I want to help.” Blake corrected her and for once it seemed he had said the right thing as Alexis smiled up at him sadly, offering up her hand for him to help her to her feet.

Squeezing Alexis’s hand as he helped her stand Blake was relieved when Alexis leant slightly against him as she snuggled up in her fur the early November chill was more noticeable in the empty graveyard.

At first Blake had been resistant this idea of Alexis. The thought of returning to the site of Amanda’s funeral and the place of his last attack had at first caused Blake’s throat to tighten but then Alexis had turned those emerald eyes of hers on him and Blake had been unable to vocalise his objection.

So his driver had followed Alexis’s Rolls in his town car, since Alexis had wisely pointed out them arriving and leaving together would definitely raise suspicions if there were any press loitering about. Although surely if the hacks of Denver press had nothing better to do than hang around cemeteries in the hope of uncovering a story then Blake was seriously about to question the state of journalism in his home city.

Yet Alexis wouldn’t be swayed and as much as Blake wanted nothing more than to turn and hold her right now, to feel her tuck her head under his chin and wrap his arms around her waist and feel her body fit against his own. Instead he had to settle for walking closely side by side. She wouldn’t even let him hold her hand.

“How are the boys taking it? Alexis asked softly as they turned a corner in the churchyard and came to a secluded corner.

“Honestly?” Blake asked waiting until Alexis nodded. “The two of them are back to fighting one another over everything. I thought I was going to have to break up a fist fight the morning of the funeral. Now they are back to avoiding one another.”

“That bad?”

“Oh yes and it seems to be catching, have you heard about Danny and LB?”

“No!” Alexis exclaimed frowning. “Have they fallen out or something?”

“Or something.” Blake echoed his concern growing as Alexis appeared completely oblivious. “Danny broke LB’s nose at school, Alexis how can you not know this LB does live under your roof?”

“Well Fallon didn’t mention anything.” Alexis began defensively “And I haven’t seen the children since breakfast on Friday. I got put off my breakfast so I went out riding this morning instead and by the time I was back Fallon had sent them out for the day with the nanny. Lauren has started ballet on a Saturday morning and LB normally goes to little league so I really didn‘t think…then Dex had turned up so surprisingly enough I had other concerns.”

“Oh as long as the Nanny was with them.” Blake drawled sarcastically. “I am sure we can depend on the hire help to take care of everything if there are complications. Should LB even be playing sports? Although if Dexter was there I am not surprised you got distracted from your children.”

“Blake!” Alexis snapped her pale cheeks flushing. “ Dex was just there to get his and Jack’s things and I didn’t know about LB if I had done of course I would have questioned Fallon about whether it was wise to send him out. I will address it as soon as I got home along with a few other things Fallon and I need to talk about.”

“Such as?”

“That’s between her and me.” Alexis answered finally yet Blake could tell from the way Alexis avoided his gaze that it was something worrying her.

“I thought we are supposed to be sharing things?” Blake asked reaching out and catching Alexis’s arm to stop her from pacing no longer caring if there were any journalists hiding in bushes. “Alexis talk to me, if it concerns Fallon I am her father perhaps I can help?”

“Not this time you can’t.” Alexis muttered lowly before shooting Blake a pleading look. “Look Blake it’s a girl thing please let me handle it, if it gets any further out of hand I promise I will ask for you help but for now let me deal with it?”

“By that you mean its about a man.” Blake grunted his dark eyes tracking the flush on Alexis’s features, the pink in her cheeks now matched the slight pink tip to her nose from the chilly weather. “So what unsuitable delinquent has her daughter got her sights on now?”

“Blake please…”

“That Jackson fellow…your stud manager?”

“Jackson Hobbs is not a delinquent he is a very kind and thoughtful man.” Alexis began defensively only for Blake to cut her off.

“Who just happens to be a serial flirt, womaniser and renowned playboy.” Blake countered unable to quash the flair of jealousy as Alexis defended the handsome younger man who also lived at Colby Acres. “So is it him or has Fallon sunk even lower? I mean I thought that police detective was bad enough…is it worse than that?”

“Blake I am not going to answer you. I have asked you to leave it to me and continuing to harass me about it won’t make me change my mind, it will only make me change my plans for the afternoon.” Alexis warned her emerald eyes flashing threatening as Blake set his jaw and stared down at her stubbornly.

Huffing Alexis didn’t pause a second longer, turning on her heel Alexis began striding back to her waiting car.

“Alexis wait…Darling please…” Blake called out after her his hand closing around Alexis’s elbow as he raced to catch up with his ex-wife who had built up quite the head of steam.

“Don’t you Darling me Blake Carrington.” Alexis spat wiggling to try and free herself from his grip. “I don’t know why I thought this time would be different, but no it‘s still all about you and what you want…Can‘t you just trust me? For once let me handle things without having to know every damn detail?”

Clenching his jaw Blake was torn, part of him still wanted to know what was really going on.

Fallon had always been his little girl and the Daddy bear part of him reared it’s head whenever she was in danger of making a terrible mistake. He had made the mistake of letting Fallon make her own mistakes…had stood back whilst scum like De Vilbis broke her heart whilst at least Alexis had tried to stop it, Blake had never forgiven himself for failing her then.

Yet Alexis was right he did operate on a double standard. When it came to her keeping things from him Blake couldn’t stand it and yet had always reserved the right to keep his secrets from Alexis and shut her out of making decisions about their children…Perhaps this time he could give Alexis a chance…

“Alright.” Blake muttered softly clearly surprising Alexis who immediately stopped trying to escape.

“Wha…”

“I will trust you to deal with it but if you need any help please come to me?” Blake added pleadingly and Alexis mutely nodded too stunned to speak.

“Alright then.” Alexis managed to croak out whilst staring up into Blake’s conflicted face. Smiling encouragingly she reached up and laid a hand on his tanned face, stroking the line of his cheekbone with the side of her thumb. “Thank you.”

“No thank you…This isn’t going to be easy Alexis and I know I am going to make mistakes but I won’t lose you again.” Blake stuttered no longer giving a damn if they had an audience as he slipped an arm around Alexis pulling her closer, leaning down he pressed a chaste kiss to her lips. “I love you Alexis Colby.”

“I love you too Blake.” Alexis answered softly before lowering her hand to Blake’s chest and giving him a playful shove. “So much for keeping a low profile…”

“Well…” Blake paused glancing around at the empty cemetery. “I think between you me and trees we are alright.”

“Oh that’s what you say now.” Alexis teased looping her hand around his arm as they now began to walk leisurely back to their cars. “I guarantee if our picture appears on the front page of the Denver Chronical you will be singing a very different tune.”

---

[ss9]

---

It just wasn’t making sense and the more Jeff searched the more things weren’t adding up.

From the little details he had managed to ascertain from a rather reluctant Australian police official Senator Roberts’s death was not being treated as suspicious but as suicide. It was the circumstances surrounding the reason for the Senator taking his own life that was of particular interest…the suicide letter implicating him and Alexis and Denver Carrington in a blackmail scandal.

At discovering that Jeff knew this and then who he was the official suddenly became less than helpful…yet he had let one thing slip…only Jeff and Alexis had been implicated there had been no mention of anyone else which of course had immediately started alarm bells ringing in Jeff’s mind.

Jeff he knew he hadn’t blackmailed the Senator…and although he wouldn’t have put something like that past Alexis Jeff knew she must have had help…help in the form of that man…what was his name…Alexis had introduced them.

At the time Jeff hadn’t warmed to the guy and had been concerned to see him in Alexis’s hotel suite. Yet Alexis Colby wouldn’t listen to anyone when it came to the people she chose to deal with in business or in bed, certainly not her ex-son-in-law.

Eli…No Ethan…Ethan Hailsworth. Yes that was the name.

So that only left three questions just who was Ethan Hailsworth, how was he involved in this, and why had he escaped mention in the Senator’s when he had been ignorant of the whole process had been falsely implicated?

Glancing at the clock Jeff was horrified to realise just how much of the day had already passed him by it was coming up for six here which meant it was coming up for noon over in Australia…noon on a Sunday but still there were people who would talk for the right incentive.

So it didn’t look like Jeff Colby would be going anywhere just yet.

---

[Corporate Paige]

Jeff is back! Blake is listening to Alexis about dealing with the children. This update was wonderful. I can't wait to read about Jeff dealing with Ethan. Ethan probably hates Jeff because Cecil and Blake always treated him like a surrogate son. If Adam is resentful of it, I can only imagine how Ethan feels. I can't wait for the next update!

[ss9]

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“Blake I am not sure this is such a good idea.” Alexis insisted as the town car pulled into the long gravel driveway.

Part of her wished she had ignored Blake’s pleading to ride with him and have her car follow along, at least then she could have found the strength to refuse this ridiculous suggestion. After all Blake over the phone was not nearly as charismatic and convincing as Blake in the flesh…sitting next to her…his hand innocently rubbing her knee through her trousers and his voice low and pleading, dripping sweet nothings and certain suggestions in her ear.

“Darling it will be fine I promise you.” Blake’s voice was low and pleading unable to resist pressing a kiss to the exposed sliver of Alexis’s neck that emerged from the collar of her fur. It was the sweetest torture being this close to her and yet Blake fought to remain a gentleman, the scent of her perfume in this enclosed space was driving him wild.

Yet Blake had fought against his desire for most of the ride a few more minutes shouldn’t be difficult…and yet…

He felt Alexis’s pulse jump under his lips and the way she tilted her head back to allow and encourage his tentative exploration. Her neck then along her jaw before finally those lips…kissing her slowly Blake took his time to tease her lips, smiling when he heard Alexis moan low in her throat under his tentative caress.

It was so hard not to simply melt into Blake, her hands sliding up around his neck her fingers sliding into his hair. Her mouth opening under his as Blake’s hand slid tentatively from her knee to rest on her thigh…and just sit there…yet despite his attempt to be a gentleman there was no hiding the hunger in Blake’s kiss nor the way he arched to press against her.

A pointed cough brought them back to reality with a solid bump.

Blushing bright red to his silver roots Blake couldn’t bring himself to meet his driver’s eye, something that it seemed was catching as the much younger man had his gaze fixed firmly on the driveway gravel. Well that was one more person who had stumbled on their little secret, at this rate they might as well take out a full page advert in the newspaper after all.

Pushing Blake‘s warm hand off of her thigh and leaning back so his warm breath couldn’t continue to tease her skin and her senses which right now were reeling. It took a strong woman not to melt when Blake Carrington turned those dark pools on her and looked at her like she was the only woman in the world.

“Well it seems we are here.” Blake grunted and Alexis couldn’t help but smirk that he suddenly seemed less than thrilled about his decision…Colby Acres would have been a longer drive on which to get reacquainted.

“Blake I am starting to think this a terrible idea…I really should take my car and head home..”

Sighing Blake leant back in his chair, running his hand through his hair as he took a deep breath and regained his control, reminding a certain part of himself of that morning’s resolution of abstinence.

“Darling we are here now surely it wouldn’t take much to just step inside to join your own family for dinner? Blake pleaded. “The boys are at each others throats and they both listen to you.”

“And of course no one will find it in the least suspicious that you invited me and that I accepted.” Alexis scoffed yet when Blake fixed those pleading eyes on her and offered her his hand to step out of the car.

“I am sure they will all be so delighted to see you that any question of why you are here won’t even come up.” Blake insisted trying his best to convince her.

“And how can you trust Krystle to keep her mouth shut?” Alexis added pointedly. God just the thought of sitting down to dinner with her family and that woman when the last time she had eaten in their with Blake and her children they had been happy and planning their wedding.

“Krystle has given me her word…” Blake answered.

“Yes and the saintly Krystle always keeps her word.” Alexis drawled staring up at the mansion double doors with a look akin to dread. “And that is not to mention Krystina? How do you expect a five year old to hold her tongue?”

Trying to take her elbow Blake couldn’t swallow his disappointment when Alexis shook him off and strode off ahead of him into the mansion, leaving Blake to trail after her. May be this hadn’t been one of his better ideas…yet the idea of lying to his own children and them finding out about their parents’ reconciliation from anyone else, that struck Blake as far more dangerous for his family than anything else.

---

[ss9]

---

“And there is nothing more you can tell me?”

Jeff’s question was answered only by the dull whine of the dialling tone as the person on the end of the phone decided to end their conversation in the most final of ways.

It had been like that with almost all of his contacts…well the ones that had been willing to even take his calls. It was almost like someone had gotten to them or at least that the word had gotten around that Jeff Colby and Denver Carrington were toxic and so people were just trying to protect themselves but cutting them both adrift.

Of course there was one obvious person to question about Ethan Hailsworth. Yet Jeff was hesitant to go down that route just yet. Not just because the woman, was his former mother-in-law and Jeff considered her a friend, but because Alexis had only recently suffered through burying her youngest child.

No approaching Alexis herself was a last resort, or at least could be put off for the time being. However when Jeff did approach her he wanted to be armed with as much knowledge as possible so that when Alexis chose to be less than forthcoming with the truth, and knowing her so well Jeff knew she often preferred to keep the truth to herself, he was at least aware of the basic facts.

One more glance at the clock and Jeff could feel his stomach rumble, it was getting late, they would already be serving dinner over at the house and as he wasn’t getting any further here…

Jeff was just reaching out to switch out the desk lamp when the phone began to ring. Surprised and intrigued on who could be phoning direct on the private line Jeff picked up the receiver and sank back into desk chair. Glad he had done so when a voice he hadn’t heard in years spoke down the line.

“Jeff Colby I hear you are looking for information on a certain Ethan Hailsworth…Well believe me you are not the only one, in fact I think it would be in our interests to meet up and discuss the matter further.”

Stuttering in shock Jeff could only splutter. “How did you..”

“Oh the details my friend are rather immaterial…Meet me in New York the top of the Empire State building at noon tomorrow…until then old chap.”

Then the line went dead and Jeff was left staring in shock and horror at the receiver in his hand. His mind whirling with possibilities…Just what in the hell did Ben Carrington have to do with this and what on earth could he know about Ethan Hailsworth?

---

[Sarah13]

Holy cow, I'm as shocked as Jeff was! Glad to see Ben back, great updates!

[Corporate Paige]

Ben is in a unique position as uncle and stepfather to shed some light on Ethan/Tom. Update soon!

[ss9]

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“So….” Blake took a deep breath setting his knife down to reach for his water glass…anything to break the awkward silence that had fallen over the dining table and it was already an awkward assembly.

Both of his sons sat as far apart from each as they could, alternating between glaring at their father and each other. A silent Jess sat next to Krystle pushing her food around her plate and only occasionally taken a bite. The only person who could out do her for misery was Danny who was practically slumped over his plate. In fact the only person who seemed relatively pleased with the situation was Krystina who sat bolt upright in her seat in her usual spot on her father’s right a bright smile on her face.

So the atmosphere was hardly relaxing to start with and as Blake swallowed down his water, shifting uncomfortably, all the eyes in the room settled on him.

Not that they had often been absent, as from the moment he had walked into the dining room with Alexis people had been alternating from staring at him or Alexis, certain unasked questions frozen on their lips stifling all other conversation. In fact the only person who wasn’t staring at them was avoiding his gaze entirely. Krystle reminded him of a marble statue, she had been practically frozen in her seat since Alexis had arrived and taken Jeff’s empty seat at the table.

“So…How has everyone spent their days? Danny have you been riding?” Blake grasped at straws turning to his grandson who paused in poking his dinner for a few minutes to stare up at his grandfather in bewilderment.

“Danny is grounded Dad remember, he hasn’t been anywhere today other than his bedroom.” Steven interjected frowning slightly as his father nodded distractedly.

“Oh yes of course…forgive me Steven I should have remembered.” Blake spluttered covering his nervousness with a smile before returning his gaze to his plate, anything other than meet Steven’s disapproving gaze.

“I went riding today Daddy.” Krystina piped up, her blue eyes darting excitedly between her father who smiled at her and Alexis who sat a few spaces down the table next to Danny. Honestly adults were silly, why wasn’t Alexis sitting next to Daddy they couldn’t even see each other properly from where they were sitting let alone hold hands like they used to?

“Did you sweetheart, what did you do in your lesson?”

“Oh I did some dressage and some jumping…Princess jumps really well Daddy and my teacher thinks we will be ready for competitions in the spring.”

“That’s wonderful Darling, I cannot wait to see you and Princess jump, maybe tomorrow we can take Princess and one of the other horses out together?” Blake suggested watching as Krystina’s smile seemed to grow; it was so big that Blake almost thought her face would split in two.

“Can Lexis come to?” Krystina’s innocent question was like a bomb dropping, everyone froze, everyone turned to stare at Alexis, all except Krystle who looked like she had some unpleasant smell under her nose and was a few seconds away from excusing herself.

“Krystina I think Alexis probably already has plans?” Blake replied favouring his daughter with a smile to lesson the blow.

Yet Krystina wouldn’t be a Carrington if she simply gave up at the first refusal. “Lexis please come…please…it’ll be fun we haven’t done anything together in ages…please.” Krystina begged turning her bright blue eyes pleadingly on Alexis.

“I can’t Krystina I am at the new house all day tomorrow with my decorator, I really need to finalise the design on the main reception rooms if I am to move in before Christmas.” Alexis replied tempering her refusal with a soft smile, touched by the sudden appearance of a pet name from Krystina, especially when every time she said it Krystle looked like she was about to be sick.

“Oh.” Krystina pouted disappointed before a mischievous expression spread across her face. “Was that where you and Daddy were today? Was he helping too?”

“No I haven’t been up to the house today Krystina.” Alexis answered with a tight smile avoiding Krystina’s less that subtle reference to her and her father…And Blake had honestly thought telling a five year old was a good idea!

“We went to say goodbye to Amanda instead.” Alexis added feeling a little guilty when that seemed to distract her sons and the probing disapproving gazes that had been locked on her face now turned apologetic.

“Mother you should have said we would have come with you.” Steven began and Adam joined in. “Absolutely you shouldn’t have to go through that alone.”

“I wasn’t alone Adam your father was with me.” Alexis added reaching for her wine glass.

“But…”

“Thank you boys but this was something your Mother and I needed to do by ourselves we didn’t want a big production just a chance to say a quiet goodbye without half of Denver watching our every move.” Blake interjected catching Alexis’s gaze as she sipped her wine, his heart warming as she shot him a small smile.

“We?” Steven pounced on Blake’s slip like a cat on a mouse. “Is that the royal we Dad or is there something more to this that you’d like to tell us?”

“It is just a figure of speech son.” Blake began dismissively only for Steven to cut him off.

“Really and then on the way home Mother had a sudden urge to see us, so what you invited her for dinner?”

“What is so wrong with inviting your mother to dinner?” Blake retorted defensively. “Honestly Steven from the way you are reacting people would think you aren’t happy to see her?”

“Of course I am happy to see her.” Steven retorted turning to favour his mother with a smile. “I am always pleased to see you Mother.” He added reaching over his son to take his mother’s hand before turning back to face his father.

“I just don’t buy that you are telling us the whole story father. You have never just invited mother to dinner before.”

“Your sister hadn’t just died before.” Blake countered his voice clipped and warningly tight as he fixed his dark gaze on his youngest son.

“Look I don’t know what point you are trying to make here Steven but I wish for all our sakes you would just drop it. God dammit we are a family after all, is it too much to ask for us to act like one?”

“So now we’re a family again because of Amanda?” Steven snorted shaking his head in disbelief.

“I am sorry you seem so opposed to the idea Steven.”

“Oh I’ve always wanted to be a family but I just don’t buy this sudden about turn.” Steven added. “You never invited Mother into the family when we thought Fallon was dead.” Steven countered ignoring his father’s fine rhetoric; he knew he was on to something…

This was too much of a coincidence, his mother breaking things off with Dex, Krystle all of a sudden avoiding his father, his parents disappearing off together today after his mother had been the one person to insist on staying behind at the hospital…It all pointed to one rather disturbing conclusion.

“That was different…” Blake began struggling to counter his son’s suspicions.

“Why? You deliberately shut Mother out back then, you shut everyone out, and then when Amanda turned up you turned it into a battle over her between the two of you. You wanted Amanda here and away from Mother and the two of you were at each other’s throats instead of trying to be a family. Then you drove her away, all the way to Europe. So what is so different this time?”

“That was then and this is now, much has changed between your mother and me since then.” Blake answered testily his patience sorely tested by Steven’s attitude; even if Adam remained silent he still sat back in his chair and scowled.

“Why just how much change are we talking about?” Adam finally piped up his gaze moving from Blake to his mother who worryingly avoided his gaze. “Mother?”

“Adam your father and I have gone through a terrible ordeal, we have both lost a child, if that has helped us put certain things in perspective then surely that is all for the better?”

“And you’re both avoiding answering the question.” Adam countered his cool lawyers brain able to spot deliberate aversion from a mile away. “There is something you aren’t telling us…deliberately not telling us.”

Sighing Blake avoided Adam’s piercing gaze instead turning his gaze on his ex-wife and current secret lover. “Alexis perhaps…”

“No Blake you promised…”

“But that was before….” Blake added only cut off when Steven suddenly exclaimed.

“You’re back together, aren’t you?…After all that mess you both put this family through…tearing us apart…now you’ve done a 180…I can’t believe the two of you...” Steven spluttered in disgust getting up and slamming his napkin down on the table. “How selfish can you be?…Come on Danny we’re leaving I won’t spend another night in this house.”

“But Dad….”

“Now Danny.” Steven yelled turning his glare on his son who shrank back into his seat shaking his head.

“I said move.” Steven added reaching out to grab his son’s arm, his anger growing when Danny ducked away and crawled under the table.

“No I hate you…just runaway and leave me alone…I won’t go anywhere with you.”

“Steven Daniel Carrington I am your father and you will obey me.” Steven all but growled.

“Steven please just calm down.” Krystle began trying to placate him, she had never seen Steven this close to completely loosing his cool before and it scared her a little…and she certainly wasn’t going to let him take Danny anywhere in this frame of mind.

“Why the hell should I calm down?” Steven yelled. “My parents have managed to screw us all over again, Dad’s ruined your life and now he and Mother are going to play another round of happy families…oh until the next time something goes wrong and they break up again and expect the rest of us to pick up the pieces…”

“I know…Steven believe me I know.” Krystle added pleadingly her blue eyes bright with unspilt tears. “But you’re scaring the children.”

Clenching his jaw and his fists Steven took a few deep breaths trying to calm himself down. Krystle was right Krystina was cowering in her chair her hands covering her ears and tears in her eyes as a normally kind brother have transformed into some sort of monster and as for Danny….his son claimed to hate him…

“We didn’t plan this Steven.” Alexis whispered softly in the tensely silent room. “And we deserve your anger after all that we’ve put you children through but we love each other and when we were over in Europe all we had was each other. Even then we fought how we felt. I didn’t think I could learn to trust your father again but he was there when I needed him and then when he collapsed…” Alexis broke off, her voice breaking.

“Life is too short Steven…I have just lost my daughter I couldn’t loose another day with Blake just because I was afraid.”

“So what we’re just supposed to accept this like good little children?” Steven muttered shaking his head, his blue eyes pinning his mother in place.

“Whether you accept it or not it is happening Steven.” Blake cut in solemnly drawing his son’s attention back to him. “I would prefer you to accept it and be happy for us but if you cannot then I…we will understand.”

Biting his cheek Steven reluctantly nodded, “I…I…I just cannot deal with this right now I’m sorry…I’m out of here…Danny please come out?”

“No.” Danny’s sullen reply was loud and clear.

“Fine.” Steven added then shooting one last apologetic glance at Krystle he turned and strode out of the door…the slam of the front door was all loud in the silent house.

Sinking back into his chair Blake ran his hand nervously through his hair, glancing along the table to where Alexis was sitting her eyes bright with unshed tears. “Well that went well.” Blake drawled sarcastically doing his best to ignore Krystle’s gaze that was boring angrily into the side of his head.

“Ummm I don’t know if this is the right time to mention this.” A tentative voice piped up shrinking back in her chair as the room paid attention to her for the first time and it was more than a little intimidating. “Ummm but i think my water just broke.”

---

[Corporate Paige]

Yes, another Carrington will be born. How wonderful and scary at the same time. Wonderful for the family, but scary because it may bring Tom/Ethan around again.

[ss9]

---

“…I really am sorry Marin but I don’t have any choice my doctor has scheduled the surgery for next week and I am going to be out for several months afterwards in recovery and that’s providing everything goes according to plan.”

Scowling at the receiver in her hand Marin Dexter paced agitatedly up and down in her room trying to concentrate on her conversation over the background noise of baby Jack bawling in the next room. Damn Dex and that bloody son of his…it was bad enough the little brat keeping her awake half the night now he was starting early to drive her to an early grave.

“…I am sure you will be able to find someone to cover…perhaps your brother Dex would be able to help out? He used to the run the company before for your father or perhaps you would like to step in yourself? Sam left you the company for a reason after all Marin, he must have had confidence in your abilities even if you don’t…”

Gritting her teeth Marin resisted the urge to tell her CEO….former CEO as of next week… exactly where he could stick his patronising advice as he attempted to flatter her ego to soften the blow. Yet somehow telling old Uncle Bob where to stick it probably wouldn’t help his heart condition any. Still Marin wasn’t an idiot, she knew damn well that she wasn’t ready to assume leadership of Dexter International just yet; she was learning but business deals really didn’t hold her interest and it was only from necessity that she was learning the ropes at all.

Perhaps she could ask Dex to step in for a few months?

“Marin are you still there?”

“Yeah Uncle Bob I’m here.” Marin grunted forcing her tone to remain polite, her honorary Uncle was one of her father’s oldest friends and he had been doing her a favour coming out of retirement to fill the post in the first place. “Look I hope your surgery goes well alright say hi to Stella for me.”

“Sure kid take care and come back to Wyoming and visit us sometime, we’ll have a cook out like we used to.”

“Yeah soon.” Marin lied through her teeth feigning enthusiasm. “Take care.”

As soon as Bob had finished his own farewell Marin all but smacked the phone back in its cradle.

Damn Uncle Bob and his dodgy heart and damn Dex for getting back involved with that bloody woman and landing her in this mess in the first place and damn…damn that bloody baby didn’t he ever stop crying…?

Storming to the door of her bedroom that led into the communal lounge of the large suite Marin’s mood didn’t improve when the wailing noise actually seemed to increase, like that was even possible, perhaps the kid just really didn’t like her.

It appeared he didn’t much like Dex either considering the way he was bawling in her brother’s ear. In fact if it wasn’t quite so annoying, the sight of Dex juggling a screaming baby in one arm, papers clutched in one hand and a phone pressed between his shoulder and his ear, would have made her laugh.

“Can’t you shut him up?” Marin demanded testily catching her brother’s attention and worryingly Dex actually looked relieved to see her.

“Oh Marin thank goodness can you take Jack I’m on the line with my foreman in Brazil….”

“Oh no I am not taking care of your demon spawn.” Marin spat back before her brother could foist his offspring on her once more.

“Marin please I have an important breakfast meeting to prepare for. Someone is actually interested in buying my share of the Brazil project for more than I paid for it and I need to make sure all the paperwork is in order.” Dex pleaded turning his dark eyes on his sister.

“Well then I suggest you get Jack to shut up and get on with your work, I am going downstairs to grab a late dinner…Any longer with the screaming banshee there and I will have a terrible headache.” Marin answered smugly picking up her purse and making a quick exit out of the main door, relieved when at least the thick hotel door managed to shut out most of Jack’s screaming and whatever expletive Dex had probably uttered.

Well there went her chance of Dex doing her a favour and stepping in at Dexter International…

Yet somehow being relegated to playing nanny for Jack in exchange for a favour from her brother was far too high a price to pay. She would be the one employing Dex after all and she could hardly play the role of hard nosed employer if she was also changing his smelly baby’s diapers.

Of course she had other options…Marin pondered reaching out and pressing the button for the elevator.

Hmmm perhaps she should try ringing Adam Carrington?

After all word on the street was the Carrington heir had finally called it a day on his relationship with that former secretary of his…dear god what was it with men in that family marrying stenographers? Well that meant the handsome Adam was once more back on the market.

Perhaps he might just be tempted away from the Colby Co giant by the prospect of being CEO of Dexter International?

A chance to really show his parents what he was made of after that bitch of a mother of his had chosen to elevate Jeff Colby over him to the CEO’s position at Denver Carrington. And if Marin happened to bag herself a little something other than a capable man at the helm of her company then all to the good…although the prospect of having Alexis Colby for a mother in law now that was a sizeable turn off…

Still if she could break those apron strings and turn Adam into his own man rather than his mother’s puppet then she would not only solve her own recruitment problems and bag herself a handsome new man but also piss Alexis off in the process…Win…Win…Win…

“Well fate must really love me.”

A smooth baritone drew Marin out of her plotting to realise that the elevator door had opened and inside the car was a familiar handsome smirk.

Choosing to ignore his familiarity Marin sonly hesitated monetarily before stepping inside. “Lobby please.”

If possible the smirk seemed to grow at her brush off and the handsome stranger leaned forward and pressed the requested button.

“So do you have time for that drink now?”

“I’m sorry do I know you?” Marin feigned ignorance shaking her head and allowing her dark curls to bounce over her shoulders.

“No the real question is whether you would like to get to know me. My name is Ethan…Ethan Hailsworth, maybe you have heard of me?”

“I can’t think of any reason why I would have?” Marin retorted tartly her own smirk tugging at her lips as the doors pinged open and Marin quickly strode out, her smile only growing as her handsome stalker bounded after her.

Moving to block her from entering the dining room the dark haired Lothario caught her arm and Marin was startled by the sudden electric jolt that seemed to pass between them.

“Well join me for one drink and find out, if after that drink you would rather I left you alone I will do so…come on pretty lady take a chance, one drink, what harm can one drink do?”

Eyeing him blatantly up and down, the expensive hand tailored suit well cut hair and twinkling dark eyes that looked as tempting as the Devil’s Marin could only shrug. “One drink and you’re buying.”

Smirking Ethan caught her hand and raised it to his lips, pressing a kiss to the back of her knuckles before he led her into the bar. “Lady I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

---

[Corporate Paige]

She should be careful because he tends to give out more than just one drink. She's liable to find herself waking up with him in the morning. Update again soon.

[ss9]

---

Just what the hell had she been thinking?

Alexis shifted on the uncomfortable plastic seating convinced that the facilities here in the maternity department were worse than up on the acute wards. Would it kill them to put in a nice comfortable sofa or perhaps even set aside a quiet room for people to wait in? Instead of this open area with harsh florescent lighting that greater resembled one of those communal waiting areas that poor people had to congregate in at airports before they boarded their cattle class flights.

Everyone around her smelt of sweat and blood, sweat from the nervous pacing unwashed fathers of Denver and the underlying tang of blood from the numerous deliveries that no matter the strength of the chemical cleaners used still tinged the air. It was enough to make one light headed and or queasy to boot.

Not to mention the memories it brought back…the last time she had been here was with Blake and Monica waiting for news about Sable…and thoughts of Sable automatically led Alexis to thinking about Jack, a subject Alexis had been trying desperately not to think about.

It hurt but then she only had herself to blame….

Besides Dex had said he would think about it and he was Jack’s father the decision was his too make, and where in the past Alexis would have pressurised and nagged Dex until he gave way this time she wasn’t so sure that tactic would work…

What if she really had pushed Dex too far this time?

If she pushed him any further was there anything keeping him and Jack here in Denver other than his business venture with Blake? And Alexis wasn’t ignorant to the fact that Dex was trying to sell his shares…oh he was doing his best to be discrete about it, in fact Alexis doubted Blake was even aware that his partner was trying to jump ship. But there were still plenty of people who owed Alexis or who were anxious to get into her good books and so information tended to trickle across her desk and into her ear before reaching others.

Alexis could only count her lucky stars that no one had taken Dex up on his offer…of course those few well chosen comments about valuation and political stability in the right ears might have had something to do with that, it really was amazing how useful having a talented secretary could be sometimes….Well as long as Dex didn’t find out and stayed long enough in Denver to give her suggestion serious thought not simply running back to Wyoming to sulk.

Of course waiting patiently had never been one of Alexis’s best qualities and the barely muffled screams of women in labour or mewling wails of newborns wasn’t helping her resolve any. Not when all she wanted right now was to run away from this damn place and cuddle her baby…

She had lost the chance with her other children, she would never get the chance to hug Amanda ever again, she wouldn’t just walk away from this child without trying to still be part of his life.

Digging her nails into the underside of the plastic chair to keep herself rooted in place Alexis couldn’t help grimacing in disgust when her seventy five dollar manicure came into contact with something soft sticky and disgusting stuck to the underside of her seat.

Dry retching in disgust Alexis quickly whipped her hands back into her lap, surveying the damage with a critical eye before trying to pick off the lingering blobs of something sticky and the most vile shade of Pepto-Bismol pink…that someone would willingly ever have put that in their mouths in the first place…and then to stick it under the seat like a tramp…

Shuddering in disgust Alexis resolved to wash her hands before touching anything else this place was even worse than she had first thought.

“Mother?”

Glancing up Alexis was surprised to see Adam was still here. “Yes Adam?”

“I am just going to go over to the coffee shop across the street I cannot drink the slop that passes for coffee in here…Do you want me to get you anything? Do you want to come with me? At least to get some fresh air?”

“I…” Alexis was tempted. It wasn’t like she had even met this girl Jess before this evening and Alexis knew from experience first births could take hours. Yet one glance across the room reminded Alexis why she was here…Blake…

He simply couldn’t help himself from jumping into the role of protector or white knight and despite knowing Blake loved her and that his relationship with Krystle was a thing of the past that didn’t mean Alexis was entirely comfortable with them having anything new to bond over. Especially when that new thing was a baby…

Yet the way Blake was hovering as a worried Krystle paced and wrung her hands trying to calm her down unsettled Alexis. Perhaps she was being ridiculous and irrational and certainly more than a little jealous but Alexis didn’t like the idea of leaving the two of them alone.

“Mother?” Adam’s prompting jarred back to the present and she blushed when her son’s knowing gaze followed hers across the room to rest on Blake and Krystle.

“I really should stay…”

“Why so you can glare at Father and Krystle some more? Or perhaps wind yourself up into imagining things that aren’t there?”

Irritated by her son’s observation Alexis narrowed her gaze, her emerald eyes blazing at him yet Adam was hardly intimidated by her. “I don’t know what you are talking about Adam.”

Sighing her son sank down into the seat next to her. “Mother if you don’t trust Blake why on earth did you agree to try again?”

“I do trust him.” Alexis insisted yet even to her own ears her words sounded hollow. “It’s Krystle I don’t trust, she wants him back Adam I know she does.”

“So?” Adam countered leaning back as much as the rigid plastic chairs would allow and crossing his arms. “If Father really loves you then what Krystle wants won’t matter one little bit, don’t you think he really does?”

“I know he does…Love has never been our problem.” At least this Alexis could state with some conviction relieved when her son’s inquisitional stare melted slightly and he gave her a half smile.

“Well that’s something at least…Still you’re going to have trust him sometime it might as well be now.” Adam suggested getting back to his feet and offering his mother his hand. “Come on I’ll buy you a coffee and bring you up to speed with Colby Co, you are coming into the office on Monday right?”

“Why missing me that much? The big chair a little too daunting?” Alexis teased yet she accepted her son’s hand to her feet, stretching out the aches from sitting too long in an uncomfortable chair.

“No actually it’s rather comfortable and if you were gone any longer I was planning on permanently swapping offices…yours has a much better view than mine.”

“Well that’s the perk of being the big boss.” Alexis replied with a smile.

“Hmmm talking of perks do you think it’s too late or too early to get a Danish with my coffee?”

“As your mother I would have to insist on no more sweets before bedtime but since God knows when you’ll be getting to bed…” Alexis trailed off allowing Adam to lead her out of the ward, allowing herself to feel a small frisson of pride in herself when she resisted the urge to glance back at Blake and Krystle.

“Well in that case I’d better get you one as well…I am sure with the large bonus my grateful employer is bound to award me with for filling in during her absence that I can afford it.”

“Large bonus?” Alexis laughed shaking her head as her son smirked at her. “Well then you’d better make it one of those ones with swirley icing on it I am your mother after all who else would you spend your hard earned cash on?”

“Alright one giant iced Danish coming up…I can probably just afford it.”

“That’s my boy.” Alexis teased reaching up to pinch Adam’s cheek before withdrawing her hand as she once more caught sight of her nails and the lingering flecks of pink goo…. “On second thoughts hold the Danish…let me wash my hands first.”

---