Just Before Dawn chapter 3 (standard:mystery, 12548 words)
Author: Sarah Spenser	Added: Feb 20 2005	Views/Reads: 3044/2082	Story vote: 0.00 (0 votes)
This chapter picks up from where Allison opened the pipe bomb. Can Connor act quick enough to save her life?

Click here to read the first 75 lines of the story

it was a sign of things to come. He breathed a sigh of relief when the 
ambulance finally pulled into the hospital's second ambulance bay. He 
was relieved that Frank had approved his traveling with Allison, Frank 
thought it was in her best interest since she was asking for him. 
Allison was quickly whisked away on a gurney and Connor was banished to 
the waiting room. He hated to call Jack, but he knew he had to, then it 
occurred to him that he didn't have his number. 

He quickly dialed information and obtained Jack Shure's number. Luckily,
it was listed and he dialed immediately. On the fifth ring, an elderly 
man answered. He sounded like he had been busy and the phone was an 
unwanted interruption. “Hello?” he said in frustration. “Are you Jack 
Shure?” Connor asked taking a deep breath after he had gotten the words 
out. He wasn't sure how to go about telling him about Allison, after 
all, the man didn't know him. “Who's asking?” he said suspiciously. 
“I'm Connor Cassidy, Allison's um ... we're going together.” “Yeah 
and?” he was impatient, and probably wondered why this man had called 
just to tell him he was dating his daughter. “Mr. Sure, there's been an 
accident. Allison opened a package that exploded. She's at Fallwood 
General Hospital.” “When did this happen?” he said immediately snapping 
into fatherly mode. “Just a few minutes ago. I just got here, Allison 
asked me to call you.” “Thank you, son. I'll be right there.” Jack hung 
up before Connor could say another word. 

He sat in the waiting room and stared at all the faces that surrounded
him. He found it odd that they were all bound together by some sort of 
crisis. Everyone in that room had loved ones they were concerned about. 
Connor stared at the sterile walls, and inhaled the smell of antiseptic 
and ammonia. Telephones rang, and the intercom buzzed paging a 
different doctor every ten seconds. He couldn't concentrate on 
anything, all he could do was think about Allison. 

Now cut off from her, his mind began to race with all the possibilities:
what if she was seriously injured, what if she was bleeding internally, 
what if ... the list went on, he thought of all the possibilities and 
even went to the nurses' station to try to get an update. A woman in a 
crisp looking uniform was behind the desk, her head bent in 
concentration over a mountain of paper work. “Excuse me,” Connor said 
timidly. She looked up from her work and gave him a sympathetic smile, 
her dark eyes seemed to convey kindness even before she uttered a word. 
“Yes, may I help you?” “I was wondering if you could give me an update 
on a patient. Allison Shure, she was brought in about twenty minutes 
ago. She opened a package that exploded.” “I'll check. One moment, 
sir.” The woman disappeared behind a metal door, Connor listened until 
her movements faded away into nothing. As he stood at the desk, he 
heard his name. He looked behind him to see a woman coming towards him 
clutching a box of tissues. “Are you Connor Cassidy?” she asked wiping 
her eyes, her mascara was running, her eyes were red, and she looked 
like she'd been crying for quite some time. “Yes. Who are you?” he said 
not wanting to offend her. He wondered If he'd met her somewhere before 
and didn't remember. “I'm Lynn Raznack, Allison's best friend. I heard 
about what happened to her!. How is she?” she asked dabbing at her eyes 
again. “I'm not sure, I just asked the nurse, she was going to see what 
she could find out.” “I called her and didn't get any answer, I got her 
machine. I thought that was strange she told me she had a date with you 
tonight. I don't know what came over me, but I called Jack. He told me 
what happened and I flew here. Jack should be on his way. What was she 
like when you last saw her? Was she bleeding? Did she have any 
injuries?” “She was conscious when I last saw her.” “What do you mean? 
Is she drifting in and out of consciousness? How bad is she? What 
happened?” “Well, she has been in and out of consciousness. Probably 
from the force of the bomb. I don't know how badly she's hurt. No one 
has been out to talk to me yet. Allison opened a package that exploded, 
the force of the explosion knocked her unconscious.” The nurse emerged 
with Allison's chart in hand. “Well, she has a grade 3 concussion. It's 
a type of concussion where the person is knocked unconscious and has no 
recollection of the event before the concussion. She is very fatigued, 
but she's doing pretty well. Her speech may be slurred as a result of 
her head injury. Some people experience a syndrome called 
post-concussive syndrome.” Connor and Lynn stared at the nurse wide 
eyed, just then Jack came running over and embraced Lynn. He was tall, 
slender with graying brown hair and emerald eyes. His eyes conveyed a 
sort of serenity, but inside he was panicked, Allison was his pride and 
joy, and his heart pounded as he confronted the nurse. “What's wrong 
with my little girl?” Jack said running over to Lynn and the nurse. 
“She has a grade 3 concussion. This happens when the person loses 
consciousness and can't remember the event that led to the concussion. 
She may ask the same question several times, just humor her, this often 
happens with this type of head injury. She also may be extremely 
fatigued, have a severe headache, or have trouble concentrating. But 
don't be alarmed. We're going to keep  her over night for observation.” 
“Will she be okay?” Jack asked trying to stop the tears that were now 
flowing freely down his face. “She should be just fine, the doctor says 
you can see her now, the only thing I ask is that you keep it down. 
Only one at a time, please.” “Thank you.” Connor said grateful for her 
kindness, he glimpsed the name off her tag, she sat back down at her 
desk and began to peruse the papers in front of her. “Thank you, Abby.” 
Connor said reading that her name was Abby Rogers. “You're welcome.” 
She said with a smile. 

Connor followed Lynn and Jack to the waiting room. A moment later Dr.
Janet O'Mara came out to talk to them. She just repeated what Abby had 
told them earlier. “We're going to keep her overnight for observation. 
We often do in these sorts of cases. With grade 3 concussions, you can 
never be too cautious. They're the most severe of the lot. She's better 
than when she came in, we're going to wake her every two hours. This 
prevents her from slipping into a coma.” They all nodded. “But she's 
not critical right?” Jack asked with concern. “No, her condition still 
is serious, but this is certainly not life threatening. I'm going to 
give her a physical exam. I'll be out to talk to you in a moment.” They 
all breathed a sigh of relief. “When can we seeh er?” Connor asked, his 
mind flashing back to when he had last seen Allison. “In a few minutes. 
Let me give her the physical and then I'll have a better picture of how 
she really is.” Janet turned and exited the room. 

Janet walked to Allison's cubicle, she was going to be moved into a
private room, but first she had to perform a physical exam. Allison 
seemed dazed and barely registered her presence until she gently tapped 
her on the shoulder. “Ms. Shure?” “Yes?” “I'm Janet do you remember 
me?” “You're the doctor.” She said slowly unsure if her answer was what 
Janet was looking for. “Yes, I'm going to give you an exam to see how 
you are.” Allison nodded, she watched as Janet shined a flashlight in 
her eyes. She squinted but let Janet examine her. Her pupils were a 
little unequal but nothing to really worry about. Next Janet tested her 
speech. This was one of the more common areas affected in head injury 
cases. “Where are you?” she asked taking a seat beside Allison. “In the 
hospital.” Her speech was a little slurred, but not too bad. “Are you 
dizzy?” Janet asked, she hated to have her walk if she was, but she 
needed to test her coordination. “What?” Allison's head was pounding 
and she could barely focus on the question. “Are you dizzy?” “A 
little.” “Okay, I'm going to have you walk a couple of steps for me.” 
Allison attempted to get up, but she fell back against the cot. Janet 
gently helped her to her feet, and she hesitantly walked a few steps. 
Her coordination was pretty severely impaired. Then the question that 
everyone had been asking her came, she was unsure why everyone was 
asking her the same thing, and she was starting to get annoyed with it. 
“Do you remember what happened?” she sighed and tried to think, the 
last thing she remembered was kissing Connor. Where was Connor? “I ... 
not really.” “Okay, I'm going to send you down to the lab for what's 
called a CT scan. It takes a picture of your brain, so I can determine 
if there's any bleeding.” Allison nodded and was soon whisked off to 
the lab. She emerged an hour later, Janet studied the results and 
prescribed pain killers and ice. 

When Janet emerged, she was met by everyone's questioning faces. She sat
next to Jack and explained the results of her exam. Jack stared at her, 
intently listening to her every word. “Well, my exam revealed that her 
speech, coordination, and balance are pretty well impaired. Her speech 
isn't too slurred though, her memory is impaired, she doesn't remember 
what happened. But this is common with this type of injury. As I said 
before, we're going to keep her overnight, you can see her.” “Is there 
anything we shouldn't do or say?” Lynn asked clearly nervous and 
concerned about upsetting Allison. “No, just be yourself. That's the 
best thing to do. If she gets tired, let her rest.” They all nodded. 
“Thank you, Dr. O'Mara.” Connor said. “You're welcome.” “Oh, should I 
tell her what happened? I don't want to upset her.” Connor asked, he 
truly had her best interest at heart. “Yes, although she may ask you 
the same thing several times. Just be patient with her. She may be like 
a different person, so just wait and see how she is.” Janet left then 
to go check on Allison. 

They decided that Jack should go in first, since he was the closest
family member. Jack got up and followed Abby to the cubicle where 
Allison was. She was lying on a cot staring out into space, Jack was a 
little taken with his daughter's demeanor, but Abby had warned him. He 
opened the curtain and cautiously approached her. “Allison? How are 
you, sweetheart?” “Dad! How are you?” she said smiling at him. “I'm 
fine, darling. The more important question is how's my little girl?” he 
asked taking her hand, he stroked her fingers, and her thumb began to 
move rhythmically back and forth against his hand. This was a game 
they'd play when she was a child. “I'm fine. I still don't remember 
what happened.” She said her speech was a little slurred, but not much. 
“Connor told me you opened a package that exploded. Do you remember?” 
her head pounded and she had trouble focusing on his words. Jack looked 
curiously at her, wondering why it was taking her so long to answer. 
“Allison?” “Hmm?” he could see she wasn't with it, and grasped her hand 
in concern. “Are you all right, sweetheart?” “I'm fine, Dad. Don't 
worry so much. I'll be fine.” “What did the doctor say?” “Uh ... I 
think she said she wanted to keep me here for a while. Overnight, I 
think. This is so hard.” “What is?” Jack asked looking at her vacant 
expression. “Concentrating. This headache's a killer!” “Are you tired, 
sweetie? Do you want me to leave?” “No, Dad please stay. I'm a little 
tired, but I want you to stay.” “Everyone's worried about you. Lynn and 
Connor are anxious to see you too. Connor was frantic when he called 
me.” “I'm sorry I worried you. I love you.” She said tenderly stroking 
his fingers. Her voice was soft, like a summer breeze, and Jack clearly 
saw that his daughter had a serious head injury. She wasn't her usual 
bubbly self, and this worried him. Allison was moved to a private room 
and set up in a bed. Jack accompanied her, and she smiled when she saw 
him again. The nurses had asked him to stay behind a ways so they could 
get her settled. After they talked for a while, Lynn went in. She was 
practically chomping at the bit to see Allison and Connor thought it 
was best that she go in before him. 

Once they were alone in the waiting room, Jack questioned him about the
incident. Jack surmised that Connor was a cautious man just from being 
a detective, and tried to size him up as a person. He liked him, his 
mannerisms and common courtesies. “How'd it happen, Connor? You and 
Allison were on a first date?” he asked making sure he had his facts 
right. “Yes, Mr. Shure. I love your daughter very much. I'd do anything 
to protect her!. I wish that I had opened that package.” “Why, son?” 
Jack asked eager to know what his response was. “Because if I had, she 
wouldn't be injured now. I'd be the one lying in there!. I was frantic 
when she was unconscious!.” “I know, she‘s a wonderful person. I just 
want to make sure that you don't hurt her.” “Oh, I wouldn't, Mr. 
Shure.” Connor said fervently. “Please call me Jack.” He said softly, 
he was taking a liking to Connor, and had a good feeling about him. 
“You know she's working on the Renson case?” Connor inquired anxiously 
waiting for Lynn to emerge so he could see Allison. “Yeah, it's been a 
sore spot for us these days. I told her not to get mixed up in that 
case. But Doug Stanton assigned her to it, and far be it from me to 
tell her how to run her life.” “She tried to bait Mark in to telling 
her information. She went out to dinner with him several times. She 
told me that Thursday was the cut off point. That if she didn't have 
any information by then, she would stop and try another tactic. I 
thought that last night didn't go terribly between them, I called her 
every night to make sure she got home safely.” Jack smiled. “That was 
very kind of you, Connor.” “Thank you, Jack. I'm in love with Allison. 
She's the sweetest, most honest, and most sincere person I've ever 
met.” “She's a real gem, I'm a lucky man. She's always made me proud. 
But she's feisty just like her mother.” “She told me about her. I'm 
sorry.” “Thank you. Marie was something, Allison has a lot of her 
qualities, she's compassionate, stubborn, talkative and even 
optimistic.” Jack smiled remembering Allison's happy childhood and 
praying that she would be all right. “I don't know how I let her open 
that package, Jack! But I looked at it and it didn't look suspicious. I 
feel so guilty.” Connor began to cry which was something he rarely did. 
But the guilt over Allison's injury was just too much for him to bear. 
“It's okay, Connor. It's not your fault.” Jack said patting him on the 
shoulder. “How is Allie?” he had forgotten that her family wasn't used 
to his nickname for her. Jack smiled thinking it was cute. “She's going 
to be fine. I like your new nickname, it's cute.” “Thanks. Is she 
really all right?” “Yes, she's tired, and she has a headache but other 
than that she's fine. She may ask you the same question several times 
though, she has trouble concentrating.” “That's fine, I just want to 
see her.” Lynn emerged and Connor anxiously followed Abby to Allison's 
room. She smiled when he entered the room. “Connor! Oh, Connor I 
thought something happened to you!” she said her eyes beginning to fill 
with tears. He noticed the stitches under her right eye. He knew it 
could've been a lot worse. Connor went to her side and gently stroked 
her hair. “No, sweetheart nothing's happened to me. How are you 
feeling? Can I get you anything?” “Just you. You're all I need. Connor, 
what happened? I don't remember anything.” “You opened a package from 
Renson that exploded.” “Who?” “Mark Renson the man who's suspected of 
killing Martha Bernard.” She looked dazed for a moment, and then it 
dawned on her. “He sent me a pipe bomb?” “Yes, I wouldn't have let you 
open it if I thought it was dangerous, I feel so guilty.” She reached 
for his hand, and he slipped it into hers. He felt her soft silky skin 
underneath his hand as her fingers gently caressed his. “Don't feel 
guilty, you had no idea that he would do that. I'm sorry our date was 
ruined.” “That's all right, there's always next time.” “Yeah, thanks 
for calling Dad.” “You're welcome. Are you tired? I better go and let 
you get some rest.” “No, please stay. I've missed you. I ... I ...” she 
trailed off, he could see the fatigue in her eyes, and worried about 
her. He suddenly realized what Jack was talking about, and looked at 
her curiously. “Allie?” “Connor, I love you.” She said softly, he 
kissed her tenderly on the cheek. “I love you too, Allie. I think 
you're wonderful.” “Thanks. Maybe you could do me a favor.” “Sure, 
sweetheart anything what is it?” he asked eager to help in any way he 
could. “Tell me what happened.” He explained it again, and that seemed 
to satisfy her, just then the announcement reminded everyone that 
visiting hours were over in ten minutes. “Thank you for everything.” 
She said with a smile. “I love you, Allison. I will stop by tomorrow to 
see you.” “I love you too, Connor. I'm looking forward to it.” She 
watched as he slowly exited the room. 

Night began to drape its cover of darkness over the hospital, and
Allison realized that it was only a myth that hospitals were quiet 
places. There were people far worse off than she, some of them screamed 
for their loved ones, while others tried to get out of bed. Allison 
tried to sleep, but it eluded her. She watched as nurses checked her 
every two hours, and finally before three, she fell asleep. She woke 
two hours later to a nurse shaking her. “Ms. Shure?” she whispered, at 
first, Allison was disoriented and unaware of where she was. “Is it 
morning all ready?” she mumbled opening her eyes. “Yes, but way too 
early to get up. I just wanted to make sure you were all right.” The 
nurse said soothingly, Allison was dizzy and her head pounded. She was 
unsure who this woman was. “Where am I?” “In the hospital.” “The 
hospital? What happened?” “You opened a package that exploded, you have 
a severe concussion.” Allison attempted to get out of bed, but the 
nurse stopped her, putting a gentle hand on her shoulder. “What do you 
need?” she asked in a motherly tone. “I have a headache, it's pretty 
bad. Can you give me something?” “Sure. Stay there, don't move.” “I 
won't.” within minutes, the nurse was back with a glass of water and 
some pills. Allison thanked her and took them gratefully. Within half 
an hour, she was asleep, the pain killers seemed to have a sedating 
affect. 

Mark woke early the next morning, he watched the local news as he always
did. It was his morning ritual and even Marmalade his cat was used to 
it by now. She rubbed his legs and meowed adoringly at him. “Want to go 
out, sweetie?” she meowed in response, Mark pushed the sliding glass 
door open and Marmalade bounded out into the fresh air. He closed it 
and looked at the TV screen. He saw a new reporter he'd never seen 
before doing the morning news. She was young, attractive, with chestnut 
hair, flawless skin and haunting dark eyes. “The top story this morning 
is about a local reporter. Allison Shure is listed in stable but 
serious condition at Fallwood General Hospital this morning. Late last 
night, a package containing a pipe bomb was sent to her home. When she 
opened it, it exploded. Ms. Shure has a severe concussion but doctors 
expect her to make a full recovery. Authorities are investigating the 
latest attempt on Ms. Shure's life.” Mark flipped off the TV in 
frustration. “Damn! I'll get you yet! If it's the last thing I ever 
do!” he said slamming his fist against the cocktail table. 

Connor couldn't sleep the night before, he worried about Allison. Every
hour he would stare at the clock and wonder how she was. She was his 
world, and the pipe bomb incident had taught him how much he really 
loved her. Sitting in that hospital waiting room, paralyzed with fear, 
made the thought of losing her impossible to bear. The moment he got in 
to his office, he called Lynn, he needed the remnants from the pipe 
bomb and the packaging for forensic tests. She had a key to Allison's 
apartment and let him in. Connor and the forensics team took the 
packaging and every remnant they could find. Connor even found the card 
taped to the front. They bagged it as evidence and took it to 
headquarters. While the team went back to the lab, Connor stood in the 
hallway and thanked Lynn. “Thank you, Lynn. I really appreciate it.” 
“You're welcome. I'd love to catch this slime bag myself!” “I know me 
too! It was a terrible act. I'm going to go see Allie on my lunch 
hour.” “Allie, cute nickname!” Lynn said with a smile. “Do you like 
it?” “Yeah I do. It can be your special name for her.” She said 
smiling. 

Connor left and spent the entire morning pouring over old interviews
with Renson. The tests on the package and the materials wouldn't be 
back for days. So, he thought he might as well get some work done. The 
interviews turned up nothing, and he wondered how Allison was for the 
hundredth time that morning. At 1, he left on his lunch hour. He picked 
up a burger and headed to the hospital. He had read that visiting hours 
were from 1 to 9 and wanted to see Allison so badly he could almost 
imagine her voice, or the way she said his name. Abby was on duty and 
when she saw him, she smiled. Connor smiled back and headed for the 
fifth floor where Allison's room was located. 

He entered her room quietly, she was asleep. He remembered Janet telling
him that they would have to wake her every two hours, he wanted to let 
her rest. She looked so peaceful and content, he marveled at her 
beauty. For a long time, he just stared at her, he decided to pull a 
chair up beside her bed, as he did so, the chair squeaked against the 
floor. Allison opened her eyes and smiled at him. “Hi.” She said her 
smile growing wider. “Hi, Allie, how are you feeling?” “Better. How are 
you?” “I'm fine. I didn't mean to wake you. I just wanted to sit by 
you.” “It's okay, Connor. I'd rather be with you than sleep anyway.” He 
smiled, seeing in her eyes the depths of her love for him. “That's very 
sweet, sweetheart.” She seemed like her old self, and he was glad. “You 
deserve compliments, you're the sweetest man I know.” He smiled at her 
and stroked her hand. “How's your headache?” “Oh, it's a little better. 
At least it's not pounding. Did I say anything strange last night? I 
don't remember much.” “No, you were fine. You had a severe concussion.” 
“I remember something about an explosion but not much after that.” 
“Mark sent you a pipe bomb, you probably won't remember the explosion. 
But it was scary, Allie! I didn't know how to help you!” she saw the 
fear in his eyes and heard it in his voice. “I'm okay, my love. You 
don't have to worry.” “Oh, Allison, you're the best thing in my life. I 
love you! I was so worried about you.” “Don't worry, I'm fine. They 
told me I can go home today. Would you like to come over for dinner.” 
“Um ... I don't think you're up to that.” “Sure I am! It's going to be 
fun come on, Connor!” “Uh, ... honey I think the pasta's spoiled.” “So, 
we'll just have to make more.” “Are you nuts?” “I want our first date 
to be special. Besides the sauce is probably still good.” He looked at 
her skeptically. “Okay, I'll come over for dinner, but only if you're 
up to it.” “I'm up to it.” She insisted. He stayed with her nearly an 
hour and a half just talking to her. He had an idea how he could make 
the pasta and sauce she wanted. 

When he arrived back at the office, Connor dialed Jack's number. He
answered quickly and Connor hoped he wasn't interrupting anything. 
“Hello?” “Hi, Jack. It's Connor.” Jack's heart thudded in his chest, 
the last time Connor had called, he was calling about Allison. “Connor 
how are you? Is something wrong with Allison?” “No, she's fine. I just 
came from seeing her. She invited me to dinner. She's pretty upset that 
our first date got ruined. She cooked up this big meal, pasta, sausage 
and salad. I was wondering if you could make your special sauce and 
surprise her. It's either that or ...” “Don't tell me she'll spend all 
afternoon in the kitchen.” Connor laughed. “Yes.” “I'll do it for you 
both. I like you, Connor. You're a good man.” “Thank you, Jack.” 
“You're welcome.” Jack said with a smile in his voice. Connor was 
beaming as he hung up the phone, Allison was going to be pleasantly 
surprised. 

Allison was released from the hospital a few hours later. Connor, Jack
and Lynn sat with Janet in Allison's room while she signed the 
discharge papers. Janet lectured them on the warning signs to watch out 
for. If there was bleeding in her brain, Allison needed to be rushed to 
the hospital immediately. “You still have to wake her every two hours, 
for the next few days. Just to be sure she's all right.” Connor and 
Lynn nodded, Jack looked at Janet with concern. It was etched all over 
his face. “She is all right isn't she?” “Yes, she's fine. Just keep a 
close eye on her.” 

Allison was glad to get home, her apartment never looked so inviting. As
soon as she opened the door, Scarlet went crazy. He squawked and 
bounced on his dish. She had asked Lynn to feed him since he knew her. 
But the one person he really craved was Allison. She set down her 
things and went over to his cage, flinging the door open. “Scarlet, I'm 
home, sweetheart.” He bounced onto her hand, and preened her hair. He 
looked at her as if he was inspecting her. She laughed as his beak made 
its way through her long brown hair. 

Lynn had left and Jack whispered to Connor that he would be back at 7
with the sauce before he departed. Allison had wondered what all the 
whispering was about, but Connor made sure she didn't overhear. He 
wanted to surprise her, as he watched Scarlet, he realized how much 
Allison loved him. She petted him for nearly an hour before putting him 
back to eat and get some water. Once he was settled, she walked into 
the bedroom to put away the overnight bag Lynn was kind enough to bring 
to the hospital. Connor was in the kitchen preparing the salad. Once he 
had lettuce, croutons, pistachios, and tomatoes in two bols, he set 
them in the fridge. He sat on the couch just as Allison emerged from 
the bedroom. “Connor, I wanted to thank you for all you did for me. I 
really appreciate it.” “You're welcome, Allison. Any time. I love you, 
is there anything I can get you?” she smiled and shook her head. “No 
thanks. Just you.” She said walking towards him. She sat next to him on 
the couch and he took her hand. Their fingers interlaced, and Allison 
felt the spark between them. “Not here, Connor. Come on.” She said 
beginning to rise from the couch. He knew she was headed for the 
bedroom, he picked her up and carried her. They entered her bedroom, 
decorated in blues and light pinks. But his mind wasn't on the décor at 
the moment. He gently laid Allison on the bed and began kissing her 
passionately. 

His lips felt wonderful against her skin, and his kisses were sweet and
sensual. The passion burned within him as Connor moved her long hair to 
one side and kissed the nape of her neck. Allison moaned in pleasure 
and brought her lips to his mouth. He kissed her so long and hard that 
she felt dizzy. He kissed every inch of her neck, and then ran his 
fingers through her hair. She planted delicate kisses on his neck and 
his lips. She felt the texture of his hair under her fingers. It was 
wavy and smooth. “I love you, Allison!” Connor said between passionate 
kisses. “I love you, Connor. Make love to me!” “Are you sure?” he said 
looking into her blue eyes with longing and desire. “I've never been so 
sure!. Or wanted anyone so much!” she said breathlessly planting a 
steamy kiss on his lips. Her blue eyes conveyed her longing without her 
having to speak another word. Her body was taut with longing and 
desire. 

Connor delicately undid the top button of her blouse. As the buttons
were undone, he kissed the places they revealed, Allison helped him get 
the blouse off her, and once it was, she  tossed her bra to the floor. 
Allison continued to kiss him as she undid the buttons on his shirt, 
she kissed every inch of him until she came to his jeans. Connor kissed 
her neck and ran his fingers through her luxurious hair one more time 
before moving to her breasts. 

His hands gently caressed them, sending Allison into frenzies of
passion. He did this until she couldn't take it anymore. In an attempt 
to control the flow of passion, Allison began to unfasten her jeans. 
She wriggled them halfway off, and managed to get them passed her hips. 
Connor slid them off and soon his pants joined hers alongside her 
underwear on the floor. “I love you!” He whispered longingly. “I love 
you too!” She said her voice was low and soft, fraught with passion. 
“Make love to me, Connor!” without speaking, he kissed her breasts 
before moving back up to reclaim her lips. He gently rolled her 
underneath him, and entered her slowly. She moaned softly as he did 
this, feeling waves of passion course through her. 

It was like nothing she'd experienced before, waves of passion coursed
through her as Connor conveyed his love for her with his body. Her 
fingers were clasped around him tightly as the tidal wave of passion 
took them to new heights. Allison was gentle and slow, like an 
unexpected breeze on a hot summer's day. She conveyed her longing for 
him with her body, making him cry out her name. Towards the end, she 
cried out his name in ecstasy as they collapsed beside each other in 
exhaustion. Connor wrapped her in his arms and held her for a long 
time. For a while, they just laid in each others arms just staring at 
each other. He stroked her cheek slowly and whispered that he loved 
her. “That was amazing!” Connor said smiling at her devilishly. “It was 
spectacular!. You're the most amazing person, Connor.” “Thank you, I 
feel the same way about you, Allie. I love you so much!” Just then, the 
doorbell rang. Connor froze remembering the last time Allison answered 
the door. “I'll get it. You stay here.” She nodded as Connor put his 
pants and shirt on and went to the door. 

Allison listened as his footsteps padded down the hall that led to the
living room. He had closed the door, giving her the opportunity to get 
dressed, which she was grateful for. Connor looked himself over before 
answering the door. He unlocked it and saw Jack standing there holding 
two huge containers. But Jack knew what he had interrupted and looked 
somewhat mortified. “Uh ... um ... am I interrupting something?” he 
said hesitantly stepping into the apartment. “No, Jack. Come in!. How 
are you?” “Great, I brought you the surprise you wanted.” “Thanks! 
She's going to love it.” “Where is Allison?” “She's here, want me to 
get her for you?” “She's not resting is she? I'd hate to disturb her.” 
“No, she's awake.” Connor said with a smile. Jack sat on the couch and 
talked to Scarlet while Connor walked to the bedroom and knocked 
softly. “Come in.” Allison said, he opened the door just a crack and 
saw that she was dressed. “Who was it?” she asked as he closed the door 
behind him. “Your father.” “Oh! Goodness, I hope he doesn't figure out 
what we were doing.” “I think he already did, Allie. He's not stupid.” 
“I know, but the thought of his daughter having the best experience of 
her life making love to a handsome, incredible man  wouldn't fill his 
heart with joy!” he laughed at her, and the way she phrased things. 
“You're too funny!” “Connor?” “Yeah?” “Tell him I'll be right there. I 
just want to fix my hair.” He laughed at her, remembering their passion 
filled evening. “Okay.” He closed the door behind him and padded down 
the hall into the living room. “She'll be right out.” “Thanks, Connor. 
I know you love my daughter, or at least I hope so.” Jack said looking 
at Connor seriously. “I do, Jack.” “Good, see that she doesn't get 
hurt. Both physically and emotionally.” “I will!. I'm going to protect 
her against Mark Renson.” “I know you will.” “I will, I promise.” They 
heard footsteps, and Allison appeared in the doorway. She walked over 
to Jack and embraced him. “Dad! Are you staying for dinner? Can I get 
you anything to drink? Want something to eat? Want ...” Jack put a 
finger to his lips to silence her. She smiled and looked at him 
playfully. “You just got out of the hospital, we should be waiting on 
you. A concussion is nothing to fool around with. Especially a grade 3 
one. No, sweetheart I'm not staying for dinner. I think you and Connor 
deserve a night alone. I came to bring you this.” He said handing her 
one of the large containers. She opened it and her face lit up. “Oh, 
Dad! Thank you!. You made the sauce!” Connor grinned at Allison's 
pleased expression. “Yup I sure did! For you, little girl!” he said 
embracing her. “But how did you ...” she stopped and looked over at 
Connor who was grinning, he winked at her and she burst out laughing. 
“Thank you both. That was so sweet of you.” She said embracing both 
men. Jack left them to their dinner and they were glad to have the time 
alone. 

After dinner, they made love again and shared funny stories. Connor knew
he wanted to stay with Allison that night, not only that night, but for 
the rest of his life. He kept a close eye on her throughout the night, 
he woke her every two hours as Janet had instructed, and after waking 
her again, he set the alarm for the umpteenth time. Allison was asleep 
in his arms, Connor gently stroked her hair thinking about how lucky he 
was to have her in his life. She was truly a blessing and a miracle, 
and he would spend the rest of his life proving that to her. 

Connor woke late the next morning, it was Sunday after all. He glanced
at the clock it was 10-30. He gently untwined himself from Allison 
careful not to wake her, and tiptoed out of the room. Jack had told him 
that Allison loved omelets, and he planned to make her breakfast in 
bed. Scarlet smelling eggs began to squawk. Connor let a piece of egg 
cool and fed it to Scarlet. “Shh, Scarlet! Allison's still asleep.” 
Scarlet took the egg from Connor's outstretched hand and looked at him. 
“What?” he asked surveying the bird, Scarlet bounced and Connor smiled. 
The omelets were just about ready. The aroma of ham, cheese and onions 
filled the air. The hazelnut coffee gave it a sort of exotic scent as 
Connor watched the omelets cook. When they were done, he searched for a 
tray, he found one and carried them in to the bedroom. 

He gently set them down on the nightstand next to Allison and placed a
gentle kiss on her lips. She opened her eyes and smiled at him. “Hi, 
Allison. Good morning!” she kissed him and ran her fingers through his 
hair. “Good morning, Connor. What time is it?” “About 11.” “Oh wow, I 
never usually sleep this late, but I guess our little night of passion 
made me tired.” She said with a mischievous grin. “A night of unbridled 
passion should make you tired!” she laughed and he noticed how musical 
her laugh was. Like a beautiful melody,, the sound filled his heart 
with joy. He stared at her for a moment, enchanted by her. “I have a 
little surprise for you.” “You do? What!” her face began to break into 
a smile, and Connor loved surprising her. The look of anticipation, and 
then the look of sheer pleasure when she discovered what the surprise 
was, thrilled him. “I made you breakfast in bed.” “You didn't have to 
do that. I was going to cook you up ...” she stopped when she saw the 
omelets. She smiled and placed a kiss on his lips. They lingered just 
holding each other. Connor pulled the table over to the bed and they 
sat together to eat breakfast. He had one arm around her the entire 
time, and Allison basked in the glow of being in love. The experience 
was invigorating, and made her feel new and fresh again. “You're an 
excellent cook!” she said taking a forkful of omelet. “Thanks!” “This 
was so sweet of you!. This is just what I was going to make for you.” 
“Well, I'm glad I beat you to it. I love surprising you, Allie.” He 
said kissing her passionately. She returned his affection and they 
shared stories about breakfast rituals of their childhoods. 

Everything was perfect until Monday came. Connor knew he had to go to
work, Janet recommended that Allison rest one more day, although she 
was none too happy, Allison agreed. She figured that Janet didn't get 
to be a doctor by being stupid. Connor had gone to his apartment for 
his razor and a change of clothes Sunday night. He had set the alarm 
for six and the moment it blared, he quickly shut it off. Allison was 
still asleep, and he wanted to let her rest. He tiptoed out of the 
bedroom and walked into the kitchen. He had trouble figuring out how to 
work the automatic timer on the coffee pot, but he eventually got it to 
go on. While the coffee perked, he sat in the living room and watched 
TV. Allison came strolling in a few minutes later. Connor put his 
coffee cup down and went to get her a cup of coffee. He kissed her full 
on the mouth and embraced her. “Good morning, love.” He said 
cheerfully, she smiled at him. Thinking he should host his own morning 
show, no one was usually that cheerful in the morning. Lynn said that 
between Allison and Connor's optimism, they‘d have enough cheerfulness 
to turn every pessimist  into a raving optimist. “Good morning, 
sweetheart. How are you?” Allison asked walking into the kitchen to get 
a cup of coffee. “Let me do that for you, sweetheart.” Connor said 
beginning to fix her coffee just the way she liked it. “Thanks, Connor 
but you don't ...” “Shh,” he said placing a kiss on her lips. “I want 
to do this for you.” She returned his affection and smiled. “How are 
you, my love?” she asked sitting at the kitchen table. “Good, how are 
you? How's your head?” “It's fine, it doesn't pound anymore. I'm Great 
because you're in my life!.” “I tried not to wake you when I got out of 
bed, what did it. I wanted you to rest, Allison.” He said looking at 
her with concern, she hadn't gotten a full night's sleep since 
Thursday, and luckily tonight no one would have to wake her up every 
two hours. “I reached for you and you weren't there. At first I thought 
it was a dream, but when I opened my eyes you weren't there.” “Oh, 
sorry.” “Do you really have to go to work? Can't you stay here and make 
love to me?” she asked dreamily as she took a sip of her coffee. “I 
wish! That would be my fantasy!” he said kissing her tenderly on the 
mouth. She returned his affection and before long, he was caressing her 
breasts. But before they could go any further, Scarlet began to squawk. 
“Oh, Scarlet!” Allison said exasperated as she reluctantly pulled away 
from Connor. She got up and fed him and changed his water, that seemed 
to keep him satisfied. “I have to go anyway. Not that I wouldn't want 
to stay here with you all day.” “I know, Connor I'll miss you.” “I'll 
miss you too, sweetness.” He said winking at her. “I love you.” She 
said softly as he walked into the bathroom to shower. “I love you, 
Allie.” Every time he said it, her heart skipped a beat. She knew she 
was fortunate to have someone as wonderful as Connor in her life.  She 
saw him off with a tender kiss as he left for work. 

By Tuesday, Allison was eager to return to work. She had spent Monday
night wrapped in Connor's arms, and they made love until 2. Although 
they were both tired, they knew it was worth it. Allison seemed to glow 
with happiness, and Connor realized that being in love suited her. Doug 
was thrilled to see her as she came around the corner to his office, he 
smiled and greeted her with his southern accent. His dark eyes sparkled 
when he saw that she had no injuries to speak of. “Allison! How are 
you?” he inquired reaching for her hand. She smiled and interlaced her 
fingers with his. “I'm much better, Doug. Thank you for asking.” “Is it 
true what they said on the news? That Renson sent you a pipe bomb?” 
Allison looked dazed for a moment, but quickly recovered. “It's true, 
from what Connor told me I opened the package and it exploded. The next 
thing I remember is waking up at the hospital.” “Are you sure you want 
to return to work? Do you need some time off? Whatever you need I'll 
give it to you.” “No, Doug I've rested since Friday night. That's quite 
enough.” “Allison, sit down. I want to discuss something with you.” His 
dark eyes looked unbearably sad and she wondered if something had 
happened to his wife. “Noreen's all right isn't she?” she asked 
referring to Doug's wife of 53 years. “She's fine. This isn't about 
Noreen, it's about you.” She looked shocked for a moment, and he could 
see it in her eyes that he'd upset her. “What did I do?” “Nothing, 
you're not in trouble or anything. But I want you off the Renson case.” 
“Why? I'm getting somewhere with him.” “That's exactly it, Allison. I 
can't risk your life for a hot story. It's not worth it to me!” “But, 
Doug ... Mr. Stanton! ...” “No, I'm taking you off the case.” “Oh, 
please don't. Just let me work it a little longer!. I've got Connor for 
protection. He can stay with me at night ...” “No!” Doug said sternly, 
Allison looked like she was about ready to cry and turned and left. 

She was distraught, and didn't know where to turn, she finally decided
on the police station. As she piloted the car toward it, she wondered 
why this had happened. She knew that Mark was a very dangerous man, but 
she wasn't an idiot. She wasn't going to do anything that was going to 
jeopardize her life. Tears all but blinded her as she piloted the car 
onto the road. 

Connor was perusing through old interviews with Mark's best friend Greg
Brindle when the phone rang. Thinking it was Allison he picked it up 
immediately. He sat back in his chair, with his head up. This was his 
official posture, he longed to hear her voice. “Detective Cassidy.” 
“Connor?” but it wasn't the voice he expected. It was Doug. “Yes? Is 
something wrong with Allison?” “You bet there is.” Connor's heart began 
to pound, what if she had complications from the concussion? He 
listened intently as Doug continued. “I took her off the Renson case. 
She was almost in tears here.” “Oh, Doug!. She's worked her ass off on 
that case!” “I know, Connor but I can't risk her life to find out the 
identity of  the Bernard killer!” “I know how you feel, but I can 
protect her. I'll even stay at night if she'll let me. She'll be under 
my protection.” “But, Connor, this puts me in a really trying position. 
I can't play havoc with Allison's life!” “I know, Doug, but just leave 
it to me!. She's gotten Mark this far!” “Okay, do me a favor? Have her 
come by my office?” “Sure thing. The moment I see her.” Connor hung up 
just as there was a knock at the door. “Come in.” Connor said, Allison 
entered dabbing at her eyes with a tissue. “I can't believe this!” she 
said hoarsely, he had never seen her cry, not like this and longed to 
hold her and comfort her. “What's wrong, sweetheart? Is there anything 
I can do?” “No, my love. Just be your wonderful self!. I can't believe 
Doug took me off the Renson case!. You know how long I've worked on 
this case, Connor I ... I ...” she couldn't go on, she was choked by a 
sob, she reached for the box of tissues on his desk and took several. 
After she had sufficiently wiped her eyes, she continued. “I tried so 
hard! I can't believe I got him this far and now I have to quit!” 
Connor put his arm around her and she welcomed his embrace moving 
closer to him. He gently caressed her cheek and stroked her hair. He 
wiped the tears from her eyes and whispered in her ear. “Everything's 
going to be all right, Allie. I promise.” “How do you know?” “Because 
Doug called while you were on the way over, he told me about what 
happened. I agreed to take you under my protection.” She wriggled away 
from him and glared at him. Something he didn't expect. “What?” he 
asked seeing the look of anger in her eyes. “I don't need to be under 
anyone's protection! I don't need you to be my body guard!” “But, 
Allison ...” “Listen to me, Connor I am an independent woman and I can 
handle Renson. You're not my knight in shining armor! What the hell do 
you think I did before you came into my life? Cowered when I had to 
face a serial killer? I don't think so!” “I'm just trying to stop you 
from getting hurt.” “Okay, if you were so good at protecting me how 
come I got the concussion?” something he felt extremely guilty about. 
“You know that if I ...” “You know what? Don't say anything.” Allison 
turned and was out the door before he could stop her. Mark lingered in 
the hall behind a vending machine, he had heard the entire argument and 
knew how to kill Allison. He was going to use Connor to do it. Connor 
had inadvertently walked right into Mark's trap. 

Connor thought about Allison all afternoon. She hadn't called, and he
had never seen her angry, he hoped it would all blow over. He didn't 
mean any harm by offering to be her protector and certainly didn't' 
mean to upset her. By four, he couldn't concentrate on his work and 
went home. Once there, he dialed Jack, he  could give him the advice he 
needed. “What's up, Connor?” “Allison and I had a fight. I need some 
advice. How do you make up with her? I mean, what does she like?” “Hold 
it, before you start making up with her, what was the fight about?” 
“Doug took her off the Renson case, he told her it was too dangerous. 
She showed up at my office in tears, Doug called me probably while 
Allison was on her way to my office. I agreed to protect her and when I 
told her she went ballistic!” “Uh oh! That really sets her off. You 
know, Connor, she's an independent woman, she always has been. She 
doesn't like people protecting her when she can protect herself. But 
I'm sure she's a little irritable too. Remember she hasn't had a full 
night's sleep in three nights.” “Yeah, that's true. Do you think she'll 
forgive me? I don't know what to do!. I didn't mean to upset her.” 
“Allison will forgive you, it's one of the things she does best. Just 
give her a little time.” “Thanks, Jack.” Connor was about to hang up 
when Jack said one more thing. “Oh and, Connor?” “Yes?” “She likes 
roses.” Then he heard a click and Jack was gone. Connor headed out the 
door to the best florist in town. He was going to make this right. 

When Allison confided in Lynn, she was on Connor's side which didn't
make it any easier. Allison glared at her from over her coffee cup as 
they sat in Allison's apartment. Lynn drank the last of her coffee and 
offered her opinion. “I can see it from both sides, Allison. I can see 
that Connor cares for you very much and wants to protect you. But I 
also know that you don't need protecting by any man.” “That's what I 
was trying to tell him.” “Yeah, but he was only trying to help. 
Allison, he's in love with you!. I'd kill to have a man that handsome 
in love with me!. Hell, I'd let him be my protector all he wants!” 
Allison smiled realizing she was wrong. “Okay, I was wrong. I can admit 
it. I guess I'm a little irritable I haven't gotten a good night's 
sleep since ... since Thursday.” “Yeah, that and I get your point. I 
don't want to have some guy protecting me either, but Connor's not like 
most men. He loves you, he listens to you.” “Okay, I get your point.” 
Allison said feigning defeat holding up her hands in protest. “Good.” 
Lynn laughed and Allison poured her another cup of coffee. It was 
getting close to dinner time, and Lynn had a date. She fixed herself up 
and was soon out the door. Once she had gone, Allison thought of how 
she had treated Connor. She had to make it up to him, but how? She 
reached for the phone and dialed Jack. 

Mark walked from Don's Druggist, to Flora's Flowers. Flora was the best
local florist and with dark brown hair, glasses, and brown eyes one of 
the prettiest. She smiled when she saw Mark enter. He was a regular or 
used to be before Martha Bernard's murder. But he frequently ordered 
flowers for a woman he was seeing casually. Flora greeted him with a 
warm smile. “What can I do for you?” “Hi, Flora. How are you?” “Fine, 
Mark, and yourself?” “Fine, I'm here for a friend.” “Oh, seeing the 
lady tonight?” Flora said batting her eyes sensually at him. Although 
that did turn Mark on, he kept that thought to himself. “No, I'm here 
because one of my pals Connor had a fight with his girlfriend. I 
thought I'd make it better by sending her flowers.” “Oh, you're such a 
romantic!” Flora gushed showing Mark all the different assortments she 
had in stock. If only she knew the purpose of sending flowers, Mark 
thought. “Oo those are pretty, roses are always the best.” “I think so 
too. How many will it be?” “A dozen.” Mark said walking over to the 
gift shop to get a card. He picked out a card of two lovers embracing, 
when he opened it the inscription read: 

You are the sunshine in my sky, The reason why, I exist, So let's just
share one kiss, Let's make up and begin again, Your heart I will win 
again. 

Mark smiled as he signed it and penciled in the rest. He went back over
to Flora's and picked up the roses. Then he drove to Allison's. The 
ingredient was all ready inside, and Allison wouldn't know what hit 
her. As he was leaving  them at her door, he saw a florist's truck 
outside. A stocky man got out and walked up the stairs to Allison's 
apartment. Mark inquired about his delivery and told him to deliver his 
flowers with the rest. He gave the delivery man a twenty dollar bill 
and he agreed on the prearranged time. As Mark backed out of Allison's 
driveway, he smiled to himself. By tonight, Allison will have breathed 
her last breath. 

Allison was just about to call Connor and apologize when the doorbell
rang. She got up and went to the door. She unchained it and looked 
curiously through the peephole. “Who is it?” “Delivery, Ms. Shure.” She 
froze, remembering that the last time there had been a delivery, the 
pipe bomb had exploded. “What is it?” Allison asked opening the door a 
crack. “Flowers for you. From Connor Cassidy,.” She smiled and took 
them gratefully. She thanked the man and closed the door. She put them 
in water and inhaled their fragrance, she loved roses, and Connor 
apparently somehow knew this. She unfastened the card and walked into 
the living room to read it. Scarlet was peering at her from his cage, 
so she read it aloud to him. “Dear Allison, You are the sunshine in my 
sky, The reason why, I exist, So let's just hsare one kiss, Let's make 
up and begin again, Your heart I will win again. I'm sorry about the 
quarrel we had earlier, I love you very much. Please forgive me. Call 
me, I love you with all my heart!. Love Always, Connor.” Allison closed 
the card and went to the phone and dialed. He answered on the first 
ring, he had been thinking of her too. “Hello?” he said anxiously. He 
hoped he would hear her melodic voice on the other end. “Hi, Connor. 
Can you ever forgive me? I'm sorry. I know you were only trying to 
protect me.” “No, Allie, I'm sorry, sweetheart. I shouldn't have done 
that. I shouldn't have told you that you were under my protection.” 
“No, you were right. I can't handle Renson. Even I know that, he's 
dangerous. I want you to think of me as a strong independent woman, not 
someone that needs to be watched and looked after all the time.” “Oh, 
Allie, I know that. I love you for it.” “I wanted to thank you for the 
flowers.” He had only ordered the flowers half an hour ago, and the 
florist had looked at him strangely when he'd done so. Flora was nice, 
but she had the oddest look on her face when he told her his name. “I 
guess those florists work fast.” “I loved them. The card was 
beautiful!” he had written the card and hoped she'd like it. “Thanks it 
was straight from the heart. I love you, Allie.” She smiled. “Want to 
come over?” he caught her meaning and smiled. “Sure, I'll be right 
there.” She hung up and watched TV, while she was waiting for Connor, 
she began to get very drowsy. The scent of the roses filled the room 
and she thought it was a beautiful aroma. Allison figured that she 
would watch a little TV until Connor arrived, but pretty soon she dozed 
off on the couch. 

Connor arrived half an hour later, he rang the doorbell, but there was
no answer, thinking it was strange, he rang it again. Still no answer. 
Finally, he pounded, but nothing worked. He took out his cell and 
dialed Allison's number, still no answer. In desperation, he dialed 
Lynn. “Hello?” Lynn was on her date with a gorgeous doctor Richard 
Comings. Connor could tell she was in a restaurant due to all the noise 
and clatter of plates and silverware in the background. “Lynn? It's 
Connor. I need you to get over to Allison's right away!” “What's 
wrong?” “I can't get in! she's not answering the door!. Or the phone. 
She told me to come over.” “I'll be right there.” After hanging up, 
Connor tried the land lord, but he wasn't in, and he was the only one 
besides Lynn and Jack who had keys. He dialed Allison's number again 
and listened as the phone rang, Still no answer, something had to be 
wrong. Lynn arrived fifteen minutes later, Connor looked pale and 
frightened. “We have to get in there!” “Relax, I have a key.” Lynn said 
pulling out a key chain from her purse. 

She opened the door and walked in with Connor. They both saw Allison
lying on the couch. Connor raced over and checked her pulse, Lynn 
looked at her friend confused. Maybe three nights of not sleeping would 
do this to you, she thought. Connor gently shook her. 

“Maybe she's asleep.” Lynn said, Connor had a feeling that something was
terribly wrong and shook Allison again. “Allison?” but he got no 
response. “Allison? Wake up, sweetheart.” She moaned and opened her 
eyes. “Connor, I ...” she began to lose consciousness. “Stay with me, 
Allie! Come on!. Are you all right?” she was barely conscious and could 
hear his words, but was unable to respond. “I'm tired.” “I guess from 
not sleeping for all those nights.” Connor said, Allison stared at him. 
“What is it?” Lynn whispered. “I'm not sure. Do you think she's just 
exhausted?” Connor asked in a hushed tone. “I don't think so.” Lynn 
tried to rouse Allison, but she was unsuccessful. She shook her several 
times before she finally opened her eyes. “Connor, I'm getting sick.” 
Lynn said. “Sick? What do you mean?” “Nausea and dizziness.” “That's 
strange, maybe you need to eat something.” “Lynn?” Allison asked 
weakly. “Yes?” “I'm dizzy too, and nauseous. I also have a headache. It 
didn't start until ... the ...” she trailed off slipping into her 
semiconscious state again. “The what?” Connor asked softly. “The 
flowers.” Allison said, she tried to sit up but she couldn't. Connor 
helped her and she slowly began to become coherent again. Connor walked 
over to where the vase of flowers was and inspected them, just like the 
ones he sent, then he saw the card lying next to them. It wasn't the 
one he had hand written. 

“Allie, this isn't the card I sent you.” She stared at him, not
understanding. “But it has your name on it.” “I know, but this isn't my 
hand writing.” “It isn't?” she had never seen his handwriting before, 
and just assumed since the card said love Connor it was from him. “No, 
darling. We have to get you to the hospital. I think you have 
something.” “No, not there again!” she said emphatically. “Are you all 
right?” Lynn asked concerned. “I'm fine. What about you?” “I'm better. 
Hey, Richard's a doctor! He can check you out.” Lynn ran out of the 
apartment and down the stairs. Just then the doorbell rang. “That can't 
be Richard.” Connor said going to the door. He asked who was there as 
he peered through the peephole. “Delivery.” The man said. Connor opened 
the door and took the flowers from the man's hand. “Allie?” “Yeah?” 
“These are the flowers I sent you. Here's the card I wrote you.” The 
roses looked identical  but the card didn't. Allison took the card from 
him and read it while Connor put the flowers in water. “Dearest 
Allison, I'm sorry about the quarrel we had this afternoon. You're the 
light of my life, and a joy to know. Please forgive me, and let our 
love grow. I love you, Allie. Love always, Connor.” She began to cry 
and reached for a napkin. “Oh, Connor! That was so beautiful!” “It was 
from the heart!. Thank you. I thought you'd like it.” 

”I love it!” “I'm going to take the other flowers and the card down to
the lab tomorrow and have them analyzed.” The doorbell rang again, 
Connor answered and Lynn stood in the doorway with a tall man in his 
mid-thirties with blond curls, a mustache, and green eyes. “This is 
Richie.” She said proudly. “How do you do?” he inquired shaking 
Connor's hand. “Fine and you?” “Great.” Connor introduced Allison next. 
“This is Allison.” “I've seen you on the news!. I'm a big fan!” “Thank 
you.” Allison said smiling. “What happened?” Richie asked sitting next 
to Allison. “I invited Connor over and then I must've dozed off or 
something. A few days ago, I opened a package that exploded. It was 
apipe bomb, and I suffered a concussion due to the explosion. So 
someone had to wake me up every two hours. So I just thought since I 
haven't been getting much sleep that I was tired, but it was more than 
that.” “Okay, what are your symptoms?” “I don't have them as badly now. 
But I was dizzy, nauseous, and I had a headache. Lynn is sick too.” 
“Hmm, that is strange.” Richie said scratching his head. “Is it 
serious?” Connor asked looking at Allison concerned. “I'm not sure yet. 
You'll have to come to the hospital. How did you find her?” “She was 
lying on the couch, she was very drowsy and she lost consciousness a 
few times.” “Okay, Connor. We're taking you, Allison and Lynn down to 
the hospital.” “Scarlet! What about Scarlet! He's so fragile!” Allison 
screamed getting up to check on her pet. He was looking at her from his 
cage, he appeared fine. But she wanted him checked out by an avian vet. 
“I'll call Jack.” Lynn said dialing Jack's number. 

They all sat in the waiting room waiting to be tested. Allison was first
to have the blood test done. When they were all finished, they were 
examined thoroughly. Finally after three hours, they were all cleared 
to go home. Richie said he wouldn't have the test results until next 
week, but he told them if they felt nauseous to call him right away. 
Connor was staying with Allison, there was no doubt about that. Jack 
couldn't find an avian vet, he frantically skimmed the phonebook and 
finally found an all night place. Allison waited nervously with Connor 
and her father as Scarlet was examined. “Birds have a low tolerance to 
poison! What if it was poison? I can't lose him! I just can't!” she 
began to sob, Jack was about to comfort her, but Connor wrapped her in 
a warm embrace. “Everything's going to be all right, Allie. I promise. 
I love you, I think Scarlet's going to be fine.” “I hope so!” she said 
through her sobs. Just then the door to the examining room opened. “Ms. 
Shure?” “Yes? How's Scarlet?” “He's fine, there doesn't appear to be 
any damage. He's anxious to see you.” The nurse said with a smile. 
“Thank you!” she said hugging the nurse gratefully. Allison went to pet 
Scarlet. They wanted to keep him over night for observation. “I'll be 
back in the morning, sweetheart. I'm not abandoning you.” Allison said 
soothingly. 

Connor was unable to sleep that night. He watched Allison as she
snuggled closer to him in her sleep. He kept thinking about the 
flowers. There could be something deadly in them and she could have 
been killed. He was sure that Mark was behind the flowers, but he had 
no proof. For safety reasons, the flowers were taken outside and Connor 
had kept them and the card in plastic bags. Hopefully, no one else 
would get sick from them. Finally, a little before three he fell 
asleep. 

Allison was awake before Connor, and surprised him with coffee in bed.
She kissed him gently as she placed a steaming cup of coffee on the 
nightstand. “Rise and shine, sweetheart!” she said cheerfully kissing 
him again. He opened his eyes and smiled at her. “You really know how 
to wake a guy up don't you?” she smiled devilishly at him. “I've had 
some practice.” She said sitting on the bed next to him. “Did you get 
any sleep last night?” he asked sipping his coffee. “Yes, the best 
sleep I've had in a long time. Did you?” “No, I kept thinking about who 
sent you those flowers and signed my name to the card.” “Why didn't you 
wake me? I could've kept you company.” “No sense in both of us being 
awake.” He said kissing her gently. “Can I get you anything, Allie? Are 
you sure you're all right to work today?” “I'm fine! don't worry so 
much!” They lingered in each others arms before pulling away and 
getting ready to start their day. 

The day at the office proved uneventful. Connor interviewed Greg Brindle
again and Allison interviewed Celia Clark the last remaining maid from 
the Bernard murder. She told her some interesting facts. She had seen 
Mark sneaking around with a gun minutes before Martha screamed. So, he 
wasn't asleep as he'd claimed. Allison found this intriguing, but it 
didn't make him a murderer either. She pondered this as she drove back 
to have lunch with Connor and to tell him about the new information 
she'd acquired. “So, what did you find out?” he asked as they grabbed a 
table at Louie's a popular hang out with the lunch crowd. “Nothing 
much. Celia Clark says she saw Mark sneaking around with a gun before 
Martha screamed. But that doesn't prove anything.” Connor sipped his 
drink and thought about what she said. “Yeah, but what was he doing 
with that gun? And what kind of gun was it?” “She wasn't able to tell 
me that. You know how women are about types of weapons.” He smiled. 
“Yeah, I'll do a background check when I get back to the office this 
afternoon.” “How'd it go with Greg Brindel?” Allison asked sipping her 
coke. “Okay, I guess. Not much new, Mark made him say that he was with 
him the night Marlena was killed.” “Oh, just like Mark.” “Yeah, isn't 
it though. I just hope that Mark doesn't find out Greg ruined his 
alaby.” “That could prove disasterous.” Allison said worriedly. “Enough 
about the case. I'd rather talk about you. The miraculous beautiful 
person you are.” Connor said embracing her warmly. Their lips lingered 
as they shared a passionate kiss. After lunch Allison was going to pick 
up Scarlet. The interview with Celia had taken most of the morning, and 
she had to get her beloved bird home. 

As usual, Scarlet was happy to see her, he bounced and barely stayed in
his carrier. Allison talked to him soothingly as she drove home. She 
reassured him in that soft motherly voice that everything was going to 
be all right. Once she was sure he was settled, she left to go back to 
the office. She promised Connor she would help read through some 
transcripts of interviews with Mark. It would go a lot faster with two 
people rather than just one. 

They read for hours, but turned up nothing. Allison knew that somewhere
there was a clue, and if Mark was responsible for Martha's murder, she 
would find out. Allison was never so glad to get home. As she pulled 
into her driveway, she breathed a sigh of relief. She wearily climbed 
the stairs and opened the door. The sight that greeted her was 
horrifying, the door had not been locked, but left ajar, and the 
contents of the apartment were scattered about. Allison sank to her 
knees on the living room floor and began to call for Scarlet. He was 
the only thing that mattered in this mess. “Scarlet? Scarlet? Where are 
you, sweetheart?” but he didn't squawk or flap. This was highly 
unusual, then she saw flecks of blood against Scarlet's cage and feared 
the worst. She dialed Connor's cell in tears. “Connor Cassidy.” 
“Connor!” he heard her anguished voice and pulled to the shoulder of 
the road. “Allie? What's wrong?” “You've got to get over here quick!. 
Scarlet's missing!” “Missing? What do you mean missing?” “I brought him 
home and then went back to work with you, and when I returned he was 
gone. The whole place is ransacked!” tears began to cascade down her 
cheeks. “Allie, sweetheart, calm down. I'll find Scarlet.” Connor said 
reassuringly. He tried to console her until he was almost in her 
driveway. As Allison hung up, she wondered where her precious bird was. 



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