Double Jeopardy Chapter 2 (standard:mystery, 7523 words) [2/13] show all parts
Author: Sarah Spenser	Added: Jun 04 2005	Views/Reads: 2743/1969	Part vote: 0.00 (0 votes)
This chapter takes place after the man enters Allison's apartment.

Click here to read the first 75 lines of the story


Throughout the drive, Connor tried to wake Allison, but nothing worked.
He grew more concerned, and cursed at every red light he came to. He 
was frantic now, worry seized him, gripping him like a vice. He ran 
into the ER screaming for help. “Someone help me! My wife's 
unconscious!” “What's the problem, sir?” a nurse asked. “I just told 
you! My wife's unconscious! I came home and found her like this!” “All 
right. Let's get her into cubicle four. What's her name?” “Allison 
Cassidy.” “Okay, Mr. Cassidy, we'll take good care of your wife. Wait 
here, I'll be back to update you on her condition.” Connor sank 
nervously into a waiting room chair. All he could do was blame himself. 
If he had been home this never would've happened. He thought back to 
the apartment, it looked like it had been ransacked. But his thoughts 
were interrupted when Lynn arrived. 

Lynn Raznack, Allison's best friend arrived a few minutes later. They
had been best friends since elementary school, and Lynn was more like a 
sister to Allison than a best friend. She was sobbing and clutched 
Connor's hand. “Connor! What happened to her?” “I don't know, Lynn. I 
came home and found her unconscious on the floor. It looks like the 
apartment has been ransacked.” “Is she conscious?” Lynn asked through 
her tears. “No, not that I know of. I tried to bring her around, but 
nothing worked!. I'm really worried!” “Do you think it's because she 
had that flue or whatever it was?” “I don't know, this looks more like 
a break in gone bad.” “Oh, Connor!” Connor's parents, Clint and Thelma 
arrived a short time later. They all huddled together in the waiting 
room bound by worry and the ever present game of waiting. 

Dr. Amanda Shephard was tending to Allison. She was suturing her head
wound. Her assistant Jocelyn Mathers was standing by, ready to help in 
any way possible. Jocelyn stared down at Allison and wondered how 
something like this could happen. “What's she unconscious from, Dr. 
Shephard?” “My guess would be a grade 3 concussion.” “Isn't that the 
most severe concussion you could have? The only one where you lose 
consciousness?” “That's right, Jocelyn. You've done your homework.” 
Just then Allison began to open her eyes. She was woozy, and tired. She 
had no idea where she was and longed to see Connor. “Mrs. Cassidy?” she 
was dazed and very confused. “Mrs. Cassidy, can you hear me? I'm Dr. 
Shephard.” “Doctor?” Allison exclaimed softly. “Where am I?” “You're in 
the hospital. You have a severe concussion. Do you remember what 
happened?” she thought for a moment, her thoughts were fragmented, and 
it was almost impossible to concentrate. “Mrs. Cassidy??” her eyes were 
glazed over and Amanda knew that the concussion was taking having an 
affect. “What?” “Do you remember what happened to you?” “A man 
threatened me with a knife and ... I don't remember the rest. Where's 
Connor?” “He's in the waiting room. He's been worried about you. You're 
going to have to stay overnight for observation and then we'll let you 
go home in the morning.” “Observation? What for? Why am I here?” Amanda 
explained it again, Allison seemed to be reassured. “Just rest, Mrs. 
Cassidy. I'm going to go get Connor.” Amanda walked out of the cubicle 
and into the waiting room, where Connor was pacing nervously. “How is 
she?” he asked the moment Amanda appeared. “She's conscious, she's 
asking for you. Allison has a grade three concussion. It's the most 
severe concussion. It's the only one where you lose consciousness, she 
needs to be monitored very closely. Letting her sleep for more than two 
hours could cause her to slip into a coma. We're going to keep her 
overnight and observe her. She should be able to go home tomorrow. You 
just have to wake her every two hours.” “Can I see her?” Connor asked 
nervously clutching Lynn's hand. “Of course. I must warn you that she 
is a little confused from the concussion. She may ask you the same 
question numerous times. But she should be fine by tomorrow.” “Thank 
you, Dr. Shephard.” “You're welcome.” Connor followed Amanda to the 
cubicle, Allison was lying on a gurney. She smiled when she saw him. 
“Connor! I'm so glad to see you!” she began to sob, Connor reached out 
and stroked her hair. “Shh, Allie it's all right. Everything's going to 
be okay. I was so worried about you, I came home and found you 
unconscious. Can you tell me what happened?” she hesitated and then 
became confused. “What?” he knew it was the concussion and gently took 
her hand as he repeated his question. “I was sleeping, when Scarlet 
started squawking. Then ... uh ... the doorbell rang, it was this man 
who said he was the plumber. I let him in and when I did, he had a 
knife. He held it to my throat and tried to kill me.” “What did you 
do?” Connor's heart was pounding so loud he thought she could hear it. 
“I tried to wrestle the knife from him. He chased me around the 
apartment, saying he was going to kill me. He knew my name and 
everything! It was so scary! I was so afraid! Then he pinned me down, 
and tried to slit my throat. I was fighting with him when I cut my hand 
with the blade. I heard fluttering and before I knew it, Scarlet was 
there. He bit him betting him to drop the knife. I don't remember 
anything after that. I guess he knocked me out. The next thing I 
remember is waking up here.” “Well, you gave us all a scare, Allison! I 
love you so much.” He kissed her passionately. She returned his 
affection and felt his lips brush against hers. “I love you too.” 
“Would you like anything?” “Can you get me some coffee?” he smiled 
thinking that she was more beautiful than ever. “Hazelnut?” he asked. 
“You know it!” she said smiling, she remembered the first time in his 
office when he had bought her the coffee. She had been impressed even 
then that he had remembered her favorite flavor. “I'll be right back, 
sweetness. You just rest.” “I will.” As she watched him leave, she felt 
her heart skip a beat. She knew how much he loved her, and it touched 
something deep in her soul. 

Connor was just about to enter Allison's room with her coffee when he
was approached by two police officers. “Hi, Connor.” He looked up 
wondering what Jim Ship was doing here. Jim had been his partner on the 
narcotics unit before he was transferred to cold case. “Jim, nice to 
see you! What brings you here?” “Your wife. We need to talk to her.” 
“She has a severe concussion, she needs her rest. Can't this wait till 
tomorrow?” “Connor, a man ransacked your home and knocked your wife 
unconscious, I'd think you'd be determined to find whoever did this.” 
“Don't patronize me! I want to ring the bastard's neck! But Allie needs 
her rest!” “The sooner she identifies the man in the lineup the sooner 
he'll be caught.” Mac Bigsby Jim's partner said. “Let me talk to 
Allison's doctor.” Connor left and went to find Amanda. She was furious 
and came to tell them so. “Listen, Mrs. Cassidy needs to rest! Not be 
bullied into picking men out of a photo lineup. Not tonight!” “Listen, 
Dr. Shephard, as valid as those concerns are, we really need to talk to 
her.” Amanda relented and went in to talk to Allison. She was asleep, 
Amanda crossed the room and gently tapped her on the shoulder. “Mrs. 
Cassidy?” Allison opened her eyes and looked at Amanda. “Yes?” “I'm 
sorry to bother you, but there are two police officers asking to see 
you.” “What for?” she became nervous, her breath came in short gasps as 
she began to relive the events of the evening. “To have you pick the 
man who did this out of a lineup. Now, I highly advised against it, but 
they were insistent. What do you think?” “Well, they're right about 
that, the sooner I identify him, the sooner he'll be caught. Okay, I 
can handle this.” “Are you sure? You need to rest with this sort of a 
head injury, Mrs. Cassidy.” “Please call me Allison. Sure, I'm up to 
it. I promise I'll rest.” “Can I be in there with her?” Connor asked 
anxiously. “No.” Mac and Jim answered in unison. “Oh come on! I won't 
get in the way! She's my wife!” “All right. But no asking questions!” 
Connor followed Jim and Mac into Allison's room. “Mrs. Cassidy, I'm 
Detective Jim Ship. This is my partner Mac Bigsby. I know it's late, we 
won't keep you, but we need you to identify the man who did this to 
you.” “Okay. I'll try. I don't remember much.” “That's fine, just think 
about this for a moment.” Allison was shown a series of photographs. 
When she came to Slim's photo she gasped and turned white. “Oh my God!” 
“What is it, Allie?” Connor asked reaching for her hand. “That's him! 
That's the man!” he felt her tremble and stroked her hand soothingly. 
“Are you sure?” Mac asked staring at Allison incredulously. “I'm 
positive! That's him!” “Who is it?” Connor asked. “I said no questions! 
You're off this case, Connor. Actually, you were never on this case! 
It's a conflict of interest.” Mac said haughtily. “Excuse me, Connor 
may I see you for a moment?” “What for, Jim?” “I need to speak with you 
in private.” He glanced at Allison, she gave him a reassuring smile. 
“I'll be fine, honey. Go with Jim. I'll be here when you get back. Not 
like I'm going anywhere.” “Okay, Allie, but I'll be right back.” Mac 
stayed with Allison while Connor and Jim met covertly in the hall. 
“What is it?” “Connor, the man Allison picked out is Slim Hawkins.” 
“Slim Hawkins? Are you sure?” “That's why Mac was pushing her so hard. 
But she positively identified him.” “What the hell would a ring leader 
of the mob be doing breaking into our apartment?” “That's a question 
for your wife.” Jim said somberly. Connor watched him as he left and 
then returned to Allison. “What did he want?” she asked sipping her 
coffee. “He wanted to tell me that the man you picked out of the lineup 
is Slim Hawkins.” “Slim Hawkins?” she knew who he was and was surprised 
she hadn't recognized him sooner. “Yeah, so what's the deal?” “What? I 
don't understand.” “Why is Slim Hawkins breaking in to our apartment? 
Why did he knock you out?” “I have absolutely no idea!” “You don't 
think it's about this Grimson case you're working on?” “I have no clue. 
I'll think about that possibility.” “I don't want you putting your life 
in danger. You had enough trouble with Renson and the Bernard case!” “I 
don't need you telling me what to do and how to run my life! I have a 
concussion, or have you forgotten?” now he felt guilty for pressing her 
so much. “I'm sorry, Allie. I just love you so much! I don't want you 
to get mixed up with the mob!” he kissed her gently. She returned his 
affection, and before long they realized they couldn't stop. But they 
were interrupted by a knock on the door. A nurse entered and stopped 
when she saw them. “None of that stuff in this hospital!” she said with 
a smile. They pulled apart reluctantly. “Mrs. Cassidy needs her rest.” 
“Listen, can I speak to you?” the nurse looked at Allison who smiled. 
“Sure, what about?” “Well, we think that a man named Slim Hawkins is 
after Allison. I'd like to stay with her tonight if that's possible.” 
“Slim Hawkins?” the nurse said incredulously, she knew that name meant 
trouble. “I'll see what I can do.” A few minutes later, a cot was 
wheeled in for Connor. He settled next to Allison. She was more 
beautiful than ever, and he was sorry about their fight earlier. After 
the nurse left, Connor wanted to make things right. The room was oddly 
silent. He replayed how to broach the subject with her, but couldn't 
think of the best way to accomplish it. Allison closed her eyes and 
thought about Connor, she was feeling guilty as well, and knew that she 
let things get out of hand. She was deep in thought when Connor broke 
the silence. “Allie, are you awake?” “I'm awake.” “Listen, I'm sorry 
about what happened earlier. I know you need your rest, and I didn't 
mean to get you upset. I just love you so much, you know I'll kill Slim 
if I ever see him!” “I know, Connor. Listen, honey I'm sorry too. I 
didn't mean to get so defensive, it's not every day that one of the 
ring leaders from the mob threatens you with a knife and knocks you 
out.” “Oh, Allie, I wish I'd been there. I'm so sorry, sweetness. That 
must've been terrifying.” “It was. But the more terrifying thing was I 
thought I'd never see you again! And I thought he was going to kill 
Scarlet!” she began to sob, Connor got up and sat on the edge of the 
bed, gently stroking her hair. “It's all right, Allison. I promise you, 
I won't let anything happen to you.” He stroked her hair until she fell 
asleep, he watched her for a while making sure that she was safe. Soon 
he drifted off himself. But the silence was broken when Allison began 
to have a nightmare. “No! stop! Stop! Get away from me!” Connor sat 
bolt upright, ready to do bodily harm to anyone who threatened Allison. 
Then he realized that she was having a nightmare. He reached over and 
gently shook her. “Allie?” she didn't respond. “No! stop!” “Allie, wake 
up, sweetheart.” She jumped and stared at him. Her blue eyes were wide 
with fear, and he had never seen her so afraid. He reached out to touch 
her, and she wriggled away in terror. “No! don't touch me!” his heart 
broke as he realized what was happening. “Allison, it's me, Connor.” 
She began to tremble, and her breath came in short gasps. “Oh, Connor! 
I guess that was a nightmare.” “That's all it was, my love. 
Everything's going to be all right. Was it about Slim?” “He was coming 
at me with the knife! And he was chasing me around the apartment.” 
Connor did his best to comfort her, he held her until she drifted off 
to sleep again. 

Lynn thought back to the previous night's events. She couldn't believe
that someone had tried to harm Allison. Even though she was reassured 
that Allison was all right, she still worried. She had seen for 
herself, the nurse had allowed her to visit for a few minutes. Allison 
had a knack for getting into trouble. If there was a hot news story, 
Allison would find a way to get it. Lynn knew that better than anyone. 
She was sitting at her desk in WSpl, WFTR's competitor when the phone 
rang. “Good morning, WSPL. Lynn Raznack speaking, may I help you?” 
“Lynn, it's Connor. How are you this morning?” “Fine, worried about 
Allison. How is she?” “Well, she's tired, but she's fine. She had a 
nightmare last night. It was hard for her to fall back to sleep.” 
“Well, I'm glad she's all right. Any leads on who broke in? It's the 
top story of the day.” “I know, I saw the picture in this morning's 
paper. Well, that's why I'm calling. Two detectives showed up last 
night. Allison picked Slim Hawkins out of a photo lineup. She 
identified him as the man who attacked her.” “Oh dear! Are you sure?” 
“That's what the detective asked. Allie's positive.” “Oh my God! Are 
you going to get protection for her?” “Of course! I'm going to ask 
Charlie if he can spare an officer to follow her when she's at work. 
Slim is a dangerous man.” Lyn knew that Slim was connected to Chad 
Batano. Did Connor know about Chad? She certainly wasn't going to be 
the one to spill her friend's secret. “Yes he is! Well I know you'll 
take care of her. Tell her I'll drop by later. I'll cook dinner.” “Awe, 
you don't have to.” Connor smiled, Lynn was sweet. “No, I want to. I 
haven't seen her in a while anyway. I'm sure she's not up to cooking.” 
“No not yet.” “All right. How's seven?” “Great! See you then. Thanks, 
Lynn.” As Lynn replaced the receiver, a strange feeling began to wash 
over her. 

Slim sat in his easy chair and reclined to watch the news. He loved
Allison's reports, and was sorry she wouldn't be on the air anymore. He 
only tuned in to WFTR to see who her replacement was. He was shocked 
when Allison's name flashed across the screen. Newscaster Roz Hannover 
began to intro the six o'clock stories. “The top story this evening is 
about a local reporter, Allison Shure Cassidy. Sources say that Ms. 
Shure is in stable condition after being accosted in her home. The 
horrifying event took place last night when a man posing as a plumber 
gained entry into her home. Once inside, Ms. Shure says that the man 
threatened her with a knife and began chasing her around the apartment. 
Although a suspect hasn't been named yet, police chief Charlie Chattum 
eluded to the fact that the current suspect has an ominous past. This 
is also intriguing since Allison Shure's husband is Detective Connor 
Cassidy from the Cold Case Unit. We will continue to update you on this 
story as further developments become available. Next up ...” Slim shut 
off the TV cursing under his breath. “The Boss is not going to be happy 
until Allison Shure is dead!” Slim said pounding his fist against the 
chair. 

Lynn arrived at Allison and Connor's apartment promptly at seven. When
she entered, Allison was setting the table. She hugged her and surveyed 
the apartment. There were still shards of glass and blood to clean up. 
She gasped when she saw the state of affairs. “Oh, Allison! It's a 
miracle you weren't killed!” “I know, I was very lucky! Thanks to 
Scarlet. He's the real hero. Lynn, I'm sorry about the mess, I haven't 
gotten a chance to clean all of this up yet. Connor's been helping and 
cleaning up most of it.” “Don't worry about it. You shouldn't be doing 
things like that anyway.” “It was terrifying! I had a nightmare last 
night. The part where Slim was coming at me with the knife kept 
replaying over and over.” She began to tremble and Lynn understood what 
Connor was talking about. She was clearly and understandably afraid, 
and Lynn didn't know what to do for her. She made Allison's favorite, 
chicken cutlets with melted cheese, sweet potatoes and apple pie. 
Connor laughed as he saw what Lynn had done. “Some things never 
change.” Lynn exclaimed setting the food on the table. Allison smiled 
knowing how much trouble Lynn went through to prepare dinner. “Oh, Lynn 
that's so sweet of you. You didn't have to do this.” “I wanted to, 
Allison. I love you, I want you to enjoy a home cooked meal, only 
you're not the one cooking it.” Allison was grateful to have Lynn in 
her life, as they ate they all took stock of their lives. 

By mid-week, Allison was more then ready to return to work. Once she got
in, she started doggedly pursuing leads on the Ernie Grimson case. 
Connor's suspicions about Slim Hawkins being connected to the case 
flashed in her mind, as she looked up Slim's address. But as she was 
driving, fingers of fear seized her, and she turned around. She was 
just about to head back to the station, when she doubled back and made 
a right instead of a left. She was going to go see him. No matter what 
it took, she was going to bring Ernie home. Dead or alive. 

Allison was ushered in by a woman in a maid's uniform. She was pleasant
enough, and spoke with a slight accent. Allison found it pleasing to 
the ear and was sorry to see her go. “Mr. Batano should be with you in 
a moment.” “Did you tell him who it was?” Allison asked nervously 
ringing her hands. “No, ma'am. I just told him he had a visitor. Is 
there anything I can get you?” “No thanks.” She watched the woman 
disappear. The mansion was oddly quiet. Five minutes later, she heard 
footsteps, they were coming closer. She recognized his walk, she'd know 
it anywhere, but then again she knew him intimately once. He entered 
brusquely and stared at her. He stopped cold as reality set in. He sat 
next to her on the couch and stared at her some more. She hadn't 
changed in the years they'd been apart, she was still beautiful, and he 
thought she got even more beautiful with age. “Hi, Chad.” She said 
softly. “Hello, Allison. What brings you here.” “Not how are you doing, 
Allison? What's been happening?” “Why?” “Are you as cold as I remember? 
Or is that just a facade?” “Allison, don't push my buttons! You know 
what happens when you push!” “Shut up! Don't disrespect me!” “You need 
to be put in your place as all women do!” he slapped her hard, she 
reeled at his slap. “Don't you ever touch me again!” she moved to the 
opposite end of the couch. “What the hell do you want? Besides trying 
to bring me down?” “You know what I want! That's why you sent Slim to 
shut me up!” “If you tell what happened in Atlantic City I will kill 
you, Allison!” “You bastard!” “Oh and I'll kill that wimpy husband of 
yours too!” “You know about Connor?” “Of course I do. I've been 
following you. Sorry about your father by the way. I always thought he 
was a flake.” “Are we done analyzing my life?” “No, we're done when I 
say we are!” “I will tell what happened in Atlantic City if you don't 
show me some respect!” Chad laughed an evil high pitched laugh. “What 
is that blackmail?” “Call it what you will. I'm just here to get 
information.” “Shoot.” “What happened to Ernie Grimson?” the motivation 
for her visit became clear. “Oh, that's delicious! Now I know why 
you're here.” “What happened to him, Chad?” “I'm not telling you!” “Why 
not?” “You're like a damn parrot! You ask too many questions! I swear I 
should've killed you! Why didn't I learn?” “You didn't know I witnessed 
it.” “No, that's true, but I should've shut you up when I had the 
chance. Now get out!” “Excuse me?” “You heard me get out! Or do I have 
to send the dogs?” she cringed, he meant real dogs. German shepherds, 
they were two of his prize attack dogs. “I'll leave, but you're going 
to tell me what happened to that kid.” “Like hell!” she got up and 
left. Chad watched as her car pulled out of the driveway, he knew what 
had to be done now. 

“You haven't found anything out about Ernie?” Monica asked forlorn. They
were sitting at Martha's enjoying an afternoon cup of coffee. “No, 
Monica. Not yet, I'm sorry about that. I went to see Chad Batano today, 
but I didn't get anywhere.” “Be careful! I don't want anything to 
happen to you!” “Nothing's going to happen to me, don't worry. I'll 
find Ernie, I promise.” “Give me a call tomorrow if you have any news.” 
“I will.” “Allison, thanks for all your help.” “Any time.” Allison had 
a feeling she was being watched as she Monica exited the coffee shop. 
Allison paid the bill and headed out to her car. 

Slim watched through binoculars as she got into her car and headed to
WFTR. She was still feeling under the weather, and waves of nausea 
began to wash over her. She felt like hell, and she thought she had a 
fever. But she had promised Doug that the latest update would be done 
by tonight. She was supposed to have the voice overs and sound bites 
completed, and she hadn't even started. This was going to be a long 
day. 

At 5-30, Allison was introed by Roz. She chose her words carefully as
she began to give her update on the Ernie Grimson case. Connor watched 
on the small TV in his office. Allison was wearing a pretty blue skirt, 
with a matching sweater and the blue earrings he had bought for their 
first anniversary. He noticed she looked pale and worried about her. He 
turned up the volume as her soft voice permeated the air. “This story 
continues to become larger than life. The suspects are numerous and the 
plot resembles that of a blockbuster movie. Is Ernie Grimson dead or 
alive? That is the question that plagues his parents Monica and Ross. 
Ever since Ernie's disappearance over a year ago, they have worked 
tirelessly with the police to find their son. I went to speak with Chad 
Batano today to see if I could get any further information on Ernie 
Grimson's whereabouts. Police suspect that the mob boss is somehow tied 
to Grimson's disappearance.” The screen cut to Allison sitting with 
Chad. He was telling her that he knew nothing about Ernie's 
disappearance, and then ordered her to leave. “Following that chilly 
reception from Mr. Batano, I began to do some investigating. It is not 
clear yet how but I am pretty sure that Slim Hawkins, Batano's right 
hand hit man was involved in the disappearance of  Ernie Grimson. Was 
it a drug deal gone bad? Or was it something more sinister. I will 
continue to update you when further information becomes available. 
Allison Shure W ...” before she could finish her sentence, she 
collapsed. Connor screamed as she hit the floor. Roz Hannover was 
hysterical and could barely maintain her composure. “We'll be right 
back after this commercial break.” Roz said. “We're clear!” the sound 
man shouted. Roz got up and rushed over to Allison. She was lying 
motionless, Doug came running out of his office screaming. “Allison, 
can you hear me?” Roz asked kneeling down by Allison's side. She gently 
pressed her hand to her forehead. “How is she?” Doug asked fear 
creeping in to his voice. “She's burning up! Call an ambulance!” Roz 
yelled, Doug ran for the portable, while they waited he got damp cloths 
and placed them on Allison's head. “She's so hot, Roz. What will we do 
now?” “Just wait for the paramedics.” “Allison, can you hear me? It's 
Doug.” But she didn't respond. Within minutes, the shrill wail of 
sirens pierced the air. Paramedics rushed in with a backboard and 
pushed Roz and Doug aside. They sat nervously and watched as the 
paramedics assessed Allison's condition. Just then Connor came running 
into the studio. “What happened? I was watching it when she just 
collapsed! Is she conscious?” “No not yet. Who are you?” one of the 
paramedics asked. “I'm her husband Connor.” “Is she allergic to any 
medications?” “Not that I know of.” “Is she taking anything?” “No.” 
“Okay, we're taking her to Fallwood General. Come with us.” Connor 
shuttered as he followed the paramedics out the door. 

Once at the hospital, he was promptly separated from Allison. He phoned
Lynn and his parents. They all rushed to the hospital. An hour later, 
they were assembled in the waiting room. Connor remembered being there 
the day before, and wondered if Chad Batano had done something to make 
her collapse. He didn't even know that she had seen him, but found out 
on air like everyone else. He was going to take that up with her later, 
but petty things like that hardly mattered now. 

Amanda Shephard worked diligently over Allison. She hovered over her,
assessing her temperature and ordering a bunch of tests. She wondered 
what could've made her collapse, she was determined to get to the 
bottom of it. Jocelyn stood by ready to assist her. “Jocelyn, order a 
chem7, and ABG, and hang an IV of fluids, stat!” Jocelyn responded by 
following her orders. As soon as she left the room, Allison began to 
regain consciousness. “Allison?” Amanda said as soon as she began to 
open her eyes. “Allison, it's Amanda Shephard. Do you know where you 
are?” she thought for a moment. The last thing she remembered, she was 
doing the news. “In the hospital.” “That's right. You collapsed on air. 
I need to take your temperature. You have a fever of 103. Which is very 
high.” Allison cooperated as Amanda slid the thermometer under her 
tongue. It seemed like an eternity before it registered her temperature 
which was still 103. “We're going to give you fluids, I want you to 
rest.” She nodded as Amanda left the room. She went out to update 
Connor on Allison's condition. “Is she going to be all right?” Connor 
asked after Amanda had finished. “She's going to be fine, we're going 
to observe her for a few hours and then if her fever subsides, you can 
take her home.” “Thank you, Dr. Shephard.” “No problem.” Connor allowed 
Lynn to go in first and then he followed. “Oh, Allie! I was so worried 
about you. Sweetness, what happened?” “I ... I don't know. I wasn't 
feeling well even before the 5-30 edition started. I guess I just 
collapsed. I'm sorry I scared you, Connor.” “I'm just glad you're okay. 
It was frightening.” He kissed her passionately, she kissed him with 
enough fervor to drive him wild. But since they were in a hospital, he 
held back. They were interrupted by a knock on the door. “Excuse me, I 
need to speak to Allison Cassidy in private.” “Who are you?” “I'm the 
doctor.” Connor eyed her suspiciously, it was definitely not Amanda. “I 
need to talk you, Mrs. Cassidy. It's about your test results.” “They 
ran a lot of tests.” Allison said weakly. “Yes, sir I'm going to have 
to ask you to leave.” “I'm her husband!” “Anything you have to say to 
me, you can say in front of Connor. I have nothing to hide.” “I believe 
this would be better done in private.” Connor glared, Allison 
interjected before a fight ensued. “Listen, my love I'll tell you what 
she says. I have nothing to hide from you.” “Okay, Allie but I'm only 
doing this for you.” He kissed her before he left. Once he was gone, 
Dr. Margery Ryan began to speak. “I'm Margery Ryan. I'm sorry about 
what happened with your husband, Mrs. Cassidy. I like to notify 
patients in private.” “Is something wrong?” Allison's heart pounded, 
her blood raced and she had a sinking feeling in the pit of her 
stomach. “Depends on how you look at it. I'm the OBGYN. Mrs. Cassidy, 
your blood tests indicate that you are pregnant.” Allison gasped, it 
was what she had always dreamt of. Especially having children with 
Connor. “Pregnant? Are you sure?” “Positive, about five weeks along. 
When was your last cycle?” Allison thought back. “Oh my God!” “Do you 
want me to tell your husband?” “No, please don't!” “Are you thinking of 
giving the baby up?” “No! I want to be the one to tell him. I'm 
thrilled!” 

The next day, Allison planned a romantic candle light dinner. Connor had
assured her that he wouldn't have to work late that night. He had been 
working long hours, and their relationship was strained at times. She 
had spent all day Saturday preparing his favorite dinner, pasta, 
sausage and meatballs with her special home made sauce. The sauce was a 
masterpiece in itself, taking 8 hours to make. But to see the look on 
his face when she told him would be worth every moment. She was washing 
the pots quietly humming to herself, when the phone rang. She put down 
the sponge and dried her hands on the dish towel. “Hello?” “Hi, Allie. 
Listen, sweetness I'm sorry but I have to work late tonight.” “Oh, you 
told me you'd be home! I've got something special planned!” “I'm sorry, 
whatever it is save it. I'll have it when I get home.” “Whenever that 
is!” “Allison, I don't have time for this right now!” “No, what you 
don't have time for is a marriage!” “I'm doing the best I can! I'm 
working on the Grimson case too you know? Batano may be involved, we're 
doing a full scale investigation. I have to rifle through Chad's files 
and Slim Hawkins' too.” “You can't do that some other night? Why 
tonight, Connor?” “Allie, I have too. I promised Charlie.” “What about 
what you promised me? I haven't seen you all week. By the time you get 
home, I'm asleep. I miss you, sweetheart. All I want to do is spend 
some time with you.” “I know, I promise I'll make it up to you.” “I've 
heard that line before. You know what? Forget it, just forget it! It's 
not important it's just my life!” Allison slammed down the phone. She 
was furious and decided to go down to the station. 

Connor was working at his desk when Charlie knocked on the door. He
looked up surprised to see him standing there. He looked at Connor 
sympathetically. “Connor, you have a visitor.” “Who is it?” “Allison, 
and she doesn't look happy.” “Okay, Chief.” Connor sat back as Allison 
entered, her eyes were brimming with tears, but behind them Connor saw 
anger. They almost seem to dance with fire she was so furious. “Can you 
stop long enough to talk to me or is that a problem?” “Not even a 
hello?” “Hi, Connor. Can you stop long enough to talk to me or is that 
a problem?” “What the hell do you want from me? I'm working my ass off 
to try and provide a better life for us, and all you do is complain!” 
“It doesn't mean a hill of beans if you're not there to share it with 
me! We could have all the money in the world and it wouldn't mean a 
thing, if I don't have you. I know I don't make that much at the 
station, but there's got to be a better way than this. I came down here 
to tell you that I've had it with your long hours and the measly amount 
of time we get to spend together.” “I'm sorry but I'll ...” “You'll 
what? Make it up to me? Sure until the next big case happens or Charlie 
calls at two in the morning again!” “Allie, don't be ridiculous!” “I'm 
not being ridiculous! You drop me like a hot potato when Charlie 
calls!” “Oh like you don't do the same thing to me every time Doug 
calls? I'm very upset with you, Allison! Why the hell didn't you tell 
me that you were going to see Chad Batano? I could've had someone go 
with you.” “I'm not a child, Connor! I'm a grown woman I can take care 
of myself. I saw Chad because I thought he'd have information about 
Ernie's whereabouts. I see you more when I'm in the hospital than I do 
when I'm at home.” “That's not true!” “It is and you know it! I don't 
know what to do anymore,” she began to sob uncontrollably. “Oh, Allie 
come on, don't cry.” “I try to be a good wife to you, Connor. I try to 
do all the wifely things I should, and I try so hard to make our 
marriage work. I know you try too, I'm not saying you don't, but I cut 
back on my hours at the station. I don't work on nearly as many cases. 
Do you know why? Because you mean more to me than any case, you're the 
most important person in my life, my love. I love you, I want to spend 
time with you.” “I love you too.” He began to stroke her hair, and her 
tears began to subside. “What did you have planned for tonight?” Connor 
asked seeing how hurt and vulnerable she was. She looked so wounded, he 
just wanted to wrap her up and hold her, to make her pain his, to feel 
her heartbeat against his skin. Just then, Charlie knocked on the door. 
“Connor, we need you. We have a hostage situation.” “In a minute, 
Charlie.” He discretely left, Allison wiped her eyes and looked up at 
Connor. “I better let you go.” “No, not until you tell me what you had 
planned.” “Not here, it's not the right time. You know, I had something 
really special planned, I wanted to tell you in my own time, in my own 
way. But I guess it wasn't meant to be.” “Connor, now!” Charlie 
bellowed. “What is it, Allie?” he asked taking hold of her hand. 
Charlie interrupted their tender moment by bursting into the office. 
“Connor, get your ass in the patrol car! We've got a stand off and you 
two are playing footsy!” “Charlie, I have to tell you something.” He 
looked curiously at Allison, she wasn't the confrontational type and he 
wondered what she was about to say. “Yes?” “Go to hell!” “Uh ... Chief 
Allison and I were in the middle of something, could you give us a 
minute, please?” “Are you coming or not, Detective? If you don't have 
your ass in that patrol car by the time I count to three you don't have 
a job to come back to tomorrow!” “Allie, what did you have to tell me?” 
Charlie stood outside the office door counting loudly. “Never mind.” 
“No, baby tell me.” “Never mind! I told you this isn't the right 
place.” “Allison, please tell me.” “I'm pregnant okay? I'm pregnant! 
But don't worry about little old me just go on your job, good luck with 
the stand off. Don't get hurt I love you.” She kissed him passionately 
and ran out of the office. “Allison! Wait!” but before he could catch 
up with her, she was gone. 

As soon as she closed the car door, the tears began to cascade down her
cheeks. She could barely see as she pulled out of the parking lot. She 
thought about Connor, her marriage, her life. She wasn't sure what was 
right anymore, she remembered when she and Connor had first met. Then 
everything seemed easier, it seemed as though they were made for each 
other. But now, she didn't know how to stop her marriage from 
unraveling. If he found out about Chad Batano, he would never love her 
again. She had successfully kept it a secret, only Lynn knew the truth. 
As she turned on to the road that would take her home, she noticed a 
man following her. The black sedan imitated her every move. “Oh God!” 
she was scared, her heart began to pound as she turned every which way 
to divert the man's car. She deliberately led him on a wild ride 
through town. “Come on, Allison! stop the games! Pull over so I can 
kill you!” Slim said as he hung on the horn and followed her as she 
sped through town. She was rounding the corner by Miller's Lake when 
Slim struck. Breaks, tires and metal screamed as Slim rammed her car. 
It was pouring, and the rain made Allison lost control. “No! no!” she 
screamed as the car began to careen towards the lake. She tried to turn 
it around, pounding the steering wheel and screaming but nothing 
worked. As the car came closer to the edge, Allison closed her eyes. 
She could not watch her own demise. As the car plunged into the lake 
she whispered one word. “Connor.” 


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