On the Prowl (standard:mystery, 9351 words) [1/2] show all parts
Author: Sarah Spenser	Updated: Nov 15 2005	Views/Reads: 3403/2185	Part vote: 0.00 (0 votes)
Allison Shure is assigned to investigate a harmless cat burglar calling himself The Eagle. But when he kills his first victim, Allie is pressured to uncover his identity. In retaliation, he kidnaps her daughter, can Allie uncover The Eagle's identity in

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She was driving home from Allison's when she was flagged down by a man,
he explained that his car had broken down and asked if he could use her 
phone. She pulled her phone from her purse and handed it to the man. He 
took it and after a few seconds said his friend was on his way. Then 
without warning, he produced a gun and forced her into the passenger's 
seat. Marie watched in horror as he began to drive towards the place 
the locals called "The Woods". He Once they'd arrived, he stopped and 
got out of the car, Marie knew he was either going to rape or kill her. 
Terrified she reached for her cell which was lying on the dashboard. 
The man pointed the gun and fired. Marie was killed instantly by a 
single gunshot wound. Although it wasn't the same, it was similar to 
what happened to Sheila. Doug was worried and tapped her on the 
shoulder. "Allison? Are you okay?" "What?" she said dazed returning to 
the present as the memory began to fade. "Are you all right?" "I'm 
fine, I just had a flashback." "Your Mom?" he knew about Marie's death 
and was sympathetic. She nodded taking a tissue from the box on her 
desk. "Sorry, Doug. Even after all this time it still hurts." Marie had 
been murdered 9 years earlier, but it still haunted Allison. Even after 
her killer was caught, Allie still had nightmares. She snapped back to 
the present and looked at Doug. "Oh my God! Is there anything I can 
do?" "Just try to feature the story on tonight's report. Maybe we'll 
help catch him. I hope this isn't a sign of things to come." Doug said 
rising from his chair. Allison prepared her voice over  for the 5 
o'clock edition gathering as much background on Joe and Sheila as she 
could. She held back the tears as she prepared to go on air. 

Detective Connor Cassidy sat in a recliner watching the news. He always
tried to catch his wife's report whenever he could. Francie sat on the 
couch looking at her father adoringly. She looked somewhat like 
Allison, possessing her piercing blue eyes, but Connor's blond hair. 
Connor's brown eyes focused on his daughter as he watched her face 
light up at  the sound of Allison's name. "Mommy's on TV!" she said 
jumping up and down. She sat in Connor's lap to watch the rest of the 
broadcast. "The cat burglar calling himself The Eagle has struck again. 
His crimes have paralyzed the residents of Fallwood for quite some 
time, and police wonder where he'll strike next. But this afternoon his 
crime spree took a violent turn. Sheila and Joe Dillard were home when 
The Eagle broke through the front door. Wielding a gun and an ax, he 
quickly surveyed the home and its occupants. As Sheila Dillard raced to 
call 911, Eagle raised the ax and struck her several times in the head. 
Her husband Joe tried to defend her, but it was too late. Sheila 
Dillard died en route to the hospital. Joe Dillard is listed in 
critical condition at Fallwood General and at this hour remains in a 
coma. Police are asking any witnesses to call them if you know anything 
about this brutal crime. Police Chief Bob Frank made a statement 
earlier today saying that capturing The Eagle is his top priority, I 
will continue to report as further developments become available. 
Allison Shure, WFTR News." Francie clapped as Allison's picture faded 
from the screen. "Will Mommy be home soon, Daddy?" "She should be, 
pumpkin. What do you want to have for dinner?" "Pizza!" Francie 
squealed jumping down from Connor's lap. He smiled at her as she went 
into her room to play. Fifteen minutes later, he heard Allison's car in 
the driveway. 

Allison unlocked the door and wearily set down her briefcase. Connor
could tell she'd been crying and embraced her warmly. He planted a kiss 
on her lips as he drew her closer. The scent of her perfume permeated 
the air and filled his senses. "Rough day?" he asked stroking her hair. 
"Just hold me." She said trying not to sob. "Allie, I love you." "I 
love you too." She said holding back the river of tears that threatened 
to burst forth. "I'm sorry, Connor. It's just been a rough day." "You 
don't have to be sorry for anything, sweetness. I was shocked to hear 
about poor Sheila and Joe. Is he still in a coma?" "Last I heard he 
was. The Eagle's getting more brazen, Connor." "I know, Bob wants me 
off the Cold Case Unit for a while." "Doesn't he have enough man power 
to investigate The Eagle without you?" she asked her heart skipping a 
beat. "Yeah but he asked me and I said yes." "Without asking me? You 
could get shot or seriously injured or ..." he kissed her to silence 
her. "Allie, calm down, honey. I wear bullet proof vests and I'll make 
sure that I have protection when I stake him out." "Stake him out? Oh 
no you're not!" "It's my job, Allison. What do you want me to do?" she 
took a deep breath before she answered. She sank on to the couch and 
sat beside him. "I don't know, my love. I'm just worried about you. I 
don't want anything to happen to you. I liked it much better when you 
were working Cold Case." "That's getting old, Allie. I've been at it 
for the last few years and it's time for a change." "Okay if you say 
so." He could tell by her voice that she wasn't happy. Her expression 
was somber and worried. He could always tell when she worried, the 
lines around her mouth deepened and her brow creased. "Allie, nothing's 
going to happen to me, sweetheart. Don't worry." She kissed him 
passionately and he returned her affection with a steamy kiss of his 
own. They held each other for a long time, just letting the day melt 
away. Francie strolled in then and hugged Allison. "Mommy! You're home! 
I liked your story on TV." Allison laughed remembering when she was 
Francie's age. "You did? Thanks, sweetheart." "I'm your biggest fan!" 
Francie exclaimed jumping up and down. Allison smiled, thinking how 
lucky she was to have her. "I know you are." "Mommy, who's The Eagle?" 
Allison took a breath trying to figure out how to explain it. "He's a 
bad man, Francie." Connor said looking at Allie. "Why is he bad?" 
Francie inquired climbing on to Allison's lap. She began to run her toy 
brush through Allie's hair. "He's bad because it's wrong to take things 
that don't belong to you, pumpkin. It's wrong to kill someone too, 
sweetheart." Allison said feeling her daughter's tiny hands as they 
styled her hair. "What's that word you said mean?" "What word, honey?" 
"Kill." "It means when someone does ..." the phone rang then 
interrupting their conversation. Connor reached for the portable on the 
table. "Hello?" "Hi, Connor it's Doug. How are you and Francie?" "We're 
fine, Doug, how about you?" "Oh just fine. Is Allison around?" "Hold on 
one second." Connor put down the phone and smiled at Allison. "It's for 
you, Allie. It's Doug, it sounds kind of urgent." "Thanks." Allison 
went into the kitchen while Connor tried to explain what killing was to 
Francie. "Hi, Allison. I know you just got home but something's come 
up." "Oh? What? Can I help with something?" "Joe Dillard regained 
consciousness, he wants to speak to you." "Me?" she asked incredulously 
sitting on a chair. "I thought that was strange too, but he 
specifically requested you." "Okay, I'm on my way." She hung up and 
walked back into the living room. Francie had run off to play again so 
she sat next to Connor. When she finished telling him why Doug called, 
he was as shocked as she was. "Hmm, that's odd. Do you know Joe 
Dillard? I mean not just as an acquaintance?" "He and Sheila used to 
baby-sit for me when I was little. Maybe that's why he asked for me. Do 
you want to get a pizza for dinner?" "That's what Francie wanted." She 
smiled as she ran her fingers through Connor's luxurious blond hair. 
"Okay, pizza it is." She said grabbing her purse and car keys, Connor 
watched as her car pulled out of the driveway. 

Allison was greeted by the antiseptic smell of the hospital, as she took
the elevator to the sixth floor, she reviewed the facts of Sheila's 
murder again. It had been a cold horrible way to die, but she was still 
perplexed about why Joe asked for her. She entered his room quietly, he 
was surrounded by his children. She stood back not wanting to intrude. 
Jake the oldest spotted her and waved her over. "Allison, we've been 
waiting for you." "Hi, Jake, hi, Lizzie I'm so sorry about your Mom. 
She was a dear sweet lady. Is there anything I can do?" "No, but 
thanks. Lizzie and I are holding up okay. We're concerned about Dad 
right now. He was insistent that he talk to you." "Jake, could you give 
Allison and I a minute?" "Sure, Dad. Lizzie and I  will be right 
outside." When they had left, Joe waved Allison to a chair by his bed. 
"So, dumplin' how've you been." She smiled at the reference. She hadn't 
heard it since she was six, and remembered how it had come to be. 
Sheila had made apple dumplings and she had loved them so much, that 
Joe had dubbed her dumplin'. "I'm fine, Uncle Joe. How about you? I'm 
sorry about Sheila." "I know, sweetheart. I tried to fend him off. I 
really tried, but I was too weak and too damn slow. I need you to draw 
for me. Can you draw a sketch?" "Sure. Got a pad?" she looked to the 
nightstand, and saw what she desired lying there. Joe described The 
Eagle and Allison drew. When she was finished they had a tall man about 
mid-thirties with a mask and glasses. "How's this?" she asked showing 
him the picture. He smiled in approval and took hold of her hand. 
"That's good, honey. Would you do your Uncle Joe another favor?" 
"What?" "Get me on that program of yours." "Eye on Crime? I don't think 
that you ..." "Nonsense! I'm going to catch this bastard if it's the 
last thing I ever do." "You just came out of a coma, you need to rest." 
"I can't rest, dumplin'! My Sheila's dead! And nothing's going to bring 
her back! That evil man killed her!" "I think that you need to rest, 
Uncle Joe. Just think about this for a second. Aren't you afraid he'll 
come after you?" "I don't care. I'm not afraid of him. Besides, what 
else can he take  from me? He's already taken my heart! I ... I can't 
believe she's gone!" his eyes began to tear up. His salt and pepper 
hair was still matted with blood, and his once expressive hazel eyes 
seemed dull. Allison patted his hand and tried to soothe his sobs. 
"Allison, this is so awful!" "I know. Listen, I'm going to let you get 
some rest. Here's my home number. You call if you need anything okay?" 
"Okay. I want to be on that show of yours." "I'd love to have you on. I 
just think you need to rest." "Okay, thanks for coming. I know you want 
to be with Connor and Francie. How are they?" "They're fine, thanks. 
Don't worry, we'll catch The Eagle." Allison left his room then, the 
shock hadn't quite set in and she knew that under that tough facade 
beat the heart of a grieving man. Joe was never one to show emotion, 
and until today, Allison had never seen him cry. She drove home deep in 
thought. 

When she got home, Connor and Francie were eating the last of their
pizza. Connor took a slice from the box and popped it into the toaster 
oven. Francie smiled when she saw Allison enter the dining room. "Mommy 
Daddy got pepperoni pizza!" "You're favorite. I love you, pumpkin." 
Allison said planting a kiss on her cheek. "I love you, Mommy." She 
glanced at the clock, it was 9 o'clock, Francie's bedtime. "Time for 
bed." Allison said walking into her daughter's room. "Do I have to?" 
she said trying to plead with Allison to stay up a little later. "You 
have school tomorrow, sweetheart." "Okay, let me say good night to 
Daddy." she ran into the kitchen while Allison looked for Francie's 
favorite story. She loved stories, and they were in the middle of 
Saving Sara. A story about a little dog who was rescued by an elderly 
woman. Allison was halfway through the third page when Francie fell 
asleep. She fixed the covers, turned out the light and tiptoed from the 
room. 

Connor was waiting for her, pizza in hand. He had poured her iced tea
and sat with her at the dining room table. He put his arm around her as 
he watched her bite into the pizza. "Is she asleep?" "Yeah, I got 
through the first two pages this time." Connor laughed. "How many times 
have we read that to her?" "I think about six. She loves it though." 
Allie laughed thinking of her daughter. It was a shame Marie hadn't 
been there to witness it. She would've loved having a grandchild. 
Allison remembered her mother fondly as her mind drifted back to the 
past. "Allison?" Connor was looking at her with concern. "What?" "Are 
you all right?" "I'm fine why?" "You were a million miles away, where 
did you go?" "Oh sorry, I was just remembering Mom. I guess I got lost 
in the moment. What did you say, sweetheart?" "How is Joe? What did he 
want?" "He wanted to ask me If he could be on Eye on Crime. He had me 
draw a sketch of The Eagle. He's still in shock, I don't think it's 
fully set in yet." "How long were they married?" Connor asked taking a 
sip of his iced tea. "I think about 50 years." "That's a long time, the 
poor man." Connor said somberly, he drew her into a kiss and gently 
caressed her cheek. "I can't think of anyone I'd rather spend 50 years 
with than you." She smiled and was truly touched. "Thanks, my love. 
That's so sweet. Me too, I love you." She kissed him and then took 
another bite of pizza. After dinner, Connor did the dishes while Allie 
Doug out the sketch from her purse. She stood by the counter watching 
her husband put dishes into the dishwasher. "I was thinking of using 
this on Eye on Crime. I thought I'd make a copy maybe you could use 
this." "Let's see." Connor said drying his hands on a dish towel. Until 
now, no one had ever seen The Eagle, he peered at the sketch and 
surveyed it. He didn't look too menacing, tall and slender, but the 
mask and glasses concealed his hair and eye color. "This is good. I 
wish we had more to go on though." "I know me too. I think I'll stop by 
and see Joe before I come home tomorrow night." Allie said as the 
walked towards their bedroom. "That's a good idea, I think he needs all 
the support he can get right now." "Lizzie and Jake are there, I don't 
want to intrude." "I think he'd like a visit from you. Who wouldn't?" 
he asked kissing her long and deep. She kissed him and was lost in the 
passion and desire. 

His hands delicately caressed her cheek as he planted kisses down her
neck, he slowly moved to her breasts and began to peel away her 
nightgown. As it fell to the floor, he kissed the places it revealed. 
Allison moaned in pleasure as she returned his kisses with passionate 
ones of her own. "I want you, Allie!" Connor panted passionately. 
Allie's hands delicately caressed his body as she repeated the  process 
on him. Soon, they were wrapped in each others arms, and he entered her 
slowly. She reveled in his touch, as they danced the slow dance of 
passion. She kissed him afterwards and whispered how much she loved 
him. "I love you too, Allie." He said caressing her cheek. She felt his 
arms wrap around her and knew she was right where she was destined to 
be. They soon drifted off to sleep exhausted by their passion. 

With the precision of an eagle, he crept up to the house. It was set off
to the side and he knew that no one would see him if they happened to 
glance out the window. But who would do that? After all it was nearly 
four in the morning, this was the perfect place to strike. He would 
show Connor Cassidy something, striking where he least expected. He 
broke one of the windows and gained entry, the occupants were still 
asleep, so Eagle began to ransack the drawers. He was near the woman's 
dresser when he knocked over a perfume bottle. It crashed to the floor, 
sending perfume and shards of glass everywhere. The couple stirred, and 
the woman screamed. "No! stop!" Eagle produced a knife and looked into 
her eyes. "Please don't ... hurt me!" "Shut up! Everything will go 
fine, just keep quiet!" he said taking rope from his pocket. He tired 
her to the bedpost as her husband watched frozen with fear. "Don't hurt 
her! Stop!" "You want to get me riled up? I don't think so, old man! 
You know what happened to poor Sheila Dillard! You want to end up like 
that?" he tried to free his wife, but Eagle stopped him and tired him 
to the opposite post. He held a knife to the woman's throat as he 
surveyed her eyes. They were filled with fear and he knew she wouldn't 
scream. He finished ransacking the house and left them terrified in his 
wake. The man reached for the phone, but he couldn't make it, the ropes 
kept him bound to the bed. His wife freed one hand and reached for the 
phone and dialed. 

The phone rang a few times before she was roused from sleep. Allison
opened her eyes sleepily and reached for the phone on the nightstand. 
"Hello?" she mumbled glancing at the clock. "Allison?" the voice 
inquired shakily. She was still half asleep and unsure of the woman's 
identity. "Yes, who's this?" "It's Thelma! Clint and I have been hit by 
The Eagle!" "Are you and Clint all right?" "We're fine, dear. Can you 
and Connor get over here right away?" "We're on our way." Allison hung 
up and shook Connor." Connor?" he stirred slightly but didn't wake up. 
"Connor?" she said shaking him harder." What's wrong, Allie?" he asked 
looking at her sleepily. "Thelma just called, she and Clint were hit by 
The Eagle." "I didn't even hear the phone ring. Let's get over there." 
Connor said dashing to put on some clothes. Allie phoned Lynn and asked 
her If she would come over and stay with Francie. Lynn Raznack was 
Allison's best friend and worked as a reporter for WSPL Allison's 
competitor. Lynn rang the doorbell fifteen minutes later. "Thanks for 
coming, Lynn. I'm sorry to wake you." "No problem, Allison. It makes 
more sense than waking Francie." "It's just that she has school in the 
morning and I don't know how long will be and ..." "No need to explain. 
Can I camp out on the couch?" Lynn asked with a yawn. "Sure, but you 
can have our bedroom." Connor said greeting Lynn warmly. "No, the couch 
is fine. What time do you wake Francie?" "About 6-30." Allison said 
grabbing her coat and purse. "Okay, I can take her to school." "Thanks, 
Lynn." Allison said smiling warmly at her. Within minutes, they were at 
Clint and Thelma's. "I think you should stay out here, Allie." Connor 
said drawing his gun. "Why?" "The Eagle could still be inside. I don't 
want you getting hurt." "I'm not afraid  of him." "That's the problem." 
Connor muttered opening the door, he turned on the hall light and 
surveyed the living room before he let Allison enter. She entered with 
a flashlight and they proceeded on towards the bedroom. "Mom? Dad?" "In 
here!" they called in unison. Allie and Connor rushed to the bedroom 
and were shocked. Thelma and Clint were still tied to the bedposts and 
the room was torn apart. Connor freed Clint while Allie cut Thelma 
loose. "Are you all right? What happened? Are you hurt?" they went in 
the living room and sat on the couch as Thelma and Clint told their 
story. "We were sleeping when he broke in through the window in the 
bedroom. He must've been ransacking the dresser because when I woke up, 
he was standing in front of my dresser. He was angry and tied me first, 
then he tied Clint. He had a knife he held to my throat." Thelma began 
to sob and Allie tried to comfort her. Clint was still in shock and too 
paralyzed to move. "I tried to move, but I couldn't. Oh, Thelma I want 
to defend you." He began to sob as he embraced his wife. Connor 
couldn't believe that Eagle had robbed his own parents, where he least 
expected it. Half an hour later, the house was swarming with police and 
a forensics team. "You're going to have to leave while we dust for 
prints, Mrs. Cassidy." Lou head of the forensics team said." Okay, can 
I get a few things first?" Lou handed her gloves and she and Clint went 
into the bedroom to retrieve necessary items. "You can stay with us." 
Allison drove them to her house while Connor stayed behind with 
forensics. When they arrived, Francie and Lynn were just pulling out of 
the driveway. Allison waved to Francie and Lynn as she helped Thelma 
and Clint with their bags. "You must've been terrified." Allison said 
putting on a pot of coffee. "We were, dear. I've never been so scared." 
Thelma said beginning to sob again. After breakfast, Allie showed 
Thelma and Clint to their room. The upstairs had been lavishly 
decorated in pretty blues and grays. Allison had made most of the 
draperies and the seat cushions for the furniture as well. Thelma and 
Clint's room was the last room on the right, directly next to Francie's 
but furthest from Allie and Connor's. "Can I get you anything before I 
go?" Allison inquired appearing in the doorway. She was dressed in a 
pretty blue suit, accented by the earrings and vibrant color of her 
skirt. "No thanks, dear. You've been more than a help already." "Well, 
you and Clint feel free to help yourselves." They thanked her and 
watched her depart. 

Connor watched as the forensics team put evidence in bags and boxes
meticulously labeling each piece and from which part of the house it 
was retrieved. Lou had said that Thelma and Clint could return any time 
they wanted. At lunch, Connor briefed Bob Frank the new police chief on 
Eagle's latest victims. Bob set down his coke and looked at Connor 
curiously. "He robbed your parents?" "I couldn't believe it either." 
"Are they all right?" "They're fine, physically, emotionally is another 
matter." "I'll let you know what forensics says about the prints." "He 
held a knife to Mom's throat! Did they find that?" "No sign of it 
anywhere." "Oh, Chief, I wanted to show you this." Connor said digging 
in his pocket for the sketch. "Joe Dillard called Allie last night. He 
asked her to draw this." Connor handed it to Bob who viewed it with 
wide eyes. "Not much, is this who your parents saw?" "They say it's 
similar. They can't be sure, but they're pretty certain." "Okay, we'll 
distribute this to the media." "Allie said she was going to feature it 
on the evening news." "Perfect. It pays  being married to a reporter." 
Connor smiled as he thought of her. "She's the best." He said beaming. 

Allison sat at her desk trying desperately to rid herself of her
headache. She felt dizzy and at times thought she was gong to faint. 
But she pressed on through the day. She kept glancing at her watch, 
willing the day to go by faster. She thought it was due to not getting 
enough sleep last night, but she felt oddly sick. She was perspiring 
profusely and her head was pounding, the sounds and sights of the 
newsroom were too loud and way too bright. Doug walked over to ask her 
a question and grew very concerned. Allison was pale and her skin was 
clammy. She was bent over her paperwork in concentration. "Allison?" 
"Yeah?" "Will you have that sketch of The Eagle on tonight?" "I've 
submitted it to graphics to see if they can enhance it, and I'm going 
to do the voice over now." "Good work. Are you all right? You look a 
little pale." She smiled despite her exhaustion and tried to reassure 
him that she was fine. "I'm fine, Doug. I think it's just not getting 
enough sleep last night." "Okay, but you're welcome to cut out early if 
you don't feel well." "No, I'm fine." She rose from her chair and 
headed to the recording booth. 

Three hours later, her head was still pounding, in fact it had gotten
worse. But she assured herself that she was fine, as she headed back to 
her desk, a wave of dizziness hit her. She grabbed on to the side of 
the receptionist's desk for support. But before she could go another 
step, she collapsed. Camille Crayne the receptionist looked up from her 
work. "Allison?" she got up and came around the desk to where Allison 
was lying unconscious. "Allison? Can you hear me?" Doug heard the 
commotion and came out from his office. "What happened?" he said 
assessing Allie's condition. "I don't know, Doug. She just collapsed!" 
Doug felt Allison's wrist and noted she was pale and clammy. "Allison?" 
but she didn't respond, Doug looked down at her as worry filled his 
heart. "Camille. Call an ambulance!" Allie slowly opened her eyes and 
looked around dazed. "I'm fine." She said weakly. "You just fainted." 
Doug said with concern. "I'm okay, Doug. I'll be fine. Let me just do 
this spot on The Eagle and then ..." "You're going home, Allison. You 
can't push yourself to work when you're like this. Nothing's more 
important than your health." "I'll be fine, Doug." She said sitting up 
slowly, the whole room still spun but she was able to focus now. 
"You're not fine. I'm worried about you. I'll have Camille drive you 
home. Are you sure you don't need that ambulance?" "I'm positive." 

Fifteen minutes later, Allison arrived home, Thelma and Clint were
watching TV and were surprised to see her. They lowered the volume as 
they saw her enter. She set down her briefcase and sat on the couch. 
"What are you doing home so soon?" Thelma asked, her green eyes looked 
at her with concern. "I think I have a touch of the flu or something. I 
collapsed at work. Doug sent me home." "We should get you into bed." 
Thelma said rising from the couch. 

When Connor arrived home, he was surprised to see Allie's car in the
driveway. He opened the door and was greeted by Thelma. He set down his 
briefcase and hugged her. "Hi, Connor. How was your day?" "It was okay, 
I guess. How are you and Dad?" "We're doing pretty well, physically. He 
went back home, the forensics team said we could go back now. Thanks 
for everything." She hugged him again and then her mood turned serious. 
"Allison came home early today, dear. She looked dreadfully pale. Doug 
sent her home early." "How is she now? Is she okay?" "I think she'll be 
fine, I just think she's tired from not sleeping last night. Or it 
could be the flu." "Where is she now?" "Upstairs asleep I think." "Okay 
thanks, Mom. How about Francie?" "She's in her room playing quietly. 
She's such a doll, Connor. You and Allison gave us a gem." He watched 
Thelma leave and then headed up the stairs. He checked on Francie and 
then went down the hall to their bedroom. He opened the door quietly 
and looked at Allie. She was asleep, Connor tiptoed closer and placed 
his hand gently on her forehead. She was burning up and he worried 
about her, she stirred and looked at him. "Sorry, sweetness. Go back to 
sleep." "What time is it?" she asked dazed and very confused. "5-30." 
"In the morning?" she inquired beginning to get out of bed. Connor put 
his arm around her and drew her close. "No, honey in the afternoon. 
Doug sent you home early, do you remember?" "Oh yeah. I guess I'm a 
little confused. How are Thelma and Clint? How's Francie?" "Everyone's 
fine, sweetheart. Don't worry about a thing. Francie's playing, and 
Thelma and Clint left. Forensics let them back in." "Oh, well that's 
good." "They're glad to get home. Now let me get a thermometer." "For 
what?" "Allie, you're burning up. Let me take your temperature." As 
Connor went into the bathroom to find the thermometer, Francie came 
bounding in. She plopped herself in front of Allie and took out her 
nurses' kit. "Mommy are you feeling better?" "I am now that you're 
here, sweetheart. How was your day?" "It was good we got to play!" 
"That's great, honey." "I made a new friend, Mommy." "Oh? What's their 
name?" "Pam she's new." "Oh, well that's great. I'm sure she likes 
playing with you." "Yeah, and I gave her some of my cookies." Allison 
smiled at how sweet her daughter was. "That's so sweet, honey." Francie 
pulled out her stethoscope and listened to Allison's heart. Connor 
emerged from the bathroom with the thermometer. "Mommy you're going to 
get better! I'm a nurse I know!" she said smiling. "Thanks, sweetie." 
"Can I go play with Scarlet?" Scarlet was Allison's pet cockatoo, he 
was gentle and loved Francie. His feathers were pink and gray, and 
sometimes looked like the colors of a rainbow. "Sure." They watched as 
Francie left, Connor handed the thermometer to Allie and waited until 
her temperature registered. "It's 102." Connor said with concern. 
"That's not so bad. Maybe I can go to work in the morning." He made a 
face, and knew he was no match for her stubbornness. His brown eyes 
looked at her with concern and she could see the worry in them. "I'm 
going to be fine, my love. Don't worry so much." 

The next day, Allie went about her usual routine, although today was a
little different. She was taping Eye on Crime, and the entire episode 
was devoted to The Eagle. She applied her make-up and dabbed on some 
eye liner before she went on the air. Eagle watched curiously through a 
pair of binoculars. He had surveyed her for months now, and knew she 
was responsible for circulating that sketch of him. He was going to 
take from her what she had taken fro him. His freedom, he couldn't 
commit a crime anymore without thinking of her. It angered him as he 
watched the lights dim and the cameras role. "Good evening, welcome to 
Eye on Crime. I'm Allison Shure. Tonight we will devote this hour to 
The Eagle a predator who has preyed on the residents of Fallwood for 
the past few months. Until a few days ago, he was a harmless cat 
burglar, but with the home invasion of Joe and Sheila Dillard, he 
turned violent. He attacked Mrs. Dillard with an ax and bludgeoned her 
to death. More recently, he attacked Thelma and Clint Cassidy tying 
them up and ransacking their home, luckily they weren't injured. Joe 
Dillard has drawn this sketch of The Eagle, take a good look. If you 
know anything about his whereabouts please call this number." The 
number to Eye on Crime flashed across the screen. The episode continued 
with Allie listing The Eagle's crimes and the efforts to catch him. 
After she was finished, Allie set down the microphone, grateful the day 
was over. It was nearing 9 o'clock at night, and she was glad to be 
going home. Her flu hadn't left her, although she was able to put up a 
brave front. Just as she was exiting the studio, the phone rang. "I'll 
get it, Allison." Doug said, she was on her way to her car when Doug 
flagged her down. "Call for you." "Who is it?"" I don't know, but he 
says it's urgent." Allie ran back inside and took the receiver from 
Doug. "Hello?" "Allison, you need to stop now!" the menacing voice 
said. "Who's this?" "You know damn well who this is! I'm telling you to 
stop! I know Joe Dillard had you draw that sketch." "Who are you?" 
"Don't ask questions, I'm warning you if you don't stop you will regret 
it. Something you hold dear will be taken away." With that, he broke 
the connection. Doug saw all the color drain from her face. "Are you 
all right?" "That was him!" "Who?" "The Eagle! He says he knows where I 
got the sketch and that if I didn't stop  investigating, that he would 
take something that I hold dear." "Calm down, Allison. Everything's 
going to be fine. I'm sure it was just an idol threat." She wasn't so 
sure, but she was glad to get home. 

Allison's coverage of The Eagle continued for the next few days. He had
continued to taunt her at work leaving notes and threatening messages. 
Connor was growing concerned and had told her to stop her 
investigation, but so far she'd refused. One night over dinner, it all 
came to a head. "Are you that stupid? This guy's threatened you, nearly 
killed Joe Dillard, and you still don't want to stop!?" "That's why I 
have to keep going, Connor! He's killed Sheila and he could've killed 
your parents. Who knows what kind of damage he could do! Someone has to 
stop him!" "Let the police handle this, Allison!" "You've been doing a 
great job so far, Detective." "What is that supposed to mean?" "Well, 
if the police are so great at their jobs, why isn't he caught?" "You 
think this is fun? Watching you be the heroine? What the hell do you 
thinks going to happen if you continue on the war path, Allie? We have 
a child to think about! Are you that foolish?" Allison was putting away 
the dishes and slammed the cabinet door in frustration. "How foolish do 
you think I am? I'm not going to put Francie in danger! I'm not going 
to put you in danger either! He's a nutcase, and the more he threatens 
me the better it is, maybe we can get a location on him." "And do 
what?" "How the hell should I know? You're the detective! Trace him or 
something." "Sometimes I wonder where the hell your brain is!" Connor 
said angrily. "I could say the same for you." They hadn't noticed that 
Francie was standing in the doorway and continued to argue. "Allie, you 
are so damn stubborn! I forbid you to investigate this anymore." "What 
are we in the dark ages? No man forbids me to do anything!" "I'm 
worried about you, damn it!" "Well, you sure have a nice way of showing 
it. Forbidding me and telling me that my brain doesn't exist." "I'm 
sorry, Allison. What do you want me to say?" she didn't answer but 
turned away in frustration. "Mommy?" Francie said shyly from the door, 
they turned and looked at her. "What's wrong, sweetheart?" Allison 
asked soothingly. "I'm sick. Are you and Daddy mad?" "No, honey. Mommy 
and I just had a little ... uh ... misunderstanding." Allie came over 
and scooped Francie up, she felt her forehead and realized she had a 
fever. "You have a fever, sweetie. Come on let's get you some 
medicine." "Is it going to taste yucky?" Allie smiled at her as she got 
the medicine out of the cabinet. "I don't think so, sweetheart." She 
gave Francie some Tylenol and tucked her into bed. She waited until 
Francie fell asleep and tiptoed from the room. Connor was waiting for 
her in their bedroom. "Can we talk?" he asked kissing her. "Sure, I'm 
sorry, Connor." "It's okay, sweetness. I'm sorry too. I shouldn't have 
said all those terrible things. The last thing I want to do is hurt 
you, Allison. I know that you would never do anything to endanger 
Francie. I'm just worried about you. You are right, if we were so good 
at our job, Eagle would be caught." "I'm sorry, Connor. I said that in 
anger. I didn't mean it. Do you forgive me?" she asked kissing him 
lightly. "Of course I do. I love you, Allie." "I love you too." She 
said kissing him longer and more deeply. "How's Francie?" "She's 
asleep, I gave her some Tylenol, I hope her fever will go down." He 
kissed her long and hard, she was about to kiss him when she felt hot. 
He noticed that she was perspiring and was worried. "Allie? Are you 
okay?" "Yeah, I'm just a little hot." "Maybe you're coming down with 
something." She coughed and began to shake. "You've been sick haven't 
you? Ever since the night Doug sent you home." She coughed and tried 
not to shake while answering him. "Yeah, but ..." "But nothing, you're 
getting into bed. Let me take care of you, Allie." She smiled as he 
tucked the covers around her. Connor brought her hot tea and took her 
temperature. He went to the medicine chest and pulled out a bottle of 
Night Quill. "Here, honey take this. Are you sure you're going to be 
all right?" "I'm fine, my love. Don't worry so much. It's just a cold." 
She said choked by another coughing spell. Although the cough had 
surfaced in the last few days, Connor suspected she'd been sick for 
quite some time. "You want me to take this? It'll knock me out." "So? 
You'll sleep fine." "Yeah but ..." "Allie, take this." She took the 
spoon and downed some of it. Connor chained and locked the front door 
and went up to bed. Allie was already asleep, so he got in quietly 
beside her. Everything was peaceful until about 3. Connor felt himself 
being shaken awake. "Daddy?" he stirred and looked at Francie. "What's 
wrong, pumpkin?" "I'm hot, do we have some more of that stuff?" "What 
stuff?" "The pink stuff Mommy gives me." "Let's go check." Connor got 
out of bed and tiptoed from the room. Allie was sound asleep due to the 
medicine and he didn't want to wake her. Connor searched the medicine 
chest but couldn't find the Tylenol. Francie stood anxiously in the 
doorway. "Maybe Mommy knows!" before he could stop her, Francie raced 
in to the bedroom. She was trying to shake Allison awake, but it didn't 
seem to be working. "How come Mommy's not waking up?" at first, Connor 
thought it was due to the Night Quill. "She's on some medicine that 
makes her sleep. Let me try." He said stepping over to the bed. 
"Allie?" he shook her harder, but still nothing. "Allie, wake up for 
me, sweetheart." Francie began to panic and ran to get her bear Kiwi. 
She clutched him to her side as she began to sob. 

"Daddy! What's wrong?" "Nothing's wrong, sweetheart. You and Kiwi get
into bed and I'll be right there. Mommy's fine, she's just sleepy." 
Francie ran to her room tears cascading down her cheeks. Connor was 
very concerned but didn't want to show it in front of his daughter. 
"Allie, you're scaring me. Wake up." He tapped her hard on the 
shoulder, but still nothing. "Allison? Wake up, sweetness." He shook 
her harder, she began to stir much to Connor's relief. "Connor?" she 
mumbled sleepily. "Oh thank God. You scared me! I couldn't wake you up. 
Are you all right?" "Hmm?" the medicine had her In a fog, and his voice 
seemed far away. "Allie, are you all right?" he asked taking hold of 
her hand. "I'm fine, Connor. What's wrong?" she asked starting to come 
out of her stupor. "Francie's sick." Allie began to get out of bed, but 
Connor stopped her. "Did her fever come back?" "Yeah, she's hot, Allie. 
She wanted me to get the Tylenol. But I can't find it." "I'll get it. I 
want her to see that I'm awake." Allison said searching for her 
slippers. She found them and headed to Francie's room. Once she had 
found the Tylenol and settled Francie into bed, she returned to the 
bedroom. "How is she?" "Asleep. I'm worried, Connor." "It's probably 
just a little cold or something, sweetness. I wouldn't worry." "Maybe 
you're right." Connor knew that she tended to worry about everything, 
and he wanted to put her mind at ease. 

By morning, Francie was only marginally better. Allie called in sick and
decided it was best if she stayed home with her. Besides her fever 
still hadn't broken. Connor was worried about both of his girls as he 
rechecked Allie's temperature. It had gone up to 103 and he was 
concerned. Allison checked on Francie who was still asleep and then 
went to make coffee. Connor sipped his coffee and put his arm around 
her. "Allie, will you promise me that if you're no better by the end of 
this week, you'll go to the doctor?" "Okay I promise. Want me to do 
anything for you today?" "Yeah, I want you to rest." "Okay." "I'll call 
you later. Are you sure you don't want me to stay home with you and 
Francie?" "We're going to be fine, sweetheart. It's just a little 
cold." "Okay, honey. But if you need me call me." "I will. I love you, 
Connor." She said kissing him tenderly. "I love you, Allie." She 
watched his car pull out of the driveway and went to check on Francie 
again. She was still asleep, so Allie laid on the couch with a 
multitude of blankets. She flipped through dull morning TV, 
periodically checking on Francie. Allie dozed off on the couch, but 
soon felt herself being shaken awake. "Mommy?" "Hi, pumpkin. Are you 
feeling better?" "I'm good. I'm hungry." "Okay, what do you want?" 
"Oatmeal." Francie said setting Kiwi down at her feet. He was an over 
the hill bear that had seen better days, but Lynn had given it to 
Francie when she was in the hospital. Francie loved him and carried him 
almost everywhere. Allie made her oatmeal and watched her as she ate 
all of it. Allie checked Francie's temperature again and her fever was 
nearly gone. Allie however was another story. She was now at 104 and 
burning up fast. Francie seemed to be back to normal and went to go 
play. Allie laid on the couch watching the afternoon news. She was 
surprised when the doorbell rang. Rising unsteadily, Allie slowly made 
her way to the door, Lynn was standing before her with tea and toast. 
Her blue eyes looked concerned as her blond hair framed her face. "I 
didn't wake you did I?" Lynn asked setting the food on the kitchen 
table. "No I was up. Francie's playing I think." "How's Francie?" 
"She's fine. She's back to ..." suddenly, a wave of dizziness overtook 
her. Lynn noticed she was growing pale and helped her to a chair. 
"Allison? Are you okay?" "I'm fine, Lynn. Don't worry." Francie came 
flying down the stairs and gave Lynn a hug. Lynn stayed for a little 
while and once Allie was settled on the couch again she left. Allie 
drank the tea and ate the toast feeling the tea linger on her tongue. 
She began to get drowsy and was soon asleep. 

He watched her car pull out of the driveway. He made sure she was out of
sight before he made his move. The little girl would be easy to snatch. 
Moving swiftly, the masked man slowly made his way up to the front 
door, finding the key Allison kept hidden in case of emergencies, he 
let himself in. The lock turned without incident and he quietly closed 
the door behind him. Allison was on the couch asleep, he surveyed her 
to make sure she wouldn't get in the way and proceeded to snatch the 
little girl. 

Connor glanced at the clock, it was 1-30, he wondered how Allie and
Francie were. He was worried about both, but especially Allie. He 
picked up the phone and dialed, it rang and rang but no one answered. 
He would've thought that one of them would answer. He thought it was 
strange and tried again a few minutes later, when he still didn't get 
an answer, he started to get concerned. After half an hour of not 
reaching anyone, Connor left the station and headed home. He pulled in 
the driveway and raced up to the front door. The lock turned and he let 
himself in. "Allie?" he called as the door slammed behind him. Still no 
answer, he called her name again, and received no response. Hearing the 
TV on in the living room, Connor made his way there and saw her lying 
on the couch. Allison was asleep, or so he thought. He shook her 
gently. "Allie?" nothing, he remembered the previous night's events and 
started to get concerned. He gently tapped her on the shoulder. 
"Allie?" still no response, he noticed the house was oddly quiet and 
called Francie's name, nothing. He ran up the stairs as panic filled 
his heart. He entered her room and stopped cold, everything was 
ransacked, drawers torn apart, their contents strewn about. Shards of 
broken glass littered the  floor. He screamed Francie's name, still 
nothing. He looked in closets and under the beds, but she was nowhere 
to be found. "Francie! Where are you, honey?" nothing, Connor raced 
back downstairs and tried to rouse Allie again. "Allison! Wake up for 
me, darling! Come on, sweetheart!" still nothing, Connor placed a hand 
on her forehead, she was burning up. "You're burning up, sweetheart. 
I'm going to get you to the hspital, darling. Just hang on." Connor 
felt pangs of guilt for leaving her in the first place. She was so hot, 
she probably passed out due to the high fever. He scooped her into his 
arms, wrapped her in blankets and placed her in the passenger's seat of 
his car. While en route to the hospital, he called Bob Frank." Bob, my 
daughter's missing!" he gave him a description and even though they 
couldn't file a missing persons report for 24 hours, they said they 
would keep a lookout. 

Connor talked to Allie during the drive to the hospital, she still
hadn't regained consciousness. He was concerned, and fearful about 
Francie's whereabouts. Fear gripped his heart for both his wife and 
daughter. "Allie, I love you, sweetness. I need you to wake up for me. 
You have a very high fever, darling but you're going to be okay. We're 
almost to the hospital, just hang on. Honey Francie's missing! I love 
you, sweetheart." Connor pulled into the hospital and whisked Allison 
in. "I found her like this, she has a very high fever." "How long ago, 
sir?" one of the nurses asked. "About ten minutes ago." "Okay, you're 
going to have to wait out here. What's her name?" "Allison. Please I 
want to be with her! Allie ..." "Sir, wait out here. Let us work." The 
nurse said, Allison was whisked away into a cubicle. Connor was 
banished to the waiting room, as he sat there, he dialed Lynn and his 
parents. They all arrived within half an hour, as Thelma dabbed at her 
eyes, Lynn recounted the last time she'd seen Allison. "When I left she 
was awake. I gave her tea and toast." "She was fine then?" "I wouldn't 
have left her if she wasn't. Francie was fine too. Are you saying 
Francie was kidnapped?" "I  don't know. But it looks that way. Looks 
like The Eagle took her." Lynn and Thelma shuttered. Dr. Amanda 
Shephard emerged from the cubicle looking grave. Her soft eyes and dark 
curly hair gave her a placid appearance, but Connor knew she had bad 
news. "How's Allison?" Connor asked as soon as she came in to view. 
"Well, she's still unconscious." "That's because her fever's so high 
right?" "Yes, partly. But part of it is because she was drugged." 
"Drugged?" "Based on the lab tests we think that it's Rohypnol." Connor 
shuttered. "Are you familiar with Rohypnol, Mr. Uh ..." "Cassidy. 
Connor Cassidy. Yes I'm a detective. That's a date rape drug! When will 
she regain consciousness?" "That's right it is a date rape drug. We're 
not sure when she'll regain consciousness, could be soon, or it could 
be 12 hours from now. It all depends on the dose she was given." 
Connor's mind flashed as he finally pieced It together. Whoever took 
Francie drugged Allie so she wouldn't be awake during the kidnapping. 
That way, they would have no resistance. "Hold it! You think whoever 
took Francie drugged Allie?" "It looks that way." "Can I see her?" 
"Right this way." Connor's mind kept flashing back to Lynn. Who else 
could drug Allie? 

He knew Rohypnol all too well. He'd seen it all too often in his cold
cases. People usually put it in drinks, and Lynn had said that she had 
given Allison tea. But his mind focused on Allie as he entered her 
room. She was lying in bed with IVs going every which way. Connor took 
the chair beside her bed and held her hand. "Allie, you're in the 
hospital, sweetness. Everything's going to be fine. The doctors are 
trying to control your fever, sweetheart. It's very high, but you've 
got the best working on you. Allie, I love you, sweetheart." Tears 
cascaded down his cheeks as he thought of Allie. Francie missing was 
almost too much to bear, but now Allie being sick was nearly 
intolerable. Connor took a deep breath before he began again. Allie's 
skin felt warm and soft against his, and he longed for her to wake up. 
"Francie's missing, sweetheart. You're the only one who knows what 
happened to her. It looks like The Eagle took her, Allie. I need you to 
wake up ..." tears began to cascade down his cheeks, as Connor thought 
of his little girl out there alone. "so we can find her, and bring her 
home. I love you, sweetness, and we'll get through this together, but 
first I need you to wake up for me. Tell me what you know, Allie. I 
love you, I'll be here whenever you're ready to wake up." Connor sat 
with her for hours, just talking to her and holding her hand. Amanda 
told him that the effects of the Rohypnol might take a while to wear 
off. All Connor knew for sure was until Allison regained consciousness, 
Francie's whereabouts were unknown. 


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