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Lucky wheeled Liz into the mortuary. As soon as she arrived the noise level in the room dropped to whispers and mumbles. Liz hated the fact that she was the center of attention. Ironically, in her life before the rape she would have loved this, now it was just annoying. She felt Lucky’s hand on her shoulder and knew he had read her thoughts. She made her way into the crowd trying to ignore the murmurs among the guests after she passed. “Poor girl, she has been through so much” she heard followed by “I can’t believe her parents didn’t even bother to come back.” Liz wanted to cry, not only did she have to deal with the loss of her sister and for all intents and purposes her grandmother she had to deal with a whole town feeling sorry for her.
Lucky bent down to whisper in her ear “Don’t let them get the best of you. They only need something to talk about for today, by tomorrow they will go on with their own lives.” He kissed her lightly on the cheek and moved to join his Aunts.
Ruby and Bobbie were discussing the reception to be held at Kelly’s, which after all was Liz’s home. “The meats are all ready and the trays are in the refrigerator, the rolls are all sliced and ready to be put out. In addition, Mac said he would bring an assortment of hors d'oeuvres and drinks from the Outback and Jason Morgan insisted on having his men available for clean up afterwards.” Ruby looked at Bobbie’s surprised face when she mentioned Jason “Yeah I know, I narmally don’t approve of his lifestyle, but he wanted to help and I know he cares a lot about the kids so I couldn’t turn him down.”
“Well, I sure noticed lots of changes in him since he has had Michael in his life. I think this whole incident has made him realize how important that baby is to him and how easily he could be taken away.” Just as Bobbie was finishing her sentence Lucky and Liz joined them. “Liz, you look gorgeous. Just remember, if you feel like you can’t go through with the eulogy there is nothing to be ashamed of.” Liz smiled at Bobbie. “I know it will be the hardest thing I have ever done, but I have to do it for Sarah and for Gram.” Liz smiled at Bobbie and was relieved to see that she understood completely. “You are some young lady, Elizabeth Webber.”
The man walked by just in time to hear Bobbie say that. When she was right, she was right he thought. He was hoping to get a glimpse of Liz’s face or at least catch a whiff of her perfume, instead he was hurried along by the rest of the crowd vying for seats. Though disappointed he didn’t want to risk lingering and missing out on a good seat. He wanted to have a good view of his angel when she spoke today, he hadn’t heard her voice in so long.
Chapter 35
The minister had finished his introduction and Lucky wheeled Liz to the front of the church. After a reassuring squeeze on the shoulder he returned to his seat.
Liz scanned the crowd and saw all of the people that she or her sister had cared about. There were the Quartermaines with Emily sitting on the end feeling suffocated Liz was sure. Mac and Felicia were in the row behind them, Mac had a frown on his face and Liz knew he regretted what had happened and somehow blamed himself for not arresting Murty sooner. Then she her gaze fell on Nikolas. He looked like he was in a state of sad shock. Robin sat next to him comforting him like only a good friend can, if only Sarah could see how sad he looks Liz thought. Her eyes continued their journey and stopped when they met Gail Baldwin’s. Liz returned Gail’s smile knowing that she was there to represent her grandmother who couldn’t yet face the horrible reality of her granddaughter’s death. Moving down the aisle her eyes met Bobbie’s, she never realized how nice she was and Liz was glad to have her on her side. Ruby was next to Bobbie and Liz knew she would be crying so she tried to avoid making prolonged eye contact. When her eyes did meet Ruby’s she took strength from the fact that Ruby cared so deeply for her. Then her eyes fell on Jason Morgan. He was obviously angry at the monster who forced her into this situation, but he put his feelings aside to be there for her. She felt a common bond with him, a man whose whole life had changed in the blink of an eye, much like hers had. Lastly, her eyes fell on Lucky’s and she saw mirrored in his eyes the love she felt for him. He was her ultimate strength and she knew that he would always be there for her.
She cleared her throat and began to speak. “Thank you all for taking time from your busy schedules to make it here today. Your presence here means a great deal to me and I know that Gram and Sarah would appreciate it.” She paused for effect and then began her speech. She hadn’t practiced it for fear of making it sound canned, and now she regretted it. “Sarah Webber died too early and didn’t deserve the fate that she met. She was a kind and caring person and she was a terrific sister. I’ll miss her in more ways than I can count and will spend the rest of my life mourning the sister who had just become a friend. Sarah and I spent our lives competing and disagreeing. She was always the good one and I was always the one who rebelled. We lived in opposite worlds not respecting or supporting each other. Recently, this began to change. Each of us learned something from the other and we became better individuals. I learned from Sarah that it was important to consider the consequences of my actions and I realized that the only reason people worry is out of love. We spent the majority of our time being jealous of each other and ignoring the wonderful relationship we could have had all along. The night before she was taken from us we began a new relationship. One of friendship and love and sisterhood. One where jealousy was not included and envy was banished. My only regret is that we did this too late. I am glad that she died knowing that I loved her, but that does not mean that I am going to miss her or the new relationship we could have shared any less. I am going to make sure my children know what a wonderful person their Aunt was and I will forever wish that she could have shared in their lives.”
Liz paused and purposely searched the room for specific faces. Her gaze met Luke’s then Lucky’s. She then sought the Quartermaine’s. Her gaze met Emily’s, Edwards, Lila’s, Monica’s, and Alan’s. She started to speak again, this time with a fervor she did not know was possible. “Family is something that should never be taken for granted. It seems like it will always be there, but as quick as a flash it could be gone. My experience has taught me to resolve issues up front rather than let them go. Even if you can’t go back, a relationship can always move forward and conquer new ground. Just don’t let a lifetime of possible memories be destroyed by your differences.” Liz stopped to wipe the tears from her eyes. She took a deep breath and continued. “Sarah, I will always love you. I know that wherever you are it is a better place because of your presence there. I will never forget you.” With that Liz finished. Lucky rose to help her back to their row and the minister went on. Liz was in a haze for the rest of the service, but several people in the crowd were thinking seriously about what she had said.
The minister said the final blessing and the crowd dispersed to meet at Kelly’s. Liz, Lucky, Bobbie and Ruby stayed behind for a few minutes to speak to the minister and give Liz a chance to say her good-byes in a more private way. “Miss Webber, you did a beautiful job remembering your sister.” The minister smiled warmly at her. Liz continued her conversation with the minister for a few minutes and then they prepared to leave. Unbeknownst to them there was someone else watching and listening.
He sat in a the coat room at the back of the mortuary. He had reveled in Liz’s eulogy. Her eyes had come so close to meeting his, the disappointment he felt when they didn’t quite make it to him was insurmountable, but he was now making up for it by watching her in secret. He loved these moments the best, the ones where she was natural and he could watch her and dream of holding her again.
Chapter 36
Lucky and Liz were heading up the stairs to their room, Lucky was supporting Liz’s weight. It had been such a long day with the service and the reception following that they were both exhausted. “I can’t believe it is finally over. It’s been such an emotional day.” Lucky gently squeezed the shoulder he already had his arm around. “I know sweetheart. You were so strong. Both Sarah and your Gram would be proud of you. Your eulogy was so beautiful and I know it made a lot of people evaluate their lives and their relationships, including me.”
Liz smiled as a tear escaped and quickly wiped it away. “What are you going to do about your father and your relationship? I will understand if you’re ready to move back home. I already talked to Ruby about it and she said that I could stay here as long as I needed and she would be my surrogate family. Jason also offered a room at his penthouse.” Lucky smiled even though his heart was sinking. Did she want him to move out? She seemed to be putting a lot of thought into it and obviously had run her plans by both Ruby and Jason.
Liz was watching Lucky’s face hoping for a sign. She knew that things were improving in his relationship with his father and she knew that he may want to go back home to live with him. She mentioned the possibility to Ruby, who immediately sensed her fear of being alone and offered to let her stay. Jason overheard the conversation and immediately offered a space in the penthouse where he knew she would be protected every day. She didn’t want Lucky to go but had to give him the opportunity to make his own decision. She waited dreading his response.
“Liz, if you want me to go I will. I have talked to my dad and we decided to move on, but I also told him that I couldn’t go back and that includes me living in the same house with him now or ever. If you feel safer without me here though I’ll go.” Lucky hoped beyond hope that she would say she wanted him to stay, but either way he would abide by her wishes. He looked into her eyes and waited for her response.
Liz couldn’t believe her ears. He wanted to stay and even discussed the matter with his father! “Oh Lucky, of course I want you here, I just thought it would be more important to you to be with your family again.” Liz smiled the relief clearly showing on her face. “I love having you here with me all the time. I hardly ever get scared any more, and the nightmares are fewer now than they ever have been. For the first time in months I feel like I can actually get on with my life.” Liz paused and looked into Lucky’s eyes as tears filled her own.
Lucky cleared his throat and said, “Liz, don’t you realize that over these last months you have become my family. You are the only person I want to be with and I couldn’t imagine leaving you to move anywhere else, even back to my dad’s house. I do hope that my relationship with my father will get better, but I don’t need to live at home for that to happen. Besides, Ruby will tell my dad everything and for him it will be just like having me at home.” Lucky smiled at her and wrapped his arms around her. He never knew how much the possibility of being separated from her would hurt.
Liz loved the feeling she had when she was in Lucky’s arms. She always felt safe and secure, but there was more, she also felt loved. She pulled away and looked into his eyes. “I am so glad that you feel that way. You are my family too and I’m glad that we have each other. Even though Gram didn’t approve of us living together away from home she always did like you and trust you. I know that she would be glad that you are with me when she couldn’t be. I only hope that someday she is able to come back to us.” Liz sighed and rested her head on Lucky’s shoulder. Her leg was just starting to ache and she would need to sit down soon, she just wanted the moment to last a few seconds longer. She shifted and groaned slightly.
Lucky heard it and immediately broke away. “Oh Liz, I’m sorry, I was being so selfish, why didn’t you tell me your leg was bothering you?” Lucky helped her to the bed where she gently eased herself down. Lucky sat next to her and helped her take her shoes off. Ruby was finishing up downstairs and then she was going to help Liz shower and get ready for bed. “I’m glad we have each other, Lucky. I love you.”
Lucky was about to answer when a knock sounded on the door. “Are you ready Liz honey? Let’s get you taken care of.” Ruby waited while Lucky opened the door. She entered the room and helped Liz down the hall to the bathroom. Lucky watched thinking about how his precious Elizabeth was finally safe. If only he knew the real truth.
Sitting below him on the bench beneath the open window someone didn’t like what he heard. Lucky was her family!? That was supposed to be his job! He calmed himself with thoughts of his new plan. He would just have to wait it out, nothing worth while was ever easy, he thought. He stood up and headed in the direction of home.
Chapter 37
Six weeks after the funeral Liz walked into the District Attorney’s office. Her leg was finally healed and she was free of crutches and the wheel chair. The only bad news she had received of late was that Mr. Murty’s lawyer finally got him released on bail to await trial. She inhaled deeply as she approached the receptionist. “Elizabeth Webber here to see Dara Jensen.” The receptionist looked down at her appointment book and said, “Oh yes, Ms. Jensen is expecting you. Just go down this corridor and it is the third door on the left.” The receptionist smiled and indicated the corridor to Liz’s right. Liz sighed and mumbled to herself, “Here goes nothing.”
Liz approached the door the receptionist indicated. DARA JENSEN, ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY. The gold lettering on the beveled glass window caught the light when Liz opened the door. She caught the glimmering out of the corner of her eye and got an eerie feeling, almost like she was being winked at. She shook it off and approached the secretary seated in the outer office. “Elizabeth Webber to see Dara Jensen” she said for the second time in five minutes. The secretary looked at her and smiled sympathetically. Liz got the feeling that she did that a lot in her job and was suddenly aware that this woman whom she had never seen before knew her most guarded secret. Liz smiled hesitantly as the realization hit her that soon the whole world would know all the details about that night. She shuddered and moved to a chair, waiting for her turn in Dara’s office.
She picked up an issue of People Magazine and began idly thumbing through it not really seeing it. She almost wished she had let Lucky come with her after all. She had felt like this was something she needed to do herself in order to get on with her life and continue her relationship with Lucky. He was disappointed she could tell, but he relented and let her see Dara on her own. Dara wouldn’t have minded Lucky’s presence, but Liz felt she had to do this one thing by herself in order to regain some of the independence she once had.
After what seemed like hours, Dara emerged from her office. She looked at Liz with the same matter-of-fact expression she always had on her face. Liz wished that Dara could be a tad friendlier, and not quite as cold as she seemed. “Hello Ms. Webber. Why don’t we head into my office and get this over with, I have so much to do today that this will have to be pretty quick
Dara saw Liz’s face fall and chastised herself. She could be more sympathetic to the girl she knew. Since Dr. Jones had been acquitted she couldn’t take any chances. She wanted to send Mr. Theodore Murty away for a very long time. She knew that Elizabeth Webber was a crucial aspect of her case and made an effort to soften towards the girl and make her feel more comfortable. “I’m sorry. I know it isn’t an excuse, but I have been really been bogged down lately with the Hospital Murders not to mention the death of Katherine Belle. To top it off, Commissioner Scorpio has been breathing down my neck not to let this Murty guy off.” Dara smiled as she led Liz into her office.
Liz was relieved that Dara seemed to be softening, but she knew she was doing it for the sake of the case, not out of real compassion for her situation. If Liz wanted to see Mr. Murty punished she would just have to come to terms with that. “I understand, I haven’t been looking forward to this either, and wouldn’t mind if we got it over with quickly.” Dara laughed out loud. She liked this girl and felt herself softening. Don’t get too soft Jensen we all know what happened last time that happened. “Come on then, for our mutual benefit we will make this quick.”
Once they were comfortably seated in Dara’s office Elizabeth began to relax. She decided that Dara wasn’t so bad after all, she just had a major chip on her shoulder. “Do you want anything before we get started? Water…Soda?” Elizabeth shook her head in answer to Dara’s question. “No thank you I think this is stuff best discussed on an empty stomach, if you know what I mean.” Liz smiled and waited for Dara to ask the inevitable question.
Chapter 38
***I want to thank Kate for her input and help with Liz’s
feelings in the coming chapters. These are important chapters for
both Liz and Lucky and they will lead to some major changes to come.
Liz and Dara talked for longer than they had intended, Dara asked Liz to describe the events of the evening of her attack. Liz began tentatively then everything came out in a flood. Without meaning to, Liz allowed Dara to see a side of her that she rarely showed to anyone, not even Lucky. She told Dara about the early days after the rape when she was afraid of her own shadow and couldn’t look anyone in the eye. She talked about the shame and self-blame that naturally accompanies such a traumatic experience. Once Liz got going on the subject of the aftermath of her rape the words just kept coming out in a flood. She even told Dara about her feelings for Lucky, how much she loved him but how much being intimate with him still scared her.
Liz was surprised at herself, she usually wasn’t so open about her rape or her how she was dealing with its aftermath. Maybe it was because Dara represented a set of new ears, she didn’t know. She understood about Lucky and reassured her that he really cared for her and would wait as long as she needed and never pressure her. Liz knew in her heart that this was true, but it helped to hear it from an unbiased party.
Dara was amazed at how much she actually liked this girl. Talking with her made her realize how much she missed this part of her job. Recently she had been delaying dealing with the human side of her job due to her failure in the Tony Jones case. She still blamed herself for Carly’s incarceration and truly regretted choosing her career over justice. Her conversation with Liz had not been as short as she had originally hoped and it surprised her when she realized that she wasn’t eager for her to leave. Maybe we could help each other Dara mused, “Liz, any time you need to talk, you can stop by. No appointment necessary.” Dara took a business card from the holder at the end of the desk and wrote something on it before handing it to Liz. “Here is my home number and my beeper number. If you need anything, anytime, don’t hesitate to use this.”
Liz smiled gratefully at the woman she now considered a friend. “Thank you Ms. Jensen, you may be hearing from me.” Dara smiled “Liz, call me Dara, Ms. Jensen is way too formal.” Liz laughed, “of course, Dara.” She stood and headed for the door. When she reached it she turned and smiled and said quietly, “Thanks for listening and making this easy.” Liz hesitated as if deciding whether or not to go on. She made her decision, “We didn’t get a chance to talk about the cross-examination, when should we do that?”
Dara saw the fear in Liz’s eyes. “Don’t worry, we have plenty of time, the trial doesn’t start for a few weeks.” Liz smiled, relieved at the reprieve, it was stressful enough having to recount the events that night in the park. “Alright then, until next time.” Liz waved as she shut the door to Dara’s office.
Her step was quick as she exited the building she was eager to get home to talk to Lucky and tell him about the meeting (well most of it). As she opened the door to exit the Courthouse she ran smack into a thick chest. “Oh excuse m…” her words died on her lips as she met the eyes of the man she bumped into. There standing in front of her with his hand on her shoulder to steady her was Theodore Murty.
Chapter 39
Elizabeth gasped, she felt as though all air had been sucked from her lungs. Realization had hit her like a Mack truck. This was what she had been waiting for, a chance to confront her rapist. She needed this closure and knew that she was ready for it.
“Elizabeth, are you alright?” Liz could not believe her ears. How dare he sound so concerned. She shifted out of his grasp and leveled her eyes on his. “What do you care? Did you care that night in the park if I was alright? Did you care that I wanted you to stop? What about the things that I lost that night and can never get back? Did you care about them? My life will never be the same because of what you did! Did you care about that? No, you didn’t, you knew I didn’t want you to touch me, but you did any way. You didn’t ask if you could take what you did, you just went ahead and took it! How dare you stand here and act like you care now!” Liz had to catch her breath. She could feel the tears behind her eyes and refused to let them fall.
“How can you just stand there like nothing happened, like we are just some casual acquaintance?” Liz paused mainly to catch her breath. Mr. Murty seized the opportunity. “Elizabeth, I swear on my life that I didn’t hurt you. I would never do those awful things.” He put his hand on her arm in a calming gesture that sent Liz flying over the edge. The tears began to flow and she flung herself out of his grasp. “HOW DARE YOU! Don’t you ever touch me again! You expect me to believe that you didn’t rape me and you didn’t murder my sister and you didn’t send my grandmother to an asylum! You’re sadly mistaken if you think you’re getting off that easily!” Liz stood her ground shaking with rage but meeting Murty’s eyes.
The receptionist had heard the commotion and immediately called Dara. Just as Mr. Murty was again attempting to calm Liz. “Don’t touch her, you have already done enough!” Dara stood next to Liz knowing that emotional support rather than physical support was what she needed. She looked up and met Theodore Murty’s gaze, “you are not to come near her again until the trial is over. Do you understand? If I so much as hear that you were with in four city blocks of this girl I will have you thrown back in jail. IS THAT UNDERSTOOD?”
Theodore Murty, a broken and desolate man merely nodded. He didn’t know how he was going to prove his innocence and he realized that he may never be able to. The thought of spending the rest of his life in prison was something he just could not face.
**Across town**
The man sat alone in the dark reminiscing.
<Flashback>
It was Valentine’s and he was walking home. He
had been day dreaming about the beautiful angel he had first seen at the
almost wedding of Sonny Corinthos and Brenda Barret. He saw her and
immediately knew that one way or another she would be his. He shook
himself from his reverie and saw her sitting on a bench all by herself.
At first he thought he was still daydreaming, but as he got closer he realized
that he wasn’t dreaming. This was his moment. He was finally
going to be with this wonderful creature. He knew it would be perfect
as he walked towards the bushes behind the bench she was sitting on.
He could smell her perfume from where he stood and it was the last straw
for him. This is going to be perfect, he thought again as he grabbed
her.
<Reality>
The man sighed and looked at the clock. He was
wrapped in the blanket he had given Liz the day of her break down in Kelly’s.
It still smelled slightly of her and he regretted having to leave it behind.
It was time to get back to reality though. The only thing that made
it easier was the fact that his angel was out there. Sure Lucky was
still in the picture, but that wouldn’t be for long.
Chapter 40
Dara dropped Elizabeth off at Kelly’s and watched as she entered the building. She had calmed down and was now in a state one could almost call peace. Dara watched and waved back when Liz turned and waved quickly before moving all the way into Kelly’s. Dara drove away and headed towards home thinking about Elizabeth the whole time. She couldn’t do anything to risk this case, yet she knew from Liz that Jason had placed guards on her 24 hours a day as a favor to Lucky Spencer. It was altogether possible that one of these guards could be of help during the trial. Maybe one of them saw Murty hanging around the building or noticed something unusual any other time. These guards were an excellent resource to her, but the question was did she want to take the risk. If she did it meant allying herself with a man with known mafia connections and risking her career for the second time in recent history.
Dara sighed heavily and finally took in her surroundings. She laughed to herself; she was headed away from her house and towards Jason’s penthouse. Well, she thought, I guess I made my decision. She turned up the radio and used the rest of the drive to prepare herself for an inevitable meeting with Justus Ward.
Dara arrived at the penthouse and was let in immediately when Reynaldo announced her presence. She stepped into the lavish living room only to see Jason standing there alone. Relief flooded her, she much preferred to meet with him alone.
Jason couldn’t help but smile at Dara’s expression as she entered the penthouse. He knew relief when he saw it. “He is in the kitchen, he will be joining us soon.” Jason, a master at reading people immediately saw a look akin to dread come into her eyes. He almost chuckled to himself.
Justus entered the room then and his eye’s immediately collided with Dara’s, he noted her look of disdain and politely smiled in return. “To what do we owe this honor Ms. Jensen?” he said in a sickeningly sugar coated voice.
Dara cringed inwardly and reminded herself that she was there for the sake of Elizabeth who she now cared aboutimmensely. “I’m here to speak with Mr. Morgan. I’m here because I met with Elizabeth Webber this afternoon and she mentioned that Jason had her guarded 24 hours a day. I was hoping I could speak with one or all of the guards and see if they saw anything unusual at anytime during their watch.” Dara looked hopefully at Jason and noted the change in his eyes at the mention of Liz.
Jason cleared his throat and looked at Justus. He had worked with Justus Ward long enough to recognize the warning look in his eyes and this time he chose to ignore it. He liked Liz and genuinely wanted her rapist and the murderer of her sister put away for a long time. “It’s alright Justus, I’ll handle it from here.”
Justus sighed knowing there was no point in arguing with his boss he merely turned and left the room. Once they were alone Jason turned to Dara. “The reports I have received indicate nothing out of the ordinary. The only people who were seen around Liz or Lucky were friends or people known by them.” Jason paused not sure how to continue. He decided to trust Dara’s instincts. “ Interestingly enough, each guard said the same thing when questioned about Mr. Murty, none of them ever saw the guy until the day of his arrest. If I were you I might concentrate on that angle, from what I understand Murty is vehemently claiming innocence. As a precaution I had a man put on him, aside from his chance meeting today with Liz he has made no effort to make contact.”
Dara tried unsuccessfully to hide her surprise, she had truly hoped that Jason would be her source for information necessary to convict Murty, now he was seemingly saying that he doubted that he did these things. She was left feeling frustrated, “thanks for your help, I really appreciate it and thanks for ignoring Justus, it really meant a lot to me, I’ll remember it.”
Dara shook Jason’s hand and left the penthouse. It seemed she had a lot to think about.
Chapter 41
Liz entered Kelly’s and immediately went in search of Lucky. For the first time in a long time she had the feeling that her world was turning around. She had finally been able to confront Mr. Murty and that had given her more strength than she could have imagined possible. She wanted to share the day with only one person, yet he was no where to be found. She was just about to give up and call Emily when the door to their room flew open. There in front of her stood Lucky holding a bouquet of flowers and two shopping bags.
Lucky had been racing around town hoping to beat Liz back from Dara’s. He got stuck in so many lines he had given up, but when he didn’t see Liz downstairs he thought he had been successful. He had been planning this surprise since the accident and wanted everything to be perfect, Liz was finally feeling better and he wanted her to have something to celebrate rather than something to worry about. When he saw her he couldn’t mask his disappointment, “oh, you’re back.”
“Nice greeting, I love you too,” Liz joked, “what is all that stuff?” Liz saw the flowers and was suddenly curious as to what Lucky had up his sleeve. “Oh, nothing, just some supplies I needed to get.” Lucky hoped she bought it, or even if she didn’t, he hoped she would just let it go. “Oh, ok. Are those for me?” Liz was eyeing the bouquet. Oh well, Lucky thought, a small price to pay if the rest of the surprise doesn’t get ruined. “Yeah, I thought you might need some cheering up after your meeting with Dara. How did it go any way?”
Liz smiled, “better than I thought it would. She is actually a pretty nice lady. It was nice to talk to an objective party and to hear from them that I am not crazy or paranoid or in any way abnormal.” Liz paused and looked at her shoes. She was contemplating how to tell Lucky about her run-in with Mr. Murty.
Lucky noticed Liz was hedging about something. “What is it sweet girl?” Liz looked up at him with a look he hadn’t seen in a while, it was the look she used to have when she first moved here, the fire was almost back in her eyes. “You can tell me anything, you know that.”
Liz took a deep breath, she had no way of knowing how Lucky would react when he found out that Murty was close enough to her to have his hands on her again. “Alright, but you have to hear me out completely before you go flying into a rage or anything. Do you promise?” It was obvious to Lucky by the look on Liz’s face that he would have to promise or she simply would not tell him. “Yes, I promise.”
“I was leaving the courthouse lost in my own thoughts about the conversation I had with Dara. I really wasn’t watching where I was going and I ran into someone, literally, on my way out the door. It was Murty.” Liz saw the anger rise into Lucky’s eyes and immediately lifted a hand to stop the tirade she knew would follow. “You promised, let me finish” without waiting for a response Liz continued, “I confronted him with my anger. He tried to tell me he was innocent and I threw it back in his face. It was like I was in a different world. I felt like I actually got to make my anger known, for the first time in months I feel some freedom as though part of this giant weight I have been carrying around has been lifted.”
Lucky could tell by the look on Liz’s face that she was happier than he had seen in weeks. She hadn’t smiled much since Sarah’s death, yet today she was smiling again. “Liz I wish I could have been there. I never would have let that mad man near you. I am only sorry that you had to go through it alone.” When he met her eyes again Liz averted her gaze. “Oh Lucky, please don’t take this the wrong way. I love you and want to share my life with you, but this was something I needed to do. It’s better that you weren’t there and that you didn’t step in the middle of the confrontation or the outcome never world have been the same.”
Lucky smiled and wrapped his arms around Liz. “Of course. I understand, at least you were able to partially close this door. I’ll just be glad when he is behind bars forever.” Liz smiled as she nuzzled his neck. She brought her head up and met his eyes. Lucky leaned down and they shared a gentle kiss. Lucky broke contact though “Em called while you were gone. She wants to shop for some new shoes. I told her I was sure you would want to go with her. She and Reginald will be here to pick you up in forty-five minutes.” Actually, Lucky had called Emily and enlisted her services she would entertain Liz until 6:00 and then drop her back here for her surprise.
Liz was mildly disappointed at the loss of her afternoon
with Lucky. She hadn’t seen much of Emily since the funeral though
and thought it would be good to spend some time with her friend.
“You know me so well, I’ll go get ready and meet her outside when she gets
here.” She gave him a quick kiss and moved towards her closet.
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