Nickie, John, and Rand sat at the table with Beth. The talk centered around Nickie flying out with Richard to Italy. They needed to corner Francesca in the open for the Polizia to interview her and for Richard to identify if anyone connected with her were the ones that Richard met up with in Scotland. Beth perked up, "Nickie when you are in the public eye Richard is very polite and a gentleman. You will need to look as if you adore him, take his arm when you walk, listen attentively. But at night you ".... her voice trailed off.."It does not matter you will not need to know that."
John asked, "What doesn't she need to know?"
Beth panicked, "Nothing it really, it wasn't really note worthy." She loked pale and her eyes were big. She faltered, " I will go get my coat. Nickie, there was a shop that had the perfect clothes you will need for the trip." Then she walked off.
Nickie looked at John, "What was that all about?"
He watched her walk away, " I honestly thought she would blow me off and tell me it was just between you two. I am worried, she seems to be having a hard time now."
"It will take time, John. She went back to the room by herself."
"Did you see her pause?"
"Yes, why?"
"She was waiting for the helper to follow her."
"Oh, here she comes."
Beth said, "I am ready."
Nickie and Beth shopped the rest of the afternoon. Nickie could not get her to talk much about John or Richard. Nickie came to dinner with Rand. They said their good byes. She told Beth that Chris was coming for Christmas.
Nickie left the next morning. Richard was anxious to ear about Beth. He bombarded Nickie with questions once they were seated on the plane. Nickie told him that he just needed to be patient and give her time.
The next few days. Beth walked more but she still remained close to John. Hunter was having fun playing with toys. Nickie on the other hand was enjoying herself with Richard. She almost felt like the girl in My Fair Lady. Beth had found clothes that made her feel amazing. they went to shows and out to dinner where Francesca was reported to be. After a few days of no sightings when they were walking back to the hotel one night and Francesca was getting out of the car. Richard mentioned this to the couple behind them. Richard and Nickie walked closer to her. Nickie walked up close beside her and whispered, "You know John doesn't even ask about how you are." she jolted. Nickie continued," he just wants you out of his family's life."
The Polizia told them later that she wouldn't serve time but there would be fines. She was cooperating and giving them all the names and locations of who she worked with. We have already gave them to the U.S.
Nckie was able to talk to Tom from the airport when they arrived back in the U.S. He told her that Chuck had been caught near the country house. The cousin was in custody. John could come home and back to work. He didn't expect hm before the New year though. He did say that Beth did not have to testify. They would be charged but since they escaped and committed crimes that the death penalty would be re-instated from their previous conviction. The cousin was going to spend his days in solitary in a federal prison. Nothing to worry about none of these people would be seen again. He also shed some light that if Francesca ever contacted anyone connected to John her deal would end and she would serve jail time.
Nickie and Richard arrived back in town. Richard offered his spare bedroom. Nickie agreed. She did not want to stay at the lighthouse alone and Tyler had already left the restaurant. The next day when Nickie was getting ready to leave. Richard handed her a gift for Beth. "It is something that she wanted before all this happened."
Chris met Nickie at the airport. They had not seen each other since Nickie had walked out . they chatted on the plane bout basic stuff, weather, health and etc. When they arrived at the small airport and were finally alone. Chris apologized for forcing a response to his question. Nickie apologized for storming off without talking this through. He asked about John and Beth. Nickie field him in on the basics. They arrived at the pole. John and Beth were sitting cuddled in front of the fire. Beth looked up and smiled. Nickie and Chris joined them . the waiter brought them sandwiches and drinks. Nickie told them that everyone was in custody. John and Beth looked relieved especially the part they were in for life and she didn't have to testify. they chatted and caught each other up with the latest news. Then Beth was getting tired so they headed for their room. Chris looked at Nickie,"Wow, she doesn't look well. She is so pale but she perked up knowing those guys are behind bars."
Nickie left Chris alone for a few minutes. Chris looked at her quizzically. "Oh, I just asked the doctor to go an check on her."
"Good idea."
The doctor came back in a hurry. Nickie looked at him. He said quickly, "I am in a hurry. She is bleeding internally. I have to get ready for her."
Chris and Nickie grabbed their stuff and followed the doctor. They met John there. He was mumbling,"Why didn't I make her go to the doctor. Stupid! Stupid!"
"John it is okay! You are too close to her. She wasn't telling you anything was wrong, why would you tell her to go to the doctor?"
John slumped in the chair. They sat there quietly waiting. An hour passed, then 30 minutes. The doctor came out wiping his brow looking sad. He sat down by John, "We had to do a hysterectomy. I am sorry, she was bleeding too much. I am so sorry that she can't have anymore children. She knew this was a possibility before she went under. She should be waking up now, you need to go in and be with her."
John straightened up. He stood tall and walked into her room.
Nickie asked the doctor,"do you think she will be out for Christmas Eve?"
The doctor replied, "Yes, it is in a few days. I think she will be able to enjoy the evening up to a point."
They walked into the room. John was sitting beside her holding her hand. She was just waking up. She smiled at him and said weakly, "At least we have Hunter together."
He buried his face in her breast. She began stroking his hair. Nickie touched her hand,"Hey there kid, how are you feeling?"
She smiled, "In a weird way better. It is like some of the pain that I have had is gone. Of course, other pain took its place. But morphine is my friend." She looked up at the i.v.
Chris and Nickie told her they would see her tomorrow.
John leaned down and kissed his Beth. She stroked his face and said, "I love you, but this is all we can do for awhile."
John laughed and he laid in the bed beside her.
Nickie and Chris went back to the room they had last year. Their luggage was already put up. Richard's gift was sitting on the table. Nickie said, "I will take this to her tomorrow."
Chris came up behind her. He began kissing her neck, working his way down her shoulder. His hands stroking her sides. She had forgotten the way he made love to her. She put her hands on his. Her body filling up with the intensity of emotion. She turned to face him. He leaned down and kissed her passionately. She stroked his arms, those muscles. She loosened his belt and his pants. He walked out of them. He picked her up and laid her down on the couch. She spread her legs and he proceeded to make their bodies as one.
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