I think I'm in love with you... Tell me I'm crazy.

You're not crazy. I feel it too!

Runaway with me?

I can't.

What are you afraid of?

You. Me. Us.

They're going to erase my past. We could start over.

I need time to think.

"That must be how they met."

"Yet there is nothing recorded about her in these papers, except the days she came to visit."

"There must be some way we, I mean, you can find out..."

"Wickham, probably. Regardless of what the FBI says, their Witness Protection Program is penetrable."

"Really?"

"Oh yeah. There's always some family member or friend that they just have to keep in touch with. And there have been plenty of people that were erased that have later been found killed or tragically handicapped."

"You're absolutely right! He kept in contact with me back then and I had no idea what he was up to." Darcy looked pensive; he did not want to know anymore. "What about the nurse?"

Elizabeth shrugged. "I looked for a Sarah Anderson on the Internet all night long. I found squat!"

"Try Sarah Young."

"Why?"

"I think that was the name of Wickham's girlfriend, the chaperone."

"Why didn't you tell me this earlier?!" she jumped from her seat.

"It just came to me."

They both flew down the stairs to the kitchen to the laptop.

Chapter 31 - Karma

Posted on Saturday, 11 September 1999

"There it is! Clear as the nose on my face!" she pointed. "Sarah Young graduated from the now defunct Odessa School of Nursing in 1972!"

"Is there anything else?"

Elizabeth typed and browsed and searched. "Nope. It's just public record now," she sighed. A moment later, an idea hit her. "But, I could get some of my friends to see if her name has appeared on anybody's payroll lately."

"Hmm? But that's such a common name..."

"Then I'll check every last one of them out!"

Elizabeth sent an email to Charlotte and a few of her other contacts, including a special agent of an undisclosed government body... Just between me and you, it's probably the IRS. Shh!

"Now we just wait and see." Elizabeth password protected her laptop and stretched. "I'm starved! Got anymore of that Chicken Parmesan?"

"I assume Charlotte is the only one that knows about this house."

"She knows about it, but not its exact location."

"Why are you trying to hide it?"

Elizabeth sighed. "I'm selfish... We moved around a lot when I was younger. In my childish dreams I believed that once we settled, things would be a lot smoother." Darcy raised an eyebrow. "My parents..." she cleared her throat. "Let's just say it is not the best of marriages."

Darcy nodded in his head, but outwardly showed no sign of movement.

"Jane in all her sweetness and innocence just ignored the fact. Don't get me wrong, I love my sister dearly and I'm not saying she was ignorant to all of the goings on in the house, but she can turn a blind eye to almost anything! And that bothers me. The other three... I don't talk to them much, nor do I care to. Mary has seemingly found herself in Lala land, Kitty is still trying in Euro-Disney, and Lydia doesn't care who she is."

Darcy still did not understand, but said nothing; hoping she would go on.

"Everyday I question my father's wisdom as to why he married Frances. I'm not saying that it's all her fault, 'cause I've seen enough from my father to see why she acts the way she does. You yourself have seen the dissimilarities in their personalities. What do you think?"

"I, uh, well, um, I'm not sure."

"Well, I think I know now. It was something you said the other day... about lust or rather, lunacy. I mean, Frances still is a beautiful woman, and they were married a few short weeks after they met, so..."

"That still doesn't clue me in as to why you want to hide this house."

"Well, this house is fully paid for. I only want to do this for another 2 years and then I'll retire. I already have enough in the bank to live comfortably. But I don't want any of my relatives to feel that they can just stop by and stay. Well that's all moot now, since you bought the Dojo... my father paid off the house. Of that I know for sure. But as I said, I'm selfish. They can all live happily ever after under the same roof in the house in Irving for all I care. If I want to be seen, I'll show up for a few days or stay in a hotel nearby, but my peace of mind is here. This is my cocoon. I don't like chaos, or storm clouds, or bad karma, unless it's my own," she smiled. "That's a round about way of telling you my story, but that's it."

"I understand just how you feel about peace and quiet. But I'm still a little fuzzy as to how you became who you are. Tell me how you grew up?"

He trusted me with his secrets... She sighed. "I am not my mother's daughter."

"I agree. You're more like you father..."

"That's not what I meant." Darcy looked confused. Elizabeth swallowed hard. "Clarence Bennet is my father, but Frances Bennet is not my mother." Darcy quietly sucked in his breath as a light went on in his head. "I'm half Korean."

Elizabeth was born in Korea to the oldest daughter of the Karate Master's family that Mr. Bennet resided with. Elizabeth was born in love and the deepest devotion. The young woman, Jung Yee Kim, had dreamt of going to America with her American GI and talked of it incessantly, even naming her child outside of tradition. Although her English was not that understandable, everyone who knew her, grasped the fierceness of her intent. Unfortunately she never made it. A mere 3 months after Elizabeth was born, Jung Yee had been killed by an undetected landmine while harvesting in the fields. A distraught Mr. Bennet begged the family to take Elizabeth to America; he insisted that at least Jung Yee's daughter would be able to live her mother's dreams. The family agreed, for the little girl would be shunned in her own village, because of her unsanctioned parentage.

If you think the homecoming was a pleasant one, you would be wrong... VERY wrong! Francis Bennet was beside herself and hated the newborn laid at her door. Thoughts of gossip swirled in her head and warped her brain; her never-ending fits of nerves were... well, never-ending! Yet she would not divorce him. Almost immediately upon his return, Clarence Bennet moved his wife and family away from her relatives, hoping Frances might calm down. They first moved to Dallas, but the bustle of the big city and the overhanging threat of scandal was even more trying on Mrs. Bennet's nerves. They tried other places but to no avail. The last and final move was to Irving; a little-less big city and a little-more country, or that's how it was when the Bennets moved there. Frances was finally settled in, or rather, Clarence was fed-up with the constant moving. Mary was born in Ft. Worth, Kitty in Arlington, and Lydia in Irving. Mr. Bennet is now 64.

They stayed up very late that night as Elizabeth weaved her tale of childhood misery. Even though there was anger and avarice in the household, Mr. Bennet would eventually give in to his wife and go to her bed; hoping that a little tenderness to her would go a long way towards her being a mother to Elizabeth. I'll just say it took years, but in the meantime, her younger sisters teased her mercilessly about it, while Jane was a constant source of comfort. Eventually, Mrs. Bennet succumbed... a little. Even Mary had put aside her prejudices... somewhat; once Mary got religion, she deigned to forgive Elizabeth her part in an unholy union. Kitty and Lydia were not so forgiving; they had tried to break her, pretending to be the loving sisters, only to hurt her again and again. And with all that, Elizabeth steeled herself to the world and other than Jane and her father, she trusted no one in her immediate family. Trust was even harder to dish out amongst her other relatives and acquaintances, but she did find some true friends, not many, but a few.

You are probably asking... Why did she believe Caroline all of those times, despite what she knew of her? Well, if you examine her family, most of those that should have loved her, lied, teased, and/or degraded her; so in Elizabeth's mind, only someone who despised her, even hated her, she thought, would tell her the absolute truth without thought or remorse. It's a bit twisted I know, but those are the rationales that guide her wounded soul.

Even after all these years, the emotional scars remained fresh as the day they were hewn. To Darcy, it seemed that Elizabeth was no closer to exorcising her demons than he was. However, within her, it seemed to him, that there was something deeper. Unsolicited betrayal perhaps? Unfathomable sorrow? Unquenchable thirst to forget? Unattainable hunger to forgive? He knew not what.

Chapter 32 - Moody's Blues

Posted on Monday, 13 September 1999

Author's note: In the last chapter I forgot to thank Jimmy for providing me with a traditional Korean name. Thank you!

Thursday, December 10, 1998 (Day 15)

Darcy woke up first. As he was making a late breakfast, the cell phone rang.

He flipped it on. "Charlotte?"

"Will, we got a ransom note!"

"What?! When?!"

"Today. It was delivered to Pemberley and your investigators picked it up."

"What does it say?!" Elizabeth padded into the kitchen and Darcy waved her over. "Liz is here, hold on." Darcy bent down to share the phone with her. "Okay, we're both here!"

"It says:"

We have G.D. You will be notified about an exchange in the near future.

"That's it."

"That's it?!" cried Darcy. "That's it?!"

Elizabeth took the phone from him as he cursed and slammed his fists down on the counter. Bud growled and snarled.

"Char, is there a postmark?"

"Yes. It's from San Antonio and it's dated yesterday."

"Okay. Have you heard anything on Sarah Young?"

"Not yet, but hopefully this will pinpoint a location."

"Hopefully." She watched as Darcy went out onto the back porch. "Email that note to me and the envelope."

"Okay. Anything else?"

"No. Just keep us posted."

"Alright."

They hung up.

Elizabeth finished up making breakfast, letting Darcy cool down.

After retrieving her email, Elizabeth leaned out the kitchen window. "Will, breakfast is ready." He growled in response, but did not move. Elizabeth went outside to join him; Bud followed. "You have to eat."

"I'm not hungry."

"You need your strength." Elizabeth put a hand on his shoulder. "We may need you..."

Darcy shrugged it off and moved away. "You don't need me."

"Yes we do. I do. I need to pick your brain some more."

"For what?"

"I won't know till I find it." She moved closer to him. "But I need you calm and in control," she whispered. "Even if I have to get you drunk to do it."

He turned to her with unshed tears glistening in his eyes, then smiled slightly. "You don't have any liquor."

"If that's what it'll take, I can get you a bottle or two."

"It'll take more than one or two to keep me calm."

"Then I'll get you a whole case." He nodded. "Any preferences?"

"Brandy. French."

Darcy walked back into the house and sat down at the kitchen table. Elizabeth and Bud followed.

Elizabeth fixed Darcy's plate and placed it in front of him. "I'm gonna make a run down to San Antonio today. I'll pick you up something while I'm gone. Okay?"

Darcy nodded.

Elizabeth fixed her plate and sat down; they ate in silence.

Darcy pulled Elizabeth to him and embraced her. "Be careful, Liz."

She pushed back slightly. "I'm just going down to talk to a few friends... Nothing serious."

"Still, be careful." He let her go.

Elizabeth knew that she should have looked away, but the concern that filled his gaze was real. It was also gratifying and promising. Elizabeth had read somewhere that kidnap victims often developed an emotional attachment to their captors. Complete dependency on a person for food, shelter, human companionship, and approval, created false endearment. Was this... happening here? And if so, why am I feeling it too? Actually, Elizabeth knew why, but she was not ready to admit to herself the full force of her feelings. She had revealed herself to him, like unto no other. It actually felt good! Warm! Tingly! She shook her head and concentrated on her tasks.

"I will."

They walked to the car. "How long will you be away?"

"Hopefully, I'll be back tomorrow, but I'll call you tonight to let you know."

He opened her door. "Okay."

"Keep that phone with you at all times!" She slammed the car door.

"Aye, aye, Captain!" he saluted as she started the car.

"See ya!" she waved as she drove off.

"Yeah," he whispered in her dust.

Darcy went back into the house to lay out dinner. Bud nudged her bowl over to his feet and whined.

"Hungry again, girl?" Bud barked and nodded. "Okay." Darcy went to the pantry and looked around. "How about some... seafood something or other mess?" Bud barked and jumped around happily. "Expensive tastes I see!" He laughed and commenced to fix the dog's bowl.

Bud ate ravenously. Darcy had a thought. "How 'bout some exercise?" Bud raised her eyebrows and Darcy could only laugh. You don't forget a damn thing, do you? "No, we won't try the front gate again." At least not today... "I promise. We'll stay in the back," he pointed. "In the back, okay?"

Bud nodded and ran off to find her Frisbee. Within moments, Bud returned with Frisbee in mouth.

"Alright girl," he stood up. "Let's go!"

Bud ran back out the door, while Darcy grabbed the liver treats. When Darcy joined Bud outside, the dog had dropped the Frisbee, ran off a little ways and pranced and danced in eager anticipation. The afternoon waned into early dusk as Darcy and Bud played toss and catch. It was a lazy day for Darcy; he did not have that much to do, except fling the Frisbee. However, it did keep his mind off his troubles, although Bud did all the work. But one particular toss got Darcy's attention; the Frisbee had sailed out of Bud's reach and skidded under the doors of the rickety shed. Bud barked and Darcy walked over to investigate.

The shed had two large doors latched perilously together and no lock. Darcy pulled hard on the latch finally freeing it from its rusty entrapment. Then he pulled one door open and smiled at what he saw. He proceeded to pull open the other door to let in some light.

"A pickup truck? Hmm?" he mused as he surveyed it. "It looks relatively new, maybe a few years old, but..."

Darcy looked around for a light but did not see a switch, then he looked up and saw a long string dangling from a huge florescent light on the ceiling. He reached up, tugged on the string, and there was bright light to be had all over the shed.

Bud slithered under the truck to retrieve her Frisbee, while Darcy scanned the shed. He espied aforementioned power tools placed neatly on shelves and garden tools hanging from some sort of contraption on the walls.

He thought for a moment as he looked upon the small grass-cutting tractor and laughed. "No need for that! The grass is all brown and probably dead!" Bud nudged him out of his merriment. "Wait a minute, girl. There's something I want to check out first."

Bud watched as Darcy opened the door to the truck, pulled on the hood latch, closed the door and peered under the hood. It was not as he suspected; the engine was not rusted through, no hideous smells, everything seemed in place and in working condition. He did not know much about cars, but this one he assumed would do nicely in case of an escape.

He slammed the hood down, dusted off his hands on his shorts and scanned the room again. "Aha!" Darcy espied a set of keys hanging on the back wall and nearly ran to them. Bud watched carefully.

Darcy got in the truck, noticed it was an automatic transmission and sighed in relief. He tentatively put the key in the ignition and nearly spewed out a few 'Hail Mary's' as the truck cranked into an idle rumble.

In his glee, he did not see nor hear Bud barking feverishly and snarling viciously as she was rooted on the hood of the truck. But all too soon, reality set in. Where would he go? What would he do? He still needed Elizabeth and Charlotte and whoever else was helping to find his sister. Try as he might, he would not get anywhere without them; he would just be running in circles.

Darcy sighed heavily, turned off the engine, climbed out of the truck, slammed the door, returned the keys to their holder, pulled on the string to turn off the light, closed the doors to the shed, latched it and walked away.

Bud followed, but at a distance; she knew there would be no more play today.

As Darcy trudged slowly back to the house, he pondered his predicament. What if? What if I knew where Gina was? These were obviously dangerous people, killers even. He had no weapons and even if he did, he did not know how to use them. What if the kidnappers wanted him in exchange for his sister? He would do it in a second, but that would not solve anything. They probably wanted him dead. Then his thoughts turned darker... What if the exchange went bad and someone he knew got killed in the melee? Oh God! He shuddered at the thought. What if the kidnappers killed Georgiana? No! No!! No!!! He shook his head to dismiss that thought.

Distracted, he washed his hands in the kitchen sink, seasoned the meat and vegetables, and placed them on the grill. Befuddled he sat, as did the sun. Puzzled, he listened as the food sizzled. Bewildered, he wondered... Why him?

In San Antonio

It took 7 hours! Two hours longer than she had anticipated, but the rush hour traffic seemed not to care about Elizabeth's whims. Of course, she stopped off at her favorite fast food restaurant's drive thru. Elizabeth arrived just in time to see her old friend locking up his business.

"Stan!"

He turned suddenly. "Lizzy! Girl, it's good to see ya!" They embraced. "Whatcha doin' down here?"

"I need a favor?"

He squeezed her tighter. "Don't ya always?" he laughed and let her go. Then he unlocked the door. "Get in, I don't have all night!"

"Thank you," she smiled as he held the door open for her. "I'm not going to take up too much of your time."

"Spill it, girl?!"

"I'm after a kidnapper." Stan Weston did not blink. "We got a ransom note this morning posted from here."

"Does it have a PB Meter?" Elizabeth nodded. "Good, that'll at least give us the nearest post office..." She pulled out a sheet of paper with the info written on it. Stan read the note. "An exchange, huh?" He basically said that to himself. "I assume this here's a rich family." Elizabeth nodded, she knew better than to interrupt Stan's thought processes. "Big influence down here?"

"They're headquartered in Austin, but I believe they reach down here."

"Hmm," he flipped on his computer. "The kidnapper's wanna be close, but not too close or somebody'll spot 'em. Any suspects?"

"George Wickham and/or Sarah Young."

Stan signed onto his computer, clicked on an application icon and typed in Wickham's name. The computer grumbled, burped, and flashed.

"Ya got yourself a WPP?!" Elizabeth nodded. "You don't seem surprised."

"I found some papers. I knew that he was under the Witness Protection Program, but I don't have the facilities to crack it and I know you do."

"The FBI's cracking down on hackers, ya know?"

"I know, but see what you can find out. I need to know where he's been in the last year or so."

Stan typed, the computer continued to growl. "Come on baby! Let me see whatcha got?!" The computer beeped and flashed. "Ah, a gambler!" Elizabeth leaned over his shoulder as he pointed to a few misdemeanors in Texas and surrounding states. "We gotta lotta illegal gamblin' joints round here, ya know?" Elizabeth frowned. "And I ain't even considered Mexico!"

"So, what do we do?"

"If you and I do it, it could take weeks!" Elizabeth exhaled in a puff. "I'll have to round up some of my boys and see what's on the pipeline."

"I'll take care of the payment, Stan."

"Ya betcha will!" he chortled.

Elizabeth kissed him on the cheek. "Thanks, my friend."

"Ya welcome, Lizzy. Hey, what 'bout that Sarah Young? Don'tcha wanna see what's up wit' her?"

"Of course!"

Stan typed, the computer burped and snarled and growled and finally buzzed.

"Nothing!"

"Damn!"

"You think she's wit' 'em?" Elizabeth nodded. "Well, I'll tell ya, she's probably the one bringin' in the steady money. Gamblers don't work... late hours, ya know? Probably working under the table somewhere though... dancin', waitin' tables, bartendin', probably working the same joints as this guy. Maybe even spying for him?"

"Spying?"

"You know, checkin' out the other player's hands and signalin' him on the sly."

"Hmm?"

"Don't worry, we'll find him."

"And when we do, you'll have a nice little retirement plan."

"Speaking of retirement..."

Elizabeth groaned inwardly.

"Have ya given any more thought to takin' over my little establishment?"

"Stan," she sighed. "My answer is the same as it was earlier this year. No."

"Come on, Lizzy? I taught ya everything ya know!"

"And I am forever grateful to you for that Stan, but I have my reasons."

"I know, I know," he pouted. "Can't blame me for trying." He shut down his computer. "Come on by the house tonight, Mabel'll be glad to see ya."

"Well, I was hoping to see Mabel before I took off."

"Good!" he stood up. "Where ya stayin'?

"Nowhere, yet."

"Girl, ya know you're always welcome at my house!" Elizabeth feigned a protest. "Nope, nope! I won't hear another word from ya mouth." Stan gently pushed Elizabeth out the door.

That night, over a sumptuous meal, Stan, Mabel and Elizabeth talked of old times and new.

Friday, December 11, 1998 (Day 16)

In San Antonio

"Mabel," Elizabeth patted her stomach. "If I didn't know any better, I'd think you were trying make me stay here!"

"Lizzy!" she laughed. "You know I'm a straight shooter."

"Yes Ma'am, I do," smiled Elizabeth.

They embraced at the door.

"Don't be such a stranger."

"As soon as things calm down, I'll visit. I promise."

"I'll hold you to it."

"See ya!"

Mabel closed the door behind her. Stan was trying to peer in her car's tinted windows.

"From what I see, ya got yourself a beauty!"

Elizabeth smiled. "She's been good to me." Elizabeth hit the alarm button to disarm it. "Take a look!"

Stanley Weston was impressed! His little protégé had exceeded his expectations by miles. He knew she would be successful; he saw her potential the moment she knocked on his door. It became even clearer when she opened up her mouth and had the balls to ask him to teach her everything he knew. He laughed at that memory; it was still fresh in his mind like it happened yesterday. What's that old saying? The student exceeding the teacher! He had others, but none he would trust with his business or his life, except Elizabeth. In the 8 straight months of training, she became as a daughter to the childless couple; living with them, helping with the housework, and an eager beaver when it came to casework, even the boring stuff.

Stan peeped his head out from inside the car. "Whatcha gotta do today?"

"I was just going to go back home. Why, you got something for me to do?"

"Well yeah," he stood up. "I wanted ya to meet some of the boys. But it's too early for them to be up and about."

"When I come back, you'll introduce me, right?"

"You betcha!" Stan grabbed Elizabeth in bear hug and shook her until she squealed.

"Stan, what will the neighbors think?"

He let her down. "That my little girl has come back."

Elizabeth kissed him on his cheek. "You got my number, right?" Stan nodded and held the door.

"I'll call ya!"

Elizabeth blew a kiss to her friend and mentor, turned the car over, put it into gear, and took off.

In Granbury

Darcy padded around the kitchen in a murky mood; he had not showered, nor did he care to. His disposition was listless and overwhelmed, and sleep or lack thereof, did not help him. Normally when one falls asleep outside and unprotected, the mosquitoes have a field day, but the little bloodsuckers did not faze Darcy with their damage.

Mechanically, he fixed Bud's bowls of food and water, then popped some bread in the toaster and brewed some coffee. There was not much else to do. He could surprise Elizabeth and try and fix that old shed. But what did he know about fixing things? Nothing! Absolutely nothing! Or he could try on those men's clothes in the tantrum room. His stomach flip-flopped that they could actually be Wickham's clothes and he decided that was not an option.

Bud wanted to play again, but Darcy was not up to it. Bud found her entertainment elsewhere, Darcy was too tired to contemplate where or if he had a chance to escape. Everything was looking so bright before he had those gruesome thoughts last night. But now all was dark and dread-filled. I will kill him, if he's hurt my sister! I swear I will!! He thought as he sipped his coffee and chewed on his plain toast.

He could scrape the burnt meat and vegetables, turned ash, off the grill. But that would take energy to which he had none. But it was the most menial task he could think of, so he took the garbage can, some dishwashing liquid, and a scrubber outside.

By the time Darcy finished with the grill, it was all shiny and looked new. He admonished himself at what a neat-nick he had become. But it felt good and the hours passed without notice. He needed a beer.

When he turned around, there stood Elizabeth.

"Liz!" he exclaimed and stood up. "When did you get back?!"

"A few minutes ago," she sighed.

He swept her into his arms and embraced her tightly. "I missed you," he whispered. "Talk to me, please?"

Elizabeth was mystified at his display and had no words that would come out.

At length, Darcy let her go. "Solitude is one thing, but every once in a while I need to hear your voice!"

Elizabeth smiled. "I was only gone for a day."

"I know." He put his head down. "But you didn't call..."

"I'm sorry, it was late before I thought of it. Was there something..."

"I had such horrible..." Darcy shook his head. "Tell me everything is going to be all right, please?"

Elizabeth heard the anxiety in his voice and led him to a chair. A hot bath is what she really wanted, but he needed her right now.

"I looked up an old friend of mine. We did some checking and things are looking better." That was not enough to perk Darcy up and he looked away. "I can only share with you the hope that I have," she said soothingly. "I can only say what my gut tells me to..." She stroked his arm. "And I believe in my heart that we'll find Gina soon. Very soon." With any luck...

Darcy sniffled. "You hungry?"

"Yes, but that can wait. I want you to tell me what has you in this mood."

Darcy shook his head, cleared his swollen throat and told her all he felt.

Elizabeth was not surprised when Darcy broke down and cried. In these last two weeks, other than a few stray tears and short outbursts, he had not reacted as a normal person would have under these circumstances. No, he was all business. It was unsettling to watch, but she tried to keep the atmosphere as light as possible. However, she knew it was only a matter of time before the floods came and only hoped that she could be there for him. Elizabeth stroked his hair lovingly, softly kissed the curls on the back of his head, and whispered words of comfort as he bewailed bitterly in her lap. She even shed tears of her own.

Continued In Next Section

© 1999 Copyright held by the author.