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Post by Jen on Apr 3, 2004 12:23:09 GMT -5
Harley pulled her hand away as Buzz approached the booth she and Mallet were sharing.
“A.C. Mallet- long time no see.” Buzz greeted his ex-son-in-law.
“Buzz- yeah I know- how you doing?”
“I’m doing good. We’re all doing good,” he answered looking at his daughter. “Harley, could I talk to you for a minute?”
“No dad, not right now,” she answered without looking at him.
Buzz sighed and went back to the kitchen.
“Mallet- I..” Harley began.
He cut her off, “Don’t say anything. I just needed to tell you that I am going to do everything in my power to get you back, you just take your time and think about what I’m offering.”
“What you’re offering?? Mallet, are you blind??” Harley asked growing angry. “I’m getting married in two days and you come back here and tell me you’re going to get me back? I don’t need to think about this. I can tell you right now what my answer is: NO.”
Mallet looked stunned, “You’re...getting married?”
“Yes.”
“To that guy? What’s-his-name?”
“Yes- to Gus.”
“Why him? Why not me?”
“I suppose you’re looking for something other than the fact that he has never cheated on me.” Harley said, annoyed.
“Okay, okay,” Mallet surrendered, “Look Cooper- I came back here for a reason. I hear what you’re saying and everything, but I know deep down you remember what we had. And I know you want that back as much as I do. I’m giving up without a fight.”
“Hi Mommy!” Zach exclaimed as he burst into Company with Gus close behind. Harley turned and gave him a little wave.
“Zach, Mommy’s talking, come over here,” Gus stopped him and flashed Harley that killer smile that always makes her melt.
“Are they his?” Mallet asked, bringing Harley back to reality, “the boys- what’s- Zach? And the little one?”
“Jude- no they’re not his. Not technically.” Harley answered, “Zach is 4 and he is the best thing to come out of a horrific marriage to Phillip Spaulding. And Jude, he’s a year and a half, and he’s the product of a very drunken night with Rick Bauer after the divorce.”
“You married Rick Bauer?”
“No, after my divorce from Phillip.”
“Oh…”
“Yeah, but I mean, you’d think they were his if you didn’t know otherwise. He’s so good with them. He’s so good for us,” Harley gushed.
“Well, I guess I’m glad to hear that.”
“Yeah, well, I have to go, cause we’re on duty soon, so…”
“We’re? He’s a cop?”
Harley nodded in response.
“Wow, déjà vu, huh?”
“No. Not quite.”
Mallet nodded guiltily, “Well, I’m gonna be in town for a couple of days. Maybe we can get together once you’ve come to your senses.”
“I don’t think so. Besides, I’m pretty busy with the wedding and the kids, and we’re gonna be gone all week,” Harley explained as she stood up.
“Well, here’s my number anyway. I think you’ll change your mind,” he said as he held out a slip of paper.
Harley shook her head and left him holding the paper, “Have a safe trip back, Mallet,” and she turned to leave.
“Hey, Cooper- you need these?” he asked as he opened one of the folders that were sitting on the table. He paused when he saw what was in the top folder.
“Santorini? That’s where you’re going? You’ve always wanted to go there.”
“He gives me everything I’ve ever wanted,” she replied confidently as she glanced at her fiancé and son.
Mallet sighed as he slipped his number into the folder, unseen by Harley, then handed the stack of folders to her, “Maybe I’ll see you.”
“Bye Mallet,” she said as she took the folders and went over to the counter where Gus and Zach were fixing Zach’s toy police car. “Hey.”
“Hi, honey,” Gus said as he reached for the piece of hair that had fallen into Harley’s face and tucked it behind her ear, “Everything ok?”
“Yeah, I’ll tell you later,” she answered as she grabbed his hand and leaned over to kiss him. “So where did this guy come from?” she asked as she scooped up Zach.
“Oh, I found him wandering the streets,” Gus teased. “No, Phillip brought him over to Rick’s while I was there. He had some big board meeting or something- Rick was going to keep him, but he wanted to see his mommy, so Buzz said he would watch him while we’re at work.”
“Oh, ok. I have to say I’m a little shocked.”
“About what?”
“Well, I’m just surprised that he didn’t have Zach all dressed up with a little attaché briefcase sitting beside him at the meeting, you know, so Phillip could have his own Mini-Me.”
“No way,” Gus exclaimed as he hoisted Zach onto his shoulders, “this kid’s too much fun to be stuck in a stuffy board room, huh? Come on Zach, let’s go raid the kitchen.”
Harley watched then go to the kitchen and was all smiles when she turned back towards Buzz who had a worried look on his face.
“What was that about?” he asked pointing at the booth that Mallet still occupied.
Harley made a face, “Eh- he’s just- he thought that he could come back here and apologize for everything and I would run back into his arms.”
“He wants you back? What did you say?”
“I told him no, what do you think I said, dad? Look- if he had come back 4 years ago, who knows what could have happened, but not now. Not anymore. I have Gus and he is everything that all those other guys weren’t, you know? I just love him so much. I wouldn’t give him up for anything,” Harley replied, her eyes sparkling.
Buzz smiled at his daughter’s happiness, “Good. Wow- I can’t believe I just said that. Did you ever think I would get to this point?”
“Aww, I knew you would grow to love him as much as I do,” Harley teased.
Buzz laughed, “Well, I wouldn’t go that far, but he makes you happy and he loves you, he loves your kids. He’s a good guy- I’m just sorry it took me so long to realize that.”
“Well, the important thing is that you did. So you won’t have any trouble giving me away, right?”
He came around the counter and hugged his daughter, “I wouldn’t say that,” he said as he kissed the top of her head.
He started to loosen the embrace, but Harley held onto him and gave him a kiss on the cheek, “Thanks daddy.”
“Hey, is everything okay?” Gus asked concerned as he return and let Zach down off his shoulders onto the countertop.
“Yeah,” Harley replied, “we should go.”
“Okay,” Gus said as he swallowed the French fry Zach just gave him. “Bye little man,” he said as he held up his hand that Zach promptly slapped in a high five.
“Be good for grandpa, honey,” Harley said as she kissed her son, “Dad- no more junk food for him, okay?”
“Yeah, yeah,” Buzz replied as he turned to Zach, “Mommy is no fun is she?”
Zach giggled as Gus and Harley left Company hand in hand followed by Mallet’s eyes.
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Post by Jen on Apr 3, 2004 12:23:32 GMT -5
“You’re pretty quiet,” Harley observed as Gus drove through town towards the police station. “Aren’t you even going to ask what that was about?”
Gus sighed as he made a left turn, “Well, I didn’t want to look like a jealous fiancé, so I didn’t ask. I figured if I needed to know, you would tell me.”
“Are you? A jealous fiancé, I mean?” Harley asked curiously.
“Should I be?”
Harley shrugged, “I don’t know. It seems I am in high demand these days,” she teased.
“What does that mean?” Gus asked.
“Mallet decided that he wants me back and supposedly he’s not going to take ‘no’ for an answer,” Harley replied.
“Will he take ‘hell no’?” Gus asked clearly annoyed, then he calmed down, “So this wasn’t just your everyday ordinary visit, was it?”
“No, I guess not.”
“Hmmm…” Gus mumbled in thought. “What did you tell him?”
“I told him that in two days I was marrying my prince,” she answered, bringing a smile to Gus’s face as he reached for Harley’s hand.
“But I had to promise that he could be that one last fling the night before the wedding,” Harley joked.
Gus’s smile disappeared and he pulled his hand away.
“Honey, I’m kidding. Come on, I told him no of course. You are the only one I want to be with- now and forever.”
Gus nodded, “So do you have any other ex-husbands that plan on ruining us?” he asked, only half joking.
“God I hope not,” Harley answered, then changed the subject, “So, did you get a hold of Eden?”
“No,” Gus answered disappointedly, “She’s not answering her cell or returning my calls. I was really hoping she would come to the wedding, you know, so I could have some family there, at least.”
“I know you were. I’m sorry,” Harley replied, hating seeing the pain Eden was once again causing Gus.
“Why is she such a brat? I gave up my whole life protecting her, and I finally get her back and she won’t even be happy for me,” Gus vented, “You know what the worst part is? How disappointed Dad would be with her. She meant everything to him, you know, and it would just kill him to see her like this,” he finished as he pulled into a parking spot, put the car in park, and turned towards Harley, “I wish he could be here- to know you and Susan, and Zach and Jude. He would have adored you.”
“I’m sure the feeling would be mutual,” Harley said.
“But you know what? He’ll be there, he will,” she added, hoping to comfort Gus, “I’ve never told you this, but I kind of feel like I know your father.”
Gus looked confused, “How?”
“Because I see him in you,” Harley replied, “I see him in your eyes when you worry about Eden, or when you’re working on a big case. I hear his laugh when you’re playing with the boys. I see him in you all the time. You are the man that you are today because of your father. He would be so proud of you, Gus.”
Gus climbed out of the car and went to open Harley’s door. When she got out, he wrapped his arms around her and kissed her lovingly, “Thank you.”
As they were walking into the station, Gus asked, “When it does it stop? The pain, I mean. Will it ever stop hurting?”
Harley shrugged, “Probably not. So, you know, I guess you just have to find some happiness to balance out the pain.”
“I found my happiness,” he assured her as he squeezed her hand.
“Me too,” Harley smiled as Chief Franklin approached them
“Hey- do you two have the Hernandez murder file?” he asked.
“Yeah, I think so,” Gus replied as he set the stack of folders from Company on the desk and starting looking through them.
“Good. I need you two to interrogate the suspect again and write up a full report before you leave in case this goes to trial while you’re away,” the Chief ordered.
“No problem, Chief,” Harley replied as he walked away.
“Hmm…he meant what he said about not taking ‘no’ for an answer, didn’t he?” Gus asked as he pulled a slip of paper out of one of the folders.
“What?” Harley asked as she grabbed the paper from Gus’s hand and saw Mallet’s name and number on it. She crinkled it up and threw it in the garbage can next to her desk.
“I didn’t know he put that in there,” she assured Gus as they headed towards the interrogation room.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
After hours of interrogating the teenage suspect, Harley and Gus had gotten him to confess. As they walked out of the interrogation room, confession in hand, Gus said, “Nice work in there, Coop.”
“Yeah, you too, Aitoro,” Harley replied, “You know, you won’t be able to call me ‘Coop’ much longer.”
Gus leaned close to her, “You’ll always be my Coop,” he whispered with a wink.
Chief Franklin came out of the observation room, “Hey, Cooper and Aitoro- good job in there.”
“All in a day’s work, Chief,” Gus boasted as he handed Franklin the signed confession.
“Yeah. Why don’t’ you two take the rest of the day off- start your vacation early.”
“You don’t have to ask us twice,” Gus said as he put his arm around Harley.
“Thanks, Chief,” Harley added.
Franklin watched them walk away, What am I gonna do without my two best detectives next week? he wondered as he prayed Springfield stayed crime-free until they got back.
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Post by Jen on Apr 3, 2004 12:24:19 GMT -5
The day before the wedding, Gus, Harley, Blake and Frank were doing a last minute inventory.
“Okay,” Frank started, “We have tuxes?”
“Check,” Gus said.
“Flowers?” Blake asked.
“Being delivered tomorrow morning,” Harley answered.
“Food and drink?” Frank inquired.
“Cassie is taking care of all that, right?” Blake asked and Harley shook her head.
“Rings?” Blake asked.
Gus pointed at Frank, “He’s got them.”
“Okay, then, I think that’s everything. Oh wait- do you have your dress?” Blake said, suddenly worried.
“No. You have my dress, remember?” Harley assured her.
“Oh yeah, Check.”
“Remember to bring it when you come over tonight.”
“Yes, absolutely.”
Harley’s cell phone rang and she quickly answered, “Hello? Oh hi, can you hold on one second?” she said as she covered the phone and explained to the rest, “It’s the flower lady,” and she pushed Gus out of the booth and went over by the counter.
Gus turned to Frank and Blake, “Okay, so what is going on tonight?”
Blake answered, “Well, you are taking Zach and staying with Frank, so you boys can get ready all together. Clarissa and I are going to Harley’s so all us girls can get ready. Cassie is going to get everything ready at the Beacon and meet us at the church, and Ross is going to go over to Frank's tomorrow morning after Mom comes over to watch the boys. And we’re going to the church around 2 and you guys have to be there by – “
“WHAT???” she was interrupted by Harley’s shriek, “No! Not orange flowers!! Oh my gosh. I will be right there!”
“Honey, what’s wrong?” Gus asked as he got up.
“The florist had us marked down for orange flowers!! Oh my gosh- could you imagine orange next to the purple dresses? I have to get down there and fix this.”
“I’ll go with you,” Blake said quickly.
“Hey- you asked what could possibly go wrong yesterday. Well, your ex-husband returns and we have orange flowers, I guess you got your answer,” Gus teased as he kissed Harley.
“This is not funny!” she exclaimed as she hit his arm.
“Wait- your what? Your ex-husband??” Blake asked, stunned.
“I’ll tell you in the car, let’s go,” Harley answered as she pulled Blake out of Company.
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Later that night, after Blake and Harley fixed the flower problem and after they ran through the rehearsal, Harley and Gus were sitting on the couch watching a movie with Zach when Blake and Clarissa burst in.
“Okay- We’re finally here. All guys- out of here. Now. Come on, let’s go, I think Frank’s got some stuff planned over there. Well, not for the little one, but for the groom to be,” Blake teased.
Gus sighed and got up, “Okay, Zach, are you ready to go to Uncle Frank’s?”
“Yeah!” Zach exclaimed.
“Alright, let’s go,” Gus said as he grabbed the duffel bag and the two bags with their tuxes in them off the couch.
“I’ll walk you guys out,” Harley said as she scooped up Zach and headed to the door.
“Have fun, Gus,” Blake teased.
“Good night, Blake.”
Harley fastened Zach’s seatbelt and shut the door while Gus put the bags in the other side of the backseat. He turned around and Harley was standing in front of him. He grabbed her and leaned her up against the car and kissed her.
“So I was thinking,” he said, “If you’re not doing anything tomorrow, you wanna get married?”
“Hmmm….sure. Why not?” Harley smiled.
“I want to stay,” Gus whined.
“I want you to stay, but Blake will have none of that.”
“Okay, then I better go before I can’t,” Gus said as he kissed her again. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“You bet you will. I love you.”
“I love you too. Sweet dreams.”
“The sweetest,” she replied and kissed him one last time. “Take care of my baby.”
“I will,” he assured her before he got in the car and drove away.
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Gus carried a sleeping Zach up to the firehouse. He knocked on the door and Buzz opened it quickly. He was shocked to see a room full of guys.
“Gus, why don’t you take him up to bed. We have a little bachelor party that you are the guest of honor for,” Frank said.
“Okay,” he sighed as he headed up the steps.
He returned a few minutes later with a hesitant look on his face, “What are you guys up to?”
“Oh Aitoro, why don’t you just take a seat here and have a beer,” Chief Franklin said as he handed Gus a cold bottle of beer, “Frank and Ross- I think this is where you guys take over.”
“Yes, absolutely,” Ross said rubbing his hands together, “Gus, tomorrow you are getting married.”
“Uh, yeah, I knew that, but thanks for the reminder, Ross.”
“As I was saying. After tomorrow, you will never date another woman again. You will never see another woman naked again…”
“Hey, hey- come on,” Buzz jumped in.
“Oh, grow up, Buzz,” Ross teased, “but that is not until after tomorrow- Frank.”
“Welcome to your bachelor party, Gus,” Frank said as he pushed open the kitchen door revealing a scantily clad brunette, "This is Bambi."
“Oh Frank, I…” Gus started.
“Just sit back and enjoy it, Aitoro,” Danny piped in.
The stripper came into the living room and started dancing around Gus, who was obviously uncomfortable. “Thank you very much, that was wonderful, you can put your clothes on now,” he smiled.
“Come on, Detective. I have been a naughty girl. I think I need to be punished.”
“God, Harley would not like this.”
“I guess I need to be the one to take charge,” Bambi teased as she cuffed Gus with the handcuffs already attached to her.
“Oh that’s great. I think I’ve done my time. Come on, take these off. Where’s the key?”
Bambi’s eyes got big, “Oops…I don’t have a key.”
The room suddenly got quiet.
“Please. Tell me you’re kidding,” Gus worried.
“No. I left it in my other bag. Oh no.”
“Okay. Everyone just stay calm. Frank, do you have your cuff keys on you?”
“No- they’re at the station, Chief?”
“No.”
“Wait a second! You’re telling me there is a room full of cops here and no one has a key to get these thing off of me??”
“Okay, just calm down Gus. Bambi- is there a trick to getting these things off without a key?”
“No, they’re real. They need a key.”
“Oh my God. I’m getting married in 18 hours and I have a stripper handcuffed to me?? I can't walk down the aisle like this! Someone tell me this is just a nightmare.”
“Alright, just hold on. I’ll run down to the station and see if I can find a key to fit. I’ll be right back, keep your pants on Aitoro- yours too, Bambi,” Chief said as he left.
“Harley is going to kill me.” Gus said as he put his head in his hands.
An hour later, Franklin finally returned with a set of keys to unlock that handcuffs. After trying about twenty keys, the cuffs popped open and Gus breathed a sigh of relief.
“Hey- no one says anything about this to Harley. Got it?”
“Yeah, you got it,” Frank assured him.
After they sent Bambi on their way, the guys had a rather calm bachelor party for Gus until it was time for everyone to leave. Gus said his thank you’s and headed up to bed, more ready than ever to marry Harley.
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Post by Jen on Apr 3, 2004 12:24:43 GMT -5
Harley smoothed her dress in front of the mirror as Cassie and Blake fit her veil.
“Harley, you look beautiful,” Cassie said.
“Thank you guys so much,” Harley said happily, but her friends noticed she had a concerned look on her face.
“Honey, what’s wrong?” Blake asked.
“Nothing, it’s just…can you please go and make sure Zach is ready?”
“Harley, I’m sure between Gus, Frank, Buzz and Ross they can get a four year old ready,” Cassie eased.
“I know, but please? Just in case?”
“Alright, come on Cassie,” Blake said as they went to check on the guys.
As Harley was putting on her earrings, there was a knock on the door.
“As long as you’re not Gus, you can come in,” she said loudly and heard the door open.
“Hey Cooper.”
Harley looked in the mirror and saw Mallet standing behind her. “What are you doing here, Mallet?”
“I wanted to give you one last chance to come to your senses.”
“Mallet- I already told you. I’m happy with Gus. Happier than I’ve ever been. Why can’t you accept that?”
“Because I know how it’s supposed to be, Harley,” Mallet urged.
“So do I, Mallet, and it’s not with you.”
Mallet sighed in response, “It always was damn near impossible to change your mind, Cooper. Fine. I get it. I’ll leave, but I need to ask you something first.”
“What?”
”Do you forgive me? You know, for…everything?”
Harley closed her eyes, took a deep breath and shook all the painful memories out of her head. “You know, actually, I do. I forgive you Mallet, for everything. Because if you had never hurt me, we might still be married, I never would have come back to Springfield, I wouldn’t have my beautiful little boys, and I never would have met Gus.”
They were interrupted by Blake and Cassie’s return.
“Oh sorry…” Cassie apologized.
“No, that’s okay, Mallet was just leaving.” Harley said.
“Good Luck, Cooper,” he said as he kissed her cheek then walked out the door.
Blake and Cassie looked at Harley expectantly.
“What?”
“Nothing. Are you ready? It’s almost time.”
“Uh yeah, I think so. Are the guys ready?”
“Yes, they did a great job getting Zach ready, oh Harley, wait until you see him. Gus spiked his hair, he looks so cute.” Blake told her.
“Oh, do you have your something old, something new, and all that stuff?” Cassie asked.
“Uh yeah, I think so, my dress is new, my earrings are old, this is Cassie’s bracelet, so that’s borrowed, and my garter has some blue in it, I guess that will do.”
“Okay, well, then it sounds like you are all ready to get married. Again.”
“Yes, absolutely, let’s do it,” Harley said as someone knocked on the door and Blake went to open it.
Buzz and Zach were standing at the door, “Gus, Frank, and Ross are up front. We’re just waiting for you.”
Harley’s eyes filled with tears when she saw Zach in his little tux carrying the pillow with the rings on it, “Zach, come here, sweetie, you look so cute!”
“Okay, come on, we don’t have time to redo your make-up.” Blake said.
“Can I just have like a minute alone with Harley?” Buzz asked.
“Sure, come on, Zach, Clarissa, come on,” Blake said and the four of them went out into the hallway.
“Honey, you look beautiful.”
“Thank you Daddy.”
“Are you ready?”
“Yes, more than ever.”
“Well then, let’s go get you married,” Buzz said as he hugged and kissed his daughter, “I love you, Harley.”
“I love you too, Daddy.”
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Gus shifted nervously in the front of the church. He hated standing in front of people, everyone looking at him, but if this is what he had to do to marry Harley, it was worth it. He looked around to see who was there and saw the Lewises, the Bauers, including Michelle and his new friend Danny, he looked in the front row and saw Marina and Susan smiling broadly and he wondered who the guy sitting next to Susan with his arm around her was. He laughed at the overprotective thoughts running through his mind.
Frank leaned over and asked quietly, “You okay there, buddy? You’re not going to run out of here, are you?”
“Not a chance,” Gus smiled as the organist started playing music.
Cassie started down the aisle, followed by Blake. Clarissa and Zach came next, Zach had a cheesy smile on his face and Clarissa was having some difficulty dropping the flower petals onto the runner, but Gus had never seen anything cuter.
The music changed and everyone stood and turned to see Harley and Buzz coming through the door.
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Post by Jen on Apr 3, 2004 12:25:07 GMT -5
Harley and Buzz turned into the church as the organist began playing and everyone stood and turned to face them. Gus looked down the aisle and saw Harley looking more beautiful than he had ever seen her. She looked like an angel who took his breath away. He had to struggle to catch his breath and flashed her a big smile.
Harley looked to the front of the church and saw Gus smiling broadly at her while Frank was trying to keep Zach still. She didn’t even notice anyone else in the room, all she saw was Gus.
After what seemed like an eternity, Buzz and Harley reached the front of the church and Buzz stood between Harley and Gus.
“Who gives this woman to be married to this man?” the minister asked.
Buzz replied, “All who love her,” as he took Harley’s hand, placed it in Gus’s, kissed her on the cheek and took his seat next to Susan.
Gus and Harley looked at each other. “Wow,” Gus breathed.
Harley smiled and shushed him as she looked towards the minister.
“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to join this man and this woman in Holy Matrimony. I would first like to read a poem entitled “The Key to Love”. The key to love is understanding ... The ability to comprehend not only the spoken word, but those unspoken gestures, the little things that say so much by themselves. The key to love is forgiveness .... to accept each others faults and pardon mistakes, without forgetting, but with remembering what you learn from them. The key to love is sharing ... Facing your good fortunes as well as the bad, together; both conquering problems, forever searching for ways to intensify your happiness. The key to love is giving ... without thought of return, but with the hope of just a simple smile, and by giving in but never giving up. The key to love is respect ... realizing that you are two separate people, with different ideas; that you don't belong to each other, that you belong with each other, and share a mutual bond. The key to love is inside us all ... It takes time and patience to unlock all the ingredients that will take you to its threshold; it is the continual learning process that demands a lot of work ... but the rewards are more than worth the effort ... and that is the key to love.
“Gus and Harley, if it is your intention to share with each other your joys and sorrows and all that the years will bring, with your promises, bind yourselves to each other as husband and wife by saying the vows that you have prepared. Gus.”
Harley handed her flowers to Blake and placed both of her hands in Gus’.
“Harley…I don’t really know where to start. Until I met you, I had never given true love a thought. I wanted no parts of it. I had more important things to worry about, or so I thought. But you changed my mind. You changed everything. You saw me at my worst and gave me a reason to love and to live, even though at the same time you were fighting so hard to do the opposite. Before we even got together, people tried to come between us, but they never could. Because what we have was meant to be. Because I know that the reason I was born is to love you and take care of you the way you deserve. I love your kids, I love being a part of their lives and watching them grow up. I love your family. I love the way that you love each other and protect each other. And I am so blessed and thankful that I am a part of that family now. I love you more than I ever thought was possible, I love you in a way that no words or actions could ever fully express. You are such a gift to me, you know, there are times when I can’t take my eyes off of you because part of me is so afraid that if I close my eyes for one second, when I open them again, you would be gone, and I can’t bear to imagine my life without you, because I don’t have a life without you. You are my life. And I promise that I will always love you and support you in everything you do. And no matter what the world throws at us, we will work though it together and we’ll overcome it. I love you Harley Davidson Cooper, and I cannot wait to spend the rest of my life with you.”
“Gus, A long time ago, I promised myself that I would never put myself in a position to get hurt again, that I would never fall in love again, because no matter what good things came of it, it was never really worth the pain that always seemed to follow. I had convinced myself that there were no princes, certainly none that I knew, and that I was better off by myself, because I could count on myself, when there was no one else to count on. But when I met you, you broke down all the walls I had put up around myself and built up love in their place. You became the prince that I kept telling myself didn’t exist. You allowed me to trust myself again, to trust my heart, even if my head was screaming for me to run in the other direction. You went from a man I couldn’t stand to be around to a man that I can’t stand being without. I love your passion for everything in your life. Your father, your job, and me and my kids. I love watching you play basketball with Zach, and rock Jude to sleep. I love the dirty looks you give any guy that Susan brings home. I just love you. And I don’t know why or how, but I know that I do and I know that it’s right. And things have never been easy for us. There was always someone or something trying to keep us apart, but we got through it all because we love each other, and because we support each other. Even with everything that has happened, my life has been better since the day you walked into it, and I’m so glad to know that things can only get better for us. I love you so much, Gus.”
“May I have the rings?” the minister asked as Frank got them from Zach’s pillow and handed them to him.
“The wedding ring is a symbol of unity, a circle unbroken, without beginning or end. And today Harley & Gus give and receive these rings as demonstrations of their vows to make their life one, to work at all times to create a love that is whole and unbroken, and to love each other without end. Gus, take this ring, and place it on Harley’s finger and state your pledge to her.”
“Harley, I give you this ring as a sign of my love and my faithfulness,” Gus stated, emphasizing the last word.
“Harley, take this ring and place it on Gus’ finger and state your pledge to him.”
“Gus, I give you this ring as a sign of my love and my faithfulness.”
“By their promises before God and these witnesses, Gus and Harley have bound themselves together as husband and wife. If anyone here can show just cause why these two should not be married, speak now or forever hold your peace.”
“Buzz, don’t even think about it!” Gus joked, causing all the guests to laugh.
Buzz held up his hands in protest and said, “Not me.”
“Then those whom God has joined together, let no one put asunder. By the power vested in me by God and the state of Illinois, I now pronounce you husband and wife, you may kiss your bride.”
“Woohoo!” Gus exclaimed as he dipped Harley in a deep kiss.
“It is my privilege to present to you Mr. and Mrs. Gus Aitoro,” the minister announce as everyone applauded the newlyweds.
Gus and Harley headed to the back of the church and greeted everyone as they came through the line. They thought they had seen everyone and were about head outside when one last person approached them.
“Congratulations,” a voice they both immediately recognized as Eden said.
They both turned around and Gus gave his sister a hug, “Eden. Thank you.”
“Thank you for coming, Eden,” Harley said.
“I mean it. I’m sorry that I haven’t talked to you in a long time, I was being a brat, and I know that, and I actually didn’t come here with the best intentions, but when I saw how happy you were up there Nicky, I realized that maybe this isn’t such a bad thing. Just promise me you won’t forget about me.”
“Not a chance,” Gus assured her and gave her another hug.
Blake interrupted them, “Harley, Gus, come on, everyone’s waiting for you.”
Blake and Eden headed outside, and he newly married couple followed them and were bombarded by the bubbles their guests were blowing. They stopped in the middle of the crowd and Gus kissed his wife.
“I love you,” they both said in unison.
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Post by Jen on Apr 3, 2004 12:26:21 GMT -5
*ting, ting, ting*
Blake tapped the side of her champagne glass as she and Frank made their way from the head table up to the stage where the microphone was.
“As best man and maid of honor,” Frank began, “it is our duty and privilege to propose the first toast of the night.”
“Yes, so everyone be quiet- it’s our turn to talk,” Blake butted in.
“Seriously, I just wanted to say how very happy we are for you two. I will admit that I wasn’t a big fan of this relationship for a long time, but I also have to admit that I have never seen my sister happier than she is with you, Gus. It has been a pleasure to get to know the real you and I am proud to call you a member of our family from now on,” he revealed with a smile.
Harley smiled up at her big brother as Gus reached for her hand and smiled, trying not to let his emotions show.
Frank continued, “But if you hurt her- you will have to answer to me.”
Blake took this moment to jump in, “Yeah, me too- and you know what happened the last time we tangoed, Aitoro,” she said with a wink thinking back to their kiss in Gus’s hotel room. Gus shook his head at the memory.
“Harley has been my best friend for a long time and you have brought love and hope and endless happiness back into her life. We wish you both all the luck and happiness in the world. To Gus and Harley,” she finished as she raised her glass with the rest of the guests.
Touched at Frank and Blake’s words, Gus and Harley share a loving kiss over their happiness.
“Okay,” Frank said, “now you can eat!”
While everyone was enjoying their dinner, Gus leaned over to Harley, “Honey, who’s that guy with Susan?” he asked with a nod toward the table that held Buzz, Eden, Marina, Ben, Susan, and the boy in question.
Harley laughed at Gus’s concern over her daughter and eased his fears, “That’s Sam Spencer- Olivia’s brother. He and Susan were good friends when he used to live here. I think she always had a crush on him, and I don’t know if there’s more there or not, but he’s a nice boy. Don’t worry.”
Gus gave Sam a wary look and turned to Zach who was sitting between Gus and Uncle Frank, “Zach- eat your green beans, they’ll make you strong!” he urged as he himself took a bite of beans. Zach happily obliged and Gus tousled the little boy’s hair.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
“Sus…Gus keeps giving me dirty looks- what’s up?” Sam asked his date.
“He’s just very overprotective of me,” Susan replied, “Don’t worry- he’s harmless.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Blake leaned over to Harley, “What’s Eden doing here?”
Harley made sure Gus was otherwise occupied and explained the situation to Blake, “Gus has been calling her for weeks trying to get her to come to the wedding, and she finally got the message. She said she didn’t come here with the best intentions, but now she’s happy for us, or so she says. She said the same thing right before we got engaged, so who knows.”
“Is she going to stay in Springfield?”
“I don’t know, why?”
“Well, I was just thinking about who we could set her up with, you know, to keep her out of your hair.”
“Well, whoever you’re thinking about I pity,” Harley replied with a sigh, hoping Gus’ sister wasn’t going to cause any trouble.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
After everyone had finished their dinner, Gus and Harley went to cut their wedding cake.
Gus took a piece of cake in his fingers and fed it to Harley, leaning in close, “I like ice cream better,” he whispered.
Harley laughed as she fed Gus some cake. He took the opportunity to lick the icing from her fingers and added with a naughty smile, “Although, this is good, we might be able to use this later.”
They were interrupted by Cassie at the microphone, “Alright everyone, it’s time for Gus and Harley’s first dance as husband and wife.”
Gus took Harley’s hand and led her out on the dance floor. They joined and Harley arms went right around Gus’ neck as he pulled her close by encircling her waist.
First, first time I looked into your eyes I saw heaven, oh, heaven in your eyes Everything I did before you, wasn't worth my while It should've been you all the time I do anything, and everything to please you You know how much I need you You're always, always, on my mind
“Do you have any idea how happy I am?” Harley asked with a huge smile on her face.
“Well, if it’s half as happy as I am, you’re pretty damn happy.”
“I am.”
You're more than wonderful More than amazing Irreplaceable, love, love, in my life You're so incredible, here in these arms tonight The irreplaceable, love, love, of my life
Harley let all thoughts leave her mind and she settled into Gus’ body as they swayed with the music and their guests joined them on the dance floor.
Always, seems like reality Forever, don't seem so far away All I wanna do, all I wanna feel, all I wanna be is close to you Everyday, is my lucky day All I wanna do, is love you I place no one above you I'll tell you why
You're more than wonderful More than amazing The irreplaceable, love, love, in my life You're so incredible, here in these arms tonight The irreplaceable, love, love, of my life
Baby you know, you know you're my one and only All I wanna do is be together Sugar you know, I'll never leave you lonely In your eyes, in your eyes I see forever You're more than wonderful More than amazing The irreplaceable, love, love, in my life You're so incredible, here in these arms tonight The irreplaceable, love, love, of my life
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Post by Jen on Apr 3, 2004 12:26:49 GMT -5
After a few more dances, Rick approached Gus and Harley, “Excuse me Gus, but do you mind if I dance with your beautiful wife?”
“Do I mind? Yes I do, but I’ll let you anyways,” Gus teased, “there’s something I need to do,” he added as he kissed Harley and walked off towards where Susan and Sam were dancing.
Gus cleared his throat as he approached them, “Excuse me. Sam, I don’t think we’ve ever met- Gus Aitoro,” he said as he stuck out his hand.
Sam took it cautiously, “Sam Spencer- it’s nice to meet you.”
“You too, why don’t you take a walk with me?” Gus said as he pulled Sam away from Susan and led him out to the patio.
Marina saw all this and rushed over to Susan, “What’s Gus doing?”
“I don’t know, but I hope there’s no bloodshed,” Susan joked and went over by the door to eavesdrop.
“So, Sam, what brings you back to Springfield?” Gus asked curiously.
“Well, I’m done with school, and Susan asked me if I would come to the wedding with her, I was happy to.”
“I’m sure you were.”
Sam shifted nervously and backed away from the railing in case Gus got any ideas.
“You know, Susan’s a very special girl.”
“I know she is.”
“She means the world to Harley…and me too, so I trust you won’t-“
“Sir,” Sam cut him off, “you don’t have to worry, I have nothing but good intentions where Susan is concerned.”
Gus nodded, “Good,” he said as he patted Sam on the shoulder, “let’s keep it that way,” and smiled as he walked back inside with Sam following.
“Susan,” he said when he saw her and gave her a kiss on the cheek, “you having a good time?”
“Yes I am.”
“Good. Now if you two will excuse me, I have a wife to rescue,” he joked.
As he made his way over towards Harley and Rick, Chief Franklin stopped him, “Aitoro- Congratulations,” he said as he shook Gus’ hand.
“Thank you Chief.”
“Listen, I’m on duty soon, so I just wanted to congratulate you two again. Where is your wife?”
“She’s right there,” he replied.
“Oh…Harley, excuse me.” Franklin said as he interrupted her and Rick.
Rick kissed Harley on the cheek and went back to his wife and Jude.
“I have to go, but I just wanted to congratulate you two. Have a good trip and hurry back- I don’t know how long I can go without my two best detectives.”
“Thank you Chief,” Harley replied as Franklin’s pager went off.
He sighed, “and so it begins. You sure you guys don’t want to stay in town this week?”
“Not on your life,” Gus joked.
“Well, I will see you both bright and early next Monday- don’t be late,” he warned as he walked away.
Harley turned to Gus, “What did you do?” she asked.
Gus got an innocent look on his face, “What in the world are you talking about?”
“You know what I’m talking about. Sam. You didn’t threaten him did you?”
Gus shook his head, “No, of course not, just wanted to get to know him better, you know, make sure we were on the same wavelength.”
Harley looked at him suspiciously as Cassie came up to them, “Harley- it’s time to throw your bouquet.”
“Ooh…is this the part where I get to run my hand up and down your leg?” Gus asked her quietly as they walked to the dance floor.
“That would be this part, yes,” Harley answered to Gus’ satisfaction.
All the single female guests gathered in the center of the dance floor and Harley tossed the bouquet over her head. Blake dove for it, but Susan’s hands were too fast and she grabbed it first. Everyone cheered for Susan and then they moved on to Gus’ favorite part.
Harley sat in a chair in the center of the dance floor and Gus knelt at her feet. Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On” started playing and Gus looked towards Rick, “Rick- cover those boys’ eyes,” he warned.
Gus ran his hand up Harley’s leg until he found what he was looking for. He pulled his hand back out and Harley looked at him confused. He gave her a naughty smile and before she knew it, his head had disappeared up her gown. He showered her leg with kisses and grasped the garter with his teeth and pulled it down her leg. He used his hands to slip it over her shoe, and came up successful.
Harley looked at him, shaking her head, “You are so bad.”
He rose and they shared a deep kiss while their guests cheered them on. Harley went to stand over at the side with Blake and Cassie while all the single men gathered where the women did before.
With his back facing the men, Gus launched the garter that landed right in the hands of Sam Spencer. Gus turned around to see who caught it and thought to himself, How convenient.
Cassie sat Susan down in the chair and had Sam kneel in front of her. Susan was blushing and Sam was only slightly nervous until he looked up and saw the Triple Threat of Buzz, Gus, and Frank standing behind Susan with their arms crossed. He slid the garter about halfway up Susan’s calf and stopped, “Okay, I think that’s far enough.”
Buzz, Frank, and Gus nodded in agreement and Susan shot them all a dirty look.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Gus and Harley were sharing another dance when Rick approached them with Jude.
“Hey, guys. He’s getting sleepy, so we’re gonna go. Thought you might like to say goodbye,” he said as he handed Jude over to Harley who showered him in kisses.
“Good night sweetie, be good for daddy, and we’ll see you in a few days,” Harley said as her eyes filled with tears. She had never been away from her boys for more than a night or two, let alone in another country.
Gus leaned over to Jude, “Bye Jude. Don’t grow too much while we’re gone, okay?” Jude reached his hands out for Gus, who took him and tickled his side, causing him to giggle, and settle into Gus’s arms. “Okay, go home with Daddy. Good night,” he said as he gave him back to Rick.
Harley blew Jude a kiss as they walked away, then turned back to Gus. “I’m gonna miss them so much.”
Gus kissed her forehead and assured her, “They’re going to be fine. They’re going to have a blast with their fathers.”
Harley sighed, “I know,” and settle back into Gus’s arms for another dance.
A few minutes later she looked around, “Do you think anyone would notice if we sneaked out early?” she asked Gus nuzzling her face into his neck showering him with kisses.
Gus sighed contently and pulled her face up to look at him, “Listen, I was thinking about this. I want nothing more than to go home and make love to you all night long, but I was thinking, since our first time was in Greece, kinda, then it would be appropriate if our first time as husband and wife was in Greece too, for real this time.”
Harley looked at him in shock, he was never one to put off sex any longer than necessary, then she smiled at him, “I think that sounds wonderful,” she said as she kissed him. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
An hour later, Gus and Harley said good-bye to Susan, Zach and the rest of the Coopers and headed home to a quiet, empty house.
Gus unlocked and opened the door. Harley was about to step in, but Gus stopped her.
“No, no,” he warned as he scooped her up into his arms and carried her over the threshold, “Isn’t this how they do it?”
He set Harley down and they kissed like two people more in love than ever. Not only two people in love, but a husband and wife now.
Harley let out an exhausted sigh, “I cannot wait to get out of this dress!”
Gus immediately regretted the suggested he made earlier, but realized the wait would be worth it. “Let’s go to bed. We have a plane to catch in 10 hours.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Gus wrapped his arms around his wife and pulled her close to him. He leaned down and breathed into her ear, “Sweet dreams, Mrs. Aitoro.”
Harley smiled, “You too,” and turned her head to kiss him. Within minutes they were both fast asleep, dreaming of the day that just experienced, and the rest of the days they would experience in their life together.
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Post by Jen on Apr 3, 2004 12:27:59 GMT -5
After their plane had landed, Gus and Harley picked up their luggage from baggage claim.
“Unh…” Harley groaned as she lifted her suitcase off the moving belt. “Why didn’t I bring a suitcase with wheels?”
“Here, take mine,” Gus said as he took Harley’s suitcase from her, “I’ll never understand why women have to pack so much.”
Harley grinned at him, “And I’ll never understand how men can pack so little.”
“Well, let’s see,” Gus said as they walked towards Customs, “I only brought two pairs of shoes-while you probably have eight in here.”
“Five,” Harley corrected him.
“And I don’t have all that make-up that you don’t need anyway,” he finished as they took their place in the long line of tourists.
“Thank you,” Harley said as she placed a quick kiss on his lips.
After an hour of waiting in line, they reached the booth that held a hard-looking man, “Passports,” he demanded.
Gus handed him their passports and he looked closely at them, occasionally glancing up at the couple in front of him, “What is your business in Greece?”
“We’re on our honeymoon,” Gus answered.
The man tossed the documents back out the little window and waved them through with an unemotional, “Congratulations.”
“Well, he was pleasant,” Gus joked as they reached yet another line, “gees, what’s the hold up?”
“They’re probably just checking someone’s bag,” Harley said as she snuggled into his body and kissed his neck, taking his mind off of the line in front of them.
After another hour in line, it started moving and Harley walked ahead of Gus as they walked past the security guards.
“Excuse me, Sir,” a man with a thick Greek accent said as he stopped Gus, “May I check your bag?”
“Uh, sure,” Gus replied as the man lifted the heavy suitcase onto a counter and began unzipping the compartments.
Gus shifted impatiently as the guard looked through the side pockets of the suitcase, then in the main compartment. He looked up and gave Gus a suspicious grin as he lifted out a white lace teddy.
Gus let out a nervous laugh as he looked toward Harley who was giggling. He looked back at the guard, “It’s my wife’s suitcase,” he explained, pointing at Harley.
“Sure, I hear that all the time,” the man joked as he replaced the negligee and zipped up the suitcase again, “Enjoy your stay.”
Harley was still laughing when Gus put his arm around her and led her away, “You are going to pay for that later.”
“I look forward to it.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Gus and Harley finally made it to the resort after a frustrating taxi ride. The language barrier was bad enough, but what made it worse was that the driver was new and had no idea where the resort was.
Gus leaned close to Harley as they entered the lobby, hand in hand, “I hope the front desk lady can speak English better than the driver”
Harley laughed as they approached the front desk, “Welcome to Sun Rocks, how may I help you?” the perky clerk greeted.
“We have reservations for Aitoro.”
“Ahh, yes, the Honeymoon Suite,” she smiled as she saw Gus and Harley look at each other like two people very much in love. “Congratulations. Here is your key and this is Sebastian, he’ll take your luggage and show you to your suite. Enjoy your stay and please let us know if we can get you anything.”
“Thank you,” Harley replied as they followed Sebastian out of the lobby to their room.
As Sebastian set their suitcases against the wall, Harley gasped at the suite in front of her. A huge bed covered in off white sheets sat in the middle of the room, with crimson rose petals scattered over it and surrounded by lit candles. Gus saw her face and he was glad he had called ahead to make arrangements for the romantic setting.
“Is there anything else, sir?” Sebastian asked.
Gus rushed Sebastian to the door and quietly asked him, “Could you bring us up some champagne and strawberries, and maybe a real Greek dinner in a few hours? We had a long flight.”
Sebastian smiled, knowing full well what they would be doing until he brought them dinner, “Of course, Sir,” and left the room after Gus shoved a tip in his hand.
“Gus!” Harley exclaimed as she grabbed his hand and pulled him over the French doors, “Look at this private balcony!”
“Ooh, that could be fun,” he teased as he nuzzled into her neck.
She turned around and led him back into the room, “And look at this, candles and flowers, it’s so beautiful.”
“Do you like it? I mean, I know you’re not real big on romance and everything, but I thought maybe just this once, we could do the flowers, candles, maybe a little music…”
“Wait a minute,” Harley interrupted, “did you do this?”
Gus nodded slightly.
“Aww, thank you, I love it. I love you,” she said as she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him.
She stroked his lips open with her tongue, kissed him hungrily, then began to suck on his lower lip as his hands traveled to her hips and pulled her into his body. She knew exactly how to drive him wild. She separated their lips and stepped out of his embrace. She ran her hands through his thick hair and down his neck to his shoulders. She traced his collarbone with her fingers until they met in the middle of his chest, right above the first button of his shirt. She slowly began to unbutton his ice blue shirt, taking time to kiss the newly exposed brown skin after each button. When she reached the last button, his breath was growing shorter, so she teased him more by moving her hands to undo his belt, then pulled her hands away, causing a frustrated groan to escape his lips. She moved away from his roaming hands and stepped behind him. She grasped his shirt the neck and slowly let it fall to the floor. She went to work on his neck and back with her tongue and made a trail of kisses down his spine. She ran her hands over the tattoo that had become an ingrained image in her mind. Gus reached behind his back to grab her hands and bring her back to face him. She had driven him crazy with slow, teasing kisses and now it was his turn. When she returned to stand in front of him, he kissed her deeply and their tongues played tag for several moments until they were both breathless. Gus took her face in his hands and planted soft kisses on her forehead, down to her eyes, over the bump in her nose he loved so much, back down to her mouth. His hands moved down to her hips and over her round bottom. Harley leaned her head back and exposed her neck to his mouth. He had already lost his shirt, it was time for her to shed some clothes too. He ran his hands up and down her back looking for a way to get her halter dress off of her. It wasn’t white, or the goddess dress she had imagined, but it didn’t matter to Gus. To him, Harley was a goddess no matter what she wore, and now she was his goddess. Forever. He figured he had to untie it around her neck, but then how was he supposed to get the form-fitting dress all the way off? He moved his lips from Harley’s neck up to her ear and after spending some time nibbling her ear lobe, he whispered, obviously frustrated, “How do you get this thing off?”
Harley laughed as she grabbed his hand and helped him find the hidden zipper in the middle of her back.
“Ahh,” he said, victorious, as he slowly lowered the zipper then moved up to the tie around her neck. Harley’s dress soon joined Gus’s shirt on the floor and her bra quickly followed, leaving her only in a pair of tiny silk panties.
Gus swept Harley up in his arms and they shared a deep kiss. The feel of his rough chest on hers was enough to cause her to quickly undo his pants and pushed them to the floor. They stumbled away from the pile of clothes at their feet over to the bed, their lips never parting.
Gus lowered Harley onto the bed, his hand behind her head as she hit the pillow. His mouth moved down to her neck and then to her chest. He caressed her breasts with his lips and hands, the gentle sucking of her nipples was driving her crazy and she needed to feel all of him. She ran her hands down his back and freed him of his little black briefs. His lips moved from her breasts over her stomach down to her abdomen, teasing her belly button with his tongue. He let his fingers hook the sides of her bikinis and yanked them down her legs and onto the floor with the rest of their clothes. He tickled her thighs with his lips, and ran kisses up and down her legs. Harley took control at this point and pushed him down on the bed. She climbed on top of him and buried her head in his chest, inhaling the scent of him, not his cologne, just him. He grabbed her face in his hands and pulled her to his mouth.
He finally rolled on top of her and entered her ready opening. He danced above her, her hips rising to meet his until they moved together in a perfect rhythm.
He made love to her like her kissed her- completely, passionately, with eyes wide open, drinking in every inch of her body, looking deep into her eyes displaying his amazing love for her without words as he took her to new heights of pleasure. She pulled his head down next to hers so that she could hear every moan and quiet ‘I love you’ that escaped his lips and he could hear the sounds of pleasure from her.
When he felt her nails digging into his lower back he concentrated his final movements on her and soon felt her legs tighten around him as she buried her face in his neck, crying out his name as their bodies reached the climax together.
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Post by Jen on Apr 3, 2004 12:28:23 GMT -5
When they had both regained their senses, Gus rolled over to her side and pulled her close to him. She rained kisses over his chest and neck as he nuzzled into her hair. He leaned his head down and kissed her deeply. She laid her head back on his chest, and they both let out a contented sigh. Harley laughed and propped her head up on Gus’s chest and twirled her fingers in his mat of chest hair. She looked up at Gus who had a pensive look on his face.
“Whatcha thinking about?” Harley asked him quietly.
Gus smiled at her and leaned his head down to kiss her, “I was thinking we should come to Greece more often,” he said with a wink.
“We really should,” Harley agreed.
Gus moved down on the bed with her and pulled her in for a kiss. They continued kissing until they were interrupted by a knock at the door.
“Who is that?”
“It’s probably dinner for us- you hungry?”
“Famished.”
“Good- I’ll be right back,” Gus said as he threw on his pants and went to answer the door.
“Sir- champagne, strawberries, and an authentic Greek dinner as you requested. Shall I take it in for you?” Sebastian asked.
Gus looked back at Harley in the bed wrapped only in a sheet, then back to Sebastian, “Uh no, that’s okay, thank you,” he said quickly as he dug in his pockets for a tip.
“What do we have here?” Harley asked licking her lips.
“Well, let’s see,” Gus said as he began pulling the lids off of the trays.
“We have some strawberries, which bring out the flavor in the champagne, and we have some- what the heck is this? Oh there’s a card- it says, ‘Souvlaki- beef with mushrooms, peppers, and tomatoes’ oh and there are some pitas with it- I guess we’re supposed to eat them with the bread?” Gus asked uncertainly.
Harley shrugged, “I guess so. What else is there?”
“Umm…muu- saka?” Gus sounded out.
“Moussaka?”
“Yeah, sure, what is it? Eggplant and ground beef casserole,” Gus answered himself and gave Harley a look of disgust.
“Oh stop it, you might like it,” Harley told him.
Gus laughed and moved on to the next tray, “Oooh, real rice pudding,” he said as he looked towards Harley, “I think I liked our ice cream Parthenon better.”
Harley laughed, “I don’t think I want you dropping that on my chest. Actually, I think I’m gonna skip that part.”
“You might like it,” Gus said in a mocking tone.
“Are you making fun of me?” Harley teased as moved to the edge of the bed by where Gus was standing.
“Of course I am,” Gus replied as he joined her on the bed.
“You must want a fight,” Harley joked as she pinned Gus down on the bed, he used his strength to roll her back over and he began tickling her.
“AH! Gus!” Harley giggled as she struggled to move away from his hands.
“Oh, now you can’t handle it, huh?” he taunted as he continued to tickle her.
“Alright, alright, I give up, do what you want to me,” Harley surrendered.
“Oh, I plan on it,” Gus said as he leaned down and kissed her. He moved down to her neck, then back up to her mouth, their tongues teasing each other.
Gus’s growling stomach made them break their kiss, “Alright, let’s eat,” he said as he moved back to the cart of food.
“Champagne?” he asked as he started to unwrap the bottle.
“Yes please,” she answered as she sat on the edge of the bed.
Gus poured them champagne and handed a glass to Harley, “Let’s try one of these strawberries,” he said as he reached for a big, red strawberry and moved it to Harley’s mouth. She took a bite and he finished it.
“Yumm…those are good, let’s save those for later and eat the real food first,” Harley said.
“Okay,” Gus said as he grabbed a skewer of Souvlaki and fed some of it to Harley, then had some for himself.
“That was really good, let’s try this eggplant stuff,” Harley said as she took a fork and filled it with the Moussaka to feed to Gus.
He protested, but she finally got him to open his mouth a take a bite, then she tried a forkful. They both looked at each other nodded in agreement that they should stick to the souvlaki.
They fed each other the rest of the shish kabobs and ignored the Moussaka and rice pudding. When they were both full, they laid back in the bed with the strawberries and glasses of champagne and toasted to the life that laid ahead of them, full of possibilities and happiness.
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Post by Jen on Apr 3, 2004 12:29:03 GMT -5
Harley reached behind her back for Gus’s right arm and brought it between them. She twisted his watch around until she could see what time it was. It was still on Springfield time and read 1:00.
Gus looked down at her, “Are you going to call Buzz?”
Harley nodded, “I just want to let them know we got here okay and make sure the kids are alright.”
Gus kissed her palm, then rolled over to get the phone and hand it to Harley. She dialed about 20 numbers and finally heard the phone ring.
“Company,” Buzz’s gruff voice answered.
“Hey Dad, it’s me.”
“Hi honey, where are you?”
“We’re at the resort.”
“Did you just get there? How was your flight?”
“The flight was fine, we got here a little bit ago,” she answered as she looked over and smiled at Gus. “How are Susan and the boys? Did Phillip pick up Zach?”
“Susan and Marina are having a blast causing me trouble, Jude is fine, he’s with Rick, and Zach is still here- no Phillip yet.”
“He was supposed to pick him up at 9, he hasn’t called or anything?”
“Nope.”
“Daddy, could you call him and remind him that he is supposed to have his son this week? I can’t believe he forgot,” Harley said angrily as Gus looked at her questionably.
Harley pulled the phone away from her mouth and told Gus, “Phillip forgot that he was supposed to pick up Zach. He’s still with Dad.”
Gus shook his head, he could never understand how Phillip really felt about Zach. It seemed like he only remembered Zach was his son when it was convenient or when it helped him control Harley.
“Well, will you call him, please?”
“I’ll call him, Harley, but Zach can stay with us, it’s not a problem.”
“Thanks Dad. Is he okay? I mean has he noticed?”
“Nah, he’s been playing with Frank all morning. Do you want to talk to him?”
“No, let him play, just give him a kiss for us, okay?”
“That I can do. You two have fun and we’ll see you in a few days.”
“Thanks, Daddy. See you soon. Bye.”
Harley hung up the phone and fell back against the pillows, letting out an angered sigh. Gus laid back with her and put his arm around her.
“Honey, don’t let him upset you. If he doesn’t pick up Zach, I’m sure Buzz and Frank will take good care of him, and Zach probably would have more fun with his grandpa, uncle and sister than with the Spaulding staff.”
“I know, but I just can’t believe Phillip, the same man who kept my son away from me last year because he didn’t think our home was good for Zach forgets to pick up his son. No, you know what, I do believe it. It’s exactly like Phillip.”
“Shh..Harley, forget about Phillip, okay? He is in Springfield, we are here, in Greece. On our honeymoon. In this nice big bed, with no kids asking for a glass of water or another bedtime story-“
Harley interrupted, “The Chief isn’t asking us to go arrest a perp, Dad doesn’t need help in the kitchen, Eden isn’t trying to guilt you into anything…”
“It’s just us, Coop. You and me, let’s enjoy it,” Gus finished as he eased Harley down the bed and kissed her deeply, making all thoughts of Phillip Spaulding disappear leaving her mind only thinking of the man kissing her, her husband, who always made things better.
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Post by Jen on Apr 3, 2004 12:29:32 GMT -5
Harley and Gus snuggled in a lounge chair on their private balcony, wrapped in a sheet watching the sun set over the Aegean Sea.
Harley sighed contently as Gus tightened his embrace around her.
“Do you think now that we’re married we’re going to get boring? You know, like Mel and Rick?” Harley asked.
Gus let out a hearty laugh at that one.
Harley covered her mouth quickly, “Oh I shouldn’t have said that. But really, I mean, they’re happy, yeah, but you know, they’re kinda boring. I mean, their idea of fun is turning off their cell phones for a night.”
“Honey, I know he’s one of your best friends, but Rick Bauer has always been boring,” he said as he kissed the top of her head, “that’s why you’re with me.”
Harley wondered out loud, “You know, I was with Rick because I wanted to be safe, and I ran from you because you were anything but safe.”
“Yeah, I know,” Gus sighed.
“So why is it that when I’m with you, when you have your arms around me, I feel safer than I’ve ever felt before, like nothing could break through them?”
“Because nothing will. I won’t let it,” Gus replied as he kissed her cheek, “It is ironic though, isn’t it?”
Harley’s silence was her agreement.
“And we,” Gus continued, “will never be boring. We are going to have the best of both worlds babe, happy and exciting.”
“Sounds good to me,” Harley agreed, then she looked up at Gus, “Why don’t we go out tonight? We haven’t left the bed since we got here.”
“Well, it’s a very comfortable bed,” Gus teased, “and what are you talking about? We’re out of the bed now.”
“Oh wow, we made it all the way out to the balcony.”
“Yes, and remind me to thank the hotel for this private balcony, by the way. So, where do you want to go?” Gus asked.
“Well, we can go to a taverna and drink some wine, eat some food,” she said as she heard Gus’s stomach growl, “and, we can show off our wonderful Greek dancing skills.”
“That sounds good. And then tomorrow we can go sightseeing? If we can manage to roll out of bed, that is,” Gus added as he snuggled his face against Harley’s.
Harley chuckled, “right.”
“Okay, let’s go,” Gus said although neither one of them moved a muscle.
“Let’s not go yet,” Harley said as she turned to face Gus.
“Why don’t we make good use of this private balcony one more time today,” she said with a naughty sparkle in her eyes.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
A few hours later, Harley stood in front of the bathroom mirror, putting her hair up. Gus came up behind her and kissed her neck, “Are you almost ready?”
Harley put the last bobby pin in place and turned to face Gus, “I’m ready.”
Gus quietly looked at Harley from her hair to her feet. She wore a long, print wrap skirt with a solid color matching sleeveless top. Her feet were still bare, but after placing a quick kiss on his lips, Harley went to her suitcase, dug out a pair of sandals and slipped her feet into them.
“Let’s go,” she said, grabbing for his hand.
They hailed a taxi outside of the resort and Gus told the driver to take them to a nice taverna. The cab driver looked back at the couple and spoke in pretty good english, “Romantika- sounds like the perfect place for you two, but it’s a longer ride, it will take about a half an hour, if that’s okay.”
Gus looked at Harley who nodded, then they settled back into their seats, “That’s fine, thank you,” Gus said as the driver pulled away from the curb.
Gus pulled Harley close to him and whispered in her ear, “Have I told you how absolutely beautiful you look tonight?”
Harley smiled shyly and answered, “Thank you. You look pretty sexy yourself.”
Gus looked down at his clothing, he wasn’t sure about his choice of outfits. He was used to wearing suits, and jeans around the house, but he had decided to go shopping before their trip and bought some new clothes. Tonight he chose a pair of khaki pants and a green button down shirt over white t-shirt. He had his shirt tucked in and wore his signature chains around his neck. He completed his outfit with a pair of brown sandals on his tanned feet.
“You like my new threads, huh? I don’t know, I feel like I just stepped out of an American Eagle ad.”
“Well, it’s different for you, but it looks great,” Harley complemented him with a kiss on his cheek.
Less than a half an hour later, they arrived at the taverna. Gus paid the driver, adding a nice tip for the restaurant suggestion, and they entered the taverna. They were seated at a small table in a dark corner overlooking the sea. The taverna was situated on a cliff high above sea level. It had about 20 small tables scattered around the floor. The table they were seated at had a candle in the middle, with a bottle of wine beside it. A waitress came around and poured them each a glass of the red wine and gave them menus to look at. They looked over the menus and both decided on the traditional roasted lamb with garlic potatoes. Harley had to urge Gus to order a Greek salad along with his meal, but he finally did.
They talked and laughed while they ate their salads and waited for their dinners. The musicians started playing a little louder than usual, and Gus and Harley turned to look at the dance floor where most of the customers had gathered and had formed a large circle. Their waitress came by and urged them to join the dancing group. Harley looked at Gus, who quickly stood up.
“Time to show off those dancing skills, Coop.”
Harley laughed, took his hand, and followed him to the dance floor. They joined the circle and continued to hold hands, and placing their other hand in the person’s beside them. The circle started moving to the right, then the left, then the right again, every once in awhile, the dancers would kick their legs to the center. The waitresses passed out handkerchiefs that were supposed to be used in the dance as the group separated into couples who either continued the dance or started making up moves of their own. Gus and Harley were in the latter group. Gus ran the handkerchief through his fingers and threw it around Harley’s neck and pulled her close to him. As the music ended, they kissed long and lingering on the dance floor until they were the only couple left. They noticed this and went back to their table just as their dinners had arrived. While they were eating, Gus put his fork down and looked at Harley.
Harley noticed he had stopped eating and was staring at her, “What?”
“Harley, I want to…” he said, but didn’t finish his sentence.
“You want to what, Gus?” Harley asked.
Gus changed his mind about what he was going to say to her, “No, it’s nothing. Nevermind.”
“Oh, don’t do that- what?” Harley begged.
Gus leaned over the table and silenced her with a kiss. She smiled at him and went back to her dinner. Gus sat back in his chair and sighed. He couldn’t tell her what he wanted. Not right now, he would have to feel her out a little more before he told her his wishes.
When they had finished their dinner, they ordered some real Greek baklava, which they had both agreed was surprisingly close to the baklava Buzz makes for Company everyday. Gus paid the bill, and they left the restaurant and walked down to the beach.
They both slipped off their sandals and walked hand in hand along the water, small waves lapping at their feet. They were alone on the beach and took the opportunity to kiss and enjoy each other under the stars with the moonlight reflected off the dark water.
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Post by Jen on Apr 3, 2004 12:30:02 GMT -5
A few days later, Harley and Gus stood outside on their private balcony taking a final look at the beautiful view from their suite. They had called the front desk and were just waiting for the bellhop to come get their luggage. Gus moved behind Harley, wrapped his arms around her and settled his head on her shoulder.
“God, look at that beach,” Gus sighed, “The boys would have loved this. I can just see them trying to build a sandcastle, and Susan would be laying like 50 feet away from us, jamming to some horrid rap music catching some rays.”
Harley laughed and settled against his chest.
“We should have brought them with us, they would have had a blast,” Gus added.
“Next time we will. But I liked having you all to myself for awhile,” Harley replied as she kissed his cheek.
They were interrupted by a knock on the door.
“That must be the bellhop,” Gus said as he pulled away from Harley to go answer the door.
“Sir, I’m here to get your luggage,” Sebastian, the same bellhop they had the day they arrived said when Gus opened the door.
“Yeah, they’re right over there. We’re almost ready,” Gus said as he pointed to the suitcases, then joined Harley again on the balcony.
“Are you ready to go home?” he asked.
“No. And yes,” she answered as she turned Gus.
Gus joined her at the railing and pulled her in for a kiss.
“It was a good trip, wasn’t it?” he asked.
Harley answered him, “the best. Thank you.”
Gus looked at her confused, “for what?”
“For giving me this, for giving me everything. I just- thank you,” she answered with a hug.
Gus held her face in his hands and kissed her gently on her forehead, “You are more than welcome. I would do anything for you, always remember that.”
“Let’s go home,” he finished as he wrapped his arm around her waist and led her back into the suite, “I am going to miss that balcony though,” he added as they followed Sebastian down to the lobby of the hotel. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Harley and Gus walked into Company later that day after dropping their suitcases off at home.
“Mommy!!” Zach exclaimed as he ran into her arms.
“Hey, baby,” Harley said as she hugged him tight, “oh I missed you!”
“I miss you too, Mommy. Gus!” he said as he jumped from Harley’s arms into Gus’s.
Gus hugged Zach while Buzz and Frank welcomed them home.
“Dad, where is Susan?” Harley asked.
“She’s at the mall with Marina. She said she would be back by 5, so she should be here soon, and Rick called and said he would bring Jude over at 5 too.”
As Buzz was talking, Rick, Mel, and Jude entered Company.
“Hey- look who’s here,” Rick said as they stepped into the dining room.
Harley hugged Rick, then grabbed her son and hugged and kissed him.
“Hi guys, how was your trip?” Mel asked as she set Jude’s diaper bag into a booth. Rick slid in beside her and Gus, Harley and the boys crowded across from them.
“It was wonderful,” Harley replied. “The resort was gorgeous, the weather was wonderful, it was just perfect.”
“I bet you wish you were still there, huh?” Rick asked.
Gus looked down at Zach and Jude who were rummaging through the box of seashells they had brought back for them and smiled, “No, not really. We’re glad to be home.”
“Well, it’s good to have you home. We have to go to work, so welcome home, and we want to hear all about Greece later,” Rick said as they got up to leave.
“Thanks Rick.”
Susan and Marina passed Rick and Mel on their way out and rushed to welcome Gus and Harley home. They slid into the booth across from them.
“So,” Marina asked, “what did you bring us back?”
Harley laughed, “Is that all you care about?”
“Oh, I’m sorry. Did you have a good trip? What did you bring us back?”
“Well, we do have things for everyone, but it’s all back at the house,” Gus answered.
“Well, then let’s go,” Susan said.
“Dad, can you get someone else to close up so you can come to the house?” Harley asked.
“Yeah, I’m sure Lynn can handle it. Why don’t I get some chili and meet you guys there in a little bit?” Buzz replied.
“Okay, come on boys, let’s go home,” Harley said. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Later that night, after they had passed out the gifts they had brought back for everyone and told stories from their trip, Gus and Harley turned off the lights in the boys’ room and went to their own.
They climbed into bed and settled down, exhausted.
“I am so glad we have two days before we have to go back to work,” Harley sighed.
“Me too, but I have a feeling two little boys will be waking us up at the crack of dawn tomorrow,” Gus replied.
“Ugh…” Harley moaned as she settled against Gus’s chest.
“Good night,” he said quietly as he kissed her one last time before they both fell asleep.
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Post by Jen on Apr 3, 2004 12:30:21 GMT -5
Bright and early the next Monday morning, Gus and Harley walked into the station not so ready to get back to work. They were still a little jet-lagged and the boys had barely given them a moments rest since they got home, going to work was actually giving them a break.
“Hey!” Frank exclaimed when he saw them enter the station, “look who’s back!”
Frank’s ruckus was enough to get the Chief to come out of his office and see what was going on.
“What is all the yelling about?” he demanded, then stopped when he saw his two best detectives back where they belong.
“Well, welcome back to reality. No more lying on the beach getting tans for you two, we have work to do,” he said gruffly, “that goes for all of you!” he yelled at the group of officers who were welcoming Gus and Harley home.
The crowd dispersed and Chief was left with Gus and Harley, “sorry about that- Welcome home. Did you have a good trip? We do have a bunch of work to do. Gosh, I missed you guys.”
Gus and Harley shared a smile as Franklin went back into his office and they got their desks back in order.
“Oh- so what the hell am I supposed to call you now?” Franklin asked Harley.
Harley looked at Gus, “Well, Cooper, Aitoro, whatever, I guess. I don’t really know. I’ll answer to anything.”
Franklin nodded, “Okay. Welcome home.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
“You’re gonna have to talk to Detective Aitoro,” Chief Franklin said as he pointed a tall, blonde man towards Harley, “she’ll take your statement.”
“Thank you,” the man said as he walked over to Harley’s desk, “Detective, uh, Aitoro?”
Harley turned around, “Yes.”
“My name is Eric Sampson, my car was stolen, Chief Franklin told me to speak to you.”
“Okay, where was your car at while it was stolen?” Harley asked as she searched her desk for the necessary paperwork.
“I was at the bank. Well, actually I was at the ATM and I left my car running, and when I turned around to get back in my car, it was gone.”
“You left your car running? Well, you may not want to do that anymore.”
Eric laughed at himself, “Yeah, I guess so. Never had any problems before.”
Gus rushed in, “Here you go,” he said as he handed Harley a cup of coffee and sat down at his desk with a file.
Eric ignored the man who just walked in and looked at Harley, “You know, I would have my car stolen every day if it meant getting to work with a cop as beautiful as you.”
Gus’s attention went from the file on his desk to the man who was flirting with his wife. Harley looked at Gus and rolled her eyes.
“Thank you. Okay, so what was the make and model of the car?”
Gus pushed his chair back and threw his feet up on the desk. He was pretending to be looking at a file, but he was really just enjoying this guy make an ass out of himself.
“It was a 2001 Chevy Cavalier, two doors, dark green.”
“License plate number?” Harley asked.
“T59-7362,” he answered, “so does Detective Aitoro have a first name?”
Harley answered without looking up from the paper, “It’s Harley.”
“Like the motorcycle?”
“Yeah,” Harley said with a laugh.
“Well, maybe I could take a ride sometime,” he said quietly, but loud enough for Gus to hear it.
Harley cleared her throat and handed Eric the paperwork, “Okay, well, why don’t you look over your statement one last time and sign this. I have to go get something, if you have any questions, you can ask my partner- Detective Aitoro,” Harley said as she pointed to Gus, who had an annoyed look on his face.
“Detective Aitoro? Oh, what are you- her brother?” Eric asked Gus.
Gus shook his head, “Husband,” he answered, while Eric turned bright red.
“Oh,” he said and quickly looked down at the paper Harley had handed him.
Harley returned after a few minutes, “Did you sign it?”
“Uh yeah, here you go. Listen, I’m sorry about that motorcycle comment and everything. I didn’t realize you were married. You must think I’m such a jerk,” Eric apologized.
Harley nodded, “That’s okay. So, we have your number, so someone will call you if we come up with a suspect or if we find your car. Have a good day.”
Eric looked at Gus apologetically and left the station quickly.
Harley sat down at her desk and looked at Gus expectedly.
“What?”
“Nothing. You’re just very cute when you’re jealous.” Harley answered.
“Jealous? I’m not jealous, I’m upset, he was being inappropriate.”
“Well, he didn’t know we were married.”
“It doesn’t matter-“
“Detectives, we got a big one,” Chief Franklin interrupted Gus.
“What’s up, Chief?” Harley asked.
“We just got a call from Josh Lewis. His daughter, Marah is missing.”
“Marah? What do you mean she’s missing?”
“Her parents haven’t heard from her for days and her roommate hasn’t seen her either. Come on, we have to get over to the Lewis house.”
Harley looked at Gus worriedly and they followed Franklin out of the station.
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Post by Jen on Apr 3, 2004 12:30:49 GMT -5
Gus, Harley and Franklin rang the doorbell at the Lewis house and were let it quickly by Josh.
“Harley, thank you guys for coming,” Josh said as he hugged Harley.
“How are you doing?” she asked worriedly.
“We’re okay, we just want to find her,” he answered.
“We’re going to do everything we can, Josh,” Gus assured him.
“Mr. Lewis, I’m going to leave you here with Detectives Aitoro and Coop- Aitoro with you, and I’m going to get some guys out looking for your daughter. We’ll call you if we learn anything,” Franklin said.
“Thank you,” Josh said as he shook Franklin’s hand and led him outside.
While Josh was showing Franklin out, Gus and Harley went into the living room.
Harley sat down by Reva and Cassie on the couch. Gus watched as she comforted Reva, telling her that they would find Marah, and that she would be fine. That was what Harley was best at, the personal part of the job. Gus could pressure suspects with the best of them, but it was Harley who got them to trust her enough to confess. Time and time again their good-cop, bad-cop routine had proven successful. Gus decided that wouldn’t help in this situation, so he calmly approached Reva.
He knelt down in front of her, “Mrs. Lewis, do you know of anyone your daughter might have went out of town with? Maybe they were just taking a weekend trip and she didn’t tell you?”
Reva shook her head, “No, I don’t- she would have told us.”
“Okay,” Harley soothed, “What about her roommates? She lives with Ben, Bill and Remy, right? Have they seen her?”
“No, she moved back on campus, she’s with her old roommate, Sunni. She hasn’t seen her either,” Reva answered.
Harley looked up at Gus, who immediately left the room to call an officer to go question Sunni.
When Gus returned, Harley was asking Reva if Tony had been in contact with Marah the last few days.
“I, I don’t know, I didn’t even think about him. They’ve been fighting…” Reva replied.
“Fighting about what?” Gus asked.
“I don’t know. If he did anything-“
“Okay, Reva, let’s not jump to conclusions, Gus and Harley will find her,” Cassie comforted her sister.
While Cassie and Harley were trying to calm Reva down, an officer came in and whispered something to Gus.
“Josh, can you and Reva try to think of anyone Marah might have had plans with or places she could have gone this weekend and write it down for us so we can check it out? Coop,” he said as he motioned her to follow him.
They went out to the foyer and Gus didn’t even have to tell her what news the officer had brought.
“Where did they find her?” she asked.
“On the beach, by the Beacon,” Gus replied quietly, “they’re not sure it’s her.”
Harley put her hand to her head and paced the foyer, “Oh, God, how are we supposed to tell them this?”
“It’s not the first time we’ve had to tell parents we’ve found their child,” Gus said.
“But this isn’t some random person Gus, this is Marah Lewis. I was her nanny when she was younger, I was engaged to her father.”
“I know,” Gus replied as he grabbed her arm and pulled her close, “Stay here, I’ll go tell them. We need one of them to ID her.”
“No, I’ll come with you,” Harley insisted as she wiped her eyes and went back into the living room.
“Josh, Reva, one of our officers may have found Marah,” she started.
“Oh, thank goodness! Where is she?” Reva asked excitedly, but Josh saw the look on Harley’s face and knew this wasn’t good news.
“Reva, they found a body on the beach,” Harley told her.
“Oh no…”
“We need someone to ID the body,” Gus said.
“Reva- I’ll go do it,” Cassie said quickly, wanting to spare her sister from the experience.
“No Cassie. We have to do it,” Josh replied, “Come on, let’s get this over with.”
Gus and Harley drove Josh and Reva to the morgue in their car. There was an awkward silence for most of the trip save for some static on the radio.
When they got to the station and were headed downstairs to the morgue, Reva stopped at the top of the steps.
“I can’t do it…I can’t see her,” she stammered.
“That’s okay, I’ll do it,” Josh said strongly.
“Okay, Reva, why don’t you just sit here,” Harley said as she guided her to a chair against the wall, “Patrick- can you get her some coffee? We’ll be right back.”
Gus and Harley led Josh downstairs and Harley stayed on one side of the window while Gus went through the doors to the morgue.
“Josh, Gus is going to open the blind, and then when you’re ready, he’ll lift the sheet, just long enough for you to tell us yes or no, then he’ll cover the body again, okay?” Harley explained as Gus lifted the blind.
Gus pushed the talk button on the intercom, “Let me know when you’re ready, Josh.”
Josh slowly nodded, “Go ahead,” he answered quietly and Harley nodded at Gus.
Gus lifted the sheet and moved it down to show a woman’s face with blonde hair. The face was bruised like she had been badly beaten, but it was obvious that Josh could recognize the daughter he had raised.
Josh took in a deep breath that turned into a sob and quietly said ‘Yes’ before he broke down in Harley’s arms. Gus quickly replaced the sheet and shut the blind. When he emerged from the room, Harley was still comforting Josh on the bench by the wall.
Gus stood by while Harley got Josh to calm down enough to walk back up the stairs to Reva. When they got upstairs, Reva and Josh cried together as they realized their daughter was dead.
Reva took a deep breath and wiped her eyes, “I want Tony Santos arrested for this. He did it. I know he did.”
Harley looked at Gus, “We can’t arrest him without any evidence, Reva. All we can do is question him for now, and we will, don’t worry.”
Gus nodded in agreement, “Why don’t we take you two back home,” he said as they led the mourning couple out of the station.
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Post by Jen on Apr 3, 2004 12:31:35 GMT -5
Harley stared out the window as Gus drove to Infierno. They had to question Tony Santos about Marah’s disappearance, not to mention her death. She couldn’t believe how things had changed in the last twenty-four hours. Just yesterday she was happy as could be with her new husband and her children. And today, she was trying to find anyone who knew anything about Marah’s disappearance. Marah- a girl she had helped raise, she was even sure at one time that she would be Marah’s stepmother. And now she was dead, brutally murdered and dumped into the lake. She shook her head and willed the tears filling in her eyes not to fall.
Gus looked over and placed his hand over Harley’s, “Are you okay?” he asked. “We can get someone else to question Tony.”
Harley shook her head, “No, I’m fine.”
“Liar,” Gus replied quietly as he pulled off the side of the road and put the car in park.
Harley looked at him confused, “What are you doing?”
Gus scooted over in his seat closer to Harley and pulled her close to him, “Talk to me,” he urged.
The second her head hit his chest she broke down in tears. Gus held her close and let her cry while he soothed her with kisses on her head.
After a few minutes, she looked up at him, her eyes red from crying, “I just can’t believe this is happening. I just keep thinking that this could be Susan, you know? We don’t know who killed her, maybe it was Tony, maybe not. Maybe it was just some crazy guy who picked a blonde out of the crowd. She was like a daughter to me at one point, Gus. She’ll always be the little girl that I tucked into bed, or soothed out of a nightmare. I just can’t believe I’m looking for her killer now.”
Gus tipped her chin up and kissed her gently, “I know. I guess we just have to be thankful it wasn’t Susan.”
Harley closed her eyes and Gus wiped away her tears with his fingers and kisses.
Harley regained her composure. “Let’s go get this over with,” she said as she kissed Gus and sat back in her seat.
Gus moved back over the driver’s seat and put the car in drive. He held Harley’s hand the rest of the way to Infierno. After they had gotten back on the road, Harley looked at him, “thank you,” she said quietly as she brought their hands up to her face and kissed his hand.
About 10 minutes later, they pulled into the parking lot at Millennium and walked downstairs to Infierno. There were a few customers sitting at the bar, and Tony was pouring one of them a drink when the detectives walked in. They took a seat at the other end of the bar and he cautiously approached them.
“Aitoro and Cooper, I didn’t realize cops were allowed to drink on the job,” Tony said smartly.
“We’re not here for drinks, Tony,” Gus said.
Harley continued, “I’m sure you know that the Lewises haven’t heard from Marah in a few days. They were worried and called us.”
“Yeah, I know. I’m worried sick. Have you found her?” Tony said worriedly.
Gus answered him, “Yeah, we found her Tony.”
“We found her at the lake. She’s dead Tony, she was murdered,” Harley finished.
Tony’s breath caught and he steadied himself against the bar, “she’s….dead?” he choked out.
“Tony, I know this is a shock, but we need to question you,” Gus said as Tony gave him a surprised look.
“Question me? Why?”
“You were the last person that had any contact with her and Reva told us you were fighting. Come on, Tony, you know how this works. We have to take you down to the station, so you can either come quietly or we can take you in cuffs. It’s your choice,” Harley said as Danny came out of the office and saw Tony shaken and Gus and Harley with him.
“What’s going on, here?” he asked, “Tony, what’s wrong?”
“She’s gone, Danny…”
“Who?”
“Marah Lewis,” Gus answered, “We found her body in the lake this morning and we have to question Tony.”
“Come on, Gus is this really necessary?” Danny asked, worried about his cousin.
“Danny, we wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t,” Harley replied, “Come on, Tony.”
“Tony, call me when you’re done, I’ll come get you,” Danny said as Gus and Harley led a dazed Tony out of the club to their car.
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