rescued love

StoneGarden.Net Presents: Rescued Love by Rhonda Squires

file:///D|/ebook source files/Rescued/test.html [3/24/2003 6:30:57 PM]

StoneGarden.Net Presents: Rescued Love by Rhonda Squires

Marina Kelly drove down Elizabeth Avenue in bumper to bumper traffic. She sighed to herself thinking she was never going to get to the daycare on time with all the traffic. She dearly loved living in St. John’s but hated the traffic during that time of day. Marina had lived in St. John’s her entire life. At twenty-seven years old, she felt it would be her home for the rest of her life. Besides since her parents died 10 years previous, all the family she had left was living there. Her only sister Stephanie lived with her husband, John, just a few blocks from Marina. Then there was Danny the most joyous thing in her life. Marina pulled into the parking lot of the daycare center finally and parked the car quickly. She walked in looking around to catch sight of Danny and spotted him sitting at a desk coloring. Marina smiled her vibrant green eyes sparkled as she watched him. She thought, how quickly her son was growing up. He was already four and so smart. She stood there watching him thinking he was the only good thing that had come out of her terrible marriage to Marc. When she met Marc Kelly six years earlier, she had fallen in love immediately. His penetrating blue eyes had entranced her and he had been every woman’s dream. His hair was dark brown and always perfectly groomed. His chiseled features were like a movie star. She had never seen a man that handsome in her life. It was love at first sight for Marina and for him too, or at least that is what he told her. For the entire time they dated, he never ceased to surprise Marina. He was romantic, gentle, kind and did everything he could to make her happy. A year after they met, they were married and Marina was pregnant two months later. She thought, that was when things went bad. Marc started to stay out until all hours of the night and when he did come home he smelled of alcohol and cheap perfume. Marina tried to brush it off, thinking he was just getting it all out of his system before the baby was born. She quickly found out that Marc was not going to get it out of his system when she found a box in the back of her closet filled with needles and heroine. Marina realized, Marc was doing drugs. When she confronted him, he went into a rage. He told her things she never expected. He said that he had never loved her and never wanted a kid. He said he would be happy if he didn’t have to see Marina or the baby ever again. She immediately packed her bags leaving her home and Marc. She arrived on her sister’s doorstep in tears and very pregnant. Marina hadn’t heard from Marc since and that was the way she wanted it. She filed for a divorce and had received the signed papers with no arguments or contact. She hoped she never had to see him again. After the divorce and the help of her sister, Marina was able to finish her business degree and landed a great job with an advertising firm in the city. Things were going perfect in her life and she was glad that Marc was out of it. Marina watched Danny thinking he looked so much like his father just a lighter version. His hair was not dark like Marc’s but he had the same intense blue eyes and the same features. She often wondered how she could love someone so much that looked like someone she despised. She loved Danny more than life itself and had never regretted having him for a second. She did feel sad, at times, that Danny had to grow up without a father and her sister agreed. Stephanie had tried unsuccessfully many times to set Marina up with friends of John’s but Marina just didn’t want a man in her life, at least not now. "Mommy!" Danny screamed as he dashed across the floor and jumped into Marina’s arms. She hugged him tightly and telling him to get his things it was time to go home. He scooted to the back of the room and grabbed his things. Marina nodded at the care taker of the daycare as her and Danny walked through the door and headed toward the car. Danny pulled from Marina’s hand and darted out into the parking lot. "Danny! Stop!" Marina screamed seeing an oncoming car. Suddenly, she saw a man scoop Danny up and walk toward her. "I don’t think you should run away from your mom like that buddy." He said softly to Danny as he passed him to Marina. "Thank you!" Marina sighed with relief. "No problem! I have one in there just like him." He said as he tousled Danny’s blonde hair. "They are a handful at times." Marina said laughing. "They certainly are." He said. "Don’t I know you?" "You do look familiar." Marina said "Wait! You’re John Barron’s sister-in-law, right?" he asked. Marina nodded looking curiously at the man that had just saved her son. "I’m James Douglas. John and I work together. We met at a party he and your sister had last year."

file:///D|/ebook source files/Rescued/01.html (1 of 2) [3/24/2003 6:31:03 PM]

StoneGarden.Net Presents: Rescued Love by Rhonda Squires

"Oh, now I remember." Marina said. "I didn’t know you had a child." "Yep! He just turned four." James said. "I’m four too." Danny said proudly. "Well aren’t you just a big boy!" James chuckled "John didn’t tell me you were married." Marina said smiling at Danny. "I’m a widower." He said softly. "My wife died just after Michael was born." "Oh! I’m sorry." Marina said feeling bad for bringing up the subject. "Thanks but I’m ok now. I still have Michael and that helps a great deal." He said smiling at Danny. "Well I better go get my little terror." He chuckled. "It was nice seeing you again and thanks for grabbing Danny for me" Marina said as she headed for her car. "No problem and it was good to see you again too!" James said as he walked into the day care. Marina walked to her car with Danny in her arms and put him securely in his car seat. She drove to her apartment thinking how hard it must be for a man to raise a son on his own. Not many men have to do that. She was very impressed. She remembered the night she had met James. John introduced him to everyone telling them that James worked as a police officer with John. Stephanie had made a point of letting Marina know that James was single and very handsome. Marina agreed but had no interest in getting involved with anyone. Danny was her first and only priority. Stephanie had given her the usual speech that Marina couldn’t stay single her whole life and Danny needed a dad in his life. This of course became their usual argument of Danny not needing anyone but Marina. Marina walked into her apartment with Danny darting past her and sitting in front of the television. Her apartment was not large but it was comfortable. The kitchen and livingroom were one room that was separated by a small island. Off the livingroom were two bedrooms and the bathroom was centered between them. Marina thought it was just big enough for her and Danny. Marina walked into her bedroom and changed into jeans and a T-shirt. She then headed to the kitchen to prepare supper. She was preparing a salad and watching Danny play, when the phone rang. "Hello!" she said pleasantly into the phone. "Hey sis!" Stephanie said "Hey! What are you doing?" Marina said. "Just calling to see if you wanted to come over for a while." Stephanie said. "Well I’m just starting supper." Marina told her "Well, put it aside and come have supper with us." Stephanie said. After a bit more coaxing from Stephanie, Marina agreed and hung up the phone. She told Danny to get ready, and they were going to visit his aunt and uncle. He was very delighted because he loved John and Stephanie. Marina thought it was probably because they spoiled him but she really didn’t mind. She felt bad because Stephanie couldn’t have children of her own. She and John had tried for years with little success and the doctor had told them that Stephanie may never conceive. Now that Stephanie was almost thirty-four, her chances of having children were becoming even less. John and Stephanie treated Danny as if he was their own son and Marina didn’t mind one bit. Marina and Danny headed out the door to the car. While they drove, they sang a couple of songs that Danny liked. They pulled up in front of Stephanie and John’s home and Marina noticed a strange car but didn’t think much of it. She and Danny proceeded into the house.

file:///D|/ebook source files/Rescued/01.html (2 of 2) [3/24/2003 6:31:03 PM]

StoneGarden.Net Presents: Rescued Love by Rhonda Squires

"Uncle John!" Danny screamed as he leaped into John’s arms. "How’s my favorite buddy?" John said, tossing a squealing Danny in the air. "Well he was quite calm until I got here." Marina laughed They stood in the hallway talking when Marina noticed another little boy standing in the livingroom door. He was about Danny’s age. He had dark brown hair and Marina smiled thinking he had the biggest brown eyes she had ever seen. He smiled at Marina and then looked at Danny. "Hi Danny!" he said softly. Danny stopped squealing and shifted in John’s arms to see who was talking to him. "Michael!" Danny yelled as he jumped out of John’s arms. "Mommy it’s Michael from daycare." He said as the two boys ran into the livingroom. "Why do you have a little boy here?" Marina asked as she and John walked into the livingroom. Her question was answered when she spotted James sitting on the sofa talking with Stephanie. "Well hello again!" James said smiling. "Hi!" Marina said politely. "James dropped in just after I was talking to you. John asked him to stay for supper too." Stephanie said almost sounding defensive. Stephanie looked out into the garden where Danny and Michael were playing. "Besides Danny doesn’t seem to mind having someone to play with" She said smiling. "Yeah!" Marina said softly as she watched Danny and Michael run around the garden. "James told me he ran into you today at the daycare." John said as he took Marina’s coat. "Well you could say Danny ran into him." Marina chuckled She went on to tell them how Danny had pulled away from her and said when she saw the car coming she screamed. "The next thing I knew James was standing in front of me with Danny in his arms." Marina said and she thanked him again for catching Danny. "No need to thank me. I’m glad I caught him before he ran in front of the car." James said humbly. Marina smiled at him and for a moment their eyes locked. Stephanie noticed and asked John to help her finish cooking supper. "I’ll help her John." Marina said following Stephanie into the kitchen. Stephanie began to chatter on about what happened during her day. Marina walked over to the counter next to her and crossing her arms across her chest looked suspiciously at Stephanie. "What?" Stephanie said when she noticed Marina staring at her. "Ok Steph! What are you up to?" Marina said suspiciously. "Nothing!" Stephanie defended. "Why don’t I believe that?" Marina said leaning against the counter. "Look I told you the truth I had already called you when James showed up with some things for John and John not me asked him to stay for supper. No motive at all. I swear Rina." Stephanie said looking at her sister. Marina wasn’t entirely sure she was telling the truth but she would give her the benefit of the doubt. When they finished supper, Danny and Michael played out in the garden. Stephanie served coffee to everyone in the living room. Marina had forgotten her suspicion of Stephanie setting her up and was really enjoying James company. She thought he was very attractive. His hair was a dark brown, wavy but very well groomed. His eyes were dark and intense almost hypnotizing. He was extremely tall more than six foot Marina thought, and from the way the T-shirt fit him she could tell he was in very good shape. She watched him as he and John joked about things they did during their rookie years on the force. Marina glanced at Stephanie and noticed her smiling. Marina blushed because she knew Stephanie had seen her staring at

file:///D|/ebook source files/Rescued/02.html (1 of 3) [3/24/2003 6:31:08 PM]

StoneGarden.Net Presents: Rescued Love by Rhonda Squires

James. She was about to say something to Stephanie when they heard a scream from the garden and Danny came running in. "Michael fell down and he got blood comin’ out his knee." Danny screamed. James immediately jumped up and ran outside with everyone behind him. Marina watched as James tried to calm his son. She thought he was very gentle and spoke so softly to Michael. James picked Michael up and carried him into the house. Stephanie brought James a wet cloth and he gently washed Michael’s knee. "You ok Michael?" Danny asked very concerned. "He’ll be ok buddy. It’s just a scratch but they hurt a lot sometimes." James said smiling at Danny. Danny nodded and told James about a time he had fallen and cut his knee. Marina noticed that James seemed to be very interested in Danny’s story and she smiled thinking how good he was with children. Stephanie walked next to Marina again Stephanie caught Marina staring at James. "Don’t start Steph." Marina whispered then walked into the kitchen with Stephanie following her. "Start what Rina?" Stephanie said grinning at Marina. "I know what you’re up to and it’s not going to work." Marina accused. "Well for your information I wasn’t up to anything but I can see very well that you’re attracted to James." Stephanie said still grinning. Marina wanted to smack the grin off her face. She turned and looked Stephanie in the eyes. "Yes he is attractive but that doesn’t mean that anything you have planned in that devious little head of yours is going to work." Marina said and left the kitchen. Stephanie groaned in frustration and followed Marina into the livingroom. It was getting late and Marina decided it was time she headed home. Stephanie groaned about her leaving but Marina promised she would come and spend next Sunday with her sister since Stephanie and John were leaving soon for the weekend. Marina dragged a crying Danny out to the car and put him in his car seat telling him that he would get to see Michael again on Monday. She got into the car and tried to start it. The car just growled a little, then nothing. She tried again. Still, nothing. After trying for a few minutes with no luck, she cursed under her breath and pulled Danny out of the car. She walked back into the house and Stephanie, surprised to see Marina back, asked her what was wrong. "My car won’t start." Marina told her. "What’s wrong with it?" Stephanie asked "It just won’t start. It thinks about it but then nothing." Marina said James was pulling on his coat because he was also heading for home. John and he were talking when Stephanie and Marina walked back into the livingroom. "Rina’s car won’t start." Stephanie told John. "I’ll take a look at it." John replied grabbing his coat. "Let me give you a hand." James said following John out the door. About ten minutes later James and John came back in and said that there was something wrong with the starting motor. Marina had no idea what they were talking about but knew it meant that she had to take a cab home. "I’ll get the garage to pick it up in the morning." Marina said as she picked up the phone to call a cab. "Can you send a cab to 127 Freshwater Road?" She said into the phone. James took the phone from her and told the man on the other end to cancel the cab. "I can drive you and Danny home." He said hanging up the phone. "I can’t ask you to do that James." Marina said softly "Hey! You didn’t ask I offered." He said with a smile Danny and Michael were very excited when they found out they would be going in the car together. It took every bit of strength that Marina and James had to buckle them in the seatbelts. Marina gave James her address and they chatted on the way. James kept glancing at her thinking how beautiful she was. Her long hair and not quite blonde but not quite brown. It surrounded her face and lay over her shoulders and he thought how soft it must feel. When she smiled, he could feel his heart jump it was so bright. He hadn’t seen anyone as beautiful as his wife until he saw Marina and it made him feel a little sad that he was alone now. As they were pulling onto her street, she noticed a few police cars in front of her apartment building. "What’s going on?" she said mostly to herself. "Stay in the car and let me find out." James said as he pulled into the side of the road and got out. file:///D|/ebook source files/Rescued/02.html (2 of 3) [3/24/2003 6:31:08 PM]

StoneGarden.Net Presents: Rescued Love by Rhonda Squires

Marina watched him talking to a couple of the police officers. She could not believe how tall he was. The officer he was talking to had to be at least six feet tall and he was looking up at James Marina smiled to herself thinking anyone seemed tall to her considering she was just under five feet four. She was talking to Michael and Danny when she heard the car door open. She turned to see James standing there looking down at her. "Marina, I think you better come out of the car for a minute." James said with a worried look on his face. Marina told Danny to stay in the car and she got out. James closed the door so the boys would not hear them talking. "What’s wrong?" she asked looking up at James realizing that had to be at least a foot over her. "Well it looks like someone has broken into your apartment. They’ve been trying to get hold of you." James said Marina felt her knees weaken and fell back against the car. James caught her and held her against him until she could steady herself. "Who.... who broke into my apartment?" she stuttered. James told her that they didn’t know but they wanted her to go inside and look around to see what was taken. She shook her head saying she couldn’t take Danny in there. James called over one of the police officers to stay with the boys while he took Marina inside. They entered her apartment and Marina looked around her things thrown everywhere. She looked at James and could not speak but her eyes told him that she was scared to death. He put a comforting arm around her shoulder and she leaned against him. "Marina I know this is hard but you have to see if anything is missing." He said softly. She nodded and slowly walked through her apartment. After going through all her things, she told James that she couldn’t see anything missing. He told her to get some things for her and Danny and he would bring her back to her sister’s. She nodded and went into her bedroom to grab a few things. As she was coming out of the bedroom, she noticed a picture that she had on her night table was missing. She looked around the room but could not see it anywhere. She called out to James and told him that the picture she had of her and Danny was gone. James looked puzzled and asked if she was sure it was missing. She told him that she had looked everywhere and she knew it was there before she had gone to work that morning because she had knocked it over when she turned off her alarm. James could not understand someone taking a picture of Marina and her son and not anything else. He didn’t think much of it and took Marina’s bags out of her hands. "Come on we’ll look into it. You need to get out of here now." He said and guided her out of the room. They drove back to Stephanie and John’s house. Neither James nor Marina said much on the drive there. Danny was excited about having a sleep over. When they arrived at the house John’s car was gone and there were no lights on in the house. Marina looked at James in a total panic. "I just remembered they’re gone for the weekend." James said reluctantly. "That’s ok. There’s a hotel down the street from here. I can stay there until tomorrow and call Stephanie in the morning." Marina said softly. "You’re not staying in any hotel by yourself with Danny. For one John would kill me for letting you. You can come stay with me tonight. The boys will enjoy it and I’d feel better knowing you’re not alone in some hotel room." James said looking at her. "James, thanks, but I can’t impose on you like that." Marina said softly noticing that Michael and Danny were already asleep. "Marina, you won’t be imposing. Now that’s the end of it. You’re coming to the house and no arguments." James said sternly. "So I guess you’re not giving me a choice in the matter." Marina said trying to laugh. "Nope!" James said chuckling. "Ok! I’m too tired and scared to argue." Marina said as she laid her head back against the seat. James didn’t say a word but laid a comforting hand on hers. Marina smiled at him and he smiled back. For a minute Marina thought she could fall in love with James but quickly shook the thought out of her head.

file:///D|/ebook source files/Rescued/02.html (3 of 3) [3/24/2003 6:31:08 PM]

StoneGarden.Net Presents: Rescued Love by Rhonda Squires

James’ house was a large white split level. Marina walked in behind him as Michael and Danny darted past her. The foyer was small and directly across from the foyer was a staircase that was covered in a deep green plush carpet. James invited Marina into the livingroom which was just off to the right. He took her bags and brought them upstairs followed by Michael and Danny. Marina looked around noticing how neat everything was. She was surprised, considering that only James and Michael lived there. Though Marina thought there wasn’t any doubt that there was a man living there. All the decor was very masculine. James walked into the livingroom and seen Marina looking around. "It isn’t much but it’s home." He chuckled as he sat next to her on the sofa. Marina smiled . "It’s really nice." She said softly. "Thanks." He said with a slight smile. There was a nervous silence between two of them as they sat there not speaking. The silence was almost deafening. James sat forward with his elbows on his knees. "The boys are playing in Michael’s room. Would you like a cup of coffee?" he said breaking the silence. Marina nodded and followed him to the kitchen. She was envious, once she entered the kitchen. His kitchen was the size of her kitchen and livingroom combined. She sat on a bar stool next to the large island that divided the kitchen. James placed a cup of coffee in front of her. Marina sat there looking into the cup slowly spinning it between her hands. James leaned his arms on the counter across from her. "Are you ok?" he asked concerned. Marina looked up at him. She felt her heart jump when she looked into his eyes. Quickly she looked down again into the dark coffee. "I’m fine just a little scared I guess." She said shrugging her shoulders. James reached across the counter and closed his hands around hers. She looked up at him and though she didn’t know him very long, she could see he was genuinely concerned. "Marina, don’t worry you’ll be fine here and we’ll get to the bottom of what happened." He said softly. "Thanks, I’ve just never had anything like that happen to me. I guess I feel violated." She said her eyes filling with tears. "That’s understandable. Hey it’s getting late why don’t we get the boys settled for the night and we can chat a bit after?" James suggested. Marina smiled. "Sounds good." She said following him upstairs. Michael and Danny were still excited that they were gonna get to spend the whole night together and it took quite a while for Marina and James to settle them down. When they were both sound asleep, James and Marina headed downstairs. "How about another coffee?" James asked. Marina nodded and James told her to make herself at home in the livingroom and he would get the coffee. They sat talking for a while and were both enjoying each others company. James couldn’t take his eyes off of Marina. The more time he spent talking to her the more beautiful he thought she was. John had told James all about Marina and what her ex-husband had put her through. James could not see how any man could do that to a woman like Marina. Her vibrant green eyes entranced him and the more he looked at them the more hypnotized he became. "Oh my goodness! I’m getting a little tired." Marina said trying to stifle a yawn. James chuckled "I can see that. It’s been a really traumatic day for you."He said as he touched her hand gently. Marina looked into his eyes and for a moment felt like he was going to kiss her. He quickly stood up and told her to follow him. She followed him upstairs, to the guest room. "This room is quite small but it serves the purpose." James said as he switched on the lamp. Marina smiled at him. He opened another door in the room and told her that it was the bathroom. "Well right now I could sleep on a clothes’ line." She said as she stretched her arms over her head. James saw her shirt pull up over her flat stomach and he felt an ache in his groin. He silently chastised himself for thinking like that. What was wrong with him? He quickly made his way back to the bedroom door. "Well good night Marina. Sleep well. If you need anything, I am just down the hall." He said. She smiled and thanked him.

file:///D|/ebook source files/Rescued/03.html (1 of 2) [3/24/2003 6:31:11 PM]

StoneGarden.Net Presents: Rescued Love by Rhonda Squires

He smiled back at her and left the room closing the door behind him. Marina stood there for a moment staring at the closed door. She wondered how someone could be so sweet to a perfect stranger. She yawned again and decided she couldn’t think anymore. She picked up her bag, pulled out her pajamas and dressed for bed. She walked into the small bathroom and as she brushed her teeth, she felt a chill run through her body. She wondered who had broken into her home and why would they only take a picture of her and Danny. She was thinking that she didn’t have a lot of things that were worth money but she had a television, stereo and things that someone could sell to make money. She pulled her hair back into an elastic and headed back into the bedroom. Pulling back the blankets she crawled into the bed and was asleep almost instantly. James tossed and turned in his bed. He couldn’t believe that Marina was affecting him this way. He hadn’t been affected by a woman like this since Gina. When he had met Gina Collins, he had fallen in love with her almost immediately. Gina and he had been together for just over a year when he asked her to marry him and he remembered her deep brown eyes glistening with tears as she almost screamed yes. He remembered the day that she had told him she was pregnant with Michael and how happy they both were when he was born. Only four months later god had taken her away from him. He didn’t really blame god, he blamed that drunk bastard that hit her car. He thought that he and Gina would spend the rest of their lives together but it was all taken away in a matter of minutes. He had a difficult time the first year. It was hard to raise a little boy by himself and his hours at the station didn’t help any. "Oh Gina, I miss you so much." He sighed into his pillow. He was feeling guilty about getting aroused by Marina earlier. The funny thing was she wasn’t even doing anything that should have done that to him. He laughed to himself and thought you’re just horny. His thoughts went back to Marina in the room just down the hall. He thought she was absolutely beautiful and had the greenest eyes he had ever seen. He thought about what great shape she was in. From what he could see there was nothing out of place. The ache in his groin returned and he groaned thinking that he was being a pig thinking about her like this. He needed to put it out of his mind before he went insane. He closed his eyes and tried to fall asleep but when he closed his eyes all he could see was Marina. He groaned again and knew he wasn’t gonna get any sleep unless he got a cold shower or relieved himself. The more he thought about Marina the harder he became. He jumped out of the bed and headed for the shower.

file:///D|/ebook source files/Rescued/03.html (2 of 2) [3/24/2003 6:31:11 PM]

StoneGarden.Net Presents: Rescued Love by Rhonda Squires

After a restless nights sleep, James woke up smelling coffee. He didn’t remember setting the coffee machine to start the night before. He was stretching when Michael and Danny burst into the room. "Marina said to tell you breakfast is ready." Michael said as he jumped on the bed. "Ok pal! You go on down Dad’ll be right there." He gave his son a big hug and got out of the bed. Marina had made pancakes for them and was laying the plates on the table when James came in the kitchen. Danny and Michael were already digging into their breakfast. "Here you go." She said smiling at James. He noticed that she had showered her hair still damp and he could smell her perfume as she laid the plate in front of him. He thought she looked absolutely beautiful and felt the ache in his groin return. He pulled his chair close to the table because he was worried that Marina would notice the bulge starting to appear in his pants. "You didn’t have to do this." He said as she poured his coffee. "It’s the least I could do after what you did for me." She said as she sat down next to Danny. "I didn’t do anything." James said watching Michael devour his breakfast. "You did more than you think. I don’t know what I would’ve done if I had gone home alone and found out what had happened." She said smiling at James. "Don’t mention it, Marina. I’m glad I was there." He said softly as he caught her eyes. He quickly looked away. "You should probably stay here until Stephanie and John get home tomorrow." He said as casually as he could. "I can’t impose again James. It wouldn’t be right." She said as she began to eat. "Now don’t start that again." James scolded. Marina was about to argue the point when he put his finger to her lips and told her that it was the end of it. He reasoned that the boys would enjoy it and since she cooked so well she could pay him back with cooking dinner. "Well I guess I could do that." Marina said laughing. She was a little shaken by the way he had put his finger against her lips. She was finding herself becoming very attracted to James and she thought he would never be interested in her. She tried to put the idea out of her head. After breakfast, James went to shower and change. Marina began to clear away the table while the boys played in the livingroom. After James showered, he came back downstairs to find Marina washing dishes while singing and dancing to music on the radio. She didn’t see him come into the kitchen so he stood there in the doorway leaning against the door frame, his arms crossed over his chest, and smiling. When she turned to wash off the table she spotted James in the doorway with a huge grin on his face. Marina’s face turned completely red and she quickly switched off the radio. "Now don’t stop on my account." James laughed as he walked to the counter and poured another cup of coffee for himself. Marina just smiled and began to clean off the table. "You always do dishes like that?" James teased as he hopped up on the counter next to the sink. Marina tried not to blush again but it didn’t do any good. "Ok you caught me." She said trying to sound calm. "I like to sing and dance when I do the dishes." She said. James couldn’t help himself from laughing. She walked back to the sink to finish the dishes. The pan in the sink splashed soap up on Marina’s cheek as she was washing it. James not thinking, reached over and gently brushed the soap away with his thumb. Marina looked up at him as his thumb brushed across her cheek. Their eyes locked and James cupped his hand over her cheek. She started to tremble from his touch and when he slid off the counter she turned to face him. He gently ran the back of his hand against her cheek. She tried to say his name but she couldn’t speak. He moved his face closer to hers and the closer his face came to hers the more she began to tremble. His lips softly brushed against hers just once then he looked into her eyes. He kissed her again this time a longer and deeper. Marina was lost, she kissed him willingly and her heart was pounding in her chest so hard that she was sure James could hear it. They heard Michael and Danny running down the hall and both of them backed away from each other quickly. James cleared his throat as the boys ran into the kitchen. He asked them if they wanted to go to the park for a while. They began to squeal at the idea and ran to get their coats. Marina finished the dishes quickly and started to leave the kitchen avoiding James eyes. He caught hold of her arm and turned her to face him. She tried not to look at him but he caught her chin in his hand. file:///D|/ebook source files/Rescued/04.html (1 of 2) [3/24/2003 6:31:14 PM]

StoneGarden.Net Presents: Rescued Love by Rhonda Squires

"I’m sorry Marina. I shouldn’t have kissed you like that." He said looking into her eyes. She looked at him wishing he would do it again. "It’s ok, I know you didn’t mean to." She said softly. "I didn’t say I didn’t mean to kiss you Marina. I just shouldn’t have done it." He said looking into her eyes. She couldn’t look away from him. "Marina, this just isn’t the time for anything to happen. It’s not that I don’t want it to." He said softly. "What do you mean?" she said realizing that she was standing very close to him and she was trembling at the nearness of him. James backed away from her dropping his head and plowing his fingers through his hair. "I don’t know what I mean Marina. I’m just so confused right now. I can’t explain it but as much as I want to kiss you again. I just feel like it would be wrong." James said trying not to look at her. Marina turned away from him and said that it would be better if she went to a hotel until tomorrow. He caught her arm. "No! You’re not spending the night in any hotel. You’re staying here." He said almost yelling. "But James......" she started to say but he cut her off. "I said that you’re staying here. Look, what happened won’t happen again." He said looking right at her. The boys came running into the kitchen and Marina left the kitchen to get her coat. James said to himself "At least it won’t happen yet." He let out a breath of air and he walked out of the kitchen. On the drive to the park Marina and James didn’t say much to each other. Michael and Danny were chattering back and forth which made it easier. They pulled into the park and when they got out of the car, the boys darted toward the slide. James looked at Marina and smiled. They walked silently toward the boys and sat on the grass watching them. Each one all too aware of what had happened that morning was going to make them uncomfortable to be alone together. Danny and Michael were running around and James got up and began to chase them around. Marina watched him and thought he was so wonderful with the boys. She saw him grab Danny and throw him in the air squealing and then did the same to Michael. He was treating Danny like his own son and it made her think that he would be a great father figure for Danny but after what James had said earlier she was sure that she would never have him. She began to feel a lump form in her throat and her eyes started to sting with tears. She quickly stood up and walked toward the lake so nobody would see the tears welling up in her. James looked over toward where Marina was sitting and noticed she was gone. He frantically looked around for her and spotted her standing by the lake. The boys ran over and tackled him knocking him to his knees and he was laughed telling them to go play on the swings for a bit because he needed a break. They quickly ran over to the swings and James walked toward Marina. He walked up next to her and she quickly turned away and wiping the tears from her face before he could see them. He turned her toward him. "Marina why are you crying?" he said concerned. "Nothing, I’m fine." She said trying to avert his eyes. "People don’t cry over nothing." He said wiping a tear from her cheek. "I’m just scared James. Why would someone break into my apartment and take nothing but a picture?" she asked. James pulled her close to him and hugged her gently. "We’ll find out what happened Marina don’t worry." He said hugging her tightly. She clung into him, not only because she was scared but because it felt good to be in someone’s arms again. He pulled back and looked at her. "Now lets go get some ice cream." He said smiling. She nodded and smiled back at him. He took her by the hand and they walked together to get the boys. Danny and Michael were not very happy about leaving but as soon as James said ice cream they bolted for the car. As James and Marina walked to the car he continued to hold her hand. She wasn’t sure if he realized it but she felt good just touching him.

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StoneGarden.Net Presents: Rescued Love by Rhonda Squires

James could hear the phone ringing as he was unlocking the door. He ran to answer it when they got into the house. Marina got Danny and Michael out of their coats and sent them to the livingroom to watch some television. She watched James as he spoke on the phone and he looked concerned. He looked at her and gave a slight smile but she knew he was worried about something. He hung up the phone and asked her to come into the kitchen. "What’s wrong?" she asked. "Well, that was Greg, one of the police officers that were at your apartment last night. They found some fingerprints around the house and ran them through the computer." He said softly. "I think you better sit down." Marina sat on the chair and he crouched in front of her. "What is it James?" she said. "Marina the fingerprints they found belong to Marc Kelly." He said taking her hand. Marina’s face went ghostly white and she felt sick. She held James hand tightly and she started to shake uncontrollably. "Marina, I’m sorry but that isn’t all." He said. "A letter was delivered this morning to your apartment. He said he wants his son." Marina shook her head not believing what she was hearing. "He can’t have him. No!" she said in a whisper. "Look until we find him I want you to stay here." James said very concerned. "He knows what Danny looks like now. I’d feel a lot better knowing that I can protect you." "James, you have to work and so do I." She started to sob. "Well I’m off until next week. I’m sure if you told your boss what was going on he’d understand. Besides, Steph and John will be home tomorrow and they’d want you to be safe." James said with a sweet smile. Marina forced a smile and took a deep breath. She knew that her boss would understand he was a good man and would probably do anything he could to help Marina keep her son safe. "Ok! I’ll stay until Steph gets home tomorrow and I’ll go stay with her and John until all this is over." She said softly. "NO!" James almost yelled. "I mean they both work and they won’t be there all day." He said trying to make it sound that the only reason he wanted her to stay was because he would be there to protect her. The reason he did want her to stay was because he just didn’t want her to leave. "James, I’ll be fine." She said smiling. "Now you’re not gonna argue with me over this Marina. You’re staying where I can keep an eye on you and Danny." He said sternly. "Now, no arguments. I’m gonna call the lady next store to come watch the kids for a while and we’ll go to your apartment and get some things for you and Danny." "James you don’t have to do this." She said. "I know I don’t have to. But I want to." He said touching her cheek. "I want to make sure nothing happens to you or Danny." Marina smiled and began to think that she could fall in love with him. He was such a good man and she knew Danny loved him. "Ok! I guess there is no sense in arguing with you is it?" she said with a sigh. "No, there isn’t." He said chucking. James went to phone the babysitter so that he and Marina could go get their things. She stood in front of the kitchen window staring out at the cars passing by. Why was Marc back after all this time and who made him think she would just give her son to him? There wasn’t any way in hell that he was getting near Danny. She would make sure of that. She remembered the day she left, and he had told her he never wanted to see her or the kid. He wanted to forget they ever existed. It didn’t upset her because she felt the same way. She didn’t want her son to be raised with a drug-addicted father. She was hugging herself trying to stop shaking when she felt James put his arms around her. She felt so safe with his arms around her. Her body actually relaxed and she leaned against him. "It’ll be ok." He whispered. She nodded knowing he would do everything he could to protect her and Danny. She didn’t know why but she felt so close to James. The fact that they kissed wasn’t the reason. She just felt a connection with him. A file:///D|/ebook source files/Rescued/05.html (1 of 2) [3/24/2003 6:31:16 PM]

StoneGarden.Net Presents: Rescued Love by Rhonda Squires

connection she couldn’t explain. The doorbell rang and James gave her a quick kiss on the forehead. He went to get the door and returned to the kitchen with a woman that looked to be about sixty. She had short silvery grey hair and a very pleasant face. Marina though she looked just like the grandmothers you see in books. "Marina, this is Mrs. Ray." James said. "Nice to meet you Mrs. Ray." Marina said with a smile. "Call me Mary." She said pleasantly. "I’ve been telling Jimmy that for years but he refuses to call me by my first name." She said with a chuckle. James blushed a little when Mary referred to him as Jimmy. She was the only one besides his mother that ever called him that. Marina smiled at James she knew the Jimmy name was embarrassing him. "Ok Mary. I hope you don’t mind watching Danny." Marina said "Not at all my dear. I raised sixteen children of my own. Two little boys are a vacation to me." Mary laughed. Marina and James said goodbye to the boys and went out to the car. They were driving in silence for a few minutes when Marina looked at James. She tried to stifle a laugh. "Jimmy huh." She said trying not to laugh. James looked at her and then shook his head he knew she wouldn’t forget that. "Don’t start." He said trying not to laugh "Start what? Jimmy." Marina said putting emphasis on the name. "You’re amused by that aren’t you." He said looking at her laughing. "Well you just don’t seem like a Jimmy. Makes you sound like a little boy." She said smiling at him. "Well we’ve known Mrs. Ray all my life and she’s always called me that." James said pulling up next to Marina’s apartment. Marina’s smile disappeared and she her body tensed. James noticed and reached out to take her hand. "Don’t worry. I’m not going to leave you alone here." He said softly. They got out of the car and headed toward the apartment. She walked around the apartment looking at all the spots where they had taken fingerprints. The dust they used was still there. It made her feel like she was in the middle of a bad dream. James noticed how shaken she was "I’ll get somebody to come in and clean all this up for you." He said gently squeezing her hand. After Marina had gotten everything she thought she needed, she walked into the livingroom to see James looking at a picture of Marina that was taken at a party. He seemed to be just starting at it. She stood there watching him. He was so handsome she thought and when he held her earlier she felt safe. She watched his strong arms flex as he put the picture back and looked at another. "I’m ready." She said softly. James put the picture back on the shelf and turned to face her. His eyes connected with hers and he slowly walked toward her. She didn’t move and when he was right next to her she tried to speak. She couldn’t understand what it was about him that made her feel like this. When he looked at her, her heart would pound and she felt weak. He reached up and touched her cheek softly. He ran his thumb across her lips softly and smiled at her. James wanted to kiss her again so badly. He thought that if he just felt her lips against his one more time he would be able to forget about it. At least until he felt it was the right time. She was so close to him right now and as his thumb ran across her lips he slowly moved his face closer to hers. Softly he brushed his lips against hers. The smell of her perfume was intoxicating and his hand slipped into her hair behind her head. He pressed his lips against hers and kissed her deeply.. When she responded, he felt like he would explode. Their kiss became more intense and Marina was the first to pull away. "James, please don’t do this to me." She said almost in a whisper. "Damn it Marina, I’m sorry that wasn’t suppose to happen." He plowed his hand through his hair and tightly closed his eyes. "You said today that this just was not the right time. I think you’re right." She said as she laid her hand against his cheek. He cupped his hand over hers and softly kissed it. "I know and it isn’t but someday Marina there will be I promise you." He said looking into her eyes. Marina smiled and dropped her hand down. "I just may hold you to that." She said smiling at him. James chuckled and watched as she looked around her apartment. Her smile disappeared again and he caught her under her chin with his hand. Turning her to face him he smiled at her and looked into her eyes. "Let’s pick up some McDonald’s for dinner." He said softly. Marina smiled and nodded. He dropped his hand and taking her bags he walked out of the door. She followed closing the door behind them.

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StoneGarden.Net Presents: Rescued Love by Rhonda Squires

It had been almost a week since Marina heard anything about Marc. There were no more messages from him but James insisted that she and Danny remain with him until they could find Marc. She felt guilty for imposing on James like that but she felt safe with him. James had called the station and asked for another week of his vacation so he could stay home with Marina. Marina’s boss had also allowed her to work from home. He had sent a computer over to the house to keep her connected to the network at work. She was feeling so at home in James’ house and when she thought about leaving she felt sad. He hadn’t kissed her again since that night at the apartment and she was starting to think the time would never be right for them. Stephanie and John had agreed that both Marina and Danny should stay with James until Marc had been found. She had not told Stephanie about James kissing her or how she felt about him. Mostly because she didn’t want Stephanie gloating that she knew what Marina liked. Secondly, she wasn’t all that sure that she would ever be with James. James was standing in the livingroom door watching her as she worked. He thought how beautiful she was and the way the small tendrils of hair were falling around her face. She seemed to be working so intently and he could just stand there watching her all day. He had been keeping a safe distance from her because when he got close to her he just wanted to hold her, kiss her and he was aching to make love with her. He laughed to himself thinking about how many times over the past week he had to hide his erection from her. He watched as she stretched her arms over her head and leaned back in the chair. "I think it’s time to leave the office." He said smiling at her. She turned and looked at him he was dressed in a white shirt and black pants. She thought he was the most handsome man she had ever laid eyes on. She smiled and got up from the chair stretching again. "I guess you’re right. It’s getting about time to bath the boys anyway." She said "Already done." He said smiling. "They’re waiting for a story from you." Marina smiled it seemed like they were a married couple putting their children to bed. It made her feel sad that there was actually nothing happening between them. She wanted him so badly and he seemed to be putting distance between them more and more. She walked past James and he touched her arm. "Are you ok?" he asked. She nodded and smiled. After they had Michael and Danny settled in bed, Marina went to her room. She showered and changed into a sweat suit. When she went down stairs and she saw James out on the back patio sitting on the rail. He seemed to be staring off into space. She went to the kitchen and made them both a cup of coffee. "Thought you might like a cup of coffee." She said as she joined him on the patio and passed him the coffee. James smiled at her thinking she looked like a teenager in the sweat suit and her hair tied back. He couldn’t think of anything he had seen her wear that made her look bad. "Thanks." He said softly. She leaned on the rail looking out into the beautiful garden. She could feel James’ eyes on her and she turned to look at him. "Are you ok?" she asked kind of concerned that he was so quiet. "I’m fine." He said softly. Marina did not believe him but she let it go. They were on the patio sitting in silence each one thinking about the other. They both felt connected with each other but neither knew what it meant. "Marina." James said finally breaking the silence. She looked at him. "How long has it been since you saw Marc?" he asked. "The day I left him was the last time I set eyes on him." She said with a crack in her voice. "I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to pry, but it just seems strange that he would come back after all this time." James said as he changed position on the rail. "John told me about what happened." He said looking at her. Marina smiled, relieved that she didn’t have to explain what happened between her and Marc. They stood there for a few more minutes saying nothing. James hopped down off the rail and turned toward her. "How about I rent a couple of movies. It’s still early and I’m not ready to go to bed." He said. "Unless you’re tired, I understand if you just want to call it a night." Marina smiled at him. "No, not at all. Sounds good." Marina said softly. "Great! I’ll just run down the video store and get a couple." He said as he walked into the house. "You can make some

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StoneGarden.Net Presents: Rescued Love by Rhonda Squires

popcorn if you want. It’s in the kitchen." "Ok I’ll do that!" Marina said following him into the house. Marina made popcorn and brought it out into the livingroom with a couple of sodas. She sat there flicking through the channels on the television. She was thinking that James had been gone an awful long time when he came through the door. "I thought you got lost." She said smiling "Wishful thinking." He said winking at her. "Not at all." She laughed. James popped in a movie and sat next to Marina on the sofa. He told her he didn’t know what kind of movies she liked so he just picked up Ghost. She smiled telling him that it was her favorite movie. They sat back together watching the movie. Marina cried at the sad parts and James laughed at her. She swat him on the leg for laughing at her and he squeezed her hand gently. He was thinking to himself that the only reason he squeezed her hand was for an excuse to hold it. He didn’t let it go and they sat there with him holding her hand. She felt so at ease and felt like she could stay like that forever. All of a sudden there was a loud bang and Marina almost jumped into James lap. "What the hell was that." She said almost screaming. "I think we’re having a thunderstorm." James said laughing. He looked out of the window at the rain starting. Marina started to tremble. She was terrified of thunderstorms but she didn’t want James to think she was scared. It was too late. He had already seen her fear. He put his arm around her and held her close to him. "Don’t worry I won’t let the bad storm get you." He teased. Marina pushed him playfully and he laughed. She sat leaning against him with his arm tightly around her. She didn’t know if it was the storm making her tremble or if it was being so close to James. He was glad that the storm started it gave him a reason to hold her close to him. They sat that way through two movies and when the second one was over James hesitantly went to turn off the video recorder. Marina watched him intently as he put the tape back in the case. He turned to face her and his eyes connected with hers. He walked slowly toward her and sat down on the sofa next to her. She turned to face him and for a moment they just stared into each others eyes. He reached up and ran his hand across her cheek. "Marina I know what I said last week but I want to kiss you again." He said softly. Marina felt a heat run through her entire body. "I don’t know what it is but I haven’t felt like this for a woman for a long time." He whispered. Slowly he leaned toward her and his hand moved into her hair. His lips softly brushed against hers and she sighed instinctively as his lips touched hers. He increased the pressure of his lips on hers and she responded to him. His kiss was intoxicating to her and she couldn’t get enough of him. When his tongue entered her mouth, they both moaned together. James mind was racing he could feel blood rushing to his groin and he pulled her closer to him. She clung to him as he laid her back on the sofa their mouths never breaking apart. James lay almost on top of her and she could feel his excitement against her leg. She realized that things were getting out of control. She quickly pulled her lips from James and breathlessly tried to talk but all came out was a whisper. "James, wait .... this is going to fast." She whispered. James breath was heavy and his heart was pounding but he knew that she was right, even though he wanted to tell her that her kiss made him hard and excited. That all he wanted to do at that moment was make love to her until they were both too exhausted to move. No, he couldn’t tell her that he would scare her and that was the last thing he wanted. "I’m sorry Marina. I didn’t mean to get so carried away. It’s just that when you kissed me back." He paused and looked into her eyes. "I can’t explain it" He said softly. "I know James. I feel the same way. I just don’t want to go to fast." She said as she softly touched his cheek. He closed his eyes and laid his forehead against hers. "So what are we gonna do about this?" he asked softly. Marina took his face in her hands and looked deep into his eyes. "What do you want to do about it?" she asked. "I mean, is this going somewhere?" He smiled at her and softly kissed her cheek. "Well, I liked where it was going so far." He grinned. She laughed softly and squeezed his cheeks. "Oh I could tell that." She said smiling. James blushed when he realized that his erection was pressing against Marina’s leg. He quickly got up and apologized for his reaction to her kiss. She laughed and sat up next to him. "Don’t be embarrassed James." She said nudging him with her shoulder. "It was getting pretty intense." He smiled at her and interlocked his fingers with hers..

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StoneGarden.Net Presents: Rescued Love by Rhonda Squires

"So .. Maybe we should call it a night." He said softly. She smiled at him and nodded. They both stood up and he walked Marina to her room. "Night Marina." He whispered as he kissed her lips softly. "Goodnight." She smiled. She went into the room and closed the door slowly as he stood there watching her. He laid his head against the door for a moment and then pulled back to head to his room. He thought about how much he wanted her. He was still aroused from their kiss and he knew he wasn’t going to sleep much because of it. "Cold shower." He said chuckling to himself. Marina laid back on the bed smiling. She had not felt like this about a man in a long while. When James kissed her, she thought she would pass out from the intensity. He was gentle and his lips were so soft but firm. .She thought about how much she wanted to make love with him. It was then she realized she was falling in love with him. It scared her a little to feel so strongly about someone she just met. Especially considering her past with Marc. She didn’t want to go through that again but she knew in her heart James was nothing like Marc. She snuggled down into the bed thinking of James. Smiling as she drifted off to sleep.

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StoneGarden.Net Presents: Rescued Love by Rhonda Squires

The sun shining through the window woke Marina and she laid in the bed for a few minutes thinking about what had happened the night before between her and James. She knew that if he had just asked she would have made love with him. His kiss had affected her so much that she would not have been able to say no. She was deep in a daydream when she heard a soft knock on the door. "Come in!" she said sleepily. James opened the door and stood there with a tray of breakfast for her. She smiled at him because he looked so proud of himself. She thought she had never seen a man look so sexy in her life. He was wearing a pair of blue jeans and a white dress shirt. He smiled at her as he walked over next to the bed and set the tray on the bed next to her. "Good morning Marina." He said sitting on the edge of the bed. "Good morning." She said smiling. "Sleep Well?" he asked. "Very well thanks." She smiled looking into his eyes. He sat on the bed in silence just looking at her. He glanced down to her lips then back to her eyes. He wanted to kiss her but he knew if he kissed her there in the bed he wouldn’t be able to control himself. He forced himself to look away from her and passed her the napkin from the tray. "Mary took the kids to the park so I thought I would let you sleep in a bit. Then I made you breakfast." He said smiling at her and she thanked him. She could feel her heart rate increase just from the way he looked at her and the memory of the night before. She wanted to feel his lips against hers again and feel his strong arms around her. She wanted to make love with him. Marina tried to shake the thought from her head and started to eat the breakfast he had made for her. She smiled at him and finished eating. They talked about little things just making conversation without actually saying what they both wanted. He watched her thinking even the way she ate was beautiful to him. She was so dainty in everything that he had seen her do. She noticed him staring and smiled. "What’s wrong?" she asked. "Nothing. Just looking at you." He said smiling. He couldn’t take his eyes off her even if he had tried. She was so beautiful and he thought that maybe he was falling in love with her but he didn’t think he would be lucky enough to find love like that again. Marina finished with the tray and James took it laying it on the side table. He sat back on the bed and looked into her eyes. She took his hand and interlocked their fingers and he slowly leaned toward her brushing his lips against hers. She gently brushed her other hand against his cheek and he kissed her again. This time was longer and more intense. While he kissed her, he thought that if he didn’t stop he was gonna need another cold shower. When he was about to pull his lips from hers when she moved her arms around him and pulled him down on the bed next to her. He felt the blood rush into his groin and he kept thinking he had to stop before he couldn’t. Her lips pressed against his and when her tongue touched his lips, he moaned. He was starting to lose control, which was why he pulled his lips from hers. "Marina, if you keep doing that I’m not gonna be able to control myself." He said breathlessly as she kissed his ear. "James I know what I said last night about not going to fast but I haven’t felt like this about anyone in a long, long time." She whispered looking into his eyes. Her hand gently caressed his cheek. He groaned knowing that he did not need to hear anything more. He wanted her badly and knowing she wanted him made his groin ache for her. "Are you sure?" he said kissing her lips softly. Her answer was a deep kiss, letting her tongue slide into his mouth and touch against his. He moved his hands slowly under her night gown and they trembled as he felt her soft naked flesh against them. His hands gently caressed her soft bottom pulling her against his erection as he kissed her passionately. She moaned softly into his mouth and moved her hands down slowly unbuttoning his shirt. Her hands moved against his naked chest and felt his body tense at her touch. She pulled her lips from his and looked into his eyes. "James are you sure about this?" she whispered. He smiled and took her hand moving it down to his throbbing erection. "I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life." He said smiling. They kissed and quickly discarded their clothes. He slid under the blankets next to her and pulled her naked body close to him. Her skin against his made him groan and they kissed as if they were starved for each other. Their hands caressing and exploring. James moved his hands over her breasts and file:///D|/ebook source files/Rescued/07.html (1 of 2) [3/24/2003 6:31:22 PM]

StoneGarden.Net Presents: Rescued Love by Rhonda Squires

gently rubbing his thumb over her hardened nipples. Knowing that she was as aroused as he was made him feel like he was ready to explode. He moved his lips down her neck in small sensual kisses. He reached just above her breasts and he looked at them as his hands gently caressed her soft mounds. Her body reacted to his touch and she moaned softly. When he moved his mouth over her nipple her back arched up and she began to tremble. His hand moved down her naked body slowly feeling her soft skin. His hand continued to explore down her body until he reached the soft, delicate flesh between her legs. When he felt the wetness against his hand it made him groan with excitement. "Oh god Marina. I want you so bad." He said his voice raspy. He moved over her and positioned himself between her legs. She pulled him down to her and they kissed passionately as his throbbing sex pressed against her. Marina pulled her lips away from his and looked deep into his eyes. "Make love with me James." She whispered. His response was a deep groan. He slowly pushed into her and she closed around him. He slowly moved in and out of her. His body was trembling from the pleasure and he was starting to lose control. Her back arched he lost all control. He pumped into her frantically. Her body began to tremble as she came to the brink of exploding into an intense orgasm. When she tightened around him he exploded, pushing as deep into her as he could possibly get. They lay still joined together trying to regain their breath. When James was able to think again, he moved next to her pulling her into his arms and kissing her deeply. "I feel so relieved now." He said with a laugh. She giggled and snuggled into him. They were laying in each others arms when the phone rang. James jumped out of bed not bothering to put anything on and ran to catch the phone. Marina stretched out in the bed feeling so relaxed and happy. She lay there thinking that there wasn’t anything that could take away how happy she felt at that moment. James returned to the room, her smile faded as she saw the solemn look on his face. He looked at her as if he was afraid to speak. He looked away and grabbed his clothes. He dressed quickly and turned to face her. "What’s wrong?" she said sitting up in the bed. He sat on the bed next to her and took her hands in his. "Marina, I don’t know how in the world to tell you this." He said his eyes filling with tears. "James just tell me your scaring me." She said frantically searching his face for answers. "That was Mary on the phone. She’s at the police station." James said his voice cracking. "Marina, Danny is missing." Marina looked at him in disbelief shaking her head. She couldn’t speak or move and she was getting angry because James was lying to her. "Why are you lying to me, James?" she screamed at him pulling her hands from him. "This isn’t funny." James grabbed her arms and held her so she was looking right into his eyes. "I’m not lying to you Marina. I’d never lie to you. Now get dressed so we can go down to the station." He said standing up and buttoning his shirt.. Marina was numb. She sat there not able to move or speak staring at James as he pulled on his shirt. Tears began to stream down her face and she was trembling. James sat on the bed and pulled her into his arms. "Look! Don’t worry we’ll find him." He said. He took her face into his hands and looked right into her eyes. "Marina I’ll find your son if it’s the last thing I ever do. I promise you that." He said seeing the fear and terror in her eyes. He helped her out of the bed and she dressed but she didn’t remember how. She was stunned and her whole body felt cold. They walked out of the room that she had just felt the most happiness and the most fear she had ever felt in her life.

file:///D|/ebook source files/Rescued/07.html (2 of 2) [3/24/2003 6:31:22 PM]

StoneGarden.Net Presents: Rescued Love by Rhonda Squires

James helped Marina out of the car and held her hand tightly as they walked toward the police station. She was still shaking and felt like it was all a dream. She looked toward the large building and stopped. James looked at her and seen that she was just staring at the police station. He walked in front of her and took both her hands in his. "Marina don’t worry." He said softly. She looked up into his eyes and she felt a calm feeling come over her. She took a deep breath and they continued toward the building. When they were inside, they found Mary still in tears and little Michael sitting on a chair next to her looking lost and scared. "Oh Marina I’m so sorry. I just turned my back for a second and he was gone." Mary said sobbing. Marina looked at the distraught woman and knew that this was killing her. Marina hugged her and the two of them cried. Marina told Mary over and over she didn’t blame her but Mary still blamed herself. James softly touched her arm and told her that everything would be fine. He looked at Marina and ran the back of his hand against her cheek. Marina forced a smile and he smiled back then she and Mary went to sit in the waiting room James was talking to the officer in charge when Stephanie and John came running into the station. Marina saw Stephanie and broke down into tears. Stephanie began to feel a lump form in her throat and she looked at her husband almost begging him with her eyes for help. John gently hugged the two women. He spotted James and left Marina and Stephanie to find out what was going on. He walked up next to James who was talking to another officer. "Any leads?" John asked. James plowed his hands through his hair in frustration. The only thing he could think of was Marc had taken Danny. "I know it’s a long shot but what about Marc?" James said raising an eyebrow at John. "You know it may not be as long a shot as you think." John said looking toward Marina and Stephanie who were still holding each other. James glanced toward them and cursed himself. John watched James with curiosity. "Why are you cursing yourself? It’s not your fault." John said. "John, I promised her I’d protect her and Danny. What kind of man does she think I am now." James said his voice cracking. John looked at him. He had never seen James get so upset over a case. "James don’t be so hard on yourself. It isn’t your fault." John said squeezing his friend’s shoulder. James needed to talk and he asked John if he could talk to him alone. They asked the officer to tell Marina and Stephanie that they would be back shortly. When they got into John’s office, James walked to the window and braced himself against the window frame. John watched the muscles in James neck tense. "What is it buddy?" John asked sitting on the corner of his desk. "Marina and I slept together just before we got the call about Danny." James blurted out without looking at John. "What?" John said kind of shocked. James turned to face John and leaned against the wall. "You heard me John." James said his voice raspy. John still didn’t understand what was going on. "What are you trying to tell me James?" John asked "John, I think I’m in love with her." James said softly. John smiled. He had watched both Marina and James avoid relationships for years. He didn’t think in a million years that they would get together because all either of them were ever concerned about was their kids. John envied both of them but knew they needed someone in their lives. When James lost his wife John watched him, go into a deep depression. The only thing that brought him out of it was Michael. James had told John many times that nothing else mattered to him any more as long as his son was happy. "Well I’m happy for you buddy. Marina is a great woman." John said. "Jesus John you don’t understand. How can anything happen between us after I let this happen?" James voice cracked. "Her son is missing and it’s my fault. I never should have let Mary take him out of the house. I was supposed to protect him but all I could think of was being alone with Marina. I let my dick rule over my head." James said furious with himself. "For Christ sake James it isn’t your fault." John almost yelling. He grabbed James by the shoulders and shook him. "Don’t blame yourself for this. You didn’t know that it was gonna happen and there’s nothing you can do about it. We’ll find Danny." file:///D|/ebook source files/Rescued/08.html (1 of 3) [3/24/2003 6:31:25 PM]

StoneGarden.Net Presents: Rescued Love by Rhonda Squires

"You’re telling me not to blame myself but Marina is going to blame me. I promised her I wouldn’t let anything happen to her son." James trying to keep his voice down. James eyes begin to fill with tears and he turned away from John. John gently squeezed his shoulder. "I finally find someone that I can see spending the rest of my life with and I break a promise to her." James voice cracked and he punched the wall. John stood there watching his friend not knowing how to help him but he knew that it was gonna be hard for anything to happen between them until Danny was found safe and sound. "John?" Stephanie said softly from the doorway of the office. James turned to see Stephanie and Marina standing there and quickly tried to compose himself. James and Marina’s eyes met and they just looked at each other. John seeing this asked Stephanie to come with him to get some papers. She looked at him puzzled at first but followed him leaving Marina and James alone in the office. James turned back to the window thinking that Marina had nothing but contempt for him now. "James." She said as she walked toward him. He turned to face her and she almost ran into his arms. "This isn’t your fault." She said softly. James wrapped his arms around her and held her tightly to him. She looked up at him with tear filled eyes. "I heard what you said to John. I don’t blame you for this." She said wiping a tear from his cheek. "Just help me find my son." She said almost begging. James pulled her tightly against him. "Marina I swear to you I’ll find him if it’s the last thing I ever do." He whispered to her. They stood alone in the office holding each other in silence except for the small sobs coming from Marina. James held her tightly to him. It was the only thing he could do at that moment to make things better. "Where are Mary and Michael?" he said kissing her cheek softly. Marina told him that one of the officers had taken them home. He looked into her eyes and brushed a tear away from her cheek. He kissed her lips softly and told her again that he would find Danny. She knew he meant what he said but she wasn’t sure he could. He was holding her when John burst into the office. "They found him!" he yelled. Marina and James looked at him in disbelief. "What?" James and Marina said together. "They found Danny." John said. He told them that when Greg had pulled into the driveway, Danny was sitting on the doorstep. He said that Greg was on his way back to the station with Mary, Michael and Danny. Marina wrapped her arms around James and kissed him hard on the lips. He smiled at her and they almost ran out of the office. When Greg brought Danny into the station, Marina ran to him. She picked him up into her arms telling him over and over how much she missed him and loved him. James walked over next to them. He hated to interrupt their reunion but they needed to know where Danny had been. "Marina I need to ask Danny a few questions." James told her. Marina nodded and put Danny down but still holding his hand. James crouched down in front of Danny. He took his other hand in his and smiled at him. "Well buddy you gave us quite a scare." James said softly. "I’m sorry." Danny said looking from James to Marina. Marina knelt down next to him. "It’s ok sweetie we’re just happy your back now." She said. She looked at James and let him continue. "Danny where were you?" James asked. Danny looked at James as if he was surprised he didn’t know. "I went with my daddy remember." Danny blurted out. Marina gasped and James gently touched her hand. "Danny we didn’t know where you were. What makes you think the man was your daddy?" James asked. "Cause he said you told him to pick me up and he said he was my daddy." Danny said. He pulled his hand from Marina and reached into his pocket. He pulled out a folded piece of paper and passed it to Marina. "What’s this?" She asked. "My daddy said to give it to you." Danny said shrugging his shoulders. He didn’t seem to think anything was wrong. James was glad that Marc hadn’t scared Danny but James was mad as hell at Marc for pulling something like this. Marina opened the paper and read it. James watched as Marina’s face when ghostly white. He took the piece of paper from her and read it. It read: ‘If I could get him this easily then it proves you are a bad mother. I am going to have my son with me and there is nothing you can do about it. Don’t think you can stop me. Signed Marc’ file:///D|/ebook source files/Rescued/08.html (2 of 3) [3/24/2003 6:31:25 PM]

StoneGarden.Net Presents: Rescued Love by Rhonda Squires

James cursed out loud and gave the letter to John. Marina was trembling as she held Danny tightly to her. He was squirming in her arms and said that he wanted to go and sit with Michael. She reluctantly let him go and Stephanie went to sit with them. Marina stood up and looked at James. He could see the terror in her eyes and wished he could just take it all away. He walked over to her and pulled her into his arms whispering that he was not going to let Marc get near Danny as she clung to him. Stephanie watched her sister and James. She hadn’t seen Marina react this way with a man in a long time. She thought if she didn’t know better she would think there was something between them Stephanie walked over to her sister and gently hugged her. "Rina, I think you should stay with John and I until all this is settled." She said softly. "No!" James said yelling. Marina and Stephanie looked at him a little shocked at his reaction. John smiled at James knowing that he wanted Marina to stay with him. "Sorry didn’t mean to yell. But I think she’d be safer at my place. I’m on holidays and can keep an eye on her and Danny." He said trying to make it sound like a legitimate reason. Stephanie began to argue the point until John agreed with James. He asked Marina and James to excuse him, telling Stephanie he needed her to help him with something in the office. Stephanie looked puzzled but followed behind him. When they were in his office, he closed the door. "What’s going on?" She asked still totally confused. John smiled and wrapped his arms around her. "Well it looks like your years of trying to match make your sister has finally paid off." he grinned. Stephanie looked at him still puzzled for a moment. Then it hit her. "You mean James and Marina?" she asked. "Yep! James told me tonight he thinks he’s in love with her." John smiled. Stephanie was ecstatic. She started for the door to congratulate them when John stopped her. "What? I want to tell Marina I’m happy for her." she said. "No Steph! At least let James tell her first." John said. Stephanie sighed. She didn’t know how she was going to keep this to herself but she knew John was right. John gave her a soft kiss and they left the office. Stephanie and John walked out seeing Marina and James quietly talking and they walked up next to them. "Well Marina I was thinking maybe you’d be safer with James." Stephanie said. James looked at John and knew he had told her. "I’d feel safer." Marina said. quietly. Stephanie smiled and hugged her. "Yeah! Beside John and I are never home." Stephanie said. "Well it’s been a long night and I see two people who are ready to crash." John chuckled and pointed to Danny and Michael who were falling asleep against Mary’s legs. She was sitting stroking their hair and singing softly. "Yeah! Lets get out of here." James said looking into Marina’s eyes. They walked over to the chairs and picked up their sons. They headed out the door with Stephanie, John and Mary behind them.

file:///D|/ebook source files/Rescued/08.html (3 of 3) [3/24/2003 6:31:25 PM]

StoneGarden.Net Presents: Rescued Love by Rhonda Squires

Stephanie and John drove Mary back to her house. James invited them in for a cup of coffee before they went home. After a long night Michael and Danny were exhausted and Marina and James got them settled into bed. Outside the bedroom, James took Marina’s hand and kissed it. She smiled up at him. She was happy to have her son back again and she knew James would do everything he could to keep Danny safe from Marc. All she wanted to think about now was building a life with James. "Thank you James for everything." She said softly touching his cheek. "I’m not gonna let anything happen to either of you." He said looking into her eyes. She looked at him smiling but it was almost an evil grin. "I know that..........Jimmy!" Marina said as she backed away from him. He made a move to grab her but she was already halfway down the stairs. "Oh you just got to start that don’t you." He said chasing her down the stairs. She screamed as she ran into the livingroom where John and Stephanie were looking at them in amusement. James grabbed Marina and began to tickle her. She begged him to stop and when they both noticed Stephanie and John watching them, they moved away from each other both a little embarrassed. James cleared his throat as he ran his hand through his hair. "Cup of coffee anyone?" he said trying to sound casual. John laughed and followed James into the kitchen. Stephanie crossed her arms over her chest and looked at Marina with a raised eyebrow. "What?" Marina said trying to hide her smile. "So he wants you here just to protect you huh." Stephanie said with a grin. "Don’t start!" Marina glared at her sister. Stephanie smiled at her and told her that she was happy that Marina had found someone. Marina told her what had happened earlier before they got the call about Danny. Stephanie pretended to be shocked, then smiled. Marina admitted that she was falling in love with James but she didn’t know if he would be able to love again after losing his wife. Since John had told Stephanie about his conversation with James she knew he did but she couldn’t tell Marina that was up to him. She smiled at Marina. "Don’t worry I’m pretty sure that he won’t have that problem." She said hugging Marina. James and John returned to the livingroom with coffee for all of them. James handed Marina hers as he sat next to her. Stephanie was about to burst from happiness. She was glad Maraina found love again. She could see the way they felt just by the way they looked at each other. John noticed that his wife was about to crack from trying to keep quiet and he told Stephanie they should be heading home. Stephanie agreed that it was getting late. As John and James shook hands, Stephanie hugged Marina and whispered that she was happy for her. Marina smiled at Stephanie and they said goodnight. When she closed the door, Marina turned and smiled at James. "What was that about?" He said grinning. "What?" Marina asked puzzled. "Why did she say she was happy for you?" James asked. "Oh! Just because we got Danny back." Marina said thinking quickly. "Oh!" He said a little disappointed. Marina kissed his cheek and walked into the livingroom. He followed her standing in the doorway grinning at her. "What’s wrong with you." She laughed. "You are still not out of trouble for that Jimmy comment earlier." James said and began walking toward her. She blocked herself from him behind the coffee table out of his reach. "Ok now I’m sorry, don’t look at me like that." She said moving around the table to keep him at a distance. "Don’t look at you like what?" he said as he moved his fingers like he was getting ready to tickle her. He calmly walked around the table toward her smiling, because she was backing herself into the wall and didn’t realize it.

file:///D|/ebook source files/Rescued/09.html (1 of 4) [3/24/2003 6:31:28 PM]

StoneGarden.Net Presents: Rescued Love by Rhonda Squires

"James, I’m warning you." She said laughing. She backed into the wall and before she could move he was in front of her an arm braced against the wall on either side of her. "Warning me huh." He said laughing. "James don’t tickle me please." She said trying to keep her ribs covered "Hmmm, maybe I’ll do this instead." He said brushing his lips against hers. She sighed against his lips and her arms moved around his neck. James pulled her against him and their kiss deepened. She could feel a heat run through her body and begin to lose all control. His kiss affected her like no other man’s had. She wanted him and she frantically started to remove his clothes. James started to laugh as she quickly undressed him. "Marina, slow down. We have all night." He chuckled against her lips. She smiled at him. "Yes we do." She turned him around and backed him into the wall kissing him passionately as she removed his shirt. She kissed his neck moving down to his chest slowly, as she unbuttoned his jeans. James closed his eyes and leaned his head back against the wall. He was letting her take control and it was heaven. Seductively her kisses moved down his body. Placing small kisses over his stomach as she slowly slid his jeans off. She forgot that he didn’t have his boxers on. He had gotten dressed so fast when they got the call about Danny, he had forgotten them. She looked at his throbbing sex and softly closed her hand around it. She heard him groan and she smiled up at him seeing the pleasure on his face. She had never taken a man in her mouth before but she wanted to pleasure James in every possible way. When her mouth closed around him, he shuttered from pleasure and moaned her name over and over. She was driving him crazy with sexual excitement. He couldn’t stand it any more and he picked her up into his arms and kissing her passionately as he carried her to his bedroom. He laid her on the bed and quickly began to remove the barriers that were stopping him from touching her naked skin. "Didn’t someone just say we have all night?" she said smiling up at him. "Yes someone did but you have way too many clothes on." James said as he removed the last of her clothes. James laid above her kissing her like a man starved. He placed small soft kisses all over her face and neck. Slowly moving down to her round firm breasts. He flicked his tongue against her hardening nipples and they hardened almost instantly. Eventually he took her into his mouth his tongue circled and teased until her hands were clutching at his body. He continued to alternate his mouth to each breast, while he moved his hand slowly down her body caressing her soft skin. His hand slowly found the soft skin between her legs. He began to softly caress her inner thighs as his lips moved down in soft sensual kisses. Marina’s head was spinning, and she was in ecstasy. When his tongue touched the skin of her inner thigh, Marina began to shiver from the anticipation. His tongue expertly pleasured the soft folds of her sex and she was on the brink of exploding into a wonderful orgasm. Her body tensed and she let out a deep moan as it came over her. James moved next to Marina and kissed her passionately. He pulled her over him and she straddled his hips. She could feel his throbbing sex next to her and she began to slowly lower herself onto him. James moaned her name. He was beyond thinking and he thrust up into her over and over. When he couldn’t take any more, he thrust deep inside her and they exploded together. Marina fell against his chest her head was still spinning from the intensity of their love making. James held Marina in his arms not wanting to let her go. She smiled up at him and he softly kissed her forehead. "Marina, I’ve haven’t felt this way about anyone in a long time." James said softly looking into her eyes. "Me neither." Marina said as she ran her hand softly against his cheek. "I never thought a week ago when I saw at the preschool that I’d be making love to you." James said smiling. "Well it isn’t something I do with everyone you know." Marina teased. "It better not be." James said laughing. "James, I have to tell you something but I’m afraid it’ll ruin everything." Marina said in a whisper. "Sweetheart nothing you could say to me could ruin this." James said kissing her tenderly. "Yes it could if you’re not ready to hear it." She said softly. "What is it Marina? Tell me." He whispered. "Well, I know we haven’t known each other for very long and I know this sounds crazy but..." Marina said her voice trailing off. "But what?" he said looking into her eyes "James ... I’m in love with you." She whispered watching his face for a sign of panic. All she saw was a smile and he kissed her deeply.

file:///D|/ebook source files/Rescued/09.html (2 of 4) [3/24/2003 6:31:28 PM]

StoneGarden.Net Presents: Rescued Love by Rhonda Squires

"Marina, it doesn’t sound crazy because I’m very much in love with you too." He said looking into her eyes. "I didn’t think you would feel the same that’s why I haven’t told you. The minute I kissed you I knew but I was fighting it. I didn’t think it could happen this fast again." "Again?" Marina asked him. "Well, when I met Gina I knew I was in love with her right away." James said almost feeling guilty for bringing up his late wife’s name. "Oh!" Marina said feeling a little twinge of jealousy. "I’m sorry Marina. I shouldn’t have mentioned Gina." James said softly. "No James she was your wife and you loved her very much. I can’t expect you to forget her. I mean it does make me feel a little weird to talk about her when I’m in bed with you but I can’t ask you to forget about her. She will always have a piece of your heart." She said softly "I guess she will but you have most of my heart now. I’ll keep you safe. I promise you Marina. Nobody is gonna get near you or Danny again." He said bringing her eyes up to meet his. Marina smiled at him because she knew he meant it. Although she wasn’t sure that things would be all right. She wondered how deeply Marc was into drugs now. She had read so much about people getting caught up in that sort of life and never getting out of it. She clung to James and he held her tightly. "James, I think I better go sleep in the other room tonight." Marina said kissing his chest softly. "What? Why?" James said turning her face up to him. Marina laughed. "Well unless you want to explain to Michael and Danny why you and I are in the same bed." She grinned at him. James groaned like a child not getting his own way. "I guess we shouldn’t let them see us like this until we’ve explained things to them." James groaned. Marina laughed and squeezed his cheek gently. "You’re like a baby who just got their favorite toy taken away." She teased. James rolled her over onto her back and leaned above her. "Well it hasn’t been taken away yet." He said raising his eyebrows up and down. Marina grinned at him and pulled him down to her. They kissed passionately and before long they were making love again. When Marina regained her thoughts she kissed James softly and said good night. Before she left the room, she heard James call out to her. "Marina?" he said watching her. "Yes?" she said turning to face him. He got out of the bed and walked toward her. He took her into his arms and softly kissed her lips. "I love you." He said looking into her eyes. Marina felt her eyes fill with tears. She had never heard anything sound so beautiful in her life. She smiled at him hugging him tightly. "James I love you too." She whispered into his ear. He kissed her again his lips molding to hers and she giggled pushing him back. "Oh no you don’t. I’m going it’s late and you need your rest." She said holding him at arms length. "Ah Marina... just one more kiss." He said grinning. She laughed and looked down at his sex which was becoming erect again. "Uh huh.. and that looks like you just want one more kiss." She said pointing to his groin. "Well what can I do, it has a mind of its own." James grinned. Marina looked at him, she felt so relaxed with him and he was so gentle when they made love. "What am I gonna do with you?" she laughed. "Well you wouldn’t leave a man in this state would you?" James pouted as he pulled her into his arms. That was all she needed and before she knew what happened they were making love again on the floor. They didn’t even get a chance to make it back to the bed. Marina kissed him good night and joked about getting out of there before his mind took over again. He laughed and said she better. She left the room and went down the hall to the guest room. She fell on the bed so happy that she couldn’t stop smiling. Marina showered and got ready for bed. She would have loved nothing more than to spend the night in James arms but she file:///D|/ebook source files/Rescued/09.html (3 of 4) [3/24/2003 6:31:28 PM]

StoneGarden.Net Presents: Rescued Love by Rhonda Squires

knew that they had to explain things to the boys first. Her thoughts went to Marc. Why is he back? Why does he want Danny? She began to get a cold feeling through her body. She told herself that Marc was not going to get Danny again not if James had anything to do with it. He was going to protect Danny from Marc. The thought made her smile and she drifted off to sleep. James was laying in the bed he just wanted to go to her and hold her in his arms all night long. He never knew he would ever feel like this again. He smiled thinking he was a lucky man to be able to feel love for two beautiful women in his life. He would never forget Gina but she wouldn’t want him to not feel love again. She was a very loving person and wouldn’t want him to be alone for the rest of his life. He was only twenty-nine he had his whole life ahead of him and he smiled thinking that Marina and her son were going to be apart of it. He closed his eyes and slipped into a deep and content sleep.

file:///D|/ebook source files/Rescued/09.html (4 of 4) [3/24/2003 6:31:28 PM]

StoneGarden.Net Presents: Rescued Love by Rhonda Squires

A month had passed since the incident with Marc. Marina had not heard anything more from him and she was happy she hadn’t. James was still very weary letting her and Danny go anywhere by themselves but he knew that he couldn’t keep her locked up in the house. They had made a decision that Marina and Danny would move in with James and Michael. The boys loved the idea of living in the same house and they had become inseparable. Marina was glad they got along so well. James and Marina had explained to them that they were in love and that the four of them would be like a family. Marina also loved the idea of waking up every morning next to the man she loved. Waking up in James arms every morning made her feel alive and happy. Everything about him made her happy. She couldn’t stop smiling. "Good morning my beautiful lady." James said. He walked into the kitchen and wrapped his arms around Marina as she cooked breakfast. She smiled and kissed his cheek. Michael and Danny came running into the kitchen and turned up their faces when they saw Marina kiss James. "Mommy that’s yucky!" Danny said looking at her. "Oh you think so do you." James said grabbing the little boy and throwing him in the air. "It is yucky Daddy. You are gonna get girl germs." Michael said laughing. James picked up his son in his arms and tickled both Michael and Danny. Marina leaned against the counter watching James with the boys. She smiled and her heart was bursting with love for him. James turned and looked at her. "And just what are you smiling at." James said as he put the boys in their chairs for breakfast. He walked toward her and stood in front of her very close. She looked up at him and smiled. "You that’s why I’m smiling." She said softly. He leaned down and kissed her softly. "Ewwwwwwwwwww." Danny and Michael said together giggling. James turned and looked at them and back to Marina shaking his head. Marina laughed and proceeded to finish preparing breakfast. James poured himself a cup of coffee and sat at the table talking to the boys. They chattered on about the field trip they had gone on the day before. James sat back listening to them intently. Marina turned to bring breakfast to the table but when she saw them she stood there for a moment just watching. Her heart felt like it was about to explode she was feeling so much love for them and she never thought she could love anyone as much as she did James, Danny and Michael. Marina brought breakfast to the table and they sat eating like a family. Nothing could get better than this she thought. James looked up from his coffee and mouthed the words ‘I love you’. She smiled and did the same. After breakfast, Marina and James were cleared the dishes. They were having coffee at the kitchen table, when the boys shocked them both "James, Michael don’t have a mommy any more and my daddy is gone. Well me and Michael were thinkin’ you are a daddy and my mom is a mommy. You think it would be ok if I call you daddy and Michael can call mommy, mommy." Danny said in a very serious voice. James looked at Marina and she looked at him in shock. They both looked from Danny to Michael not really knowing how to deal with the situation. "Daddy, me and Danny would be like brothers then. I don’t have a brother." Michael said sliding into his father’s lap. James looked at Marina as if he was asking for help. Marina smiled and shrugged her shoulders. He looked from Danny to Michael thinking they were so serious about this. He didn’t want to crush them but he didn’t want to say anything without talking to Marina first. "Ok boys I tell you what. Marina and I will talk about it after work and we’ll let you both know." James said hugging Michael close to him. "Now go get your coats and I’ll drop you both off to daycare." The boys darted out of the kitchen and James looked at Marina. "Where the hell did that come from?" he chuckled. "I have no idea." Marina laughed as she walked by James. He took her hand and pulled her onto his lap. "You know it’s not a bad idea." James reasoned looking into her eyes. "What isn’t?" Marina asked.

file:///D|/ebook source files/Rescued/10.html (1 of 4) [3/24/2003 6:31:31 PM]

StoneGarden.Net Presents: Rescued Love by Rhonda Squires

"Us becoming a family." James whispered softly into her ear. Marina waited for him to say he was kidding but his face was very serious. "James what are you saying?" She asked her voice quivering. "Well I was gonna wait until Christmas but that is two months away. Marina I want to marry you." James said looking deep into her eyes. Marina felt her eyes fill with tears and she couldn’t speak. She just looked at him waiting for a punch line. She couldn’t believe this was happening. She wanted to scream yes but she just looked at him not saying a word. "Well what do you think cause that look on your face is scaring me." He chuckled. "James! I don’t know what to say. I mean yes I want to marry you but this is so quick." She said still not sure if he was serious. He smiled at her and kissed her cheek. "Marina I love you so much. I want to make you and Danny part of my family for life." He said softly. Marina looked at him her and her eyes began to fill with tears because she was so happy and she began to cry. "Oh my god! Yes.. yes I want to marry you." She said hugging him tightly. He picked her up and spun her around kissing her hard on the mouth. They decided to wait until after work to tell Danny and Michael or they would never get them to daycare. Marina headed to work and as she was driving she couldn’t believe what had happened. She was still in shock. She wasn’t in her desk five minutes when the phone rang with her sister squealing on the other end. "Oh god Rina I’m so happy for you." Stephanie almost screamed. Marina laughed into the phone. "Gee it didn’t take you long to find out." Marina laughed. "Well James came to pick up John from work and he let it slip. Rina I had a feeling that things between you two would work out that day at dinner." Stephanie said. "Well I’m glad you were right Steph. I love him so much." Marina said her voice cracking. "Don’t you dare start crying Rina?" Stephanie warned. "I’m just so happy Steph. I can’t help it." Marina said. Stephanie decided they should have a dinner the next day to celebrate. Marina said it wasn’t necessary cause they had not even set a date but she didn’t care she just knew she would be James wife. She didn’t care when. Marina spent the rest of the day trying to concentrate on her work. She always enjoyed creating the graphics for the advertising agency she worked for but today she just couldn’t concentrate. The clock finally hit five and she grabbed her things and bolted for the door. She would pick up the kids and then go home and cook a special dinner. As she was about to leave, the phone rang. She argued with herself whether to answer it or not. She picked up the phone. "Marina Kelly speaking." She said pleasantly "Hi sweetheart." James said "Hi!" she said as a huge smile came across her face. " I’m glad I caught you before you left. I had to pick Michael up early from daycare." He said. "Why? Is he ok?" She said concerned. "He was sick. Danny didn’t want to go so you’ll have to pick him up." James said. Marina smiled it already seemed like they were a family. "Ok I’ll see you soon." Marina said smiling. "Oh Marina." James said "Yes?" she asked "I love you." He said almost in a whisper. "I love you to James." She said ready to cry again. She hung up the phone and headed out the door. As she was walking through the parking garage, she felt like there was someone watching her. She began to get an eerie feeling and she began to walk very fast to her car. Once she was in the car, she locked the doors. Marina told herself that it was just because the garage was dark but she had walked through that garage almost every day for three years and never had that feeling before. She started her car and sat there for a minute trying to get rid of the feeling. Marina began to think about James and she started to feel better. She pulled out of the parking lot singing along with the radio as she drove.

file:///D|/ebook source files/Rescued/10.html (2 of 4) [3/24/2003 6:31:31 PM]

StoneGarden.Net Presents: Rescued Love by Rhonda Squires

She walked back to her car from the daycare, Danny in tow, and began to get that weird feeling of someone watching her again. She looked around but didn’t see anyone except the care taker of the daycare waving to her. She shook her head and buckled Danny into his seat. She got into the car and started for home. Marina couldn’t shake the eerie feeling and the long stretch of road to home seemed longer than usual. She usually enjoyed the beauty of the country leading to the house but today she just felt an urgency to get home. She turned up the radio to try and distract herself.. As she looked in her rearview mirror, she noticed a car speeding up behind her then started to pull out around her. She shook her head as she looked at her speedometer. She was driving the speed limit and thought some people are just in too much of a hurry. Suddenly she felt her car being jolted to the side. Danny screamed and Marina looked out her window seeing the car that had been behind her try to run her off the road. She tried helplessly to stay on the road but the car kept crashing against hers. She knew that if she didn’t get control of her car, she would be knocked over the embankment. She was terrified and Danny was screaming. After what seemed like hours Marina lost control and her car skidded off the road and over the embankment. The mysterious car sped away. "Mommy, Mommy help me." Danny cried. Marina shook her head as she heard her son’s cries for help. Her car was laying on its side and she turned to see Danny still strapped in his seat. Her head hurt terribly and she felt something warm running down the side of her face. She didn’t think about it but she unbuckled her seatbelt and rolled her window down. She was giving Danny all the comforting words she could as she crawled out of the window and moved over to open the door and get him out. The side of her car was dented badly and she couldn’t open it. She crawled back into the car and leaned over the seat to unbuckle Danny from his car seat. He jumped into her arms and the car seemed to shake. She told him she was going to put him out through the window but he had to wait until she got out before he could move. "Are you ok lady?" A man’s voice came from the road. It was dark but Marina could see he was an older man because his headlights were shining on him. Marina thought it made him look almost angelic. "Yes I’m fine. Someone ran me off the road. Can you help pull us up?" she yelled to him. She heard a younger man’s voice yell to pass up Danny and then they would pull her up. She pushed Danny up the embankment until she felt someone pull him away. Marina started to climb up over the bank and the older man grabbed her hand pulling her the rest of the way. She looked around but couldn’t see Danny. "Where’s my son?" she said to the man. "He is over in that car with the young man." He said pointing to an empty part of the road. "He was just there Miss. He said he’d take the kid to the car so he wouldn’t get cold." Marina began to panic she looked around and then grabbed the man by the shirt almost screaming. "Please tell me you have a cell phone?" she said starting to sob. He nodded and went to his car with Marina following him. She almost grabbed the phone from him as she thanked him over and over. She frantically called James. When he answered the phone, she was screaming into the phone. "Marina... calm down tell me what’s wrong." James yelled. Marina took a deep breath and tried to explain calmly possible what had happened. James told her to stay where she was and to let him speak to the man with her. She passed him the phone and the man told James that he would stay with Marina until he got there. He turned off the phone and asked Marina if she wanted to sit in the car. She shook her head and began to pace back and forth the dark road. "My name is Bill Roberts." He said trying to make conversation. Marina forced a smile as tears filled her eyes. "I’m sorry. Marina Kelly." She said her voice cracking. "Well I wish we could’ve met under better circumstances but your husband said he’ll be here soon." He said passing her a handkerchief. She thanked him and smiled at him referring to James as her husband. She began to tremble. She knew deep down that Marc had been the man that took Danny and she was terrified. "Marina your head is bleeding. I’ve got a first aid kit in my trunk let me clean that for you." Bill said heading to the back of his car. Marina leaned against the car as Bill bandage her wound. He asked if anything else hurt but she was so numb she couldn’t feel anything. She began to cry uncontrollably. Bill gently hugged her while they watched for James car. It seemed like hours before James sped up next to Bill and Marina. He jumped out of the car and Marina bolted into his arms. James hugged her tightly to him as he thanked Bill for his help. Bill said he was sorry that he had let her little boy go with the other man and if there was anything he could do just ask. He no sooner had the words out of his mouth when a police car pulled up behind him. James told him that anything he could tell the police that might help would be greatly appreciated. James put Marina into the car trying to calm her so he could talk to the police officer. She sat in the car staring out the window in shock. James walked over to the police officer and explained that Bill was the one who found Marina and could give him any information on the man that took Danny. James got into the car and looked at Marina. He didn’t say anything but headed straight for the hospital. He knew that after

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StoneGarden.Net Presents: Rescued Love by Rhonda Squires

hitting her head she could have other injuries but he thought most of the shock she was in was due to Danny being taken. He drove quickly to the nearest hospital and when he got Marina admitted he called Stephanie and John. John told James that he would be there as soon as possible. James stood in the long corridor of the hospital not knowing what to do next. "God damn it!" he said out loud plowing his fingers through his hair. He leaned back against the wall thinking if he didn’t find Danny, Marina was never going to get over it. He walked up the hall to the small examination room that Marina had been put into and the nurse met him at the door. She told him that Marina had been given a sedative because she was getting upset but otherwise she was completely fine. James thanked her and walked into the room. He felt a cold feeling go through him. He was thinking it hadn’t been that long ago that he had walked into a room like this and said his final goodbye to Gina. His eyes started to fill with tears as he looked at Marina laying in the bed her eyes closed. He slowly walked to her and held her hand in his. She didn’t move but he knew that it was best that she rested. She was going to need all the rest she could get. Marina’s eyes fluttered when she heard Stephanie quietly talking to James. She couldn’t really hear what they were saying but she knew it had something to do with Danny. James was the first to notice that Marina had woken up. He walked over and sat next to her on the bed. He took her hand and gently squeezed it. "How do you feel Sweetheart?" he asked. Marina’s eyes began to fill with tears. "Well I’d feel much better if you told me you have Danny." She began to sob. James pulled her into his arms trying to soothe her. He looked from John to Stephanie not knowing what to do or say. Stephanie walked over next to the bed and gently patted Marina’s shoulder. "Don’t worry Rina. James and John will find Danny." She said trying to sound confident. The room became very silent except for the soft sobs coming from Marina. Nobody was sure what to do or what to say. It was apparent to anyone who entered the room that they were all deep in worry. There was a soft knock on the door and John went to open it. Bill Roberts was standing there holding a small vase of flowers. John was about to ask if he could help him, when James seen who was there. "Come in Mr. Roberts." James said. Bill walked into the room and said hello to everyone. When Marina saw him, she burst into tears again. He walked over to her and sat next to her on the bed. She wrapped her arms around him and hugged him. Stephanie and John looked confused as to why Marina was hugging a perfect stranger. Then James introduced them to Bill. "I had to come see that you were doing all right." He said softly to Marina. She forced a smile and gently patted his hand. She couldn’t speak but he completely understood the devastation she must be going through. He gave her a soft kiss on the cheek and told her if there was anything he could do to help just let him know. Marina thanked him, and James walked him out of the room. When they were outside Bill turned to James and shook his hand. "Mr. Douglas. If there’s anything you need please don’t hesitate to ask. I want to do anything I can to help that poor girl find her little boy." Bill said obviously shaken by the whole ordeal. James thanked him and he left. James stood in the hallway watching as Bill walked down the hall. He thought it was so kind of him to help but what could a gentleman of his age possibly do to help. What could anyone do? A nurse walked up to James and seemed very surprised. "Wow you know William Roberts." She said excitedly. James looked at her very confused. "Well we don’t know him really he was the gentleman that helped Marina." He said still not sure why this nurse was so excited. "You don’t know who he is do you?" she asked. James shook his head. He just thought it was a kind gentleman that had helped Marina. The nurse proceeded to tell him that Mr. Roberts was one of the richest men in the world. He owned companies all over Canada and the United States. James laughed and told the nurse that she must be mistaken. She shook her head told James to follow her down the hall. She showed him a magazine that she had just been reading and on the cover was Bill Roberts. James was shocked. He asked the nurse if he could borrow the magazine and she nodded. James almost ran down the hall to Marina’s room. "Did any of you know who Bill Roberts was?" James asked as he pulled open the door. Stephanie, John and Marina all shook their heads. James showed them the magazine and explained that he was one of the richest men in the world. John didn’t understand why this was making James so enthusiastic. John asked him why he was so excited. James told him he didn’t know but Bill had told him if there was anything he could do just ask and they thought a man with his connections might be able to help them find Danny. Marina tried to be hopeful but she didn’t know what Bill could do to help. None of them really did.

file:///D|/ebook source files/Rescued/10.html (4 of 4) [3/24/2003 6:31:31 PM]

StoneGarden.Net Presents: Rescued Love by Rhonda Squires

It had been almost a week since Danny had disappeared. James and John had been working day and night trying to find something that would give them a clue to where Danny was. They had found Marc’s car abandoned about two miles outside of the city but it was a dead end. They were getting frustrated with the whole thing and James had become obsessed with the case. He spent all his time and energy trying to find just one thing that would bring Danny home. He was worried about Marina because she wasn’t sleeping and she barely ate anything. He thought if he didn’t get Danny home she would collapse. Michael didn’t know exactly what was going on but he knew that Danny was missing and had asked over and over when they would find him. Nobody knew what to tell him but they all wished they did. Marina stood in the kitchen window hugging herself. She was starting to think that they would never find him. She felt a lump form in her throat. She couldn’t cry any more she was tired and she was sick of feeling helpless. Michael walked into the kitchen and looked at Marina. He walked over to her and softly touched her arm. "Mommy?" he said quietly. Marina turned and looked down at him forcing a smile. "Hi sweetie." She said her voice cracking. "Do you need a hug?" he said with concern in his voice. Marina nodded and got down on her knees in front of him. He wrapped his small arms around her neck and hugged her tightly. She closed her eyes trying to hold back tears because she didn’t want Michael to see her crying again. She didn’t want to scare him "That’s from me and Danny." He whispered. Marina felt tears run down her cheeks and she hugged Michael tightly to her. She was amazed that a child as young as Michael could make her feel a little better just from a hug. "Thank you Michael." She whispered kissing his cheek. James walked into the kitchen and seen them. His eyes began to fill with tears as he watched his small son trying to comfort Marina. He wondered if Marina found it more difficult with Michael around. She hadn’t said anything but he still felt guilty that he had his son when hers was missing. He knew Marina loved Michael like her own but it had to be hard for her. "Michael." James said softly. Marina and Michael looked up. "It’s time for bed buddy. You go get ready and I’ll be up to tuck you in." Michael nodded and he turned back to Marina seeing the tears in her eyes he hugged her again. "Mommy don’t cry. Danny will be home soon. I know he will." He said softly. "I hope your right sweetie." Marina said kissing his forehead. He smiled at her and quickly ran out of the kitchen and headed upstairs. Marina slowly stood up and turned back toward the window. James walked behind her and wrapped his arms tightly around her. She leaned against him and they stood there in silence both not knowing what was going to happen or whether they would ever find Danny. She turned into his arms and laid her head against his chest and he softly stroked her hair. His heart ached seeing her go through this. He felt helpless. They heard Michael call out and Marina told James to go tuck him in. He kissed her cheek and left the kitchen leaving her alone again. James read Michael a story and while he was reading he noticed Michael kept looking toward Danny’s bed. James thought this was almost as hard on Michael as it was on him. Michael took the book from his dad and looked up at him. "Daddy if someone told you to keep a secret but the secret was something that could make everyone happy again. Would you tell?" Michael asked. James gave him a puzzled look. "What are you talking about buddy?" James said sitting on the bed next to Michael. Michael got out of the bed and walked over to Danny’s bed. He seemed to be debating what to do and he kept looking back to James. He got down on his knees and reached under Danny’s bed pulling out a small ring box. He brought it over to James and passed it to him. James opened the box and inside was a piece of paper with what looked like a phone number on it. "What’s this Michael?" James asked his son. Michael crawled onto the bed and looked at his dad. He still seemed to be trying to decide whether he should keep the secret or not. "Michael, if this is important you have to tell me." James said firmly. Michael looked up at his dad. He knew that Danny had made him promise not to tell anyone about the box but he wanted everyone to be happy again. "Daddy ‘member when that man took Danny at the park?" Michael asked. James nodded. "Well Danny told me that he said he was Danny’s daddy. He gave Danny that box and told him if he ever needed him to call that number but Danny and me don’t know how to read it." Michael said as he yawned. James jumped up and gave his son a big kiss telling him he just

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StoneGarden.Net Presents: Rescued Love by Rhonda Squires

might have helped them find Danny. Michael smiled but he was so tired he just fell asleep. James bounded down the stairs two at a time calling out to Marina all the way down. Marina almost ran out of the kitchen. "What’s wrong?" she asked worried. James told her what Michael had just said and showed her the box. She ran to the phone and picked it up but James stopped her. "Marina if he knows we have this he’ll leave. Just let me call the station and John. We’ll handle it." He said taking the phone from her. James called Mrs. Ray to come stay with Michael. Then he began to make other phone calls. Marina didn’t want to get her hopes up but she couldn’t help it. She watched James as he spoke on the phone. He seemed to be so cool about this but she could see the excitement on his face. Mrs. Ray arrived about ten minutes later and James explained that they may be late getting home. She told them not to worry and walked them to the door. James and Marina headed toward the station and Marina didn’t know what to be feeling. She wanted to believe that they would get Danny back but she thought it almost seemed too easy. She knew whatever Marc was, he wasn’t stupid. James glanced at Marina. He knew she was scared and he hoped that this would help them bring Danny home. He reached out taking her hand in his and bringing to his lips kissed it softly. When they pulled into the parking lot of the police station, James turned the car off and turned to look at Marina. "Are you ok?" He asked holding her hand. "I’m fine." She said softly. He leaned over and kissed her softly. "Marina I love you." He said looking into her eyes. She smiled thinking nothing could make her feel better but just him saying those words made things a little easier to deal with. "I love you to James." She said her eyes filling with tears. He softly brushed his hand against her cheek. "Let’s go inside." He said softly. He got out of the car and ran around to open the door for Marina. He took her hand and they walked toward the station. She was praying in her head that this was going to be the last night that Danny was not home.

file:///D|/ebook source files/Rescued/11.html (2 of 2) [3/24/2003 6:31:35 PM]

StoneGarden.Net Presents: Rescued Love by Rhonda Squires

Marc stood in the window of the cabin. He loved the seclusion of the place. That was the reason he had chosen it to hide with Danny. He knew Marina would never think to check the cabin because he had told her he sold it just before they were married. He smiled thinking about all the parties he had there and Marina didn’t have a clue. He wasn’t hurt when she left him. He felt more relieved because he could go back to the way he lived his life before he married her and he didn’t have to hide it. In the four years he had been out of Newfoundland, he hadn’t even thought once about Marina or Danny. It wasn’t until he came home and seen her with Danny in the mall that he remembered he had a son. He didn’t want to raise Danny he just figured that taking him would be the ticket to getting the money he needed. He had to get the dealers off his back. He still didn’t know how but he wasn’t bringing Danny back until he had money. Marc had Danny for over a week now and the kid was rattling his nerves. He was thinking that he was only doing this to hurt Marina but why was he trying to hurt her? He surely didn’t love her when they married. He only married her because she had money left to her after her parents died. The fact that she was beautiful and a fantastic lover only added to the situation but he had never intended her to get pregnant. He still didn’t know how that happened he had been careful to make sure that it didn’t. He had always doubted that Danny was his kid but seeing him he knew that Danny was definitely his. "Why can’t I see my mommy?" Danny asked standing next to Marc. Marc looked at the little boy trying to decide what he would do next. Danny asked him again about seeing his Mother and Marc yelled at him to shut up and Danny ran from the room into the bedroom crying. Marc cursed under his breath. What was he going to do? He walked to the sofa and laid back on it. He started to think of what to do next. He needed money and he needed it fast. He was getting low on supplies and he didn’t want to have to deal with the kid if he had to go through withdrawals. That would be a disaster. He remembered that he could get pretty mean when he didn’t have a fix. He didn’t want to hurt the kid. He wasn’t a monster. He just needed him for money. Danny looked around the cold, dark room. He crawled onto the old bed and sat in the middle of it. He was scared and he wanted to go home. He cried rocking himself back and forth on the bed. He was starting to think that this man was never gonna let him see his mommy again. He knew he couldn’t run away. He didn’t know where he was and the man was so big he knew he wouldn’t get away from him. Besides his mommy had told him that you should never run away because you are not happy. This man said he was his daddy but how could that be? He didn’t treat him like he was his daddy. James would never be mean to Michael. He missed James, and he wanted James to be his daddy not this mean man. He lay down on the bed crying until he fell asleep. Marc listened and didn’t hear any more crying. He thanked god that the kid had finally shut up. He could think now. He knew Marina was doing well in her job and from what he remembered she was pretty frugal with her money but if she wanted to get her son back she would have to dish it out quickly. That’s when it hit him. He would send a note to Marina telling her that if she wanted her son back she would have to pay for him. He sat up and began to think of what he would write on a ransom note. He smiled to himself and grabbed a pen and paper began to write. He decided that it wouldn’t be a great deal of money just enough for him to pay off his suppliers and get him back on his feet again. He wrote a letter and addressed it to Marina telling her that if she wanted her kid back she had to come up with one hundred thousand dollars or she would never see Danny again. He read the note a few times to make sure he didn’t miss anything. He wrote that he would call at midnight that night to give her more details. He laughed as he sealed up the envelope. "That little bitch will get the money for the brat anyway she can." Marc laughed to himself. He needed to drop the note off as quickly as possible but he didn’t want to wake Danny up. He knew if he took Danny with him he would want to see his mother again and Marc knew if he said no he would have to deal with all that crying again. He decided that since Danny was asleep he would just leave him there and be back before he woke up. He went to lock the bedroom door where Danny was sleeping. He thought it would only take an hour so Danny would be all right. He left the cabin whistling and very pleased with himself. It was dark and he thought the best thing for him to do was to drop the letter off at the house where Marina lived. He knew where Marina lived because he had been watching her for over a month. He also knew Marina was living with another man. That worried him a little because he didn’t know anything about the guy. He drove slowly past the house and noticed the driveway was empty. "Great nobody home." Marc said to himself. He parked the car on the opposite side of the street and watched to see if there was anyone around. When he felt it was safe enough he walked to the house and put the note in through the mailbox. He ran

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StoneGarden.Net Presents: Rescued Love by Rhonda Squires

quickly back to his car before anyone spotted him. As he got in the car, he noticed a light come on over the door and he sped away.

file:///D|/ebook source files/Rescued/12.html (2 of 2) [3/24/2003 6:31:37 PM]

StoneGarden.Net Presents: Rescued Love by Rhonda Squires

Marina stood staring out the window of John’s small office. She watched the cars pass up and down the street wondering if any of the people even knew half of the pain and fear she was going through. John walked into the office and seen his sister-in-law. He thought she looked so forlorn. He didn’t have any way of knowing even half the pain she was going through. Although he knew if he and Stephanie had a child he would do anything to keep the child safe. Danny had been the only constant thing in her life for the past four years. John had seen her work hard to get where she was, so Danny would have a good start in life. John walked up behind Marina and laid his hands on her shoulders. "Can I get you anything?" He asked. Marina turned and looked at him tears running down her cheeks. "Yes! You can get my son and bring him home." She sobbed. John felt a lump form in his throat and hugged Marina to him. "Rina we’re doing everything we can to bring Danny home." He said softly. "I know. I’m sorry." She said trying to compose herself. She turned back to the window and watched the cars again. John stood next to her hoping James was going to get some sort of lead from that phone number. James flew back into the office with a disappointed look on his face. Marina turned and seen his face. She knew that the phone number was a dead end and her eyes began to fill with tears. "It’s a god damn cell phone." James yelled tossing the paper on the desk. John walked over to the desk. "Isn’t there an address for the billing?" John asked looking over the paper James had just tossed in front of him. "Yes but the phone doesn’t belong to Marc. It belongs to a Ruby Price." James said sitting on the corner of the desk. "That’s his sister." Marina said softly. James said he had already found that out and when they tried to contact her they were informed that she was out of town for a month. Marina began to shake uncontrollably. James looked at her and immediately he went to her. He wrapped his arms around her and laid her against his chest. John was about to speak when the phone rang. "Detective Barron speaking." He said very officially. James and Marina watched as John listened intently to the person on the other end of the phone. They heard him tell the person to open something and then listened for a few minutes. He looked at James and Marina as he finished with the call. "What is it John?" James asked. John looked at both of them and let out a ragged breath. "He wants one hundred thousand dollars and he’ll bring Danny back." John blurted out. Marina looked at him in shock. She knew that Marc didn’t want anything to do with his son but to actually use him as ransom made her think that he was more unfeeling than she thought. James yelled a flurry of curses calling Marc any unkind word he could think of. Marina looked at James. "Where am I going to get that kind of money?" she whispered. "I don’t care what he wants I’ll give him anything to get Danny back." James calmed looking into her worried eyes and pulled her into his arms telling her he would find someway to get the money. He stood there trying to think of a way to get the money. He knew if they could borrow it they could set up and operation to capture Marc. The problem was getting that kind of money. "Bill Roberts!" John exclaimed. James looked at him remembering what Bill had said to him but to actually ask him for money. He was practically a stranger seemed a little too forward. "Jesus, John we can’t ask that man for money." James said trying to think clearly. "Look he’ll get his money back but we need to actually have the money in order to lure in Kelly." John said. James realized that John was thinking the same thing. James walked to John’s desk and picked up the phone. "Can I speak with Mr. Roberts please? This is James Douglas calling." James said into the phone. "Mr. Douglas, what can I do for you?" Bill said. James explained the situation to him. He told him the plan they had to trap Mar. Bill didn’t say very much as James was talking. It made James nervous that Bill would refuse to help. "If there was any other way Mr. Roberts we wouldn’t ask but right now we’re desperate." James told him. "I told you if there was anything I could do to call and believe me I did mean it. Come to my office tomorrow around eleven file:///D|/ebook source files/Rescued/13.html (1 of 2) [3/24/2003 6:32:14 PM]

StoneGarden.Net Presents: Rescued Love by Rhonda Squires

and I’ll have the money for you." Bill said. James thanked him over and over until Bill told him the only thanks he wanted was for Danny to be back with his mother. When James hung up the phone, he saw a relief fall over Marina’s face. He smiled at her and for the first time in over a week they felt like they would have Danny back home soon.

James and John selected a team of officers that they thought would be the best for the job. The decided once Marc called they would get the plan together and present it the next morning John called Stephanie to tell her what was going on and told her that he would not be home that night because he and James were going to work out the details. She told him that she would meet them there. On the drive home Marina was quiet. She looked at the beautiful scenery that she admired so much. When they came up on the place where she went over the embankment she began to shake. James reached over and grasped her hand in his. He pulled it to his lips and lightly kissed her hand. She smiled at him and moved closer to him laying her head on his shoulder. "Marina everything’s gonna be fine. I promise you." James said softly pressing his lips against the top of her head. "I know it will. I’m just worried that Marc will hurt Danny." Marina said softly. "Marina if he so much as harms a hair on Danny’s head, I’ll beat him so bad he’ll wish he was dead." James said trying to sound calm. Marina looked up at James and kissed his cheek softly. "That would just get you in trouble. Don’t even think that way?" she said softly. James pulled her close to him and continued home. He started to think about how scared and afraid Danny must be. It gave him a cold feeling to think of Danny being with a man he didn’t know and wondering if he would see his mom again. He made a vow right then that he was going to get Danny back at any cost. After they arrived at the house, John and James looked at the note that had been left. They knew Marc was going to call at midnight and it was only ten. They sat at the kitchen table trying to figure out a way to capture Marc but without the details of where he wanted the money dropped they really didn’t have much to go with. Marina sat next to James and constantly kept looking at her watch. Time was going so slow and she felt that midnight would never come. Stephanie knew what Marina was thinking. "Rina why don’t we go pick up something to eat?" Stephanie asked. "That sounds like a good idea." James said looking at Marina. Marina nodded and got up from the table. She left the kitchen without saying a word. "Keep an eye on her Steph." James said taking Stephanie’s arm as she passed him. She gently squeezed his hand and told him she would. Stephanie walked out to the front door where Marina was standing leaning against it. She looked at Stephanie her eyes filled with tears. "Rina, we’ll get Danny back. James and John will do everything they can." Stephanie said hugging her sister. They headed out the door. "Jesus, John. I don’t know how much more of this Marina can handle." James said plowing his fingers through his hair. "Don’t worry about Marina she’s a tough lady." John replied. "I think you’re having just as tough a time with this as Marina is." "I am buddy. Danny’s like my own son." James said leaning back in his chair. "Well don’t worry we’ll get him back." John said confidently. James looked toward the ceiling and closed his eyes. He silently prayed to let this plan work out. Let them bring Danny home. He couldn’t watch the woman he loved go through this pain much longer.

file:///D|/ebook source files/Rescued/13.html (2 of 2) [3/24/2003 6:32:14 PM]

StoneGarden.Net Presents: Rescued Love by Rhonda Squires

When Marc arrived back at the cabin, he could hear blood curdling screams coming from inside. He ran inside wondering what was going on. He heard Danny screaming from the locked bedroom. Marc cursed under his breath and thought that kid is going to be the death of him. He looked at his watch thinking that in one hour he would make the deal with Marina and by the next night the kid would be off his hands. Marc unlocked the door and opened it. Danny was sitting in the middle of the bed his eyes swollen and red from crying and he was shaking uncontrollably. He looked at Marc as if he was a monster. He backed up against the head of the bed.. "I want to see my mommy." He cried. "Oh shut up. Listen I don’t want you here any more than you want to be here. By tomorrow night if your mother does as I tell her, you’ll be home with her. So shut up and go to sleep." Marc said leaving the bedroom and slammed the door. He walked out into the tiny livingroom and flopped back on the sofa. He was starting to feel a little edgy so he pulled out a box from under the sofa. He looked in it and saw that he only had enough heroine to last a day. He pulled up his sleeve and tied the rubber strap around his arm. He slapped his arm a couple of times and then jabbed the needle into his arm. He lay back on the sofa waiting for the high to hit him. "I’m thirsty." Danny said from the doorway of the bedroom. Marc jumped up and tried to hide the box. He looked at Danny and told him to get a soda out of the refrigerator. Danny walked slowly past Marc looking at the strap on his arm. Marc quickly pulled it off and shoved it into the box. "Well hurry up and get the damn soda and go back to bed." Marc yelled at him. Danny ran to the refrigerator grabbed a can and ran back to the bedroom slamming the door behind him. Marc stared at the door for a few minutes wondering how much Danny had seen. He shrugged his shoulders and glanced at his watch. It was half past eleven and he smiled thinking only thirty minutes to go and his plan would be underway. He set the alarm next to him in case he fell asleep and lay back on the sofa. He was feeling the effects of his hit and his body was relaxing. He closed his eyes and enjoyed his high. The alarm buzzed and Marc sat up on the sofa instantly. He grabbed his cell phone and was about to dial Marina’s number. He grinned knowing that Marina was waiting for him to call and he thought maybe he should make her sweat a little by not calling exactly at midnight. He laughed to himself. He walked to the fridge and grabbed a can of beer. He gulped back almost half the can and slammed it down on the counter. "Yeah! That should make her sweat." He chuckled to himself. He walked to the bedroom and looked in. Danny was curled into a fetal position sound asleep. Marc stood there for a while looking at the little boy that was suppose to be his son and he looked so small and innocent that Marc almost felt guilty. He shook the feelings away quickly he wasn’t going to let his conscious make him lose perspective. He closed the door quietly as too now wake Danny. As he walked back to the sofa, he looked at his watch. It was almost fifteen minutes past midnight and he thought that was enough waiting for both himself and Marina. He dialed the number quickly and sat back waiting for her to answer.

file:///D|/ebook source files/Rescued/14.html [3/24/2003 6:32:17 PM]

StoneGarden.Net Presents: Rescued Love by Rhonda Squires

"It’s quarter past midnight. Why hasn’t he called?" Marina said pacing the floor. "He’ll call Rina. Just sit down." Stephanie said guiding Marina to the sofa. The phone started to ring as soon as she sat. Marina jumped up and ran to the phone, almost dropping it as she picked it up. "Hello!!!!" she yelled into the phone. "Still sitting by the phone for my calls, huh Marina." Marc said in a sadistic voice. "I want to talk to Danny. Now!" Marina said firmly. "Oh Marina, it is midnight the little darlin’ is sleeping." Marc said sweetly. "You bastard, I want to talk to my son." Marina yelled. "Did you forget? He’s our son and if you want him back you better follow my instructions to the letter." Marc said as calmly as he could. Marc gave Marina precise instructions on when and where he wanted the money brought. He told her that she had to come alone or he would take Danny and they would never find them. Marina began to cry softly and told Marc that he would get his money. She hung up the phone falling to her knees on the floor sobbing uncontrollably . James was instantly kneeling next to her holding her tightly to him. She was crying so hard she couldn’t speak and James knew not to question her about anything until she had gotten it all out of her system. When Marina finally calmed down. She told everyone what Marc wanted her to do. She said that he wanted her to bring the money to the corner of Maddox Cove Road and Black Head Road at eleven the next night and leave the money in a case on the side of the deserted road. She told them that he wanted her to go alone and when she dropped the money she was to get in her car and wait past the first turn. When he made sure that the money was there he would send Danny down to her. "You’re not going alone Marina." James yelled. "James if I don’t, I won’t get Danny back. He said he’d disappear with him." Marina said beginning to cry again. James knelt in front of her holding her hands. "Sweetheart, we won’t let him get away." he said softly. Marina looked into his eyes and knew that he wasn’t going to let her go alone. She also knew that Marc meant what he said. She didn’t have any choice she knew James and John would take precautions. Still she wondered how they would keep hidden. "How are you gonna be there and him not see you?" Marina asked looking from James to John. John explained that they would have officers set in place long before Marc would get there and they would be well hidden so that Marc would never know. Marina still wasn’t sure but since she had no choice in the matter she agreed. All she cared was that she got Danny back safe and sound, and Marc was put in jail. She didn’t want him ever getting close to Danny again. She just wished it was all over and Danny was home.

file:///D|/ebook source files/Rescued/15.html [3/24/2003 6:32:20 PM]

StoneGarden.Net Presents: Rescued Love by Rhonda Squires

That night Marina didn’t sleep much and when she did all she could see was Danny’s face. James didn’t sleep much either. He was worried about the whole operation. He knew that if they didn’t have the officers positioned properly Marc could escape through Maddox Cove. James thought to himself that Marc was smart. Black Head Road had plenty of escape roots and if they weren’t careful he would get away easily. James pulled Marina close to him thinking he had to get Danny back. He knew Marina would not get over it if Marc disappeared with him. "James tell me everything’s going to be ok." Marina said as she clung to him. "Sweetheart I promise you that by this time tomorrow Danny will be asleep in the next room." James whispered as he softly kissed the top of her head. She laid her head on his chest and the rhythm of his heart helped her to relax. James gently stroked her hair as he went through the plan over and over in his head. He didn’t want anything to go wrong. The phone rang at dawn waking Marina and James suddenly. James jumped out of the bed and ran to answer it. "Hello." James said still trying to wake up. "Hey buddy, it’s time to get things started." John said on the other end. "Ok John. See you there." James said as he hung up the phone. When James turned around to go back to the room Marina was standing in the doorway of the bedroom. James could see the worry and fear on her face. He walked up to her and pulled her into his arms hugging her tightly. She clung to him. "We better get dressed. We’ve got a lot to do today." James said as he looked into her eyes and he kissed her lips softly. Marina nodded and gave him a forced smile. He touched her cheek softly and smiled back. Marina and James got dressed without saying much of anything to each other. She was worried that Marc would find out about the police. She knew that they were professionals and it wasn’t like they didn’t know what they were doing but this was her son’s welfare she had to think about. She sat on the bed and stared off into space. James finished getting dressed and seen Marina sitting on the bed. He knelt in front of her and took her hands in his. She looked at him as a tear began to run down her cheek. "Marina, I know you’re worried but we know what we’re doing. This is my job and because it’s Danny that we are dealing with both John and I will make this plan run to perfection." James said wiping the tear from her cheek. "I know but I’m scared." Marina sobbed. "Marina, I’m scared too. Danny is like my own son and I want him home." James said looking into her eyes. Marina hugged him tightly. For some reason hearing him say Danny was like his own son made her feel a lot better. James told her that he had to call Mrs. Ray so she could watch Michael and he wanted to get going before Michael woke up. Marina looked toward the doorway of the bedroom and she smiled. James turned to see his son standing there rubbing his eyes. "Daddy is Danny coming home today?" Michael said sleepily. James walked over and took Michael up into his arms. "Yes buddy he is. We’re going to bring Danny home tonight." James said kissing his son’s cheek. Marina walked over next to them and Michael almost jumped into her arms. She hugged him tightly. "When Danny gets home, can I still call you Mommy?" Michael asked. Marina smiled at him and looked at James. He was smiling at both of them. "Of course you can honey and when Danny gets home your dad and I have a surprise for both of you." Marina said as she let him down from her arms. Michael went back to his room and James looked at Marina. "So you still want to marry me?" He asked taking her hand. "Did you think you were going to get out of it that easily?" She said smiling at him. He laughed and pulled her into his arms. "I don’t want to get out of it but we need to get going." James said . She kissed his lips softly and gently ran her hand against his cheek. "I love you so much." She said softly. "I love you too Marina." James whispered looking deep into her eyes. He brushed his lips against hers. "Now we’ve to get going." He said. She nodded and they headed down stairs.

file:///D|/ebook source files/Rescued/16.html (1 of 4) [3/24/2003 6:32:22 PM]

StoneGarden.Net Presents: Rescued Love by Rhonda Squires

Mrs. Ray arrived at the door only minutes after James had called her. She walked into the kitchen and saw Marina staring out through the window. James told Mrs. Ray that he had to make some calls before they left and Michael had gone back to sleep. Mrs. Ray walked over to Marina and put a comforting arm around her shoulders. "Don’t you worry my dear Jimmy will get Danny back?" She said softly to Marina. "I know Mary. I’m just worried." Marina said looking at Mrs. Ray. "And rightly so but you know god brought you and Jimmy together for a reason. I think that he’ll keep your son safe and help Jimmy bring him home." She said gently hugging Marina. "I hope you’re right Mary. I really hope your right." Marina said trying to hold back her tears. "You know I haven’t seen Jimmy so in love since Gina." Mary said looking at Marina. "I love him too." Marina said still feeling a twinge of jealousy at the mention of James’ dead wife. "Oh you don’t need to tell me that. I can see it in your eyes dear." Mrs. Ray said smiling at Marina. James walked into the kitchen and told Marina it was time for them to go. Mrs. Ray hugged her again and told her she would pray that everything would go perfect. James and Marina thanks her and they left the house. Marina sat quietly in the car as they drove toward Black Head Road. She watched the huge evergreen trees as they passed them. She thought this road was still so untouched. There were very few houses. They drove past the area where Marc wanted the money dropped. James slowed down and looked around for possible positions to place the officers. He looked up and down the roads and when he was satisfied that hiding the officer wasn’t a problem, he turned the car around and headed to the station. "There are plenty of places to hide around that area." James said casually to Marina. "That’s good." she said softly. "Marina, do you know why Marc would pick around here?" James asked. "Marc grew up on Shea Heights. They used to have a cabin just up the road from that intersection." Marina said. "Jesus Marina why didn’t you tell me that before?" James said slamming on the breaks. "What difference do it make? Marc sold it before we were married." Marina said. "Oh I’m sorry. I just thought if you knew where it was to that he could be hiding there with Danny." James said leaning his head against the headrest of the seat. Marina reached over and ran her fingers through his hair. He turned to look at her taking her hand and kissing the palm. "James, I love you so much. I don’t know how to thank you for doing all of this." She said her eyes filling with tears. "Marina seeing the smile on your face when you have Danny in your arms will be all the thanks I need." He said softly. Marina leaned over and kissed his lips softly. Their eyes locked and they both knew that no matter what happened they would get through it together. James began to drive again holding Marina’s hand the entire way to the station. James, John and a dozen other officers were crowded in John’s small office. They had all checked out the drop off point that morning. One of the officers who was from the area drew a map and they were setting up stake out points for each officer. "Look gentlemen, as you all know this case is very personal to both John and I. We want this to go without a hitch." James addressed all the officers. "That is the reason we specifically picked each and every one of you. We know you all have children of your own and you are the top officers we have." John interjected. After a couple of hours the entire plan was set and they left the office. They had made the plan for each officer to go to there point at separate times in the case that Marc was watching the area. James leaned against the door of John’s office. "John this has got to work." James said. "James we have the top officers on this. Don’t worry." John said confidently. James walked to the window and looked out at the passing traffic. His mind kept going to Danny. He felt a cold chill run through his body as he thought about how scared Danny must be. He thought that it would be one of the longest days he will ever go through. Stephanie took Marina to meet with Bill Roberts to pick up the ransom money. They walked into the office building and headed toward the receptionist desk. The young lady behind the desk looked to be about Marina’s age and Marina glanced at the name plate it said the young ladies name was Julia Richards. Marina thought she looked very sophisticated sat behind the

file:///D|/ebook source files/Rescued/16.html (2 of 4) [3/24/2003 6:32:22 PM]

StoneGarden.Net Presents: Rescued Love by Rhonda Squires

large oak desk. Her dark business suit fit her perfectly and her blonde hair was tied at the nape of her neck. When Marina and Stephanie walked up the her desk, she greeted them pleasantly. "Good morning, can I help you?" Julia said "My name is Marina Kelly. I have a meeting with Bill Roberts at eleven." Marina said her voice a little shaky. "Oh yes Ms. Kelly he’s been expecting you. Please come with me." Julia said leading Stephanie and Marina down a long hall. There were many offices on either side as they walked down the hall. At the end of the hallway was a large door. Julia opened the door and motioned for Marina and Stephanie to come in. The office was large and decorated with paintings and antiques. Marina not being a real art connoisseur didn’t know much about the paintings but they looked to be very expensive. In the middle of the office was a desk and behind it was Bill Roberts. Marina thought he looked so different dressed in his black three piece suit. He didn’t look at all like the man who had helped her the night of the accident. "Mr. Roberts, Ms. Kelly’s here." Julia said as they walked into the office. "Thank you Julia." Bill said nodding at Julia who seemed to take that as a sign to leave. She closed the door behind her leaving Marina and Stephanie standing next to the door. "Come sit down ladies." Bill said motioning to the chairs across from his desk. Marina and Stephanie walked over to them and sat down. "Thank you Mr. Roberts." Marina said feeling a little overwhelmed by his kindness. "Now first off you’ll call me Bill and no thanks necessary. I told you if there was anything I could do to just ask. I’m glad I can help." Bill said walking around the desk and sitting on the edge of the desk. "I know but you are so kind to do this. I mean you don’t even know us." Marina said softly. He reached out and touched her hand gently. "I know that you’re a good mother and that you’ll do anything to get your son back. If I can help you with that then I’m honored. Ms. Kelly, I never married and had no children of my own. I don’t know the fear that you feel right now but I would imagine it is tremendous. If the money I have can help you to get your son back, then it’s my pleasure to give it to you." He said smiling at her. "Thank you so much Bill and please call me Marina. Is there anything you need me to sign?" She asked thinking that he may have some sort of contract for her to sign for repayment of the money. "Marina this money is not a loan. I want you to take it and get your son back. If the man that has him gets away with it I don’t care as long as you get your son." Bill said adamantly. Marina smiled at him thinking he had to be the kindest man in the world. "I just don’t know how to thank you Bill." Marina said her voice cracking. "If you feel you have to pay me back someway then, here’s the deal. When you get your son back, you can have me over for a celebration dinner. How’s that?" He said smiling at Marina. Marina lost all control of her emotions. She jumped up and hugged Bill tightly. He hugged her back feeling very good that he could actually help this woman. After the emotional display, Marina felt a little embarrassed. Bill didn’t say anything else. We walked to a large painting behind his desk and opened it. Behind it was a safe and Marina smiled to herself thinking this was only things she had seen in movies. He opened the safe and pulled out a small black brief case. He laid it on the desk in front of Marina and opened it. The case was filled with money and Marina gasped. She had never seen so much money. Stephanie just looked at it. Bill closed the brief case and handed it to Marina. Her hands were shaking as she took the case "Now I have a security guard who’ll walk you to your car so you don’t have any problems." Bill said picking up the phone. Within minutes a man walked through the door dressed in a blue suit. Marina thought he looked a lot like the secret service men she had seen on television. Marina thanked Bill again and hugged him. He wished her luck with everything and said he would be expecting is dinner invitation soon. As they drove back to the house Marina couldn’t help but feel anxious about all the money that was in the trunk of the car. She didn’t know where to put it when she got back home and she didn’t want to leave it in the trunk. "Steph, where am I gonna put that case until tonight?" She said nervously. "Don’t worry I’m sure James will have some idea." Stephanie said turning into the driveway. Marina almost jumped out of the car and headed for the trunk. She waited for Stephanie to open it and looked around before she removed it from the trunk. Then almost running headed into the house. James met her at the door and smiled at her. She almost threw the brief case at him. She just wanted to get it out of her hands until it was time to go. James told her not to worry he would put it in a safe place until it was time to go.

file:///D|/ebook source files/Rescued/16.html (3 of 4) [3/24/2003 6:32:22 PM]

StoneGarden.Net Presents: Rescued Love by Rhonda Squires

He met them in the livingroom after he had safely hidden the money. Marina was sitting on the sofa hugging herself. She was a nervous wreck he thought. Stephanie and John were doing their best to calm her but it didn’t seem to be working. James walked to the liquor cabinet and poured her a glass of Brandy. He brought it over to her and told her to drink it. "It will help you relax Marina." He said sitting next to her. Marina asked him where Michael was and James told her that he would be staying with Mrs. Ray for the night. She felt sad because she had wanted to see him but she was relieved because she didn’t want him to see her so nervous. James and John explained everything that was going to happen that night to Marina in detail. They told her that John would be in the back of her car so she wouldn’t exactly be alone. Marina tried to argue the point but it didn’t do any good. James was adamant about John being in the car. They assured Marina that everything would go according to the plan. Although Marina trusted James and John, she didn’t trust Marc. She knew he would do anything to get away with the money even if it included hurting someone. Marina worried that the someone would be Danny.

file:///D|/ebook source files/Rescued/16.html (4 of 4) [3/24/2003 6:32:22 PM]

StoneGarden.Net Presents: Rescued Love by Rhonda Squires

Marc was sleeping on the sofa. He felt like someone was watching him and woke up startled. Danny was standing next to the sofa looking at him. Marc sat up trying to clear his muddled mind. "What do you want?" Marc snapped. "I’m hungry." Danny said stepping back from Marc. Marc groaned and got up. He walked into the kitchen and pulled a box of cereal out of the cupboard. Danny watched him intensely as Marc poured the cereal into the bowl. He walked over to the table as Marc laid the bowl in front of him. Slowly Danny started to eat not taking his eyes off of Marc. He was frightened by Marc and the fear showed in his eyes. "What’s your problem?" Marc said throwing back a glass of whiskey. "I want my mommy." Danny said quietly. Marc slammed the glass down on the counter and walked over next to Danny. He turned Danny to face him. "Listen kid, like I told you before I don’t want you here any more than you want to be here. So if your mommy does as I told her, than you’ll be back with her tonight." Marc snapped. "I don’t like you." Danny yelled in Marc’s face. Marc lost his temper and didn’t realize it until the back of his hand connected with Danny’s face. Danny began to scream ran into the bedroom shutting the door behind him. He heard Danny sobbing behind the door but it didn’t matter he hadn’t had a fix in over twelve hours and he was starting to get edgy. The best place for Danny right now was in the bedroom where Marc didn’t have to hear him or look at him. He looked at his watch it was almost an hour past noon and he needed a fix bad but he didn’t have anything. He walked to the kitchen and grabbed the bottle of whiskey. He poured himself a drink and gulped it down. He tossed back drink after drink trying to calm his withdrawals. The bottle was almost empty and Marc was barely able to keep his eyes open. He closed one eye and tried to focus on his watch. It was just a little after five and he thought that he could get a couple of hours sleep before he went to get the money. Before he knew it, he passed out on the sofa. The whiskey bottle falling to the floor. He lay back against the sofa his head hanging to the side in a drunken stupor. Danny jumped when he heard the crash in the next room. He sat on the bed shaking, scared and alone. His face still hurt where Marc had hit him and he was afraid to leave the room. He didn’t hear any other noise. After a few hours, he slowly crawled off the bed. He walked to the door and opened it peeking out. He saw Marc sleeping on the sofa and opened the door. He stood there watching to see if Marc moved. His eyes went to the front door and he thought of running out through it. He started to walk slowly toward the door watching Marc to make sure he didn’t wake up. He got to the door and opened it slowly. He almost ran out the door and when he got outside he ran toward the road. It was very dark and he knew that his mommy would get mad if she knew he was outside after dark but he was not going back to where that man could hurt him again. He got to the road and seen a church at the dead end road. He wanted to go home so he decided to follow the road in the other direction. Danny walked down the dark road. He was starting to feel a little cold and his T-shirt didn’t cover his arms. He was getting tired and he didn’t see any houses or cars but he wasn’t going back. He thought that he was going to walk until he found his mommy. He had been walking for quite a while and it was getting darker. He knew it was way past his bedtime and he was getting tired. Danny just wished he was home with his mommy and James. He missed Michael too. The more he thought about his family, the more determined he became and began to walk faster. He was getting home he thought and his mommy would be proud of him for getting away from the bad man.

file:///D|/ebook source files/Rescued/17.html [3/24/2003 6:32:24 PM]

StoneGarden.Net Presents: Rescued Love by Rhonda Squires

Marc was sleeping on the sofa. He felt like someone was watching him and woke up startled. Danny was standing next to the sofa looking at him. Marc sat up trying to clear his muddled mind. "What do you want?" Marc snapped. "I’m hungry." Danny said stepping back from Marc. Marc groaned and got up. He walked into the kitchen and pulled a box of cereal out of the cupboard. Danny watched him intensely as Marc poured the cereal into the bowl. He walked over to the table as Marc laid the bowl in front of him. Slowly Danny started to eat not taking his eyes off of Marc. He was frightened by Marc and the fear showed in his eyes. "What’s your problem?" Marc said throwing back a glass of whiskey. "I want my mommy." Danny said quietly. Marc slammed the glass down on the counter and walked over next to Danny. He turned Danny to face him. "Listen kid, like I told you before I don’t want you here any more than you want to be here. So if your mommy does as I told her, than you’ll be back with her tonight." Marc snapped. "I don’t like you." Danny yelled in Marc’s face. Marc lost his temper and didn’t realize it until the back of his hand connected with Danny’s face. Danny began to scream ran into the bedroom shutting the door behind him. He heard Danny sobbing behind the door but it didn’t matter he hadn’t had a fix in over twelve hours and he was starting to get edgy. The best place for Danny right now was in the bedroom where Marc didn’t have to hear him or look at him. He looked at his watch it was almost an hour past noon and he needed a fix bad but he didn’t have anything. He walked to the kitchen and grabbed the bottle of whiskey. He poured himself a drink and gulped it down. He tossed back drink after drink trying to calm his withdrawals. The bottle was almost empty and Marc was barely able to keep his eyes open. He closed one eye and tried to focus on his watch. It was just a little after five and he thought that he could get a couple of hours sleep before he went to get the money. Before he knew it, he passed out on the sofa. The whiskey bottle falling to the floor. He lay back against the sofa his head hanging to the side in a drunken stupor. Danny jumped when he heard the crash in the next room. He sat on the bed shaking, scared and alone. His face still hurt where Marc had hit him and he was afraid to leave the room. He didn’t hear any other noise. After a few hours, he slowly crawled off the bed. He walked to the door and opened it peeking out. He saw Marc sleeping on the sofa and opened the door. He stood there watching to see if Marc moved. His eyes went to the front door and he thought of running out through it. He started to walk slowly toward the door watching Marc to make sure he didn’t wake up. He got to the door and opened it slowly. He almost ran out the door and when he got outside he ran toward the road. It was very dark and he knew that his mommy would get mad if she knew he was outside after dark but he was not going back to where that man could hurt him again. He got to the road and seen a church at the dead end road. He wanted to go home so he decided to follow the road in the other direction. Danny walked down the dark road. He was starting to feel a little cold and his T-shirt didn’t cover his arms. He was getting tired and he didn’t see any houses or cars but he wasn’t going back. He thought that he was going to walk until he found his mommy. He had been walking for quite a while and it was getting darker. He knew it was way past his bedtime and he was getting tired. Danny just wished he was home with his mommy and James. He missed Michael too. The more he thought about his family, the more determined he became and began to walk faster. He was getting home he thought and his mommy would be proud of him for getting away from the bad man.

file:///D|/ebook source files/Rescued/17.html [3/24/2003 6:33:46 PM]

StoneGarden.Net Presents: Rescued Love by Rhonda Squires

James was crouched down behind some trees. He was right behind the place Marina was suppose to drop the money. He glanced at his watch but it was so dark it was hard to see. He spoke into the radio in his hand. "Hey guys time check." he said in a low voice. "Eleven forty-five sir." came a voice back. "Thanks Steve. Keep your eyes open." James said watching the road. James was getting anxious. He wondered if Marina was alright and if she could actually do this. He picked up the radio. "John you there?" James whispered. "Yeah, buddy I’m here." John’s voice came over the radio. "Is she ok?" James asked. "I’m fine James." Marina said over the radio. James smiled. Just hearing her voice made him relax. "How close are you?" James said quietly. "We are just about there bud." John said. James sat back on his feet his legs were getting cramped. "Sir there is someone walking down the road up here." a voice came over the radio. "Is it a man?" James said quietly. "It looks like a child sir." The voice came back. James thought what would a child be doing out this time of night. It then hit him that maybe Marc was sending Danny to pick up the case. "Brian do me a favor. Call out Danny." James said hopefully. James waited and he heard Brian call out. When James heard Danny’s voice, his heart jumped. He jumped up and ran to the road. He ran up toward the area he knew Brain was. He looked up the dark road and seen Danny walking down the road. He ran toward Danny. Danny stopped when he heard the footsteps and he started to worry that it was Marc. He was going to run away but he was so tired and cold he couldn’t move. "Danny!" James called out when he was close enough. Danny heard James voice and ran toward him. When he reached Danny, James pulled him up into his arms. Danny hugged him so tightly that he could hardly breath. "Daddy! I thought I was never gonna see you anymore." Danny cried. "It’s ok buddy your safe." James said holding him tightly as he looked around for Marc. James stood Danny in front of him. "Where is the man that took you Danny?" James asked. Danny told him that he was asleep on the sofa back at the house. James radioed the officers and told them to come meet him at the drop off point. He pulled his coat off and wrapped it around Danny. Picking him up again, he headed back down the road. Marina had heard the radio call and she began to drive faster. John told her to slow down and relax. She tried but she just wanted to make sure that Danny was alright. She thought that there had to be something wrong because Marc wouldn’t just let Danny go and if he did she wondered how he could let a little boy wander around in the dark by himself. When James and Danny got to the drop off point, Marina was already there. She ran toward them and Danny jumped into her arms. Marina cried as he hugged and kissed his face over and over. The headlights were shining on them and when Marina looked at Danny she seen the side of his face was starting to bruise. She asked him what happened and when Danny told her that Marc had struck him she hugged him tightly to her. "Sweetheart he’ll never ever hurt you again I promise." Marina said sobbing. "Mommy I’m sorry I went outside at night but that man scared me." Danny cried. "Danny this is the only time in your life that I’m glad you didn’t listen." Marina said looking at his tearful face. James hated to interrupt their reunion but he had to find out where Marc was. James walked over to them and turned Danny facing him. "Ok buddy do you remember where that house is?" James asked. Danny nodded and pointed up the road he had just came down. He told James that it was next to a big building with an X on it. James didn’t know what he meant until one of the

file:///D|/ebook source files/Rescued/18.html (1 of 2) [3/24/2003 6:33:51 PM]

StoneGarden.Net Presents: Rescued Love by Rhonda Squires

other officer told him there was a church at the end of the road. James asked Danny if he could show him where the house was. Danny nodded. James seen Danny’s bruised eye and his face began to turn red with anger. He thought when he got his hands on Marc he would see how he could handle someone his own size. James told Marina to take Danny to her car and he would be right with her. He walked over to John uttering a string of curses. "That god damn bastard hit him John." James said through his teeth. "Jesus, is he ok?" John asked looking at Marina putting Danny into the car. "His eye is bruised. Wait until I get my hands on his damn throat." James said. John knew he couldn’t let James near Marc at that point or the case would fall apart. John told him to get Danny to point out the house and they would follow. James agreed and jogged back to the car. Getting in he told Danny he needed him to show the police where the house was. James drove up the road with Danny next to him and Marina leaning over the back seat. Behind them were two police cars. "James, this is where Marc’s cabin used to be." Marina said suddenly remembering the area. "Marina he probably never sold it like he told you." James said. Marina agreed. When they reached the end of the road Marina, pointed to the house and asked Danny if it was the right one. Danny nodded and James told Marina to take Danny home. He got out of the car and headed toward the house only to be stopped by John. "Sorry bud you’re not getting near him." John said holding James back. "What’s that suppose to mean?" James shot at him. "Look James you’re too personally involved here let the other officers handle it. We don’t want Marc to have any reasons to get him off with this." John said. James knew John was right but he just wanted to get his hands on Marc for five minutes. Six officers surrounded the small house. James and John stood next to the car with Marina and Danny inside. They heard the officer demand Marc to open the door but nothing happened. Danny had not closed the door when he left so it was still slightly open. One of the officers pushed the door open and walked in slowly. James, John and Marina watched and waited for them to come out and say Marc was gone. It seemed like hours had passed before two officers emerged with a staggering Marc in handcuffs. James and John gave each other a high five and Marina let out a breath in relief. The officers led Marc to the patrol car and put him inside. James started toward the car only to be stopped by Marina’s voice. "James don’t please.." Marina begged. James turned to see Marina and Danny standing outside of the car. He hung his head and looked back at them again. He walked toward them and pulled Marina into his arms, looking down at Danny who was looking toward the police car. He picked him up in his arms and hugged him. "Lets go home!" James said. They got into the car. John told them he would go back to the station and left in one of the police cars. James, Marina and Danny headed for home neither of them talking much. They were all tired and just wanted to get home as quickly as they could so they could get on with their lives.

file:///D|/ebook source files/Rescued/18.html (2 of 2) [3/24/2003 6:33:51 PM]

StoneGarden.Net Presents: Rescued Love by Rhonda Squires

When they arrived home, they found Michael sitting on the sofa with Stephanie. "He wanted to be here when Danny got home." Stephanie said when they walked in. Michael ran toward Danny and stopped when he seen his bruised face. He looked at James. "Daddy that bad man is gone right?" Michael said. "Yes buddy he’s gone to jail. He’ll never hurt Danny or anyone again." James said as he ran his hand over his son’s hair. Michael hugged Danny and told him that he was glad he was home. Stephanie walked over next to them and hugged her nephew. She didn’t ask any questions she was just glad it was all over. When they finally settled the boys in bed and reassured Danny that nobody would ever take him away again, Marina and James joined Stephanie in the livingroom. They told her what happened and she was shocked that Danny had escaped on his own. "He’s a smart kid." James said. It was almost two in the morning and John had arrived to take Stephanie home. Marina suddenly remembered that the money was still in the back of the car. James instantly ran out to get it. He said he would bring it back to Mr. Roberts in the morning but he didn’t know how to thank him for his help. When John and Stephanie opened the door to leave, they almost ran into Bill. "I’m sorry to show up so late but I just had to know how things went. Did you get Danny?" He asked. James walked to the door and invited Bill in. He told Bill about what had happened. Bill was amazed at that Danny had done and congratulated them for a job well done. When James brought the brief case of money out and passed it to Bill, he shook his head. "James, I want you to keep that money. Use it for the boys education." Bill said softly. "I have no family of my own and with all the money that I have it would make me happy if you would just keep it." "Bill we can’t accept this. It’s really too much money." James said. "Please I want you to have it. I just ask one thing of you." Bill said. "What is it?" James asked. "Well as crazy as this sounds. I would love to consider you as part of my family." Bill said softly. Marina didn’t need to hear anything more. She walked over to Bill and wrapped her arms around him. "You have already become part of our family Bill. Believe me you are stuck with us now." Marina chuckled. When everyone finally left, James watched Marina as she locked the door. She turned around and saw him looking at her. "What’s wrong?" She said a little worried. James smiled as he walked toward her. "Absolutely nothing." He said. He pulled her into his arms and kissed her softly. Her arms moved around his neck and their kiss became deeper. James lifted her into his arms and carried her upstairs, their lips never breaking. He kicked open the bedroom door and fell with her in his arms onto the large bed. The stress and fear they had felt for such a long time was gone and they needed each other badly. Marina and James made love passionately with an intensity they had never felt before in their lives. They lay in each others arms exhausted by their love making. James held her tightly to him and she felt closer to him than anyone she had ever had in her life. "James I love you so much." She said looking into his eyes. "I love you more than I could ever tell you sweetheart." James said kissing her tenderly. "I have turned your life upside down but from now on things will be normal." Marina said. "My life has never been so wonderful and I’m just glad to have you and Danny in it." James whispered. She brushed her lips against his cheek and they held each other until they both fell into a deep exhausted sleep.

file:///D|/ebook source files/Rescued/19.html (1 of 2) [3/24/2003 6:33:54 PM]

StoneGarden.Net Presents: Rescued Love by Rhonda Squires

file:///D|/ebook source files/Rescued/19.html (2 of 2) [3/24/2003 6:33:54 PM]

StoneGarden.Net Presents: Rescued Love by Rhonda Squires

Two months had passed since Danny had returned home. James and Marina had told the boys the next morning that they would be getting married and the boys were ecstatic. Things had finally returned to normal and since Marc had pled guilty to all the charges against him there wasn’t a need to drag Danny through a trial. He was sentenced to fifteen years in prison and had gave away all his parental rights and allowed James to adopt Danny as his son. Marina also adopted Michael but they decided not to tell them until they were married. Oh New Year’s day James and Marina were getting married in a small ceremony and Bill Roberts had insisted they have it at his home. They had become very close to Bill and the boys actually called him grandpa. Both James and Marina like that because neither of their parents were still living. They felt like one big happy family. Marina was standing in Bill’s bedroom looking in the mirror and Stephanie was looking out the window. Marina looked at her she seemed distracted. "Steph are you ok?" Marina asked her. Stephanie looked at her and smiled. "I’m absolutely perfect." She said smiling. "You seem distracted." Marina said walking over to her. "Oh Rina I can’t keep this in any longer. I’m pregnant." Stephanie blurted out. Marina looked at her in shock then squealed and hugged her. "Why didn’t you and John tell us?" Marina asked. "Well I knew the day before you went to get Danny. John still doesn’t know. I wanted to wait and make sure everything would be ok. The doctor told me yesterday that the baby is healthy and things are going to be fine." Stephanie said her eyes filling with tears. Marina hugged her again. "Oh Steph when are you going to tell him." Marina asked. "I don’t know how to tell him. This is going to put him in shock." Stephanie laughed. Marina stood there thinking. Then it hit her. "Steph leave it to me. I’ll let him know at the reception." Marina said with and grin on her face. Stephanie laughed and knew Marina would not do it in private. She knew Marina would do it in front of everyone. A soft knock came on the door and John opened it. "Time to get hung Rina." John laughed. Marina laughed and asked where Bill was. She realized at that moment she didn’t have anyone to walk her down the isle. Bill was standing behind John and Marina asked him to come in. "Bill I know this seems weird but I want you to walk me down the isle." She said taking his hand. "Marina I’d be honored." He said offering her his arm. James was standing at the end of the garden his heart was pounding he was so nervous. John could see from James face he was a nervous wreck. "Hey buddy you look like you’re about to be executed." John said patting James shoulder. "Oh aren’t you a real joker." James said laughing. "Hell my hands are sweating." he said wiping his hands against his legs. John laughed and slapped him on the back. John seen Marina and Bill standing at the end of the garden and he pointed to them. "Well buddy it’s to late now." John laughed. James smiled and when he seen Marina his breath caught in his throat. He didn’t think she could look any more beautiful. She looked straight at James and smiled. His heart was ready to explode from the love he had for her. The music started and Bill walked Marina down the isle. When she reached James he took her hand and she stood next to him. The ceremony was short but emotional. Marina and Stephanie both cried as Marina and James exchanged their own vows. James voice cracked several times as he was telling Marina everything she meant to him. She smiled when she seen his tear filled eyes. She knew at that moment she could never love anyone as much as she loved James. After the wedding they had a small reception in Bill’s garden. Marina called James aside and told him about Stephanie. She

file:///D|/ebook source files/Rescued/20.html (1 of 2) [3/24/2003 6:33:57 PM]

StoneGarden.Net Presents: Rescued Love by Rhonda Squires

told him she wanted to announce it when they told the boys about the adoption. James grinned and thought this was his chance to make John squirm. "First of all I would like to thank Bill for everything he has done for us. You are a tremendous person and we are so happy to have you as part of our family. Secondly I would like to thank our families for being there when we needed them and last but certainly not least I would like to thank my beautiful bride for coming into my life. I love you Marina." James said. He took Marina’s hand and stood her up next to him. They whispered something to each other and then called Danny and Michael up next to them. "Boys the reason we called you up here is because we wanted everyone to know that not only are James and I married but we have both have made you boys legally our sons." Marina knelt in front of the boys. "That means I am Mommy to both of you and James is Daddy to both of you. It also means you are brothers." Marina said taking their hands. Everyone clapped and the boys just looked around wondering why everyone was clapping. Danny pulled on Marina’s hand. James motioned for everyone to be quiet because his son wanted to speak. "Mommy, is that why you had this big party?" Danny asked. Marina chuckled. "Well sort of." She said smiling at him. "Well gee Mommy all you had to do was ask Michael and me. We figured we were already brothers. I just told Michael he was my brother and he told me I was his." Danny said. Everyone began to laugh as they watched the boys looking around. "Well I guess we don’t have anymore questions about that." James said chuckling. "I guess not." Marina laughed. "Well there is also something else that we have to announce." James said watching John intently. Marina nodded to Stephanie letting her know that they were about to shock John. "Yes not only are Danny and Michael brothers now but they will have a new cousin in about 6 months." Marina said watching John. John smiled as he sipped on his drink and then he realized the only way that there would be a cousin is if they had a child. He nearly choked on his drink. John looked at them and then at Stephanie who was smiling from ear to ear. "Steph are you pregnant?" John asked barely able to speak. Stephanie nodded and patted her stomach. John sat there looking at her. He was in shock. She began to worry that he wasn’t happy about this. "John you are happy about this aren’t you?" Stephanie asked nervously. James and Marina watched smiling. John jumped up and pulled her into his arms. He kissed her over and over and spun her around. "Jesus Stephanie I’m not happy I’m ecstatic." He said kissing her again. "Well looks like things are looking up for all of us." James said. He picked both his boys up into his arms. "We are just one big happy family." Marina. said "Yes we are. Forever!" James said. He stood with a boy in each arm, Marina at his side and John, Stephanie and Bill next to them. The photographer snapped a photo. It was the picture of a happy ending.

file:///D|/ebook source files/Rescued/20.html (2 of 2) [3/24/2003 6:33:57 PM]