(First Class)

By Trynia Merin and Jade

07/15/01

Disclaimer: KISS, Gene Simmons, and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin are real persons, and the portrayal here is purely fictitious, with no harm intended to the individuals. Calen McGregor and associated characters of Luck of the Irish are property of Jade, © The Black Rose collection. Terri Mason is property of Trynia Merin, © Trynia's Journies. Please do not use without permission from either author.

Chapter 19

Gene's Mercedes wove its way in and out of afternoon traffic. Neither of them wanted to leave the center so soon, but the neurologist had been very persuasive. Considering the breakthrough Calen had made, Gene wanted her to rest and recover.

"So the neurologist is convinced that Calen should be remembering more… based on how well she's healed… and I think that she's possibly remembering a lot more then she is leading on…"

"Damn it!" Gene sighed, slamming his hand against the steering wheel. "I knew it! She was holding something back, even now!"

"Gene, are you sure it was Jeff… that did that?"

"Yes, I'm sure as shit, doll. That was Jeff who's been visiting her this past week. I just know it. And I am damn sure he pushed her down those steps himself! And she's afraid to tell us…"

"Who is Jeff?" Terri asked.

Gene realized Calen must have never told her, so clearing his throat he said, "Well… he's her ex fiancée…"

"Oh boy…"

"Yeah… basically what happened was this… Calen and he were going to get married. But he cheated on her with several women, including the one who was gonna be her bridesmaid…"

"The slimy bastard…"

"It gets better…" Gene shook his head. "After she dumped him, he spread all sorts of crap about her in the tabloids…"

"What did he say?"

"Basically that she was a 'cold fish' in bed, and that's why he cheated. To get good sex because she didn't measure up…"

"Son of a bitch! That's so not true!" Terri cried. "I can't imagine anyone as passionate as Calen being bad in bed!"

"Yeah, go figure," Gene rolled his eyes. "Well the asshole had the audacity to come tromping back to her house about a year ago. That's where I first met the prick."

"And you gave him a piece of your mind right?"

"Calen did, and then I told him where he could go. And I vowed to myself if he ever showed his slimy ass around her again I'd put my boot so far up it he'd have to have it surgically removed." Gene growled.

"Why would he do this to her?" Terri asked. "What man in his right mind would do this to a woman… revenge? Because she somehow 'rejected' him and he's trying to get even and control her in any way he can?"

"He's a sick bastard," Gene growled. "That's why. They don’t need any reason to justify their behavior. They just do, and people suffer because of their twisted shit."

"And that someone is Calen. And us possibly…"

"Yeah, the little shit. But that means that you and I have to be extra careful till this is all wrapped up…"

"How are we going to nail him?' Terri asked Gene, resting her hand on his knee. A chill rose up her skin, making her feel very cold. What would this man do to her and Gene? It must be horrible if Calen was so adamant to protect them with her silence.

A tear rolled down her cheek when she remembered the nightmare of months before. She fell silent in her own contemplation. "Oh god, I never had someone hate me… just because of…"

All the fears of that nightmare resurged, making her choke on the lump that had arisen in her throat. The comfort zone Gene had spun for her was starting to unravel, polluted by Calen's fear, and the fears of the uncertainty. Now she put hands to her head in some vain attempt to force out the fears that wrapped her own sense of security.

"Why Gene, why?" she began to sniff, trying valiantly not to fall apart then and there. It was the last thing he needed and yet she had been strong for so long the mask was cracking into pieces.

"Terri," Gene said slowly. He pulled the car over to the side of the highway, and shut the engine off. Undoing his seatbelt he leaned over to her, slipping an arm around her shoulders.

"I'm sorry I can't… I didn't want you to have another emotionally casualty on your hands… but…"

"Don't apologize, sweetheart," Gene shushed her. "If you weren't scared, I'd be damned surprised. But you know I wouldn't let any harm come to you… I promise…"

"I know you wouldn't. But what if that asshole does something to the car or the house… I mean people know where you live… and all it takes is some stupid shit…"

"That's precisely what he wants us to be. Terrified. Are we gonna let him win?"

"No," Terri snapped. "Not any more then Brenda…"

"Brenda?' Gene asked, and then remembered the horrible nightmare Terri had about a stalker months ago. It was shortly after Terri had first moved into his home, and the tour was on hiatus. She was rather spooked for a while, very reluctant to wear the color red, especially bright blood red. Even her fingernail polish reflected this aversion, for she often wore a deep purple, brown, or a light pearl. Anything but bright red polish and lipstick.

"C'mere…" he urged, pulling her close like he did for Calen earlier that day. She went willingly to his arms despite the cramped conditions of the car, and leaning over the gear shift and brake handle to hug him tightly.

Their fingers stroked through each other's long hair. This time Gene's hair hung freely around his shoulders, jet black with some encroaching gray mingled in if she looked hard enough. She inhaled his scent, a mixture of cologne, leather and other things that she could not readily identify, but knew instinctively differentiated him from all other men she'd dated or known. It was strange to her realizing now that this man was a celebrity, but months of living together with him stripped away the public persona leaving her with who he really was. More and more it was impossible to consider living without him in her life in some capacity. How natural it felt to be sharing life with him, the comfort having long superseded her nervousness at him. Granted he still drove her wild with those smoldering 'I'm gonna eat you alive' looks and low voice, but she found she had the power to drive him equally crazy with a shake of her hips or a wink. His soft gentle kisses drove the fear away for a brief sweet distracted space of time.

"Gene, what do we do now?" Terri whispered into his ear after they had sat there in each other's arms for a while.

"We go back, and we think of a way to nail Jeff, once and for all," Gene whispered back.

"Now?"

"Well, there are some stops we have to make first…" Gene nodded, holding her out at arm's length now.

Chapter 20

He picked up the phone, blinking awake in confusion. Terri had not noticed him, for she turned over in her sleep, muttering.

"Hello?" Gene whispered. How late was it?

"Gene… thank god… I am so worried… I'm so afraid he'll sneak in and bother me…"

"Wait baby, what's going on? You have another nightmare?"

"Gene, it was Jeff that pushed me down the stairs! I am sorry I didn't tell you before… but he said he was going to make sure you were killed… because I told him I didn't wanna see him again!"

"Oh man, Calen…" Gene groaned.

"I'm so scared Gene… I didn't want to wake you but... I don't know what he'll try…"

"Hang on, I'm coming to stay with you," Gene decided. "I'll be there as soon as I can!"

"But what about Terri…"

"I'll write her a note. Look, I want you to be safe, Angel. I'm coming over to stay with you…"

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah! Now hang tight. I'll be there soon as I can… ok?"

****************************************************

Next morning, Terri reached through the silk sheets for Gene, but found his side of the bed empty. At first she wondered if he was in the bathroom, or downstairs. That was it, he was probably downstairs doing something like making breakfast. She didn't notice the note pinned to his pillow at first, but moved into the shower for a nice hot relaxing soak.

When she returned, she found the note. Face furrowing into a frown she read Gene's neat block printing in caps. Why had he gone to stay with Calen, to leave her here all alone? It didn't seem fair, and Terri felt the lump building in her throat.

"Aww shit, Gene…" she began to cry. Crumpling the note between her hands she hurled it into the wall with a snarl. It took her a few minutes to calm down, of lying down on the bed hugging her knees as she sobbed bitterly.

Finally she pulled herself together and climbed off the bed. Walking over to the dresser, she pulled out some comfortable clothes and dressed quickly. Terri wandered downstairs to get something to eat, and coffee to clear her head. Only then would she decide what to do.

"It was Jeff," Terri muttered, finding the coffeepot already turned on with half a pot left for her. She noticed fresh bagels sitting to one side on the table, with the cream cheese and jelly already out. Even though she was pissed at Gene right now, she was glad he had some sense of hospitality. He had revealed in the note Calen's admission, to at least put her on the same page.

She tucked a poppyseed bagel into the toaster, and retrieved it after a few minutes. Hot butter melted on it along with jelly, and she ate in silence. Food always helped her feel better, even when she was bummed. A few sips of coffee completed her meal, and she set about deciding what to do next. Should she go to the center or wait here for Gene to come home?

Terri picked up her purse, and her car keys. She marched out to the black convertible, and climbed in. Key jammed into the ignition she fired the vehicle up and screeched the tires as she pulled out at full throttle. There was much she would tell Gene when she found him next.

*******************************************

Calen stirred, and found Gene lying there on the bed next to her. It was a full sized hospital bed, which accommodated both if Gene lay on his side, which he did, under Calen's cheek. His leather coat lay over the chair, and he was still fully clothed although he had taken his shoes off.

"Feel better, sleepyhead?" he asked her as he smoothed hair out of her face.

"Yes… thank you," she said with a slow smile. "You really didn't have to…"

"Well, I don't know about you, but I think we should go to the police…"

"Gene…" Calen began to protest as Gene swung around his feet to hit the floor, and heaved off the bed carefully. Before she could stop him, he had already shoved his shoes on and walked out into the hall. The nurse was on her way in, and saw Gene sleepily standing there. She was surprised, but felt it was better not to question it.

"Nurse, could you please make a phone call? I have a number here. I want to get in touch with the police… her friend Sheri's brother is a detective…"

"All right," the nurse nodded, taking the piece of paper from Gene. Calen glanced at him through the open door, and Gene returned to the room. He sat down in the chair nearby, and gave Calen a reassuring smile. Just then another nurse knocked on the door, and poked her head in.

"Ms. McGregor… are you ready for your shower? Oh… didn't realize you had company…"

"Go ahead. I'm just waiting for the police to get here," Calen said casually. She leaned down onto the walker the nurse helped her with, and managed to get to the bathroom with a hand from Gene as well.

He settled down again, sitting on Calen's bed with his feet propped up. Grabbing the remote he turned on the television for the morning news. Inwardly he worried that he was forgetting something, amidst the dull roar of the shower. He hoped Terri would sleep in and notice the bagels and coffee he had left there the last night.

Fifteen minutes later, the nurse helped Calen, dressed only in her robe out of the bathroom. Gene helped her to sit down on the bed, and moved into the chair. "Feel better?

"Much better. Like a human being… ugh I got all sweaty…"

"I'll be right back to help you dress," the nurse offered. She left the room, closing the door behind her.

"Well you certainly were sweating a storm up last night," Gene joked. Just then they heard a cough, and turned to see who it was at the door.

"Am I interrupting anything?" Terri said slowly and evenly, taking in the sight of both of them. Gene was reaching down to tie his shoe, and Calen was brushing out her wet hair with the wide bristled brush, still in her robe only.

"Terri… hi…" Calen said with a smile. "I didn't expect you…"

"I'm sure you didn't," Terri said quietly, her eyes betraying that she wasn't calm, but brewing with something beneath the surface. Gene glanced at Terri, then to Calen. It dawned on him then and there what was going down in Terri's mind. How could he have been so careless?

"Uh... Terri... I didn't expect you up so early... didn't you get my note?" he started out, trying to be as casual as possible.

Brown eyes sparkling with anger, Terri's voice quaked, "Gene... what are you doing here? Did you spend the night?"

Calen looked at Terri, then back at Gene. All at once, she knew what had happened. "Oh, Terri, its all my fault, I called Gene last night. Don't be upset with him, it was me," she tried to explain, but knew at this point, it would probably be pointless.

"Gene... is this true?" Terri asked, stammering. "What... is going on here? Tell me now... or so help me... I'll lose it!"

"Terri... it isn't what it looks like..." Gene said, rushing over to her as he extended a hand. Terri backed away, anger and shock still written on her face.

"Don't... touch me..." Terri snapped, holding up a hand to stop him. "Just don't come any closer... I want to know one thing..."

"Um, maybe I should leave the two of you alone, to talk?" Calen asked.

"I was just trying to comfort her... she called me in the middle of the night..." Gene got out.

"This is your idea of comfort?" Terri almost shouted, then trailed off when she remembered they were in a hospital. Gene made another advance toward her, but she moved quickly away, putting as much distance between her and him as possible in the small room.

"Now wait a minute!" Gene exclaimed. "What do you think happened?"

"Oh come on Gene... you think I don't know? I wake up, you're not at home, and then I come here and I see you two... and you spent the night in her room... what am I supposed to think?"

"It isn't that!" Gene protested. "Terri I would never..."

"How can I be sure?" she burst out. "Considering who you are?"

She regretted her words the instant they tumbled out, but she was so furious she couldn't think straight. Even when Gene's face paled in sudden shock she couldn't stop in time to hurt him.

Seeing the interaction between the two, and hearing the angry words, Calen immediately interrupted. "Terri, I know we haven't known each other for a very long time, but do you think I would really do anything with Gene like this? Do you think I would use a situation as serious as this just to get Gene in bed with me?" she asked, quite harshly, making Terri step back. Gene smiled slightly at seeing the old fire burn in Calen once more.

"Terri... please, I know my reputation isn't... well... you know..." Gene sighed, moving over to her side. "But I swear that if I ever would have done anything I'd tell you! I wouldn't let you know like this... I'd admit right up front! Not go behind your back!"

"Gene... I... I'm sorry but I just... can't stop feeling sometimes that... you..."

"That I'll what?" Gene urged. "Please talk to me..."

"That you'll find someone who is more attractive then me, and you'll get bored... that if I say the wrong thing or do the wrong thing... you wont want me anymore..." Terri sniffed through her hands. "I don't want to seem immature... but I'm so scared... I don't want to lose you..."

"Its perfectly normal to feel this way." Calen said. "Everyone goes through this, even me."

"I am sorry... I just... well lost it..." Terri apologized. Gene took her hands in his, and kissed them softly. She let him touch her now, tears dripping down her cheeks freely now. He leaned forward, stroking her thigh softly and sensually with his hand.

"Well, then, what were you doing here then?" Terri whispered.

"Like I said, I called him." Calen said. "Jeff tried to come by last night, but I wouldn't let him in, then I called the nurse to take him away. He said he come back, so I called Gene and he came over."

"I was coming over to comfort Calen... and make sure she didn't get harmed by Jeff," Gene said "Nothing happened. I slept here, but I didn't have sex with Calen. Honest."

"I… oh god I'm sorry Gene… I didn't mean…" Terri began to cry again. "Calen… I'm sorry…"

"C'mere… it's okay, " he sighed. Gene leaned forward, parting Terri's knees to move him between them. Wrapping his arms around her in the chair he pressed a kiss to her lips. She placed her hands on his shoulders, drinking in the relief. Terri parted from him, feeling somewhat better, but still her heart pounded with the adrenaline coursing through her system.

He pulled her to her feet, then sat down in the chair, and pulled her to sit on his lap. Just then there came a knock at the door, and the nurse entered. Calen moved off with her to get dressed in the privacy of the hospital bathroom. Gene took Terri's chin in his hand and turned her face toward his. "Hey, I'm really sorry I just up and left… but Calen…"

"Gene, I'm sorry too… I just… jumped to conclusions…"

"Shh. We'll talk about this later. Right now I just don't want you to hate me or think that I'd just dump you for a fling. I may be a 'slut' but I know better then that. I love you baby, and don't forget that for a moment!"

"I should know that by now… but I feel really stupid…"

"Don't," Gene said. "It's not the first time, or the last time… Allison had a number of times when something would happen… and I'd be caught with a female friend and she jumped to conclusions… and all the explaining I could do in the damn world wasn't enough… even if nothing happened…"

"Is that why you're not together? Calen said she couldn't handle it… I mean the fact that there are all these women trying to get into your pants… and… well…"

"Yeah, unfortunately. But this wasn't the same thing at all, was it? I take it that you're used to groupies and fans trying to get a piece of the Demon… but this was much different…"

"Because Calen's a personal friend to you and to me. It's not the same thing… because you men can divorce sex and lovemaking, whereas the thought of two close friends having sex… it's closer to making love…" Terri explained.

There came another knock at the door, and Terri got off of Gene's lap to answer it. It was the nurse, and a gentleman in a neat casual suit, his coat draped over one arm. He had his badge all ready for display as he said, "Hi, you must be Terri. I'm Det…"

"You're Sheri's brother," she nodded. "Calen's just getting ready… we're so glad you came so soon. C'mon in…"

Gene moved up behind Terri, and shook Tim's hand. "Great you could make it. C'mon in… it's a pretty serious situation…"

"Yes, the nurse informed me over the phone. I take it you're also aware of what's been going on…"

"Firsthand. We've even seen the jerk ourselves," Gene muttered.

"I need to start at the beginning, Gene," the Detective held up a hand as he pulled out his notebook and pencil in preparation. He sat down in the chair near Calen's bed, and Gene sat down in the other easy chair, pulling Terri to sit on his lap. Just then the nurse and Calen emerged from the bathroom, Calen fully dressed and moving with the aid of a walker.

"Calen, are you doing all right… it's been a while since I last saw you, and Sheri told me all about what happened…"

"I'm holding up. But it was Gene here who insisted I take what's been going on to the police…"

"And what's been going on? I remember filling out a report about your accident… and how it was supposedly an assault and battery…"

"We have a suspect," Gene cut in, leaning around Terri. "A major one… and Terri and I have seen him visiting here a number of times…"

"One at a time," he said, trying to hide his own anxiousness about Calen's situation. She sat down on the hospital bed, facing the detective and her friends.

"I remember who pushed me down the stairs," Calen said after a deep breath. "I had a nightmare about a week or so ago… and that jogged my memory…"

"Yes…" he said, writing this detail down. "And Gene you say he's been here?"

"He's visited me several times in the rehab center. At the time I didn't specifically remember it was him that pushed me."

"Can you state his name?"

"Jeff, my ex fiancée…" Calen said firmly, anger sparkling her hazel eyes. "He first visited me her the day after I arrived. He had flowers and chocolates with him, and he seemed very concerned about my welfare. I told him I wasn't exactly pleased to see him. He said that he wanted to let bygones be bygones… and that he wanted me back…"

"You're kidding," Terri groaned, but Gene squeezed her thigh, prompting her silence.

"No," Calen sighed. "I told him that wasn't an option, and asked him to leave. He got angry, and said that it would be best if I let him continue to visit me. Because things could get very dangerous for my friends Gene and Terri here…"

"Did he say this that first meeting?" asked Tim, leaning forward in the chair, eyes betraying his concern despite his effort to remain objective. After all, he was the brother of her good friend, and liked her a lot himself. He had met Jeff, and knew all too well the story of their tempestuous relationship, and the aftershocks. How glad Sheri and he were when Calen met Steve, and found her love returned in him. They seemed a good match. Too bad the ghosts of Calen's past had to reduce her to this shattered state. Even so Calen was fighting back, and fighting well.

"Yes… I didn't connect it then. But it was all slowly coming together… and then I realized it had to be him."

"Jeff you mean?"

"Yes. I didn't come forward before because he threatened Gene and Terri here. He said that whoever was responsible for my accident would make sure one happened to them… if I went to the police…"

"So he didn't admit to being responsible for yours?"

"No…" Calen said. "He said that I had to let him go on visiting me here, and not let anyone know he'd changed his name and identity… or that I knew him as my ex fiancée…"

"And what does he go by now?"

"John Smith," she said.

"How original," Gene muttered, nudging Terri, who couldn't help chuckle softly. "That's the name he gave me when I first saw him here… when Terri and I visited…"

"Can you give me a description?"

"Sure, but he's changed a lot," Calen said. "Longer hair, a goatee, sunglasses… the John Lennon kind… and fancier clothes. Like Armani. And he was wearing a gold ring on his finger with a square stone…"

"Tell them about your cut, Calen," Gene urged.

"What cut?"

"You see this," Calen said, showing her scar that ran from cheek to ear."

"Yes…"

"Well Gene thinks that it was caused by the edge of a ring… when I was punched in the face."

"Makes logical sense," Tim nodded. "Do you remember more about what happened the day that you had your accident…"

"Bits and pieces falling into place. But I remember the ring…" Calen shivered.

"We have to have conclusive proof, but we can bring him in for questioning," the detective said.

"I wish we could nail him somehow," Terri said slowly.

"Yeah, catch him in the act," Gene said slowly.

"This isn't television," Calen sighed. "But I want you guys to lock him up and throw away the key!"

"Maybe not, Calen. But it's worth a shot. Remember how we nailed that jerk for taking those pictures of Terri?" Gene asked.

"Yeah, that was one sting worthy of a Hollywood script," Terri laughed. Calen grinned when she realized what they were talking about. Terri had told her the whole story a while ago.

"Well, I take it you three have a plan in mind…" Tim smiled. "There's just one thing I want to know…"

"Yeah?" Gene asked.

"How can I help?"

"Well, let me think," Calen muttered. "I think I have an idea…"
 
 

Chapter 21

"Today in entertainment news, Actress Calen McGregor announced today that her memory was returning slowly but surely. She recently was quoted in an interview with People Magazine that 'it was all coming back to her' regarding the accident. Just what she remembers she did not go into great detail, but she admits there was a high probability that an as yet unidentified assailant was responsible for pushing her down a flight of stairs. The identity of the assailant will be revealed to authorities as soon as she has positively identified…"

"Damn her, I warned her…" he hissed at the television in the rehab center lobby. Nobody was there this early in the morning, and visiting hours wouldn't start till nine. Still that would be enough time to accomplish what he wanted. He would have to act fast, and think fast if he was going to stop her.

"You couldn't let bygones be bygones, could you?" he asked softly. He glanced at the nurses' station, where a single one was present, watching the bank of monitors. It was just before shift change, he had memorized who was on and what times they performed their various activities. He had parked in the lot last night, waiting and sleeping in his car till the morning, when he could see her alone before the others arrived. All his attempts to call her failed, for her number was not available.

This news program confirmed it. She had been a naughty girl and called the police, just like he told her not to. There would be repercussions. Slowly he stole into Calen's room, giving a nod to the nurse on the stroke of nine.

Bored, the nurse waved him on, and he strode slowly, deliberately toward Calen's room. Light flashed off the ring he wore as he swung his hand back in forth in counterbalance to each step. Each step that would bring him closer to his desire, or the elimination of it.

He knocked with a rat-tat pattern he'd established. She would know it was he, come to visit her. Her soft answer bade him enter, and he swung open the door slowly. The television was on low, her eyes riveted to its screen. He admired the lines of her body draped under the sheet pulled up to her waist.

"So beautiful," he said slowly. "Each morning I see you you're more so…"

"Cut the crap Jeff," Calen sighed. "I know how you really feel."

"How can you? You can't get inside my head, darling…"

"Can you get inside of mine? How long are you going to insist on playing this fantasy?" Calen asked him. "I don't want you anymore, got it?"

"I think you do. Deep down inside you still love me, baby," he smiled slowly, striding into the room. He closed the door behind him with a definitive click, locking it.

"Bull," Calen snorted. "I suggest you change whatever's inside your head…"

"You might wanna take that advice yourself. I know you love me…"

"Then why sleep with the other women?"

"They were just sweets for the main course. I wanted you to see that I needed your love, your attention. I know I was wrong, baby. Can't you give me another chance."

"It's over Jeff. Got it? How many times do we have to go over it?"

"As long as it takes for me to love you again. To make you mine. You belong to me… We're two halves of the same whole. Without me you aren't complete, and you know it…"

"I love Steve."

"How can that muscle-bound idiot compare to me?" Jeff sneered.

"If you have to ask that… you should have your brain checked," Calen snapped. "I suggest you get the hell out of that door, and the hell out of my life…"

"Oh no. I am not leaving here till I get you, or some answers…"

"Answers to what questions?" Calen asked, as he approached the side of her bed.

"I saw the news, and you must have too. Why did you break our promise?"

"Which was…"

"You know what it is."

"My memory hasn't been what it should be…" Calen answered him pertly.

"It was simple. That if you tell people that I have been visiting you, unfortunate things will happen to those you love most… and I cannot be responsible for the consequences…"

"How can you even be sure that they'd have any accidents?" Calen asked.

"The people I know can make things happen. Bad things… and when women are unfaithful, and promise breakers… then bad things happen to them. Simple…"

"How was I unfaithful to you, when you were to me? You have some damn nerve! How dare you play holier then thou!" Calen almost shouted at him. "I'm tired of sitting here and playing your game. It has to stop!"

"I agree. Now will you tell me what you told that reporter?"

"Why?"

"You know why! If you remember so much now… then bad things will start to happen again…"

"Why is what I remember so threatening to you? What shouldn't I tell them?"

"The accident. You shouldn't tell them about that Calen. It wouldn’t be good…"

"Why, because you pushed me down those stairs?" Calen asked him. Jeff froze, his fist clenching and unclenching at his side. He was dead silent, the chill dropping the temperature between them ten degrees.

"You have no proof of that," he said.

"Why does that scare you?" Calen demanded. "Why should you care so much? I can see the fear in your eyes. The fear you wanted me to have. Well you know something, Jeff? I'm not scared of you anymore. I'm not going to let assholes like you hurt me or those I love. So I don't care what you do… you can go to hell!"

"How dare you speak to me like that!" he hissed, advancing on the bed. "You bitch…. You ungrateful bitch!"

His hand flashed up, and Calen did not flinch, but glared past him, her hazel eyes defiant. "Or what? You'll hit me like you did that night?" she laughed.

"I warn you!" he shouted, the light flashing from his upraised hand. "I'll teach you not to defy me… you should have learned your lesson before!"

Suddenly the door burst open as his hand descended. Calen rolled out of the way of his blow, which landed on the pillow behind her back. Something solid contacted with Jeff's body, knocking him flat on the floor. He kissed tiles, something pressing down on him from above.

"You leave her alone you son of a bitch!" someone roared into his ear. "You hear me? You'll never hurt her again, as long as I breathe!"

Pain shot up his arm as hot arrows along his nerves when he found his arm seized and twisted behind his back in a viselike grip. The socket of his shoulder popped out with a sharp click with the ferocity of whomever it was holding onto him, a knee buried into the small of his back. He could not see his assailant, but he knew the voice all too well.

"You can't hurt me anymore, Jeff," Calen said slowly, glaring down from him on the bed defiantly. "You tried to cut me off from my friends, but you didn't count on their love for me. A love you'll never be able to understand… with your pathetic little ideas."

Jeff gurgled, spasms of pain racking his shoulder and arm. Another hand pinned his face down to the floor by his neck. He could hear the ring of footsteps on tile when another series of voices hit his ear. "Easy Gene, don't rip his arm off…" came a female voice. "Even though he deserves far worse!"

"Did you hear that, Tim?" Calen's voice came.

"I sure did. I think felony assault and stalking are two charges I can bring him in on…"

"I think Gene's scared the shit out of him already…" the other voice laughed with a sense of relief.

"Son of a bitch," Jeff gurgled as he felt cold steel clamp around his wrists. The knee to his back was released, and he was hauled to his feet to face his captors. A woman in platform sandals and a purple minidress with dark hair pinned up in a clip stood next to a detective, and the man he'd come to hate and fear, Gene Simmons.

"You have the right to remain silent," Tim said. Terri breathed a sigh of relief at the familiar mantra of the Miranda rights being read. It was oddly like the close of a cop-cruncher or thrilling detective show. Except they had solved it in real life.

Jeff said nothing as two uniformed officers appeared at the door, and Tim pushed him in front of him toward them. He shot Calen a last glance, as she sat there glaring back at him. There was no more fear present in her hazel gaze, only a calm relief that the nightmare was over. Defeated, he peered down at his feet while they marched him out of the room.

Calen's eyes shone when she looked at Gene and Terri. Taking Terri's hand in his, Gene gave it a firm squeeze. He led her over to the bed where Calen awaited. Still her hand gripped the edge of the sheet tightly, unseen to anyone but them now. Her knuckles were white, Terri noticed.

"You stood up to him," Terri said with appreciation. "That was awesome, Calen. He can't hurt you anymore…"

"Exactly," Calen nodded. "And I owe you and Gene everything. Thank you for kicking my butt into gear… and getting involved even though…"

"You were being a hard headed, stubborn… female…" Gene laughed.

"Hey," Terri said, stepping on the toe of Gene's boot. "Watch it…"

"It's okay," Calen smiled, taking Gene and Terri's hands in hers. "It's the truth… the honest truth…"

"Thank goodness for that," Terri laughed. "I almost expected him to say, 'if it weren't for you meddling kids…' but we're a little old for that…"

"Gene is, we aren't," Calen laughed back. Gene groaned and shook his head.

"Just you get out of that bed, little girl, and say that…"

"I will. Believe me I will," Calen nodded firmly, conviction in her words. Terri felt the admiration present for Gene… but for herself also. Any fears of hanky panky vanished in that moment. Besides, there were more important things to worry about now.

Like that movie Forever Sterling, which was begging to be made.