Author's Note: I am not trying to infringe on the rights of the creators and distributors of P:TL. They deserve the credit for the characters and some places. I, however, take credit for creating Lysa and those from her past. I am merely borrowing the characters of P:TL and have done so with love and care for the rights of those who own them! This story takes place approximately two weeks after Journey's End -- in the summer of '98.
"Where's Lysa?" Derek asked.
Alex looked up from the book she had been reading. "I think she's in her room with Kat," she replied.
Derek nodded and darted out of the room. Alex shook her head and went back to the novel she had been reading.
After leaving the living room, Derek raced up the stairs and soon found himself at Lysa's door. He paused there and listened. He could clearly hear Kat and Lysa talking and laughing. As Derek stood there, he looked at the envelope in his hand. It was addressed to Lysa from the London House.
Derek had found it in with the morning mail. Upon touching it, he had felt the pain of the writer. Eager to find out what the envelope contained, Derek had spent the last half hour trying to find Lysa. Now that he was at her bedroom door, Derek was a bit more apprehensive about giving the envelop to her.
After waiting there another minute to weigh out his options, Derek knocked at the door and waited for an answer.
"Come in," called Lysa. She was surprised to find Derek was the one who knocked. "What's up, Derek?"
"I need to speak with you alone for a moment," Derek replied.
"Kitten, why don't you check on Nick to make sure he isn't getting in trouble," suggested Lysa. Katherine nodded and left.
Before beginning, Derek closed the door and sat down next to Lysa on her bed. "This came in for you today," he said, "It's from the London House."
Lysa slowly took the envelope Derek held out for her. Taking a deep breath, she opened it and pulled out a letter. She had to read it twice before she was sure she understood. Lysa handed the letter to Derek as she stood and walked to the window.
Derek read it slowly. It said that Henry Ryan's body was found several days ago in the Milwaukee River. It also said that her step-mother wanted Lysa to return to Milwaukee for the funeral.
"I want to go," Lysa announced, "I want to be sure he's dead, Derek."
Derek nodded and cleared his throat. "Do you want anyone to go with you?" he asked.
Lysa turned. "Alex; she's not busy," Lysa replied, "but I want to tell Philip before I go."
"Of course," Derek replied, "Nick can take you today. I'll arrange the flight and hotel accommodations while you're gone."
"I'll tell Nick," Lysa said before leaving the room.
�
Rachel and Nick were working on a case when Lysa entered the control room. Kat sat at her mother's side. When she saw Lysa, Kat ran up to her and took her hand.
Rachel was the next to notice Lysa's presence. "Are you here to relieve me so I can drop Kat off at her new baby-sitter's house?" she asked.
"Not exactly," Lysa replied, "but I guess I could."
Rachel laughed and took Kat's free hand. "Thanks," she said. "Maybe you'll be able to crack the case."
Lysa let go of Kat's hand. "See you later, Kitten," she said, "Have fun at your baby-sitter's house."
Kat reluctantly left with her mother. She waved as they left.
"So why did you really come here?" Nick asked. He finally acknowledged Lysa's presence.
"I need you to take me to see Philip," replied Lysa. "Any time today is fine, but I need to go today."
"What's wrong?" he asked. Nick looked deep into Lysa's eyes and could tell something was amiss.
"I'll tell you when I tell Philip," was her only response.
"Then let's go."
"What about the case?"
Nick stood up and ushered Lysa out of the room. "This is more important."
�
Philip welcomed them at the front steps. To Lysa's surprise, he was wearing dark sweatpants and a white t-shirt. He smiled and showed them inside.
"What's wrong?" Philip asked. He could tell that something was troubling Lysa.
"I'm going back to Milwaukee tomorrow," Lysa answered as they continued to walk.
"Why?" was all Philip could manage to say.
"My father," she replied. The stunned silence of both men told Lysa she should clarify her statement. "My father's funeral," she said.
"When did he die?" Nick asked.
"About a week after I got the last letter they started a search. His body turned up a week ago in the Milwaukee River. The Legacy had to go through some red tape to get one of our own to do the autopsy. Once that was finished, Dai started planning the funeral. She asked that I be there for it," Lysa said. She felt such relief after telling Nick and Philip the news.
"I'm so sorry," Philip said. "Did they say how he died?"
"No, they don't want me to know," Lysa replied, "They think it's better if I don't know all the details."
"But it was caused by the turn of the House," Nick said, "right?"
"All they would say is that they strongly suspect it was the fault of a poltergeist," Lysa stated, "They won't tell me anything else."
"I guess it's all for the best if ya don' know how or why Henry died," Philip declared.
"I'm going with you," Nick announced. "You can't go alone."
"I'm not," answered Lysa, "Alex is coming with me. Don't worry. I think I can handle this one."
"Are you sure you don't want me to come along in case something goes wrong?" Nick asked.
Lysa softly laughed. "Nick, I said I can handle it,� she repeated, �Don�t worry so much.�
�Promise t�be careful, Lee,� stated Philip.
�Yes, I will, Pip,� Lysa replied, �I promise.�
�
�Derek sure got things arranged in a hurry.� Lysa commented.
Alex smiled. �He�s good at that,� she replied. �You feeling all right?�
Lysa looked away from the airplane window. �I�m nervous about going back. I haven�t seen Alika in a long time and I just feel weird about going back.�
�What do you mean?�
Lysa shrugged. �This just feels wrong somehow,� she answered, �It�s like it�s all a lie.�
�They found his body in the river, Lysa. He�s dead,� Alex stated, �I know it�s strange circumstances to be reunited with your family, but there�s nothing to worry about.�
Lysa smiled. �Yea, I�m sure you�re right. I�m just a little worried. I can�t believe he�s dead. I guess it�s just shock.�
Alex took Lysa�s hand and gently squeezed. �That�s why I�m here. If anything happens, Derek and Nick can be in Milwaukee in two or three hours to help,� she said, �You can count on me to help you through this.�
�I know, Alex,� Lysa replied. Her eyes felt so heavy.
�Why don�t you get some sleep?� Alex suggested.
�Maybe I should,� answered Lysa. Soon she was fast asleep.
�You poor, poor girl. You�re afraid your father will hurt you from the grave,� Alex whispered, �but he can�t and he won�t. We�ll protect you. I promise.�
�
Lysa yawned as the taxi drove them to the hotel. She had slept through the flight; Alex had to wake her up when the plane landed.
�Whatcha� in town for?� the driver asked. He pulled off his baseball cap to straighten his soiled, blond hair.
�My father�s funeral,� Lysa replied, �My friend came along to offer moral support.�
�Yea? Your dad the guy they found in the river?�
Lysa was surprised by the question. �Uh, well, yea,� she muttered.
�Poor guy,� the driver replied as he shook his head, �Papers said he committed suicide. Cops even found a note.�
�Are you sure?� Alex asked. Lysa seemed as confused as Alex.
The driver parked in front of the hotel. �Yep,� he said, �Well, here�s your stop, ladies. Sorry about the loss, miss. Hope you enjoy your stay just the same.�
The manager of the small hotel rolled out a dolly to use in bringing the luggage inside. As Lysa helped load the dolly, Alex paid the driver.
�Welcome,� the pudgy hotel manager said as the taxi drove off, �Name�s Alan Taylor. Come on inside.�
�
Nick paced the length of Derek�s office. Derek and Rachel were working on a case while Nick waited for Alex or Lysa to call. Philip and Nick waited in Derek�s office although Nick had spent most of the day pacing.
�Would ya� mind sittin� down?� Philip declared, �They�ll call when they get there.�
Nick sat on the edge of Derek�s desk and stared at the phone for a moment. �They should be there already,� he retorted as he looked up at Philip, �Why haven�t they called yet?�
�Be patient, Nick.�
*** *** ***
�Lysa, did you call Derek or Nick and check in with them?� Alex called from the bathroom.
Lysa sat on the floor shuffling a deck of cards. �No, I thought you were gonna call them,� she replied.
Alex stood in the bathroom doorway as she pulled her hair back into a loose ponytail. �What are you doing?�
Lysa looked up as she continued to shuffle her cards. �I�m going to divine my future,� she replied with a smile.
Alex laughed as she crossed the room to reach the phone. �Maybe you can divine my future when you�re done,� she said.
�Sure,� Lysa answered, �As soon as you�re done checking in, I�ll do a reading for you. Then I�ll do mine.�
Alex smiled as she listened to the phone ring. �Pick up,� she muttered.
�Hello,� Nick said after answering the phone, �Luna Foundation.�
�Just checking in,� Alex replied, �How�s everything?�
�Fine,� Nick answered, �How�s Lysa?�
�Ask her yourself,� Alex said. She handed the receiver to Lysa and said, �It�s Nick.�
�Hey,� Lysa said once she got the phone.
�How�s everything going?� asked Nick.
�Fine, Nick,� Lysa replied, �How are you?�
�Now that I know you made it there safely, I�m fine,� Nick stated. �Are you sure you don�t want me there?�
Lysa laughed. �How many times do I have to tell you that I�ll be fine without you?�
Nick laughed, too. �Sorry,� he apologized, �I just can�t shake this feeling that something�s wrong, ya know.�
�That makes two of us, then,� replied Lysa, �but I�ll be fine, Nick.�
�Call me tomorrow,� Nick said.
Lysa could hear how much Nick missed her. She hoped he knew she missed him, too. �I guess I could try,� kidded Lysa.
�Try really hard then,� Nick replied, �Talk to you later.�
�Like I have a choice,� Lysa said, �Bye.�
�Yea, bye,� Nick added before hanging up.
�You can hang it up,� Lysa stated as she handed Alex the phone.
�Ready to do my reading?� Alex asked.
�Why don�t we get something to eat first? I�m starving,� Lysa replied as she stood up.
Alex joined Lysa at the door. �I bet you know a place where we can get some great Chinese food,� Alex jested.
�You better believe it,� Lysa replied, �The rental car Derek got for us should be in the parking lot by now.�
�Lead on then.�
�
Alex locked the door as Lysa flopped onto her bed. She was reaching for her tarot deck as Alex walked over and sat on her own bed.
�Shuffle,� Lysa instructed, �When you feel comfortable with the deck, hand it to me with your left hand.�
Alex took the deck from Lysa and began shuffling. �Do I need to ask a question?� she said as she shuffled.
�No, unless you want to,� Lysa replied as she sat on the floor in front of Alex.
After shuffling the cards several times, Alex carefully handed Lysa the deck. �Don�t you need a book to tell you the meanings?� Alex asked.
�I�ve been doing this for three years,� Lysa explained, �I know the meanings already.�
Lysa laid out the first six cards and smiled. �This first card is the atmosphere in which you work and live. It also represents you,� Lysa stated, �It�s the Six of Pentacles.�
�So, what does it mean?� Alex requested.
�Generosity, charity, kindness, material gain,� Lysa replied, �The atmosphere is good and it seems that you�re a generous and kind person.�
�Sounds good so far,� Alex stated, �Next card.�
�This one tells you what obstacles or influences lie ahead. It�s the King of Cups,� Lysa answered, �The card means responsibility, creativity, liberal manner. It also represents a kind, considerate and reliable person. In the context of the reading, it means there may be little or no obstacles ahead. You may be influenced by someone who is kind and reliable, however.�
�All right,� Alex interjected, �What�s next?�
�The third card represents your destiny. It�s the Page of Swords. The card symbolizes someone who is able to perceive or uncover the unknown. It also represents vigilance and insight. I�d say it means you�re stuck with the Legacy.�
Alex laughed. �So, how about the next card?�
�It�s the events and influences of your past. Present events are based on them. It�s the Six of Wards and means conquest, triumph, good news, desires realized as a result of efforts. That would mean you had a good past. You worked hard for everything you had and you still do,� Lysa explained, �The fifth card is the most recent influences and events in your life. It can also represent distant past influences that had a great deal of influence on recent events. The card is the High Priestess and stands for wisdom, sound judgment, serenity, foresight, self-reliance. I�d say you�ve grown into a strong, wise woman, but also the card represents your Sight.�
�What�s the last card?�
�It�s the future influences on your life. The card is The World. It means completion, perfection, fulfillment, admiration of others, success. I�d say you can expect a great future.�
�Is that it?� Alex asked.
�No, there�s one more part,� Lysa replied as she dealt four more cards from the deck, �This part is complimentary to the other.�
�So, go ahead already,� announced Alex.
�The first card here is your present position and attitude. Use it to put yourself in proper perspective,� Lysa stated, �It�s the Queen of Pentacles and means prosperity, well-being, grace, generosity, security. It also represents a noble soul. The card�s telling you that you have good thing going for you so don�t mess it up.�
�I�ll keep that in mind,� said Alex, �What about the next card?�
�The card represents your influence on others and other people�s influence on you. It�s the Page of Cups and means loyalty, willingness to offer help and work towards a goal. The card also represents a helpful, trustworthy person. It�s showing you that you�re a good influence on others and that others are a good influence on you. The card above it represents your inner hopes, hidden emotions, secret desires and your fears. It�s the Judgment card and mean reb irth, improvement, development. It also represents the need to repent and forgive. That one you�ll have to figure out for yourself.�
Alex softly laughed. �I think I have an idea,� she replied, �So, what�s the last card mean?�
Lysa smiled. �It�s the culmination and results of all the other cards. This is what you can expect to happen if everything continues as the cards showed. It�s the Ace of Cups and means great abundance, fulfillment, joy, fertility, favorable outlook. You get the picture.�
Alex laughed. �My future looks bright. Now do yours.�
Lysa smiled and gathered up the cards before her. �If you insist,� she said as she began shuffling the cards.
�Why don�t you ask a question?� suggested Alex.
�Such as?�
�One about Nick,� Alex replied with a smile.
Lysa laughed. �Fine,� she said, �I�ll ask a question about Nick then.�
�So, let�s hear it,� urged Alex.
�Will Nick and I have a long-lasting, romantic relationship?� Lysa asked as she finished shuffling the cards.
�So, let�s go already,� Alex impatiently interjected.
Lysa laughed. �It�s my reading. Calm down.�
�Sorry,� Alex replied, �I�m just anxious to see what the cards say.�
Lysa smiled. �So am I,� she added, �This�ll be an abbreviated explanation though.�
�Fine with me,� Alex replied, smiling.
Lysa began laying out the first six cards. She seemed pleased with them so far.
�Well, the first one is the Ace of Swords. It shows I�m very determined to achieve success. It also shows I work and live in a loving and powerful atmosphere,� Lysa explained, �The second is the Six of Cups. It shows that past influences will continue to influence me, but it also shows that I must remember my childhood is gone and I have nothing to fear from it.�
Alex smiled. �Sounds good so far. Continue.�
Lysa smiled and shook her head. �Well, the third card is The Lovers. It�s showing me that a romance is beginning and that I should be free with my emotions. It�s the answer to my question --more or less,� she said, �The fourth card is the Five of Pentacles. It represents all the losses and failures of my past. I had a rough life until recently.�
�Go on,� Alex urged, �Let�s see what awaits you.�
�The fifth is the Justice card. It shows how recently I�ve found harmony and everything is as it should be,� Lysa continued, �The sixth card is the Strength card. I can expect to grow stronger as time goes by. I will also find courage and confidence in life.�
�Deal the rest of the cards,� Alex gently ordered. Lysa laughed and dealt the final four cards. She was only slightly surprised by what she dealt herself.
�One of the cards is upside down,� noted Alex.
�That just means that the card has the opposite meaning,� Lysa answered, �Well, the seventh card is the King of Cups. It shows I�m a responsible, considerate and kind person. The one above it is the Three of Cups. I, therefore, am a good influence on others and others are helping me heal and find fulfillment.�
�Sounds right to me,� Alex said with a laugh.
�The ninth card is the Eight of Wands, reversed. I have a fear of jealousy and fighting between people I care about. The jealousy thing works both ways; I don�t want to be jealous of others nor do I want others to be jealous of me. The fighting thing stems from my childhood,� Lysa openly stated.
�So, what does the final card say?� Alex playfully inquired.
Lysa smiled. �It�s the Ten of Cups. It shows I�ll find a place to call home and I�ll also find love, happiness and peace. I�ll have a good family to support me.�
�Sounds like it came out as good as mine,� Alex mused, �and you got an answer to that burning question about Nick.�
Lysa playfully rolled her eyes. �Whatever,� she retorted, �If you say so, Alex.�
Alex looked at the clock beside her bed. �Where did all the time go?�
Lysa looked at the clock as well. �It�s already 10:30?�
Alex nodded. �We better get some sleep so we make it to the services tomorrow morning,� she replied.
�
Lysa and Alex got into their rental car as Lysa drove them to the church where her father was to be laid out. Once they arrived, Lysa parked the car and the pair walked inside.
Dai Shiro-Ryan was standing in the back of the church. She watched as others prepared for the funeral. As she watched, Dai felt her step-daughter�s presence and turned her head.
�Mommy,� Lysa said, �how are you?�
Dai smiled. �It took you a long time before you�d call me that,� she stated, �but the first time I heard you say it, it made me cry.�
�I know,� replied Lysa, �I remember that day.� She reached over and gave the petite woman a hug.
Dai noticed Alex as she released the embrace. �Who�s your friend,� she asked.
�This is Alex Moreau,� Lysa said, �I work with her in San Francisco, Mom.�
�I�m Dai Shiro-Ryan,� Dai added, �Pleased to meet you, although the circumstances aren�t the greatest.�
Alex smiled and shook Dai�s hand. �It�s a pleasure to meet you as well,� she replied, �I hope you�re okay with me being here.�
�Of course I am,� Dai stated, �I know how worried the others must be for Lysa�s safety.�
An elderly priest walked towards the trio. �Mrs. Ryan,� he said, �I�m sorry to interrupt, but I wanted to speak to you about the eulogy.�
�Of course, Father Dietrich,� Dai replied, �Please excuse me, ladies.�
�Yes, Mom,� Lysa said. �Father, is there a telephone here that I can use to call home?�
�There�s one in my office,� Father Dietrich replied. �It�s at the end of the hall. Feel free to use it, my dear.�
�Thank you, Father.�
�
�Nick seems moody lately,� Rachel commented as she poured herself a cup of coffee.
Philip was seated at the kitchen table. �At least he han� started pacin� yet,� he said.
�He must really miss Lysa,� added Rachel.
As the words left her lips, Nick ambled into the kitchen. He looked like he hadn�t slept at all that night.
�You feel okay, Nick,� Rachel asked.
Nick poured himself a cup of coffee. �Didn�t sleep well,� he replied.
Rachel sat down at the table. �Does it have anything to do with Lysa not being here?�
Nick turned to face Rachel. �No, I just didn�t sleep well,� he snapped, �It�s no big deal.�
Before anyone else could say anything, the phone rang. No one in the kitchen made a move to answer the call. They just listened to it ring.�
*** *** ***
Lysa was about to hang up when someone picked up on the other end. She listened to the greeting and smiled. �Derek,� she said, �how is everything?�
�We�re all doing fine,� Derek replied, �How are you?�
�We�re at the church,� Lysa stated, �The services are in an hour. Otherwise, I�m all right.�
Derek softly laughed. �Is there anyone in particular you�d like to talk to,� he asked, �or are you just checking in for the day?�
�Actually, I�d like to talk to Nick,� Lysa replied. She could almost picture Derek, back at the House, smiling.
�Hold on and I�ll get him,� said Derek.
�So, now you have to check in with Nick,� Alex stated. She sat on the couch in the office.
Lysa smiled. �Yep,� she replied, �Nick told me to so I figured I should. He seems really worried about me.�
Alex knowingly grinned. �So, how�s everything back there?�
�Derek says everything�s fine.�
�So, you decided to finally call,� Nick said on the other line.
Lysa smiled. �It�s only eight there. What are you complaining about?�
�But I�ve been up since six waiting for you to call,� Nick replied.
�I don�t have long so I just wanted to let you know I�m fine so don�t worry,� Lysa said, �Get some sleep. You sound tired.�
�Don�t get into any trouble over there,� jested Nick,� I don�t want to fly all the way over there to bail you out of jail.�
�I�d never do anything that stupid,� Lysa retorted, �My name�s Lysa Ryan not Nick Boyle.�
�That was mean,� Nick said, �That was just cruel.�
Lysa laughed. �I try.� She paused before adding, �Is Philip around?�
�He�s right here,� Nick replied, �Do you want to talk to him?�
�Yes,� said Lysa, �Good-bye, Nick.�
�Well, I won�t let you,� Nick kidded.
�Give him the phone, Nick.�
Nick laughed. �Nope. No way.�
�Nicholas Boyle, give Philip the phone.�
�Yes, mother,� jested Nick, �Talk to you later.�
�Of course,� Lysa replied.
�Hello,� Philip stated as soon as he picked up the other line, �How are ya, Lee?�
�Fine,� she replied, �Just wanted to let you know I�m doing all right. How are you?�
�Derek convinced me t�stick around until ya got back,� Philip commented, �I�m all right though.� He softly chuckled.
�Well, I�ve gotta go,� said Lysa, �Tell everyone Alex and I said hi and let them know we�re all right.�
�Be safe,� Philip said, �G�bye.�
�See you when I get back.�
�Lysa says t�tell everyone they�re fine,� Philip announced.
Rachel checked her watch. �Kat should be here any minute,� she stated, �She stayed at her babysitter�s house for a birthday party or something.�
After saying it, the doorbell rang. Derek answered the door to find Katherine and her babysitter. �Please come in,� he said.
Katherine led her babysitter to the kitchen. �Mom,� she called as they entered, �can Holly stay here today so I don�t get lonely?�
Rachel looked up at her daughter. �That would be Derek�s decision, honey. This is his house,� she said.
Derek stood in the doorway and smiled. Before Kat could ask him, Derek said, �I don�t see why not.�
Kat brightly smiled. �Thank you, Derek.�
�Hey, kiddo,� Nick said, �Aren�t you going to introduce us to your new friend?�
�Derek, Nick, Philip,� Kat announced, �this is Holly. She�s my new babysitter. Holly, this is Derek, Nick and Philip. My other friends are away.�
�Speakin� of Lysa and Alex,� interjected Philip, �Lysa called t�say she�s all right, Kat.�
�Cool,� Kat replied. �I�m gonna take Holly upstairs to play.�
�Behave,� called Rachel as Katherine and Holly left the room.
�What happened t�Emily?� Philip asked.
Rachel shrugged. �She just quit about two months ago,� she replied, �A mother of one of Kat�s friends suggested Holly to me. So far the two seem to get along.�
Nick quickly grew tired of their idle chit-chat. �I�m gonna finish up that research we started the other day,� he stated.
�I�ll be there in a few minutes,� replied Rachel, �I want to check on Kat and Holly first.�
Derek cleared his throat. �Nick, I�ll join you,� he said, �You could probably use some help sifting through all the information.�
Nick filled his coffee cup again. �Lead on, boss,� he responded.
�
Alex sat in the car as Lysa and her family thanked everyone for coming to see Henry Ryan. So many egos in one place, Alex mused, I�m surprised the place didn�t burst from lack of room for them all.
Dai, Alika and Cam walked Lysa to her car. The petite, Asian-American woman smiled and brushed some of Lysa�s hair away from her eyes. Smiling, Dai knew Lysa was relieved to have seen her father lying in that coffin.
�Why don�t we all go out to lunch or something?� Lysa suggested.
Alika smiled. Her hazel eyes sparkled with happiness equal to her older sister�s own joy. �Why don�t we go to Mom�s and make something special for your friend?� she said.
Cam cleared his throat. �Something Scottish maybe,� he added.
�No haggis though,� Alex jested, �I�ve heard some horror stories about that stuff.�
Lysa laughed. �Don�t worry,� she replied, �I hate that stuff myself, but I have been craving Aberdeen rolls, mince and tatties and some Clootie Dumplings now that you mention it.�
�What?� Alex asked, laughing.
�Don�t ask,� replied Lysa, �Just know that it�ll be good.�
�As long as I don�t have to touch a single kitchen utensil,� Alex stated, �I�ll happily eat something new.�
�Like you, I was a bit apprehensive to eat the food,� Dai added, �but after they forced some cranachan down my throat, I happened to like it. That and I don�t have to cook when they make the Scottish dishes.�
�It�s good food,� Lysa said, �Maybe I�ll make some of it b ack in San Francisco sometime.�
�Only if it�s good, girl,� Alex retorted with a smile.
�We better get going if we want this stuff for lunch,� announced Alika.
�What�s the rush?� Cam said, �We�ll just make it as an early dinner.�
�By the way,� Lysa said, �I hope you like fattening foods, Alex, because Scottish food can be quite that!�
Alex laughed. �I just know that all this talk about food is making me hungry and I have no doubt that this�ll be a great meal.�
�
After the two hours it took to get things underway in the kitchen, Alex sat back, covered in flour, and watched Lysa and her sister finish up the Clootie Dumpling -- their dessert.
Cam was busy making the mince and boiling the potatoes for their main course. Alex contentedly sat there breathing in the smells around her. She could feel her appetite growing as the food cooked.
�Smells good in here,� Dai stated as she entered the kitchen. The second she laid eyes on the quartet, she burst into laughter. �What a mess,� she exclaimed.
�We�ll clean it up before dinner,� Alika replied.
�So now it�s definitely dinner,� asked Dai.
Lysa nodded as she checked Cam�s progress. �It�s already 2:50, Mom,� she replied, �Everything will be done by 3:30.�
�Except the dumpling which�ll be done by 4:30 or so,� added Alika with a smile.
�Good, but I think Alex and I will start cleaning up this mess the four of you made while I slept,� stated Dai.
Alex smiled and happily helped Dai clean off the table, floor and counters. Afterwards, Alex ambled around the house until she found the bathroom. As she washed the flour off of her hands and face, Alex had a Vision.
It came in flashes. Lysa in a basement. Darkness all around her. Gasping, Alex watched another snippet of the future. She was in the basement, too. Lysa screamed. Both were bound with something. Another gasp of breath and another vision came to Alex. Nick stood over Lysa. He was crying.
Alex shook off the visions. She wondered if she should tell Lysa about them. As she made her way back to the kitchen, she could hear the laughter and cheerful voices. Alex didn�t want to ruin their mood and decided to wait to tell Lysa about what she had Seen.
�How�s it coming, guys?� Alex asked.
Dai finished setting the table. �Smells like it�s almost done,� she commented, �but let�s leave it to the experts.�
Alex smiled and let Dai lead her into the living room. After ten minutes of waiting, Cam called them in to eat.
�Finally,� Alex said as she took a deep breath, �It smells great!�
�And it tastes even better,� added Lysa, �Sit, Alex, and eat. I know you must be starving.�
�You have no idea,� Alex replied with a smile of appreciation.
�Good, so eat and tell us what you think,� Alika stated as everyone took a seat at the table.
Alex could feel them watching her as she tried a little of everything on her plate. �This is delicious,� she said as she chewed, �Lysa, you�ll have to make this for the others sometime. It�s great!�
�Glad you approve,� Lysa said mockingly.
�Everyone, eat,� Dai stated, �We don�t want this to go to waste.�
�
Derek sat next to Nick as Nick scrolled through the list of names. He suddenly had a Vision. Lysa and Alex in a basement. A man with a gun aimed at Alex. Lysa crying. Nick holding Lysa in his arms and crying. Someone lying in a pool of blood.
Nick noticed his Precept�s distant look. �Is everything all right?� he asked, placing his hand on Derek�s shoulder.
Derek shook off the visions. Noting the concerned look on the young man�s face, Derek replied, �It was Lysa and Alex. They�re in some kind of trouble.�
Nick grew even more concerned. �What did you See?� he pressed.
�They were in a basement. A man with a gun seemed to be threatening Alex. There was someone laying in a pool of blood,� explained Derek. He left out the vision of Nick holding Lysa since he wasn�t sure what it meant yet and he didn�t want to upset Nick any more than he already had.
Nick jumped out of his seat. �We should call to check on them,� he stated, �I�ll try the hotel.�
Rachel stepped into the control room as Nick finished his sentence. �What�s going on?� she asked.
�Lysa and Alex might be in danger,� Derek said.
Nick slammed the receiver down. �They�re not there,� he angrily said, �No answer.�
�Did you try Alex�s cell phone?� inquired Rachel.
�Did she take it?� Nick asked.
�Try it,� Derek said, �Maybe she did.�
Nick tried the number. He listened to the phone ring several times. �Come on,� he mumbled, �Pick up. Come on.�
�Alex Moreau,� came the voice on the other end, �Who is this?�
�Alex, it�s Nick,� he said, �Where are the two of you?�
�Why?� Alex asked in confusion.
�Where are you?� Nick asked again.
�We�re at Lysa�s step-mother�s house having dinner -- an early one at that,� replied Alex, �What�s up?�
Nick put them on speaker phone. �Tell her, boss.�
�Alex,� Derek said, �I -- I had a vision. You both need to get back here as soon as possible.�
�Derek, can we talk about this later, please?� Alex urged.
�Alex this is more important than anything you might be doing right now,� Derek firmly stated.
Alex replied by hanging up. The dial tone was deafening.
Nick hung up as well. �Dammit,� he cursed, �Why did she pick now, of all times, to get so stubborn?�
�
�Who was that, dear?� Dai asked.
Alex smiled. �Our boss,� she said, �He wants us to call him when we have a free moment.�
�Tomorrow�s the wake,� Cam stated, �You can�t miss it. People might get the wrong idea.�
Lysa smiled. �We�ll be there,� she replied, �Our boss just wants to talk to us. It doesn�t mean we�re leaving.�
Alika silently served their dessert. She could see the concern on Alex�s face. After sitting down again, Alika turned to Alex. �Is everything okay, Alex?�
Alex nodded. �Everything�s fine.�
Lysa noted the concern on her little sister�s face. �What�s wrong, Allie?�
Alika forced a smile. �I just noticed how worried Alex looked and I was wondering why.�
Dai shook her head at them. �I�m no fool, you know,� she stated, �There�s something going on and no one�s talking about it. If it�s because you�re afraid of ruining the mood, don�t worry anymore. The damage has been done so speak up.�
Alex nervously cleared her throat. �It�s a personal matter that I�ve been meaning to talk to Lysa about,� she said, �I�m sorry if it�s been bothering anyone.�
Lysa finished the food before her and stood up. �If you�re done eating, Alex, we can start cleaning up here.�
The others took it as their cue to leave and did so. Alex stayed seated. Her face was turned away from Lysa�s prying eyes.
�What�s wrong, Alex?� Lysa asked as she started the water.
Alex cleared the table and sighed. �I had a Vision,� she said, �We were tied up and left in a basement. I heard you screaming.�
�Derek probably had a Vision as well,� Lysa replied, �I�m sure what he saw was worse. He never would�ve called otherwise.�
�Well, whatever Derek saw spooked Nick, too,� Alex added, �He seemed anxious to get us back.�
Lysa began scrubbing the pots and pans. �We can�t leave yet,� she said, �Like Cam said, others would get the suspicious if I left before the wake. We�ll just have to leave tomorrow night.�
�
Lysa stood next to Cam and watched the people around her. Every so often someone would stop by to say something, but most of the people didn�t bother.
Alex strolled over with a cup of coffee for Lysa. �How�s it going?� she asked in a whisper.
�The people don�t wanna say two words to me or Cam and those that do are lying through their teeth,� Lysa replied as she took the cup from Alex.
Alex softly laughed. �How much longer are you stuck here?�
Lysa checked her watch. �I�m going to see his grave at noon,� she replied, �Then we can head to the airport.�
Alex nodded as she watched the people mingle. �Do you even know all these people?�
�I can honestly say that I know about ten percent of the people here,� replied Lysa, �The others were his colleagues.�
*** *** ***
Lysa stood over her father�s grave. Alex stood next to her. As she knelt down to place a rose on her father�s grave, Lysa felt someone watching her every move.
Alex felt it, too. She scanned the area around them but found nothing. �Ready?� inquired Alex.
Lysa nodded as she rose. �Let�s go.�
As they got closer to their car, each could see a man standing near it. He was in his mid-thirties by Alex�s estimation and rather handsome as well.
�Can we help you?� Alex asked.
He flashed them a charming grin. �Yes, I�m looking for Lysa Ryan,� the man said, �Someone at the wake told me I could find her here.�
�I�m Lysa,� she said, �Who are you?�
�A close friend of your father�s,� the man replied.
Lysa and Alex found themselves drawn to this man. Both of them made their way closer to him. Soon they were within arm�s reach and the man took advantage of it. He grabbed Alex first and stuck her with a needle. As she passed out, the man walked towards a mesmerized but frightened Lysa.
�Don�t be afraid,� the man soothed, �It�s me, baby girl. It�s your Daddy.�
Lysa was frozen in place. �No,� she softly cried, �No, he�s dead. My father is dead!�
The man made his way behind Lysa. Laughing, he pulled a second syringe from his pocket. �Baby girl,� he cooed, �I made a deal before I died. A deal with the most powerful Being ever. And He�s allowed me to come back, but in return, I�ve got to have your soul.�
Lysa gasped. �Please,� she cried, �Don�t hurt me, Daddy.�
Henry Ryan, in his new body, laughed. �It won�t hurt at all, baby girl,� he said as he uncapped the needle, �I just want to make sure you�ll agree to His terms.�
�You made a deal with the Devil to save yourself the pain of dying, but you�re willing to hurt me to keep up your end of the bargain,� Lysa asked. Confusion and anger laced her voice.
�I�m sorry,� Henry replied, �I truly am, but I didn�t deserve to die then and I refuse to let my Master down now.�
�
Alex awoke first. It was damp and dark. What little light they had came from a single, low-watt bulb in a dirty lamp. She could feel the ropes around her wrists and ankles. Squinting to adjust to the lighting, Alex saw Lysa lying on a bed. Pushing herself to her feet, Alex wobbled over to the bed.
As Alex plopped down next to the bed, Lysa began to awaken. After adjusting to the lighting, Lysa looked around her to get her bearings. �W-where are we?� Lysa asked.
�A basement,� Alex flatly replied.
Lysa tried to get up only to find her legs were secured to the bedposts. �What�s going on?�
Alex adjusted her hands to rub her temples and sighed. �I wish I knew,� she said.
�D-do you have your cell phone?�
Alex looked up at Lysa. She lifted her hands to show they were bound. �I can�t check.�
Lysa stretched out her arms and moved herself so she could check Alex. Lysa started laughing when she reached Alex�s jacket pocket. �It�s here,� she said as she pulled it out, �He didn�t check for it.�
Alex smiled as Lysa pulled herself back onto the bed. �You know the number, right?�
Lysa fumbled with the phone. �Yea, I got it,� Lysa slowly dialed the number.
�Luna Foundation. This is Rachel Corrigan --�
�Ohmigod, Rachel, listen to me,� Lysa said, �Alex and I are in trouble. Tell Derek, Rachel. Tell him it�s my father.�
�Lysa, calm down, honey,� Rachel soothed, �What�s going on?�
Lysa heard someone's footsteps above her. �We�re locked in a basement somewhere,� she whispered, �Just tell them . . . tell Derek to hurry. Let him know it�s my father. Please, Rachel.�
�Derek and Nick just left for the airport, all right?� Rachel replied, �Derek knew something was wrong. Just calm down.�
Lysa heard the lock click. �Call him and tell him it�s my father,� she hurriedly said before hanging up. Slipping Alex�s phone underneath her body, Lysa watched the basement door slowly open.
Henry Ryan stood in the doorway. �So your friend moved over to be with you, baby girl?�
�Let Alex go, Daddy.�
Henry laughed as he walked down the stairs. He had a gun in his left hand. �She�s my insurance policy,� he stated, �If you don�t do what I tell you, I hurt her until you do.�
Lysa listened to the gun cocking. She took a deep breath before answering her father. �What do you want me to do, Daddy?�
�That�s a girl,� Henry said as he stood over Alex. He lowered his gun. �I�ll let you know soon, baby girl.�
Nick and Derek landed in a private airport several miles north of Milwaukee. A rental car was waiting for them in the small parking lot. The pair jogged over to the car and quickly headed for the city.
As they pulled out, Derek�s cell phone rang. �Nick, it�s in my right pocket,� he said.
Nick reached for it and flipped it open. �Nick Boyle,� he said.
�Nick, this is Rachel. Something strange just happened.�
Nick looked towards Derek as he spoke. �What happened, Rach?�
�Lysa called. She said that she and Alex where in a basement somewhere and I should tell Derek that it�s her father,� Rachel replied, �She sounded terrified.�
�Thanks,� Nick stated, �Let us know if anything else happens.�
�Will do,� Rachel replied before hanging up.
Derek watched Nick hang up as well. �You look like you�ve just seen a ghost, Nick,� he stated. �What did Rachel want?�
�She said Lysa called and said to tell you that it�s Lysa�s father.�
�
�Are you ladies hungry or thirsty?� Henry requested.
�Where did you get that body,� Lysa asked, �You don�t look like I remember you, Daddy.�
�My Master gave it to me,� he quickly replied. �There�s a radio and some CDs on that table. If you need anything, let me know. I�ll be back to let you know what He wants from you.�
Both Alex and Lysa watched as Henry walked back upstairs. Once he was gone, Lysa untied her feet. Then she untied Alex�s ropes as well.
�What do we do now?� Alex asked as she sat down on the bed.
Lysa sat next to Alex. �There�s no windows,� she replied, �My Dad�s not a stupid man. He knows I could untie myself and you as well. That door is probably locked.�
�So we�re stuck down here until Derek gets here,� Alex said.
Lysa reached over and turned on the radio. She fumbled through the small stack of CDs. Noticing they were the same ones she always played when she�d work in the store, Lysa laughed. After cuing up a CD to a particular song, Lysa turned back to Alex.
�I used to listen to this song a lot last year,� commented Lysa, �Especially if my Dad had just gotten through hitting me.�
In the silence, Alex and Lysa listened to the song. Alex listened a bit more inventively to the words because of Lysa�s statement.
�Lysa, don�t do anything stupid,� Alex said, �Promise me you won�t try to defeat him by yourself.�
Lysa smiled. �Just because the song makes it sound like I wanna kill the man doesn�t mean I�ll do it.�
�I hope they hurry,� said Alex.
�They will,� Lysa stated with as much confidence in her voice as she could muster.
�
Derek pulled up in front of a moderate sized home. �Are you certain this is the right address?� he asked as he parked.
Nick checked the information he had received from Rachel earlier. �This is the last known address in the Legacy database for Dai Shiro-Ryan.�
Derek nodded and got out of the car. Nick followed suit. The pair walked up to the door, but before they could knock a teenage boy opened it.
�Come in,� the boy said, �Mom�s been expecting you.�
Derek and Nick exchanged a confused glance before following the boy inside. He led them upstairs to a woman�s bedroom. The trio waited at the door for permission to enter.
�Let them in, Cam,� someone called from inside.
The boy, Cam, opened the door and guided Derek and Nick inside the room.
�Henry always hated those statues, but my mother left them to me in her will. She got them from her mother. They�re from Japan,� the woman said, �The curtains are silk. My parents bought them for me as a wedding present. They came with a beautiful kimono in an oak chest. The chest was made in Japan by my great-uncle. Henry made me keep all of it in the attic. He told me I was an American and that as long as he was alive, I�d never be able to keep these things out in the open.�
�Mrs. Ryan --� Derek began.
Dai held up her delicate hand. �I know why you�re here, Dr. Rayne,� she said, �I, too, have a touch of the Sight.�
�Can you help us?� Derek asked.
�You want to know where Henry has Lysa and Alex,� replied Dai, �but I only know so much. Although I cannot tell you where you can find them, I can show you where they are.�
�How can you show us where they are if you don�t know much?� Nick agitatedly asked.
Dai turned to face the men. �I can take you there,� she said, �but you must trust me.�
�C�mon, Derek,� Nick said, �This is. . . .�
�Please, show us where we can find our friends,� Derek said. He held out his hand to help Dai out of the room.
Dai smiled. �Nick, you must trust me,� she announced, �I don�t want to see Lysa hurt anymore than you do. Let me help you find her.�
Nick closed his eyes and ran his hand through his hair. �Do you wanna drive or just give directions?�
Dai headed towards the door. �I will guide you both to them,� she replied as Derek led her to the doorway.
�Thank you,� Derek said.
Dai began to descend the stairs. �I want to see Henry go to Hell as much as Lysa does,� she replied, �Perhaps as much as the both of you do. This is the least I could do.�
�
�Finally untied yourselves,� called Henry as he descended the stairs, �That�s just fine with me.�
�Let Alex go,� Lysa cried, �I�ll do whatever you want. Please, just let her go, Daddy."
Henry laughed. �I told you; she�s my insurance policy on you, baby girl,� he replied, �Just think. When this is over, you and I will be together forever. The Legacy is a joke. They can�t defeat Satan. You and I can destroy the very system which killed your sister and your mother, baby girl. We can have our revenge.�
�So, what do I have to do?� Lysa asked. Her voice was shaky.
Alex swallowed hard as she heard the gun in Henry�s hand cock. She closed her eyes and prayed to God for help. When she opened her eyes, Henry struck her with the handle of the gun. Alex felt the pain and blacked out.
�Why did you do that?!� Lysa cried. She moved to Alex�s side. �Come on, Alex,� Lysa whispered, �Wake up.�
Henry towered over Lysa. �Get up, girl,� he shouted. When she refused to move, Henry forcefully pulled Lysa up. �Listen to me,� he said, �Don�t make me have to kill her, too.�
Lysa stared into her father�s lifeless eyes. �What do you mean?�
�First, you give your soul to the Master,� Henry explained, �Then I kill you. The Master will bring you back and grant you immortality. We will work side by side for eternity.�
Lysa bit her lower lip. �And if I refuse?�
�If you refuse, I kill her before I turn this gun on you,� Henry replied, �but we don�t want that. Do we, baby girl?�
Lysa swallowed hard. She could feel the tears swelling up in her eyes. �N-no,� she stammered, �No, we don�t.�
�This is the place,� Dai suddenly announced, �Stop here.�
Derek immediately stopped the car. �Are you sure?� he asked.
�Yes, I can feel Lysa,� replied Dai, �She and Alex are here.�
�Park the car,� Nick stated, �and let�s go get �em.�
*** *** ***
�Alex, are you all right?� Lysa asked.
Alex looked up at Lysa. �W-what happened?� she asked, �I feel like I�ve just been hit by a Mack truck.�
�Stay still,� Lysa said, �You�ll probably have a helluva bump in a minute.�
�Is he gone?� Alex fearfully asked.
Lysa nodded. �The doorbell rang a second ago.�
�Maybe the cavalry is here,� mused Alex. She started to laugh, but the pain was too much for her to bear.
The pair sat in silence. They could hear screaming and arguing above them. Glass was being broken. A shot was fired. Then footsteps -- someone was making their way to the basement.
The door flew open and Henry Ryan stood in the doorway. He slammed the door shut and blocked it with a large piece of wood. Running down the stairs, he held his gun on Alex. �That�s it,� Henry barked, �Your friend�s dead. She ruined it by telling the others about me and this place.�
Lysa listened as someone began breaking down the door. �No, I was the one who told them, Daddy,� she confessed, �I called on Alex�s phone.�
Henry kept the gun on Alex. �Y-you called them,� he stammered, �You told them it was me.�
Lysa nodded. �That�s right. You should kill me for this. It�s all my fault.�
�It�s always your fault,� Henry retorted. He hit Alex with the butt of his gun. �You were never good for very much,� he added as he cornered his daughter.
Just as Henry raised his gun to Lysa�s forehead, Nick broke down the door. Henry just laughed and prepared to shoot his daughter.
�Henry Ryan,� called Derek, �put down that gun.�
Using his daughter as a shield, keeping his gun to Lysa's head, Henry hissed, �Say it . . . say it, baby girl.�
�Shoot him, Nick,� Lysa shouted, �Just shoot him.�
Nick turned to Derek. Derek shook his head. Although Nick already had his gun aimed at Henry, Derek didn�t want to risk Henry shooting Lysa as well.
�Shoot him, Nick. Shoot him now,� Lysa cried, �Please, Nick, shoot him!�
Henry turned around. He carefully laid down his weapon. �Go ahead,� he taunted Nick, �Shoot me. You know you want to do it. You want to kill me for all the things I did to my little girl. Don�t you, Nick?�
Nick followed Henry�s every move. �Yea, I do,� he replied, �I wanna see you die. I wanna be the one to send you to Hell for hurting Lysa.�
�So, do it, Nick,� Henry said, �because if you don�t, I can guarantee you that I�ll hurt Lysa again.�
�Nick, don�t do it,� Derek shouted, �It�s what he wants you to do.�
Lysa tried to run to Nick. Before she made it to him, Henry grabbed her by her hair. Yanking her back, Henry slapped Lysa across the face. Knocking her to the floor, Henry stood over his daughter and laughed. He hit her and kicked her until her screams filled the room.
�Stop it,� Lysa cried, �Stop it, Daddy. You�re hurting me.� Tears streaked her face.
Henry pulled Lysa to her feet. �Look at her, Nick,� he said, �All bruised and battered like this. You could have stopped this. All you needed to do was pull that trigger.�
Dai walked towards Henry. �No more, Henry,� she announced, �It ends here and now.�
Henry threw Lysa behind him. �What will you do, woman?�
Dai held out her hand. �Take my hand,� she said, �You can have me instead.�
Henry struck Dai�s face. �I want Lysa. I�ll have my daughter�s soul and together we�ll destroy the Legacy.�
Dai stepped back. �Shoot him, Nick,� she ordered, �It�s the only way to end this.�
Nick slowly pulled the trigger. With the first shot, Henry fell to his knees. Nick fired again and Henry fell back. Henry�s soul left his body, but as the spirit moved to attack Nick, a hand pulled Henry down.
Nick crossed over the bloody remains of Henry Ryan. He stood over Lysa. Staring at the battered girl, grief overwhelmed him. Dropping to his knees, he cradled Lysa in his arms. Tears fell from his face.
�I�m so sorry,� Nick whispered as he rocked Lysa.
�Don�t be,� replied Lysa, �It�s not your fault. I should have listened to you and let you come along.�
Nick slightly smiled. �Are you all right?�
Lysa wiped the tears from Nick�s face. �I wanna go home,� she said.
Alex opened her eyes and groaned. �Next time take Nick with you,� she stated, holding her head, �I don�t think I can handle another round with Henry Ryan.�
Derek helped Alex to her feet. �There won�t be another round,� he replied, �It�s over.�
Alex looked at the body. �Thank God for that,� she stated.
Nick then helped Lysa to her feet. �I�m not letting you outta my sight anymore,� he said.
�Let�s get back to San Francisco,� Lysa retorted, �We can worry about the rest later.�
�
Alex sat in her room. She was happy to be back home again. Although her adventure with Lysa had been memorable, Alex had to admit that she�d rather put it behind her. She opened her Journal. Knowing what she had to do, Alex began to write her entry.
It read: Sometimes even the best of us can be seduced by evil. If we are strong and believe in ourselves. . . and each other, we can overcome many adversities. When the evil comes from someone we trust, however, it complicates things. Defeating it becomes a difficult task -- even more so than before because we don�t want to have to kill someone who we loved all our lives and loved so dearly. Once we defeat it and face our fears, we learn that we can conquer anything.
Special Notes: The song lyrics come from Jewel�s song titled �Daddy�. When I first heard it, I knew it would be perfect for Lysa! I just had to borrow it and put it in the story somewhere! Thanks to those who are reading my many tales featuring Lysa Ryan. And thanks to my beta readers for helping me fine tune my stories!