| Things Past By Kim |
| The caller gave directions for Frank Donovan to go to an abandon farm in Virginia. Donovan stopped the car near the house. He watched the HRT team secure the land around him. There was no way to secure the inside. Getting out of the car, he slowly walked towards the barn. "Careful, Frank. We have no visual of him yet." Tom said in his headset. "You're advice is noted Tom." he replied, looking through the barn door. Inside he saw her. She was tied to a chair. She wasn't moving. Is she, he thought? No, don't even think of it, he said to himself. Then he saw her head move. She was alive, but for how long? They didn't know if she was hurt and if she was, how bad was it? When she moved her head, he could see some bruises. The bastard hit her. Seeing the bruises enraged Donovan. Without thinking or securing the barn, he ran to her. Donovan reached her and held her face in his hands. She looked at him in shock. He quickly looked her over. Only bruises on her face. He pulled his knife out of his vest and started to cut her ropes. "Remember me, boy-o?" A voice yelled for the darkened barn. "Ya killed me sister." "I remember you O'Shea,” he yelled back, quickly taking the ropes of Elizabeth. "Time to pay!" he yelled, stepping out of the shadows, gun drawn on Donovan. Donovan saw him out of the corner of his eye. The light reflecting off the gun. Everything happened fast. Bam. Bam. Bam. Bam. The flashes from the muzzles lit up the room. The smell of gunpowder stung Donavan's nose. From behind him the HRT team ran in, guns drawn, securing the area. O'Shea was lying on the ground, dead. So many things were running through his head. The first thing he wanted to do is beg her forgiveness for not telling her about O'Shea. He turned to hold her and she wasn't there. He looked around for her. He found her lying on the ground, bleeding. "Elizabeth, no." he whispered. Bending down to her, he held her while the paramedics came in. Donovan was pacing the waiting room like a caged tiger. Waiting, he hated waiting. He wanted to know what was going on. Is she all right? What's her condition? He thought. "Frank, how is she?" a voice said from behind. He turned and saw Elizabeth's brother, Sean standing there. Worry etched on his face. Donovan gave him a good look over, he noticed that Sean had two different shoes on and smiled. "Sean. She's still in surgery. Nothing yet." he replied shaking his hand. "Tom filled me in on some of what happened. Can you fill me in with the rest." he asked. Suddenly tired, Donovan sat down. "I should have told her about the threats. I didn't want to worry her." he started to say. "Excuse me, are you the family for Elizabeth Abernathy?" a doctor asked. "I'm her brother." Sean replied walking over to him. Donovan joined him. Donovan gave the doctor a look over. He was still in his scrubs and he looked tired. "Is her fiancée here also?" the doctor asked. "That would be me." Donovan replied, not bothering to correct the doctor. "Miss Abernathy was shot in the abdomen. She was bleeding quite heavily. She lost a lot of blood. The paramedics got her here in time. We were able to treat the wound and give her a transfusion,” the doctor reported. "Thank you." Sean and Donovan replied at the same time. "That's not all,” the doctor said looking serious at Donovan. "With the wound, I'm sorry, we couldn't save the baby." "Baby?" Donovan asked, shocked, feeling dizzy as though the earth had opened up under him. "Yes, Miss Abernathy was about two and a half months along. I'm sorry,” he said placing a hand on Donavan's shoulder. "A baby?" Sean said. "Frank, are you okay?" "A baby. I didn't know,” he whispered sitting down, tears filling his eyes. Shaking his head, bringing him back to the present, Donovan pulled off the Interstate. He pulled up in front of a two-story home. In the yard were two kids running around. Everything still looked the same, everything except the two kids. He watched them chase a dog in the yard. A German Shepherd. She always wanted a dog like that. Maybe this wasn’t a good idea, he thought. Maybe it was too late. “Are you going to sit in the car all day or are you going to grant us the honor of your presence?” a voice asked, laughing. Donovan turned his head and smiled. He saw Sean leaning against the car. Sean reached into the car and took Donovan’s bag. “Look, now you have to come in the house.” Sean said turning, walking up to the house. Laughing, Donovan got out of the car and followed Sean. “You haven’t changed Sean.” Half way up the walk, he stopped and looked around. Remembering the last time he was there. The day he walked out of Elizabeth’s life. “It’s been five years Frank.” Sean said, interrupting his thoughts. “I don’t know if I should hit you or hug you.” “Save the hitting when the kids leave.” he responded. “They never leave. Their mine.” Sean laughed, leading him into the house. “I was surprised at your call. I owe Elizabeth a hundred bucks now. I‘ve always said you would be back in a couple days. She said you‘d come back when you thought it was right.” “Where is she?” he asked, looking around the house. “Gone.” Sean stated. “Gone?” Donovan repeated. Was he too late? He thought. “Before I tell you where she is, I want to know why you’re here.” Sean said, sitting down on the couch, waiting for an explanation. “That’s between Elizabeth and myself.” he responded. “No.” “No?” Donovan repeated astonished. “No, not used to people telling you that word. Get used to it. The day you left her, I understood why you left. I thought after a few days you would be back. Five years Frank! Five years go by and neither one of us has heard from you. You call today out of the blue asking about Elizabeth. Hell of a long time to find out how she’s doing. I’m only looking out for my sister.” Sean yelled. “That’s the reason I left.” Donovan spat out. “I left for her best interest. Because of who I was caused her pain. Caused her to lose our child and almost die. I couldn‘t do that to her again. I couldn‘t risk losing her that way.” He was tired. Tired from the trip. Tired of remembering the past and the pain he caused. He sat down on the couch next to Sean and closed his eyes. Sean looked at his friend. He looked like hell, like he hasn’t slept in a couple days. He knew the last thing he wanted was to hurt Elizabeth. “Budapest.” he answered. Donovan looked at him in surprise. “What?” “Budapest.” Sean repeated. “She’s in Budapest on a detail. She won’t be back until after the New Year. Funny how things happen. She still loves you, Frank. For the life of me I don‘t know why, but she does.” Sean replied getting off the couch. “Budapest.” Donovan smiled, remembering their first meeting. “Hey, I know what that smile is for you know. She told me what you did. Brave man. So, are you going to stay here a few days before you head to Budapest?” Sean asked laughing, showing Donovan to the guest bedroom. ****************************************************************** Chicago Three days later “So much for a vacation.” Alex mumbled walking into the building. “Is Donovan back from Washington yet?” Jake asked, looking up from the paper. “How’s the wrist?” Monica asked, noticing he still had the brace on. “Sore.” Jake replied sitting down. “Have I missed anything?” “Yea.” Cody stated, “Donovan laughed. He even smiled. It scared me. Alex wouldn’t hold me.” “Really.” Jake said amused. “Yes, and I can do that often when asked.” Donovan said walking up behind them. “You have to stop sneaking up on people.” Alex growled. She hated it when he did that, making a mental note to oil his shiny shoes. “How did the business trip go?” Monica asked, worried. She couldn’t help but wonder how things went. If he decided to tell her, he would. “Productive.” he responded. “I’m to let you know that Washington thinks we’ve been going a good job. To reward us, they are giving us time off until after the New Year. Report back on the fourth of January.” “Really? An extended vacation.” Jake said surprised. “Report back on the fourth? That’s it?” Alex asked in disbelief. “Another vacation? Pulling more strings?” Monica asked him, smiling. “Okay, New Year’s party at my house.” Cody said making a list. “Monica, you bring the music, Alex the food. Jake, well, you can’t carry anything. Donovan, you can bring the alcohol.” “Sorry,” Donovan said, “I have other plans.” He picked up his briefcase and started for the door. “And where are you spending your New Year’s?” Alex asked intrigued. Noting that he’s been in a pleasant mood since entering the building. “Yes, any special plans?” Monica asked laughing. When he reached the door, he turned and looked at them. “Budapest.” he answered, smiling. “See, “ Cody said, “he can smile. It scares me.” “Donovan, bring me back a souvenir.” Monica laughed. “Okay,” Jake said, “What did I miss?” He looked at Alex, then to Monica who had a huge smile on her face. Jake didn’t like being left out. He would rather know when bad news is going to hit or not. “Budapest?” Alex repeated, “What’s in Budapest? What are we missing?” “That’s it. I have to get around to bugging Donovan’s office.” Cody planned. ************************************ Budapest. A beautiful city. A romantic city. Elizabeth didn’t want to think of the last part, remembering the last time she was in here. She smiled at the thought of it. It felt like a lifetime ago. When the opportunity came up to show the staff how to use the new computer system with the new visas, she jumped at it. She taught the last class today. The new system started at midnight, as a New Year begins. “Damn it. I can’t see a bloody thing with this mask on,” a voice said, stumbling up behind her. Elizabeth laughed as she watched her friend, Renee, try to walk with the mask on. “Whose bloody idea was this?” “The Ambassador’s wife.” Elizabeth answered, “She thought it would be a different way to celebrate the New Year.” “When can we take these things off?” her friend asked, not liking the answer. “Not until midnight. You only have a half hour to go,” she yelled after her friend, who was stumbling away, muttering something about ‘bloody American ideas.’ Donovan watched her from across the room. She was laughing and talking with a woman from the British Embassy. He knew it was her, even though the mask covered her face, he knew. In five years, she seemed to fill out, he thought. Very nice. Her hair was longer, down to her shoulders. He watched her walk around, making small talk. He started to follow behind her when she walked past him. He inhaled her perfume. Still the same brand, he noted. Elizabeth was trying to make her way through the crowds. She wanted to find a phone so she could call and wish her brother a Happy New Year. She thought she was making progress through the crowds when she felt an arm slip around her waist. Shocked, she turned to see what was going on. She was staring into the loveliest brown eyes. The mask covered most of her partner’s face. “What do you think you’re doing?” she asked. “Dancing.” he replied, moving her deep into the dance floor. Déjà vu washed over Elizabeth. This seemed all too familiar. But she knew it wasn’t. Enjoy the dance, she told herself. Start enjoying things. She followed her partner around the dance floor. She felt comfortable in his arms. She hasn’t felt like that in years. Wishing the dance wouldn’t end, it did. Elizabeth looked in his eyes. Something was familiar, she thought. He looked like he was about to say something when his phone rang. Trying to ignore the ringing on his phone, Donovan pulled her away from the crowd. “I think you should answer that. It could be important.” she replied. “Excuse me for just a moment.” he replied walking towards the hall. Donovan wanted to kill someone right now. This better be real important, he thought to himself. “Donovan.” he growled into the phone. ************************************************** “So, did you find her yet?” the voice asked on the phone. “Cody?” Donovan asked in disbelief. “Did you find her yet?” Cody repeated, trying not to laugh. “Yes. Why are you calling? It better be….” he started to say, hearing his team laugh, “How did you know?” “I’m sorry Donovan. They got it out of me. We just want to wish you a Happy New Year since you’re about six hours ahead of us. And good luck.” Monica said trying to explain. “I’ll deal with you later.” Donovan swore into the phone, hearing Cody and Jake laugh. ‘Jake, I’m going to kill you.’ he heard Monica yell as he hung up his phone. Turning back to Elizabeth, he noticed she was gone. Five minutes to midnight and she was nowhere to be found. Looking around, he saw her walk out onto the balcony. Not wanting to be inside when the New Year came, she went out onto the balcony. She needed to get some fresh air. The sense of déjà vu was almost too much for her to handle. She wrapped arms around herself as she took in the sights. The sights haven’t changed that much, she thought. She was quickly brought back to reality when she felt a jacket over her shoulders. She turned and saw her mysterious dance partner. “Thank you,” she murmured. “Why did you come outside?“ he asked, “The party can’t be that bad. I‘m not that bad.” “I needed some air. I didn’t feel like being inside when the New Year came.” she explained. 10 9 8 7 6 5 Donovan walked over to her and held her close. He looked into her eyes, remembering what they shared. 4 The good times. 3 The bad times. 2 How much they loved each other. 1 He bent down and kissed her gently on the lips. Elizabeth was shocked; she couldn’t believe the nerve this man had to kiss her. She couldn’t believe that she was enjoying it. “Happy New Year, Elizabeth.” he whispered pulling of his mask. She couldn’t believe her eyes. “Frank?” she asked. Pulling off her mask, she studied his face. The eyes. She could never forget his eyes. So powerful. He looked the same except for the goatee. It made him look dangerous. It was five years since she last saw him. She had so many things to say, she didn’t know where to begin. She knew where to begin. She started by punching him in the face. ************************************************************* Elizabeth unlocked the door to her hotel room and threw her purse on the table. After five long years, Frank Donovan was back in her life. She always knew she would see him again someday. She had so many things to say to him and what does she do? Hit him. “I can’t believe I hit him,” she murmured, walking over to look out the window. “I can.” a voice said from behind. Elizabeth turned around and saw Donovan sitting on the couch, holding an ice pack to his eye. His right eye. “You have to stop sneaking up on people,” she groaned sitting next to him. “I’m sorry about that.” “And to think, I thought Sean would be the one to hit me. At least he gave me a warm welcome,” he complained, taking the pack away from his eye. Elizabeth could already see the swelling around his eye. She groaned again. “I said I was sorry. I wasn’t expecting to see you again, especially here.” she explained. She couldn’t believe it; she was acting like a schoolgirl. Its only Frank. Nervous, she took the ice pack from him. “I’ll get you some more ice.” Elizabeth started to get up when Donovan grabbed her arm and pulled her back down. “We need to talk,” he said seriously. He studied her face. He saw the sadness in her eyes; she knew what he meant about needing to talk. There was so much he needed to say, he didn’t know where to begin. Not resisting the temptation, he leaned over and kissed her. “I’m sorry.” “For what?” Elizabeth asked. “For everything I put you through.” he replied, closing his eyes, “For placing you in danger. Not telling you what was going on. I’m sorry that we lost our child. I’m sorry for leaving the way I did.” “I understood why, Frank.” Elizabeth started to say. “How? Two weeks after you were shot and lost our child, I walked away from you,” he growled, standing up and walking to the window. “How can you be so understanding?” How he wished she would scream and yell at him. “How I could be so understanding?” she asked, “I knew what you did. I never asked. I knew you couldn’t tell me. I knew what I was getting into.” “But.” he started to say when Elizabeth threw a pillow at him. “Will you just shut up for a minute Frank Donovan and let me finish?” she yelled, “I hated you for not telling me about the danger we were in. I hated you when I lost the baby. Most of all, I hated you when you left me the way you did.” Tears were rolling down her cheeks, but she refused to acknowledge them. She’s waited five years to get this off her chest and she wasn’t about to stop. Donovan walked over to Elizabeth and wrapped his arms around her. “It’s alright,” he whispered. “No, it’s not alright,” she growled, trying to move away from him, “five years go by and I hear nothing from you, until tonight. You literally waltz back into my life and kiss me senseless, expecting me to forgive you. I hate you.” “I don’t expect anything from you.” he stated, “I just needed to tell you how sorry I am for causing you so much pain.” “You’re sorry,” she repeated, looking into his eyes. How she always loved staring in them, losing herself in them, “are you sorry for coming here tonight?” “No.” “Are you sorry for kissing me?” she asked, not knowing if she wanted to know the answer. “What would you say if I told you I was engaged?” Pulling her tighter into his arms, “I’m sure I could persuade him to end the engagement or I know people who could persuade him,” he said serous, lifting an eyebrow Elizabeth looked at him in shock. “Besides, that’s not what Sean told me.” “What Sean told you? When did you talk to him?” she asked, puzzled. “A couple days ago in Virginia.” he replied, laughing, “He told me some interesting things.” “You went to Virginia? To see me?” she asked. “No, I went to see Sean. I thought it would be polite to inquire about you.” he laughed, trying to avoid her fist. “You never answered my question. Are you sorry you kissed me?” she asked again. Donovan placed his hands on the side of her face, “No,” he answered, kissing her again. Unable to control himself, Donovan picked her up and carried her to the bed. “You know, he’s going to kill us.” Cody said, staring at the file. “Someone has to do it.” Jake replied, trying not to laugh. “Monica?” Alex asked, wondering what was going on. “I’m not doing it. It’s bad enough I’m going to get lectured when he gets back. You do it Cody.” Monica complained. It took them a while, but they finally found out the reason why Donovan went to Budapest. She only told them half of the reason. A woman. “Fine, I’ll do it,” Cody complained, “but if I end up missing, my father will be very upset. *************************************** Elizabeth rolled over, noticing he was gone. She quickly sat up and looked around. She heard the water in the bathroom. He was taking a shower. Elizabeth laid back down, hugging the pillow, wondering how things have changed. She heard a faint ringing. Wrapping the sheet around her, she walked over to Donovan’s jacket and pulled out his cell phone. “Frank Donovan’s office.” she answered. “Ah, I’m” the voice on the other end stammered, “I’m looking for Frank Donovan.” “He’s in the shower,” Elizabeth replied, enjoying hearing the uneasiness in the voice, “may I ask who’s calling and the reason?” She was trying hard not to laugh. She could hear other voices laughing in the background. “Um, my name’s Cody,” he replied, “I work for Donovan.” Cody shot Jake and Alex a nasty look for laughing at him. “Hold on a minute.” she replied, walking into the bathroom. The room was full of steam from the shower. Elizabeth watched the outline of the man in the shower. Damn, he’s sexy. Feeling the cold air invade the room, Donovan opened the shower curtain. His eyes gleaming with mischief, “Care to join me?” he grinned. Her knees went weak looking at a wet Donovan in his glory. “I would love to, but a guy named Cody is on the phone for you,” she pouted, handing him his cell phone. “I’ll kill him.” Donovan mumbled, taking the phone. “Don’t be too hard on him,” she laughed, walking out of the bathroom. “Great,” Cody mumbled, “I’m dead.” “Donovan.” he growled into the phone, “It better be good Cody.” Elizabeth walked around her hotel room, collecting Donovan’s clothes. She knew the meaning behind the call. She walked over the nightstand and laughed. He still carried a Glock. Old habits are hard too break. She sighed as Donovan wrapped his arms around her waist. “I have to go back to Chicago,” he said, nuzzling her neck. “I know. Stationed in Chicago now?” she replied, leaning back into him “Yes, what did you say to Cody to embarrass him?” he asked. “I just answered the phone saying it’s your office and told him you were in the shower.” she smirked, “When do you have to leave?” “In a couple hours,” he answered, “but first, we have some unfinished business.” He pulled her back down onto the bed and pinned her hands above her head. “I lied.” she stated as Donovan trailed kisses down her neck to her breasts. “About what?” he asked, never leaving her breasts. “About hating you,” she gasped. “I know,” he replied, “Sean told me.” “What?” she yelled, sitting up. “I’m going to kill him.” Elizabeth pushed Donovan off her and leaned over to the phone. “What are you doing?” “I’m calling Sean and telling him he can run, but he can’t hide. I’m going to kill him,” she swore. “Get over here,” he growled pulling her back onto the bed, “we have more important things to deal with right now.” He picked up where she rudely interrupted him. Eight weeks later Donovan pulled his car into his parking spot. He was in a bad mood. It was two months since he last saw Elizabeth in Budapest. The McHugh case lasted that long. He was able to call her a couple times. His team noticed how different his attitude was since he returned form Budapest. Alex even commented on how much he has been smiling lately. “Well, that’s going to end fast.” he mumbled, slamming his car door. He flew to Virginia for the weekend to surprise Elizabeth. Dinner in Washington, take a walk in the Constitutional Gardens. They had some more things to talk about. No one could image how disappointed he was when Sean told him she was gone on business. A last minute class she had to teach. He walked into the building, making sure the door slammed. He wasn’t in the mood for any wisecracks. “Enjoy your weekend, Boss?” Cody asked, grinning from ear to ear. Donovan stopped in his tracks and glared at Cody. “Guess not.” Cody remarked, dropping his smile. Donovan started up the stairs to his office. He knew he shouldn’t take his frustrations out on his team. Maybe he should take it out on the punching bag, it seems to work for Alex. “Think he had a bad weekend?” Alex laughed. “Good thing no one mentioned to him that he’s actually late for once.” Monica laughed. “Does anyone know if he likes surprises?” Jake asked, laughing Donovan slammed the door to his office and then proceeded to slam his case on his desk. He walked over to his refrigerator and took out a bottled water and slammed that door. “My, you are in a slamming mood.” a voice laughed. Donovan turned and looked at his chair. Elizabeth was sitting there, legs up on the desk. “For a Fed, your observation skills are lacking.” “Elizabeth?” he asked, hoping his eyes weren’t deceiving him, “Sean said you were out of town teaching a class.” “I am. Someone has to teach the Immigration boys about the new visas.” she laughed, “You need to go back to the academy. I could’ve killed you.” “Really” he said, raising his eyebrow, “by not telling me you were here?” “Well, it was to be a surprise.” she laughed, “At least I got to spend the weekend getting to know your team.” She got up and locked the door. “Got to know my team?” Donovan asked, “When did you get in?” “I got here an hour after you left.” she said walking around Donovan, “I learned some interesting things about you.” “Really, like what?” Donovan asked, grabbing her. “Well, it seems Monica knows all about us. That surprised me. Cody was too embarrassed to talk to me at first. Alex and Jake took me out bar hopping, got me drunk and Jake made a pass at me.” “They did what?” he yelled, getting ready to kill Jake. “I’m kidding,” she laughed, “well, the part about getting drunk and Jake making a pass at me. They took me out to dinner and Alex gave me a place to stay since you were out of town. So, where did you go?” “First this,” he said, kissing her gently on the lips, “I went to Virginia to see you. I needed to talk to you.” “Oh good,” she replied, sitting down on his desk, “I needed to talk to you too.” “You first.” the said in unison. They both started to laugh. Elizabeth looked at Donovan. He was actually nervous. “What’s the matter?” she asked, worried he was going to walk out of her life again. “I don’t know where to begin,” he said walking over to the window. “Well, it can’t be that bad,” she said, trying to believe her words, “just say it.” Donovan turned at looked at Elizabeth, he took a deep breath. “Marry me,” he blurted out. “Excuse me?” Elizabeth asked, eyes wide as saucers. “Marry me,” Donovan smiled, walking over to her, grabbing her hands, “ I don’t want to lose you again. What do you say?” “Oh, wow,” she said, Elizabeth didn’t know what to say. Would he still want to after she told him her news? ************************ “So, what do you think they’re talking about in there?” Jake asked, amused by Donovan mood. “What makes you think they’re talking?” Cody laughed. “Cody,” Monica warned, “you didn’t bug his office?” “I don’t have a death wish.” he replied. “He’s probably passed out on the floor.” Alex said, sipping her coffee. “Why?” they asked together. “What do you know that we don’t?” Jake asked. *********************************** “Before I give you my answer, I need to tell you something. Sit down.” Elizabeth asked. Not liking the where the conversation was going, he sat down in his chair, bur he pulled Elizabeth down into his lap. “What’s wrong?” he asked, looking into her eyes, she was scared. “I don’t know how to say this,” she stammered. “Take your advice. Just say.” he laughed. “I’m pregnant,” she said. ********************************* “She’s pregnant!” they said. “Are you sure?” Monica asked “How do you know?” Jake asked. “Well, the vomiting a couple times a day is a little giveaway.” Alex laughed. “I can see it now,” Cody laughed, “Donovan has a daughter, he’ll be having us run checks on her dates.” “Or a son, bailing him out of jail.” Jake laughed. “You’re pregnant?” Donovan repeated, smiling, “looks like you have to marry me now.” “Wait a minute, “ she said, starting to raise her voice, “I don’t have to do anything. What makes you think…” Donovan started laughing. He kissed her to shut her up. “Marry me.” “I hate it when you do that,” she whimpered, “I could never say no.” “Good,” he smiled, “I can keep you in line this way.” Donovan got up out of his chair, grabbed his case and took Elizabeth by the hand. They started down the stairs when he realized his team was still there. “Go home.” he ordered. “And where do you think you’re going?” Cody smirked. “I’m taking my fiancée home.” he smiled. “Wait a minute,” Elizabeth protested, “I never said yes.” “Doesn’t matter,” Jake laughed, “when Donovan wants something, he gets it.” “Tell me about.” she agreed, “Ok, I’ll marry you.” “Congrats Boss.” Cody said, slapping him on the back. “Congratulations times two.” Alex smiled. “You know?” he asked, “How?” “A woman knows these things,” Alex laughed, “Besides, she couldn’t stop throwing up at my place.” “I’ll see you all tomorrow.” Donovan said, pulling Elizabeth out the door. “Bye kids,” Cody said, “Don’t do anything we wouldn’t do. Oh, too late.” “Well, maybe he’ll lighten up now.” Jake commented, watching them leave the parking lot. “Let’s hope so.” Monica replied. |