Past mistakes and bad memories flooded over Nola. The stress over Stacey’s kidnapping had all but incapacitated her. She was thrilled over the news that the authorities had been able to locate almost exactly where Silas’ rental car was, but she continued to feel unwell and didn’t dare go. Seamus and Quint went with the head detective and his partner to the location. Vanessa also stayed behind in the event there was any news at the house.

The one good thing about staying behind was that she would get some time to talk with Mrs. Renfield. Nola knew that Mrs. Renfield felt terribly that Stacey had been abducted from her home. But with her and her sister’s advanced age, no one thought for a moment to hold her responsible.

Nola had not been able to appreciate it on this visit, but Violet and Victoria’s home was very peaceful and comfortable. She could understand why they loved it so much. She was glad Mrs. Renfield had her sister, but how sad that she lost her husband so young. Nola figured that Mrs. Renfield was probably not that much older than her current age when she was widowed. Nola remembered thinking when she was younger that Mrs. Renfield was old when she lost her husband, and that lose of a spouse at that age would be the expected thing. But now she realized, as she approached that age herself, that she was not old at all, and that she must have been crushed by the lose of her husband. Even during their separation, Nola knew she would have been devastated if anything happened to Quinton. She didn’t even want to think about it. Nola hated when Quint went off alone on dangerous outings such as the one he was presently on. The idea of being a widow scared her. She had been facing her own mortality over the past year. She was still a few years away from being 50, and not that she thought 50 was old, as she certainly did not. She felt no differently than she did when she was 20, except she had more confidence, and she realized that she didn’t have a clue at 20. But 50 seemed to be a significant age, almost more so than turning 30 or 40 had been, since it really would be the beginning of a new phase in her life. The perimenopause symptoms had been one of the first things that got her attention, but also watching her children become young adults was a wake up call. She also felt a degree of pride being a woman in her middle to late 40s. She had achieved and done a lot and certainly more than she ever thought she really would when she was a girl growing up on Seventh Street.

After Seamus and Quint left with the officers to go get Stacey, Nola found Mrs. Renfield sitting alone in the parlor.

“Mrs. Renfield?” Nola gently beckoned.

“Yes dear, I’m awake. I’m just resting my eyes.” Violet looked at Nola.

“Should I come back later?” Nola sweetly queried.

“No, Nola dear. Please sit down.” Mrs. Renfield indicated to the comfortable chair across from her. “It’s so good to see both you and Quinton together. I so wish it was under more favorable circumstances.”

“I know,” Nola agreed as she sat down.

“Are you feeling any better, dear?”

“Maybe a little,” Nola covered, “but I’m definitely not feeling one hundred percent.”

“This has been terrible for you. It’s understandable.”

“Having been held hostage by Silas, I know what it must be like for Stacey,” Nola painfully remembered.

“Yes, I remember that terrible time. Quinton was frantic. That was when I realized how much he was in love with you.”

“Sometimes that seems like such a long time ago, and sometimes it seems like it was yesterday,” Nola nostalgically replied.

“Time can be like that.” Violet commented. “When I see Anastasia and remember her as a baby, and then realize that you were her current age when I first met you, I can barely believe it.”

“I feel the same,” Nola noted with a sigh. “You know, I’ve been thinking a lot about the passing of time lately, and I was realizing how hard it must’ve been on you to lose Archibald. I think I have more of an understanding and a perspective on it, than I did when I first met you.”

“That’s natural, dear. It’s difficult for young people. You were just a child yourself when I first met you, but you and Quinton will always be like my children, and I’ll always think of you as young.”

“I’m not that young anymore, Mrs. Renfield.”

“Oh, you are. I just feel so good that you and Quinton are back together where you belong.”

“Me too, but sometimes you almost have to lose something or someone to realize how much it means to you. Seems like such a waste of time, but I guess that’s how life is sometimes.”

“That’s true. You know, Archibald and I had our difficulties too. We wanted to have children of our own, but it just didn’t happen, and that created a strain.” “I feel so guilty sometimes that I put Quinton through so much. because we couldn’t have another baby when we already had two beautiful children, and you and Archibald never had any.”

“Don’t feel badly, Nola. Everyone’s circumstances and feelings are personal and valid.”

“I know, but now here we are, and all I can hope for is that our beautiful daughter comes back to us. Everything else seems so unimportant. Having another baby is nothing compared to wanting Stacey back safe with us.”

“Another ironic thing about life,” Violet declared knowingly.

“Did you ever think about remarrying?”

“I had a friend in England a few years after Archibald died, but no, I never seriously thought about remarrying. I felt that Archibald was my partner, and I just couldn’t imagine anyone else.”

“I know what you mean?” Nola smiled, taking Violet’s hand.

“I know you do, dear, which is one of the reasons I’m so glad my prayers came true, and you got back with Quinton.”

“You know, now that the children are all grown, I want to go on adventures with him and make new discoveries, but also I’m so afraid. I don’t want him to put himself in dangerous positions, but also that is kind of who we are. That is what we do. I guess we just have to trust that what is meant to be will be.”

“You two have such a wonderful part of your life ahead of you, and you’re still quite young, since you had your children young.”

“It’s just odd in a way, thinking that there are no more babies. It’s a relief in one way and sad in another.”

“Well, you never know, dear,” Mrs. Renfield said with a twinkle.

“Oh come on, Mrs. Renfield. I have accepted that was not going to happen several years ago. Especially after everything we tried, and now it’s just too late.”

“I understand, Nola. But few things in this life are absolute.”

“I hope we get word soon about Stacey. I wish her safety and the safety of AJ were always absolute. I can’t believe that Floyd would be so sick and bitter that he would put her into this kind of harm.”

Silas furiously searched the area around the cabin. He knew that he would not be able to make any serious progress until the morning when daylight came. Stacey could not have gotten far, and there was no where for her to go. That she had taken his cell phone was of serious concern to him, but even if she did call there would be no way for her to tell anyone where she was, and cell phones could not be tracked in any accurate way. He felt that he had some time, or at least, he had until the morning when he would find her, move them to another location, and kill her. Luckily, he had kept the car keys on him, otherwise that could have been the end of his plans.

The officer detailed to Quint and Seamus that the area pinpointed was a very remote area, and that roads were not marked. Therefore, getting to the exact location would be slower once they got closer. They also explained that they had no information as to whether Silas had a weapon or not.

“Until we have Mr. Crocker completely in custody, please no attempts at heroics,” the detective advised.

Close to midnight, the patrol car made it to a desolate part of Northern Scotland. The ride became very rough as the vehicle maneuvered along the narrow, unmarked roads. The detectives used old town maps to find the best roads that would lead to their final destination. It did not appear that the Corsa had moved since they first located it. The darkness, however, was as much a problem for them, as they hoped it would be for Silas. Quinton and Seamus were told they were less than two miles from the final destination. They made a few more turns and a few wrong turns, but within fifteen minutes, they were very close.

“Mr. Chamberlain, Mr. O’Hara, this is the road that we believe the Corsa is on. We’re going to proceed very slowly and turn off all, but the parking lights.”

“Anastasia said that sometimes Silas kept a fire going in the cabin,” Seamus revealed. “Hopefully, we can see the light from that.”

“Listen, we don’t know if Mr. Crocker is armed. Both of you need to stay in the car until we tell you it’s safe to come out,” the officer explained. “Do you understand?”

They both answered yes. Once again, Seamus tried to call Stacey on Silas’ cell, but only got the voicemail.

“Damn, either she’s out of range, or her cell phone battery died or . .” Seamus fearfully stated.

“I’m sure the battery just went out on her,” Quint assured. “She’s going to be all right. She just has to.”

The car slowly wound along the deserted road. It was hard to believe that anything could be down the barren country roads.

After a few interminable minutes, Seamus pointed off in the distance, “There’s a light.”

Spotting the light, Quint said, “Yes, I see it.”

The officers turned off the parking lights as they proceeded even more cautiously along the road. When they got within about fifty yards of the house, they stopped the car and informed all the passengers that it would be unsafe to pull the car closer, and that they would go the remaining distance by foot. The two officers jumped out of the car, reminding Seamus and Quint to stay inside the vehicle for their own safety. They headed toward the light in the cabin.

Seamus and Quint sat quietly in the car, following the instructions of the officers.

“I don’t know if I’m going to be able to sit here and do nothing,” Quint finally admitted under his breath.

“I was hoping you would say that, Mr. Chamberlain. I feel exactly the same.”

“Stacey is somewhere out there. We have to find her.”

Seamus hopefully added, “I wonder if there’s any chance that she saw or heard the car. She did say she wasn’t walking on the road in case Silas went out looking for her, but maybe she saw us?”

“Perhaps we should try to look around the area for her? Let the police deal with Silas?” Quint suggested.

“It’s really dark out there. I can’t see anything except what the light from the cabin is illuminating.”

“I brought a pocket flashlight,” Quint stated, pulling out the small apparatus. “It’s small, but very powerful.”

Seamus eagerly said, “Well then, let’s go.”

“I’m right there with you,” Quint responded.

They quietly got out of the car, first listening for a moment in case Stacey was nearby in the woods. When they did not hear anything, they walked about twenty feet into the woods, scanning the flashlight for anything. Finally, they heard some rustling.

“Stacey?” Quint called out.

“I’m over here,” Stacey called back, crying.

“Anastasia,” Seamus called out.

“Now, just stop it right there, cowboys,” Silas ordered as he flipped on his flashlight. He trained his gun on Quint and Seamus, and then over toward Anastasia who was meekly making her way through the brambles.

“The police are going to be back here just as soon as they find no one in the cabin,” Quint announced.

Silas sneered, “Oh, but there is someone there to meet them. A friend of mine, with not quite as tender a heart as my own, came out to help me when I discovered the lovely Anastasia had escaped.”

“Stacey said she had your cell phone,” Quint noted.

“She had a cell phone. I always have a few on hand in case of such an emergency,” Silas laughed. “So this must be Mr. O’Hara?” Silas hissed as he shined the flashlight on Seamus.

“Silas, tell me what you want? We can get you money or whatever you want.”

“You know what I want, McCord,” Silas shot back. “Now you get over there, missy.” Silas indicated with his flashlight for Stacey to move over near Quint and Seamus. “And don’t try anything smart. I won’t hesitate to shoot you, especially after that stunt in the cabin.”

Stacey promptly followed his instructions and moved toward the men.

“The police are going to be back here any minute,” Quint warned.

“Don’t count on it. Hmmm, who should I kill first?” Silas taunted, pointing his gun to the rhythm of the children’s song, “Eenie, meenie, minie, moe. Catch a corpse by the toe. If he hollers let him go, eenie, meenie, minie, moe.”

The gun pointed squarely at Seamus. “Oh, poor innocent bystander,” Silas cackled maniacally.

“No, you can’t shoot him,” Stacey cried out in fear. “You don’t know who he is.”

“Yes, I do. He’s Seamus O’Hara, your hot Irish lover that invades you on a regular basis.” Silas thoroughly enjoyed watching Quint cringe, as Silas said the words that no father ever wants to hear about his young daughter.

Stacey desperately went on, “No, it’s not that . . .”

“Shhhh, Anastasia,” Seamus interrupted. “You don’t need to say anything else.”

“You should listen to your soon be dead lover, Anastasia,” Silas cruelly teased. “But a sexy little package like yourself, I’m sure it won’t be long before you have someone new to take you to bed. You wouldn’t wait around any longer than your old mother would have, if I had killed this stiff over twenty years ago like I should have.”

“Silas, watch your mouth,” Quint demanded.

Silas carefully trained his gun on Seamus and moved closer until his gun was in his face, “Say goodby, Mr. O’Hara.”

Anastasia screamed hysterically as Quint tried to calm her. She thought there was only one thing that could save Seamus now. Stacey cried out, “He’s your son, God dammit! His mother was Devon.”

Silas appeared shaken, “What’re you talking about? How did you know about Devon?”

Quint and Seamus both listened in shock to what Stacey was saying.

“You told me about Devon and your son when we were in the cabin. Seamus is adopted. And his biological mother’s name was Devon Wayne, but she died.”

“You’re lying,” Silas spat.

“Anastasia, what are you saying?” Seamus gasped.

“It can’t be,” Quint added, stunned.

Silas stared into Seamus’ fearful eyes. The young man looked approximately the right age, and for just the quickest moment, he thought he saw Devon in him. “Devon,” he murmured to himself, as he dropped the gun.

“My attorney told me that my mother’s name was Devon Wayne, and she went to Oxford University,” Seamus stammered, not sure if this information would save his life. “I was born in 1972.”

Just then, they heard gunshots coming from the cabin, but Silas did not even seem to notice, as he continued to be almost hypnotized by Seamus.

“How can this be? Silas repeated, “My son? Devon’s son?”

Quint took the temporary distraction as an opportunity and jumped Silas, causing his gun to go off. Quint wrestled Silas down to the ground. The detectives made their way toward the sound of Silas’ gun. Seamus assisted Quint in subduing Silas. The detectives quickly made their way over and surrounded Silas with guns, forcing him to surrender his gun to Quint. Seamus got up, grabbed Stacey and pulled her over to the safety of the patrol car. Silas was taken into custody.

Vanessa arranged for a limousine to pick up Stacey, Quint and Seamus. The detectives briefly questioned Anastasia and then dismissed her. Most importantly, Silas was captured after all the years of eluding the police. Anastasia fell asleep almost as soon as she got into the car. Quint didn’t know what to say to Seamus about the Silas revelation, so instead opted to say nothing until they all had some time to rest and think.

Nola and Vanessa sat up together after word came that Stacey was safe, Silas was captured, and everyone was on their way home.

“AJ was happy to hear the news. Quinton and I had a heck of a time talking him out of coming here, but he had midterm exams. We worry so much about him.” Nola lamented.

“He’ll be fine, darling. I already told Quinton that I would help get him a job in the company, if that’s what he wants, and I have lots of other contacts that could help him out. His personality and good looks will get him far.”

“He always says he wants to work with Howard Stern,” Nola laughed.

“Oh yes, I can see AJ doing that,” Vanessa mused. Vanessa checked her watch, “They should be back shortly. The car left over two hours ago.”

“Vanessa, it’s funny with kids. You never stop worrying about them, even though they’re grown up.”

“I know what you mean. But you and Quinton are very lucky; you’re still very young to enjoy your life alone, together.”

“I know. Mrs. Renfield just said the same thing.”

“If Mrs. Renfield said it then . . .” Vanessa joked. “Darling, have you been feeling any better?”

“Not really, Vanessa, but please don’t say anything to Quinton or Stacey. I don’t want them to worry, and I’m sure it is just related to . . . Well, you know. I spoke with Dr. Meadows, and she promised to see me as soon as I get back to Springfield. If everything is all right with Stacey, I may go back later today.”

“Why don’t you see someone here?” Vanessa suggested.

“I don’t trust anyone, but Dr. Meadows for this. She understands, and it’s far from an emergency.”

“If you insist,” Vanessa sighed. “I never felt nauseous, though.”

“Dr. Meadows told me it wasn’t common, but some women did complain about it.”

The limousine lights shone through the parlor windows.

“That must be them!” Vanessa exclaimed. She and Nola got up to welcome Stacey.

Stacey looked exhausted and pale, but she was safe. Stacey made all the requisite greetings and then retired to her guestroom. Nola and Quint also adjourned to their guestroom to get some much needed rest and alone time. Quint came up behind Nola as she switched into her night clothes.

“Are you feeling better, sweetheart?” Quint whispered into Nola’s ear.

“Much better now that Stacey is back safe.”

“I’m going to speak with Stacey’s professors, but under the circumstances, I think Stacey should be able to take some time off from school and come home with us. And I think we should go today.”

Nola turned to him with a big smile, “Did you read my mind or something?”

“Yes and no, I know what my wife wants. And we have to get back to working on the plans for the ceremony,” Quint kissed Nola.

“You’re so sweet,” she said embracing her husband.

“I know,” Quint teased, “but there is something more serious that I have to tell you. It’s about Seamus, and please don’t say anything to anyone yet.”

“What is it, Quinton?”

“You’re not going to believe this, but Seamus’ biological mother is Devon Wayne, and apparently Silas is his father.”

“What? That’s not possible!” Nola stated aghast. “Seamus is the son that Silas has been looking for?”

“It seems so. Such a shock.”

“Poor Seamus! Stacey told me that Seamus was adopted and wanted to find his natural parents, but I’m sure he didn’t expect a man like Silas to be his father.”

“What’re we going to do?” Quint asked.

“What do you mean, what are we going to do?”

“Stacey is dating this young man,” Quint stated.

“I don’t understand,” Nola responded in confusion.

“Doesn’t it feel wrong that our daughter is dating Silas’ son?”

“I guess so, but it isn’t Seamus’ fault. Silas has nothing to do with Seamus, and who he is.”

“I know. It just makes me uncomfortable.”

“You were already uncomfortable with Seamus. This just gives you an excuse.”

“Nola, that’s not true. I want what is best for Stacey.”

“I know you do. But the two of them are going to have to work through this. I’m sure Seamus feels terribly. We aren’t going to get involved.”

“But Nola,” Quint protested.

Nola firmly continued, “No buts, we are out of this. Stacey is 23 years old, and she loves this man, and THEY are going to work this through how they feel comfortable. Stacey knows what Silas has done to our family over the years. We’re going to support her in whatever she decides.”

“But I can’t have Silas’ son as my son-in-law and as my future grandchildren’s . . . .”

“Now Quinton, they’re not at that point for one, so please slow down about the grandchildren thing. And for another thing, if they were, we’re going to respect and support our daughter. It’s her life, and her decision.”

“How can you be so calm about this?”

“I trust Stacey. She’s so much like you, and because of that she’ll make a wise and well-informed decision.”

Quint backed off, “I know.”

“You have to stop being so over-protective of Stacey. You have always done this.”

“No, I haven’t.”

“Sure you have. You don’t do it with AJ.”

“That’s because he’s a boy.”

“That might be a part of it, but I think you’re over compensating,” Nola commented. “And you don’t need to.”

“Over compensating for what?”

“Over compensating for the fact that she’s not your biological daughter,” Nola stated matter-of-factly.

“I don’t think I do that.”

“It’s okay, Quinton. I understand. But you also need to recognize it.”

“Do you really think I do that?” Quint asked submissively.

“Yes,” Nola answered with certainty.

“But she’s so small and . .”

“I know. It’s your nature to protect those you love. Stacey and I will always be grateful. Please don’t get involved in your daughter’s personal business unless she asks you, and even then you should be cautious.”

“Nola, you never cease to amaze me,” Quint gazed down at her.

“And what a good man you are never ceases to amaze me,” she said with a warm smile.

“I love you, Nola. I’ll have Vanessa arrange for us to take the jet home later this afternoon.”

Early in the afternoon, Seamus crept into the room where Stacey peacefully slept. He hadn’t been able to spend any private time with her since the ordeal, and he wanted to be with her even if only to watch her sleep. He felt even more uncomfortable and insecure than ever around Quint. While Quint had not said anything about the Silas connection, Seamus knew it was on his mind.

“Seamus?” Stacey whispered as she woke up, noticing immediately that he was deep in thought.

“I hope I didn’t wake you up,” Seamus apologized.

“No, you didn’t,” Stacey sweetly assured. “But nothing could be better than waking up to you. Where is everyone?”

“They’re all packing,” Seamus told Stacey.

“Packing?”

“Yes, they’re going back to Springfield today, and they want you to go with them.”

“I do want you to see the Thornway Road house, so that sounds okay.”

“I wasn’t planning on going, Anastasia. I thought you might need some time alone with your family. Your dad said your brother was going to be there too. And I need to get back to school.”

“I want you to come with me,” Stacey insisted. “I don’t want to leave you alone after all that came out.”

“I don’t know if your father wants me to come. He didn’t ask me.”

“I want you to come. Did you ask my mom?”

“She and Vanessa both invited me, but . . .”

“Then it’s settled,” Stacey concluded.

“I was also thinking that I should go over to the jail and try to speak with Mr. Crocker. After all, he is . . .”

“I don’t think you should do that right away. We need some time to talk, and you need some time to think.”

“I want to tell him what a terrible man he is and how much I hate him,” Seamus angrily said.

“I’m so sorry, Seamus. I know you did not want the search for your biological father to turn out like this.”

“I can just imagine what your father thinks of me, now,” Seamus dejectedly commented.

“Don’t be ridiculous. Everyone knows that it’s not your fault that Silas Crocker is the way he is. And maybe there’s some mistake, and he’s not the one.”

“I wish that were true, Anastasia. But I think I need to face the truth.”

“I’m sorry, Seamus.” Stacey lovingly took his hand.

“I know, but I’m glad you’re safe now.”

“I am now, and I love you,” Stacey proclaimed.

“I love you,” Seamus reciprocated with a gentle kiss.

Vanessa arranged for Stacey and Seamus’ passports to be delivered to the airport, and had the jet fueled up and prepared for the trip back to Springfield. Quinton called the head housekeeper at Thornway Road to make sure rooms were made up for Stacey, Seamus and AJ. By that night, Quinton and Nola would have their whole family together under one roof.

AJ arrived at the Springfield airport just before the jet landed from Scotland. He brought large bouquets of roses for his sister, mother and Aunt Vanessa. Bea arrived a few minutes later for the welcome party.

“AJ,” Bea squealed as she spotted her grandson.

“Grandma,” AJ moved to hug Bea.

“Look at my tall and handsome grandson,” Bea remarked, looking AJ up and down. “Such nice flowers!”

“If I had known you were coming, I would’ve gotten you a bouquet too, Grandma.”

“Oh, don’t you worry about that. My gift is to know that both of you kids are going to be home and safe.”

“I’m only going to be here a few days. I have to get back to school to finish my midterms.”

“I thought you were staying until the vow renewal.”

“Can’t, Grandma, but I’ll be back.”

“I can’t believe that you and Stacey are so grown up.” Bea reminisced, “I feel like it was just yesterday that your mother was giving me all sorts of trouble.”

AJ pointed out the window, “Grandma, look!! Here they come.”

Quint, Nola, Stacey, Seamus and Vanessa made their way into the airport. Seamus was introduced to Bea, and AJ offered the bouquets of flowers to each of the ladies.

“AJ, these flowers are gorgeous,” Stacey gushed. “You didn’t have to do this.”

“I guess you could say that I didn’t. I used Dad’s black AmEx.”

“That’s, of course, what we assumed,” Nola good naturedly noted.

Quint took a step back to absorb the scene of everyone smiling and talking.

Nola noticed that Quint had stepped away from everyone. “Honey, are you all right?”

“I couldn’t be better,” Quint beamed with a tear welling up in his eye. “My entire family is here: my son, my daughter, my sister, my mother-in-law and my beautiful wife. What could be better than that?”

Nola felt a lot better that night and had gotten a lot of sleep on the plane. Being home at Thornway Road with Quinton, Stacey and AJ was the best thing in the world. In the middle of the night, AJ and Stacey were awoken by familiar sounds in the dark. They made their way out of their respective rooms into the hallway, looked at each other and shook their heads as they looked toward their parents’ bedroom.

“Stace, I never ever thought I would say this, but that really is one of the best sounds in the world.”

“I know what you mean,” Stacey smiled. “They’re just too much.”

“The way they go at it, and Dad still insists that Seamus sleeps in his own room,” AJ said in disbelief. “Should we tell them to knock it off?”

“Absolutely not,” Stacey laughed.

Seamus poked his head out of his room, “What the hell is that noise?”

“Don’t ask,” Stacey and AJ sang in unison.

“Oh my goodness,” Seamus remarked in realization. “How will I ever look at your mother with a straight face again?”

Stacey put her arm around her brother and they both shrugged.