"Skalany, I still can't believe you've waited this long to get on-line. Thought all you single girls were already deep into the intrigue of the Internet." Kermit needled his co-worker as they walked into his backdoor. The bust at the mall had gone well. He should be glad to be wrong. They had swarmed in as the money changed hands, shouted "Freeze!" and the stunned criminals had obeyed. True, they had obeyed within a circle of gun barrels, but the compliance was unusual.

He should be happy. No bloodshed. No dead civilians. A bloodless success. But....he wasn't. The tension and anger were still there. Months of it piled in ragged heaps inside his chest.

Ripping off his coat and flopping it over a curved wooden chair, Kermit waved Skalany to get inside. "Come on, lady. Mr. Right is waiting out there to 'chat' your very lovely brains out."

"Look, Kermit," she snapped back, "I'm not searching for some cyber-stud. This is strictly for professional enhancement." Mary Margaret followed him inside. "All I want is the AOL disk, not matchmaking advice."

"Disk, I can handle. Matchmaking would fall under my wife's area of expertise." Dropping his keys on the table, he called out to the matchmaker. "Savannah! It's me and Skalany." To the silence, he called out for another. "Chris? Where are you?!" The nurse he hired to stay with Savannah and Kat during the day was also nowhere to be found.

"Savannah?" Mary Margaret called out, feeling the panic building in the ex-mercenary as he stalked through the house. Her car was in the drive. Where was the nurse? Where was Kat? Tearing back the curtains, she checked the backyard. Nothing.

Thoroughly reconning the house in the space of a minute, Kermit felt dread building in waves. His wife was still recovering, only weeks after being released from the hospital. Vulnerable to any threat. The very reason he'd hired a nurse to be with her when he couldn't be.

"Kermit, maybe the nurse took them to--"

"She doesn't have her own car. The service drops her off and picks her up." Savannah's purse was still on the bedroom floor. Kat's diaper bag in the nursery. No blood. No breakage. Nothing out of place. Professionals could grab them and leave things showroom clean.

Watching the man twist into high gear fury before her eyes, Mary Margaret shifted into professional mode herself. "I'll call it in." She dove for the phone as Kermit scanned the house once more, radiating ice cold fear with every gesture.

Into the midst of the thick aroma of panic, a giggling pair of Griffins strolled into the backdoor. "Hi! We have com..pany, Kat." Holding Kat's hand to help her amble over the threshold, Savannah smiled warmly at the deadly serious expressions waiting to greet her.

As the woman opened her mouth to speak again, a voice sharpened by terror, cut her off. "Where the HELL have you been?!!! Where's that damn nurse?!" Kermit's voice was hard as nails, stopping his wife cold.

At the harsh tone, Kat gripped her mother's hand tightly and froze at her side. Momentarily stunned, Savannah stammered out an answer. "I...I sent her home and t..t..took Kat for a walk. To th..th..at park down the street." Leaning more heavily on the carved, wooden cane she used for balance, she fell silent in the shock of his anger.

"Kermit...." Mary Margaret could see his frayed nerves unraveling, all the months of worry unfurling.

Ignoring the other detective, he launched into his errant wife. "A WALK?! Don't you realize why I hired that woman?! What if you had another seizure? What if Kat ran away from you and you couldn't catch her? Do you understand the risk to you both, out there alone?! Anything could have happened to...."

The harsh reality of his words suddenly reflected back at the terrified man as he watched them pelt the woman before him. Shoulders that were straight with confidence drooped. The radiant glow remaining from her outing with their child dulled in response. Lower lip trembling, she answered his tirade, "You're r..r...r..ight. I d...didn't think. S...s..s..sorry."

The stuttering jerked him back under control. He felt the weight of his outburst. "Scarlett...no..I'm sorry." Moving close enough to reach out to her, he offered what explanation he could. "When I came home and you were gone, I thought the worst."

Detouring around him slightly, Savannah guided Kat toward her father. Eyes downcast in realization of the peril she'd subjected her daughter to, she mumbled, "I need to...to.. lie down." With that, she slipped away into the back of the house.

Kermit stared dumbly after her, as Skalany offered her scathing appraisal. "Is that the response you were going for, Kermit? Destroying what little bit of confidence she's managed to assemble? If so, congratulations on your success!" She pointed an angry finger down the hall. "She may never leave the house again!"

"Skalany!" he bit, then softened as Kat reached up for his hand. Bright green eyes that had no comprehension of the complex peered up at him. Knowing only that something was wrong, Kat grabbed his fingers and squeezed.

"Ma...ma go nite-nite?"

"Yes, Kitty Kat. Mama go..." Then, he realized what she'd said. "You called her Mama!" Savannah had been longing to hear this little girl claim her. Giving Kat a tight squeeze as he pulled her up into his arms, he turned to a stern faced Mary Margaret Skalany. "Can you be here in the morning? Isn't it your day off?"

"Yes," she replied, a slight bit of the annoyance fading.

He was formulating a plan of redemption and apology. "Come by at nine and take Savannah shopping. I have an idea." Not bothering to excuse himself, Kermit followed Savannah into the bedroom.

His wife lay curled up on the bed in a crumpled heap. Muffled sniffling bleeding down into her pillow. Perching lightly on the bed and balancing Kat on his lap, he called out, "Scarlett...I really am sorry. I don't want you to think that screaming lunatic is who I am. I'd never hurt you. I love you." Quickly, he changed tactics. He didn't want to focus on himself and redeeming his image. That much was shot already. She was what mattered. "You're getting better everyday and I'm very proud of the progress you've made."

"No," she cried into her soaked pillow, "you were r-r-right a-a-nd I'm s-s-so st-st-st...." Her frustration choked out the words. Taking a deep breath, she fought with the syllables. "S-s-s-so st-st-stu--pid. K-k-at could have b-b-been hurt."

Even though he knew he was right, his response had been way out of line. He wasn't even sure why he had overreacted. Screaming at her, and Kat, scaring both of them. It had taken a great deal of courage for Savannah to send the nurse home and make that small journey. "Maybe you should still have the nurse as backup, but it won't be for much longer. Getting to the park and back today was quite a feat." Hoping that bit of praise would help, he reached out to stroke her back.

Flinching away slightly and still facing away from the family she was constantly failing, she moaned, "I'd n-n-never wa-ant to hurt her...not the b-b-baby. Never."

"Of course not!" He felt the guilt choking him. "You almost died protecting her. I know how much you love her."

"You sh-sh-should find ano-ther wife. An-nother m-m-m-mother who isn't...isn't..." the last word was whispered almost imperceptibly into the pillow, "broken."

As she struggled to squeeze the thoughts out into words, the full force of her self-doubt manifested itself. They knew her. She didn't know them. Still, all she wanted was to be of value to Kermit and his daughter.

Kat looked down with her tiny brow knit together, staring at her mother crying on the bed. Climbing out of her father's lap, the little girl crawled over to do innocent battle with the strong emotions chopping her mother's words into pieces. Flopping down over Savannah's waist, Kat's chubby hand pulled up a veil of long, blonde hair to peek at the woman beneath. Worry and fear whispered one word, "Mama?"

The sobbing almost immediately transformed into laughter. Savannah rolled over onto her back, and cupped Kat's round cheeks in both hands. Loving her little face and heart. "She called me ma-ma!"

"Mama!" Kat, obviously relieved to have the crying changing into smiles, repeated the recognition. Climbing up for a tight squeeze, the little girl had no idea what she had done but reveled in the results.

"There," Kermit commented happily, "you see? You aren't someone who can be replaced. Not by a long shot." Watching the two embrace, he let the moment exist without analysis. "So, just what did you two do on this adventure down the street?"

Joyously embracing her new title and her daughter, Savannah answered, "Bought.... ice cream." Almost modestly, she added, "And remembered how to c-c-count the money myself." Raising up one hand, she tried to mop the tears off of her cheeks.

Laughing, as he got up to leave them to rest for a while, he bemoaned his fate. "You would know that she'd remember how to deal with money when I'm about to send her on a shopping trip."

To his back, he heard a duet of raspberries rattling the breeze behind him. Glancing over his shoulder, he saw two very beautiful girls sticking out their tongues at his remark.

"Out numbered again, I see."

"Ooooooh yeah," drawled his wife.

"Ooooooo yeaaaaah!" came the second, as they both dissolved into giggles on the bed. Laughter to heal the tears.

******

The couple walked into Delancey's as they had done hundreds of times before. For Savannah, though, it was the first time. She could see from the faces of these people--these friends, she reminded herself--that she was not new to Delancey's....even though it was new to her. Choking down the panic, she clung to Kermit's arm as he nodded greetings to some of them, then guided her to a table. His arm gave her the steadying presence she so desperately needed.

He had been so unsure about this 'date'. If they were going to get to know each other again, Savannah's doctor had suggested that Kermit start their relationship again...just as he had before. She had seemed happy when they left the house. Not confused and afraid, but anxious to be alone and have a good time with him.

Detective Griffin had exercised those courting skills long packed away. He had sent her one dozen orchids that morning along with an extremely eloquent invitation to dinner. Mary Margaret volunteered for Kitty Kat duty and the evening was all set.

As he seated her, he couldn't help staring. Wearing a new dress that Mary Margaret had helped her pick out, she was beautiful. She was an ethereal mixture of watercolored chiffon and woman. The light sheath dress danced around his wife's figure, more sensual than naked flesh. Her hair hung in long inviting waves over her shoulders; the smell of spring wafted thought his imagination. A different aspect of his love for her began to catch fire. Desire. Desire long submerged beneath care and loving protection.

Mary Margaret had told Kermit later that she'd seen hints of 'the old Savannah' peeking through. Tonight, her green eyes were alight with the familiar magic that had grabbed his heart the first time he saw them.

Still, she seemed so small and fragile. Without telling her, Kermit had tried to recreate their first date. Another suggestion from her doctor. "Flood her with images from the past but without pressuring her to recognize them. Let that come naturally." They had dined at Andre's, then walked in the park. Then he'd suggested stopping at Delancey's. Chandler's had long since closed but this seemed close enough. Everyone here who knew them was sensitive to Savannah's condition and wouldn't do anything to make her feel uncomfortable.

He'd seen Peter at the bar when they came in and had stifled his anger. Thankfully, Peter had been gracious enough to leave. Kermit was certain that he did it to avoid causing a scene or making trouble for them. It was almost enough to make Kermit feel sorry for him....Stop it! Focus on your wife. He pushed THAT situation out of his mind. Sitting down across from her, he held her hand and watched her take in her surroundings.

"Want something from the bar?" he asked.

A slight smile crossed her lips. "Well, you tell me. What do I like to drink? Whiskey milkshakes?" She was getting sick of milkshakes. Every time she turned around Kermit was trying to get her to down another shake or a can of Ensure. God, I hate that stuff!

She made a joke! He started to feel better than he had in a long time. The old Savannah. "Depends on the company. In public, wine. At home, beer, out of the can." To her shocked expression, he added, "Get a couple of cans down, and you can out burp most men I know."

The dimples emerged. "Now, I may be a little scr...ewy but I KNOW I wouldn't drink straight from a can and I certainly wouldn't burp on demand!"

"No...you wouldn't." Suddenly encouraged, he stood up. "Would you like to dance?"

Without answering, she took his hand and followed him to the tiny dance floor. Kermit slid his hand around that familiar waist and held her gently. As they moved around the floor, she rested her head on his chest. Feeling her this close filled him with joy. He had all but given up the idea that she would ever come out of that coma and be with him again. He'd felt unbalanced. As if someone had chopped off half of his body. Now, the balance had returned. She was coming back.

Kermit held her against his body and moved slowly in time with the music. The other couples faded away. The wavering bar room lighting danced on Savannah's hair and he held on for dear life.

Slowly, she lifted her head and looked up at him. Her expression prompted him to remove his glasses so that she could see his eyes. For a moment, he thought that she was about to faint. Savannah looked confused again, as if there were something she was fighting to control, to hold onto. Then, her eyes filled with tears.

"Scarlett, what's wrong?" he asked gently, trying not to alarm her. "Do you want to leave?"

In a shaky voice, she said, "People are going to talk."

"Well, that's all...." Then the light flashed on in his brain. He remembered those words. Remembered his reply. "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn."

"I...I knew one day you'd have to say that." Heart pounding, Savannah threw her arms around her husband's neck. "Oh, God, Kermit! I remember this. Being here with you. Someone was playing 'Since I Fell for You.' It was my birthday and you bought me...a...magnolia for my charm bracelet. Oh, yes! I remember! This was our first date! I remember!"

"Oh yeah...." He held her close as their friends watched. Understanding what was happening. Even though it was only a tiny moment brought back to memory, it was a break in the dam built by that bullet. A dam that could never hold back a flood of remembered joy and pain. A lifetime of love that wouldn't be denied.

Kermit could feel her heart racing. His, too. "Come on. That's enough for one night. Let's go home." Holding hands, they left the bar. No longer strangers.

******

They arrived home twenty minutes later to an empty house. Kat was spending the night at Mary Margaret's apartment after an afternoon at the zoo. Kermit dropped his keys and glasses on the end of the table and put an arm around his wife. She looked at him as if seeing a different man than the one she'd gone out the door with earlier this evening.

"What is it, Scarlett? You tired?"

She glowed up at him, flashing those dimples to his delight. "No...w...w...well, maybe a little. I love you."

Guiding her toward the bedroom so that she could rest, he laughed, "Well, that's a relief. Didn't spend all that money on orchids and dinner for nothing." They reached the door and she reached for the knob. Her hand refused to form a grip strong enough to turn it. Kermit could feel the frustration in her shoulders. Without a word, he ran his hand over hers and helped force her fingers to hold and turn.

That one simple gesture spoke volumes. Savannah knew he would open any door, help her move any obstacle -- and probably had always done so. Turning and pulling him close as the entered the room, Savannah asked, "Would you stay here? With me, tonight?"

Night after night, Kermit had laid awake in that big, empty bed without her. Longing to hear her breathe. To watch that sly smile creep across her face when she dreamed. To feel the warmth of her body course through him.

But...she didn't know him yet.

He didn't want to pressure her. Didn't want her to feel that she had to be with him just because they were married. Kermit had been sleeping in the guest bedroom to allow her the space she needed as she fought for her place back in this life. "Scarlett. Don't feel like you have to rush this." Stroking her soft cheek, he whispered, "Let's just take this one step at a time."

"Stay with me...we can just....be... together and see what happens."

Kermit could hardly refuse that. He helped her with her zipper and then into her gown. Savannah laughed in her own embarrassment. "Maybe someday soon, Kat will be the only girl in this house you have to help get undressed."

"And miss this view? You're breaking my heart!" he joked, succumbing to the urge and kissing her softly at the base of her neck as the fluid satin fabric drained down over her body.

He helped her into bed, undressed and slid in beside her. Savannah assumed the same position next to him that she always had -- head resting on his arm and her body backed up to his. Both of them sighed in the comfort and warmth of the other's touch.

It had been so long. All those nights he'd laid awake with his arms aching to feel her beside him. Slowly, she turned to face him. Laying her head on his shoulder and wrapping her arms around him. "There," she breathed.

"That's much better." Kermit circled warm arms around Savannah's body.

Slowly, he ran his hands up and down her back. Kermit could feel the raised scars through the cool fabric. Bullet wounds that should never have marred her flawless skin. He held on a little tighter.

Being this close, it was useless to resist the building urge inside both hearts. Savannah made the first move. Kissing him lightly on the lips and tracing his profile with her hand. As their kisses became increasingly deeper, both began to explore the other's body. Cautiously at first. Gentle touches of discovery. Finding pleasure by giving pleasure.

Savannah's cool hand breathed over his flesh. Tentatively greeting each muscle. Long tendrils of golden hair licked his cheeks, as her soft lips tasted him over and over again. Touching him carefully, she explored his body. His strong corded neck. His hard expanse of his chest stretched taunt over his heart's steady drumming beat. A heavy groan rolled from his mouth into hers as nimble fingers dipped their way into the waistband of his boxers. She answered the groan with more loving exploration and was gloriously pleased when he ripped off the garment to bare himself to her touch.

Kermit lay submerged in her care. It had been so long...so long since she had loved him. So long since he had felt the gentle nurturing touch of her as a lover. He was alive under her touch. Hungry.

Both were drunk with passion. Moaning in delight at each seductive touch. Time faded into a luxurious blur of flesh and lips. Soft whispered words of love played a mumbled rhythm between the two. Rolling her over with a delicate urgency, Kermit submerged himself in the wonder of the woman he loved. Kisses bled into a confused, ecstatic haze. He wanted to drown inside her mouth and never breathe again.

Kermit gently freed his lover from her gown, feeling his desire spin out of control as she responded to his hands on her body Large, strong hands possessed her once again. This woman who was his alone. Traveling a path of heated moisture, he kissed his way down Savannah's smooth white neck, smiling with lust as she lolled her head backward to give him more. Bathing her in a sensuous blanket of kisses, Kermit let his hands roam down over the warm plain of her stomach. Pausing to circle her navel for a tease, his hand searched lower.

"Oh....God...yes..." she babbled in delirious ecstasy as Kermit's loving hands caressed her into oblivion. Minutes or days went by as they both touched and tongued in celebration. Both bodies moving in sync. Savannah pushing and grinding her way under his body, inviting him with a wanton push of her hand on his bare hip. He accepted, crawling over her flesh as it glistened with arousal.

"I love you," he whispered in desperate gasps as he fed his crazed need from her breasts. Frantic arms clutched his head tighter to her body. He willingly obeyed, sucking the warm mound into his long empty mouth.

The velvet caress of her thighs stroked him into a blinding arc of need. Delicate hands painted his skin, as Savannah moved below him. Offering herself. Asking for a bond with him. He buried himself inside another long, slow kiss. Tasting her sweet flavor. Drowning in her mouth.

Longing to be joined with the body of this fiery man who loved her so freely, she welcomed him into her body. Arching to meet his gentle push. Savannah wrapped her legs around him as they rocked together. Moving into that realm where the physical and emotional desires exploded into one joyous climax.

Savannah clung to his shoulders with a crazed passion as waves of molten sex raked upward from their melded hips. She was full of him...her mouth...her body.. her legs tangled with his and an erotic knot that refused to untie. Nothing to explain or understand......it simply was.... "Oh...Kermit....." Kermit's lips planted dazed, grateful kisses between her breasts as she fought for sanity and air.

Something began to mist over inside her brain, muddled by satisfied exhaustion. Feelings. Long ago. Innocent touches....touches from long ago. Oh,yes...we were here...right here...

When the clamp of bliss began to release their bodies, Kermit looked down into her glistening green eyes to find them filled with tears. "Baby...tell me. Are you okay?"

As he stroked her hair back from her face, she whispered, "I remember, Kermit. Making love to you that first time. Right here in this bed. Oh, Kermit....I love you so much I can't think."

"And I love you. Every inch and every heartbeat." He pulled her close so that he could fall asleep feeling that heartbeat.

******

The next morning, Savannah engaged in one of her favorite activities, paging through their photo albums, as Kermit made breakfast. She marveled at how good he was at it, though she supposed that he'd had lots of practice. A wave of guilt overwhelmed her.

"What's the matter, Scarlett?" Kermit asked, concerned.

She looked up and smiled. "Nothing...." She looked down at the photo album to distract him and saw a face she didn't remember seeing before. Not an unusual occurrence, but it was unusual that the face belonged to a young man that had his arm around her in their wedding picture. "Who's this?"

Kermit glanced down quickly. "Oh...that's...um...Peter. He's...Caine's son."

"Oh." Caine. She had grown fond of his hospital visits. Always a calming presence. He brought her tea and held her hand. Speaking in his cushioned, quiet tones, the priest always left her stronger than before his visits.

Savannah paged through the album, focusing on their wedding. She had done so before but was always shocked at her pregnancy at that time. Now, she looked for Peter and there were a LOT of pictures of him. She stopped at one showing him and Mary Margaret. "This...looks familiar. Wait! Didn't he visit me at the hospital?!! YES!!! He did!"

She looked up to Kermit, expecting him to share her excitement but his back was turned to her as he cooked the eggs. She knew him well enough now to see the tension in his body language. "Kermit?"

He turned back to her and gently closed the photo album. "Scarlett...don't strain yourself...please. I worry about you and worry that you may be trying too hard. Just relax - it'll come. Okay?"

He kissed her on the forehead and put the albums up on the bookcase. Savannah frowned. There was something in his tone.....Something she'd never heard before and wondered what it was.

When he returned from the bookcase, his demeanor had changed. The tension was replaced with quiet happiness. "I have something for you. Something I've been saving for the right time."

As he held out his hand, Kermit revealed a small black box. "Kermit...you don't have to keep buying me things." Savannah smiled softly up at him. He had rarely returned home since their reunion without a gift. Sometimes only a candy bar -- which Kat would immediately divide with her mother -- other times, he would bring her a new dress, a CD, and once, a beautiful book of fairy tales for her and Kat to share.

"Well, it's not new. Actually, I've already given it to you once." Kermit patiently waited as Savannah accepted the box.

She gasped at the contents. One plain gold wedding band paired with a glittering marquis solitaire engagement ring. Savannah was speechless. The tears formed and words failed.

"Oh, " Kermit took the box from her hand, "almost forgot this part." He eased down onto one knee. Fading back into another memory, he slid the rings onto her trembling finger. "I wanted you to *feel* like my wife before I brought these out."

He looked at the tears streaming down her cheeks. Watched her staring at her hand held lightly in his own. Immediately concerned, he quickly added, "Scarlett, if you're not ready to wear them, it's fine. I can just put them away and--"

"NO! Don't you dare, Kermit Griffin." Savannah propelled herself into his welcoming embrace. Whispering into his ear, she poured out her heart and amazement. "You kept this for me. Along with so many other things, my love. I'm proud to wear your ring...and be your wife."

"The pleasure is all mine, dear lady. All mine..."

******

Many hours later, Peter Caine sat alone in his dark blue Stealth, wracked with uncertainty. Here he was, at Kermit's home, uninvited and unwelcome. The ex-mercenary was involved in a meeting at the DA's office all day, so Peter felt reasonably safe from confrontation.

Pride and relief had lasted a scant few hours after the successful coup he'd orchestrated at the mall. The suspects had been brought down--his reputation was saved, and all was well in the eyes of the outside world. Internally, all was the same. Kermit's acid glare had cut through all the pats on the back he'd received for his Shaolin-cop ingenuity.

The feelings that had been creeping into his mind over the past days were becoming overwhelming. Evil and dread echoed inside his mind as he abandoned the safety of his vehicle and headed toward the small blue house. The dreams of pain and torment wrapped around a vision of Kermit's wife. He had to see her for himself to be sure that she was all right. Kermit wouldn't even acknowledge his presence, unless there was the potential for a slice to his psyche, much less listen to any concern Peter expressed. Can't blame him, he thought before rapping on the back door.

Savannah opened the door in a burst of dimples and happiness. A smile crept over Peter's face at the sight of her, wringing her wet hands with a red checkered dishtowel. The last time he'd seen her, out with Kermit at Delancey's, she'd seemed so shaky and fragile. An improvement from the hospital, but not filled with that renowned Savannah sparkle. Today, that sparkle was back.

"Hi, there...P...P...eter! Come on in." Savannah hid her embarrassment at stumbling over his name. She had so much trouble with it at the hospital. She remembered his visit, remembered her hysterical reaction. Hopefully, she could redeem herself. Slow down and let the sounds come, she reminded herself as she stepped back to let the detective enter her kitchen. "You're just in time for lunch."

"Looks like you're expecting someone...or a few someone's." Peter surveyed her table filled with enough barbecued chicken to feed a small army.

Savannah started to giggle, making him feel more at ease. "I remembered it, Peter. The secret recipe!" Returning to the cupboard to find another plate, she continued her exuberant explanation. "Evidently, I never wr-wrote down this secret ingredient of mine. I just did what Kermit suggested; I jumped in and started cookin' it. And when it was time to.... add that special item...BLAM! My hand went right to it! B-barbecued everything in sight."

Not wanting to hurt her feelings by telling her that is was WAY past his lunch time, he sat down and accepted her hospitality. He'd had this meal a hundred times by her hand, at this table with those who once considered him family. "Well, what is it?"

"What?"

"The secret ingredient!"

"Ha!" She winked at him as she filled his glass with iced tea. "I might not have all my marbles but I'm not stupid, you sneaky lil' thing." Then, as she joined him at the table, she added, "I could tell you, but then I'd have to kill you."

"Well, can't have that. Tadpole seems to like it, don't you, sweetie?" Peter focused on Kat, who seemed to be coated with her lunch from head to toe. One big giggle in a high chair. He'd truly missed her. She probably didn't remember him after all this time.

"Oh, yes, we'll probably have to h-hose her down in the back...yard." Savannah made a half-hearted attempt at wiping the baby's face, then gave up. Perking up at the nickname, she smiled at him. "Tadpole? Oh! I get it. Tadpole....Kermit. Bet he thinks that's cute."

Silently, he nodded in response and sipped his tea.

"Oh, I forgot to ask. Did you need something?" She straightened a placemat and passed her guest a napkin, "Kermit should be here any minute from his meeting."

No sooner had the words left her mouth than the back door slammed open. Delicate framed prints rattled on the walls. Kat stopped her sauce-coated babbling.

Kermit Griffin filled the space with anger. He couldn't hide it. The sight of Peter Caine at his table. Eating his wife's cooking. Smiling. It filled him with rage. "Get out of my house," he said quietly. Volume wasn't required to relay his fury.

"Kermit? What's wr-rong?" Savannah knitted her brow together and rose from the table. Confused by his reaction to someone who filled their photo albums, she rounded the table toward him.

Kermit moved in the opposite direction, temporarily blinded to anything but his goal -- Peter Caine's neck. Then, somehow, his wife's words reached him and helped him remember that he couldn't do anything now. Savannah was right here in the room with them.

It didn't seem to be necessary, anyway. Peter was moving the second Kermit's order had been issued...even before that.

"Peter, wait!" Savannah pleaded, hopelessly confused. "K-k-kermit, please tell me-"

"I'm sorry. I'll go." Peter said quickly as he darted out the door, leaving Kermit to face all the questions.

Kermit began to lunge after him. He had warned Peter for the very LAST time already...but Savannah had a hold of his arm. He focused his will on releasing his anger, for now, and returning to her. He would not allow Peter Caine to steal any more of their time together. Quickly, he brought himself under control, and Savannah came flowing back into his line of vision.

"Kermit, what IS it?" She was starting to sound annoyed. "I asked him to st-stay for lunch!" Savannah closed the door with a shaking hand, to stop Kermit from following Peter's exit

He didn't know how to explain it to her. Eyes downcast, he tore off the sunglasses and looked into her clear, green eyes, hoping to quench his anger.

Savannah was torn between confusion, anger, and fear. She knew Kermit could be intimidating when he wanted to be, but she had never before seen it to this degree. When he had snapped at her days before, it had been born out of fear and concern. This reaction reeked of full blown anger. Before, she'd had trouble believing that he was once a mercenary, a soldier thrilled with the heat of battle. Now, seeing a mere fraction of his intensity, there was no more doubt.

She was not afraid for herself. She knew Kermit well enough now to know that he could never hurt her. She realized with a shock that she was afraid FOR Kermit, not OF him.

"Kermit," she said softly, somehow knowing that she would reach him better with love than with anger, "please tell me." She put herself into his arms and encouraged him to hug her, draining the last bit of anger out of him.

"I...can't," he whispered, his lips lightly touching her silky hair. "Please, stay away from Peter Caine. Don't see him again."

"Why, Kermit?" She held on tighter, listening to the rumbling fury of a racing heartbeat. "Tell me why?"

Pulling her back, Kermit held her frightened face with both hands. His voice a bare whisper, he said, "Because I asked you to. Please let that be enough. Just because I asked you to."

Nodding in a desperate need to defuse and calm the storm of emotion, Savannah returned her head to Kermit's chest. Whatever had happened to rip Peter Caine from his place in their family was tearing her husband apart. She could give him some time if it hurt that badly. They had all the time in the world.

*****

Karen Simms liked sitting in the back of Delancey's. Obscured by a discreet palm, she could sit in the dim bar room lighting and watch everyone. Twisting her wine glass between two fingers, Karen took in the layered textures of the room.

Overall, it was a pleasant place. Dark wood, stained glass windows, comfortable seats. Taking a bite of her Chicken Pomodora, she noted that the food wasn't bad either. The surface impression was of a noisy, crowded bar. People milling about to music that was a touch too loud. Lots of singles from the precinct were shedding their pressed facades and softening into varying degrees of the mating dance.

Karen sipped her drink and leaned back against the crinkling synthetic upholstery. She felt wrinkled and melted. She should be at home. Looking out over several of her officers, Karen felt slightly out of place. Sometimes she longed to be part of their group.

But, command had to be set apart. Karen's gaze traveled to Frank Strenlich. She watched the bulk of a man lean on the bar and mouth some side comment to Blake, who was lifting his fifth handful of peanuts. It was different for Strenlich--he was welcome in the world of officers and detectives, an effective link between the dictates of command and the concerns of his fellow cops. When she tried that, there was always an instant stiffening of the conversation. Words and thoughts were weighed with her presence in mind. Her professional detachment separated her personally from their social group, making her lonelier than a complete stranger among them

"Mind some company?" Peter Caine towered over her table, beer in hand.

Karen took in the man's usual uniform. A deep blue denim shirt tucked in black jeans was a welcome replacement for the fiberglass form he'd presented during his beat cop stint. "Certainly, Detective."

Peter eased his body over the vinyl seating, his back to the crowd. Stretching one long arm over the table's edge, he rolled an amber beer bottle in absent minded circles. An uneasy silence fell between them, heavy and invisible.

"The DA is pleased with the tidy package you provided. Carlton and Nei were denied bond and the case should be pretty tight." Karen was pleased, also. The entire precinct was shining in the lime light.

The corner of Peter's mouth tipped slightly upward. He was proud. He'd set out to prove himself, before his friends and enemies. "I'm glad we got them and their poison off the street."

"So," Karen watched as Peter began to peel the label from his bottle, "why aren't you over there celebrating with your team mates?"

This morning had sapped all celebration out of him. The look on Savannah's face during the confrontation was raw confusion. Peter had hoped to put his mind to rest. She was recovering, happy. But the knot in his mind refused to untie. Guilt was battling with another emotion.....dread. Dread with no way to defuse it.

He retreated into flippancy. "If I go over there, I'll have to find out what Frank and Blake are whispering about. Not pretty."

"So, how are you doing, Peter?" Karen handed her half-eaten dinner to a passing waitress.

"You're the boss," he turned up another gulp from the bottle, "you tell me."

"Professionally, I'm satisfied with your performance," Karen pushed a wavering strand of hair out of her face, "but it's the personal I'm still concerned about. How are *you* doing?"

How was he doing? Nightmares ruined his sleep. No way to get to the source. No atonement for his sins that would measure up. "Fine, Captain." To her doubtful raised eyebrow, he reiterated, "Really."

Karen didn't push. He was functioning and that was enough. She had him back on the job and contemplating jumping back into Kermit's face. It was progress. "Good to hear, Detective."

Savannah screamed once again on the outskirts of his mind. Just a reminder to keep him angling for another detail. The energy set his body on edge. He had to get out of there. Forced calm smoothing his ragged battle, Peter rose smoothly from the booth. "Think I'll call it a night, Captain. I'll see you tomorrow."

Karen watched Peter mend his way through the crowd. "Seeing more of you everyday, Detective." Karen finished her drink and left the crowd behind.

******

Kermit felt the small hip wriggle out from beneath his hand and off the bed. Every night, he could never completely rest unless he touched her. "Scarlett? You all right?" he asked as Savannah moved rapidly around the bed.

"Bathroom," she whispered hoarsely as she stumbled into the dimly lit room and shut the door firmly behind her.

Kermit returned to his dozing, resting his hand on the spot where she had been. After moments of fading in and out of sleep, he realized that she had been gone too long. "Savannah?" he called through the darkness. The response he received yanked him from bed and to the bathroom door.

He could hear the sounds of violent retching echoing through the door. Shoving it he found her kneeling before the toilet, jerking and moaning sickness. "Hey, why didn't you tell me--" his motion toward her was halted by a sharp retort.

"Go away!" she gasped, still racked with spasms and spilling her stomach into the bowl.

"You're sick. Let me help," he moved forward, in spite of her protest, to hold back her hair.

"Please...Kermit...go away...please..." Savannah reached back to shove his hand away.

Torn between his desire to lessen her embarrassment, and the protective urge to stay, Kermit finally obeyed his wife's wishes. Withdrawing from the bathroom, he went to the kitchen to gather a few supplies. Upon his return, he assumed hover-mode outside the door.

Savannah had suffered so much humiliation over the course of her recovery, he understood her need to preserve her dignity. Having Kermit watch her vomit would be just another blow. After a few moments, the guttural sounds disappeared into the sounds of water running in the sink. Looking pale and shaken, Savannah emerged into the soft light of their bedroom.

Taking her arm, Kermit led her back to their bed and began his care-taking. "Here, this will help get that taste out of your mouth." He handed her a glass and wiped her face with a cool cloth as she drank in silence. "In a minute, try to get a few of these crackers down. They'll settle your stomach."

They sat for a while in silence. Her body was clammy and trembling so he wrapped her in a quilt and a warm embrace until she calmed down. "Sorry about that," she whispered. "Not very attractive."

"Don't give it another thought," Kermit said lightly, holding her closely to his bare chest. "I've seen it before."

Rolling her eyes in disgust, she moaned, "So I've always b-been so en...ticing." Taking another drink, she asked, "Okay, wh..when have I done this disgusting thing in front of my husband."

"One enchanted evening when you took an allergy pill before Jody Powell's birthday party. You had two drinks and went into orbit." He smiled, remembering his very ladylike wife flopped over his shoulder so he could get her into the house.

"The lovely things I'm finding out about myself."

"It was quite amazing," he teased. "Wouldn't have been surprised to see your shoes come out of your mouth."

"Gross."

"Tell me about it."

"So you did think I was gross."

"That's not what I meant," he said softly, holding her close. "Tell me what made you sick." He'd known her long enough to feel the anxiousness radiating from her. This was more than a simple case of a upset stomach. "Was it what happened this morning?"

Finally, she managed to get out the words of explanation. "I had a dream. A disgusting dream, Kermit." Savannah closed her eyes against the swelling nightmare. "But it's not a dream. I don't think it's a dream."

He had a good idea what was to follow. "Just let it out."

This didn't want to come out. Held helpless in her dreams, the obscenity had possessed her. If she refused to make it real by giving it life in words, maybe it would fade away. Silently, she stared into her glass as a strong arm wrapped around her shoulders.

After one long breath, the dream began to spill out into reality. "You and me...we were in this h-h-house. I think it was your house. Maybe before we were married. There was this m-man...and this wo..woman...and they..I mean he.." The words were spilling faster and faster. "They wanted to kill you...us...then he sh..shot her! And there was blood and he...Eric....no..Ericson...that's it. He was k...k...kicking you and then...." Breath was coming in a gasping succession of bursts as she detailed each frightening vision.

Looking up into Kermit's face, eyes wild with suddenly remembered terror, she squeezed out more. "Oh God, Kermit! I remember! He was on t..t..top of me...making you watch....touching me..." She wrapped shielding arms around herself. "I can feel him... t...t...taste him....and he was about to...oh God....I scratched his face and then my...my... head hit the floor...so...so...hard." Closing her eyes and leaning into his chest as the memory coasted to a stop, he whispered in a shuttering beat, "Then it all went dark...nothing else."

Taking her glass and setting it aside, he held onto the calm for both of them. Gently rocking her back and forth, he crooned into her ear, "That's right, Scarlett. I'm so sorry, but it's over and gone."

"Kermit?" She was afraid to ask the next question. But she had to know. "He was going to...did he...?"

"No, he didn't rape you. The people from the precinct found us and Ericson was killed almost seconds after he slammed you to the floor. You ended up with a skull fracture and cuts and bruises. After a few days, you came home from the hospital." Rubbing her back reassuringly, he said, "He and Natalie are gone. You don't have to worry about them ever again."

Still shaking from the hideous visions now committed to newly forged memory, she whispered in a small voice, "I thought if I remembered the shooting that it would be the worst memory. But this is the worst thing, right? Isn't it?"

"Yes."

"But something happened afterward, didn't it?" Seeing the hesitation in his eyes, she begged for his help in bridging the gaps. "I was in the hospital...then the precinct...then...then we fought? Is that right?"

It was only right that he help her find the truth....this truth. It molded the framework of their relationship. "The night that Ericson, an old enemy of mine, came looking for us, was the night I planned to ask you to marry me. After you were hurt, I didn't want you to ever be in danger again because of me so I-"

"You pushed me away." The sadness flared briefly but was quickly replaced with compassion at his sacrifice. Then, something else blinking into consciousness. "I was preg...nant then, right? Yes, I was but I didn't tell you."

"You had good reason at the time."

Doubting that reasoning, she continued, "Oh, K...Kermit...I'm so sorry...."

"Hey," he interrupted, pulling her close once again, "you have nothing to be sorry for. We lived through a storm and came out through the other side with our daughter. A rocky start but we found each other again." Looking down to stroke the soaked cheeks with a single finger, he read the drained expression and hollow eyes. "That's enough for tonight. Rest now."

Sliding down beneath the covers, he held the exhausted body pressed tightly against his chest. This effort had cost her body and soul in remembering. One more hard won piece of life.

After an hour, Savannah seemed firmly encased in peaceful sleep....but not her partner. Easing out of bed, Kermit stood blankly staring out the window. Anger filling him in response to the savage onslaught of those memories on the delicate woman behind him. Anger at Ericson for rising once again from the grave to torment Savannah. Anger at himself for his own reasons. And anger at Peter Caine. Without him, Savannah would have never relived that nightmare in the discovery process she must now endure.

The thought of her feeling that maniac's hands again, renewing the fear and blood-curdling helplessness she'd put behind her once already, made him sick. Closing his eyes, he saw her there once again, bleeding on the floor, Ericson readying to finish the job. A misdirected revenge that should have been served to Kermit Griffin alone. Then the door bursting open as Peter Caine pumped the bastard full of lead.

Giving his head a firm shake, he sifted the image of Peter Caine as hero from his mind. There was no room for gratitude of the past. He wouldn't allow it. Peter Caine had stolen Savannah's life and left her in the middle of a battle. THAT was all that mattered now.

Allowing himself one last curse, Kermit returned to his wife's sleeping body. Joining her, he left his raging spirit elsewhere.

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