CHAPTER 86

"Mia, don't argue with me. I don't want you staying here until we track down Joey. He's obviously up to something or he wouldn't have bolted like he did. Taylor and I will pack up your things and I'm taking you to mom and dads. No arguing with me on this." She curls up under my arm as I continue holding her.

"I'm not going to argue with you. I don't want to be here by myself in case he decides to come back. I love him but I don't want to be around him anymore. He scares me." I hold her tighter then tell her to go start packing. I can't believe she just said she still loves him. I pull Taylor aside to talk to him.

"What's your gut telling you, Taylor?" I ask. He sighs and looks me square in the eyes.

"I think he is somehow involved in Mrs. Grey's kidnapping. Why else would he take off like he did? I wouldn't think in his line of work he could afford those expensive imported cigarettes or the kind of car he is driving. Maybe someone bought them for him? I'm going to get the team assembled immediately and we will find him, Sir. We will get to the bottom of this. I also think if we find his younger brother first maybe we can get him to tell us what Joey has been up to. You know, lean on him a little bit," Taylor says with a smirk on his face.

"Good. You know me, I normally don't do business that way, but I want these bastards found. You know I stay on the right side of the law but this is my wife and family we are talking about. If we are close to finding the bastards who hurt her and they lead us to Linc, then let's pull out all of the stops. Do what you have to." Taylor nods. We separate when Mia comes back into the living room with her suitcase and duffle bag packed. Taylor takes them and goes out to the SUV while Mia locks the door and we then walk out and get in. I decide I better call Linda and tell her what is going on. I've learned my lesson. Taylor is calling Sawyer while driving to fill him in and to up the security around the house.

LINDA

I am awakened from my nap by my cellphone ringing. I look at it and it's Christian. I smile and answer it. Noah is still asleep with his thumb in his mouth.

"How's my handsome husband today? Hope you haven't been working too hard," I say.

"Linda, I want you to listen to me. Everyone is alright, but something has happened. Are you in the house with our son?" I sit up straight on the bed.

"Yes. Christian, what's happened?" My heart starts pounding faster.

"It's Mia. She called me to say she and Joey had a falling out and she kicked him out of her apartment. She was scared so Taylor and I drove over to her place after she called me. While we were there, Joey returned but he took off before Taylor could stop him. Baby, we found something at Mia's place that you should be made aware of.

"What did you find?" I ask softly. My voice cracks slightly.

"It could be a total coincidence and I hope for his sake it is, but we found the same type of cigarettes in Mia's apartment that were found around our house." I gasp in disbelief.

"Are you saying that Joey could have been involved in my kidnapping? That is insane, Christian. We've had that guy in our house. He seemed so nice and was really into Mia. She loves him. He even played with Noah at his party. Are you absolutely sure?" I'm starting to tremble. I can't believe what I'm hearing. Noah stirs and wimpers softly. I stroke his head to calm him. He soon goes back to sleep.

"I know, baby, it is crazy. Calm down. At this point, I'm not sure about anything. We will get to the bottom of this. I promise. Taylor is driving us to my parents' house. I told Mia to stay there until Joey was found and we could talk to him. Please stay inside until we get home. Taylor has made Sawyer aware of the situation as well and security has been increased around the house. I love you and will see you soon," Christian says before ending the call abruptly. OH MY GOD. Surely it is a coincidence that Joey smokes the same cigarettes that were found on our property but I remember what Taylor said about them: They are imported and expensive and not many people in the United States smoke them. Maybe someone bought them for him, but who? Mia maybe? I wouldn't think so since she hates smoking. Could he be working with Linc? I shudder at the thought.

I get up off of the bed and pace the room thinking. I'm trying to remember if there are any clues about the kidnappers that I may have missed. All I remember is that I could only barely see their eyes. Mia was always talking about Joey's eyes. How unusually shaped they were and the intense color they had when all of a sudden I remember something. I stared into the eyes of one of the kidnappers one day just before I was burned again. His eyes were kind of almond shaped and the blueish-green color they had was very intense. Kind of like Joey's eyes.

As I'm standing next to the bed looking at Noah, there is a knock at the door. I open it and its Sawyer. I step aside and let him in. He doesn't have his suit coat on and his holster is in plain sight. I raise an eyebrow at him. He knows I don't like to have that thing showing around my son.

"Sorry. I just ran up here to check on you and the baby after talking to Taylor. Can I assume you have talked to Mr. Grey?" I nod.

"Yes. He told me about the possible connection with Joey to my kidnapping. Like Christian said, surely it's a coincidence. He's been in our house, Sawyer. We let him hold Noah and play with him. Could he be working with or for Linc? Has Joey been spying on us this whole time and reporting back to him? What do you think?" Sawyer sighs before speaking. He looks worried and concerned.

"Mrs. Grey, anything is possible at this point. The remaining kidnappers, as well as Linc, have continuously evaded us, but they will slip up soon. We will catch them, Mrs. Grey. Try not to worry. Security is walking the perimeter of the house as we speak. No one will get past them. Gail wanted me to ask you if you and the Noah would like to come down for a snack before Mr. Grey gets home. She made brownies and we know how much that little one loves chocolate." I giggle remembering Noah's reaction to the chocolate cupcakes at his party. He was insane over chocolate. Just like his father.

"We will be right down. Thanks Luke." He nods and leaves the bedroom. Noah is awake now. I pick him up and we walk downstairs. Can't we just have one normal day around here?

After eating our late afternoon snack and cleaning all of the chocolate off of my son, I put him in his crib for a nap or to play before Christian comes home. I walk into my office and sit down in one of the comfortable leather chairs that faces the yard and the Sound. I pull my feet up to me and grab the blanket off the back of the chair, cover myself up tightly and stare outside as I see two men walking along the shoreline. I used to sit in this very spot day after day after the kidnapping thinking and wondering why me? I just don't understand why someone would want to cause bodily harm to another human being. I didn't deserve what happened to me. I know that now. I thought I deserved it for talking back to Linc the couple of times I did speak to him. I had myself convinced I was at fault because I married Christian. Linc filled my head with so much hate towards myself and Christian that it's any wonder I'm sane right now. He told me I wasn't the kind of woman he really wanted and that I allowed my first husband to stray and pushed him into the arms of another woman. He said I was weak. He told me I was pathetic in believing people liked me and my music and that the only reason anyone downloaded my music after the kidnapping was because people felt sorry for me. I was told that over and over all day, every day until Christian found me.

I still can't wrap my head around that Linc hates Christian so much that he had to resort to violence and kidnapping. Linc should be mad at Elena. It was her fault. She is the one who lured Christian down a dark path when he was just 15 years old. If anyone is pathetic and undeserving, it's that bastard. He should have been the one to give Elena what she supposedly needed and craved. He claimed that he had no idea Elena was into BDSM until he found out she had been frequenting nightclubs around the city that catered to that lifestyle. Like I told him: he was inadequate and couldn't satisfy his own wife and keep her at home. I should have kept my mouth shut because Linc unloaded his anger on me. I can still feel the sharp, stinging painful sensation to this day on my back. I'm going down a dark rabbit hole again and I need to stop thinking about what happened and continue on with my life. Dr. Jantz and Dr. Flynn seem genuinely impressed and happy with my recovery. They keep telling me I'm a good person. Christian says the same thing every day. I just have to make myself believe it again. I close my eyes and think of my happy little family.

CHRISTIAN

After getting Mia settled at Mom and Dad's and filling in my parents on what happened, Taylor and I are on our way home. I just want to be with my wife and son and see for myself that they are safe and sound. I'm checking emails since we left the office a little earlier than usual when all of a sudden I hear Taylor.

"Sir, I think we're being followed. That silver pickup truck back there has been behind us since we left your parents." I look behind me to get a good look at the truck. Two people are in the front seat with dark clothing and ball caps pulled down low so you can't see their faces very well. They are within five car lengths of the back bumper. I know we're safe from bullets because of the reinforced steel in my SUV, the bullet proof glass, and the reinforced tires but I'd rather everything not be tested. This vehicle is as secure as the car the president uses, maybe even more.

"Hold on, Sir. I'm going to speed up and see what they do. I've already radioed for backup and they will intercept us before we get on the highway." The roads to and from my parent's home are winding and narrow. I feel the SUV going faster and I turn around to see if the truck is still near us. It is hanging back from us at the same distance. There is a logging truck up ahead that could slow us down considerably. He is getting dangerously to the back of the truck.

"Taylor," is all I can say before he jumps over to the other lane to pass the truck only to see cars coming at us. I hold my breath and brace myself. Taylor quickly jumps back in front of the logging truck and speeds away towards the highway. I close my eyes and breathe a sigh of relief realizing we are still in one piece.

"Good job, Taylor," I say. All he does is nod his head as he concentrates on getting us to I-90 to meet up with security. I turn around to see the silver truck is still a ways behind us, trying to get around the logging truck but isn't able to. Maybe Taylor was overreacting?

"I see our SUV's up ahead, Sir. There are four of them. Two will get in front of us and two will fall in behind us. I'm sorry about all this, Sir. I ran the plate and when it came back as belonging to World Cargo International Shipping, I suddenly remembered where I recently read that name. It's the company that Joey, Mia's now ex-boyfriend, works for."

"I guess we pissed him off and ruined his plans today. Thank God we were at Mia's apartment when he showed his ugly face. Radio one of the cars and have them try and get that truck stopped. I want to know who the hell it is and have them dealt with. If that punk Joey is one of them, I want him brought to me personally. Understand?" I ask Taylor. He looks in the mirror and nods cautiously. Taylor takes a phone call. I quickly figure out he is speaking with Sawyer, telling him what just happened. I go back to checking my email, tuning out his conversation.

We finally get to I-90 and our security team is waiting for us. Two SUV's peeled off and went after the truck and the other two lead us back to Seattle. I remind him not a word of this to Linda. I get a nasty look from Taylor but I ignore it. A few minutes later the in car phone rings and Taylor answers.

"Sir, we were able to do a PIT maneuver on the truck and got it stopped. Two subjects jumped out and started running. We were able to capture one quickly but unfortunately the other got away. We've called the police and they are on their way to take this asshole to jail. He's not cooperating at all. He said they weren't doing anything wrong. He won't give us his name or who was in the truck with him."

"Good work. After the police have arrived and taken the subject to jail, come to the house and debrief with me." Taylor hangs up and sighs. He looks at me in the mirror.

"We'll know soon enough who this asshole is and what his connection is, if there is one, to Joey." I just nod as anger runs through my veins. Can't we just catch a break?

I instantly relax after turning down the road that leads to our house. Taylor presses the remote to open the gates and drives me to the front door. I lean over the seat before getting out.

"Remember, not a word of our little adventure to anyone, especially Mrs. Grey. Understand? With what happened to Mia, I don't need my wife unnecessarily worrying any more than she probably is." Taylor turns to look at me. I can tell he doesn't agree with my request, but it's for the best. We're fine. Our security did its job and I'm home safe. He nods and I step out and go inside. I go straight to my office and drop off my briefcase and hang up my coat. I then go to the kitchen where Gail is preparing our dinner. I spy the brownies on the counter and reach over and grab one.

"Gail, I do believe these could bring about world peace. Can I assume my wife and son have already indulged in them?" Gail smiles and laughs as I grab another one.

"Of course they have, Mr. Grey. Noah even fed Mrs. Grey some. He is so adorable. As for world peace, it's going to take much more than brownies to achieve that, Sir." I laugh then lick my fingers and grab me a glass of milk to wash down the brownie.

"By the way, Mrs. Grey is in her office. She has been in there for quite a while. Dinner should be ready in an hour. Will that be alright?" Gail asks while checking the oven and basting the chicken. I nod my head and tell her thanks. I go across the house to Linda's office. I look in and see my wife curled up in a chair with a blanket over her and her eyes are closed. I walk slowly over and kneel down. I move some hair away from her face and kiss her cheek. She slowly opens her eyes and smiles at me. She touches my cheek and leans up to kiss me.

"Hey there. How's Mia? Is she alright?" I pull Linda out of the chair and wrap my arms around her. This is where I need to be.

"She's fine. She will be staying at Mom and Dad's for a while. I've increased security at their house and here as well. Until Joey is found, everyone I love will have extra men following them. No arguments," I say. Linda nods and hugs me tighter.

"You won't have any arguments from me. I want all of us safe until everyone has been found. You and Noah are my priority and I will help protect you as well." I look down at Linda and smile.

"My big bad baby momma is still thinking she can protect me, huh?" I chuckle. All of a sudden she surprises me by kissing me hard and pushing me back towards the couch. Linda pushes me down on it and is suddenly straddling me. Fuck. This is hot. I start to say something and Linda puts a finger to my mouth, silencing me. She then replaces the finger with her mouth, her tongue gaining entrance and begins slowly stroking mine. What the hell has gotten into her? Who cares. I love it. I moan into her mouth and this only fuels her fire. I run my fingers through her hair, holding on tightly. She undoes my tie and tosses it to the floor and unbuttons my shirt most of the way. Her hand is running up and down my chest slowly. This feels so good. I soon feel her lips kissing my neck then proceeds down my chest. I start to unbutton her pants when she suddenly grabs my hand and stops me.

"Nope. Not until you tell me what happened on the way home. I overheard Luke talking to who I assume was Taylor outside of my office door while I was resting and I heard him say and I quote, "By not telling Mrs. Grey what happened will only cause problems later." Now, care to share what happened that you don't want me to know about?" She is looking down at me while she strokes me through my slacks. I close my eyes and lean my head back and moan slightly as she continues stroking me. She suddenly stops that. SHIT. I look up and she is staring down at me.

"Alright. I'll tell you." I try to sit up but she isn't moving. She literally has me by the balls as she starts stroking me through my pants again. I swallow hard to regain some composure. I can't concentrate when she has such a strong hold of my cock. Fuck it. I'll tell her. My slacks need to come off and soon.

"After leaving Mom and Dad's, Taylor noticed a vehicle that had been following us since we left my parents. Taylor wanted to see if we were being followed. The truck never got close to our SUV at all, I promise. Taylor ran the plate and it came back registered to the shipping company that Joey works for. Security came and was able to get the truck stopped and apprehended one of the occupants but the other took off. The cops were called and they took the guy to jail for questioning. If he knows what's good for him, he will give up the name of the other person in the truck and why the hell they were following me. If not, we will have him charged with something and kept in jail until he talks." Linda closes her eyes and sighs. She soon opens them.

"I'm glad you and Taylor are alright, but please, please, you have to stop keeping things from me and trying to protect me. You know it only comes back to bite you later. I don't like being kept in the dark. Now that I know what has happened I can keep my eyes and ears open for anything or anyone suspicious. Promise you will always include me? I can't bare anything happening to you." Linda tells me as she resumes rubbing me through my slacks. They are beginning to get tighter and more uncomfortable.

"I promise. Gail said dinner will be ready in an hour. What shall we do in the mean time?" I run my fingers through her hair, pushing it away from her face. She loves it when I rub her scalp gently.

"Let's get you out of these clothes and I'll show you what I have in mind." Linda reaches down and finishes unbuttoning my shirt and pushes it off my shoulders. I sit up and take it off quickly and toss it on the floor. She makes quick work of my belt and my zipper. She stands and removes my shoes and socks. I then slide out of my slacks. I'm lying on her leather couch completely naked with my wife standing next to me checking me out. She removes her shirt and bra then slides out of her pants. I sit up and pull her to me so she is straddling my lap, and enter her forcefully. I'm regaining control.

"Move," I tell her. Linda puts her hands on the arm of the couch and begins moving up and down on me while I have a firm grip on her hips. Shit. This feels so good. I sit up quickly and flip her over underneath me. I raise one of her legs and rest it on my shoulder and resume my torrid pace. It's so much deeper this way.

"Baby, I can't last much longer. This feels too good," I pant out. Sweat is forming on my forehead. I feel Linda tighten around me and soon her head goes back and her eyes close as she comes around me. I move faster and harder as my release catches up to hers. DAMN. It just keeps getting better and better. I stretch out beside her and pull her to me.

"I feel better after that. How about you?" I ask with a slight chuckle. To this day, sex is the best thing for us in times like this. To hell with what Flynn once said. Linda looks up at me and nods.

"I always feel fantastic after a good romp with you. Let's get cleaned up and go eat dinner. I seem to have worked up quite an appetite." We both sit up and put our clothes back on. We head up to our bedroom to take a shower, which I know will be interrupted. We just can't keep our hands off each other.

LINDA

I absolutely still hate that Christian insists on keeping me in the dark about what goes on around him. I know he has this inner, desperate desire to protect everyone around him and keep us all safe, but it drives me insane. I worry about his safety as well. I shake my head as I finish dressing for dinner and step out of my closet. Christian is standing in the middle of our bedroom looking at his cellphone. He wraps up the email or text he was working on when he sees me. He pulls me towards him and plants a hard, loud kiss to my lips.

"You always know how to make me feel better, baby. Sex with you is always healing and therapeutic, as well as hot as hell," Christian says as he bites and sucks on my neck just behind my ear. I giggle and seat him on the chest.

"You just love sex, period, Mr. Grey. I think you have a mutated sex gene or something. But I agree. I love having sex with you as well. Come on. Let's go see what our son is up to and eat dinner." We walk out of our bedroom and go downstairs towards the kitchen. Noah is already in his highchair at the table with his cup of milk in his hands drinking away.

"Mama, Dada, eat," Noah yells out as he sees us walk in. I walk over to him and kiss the top of his head and sit down beside him. Christian takes his seat as Gail brings our dinner to the table. Noah goes to work on his dinner that consists of shredded chicken, mashed potatoes and green beans. He calls them "bean beans". He throws some down to Maggie who has taken up residence next to Noah's highchair as of late knowing he will throw food to her. Christian has tried to shoo her out but hasn't had much luck. He rolls his eyes and looks down, making Maggie cower and go under the table. I then talk to Christian about my phone call with Dann about rehearsing at Safeco Field day after tomorrow. He puts his fork down and takes a drink of his wine. He then steeples his hands in front of him and sighs.

"I'm going to triple our security then. I want every entrance covered while you are there. I will get in touch with the owner and request stadium security be there as well. I'm not taking any chances. I wish I could be there to hear you practice but I have to fly down to San Francisco that morning for a couple of meetings." Noah finishes his dinner and his milk. He starts banging his cup wanting our attention. Christian takes it from him and glares at him. Noah reaches out to touch Christian, patting his hand and smiling. Christian leans down and blows raspberries against his cheek. Noah knows how to play his father.

"I know you're busy. I understand. I shouldn't be there more than an hour. I'm starting to get excited about the performance. Do you think this is the right thing for me to do?" Christian pulls my chair closer to him and takes my hands.

"You will do a fantastic job, baby. I just know it. I believe in you, our family and friends believe in you, as well as Dann. Please have faith in your abilities. You will knock it out of the park. No pun intended," Christian says with a chuckle. I roll my eyes and lean back in my chair.

"As ever, you are my great protector and by far my biggest supporter. Please don't feel you need to keep my in the dark about what goes on around you, around us. I keep telling you I should be informed about any threats that are made against us. I'm not made of glass, Christian. I can handle it. I worry about you just as much. I know in your line of work you have upset many people with a merger or an acquisition and some of those people could resort to violence. Please be careful. Remember, we are in this together. I love you," I say then lightly brush his lips with mine. Christian pulls me closer and deepens the kiss. Christian stops kissing me and looks towards Noah, who is rocking back and forth in his high chair grunting and saying "No, my mama!" He is pulling at Christian's arm. Christian starts laughing but Noah isn't having any of it.

"Son, you're going to have to remember. I saw her first. You have to learn to share. I've had to." The once dominant is trying to have a conversation with his infant son. Those two are so much alike. Christian kisses me once more then leaves the table to finish some work he brought home.

CHRISTIAN

I wake up and look at the clock and sigh. 4:30 am. I roll over and look at my wife who is still asleep. I'm not happy about having to go to San Francisco today, as I'd much rather be here with her. Her rehearsal is this morning at Safeco Field. I spoke to Howard Lincoln, one of the owners, yesterday and requested extra security for the rehearsal. He understood completely and assured me the place would be locked down to the public. No tours of the stadium until after Linda was finished and all entrances would be locked and all employees must show their ID and have them scanned to get in. That made me feel somewhat better.

I touch her cheek then pull back the covers so I can slide down. I kiss her stomach then each thigh. I feel Linda shifting and moans softly. I part her legs and continue kissing her, moving to my target. I soon feel fingers in my hair. I continue licking and stroking as my hands massage her thighs. She moves again and I tighten my hold on her thighs as I continue my early morning assault on her.

"Relax, baby, and let me take care of you," I whisper before going back to what I was doing. I feel myself growing harder by the second. I need to be inside of her. I slowly kiss my way up her body, pausing at her breasts to give them some needed attention.

I feel her hands in my hair again, slowly stroking it and my scalp. I move up and kiss her passionately and deeply and my body covering hers.

"Baby, I love you," I whisper again. I grip her thigh and move it over my hip as I slowly slide into her. I close my eyes reveling in the feeling of her hot, slick body. Linda throws her head back and closes her eyes. The perfect fit.

I move slowly at first, savoring her, but my body soon takes over and I thrust into her faster and deeper. I bend down to kiss her passionately, our tongues mimicking our movements. I pant hard as I feel us both building.

"Linda," I groan long and hard. Linda moans louder and I soon feel her nails digging into my back. We move faster and harder as our breathing fills the room. She kisses me passionately again. She soon whispers to me "I'm all yours, Mr. Grey."

"Christ, Linda," I groan again and move even faster, losing myself in her. I feel her nails digging into my back once again and I can't hold out much longer.

"Come with me, baby. Please, baby, give it to me." I hear her moan a version of my name and soon feel Linda coming hard around me. I still as I come hard, so hard. My body shudders and I collapse onto her, breathing hard.

"Damn baby. It just gets better and better, doesn't it? You're so amazing, Mrs. Grey. Good morning by the way," I laugh then kiss her lightly then deepen the kiss again.

"Good morning to you too. I love your wake up calls, Mr. Grey." Linda giggles quietly as I kiss her once more. I roll off of her and pull her body to me, holding her tightly from behind once more before having to get up.

"Shower with me before I have to leave, Mrs. Grey?" Linda rolls over and kisses me sweetly on my nose and smiles. She throws off the covers and makes her way to the bathroom to start the shower for us. I jump out of bed and make my way to the bathroom. I love starting my day having sex with my wife.

After indulging in my wife one more time in the shower, we head down to breakfast. Gail already has Noah up for us and is sitting in his high chair eating scrambled eggs and pancakes torn into small pieces just for him. I lean over and kiss him on his cheek. He holds up a piece of pancake. I take it and eat it making him laugh. God I love that sound. I pull Linda's barstool out for her before sitting down. Gail places our breakfast in front of us. Why did I ever think I didn't need a family of my own?

As I prepare to leave for my flight, I wrap my arms around Linda's shoulders and look her in the eye.

"I know I don't have to remind you, but please keep your eyes and ears open today. Luke and the rest of the security team have been instructed not to take their eyes off of you for one second while you are at Safeco Field. I really wish I could be there with you but we are at critical places in a couple of mergers and I need to get them wrapped up this week."

"It's alright, Christian. I know you would be with me if you could. I really understand. Who knows, there might be other opportunities for me down the road that you can be at my side for. Go, you'll be late. I love you. See you this evening." We kiss each other one last time before I turn and walk out the front door to head to the airport. Noah yells bye. I give my family one last wave before Taylor pulls away from the house.

LINDA

A few hours have passed since Christian left for San Francisco and I already miss him terribly. I swore I wouldn't allow myself to become clingy since the kidnapping but every now and then I get this feeling run through my veins and it frightens me to the point where I don't want Christian to leave me. I have always been a strong, independent woman who could take care of herself and it angers me that I don't feel that way most of the time anymore. I quickly shake those memories and get ready for an exciting day.

Luke and our entourage arrive at Safeco Field and are ushered into a parking area underneath the stadium. I step out of the SUV and notice a heavy security presence. I take a deep breath and force myself to relax. An older gentlemen approaches our vehicle with his hand extended.

"Mrs. Grey, I'm Howard Lincoln. Welcome to Safeco Field. We're glad you could make it." We shake hands then he leads us to a ramp that takes us to the field. Once we step out of the ramp, I'm amazed at what I see. This ballpark is beautiful. You can see many of the skyscrapers that are around the stadium here in downtown Seattle. There are suites all around the middle of the stands. Christian's suite is on the third base line halfway to home plate.

I notice a microphone stand is in place between the pitcher's mound and home plate. Audio technicians are busy finishing hooking up the microphone to the stadiums sound system. Once they are satisfied it is in working order, I step up to the microphone, take a deep breath and sing.

15 minutes later the rehearsal wraps up. Hearing my voice over a sound system such as this one took a while to get used to. I've never heard myself like that before. Singing acapella is a daunting task and the Star Spangled Banner is a hard song to sing. I'm not sure how I'm going to feel when the stadium is filled to capacity on opening day next week. Now I have this charity event to prepare for on Friday. I still don't know who the band is that Dann put together and to say I'm a little nervous is an understatement but I will meet up with them later today. Luke asks if there is anywhere I would like to go before heading home to rest before my rehearsal. There are a few places I'd like to go but without Christian here, I decline. Luke looks at me sympathetically as we head towards the Sound.

CHRISTIAN

My meetings have wrapped up here in San Francisco and Taylor and I are heading back to the airport. My mind has been on Linda today. On the outside she looks normal, but on the inside she is anything but. She is still nervous and jumpy and her confidence in herself isn't nearly where it was before the kidnapping. I'm still surprised she wanted to sing in front of thousands of people at the Mariners opener next week. The charity event for the hospital tomorrow night is a great way for her to get her feet wet again. I hope she will like the surprise I have put together for her in regards to the band who will be accompanying her. I swallowed my pride and asked Dann Huff for advice. I told him my plan and he thought it was an excellent idea.

My thoughts turn to Mia and that awful excuse of a man she has been hooked up with. I know she is a grown woman and can make her own choices, but no one would listen to me when I expressed my concerns in regards to Joey. His story checked out: his parents were killed in a fire and he was left to help raise his little brother. They lived with an Aunt for a couple of years before Joey was kicked out because of drinking, smoking and stealing cars. A few years passed and his little brother moved out of their Aunt's house and went to live with Joey. Joey landed a job not long after getting kicked out with a shipping company that he still works for today and is making good money to support them both, but something about him rubs me the wrong way.

"Taylor, when do you think you might get back the DNA tests that were done on those cigarettes we found at Mia's?" Taylor puts down what he was working on.

"Hopefully tomorrow, Sir. I'm just as anxious as you are to get to the bottom of this and to give Mrs. Grey the closure she needs." I nod and sigh. No more than me. We arrive at the airport and board the jet for home.

LINDA

After taking care of Noah and giving Gail a much needed break, we're in the car heading back to town to rehearse for the charity event tomorrow night. The song I recently wrote and sent to Dann is going to debut at the event. The track was sent to the band ahead of time for them to practice before arriving here in Seattle. My phone pings and it's a text from Christian.

Leaving San Francisco soon. Love you and miss you. See you later. I write back Ditto. I smile when I think of the reference from the movie Ghost. We haven't had a movie night in a long time. I love snuggling up next to Christian but I eventually fall asleep.

Luke pulls into the parking lot of Grey Records and Dann is there to greet us. He opens my door and I get out.

"Linda, good to see you. Everyone is here and in place. All we need is you," he says as he and Luke, Ryan and Mickelson walk me inside. We enter the recording studio and I freeze. I can't believe who I'm looking at through the glass. Bill, Brad and Michael; my old band from Tulsa. Michael is the first to notice me. He comes through the door of the studio quickly and hugs me tightly. Bill and Brad are not far behind. Michael holds me at arm's length, staring at me.

"You look incredible, Linda. How are you, really? I can't believe that crazy shit you went through. Everyone back in Tulsa has been worried sick. By the way, Surprise!" I giggle and then turn to hug Bill and Brad.

"I'm speechless. I can't believe you guys came all the way here from Oklahoma. Christian wouldn't tell me a thing about who was backing me up tomorrow night. Dann, I can't believe you kept this from me too." I give him a scowl but soon laugh.

"We all wanted to surprise you, Linda. Bill, Brad and myself jumped at the chance to come. That husband of yours can be quite persuasive. This is going to be great." I haven't seen Michael this excited since his wife told him she was pregnant with their first child.

"For the first time in months, I'm really excited to get back on stage and sing again. Having you guys here is the best medicine any girl could have. Let's get to it, shall we?" I ask as Dann leads us all back into the studio. I can't believe it. Christian has really gone above and beyond this time. He will be rewarded. Michael told me as we walked that his wife and girls wanted to come but the girls had a dance recital this weekend but they send their love.

I have the biggest grin on my face after rehearsing for almost two hours. I feel so comfortable in my own skin again. The charity committee had one recommendation and that was to sing a song geared to the children who will be there. The song they wanted was "Let It Go" from "Frozen." We all looked at each other and busted out laughing. Michael's girls love that movie and can sing every word by heart. The guys even recorded it so the girls could sing to it any time they wanted, which was practically every day for months. We will be doing the songs that have been recorded as well as the ones I wrote before and after the kidnapping.

I invited the guys back to the house for snacks and to stay for dinner. Christian should be home within the hour from San Francisco. Michael is the only one who has met Noah in person but that was when he was a baby. We pull through the gates and drive down the road to the house. When it comes into view, Brad whistles and the others have their mouths hanging open.

"Damn, woman. Couldn't you find a bigger house? That's not right; it's a compound," Michael says. Bill is always the quiet one, until he gets on stage. We exit the SUV and head to the door. Noah comes running when he hears the commotion. I scoop him up and kiss his cheeks.

"Mama home," he says wrapping his arms around my neck. Noah looks at all the men standing around me and soon hides against my shoulder.

"Noah, I want you to meet some friends of mine. This is Bill, Brad and Michael. Michael already met you when you were just a baby." Noah looks at all of the guys and waves before turning shy again. Michael pats Noah on the back, who then looks up at him.

"Noah, you are one good looking boy. You have really grown since I last saw you. Can you give me a high five?" Michael is really good with kids. Noah slaps his hand then surprises me when he reaches out to Michael. Michael takes him and moves his hair out of his eyes. We all walk towards the living room so the guys can see the view of the Sound. Gail comes with a tray of snacks and to take drink orders. Luke volunteers to help her as the other guys go to the security room. Luke tells me that the jet should be landing in about 15 minutes.

While we are all relaxing and getting reacquainted with each other, I hear the front door open. I look back to see Christian and Taylor walking in. I walk towards the front door and wrap my arms around Christian and kiss him like I haven't seen him in days. Taylor clears his throat, clearly looking uncomfortable. I laugh.

"I'll take your briefcase to your office, Sir. Good evening, Mrs. Grey," Taylor says before walking away quickly with a red face. I giggle again and wave at Taylor.

"That's a hell of a welcome home. I take it you liked my surprise?" Christian asks.

"Liked it, I loved it. Thank you so much for convincing the guys to come here. I still can't believe it," I say. Christian tips my chin up to lightly kiss me.

"I will do anything for you just to see you look as happy as you are at this moment. I will always lay my world at your feet, Mrs. Grey." We kiss once more before going into the living room. Christian makes his way around shaking everyone's hands. Noah is wiggling in Michael's lap when he sees his father. He slides down and walks over to Christian. He is so much more stable on his feet every day. Christian scoops him up and kisses his cheek several times.

"Da Da, no!" Noah tells him. No is quickly becoming one of his favorite words. Christian ignores him and continues.

"I am sorry that Susan couldn't be here. She has a huge presentation she was telling me about coming due tomorrow and just couldn't get away," Christian tells me. I nod.

"I know. She told me about it when I last talked to her. It's been so long since I've seen her but I told her I understood." Noah reaches out for me and pats my face.

"Mama sad," my boy announces to everyone. When did he learn the word sad? Christian pats him on the back.

"Our son is talking more. Before long he will be telling me off," Christian says. Everyone laughs. Gail announces dinner and she takes Noah to get him in his high chair. Everyone else retreats to the dining room as well. Christian lightly holds my elbow.

"Have I told you how much I love and admire you, Mrs. Grey? You have great friends who didn't hesitate one bit when I asked them to come back you at the charity event. I even invited them to stay through opening day of the Mariners next week. Michael said even though he isn't a Mariners fan, he would stay for you." I giggle. Bill and Brad were big fans of Ken Griffey Jr. back in the day.

"I love you too. I never even imagined this kind of life for myself. I'm so very lucky to have found you, Mr. Grey." He kisses me once more before we walk into the dining room.

Friday comes and I'm excited to perform tonight but I still have that little voice in the back of my head questioning my decision. I shake that thought and remember what Dr. Jantz said to me once: "You are good, you are wanted, you are loved. Never forget that."

After getting Christian off to work and Noah's breakfast, I take my tea and sit outside on the patio that overlooks our enormous back yard and the Sound. I sit out here or go to the Boathouse to relax, unwind and think. It is so calm and peaceful today. There is a bit of a chill in the air this morning but I like it.

I hear a noise behind me and I turn to see Michael coming through the doors with a cup of coffee in hand. He gives me a shoulder hug and a kiss on the cheek before sitting down beside me taking in the view. He takes a sip before speaking.

"You look as relaxed as I have ever seen you, Linda. You look like your old self again," Michael says. I roll my eyes and chuckle. If he only knew.

"Thanks. Some days I'm still a bundle of nerves but those days are few and far between. I've had more good days than bad as of late. Christian and Noah have been my rocks. I don't know what I'd do without them. You look great too. How's work?" Michael sighs and puts his mug down and looks out towards the water.

"It's been a while since we've talked but I quit my job and found an even better investment firm in South Tulsa to work for," Michael says. He loved the firm he was with. He loved working in Downtown Tulsa.

"Why did you quit? What happened? You loved that place."

"Well, Maddy made a pass at me," Michael says stonefaced. My mouth drops open as I put my tea down on the table in front of me. Why am I not surprised?

"You have got to be kidding me. That tramp," I say completely straight faced. Michael nods.

"I don't know what got into her. One day she came in to work and she had on a short skirt and a tight top and was hanging around me all day, leaning over my desk showing off her chest. Let me tell you it isn't anything spectacular to see." Michael chuckles.

"The next day she cornered me in the copy room and was rubbing against me then put her hand on my crotch. I shoved her to the side and walked out. Later that day she came into my office and came on to me again. I told her to back off, that I was a happily married man with a family and I wasn't remotely interested in a slut like her. I went on to tell her that she ruined the marriage of two of my best friends and I'd be damned if she ruined mine." I'm sitting here stunned into silence.

"She later threatened to tell our boss that I came onto her if I didn't give in to her. I reminded her that there are cameras in the break room and the copy room and I would have those tapes pulled if need be. She turned as pale as a ghost and walked out. A few days later she had written me a letter and put it on my desk apologizing and some other crap. I didn't even finish reading it and I threw it in the trash. I didn't feel comfortable there anymore so I put in my resignation. It wasn't long before I landed with First State Investment Advisors. It is a great fit. I'm making almost double what I was making downtown and I'm closer to home. I don't have to fight that traffic on the expressway anymore." I nod and laugh. Tulsa traffic isn't as bad as here but it's close.

"I'm sorry, but I'm glad you're not there anymore. I know you loved that place but I never liked the fact that bitch was still working there alongside you knowing we keep in touch. She needs a good dose of karma come her way." Michael nods and laughs.

"I don't give a rat's ass what happens to her. I should have left a long time ago. She was coming on to a few other men before she tried to get her hooks into me. I'm surprised no one ever reported her. She's one horny bitch and always wanted what she couldn't have. Sorry. I shouldn't have said that." I shake my head.

"Don't apologize. What's done is done. I'm glad you're away from that slut. Are you and the other guys ready for tonight? This is a really big deal this evening. Christian has donated a lot of money towards this new wing at the children's hospital and his mother is presenting him with a plaque as well. He doesn't know that so keep that to yourself."

"No problem. We are excited to be back together with you as a band again. It hasn't been the same without you. We still play a few gigs a month around the area and we just hire a singer each time. No one can replace you," Michael says as he elbows me. I roll my eyes again.

"I can probably ask around and get you someone permanent, someone younger to bring in a new crowd." Michael shakes his head.

"Nah. We've even talked about quitting all together. We're not getting any younger you know," Michael says looking straight at me. I throw my napkin at him and get up.

"I better get inside and pick out what I'm wearing tonight. I wasn't going to change during the set at all but since we now have to sing a special song for some children, I'll be changing into a white flowy dress to sing that song from Frozen. With my advanced age, it will take me most of the day to come up with something." Michael gets up laughing as well and we walk inside.

I'm starting to feel normal again.