Looking For Answers (closed)

[zydrate]

"Tori, are you sure you're OK?"

Opening her eyes, Tori looked over at Rachel and gave her a thumbs up, "I'm fine Rach, sorry I scared you again."

"It's not so much scary as it is worried. I worry about you... D worries about you. I know you two are fighting still but he loves you and only wants the best for you."

"Well... I should say the same to you. I'm pretty sure we stress him a lot. And even though we don't mean to, I--"

"Ms. Jenkins?" The doctor from earlier entered the semi private room again, looking at an iPad and then putting it to his side, "I have a proposal for you."

*****

It was all too much.

Tori was laying on the bed in shock... also in surprise. This couldn't really be happening, right? This sort of luck wasn't on her side... but yet, it was.

It had taken about 45 minutes for Tori and the doctor to talk about a new study--a trial--for people with heart problems such as hers. This study would include a small surgery--well, still major since it was her heart and then a different sort of pill she would need to take daily. If the surgery went well and she responded well to the meds, then her heart wouldn't need to be replaced. In fact, it would more than likely, she could see an improvement down the road.

If she wanted to participate in the trial then she would need to stay in NY for at least 2 months, both to receive the surgery and then to recover from it. Then they would do a follow up visit to see how well she was responding to the meds.

Rachel had gone to get Declan so Tori could discuss it with him.

She wasn't sure how long it took for Declan to get back as Tori was lost in deep thought about it.

When Declan arrived, Tori motioned him to sit on the edge of the bed so she could tell him what she found out.

 

[BeachBum25]

After disconnecting the call with McShea, Declan sat down in the waiting room. He closed his eyes and tried to get a little sleep, but it wasn't happening. There was too much going on; between Tori, Rachel, work, the Moores there was so much running through his head that he couldn't get himself to relax.

Sitting in the waiting room gave him an opportunity to people-watch. It actually helped his mind rest a little as he watched the many people coming and going in the hospital Emergency Room. There was a guy who had been shot, one woman had been stabbed, several drunks, one of who had fallen off the curb as she tried to get into a ride share and hit her head on the ground.

There was also a woman in there who told staff that she had been beaten by her boyfriend. She had a swollen eye and marks on her throat. The staff member told her to have a seat and someone would be with her soon. She sat down in a chair next to a young boy. The boy looked at her and said, "mommy, I am hungry." The woman told him that she didn't have her purse with her, because she had left the house so quickly. She told him they would get something to eat after she saw the doctor.

Declan walked over to the security guard and asked where the hospital cafeteria was. A few minutes later he returned with two breakfast sandwiches, a bottle of juice and a cup of coffee. He walked over to the woman and her son and handed the food and drink to them. The woman was shocked, and initially said they couldn't accept it, because she had no way of repaying him, but Declan insisted. "Just pay it forward at some point when you have a chance."

Before the woman could further object, Rachel came out to the waiting room and said that Tori needed to talk to him. Declan looked at the woman and said, "good luck," before heading back to be with Tori. Declan sat down when Tori motioned for him to take a seat.

Listening to what Tori shared with him, Declan had mixed emotions. He liked the idea of Tori being treated and not having to undergo a very invasive surgery, but he did not like the fact that it was a trial. She was going to be a guinea pig.... and what if the treatment did not work? Would surgery still be a viable option at that point or would the treatment complicate things?

"Listen Tor, I am not a doctor, so, I can't give you medical advice. I am excited you would avoid surgery, but what if it doesn't work. Do you think it would be a good idea to still meet with the other doctor. Maybe you could run this trial past him and get his opinion." Declan stopped and just looked at Tori as he took her hand in his. He made up his mind that he would support Tori no matter what decision she made. He wanted her to think it all through, but he was not going to try to convince her one way or the other. He wanted her to see him as being supportive of HER decision.

 

[zydrate]

*** 3 months later ***

"How do I look?"

Tori looked at Rachel and smiled, "Gorgeous, as always. So what number date is this?"

"Date number ten. Oh, Tor, Jason is so good to me.. and it doesn't hurt that he's a doctor, so..." Rachel shrugged, trying not to make a big deal of it. But Tori could tell she was happy. A lot happier than she had been just a few months ago. Seems NYC had a lot to do with it but so did her new boyfriend.

A lot had changed for Tori too. Yes, she was still on the waiting list for a new heart but she had also decided to participate in the trial drug test for heart patients. She had a lot more energy and hadn't had one single attack since she started the trial. The trial doctors had wanted her close by for a few weeks so they could monitor her and just in general, keep an eye on her. This new med wasn't a cure but more of a way to prolong the wait so she wouldn't become a critical case anytime soon.

She had one more appointment in a few days and it would be her last one for another month.

The place that Declan had secured through his boss back home, was pretty nice. It was a 2 bedroom apartment loft that was of course, fully furnished. She almost hated to leave but she was itching to get back so she could restart her private investigation business. The insurance from the fire had just about barely covered her loans to get it started in the first place, so that was another weight lifted from her shoulders.

But she also felt like she wasn't contributing to anything else. Even though D had told her it was her time to rest, she had a hard time doing so.

"Tor... have you spoken with Declan about how I was interested in staying here? In New York."

That was another thing. Rachel had wanted to stay... of course it was probably for her boyfriend but Rachel assured her it wasn't just for him. She had found a good job at an advertising agency as a receptionist and had even made several friends while here with Tori and Declan.

Sighing, Tori shook her head, "Not yet Rach... I'll bring it up tonight but just know, you can't stay in this place. You would have to find your own place and I--"

"That won't be a problem, I have a friend at work who is looking for a roommate and the cost is something I can handle."

Oh boy.. thought Tori. She hadn't brought it up with Declan because she knew he would explode at the thought of it. But again, Tori would have to remind him again that Rachel is old enough to make her decisions. Hell, it wasn't enough that he hadn't wanted his little sister dating some doctor... She had to give it to the doctor though, even after Declan took the man out for drinks to have a talk with him, he still stuck around.

But there was one thing both Declan and Tori would need to do... and that was stop babying Rachel. So Tori smiled at Rachel and gave her a quick hug, "I'm afraid that's something you're going to have to ask him yourself Rachel. My advise would be to tell him.. not ask him. You are old enough to do what you want, so--" There was a knock at the door and Rachel went to answer.

It was Jason. He said hi to Tori and told her he would have Rachel back by 11 since they were only going out to have dinner and see a movie.

Once they left, Tori was alone. She looked at the clock and decided to start dinner. Declan would be up in an hour or so and go to work. He had told Tori he had gotten a job at a nightclub as a bartender but for some reason, Tori wasn't sure about it. He was gone almost all night and once in a while he would leave earlier than usual. She had a feeling that his bosses back home had him doing something for them... or maybe he was working for someone else... and as much as Tori had wanted to confront him about it, she knew it would just lead into an argument between them. He already didn't like that Rachel was dating anyone and Tori knew he wasn't just someone to sit around and do nothing.

 

[BeachBum25]

Declan was not crazy about spending so much time in New York. There were just too many people to deal with on a daily basis. It wasn't that Declan didn't like interacting with people, but NYC was just way too crowded for him.

Leaving yet was not an option though. Tori was still getting treatment, and he was not leaving New York without her. Also, McShea had told him to stay until he was told to return. Declan knew that McShea was putting a plan in motion to take control of Saltwater, which Declan would then run as his own. It was a reward for being such a good employee. What Declan didn't know at first was that McShea was going to have him do some work that would help McShea expand his reach into the Big Apple.

After getting Declan a job bartending at a place called The Shillelagh, McShea wanted Declan to report back everything and everyone that he saw while working there. Declan was a great bartender and knew how to work an Irish pub. He was able to engage patrons in the craic and would have been right at home at a pub in Ireland.

When the owners of the pub saw how well Declan was doing, the approached him about another opportunity. They asked him if he was interested in working some extra hours after his shift. Declan agreed and found out that there was an after hours component to The Shillelagh. Although it violated state liquor laws, the right people were paid off and the after hours club remained open as long as people wanted to stay; sometimes that meant that patrons were leaving the club as the pub was opening for regular business the next day.

Declan was willing to take the extra hours for a couple of reasons. First, the money was great. In addition to the extra pay, which he received in cash, that he was given for it, the tips he got were incredible. Many nights he would leave with over $1500 in cash. The second reason for taking it was that he would have more information available to report back to McShea.

The hours worked out well, because Tori and Rachel would be asleep, so, they would not miss out on being with him. He would come home in the morning, sleep a couple hours, spend time with Tori and Rachel and then take a nap before going into work. Coming in later than normal would not be obvious to Rachel. However, he knew that Tori would notice. She was sharp. It was only a matter of time until she got suspicious. Declan knew he would have to tell Tori about what he was doing.

When he got up from his evening nap before heading off to work, Declan looked around, questioningly. There was something missing. No, it wasn't something, it was someone. "Hey Tor, where is Rachel?"

 

[zydrate]

Tori was busy making dinner, burgers and mac & cheese, when she heard D ask about Rachel. Tori didn't look at him as she took out some plates and shrugged, "She's out on another date."

She kept herself busy as she served up dinner but she could feel that Declan was not happy about it. "D... she's OK. She's just out on a date, that's all. It's not like she's out robbing a bank. We did the background check on this guy, remember? He hasn't even had so much as a parking ticket."

Turning on the TV, Tori started to eat but she could tell Declan was in a mood. He was never happy when Rachel went out.

They ate in silence, save for the sounds from the TV, when Tori spoke up, "So...I've noticed you've been coming in late a few times... is everything OK?"

He answered her and Tori just nodded. "OK, just wondering. Would it be a problem to leave work at the end of the week? I mean, they know you're there temporarily, right?"

 

[BeachBum25]

After explaining to Tori that he was working the after hours club, which was why he was getting home so late, Declan went back to eating dinner. As he drank some water, he heard Tori ask if it would be okay to leave at the end of the week.

Looking at Tori, stunned by her question. "Leave at the end of the week? The doctors are okay with that?" He just stared at Tori. He couldn't believe that this would happen so fast. He thought Tori was months away from being okay to move back home.

"When did all of this come about Tor? I had no idea that the doctors were going to be okay with you going back this soon." He paused for a few minutes. His mind racing. "Tori, I can't go back yet. McCabe has some things in the works that will make Saltwater mine...ours. I can't go against him. He is the one who made the arrangements for this place. He has been paying for it. He got me the job at The Shillelagh. He asked me to watch their operation. He wants to make some improvements.. maybe even open a place in New York. He told me not to come back home until he took care of the stuff with Saltwater."

He could see it in Tori's face. He knew she was pissed. "I know you want to get back and get your business up and running again. I want that too babe, but you just need to trust me. We just need to stay here a little longer. Plus, I am not convinced that Rachel is okay on her own here in the city. I think she needs you with her a little longer.... especially if she is still seeing this doctor guy."

 

[zydrate]

Laying down in bed, still fully clothed, Tori could hear Declan call out to her and then the door shut, signaling his departure. Looking at the clock, it was only a bit past 7... she debated on what she wanted to do... go to bed or go to bed....

Then, on the spur of the moment, she sat up. Why couldn't she go somewhere?

Changing into a pair of jeans and a black top. Nothing fancy. She wasn't going to the opera or anything of the like. No, she was just going to see what sort of nightlife was around the neighborhood.

After walking around for an hour or so, Tori found herself in a small corner bar. Although her doctors had said it was OK for her drink, in moderation, she was going in the mindset of just getting something nonalcoholic. It wasn't crowded and it wasn't empty but at least there were a few open spots at the bar itself. Taking a seat, the female bartender asked her what she wanted, "Club soda with lemon, please." In a few minutes, her drink was placed in front of her. Tori slowly took sips as she watched some game on the TV. It was a nice quiet time until the waitress asked if she wanted another. Tori smiled, "Sure, thanks."

"Club soda?"

"Yes, and can I get an extra lemon slice please?"

A male voice spoke beside her, "Club soda? You sure you can handle that?"

Tori smiled, not looking at him, "Let's just say I don't want to push my limit."

He laughed and that's when Tori looked at him. She saw he a nice looking guy, around her age if not a few years older. Her PI training took over as she took in his features, the way he talked and the way he sat, drinking his drink. She knew he wasn't there before and had just arrived. Of course. She brushed it off. He was just there, like her, stopping in for a drink.

They sat in silence a few minutes as they watched the game and each commented something about it until their comments turned in a small back and forth convo. She found out he was a detective for the city. Of course he was. It seemed everyone in this city was a cop. He asked about her and she knew better than divulge any personal information so she just said she was from out of town, visiting until her friend's sister got settled.

Tori hadn't realized she was out of touch with others until now. Even with Declan at work, she felt a tinge of guilt being out as if she was looking for something more. She wasn't. She was just out, having a nice time out and besides, talking with this guy was innocent. Yet why did she feel guilty?

 

[BeachBum25]

Declan was not surprised by Tori's reaction to what he told her. He knew that once she had her mind made up on something that it was near impossible to change it. He knew she wanted to get her business back up and running, but Declan wanted to make sure she was healthy enough first. Working as a PI was stressful, challenging work at time and he wanted to be sure her heart could take it.

It seemed he was more worried about her health than Tori was. She pushed back about staying in New York. When he mentioned that he was going to be running Saltwater, which would be good for them, Tori seemed indifferent. That surprised Declan. He thought that she would be excited that they would basically be the owners and that they would have more financial resources... some of which would go into Tori's business.

After he got ready for work, Tori just laid on the bed and said nothing. Declan called out to her saying goodbye and headed out to work. Something just wasn't right between them. He felt that Tori was becoming more distant.. at least toward him.

Work that night was quiet. There were the regulars, of course, but there weren't that many people stopping in. The managers, after talking with some of the regulars, decided that they were not going to run the after-hours club tonight. Declan had to admit he was not upset about that. He would get home early and get a decent night sleep.

After walking in the door, he laid his keys on the counter and headed in to take a shower. This was his normal routine.... have to wash the stench of the bar off before getting into bed. Once he was finished showering, he toweled off and wrapped the towel around him before heading into the bedroom. He was shocked to find the bed was empty.

He quickly dressed in a pair of shorts and a t-shirt and went to Rachel's room. He knocked and looked in. Rachel wasn't there. It was almost 4 am. Where was Rachel? Where was Tori? Did Rachel get in trouble and Tori went to get her?

Picking up his cell phone, Declan called Tori... no answer. He got the same result with Rachel. "wtf"

 

[zydrate]

She wasn't sure what woke her up but Tori 's eyes shot open and she looked around at the unfamiliar sight.... it was an apartment, that much she was sure of... she looked over at the nightstand next to the bed she was in. Her phone.

She picked it up and looked at the time.... FUCK, it was a little past 6 AM. She stood up suddenly and then sat back down to let the dizziness pass. Once she was more sure of herself, she stood up again.

Just then, someone entered the room and spoke, "Ahh, you're an early riser." He said as he handed her a cup of coffee. Taking it, Tori set it down on the nightstand. She was, thankfully, still dressed in her clothes from the previous night. She remembered because it all came back to her. She only had 3 beers but the alcohol must have counteracted with it, making her more drunk than she had realized.

"Thanks.... listen, we didn't..." she was at a lost of words as she thought of how she was going to explain this to Declan...

"No, no... trust me. I brought you here to be safe because you weren't sure of your address."

Tori nodded, "Great... thank you. I am sorry but I have to go."

*******
With a raging hangover, Tori stood outside the apartment door and fumbled with her keys, trying to get the door open. She finally was successful and she opened it and stepped inside, closing it behind her.

There was Declan... sitting at the kitchen island, drinking coffee.

Oh crap...how was she going to explain this?

 

[BeachBum25]

Needless to say, Declan did not get any sleep. He called Rachel and Tori each another time, but still received no answer. He was sitting at the kitchen counter contemplating calling hospital emergency rooms when the door to the apartment opened. Declan looked up and saw Rachel walking in. He looked at the time on his phone... 5:12.

He did not say anything about the time. He was happy that she was okay... at least she looked like she was. "Don't worry, I am not going to go off. I am just happy that you are okay. When I got home from work and neither of you were here, I started thinking that something happened to one, or both of you." He actually gave Rachel a little smile, which he knew would have her totally confused.

"I started to think that you had to take Tori to the hospital, but I knew that you would have called me, or at least answered my calls if that was the case." Declan saw Rachel take her phone out and look at it. She apologized for not answering or returning his calls. She said her phone was on silent and she did not feel it vibrate. "Don't worry about it Rach. I am just happy you are okay."

Rachel asked about Tori. Declan said that he had not heard from her, but now that Rachel was home he was not really worried about her. "If she was going to the hospital, I know she would have called you Rach. Not me, probably, because she knows I was against the treatment she went with, but I know she would have called you."

Walking over to Rachel, he gave her a kiss and said goodnight to her. After she had gone to her room, Declan sat back at the counter in the kitchen. After a while, he decided to make a pot of coffee. It was going to be a long day, and he would need the caffeine since he didn't sleep, and he doubted that he would sleep before having to go back in to work.

Sitting at the counter with a cup of coffee, Declan heard keys in the door. It was 6:53. He watched as Tori came walking into the apartment. She was obviously shocked that he was sitting there. Did she really think he would be in bed when he found out she wasn't there? All Declan could think of as he watched Tori enter was that she was doing "the walk of shame."

Declan didn't say a word to Tori. He stood up from the counter and went and poured himself another cup of coffee and then returned to where he had been sitting. This really was a new Declan. He couldn't believe it himself. The old Declan would have blown a gasket to see his "girlfriend" walking in at this hour having not told him where she was going to be. Now, he stayed composed. Perhaps he had resigned himself to just letting go.... letting go of Rachel..... letting go of Tori.

Tori started to say something. Declan held up his hand and shook his head.

 

[zydrate]

Tori was taken back when he held his hand up to stop her from talking. Why?

She could understand he was pissed but he didn't seem like it... in fact, he seemed calm. Too calm. Of course she knew how this all looked. And as much as she wanted to say something, she didn't. Instead, she just walked pass him and toward the room. Once she was in there, she found a set of clothes to change into. Although it was just a pair of leggings and a t-shirt, she just wanted to be out of what she was wearing all night.

Her stomach did a little flutter as she thought about all this. What the hell had she done? Sure, she hadn't slept with the guy but by not calling and then coming in at a godforsaken hour, it all looked really bad.

And to be truthful, if Declan were to toss her out on her ass because of this, she knew she would deserve it. But she knew he wouldn't do that to her... or would he? He seemed to have changed and to Tori, she wasn't sure if that was for the best... or the worst...

She walked back out into the kitchen, needing to get something to drink. Even though coffee sounded good right now, she really just needed water.

In the kitchen, she grabbed a bottle of water and opened it. Since she was up and with her head pounding, she knew she wouldn't go to bed any time soon. Right now, she just wanted to push this uneasiness between them out of the way and talk. As she took a drink from the bottle, and with Declan still sitting there, not saying anything, there was a knock at the door. What now?

Declan didn't move.. so Tori resigned herself to answer it. She looked out the peephole and inwardly groaned. She opened the door and stepped out, closing the door behind her.

"What are you doing here?" She asked in a hushed voice. The man, Mark, the man she had met last night and supposedly was nice enough to let her sleep on his sofa, was standing at the door.

He held up a pair of earrings, the ones she had been wearing the night before, "You left these behind and they looked expensive, so I thought I'd bring them to you."

She grabbed them from him, probably a little too roughly, "Thank you... now go.." she said and started to back up but stopped as she could feel someone... well, Declan, behind her. She only had to give a look at Mark and luckily he didn't push the matter. He just nodded and turned to leave. Tori didn't dare wait to watch him, instead she backed up and closed the door, locking it as she turned, only to come face to face with Declan.

As corny as it sounded, she told him, "Look, it's not what it looks like. I should have called to tell you where I was at but apparently, my new meds and alcohol don't mix. I had 2 beers, that was it. This guy I was talking to let me sleep on his couch. That's it. That's the truth D, you know I would never sneak around behind your back. I'm sorry."

What more was there to say? She just braced herself and looked at him...waiting for what was to come...?

 

[BeachBum25]

Declan listened to Tori as she tried to explain what had happened between her and the guy who just dropped off her earrings. He stayed calm, made no facial expressions and just listened to what she said did, or rather, did not happen. When she was finished, he turned around an went into the bedroom.

Packing a bag, Declan figured it would be better if he got a room in a hotel until he figured out what he was going to do. As he walked out of the bedroom with his bag, Declan saw Tori standing there looking at him. As hard as he tried, he just couldn't hold it in anymore. He wasn't going to explode, but he had to speak his mind.

"Your story is that you met a guy in a bar... got too drunk to make it home, despite the fact that Uber drivers are on the road 24/7.... went home with a guy, but slept on his couch and that is it. Yet, you left your earrings behind and the guy just happens to know where you live. That is what you you are going with... right?"

He did not wait for Tori to respond. He walked out of the apartment and decided that he would go to the hotel that was right around the corner from work. When he got to the counter, he talked to the woman and was able to work out a deal for a discounted rate for 5 nights. He figured that would give him some time to figure out what to do next.

After checking in, Declan went to the room and laid down on the bed. He was physically and mentally exhausted. As tired as he was, he couldn't sleep. He was mad. He was disappointed. He was frustrated. He was confused. The longer he laid in bed, the angrier he got.

Unable to fall asleep, Declan got up and went for a walk before going back to the hotel, showering and changing for work. He went in a little early. Everyone was surprised to see him. There wasn't many customers so he told a couple of the day shift bartenders that they could go home and he would cover for them, and he would let them have the tips until their regular shift was over.

Pouring himself into his work took Declan's mind off of what was going on between Tori and him. He was really happy when it got busy that night, and it looked like the after-hors night was going to be a lucrative one. He knew by the time he finished up tonight, he would go back to the hotel and crash and probably sleep until he had to come back to work tomorrow.

During a brief lull in making drinks and pouring beers Declan's mind wandered back to Tori. As he thought about it, he wondered if this was what she wanted. Why else would she be out at a bar? Why else would she go back to a guy's apartment? Why else would she give another guy her address?

Then, out of the corner of his eye something... no, someone... caught his attention. Looking toward the door he saw the guy that had come to the apartment.. the guy Tori had spent the night with. Now, Declan was convinced that this had been orchestrated by Tori... how else would this guy just happen to show up where Declan worked while he was working?

 

[zydrate]

She should have gone after him but Tori knew that Declan was being Declan. He was going to be stubborn and as much as she had wanted to argue his point, that no, it wasn't like that, she didn't say anything. Instead, she watched him walk out.

Then, the place was empty.

Tori was quiet as Rachel headed off to work 2 hours later. She hadn't asked about Declan and Tori assumed Rach figured he was asleep, since that was his usual routine.

She could cry at the fact that she might have just blown it with her boyfriend but Tori wasn't the crying type. She would give Declan his space and she wouldn't bug him until he was ready to come back... or throw her out. But she was determined to talk to him before he did any of that. Right now, it was best to just keep her distance.

***
Later that day, Tori was at her doctor's appointment. It was a biweekly appointment because of the trial drug and her presence was required.

All had gone good again. Her heart wasn't fighting as hard as it was when she had first been brought here, in fact, it seemed to be better... at least by 25%. She still had the pacemaker and well, until she could be guaranteed a heart transplant, her pacemaker would remain.

She looked at her phone and saw there were no calls or texts from Declan. She sighed and decided to then just let him have his space. She turned her phone off as she walked down the street to the apartment.

Thinking more about their relationship and the love... or lack of, Tori knew they were growing apart. Hell, Declan hadn't touched her or made love to her since that time back at his house. She had guessed it was probably because of her heart but now, well... maybe he just didn't want her anymore. She had turned out to be a lot of trouble for his little family.

Tori was so lost in her thoughts, she didn't hear her name being called... it wasn't until a hand was placed on her shoulder and she immediately grabbed the wrist of the person and then twisted it behind the person's back.

"Whoa! Whoa...Tori...it's me.."

Tori to her part, didn't let go, "Mark?!" She exclaimed and then let go eventually. "What are you doing here?!" She should have apologized but didn't.

Mark laughed and rubbed his shoulder, "Well... hello to you too. I was in the neighborhood and I--"

"Wait... I have to ask, how did you know where I lived?"

"You told me last night. You told me quite a lot last night. But don't worry... none of it seemed too personal."

Ugh, last night.. what the hell had she done? "Listen, thanks for bringing back my earrings but you didn't have to."

"Hey, I didn't mind. Actually, I was think we could go get something to eat later? Maybe out for one drink... at least for you." He smiled and chuckled a little bit. She felt her cheeks flush. What the hell else had she told him?

And the last thing she wanted to do was to have a repeat of last night. "Uhh... I'm going to have to pass. Thank you. In fact, last night was a mistake. I should have just gone home and now---" and now, Declan hadn't believed her that nothing had happened last night.

"Let me guess, the boyfriend didn't believe you? Well, I can speak to him if--"

"No! No, that's alright. Listen, thank you for the invite but I can't. I won't. Listen, don't come around anymore, OK? I'm not interested. I just want to go home and wonder how I can fix all I've messed up."

Mark looked at her for a moment and then nodded, "Are you sure? There's this place that supposed to be top secret. I thought we could go and have a drink and talk. Hell, you don't even have to drink, I'm sure they have soda, I--"

"No." Tori said firmly. "Please, no. Thank you. It was nice to meet you. Again, please don't come here anymore."

With that, Tori walked on until she was back at the loft and rushed in, locking the door behind her. She leaned against the door and took a deep breath.

***

Mark met his childhood friend had invited him to this place and as much as he had wanted Tori to be with him tonight, he knew the game. He was going to lay low for a bit and then see if she was still interested. It was a slow game but he was a patient man. He was used to getting his way.

The two friends were talking about old times and then the conversation had ended up on women. Todd was in the midst of a divorce when he asked his friend if he was dating anyone.

Shaking his head, Mark nursed his glass of scotch and shrugged, "There's this one I want to see again but she's playing hard to get and trust me, if you saw her ass, you'd see why I'm not going to stop until I get her into bed. Which I did have a chance to do last night but she was too drunk and well, even though I could have had her, I want to see how this plays out."

Todd just laughed, shaking his head, "Well, if she's not interested in you, then perhaps I can take a stab at it.... sort of like teamwork and what we did in college, right?"

 

[BeachBum25]

Watching the guy enter The Shillelagh, Declan saw him move to the bar. He was talking with another guy. Declan talked to Pat, who was bartending. Pat was working the end of the bar where the guy Tori had spent the night with was. "Listen, do me a favor Pat. See if you can get any info about the guy down there. You don't need to talk with him. Just listen and see if you can gain any information from what the two of them are talking about."

Pat agreed to what Declan asked. Declan went back to work. He didn't think the guy would recognize him; after all, he was focused on Tori and not on him when he brought Tori's earrings to the apartment. Since he didn't think the guy would know who he was, Declan did not limit his movements behind the bar, although, he didn't venture down to where the two guys were.

About an hour after they had talked, Pat made his way down to Declan. As Declan was drawing a Guinness, Pat stood next to him. "Most of their conversation is about sports. They can't believe how bad the Giants and Jets were. They love the Knicks. One of them is a Mets fan and one is a Yanks fan. Before they got into the sports talk, I did catch them talking about a woman, but all I caught was the one guy say something about teamwork like they did back in college."

Declan nodded and thanked Pat. "Keep it up if they stay around." Declan could feel his blood boiling. He didn't know for sure that they were talking about Tori, but he was pretty certain based on seeing the guy return Tori's earrings. All he could think about was how if this happened back at home both of these guys would end up with both legs broken followed by Declan stomping their balls. However, this wasn't back home. This was New York City, and it was not Declan's turf. He was a guest here, and he had to make sure that he stayed in favor with the local crew so that he could provide McShea with the information that was requested.

When they transitioned to after hours, the two guys stayed around. There were a lot of people hanging in tonight, so, Declan found himself really busy. One time that he and Pat came together in a moment of calm Pat shared that the two guys were still talking about sports, but had talked about a woman. Pat said that the one guy said he definitely wanted to see the woman again. "He said a couple of times that he loves her ass."

Pat noticed Declan's reaction. "You okay D? Do you know this woman they are talking about?" Declan shook his head a little. "No, I have no idea who they are talking about. A woman that would hook up with a pig like that isn't someone that I want to know." Pat nodded to Declan, but he wasn't convinced that Declan was okay.

About 30 minutes later one of the managers pulled Declan aside and said he wanted to talk to him. Walking into the office behind the bar, the manager asked Declan what was up. Declan shrugged his shoulders. "What do you mean?"

"Declan, you have been working here long enough that I can tell that something is wrong. You look frustrated, but you look like you are holding it in so that you don't explode. Pat even noticed something was up, and Pat is clueless about a lot of things. He told me you were asking about a couple of guys at the end of the bar."

Shaking his head, Declan was upset with Pat for sharing. He wondered if anyone could just stay quiet and keep things to themselves. "I am pretty sure that my girlfriend, fiancee, ex.... whatever she is ... hooked up with the one guy last night. I have never noticed him in here before, so, I thought it was odd that he would show up tonight. Pat shared that he thought he heard the two of them talking about teamwork with a woman. Makes me think they are talking about her. I am just trying to keep my cool, which is not easy for me. Back home, I probably already would have dragged them outside, but I am a guest here and would never do anything to bring any problems."

"Listen Declan. The one guy is a NYPD detective. He is a real asshole. Actually, he is a pretty regular customer. Usually comes in with a woman.... never the same woman though. He is a real cunt hound.... loves to play the field. Always looking for the next notch in his belt. That is probably why you haven't taken notice of him. I don't know the other guy. Just play it cool for the rest of the night."

The manager patted Declan on the back. "Don't worry about it Declan. We have your back here. You have been great for us. We will take care of you."

 

[zydrate]

Tori did her best to busy herself the rest of the day. She had done laundry and had gone grocery shopping. Even if it seemed like a lot, she was still done with everything by 2PM. It was quiet in the apartment. She looked at her phone for the millionth time and saw that Declan had called. Or messaged her. Well, she wasn't going to do the same. He was the one that walked out.

She had considered to just go ahead and pack up and go home. She had already felt like she had wasted a lot of Delcan's time and money. He was concerned about her but wouldn't listen to her about what had happened the other night... nothing had happened. At least that's what she was told. She didn't feel any different. The only thing was the way that guy had shown up when she was done with her follow up appointment...

With a sigh, Tori didn't want to think about it right now. She went to the bedroom and lay down. She was still tired from everything and wanted to take a nap before starting dinner... it was then she realized she would only need to make dinner for herself... damnit...

***
It was after 4pm when Tori was awaken by the sound of her cell. It was ringing and she quickly sat up, grabbing it, not looking at who was calling.

It was her doctor she had just seen that morning...

They wanted to run a few more tests and needed her to return the next day. Sure, it wasn't like she was busy or anything. Tori had the urge to say no and that she had decided to go home. Perhaps they could monitor her with her doctor back home. Even though she was feeling a lot better since on this trial drug, she knew couldn't do much as far as returning to work full time. At least not yet.

But no, she didn't say anything. Instead she just agreed to come back tomorrow.

***
It was early in the morning after a quick shower, Tori was getting ready when someone knocked on the door. It was a little after 6am and she didn't know anyone would be out and about with deliveries this early. But then again, it was NY. It was just probably a lost delivery guy or something.

Tori grabbed her jacket and opened the door.

It was him. Mark.

Was he wearing the same thing from the other day?

Tori made a face, "What do you want."

"I think we got off on the wrong foot that other night and I just wanted to see if we could start over."

He speech was slurred and Tori just shook her head. "You're drunk... figures. Listen Mark, once again, I'm not interested now move, I have to go."

"Let me drive you."

"No." She moved passed him and locked the door before walking off...with Mark close behind her, still talking.

"How about we meet up after you're done? You can meet a friend of mine!"

Tori glanced back and gave him one last look before walking off toward the street where she'd catch the subway. He wasn't following her but he was watching her and that creeped her out.

 

[BeachBum25]

Declan was even more upset now than he was before. Tori had spent the night with a guy that just plays the field. He thought he knew her better than that. Maybe it was all for the best. Nah, he really didn't think that. He really cared for Tori, but his intensity for trying to help her always seemed to make her angry with him.

He worked the rest of the night; constantly looking down at the guy Tori had spent the night with. He wanted to hurt him..... bad, but he knew his place, especially here in New York City. He had to trust the local people. He was told that they would take care of him, he had to trust them.

The next morning after waking up, Declan called Flannery. He wanted Flannery and McShea to know what was going on. He shared with him that the guy was an NYPD detective. He also shared that he wanted to take the guy into an alley and break his fingers and bust a knee cap. Declan told Flannery that the manager had said they would take care of it. He was hoping that McShea would be able to make sure that it was taken care of it. Flannery said he would make a phone call and told Declan not to do anything unless he heard different from him or McShea.

At least 20 times that day, Declan picked up his phone to call or text Tori. Each time he put it back down without going through with it. "Why should I call her. She was the one who spent the night with some guy. She should be the one calling me." Still, he wanted to hear her voice, or at least know that she was alright.

Work that night was uneventful. After work, he stopped at a coffee shop and sat for a while. What was he going to do with her? Declan decided to take the initiative. He got 2 large coffees to go and 2 bagels and decided to drive by the apartment and talk with Tori. As he was pulling down the street, he saw Tori walking away from the apartment. Then he saw the guy standing outside the building. "What the fuck is he doing here? Did he...? Did she?"

Declan made a U-turn and pulled down the block and up next to Tori as she was about to reach the subway entrance. He rolled down the passenger side window. "Excuse me."

 

[zydrate]

Tori was lost in thoughts about why the hell this guy was so persistent with her... The worst thing so far was that he knew where she lived and that sucked. She had her earbuds in and was trying to concentrate on the song playing, trying to clear her mind of that man. All she wanted to do was think about this sudden appointment that her doctor required her to come in so early. Was something wrong? He didn't seem too concerned, in fact---

That's when she felt it... she felt like she was being watched... reaching up, she removed one earbud and waited but continued to walk. In her jacket pocket was a serrated blade, sheathed in leather case. She always carried it and always had it within reach each time she walked in the city.

She was just about to approach the subway entrance when she heard a familiar voice and her stomach did a little flip...

Declan.

Stopping, she turned to his voice and saw him in his car, his window down, as if waiting for her to get in.

As much as she was ready to get in, she was still upset with him just walking out on her, "What do you want?"

Before he could answer, in the background she heard a car screech to a halt... she didn't look and ignored it. She waited for Declan to speak but of course, before he could, that damn guy walked up to Tori, placing himself between her and Declan.

Tori saw red. Who the hell did this guy think he was?!

"What the hell are you doing?"

"Me? You're being harassed so I'm just making sure you're OK!"

"Whatever! Quit following me and quit coming around! God, just leave me alone!" With her yelling, she knew she was causing a scene but at that moment she didn't care. She was getting tired of this guy...

 

[BeachBum25]

As Declan started to say something to Tori, he heard tires screeching, and before he knew it, the guy was standing between him and Tori. He started talking to Tori about how he was just making sure she was okay because she was being harassed.

Declan jumped out of the car and headed toward Tori, as Tori yelled at the guy to leave her alone. As Declan approached the guy, he looked toward Tori. "Tor, get in the car. I will take you wherever you are going."

He knew that Tori would probably be upset with him for telling her what to do, but he wanted time to talk to her and try to fix some things between them.

As he waited for Tori to go to the car, Declan walked up to the guy. He wreaked of alcohol. Declan got up real close to him, and spoke to him in a voice that only the guy could hear.

"I know who you are. I know what you do. I also know how you treat women. This is one woman that is off limits to you, and also off limits to you and your friend. Yes, I know what you were planning, and let me tell you "Detective" there aren't enough cops in the NYPD to protect you if you think about harming her in any way. Oh, and that is not a threat. It is a promise."

Turning around to go back to the car, Declan looked back over his shoulder at the guy. "Do yourself a favor... don't doubt me and my ability to follow through on my promise."

Then he turned back; looking at Tori.

 

[zydrate]

As much as she wanted to argue, Tori did as Declan said. She got into the passenger's side of his car and belted herself in. She looked over at the men and wished she could've heard what D was saying. But all in all, she knew it wasn't good.

Perfect. The last thing she needed was something like this turning into some incident. Luckily, the guy stepped back and gave Tori a wink after Declan turned back to the car. The cop's attention quickly shot back to D when he said something more to the guy.

"What did you promise?" Tori asked as they drove away. He didn't answer but Tori had a good idea of what went on out there. She looked back to the street they were on, "I'm going to the hospital," she told him, "It's nothing bad, just a few more blood tests I need to get done today..."

They drove in silence before Tori spoke up, "I didn't need your protection back there...I could've handled it." But could she have?

Still more silence. "You still think I slept with him, don't you? With your reaction the other day, I'm just going to say this once D, I don't sleep around, you know that. And the fact that you left without hearing what I have to say just shows how much you trust me."

 

[BeachBum25]

Listening to Tori talk as he started driving her toward the hospital, Declan's mind was racing. He was starting to wonder if he needed to handle this on his own. If he did, however, it would ruin things here in New York and probably also back at home. It would definitely mean he would need a new start somewhere.

When she said she could have handled the situation without his help, Declan looked at Tori. "Trust me, I am not sure you could have. I know you can take care of yourself, but you don't know what this guy is capable of or what he is up to.?"

He wondered if he should share the information that he had on the guy with Tori. He decided he would, in his own way.

"Tori, this guy whose apartment you spent the night in, who brought your earrings back the next morning, this guy that is a NYPD detective is scum of the earth. Before you ask me, no, I did not go out seeking information on him. He came into the bar the other night with a friend. Has he mentioned his friend to you? He was talking about you to his friend. He was talking about how he was determined to get you, and how he was willing to share you with his friend.... just like they shared when they were in college together."

He paused for a second to catch his breath. He wanted to go on about how reckless Tori had been and about how much danger she put herself in. Declan decided that lecturing Tori on that would be counter-productive. He figured; well, at least he hoped she understood what could have happened to her.

"Tori, what was I supposed to think when you came in doing the "walk of shame." Then this guy comes knocking on our door and returning your earrings. Maybe I did jump to conclusions, but you have to admit that the evidence I was presented with was pretty damning. I know now, that nothing happened, but I am still upset that you put yourself in that situation."

Instead of simply dropping Tori off at the hospital, Declan pulled into the parking garage. He saw Tori give him a look. "I am going with you. I want to make sure that I here what they have to say. I want to know why they have to do more blood tests. I am still not convinced that this radical new treatment is really any good."

After parking the car, Declan got out and walked with Tori into the hospital. He knew that she was pissed at him still, but he was going to stay with her and support her. When they got to the lab, Declan was told he had to wait in the waiting room while they drew the blood. He was not happy about it, and let the staff know about it. It wasn't until Tori told him to stop that Declan backed down.

While waiting for Tori, Declan called Flannery to give him the latest. "This guy is dangerous. I don't want to mess things up, but unless something happens doon, I am going to fuck this guy up... bad." Flannery promised that it was going to be taken care of. "It is in the works D. You wait and see."

 

[zydrate]

Tori didn't want to argue with Declan about his thoughts on her treatment. They had gone over it time and time again about why Tori wanted to do it. She wanted to bring up the fact that since the treatment started, she had no attacks. At first, the new trial meds had made her exhausted but she had adapted to it... her doctors in the trial had said she was doing good and responding to the meds.

So why couldn't D see that? Why couldn't he be glad for her?

Then she listened to what he was saying about that guy... that cop. Of course, Tori knew he was a cop but that's all she had known about him. She had wanted to say that her trial meds probably reacted to the 2 beers she had had. Because never, never had beer affected her like that.

As for the rest of the news about the cop? That hit Tori like a ton of bricks. But why was this guy fixated on her? Was it because he didn't 'score' with her? What happened that night? She knew for a fact that he didn't do anything to her. It was something she had felt deep down. And also, the fact that Declan could even assume that she had cheated on him, despite the look of things, well, that hurt Tori.

She hadn't said anything to him for the rest of the ride to the apartment, Tori went over that night. 2 beers. That was it.

It was still early in the morning and she assumed Declan would just drop her off and go wherever it was he was staying at.... probably another woman's place... (if he thought that of her, then she could think that of him....)

She was surprised when he followed her into the apartment. He stayed extremely close to her and had her wait inside of the apartment by the door as he swept the place. She sighed, "Come on Declan... don't you think you're overreacting?"

Before he could answer, Tori's phone rang. It was one of her doctors...

The conversation lasted a few minutes... Declan was still checking out the place. With purpose, Tori walked to the bedroom, brushing past Declan. She saw the confusion in his eyes but she ignored it. When she reached the bedroom, she immediately dug out her gun and checked to see if it was loaded. It was, of course. She shoved it in the waistband of her jeans and walked out of the bedroom. She had just reached the door and opened it when Declan closed it, asking her what was wrong.

"Move D..." her voice shook and she fought to steady it. "I said move because that asshole needs to die!"

She had explained to Declan that the man... that cop, had drugged her drink but her meds interacted with it so it didn't work. His plans were ruined because of the trial meds. But then again... the doctor said because of the drugs in her system, she was off the trial...

All in all... that cop was going to die tonight.

 

[BeachBum25]

Declan did not trust the guy, so, he went into the apartment first and was checking it out. To many it may have seemed like overkill, but he was going to make sure that this asshole didn't do anything to harm Tori.

He heard Tori's phone ring, but did not hear the conversation. He was busy checking each room, including closets and cabinets. As he walked out of one room, Tori went flying past him. It was obvious she was on a mission.

Watching as she took out her gun, checked it and then placed it in the waistband of her jeans, Declan started to say something, but Tori told him to move. He didn't and Tori told him that the guy needed to die.

Staying right where he was, Declan got an explanation from Tori. The guy had spiked her drink that night. In Declan's eyes, that was enough for him to die. Then she said that she was off the trial. As much as Declan had been unsure of the trial, he had supported her throughout it. Yes, he told her he disagreed in the beginning, but it was Tori's decision. Now some asshole NYPD detective had drugged her trying to get into Tori's pants and she was out. Not only did the guy risk Tori's health and safety in the moment that he had drugged her, he risked her life because of her ongoing health condition which could no longer be treated as part of the trial.

"Tori, I agree with you, he is going to die. You, however, are not going to be the one to do it. You are not going to kill a cop and spend the rest of your life in jail. I will take care of him." Declan knew that Tori would be mad at him. She always got mad at him when he tried to do things for her. Tori thought that Declan trying to help her was a sign that he thought she was incapable of doing things for herself when, in fact, it was just Declan trying to help and support someone that he really cared for.... loved.

"Come on Tor. Let me deal with it. He is going to pay, but let's do it in a way that you don't get in trouble. Please. Just do me a favor and sit down and let me make a phone call." Declan watched Tori. He knew she wouldn't sit down. He knew that he would have to keep an eye on her or she would be gone.

Taking out his phone, Declan called Flannery and told him about the situation with Tori and the guy drugging her. "Either he is taken care of TONIGHT, or I will take him out first thing tomorrow morning. I have been a good soldier for you. I have done everything you wanted me to do while I have been here. This guy needs to pay."

Disconnecting the call, Declan looked at Tori. "Give it until the morning. If he is still alive then, we will take care of him together."

 

[zydrate]

Give it until morning… as much as Tori didn’t want to, she nodded in agreement. Right now, she wasn’t sure what she was feeling. She knew if she went after that cop, Declan would follow and that could ruin things for him and those back home. Or worse yet, it could get D killed.

Tori wanted to cry or scream. But that wasn’t how she usually handled things. Yes, she was pissed, but so was Declan. Without a word, she took her gun and set it on the counter. Going to the cabinet where she kept her meds, she opened it and saw she had enough for another 2 weeks. At least there was that. These were the only thing keeping her alive and preventing her from having any more episodes before she was to get a heart transplant… yes that would be ideal but how could she guarantee she could get one within the month?

Damn, everything was a mess.

She heard D asked about Rachel. Tori told him that she was staying at her boyfriend’s place until things cooled down between herself and D. It was for the best because it kept her out of harm's way if something were to happen here at the apartment.

“I’m sorry D…” Tori said, “Sorry this happened and how stupid it was for me to go out and not think I someone could do that to me… I know he’s not entirely to blame and that I should have stayed home but… I was bored. It was just—you were working all the time and Rach was out having fun. I just wanted us to do more but I knew you were working and…” and what? Tori wondered. She had gotten them into this mess and now—well… “I understand if this breaks us up for good. It seems all you’ve done since you’ve met me is take care of me in some way or another. And I know you’re doing it because you care, and I also know you think I don’t appreciate it but I do. I’m just not used to being taken care of the way you do for me.

 

[BeachBum25]

He had to admit that he was surprised that Tori was so willing to agree to see how things played out tonight and wait until the morning before trying to do anything drastic. Surprised, yet happy, because it gave her a few hours to settle down. Either that, or to get more pissed off and go storming out if nothing happened to the guy.

Walking over to Tori, Declan took her in his arms and listened as she rambled a little. He heard her say that she understood if all of this broke them up for good. Declan heard her say about how he has always taken care of her in one way or another. He wasn't surprised when he heard Tori say that she just wasn't used to being taken care of the way that he took care of her.

"Tori, this only ends us for good if that is what you really want. It certainly isn't what I want. I know I owe you an apology. Now isn't the right time to give it to you because it will seem like I am doing it just because of the information you just received from the doctor. I will apologize appropriately at some point after we are finished with all of this." He kissed the top of her head and then looked into her eyes.

"The fact that anyone tries to hurt you is going to set me off. If it wasn't for the situation we are in, the guy would already be dead, because I would have made sure you stayed here and I would have gone out and done it myself. I have been promised it will be taken care of. The fact that we are letting others take care of it will really work out for us in the future. It will put us in a situation that whatever treatment you want or need we will be able to afford it."

Declan went over the details of how he was going to be responsible for the Saltwater after McShea took it over. It was a reason he was staying away, and also a reason he was spending so much time working here in New York. he was watching everything that was going on, and making sure he learned how to run Saltwater, or whatever he wanted to name it, efficiently. "All the hours I am working here Tor, I am doing it so that you can get healthy. That way, you will be okay to get your business back up and running and you can get whatever treatment you need. Also, I have made a few connections here that will make sure that, if you elect to have the heart transplant, you will go right to the top of the list."

 

[zydrate]

On the of the list? Tori took a step back, the surprise evident on her face. How...? There were no words to what he was saying. Instead, Tori wrapped her arms around Declan's shoulders and buried her face into his neck. She just wanted to hold him close and not let go. She had wanted to know why he was doing this for her but of course, why ask that? She knew why. It was love.

Even with this hiccup with this damn detective trying to get to her and nearly ruining things between herself and Declan, Tori wouldn't have stopped Declan from killing the guy. Hell, she was going to do it herself if he hadn't stopped her. The gun was now resting on the kitchen island and Tori didn't let go of Declan...

Only she had to when her phone started to ring. Pulling back from Declan, she grabbed her phone from her pocket...

It was the detective.

She showed the phone to Declan and that's when he snatched it from her, answering with a not so subtle greeting....