Back to Fan FictionThis is my first attempt at a story, so please let me know what you think. This story takes place sometime after 'The Morning After,' but before 'Call Me Fran.'
by
Janice
(JaniceL@aol.com)
It was Saturday night in the Sheffield house. Fran was upstairs getting ready to go out with Val, Max was tying up some loose ends in the office, Niles was out with his friends from the Butlers association, and the kids were out with their respective friends. Fran and Val had made plans to check out a new singles club that had just opened called the Dance Box. Meanwhile Max had hoped that he and Fran could spend some time together watching a movie.
Fran was making her way downstairs when Max came walking out of his office with a video in hand.
"Oh, Miss Fine, you nice this evening, going out?"
"Thank you Mr. Sheffield. Yea Val and I are going out."
Just then the doorbell rang. "oh, that must be Val."
"Hi Fran, ya ready?"
"Yep, just a sec." she turned to Max, "bye Mr. Sheffield, see ya later."
"Bye Miss Fine, Val, have a good time."
They turned and closed the door.
‘Well, I guess I’m alone again tonight.’ Max thought to himself.
"Wow, this place is great Fran. Would ya look at all of these guys?"
"Oh Val I know. Let’s get a table."
They found a tall table just to the right of the dance floor.
"Val, look, those two guys are coming over here."
The two guys came over and introduced themselves as David and Jake. David was tall, over 6 foot, muscular build, with short dark hair and blue eyes. Jake was slightly shorter, medium build, had longer shoulder length blonde hair.
Jake asked Val to dance. They moved to the dance floor, leaving Fran and David to get to know each other.
"Fran, can I get you a drink?"
"Oh I don’t know David, I’m not too good with alcohol. How bout water?"
"Sure, what ever you’d like. I’ll be right back."
Meanwhile, Val and Jake were hitting it off great. They made their way back to the table and continued to talk among themselves. David came back with Fran’s water and a beer for himself. They chatted some more when Val and Jake announced that they were going to leave, and get some coffee.
Val pulled Fran aside before they left, "Fran, Jake is great! I’ll call you in the morning to let you know all the details. Good luck David!"
"Thanks, bye Val!"
Fran returned to her table with David. "So, where are they off too?"
"Oh, they are going for some coffee."
"Coffee sounds good, would you like to go and get something? It is getting rather loud in here."
"Ok, sure, where too?"
David stood and took her hand, "I know just the place."
Hand in hand they walked out of the club to David’s car, parked just down the street. They stopped at a coffee shop not far from the club.
"Fran, what’d you say we take this to go, I know the perfect place?"
"Sure David, that sounds great." ‘is this guy great or what. Already makin’ the moves!’
David drove around town for a while when they ended up on the roof of an empty parking structure. He parked and escorted Fran out of the car and helped her sit on the hood, next to him, facing the view of the city.
"David, the view is phenomenal up here."
"I know. It’s perfect." David looked deeply into Fran’s eyes. "Fran, you’re beautiful." He slowly moved toward her and began kissing her. Fran didn’t object and was intoxicated by his passion. Together they laid back on the hood of the car. A few minutes later David was on top of Fran, beginning to get aggressive.
Sensing his aggression, "Um, David I think we should stop." She was trying to push him off, but he was too strong.
"No, Fran, I don’t think so."
Fran was struggling to get loose when she heard his zipper.
"David no.."
"Fran we’re doing this, cooperate or not, it’s your choice."
"NO!" she tried to kick herself loose.
"Relax Fran, don’t make it worse than it is."
He placed his knees on her legs, pinning her down. With one hand he pinned her arms above her head, the other he ripped her dress exposing her shivering body.
"No" she screamed, "No!" She was getting weak and was unable to fight back.
She just lay there crying and begging him to stop. The harder she tried to fight back, the more aggressive he got.
Meanwhile across town Max was just settling down for bed when he heard Niles come in.
"Evening sir, I didn’t see you there."
"Hello Niles. How was your evening?"
"Good sir, where is Miss Fine, I thought you were going to spend the evening with her?"
"She went out with Val."
"Sorry Sir."
"That’s alright old boy. I was on my way upstairs. Good night."
"Good night sir."
Niles shut of the light and turned in himself.
The next morning breakfast was quiet. Fran had not yet arrived home.
Maggie was the first to ask, "Dad, where’s Fran?"
"Well Margaret she went out Val last night, perhaps she stayed there?"
Just then Niles entered the dinning room, "Sir, I’m not so sure, that was Ms. Toriello on the phone just now. She was calling for Fran. She seemed a bit concerned when I told her she didn’t arrive home last night."
A faint smile passed Brighton and Maggie’s face, thinking that Fran found someone the night before. A look of worry became Max. It wasn’t like Fran to just stay out without notifying anyone. ‘something must be wrong’ he thought. Max quickly exited breakfast to his office. He decided to call Sylvia before trying the authorities.
It was around noon on Sunday when a cleaning crew consisting of a sweeper vehicle and a maintenance truck entered the parking structure. They worked their way up floor by floor sweeping and picking up the week’s trash. It took them just over two hours to make it to the top floor where they found a badly beaten, unconscious body. Fran’s body. The cleaners immediately stopped what they were doing, careful not to disturb anything, since this was now a crime scene. One dialed EMS while the other checked for a pulse and identification. Her purse was gone. It took the police and paramedics 10 minutes to respond. After a quick snapshot of her condition, they loaded her up and took her to the hospital.
After a dead end with Sylvia, Max decided to call the police. They told him that she probably went home with someone and would probably be home any minute. He assured them that this was not the case. After much begging and persuasion, Officer Jones, finally took down some information, including Fran’s description and last know whereabouts. Max sank into his chair, "please let her be alright."
The officer at the scene called Fran’s description in over his radio. Officer Jones was eating his lunch when he heard the familure description. He began shuffling through some papers on his desk until he came across the scrap he had doodled some info down on a few hours back.
"That’s her, Fran Fine. That Sheffield guy was right."
Max jumped sky high when the phone rang. "Hello! Yes, hello Officer Jones. You did! Oh my..alright, I’ll be right there. Thank you!" he slammed the phone down. "NILES!" He ran out to meet the family in the living room.
"Sir was that, have they found anything?"
He was careful what to say, not to alarm the children, "Yes, that was Officer Jones with the NYPD, and they have found someone that matches Miss Fine’s description, badly beaten. I am going to go and identify her."
"I’ll get the car." Niles ran out the door.
"Dad, what did they say?" Brighton asked.
"Well son, I’m not really sure what to say. Officer Jones said that they had found a woman, badly beaten, fitting Miss Fine’s description. She is unconscious and doesn’t have any identification. I am going to go and try to confirm that is her."
"Dad, promise to call us when you find out?"
"Of course I will. I’ve got to go." Max quickly ran out to meet Niles with the car.
Max arrived at the hospital about 30 minutes after Officer Jones called him. He ran right to the ER Desk to get some information.
"Excuse me?"
A young girl looked up at him from behind the counter, "Can I help you?"
"Yes, I received a call from Officer Jones of the NYPD to identify a friend."
"Just a moment." She disappeared down the hall where a gentleman in a suite was standing. Max saw her speaking to the officer and motioning back to him. She returned with the Detective.
"This is Detective Manning, he’ll take you back."
"Thank you." He followed the officer down the hall. They stopped outside a door that said Exam Room 3.
He began to talk, "Now Mr.??"
"Sheffield, Maxwell Sheffield."
"I want to warn you, she looks pretty bad."
"What happened?"
"Well sir, it appears she was raped and badly beaten. She was unconscious when we found her. Since we brought her in, she has slipped into a coma."
Maxes heart fell. "Do you have any leads on who did it?"
"Sir, I need you to formally identify her before I can discuss any specifics." He motioned toward the door.
Max took a deep breath and slowly pushed the door open. He couldn’t believe what lay before him. His precious Miss Fine. She lay there motionless. It hardly looked like her at all. Her hair was flat and she didn’t have any make up on, except for the puffy black and blue bruised splotches. Her wrist was wrapped in an ace bandage and she had a couple of bandages on her face and neck. The room was quiet with the exception of the heart monitor. He took a seat next to her bed and took her hand in his. He felt tears well up in his eyes. "Miss Fine, who would ever do such a thing to you? Believe me, we will find him."
Max heard a tap at the door. He turned to see Detective Manning motion him into the hall. "So, Mr. Sheffield, do you recognize her?"
Max took a hanker chief from his pocket and wiped his eyes. "Yes. Her name is Fran Fine."
"How do you know Miss Fine?"
"She’s my Nanny, and" Max thought for a moment, "and a close friend."
"You’re Nanny? Does she have any family?"
"Yes, I wanted to be sure it was her before I called them."
"I would suggest you call them."
"Like I asked before, do you have any idea who did this to her?"
"We have a few loose ends we’re working on. Do you know who Miss Fine was out with last night?"
"Actually she went out with her friend, Val Toriello. They went out to a new club um…the Dance Box I believe."
"Do you know how I can reach this Val Toriello?"
"Um yes, I will call home for her number if you’d like?"
"You’re cooperation would be appreciated sir."
Max gave Officer Manning Val’s phone number and back to sit with Fran until Sylvia and the children arrived.
Val came to the hospital as soon as Detective Manning called her. She told him step by step everything that happened the night before, up until her and Jake left Fran and David. She was also able to give a detail description David.
"Thank You Ms. Toriello, we are going to get an APB out on him."
Max sat by Fran’s side for the rest of the evening holding her hand in his. "Oh Miss Fine, come one, wake up. I hate to see you like this. Val gave the police a description of that monster who….." He rested his forehead on their hands. "Miss Fine…Fran. I know I have drug my feet around my feelings for you, and I’m sorry. If only I had opened up to you in London….if only I hadn’t taken back the thing. I really meant it when I said it, I was just scared." Tears were slowly trickling down his face. "oh Fran, I’m so sorry about this. I can’t help but believe it is partially my fault. You shouldn’t have been out looking for some guy, you should have been out with me. I am so sorry Fran." Max felt a hand on his shoulder. It was Niles.
"Sir, I hate to interrupt, but Detective Manning is asking for you."
"Thank you Niles, I’ll be right out."
Niles turned for the door but paused half way, "Sir, don’t blame yourself sir, sometimes bad things happen to good people."
Max smiled faintly at Niles. He stood up and gently placed a kiss on Fran’s forehead. "I love you Fran." And slowly made his way out to the hall way.
"Any news Detective?"
"Actually yes, Mr. Sheffield, there is."
"Did you get him?"
"We think yes. An officer in New Jersey pulled over a car for a routine traffic stop. When he ran the plates, he found it was the assailant’s. After calling for back up, he stalled a bit longer and when he went to present him with the ticket back up arrived. After searching the car they found Miss Fine’s purse tucked under the front seat. The purse and the DNA samples we pulled from Miss Fine’s body should be enough to charge him."
"So what do we do now?"
"Honestly Mr. Sheffield, let us handle this guy. We got him, don’t worry about him. You and your family," he motioned toward the waiting room, "should stay strong and positive to encourage Miss Fine’s full recovery."
Max reached out to shake his hand, "thank you very much." He turned toward the waiting room. He had to share the news.
The next couple of days came and went with out any real changes in Fran’s condition. Her bruises were healing, but she still hadn’t woken up. Someone always stayed with her. Sylvia, Max, Val, and Niles all took shifts. The doctors thought it best that she have someone she would recognize around when she woke.
After spending the day with the children, Max went to take his turn by Fran’s side. He quietly let himself in. He found Sylvia reading her an article out of People. She looked up to acknowledge him.
"Any change Sylvia?"
She replied sadly, "No."
"Why don’t you go on home and get some rest, I’m going to stay with her tonight."
"Ok, call me if…"
He interrupted her. "You’ll be the first to hear."
She gathered her things, kissed Fran’s cheek, and slowly went toward the door, "Good night Mr. Sheffield."
"Good night Sylvia."
Max pulled his jacket off and took his usual position beside her, scooping her hand in his.
"So, how are you this evening Fran? The children miss you terribly. They want to visit, but you know ICU has rules." He tried to do as the Doctors told him and try to have general conversation with her but couldn’t. He wanted her to wake so badly. He wanted the whole nightmare to be over. He kissed her hand and rests his head on her stomach. "Oh Fran, please wake up, come back to us. We all miss you so much….I miss you. No matter what everyone says, I still think this is all my fault. I should have just told you…..I should have just told you that I love you. I’m empty without you." Tears welled up in his eyes as he lay there listening to the soft sounds of her breathing. He allowed himself to become hypnotized by the soft sounds and quickly fell asleep.
Around 3:00 in the morning, Max was startled when he woke to someone caressing head. He opened his eyes to find Fran staring back to him. He jumped in shock.
"Oh Fran, you’re awake!"
She spoke softly, nearly a horse whisper, "What happened to Miss Fine?"
Max smiled. "I decided that it was too formal for us."
She looked around and realized her whereabouts. A look or fright crossed her face. "What happened?"
Max wasn’t sure how to answer her question. "Do you remember anything? What is the last thing you can recall?"
"I remember being at home with you. You had a video in you’re hand when…when Val got there. We were going out."
"That’s the last you remember?"
"Yeah, how did I end up here?"
Max didn’t know if her should tell her what happened or let her remember.
"Well Fran…you were found unconscious Sunday afternoon."
She had a look of confusion, "what day is it?"
"It’s Wednesday night."
"What do you mean I was found? What happened to me?"
"Um..you were found unconscious. You had been beaten badly. Do you remember anything?"
She slowly brought her hand to her cheek and winced with pain. "No. The last thing I remember was going out with Val." She started to cry.
Max sat beside her and embraced her. "Oh, Fran, everything is going to be alright."
"But how Mr. Sheffield, I can’t remember anything."
"You will Darling, but in the meantime, why so formal, call me Max!"
She smiled faintly.
"Now listen, let me go call your mother to tell her you’re up and get the doctor so he can come in and check on you."
"Ok."
Max made his way out of Fran’s room.
The next day Fran was moved from ICU into a private room. The children were finally allowed to come and visit her. During their visit, there was a knock at the door. Fran’s doctor and Detective Manning entered.
"I hate to interrupt, but Detective Manning would like to speak with Miss Fine." Said the doctor.
Everyone said their goodbyes and made their way to the door. Fran spoke up, "Max, will you please stay?"
"Of course I will." He sat down beside her on the bed and wrapped his arm around her shoulders.
Detective Manning pulled up a chair near the side of her bed and took out a file. "I’m glad to see you’re feeling better Miss Fine." He started.
"Thank you detective."
"Miss Fine, what can you tell me about last Saturday night?"
She swallowed deeply. "I went out to a club with my friend Val."
"What happened at the club?"
"Val and I were dancing and ….that’s all I remember. The next thing I knew I woke up here."
He began shuffling through some papers in his file. He held up a mug shot. "Have you ever seen this man before?"
Fran studied the picture. "Um..that is Jake. He was at the club….Val left with him."
"Yes Fran, that is correct. Ms. Toriello and Mr. Johnson left the club and went out for coffee." He pulled out another photo. "What did you do after they left?"
Fran thought for a minute. She looked at Max in confusion. He held her hand in comfort. "I don’t know."
Detective Manning pulled out another photo. "Ok, Fran, do you recognize this man?"
Fran quietly studied the photo. Suddenly she remembered. Tears filled her eyes. "oh my….he….I…." She buried her face in Max’s chest.
He gently caressed her back. "Fran, It’s going to be alright."
"Miss Fine, do you recognize this man?"
She slowly looked up. "That was David….we went for a drive….and then he….he…he." She began sobbing again in Max’s chest.
"He what Miss Fine?"
Sobbing, "He parked on the roof of a garage. We got out to look at the stars when he started ….forcing himself on me….I tried to fight back but I couldn’t. He pinned me down on the hood of the car…is he still out there?"
"Miss Fine, don’t worry, he’s already in custody. He is going to pay for what he did to you. I’m sorry I had to press your memory like this, but I needed a statement from you." He gathered his papers and got up to leave.
"Detective, how did you find him?"
"You have Ms. Toriello to thank for that. She was able to give us a description of him and his car. A patrol man pulled him over and then found your purse in his floor." He saw the sadness and fear in her eyes. "Now relax Miss Fine, don’t worry about him, and concentrate on your recovery. Goodbye Miss Fine, Mr. Sheffield." The doctor and detective exited leaving Fran and Max embraced on the bed.
"Oh Fran, everything is going to be alright. I’ll be right here with you."
"Thank you Max…How did you know what happened?"
"Well, Sunday morning when you didn’t show up for breakfast, we figured that you stayed with Val, until she called for you. I got rather concerned so I called your mother to see if you were there. Then I called the police. They laughed at me until a couple of hours later you were found." He stopped to see her reaction. She rested her head on his chest sobbing softly.
"The detective said that my purse was in his car?"
"Yes well, when I called the police I gave them your description, when they found a Jane Doe, the officer who took my complaint heard and noticed the similarities. He called me to come down and identify you….oh Fran, it was the hardest thing I have ever had to do. I was so afraid that I was going to loose you."
"You where?"
"Yes, I was. I can’t help but think that it’s my fault this happened."
She repositioned herself to face him, "how could you think something like that?"
"Well, If I wouldn’t have been afraid of my own feelings, then I wouldn’t have taken back the thing, then I wouldn’t have pushed you away in London, and you wouldn’t have been going out to a singles club. If only I wasn’t so…."
She silenced him with her index finger on his lips, "shhh. It’s not your fault. Sometimes bad things happen to good people."
"You know, Niles said the same thing."
"We think a lot alike ya know!" she smiled.
"Fran, I am soo sorry."
"Max, why, it’s not your fault."
"No, I’m sorry for the thing…..I’m sorry I took it back?"
"You are?"
"Yes I am. Almost loosing you made me realize that…"
"That what?"
He softly cupped her face, "That I love you Fran."
"You what?"
"Fran Fine, I love you!"
"Oh Max, you have no idea how this makes me feel….I love you too!"
Max leaned down and kissed her. "Fran, I don’t want to ever loose you again."
"I don’t want to loose you either, you and the children mean so much too me."
Max slipped off the bed and walked over to his coat hanging on the chair. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a little black box and returned to the bed. He bent down on one knee, "Fran, will you marry me?"
Tears escaped her eyes. She couldn’t believe what she just heard. All she could do was nod her head.
Max practically jumped on the bed with her, kissing her. "You will?"
"Yes! Max, I love you so much!"
The End
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