Back to Fan FictionThe Nanny is a copyright of Sony pictures, Tri-Star Television, High School Sweethearts, and Sternin and Fraser’s Ink, Inc and CBS television. I don’t own any of the characters used. This is a fictional story.
by
Mary Smith
(nilesandccfan@hotmail.com)
It was almost two and a half years since Maxwell and Fran had married. Fran had given birth to the twins and they were a healthy four months old. Niles and CC had never gotten together and were still treating each other like they always had but at times exchanged glances that revealed there was an attraction between the two. Everyone knew Niles and CC had feeling for each other but they also knew both would never admit to those feeling.
Maxwell and CC had continued to be successful in their broadway productions and were in the process of putting together a new play that would bring a bit of South America to the stage. Their newest production would have a lead actor and actress who were to play people of Spanish heritage. They had auditioned several actors and actresses from the New York area and had found the lead male role but never came across the right actress for the lead female role.
After becoming frustrated with the quality of actress who came to audition, Maxwell was ready to throw in the towel but then someone gave CC a tape of a woman from a South American country who was an actress. CC usually did not even take items anyone tried to give her that were intended to promote themselves or someone else but knowing they had not been successful with any other means of attracting the right person for their female lead, she decided to take the tape and watch it, not telling Maxwell about it until she decided if this person was any good. Once she had watched the tape of the unknown female actress, she knew they had found the female actress who would star in their newest play.
Excited about her discovery, CC headed to work in the morning ready to tell Maxwell their problem was solved. Maxwell reluctantly watched the tape CC swore captured their newest star. To his great joy and surprise, CC was right. The woman was perfect for their play and he wanted to sign her immediately.
CC contacted the person who had given her the tape and asked how and when they could meet the lady. Maxwell waited as CC discussed the details with her contact.
CC hung up the phone and turned to Maxwell. "Well, it is going to be a little more difficult then I originally thought."
"How so?" Maxwell asked worried they would have to start looking for an actress all over again.
"It seems we will have to go to Miss Garcia’s country to meet with her."
"Can‘t she come to America?"
"No, she has never done the paper work to travel to America. She has had no reason, until now but Carlos, assured me she is very interested in our play and coming to America to star in it."
"Then I guess we will have to take a trip." Maxwell said as Fran walked into the office carrying the twins, doing her best to balance both babies in her arms.
CC saw that Fran was having a difficult time with the babies and came to her rescue by taking little Jonah, who she had become very attached too since the babies birth. CC and Fran were still not the best of friends but they did get along better then they use to. Fran no longer thought CC was after her husband and CC did not see Fran as a gold digger any more.
"Thanks, Miss Babcock. Where are you taking a trip too?" Fran asked her husband after CC took Jonah.
"It seems CC and I will be going to somewhere in South America to recruit an actress." Maxwell explained.
"We will be going to a place near Yopal in Colombia. From what Carlos has told me, it is a small village, that is very poor." CC added.
"Isn’t Colombia the country Gracie did that book report on and it was known for the high rate of kidnappings that happen there?" Fran asked worried about her husband’s safety.
"Yes, I am afraid so." Maxwell answered his wife as he sat down at his desk.
"Then you can’t go to Colombia. It is to dangerous." Fran answered
"Who’s going to Colombia?" Niles asked as he walked into the office because he wanted to hear what the big discussion was about.
"Not you, that’s for sure." CC answered as she bounced Jonah on her knee.
"Nobody is going and that is final." Fran said looking at Maxwell.
"Maxwell will be fine. The chances of him being kidnapped while in Colombia are as rare as Niles ever having sex, that is sex with another person and not just his hand." CC said as she made silly faces at the smiling Jonah.
Niles looked at CC and said "Me? What about you? Oh, I forgot I was speaking with the local girl who stands on the street corner that everyone calls butter because she spreads so easy."
CC just ignored Niles and continued to play with the baby. She had to hand it to him, that was a good one.
Fran rolled her eyes at Niles and CC. "Why can’t the two of you ever be nice to each other? You sound like my parents."
Niles and CC looked at each other and both shrugged their shoulders. Niles was the one to answer Fran. "Mrs. Sheffield, I thought we were being pretty civil to one another. Neither one of us has swore or throw anything yet."
CC smiled and added. "Niles is right. By now we would have all ready said at least three to four ugly things to each other but today it has only been one. You better consider yourself lucky."
Fran was ignoring the two by now and turned her attention back to Maxwell. She was not ready to let her husband go to a country where he may not be safe. "Maxwell, you can’t go off to a place that you could possibly be in danger. You have a family to worry about."
"Darling, CC is right, the chances of me or her being kidnapped are very small."
"If anyone kidnaps her they will offer us money to take her back." Niles said talking about CC.
"Ha, ha, butler boy. Why don’t you go dust or clean something and keep your nose out of things that don‘t concern you."
Niles stuck his tongue out at CC and she returned the same gesture to him. Both burst out laughing when Jonah imitated their behavior and stuck out his tongue.
"What is so funny?" Maxwell asked CC and Niles, frustrated with the two.
"Watch what Jonah can do." CC said then proceeded to stick her tongue out at the baby who immediately imitated her and laughed when CC and Niles laughed at him.
"Great, the two of you are teaching him bad habits already." Fran said throwing her hands up in the air.
"Oh, he is just mimicking them. It goes to show you they have the mind of a child. Don’t worry he won’t remember how to do it later." Maxwell explained to Fran. "I guess you better go ahead and book us flights to Colombia and set up lodging." he said to CC.
CC gave the baby a kiss and handed him to Niles. Niles was still amazed at how attached CC had become to the child and that the child actually liked her.
"I’ll get right to it." CC said.
"Maxwell, you promise me you will be safe and nothing will happen?" Fran asked.
"I will do my best, darling."
"He will be fine, Mrs. Sheffield. He will have the perfect body guard by his side the whole time he is there. If anyone gets within ten feet of them, they will know they are not dealing with a sane woman, when they have to face Miss Babcock and then they will flee for their lives. If any thoughts of kidnapping were present before the encounter, they will quickly be forgotten." Niles said as he pushed Fran toward the office door, so Maxwell and CC could get back to work.
CC smiled at Niles’ comment and did not say anything back because she was grateful for him getting Fran out of the office. She was tired of hearing the woman whine about her husband and how much danger he would be in.
CC was able to set up all of the arrangements for her and Maxwell to travel to Colombia. They were set to leave in one week. Fran continued to try and deter her husband from going. She pulled up every article or bit of news that spoke of the high kidnapping rate in Colombia and showed it to Maxwell but she was never able to change Maxwell’s mind.
Niles had read some of the articles Fran left laying around and had begun to become a bit worried for CC and Maxwell’s safety. On the morning before they were to leave CC came into the kitchen for coffee and Niles decided to ask what measures had been taken to ensure their safety while in Colombia.
"Miss Babcock, you are sure it will be safe for you and Mr. Sheffield to travel to Colombia?"
CC was a little surprised with Niles’ concern but liked that he was. "I guess there is always the chance something could happen but we should be just fine. Why, are you worried about me?" CC asked as she moved right next to Niles.
"I would not want something to happen to Mr. Sheffield because of Fran and the children. Please, do take care while there and do not take any risk. Mr. Sheffield may know the theater but he is not very street smart." Niles said blushing because CC was so close and had guessed correctly, as to why he was worried.
CC smiled at her best friend and worst enemy all in one. "I’ll make sure he is safe, I promise." She had not missed the way Niles had turned red when she asked if he was worried about her.
"Not just him."
"Niles, I’m surprised to hear you are concerned about me. I didn‘t know you cared." CC said smiling.
Niles did not look up at CC and just kept cutting up the vegetables for dinner that night. "It may surprise you how much I do care."
Before CC could respond Fran came into the kitchen and told CC, Maxwell needed her. CC exchanged glances with Niles as she was leaving the kitchen and she swore she saw him wink at her. It made her feel all warm inside.
The next morning CC met Maxwell at the mansion and they were to depart for the airport from there. Fran was still trying to get Maxwell to change his mind but could see she was not going to win.
Maxwell held his wife in his arms, while Niles and CC held the babies. "I’ll be back within three days time. You won’t even miss me." Maxwell said to a crying Fran.
"Yes I will." Fran said clinging to Maxwell.
"Come now, give me a kiss and let me head out. I don’t want to miss my flight."
Fran let go of Maxwell unwillingly and watched him tell the twins bye. He handed Jonah to Fran and took Eve from Niles. After he had bid both farewell he turned to Niles. "Take care of them, old man and we will be back by Friday."
"I will sir." Niles answered.
Fran took both babies and left the room not wanting to see Maxwell leave. CC had headed out of the door and was placing her luggage in the cab. CC did not handle emotional good-byes well.
Niles walked with Maxwell to the door and said "Sir, if I may ask you for one favor."
"Of course, what is it?"
"See that Miss Babcock is careful and does not do anything that would put her or you in jeopardy. She tends to think she is capable of handling anyone or anything and does not think of the dangers before leaping into something."
"I’ll make sure she is careful." Maxwell said turning, so Niles could not see the smirk on his face. He thought if funny how Niles and CC tried to make everyone believe they hated each other, when everyone could see the two care deeply for one another.
"And please watch out for her." Niles requested.
Maxwell rolled his eyes and turned to his butler. "Niles, I will make sure CC is safe. I promise you, okay."
"Thank you, sir."
Maxwell smiled at his butler and friend then turned to leave. Niles followed Maxwell to the cab so he could help with his bags. While Maxwell was putting his bags in the trunk of the cab CC walked over to where Niles was standing.
"Niles, don’t go off and miss me while I am gone and if for some reason, I never come back, don‘t even think about throwing a big party." CC said smirking at him.
"I’ll do my best not to shed any tears and I would only throw a small party. Family and close friends, only." He answered back, teasing her.
CC laughed "Yeah, I bet you would just cry a river and how are you going to invite friends to a party when you have none."
"I was talking about your family and friends but being you have neither, who care, I guess there will be no party." Niles looked into CC’s eyes and added "And I might shed a few tears, stranger things have happened, you know."
CC blushed a little and did not have a come back to give Niles. "Well, I’ll see you later." then she turned toward the cab where Maxwell was waiting.
Niles reached out and grabbed her by the hand and called her name. "CC"
Hearing Niles use her first name and grabbing her hand stunned her. She walked back to where Niles was standing, still letting him hold her hand. Confused by his actions she asked "Niles, what is it? You seem so serious all of a sudden."
Niles wanted to tell her he loved her and would be counting the minutes until her return but did not have the courage to do this. "I just wanted to tell you to be careful and to please return safely."
"You‘ve already told me to be careful and I was only kidding about never coming back." CC thought it sweet Niles was so worried about her.
"Yes, I know but I just wanted to remind you. Please don’t forget." Niles said looking down at CC’s hand that he was holding in both of his.
CC could see Niles was genuinely concerned and she was moved. She reached up and touched his cheek with her free hand.
Niles looked up when he felt CC’s hand on his cheek. He could see the emotions in CC’s eyes. Not sure what she was thinking he smiled at her and she smiled back.
"I promise to be careful and return safely." She then turned and was gone. Niles had a funny feeling as he watched the cab drive away. He hoped it was not a bad omen.
While they rode to the airport, Maxwell looked over at CC, who seemed to be deep in thought.
"Something wrong?" he asked her.
"Huh? Oh, no. Just thinking." CC answered.
Maxwell continued to observe her and asked "What was all that between you and Niles before we left?"
CC continued to look out of her window. "Nothing, just your butler becoming soft in his old age."
"Oh, I thought maybe the two of you had finally decided to admit you care for each other." Maxwell remarked as he relaxed in his seat and closed his eyes.
CC turned to look at Maxwell after his comment and saw he had his eyes closed. She thought about responding to what he had said but decided just to let it be. Right now her heart and mind were too full of different emotions to try and defend herself against his remark.
Their plane arrived in Colombia on time and they rented a car to get to their hotel and use for travel while they were their.
Maxwell was impressed by the accommodations CC was able to get. He knew she had always been able to make all arrangements and handle any problems that arose on their many trips but her capabilities still amazed him sometimes.
"CC, how were you able to find such a wonderful place in the middle of nowhere?" Maxwell asked his business partner who was beaming with pride.
"I just know who and where to call."
"Thank God you do."
Both had had a long and tiring day, so they retired to their rooms after eating dinner. CC had let Maxwell know they would be meeting with Miss Garcia at ten the next morning to begin negotiations.
Maxwell called Fran to let her know they had arrived safely and how great their hotel was compared to the rest of their surroundings.
Fran was happy to hear that Maxwell was fine and was staying in a clean safe place. Niles was close by asking to speak to Maxwell.
"Hold on, Maxwell. Niles has something to tell you. I love you and will talk to you tomorrow."
Maxwell heard a knock at his door while he was telling Fran bye and went to open it. It was CC. He motioned for her to come in.
"Yes, old man, what is it?" Maxwell asked his butler.
"Sir, I was just making sure you were not holding anything back for Mrs. Sheffield’s sake and that everything is really fine, just as you said."
"Everything I told Fran was true. We are arrived safely and the hotel CC found is magnificent. No hidden secrets, I promise."
"And Miss Babcock, is she also okay?"
Maxwell rolled his eyes and said "She is fine."
"You are sure?" Niles asked.
"Niles, of course I am sure." Maxwell said getting aggravated at Niles. "She is sitting right here and not a hair on her head has been harmed. Would you like to hear her voice for yourself, so you will know I am telling you the truth?"
"Well, if she would like to speak to me, I guess I can." Niles said timidly, glad he was going to be able to speak with CC.
Maxwell looked toward CC who was looking back at him confused. He covered the mouth piece of the phone and asked "Do you want to speak with Niles?"
CC took the phone out of Maxwell’s hand and walked toward the bathroom. She did not know what had gotten into Niles but CC was flattered by all the attention he was giving her. "Hello."
"Miss Babcock, is everything okay? Are you alright?"
"Niles, I’m fine. Why are you acting like Fran all of a sudden? Nothing is going to happen to us. Stop being such a worry wart." CC said as she felt herself blush and knowing Maxwell was watching her.
"I’m sorry. I was just concerned about you. Do be careful, you promised remember."
CC smiled at the way Niles sounded like a small child. "I told you I would. Look, we will be back day after tomorrow and you can torture me all you want. Alright."
"Promise?" Niles asked wishing CC was home safe.
"Yes, I promise. See you later butler boy."
"Okay, bye." and he hung up.
"For two people who claim to hate each other, you sure act like two people in love." Maxwell said taking the phone out of CC’s hand.
CC laughed. "Don’t go there. I am just to tired." CC sat on the edge of Maxwell’s bed and said "I just came to let you know I got a call saying we needed to be at our appointment at nine instead of ten. I tried calling your room but your phone was busy."
"Sorry for the trouble but I had to let Fran know we were here and nothing was wrong. Of course, I was not planning on having two worried sick people to console."
"I know. What has gotten into Niles? He is usually the calm one out of those two yentas."
"I guess he read all those articles Fran left laying around for me to see and they made him afraid for our safety but I am sure it is your safety he is most concerned with." Maxwell said teasing CC.
CC smiled thinking about Niles sitting at home worrying about her. She was not use to someone waiting home for her safe return. "He is just afraid something will happen to me and then his days will be empty because he usually fills them with driving me crazy. Well, I guess I better get to bed. I’ll see you in the morning at eight." CC said as she stood to go.
"I’ll be ready." Maxwell said as he escorted CC to the door.
The following morning Maxwell was waiting for CC in the lobby of the hotel at eight a.m. They set out to their destination with Maxwell driving and CC reading the map. When they arrived at the address that CC had been given, Maxwell was a little concerned by what he saw.
"CC, are you sure we are at the right location?" Maxwell asked as he looked out the window at what seem to be an abandon building.
"According to the address I was given yesterday, we are."
"I don’t believe there is anyone here. I’ll go and see if someone answers if I knock." Maxwell said getting out of the car.
CC watched as Maxwell approached the door of the building they had parked in front of. They were at the end of a dead end street that had several abandon buildings on it and she saw no other person on the street. Maxwell walked to the front door of the building and pulled on the door. The door was locked. CC watched as Maxwell walked around to the side of the building to see if there were any other entrances.
CC became concerned when Maxwell went around the side of the building and she could not see him any more. She waited for several seconds for him to return to the front of the building but Maxwell did not come back. CC started to feel very uneasy about the situation.
"Great. Just what I needed. Why did he go where I can’t’ see him?" CC said to herself as she got out of the car to go and look for Maxwell.
As she looked around the corner of the building she called out Maxwell’s name, hoping he would answer. She heard nothing. CC could see a door toward the back side of the building open and figured that Maxwell had found the entrance and was inside the building. Going back to the car to lock it and get her purse and keys CC turned. Before she could reach the car someone hit her in the head from behind and everything went black.
CC felt the pain in her head and thought to herself, "I must of drank way to much last night." She slowly opened her eyes and realized her hands were bond behind her back and her feet bond at the ankles. When her eyes finally focused on her surroundings she remembered she was in Colombia with Maxwell and they were suppose to be meeting a potential actress for their next play.
She tried to holler for Maxwell but something was tied around her mouth preventing her from speaking. She was sitting in a straight back, hard chair in a small room. She then saw Maxwell tied to a chair in the same way she was, across the small room. His head was hanging to the side and there was a trickle of blood coming from a small gash on his forehead. CC grunted hoping she could arouse Maxwell but after several attempts she gave up seeing that he was not responding.
CC worked at the ties on her wrist praying she could get them loose enough so she would be able to slip her hands out and evidentially get to Maxwell. She worked at her restraints for at least thirty minutes to no avail. The room that they were in had only one window, which was close to the ceiling and it was about six inches wide and two feet long. CC estimated by the light coming through the window and the rumble of her stomach it was somewhere past noon time.
After sitting there for at least an hour CC saw Maxwell stir. She grunted trying to get his attention and succeeded. He looked as confused as she was when she first became conscious. CC watched as Maxwell realized something terrible had happened to them.
Maxwell struggled with his restraints just as CC had done but was also unable to loosen them. They both sat waiting for their fate and thinking about what was to happen to them.
Maxwell and CC sat for what was at least three hours and then they heard someone unlocking the door. After several different locks were unlocked the door opened and in walked two men. One man approached CC and the other Maxwell. They removed the gags from Maxwell and CC’s mouth and CC worked her jaw trying to relieve some of the stiffness that had set in.
In broken English the smaller of the two men spoke to Maxwell. "Mr. Maxwell Sheffield, your name?"
Maxwell understood the man was asking him if he was Maxwell Sheffield. "Yes, I am Maxwell Sheffield. Who are you and what do you want with us?"
"Quiet. Do not speak." The man turned to his partner and spoke to him in Spanish. CC understood what was being said between the two men, since she was very fluent in Spanish.
The man had told his partner to untie CC’s hands and feet but if she gave him any trouble he was to tie her back up immediately. The man walked over to CC and untied her. She knew better then to try anything dumb.
As the blood circulated back to her hands and feet she was able to move them. She watched as Maxwell was also untied. The smaller man explained to his friend that he was to go and get them something to eat. CC needed to use the bathroom but was not sure if she should ask or not. Finally her need to urinate was greater then her fear of asking.
"Excuse me. Can I, please go to the bathroom?" She asked her captor hoping he would understand her.
The man looked CC over then yelled to his friend to hurry. When the larger of the two men returned with their food he was told to take CC to the restroom but to watch her carefully and not let her get out of his sight.
CC was mortified that she had to use the bathroom with the door open while the man who escorted her stood in the doorway with his back to her. She was grateful that he at least keep his back turned and did not try to peek.
When she was returned to the room where Maxwell was, the man then took Maxwell to the bathroom. Alone with the man who gave all the orders CC was made to understand she was to pull her chair to the one other piece of furniture in the room besides her and Maxwell’s chairs, which was a small card table. She did as she was instructed to do and looked at the plate of food sitting in front of her.
CC was uncomfortable at the way this man was looking at her and she prayed Maxwell would return soon. She watched the man out of the corner of her eye as she played with her food. The man walked closer to CC and began stroking her hair. Speaking in Spanish, which he was unaware CC understood, the man said that he would like to show the American woman exactly how beautiful he thought she was.
When CC heard Maxwell and the other captor returning she said a silent thank you. The man stepped away from CC before Maxwell and the other man entered the room.
Once Maxwell was seated at the table the two men left them to eat alone. They heard the door being locked back after the it was closed.
When Maxwell was sure the men were gone he looked at CC and asked "Are you okay?"
CC shook her head yes and answered "I’m fine. How about you? You have blood on your head." CC pointed to Maxwell’s forehead.
Maxwell reached up and touched the place on his forehead that had bleed. "It is nothing. Only a small cut."
"What the hell happened? One minute I was looking for you and the next I am waking up in this nightmare."
"All I remember is going around to the side of the building and then someone grabbed me. I must have been hit in the head or drugged. Where did you get the address we were captured from?" Maxwell asked.
"Last night when I received the call about the time change for our appointment with Miss Garcia, I was also given a new location for the meeting. I never thought to question the person who called and gave me the information. I guess it was a set-up. Maxwell, I’m so sorry." CC explained feeling guilty for being so careless and gullible.
"Don’t blame yourself, CC. There was no way for you to know you were dealing with someone who has such a sick mind."
"Still, I knew the possible dangers and should have been more careful." CC answered.
"Let’s just eat some of our food so we can maintain our strength and hopeful someone will come looking for us soon or find out what all of this is about." Maxwell said tasting the food in front of him hesitantly.
CC watched the way Maxwell was tasting his food and she hoped they weren’t being poisoned. After Maxwell took a bite and seemed to not have any adverse reactions, CC took a small bite of hers. Because someone had very few cooking skills, CC made a face when the food was in her mouth. "Boy, I’ll never insult Niles’ cooking again. This is awful." They had both been given a glass of what appeared to be water. CC picked hers up and washed down the terrible tasting food. "Yuck, even the water taste nasty. Butler boy, could sure give someone cooking lessons." She said before taking another bite due to hunger and knowing Maxwell was right about keeping their strength up.
"Yes, it is pretty bad but we have to eat something and this is better then nothing at all." Maxwell said as he pushed his plate away when he figured he had eaten enough.
When they were through with their so called meal CC began pacing back and forth in the small room. By now it was beginning to get dark. It was warm earlier in the day but it was cooling off quickly and CC was getting chilled.
"I hope we don’t freeze to death before someone finds us."
"It is getting rather chilly." Maxwell said as he watched CC pace back and forth.
Just before it got completely dark the door to the room opened again and the same two men came into the room. One man jerked Maxwell from his chair and the other grabbed CC by the arm and pulled her roughly toward the door.
"Hey, you over grown troll." CC yelled pulling her arm back from the man’s grip.
This must of upset the man because he walked up to CC and slapped her hard across the face with the back of his head. The force of the blow sent CC stumbling backwards.
Maxwell having witnessed what had happened hollered out CC’s name. "CC!!" He watched as blood began to come from CC’s lip which was cut open and already swelling. CC steadied herself and glared at the man who hit her. As she tasted the blood from her busted lip and started to feel the pain from the blow, she became very angry.
Maxwell saw the look in CC’s eye as she angrily looked at the man who hit her. "Don’t be foolish, CC. Just do as they say so they don’t hurt you anymore, please."
CC looked over at Maxwell and saw him pleading with his eyes for her to listen to his reason. She glared back at the man who hit her again and hissed "He’s going to pay for what he just did, if it is the last thing I do."
Maxwell was worried CC would let her stubborn side rule over her intelligent side and she would do something that would bring herself harm at the hands of their captors. He prayed he was wrong but had known CC Babcock for too many years and knew he had good reason to worry.
The men lead them to another room after they had retied their hands behind their backs again. This room was a little bigger and it was obviously being used by someone. It was furnished with a desk, chairs, and had other items placed through out the room. Sitting behind the desk was another man who was neatly dressed and appeared to be the man in charge.
Maxwell and CC were seated in chairs that faced the desk with the man behind it. The man greeted his guest and explained their situation.
"Good evening, Mr. Sheffield. I am sure you and your lady friend are wondering where you are here and what is expected of you." he said in a thick Spanish accent.
"Yes, we are curious, to say the least." Maxwell answered. He had noticed that the fellow did not know who CC was and knew only his name.
"Yes, I am sure you are. Then, let me explain. I am aware you are a very rich and successful man in your country and your life is probably worth much money to your love ones back home. No?"
"Yes, my family back home do care about me and would probably be willing to give anything for our safe return." Maxwell answer understanding he and CC were being held for ransom.
"That is good because if you, your lady friend, and your family cooperate with my demands, you will be released unharmed but if you do not cooperate completely I will be forced to do things that I hope will never have to be brought up. Do you understand?"
"Yes." Maxwell answered hoping CC had also understood what this man was saying. "What amount of money are we talking about?" Maxwell asked.
"Maxwell, don’t let these goon threaten you. Someone will come looking for us when we don’t call home tonight. Fran and Niles are probably already on the phone with the FBI" CC said looking at Maxwell and not believing he was thinking of giving these people money for their release.
The man listened to what CC told Maxwell and laughed. He walked to where she was sitting and looked down at her. He had observed that she had a busted lip and figured one of his man had to discipline the lady already.
Maxwell saw the man move closer to CC and he closed his eyes begging silently for CC to stay quiet.
"I see your lady friend is very bold. It seems she may have already gotten out of line." he said as he touched the place on CC’s lip that was busted.
CC jerked her head away from the man’s touch and looked at him with fiery in her eyes.
"And I also see she has not learned a lesson from her punishment. You, dear lady, better learn to hold your tongue or I am afraid you will receive more then a blow to the mouth." he said as he seized the back of CC’s head by her hair and yanked her head back so he could look down at her. "You best learn, I am in charge here and you will do as I say or I will be forced to let my men do with you as they please. Do I make myself clear?"
Maxwell watch with dread as the man pulled CC by the hair and feared CC’s reaction but CC knew she was at the man’s mercy and did not do anything foolish.
"Please, don’t harm her. I am sorry if she has offended you." Maxwell pleaded with the man.
The man smiled down at CC and said "You better thank Mr. Sheffield for saving you another lesson in obedience." and then he let go of her hair, pushing her head forward.
He then returned to sitting at his desk. "Tomorrow I will let you contact your family and you will give them specific instructions as to what they are to do. I will provide you with all the necessary information to give them. You will also tell them to cooperate with us and not for them to contact any authorities. Again, I urge you to cooperate completely with us or it may be necessary to not just harm you and your lady friend but your family also."
When Maxwell heard that his family could be harmed the blood drained from his face. "Please, leave my family alone. I am willing to do whatever you want of me. Just don‘t harm my family."
"I am glad to hear you say this. I see no reason for your families safety to be jeopardized as long as you are willing to cooperate." The man then called the other two men and told them to return Maxwell and CC to their room.
One of the men asked his boss if they could keep CC with them for the night and share her between them. When CC heard the man ask this she tasted the bile that came up her throat. She was thankful when the man who was in charge denied the other two men their request.
Maxwell saw the look of fear and panic on CC’s face while the men were talking amongst themselves in Spanish and then he remembered that CC knew how to speak Spanish very well. He was eager to find out what the man were saying to one another and whether CC had heard any useful information.
On the way back to their room the men talked back and forth about how they could of shown CC a good time. They were very explicit in their details of what they would like to do to her. One even suggested that they could have their way with her and their boss would be none the wiser. Again CC was glad when the other man said that they better not get the man they called "Ignacio" angry.
Once they were back in the room they had been in at first, their hands were untied again. Maxwell had positioned himself to where he could watch CC and her guard. After releasing her restraints, Maxwell watched as the man turned CC around to face him and then reached up and began fondling her breast with one hand and pulling her toward him with another. When the man tried to kiss CC on the mouth, CC did what came natural, which was kneeing the man in the groin. As the man doubled over in pain, Maxwell’s guard quickly walked over to CC and smacked her in the face with a closed fist. The blow was hard enough to be heard and knock CC to the ground.
As he did this, he was chastising his friend for his actions. CC fell to the floor with the blow to her face and was not getting up. Maxwell went to her aid immediately and saw the damage to CC’s eye from the blow.
When the man who had hit CC saw that she was not unconscious or severely hurt, he helped his friend out of the room.
Maxwell held CC in his arms as she cried, both from fear and humiliation. Maxwell was not use to seeing CC in such a vulnerable state. "Shhh, it will be alright." he said trying to console his friend. "I don’t believe you are hurt to badly."
CC sat up out of Maxwell’s arms and wiped the tears from her eyes and face. When she touched her left side of her face she grimaced from the sting it caused. Gently she felt her left eye and cheek and could feel the swelling. She knew by tomorrow she would have one hell of a bruise and her eye would be swollen shut.
"Are you okay?" Maxwell asked her.
CC shook her head yes but did not speak. She had moved away from Maxwell, not feeling comfortable with him holding her. She thought about the irony in this, being for years she wanted nothing more then for Maxwell to hold her in his arms. Standing she straightened her blouse where the man had touched her and went to sit in her chair.
Maxwell could see that CC was not comfortable with his attempts to try and alleviate her fears and pain. He got up and brought his chair to the table across from CC. He then saw that in the corner of the room two small mattresses had been thrown and laying on top of them were two blankets and pillows. It was dark in the room by now, so he had not noticed them when they first returned.
Getting out of his chair and heading toward what was to be their bedding he said "Look, CC, they brought us something to sleep on." Maxwell arranged the mattresses and their other bedding and urged CC to come and rest. "CC, come and try to get some rest. We don’t know what tomorrow will bring. Let‘s pray that someone will be looking for us by know and with tomorrow will come good news."
CC was still sitting in her chair looking off into the darkness of the room. At first she did not move but then she got up and walked over to where Maxwell had placed the mattresses and she laid down. She covered herself with the blanket, thankful for the warmth it provided and rolled to her side with her back to Maxwell.
Maxwell looked over at his friend and his heart went out to her. He knew how hard this was on CC. Neither of them were use to living in such horrible conditions but the way that they were being treated was something he was sure CC never thought she would have to put up with. He also was not fond of the way they were being treated but he knew he could tolerate it better then CC. He had never know CC Babcock to take orders from anyone and was sure no one had ever gotten away with abusing her.
"CC, I am sorry for what that man did to you and could tell by the look on your face you heard them say something that brought you great fear. Do you want to talk about it?"
Maxwell watched CC lay there on her side, not moving or speaking. So he continued, hoping she would talk to him. "Being you are a woman, there are things that I hope you don’t have to face and I want you to know I will do my best to keep you safe from any such harm." Maxwell said.
CC laid on her side facing away from Maxwell and pulled the blanket higher on herself. "I can take care of myself. I don’t need you doing something that will cause you to get hurt and then I will have to answer to Fran and Niles for it." she told Maxwell with no emotion in her voice, never turning around.
"Well, I am sure if something happens to you Niles will be angry with me for the rest of his life. Before we left he made me promise I would keep you safe and not let anything happen to you." Maxwell answered her.
CC turned onto her back and then faced Maxwell. "Why did he do that? I know he could care less about what happens to me." Deep down CC was hoping Maxwell would tell her she was wrong about Niles not caring about her.
Maxwell snickered "Well, evidently he does care because as I said, he made me promise I would see that nothing happened to you while we were here but I guess I have failed already."
"None of this is your fault, Maxwell. It’s my fault more then anybodies but just to let you know, Niles also told me to watch out for you."
Maxwell looked over at CC surprised "Did he, now? Does he not believe I am capable of taking care of myself?"
"I am not sure what he believes but he was worried about you not being street smart and getting into something you couldn’t get your self out of. I guess I am a little dumb in that department also." CC said.
"Come now, let’s not blame ourselves. We did nothing that put us in this situation but be normal trusting people." Maxwell answered her, wondering why Niles thought he was unable to take care of himself.
"That’s why I usually don’t trust nobody. I learned at a young age to never believe anything anybody does or tells you but I let my guard down once and look what happened."
Maxwell had always thought CC trusted him but was not so sure after hearing what she said. "Don’t you trust me?" he asked her.
CC thought about Maxwell’s question and did not want to hurt his feelings with her reply. "It’s not that I don’t trust you but I know I am not your main priority. For an example, if you had to choose between me and let’s say, Fran, I would be the one left behind and I would get hurt. So, I have learned to not put my faith in anyone and rely on only myself and that way my chances of getting hurt are not as great."
Maxwell thought about how sad it was that CC had no one she felt would choose her over anybody or anything else but then he thought about Niles and said "I bet if Niles had to choose between you or something else it would be you he chose."
CC laughed "Yeah, right. Are you sure they didn’t hurt you when they smacked you in the head because I think you have some brain damage going on there. Niles would never choose me over a perfect stranger, much less anyone he knows."
"I think you are wrong, CC. I bet if Niles had to choose between saving you or me he would pick you."
CC turned and looked at Maxwell "Maxwell, think about what you are saying. We are talking about the same man who spends his nights planning how he is going to torture me the next day. Why would you think he would ever pick me over anything?"
"And you don’t do your share of torturing him? Let’s face it CC, you give as good as you get from Niles."
"I’m not denying I tease and pick on Niles but I only do it because he does it to me. Niles, on the other hand does it because he enjoys making me miserable. Even if I was right about something, Niles would still never choose my side." CC remarked.
Maxwell was quiet for a while thinking about how he could get CC to see she was wrong. He had watched how Niles would treat CC when he was concerned about her and he knew Niles cared for CC very much.
"CC, do you think if I asked you a question you could be honest with me?"
"I don’t see why I wouldn’t be. What is it you want to ask me?" CC asked rolling onto her side so she could face Maxwell who was laying on his back.
Maxwell turned his head and looked at CC. "No, first you have to promise me you will give me an honest answer or I will not ask my question."
CC was now curious about what Maxwell wanted to ask her. "Okay, I promise."
Maxwell looked back up at the ceiling and slowly asked "Do you have feelings for Niles?"
CC waited a while before asking "What do you mean by feelings?"
Maxwell looked back at CC and explained. "Do you care for him in a way that is deeper then friends, like possibly lovers would care for each other?"
CC was shocked by what Maxwell had asked her. To stunned to answer right away, she laid there just staring at him wondering what made him ask her this question.
"Don’t forget you promised to give me an honest answer." Maxwell said before looking away from CC. He could see how shock she had been by his question. There was enough moonlight coming through the one small window for him to see CC‘s face.
CC rolled onto her back still recovering from the bluntness of Maxwell’s question. She thought about how she should answer him and remembered she had swore to be honest.
Finally after what seem forever Maxwell heard CC begin to reply. "I know I promised you an honest answer but if you every tell anyone what we discussed in this room, I will be forced to never speak with you again and to resign from your employment. Do I make myself clear?"
CC turned and looked at Maxwell before she continued to make sure he had heard and understood what she had said. "Yes, you made yourself very clear and I promise never to tell anyone what we talked about tonight." Maxwell said.
CC was looking back up again and laid there in silence, thinking. Maxwell watched as CC pondered her answer and he was not sure if she was going to answer him or not. After a good while CC said. "I have asked myself the same question you asked me many times and until about a year and a half ago I was never able to answer it, even for myself." She paused for a minute then continued. "Niles does hold a very special place in my heart and I do care for him very much but I have never had the courage to see if there could be something there between us."
Maxwell waited before saying anything to make sure CC was finished. When she did not continue he asked. "But why?"
CC turned toward Maxwell "But why, what?"
"But why are you afraid of seeing what could be between you and Niles? I know you have had your differences but Niles is a good person."
"Believe me, I know how special a person Niles is but for many reasons I am afraid to change anything between us. First, I don’t think Niles cares the same way about me as I do about him, second, I was raised with the rule that a Babcock does not start a relationship with a servant, and third, if we were to start a relationship and it does not work, I would loss him forever and I don‘t think I would be able to handle that." CC answered.
"Well, I think you are wrong."
"Wrong about what?"
"Everything. One of the reasons I asked you this question was because I believe Niles is in love with you." Maxwell could see CC’s shocked response out the corner of his eye. "Don’t look so shocked. Everybody has noticed the way the two of you act when you are around each other and I am not talking about all the teasing, pranks, and rude remarks. What I am talking about is the way he watches you when he thinks no one is looking and the way you watch him when you think no one is looking or the way he gets anxious just before it is time for you to get to work in the mornings or the way you go and look for him if he hasn’t come into the office for an hour or more. Things like that."
CC did not know what to say. She had never thought anyone had noticed her watching Niles when he was around her and busy doing something besides pestering her and Maxwell was right, she would go looking for Niles if she hadn’t seen him for a while when she was at work but was he right about thinking Niles was in love with her. She wondered why Maxwell would believe such a thing, so she asked. "What makes you think Niles is in love with me?"
"Well, like I said, I have noticed him watching you when you are busy working and the look he gets in his eyes when he watches you tells it all and there are some other small things he does that just make me think he cares very deeply for you. For example, like when he knows you are not feeling well or have a headache what is the first thing he does?" Maxwell asked CC to make her think about it and see things from his point of view.
"I don’t know. He is usually the one to give me a headache." CC answered not sure if she wanted to continue with this discussion.
"Now, come on CC, think about it." Maxwell said getting discouraged. "And do you best to be honest."
"Alright, let me think." Both were quiet while CC thought about Maxwell’s question. "I guess he usually brings me an aspirin if I have complained of a headache and if he knows I feel bad that day he is nicer to me but he does the same for you when you are not feeling well and I doubt seriously if he is in love with you." she said teasing Maxwell.
"Oh, he brings me those things if I tell him I need them but you don’t even have to ask him and when it is you who is not feeling well, he is there to cater to you. Think about it, sometimes you don’t even complain and he knows you are not feeling well and on those days, within minutes of you arriving to work he is ready to serve your every need. I have to call him at least twenty times to get him to even come and see what I need and I am the one who signs his check. You on the other hand, just have to bat your eyes at him and he is tripping all over himself to get you what ever you want."
CC smiled thinking about Niles knowing her better then anybody. It always made her feel good when Niles was kind to her. She enjoyed their game of picking and teasing but sometimes she just needed to be treated with kindness and caring. Niles always seem to know when she was in need and was there to give without asking for anything in return.
"Well, am I right or not?" Maxwell asked when CC did not say anything.
CC turned to look at Maxwell when he spoke. She had drifted off thinking about Niles and for a second had forgot her and Maxwell had been having a conversation. "Yeah, I guess so but do you really think he loves me or just being nice to me?" CC asked still not convinced.
"I think he is nice to the rest of us, but you I think he loves and I think you love him." Maxwell answered wondering if CC would deny she was in love with Niles.
CC did not respond one way or another to what Maxwell said. She did not want to deny she loved Niles but felt it best she did not confirm it either. After they had remained silent for quiet a while CC said. "Good night, Maxwell. We better try to get some sleep."
Maxwell knew when CC did not say anything about him mentioning he thought she was also in love with Niles, that it meant she was done discussing the subject and he knew her well enough, to know not to push it. "Good night, CC."
The following morning Maxwell was already awake when CC opened her eyes. She had not slept much the night before because she was thinking about Niles and everything her and Maxwell had discussed. When she awoke it was dawn.
"How’s your eye?" Maxwell asked when he saw CC stir and sit up.
"Sore but I’ll survive. Does it look real bad?"
"It’s not your best look but it could be worse." Maxwell answered not wanting to tell CC her eye looked awful.
CC got up from where she had slept and stretched. Maxwell was sitting up in one of the chairs and was deep in thought. When CC came and sat across from him, Maxwell said. "I did some thinking last night. About an hour ago I heard someone going out the door, so I pulled a chair to the window to see if I could see if someone was leaving or just going out. I also wanted to see if I could get an idea of our surroundings."
CC was listening to Maxwell closely. He seemed very excited and nervous.
"When I looked out the window, being careful no one saw me, I noticed it was one of the two fellows who escorted us yesterday when we went to see the other gentleman. He left in a vehicle and has not returned. I also noticed we are in a very secluded location. There seems to be some type of wooded area straight behind us. Being, the man who left has never returned, if they come in a little while to give us breakfast or let us use the restroom, it will probably only be one person. Yesterday when they let us go to the bathroom and when we went to talk to the fellow who must be running the show, I did my best to see what the layout of this place is. It seems to me, we are in some kind of old farm house and if you noticed, there is a door leading outside right down from the bathroom."
"Yes, I remember seeing it." CC said.
"If it is just one man who comes to see about us this morning, I believe we could attempt to get away. I know it is very risky but I don’t think our chances of getting out of here alive are very good no how. Do you think you are willing to risk taking our chances and getting away because if we fail they will probably kill one of us if not both?" Maxwell asked CC not sure if he was leading her in the right direction.
"Hell yeah, I am willing. I would love to be able to slam one of them in the head with something. I’m with you all the way, just tell me what to do."
Maxwell took a deep breath, praying they were not making a big mistake. "Okay, I think we wait and see if only one person comes to see about us this morning and if it is just one, one of us needs to be prepared to hit him in the head with one of the chairs. I know you want to be the one to do the hitting but being I am stronger, I think it should be me."
"As long as you promise to knock the hell out of him." CC said.
"I promise to give him a good lick just for you." Maxwell answered smiling. "Once we knock him unconscious we run for the door I saw yesterday. I figure that if we are able to get out of that door we can head for the woods and just keep running until we can go no more but if we are caught it could be the end."
CC was scared to death of getting caught but she was not willing to just sit and let these people use them to get money then kill them when once they got what they wanted. "I know we could be caught but like you said, they are probably going to kill us anyway." CC said.
"I am afraid so." Maxwell answered. "CC, the only thing is, we are going to have to promise each other that if one of us gets injured the other must keep going. It will be hard to keep going but if we don’t we will both be dead. At least, if one of us gets away, we can see that justice is done to these people. Do you agree?"
"Yes, I think so." CC answered hoping neither her nor Maxwell would be hurt and left to die.
"Alright, the sun is starting to rise, so it should not be long before they come to check on us. Let’s kind of think about where we should be standing when the door is opened."
CC and Maxwell got themselves prepared for their escape plan. They waited for what seem like hours but was only thirty minutes. When they heard the door being unlocked they looked at each other and they could see the tension and fear on each other’s face. The door was slowly opened and just like Maxwell had predicted, there was only one man there. CC saw it was the man who had touched her yesterday. She used his attraction to her to make him not notice Maxwell standing behind the door holding the chair over his head ready to strike. When the man opened the door and CC saw which man it was, she smiled shyly at him and told him good morning in Spanish. The man was surprised by CC speaking his language and returned her greeting. CC backed up from the door luring the man into the room. CC asked him where his friend was and he explained he was not far but CC knew better. CC then said she was glad it was just him. By this time the man was far enough into the room for Maxwell to hammer him over the head with the chair.
At first the man was only stunned by the blow and turned toward Maxwell ready to attack. Maxwell swung again with his chair and connected with the side of the man’s head. At the same time CC had picked up the other chair and she was able to deliver a blow to the other side of his head. Finally the man fell to the floor, out cold.
"Hurry, let’s go." Maxwell said as he pushed CC through the door in the direction of the back door.
As they ran down the narrow hallway to the door, they passed the room where they had met the man named Ignacio. Ignacio was sitting behind the desk which faced the door that was opened. When CC and Maxwell ran by they heard him holler at them. CC slowed down but Maxwell told her not to stop.
"Run, CC. Don’t stop." Maxwell hollered at her.
When they arrived at the door, CC turned the knob and prayed it was open. As the door swung open they broke out running for the woods. CC heard the gun go off and instantly she heard the bullet whiz by her ear.
"He is shooting at us." she yelled at Maxwell.
"Just run faster. Don’t stop." Maxwell hollered back at her.
When the next shot was fired CC felt a burning pain in her left shoulder. Not sure if she had been shot or not she kept running toward the woods. Maxwell was in front of CC as they hit the wooded area. They both continued to run deeper into the dense area of trees. When Maxwell was sure they were not being followed he slowed enough for CC to catch up with him because she had fallen way behind. Once CC got closer Maxwell could see something was wrong with her.
"CC, are you alright?" Maxwell asked her, not knowing she had been shot.
CC could feel herself getting weaker but knew they could not stop. "Yes, just go."
Maxwell slowed down so CC could stay right behind him. Not sure where they were headed and not knowing if there was any type of civilization close by, Maxwell headed deeper into the woods in no certain direction. All he wanted to do at this point was put as much space between them and their captors.
After running for almost an hour they slowed to a steady walk. Maxwell had been ahead of CC the whole time, so he never saw the blood that covered the back of her blouse. They had not heard anyone following them. By now CC knew she had been shot and the pain was greater then any pain she had ever felt but she never said a word about it to Maxwell. She just kept praying for the strength to continue on.
When CC knew she was either going to have to stop or she was going to pass out, she spoke. "Maxwell"
Maxwell heard CC calling him and could tell she needed to stop. He just thought she was tired. "Do you need to stop for a while?" He asked.
"Yes but I also need you to take a look at my shoulder. I think I have been shot." CC said calmly, hoping Maxwell would not become to alarmed.
Maxwell stopped dead in his tracks and felt the color drain from his face. "You were shot? Why didn’t you say anything?"
"It would of only caused you to worry and slow us down. Just see if you can stop any bleeding, so I don’t pass out." CC answered knowing Maxwell was upset she had not said something earlier but did not want him to make a big deal of it.
"You should of told me." Maxwell said as he made CC sit so he could look at the wound on her shoulder.
"What good would it of done, if I cried about it? Just make sure I‘m not going to bleed to death and hurry so we can keep going."
Maxwell made CC pull her blouse off her left shoulder so he could assess her wound better. We he saw the amount of blood on the back of her blouse he was afraid of what he was fixing to see. "Damn it CC, you have to be the most stubborn woman I know." Maxwell said after seeing her wound and knowing the pain she must be in. The wound was bad and all he knew to do was apply some sort of bandage to the area.
Maxwell used his undershirt to dress her wound. He tore a long strip of fabric off his undershirt so he could secure a pressure dressing in place, he had created out of the rest of his shirt. When he pulled the bandage snug he heard CC muffle her cry from the pain it had caused.
"I’m sorry if it hurts but I need to make sure the bandage is tight, so the bleeding will slow down." Maxwell apologized for causing CC more discomfort. He was afraid if they did not find help soon, CC may bleed to death.
"It’s okay. How bad does it look?" CC asked as she struggled to get her shirt back on.
Maxwell helped her slip her left arm through the sleeve hole. "It’s not to bad but I hope it stops bleeding soon."
"Don’t worry about that now. We better get moving before they find us." CC said heading off deeper into the woods and leaving Maxwell standing there watching her.
Maxwell was amazed by CC’s endurance and strength. He had known her for at least twenty years but right now he had more admiration for her then he ever had for anyone else in his life. He did not know if he would be as strong if he were in her shoes right now.
Maxwell and CC continued a slow steady pace throughout the morning and into the afternoon hours. The day was a hot and muggy. Their feet were sore, they were tired, hungry and thirsty and Maxwell was becoming more worried about CC as time went by. He had hoped they would evidentially come across some type of shelter where they could find refuge for a while but they had no such luck. The only good thing was they had not seen a sign of the men who had held them prisoner. Maxwell prayed they had lost them in the woods.
As the afternoon grew later, Maxwell knew they would have to find somewhere to spend the night but all he could see were trees and more trees. He had noticed CC was looking pale and weaker and she was moving slower. He had been trying to watch and see if she was losing any more blood but being her shirt was already soak from earlier it was hard to tell. When he thought they were going to have to rest under a tree out in the open over night, he noticed that ahead in the distance their appeared to be a clearing. Not sure if it was safe to head out into the clearing, he motioned for CC to stop where she was and explained he was going to go and investigate what was ahead.
CC was glad to stop and rest. She sat down on the ground and watched Maxwell head toward the clearing ahead. As she waited she laid her head down a had to fight drifting off to sleep. The pain had been pretty bad earlier but now all she felt was tired and cold.
When Maxwell returned he found CC laying on the ground, curled up in a ball, shivering. He called her name as he got close to where she was laying but she did not respond. Kneeling down next to her, he gently shook her and called her name. "CC, CC, wake up."
Slowly CC opened her eyes and looked at him. He could see the confusion in her eyes and he knew something was wrong with her. He helped her to her feet but she was to weak to stand on her own. Glad that when we had went to see what was up ahead, he had found an old abandon shack of some sort. Lifting CC up into his arms, he carried her to the shelter ahead. As he held her in his arms he could feel the heat coming from her body and knew that she had a fever. He also had heard her whimper in pain when he lifted her into his arms.
They arrived at the run down building and Maxwell gently laid CC on the ground. He searched around the small two room shelter to see if there was any kind of bedding, so he could make CC a place to lay and something to keep her warm. He found a couple of blankets and was able to put together a makeshift bed for her to lay on.
Back in New York, Fran had become concerned when she did not hear from Maxwell the day after his and CC’s arrival in Colombia. Their first night there he had called her and told her he would call her again the next evening. She had waited until late that evening but received no call. The following morning her concern only had grown and she mentioned it to Niles.
"Niles, I am worried about Maxwell and Miss Babcock, I didn’t hear from Maxell last night." Fran said.
Niles was a little worried but figured Maxwell and CC were just very busy the day before and had gotten back to late to call. "Maybe, by the time they were finished with their business meeting it was to late to call."
"Is there a big time difference between here and there?" Fran asked being she was not familiar with time zones and knowing Niles would know being he was so smart.
"They are only an hour ahead of us." Niles answered.
"Then it should not of mattered how late he got back to the hotel, he knows how much I am worried about him being over there. I think something is wrong. Maybe, we should call the police." Fran said.
Niles did not think they needed to call the police at this point. "Mrs. Sheffield, maybe we should wait until later today and see if you hear from Mr. Sheffield. If by this evening, you have not heard from him, then we will considered the idea of notifying the proper authorities."
"I don’t know, Niles. I just have this funny feeling something is wrong."
Niles had been having a funny feeling since the minute Maxwell and CC had driven off in the cab going to the airport but he did not mention this to Fran. "I understand your worry but let’s not be to hasty in our decisions. You know Mr. Sheffield and Miss Babcock are two intelligent people and would never put themselves in danger."
"Okay, I guess you are right, I’m just being over protective."
Maxwell had laid CC down on the bed he made for her and covered her with the one blanket left. He was holding her to help her stay warm but she continued to shiver as her fever got worse and night fall approached.
"Maxwell." he heard CC call weakly.
"Yes, CC."
"You promised not to stay behind if I got hurt. Tomorrow you have to go on without me." CC said.
Maxwell took a deep breath and said "I remember our promises but I won’t leave you here alone."
"You have to. It may be the only chance I have to survive. If I don’t get help soon I’m not going to make it."
Maxwell knew CC was right but did not know if he would be able to walk away and leave her behind.
"Maxwell, if I don’t make it, tell Niles that I wish I would’ve had the courage to tell him I love him and I’m sorry I didn’t." CC asked as Maxwell felt her body continue to shake from her fever.
"I don’t want to her you talk about not making it. We will get out of here alive, both of us." Maxwell answered holding her closer.
"Please, promise me you will tell him. I want him to know that I loved him and wish I would of given us a chance." CC begged.
Maxwell felt his heart break and tears come to his eyes. "I promise I’ll tell him. Now try to rest."
Maxwell sat and held CC for several hours. He knew she was getting worse. She was no longer waking up and talking and when he tried to wake her, he couldn’t. During the first part of the night CC had begun to cry out in her sleep. Several times he had heard her speaking to Niles. A couple of times CC had told Niles some of the things Maxwell had heard her say to him at different times. "Oh shut-up butler boy." and "Niles, you are older then Methuselah." but at two different times he had heard her confessing her love and apologizing to Niles. She had frighten him when she had cried out, "Niles, I’m sorry. I love you, bellboy." Hearing CC cry her confessions of love to Niles in her delirious state, had broke Maxwell’s heart. By now the heat radiating off of her body had increased and Maxwell knew if she did not receive help soon she would die. He decided to go and find her help.
The anguish of leaving his long time friend behind, was something he did not know if he would ever be able to get over. Before leaving her, he held her in his arms and apologized to her.
"CC, please forgive me for making you escape with me and for me leaving you behind. I promise I will not stop until I find someone to help you and we will come back for you. Please don’t give up." He gently kissed her forehead and said "I love you." Slowly he laid CC down and then with great difficulty turned and walked away.
As he started on his journey alone, he prayed for his friend’s well-being. He also prayed he would see her alive again. He half walked and half ran until the sun began to rise. When daylight finally arrived he saw a small village in the distant. Almost falling to his knees in thanks, he ran harder toward civilization.
Once he reach his destination, he found the first place with someone there. Being his Spanish was not to good and his appearance was rather abnormal, he was feared. The front of his shirt was covered with CC’s blood from where he had held her all night and the rest of his clothes were dirty and torn in some places.
Finally he was able to make someone understand he needed help. He was taken to a person who spoke some English and they contacted the authorities.
Fran and Niles had waited for Maxwell to call all day. By eight that evening when they had not heard from him, Fran was going crazy with worry.
Niles knew her worry was legitimate by now. He had known Maxwell Sheffield all his life and he knew Maxwell was a very responsible man
"I believe we may need to call the authorities." Niles said.
"Thank god, you have finally come around to my way of thinking." Fran said picking up the phone and dialing.
As Niles watched and waited he heard Fran speaking to someone. "Yes, I want to report a missing person."
Niles was only hearing one side of the conversation, so he was not sure what Fran was told. "My husband and business partner." "Maxwell Sheffield and CC Babcock." "No, all I know is CC. I have no idea what it stands for." Niles heard Fran say.
Niles motioned for Fran to give him the phone. "Yes, hello. I am a friend of Mr. Sheffield and Miss Babcock. CC stands for Chasity Claire." "Yes, Chasity."
Fran did not know how Niles knew Miss Babcock’s real name and did not care but she was glad he did. Then she heard him continue.
"They are on a business trip in Colombia." "No, in South America." Niles said rolling his eyes. After giving the officer all the information they knew they were given a telephone number to call and name of a person to speak to.
Niles took care of calling and explaining the situation again. Fran was to nervous to try and talk to anyone. After he had given all the information needed he hung up the phone.
"What they say?" Fran asked anxiously.
"They are going to send someone to speak with us." Niles explained to Fran.
"When?"
"They should be here within the hour." Niles answered her as he sat at the table in the kitchen. "Mrs. Sheffield, what are we going to do if something has happened to them?" he asked looking at Fran.
Fran sat across from him and said. "Let’s not start thinking that way now. Maybe, we are being over zealous with our worry."
"I hope you are right." Niles answered her.
Someone had arrived, as promised, and take all the information concerning Maxwell and CC’s disappearance. Fran and Niles were told they would be contact as soon as any information was known.
After the two gentlemen had departed, Fran decided she better call Maggie and Brighton. Gracie had been told earlier that the police had been called because Fran and Niles feared her father and Miss Babcock were missing.
"Niles, do you think something bad has happen to daddy and Miss Babcock?" Gracie asked her butler, who was more like an uncle to her.
"I am not sure Miss Grace but let’s think positive and hope your father has just been delinquent in calling Mrs. Sheffield."
"Did you try calling the hotel where they were staying?" Gracie inquired, wondering if Niles and Fran had exhausted all possible attempts to get hold of her dad.
"We did not have a name or address to the place Miss Babcock had arranged for them to stay." Niles answered the girl.
"Have you looked through daddy’s desk and Miss Babcock’s papers in the office, to see if you could find anything?"
"Yes, I did all of those things before we called the police. I have even gone to Miss Babcock’s apartment, to see if I could find any information there but found nothing."
"I guess, all we can do is wait." Gracie said.
"And pray." Niles answered.
After Fran contacted Maggie and Brighton, she called her mother and father to come and help with the twins. Her patience right now was not very good because she was so worried about Maxwell and CC.
By the time Maxwell had made someone understand what he needed and he explained what had happen to the authorities, several hours had passed. He feared that by the time they reached CC she would be dead. As he did his best to retrace his path back to the place he had left CC, Maxwell worried they were losing precious time.
When they finally reached the shelter where CC had been left, at least six hours had passed since Maxwell had left her. Maxwell waited outside of the building as the medical personnel went in to help CC. He did not want to see her if she was no longer alive. He feared if CC had not survived, he would never be able to forgive himself.
After they had only been inside for about ten minutes, they emerged speaking amongst themselves in Spanish. Maxwell feared the worse, CC was already dead.
One of the men who spoke English fairly well walked over to Maxwell. "Senor, your are sure this is the location you left the woman?"
"What? Of course, I am sure." Maxwell answered confused.
"There is no one here. We have searched the building finding no one." the man explained.
"How can that be? Are you sure?" Maxwell said pushing the man out of the way and making his way into the place he had left CC.
"Senor Sheffield, wait."
Maxwell went to the spot he had spent the night holding CC in his arm, while he felt her fade away. The makeshift bed was there but CC was gone.
"I left her here. She was to sick to go any place on her own. Someone has came and taken her away. We have to find her." Maxwell explained as he knelt on the bedding, running his hand through his hair franticly.
The gentleman who had followed Maxwell into the building went back outside and gave orders to his men to go and search for the missing woman. The bedding had not been seen or noticed by the men when they had gone in searching for CC, so they assumed Maxwell had been mistaken about this being the location he had left her.
Maxwell silently weep, fearing their captors had found CC while he was gone. He knew that if he was correct, CC was probably no longer alive and he would never see her again.
"Senor, let us go and see to your needs. Your family will be waiting to hear from you." the man said as he assisted Maxwell with standing.
Maxwell shook his head yes as he stood and went with the man. He did not know how he was going to tell CC’s family and especially Niles, she was gone.
Fran, Niles, and the rest of the family sat by the phone waiting for someone to call with news. Niles had called Maxwell’s family in England and told them what he knew so far. He promised to keep them updated as information was given to him. He had also called CC’s father and explained the situation to him also and was to notify him of updates too.
Niles had keep busy making sandwiches and snacks for everyone if they became hungry. Very little of the food had been touched. By mid-afternoon everyone was tired of waiting and anxious to get some news. Fran, Maggie and her husband, Michel, Brighton, and Gracie were all in the living room waiting for the phone to ring. Niles was in the kitchen arranging sandwiches on a tray to serve. As he entered the living room with the tray of food the phone rang. No one moved, they all looked at the phone and then Fran said "Niles, will you answer it, please?"
Niles set down the tray of sandwiches and picked up the phone. "Sheffield residence." everyone heard him say.
"Yes, it is." They all listened as Niles spoken with the person on the other end, not knowing if it was a call about Maxwell and CC or not. "Very well, I will explain this to Mrs. Sheffield and the children." "Yes, we will be waiting." "I will contact her family with the information." "No, I do not." "Thank you." and he hung up the phone.
Fran watched Niles’ face as he hung up the phone, hoping she would be able to read it. She did not like what she saw. "Niles, tell us."
"Well, it seems Mr. Sheffield has been located and he is fine." Niles explained. He watched as Fran and the children celebrated the good news. Hugs were given by everyone and tears were being shed.
Gracie noticed Niles did not seem as excited by the good news as the rest of them did. Then she remembered Miss Babcock was also missing. "Niles, is Miss Babcock okay?" Gracie asked as everyone got quite to hear Niles’ response.
Niles sat on the couch and said "They did not know."
"What do you mean, they didn’t know?" Fran asked. "How is it possible they know about Maxwell and not Miss Babcock?"
Niles was staring straight ahead when he spoke. "From what they told me, Mr. Sheffield and Miss Babcock were kidnapped but they were able to escape. During their escape Miss Babcock was shot but her injury did not stop her from fleeing with Mr. Sheffield." Niles heard Fran gasp and then he continued. "They found shelter for the night but Miss Babcock’s condition deteriorated enough that Mr. Sheffield was forced to leave her and go to find help. When they returned to where she was left, she was gone."
"But if she was that sick how was she able to leave?" Maggie asked.
"They think it is possible that the men who had kidnapped them found her and took her away." Niles said.
Fran could see how upset Niles was by the devastating news. She sat next to him on the couch and put her arm around him. "Oh Niles, I am so sorry but maybe they will find her alive. Don’t give up."
Niles turned to look at Fran and smiled with tears in his eyes. Everyone else was crying also by now, knowing that the chances of CC still being alive were slim. "I hope you are right, Mrs. Sheffield." Fran barely heard his reply.
Fran sat with her arm around Niles for a while. The children did not know what to say about Miss Babcock’s ill fate. They were excited about their father being alive and well but were sorry to hear about Miss Babcock. None of them had ever been close to CC but they had watched the way she had formed a bond with their new little brother and it had made them see her in a different light They also all knew her and Niles cared deeply for each other and how much Niles must be hurting right now.
Brighton decided he would take on the task of notifying CC’s family of the news that had been told to them and Maggie called her Uncle Nigel, with the good news about her father.
Maxwell was taken to some sort of infirmary and once it was decided he was fine other then a couple of scraps and cuts from running through the woods, he was released to the authorities. He was then brought to a place so he could give a detailed summary of what had happened. He explained why him and CC were in Colombia and the address they were captured from. Once he had given all the information he was retuned to the hotel. He packed his belongings with a heavy heart and once he showered and changed clothes, he then had the grim task of going to CC’s room to retrieve her belongings.
Uncomfortable with invading CC’s privacy, Maxwell stood in the doorway of CC’s room holding the key in his hand. The minute he entered the room her scent hit him and a fresh wave of sorrow emerged. Knowing it would not get any less difficult, he walked further into the room to begin packing CC’s things. He was thankful they were only suppose to be in Colombia for two and a half days. CC had not brought many items of clothing. After he finished placing all her clothing in the suitcase, he made his way to the area that her personnel care items lay. Once he believed he had gotten everything, he picked up the suitcase and went back to his room to wait for his time to depart.
Maxwell went to the lobby of the hotel to check out. When he entered the lobby a gentleman meet him at the front desk. After explaining he was with the Colombia authorities investigating the kidnapping, he handed Maxwell CC’s purse, which had been found in the vehicle they had rented and been in at the time they were abducted. Maxwell thank the gentleman and asked if any thing further had been found out about CC’s whereabouts. The man explained that nothing had been discovered but they were still looking.
Maxwell had wanted to remain in Colombia until CC was found but the authorities had encouraged him to return home and assured him they would contact him and CC’s family with any new information. They had been honest and told Maxwell that the chances of CC still being alive, from the information Maxwell had given them, were small. Maxwell was going to be returning home on the original flight CC had booked for them to departed from Colombia on when she had made their arrangements.
Once aboard his flight back to New York, Maxwell took the time to go through CC’s purse, to try and see if he could tell if anything was missing. He was not familiar with the items CC carried in her purse but he knew she had several credit cards. He slowly searched each item, again feeling strange going through CC’s personnel belongings. There were the general items, such as makeup, ink pen, fingernail file, etc. Not worried about these items, he pushed them aside and removed a small wallet. Inside he noted three different credit cards and was relieved that they were there. He figured if those three remained, no others were missing. Once he was satisfied nothing had been stolen out of the purse, he went to close the wallet and return it, but before he closed it completely he noticed there were some pictures on the inside of the wallet. Curious as to whose picture CC would carry in her wallet, being she was pretty much alone in the world, which struck him as sad, he opened the wallet up again and removed the plastic picture holder. The first picture he saw was of Jonah and Eve, that Fran had taken at a studio last month, the next was an old picture of her mother and father early in their marriage before their divorce, then there was one of her sister DD and her family, one of Noel her brother, and then he came across one of CC and Sarah as young girls. He tried to place where the picture had been taken but could not. Both women had huge smiles on their faces and he noticed how happy CC looked. Turning to the next picture, he saw a picture of him and Fran and all the children. Maxwell figured Fran had given the picture to CC never thinking she would keep it. He was going to have to remember to tell Fran that CC had kept the picture and not thrown it away. The last picture pulled at his heart, it was a picture of CC and Niles dancing at his and Fran’s wedding. Niles was holding CC close and both were smiling for the camera. If someone had looked at the picture and not know Niles and CC, it would of appeared they were a couple. He removed the picture from the holder and turned it over. On the back CC had written the date and then "me and Niles" which was enclosed in a heart. He thought about his promise he had made to CC the night she laid in his arms shivering from her fever. How was he ever going to be able to face Niles and tell him of CC’s confession of love for him. He knew he would have to but also knew it was going to be one of the most difficult task, besides burying Sarah, he had ever faced.
Maxwell, replaced the wallet to it’s proper place and then laid his head back and dozed off. While he slept, he dreamed of CC laying cold, hurting, and alone somewhere in the woods. She was reaching out to him and begging him to not leave her. Her face was bruise and her shirt was covered in blood. Maxwell had tried to return to her side but something was preventing him from returning. In the back ground he could see a man laughing and he recognized the man as the one who had hit CC in the face. As he hollered for CC in his dream, he felt someone trying to wake him.
"Sir, sir, wake up." the stewardess said shaking Maxwell.
Maxwell finally opened his eyes, thankful to get the image of CC’s pleading face out of his head.
"You must have been having a nightmare." the lady told him.
"Yes, I apologize."
"Don’t worry. No harm was done. Can I get you anything?"
"No, thank you. How much longer before we reach New York?" Maxwell asked her.
"We should be arriving in about ten minutes." she answered smiling then walking away.
Maxwell told her thank you then looked out the window at the fast approaching New York skyline. His feeling were so ambivalent, he was happy to be going home to his family but sad he would probably never see his friend and partner again.
Fran, the children, and Niles were all waiting for Maxwell at the airport. Niles had come along after Fran had relentlessly continued to beg him to come. All he had wanted to do was lay in his bed and be left alone. There had been no trace of finding CC alive. They could not find any evidence suggesting who had taken her or where she had been taken too. The authorities had explained they would have a team working on nothing but trying to locate CC for at least two more week but if there were no further leads by the end of the two weeks the case would be left opened but not be a top priority any longer. Niles had prayed some sort of lead would be found or that CC herself would be found before the end of the two weeks.
Fran, the children, and Niles watched as Maxwell’s plane landed. They all gathered to greet him as he came into the airport lobby. Fran was the first to run and give him a hug.
"Maxwell, I am so glad you are home." Fran said as she hugged him.
"So am I, darling."
"Daddy." Gracie and Maggie greeted Maxwell.
Maxwell give all the kids a hug, grateful he had his family to return home to. As he held the twins in his arms he spotted Niles standing off to the side watching the emotional home coming. Maxwell gave the twins to Fran and Maggie and walked over to where Niles was standing.
The two old friends greeted each other with a hug.
"Good to have you home, sir." Niles said with little emotion.
"I am glad to be home." Maxwell answered him. Maxwell knew Niles was hurting because of CC’s disappearance. In a way Maxwell felt responsible for what had happened and he wanted Niles to know how sorry he was for his part in the tragedy and that he was hurting also.
"Niles, I am sorry for not having CC with me today." Maxwell said.
Niles was angry at Maxwell for not keeping CC safe like he had promised but he knew that her disappearance was not Maxwell’s fault. "You are not at fault for what happened." Niles answered him.
"No, I may not have been the cause of what happened but I made you a promise and I was not able to keep it and for that I am truly sorry."
"So am I." Niles answered him, then picked up two of the bags and headed to the limo.
Fran walked up to Maxwell seeing he was troubled by Niles’ depressed state. "He is just having a hard time dealing with Miss Babcock‘s disappearance. I’m sure he doesn’t blame you."
Maxwell took Eve from Fran and started walking toward the exit and said "I know he is hurting and I am afraid he does blame me but I understand."
"He’ll come around and maybe Miss Babcock will be found alive and well." Fran said trying to be enthusiastic.
Maxwell gave Fran a weak smile and said "I hope you are right."
The two weeks came and went and nothing had been found concerning CC’s whereabouts. The Colombia authorities promised they would continue to follow any leads and would not give up finding CC. CC’s father had hired his own team of investigators the day after Maxwell arrived home but they were also unable to find any evidence that would help to locate his daughter.
Niles had withdrawn from everyone. He went through the day doing his job but never smiling or interacting with anyone. Everyone missed the old Niles but no one knew how to help get him back.
Maxwell had not spend a restful night since his return. Every night he would have the same nightmare he had on the plane coming home and Fran would wake him when he would start hollering CC’s name. She had tried to get him to tell her about the dream but he never wanted to talk about it.
As the days slipped by, Fran watched as Niles and Maxwell draw further and further apart. She knew both needed to open up but neither knew how. By the end of the first month, all had given up hope of ever finding CC alive.
Maxwell had not continued with trying to produce the play him and CC had been working on when they went to Colombia. He had not been able to do any work worth speaking of since returning. The loss of his business partner and friend was weighting heavy on his mind and heart. He had been thinking about what he had promised CC, the night they spend in the cabin in the woods. Niles had not had anything to say to Maxwell, unless it concerned his job, since Maxwell’s return. So Maxwell had not felt comfortable enough to let Niles know what had been discussed the night before CC’s disappearance.
It had been a little over a month since CC had been missing and Maxwell knew it was pass time for him to fulfill his promise. On the morning Maxwell decided to speak with Niles, the weather was dreary and wet. Maxwell sat in his office and thought about what he was going to say to Niles and how he was going to say it. When he ran several different versions through his mind and none seem to be the right one, he decided to just call Niles into the office and tell him of CC’s confession and hope he did it right.
Pushing the intercom button, he called for Niles. "Niles, can you come to my office?"
"I’ll be there in a minute, sir. Just let me wash my hands." Niles answer from the intercom in the kitchen.
Maxwell stood at the terrace doors watching the rain, as he waited for Niles. He did not hear when Niles arrived in the office and was startled when he spoke.
"Sir, you needed to see me?" Niles asked.
Maxwell turned quickly when he heard Niles’ voice. "Yes, come in and close the door behind you."
Niles did us he was told, then went to stand in front of Maxwell’s desk, which Maxwell was now sitting at. "Please, sit." Maxwell said.
Niles sat on the green couch, he had seen CC sit on so many of times before.
Both men were quiet for a while, with Niles watching Maxwell and Maxwell contemplating where to begin. After several minutes, Maxwell spoke. "I know how hard of a time you are having with CC’s disappearance and again I want to apologize for my part in it."
Niles put his head down and said. "You had nothing to do with her disappearance, so you are not to blame."
"Then, why can‘t you ever look me in the eye anymore?" Maxwell asked Niles.
Niles was now looking at Maxwell and did not respond.
"I blame myself, also. I know I did nothing to aid in her disappearance but I left her alone and she disappeared before I was able to get back to her. I should of never left her alone." Maxwell said with great remorse.
Niles watched as Maxwell confessed his guilt and he knew he had felt the same way, about Maxwell leaving CC behind but now he saw he was wrong. "I will not lie and say I did not feel you were wrong in leaving her alone and helpless but in my heart, I know you had no other choice, she needed help and you did what needed to be done." Niles said.
Maxwell looked at his old friend, hoping he would be able to forgive him completely one day. "Still, I will always hold myself responsible but I did not call you in here to talk about my own demons. What I wanted to speak to you about was something CC made me promise to tell you that night." Maxwell said as he stood and returned to his spot in front of the terrace doors to watch the rain fall.
"You are speaking of the night before she vanished?" Niles asked wondering what Maxwell and CC were talking about that would of involved him.
Maxwell turned and looked at Niles briefly and answered "Yes, the night before I abandoned her." He then turned back around and watched the rain slowly fall. "She had begun to run a fever earlier in the day from her wound. By the time we found the small cabin, she was very weak. I was able to locate some blankets to make a small pad for her to lay and try to keep warm but she continued to shiver from her fever."
Niles was observing Maxwell closely and could see he was reliving the incident all over again and seem to be in the cabin with CC at his side.
"I held her in my arms to try and keep her warm and prayed she would not die as I was holding her. She had not spoken much since we arrived at the shelter, so I was surprised when she called out to me."
Maxwell paused for a minute and just stood looking out at the rain. Niles was not sure if he planned on continuing or not but then Maxwell spoke again. "Before we had decided to try and escape I had made CC promise she would not try to come to my aid if for some reason I was hurt during the attempt to escape. Reluctantly, she promised but being who she was, she made me make the same promise and I did. That night she reminded me of our promise to each other. I told her I was not leaving her but she explain if I did not go and find help she would not make it much longer, so I agreed to go and find help when morning came. When the decision had been made, that I would leave in the morning to get help, CC asked me to tell you something if she did not survive. I did not want to hear her speak of not surviving but she was adamant I listen to what she had to say and she made me promise to tell you in case she did not make it. So I listened."
Niles was sitting were he could see Maxwell’s profile and he watched as tears rolled do Maxwell’s cheek. Niles had not seen Maxwell cry since Sarah’s death and knew he was hurting deeply.
Niles went to say that Maxwell did not have to continue if it was to difficult but Maxwell stopped him. "Sir, you don’t…………"
"I have to, I promised her." Maxwell said knowing Niles was trying to relieve him of his burden. "What I am going to tell you is something that CC wished she would of told you long ago but she said she just never had the courage. CC, wanted you to know she loved you, was in love with you and that she wished she had opened her heart to you to see if her love was returned by you and she would of known what could have been." After revealing CC’s confession Maxwell became quiet and continued to stand and look out the terrace door window, wondering what Niles was thinking.
When he heard Maxwell say CC had confessed her love for him, Niles could feel his heart breaking. He had grieved for CC in the privacy of his room but never in the presences of anyone else. Now he could not hold back his tears and cries of sorrow.
Maxwell heard his friend crying and knew he must help in his time of loss, just as Niles had helped him when Sarah had died. Going to Niles and sitting at his side, he put his arm around his friend and together they mourned the loss of a friend.
"I have loved CC Babcock for so many years that I don’t remember not loving her. I should of told her of my love and not let my fears of rejection stop me. Now I will never know what holding her and loving her would’ve been like." Niles said as he cried.
"We all do things that we live to regret but at least you can be comforted with the knowledge that CC loved you dearly." Maxwell answered, trying to console his friend.
"In one way I am very grateful, to hear she loved me as I loved her but in another, I wished I would of never known because maybe this great big empty hole in my heart would not hurt quiet so badly, if I only thought she hated me." Niles said as he dried his eyes.
Fran had been in the kitchen feeding the twins when Maxwell had called for Niles to go to his office. She was glad she had convinced Maxwell to try and speak with Niles. She knew both needed the support of the other right now. After she had laid the twins down for their nap, she had gone to check on Maxwell and Niles and when she got to the door of the office, she over heard Maxwell telling Niles the story of his and CC‘s night in the cabin and CC‘s confession of love for Niles. Her heart broke for both Maxwell and Niles. Now she understood Maxwell’s pain and could not imagine the hurt and loss Niles must be feeling right now.
After Maxwell and Niles had spoke, the healing between the two began and they were also able to come to terms with the loss of CC. She had meant a great deal to each man but in different ways and her memory would always be a part of their lives.
CC Babcock was not use to living under the condition she had been force to live in since she was brought to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Carlos Perez. Mr. Perez and his family were poor farmers who lived in the Andes Mountains. About twice a year Mr. Perez would travel to one of the villages to buy necessities and sell some items. This year on his return from his trip he brought back the most unusual thing, CC Babcock. Mrs. Perez was surprised when her husband told her the tale of how he came to having this woman to bring home with him.
On his trips Mr. Perez would always stop at the same spot on his way to and from the village, being it was such a long and tiring trip. The cabin he would stay in for the nights, had been there forever and was never occupied by anyone. This year had been different. Going to the village everything had gone as usual but on his return home, when he reached the shelter for the night, he was surprised to hear voices coming from inside the cabin. Mr. Perez decided to stay the night in the woods that surrounded the cabin, so he could rest and maybe see who was in what he considered his cabin. Before sunrise the following day, Mr. Perez had watched as Maxwell exited the cabin alone. He waited until Maxwell was out of sight and hearing distance away and then he approached the cabin to see if anyone was still there. He had thought he had heard the voices of two people the night before but was not sure. Cautiously he went into the cabin and to his surprised, he saw a woman laying on some blanket against a back wall of one of the two small rooms. The woman was not awake and did not stir when he entered the cabin. Slowly he went to where this woman was laying and saw she was ill. After examining her well, he knew that she had been shot and was injured badly. He was also able to tell she had a high fever and had loss a lots of blood. He knew he could not just leave her to die, like the man he had saw had done. Then he thought that maybe the man he had seen was the one who had done this to her. So being the kind hearted person he is, Mr. Perez bundled CC up and placed her in the bed of his wagon, hiding her under the covering that had covered the items he had brought to sell and the ones he had bought while in the village.
His trip home was uneventful. He had ran across a couple of men who looked like they were bad people. They had asked if he had seen a man and lady on his journey and the description they gave him matched the man he had seen leaving the cabin and the woman in his wagon but he thought best to deny he had seen anyone that looked like the people they were looking for. When he arrived home, Mr. Perez explained to his wife what had happen and she helped to bring CC into their small home. Mrs. Camilia Perez was like her husband, a kind and gentle soul. She had been taught by her great-grandmother the art of using herbs for healing. Mr. Perez had know that if anything could be done to help the lady get well, Camilia would be able to do it.
CC had gone in and out of consciousness for almost a week and a half. Her fever had been very high and she was delusional at times. The wound to her shoulder was infected badly and it was what was causing her to run a fever but with the herbs and the knowledge on how to use them, Mrs. Perez was able to put CC on the road to recovery.
At the end of three weeks CC was well enough to do some things for herself. Before then she had to rely completely on Mrs. Perez for all of her care. Being CC knew how to speak Spanish, she was able to communicate with the Perez family once she was coherent.
When CC was well enough to get out of bed and walk around, she spoke to Mr. Perez about returning to the village so she could get assistance in contacting her family and Maxwell and evidentially go back to America. Mr. Perez tried to make CC understand that he only took the trip to the village twice a year and being he had just gone it would be at least another five months before he went again. CC was not able to change Mr. Perez’s mind and knew with winter on it’s way, she could not try to leave on her own, so she resolved herself to living with the Perez family until spring arrived. She knew that by now, everyone back home probably thought she was dead and before long she would be declared dead by the authorities.
The authorities in Colombia declared CC Babcock legally dead after five months had passed since her disappearance. Stuart Babcock had sent word to the people he had hired on his own, to cease their search and come home. Stuart took it upon himself to see to all of CC’s belongings. A small memorial service was held for CC with all her family and friends present. Maxwell, Fran, all the Sheffield children, and Niles were present for the service.
Maxwell wanted Stuart to know he had been offered a production job in California for a TV series and that he was planning on taking the job offer.
"Stuart, I want to let you know that my family and I will be relocating to California, where I will be going to work as producer for a television series. We will be leaving by the end of the month." Maxwell explained to Stuart.
"I hate to hear you are leaving New York but I guess I understand. May I be the first one to wish you the best of luck and I am sure CC would of been thrilled if she were here with us now."
Maxwell worked hard at keeping his tears from flowing. He had not been able to attempt putting together a broadway production since CC’s disappearance and now that she was considered dead, he decided a change was needed. He wanted Stuart and the rest of CC’s family to understand how special CC was to him and his family. "I don’t know if you are aware of the remarkable person CC was. I have not been capable of doing anything worth speaking of, within our business, since her disappearance and my whole family has felt empty without her."
"I know CC was special to all of you and she returned those same feelings." Stuart said.
"Niles, will never be the same. I don’t know if you had any idea or not but Niles loved CC and CC confessed to me, she was also in love with Niles." Maxwell explained to CC’s father.
"Well, I did not have any idea of CC’s affection toward your butler until I had to sort through all of her belonging while packing the items in her apartment." Stuart answered Maxwell.
Maxwell was intrigued by what Stuart had found in CC’s apartment that revealed the love CC secretly held for Niles. "Was there something in particular you found that made you aware of CC’s affections for Niles?"
Stuart had not mentioned to anyone that he had discovered CC was deeply in love with Niles. He did not think BB Babcock, CC’s mother, would of appreciated knowing her daughter dreamed of having Maxwell’s butler make love to her and hold her in his arms but he found no harm in telling Maxwell of the items that had revealed CC’s secret. He had even thought about letting Maxwell have some of the items to give to Niles. "I came across a couple of things which divulged CC’s secret. The main one was her diaries. CC has been keeping a diary for years and I felt guilty reading it but was amazed at what I read when I did. The last diary, which she began about two years ago, spoke of how she begun to realize she was falling in love with Niles. Knowing my daughter as I know you do, you also understand how difficult it was for her to admit she loved a butler. I also came across several pictures of your butler, some with my daughter and others that were of only him."
"Yes, I am sure CC did not easily admit she loved Niles but I believe there has been something between the two for quiet a while and Stuart, Niles is a wonderful man. He may have teased CC but he always watched out for her." Maxwell said.
"Yes, I agree, Niles is a wonderful person and CC was lucky to have had him as a friend."
Maxwell extended his hand to Stuart. "I will call when we a settled in California with our new address. I want you to come and visit, if you are ever our way. Please promise we will not loss touch."
"I promise to keep in touch and if you would like the pictures and other items CC had that were mementos of her connection to you and your family, I have them." Stuart offered.
"Most definitely. It would mean a great deal to have those items."
"I also have a box of things I would like you to give Niles. Just come by my home tomorrow and I’ll give them to you."
"Very well, I’ll see you tomorrow." Maxwell answered.
As time passed CC adapted to living with the Perez family. It was a simple life with few luxuries. At first, she had not been able to help with any work due to being sick but as she healed and her strength returned, she was given small task to do just like everyone else. Mr. and Mrs. Perez had two daughters, Maria and Anna. The girls were ages ten and twelve, Maria was the twelve year old and Anna the ten year old and CC had grown close to both girls as time passed.
CC had not enjoyed being assigned duties to do but these people had opened their home and hearts to her and saved her life. She owed them and vowed that when she did get home, she would repay them for what they had done for her.
Seven months had passed since Maxwell had returned home from Colombia. Life had returned pretty much to normal except for CC being gone now. Maxwell, Fran, Gracie, Eve, Jonah, and Niles all moved to California to start their new life. CC’s absence was felt by all but it was felt more by Niles and Maxwell then anyone.
Maxwell had gone to Stuart’s home and retrieved the items Stuart had spoke of at CC’s memorial service. The box Stuart had said was for him and his family, contained pictures, playbills, programs, and invitations from different functions CC and Maxwell had attended or produced. Maxwell still had the box Stuart had wanted him to give to Niles. He knew that the items the box contained would be things that were going to bring Niles great hurt and sorrow, so he had decided to wait a while before he gave Niles the box.
Now that they were all settled into their new life in California and Niles seemed to be coping with CC‘s absence, Maxwell pulled the box that belonged to Niles out. As he sat at his new desk, in his new office, he thought about CC and the person she was. In the many years he had been in the business of producing plays, he had never met another person like CC Babcock. CC was intelligent, ambitious, hard as nails when it came to business, and did her best to hide a heart of gold. He always knew he had nothing to worry about when he gave CC a job to do. Any task assigned her, was always done timely, correctly and without problems. He knew she was one of a kind and he missed her greatly.
After taking a deep breath Maxwell called for Niles. "Niles."
"Yes."
"Can you come to my office, please."
Niles arrived at Maxwell’s office within the next couple of minutes. "Sir, did you need something?" Niles asked once inside the office.
"Please, sit." Maxwell instructed his butler. Once Niles was sitting, Maxwell spoke. "Niles, at CC’s memorial service, Stuart informed me of items he had found while cleaning out CC’s apartment that he thought you may like to have. He stated that all the items had a bearing to you in some way or another. I also received a box with items that CC had collected since her employment with me." Maxwell handed Niles a cardboard box about the size of a shoe box. "I have not looked through any of the things that are in this box. Stuart made it quite clear everything enclosed in the box was for you and no one else. Hopefully you will not suffer any increase anguish from it’s contents."
Niles held the box on his lap, looking at it. He was curious about what was inside but did not want to search it’s contents while he was in anyone’s presence. He would wait until he was alone in his room. "Thank you, sir."
"Your welcome and Niles if you need someone to talk too, later, give me a holler."
Niles acknowledged Maxwell’s offer and then departed. He headed to his room upstairs. Now that the family had moved to California, Niles had a small apartment type room on the second floor of the new mansion. As he entered the small sitting room he sat down on the green leather love seat that was once in Maxwell’s office in New York. During the process of packing to move to California, Niles had asked if he could keep the small couch in his new room once they arrived in California. Maxwell had gladly given the piece of furniture to him.
Slowly Niles removed the lid of the box, Maxwell had given him. The first item he saw was a framed picture of himself. He could not place when the picture was taken but it appeared to be about three years ago. After he removed the picture in the frame, he found several other loose pictures, which were mostly of him or him and CC. He was surprised that CC had possessed so many pictures of him. Also in the box was a handkerchief he had given CC prior to her departing with Maxwell and Miss Grace on a trip around Christmas. He remembered how worried he was when they had been notified of the car accident that the three were in that night. Lying on the bottom of the box was what appeared to be a diary. Opening to the first page he noted the date to be three years ago. As he read the first couple of pages, he wondered why CC’s father felt he should have this item but on about the seventh page there was an entry that tore at Niles’ heart.
As the days go by and I watch Niles do the everyday things he normally does, I am becoming more and more attracted to the man. I know how strange that sounds but I just can’t help myself. He is so damn sexy. He never fails to infuriate me within minutes of my arrival at work but each day I look more and more forward to seeing him.
I had never noticed before the way his hair curls at the collar of his shirt or the beautiful color of his eyes but as I become more attracted to him, I see new things everyday that I love about him. No one can ever know I am falling in love with a butler but I must admit it, at least to myself, that it is so.
Niles was amazed that CC was attracted to him that far back. He would of never believed it, if it were not in black and white in front of him. He wondered how he could have missed her attraction to him but he knew he had hide his own attraction to CC very well also.
He continued to read the diary, which had many more entries where CC spoke of her love for him. He felt like he was violating CC’s privacy. He knew she never intended to have anyone read her most private and personal thoughts and would have been humiliated if she were here now.
Niles decided to set the diary aside and read it later but before closing it, he turned to the last entry, which was dated the night before CC and Maxwell’s departure to Colombia. As he read the words in front of him, it was like he could visualize CC sitting in her room, on her bed writing it.
Tomorrow Maxwell and I are off to Colombia. I wish the trip was over with and we were back home already. Fran has been harassing Maxwell about the danger of Americans being kidnapped and I know she has a point, even though I would never let her know I side with her.
Today, Niles spoke to me about being careful while Maxwell and I were away. I teased him about caring about me and he blushed. Whether or not he ever admits it, I know he cares about me. Maybe one day I’ll tell him I love him.
Niles wiped the tears that fell to his cheeks after reading the last entry CC would ever write in her diary. He wished he could be granted a second chance but knew it was not possible.
Winter had come to an end and CC was nervous about the trip back to civilization, which her and Mr. Perez were leaving for in the morning. The night before the trip, CC did not sleep a wink. She thought about what everyone’s reaction would be when she contacted home. She had decided to contact her father first and get home and then she would decided what to do from there.
The next morning, before sunrise, CC and Mr. Perez started their journey. It was cold and CC was wearing one of the many items of clothing Camilia had given her. CC had promised the girls, Maria and Anna, she would return to visit them one day. In the short time CC had been with the Perez family she had gotten very close to all three women she had resided with.
Their first night on their journey, they stopped to rest at the cabin where Maxwell and CC had taken refuge five and half months ago. CC remembered very little from that night. She had been to ill to remember much that had taken place while her and Maxwell were there.
The next day they had started out before the sun rose, again. They did not have quiet as far to travel as the day before. By mid-afternoon, they arrived in the small village where Carlos was to do his business but before he did any selling or buying, he took CC to someone that could help her contact the authorities. He bid her farewell and wished her luck and was on his way.
The man Carlos brought CC to was able to transport her to another location where she was able to speak to the local authorities. It took until the following day before CC was able to finally contact Stuart Babcock.
Stuart Babcock was home relaxing. The loss of his daughter had been very hard and he had not done or gone far since her death. He heard the phone ring and waited for one of the servants to either take a message or let him know to pick up the phone.
Jacob, his butler was entering the office and said "Sir, you have a call on line one. I tried to take a message but the lady said it was urgent she speak with you."
"Thank you, Jacob. I’ll take it in hear." Stuart picked up the line in his office. "Hello"
"Daddy, how are you." Stuart heard the voice ask. He thought at first the voiced sounded like CC’s but knew that was not possible, so he assumed it must be DD.
"Oh, I’m fine darling. How are you and the children doing?" Stuart asked the person on the other line, thinking it was DD.
CC realized her father thought he was speaking with DD. "Daddy, this is CC not DD. I know you know my voice when you hear it. It hasn‘t been that long."
Stuart did not responded. He thought he had loss his mind. He wondered how someone could be so cruel and think this was funny.
"Daddy, are you still there?" CC asked
"Yes. Who the hell is this? I don’t appreciate this cruel joke." Stuart hollered finally deciding someone was just playing a joke on him. He thought about hanging up the phone but something kept him from doing so.
"Daddy, it’s me, CC. I know you probably thought I was dead but I’m not." CC explained. "Please don‘t hang up. I need your help."
Stuart listen to the voice on the other end of the line and how much it sounded like CC but he had to be sure. "Where are you?" he asked.
"I’m still in Colombia. I’m not sure of the name of the town I’m in but you are the first person I call since I have returned to civilization." CC said trying to convince her father it was her.
Stuart was crying tears of joy. With his voice breaking when he spoke, he asked "Where the hell have you been? We thought you were dead."
"I’m sorry but I did not have any way of contacting anyone, until now. I’ll tell you the whole story when I get home but right now, I need you to help me get home." CC said.
Stuart Babcock was overjoyed at hearing his daughter’s voice. He could not wait to let everyone know she was alive, well, and coming home but CC had asked him not to tell anyone she was alive and was to arrive home tomorrow. Stuart was so happy about CC being alive and well, he did not question why she wanted the good news kept quiet.
The following day CC arrived at the airport at two pm on the dot. Stuart was so excited about seeing his daughter he had been at the airport waiting on her for at least an hour before her flight was due to arrive.
The reunion between father and daughter was a very emotional one. Both were glad at the second chance they were granted.
"CC, you don’t what seeing you alive and well means to me." Stuart said as he held his daughter in his arms. "You have loss weight. You are nothing but skin and bones."
CC laughed at her father. "I’m far from skin and bones and losing weight is about the best thing that came from my misfortune."
.
After they had arrived back at Stuart’s house, CC was settled into a guest room. When she was through placing the few belongings she had bought with money wired to her by her father, she went down stairs to speak with Stuart.
She explained to her father how she had disappeared for so long and had not been able to contact anyone. She told him all about the Perez family, who had saved her life and opened their home and heart to her. Stuart vowed, as CC had, he would repay these people for returning his daughter to him, alive and well.
Stuart told CC that he had taken control of her finances, as she had specified in her will and everything would be returned to her name immediately. He also told her of Maxwell giving up the theater and that he and his whole family had moved to California. This surprised CC greatly but she was more interested in where Niles was and what he was doing now. Stuart explained that Niles had moved with Maxwell and his family to California and as far as he knew, was still Maxwell’s butler.
CC asked what had become of her apartment and all her belongings. Stuart explained he had gone through everything himself and most of her things were still in storage but for a few items he had departed with. CC was curious about what items her father had discarded but felt it was of no importance at this time.
As CC sat quietly Stuart wonder why CC wanted to keep her return a secret, so he asked. "CC, why don’t you want anyone else to know you are alive and home?"
CC sat looking off, thinking about Niles. "I don’t know what to do, now that I am back and have no job or home to return to. Where do I go from here?" she asked her father.
"You could always contact Maxwell and see if he needs an assistant in California and I am sure Niles would be very glad to hear you have returned and you’re in good health." Stuart said with a smirk on his face.
CC noticed the way her father smirked when he spoke of Niles being glad of her return. She decided to act naïve and see if it worked. "I bet, Mop N Glow would be thrilled to hear I am alive and well."
"Yes, I think you are correct. Niles will be overjoyed to hear you are not just alive and well but may be returning to Maxwell’s employment. We all know how fond he is of you."
CC felt her face turning red when her father added the last part of his statement and put an emphasis on the part about Niles being fond of her. "You found and read my diary, didn’t you?"
Stuart cleared his throat, feeling a little guilty. "I……..I guess I might as well confess, yes I did and I just want you to know, I think Niles is a wonderful man, even if he is only a butler."
CC took a while to reply to what her father said. She knew how wonderful Niles was, it was herself she was worried about, not Niles. "Daddy, even if I were to tell Niles how I feel about him, he probably would just laugh in my face. Let’s face it, Niles and I have not been very pleasant to each other in the past."
Stuart got up from where he was sitting before telling CC he had given Niles her diary with the declarations of love for him in it. He wanted to put space between him and CC in case she got violate when he told her. "Kitten, when I tell you what I’m fixing to tell you, remember we all thought you were dead."
CC looked up at her father with intrigue and could tell by the expression on his face she was not going to be happy with the information he was fixing to disclose to her.
"When I found your diaries and read their contents, I felt that Niles should be the one to have them. So I gave them to Maxwell with specific instructions for him to give them to Niles, along with a few other items." Stuart watched as what he told CC sunk in.
When CC heard what her father had done, she did not know what to think or how to react. A part of her was angry at him for intruding into her personal things and life but then she remembered everyone had thought she was dead. Another part of her felt uneasy knowing Niles now knew she was in love with him and had been for a while now. She wondered what Niles had thought about the things she written in her diary that concerned him and her feelings for him. Had he laugh or was he disgusted knowing CC Babcock had the hots for him or by chance, did he also have hidden feelings of love for her that he wished he would of expressed before……………her death. It all of a sudden dawned on CC that Niles thought she was dead, just like everyone else.
Stuart could see CC was not to sure of what to do now that Niles knew of her love for him. "Sometimes we have to face things we never thought we would but you are a strong woman and can over come any problem you will ever have to endure and if it helps any, I think Niles is also in love with you."
CC looked at her father and asked "Do you really think it is possible he could love me?"
"I think it is very possible. Why don’t you go and see him and you can also see Maxwell and his family while you are there. You can’t hide forever. You don‘t realize how strongly everyone was affected by losing you. Your return will be a happy occasion for everybody. "
CC smiled shyly at her father. "It feels good to know you are loved by so many people and I know you are right about hiding forever. Sooner or later, I will have to face Niles. I think about going to California and speaking to Maxwell about a job and talking to Niles about what was in my diary but for now all I want to do is sleep in a comfortable bed. I’ll see you in the morning." CC walked to where her father was standing and gave him a hug, which was something she had seldom done in the past. "I love you, daddy."
"I love you too, kitten."
The following couple of days CC and her father visited her mother, sister, and brother. All had the same reaction as Stuart, they wanted to know where CC had been and why she had not contacted anyone. CC retold her story to each one, so they could understand the situation she was in.
The one good thing CC noticed that came out of the whole ordeal, was the stronger bond she now had with her family. It was nice feeling the love your family has for you. This was something CC had never really felt before. She figured her family tolerated her and she tolerated them in return but the old saying, that you don’t appreciate something until you no longer have it, proved to be true. When CC’s family had thought her dead, all of them had regretted not being closer and the same with CC, when she had thought she may die, she thought about all the time she had wasted by keeping everyone at a distance and not letting anyone get close to her. She planned on changing this bad habit, starting with her family and possibly, later with Niles. She intended for the rest of her life to be filled with plenty of love.
After CC had spent her first week home with her family and enjoying each and everyone of them, including her mother, she decided to go to California and see Maxwell and his family. She planned on surprising them and not calling in advance to let them know she was alive. She also knew by going to see Maxwell, she would also see Niles.
As CC sat in her seat on the plane from New York to California, she thought about Niles and how excited she was to see him. She had not decided if she would contact Maxwell by phone when she arrived or just go to the address her father had provided her with and hope they were home. She also thought about how she would greet Niles. Should she be causal and treat him as she always had or should she display her emotions in front of everyone, since Niles knew how she felt about him? She guessed she would wait and see how Niles would treat her.
After her plane landed, CC rented a car and went to her hotel room. By this time it was four o’clock in the afternoon. She debated on whether or not to try and locate Maxwell’s home from the address she had. After thinking about it for a while, she decided to go ahead and see if she could at least find the house and that way in the morning she would know exactly where to go.
As she drove the thirty minute or so drive to the area that Maxwell and his family were living, she started to get anxious and excited. Finally as she arrived at the address of Maxwell’s new home, she slowed down to see if she would possibly spot anyone outside. The home was a enormous two story home, with what appeared to be a guest house off to the side. The guest house alone was big enough for a small family. In New York, the mansion sat on a very small plot of land but here there was a huge front lawn and it seemed the back of the house plenty of yard.
CC passed the house not seeing anyone outside. She glanced at the clock in the car and saw it was only six thirty in the evening. She drove a little ways down the road then turned around. When she came up on the home again, she decided she would go ahead on stop now and see if anyone was home, it was still early.
The front of the house had a big circular drive, so CC parked her car on the drive out front. Taking a deep breath and getting out of the car, she said to herself "Here goes nothing." She walked up to the front door and rang the door bell. She never remembered being so nervous in her entire life. She wiped the palms of her hands on her pant legs and said out loud "Get a hold of yourself, CC. He is just a man, not a God."
Niles had just served dinner and Maxwell, Fran, Gracie, and the twins were all at the table eating dinner. When the doorbell rang, Fran said "I wonder who that could be. Gracie, are you expecting company?"
"No, I haven’t invited anyone." Gracie answered.
Niles came out of the kitchen on his way to the front door. Maxwell told him that if it was anyone for a business matter, to tell them he was having dinner with his family and they could either wait or come back another time.
Niles made his way to the front door. When he opened the door and saw CC standing on the other side, he thought his heart would jump out of his chest. He was so stunned, he just stood there and stared at CC with his mouth open.
"Well, aren’t you going to invite me in?" CC asked him with a smile on her face. "And close your mouth. You look like a fish."
Niles had heard her but could not believe his eyes but then he came to his good senses and reached out to CC and pulled her to him. "Is it really you? Are you okay? Where the hell have you been?" he asked all at one time, as he held her in his arms tightly.
CC’s heart beat was racing as Niles held her in his arms. All she could think was that he was glad to see her. "One question at a time, butler boy. Niles, I can’t breath and are you trying to say you missed me?"
Niles pulled away so he could look at CC’s face. CC noticed he had tears in his eyes, then realized she did also. Then Niles reached up to stroke CC’s cheek, while he looked at her, wondering if he was dreaming. "I have never seen such a beautiful sight. Do you know what I have been through, thinking you were dead? Did I miss you, I should bend you over my knee and spank you."
CC chuckled "Is that a promise? I’m sorry. I kind of had no way of letting anyone know I was alive until last week but it sure is good to be home and to see you." CC said as she played with the hair on the back of Niles head. "You look wonderful and I am glad you are happy to see me."
Niles leaned closer to CC and CC knew he was fixing to kiss her. She had dreamed of this moment many of times in the past six months. CC leaned into Niles and meet him half way. As Niles and CC kissed each other it was soft and gentle at first but grew in enthusiasm and passion.
Fran wondered who was at the door and when Niles didn’t return she decided to go and see for herself, who it was. "Oh my God, Miss Babcock and kissing Niles and what a kiss."
Maxwell heard Fran holler out CC’s name and wondered what in the world was going on. He went to the front foyer to see what Fran was yelling about. When he entered the living room and was able to witness CC standing next to Niles, who was holding her in his arms, he thought he was seeing a ghost. "CC, is that really you? Dear lord, what is going on?"
CC smiled at her old friend and answered "Yes Maxwell, it’s me, alive and well."
"But how…….where? I don’t understand. Are you alright? I mean, from being shot and all." Maxwell stuttered his questions.
"Yes, I was lucky to have had a very kind family to see to my needs, while I recovered." CC explained.
Maxwell and Fran noticed CC and Niles never let each other go. "I take it, the two of you are happy to see each other." Fran teased the couple.
Niles and CC looked at each other and smiled. "I know I am very happy to see him and I hope he is happy to see me." CC said looking into Niles’ blue eyes.
"Happy does not describe how I feel right now. All I know, is I love this blonde, blue eyed, beautiful woman and she better never disappear again, unless I am with her." Niles said then he kissed CC lightly on the lips.
"You got a deal, butler boy." CC answered as she nibbled at Niles’ lips. "When do you want to disappear together?"
Maxwell cleared his throat, so the two would remember he and Fran were still in the room. "CC, where are you staying?"
"I have a room at the La Palace, in the city." CC answered.
"Well, Niles will go with you to get your things, you will stay here, with us. You are family." Maxwell answered.
CC’s heart warmed when Maxwell said this, then suddenly she saw a miniature Fran and Maxwell run into the living room, followed by Gracie.
"Miss Babcock, you’re alive." Gracie said. "And your hands are all over Niles’…………"
"Gracie, that’s enough. We can all see where her hands are." Maxwell said.
"Yes, it seems that I am." CC answered moving her hands to a less provocative area, as she watched Eve run to her mother, who scooped her up. Then CC noticed someone was pulling on her pants leg. Looking down, she saw Jonah with his arms reaching up to her. CC bent and picked up the baby. "Hey, Jonah. You are so big. Do you remember me?"
Jonah was not a shy baby. He loved everyone and went to anyone who would take him. CC had been close to the baby before she disappeared and had missed him while gone. Jonah did not remember her but could feel she was a friendly person. He leaned his face close to hers and gave her a open mouth kiss. CC laughed at the kiss the baby gave her. "He kisses like you, Niles. All wet and messy."
Everyone laughed at the teasing they had come to miss so much between Niles and CC.
"I didn’t hear you complaining. As a matter of fact, I don’t think it is possible to speak when your tongue is deep in someone else’s mouth." Niles teased back.
CC blushed as everyone laughed harder and Fran said. "Miss Babcock, I’m sure Niles has something he could put deep somewhere else, if you would like."
CC put Jonah down and turned back to Niles and said "I think I may let him show me exactly what you are referring to and then I can decide if I like or not."
"Oh, CaCa, it’s good to have you home." Niles said putting his arm back around CC’s waist and pulling her to him.
"You don’t know how good it is to be back home." CC said smiling at Niles.
Maxwell, Fran, and Gracie could see the couple wanted to be alone. "Niles, why don’t you take the rest of tonight and tomorrow off. That way you and CC can go retrieve her things from the hotel and then she can stay in the guest house with you." Maxwell said.
"Thank you, sir. I appreciate the offer and will be glad to except it, if CC agrees." Niles said looking from Maxwell to CC.
"I would love to stay with you in the guest house." CC answered letting herself get lost in Niles’ dreamy blue eyes.
"Then, we will see the two of you tomorrow. CC, it’s good to have you back." Maxwell said as he approached CC and gave her a hug.
CC was touched by the display of emotions from Maxwell. "Thank you, Maxwell." she said as she returned his hug.
"We will talk later, okay." Maxwell said.
"Yes, maybe day after tomorrow but tomorrow I plan on being busy." CC answered.
Niles smiled at CC and kissed her cheek, then whispered in her ear "I love you, CaCa."
CC had never been as happy as she was right at that moment. Hearing Niles say he loved her brought her to tears. They were alone in the room by now and Niles was frighten by the tears he saw in CC’s eyes. "Why are you crying?"
CC shook her head and did her best to get a hold of herself so she could answer. With her voice breaking with emotion she said "I’m so happy to be here with you and you saying you love me. There is nothing else I could want."
Niles pulled her into his arms. "It is me who is happier then I have ever. Do you know I thought I would never see you again but you being here right now is proof prayers are answered."
The End
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