I had finally made it to the airport. After leaving the stadium all I wanted to do was get my miserable ass on the plane. I checked in at the terminal where I had to pay an extra two-hundred dollars to leave earlier, but it would be well worth it to get out this city and away from Aries with his drama.

I walked through the semi-busy airport. It was close to six pm since I had to sit in almost two hours of stadium traffic. I was lucky to get the last seat on the flight headed to LA. Hopefully I could tell Sean how I really felt and we could move on with our lives. I was such a fool thinking there could be anything between Aries and I. As the old saying goes, a hard head makes a soft behind, and my ass was raw.

I held on to my purse. I needed to call someone before I flipped my lid, but then I remembered my phone completely died along with the case charger. The first thing I needed was a charger. I passed a few stores and priced them. They were triple the price you would pay at Walmart. This was highway robbery, inflation my ass this was down right genocide.

"May I help you?" The cashier asked.

"Yes, I need to purchase a phone charger."

She pulled them out from the case and I chose a pink one. I bought it along with some gum and headed to my gate. I went to have a seat but somehow I felt overexposed. Turning and looking around, a wave of fear had settled in all around me. Could Aries come back? Would he try to finish the job? Who knows, but I wasn't taking any chances.

I grabbed my purse and headed to one of the restaurants; just in case, I didn't want to be a sitting duck and he ambush me. I swear paranoia was the worse. I ordered a sandwich and a bottled water and found a secluded booth in the back. Taking a bite of my sandwich, I nearly screamed from the pain. Where he had put his hands around my neck, it burned and felt irritated beyond relief. Pulling out my compact, I was devastated by the purple marks around my neck. I shook my head in disbelief, I didn't think he would ever put his hands on me.

My face started to feel damp. Tears rolled down my eyes as I quickly wiped them away. I went to touch my bracelet but it wasn't there. Real panic started to set in. I looked around the table and through my bags. I couldn't find it.

Think back Lizzy! You almost never take it off. I squeezed my eyes shut. My mind was going back and forth. I had it on the flight out here. I remember twirling it around my wrist. I went to Aries house and it was still on as I damn near puked my brains out. I got dressed and the bracelet was still there. Aries had pissed me off and normally the bracelet was my calming charm. I don't remember if I had it on in the car, wait, I did. The little hostess had commented on how cute it was. Fast forwarding to the fight with Aries...damn I couldn't remember.

I checked around my seat. No bracelet. Damnit! Think Lizzy! I reached in my purse to get my phone and it was missing too. This couldn't be happening. My bracelet and my phone! Could this day get any worse?

I had my phone earlier, I remember it was going dead. I had tried calling Sean but he hadn't answered. I had it in my hand until Aries confrontation happened with Sharon. He had grabbed me, so I think my phone fell out my hand. Urghhhhhhh! I wanted to hit something. The phone could easily be replaced but the bracelet wasn't.

"Are you okay miss?" I heard a deep voice ask from behind me.

I shook my head no.

"Do you mind if I sit here with you? All the other tables are taken and you have the booth that can sit ten people," he said with a chuckle.

I looked up. The man was absolutely incredibly handsome but something in his eyes warned you that he wasn't all fun and games. They held this underlying threat that made you want to crawl in the corner and cry.

"I'm Sam." He held out his hand. I shook it.

"Elizabeth but people call me Lizzy."

"It's nice to meet you. So Lizzy are you here on business or pleasure?"

"I came to break it off with my loser boyfriend."

"That explains the tears and pain. Is he the one that put those purple bruises around your neck?"

I tried covering my neck but then I hadn't noticed the ones on my wrists.

"You need to report him. Physical violence is unwarranted except in the time of peril."

"It was the first and last believe me."

"That's good to know."

"Can I ask you for a favor?" I was truly nervous to ask but all he could do was say no.

"Sure. You helped a gentleman out in distress."

"May I use your phone?"

"Sure." He reached in his pocket.

"I've seem to have lost my phone and bracelet."

"Did you say bracelet?"

"Yes. It was a charm bracelet with important charms that my best friend gave me when I was younger. It held a lot of sentimental value to me."

"Did it have a caduceus as a charm?"

My heart started beating wildly. "Yes it did."

"I saw it in the little store down by the gate. The salesperson asked if it belonged to anyone but no one said anything."

"It has to be mine."

"Here you use my phone and watch my food and I will go and get it."

"Thank you so much."

He ushered out the seat, in his tailor made designer suit and shoes. He was tall, hell he looked like a fashion model.

The phone he gave me looked sophisticated. It didn't look like a phone that you could walk into a cell phone kiosk and buy, this looked like a classified government issued communication device. I wondered if he was a CIA or FBI agent or could he be a spy? I was curious but not that curious to be locked up or tortured.

I dialed Sean but some random voicemail came on. I left a message telling him I was on my way and that I had lost my phone hoping he would pick up. I dialed my mother next. The phone just rang and rang. Why people that normally have their phones glued to their hands don't answer the phone when you need them?!

I needed someone to know where I was just in case this strange man Sam tried to kill me or if the plane was to crash. At this particular time, it sucked to be me.

I tapped the phone. Who else could I call? I called Sean and my mom for everything. If I had to choose the next closest person it would be Alanna. I started to dial her number, but it automatically appeared on the phone. What the hell?

It read A. R. Did A.R. mean Alanna Roberts? Why would her number be in his phone? I pressed the green dot and I heard the phone connect.

"Uncle Sam, what do I owe this pleasure? You never call, just magically appear," I heard her say chuckling.

"Uncle?"

"Hello?"

"Alanna this is Lizzy. Elizabeth... I'm confused, is this Dr. Alanna Roberts that I just poured my heart out to about Sean a few weeks ago?"

"Lizzy is something wrong? How did you get this number?"

I explained how I met Sam and that he knew where my bracelet was.

"Son of a gun. Sam is getting soft."

"What do you mean?"

"He works with my family. He co owns a security firm with my uncle Chase. They are not really my biological uncles, but they are like it as they are some of my parents closest friends since before I was born. You are in really good hands."

"Good to know. I wish he was there when Aries choked me."

"What? Lizzy are you okay?"

"I managed to get away. We fought and all his skeletons came flying out the closet." I told her everything that had happened since I got here. She laughed as I told her I puked on him. I continued on until I got to the part of meeting Sam.

"Aw honey. I'm so sorry you had such a horrible day. Maybe Sean can make you feel better. I always did believe you two belonged together."

"Just like you and Corbin."

"We are talking about you not me. Stop deflecting."

I laughed. This was the first since I left Aries.

"I have some news. We are still verifying it but the man Ausef Banda is not who he say he is."

"What do you mean?"

"He's a doctor alright but also known as a baby broker, meaning he connects people with representatives that are able to get babies to those that need them. It's against the law. Ausef has had multiple offices in the last four years, moving around the country. Looks like he has a little cottage in San Pablo under a LLC which I've never heard of before. It seems when his accounts get low, he finds a way to make money. Within the last week, quite of bit of money was transferred. It looked like the transfer happened in LA."

"Is there a name on the transfer?"

"Let me see." There was a pause.

"It's in code, sorry. When dealing with certain accounts they use these computer codes instead of account numbers and names. I can ask my dad or one of his associates. I will tell you this, Ausef is a little fish in a big pond, the question is who is the big fish?"

"I don't know."

"Who ever it is, they are going to be dangerous. Just from listening to my dad and uncles, the big fish is usually the person you would least expect, but usually they are pragmatic and call all the shots. They keep a low profile and mix in the general population, unsuspectedly.

"Sean told me his agent recommended this doctor she is now seeing. Do you think there could be a connection?"

"What's his name?"

"Kevin Lewis."

"Wait...can't be."

"Do you know him?"

"He works for the Foundation from time to time. He's the Chief of Obstetrical and Gynecology at UCLA. He's been friends with my mother for at least ten years."

"He confirmed her pregnancy."

"Maybe she is. I can't see Kevin lying for that stank."

"Unless there is something in it for him."

"Like what?"

"What does everything boil down too?"

"Money."

"Exactly."

"Okay, I will do some more digging. You need to call me when you get your phone."

"I will."

Sam came and sure enough he had my bracelet in his hand. I felt so relieved.

"By the expression on your face, I would say this belongs to you?"

"Yes, thanks so much. This means a lot to me."

He smiled. "You're very welcome. Glad I could perform a good deed, maybe it will help in the long run." He said the last part in almost a whisper.

"I bought you this."

I looked at him puzzled. Inside the bag was a prepaid phone still in the plastic. Attached was a hundred dollar prepaid calling card.

"I can't accept this." I passed him his phone.

"By the looks of this last phone call, I should have purchased another card."

"Sorry. I have cash..."

"You know my niece?"

"Evidently yes. When I went to dial her number, it appeared on your phone. We work together at the hospital in New Orleans. I'm an orthopedic surgeon there."

"So you're Dr. Elizabeth Johnson." He leaned back in the booth.

"Small world. Yes that's me."

He didn't say another word for a few seconds which had me a little fearful.

"I really can't accept this. Thank you though."

"Alanna talks about you all the time. Your name came up as joining the Foundation's medical team."

"She had mentioned there could be an opening soon."

"I'll make you a deal."

"Okay."

"You take the phone and I will put in a good word."

I laughed.

"Seriously. A woman should never be stranded without a personal bodyguard, or without a surreptitious weapon of choice, but most importantly a cell phone. I'm not saying you can't take care of yourself, but having items that give you better chances should not be taken for granted."

Definitely CIA. "Thank you. I will pay you back."

"Not necessary. Glad I could be of service."

"Flight 1265 to Los Angeles has been delayed. I repeat Flight 1265 to Los Angeles has been delayed," the lady on the intercom repeated. This day could definitely get worse.

"Urghhh, son of a biscuit!"

"Is that your flight?"

"Yes and it was the last flight out of this place tonight. All I wanted to do was tell Sean he was right, I messed up. It should have always been me and him. That skankho, has done nothing but try to destroy what Sean and I deserve. I was stupid, I let the dick influence my thinking, I'm so freaking weak. I just want to start over new with Sean." I put my face in my hands. Such an awful day.

I felt someone pulling me in their arms. "Once the clouds clear away, the sunshine will be back."

"You make it sound so simple."

"Believe me, I've had years to practice. You're too pretty to cry. You are strong and I can see it. This is just a little bump in the road. Just cross over it and move on."

"Spoken like a true father."

He tensed up. Did I say something wrong?

"Let's go see how long of a delay it is." He looked at his watch.

"You don't have to stay, I'll be okay." I dried my tears.

"Nonsense."

"Your phone has buzzed at least ten times since you have come back. I don't want to take up anymore of your time."

He smiled. This time it was different, I could see it in his eyes.

"Come." He scooted out the plastic seat and I got out behind him. He threw our food away and we headed to the kiosk.

"Can you tell me how much of a delay it will be?" I asked the attendant.

"We just got confirmation that the plane is still grounded in Tennessee so a flight from LA is on its way and it just took off. It should be here in about four hours. Sorry miss."

"This is crazy. It would be after midnight."

"Yes miss."

I turned around and saw Sam on the phone. He quickly hung up.

"What did she say?"

"Four hours. This totally sucks."

"Well I can't leave you here and I'm truly not a fan of sitting still for that long. I only came in because my plane was getting gassed up and there was nothing left to eat on it."

"So you have your own plane and been sitting here with me talking and you could have been gone a long time ago?"

"The company was good. I've been zipping back and forth from Peru, to Germany and China for the past two weeks by myself. I was going stir crazy without human physical contact, in the matter of conversation."

"Oh."

"You are in luck. I'm a sucker for love and one of my clients in San Diego just called. I'm headed there, so if you want a lift, I will be more than happy to take you to LAX where someone can pick you up."

"Really? I've caused you enough trouble."

"It would keep me from getting cancer from radiofrequency energy waves." He held out his cellphone. We both laughed.

"Well since you insist. Oh by the way, are you married Sam?"

"Actually I'm not. Do you have someone in mind?"

"Yes. She's sexy, smart, more beautiful than I am and she's single."

"Well I guess you will have plenty of time to tell me all about her then. After you." We walked to one of the empty gates where an attendant greeted us along with two pilots. The day had started out clouded, but like Sam said, this was just a bump in the road and the clouds were now quickly being replaced by the sunshine.