Molly hid a grin at the disagreement two of the fishermen were having over the best bait to catch fish. The current fish they were verbally catching were salmon, Chinook to be precise. Earlier it had been croaker and cod. She wondered what they would be on to next - flounder? She finished wiping the glass and placed it neatly into the row with its fellows, then picked up the next glass.

Boris' voice rumbled softly as he sang an old Russian tune. He checked the preparations for lunch and cleaned up the debris. Time to get the trash and garbage out of the way. He picked two large bags up in his capable hands. A nudge of his hip opened the rear door. He strode toward the waiting trash cans. Placing the bags into the receptacles, he stood and stretched, taking a deep breath. It was a beautiful, sunny day, a wonderful day.

Harry and Bob hauled steadily at the net, spreading it out between them in preparation of hanging it up for repairs. Bob had found the loss of his own boat over a year ago a relief in a way. He no longer had the full worry of repairs, expenses and payments. Amazingly, his insurance had paid off the loan and left a little bit over for other things. Working with Harry was rewarding as the solid man was a good fisherman with an eye for the weather and the fish runs. If Evan needed to go for a doctor's visit, it was no longer the loss that it once was. Harry always shared the profits from the day's catch, even if Bob wasn't there to help catch it. When the large, proud man protested that he didn't want charity, Harry had told him bluntly that he'd done plenty of work to earn it. After all, didn't Bob help maintain engine and boat, nets and lines? Faced with that truth, he had to accept the money they so sorely needed. Another bonus was the fact that if, for whatever reason, Evan was home and Bob couldn't stay, the Reverend Daniel Cooper was happy to keep the boy for a bit. It was good having friends who would help and stand by you without rubbing your nose in it.

Kevin checked his gun. He patted his pockets, verifying the presence of pad and pencil. He grabbed a fresh tablet of tickets and headed out the door. He had to finish his morning patrol if he wanted to be ready for lunch with his beautiful wife. According to his calculations and experience, he should finish his round of Hope Island about the same time the lunch hour wound down at the Widow's Walk. Then would be the time for Molly, Boris and Alex to enjoy their own meals and he could have a peaceful and (Hopefully!) uninterrupted lunch with Molly in their own home. Brian had taken Nub off to check the vacation homes over and get them ready for the spring visitors. Thinking about possible 'desserts', he had a hard time keeping a serious look on his face. A police officer should always be serious on the job. It was a big responsibility. A husband who had his father-in-law living with him and his wife had to make the most of the opportunities that are presented. Maybe they could have dessert first and lunch second.

Ruby and Bonita inventoried the store with quick efficiency. Notes were made of what was low, out or still well supplied. Lists were made of items that didn't sell well so they wouldn't continue to try them and when they should go on sale. To an outsider, the eeriness of their silence as they went about the work would be odd and nerve racking. An islander would not find anything odd about it. Mother and daughter weren't suppose to talk! Look at the havoc it caused the last time they had broken seventeen years of silence. No siree-bob, it was best for Hope and the Islander General Store if they communicated in strict silence.

Callie typed diligently away on her keyboard, hastening to get in one final story before sending The Hope Island Lookout to bed for print on the mainland. She glanced at her PC's clock to see how much time she had before the deadline gobbled this particular story up. 10:52 AM. Not much time left! She focused with single-minded intensity, determined to get done in time.

Marcus looked at the eager young faces listening so attentively to his science lecture. He glanced around, catching their eyes, letting them know the excitement he felt about his subject. He felt like he could speak for hours to the class, but it was time to wrap up today's lesson and hand out homework assignments. This class was almost done, but there was always the next one. When Aunt Ruby asked him to accept the position, not knowing of their relationship, the African American had been doubtful. The community was so... well, white! Most of the population's ancestry was European, not African. The island was relatively isolated despite their nearness to Seattle. He had found he was the one exhibiting prejudice by assuming that they would be prejudiced against him. Thankfully, Daniel had helped open his eyes. He was delighted to find it didn't matter one wit to his pupils or their parents. Everyone was pleased to have such a fine science teacher. He fit in on the island and that was all that mattered to the islanders. His eyes met Dylan's and his smile widened.

Brian stood back and tried to look important. "Check the hot water heater while you're there, Nub. Understand? We need to make sure that nothing is damp or musty. If it is, you'll have to air it out. Get some of that stuff from the store to clear it out." Nub's blue eyes looked a bit glazed. The mayor sure was thinking of a lot to do. Some of it, he already knew. They did it every year. Ever since Brewster Estate had flooded though, Brian seemed kind of obsessive about water damage. If it wasn't water heaters, basement and plumbing, it was leaking roofs. He wondered how long it would last and tried to think of a way to help his friend over it. After all, it had been almost a year since the flooding. It was time to move on. Though, truthfully, he didn't think Brian could move on, not until he recouped his losses. Nub knew that Brian would do it. It was just a question of when. Now, if Brian would just believe...

Daniel wrestled the step ladder around and tried to figure out how he was going to get it (and him) safely up the narrow steps. He peered up into the dark, upper reaches of the steeple. The minister wanted to check the belfry and do something to discourage birds from nesting there. If he was going to succeed, he had to do something now, before spring came and it was too late. If they started nesting and laid eggs, he would have to live with the results for another year. Another man might have been cursing as he crept up cautiously, feeling for each unseen step. He could easily picture this as a punishment in Hell. He twisted and turned the ladder around to fit it into the actual belfry. The tall, dark haired man took a deep breath, then sneezed. There was a lot of dust up here. He looked around at the shadowed corners and unhooked the flashlight from his belt. A mess of blown leaves, old nests, dust and more met his eyes. He sighed deeply as he thought about how much he had to clean. As he positioned the ladder under the beam holding the bell, he wondered what he could do to discourage nesting.

Clocks touched 10:54 AM.

Alex watched in surprise as her neatly folded towels fell to the floor which seemed to roll like a boat in stormy seas. Still startled, she jumped into the doorway, gripping the jam so tightly her knuckles were white.

The glasses started to shiver in their places behind the bar. Molly turned in surprise. Had something set Boris off again? When the Russian really got going good, he could rattle the kitchen walls. A glass fell and broke. The blonde was still standing, stunned, when the fishermen broke off their argument. They grabbed the woman and pulled her over the bar to the safety of the other side. Crouching on the floor, they huddled protectively over Molly as more glasses fell and objects jumped off the walls.

The sounds that the Russian had become so used to hearing stilled. There were no calls from the seagulls or other birds. Boris watched as the trash cans toppled. He rocked back and forth as the ground shook, trying to maintain his balance. His arms wrapped around the utility pole. Well, this was certainly new and unexpected.

Harry paused in the work and looked up. Bob started to ask what was up when it hit. The fishermen, expert sailors, rolled with the tremors, maintaining their balance. This was definitely not what they were used to on land. Bob started praying, afraid for his young son at the special school on the mainland. Whatever happened on Hope, both knew it would be worse on the mainland.

Kevin frowned as he felt the police vehicle shaking through the steering wheel. Great! Just great! He wondered what was wrong with it. Maybe the shocks or the alignment. He hoped it wasn't too costly and didn't take too long to repair. He kept an eye out and, a couple of minutes later, pulled over at the next widening of the road. He was puzzled because it had stopped its shaking. He got out and scratched his head, looking at the SUV in bewilderment.

Ruby and Bonita stared at each other as items on the shelves started to rattle. "Outside! Now!" Ruby barked to her daughter. They hurried out the door. Holding the railing on the steps, they stumbled down to the main street. The two women hugged each other as the ground shook beneath their feet.

Callie jumped in surprise at the first shake. She scrambled outside, deadline forgotten. Here was a story! A big story! A huge story maybe and she wished she didn't have it. She prayed as she watched other islanders stumbling outside that she wouldn't be using any of her prepared obituaries.

The fist shake knocked the chalk off its place on the blackboard and the clock off the wall. Before the children had time to think, Marcus shouted. "Under your desks! Now!" Students scrambled to obey. Some started to cry as the floor rocked under them. Crouching, the teacher held his breath, counting the seconds. However long it seemed, this would be over soon.

The first movement shook the smooth, confident look from Brian Brewster's face. Earthquake! He remembered the last time he had felt just this. His eyes widened. "Nub!" The mayor didn't even think about it as he ran stumbling into the vacation home that he had sent Nub Flanders into only moments before.

Daniel felt the ladder shudder. Before he could climb down, it jumped from under his feet. Instinctively, his hands reached out for a hold, any hold. He was stunned as the bell started to ring. His pained cry could not be heard over the cacophony of sound. He wanted desperately to clap his hands over his ears. All he could do was hold on and pray.

Slowly, everyone let go and stood, shaking themselves off. Less than a minute later, the earthquake which had rocked the island was over. Neighbors called to each other, checking to see if everyone was all right.

Alex let go and ran upstairs. She called out as she reached the tavern room, "Molly! Are you all right? Is everyone okay?"

"We're fine, Alex," the blonde responded as the fishermen helped her to her feet. "Well, we'll need more glasses," she continued as she looked ruefully behind the bar, "but mostly we're good."

"I have to check on Dylan!"

"Of course, you do! Go on, Alex," Molly responded, "I can handle things here for now." The fishermen had already left, heading to check on loved ones and their homes. She hoped everyone was okay and nothing was damaged too badly. A few broken glasses were not a problem.

Alex smiled gratefully at her best friend and ran out the door. It wasn't far to the school and she was relieved to see the students were already being lined up by their teachers, safely outside. A quick scan and she spotted Marcus. As she ran to the school along with other worried parents, she followed the line of his pupils until she spotted Dylan. She stopped and almost collapsed from the relief. With a huge smile, she ran over to where her son stood.

Dylan saw her and started talking as soon as she was close enough to hear him. "Did you feel it?! Wasn't that awesome! An earthquake, Mom! It was a real live earthquake! I mean, wow! I never expected to feel an earthquake! It made my stomach all jumpy and I didn't think I could stand."

"Whoa there, Dylan. I don't know if I would use the word 'awesome', but I most definitely felt it." She looked around at the clusters of children, teachers and parents. "I guess you and your friends are all right, huh?" She ruffled his hair, grateful.

"Ah, Mom!" Dylan whined. "We're fine. Mister Griffith told us to get under our desks and we did, just like they always told us to do. We were fine."

Alex hugged him tightly. "I'm glad, Dylan. I will admit I was worried." She smiled as Marcus left the family he was talking with to join the Stones.

"Well, that was quite a surprise. If you want to take Dylan home for the day, you can, Alex."

Alex chewed on her lower lip for a second. "Is the school closed, Marcus?"

"No, we're going to continue with classes after lunch. However, we will understand if parents want their kids at home for the rest of the day. There may be aftershocks and it won't be marked as an absence."

The redhead looked at her son thoughtfully. "Well, young man, do you want to play hooky for the rest of the day?" Part of her wanted to drag her son home and never let him go again. That wasn't feasible and she didn't want to cling to him. That would only breed hostility later. How well she knew that!

Dylan looked tempted. It would be fun to play instead of being at school. He looked up at the two adults, trying to decide.

"We were thinking about having a special meeting after lunch instead of class - to explain about earthquakes and what causes them," Marcus commented casually.

Alex hid a smile as she watched Dylan's eyes light up in excitement. Who would have thought her son would be so good at math and science? He had so much trouble before Daniel and Marcus came. Daniel had tutored Dylan after school and Marcus had finished lighting a burning desire for knowledge within her son. He was doing so well now!

"School!" Dylan proclaimed.

"Okay," Alex said, accepting her son's decision and feeling very proud. "How about some lunch and then you can come back?"

Dylan looked at his teacher uncertainly. It wasn't lunch time yet. Was it all right?

"Sounds good to me," Marcus said easily, "See you at one o'clock, Dylan, in the meeting hall." He waved and moved on to the next family.

"Cool!" Dylan bounced as he followed his mother back to the Widow's Walk.

"Yeah, cool," Alex sighed as she thought of the things they would have to clean up. First, she better check for gas and water leaks. She started to make a mental list of the things they needed to do to make sure the building was safe. Gas, structure, water, electricity, phone...

The other islanders had similar thoughts. Bob turned to Harry, but the head fisherman beat him to the punch. "You better go check on Evan. I'll check the boat and our houses."

"I--I," he stuttered a bit.

"Go on. Here, I have the keys to Reverend Cooper's boat. I don't think he'll mind you borrowing Emily." Harry pulled the keys from his pocket. Daniel had asked him yesterday if he could give the boat a checkup since he didn't know enough about it. Now, he was grateful he'd told the minister he would find the time to do it today or tomorrow. "Go, Bob! I bet Evan is worried too."

"Thanks, Harry! Thank Reverend Cooper too. Tell him I'll take good care of her and top the tank off afterwards."

The fisherman didn't bother to tell Bob that Daniel wouldn't be concerned about that. It would be useless. He waved the man off and turned to check on things in town. Either the fishing boat was fine or it wasn't. First things first. Their homes and neighbors seemed like a good place to start.

Callie Pender bustled through town, her pad and pen out, scribbling notes as fast as she could. Sharp eyes checked for damage, even as she stopped people to ask them about their experiences. Thank God there didn't seem to be much damage! Except for a few heirlooms that had gotten knocked off walls and shelves. She heard curses coming from one home and decided to come back there later. Some things didn't need to be reported. Seeing Father Mac, she scurried over to get a quote from the cleric. "What did you think when the earthquake hit, Father?"

Father Mac pursed his lips. He wanted to check on his congregation and the other islanders, not give quotes for the paper! Still, a calming voice and all that. "That God would protect us in our moment of need."

"Where were you when it hit? What was your first clue?"

The priest smiled slightly. "I was in my study. Barnabus was making a fuss, then suddenly went still. He hid his head under his wing. I knew something was up. Everything started shaking. I grabbed his cage and got under the desk." Not the easiest feat at his age, but he'd managed it well enough. "It didn't last long. I don't think it was even a minute. When it stopped, Barnabus whistled, then said 'Go to church. Say a prayer. Go to church.'. I think it scared the poor bird." He had been trying to teach the African grey parrot more appropriate language for over a year. Who would have thought it would take an earthquake to actually do it?

Callie laughed and fell into step with the older priest as he walked down the street, greeting islanders, making certain everything was all right.

"You know, it felt a lot like the one in 1965." He searched his memory. "Yes, it was 1965 when we had the last big quake. It did a lot of damage in Seattle." He looked out over the bay and sent up a silent prayer for the people who lived on the mainland. Hopefully all of that money spent retrofitting the older structures to meet modern earthquake standards had done some good.

Callie's pen paused in its flight. She glanced in the direction of the mainland. In her mind's eye, she could see the damage. The emergency vehicles struggling to find a path around the debris. People in the streets looking dazed, shocked by what had just happen. She would have to check for reports on the '65 quake. Add that to the paper with reports on the mainland. She breathed a silent prayer for the people there, especially any islanders who might have been visiting at the moment. "I hope this one wasn't as bad," she offered tentatively.

Father Mac gently patted her arm. The touch was, somehow, comforting to the reporter. They saw Kevin drive cautiously into town, pulling to a stop in front of the police station.

Kevin Mitchum looked around at the knots of people as he got out of the vehicle. He scratched his head under his cap in bewilderment. Seeing Callie Pender, source of all things newsworthy on Hope Island, he called out. "Hey Callie! What's going on?

Callie's mouth dropped open in surprise. "You mean you didn't feel it?!?" How could anyone miss that, she wondered in a daze.

"Feel what?"

Father Mac nodded thoughtfully. He'd heard of things like this before -- of people driving not feeling the quake itself, but of their cars acting as if suffering from some odd breakdown. "We just had an earthquake, Kevin."

"EARTHQUAKE?!" The pitch of Kevin's voice suddenly got a lot higher and more strained. "Molly! Have you seen Molly?!?" His mind stuttered as it struggled between love and duty. He had to check on the islanders! He had to check on Molly!!!

"The Widow's Walk looked like it was all right, but I expect she's there. I saw Alex over at the school, so I think Molly is fine." Callie answered absently, still trying to wrap her mind around the concept that Kevin hadn't felt the quake.

Kevin ran in the direction of the inn. First things first. Make sure Molly was okay, then he could concentrate on the rest of Hope Island. He crashed through the doors, startling his wife who jumped up from where she was sweeping up glass fragments.

"Kevin?" Molly sagged against the bar, her eyes closing in relief.

"Molly! You're alright!!!" Kevin ran behind the bar and hugged her. His lips came down on hers, kissing her hard. All of their love and worry flowing between them. The worry was banished by the reality of their safety. Kevin sighed in relief as he surfaced for air. Guilt stirred. "I didn't even feel it, Mol. I thought the SUV was having alignment trouble or something.

"Shh. It's all right. I'm all right." She hugged him tightly, glad to be in his strong arms. "You're all right."

"Hey Kevin," Alex called as she came in from the kitchen. "How's the rest of the island faring? No damage so far, Mol."

"That's good, Alex," Molly answered. She felt Kevin pull away and had to fight the urge to hold on. She was married to the police force. She knew she would have to share him with his job and the island.

"From what I've seen so far, all right, Alex, but I need to go check on everyone." His eyes caught Molly's as he silently apologized.

Molly managed to smile warmly. "Of course, you do, Kevin. Go on, get to work. We're doing fine." For the second time that morning, she shooed someone she loved outside. Her smile slipped a little as soon as her husband was gone.

"He'll be fine, Molly," Alex tried to reassure her friend.

"Yeah, I know. I just hope Dad and the other islanders are too."

"Me too, Molly, me too." The two women exchanged worried looks and got back to work.

As soon as Dylan was done with lunch, he was ready to go back to school, eager to learn about earthquakes.

Alex called after him as he headed out, "Wait, Dylan! I'll walk over there with you."

The boy grimaced, but stopped and waited for his mom. Mother and son walked over to the school in companionable silence, entering and heading for the auditorium.

"I'll see you after school, young man." Alex told her son.

Dylan Stone nodded. "Yeah, Mom. Later!" He scurried inside of the auditorium, looking for a good seat.

Alex lingered in the doorway, watching students and teachers assemble. She had work to do, but was reluctant to leave yet.

Marcus approached the speaker's stand. He tested the microphone which squealed with feedback. Laughter rose from the chattering pupils and they settled down. Marcus smiled warmly. "Are we ready to learn about earthquakes?"

"Yeah!" The students yelled back, excited.

"All right!" Marcus pulled down a map of the earth's surface and pointed. "The earth's crust is made up of a series of rigid plates. These plates," he pointed to a couple of them, "move apart from each other. The places where they spread are called rifts. This is where new ocean crust is made." His pointer moved to the center of the Atlantic, then on to the Red Sea and closer to home, the Gulf of California. "Rifts can cause earthquakes, but they generally aren't that strong."

Alex listened in fascination, wanting to understand what had happened.

"Since the earth isn't growing," Marcus grinned and his audience laughed, "crustal plates have to bump into each other as well. Continental crust or oceanic crust is destroyed in what are termed subduction zones. Since continental crust is lighter than oceanic, the oceanic crust usually goes underneath a continental crust in a subduction zone. There are subduction zones around most of the Pacific Ocean." The pointer drifted over to touch several points which made Alex think of the ring of volcanos that circled most of it it. "The Ring of Fire is made up of subduction zones," Marcus confirmed. "When the crust reaches a certain depth, it melts and the magma rises. When the magma gets close to the surface, it expands and we get volcanoes." The science teacher pointed out a line that started in California and went up into British Columbia. "This plate is called Juan de Fuca. This plate is being subducted under Oregon and Washington. It is responsible for the Cascade volcanoes and the earthquakes here. It's being subducted slowly, at a rate of about 2 centimeters a year. Not very fast, huh?" His audience shook their heads. "That's why we usually don't feel anything. However, every once in a while, the plate jerks as it slides downward. This causes a large amount of energy to be released and we get an earthquake."

"Now," Marcus traced a line down through California, "we've all heard of the San Andreas Fault. Well, this is another type of crustal movement. That's where two plates slide against or transverse each other, instead of one sliding under the other. The San Andreas is where the North American plates and the Pacific plates tranverse, again at a rate of just a few centimeters a year. If the tranverse motion is compressive," he held up his hands and pressed them together, "then hills will form, like the San Luca range. If it's slightly divergent, pull-apart basins form," he gestured, "like around Los Angeles and just like the subductions if the plates jerk an earthquake forms. The little quakes help to release the energy that can build up. If they don't happen, then we get the 'big one' that the reporters always talk about. There are a few other things that can cause earthquakes, but those are the major ones. I suspect that when the geologists finish their research and we hear the reports, we'll find out that we just went through a subduction earthquake."

A short time later, Mayor Brewster hurried into the Widow's Walk. Nub was right on his heels. Both men were covered in dust.

"Molly!" Brian called in relief when he spotted his daughter. "Thank God you're all right." He reached her side and immediately pulled her into a tight hug. He didn't know what he would do if something happened to his Molly!

"I'm fine, Dad." She patted his back, waiting for him to calm down. The instant his hold eased, she pulled back and began to brush him off. "What happened? You're covered in dust! Are you all right?" She glanced at the slender young man who was his assistant and so much more if her father would just admit it to himself. "Are you all right, Nub?"

Alex had moved to Nub's side and was trying to brush some of the dust off of him. She curled her lip in disgust as she pulled a cobweb off his black watch cap. "Ugh! What have you been doing? Cleaning the oldest attic on the island?"

Nub shook his head and glanced at his boss, a gleam of hero worship in his eyes. "Brian saved my life!" It burst out of him, unable to contain the news any longer.

"What?!" Molly looked at Nub in surprise, then turned back to her father. "Dad! Are you all right?"

"I'm fine, Molly. We both are. Nub's exaggerating," Brian tried to bluster. Normally, he would have lapped up the attention such news would generate, but now... He didn't care about being a hero or not. He just wanted the island to be all right. He wanted for the tourists to come and for things to finally return to normal. Maybe then he could worry about whether or not he was a hero. He wished desperately that the quake never happened. Tourists wouldn't want to vacation in a quake zone!

"Yes he is," Nub contradicted. "I'd just gone into the basement to check the water heater when the quake hit. I didn't know what to do! Then suddenly Brian was there. He yanked me out of the way of some shelves just as they came down right where I was standing! He saved my life."

Brian straightened his jacket and ran a hand through his hair. "Nonsense, Nub. The worst that might have happened is you would have broke something. I saved you a few bruises more than likely."

Nub shook his head. He looked earnestly at the two women. "They were really heavy shelves. I might have had a broken back or neck or... Well, Brian did save my life! He was outside. He came inside to get me, risking himself. That's a hero in my book!"

"Mine too, Nub," Alex declared. She looked at Brian Brewster somewhat surprised, approval in her eyes. "You did great, Brian!" Her lips turned up in a grin. "We'll have to tell Callie. Our mayor, a real hero."

Brian blew his breath out. Great! When he wanted that type of attention, he couldn't get and when he didn't... He just couldn't seem to win! "How much damage so far?"

"So far, we've been pretty lucky. The worse seems to be some damaged heirlooms, no serious injuries or structural damage."

Well, that was something, Brian thought. Maybe it wouldn't do too much damage to the tourist trade.

The mayor's thoughts were interrupted as Harry burst into the Widow's Walk. "How is everybody?"

"So far so good, Harry. Just some broken glasses and plates," Alex answered. "What have you found?"

"Same here. I think we were really lucky," the fisherman responded. He turned to head out again. "Oh!" He stopped and turned to Alex. "The next time you see Reverend Cooper, tell him I loaned Emily to Bob, so he could check on Evan."

"I'll do that, Harry." The redhead smiled and turned back to the others.

Brian sat in one of the chairs, letting out a big sigh. "How much damage did Daniel have at the church?"

"I don't know," Molly admitted. "We haven't heard from Daniel yet."

"And that's not like Daniel at all!" Alex exclaimed, her worry suddenly skyrocketing. The handsome minister should have already been down the hill, checking on them and everyone else, offering his help in taking care of whatever needed to be done.

"You're right. He should already be here." Molly agreed, her own worry rising.

Alex moved decisively for the phone and dialed a number. She listened to it ring and ring with growing dread. "He's not answering."

Everyone looked at each other, suddenly deeply worried about Hope's minister.

Boris entered from the kitchen, wiping his hands on a dish rag. "There. All cleaned up and shoop shape."

"That's ship shape, Boris," Alex informed him absently.

"What with pulling all the long faces? All is well. Everyone is fine." Boris looked from person to person, puzzled.

"We haven't heard from Reverend Cooper yet, Boris." Brian rose from his chair. "Come on, Nub, we'd better head up there and make sure he's all right. I hope the damage isn't too bad. Those buildings have been up there for so long without care." He headed for the front door, Nub right on his heels once more.

"Mayor, Nub wait! Boris come with you!" He stormed after the pair, to look at Alex and Molly. "Nothing important for Boris to do here, dah?"

For a nanosecond, Alex hesitated. "Dah! Make sure Daniel is all right, Boris! Molly and I can handle things here for now." She made a pushing gesture for the big man to go on, then turned to Molly. "I hope he's all right." She abruptly sat in the nearest chair. "He has to be all right, Molly!" Tears stung her ocean blue eyes and she angrily forced them back. She wasn't going to cry! Daniel was all right. He was!

Molly pulled another chair over to Alex's side. Taking her hand between her own, she squeezed gently. "I'm sure Daniel is fine, Alex. There's a logical explanation and Dad will let us know as soon as he finds out."

Alex took a deep breath. "I hope you're right, Mol."

Brian pulled the work van into the parking area at the little white church. He got out and looked around. Things didn't look too bad, maybe they were worrying over nothing. Maybe Daniel was busy checking on neighbors and just hadn't reached town yet. Maybe... He headed for the parish house and banged on the door. "Daniel!" Not getting an answer and finding the door unlocked, he went inside. Nub and Boris stood by the vehicle, looking around. The mayor was soon outside. "Well, he's not in there. Let's check the church."

Nub was the first inside the church. He halted abruptly in surprise at seeing the step ladder lying haphazardly on the floor.

Boris, who was right behind the slender blond, accidently plowed into him. He grabbed Nub's shoulders to keep the younger man on his feet. "What you stop so quick for, Nub? Boris almost run you under."

Nub shook his head and looked at the other two men, pointing. "Daniel wouldn't leave a step ladder like that."

"You're right," Brian agreed and looked around.

The three men started calling for Daniel. Brian checked the back room and soon returned shaking his head. "Where is he?"

Nub stared thoughtfully at the ladder and then looked up. He gasped. "Da--Da--Daniel!"

"What?!? What is it, Nub?" Brian rushed to his side.

Nub pointed up toward the belfry and Brian gasped as he spotted the minister. Daniel was holding on upside down to the bell's main beam for dear life, his arms and legs wrapped tightly around it.

"What is this?" Boris came to their side and looked up. "DANIEL!" He bellowed loudly, but the minister did not look down.

"DANIEL!" Nub joined in, calling to their friend.

"Why isn't he...?" Brian muttered to himself. His eyes narrowed slightly as he took in the bell. Hadn't he heard bells when the quake... Oh my! He took a deep breath and in his loudest voice, called out. "DANIEL!!!"

Both Nub and Boris jumped at the loud shout. They shook their heads. However, it had the desired effect, for Daniel craned his head around and saw them. He smiled, a bit wanly, as he spotted his friends below.

"HOLD ON! We'll get you down!" Brian assured the trapped man.

Brian headed for the stairs leading up, Nub close behind. Only to halt at a call from Boris.

"Wait! Will need ladder!"

"You're right. Help him with it, Nub!" Brian led the charge up the steps, Boris and Nub following as quickly as the could with the step ladder. They manuvered it around until it was under the beam, as close to Daniel as they could get it.

"Daniel! The ladder!" Brian called out loudly. He frowned when the man didn't move.

Boris looked up at Daniel Cooper and his brow furrowed. "Boris think Daniel Cooper cannot move."

"What are you talking about, Boris? Of course he can move!" Brian responded sharply.

"Boris think his... How do you say it? ... His muscles have locked." He nodded decisively. "Boris will get Reverend down." Not waiting, he was climbing the ladder. Reaching the top, he patted Daniel's leg and reached out. "Daniel trust Boris!" He called loudly.

Daniel looked at Boris, relief in his rich brown eyes. He nodded and waited, wondering what the big Russian was going to do. He didn't think he could let go. He felt like he'd been holding on forever.

Boris wrapped an arm around Daniel's waist, putting his shoulder there. Then, somehow, the large hands managed to get Daniel's long legs unwrapped from the beam. He pulled slightly.

Daniel had blanched when he felt his legs let go, but he quickly recovered as he sensed Boris accepting part of his weight. He had to do the rest. He had to let go! Shivering, he tried to convince his arms to release their death hold. A minute passed, then another. He felt another gentle pull from the large, broad shouldered Russian. He closed his eyes and licked his lips. You got me this far, God. Help me get through this bit, he silently prayed. With painful slowness, he eased his grasp.

Boris grunted and pulled the tall slender form closer.

Somehow, the preacher was never quite sure how, Boris shifted him into a fireman's carry. Oh yeah, Boris was a fireman too, he thought in giddy relief as he felt himself carried down the ladder.

Safely back on the belfry's floor, the Russian didn't pause. He hurried down the steps, Brian and Nub scurrying after them. The Russian didn't stop until he could gently place his charge on the back seat of the van.

"Is he all right?" Nub asked anxiously. "Daniel, are you all right?"

"Reverend Cooper?" Brian looked at the younger man in concern.

Daniel could see the others talking to him, but... He shook his head. He couldn't hear them, his ears were still ringing too much. He wondered if the bell would ever stop ringing. "Is everybody all right?" He asked anxiously, hoping for reassurance, even if he couldn't hear them.

"Everyone's fine, Daniel," Brian hastened to tell him. Naturally he's worried. He probably spent the entire time he was trapped up there praying for everyone else. That would be just like Daniel. He patted a knee. "Just fine," and nodded his head, suspecting Daniel was not hearing much of anything at the moment. He rested his hand there and felt something. Tremors? No. The abused muscles were spasming under his hand. He winced in sympathy. He'd had back spasms once before, when he had strained his back. "We better get him to Doctor Watson's, right away."

Boris eased the minister the rest of the way in and joined him in the back as Nub climbed into the driver's seat. Brian sat in the passenger side and pulled his door shut. "Let's go! We haven't got all day!" He was blustering and he knew it. He couldn't help it, he was worried about Daniel. He hoped the deafness wasn't permanent. What would happen if it was? Brian Brewster tried to imagine Hope Island without Daniel Cooper ministering the inhabitants and just couldn't. It was unthinkable! Could Daniel continue as a minister if he couldn't hear? He worried at it, all the way down the hill.

Boris hovered over Daniel like a protective mother bear as he helped the minister into the doctor's office. Nub kept a helping hand at Daniel's elbow, ready to jump in if need be. Brian called out for Doctor Watson and slapped the bell on the front desk a couple of times.

Lily Watson hastened from the back, wondering what was going on. She'd been straightening the mess the quake had made of her clinic, anxiously waiting for any emergency calls or patients. She had been relieved to have time pass without any new patients coming in and had hoped that the island had survived the earthquake with only property damage. Now, she was afraid her hopes had been in vain. Sharp eyes took in the pale, tall, slender frame of the young minister. There was no doubt as to who her patient was this time. "Daniel? What happened?"

"He was stuck in the belfry when the quake hit, Doc," Mayor Brewster reported in a sharp tone. "We just found him hanging on to the beam."

"The belfry?" Lily Watson looked over the minister. "Boris, help him in here." She lead the way to one of the examining rooms. The large Russian gently herding Daniel after her.

"Yeah," Nub confirmed. He looked worriedly at his friend and minister. "He... He can't seem to hear us."

Boris looked over his shoulder at the frightened young blond as he helped Daniel to sit on the exam table. "Not true. He heard Mayor bellow." He looked at the doctor. "Very loud," he told her earnestly.

"I see," Lily nodded thoughtfully. "Everybody out. Let me check on my patient."

"You'll let us know, Doctor..." Brian asked on his way out.

Lily Watson nodded. "Of course, Brian, now if you will excuse us."

"Thank you, Doctor." Brian stood pensively outside of the exam room for a moment. He looked at Nub, about to order him to go and tell Alex and Molly what was happening. One look at that worried young face stopped him before he could say a word. "I'll go let Molly and Alex know what is going on. You stay here, Nub, and keep abreast of the situation."

Nub nodded. He watched the mayor leave, then returned his attention to the examination room. He stood there fidgeting slightly.

"Reverend Cooper will be all right. Nub know this," Boris rumbled gently. He pulled his friend over to sit on the couch.

"I know, Boris, I just..." Nub sighed and looked at the floor. He took a deep breath. "I guess I just want to hear it from somebody else, someone who..."

"Someone like Doctor Watson." Boris nodded. "We wait. Doctor will come soon and give good news!"

"I sure hope so, Boris." Nub's attention returned to the closed door and he settled down for what might be a long wait.

Alex and Molly converged on Brian the moment he set foot inside the Widow's Walk.

"Did you find Daniel?" Molly asked.

"Is he all right?" Alex queried at the same time.

"Yes, we found him. He should be fine. I just left him at Doctor Watson's."

Alex Stone felt her heart thud at those words. "Doctor Watson's? What happened? How bad...?"

"He was stuck in the belfry. Come on. The good doctor should be finished with him soon," Brian escorted his daughter and her best friend out and over to the doctor's office. Their passage attracted Callie's attention, which in turn attracted Father Mac. All of them converged at the Hope Island Medical Clinic.

"What's going on?" Callie asked immediately, sensing a story.

"Daniel was stranded in the belfry during the earthquake," the mayor reported.

"Oh my!" Father Mac exclaimed. "Is he all right?"

"Why don't we go in and find out?" Brian herded the group inside. "Nub! Any news yet?"

"Not yet," Nub started just as Doctor Watson stepped out of the exam room. Everyone immediately focused their attention on her.

"Doctor Watson? Is Daniel...?" Alex started, then fumbled to a halt.

The doctor smiled and nodded. "Daniel's fine. His ears are still ringing, but I didn't find any sign of physical damage. The tinnitus should be temporary. His muscles had tightened up from holding on for so long so I gave him a muscle relaxer. He'll probably sleep through to tomorrow, at which point he should be able to hear what people are saying without Brian having to bellow at him." She grinned at the mayor. Daniel had told her he had never been so glad to hear Brian Brewster yelling at him. He'd actually compared it to hearing an angel.

"Thank the Lord!" Father Mac exclaimed. "That must have been quite an ordeal."

"Amen!" Callie said. "I'll have to get Daniel's side of the story after he wakes up. In the meantime, gentlemen, how about telling me your side?"

Alex watched Callie grilling Daniel's rescuers for a moment as Molly listened, then her attention drifted. She stared longingly at the closed door hiding Daniel Cooper from her sight.

"Would you like to see him, Alex?" Lily Watson asked, her eyes full of sympathy. Most of the islanders had figured out there was something going on between the fiery redhead and the gentle minister.

Alex nodded. "If it won't disturb him...?"

"It won't," the doctor answered confidently. "I don't think another quake could wake him up at the moment." She led the redhead to the door and eased it open. She gave Alex a gentle push in the small of her back. "Go on. You won't wake him. I promise."

Alex was vaguely aware of the door shutting quietly behind her, leaving her alone with Daniel. She approached his sleeping form slowly. Her eyes drank in the sight of his pale face, relaxed in sleep, a curl of hair out of place on his forehead. Hesitantly, she tenderly pushed it back in place. Relief flowed through her veins, carrying away the tension that had come with the earthquake. It left her weak kneed and she dropped gratefully into the chair beside the bed. "Well, I guess I'm stuck with you for now, Daniel Cooper." She smiled softly. "And I'm very glad I am." She leaned forward, her eyes devouring his handsome face. "Don't tell anybody, but I think I really am falling in love you." She placed a tender kiss on his forehead, feeling her heart overflow with her feelings.

A couple of hours after the minister joined them, Boris clamped a large hand around Daniel's arm and escorted him, gently but firmly, over to the Lady By The Sea. "Reverend Cooper help Father Mac clean up," the Russian ordered and cast a knowing look at the priest. Father Mac wisely kept his mouth shut and soon had Daniel doing the far easier task of straightening up his books.

That night, everyone on Hope Island seemed to find reason to drop in at the Widow's Walk. Stories about the quake flew around the tavern as Molly and Alex hustled to serve them all. Food orders flew from the kitchen at a tremendous rate and every time the doors opened you could hear Boris singing happily in Russian.

Bob dropped by Daniel's table to thank him for the loan of Emily. While the damage on the mainland had been extensive, it was a far cry from what might have been. Evan's school had minor structural damage and would be closed for a few days until repairs could be effected. The fisherman drifted over to join Harry at the dart board.

Dylan asked Daniel about his rescue, his eyes wide and filled with excitement and fear. The minister blushed as he told how he had been stranded in the belfry and about the arrival of his rescuers.

"Boris brought him down like a real fireman! Just like in the movies," Nub proclaimed.

Harry looked over from the dart board. "Is that right, Reverend Cooper?"

Daniel nodded confirmation. "I've never been in a firefighter's hold before, but he certainly got me down safe and sound. I don't think I could have made it on my own at that point."

Just then the hero of the hour barged out of the kitchen to pass another food order on to a harried Molly.

"Hey Boris!" Harry called over the hubdub.

"Yes? What Harry want? Boris very busy! Moosh! Moosh!"

"You ever consider joining the volunteers?" Harry replied.

"What is this volunteer? Boris not understand. Not join army!"

Alex placed a tray of dirty dishes on the bar and pushed a strand of hair out of her face. "No, not the army, Boris. The Hope Island Volunteer Fire Department."

"Fire department volunteer? For what?" Boris asked in confusion.

Harry nodded. "We don't have a regular fire department, Boris. It's all made up of volunteers. So what do you say?"

Boris stood considering the proposition thoughtfully. His grey eyes caught Daniel's brown ones looking up at him warmly. The minister gave a small nod. "Boris happy to help fire department. Know much about fighting fires!"

Harry raised his mug of beer high. "Well, that will be a first for us! Welcome aboard!"

The crowd roared their approval and drank a toast to the newest addition to the Hope Island Volunteers. Slowly, the crowd wound down. Daniel took the opportunity to talk to Alex. "Hey."

"Hey yourself," Alex responded.

"Come on, let's go somewhere... quieter." He wrapped her hand in his and led her out on the tavern's patio. The pair leaned on the railing looking up at the night sky.

"How do you feel?" Alex asked.

"Good, I'm good." Daniel smiled at her warmly.

The redhead felt her toes curl. And he's just smiling at me, she thought breathlessly. Steve never made her feel like this.

"I just wanted to get away from the noise and listen to the night sounds," Daniel told her, wrapping his arms around her waist. "And listen to you."

"Really," Alex felt her lips curve into a grin and her blue eyes laughed. "So, what do you want to hear me say?"

"Anything. Nothing." Daniel leaned forward.

Alex found herself leaning forward to meet him. Their lips drew closer.

Father Mac walked by. "Good night, Daniel, Alex!" He called cheerfully as he made his way home.

The couple jumped, jerking apart. "Good night, Father Mac," they chorused.

Daniel shook his head ruefully.

"One day, Daniel Cooper," Alex pledged, "one day."

"One day, what, Alex Stone?"

Daniel's eyes and lips teased her, promising... She sighed. "You better go home. It's been a long week," she advised reluctantly. The whole island probably knew that the hardheaded redhead and their warmhearted minister were attracted to each other, but... "You better go on."

"Yeah, I guess I better. I promised to call Mom early tomorrow with an update." His parents had been on the phone immediately after news of the earthquake hit the airwaves. With so many phone lines down and circuits jammed with other families trying to reach loved ones, they hadn't been able to get through. They had been frantic by the time anyone thought to call them with news of their son's safety. His father had actually ordered the helicopter readied when they had gotten the message. Alex had made Daniel call home the moment he woke up. He had made the call. He never expected to hear such relief in his father's voice, at least not directed at him. He ended the call with a promise to call his mother regularly with updates on his condition and the island's clean up efforts. His parents' concern about Hope and his neighbors had touched his heart deeply. It showed they understood how important the islanders and his church were to him.

"Yeah." Alex nodded, but didn't move. She stared up into Daniel's face, taking in the curve of his chin, the shape of his lips and nose, silvered by the moonlight. Suddenly, she leaned forward and captured his lips with hers. An electric jolt passed between them and the world seemed to suspend itself. An eternity later, the door of the Widow's Walk open spilling light and some laughing customers into the night. They reluctantly drew apart.

"Good night, Daniel," Alex said huskily.

"Good night, Alex." Somehow the minister got his reluctant feet to move and take the rest of him away from the woman he found himself loving more everyday. He walked down the stairs and paused to wave up at her silhouette in the moonlight.

Alex waved back and watched him pick his way up the hill. She looked up at the moon and took a deep breath, peace and gratitude filling her heart and soul. Hope Island and her inhabitants had safely ridden out another storm.