This series is entitled Quaternion (the meaning of which will be explained in a later part). This is part 2, "Bruised". It is obviously AU, being a cross-over between FX: The Series and Hope Island, which I own none of. :-( Ultimately other series will come into play and be explained as they arise, but for now these are the only two of importance.

I recommend reading part 1, if you haven't already, so you won't be too lost.

Anyway, this is rated R from the get-go so you've been warned!

Lastly, I gratefully acknowledge Peggy and Maureen for their generosity in allowing me to borrow from their stories, hopefully enriching mine in the process.

Disclaimer: Harlan Grenway/Robert Melbourne is an original character created by Maureen Thayer and introduced in her fan fiction story Retribution, the second story in her Sacrifices Series. He is being used with Maureen's permission in the Quaternion Series. Any and all events and developments regarding Harlan in the Quaternion Series have no connection to those that have happened or will happen in Maureen's Sacrifices Series.

I also thank Moni for her assistance in part 5.

Okay, that's it for now, onto chapter 1 of part 2, "Bruised"

(These first paragraphs were inspired by Cameron Daddo from the "Anne of Green Gables" internet chat he participated in. ;-D )

Daniel Cooper stirred as he heard a light beeping sound. He slowly opened his eyes and let them adjust to the small amount of light in the room as he reached for his watch.

"Is it four-thirty already?" A quiet voice asked sleepily.

"Yeah." Daniel sighed as Alex snuggled closer.

He smiled, happy to be with his lover of the past four months,he sat up after a few moments and she reluctantly joined him.

"I'll walk you down." She whispered.

Daniel dressed quietly as Alex slipped her robe on.

She took his hand and they peeked out the door, finding the rest of the inn silent they crept down the stairs, both avoiding the floorboards that squeaked. They went into the kitchen where Alex unlocked the backdoor.

He carressed her cheek and smiled.

"I love you." He whispered.

"I love you too." She replied kissing his palm.

He pulled her into his arms and they kissed passionately.

"I wish you didn't have to go." She sighed when the kiss ended.

"A day will come when I don't get up in the middle of the night and leave you. I promise."

Alex hugged him, loving him with her whole heart.

"I'll see you...later today." He kissed her forehead.

"Breakfast?"

"Can't, I have to go to the mainland."

"You've been going to the mainland a lot these past few months." She eyed him. "What kind of Christmas surprise do you have up your sleeve?" She added, poking him in the ribs.

"Me?" He asked innocently, then grinned and kissed her again before disappearing into the early morning darkness.

Alex reclosed the door and locked it then headed back upstairs where she put on her pajamas and climbed into bed. Smelling his lingering scent on the pillow she hugged it to her chest, snuggled under the warm covers and fell asleep smiling.

Daniel closed the door to his house and breathed relieved as he shed his heavy coat. He swore Ruby had insomnia...or a sixth sense. This was the twelfth time she'd been up as he left Alex's in the past month.

As he put on his sweats and climbed into bed he thought about the shopkeeper and how she had been dropping hints left and right about he and Alex getting involved. He chuckled at her supposed subtlety and wonder what she would think if she knew they were sleeping together. He pushed the woman out of his mind and set his alarm clock, he really needed to get some sleep since he had to be up early. He closed his eyes and smiled as Alex settled into his mind as he dozed off.

Alex heard Boris in the kitchen and shook her head. To her recollection there had only been a few times she had been up before him, and all those times he had been sick, they had nearly tied him to his bed to keep him there he was so adamant to cook.

"Morning Boris." She greeted entering the kitchen.

"Ah, Alex! Boris make french toast for Dylan."

"He likes the cinnamon you mix into the batter." She smiled filling a tub with silverware, coffee cups and plates. She hefted it into the dining room and began setting them onto the tables when Dylan thundered down the stairs. "Dyl---"

"Sorry mom." He called and ran into the kitchen.

Alex sighed and looked up as she heard the door.

"Hey, thought you two were going shopping."

"We're on our way to the ferry right now, I just wanted to make sure it was okay." Molly replied.

"Mol, I've told you three times I can handle the breakfast and lunch crowds on my own." Alex shook her head.

"You could always call Daniel if you need help." Kevin grinned.

"Yeah! Why don't I do that?" Molly agreed hurrying to the phone.

"Molly!" Alex growled and turned to Kevin. "Can you give us a minute?" On the cop's nod she drug her best friend into the office. "Mol, why are you so concerned about me being alone here?"

"You've looked tired these past few weeks, you look tired now."

"I'm fine, other than a little constipation..." Alex assured her. She and Daniel had agreed to keep the sexual aspect of their relationship strictly between them. They had been intimate a couple of times a week but obviously their late nights were showing.

"Are you sure? I can be back by lunch." Molly looked at her.

"I don't want Kevin looking for violations because you're spending more time at work than with him." Alex joked and gently pushed her out the door and toward her husband.

"Everything okay?" He asked.

"Yes, now go before you miss the ferry." Alex nodded.

Kevin took Molly's hand and they left.

Alex finished getting ready for the breakfast crowd then returned to the kitchen to find Dylan nearly finished.

"Boris think Alex too thin, must eat."

"I'm not really hungry, but I appreciate your concern." She answered as Dylan jumped off the stool. "Don't forget your backpack!" She called as he charged out the door. She microwaved some water in a cup and placed a teabag into it.

"Is good boy, eats all his breakfast." Boris uttered as a piece of toast popped up. He retrieved the slice, spread jam on it and slid it over to her.

Alex sighed and took a bite.

"Happy?" She asked chewing.

"Yah." He smiled then started humming an unrecognizable tune.

She exited the kitchen and dropped the bread into the trashcan behind the bar and sipped her tea.

"Morning Ms. Stone."

"Hi Sue, Rebecca. Dylan should be down in a minute."

The girls nodded and Alex hid her smile.

"Bye mom!" Dylan called as they left together.

Alex sighed and thought about what Daniel had said in bed one night after making love. Dylan was growing up...and more interested in the opposite sex. He told her they had talked about sex and that he had encouraged Dylan to wait until he was responsible enough to handle the repercussions. Though Daniel hadn't said, she suspected they had also discussed her and Steve and the fact that they were so young when they conceived Dylan.

"Morning Alex, Dylan said Boris was making french toast?" Nub inquired as he took a seat at the bar.

"Coffee with it?"

The gentle man nodded and she poured a cup then took his order to the kitchen.

Nub looked over and nodded to the man who had walked up to the bar. He guessed the man was in his sixties, he was of medium height and build with a head of pure white hair. The younger man found his clear blue eyes warm and friendly. "Welcome to Hope Island." Nub greeted.

"Thank you." The man nodded and smiled.

"You're Australian." Nub observed, being good with accents.

"Boris said---oh,hello, can I help you?" Alex came out and saw the man.

"You can if you have a room available."

Alex pulled the guest book out and handed a pen to him as she retrieved a key, glancing at the book as she put it away.

"Welcome to Hope Island, Mr. Grenway." She smiled and led him up the stairs.

"Oh, Mol, can I just look? Please?"

Molly Brewster-Mitchum sighed as Kevin turned to her with pleading eyes outside the hardware store.

"You can look, nothing more!" She replied and found herself being drug down one of the aisles a moment later.

"Look Mol, isn't she gorgeous?" He beamed stopping in front of a tool chest.

Molly hid a smile, it was all he had talked about for two months and she got Brian to buy one for her and sneak it into the inn for Christmas for him.

Kevin opened his mouth again and was cut off by a familiar voice the next aisle over.

The couple exchanged a look of surprise and walked around the corner. They trailed the two men to the counter and were even more shocked.

"Daniel?"

Daniel Cooper winced and turned. "What are you two doing here?" He asked non-chalantly.

"What are you doing here?" Molly countered.

"Are you working here?" Kevin gaped seeing the name tag on his shirt that read 'Dan C.'

"I needed to make some money." Daniel sighed. "Please don't tell anyone, especally not Alex!"

"We--" Kevin started.

"Excuse me, can I get some help here?"

"Certainly. I have to get back to work. Remember, not a word." He pointed at them then followed the woman away.

Molly and Kevin exited the store and started walking.

"Maybe the church is in trouble again." Kevin said.

"Kevin, I'm the treasurer, it's not. What if he's having trouble making ends meet? Water, electric, it's all increased, what if his stipend hasn't?"

"You could be right. Maybe he had to take the job to pay his bills. I know what it's like to be too proud to ask for help..."

"We have to help him Kevin, he's done so much for all of the islanders."

"He swore us to secrecy, we can't tell anyone." He reminded.

"What if we didn't exactly 'tell'?" She smiled mischieviously.

"What's going on in that beautiful head of yours?"

"I'll tell you on the way home."

Mister Grenway came down the stairs and entered the dining room in which he found a dozen people enjoying breakfast.

"Have a seat, I'll be with you in a minute." Alex called as she passed with a loaded tray.

He nodded, found a near-by table and looked over the menu.

"Okay, what would you like?" She asked a little breathless.

"The cheese omelet and a black coffee."

"I'll be right back with the coffee." She nodded writing the order down.

"I'm interested in possibly purchasing some property, is there someone who could show me around?"

"Our mayor, sitting over there with Nub, is also our real-estate agent." Alex smirked.

"Diversified." He nodded.

"Oh yeah, that's Brian." She nodded rolling her eyes and went to get his coffee after putting his order in the kitchen. "You've got a potential customer Brian." She nodded toward the visitor.

"He's from Australia." Nub added.

"Well," Brian cleared his throat and straightened his tie as he stood, "let's not keep the man waiting."

Alex led them over and placed the coffee on the table.

"Welcome to Hope Island, I'm Brian Brewster, this is my associate,Nub."

"Harlan Grenway, Nub and I have met. Have a seat gentlemen."

Alex went to the kitchen when Boris hit the bell and returned a moment later with the omelet, receiving a nod of thanks she left them to talk.

"Why buy property here?" Nub asked.

"Nub!" Brian hissed.

"Fair question, I have some relatives in the area." The Aussie answered digging into the omelet.

"I understand." Brian nodded, thinking about his beloved Molly.

"Maybe you could show him Sam's old house." Nub suggested.

"Actually," Harlan answered between bites," I was looking to build one of my own."

"There are a few lots available....they're not cheap though."

"Last I heard it was a buyers' market. Just deal me fair and you'll get a commission." Harlan eyed Brian and the mayor knew he was facing a man who was good at business.

"We can start when you're finished." Brian held out his hand.

Harlan looked at him a moment then shook it.

Molly and Kevin hurried off the ferry and headed to the General Store.

"Well, what can we do for you two?" Ruby asked.

"We came to see if you have some lugnuts, but look Mol, they're out of them."

"Kevin just loves lugnuts, you can never have too many. Maybe you two should go buy some from Simpkins Hardware on the mainland. They have them, we saw them...among other things."

"We're getting more in on---" Bonita started giving them an odd look.

"Not soon enough! You really should go today." Molly interrupted.

"Yeah, you should! Well, gotta go." Kevin said and they hurried out.

"What was that all about?" Bonita asked dumbfounded as she watched their retreating backs.

Ruby tapped the desk and Bonita looked over.

'Didn't you have to pickup supplies from the mainland today?'

Bonita nodded and smiled as she picked up her legal pad and wrote back.

'Simpkins Hardware, was it?'

Ruby nodded and handed her her purse.

Harlan did a full turn and breathed deeply.

The air was crisp and clean and the view spectacular wherever you turned.

He could picture in his mind a house with floor to ceiling windows so no matter what room he was in he would see the view. "What's that church over there?"

"Reverend Cooper's." Brian replied.

"Is he there? I'd like to meet him...if I buy this property we'll be neighbors."

"He's off the island." Nub replied.

The younger man watched him closer now. He would be sure to tell Daniel about him as soon as the minister returned from the mainland...in case the man was a reporter.

"Are there any other lots?"

"Two more." Brian nodded and led him back to Nub's van. The mayor had apologized, saying his car was in the shop....even though he really had none, it having been repossessed once he fell on hard times. The commission on this sale would pay a lot of back debts. "Nub, on to Mannion Point."

Bonita looked in the window of the hardware store and wondered for the hundredth time just what Molly and Kevin wanted her to see. She sighed and started to reach for the door when she saw Daniel. Her eyes grew wide as she realized he was working there. "I have to tell Mom!" She breathed and hurried back toward the docks.

It was the longest boatride of the beautician's life and she nearly ran to the store once it arrived.

"Mom!"

A shocked Ruby came out of the back.

"Come here." Bonita motioned her to the stairs that led them to their home.

"What is it?"

"Daniel is working at the hardware store."

"Working? Are you sure?"

"I saw him with my own two eyes. That had to be what Molly and Kevin were going on about with the lugnuts."

"Why would he be working? Oh, do you think the church could be in trouble again?" Ruby fretted.

"Maybe."

"We need to talk to Kevin and Molly."

"I'll call them." Bonita nodded.

Nub hid behind the bush and observed the man. He was determined to find out what he was up to and protect his friend. Quietly creeping down the hill as the Aussie went into the church, he peeked in the window and watched the older man look around with a smile. Nub had a bad feeling this visitor was up to something that would mean trouble for Daniel.

"So we're agreed? We'll tell everyone it's for charity?" Bonita said as she, Ruby, Molly and Kevin crowded into the back room of the store.

"Under no circumstance is anyone else to know about Daniel's financial situation." Molly made them promise.

"Oh, of course. Daniel has his pride too." Ruby nodded.

"Okay, so we'll start collecting money today." Molly smiled.

"Mom and I can quietly take donations too." Bonita agreed.

"Daniel is going to be really surprised." Kevin grinned.

Daniel clapped his gloved hands together and grinned as he walked to the dock. He didn't feel the chill as he drove home. He was just too warm and happy inside to notice. Reaching Hope he tied 'Emily' up and headed up the gangplank.

"Afternoon Daniel." Callie called.

"Any stories while I was away?"

"No. You don't have anything for me do you?"

"Sorry." He shook his head and went up the gangplank hiding a smile. He dropped his bag at home and headed to the inn.

"She's in the office." Molly smiled at him before he even asked.

He chuckled and went there, finding the redhead on the phone, he slipped his arms around her waist.

"Yes, that's right," she turned and smiled at him, "three cases. Thank you." She said and hung up the phone then pulled him down for a kiss.

"Mmm...I missed you." He said, moving to her neck.

"Keep doing that and the whole island will know we're lovers." She breathed closing her eyes.

"They will huh?"

"Yes, because I'll have my way with you on this desk." She answered huskily.

"Think we could sneak upstairs?"

"No...but we could probably go to your place without raising too many eyebrows...except you used the last one last night..." She sighed.

"I stopped at the pharmacy on the way home. I would never put you in that position...I'd take a month of cold showers first!" He vowed.

She smiled loving him so much, then took his hand and left the office.

"Hey Mol, I'm going to help Daniel...." She looked to him.

"Wrap presents. You know how bad I am at that." Daniel smiled sheepishly.

Molly laughed and nodded, silently wondering just how much wrapping they'd get done between kisses.

Harlan watched out his window as the couple walked hand-in-hand toward the hill. His cell phone rang once and he answered it. "I thought you'd call. No,he just got back, he and Alex are headed up to his house so I'll see him later. I'd rather you not...I want to do it my own way. I'll call afterwards. Okay, bye." He hung up and dialed another number. "It's me, I need some assets liquidated...I'm going to buy some land."

Ruby watched out the window with a grin. Daniel and Alex are together and we're going to make sure they stay that way, she thought looking over to the half-filled jar on the counter. The islanders had been generous in their contributions, even if they had no idea it was for their minister and friend. She chuckled as she thought about how the angledogs had no part in it at all. Bonita was right, they'd get together in their own time...which seemed to have come. "Now, if we could just get a ring on her finger..."

Nub knocked on the door again and waited. He frowned when there was no answer. We wondered if they took a walk in the woods. He really wanted to talk to Daniel about Harlan Grenway before the man got to him himself. He walked to the van, locating pencil and paper he wrote a short note and slipped it under the door then left.

Daniel rolled over and reached out a hand, feeling an empty bed he opened his eyes. "Alex?" There was no reply and he sighed falling back onto the pillow. He glanced toward the clock and saw a note which made him smile as he reached for it.

'Had to get back, you looked so tired I didn't have the heart to wake you. I love you. XXXOOO, Alex'

Daniel put the note in his trunk with all the other important papers then took a quick shower, dressed and decided to head to town for dinner with the hope she and Dylan could join him. He slipped his coat on and reached into his pocket for the gloves and felt something else. He briefly thought about removing it then changed his mind...just in case. He dropped his keys into his jeans pocket and opened the door...to be greeted with a gust of wind that made him shiver. He whistled a holiday tune as snowflakes began to fall as he made his way down the hill.

A buzz reached his hears upon opening the inns door and he smiled. Business sounded good and he was happy for Alex. He placed his coat on an available peg then joined the crowd. "DANIEL!" Dylan shouted and ran over to him.

"Hi buddy." Daniel grinned, allowing the boy to lead him to the bar where they took the last two stools.

"What can I get you guys?" Molly asked.

Daniel thought she looked a bit harried as they gave their meal choices to her. She nodded and disappeared into the kitchen.

"Where's your mom?"

"She's sick."

"I'll be back in a minute." Daniel said and went to see her. Alex called to enter upon his knock and he went inside.

"You okay?"

"Yeah, just a little nausea. I hope I'm not getting sick, not over the holidays." She sighed and started to get up.

Daniel caught her and eased her back down as she started to sway.

"You stay here and rest." He ordered.

"Mol--"

"I can help Molly. You get some rest."

"Thanks." She nodded gratefully and laid back down.

He returned to the bar and found his meal waiting. Man and boy ate and talked then Daniel began bussing tables much to Molly's relief.

A large part of the crowd left by eight and Molly ordered Daniel to take a break and joined him. "Thanks for helping, I was about to lose my mind."

"You? Never." He teased her making her chuckle. "I'm going to check on Alex then head home." He said as she grabbed the coffee pot to fill empty cups.

"Okay, see you tomorrow." She nodded as he headed for the stairs.

"Anything else? Boris makes a great dessert." She asked Harlan.

"No, coffee's fine, thanks. I understand the owner took ill?"

"Yeah, thank goodness Daniel...Reverend Cooper showed up when he did."

"Nice of him to give you a hand."

"Well, he is a nice guy." She smiled and nodded to Nub as he came inside.

"Hey Molly, have you heard from Daniel?" He inquired when she reached the bar.

"He's upstairs looking in on Alex."

The young man nodded having heard about the redhead being ill. He glanced at the Aussie then took a seat to wait for Daniel.

Daniel knocked softly on the door but got no answer so he opened it and looked in. The only light in the room was the bedside lamp so he walked over and tucked Alex in, felt her forehead, relieved she wasn't warm and turned it off then locked the door and closed it. He went to Dylan's room and knocked, the boy called to enter and he found him at his desk working on something. "What are you doing?"

"It's my science project for Mr.Griffin's class."

Daniel looked at it and shook his head. "Gimme a hint?"

"It's a double-helix." He grinned.

"If you say so. I'm going to take off. You're mom's asleep but if either of you need anything I'm just a phone call away."

Dylan nodded and smiled.

"Don't stay up too late, tomorrow's a school day."

"You sound like mom." He laughed.

"Good night." He smiled and closed the door.

He returned to the main floor and grabbed his coat off the peg.

"Daniel, you didn't get my note?"

"No." The minister frowned.

"Can I talk to you...alone?" Nub asked, glancing toward the Aussie.

"Yeah, I need to talk to Molly for a minute."

Nub nodded and waited for him to return from the bar where he told Molly, Alex was asleep. She nodded, being sure to lock up then.

"So what's up?" Daniel asked as they left the inn.

"Did you see that man back there?"

"The guy with white hair and blue eyes?" Daniel asked getting a nod in return. "What about him?"

"Brian and I showed him some property this afternoon. Afterward I followed him to the church and he looked around at it and the house."

"I have a ten year lease on the church and house. Brian still owns the land doesn't he?" Daniel asked starting to worry.

"I don't know what he has to sell." Nub shrugged, feeling worried himself.

"Thanks for letting me know."

Nub nodded and watched Daniel walk toward the hill, offering a silent prayer things would be okay.

Daniel hadn't slept well, nightmares of losing the land plagued him. He found Nub's note under the table facing the door and shook his head then put his jacket on to go and split logs for the free-standing wood fireplace. He was so lost in thought as he attended his chore that he didn't hear someone approach.

"Daniel?"

"Oh! Kevin...you startled me." Daniel replied, breathing hard for several moments.

"Sorry buddy, you okay?" The cop asked looking at him closely.

"No." The minister sighed.

"Tell me what's wrong." Kevin ordered, pulling him over to sit on the steps.

"Someone might buy this land."

"What about the church and house?"

Daniel shrugged.

"Well, maybe you could buy the land."

"With what Kevin?" Daniel looked at him.

"Maybe this will help." Kevin replied handing him an envelope.

Daniel looked at it in puzzlement then his brow went up in shock over the contents. "Kevin, where did you get all this money?!?"

"We collected it for you."

"What? Why?"

"Mol said the church was fine financially but we assumed you weren't so.....we told everyone it was for charity and Ruby and Bonita collected---"

"Ruby and Bonita?!?" Daniel looked at him, clearly upset.

"They promised to keep it to themselves...if they hadn't you'd know by now."

"I guess that's true enough, but Kevin,I'm not strapped for cash. I've stayed on Alex's budget and it's kept me on top of my bills."

"Then why work at the hardware store?"

Daniel sighed and turned to him. "I bought Alex an engagement ring."

Kevin's eyes popped open and a smile bloomed across his face.

"You cannot tell anyone! Not even Molly!" Daniel glared at him.

Kevin laughed and shook his head, raising his hands. "When are you going to ask her?"

Daniel shrugged. "I want it to be spontaneous."

Kevin nodded thinking it was probably better than his way, which was a disaster twice over.

"Well, I need to get this wood into the house. I'm going to the inn, see if Alex is better." Daniel said after a moment then held up the cash. "What to do with this..."

"You could still put it toward the church land."

"This was very generous of everyone, but it wouldn't make a dent I'm afraid. Fr. Mac. mentioned the food pantry was a little light...give it to him." Daniel replied handing the envelope back.

"You sure?"

"Yeah. Thanks for being a good friend." Daniel smiled at him.

"Come on, I'll take you into town."

Molly looked up as Daniel came over.

"She's in the office." The blonde grinned.

"Thanks." He chuckled and went to the back room. "You look much better." He smiled at Alex.

"Guess it was just a twenty-four hour thing." She answered looking up from her paperwork. "You look tired."

"I didn't sleep well." He said dropping into the chair across from her.

"What's wrong?"

He relayed his conversation with Nub.

"Maybe you could ask your dad for the money." She suggested trying to think of solutions.

"Yeah....I could...."

"But?"

"Part of the reason I'm here is to find my own way."

"And asking for the money would make you feel like you're still a child."

Daniel nodded and sighed deeply. He really did not want to ask for his father's help, not when they'd come so far, it would seem like he hadn't grown up at all.

"Maybe...you could talk to Harlan...see if he is interested in the land. He might be reasonable and let the house and church stay."

"It's worth a try." He nodded and stood.

"Room four."

"Wish me luck?"

She came around the desk and kissed him.

"Thanks." He smiled then squared his shoulders and walked out.

She watched from the doorway as he climbed the stairs, her heart with him.

Daniel took a deep breath and knocked on Harlan Grenway's door. It opened a moment later and the two men faced each other.

"Mr. Grenway?"

"Yes."

"I'm Reverend Cooper, may I speak with you?"

"Please, come inside." The older man stepped back.

Daniel entered the room, surprised at the accent as the man closed the door behind him. He shook it off and turned to him.

"I'm just going to get to the point. Are you interested in buying the land my church and parish house sit on? If you are, I was hoping we could work something out so they and I could remain there because I don't have the funds to buy it myself."

"Your father does."

Daniel stared at him, brown eyes facing off against blue ones.

"Yes, he does...and I have no doubt that if I asked he would give me the money but this is my problem to deal with not his and I truly hoped you would be willing to work with me on this." Daniel answered calmly. He watched the man turn away, draining his hopes of there being a reasonable solution....but then the Aussie turned back with a great big smile and shook his head.

"Not only do you look like him but you have the same amount of honor and pride in your accomplishments."

Daniel's face reflected his confusion and Harlan laid a hand on his shoulder and smiled. "I'm your cousin, Daniel...on your mother's side."

"Mom? She never talked about Aus...Rollie's mother." Daniel sighed. "Alcinia....I never knew her obviously...I don't think of her as my mother."

"I'm sorry, I should have been more clear."

"I talk to Rollie about once a week...he's never mentioned you." Daniel replied frowning.

"I asked him not to. I wanted to meet you myself."

"You ate downstairs yesterday while I bussed tables, why didn't you say something then?"

"I...wanted to see what kind of man you were. Actions speak far louder than words. I just needed to see for myself."

Daniel sighed deeply but nodded, he understood well what the man meant. "So...you're not interested in the church land?" He asked again.

"That church is very important to you isn't it?"

"Coming here...it was stability when I desperately needed it."

"I saw the article about your time in Las Vegas, it was very well written."

"A friend of mine wrote it." Daniel nodded.

"It must have been very difficult for you...losing the woman you loved in such a terrible way."

"It feels like a lifetime ago. So much has changed since then..."

"Family coming out of the woodwork for one." Harlan smiled.

"Yeah." Daniel chuckled.

"Rollie didn't go into details when he told me about you but I imagine it must have been a rather enormous shock to find you had a brother."

" 'Rather enormous shock'...that's one way to put it. One day I know exactly who I am then the next a DNA test is telling me I'm a twin."

Harlan nodded, imagining what that must have been like for both men.

"So...did you find some property you are interested in?"

"Yes, close to your church actually. I know Rollie and Angie purchased the lighthouse cottage and I thought if it was alright with you both I would build a house and come visit from time-to-time. I have no other family save for the two of you."

"I want to know my family...all of it."

"Thank you." Harlan said gratefully.

"I know how important family is Harlan...how things can happen that suddenly change everything. Well, you've seen my actions,heard my words, now how about a cup of coffee and you can tell me all about yourself...and Alcinia's side of the family."

Harlan nodded and they went downstairs together, Daniel pointed to a corner table and the older man nodded and walked over to it.

"Hey, everything okay?" Alex asked as he came to the bar.

"Everything is fine." He smiled at her and Nub. "Harlan is family, Rollie's side, and not interested in the land."

Nub's eyes got wide then he smiled in relief.

"Can we get some coffee? We have a lot to talk about."

Alex nodded and followed him with cups and the coffee pot. "If you need anything else, just holler." She said squeezing his shoulder and receiving a loving look in reply before leaving them alone.

"She's very important to you."

"Alex...and her son, Dylan, are very special to me." Daniel nodded, then looked at the older man. "Anyone in your life?"

"No."

Daniel could see the sadness in the man's clear blue eyes and also a deep hurt. "Part of a minister's job is to be a good listener..."

Harlan looked up startled and saw compassion and warmth in his younger cousin's brown eyes. "It was a number of years ago. I thought she was interested in me but it was the small amount of money I had acquired." He answered quietly.

"I'm sorry you were hurt. Everyone deserves to be loved for who they are in here." Daniel touched his heart. "Don't let that woman turn you away from all the others who would cherish your love, not your money."

"I would like to believe that were true...but I'm old---"

"You don't look ready for a rocking chair yet." Daniel smirked at him.

Alex watched the two dissimilar men and shook her head. Wonder if more family will show up?

"Hey Alex."

"Coffee?"

Kevin nodded and looked around. "Who's Daniel talking to?"

"Harlan Grenway, I thought he was going to buy the church land." Nub answered.

"That's the guy?" Kevin eyed him.

"Turns out he's part of Daniel's new-found family and not interested in the hill at all." Alex added pouring his java.

"More family...I still have trouble believing Daniel and Rollie are twins." The cop replied.

"I believe it, because they're a lot alike...nice to everyone." Nub smiled.

Harlan sipped his coffee lost in his thoughts. He had spent a large part of Tuesday with Daniel, except for when the minister needed to tend to church business. Wednesday found his young cousin having to go to the mainland for several hours but they had dinner at the parish house that evening. He hid a smile in his coffee cup as he recalled hearing a noise in the hall early this morning. He had quietly opened the door and found his cousin and Alex heading down the stairs. He wasn't so old that he didn't know what seeing her in her robe walking a fully dressed Daniel down at 4:45 a.m. meant. Daniel had said she was special to him but she was clearly more than that and Harlan wondered if he might be invited to another wedding in the near future.

"Morning."

He looked up and smiled at the man just in his thoughts.

"Do you get seasick?"

"No, why?" The older man asked puzzled.

"I thought we could take my boat out, bring lunch too. I still have a lot of questions."

"Sounds good." Harlan smiled.

"I'll meet you back here at 11:30 then? I have a few things to do at home this morning."

"I'll see you then." Harlan nodded.

Daniel walked over to Alex who was behind the bar.

"Morning." Again.

He nodded and smiled at her, longing to kiss her.

"I have something to show you in my office."

"Okay." He nodded wondering what it was as he followed.

Once they were out of view she turned and kissed him passionately. "I've been waiting for you to come so I could do that." She sighed and hugged him.

He wrapped his arms around her and smiled.

"What are you up to today?" She inquired.

"Going to take Harlan to McKinley Beach. Can we get some sandwiches?"

"Sure." She smiled up at him.

"I have some chores so I'll be back later on."

"Okay."

Daniel kissed her then they returned to the bar.

"Hi Daniel....bye Daniel." Molly chuckled as he left.

The minister walked to the General store to pick up supplies and Ruby subtlely hinted that jewelry makes for a lovely Christmas gift. Daniel nodded in agreement then said he already had something for his mother but thanked her anyway for the suggestion. It was hard for him to keep a straight face as hers fell. If she only knew, he thought walking out...of course the whole island would know of my plans by lunch if she did! He shook off the woman's hints of engagement and got to work on his bathroom door. It had gotten stuck shut again and he'd had to remove it to get out one day, he figured it was high time to fix it! Laying his supplies out he got to work. Time passed quickly and it was 11 before he knew it so he picked up his things, supposing it didn't matter too much that there was no door on the bathroom since he lived alone, washed up,changed and headed to the inn.

"Sorry I'm late." He apologized as he found Harlan in the sitting area reading the "Lookout".

"You have a scratch on your hand." He pointed.

"You would think with all the repairs I've done to the church I'd be better at it by now." He sighed looking at his injury.

"Sandwiches to go---what did you do to yourself?" Alex asked seeing it.

"Bathroom door." He shrugged.

"I told you to tell Nub it was sticking!" She scolded and led him to the bar where she pulled a first-aid kit out and set to work on him.

"Private nurse, eh?" Harlan smiled amused.

"Being a mother includes nursing duties. There, cleaned and bandaged."

"Thanks." Daniel smiled.

She walked them to the door handing him the brown bag of food. "Have a good time and we'll see you when you get back."

Daniel gave her an amused look then led Harlan down to the docks where they boarded 'Emily', donned life vests and headed out.

"This is a nice boat."

"Yeah, she is." Daniel smiled steering her expertly.

"A gift from your father?"

"No, she was left to me by Judge Bradley...he lived up there." Daniel pointed out the house on the cliffside.

"Impressive. You must have done a lot for him."

"Not really." Daniel shook his head.

Harlan didn't push it seeing as how Daniel didn't add to that but he suspected his cousin was being very modest.

"Here we are." Daniel said shutting off the engine and letting the current take them to the dock. He climbed out and took the rope Harlan tossed to him and tied her up,the older man stowed the life jackets and Daniel helped him onto the dock. They walked along the beach a bit until they found a good spot to eat and talk.

"Daniel, there's something I want to ask you but I don't want you to feel obligated to say yes."

Daniel nodded puzzled.

"Would you...consider visiting for the holidays? I would provide the transportation of course. I know it's a lot to ask when we've just met but I've been alone a long time and finally having family...it would be nice to be with you all for Christmas."

"Uh...well..."

"You don't have to answer now, think about it. I'm heading home on Sunday so let me know by then."

Daniel nodded, relieved not to have to give him an answer right at the moment.

They returned a few hours later and Daniel went up to get things ready for the A.A. meeting. He shook his head and smiled upon seeing the bathroom door was back on and fixed, he tried it out, happy to know he wouldn't get stuck inside anymore. Nub had undoubtedly come on Alex's behest. The phone rang and he answered it.

"Hello?"

"Hey! You're home!"

"Harlan and I just got back from a 'getting to know each other boat trip'." Daniel chuckled.

"Bet you were surprised to meet him." Rollie replied.

"Yeah. Any other relatives that might turn up unexpectedly?"

"Nah, the rest are in Australia." Rollie laughed.

"I can breath easy for a while." Daniel joined him.

"I like this." Rollie said quietly after the laughter subsided.

"Me too." Daniel admitted smiling. He heard Rollie sigh. "Is everything okay?"

"Oh, yeah."

"Rollie?"

"It's almost Christmas....Ange and I will celebrate of course, probably go to Harlan's for a while too....I just wish...."

"That we could be together." Daniel finished.

"Yeah. I don't mean to lay a guilt trip on you."

"It's okay, Christmas is a time for family." Daniel replied, covering his own sadness. He had spent holidays away from his parents and it always caused a pang.

"Oh, gotta go, Ange is back."

Daniel heard her yell 'hi' and he returned it with a chuckle.

"I'll call you next week."

"Okay..I love you Rollie."

"Love you too, bye."

Daniel hung up and sighed deeply then pushed it away and headed up to church.

"Okay, out with it." Alex ordered the next night as she and Daniel left the movie theater.

"What?"

"Something is on your mind."

"That obvious?"

She raised an eyebrow at him and he sighed.

"Harlan asked me to go to New York with him for the holidays, then I talked to Rollie and he really wishes we could be together."

"You do too, don't you?"

Daniel nodded, eyes downcast.

"Go."

"It's not that simple, my congregation---"

"Will still be here when you get back. I happen to know Harlan is leaving Sunday night so you won't miss that mass. Daniel, if this is what you want to do then do it. Make it your gift to your new-found family."

"I'll miss you." He said hugging her.

"You'll have to make it up to me."

"How 'bout I start now." He replied kissing her.

Daniel knocked on Harlan's door and the Australian smiled at seeing him there on Saturday morning.

"I accept your invitation."

"That's great!" Harlan beamed.

"But I have to leave next Sunday, that won't be a problem will it? I mean, I know it's before Christmas but I really want to be here--"

"With your congregation...and Alex and her son." Harlan nodded in understanding. "It's not a problem."

"One other thing...don't tell Rollie, I want to surprise him."

"I like the way you think." Harlan laughed.

He was delighted his twin cousins would be sharing his home for a while over the holidays. He would need gifts for them, Daniel anyway, he already had something for Rollie and Angie.

"I need to get going, a few things to take care of before I leave."

"I'm very pleased to be spending this time with you and Rollie." Harlan smiled taking his hand.

"So am I." Daniel smiled back then headed downstairs where Brian stopped him.

"This Christmas is going to be very merry thanks to your cousin. He bought the land close to the church which gives me a nice commission." The mayor grinned.

"Good, it will be nice to have him and Rollie visiting." Daniel smiled and clapped him on the back, pleased that it was helping his friends out too.

The day went quickly as he took care of a few things that would ensure a worry-free trip. He glanced at the clock as he finished packing and went to the phone.

"Tyler."

"Cooper." Daniel smiled.

"Didn't expect to hear from you, what's up?"

"I just called to let you know I'm going out of town for a few days."

"Everything okay?"

"Yeah, just a family holiday get together." Daniel grinned.

"Are you going to be home by Christmas?"

"Yep."

"Good, I was going to call and wish you a Happy Christmas."

"Make it after two, your time, and call the inn, I'm having lunch there."

"With Alex and Dylan?"

Daniel could just picture the smirk on his face. "Well since they live there, yeah!"

"How are things with you and my partner?"

"Progressing nicely, thank you."

"What kind of an answer is that?!? Are you going to marry her or what?"

"Ruby's got nothing on you! Hold on there's somebody at the door." Daniel put the phone down and answered the knock to find Dylan there.

"Do you want to go riding?"

"Let me say good-bye to Rollie." He smiled and motioned the boy inside as he went back to the phone. "Hey, Dylan wants to ride with me so..."

"I'll let you go then."

"Oh, before I forget I'm sending your gift back with Harlan." Daniel smiled.

"Well get yours in the post Monday."

"Okay, I'll talk to you later."

"Yeah, love you."

"Love you too." Daniel smiled and hung up. "See you tomorrow brother." He chuckled.

"Is Rollie coming here?"

Daniel turned to Dylan, chagrinned at his slip. "Um...no Dylan, I'm going to see him. When Harlan leaves tomorrow, I'm going with him."

"You're gonna be gone for Christmas?" The boy asked looking at the floor.

Daniel lifted his chin and smiled. "You think I'd miss spending it with you and your mom? I'll be home next Sunday."

Dylan hugged him tightly.

"Hey, how about that bike ride?"

The boy grinned and Daniel went to get his helmet.

On Sunday morning Daniel stepped up to the pulpit again after playing the closing hymn.

"I have an announcement to make." He said once he had everyone's attention. "As I'm sure you are all aware of by now, my cousin is on the island."

Many nods and smiles greeted that comment.

"He has invited me to come and spend the holidays with him in New York."

There were murmurs and several sad looks.

"Isn't that where Rollie lives?' Nub asked.

"Will you be seeing him too?" Molly added.

"Yes to both. Actually, he doesn't know I am coming so it will be a surprise for him."

"It's nice you can spend Christmas with your brother and cousin." Ruby nodded though with a touch of sadness over his not being there with them.

"I'm only staying 'til Sunday, this is my home and I want to be here for the holidays, with all of you. But...I won't be back early enough for mass so you'll have to go to the mainland next week."

"I think we can handle that Daniel." Bonita smiled.

"But just this once." Brian added, making them all chuckle.

"Thank you and I will pass your holiday wishes to Rollie and Angie." Daniel smiled.

Daniel was hugged and clapped on the back as prayers of a safe trip were offered as each member departed.

"Molly, can I ask you a favor?"

"Sure."

"Since I'm leaving tonight I was hoping to spend the rest of the day with Alex and Dylan---"

"Say no more, I'll take care of the inn." The blonde smiled in understanding.

"Thanks." He smiled back.

Molly hugged him. "I have something to ask you, but not here." She whispered in his ear.

"Go up to the house, I'll be up in a few."

She nodded and left him to say good-bye to the others.

"Hey Dylan, can you put away the hymnals, Molly wants to talk to me a moment."

"Sure." The boy smiled.

Daniel smiled back then headed to the house where he found Molly on the porch.

"You should have gone inside." He said.

"I'm okay. I wanted to know how you were able to take off on such short notice?"

"Oh...um...I quit Friday."

"Quit?"

"Yeah, I wasn't working to pay bills Molly. There was a...gifts I wanted to get for Christmas, you know, my expanding family and all..." Daniel fibbed offering a prayer for lying. He chastized himself at almost saying 'gift' he wanted to get. "I told Kevin to give the money to Father Mac. for the food pantry."

"Oh. I'm...I'm glad things are okay." She said relieved.

"I appreciate your concern." He smiled.

"I'll get back and send Alex up here." Molly grinned.

"Thanks." He chuckled and walked her to the hill.

Alex arrived a short time later and they spend right up to the time he was to leave together. They met Harlan at the inn and walked to the docks.

"Dylan, uh, what's that thing for?" The older man asked pointing at something on the dock.

Dylan looked to his mother and she nodded so he went with the man down the dock to take a look.

Daniel sighed deeply and Alex touched his cheek making him turn to her and smile slightly.

"We're gonna miss you just as much you know."

"It'll be the longest week of my life." He hugged her.

"I bet Rollie will keep you so busy you won't even think about us." She teased.

"Only practically every minute of my waking hours and all night as I dream." He answered caressing her cheek.

Alex pulled his face down to hers and kissed him deeply.

Dylan looked over at them and grinned.

"You're happy your mom and Daniel are together."

"He's going to marry my mom...then he'll be my dad." Dylan said with conviction.

"That's what you want?"

"I love my real dad, but he doesn't visit. Daniel is my best friend."

"It's good to have a best friend."

"Do you have one?"

"Not in a long time."

"I could be your best friend if you want."

Harlan blinked back tears and smiled at him.

They watched the ferry arrive and walked back to Alex and Daniel who were still hugging.

"Are you ready?" Harlan asked quietly.

Daniel looked at Alex who smiled back and nodded then he turned to Dylan and held out his arms. The boy hugged him tightly and Daniel shook his head at how much he'd grown this year. "We'll hang out together Christmas Eve."

"Okay." Dylan grinned.

"I'll see you both in a week."

Alex nodded and Dylan stepped to her side. "Harlan, it was nice meeting you." She held out her hand.

"Likewise, you were a gracious hostess." He complimented shaking it.

Daniel hugged them again then followed his cousin to the ferry. He watched the dock until it was out of sight then turned toward the bow with a sigh.

"First time away?"

"From them. We attended my best friend's wedding in 'Frisco earlier this year." Daniel replied and looked down at the water with a half smile. That had been a wonderful trip...for the most part anyway. He could have done without the kidnapping, but otherwise...he had happy memories of that time. He still owed Arnie a statue for the one he slipped into his luggage...wonder if they have an Australian fertility statue?

Harlan watched the younger man, still amazed how identical to Rollie he was. When I told Rollie I believed we were related, I was ecstatic to have found family..now I have Daniel too and it makes me happier. "I'm really glad you're going home with me." He said.

Daniel smiled and laid a hand on his arm.

The ferry docked and they caught a cab to the airport, Harlan's cell phone rang just as it pulled up.

"Hello?" He answered then listened for several moments as he paid the fare. "Yes, I have my cousin with me...thank you. Good-bye." He hung up and turned to Daniel. "Slight change of plans, my boss needs me to fly to his home and handle some business.'

"Oh..uh...I guess we should get another taxi so I can get back to the docks."

"No, Daniel, you're coming with me. His home is in New York, we'll be staying there."

"I...um...don't want to impose."

"No imposition. His plane is waiting in the hangar for us." Harlan smiled and led him inside the airport.

Daniel sunk into the leather chair and closed his eyes feeling very relaxed as the gulfstream flew east toward New York.

Harlan looked over and smiled. The Aussie knew Daniel came from a fair amount of money and was honestly surprised when Rollie told him where he lived, once he saw the house and church he knew Daniel was very much like Rollie, both men earned their way, Rollie making his reputation in the movie business and Daniel pouring his blood and sweat into rebuilding the church. Harlan knew very well about paying dues, it was the reason he was onboard this plane at all. "Would you like something to eat or drink? The refrigerator is stocked full." He offered.

"Maybe just some water." Daniel nodded. "So what does your boss do?"

"He has many business interest."

"Okay,how did his business start?"

"Diamond mines in Australia, he branched out from there." Harlan answered getting the water.

"Old friend then?"

"Something like that." Harlan smiled.

Daniel picked up the newspaper, surprised by today's date and silently read the headlines. 'Egyptian ambassador dies--'

"You'll find a piece about your brother in that magazine there." Harlan pointed handing him the water.

Daniel put the paper down and picked up the magazine. 'Inside the Magic', he saw the title and opened it to the table of contents, saw the article listed on page 12, flipped it open and began to read. Once he was done he sighed. "He's done a lot hasn't he? Not just this..."

"You've done a lot too---"

"There are times I wonder if I've made any difference at all."

"I pride myself on being observant Daniel and what I observed back on the island is that those people admire and respect you a great deal. I would certainly say you've made a difference to all of them...particularly a certain inn owner and her son. Dylan loves you very much. I also know you've made a difference to Rollie's life. It was always just him and his father, now he has you and I hear the joy in his voice when he talks about you. They say a man's wealth is measured by his friends...if that is true, you and Rollie are the wealthiest men in the world."

"Is your friend wealthy in that way too?"

"There are people who have been with him a long time. People he trusts."

"But are they his friends?"

"As close as he's got."

"That's sad.

"He's a very private man."

"I understand about privacy...and lack of it, believe me. By the way, who do you work for? I want to be able to thank them for their hospitality."

"Robert Melbourne." Harlan answered looking at him closely.

"That name is vaguely familiar." Daniel frowned.

"Melbourne Corporation."

Daniel's eyes drifted away and his mouth pursed in thought then he snapped his fingers. "Of course! They're funding my father's video project!" Daniel nodded smiling at him.

Harlan was startled, he hadn't realized... He had gotten into the movie business when he discovered Rollie was his cousin...he wanted to help him out if the need ever arose.

'We'll be landing shortly sir, we're awaiting clearance from the tower...and the car is waiting.'

"Thank you." Harlan replied to the pilot. "Almost there." He smiled at Daniel.

Danel found himself in a limo on the way to Robert Melbourne's home. He glanced at his watch and turned to Harlan.

"Do you think I could use the phone when we get there? I told Alex I would call when we got in."

"We have a bit of a drive, it will be well after midnght."

"It won't be too late on Hope and I don't want her to worry."

Harlan nodded and Daniel watched out the window glimpsing what he could in the darkness. Even though it was late he was on 'west coast' time so he wasn't all that tired yet.

"Is this your first time in New York?"

"No, but it's been a long time." Daniel answered. The first time I ever saw my twin, he thought.

"We'll have to see you get the grand tour."

"I don't expect you to drop your responsibilities to keep me entertained."

"I'll have plenty of time for work, don't worry."

"Do you think I'll get the chance to meet Mr. Melbourne?"

"Why do you ask?"

"I wanted to talk to him about my fathers video project . I know he put money into it to make a profit but I wanted to tell him what this project meant to us."

"Perhaps you'll get the opportunity."

"I hope so."

No one knew how personal the project was to them. The story was about a father and son estranged from each other until a terrible tragedy nearly takes the son's life. Daniel had cried when he read the script and called his father soon afterwards. Cliff wanted to be sure he was okay with what was essentially their story, being made for others to see. Daniel had told him that, 'if it brings one family back together then it has to be made.' Not one word of the script had been changed and Daniel had a copy of it sitting on his shelf at the house.

"Here we are."

Daniel blinked the memory away as they passed through the wrought iron gate. The minister's eyes grew wide as they exited the forest surrounding the house, which had been decorated with little white lights. He was awed by the A-frame, two wing, log cabin as they stopped in front it and got out.

"Let's go inside, out of this cold." Harlan said, gently pulling on his arm.

Daniel climbed the steps, looking this way and that in amazement as Harlan led him inside.

A servant met them and took their luggage up the enormous carved staircase that led to the second floor.

Daniel took two steps to the right and shook his head in awe at the gigantic tree growing in the middle of the wing. He recalled a favored poem.

I shall never see,
A poem lovely as a tree;
Poems are made by fool's like me,
But only God can make a tree.

"Daniel?" Harlan smiled.

"What kind of tree is this and why is it here?" He asked aloud.

"A banyon tree, native to India and Bangladesh. It's a reminder of...lost youth." Harlan replied. "Well, I'll show you to the den so you can call Alex, then we should get to bed."

"I am feeling a little tired now." Daniel admitted.

As they walked to the den Daniel took in everything.

"Just follow the same corridor back to the foyer. Your room is the first door on the left up the stairs."

"Thanks."

Harlan nodded and left him to make the call.

"Widows Walk."

"It's me." He smiled as Alex answered.

"You get there okay?"

"Yeah...we took a private jet."

"What?!?"

"Harlan works for Melbourne Corporation. Mr. Melbourne wanted him to do some work so we are staying at the man's cabin, actually it's a huge log house. This place is amazing, I can't even begin to guess its worth. The desk I'm standing in front of is probably easily forty thousand."

Alex whistled.

"Yeah, exactly. I keep thinking of those summers dad and I worked on the Habitat for Humanity homes...this desk would pay for one if not two houses."

"I wasn't as altruistic in my thoughts." She admitted.

"What would you buy?"

"Well, money for Dylan's college..."

"College is good."

"And a trip to Disneyland."

"Maybe one day we can take him there."

"I like it when you say we. Oh, uh, do you have a number in case we need to reach you?"

"Um...I don't see one on the phone...I'll have to get it from Harlan and call you in the morning."

"Okay--Daniel! It's really late there isn't it?! You need to get to bed!"

"I love you." He chuckled.

"I love you too...now go to bed!"

"Yes ma'am." He laughed.

"Sweet dreams."

"They'll be of you."

"Same here. Good night."

"Night." He answered softly and hung up.

He sighed and left the den, following Harlan's directions, he found his room, his suitcase at the foot of the bed waiting for him, he changed into his sweats, climbed into bed and fell asleep quickly.

"Blue! Speaker phone. Tyler."

"G'day. Thought I'd let you know I was home."

"Hey! So what happened with Daniel?"

"Well if you and your lovely wife would join me for lunch I'll tell you all about it."

Rollie looked at Angie who nodded.

"What time?"

"One?"

"Works for us."

"Oh, by the way, Daniel sent your gift along..."

"We have to get his in the mail."

"Why don't you bring it with you, I have something for him myself."

"Okay, we'll see you at one then."

"Bye Harlan." Angie called.

"See you two then." The older man chuckled and hung up. He left his room and went across the hall where he knocked on the door.

"Come in."

"I just called Rollie, they'll be here at one."

"I can't wait to see the look on his face." The minister grinned.

Rollie stopped at the gate and lowered the window so the security monitor could see him clearly.

"Welcome back Mr. Tyler."

"Thank you." Rollie smiled as the gates opened.

"Look Rol!" Angie pointed to a stag, grazing just a few meters up the driveway, on the snow dusted branches, as they slowly drove to the house.

Harlan met them at the door smiling broadly, he hugged them both while the servant took their coats.

"Lunch will be ready shortly, let's go to the music room, Daniel's present is there."

The couple followed and smiled upon seeing the huge brightly decorated Christmas tree which sat a few feet from the piano. On top of the piano sat a wrapped gift.

"Open it." Harlan instructed.

Rollie did so, grinning like a kid. He pulled out a piece of paper.

"What's it say Rol?" Angie asked curiously.

" 'Your present is not the biggest,
It's not the smallest either;
But it is sent with a lot of love,
Now turn around and see it.' "

Rollie read and they all turned...to see Daniel standing in the doorway grinning.

"Merry Christmas." He said.

Rollie strode over and hugged him.

"Thank you Harlan." Angie said tearing up.

He patted her arm, beaming at his twin cousins.

"Family holiday get together!" Rollie growled and punched Daniel in the shoulder lightly as he took in his twin's face lovingly.

"I wasn't lying. Harlan invited me and I could tell you really wanted us to be together over the holidays. I'm leaving Sunday though...is that okay?"

"I get to spend a week with my brother, that's the best pre-Christmas gift I ever got, well,next to Ange of course." He smiled at his wife who shook her head and laughed.

"Oh! Harlan, how much was the plane ticket? I want to pay you back since we didn't use them. We flew here in Mr. Melbourne's jet."

"You didn't tell him?" Rollie asked.

Harlan shook his head slightly.

"Tell me what?"

"Daniel, you'd better sit down." Rollie replied and led him to the piano bench.

"What is it?"

"Harlan...is...Robert Melbourne."

Daniel looked at Rollie then Harlan in shock.

"Why...why didn't you tell me?" He finally managed.

"I can never be sure how people will react." Harlan replied watching him.

Daniel stood and walked over to the tree and sighed deeply. "You can never be sure if someone wants to be your friend because of you...or if they see your father's--" He grew silent.

Rollie put an arm around him and he shook off the memories and turned back with a smile.

"Then you find a guy who doesn't care about your family's business and he becomes your very best friend."

"Arnie." Rollie smiled, recalling the rabbi.

Daniel nodded then looked at Harlan, with a twinkle in his eyes. "Good thing Brian didn't know who you really were, he'd have tried to sell you on building a resort." Daniel laughed then fell silent at the looks of dismay on the others faces. A servant came and announced lunch was ready before he could explain.

Harlan led them to the dining room where a feast had been prepared. They sat down to eat with Harlan telling the Tylers all about his stay on Hope.

Daniel contributed little to the conversation, he felt terribly guilty about the impression he'd given them of Brian.

"If that's not to your liking I can have something else prepared." Harlan touched his arm.

"I should never have said that about Brian, now you all think bad of him." Daniel sighed putting his fork down.

"You shouldn't have to apologize for someone who has their own self-interest at heart." Angie replied.

"That's not who Brian is, not in here." Daniel touched his heart. "When I said he would have tried to talk you into building a resort he would have done it to help Hope Island. The economy is struggling, fishing is down, tourism is down, Brian feels, I suppose because his family founded the island, that he has to personally build the island up. He's come up with some real schemes, but it was always with Hope first and foremost in mind."

"It wouldn't have hurt his wallet either." Rollie pointed out.

"No, it wouldn't have, but don't you three, all in business, want to see your companies survive and grow too? In a way, Hope Island is Brian's business. I don't always agree with his plans but I want to see it thrive too...it is my home and the people there are my friends and I want them to be okay."

There was silence for several minutes until Harlan spoke.

"That banyon tree is a reminder of home to me and I've nurtured it and built a greenhouse for it to survive in. I understand how Brian nurtures and plans for Hope's survival." He nodded.

"Rol took my dad's business and grew it into a strong independent FX company that, if our kids choose, will be their legacy." Angie added.

"Just like Brian wants to leave Molly and her family the legacy of Hope Island." Rollie nodded.

Daniel smiled, relieved they understood.

"Now, let's eat!" Harlan grinned.

After lunch Rollie cajoled Daniel, with a little help from Angie and Harlan, into playing Christmas carols on the piano.

'Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Let your heart be light
From now on our troubles will be out of sight

Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Make the yuletide gay
From now on our troubles will be far away

Here we are as in olden days
Happy golden days of yore
Faithful friends who are dear to us
Gather near to us once more'

Daniel looked at them as he sang the next stanza.

'Through the years we all will be together
If the fates allow
Until then we'll have to muddle through some how
So have yourself a merry little Christmas now.'

"You have a beautiful voice Daniel." Harlan smiled when he'd finished.

"Did you sing in the church choir?" Angie asked.

"That's required of all ministers' children isn't it?" Daniel chuckled and stood.

"Well, I think it's time you opened your gift." Rollie said and Angie took a wrapped item from her large purse.

Daniel opened it and looked at Rollie.

"It's a gazelle carved out of eucalyptus...I put a small soaring eage at the top too."

The minister looked at it, recalling Rollie tell him that the gazelle was him and the eagle was Rollie in the Dreamings.

"Thank you for something so personal." Daniel hugged him. "I'm going to put this in my room."

Harlan gave him directions from the music room and he left them.

"Thank you for bringing him." Rollie turned to Harlan gratefully.

"I'm glad he came too. I'm amazed by how much you two are alike, not just physically. You both have a real sense of integrity, that's something no amount of money can buy."

Daniel reached his room and sat on the bed looking at the gift from his twin. He touched it,amazed by how detailed it was and knew Rollie must have put a lot of work into giving him something that would connect him to his heritage. He placed the carving on the bedside table and left the room.

He made his way back down the staircase and headed for the music room when he passed another room where the door was ajar and glanced in, he stopped and returned to the door, pushing it open he entered and looked around in stunned silence. Save for a few windows, chairs, tables and fireplace, the room was wall-to-wall books. He walked over to the closest wall and began scanning titles. He shook his head in awe as he slowly moved along. He'd loved reading as a child, it had been his companion in all the moves they'd made...and the reason he chose literature as his major in college. He found a shelf of poetry books as he rounded the corner and beamed.

"Becket...Browning...Dickinson..." He murmured then his eyes fell upon a small book and he pulled it out and began to read.

Daniel's been gone a while..." Rollie said looking toward the door.

"He might be lost." Angie turned to Harlan.

"I should have given him a tour this morning, after he called Alex." Harlan frowned and headed for the door followed by the couple.

They searched the den and office then went to the library where they found him.

"My brother, the bookworm of the family." Rollie teased.

"I'm sorry, I should have asked first." Daniel quickly stood and held out the book to Harlan.

"No apology necessary, I'm glad you're enjoying the library, I don't spend as much time in here as I'd like." Harlan sighed looking around. He turned back and checked the book. "I think there's a new volume over here."

"Samuel has a second book?" Daniel smiled.

"You know him?" Rolie asked.

"He lived on Hope for a few years." Daniel nodded.

Harlan looked through a stack of books on the coffee table in front of several chairs by the window.

"Ah, here we are." He nodded and opened the volume. " 'To Ruby...and Daniel...for helping me see the forest for the trees' ."

Daniel laughed as the trio looked at him in surprise by the acknowledgements.

"That sounds like Samuel alright."

"I want you to have it." Harlan gave it to him.

"I...I don't know what to say." Daniel replied accepting it.

"It's nice to have family here, giving you that is a small thing." Harlan smiled back.

"Thank you, I'll show it to Ruby, she'll be delighted to see he's published again."

"Maybe you should give Daniel a tour now, so he won't get lost." Angie teased her brother-in-law.

"This place is um...pretty big." Daniel agreed.

"Tour it is." Harlan nodded.

"You have a very impressive home." Daniel commented as they returned to the music room.

"Favorite room?" Harlan asked.

"Library." Rollie and Angie chuckled.

"Well, yeah...but I like the music room too. It kind of reminds me of home. My parents have a piano and I used to lay in bed at night and listen to mom play. She's the one who taught me." Daniel smiled fondly.

"I feel like more music." Rollie hinted and Daniel sat down and began to play.

"Do you mind if I spend some time alone with him tomorrow?" Rollie asked taking Harlan aside.

"Actually that will work great, I have some business to attend to and hated leaving him by himself." Harlan nodded.

"I'll come by in the morning." Rollie smiled at his twin.

They ate dinner together and several hours later Rollie and Angie were saying good-bye. Rollie hugged Daniel tightly at the door.

"Harlan has to work tomorrow so I was wondering if you wanted to spend the day together?"

"Sure, if it's okay with Angie?" Daniel nodded.

"I have some things to do myself so it's fine." She agreed.

"You can show me what effects you do." Daniel smiled.

"A tour of the laboratory." Rollie rubbed his hands together and arched an eyebrow making them all laugh.

"Let's go my mad genius." Angie pulled him toward the truck.

"See you tomorrow." Daniel called.

He and Harlan watched them leave and Daniel smiled at the snowflakes drifting down as the night came to a close.

Rollie called at 8:30 to say he was on his way and found Daniel waiting as he pulled up to the house.

"Anxious to go?" The Aussie chuckled as his twin climbed into the truck.

"It's so quiet in that house, I don't know how Harlan stands it all the time."

"He's used to being alone." Rollie answered with a touch of sadness.

"It's good you and Angie live here."

"He has you too...doesn't he?"

"Yeah, sure, but how often are we going to see each other? A few times a year maybe? Living on opposite coasts makes for a long trip."

"You could move here." Rollie said as they exited the gate.

Daniel sighed and looked out the window. He knew it would come up at some point.

Rollie kicked himself mentally. Hope was Daniel's home, the woman he loved was there, his congregation was there...

"Daniel, I'm sorry. I would very much like if you lived here but your life is on the west coast, I know that. I'm sorry if I made it sound like you should just drop everything because I want you closer."

"For the first time in my life I have a real home Rollie, a place that I feel as if I truly belong."

"That's what I felt like when I went to work for Angie's dad. He made me feel like much more than an apprentice. Dad and I traveled around a lot when I was a kid, I'd repair electronic equipment and he'd sell it at flea markets."

"Sounds like an...adventurous childhood."

"Nice way of saying it wasn't stable. Mangela had a big hand in raising me, that's why I feel so close to him...he gave me some...normalcy. Dad wasn't around all that often really." Rollie sighed.

"My dad was gone a lot too." Daniel sighed.

Rollie glanced at him, we grew up continents apart...but with fathers who weren't around much though. I had Mangela while he had Bonnie Cooper...thank you God for that.

"Mind if we do a little shopping? I have a few things to get for Ange for Christmas." Rollie asked, deciding there would be no dwelling on sad things today.

"You're driving." Daniel nodded.

Rollie drove them to a strip mall and they went inside. Their first stop was a jewelry store where the Aussie began looking at earrings.

Daniel wandered over to another case and sighed. He would love to have afforded something for Alex but he had no spare money. As it was he'd used some birthday money to buy her a gift a fraction of the cost of what he saw in the case.

"May I help you?"

"Uh...no...I'm just waiting for my brother."

The clerk nodded glancing across the aisle at the man of same build and height but longer hair.

Rollie accepted the package and came over.

"Ready?" He inquired.

Daniel nodded and they walked out and went to a music store where Rollie purchased some cds Angie had hinted at then they went to a lingerie shop where Rollie immediately picked out three negligees in white, blue and emerald. He picked out a few more things and took them to the counter.

Daniel glanced at some of the items and imagined Alex in them which brought a smile.

"Come on, let's get some coffee." Rollie elbowed him and they left for the small coffee shop near-by.

Rollie ordered two black coffees and they watched the people pass-by outside as they drank them.

"So what'd you get Alex?"

"A sweater."

"A sweater?"

"She liked it in the store." Daniel defended.

"We have got to show you how to shop for a woman." Rollie shook his head.

Daniel sighed and looked at his hands.

"I was teasing. I'm sure she'll love it because it came from you." Rollie reached over and squeezed his hand.

"I did buy her something else...it's not a Christmas gift though." Daniel looked up at him.

"What is it?" Rollie asked curiously.

"An engagement ring."

"When are you going to give it to her?"

Daniel shrugged.

"Daniel!"

"When Kevin was trying to propose to Molly he wanted it to be perfect. Alex and I both said it should be spontaneous so I want it that way for us. Just to be walking along, turn to her, bend down on one knee and ask her to be my wife."

"You are a serious romantic." Rllie grinned.

"I spent the last nine months reciting poetry, making dinner, taking her on dates and you just now figured out I'm a romantic?" Daniel scoffed teasingly.

"Had you told me any of this over the phone I would have known!" Rollie retorted and they laughed together.

They finished their coffee and Rollie insisted on picking up the tab claiming the day was on him.

Daniel went to use the mens room leaving Rollie to browse in the electronics store next to it where he found a few new gadgets. The Aussie checked his watch and realized it had been twenty minutes so he went to find Daniel.

"Daniel? You okay?" He asked concerned upon locating his twin leaning against the wall looking decidedly pale.

"I...I felt a little light headed for a minute."

"Did you eat anything this morning?"

"A few bites."

"Blood sugar is probably low, I get that when I don't eat." Rollie said leading him to the truck.

"Must be it." Daniel nodded looking back at the mall.

Rollie drove them to a restaurant and they ate lunch after which Daniel insisted he felt better and they should continue doing whatever Rollie needed to do.

The Aussie had a few more stops, items for work, then they went to the loft.

"Blue!"

The little robotic pet walked out from under the workbench, its "tail" wagged at its master as Rollie put their coats away.

Daniel stared at it wide eyed.

"Blue, this is Daniel." Rollie introduced amused.

The pet looked back and forth and whined.

"Have to put Daniel in your recognition software. Say hi to my brother."

Blue barked a greeting at the minister.

"Did you make him?"

"Sure did. Named him after a dog I had when I was a kid."

Daniel shook his head as he looked around. "I would be totally lost with all this equipment."

"No technical skills?"

"I can barely type." Daniel replied.

"Come on, I'll give you a tour." Rollie chuckled.

He explained everything they used in their work, showed him the phonebooth and demonstrated the dragonhead then led him to the enclosed object Daniel had seen from below.

"This is the VR chamber."

"VR? Virtual Reality...right?"

"Right! Have a seat and I'll turn it on."

Daniel settled into the near-by chair and Rollie began the program then joined him as the screen came to life with scenes of Australia.

The minister watched the sreen, pulled in by the very real images playing out before his eyes.

You are Australian Daniel. Maybe you weren't raised there but you are one of us...and one day you'll see home...I promise.

Angie entered the loft with an armload of packages. "Hey Blue, Rol home?"

Blue barked and turned toward the stairs.

Angie realized the VR chamber was running and she heard strains of aboriginal music emanating from it, making her smile. She espied bags on the table and bit her lip.

"No! I am not going to look! Besides, I need to get these wrapped before Rol comes down." She said aloud and hurried up to their room.

The program ended and Rollie turned the lights back on and smiled at Daniel.

"What'd ya think?"

"That was...amazing. I felt like I was there. I've never experienced anything like it." Daniel shook his head and stood.

"It's my favorie program...for obvious reasons." Rollie replied and led him downstairs. "You want a beer?"

"Actually I could use a bathroom, all that water at lunch."

"Then I got finished wrapping Rol's gifts just in time." Angie remarked coming down carrying the presents.

"Gifts!" Rollie exclaimed grabbing the bags off the table. "Wanna help?" He asked Daniel with pleading eyes.

"Not me, I'm a terrible wrapper." Daniel begged off heading up the steps.

Rollie folowed him and wrapped the gifts the best he could. Daniel relented and gave him a hand, literally, with the bows and they ended up in tearful laughter.

"Sounds like you two were having a good time up there." Angie smirked when they reappeared with some not so neatly wrapped gifts.

"Daniel almost had to stay until Christmas." Rollie laughed putting them under the tree.

"Rollie tied my finger to your package." Daniel explained on her bewildered look.

"Ah...oh! I ran into Sarah, she and Francis are dying to meet Daniel." Angie said.

"Mira probably is too." Rollie looked at his twin and half-smiled. "What do you say to a dinner party? Just a few friends, I promise."

Daniel looked at them and sighed.

"A small one! I don't want to be the center of attention Rollie."

"No worries." The Aussie grinned.

Angie looked at the list again and shook her head. She watched Rollie show Daniel some of his inventions and couldn't help but smile. Her husband looked like a little boy showing off his prized possessions. This is what Rollie needed, he always seems so down after talking to Daniel on the phone. Havng him here is good for Rol. She pulled herself away again and turned back to her list. This is not going to be a small party...and someone will have to make the food. She frowned eyeing the small kitchenette, fearing it would be left to her. The phone rang and she grabbed it.

"Tyler FX."

"Hello Angie, are my cousins still there?"

"Oh yeah, Harlan. Rol is havng a blast showing Daniel everything."

"Not so much fun for you though."

"I'm trying to figure out how to pare a party list down. Rol wants to have a dinner party for a few friends to meet Daniel. The probem is, we have a lot of friends." She sighed.

"Maybe I can help." He replied.

"How?"

"Have the party here, I'll take care of the catering." He offered.

"That's be great but I still have to get the list down."

"My dining table seats sixteen."

"I'll see what I can do." She chuckled.

"Now, when do you want to have this party so I can work on the catering?"

"Friday, it would be too rushed any later."

"Well, we better get to work then."

"Thanks Harlan." Angie said relieved.

"You're welcome, now,any idea when Daniel will be back?"

"I think it's going to be a while." She replied seeing them laugh together at something on Rollie's computer.

"I'll leave the light on then."

"Okay, bye."

"Bye."

Angie hung up and smiled to herself then looked at the list again and sighed. Could someone have too many friends?

"Never!" She smiled and got back to work on it.

"You're sure you're okay with this? There will only be a dozen tops but I can call them and cancel if you want." Angie said on the drive back to Harlan's.

"I understand you wanting me to meet your friends and I'm fine with a few people." He assured her as Rollie's cell phone rang.

"Rollie Tyler here. Hey Elena. A favor?"

"Nothing that is dangerous or takes you away for the holidays!" Angie eyed him.

"A make-up job? We're not home, my brother is in town and we're taking him back to Harlan's. It's a long story. Let me call him and see if that's okay. I'll get back to you in a few." He replied and hung up then called Harlan's and asked if the F.B.I agents could meet them at his house and received permission then he called Elena back and told her.

"Wonder what this make-up job is?" Angie asked.

"We'll find out soon enough." Rolie shrugged.

"Guess I'll get to see you two at work." Daniel smiled.

Rollie glanced at him in the rearview mirror and grinned back.

They pulled up to the cabin an hour later and saw another car there with government plates.

A servant met them and took their coats then led them to the den where everyone had gathered.

"Here they are." Harlan said espying them.

"Rollie, Angie, you remember Agent Marty Pruitt---" Elena began.

Rollie was across the room in two seconds grabbing the man who they had brought there.

"Rol?!?" Angie called startled as her husband shoved the man against the near-by wall.

"This is Sean!" Rollie hissed not taking his furious eyes from the man.

"Sean O'Hare, how do you know him?" Pruitt asked.

"He just kidnapped Daniel and I a few months back...with every intention of killing us!" Rollie spat.

"Rollie...Sean is with Interpol." Elena said gently pulling his arm.

"It's true. I wouldn't have let them kill ya." Sean replied.

Rollie looked at him coldly.

"It is true Rollie." Elena backed him up.

"Daniel." Harlan uttered from behind them.

Rollie pushed Sean away and turned to find his brother still in the doorway, white as the proverbial sheet, and hurried over to him.

"Daniel? It's okay." Rollie soothed putting a protective arm around him. "I'm going to take him upstairs. I'll be back." Rollie growled at Sean then gently led his twin to his room where Daniel laid on the bed. Rollie was worried, his brother's hands felt like ice and his eyes bore a haunted look. He took a finger and smoothed his twin's brow as Mangela had done for him and soon Daniel's eyes closed and he was asleep. The Aussie covered him with a blanket and quietly left the room, to find Angie in the hall.

"Harlan called his doctor, he'll be here soon." She said hugging him.

"Would you stay with him? I'm going to find out what the bloody hell is going on down there!"

"I'll look after him." Angie promised.

They kissed and went their separate ways.

Rollie strode to the den, fire in his eyes.

"I called my doctor." Harlan said.

"Ange told me."

"Rollie, Sean told us what happened back in the spring. He is Interpol...and the F.B.I. was running back-up. You were never in any real danger--" Elena said.

"Tell that to the shoulder that took a bullet! And do you think that will make my brother feel better? You all saw him just now!" Rollie snapped at her.

"Rollie, I understand that you're angry but please hear us out." Pruitt requested.

Rollie folded his arms. He liked the agents but at this moment he didn't give a whit about what they wanted or needed from him. His only concern was his twin and helping him cope with the trauma of coming face-to-face with his kidnapper.

"Somehow, Sammael found out Sean was Interpol. He's a marked man Rollie, so is his wife Annie. They need new identities but we can't use official channels. You know Sammael has a far reach. Please help us Rollie." Elena requested quietly.

There was a knock on the door and Harlan looked over to see his servant with another man.

"Thanks for coming so fast Ben." Harlan shook his hand. "I'd like you to take a look at my cousin, he's had a bit of a shock."

"I'm going with them." Rollie said to the four visitors then followed the two men out.

Harlan, Rollie and Angie waited outside the closed door while Daniel was examined.

"Well?" Rollie pounced on the medic when the door opened.

"He's clearly had an emotional upset, he'll be alright after a night's sleep, physically anyway. If he is going to be truly alright though he'll need to talk about this trauma." The doctor advised.

Rollie nodded, determined to help his brother.

"Rollie..."

They turned to see Elena a few feet away.

"I'm not trying to pressure you Rollie, but we do need your help. Time is short and you are the only one who can get them out of the country safely."

"The F.B.I. has other resources. My only concern is my brother."

"I'm fine Rollie, if you want to help them it's alright with me."

They all turned to see Daniel in his doorway, still looking pale, which concerned Rollie.

"You need to rest." Rollie said.

"Help them or not, it's your decision, but don't base it on what you think I can and can't cope with. I'm tired, I'm going to bed. Good night." Daniel nodded and closed the door.

Rollie sighed deeply looking at the door.

"Rol and I need to talk." Angie said looking at him.

Harlan nodded and led the others back downstairs.

"Do you think he'll help?" Pruitt asked Elena.

"His brother told him it was his decision. What a night, we find out Rollie has a twin and that they were both held by the terrorists Sean was working to bring down." Elena shook her head.

"Is he going to be alright?" Annie asked approaching.

"The doctor says yes." Elena nodded.

"Good, I didn't mean to bring any pain to them. I wouldn't have let them be killed...I swear it." Sean added.

The agents nodded and looked over at the door where Rollie and Angie stood.

"I've known Elena for a while so I've decided to help you...because I trust her." Rollie said looking at Sean.

"Thank you Rollie." Pruitt shook his hand. "We'd better get going, we have a long drive to the safehouse." He nodded to Elena.

"A word Rollie?" Harlan requested and led him into the hall where they spoke quietly for a few moments then returned. "You're all welcome to stay here tonight." Harlan said and turned to the agents. "I'm afraid you'll have to share a room...I'd prefer Daniel be left alone to sleep peacefully."

"Understandable and we appreciate the offer, thank you." Elena nodded tiredly.

"It's getting late, we should get to bed." Harlan said and led them to the rooms.

Rollie and Angie took the room next to Daniel and he turned to her as he closed the door.

"There was no way I was going to leave them alone with my brother! Is it okay we're staying sweetie?"

"Of course it is. I'm tired, let's go to bed." She hugged him.

Across the hall, Harlan picked up his phone and dialed.

"It's me. I have another task for you. Anything you can find on Sean, S..e..a..n, and Annie, A..n..n..i..e, O'Hare, spelled like the airport. You have my fax number, as soon as you find anything..." He said then hung up and retired for the night as well with the determination of protecting his new family.

Harlan was exiting Daniel's room the next morning when Rollie and Angie came out of theirs.

"What's wrong?" Rollie asked worriedly.

"Nothing. I was just checking on him. He's still asleep. Let's have breakfast, I'll have something brought up when he wakes."

Rollie glanced at Daniel's door and nodded.

They all looked as the agents and Sean came out of their rooms.

"I'm glad you're up, we need to work on this plan." Elena said without preamble.

"You might as well do it over breakfast." Harlan replied motioning them toward the stairs.

"Where's Annie?" Pruitt asked.

"She wasn't finished in the bathroom, she'll be down soon." Sean answered.

They followed Harlan down to the dining room where Elena pulled Rollie aside.

"I'm sorry about this mess. How is your brother?"

"Seeing Sean really did a number on him."

"I'd really like to meet him under other circumstances."

"We're having a little party here Friday, just a few friends...if you can make it that would be great."

"I'll try to be there."

"Everything okay?" Angie asked coming back out.

"I invited Elena to the party."

"Good. I was going to get the list, show Harlan the menu suggestions so he can work on it while we take care of this."

Rollie smiled at her, grateful she would be with him around Sean.

"I'll be back in a minute." She smiled back and headed up.

Angie grabbed the list from her purse and hurried back out just as Annie was closing Daniel's door.

"What are you doing?" She quietly demanded.

"I...I wanted to see how he was. I'm sorry we upset him."

"Seeing the person who held you hostage might be a little upsetting don't you think?"

"Sean is a good man, if he says he wouldn't have let anything happen to Daniel he means it."

"All I know is how frightened I was when Rol disappeared within hours of Daniel's kidnapping. The woman Daniel loves was terrified for him too!" Angie replied looking at Daniel's door.

When she turned back she caught a flicker of...something... in Annie's face but before she could comment Annie spoke.

"We'd better get down there before our husbands wonder what happened to us." The brunette said and hurried down the steps.

Angie watched her with a frown then took a peek into Daniel's room. She watched the steady rise and fall of his chest for a moment, satisfied no harm had come to him, she reclosed the door and headed for the stairs herself.

Daniel awoke with a start, eyes wide,heart pounding. He swallowed and took a deep breath as he sat up, the dream replaying in his mind sent tears coursing down his cheeks. He let them come for several minutes then got out of bed and walked to the window wiping them away.

A run is what I need, it'll help clear my head.

He changed nto his sweats and gym shoes and quietly left the house unseen.

Leaning aganst the tree he stretched to loosen his muscles then set of eastward. As he ran the events of the previous night replayed themselves in his head and he tried to make sense of them.

He knew he would have to talk about things eventually but not yet, he simply wasn't ready.

Forcing all thoughts from his mind he ran on, taking in the waterfall and the animals grazing near-by. He watched an eagle circle high above the barren trees as he slowed to a walk, his breathing came heavily.

He walked for a while more then jogged back to the house. As he ran up the steps the door opened.

"There you are! We were worried when your room was empty." Rollie said shrugging his coat back off.

"I went for a run, now I need a shower." Daniel replied going inside.

"We should talk about--"

"No. I'm okay."

"Are you hungry? Harlan said he'd have his cook make you something." Angie asked giving Rollie a look.

Daniel shook his head.

"You have to eat." Rollie said quietly.

Daniel sighed, nodded and headed for the stairs.

When Daniel came back down he found himself alone and decided he was a little hungry after all so he headed for the kitchen where he found a cook.

"Good morning sir,may I make you something?"

"Oh...uh...I can get it myself."

"It's my job sir."

"My name is Daniel." He smiled at the woman.

"It's my job...and I like to cook." She smiled back.

"You talked me into it. Scrambled eggs and toast?"

"Juice?"

"As long as it's no trouble."

Once Daniel finished his meal he wandered through the house til he came to the music room. He sat at the piano, closed his eyes and let his fingers glide over the keys.

Angie was walking past the music room and heard voices. She couldn't make out what was being said but knew it had to be Annie and someone else. The brunette had left to use the bathroom and Harlan had directed her to the one off the music room.

She pushed the door open and looked in...to see Annie and Daniel, neither looked happy.

"Daniel? Everything okay?" She asked entering.

"Yeah, just a difference of opinion." He nodded to her. "I'm going to head upstairs." He added and left them.

"What did you say to him?!?" Angie demanded.

"That's none of your business!" Annie replied defiantly.

"If you hurt Daniel, that will hurt my husband. I don't like people who hurt my husband...understand?" Angie gave her a cold look.

Annie held it a moment then sighed deeply.

"He's very angry." She said looking at the door.

"How could you expect him not to be? He was held prisoner! The threat of death hanging over him every second!" Angie replied exasperatedly.

Annie sighed again and headed for the bathroom.

"Maybe you should make a concerted effort to avoid Daniel...it might be best for everyone."

"Maybe you're right." Annie nodded and disappeared into the bathrom.

Rollie looked at his notes and silently sighed. This was a lot of work to be done in a short time.

"One PDA."

He smiled at Angie as he took it and began inputting data to send to their home computer.

"We're going to have to head to the loft Rol."

He nodded silently.

"Why don't you ask Daniel to come along?" She said knowing he didn't want to leave his brother there with Sean.

He looked at her, grateful she understood then went up the stairs.

Daniel was looking out the window and turned at the knock on his door.

"Come in."

"Hey, we have to go to the loft, wanna come?" Rollie asked cheerfuly.

"No, thanks anyway."

"You might feel better if you got outta here for a while."

"I'm fine Rollie, you don't need to hover."

"I don't want to leave you here with them."

"I was handling my own problems before we met." Daniel reminded him.

"Call if you need me." Rollie hugged him.

"I'll be fine."

Rollie released him and headed for the door where he looked back to find Daniel again staring out the window all but oblivious to his presence. The Aussie sighed and closed the door quietly.

Rollie and Angie reached the loft almost two hours later and got to work on creating new identities for the O'Hares.

They worked in silence for a while then Angie walked over and massaged his shoulders.

"How about a break boss?"

"Sure, we've got a lot done and these have to set anyway." He nodded and moved away from the mask rack.

Angie put the coffee on and pulled out a piece of left over jellyroll from the fridge that they'd bought at a bakery a few days ago. She heated it up in the microwave as Rollie poured the coffee then they sat down with two forks and dug in.

"How are the i.d.'s coming along?" He asked.

"Good. The masks look really good."

"Just need to manipulate the faces a little."

They lapsed into another silence and Rollie looked over at his wife who was staring into her coffee mug.

"Don't have any change on me love."

She blinked and looked at him blankly.

"For your thoughts." He smiled.

"Just about...this situation."

"Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined Sean turning up...or that he was Interpol." Rollie shook his head.

"I think the sooner we get them out of the country the better off we'll all be." Angie replied taking their dishes to the sink.

"Especially Daniel." Rollie agreed and went back to the masks.

Angie silently concurred and returned to her own task in the F.B.I. job.

Harlan sat down at his desk to call the caterer. Though the party would be small he wanted to make sure the guests had plenty to eat. This party might be exactly what everyone needs he smiled and reached for the phone. He was startled by Daniel's angry voice and left the study to see what was going on. Thundering footsteps met his ears as he hurried down the hall,reaching the foyer just in time to see Daniel storm out the door. He turned back toward the steps and caught Annie hurrying up them. The Australian frowned and went to the study to call Rollie.

Rollie hung up his phone and frowned.

"What is it?"

"Harlan says Daniel stormed out of the house. It looks like he and Annie had words."

"I told her to stay away from him!" Angie said angrily.

"What do you mean?"

"I caught her coming from his room this morning, she said she wanted to see how he was then later I heard them arguing in the music room."

Rollie shook his head, thankful they were almost to Harlan's. It was time for Daniel to get it out, that much was clear.

Harlan met them before the van had even stopped at the porch.

"He went that way, didn't have his coat either." Harlan pointed and handed the jacket to Rollie.

The younger man nodded and took off hoping to find his brother before the sun set and it got even colder.

He walked quickly in the direction of the waterfall letting his songline to Daniel guide him to his twin. Espying him on a boulder staring at the water he put his coat on his shoulders.

"What happened between you and Annie? What did she say to make you so angry?"

Daniel didn't answer.

"You have to talk about it, it's the only way for you to get past this Daniel."

"There's nothing to talk about." The minister stood and started for the house.

Rollie caught up and touched his shoulder.

"Stop trying to be my big brother!" Daniel snapped and pushed him away then walked into the house, went to his room, slammed the door and locked it.

Rollie sighed deeply following him inside and Angie hugged him.

"Come on." He said and led her up the steps to the O'Hares room where he knocked.

Sean answered.

"I want to talk to her." Rollie said.

"My wife isn't feeling well--"

"Well neither is my brother!" Rollie replied and pushed his way inside.

Sean stared at him a moment then went into the bathroom.

Rollie leaned against the door to wait. He wasn't leaving this room until his questions were answered...one way or another she would tell them what was going on.

"What is going on?" Pruitt shook his head,sorry they ever came to Rollie for help when he could see how much pain this was causing him and his brother.

"They'll be gone soon." Elena sighed.

"Would you like to join me in the study? I have some brandy there." Harlan offered.

"I don't think a small one will hurt." Pruitt looked at Elena who nodded in agreement.

A short time later the agents ascended the stairs and hurried to the O'Hares room and knocked.

Sean answered,looking the worse for wear.

"We just got a call, Sammael knows you're in New York." She said then looked at Rollie. "We need to have everything together by midnight."

He sighed but nodded.

"I can handle things if you want to talk to Daniel?" Angie offered.

"Thanks sweetie." He smiled at her.

Angie led them downstairs while Rollie took a moment to himself.

Now that I know, I have to make him talk about it, he thought as he walked across the hall and knocked on his brothers door.

"Daniel?" He called when there was no answer. Trying the knob he found it unlocked so he went inside. Daniel wasn't in the outer room so he walked to the bathroom door and knocked. There was no answer there so he tried the door and found the room empty too. The Aussie frowned and headed for the hall.

"ROL!"

He bounded down the stairs at Angie's shout.

"It's gone!" She said meeting him half-way.

"Wha--"

"The van Rol! It's gone!"

"So is Daniel!" He replied.

"We'll take my Blazer." Harlan said grabbing his coat.

"Tell Mira to put out an A.P.B., don't pull it over just call my cell and let me know where it's going."

Angie nodded and hurried to the phone as the men left.

"He doesn't have much of a head start." Rollie said as they headed out the gate and turned left toward the city.

But, how did he know where the key was? If it's because he's my twin then I'm going to be really worried.

Rollie's cell phone rang twenty minutes later.

"Tyler here. Mira! You're sure it's my van? No, of course you're right. Thanks." He said hanging up then pointed. "Take a left up here."

A few minutes later they were pulling into the parking lot of a bar where the FX van sat plain as day.

"Maybe I should handle this alone." Rollie turned to Harlan.

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah." Rollie nodded and got out.

He watched Harlan drive away then went to the van and opened it with his set of keys and a smile came to his lips as he shook his head. Pulling the door shut he went into the bar, after letting his eyes adjust to the darkness a moment he located Daniel at a booth and went over.

"Don't plan on drinking and driving my hot wired van do you?"

Daniel ignored him and swallowed the drink.

"That's not gonna help you deal mate. I talked to her. I know everything--"

Daniel stood throwing money onto the table and walked out with Rollie on his heels.

"Come on, I'll take you back to Harlan's." Rollie said grabbing his arm.

Daniel shoved him to the ground.

"You don't know anything!" Daniel seethed and took off running.

Rollie got to his feet and for a moment considered going after him but then stopped himself. His twin didn't want his help and until he did there was little Rollie could do so with a heavy heart he climbed into the van and headed for Harlan's hoping Daniel would be alright.

Daniel stopped running and held his side as he gasped for breath. Tears fell down his face as he vomited the alcohol into a near-by bush. Strong hands held him as he emptied his stomach of the only thing he'd had since breakfast. He was too weak to tell Rollie to leave him alone as he wiped his mouth with a shaky hand. The minister turned with angry eyes to...a priest.

"Are you alright?"

Daniel nodded taking in the accent.

"Perhaps I should take you to the hospital?"

"It's the alcohol." Daniel admitted ashamed.

"Do you want to talk about why you turned to the bottle?" The priest asked gently.

Something in the man's voice broke through Daniel's anger.

"My name is Daniel."

*"Aidan. Why don't I make some coffee and you can unburden yourself. Whatever troubles you...God does understand and He loves you." Aida smiled and led him into the rectory.

Rollie closed the door and sighed as he took his coat off.

"Rol?" Angie came over.

"He doesn't want my help. I hurt for him so much Ange." He said tearfully.

"I know you do." She hugged him.

"We have to finish up those new identites." He sighed again, knowing he couldn't help Daniel and hoping that work would take his mind off of that.

*"Aidan", Father Aidan O'Connell, was the second priest in the BBC series "Ballykissangel" which is the show Hope Island was based on.

Rollie stretched as he put the finishing touches on the masks that would change the O'Hare's looks considerably.

"The new i.d.'s are complete and entered into the system."

"These need a few minutes to dry, want to take a breather?" He asked standing.

Angie smiled and opened the van door, they stepped into the crisp night air and he hugged her to him and they kissed.

Hearing footsteps they turned to see Daniel standing there, hands shoved into his jacket pockets, eyes downcast.

"I need something in the house." Angie said and left them alone.

Rollie strode over and hugged his brother tightly.

"I'm sorry." Daniel whispered hugging him back.

"It's okay." Rollie assured him.

"No it's not, I didn't have the right to take it out on you." Daniel shook his head and pulled back.

"Family forgives. You need to talk to her though."

"I know...I just..." Daniel sighed deeply.

"I understand but you need to do this...for you."

Daniel sighed again and nodded.

Rollie led him inside to the study.

"Daniel needs to speak to Annie...alone."

The feds and Sean looked at Daniel then the Irishman turned to his wife who nodded so he led everyone out.

Daniel just stared at her for several minutes in silence.

"Dan--"

"Seeing you again...I obviously wasn't prepared for it. You were supposed to be dead Kate! Your father called me and told me himself! Did you want to get away from me that bad?!?" He interrupted.

"You--"

"Seeing you brings back all those memories Kate! The horrible pain and guilt that consumed me with that call, the memorial service...now I know why your mother wasn't there!" He snorted humorlessly. "The mess I proceded to make of my life after arguing with my father, blaming him and myself for your death, then running off to Vegas, drinking, gambling, marrying a showgirl! How angry my father was when he tracked me down just ahead of the press! I thought you loved me Kate! We could have worked through the problems with my father but you ran away...then let me believe you were dead! How could you do that to me Kate?!?" He demanded angrily.

"I didn't know!" She defended.

"Excuse me?" He asked incredulous.

"The accident--"

"So that much was true anyway." He sneered.

"I was in a coma for three months!"

Daniel looked at her in shock.

"In the accident I was thrown from the car. I had a severe head injury, broken bones, internal bleeding...I was lucky to be alive."

"You never did like wearing your seatbelt." He uttered.

"I wear it now." She said with a sad smile.

"You seem to be alright."" He replied looking her over.

"Looks can be deceiving. My head injury left me having to relearn a lot of things Daniel...it also left me with some memory loss."

They lapsed into an uncomfortable silence and Daniel felt such a strangeness about it. He had never been uncomfortable around Kate, even in their silences.

"You could have called me anytime after you awoke from the coma." He said hurt.

"I didn't even remember you those first few months after regaining consciouness. You were a face in my dreams. It took several months of therapy but I finally made a breakthrough and remembered a little about us...and figured out why my mind had blocked you out. The accident physically and emotionally traumatized me Daniel...and I associated you with that trauma. I left you and I nearly died--"

"So it was my fault?"

"I didn't say that--"

"You gave me an ultimatum Kate! 'Leave with me today or lose me forever!' You were asking me to walk away from my family!"

"And you were asking me to wait! How long? A week? A month? Forever?!?" She threw back.

Daniel turned away trying to control his hurt and anger.

"Why did your father lie to me? Tell me you were dead?" He asked bitterly.

"Because they loved me. When I told them I was coming home, that we had broken up...after three years Daniel...what were they supposed to think of the man who had obviously hurt their daughter? They didn't know you that well remember? One visit to California in those three years to meet the man their daughter loved...I don't excuse what they did. I was angry at them for it too but I do understand why they did it."

Daniel walked to the window trying to absorb everything she said. He was still angry, still resentful but he tried to see it from thier side.

"Why didn't you let me know you were alive before now, call me or something?" He asked quietly several moments later.

"I could have seen that. Hey Daniel, I'm not so dead after all, so what have you been up to?" She said sarcastically.

He looked at her, surprised by the sarcasm.

"I did go to your island Daniel...there was a spring dance at the school...you were holding a redhead in your arms. I could see how happy you were and I...I couldn't ruin that for you so I returned to Florida and began to build a new life--"

"With Sean."

"Yes. Sean was with me from the beginning. He called for help when I had the accident. He came to the hospital every day. He helped me recover." She smiled looking at her wedding ring.

"I could have helped you get back to your old life--"

"I know you would have tried...but I'm not the same Kate you fell in love with. I hate pumpkin pie now Daniel."

"What does pumpkin pie have to do with anything?!?"

"A lot. You would have wanted the old Kate back, the Kate you knew and loved but she doesn't exist any--"

"Yes she does, you've just forgotten--" He denied.

"Damn it Daniel! You're not listening! I tried to be the old Kate that everyone loved and we all suffered for it! My therapist told me I can't go back to who, what I was before and he's right! I am Annie and I love Sean! I'm sorry if that hurts you Daniel, but I moved on because I had no other choice. All that exists of you and Kate are memories now...Kate died in that accident and you need to let her go." She finished tearfully.

Daniel was shocked. First sarcasm, now cursing. Kate had never done either, certainly never directed at him. He belatedly realized that was her point. The Kate he loved was gone and this new person, Annie, had been born from that death. He felt tears dotting the corners of his eyes and blinked them back then looked at her for a long time trying to find the woman he had known, she didn' even physically look the same, her once long hair was cut into a bob. He silently said good-bye to the woman he had loved so deeply once.

"Take care of yourself Ka...Annie. Stay safe." He finally said.

"Good-bye Daniel." She nodded and headed for the door.

"Kate?"

"Yeah?"

"Do you still wear the same perfume?"

"Yeah, why?"

"Just wondered...if that changed too."

She looked at him a moment then left the study.

Daniel sighed deeply. The smell of her perfume is what had left him feeling dizzy at the mall that day with Rollie, the memories had come flooding back to overwhelm him.

That's all they are now...memories, he sighed.

Rollie poked his head in to see Daniel staring at the floor, tear streaks on his cheeks.

"You okay?" He asked softly, walking over to him.

"I will be." Daniel sighed.

"Daniel, there's a call for you." Harlan pointed to the phone on the desk.

Daniel stood and wiped his face.

"I'm here if you need anything." Rollie hugged him.

"Thanks." Daniel nodded appreciating his twin's support.

The Aussie's left him to take the call in private.

"So who's on the phone?" Rollie asked as they headed for the foyer.

"Alex."

"Everything okay?" Rollie hoped so because his brother didn't really need any more to worry about.

"I thought he could use her."

Rollie smiled at Harlan as they ascended the stairs.

Daniel hung up over an hour later with a soft smile. He hadn't intended to tell Alex about Kate but it had just come pouring out before he knew it and she had been so loving and supportive that he knew it had been right to share this intensely private pain with her. Even after seeing Kate again and the feelings it evoked he was more certain than ever that his future was with Alex. Nothing was going to stop them from a life together. Not even his father. Not this time, he vowed.

He left the study feeling hungry and made his way to the kitchen which was empty so he made himself a sandwich.

"Looks good, mind sharing?" Harlan asked joining him.

Daniel cut it in half and slid a piece over. He looked at the man who had been so kind to he and his brother and felt he deserved an explanation.

"About what's been going on..."

"I know."

The minister looked at him surprised.

"I had them investigated."

"You never said anything."

"I know how persoanl this was and didn't want you to think I was prying."

"Thank you...for calling Alex too. I really needed her."

"She's an amazing woman."

"Yeah, she is." Daniel agreed completely.

"I think Angie will understand if you don't feel up to a party." Harlan looked at him.

"I think a party is exactly what I need." Daniel replied and bit into his sandwich.

A few hours later Annie and Sean were gone to start a new, hopefully safe, life elsewhere. Daniel said a silent prayer for them as he watched the car drive away. He still felt a sense of loss but knew it would fade with time. He had changed and moved on too without really realizing it...'with a redhead that won't leave my mind.'

Harlan convinced Rollie and Angie, without any difficulty since the couple had come prepared with a overnight bag this time, to stay and they all turned in for the night to get some much deserved rest.

Rollie and Daniel spent a lot of time Thursday morning walking in the woods and talking.

Daniel confided everything that had happened with Katherine Anne Sullivan and Las Vegas.

Rollie listened giving brotherly support.

"Dad didn't accept Kate because she was Catholic...Alex was Catholic but stopped going to church some time ago and has some serious issues with religion. Part of me is afraid to tell my father and another part says Alex is the woman I want to spend the rest of my life with and if my father doesn't like it then too bad." Daniel sighed stopping by the waterfall.

"Are you looking for advice?"

"Do you have any?"

"It's your life Daniel. Do what makes you happy."

"I know you're right. I guess I'm still seeking my father's approval and respect." Daniel sighed deeply.

"If loving and marrying Alex will make you happy who bloody well cares what your father thinks!"

Daniel nodded and looked away. It was easy to say that but much harder to follow it through.

"I'm cold, let's go round up some coffee." Rollie squeezed his shoulder and led him toward the house.

"Hey Rol, Luce called, she's in town and wants to get together. I told her we were over here so she's coming over." Angie announced as they came inside.

"We should invite her to the party." Rollie smiled at Daniel as he took his coat and put it in the closet with his own.

"If it's okay with Harlan it's okay with me." Daniel nodded.

"It's fine with Harlan." The older Aussie replied joining them. "I have a meeting in the cty, I'll be back later." He added donning his coat.

"Be careful, it's really snowy out there." Daniel cautioned.

"I will." Harlan smiled, warmed by his concern as he donned his accessories and headed out.

"Okay, I have to ask...where did you, a minister's son, learn to hotwire a car?" Angie eyed her brother-in-law.

"Same place I learned to buy the best cherry bombs in Philly." He smiled faintly.

"And that would be...?" Rollie prompted.

"A gang I hung with."

"A gang?!?" The couple said in shocked unison.

"Didn't take us long to move." Daniel shrugged and started down the hallway.

"Tell me about this gang you ran with twin." Rollie took his arm as they walked.

Lucinda Scott, Hollywood actress, drove slowly up the driveway to the cabin. She was still floored Rollie's cousin was one of the richest men in the world. The cabin came into view and she took a breath. It looked magnificent with the snow on its eaves and the small white holiday lights adorning it.

She exited the car and walked up to the door where she was welcomed by a servant who took her coat then led her to the music room.

"ROLLIE!" She squealed and ran across the room to engulf him in a hug. "It's so good to see you! You cut your hair! I like it. Of course I liked it the other way too! What have you been up to? Where's Angie? I want to hear everything!"

Hearing chuckles, she turned, her mouth fell open and she looked from the couple at the door to the man who's hand she held and back again.

"I see you two have met." Rollie chuckled.

"But to make it official..." Angie elbowed him.

"Luce, this is my identical twin, Daniel Cooper."

"What?!?"

"It's true Luce, they are twins." Angie grinned.

"Why didn't you tell me about him before?!?" She demanded stalking right up to Rollie.

"We didn't know about him being my brother until a few months ago ourselves." Rollie replied handing Daniel a cup of coffee.

"This is for real?" Luce asked settling in next to Daniel on the sofa.

"Yes, Luce." Rollie smirked at Daniel who shook his head amused.

"We're having a little dinner party tomorrow night, a few friends over to meet Daniel..." Rollie invited.

"How shall I dress?" Luce smiled.

"Casual, but a step or two above jeans." Angie replied.

"Looks like you have a dinner partner now." The actress smiled at Daniel who blushed.

"He's spoken for Luce." Rollie grinned.

"Two hotties in the room and they're both taken." She slumped onto the back of the couch.

"Cheer up Luce, Scott Mitchell is coming." Angie elbowed her.

"Scott's going to come? I haven't seen him in forever. How is he? What's he been up to?"

"You can ask him at the party." Angie chuckled.

"I need to get going then, get a hotel room." Lucinda started to rise.

"You came straight from the airport?" Daniel asked surprised.

"I couldn't wait to see my friends."

"You're more than welcome to stay here Lucinda." Harlan offered coming into the room.

"Thank you. I need to get my luggage from the rental."

"We'll do it, come on Daniel." Rollie rose volunteering his twin to help.

Harlan followed as Lu