I will break with my regular format to share some happy news. I bought a puppy yesterday that I have named Tram as he looks like Tramp from the Lady and Tramp movie. So far he is a very good puppy. He has a very calm disposition. He doesn't bark but is very quiet. I'm crazy about him already. He is a schnauzer mix. Being a farm girl I love animals and have despaired over being unable to have a dog. But I at last have rented a house that allows small pets. My kids are very happy and already love the puppy. The only one who is unhappy about the dog is my husband. He doesn't like animals. All he does of late is bitch and moan about everything. My marriage has taken turn for the worse and it's not getting any better. So I am clinging to the happiness and love that this puppy has brought into my dreary world. It is my belief that dogs that are well cared for and loved act as the guardians of our soul. So close is one's bond with a dog it almost feels as if our souls are bonded in some ways. My old dog Cochise pulled me through some very dark times. The abuse I endured from my father led me to consider ending my life. Some how though Cochise managed to pull me back and keep me alive. Their is a very powerful bond that we share with our animals. How sad that people abuse dog's on a regular basis. There too stupid and mean to understand the gift that they have been given. Maybe this is why there are so many lost souls in our world.

Chapter Five

Inside the house is a buzz as servants’ rush about preparing the house for Mr. & Mrs. Harrington. Upon entering the house Jessica headed upstairs to the Master bedroom to over see the unpacking. While, John told Richard to get Trey. He than headed for the office, located in the West wing at the end of the hall on the right hand side. Upon entering the house Trey headed to his room to change. On the way to his room he runs into his mother who is a bit startled by the presence of her older son in California.
"Trey, I wasn't aware that you were here in California, your father said you were away on business." Jessica said told him.
"I ‘m here on business." Trey answered quietly
"And I can see your working very hard." Jessica teased noting his attire.
"I had a little time before this afternoons meeting." Trey answered his mother before heading on up to his room. Jessica watched as her older son made his way down the hall.
Trey emerged from his room a short time later freshly showered, and dressed in a suit. He headed downstairs to his father's study with a grim expression. Arriving at the door, Trey rapped quietly on the door. Inside John looked up from his desk and said "Come in." He watched as his oldest son entered.
"Close the door, and take a seat son." John ordered. Trey closed the door and than took a seat in a chair in front of his father's desk. "Now would you mind telling me what the hell is going on?" John demanded. "I send you down here to straighten you’re brother out and the next thing I know he's being arrested for public brawling!" John fumed. "Do you want to tell me what your brother was doing in a public fight?" John finally asked as he tried to calm down.
"Josh and his friends went out last night and he got into a fight with some guys over a young woman who was also there." Trey answered his father.
"I should have known there would be a girl involved in this." John stated in exasperation. "So tell me. Where is our little Prince Charming?" John asked his son.
"He took off this morning after reading the paper." Trey answered. "Dad there's something else you should know and you’re not going to like it." Trey said quietly.
"What is it?" John asked feeling a creeping dread at the look on Trey's face.
"Josh is in love with a sixteen year old girl, that's who he was protecting when he got arrested." Trey stated. "And she was here at the estate yesterday morning when I arrived. Apparently she had spent the night.”
"Good lord!" John said from his desk. "Sixteen, what's he trying to do get himself thrown into jail?" John said angrily.
"I don't know Dad." Trey answered. "All I do know is that if he continues with this he could end up getting hurt again." He said. He felt like a jerk for ratting his brother out. But a part of him wanted his Father to put and end to his brother’s relationship with Kristen.

Joshua showed Kristen everything Beverly Hills had to offer. From stores, to salons, to restaurants, and more.

Later they head down to a secluded beach where they could again walk a long the ocean.
"So what did you think of Beverly Hills?" Joshua asked as they walked along the beach.
"It's absolutely beautiful." Kristen stated as she walked along the beach with him.
"So are you." Joshua said with affection.
"Am I?" She asked in wonder for no one had ever said such a thing to her before.
"Yes you are." Joshua answered her filling a tug at his heart at the way she blushed.
"You’re the first man who has ever called me beautiful." Kristen admitted shyly.
"I find that hard to believe." Joshua said.
"How long are you staying in L.A?" Kristen asked after a while.

"I’m staying until the end of summer." Joshua answered gazing out at the ocean. "What about you how long are you visiting?" He asked dreading the day she left.
"We're staying a week." Kristen answered sadly. "I wish I never had to go back but I do." Kristen said. "What do your parents do for a living?" Kristen asked changing the subject.
"My family owns Harrington Enterprises." Joshua answered.
"Harrington Enterprises?" Kristen repeated. "What kind of business is that?" Kristen asked feeling stupid for having to ask.
"It handles everything from selling cars, to manufacturing cloths, to building Hotels, and Resorts, my Grandfather has hand in every form of business you could say." Joshua answered.
"You’re family must have an awful lot of money." Kristen stated.
"We’re not exactly poor that's for sure." Joshua answered.
"Do you have any other brothers and sisters besides Trey?" Kristen asked.
"Yes, in fact I have a younger brother Tyler who’s sixteen, and a younger sister Elizabeth who’s seventeen." Joshua answered.
"How old is Trey?" Kristen questioned.
"He's the same age as me twenty-two, we're twins, but he came first, so he's my older brother so to speak." Joshua answered.
"I thought he was probably older than you, he seems so much more, I don't know mature." Kristen said quietly.
"Trey has always been that way sometimes I think I don't know him at all. We're twins and yet there is very little about us that is a like." Joshua stated with a frown. "Come on let’s go get something to eat I'm starved." Joshua said shaking off the darker feelings.

Later that day Trey was in his office working on some papers when John came storming in obviously upset about something.
"I just got word on the Death Valley project; it seems that the labor union has called a strike." John informed his son. "Somebody has to fly to Arizona and straighten things out. We've got to much money sunk into that project to sit back and watch it go up in smoke." John stated firmly.
"You better send Josh he's supposed to be overseeing that project. I'm supposed to meet with James Whitney tomorrow morning.” Trey answered. "Besides it might be a good idea to get Josh away from that kid for a while before things get any farther out of hand." Trey remarked.
"That's what I was thinking but I thought I'd get your opinion before I acted." John answered with a sigh. "What a damn mess." John muttered turning to leave.
"Don't worry Dad it will all work out." Trey assured his Dad.
"I suppose." John replied. "Where is your brother by the way?" He asked turning back to his son.
"He's out showing Kristen around L.A." Trey answered absently his mind on the girl that had captured his brother's heart.
"When you see your brother tell him I want a word with him." John said with a sigh looking suddenly very tired. "I'll be in my office." He stated before leaving. Trey watched after his father, before turning toward the window an image of the young girl he had met only yesterday floated before him. No woman had ever affected him in the way this woman child had. If he didn't watch out he'd lose his heart also. Shaking away his feeling of dread Trey returned to the work at hand.
It was after midnight when Joshua returned home having dropped Kristen off at her cousin's apartment. Joshua entered the house feeling happier than he had felt since Laura’s death... He is surprised to be met by Richard one of their Butlers.
"Good evening Sir." Richard stated.
"Good evening Richard." Joshua said in greeting before heading toward the stairs.
"Sir, your father wishes to have a word with you he is in the study." Richard stated formally.
"My Father is here in L.A." Joshua said with dread. Christ his Dad was going to kill him!
"Yes Sir, he and your Mother arrived this morning." Richard answered.
Joshua watched as Richard disappeared down the hall, all the while his mind whirled with the knowledge of his parent’s presence in L.A. He headed down the hall toward his Father's study. Pausing outside the door he takes a deep breath and knocks on the door...
In his office John looks up at the door and says "Come in." John watched as his younger son entered the room. Joshua crosses the room to his Father's desk...
"You wanted to see me Sir." Joshua said never feeling quite at ease with his father.
"Yes, sit down son. I have a couple things to discuss with you.” John waited until Josh was seated before continuing. “I am not at all happy with your performance at Harrington. Blowing off the meeting with James Whitney could seriously hurt this company. You knew how important it was to us to aquire Whitney’s company. " John said. "And on top of that the Death Valley project is going under; I received word today that the union has called a strike. Death Valley is your project, but you’ve hardly put in any time on it. I’m well aware that your brother has had to over see things there. I’m fed up with this shit Josh. Trey is pissed off because he’s had to do your job on top of his, while you’ve been off playing. You need to pull your head out of your ass and start pulling your own weight! From now on you’ll work full time or you won’t work at all. I want you to fly to Arizona immediately, and get this mess cleared up before we lose anymore money." John told him. "I called the airport they'll have the jet ready to go first thing tomorrow morning so you had better get a good night’s sleep." John stated returning to his paper work.
"Yes Sir, is that all?" Josh asked having sunk into his chair during his father’s tirade.
"Yes, unless you have something to add." John asked with a stern expression.
Though he longed to refuse his Father to stand up to him once and for all he lacked the courage necessary. Unlike Trey who had never seemed to fear their father Joshua did. Getting up he said a prompt
"No Sir!" Turning he headed for the door pausing to say "Good night Father." He than exited the room.
Leaning back in his chair John silently thanked God that his younger son still seemed to obey him asking no questions unlike his older brother who could be a real pain in the ass at times. John had always favored Trey because the boy feared nothing, and bowed to no one, his only fault being that he seemed to lack compassion. Jessica often said that Trey lacked feelings. John doubted that. He sensed that Trey cared just as much as his brothers he just guarded his feelings more carefully. Turning his thoughts back to Joshua, John wondered if he handled the situation right. Maybe he should have spoken to his son about his new love but John sensed he would only rebel....
"Darling when are you coming to bed?" Jessica asked from the doorway interrupting his thoughts. "The beds awful cold and it needs warming." Jessica replied suggestively.
"Is it, well will have to do something about that won't we?" John replied getting up and heading toward his beloved wife.
"You look worried is everything okay?" Jessica asked a frown marring her face.
"Everything is fine, lets go to bed I'm tired." John said not wanting to worry her.
"Not to tired I hope." Jessica said seductively placing her arms around his neck and drawing him into a passionate kiss.
"You are a wicked woman." John said catching his breath. "But I love you anyway fool that I am." John added with a smile.
"I love you to, come with me and I'll show you how much." Jessica suggested taking his hand.
John gladly followed his wife to their bedroom just as he had always followed her since first falling in love with her so many years ago. He loved her more everyday, Jessica had always been the center of his world and would be until he breathed his last breath in this world. Upon entering their room they began to shed their cloths their passion awakened by a love that would never die. Once in bed they made love as passionately as any young couple. Later they drift asleep in each other’s arms.

The next morning Trey was sitting at the breakfast table reading the paper while occasionally sipping his coffee. As he flipped through the pages his eyes fell on an article regarding his brother’s arrest causing him to scowl. At that moment a very pleased with himself Joshua entered and is met by his brother’s glare.
"What's wrong now?" Joshua asked, the smile disappearing from his face.
"You made the papers." Trey said as he tossed the paper in question at his brother. Trey watched as his brother read the article before tossing it down on the table in anger.
"I don't suppose there's a chance Father won't see this in the paper." Joshua asked already knowing the answer.
"About as much chance as I have of winning the lottery." Trey answered glumly.
"Great, this is just what I needed. As if I don't already have enough problems." Joshua said before heading for the door.
"Where are you going now?" Trey asked, more than a little annoyed.
"Out; I don't intend to be here when Dad calls wanting to know what the hell is going on." He stated before exiting the room.
That’s just great once again I’m left holding the bag. Trey thought to himself as his brother disappeared from the room.

Jamie and Kristen are eating breakfast at a small table in the apartment when the phone rings Jamie picks it up, she says hello and than hands it to Kristen before saying......
"It's for you Kristen it's your lover boy!"
"Hello!" Kristen said as she took the phone from Jamie, figuring that Jamie is kidding. She was blown away when she heard Joshua's voice.
"How would you like a personal tour of L.A?" Joshua asked.
"What does he want?" Jamie asked.
"He wants to know if I want a tour of L.A! What should I say?" Kristen asked nervously while covering the mouthpiece with her hand.
"Are you kidding? Say yes!" Jamie replied in exasperation.
"Kristen, are you still there?" Joshua asked after a long pause.
"Yes, I would love a tour of L.A." Kristen answered.
"Great, I'll pick you up in an hour." Joshua replied before hanging up on a stunned Kristen.
"Well what did he say?" Jamie asked her as she hung up.
"He said he'll pick me up in an hour." She answered nervously.
"That's great!" Jamie replied. "The only thing is that doesn't give us much time to get you ready." She said as she hurried her cousin into the bedroom.

John is seated at a breakfast table reading through a paper when he comes upon the article regarding his son getting into a public brawl. Throwing the paper down in disgust John gets up from the table and calls to his wife. "Jess!"
"Yes Darling what is it." Jessica answered as she came into the room in a silk dressing gown.
"How would you like to fly down to L.A today?" John asked his wife. He intended to set Josh straight on a few things, it was time the boy grew up.
"I would love too." Jessica answered.

Kristen was nervously awaiting Joshua’s arrival, while her cousin watched in amusement as she paced the floor.
"Are you sure I look alright?" Kristen asked for the hundredth time.
"You look great, stop worrying." Jamie assured her. There is a knock at the door and Kristen jumps.
"Oh no he's here, don't answer the door yet!" Kristen cried, but it was too late, Jamie had already gone to answer the door.
"Hi, come in." Jamie said as she escorted Joshua into the room.
Joshua entered the room followed by a smiling Jamie. Kristen is at a loss, she has no idea what to say or do.
"Hi Kristen, you look beautiful." Joshua said after he had entered the room.
"Thank you." Kristen replied.
"So where are you two planning to go?" Jamie asked drawing Joshua's attention from Kristen.
"I thought I would take Kristen on a tour of Beverly Hill." Joshua answered politely. "We should get going if were going to see everything I want to show you." Joshua continued as he turned his regard toward Kristen. She and Joshua headed toward the door.
"Have a good time." Jamie called after them. Joshua stopped at the door, and turned toward Jamie.
"What time would you like me to have her back?" Joshua asked.
"Oh it doesn't matter..." Jamie started to say but seeing the look in Joshua's eyes she said. "Have her in by midnight."
Joshua nodded his head before opening the door to leave. Kristen glanced at her cousin once before proceeding Joshua out the door. Jamie watched as the door closes behind them.

Across town Trey was lounging by the pool with a beautiful blonde. Trey was seated on a lounge chair and paid little attention to the blonde seated next to him.
"Really Trey when you invited me here I had in mind a little more excitement if you know what I mean. I can lay around a pool anytime so why don't we just cut to the chase." Jordan teased as she stood over Trey blocking the sun. She smiled when Trey immediately got up, but her smile turned to a look of disappointment when he brushed by her and headed for the pool.
"Where are you going?" Jordan questioned him.
"I'm going to take a swim." Trey called over his shoulder. He had invited Jordan over intending to spend the morning in bed but once she arrived he had discovered he had no desire to bed her. He couldn’t seem to get his mind off Kristen. Diving into the pool and began swimming laps.
Tired of Trey's games Jordan headed toward the house to get a drink. Trey watched her leave but made no move to stop her. Inside the house Jordan over hears the servants preparing for an unannounced visit from Trey's parents. Sighing Jordan heads upstairs to get her clothes knowing her chances of a romantic interlude with Trey today are gone.

Later that day Trey was still lounging by the pool when Richard the head butler arrived to tell him his parents had just arrived.
"What is it Richard?" Trey asked sitting up in his lounge chair.
"Sir your parents have just arrived and you’re father would like to see you at once." Richard answered in a formal tone.
"Tell him I'll be right in." Trey ordered. "By the way has Miss Miles left yet?" Trey asked.
"Yes Sir, she left a half an hour ago." Richard answered before turning to leave.
"Damn you Josh, this is your problem not mine." Trey grumbled as he watched Richard head back to the house. After a few moments Trey got up and headed toward the house in his swim trunks.

That night Jamie again drug her cousin out, this time to a local pizza joint that sported a live band. As the two entered several eyes turn toward Kristen, who is wearing a red silk blouse of her cousin's that was cut low. The attention caused Kristen to blush. Jamie quickly pushed her way through the crowd to a table where she and her cousin sit down.
"Isn't this place hot?" Jamie asked taking in the scene.
"The music awful loud isn't it?" Kristen questioned.
"Huh, you'll have to speak up I can't hear ya!" Jamie replied to Kristen.
"Never mind!" Kristen replied her ears ringing. "I have to use the restroom."
"It's over there!" Jamie pointed to the far corner of the crowed pizza joint. The room was filled with tables and chairs. Red booths lined three of the walls, and the lights were low. Creating a dim atmosphere.
"I'll be right back." Kristen said but her cousin doesn't hear her as she was concentrating on the scene around her. Kristen headed for the ladies room.

At that moment Joshua entered with several friends. He was less buoyant than his friends, all of which were cheerful and looking to have fun.
"Hey baby you looking for a good time?" Todd asked a pretty redhead who gave him an icy look before turning away. "Guess not." Todd replied, turning back to his friends who were all smiling, Joshua included.
"When will you ever learn Todd?" Ryan asked in amusement as the group continued inside. "Whose idea was it to come to this place anyway?" he questioned as he looked around in disgust at the seedy joint.
"It was mine. Why, do you have a problem?" Shawn answered defensively.
"I should have known." Ryan replied before turning to Joshua.
"How come Trey didn't come along?" Ryan asked.
"He said he already had plans." Joshua answered simply.
"That jerk! Probably had a date with some gorgeous love goddess, and we’re stuck in this place." Todd said with envy.
"Hey guys check that out." Shawn said indicating the scene across the room. Joshua gazed across the room assessing the situation which was that some guy was harassing a pretty blonde. As he gazed closer he realized it was Kristen and anger exploded in his brain as he headed toward the scene with his friends in tow.
Meanwhile fear was racing through Kristen's body as she struggled to get away from the man who had pounced on her when she left the ladies room.
"Let her go." Joshua ordered the man holding Kristen. She finally broke free of the startled man and rushed to Joshua who quickly pushed her behind him.
The man who had been harassing Kristen was angered at his interference. It turned out that the man also had friends, and they lined up behind him. Several of Joshua's friends grinned while Bill groaned at the thought of brawling in public.
In the next moment the man swung at Joshua who ducked the punch. The fight was on, Kristen could only stare as tables were broken up and chairs thrown; it seemed as if everyone joined the fight. Jamie, who had been across the room talking to a strange guy, hurried toward Kristen but it was no easy task. There were guys fighting everywhere. Kristen’s heart clenched in fear for Joshua as she prayed he wouldn't be hurt but he seemed to know what he was doing, as did his friends. In the next moment Jamie appeared at her side.
"Come on Kristen, we've got to get going before the cops show up!" Jamie said as she grabbed Kristen arm. But it was too late, the cops came storming in.

Chapter Four
Across town Trey was entertaining a beautiful Brunette over diner in a private suite located at the Beverly Hills Hotel.
"More Champagne?" Trey questioned.
"Please, I must say you sure do know how to sweep a woman off her feet." Shelby replied as she watched him pour the Champagne. Shelby Miller was in her mid thirties and the wife of a very rich and powerful man. Her husband Clair was in his seventies.
"I'm glad you’re pleased. I hope this means that you’re thinking about doing business with me?" Trey questioned, concealing his boredom. He had arranged this meeting in hopes of convincing Shelby to get her husband to invest in the purchase of Sierra Mining Corp the largest mining enterprise in Africa. Trey had been eyeing the company for some time. Sierra’s mining operation owned several diamond mines with untapped riches. Trey had sent in a team of geologists to examine the mines. There they had discovered a rich vein of diamonds off the main mines. Sierra Mining Company remained unaware of the findings. As a result the company was eager to sell. Trey however needed additional funding to swing the deal. He had already talked Josh into investing in the deal, but they needed additional funding. Clair Miller’s millions would come in handy, but Trey fully intended to make sure that Clair garnered no control over the mines and their riches.
A contract had been written that would give Clair control of the main diamond mine shafts that were drained of riches, but would leave Trey and Josh as the sole owners of the new vein of diamonds. Now all he had to do was get Shelby to lure Clair into signing the contract.
"I think that we should continue this discussion in the bedroom." Shelby stated. She had all the details she needed, she would see that her husband signed the contract, but first she would make Trey earn the millions her husband would spend on this deal.
He hesitated before rising in consent. He had hoped that she would take the deal without demanding sex. He had no desire to bed the woman, but without her husbands millions he would lose the mines. Trey trailed Shelby into the bedroom that was dominated by a king size bed. The room was elegantly decorated as befitting of a presidential suite. She turned toward him and lowered her black strapless dress; she was naked underneath it. Trey removed his suit, jacket, and tie, his eyes never leaving Shelby.
"I've wanted you since the moment I set eyes on you; this is going to be a night to remember." Shelby said walking toward Trey. She wrapped her arms around him and they kissed passionately. Shelby broke the kiss to unbutton his shirt, but becoming impatient she ripped it open to bare his chest. Trey picked her up, walked to the bed and dropped her onto it. His lips slowly moved down over her body. He stopped to suck at her hardened nipples for a few moments before moving lower. He licked his way across her navel, kissing at the triangle of curls, moving lower he tasted her. Shelby moaned in delight, as Trey gave her the best oral sex she ever had.
Later Trey was on top of her thrusting in and out of her body taking her to the edge of orgasm. Shelby was in heat under him, her moans coming louder and longer with each thrust. Turning over, so that she was on top. Shelby eagerly rode him, and didn’t notice his detached look. He watched the woman ride him for a moment before turning his eyes toward the window and the darkness beyond. Unexpectedly his thoughts drifted toward the innocent young woman he had met that morning. Shelby’s muscles tightened around his penis as she came. She cried out as she came on top of him.
"You really are the best." Shelby told him her voice husky, her body drenched in sweat.
"I haven't even gotten started." Trey told her pushing aside his disturbing thoughts about Kristen.. He rolled Shelby off him, feeling restless he turned her over so that she was on her knees in front of him. Trey proceeded to thrust into her hard. He thrust harder and harder into her until he was ramming himself into her. Shelby cried out enjoying the almost painful thrusts. Trey was built big and able to ram himself deep into her body. Trey pushed Shelby to her limits and beyond. She finally passed out from exhaustion. He got up and dressed.
Shelby groaned as she was terribly sore. He had taken her almost violently and her body bore the marks of his possession. She stirred enough to mumble that she would get her husband to sign the papers.
"It's been a pleasure doing business with you Shelby." Trey lied smoothly before leaving her.
*****
It took the police all of fifteen minutes to break up the fighting and place everyone under arrest. Joshua and his friends along with Kristen and Jamie had been hauled downtown with everybody else where they were questioned one at a time before being placed in a jail cell. Kristen by this time was extremely upset.
"How are we going to explain this to Grandma and worse yet to my mother?" Kristen asked in anguish. Her mother would kill her when she found out she had gotten arrested. She shuddered at the very thought of it. As she turned away from the bars she found Joshua standing behind her.
"How come they put you in here anyway you’re a minor?" Joshua asked annoyed at how the police had upset her.
"I told them I was eighteen." Kristen said slyly.
"Don't worry Kristen, I have some friends that will bail us out, no one has to know about this." Jamie assured her but Kristen seemed to be more interested in the guy standing next to her. "Do you know this guy?" Jamie asked in wonder, staring at the extremely handsome man standing next to her cousin as the guy was extremely handsome.
"This is the guy I spent the night with." Kristen answered and then promptly blushed as she realized how that must of sounded to everyone in the cell.
"Hi, I’m Joshua Harrington. Kristen and I met at the beach party last night." Joshua said by way of introduction, hoping to ease Kristen's discomfort. Before Jamie could reply Kristen turned toward Joshua and reached for his arms shyly, he quickly wrapped his arms protectively around the frightened girl. She felt safe in his arms and wished that she could spend the rest of her life in his arms.
Several hours later a police officer opened the cell door and entered.
"Okay you’re all in luck. A Mr. Harrington just posted bail for the lot of you so you can go home."
"Thank god." Bill replied as they all filed out.
They all head to the waiting area where Trey was standing, more than a little annoyed at being called downtown to bail out his brother. As they all came in Trey saw that his brother had his arm around Kristen, feeling a twinge of jealousy at seeing them together, he turned and left the police building with everyone following.
"Thanks for bailing us out Trey, you’re a life saver." Todd said and was joined by the others as they all say thanks. Trey only nodded and continued on.
Outside several limos are waiting, and the group split up, with Kristen and Joshua, her cousin going with Trey, who remained silent through much of the drive. Sensing the friction between the two brothers. Kristen felt a need to explain.
"It wasn't Joshua's fault, it was mine! If it wasn't for me he never would have gotten in that fight. He was protecting me!" Kristen cried in defense of Joshua.
"Really?" Trey replied after regarding her for a few moments.
Nothing more is said until they reach the parking lot of the pizza joint. Joshua got out and helped Kristen out, insisting on escorting them to their car where the two women say good night. Kristen quickly gets into the car but Jamie hands Joshua a sheet of paper and with a last look climbs into the driver’s seat and drove away. Joshua looked down at the sheet of paper in his hand and realized it was Kristen’s address and phone number. Smiling he stuffed it in his pocket and headed back to the waiting limo where Trey was still waiting. As soon as Joshua was in the limo it pulled out.
"Take us to the nearest hospital." Trey commanded the driver.
"I don't need to be examined I'm fine." Joshua stated firmly.
"Will see won't we?" Trey replied in the same commanding way as their father.

Before Kristen could answer him Joshua appeared, having grown alarmed when he found her gone. He was startled even more when he finds Kristen and his brother standing in the hallway together.
" What are you doing here, Trey?" Joshua asked in surprise.
"I came back on business." Trey answered. "I see you have a guest so I'll just go on up to my room." "Really Josh don't you think you’re robbing the cradle slightly? I'd hate to see you end up in jail." Trey added with a smile. "It was a pleasure meeting you." Trey said to Kristen with a wink, which caused Kristen to blush. Seeing this stirred something inside Trey that he didn't like feeling.
Joshua watched his brother leave, wondering why Trey was there; he had thought Trey was returning to Montana.
"Come, you must be hungry, I'll ring down to the kitchen and have something fixed." Seeing her hesitation he said; "Don't worry I won't hurt you, you’re safe." Kristen reluctantly followed him down the hall and back into his apartments.
"Why did you run off like that, you had me worried." Joshua asked once they were seated at a table in his apartment.
"I was scared." Kristen replied simply as she gazed down at the plate of food before her.
"Surely your not scared of me, I would never harm you." Joshua assured her gently.
"I don't really remember what happened last night, and I was frightened when I woke up in a strange place." Kristen replied truthfully. "I didn't really know what you would expect from me."
"I see. Well let me set your mind at ease. Nothing happened last night, I brought you home and we went to sleep." Joshua stated, hoping to reassure her.
"I'm sorry I've been such trouble for you." Kristen said quietly.
"You haven't been any trouble; I've enjoyed having you here." Joshua assured her. "Now I want you to eat something and then we'll see about locating your cousin." Feeling safe at last Kristen ate. But they were soon interrupted by the arrival of Trey.
"I see you've managed to calm her down." Trey commented. "The way she came down the hallway earlier you would have thought she was being chased by Jack the Ripper himself." Trey continued noting Kristen blush which stirred him again in a way that he found annoying.
"Leave her alone Trey." Joshua warned his older brother quietly.
"So where did you find this kid anyway?" Trey asked ignoring his brother's warning.
"I'm not a kid, I'm sixteen years old." Kristen stated defensively.
"Sixteen, really well that changes things considerably." Trey replied in an amused tone. "Where did you ever find this one?" Trey added looking at his brother Joshua who wasn't the least bit amused.
"We met at a beach party last night, I was with my cousin but she took off and left me there by myself, Joshua was kind enough to bring me home with him, since I didn't have anywhere else to go." Kristen answered quickly losing her shyness and feeling oddly at home with the two brothers.
"How charitable of you Josh." Trey said with a smile.
"Don't you have a meeting or something to attend to?" Josh replied coldly.
"As a matter of fact I do. Kristen it's been a pleasure." Trey said to as he studied her for a moment, noticing how she blushed when he looked at her. "Josh I'll talk to you later." Trey nodded at his brother before leaving them. Joshua watched his brother leave, more than a little annoyed by Trey's interference in his life.
"Eat up." Joshua said as he turned back to Kristen.
******

Jamie opened her eyes to find herself in a dingy apartment with a guy she didn't know lying beside her in bed. At first she didn't even remember how she came to be there, but soon she began to remember scenes from the previous night play through her mind. Then like a flash of lightning she remembers Kristen and groans as she realizes she left her on the beach all alone. Beside her the man stirs awake with a groan. He turned toward Jamie, and she feigned sleep. Seeing that she's asleep the man gets out of bed and walks naked to his bathroom. Soon she hears the shower turn on. Quickly getting up she started putting her clothes on, determined to get out of this guys apartment before he got out of the shower. Jamie hurried out of the apartment as soon as she was dressed thinking all the while “What have I done? I left Kristen alone on a beach with strange people, none of whom she knew!” What if she had been hurt?” What would she tell their grandmother? She hurries home hoping to find Kristen there safe and sound, but finds only and empty apartment and no sign of her younger cousin. Minutes after she arrives the phone rings. She quickly picked up the phone in hope that it was Kristen.
"Hello?" she answered.
"Well how did you and Kristen make out last night together?" Bernice, her grandmother questioned. Jamie is at a loss as to what she should say to her grandmother about Kristen's absence.
"Grandma?" Jamie said unable to say anything else.
"You sound surprised, were you expecting someone else to call?" Bernice asked feeling slightly uneasy.
"No I'm just surprised to hear from you this early in the morning. Kristen and I had a great time last night we went to the movies and everything.” Jamie replied, lying through her teeth and praying she would find her cousin unharmed.
"I'm glad Kristen had a good time. I worry so much about that girl, she's been so unhappy lately." Bernice said sadly. “A teacher at her high school found what appeared to be a suicide not written by Kristen.” She added.
“What!” Jamie exclaimed. Oh great this just what she needed! She had ditched her suicidal cousin on a beach! “Why didn’t you tell me?” She demanded.
“Kristen told her mother the note was part of a story she’s writing, but I don’t know, she’s so unhappy. I wish she could find a boyfriend.” Bernice replied. “I’m hoping this trip will cheer her up.”
"Don't worry Grandma she's having a ball." Jamie said while envisioning her cousin lying dead somewhere in L.A.

Meanwhile across town Kristen was hurrying through the Harrington mansion once again having realized that her older cousin didn't know where she was. She hurried outside and down the driveway to the gate where she was greeted by a security guard.
"Can I help you Ma'am?" The guard asked, thinking her out of place.
"No, I'm just leaving." She said eager to find her cousin.
The guard watched her hurry away. Kristen hurried down the street and soon flagged down a cab. After giving him her cousin's address, she relaxed in her seat and she wondered whether she'd ever see Joshua again. She hadn't even said goodbye; she had simply left the moment he left her alone. Kristen soon arrived at her cousin's apartment complex and she paid the driver. She hurried up the stairs to her cousin's apartment, upon arriving at the door she knocked. The door opened and a relieved Jamie hugged her.
"I was so worried about you I was going to call the police, where have you been?” Jamie asked feeling greatly relieved to see her cousin unharmed. She said a prayer of thanks to god.
"I met this guy on the beach after you left and he took me his house. I was pretty drunk, and I didn't know where to find you." Kristen blurted out.
"Whoa! You spent the night with a guy, so much for your virginity!" She stated in disbelief. Her Mom is going to kill me!! Jamie thought to herself.
"It wasn't like that he didn't touch me, just he took care of me." Kristen stated firmly. "I was really scared when I woke up in his room, I even ran out on him but his brother stopped me. Then Joshua came and assured me nothing had happened last night." Kristen continued breathlessly.
"Slow down what was the guy’s last name?" Jamie asked thinking she needed a name in case Kristen was pregnant. She no doubt passed out and probably didn’t remember what really happened.
"His first name is Joshua Harrington. He lives in a huge mansion in Beverly Hills; That's where I spent the night. His brother’s name is Trey.”
Jamie could only shake her head in wonder at Kristen’s tale. She wondered what really had happened the night before?
*****
As he stared out the window of his Father's office Trey found himself thinking of the young woman his brother had brought home and the way she had made him feel. She had stirred feelings long buried, not since Francesca had he felt this way. Trey had never told his parents about his marriage to Francesca which made his sudden coldness very confusing. Trey had simply built a wall around his heart. He never intended to love again and the wall had always remained firm until that morning when Kristen had threatened it. Turning from the window with a sigh Trey wondered where the girl had disappeared to as she had left that morning without even telling Joshua goodbye. On that note Joshua entered more than a little annoyed.
"What the hell are you doing back in L.A? I thought you were going home?" Joshua demanded without even so much as a greeting.
"I did go home. Dad sent me back to clean up your latest mistake." Trey stated quietly returning to his desk.
“What mistake? If this is about those damn reports I’ll take care of them!” He replied angrily.
"What the hell is wrong with you? I had to fly back down because you blew off your meeting with James Whitney!" Trey answered angrily.
“What?” He replied the color leaving his face. He had completely forgotten about his meeting with James Whitney. His father was going to kill him! “Sorry, I forgot about the meeting.”
“Sorry is not going to cut it Josh. You know how important that meeting was to our company! I’m fed up with your shit! I’m not covering your ass anymore. As far as I’m concerned you’re on your own after this.” He told him taking a seat at his desk.
“Fine!” Josh muttered. “I’ll call Whitney and apologize. I’ll set up another meeting with him.”
“I don’t think so, I’ll handle James Whitney. Dad never should have given you this deal in the first place.” He said.
“Dad gave it to me, I’ll handle it!” Josh told his brother.
“You blew it Josh! You’re off this deal.” He replied shaking his head.
“Says who?”
“Grandpa.” He answered simply.
“Guess you got what you wanted.” Josh told his brother with a smirk.
“This isn’t what I wanted Josh. I want you to succeed at Harrington! I’m tired of carrying all the weight on my shoulders. I can’t even remember the last time I had a day off, which is why I wanted you here full time.”
“I’m not like you! I don’t want to spend every waking moment at Harrington.” Josh retorted failing to note the weariness in his brother’s voice. All he could think about was Kristen.
“Look I know you’re upset over that girl taking off on you but don't take it out on me." Trey admonished.
"I'm sorry." Josh said his anger deflated by his brother’s admonishment. "It’s just that I'm worried about Kristen, she had no way to get home." He said worry etched across his face.
"You really like that kid, don't you?" Trey asked in wonder, forgetting about James Whitney.
"More than I would like to tell you the truth." He answered truthfully before turning to leave. “I’ll get to work on those reports.”
"Don't worry, you'll find her." Trey called after his brother, whose answer was a mere nod. "So, my brother, you have found love again. You are lucky man." Trey said softly into the empty room before returning to the work at hand.
*****