Chapter Eleven

Marah didn’t have a destination in mind, she just felt like driving.  She came to Springfield because she felt like she needed a change, and ended up as lost as ever.  “Damn you Tony Santos!  Six years later and you still own my heart.”  Great.  Now she was talking to herself.  She stopped at stop sign.  Which way to go?  She found herself going left towards the old lighthouse.  She’d been avoiding it since she got into town.  Maybe if she faced that she could finally let go.  Yeah right,

As she approached the winding road leading to the lighthouse she pressed the brake to slow down.  The car made a small lurch but didn’t slow.  She pressed again and the brake went straight to the floor.  She had no brakes!  And the road ahead was full of dangerous curves.  She moved her hands to the ten and two position, “You can do this Marah.  Stay calm.”

But the car continued to pick up speed and Marah couldn’t control the panic.  The deer came out of nowhere and Marah instinctively jerked the wheel to the right.  The car skidded off the road and headfirst into a crop of trees, “Holy fuck!”

***

Both men jerked at the sound of the crash.  “Sounded close.”  Rafael looked out the door.  Down the road was a twisted mess of metal and glass, “We better go see if they need help.”

Tony was maybe ten feet away when the blood drained out of his face.  He would know that blond hair in his sleep, “Oh God it’s Marah!”  He ran to the driver’s side and tried to open the door but the force of the impact had caused the door to become jammed.  He looked frantically at Rafael, “Get me something!  Anything!  I need to get her out!”

As Rafael ran to his truck, Tony looked back at the only woman he had ever loved, would EVER love, “Open your eyes Baby.  Please Baby open your eyes.”  He reached through the broken window and stroked her hair gently mindful fo the cuts she’d received.  When there was no response Tony felt his world tip on its axis, she had to live.  A life without her in it was no life at all. 

Then miracle of miracles Marah winced, “Hurts.”

Tony let out the breath he didn’t know he was holding.  “I know Baby.  We’re going to get you of here and get you some help.  You need to try to stay awake, you might have a concussion.” 

Rafael returned with a crowbar and proceeded to pry the door open.  Tony couldn’t stop himself, he sat on the ground held her close.  He suffered for six years just to feel her close again, but never under these circumstances.  He’d come so close to loosing her before he even got a chance to tell her how he felt.  He bent over her and let the tears flow, “Mi Corazón.”

Marah’s forehead wrinkled in confusion. “Tony?  Oh God I’m dead!  I kept pressing the brakes but the car wouldn’t stop.  And then I almost killed Bambi!  Now I’m dead and being haunted by the ghost of boyfriend’s past.”

Tony discreetly wiped at his tears, “No Marah, you’re not dead.”

“But how..”

Rafael cleared his throat, a little choked up himself.  “Son I know you have been waiting for a reunion for a long time but this is neither the time nor the place.  I called 911.  The paramedics should be here soon.”

Tony just kept stroking her hair as if he didn’t hear the other man, “I’m not leaving her a moment before I have to.”

Rafael knew arguing with Tony was a loosing battle.  And he understood, if it was his sweet Maria he’d feel the same way.  “Okay I am going to go move the truck down here and come up with a cover story.  But if you hear sirens you better haul ass out of sight.”

In less than five minutes the sounds of approaching sirens pierced the air.  Rafael move over to the pair, “Leave her with me.  You know I’ll take care of her.”

Tony was reluctant to let go.  Not when every fiber of his being was telling him that he held his entire world in his hands.   But he knew Rafael was right.  If anyone saw him the jig would be up.  He leaned down and whispered in her, “I love you Marah Lewis.  I always have, and I always will.”

***

Police Chief Frank Cooper stepped out of his squad car as assessed the scene.  Looked like someone tried taking those turns too fast again.  He’d been after city officials to put up signs for months.  Maybe now they would listen to him for a change.  As he approached he saw a short Hispanic man standing by the prone body the paramedics were working on.

He reached on his hand, “Police Chief Frank Cooper.  Care to tell me what happened?”

The man eyed him critically before completing the greeting, “Rafael Santiago.  I was just driving down the road when I saw the young lady loose control of her vehicle and run off the road. ”

Frank looked at the road, no skid marks.  “Doesn’t look like she tried to stop.”

Rafael knew the man was just doing his job but his eyes still held fire in them, “From what she said before she lost consciousness she couldn’t stop.  May want to have the brakes examined.”

Frank’s police ears perked up , “You know something you wish to share?”

Rafael was quickly loosing patience.  “No Sir.  But if someone says their brakes failed it must mean there is something wrong with them.”

The paramedics moved the gurney towards the waiting ambulance ready to transport her to Cedars.  As it passed Frank finally got a good look at the victim.  Marah Lewis?  An out-of-towner loosing control was one thing but Marah was Springfield born and raised.  She would have known about the dangerous turns.  As he walked back to the squad car he opened his cell phone, “Yeah I need a tow truck over by the old lighthouse.”  He thought about what the man had said, And have it taken to the garage.  I need a technician to look over every square inch.”

He turned his car towards the Lewis household.  It was going to be a long night.

How They Met…

While searching for clips to make the Marony video I stumbled across this little website http://www.jordismagic.freeservers.com/custom.html dedicated to Marah and Tony.  Though the website has long ago been abandoned (much like the couple) it did have some interesting information.  Like the dialog from the first time Tony saw Marah.  It was Laura Bell Bundy in the role but from the dialog you can tell it was the start of something special.

Tony had never met someone like Marah.  He says it best himself, “this does not happen to Tony Santos”.  And that was true.  Marah was the only woman to ever really challenge Tony to be more than what he thought he was (similar to Danny and Michelle).

Unfortunately the clip is not available online but at least they have the dialog.  So for your reading pleasure

September 1, 2000 when Tony first met Marah:

 “Tony: No, that’s… Whoa, hot babe, 9:00. Well, maybe I will stick around for a while.

Marah: (To herself) Now, there’s trouble with a capital “T.” Where did he come from?

Tony: (To himself) She looked twice. Oh, yeah. She wants me.

Marah: (To herself) I bet he can have any girl he wants– and he knows it.

Tony: (To himself) Usually, I’d let her make the first move, but this One looks like she could be worth a little effort.

Marah: (To herself) Oh, here he comes. Why didn’t I wash my hair this morning? Where’s my lip gloss? Oh, forget it, too late.

Tony: (To himself) Hair flip. This boy is moving in.

Tony: Do you believe in love at first sight, or should I go out and come back in again?

Marah: (Laughs) that’s like, the lamest line I’ve ever heard. I can’t believe I just said that.

Tony: This is going to be fun. You think that line was lame?

 

Marah: Totally.

Tony: Well, it always goes over big in Chicago.

Marah: Chicago, oh. Is that where you got that lovely bruise? You look like you walked into a wall.

Tony: No, just a fist. But don’t worry, the other guy got it worse.

Marah: Did I say I was worried? Did I say that you could sit down? Could I possibly manage to shut up?

Tony: You don’t want me to sit down?

Marah: Yes, yes, yes. No, not particularly.

Tony: Oh, come on. Don’t make me follow you. Please, don’t make me. Listen, I’m new in town, okay? I’m just looking to have a nice conversation with a pretty girl.

Marah: A conversation, huh? Is that what you boys in Chicago call it?

Tony: Come on, sit down. I promise I won’t bite… Unless you want me to.

Marah: Has anybody ever told you you’re incredibly full of yourself?

Tony: Oh, yeah? Maybe I got good reason.

Marah: Yeah, like hot air.

Tony: Hey, don’t. Give me your phone number.

Marah: In your dreams.

Tony: Well, tell me your name at least.

Marah: Cindy Crawford.

Tony: Spell it. Come on, tell me your name. I bet it’s something exotic–exotic and sexy.

Marah: (Laughs) you just don’t stop, do you?

Tony: Okay, look, a nickname? Your initials? I can’t believe this. I come all the way here from Chicago, and you’re treating me like…

Marah: You’re not in Chicago anymore, Toto.

Tony: No. No, no, no, this does not happen to Tony Santos. Hey. Ron, you got a minute?

Bartender: I bet you want a ginger ale, don’t you?

Tony: The hot blonde sitting over there? Real knockout? Do you know her name? She wouldn’t give it to me.

Bartender: Smart girl.”

Chapter Ten

 “Miss Lewis, it’s just me. Rafael Santiago From the other night.  I’m sorry I didn’t mean to scare you.” 

When the words finally sunk in Marah took a few deep breaths and looked at the newcomer.  The poor man stood there with a take-out bag from Company and a horrified expression on his face.   “No it’s me who is sorry Mr. Santiago. I am a bit jumpy today.”

“It is alright.  Are you sure you’re okay?” Rafael Santiago looked at her with the kindest eyes she’d ever seen.  They were the kind of eyes that compelled a person to spill their secrets.  Marah couldn’t understand why she wanted to tell a virtual stranger all about what was going on, but she did.  But Danny had said to be careful and for all his kindness Rafael was still a stranger. 

“I’m fine.  Just heading to Company for dinner.  Seems you discovered Buzz’s burgers yourself.”

Rafael indicated the bag, “Ah yes I did.  Beings I’m just visiting I asked around and was told Company was the place to visit.”

“You should try Little Havana down on 5th Street.  It’s a little hole in the wall kind of establishment and one of the best kept secrets of Springfield.  I once…dated a guy whose family loved the place. ” 

Rafael did that curious little grin again, “Thank you for the tip.  I will have to check it out.  Enjoy your dinner.” 

And with a wave he was gone and Marah continued walking to Company.

***

“I was tailing her just like you asked me to Boss.  She stopped and talked with some man on the sidewalk and the joined the others for dinner.  From all appearances she hasn’t been in contact with Tony Santos.”

He listened to his Boss’s instructions. “Are you sure? I thought you planned…” He knew the Boss man hated being questioned but this was a definitely shift in plans. “Yes Sir, I understand.”

***

Down the street Rafael sat in his truck and hoped he was making the right decision.  He picked up his cell phone and punched in some numbers. “Hello old friend.  I need a favor.”

***

Marah tried concentrating on the conversation around her and failed.  She was still wondering about everything that happened in the last twelve hours.  And the arrival of the St. Anthony’s medal.  Which inevitably led to thinking about Tony.  

“Marah!”  Her mother hissed exasperated.  Evidently she’d been trying to get her attention for a while.

Snapped out of her thoughts she realized that Jonathan and her father were gone.  “Where’s dad and Jonathan?”

“Jonathan went outside to call and check up on Sarah and your father is in the restroom.  What’s going on with you Marah?  Jonathan said you were acting funny but I thought he was just being a protective big brother.  But now I wonder if he was right.  This goes beyond Tony Santos doesn’t it?”

“Tony Santos?!  Don’t tell me you are still hung up on that punk.”  Neither one had realized Josh’s return until now. 

“It’s just being back home had brought it all back dad.”  She glared at her mother begging her to keep silent, ” But no, to answer your question I am still not hung up on Tony Santos.  And even if I were he is gone now.”

Josh nodded, “Good.  I never did feel he was right for you.”

That was an understatement.  Josh had fought her relationship with Tony from the start.  Looking back she couldn’t blame him.  His little girl falling for a man from a mafia family?  That was enough to give any father heart palpitations.  Tony had tried to prove himself Josh, even taking a job at Lewis Construction, but any truces between the two were always short-lived.  “I know that dad!  Everyone knows!  My life does not revolve around Tony Santos so I wish people would get off my back about it.”

Marah hated lashing out at her parents but she couldn’t help it.  Everything she’d been suppressing came bubbling to the surface and spewed forth like a geyser.  She grabbed her purse and stood.  “I need some air.  I’ll see you both at home later.”

“Marah don’t go honey.  We’re just concerned about you.”

“I get that mom but you don’t need to be.  I am a big girl, I can fight my own battles.”  She kissed them both on the cheek, “Tell Jonathan goodbye for me.”

***

In the lighthouse Tony was pacing.  Where was Rafael with dinner?  The man had left over an hour ago he should be back by now.  Tony had made a calculated risk going to see Ray.  He didn’t want to tip anyone off that he was back, and if he kept venturing out someone was bound to notice him.  But if something happened to Rafael he’d never forgive himself.  He may have met the man only a week ago but he’d become Tony’s lifeline.  His only friend in a sea of enemies.

He heard the door open and whirled around, “Where have you been?  You were gone for over an hour.  Company couldn’t have been that busy.”

Rafael chuckled, “Well dear I am sorry you were worried.  I didn’t go to Company, a little birdie told me about this little out-of-the-way place and I thought we could use a change.  Sorry but I was getting sick of cheeseburgers, no matter how good they are.”  He handed Tony a plastic bag, “Enjoy.”

Tony brought the bag to his nose.    Little Havana.  How did Rafael know?  Oh right, the “little birdie”.  Tony dug into his dinner with relish.  He hummed in appreciation, like he died and went to Heaven.  “So who told you about Little Havana?  The good people of Springfield don’t exactly flock there.”

Another one of Rafael’s amused grins, “Your girlfriend Marah told me.  Said she dated a man whose family loved the place.  Didn’t take much deductive reasoning to figure out she was talking about you.”

Tony stopped mid-chew.  Marah remembered his favorite restaurant.  Such a small thing in the grand scheme of things but it still made his heart swell.   Just the mention of Marah had Tony eager to find out how she was doing but he still tried to sound like less desperate even though that’s exactly what he was, “How is she?”

Rafael looked up from his own dinner, “She was as jumpy as a cat in a room full of rocking chairs.  Nearly screamed by ear off when I ran into her on the sidewalk.  And she lied when I asked if anything was wrong.”

“How do you know?”  Was Marah in danger? 

But Rafael just looked back down at his dinner, “Just do.”

Tony didn’t know what he was supposed to do with that information.  He wanted to go to her, to protect her.  But he was certain trouble was following him and didn’t want her caught in the cross-fire.    He needed a plan.

Chaper Nine

Tony pulled his hat down lower and stayed to the shadows. Not that anyone was paying attention to him but it paid to be cautious. He waited till the elderly lady left before he approached his destination.   His heart was racing and his palms clammy but he wouldn’t be deterred. He stepped inside the confessional and took a deep breath, “Bless me Father for I have sinned. It’s been…a long time since my last confession.”

“Does not matter. All that matters is that you are here now.”

Just hearing Ray’s voice brought tears to his eyes but he pressed on, his voice rough with emotion, “I have brought a lot of pain to those I love. I have made a lot of mistakes over the years.  Now I have been given a second chance and I am not sure I am worthy.”  What?   He hadn’t planned on what he would say but surely not THAT. But as soon as the words came out of his mouth he realized he meant them. Did he deserve a second chance?

“True second chances are rare and precious. You should embrace the opportunity before it is wasted.”

Easier said than done. He had a lot to make up for, especially considering the amount of destruction his “replacement” had caused in his absence.   He cleared his voice, “Do you believe in ghosts Ray? As a kid I was afraid of them, now I am one.”

There was silence on the other side of the partition. No doubt Ray was shocked speechless. Then came the small, “Tony?”

What the hell?   He may not deserve a second chance but he was taking it. “Yeah Ray. It’s me.”

***

The three adults sat around the kitchen table, a St. Anthony’s medal laying on its polished surface like a ghost from a nightmare.   A similar one had once been a gift of love…then became a symbol of murder and tragedy.

Michelle, ever the efficient one, was taking notes trying to make heads or tails of the situation.  “What do you think it all means?  We have Tony’s account being accessed and now this.”

Marah knew it was a message, she just didn’t know what it meant.  The only people directly involved in that awful event were gone.  Romeo was currently rotting away in prison and Catalina had been dead for over eight years.   “They are both linked to Tony.  I checked the postmark on the package, it was sent from California.  I don’t even know anyone in California. ”

Danny’s head snapped up.  California.  It all starts there.  “My accountant Mr. Stevenson is supposed to get back with me soon about the surveillance footage of the person who accessed Tony’s account.  Whoever it was picked up the money in the local bank so they should have something at least.”

Just then Marah’s cell phone started ringing making her jump.  She was jumping at everything since she’d gotten that blasted medal in the mail.  Marah looked at the display, “Excuse me, it’s my mom.” 

Danny watched Marah leave the room and turned to Michelle, “I have a bad feeling about this.”

But before Michelle could question her husband Marah was back and gathering her things. 

“Sorry to cut this short but Reva has requested my presence at Company.  Something about a family dinner, which considering Reva’s cooking should be a nice respite.” She eyed the medal with a mix of fear and dread before finally shoving it in her purse.  “Let me know if you find out anything.”

Danny got up and walked her to the door.  He suddenly remembered his dream, Tony had said trouble was coming.  Was it already here?  “Marah I don’t know what any of this means.  It could be someone playing a cruel joke or it could be…something else.  But just the same, be careful.”

Marah gave him a friendly hug. “I will.  Take care of that wife of yours.”

Danny had no intention of doing otherwise.  If there was something sinister going on he would make damn sure his family was protected. 

***

“What?  How?”  Ray was beside himself.   He couldn’t find the words, he doubted they even existed.  His brother was ALIVE!  He just held his brother tight like he would never let him go.

As Tony recounted his tale Ray’s tears fell silently down his face.  Madre de Dios!   He grieved for this brother, now he ached for him.  All that Tony had lived through.  Locked away from the world while an imposter lived his life.  Sounded like something out of a soap opera!  But it explained so much.  Tony had changed after that last break-up with Marah.   And that relationship with Michelle had been so out of character for Tony.  They all loved Michelle, but like a sister.  

“Ray you can’t tell Danny and Michelle.  At least not yet.”

Ray was taken back, “Why Tony?  They will be just as ecstatic that you are alive as I am.”

“Ray the men that held me captive are still out there.  They kept me alive for a reason.”

“You think they will come to Springfield?”

It made sense.  No one invested that much time and effort only to let their target get away.  “I do.  And I don’t want to endanger Danny, Michelle, and Robbie.”  Or Marah.

“And Hope.  They had a daughter while you were…gone.  They are expecting another child soon.”

Tony’s heart-felt heavy with all that he’d missed.  But it solidified his point, Danny didn’t need danger being led to his front door.  He’d wait till the enemy showed their faces then he’ll deal with them once and for all.  “Ray promise me you won’t say anything till I am certain the danger is gone.”

“I’m a priest Tony.  It’s not like I have much choice.”

***

Marah raced home and got ready as fast as humanly possible.  Hey eyes were still red with lack of sleep but there was nothing she could do about that.  By the time she got to Company there wasn’t a parking spot to be found and she finally had to break down and park two blocks over.  She didn’t know if it was Danny’s parting words to be careful but just the same she eyed her surroundings with critical eyes.   Seeing nothing out of the ordinary she got out and started walking towards the restaurant.  Marah hadn’t made it a block before she suddenly felt a chill go down her spine.  Someone was watching her.   Marah nonchalantly looked over he shoulder, and saw a man approaching. 

 She quickened her pace.  She had to get to Company, she didn’t know if he was following her and quite frankly she didn’t want to find out.

Just then another figure stepped out in front of her and Marah couldn’t hold back her scream.

Chapter Eight

For entertainment purposes only

“Damn Marah!  What’d you hit me for?  I told you I would be back late!”  Oh God it was just Jonathan.  She dropped the pan to the ground, the residual adrenaline running through her veins making her hands shake.  She wanted to cry.  She wanted to scream.  Neither one was a viable action with Jonathan standing there so she just stood there shaking and staring into nothingness.

“Woah. Calm down   I’m fine, you’re fine…although next time I might put bells on my feet so you’ll know it’s me.”

She knew his attempts at humor were for her benefit but it wasn’t going to work this time.  Nothing would work.

“So you want to explain why tried to brain me a couple of minutes ago?”

Not really.   “I am so sorry about that.  I didn’t hurt you bad did I?”

“Nah. I’m made of tougher stuff than that.  But quit changing the subject. What set you off earlier?”

“Sarah and I watched a scary movie tonight.  I couldn’t sleep.  I heard someone on the stairs and just panicked.” 

She could tell he didn’t believe that was the whole story.  But thankfully he didn’t press for further details. “Okay I’ll buy that.  For now.  It’s too late to move Sarah so I’m just going to crash on the couch.”

Once again Marah knew he was doing it for her benefit, for her peace of mind, but that just made the gesture more meaningful.  “Thank you Jonathan.”

Jonathan just smiled.  “Anytime sis.  Anytime.”

***

Danny was working in his office when he heard the frantic banging on the front door.  Danny’s first instinct was panic.  Robbie was at baseball practice.  Had something happened?  But Danny was surprised by who was on the other side of the door.

“Hey Marah.  Michelle said you were back in town.  How have you been?”  This was not the happy woman Michelle had described.  Not with the bloodshot eyes and tangled hair.  “Come on in.  Is everything alright?”

” I really need to talk to you and Michelle about something.  It’s really important.”

Michelle came in drying her hands on a dish towel, “Who was at the door?  Oh hello Marah.  Would you like some coffee?”

Marah raised a trembling hand through her hair, or at least attempted to.  She had a serious case of bed head and hadn’t even paused this morning to brush it.  “I must look like a crazy person but I promise you guys are going to want to see this.” She reached into her Chanel bag and held something out in her hand, “Someone sent this to me yesterday.”

They both looked to see what she was holding but Danny was the one to put words to what they were all thinking, “Oh shit.”

***

“Your package was delivered just as you requested.”

The boss leaned back in his chair and with a malevolent smirk. “I trust she was surprised?”

“This morning she went straight to the Santos household just like you suspected.  And judging by her rough appearance I’d say you have her sufficiently spooked.”

So the little princess was running scared.   Excellent.  He was sure they all were by now.    They had always thought they were better than him.  All of them.  If only they knew.  He had all the power now and when Tony finally made his miraculous return he’d finally rid himself of them once and for all.

***

“I’m worried about her mom.  You should have seen her face last night.   She was scared to death: white as a sheet and trembling like a leaf.   I know she was hiding something but I didn’t want to push.”  He hated that he ran to Reva with this but it’s not like he could talk to Marah about it.  Their relationship was still too new and fragile, she’d just deny anything was wrong…like she did last night.  But Reva just looked amused by what he is telling her.  “What?”

“I just have never seen this side of you before.  I’ve seen you grow from an angry young man to a doting dad.  But I admit big brother protective mode suits you.”

Was that was what he was being?  Guess it was.  He really liked Marah.   She cared deeply about those she cared about and yet had a tendency to be as impulsive and stubborn as their mother, like himself.  They had gotten close in the past few months, which is why he had this gut feeling that she hiding something from them.

Reva could tell Jonathan wasn’t going to let this go.  She couldn’t betray her daughter’s confidence but she could at least try to put Jonathan’s mind at ease.  “I’ll tell you this much, Marah has some stuff she needs to work through.  And she will in her own time. I’m sure she’d tell us if she were somehow in trouble.”

Jonathan wasn’t so easily convinced.  You didn’t react the way Marah did last night unless something was wrong.

Chapter Seven

Tony was going to go stir crazy cooped up in this old lighthouse.  Everywhere he looked he saw Marah.   It was here that they had made love for the first time.  Blocking out the world they had finally come together in what he considered his one perfect moment.   It may be his greatest memory, but it was also contributing to his frustration.  That and being so close to his family and not being able to do anything about it.  He still wasn’t sure what he was going to tell Danny and Michelle, or his brother Ray for that matter.  Maybe he should go see Ray first, he always seemed to know what to do.  He was the one who supported Danny and Michelle through their many relationship woes, he’d helped Tony himself through his relationship with Marah.  Yeah maybe Ray was his best bet.

The door to the lighthouse opened and Rafael entered bearing a bag with the Company logo on it.  “Quite a town you have here.  Not sure if this place is any good but it seemed to be pretty popular with the locals.”

Tony’s stomach rumbled.  Even if he hadn’t liked Company, which he knew he used to, at this point he’d eat just about anything. “Thanks.  Company sounds like manna from Heaven right now.”

Tony started to bite into his burger ravenously.  Oh man this WAS good.

“I met your lady tonight.”

Tony nearly choked on the bite he’d just taken, “Marah?  Marah’s in town?”  All thoughts of eating were forgotten as he stood up as if to go to her.  She was HERE.  It had to be a sign.  He could be at her place in a matter of minutes, hell he’d run if he had to.

Rafael just looked at him with his usual grin, “She suits you.  She has a softness to her but also some fire.  Nearly decked a man who was coming on to her something fierce.”

The anger that flared within Tony was sudden and unpredictable.  Someone had laid a hand on Marah?  Logically he knew that she’s probably been with other men in the six years that he’d been out of her life.  And in a way he was glad, he didn’t want her to put her life on hold for him.  But logic had nothing on his long-held instinct to protect her.  It was those instincts that had him wanting to hunt the man down and feed him his teeth for dinner.

Rafael placed his hand on the younger man’s shoulder, “Son, you are at war with yourself.”

And just like that the anger drained out him only to be replaced by shame and doubt, “My first instinct was to go and beat the man like he no doubt deserves.  What does that say about me?  Our last fight, the fight that broke Marah and me up for good, was because I beat some guy I thought was hurting her.  You should have seen the fear in her eyes.  You could tell that she feared me, feared the violence being directed at her.  I can’t blame her for giving up on me, she is better off without me tainting her life.”

“I can’t pretend to know how you feel but I will tell you this, you are a good man Tony Santos.  You lived a rough life so yes, your first instinct is to fight back.  But that’s not the sole thing that defines you.  How many men live six years locked away without cracking?  How many men hold on so that they could come back to those that love you?  It takes strength, it takes fortitude, and you have both of those things.  This is your chance to start a new life.  Let the past go and stop letting it dictate your future.”

***

Marah loved shopping on main street.  With its quaint little shops and low-key atmosphere it was the perfect place to indulge in a little retail therapy.  She’d gotten used to the chaos around the house, but this morning Reva had left for an overnight conference for cancer patients.  Reva’s brush with death had inspired her to encourage others which was pretty awe-inspiring.  She would have had Collin for company but he was having a sleepover with one of his friends from t-ball.  Ever her dad was busy building some new condominiums and wouldn’t be home for the next few days.  So Marah was flying solo and was frankly bored as hell.

“Marah!  So glad I found you. You busy?”  She turned to find Jonathan rushing towards her with little Sarah in tow.

“Just doing a little shopping.” She replied indicating her bags, ” What’s up?”

“I need a huge favor.”

Jonathan asking her for a favor?  Yeah they had definitely turned a corner on this brother/sister thing. “Okay, shoot.”

“Sarah’s babysitter is sick with the flu.  And mom is at her conference, Bill and Lizzie are out-of-town, and I need to meet Josh and Billy at the new construction site in an hour.  Would you please be my favorite sister and watch Sarah for the day?”

“Sure I’d be more than happy to. ”

“You’re a lifesaver!  I should be home around ten or ten-thirty since I have a meeting with the bank president tomorrow to go over renovation plans.”  He picked up his daughter and hugged her tight. “Be good for Aunt Marah.  I’ll be home tonight I promise.  Now give me some sugar.”

Once they were alone Marah held out her hand, “Alright princess you ready to shop till we drop?”  After the day on the beach the little girl had started to warm up to her.  She was still wary but she grabbed her hand and nodded.  Progress.

***

“He we are!” Marah had worked fashion shows that hadn’t drained her as much as a day of shopping with Sarah.  She was a shopping demon, and a girl after her own heart. She placed their mountain of purchases and the mail on the kitchen counter.  “You want to get some pizza and watch a movie?” “Like a girl night?”

Even better was seeing that Sarah was over her shyness.  And Marah could say with absolute certainty that the girl was a delight.  She was inquisitive, bright, and a hodge-podge of contradictions.  She could be a girlie girl about her clothes but then if there was a mess to be found she was right there in the thick of it.  Guess it was to be expected being Lizzie Spaulding Lewis and Jonathan’s Randall’s daughter.  Those two were themselves like oil and water.  “Yeah like a girl night.”

“Okay, but none of those girlie movies.  Let’s watch something scary.”

Lovely.

***

Sarah had crashed early.  Marah was the one who couldn’t sleep.  She went into the kitchen for some water when she saw the package.  She had passed it off as something for her mother but looking at it again realized it was addressed to her.

“Probably from Phillipe.  He’s probably mad I haven’t FedExed any designs yet.”

She ripped it open and what fell into her hands forced a gasp from her lungs.  “What sick twisted…”.  Her thoughts were cut off when she heard a creak on the back porch.

“Oh God!”  Whoever sent the package must be back to finish the job.  She grabbed the first thing that she came in contact with.  A sauce pan?  “Oh great.  I’m so going to die.”  But she wasn’t going down without a fight.  She raised the pan above her head ready to do business with whoever came through the door.

The doorknob turned and in the doorway stood a dark figure of a man.   Marah brought the pan down as hard as she could…

Chapter Six

Warning: Mild profanity and adult situations. 

Well this was new.  She never would have guessed she’d find herself sitting at a bar with Jonathan.  Or that she’d be having so much fun.  But here they were.

“She missed you I hope you know.”  There wasn’t any anger in Jonathan’s words, he simply stated the truth.

“And I missed her too.  I missed all of you.  I missed Springfield in general.  I have some of my best memories here but also some of my worst you know?”

“I know this brother/sister thing is new between you and me but if the past years have taught me anything it’s that you can go home again.  Face the past, lay it to rest, and move forward.”

There was a hint of sadness in his eyes.  No doubt he was thinking about Tammy.  Unconventional as their relationship was she could tell that he still grieved over her passing.   Okay this was downright maudlin time to change the subject fast.  “That’s almost poetic of you brother.  Have you been watching Oprah?”

Jonathan let out a loud laugh that had all the other bar patrons looking at them as if they’d lost their minds.  “I am still rusty on this big brother stuff.  Had to brush off on my basics.”

Marah snorted.  Like he would be caught dead watching Oprah!  Just then the bartender placed a fresh drink in front of her.  “Compliments of the gentleman by the window.”

Marah turned and saluted the man with her drink in thanks.

Jonathan leaned over to see who she was looking at.  “As a secure heterosexual male I can tell you that he’s no dog.  You could do worse.”

“Not interested.”

“Oh come on Marah, ” He nudged her shoulder with his, “Live a little.  Besides I have to get home and relieve the babysitter.  You’re only in town for a while, might as well have some fun.”  And with a kiss on her head he was gone.

Guess there was no harm in a drink.

*

Big mistake.  This guy seemed to have more arms than an octopus. 

“Come back to my place.” He slurred in her ear. 

Why was it that guys thought that was “sexy”?  She wasn’t even remotely tempted.   She had tried being polite but either he couldn’t hear her or he was simply ignoring her.   “No thanks.”

He moved forward and pressed her back against HB’s old pickup.  Now this was getting ridiculous, she was about ready to deck him.

“Come on babe.  I can show you a good time.”  He leaned down as if to kiss her.

She shoved him back as hard as she could.  “I said no, now I suggest you do sleep it off before you embarrass yourself even further.”

She saw the lust go out of his eyes only to be replaced with anger.  He grabbed her hand and pulled her to him, “Listen bitch, you owe me.  You’ve been teasing me all night now it’s time to pay up.”

Teased him?  Puh-lease!  From the moment she joined him he’d been all over her, despite all attempts to let him down softly.

She opened her moth to let him have it when his weight was suddenly gone.   She looked to her left where a short hispanic man held the offending man by the front of his shirt.  “The lady said no asshole so it’s time to get lost.”

Marah eyed the newcomer.  He may be short but it was clear that his height was deceiving.  He obviously knew what he was doing and could handle himself in a fight. 

“Hey man what’s it to you?” The drunk sneered. 

“My problem is punks like you who wouldn’t know your ass from a hole in the ground.  The lady said no, move on.”

The younger man looked like he would argue, but then thought better of it and stalked off.

The stranger looked her up and down, not in a creepy way but as if accessing to see if she had been harmed by the offending man.  “You alright miss?”

“Yes thank you.  I was getting ready to deck him when you came along.  You saved me some bruised knuckles in the morning.”  She extended her hand, “Marah Lewis.”

If she didn’t know better she would have bet that his eyes sparkled with that bit of information.  She knew his grin sure got bigger.

He extended his own rough hand to complete the greeting, “Rafael Santiago.”

***

Danny knew he was dreaming.  Not only was Tony there but they were actually sitting in the old Infierno office, unwinding with a few drinks.    

“Trouble’s coming.”

Danny regarded his cousin closely.  From the look on his face the man was serious. “What do you mean?”

After a few moments Tony looked over at him.  The look of sadness on his face nearly brought tears to Danny’s eyes. “I told you that I always had your back.  I proved it time and time again.  I may not have been much of a man when I first got to town but YOU changed that.  Do you think I would betray you, not to mention Michelle, by going after her when she was most vulnerable?”

Danny didn’t know how to answer that.  He never would have thought it of Tony but the truth was that he had changed those last few years.   He chalked it up to loosing Marah but there was more to it than that.  Not only had Tony joined Salerno’s organization but Tony’s thing with Michelle was the ultimate betrayal.  “Tell me what you meant by trouble’s coming.”

Tony just stared, “Do you have my back?”

“I’ve always had your back Tony, just as you’ve always had mine.”

Pleased with the answer Tony nodded, “Good.  That’s good.”

***

Marah felt like she was sixteen again, like she was sneaking in after curfew. 

“Have fun tonight?” Reva asked from the porch swing.

Busted.

She knew this was coming, her mother could always sense when something troubled her.  And if she knew her mother she had been building up to this since Marah had stepped in the front door.  But still she pasted on her brightest smile and hoped Reva wouldn’t see through the ruse.  “I had a great time.  It was nice hanging out with Jonathan.  We never got a chance to be close so it’s nice that we can hang out.  Make up for lost time.” 

From the look on Reva’s face she was more than skeptical.  “I have made a lot of mistakes with you kids.  A LOT.  But I still know when my kids are hurting.  You put on a brave face but your eyes don’t sparkle like they used to.”

“I’ve just been tired mom.  With the new line and all.” The line she hadn’t even started yet.

“I love you Marah but you are the worst liar.  I know this is more than just being tired.”  Marah just looked at her mother.  She had to give her mother some credit, she’d held it in longer than she expected.  “And I can’t shake off the feeling that this has something to do with Tony.”

Damn.  When had her mother become a mind reader?  “I can’t explain it mom.  He’s been gone for so long but he’s still such a large part of me.  I mean he’s even in my dreams. ” 

” If Tony had lived I have no doubt that you two would have found your way back to each other.”  Marah’s couldn’t stop her jaw from dropping.  Her mother let out a laugh. “What?  You think I don’t know love when I see it?  I have been in love with your father since what seems like forever.  We both made mistakes.  MANY mistakes.  But it got us here in the end.  I knew you and Tony were ‘it’ for each other.  Sure his way of life worried me but he changed.  Before he left I even encouraged him to not give up.” 

“You may be right mom.  But it doesn’t matter anymore.  We’ll never get our chance at happily ever after.  So why can’t I let it go?”

“Maybe that’s why you are here.  You never got a chance to say goodbye.  Maybe if you finally lay these ghosts to rest you could move on.”

First Jonathan and now her mother.  She had to admit that the idea had merit.  Not like it could hurt to try.

“Love you mom.”

“Love you too honey.  Now let’s go get some sleep.  Collin still wakes up at the crack of dawn.”

Just a heads up…

I was a little worried about the next chapter and how people would react to it.  I even thought of editing it out.  But in the end I decided against it.  Why?  For several reasons really. 

There was a scene after Tony found out that Marah slept with Romeo that was (to put it mildly) disturbing as well as awkward.  I remember watching and cringing the entire time.  Marah had held onto her virginity for so long waiting for the right time and gave it to Romeo in a drunken one night stand.   Tony had always had Marah up on a pedestal and her mistake made him loose control.  In fact, here’s an article where Jordi Vilasuso talks about all that was involved in filming that scene:  http://www.sonypictures.com/gl/behind/gl_me_and_my_character/vilasuso.jhtml

And here’s the visual:

 Creepy right?

Marah grew stronger after those scenes, and it took awhile before they were in a good place again.   But I wanted to show how she has grown even more.  She’s a grown adult now who wants to take care of herself.  She won’t tolerate that kind of behavior from anyone.

I also wanted to have it told in a way that causes Tony to become angry.  Tony’s inability to deal with his anger in a healthy way was part of his problem (and the reason for most of their break-ups).  Loosing his father at a young age, growing up in the mob, going to prison in his teens all contributed to why his first impulse is to fight back.  And like Michelle, Marah didn’t have the violent upbringing Tony and Danny did.  She had her mother bouncing in and out of ehr life and multiple step-mothers but the mob life was foreign to her.  Danny changed for Michelle.  Tony tried to change for Marah but before the change was complete they re-casted the role and the magic was gone. 

So now I am going to have him deal with it so that when they are reunited it will a more healthy relationship.

Chapter Five

For entertainment purposes only.

“So it wasn’t a computer glitch, is that what you’re telling me?”  Danny rubbed his eyebrows where he felt a headache coming on.  Nothing about this made any sense.

“So far it doesn’t seem that way.  The account was accessed in Carlotta, California.  Does that sound familiar?”

Danny racked his brain but it didn’t ring a bell.  “Nope, not a thing.”

“I still have people looking into this matter.  We won’t stop until this is resolved.”

“Let me know if you find anything.”

“Of course Mr. Santos.”  And with that he was gone. 

Danny felt a shiver go down his spine.  Something was going on he just knew it.  He FELT it.  It was the same feeling he’d had when dealing with his mother Carmen.  Yes something was going on and he would bet his bottom dollar it wasn’t anything good.

Lost in his thoughts he nearly leapt out of the chair when Michelle touched his shoulder gently.

“Oh God Michelle.  Didn’t even hear you come in!”

“Hmm I can see that.  What has you so jumpy?” Michelle moved around the couch to join her husband.

“This thing with Tony’s account.  It just doesn’t feel right. ”

“What do you think it means?”

Danny thought a minute, “I haven’t the faintest clue.  Why the dormant account?  Even I had forgotten about it and we were the only ones who even knew about it.”

They both sat in silence and pondered that thought.

“Speaking of Tony.  You’d never believe who was at the lake today.  Marah Lewis.”

Of all the people Danny could have guessed Marah would have been dead last on that list.  He may not have always agreed with Tony but he had grown to love Marah like a sister.  Like Michelle had done for him, Marah pushed Tony to be more than what he was and made him happy.  She had been good for Tony’s soul.  “How’s she doing?”

“Seems good.  Her career in Paris seems to be flourishing.  She’s happy enough on the surface.”

Danny looked at her questioningly, “And underneath?”

Michelle sighed,  “I don’t think she ever got over Tony.  He was her first love, probably her true love.  We got our happily ever after, she got heartbreak.  I feel so guilty.”

Danny put his arm around her and pulled her close, “Honey it wasn’t your fault.  He loved you, he wouldn’t want you dwelling on it.”

“It seems like a bad dream.  The amnesia, clinging to Tony like a lifeline.  I was so lost and scared.  But Tony was always meant for Marah.”

“And you were meant for me.” Danny leaned over and kissed his wife.

***

They were making progress, not enough to Tony’s liking, but it was still progress. 

“You know I can drive right?  It’s been a few years but I am sure it is like riding a bike, it just comes back to you.”

Rafael rolled his eyes at that comment, “Son you can barely walk without wincing.  Just relax.  We’ll get there when we get there.”

Easy for him to say.  He didn’t have some nameless mafia boss after him. 

“Have you planned out how to approach this situation?”

“What do you mean?”

Rafael rolled his eyes again, it was becoming a frequent occurrence lately.  “I mean this is going to be difficult for them swallow.  They unknowingly let a stranger into their midst.   They loved him and grieved his death.  They may not even believe you.  I’m sorry son but your story is like something out of novel.”

Tony knew he was right but couldn’t stop the anger flare up, “YOU believed me.”

Rafael looked over at him and gave him look that left no room for argument, “Trust me, I can tell when someone is lying to me.  It’s kept me alive more times than even you can count.”

Tony wondered what he meant by that.  But before he could voice the question Rafael pointed out the windshield, “Hey lookie there.  Springfield. Only 250 Miles to go.  Better start thinking about how you’re going to break the news to them.”

And with that he turned his attention back to the road and switched lanes.  Guess the conversation was over. 

***

“No one matching his description has boarded a plane in the past three days and no suspicious activity has been reported at the Santos household.”

 Now he was starting to get annoyed.  He never was a patient man and he was tired of waiting for Tony to overplay his hand.  Time to take matters into his own hands.   As a general rule he didn’t like to get his own hands dirty.  He had learned that from the best.  But this was different, this was personal.   Marah being in town just made the situation that much more tempting.  He could take care of two birds with one stone.

“Get me the next flight to Springfield. “

Marony- The Video….

Fan videos are always fun to watch, especially when they are about about a couple the person enjoys. I found a couple of fan vids with their song but none for Marony. So I decided to try my hand at changing that. It’s not the best out there, in fact from 0:28 to 0:32 it’s a bit twichy, but no matter how I tried it couldn’t be edited out. So here you have it, Marah and Tony-I Believe in the Mystery…………