It was good to be home.

Living at The Diamond Club for the last few weeks had left Sam wanting for practically nothing. The lavish resort catered to one's every need and beyond. Their suite was a private villa with an amazing view of the golf course, with a bed as big as a boat. Brenda had everyone treating them like kings and queens and Sam had to admit he was a big fan of the happy hour appetizers by the pool.

Yet, he had missed the simplicity of their place in New York. Scout greeting them at the door, happy as always to see them. Back in his own bed, waking up to the views of the city skyline, making his own coffee, going for a run in the sleepy wee hours along streets still stirring with life. Although it wasn't fun getting up this morning. The time change hit him hard and Sam was looking forward to a calm evening at home with Ali.

Sam was pleased with the way the meet and greet with Leif had gone this morning. Crowds of people had turned up for the breakfast and a good majority stayed to listen to the potential congressman talk. Watching the reactions of the group as Leif outlined his policy platform, Sam had been impressed with the many nods and smiles they'd received.

His father did have a keen eye when it came to politics. Sam hated to admit it, but he liked a part of this as well. Was it Leif that made the difference? The man had a quality about him. Sam couldn't quite define it but it made people pay attention. Perhaps it was simply the fact the man had integrity. In politics, such an attribute was rare. Leif Stewart truly wanted to do good.

So did Sam. He'd told Ali once he wanted a job where he could help people, not after the fact, on their worst days, but try to prevent those worst days. With Leif, he could see the potential to make the world a better place. At least for one borough in New York.

Having Ali at the event with him made it even sweeter. Standing side by side with her made everything feel ... possible.

He worried it wouldn't last. He knew Ali was it for him. If she had to move back to California then there was no doubt he would go with her. And it was looking more and more like this would be the case. Ali was in a full-on war with Jack for control of her family's company. Truth be told, Sam's desire to take Jack down outweighed Ali's. He wanted the man out of their lives, wanted his fiancée free of him for good. Getting Stinson Studios back would go a long way towards the goal.

Still, Sam had an uneasiness about relocating to the west coast. Ali recognized he would miss his family. And that was indeed part of it. This last year he had never felt closer to his parents, not since before Thomas died. They were finding their way back to each other. Not like how it had used to be, but some new place where they understood each other.

But it was more than his family. What would he do in California? Aside from being Ali's constant support. Would that be enough to sustain him? It's not like he could go back to being a bartender. It had its perks but it was not his ideal job.

The thing was he didn't have an ideal job. This was where Sam always floundered. Exactly what was he supposed to do with his life? After Thomas had died, he tried to take over his trajectory, failing miserably. After running away to California, he picked up odd jobs, to make ends meet. Since falling in love with Ali, his priority had been about building a home for her. He hadn't focused on himself in a long time.

Deciding to talk to Ali about it gave Sam a warm feeling inside. No matter the situation, however hard, Ali would be there for him. They were partners and they would figure it out together. Sam picked up his phone to text her when the smiling face of his cousin flashed onto the screen. Swiping his finger he answered the call, "Charlie."

"Are you alone?"

"Well, hello to you too."

"Sam, this isn't funny." It was a rare thing for Charlie to not be in a joking mood. Sitting up straight, he was paying attention now.

"Yes. I'm alone. What's wrong?"

Sam heard his cousin let out a rush of breath as if relieved. "The rehab clinic called me. Vicky checked herself out this morning."

"You've got to be kidding me?" Sam's stomach dropped at his cousin's words. This wasn't the plan. Vicky had promised to complete the program, to get help. Behind closed doors. Locked doors. Under supervision and out of his life. He was supposed to be safe for at least 3 months. That's how long the initial rehabilitation commitment was for, at least.

It had been less than a month. Barely enough time to uncover her problems, never mind even try to find solutions.

"I think we should call the police." Sam could hear Charlie's anxiety in his voice.

"And tell them what? We have nothing to charge Vicky with."

"I don't know. I just... I have a bad feeling."

If he told the truth, so did Sam. But he wasn't going to give in to it. Feeling bad about Vicky had taken too much space in his life. He was not interested in letting her have any more of it.

"I'm coming over."

"Charlie, it's fine. She's probably halfway to Mexico by now."

Hanging up with Charlie, Sam tried to regulate his breathing. Vicky was out there. Despite what he said to his cousin he didn't believe Vicky would give up so easily. He picked up the phone to text Ali, to warn her, then reconsidered. She'd be home soon. It would be better to hold her as he broke the news.

Less than twenty minutes later there was a knock on the door. Sam smiled as he crossed the room. Charlie had come anyhow. His cousin had his own key to the apartment but ever since walking in on Sam and Ali in the kitchen in a compromising position, Charlie had taken to knocking before entering. With his cousin's name on his lips, Sam opened the door.

Only to see a petite brunette with wild brown eyes.

He tried to slam the door in her face, but the devil jammed her foot into the gap preventing it from shutting. Her hand curled around the doorframe pushing it open further.

"Vicky, go away."

"Sammy," she almost sang his name. The saccharine sound made his skin prickle, memories blooming in his mind. Images he did not want to remember. "Aren't you happy to see me?"

"No."

She pouted like a spoilt child. "Don't say that. I missed you."

"I don't care. Leave now or I'll call the police." He raised his phone in his hand.

A look of anger flashed across the deranged woman's face, producing a cold dread in Sam's gut. "Oh, dear. Are we going to have to do this the hard way?" She reached into her pocket and pulled out a shiny metallic item. It took Sam's brain a moment to comprehend the barrel pointed at him. Vicky had a gun.

"Let me in Sam. Now."

Down the hall the soft ding announcing the elevator's arrival made Sam jump. If it was Ali what would Vicky do? Ali was the competition to her. True dread filled Sam, weighing heavy on his limbs. There was no doubt in his mind Vicky would hurt Ali without any hesitation. 

Looking at the weapon in her hand Sam swung the door open and ushered Vicky in. Leaning his back against the cool steel as he closed the door. He silently prayed it wasn't Ali getting off the elevator. Would the door be enough protection if the gun went off? 

His heart pounded as he listened for her footsteps, her keys in the door.  How could he stop this? Paralyzed by fear, Sam searched for some kind of weapon, some solution to protect Ali. 

After several agonizing moments that seemed to last a lifetime, the footsteps faded. Nothing happened. Sam released a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. It wasn't Ali. She was safe.

For now.

Hi all. D. L. Croisette here. You didn't really think we were done with Vicky did you? Is Sam's kindness going to backfire on him? 

Tell me, are you happy Vicky's back?