Authors Note

Hope you all don't mind. But this chapter is extra long. 

Like always vote and comment. 

Enjoy. 

[scha·den·freu·de or /ˈSHädənˌfroidə/]

1. pleasure derived by someone from another person's misfortune.

2. a feeling of enjoyment that comes from seeing or hearing about the troubles of other people.

Schadenfreude (/ˈʃɑːdənfrɔɪdə/; German: [ˈʃaːdn̩ˌfʁɔʏ̯də] is pleasure derived from the misfortune of others. Borrowed from German into English and several other languages, it is a feeling of joy that comes from seeing or hearing about another person's troubles or failures. It is an expression of pleasure or self-satisfaction at another's failure. -Wikipedia

We are all the judges and the judged, victims of the casual malice and fantasy of others, and ready sources of fantasy and malice in our turn. And if we are sometimes accused of sins of which we are innocent, are there not also other sins of which we are guilty and of which the world knows nothing? -Iris Murdoch

To hear that your neighbor was worse off than yourself was not an altogether unpleasant experience. -Lizette Woodworth Reese

Laughter to begin with was probably glee at the misfortunes of others. The baring of the teeth in laughter hints at its savage ancestry. Animals have no malice, hence also no laughter. They never savor the sudden glory of Schadenfreude. It was its infectious quality that made of laughter a medium of mutuality. -Eric Hoffer

THIRD POV

Banging the door as quietly as she could and impatiently waited for a response. She was just doing what the victim told her to do. Call on his brother Robert without making a sound or alerting any person in the household. For a man that could barely breathe, he was still demanding, arrogant and bossy as any normal day. Not even the shadow of death could keep this man down.

The door finally swung open and there stood a dark brooding man. It was interesting to note that even sleep did nothing to change this man into a more peaceful one.

"What can I help you with?" he questioned pointedly. Looking her over as if she was a small and fragile toddler.

"Zach he needs your help" she whispered.

"Repeat that again" raising his eyebrows.

"Zach needs your help now"

"What? You know what, just come in" dragging her firmly but gently into the room by the arm. "Now tell me what happened again?"

"I don't know what happened. But I was going to the kitchen to get something to drink when I saw him. Zach is passed out in the kitchen!" she gasped. She still couldn't believe her eyes.

"What?" he yelled. That was more than he needed to know. This couldn't be happening. Not again. Grabbing his shirt from the bedpost, he covered up his naked upper-body and ran out the room. But not before telling her to wait in the room.

Rushing down the stairs as quietly as he possibly could, he headed straight for the kitchen. He finally found him near the pantry. His brother who was almost passed out and bloody and swollen. Checking for the injuries his breathing became harder. And without a word swung him gently onto his back and quickly but gently carried him up the stairs into his room.

Laying him on his bed, he proceeded to tear off his clothes and see the damages. There was significant bruising everywhere. This was the work of a professional, somebody who knew about torture. Probably with a military career. And who would soon be dead after he found out who he is.

"Hey, you girlie. Go to the bathroom, take a washcloth dip it in some hot water and bring it back. We need to bring down swelling. Oh and also search for some bandages." He knew full well that it would take her at least ten minutes to find them.

"Where are they?" ignoring the fact that he called her "girlie".

"I don't know. Why don't you use the eyes and the brain that the good Lord gave you and find them" he said in a condescending voice.

Choosing not to argue, she instead replied "Fine" dashing out and searching for the aid.

When he was sure that she couldn't hear, Robert leaned close to his brother. "Zach. Zach wake up brother" he whispered.

Zach slowly opened his swollen eyes and kept on wheezing and gasping for breath.

"Shhh. Take it easy" he shushed rubbing his shoulder.

Zach coughed a little more. His eyes took some time to adjust to the light.

"Zach who did this?" though he had a pretty good idea who did it. He needed confirmation of his suspicion. And he needed his brother to tell him how he wanted this situation to be handled.

Breathing deeply and using the last strength he had, Zach grabbed Roberts shoulder and looking him straight in eyes to show how serious he was and in a low weak voice said

"Don't let anything happen to her" he demanded.

If there was one person that Zach could rely on was Robert. Robert didn't ask much if any questions. And just as he hoped, he nodded his head in understanding. Then laid his head back down trying to deal with the pain.

"Here I found them!" Sophia gasped running to the room with the bandages and towels.

"Good" he said as he walked to the nightstand to grab his phone and quickly texted his private doctor. "Start toweling him to get the swelling down" without looking up at her.

She did as instructed. She was calm but inside she was a ball of nerves. This was bringing up memories that she had hoped to forget. And like a pro she worked on keeping Zach from going into shock.

Robert finishing his text, watched her for a moment before walking to the bathroom and rummaging through drawers and cupboards. He returned to the room with rags and towels and some bottles.

"I will be back. Stay with him" he ordered as he walked towards the door.

"Where are you going?" she called softly.

"To clean up the evidence" before walking out the door and down the stairs to the kitchen. With ease and knowledge he poured the chemicals on the floor and began to clean all traces of blood away. Making sure to take particular details to the corners. Any form of someone being beaten to death, he made sure to disappear. And it took quite a while, perhaps 30 minutes. He had to follow the blood trail which took him down the hallways to the cooler room. He had heard of this room but never been there. Merissa seemed to be using her knowledge as the butler's daughter to her advantage.

His cleanup ended with him working backwards to clean the droplets of blood that had spilled when he carried Zach. Satisfied, he went back up to check on his brother. He was still out cold and Sophia was still by his side toweling him.

"Is he going to be okay?" she questioned.

"Yes" he answered simply.

"Maybe we should get him to a doctor?" she suggested.

"No need" he quipped back.

"He needs a doctor! He could be dying!" in a worried tone. She did not like Zach but she didn't want him to die.

Robert just chuckled. If only this little girl knew how many times he had been in this same exact condition. Or had seen someone in this condition. He knew when to be worried and when not to be. But instead, he just answered

"And he will get one. I called my personal doctor. He should be here soon"

"Oh okay"

The room was in silence. Uncomfortable silence at least that was what Sophia felt.

"What happened? Shouldn't we call the police or something?" she questioned in a small voice.

"No" after taking a good short look at her. "I will take care of this personally. But I am going to need a favor from you"

"What?"

"Your silence. You are not to speak of this to anyone. Not even your family. Got it?" he ordered.

"Is that a request or a demand?" she retorts.

"Whatever you want it to be and keeps you quiet" in a nonchalant manner.

"Very. I will keep this quiet. For now" she couldn't keep this from her family.

His phone beeped indicating that he received a text message.

"You can go to your room now. I will take it from here."

"Do you need any help?"

"No, I will take it from here." And for the first time, he was somewhat pleasant not sardonic. Sophia nodded and laying down the towel she walked out of the room.

Sighing, he texted one more person and then went to the bed. Lifting up Zach on his shoulders he walked out the door and gently slamming it behind him. Making sure no one was around he walked down the stairs for the last time and out of the door to a waiting vehicle.

"Step on it!" he demanded and the car sped off.

................................................................................................................................................................................................................

"Good morning everybody" Merissa sang walking into the room with a hop in her step.

"Good morning" Ophelia, Theo, Ashton, Jessica, Amber, and Kristian replied.

"You seem to be in a good mood" Ophelia noted. Something must have happened in the last 6 hours. She was still exhausted after the party.

"Yes. The party was just a - uhm, miraculous night. You know a Cinderella moment" with a megawatt smile. She slept soundly.

Sophia looked at Merissa in slight suspicion. She shook her head. Merissa couldn't be responsible for what happened.

"Well, here's to a miraculous night" Kristian laughed, raising his glass for a toast.

"Hear-hear" came a series of replies as some raised their tea, coffee, and juice in salutations. However, The Dansons were just as confused as Theo and Ophelia.

"Hey has anybody seen Robert and Zach?" Jessica asked.

"True where are Robert and Zach?" Merissa asked in fake concern with a tad bit of curiosity. She was itching to know what... path that her dear husband had chosen.

"I am right here my dear sister-in-law" Robert sang as he stepped into the breakfast nook. "Good morning everyone" he greeted

"Robert dear. How are you?" Amber questioned smiling at her second eldest.

"Good. I had a very good rest" sitting down.

Sophia looked at him strangely.

"We missed you at the party" Jessica started.

"Had a lot of things to do" he replied. "Shall we eat? I am starving"

"We are waiting for Zach. Now where is he?" Merissa questioned him with a smile.

She was very curious on where Zachary could be. She had lain awake all night unable to sleep from the excitement of knowing what Zach was going to do. Was he going to call the police or was he going to let her go? This thrill of hers was actually bordering on her being a psychopath or sociopath. But she couldn't help it.

"Well, my dear sister-in-law, Zach decided to take a last minute trip to check on some business down north" dishing some sausages and eggs.

"Really?" she questioned in surprise.

"Mhmm. He left this morning. He actually woke me up me up at 5 and demanded that I take him to the airport"

"I see. It seems sudden don't you think" Merissa evenly replied.

"Yeah" Jessica agreed.

"The sun never sets on our empire" Robert replied.

"Zach has been overworking lately. I am worried about him" Amber said aloud.

Kristian also had a look of worry on his face as he patted his wife's hand in a comforting manner.

"Well, he has to" Robert replied.

"Bu not to the extent of killing himself"

"It is only for a couple of days. He wants to get all projects wrapped up"

"Why?" Ashton questioned.

"Because he and Merissa are going away for two/three weeks?" pretending to be confused.

"You guys are going away for three weeks?" Jessica directed at Merissa. That was a surprise.

"Yeah. For their anniversary" Robert cut in.

There was a slight pause. Everyone was left to their thoughts. The problem with Robert was you could never tell when he was lying. And more importantly, you could never prove that he was lying.

"Oh, I am sorry Meri. I thought everyone knew" in fake regret. Looking Merissa in the eye and daring her to contradict him.

"It is alright Robert" she said with a smile. "It was bound to come out sooner or later"

"So that is why he is working so much" Amber mused out loud. Though she was filled with suspicion. It seemed too good to be true. But she couldn't tell if Merissa or Robert were lying.

"Yes" Robert and Merissa answered simultaneously.

"Well, that is good" Kristian said slowly.

"So you are going on a honeymoon" Sophia asked skeptically.

"Yes. I will admit that I was against it at first. But I would like some peace and quiet and to quell any rumors in the companies that we are unstable. So Zach and I are just leaving and staying out of site for a couple of weeks" Merissa rattled on without batting an eye.

The answer seemed to sit well with most members of the table. But Theo and Ophelia knew that all of what was being spilled was first class nonsense. But they had to admire Merissa's art of lying through her teeth. With a little more work she could probably beat a lie detector test.

"There is always a catch" Sheldon joked.

Merissa said nothing. Just continued eating.

"Excuse me, sirs and ladies. There are two men outside to see Mrs. Danson" Evan stated looking slightly confused. There was something about the visitor that was not sitting well with him. And he had demanded that he wait outside the door.

"For me? Or for the other Mrs. Danson?" Amber questioned.

"For Mrs. Zachary Danson" he corrected.

Merissa smiled. She had a pretty good idea who it was.

"Do let him in Evan" she called.

"Very well" before walking out of the room.

Everyone had wary looks on their faces. Remembering the last time that Evan had brought one of Merissa's 'friends'.

"Who is it this time?" Kristian asked.

"My guess? My new bodyguards" she replied.

"Don't you have three?" Theo questioned.

"Yes. But I need a personal one. I feel like a child. I would love some freedom" glaring playfully at Robert. Her current bodyguards were like statues. They never let her out of their sights. And reported everything back to Robert.

"The more the merrier" Robert quipped looked at her dead in the eye.

But she just ignored him and replied with a simple "Yes"

"I almost forgot. I hired one for you Sophia" she told her little sister before taking a sip of her mimosa.

"Què? No. ¿Por qué?" Sophia gasped.

"Because you are going to be in limelight sooner or later. I will rather you are protected"

"I am fine. I don't need a shadow" she snapped. She didn't need someone following her around and bringing unnecessary attention to her. She just wanted simplicity. Her life had changed so drastically. The one thing she always counted on was having her freedom and independence. And she knew that it would be taken away from her. No doubt that the man or woman would run to Merissa with everything.

"Don't be difficult Sophie" Merissa cooed. "I have enemies who will resolve to dirty means to get to me" she tried to explain. But Sophia was not having it.

"Exactemente. Your enemies. Not my enemies. They want to kill you, not me. I should be irrelevant"

Kristian could not help but chuckle at this. Sheldon also cracked a smile.

"Sweetie if you continue to desire your freedom you are going to need a bodyguard" Merissa said in a stern voice.

"Don't care. I mean it, Merissa. I don't need a bodyguard. End of story. Tell her mom" turning to Theo.

Theo remained silent.

"Mom!" Sophia yelled in disbelief.

Theo could only shake her head. Her daughter's safety came first. "Sorry baby but I am with Merissa on this"

"I don't care. The answer is no. Thank you but no thank you" standing up and placing her napkin on the table. She walked furiously out the door but was stopped by Merissa' next sentence.

"Very well. The man is in your power. If you don't want him, then you don't have to have him"

"Thank you" sighing in relief.

"Of course dear. I am anything if not compromising" she replied.

Theo choked on her food at this statement.

"Thank you"

"Just one thing"

The adults at the table stiffened. There was always a catch as Sheldon stated earlier. Sophia should know that nothing was easy with Merissa.

"What?"

"You have to be the one fire him" she said simply.

"What?!" unbelievingly.

"You have to be the one to fire him." She repeated.

"I can't do that!" Sophia gasped.

"Like I said, he is in your power and responsibility. You don't need him then fire him"

Sophia was in shock.

"But I should tell you that, it is Joe. You know, the man that Robert and Zach fired. Jaimie I believe was his name" smirking in her glass.

Sophia mouth was wide open.

"The man that you begged me to rehire" she continued.

Sophia was shaking her head in disbelief. Was Merissa really blackmailing her? She knew very well that her history would prevent her from firing anybody.

"Your choice Sophia. His fate is in your hands."

The table was silent. Ashton and Merissa looked at Merissa in admiration. This woman was a genius. She always won. Jessica had a look of envy on hers, there was no doubt that Merissa loved this girl. And it hurt because she used to be Sophia's place. Kristian and Robert looked impressed. Amber just had slight pity for the young girl.

"You are impossible" in a tight and angry voice before turning and stomping out the room.

"Really, Merissa? Really? Was that necessary?" Theo demanded.

"I gave her a choice" Merissa defended.

"That was not a choice Merissa" Amber added. "It can be a lot for a young girl to take in. It took you nearly two years before you finally accepted the guards. And you were older"

"Things have changed mother dearest. Sophia is my most precious possession. I will be damned if anything is to happen to her"

"Who will want to hurt her? Your enemies? There are none. You are making everyone your enemy! It is Merissa against the rest of the world. That is no way to live!"

"If I had lived that way so many pointless suffering and deaths could have been avoided" in a soft and calm voice, but was filled with rage and anger.

Amber tried to get through her "Baby, please let it go. This is-"

"I don't want to go down this rabbit hole again" cutting her off with a wave of her hand.

There was silence.

"Excuse me" Ophelia who had been silent throughout the conversation said. She placed her napkin on the table and heading the direction that Sophia had taken.

"Coming to think about I need to give my new bodyguard the rundown" placing her napkin down and standing up as well.

"Have a good day everybody" she called as she left the room.

"She really seems to be in a good mood" Ashton joked. And that was the truth. This was the nicest that Merissa had ever been.

"Maybe things are turning for the better?" Jessica suggested hopefully.

"Do you believe that sweetie?" Theo asked in a sweet voice.

No one said a word. They all knew the answer.

Things were just getting started.

..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Merissa walked out of the room to see Evan speaking with two men.

"Evan don't bother with the formalities. I will take it from here. Thank you" walking up to the trio.

"Very well ma'am" before turning around and heading back to the nook.

"Joe is it?" referring to the bald guy.

"Yes ma'am"

"You are here to protect my sister. She was the one to insist that I re-hire you. You answer to no one but me. Got that?" she demanded.

"Yes ma'am" he answered.

"Good. She is in the gardens if you want to introduce yourself" she suggested.

"Right away. Excuse me" before walking away.

They waited before he was out of earshot.

"Follow me" she demanded and started walking up the stairs and into her room.

The door shut.

"So tell me, did he call the police?" Callahan demanded.

"No" she sighed. "No he didn't"

"You sound disappointed" walking around the room. Getting himself acquainted with it.

"Slightly. I have come to love the attention. Negative or positive" looking him dead in the eye.

"It seems you have changed" Callahan chuckled rubbing his cheek.

"You have to be. After what I have gone through. I was punished for having the blood of a man that thought me as an enemy. And he made me an enemy"

"Makes sense to me" nodding his head. "So where is that poor bastard?"

"I have no idea. He left the house. I think Robert has something to do with it" she said thoughtfully.

"Eh. He will show up soon. So what is next on your agenda?" he questioned.

"I think today I would love to go and meet my dear sister"

"The one in jail?"

"Yes. It is time that we have a little meeting" a glint in her eye.

"What do you have planned?"

"I don't know to taunt her a little bit" she shrugged.

"Ah I see. Show off your wealth. Like the saying the best revenge is success and riches. And you have both in abundance"

"Maybe. But I think it's acid in the face. Who will love them then?" she quipped back.

Callahan chuckled lightly, had come to appreciate her dark sense of truth and humor.

Suddenly the door opened and they turned their heads.

"Sorry to disturb this little meeting" Robert stated as he walked in and slammed the door shut.

"What are you doing here?" Merissa demanded in a soft voice.

"Just wanted to meet our newest employee" he said in a cheery voice as he swung the desk chair around and sat down crossing his legs. Facing two people who were wearing blank expressions.

But as quickly as he smiled it was gone. And his eyes hardened with his next sentence.

"And to meet the man who nearly beat my brother to death"

"Oh. Very well then. Hello" walking up and offering his hand.

Robert shook it. And Callahan stepped back but not before adding. "And I didn't beat your brother. He was still breathing and walking. In my book I was just giving him some baby spanks" he sneered.

Robert wore a blank look on his face. There was a power play in the room.

"Well, why don't we get acquainted?" Merissa stated as she clapped her hands together. "Robert this is Callahan. Callahan this is Robert Danson"

Both men nodded at each other

"Callahan. Callahan. Callahan" testing the name on his tongue. "Sounds so familiar. Weren't you the man that-"

"Your brother falsely accused of having an affair with his wife?" Callahan interrupted. "Yes. Yes I am" anger in his voice.

"I see" nodding his head. Merissa sure did know how to pick them. Was he worried? No, not really.

"Yes. Zach really did a number on him. It is only fair that we try to make amends, don't you think Rob?"

"Don't you think the road to amends is off to a shaky start? You did have Zach beaten up"

"Did we? I didn't know. Last I heard he was on business conference" with a sly grin on her face.

"Maybe. We are both pathological liars" smiling at her.

"Robbie. You insult me"

"Too bad. Well, good luck today" standing up.

"Oh Rob it would interest you to know that Callahan was a former leader of Reckon Division. A trained assassin. Trained in the stealth and deadly as they come" with a twinkle in her eyes.

"Good. It means you will be well protected" before walking out the door. "See you around Callahan"

"Things don't faze him easily do they?" Callahan mused out loud.

"No" she snapped angrily. And she hated it. She still was no closer in finding out what Robert loved.

"Well, come on" grabbing her purse.

"Off to work?" opening the door for her.

"Yes" sighing as they walked side by side down the stairs.

"I need better security. My game is about to get pretty intense now"

"Going after the big kahunas now?"

"Yes"

"Sounds good to me"

"Do you have what I asked for?" she demanded.

"Right here" he answered.

"Good"

"Merissa!" Sophia called as she wounded the stairs.

"Sweetie!" she cooed. Giving her a kiss. "Please don't be mad. I am only trying to protect you"

Sophia just sighed. She had had a nice long talk with Ophelia. It was then that she noticed the bulging giant.

"And who is this?"

"My new bodyguard" smiling at him fondly and with a sinister smile plastered on her face.

"Oh" in a small awkward voice.

"Ma'am" Callahan greeted Sophia.

"Well, we have to leave. See you soon" she called, giving her one more kiss.

Then they both bounded out the door.

..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

The door clanged behind her and she rubbed her wrist trying to ease the pain. She couldn't see who was in the room. She could make out a silhouette but that was it.

"Who is there?" she croaked. She had been stuck in this prison for two weeks. No one would tell her why she was being held here. This had more to do than trespassing. The charges made no sense.

Walking in the light as her heels clicked the concrete floor she finally saw the figure.

"Merissa!" she gasped. Her shock turning into happiness. Her sister was here. And all emotions came bubbling to the surface and among them were regret. And sorrow.

"Well, well. Look what the cat dragged in" Merissa sneered. "Hello little sister"

"Merissa. It has been so long" she gasped as tears flowed down her cheeks. That wasn't what she wanted to say but that was all that her lips would allow. She wanted to plead and beg for forgiveness.

"Not long enough" Merissa replied in a cold voice which caused her to flinch back.

"I have to admit that you look unsavory."

She tried to chuckle to ease the tension. "I will admit that I don't look glammed up"

Merissa said nothing. Just looking at her blankly.

"Truth be told I don't know why I am here" she admitted.

"I do. But we get to that I need to ask you a question. Was it worth it?" she asked calmly. Though she wanted to reach across and strangle this woman before her.

Tracey bowed her head in shame.

"Was it worth turning your back on your family?"

"Was it worth spitting in the face of those who raised you?"

"Merissa forgive me" she sobbed uncontrollably.

"We gave you everything. We sacrificed so much for you. And how do you repay us?" she questioned.

"Merissa. Please I can't take it anymore" crying uncontrollably.

"By killing us softly. I was a mother to you. I raised you" her voice appearing to be hurt.

"Forgive me. Please forgive me. I am begging you in God's name, forgive me"

"Oh Chiquita. Pobre pobre Chiquita" she mocked as she referred to her childhood nickname. "Where has the time gone? And what has fate blessed us with" clicking her tongue.

There was a pause.

"Do you remember when we used to have those talks?"

"Yes?" she sniffed.

"And I will comb your hair?"

"Yes. I do. And we will laugh and sing and just be crazy" her heart squeezing in a mix of pain and joy.

"I hate those memories. I will trade anything to wipe them away. But enough walking down memory lane" shaking her head to clear her thoughts.

"I am here to talk about you. It seems you have gotten yourself in a bit of a pickle" leaning back in her seat.

"I don't know how it happened. I don't even know" she babbled.

Merissa started to laugh.

"What is so funny?"

"I almost forgot how weak you and your brother really are. Life throws you a little curve ball and you cower and whimper like a puppy. You always was a weak one Tracey"

Tracey remained silent.

"Will you help me?" she dared to ask. She was certainly not expecting it.

"That is why I am here" Merissa replied in a sweet voice.

"Yes. I always keep promises. And I made a promise a long time ago"

"Thank you. Thank you" tears falling from her eyes again.

"I hear you have a fiancée" she said randomly.

"Yes. TJ. He is wonderful" smiling at the memory of him.

"Do you love him?"

"I do"

"Are you willing to die for him?" Merissa asked again, her voice still be serious.

"Yes" her voice starting to fill with dread.

Her answer filled Merissa with happiness and rage. Happiness cause this would make her work so much easier. Rage because she so easily turned her back on her own blood.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes I would die for him" she said with resolution.

"Good. Because you might have to" her voice cryptic.

"What?" in confusion.

Standing up she stood behind her chair. She looked straight in her chair "I don't know if you know this Tracey but I have turned to a very rich woman" in a matter fact.

"I do know that" nodding her head. Who didn't know her story?

"I'm glad to hear that" she said with glee.

"You have to understand that money brings about so many things. For example, with money, I can have access to information that they average person is not accessible to"

Tracey still looked confused.

"Merissa I don't quite understand. Why are you telling me this?"

"Hush child. You soon will. Now where was I?"

She paused to collect her thoughts.

"Now, you are a very clean person. Clean as a whistle. But your boyfriend now that is where the problem lies."

"What why? What are you talking about?" her heating beating faster and faster.

"Since your lock up the world has changed. The whole world will soon come to know that millionaire hedge funder Theseus Jackson Thyne. Or as you fondly call him TJ" her smile and voice sarcastic. Well, he has been arrested early in afternoon for running a great big Ponzi scheming on his clients."

Tracey's mouth fell up.

"His family would be thrown out on the streets and he sent to jail" resisting the urge to laugh.

"What?!" she screeched. "When did this happen. TJ wouldn't! He is a good person!" screaming to herself.

"No no no. This can't be happening" pulling her hair in frustration and grief. "Merissa. Big sister. Please you have to help. You have to help him. He is a good person. You have to help him Merissa!" she pleaded.

"I will" taking a seat.

"Thank you. Thank you"

"I can promise you right here, right now that TJ will be exonerated"

"Thank you" tears sliding down her cheeks.

"But sweetie, that all depends on you"

"Me? What can I do?"

"It all depends on you Tracey"

"What do you want me to do? I will do anything."

"The only way I can see this going away is for you to take the fall"

There was a pause.

"Excuse me. But what?" her voice low from surprise and shock.

"Say you did it" she said simply.

"But. But-but I didn't" she stuttered.

"But no one knows that"

Tracey started to laugh but she ceased when she saw the seriousness on Merissa's face.

"You are not kidding?" her voice faltering.

Merissa just gave her a pointed look.

"How can you ask this of me?! I am your sister!"

"The choice is yours. Theseus is innocent. That much I know. But there is no other way. He is going to get hooked for this. They will go easier on this if it was you. I have thought about this long and hard. This is the only way"

"There has to be another!"

"There isn't"

"No. I can't. I won't. I-I-I cannot do this" her voice shaking in fear.

"Don't you want to save your lover? Your soon to be husband"

"But I didn't do it. I could go to prison"

"It is price you have to pay for love. Love requires sacrifice. Love requires setting aside everything that we have."

"Have you talked to him? How is he? Is he okay? You have to watch him. He is diabetic. This stress isn't good for him"

"That is why you have to do this. He wouldn't last in prison. His enemies would finish him off. This basically a diversion till we find the real culprit"

"What did you say when you told him about your plan?"

"I haven't talked to him. The less he knows the better"

She let out five huge breaths. Her heart was racing.

"No. No I can't do this" this was too much to ask. She loved TJ honestly she did. But could she go to prison for him.

"Save him Tracey" in a stern voice.

"Merissa I could go to prison!" she whispered yelled.

"You are in prison" she stated in a matter of fact voice.

"I can't do it"

"Yes you can. And you will. Because you love that man and you will never let anything happen to him or his family"

Merissa was right. She was hitting her weaknesses.

"Tracey why do you think you are here?" she questioned.

Before Tracey could answer, she started to speak again "Because I deemed it fit that you should be here. See this place, with the right connections I could keep you here for the rest of your life. With the right connections I could even have you thrown in Guantanamo Bay."

"The world is my oyster dear sister"

Tracey started to sob. And then she realized something. "You did this didn't you? You put me here. This is your way of revenge isn't it? Tell me! Tell me you hateful bitch" she screamed.

"Now you're cluing in" not missing a beat and keeping her cool. Then she started to laugh at the shocked expression on her sisters face. It was so hilarious. She found pleasure at her sadness that was for sure.

"Why?"

"Why? She asks me why?"

"How about the fact that you betrayed me. How about the fact that you supplied Zach and my enemies with information and secrets and details during my divorce which they used against me. How about the fact that you testified against me? You were a character witness for Zach. You were a fictious storyteller in my divorce hearing. You set my friends and family against me. All because of money. You cleaned out my accounts. You spat at my feet. You abandoned me in my time of need. And let us not forget your words. And most importantly, how about the fact that you turned your back on your father?" she spat angrily.

"Are those good enough reasons?" she asked in a sweet voice. She was trying her best to control her rage.

"Merissa please forgive me. Forg-

"Not gonna happen" she sharply cut her off. "Now let us get back on topic. Tracey are you really going to ley another innocent man take the fall for your sin?"

"How could you turn so evil?" she asked in fear and hurt.

"Because you sucked at it" she clapped back.

"Tracey whether I am scheming to outsmart all my enemies. Or I am using power to simply get what I want, I never let my guard down. I think everything through. So if your next statement is going to be you won't get away with this. Bite your tongue and think again"

Tracey sniffled.

"Think about it. It took Zach 5 years to unravel the truth and find out about my innocence. And he had money and power at his disposal. And remember I was his wife. I was a Danson. And no one gave a damn about me. How much more you? You an insignificant, disloyal scum"

"You are heartless" she screamed.

"That is a complement. But really you have to take this deal. It is the best you are going to get."

She stood up and started walking around "I was going to destroy your boyfriend. Make him nothing but dust. But I decided to show mercy. I came to you with the chance to save him. You should be on your knees thanking me."

"You planned this? You destroyed TJ!" her eyes displaying rage.

"Mhmm. Every detail. So I am really the one person that you do not wants to mess with—and if you decide to challenge me, well, I will quite literally have your head."

'Please let this be a nightmare. Please. Let me wake up from this' she prayed.

"The offer will expire soon. It is your life for his."

"How can you fool everyone to think that are so forgiving? I have heard your interviews. You always talk about forgiveness. Were you lying then? Huh, where is that forgiveness?" she spat.

"I've never fooled anyone. I've let people fool themselves. They didn't bother to find out who I really have become. Instead they invented a character for me and sold it to the rest of the world. I can't be mad about that. They are obviously loving something that I am not."

"Merissa. I am begging you" she cried.

"Stop that crying" she groaned. "Listen it is quite simple. Save TJ or yourself. Either way you will have to live with the consequences of your actions"

She was sobbing.

"The clock is ticking"

"She knew now that Merissa was not playing. She was out for blood. For the first time in her life she was sacrificing herself for someone.

"What do you want me to do?" wiping her tears.

"A wise choice" nodding her head. Reaching into her purse she pulled out a pen and a piece of paper, sliding it across the table.

"Write. What I tell" then she started to dictate. And Tracey started to write her life away. Tears dripping and staining the sheet.

"Dear, TJ. As I am writing to you my mind is going crazy. I am not sure how much longer I can live with this guilt. I don't know how we got to this point. But I can't take anymore of this. I have to confess. It was me. It was all me. I couldn't take it. This was something that went too far. I am sorry. I am so sorry. I did everything. I am the one who stole away your happiness. I am the one who cut your life short. It was all me. I took everything from you. But I loved you. I still love you. At night you haunt me. And I can't live with myself. Please forgive my love. Please. I beg of you. I hope your soul finds a way to forgive me. Please forgive me. But I only have one regret. Losing you"

There was a pause.

"Now sign your name" she ordered.

Crying she signed. Then sliding it across the table to the monster in front of her.

Reading it over, she then tucked it away in an envelope and away in her purse"

Folding her hands on the table, she said with a smile "By tomorrow you will be free to go"

"What? I thought-"

"The time hasn't come yet. I said TJ was implicated. But I didn't say when. You should really pay attention"

Her mouth hung open in confusion.

"I am and will implicate TJ" she paused for dramatic effect.

"When the time and day calls for it. And then someway, somehow this little confession of yours will find its way to the police."

She started to cry again.

"But Tracey that day has not come yet. So you are free to leave. And I want you to live your life. Go about doing what you normally would do. Live life to its fullest"

"But every single day that you shall live, know this, you will drive yourself absolutely crazy wondering if that the day that you would be going to federal prison"

Tracey's eyes widened in horror and fear. That was evil. That was torture. That was a fate worse than death.

"It might be tomorrow. It might be next week. It might even be a year from now when it suits me to put my plan into action. And you will be locked up in federal prison for 20, 30 years." She laughed.

"That is your punishment sister mine"

She stood up ready to leave. But sat down again. But what Tracey really wanted was for her to leave. She couldn't take anymore.

"I almost forgot to give you this" Pulling out another envelop from her purse. "A small gift" she smiled.

"This is for you. Open it"

She hesitated but then reached out and opened it. They were stacks of cardboard papers. After a minute her eyes welled with tears. And she literally though that her heart had been ripped open. She was having trouble breathing.

"It seems your fiancé doesn't share the same love and loyalty that you do" Merissa taunted.

The papers showed TJ in some very compromising position with a woman. And they had the dates and time stamped.

"These are legit if you are wondering" she offered.

Then Merissa laughed out loud. "Poor poor Tracey. Always the butt end of a joke"

She started screaming. This could not be happening. No this had to be a joke. Here she was signed her life away for a man who was not even faithful to her. This couldn't be happening to her. This had t be a dream.

Painful isn't it?" Merissa cooed when she had quieted down. "When the people you are willing to give your life up for end up betraying you"

She didn't know which hurt more. Merissa's revenge or TJ's betrayal.

She gathered the pictures from a dazed and shocked Tracey. "I should be going. I will leave you with these memories. But we will be in touch" giving her a smile.

"Oh and when you do get out and it crosses your mind to kill that cheating bastard please go for it. After all, the letter you just wrote, also works as a murder confession"

Tracey started to get dizzy. But Merissa just showed her, her pearly whites. There was always a catch. And she had to laugh at her sister's descent into madness.

She walked to the door but stopped, her hand on the handle. And with her back still turned to her, and in a solemn voice

"I am not a bad person Tracey," she said. "I'm really a good person who has lived in a bad time."

Then opening the door, walked out. Her high heeled shoes echoing, as she threw on her shades. But in that room, Tracey had just collapsed.