CHAPTER TEN

Hank was done with Pilar and ready to take on this guy who everyone thought was the real Julian Crane.  "What a cushy situation this guy's got," Hank thought to himself.  "I can't feel bad about this at all, like that was ever a possibility," he smiled to himself.     

Actually Hank wasn't all bad, just greedy and very focused on that greed. He did care for Sheridan, just not like he cared about himself.  There were many other unsavory aspects to his character, but at least he was able to seem like a caring person, and after all, perception was reality for Hank's victims.  Most of them never really realized how seriously deranged he was.  He did however make this particular aspect very clear to the man now known as Julian.   With Pilar under control, and Sheridan safely tucked away, he was right on track.  

Once he got Julian alone, he simply put his cards on the table.  Hank offered to keep the Crane secrets for Julian's promise to persuade his so called sister, Sheridan , that Hank would be the perfect partner for her.  He also asked for a position at Crane Industries which would of course include a large  stock portfolio.  The position would at first be a stepping stone which would impress Julian so much that he would be singing Hank's praises to the entire Crane family, emphasis on Sheridan Crane.  

Once he became an integral part of the business, it would not be unreasonable to expect the marriage to take place.  Hank was shooting for New Years.  That would give him time to get Sheridan more interested after her stay at the Institute, let her hear from everyone how great seeing her and Hank together was, his proposal, a little partying, a little getting to know the inner workings of the family business, a little more partying, more encouragement, and bada bing, the big day!  Once he and Sheridan were together, he  would decide whether he wanted to get rid of Julian  and what to do about the islanders.  Right now, they made great leverage for getting what he needed.

The man posing as Julian Crane actually seemed relieved that someone would be taking Sheridan in hand and controlling her to some degree.  He had evidently been worried that she would get herself involved with some do gooder who might find out his identity and blow the whole thing which would really put him in jeopardy.  He liked his life, and it didn't seem to bother him too much that he was being blackmailed since the end result was someone who would keep Sheridan away from the truth and out of his hair.  It seemed a fair price to him he had said playing it cool outwardly.  

Julian had tried to establish a comradery there as they talked over what would happen.  Typical manipulative technique  he probably picked up selling used cars before he got lucky and fell into somebody else's good life...agree with the customer/victim and try to establish a rapport, find out what he wants, gain some trust and then hit him hard. They were very much alike, conniving, selfish, manipulative, opportunists who shared the same interests. The guy was such a creep, he might have  actually approved of Hank as a brother in law. It was hard to judge his sincerity.  More than likely, it was just  a huge set up to throw Hank off, the sales technique thing.   One thing was certain:  Hank knew this man could never be trusted.  He could be smiling out one side of his face and plotting a double murder at the same time.  Hank made his demands, made his polite departure from the Crane mansion and vowed to cover his back at all times, maybe even hire a  secret bodyguard. 

Hank left the Crane mansion with a smile on his face and money in his pocket, a little good faith cash out of Mr. Julian Crane from shady lane. Now he could afford to spend a little time on the coast near his true love,   Sheridan....show her how much he missed her, how he was always going  to be there for her, woo her, please her, comfort her, and  oh yes, perhaps take a peek at those medical records.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

The drive up to the Institute was good for Hank.  It gave him time to plan, time to enjoy himself, and time to plan how much he would soon be enjoying himself.  He just hoped things would go smoothly when he saw Sheridan.  "What if that doctor had talked her into believing he wasn't good for her"  he worried.  That was another reason he wanted to be there with Sheridan, at least for a while.  He needed to make points with the doctor, let her know he was Sheridan's knight in shining armor.  After all, he was the one who really saved her life.  He was the one who made Pilar promise to stop the drugs, the one who had talked her into seeing a doctor in the first place.  Surely he would already be seen as a good friend for Sheridan.  But he had to play it safe.  He had to know precisely what was happening to Sheridan and be with her when she was most vulnerable. 

 It was beautiful country, dense woods lined the highway, their autumn leaves spectacular with blazes of orange and yellow and various shades of green slowly drifting down to line the sides of the winding road.  In the distance, snow capped peaks shown through the afternoon sun.  The air was crisp and cool with just a hint of a sea breeze as he neared the coastal town where the Institute was situated between the highway and the sea, within the forest.  As he left the main highway, he drove another mile or so twisting and turning through the etched out rocky terrain just wide enough for two cars before coming to the turnoff for the Institute.  A sign marked private was the only thing revealing the location of the road which Hank was to take to reach his destination.  Down, down through tall and massive oak and maple curly cues  the road narrowed until a  tiny drive  took Hank to the end of the path where just beyond a clearing stood a splendid group of small cottages in a semicircle.  A magnificent bronze  fountain  with scampering metallic squirrels surrounding a  giant glistening statue of a beautiful young maiden holding a molded basket of berries and fruits stood before the main cottage.  The sound of the water trickling and splashing down the fountain and the wind rustling through the trees made the perfect atmosphere, Hank thought, for rehabilitating the spirit.  The tweeting and chirping of the birds in the trees and the smell of a fire from a chimney in the main cottage had him wondering how anyone could ever be enticed to leave such a place.  The ocean was about a mile away, he figured at the most, and he  wondered if maybe that would be the perfect walk for him and Sheridan to share. 

Hank rang the bell outside  a black iron gate and was startled by a speaker he hadn't seen on the side of the stucco wall where he leaned waiting and wondering.  After announcing himself, he was greeted in person and led down a vine covered walkway where he saw another group of cottages which had been hidden by all the trees.  There were twelve in all including the main cottage which served as the office and where Hank waited for Dr. Franklin.  

After a few minutes, Hank was told that the doctor was with patients and would meet him the next day by appointment.  "Of course," he told himself.  "I should have called first.  That was stupid...like a famous doctor would just be hanging out in her office.  I'd better get a grip here and think straight if I'm going to pull this thing off."  He was afraid he was slipping and knew he was better off getting situated in a place for the night and getting some rest before talking to a psychiatrist who probably knew what he was thinking  and why before he did.  He felt a little nervous but told himself over and over, perception, perception.  I can be whoever I choose to be.  She doesn't know me.  Whatever I make myself out to be, that's who I am, period.  As far as she's concerned, I'm the perfect guy.  Let's just hope Sheridan's story agrees.  She must have told this doctor something about me, and what else could it be but wow!-good!   He was just about to leave when he decided to ask whether he could see Sheridan. 

 "After 4," the secretary smiled.  Such a nice place, he thought smiling back. "You can leave her a message if you like," she said pushing a pad and pen across the desk to Hank.  

Hank jotted down a message for Sheridan saying he'd be back that evening to take her to dinner if that was ok and that he'd call first.  Then he slid the note and a smile back to the young woman.  When he turned to leave, she got up and  walked him out through to the gate telling him about nearby accommodations.    

Hank spent the next few hours settling in and cruising the area.  Finally it was time to call Sheridan, and when he did, she sounded extremely happy to know he was there.  He was able to pick her up later, she said, and they planned a little dinner at a cozy restaurant off the highway called Hernando's.  The cuisine was excellent, and they dined on steak and mussels in a garlic wine sauce.  

"This reminds me of the food in Mexico,"  Sheridan said enjoying the wine and the gazing out the window at the starry sky.  "It's so relaxing here, Hank.  I'm so glad you talked me into coming here, and tell Dr, Russell too, will you."  She smiled across the table and he filled her glass.  

"I know this cheap wine is nothing like the champagne you usually have, Sheridan, but I think this place makes everything better.  That's probably what makes you think about Mexico, just the whole laid back atmosphere.  Yeah, I could get used to this too.  But I can't stay, you know. I'm starting a new job actually. "  He grinned and waited for her reaction. 

"No kidding!, she smiled back looking interested, "Tell me about it."  

"Well, actually it's working for Crane Industries.  Your brother and I got to talking when I went there to see Pilar.  I was looking for Luis actually, and I was hoping she could help me find him, you know, he's working on my car thing.  But anyway, Julian and I got to talking and well, you're looking at the new assistant to the vice president of  acquisitions for Crane Industries.  He figured with my experience making it on my own all over the world and all that I'd fit right in, and he said there would be more opportunity if I proved myself.  So, whatdayasay! "  He held his glass up for a toast.

"I say well done, that 's what I say.  Very well done, Hank.  My brother is a hard nut to crack.  He can be very peculiar, even with me, his own sister.  Sometimes I wonder if he and I are ever on the same wave length if you know what I mean.  He's just got his nose to the grindstone constantly.  No time for nonsense, that guy, no sir.  Actually, we hardly even see each other.  Can you believe it!  I've been staying right under his nose, and I've probably only spoken to him two or three times since I moved in.  He's always gone on some business thing or whatever. " She smiled back and toasted Hank, "to your success!  I'm so proud of you, Hank.  So what does this mean"

"Well it means I can pay for this dinner for one thing", they both laughed. "It's boring", he dismissed the subject, "I go to work, I kiss butt, I go home, that's about it" he joked. "I'll let you know more when I do.  I haven't even started yet.  So you tell me all about the clinic. What's happening with you?"

Hank ordered another bottle of wine, and sat back  and poured the wine while Sheridan poured her heart out about the clinic telling him all about the doctor and the testing and describing what she'd done so far.  She was most definitely opening up to him, telling about how the doctor was going to help her with her nightmares and also her general feelings of unworth and  tendency toward making bad choices for herself.  He told her he hoped he wasn't a bad choice and they had another laugh with Sheridan assuring him that she and the doctor both were happy about their relationship and the way it was moving along not too fast.  She was glad they could trust each other and said she felt protected with him.  He decided the time was not right to let her know that he knew anything about her experience with the so called intruder, but he was searching for that time during every part of the conversation.  

The next day Hank went to see Dr. Franklin and took a business card as he left.  They had a nice conversation, and he felt he had made a good impression on the doctor.  He shared another dinner with Sheridan, a hike to the beach and a long talk under the moonlit sky.  When he left, he felt like he accomplished some good bonding there too before heading back home to start work and check on things.   He had decided there was no need to tell Sheridan what he knew, not yet anyway.  He would play that card if he needed it. With Julian and Pilar singing his praises and with the way Sheridan was falling into his trap, things were  right on target. When Sheridan got back, if all went well, he would begin working his way toward a marriage proposal.  He was still shooting for the holidays and he was an excellent marksman.

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