Roswell Fanatics

Chapter 21


Max and Michael sat looking through all documents that Arlene Jensen had in her home. They were looking for any indication as to where the cabin might be. Max hoped there was another family member who might be of help, but one of the last two members of the Jensen family was dead. Only Cole himself was left. Max knew that before this was all over, he would make sure Jensen was not left.

"Max, there's no fucking clue to where this cabin is!"Michael shouted frustrated. .

"Michael, there's something somewhere, we just have to find it," Max said.

"How do you even know this is where Liz is?" Michael asked skeptically

Max rolled his eyes in irritation.

"Michael, let me clear this up. I am not making you search through all of this for no good reason. I know with everything that I am, that this cabin is where my wife is. It's also where Emma is. Now, I didn't call and ask you for help, only to have you start questioning me now," Max said.

"I know Max. I'm not, I"m just frustrated. I believe you when you say this is where we can find them, I really do," Michael replied honestly.

"Michael, we are looking into this cabin as if it's owned property. Maybe he doesn't own the cabin or the property. Maybe he's renting it. Or maybe he's just there illegally. We should look into places that he could easily use without anyone knowing," Max suggested.

"Good idea, Maxwell," Michael agreed.

"Let's take a look at the picture again. Maybe there's some small clue in it that can help us narrow down the possible location of the cabin," Max said.

Looking at the picture they noticed nothing in particular of help. Flipping over the photograph, Max noticed writing on the back.

Amelia Jensen
April 6, 2000
Four years old

Looking back at Amelia's smiling face, he noticed her T-shirt, said ‘birthday girl'. It must have been taken on her fourth birthday, Max thought. He knew this had some importance. He just couldn't grasp what it is.

He got up and ran quickly towards the basement again, with Michael shouting behind him.

Ignoring Michael, he ran towards a box he saw earlier. A box of old birthday cards. Of children's birthday cards. Hurriedly digging through them, he flipped each one open and read the contents quickly.

He came across on that had a cartoon on the front saying Happy Fourth Birthday in bright pink letters. He opened it with a racing heart, and read the contents. It was from Arlene. It read:

Happy Birthday Amelia, I love you and I hope you have fun in Virginia.

Max's heart was in his throat. It had to be in Virginia. He checked the card again and sure enough it was for Amelia's fourth birthday. The picture with the cabin was taken on her fourth birthday. The cabin was in Virginia. They still had a whole state to look through, but with ti being narrowed down to one state was much more hope than Max could have wished for. He said a silent prayer while tears of relief streamed down his face. I'm coming Liz, Max thought with a bruised heart.

*****************************

Liz was in the bathroom washing up when she heard a voice she had come to loathe call out her name. She shivered thinking he didn't have a right to say her name that way. He didn't have a right to say her name at all.

Liz turned to see him standing in the doorway of the bathroom. He had a smile on his face. A leering smile. He had never smiled at her that way before. Liz felt a shudder of fear wrack her small frame.

"So, Liz, I was thinking maybe things between us could change. Amelia really needs a mother and I really need someone too. Since you're going nowhere and it seems that we've both taken to you quite nicely, that maybe you'd like to become that mother and someone we need," Jensen said smoothly.

Liz's eyes widened with shock. He couldn't be implying what she thought he was. She unconsciously took a step further back from him. In turn, he took a step closer towards her. His eyes raked up and down her body with an appraising gaze. When his eyes finally met her's again, she had to swallow back the bile at the look in his eyes.

"I mean, my wife passed away, and Max is as good as dead to you, and you're as good as dead to him. Obviously he doesn't care about you like you thought, because he willingly handed you over to me. He hasn't taken you back like I know you have hoped for,"Jensen said coldly.

Liz had to bite her tongue at what she really wanted to say. She wanted to tell him he disgusted her and that Max will always be alive in her heart and she knew he was looking for her and that he would find her and kill him. But she couldn't do that, she didn't have the luxury to speak her mind. Another reason she resented him more and more each day.

Liz felt a sharp pain shoot through her lower abdomen. It was as if her child was trying to silently tell Jensen off too. Liz's hand flew to her stomach and she gasped out in pain.

"What's wrong?" Jensen asked quickly.

Liz's eyes widened in fear and she quickly spit out, "Nothing...N-Nothing. Just a little cramp."

Jensen's eyes narrowed suspiciously.

He brought his hand up to touch her face. Right when his hand made contact, another violent pain ripped through her abdomen. She doubled over gasping for breathe.

Jensen grabbed her face forcing Liz's gaze to meet his questioning one.

When he saw her eyes he knew what was wrong.

"You're pregnant," he stated in a deadly calm voice.

****************************

After only a couple hours of research they had found the location of the cabin. They were on their way to finding Liz. They had only about another hour of driving to do, before they would be at the cabin.

Max requested help from the department, but Chief Spencer had said he couldn't afford the manpower to help Max on his wild goose chase. He said not mater how much he wanted to, he couldn't send help without solid evidence, not just a feeling. Things had been tense at the department since they found out about the betrayal that Jensen took part in.

Max was angry to say the least, but he could do this himself, with Michael's help.

He gripped the steering wheel until his knuckles turned white. His eyes were filled with tears and his jaw was clenched.

Every mile they were closer, he could feel his anger rising. Almost to the point where he couldn't focus. He was almost afraid what would happen once he came face to face with Jensen.

TBC

Author's Note: Okay, finally here's the next part. Sorry it took so long and I hope everyone likes it! Thanks so much for the feedback and support!



Chapter 22

Max was speeding through unfamiliar streets with Michael sitting beside him. His heart was beating so fasts he was convinced he might have a heart attack. He was feeling so many different emotions. He was anxious, angry, hopeful, and scared. He was hopeful to find Liz, he was angry that he had to even find her, and he was scared to death of what he might find...or not find.

Shaking himself out of his thoughts, he saw that they were twenty minutes away from the cabin where Liz might be. He felt sick at the thought that she might not even be there. He had a strong feeling in his gut, heart, and soul he would find her there, but he had this annoying, nagging voice telling him he might not. He didn't know what he would do if she wasn't there. If he was wrong about this place. He had a feeling this was his last chance to find his wife. Because if it turned out he was all wrong about it, he had no idea where to look next. The only thing he was sure that would happen if she wasn't there would be his emotional breakdown. He was barely hanging already, he his last hope of finding his wife was rendered obsolete, he knew that he wouldn't survive it. Liz wouldn't survive it. None of them would.

"Michael, where do I turn next?" Max asked impatient to get there.

"Let's see.....take the next right in five miles up ahead," Michael answered just as impatient.

"Hang on Liz," Max said in hopes that Liz would somehow hear him.

**************************************

Liz swallowed the lump that was lodged in her throat. The heavy ball of fear that was now residing, it seemed like permanently, in her stomach.

"I....I"m not...I"m not pregnant," Liz stammered in fear.

"Don't fucking lie to me!" Jensen screamed angrily.

Liz's hands went protectively around her stomach and she shrunk back in terror at the amount of anger in Jensen's voice.

"How long have you known?!" Jensen asked yelling.

Liz stood there trembling, unsure of what to do. She knew there was no use denying her current state of pregnancy, for she knew it would only serve to anger him more. But, she just couldn't seem to get the words out that Jensen so desperately wanted her to.

Jensen grabbed her by the hair, pulling her roughly to him.

"Damnit! Answer me you lying bitch!" Jensen bellowed in a fit of rage.

Liz tried to ignore the sharp pain in her lower abdomen that his jerking of her body caused.

With tears streaming down her face she answered in a trembling voice, "For about...a....about a month....I think."

Liz swallowed hard at the look of pure disgust that crossed Cole Jensen's face at her answer.

He shoved her against the bathroom wall. Liz slid down to the floor clutching her stomach in pain.

"I knew it. I should have listened to my instincts. I just wanted you to be the one. I wanted you to work out. But you're just like all the others. Like Sadie. You just have this pseudo innocence about you. I shouldn't have fell for it. You're worse than the others. So much worse. I cannot believe I let you near my Amelia," Jensen rambled on in anger.

Liz closed her eyes painfully at the mention of Emma. She had to get them out of here. Opening her eyes again, she noticed he was now pacing back and forth mumbling to himself beside her bed. Turning her gaze toward the door, she saw that it was open. She couldn't believe he didn't shut and lock it behind him. He was a fool for trusting her, he was right about that. Standing on trembling legs, she pushed past the pain in her stomach and walked to the doorway of the bathroom. She had to get Emma. She knew her door was locked. She needed the keys. Looking around, she saw them nowhere. She couldn't leave Emma. She promised her she wouldn't. Looking back to the door to contemplate her next move, she caught a flash of something reflecting in the light. Her heart sped up with hope. He left the keys in the lock.

Acting on pure adrenaline, she knew she'd have to make a run for it. She couldn't stay here, he'd kill her. He'd kill her child. She'd kill Max's child. She choked back a sob at the thought of her husband. God, how she needed him right now, she thought, before running as quickly as she could in her condition to the door.

*********************************************

"Maxwell, we're almost there. Keep going down this road for about six miles. You'll come across a fork in the road and you'll take the left. Go down it for about four miles and the cabin should be there," Michael said anxiously.

Max nodded shakily. This was it. This was the moment he had been waiting anticipating for months.

******************************************

Liz swung open the door and slammed it behind her, quickly pulling the keys out of the lock she locked the door. She had a quick sense of satisfaction at being the one to make the sound she had grown to loathe. The sound of a door shutting and locking. This time he was the one on the other side.

She jumped back from the door when she heard Jensen pounding on it and screaming frantically.

"You fucking bitch!! Let me out! I"m going to fucking kill you!" Jensen roared so loudly that she could have sworn the ground shook beneath her. It could have been her own trembling causing the ground to move though, she thought.

Quickly ignoring his violent protests, she ran down the hall to Emma's room. She looked at the keys in her hand and had no clue as to which one would set Emma free from her dolled-up cage.

With shaky hands she tried key after key. All the while hearing Jensen's screams and banging of the door. She knew she had to hurry. He could knock down that door any second. She felt sweat starting to run down her temples. She swore she never knew such pressure in her entire life.

She released an audible cry of relief when she heard the sound that signaled the door was unlocked. Quickly pushing it open, she saw Emma cowering in the corner.

"Oh, sweetie!" Liz said running over to her.

Hugging her, Liz said urgently,"Come on, we have to go now!"

Emma grabbed Liz's hand and stood up.

"What's going on? Why is he so mad?" Emma asked on the verge of tears.

"He's mad because we're leaving, Come on!" Liz yelled.

Liz and Emma ran out of the room and down a hallway. Looking around, Liz saw she had no clue where to go. She was frantic. Opening the door at the end of the hallway,she saw that it was a flight of stairs. She pushed Emma in front of her and told her to run as fast as she could up the stairs.

"What about you?" Emma asked in full-fledge tears now.

"I....I"m coming....I-I'm right behind you sweetie," Liz said gasping for breathe.

She saw Emma hesitate.

"Go!" Liz ordered

Emma quickly turned around and bolted up the stairs.

Liz tried to climb the stairs as quickly as she could. But with her now intense stomach pains, she could barely lift her legs to climb the stairs.

She quickly turned her head around when she heard the sound of a door busting open. She screamed when she saw Jensen pushed angrily through the doorway and turn his gaze towards her.

"Oh god...Oh god," she gasped out in fear.

Attempting to run up the stairs, her movements were halted when she felt hands roughly jerk her head back by her hair and drag her down the stairs.

She screamed in pain that the movement called her stomach.

"Please....P-Please....stop," Liz pleaded desperately.

"Like fucking hell!"Jensen screamed.

"You're going to fucking pay. You ruined everything!" Jensen said while dragging Liz through the hallway towards her bedroom.

He picked her up and threw her in the bed roughly. Quickly straddling her and pinning her arms above her head he leaned his face down just mere inches from her.

"Where the fuck did you send my daughter to?" Jensen asked hotly.

Liz could feel his hot breath on her face and she reflexively turned her head away.

"Fucking look at me!" Jensen ordered.

Liz slowly turned her throbbing head back towards his.

"She's gone. I told her to go get help. You fucking bastard. She's not your daughter, she's not Amelia. Emma is going to bring someone back here and you're fucking screwed," Liz spat out in anger. She was tired of holding it in.

Liz didn't even have time to blink before she felt a fist colliding with her mouth.

She cried out and spat out blood.

"You fucking bitch!" Jensen screamed.

"I should have gotten rid of you a long time ago," he said.

"You're the fool who didn't," Liz replied harshly.

Again, she felt a fist making contact with her eye.

She started sobbing from the pain it caused in her head. It felt like her eye was exploding.

"Oh god," she gasped out when another sharp, unbearable pain shot through her lower abdomen.

Jensen laughed a cruel laugh.

"Something wrong with the baby?" he asked smirking.

Liz choked back a sob at her worst fear voiced aloud. Her eyes widened when she felt something warm and sticky between her legs. She knew it was blood.

"You know, Liz, you never got the chance to play the part of my wife," Jensen said suggestively.

Liz's eyes widened in fear and disgust at the implication.

He trailed his hand down her body and when his hand came into contact with her upper thigh, he halted his movements.

Looking down he saw a large amount of blood soaking through her jeans and onto the bed.

Looking back up at her, he said smirking, "I guess this answers my question about the baby."

Liz let out a harsh wail knowing what he was saying. There was no baby anymore.

*****************************************

Max and Michael spotted the cabin. He was about to speed up, when he saw a little dark-haired girl. It was Emma. Oh god, he thought, Liz is here.

Stopping the car, he jumped out and ran to her with Michael following behind her.

"Emma!" Max yelled while grabbing hold of her.

"Where's Liz? Is she in there?" Max said looking around frantically.

Emma's eyes teared up.

"Max, we need to search the house," Michael said.

Emma's eyes widened in recognition of that name.

"You're Max?" she asked.

Max nodded.

"My Liz told me about you. She said you'd come," Emma said smiling with watery eyes.

Max let out a sob at the realization that she spoke to Liz.

"Yeah,honey, Where is she?" Max asked urgently.

Emma' s lower lip began to tremble.

"She....S-She's down in the basement. I...I think he got her," Emma said before breaking out into another fit of tears.

Max's heart plummeted into his stomach.

"Michael, stay with her," Max said.

"But, Max, you can't go in there alone," Michael protested.

"And she can't stay out here alone. Stay with her. I'll be fine. If I don't come out soon, lock Emma in the car and come in, okay?" Max asked.

Michael nodded.

Max pulled out his gun and ran as fast as he could to the cabin.

"Please, make Liz okay!" Emma yelled.

Max stopped and said, "I promise. She'll be okay," Max said.

"She has to be," he added before entering through the front door of the cabin where his wife currently was.


TBC.....I'll have the next part up tomorrow night! I don't want to leave you guys hanging!

A/N: Okay finally Max and Liz are reunited! I hope everyone likes it! Thanks for the feedback!


Chapter 23

Liz looked up at the smirking face looming above her. She literally felt sick to her stomach. Her baby was gone. She had lost Max's baby. She lost it before her husband even knew their child existed. She felt sick that this bastard above her could take such pleasure from the death of a child. She never hated him more than she did right now.

"Hmmm...I wonder what Max will think if he knew you didn't take care of your child?" Jensen said while tapping his chin.

Liz let out a devastated cry.

"You do know it's your fault? You shouldn't have betrayed me. You should have eaten better and not let yourself go. I'm not responsible for your child's death. You are," Jensen spat out.

Liz closed her eyes and breathed in a painful breath.

"No...I-I'm not...If you hadn't done what you did to me...it would still be alive," Liz said sobbing.

The response she got to her accusation was Jensen's fist punching her in the face, again. She felt blood pouring from her nose. He had broken it. She knew it.

"You know, I was going to have a little fun with you. But you're a mess. And because of you I have to go search for my daughter. So, I'm going to have to kill you," Jensen said casually.

Liz felt his hands wrap around her fragile neck in a vice grip. She never felt such sorrow or fear. She'd never see Max again. But at least she got Emma out. That was the most important thing of all. Her vision began to blur out and she knew her time was close to being up.

*****************************************

Max walked into Jensen's cabin and heard nothing but complete silence. He ran frantically throughout the cabin looking for the basement door. Quickly finding it, he jerked it open and made his way blindly down the stairs. Reaching the bottom of the staircase, he saw a long hallway with numerous doors. Much like the prison they found at Jensen's home.

He looked towards the far end of the hallway where a light was shining from. He knew Liz was there. Picking up his pace, he ran as fast as he could. Reaching the doorway, what he saw filled him with more rage than he ever thought possible.

Liz was lying on a bed with Jensen straddling her. His hands were wrapped around her neck literally squeezing the life out of her with his bare hands. Her face was unrecognizable. Blood was pouring from her nose, her mouth, and a cut above her eye. One of her eyes was completely swollen into a purple mess.

"Get the fuck off her you son of a bitch!!!" Max roared with such force that both Jensen and Liz jumped in fear.

Jensen quickly whipped his head to the side and saw Max holding a gun and pointing it right at him. Acting quickly he grabbed Liz by the neck and pulled her body in front of his. Standing up he backed against the wall with Liz acting as a shield in front of him.

Liz's eyes filled with tears. Tears of relief and love at seeing Max. She choked out a desperate sob.

"Maaaxx...." Liz sobbed out in a pleading voice.

Max's heart twisted painfully in his chest at seeing a full view of Liz. She looked half-dead. He knew she probably almost was a few seconds ago. His eyes widened in horror, then quickly filled with tears at seeing her jeans soaked through with blood between her legs.

His eyes jumped up to her face searching for a sign she was okay.

Liz knew that he saw the blood and she could only sob uncontrollably.

"What the fuck did you do to her?!" Max screamed at the top of his lungs in rage and fear.

Jensen just smirked. "I didn't do anything to her. She did it herself," he said.

Liz began shaking her head vehemently in denial.

Jensen only squeezed her neck tighter. "Stop moving you fucking bitch," he bit out harshly.

Max's jaw clenched with anger. "You son of a bitch. Let her go! Right fucking now!"

"If you're wondering what she did by any chance. I'll tell you. She killed your child," Jensen said in triumph.

Max's eyes blinked in confusion. His mouth fell agape with question.

"L-Liz?" Max questioned.

Liz only sobbed harder at hearing his confused voice.

"Max....." she cried out painfully.

"Tell me what the hell you're talking about!" Max screamed at Jensen.

"I think your bitch of a wife just miscarried. Shame, isn't it?" Jensen asked sarcastically.

Max's eyes turned black with murder. Liz gasped at the look in his eyes. She had never seen his eyes turn such a dark shade. Such a frightening shade. She thought she even felt Jensen tense in fear behind her.

Max cocked his gun and began to press his finger to the trigger.

Jensen acted quickly.

"Don't you fucking dare," he warned while jerked Liz up off of the ground by her neck.

Max's trembling finger hovered above the trigger.

"If you fucking pull that trigger, I'll snap her neck," Jensen threatened.

Max swallowed in fear. He looked into his wife's blood face and his he felt sick. He had let his happen to her. He should have gotten her sooner.

"Put the gun down," Jensen ordered.

Max hesitated.

"Now!" Jensen screamed.

Max put the gun down slowly when he heard Liz's desperate cries.

"And the one around your ankle," He said.

Max complied reluctantly.

Standing back up he looked into his wife's eyes.

Liz stared back. He was silently trying to tell her something. He kept moving his eyes downward then back up to her's.

Liz looked down then back up at him, and he gave her a knowing look.

Liz understood what he was trying to tell her. He wanted her to find a way to get to the ground.

Jensen was too busy ranting and raving to notice the silent exchange between husband and wife.

"Max, you do know I'm going to kill your wife? She fucked me over and took my Amelia away. I'm going to make sure she pays," he said coldly.

Max barely registered Jensen's words. Just gave him a false look that he was listening.

Liz suddenly brought her elbow back and jammed it into Jensen's stomach behind her. Her sudden attack caused him to release his hold on her neck and she fell to the floor.

Max was quick to pull his knife out of his back pocket before expertly throwing it at Jensen.

Jensen felt a piercing pain in his left shoulder. Looking to it, there was a knife sticking out of it with blood seeping past the wound.

Liz quickly crawled to the other side of the room. Her whole face, head, and neck were throbbing painfully, while her stomach was on fire.

"You motherfucker!" Jensen yelled angrily before pulling the knife out of his shoulder.

Jensen lunged at Max with the knife in hand. Jensen tackled Max to the ground and raised the knife above his head to stab Max.

Max grabbed Jensen's wrist before it could pierce the flesh of his chest. They struggled with the knife. Jensen trying to stab Max, with Max trying to pry it away from him.

Liz looked up and saw what was happening. She crawled over to them and grabbed Jensen's arm trying to help Max. Jensen released the knife and threw his elbow back punching Liz in the stomach. She fell back gasping in pain. His blow only intensified her already sore abdomen.

Max saw red. He rolled them over and began punching Jensen in the face. Jensen raised his fist and punched Max in the mouth. The force of the blow caused Max to fall backwards. He spat out blood.

Jensen crawled over towards the knife. Max caught the movement Jensen was making and he wasted no time tackling him and began punching him. Over and over his fist pounded into Jensen. Max was trying to beat Jensen to death. He wanted to. Jensen's face became a sea of blood.

Along with the repeated blows Max threw, he also threw out words of hate, sorrow, and rage.

"You son of a bitch! You motherfucker! I hate you! I"m going to kill you!" he screamed hoarsely.

Jensen made no movement. He was dead, but Max could not stop punching him. He was actually crushing the bones of Jensen's face with each deadly blow he gave him.

Liz looked up and saw Max. She was shocked. His whole posture and facial expression gave off murderous vibes. She could tell Jensen has long gone, yet Max kept punching. The need to hold her husband and be held by him overwhelmed her.

"M-Maaxx..." Liz cried out softly.

The sound of his wife's weak voice broke him out of his rage-filled haze.

Whipping his head around, he saw his bloody and broken wife staring at him in need.

"Oh God," he croaked out.

Jumping off of Jensen, he stumbled over towards Liz and dropped to the ground wrapping her safely in his arms.

Liz squeezed back just as tightly.

"Liz. Oh god. Liz. Liz. Liz. Liz," Max repeated desperately.

Liz sobbed hard.

They rocked together tightly for a long time sobbing.

Max finally pulled back and stared into Liz's face. He choked back a sob at her injuries.

"Oh god, what did he do to you? I"m so sorry. I'm so sorry," Max whispered painfully.

"I'm okay Max. I'm fine now. I"m okay," Liz reassured him even though she knew she'd never be okay again.

Max wrapped his wife in a desperate grip again.

"You're okay," he whispered brokenly. "We're okay now," he added in a throbbing whisper.

He closed his eyes painfully and hugged his wife tighter when he heard her soft breath brush across his ear when she whispered, "I knew you'd come."

TBC

Author's Note: Okay new part! Thank you so much to everyone who has been reading my story and leaving feedback! It means so much to me! I'm glad everyone likes my first fic. So here's some thanks to my feebackers and I'm sorry if I left anyone out! Thanks!


Emz80m- Thanks for reading!
Strawberry88-I promise there will be a lot of happy times after Liz, Max, and Emma get through this!
aurorasky-Emma will become part of their family!
nayney-I'm glad you think so. Thanks so much!
woodwinds-Thanks!
VeronicB-Max might come into a little questioning about it, but nothing serious.
LittleHottie510-Happy ending is guaranteed.
magikhands-I would have easily blown him away too, but I wanted Max to get rid of Jensen in a more....angry way....I am glad Jensen is dead too. Now, I won't have to write him. Thanks for reading!
AvengingAngelIQHi!
OmegaRam1-Thanks!
Sali103-Little Emma will have a home with Max and Liz.
Behrsgirl77-Max and Liz will have a lot to deal with...Thanks so much!
Smac-Thanks!
Modelchick-I agree...he got what he deserved...Thanks!
moonlight-Thanks!
sweetbrowneyes-Thanks a lot!
foreverdreamer15-Thanks!


Chapter 24

Max sat besides his wife's hospital bed watching her sleep.

Michael had come in a few minutes after he had been holding Liz. He said that Emma was locked safely in the car and back-up was on the way.

When the ambulance had come the paramedics couldn't pry Liz away from him. It was like she was almost afraid to let him go.

Looking at her now, his heart clenched. He should have stopped this somehow. If only he was a day sooner. Hell, even a few minutes sooner, his child would be alive. He couldn't grasp the thought that Liz had been pregnant, let alone that she had miscarried.

He brought his hand up to stroke her bruised face. Her eye was completely purple and blue. It was swollen shut. Her nose was broken. She had a bruised and busted lip. She had numerous bruises all over her body where he had dragged her down the stairs. Thankfully, the doctor said that no permanent damage had been done. She'd be able to have children again.

He didn't even realize he was crying until he felt a soft hand brush away his tears.

"Hi," Liz whispered with a small smile.

"Hi," Max croaked out.

"Are you feeling okay? Do you need me to get the doctor? Do you need any water or anything?" Max asked concerned.

Liz laughed. "You still haven't changed. Always overprotective," she said.

Max's eyes darkened with pain. "Obviously not protective enough," he said with a voice full of self-loathing.

"Max. Stop it. Right now. None of this is your fault. None of this is my fault. You couldn't have stopped me from being taken. You found me. You saved my life," Liz reassured.

"But, I couldn't save our child's," Max said painfully.

Liz's eyes feared with tears at the reminder of what they had lost.

"No, Max. I couldn't save our child," Liz corrected just as painfully.

"No, don't do that Liz. Don't you dare feel guilty. You didn't do anything," Max said full of confidence.

Liz shook her head sadly.

"Let's not talk about who's at fault or not, okay?" Liz pleaded.

Max nodded.

"I missed you so much," he choked out.

Liz's lower lip trembled as tears streamed down her face.

"I missed you too," she said.

Max blinked back tears while whispering, "I was so afraid I might not find you. I was so afraid that I'd be too late," he admitted painfully.

"I knew you'd find me. You always have and you always will," Liz replied in a hoarse voice laced with confidence.

"Oh God....I-I...I can't believe you're really here. I'm never going to let you go again," Max said with his voice cracking.

"I'm never going to let you," Liz said with just as much emotion.

Max laid his head down on his wife's chest and sobbed.

"I love you Liz. God, I love you so much," he choked out.

Liz released a shuddering breath.

"I love you too," she said.


***********************************

Later that night Maria DeLuca bolted through the hospital hallways. She had received a call from Michael, her fiancee, telling her they found Liz and she was at the hospital. Maria had immediately jumped in her car and drove the long drive alone to Liz. She could hardly believe she was about to lay eyes on her best friend. She hadn't see her in months. Michael had warned her Liz was in pretty bad shape, but she was going to be okay. He had also informed her about the miscarriage. Maria's heart was broken for her best friends. She couldn't even begin to imagine what they have went through, especially Liz. She hoped to God she never would have to do anything other than imagine it.

Rounding the corner she flew into Max.

She immediately wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug saying she was so sorry over and over.

Max returned the hug with equal emotion.

"It's okay Maria. Liz will be okay. I will be okay. We'll be fine," Max reassured the hysterical petite blonde in front of him.

Maria blinked back tears, but to no avail, they fell down her face at an alarming rate.

"How's Lizzie doing?" Maria asked.

Max closed his eyes wearily and released a torn sigh.

"She's....She's okay. Well, physically she'll be okay. She says she's fine, but you know how she is," Max answered.

Maria nodded knowingly. "Yeah, she's just like you. She won't tell you if she's not okay, she doesn't want to worry you. You'd do the same thing," Maria said.

Max just sighed in response.

"Max, she'll come around. Give her time. It's only been a few hours. You know she'll hold it together for a few days as best as she can, but the dam will break. You'll be there to help her," Maria said.

"I'll always be there," Max agreed.

"Is she awake?" Maria asked.

"No, she's heavily sedated. She fell back asleep, probably will be for a while. Could you please go sit with her while I make a call?" Max asked.

"Of course Max," Maria answered.

Max breathed a sigh of relief. "Thanks Maria, I just don't want to leave her alone," he said.

"Who are you calling?" Maria asked curiously.

"Liz mumbled Emma in her sleep a few times. I completely forgot about that little girl. I think Michael's with her, so I'm going to call and check up on her. Liz would want me to," Max said.

"I won't be long," he added.

***********************************************

Max dialed Michael's number. After hearing the sound of ringing for a few seconds he heard Michael's voice say across the line, "Guerin here."

"Michael, it's me," Max said.

"How's Liz?" Michael quickly asked.

"You know..as best as she can be," Max added heartbroken.

"Maria just called and told me she was at the hospital," Michael announced.

"Yeah, she's sitting with Liz right now," Max said.

"Anyway, Michael. What's going on with Emma?" Max asked wanting to quickly get this phone call over with and back to Liz. He knew she was in good hands with Maria, but he needed to be with her.

"Social Services are here. They got here five minutes after she came back to the station after leaving the hospital," Michael said. Emma had been checked over and it was quickly discovered she was perfectly healthy, physically at least.

"What are they going to do with her?" Max asked.

"I don't know. I think put her in foster care. There's no next of kin for her. She's all by herself," Michael said sadly.

Max hadn't talked to Liz much about Emma. He just knew that they both cared for each other deeply. He knew that Liz needed Emma just as much as Emma needed Liz.

"Michael, I don't want Emma in foster care. She's already been through enough. Liz is going to be here a while, so could you maybe take her to my mother's and stay with her. Her house is only about an hour away. Maria can come with you. I'll stay here with Liz, until she gets out of the hospital," Max said.

"Ummm..sure Max. I mean are you positive about this?" Michael asked unsure.

"Yes, I am. Please don't fight with me on this Michael. Please," Max pleaded pitifully.

"Okay, okay," Michael relented.

"After Liz gets out of the hospital, then what?" Michael asked.

"I take Liz and Emma home," Max said without hesitation and full of love.

TBC

Chapter 25

Max walked quickly down the hall towards Liz's room. He felt marginally better than he had taken care of Emma. He knew there was still a long road ahead of them concerning that little girl, but he knew that in the end it would all be worth it.

He decided he was done blaming himself and everyone else. He was going to work on healing Liz, Emma, and himself. The only one to blame was Cole Jensen, and he was dead. He killed him with his bare hands. He thought he should feel guilty about taking a life in such a way, but he didn't. All he felt was relief. Jensen deserved everything he got and ten times more. He hoped that the flames of hell were swallowing Jensen whole.

Reaching Liz's door, he pushed it open to see Maria crying softly at Liz's bedside.

"Hey," Max whispered softly as to not disturb a sleeping Liz.

Maria looked up quickly at the sound of Max's voice. Wiping her eyes, she mumbled back a quick hello.

"Maria, Michael is going to take Emma to my mother's and I'd like for you to go with him. Maybe you'll make Michael seem less scary to her," Max tried to joke.

Maria gave him a weak smile for his effort.

"Sure, Max. Just, make sure you call me when she wakes up. Tell her I love her," Maria said.

Max nodded.

Maria gave Max a quick kiss on the cheek and a friendly hug before leaving.

Max walked over to Liz's bedside and grabbed her hand squeezing it gently.

"I'm trying to put our family back together," Max whispered.

*********************************************

Michael stood with Emma in the waiting room of the local police station.

Emma just sat there staring at him with bright curious blue eyes.

Michael just stood right back with wary brown ones.

When Maria walked into the room, she rolled her eyes at the sight. Michael and a little girl basically having a staring contest, unbeknownst to them.

"Ahem," Maria said loudly.

Michael whipped his head around at the sound of his fiancee's voice. He quickly jumped up to her and wrapped his arms around her.

"Is everything okay?" he whispered quietly in her ear.

"No. But everything will be," she whispered back.

Looking over Michael's shoulder, she saw a beautiful dark-haired little girl with stunning blue eyes staring right back at her.

She smiled gently and rolled her eyes in Michael's direction.

Maria smiled in satisfaction with Emma gave her actions a small smile.

Releasing herself from Michael's arms, she walked over to Emma and kneeled down in front of her chair.

"Hi. I'm Maria," she said.

Emma didn't answer.

Maria frowned.

"What's your name?" Maria asked.

Maria frowned again when she seemed unsure.

"Sweetie, it's okay, I'm a friend of Liz's," Maria assured the young girl.

Emma visibly relaxed.

"I'm Ame-..I mean Emma," she said.

Maria's eyes welled up with tears. She knew why the little girl was so afraid to say her name. She was so used to saying her name was Amelia.

"Well, Emma, you are going to come with me and Michael to Max's mommy's house," Maria informed her.

Emma's ears perked up at the mention of Max.

"Are Liz and Max coming with us?" Emma asked hopefully.

Maria shook her head sadly.

"No, honey, Liz has to stay in the hospital for a while and Max needs to stay with her. So, they decided you'd stay with us there. And when we get there you can talk to Liz on the phone. How about that?" Maria asked.

"You promise I"ll get to talk to Liz?" Emma questioned.

"I promise," Maria answered.

****************************************

Liz awoke to the sight of Max sitting awkwardly in the chair pulled up beside her bed. Her hand was clasped tightly in his. She smiled at the site of his sleeping face. He was beautiful.

She still couldn't believe she was really safe now. She couldn't believe she was really looking at Max. Her husband.

Her thoughts suddenly turned to Emma.

She couldn't believe she hadn't thought to find out what was going on with that little girl who she holds dear to her heart.

"Max," Liz said.

No response.

Max," Liz said firmer.

Still no response.

"Maaaxx," Liz drawled out desperately.

Max woke up at the sound of his wife's pleading and distressed voice.

"What is it baby?" He asked worriedly.

"Where's Emma?" Liz asked in a panic.

"Oh, sweetie, she's okay. Michael and Maria are taking her to my mom's house as we speak," he said.

He smiled at the confused look on his wife's face.

"What?" she asked.

Max pushed a stray strand of hair behind his wife's ear gently.

"She's going to stay with Michael and Maria there until you get out of the hospital. Then she's coming home with us," Max said with emotion.

Liz closed her eyes and released a relieved cry.

She couldn't believe Max did that. She loved him so much for that.

"Thank you Max," Liz said gratefully.

"Thank you," Max said just as gratefully.

TBC

Author's Note: Okay, sorry it took so long to update! I was out of town this weekend and school and everything. Okay, enough with my excuses, here's the new chapter! I hope you guys like it! Thanks for the feedback everyone!



Chapter 26

Max sat by his wife's hospital bed, watching her sleep. Michael had just called saying that they arrived at his parent's house with Emma safely in tow. He was relieved to say the least. Now, he couldn't wait until Liz was well enough to leave the hospital and they could start over.

Looking up when he heard the door quietly open, he saw two uniformed police officers.

Quickly standing up, he wiped his eyes when they began speaking.

"Detective Max Evans?" a man asked.

Max nodded warily.

"I'm Officer Stevens and this is Officer Bishop. We need to ask you a few questions about what happened up at the cabin. Do you have time?" Stevens asked.

Max hesitantly looked back at his broken wife, then looked back at the officer, unsure of what to do.

"Please Mr. Evans, it's important," Bishop added.

Max nodded and followed the officers out of Liz's room.

They sat down in the hospital waiting chairs outside of her room.

Max just wanted to get this over with as quickly as possible. He wanted to get back to Liz, in case she woke up.

"Now, Mr. Evans, Cole Jensen was officially pronounced dead. His cause of death was a severe blow to the head. I'm assuming this was all you?" Bishop asked.

Max nodded in the affirmative.

"Okay, did you fire a warning shot or anything to steer Jensen into surrendering?" Bishop asked.

"I walked in with my gun raised, I didn't want to shoot because he was in such close proximity to my wife. He held her by the throat, I threw the knife. We proceeded to fight, and I won. It was a clear case of self-defense. Now, if you are done asking me questions about that bastard, I'm going to go back to my wife," Max said impatient and coldly.

He got up and walked into Liz's room leaving the young officers sitting behind him shocked.

********************************************

Michael and Maria sat in the kitchen with Diane and Philip Evans. They were discussing things over coffee, while Emma was asleep in the guest room.

"That Emma is such a precious girl. I can see why everyone has already fallen in love with her. I sure know I am," Diane said warmly.

Maria and Michael smiled in agreement.

"She sure is a sweet girl," Philip added.

"So, how is Liz doing?" Diane asked.

"She's...doing better. I don't think she has fully dealt with anything yet. But, she's doing okay," Maria said sadly.

"And Max...how's he doing? I mean really doing?" Diane asked pointedly.

Maria smiled in understanding.

"He's actually doing fine. I don't think he's dealt with anything fully yet either. But, he's holding it together for Liz and Emma. I honestly think he's fine," Maria said.

"That's good. Those poor kids need a break," Philip said in a low, sad voice.

"We all do," Michael added.

***********************************************

Max sat staring at the flat surface of Liz's blanket-draped stomach. His child was safely tucked away in there just a couple of days ago. He still couldn't come to terms with that. Now, the space that was previously occupied from his and Liz's child, was now empty.

He quickly blinked back tears. He couldn't start now. If he did, he knew he wouldn't stop. He'd lose it after Liz did. He'd lose it after he put her back together.

Liz fluttered her eyes open tiredly and smiled when she saw Max's face.

Her smile quickly turned to a concerned frown when she saw the pensive look on her husband's sweet face.

She brought her hand up and cupped his cheek lovingly.

"What are you thinking about?" Liz asked gently.

Max looked away.

"Max. Tell me," Liz ordered gently, but firmly.

He looked back at her with tear-filled eyes, then glanced at her stomach.

His unconscious move gave her all the information she needed as to what he was troubled over.

She closed her eyes painfully. She felt the beginnings of tears seep out of the corner of her eyes.

"Max...." Liz trailed off at a loss of words.

Max shook his head quickly.

"I'm fine honey. I swear. I just....you know," he whispered painfully.

"I know," Liz agreed in just as much pain.

The fragile moment was broken by the shrill ringing of Max's cell phone.

He mumbled a quick apology before answering it.

"It's for you, " Max said smiling, while handing her his phone.

Liz hesitantly took the phone while asking, "Who is it?"

Max just smiled in answer.

Liz put the phone up to her ear.

"Hello?" she asked cautiously.

"Liz!!!" she heard a familiar sweet voice say excitedly.

Liz closed her eyes at the sound and relished it.

She looked at Max gratefully through watery vision.

"Hey sweetie, How are you doing?" Liz asked.

"I'm okay. I"m scared. I miss you," Emma admitted sadly.

"I miss you too Emma," Liz said in return.

"How is everyone treating you?" Liz asked.

"Maria is funny, Michael is weird, and Max's mommy and daddy are nice to me," Emma answered in a childlike manner.

Liz laughed a small laugh.

"Michael's weird, huh?" she asked full of amusement.

"Yep. Are you going to die?" Emma asked full of fear.

Liz's eyes widened in shock.

"God, no! Honey, why would you ask me that?" she asked.

"You were just really hurt. I was scared," Emma said in a fit of raging tears.

"Calm down. I'm fine. I swear, you're talking to me right now. I'll be out of here soon and we can see each other," Liz said.

"You promise?" Emma questioned.

"I promise, " Liz said.

"Goodnight Liz," Emma said.

"Goodnight Emma," Liz said in return.

Liz choked back a sob when she hung up.

She looked at Max to see his own eyes shimmering with tears.

"Maaaxxx..." Liz said in a broken voice.

"Shhh....I know," he said before wrapping his arms around her hugging her close.

"Thank you so much. So much," Liz said in a throbbing whisper.

"I love you so much, " Max said his voice hoarse with emotion.

"I love you too, " Liz replied in an equally hoarse voice.

TBC

A/N: Okay everyone! This is the final chapter! I'm sorry to see this end. I wasn't sure if I was going to finish it, but I did. I just want to thank everyone so so much for their feedback and support. With this being my first ever fic, it meant the world to me. I'm glad everyone enjoyed it and stayed with me through it. I hope the ending is one you all will like. Just for everyone to know, I will be posting an epilogue. So here's the final chapter. Thanks again!



CHAPTER 27

Max was discussing Liz's release from the hospital with her doctor. He felt confident that Liz was well enough to come home. She had already been confined to a hospital room for over a week. She had been confined too much lately. He knew for a fact that she desperately wanted to return home. Max felt her well-being was contingent on getting out of the hospital and in familiar surroundings. His well-being depended on her release as well, Emma's also. He knows that precious little girl has no one anymore. All of her family, immediate and distant, were deceased. Her fate would have been foster care, but Max wouldn't allow that to happen. He and Liz would raise Emma, would take care of her. It was something all three of them wanted; all three of them needed. He knew that Liz and Emma needed to see each other. So, this was what brought him to the current discussion with Liz's doctor.

"Mr. Evans, in my medical opinion, I believe your wife would benefit from a longer stay under our care at this hospital," Dr. Ramirez stated patiently and politely.

"With all do respect Dr. Ramirez, I believe..no..I know that my wife would benefit under my care at our home. Now, are there any serious, life-threatening complications that would restrict her from being released?" Max asked full of impatience.

Dr. Ramirez sighed in defeat.

"Okay, Mr. Evans. I'll give the okay for her to leave. All of her injuries are healing very well and she's safely out of the woods. She still could have some complications, but I'm sure if she takes it easy, those complications should not arise. I'll prescribe her some medications and pain relievers. I'll also give you a list of restriction son her activity and things of that nature. I'll go get started on the release forms," Dr. Ramirez said.

Max let out a heavy sigh of relief as he watched Dr. Ramirez walk down the hospital corridor.

He turned around and walked towards Liz's hospital room.

Pushing the door open, he greeted Liz with a triumphant smile.

"I get to go home?!" Liz asked excitedly.

Max nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, you get to come home. We can go home," Max said.

Max's heart clenched with love at the beautiful smile of happiness on his wife's face. It had been so long since he saw the sight.

"When can I go?" Liz asked impatiently, while already trying to get up out of her hospital bed.

"Easy there honey. He still has to check you over before we go. He's getting the release forms as we speak, " Max laughed at his wife's impatience and enthusiasm to leave.

"Thank God," Liz breathed in relief.

"When we leave the first place we'll go is my parents house to get Emma, then we're on our way home," Max said.

Liz's eyes filled with tears of happiness.

****************************************

Max kept glancing over at Liz in concern while they made their way to his parent's house.

She seemed...tense...nervous maybe?

"Liz," Max said gently.

No answer.

"Liz, honey," Max said with a little more force.

That extra force seemed to bring Liz out of her thoughts.

"Huh?" she asked distractedly.

"You okay?" he asked gently.

Liz gave a weak nod.

Max gave her a pointed look in return.

"I'm fine...I just....I'm nervous about seeing Emma. I don't know why. I mean I am absolutely dying to see her, it's just...the last time I saw her..." Liz trailed off.

Max gave her hand an understanding squeeze. The last time she saw Emma was when they both thought they'd never see each other again.

"It'll be okay," Max said.

Liz believed him.

********************************

They pulled into his parent's driveway. Max looked over at Liz worriedly.

"You ready?" he asked.

"More than ready," she said with a smile.

Max got out of the car and walked around to help Liz out. Just as she put her feet on the ground, a little girl with bright blue eyes and dark hair came barreling out of the house at full speed.

"Lizzzz!!!!" Emma screamed happily.

Liz smiled when she saw Emma's smiling face. The first time she saw Emma genuinely happy and safe.

"Hey baby," Liz said affectionately.

Liz and Emma hugged tightly.

"I missed you so much," Emma said while crying softly.

"God...I missed you too," Liz replied.

*********************************************

Max and Liz drove home with Emma chatted excitedly in the back-seat.

They looked over at each other and exchanged sweet smiles.

Pulling into their driveway, they got out and walked towards the front porch.

"Here we are," Max said.

Liz felt an odd sense of nervousness. She hadn't seen her home in months. She closed her eyes in relief when she felt Max's large hand curl around her left hand, and Emma's small hand curl into her right hand. She squeezed both hands in return.

Walking into her home, Liz choked back a sob. Everything was the same. Every piece of furniture, every picture, every book, every decoration. It was still exactly the same. It was still her home.

"Emma, I have a surprise for you," Max said.

Liz and Max both laughed when Emma's eyes grew wide with anticipation.

"What is it?!" she asked in a loud, excited voice.

"Follow me," Max said.

Leading Liz and Emma down the hallway, they came to stop in front of a room. The guest room. Opening the door, Liz and Emma both gasped when they saw it.

The walls were painted with murals of waterfalls, flowers, fairies, and animals. While, the ceiling was painted a pale blue with clouds and the light fixture resembled a sun. Her bed was nestled by a pale pink canopy. There were books and toys of every kind scattered throughout the room. What Emma loved best though, was her name written in pink above her bed. This was her room. Her home.

"Max...." Liz said in a sob. God, how she loved him.

Max just merely smiled.

"Thank you Max. Thank you, thank you, thank you," Emma said while hugging him tightly.

Max bent down and placed a soft, chaste kiss on her forehead.

"Anything for you," he said while looking at Liz meaningfully over Emma's shoulder.

**************************************

Liz sat on the edge of her bed in silence. Max was in the bathroom brushing his teeth. She looked around her room and tried to hold back her tears. Tears that desperately needed to fall. She always knew Max would come and get her, but there were always doubts if she would actually still be alive when he did. Now, she was safe at home, with Emma and Max.

Max walked out of the bathroom and saw Liz looking broken, and trying to reign in her emotions. He knew she was about to break. They both were.

Quietly walking over to the bed, he picked her up and lay down on the bed. Spooning behind her, and wrapping his strong, muscular arms around her protectively.

"Let it out, baby, " he whispered softly into her ear.

At her husband's gentle prompting, she began sobbing. Loud, harsh sobs. Keening sounds. Desperate cries.

Max just held his wife tight and cried with her.

"I was so scared Max. God, I was so scared. I thought...I didn't think...I'm still scared. I'm scared to go to sleep, I'm afraid I'll wake up and I'll still be with him. I'm afraid that something like this will happen again. I'm just afraid..." Liz rambled in broken sobs.

Max let out a harsh cry at Liz's words. He was scared too.

"I swear on my life, that nothing like this will happen again. You are safe. You and Emma both. I'll die before allowing anything to happen to you. I swear, " Max whispered vehemently.

Liz nodded, "I know you will. That's how I know everything will be okay. It's just going to take a while," Liz said sadly.

"Yes, it will. But in the end, we'll be okay. Better than okay. We'll be safe and happy," Max said confidently.

Just as he said this, Emma's small voice sounded throughout their room.

"Can I sleep in here?" she asked tentatively.

"Oh, sweetie of course. You don't even have to ask," Liz said with a small smile.

Emma scampered onto the bed crawling in between Max and Liz.

"I love you Liz and Max," Emma said.

"We love you, " Max said.

Emma lay in between Max and Liz on her back. Max lay on his side, as did Liz. They lay staring at each other, hands clasped tightly over Emma's small body.

"I'm home," Liz whispered.

"We're all home now," Max whispered back.



Somethin' in your eyes, makes me wanna lose myself
Makes me wanna lose myself, in your arms
There's somethin' in your voice, makes my heart beat fast
Hope this feeling lasts, the rest of my life

If you knew how lonely my life has been
And how long I've been so alone
And if you knew how I wanted someone to come along
And change my life the way you've done

It feels like home to me, it feels like home to me
It feels like I'm all the way back where I come from
It feels like home to me, it feels like home to me
It feels like I'm all the way back where I belong

A window breaks, down a long, dark street
And a siren wails in the night
But I'm alright, 'cause I have you here with me
And I can almost see, through the dark there is light

Well, if you knew how much this moment means to me
And how long I've waited for your touch
And if you knew how happy you are making me
I never thought that I'd love anyone so much

It feels like home to me, it feels like home to me
It feels like I'm all the way back where I come from
It feels like home to me, it feels like home to me
It feels like I'm all the way back where I belong
It feels like I'm all the way back where I belong


THE END

The song is "Feels Like Home" by Chantel Kreviazuk