"Fire & Ice" (Revised for Wattpad), Ch. 19 (PG-13): A Tempered Hope , September 23, 2015 Gratiana Lovelace

(An original story copyrighted by Gratiana Lovelace, 2015; all rights reserved)

[From time to time, I will illustrate my story with images of actors representing my dream cast--including Richard Armitage as Thomas Kane and Anne Hathaway as Caroline Walters, Doris Roberts as Mrs. Burns, Tim Gamble as Peter Wendt, Brian Protheroe as Martin, Mary McDonnell as Mary, Seth Green as Todd, Raven Symone as Fiona, and Logan Lerman as Allen, Andrew May as Paul Foster, Sam Elliot as JakeHolder, and Blair Brown as Amanda Pritchett Holder, Antonio Velazquez, and others as noted in the image credits.] [(1) "Fire & Ice" story logo]

Author's Mature Content Note: "Fire & Ice" is romantic thriller story with mature themes (D for drama, S for sensuality, and V for violence) of love and relationships. Most chapters will be PG or PG-13. However, if you are unable or unwilling to attend a movie with the ratings that I provide, then please do not read that chapter. This is my disclaimer.

Author's Recap from the previous chapter: After seeing the news of Karmirastan's government embezzlement scandal splashed across the news after lunch, Thomas and Caroline feel a little more hopeful. Thomas' Division Team has obviously been busy and Amanda goes to check on some sources on the web while the Johnson family (Thomas/Kevin, Caroline/ Julia, and Trevor/Billy) visits the ponies with Jake before they put Trevor/Billy down for an afternoon nap. But this afternoon will turn out to be not as peaceful as they all hope. But, hope they will still find.

"Fire & Ice" (Revised for Wattpad), Ch. 19 (PG-13): A Tempered Hope

Trevor is itching to see his pony, Firelight, and he drags on his parents' arms as Jake leads them to the outdoor corrals. Of course, Thomas and Caroline are not too keen on the pony's name and hope that he will be a gentle ride for Trevor after his nap. Jake fills them in on some pony riding details.

Jake: "Now just to set yer minds at rest, our ponies that the kids ride are all gentle." But before Jake can continue, he is interrupted.

Trevor/Billy: "That's no fun! I want to go fast!" He skips and gallops toward the outdoor pony corral just a few yards away.

Caroline/Julia: "Be careful, Billy!" She calls after him. She looks around and notices the wide open spaces and worries.

Thomas/[Kevin]: Seeing the worry etched on Caroline's face, he tries to comfort her as he rubs her shoulders. "I'm sure it will be alright."

Jake: "Your husband's right, Maam--if I can speak out of turn. We have the little ones practice their riding in the corral before we go on the trails. And we have helmets and other padding gear for safety.

Thomas/Kevin: "That's nice." Then voicing Caroline's unspoken concern, he asks. "Are there many trails into the resort?

Jake: No fool he--having noticed the seemingly special interaction between his wife Miss Mandy and Kevin. "Kevin, is it?" Jake [(2)] raises his eyebrow as if to say, I have an inkling all is not what it seems. It is the ex Navy Seals in him coming out. "Only a mountain man like myself could find their way here from the surrounding forest. There are only two ways in and out of here--the road you came in on, and the lake." He narrows his eyes and nods at Thomas in that familiar government agent sort of way--not a secret handshake or code word, but almost.

Trevor/Billy: "Can I pet the ponies!" He asks excitedly--breaking the adults focus on other issues.

Caroline/Julia: "I don't know."

Jake: "He'll be alright. See?" He says as the reach the corral. "Firelight." Jake beckons the pony to come to him. "Come here filly girl." The small pony lopes over to Jake and nuzzles his outstretched hand. Lifting Trevor/Billy up only the corral's wooden rails, he says. "Now you try little feller." Thomas and Caroline hold their breaths.

Trevor: Gleefully holding out his hand and Firelight gives it a lick, three and a half year old Trevor giggles. "That tickles!" Then Jake hands Trevor a bucket of grain and Trevor [(3)] feeds the pony. "Oh Mommy and Daddy. May we take him home with us?" Little ones are precious, if not practical.

Thomas/Kevin: "Uh. We don't have any room." Thomas hates to disappointment his son.

Caroline/Julia: "Our apartment building doesn't allow pets." Caroline smiles with a twinkle in her eye that Thomas catches.

Thomas/Kevin: "And ponies need wide open spaces."

Trevor/Billy: "But we have parks next to our real home and our vacation home." He looks up at them, pouting pleadingly.

Jake: "Ffftt!" He whistles. "Two homes? You folks sound blessed." Jake nods at them.

Caroline/[Julia]: "Yes." She nods, not wanting to go into details. "Billy, it's better if the pony stays here."

Trevor/Billy: "Oh Mommy, I'm tired of our game. Can't you call me T...." But Caroline stops him before he speaks his real name by gently covering his mouth.

Thomas/Kevin: "I think you're tired and need your nap. Then we can go riding after. Hmmm?" He lifts Trevor into his arms.

Trevor/Billy: "Okay." He nods sleepily and starts to doze off in his Daddy's arms.

Jake: Purposely ignoring the little boy's almost slip--now knowing that this family might be using aliases--he says. "And noticing that you traveled here kind of light ..." Meaning only two small suitcases. "...we have a nice gift shop where visitors may pick up outdoor clothing wear and such for their stay--at reasonable prices, too. We don't try to gouge our guests like some places do. We'll give you about two hours for his nap and then Miss Mandy will send over a selection of clothes for you."

Caroline/Julia: "Thank you. Kevin, shall we?" She tilts her head toward their cabin.

Thomas/Kevin: "Yes. Thank you Jake."

Trevor/Billy: Lifting his sleepy head up he says. "Thank you Jake." Then patting Thomas' face he says before laying his head back down to sleep. "My Daddy." Thomas and Caroline both smile.

Jake: "We'll see you later." Everyone nods and waves and heads in separate directions.

***

After making sure that Trevor peed before they lay him down for his nap in the small bedroom of their two bedroom cabin, Thomas and Caroline go into their bedroom to discuss their situation and rest themselves.

Caroline: Falling into Thomas' arms, she tears up. "Thomas, this place is so idyllic! But I still don't feel safe yet."

Thomas: "I know. Neither do I. But we have a little more help than just Amanda."

Caroline: "The Division? Have they found out something?"

Thomas: "Not just them. It's Jake. Amanda says that he's ex Navy Seals--she knew and worked with him in DC before coming here."

Caroline: "You're kidding me!" She looks at him in astonishment.

Thomas: "Ha ha ha! That was my reaction, too. But Amanda says that he will help us, and I trust her."

Caroline: "But can we trust anybody--especially for Trevor's sake?" She repeats her earlier concern--before they had to flee for their lives.

Thomas: "I know Caroline. But we have to trust someone. And Amanda is a good choice. She gave me this satellite internet laptop that is untraceable. So let's see what the Division has found out." Caroline nods as Thomas turns on the lap top.

Caroline: "Could they have discovered anything so soon?"

Thomas: "Remember the $300 million Kamirastan embezzlement scandal on the news after lunch?"

Caroline: "Yes." She says with growing dread as she looks at him questioningly.

Thomas: "That's what I was working on just before we had to go undercover on Monday. I had told Peter Wendt about it Monday at the office--and we were going to call the State Department the next day."

Caroline: "Hhhhh!" She gasps. "You mean, this is all about money?"

Thomas: "I think so. The fact that it hit the news has got to be an intentional news leak from the Division--in hope of bringing the perpetrators to light so they can't hide."

Caroline: "But that would be a breach of national security! Would Martin do that?"

Thomas: "Not normally. But if he felt that it might call off the attack squads, he would. He's retired once and he has nothing to lose if he's discovered."

Caroline: "Except go to jail."

Thomas: "Not necessarily." He perks up an eyebrow and smiles at her.

Caroline: "Why? What do you mean?"

Thomas: "There!" Thomas points to the screen where photos of both Wendt and Foster are posted on the Company website as missing and presumed armed and dangerous.

Caroline: "Thomas! You shouldn't have gone to the Company web site. They could track us!" She tenses up.

Thomas: "Not likely. This is Bertha." He points to the lap top. "Untraceable, per Amanda. And Martin is one cagey operative--old school. Leak the information and let the chips fall where they may. Miguel and Allen would have to have helped him leak the information onto social media sites. Then from there, the major news outlets picked up the story and ran with it." Thomas smiles at his Division Team's loyalty toward him in trying to help him out. "The more people that know about this, the less likely any one person will be made to take the fall for the leak. And it means that Foster and Wendt and their collaborators can't hide." Then Thomas accesses their Division's email server and finds a coded message from Martin.

Martin's Message that Thomas reads aloud: "Fearless Leader."

Thomas: "Martin did always like to poke fun at what we do." He says as an aside and they smile at each other.

Martin's Message that Thomas reads aloud: "All parties informed, Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum are still missing--and presumed headed your way. Their wives were most informative. Both men might be involved given money trail evidence. Watch out!"

Caroline: "Oh no! Peter, too?" She looks at Thomas incredulously.

Thomas: "I can't believe it! Paul Foster maybe. But even if Peter Wendt does have a monetary entanglement in the embezzlement, I can't believe that he would have us killed. He saved my life!" Thomas is strident.

Caroline: "Remember Thomas, in our line of work, people are guilty until proven innocent. Should we reply to Martin?"

Thomas: "No need. Martin will see that the email has been read and know that I saw it." Thomas closes the lap top part way and sets it on a nearby table, still turned on.

Thomas and Caroline have been so fearful for their lives that they need a reminder about what it is they are saving. Four people have died--including their much loved Mrs. Burns. But with being in the protective cocoon of Thomas' former colleague's resort--and their Division colleagues and the State Department making headway--they both feel a peaceful calm about their situation, that it will be resolved without they or anyone else being hurt or killed. It is a hopeful wish, but maybe not a realistic one. However, if they are to continue on the path of saving their lives--and returning to a life for Trevor's sake--then they must have hope.

Caroline: "What do we do now?" She looks up at him soulfully.

Thomas: "Hmmm." He smiles lustily at her. "I say we rest up for our horse ride and take a nap."

Caroline: "Rest?" Her smile perks up at the corners of her mouth as she caresses his face.

Thomas: Leaning in to kiss her as he gently lays her back on the bed. "Well. Not ... just ... yet." [(4)]

Thomas kisses Caroline as he pulls her into his loving embrace. She responds to him with the fervor of one who has faced death and yet still clings to life. They both want a life together and with their son Trevor. And though they do not know it yet, Caroline is pregnant with their first daughter. So they have four lives they need to save. But for now, they quickly remove their clothing and kiss and caress each others' naked bodies with tenderness and eagerness. Thomas marvels as Caroline's beautiful curves as his eyes, his hands, and then his mouth leave an unbroken trail of love that leaves her whimpering in pleasure and wanting him completely as she returns his kisses. Inflamed by Caroline's reactions to his loving ministrations, Thomas pulls her to caress him and he tenses with the pleasure she is giving him. When neither of them can delay their loving lust's needs, they join their bodies together with a fierce coupling as waves of ecstatic pleasure engulfs their senses and leaves them both spent as they fall asleep in each others' loving arms.

***

Thomas and Caroline shift only slightly as they nap, bringing the sheet to cover them from the chill of the room as they lie naked spooning with each other in their lovers' embrace--peaceful, contented, and hopeful in their future. Their much needed sleep is undisturbed--until a little visitor joins them.

Trevor: Climbing up onto the bed next to his Mommy, Trevor pats her face and rubs his eyes. Her sleepy eyes flutter open. "Mommy, Someone's at the door."

Caroline: Then Caroline hears the knocking. Instantly alert, she leans back into Thomas again and touches his face to awaken him. "Thomas! Someone's at the door."

Thomas: Also waking up quickly, Thomas jumps out of bed naked and puts on his jeans. "I'm on it." He grabs his gun. There is another knock.

Trevor: "Daddy, you forgot your underpants." Trevor points out.

Thomas: Thomas looks sheepishly at Trevor. "Caroline, get dressed quickly." Thomas says urgently as he heads to the sitting room to answer the door, with his gun's safety latch off.

Amanda: Knocking at their cabin door again, she says seeing Thomas come toward her through the front window. "Thomas it's just me. I have some clothes for you." She holds them up in the window for Thomas to see.

Thomas: Relieved, Thomas puts the safety latch on his gun and sticks it in his jeans at the back waistband then he opens the cabin door. "Sorry Amanda. I'm a bit twitchy." He takes the bag of clothes that she hands him.

Amanda: "That's understandable." She winces. "Put these clothes on for your ride into the forest." Thomas nods. Amanda [(5)] hesitates. "I just found out that a private plane touched down at the airport and two men got off. From the description, it could be Wendt and Foster. I filled Jake in about everything. So in 5 minutes, Jake is taking you to a secluded trapper's cabin we converted for the resort that is located by a stream deep in the forest. It has food and supplies for a week. Stay there until you hear more from me."

Thomas: "But what about you? We don't know if both Foster and Wendt are involved." He says in concern.

Amanda: "Not to worry. I have also alerted the Park authorities and police. They're on their way over to the Lodge--should Foster and Wendt prove difficult. Then she lifts up her jackewt to reveal a gun and holster. "I have my own ways of persuasion." She smiles. "Now go! Keep your family safe!" Thomas nods as she departs.

Thomas: Rushing into their bedroom, he says. "Caroline, Amanda dropped off some clothes for us to wear. We have to leave on our pony ride in 5 minutes. So everyone get pottied, too."

Trevor: "Pony!" Trevor claps his hands together with glee at the prospect of him finally getting his pony ride.

***

It takes 10 minutes to get everyone pottied and dressed, but they set out on their pony ride into the forest with Jake.

Trevor: "Yippee!" Trevor bounces along happily on his pony ride with his mommy on her horse beside him.

Caroline/Julia: "Now take it nice and slow, Billy."

Jake and Thomas ride behind them

Jake: "Thomas, Little Trevor looks like he's enjoying himself." Jake says in a low voice as he looks over at Thomas.

Thomas: Thomas' eyes widen at Jake using their real names. Then he nods. "Amanda said she told you everything."

Jake: "Yes. I guess Miss Mandy and I having 2 years without our pasts catching up with us is pretty good." He says alluding to the possible confrontation to come.

Thomas: "We're really sorry. Will Amanda be alright by herself?" He asks worriedly.

Jake: "She won't be by herself. I'm dropping you at the trapper's cabin and then heading back to her at the Lodge."

Thomas: "I'm coming with you!"

Jake: "Your place is with your family."

Thomas: "My place is keeping my family safe. I'm coming with you."

Jake: "Alright!" He allows grudgingly.

When they reach the Resort's renovated Trappers Family Cabin, they tether their horses and Jake shows them around. They find the cabin well stocked with provisions and supplies--as Amanda said it would be. Then Thomas breaks the bad news to Caroline as Trevor plays with some kid toys also placed there.

Thomas: "Caroline, Jake and I are going back to make a stand with Amanda while we wait for Wendt and Foster to show up."

Caroline: "Thomas, no! It's dangerous. I don't want to lose you." She wails and clings to him. "Not again!"

Thomas: "You won't lose me. But with three of us we have a better chance. And Amanda has called the authorities. So we'll let the Mounties take care of anything. You keep you and Trevor safe." Thomas kisses Caroline tenderly and then Caroline buries her face in Thomas' chest as her tears fall.

Jake: "Beggin' yer pardon. But the Mounties are in Canada. They don't cross territories--'cept on poker night. Tch!" Jake smiles and winks as he makes a clicking noise with his mouth. Folksiness is ingrained in Jake--especially to insert a little humor in a tense situation.

Caroline: "I know I can't stop you. But come back to us." Thomas and Caroline embrace and kiss tenderly. Then Thomas picks up Trevor and hugs and kisses him.

Thomas: "I love you Trevor."

Trevor: Patting his Daddy's face, he kisses his other cheek contentedly. "My Daddy."

Jake: "Maam, We'll be back in time to collect you for dinner at 6pm. We're grilling steaks outside tonight--my specialty." Jake smiles warmly at her as if to say, everything will be alright in his usual calm low key cowboy demeanor.

Then Thomas and Jake mount their horses and ride back to the Resort Lodge to wait with Amanda for Foster and Wendt to show up, not knowing what they will find when they get there.

To be continued with Chapter 20 (End)

References for "Fire & Ice" (Revised for Wattpad), Ch. 19, September 23, 2015 Gratiana Lovelace

1) The "Fire & Ice" 2015 story logo is a combination of the following elements edited together by Gratiana Lovelace:

a) Upper left image of Thomas Kane image is Richard Armitage as John Porter and Caroline is Shelly Conn as Dani in Strike Back series 1, epi 5 found at http://www.richardarmitagenet.com/images/gallery/StrikeBack/album/series1/Episode5/ep5_034.jpg;

b) Lower right image of Thomas Kane image is Richard Armitage as Lucas North in Spooks series 7 promo found at http://www.richardarmitagenet.com/images/gallery/Spooks/spookspromo/album/series7-67.jpg

2) Image representing Jake Holder is that of actor Sam Elliott and was found at http://www.automatedculture.com/sam_elliott/

3) Image representing Trevor Thomas Walters Kane with a pony is a stock photo of a young