Greta walked quickly out of the Cheatin' Heart and stepped around the side of the building. She just couldn't deal with this right now. Bo had told her that she needed to talk to Eric about Nicole and that they needed to get everything out into the open. Well, she had tried, but Eric had cut her off, saying he didn't want to talk about Nicole.
"Well, I did," she said quietly to herself, "I need to know where I stand with you Eric."
"You're standing right in front of me."
Greta felt a shiver go up her spine at the sound of Eric's voice. She turned around slowly to face him. She opened her mouth to say something, anything, but the words wouldn't come.
"I'm sorry Greta, I never meant to hurt you at all." The sincerity in his voice and in his eyes was genuine. Greta began to feel her heart metling, but she steeled herself against it. She knew what she had to do.
"Eric, it's just that I thought we had grown so close in Paris, that we trusted each other, cared about each other. But, you know what," Greta took a deep breath and let the words all rush out together, "I was wrong. I can see that you're still in love with Nicole and she still feels the same. I want us to stay friends no matter what, I don't want to lose that. And I want you to be happy, and if that means being with Nicole..."
"Greta..."
"Eric, let me finish, please, I have to say this. If being with Nicole makes you happy, then...then, I hope you to can work it out. I won't stand in the way and I won't make you feel bad, I promise, really, I mean it."
Greta tried to read his expression but couldn't. He didn't say anything, instead he stared at the ground. Unable to stand the silence, Greta turned and without a word, rushed off into the darkness.
"Greta! Greta, wait!" Eric called after her.

"Damn" Eric swore to himself. Why hadn't he said anything to her? It was obvious it had hurt her to say that and he had stood there like a statue and hadn't made a move. But, he knew why. He wasn't sure how to tell her that she was the most amazing person he had ever met, that he was falling in love with her. He wasn't sure he could find the words to capture his feelings. He had never felt like this, not even with Nicole. He snapped out of his thoughts when he heard footsteps approaching.
"Greta?" he asked hopefully. When Nicole walked into the light, Eric didn't bother to try to hide his disappointment.
"Eric, I just couldn't leave things between us the way they ended tonight. I..."
Eric cut her off, saying, "Nicole, things ended between us a long time ago, okay. I'm over you, I've moved on." He knew he sounded cold, but he couldn't help it.
"How can you say that? You said you loved me?" Tears sprang to her eyes as she asked him.
"Loved you, Nicole. It's in the past. Besides, I didn't know what love was...I do now. Greta has shown me that. She's honest and open and caring. Pretty much everything you'll never be. Do I need to go on?" He didn't like to be mean, but he realized that as long as she thought he still had feeling for her, she would be an obstacle for him and Greta.
"No, you don't need to go on!" Nicole felt her hurt being replaced by anger. She wanted to hurt him as much as he had just done to her. "Oh, sweet little Greta, huh? I don't think you have to worry about your future with her. I had the most wonderful little chat with her in the ladies room at Tuscany."
Nicole paused for a second and Eric began to realize what had happened early that night.
"I told her that you still loved me and that you'd never get over me. And it worked didn't it?"
"Nicole," Eric growled, barely able to contain his anger, "don't you ever go anywhere near Greta ever again, understand?"

Greta was standing at her car searching her pockets for her keys, when she realized she left them on the table at the Cheatin' Heart. With no other choice, she turned at headed back toward the front of the building. As she stepped onto the porch, she thought she heard voices coming from around the side. Thinking someone might need help, she peered around the corner. Her breath caught in her throat as she saw Eric standing with Nicole.

Nicole saw Greta peer around that side of the building and decided to take advantage of the situation.
"You can't tell me that when we kissed, you feel that same way with Greta?" she asked him.
"No, it doesn't feel the same, it feels better."
"Well, let's try it again..."
Nicole flung her arms around his neck and gave him a quick kiss.
"Nicole! What..." he started to say , but she cut him off.
"Oh no," she said in mock seriousness, a content smile on her face, "there's Greta and I think she saw us kissing."

Greta felt her heart breaking into a million pieces as they kissed. She couldn't hear what they were saying, but suddenly Eric turned and looked at her. In the dim light, she couldn't make out his facial expression, but she didn't need to. She had seen enough. She turned and ran, forgetting about her keys or her car. She could hear Eric calling her name and she just ran faster.

"Nicole, I don't know what the hell's going on with you and I really don't care. But you are not going to win, you are not going to ruin things between me and Greta!" he yelled as he started toward the front of the building. He never looked back as he left, his only thoughts on finding Greta and explaining.

Greta had found someone to drive her home. She normally wouldn't have considered riding with a stranger, but she didn't see any other option. She let herself into the Horton house very quietly. She had seen Bo's car outside and didn't want to have to explain anything to him. She saw him sitting in the living room and quietly slipped upstairs to her bedroom.
Eric arrived at the Horton house, hoping Greta had somehow gotten back there. Her car was still at the Cheatin' Heart. He had looked all around for her and decided she must have left. He knocked on the door and was disappointed when Bo answered.
"Hey Eric, where's Greta?" he asked.
"You mean she's not here."
"No, I figured she'd be with you," Bo said as a worried look came into his eyes.
They moved into the living room and sat down on the sofa. "Oh man, Bo, I really blew it. I think I 've really screwed things up with Greta." He said it with such sorrow and certainity in his voice.
"Hey, why don't you tell me what happened and we'll see what can be done to fix it."
As Eric was filling Bo in on the details of the evening, Greta, worn out from crying, had come downstairs to get some food, when she hear Eric's voice. She walked slowly over to the doorway of the living room.
"Okay, so tell me again, why you didn't say anything to her when she told you it was okay for you to be with Nicole?" Bo had a look on his face that told Eric the reason had better be good.
"I didn't know what to say. I love her, I know that. Whatever I felt with Nicole is nothing compared to this. I used to think that there was no better feeling in the world than when Nicole would kiss me. But, when Greta is near me or her hand brushes mine, this feeling comes over me, she's all I can think about. I never even came near feeling that with Nicole. When she kissed me tonight, all I could think of was Greta. She's all I think about anymore. I've kissed her once, Bo, that's it, once! And I can't stop thinking about it. About how it made me feel, about how I want to do it again..."
"Okay, enough Romeo." Bo said laughing, "You need to find Greta and tell her that!"
"But how am I gonna find her Bo, she could be anywhere. And even if I do find her, how am I gonna make her listen to me. She probably hates me!"
"I don't hate you." Greta said quietly. Eric jumped up off the sofa and turned to face her.
"Well," Bo said smiling,"I think I have somewhere else to be."
Eric waited until Bo had left the room before moving over to stand by Greta.
"I heard everything you said to Bo. Did you mean it?" She asked him this question very simply.
"Yes, Greta...I..."
"Say it Eric." Greta prompted him. She smiled a small smile for him and suddenly he had the courage he needed.
"Greta von Amburg, I love you!"
"I love you too!"
Eric lowered his head toward hers for a kiss. He paused a moment just before there lips met, to stare into her eyes. Her eyes mirrored the love and trust that he knew shown in his own. And then there lips touched and he couldn't think of anything else.
A little while later, they were sitting side by side on the couch, when he realized something.
"Greta, why is your car still at the Cheatin' Heart?"
"You want the truth?" he nodded his head and she continued, "I hitchiked."
"You hitchiked?! Greta don't ever do anything like that again. If anything ever happened to you, I don't know what I'd do."
"I promise," she said seriously, then jokingly she added, "seal the promise with a kiss."
Eric smiled as he answered, "Definitely!"

Stefano stalked around the room as he waited for news from his lacky, Bart. Finally, Bart entered the room. Stefano knew from the look on his face that it was not good news.
"Well," he bellowed at him, "what did you find?"
"I'm sorry Stefano, but I didn't find anything. Maybe she survived somehow..." Bart was trying to say more, but Stefano cut him off.
"You idiot! She fell off a bridge! How could anyone possible survive that?" Stefano was livid. But truthfully, it didn't suprise him. He had figured there might be a small chance she would survive the fall, that was why he had sent Bart to check. After all, she had survived being locked in the castle for nine years.
"What do you want me to do Stefano? Do you want me to keep looking?" Bart questioned him. He really didn't want to have to keep looking, he knew she wasn't there.
"That won't be neccessary. If the fall didn't kill her, I have to find some way to regain control of the situation. If the Princess goes to the police..." Stefano let the thought trail off.
"Well, call me when you figure out what you want done." Bart turned to leave.
"Wait! Do you think I have made it this far in my life without learing to always have a second plan?" Stefano asked him. Bart figured this was one of those questions he wasn't supposed to answer. "Since I have the Princess appears to hold all of the cards right now, I need to even the score."
"How do we do that?" Bart hoped it was going to be something easy.
"Simple you fool...we take what matters the most to her. When I have that, I have control." Stefano looked at him smugly.
"What means the most to her?" Bart couldn't think of anything that a crazy Princess could possibly want.
"Think, Bart...Greta! Tonight, I want you to go to Salem and bring Greta back here to me." Stefano turned to walk away.
"But Stefano, how am I supposed to do that?"
"You're a smart guy, Bart, you'll figure it out!" And with that Stefano walked out of the room.

Greta walked around Salem place, enjoying the familiar sites and faces. She had missed this place more than she thought she would during the trip to Paris. Best of all, she was going on a real date with Eric. After everything, that had happened the other night, she knew now that Eric loved her. She also knew that Nicole wouldn't ruin this date.
"Speak of the devil," Greta mumbled to herself. Nicole was standing just up the sidewalk. Just then, Nicole turned and saw her. With the biggest fake smile Greta had ever seen, she turned and started toward her.
Okay, Greta thought to herself, you can do this. Remember, Eric loves you. Make sure she knows that too!
"Greta! It's so great to see you! How are you?" the phony caring and sweetness in her voice made Greta want to cringe.
"Hello Nicole." Greta answered simply. I will not play her games, she told herself.
"Out shopping? Looking for anything special?"
"Actually I am," Greta pulled out a silvery slip dress and held it up for Nicole to see, "Let me ask your opinion, do you think this would look nice for my date with Eric tonight?"
Greta had to force back a smile. The look of disbelief and shock that washed over Nicole's face was almost comic. Greta might have laughed if she wasn't still so angry at Nicole for what she had tried to do.
"You see Nicole, it didn't work. Everything you tried to do failed. Eric loves me and that will keep us together no matter what you try to do. I have to go. I'd like to say it's been fun...but it hasn't!" Then, without a backwards glance, she walked away, feeling confident and secure. She allowed herself a small smile a the memory of Nicole with her mouth hanging open as she had walked away.

"I can't believe you said that to her," Eric's eyes shown with pride.
"I couldn't help it...she just made me so mad." Greta explained, trying to look as innocent as she could manage, while still grinning.
They were walking through Salem place. The had had reservations at Tuscany, but a water main break had cuased the restaurant to shut down for the night. Instead, they had went home and changed into regular clothes and decided to start some early Christmas shopping.
"I don't know why you had to change your dress. You looked gorgeous." Eric told her.
"I think that was a little dressed up for Christmas shopping."
"No, you looked like a Christmas angel." Greta looked at him as he said this and her heart melted. She leaned over and gave him a quick kiss on the lips.

Man, Bart thought to himself, it was bad enough he had to spend most of the day following Greta around while she shopped, now he had to watch these two making kissey faces at each other.
"Stefano doesn't pay me enough." he said to himself. He focused back on the two, waiting for a moment he could use.

As they broke apart, Eric suddenly got a big smile on his handsome face. He looked at Greta mischeivious grin.
"What?" Greta asked him, a giggle in her voice.
"It's nothing, it's just that I no what I'm gonna get you for Christmas! Stay here, I'll be right back, I don't want you to see what I get!" Without giving her time to protest, he turned and slipped around the corner.
Greta smiled to herself, and sat down on the bench to wait for him.

Bart watched as the Brady kid walked around the side of the building. Greta sat down on a bench and Bart saw his chance. No one else was around at the moment. He made sure the safety was on his gun. He had no intention of using it, he might have to scare her with it though. He started out toward Greta.

Greta sat waiting, wondering what it was Eric was going to get her. She still hadn't decided what to get him yet. Greta tried to scream as arms closed around her and pulled her backward off the bench. Before she could get any sound out, a hand clamped roughly over her mouth. Her attacker pulled her up against him and lifted her off the ground. He began making his way backward, away from the store, away from Eric.
NO! Greta screamed inside her head. I have to do something. Greta pulled her right knee up to her as far as she could, and then swung her leg backward into her attacker. As she connected with him, he dropped her to the ground.
"ERIC!" she screamed, as she tried to quickly get up and away. But she wasn't fast enough. Her attacker reached down and grabbed her ankle dragging her back to him.
"NO!" she screamed again as she struggled to keep from being pulled back. She twisted around on the ground to try to get a look at her attacker. She wanted to cry, he was wearing a ski mask. Even if she did get away, she didn't know who he was or what he looked like. Greta tuned back over onto her stomach and began clawing at anything to stop.
Bart knew he had to move quickly before she screamed again and all of Salem came out. Pulling the gun out of his pocket, he grabbed it by the barrel, took aim and hit her in the back of the head.
Greta felt a blinding pain shot through her head. Everything started to go black before her eyes. She tried to fight it, for herself and for Eric. As the blackness closed in, all she could think of was him. It had taken them so long to get together, and now this...
Bart watched as Greta's body slumped to the ground. He bent over, picked her up and threw her over his shoulder. He looked around to make sure there was still no one around and started toward his car.

Eric walked back around the side of the building, expecting Greta to be there. He was ready to resist her pleas to let her have her present early.
"Greta?" he asked questioningly, when he saw the area was empty. When there was no response, he called her name a little louder. Something in on the ground behind the bench caught the light. He walked over and bent down to pick it up. For a second he stopped breathing. It was Greta's bracelet. It was one she had brought back from her mother's chateau in Paris.
"She wouldn't have left this hear," Eric felt the fear growing in his heart, "GRETA!" He screamed her name again, praying for a response.
Eric whipped out his cell phone and dialed.
"Bo, it's Eric, Greta's missing!"

Greta was slowly regaining conciousness. Her thoughts were all fuzzy and she struggled to remember what had happened. She opened her eyes and looked around her. She was laying on a sofa in a room she didn't recognize. Suddenly, everything came back to her. She struggled to stop herself from hyperventilating as she bolted up from the sofa.
"'Bout time you woke up. I didn't hit you that hard." Greta looked over to where her attacker was sitting at a small table.
"Where are we? Why are you doing this?" She wanted the answers, but she also wanted to hear him speak again. She didn't think she recognized his voice.
"First of all, we're in a motel. Secondly, you don't need to worry your pretty little head about why this is happening. Just sit back and relax. With any luck this will all be over soon." He replied and went back to reading the paper in front of him.
Greta looked around the room, trying to figure a possible escape plan. There was only one door to the outside and he was sitting between it and her. There were windows, but they would take time to open and she didn't see how she would get that opportunity. She focused back on him as he pulled out a cell phone.
"Time to call the boss," he told her. He searched his pockets until he found a slip of paper. Looking at the paper, he dialed the number.
"Yeah, it's me." he said into the reciever.
Did you get Greta, Stefano asked.
"Yeah, she was a little more trouble than I thought she would be." he told him as he made a face at Greta.
Listen, I have a meeting set up with the Princess in the morning. I will tell her then that I have Greta. You must keep her there until you hear from me, understand?
"Yeah, yeah. I got it." he told Stefano.
And remember Bart. No one is to know that I am behind this.
Before Bart could say anything else, Stefano hung up the phone. Bart flipped his phone shut and replaced it in his pocket. He picked up the slip of paper and put it in his pocket as he stood. Greta watched as the piece of paper didn't quite make it into his pocket, but instead floated to the floor. Thinking quickly, she stood up off the sofa.
"What are you doing?" he barked at her.
"I was tired of sitting on this sofa. I thought maybe I could sit at the table." She said, trying to sound innocent. "Get up!" Bart grabbed her arm and pulled her up roughly. She sat down at the table and slowly slid the piece of paper into her pocket.

Eric paced around the police station. It didn't seem like anyone was doing anything to try to find Greta. In his heart, he knew that wasn't true, Bo was trying his best. But he just felt so damned helpless. He stopped pacing when he saw Bo coming toward him.
"Eric, we've been all over Salem Place, she's not there. There are signs of s atruggle around the area where you saw her last. We're going to try..." Eric cut him off.
"It's my fault Bo, I never should have left her alone." Eric said looking disgusted with himself.
"It's not your fault. You had no way to know that someone was after Greta. We think that whoever it was must have been watching her. They picked the perfect moment when there weren't any witnesses around." Bo explained, "We're going to put out an APB describing Greta. Hopefully, someone will see her."
"That's it!? That's all?! Greta's out there with God knows who and were just sending out an APB?" Eric stared at Bo increduosly.
"I'm sorry Eric, we're going to keep looking, but until we get some solid leads, any leads for that matter. There's only so much we can do. I have to go, I'll check in with you later."
Eric watched Bo walk back down the hall. He knew this was tearing Bo up inside to, but he wished there was more they could do. Looking heavenward, Eric prayed quietly, "Lord, please, Greta has already been through so much, and it took us so long to find each other. Please, don't take her away from me now, Please. I love her."

Greta was sitting at the table when she suddenly had this feeling of warmth rush over her. She knew that she would get out of here and be with Eric again soon. She just had to figure out how.
"Better enjoy your freedom sweetie. In about two minutes, I'm going to tie your hands together for the night and lock you in the bedroom so you don't try to escape." he sneered at her.
"Could I have a glass of water first," he looked disgusted at her, "Please!" she begged.
Without a word he got up and returned a few moments later with a glass of water. She had seen this glass sitting on the counter and had hoped that he would bring that one to her. Without hesitation, she lifted the glass to her lips and then let it slip from her fingers. It hit the table with a crash and broke.
"That's it! You're going in the room now!" he yelled at her.
He turned around to get the rope and Greta quickly picked up a large shard of glass and slipped it into her pocket. He grabber her wrists and bound them together tightly with the rope. He hauled her up off the chair and almost dragged her over to the bedroom door.
"Have a nice sleep." he said as he shoved her into the room.
Greta jumped slightly as the door slammed behind her and she heard a key turning in the lock. She knew there was no point in trying the door. Looking around the dimly lit room she saw a bed, dresser, a chair and one small window. She walked over to the window and tried to gauge it's size. Then she fished the shard of glass out of her pocket and began to rub it hard against the ropes.
Hours later, Greta was getting desperate, her hands were quickly becoming slick with blood. Numerous times, the glass had slipped off the rope and nicked her hands. Finally, she felt the ropes slacken and she was able to wiggle her hands out of them. She took a couple of seconds to assess her hands. They were bloody, but the cuts looked superficial. She jumped up off the bed and headed over to the window. She started to cry when she saw the window didn't have a latch, it didn't open.

Eric was back at Salem Place. He thought that maybe if he looked again, he would find something else. Something that would give them some clue to where she was. Just as he was about to give up, a feeling of despair washed over him. He knew that Greta was in trouble, he could feel it. Eric turned and began to rush back to the police station.

Greta was sitting on the floor under the window sobbing. She had come so far. Her plan had worked and now she was still stuck here. She took a deep breath, stopped crying and decided she was not going to be a victim. She thought of Eric, about how much she loved him and how much he loved her.
She knew if she didn't get out of here now, she'd probably never see him again. Suddenly, another idea came to her. She walked quickly over to the door. She took the old wooden chair that was near it and propped it up under the doorknob, it wouldn't give her much time, but it might be enough. She pulled off her jacket and wrapped it around her elbow. She positioned herself by the window and with all of her strenght, slammed her arm into the window. She almost yelled with joy when the glass shattered.
Bart flew up off the sofa when he heard the glass breaking. He ran over to the door and slipped the key in. He turned the doorknob and pushed, but the door wouldn't open. He tried pushing harder and still nothing. He began to heave against the door using all his weight.
Greta heard the key in the door and she grabbed the window sill and pulled herself up and through it. She jumped slightly and paused when she heard him fling himself against the door. She saw the door rattle and the chair moved a little. She shook herself out of it and jumped lightly to the ground and began to run.

Eric was at the police station pacing again. There wasn't any news about Greta. Finally he couldn't stand it anymore. He decided to drive around and look for her. He knew that he would probably never fid her like that, but at least he felt like he was doing something. He started out down the hallway.
Greta ran toward the police station. She didn't think her attacker was behind her, but she was afraid to slow down. She almost started crying when she saw the lights of the station up ahead. She sprinted up the stairs and flung the door open.
Eric was just about to reach for the doorknob, when the door flew open and Greta fell into his arms. For a minute, he thought he was hallucinating. All the stress had finally got to him. That thought left him quickly thought as Greta began to kiss him. He tightened his arms around her, enjoying the feel of her in his arms. A feeling he had begun to think he'd never have again.
Greta kissed him again and again, on the cheek, on his chin, on his lips, anywhere. She had been so suprised when she opened the door and he was standing there. She could't beleive how good it felt to be in his arms again.
They both knew that they needed to stop and go inform everyone that she was back and okay, but neither one wanted to end this quite yet. Instead, they stood there, inside the doors of the police station, holding onto one another. Thankful to be together again. Both vowing silently never to let the other go.

"Where you planning on telling anyone she was back? Or where you going to keep it a secret?" Bo asked from behind them.
Greta and Eric whirled around to face him. Greta could feel the heat rising in her cheeks. Bo laughed and pulled her into his arms for a big hug.
"I'm so glad you're okay!" Bo told her, holding her back at arms length and giving her a quick once over. "What about your hands, they look awful."
"They're okay Bo. They're just small cuts."
"And they're going to be looked at in the hospital as soon as she gives her report." Eric broke in.
Greta looked over and smiled warmly at him.
"Well then, lets get this show on the road." Bo declared. Together, the three of them began walking deeper into the police station. Greta, who had been unable to think clearly since falling into Eric's arms, suddenly remembered something.
"Wait Bo, Eric...the guy who kidnapped me. He called someone on his cell phone and was talking to him about me. I don't know who it was, he never mentioned a name..."
"That's okay Greta, as long as you try to remember everything you can about what happened, I'm sure we'll catch him." Bo told her, trying to reassure her.
"But wait, that's not what I'm trying to say. He had the number wrote on a piece of paper. When he went to put it back in his pocket, it fell to the floor. I pretended to trip and," Greta paused as she fished around her pocket, "...and picked it up!" Greta said the last part triumphantly as she produced the slip of paper from her pocket.
A huge grin swept across Eric's face, he scooped Greta up in a huge bear hug and whirled her around.
"That's my girl Bo!" Eric said, as Greta and Bo laughed.
"Greta, that was a very smart thing to do, you just made our job alot easier. Now come on you two, you need to give your statement."

An hour later, Greta was done giving her statement. She had told them everything she could remember about her abductor. She wished she had been able to see him without his ski mask. She was so afraid she wasn't being much help. Eric sat beside her, holding her hand the whole time. Bo had stayed for a little while and then had went off to see how things were progressing with the telephone number.
"We could probably leave if you want." Eric told her.
"I'd like to stay to see about the phone number." She said back.
"So would I." he answered smiling.
"Well, you won't have to wait to long." Bo said from behind them. Both turned around to face him. Greta could tell from the look on his face that it wasn't good news.
"The number was disconnected. Whoever it was must have realized that you got the number. But we can still track it, it will just take a little longer," Bo explained.
"But until then, I want to make sure there isn't another attempt. Greta, I'm putting you under 24 hour police protection. The officer will take you home. I want you to pick up a few things and then you're going to a hotel were we can keep a closer eye on you."
"Do you really think that's neccessary?" Greta asked him, worry showing in her brown eyes.
"I really do think it's for the best."
"So do I," Eric told her, then turning to address Bo, he said, "I'm going with her."
"Eric, I really don't think that's a good idea. There's so many things that could go wrong..."
"I'm going Bo, that's all there is to it," he told him, "besides, would you let Hope go through this alone?"
Bo didn't answer, he didn't have to. Everyone already knew the answer and that this discussion was over.
"Greta, you just need to sign your statement and we can get out of here." Bo pointed over to a desk. After she was out of earshot, he turned to Eric.
"I want you to be very careful. I didn't tell her this because I didn't want to put her through anything else, but I think Stefano might be involved." Eric took a deep breathe to calm himself as Bo continued. "The phone number was a Paris number. Stefano is still over there."
"But why would he want to kidnapp Greta?" Eric asked him.
"I don't know. It could have something to do with her being Princess Gina's daughter, but..." Bo let his words trail off as Greta approached.
"All done?" Bo asked her, when Greta nodded her head, he replied, "okay, then I'll go the officer who'll be staying with you and you can be on your way."

Eric led Greta over to a bench while they waited. Eric looked at her beautiful face and thought for the thousandth time that night how close he'd come to losing her. Without a word, he reached over and gently turned her face toward his and kissed her gently. Greta leaned against him and smiled.
"Hey, I want to give you something. This was gonna be your Christmas present, but..." Eric stopped for a minute, shuddering at the emotions what he was about to say evoked, "...but, I thought I had lost you tonight. And all I could think was, I never got to give this to you and how I'd wished I had." With that, he pulled out a retangular jewelry box.
Greta took the box and gazed over at him, letting all the love she felt for him show in her face. She slowly lifted the lid to the box to reveal a beautiful silver locket.
"Oh Eric, it's beautiful!"
"Open it." he told her simply.
Greta opened the locket and her breath caught in her throat. She could feel the tears welling up in her eyes. On one side of the locket was a picture of him. On the other, a picture of her mother.
"I got the picture from the castle." Mistaking her silence for displeasure, he continued quickly," if you don't like it, you could always put another picture in it..."
"No, no. It's perfect. I just don't know what to say, I love you so much." Her words came out in a gush of emotion as she flung her arms around his neck and kissed him.
"Excuse me...Miss VonAmberg, I'm your escort." Eric and Greta broke apart quickly and turned to face the embarrassed looking officer. "If you're ready to go..."
"Oh yes, sorry." Greta said quickly. Eric took her hand as they followed the officer out of the station. Neither one of them felt the least bit afraid. They were together and that was all that mattered. Eric sqeezed her hand gently as they approached the cop car, she looked up at him and smiled.

Greta and Eric walked out into the darkness with the officer. Greta didn't know why, but the feeling of warmth and security that she had felt only moments ago, were gone. Replaced by some unknown fear that caused her stomach to churn. She tried to shake it off, telling herself it was just the stress of the day getting to her. Eric squeezed her hand and she looked up at him and smiled.
Her attention shot forward again when the officer fell to the ground. She looked on in horror as her attacker stepped out of the shadows.
"Sweetie...we weren't finished with you. You got me in alot of trouble when you left." he told them, sounding very angry and very dangerous.
Eric quickly pushed Greta behind him, shielding her. She could feel every muscle in his body tense, ready to fight.
"Come on loverboy, don't try to be a hero. I'm not in the mood." he said to Eric, his voice low and serious.
"Greta, go back into the station." Eric said without looking back at her. When she paused, he ordered her, "NOW!"
Greta turned and started back toward the station, intent on getting help. However, she had to turn and check on Eric. The man had started toward her, but Eric had blocked his path. Now they were wrestling for control of the gun in his hand. All she could hear was the sound of their feet scuffling in the gravel. Then, the silence of the night was broken by the gunshot. Both men stood still and then Eric crumpled to the ground.
"NO!" Greta ran over to where he lay on the ground, oblivious to the danger, "Eric no, please, no!"
She cradled his head in her lap and when she moved her hand away, it was covered in blood. She could feel herself becoming lightheaded with sorrow and worry. And then rough hands grabbed her and started to drag her backwards away from Eric.
"Oh God, no! Please, we can't let him die, please! We have to get him help." Greta pleaded with her attacker, as she struggled to get back to Eric.
He payed no heed to her words as he continued to pull her back into the night. Greta felt her will to fight drain out of her as she stared at Eric motionless body.
"No, no, no..." she mumbled, before she let herself pass out. She felt herself grow numb as the darkness closed in around her.

to be continued...