Hello, Lovelies,

Thank you so much for reading Faded.  I am sorry it's late.  I am still having trouble with my internet.  I hope it's fixed now.  We shall see but for now, I can update this chapter.  We'll go a chapter at a time.  

I do hope you enjoy it.  If you do, please consider voting and commenting.  If you have questions, comment or send me a message.

-XXXX Amanda 

**********

April 15, 1971

The sky was streaked with pink, red and purple becoming and darker and darker as the sun sank lower in the sky. My heart thumped against my ribs as I glanced around the apartment my father and I shared.

My hands shook as I wiped the sweat on the front of my jeans. I swallowed as red and blue lights illuminated the living room. Tears burned my eyes as I closed them hoping the pounding of feet did not stop at my door.

I flinched as fists pounded on the door. I opened my eyes staring at the door for a few moments before forcing my feet forward. I turned the knob and pulled the door open to find two police officers standing in front of me.

The youngest of the policemen spoke in a solemn voice that sent a shiver down my spine because it made memories of my grandfather's funeral through my mind.

"Micah Kane?" He asked, his dark eyes moving over me with that mask that made it impossible to know what he was about to say.

I swallowed, trying not to give in to the panic that was slamming through me, "Y-Yes," I said, my throat so dry that I had to pull my tongue from the roof of my mouth to speak.

"We're sorry but you have to come with us," the policeman said, his eyes holding sorrow, "Your father has been in an accident."

"Was he hurt?" I asked afraid to ask that other question...The one that would take him permanently away from me.

"He was," he said, his eyes darkening, "He's in the hospital."

"Alive?" I asked, finally spitting the word from between my parched lips.

"Yes," But the policeman still seemed sad, "My name is Officer Thomas. We'll take you to him."

I nodded, "O-Okay," I said, glancing over my shoulder, "Can I get something to drink?"

Officer Thomas nodded and I turned needing time away from them to gather my thoughts. I moved toward the kitchen, taking a cup from the cabinet and running water into it and gulping it down. I took in the kitchen imagining my father cooking at the stove. Somehow, he had convinced me he wasn't going to leave but now, that fear fluttered to life in my chest again.

I straightened my spine and took a deep breath, leaving the cup in the sink and walked toward the police officers, hoping that my fear was wrong and my dad wasn't going to leave me like everyone else had.

***********

June 6, 1983

It was midday when I finally pulled myself out of bed. I smiled when I found a letter with those three words that caused my heart to leap in my throat on the pillow beside me. I smiled to myself, rising from her bed and putting on my clothes from the night before to walk downstairs to the kitchen.

I stopped as I entered, finding Tommy and Bo talking to Kevin, Dave Jax and Alex. Their faces were solemn as Bo's eyes found mine.

"What's going on?" I asked, my stomach churning as my gaze moved to each of them.

Bo pinched the bridge of his nose, "You know I love Megan and only want to protect her," he said on a sigh, "So, I feel the need to tell you that your relationship with her has been leaked to the press. I haven't spoken to her yet but it won't be long before she'll know because the paps will be following her around."

I raised my brows, "We've been through this before," I said, frowning, "With Liza. Why is Megan any different?"

"I think you misunderstand me," Bo said, shaking his head, "It's not that it was leaked. I expected that but it's who leaked it."

I narrowed my eyes, "Cody?"

Bo nodded, "I talked to her about him this morning," Bo said, straightening, "Though I wanted to keep it private, I knew she would eventually tell you but I think it's best if I tell you first so we don't have problems like we did with Liza."

I nodded stepping further into the kitchen, "What do you mean?"

My heart was hammering against my ribs as he spoke, "You know that Cody has an interest in Megan, right?"

I ground my teeth, "I've noticed."

"It's because he knows she's Micah's girl...Even before it was official," Dave said, his green eyes darkening, "He's always hated him. Going after Megan Doll will be a way to piss him off."

"Regardless of the reason why, her being on his radar is dangerous," Bo said, taking a deep breath, "As I told Megan this morning and as I'm sure she'll tell you, it has gotten back to me that he paid off a family of a sixteen year old girl. Apparently, he raped her."

I stumbled back a few steps, knowing how much that information would terrify her. She had been fucking raped.

"Why isn't he in fucking jail?" Kevin asked, running his hands through his long blond hair.

"He paid off her parents," Alex said, his hazel eyes settling on Kevin, "Without the girl, there is no case. You know that."

I shook my head, "Who is with Megan now?" I asked as a tremble slid down my spine.

"She is being guarded," Bo said, putting his hands out, "I promise I wouldn't leave her at the office without protection."

I stilled as I tried to pull air in and out of my lungs trying to calm down. I wanted her to quit her job. I would take care of her but she wouldn't do that. If I tried to force her, she would leave me.

"Promise me that she'll be safe," I said, my words tumbling out of my mouth.

"I promise," Bo said, swallowing, "And I am taking her off of any work that includes The Promises. However, you know Cody. He's not going to stop antagonizing you. He turned in your relationship to the papers, proving that and I worry that won't be the end. In other words, watch your girl."

I met his eyes, nodding my head, "You don't have to worry about that," I said, glancing around the room with the knowledge that the people sitting in the room would help me keep the woman I loved safe.