So Close (Part 3)
Title: So Close
Author: Fab_fan
Fandom: All My Children
Pairing: Frankie/Bianca, Bianca/Reese, Bianca/Maggie, Maggie/Other
Rating: R
Disclaimer: I do not own these characters
Spoilers: All of Bianca's story/life. All they way up through her last appearance on AMC.
Summary: There is a crazed stalker after Bianca and her family. The FBI is doing their best to catch the killer and protect the small family. Oh...and Frankie's alive.
Author's Note: This is the sequel to the short story French Connection. I hope you all enjoy it. Feedback = love and happiness.
The insistent ringing of the alarm clock blared across the room, its annoying jingle penetrating the darkness. Bianca groaned as she rolled over. Eyes closed, she swatted at the small device. Her hand swung through the air a few times before landing on the plastic button, ending the much too loud noise.
Arms wrapped around her from behind, “Mmm, it's too early to be morning.”
Bianca felt Reese wriggle closer to her; a pair of lips gently pressed against the back of her neck, “Someone kept us up all night.”
“That someone needs more sleep.”
Bianca shifted in her arms, turning to face her wife. She leaned forward and pressed a kiss to the inviting lips before her. “I can think of something else we could be doing besides sleeping.”
Reese's eyes twinkled as she pulled the brunette closer, “I wonder what that could be?”
The light patter of small feet raced in front of the closed bedroom door, causing Reese to raise her head, “The children are up.”
“Let the nanny deal with them.” Bianca grasped her wife's face and forcefully pulled her into another kiss.
“Mmm...honey...we have to get up.” the blonde whispered between kisses.
Reese pulled back, and Bianca let her go with a sigh. Rubbing a hand across her face, Bianca watched as the other woman moved towards the window and pushed open the velvet drapes. Sunlight poured in, illuminating the room. The brunette squinted, her eyes still used to the darkness. She ran a hand through her hair as Reese gathered her robe and walked into the adjoining bathroom. Soon the sound of falling water permeated the air.
Swinging her legs around, the mother lifted herself from the bed and reached for her robe. The garment was limply scattered across the floor, having been absently thrown there the night before by Reese. She wrapped the soft silk around her naked body and tightened the sash. With a quick look in the mirror, she was out the door and walking towards the kitchen.
“Mommy! Joan made waffles!” cried out Miranda as Bianca entered the large kitchen. Bianca smiled at her daughter as she sat down at the table, the older woman immediately placing a steaming cup of coffee and a pastry in front of her.
“She did? That's great.” replied Bianca as she lifted the mug and blew across the top, attempting to cool down the burning liquid.
“Yep, and tonight she's gonna make mac and cheese after we visit the duckies!” exuberantly added the toddler with a big nod.
“You're going to visit the ducks?” Bianca sipped at her beverage.
“After she goes to school and finishes her homework.” answered Joan, her American accent a slight comfort to the family. She ambled over to the high chair at the edge of the table, where Gabby was focused on picking up small bits of pastry and shoving them in her mouth.
“Did I hear something about ducks?” Reese waltzed through the entrance, a smile across her face.
Miranda bounced in her chair, almost knocking the bottle of syrup over. “Yep, me an' Gabby are gonna feed the duckies.”
“That sounds like a lot of fun.” Reese grabbed an apple from the bowl on the counter and bit into it.
“I'm going to be late tonight. We have a big meeting about the Lyon project. I don't know when I'll be getting in.” she directed towards Bianca as she swallowed.
“Oh...that's fine. I'll probably be busy with Cambias stuff anyways. The London trip seems to have only added more work.”
Miranda looked back and forth between the two, “But there'll be mac and cheese.”
Reese blinked at her before smiling gently, “Yes, but sometimes us grown-ups have to work and we miss stuff. But don't you want your mommy to have a big strong company for you when you get older?”
Miranda nodded, not really understanding what Reese was saying, but she didn't want to show it.
“Good girl. Now you be good for Joan. I'll see you tomorrow.” Reese kissed the top of her and Gabby's heads before capturing Bianca's lips in a swift kiss. Then, she was gone.
Bianca finished her coffee and gracefully chewed the last few bites of pastry. As she wiped her fingers on a napkin, she directed her gaze on Joan,“I need to get ready for work. I'll be at Cambias all day today and most of this evening. If you need to, call me there.” She then stood up and leaned over to give her daughters a kiss on the cheek, “Have fun today and listen to Joan.”
Miranda watched as her mother walked away, back towards her bedroom. Looking down at her half eaten waffles, she muttered, “I'm always good.” With a lift of the head, she looked at her sister, the younger girl happily giggling as she saw her big sister's attention focused on her. “Don't worry Gabby. We'll have mac and cheese together.”
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Bianca hung up the phone, the two hour conversation with the head of the accounting department causing a small headache to form. Listening to accountants was never the most thrilling endeavor, but listening about numbers and financial forms for two hours was just plain torture. It needed to be done, though. She had to make sure everyone was doing there job and performing to standard. This London deal was important. It would bring in a lot of money and other assets for the company.
With a sigh she leaned back in her chair and closed her eyes, taking a small break before moving on to the next item on her to do list. The gentle hum of her open laptop and the softness of the leather chair soon had her drifting off into sleep.
She reached out a hand, gently moving a stray hair that had loosened from Miranda’s ponytail. Her heart swelled, she loved her children with everything she had. Soon they would be home and back with Reese. All of this would be over with and they could go back to their normal lives. Pulling her hand back into her lap, Bianca released another sigh. Now where was that agent?
The agent who had ushered them onto the train, Agent Smith, had informed them that a different agent would be riding with them to Paris. However, this agent had yet to show up. The train was due to leave in two minutes. Maybe they hadn’t made it? Bianca didn’t know if this made her happy or not.
Her thoughts were cut off when the sound of footsteps and the rustling of clothes reached her ears. She looked up to see a rather short individual hurriedly walking down the aisle, the black jacket of their suit flapping slightly.
This must be the FBI agent.
Bianca wondered if they were all taught how to dress at the FBI academy. Plain black suit and white button up shirt underneath. Her wondering was quickly cut short though when she looked up at the face of the presumed agent. Her breath came out in a shocked gasp, her hands flying to the armrests.
“Wha…What?” she stammered as the person came to a stop next to their seats.
So many emotions were making their way through Bianca. Anger, sadness, pain, happiness.
Taking a deep breath, she opened her mouth, the first words she could properly form spilling out, “Maggie! What are you doing here? And why are you dressed like that?” The agent looked at her with a shocked expression, the sudden outburst startling her as well as the surrounding people.
Bianca blinked, stunned as well at her own outburst. Seeing the face of the girl she had loved, who had hurt her so much, who she hadn’t seen in so long, had taken away any control she had. With another sigh, she rubbed at her eyes, calming herself down.
“Jeez, you sure know how to make a girl feel welcome.” sarcastically replied the agent, running a hand through her short dark hair.
Bianca looked up at this, taking in the girl before her. She was in, it seemed, the standard agent uniform of black suit pants, black suit jacket, and white shirt. The faint hint of a shoulder harness could be seen when the girl raised her arm. Short dark brown chin length hair framed a face that was without a doubt that of her ex-lover.
She watched as the agent sat down in the chair across from her, fiddling with her shirt cuffs. This…this was almost too much. The last time they had seen each other had not been on very pleasant terms. So why was she here? And when had she become an FBI agent?
“Maggie…why are you here?” quietly asked the confused woman.
“Stop calling me that.” started the Maggie-look-alike. She had stopped playing with her cuffs and now leaned back into her seat, looking at Bianca.
A roguish grin spread across her face, “I know it’s been a while Biancala….but this yelling isn’t necessary. If I didn’t know any better I’d think you were channeling your mom or something.”
Now Bianca was more confused than ever. Why was Maggie talking like that? Then she froze. Her breath caught in her throat.
Biancala.
She couldn’t breathe. She had called her Biancala.
Only one person had ever called her that. Her eyes searched the face before her. That devil-may-care smile. Those twinkling eyes.
No. It couldn’t be. It just couldn’t. It wasn’t possible.
She felt numb. She felt light headed. This wasn’t right.
Bianca didn’t notice as the woman across from her leaned forward, concern flashing across her face. She didn’t notice as the woman grasped her hands. All she could feel, all she could see, was a young nineteen year old, leaning casually against the doorframe, telling her not to give up so easily on her.
“Frankie?” Bianca breathed out, feeling faint.
Bianca's eyes snapped open, her body lurching into wakefulness. She raised a hand, running it across her face.
What was that? Why was she remembering that?
She didn't want to think about Frankie Stone. She hadn't thought about the agent since their confrontation a few days ago. She had made a vow to forget about the smaller woman, and she had...for the most part.
Every once in a while, flashes of confused brown eyes and smart remarks flew across her mind. But, she pushed those memories away. She instantly forced herself to forget about them, focusing on her work or family instead. The London project was taking up a lot of time, and when she wasn't at work, Reese was usually right on hand to provide a different form of distraction.
She said she did not want to see her again, and she meant it.
Pulling her chair closer to the desk, the CEO picked up her phone, ready to get back to work. Dialing the extension for the research and development department head, she grasped a pen and flipped the cap off.
As she listened to the ringing through the receiver, she mindlessly doodled on the yellow legal pad, forming odd black shapes and circles.
Frankie always used to do that. Doodle. Whenever they were sitting around doing nothing, Frankie was doodling...or folding paper airplanes...or something. She was always moving, always doing something with her hands. She was restless. One time, when they had gone to meet Leo before his wedding to Laura, thank god that didn't happen, Frankie was walking around and plucked a watch from a champagne flute. She held her prize up, which was quickly snatched back by her cousin. He accused her of stealing it. She replied that she rescued it. She was like a little kid though, picking everything up and touching anything within arms reach. Sometimes that was a good thing, though. When they were leaving Leo's place, the girl had surprised Bianca with a small flower, having torn it from a plant a few moments before.
She especially was restless when she felt unsure or nervous. She tended to fiddle with her necklace. It was a sign Bianca had soon learned to recognize...and something she found adorable.
Adorable?
Bianca shook these thoughts away and looked down at the paper that was now covered with black lines. Sighing, she ripped it from the pad and crumbled it up. Without looking, she threw it at the wastebasket...and missed by a foot. No one had answered the phone, so she hung up, making a mental note to find out why that was.
But adorable? No, not at all. Her mind shifted back to the previous thought process. Sure, maybe to a young teenager the very thought of any cute girl doing something was adorable. But that sign was nowhere near that. It wasn't adorable. It meant that Frankie was going to clam up and not talk to Bianca. It meant she was going to shut her out, acting like the dark-haired girl was just a kid.
And she wasn't even supposed to be thinking about Frankie anyway. She was completely done with her. She never needed to see her again. The only reason she even saw her was because she had foolishly asked for a meeting with the head of the investigation. She knew better now though.
Oh...and on the train.
Wait...the train. Frankie was on the train with them from London to Paris.
She was never there before. Never visibly protecting them.
Bianca picked up the phone.
No, she wasn't going to think about this. She didn't care. That woman was out of her life, forever.
She dialed the number for the research and development department.
Frankie Stone had not been a part of her life since she was seventeen. She wasn't going to be a part of it now.
The phone rang as she waited for the other end to pick up.
But why was she on that train?
Bianca slammed the phone down. With a huff she stood up. Her long legs carried her across the floor and she opened her door. Agent Jones stood outside, his stoic face taking in every inch of the space around him.
“Agent Jones.” Bianca stepped out.
He turned to look at her, “Mrs. Williams, what can I do for you?”
Bianca took a deep breath, “I need to speak with Agent Stone, again.”
Jones slightly squinted his eyes, “With Agent Stone, ma'am? Is there something I can help you with?”
“No Agent Jones, I need to speak with Agent Stone.” Bianca sighed in slight frustration.
“Ma'am, I could possibly help you. If you have any questions about your protection, I am more than happy to assist you.”
“I appreciate that Agent Jones, but only your boss knows the answers to my questions.”
“Agent Stone is very busy, ma'am. If you could tell me what your questions are, I might be able to help.”
“Jones, call Frankie and tell her to get over here!” Bianca practically yelled.
Blinking at the loud voice, the young agent nodded his head and spoke into his microphone, “Agent Jones to Command.”
“Tell her I'll be in my office working.” Bianca spun around into her office, closing the door behind her.
This would be much better, the brunette thought as she moved over to her desk. Her office was a better meeting spot than her apartment. She didn't want the agent there, close to her family. No. Here in the office it would be just the two of them.
This was Bianca's realm. Her domain. Nobody could overpower or outwit her there, especially Frankie Stone.
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Completely wrapped up in the financial forms before her, Bianca didn't hear the first few knocks on her door. Finally, the sound reached her ears and she let out a “Come in.”
The door swung open and Frankie Stone stood in the frame, baggy eyes taking in the woman regally perched at the large business desk.
“You called.” she drawled out as she stepped inside and closed the door, Agent Jones' curious face blocked from view.
Bianca ignored her for a moment, writing something on the paper in front of her. “Have a seat Agent Stone.”
Frankie raised an eyebrow before rolling her eyes and dragging herself over to the desk. It had been hours since she had a coffee and cigarette, and she desperately needed both, soon.
Flopping into the chair, she crossed her arms and watched as the CEO kept her eyes on the legal pad as she wrote down notes about the files. Looking around the room, Frankie's eyes found the small bar set up against the side wall. The thought of a drink crossed her mind. A good shot of bourbon wouldn't be so bad right now...a bourbon and cigarette would be heaven.
“Why were you on the train?”
Frankie's head whipped around, startled by the sudden question, “What?”
Bianca folded her hands on her desk, eyes pinning the agent to the chair. Now face to face with Frankie, she noticed the tired bloodshot eyes and dark circles underneath.
“Are you ok?” she asked, her voice taking on a softer tone.
“Yeah, I'm fine.” Frankie was confused by the sudden kindness, “I've been worse.”
Bianca voice hardened, “I bet you have.” She refused to think about what that meant. “Why were you on the train?”
Frankie leaned back farther into her chair, “I was doing my job.”
“Your job? What exactly is your job? Stalking me?”
Frankie let out a harsh chuckle, “You wish.”
Bianca frowned, “We never saw you before that day. You were never a part of the groups of agents following us around.”
“Why does this matter?” Frankie sighed as she unfolded her arms and tapped her fingers against the arm of the chair.
“I just want to know why you were there. It's a simple question.” Bianca sat tall in her seat, calmly looking down at the other girl.
“I was doing my job. I told you.”
“Your job. The job that never had you near us. The job that never had you protecting any of us. You were never there. You're supposedly the head of this operation. I guess the boss doesn't do that stuff. But why then? Why did you all of a sudden show up? Are you lying to me? Are you really the head of this operation? Hell, are you even an actual agent?”
Frankie's hands gripped the end of the chair's arms as she leaned forward, “Is that what you think? That I'm just some person off the street?”
Bianca leaned forward as well, “Aren't you?”
Frankie clenched her jaw, “Yeah, I used to be from the street. But now? Now, I am the head of this operation. I am the lead agent of the Paris section of your family's case. My position does not afford me the chance to be in your beautiful presence everyday, unfortunately. Protection is only part of the case. We are also investigating. I'm running both ends.”
Bianca opened her mouth, but Frankie kept going, “I was on the train that day because I had to be. The agent who was supposed to be traveling with you was in a car crash on his way to the station. The majority of the agents who were in England had already left for Paris. All others left there were occupied with their assigned tasks. That's why I was late. I had to rush over there because no one else could do it.”
“Why were you in England, if you're so busy investigating here?” Bianca studied the woman before her, looking for hints that she was lying.
“I got there the minute we received the letter openly threatening you. I felt it was more important to be where the three of you were.”
“So you just left Reese here by herself. Left my wife defenseless.”
Frankie shook her head, “No. She still had a detail. I was in constant contact with them throughout the trip.”
“Why didn't you come with us?”
“After the train ride? The agent I covered for was only assigned to the transportation from London to Paris. As you know, other agents took over from there.”
Bianca looked down at her desk, breaking any eye contact with the agent. She stared at the wooden surface for a few moments, her mind processing the answers she had received. Frankie watched her with tired eyes. The deep brown orbs roamed over pale skin and lush hair, imprinting the woman's features to memory. Sure, they had seen each other a few times recently, but it had been so long before then.
“I don't believe you.” Bianca's head lifted, snapping the agent out of her silent gaze.
“What?” Frankie incredulously said.
“I don't believe you. How can I? You...you conned me before. Who is to say you aren't doing it again? Once a con always a con, right?”
Frankie swiftly stood up, wobbling on her feet for a second. “Whatever, Bianca. I don't have time for this” She reached into her blazer and pulled out a folded black wallet. With frustration and anger etched across her face, she threw the object. It landed with a thud and slid across the desk. The impact opened the wallet to show a shiny badge and photo id.
“Believe whatever the hell you want to believe. I just don't really care anymore.”
With that she stormed towards the door. She placed a hand on the doorknob when she was within arms reach, but a voice stopped her from opening it.
“Would I have ever seen you...if the crash didn't happen? Would you have shown yourself to me if you weren't forced to be on that train?” Bianca called out.
Bianca watched as Frankie's body tensed, her grip on the handle tightening. She waited...needing to know the answer for some reason. With the shorter woman's back facing her, she couldn't see what, if any, emotions flashed across her face.
The room was deathly silent. A few moments tensely passed.
Then, without a word, Frankie ripped open the door and strode out of the office. Agent Jones' wide eyes were visible from the now open door, watching his superior's forceful exit.