Settling down to breakfast one morning, Zac heard Pippa crying upstairs. Sighing, he got back up, nodding to Kelsey that he'd take care of their sixteen month old daughter.
On his way to Pippa's room, he heard Hope moving around in hers. Zac picked up Pippa and soothed her sobs. It was then that he remembered that Hope was having breakfast downstairs.
Zac carried Pippa downstairs, listening in at Hope's door on the way. Yes, there was definitely movement. Once back in the kitchen, he handed Pippa to Kelsey.
"I have to check something," he murmured with a sidelong glance at Hope.
Hope didn't notice. Zac went to her room and opened the door quickly, only to discover a tall boy - well, 'man' would be more appropriate - clad in leather and rummaging through Hope's drawers.
"Who the hell do you think you are and what do you think you're doing?" Zac bellowed.
He jumped like a startled deer and fled to the windows. Zac grabbed at him but the gangster was too quick for him. Zac raced down the stairs and out the door, but didn't see another sign of him. He returned inside, fuming.
"What was that all about?" asked Kelsey.
"There was a prowler in Hope's room."
"What?" Hope yelped, alarmed.
"I'm calling the police."
When the police did arrive, Hope informed them that nothing was missing. Zac described the invader.
"What?" Hope asked, her eyes wide as she heard the description. "Did... did he have a scar about here?"
Hope traced a line on her face.
"I didn't notice. Possibly. Hope, do you know this boy?"
Hope looked upset.
"Well, yes and no... he never told me his name."
Zac gave her a look that plainly said "go on".
"He's visited me a couple of times at the studio - I have no idea how he got past security," Hope gulped. "And ahh, once here."
"He's visited you here, and you didn't tell me? Hope -"
"I know, I know. I'm sorry. He never hurt me, I promise."
"But he could have. For goodness sake Hope, he was going through your underwear!"
Hope blushed furiously.
"I know. I'm sorry. It's just... oh forget it. You wouldn't understand."
"Understand what? You're not sleeping with him are you?"
"Dad!"
He gave her a stern look.
"Of course I'm not. Geez. lets see, aside from the fact the only guy I'm planning on having sex with is my husband, I only ever met the guy three times. Three times! In like, a year!" Hope turned on her heel and stormed off to clean her room.
"See here," Zac said to the police, "I expect you people to be discreet."
"Of course," one assured him.
Well the police may not have blabbed, but it got out anyway. In a manner of speaking. There was one rumour that said the gangster was Hope's forbidden boyfriend and Zac had caught them in the act. And one where he was Hope's ex-boyfriend who was stalking her after their break up. And then there was the one where he was really an obsessed fan who was out to rape Hope. And then one that involved...