Author's Notes: This is more of a filler chapter but needed to be done. Not only to show how important Duke is in this fic, but also to move the story forward.

Audrey wished Nathan had been there when she woke up, but he probably went home to get ready for work. Hell, she wished that he had been the man she woke up to during her 'Groundhog Day' experience. Everything changed when she witnessed Nathan 'dying' in her arms. Audrey could no longer deny what her heart had known for months. She was in love with Nathan and wanted to be with him. The need to tell him this was overwhelming.

Suddenly the sound of snoring filled the room, bringing Audrey back to reality. Duke must have come to the Gull early this morning. Nathan probably asked him to keep checking on her, worried that she would be dragged into that nightmare again. Duke probably decided to get a couple more hours of sleep, and that's why he was sleeping on her couch.

The way they worried about her was one of the many reasons she loved them. Duke like a brother and Nathan was everything she had been searching for her entire life. It was sad that it took his 'dying' to make her stop denying these feelings. To finally be honest with herself. Audrey quietly got out of bed, and grabbed some clothes out of her closet changing in the bathroom. Ten minutes later she was in her car pulling out of the parking lot.

Duke had woken up, the moment he heard the apartment door close. He quickly put his boots on and ran down the stairs while taking his cell phone out of his sweater pocket. Running to his car, dialing a number at the same time. He knew exactly where Audrey was going.

He refused to let her go on believing that it had all been a dream. Nathan died yesterday. Audrey wasn't in any emotional state right now to deal with this on her own. Duke wanted her to take a few days off, so she could break down in private and he could try to help her accept what happened at her own pace.

If Audrey walked into that Police Station, the shocking reality would crash down on her. He could only imagine what that would do to her. He didn't want Audrey to withdraw into herself, and believe a dream was reality forever. Duke had already lost one friend, and he wasn't going to lose another.

"Come on, pick up." Waiting impatiently, as he peeled out of the parking lot.

"Finally," he said, when a voice on the other end of the line answered. "I need you to go to the Police Station."

"Audrey just left. She had a rough night."

"She thinks that Nathan is still alive." Vince sadly stated the obvious.

"Exactly," Duke said. "The last thing she needs is to break down in public, when she realizes the truth."

"Dave and I will take care of her, until you arrive."

"Thanks." Duke said. "I'll be there in five minutes." Hanging up, and not caring if he was going above the speed limit. He needed to turn a ten-minute car ride into five minutes. And, he didn't know just how long Dave and Vince could stall Audrey. This was an emergency as far as he was concerned.

When Audrey arrived at the police station, she noticed that Nathan's truck wasn't there. The feeling that something was wrong ran through her. Nathan was always on time. He would tease her whenever she was late, reminding her that the Haven P.D. starts work at 9am. Audrey parked in her normal parking spot, but didn't get out of the car. Instead, she leaned back in the seat. Her eyes closed. That damn nightmare was making her paranoid. Nathan was probably running late this morning, or maybe his truck broke down and he had to get a ride to the station.

Audrey shook her head, to get rid of any remaining thoughts of her nightmare. She sat there for a few more minutes, flipping the blinder down to look at her reflection in the small mirror. She would be able to fool everyone else, but Nathan would know that something was wrong. They could read each other like books.

A knock against the car window made Audrey jump a little, bringing her back to reality. She turned her head and saw Vince and Dave Teagues standing there. Audrey smiled, as she got out of her car and locked it.

"What's the story, Morning Glory?" Dave greeted her. The saying was corny, but a little sweet at the same time.

"Nothing much, just going to work as usual." She replied.

There was an awkward moment of silence, and Audrey could tell something was wrong. However, the Teagues Brothers were just full of secrets. So, she really didn't give too much thought to their behavior at first.

"Are you feeling alright?" Vince asked, concerned when He and Dave moved to stand in front of her. "Maybe you should take the day off."

"A day off is the last thing I need." Audrey pushed past them, only to have Dave and Vince stop her again.

"Vince is right," Dave added. "You look really tired."

"That's just great." She replied defeatedly. "If I can't fool the two of you, then Nathan definitely will know something is wrong."

"And, He won't leave me alone until I tell him." She finished.

Another moment of awkward silence passed between them. Audrey couldn't ignore their behavior. They were trying to act like everything was normal, and like nothing was wrong. This was about more than a secret, and she was determined to get an answer. Vince and Dave could no longer take the intense stare that Audrey was giving them. They knew that she knew something was wrong. Their plan had been to keep Audrey out of the police station, until Duke arrived. Well, not an actual plan just improvising to stall her.

"Is everything okay, Guys?" She asked suspiciously. "You're acting odder than usual." Dave and Vince looked at each other for a moment, as if they were having some kind of psychic conversation like some siblings shared. Audrey was about to repeat her question, when Dave finally spoke.

"She's onto us, Vince. We must be out of practice."

"You mean that you are out of practice," Vince replied. "She didn't suspect me." Audrey couldn't help but smile at the little display of sibling rivalry. She still wanted to know what was going on with them, but she had other priorities that came first. So, the unusually odd behavior of the Teagues Brothers would have to wait. She tried to walk past them again, only to be stopped once more.

"Guys, I really can't be late." She was a little frustrated but trying to be nice about it. "Believe it or not, but Nathan tends to get annoyed if I'm late."

"Well, he will be upset if you go in there." Dave said. "Nathan would want you to take a few days off, especially after everything that has happened."

Audrey just stood there and stared at them, trying to remain calm. How did they find out about her Groundhog Day experience? Nathan and Duke were the only ones who knew the whole story. They wouldn't betray her trust by telling anyone what happened. So, how did Dave and Vince find out?

Being the great detective that she is, Audrey knew they were stalling her for some reason. Why were they trying to keep her out of the station? Audrey replayed the whole conversation with them in her mind. The awkward silence and how they seemed uncomfortable whenever Nathan's name was mentioned. How they could no longer look at her, and the mixture of sadness and pity that was in their eyes when they did. A look of what they were feeling for her. Not to mention the panic she felt when she didn't see Nathan's truck. After adding up all the 'evidence' the answer hit her like a ton of bricks. Last night was only a dream.

Audrey hated that she let a dream mess with her mind, but Nathan felt and smelt so real. It was also no coincidence that the Teagues Brothers were here. Duke must have heard her leave this morning, and called them to stall her until he arrived. Their hearts were in the right place, wanting to help her anyway they could while dealing with her loss. Trying to save her from breaking down in front of the whole Haven P.D. when she remembered why Nathan wasn't there.

However, Audrey knew that she needed to walk into that building. Sooner or later, it would have to happen, and she was already here. So, sooner it was. She needed to remain strong. The lone defender and protector of the Troubled now.

Audrey knew that this was the opening the Rev was waiting for. It was the chance for his self-righteous poison to infect all of Haven. Using Nathan's death as the prime example that coddling the 'cursed' would only result in death. The battle lines had been drawn, and the war deciding Haven's fate had begun. She refused to go down without a fight.

A sense of determination filled her. She would sit in Nathan's old office one last time. Grieve the loss of her partner, best friend and the man she loves. If this was part of the healing process, then she would do it. No matter how hard and painful it would be.

Audrey pushed her way past Dave and Vince, and ran into the Police Station. Ignored them when they called her name, quickly following behind her. She didn't notice that Duke had arrived either. However, she did notice the reactions of everyone in the station.

Some people gave her half-hearted smiles and pitying looks whispering to each other, while others wouldn't even look at her at all. But, no one dared approach her. Audrey couldn't really blame them. After all, she had no idea what she would do if someone else was in her position.

However, Dave and Vincent gave everybody disgusted and disapproving looks. But Duke openly expressed his opinions. Maybe he should keep his mouth shut, but he just didn't give a damn. This was about protecting Audrey.

"It's time you all got off your ass, and start doing your jobs." Standing in the middle of the police station, glaring at each and every person within his view. "And, leave the only other person who actually saves Haven alone." He walked away, leaving a stunned room full of people behind.

Dave and Vince were standing outside of Nathan's old office guarding the door, so no one could bother Audrey when Duke arrived.

"Thanks, for the help guys." Duke said, with a small smile.

"No thanks needed." Dave replied. "We'll help Audrey any way we can."

"We'll just guard the door," Vince said. "Until Audrey's ready to leave."

Audrey was sitting in the desk chair. Her legs pulled into her chest, arms wrapped around her knees and face buried in her knees. She was so lost in her own grief, that she didn't hear the door open and close. She looked up when she felt someone touch her arm. Immediately standing up and falling into Duke's arms. He held her, gently rocking her back and forth, silently cursed Nathan for staying with Audrey last night.

He also blamed himself for letting it happen. Not that he had any say in the matter. It only caused Audrey more pain in the end. Duke moved them to the couch, both of them sitting sideways as she cried in his arms. After what seemed like an eternity, Audrey finally spoke.

"Vince and Dave must think I'm a delusional and crazy mess." She said, lifting up her head to look at him.

"It's okay, all we care about is you.," Duke tried his best to comfort her. "If you were acting normal and like nothing happened, then we would worry about you."

"Audrey, yesterday, you were trapped in a living Hell." He continued. "And, lost someone you loved when it was all over. So, it's understandable."

"If anyone has a problem with it," He finished. "Then, they will have to deal with me."

"Just look at his office." Audrey angrily motioned with her right hand at the now bare room. The only things left were the desk, chair and black leather couch against the wall across from the desk. "Nathan isn't even buried yet, and already this town is trying to erase him."

"I promise you that we won't let that happen." Duke interrupted her. "It's us against Haven, remember?"

"Yes, I remember." Audrey replied, hugging him again. "Thank you for being here for me, Duke."

"Maybe believing that my dream was real is a good thing. It led me here." She continued, tears falling down her face again. "Who knows, it could be Nathan's way of helping me begin the healing process."

"The first step after breaking down is acceptance, right?" She finished. "But I know that I'm still far away from being my normal self again."

Duke pulled away from Audrey, just enough to cup her face in his hands so she couldn't look away. He was glad she wasn't in denial and hoped that time would help her heal her emotional wounds. That when she thought of Nathan months or years from now, the pain and sadness wouldn't feel as raw as it did right now. That was someday, this is now.

He knew that he wouldn't be able to replace the strong friendship that Audrey and Nathan had, no one would. What Nathan and Audrey had was a bond that lasted more than a lifetime, and Duke would never try to replace Nathan. He would go on proving to Audrey that he was a friend she could trust and depend on to always be here for her. And, he refused to lie to her.

"Audrey," Duke said, wiping away her tears. "It wasn't a dream."

"What do you mean, it wasn't a dream?" Audrey asked, staring at him. Confusion, curiosity and a little hope showing on her face.

"Nathan paid us both a visit last night, or more like his spirit did." Duke explained. "He told me about the people in Haven that don't want you here, and told me that my fate is to help you."

"Nathan wants me to take his place in helping you with the Troubled." He continued. "I'm not exactly an expert, but I'll help you anyway I can."

"And, we won't let this town erase Nathan." He finished reassuring her. "I promise you that."

"So, he really was there last night?" Audrey asked, needing to confirm what Duke just told her. "And I'm not going crazy?"

"Yes, he was there." Duke assured her. "And you're automatically considered crazy if you want to live in Haven."

"At least he looked like himself and was gentle with you. With me, he first appeared as a huge gust of wind."

"Slamming me against the building, forced me to follow his every demand." He continued, with his Drama Queen routine making Audrey laugh.

"It's not funny, your boyfriend basically manhandled me. I can't complain to anyone either." He finished. "Blaming the powers that be up there for taking Nathan away from you, doesn't exactly help me earn my halo."

"You actually blamed everyone in Heaven?" Audrey asked, surprised. "Don't let the Rev find out."

"That's not all. I also told most of the Haven P.D. to get off their ass and do their jobs." He continued. "No one is going to bother you, as long as I'm around."

"I would've loved to have seen their faces." Audrey said. "But you do realize that I will have to protect you now. Everyone will probably be looking for some reason, to haul your ass into jail now."

"Hey, I'm just reacting like any good brother would." Duke replied. "There's nothing wrong with that."

"It's kind of weird, but nice how our friendship turned into a brother/Sister relationship." Audrey smiled at him.

"Well, you needed someone to complain to about Nathan." Duke explained. "And unfortunately, because you have no girlfriends, I got stuck listening to you."

"You're immune to the Crocker charm, and unbelievably good looks." He continued. "Which is extremely rare. I mean, really who can resist this?" Gesturing with both of his hands at his body.

"Maybe, I prefer strong, silent and brooding." She replied. "Not openly flirtatious and egotistical."

"My reputation never appealed to you?" Duke questioned. "I thought all women loved Bad Boys."

"Not all women have a man like Nathan Wuornos in their lives. I was very lucky." A small sad smile on her face. "Now, I have to plan a funeral."

"Nathan always thought he was the lucky one." Duke said. "And it's not you, we have to plan a funeral. Can't exactly keep it away from the public though, since people witnessed him dying on Main Street."

"That's why I'm going to ask Dave and Vince to help with the arrangements." Audrey explained. "They were a big help with The Chief's burial and Memorial Service." Standing up and walking towards the door. "And, since they're here we should discuss the arrangements now."

Dave and Vince immediately turned around, when they heard the door open. Audrey smiled at them then stepped out of the way, allowing them to walk in and shut the door behind them. They each gave her a hug, and a smile of genuine concern not one trace of pity in it. Duke was no longer sitting on the couch, but leaning against the desk. Letting the Teagues Brothers have the couch, and Audrey sat back down in the chair.

"If you guys don't think I'm a delusional and crazy mess," She said. "I have a favor to ask you."

"We don't think that at all." Vince reassured her.

"We would be worried, if you were acting calm and like your normal self." Dave added. "Anything you need just ask."

"Can you help with the arrangements? Duke and I have never done this before."

"Since all the town knows by now how Nathan died," Duke said. "We can't exactly keep this a secret."

"But the burial spot can be." Vince said. "Assuming that you want to bury Nathan next to Garland, right?"

"Then, the easiest way would be cremation." Dave explained. "Everyone would expect you to keep his ashes, and an urn would be easier to bury than a casket."

"Why do I have this eerie feeling that you've done this before? And, I'm not just referring to Chief Wuornos either." The response Duke got was Audrey standing up leaning across the desk, and flicking him behind his left ear.

"What was that for?" He asked, looking at Audrey while rubbing his ear. Dave and Vince watched them rather amused.

"For asking a question, we all know you won't get an answer to." Audrey replied, then looked at the Teagues Brothers. "And Yes, I want him buried next to his father.

"Nathan would want something simple. I think the best option would be cremation, and a Memorial Service at the Gull." A mixture of disbelief, and sadness showing on her face and in her voice. "I never thought I would have to discuss burial arrangements for Nathan."

"Audrey and I will take care of the Memorial Service." Duke gently squeezed her right hand.

"We should meet tomorrow, so you can…." Vince said.

"No, I trust your judgment." Audrey interrupted him. "And I want the Memorial Service to be Saturday and 2pm."

"It will take a day or two for our part, depending on the funeral home's schedule." Vince replied.

"Don't worry, our part of the arrangements will be ready for Saturday." Dave said. "We promise."

"Duke, I'm ready to get out of here." Not wanting to talk about it anymore, afraid she would start crying again.

"Sure, but let's take the back way out." Duke suggested. "You don't need an audience watching you leave."

"I appreciate and love the fact that my 'Little Brother' wants to protect me." Giving him a hug. "I walked through the front door, and I'm going to walk out it."

"Besides, I forgot my purse in my car." She finished. "And my keycard is in it."

"Okay, but you have it all wrong." Duke wrapped one of his arms around her shoulders, as they walked out of the office. "I'm your 'Big Brother." Audrey flicked his left ear in response.

"Stop flicking me behind the ear." Duke ordered, rubbing his left ear again. "I can't believe Nathan left me with an ear flicker."

"Have to keep you in line somehow, and now protect you from half or all of the Haven P.D." She replied, with a smile on her face. "That's why I'm the 'Big Sister' in this relationship."

Dave and Vince couldn't help but chuckle at them. For just a few moments, Duke had made Audrey forget about all her sadness, anger and regret. He got her to laugh and smile. Someday she will be able to do those things on her own. Nathan had left Audrey in good hands.