I do not own any American Gothic characters, this is a work of fan fiction. This story is a continuation of my previous stories Emotion, Old Friends, Family, Difficult Decisions, Reflection, Spirit, Acceptance, Whole Again, Homecoming, Oh Father, Birthday Surprises, Misguided Feelings, New Year, Picture Perfect and Kinship.

It was a mild clear night in Trinity SC and a light breeze blew through the trees making the leaves rustle through the empty Juniper House car park. Most of the Juniper staff had gone home for the night and all that was left in the parking lot was one dark green SUV.

Billy Peele was walking towards his SUV after just finished a long shift, in which he was trialing some less invasive treatments for patients and he felt as though he had been banging his head against a brick wall all day. When Billy agreed to take on this position he had no real experience with mental patients, he had expected the existing employees to lend a helping hand towards creating a better environment for both the patients and the staff; however, his suggestions just appeared to fall on deaf ears.

'Maybe you should talk a little louder then' Gail said reading his mind, as she sat casually on the bonnet of his car.

Billy stopped in his tracks as he was surprised to see Gail, then smiled. He had not seen her properly in a long time and they had not been alone since his case of temporary insanity, when he stupidly believed he could take her from Lucas Buck. He had forced himself to put her out of his mind these days and made himself believe his misguided feelings were due to her being such a close friend rather than a romantic connection; however, seeing how good she looked now made his old feelings resurface.

There was something a different about her which he could not quite put his finger on. Although she appeared to look like the Gail he knew, there was an air of confidence surrounding her even more so than usual. 'Hey there stranger, to what do I owe the pleasure of this unexpected visit?' he asked curiously as he opened the car door and threw his backpack on the back seat.

'I'm bored and thought we could do something' Gail shrugged, remaining seated on the bonnet of his car. She had been avoiding Lucas since she had fallen out with Matt and had been spending most of her time with her family; however, she was going stir crazy with just the company of children and she was in the mood for something different this evening.

Billy laughed and leaned close to her. 'I'm not sure whether your psychotic boyfriend who just so happens to control the law enforcement in this town would appreciate us spending time together'

Gail smiled and stroked his arm playfully. 'Do I look like I care what Lucas Buck thinks?'

Billy shook his head and sighed, the sensible play here would be to go home to his sexy girlfriend and keep out of whatever this was.

'Oh come on William, since when do you wanna be sensible?' she asked teasingly.

Billy had spent enough time with Gail previously to be used to her apparent knowing what he was thinking, he put that down to her being a close friend and it did not faze him these days. He also knew her well enough to know when she was not going to take no for an answer. 'You're gonna get me in trouble Miss Emory'

'Only if we get caught Doctor' she laughed, then hopped off the bonnet of the car and let herself into the front passenger side.

Billy glanced around the car park to ensure they were not being watched, then shook his at his own stupidity and rushed into the drivers side of the car. He knew he would regret this at a later time, especially when both Lucas and Selena found out they were together; however, what was the point in living if you could not have a little fun.

Merlyn stood on the sidewalk a few houses over from where she lived now, Gail had not returned home yet and she was getting restless waiting around; therefore, she text the only person she knew these days that excited her.

When she heard the familiar sound of the motorcycle she smiled and gave Earl a small wave. She had not wanted to be seen getting picked up too close to her home, due to how quick gossip spread in Trinity and quickly jumped on the motorcycle before anyone could spot her. Earl's appearance in her life was convenient for certain people and she was not stupid; however, she was young and liked his company, so she had decided to just go with it for now.

As Earl sped down the street with her gripping his waist, she felt the cool wind blow threw her hair and it was exhilarating. She had no other cares in the world at this moment in time, there was only this boy and her. She had spent far too long worrying about everyone else; therefore, she had decided it was about time she focused on herself and spending more time with Earl was as good a place as any to start.

Merlyn wrapped her arms tightly around Earls stomach and rested her head on his back, taking in the feeling of being alive. She smiled as the motorcycle began to move faster and allowed Earl to take her wherever he wanted to go, not caring about the potential consequences of her actions. She was free and it was her time to live.

Lucas paced around his large back garden shaking his head, it had been two weeks since Gail had spoken his fathers name out loud and he was still no closer to figuring out how she had uncovered the information. Lucas had grown used to knowing everything that transpired in his town and the fact that someone could go behind his back to successfully obtain information about his past did not sit well with him.

Gail had been avoiding him since the day she revealed she knew his fathers name and his pent up urges were not making his thoughts any clearer. He had chosen to allow her to take a step back from the relationship as his own mind had clearly become clouded, which he had never experienced before when being with a woman. He needed to regain full control of his senses and regain the upper hand here.

Lucas had decided that he would no longer entertain her secrecy, he had let that independence go on for far too long in an attempt to show he respected her and she had basically thrown it back in his face. No, all bets were now off and when she returned to him he would ensure she was fully aware of who was boss.

Lucas heard laughter from all around him and let out a loud sigh. For years he had been free of his irritating father, ever since he silenced his mortal being for good; however, it appeared that when Gail stumbled across the family plot, she somehow did something which allowed his immortal soul to rise up and roam certain areas of the premises. So far Malcolm's apparition appeared to be limited to the wooded area at the back of the property, but Lucas would not put it past his conniving father to find a way to venture closer to the house.

Lucas was agitated with the whole situation and could not bring himself to look at Gail without his twin clawing to be released. She had well and truly interfered with things she had no right to and whether it was on purpose or not, his twin did not like not being able to punish her. He was still unsure of how powerful her darkness was or what part it had to play here and could not risk a full on confrontation until he understood more about it. For now, the best course of action was to do some digging of his own and see what information he could find.

'Lucas?' Caleb called from the side of the large fountain. He had been calling Lucas' name for a few minutes and was concerned when he got no reply.

Lucas felt his fathers presence rush past the confines of the woods and head straight for Caleb, then it stopped abruptly at the grave of R.B. How curious that an empty grave could have such a strong affect on his nuisance of a father, it made him even more intrigued as to what was buried there and why Gail had commented on it.

'Why ain't you answerin' me?...Everyone seems to be ignorin' me today' Caleb asked approaching the gravestone, then stopped when he saw Lucas' warning glance.

'I ain't ignorin' you son...' Lucas sighed and walked towards his boy, '...I've been busy tryin' to figure some things out and you're interruptin' the process'

Caleb had come home from playing with Boone to find notes from both Gail and Merlyn on the refrigerator, both had disappeared out somewhere and had thought it was fine to leave him alone with their dog. Caleb had not wanted to sit around a quiet house; therefore, he had grabbed Rocky and decided to walk the streets. It did not take him long to find himself at his fathers home and he had instinctively entered the property like he belonged.

Now that he had found Lucas it appeared he was acting as strange as Gail and Merlyn, which made Caleb feel like he was not wanted. It was bad enough that the two women in his life did not want to spend time with him, now it appeared the same with Lucas. 'Well don't let me interrupt your process...I'll go find somethin' better to do' he said moodily and turned to leave with Rocky.

Lucas noticed the sadness in his son and sighed, he could have done without this surprise visit; however, the boy should be his number one priority and it was about time he got back to that way of thinking. 'Hold on son, let's not act rash...What's say we go down to the pool hall and have some fun? I promise I'll have you home before the girls in your life miss you'

Caleb smiled, he could always count on Lucas not to let him down. 'The girls in my life are out havin' their own fun, so won't be missin' me anytime soon'

Lucas narrowed his eyes at Caleb and wondered what his love was up to, then wiped the thought from his mind and returned his focus to his boy. If Gail wanted to go snooping around his business and leaving the boy unattended, Lucas would happily swoop in and turn the situation around to suit his goals. 'Screw those girls son...you're with me now and it's about time we showed them who's boss'

Caleb laughed and let Rocky off his lead, he supposed the dog would be alright in Lucas's garden for a few hours while he was out spending time with his father. If Gail or Merlyn thought anything about it, they should not have thought it was acceptable to leave him on his own.

Billy sat on the bonnet of his SUV watching Gail dance to the music playing on his car radio, she had convinced him to stop off to buy some alcohol and directed him to this secluded place by the Trinity river. This place had been hard to get to and he had just about managed to drive his car down the narrow path to his present location; however, now that they were alone and drinking, he was happy with the choice he had made to join her tonight.

Gail had not said much to him since they pulled up and was more intrigued with the calm water. She initially tried to walk into the river after staring intently at the water for a while; however, Billy had taken hold of her and pulled her to a safe distance away. The last thing he needed was to return her home soaking wet and freezing from the cold water, he imagined Lucas would certainly have something to say about that.

'Screw Lucas...' Gail said hopping onto the bonnet, taking his beer from his hand and having a drink. '...I've never understood how you guys can stomach this, it's awful'

Billy laughed at the scrunched up face she was pulling and took the beer off her. 'I guess you just get used to the taste after drinking it for so long. Not every man has the class to start off on a good vintage of wine as a teenager, like your other half surely did'

Gail sighed and rolled her eyes, she was sick of the conversation with her friends always turning towards Lucas Buck. She hopped off the car and located her bottle of wine, then drank some from the bottle unlike her usual sophisticated self. 'You know...with how much you bring Lucas Buck up, you'd think you were more into him than I am'

Billy choked on his drink at the comment and started coughing, much to Gail's amusement it appeared. When he regained his composure he stood up and approached her then put his hands on her hips and pulled her to him, with the aim of making her feel uncomfortable. 'As curious as that experience would be, he's not my type. My present company on the other hand...'

Gail could sense what he was trying to do and smiled mischievously. 'You wouldn't have the balls to take me Doctor...Maybe it's best you stick to your safe girlfriend'

Billy had expected her to pull away, not to play along with this. 'My balls don't come into it Gail, you've made it clear before where we stand and that you don't want me taking on our sociopathic Sheriff' he whispered in her ear, after pulling her body to his playfully.

'And you'd take him on if I allowed it? Oh please...you're just as afraid of him as everyone else, you wouldn't do anything to provoke him' she said goading him. She should know better than to entertain any of this, but it was certainly distracting her from her issues of late.

Billy regarded her suspiciously, he wanted to trust his friend but this conversation was going in a direction he should not condone and the difference in her that he initially sensed was shining through boldly. 'It's not that I'm afraid Gail, I'm a Doctor and have to display some control over my actions...God you sound as bad as Selena' he said releasing her and picking up another bottle of beer.

'Well maybe it's Selena I should be out here with' Gail laughed and took another large sip from the bottle of wine, then turned back towards the water. She suddenly felt agitated and wanted to leave. She closed her eyes in an attempt to calm herself down; however, she felt something dark within her rising and she could not push it down.

Merlyn loosened her grip on Earls waist and yelled for him to stop, she felt a sudden pain surge through her brain and needed to get off the motorcycle. She ignored Earls confused look and walked towards the edge of the road, not knowing what had come over her. She took a deep breath as the pain throbbed in her head and turned back towards Earl, before she could say anything she heard the faint sound of music travelling across the wind.

Earl watched her carefully as she began to walk into the trees, she ignored his curious stare and continued through the woods feeling the pain in her head become less intense with each step she took. She did not understand what was happening to her; however, she was drawn towards the music and quickened her pace when she saw a clearing in the trees not too far ahead of her.

When she stepped out of the woods she spotted he green SUV parked a short distance away from her and saw her cousin stood close to the rivers edge, staring across the water. The pain in her head instantly subsided when she spotted her cousin and she was thankful that she could now regain control of her senses. This whole ordeal was curious and she wanted to understand what had caused the pain she had just experienced; however, she could sense there was something different about Gail and she instinctively rushed to her side.

Gail could not take her eyes off the river bank opposite her and barely noticed when Merlyn came to her side. It was only when the girl touched her arm gently that she became aware of her presence. 'Where did you come from? Shouldn't you be at home?' she asked, not taking her eyes off the far riverbank.

Merlyn regarded her cousin suspiciously then followed her gaze, apart from the beautiful scenery here she could not fathom what was holding her cousins attention. 'I could ask you the same thing...have you been drinkin'?' she asked, glancing at the empty wine bottle on the ground and the crate of beer by Billy's SUV. The Doctor himself appeared to be resting in the back seat of his car, which indicated they had been out here for a while.

'Yes...' Gail said calmly, unfazed by the question. '...Do you see that?'

Merlyn turned back toward her cousin and stared curiously at the riverbank opposite them, something was certainly holding Gail's attention; however, she could not see anything.

'Look closer' Gail whispered and took hold of Merlyn's hand softly.

Merlyn felt a jolt of pain surge through her then it disappeared and her eyesight became hazy. When her vision cleared up she stared across the water again and saw what appeared to be a young woman with long brown hair watching them. She took a sharp intake of breath and started backing away; however, Gail gripped her hand tight and pulled her back to her side. The woman was wearing a long worn down cream dress and Merlyn could not be totally sure, but she appeared to be smiling at them. 'Gail...'

'Shhh...' Gail interjected and continued to watch the woman across the water, '...I thought it was the wine, but you can see her too can't you?'

Merlyn nodded and did not take her eyes off the mysterious woman, there was something dark radiating off her and although she was far away Merlyn got the feeling it would not take much for the woman to reach them. 'I think we should go Gail'

'I think you're right' Gail agreed and started to back away slowly. She also sensed the darkness surrounding the mysterious figure and although she was drawn to the figure, her instincts kicked in and getting her cousin to safety was more important than her own curiosity.

When they reached the SUV Gail signaled for Merlyn to get in the front passenger seat, she knew she should not be driving after drinking a whole bottle of wine; however, she now felt completely sober and something from within her was telling her that they needed to leave right now. Merlyn waved Earl off to go back to his motorcycle, hoping Gail had not seen him and decided to trust her cousins judgement of driving when she had drank well over the legal limit.

Gail turned around to check Billy was with them and shook her head when she saw him passed out on the back seat, she felt Merlyn's hand grip her arm tight then turned around and followed her young cousins gaze to the mysterious woman stood on their side of the river staring at them maliciously. Gail put the car in gear and reversed sharply, the presence within herself rose to just below the surface and she chose to trust the strange force within her which appeared to be guiding her steering to avoid crashing into the trees.

As the SUV reversed out onto the road, she took back full control of herself and turned the car around to head into town. When she glanced in the rear view mirror she saw the mysterious woman stood in the road with wet hair draped over her face watching them leave. Gail shivered as she realized the figure was barring it teeth at her, then put her foot on the accelerator and sped down the road away from their observer.

Lucas leaned causally against the bar waiting to be served, it did not take long for him to be noticed by the attractive woman behind the bar and he smiled at the nervousness she displayed when approaching him. 'What does a guy have to do to get a drink around here Darlin'?' he asked sarcastically.

Sandra inhaled deeply in an attempt to push down her nerves, she had a crush on Lucas Buck for as long as she could remember and his charm always took her off guard. She had heard a rumor that he had taken a shine to the young Emory girl; however, the way he was looking at her indicated he was free from any chains that came with a relationship. 'You don't have to do anythin' Sheriff, I can give you whatever you need' she answered playfully.

Lucas' smile grew wider, he liked Sandra and may have once considered playing along with her desires; however, she was in her 40's and way past her prime, especially with the rough life she had led. Although he would never allow this to be anything more than playful banter, he enjoyed making her believe it could lead to what she desired. 'Aww Sandra, I'm sure you could give me a run for my money'

'Your money ain't needed here Sheriff, everythin' for you is on the house'

Lucas leaned in closer to her and inhaled her scent, knowing this would send her hormones crazy. 'Whatever could I do to repay your hospitality?' he whispered seductively.

Sandra inhaled deeply and felt a warm sensation in her stomach, she had heard so many things about this man and she would do anything for a chance to be with him. 'We could go to the back room and find out' she suggested, unlike her usual self.

Lucas laughed and pulled away from her, she was getting bolder the more he played this way with her. 'As good as that sounds, I have a young boy to entertain tonight. Can you get me a Root Beer and a glass of your finest Whiskey please Darlin'?'

'Make that two Whiskeys and add a bottle of white Wine in there' Gail interjected, unimpressed at the display she had just witnessed.

Sandra turned to the woman who had interrupted them ready to give her hell, then backed up when she realized this was the young Emory girl she had been thinking about previously. From the look on Lucas, it appeared the rumors may have been correct. 'Sheriff?' she asked, awaiting confirmation of the additions to his drinks order.

'Get her whatever she wants' Lucas said turning his full attention towards Gail. She had not come near him willingly for weeks now and this sudden appearance was unexpected.

'Put your eyes back in your sockets Sheriff...Is this what it's come to? Can't you find someone better to waste your time on' Gail said staring disapprovingly at the woman behind the bar.

'Oh I have someone better Miss Emory and when she comes down from the ivory tower she's livin' in, I'll still be right here waitin' like a good partner would'

'At least you're honest about the way you see me these days, it's about the only thing you're honest about' Gail sighed and watched as Sandra put the drinks in front of them.

Lucas laughed and shook his head, he was past caring about her judgement or the fact that she could see he got a Root Beer for Caleb. 'I'm not the one with the problem here Darlin', now if you'll excuse me I have a young boy that's waitin' for me' he whispered in her ear, then got up and walked towards the pool table at the back where he had left his boy.

Gail let out a long sigh and ran her fingers through her hair. She had been driving around town aimlessly until she was drawn to this place and had instantly felt safe when she sensed Lucas' presence here. It appeared her obsession with Lucas and his past was making their connection stronger, she did not like this feeling of being guided with a lack of control and needed to find away to overcome it.

Merlyn touched her shoulder gently, then sat down in the seat next to her and poured herself a glass of wine. She was shaking after what they had just witnessed and needed something to help her calm down.

'How old is that girl? Sandra asked disapprovingly, then backed up when she saw the dominant look in Gail's eyes.

Gail was too caught up in her own thoughts to realize Merlyn had taken her drink; however, her protectiveness towards the girl rose quickly to the surface. 'She's 22 years old, she hides it well doesn't she?...How old is the Sheriff's companion over there who's drinking a beer?'

Sandra glanced towards Lucas who was too far away to intervene, then got another wine glass from under the counter. 'I think I should leave you two be' she said nervously.

'That's the best thing you've said all night Sandra' Gail laughed and filled the glass to the brim with wine.

Merlyn shook her head after spotting her brother with Lucas and took another sip of her drink. 'We should never have left Caleb alone'

'No we shouldn't' Gail said taking a large sip of her wine.

'What was that Gail?' Merlyn asked, beginning to shake again at the thought of the mysterious woman.

Gail placed a reassuring hand on her knee, in an attempt to stop her shaking. 'The hell if I know...Look, I can only focus on one thing at a time here. Caleb is a smart boy and will make his own choices, we can't interfere with that. This other thing though...I'm getting so close, I can feel it'

'Getting close to what?' Billy asked, picking up the glass of Whiskey he assumed was for him.

Gail squeezed Merlyn's knee to signal her to remain quiet about what they had witnessed. 'Close to drinking myself into a stuper' she lied and forced a laugh.

Billy smiled, 'Oh well, that's fine as long as I can join you gorgeous ladies' he said raising his glass for a mock toast.

Gail looked at Merlyn who smiled at his silliness and they both toasted their glasses, after what she had seen tonight her responsible self had left the building and she would happily drink her unease away.

-To be continued-