2nd chances

Chapter 4 (checking out Jo)

IN SCOTT AND LADY PENELOPE'S POINT Of VIEW

I sat staring out of the window as the scenery flashed past on the way to the airport, my mind a turmoil of emotions. God, I feel so sorry for Virg now. I still can't believe that he is a dad. I think there might even be a part of him that is thinking along the same lines, despite the fact that he seems to be putting on a brave front. I mean, we all know our roles, both in the family and in International Rescue. Having something like this drop out of nowhere must have taken him by surprise. I knew from my own experience how hard it can be meeting up with an ex, especially avoiding the questions about what the illusive Tracy boys are now doing since they dropped out of society. And then for this Jo to simply come out with the fact that my little brother was the father of her daughter? It had certainly come as a bit of a shock for me, who knows what it would have done to Virgil? Thinking about Jo, I decided that I needed to really find out more about her. Flicking open my phone, I knew precisely who to start with. I really don't have to do this, I knew that. And Virgil would probably kill me if he thought I had been checking up on him. But I need to protect my own brother. We had no idea who Jo really was, not even Virgil. I mean, it had been at least five years since he had last seen her, and if she had a kid to support as well, who knew what she was really after? After only a couple of rings, the person picked up on the other end, as I knew she would. Not hesitating, I launched straight into my reason for calling.

"Hi, Penny. Just calling to ask you something"

"Scott, dear. What's on your mind?"

"I went out with Virgil to a high school reunion last night." Sensing Penny's surprise at Virgil being able to drag me along, it was not normally my sort of scene, I quickly pressed on. "Virg got talking to his ex, and she had told him that he had a 5 year old daughter. Penny, she told him it was his. I know this is asking a lot, but you couldn't possibly look up a Jo Brown for me could you? Apart from knowing that she went to school with Virgil, I'm sorry; I have nothing more than that."

For a moment, I could have sworn I heard Penny take in a sharp intake of breath, something that was most unlike the Lady. However, her answer was in her normal clipped tones, and hanging up, I knew that I had done my best. After all, you couldn't blame a guy for trying to look out for his family now, could you?

(In Lady P's point a view)

When Scott had called me to ask about Jo, I was barely able to hide my surprise. Of course, I knew the girl had gone out last night, she had left little Robyn with Parker and I. I didn't realise quite where she was going, however, I certainly did not want to feel like I was pushing the girl. I certainly hadn't expected two of the Tracy boys to be there. Jo is staying with me at the moment, hence the sudden career change into babysitting. Well, Parker is good with children, surprisingly, he quickly took charge of the situation in that dependant way he has, allowing Jo to disappear for a few hours. She could do with having a break from things, having a bit of fun with people her own age. She has only just finished her training as a nurse, and certainly didn't have the salary to afford her own place and take care of Robyn

Jo was only 16 when she had Robyn and whilst there could be no denying that she had managed as best as she could, I knew that girl well enough to know that she hadn't let Virgil go, not really. She wasn't the type to be a single mom, there was too much of a romantic in here. Oh, it couldn't be denied she has managed it for the last 5 years rather well. But Robyn is coming round to the age where she will ask a lot of questions about her father. Whilst up until now, Jo had always been rather quiet whenever Virgil came up in conversation; I now found that I suddenly knew the reason why. It certainly explained a lot. I knew they had been together during high school, the girl had gone through a stage where all she would talk about was the wonderful Virgil Tracy. I just didn't know it had gone that far. Robyn certainly wasn't the only one who had been wondering about the illusive father.

Despite thinking I knew that girl, I honestly had no idea that Virgil was the father. Nor, had I been made to guess, would I pick the middle son of one of my dearest friends. If I had known, one thing is for sure, Virgil would have known a lot sooner. I never thought it was going to be the level headed of the Tracy Brothers, it just seemed so unlike Virgil. But I suppose I didn't know him as a boy the way I do now. I can understand way Scott wants to check up on Jo to protect Virgil, that boy had always looked out for his younger brothers, no matter what. If I am to be honest, now that I know, I would have expected a call from Jeff about this sort of thing, but not Scott. Unless, of course, Jeff still doesn't know that he is actually a grandfather. If Scott had only just found out, it would make perfect sense for Jeff not to know. After all, it wasn't like I had found out from the mother herself. Apparently, it was Robyn's uncle instead who had dropped that particular bombshell.

Jo is a bright girl, she has done well for herself given the circumstances. But I am amazed that she never told me that Virgil was the dad. We have always been close, ever since she was young. I had always thought she told me everything. Apparently even sisters keep secrets.

TBTBTBTBTBTBTBTBTBTBTB TBTB

(in Scott's point a view)

Penny didn't take long to get back to me, but she certainly knew how to dig around on people. No more than five minutes had passed until she called back, sounding as calm and in control as ever. No, I certainly must have imagined her reaction from before. Another couple of minutes later, and my fears were soothed. She could find nothing on Jo that would suggest she was simply after Virgil's money, or even his name. And if Penny couldn't find anything, more often than not, it meant there was nothing to find.

Looking back out of the window, I instead let my thoughts play over the conversation I had just had with my father. When Dad had asked me how everything went last night, I told him that everything was fine and that Virg needed a break. I know Dad thinks that something else is going on. But Virg did say that he wanted to tell Dad himself, so I kept quiet. If Virg want me to be there when he tells Dad, I will be. But it is certainly not my place to break the news. I just can't stop thinking about my brother. I know when the time comes to break the news to Dad that he is going to need me there, despite the brave front he is putting on at the moment. I knew that kid, he would be terrified of breaking the news if his earlier reaction was anything to go by. The best thing about it is no one else on the island knows but me and I intend to keep it that way. For Virgil's sake.

Can I say a really big thank you to Loopstagirl who helped me out yet again love you lots hon. xxx7