Happy Christmas!

Chapter Five

Jeff wasn't in the best of moods as he left for the office, although the day had started well, with Beth bringing him an early morning cup of coffee, full of gratitude and excitement at the thought of that day's trip to Tracy Island. His mood had soon soured though when John had come into his room with yet another plea to him to reconsider his decision. There had been some sharp words on both sides but Jeff had never been in any danger of changing his mind. Then, no sooner had he got rid of John than Scott had called. His eldest son possessed a little more diplomacy and tact than his second, but even so Jeff had found himself gritting his teeth as he tried to alleviate Scott's concerns. Ten minutes later it was Virgil's turn to try his luck. Totally exasperated by now, Jeff had cut his son off before he could manage more than a couple of sentences. When his phone rang again a minute later he assumed it was Virgil trying once more. But when he saw it was his mother he decided enough was enough. Unable to face any more arguments, he'd simply ignored the call. He knew he was asking for trouble with that one but he didn't care. He'd worry about that when he got back to the island. At least Beth's company over breakfast had made him feel better. Thank heavens there was someone who gave him the respect he deserved, he thought. Leaving her with a cheery farewell and the promise that he'd be back as soon as he could for the journey to Tracy Island, he left, pointedly ignoring John as he did so.

Left alone with his cousin, John felt decidedly awkward. He hadn't meant for his dismay at the prospect of Beth's visit to be so obvious but he'd been taken by surprise and his first thought had been for the security of International Rescue. But that wasn't his cousin's fault and John felt guilty for making her feel so unwelcome. So, despite his great misgivings, he went out of his way to be friendly.

"It won't be long till we're on our way," he said. "You'll love the island."

"I know. I can't wait," Beth told him, hiding her own feelings of resentment. John's lack of enthusiasm at the news of her visit certainly hadn't gone unnoticed and she no longer liked her cousin very much. Still, since another dose of Byron's drug had evidently reinforced her uncle's determination to take her to the island, she thought she'd risk broaching the subject herself.

"John, I hope you don't mind me coming for Christmas. You didn't seem too happy about it yesterday."

John apologised once more. "It was just a bit of a surprise. Dad's always been so keen to keep the island private; it was a bit of a shock to see him inviting someone to stay. Don't take it personally; I'm really glad you're coming for Christmas."

"Well, if you're sure," she said, a little hesitantly. "I don't want to cause any trouble."

"Don't worry, you're not causing any trouble," John assured her. And it was true, she wasn't – it was his father who was the problem, not Beth.

The familiar vibrating of his watch told him that Scott and Virgil were calling in and he hastened to his room.

"Hey, John," Scott didn't look particularly happy. "Are we still on for Beth's visit?"

"Unfortunately, yes," John said. "I tried pointing out the problems to Dad again this morning but it's no good. I've never known him this stubborn."

"I called him too but he wouldn't listen to me. Or Virgil. And he wouldn't even answer Grandma's call – she's not happy!" Scott's grim smile soon disappeared. "I've never known him behave like this either."

"Well I guess he knows what he's doing." Virgil didn't sound convinced, but he just couldn't believe his father would risk jeopardizing International Rescue. "He did say he'd had her checked out. If Penny thinks she's okay then I suppose she must be."

"You're right," Scott said thoughtfully. "Penny would have told us if there was anything to worry about. She'll be arriving tomorrow, anyway. We'll see what she says then."

"How are things on the island?" John asked.

"Calming down a bit now," Scott told him, "I think we've hidden all traces of International Rescue. Though what we're going to do if we're needed, I don't know. Gordon and I are off to get Alan from Five now – we're going to have to leave her on auto a bit longer than we intended, but there's no other option."

"We managed when Dad was ill," Virgil reminded him.

"I'm not thrilled about it," John sighed, "But there's no alternative unless we put someone up there all through Christmas."

"Dad wouldn't stand for that," Scott said. "He wants all his family around him." He grew silent for a moment. "Why did she have to choose now to make herself known to us? A year ago Dad wouldn't have reacted like this."

"Just bad timing, I guess. It can't be helped," John said. "Anyway, I suppose I'd better get back to her. I don't want her getting suspicious – she's already wondering why I wasn't too keen on her coming over."

Scott nodded. "You're right. Don't do anything to make her think there's anything unusual about the island. See you soon."

John ended the call and sat back for a moment collecting his thoughts before returning to the lounge to find his cousin dressed to go outside.

"I'm just going to get some fresh air. See you later."

"Do you want some company?"

"No, I'm fine. You go back to your book."

She left, leaving John wondering if she really was upset with him. He decided he'd better go out of his way to be nice to her from now on – she was coming to the island whatever he or anyone else said and he really didn't want another fight with his father.

Beth didn't walk very far. Joel Byron's car was waiting for her just around the corner and, with a hasty glance up and down the street just in case an uncle or cousin should somehow be watching, she climbed in.

"How's my favourite undercover agent?" Byron teased.

"Fine. I've got Uncle Jeff well under control. He's not a problem. I'm a little hurt by the way John reacted, though. I thought he'd be a bit happier to have me come and visit. I tell you what, there really is something odd about all this. I'm going to enjoy finding out what secrets Uncle Jeff has been keeping."

Byron smiled. "You've found one of them out already. I had my man look into those drugs you said he was taking. It looks like poor old Jeff has had a hard time of it lately. I knew there was something going on. Too bad it looks like he's over the worst of it."

"He hasn't mentioned anything," Beth told him.

"No, well he wouldn't. He's the big hero, remember, he's not going to make a fuss about nearly dying. But those drugs might well react with the stuff you've been giving him. Apparently he's likely to behave even more erratically than we'd expect him to, even when he hasn't had a recent dose. Be careful. Keep on his good side."

"I will."

"Now then, make sure you stay in touch. I want to know about anything you find out. But play it safe, don't be too obvious. Pretend I'm a girlfriend when you call me."

"Claire?" Beth asked. "I'm guessing you got her to call me about the flat."

Byron smiled for a moment. "Oh, yes, I'm very fond of Claire. I've always found her very helpful. Use her name. You've got all my contact details – the email address won't give me away. Just be careful not to get caught. Delete everything, don't let yourself be overheard."

Beth rolled her eyes. "I've got a bit more sense than that."

"I know. I have to say you're the perfect girl for the job. How lucky am I to have found you?"

Beth smiled. "Just make it worth my while and we'll both be happy." She looked at her watch. "I'd better get back. Uncle Jeff will be back soon and we'll be on our way."

"Good luck," Byron told her as she got out the car. He watched her as she headed back up the street to the Tracy's apartment block. Yes, he thought, he'd definitely struck it lucky. Jeff Tracy on the other hand...

Satisfied that everything was in readiness for their guest, Scott called everyone together for a final briefing shortly before his father's jet arrived.

"I know I don't have to remind you all to be careful around Beth," he said. "Just be friendly and keep her occupied. Someone needs to keep an eye on her all the time, though. We don't want her wandering off and making any unexpected discoveries."

"Watch out for Dad too," Virgil warned them. "He's not himself. In fact, if anyone's going to give anything away it's going to be him."

Gordon and Alan laughed at the idea but Scott and Grandma's serious expressions soon had them quiet.

"Oh come on, Virg," Alan said. "Dad's spent all these years keeping IR secret. He's not going to give us away now. "

"Just be careful," Scott told him. "And pray there's no one needing our help for the next week or so."

"They're nearly here," Gordon warned as his father called in for clearance to land. "We'd better get down to meet them."

With a final glance around the lounge to ensure nothing was left to give them away, they made their way to the runway.

The flight to the island had been tense. Jeff was still annoyed with John, who had finally retreated to the back of the plane with a book, leaving Beth to chat to her uncle. She'd found herself surprisingly nervous, not just at the prospect of infiltrating Tracy Industries' secrets, but, also due to a sudden worry about the wisdom of trusting herself to a drugged pilot. She hoped that the erratic behaviour Byron had predicted wasn't going to make itself know when Jeff was at the controls of his jet, but the flight went smoothly and as they taxied to a halt she allowed herself a moment of satisfaction at the realisation that she'd finally made it onto Tracy Island.

As she made her way down the steps of the jet, Beth looked across at the group of people waiting for her. She recognised Gordon and Alan from her uncle's descriptions and was pleased to see they were smiling and looking somewhat more relaxed than their elder brothers. Tin-Tin and Kyrano greeted her politely. But there was no sign of the one person she'd come to the island specifically to meet: Jeff Tracy's mysterious and talented pet scientist. She just hoped he hadn't gone away for the holidays or her task was going to be a lot more difficult. With greetings exchanged, Beth was led away by Gordon and Alan. Tin-Tin and Kyrano headed back to the house too, leaving Jeff to face his mother, Scott and Virgil.

"What?" he asked in exasperation. "She's here, I know what I'm doing, that's all there is to it!" And with that he grabbed his bag, pushed past Scott, much to his eldest son's surprise, and strode away back to the house.

"I don't like this," Virgil said as he watched his father disappear.

"Neither do I," Grandma told him. "I'm going to be having a few words with my son."

"I'd leave it, Grandma," John told her, joining the small group. "He blew up at me again this morning and he's barely speaking to me now. I don't think you can say anything to make him change his mind. And he's right. She's here, there's no going back now."

"Maybe so," Grandma said grimly, "But if my son thinks he can ignore me..."

She followed Jeff back to the house leaving the three eldest Tracy brothers to look at each other helplessly.

"Come on," Scott finally said. "Let's go and entertain our guest." They began their own, unenthusiastic trek back home.

Despite dragging their feet, the three brothers caught up with Grandma just as she reached the house. Making their way into the lounge they found Beth listening in apparent awe as Gordon entertained her with an account of his gold-medal winning exploits. Jeff smiled proudly, obviously delighted to have all his family together. Grandma didn't care though – she'd heard it all before anyway - and she cut across her grandson without any apology.

"Jefferson, a word, please."

Jeff flinched, but like his sons he didn't dare disobey Grandma – not twice in one day, anyway. He followed her into the kitchen. Actually, he had to admit he was feeling pretty bad about his behaviour that morning. It was a long time since he'd argued with any of his family, so to have got on the wrong side of four of them... he didn't like it. He was glad to be back home, able to relax and recover his balance. He hadn't felt this confused and emotional since he was first diagnosed.

"Jeff, I don't like-" Grandma's tone was cold.

"I know, Mother. I'm sorry. It's just that I'd already argued with the boys and I didn't want to fall out with you too." He shrugged and smiled sheepishly. "I'm really sorry. Can we put it down to all the stress I've been under? This year hasn't been easy, you know, and I just want everyone to enjoy Christmas. I wasn't sure I'd be here to see it this year."

Well, what could she say to that? She looked up at her son. The thought of losing him had been unbearable. She couldn't really refuse him anything, though she still felt duty-bound to have one more go at warning him of the possible consequences of his actions.

"Jeff, are you really sure about this? It's going to be so difficult if the boys are needed."

I know you all think I've lost my mind, but I promise you I know what I'm doing. Everything's going to be fine. We'll manage."

He smiled at her again and she hugged him impulsively, smiling as he pulled away. Even when he was ill he'd rejected all forms of physical comfort in his usual gruff manner. Relieved that her son was back to something approaching normality, she could only say,

"Well don't do it again. And make things up with Johnny - he's worried too."

"Yes, Mom," Jeff sighed. "Now can I go and talk to my niece?"

She watched him go, her initial relief gradually subsiding. She suspected there would be further confrontations ahead. Suddenly she couldn't wait for Christmas to be over and Beth to be gone.

Later that afternoon when Beth had settled in, Jeff sat in the lounge enjoying a coffee with his niece.

"This is lovely," Beth said. "For some reason I hadn't expected all the traditional decorations. It seems strange when the sun's shining like this."

"Virgil's usually in charge of the decorations," Jeff said. "Last year we had something a lot more modern. But I wanted the traditional style this year, something to remind me of all those Christmases in Kansas when I was a boy."

As Beth listened to him reminisce about his childhood, her mind wandered. She gazed around the lounge, her eye falling upon the piano. Jeff saw her looking and smiled at the longing expression on her face.

"Help yourself," he told her. "Virgil won't mind."

Beth didn't need telling twice. The opportunity to play on what she knew would be a magnificent instrument was too good to miss. Sure enough the piano more than lived up to her expectations and she spent the next hour playing anything she could remember before searching through the music stored in the stool and working her way through some of that. Much of it was beyond her and she found herself jealously wondering if she'd have been able to play it if anyone had been able to pay for lessons. The little tuition she'd had at school had shown her that she had ability, but she'd never had the chance to find out just how good she really could be.

Jeff smiled as she began to pick her way through a piece by one of Virgil's favourite composers, a warm feeling coming over him as he thought about the Christmas present he'd got for his middle son. Then a thought struck him: he'd got nothing for Beth. He'd been so caught up in the idea of bringing her to the island that he'd forgotten about anything else. He wasn't happy at the prospect of everyone else receiving presents whilst his niece got nothing and his cheerful mood was suddenly spoilt.

Beth finished and sat back with a smile. "I love Caparelli!" She began the piece again, more confidently this time.

Jeff thought for a while then left the lounge, calling Virgil into his study.

"Listen, son, I need you to do me a really big favour."

Virgil, who had been watching him a little warily, hoping there wasn't going to be another argument, decided that his father seemed more like his usual self.

"Sure, Dad. What can I do?"

"Well, Beth's not going to have the best Christmas after everything that's happened and I didn't think to buy her any presents before I left New York. It doesn't seem fair to give her one of the presents I got for Tin-Tin, so I wondered if I could give her the gift I got for you. It's the only thing suitable."

"Oh... Okay. I guess if she hasn't got anything else..." There was really nothing else he could say.

He had to ask, though,

"What did you get me?"

"A day with Caparelli. A private concert and the chance to do some composing..."

Jeff winced at the look of devastation on Virgil's face. His son covered it quickly, but Jeff suddenly wondered if he was doing the right thing. It had been hard to persuade the reclusive maestro to give up a few hours of his time but he'd persisted, knowing how thrilled his son would be. He wished he'd thought this through before calling Virgil in. Strange to have doubts now when he'd been so certain... But it really was the only thing he had which was appropriate for Beth. And she too was such an admirer of the man. He felt torn between his son and his niece. It was true that Beth would have nothing otherwise, but Virgil had done so much for him, especially over the past year...

"Look Virgil," Jeff said quickly, "It was a bad idea. I know how much you'd have loved this. Forget what I said. I'll find something else for Beth. Maybe there's something in your mother's jewellery box ..."

"No!" Virgil snapped in horror. "Don't do that! You're right. You can't leave her without a present. Don't worry about it, Dad. I'm fine. Just don't give Mom's things to her."

He was out through the door before his father could change his mind.

Jeff sat back feeling terrible. He'd wanted to please his niece and now he'd upset his son. But then resentment began to take the place of guilt. Why should he feel bad? Virgil had plenty, Beth had nothing. It wasn't as if his son was going without presents – he'd have gifts from his brothers, Grandma, Penny, Tin-Tin. Beth would still only have one thing. Unless he really did find something of Lucy's for her... Why not? It was all just sitting there in the box. It wasn't as if his sons had wives he could give the jewellery to. Tin-Tin would probably end up getting it all one day. Something might as well go to a blood relative of his beloved Lucy. The more he thought about it the more right the decision seemed. Never mind what Virgil thought – and Jeff knew his other boys would probably feel the same way – his son had no right to tell him what he could and couldn't do. Full of righteous certainty he headed for his room and the jewellery box which had been hidden at the back of his wardrobe for so many years.

Beth had sent a quick message to Byron, informing him of her safe arrival. Wondering if she'd have any more news for him later she made her way down to dinner.

"Beth, come and sit here," Jeff called, indicating a place beside him. As she sat down she noticed there were still a few empty places. Gradually various cousins emerged until there was only one seat remaining.

"Gordon, go and call Brains," Grandma said with a sigh. "He'll have forgotten the time again."

Beth felt a rush of excitement. Surely this had to be the resident genius – who else would merit such a nickname? Sure enough, when a young man entered a few minutes later followed by Gordon, she knew she'd found her man.

Her initial joy was short-lived though. Brains had just blushed and looked down awkwardly at his feet when they'd been introduced. As he'd stuttered something unintelligible, backing away from her nervously, she found herself groaning inwardly. Typical, she thought, she was usually fighting men off, not scaring them away. This was going to be harder than she'd thought. Even if she could get the man to talk to her she wasn't going to have a clue what he was actually saying.

"Don't mind Brains," her uncle said. "He's just shy. The man's a genius though. I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for him."

"He seems nice," she said, gazing down the table to where Brains, obviously far more comfortable now he was surrounded by familiar faces, was discussing some mechanical issue with Virgil, still stuttering but now far easier to understand.

"Well, you probably won't see too much of him," Jeff told her. "He keeps to himself. We drag him out of the lab at meal times and he'll spend Christmas Day with us, but really, he just lives to work."

"Gordon didn't show me any labs when he showed me round," she said. "Do you do a lot of work on the island?"

"Some. Gordon probably thought you wouldn't be too interested in seeing the work we do here."

"Oh, I'd like to know more about it."

"Well, we'll see. As you can tell, Brains gets stressed around people he doesn't know. He wouldn't be comfortable letting you in the lab. Maybe when he gets to know you better..."

And with that her uncle changed the subject leaving Beth wondering just what she was going to have to do to get her hands on Tracy Industries' latest developments.