Author's Note: So, last chapter had a lot of Jemily. There is less here, for plot reasons, but I hope you will still find it enjoyable. Thank you to everyone who reviewed.
To Those Who Reviewed
LG,
Thank you. I appreciate you saying that and I'm glad you enjoyed it.
I would have liked to have seen it as well.
Yes, there is quite a bit of angst. I love that about them too.
I appreciate what you said about Ashley. I am glad you liked that line. It felt right.
That's so sweet.
Thank you for reviewing.
Chapter Eight: Visitor
A visitor can have many faces. He can be a long lost friend, or an unwelcome enemy. He can be someone we have known forever, or someone we have never known before. But a visitor always comes to see us for a short period of time, leaving us different than before they arrived.
When David Clarke had been behind bars, Nolan Ross had been a constant visitor, but his daughter had not been allowed near him. Since then, she had visited people in jail. She had visited Daniel, whom she had cared for at the time, though he now repulsed her. She had also visited Mason Treadwell, who had repulsed her for decades. Now, she was about to visit Nolan. Nolan, who had been a pain in her ass in the beginning. Nolan, who fancied himself her stand-in father, or eccentric uncle. Nolan, who had become family to her when she had thought all her family, was lost.
For nearly a month now, how had blocked her every effort to see him. He had not wanted her help. He had refused to let her visit. Now, she was going to see him. She didn't know what had changed, but maybe it didn't much matter. A part of her wanted to berate him for not letting her come sooner, but most of her just wanted to see that he was okay. His decision to let her see him made her fear that he wasn't.
The car ride to the prison had been quiet. Jack had driven her. She had wanted to talk to him about Nolan, but she hadn't been able to, and he hadn't said a thing either. His eyes had been determinedly focused on the road, clearly avoiding looking at her. It made sense, given the circumstances, but she had so wanted him to take her hand or squeeze her shoulder. She wanted him to reassure her in some way. She was more nervous than she would ever admit.
Only one of them was allowed to visit Nolan at a time, and it was decided that it would be Emily. Now, here she was, sitting in front of a glass window, waiting for the man she considered family to come pick up a phone and finally talk to her.
Her heart seized at the sight of him. His hair was shorter, and he wasn't wearing the sort of outfit she was used to seeing him in, but other than that he looked the same. He didn't look hurt or scratched up. Emily felt her chest untighten slightly at that.
He met her eyes as he sat down, and she saw him exhale slightly. They both picked up their respective phones.
"Ems." He breathed. It was so quiet, almost a whisper, but she heard it. She felt tears gather at the corners of her eyes.
"I'm furious with you." She said, "Or I should be, at any rate."
"Why's that?" He asked, his voice still quiet.
"You wouldn't let me see you."
Nolan nodded, "I know." The words sounded so … heavy.
"I've been trying to get you released, get your name cleared-"
"I know." He said, cutting her off, "But I didn't want you involved."
"There was a time when I didn't want you involved, but you wouldn't leave me alone. Did you really think I would leave you?"
Nolan shook his head, "I hoped eventually …"
"So what changed? Why see me now?"
"Well, I've been hearing bits and pieces of life back on the farm, and it sounds like it's all gone to hell without me. So I figured we should talk." Emily stared at him, not saying anything, "I'm sorry about Aiden." Again, Emily said nothing, "I don't know how … I know you must feel … well, anyway, I'm sorry. Truly. But bringing in Jack and Charlotte? Really Ems? I I'm not sure if I was more surprised or - "
"What are you talking about?"
"I disappear, and suddenly everyone is in the loop? That's intense, Ems. I get you're flying solo now -"
"With Jack it was … it just sort of happened. The details are complicated. But I don't know what you're talking about with Charlotte."
"You're not her ally?"
"Her what?"
"Charlotte said she had an ally. She knows what really happened to her baby daddy and she's taken the news like a true Clarke. Girl's out for blood, and she's been coming to me for help. She said she had an ally. I assumed -"
"It's not me. You know I'd never bring Charlotte into this."
"No offense Ems, but I would never presume to know what you would do."
Emily shook her head, "Charlotte deserves to know the truth. I believe that. But it's far too risky right now. I wouldn't bring her into the fold."
Nolan nodded, "And Jack?"
"I told you, it's complicated."
"I think you and I wrote the book on complicated these past couple years. If you have a new chapter, share. I'm happy to read it."
Emily shook her head, "We don't exactly have privacy-"
"You've already implicated yourself just by picking up that phone. Which is, by the way, that last thing I would ever want you to do."
"I know. I know why you didn't want me to see you. I get it. But I will get you out of there, Nolan. I promise. There is no way I'm going to let you rot away in there."
"We both know why I'm here, who put me here. They're not likely to let me out. Not unless I agree to do their bidding, and you know what they say, fool me twice."
Emily was silent for a moment, "Conrad offered to get you out." It was a statement, not a question.
"Just sign away your soul, Mr. Ross. I guess he wouldn't know what that's worth, since he doesn't have one."
Emily nodded, "I will figure this out. But you need to start seeing the legal council that I've gotten for you."
"They won't-"
"Just agree to see them. I'll keep working on a plan." She locked eyes with him again. He looked so tired, and so sad, "Please Nolan."
Nolan sighed, then nodded, "I'm not sure it'll do any good, but I'll try and keep an open mind."
"Thank you." Emily wanted to reach out and offer some comfort, but the glass was in the way. She couldn't help but think of that time on the beach when Nolan had tried to put his arm around her and she had pushed him away. She would give anything for some physical contact now. Sitting in this seat wasn't enough. She needed him to know she was here. But what could she do?
Was this what it would have been like if she'd been able to visit her father?
"So, what are you going to do about Charlotte?"
"I'll need to think but, I'll try and keep you posted. I assume I'm allowed to come and visit now?"
"May as well."
"You won't be in there long. We'll find a way."
Nolan gave a small, sad smile, "Yeah. I'm sure we will."
Charlotte sat on the bench by the hospital, looking out for Andy. She thought of him rolling up in his wheelchair. Then, she thought of Declan, as she so often did. She thought of herself, sitting on a park bench, and Declan skateboarding up to her, making her laugh. Things had been so simple then.
"So, why couldn't we meet in the hospital?" She heard him say as he rolled up next to her.
"They have security cameras. I didn't think about it the last time we talked, but when I was thinking of where we should meet … plus, I would need an excuse to be there-"
"Aren't you pregnant? I mean, couldn't that be an excuse?" Charlotte sighed, shaking her head, "Well, I'm here anyway. So, what now?"
"You said you wanted to meet."
"You said you knew who made that fire happen-"
"I do."
"You said to look into it, and I did. I know it wasn't an accident so … who did it?"
Charlotte shook her head, "It's better if you don't know."
"What?"
"We'll catch them. We'll work together, and get them put away. But for now, not knowing will keep you safe … god, I can't believe I just said that."
"I came here because you said-"
Charlotte put her hands up in defense, "Please don't lose it on me again, okay. I'm doing the best I can here."
"Well … if you're not going to tell me who did it, then what did you need me for."
"I … I hear you're good with computers."
Andy shook his head, "Kind of, but that was more Rachel's thing-"
"How did you find out that I was right about the fire?"
"Well I … I kind of … hacked a police database." Charlotte gave a triumphant smile, "So what Cordy, you need a Willow?"
"Is this gonna be like our thing?" Andy didn't say anything, "Yes, I need a Willow."
"And what do you need me to do exactly?"
"Um, well I'm still … working it out. Like I said, I'm new at this. But, could you give me a way to, I don't know, get information off a private computer. And then put it on another one that we could go over?"
"I … I might. I can try."
"Okay. Good. So we'll start with that. Call me when you have something, and we'll meet up again."
"Shouldn't I be calling you on a burner phone or something."
"The only burner phones I have are … have already been … burned. Or however you say that."
"Well, where'd you get them?" Charlotte shrugged, "Can't you go back to the same place?"
"I can … I can try and get a hold of one. In the meantime, you'll have to call me on my phone."
Andy nodded, "Well, I guess we could come up with a cover story. Like you met me in the hospital and hit on me after I attacked a vending machine."
"I did not hit on you!"
"You gave me your number on a candy wrapper and told me to call you. What would you call that exactly?"
"I wasn't … it wasn't like," Charlotte shook her head frustrated, "I wasn't hitting on you."
"Okay." Andy said, smirking.
"I'm serious."
"Okay." He said again, putting up his hands in defense. He was still smirking though.
"I'm pregnant and the father of my baby died less than a month ago. Do you really think I'd be going around hitting on guys?" Andy had the good sense to look shamed. "I should get going. You'll call me when you have this worked out?" Andy nodded, "Cool." Charlotte said, "I'm going to go hail a cab." She picked up her bag and headed away. Andy watched her leave before rolling towards the hospital.
Jack had wanted to talk to Nolan, but it seemed like maybe a double visit would be too much. The guards certainly weren't thrilled with the idea. And Emily had seemed so spent. He had wanted to talk to her too, of course. They still had so much to talk about. But again, she was clearly exhausted from her encounter with Nolan. She put it off, and he let her. Maybe he wanted to put it off too. Maybe he was scared to have that conversation.
So he had driven her back to the beach house and dropped her off. Then he had gone back to The Stowaway. The bar had cleared out for the time being. It was a lull. He was surprised to see Ashley downstairs instead of upstairs with Carl, but he was relieved when he saw that she was holding Carl up so he could watch Alek juggle.
"Hey."
"Long day?" Ashley asked. Alek put down the balls from the pool table, and started on mixing a drink for Jack.
"Yeah. Thanks for babysitting again. Sorry that I keep calling."
"No problem." Ashley said, playing with Carl a little, "He was screaming earlier, but your bartender extraordinaire here knows how to juggle, so it all turned out right in the end."
Jack smiled. He picked up the drink Alek had mixed for him and downed it. Then he reached out his arms and Ashley handed off his son.
"I'll go put him down. He's probably exhausted."
"Lucky guy. Get's to nap whenever the mood strikes him." Alek said.
Ashley nodded, "They don't know how good they have it."
"Nope."
"Well, I should get going." Ashley said, standing, "I have work in the morning. Even though it's been nearly a month now since Conrad's paid me. You boys have a good night. Don't do anything I wouldn't do."
"Would you change dirty diapers and sing lullabies?"
Ashley scrunched up her nose, "Yes to the lullabies, no to the diapers."
"Well then, I guess I'll have to do something you wouldn't."
Ashley smiled and waved before leaving the bar.
"I think Carl and I are going to call it an early night. It's been a real rough one. Can you hold down the fort?"
"Sure thing boss."
It had been a week since Emily had talked to Jack. She had been pretty occupied, of course, playing pregnant and setting the rest of her plan in motion. Still, if she were honest with herself, she knew she was avoiding him. After all, if things hadn't … happened, with them, she would have asked him to talk to Charlotte about this mysterious ally. As it was, she was still in the dark about it, and dreadfully concerned about her sister. Who knew what Charlotte was up to, or who she was involved with. Nolan had been keeping an eye out, but Charlotte hadn't come to see him again. She knew Jack should broach the subject, that he might be the only one who could, in fact, but calling him up or talking to him made her chest tighten. Because he might not let her keep it business. He might want to talk about other things. And she just couldn't.
"Hey. You ready for tonight?" Daniel asked, coming up behind her and kissing her cheek.
She nodded. They were throwing a dinner party tonight, and they were going to tell Conrad and Victoria about the baby. Of course, if everything went well, both the patriarch and matriarch of the Grayson family would have other things on their mind. As for Daniel … it wasn't time for that yet.
"Absolutely. I'm sure your father will be pleased. And as for your mother, well, you can't have everything." She gave a light laugh. It was all so fake with Daniel. How could he not see that?
"I have you. That's everything as far as I'm concerned."
"Don't forget about the baby." Emily teased.
"I could never. You sure you don't want me to stick around for a little bit? Help you prepare?"
Emily shook her head, "I've got it. You go be brilliant for your father."
Daniel kissed her cheek, and then he was out the door.
Ashley wasn't sure exactly what Victoria wanted with her, but according to Conrad's text, she wanted to meet. The location was a bit out of the way, but Ashley didn't mind the drive. She minded the crypticness a bit, but working for Conrad she had learned to go along with a lot of strange. Not that that hadn't gotten her into trouble before. Like with Amanda.
She had helped kill Amanda. It was hard not to think about that. Of course, she hadn't known what was happening, but she had played her role. If she had done things differently …
Ashley was willing to sacrifice a lot for her career, but she wasn't willing to become a murderer. Sometimes, when she was hanging out with Jack, she would think about how he seemed to live his life without compromising his morals, and she wondered if she could ever be like that. She wanted to be. But being altruistic led to other things, like being left on your own with no one to help you and no money to your name. It led to bills you couldn't pay, and being kicked out of the crappiest motels. It nearly led to selling yourself. And it wasn't as though Jack was happy. He had lost so much, and he still stood to lose more because he had so much to lose.
Ashley thought about all of this as she drove up to the out-of-the-way property. She knocked on the door, expecting Victoria to answer. Instead, a shirtless, blonde man came to the door. Ashley's jaw dropped.
He was gorgeous. There was no other word for it. The man before her was gorgeous. He was a little wet, maybe from a shower, or a dip in the lake that Ashley saw nearby. The water dripping down his chest just highlighted how gorgeous he was. Ashley felt her throat go dry and her mind go completely blank.
"Um, hello?" He said, clearly surprised by her appearance.
Ashley shook herself, "I'm looking for Victoria. Grayson. I was supposed to meet her here?"
"Well, she's not, I'm sorry, who did you say you were."
"Ashley Davenport." Ashley said, reaching out her hand to shake his. She nearly fainted when he took it and gave it a firm shake.
"Patrick Osborne."
Patrick. Why did that sound … "Wait, are you … are you Victoria's first son?" Patrick didn't say anything. "You are, aren't you?"
"I don't think I should -"
"You realize by not answering, you sort of are answering, don't you?"
Patrick squirmed, "Are you a reporter?"
"No. No. I work for Victoria. Or Conrad. It sort of goes back and forth."
Patrick nodded, "Well, which one sent you here?"
"Conrad. He texted me that Victoria wanted me to meet up here."
Patrick sighed, "Something tells me that she has no knowledge of that. I guess you're being sent as something meant to … scare me off?"
"I wouldn't know." Patrick just shook his head, "I am so sorry. Truly. I hate being used in the games they play."
"Well, she's not the one who … what I mean is, from what I hear, Conrad isn't exactly the kind of guy you want to be working for."
"No he's not. But, unfortunately, I don't really have any other options."
Patrick smiled and Ashley felt her knees go weak. "Would you like to come in? I could fix you something to eat."
Ashley felt herself nod, "That would be lovely. Thank you."
"Dad, can I have a minute?" Daniel asked.
Conrad nodded, hanging up the phone politely as he did so. It was such a small space to work, this little place they had had to relocate to. It was Grayson property, and still his, for now.
Daniel took a seat in the chair, "So, I was going over some of the books, and I couldn't help but notice something." Conrad sat up straighter, "It doesn't seem like … the employees we have, it doesn't seem like we're paying them."
"Well, you know we lost a lot when the building was destroyed. And some of the company's funds have had to compensate-"
"Cut the crap, dad. I'm your son, not some employee."
"Yes, you are my son. And for that reason, I got you out of a rather tough spot recently, if I remember correctly."
"That's-"
"And if I remember correctly, you promised me your loyalty, in return."
Daniel let out a deep, slow breath, "I'm not trying to be disloyal, dad. I'm just looking at the facts. These people deserve to be paid-"
"And they will, when the funds have been acquired to pay them."
"Someone else is going to notice this."
"Which is why I am working to rectify the situation. Until then, I expect you to sit tight, and do as you're told."
Daniel shook his head, "Trust me Daniel, this will all blow over."
"That's the thing though. I don't. How could I trust you, after everything that's happened?"
"The real question is, how can you afford not to?" He let the words sink in before standing to get the door for his son, "Now, if that is all. I have work to do. I'll see you and Emily tonight; I'm very excited about this surprise of yours."
Daniel nodded, looking a little uncertain, before heading out the door.
Conrad sat back down, letting out a frustrated sigh. Nolan Ross still refused to cooperate, and he had made little headway in locating the money that was missing from the Grayson accounts. Time was running short. He needed a plan.
Andy and Charlotte sat on the bed in his motel room. She had handed him the flash drive that he had given her. It hadn't actually been hard to get stuff from Conrad's computer. She had just gone to his office, saying she was there to visit, and asked if she could use the computer to work on a term paper. It was almost scary how easy it was.
"How did you know how to do this again?"
"Honestly? I googled it."
Charlotte laughed, "Seriously?"
Andy shook his head, smirking. In truth, he had used some notes on code Rachel had kept in her files, but there was no reason he had to share that with Charlotte. It had been his first time doing this though, so he was a little nervous that it might not work. He hadn't let on of course.
It seemed it had worked, though. There was a lot of information on this computer.
"Whose computer are we looking at, again?"
"Someone who is … important, in all of this. Look, we need to find evidence. Or something that leads to evidence. What do all these numbers mean?"
Andy took a look, "Well, it's a spreadsheet. Looks like somebody trying to budget money."
Charlotte shook her head, "That tells us nothing!" She let out a frustrated sigh, got up, and started to pace.
"You're not a very patient person, are you?"
"And what, you are?"
Andy shook his head, "You don't really know me."
"I know that you hate rich people, like Buffy, you're overly sensitive about your paralysis, you're a fake-modest computer genius, and you like Lays. "
"Overly sensitive?"
"You bit my head off the day we met. You have a major chip on your shoulder."
"You don't think I have a right-"
"I think everybody has a right to mourn their tragedy, or deal with it however they need to. But they shouldn't take it out on innocent bystanders, no matter how rich the bystanders may be."
Andy shook his head, "What, are you going into psychology?"
"Would that make me Riley Finn?"
Andy shook his head, "No, you'll always be Cordelia." Charlotte scoffed, "Come on, you get to be a hot, rich, kick-ass brunette. Meanwhile, I'm stuck being a girl."
"Girls are the heroes of that show."
"Yes, but I'm not one."
Charlotte rolled her eyes, "Whatever." She took out her purse, and took out a couple bags of Lays, throwing one at Andy. He fumbled and dropped it, scowling. Charlotte laughed, heading over to pick it up and hand it to him, "You aren't really coordinated, are you?"
"You don't need to do that. I can get it myself." Andy said bitterly as he wheeled closer to the bag, trying to get it off the floor before Charlotte could.
"See, this is what I'm talking about. I'm not getting it for you because you're in a wheelchair. I'm getting it because you can't catch."
"Maybe you just can't aim." Andy said, but he was smirking a little. "Thanks for bringing these. I should hold off until we're done though; I don't want to get grease on the computer."
Charlotte nodded and headed back over, eating her chips as she leaned over to see what Andy was doing. "Careful of crumbs." Charlotte snorted.
After a while, Andy looked up, "I don't know much about finance, but I don't think that these accounts have a lot in them."
Charlotte took a closer look at all the spreadsheets Andy had been examining. "I think you might be right. Most of these accounts are empty. All though, I don't see how …" Charlotte squinted. One of the accounts was labeled TACF. The Amanda Clarke Fund, she that was supposed to be a charity that her parents sponsored. How had it been drained dry like this? Were her parents stealing money? Why would they need to?
She caught the time on the computer screen. It was getting late in the day, and she had to get ready for the big dinner at Emily's. She turned to Andy who was still looking intently at the computer, trying to puzzle it out. He seemed to sense her eyes on him, because he turned as well. There faces were very close. Charlotte hadn't had her face that close to a boy in a long time. Her breathing quickened a little, and he didn't seem to be breathing at all. After a minute, he turned back to the computer. "There's probably more on this computer than just spread sheets. I can keep working on this if you want."
Charlotte thought for a minute, then shook her head. She couldn't risk Andy discovering whose computer they had copied files from. "We're a team. We should only work on this together."
"But you don't know what any of it means. You just hang over my shoulder eating chips."
"I know what some of it means! I'm not an idiot!"
"I never said you were. I just think, if you give me the drive-"
"No! Sorry, but no. I'm running this operation, and we're doing it my way. I keep the drive."
Andy sighed. "Whatever you say, Cordelia."
She grabbed her purse up, and put on her jacket. Then, she took the drive he had ejected, and put it safely in her purse.
"We'll meet up again later."
"You get those burner phones?"
"I'm still working on it." She said, a little bitterly. She hadn't heard from her ally in over a week, and it was making her nervous. She wasn't ready to be in this on her own. "Why don't we meet here tomorrow, around two-ish?"
Andy nodded, "Looking forward to it."
"The nerve of that man!" Victoria said, as she stormed around the room. Patrick watched her, waiting for her to calm down. "How dare he! Send that old floozy of his here as though he owns the world. Trying to send me a message."
"Mother." Patrick chastised.
"What?"
"You're letting him get to you."
Victoria stopped pacing, "I don't want him getting to you," she said, approaching him. "Oh, my sweet boy. You're the one good thing in my life." She stroked her hand down his cheek, locking eyes with him. Then her eyes dropped in sorrow, "And he'll destroy you. I just wish I knew what kind of game he was playing."
"We'll figure this out, you and I. He won't tear us apart. And as for that Ashley-"
"Do you not like her?"
"She's … she was once my protégé. But she's also slept with my son and my husband. I wouldn't begin to know how to feel about her. You say she came thinking she was meeting me?" Patrick nodded, "Then her loyalties aren't quite defined. Best to keep her close."
"I don't think that'll be a problem." Patrick said, proudly, "I've invited her back anytime she likes."
Victoria looked at him, surprised, "Why-?"
"Because she's pretty and charming, and she seemed to think the same of me. I should be allowed some company, mother."
"Of course. Of course you are darling. Just so long as you know what you're getting into. Ashley's an opportunistic social climber. She'll use you in every way she can."
Patrick nodded, "I have a feeling that I can handle her."
"You have another visitor. So many people coming to say hi to the poor little martyr." Edith said.
"You can't hurt me kitten." Nolan said, playfully.
"Yes, your mood does seem to have improved of late." There was a slight bite to her voice, but then she smiled, "I suppose you have me to thank for that."
"You?" Nolan coughed out, shocked, "How do I have you to thank?"
"Well, I am the one who has been encouraging you to take visitors, and stop playing the poor and noble little sufferer."
"And you think that's why I did it?" Nolan asked. Edith shrugged, "Fine. Take your props if you must. It makes no difference to me. I am above your cruel teasing now little girl. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a friend to go see."
As Nolan left to go see his visitor, Edith's face dropped noticeably. Of course, there was no one there to notice.
Charlotte was drying off from her shower when her phone started ringing. Checking the caller I.D., and seeing that it was an unknown number, she put the phone to her ear, "I just got out of the shower." She said, annoyed.
"That's very interesting information." Said the voice on the other end.
"Couldn't you call me when I didn't just get out of the shower, because between this and not knowing who you are, it's super-creepy. It feels like you're watching me."
"I am watching you, but not in the shower. If I were, I would have known, and might not have called. But unless you want me to watch you in the shower, I really have no way to no when you're showering and to avoid it, do I?"
Charlotte let out a frustrated sort of growl-like sound. "So, what do you want?"
"How's your research going with the Clay boy?"
"Well, I'm pretty sure my parents bank accounts have been drained, and they may have stolen the money from The Amanda Clarke Fund, but I don't see how I can use that to prove anything."
"And without the proof, there really is no point, is there?"
"Duh. Why are you asking my that?"
"I'm just making sure you're doing this for the right reasons."
"You know why I'm doing this. The question is, what am I doing? Because I don't know, and neither does Andy, so it falls to you."
"I would keep working on access Conrad's records for now. Your friend is right. There is likely more to find than financial records."
The line went dead. Before Charlotte had a moment to curse at the phone, it started ringing again, "What the fuck is with the hanging up on me all the time thing?"
"Charlotte?"
Charlotte blushed, "Thomas. I'm sorry. I thought you were … anyway, how are you."
"I'm all right. How are you?"
"Fine. Just getting ready for this dinner tonight that is sure to involve family drama. I told you what my mother was like?"
"Yes."
"Well, she may explode tonight when she finds out that Emily is pregnant."
"Maybe I could … I mean, if it would make things … I'd like to help, if it'll be stressful. But I don't want to be that guy who just invites himself and can't take a hint. I just thought that since we're sort of friends now-"
"Thomas? Would you like to come?"
"I … would that be all right?"
"Sure. I told you about the pregnancy a week ago, and you haven't gone to the press, so we can trust you, and you'll be there as my guest. Emily will be fine if I vouch for you."
"You would vouch for me?"
"Sure. Let me give you the address. Oh, and for the record, we aren't sort of friend. We're friends."
"Jack." Nolan's face lit up at seeing his friend. He had been expecting Emily. She had been to see him daily since he had lifted his 'ban.' However, he was always just as thrilled to see Jack.
"How you holding up, buddy?"
Nolan shrugged, "Could be worse, I suppose."
"I'm sorry you're in here. I wish there was something-"
Nolan put a hand up, "You had nothing to do with it. Heck, I had nothing to do with it. Not really. We don't need to go around playing the blame game. I'm just happy to see you."
Jack nodded, "Thank you for finally letting us see you."
"Us?" Nolan asked, quirking an eyebrow.
"I was with Emily when Charlotte called to let her know she could see you. I gave her a lift."
"I see. So does that mean, things between you two are … simpatico?"
"We're … working on it." Jack sighed, "It's complicated."
"Well, she hasn't shared much, which, frankly, not surprised, that's Ems, but you and I -"
"It's not as though you told me the truth." Jack said.
Nolan sat back, "True. But Jack, I shared all of my secrets. This one wasn't mine."
Jack nodded, "I get it. It's just … it's been a lot. I've only had a month, really, to deal. And then … some other stuff happened."
"Other stuff? Color me curious."
"I can't … I don't think I can talk about it. Not right here. And not right now. But I will. I promise … so long as you promise not to go repeating everything I say back to Emily."
"Of course not. I can keep a secret, Jack."
"Yeah, I think we just established that. The question is, can you keep one for me?" Nolan opened his mouth, but Jack cut him off, "I'm not trying to insult you. Emily explained your history, what her dad meant to you. I get it. I get that she's your first priority. Frankly, your friendship makes a lot more sense now than it ever did before. But I just don't know if you could put someone else before her, even a good friend."
"Jack, you're my best friend. And yeah, Ems is my family. I'm loyal to her. I always will be. But if you tell me to put something in the vault, it goes in the vault. Because you're my best friend."
Jack smiled, "Thank you. You know, I think you're mine too."
"Everyone, this is Thomas Jakes. He's studying to be a doctor." Charlotte said. She and Thomas were the last to arrive, it seemed. She almost wished they could have done this without her, but she would always support Emily and Daniel.
"Nice to see you again Mrs. Grayson." Thomas said, "And I'm guessing you're Emily, and you're Daniel." He said, pointing. Emily and Daniel nodded, "And that makes you Mr. Grayson. Or is it Governor Grayson? I never know with titles like that."
Conrad smiled, shaking the young man's hand.
"Charlotte, you're dating your doctor. That's … interesting." Victoria said.
"He's not my doctor, mom. And we're just friends."
"Hm."
"Why don't we all sit down?" Emily said, showing everyone to the table, "I know it's not Grayson Manor, but there should be room for everybody."
"Actually, would there be room for one more?" Victoria asked as she took a seat next to her husband.
"One more?"
"Yes. I'm expecting someone too."
"Well, I suppose this is a night of surprises all around." Daniel said, pulling out the chair for Emily. He poured drinks for everyone.
"Daniel, son, do you have anything with a bit more kick to it?" Conrad asked.
Daniel shook his head, "Sorry dad. No alcohol tonight. Em, should we serve the food?"
"My guest should arrive momentarily. Could we wait?"
"Of course, Victoria."
They all sat there awkwardly for a minute or two, taking sips from their non-alcoholic drinks. Then, there was a tapping on the door.
"I'll get it." Daniel said, giving Emily a kiss on the cheek, "You sit tight."
"That will be my guest I believe." Victoria said.
Soon, Daniel came back to the table with a tall, blonde man. "Everyone," Victoria said, rising in her seat, "This is Patrick. My first born."
Charlotte's jaw dropped. Conrad choked a little on his drink. Thomas squirmed a little in his seat. Emily looked at Daniel in shock, and Daniel, in turn, looked at Patrick.
"You're-?"
"Patrick. Yeah. You must be Daniel." He held out his hand for Daniel to shake. Daniel looked at it, unsure what to do.
"Victoria, dear, this is hardly appropriate, presenting your bastard spawn like this."
"Well, I had intended to keep it quiet. But after you sent Ashley to the property today, I figured the cat was out of the bag, so we might as well all meet."
"I did no such thing."
"The hell you didn't! What on earth were you thinking? That you could scare him away?"
"Well, if he's smart, he'll run like hell." Charlotte said, taking a sip of her drink.
"Charlotte!"
"What, mother? Did you expect us all to be pleased to meet the child you kept a secret all these years. I suppose we should congratulate him on being lucky enough not to be raised by you, but-"
"I think it's time to serve the meal." Emily said, "Everybody, help yourself to what's on the table. There's more in the kitchen."
"Yes," Victoria said, "Come sit by me darling. There's a chair for you here."
Patrick made his way over to sit by his mother. Everybody started taking some of the food, trying to ignore talking about the elephant in the room.
Conrad scoffed, "Am I supposed to sit through this?"
"Well, I had hoped you would, because Daniel and I have an announcement." Emily said, standing. Daniel stood up next to her and took her hand, "Daniel and I are going to have a baby."
This time, Victoria was the one to nearly choke on her drink. Conrad smiled.
"Congratulations." Charlotte said, standing up and hugging them.
"Charlotte, you already knew." Emily said, excepting the hug anyway.
"Yeah, but mom's in shock and dad didn't say anything. Somebody had to say it. You two are going to make wonderful parents."
"Of course they are. Well, this is wonderful news. I feel invigorated." Conrad said.
Victoria said nothing.
Talking to Nolan had helped, but Jack still had so much to see. He hadn't told Nolan what had happened with Emily, much as he wanted to. He needed to talk to her. They needed to finish their conversation.
She had avoided him all week, somehow, but he wouldn't let her get away with that forever.
Jack watched his son as he slept. It felt like he had barely seen him lately. He was always having Ashley or Charlotte babysit. Maybe this thing with Emily was taking up too much of his life. Maybe he would be better off cutting his losses.
He knew that he couldn't though. He had never been able to let go of Emily. Not when she had rejected him, not when Amanda had shown up pregnant, not even a few months back when he had been so furious with her … he could no more let go of her now then he could then. She was a part of him. Forever.
"That went surprisingly well," Emily said as she and Daniel cleared the table.
"Yeah. Patrick shows up, Charlotte brought a date, and we told my mother you were pregnant. I was kind of expecting an apocalyptic scenario. Though I'm sure my mother's reaction is coming."
"Oh, I'm sure. But why not enjoy the grace period we've been given before everything blows up."
Daniel kissed Emily, "I think that's a lovely idea. Why don't you head off to bed? I'll finish cleaning up."
"Daniel, I'm not an invalid-"
"Humor me. Please?"
Sighing, Emily kissed Daniel and headed up the stairs.
Daniel cleaned the dishes and the table. He was about to head upstairs when his phone went off.
It was a blocked number.
"Hello."
"Listen to me very carefully Daniel Grayson. I want you to remember what you are feeling right now. I want you to remember the joy of all you have. Because in a months time, you will have lost everything you love."
The line went dead.
Some visits are expects. Some are avoided. Many are inevitable. We may not wish the visitor to visit us, may not desire the change that visitor will bring. But he or she will come. The biggest truth about a visitor is that with one visit, they can change everything.
Author's Note: I hope the Nemily reunion scene was good. I'm a little nervous and not quite convinced I did them justice, but hopefully you guys will like it.
I hope the time-jump wasn't too confusing. It might have been better to break up the chapters after Jack brings Emily home, but it's too late for that now.
I would like people to keep in mind, when Patrick comes up, that I started this story before season three aired, and I have my own ideas about his character. Obviously, some of his characteristics will come from the show, but I will also be putting my own things in. he may not quite match up with the Patrick Osborne we got to know in season three. I hope people keep that in mind and are okay with it.
I do picture him as Justin Hartley though.
And yes, I'm finally addressing the stolen money plotline. I have ideas for that, though they are not fully formed yet. Grayson Global is still up and running, but they don't really have any money so it's getting complicated. Ashley, among others, is going to want to be paid eventually.
And what about that dinner? You were probably expecting a bigger blow-up. I was too but as I wrote it, it just didn't come out that way.
Who do you think is calling Daniel?
