Vengance, Lies, Deceit, Trust and Love

by PatriciaS

In childhood they played for sweets that could be and would be shared now it was winner take all and today he would bring his twin down regardless of the cost to himself. Chapter 25 The final curtain.

10. Chapter 10

Chapter 10

As far as Meg, Sara and Casey at Surf Central were concerned the early evening was carrying on as the work day had, and that was bustling up and down one tinged with worries about others rather than themselves. When they'd met up in the kitchen after work they'd had the good news that the young couple interested in renting the rooms at the top of the house had finalised the contract and would move in a couple of days after Christmas. That meant help with mortgage they'd been worrying about, as well as bit of chaos while the couple unpacked and they'd all settle down to new kitchen rotas etc. And they would get back to that hubbub of a shared house, a feeling they'd missed since the others had moved out. But they also knew it would mean even more bodies to trip over on evenings like this … that would be fine they would cope … they hoped.

Then they realised the one important thing that had gently slipped all their minds through out the day. How to get to the 'do' now Meg was definitely going and her dress was one she didn't want to drive in. Casey had been going to borrow her small open top car for him and Sara, but now it was a threesome, the car wasn't large enough. There was no way one sister could squash in the back of the car and look nice afterwards. … Getting in and out would be awkward anyway. There was Casey's beach truck now it was back from its service … the cab was fine for two … a third inside would be a bit of a squash, which meant one sister would be on the deck at the back. As that wouldn't be good for sisterly relationships both would be out the back. But neither liked the idea of climbing onto deck in long dresses, or wanted that windswept look they'd most probably get by the end of journey. So the beach truck was out as well.

They seriously considered walking, it wasn't too far done had it loads of times and it was a nice evening, downside was as the sisters admitted their shoes were for looking nice and dancing in rather than walking any distance in. There was the short cut using the beach, but that was definitely out …long dresses, high heel shoes and sand just didn't mix. Well, not going to the 'do' ... perhaps afterwards if the mood took them they could walk home that way. The sisters could slip off those delicate shoes, hitch their dresses up slightly and walk along the shoreline enjoying the moonlight and talking about the 'do'.

That left asking Hank and Joan for a lift and that would mean two round trips and the sisters wanted to show their independence of their parents anyway, so that was out. So they rang round and booked a local taxi driver, then started to get ready for the said 'do'.

Well, we all know what it's like getting ready for that type of evening, and no matter how well you organise it some things just aren't where you think they are, so you have to go hunting ... upstairs or downstairs, different rooms, cupboards … and calling out to the others for help etc. As for the bathroom … that is always a traffic jam in progress. Multiplied by three as in this case ... and heaven help them … Especially as one of them couldn't find something that really had nothing do with what they needed for that evening and it really bugged him ... and in turn the sisters ... that he could not find it.

oxoxo

Time never stands still and the house was a bit quieter and calmer now; everyone should have been at the stage of being in one room … the gathering room. Making sure they had wallets, phones, coats, bags etc. Talk through those last minute panics and getting ready to 'gee up' the slow coach of the group. In a group of three there surely had to be one. … In fact there were possibly two in this case.

Meg was the only one in the lounge area and ready … well … all she had to do was put her shoes on, grab her shawl and handbag, which were flung on the nearest chair to the banister and go to the taxi when the doorbell rang. So, she considered herself ready enough to let her mind ponder over how she felt about tonight rather than what she'd forgotten to do. And she felt comfortable in her new dress, could feel the warm excitement touched with a little anxiety run through her. Knew those feelings were normal, nothing to do with lack of confidence about the evening ... it was a 'big' evening … lots of important people some she knew, some she didn't … friends and ex-friends. No, she could cope with that and she knew she looked … well and truly stunning. Even better than when she'd first tried the dress on in the shop … she now of course had her hair and make up done … So now showed the complete picture of who she'd become.

Her dress showed off her slender body in a nice way, and her straight dark shoulder length was free with just some of it scooped back from the front, so it wouldn't hide her face or get in the way when she moved her head to look and talk to people. Those scooped back locks of hair were done in waves of ringlets and tied to stay back with a silver ribbon which matched her dress. She'd debated with the hairdresser about having the small fringe cut back in having grown it out, seeing the style tried without the fringe, she decided to have it cut back in. And was more than happy with the result, it didn't hid her eyes as she feared instead it seemed to highlight them and softened her naturally pretty face.

Getting changed she'd been glad the others were around as her sleeveless low cut silver dress needed to be done up via a zip in the back and she couldn't reach round to finish it off. On the other hand it meant she'd had to face her sister's pout … because she was being out shone by her older sister once again. But she'd also seen Casey's wide eyed appreciative expression on seeing her and knew that would be the main reaction from everyone. And her sister's pout hadn't lasted for long, mainly because of Casey's calming and true comments, about them being beautiful successful businesswomen and not the newbies in town who needed a helping hand, and there was the fact she needed Sara's help regarding her eye make up to get everything right … as she hadn't been too happy with her choice of colour.

Remembering it all Meg's eyes twinkled with understanding and fun, knowing there was almost a tangible link between her sister and Casey now they were together, and Sara seemed to glow in his presence even if she didn't know it. And tonight they would make a stunning threesome as Casey in a dark suit always took women's breath away. She also knew that none of that mattered at the moment because Casey still couldn't find his damn top, and wouldn't stop looking for it.

She and her sister knew that stubborn tone/ streak in the man … it had saved peoples lives in the past, would do in future, as well as get on the sister's nerves no doubt. And though Meg hated to admit it, she and her sister had that streak as well, it was stronger in her sister ... getting that internship and into trouble proved that. She stayed at home and proved in small ways, coming here was one and she'd caved in about other things ...

Sighing not wanting to go down that road tonight, she glanced round the room and suddenly wondered if perhaps that top might be in the far corner. Both the top and that corner were dark and everyone might have missed it before ... like they nearly missed getting transport for tonight.

oxoxo

As Casey changed for the do and hunted for the top he was back to feeling unsettled and mulled things over in his mind. He'd started well, had the whole workday planned out, was happy that Meg had stopped wavering and would go to the 'do' tonight. Whether she went or not because of recent events they'd decided he would face Ben and find out what was behind the man's odd behaviour, and then either politely and publicly leave the door open on the friendship for them all, or finally close it completely. Leave no room for misunderstandings by anyone or grounds for future rumours.

He'd freely admitted to the sisters he would use the people around them as a means to curb the man's temper. They all knew he had one … usually very controlled and on a long fuse, which enabled you to see it and duck out the way or defuse it. But he'd felt that temper and lightening near knockout blow, and it came without any warning and had severed their friendship. Months on he could still feel the hurt of it all, and still didn't know what he'd done to cause it or the break up. He reckoned with hindsight if Meg hadn't got Maria to get Ben away from them it would have turned into a real fight. … that was just as soon as he stopped seeing stars and got back on his feet of course.

Perhaps he should have tried harder to find out what had provoked it all, but he'd not wanted a replay and Meg had come back to live at Surf Central, had told him exactly why she'd left Ben. And he'd decided to give her his full support and let the other friendship and the need to know why, go. He still couldn't believe some of what she'd told him had happened, he knew she wouldn't have lied, there just had to be a good explanation to what she saw. He also knew there hadn't been any reason for her to lie about what she'd seen when she'd walked in on Ben and Maria at The Deep. And always wondered if the boy and the missing years were the pull that made Ben finally stay with Maria, rather than move out and become an estranged father living with his soulmate as Casey had thought would happen. From what he'd seen and heard since the man was content, but if so why this odd behaviour which if Meg was right was getting worse.

With a sigh he turned his thoughts back to the training session that he'd been anxious about, knew it had gone far better than he'd expected and he'd settled down to a good day. Only to deal with a riptide and a man who kept on going back in sea claiming 'his destiny lay in the sea that day'. After the man had been rescued a third time he had no choice but to let the doctors from Cedar Oaks take him under their wing, and could imagine the padded cell and locked door he was bound for. It had to be that or they'd be pulling the man's body out the water later on in day or the next morning, and no one wanted that. Then in during the calm bits of the day the gossip about Ben and his family started to come in, nothing much at first but it grew and though it shouldn't have it unsettled him. So much so that when he heard about Ben's house being a pile of ashes, he'd dropped everything took the beach truck and drove it along the shoreline to Ocean Drive, then up the beach till he reached an officer sitting on the decking in front of his friend's very solid looking house.

So, it had been just a rumour and they'd chatted about it all for a moment or two, and he was reassured that Benjy was safe and Mr Evans and Maria were in police protection elsewhere as the house was a crime scene. Got it confirmed The Deep had been raided, a rat found, an assault had happened and something about the power being cut off. Casey knew none of that was fun to cope with, but it was a darn sight better than the gossip and rumours that were flying around.

Thinking about it on drive back to work and this evening he still couldn't put his finger on why the officer seemed to have a different attitude when he said Mr Evans and Maria were in police protection, to when he later confirmed that Ben Evans and his wife were expected to be at the 'do' tonight. The attitude/tone of officer seemed more respectful with a hint of something being hidden … something good not bad when he talked about the latter. But, as they were the same couple he couldn't think why he should sense that difference, and left it alone again.

The officer hadn't gone into any details but it made Casey feel better and he corrected the rumours when he could, then found out they would be having a special running and training session in front of the Head of the Life Guards in the morning. … Not a fun idea … Especially as he would be leading them … and some were so very new it would be painful to do and watch. So he decided his plan of attack and back up team, and he would wear the sweat suit he'd put in the wash-bin the night before … they were not only more comfortable than the others, they were a bit like old friend … been through a lot together ... so would give him that added confidence. For that though he needed to put them in a quick wash before they changed for the 'do', then while the sisters were putting on their shoes ready to go he would hang the sweat suit in the drying area at the back of the kitchen and they'd be ready for the morning.

It was all planned out just like the day had been, but after they'd talked and ordered the taxi he'd gone to get the sweat suit to put in the washing machine, and could only find the bottoms… the hooded top wasn't there. So he'd looked for them … and after a while so had the sisters … they couldn't understand what all the fuss was about and told him so ... very politely. Had offered to look in the morning, which was nice but would be too late ... he wanted his lost top … his missing friend … and the whole thing unsettled him … was unsettling ... because he still couldn't find it ... and all he had to do was to do his tie and then he'd be ready to go.

Glancing round the kitchen knowing it wasn't there he'd looked too many times already he huffed quietly but out loud. "Where the Hell are you!"

He wasn't going mad, he'd worn them together and taken them off together, had put them in wash-bin together, and he was sure Sara wouldn't play that kind of trick on him! And he'd be mad as Hell if he walked in later and saw them on the surface somewhere obvious and it was too late to wash and dry them.

oxoxo

Sara was upstairs in the bedroom putting the finishing touches to her make up, she knew this dress suited her … complimented her figure and brought out those extra colours in her hair making her look lovely. …The gleam in Casey's eyes just after he'd helped zip the back of her dress up proved it to her, and the warmth of his kiss, just before her sister came in, had told her he loved her … always. She knew that now and accepted it … loved it. … And yes she'd got over her sister out shinning her once again, and could fully understand why Meg hadn't wanted her to look at the dress before she wore it for the evening. … It was delicate though strong and would have been difficult to fold up again if taken out in the shop … and the material just flowed on her sister's body and the silver twinkled a hint of blue in certain a light, so the bag and shawl of silver blue were a brilliant choice.

Giving a sigh of love and acceptance of that niggle given to her by someone else, she looked round the room one more time, then mindful of her dress she glanced under the bed for what she reckoned was the third time at least. As she got up knowing the damn thing hadn't shown itself, she reckoned Casey would get the bits of dust she'd missed last cleaning day … it was his turn, and she wasn't as bad when she lost things. But her mind immediately countered that, reminding her when she'd rushed around the house trying to find her lost earring last week. She appeased herself that was totally different, they were special a gift from Casey which she was wearing tonight … it wasn't an old sweat top wanted for tomorrow and he had a second ready for use.

Then while checking her handbag she knew all she had to do was to convince her lovable but stubborn partner, that he could live without finding that damn thing tonight. …. Men!

oxoxo

Back in the lounge and in spite of her good intentions Meg had had a quick look in the corner and under to all cushions on the way, but had resisted the temptation to try and look under the sofa. And to distract any other niggle about the top she decided she'd better put on her shoes. Make sure she wasn't the slow coach of the group should Casey come out the kitchen and Sara down the stairs ready do go, having finally called off the hunt for the top of course.

Then everyone's random thoughts were suddenly concentrated into one of "Aggh the taxi's here!" because the front door bell rang.

Being the nearest Meg knew she'd better answer it immediately or the taxi man might drive off without them … they'd never used him before. A quick glance at the clock told her it might be a bit early for him, so it could be her parents with the latest gossip or just to check up on them. Oh she hoped not, she didn't want a family get together before the 'do', during and after would be good enough for her.

As she made her move she realised it wasn't going to be easy getting to the door as she thought … she had one shoe definitely on, the other was putting up a fight to stay home, so was sort of half on and half off. Which meant she would have to sort of hop and shuffle, use things as leaning posts to get to and open the front door …Well, she wasn't going to take off the shoe and lose the part of the battle she'd already won.

She made it and still a bit wobbly, seeing who it was, exclaimed loudly in real surprise "Ricardo!" and promptly used him as the final leaning post before she either broke her sandal or her ankle. The door wasn't steady enough it kept swinging as she leant on the handle, and if she lost this battle, she'd have to wear the wrong coloured flat sandals and those would really ruin the impression she wanted to give ... and wasn't at the moment …Damn the shoe for not going on properly!

Because Ricardo Torres was back in his 'policeman's skin', he'd stood near the door frame on the door handle side rather than in the centre of the doorway when he rang the bell. It had served him well in past, doors were not easily slammed in his face and he was out the way of any nasty bullets any baddies might aim at the centre of door believing all officer stood there. Pressing the door bell he'd prepared his story knowing anyone of the group might answer it, but wasn't quite prepared for a stunning and rather wobbly Meg, but he stood his ground … he was too stunned to move. She did look well …. Yes stunningly beautiful … and instantly knew someone else would be too, and just hoped Ben would survive it. … Oh Boy, he really needed to breathe, get his mind back on course, and get his story straight as time was running out...

Meg in those few seconds steadied herself enough to win her fight with the shoe. Satisfied it was safely on, she stepped back and looking at Ricardo smiled and then gave a gentle laugh at his reaction. She was getting used to that reaction and if truthful to herself, enjoyed it … she felt on top of the world, and yes, she loved her father and Ben, but tonight they would really see things were different now …

Then her thoughts changed completely as she noticed Ricardo had his badge on, so it was Detective Ricardo Torres on her doorstep, and with slightly worrying thoughts coming through said. "Ricardo shut it, and I hope it's not bad news or Ben accusing me of anything now your back at work."

Ricardo instantly got his breath and mind in gear … he'd not realised she would have 'that' thought at his appearance, and gave his hardly apologetic "Sorry" then added firmly to reassure her "And Ben's not ..."

And was stopped by Sara's out of sight and heated yell from upstairs. "Casey! Forget the damn thing. That's the taxi and I've got to put my shoes on down there!"

With the exasperated reply cutting across the last bit coming from Casey, who'd just opened the kitchen door in reaction to hearing the doorbell. "It has to be! No one would have broken and stolen it! It's Ricardo not the taxi!" and he stopped to finish tying his tie.

Relieved that Ben wasn't trying 'it' on Meg explained quickly. "Casey's favourite sweat top is missing, and cross is not quite the word I would use for him at the moment."

Ricardo couldn't help his short gentle laugh, thinking Ben was going to be in all sorts of trouble, then said seriously but quietly. "I need you to come with me without the others knowing why."

Meg immediately felt a ripple of shock run through her recognising that Police Officer's tone and look, so instantly asked. "Mum and Dad okay?"

Ricardo sighed, wondering why tonight no one would come with him without asking questions, and said. "Yes." And because he could see Sara coming downstairs as well as Casey starting to walk towards them, and both in serious protection mode he jumped in the deep end saying quietly but firmly to Meg. "Your husband took Casey's top and needs you, so don't say a word and come."

Meg's mind gobbled up his words and her mouth fell open in shock, and though she felt his hand gently take hers, another urgent thought slammed through her mind making her yell "My bag!" and start to pull away from him.

Ricardo instantly released her hand not wanting her to tumble, watched as she grabbed her bag and shawl and heard her words to Casey. "It's not here. I'll see you later at the 'do'. Ben needs me."

With a smile and slight shake of his head Ricardo had turned to walk towards the car to open the door and got in, knowing it wasn't wise to stay where he was. By her tone he knew Meg was coming possibly at speed.

In all honesty Meg did not have a clue what she called out, she was running on instinct and shock, and the need to follow Ricardo fast. And in spite of her bag, shawl, long dress and those delicate shoes ... she managed to run safely to the car.

She didn't look back; if she had she would have seen two shocked open mouthed people standing on the doorstep. They'd heard the excited tone in her words as well as the name Ben, so they guessed grief was not part of it whatever it was. But they also knew a detective didn't call and act as taxi or just for nothing. So there was a twist in whatever was happening today and with those thoughts and the car driving away came the reasoning - Hank Cummings wasn't going to be a happy father if they couldn't explain things and they saw him before Meg did. … Yeah tonight was going to be like the rest of the day had been … up and down and interesting.

oxoxo

Meg sat in Ricardo's car and automatically closed the door, as she buckled up and with that 'gut reaction' and first rush of excitement waning, she spat out breathlessly. "What the hell do you mean? … Talk to me!"

Not wanting to drop it on her all at once Ricardo said quickly. "This morning Ben used the spare keys to get in and borrow the sweat top so no one would recognise him as he went around the town." He stopped as he turned the key in the ignition and the engine fired. Feeling Meg's eyes on him and remembering what he'd found later, he added with a lightness in his voice. "And Casey can't have it back, a cat gave birth to her kittens on it and the whole lot has been taken to a local cattery."

It was so ludicrous and yet so sweet Meg started to giggle, then remembering Casey's frustration said with feeling. "Ben's soo dead" saying his name made that subconscious connection really hit home, and she exclaimed wide eyed in shock. "Hang on! You said my husband needed me, Ben's the only one who could claim that and he's not."

Driving off Ricardo knew he needed to get to that secluded lighted lay-by soon so Meg could read the report and they could talk. He also decided if he was careful he could tell her some while driving, and answered. "Yes he is. Maria divorced Ben when she was in Seattle after the supposed drowning; and she wasn't a prisoner of any kind over those years. It looks as though she only surfaced because of the car accident and loss of memory, but I've not had the whole story and I'm not sure she would tell the truth anyway."

As she looked where they going Meg's racing mind put that shocking information in place, while it threw out all sorts of questions, possibilities and made her comment softly. "The courts would've told him about it because of money due to her."

Glad she was thinking about things Ricardo answered. "No, they thought he attended the proceedings in Seattle. Maria used Derek to impersonate him, gave a false story and made it a simple divorce so Sunset Beach wasn't mentioned and no fortune to settle. Then later and in a different part of town she married Derek. Benjy by the way is Tess and Derek's son" then added with a sigh. "If we'd compared the mother's DNA as well as the father's it would have blown this thing wide open."

It took a moment to for it to sink in, and Meg felt as though a brick had hit her in her stomach making her hiss out her breath. … Her mind then reeling from the horror … from the truth of it all … then came to a conclusion, making her whisper. "They wanted vengeance because of Derek's death."

As he drove Ricardo he kept his voice steady needing Meg to stay calm and said. "Derek didn't die in that fall Meg. And you could say Ben was the one having some vengeance on them all today … he did all this to round them up, and to make sure you and Benjy would not be taken as hostages if things went wrong."

Meg clung onto the small bag on her lap as all of Ricardo's words ran round her head, her mind discarded what Ben might have done today and leaped through … all her dreams … all her … all their troubles, before and since their wedding night. Threw up the vivid pictures and feelings of that night and how Ben had held her as they reeled from the shock of Maria's return. Still not truly believing it was possible her mind jumped flitting through her more recent past and thoughts on up to this evening, and then hoping Ricardo would dispel them she said softly. "Casey was going to talk to Ben tonight make him stop his mind games. … I saw him early yesterday … nearly told him to stop acting like Derek … he'd got under my skin again … and it reminded me of being the cabin before being rescued by Ben." Her voice faltered, then became even softer and disappeared completely as she realised the truth "… But I didn't … I silently flounced away … hating myself for thinking those thoughts …" taking a breath then breathing it out she finished her shocking thoughts by adding. "It was Derek wasn't it."

Ricardo was glad they'd made it to the lay-by and switched the engine off then looked at Meg. Seeing her distress and her eyes pleading him to tell her she was so wrong and knowing what a kick his words would have but had no choice, he said softly. "Yes it was. Ben never came back from Seattle till late last night or very early this morning, we don't which Meg. He's been in chains in a basement in Franklin Street and then Southern Avenue here."

Eyes wide open in horror at his words Meg was speechless … her whole body shook with shock ... as she'd spoken, something in her mind had hoped for hours … the worst was days. … Hearing his words her shocked mind then counted the months and she whispered. "Four months … Oh no … oh no." and then was silent again. Her mind was flooding with memories of the first kidnapping and the pain of getting over it … the pain of seeing him in hospital … standing beside his bed as monitors told her his heart failed. … Cold kicked through her system, but it didn't release that love for him she used to have … that was bound down tight now … it was only fear the he was dying again that cause that cold dread. Then warm relief pushed through that cold as she remembered Ricardo had said Ben took Casey's top and had been around town, so he wasn't at death's door again, and asked quietly. "How is he?"

Glad she had not gone hysterical on him, he accepted her unnatural calm after the excited warm gut reaction he'd heard as she called to Casey at Surf Central, now it was shock with the need to know what happened, so answered her question. "Physically Ben's okay, has to have frequent rests and regular food to get his battery recharged … get back the second strength we all have. Mentally, he needs to get used to having people around him again, get himself grounded in the 'here and now' rather than flitting back to the past months. And that's why Tyus and I want him at tonight's 'do'... see his friends and associates and know they are there for him. And that's why he needs to see you first … needs to find out where you both stand with each other, once you know the truth."

He took a breath knowing she needed the truth and without giving her time for her reactions or questions continued. "It will not be just the two of you, he's been given custody of Benjy and that will mean contact with Derek and Tess now and in future. Benjy's going to be traumatised by it all and Ben knows you had difficulty with him before."

He paused very briefly wondering whether he should or shouldn't, then decided it had to be said and added. "I don't want to pressure you, but Ben's memories and a photo of you helped him through those months, and wanting to see you and Benjy safe made him go back and be 'that' standby hostage today.

Ben said if you don't want to see him now or in future he understands and will move on with Benjy tonight, and everything that's happened will be explained without him. He'll not comeback to Sunset Beach again, but he'll not be alone Tyus will make sure of that. What he needs is your true deep reaction Meg, not one taken fleetingly in the light of a few words or peoples opinions or prejudices. Having said that in my opinion you should think about the time you two were together, before Maria came back, and gauge your feelings for him from that time.

If you believe there's a definite chance you two can be together in the future, and you are willing to standby him at the 'do' tonight as his wife or a close friend working in that direction, then he will be staying at Liberty Corp suite afterwards. You can be with them both or separately as much as you want to, while you all come to terms with what has happened."

He took a breath and knowing that had sounded rather cold and calculated and the next bit was a bit crude, but it needed airing in his opinion so said. "Ben doesn't expect you to jump into bed with him as though nothing has happened. He just needs to know whether or not you are going to give him … them a chance." Then thinking about some of the history he added. "Possibly take a stand against your father, if I remember rightly he and Ben had issues and your father has been happier since Ben got back with Maria. From what I've been told he was one of the voices in support of how tonight was set up."

Meg nodded, looked away and started to really breathe again … her mind gradually taking everything in. And there was so much to take in … She'd felt so happy that morning … knew somehow it was the start of her new life. But not like this … this was as threesome … a child in the family … and his parents … a fivesome then. And she could not have felt Ben's return, that was daft … As for his memories about her seeing him through all this, those memories were the past and he knew that … then and now.

Did he remember the choice he'd made before he went to Seattle, and the choices she'd made? She had told him they'd come to an end as she'd walked away from him on that chance meeting under the pier, and he had wished her well … told her all he wanted was her happiness. True he'd rung when he got there but that was just to let her know, nothing more. So what he was saying now … was it just a reaction to suddenly finding himself free and in need of that family group. … They couldn't step back into that relationship just because the woman he'd chosen had betrayed him in the years she'd disappeared and possibly the last four months. … No … she had to keep to her decision … to their decision…

Ricardo took in Meg's stillness, he'd been glad there weren't hysterics, but he'd expected that spark of love and support she showed people she cared for. After all she knew what Ben was going through because of the first kidnapping and joint betrayal, and wondered if he, Tyus and Gabi were wrong. That her love for Ben wasn't strong enough, it had been just a fleeting love … in some ways just like Maria's but not the vicious ending. So Ben would be by himself through this, but she didn't know the whole story, and knowing they were pushed for time broke into the silence saying. "Meg, I'm sorry I know this is difficult and we are short of time. In the glove compartment is a brief report covering what we know. Ben and the jailer have yet to tell their stories, and information from Seattle will come on the morning plane as the culprits are in jail and Ben is safe. You do need to read it Meg before you say yes or no."

Taking in all his words and her getting clearer Meg looked straight ahead and not at Ricardo as she said softly. "Benjy didn't seem to like me all the time but that could have been due to Tess, and if need be I could cope with Benjy as well as knowing his parents would be part of our lives. Not to have them in it would cause friction and be unfair on the child. I also understand Ben wants commitment and part of me will always love him. But he made his choice of partner before he left for Seattle, on a brief chance meeting he wished me happiness without him when we parted. Showed there wasn't any bitterness by telling me what he was doing, and when he arrived in Seattle. He may not remember all of that at the moment but he will in the days to come, and I'm not going to be his choice of partner on the rebound now he's free."

Ricardo took a deep breath … that was not what he was expecting at all, and knowing he needed this part of the story and that he could get the wrong reaction said. "So he broke off with you and you think he wants you back just because you're the only one on offer."

Meg bridled a bit at the way he put it, looked at him and snapped out angrily as the memories rushed through her mind. "He took her to our Casita! I saw them leave the park together before hand … heard where they'd gone from Tess and Benjy … they didn't know I was at the house when they talked … then I drove out to the Casita thinking it was all lies. It wasn't … I didn't see them there ... didn't need to … saw the used bottle of wine, left cufflinks … the tossed aside sheets and odd clothes they left behind! That was our special place … nothing to do with her!"

Ricardo cut in sharply. "He'd never do that Meg!"

She looked at him with true hurt in her eyes and said softly. "Casey said the same thing when I talked him that night under South Pier. So early next morning I went round to The Deep hoping to talk to Ben alone … and what did I do … I walked in on the aftermath, not while they were doing it thank goodness … … she was wrapped in a white throw that usually lies on the sofa … and … and he must have just been getting dressed as his shirt was still hanging out … Is that enough evidence for you!"

"Meg!" Ricardo shouted at her to stop her emotional rant, and seeing he'd got her attention carried on gently but firmly. "He wouldn't have done that willingly. Think back Meg … when Maria came back at your wedding reception he was opposed to having her at Ocean Drive, he wanted her to stay with our side of the family more especially with Mama. Well, today I found out why, and why he couldn't say so at the time."

Seeing Meg was going to butt in, he changed his tone and asked firmly knowing it would hurt, because it did every time he thought about it, but he needed her attention. "Would you willingly trust or sleep with someone who you knew tried to kill you years earlier."

Meg felt as though she'd been kicked in the stomach again, and gulped for air as her mind snatched at the implications of it, and shook her head to indicate she wouldn't.

And Ricardo carried on. "Well neither would Ben, and he knew of her guilt. You've got to read about it Meg not just take my word for it. But trust me, her guilt is linked through an action before the day of the storm to one done a couple of days ago. Her writing has now been matched on the forged drug scripts so she can't hide behind lost memory any more, and that will be explained to her in morning. And if I find out she drove Ben to have sex with her, then I will threaten her with rape charges as well as the attempted murder charges, and hope that will make her do a deal like Tess and Derek have done."

He took a breath hoping both of them could get past the shock they'd given each other, and to get her thinking the way he wanted her to asked gently. "Did you and Ben cook meals together?"

His words and implications hit her so hard she could hardly believe them, or that Ben could be so vulnerable … and Ricardo's last sentence cut through those thoughts and started to throw up better memories making her say quietly. "Yes it was one of things he loved about our relationship, and we only ate at The Deep when time was short or a special occasion … I missed it when we parted. Why ask and why would she try to kill Ben the first time?"

Ricardo gave a gentle sigh, knowing that turned the other way round it was the reasons he'd thought Ben had murdered Maria, and said softly. "Could have been greed wanting the whole fortune and widowhood rather than some of it and being a divorcee, or and she couldn't bear the idea of him finding some else and loving them … her property and hers alone to be disposed as she felt fit when the relationship ended. Who knows I doubt she will ever say." He turned away from those thoughts adding. "I expect you know Maria could only cook one meal, and once Ben had it for breakfast as well as an evening meal the night before, he took over the cooking and let her concentrate on painting and other art forms. I have to say we did warn him that Mama was the cook in the family and knew he enjoyed cooking, but I think he believed she was capable of doing something different for breakfast at least."

In spite of the shiver down her spine about why, Meg couldn't help a slight smile remembering Ben explaining about that when Maria came to the house to stay with them and nodded letting Ricardo carry on.

"I want you to remember how much Ben trusted you and enjoyed your company before Maria came along. Also the fact she couldn't cook enabled him to keep you and himself out of the firing line should her loss of memory be sham. I'm sure if you look back you would see that she was kept out kitchen as much as possible and if it wasn't possibly the food was quietly avoided. When Tess came along, he no doubt told her that coping with Maria and Benjy as friend and nanny would be needed for bonding, and help with her memory and left them to it. I understand Derek's been using Ben's eating routine since September but don't know if that was to avoid one or both them or just to keep up appearances, didn't think to ask. It doesn't look as though Maria or Tess really liked each … tolerated each other so they could get what they wanted, so I don't know how much they knew about each other's game, and Tess has only admitted to certain things."

He toned his voice down as he put his thoughts into words. "Bearing that in mind and you didn't actually see Ben and Maria at the Casita, it could been as set up for you to walk in and see at some time … whoever did it used things that won't be missed by anyone. You said cuff links, well Ben doesn't wear those every day he hates cuffs around his wrists and did you see his car there. It's possible he could have given Maria a lift into town then went to the office, and that Tess might have caught a glimpse of you approaching the house, then made sure you couldn't see them and influenced Benjy to say things and let you do the rest. She would have known how edgy you were having lived in Ocean Drive with you; she's an intelligent woman in many ways."

Meg looked at him in disbelief realising what he was implying.

To stop any indignant comeback Ricardo carried on. "I'm not denying what you saw in The Deep … that was no doubt real, but perhaps Maria might have set something up for him and it was drastic enough to break through all the barriers and all the knowledge he possessed about her. And you saw the end result as well as Ben suddenly realising what he'd done. And what he'd done was to betray you and himself with someone he didn't love or trust. I've no doubt that walking in on that scene you quite rightly ran and ignored anything he said, and I don't blame you and nor would he. Perhaps the break between you two and things that happened afterwards made sure you two were never able to talk about it and find out the truth.

Remember this, your photo and the memories of your time with him kept him going in Seattle, and you were the one who showed him he could love again, and stopped him from walking into the sea to drown himself when he thought Annie had died in that burning coffin."

The flash of that memory made Meg whisper. "How did you know? There was no one around that night and we've said nothing."

"I had an extra officer patrol the area and he saw Ben walk down the sands into the water and you going after him, he would have intervened if you'd not succeed in stopping Ben. We might not have been as close as we were once, but I knew the death of a close friend would disturb Ben deeply. He was obsessed in flying over the sea and going to cliff tops in hope he would find Maria, and he was distraught after Mark's death. Of course I didn't know that he was meant to get Annie out and had failed. Didn't think he would try burning himself to join her but I did think drunk or sober drowning was a strong possibility."

Knowing she needed that extra push to read the report Ricardo leant across and opened the glove compartment, got the report out and finished voicing his other thoughts. "I think those twins are fated to dance around each other forever, granted Maria nearly stopped it all by the scissors in the bedroom for Derek and drowning for Ben if the lifeboat hadn't picked him when they did. I don't know if she was too scared to try drowning him … I do know how scared I was when I was in liner that turned over and I had people around me then, with those two it was just stormy sea and Mariah drifting away. Casey unknowingly stopped Derek from finishing Ben off in warehouse and saved Ben's life, a branch saved Ben and a bush and ledge saved Derek regarding the cliff fall.

This time I reckon Derek used Ben as life line, told the women he would bring his twin here for the final curtain. That meant neither woman could kill him they need both of them dead to be safe. Dread to think who would have been left standing if Ben hadn't managed what he did, no doubt the jailer wanted his money and feared Derek so carried out his orders about keeping Ben in a fairly good condition, so there wasn't a replay of the warehouse... thank goodness. Though it looked close when I first saw him."

Taking an extra breath to get rid of the picture he added. "It's not really over with Derek in jail because there's Benjy, but I hope something better will come out it. I know it's not going be your dream marriage Meg, but it could be good one." He flicked the small light on that was attached to the glove compartment knowing it would give her enough light to read by without distracting him as he drove. Then he started the engine knowing they would need more time at the Hotel than he'd thought, or none, if he read her body language right as 'No to it all' was still definitely on the cards.

Though concentrating on the road as he drove Ricardo let part of his mind go over his changing relationship with Ben … from friend with respect to brooding challenger since the storm, to what it was now ... a kind of friendship with a strong hope to put things right. Especially if Meg said yes, but he would live with it if she no, it had to be her choice. He nearly snorted out loud remembering how Meg and Ben out foxed him regarding the escapades around and after Annie's father's murder … they were certainly good together when facing a challenge … and also when no one tried to come between them. He knew Annie had but they'd overcome that, and in some ways a bit like him and Gabi they worked well together in their working lives, and his mind carried on drawing similarities in their turbulent relationship and how they'd over come things now. Found their love was deeper stronger and if Meg could find out what happened at The Deep she and Ben could…

He stopped his thoughts and pulled into the hotel car park and parked the car out of the way of the main car park, they would use the side entrance to avoid any early guests. Then he silently waited for Meg to realise where they were as he could see she was deep in thought having just finished reading the short report.

Meg was finding it difficult coming to terms with it all, realising it was the outline of what had happened. She admired Ben for what he'd done today, it brought home his ruthless cunning streak that he kept in control, that could be brought out to make a fortune or protect the ones he cared for. He'd kept the secret about Maria for years … she could understand why … a no win situation really. Had worked to survive because he'd been given the gift of life from the storm, and the heartbreak of knowing the one he loved had tried to kill him … making him believe he couldn't trust anyone he loved again. And that was apart from his twin's betrayal and death. So he let everyone believe he grieved for a lost love, so much so he couldn't find another one to take her place.

Till … till she came along and unknowingly at first broke down his barriers … perhaps time had also helped. Did she love him enough? … was it deep enough or strong enough? ... or was it just friendship with tinted glasses? It felt different from the one she had for Tim; they'd grown up together, whereas she and Ben found each other as adults … strangers then friends and then lovers in a short length time. She'd been in awe and a bit frightened by it especially as he'd admitted once he didn't really have a choice, something drove him to her and always would.

She had found him through the chat room on the computer and then she came to find him after Tim's betrayal just before their wedding. … Was what drove her to find him the same kind of force that drove him to her? But if it was so strong why hadn't he explained to her about Maria after the wedding chaos … had that been lack of trust, or because he thought she might be in danger if she knew, and the fact he couldn't do anything about it anyway.

Amongst her churning thoughts she could feel something deep down stir … could feel how she loved him but also how she felt betrayed at The Deep … how she'd been worried about him over the past months. … Had that been her love for him breaking through trying to warn her something was off. … She'd walked away from him before the Seattle trip and yet he'd come to her to say he was going. Was that only because he needed her to know it wasn't only because of her and Sara's worries, or had he hoped she would go with him. … But he'd not asked her nor had she offered, she couldn't forgive him for what he'd done enough to talk about it then. … Just felt the need to tell him she wasn't with Casey. …What would have happened if she'd gone with him? … And how could he have done all this alone knowing if things went wrong he would die…

She suddenly realised the car had stopped and Ricardo was waiting for her, and glancing about her seeing where they were she looked at him and said quietly. "I wish he'd rung the doorbell … woken us up and told us his plans … we would have helped him and looked after him, then he wouldn't have to have face going back there and risk his life."

Remembering the fear he'd felt as he'd walked down the stairs and seeing Ben in the basement Ricardo said with true feeling. "Oh, if only he had." then knowing the truth had to be said added. "But in all honesty remembering what you've told me, would you have accepted him as Ben straight away."

She looked at him and sighed slightly realising the truth of the matter. That she most probably would have yelled at him … called him Derek and or slammed the door in his face. If Casey had answered it he might have decked him one without word. Sara might have yelled at him as well.

Seeing she understood Ricardo said gently. "Apart from not knowing who was living there or how things were, I don't think he wanted to risk a hostile reaction from either you or Casey. Nor did he want to put you two in danger as that would have been an obvious place of refuge had he been missed too early. You've got to sort things out, maybe not in depth immediately just clear the air and believe in each other. We all know relationships are not necessarily forever, but also you can not walk into this one with no real hope of it lasting. It's not fair on either of you and if that's how you feel now, tell me before we get out of car and I will get some one to take you home or where ever you want to go, and I will explain it to Ben."

He took a breath, took in her stillness and came to a decision, knowing few people knew about it and he could trust her silence and said quietly. "When Gabi and Antonio were trapped in the building many months ago they made love, because of the fear they felt and their friendship. I found out through another person and I hated them while I was recovering from my stroke. She married me because she truly loved me, and though it was difficult and involved talking to Tyus we worked our way through it. And we are stronger because of it … I know she loves me as a wife and lover, and she and Antonio are like a brother and sister, it was the desperation of the moment that cause what happened. Don't hide that question from Ben, we both know it wasn't friendship that made him do what he did, and it will be painful for both of you but trust his answer. I know his love for you is really deep and when he calls you his soulmate he means it, and now I afraid its time to move."

Meg looked at him in shock and wonder at his admission, then nodded that she understood his trust. Silently she undid her seat belt and opened the door, got out and put her shawl around her shoulders as a shiver went through her. She didn't know if it was cold or nerves, she needed to know such a lot … her true feelings ... she could not reject Ben out of hand he'd done so much for her, but was it love and if so was it deep enough. … From what was said his love for her had kept him through four months of isolation…

Ricardo came round to her side and started to gently guided her towards the side door of the hotel. In the back ground he could hear the other cars parking round the front and knew this was not the ideal situation, and said gently. "Are you willing to see him?"

Not breaking her stride she said "Yes, and you are right I need to know. I also understand why you think the Casita was a set up, his car wasn't in sight but then nor was anyone else's and it all felt so fresh as though I'd just missed them. That meant there had to be a helper and means it could have been Tim, and we can't ask him can we."

Ricardo nearly winced at her conclusion, he didn't want her making the next jump to Derek and Tim that would be too much for both them at the moment. Partly to distract her thoughts and because there was going to be lack of time he put his hand in his pocket and brought out the ring box, and said. "No pressure you can say no to this. Ben asked me to get the rings and give them to him before he saw you. As you need longer to talk and time is short could you give them to him? Reassure him I didn't need to cut his twin's finger off the get the third ring. He gave it to me willingly, I think he's realising his brother probably saved his life by what he did today. Anyway, because I didn't like the idea of Ben wearing it straight from Derek, should you become a couple you should know I made a detour which made me late.

I saw Father Brown at Mission, he washed and blessed them with holy water and would like to bless the pair you privately if you wish it later. But you don't need to tell Ben that bit, but I thought you should know as that was the ring you gave him. And doing this shouldn't influence your answer either." Part of him silently snorted at that remark... as he hoped it would.

Meg gave a slight smile and took the ring box then said seriously. "None of this can't be easy for you, she's your sister."

Ricardo accepted the support that was carried in her tone, and said truthfully. "No its not, and it will take a lot of getting used to …accepting she could do this and I'm not the same ... I admit I came close, but I didn't cross that line in the end. Part of me hated Ben for making me do this, but then I understood it was trust and not trying to rub my nose in it for my past actions. Mainly it's the fact no one has died to day that makes this whole thing acceptable, if any of them had died or an officer in arresting them it would have made the whole thing unbearable."

She nodded understanding his feelings and fears and said. "You're a good detective and we trust you regardless. Thank you."

Then when Ricardo put the ring box in her hand she slowed to a stop letting him carry on. She opened the box and looked at the rings and memories of their wedding flooded her mind … the way he'd protected her when Carmen waved the gun around … the way he'd stormed out decked Tim and came back in as though nothing had happened. And then a moment later he stopped the service and opened his soul and heart to her declaring true feelings to her … and she had told him her true feelings back. Their vows … And she heard her mother reading from the bible and shook her head to close those feelings and memories and closed the ring box.

Then she walked on head down deep in thought, not of what she thought was love or deep friendship but of her parent's marriage and life. Being on the farm there had always been ups and downs … and they'd discussed, argued, laughed and loved through it all, and were willing to take a jump into unknown to come here when the farm failed. So why when she came her in search of a dream should she have expected anything different? Expect calm and love with no discussion or arguments and a clear indication she was in love… Instead she'd found her own ups and downs … her own life and now recently her own confidence….

Ricardo waited for her and held the side door into the hotel open for her, he'd looked across the foyer and along the corridor to see who was around, and looking back at Meg as she caught up he could see she was still deep in thought, but also there was a change in her. And when she drew close to him he said gently not to startle her too much. "We'll have a quick word with Gabi she's been with Ben and Tyus. I'll have to check in with the Mayor and the Police Chief see how they've decided to do things. Ben's room is the one the other side of the bored man sitting guard."

In spite of her thoughts Meg gave a gentle chuckle comment. "To keep him in." then sobered realising what she'd said.

Ricardo smiled shook his head. "Don't worry about words like that; he didn't mind them the last time he was kidnapped, doesn't this time. He can leave anytime and knows that, it's mainly to make sure no one accidentally walks in on him. Just give two light taps close together and call your name and go in." As Gabi came up them he asked. "How is he?"

Gabi smiled and said. "Quiet to quieter, I've done most of the talking. We saw you get out the car, couldn't see too much in this half light. He's on his own, Tyus had to see another guest and I thought should to come and see what was happening."

Turning her attention to Meg she carried on. "You look beautiful, you're going to say yes aren't I can see it in your eyes."

Meg smiled, took a breath and then said. "I need answers, but if they right then it will be yes. I think I'm just realising just how much I love and missed him." She looked at Ricardo and added before leaving them. "Thank you for everything. We all trust you."

Ricardo watched her go and felt Gabi's hand on his arm, turning slightly he looked at her and sighed then said quietly. "They've got get over what we got over, as in Ben and Maria."

At Gabi's look of shock he added. "I'm sure there's a good reason it happened and they will get over it as we did. Come on let's see how they are going to do this and if I've got a job tomorrow."

Gabi put aside the picture in her head and knowing his fears said gently. "Meg's right we trust you. Tyus has arranged sick leave for you in the morning and the Chief has muttered light duties in the afternoon. But I think they know you'll be on hand should Ben want to make a statement."

Ricardo gave a snort at the thought of light duties and added. "As long as light duties are nothing like today ... Oh Hell there's Mr Danes with the Mayor and the Chief and they've seen us. We've got to go over." With a quiet chuckle Gabi went with her husband, knowing she had the morning off as well.

Walking towards the room Meg wondered what Gabi had seen in her eyes to be so sure she would say yes at the end. She still wasn't sure about deep friendship and true love, and her mind raced through everything trying to find that answer. Ticked off all the boxes … times together and times she'd left him to his pain, his secrets now she knew them ... but also the fact she'd always gone back … because she wanted to … because she needed to. And she had left the safety of her home to find him in the first place…

The chains that held back her feelings for Ben all these months finally snapped adding to what she'd learnt today … and with each step she now took she felt ripples of excitement … anticipation … trust … need … and love for him.

That was it … Her answer and it was stronger than before and she realised given the chance he would have told her the truth about Maria's betrayal when Maria turned up again. But the moment was lost when he and she had walked back from the pier and arrived at the house finding her parents and Maria arguing for the first time.

It would different now … there would be no secrets and she would be stronger … they loved each other … always would …

And realising where she was she stopped walking, nodded a greeting to the officer who'd been watching her and got a smile and a nod that she could go in back from him.

Knowing she and Ben needed to talk to clear things up Meg tucked away her thoughts along with her need to rush in and be gathered up into a hug by him, and stepped up to the door and knocked twice then said firmly. "Ben, its Meg I'm coming in." and not waiting for his reply opened the door.