Chapter 10

"so, where's he gone?" Jack asked as Lou came out of her room hearing the raised voices, the house had been turned into turmoil when Amy had run inside, her face filled with hurt, her eyes brimming with fresh tears that replaced the one that stained her cheeks.

"I don't know Grandpa!" Amy said, her voice trembling with anger and upset. Anger that her family had challenged her feelings for Ty, making him feel like he wasn't worthy, and upset because he had run. He had left her behind.

Amy moved away from them both, Lisa now also joining them in the loungeroom, looking concerned.

"I hope you're all happy! that little intervention you staged before, well bravo, you chased him away!" she yelled, "and just so you know, his dads cut him off too, I heard him talking to him in the loft and he's furious with him for helping you!, "She shook, her words quavering, her temper flying, her blue eyes overflowing with tears,

"Amy!" Jack warned, not appreciating her tone or her accusations, But Lisa's hand on his arm stopped him.

"Amy, honey, tell us what happened," Lisa said softly, moving towards the distraught young lady and guiding her to the couch.

"Ty's father called him, he knows about the contract change and how you added the clause, "she said, "he said he's disowned him, that he won't let him manage the Ranch now" she looked at Lisa, her voice softening, "he also said Brad has pulled the plug on him staying here too,"

Jack, rubbed his aged face, the concern now in his eyes too. If this was true, Ty's problems he now faced were because he had tried to help them and protect them from his father's plans. This made Jack feel more uneasy than he liked to admit. Ty had put his own future and his relationship with his father on the line for them, Jack sighed, seeing now, some of the qualities Amy saw in this young man who had blown into their lives with a bad attitude and reputation to match.

"you have no idea where he would go?" he finally asked, his eyes watching Amy as she shook her head slowly.

"he didn't say, he just left, "She wiped her tears away, and looked down at her hands," he said I didn't need someone like him in my life, "

Lisa wrapped her arms around Amy and pulled her close "shhh, sh, oh Honey, Im sure once he calms down he will come back, or call you, "she soothed,

"yeah Amy, we could see how much he cares for you when we were talking to him before, "Lou agreed, trying to be positive, "just let him cool down and then when he's sorted it all out in his head, he will be back"

"You didn't see his face, Lou, "Amy whispered, "he was gutted by what his father said. "I'm scared grandpa, he doesn't know the area or the roads around here, what if he …." She stopped, knowing her worries were mute, he had left, and she knew he wasn't intending on coming back.

Regardless of how much he liked her or cared for her, he had chosen to run. And she knew she would have to deal with that realization eventually.

"I think maybe we should have a cuppa and then ….."Lisa started but Amy stood up and wiped her face with her hand again,

"I think Im just going to go to bed, "she said softly, turning from her family and leaving the room to face the truth that the first boy she had ever truly fallen for, was gone. And she had no idea where he was.

The music blared into the night air, the windows down to the elements as the Wrangler hurtled down the road. Ty thumped the steering wheel to the beat, blocking out the thoughts that haunted him. If he was to be what everyone thought he was, then maybe he needed to start acting like it. He was trouble, he was bad news, not reliable, not trustworthy, a disappointment to his family and a disgrace to the Borden name.

The speakers buzzed and threw the sound waves around his ears. The night screaming past him at high speed. He kept seeing her, that pretty face, those blue eyes, filled with tears. Tears he had put there, tears he had caused. He knew he'd end up hurting her, he always did hurt those he cared for the most. He disappointed them, he let them down, no wonder his mother had lost patience with him. Maybe Wade was right, maybe he didn't deserve to be happy, to be loved.

All these thoughts raced through his head as a tear rolled down his cheek, the jeep skidding around yet another bend, Ty momentarily losing control and struggling to keep it on the road as it fishtailed across the double lanes.

He blew air out between his teeth his knuckles white as the car straightened up, his eyes a little panicked as he regained control. His foot hitting the gas pedal again and revving the engine higher. He reached across the seat and grabbed the small bottle that lay on the passenger seat. Unscrewing the cap and pressing it quickly to his lips, the amber liquid burning his throat as he sucked it down.

He hissed and coughed as he continued on, his eyes on the road ahead, the bright yellow lights of a road train heading his way in the distance.

Jack grumbled, and slowly pulled on his plaid shirt, he slumped into the kitchen, the incessant high-pitched ringing making him curse under his breath.

"who the hell would be, it's not even 3 am yet" he growled as he grabbed the house phone, pushing it to his ear, as he pulled his shirt around his body, covering his undershirt.

"hello" he gruffed, his voice thick with sleep,

Jacks eyes blinked as he listened to the person on the line, nodding and taking in the information. His face becoming clearer with each word.

"ok, Ok, Im on my way, thanks for the call" he hung up the phone and rubbed his face, his hands combing back his hair,

"who was that?" Lisa asked as she came into the kitchen behind him, her voice soft as to not wake the other house inhabitants at such an early hour.

"Um, I've got to go out for a bit ok, "Jack said, walking towards her and giving her a gentle kiss, "I'll explain later, but please can you do me a favor and take Amy shopping or something later this morning, try to cheer her up, maybe get some answers"

Lisa looked at her husband, confusion, and concern in her pretty eyes. "Jack, what's going on"

"Just make sure she's not around for a bit ok, "he explained, "I have to go, "

"Jack, "Lisa pushed, taking his arm. "is this to do with Ty?" her eyes searched her husbands, trying to read him" is he ok?"

"I'll be back as soon as I can ok, I'll explain then" He gave her a gentle nod as he headed for the mudroom and pulled on his boots. The grabbed his hat and coat and disappeared into the dark.

Jacks truck slowed and pulled to a stop when he saw the red and blue lights dancing across the road. His headlights illuminating a blind turn on Bellows creek road. This stretch of back road was known for its undulations and unforgiving bends and although a pretty drive during the day, it took on a more sinister aspect at night, especially if taken at high speed.

He took a breath and stepped out of the truck, seeing the RCMP officer wave at him in acknowledgment, his reflector vest catching Jack headlights as they bounced across the road.

"Byron," Jack said, as he shook hands with the officer, the both of them now looking at the scene before them. A black jeep wrangler was laying on its side, its rear wheel spinning in the early morning gloom. Steam coming off of the undercarriage, its front window smashed but intact, its head lights shining into the ditch that had claimed it.

"he's a bit shaken up but ok, "Byron said, looking at Jack in resigned acceptance of yet another road accident on this fateful piece of road. "bump on the head, few cuts and bruises"

"thanks for calling me, "Jack said, as he rubbed his face, looking at the jeep and realizing that it could have been a hell of a lot worse.

"No worries, as soon as he said he'd been staying at Heartland, I called you, "he paused, "I ran his ID, Jack, I know who he is, so I've not called this in yet, but…." he looked towards the police cruiser. Making Jack turn that way, a silhouette of a figure sat in the back, its head down.

"he blew over .05 Jack, "Byron said sadly, "and there's an open bottle in the car too. "

Jack rubbed his face, not knowing what to say.

"Look, Jack, I've known you since I was a kid, and Im technically not on duty tonight, my shift finished an hour ago. "

Jack shook his head, "No No, Byron, I can't as you to do that, "

"just get him out of here ok, I'll turn a blind eye this time to the reading and just write it up as an MVA, but I want him off the road for 24 hours ok, "

Jack put his hand out and shook the officer's hand, appreciating the leniency he was showing them.

"Thanks, Byron, really, "Jack said, "I'll come get the truck in the morning.

"that's ok Jack, I've got a tow truck en route. This bend is dangerous enough without an obstacle like that at the apex. "

Jack gave a weary smile and slowly walked over to the police cruiser with the officer, who pulled the back door open slowly and Jack knelt down peering into the interior of the car, his eyes coming to rest on a roughed up and shaken Ty.

His hair was a mess, and his face had an ashen color to it. There was a red mark above his left temple where a small trail of blood had left its mark down his cheek.

His hands were in his lap and Jack could tell they were shaking slightly, his eyes were on the floor.

"hey son, "Jack said softly, touching Ty on the shoulder and bringing those green pools of defeat up to look at him. "come on, let's get you home"

Ty's expression was one of dazed confusion as he looked up at he the man who looked through the door at him. The whiskey had numbed his senses and he seemed lost and unsure of what or who Jack was and what he wanted from him. He looked away again, his gaze on the darkness around him, like he was searching for something he had lost.

"TY, "Jack said, shaking his shoulder anyway getting his eyes to look at him again, "come on, out you get"

to

"Whoa, there, easy now," Jack said quickly, grabbing him under the arms and steadying him.

"Here Jack, I'll help you get him to your truck, "Byron said as he also grabbed Ty's shoulders and the two men walked the shaken and dazed Ty slowly back towards Jacks truck.

It wasn't long before Jack was back on the road heading for home, it was just about 5 am when he pulled onto the main drive of Heartland, Ty staring out the window as they made their way towards the homestead, he hadn't spoken the entire way back, his eyes red and sore, his stomach in knots as the whisky soured his resolve.

Jack stopped the truck near the house then changed his mind, pulling it up further in front of the barn.

He killed the engine and looked over at his charge, noticing that Ty was still trembling and looked awfully shaken up.

"You feeling sick?" Jack asked, seeing the green twinge around his lips and he swallowed, TY nodded his hand now on his stomach, his eyes on the floor once again.

"don't you chunder in my truck ok" Jack replied quickly as he got out and came around to the passenger door, pulling it open and taking hold of Ty's arm. He helped him down from the seat feeling him stumble yet again as his feet hit the ground.

"you good?" Jack asked, supporting him as Ty dry retched.

Ty nodded, again, with no real recognition of the actual question, Jack watched him, he was like a sleepwalking child, taking instruction without actually being conscious of the decision to comply. He was starting to really worry about Ty's mental state now as he put his large hands on his shoulders and guided Ty to the door of the barn.

Once inside the barn, Jack hit the light switch and slowly, but with purpose lead a disorientated Ty up the stairs to the loft. His belongs exactly where he had left them hours before.

"ok, now I want you to clean up and then rest for a bit ok, "Jack said seeing Tys eyes looking around the room. His face still lost and alone.

"Ty, "Jack said, a little more forceful now, making Ty jump and look at him. "I know this night didn't quite turn out as planned, and I realize that you probably think your time here is up and all, and that you're free to go do whatever you want. But I want you to know that you're welcome to stay. I mean, just because your father says it's over, it doesn't mean that you have to leave. Your job and the loft, if you still want it, are there for you."

Ty moved his mouth, words finally coming to him in his state of shock. "Jack, I,"

"No one had the right to say who I can or can't have stay on my Ranch. I said you can stay, you pull your weight, work hard and …"

"Am..y" Ty whispered,

"let's just take it one step at a time, "Jack said, knowing that was a discussion for another day. "it's your call, but Im happy to give this another go"

Jack tapped his shoulder, seeing a small tear run down Ty's cheek, as he gave a gentle nod, accepting the offer to stay.

"Thanks, Jack," Ty said softly, still a little dazed, his head throbbing from hitting it on the windshield.

"ok, then, shower time for you, the bed, "Jack instructed, guiding him over to the bathroom, as he helped him pull off his jacket.

"my truck" Ty suddenly said looking at Jack remembering some of the night's activity.

"you don't need to worry about that now, "Jack smiled, "we will deal with that in the daylight,"

And with a knowing smile, he walked a shaken and defeated Ty into the washroom. His arm protectively around his shoulders.

The morning sun found Amy bleary eyes and sleep deprived, she had tried several times during the night to message Ty with no response.

Finally giving in to exhaustion as she let her tears lull her into a fitful sleep.

When she finally came into the kitchen she saw Lisa and Jack at the table, talking to each other softly, their faces looking serious and concerned.

"whats wrong, "Amy said, fear registering on her face, "did you hear something? Did you get hold of Brad?"

Jack motioned to the empty chair next to him and Amy sat down, her eyes watching him expectantly,

"Thomas called me a little while ago, the contract and living arrangement we discussed for Ty has been canceled, and yes, as Ty told you, he is no longer required to stay here as originally agreed. "

"Grandpa!, He has nowhere else to go!" Amy cried,

"HOWEVER!" Jack cut in on top of her "Brad has decided to leave me as his advocate, over his trust money for the time being. He's a hard man to negotiate with but I think we are now on the same page"

Amy looked at her grandfather, not quite understanding, so Jack continued, "and after last night, I think it best that, that boy has some stability and consistency in his life, god knows he needs someone to guide him, and since neither of his parents seems to want to do it, well..."

"what happened last night" Amy whispered, seeing Lisa's sad expression. "Grandpa, you found him didn't you, you ….. brought him back…. 'Amy's head whipped around to look over at the barn, but didn't see Ty's wrangler anywhere "he's here, isn't he? "

"Amy! "Jack said, his voice carrying a warning " I want you to listen to me ok, "

Amy nodded looking anxious, Was Ty really back home or was this just a cruel dream that she was about to wake up from any second now.

"Yes he's back, and he's in the loft, but..."Jack raised his hand as he saw her jump to her feet "stop wait, he had a bit of an accident last night, and he is a little shaken up by it so I want you, to listen to me now and just leave him be for today ok"

"Grandpa, what accident? Is he ok? where is the jeep?"Amy's' eyes were wide now, she was panicking at the mention of him possibly being hurt,

"no, he's fine, just a little shaken up, he rolled his jeep on Bellow Creek Bend, "He saw her mouth drop so he grabbed her hands, Amy's feet hitting the floor as she went to run to the door, "AMY! I said he's ok. The jeep is a bit of a mess, but we will worry about that later,"

"I need to go see him, Grandpa, "Amy stammered, fear in her heart for his safety, what if he was hurt or injured, he needed her, and she wanted to be there for him.

"Amy, I mean it, leave him be, you can go check on him tonight when you take him his dinner, "

"Grandpa!" Amy protested, her eyes flicking to the barn again,

"no, I've told Ty he is welcome to stay here, in the loft, it's his call, but you will not go over there today, do I make myself clear, "he paused , his eyes locked onto hers, "no arguments, no bending the rules, "

"Amy, please, "Lisa said softly, "do this for your grandfather ok, and for Ty, let him have some time to process, I've got to go to Calgary today anyways, and I'd love you to come with me"

"But,,,, I.. Um I don't know Lisa, "Amy stammered, not liking this condition to Tys return but grateful her grandpa had at least brought him home again.

"ok, but Im going to talk to him in the afternoon" she conceded, her eyes strong and determined.

Jack nodded, accepting the compromise, "go with Lisa this morning and yes, Tys all yours this afternoon, but Amy, please, he's been through a lot, so just give him some time"

Amy nodded, and walked back to her room, hope filling her heart, she ran over to her window and gazed out at the barn, knowing the boy she loved was somewhere in there, not far from reach once, but still so far away. She wanted to run over there bolt up those stairs and hold him in her arms and never let him go, but she abided by her grandfather's wishes and simply found solace in looking at the barn and knowing he was home.

Amy kept her word to her grandfather and went with Lisa to Calgary for the morning, her mind, however, didn't leave the ranch or the loft.

Jack had not told her the full extent of Ty's accident and her imagination was taking her to places she didn't want to go. She sat at the table of the small sidewalk cafe as Lisa went to the counter to order their lunch. He eyes flicking to her phone as it sat on the table in front of her.

"Amy, "Lisa said, a wary tone in her voice, "you promised, no contact today"

Amy looked up as Lisa looked down at her, Ty's number on her screen.

"I just want to know he's ok," Amy said softly, "Grandpa said he rolled the jeep, what if he's hurt"

"well, if he was hurt, your grandfather would have taken him to the hospital, wouldn't he?" Lisa summed up, taking a seat next to her adoptive granddaughter and giving her a gentle smile.

"you really like him don't you," she asked, hoping that maybe, as they were alone, out and about, and both of the female persuasion, she may open up to her about how far this relationship had actually gone.

"I really do," Amy said softly, a small smile on her lips,

"he comes from a different world Amy, you know that right, are you ready to deal with that, "Lisa asked, "all that attention, all that fame, it's not easy to have your life on display and your world everyone's property"

Amy nodded, "I know, I got a taste of it when we were at the fair, "she said, "but that's only part of who he is, he's not that guy, Lisa, "Amy sighed " not when he's with me anyway"

Lisa grinned at her, "he's not hard on the eyes either, "

Amy's' cheeks blushed as she looked at the older woman in shock,

"well he's not, "Lisa laughed, "Im a woman and I appreciate the male form too, "

The two of them giggled and drank their coffee, giving the waitress a smile when she brought them their turkey club sandwiches.

"So, this is serious then, you and Ty, "Lisa asked, her pale eyes watching Amy, encouraging her to share.

Any nibbled her sandwich, raising her eyebrow at her Grandmother by marriage, "Grandpa put you up to this didn't he, "she asked, now holding the older women's gaze,

Lisa gave a guilty smile, "he's worried about you Amy, we all are"

"why! Tys not an ax murderer,! Or a criminal!" Amy retorted, "why do you all think he's soo bad! he's not you know, he's kind and sweet, and loyal and protective, "she looked at her hands, a little annoyed that they didn't seem to be able to let this idea that Ty was a bad guy go.

"ok, ok, just take it slow ok, maybe get to know him and let Jack get to know him too" Lisa gave her a knowing smile, Knowing that, that was more likely the issue here. Amy knew her grandfather was protective of her, and that the idea of her dating anyone was hard for him to accept. He had struggled with her seeing Jesse and when he realized how badly that had turned out, he had somehow then also become suspicious of Ty.

Jack struggled to see Amy as more than a child, his little girl who used to have pigtails and a cheeky grin.

The pig tails were long gone now, although the grin had remained. Amy at 16 was turning into a beautiful young woman, and that, she knew scared the hell out of him.

"we are taking it slow, its new, it's fun and I love being around him, "Amy said, "I just wish you would all trust that I know what Im doing "

"fair enough" Lisa concluded, taking another bite of her lunch, "Just know Im here if you want to talk about anything, I know Im not your mother, but just know If you have any questions or ….."

Amy blushed, realizing what Lisa was trying to imply "Thanks, but we covered all that in health studies" Amy giggled and sipped her drink, finding it comical that Lisa, now also seemed a little flushed.

"How are you feeling today," Jack asked as he came up the loft stairs, seeing Ty was sitting at the table, his fingers playing with a cup of coffee that he didn't seem to want to drink.

He turned his head, his face showing how ill he felt. His eyes half open and he let his head rest on his hand.

"like an idiot," he said softly, his voice dry and gravelly, the after-effects of his mid night run now taking full effect.

Jack scoffed and came over to him, tapping him roughly on his shoulder, making Ty squint and shut his eyes as his head throbbed mercilessly.

"you're not an idiot, "Jack replied, Taking the half-empty coffee cup away from the young hangover sufferer and tipping its cold contents into the sink.

"I think my dad might disagree with you their Jack," Ty said flatly, giving Jack a nod of appreciation when the old cowboy placed a fresh cup of hot coffee in front of him.

"your dad doesn't define you," Jack said as he sat across from him" you're your own man, who you are is up to you"

Ty gave him a smile and returned his eyes to the coffee cup, his fingers pushing against the sore pump above this temple.

"how's the head, "Jack said, motioning to his discomfort,

"sore, " TY replied,

"that from the bump or the whiskey," Jack continued, his smile now gone as he sat back into the kitchen chair, waiting for an explanation, "you could have killed yourself, or someone else you know"

Ty nodded, he knew this was coming, the pleasantries had to give way to the reprimand eventually.

"How do you expect me to let you see or be near my granddaughter when you drive like a maniac, smashed out of your brain!"

His words hit home and TY felt terrible, not only from the hangover or the impact with the ditch but from guilt, he had been foolish, he had let his own anger and pain cloud his judgment and put himself and others on the road at risk.

"what if Amy had been with you!" Jack cut in, his eyes cool and authoritative, "you could have not only killed yourself but her too,"

"I know Jack! I screwed up, ok, I get it," Ty snapped back, his anger at himself more than Jack. "like I said Im an idiot, "

"well, "Jack grumbled, "that being said, the police called this morning, your jeep is at Hudson panel and paint, "

"It's not my jeep Jack, "Ty said flatly, "I'm sure dad will send someone to collect it soon enough,"

"Thomas said it's yours to keep, "Jack said softly, "but the credit cards, there useless"

Ty rubbed his head, "did he say anything else" he asked, his voice low,

"Not really, son, I don't think he knows much more than you, "

TY nodded, as he slowly got up and wandered away, tipping his cup into the sink.

"I meant it you know, "Jack continued, watching the deflated young man walk slowly over to the bed and sit down.

Ty looked up at Jack, not understanding, the realization that his father had followed through with his threat to cut him off finally hitting home.

"when I said you could stay, "Jack said simply, "you'll be expected to work, and pay your way, but this is your loft for as long as you want it"

Jack saw Tys eyes mist over, and the tremble in his hands as he watched the old cowboy, not believing his generosity.

"I ….. don't know what to say,…"Ty stammered,

"it's your call kid, but if you stay, this life of the playboy ends, no more racing around, drinking, kissing girls and carrying on, do I make myself clear, "Jack stared at him now, making sure his message got through.

Ty nodded, accepting the terms, he would do just about anything to stay, "I promise"

"we can work out your roster and pay later when I speak to Lou, "Jack continued, "your still getting your trust money, Thomas said that's due to your mother, But as Im still your advocate, Im going to change a few things ok, "

Ty looked at him, waiting for the older man to go on,

"Im cutting your payments down a tad, a kid of 18 does not need $7000 a month for expenses, "Jack said clearly,

TY opened his mouth to protest, but stopped, accepting Jacks call, this was the first time anyone had even bothered to care about him enough to give him rules, and he wasn't about to challenge it now.

"The jeep, when it's fixed, is yours, you use it, you pay for it, Lou will charge you board and lodgings for the loft and meals, you will work here at Heartland, as a hand and trainer's assistant. And I mean work, your time as a guest here is done, do I make myself clear,"

Ty stood up and came back to the table, his face straight and accepting "Crystal, "

"And as for Amy "Jack concluded, seeing Ty's facial expression change, a hint of fear in his green eyes. "I'll not be stupid enough to think that I can keep you apart if you want to be together, but mark my words kid, you hurt one hair on that head of hers and your gone, no questions, no warnings, just gone, "Jacks' face was stoic now "and you take it slow, shes just a kid, and I don't want her getting swallowed up in your world, not yet anyways"

Ty shut his eyes, unable to hide the soft smile that played on his lips, this man, had shown him more understanding and guidance than any of his family ever had. He had given him a chance to prove himself, to show who he truly was. He had come to his aide when no one else cared. And Tys couldn't hide the appreciation that shone in his green eyes and he raised his hand in acceptance to the offer on the table.

"I get it Jack, And I promise you, I won't let you or Amy down"

Jack watched him, then stood up, seeing Ty's hand shaking as it remained outstretched, the acceptance of his offer and friendship,

After a few awkward moments, Jack gruffed and took Ty's hand, shaking it roughly with his,

"I'll give you today to get on your feet, "he said with a smile, "clear that head, but as of tomorrow, you're on the clock, and trust me, kid, you're going to learn the hard way what real work is all about,"

Jack tipped his head and walked towards the stairs, hearing Ty move and call after him,

"thank you, Jack, "Ty said, a smile of relief and appreciation on his lips, "really, I don't know what to say"

"don't say anything kid, just do! "And with that, the old cowboy winked and disappeared down the stairs.

to be continued