Chapter 10 – Tears Don't Fall
She was woken from a light sleep by the sound of movement outside her bedroom door. Padding quietly over she opened the door and caught a glimpse of her father just as he was leaving the house. Quickly throwing on some jeans and sneakers and grabbing one of Luke's sweaters for warmth she tiptoed down the hallway and followed her father out into the night.
An eerie mist had descended over the town and Cassie shivered, pulling the sweatshirt tighter around her body. She could see her father in the distance and she called out to him several times but received no response. She tried to pick up the pace and catch him up but he only seemed to get further away. Where the hell was he going?
As she rounded a corner she saw the familiar building and frowned in confusion. She looked around, her eyes frantically searching for her father. Suddenly she heard the faint sound of a door opening and broke into a jog towards where the sound had come from. She approached just in time to see someone disappear into the building.
Walking warily up to the door she opened it and slipped inside silently. The room was empty. Strange. She could have sworn she had just seen her father come in here. What was he even doing coming here at this time of night anyway?
As she approached the small office at the back of the shop she noticed the door was hanging open and she could make out an object lying in the middle of the office desk. A feeling of cold dread suddenly stirred in the pit of her stomach and she had the distinct feeling that something was very wrong.
Her every instinct screamed at her to get out. She wanted to turn and run but for some reason her feet wouldn't allow it and they continued in the direction of the office desk. As she neared the doorway she was able to make out what the object was. It was a photo frame. She crossed the room and picked up the picture. It was of the four of them. Her family. Cassie, Lucas and her parents. It had been taken the night of her welcome home party. She studied the picture carefully and suddenly she knew what was wrong. In the background of the picture she was able to make out a figure standing in the doorway of the club.
Dropping the picture she spun around and only then did she notice that the office door had somehow closed behind her. She darted across the room and pulled open the door, only to be met by a gust of scorching hot air as flames engulfed the shop, blocking her only exit.
Cassie shot up in bed, her whole body drenched with sweat. Frantically scanning her surroundings, her breathing slowed slightly when she recognised her brother's room. Placing a hand on her rapidly beating heart she took a deep breath and let it out slowly.
"Calm down Cassie." She told herself quietly. "It was just a dream. Just breathe."
It had been two days since Lucas and Nathan had gone to the Mayor's office. The day after, her mom had told her in no uncertain terms that she was to spend at least the next couple of days at home resting. She had tried to argue that she was fine but her mother had simply given her the choice between staying home voluntarily for a couple of days, or being grounded for a whole week. She knew Karen was just worried about her and she also knew that being grounded would do her no favours since she needed to get together with the guys to discuss their next move. So she had agreed. Her father had been released that evening and so she had spent the following day watching movies at home with him while Lucas helped out at the Café in her absence. She had avoided mentioning Dan so as not to get her father stressed out and also to avoid an accidental slip of the tongue about their recent findings. But she had felt it in the air between them the whole day.
Slipping quietly out of bed, she padded to the kitchen, deciding that a cup of hot cocoa might help her sleep. She entered the room and jumped at the sight of a figure sitting at the table.
"Jeez Dad you scared me!"
Chuckling softly he pulled out the seat next to him and motioned for her to sit down. "Sorry. Couldn't sleep huh?"
She shook her head. "I had another dream."
"About the fire?"
"Kind of." She figured it wouldn't hurt to tell him the details since it didn't involve anything about the break in. "I was woken up by a noise and when I looked out here I saw you leaving the house. So I followed you and we ended up at your old auto shop. I saw you go in but when I went in after you the place was empty. Then I noticed that the office door was open and there was something lying on the desk. It was a photograph of the four of us from the party at Tric just after I got back. I got this really weird feeling, like something was wrong. So I turned to leave but the office door was closed and when I pulled it open the place was on fire. I couldn't get out."
Keith took his daughter's hand in his own. "You know the doctor said nightmares are normal after something like that happens. They'll fade honey."
He stood and took a mug from the kitchen cabinet adding three spoonfuls of hot chocolate and boiling water from the kettle. He handed the drink to Cassie who accepted it gratefully.
"You read my mind." She smiled up at him. "But I'm pretty sure I should be the one doing this for you."
"Making hot chocolate is not a strenuous activity and if I can't make my little girl feel better after a nightmare then what can I do? Come on, let's finish these in the living room now that Lucas isn't taking it up"
Lucas and Nathan had gone to the mall the day before to pick up what would be Cassie's new bed and had then begun painting her room. Because of the paint fumes Lucas had offered to stay in Cassie's room until it was finished. Her chest was still bothering her slightly from the smoke inhalation and they didn't want to take any chances.
Finishing her cocoa, Cassie set the mug down on the floor and turned to her father. "I never thanked you for pulling me out of that fire."
"There's no need. I'm your Dad. It's kinda in the job description." Keith laughed. "Anyway you should be heading back to bed." He noticed her hesitation and realised just how much the dream had rattled her. "Hey. Come here."
She leaned into him, resting her head on his chest as he wrapped comforting arms around her shoulders.
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A bright ray of sunlight fell over the bed, stirring Karen from sleep. Without opening her eyes she rolled over and was surprised to find an empty space beside her. She got out of bed and headed to the living room. Stopping in the doorway she felt a smile spread across her face at the sight before her.
Father and daughter were curled up on the couch, both sleeping soundly.
She tried as best she could to tiptoe quietly across to the kitchen, not wanting to disturb their peace. Unfortunately her plan failed as Keith began to stir, glancing sleepily around the room before his eyes settled on his fiancée.
"Hey. I'm guessing she had another dream."
Keith nodded and shifted slightly, careful not to wake his daughter. Luckily she didn't even stir as he eased himself off the couch and followed Karen into the kitchen.
"How're you feeling?" Karen asked, smirking when Keith rolled his eyes.
"Are we trying to set the record for how many times one person can ask that question?" Wrapping his arms around her from behind as she prepared a fresh pot of coffee, he answered her question. "I'm actually feeling a lot better. I feel a lot stronger than I did. Not as tired."
"Good. I'm sure you'll be back on your feet in no time."
"I have to be."
Noting the serious expression on his face, Karen felt her heart drop as she was reminded of the reason they were in this situation in the first place. "You know, I always knew Dan was a monster but I have to admit I didn't realise how screwed up he actually is until the fire. I know he likes to make sure he always wins but the lengths he's going to this time….I guess I just didn't expect it even of Dan."
"Yeah well that makes two of us. He's got a lot of hate for me. It's not just about him thinking I tried to kill him. That's just the icing on the cake for him. He's got it into his head that I interfered with his world by becoming a part of Lucas's life, and yours." He averted his eyes as he said the next part. "Then there's what happened with Deb."
Karen looked away. She didn't want to be reminded of what had happened between her fiancé and the woman who had quickly and unexpectedly become her best friend.
"Anyway the point is," Keith continued, "as far as Dan is concerned he has every reason in the world to hate me."
"Oh please. It's not like he hasn't put you through your fair share. He stole your dealership idea and did his best to rub it in your face; he did his best to publicly humiliate you on several occasions; he took your auto shop; and what about Jules."
Keith let out a humourless laugh. "Yeah well somehow I don't think Dan really gives all that a lot of thought. But he made one big mistake. He messed with my daughter. I almost lost her. Any chance there might have been for Dan to become a human being and for us to actually salvage any kind of relationship burned up in that fire. The gloves are off. I won't allow him to put my family at risk."
On the other side of the door Cassie listened in on the conversation and felt her pulse notch. She had known how her father would react to what Dan had done but hearing him talk that way scared her. She had already lost her mother and the thought of losing him, either to death or to jail, was more than she could bear.
Pretending like she hadn't heard a word of the conversation she entered the kitchen. "Morning guys." She stifled a yawn with her hand.
"Morning sleeping beauty." Keith joked.
"Yeah well you make a pretty comfortable pillow. So what's on the agenda for today? I swear I cannot spend another full day stuck inside. I'll go stir crazy."
Karen handed a fresh cup of coffee to her daughter. "Well I have to be at the café and Lucas is heading over to Brooke's so it's up to you guys. The doctor said your father can have a little mild exercise, maybe a short walk would do you both some good."
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"Let's go for a walk." When Lucas groaned childishly Brooke couldn't help the smirk that she felt beginning to grow. "Come on Broody. You need to get out and get all this stuff with Dan off your mind. At least for a little while. It's gorgeous out there. Pretty please?" She put on her best pout and puppy dog eyes that she knew he couldn't resist.
"Oh no! Don't pull that one…. Brooke cut it out you know I….. Damn it! Fine!" He groaned good naturedly. "Let's go for a damn walk. But can you please pick some shoes that don't have two inch heels this time? This was your idea so I don't wanna hear you complaining that your feet are blistering like last time."
Loving the teasing smile on her boyfriend's face and the fact that he seemed to be relaxing slightly, Brooke nodded and with a quick kiss she ran off to her room to get ready.
"You're hopeless you know that! All she has to do is pout and you're practically on your knees."
Lucas laughed. "Good morning to you too Peyton."
She yawned sleepily and headed into the kitchen. Lucas followed and leaned against the counter as she set about making a much needed cup of strong coffee.
"So what are you and Jake up to today?"
"Um, he's heading over here with Jenny soon and we're gonna take her swimming. Then I think we're just gonna head over to the café for lunch."
Lucas loved the blissful look on Peyton's face when she talked about Jake and Jenny. Despite all that had happened in the past he cared about Peyton a lot and it was good to see her happy. It was also nice to see everything back to normal between her and Brooke. They seemed to be closer than ever, especially now that Brooke had moved in with Peyton and Larry.
"I'm really glad everything's going so well for you Peyton. It's really great to see you so happy."
"Yeah." Peyton smiled and handed a cup of the steaming liquid to Lucas. "It's pretty great to feel so happy. I really think everything is gonna work out this time. I can't explain it, I just feel it."
At that moment they heard what sounded like a herd of elephants rushing down the stairs and Peyton picked up the third cup of coffee and held it out ready as Brooke bounded into the room looking ready to take on the world.
"P. Sawyer you read my mind as always." She took the offered drink and sipped it tentatively to make sure it wasn't too hot.
"Yeah yeah I just didn't want anyone to have to suffer you without your morning caffeine kick. I have to live with you so I don't really have any choice but I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy." Peyton laughed as her best friend dipped her hand in the kitchen sink and flicked a handful of water at her.
"Ha! This coming from the girl who bitched out the mail man last week for knocking too loud." Finishing her coffee she put the empty mug in the sink and grabbed her boyfriend's hand. "It's a good job I love ya!" She said to Peyton, narrowing her eyes teasingly as she passed.
"I'm truly honoured." Peyton shot back. "Hey Jake and I will be taking Jenny to the café around one if you guys wanna join us."
"Sounds like a plan. See you guys there." Brooke yelled back, closing the door behind her as she dragged Lucas out into the morning sun.
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Considering it was the weekend the music store was pretty quiet. This didn't bother Haley though. In fact she enjoyed browsing the CD's when it was like this, not having to worry about ignorant people pushing and shoving or little kids screaming at the top of their lungs. Finding what she was looking for she picked up the latest album by The Wreckers. Looking at the faces of the two band members who had not so long ago been her friends she found her mind drifting back to the time when she had made the most difficult choice of her life. Shaking off the feelings of nostalgia she headed to the front of store and paid for the CD.
As she headed back to her car she passed by a place that now gave her chills every time she looked at it. She couldn't help but glance over at the Mayor's office and wonder what Nathan had felt as he and Lucas had rifled through the countless files and searched the computer systems.
Her thoughts were broken when out of the corner of her eye she caught movement in the alley at the side of the building. Looking over she saw her father in law talking to a man she didn't recognise. Every one of her instincts were screaming at her to look away and keep walking before he noticed her. But she couldn't move. Her eyes were glued to the spot where the two men stood.
The man she didn't recognise pulled a large envelope out of his jacket and handed it to Dan. Haley noticed the pleased look on Dan's face when he checked the contents of the envelope. Remembering what her husband had told her about Dan hiring someone to follow Cassie, she wondered if this was the man in question and she studied his face carefully so that she would be able to recognise him if she saw him again.
When she saw the man turn to leave, she quickly ducked into the store behind her, not wanting Dan to see her watching them. Pretending to browse the store she waited until the two men had disappeared from sight and then left, heading straight to her car.
Placing her bags in the trunk she turned and collided head on with the very person she had wanted to avoid.
"In a hurry?" Dan asked as he towered over her.
"Mr Scott. I...I was just…heading home."
"Yeah I'll bet you were." He said, blocking her path to the car door with an arm and at the same time trapping her between him and the side of the vehicle. "Here's a piece of fatherly advice for you little girl. Next time you want to spy on someone, at least make an effort to stay out of sight."
"I don't know what you're talking about." She tried to sound sincere but fear caused her voice to come out as no more than a whisper.
"Oh I think you do. I also think you were in such a rush because you wanted to get home so you could tell your husband exactly what you saw his daddy doing and that wouldn't be a very smart move."
"Neither would threatening your son's wife. Get the hell away from her."
Haley had never been so happy to hear her best friend's voice. She glanced past Dan and saw an angry Lucas with Brooke by his side, who looked about as scared as she felt. When Dan turned to look at his oldest son Haley took the opportunity to get out of arms reach and moved to stand beside Brooke, who slipped a comforting and protective arm around her shoulders.
Once Haley was out of harms way, Lucas stepped forward and squared up to his birth father.
Dan just laughed. "You wanna take on the old man? Go ahead Lucas. Take your best shot."
Lucas swung angrily at Dan but he simply ducked to the side. Before Haley and Brooke knew what was happening Dan had grabbed Lucas by the throat and pinned him roughly against Haley's car.
"Lucas!" Brooke cried out when she saw her boyfriend begin to gasp for air as Dan's hand tightened its hold. She made a move towards him but Dan's voice stopped her.
"Stay where you are Barbie! I wouldn't be trying any heroics if I were you." Turning back to his son, he taunted, "You remember what happened the last time we were in this situation Lucas. I could easily squeeze the air out of your lungs right here just like I could have in that gym." He tightened his grip once more as Lucas struggled for breath. "But what fun would that be?"
He released his grip and Lucas fell to the ground, coughing and gasping for air. Brooke rushed to his side, tears streaming down her face.
Dan looked down at the pair. "Aww how sweet. Quite the little family you guys have going on around here. Be a shame if anything happened to ruin that." With one last glance at Haley, he turned and left.
Once he was out of sight Haley let out the breath she had been holding and dropped to her knees next to her friends.
"Are you ok?" Lucas managed ask.
"You're kidding right? He almost strangled you to death and you're asking if I'm ok. Come on we better get you home."
"No! No I can't go home. Keith and Cass will be there. I don't want them to find out about this."
Brooke knew it would be no use trying to convince him to tell his parents about his encounter with Dan. "Ok well we can't go back to my place. Larry's getting back today and he'll know straight away that something happened."
"It's ok we'll go back to my place." Haley offered. "But Nathan's gonna be there and I don't want to lie to him Lucas."
Still trying to get his breath back, Lucas only nodded and let the two girls help him up from the ground.
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Watching her father for any sign of pain or tiredness, Cassie walked slowly, her arm linked through his.
"Would you like it in writing?" Keith said as he rolled his eyes, no longer able to pretend that he couldn't see her watching him like a hawk.
"Huh? Like what in writing?"
"A formal statement to say that I am fine." He chuckled when he saw the confused look on his daughter's face replaced by a mock glare.
"You know someone once asked me if it was a crime to worry about someone they loved."
Not missing a beat Keith replied, "Yeah speaking of that, did they get around to changing it yet?" The comment earned him a light slap on the arm. "Hey watch it. Injured man here you know."
Cassie shook her head and let out a laugh. "You're impossible."
Turning serious Keith looked at his daughter and asked the question that had been playing on his mind since the fire. "So are you ever gonna tell me what happened?"
"What do you mean? What happened with what?"
"The fire. You haven't really talked to me about it at all. I mean, you told me that it was Dan but you didn't tell me exactly what happened. And judging by the nightmares you've been having I'm guessing it's not that you don't remember. I know that you think you have to protect me because of the operation but I'd really like for you to talk to me."
Sighing, she led them over to a bench nearby. They were in a quiet area of the neighbourhood so she didn't have to worry about anyone overhearing. Plus she knew he was right. She'd be the first one to try and get him to open up if it was the other way around. "I guess I just didn't want to stress you out any more than you already were. That's what he wants you know. He wants to see you scared."
Keith said nothing, silently urging his daughter to continue.
Taking a deep breath, Cassie began. "I was upstairs packing up my room, most of the stuff was still in boxes from when Grandma shipped it over anyway so it wasn't gonna take long. Then you called and I came downstairs to make a drink of juice while you were on the phone. Once I hung up I left my juice on the counter." She looked her father in the eye as she said the next words, knowing it would hurt him. "I left my phone next to the juice. I never took it back upstairs with me." She saw his jaw tighten slightly as he realised that it had been his brother who had made the phone call. "Anyway about 15 minutes later when I was back upstairs the Staind CD that I had playing downstairs skipped…to Zoe Jane."
Keith closed his eyes as a wave of nausea washed over him. That son of a bitch. He'd used the song that they had danced to, the one that had meant so much to Keith during the time that he and Cassie had been apart. He'd taken something special and ruined it. Now whenever Cassie heard that song, she'd be tortured with memories of that awful day instead of the good memories it should be associated with. Then another thought struck him. How did he know about the song? He must have seen them at the party. Which could only mean one thing; Dan had been following her since her first night back in Tree Hill.
Cassie took a steadying breath and held back the tears that were filling her eyes as she continued. "Anyway, I thought that was strange so I went downstairs to check, thinking it might be Luke or one of the guys trying to be funny. But there was no-one there so I just put it down to a really weird coincidence. I went to the kitchen and finished my juice then headed back upstairs but when I got to the doorway of my room I started to feel weird. Kinda light-headed and dizzy. Then I heard a voice behind me and I turned around and he was just standing there. He asked if I was feeling out of sorts but before I could say anything the room started spinning and I collapsed."
The tears were flowing freely for both of them now. Keith reached up and wiped his daughter's away but more quickly replaced them. He held onto her hand tightly as she spoke.
"I was so scared. I tried to stay awake. I tried so hard but I couldn't. The last thing I remember is his voice. He said, don't fight it honey, just close your eyes. And I did. God I was sure I was dying. I saw it you know."
"Saw what?" Keith asked softly.
"What would happen after I died. I saw you guys at home. I saw you at my funeral. Mom and Lucas were crying but you were just kind of blank. Dan was there. None of you saw him but he was there, in the background wearing the same smug grin he always wears."
"Listen to me," Keith took her face in his hands and looked her in the eye. "What you saw, that's not gonna happen. I won't let it. I promise you Cassie."
She nodded through her tears and Keith pulled her close. He was barely keeping a lid on his anger. He knew that the main reason she hadn't talked to him in the first place was because she knew how angry he would be and she was worried of what he would do. So he held it in, for her sake. But silently he swore to himself that his brother would pay for this. If it ever came to him and Dan being face to face again, one of them would die. He was sure of that.