Hey Guys! We've made it! I can promise you will know very soon what the verdict is. Thank you for all of your questions. Received quite a few so I'll just answer some here and get back to the rest of you individually.
Q) Will Andy and Jay's difference of opinion on whether Linds gets out put a dampener on their relationship? A) Time will tell. I don't want to give too much away.
Q) Is Rein single at the moment? A) Yes, at the moment Rein is still single.
Q) Do we know T.E? A) Yes I can assure you that you know T.E. I promise I would never make T.E. someone we don't know; a twin, a bother, a sister etc. We know T.E. and T.E. is that person we know and not some alter-ego or other personality.
Q) Was the fax T.E. received related at all to the hearing? A) Possibly…possibly…good eye.
Q) I'm confused, is Mel still married to Linds? A) My apologies for the confusion. Legally speaking they are divorced. The confusing part is that not everyone knows this so Mel and others are keeping up a charade so that no one else knows. Also sometimes Mel likes to think of it as though they are still married. Hope that helps.
Q) Just wanted to clear it up, T.E. wasn't at the hearing were they? I mean they weren't actually in the room? A) Correct, well done. As we know from chapter 9 T.E. set up cameras in the room and as we found out in chapter 10 T.E. was watching the hearing on their PC. But the victims don't know that, do they?
Q) Was Jenny not being at the celebration drinks for Andy a sign that she could be T.E? A) No. Not that I am not saying "Jenny's not T.E." because it could be anyone we know, but Jenny's motives were pure. She didn't want to be in the same room as Mel.
Your questions are all so awesome guys and that's why I mixed it up with a Q and A this week as opposed to replying to reviews. Thank you for the reviews you left though they were all awesome. And whether you are TeamFreeLinds or TeamDenyLindsBail you are about to find out what the verdict is. Read on and enjoy…
Love Hurts.
CHAPTER ELEVEN – You won't like me when I'm angry!
Everyone sat in the court room their breath held waiting for what would not only be a big decision for those involved but New Haven in general also. This was the biggest hearing so far for the entire year and even the media seemed to have doubled, squished like sardines in a can, wanting to be there but not daring to cross the line lest they be thrown out.
Andy chanced a glance at Mel and not surprisingly she was looking incredibly nervous. He took her hand is his and gave it a gentle squeeze. Their lives were about to change, that much was for sure.
The judges walked back into the room, their faces neutral and not giving away anything. They took their seats and immediately a hush came over the room as Judge Thomas spoke.
"We have come here today to determine if Lindsay Peters is to be released from the New Haven Sanatorium," he began rather slowly as though dragging out every word he needed to say. "We have read the documents the sanatorium has provided at length and we have heard what the 5 witnesses have had to say."
Andy couldn't help but think back to the fact that everyone, aside from Mel, had mentioned at least one bad thing about Lindsay and in that moment was berating himself for doing so.
Damn T.E. he thought to himself grumpily.
"It was quite a deliberation," Judge Thomas continued. "Which resulted in a tie. Two yes's and two no's."
"What happens in a tie?" Andy couldn't help but ask Mel, not knowing at all.
Would there be a retrial? Would it be a mistrial, making everyone come back? And if so When? A month? A year? Tomorrow? Andy pondered. Though regardless T.E. would almost certainly ensure he would not be back here whenever it was.
"It's not good that's for sure," Mel replied.
"And therefore," Judge Thomas continued. "We deliberated further and have decided that if Ms Peters was to be released conditions would need to be enforced. For example, as Mr. Thompson suggested, not being able to leave the state."
Andy went red, he was mad at himself for 80% of what he had said and now this?
What if Mel wanted to take Linds on a holiday to get away from all this?
"Also," Judge Matthers put in. "It would be much less a straight-forward release and much more a trial period…a good behavior bond if you will."
Andy chanced a glance at Mel desperately sorry for what he had said. He knew there was no way she would be released now. But Mel was smiling through some freshened tears that had escaped her eyes and didn't seem at all displeased.
"Therefore," Judge Thomas continued. "It is the opinion of this court that Lindsay Peters is released on her own recognizance and we will be enforcing a good behavior bond for 6 months. If Ms Peters manages to stay out of trouble for this period then we will, as they say, wipe the slate clean. Ms Marcus we will have the full conditions of the release sent to your office, but otherwise…this court orders the immediate release of Ms Lindsay Peters."
The judge banged a gavel that he happened to have in front of him, signaling the end of the hearing and the whole gallery began to buzz. The media were flashing their cameras and trying to get interviews but thankfully they were being pushed back by Mary and a few others.
Andy turned to congratulate Mel, but realized she was gone.
"Oh Andy!" Lauren cried. "Can you believe it? We won!"
She embraced her friend in a very tight hug and as Andy reciprocated he saw Jenny and Carol head to the door. Clearly this case had not gone the way either of them had wanted. He could only hope that Jenny broke the news softly to Jay, he had been through more than enough after all.
"Coffee?" Lauren smiled.
"Definitely," Andy replied smiling back.
The pair made their way out into the hall as Lauren continued to speak positively beaming.
"Mel's going to be so happy!" she said to her friend. "Palmer had to go home and deal with some things but he'll be back later. Oh how wonderful this day is turning out to be!"
Just then Mary approached Andy.
"Sorry Mr Thompson," she started seeming genuinely sorry indeed. "The press say you requested a conference after the trial?"
"Oh," Andy replied, having completely forgotten he'd done so with everything else that was going on. "Yes, I did."
"The room is all set, I'll show you the way," Mary continued pointing back the way they had come.
"Come with me?" Andy almost pleaded to Lauren.
Lauren struggled to respond.
"Coffeesssss on me," he continued ensuring to enunciate the plural of the term.
Lauren nodded and the three headed off to the room.
It hadn't taken long and before Andy knew it he was standing in front of a lectern looking out to a sea of reporters who were snapping away so much Andy needed to blink to adjust to the flashing light.
"Ladies and Gentlemen of the press," he began making a motion with his hands as though telling them to sit down. "To echo the words of one of my best friends what a wonderful day this has turned out to be."
Andy chanced a quick glance at Lauren who smiled.
"I am of course thrilled that Lindsay is allowed to be free and have nothing but absolute trust in attorney Ms Marcus who will be taking full-custody. Any questions?"
Lauren looked on at Andy and couldn't believe the difference a year had made. This time last year there was no way Andy could have confidently addressed members of the press. In fact, his face had shown nothing but relief when the prosecutor for their case against team-evil had advised they avoid the press at all costs. But here he was now, for all the world to see acting so professionally and it amazed her.
"Mr Thompson, Sinead DeVegrios New Haven Star Press, What does our fair city have to fear with the release of Ms Peters?"
"Absolutely nothing," Andy replied. "Not only will she be accompanied by Attorney Marcus, but she's on a good behavior bond for 6 months so no one needs to fear anything at all. Yes Ms Turskin?"
Andy smiled down at the radio DJ who had spoken to him prior to the case. He had always believed in Quid pro quo and after all, they had spoken so highly of him on their station and he was beginning to think he would be happy to do an interview there if ever requested.
"Mr Thompson," she began. "How will Ms Peters release affect the work of yourself and Ms Marcus? Will you still practice?"
She was smiling as though hoping he would.
"I can't talk for Attorney Marcus," Andy replied. "But I will still be practicing, as they say no rest for the wicked, I say never a time where a client is without need."
Andy smiled as the flashes from the cameras continued.
"*"
Andy had only stayed to answer a few more questions before graciously thanking the press and steering Lauren back to the café. By now it was the middle of the afternoon and no one else from the case seemed to be around. He hoped Jay was ok, but owing to the text he had sent earlier, Andy assumed he had just gone back to the house. For all he knew Jenny had already filled him in on what had happened.
"Sooooo," Andy dragged out coyly. "How Hottie Mccafé?"
"Palmer?" Lauren asked, thanking the barista and taking her coffee over to one of the vacant tables. "He's fine, actually helped me get dressed this morning."
"I'll bet," Andy smiled suggestively as Lauren threw a serviette at him.
"I mean he picked out something appropriate," she corrected. "Never knew he had a knack for it, but I should've guessed. He always dresses well himself."
Andy smiled. He couldn't help it. It was clear that the pair had been getting on well and he was only too happy for his best friend.
"So what does Rein think of him?" he prodded, while absent mindedly putting some sugar into his coffee and giving it a stir.
"She loves him!" Lauren smiled. "Apparently he worked on his school paper also, so they've had some really interesting discussions!"
"Oh good!" Andy replied and then couldn't help but ask: "Has…has Rein printed anything about the hearing?"
"Oh yeah," Lauren replied. "But nothing scandalous, just the facts. She wanted to interview Carmita but I told her not to."
Thank god Andy thought to himself.
Who knew what the Latina would say to Rein and worse what would happen if it was someone else on the paper giving the interview. He could see an imaginary headline coming out on the front page, headed: Peters Parole, why Rick Stappord couldn't attend.
Just as Andy replaced the lid and took a quick sip from his extra caramel latte his phone buzzed and at the same time Lauren's beeped melodically.
Picking it up Andy noticed a text that was sent from an anonymous sender, pondering over what T.E. had to say now.
"A Killer walks," Andy whispered softly. "And it's all your fault."
Lauren's eyes bulged, though he was whispering she could hear him clear as day.
"I'm angry," she said reading the same text on her phone. "And you won't like me when I'm angry."
"T.E." they both said together snapping their heads up to look at each other.
"You've been getting texts too?" Andy asked.
"Yes!" she whispered indignantly. "Ever since I met Palmer I've been receiving texts about Rein and Palmer and even you!"
She quickly pressed the back button on her phone searching for the messages and then looked up at Andy shocked.
"They're gone!" she cried.
"Did you delete them?" Andy asked.
"No!" Lauren cried. "I kept them all."
Andy looked down at his phone and like Lauren went searching for the ones T.E. had sent him. But like her's Andy's had also been deleted, including the unread ones from the trial.
"Mine are gone too!" he continued to whisper desperately. "How? How is T.E. doing this?"
"Whoever they are T.E. is good," Lauren admitted. "I received texts during the hearing. He…she…it tried to blackmail me. Threatening me to…"
"Deny Linds' release?" Andy asked.
"Yes!" Lauren cried. "How'd you know?"
"It sent the same to me," Andy replied.
The pair sat there discussing what else they had been through. Lauren had told Andy that T.E. had started by telling her not to trust Palmer sending her pictures of him being involved in a few flag burnings. It had also sent texts about Rein, including one of Rein kissing Sam.
"Rein's seeing Sam?!" Andy demanded, recalling the fake ex that Linds had set up for her to garner information for Team Evil.
Sam had gone to Jail for the crime he had committed though considering it was mainly gathering information and being muscle he had only received 1 year without parole which meant he was due for release any day now.
"No," Lauren replied.
"I questioned her about the picture- No! I didn't tell her about T.E!" She reacted noting the skeptical look on Andy's face. "I just showed her the picture and she told me it had been taken before the whole…incident."
"I think we can talk about it now," Andy said. "Especially since she's now released."
"I Guess so," Lauren brightened. "So what has T.E. been texting you about?"
Andy told Lauren almost everything. He was careful not to mention the text involving Rick as he didn't think it would be smart. After all, despite her good nature, Lauren had a way of slipping things out especially to Jay and there was no way Andy wanted that to get back to him.
"*"
"Here we are then!" Mel brightened trying her best to stay as cheery as possible.
"It's beautiful Mel!" Lindsay replied.
Mel had left the courtroom the moment the verdict had been read and had rushed off to the car parking it underground so as to get Linds out of the sanatorium as un-noticed as they possibly could be. There was no longer any press outside which had shocked Mel and even the protestors had seemed to have left.
Having arranged it the night before with them and receiving a text from her mother that Linds had been released had given Rein a moment to calm down before they had arrived. Having handed them the swipe card to the famed Praeses Locus otherwise known as the president's suite, the pair had briskly made their way upstairs so as not to walk into anyone that they may know. Rein had made sure that Debbie was kept busy in the kitchen and B had already checked out and was on his way back to Pittsburg.
"Only the best for you beautiful," Mel replied as they looked around the room. "Coffee or tea?"
Linds who was still in awe of the room, though having heard quite a bit about it turned to her wife.
"Oh whatever you're having will be fine, anything's better then the stuff they have there." She said.
Considering tea would be the better option as coffee would probably give Linds the shakes after not having any for so long, she boiled the kettle as Linds advised she was off to take a shower.
"Oh, I took the liberty of buying you a few things," Mel recalled walking over to the suitcase she had brought in and opening it. "I'm guessing your sick of the old stuff, though keep the green dress – you can wear that any day."
"Liked it did you?" Linds smiled, recalling the perfect date they'd had.
Mel smiled back at her and planted a soft kiss on her lips the outfit had made her feel many things and she was looking forward to a proper date where Linds could wear it.
"Ok," she started now looking back in the suitcase.
"We have fancy…" She begun taking out a gorgeous white dress.
"Shmancy," she continued picking up a red women's ball gown with strapless sparkling bodice.
"Casual," she went on picking up a long sleeved burgundy and white cotton t-shirt.
"And a whole lot of night ware…which if you ask me-"
"Casual," Linds replied smiling, picking up the long sleeved t-shirt. "Got any pants?"
Mel picked out a pair of black Capris pants and handed them to Linds.
"Heels or flats?" she asked.
"Is this America's Next Top Model or are we going somewhere I don't know about?" she laughed slightly.
"I just…I just want you to have whatever your heart desires…" Mel replied sighing.
"And I love you for it," Linds replied smiling and leaning in to kiss her wife.
"Heels," she said at last. "Nothing says so long sanatorium more than wearing something high."
Mel smiled and pulled out a pair of plain black high heels and Linds put them on, loving the feel. She smiled at Mel and grabbing some under garments made her way off to shower.
Mel sighed joyously watching her go.
It was great at last to have Linds back with her.
"*"
"Morning," Andy smiled as Jay slowly opened his eyes and yawned.
"Hurrrr mo-or-or-ning," he replied through the yawn.
The night before hadn't started off as a fun one at all as Jay had been quite upset about Linds' release, but after a bottle of wine or two, Jay had started spouting proclamations such as while we're young, you only live once and seize the night, which they had.
Mel had texted Andy that she had gone somewhere private with Linds and not to worry, that they were safe. Andy was pleased and therefore allowed himself to thoroughly enjoy the rest of the night in his room with more champagne for Jay, Midori for Andy and aphrodisiacs including strawberries and chocolate, all which had made them both quite frisky before they'd finally given into temptation.
But today was a new day and life had to get back to normal as soon as it possibly could. Jay had the day off not surprisingly as Lauren knew regardless of the outcome that he would be distracted at work. But life as a lawyer, as Andy had now thought of himself, despite the fact that he was still a student, would never give him time off.
He recalled once watching an episode of a show he loved where one of the main characters, a lawyer had found out her mother had passed away on a Friday. Despite the very sudden death, she was back in the office again on Monday as was expected and that was her mother!
Andy made to get up but Jay pulled him back down.
"Jaaaaay!" Andy whined. "I have a full day ahead of me."
"There's always time for this," Jay replied kissing him passionately.
"Yes-But…work!" Andy struggled to say in between kisses.
"I'll let you up," Jay said. "On one condition."
"Yeah?" Andy asked.
"We get back to this the moment the moment we get home," Jay said rather suggestively.
"Deal," Andy replied sealing it with a kiss.
After a very nice shower together the pair got dressed and Andy made coffee which they drunk while preparing for their day.
"What's on for you?" Andy asked, putting some papers into his brief case.
"Counseling," Jay replied. "Dr. Kenneth says we're doing regression today, going back to my childhood."
"Oh, so 2 years ago?" Andy joked, thinking back to when they woke up.
Jay nudged Andy laughing.
"So what about you?" he asked. "Off to do fancy shmancy lawyer stuff?"
"Yep," Andy replied. "It's a world that never ends. Too many people in need, not enough lawyers I'm afraid."
He kissed Jay quickly and downed the rest of his coffee.
"See you tonight love," he said on his way out.
Noting that Andy had left his suit jacket behind, Jay raced up to him and helped him put it on.
"Have a great day at work honey," Jay smiled. "Wow, I sound like Samantha from bewitched. I'll have a martini ready for you when you get home, now get out of here before mother arrives."
"You're enjoying this way too much," Andy smiled. "But I love you for it."
He kissed Jay again and opened the door.
"And remember Midori, I don't like Martini's."
Jay smiled as he closed the door behind him.
"*"
Lauren arrived at the hotel fresh and ready to start her day. Her usual 8am coffee in hand she strode over to the reception area where a note had been left for her.
Mom, it said.
Everything went smoothly; I stayed the night on campus to catch up on some on some work as I'm way behind. Nick said he'd be in at 7 so I left everything as it is. She's here and where we said she'd be, just thought I'd let you know. Anyway stay out of trouble,
Rein.
Looking around, Lauren noticed that there was no one in the area, so she picked up the phone and punched some numbers into it, hoping not to awaken the receiver.
"Hello!" a bright and chirpy Mel said, clearly she had been awake for a while.
"Hey Mel," Lauren replied. "Just checking in, I won't come up but I just wanted to see how things are and ask if I could get you anything."
"You're too kind," Mel smiled as she mouthed 'Lauren' to a quizzically looking Linds.
"No, we're fine. We checked in yesterday and nothing dramatic has happened since."
Linds tried desperately hard to stifle laughter that was threatening to come to the surface. Nothing dramatic had happened, but they'd had a lot of fun after lights out and Linds' had felt younger and fresher than she had in years.
Mel shooed her away, though smiling herself.
"Yes, she's settling in well," Mel continued, moving away from Linds who almost had her laughing herself. "Yeah, breakfast would be great, just a moment I'll ask Linds."
She pulled the phone away and enquired as to what she would like.
"Oh coffee please!" Linds wailed and Mel could hear Lauren laughing through the phone so put her on speaker.
"You're on speaker Lauren, what's so funny?" she asked.
"It's just that I would've said the exact same thing Linds," she laughed. "How are you doing?"
"I'm doing well Lauren," Linds replied cheerfully. "And thanks again for the room. It's beautiful."
"Of course," Lauren replied. "No one without a security card can reach you, so I thought it would be best."
Meanwhile having passed the phone to Linds, Mel was perusing the menu and making her selection.
"Fresh fruit salad and a coffee for me!" she called out.
"No problems Mel!" Lauren called back. "Linds?"
"Coffee and ah…" Linds started as Mel passed her the menu. "Oooh the big breakfast if you can manage it."
"Absolutely," Lauren replied and moments later disconnected the call to put in the order.
"*"
"How's that bacon coming honey?" Debbie asked, looking over at Simon.
"ETA One minute," he replied cheerfully.
"And the fruit plate?" she cried now facing Matt.
"ETA 30 seconds!" Matt replied.
"Excellent," Debbie answered. "Matt when you're done with the fruit put on 2 sausages. Simon when you're done with the bacon we need some scrambled eggs."
She was really proud of her protégés they had excelled more than she could ever have hoped and she had trusted them so much to be able to leave them yesterday to attend the hearing. From what she'd heard they hadn't let her down either with no issues occurring the entire time she was out. Having now mastered the ETA method which involved them guessing how much longer something would take to be done, Debbie was also able to effectively lead them and this flow had ensured nothing but perfect service.
Moments later with the big breakfast, fruit plate and coffees finished, Debbie bundled them all onto a wheel trolley and made her way to the Praeses Locus which she had been informed was the destination of this food. She swiped the security access card on the scanner in the lift and pressed the number 6 button. She had been on this floor only the once before and always had referred to it, in her mind, as the rich room owing to how elaborate the place was.
"Room service!" she called as the elevator doors opened.
"Coming!" came the sound of a very familiar voice as moments later Mel stepped into the room.
"Mel honey?" Debbie enquired, having no idea that she was the guest who was staying here.
Before Mel even had a chance to answer, Linds walked in still in her nightie a grey one with pink love hearts bordering the bottom.
"Oh, ah…hey Linds!" Debbie tried quite hard to sound convincingly cheerful as the woman came closer.
Debbie had to do everything she could to stop herself from taking a giant step back. The scar on her stomach was still there and still troubled her at times.
"Hi Debbie," Linds smiled looking as though she were about to hug the woman, but stopping herself just in time. "Ah, how's things?"
Debbie had no idea what to say, there was so much still going on in her mind. Especially about what T.E. had shown her regarding Mel and Carmita's manager.
"Ah…good, good-good," she replied unconvincingly, so plowed on. "I'm working here now at the hotel as the resident chef!"
She pointed to a badge on her white apron that said Head Chef and beamed.
"Oh congratulations Debbie!" Linds smiled. "So you cooked all this?"
She removed the bigger of the two cloches to see her big breakfast of Bacon, Sausages, Eggs and beans smiling.
"Oh, I wish!" Debbie replied. "I have these two protégés I hired, they're very good. They do breakfast."
Linds tried a bit of bacon and smiled, before picking up one of the cups of coffee.
"Tastes delicious!" she smiled. "I'm off for a shower if you'll excuse me, but thanks for this Debbie, it's nice to be able to eat real food again."
Not knowing how to exit the situation, Linds compromised and planted a quick kiss on Deb's cheek before exiting the room.
"You're… welcome honey," Debbie strained feeling very odd seeing Linds for the first time since the day she was sentenced to the sanatorium.
She did seem better than she was, there was no mistaking the evilness had left her eyes, but Debbie still felt quite restless being in her presence.
"She's right you know," Mel said, somewhere off in the distance.
Debbie shook herself mentally and looked at Mel who was sitting on a couch, plate of fruit in hand.
The Praeses Locus had 3 bedrooms but the architect who had designed this very expensive room had, had the sense to place the living room as the first room you walked into. This room was packed with luxurious couches, a TV and a coffee table as well as a standard table which could be used as a desk if needed, topped with a phone and some flowers.
Debbie continued to glance at Mel who now picked up a piece of watermelon with her fork and placed it into her mouth. Just then Debbie heard the sound of water being turned on and knew that Linds had stepped into the shower.
"Ah…he-he…honey?" Debbie started tentatively. "You good…you know, with Linds and all?"
Mel's eyebrows tightened into a confused frown.
"Yeah," she replied. "Why wouldn't I be?"
"Oh, I just thought," Debbie replied aloofly. "That you'd rather be with the manager…you know, the one of Carmita's?"
Her eyes narrowed, but Mel looked as confused as before if not more.
"Zandra?" she enquired. "Why would I rather be with her?"
Debbie made her way over to the couch and Mel shifted to give her some room.
"Come on honey," Debbie replied. "I didn't come down in the last shower, I know what you two have been up to."
"Up…to?" Mel asked now really confused. "Debbie, what are you talking about?"
"Don't play dumb with me Mel!" Debbie hissed, trying very hard to keep her voice down. "I know what you two got up to after Jay's party!"
She picked herself up from the couch and went back to the trolley figuring she might as well place the coffee and Linds' plate down so that she could leave.
"I just thought…you know…that you'd tell me," she sighed. "But I guess no one really tells me anything anymore these days."
Mel sprung up from the couch so that Debbie could hear her lowered voice.
"Debbie, what the hell are you talking about? Zandra and I spent a night together, but nothing happened." She said.
"So you didn't have a lot of wine and curl up in bed together?" Debbie demanded.
Mel went white as a sheet.
"No-" she said almost too quickly. "I mean I went back to hers and we drank a bit yes and because of that I was too drunk to go home so I stayed the night, but nothing happened."
"Hehe-pshyeah!" Debbie replied disbelievingly. "Stayed on the couch did you?"
"No I-" Mel began, but then stopped as a light bulb suddenly went on in her head. "Debbie…How do you know about all this?" she asked.
Debbie thought about what she should tell Mel.
Did she tell her about the texts that lead her to Reggie's Electronics? Did she tell her about what she saw? Did she tell her about T.E?
"The truth has a way of getting out Mel," Debbie said finally.
She strode back over to the elevator pushing the button and instantly it opened. Debbie walked inside and turned around to face Mel while pressing the 'G' button for Ground Floor.
"I thought you knew best what happens when people," she inclined her head towards the bathroom indicating Linds. "Have secrets kept from them."
Mel went to respond, but before she could say anything the elevator doors closed taking Debbie with it down to the ground floor.
"Everything ok sweetie?" Linds asked, walking back into the room a towel wrapped around her body and another one wrapped around her hair.
"Yeah-" Mel said, though distantly. "Everything's…fine."
"*"
As Jay drowned the last of his coffee, he looked at himself in the mirror. Not that it mattered how he looked, he could wear an old and thick cottoned jumper and a beanie and it wouldn't matter.
Unlike what he had told Andy, naturally Jay was not going to counseling today as there was no counseling set up for him. Instead he wanted to do some more research on Rick and Kenneth Stappord. He had asked Andy casually if he knew of anyone else who parents had died, last night, as they were reminiscing about Ben whose death day anniversary had come and gone and the pair had planned to visit his grave the following week.
Andy had rattled off a list and Jay had asked about Carmita, Rick and John, another friend who had come down to visit last year, being very careful to sound casual. Andy had told Jay that John's parents were still alive as far as he knew, Rick's parent's were both dead like his and Carmita's parents were alive but back in San Juan.
This had Jay rattled, the name Kenneth Stappord was not a popular one and as far as Jay knew, no one else had that name. It wasn't like his name was John Smith or Mary Jones or something equally as popular. But he needed confirmation and with Jay either being around Andy or his mom or someone else since finding out about Rick and his dad, he hadn't had a chance to get back to the library.
Calling a cab, Jay went outside to wait for it thermos of coffee in hand, it was going to be a long day after all. He took a seat on the stone steps and took out Rick's Journal: Goodbye to you, now I'm free hoping to at least read a little more before the taxi came.
He was what I can now call 'drunk' but at the time as an 11 year old that concept is hardly one any child considers. "Cum 'ere eeyeww," he had slurred. It was so weird I almost didn't want to go, but I guess the thought of dinner or something had enticed me and I raced over to him.
That was the first time I can remember my father ever hitting me. He spanked me repeatedly and then picked me up by the scruff of my neck and threw me at the car. "Geh in!" I remember him saying roughly.
Of course I'm much older now and if he had even thought about doing that nowadays I would have phoned the cops. But then at 11, you don't know what to think. To this day I still don't know what I did wrong, he never told me. But he did threaten that if I told mom, I would get worse than that.
Thinking about it now makes me so mad! I almost wish I had someone I could beat up…or worse…
Buzz Buzz!
Jay felt his phone vibrate and it instantly took him out of the zoned-in state he had fallen into. Hastily he took out his phone and saw a text displayed there. It said:
Linds may be free but wasn't it always RICK you were worried about? Might want to delve deeper than journals, he could be closer than you think – T.E.
Jay jumped violently and stuffed Rick's journal into his bag before getting up and looking around wildly.
Had someone been spying on him?
How else would they know about the journal he was reading?
But then, the cab pulled into the driveway and Jay darted towards it as though it were the biggest saving grace he had ever seen. He got in and closed the door looking through both the side and back windows to see if he could see anyone lurking about.
Nothing.
Except the old cat from next door who liked to come over sometimes as Andy kept giving it milk feeling sorry for it.
Jay peered back down at the text re-reading the part about Rick being closer than he seemed.
"What does that mean?" he questioned loudly.
"I don't know about you," the driver who had a very silky smooth voice said suddenly, making Jay jump again. "I could stay here all day, but the meter's running man, so what do you want to do?"
"Oh…Ah," Jay quickly replied recalling where he was.
"New Haven Library please," he said quickly glancing back down at the text.
But his phone had locked, so he hastily unlocked it, there was so much more he wanted to know.
Had someone been spying on him? What did they mean about Rick?
But as he went back to his messages he noticed he couldn't find it. He knew he hadn't done anything to it, but the message…had vanished.
"*"
Andy strode into the jail confidently. He hated lying to Jay, but he knew there was no way he could cope knowing Andy was now defending him. With Linds' now out of the sanatorium it was any wonder he was able to get through the night, thank goodness for the alcohol they'd had. Thank goodness also for the text Mel had sent which had included that she would not be coming home for a couple of days.
He marched up to the reception area and showed the guard his ID. Now that he was on record as being Rick's attorney Andy was easily allowed access and he marched off to the interview room where he now stood pacing, waiting for Rick to arrive.
"Twenty-Minutes," the same guard from last time with the raspy voice had said.
Rick had nodded to her and taken his seat at the table while Andy remained standing.
"You ok man?" Rick asked, concerned that Andy wasn't seated. "Found anything out about Andrea?"
Andy glared at Rick and it truly reminded him of the same glare he had fixed him when they'd come face to face moments after Andy had found out he had slept with Jay last year.
"I haven't slept with anyone!" Rick demanded before even he knew what he had said.
"What?" Andy replied, caught off-guard. "Why would I care if you did? It's not like J-"
He stopped, realizing what Rick had been referring to. But now was not the time to rehash old memories. Andy had something more important to say to Rick and began immediately.
"You lied to me," he said darkly, his voice barely above a whisper.
"What?" Rick questioned. "How?"
But Andy wasn't in the mood for games and raised his voice, no longer caring if the guards could even hear him.
"You told me your parents were dead!" Andy yelled.
"That's because they are!" Rick yelled back, shocked that Andy would even say that.
"So, how then, pray-tell," Andy started skeptically. "Is your father saving people's lives? He come back from the grave and do a little after-life voo-doo?!"
"What?" Rick asked even more concerned now. "That's not funny Andy!"
"I'm-not-trying-to-be-funny!" Andy replied through gritted teeth taking out his phone and unlocking it before going to his messages.
"Someone had the audacity to send me an article…"
But he stopped as he looked at the messages in his inbox, recalling what had happened to all of the ones T.E. had sent so far.
Grumbling, Andy locked his phone and turned back to Rick seriously.
"Rick, answer me truthfully," he said. "How do you know your father is dead?"
Rick thought back to what had happened around that time. His father had been in jail for many things including the abuse he had laid out to himself and his mother.
"My…" he stammered. "My mother told me. She said we could go to the funeral, but I insisted on not going."
He seemed lost in thought as though his mind were retracing his actions of that day.
"Rick, did you ever visit your dad's grave?" he asked softly.
"Why should I?!" Rick asked yelling back at him. "Think he would've ever come to visit mine?"
Andy sighed.
He didn't know how he knew this, maybe it was the feeling he had in his gut or the way Rick was talking to him, but either way he believed him.
"Rick, as you know I've met your dad once," Andy said calmly. "But I never saw him again. It is possible that he is dead and the article was made up?"
"Why would someone do that?" Rick asked, almost offended despite it being about his father.
"Many reasons," Andy continued, opening his brief case and taking out some notes. "Scandals sell. Do you think Kevin Corrado would sell as many papers if he only printed the truth?"
"Who's K-?" Rick started but Andy waved him off.
"New Haven's paper publisher, never mind," he said quickly. "Now then, let's take a look at these notes."
Andy poured over the notes he had made in great detail, thankful that he had brought them considering his intentions were to blast at Rick and leave.
"If your father is alive," Andy mused. "I'm saying if – I'll contact him and see if he can help."
"You will not!" Rick snapped.
"Part of your terms," Andy replied flinging a copy of Rick's contract to him while writing something down on a fresh piece of paper. "Page two paragraph one."
Rick flipped the first page of the contract over and saw indeed the words: If my attorney deems necessary I give him permission to contact anyone as needed and sighed flinging the paper back at him.
"Your good," he sighed. "Never had you pegged as a suit, guess I was wrong."
Andy lifted his head and looked at Rick.
"It was a different time back then Rick," he said taking the contract back. "Much has changed since."
"*"
Jay starred at his PC fixated. He only had an hour on here before he would be automatically logged off. At least that's what he had been told and the countdown timer in the top right hand corner bearing the amount 0h48m32s certainly seemed to indicate that was a fact.
He scrolled through the list of linked websites that had popped up once he'd typed Kenneth Stappord into the search engine and saw that they all seemed to be about the same man.
He had lived a very weird life, Jay mused piecing together what he had found.
According to what he could locate, Kenneth had grown up in Lancashire in England, but the family had moved to the US when he was 17. Coming from a privileged background he had attended notable schools such as Whitney High School and USCF School of Medicine on a scholarship, though Jay noticed with his wealth it wasn't needed. He had graduated with honors before meeting his former wife, Rick's mother, who worked at one of the university's café's. They had been married shortly after Kenneth had left school and his son, named Richard in all of the articles, had arrived when Kenneth was 25 and had just started a job at a local hospital as one of the nurses.
But this had seemed to be where the joy ended, Jay noted. It seemed Kenneth had been caught stealing drugs from the hospital for home use and the pair had even admitted they had been using it themselves to; as they put it, cope with the stress of having a son.
The computer went black and Jay blinked at how suddenly it had happened. It couldn't have been a black-out, the lights were still on and indeed other PC's still seemed to be working.
But then the screen flashed to show some words that said:
It won't be that easy.
Jay stared at the message and whirled around as much as he could to see if he could spot anyone he knew. Noting a librarian coming closer Jay hastily pushed the power button and held it in until the PC turned off just as the librarian approached him.
"You don't just turn the power off!" she cried. "Out! Get out of here! Now!"
She flung an arm towards the exit door, but Jay didn't need telling twice. If someone was here watching him, he wanted nothing more than to get out of there anyway. Grabbing his bag and phone he raced for the door and rushed out of it.
How did they know he was there? Had someone followed him?
Seeing a taxi pull in to the parking lot Jay raced over to it and jumped inside telling the driver his home address.
As he sat back panting he felt his phone vibrate.
Shaking, he looked down at it and read:
I have eyes everywhere Jay; you'll never escape me – T.E.
"*"
"Look at this!" Jenny cried later on that day thrusting the day's New Haven Star paper at Jay as she bustled inside with an overly large suit case.
Jay closed the door absent-mindedly and read the article screaming out at him from the front page.
Former Villain deemed Harmless, but can the same be said for her victims?– bore the words on the head-line.
Former villain Lindsay Peters who was arrested last year for the insane acts of capture, violence and mind torture was released yesterday afternoon from the New Haven Sanatorium, writes Sinead DeVegrios established correspondent - though some are questioning why this even happened.
"She's a murderer and she should be hung!" Jenny Taylor, one of the witnesses advised after the verdict.
"Mom!" Jay called out to her as she busied herself in the kitchen. "Why did you speak to the press?"
"I didn't," she replied through gritted teeth brining coffees with her, placing them down onto the coffee table. "Believe me, if I did it would have been much worse! They've quoted me with something I never said."
Jay continued to read the article.
However it seems that Acting Attorney Andy Thompson feels otherwise, telling yours truly in a detailed conversation regarding what we have to fear, "Absolutely nothing. Not only will she be accompanied by Attorney Marcus, but she's on a good behavior bond for 6 months."
This is hardly surprising, the report went on. Considering as a close-friend admitted to us "He's been in to see her daily."
"Did you know about that?" Jenny asked her son who had been reading out loud.
"No!" Jay replied disgusted. "He never told me!"
Meanwhile, this reporter wonders what happened to Jay Taylor. For those of you who do not recall, Mr Taylor, who was unable to fight of the feeble attempts of his captures…
"Feeble attempts!" Jay bellowed.
…claimed nothing less than full-responsibility for the death of Acting Attorney Andy Thompson's adopted father Ben Bruckner.
"What?!" Jay bellowed again. "When did I-?"
But Jenny stopped him yanking the paper away and picking up where he left off.
Mr Taylor, who openly admitted in court that Mr Thompson was his current boyfriend however, might be surprised to hear the Acting Attorney's reaction. "I was quite surprised to hear him say that," Thompson admitted during our conversation. "I wasn't ready for our relationship to go public at all."
It is forgivable of course, with everything that happened to Mr Taylor no doubt he is still suffering from a particularly large blow to the head that has affected his mentality and this reporter can confirm he is seeking counseling because of it.
"Oh yes," another close friend admitted. "He suffered some major PTSD recently and so I insisted he seek counseling to help him."
"Put that away!" Jay now barked, picking up the coffee cup his mother had intended for him and taking a particularly long gulp.
"It gets worse," his mother replied, not at all listening to her son and picking up right where she'd left off.
This reporter can confirm that Mr Taylor left the court room the moment he had given his statement unlike any of the other 5. No doubt in search of his dextro-am-phetamine medication that reports say he had forgotten to take that morning.
"I don't take drugs!" Jay cried emphatically.
"I know darling, I know," Ms Taylor replied. "Let me finish there's not much left."
How she will cope in the outside-world as most patients call it, remains to be seen. But if Carmita Deleon, a famed singer who reminded us that her new single: 'I will never trust again' comes out next week put it. "I don't think people are going to be happy with her release…"
Jay leaned closer upon hearing this, almost surprised that she even cared about Lindsay.
"…I mean I know when I went through all that trauma over Rick Stappord…"
Jay snorted.
"What?" his mother laughed slightly.
"The woman can never say anything without mentioning his name," Jay said. "I'm surprised there isn't an article about her discussing why Rick couldn't be there."
"…thank goodness he couldn't be there…" Jenny continued, Jay giving off a knowing smile as if to say see? I told you.
Life indeed will try to move on, but the question remains as to Lindsay's whereabouts. The judges advised that she cannot leave the state, but no one has seen her since. Maybe she was smuggled out, who knows? But in this reporter's opinion: Bygones are all well and good, but would you want a chain saw hanging over your head?
"Being a bit dramatic isn't she?" Jay asked, picking up his now empty coffee and taking it back to the kitchen to clean. "You off today?"
He had noticed the suitcase, but as his mother had plowed right into the article hadn't had time to ask her.
"Yes, but don't worry," she replied. "I'll give you time to pack."
"Pack?" Jay asked quizzically.
"Yes," Jenny replied. "I'm assuiming you haven't yet and I'm happy to wait. Maybe I'll read the rest of the paper. Who knew that New Haven's paper was so enlightening?"
"Enlightening?" Jay laughed. "Mom, I don't take dexo whatever it's called. That's a total lie!"
"Yes," Jenna replied. "But who's to say the rest isn't? Go on darling, I'll wait."
"Mom," Jay startled slowly. "Am I missing something? Why I am packing?"
"Well I just assumed," Jenny replied. "You know, remember, you said you would come back home if Linds was released?"
Jay recalled the discussion they'd had prior to the hearing, but odd as it may seem, much had happened since then and he no longer desired a trip back to Pittsburg.
"Oh…yeah…um…" Jay started, not quite knowing how to tell his mother that he would in fact, not be going with her. "I think I'm going to…stay."
"Oh?" Jenny replied, surprised. "Oh…um-okay, no problems at all."
She got up and walked briskly to her suitcase and then shuffled to the door before opening it.
"In that case I'll be off, I mean, no offence but I'm not staying in the same state as a crazed-killer."
Jay was quick to bite his tongue before it betrayed him to advise his mother that there were crazed killers in every state and simply kissed her good bye.
"Call me when you get home mom…please?" he begged.
Jenny's once aloof looked turned now to one of the same mother he had always known, post her break-up from his father.
"Of course sweetie," she smiled, kissing him again.
"*"
The next morning Mel woke happily. She'd had the most wonderful dream of Linds and herself on the beach renewing their vows. Everyone had shown up to be a part of it, including Andy who was Mel's best man and Lauren who had been Linds' bride's maid. Mel closed her eyes, hoping if for a moment, she could go back there. But as with dreams that are as good as that one, sleep didn't come and she opened her eyes once more and got up from the bed noticing Linds was not there.
She walked to the kitchen and made some coffee. Taking it out to the balcony she lit up a cigarette and inhaled again cursing Andy for getting her onto these devil-sticks. Naturally she had told Linds she was smoking and Linds hadn't minded, especially considering she had once been an on again off again smoker herself.
The morning was cold, after all winter had come around again. What a difference a year had made. This time last year Mel was trapped inside the warehouse moments away from assured death and now here she was in the best room of the hotel, with her wife.
She paused as she saw some mail next to her, most likely brought in by the bell hop and Linds had probably put it out onto the balcony so that she could go through it.
The first was some advertising about the up and coming events at the Dètendez-Vouz, which included an acrobatic act on Thursday night and Karaoke on Friday. If it wasn't for the pair needing to check out today, owing to people who had booked the room, Mel would gladly have taken Linds to the Karaoke night, maybe she still could.
The second was a letter from Shawner, congratulating her on Linds' release but also managing to slip in that she was due back at work on Monday.
The third was written in very neat scripture:
Thank you for getting her out.
Made it so easy to get to her.
Say goodbye to your wife Mel – T.E.
Mel's coffee fell to the ground and smashed, but Mel didn't care. She raced back inside and almost flew straight to the bathroom where she had assumed Lindsay would be.
"Linds?" she called out.
The water was coming out of the shower, so Mel took a breath.
"Want some company?" she asked quite suggestively.
Receiving no answer and taking that for a 'yes' Mel slowly pulled back the shower curtain.
"Lindseeee," she co-ed pulling the curtain all the way across.
"AAAAAAAAAaaaaahhhhh!" Mel screamed in horror.
Not only was Lindsay not there, but painted across the shower wall were words painted in dark red paint, or…was it blood? It said:
Her body, like those of her victims
Will be ice – cold forever.
"*"
Not too far away a melodic song played in the background.
"I-eee-iiii am in one of the dre-ea-ms, where you just keep on faaal-ling, no one hears you caaaa-lling."
A figure sat at their PC and confidently typed in the letters A-N-D-Y before pressing enter with their leather gloved hands.
A scanner appeared saying getting image and once the bar filled, the screen was replaced by 4 separating squares.
The top left, showing the front of Andy's home, the top right showing his kitchen. The bottom left showing his bedroom and the bottom right showing the guest room.
Andy was the only one at home and the person moved their mouse over to the top right and double clicked it, now bringing the kitchen into view.
Andy was cooking something, though the person didn't know what that didn't bother them. This was just a test run after all.
Making their way over to the printer, the figure picked up the printed out page, a copy of the New Haven Star's front page with the headline Former Villain deemed Harmless, but can the same be said for her victims? And a picture of taken of Jay while he was testifying looking quite upset.
The figure pinned the picture next to the photo of Linds and smiled looking at the pin in her nose that they still had not removed.
"Did you think that this would be okay hehe?" The music in the background continued. "That my life would keep going on this way?"
Suddenly there was a knock at the door and the person stood and walked over to it.
"Hello, special delivery!" said a woman from fed-ex.
The person took the parcel from the beaming woman and signed the clipboard she now held out.
"Have a nice day then!" she smiled even more cheerfully.
Pushing the door closed and opening the package, the person smiled to themselves.
Inside was a return ticket…to Pittsburg.
"*"
Oooh! Wonder why T.E. has a return ticket to Pittsburg? And what did he need surveillance of Andy's home for? For those of you who didn't know, the song T.E. has playing in the background is an actual song. It's called "Nobody Listened" by Delta Goodrem, I thought the melody was quite appropriate a mood setter for T.E. Look it up and you'll get what I mean. What did you think of Linds being released? Wonder what the conditions will be? Did you know/think/assume Lauren was also getting texts? What did you think about Debbie confronting Mel about T.E's info? Interesting that she didn't mention T.E.
Speaking of T.E. what about that text Jay got while reading Rick's Journal? Was T.E. there spying on him? Do you believe Rick when he told Andy he fully believes his parents are dead? Or do you think he is lying? What about the timing of Jay's PC turning off with the words: 'It won't be that easy'. Had to be T.E. right? And what about the text he got when he got back into the cab?
Did you like the article in the paper? Some of the things are true, some of them are lies, can you tell what is what? And what about that ending with Mel! Where is Linds? What has happened to her? A long chapter with a lot covered, as you all deserve for making it to ACT II of Love Hurts. Please leave a review and let me know what you think as next week I will reply to reviews once again. Love to you all xoxo.
Next time on Love Hurts.
Beep…Beep…Beep…Beep…
Just when you thought things were looking up for Linds…
(Mel): "Here we are then!"
(Linds): "It's beautiful Mel!"
T.E. shows exactly what can happen when eyes…are closed.
(Mel): "Linds? Lindseeee, AAAAaaaahhhh!"
But it's next week's chapter that will have Mel even more frightened then before.
Beep…Beep…Beep…Beep.
(Mel): "Where is that coming from?"
(Countdown timer): 20…19…18…17…
When she comes face to face with…
(Countdown timer): 3…2…1…0….Ding!
(Mel): "Who's that?"
(Mel - inner thoughts as someone steps towards her): Is it Debbie? What about Jenny?
BEAT-BEAT-BEAT-BEAT …..IS MEL-ABOUT-TO COME-FACE-TO-FACE WITH-T.E?
(Mel, shaking) "Shit!"
ALL NEW Love Hurts Next Monday!