Dani … Thanks for your review and I love your question … set me really thinking how to answer it. … I agree Maria pushed Ben over the edge made him answer her need not his … but because he didn't stop himself and he actually finished the act of sex between them rather than walking away or just stopping cold. He felt he was the perpetrator rather than the victim. So he apologised to Maria for using her in that manner and he would have felt the guilt as soon as he saw Meg when she walked in on them and that would have started the barrier between them. Being a male brought up to respect women who might be thought of as the gentler sex Ben would have had trouble in seeing himself as being raped and a victim.

Hope that helps and doesn't offend anyone ... I always assume that if you've seen the series you know all about the birds and the bees and the deceit that goes on in soap operas.

As always comments are welcome ….. On with the story and rest of the family.

Chapter 14

While the Hotel Manager showed Mr and Mrs Ben Evans to the Liberty Corp Suite back in function room the Police Chief delivered his official and revised statements to the stunned but eager settling audience. As soon as he'd finished the extra guests left and the first course of the meal was served and the Mayor raised a toast to their absent guest on honour reminding them that Ben wanted everyone to enjoy themselves. Because it was impolite to shout across the tables to each other to express their feelings, and the first course looked really delicious everyone ate and chatted in their groups and let the celebrations begin. As they did so they realised they did have something extra to celebrate Ben had survived and wanted to stay as part of their bigger family … and he had a wife to consul him. Not only that the culprits were safely tucked up in jail and were no threat to them … any of them …

As the function picked up its normal pace the news slowly seeped out into the town as the managers of The Deep and The Java Web explained things to their staff either by phone or face to face meetings as in the Italian Restaurant and other meetings were arranged for the morning. As you can imagine the staff who were not working then rang other family or friends each keeping to the facts with the additional advice to watch the midnight news or grab a morning paper for confirmation. That of course meant the reporter and editorial staff were rushing around trying to change the layout of the paper so they could meet the deadline. And tv crew because there was no 'live feed' were winging their way back to base with the reporter talking on phone feeling a bit like the cat that got the bowl of cream … their little 'fill in' story had just grown up and that could mean bigger things for her … them in the future.

oxoxo

With their stomachs full of good food and wine, minds full of music and fun the guests were leaving their successful 'do' and producing the scene of organised chaos in the car park again. A noisier one than before … then they'd been sedate … setting the scene and showing off in the nicest possibly way. Now they were all friends going home and back to work in the morning … so it was slamming doors, yelling goodnights etc to everyone as well as offering last minutes lifts. There also little groups gathering for quiet almost confidential chats … chats that couldn't be done earlier because of the flow of the celebrations and loud music...

With all this going on Hank guided his little group to his car and happily responded to the goodnights glad no one expected them to join their groups for chats. They'd enjoyed the evening, clapped with pride at the presentations and Sara was still on cloud nine chatting about all the little bits and pieces as well as new promised customers. It had been a silent given that the taxi wouldn't be needed they were four not five in the group so a lift wouldn't be a problem and they had things to discuss.

On the short drive to Surf Central Hank's mood sobered down even more. His oldest daughter was married to Ben Evans … done deal … no going back to the past. He knew what he'd said to Meg in those few moments together and would stand by it … she was his Meggie … his daughter no matter what Sara said or thought about it. And because of what he'd learnt this evening he knew she would have a lot to deal with in the coming days or weeks, months ahead. He'd not been kidnapped or faced death like Ben had but he'd had his world taken away from him. No evil twin needed it was the weather, markets and bank that had made him sell his family farm for pittance and have to start again.

He'd resented Ben at the time and still did … even though it was illogical to do so; especially now he knew the whole truth and all secrets were out in open. It hadn't been the man's fault that Derek playing Ben hadn't stepped in to save the farm as he'd silently hoped Ben would do. As far as he was concerned then the man was a rich playboy and could afford to impress the father of his soulmate with a rescue bid. Truth was … and he could face that now … the farm could not have saved nor could the neighbours' farms that had been swallowed up into something bigger. And Ben being the businessman not playboy would have seen that and said no to his face where as the twin had just ignored the situation. He knew that it had been the love of his wife beside him and the fact his daughters still needed him and were in a different town that had helped him through the pain and nightmares of that time. Stopped him from falling by wayside and being a 'has been' in Kansas and helped him to become the man he was today with a son in law. A son in law who'd been through it … twice … been kidnapped twice … faced the threat of death … alone … wanted to be back where he was known...

Those thoughts stopped as he drove into the yard at the rear of Surf Central and parked the car.

Switching off the engine he realised Sara was still on transmit and caught his wife's half smile and got out the car wondering if she'd been reflecting on the past while his daughter talked and suddenly thought about Tim's death. They'd all put it down to a mugging gone wrong and the monument under construction a convenient hiding place for the body. Would have been if it hadn't collapsed on its inauguration day and spilled its nasty secret. Now knowing Tess and Derek had been partners was it possible that Derek did it, he'd tried to kill Tim before and Tess had been going out with Tim. Jealousy or protecting a dark secret that couldn't be proved anyway they only had Tim's word about Mark dying words implicating Ben. He shoved the thoughts away but they left a disturbing trail behind them … identical twins both showed a ruthless streak and were willing to keep secrets... was Meg really safe... were they..

Walking beside Joan letting her silent warmth steady his thoughts he turned his attention to Casey's manner and realised he was really quiet … didn't think it was just because his daughter seemed to have lost her 'off switch' button since the 'do'. There was something else … he knew Casey had been a close friend of Ben's for a long time so all this would be a shock as it was for them all. The words 'had been' grated in his thoughts and he started to think back to when that friendship had been broken and remembered it was before Ben left town before those missing months…

And stepping into the kitchen after the other and closing the door he came to a full stop realising his youngest daughter had just found that 'off switch'.

oxoxo

Unlocking the kitchen door and going into the room so everyone else could get in Sara let out an exuberant "Wow wasn't that fabulous" and spun round slowly. She could still the rush from the 'do' the applause, music, feel the pride of being accepted as one of them and what they had all achieved over the last year. And it all confirmed what she'd been feeling … this was her home town, one she wanted to have her future in … her silent hopes of a ring soon. And what better time than Christmas … Casey had two jobs and she was partner in shop...

She came to a sudden halt as she spotted her sister's coat hanging by the door into the lounge and felt her happy bubble burst and let out with a sad sigh. "Sis won't back here will she?" As though she was dead which was daft she wasn't and her mood picked up to an immediate high again making her exclaim with a gentle huff of satisfaction. "At least she's with Ben now so gossips can go and jump."

But that in turn brought on sudden fleeting darker thoughts of missing months, threat of death and betrayal on a grand scale as well as ripples of what ifs so she shook her head to get rid of them and faced the others who seemed to be staring at her and said firmly. "Right I'll pack her bag and then Casey and I will take it back to the hotel and we'll see you lunchtime tomorrow."

With no intention of leaving yet especial as her daughter was yo-yoing back to reality Joan left Hank's side hoping he could cope with his own silent mood and putting a hand on Sara's arm said gently. "Sweetheart, your dad and I will take Meg's bag to the hotel." And to stop any heated objection that is was her job to do it she added. "Casey won't want the extra trip as he's got that demonstration run to do in the morning and you've got a shop to sort out Meg won't be there tomorrow. They will be fine, don't worry."

Hearing her mother's words over the whoosh of guilt that was running through her Sara nodded 'yes' but felt the need to say. "But I asked him to go to Seattle because I overheard Tess and Tim talking about getting a large sum of money …."

Not wanting to be sidetracked by any guilt trip her daughter might think she had to carry Joan started to gently guide her towards the door into the lounge area saying. "I dare say but I expect he was going anyway. Ben told everyone tonight he wants the past accepted and put in its place and for everyone to move on. And we do that for their sakes as well as our own."

"But..." Sara insisted

Knowing what her daughter was like once she started Joan immediately butted in. "No sweetie no buts, he survived and is with Meg now. Talking about what happened is fine but leave the guilt and the 'what ifs' out of it." Then to get her daughter's mind on a different track asked. "Got her list with you?"

Sara stopped and looked at her mother understanding what she was getting at and as Meg's list was in her purse nodded turned and leading the way into the lounge. Getting near the stairs she slipped her shoes off and knowing her sister's room was tidy chaos that only Meg could understand called back to the kitchen. "Tea for the workers!" which made Joan smile as she followed her daughter up the stairs.

oxoxo

Not surprisingly Casey and Hank hadn't moved as the Joan and Sara left the room they were both were in their own thoughts.

Casey like everyone else had celebrated the fact his friend had survived and not only that had kicked the culprits' asses and wanted to stay amongst his friends… no the family of Sunset Beach who'd not rejected him before. He'd found it oddly logical almost acceptable that Derek having failed once and survived the fall down cliff tried again … money and twin thing … and that they should be taken in by it all… same voice and looks. What had shocked him to the core was Maria's cold hearted betrayal of family and Ben and that Ben had had to keep that secret all these years.

On short drive back those darker thoughts came to the front. That he could have lost his friend forever as in death of his friend and he wouldn't realise it. Never would have had the chance to put things right, things that should never have gone wrong … wouldn't have if he'd stood beside him as a friend. And those four dark months for Ben had been ones where he'd found a future … love with Sara and had seen the sisters come together and start a business something his friend would have loved to have seen take part in. Might not have happened if he'd been around he didn't like that thought and jumped past it to that morning. And fretted … if they'd been around when Ben had called they could have helped him … stopped him from being ill and going into that damn basement again ….

Sara's call broke into his thoughts and mood making him realise where he was and that Hank was standing close by and was most likely in the same dark mood as things were different for him. Meg was married to Ben something that would disturb him as he'd accepted Maria and Ben quite happily. And couldn't help a smile as Sara's words really registered and saw that Hank was smiling as well and knew he'd better do as ordered so took off his suit jacket and tie and found the kettle.

As his contemplations had been broken by his daughter's words Hank didn't want to just stand and stare so found the mugs and as he put them on the counter casually suggested. "Perhaps we should make sure this house is secure, it certainly wasn't this morning when Ben broke in and stole the hooded top Ricardo mentioned."

Casey stopped filling the kettle with a sigh wishing Hank had not come to that conclusion and brought his thoughts back into focus. Meg had known how disturbed he'd been about that missing top so Ricardo had covertly tried to explain who had taken it. Nothing about top or Ben's visit had been mentioned in the official or unofficial statements that night and he'd not had a chance to find out more so could only put thoughts together. As far as he could see they were letting everyone assume that Ben had set the lockdown from The Deep when he'd dropped the rat there. But he reckoned Derek might have detected something was off if Ben had done that. So Ben would have needed an outside computer to send the message to set the trap … lockdown and that would have needed a safe house and computer … and friends to help him with the rest of his plan … one that would not have put him back in danger or that damned basement.

That being the case he reckoned Ben had lost out that morning… they would have argue on meeting … yes but air would have been cleared and he have would helped his friend. But that didn't happen as they were out … gone to work … so Ben had found the spare key. There were no computers … Meg had taken hers with her and he was collecting his that afternoon from shop because of an upgrade and Sara didn't have one she borrowed both. So coming up blank on all counts his friend had raided the house found the hooded top to use as a disguise and had taken the huge risk of going to Java Web where he knew there would be usable computers and then gone back to the basement doing other stuff on the way no doubt …

Stopping those thoughts he suppressed the shiver that ran through him as he realised just how desperate Ben would have been and wanting to make things clear to Hank he faced the man and said with total conviction. "Ben didn't break in. When we first converted this house I showed him where the spare key was hidden outside and told him he could stay anytime he wanted to, no invite needed … He'd said the same to me all through our friendship and I had taken him up on it many a time and he borrowed the hooded top because we weren't there to help him and I'm glad he did. You heard Tyus explain how ill Ben was when they found him in the basement and I'm sure if he could have he would have told them about the top then. As far as I'm concerned that top got lost outside and was found with cat and kittens end of story and no one else need know about it."

Hearing the warning in Casey's voice Hank knew he had to leave it for now at least and suggested. "A key safe on the wall or keypad lock would be better than a hidden key anyone might find and do it before your new tenants move in." Then wanting an answer to his other thoughts before Joan and Sara came back added "You and Meg dropped Ben like a ton of bricks not long before he went to Seattle and though Meg was willing to talk to him if need be you kept clear of him I...

Casey went back to dealing with tea to make the point that conversation was over, but realised Hank's point about the key was a good one and felt a rush of guilt hearing the rest and butted in firmly. "What broke our friendship is in the past Hank. Bridges have been mended and trust accepted on both sides. It is possible if the friendship hadn't been broken we might have prevented what happened to Ben in Seattle but I'm not going down that road. I kept clear of Ben because I believed Meg needed me to … that she needed to live at here knowing I was completely impartial and nothing that was said would get back to Ben or anyone else. She needed my trust then and he needs it now."

Not happy with that answer Hank said sharply. "I can't believe that a couple of words said to you while Ben left the function with all the shock of the moment for both of you could have repaired that damage. It wasn't Derek who caused the hurt it was Ben and it shook Meg so deeply that you took her side and the repercussions affected your relationship with Sara as well."

Seeing Casey's expression as the man glanced at him to make his silent point Hank huffed at the man's stubbornness and explained. "I don't want it coming back to break them apart again in a few days … weeks or months time. It's not just the two of them this time there's a child who's been messed about way too much already. They will have a lot to deal with … to cope with and I can't help them unless I know what it is that broke your respect and friendship and I can't ask them but I can ask you."

Casey could understand Hanks fears but he wasn't going to tell him about it and said calmly hoping to take the heat out of the situation."You saw the trust and love Ben and Meg have in each other tonight and that was not just for the moment. From what Ben told me I know they've talked about the situation and have worked through it and will work through any other problems it may cause. Yes they will need our support and we both want to give that and I will do it by giving them my trust and friendship as though it's never been broken. If needs be, he and I can talk about what happened he's indicated that by saying our friendship is okay. Can you get the milk please?"

Hank complied knowing Casey wouldn't break that trust and he'd have to be content … with what …his daughter who couldn't trust her love for the man before suddenly could now … a matter of hours if that … and that man had been willing to keep secrets and bring his business down to stop his twin … and sighed then said. "So you're saying I should accept that whatever broke them up won't happen again. That Meg truly loves him this time and I'm to trust him completely."

Casey smiled at the undertone and after pouring the tea answered. "Well, you know the limits he will go to protect the ones he loves … cares for. Don't forget he was the one who always let Meg go back to you and Joan or me when she felt the need to. And I've no doubt it was her free choice to standby him tonight and into future … Tyus would have made sure they had plans for both situations. So she wasn't in a tight corner ... wouldn't have the guilt of sending him away from here if she said no. Could you bring tray through as I need to put her laptop and chargers together." And left the room before Hank could say no, he wanted the man to think and not speak for a moment.

Hank carried the tray through to the lounge knowing Casey was speaking the truth … Ben had always respected Meg … it had been Derek who'd deceived her, taken her away and threatened her life at the Cabin. Ben had never lashed out at him when he'd put his point of view forward … it had been him who'd lashed out and floored Ben when Tess and Benjy first appeared at Ocean Drive … and from then on he'd not really backed the man up as he might have done… Putting the tray on the sea chest table he was positive about one thing and said. "I don't intend on being a yes man to him though."

Casey smiled as he packed the laptop in its bag and found the chargers, he knew a lot of people would be reassessing their views of Ben after tonight and answered truthfully. "He doesn't want you to or anyone else come to that … never has done. He knows you love Meg and he respects you and your views just as I do. He was just clearing up a family problem that got a bit too public." Then he walked to the bottom of the stairs and yelled. "Teas ready!"

It was quickly answered by "Right" and "Be down in sec."

And Hank sat down with a quiet "Still makes you think though."

Casey had to agree with that and gave a slight smile as he said softly, "True." Which was drowned out by Sara and Joan coming down the stairs and Sara's casually comment. "I guess Christmas is going to be interesting." She felt better having talked with her mother as they found and packed Meg's things ... her family had just got bigger in the right way.

As they sat and drank their cups of tea Joan said. "Well your dad and I will make sure someone can cover the Shock Wave if needs be and the three of you were coming over for an evening meal so I don't see why Ben and Benjy can't come as well …."

In spite of his mixed emotions Hank butted in softly, "There's already enough food to feed everyone twice over."

"Hey!" Joan exclaimed with a bit of a smile and feeling slightly guilty she'd been planning on baking another batch of goodies tomorrow night.

"Well there is." Hank insisted with a smile and then added seriously. "We'll put a note with the bag to say they just need to phone to say when they are coming if they want to of course. I'm guessing you might have to close Sunset Sister if you can't find cover for yourself."

Sara huffed slightly knowing it would be difficult; their assistant had children so they'd given her the day off and were planning to split their day as they wouldn't celebrating till the evening and she didn't want to do it all day Casey's shift finished in the afternoon. But then as a sudden wicked thought she smiled and said. "I can always close for the afternoon and put the losses to Meg's side of profit especially as she's married to money."

Casey laughed and Joan then Hank joined in especially as it wasn't said with malice but with sisterly love and so typical of her to move from one mood to another so quickly. Then knowing nothing could be done without talking to the other part of their new family they started to check they had everything gathered together and what to write in that note.

oxoxo

With the bags packed in the car Sara and Casey watched Hank and Joan pull away from the yard and then turned back into the kitchen and locked the door. With stray thoughts going through her mind Sara linked her arm with Casey's and said softly. "I guess we'll have two rooms to think about letting now. Whether it should be a bedroom and lounge area or just two bedrooms and share the living room down here again." then with a little huff she added. "You know I'm going to miss having her around."

Casey smiled knowing that was true and as the sisters were much closer now he reckoned Meg wouldn't mind him explaining things so Sara could be a shoulder to lean should she need one. So flicking the light off he guided her through into lounge and over sofa saying softly in tease. "I know… no more sisterly arguments about the time spent in the bathroom or who's hidden whatever where or used the last of milk or bread."

Feeling a gentle thump on his arm he added in a more serious tone. "She'll visit … they both … all three will it's not as though she'll give the shop up or they will live out of town. As for the rooms we'll think about them another day she'll have to take all her stuff out first. Before we go to bed though I want to talk to you about the day I told you to leave and Meg came back here."

Sara stilled looked at him and saw concern but no fear or anger and immediately remembered how bad things felt that night as Tim had spilled the beans about what she'd done in past and then Casey storming out telling her to leave and said softly "I love you." and sat down.

Casey sat beside her and put his arm round her and drew her to him saying. "I know and we are safe in that love, this about Meg's side of the day I couldn't break her confidence then but I don't think she will mind now. From the few words Ben had with me I know he'll trust my judgement. Those few words and what we heard tonight explain a lot but I've not got all his story obviously. And I think its best if the four of us know about it so we can talk about it if needs be … him to me and Meg to you. It's not really something she'll want to discuss with your parents …its messy for her and we lived through it they didn't."

With her yo-yoing emotions she realised this was big but it was also in the past so safe to talk about … be background knowledge and she loved her sister so nodded to let him know she was ready.

Now he was going to say it Casey found it a bit difficult so took a breath to steady himself and then started. "After I stormed out telling you to go I went to South Pier to think things over and I saw Meg in a similar distressed state so we swapped tales of woe… comforted each other. She'd just driven back from the Casita believing Ben had taken Maria there that morning, so was very angry and very hurt … I tried to tell her Ben wouldn't take Maria there but the proof was too solid for her to believe me…… …"

Listening to Casey Sara's anger along with her understanding of their attitudes in days afterwards grew and by the time he'd finished including his idea about Ben's visit that morning she needed space so got up and walked across the room. She stopped and stood as though looking through the patio doors but wasn't seeing the view her churning thoughts where settling and the prominent one was … if she'd spoken out, had broken that silence that had hung between them on that subject … things could have been so different.

Feeling haunted by all deceit and the repercussions of that day Casey watched her body language and realised she was unhappy about something which was not surprising in circumstances and asked softly. "What is it?"

His gentleness cut through her thoughts and caused her to turn towards him saying angrily. "Apart from the fact those two aught to be shot"

Seeing his expression and realising it had come out wrong she immediately explained her outburst. "The women not Ben and Meg. And it's my fault Ben witnessed you and Meg together if he'd left earlier he would have been able to talk to you both rather than seen or heard what he did." Giving a huff to get rid of her anger at the messy situation and knowing he hadn't understood asked. "How do you think I got back to my parents house after you left. There was too much stuff for me to carry by myself and you know I didn't do a second trip the next day that would have been too hurtful and embarrassing."

Casey thought back realising he hadn't at the time or had reason to since, he'd let that episode lie dormant. After he'd sorted out what he felt for the sisters he'd just been grateful they two had been able to move on together and they were able live as a threesome and said. "I assumed you called your dad, explained you decided things weren't going to work out so you wanted to go home. He then came and collected you and your belongings."

Sara shook her head and said softly. "No he didn't. Though I did say I decided to leave because I wasn't ready for living with you and when it was clear Meg was staying here I said she needed space and they agreed. I certainly didn't say you had chucked me out or what I did ... if I had Dad would have gone ballistic on both our accounts and I didn't want him to do that no matter how hurt I felt. And I admit I deserved what I got that day and it did clear the air between us, and I can see Tim's shadow over it all now you've pieced bits together, so I'd come down on all three being involved whether a combined effort or different reasons no idea. We'll never know."

She gave a gentle huff and added. "Back to that night and my side of the story just after you left there was knock on the door I thought it was you come back to kiss and make up. But it was Ben and he helped me back to my parents' house and then went to South Pier to find Meg. Not straight away though I hadn't wanted to go in the house so I sat in gazebo and talked for moment then told him she would be there and he left. I then waited for Mum or Dad to come and find me but the rain came first and completed my mood.

He was so quiet and yet supportive of my troubles, didn't thrown any of it in my face as he could have … I wish now I'd seen his pain for whatever it was and asked him to talk to me but I didn't." she gave another gentle huff and admitted. "Mind you, Ben was never a talker at the best of times and I don't suppose he would have opened up to me. Anyway, because I let him go and because the three of us here didn't talk about that day … that evening … next morning or day we didn't see what was wrong about the whole damn thing."

Realising she was starting the guilt trip thing Casey said softly. "Ben's been going to South Pier when in trouble for years it's his thinking ground, turned into my thinking ground so no doubt he knew it was Meg's without you having to tell him. It's no wonder we came across each other that night. I don't know what he wanted to say to Meg that night but to be honest I doubt we would have understood what was happening without knowing Ben's secret about Maria and he wouldn't have told us about it. I do know that what happen that night should remain between the four of us and we should listen and help without guilt or …"

Understanding how he was feeling Sara walked back over to him and interrupted saying softly. "And you need to forgive yourself and your actions."

At his look she added now her sudden flash of inspiration becoming clearer. "You found out your true feelings and you were being a good friend to her I know that. And though it hurt Ben to see what he did, he at least he knew Meg was safe with you … with us all these months. And though I hate the thought of what happened at The Deep between Maria and Ben perhaps in a twisted way it was for best because it stopped us from interfering and making trouble for him."

Ignoring Casey's intake of breath she carried on. "Perhaps he was going to tell Meg she couldn't live with him anymore, perhaps he'd sensed it wasn't safe for her to be around him at Ocean Drive that Maria had got all her memories back ... he, Meg or even Benjy were in the firing line. Think of it, just telling Meg goodbye would have been painful and most probably got her curiosity going and yours as well … so both of you would have gone snooping around. This way you both left him so he only had Benjy and himself to take care of." She gave a huff and admitted "And he's right we can't do the 'what ifs' or the guilt trips. But we can talk about things and I'll let Meg come to me and not go pushing."

Seeing his smile she added gently. "Well, not much, just a sisterly prod or two if need be. Come on its time for bed we've got a lot to do tomorrow."

Casey smiled at her quiet statement and how understanding she could be and nodded then remembering Hank's words earlier said. "Your dad suggested we should get a number lock for front door or a key safe on the outside wall and I think we should get that patio door secured a bit better than it is at the moment."

Feeling a slight shiver run through her as Casey came to stand beside her she said honestly. "Good idea, I don't mind Ben creeping in via the spare key but wouldn't like anyone else doing it. Is the patio door safe?"

Casey went on over to it and tested it then smiled back at Sara saying. "Yes but it feels a bit looser than it was so several months ago so I'll put the chair in the way and get Roger to deal with it tomorrow sometime."

As Sara watched him doing it she felt another slight shiver run through her and was glad she'd not been alone in the house knowing that anyone might have been able to prise that door open while she'd been in another room. With another shiver she remembered Meg's experience in the black out months ago and wondered why she'd ever felt safe knowing the key was hidden outside. And as Casey reached her having finished moving the chair she leant over and kissed him. Felt the warmth of their love run through her, reassure her and when they broke apart and started to go towards the stairs she asked. "Should we buy Ben a Christmas present?"

Knowing the front door was locked Casey flicked the downstairs light of and pondered the idea as he followed her up the stairs …. Should they or shouldn't they … that was tough one … he would like to … so perhaps they would ... And would get one for Benjy as well…

oxoxo

With her thoughts about the day settling Joan sat quietly beside Hank as he pulled into the hotel car park and noticed the differences from earlier. There were plenty of spaces now with the hotel guests cars dotted all over the place whereas usually they seemed to club together in blocks. And the bright lights were dimmed so only the name of hotel and the word open were brightly lit … and her daughter and husband were starting their new lives in there and suggested softly. "Pull in near the entrance of the hotel."

As Hank did so and knowing this was the first private time they would have together this evening Joan asked him gently. "Are you all right with this?"

Hank switched the engine off and gave a snort of a laugh adding. "Any choice?" He still wasn't settled with it all … things went round in circles of worries and acceptance changing each time.

Knowing her thoughts on what had happened and understanding his reaction to a sudden situation rather than one that grew up over days said. "No not really. He's always been good for her even when they didn't know each other."

Hank looked at her puzzled and asked. "What do you mean?"

Joan gave a slight smile and explained. "At the very beginning back on the farm she would go on the computer and then come off in a better mood, she always reassured me that who she chatted to never knew her real identity or address. It was just like writing a letter and throwing it the bin only in this case a person read it and chatted back. He never forced her to do things but he did teacher her to fly and supported her ideas and accepted her help when it was offered. He worked hard to get where he is and the respect of town; he's never been the rich fly by night kid you thought he was…"

Hank couldn't help butting in. "You're right he's not a fly by night he's a charming ruthless second half of a murderous twin." At her half smile he added wanting to get the next bit off his chest. "Any fool can see Derek killed Tim, he tried and failed then succeeded…"

Joan butted in crossly. "Don't go there Hank and that's Derek not Ben. Ben's the one who let Tim live here even though he tried to get Meg back. There is a difference between the twins."

He sighed and knew that was true and said. "That's another point Derek is still around."

Joan smiled knowing she was getting her husband to get to facts rather than feelings and said. "Behind bars and if you think about you as a farmer has been just as ruthless as Ben has been. And yet you have still been a loving husband and father … brought up two lovely girls who've found good matches."

Hank looked at his wife and huffed knowing what she was getting at and let her carry on.

"Most families have the eccentric relation somewhere in their bloodline we've just got one in this generation and close to us. We are not the only ones dealing with the fall out … think of Carmen and her family. Maria's thrown their love and feelings in their faces for nothing. Come on lets see if we can get these things in and record that news bulletin should be interesting to see what they make of it all."

Getting out the car and then getting the bags out and carrying them Hank said quietly. "They are not telling us everything."

Joan lost him and said "The police don't have to."

Hank sighed "No I don't mean them. Its Casey, there was that sudden bust up between the foursome and he won't say what it was just says its been dealt with tonight in few words with Ben."

Joan opened the hotel door as Hank was carrying both bags saying. "Well we didn't tell our parents everything … well at least I didn't."

Hank snorted knowing he certainly hadn't and saw the foyer was empty but for the man behind the desk who looked up as they entered so he headed in that direction and said quietly to Joan. "What do we say?"

Joan laughed knowing the fact the Ben and Meg were Mr and Mrs Evans was meant to come out at midnight and said. "It's all round Sunset the guests at the function were of their phones as soon as they left plus the Managers have been around so I'm guessing most the town and the staff here will know by now."

As they stopped before the desk ready getting ready to explain Andrew the hotel manager came out of the side room and said. "Mr and Mrs Cummings glad you came. Come on in and I'll take the bags up to Mr and Mrs Evans in a while."

He lead them into the room and as Hank put the bags down commented with a smile. "See you didn't need the truck after all." And then shut the door and asked. "Would you like a drink?"

Joan smiled and answered. "No thanks we had tea at Surf Central and the 'do' went off very well. How are they?"

Andrew settled on the edge of the table as he realised Hank and Joan didn't want to get comfortable as time was getting on and said. "Glad you enjoyed it. As far as I know fine, no phone calls and the trolley with food on came back empty so they enjoyed it. When I showed them the apartment they were still obviously coming to terms with things but seemed contented …."

Hank asked. "How big is the apartment?"

Andrew smiled guessing what was behind it and said. "Its two really with a door between each the one they are in has two double bedrooms and a single plus all amenities with lounge and balcony. So there will be room for visitors including Benjy when that bit is sorted out. And they will have the rooms for as long as they want them care Liberty Corp. and its on the residents side of the hotel so they will have some privacy.

If you're worried about getting the bags up there before they settle down for night Ricardo asked that a set of spare night and day clothes be put in room I assumed it was because Ocean Drive was a crime scene so nothing could be taken out so I put our usual set of emergency clothes out so she'll have a choice of things. I won't disturb them when I take the bags up as there is a special locker which goes into their room and they know its coming. I'm staying in here to be close to phone but I don't expect any trouble and any calls to them will go through me or this office so if you want to ring in morning you are welcome. It's nice to know he's safe but it must be a lot for you to take in after all he's now married to Meg."

Joan gave a gentle laugh and said. "Yes but we are coming round to it."

"Good Ben deserves a break." Andrew said with a smile hearing real warmth in her voice and as he walked them back to the car admitted quietly. "Had to chuckle about what happened at The Deep reckon Ben was paying his twin back."

At Hank look he added. "Afternoon of the storm The Deep got raided Mr Peters walked in full of himself and closed it down and tore it apart and found nothing. It's always had a good reputation and I try and keep this hotel to that standard as well having worked with Ben. Of course this time they found something and Ben was right Mr Peters shouldn't have been anywhere near The Deep he'd been barred work wise since that raid had been sent on course rather than the sack. Don't think he learnt much on it but he knows the job ... just can't take people."

Hank chuckled understanding Ben's words to the Health Chief and said. "Surely the phone call would have sounded familiar."

Andrew smiled and added. "Between us, Ben impersonated a certain Mr Daniels on the phone, Paul told me earlier and I nearly had kittens when he did … in confidence of course."

As Hank unlocked the door he shook his head and said softly knowing the man. "Some hope about that."

Andrew laughed and added. "Well I trust you'll not to say anything till you met up with his version. Have a goodnight." And watched them drive off before going back to his room for night.

In the car Joan said softly. "Feeling better."

Hank sighed and then added. "Let you know in the morning."

Joan smiled and settled back she knew her husband would be okay with it eventually he just needed to let the idea grow … a bit like the plants and animals that they used to look after and said softly. "Thank you for taking the gamble and coming here to start a fresh I know you miss the farm and what means."

Hank glanced at her and then smiled as he went back to concentrating on his driving and said with real feeling. "I'd miss you and the family more and I would have lost everything if I'd not taken your gamble. I love you and I think I'm beginning to understand just how much Ben loves Meg and that he will not take her away from me… from us as I'd feared.

I wouldn't mind actually watching the news before we go to bed there's a couple of things I need to sort out anyway."

Joan nodded and smiled knowing he'd finally come to terms with the loss of their farm and all it meant.

oxoxo

Comments welcome ... hope to be back mid May.