Chapter 14

Tyus parked the car near the Shock Wave and faced his very quiet passengers and said. "Ben you can stay here while Hank goes and explain things to everyone. It's up to you whether you go in or not. … … The tablet I gave you will help you keep calm and sleep if you want to, it's not going to suddenly knock you out you are still in control of what you do and say. … … You must eat and drink something even if it's not a lot, having people around might help you feel less on the edge of things."

Ben stayed silent.

Hank got out and walked round to Ben's side and opened the door and squatted down to talk to him and said reassuringly. "You know everyone is a friend in there, they don't expect you to go in all cheery as though nothing has happened.."

The opening of the car door and Hank's voice cut into the numbness that had over taken him as soon as he got in the car and he managed to find his voice. "I know Hank I'll be in soon, if you could explain it all. I think it's being in the car it makes me shut down again."

Hank nodded walked towards the Shock Wave trying to sort out what to say. He could see the friends talking in groups and a few people walking by look having looked in at the 'closed for party' sign which had been hung on the door, and were moving on. He opened the door and walked into the noise of chatter and music from the CD player.

Meg saw him almost immediately looked past him for Ben and stopped smiling as she realized he was alone and called over as she walked over to his side. "Dad where's Ben?"

Hank smiled reassuringly as he spoke, first to her then raised his voice. "Outside he needs a moment; perhaps you could go out to him but first FOLKS CAN I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE."

Chatter and music stopped so he carried on without shouting. "A lot of what I'm going to say will hurt - once I start I'd rather finish. Questions later I want Ben to know he's wanted so I'll keep it short."

Hank kept an arm round Meg feeling her go tense in anticipation and started. "I will not lie to you this morning when I picked up Ben to go to the Court we both knew Derek would throw lies around and Ben could have ended up staying in jail in fact Ben expected it.

Well Derek was on top form and twisted everything about Maria's disappearance, though he admitted kidnapping Ben in the warehouse but claimed it was to stop him, that is Ben, from murdering Meg after he had murdered Mark and the others on the island… … As for Seattle Derek claimed he was kidnapped and ordered to come to Sunset Beach and be Ben in order to save Ben's life and Maria or and Tess were involved in the scheme… Things got pretty intense and Derek nearly got what he wanted and that was Ricardo to kill Ben but eventually things calmed down and the truth came out...

True to form it knocked everyone for six … Derek got a 'look-a-like' to give him an alibi while he killed Mark and the others on the island of course the man did not know the last bit… We were very lucky the man was arrested yesterday by one of main officers concerned so the connection was made otherwise things would have gone against Ben.

Next bit is really twisted … cruel … Tess is not only Derek's partner in this whole mess but also Benjy's mother that's why Maria lacked the motherly feelings which she now feels for Benjy… We think the whole plan was to get Ben's fortune transfer to Benjy, with Tess as guardian; she would leave Sunset Beach and meet up with Derek later leaving Ben and Maria dead. Ben dead as Ben or Derek depending on how the chips fell regarding the body or story."

There were gasps from the friends, Hank felt Meg shiver and heard her cry of disappear, gave her a hug she needed then carried on wanting everyone to understand. "Maria is a victim in all this we know she was with Derek, Tess and Benjy but under drugs and we may never know what happened to her in Seattle. The Judge has agreed that she should be Benjy's mother, Benjy will be told his history so there will be no more lies in life. Maria loves Benjy and Ben wants Benjy to have a family life and love so they and Carmen are going to live with her sister and family in their family town where they will be accepted. They will be gone by tomorrow.

As you can guess Ben is trying to come to terms with everything what he needs now is our quiet support … he knows he has our sympathy."

Hank hugged Meg again and said quietly to her. "Go to him while I explain about his past, I know about the restrictions … if you have children we can sort things out later. He's got to eat perhaps we can send something out to him if he cannot face us; make sure he knows we understand his reasons for staying away. Tyus has given him something to keep him steady till he finds his feet; you've seen his way of coping with this let him do it in his own time."

Meg nodded and said quietly "Thanks Dad. If I'm not back I'll ring later." She put her hand on his arm and left as Hank carried on to the others who were murmuring amongst themselves. "Ben has asked me to give you a potted life history, Vanessa, Bette you can use the information if you think fit, Ricardo will give you fuller statements when you want them. … "

Meg walked towards the car her mind in turmoil and saw Tyus standing by the open passenger door and asked rather tentatively. "Tyus can I see him?"

Tyus nodded and walked away from the car towards another car, which had parked nearby. She crouched down beside Ben and smiled as he watched her then held his hand, they stayed silent for a while just watching each other they were back to their comfortable silence gaining strength from just being together.

Then she gently broke the silence saying softly, "Hey, bad day?"

Ben gave a short sharp but soft laugh. "Oh Yeah could say that... Not too sure where I stand anymore. Mind you I think you had fun too."

Meg smiled. "Oh Yeah but I think yours was a bigger bang than ours. You're with friends now; if you want we can go to Surf Central I can get the food while you stay here. Or we can be wrapped in their friendship as we eat then move out, they will not expect us to stay too long. Dad's telling them everything they need to know, there be no questions unless you want them, and everyone knows you need time."

Ben hesitated for a moment looked away from her for a moment then back. "I want to see them really…. I guess I'm scared."

She said gently. "Understandable sweetheart ... so are they because we left you alone all those months, just come and enjoy the meal and madness of the group. Everyone's brought bits and pieces as soon as they heard about the oven going wrong … it made a good excuse for a get together. We love you."

Ben smiled, he felt some of the numbness go and warmth of love and friendship start to take its place and nodded.

Meg moved so Ben could get out of the car, she smiled across at Tyus and his companion recognizing her from the night before and called. "Are you coming Tyus? You're both more than welcome."

Ben looked across at the couple and Meg explained as they waited for them to come over and walked together the Shock Wave. They opened the doors and were greeted by music playing softly in the background and as soon as they were inside Hank came over and handed them a drink and said "Welcome home Ben food is waiting."

Everyone drank with him, and then broke up so he would not feel too embarrassed; Ben nodded his thanks and made his way to his place. Meg could feel he was too tense to eat and gently coaxed him with questions about what he wanted as the food was handed round. As the general banter between friends increased, seeing and smelling the food reminded him he was hungry and he relaxed and enjoyed himself.

When the food was finished the party mood grew he mingled with hugs and handshakes, Bette watched him, she had always thought of him as a sort of nephew rather than a friend and felt sad she had almost lost him a third time. Almost as though her thoughts had got his attention he turned towards her and smiled as he approached her. She could see his eyes were sparkling as they used to and she felt that familiar surge of protective love she had for him, his words were soft with a hint of tease she understood. "Guess your column is going to be pages long this week."

She smiled, tears starting and hugged him. "No words can tell you how I'm feeling. Glad your safe, now be happy!"

"I will Bette you can print that bit. I trust you to say the right things and thank them for me."

She broke away from his hug and gently pushed him towards Meg who was waiting near the door saying. "She's waiting for you, we will sort things out here no doubt AJ will be in touch."

Ben looked at her noticing the way she spoke AJ's name, she recognized the look and smiled with a slight nod and gave him a gentle push again.

He smiled and went to Meg and asked, "AJ and Bette becoming a couple?"

Meg smiled and laughed, "Yes I think so. Let's walk; I know you don't like cars at the moment we can phone for a lift if you get tired."

They walked along the beach it was quiet just a few people out walking, he found himself drawn towards the family groups Meg noticed it but said nothing allowing him time. He put his arm around her shoulders, she could feel the warmth of his body next to hers, and their silence was comfortable in their own memories. He gave an unconscious sigh, she asked quietly "A penny for them?"

He gave a slight smile and answered. "Oh the space and the sun and the waiting."

She gave a gently laugh, "You'll get used to it again. As for the waiting we will put the time to good use, find somewhere to live, get married and have our life."

He looked at her and said gently. "You sure you can take on all that and me as well."

She giggled at his tease. "Oh yes, I know we have friends who will help us, Mum and Dad included this time. We'll face all the ups and downs Ben Evans together this time."

Ben had stopped walking as she spoke, she turned into him and reached up and kissed him, long deep and passionately they eventually broke apart.

He said softly. "Where too now?"

Meg gave a very gentle laugh, which brought a smile to his face as she replied. "Home to Surf Central you need some rest and I need to give you some tender loving care."

He wanted to be with her but had a sudden need and asked. "Can we see some of the Christmas decorations in the Mall first?"

She hadn't expected that but released he might need the time to catch to the real time of year months had passed without him being there and said happily. "Yes of course come on this way through the short cut."

oxoxo

Ricardo felt as though he was chasing a shadow. He had called at the Loft, found the note Gabi had left him, 'gone to your mother's to see Maria". He left a note for her to ring him, as he'd found her mobile was turned off and when he arrived at his mother's house he found it empty and a note on the table 'gone to Ocean Drive'.

After everything that had happened he needed her … It made sense assuming Gabi was with them, he knew Ben had talked to Maria and if Gabi had been there she would have offered help unless of course his mother had done her famous grumbling act. In which case she could be home and would read the message and would ring him.

He pulled into the drive of Ocean Drive deciding if she wasn't he'd go home and wait; the police officer on duty greeted him told him everyone was inside. She was there …

The door was open so he went in he expected to find tension in the air, as police officers would have to check everything they wanted to take. Instead the lounge area was empty and he heard Benjy's laughter coming from somewhere upstairs; looking up he saw Gabi walking down the stairs with a case.

She smiled at Ricardo. "How are things?" They said together and laughed.

Ricardo said, "You go first."

She carried on walking down the stairs knowing those upstairs would not hear and said. "Not too bad, Maria and Carmen are sorting out clothes; Benjy is trying to pack his toys. He does not quiet understand he is leaving for good. But he does understand a bit about Derek and Ben and Tess being Mum. He has not been told that everyone would have been killed at the end of it; they've decided he should be told everything if and when he asks. He'll pick it up from the reports anyway he's old enough to know what's on TV etc. Antonio is seeing if he can stay with them for a couple of days at least help them settle in. What about you it must have been hell on wheels?"

He gave a laugh at her words and said. "Yes it was and shattered is one word for it. I've never felt so much hate in one room before, and you know what Ben still wanted to be with his brother. Do you think we could slip away for a while I need your love and attention?"

Gabi stopped in front of him and put the case down and kissed him as her answer.

"Ricardo!" Maria called from the top of the stairs.

He gave a silent sigh as he broke away from Gabi and acknowledged his sister as she walked down the stairs.

"Are they all right?" Maria asked softly.

Ricardo took a long look at his sister realizing the truth she loved them both, Ben and Derek and Ben realised it. He felt too drained to be angry at her, he just wanted to get things done and out of there find his own life and said. "Sort of, Derek gave Ben a very rough ride. He's with Meg and family so I hope he's surfacing and getting some kind of feeling back. As for Derek well Hell! He enjoyed himself until Ben hit back. Hope it's taught him a lesson to let things lie and take his punishment. He'll be transferred to County where Tess is. Have the Officers taken their things?"

Maria hesitated for a second; she could see he was tired see his anger and said. "They are doing it now. I guess what they don't need will be put in storage. I tried to make and sure none of Ben's books and CDs are touched I wondered about his clothes though."

Keeping his emotions controlled he confirmed. "The Judge should have sent a list it's all on there; Ben's had a look to make sure Derek was not pulling a fast one again."

She watched her brother carefully as she confirmed. "Yes that's what they were working to. Antonio managed to find someone to pack the rest of our things up tomorrow so we're leaving long lists everywhere and packing personal things we need in the car. We will go first thing in the morning. Mama will come back and sort her things out in a couple of day's time although she reckons she'll be able to phone a lot with her clients and keep in touch with them ... Ricardo I'm sorry this happened."

Ricardo, suddenly needed to know and asked gently, knowing anger wouldn't help and wondered if he would get the truth anyway. "When did you start to love Derek?" He felt Gabi grow tense beside him and knew she would not say anything nor had she suspected anything.

Maria got cross and raised her voice as she spoke. "I didn't I was drugged in Seattle and when he was here I thought he was Ben…that's who I loved Ricardo! How could I love Derek?" Maria saw her brother's eyes and expression harden and faltered realizing she had to tell him the truth or lose him and she didn't want that. She paused then hesitated as she began. "I'm … I'm not sure, … I do remember being tied up and Tess drugging me telling me it will soon be over, … and her breast feeding Benjy, it might have been towards the end things are terribly hazy mixed up... but I do know I was running to warn Ben about something when the accident happened. I would not hurt him Ricardo you have to believe me!"

Ricardo could see the desperation in her eyes she was hurting and frightened for the future and realized she needed his understanding and reassurance, not his anger or reaction from the morning but she also needed to know who the good guy was. "Sis. It was Ben who pointed out you're a victim just as much as he is. I think he knows how you feel and wants to protect you. You're safe he's made sure of it, and it is not just because of Benjy.

He knows you love Benjy and they both love him with a father's love so make sure Benjy understands that. There's no good guy or bad guy as far as his love is concerned… it was just one brother against the other and people got in the way. And you will have to explain the restrictions on him seeing them and why you put them there."

Maria nodded as he carried on. "To be honest it might be better if you can go tonight statements have already been put out and I cannot hold the press off and TV camera vans have been sighted in the area. Talk to Mama and Antonio, Tyus has recommended a Doctor in the town and everyone down there will love and look after you. So make a fresh start and give Benjy all the love you can, if you should find you can't don't hide it and we will find a good arrangement you know the brother's past we certainly don't want Benjy hurt. Gabi and I will be fine. I expect we'll come and visit when things are settled; Antonio will visit as well so you're not losing us forever and you can travel later. Where are you staying?"

Maria felt less frightened it would not be like an open prison with everyone watching waiting for her to make a false move as she'd thought and said softly. "At Mama's sister's house it's big enough for us to stay till we find somewhere nearby. Mama was always saying she never saw enough of her sister. Perhaps things will be better for you and Gabi we can still phone each other can't we?" Ricardo nodded letting her carry on. "Antonio will be coming back for the wedding anyway so he can give you news. Go and be with Gabi I can see you need her I'll ring your cell phone before we leave I know you need to talk to Antonio again and possibly Mama before we go."

Ricardo asked needing to know as an officer. "Do you know who drugged you?"

Maria looked at Ricardo sharply. "No could have been either."

Ricardo didn't want her protecting Derek and said. "Maria you should know that Derek was getting ready to dump everything on you in Court, not Tess. I need to know you will make sure Benjy understands that Ben is not the enemy."

Maria huffed and said. "Ricardo I said I would not do anything to hurt Ben and I mean it. I really do not know who drugged me and I did not do it myself either. Now go before Mama comes I can see you need to get away."

He nodded then hugged and kissed his sister on the cheek and left with Gabi.

He automatically went to the driver's side of the car and got a firm but gentle. "Hey! You are in no fit state to drive nor are you cleared by Tyus." from Gabi.

Ricardo looked at her and said. "Tyus said short journeys when I asked, Okay." Then smiled and carried on. "I've raided the Loft for food and blankets what about the cliff top. Well, further back than the cliff top come to think of it." He ended with a grin.

Gabi laughed and got in waited for him to settle and said. "I know just the place so I'll tell you the way. Just relax till we get there then after we've eaten we can exchange stories though I think yours is worse than mine."

Ricardo liked that he could relax listening to her give directions and said. "Oh yesterday was just the starter. Today the main course Hell! I don't want to go through that again; nor does the Judge thank goodness." He looked across at her and said gently. "Thanks for trying to mend the fences with Carmen perhaps distance is a good thing. Think of it … us by ourselves …you know that sounds really good."

Gabi gave a gentle laugh and Ricardo started the engine.