Chapter 14

Amy awoke the next morning in a haze, the doctor at the hospital had given her a sedative to help her sleep. Now with the sun's rays coming through her bedrooms window glass, she struggled to make sense of the night before.

She sat up and pulled on her robe, still tired even though the sedative had made her sleep. The night had ended in a blur, with Jack coming to get her from Maggie's. He found a visibly shaken and terrified Amy being supported by Soraya. The police had interviewed them both, as they did with other witnesses. Finally insisting that Amy was checked out at the hospital which Jack agreed on.

After avoiding the press, who had caught a whiff of the story through social media, Amy had returned home. Maggie collected her daughter and shut Maggie's up for the day. The police still investigating the party and the scene. It also helped deter the press and media who were an ever-annoying presence. All wanting the first comment or storyline to fill up their pages and screens.

All Amy knew was she had signed a statement saying Jesse Stanton assaulted her, photos were taken, statements were given and she had then returned home to the safety of her room. She had asked repeatedly about Ty and his whereabouts, but no one would give her a straight answer. The last image in her mind was of Ty smiling a resigned but loving smile at her as he was taken away in a squad car.

It was now 6 am and Amy slowly wandered into the kitchen, her eyes red from lack of sleep and crying. Lou instantly getting up when she saw her, putting her arms around her fragile shoulders.

"here sit down, I'll get you a coffee," she said, helping Amy sit down at the table, seeing how her face looked exhausted and drawn with worry.

"any news?" she asked, her eyes searching her sisters for help.

"no, not yet, Grandpa has headed to the police station already, hopefully, he will be able to find out what's going on, "Lou went to the sink and rinsed out a coffee cup.

"I don't understand why they arrested him, "Amy said softly, "he saved me, he stopped Jesse from…" her words shook, the tremble in her voice returning.

"Amy, are you sure you're ok?" Lou asked,

"no, "Amy said softly, her blue eyes wet with tears, Lou came to her side and hugged her, wanting to take the pain of what she had been through away,

"do you want to talk about it, "she asked,

Amy shook her head, "no, I want Ty, I need Ty, this isn't his fault, he …"she started to sob again, her hands trembling as Lou pulled her close,

"Shhh, shh, "Lou soothed, "Im sure he will be home soon, they can't hold him for protecting you, "

The phone rang for the hundredth time that morning and Lou picked it up, hoping it would be Jack with some news.

"Hello, Heartland Equestrian Connection and Rehabilitation," Lou said professionally. She listened to the voice on the other line and her face suddenly took on a cooler look. "no, I have no comment, no, no, I said I had no comment on any of that, will you please stop calling!"

Amy looked at Lou, her eyes confused, a tear rolling down her cheek.

"that's the 6th reporter this morning, it seems they want an update on the incident last night and whether or not Ty Borden's girlfriend is ok and if he is going to be charged for attacking her former lover."

"how did they…. "Amy stammered, "they are going to crucify him for this, This is going to be plastered all over the place soon, and he's going to be blamed and its all my fault,"

Jack waited near the examination room door at Cross Bow hospital, Ty had been released from custody after spending the night in a cell, between being interrogated repeatedly over his involvement in the events that had happened at Maggie's the night before.

He had explained how he had been knocked out, and locked up, held captive by the two boys that shadowed Jesse. They listened with interest as he explained the fight he had with them to gain his freedom and how he had only tackled Jesse because he was assaulting Amy.

With Soraya's and other witnesses statement corroborating his account, they had let him go under the insistence that Jack ensure he got his injuries checked out, as Ty was exhibiting signs of a slight concussion.

Ty also called one of his mother's legal team, who usually handled this kind of thing for him, he spoke for quite a while on the phone with Ty and set up a lawyer for him to handle any charges that may be laid. Jack saw the look in Ty's eyes when they spoke to him, He asked after his mother, but got no solid response. They seemed reluctant to talk to him about anything to do with Lilly Borden.

The Police had managed to help him leave the station quietly, avoiding the cameras and press who were still following Ty's every move since the story broke. And Jack got a taste of what Ty experienced himself as the cameras and light flashes filled their eyes as they were quickly ushered into the emergency entrance at Cross Bow Medical.

The examination door swung open and a tired and disheveled Ty slowly and gingerly walked out, his face looking drawn and battered, with a red mark on his cheekbone, a cut above his eye and a large bump behind his left ear.

Jack came over to him and touched his shoulder, seeing him wince and hold his head, the pounding inside it making him feel nauseous.

The doctor followed him, handing him a small bottle of pills and a then shaking his hand, looking at Jack when he looked eagerly at him for a report.

"how he is doing doc," Jack asked,

"well, Tys got a rather large bump on his head, from being hit by a blunt object, the skin is broken, but its superficial and will heal. He's also got cuts and bruises and some abrasions on his hands. All in all he got off lightly, but I'd like him to take it easy for a few days ok, Im worried he may be concussed or have a head trauma but he refuses to stay in for observation or let me take an x-ray so if he shows any signs of excessive headaches, vomiting, nausea or double vision, then please come straight back in,"

Ty rubbed his face, he hurt, but it wasn't anything he hadn't felt before. A headache was typical, the cuts and the bruises, nothing new, he was accustomed to such discomfort and pain. But what he wasn't used too, was someone being there to help him through it, and Jack's willingness to be his rock and his support system was throwing him slightly. He was used to facing these kinds of things alone. Either hiding them or having them buried to save public face or taking the reprimands and disappointment lectures that were thrown his way once the lawyers and the advisors had cleaned up the mess.

"no worries doc, "Jack said, shaking his hand and watching the doc walk away. Jack turned back to Ty who was pulling back on his leather jacket, his face contorting as he moved, the bandage across his right knuckles rubbing harshly across his raw skin.

"you ready to go, "Jack asked, "you sure you don't want to stay for the night, maybe have that x-ray"

Ty shook his head, "I'm fine Jack, "he whispered, as he walked slowly towards the hospital foyer, the brightness of the morning sun coming through the large glass windows hurting his tired eyes.

They signed out and Ty saw the police standing near the front door. They motioned to each other once they saw Ty and came over to them, Ty looking nervously at Jack, thinking that maybe something had changed, and they actually were going to arrest him or charge him.

"Mr. Borden, It seems you have caused quite a media frenzy out there due to your antics last night, "One officer said coolly, obviously not impressed that he was forced to deal with crowd control. "we have been asked to assist you in leaving the premises"

"I don't think that's necessary, "Jack laughed, "there was only a couple of cameras out there when we arrived, "he couldn't fathom the need for such security. This was Calgary, this wasn't New York or Hollywood.

"Mr. Bartlett, Mr. Borden, if you'll stay between us when we leave please, we will escort you to your vehicle."

Ty rubbed his tired face and nodded, used to the experience. Knowing that the only way he was getting out of this hospital in one piece was to accept their help. It came with the territory of being in the public eye. Jack, unfortunately, did quite understand that concept.

"I'm sorry Jack, "Ty said softly, "If you want to go out first, they will probably leave you be, I can follow you in a few minutes,"

Jack saw the resigned look in Tys eyes, he didn't look well at all. and Jack could see how he was used to having his privacy invaded an violated, it was a sad part of the game that was his life. And it broke Jacks heart that someone so young had to deal with such scrutiny. But as always, Jack stayed true to his form, shaking his head and squaring his hat with resolve, "no son, I'm by your side, we take this on together"

Ty gave Jack an appreciative yet surprised smile, again taken aback by Jacks support and willingness to stay with him through all the craziness. This was truly a man who knew what being a parental figure was all about.

The police flanked Ty as the other two went out and cleared a path, the noise of the news crews and cameramen causing a ruckus as Ty lowered his head protecting his face from the lenses as Jack placed his hand on his back, pulling in behind him and they ran the gauntlet to Jacks truck.

After some yelling and calling, bright lights and noise they disappeared into the undercover carpark and headed for Jacks truck, the press being held at the boom gate by the police.

They climbed in and Jack followed instructions to the service exit and they slipped though unseen, Jack's truck disappearing into the morning light as they headed home.

"sorry about that Jack, "Ty said softly, "I didn't think they would catch on so quick, not out here in Calgary anyways"

"you deal with that a lot?" Jack asked a little rattled by the experience.

"comes with the territory, "Ty said softly, "the public love to see a screw-up, it sells magazines"

"you're not a screw-up kid, "Jack replied, "you can't let that circus define you"

"easier said than done," Ty whispered,

Ty touched the back of his head and twitched his lip as it stung with each finger press.

"how's Amy?" Ty finally asked, his green eyes looking over at Jack's as he drove along.

"she wasn't up when I left this morning, but the doctors gave her a sedative to help her sleep"

"she's ok though, he didn't ….."Ty asked, wanting to know, but fearing the worst.

"she's shaken up, but ok, apart from a bruised cheek" Jack explained. "and no, he didn't touch her, if that's what you're asking, she said you pulled him away just in time"

Ty nodded, happy that he had stopped Jesse from his intention.

"they going to charge him? "he said, "I pressed charges too, on those other boys, but I didn't see Jesse last night in the lockup?"

"he was released last night, "Jack replied coldly, "and yes, Amy's pressing charges, as too, are the RCMP if they collect enough evidence."

"Released!" Ty breathed, his voice shocked, "but he….. they released him!"

"yup, "Jack replied shortly, his temper just under the surface, "seems his mother managed to convince them to let her bail him out"

Jack seemed to not want to talk, his replies were short and sweet. Ty knew how much Amy meant to him, and how the thought of her being assaulted would rock Jack as much as it did him.

She was his little girl, and Jesse had now made a mortal enemy of Jack Bartlett. He had given him a free pass the first time at Amy's request, but this time, there was going to be words. And nothing was getting in his way.

Ty looked out the window in shock, Jesse had been right, his name did carry weight. It seemed the Stanton's could do whatever they wanted and even the local authorities towed the line. It was the first time Ty actually felt the way others may have felt about him and his free pass due to his mother's fame. He had never been held accountable for anything he did. It was swept under the carpet, hidden and expunged all to keep his mother's face. To save her name. This was how ordinary people viewed him. And for the first time in his almost 19 years, he hated what he and his privileged life stood for.

They pulled up at the house and Ty followed Jack into the kitchen, his steps metered and slow as he stepped up the porch.

When he went inside, Amy looked up, her eyes red and filled with tears as she quickly got up and ran over to him, wrapping her arms around him and holding him tight. Ty folded his arms around her, his head burying into her hair as he relished in her being so close to him. Ty needing her as much as she needed him.

After a while he stepped back, his hands on her face, his thumb running over her bruised cheek, concern in his eyes,

"are you ok?" he asked, his voice soft and low, his eyes searching hers. Jack hearing the young mans voice break as he inspected her for injuries. He needed to know she was ok, that he had saved her in time. The rest of it was irrelevant to Ty, the police, the press, his own injuries, none of it mattered as long as she was ok and untouched.

She nodded and pulled close to him again, her head on his chest as she felt his hand on her head.

"Look, it's been a long night, and I'm sure your both tired so I suggest you take the day to regroup, god knows I need too "Jack signed, "I'm going to take a nap and then well I've got an appointment to attend, and then well, your dad said he would come see you later this afternoon. "

"an appointment?" Lou inquired, hearing the coolness in her grandfather's tone,

"yes, an appointment" Jack replied, not willing to elaborate.

He looked at the two of them as they held onto each other, knowing that the likelihood of getting them to separate was next to impossible.

"Ty, you go get cleaned up, you look like a dog's breakfast, and watch that head, you heard the doc, he thinks your concussed"

Ty gave him a soft smile, and had to agree, he smelt like a jail cell, his shirt was ripped and torn around the collar, there were blood stains down his neck and across his jaw, and his hair around his ear was matted with dried blood. He looked as bad as he felt.

Lou smiled at him and touched Ty's shoulder, "thank you, you saved her, Amy is ok because of you"

Ty nodded, as he kissed Amy on the head, and stepped back, his head thumping still, causing him to reach out his hand to the door jamb to steady himself.

"are you ok?" Amy asked, seeing him wince as the jackhammer continued their chorus.

"Yup, I'm good, nothing a hot shower won't fix, "he gave her a fragile smile, knowing that he was playing it down. He hurt like hell, taking on three males all in the period of a half hour had really taken it out of him. And the pain in his head was thunderous, making him slightly disorientated.

"I'll get you both some breakfast, "Lou said, seeing Amy wasn't convinced, "Ty, I'll re-dress that hand for you when you come back from the shower ok, "

Ty smiled at Lou and then looked at Jack who was watching him warily, "I'm ok guys, really, I'm just tired, it's just a headache, I'm good, "

"You watch him, Lou, "Jack warned as he got his hat, "the doc said he needs to be kept an eye on,"

Lou nodded and saw Ty roll his eyes, appreciating the care they were showing but really not thinking it was necessary.

Ty showered while Amy got dressed, the hot water soothing him and making the aches and pains fade away. He wrapped himself in a towel and wiped the condensation off of the mirror in the bathroom, studying his rough face in the glass. The bruise on his cheek had deepened, the cut above his eye was smaller, the water washing away the blood and mess around it. He let his eyes wander down his torso, he had purple marks on his side's and kidney's, where Jesses fists had connected with him. He pressed them gingerly as he winced, they were superficial tissue damage but looked angry and made his skin sensitive to the touch.

A gentle knock at the door made him turn slightly, his head thumping yet again, his hands quickly grabbing the vanity top and steadying himself as the room lost focus. Ty stood still, as the knock sounded again, and waited for the room to come back to him, then opened the door a little way, seeing Amy looking at him with concern in her eyes.

"are you sure you're ok,?" she asked softly, seeing the dazed looked in his green eyes.

"Yeah, I'm good" Ty smiled back, opening the door a little further and letting her in.

Amy pushed the door closed softly, seeing Ty was only clad in a towel around his waist.

"I went to the loft and got you some clothes, "she said, handing him a clean pair of jeans, and a black tee, as well as a clean pair of boxers and socks.

He grinned and took them from her. His finger holding up the boxers as he spun them around slightly, "you been raiding my underwear drawer?"

She flushed her cheeks, the purple bruise turning a little darker as she did, "well, I didn't think you were the commando type,"

He grinned and stepped away, placing his hand on the vanity again as he gave himself some room.

Amy looked at him, the bruises and damage to his body on display, he was battered and showed the remnants of the altercations from the night before. Her lips rolling as she watched his muscles move and contort the purple marks on his sides.

"I'm so sorry Ty," she finally blurted out, her eyes still on him as he turned back to look at her, not understanding why she was apologizing again. Then becoming aware of her eyes on his naked torso.

"I'm fine Amy, it will heal, "he said softly, " it's not as bad as it looks, "

"but, it looks bad," she whispered.

He saw the pain in her eyes and came back to her, his arms sliding around her waist and giving her a gentle hug. "it will heal, and I 'd do it again in a heartbeat if it meant you were safe," he pulled her close letting her snuggle into his bare chest, as he kissed her head. Sucking comfort from her body pressed against his.

She looked up at him. Her eyes big and blue, wanting him to kiss her, wanting him to pull her close and never let her go. But he only pressed lips to her forehead again and held them there, his eyes shut as his arms tightened around her.

After a few moments, he pulled back, giving her a soft smile, and leaned against the vanity, "so you going to turn around or" he smiled,

Amy grinned and nodded, slowly turning towards the door, her eyes though still able to see him slightly as her peripheral vision caught the corner of the mirror.

Ty grabbed his clothes and started to pull them on, Amy keeping her eyes on the door, but secretly watching from the corner of her eye.

"so, Lou's making us breakfast," she said.

"I'm not that hungry, but …" he stopped, placing his hand on the counter again, as he pulled up his jeans. TY shut his eyes, his head thumping, the room once again losing focus.

Amy waited for a few seconds for him to finish his sentence but when he didn't she turned. Seeing him standing still, his eyes shut as he lent against his rigid arms.

"you're not ok are you!" she said quickly, coming to his side as he exhaled and opened his eyes again.

"its just a headache Amy, those idiots hit me a little too hard in the back of the head,"

Ty took a few deep breaths, trying to control the jackhammers in his brain, his eyes shut tight, As Amy put her arm around his body, slipping his arm over her shoulder.

"you need to lay down, "she said to him, seeing him nod in agreeance. As his hand fumbled to pull down his tee.

Amy let Ty lean on her as she walked him across the hallway, quickly opening her room as she felt him grab the doorframe and stop.

"Amy, no, "he said softly his eyes looking at her, "I can't, Jack will kill me"

"lay down! "she ordered, "you won't make it back to the loft-like this, Grandpa will understand, it's not like I'm in bed with you!"

Ty looked down at her, and then at the bed in her room, it did look inviting and his head was pounding so hard now the floor itself was looking like an option. He nodded and slowly walked forward, Amy guiding him to the bed where he sat down and laid back, his head rejoicing in the softness of her pillow as he shut his eyes.

"you rest, and I'll check on you in a little while," she said softly into his ear, seeing him nod and let a gentle breath escape his lips. He opened his eyes briefly, his hand touching hers as she sat beside him. Amys face his last thought as he shut down, the exhaustion and pain finally claiming him. As Amy stood up to leave she heard him mumble, making her turn once more and lean over him.

"Hey, what?" she said softly, trying to catch his words.

He moved his mouth again, his eyes closed, as his head fell softly to the side, "Amy….. I'm…. f…ine, I…just need,,, sleep…l …. .. Love you"

Amy froze, his last few words taking her completely by surprise, did she hear right, did he just say what she thought he said? Was that the medication talking, or the pain in his head?

Or did he actually mean he ….. she was too scared to think it, her smile unable to remain hidden as it ran across her lips. Did he actually say he loved her!

"thanks for coming Jack"

"Is he here?" Jack's tone was cold and matter of fact. He wasn't up for platitudes and pleasantries.

"Yes, But I think we should talk first, you know, just to get everyone on the same page" Val looked uneasy, her made-up face could tell Jack wasn't up for candor today. She motioned to a leather chair in the study, as she closed the door, keeping their meeting private from the rest of the Stanton house.

"Look, Jack, I know how you must be feeling, honestly, and …."

"I seriously doubt that Val, "Jack interjected, as he removed his hat and placed it on the table next to him. He rubbed his mustache. His face showing how deadly serious he was about this meeting of the family heads.

"Ok, Ok, I understand, things got a little out of hand last night, but it wasn't all one-sided Jack, I cant tell you how horrified I was to see my son, the Stanton heir behind bars, and all beaten like that, I …"

"that Stanton heir of yours crashed a party he wasn't invited too, and assaulted my Amy, "Jack said calmly, the words very clear as they rolled off his tongue, "I think that battered look was justified"

"Jack!, "Val gasped, "he's got a broken nose, a fractured cheekbone, and god knows what other injuries, I spent nearly all night at the private hospital in Calgary with him, "she leaned forward looking worried, "they say he may even scar permanently"

"Val, "Jack replied, his old eyes locking to his old counterpart. They had known each other for years. But there were limits even to his patients. "Your Son organized the assault and capture of a young man whos living with me….. he had beaten and locked up, held against his will…."

"there's no proof of that Jack! "Val interjected quickly, protecting her son, "and that Ty Borden assaulted my son, he nearly killed him!"

"Ty only did that to protect Amy, who I say again, was being physically assaulted, in front of all her party goers by your son!" Jacks voice had raised, "don't tell me you condone that Val!"

"Of course not!" Val said quietly, "no man has the right to do that to any woman, I'm not saying what he did was right, "

She looked away, knowing Jack had caught her.

"I warned you and your son last time Val when he thought it ok to manhandle her, that if he ever came near Amy again, he'd have to deal with me"

"come on Jack, you know I can't have you threaten my son, "Val said, her voice going cold now too,

"I'm not threatening him, Val, I'm letting you know where I stand, "

Silence fell between then both as they retreated verbally to their mutual corners.

"Look Jack, we have been friends for a long time, "Val started, "and I know we can work this out, without involving the police or the courts, this is just kids doing stupid things, we've been there, and I'm willing to work this out to see everyone get what they need to get through this"

Jack rubbed his mustache, his pale eyes looking at the Matriarch of the Stanton empire.

"the only thing that will happen here Val, is Jesse will feel the full consequence of his actions. "

Val's face turned stoic, seeing Jack wasn't going to budge,

"If Amy holds these charges against my son, Jesse will file against Ty, do you want that Jack? with his track record?" Val's heavily sculptured eyebrow raised her threat. Knowing Ty had a reputation for violence and acting out.

"The charges stand Val, "Jack said coolly, "Ty's prepared to wear any repercussions from his actions, "

"Jack!, I mean it, if Jesse goes down for this, so does your wonder boy" Val growled,

"This is Amy's call, but I'll be encouraging her to stand by the statement she gave. "Jack replied, getting up and picking up his hat, "I respect your trying to protect your family Val, but so am I. and the real victim here is a 16-year-old girl who was taken advantage of"

Val dropped her head, knowing how stubborn Jack could be. "I just don't want this to destroy my son Jack, a criminal conviction will finish him, his life, his career, I can't see that happen, what would people think if my son is convicted of …."

"attempted sexual assault, deprivation of liberty, assault and conspiracy to detain and subdue" Jack growled, his eyebrow now raised, "did I miss anything "

"Jack, please, get Amy to drop the charges, I'll make sure she will be suitably compensated," Val pleaded.

Jacks face contorted, as he opened his mouth, then shut it, then opened it again, perplexed with her offer to pay him and Amy off.

"compensated! the only compensation I want is for that git son of yours to pay for what he tied to do, "Jacks words sounded harsh, but Val felt the bite and finality in them as they hit her.

"Please, can you see if Amy is up to speaking to me, maybe we can sort it out, female to female, woman to woman," Val asked. Knowing this argument was going nowhere.

"You leave Amy alone, she's been through enough, "Jack warned, "I'll talk to her and tell her of your offer, but I'm not backing this, she has every right to seek justice against your son!"

"thank you, Jack, that's all I ask. "Val said softly, hoping she would have better luck with Amy than her grandfather.

Jack walked to the study door, then turned back, his face still dark and stormy. "Can I see him?"

Val looked pale, she was hoping to keep Jesse as far out of the negotiations as she could.

"I….. I… don't think that's a good idea, Jack, like you with Amy, I don't want him caught up in this,"

"I'll be civil, "Jack said calmly, " I just need a few minutes,"

Val considered it, and then nodded, motioning to the chair again as she headed for the door, "wait here, I'll go and get him"

"how's he doing?" Lou asked as she placed the breakfast on the table in front of Amy, the second plate in her hand for TY,

"I'm not sure Lou, he's got a really bad headache and I don't think he's being completely honest with us on how he feels, "Amy said softly, her eyes filled with concern.

"should I call the doctor, Grandpa said to watch him, he could have a concussion" Lou worried,

"I don't know, he's laying down at the moment, "Amy replied, seeing Lou's confused look as she hadn't seen Ty leave the house to go to the loft.

"he's in my room!" Amy explained,

"Amy! "Lou replied, her eyebrow raised, "you know Grandpa is due back at any moment"

"and I'm out here with you, so I don't see what the problem is!" Amy retorted, "he was feeling dizzy after his shower, so I let him use my bed, "

"Who's dizzy?"

The girls turned to see Tim step through the door, he came straight over to Amy and hugged her from behind. Kissing the top of her head, "are you ok? Jack told me what happened, you pressed charges right!"

Amy nodded, not wanting to think about it anymore,

"that Jesse Stanton, I knew he was no good., stuck up little reprobate!" Tim fumed, he tapped her gently on the head, Amy looking at Lou, her face resigned.

"let's just leave it, dad, Amy's ok, she's moving on, and we will leave the law to sort out Jesse and his issues. I'm more worried about Ty right now,"

"Ty?, "Tim asked, "he still in jail?, I thought Jack was sorting that,"

"No dad, he's here, he's laying down, but I think that blow he took to the head was harder than he's letting on" Amy explained,

Tim looked at his daughters, then looked out the window towards the barn. "the doc checked him out, right"

"Yes dad, Grandpa took him to the hospital before he brought him home, but,,,,,"

Lou explained,

"well, I'll go over and check him out then, see if he's ok, I wanna talk to him anyways," Tim said as he headed for the door.

Amy turned in her seat and stopped her father by grabbing his hand. "he's in my room Dad, and why do you need to talk to Ty?"

Tim looked at her, a sudden look of disapproval in his eyes.

"for goodness sakes, I'm out here, so,….. "Amy explained again, not seeing the issue with Ty sleeping in her room.

"Ok Ok, "Tim responded, heading towards the lounge, "I get it, it's all good"

Amy watched him disappear down the corridor, then heard him knock and go into her room, her eyes looking at Lou in questioning confusion.

"I don't know, maybe he wants to hear his side of what happened "Lou suggested,

The two sisters sat together waiting for Tim to give them his take on Ty's condition.

Val opened the study door and saw Jack get to his feet, as Jesse walked into the room behind his mother. The damage to his face evident in the morning light.

His eye was swollen shut, he had sterry strips down the edge of his brow and his nose, well what was left of it under the swelling was covered in a plaster.

He looked nothing like the young man with the perfect grin that stood to inherit the Briar Ridge fortune.

"Val, "Jack said softly, his tone cool but metered, "can you give us the room"

"I don't think that's the best idea, Jack," Val answered, looking at her battered son and then at the man who she secretly still had feelings for.

"Its ok mom, "Jesse said softly, his voice low, his good eye watching Jack as he sized him up.

"5 minutes, "Val compromised as she backed out of the room. Shutting the door behind her.

"Hey Ty, you awake?" Tim asked as he opened Amy's bedroom door, he looked in as Tys eyes flickered open, the unfamiliar voice pulling him back to consciousness.

"Um Yeah, "He said softly, the light in the room was low, Amy had shut the curtains, giving him some respite from the light that made his head thump harder.

He slowly sat up, his head reverbing again as he moved.

"you ok kid, you look a little… um … "Tim didn't know what to say, seeing Tys bruised face and raw knuckles.

"Im good, "Ty said softly, lifting himself up onto his elbows and pushing himself up against the bed head,

His heard hurt and his vision was blurred around the edges slightly. And there was an incessant buzzing radiating through his left ear.

"you don't look, good kid, "Tim said, noticing his pale skin and half-open eyes, "your head hurting "

Ty nodded slowly his hand running through his hair as he pressed his temple. The pain now getting the better of him.

"Did you want something, Tim?" Ty asked, trying to deflect the attention from his obvious discomfort.

"um yeah, I do, " Tim replied, walking slowly around the room, the dim light making him feel uncomfortable for some reason, he pulled back the curtain suddenly, then jumped when he heard Ty groan and cover his eyes, his head falling back into the pillows, trying to avoid the bright light.

"Sorry!, Sorry!" Tim stammered, shutting the curtains again. then coming around the front of Amy's bed and touching Ty's shoulder as he sat back up.

"son, you need to get that checked out, "he said, worry now in his eyes,

"what did you want from me Tim "Ty pushed, his head screaming now, he just wanted to sleep, and the sound of voices and talking was like sandpaper against his skull.

"Jack told me what you did, at the diner, at Maggie's, how you defended Amy and stopped that letch from …. Well you know, " Tim explained,

Ty nodded, his head now in his hands as he shut his eyes to the pain. His left ear ringing violently.

"I just wanted to … to thank you, for saving my girl, if you hadn't been there or done what you did, she could have been,,,.. um, well …. I just wanted to say thanks and shake your hand" Tim held out his hand to Ty who slowly looked up, his eyes radiating pain and saw the outstretched hand, he reached forward with his damaged hand and accepted the gesture, Tim shaking Ty's hand gently, seeing the cut and raw knuckles, evidence of his fist fight with Jesse and the other boys.

Ty felt a warmth inside of him that he hadn't felt before, it was similar to the one he got when Jack stood by his side and offered him a place to stay. Tim Fleming was a hard man to get to know, he had not shown Ty the most welcoming acceptance since he had arrived, he actually had kept his distance most of the time. Choosing to just not be involved in the sideshow life that was Ty Borden. He had voiced his concern for Amy when he realized Ty and her were getting closer. But apart from that. He hadn't really engaged. But now, he sat in front of him. Hand extended offering him a debt of gratitude for keeping his daughter safe. Ty felt humbled, the look in Tims' eyes one of appreciation and genuine care. These were not feelings Ty was used to receiving from others.

"you rest kid, "Tim finally said, seeing Ty was struggling, and let him slide back down into the softness of the bed, his head instantly appreciating the comfort the linen and support the pillows gave him.

Tim walked to the door, seeing Tys eyes flicker shut, as his hand fell across his chest, his body once again giving in. Once he was out of the room he quickly walked to the kitchen.

"call the Doc Lou, "Tim instructed, seeing Amy and Lou stand up and look at him with concern, "that kid is not well, and after what he's done for us, for Amy, he needs us to look after him now"

"I know what you're going to say, Mr. Bartlett, "Jesse started, keeping the leather chairs between himself and Jack as they stared each other down,

"I seriously doubt that son" Jack replied, his voice low and full of intent.

"ok ok, your mad, I get that, But in all fairness sir, I'm the one who's been wronged here, "Jesse retorted, "look at me Mr. Bartlett, This is going to take weeks of plastic surgery to fix, "

Jacks scowl increased, "your injuries are not my concern son." he said coolly, "consequences of a bad decision I'd say"

Jesse wiped his lip with a cloth, his talking making his split lip bleed again.

"I'm pressing charges you know," Jesse snarled, "that shit is going to pay for this"

"that's your call, "Jack replied, as he slowly walked around the leather chair, his six-foot stature now directly in front of Jesse, dwarfing him.

"you can't intimidate me old man" Jesse continued, the quaver in his voice making his words less powerful. Jack took another step forward, his large hand taking hold of Jesse's woolen cardigan, and holding him still, the contact was calm and metered, but the threat was very much alive.

"I told your mother the last time you decided to manhandle Amy, that if you even thought about touching my granddaughter again I would be left no alternative but to teach you the meaning behind the word cowboys justice. "

Jesse shook before the legend of the rodeo as he tightened his grip on his chest and lifted him onto his tippy toes. His face now inches from the eyes that bored into his very soul.

"Ja….ck, !" Val said shakily as she came through the door, seeing her song dangling from the old cowboy's grip. Looking like a caught trout on the end of a fly line.

"let me make this very clear young man, "Jack growled, his voice a low rumble, his eyes locked to Jesse's as the younger lost contact with the mahogany floorboards. "touch a single hair on my granddaughters head again and your face will not be the only thing that will need reconstructive surgery. "

Jesse shook, the threat in Jacks tone rocking him to the core. "ok, I….I"

"I mean it, "Jack snarled, his lip curling under his mustache, "this is your first and last warning son. If you ever come sniffing around her again like the mongrel you are, I'll show you how talented I can be with a sharp gelding knife, you catch my drift, "he paused, letting his words hit home. "don't test me, kid, I won't have this conversation with you again" , And With that he pressed his other hand roughly into the soft fleshy part of Jesse's abdomen, just under his rib cage, Making Jeese exhail roughly and splutter as the hair was forced out of his lungs.

Val watched as Jack released his hold on her son after a few minutes. Jesse stumbling to the ground again as his feet came back in contact with the floor. Gasping for breath as his lungs suddenly filled again. Jack gave him a cool smile and smoothed out his woolen cardigan and tapped him firmly on the chest, before he turned, put his hat back on his head, tipped it to Val who stood in shock near the door as he left the Stanton Study, an eerie silence filling the room behind him in his wake.

The local GP. Doctor West, came out of Amy's room as Jack came back through the mudroom door, he looked at Amy, Lou, and Tim with concern, seeing the doctor, bag in hand.

"Jack, "Doctor West said, smiling at him as he motioned to the lounge area, "can we all come and take a seat, "

They all followed him to the lounge and sat down, concern in on their faces.

"ok, I'm glad you called, "Doctor West said, Tim, giving a nod of agreement, knowing that was his call that had brought the doctor out to them.

"is he ok?" Amy asked, her voice a shaky whisper. Jack looking at her, seeing the concern in her eyes and feeling it too.

"I've examined Ty and I will need an x-ray to confirm my diagnosis, but I think he is suffering from temporal bone damage as a result of the blunt force trauma he experienced last night. "Doctor West looked at them all, seeing the confusion and concern in their eyes.

"look, I don't think it's more than a hairline fracture, as there's no leakage of CSF from the ear or the nose and although there are signs of 'Battles sign' behind his left ear. There's also the headache and the ringing in his ear, the dizziness."

"what is Battles sign?" Amy asked, her hand seeking out Lou's for comfort.

"mastoid ecchymosis is an indication of a possible fracture or damage of middle cranial fossa of the skull and may suggest underlying brain trauma. It's usually a result of blunt force trauma. The x-ray will tell us more, although, as I said, I don't think its severe, he still has full sensation in his facial nerves, and he's not suffering from vertigo or hearing loss. So that's a good sign"

"so, do we take him to the hospital?" Jack asked, feeling a little guilty now that he allowed Ty to leave Cross Bow even though the doctors advised him not too.

"I've made an appointment for him at Crossbow this afternoon for the x-ray, If one of you could take him that would be great," The doctor concluded,

"of course, "Lou said seeing Amy nod and Jack also agree.

"I'll leave you some drugs that will reduce the swelling and counteract the dizziness and the ringing in his ear, "West said as he wrote some instructions s on his notepad, "give it a few days bed rest and he should be good to go"

"so it's not serious, "Lou asked,

"well, not serious as in needing hospital or surgery, but it still requires Ty to remain in bed for at least 48 hours until the swelling subsides. "they all looked at the doctor as he explained, "Ty needs strict bed rest, and monitoring, if he walks around or is too active, the damage may get worse, causing a more severe fracture."

They all listened to Doctor West and thanked him for coming. The doctor advising that due to Ty's public status and the incident that occurred last time he visited the clinic, he would do another house call, at the end of the week, giving him the privacy, he deserved and required.

He left with the family all discussing Ty's care and how to manage his recovery. None of them noticing as Ty slowly walked out of the bedroom. His hand on the wall, as he used it as support.

The seriousness of the interactions between them and the mention of his name making him curious as to what the discussion was about and how it seemed to be centered around decisions affecting him personally. His eyes were still a little fuzzy, and his head thundered making him squint slightly with the pain, the ringing in his ear making him press his fingers to it in an attempt to silence the noise.

"so, do I get a say in any of this? Since all these decisions your making seem to be about me or for me?" He said slowly, making them all suddenly turn to him and realize he was standing near the attic stairs, his body against the wall.

"Ty!" Amy exclaimed quickly coming over to him and sliding her arm around his waist "you shouldn't be up, the doctor said that…."

"I'm fine ok, "he said, his tone tired and feeling a little overwhelmed. He wasn't comfortable with people making decisions for him. Ty was fiercely independent, he had had to be since he was a child. Not having people to rely on or back him had made him grow up fast and face the world alone. This concern and care, although nice and appreciated, felt threatening to him. He had been so used to dealing with things on his own that this outburst of support, with people willing to go out of their way for him, was making him feel like he was losing control. And that feeling terrified him.

"Ty, "Jack said softly, coming over to him, seeing the look in his glazed eyes, "the doc wants you to have an x-ray, I can take you in this afternoon of your up to it if that's ok by you "

Ty nodded, appreciating Jack asking him, giving him back some of his dignity and control

"Thank you, "

"But for now, you should be laying down, you don't want to make this condition any worse." Lou went to say something, but Jack raised his hand, Amy also biting her tongue. She could see that Jack was Intune with Ty and had tapped into whatever it was that was upsetting him. So she allowed him to handle it. Ty's health was more important to her than her need to be the one who understood him at that moment.

"Jack, "Ty said softly, as he gently released himself from Amy's hold, supporting himself yet again against the wall, He gave her a gentle smile and touched her cheek, "can you help me back to the loft, "

Jack nodded and walked beside a slow-moving Ty, once again raising his hand to Lou and to Amy as they went to protest. Jack shook his head, silencing them as he guided Ty through the kitchen and out the mudroom, door.

Amy watched them go, wanting to run after them and be by Ty's side, show him her support. But she could see, at that moment, it wasn't needed. She learned something that day about Ty and how he lived his life. That independence he had, that primal need to do things for himself, make his own decisions, was what made him strong, it was his drive, his way of surviving. it was the essence of who he was and having that taken away, making that choice no longer his to control in his own life, scared the hell out of him.

The afternoon saw Jack take Ty to the hospital where the x-ray confirmed Doctor West's diagnosis, they returned to Heartland with some new painkillers and anti-inflammatories and after a slow walk up the loft stairs, Jack left him to rest, back in his own bed in the loft.

Jack came back inside the house, to an anxious Lou and Amy who came up to him in a hurried rush of questions as soon as he walked in the door.

"he's fine!" Jack said with a tired expression, "he's laying down, he's had his meds, "

Amy looked at the door, But Jack placed his hand on her shoulder, slowing her thoughts.

"let him be, He's fine, there's no need to fuss over him ok, "Jack gave her a smile and pointed to the kitchen table "you can go over later and take him his dinner, "

Amy nodded, and Lou put three coffee cups on the table.

"I have something to talk to you about anyways so sit, have some coffee and let this old cowboy take a few moments from a rather stressful day"

Amy sat down at the table as did Lou, both curious as to what Jack had to say. Tim had long since returned to big river, giving them the house to themselves as Lisa was still at Fairfield sorting out some business issues.

"What's wrong Grandpa?" Lou asked, watching Jack take a sip of his coffee.

"Nothing's wrong, "Jack replied, "I just need to share with you what happened when I met with Val and Jesse today"

"you did what!" Amy said, her mouth remaining open, "why grandpa, I ….I…."

"shush now, "Jack replied, his tone a little strained, "Val called me and asked to meet, so I agreed, "

"what did she want?" Lou asked.

"she wanted me to get you to drop the charges against Jesse, "Jack said gently, seeing Amy's face flush.

"No Grandpa, I can't, he … he " she was a little perplexed that her grandfather would even entertain the idea.

"I know, I know, I told her as much, and I agree with you, "He said, as he rubbed his mustache, Amy could see he was holding something back.

"that's not all she said is it ?" Amy pushed

Jack signed, and shook his head, as he took another sip of his coffee, "I saw Jesse, well, what's left of Jesse, I have to say he's a bit of a mess, and he won't be bothering you again "

"and? " Amy said,

"Look, Amy, I don't agree with this, but I think you should be aware, they are planning to press charges against Ty as well, "

"he didn't do anything wrong, Grandpa!" Amy almost yelled, "he saved me"

"I know Amy, but this is what we are facing now, Jesse will only hold the charges against Ty, if…. You …."

Amy's' face went white, realizing what they were asking of her, "If I drop mine, " she looked at her grandfather who twisted his lip in annoyance, Lou also looking worried as she placed her hand on her forehead in concern. "so, your saying that to save Ty, I have to let Jesse go free. "

Lou signed and squeezed her hand, trying to give her support.

"Grandpa, that's not fair! he deserves to be charged for what he did!" Lou replied.

"I never said this was fair, "Jack replied, His eyes looking at Amy as she stared into the distance. His words still reverbing around her head.

"I told her it was your decision, but I don't think Ty will be ok with us pulling the charges just to save him either, he's got a good lawyer, supplied by his mother, they haven't charged him as of yet, and well, like you said, he was defending you, so they probably don't even have a case against him " he took a long breath and touched Amy on the shoulder, "I can't tell you what to do, but maybe discuss it with Ty, and go from there, "

Amy nodded, feeling sick in the stomach, this was not a decision she wanted to make at all. Jesse had violated her personal space twice. The first time she had chosen to let it go and simply move on. But this time. He was filled with malice. It was colder and more calculated, not just a drunken mistake. He needed to be held accountable. He needed to understand that he couldn't simply take what he wanted. Without consequence or reprimand.

Amy prided herself on being strong, she didn't want to be a victim. She wanted to stand up and be the girl who said that this kind of behavior was not ok.

To simply back down now, would mean what he did to her, was ok, was not significant enough to warrant outcry. And Amy knew Ty wouldn't allow her to make such a sacrifice simply to save him. She decided to talk to him about it once he was feeling better. But her mind, in its self-was made up. Jesse Stanton was never going to make her feel so vulnerable and violated ever again. He would pay for his actions and Amy was determined to see that he did.

to be continued