Chapter 51
"this has to be some kind of a mistake!" Jack blustered, he was now on his feet, Lisa taking his arm, trying to settle him. "You! You ….."
"I assure you, Mr. Bartlett, there is no mistake, I am Bradley Borden's, son, "
"And you have proof of this!" Lisa cut in, her eyes flickering from the interloper and then back to Eric.
"Yes, he has a registered birth certificate, listing Bradley J Borden as his father, trust me please, I have checked out his credentials, he is who he says he is."
"This is ridiculous! "Jack growled, his large hand rubbing his mustache in shock and confusion. "You! You are the reason that Ty is… and now you stand here and claim to be his…." He couldn't even put the words together, the reality of what was being presented to him was making his own consciousness spin.
"Yes, Tyler is my brother, "the man replied, as he walked slowly around the room and stood behind the chairs in front of them, His eyes cool and calculating, "well, half-brother,"
"you played him, you played all of us! all this time you've been sitting back, keeping the truth at bay. Waiting to waltz in here at the last moment and make your move! I knew it! I knew there was something fishy going on here, and now here you are, in all your polished showboat glory "
"I'm sorry Mr. Bartlett, Jack, may I call you Jack, but I needed to make sure that when I revealed myself, it would be for the betterment of all, "The man gave a soft smile, as his hands flexed together as they laced across the front of his jacket.
"The betterment of ALL!" Jack threw back, "you lied! you deceived! you pretended to be someone you're not! "He looked away, his old eyes falling onto Lisa who also looked shell-shocked. "How is that the betterment of all!
The tall thin statured man took a breath, his dark eyes now calming and taking Jack in their ambivalent gaze. "I did not lie, I simply used one of my many business aliases when I introduced myself to you and your family. As I said, I needed to make sure that …"
"cut the bull ok! "Jack turned away, anger now in his eyes as he centered himself, he was furious for not seeing through the charade earlier. Maybe if he had, he could have stopped it. "you lied! end of, story, you said you were one person and you turned out to be someone else!"
"I can see why my subterfuge may be seen as misrepresentation. I introduced myself to you as …."
"your subti…. Misrepresentation! just stop ok, you lied Creswell, there's not high-end fancy vocabulary that changes that fact. You Ian Creswell, or Tallon Kei whoever you are a bold-faced liar!"
Lisa put her hand to her mouth, Jacks words flying around the room and echoing off the mahogany wall runners. There was an eerie silence, all holding their place as the realization of what had been divulged truly came to light. Thomas looked down, not wanting to give away his already clear understanding of the events that were unfolding. He was still very much under the radar, and he wanted to keep it that way. Jacks mind was reeling, Ian Creswell was Tallon Kie Ling Moyoto, Kyai's son, and Ty's so far unknown half-brother.
"Mr. Bartlett, I can see this is hard for you to understand, being that you are so close to my sibling. It seems all of your family have taken him into their hearts. Which I, now that I've got to know him, appreciate deeply "He gave Jack the most pliable and condescending smile, his smoothness dripping off of his perfectly polished teeth. "Tyler is very fortunate to have all of you, "
"You stay away from him, you hear me, "Jack warned, "he's been through enough already at your hands"
"Jack, "Thomas cut in suddenly, "what are you implying, are you saying that Mr. Cres., Mr. Ling Moyoto is somehow responsible for Ty's sudden disappearance!"
"Too right that's what Im saying! You, whoever the hell you are, …. nearly killed him!" Jack snarled, his hand now thumping the table, "this was all your doing wasn't it! just to get your hands-on Brads money"
Tallon's eyes turned dark, they looked blacker than indigo ink as he steeled his gaze at the old cowboy. He had not expected such a confrontation, Jack obvious protectiveness towards Ty and his family taking the normally stoic businessman by surprise.
"I have no idea what Mr. Bartlett is referring too, Tyler and I met briefly at the party. That was the one and only time I had a chance to interact with my younger brother." he turned slowly, his black hair shining under the fluorescent lights. "I don't appreciate being threatened either sir, and I do hope you remember that I am here to see that the family name of Borden is not lost by Tys refusal to commit."
"I'll tell you what I don't appreciate!" Jack lunged forward, Lisa's hand on his chest as she quickly stood up between them the only thing keeping Jack from engulfing the much smaller and slight male.
Tallon didn't flinch, heck, he didn't even move, he stood his ground, his dark eyes filled with satisfied illuminance.
"Mr. Bartlett, I am going to have to ask you to leave if you can't control your temper," Eric said quickly. "we have business to conclude here and I will have no qualms in having you removed if you continue on this path,"
Lisa tapped Jacks chest, giving him a warning glace, her blue eyes telling him to calm down, losing his cool now was not going to benefit anyone. They needed to be in that room. And if he kept up with his aggressive attention, all be if they were warranted, Lisa knew that it was only a matter of time before they were escorted away.
"I'm sorry gentlemen, can I possibly ask for a five-minute recess here, so everyone can calm down and then we can proceed" she smiled at Eric, and then the other two men, who gave her curt but accepting responses.
"I…Lisa, its 10 past three, Ty is not here, so I really feel we need to progress and sign Tallon in as…." Eric cut in quickly.
"No, please, let's take five, as the lovely lady has asked, I do not want any ill blood between me and my brother. We will give him five more minutes, "Tallon smiled at Jack and Lisa, the sentiment filled with an underlying coolness. "Maybe you could call him, see what the holdup is"
Jack gruffed at the thin well-dressed man, Lisa's hand still firmly on his chest. Patting him gently as she guided him towards the door.
"Very well, we will recess for 5 minutes, "Eric said, as he got to his feet and exited through a side door. He also looked flustered, not realizing a simple inheritance sign over was going to be riddled with so much drama and aggression.
Tallon gave them all an acknowledging nod and exited through the main doors, his hand moving to his suit pocket as he stepped out into the foyer.
Jack rubbed his face, Lisa looking at Thomas who also stood up and left the room, heading for the washroom.
"what the hell Lisa!" Jack whispered, his voice strained, "it was him all along! He's behind all of this, the kidnapping, Wade! who knows what else"
"I know Jack, but we can't prove any of that right now, we can't stall this for much longer, where is Ty!"
"who knows, Amy told me he would be here!" Jack pulled his phone from his pocket, his fat fingers smashing the screen in agitation. Lisa watching in worried disbelief at how wound up he was and pulling it from his fingers.
She hit a few buttons and the pressed it to her ear, waiting for the line to pick up.
"Amy!"
"Yes, Um Lisa? Is that you?"
"Yes, it's me, where are you?"
"I'm here, well, Im sort of here, I'm parking, why where are you?" Amy looked confused, she pulled her dads Truck into the bay at the rear of the building, turning off the key and looking around, making sure no one was paying attention to her. She had pulled her hair up under her hat and changed her top into a dark long sleeve tee, one her father had left in the truck at her request.
"we are in the office with Eric, "Lisa took a breath, her voice giving away her worries,
"Lisa, what's wrong? "Amy asked, her eyes falling to the clock on her dashboard, "where is TY? He should be there by now?"
"well, he's not, and we have some major issues here Amy "Lisa didn't know whether she should tell her what was unfolding or not. Jack looked ready to kill someone, Ty was still MIA and well, Lisa, was now at her wit's end.
"He's not there! Caleb was ahead of me!" Amy looked around the carpark, looking flustered as her eyes hit the clock again, the time reading 3:15 pm "where the hell is,,,,,,"
Her phone chimed, making her pull it from her ear, seeing Caleb was trying to call her, "Um Lisa, I got to go, stall them ok, I'll get him there I promise you"
"Amy, listen to me, we have a problem" Lisa's finally said,
"I can't talk now, tell me later ok, I can only handle one problem at a time right now, "Amy hung up on her step-grandmother before Lisa could say another word. Her finger hitting the button on her phone again and pressing it quickly to her ear.
"Caleb! Where are YOU!" she almost yelled,
"Amy, thank god, "Caleb replied, "My phone is almost dead, we have a slight issue, um…."
"what! where is Ty! he's supposed to be in that meeting! what the hell are you doing!" Amy yelled down the phone, her panic now taking over,
"I'm, well we are here, but ….um, you see, well, "he stammered, standing out next to his truck, his hand running through his soft blonde curly hair.
"Caleb! "Amy almost screamed at him as she jumped out of her father truck and looked around frantically. Trying to locate them in the parking lot. "I can't …. I don't see you"
"We are parked in the ally at the side of the building, down near the dumpsters, I thought it best to not be out in the open, you know, in case he was recognized. "Caleb explained.
"Ok, so…. What's wrong, get inside, now, we are almost out of time" she ordered,
"I would Amy, trust me I would be happy too, but well, that's the problem, "he stopped looking back at the truck. Not knowing what to do,
"Caleb, for the love of god, what is wrong!" Amy was running through the parking lot now, swerving between parked cars as she headed for the side lane. "get Ty inside NOW!"
"that's just it Amy, I can't, "he said flatly, knowing she was going to yell at him again, secretly praying his phone's battery would pass out and cut her off.
"why!"
"because to do that, I have to get him out of the truck, and "he stopped and shut his eyes, "I can't do that because he's locked himself inside"
"What! "Amy's heart was racing now as she bolted around the corner of the building and looked down the laneway, Caleb seeing her and waving as she ran towards him. He stood at the rear of the truck, looking flabbergasted and defeated, Amy skidding to a stop beside him.
Caleb pocketed his phone and rubbed his face, dropping his voice and looking nervously at the rear window of the cabin.
"I got out and he locked the doors ok, I can't get him to open them or let me back in. He won't talk to me and he's…."
Amy's' eyes went to the truck, not understanding what had gone wrong, why had Ty all of a sudden decided to do this, shut himself off and not refuse their help. It made no sense at all.
"what happened while you were on the road? Did you have a fight or something "she asked?
"NO, that's just it Amy, we didn't talk at all, he shut me off, he just stared out the window." Caleb didn't know what else to say, he felt responsible, but had no idea how to fix it.
Amy pursed her lips, and looked at the truck, she had under five minutes to get him up those stairs and into that office. This was not the time for deep and meaningful or slow negotiations. This was hardball time.
"wait here, "Amy said, "as soon as I get him to release that lock, you get your butt to that door and …"
Caleb nodded, looking at the service door the building that was only a few meters away "I got an idea ok, you get him out and I'll do the rest"
Amy calmed herself, straightened her shirt, and readjusted her hat, she took a few deep breaths and found herself bouncing on her heels a few times, her grin filling her eyes as she realized she was doing the very same thing Ty did when he was psyching himself up for something.
She walked towards the passenger's window and tapped it with her knuckle. Seeing Ty's body facing away from the door, his shoulders hunched slightly as his arms were tight around his chest.
"Fuck off Caleb" he growled, "I'm not going anywhere until I see Amy is ok"
Amy knocked again, this time with a bit more force and speed, making his head turn around to growl at Caleb again. His eyes suddenly changing from anger to relief as he met with hers.
"Ty Open the door, "she said coolly.
He looked at her, his body turning in the seat, the relief turning back to sulky anger again as he recalled how she had tricked him into Caleb's truck. Amy saw the change and knew how much he hated being controlled. She had tricked him and kept her plans from him. She knew him too well to think he wouldn't resent that kind of manipulation, especially from her. Someone he trusted.
"please, TY, open the door, "she called again, "I will explain everything ok, but I need you to get out of the truck now"
He looked away briefly, considering his options. He was hurting again; the pain medication was wearing off and so to were the nausea drugs. His stomach was in knots and he felt horrid. The illness playing on his last reserves and making him unreasonable. All he wanted was to run, to get away and just make it all go away. It was his usual solution to everything. But he knew he wasn't strong enough to pull it off this time. Not on his own. So, locking the doors, distancing himself from everything and everyone was the best he could manage. And Until Amy turned up, it had been working out rather well.
"Ty, "she called again. "I understand ok, your pissed, but we don't have time for this right now, just open the door and talk to me. Please!"
Ty's hand slowly hit the button on the door, releasing the lock, Amy sighed with relief and quickly pulled the door open, seeing him look away from her, his arms wrapped around his torso.
"thank you," she said softly, her hand touching his cheek near his ear, which he pulled away from. "Im sorry ok, I …."
"I …. don't…. want…..to…..he…ar..it," he said in a low voice, "you…played me"
Amy chewed her lip, seeing this wasn't going to be as easy as a simple 'Im sorry, let's get moving hey, ' She touched his arm, pulling his eyes to hers.
"Yes, I played you, I set up my swap over plan without telling you anything about it, and that was wrong, I should have told you what I was planning so you wouldn't have spent the last half hour worrying about me and my possible run in with Wade, " she stopped, seeing his eyes come up to meet her, "a run in, that didn't happen by the way, because I switched trucks with my dad and sent him off on the scenic road tour around Calgary, "
"Tim's got…my….. ?"
"Yes, and if Wade is tracing it, he's going to get the shock of his life when he finally tracks it down, "she gave him a triumphant smile, proud of her subterfuge.
"you…sh…ould…of told me" he said sulkily,
"yes, I probably should have, and you can yell at me for that later, but right now Ty, you need to get on your feet and up to that office, otherwise everything we have all done today and in the last few days to bring you home, will have been for nothing "
Ty swallowed, and Amy watched as he slowly slid his leg out of the truck. Relief filling her heart as she looked back at Caleb who instantly came running over to the door of the truck.
Tys eyes met his friends and looked remorseful, knowing he had acted like a child, "s..orry m..an"
"no worries brother let's just get this done, hey"
"ok, it is now twenty past three, and I am sorry Jack and Lisa, but I will not hold these proceedings any longer, can we all take our seats now, and make this official, "Eric motioned to them all to sit down, which they all did, Thomas looking wary but secretly elated, Tallon, stoic as usual, but also holding an air of satisfaction about him. And Jack and Lisa, their faces now resigned to taking a losing blow.
"do not worry Mr. Bartlett, "Tallon said softly, his smile like that of an Egyptian cobra. "I will not see my brother destitute, Im sure, we at Lucky will be there for him, I will look after him, he is after all blood."
Jack's mouth twitched, his fists clenched, But Lisa again tapped his arm reminding him that this was not the time or place.
Tallon's phone beeped, to which he pulled it from his pocket and checked the screen. His lip twitching slightly at the text he received.
"let's get this underway, "he said quickly, his eyes now sparkling as he looked towards Eric and his pile of documentation.
"very well, At 3:23 pm on Monday the…."
"come on Brother, just a few more and we are there" Caleb breathed as he bodily carried Ty up the staff access stairs. Amy behind him, her hand in the middle of Tys back as they helped him climb step after step. Caleb pushed open the stairwell door that had a large one on it and pulled Ty out into the main foyer of the legal building, Amy ran over to the board and read the directory,
"5th Floor" she called back and headed for the elevators at the far side of the expanse. She hit the up arrow as Caleb walked Ty over to the doors. He looked pale and exhausted from the three set of stairs that they had climbed from the basement level.
Amy touched his cheek, seeing him give her a soft, achy smile, as the Elevators doors chimed and opened up.
Amy and Caleb surrounded him, letting him put an arm over each of them as they pulled him inside. His breathing now a little ragged but still clearer than it had been that morning, the antibiotics holding their own.
Amys' finger hit the button illuminating a big yellow five and took a quick breath, the doors closing on the trio as it ascended.
Tim pulled the wrangler up into the Wall Mart parking lot, he yawned, and drove down every aisle, taking his time, not in any particular hurry. He did this twice, tracing the entire parking lot and then exiting onto one of Calgary's many suburban streets. Calgary was a large city, and he drove along as many of the major streets and roads that he could. He was stalling, and his eyes stayed on the clock, it was now 3 pm and he needed to stay visible. He pulled up in front of a diner, feeling a little peckish, his eyes on the street around him. He killed the engine and opened the door. His hand adjusting his hat as he walked casually across to the fooderie and opened the glass door.
"so, tell me you got what I need,"
"you can't keep asking for favors like this ok, you're going to get me fired"
"shut up Syd, and tell me where it is,"
"ok, ok, that wrangler, the one you asked after, it's currently meter parked on 2008 33rd Avenue. Near Belmont Diner. "
"now that wasn't hard was it"
Wade slammed down the phone, and jumped back into his car, hitting the accelerator and squealing back onto the main road.
Tim finished his coffee and his buttermilk pancakes, he had to admit, they were pretty good, not as good as Maggie's, but definitely up there, He paid the waitress, gave her a friendly smile, making a comment about green being her color and that the uniform she wore brought out the color of her eyes. He chuckled to himself as he put the small piece of paper with the words Candy and a phone number scribbled on it into his pocket. Happy in the thought, that even at his maturing age he still had it.
As he headed out the door, his boot falls slowed, his eyes on a rather stocky man who seemed to be looking through the front window of the wrangler. His hair was slicked back, he looked slightly annoyed, his hand leaning on the door frame as he scanned the surrounding street.
"can I help you?" Tim asked, coming up behind him and making the man jump slightly. He knew who he was, there was only one guy that would be that interested in Ty's wrangler. And as Amy had predicted, he had managed to tail it down to the end.
"no, no, it's all good, I was just looking for…," Wade replied, backing away, a smile of slight admiration towards Amy and her double play.
"Ty? you looking for Ty? "Tim pushed, seeing Wade's eyes narrow slightly, now watching Tim even more closely.
"I don't know who you're talking about man, "
"really? You're going to play dumb, is that the best you got?" Tim came closer to him, knowing he was safe as there were people everywhere, busily going about their afternoon activities. "come on Wade, you can do better than that,"
Wade shook his head and chuckled to himself, "well well, so your one of the crew I take it, I have to admit, that girl, she's got moxy, wouldn't have thought she'd play this hard"
Tim raised his eyebrow, showing Wade his contempt "she will outplay you every time, "
Wade nodded, as he walked away from the truck, his eyes taking on a cooler persona, "thing is though, I ain't playing, and neither is the guy I'm working for, "
It was Tim's turn now to drop his bravado and smile, his eyes burning into the smaller and stockier man before him.
"That's a shame, "he said, as he walked up to Wade, Tim now standing before him, the sidewalk and its patrons their only resolve. His hands straightening Wade's collar. "because if you're not playing, you're not in the game, and if you're not in the game, you CAN'T WIN" he lent forward and grabbed the door handle, making Wade step back, losing his ground and position. A symbolic power play that showed the weakness in one.
"nice talking to ya, "Tim finally said, as Wade curled his lip, straightened his now ruffled jacket and walked away.
Under active clause 21, Due to the nonattendance of prospective lead beneficiary Tyler James Borden as documented in the last will and testament of Bradley James Borden, I hereby declare that his claim to title over the estate and titles under the name of Lucky Quarters Holdings and subsidiaries inclusive of all personal and business funds held by B. Borden, excluding the Borden trust be forf…."
Tallon's eyes gleamed waiting for the words to spill into the air, Eric reading from the document of forfeiture. The group suddenly jumping as the large oak door flew open and a rather breathless and exhausted trio burst into the room.
"Wait!" Amy yelled quickly, seeing Thomas and to her knowledge, Creswell, turn around abruptly, their eyes wide with disbelief as TY lifted his head and took a shaky breath, his face etched with pain.
"Oh, my lord" Lisa gasped, as she jumped to her feet and ran over to them, her hands clasping Tys pale face and pulling him to her, "you're here, thank god, and in the nick of time"
Ty coughed slightly, his arms sliding around her as his head rested on her shoulder, he mouths open as he tried to regain his breath. He shut his eyes, Lisa's arms around him making him feel safe. His bond to Lisa had grown since he had been working with her, she was someone the young Borden looked up to, and admired, she was always made him feel like he could achieve anything, her faith in him and her support had been a guiding light that he had never had in his life before he met her. She was, like Jack, someone he held dear, someone who he considered to be the essence of what a real mother would have been like if he had been given the chance to have one.
"you can hold that pen right there now Eric, "Jack said quickly, unable to hide the smile on his lips as Eric put the pen down.
"Im sorry, but these proceedings are already underway, the papers have been tabled, I fear, young Mr. Borden, is a tad too late, "Tallon smiled, he kept his eyes from Ty, who as of yet hadn't looked up from Lisa's shoulder.
"now hang on a goddam …" Jack started, but Eric lifted his hand to silence him "Yes, the papers have been tabled, but they are not yet notarized, so, in my capacity as the executor of Bradley James Borden's will and testament, I am at liberty to once again table the original documents, being that, Tyler James Borden officially chosen, and announced heir to Bradley James Borden be signed in as sole beneficiary to Lucky Quarters Holdings and subsidiaries. Taking effect as of 3:31 pm on Monday the …"
He looked up at Ty who had now wrapped his arms yet again round Amy and moved towards the table, Tallon lacing his fingers together slowly, and not looking up at his younger sibling, his expression was still, almost stony as he watched Eric lay another document on the table before Ty and hand him a gold pen.
"you just need to sign your acceptance on this page and then again on the business handover documentation. And then my boy, what was Brads, is then yours. "he gave Ty a gentle smile, and offered the pen again, seeing Tys tired but engaged eyes look around the room slowly, taking in the inhabitants and their expressions.
"Ty, "Amy whispered, "this is your decision, I will back whatever you decide, all I ever wanted was for you to have the right to choose "
She looked at him, seeing the slight trace of uncertainty in his eyes, Ty knew, once his name was embedded on that parchment, life as he knew it would change, that fear was holding him now. He wanted to do his father proud but at what cost. What was he going to give up achieving that pride?
"I'm by your side no matter what "Amy breathed into his ear, "you and me forever, "
He nodded and pressed his head ever so gently against hers as he took the pen from Eric's hand and lowered his shoulder his hand resting on the papers before him.
"think carefully my boy, what you do next, is the catalyst of what is to come, "Creswell spoke softly but with purpose, his dark eyes catching Tys for the first time. The connection between them, sucking the air from the room.
Ty held the gaze, not understanding the power her felt flow between them, there was something about this man that he couldn't quite pin. His lineage at this time unknown to the green-eyed sibling.
He took a breath, and pressed the pen to the paper, his hand moving effortlessly across the page, leaving an elegant yet edgy signature ink.
Once done, Eric flipped the pages and pointed to another line, where Ty once again penned his acceptance. Putting the pen down and standing back, up, his hand moving to his chest as he let his eyes fall onto his love, who still stood by his side.
"game on" He whispered, and kissed her cheek, Amy's reassuring smile fading as the color drained from his face and his eyes rolled back and all went dark.
Ty awoke, two days later at Cross Bow medical center. Once again hooked up to monitors and Iv lines, his jaunt across the country, and the subsequent rush to the executor's office had subsequently put so much stress on his already ravaged and exhausted body that his reserves and resolve finally gave way.
He was in an exclusive ward, only for the well to do, with Thomas offering to fly him to New York for specialist care, which at this time Lisa had refused. Her suspicions over Lucky Alberta's manager still in place but not proven.
Ty was pale and weak, but finally on the mend, the drugs now working as they should if he had stayed in the hospital in Red Deer.
Amy had stayed by his side, the specialist that had come in from the states, now assuring her that he would make a full recovery. Given time to convalesce. His lungs were clearing, but his lack of body mass and condition had set him back. Making his recovery period longer than expected.
The executive board had convened in his absence. All now agreeing to hold their positions in the company until Ty was fit enough to take control. Tallon had once again put in a bit of ownership, offering to take the reins in Ty's absence. Still playing the dutiful long-lost brother card. But after a lengthy discussion and private ballot he was declined. The board choosing to back Lisa as their new acting CEO until their young leader was able to take control. As Ty's lead advisor, Lisa now not only owned and operated Fairfield, and co owed Heartland with Jack. But she now held the third title of acting CEO of Lucky Holdings.
The title, she had to admit, was a little overwhelming, but her business sense and savvy showed her the way. She kept the board in play, all of them, including Thomas, under the law of keeping her friends close and her enemies closer.
Lucky went back to business, with all sites returning to normality. Tallon however, stayed in Calgary, deciding to stay close to his younger brother, who, he had not yet had a chance to talk to. Due to Amy and Lisa's restrictions on visitation at the hospital. The family had also not shared Tallon's identity with Ty, there hadn't really been a right time. He had been unconscious and then way too weak to take such news. Amy not liking the idea of keeping it from him, she had to admit, when Jack told her it had hit her like a freight train. But she knew this was going to be a monumental discovery for Ty, knowing he not only had a brother but that that said brother was behind his abduction and possibly everything else that had happened to him and his father was way too much for a sick young man to handle safely.
She had promised Jack, that she would tell him once he was home, in a safe environment and surrounded by people who loved him. Hopefully, the support then, would outweigh the gravity of what she was going to share.
The police had spoken to Ty briefly on the third day in the hospital, he had once again kept Dell and Brent out of it. He owed both of them his life and he wasn't about to turn on them. An arrest warrant was issued for Wade, although he was never found. He disappeared into the woodwork like the professional that he was. His association with Creswell and Thomas never being discovered or proven past business acquaintances.
Thomas stayed, as always squeaky clean, much to Jack and Lisa's annoyance. Nothing stuck to him. So, in an effort to keep him close and observed, Lisa let him stay on at Lucky Alberta. Which he continued to run as per the company prospectus.
Amy tried to contact Lilly, but to no avail, her manager said she was out of town when she first called, but then her housekeeper said she was in rehab. Amy finally conceding that Ty was probably better off without her influence.
While Ty was in the hospital, Amy also tried to locate and contact Kyia, seeking answers to the many questions that she knew Ty would ultimately have for her. She also seemed impossible to locate, her daughter, who Amy found through a call to detective Bronson, said her mother had returned to her home in the Philippines. Promising to pass a message onto her to call Amy on her return.
And that is where the sleuthing ended, well stalled. Amy coming up blank, needing answers, but finding none. Everywhere she looked, she found dead ends. It was like the world was shutting its door on the entire sordid tale, the unanswered questions remaining just that - unanswered. No charges were laid against Creswell, aka Tallon either. The police unable to find any link to him in regard to Ty's kidnapping. In their eyes, Wade had acted alone. Spurred on by his hatred of Ty and his obsession with his mother.
It was two weeks later that saw Amy slowly walking up the loft stairs, Ty had been home from the hospital for a few days after a three week stay at Cross Bow, it was now early August, the weather was still mild and sunny during the day, with the occasional shower, dropping to colder temps at night. Amy had another month before school went back in early September, her plan to spend as much time as possible with Ty as he recovered. Knowing in her heart that it was only a matter of time before he would have to step up and become the head of the multi-million-dollar operation that was Lucky Holdings. And then as she feared most of all, leave her to captain a ship on a rocky sea, he still had no idea how to navigate.
She reached the top of the stairs to see Ty reclining on his bed, his head deep in a large black folder, his eyes scanning the pages.
"You look busy, "she said with a gentle smile, seeing those green eyes she loved so much look up towards her as he heard her soft voice.
"no, never too busy for you," he said, his arms pushing himself forward slightly and closing the binder. His hand pushing it to the side as she came over to him.
"how are you feeling today, "Amy asked, taking his outstretched hand that he offered to her, and taking a seat next to his hip, his eyes alive as they watched her. He had missed her, having not seen her since the day previous.
"I'm good, "he said, his voice still a little rough, the thickness in his lungs still affecting his breathing, even if only slightly. The doctors had told him it would take up to two months to completely clear his lungs of the congestion. Meaning that at night, he still occasionally had to use the inhaler. "I missed you, "
"I missed you too, "she grinned, leaning forward and kissing him quickly, feeling his lips gently ask for more.
"Lou wanted to know if you were coming in for dinner tonight, it's been a while since you've graced our table, everyone would love to see you."
"that would be nice, "Ty said, his hand sliding up her arm, his attention to her, making her sense his motives. He really had missed her.
"what's all that?" she asked, seeing his eyes look over at the binder and give a non-committed smile, "work stuff, Lisa brought it to me, its last years financials and this year's budget plans. "he rolled his eyes, "boring crap, nothing important"
"So, Lisa's keeping you in the loop then, that's good, it will make it that much easier for you when you eventually take over from her" Amy watched the light dim in those green eyes.
"I suppose, it's a while off yet though," he said quickly, "I'm not up for it yet, "
Amy saw the reluctance in his eyes, it still scared him, even though he had committed to it, the idea of running such a large company terrified him. He had business sense, he had proven that when he helped Lisa and Jack fight his father when he tried to overshadow their business. He was smart, had a keen eye and understood the basic rules of thumb, even attending business classes and clubs in his teens had shown his teachers, his natural corporate talents. But the Ty that now stood on the cusp of corporate control was unsure and self-doubting. His confidence had been rocked and Amy wasn't sure if he ever was going to get that self-reliance and strength back. He had been through so much and dealt with things that most young men his age would never have to endure. It had left scars, and although he seemed to be physically mending, Amy worried that those emotional wounds, all though sealed for the time being, still bled under the surface.
The press had annoyed him for the first few days, camping out at the hospital, and then calling Heartland for a statement when he returned home. Ty refusing point blank to give an interview, but he did release a statement with Lisa's help, stating that he was glad to be home and that he appreciated everyone's concerns but was asking for privacy while he recuperated. So far, it had worked, and they had left him be, with only one reporter venturing onto the property the day he came back from the hospital to be escorted off the grounds by a rather annoyed and protective Jack moments later.
"TY, "Amy said, seeing his mind was elsewhere, he seemed fascinated by the tassels on the bottom of her cotton top.
"Amy" he grinned, his fingers playing with the hem, flicking the small tassels around like tiny ponytails.
"I need to tell you something, and Im hoping you're not going to get mad at me for not saying something sooner. "She watched him, seeing his smile dip slightly as a look of confusion filled his eyes.
"tell me what.?" He asked, his knee lifting as he pushed himself up on the bed, he was dressed in old blue jeans and a simple blue tee, his boots near the stairs and his hair ruffled up around his face. He hadn't shaved for a few days, so that cowboy stubble was rough and a little on the long side. Giving him a sexy unkept look.
Amy hesitated, not knowing how to begin, she needed to tell him the truth, he had a right to know, after all, this was his family.
"Amy, just tell me," he said evenly, seeing her hands ringing each other in nervous contemplation.
"ok, Im just going to say this ok, I wanted to tell you before, but the doctors said you were too weak and that I should wait, but I can't, not anymore, you need to know,"
"need to know what" he pushed, he was intrigued now too.
"I only found this out myself after you were in the hospital, Grandpa told me, and I couldn't believe it." She stopped, her blue eyes now holding his "you remember when I told you, that there was another heir challenging your claim, "
He nodded, "yeah, but nothing came of that Amy, it was obviously a false challenge"
"that's not exactly true, "she replied, "Grandpa told me that while they were waiting for us to turn up at the meeting, the other heir lodged his claim, if we had been a few minutes later, you would have been forfeited and the whole lot would have gone to him."
Ty rolled his lip, trying to remember the events of that day, most of it was fuzzy at best, he was ill and the last part of the proceedings, in particular, was a blur. He remembered picking up a gold pen, and signing some paperwork, but past that there were not much more than shapes and colors.
"do you remember who was there, in that room when you signed, "Amy wanted him to put this together himself, maybe that way it wouldn't be such a shock.
"Um, yeah, kind of, there was you and me, and Caleb, Jack and Lisa, and …" he stopped, his eyes flickering to the roof, as he tried to recall it all "Thomas and Eric, and" he stopped and looked at her, "Creswell, he was there too,"
Amy nodded, "so was the challenging heir Ty, "she explained, "do you remember I told you about your dad's letter, the one I read while you were missing, to see if it gave me any help in finding you"
He nodded his smile dropping some more, "I remember, but I also wish you hadn't done that, that letter was for me, it was private, "
Amy nodded, "I know, and I apologized for that, but in that letter, your dad also warned you of someone called Tallon, he said he couldn't be trusted,"
Ty raised an eyebrow "I don't know anyone called Tallon"
"Actually, yes you do Ty, "Amy's voice was low now, hoping against hope this didn't blow up in her face.
"I do?" he whispered back to her, Ty pulled himself forward, his hand now holding hers, "how ? where? I don't ... understand"
Amy took a breath and steeled herself, "Ian Creswell is Tallon Kei Ling Moyoto, and he is …."
TY sat still for a moment, her words melting into his consciousness, the pieces starting to fall into place.
"Ian is…. that would make him…. Kyia's "he breathed, his green eyes a little wider now, as the reality dawned on him." and if he's…...no…you're not, it can't be. He's; "he rubbed his face, the realization hitting home. His hands now over his open mouth.
Amy nodded, "Tallon is Kyia's son, "she said in confirmation, "he's also …"
"no, "Ty's voice broke, "you're telling me that his father is….it can't ….no he would have told" he couldn't put the words together, the shock hit him square in the face.
"Brad is his father Ty, Tallon, is your half-brother, and the one who put in the challenge to your claim."
Amy didn't quite know what to think, Ty had fallen silent. His face was still as his eyes looked past her. They showed nothing, it was like he was a statue, his expression one of silent deliverance.
"Ty, "she said softly, trying to pull him back to her, it was like his consciousness had left his body. He just sat there in stunned muted nothingness. Amy touched his hand, causing his breath to finally pull in. Like he had broken out into the open air from being under the surface of a turbulent river.
"he's... my brother" he whispered, "Creswell?"
Amy nodded slowly "it looks like it, yeah, "
"why… why didn't he…tell me or …. Mom" Ty rubbed his face, questions filling his mind. This was like a nuclear explosion inside of him, and now he was navigating the aftermath.
"Your dad?" Amy asked,
He nodded, "he never… not once. It was always just me and."
"Jayden, "Amy pushed,
"how do you know about him?" he asked quickly.
"your mom told me back when she came to see you in the hospital in Sydney, she didn't think you knew about it" Amy dropped her eyes, feeling like she had kept something from him.
"it was a little hard to not know about it when all they ever did was throw it at each other when they used to fight. "He cut back, the memory of the brother that never was still hurting him. "I don't remember it happening, But I remember the fallout, the anger, the grief and the blame,"
"Ty it wasn't your…" Amy said, knowing she was walking on thin ice. Ty was extremely protective of his past and its family secrets. He had told parts of his background, but she knew very well that there was a lot he hadn't shared either.
"they blamed me for it though, "he said sadly, "I was no more than six I think, I remember not being allowed to go to the hospital to see her. Dad wouldn't even look at me"
Amy touched his arm, empathizing with his pain as a small child held accountable for an unforeseen accident.
"Im sure it wasn't their inten…." she started, but his sudden movement stopped her words. She watched him climb off the bed and quickly run over to the cupboard, his hands pulling it open sharply, as he rummaged around in its contents. He pulled out a large box and placed it on the floor, sliding down onto the floorboards next to it and pulling off the lid.
"Ty, what are …" Amy asked, as she slowly came over to him and sat on the floor in front of him. His hands now delving inside the archive box and flicking things around within it.
He stopped when his fingers finally found what he was looking for, Amy seeing him pull up a small yellow envelope, that had been folded in half.
Amys' eyes watched it, recalling it as that envelope he had pocketed when she had come to see him in the hospital in Sydney. He hadn't told her then what it was, but now here he was, flipping it in his fingers. His eyes on it in silence.
"what is that?" she asked, hoping, now, he would share its origins with her. This small yellow parchment reminding her of the fact that she too had held information from him. That email, that she had seen on his father laptop, threatening her and anyone who he cared for. Those images of her on Bondi Beach, and leaving the hospital. She had never told him. Fearing the stress would be too much.
Dirty little secrets that they had both held for their own justified reasonings.
"Kyia gave this to me, "he said softly, "when she came to see me in Sydney in the hospital after that fight I had, "
Amy raised an eyebrow, "you never told me she came to see you, what did she want?" she didn't want to arc at him for withholding Kyias visit. Her own guilt making her feel hypocritical.
"she told me that she was sorry I was paying for her mistakes, "he replied, his eyes still on the envelope as it flicked in his hands. He turned it over and over again, his look one of contemplation.
"what does it say?"
"I never opened it, "he replied, "she told me to wait until all this was over, after the funeral and the reading, but I just... I never felt like it was the right time."
"so..is it the right time now?" Amys' eyes watched Ty closely as he finally looked at her. His back now resting against the cupboard door.
"It's from him you know, my dad," he explained, "he gave it to her to give to me, told her to make sure I got it"
"maybe you should open it, it might help you deal with all of this?" Amy kept her voice soft. Not wanting to push too hard. She had seen the twinge of pain in his eyes, his father's memory still stirred emotions in him that he hadn't quite dealt with in their entirety.
"where's the other letter, "he suddenly asked, his fingers closing around the yellow paper and dropping to his lap. "the one you read while I was missing"
Amy got up and collected it from his bedside drawer, avoiding the box of foil packages and the other secret men's things in the drawer. She came back to him and handed it to TY, the seal open but the letter still in its envelope.
TY reached up and took it, giving her a gracious smile, his hands pulling the letter from its confines and skimming his eyes over the words.
Amy sat back down, not knowing if she should stay or go. Those words were for Ty, written by his father to his son. Although she had already violated that privacy, she still felt like she was intruding on a moment that was only meant for him.
"Maybe I should go, "she suggested, as she pulled her feet under herself to get off the floor. "this is something that maybe you should do alone, "
Ty's hand reached out and stopped her, taking her forearm and not allowing her to rise past knee height. "no, please, stay, I want you to stay"
Slowly, accepting his request she let her legs fold under herself again. Now sitting cross-legged in front of the box.
Amy watched as he read the words penned by his father for his eyes. She saw his lip quiver slightly, Amy already knowing the sentiment expressed in those pages. TY finally folding it in half and pushing it back into the envelope.
"you ok?" she asked nervously,
He nodded, his hand quickly wiping a rogue tear that threatened to fall from his eye. Ty sniffed and gave her a soft smile. "he warned me, "he finally said, those green eyes on her yet again "about Tallon, he said he wasn't to be trusted"
Amy nodded, "I know, he must have known something was wrong before he…."
TY nodded his eyes again on the smaller folded letter he had crushed in his hands.
"open it TY, even if it tells you something you don't want to know, isn't that better than forever wondering what he wanted to say to you" Her eyes were pleading with him now. Seeing how much conflict was running through him.
"Ok, "he said, his voice thick with emotion and this thumb and index finger tore the corner.
Amy watched silently as he pulled the yellow parchment out of its binds, unfolding it and then taking a deep breath, His lip twitching with discomfort as his lungs gently protested.
His eyes fell on the text, it was his father's hand, and it was to the point, but he could see it was written in a rush.
{Ty, I know you're mad and confused, and seeking answers, I have to admit, I don't blame you, but just know, that If your reading this, then well, I couldn't fix it, I couldn't make it right.
Im sure by now, you've met Tallon, Kyia never told me about him until she found out his plans and he forced her hand.
She's a good woman Ty, and she never meant to hurt me or you. She did what she thought was best. For all of us. I can't blame her for that.
I tried Ty, I tried to fix this, but he's angry and ruthless and he won't let this go, no matter how hard I try to make it right. He's been orchestrating this for months, I just didn't see it. He blames me, and maybe he's right. Maybe if I had been a better man, a better husband, father, I would have been able to stop this, I would have been able to protect you.
Im trying one last time Ty, that's why Im here is Aus., to make this right, but if it doesn't work, Im going to need you to sever the connection to South Korea and any contracts attached to HMSPEC. It is imperative that you cut that connection as soon as you are CEO.
Don't trust him, Ty, he will coerce you, play on your humanity and want of family and then throw you to the wolves. He may be my blood, but he is not my son. You are Tyler. And I don't want you to be his next victim. If I don't come back, it's up to you to end this in my name.
Stay strong, remember what I told you. You are a Borden. You've got this.}
Ty looked away, his mind filled with the words he just heard his father share with him.
"he told me not to trust him" he whispered. "he… he knew in Aus. that he might not…." He looked away. His hand covering his eyes as he dropped the letter. His knee up as Amy heard him suck in a shaky breath.
"Oh Ty, "she breathed, as she pushed the box out of the way and crawled over to him, wrapping her arms around his shoulders as she felt him shudder with emotions he didn't want to set free. His head now resting on her shoulder, his face buried in her neck.
"Shh, its ok, "she whispered, she slid her body around him and pulled him close. Ty's arms wrapping around her and seeking comfort in her embrace.
They sat there, wrapped in each other, Amy consoling Ty yet again as his father's last words to him stripped away the scab that had formed over his loss and grief. It was raw and angry again, consuming him from the inside as he tried to push it away. He didn't want to feel like this anymore. That pain and loneliness had dogged him his entire life. He had lost so much, and now, once again, a change at a sibling, a brother, was denied him, His father's last words, ones of warning, telling him to stay away, not to trust his own blood. He didn't know where to turn. It was all just too much to fathom.
"I can't do this Amy, "he whispered, "Im not him, I can't …... it's too hard"
Amy wiped his cheek, her lips kissing the tears that had escaped his tired and bereft eyes, Ty's hand once again on his chest as he controlled his breathing.
"one step at a time ok, "she said, pulling those lost green eyes to hers, "one step at a time!"
Ty nodded, shutting his eyes and exhaling loudly as he regained his composure. He picked up the letter and handed it to her, Amy looking at him warily, not wanting to overstep again. She'd broken that privacy gate already.
"it's ok, "he said, as he sniffed back the tears, giving her a soft smile, "you should read it, "
Amy nodded and took the parchment from his outstretched fingers. Her eyes scanning the words. Worry filling her eyes as she took in Brad's final warning.
"HMSPEC?" she said, "that the…"
"the emails, yes, "Ty said. "dad said its attached to South Korea somehow, "
"but who is this HMSPEC, and what has he got to do with you and your dad and …."
"my brother?" Ty concluded her sentence. "I have no idea Amy, But I sure the hell am going to find out"
to be continued
