(In this chapter italics indicate things only Ben can see and hear. Bold indicates Ben speaking and the others can hear him.)

Chapter 52

Meg quietly plodded back from the bathroom and climbed on her bed to go to sleep. Glancing at the clock that showed it was a quarter to ten she fretted silently to herself. - She should be feeling tired. … Well she was. It had been a long day even without the emotional surges that Ben's progress or lack of, had produced. … So, she should give in and go to sleep. … After all he was sort of sleeping and knowing her luck would be up with the sunrise. ... But she didn't want to … she wanted to watch over him in case he woke and needed her. … His movement would wake her … it hadn't this morning ... then the others will and they will wake you … so you can go to sleep now.

Instead doing what she just reasoned she should do she looked over at her soulmate … who'd not stirred all evening in spite of the fact they hadn't been exactly quiet around him when changing over watches, and wondered if the silence as they sleep would make him curious and start the waking process. And when he woke, would he talk or be silent … would he remember he was safe here or feel … be a total stranger to them … and would he remember when gently prodded … and would it be his past or just today … and would it be the good things or bad things … the nightmares in all their forms and glory.

Shivering slightly at that thought she looked towards the open doorway into the rest of the chalet, knowing Tim and Helen were already dozing in the lounge area and silently huffed 'And so should you.' but it didn't work. She still wasn't willing to give into herself and turned her attention back to the bedroom and to Bob, who was totally relaxed with his legs stretched out in front of him in comfy chair against the wall and his crutches within easy reach.

She knew he could move fairly easily even though his knee was braced and could them both because of the garden nightlight and wondered if that light was the reason she couldn't sleep. … If so she shouldn't have been able to sleep at her new home, Surf Central or Ocean Drive because they all had some form of street lighting outside. Or at the farm because the moonlight could be very bright indeed, which meant that wasn't reason. ... She just didn't want to sleep … but she should … needed to … he needed her to ... he needed her bright and cheerful tomorrow.

Trying to keep this positive thought she tucked her hair behind her ears and snuggled into the blanket and the pillows she'd piled around her side and back. She fidgeted everything into place so she could see the dark hair over the short headboard and decided she would watch her soulmate's shape for just a little while and glanced again at Bob who she was sure was fast asleep.

And heard a gentle quiet "Sleep Meg its okay" from him though he'd not stirred or opened his eyes.

She smiled guessing her fidgeting hadn't been as silent as she thought or perhaps he could feel her watching him or could read her mind and snuggled back into the pillows and gradually relaxed as the quietness seeped into her system. Her mind slowed and her eyes were closing for the second or third time when she was startled awake and alert … by movement and a thump of something falling to the floor in the room.

It was Ben's bag thumping on the floor out the way as he got out of bed and took a couple of steps into the gap and stopped. As he moved he waved one arm in the air when he stopped he was facing Meg and yelled accusingly in fury and shock. "You Drugged Me!!"

Bob already alert had seen Ben's eyes were open and knew he was deep in memory and they could be in trouble. From the yelled words he immediately considered it was something regarding the kidnapping in Seattle.

Meg sat stiffened in horror at Ben's accusation and was going to vehemently deny it when she saw Bob's violent shake of his head with his fingers to his lips for her silence. Somehow she stilled feeling little tremors of shock and fear run through her, knowing she'd never drugged him and started to realise he was in his own world and didn't see her at all... so it wasn't her he was yelling at.

In the free area of lounge between the kitchen and the sofa at Ocean Drive, the cup Ben had thrown away bounced on the carpet spilling the rest of the tea, and Ben stood facing the stairs and his betrayer. He'd trusted her, been thirsty after the shock and tensions of earlier and had taken two quick gulps of the offered tea and sympathy. But as he swallowed the second gulp his mind and body went on alert recognising the tang of the drug and who'd given it in the past, shocked and puzzled asked. "Why Maria?"

Ice cold shock ran through Meg as she heard his question and then she felt the bed move and Helen's arm go round her shoulders and heard her whispered. "Not a sound Meg."

Helen felt Meg's acceptance and knew if Ben heard Meg or even their voices at the moment it could cause a complete and possibly fatal collapse.

Shocked by the revelation Bob's mind spun to the ugly truth … Maria was not a victim and they'd been wrong about so many things. He saw Tim come in through the doorway from the garden and silently put his bag safe and knew if Ben ran that way he would be stopped, and Helen would deal with Meg and help if necessary. He also knew he had to let this scene play out and hope for a quieter one … one where he could to talk Ben as he had earlier and prove he'd won the battle and then talk the man safely back to them.

Realising he'd not drunk enough to be knocked out immediately, but knew it would slow him down and his mind would be clear for awhile Ben looked away from Maria as the front door to their home opened. Seeing the man come in, close the door and start to walk towards them he knew he had to bargain not for his life but for that of his nephew and possibly even Meg's if his suddenly clear thoughts were right. He looked back to his betrayer and came face to face with the barrel of a gun aimed at his forehead.

He stilled and looked straight at her face, knowing he might be drugged but he was not going to show fear, he hadn't in the basement and he would not now, and said quietly knowing the jailer was approaching. "So that's why I had to kneel looking down at the floor earlier. Not so the jailer could escape with the money but so he could hand you the gun and drug and you hand him the front door key. I suppose you rang him just know now to say you were going to do it and it would be safe for him to come in. Why Maria, you'll have money and freedom … did Derek hurt you so much I must pay the price as well? … You must know the jailer will kill you regardless of any deal you've made with him … he won't leave any witnesses."

Meg had stuffed her fist in her mouth to stop herself from screaming as she started to realise how and when her soulmate had been betrayed. And as tears and a silent sob ran through her shivering body she felt Helen's embrace tighten slightly.

From Ben's head movement Bob reasoned a second person had entered the room and guessed it had to be the jailer before the name had been mentioned. He also reasoned as Ben had not jumped Maria she must be holding the gun Ben mentioned and silently got up ready to help him should he try to flee from a room totally different from the one he believed he was in.

The gun didn't move as Maria smiled and admitted softly. "He's my husband so he will not kill me."

Still looking at her the shock tore through Ben mixing with everything else and as certain things became strangely clear he knew what he had to do and said calmly. "No wonder you could not remember your lost years in Seattle. Did you divorce me with my brother's help or just forget you were married to me at all." then looked to one side as the jailer was closer and commented knowing they wouldn't let him live. "See you are still hiding your identity.Do I get to know your name before you kill me? Not that you will get a dime if my body is found here or they think I'm dead."

The jailer looked at him and ignoring the question ordered sharply "Take it off!" and held out his hands expecting immediate compliance but stayed out of the man's reach, he knew what Ben could do if push came to shove.

Ben watched the man and asked calmly. "You want my jacket?"

The jailer nodded and added menacingly. "I WILL kill the boy. SHE will not stop me."

Ben looked back at Maria and into the gun barrel and saw her nod and heard her quiet and firm. "Do it Ben, then kneel and put your hands behind your back."

Ben knew he had no choice and slowly took his jacket off and with one hand held it out to the jailer. Then still not taking his gaze off the gun or Maria he took a step back as he knelt down and put his hands behind his back so his wrists touched, and felt the jailer's hands clip the handcuffs on then move away so he could see him again. Not once did he cower even though it brought back bad memories and stopped his slim chance of escape.

Watching and understanding the movements Bob could see the handcuffs go round Ben's wrists and the barrel of the gun pointing at his forehead, and knew the fear and confusion that must have been running though the man's mind. He was amazed that Ben had managed to think clearly enough to in the end save everyone's lives. Glancing at Tim he saw him shake his head, then checking with Helen saw the same movement and knew he had to wait a little longer before trying to talk to Ben and hoping it wouldn't be too long before he could do it went back to watching and reasoning what was happening ... had happened Christmas Day morning.

The jailer quickly searched Ben's jacket, found the wallet and cash card as he tucked them into his own pocket said quietly. "Pedro not that it will be of use to you." Finishing his search he dropped the jacket out the way on the floor and added. "So, why can't we have your fortune if we kill you?" and waited menacingly for his answer.

Still looking at the gun barrel and Maria Ben ignored the jailer and asked her. "Were we ever married?"

Maria gave a soft laugh and shook her head enjoying the power rush the gun and the situation gave her.

With shattered feelings running through him Ben said softly. "Well I glad Meg's my wife even if she never knows it." then carried on in a more normal tone feeling he needed to know. "So you must have met and married Pedro before you met me. What was I a fling on the side to provide a nest egg for your future and what … my brother and the storm came along and disturbed things."

Maria nodded and said softly. "Let's just say it made things more interesting than the original plan. Everyone knows booze and headache pills don't go together so the Mariah in the bay with no one aboard would tell your tragic story. I of course would have raised the alarm first thing saying you'd left home with a bad headache thinking the evening sail alone might clear it and do you good. No one knew I was aboard the Mariah I made sure of that and with a bit of cleaning work back at the house it would have still have worked. Pedro was waiting in the bay to help get rid of your body and give me the unseen trip back to shore."

Ben nodded still feeling strangely calm … knew it made sense and put the rest together saying. "So he plucked you out of the stormy waters and you went to Seattle and at some point joined up with Tess and Derek after you found out you hadn't killed him. Was that bit a shock, a disappointment or an added bonus?"

Maria stayed silent and nodded.

He wasn't worried about not knowing he now had something he could use and asked in a tone with edge. "If you love Pedro that much why wait for just over three years before trying to kill me Maria?"

Maria smiled and answered softly. "Your growing fortune and he had a commitment to his wife."

"Did he kill his so called wife?" He asked wondering if it was all part of their marriage vows.

Maria laughed and said. "No, himself on the day I nearly drowned."

Ben couldn't help the sad smile as he said. "So he's a dead man walking … a bit of habit in this area … but I guess he wasn't from Sunset Beach otherwise someone would have noticed you coming and going. Instead you both had other marriages to keep you warm give you satisfaction."

Maria stayed silent and gave a brief shake of her head not willing to be drawn into a long explanation.

Ben sighedand could not help the comment in that soft tone with an edge. "Must have been an interesting threesome here since September ... you sleeping with Tess's husband while hubby was all alone guarding me in Seattle …" He ducked his head to one side as the jailer started to hit out at him.

The blow never landed as it was stopped by Maria's quiet but sharp "Stop it!"

When Ben looked up again after getting his balance back he found he still looked down the barrel of the never wavering gun and the jailer now stood beside Maria. From the threat in both their eyes and body language he knew Benjy's life was in danger and he had to answer Pedro's question, and said calmly to his betrayer."I'm guessing you wouldn't do the tearful … please the jailer attacked us and killed Ben story as that could lead to a big investigation and them getting on his tail by accident. … The scientist can do so much these days so the description of a clown running won't hack it and you'll need DNA as a clean scene will also tell its own story.

So, when my body is found in the waves in the morning are you hoping to play the distressed widow and brave woman who is willing to look after the distraught nephew? Or where you going to be the only one left standing … wake up and discover Benjy had been smothered by his wicked uncle who'd then drowned or shot himself in remorse or was I going to be shot in self defence as I attacked you thereby allowing you to play the traumatised victim once again. After my death then what … you find comfort in a stranger who would take you away from all the unhappy memories here and you both just happen to end up in Seattle?

He noted the flicker of reaction to his scenarios and carried on. "No doubt Pedro would have carried my sleeping body out into the waves so the seawater in my lungs would tell the right story. I expect he'd even give you the necessary bruises if you fancied the attack version. He knows how to bruise without breaking anything, but would he stop at just that once Maria. You did ask him to do it so you couldn't complain if he did it again could you and he will do it again he enjoys that power."

Of course, to shoot me you'd have to explain the gun and where it came from, which would be interesting of they traced it back to Seattle. I've not had one in the house for quite awhile and Ricardo knows it, also I've been with Benjy so had no chance to buy one, and you've been at the police station so could not get one either. You can't say Derek had one either I believe the police had a quick look around when they dealt with Tess's room before I got back with Benjy.

You would also have to get over the fact I have no reason till kill myself or Benjy. Yes I may mourn my twin's loss but I would not voluntarily join him or kill his son and everyone knows I love Meg. You can't claim the divorce is not going to happen Charles knows the papers are here to be collected first thing and you can't destroy my phone message to him either. There is also the fact that the police, your brother and Meg would be very suspicious at my death no matter what the circumstances, and you would be an automatic serious suspect not the unhappy victim you wish to be.

He paused for a brief moment to steadying his racing thoughts knowing this was a side affect of the drug and then said. "I was surprised you even thought about adopting Benjy no matter how strong your so called love was, I thought it might be some kind of guilt and that's why I suggested to you and to Charles on the phone that you might want to quietly undo the adoption and suggested Tess's sister instead.

I'm guessing you need a life long hold over Tess so she'll not tell the truth about those years in Seattle. You don't need him to live with you to keep her silence as long as you two are free and he is alive she will stay silent, she'll know you can swoop in and snatch him is she talks. He is just a child whose memories will die if he is away from you and Sunset Beach. If he is around you and Pedro you will never be able to talk about your past in case he suddenly pops up with a memory at an inappropriate moment. In any case do you think your husband really wants a constant reminder of the man you slept with for four months especially when it could have been over in days? I've no doubt your memory returned early as you had so much to hide."

The looks he got from Pedro caused him to pause till Maria said softly. "Go on and we'll think about."

Ben felt cold inside not only at what he was doing but what his body was going through. Although he'd not had the full dose of the drug his body and mind was reacting automatically knowing what was coming next. From the quick clear mind he had now to the leaden limbs to the wozzy feeling into unconsciousness and then the bad trip coming out of it on waking. Though he reckoned he'd miss the last bit even if he managed to keep these two separate and said. "Quietly change your mind about the adoption and let Meg and Benjy live, my life will be enough. Just move away and the threat they present will go away as life goes on. Take the divorce settlement and the money from the sale of this house and meet Pedro as a stranger and then go back to Seattle and live your life there. If you stay here you will have to be on your guard the whole time, after all your mother and brothers are no fools any of them might sense or catch on about your past love and life and start asking questions. And you know Ricardo is like a dog with a favourite bone when he gets a whiff on an idea. He will guard it, possibly bury it for awhile but will go back and chew on it … a little at a time … till he gets answers no matter how long it takes; I know that from your supposed drowning.

Suicide or murder and suicide either way you'd have the doctors round your neck for months possibly years because of your past and the trauma you should have witnessed. Could you hold your story for that long and at that depth? Remember silence or not knowing would make them give you more treatment not less. Oh I know you will kill me but if I die here you will gain nothing but trouble."

He saw the flicker of interest in her eyes and paused to let the wave of slight giddiness from the drug pass and then said casually. "I wrote my Will yesterday and Charles saw me sign it so it can not be challenged and it will be carried out, Maria. My copy is in the desk if you want to read it but the short story is … if I die before the divorce settlement goes through, then everything but Benjy's settlement is classed as my fortune … my estate and you don't get a dime.

Because I know money corrupts my fortune is to be turned slowly into cash, then after two charities have been given a sum the rest is divided amongst the families of everyone in Sunset Beach at a certain date. By my dying now you would not be in it but I expect your mother might give you a dim or two. But could you be seen to take it from her. Meg is covered in the same way as the others are and don't even think of Benjy's settlement that stays ring-fenced so tight you will have to account for every dime you spend on him.

Ben stopped because he felt hot and cold shivery and his limbs ached and as Pedro shifted to talk to Maria his fading consciousness caught something that made awareness and knowledge rush through him. He needed them separate and Pedro's immediate attention so he said. "I know my life is forfeit but not here, the messages I'm going away can stay. I've no doubt you Pedro will be able through emails to prove I'm alive and on a supposed business deal might be able to max out the card you've tucked away. You'll have to be careful not to raise flags though.

Oh I would be missed eventually and Ricardo will sniff and dig around. But being away from Sunset Beach you will be free from suspicion. Stay here and you will be looked at no matter how long in the future it was. Its difficult to dig a hole deep and big enough so the body doesn't get dug up by dogs and the sea tides around here would cause it to be washed up in a day or so and the DNA would spoil you story. You'll have to drive me possibly to the cliffs near Castletown that way if it surfaces it will be further down the coast and also it will enable you to get back here quickly and be close by your wife just in case she decides she wants something different, after all you've been apart for quite awhile."

He stopped knowing his final dig had hit home because Pedro glared at him and quickly stepped forward while pulling a cloth from his pocket. Ben didn't cower as Pedro quickly gagged him he needed the man to know he wasn't afraid of him and whatever had worried him was gone. He knew they would need to talk again and perhaps now he could rest gain some strength make another plan. Slowly he eased his weight back so he was resting on his heels rather than his aching knees and Pedro backed away to stand by Maria. For a brief moment they stood together watching him then they started talking quietly together.

Feeling the tingling effects of the drug through his limbs and as it started to eat at his consciousness again Ben concentrated on the gun that was still pointing at him. It brought him back to churning thoughts and he hoped he'd made the right decisions for Benjy's and Meg's sake. And felt searing pangs of guilt for the pain they would feel because of his deceit … he tried to calm them by the reasoning that Benjy and Meg would at least they'd be alive … might be alive. He knew he was unlikely to survive … Derek had made sure Pedro knew his strengths and weakness … and once Pedro had killed him there was really no stopping them……

Bob saw Ben's calm acceptance of something being put in or around his mouth … and reasoned it was a gag; he'd expected the man to go flying from a blow after his final dig at Maria's character … faithfulness. And knew Ben's ploy to take some control back of the situation had worked … the Jailer couldn't risk injuring him yet and new plans to sort out. He saw the sag of the shoulders and him leaning back onto his heels and guessed the man was trying to rest. Trying to work out the next step if there was one, fight the drug and fear that must have been going through his system and hope he would in someway win. He was truly amazed at the man and itched to tell him that he'd won through and everyone was safe.

He looked briefly over at Meg saw tears streaming down her face as well as the fist in her mouth and couldn't blame her Ben was facing her and it was a horrible truth. As he looked at her he saw Helen giving her quiet reassurances she looked at him over Meg's head and gave a nod. He quickly glanced at Tim and got another look and nod and with racing heart understood the silent messages.

It was time to move. – Ben was no longer verbally fighting for his life so might accept another voice in his head and one he would recognise as being one from after these horrific events … proof that he had lived through them.