(Italics indicate things only Ben can see, hear, think or feel.
Words in Bold indicate Ben is speaking and the others in the room can hear him.)
Chapter 53
Bob breathed slowly to steady himself and moved silently towards Ben knowing that kneeling, cuffed and gagged, waiting for your nephew's fate to be decided while understanding your own fate was not a good time to be knocked into a coma. Or, into that circular state of fragmented nightmares that disappeared on waking leaving you silent and unable to put things back together again. But, he knew he had to do this … had to get inside Ben's head … he could not let this man travel this route alone, again. He had to somehow let him know that this time and any other time he might go through it … it was a memory and not the real thing happening again … and hopefully by doing this he would bring him home whole and sane.
Tim also moved silently closer to them knowing his help would be needed in getting Ben up from the kneeling position and over to the bed because Bob couldn't do it by himself without harming his knee. And he knew he might be needed if Ben collapsed or hit out blindly on hearing another voice coming into what he was living through.
Knowing all the pitfalls and the other person who might act unpredictably Helen hugged Meg that little bit closer, but she too would be ready to act if the worse came to the worse.
With fear and shock continuing to rush through her, Meg accepted Helen's restraining/reassuring hug knowing if it wasn't there she would be beside her soulmate trying to wake him … console him ... and ask for forgiveness. Sensing the rise in tension as Bob and Tim moved towards Ben the fleeting question … 'could this get any worse' … rushed through her already troubled mind, and fearing the answer was 'yes' felt another tear run down her cheek to join the others.
oxoxo
Knowing Tim was nearby Bob stopped a little in front and to one side of Ben and said gently but firmly. "Ben"
Ben was concentrating on not collapsing, controlling his pain and racing thoughts when a voice calling his name made him shiver violently as his mind fragment into fleeting impressions.
As things settled immediately back to where they had been a small part of him recognised the voice as friendly but not whose it was. Another noticed Maria and Pedro hadn't reacted to the voice calling his name they'd just carried on talking as if nothing had happened. So perhaps he was the only one who heard it … if so was this a new twist to drug in his body. Boost his hopes for rescue so they could squash them, but nothing else felt different and his racing mind questioned why wasn't it Casey's voice he was a friend and a lifeguard why did he hear a stranger's voice.
He couldn't answer that nor the voice because he was gagged and if he moved his head to see who'd spoken … find out if someone was really there or not Maria and Pedro would see him move. Rescuer or not she would shoot him and smoother Benjy then claim self defence … he couldn't risk it … he would stay still assume it was his racing mind and let it pass unnoticed.
He swayed slightly feeling the drug taking hold again, knew it came in waves and his limbs would soon start to feel very sluggish so be no good for fighting as he'd hoped. And wondered if because he heard the voice he would now black out now and it would all end. All be over for him and prayed if he did then these two would chose the right path and Benjy would not grow up a pawn and Meg would forgi….
"Ben do you recognise my voice?" Bob asked hoping that shiver and swaying were a reaction to his voice and not what happened Christmas morning.
Ben shivered as he stopped swaying and wanted to tell that strange reassuring voice to shut up … but couldn't he was gagged. … Into the muddle in his mind there was a strange flicker of memory – he'd heard that voice while sitting by the roadside hurting and cold … and knew he could trust it. He lost that as something else flickered - a pond and a girl laughing. And it was gone but he vaguely realised there were from beyond this hell. But how he was in the lounge at Ocean Drive kneeling, cuffed, gagged and Benjy and Meg might not be safe if they just…
Seeing the shiver Bob hoped he was in there and could prove to Ben he was not where the thought he was and said gently but firmly. "Ben you lived through what you are seeing and feeling around you. I found you on the roadside and helped you. You lost consciousness and woke at the farm without a memory and helped a young girl named Betsy overcome her grief and talk again.
I need you to trust me when I say Benjy and Meg and you are safe.
You are not gagged or handcuffed, but you are kneeling and I would like you to get up and sit on the bed so we can talk. You may not be able to get out of what you are seeing but don't worry I will be with you through this nightmare and be there when you wake."
Ben could feel the gag in his mouth, feel the cuffs round his wrists, the drug in his veins and could see Maria and Pedro discussing his death … So how could he not be there.
Slowly other disconnected pictures/thoughts flicked through his confused mind - showing a stable with a fire and snow on the ground; roadside sleeping places in the sun, cold and rain and then people smiling and laughing.
He shivered violently, swayed and shook his head … it was too much … too confusing…
Seeing action was needed Bob and Tim were now either side of Ben and very gently but firmly steadied him as they took hold of his arms and then guided them round from the back to in front of him so he would understand that he was free and could move. Realising that saying Tim's name would confuse things even more Bob hoped Ben wouldn't realise there were two people helping him and said. "Now rest on my hands and stand up Ben. You are free and I will lead you over to the bed where you can sit and we can talk. You are not gagged."
Ben felt really weird because he was being steadied by someone he could not see and his arms were being gently guided to the front of him. Another shiver ran through him as he realised he wasn't handcuffed but he could still feel the gag in his mouth, was still in Ocean Drive kneeling in front of Pedro and Maria…
But the voice had just proved he wasn't cuffed so could he trust it … trust it when it said he could move and talk … trust it as he had sometime before. And suddenly he knew he'd seen Meg and Betsy and had heard that voice in a familiar setting and knew he could trust it again … would trust it again.
Slowly ready to freeze in case he was wrong and it was just the drug misleading him he put pressure on the hands he knew were capable of supporting him and unsteadily stood up and accepted their support and guidance. And found it very strange because nothing changed he was still in Ocean Drive kneeling in front of Pedro and Maria.
oxoxo
Between them Bob and Tim carefully guided Ben back so he sat safely on the edge of the bed and Bob sat beside him. Tim slightly reluctantly walked quietly back towards the gap between the bed and the garden, knowing this was really between Bob and Ben a third could cause problems. Being here he would be nearby with his medical kit and if Ben tried running for any reason.
Feeling it was safe Helen now relaxed her hug around Meg and eased further onto the bed next to her. She knew Meg would need her support and possibly restraint now Ben seemed to have accepted her brother's voice. They weren't out of the woods yet, in fact they were just entering them … none them knew what was ahead especially as none of them had thought of this shocking scenario. She was also worried because Ben was still looking intently in front of him, he'd not relaxed since hearing Bob's voice which might mean he didn't fully recognise it. Just trusted it because it was something different from being in that room facing Maria with a gun and the jailer, and hoped he would recognise the voice next time he heard it and would stop living the memory, and settled down to watch, analyse and wait.
Meg didn't leave Helen's protective hug as she moved over, she'd also eased her hand out of her mouth knowing she wouldn't make a noise … scream in horror. That moment had passed now and wiped away another tear and knowing her own guilt she instinctively knew the guilt Ben was feeling over his actions. Feeling the tingling in her hand now she'd released it she was surprised she'd actually breathed through the horror of it all and guessed there was more agony to come because nothing was as they'd thought … and knew whatever happened she would be there for him … if he'd let her.
Understanding why Ben hated being in buildings so much, Bob made sure he was sitting safely, the last thing he needed was to end in heap if Ben moved suddenly and checked everyone else was settled. He knew this was uncharted waters and a one sided story, he also needed a little background as they'd been barking up the wrong tree. And hoped by doing this he could reassure Ben he was not actually where he thought he was and said gently. "Ben, what you see around you will wait for a moment. I would like to know how you knew you'd been drugged by Maria."
Ben heard the question and watched the scene in front of him stay as it was … Pedro and Maria talking … and felt that ripple of strangeness again … and knew he could talk to this voice and needed to because Meg had taken him to safety as he'd asked her to some when. And the voice had said Benjy was safe and so with something he couldn't get on the edge of his fragmented mind answered. "Every so often the jailer would push a plate with a drink of water or tea and a pill or a bottle of them within my reach. I had to drug myself or be punished his way of proving control over me. They were different types to do different things; if it was the one dissolved in the drink then the drink would have a slight tang to it. That is what I recognised when I drunk Maria's tea. The reaction to the drug would come in waves, my mind would race with very clear thoughts about anything and everything, then my limbs would feel like lead make movement slow and eventually I would sleep, on waking I'd have a kaleidoscope of emotions and thoughts and nothing would make sense for awhile."
Knowing that cleared up Ben's attitude to drinks and pills and as talking to Ben like this was actually working Bob asked "Did the jailer call earlier and hold a gun to Maria's head and threaten Benjy's life."
Ben shivered at the memory but as the scene in front of him stayed untouched by what was happening he answered clearly. "Yes as I opened the glass doors to go for air, he demanded money I wrote him a cheque, he took the bag I'd planned to leave with. After he left Maria was hysterical so to calm her I promised not to ring the police and would stay down in the lounge till morning then leave before Benjy woke. She went up to check on him in case he'd heard something, she might have rung the jailer then or when she was in the kitchen … I don't know.
Though I was deeply shocked by the whole thing and don't usually break a promise I wrote a brief account and description and put it with the other papers for Charles. It wasn't much as I never seen the real person and the light was poor in the basement. Even so I'd noticed things then and now I'd seen him in the light of the lounge. I knew it would be slow to impossible job to track him down and would let Charles deal with it and I wouldn't tell Maria what I'd done. She came downstairs still shaken and suggested we had a cup of tea to steady our nerves and I accepted hoping I might talk her round to my point of view … we needed to tell someone what happened.
He gave a sigh as things were even stranger now - he could see himself kneeling facing the couple who had just stopped talking and were facing him ready to give their verdict. He spoke to the voice as he heard Maria say her piece. "Maria spoke for the both of them and agreed that they would live in Seattle and let Benjy live with Tess's sister. She would visit Tess in jail and give her the stark warning her silence and life in jail for Benjy's freedom/life and the only thing they needed me to do now was to go quietly to my death if I didn't Pedro would kill Meg.
I knew I had no choice but to nod and hope that as the drug was only half strength I could somehow gain my freedom at the cliff top by sending him over the top, then get the police to get her before she realised what was wrong and retaliate. I believed she'd understood my warnings, would stay and look after Benjy. She could not risk the child waking and disturbing the neighbours or ringing someone because no one was in the house; he was bright enough to do it and knew who to call I'd made sure of that when he first came. And she would find out what happened later.
She said she needed to check on Benjy again and gave the gun to Pedro. He kept it trained in my direction but looked amongst the envelopes I'd put out on the side and found my account and description. He put it in his pocket and was angry that their ploy to soften me up hadn't worked, that I'd dared insinuate he couldn't trust Maria and trashed their plan to get rid of me had told them how to do it and hit me several times.
In the months in basement … I had never shown him fear and … and I wasn't going to do it now … not even while I trying to get my breath … from the attack … and realising I'd lost everything … I'd fought for."
"Why did you think that?" Bob asked gently knowing Ben had dropped back into the living the nightmare because he was gasping as he spoke no doubt trying to get his breath back after the jailer's attack.
Ben gasped and shivered because he could see Maria coming down the stairs and could hear her voice as she reached them and trusting that voice again he said. "She had been wearing a nightdress and robe … when she went to check on Benjy … now she was wearing a dark trouser suit … and her hair was tied back. She said she wanted to make sure I died would not come back and haunt them. After glancing at Pedro she looked at me and saw I believed she'd killed Benjy and was going to make things difficult for them. She gave a gentle laugh and took my face in her hands as she explained she'd drugged Benjy not killed him and if I promised to be good I could go and say a last silent farewell.
She released me as she carried on to say if I made things difficult she would make sure Benjy died a grieving child's death with the help of drugs and time. I knew by her tone she would do it and nodded my compliance hoping that I could at least see he was sleeping and then believe she would let him live and he would forgive me for leaving him. Deep down I knew once I was dead anything could happen.
Though part of him realised he wasn't there he could still see and feel his slow passage up the stairs … Maria in front the jailer behind and said. "I managed to walk up the stairs, into his room and stood beside his bed. She hadn't killed him as I'd thought … he was sleeping with the toy from his mother and father cuddled close. I also saw the white teddy bear I'd tried to give Meg on the chair and hoped she would forgive me for leaving her and giving these two what they wanted. He watched the scene progress and shivered violently not wanting to go on.
Bob saw the shiver and sensed the hesitation and said gently. "Did they take you downstairs again?"
Ben shook his head and saw the scene move on and said. "Maria wanted to check out my bedroom, which I knew was a mess."
Bob swore silently and out of the corner of his eye saw Helen nod and knew he'd have to talking him through it not jump on and hoped Meg would be able to stay silent and said reassuringly. "Its okay Ben this is only a memory it will be all right."
Ben heard the voice as the scene moved on and felt himself step away from what was happening in front of him and said softly. "He made me kneel on the floor in the middle of the room and linked something soft through my cuffs so my wrist and my ankles were tied together so I couldn't move. Even so he ordered me to stay still or be hit and they tidied the room … working as a couple … a loving couple … till it all became too much for them…
Bob guessed what happened and not wanting to use the word love where these two were concerned said gently. "They made out on the bed."
Ben nodded shaking slightly feeling the sick gutted feeling he'd had as he watched them and added. "I don't think it lasted long" He suddenly had a flash of the other thing he needed to say and carried on. "It was their reaction to each other I recognised and knew there was danger."
Bob realised he'd jumped to another time and wanted it clarified and asked "That was when you were at the Shock Wave meeting Meg and her mother and Father Antonio was with you."
Ben gave a slight laugh as he suddenly really realised he had in fact survived what was going on in front of him and said quietly. "Yes it was the silhouette of her and their greeting to each other … how he walked and acted towards her … it triggered a warning of danger … but I didn't have the whole picture so couldn't explain … knew Antonio was in danger if I stayed around and I needed to get Meg away and time to think, to understand."
Bob realised that not all of Ben had moved on from the bedroom scene he held his wrists as though the handcuffs were still on and he wanted Ben to fully realise he was free before he took him back to Ocean Drive and gently put his hand on Ben's wrist saying. "You are not there Ben … you are sitting beside me and you're hands are free. They have finished the bedroom and led you downstairs."
Ben nodded feeling the warm firm touch on his hand and was getting used to the weird feeling of dropping in and out of memory, watching what was happening to himself rather than being in it and said as the scene jumped. "We were back in the lounge I was allowed to stand, my movements were so sluggish I was no threat to them, and the gun and its threat was always close to hand anyway. Maria was to drive the car Pedro had picked up earlier in the day, it was parked nearby. He would take his wig off and drive mine; I would be on the back seat rather than the trunk. After it was over she would follow him to where mine would be hidden and then he would drop her off near the house it wouldn't take long and it was still very early so few people around. Later she would sort things out about Tess and Benjy and sale of the house. As everyone would be distracted by the wedding she and Pedro would 'accidentally' meet up then and their friendship/romance would grow to a stage she would leave as he was going to Seattle to work.
With limbs that hardly obeyed me they took me out to the car and I was covered with blanket so the drive to the cliff top was warm and stuffy, the cuffs wouldn't give in and it was a fight to stay conscious. I groggily I decided because I needed help walking they both would come to the cliff edge either then or when they took the cuffs off I would take them with me over the top. I knew Benjy would wake alone but the courier was calling early and if he didn't gain entry he would contact Charles and/or the police. Charles had insisted I do it that way rather than drop the papers in on him that morning. If Pedro talked during the journey I didn't understand what he was saying.
When the car stopped and I was dragged out so I stood unsteadily on to a grassy area the sudden cold air or breeze sort of woke me up and reminded me I wanted to take them with me or get help. Unfortunately it was totally deserted of cars, houses or people … apparently I'd chosen the ideal place for chucking someone over the cliff top." He stopped and shivered feeling the cold air cut through his shirt and heard the sea breaking against the cliffs below them…..
Feeling Ben shiver Bob quickly reassured him. "Its okay Ben you survived all this. You are safe trust me."
Hearing the voice Ben nodded and stepped back from what was happening around him again and found he stopped shivering and knowing what happened explained to the voice. "Maria had the gun again and jammed it against my arm as she gave Pedro a whip that had been in his car. He'd decided I should be punished for marring and sleeping with his wife. She stepped any from me and he winded me to bring me to my knees and then took the cuffs and watch off as I tried to get my breath back. Maria then held my hands to the ground as I knelt and he whipped me ... just the once as my brother had done to bring me under control in the basement.
The blow shattered any clear thoughts I had about taking them with me. Now I wasn't sure where I was only I had to get free. I pulled away from Maria only to find it was Pedro's grip that held me and Maria had the gun and insisted I walk over the cliff. He hit me and pushed me in the right direction and I stumbled on while he insisted I should not be shot as bullets could be traced should my body be found.
Then there was confusion of gunshots and Maria's laughter while I fought with the jailer tried to take him with me but failed. I think I hoped if he went she would go over while trying to rescue her but it was fleeting thoughts as I tangled with arms and legs. Realising I failed I knew I didn't want to be thrown over by him or hit by stray bullets so tumbled or rolled over the cliff hoping I would have the same luck as before or Derek's luck of hitting water uninjured.
Feeling the fall and yet knowing he wasn't actually doing it and he could talk about it was very strange indeed and said quietly to the voice he knew was nearby. "I hit a lot of things before the final crash landing and blacking out. … I guess whatever I hit slowed me down rather than stopping me so they couldn't have been too solid. When I woke the sun was shining and I hurt all over but my chest was so bad I could hardly breath, my head was pounding and didn't have a clue what happened. When I moved the sudden pain in my back caused me to blackout again. I woke again and gradually my mind picked up the threads of what had happened and with the pain and the drug in my system playing its endgame I blacked out again. Each time I came round after that it was for a longer time and it was still sunny and warmer so I guess the day moving on. When I came round for good I realised I'd not got wet so the tide had not come in and as I slowly moved myself so I could lean against the cliff and look around I realised the stones around me had been dry for a long time and I was in a sheltered cove. I also heard water and looked towards it and saw it was coming from the cliff and going into the sea not the other way round.
It took me a long time to reach the water and I drank some it was fresh and tasted good I knew I had to be careful because I felt giddy and sick knew that wasn't good. As I rested and drank some more flashes of what I'd done and what had happened came and went and I looked at that cliff and knew I had to climb it and disappear till I was well enough to find out if they had left Sunset Beach or not. If they hadn't I had to get Meg or Charles out and explain things. Eventually I crawled back to the shelter of the cliff knowing there was a path going up but as it started further round and was blocked someway up I doubted if I could reach the path and then climb past the blockage. So I decided I would have to climb from where I was and join the path further up, which would be difficult but I knew I had no choice I wasn't going to die down there.
The drug had worn off long ago but the pain throughout my body and my head especially meant I kept blacking out if I moved too quickly so I knew I had to go slow and hope the aches would become manageable I also realised my memories and thoughts were getting fuzzy and mixed up again and …" and Ben sighed he could ignore the hunger he was used to that but couldn't ignore the guilt that the couple could still win if he couldn't climb the cliff and knew he needed help and where to get it.
Bob called Ben's name and got no reaction and knew he was back there on the beach possibly in a very fuzzy frame of mind and they would have to wait for this scene to play out. And hoped Ben would think clearly again before climbing the cliff. As Ben moved his hand Bob let go of it and watched fascinated, as Ben seemed to take something from where his shirt top pocket would have been and looked at for a moment and then put whatever it was on his knee and gently smoothed it flat. From the size and what he knew Bob guessed it was the photograph of Meg and hoped she would stay silent however painful this maybe.
oxoxo
Ignoring the fuzziness and the aches Ben slowly took Meg's photo from his shirt pocket, he'd kept it close to his heart for all those months in the basement and had put it in his clean shirt because if felt so right. And by doing so she would be next to him as he mourned his brother but would not have to share his pain; she had her own to get over. He looked at her smiling face and wondered if she was alive and if she was would she ever forgive him for what he'd done. He sighed again knowing he had that damn cliff to climb and wasn't too sure he could do it.
He lay the photo on his knee brushed his hand across it and looked at it and then gently kissed his finger and then tenderly ran it round the outline of her face remembering everything about her… the softness of her skin, the scent she used and her laughter her smile. Then as his fingers gently brushed across her cheeks he spoke in a soft but wheezy voice … that unknown to him told the listeners of all the love he felt for her. "I'm sorry sweetheart … I hope that some day you will forgive me and you are safe. … I've got to leave you for a while maybe forever. I just want you to know I love you … always will. … I've two favours to ask of you, don't go asking questions … and help me climb this damn cliff because I can't do it alone. I need you to show me the way as you did in the basement. …The path's blocked so I need to take the direct route and if I fall I don't think I'll make it again. I promise you one thing … I'll not let go of you no matter what happens."
Knowing he had to protect his right side as it hurt him so much he gently took the photo in his right hand and screw it up and held it tight. He felt the strength of his love for her and the memories of her love for him flow through him and looked up at the cliff he had to climb and knew together they could do it… would try..
Bob didn't know how he got his words out now he understood why Ben clutched the screwed up photo, but they came out gently and firm. "Ben you never let go of your love and you made it to the top of that cliff. I found you on the roadside holding the photo of Meg and she is safe and so is Benjy and you are home now."
Ben shivered violently hearing that voice he trusted and understanding the words took that step back again and he was outside the pain and fear and took a breath and said. "I nearly made the pathway but failed at the last clump, footing went and I fell back down, luckily I was only winded I landed on sand not the rocky bit but the pain through my ribs, back and head made me blackout. When I woke light was fading and I knew I had to move or I would not last the coming night … cold and hunger would take its toll … though the water would keep me going for awhile. I could also feel her calling to me to try again, that she was beside me and I knew doing it would keep me warm so I started again making sure I wouldn't make that mistake again.
Eventually I hauled myself up onto the narrow path and stayed awhile as I recovered my breath and the pain receded a bit. Then with the cliff edge at my side I slowly crawled, walked and climbed over the difficult bits, sitting when needed till I got to the top … everything was an effort and took time. I think I must have passed out as well because it got darker and the moon was up and it kept ducking behind clouds so a times I could only see the ground immediately ahead nothing to the side.
Perhaps that was a good thing I could not see the drop … but Meg always with me guiding me even though my mind was awash with confusing thoughts … images … feelings aching. With faltering steps I got onto the top of the cliff and sat down, I was confused not sure what had happened or what I expected to happen … didn't know which way to go.
There was a path to my right but a big bush was in the way, I hurt and had no energy to go round it. So eventually I chose the path to the left passed some smaller bushes some when in darkness I jarred my ankle and fell and blacked out or slept not sure which. When I woke it was a little lighter and I was cold, knew I'd been betrayed and hurt, needed to stay dead for my wife's and nephew's sake and also what I held in my hand was precious and would see me safe. Lying on the ground I could see a faint path to my right away from the cliffs, cliffs I could fall over so I crawled along it as my ankle would not take my weight."
He could see the deserted cliff top feel the cold wind around him and desperation run through him and sighed and knew he was there anymore he was safe and said gently. "With the pain and confusion all around me I crawled on till the grass stopped and there was something hard and black lying in front of me. It looked too wide to cross and there were trees on the other side. It also went from left to right for as far as I could see no lights either way to guide me. I didn't know what the hell to do and couldn't go any further so sat huddled protecting her from the cold I felt. Thoughts and memories came and disappeared but something told me if she was safe I was and I could find her soon. I also knew I had to protect my wife and nephew by staying dead till I got better and I didn't feel safe in certain places.
I didn't know time and could not keep my thoughts from disappearing into blackness and then I felt and heard a rumbling sound that got closer. I wanted to flee but cold and pain kept me still, a bright light covered me and then I heard a voice … the voice was unknown to me and felt safe … it asked me things I could not understand. It gave me a drink of something warm not drugged and gave me gentleness where I hurt. … When I said what flicked through my confused mind there was acceptance … reassurance not pain and rejection. … I thought I might answer any questions when I woke and I think I said that but not sure … I was feeling so so tired … so hurt. …" then he knew who the voice was and carried on saying. "I moved with … your help … and you took me somewhere safe … Bob. … Thank you."
Bob felt a surge of relief and excitement Ben was through this ordeal and what was more he had recognised him … pulled those thoughts together and said gently. "Yes Ben I took you to the farm and when you woke ...
Ben had a fleeting flash of memory and interrupted. "Woke knowing nothing and saw a young girl … I knew we could help each other and what I promised to never let go was beside me … protected in a clear bag …" He gasped shivering violently as fragmented images flashed through his mind drawing him back to the cliff top again - to the pain, to the betrayal and the sound of the gun fire and her laughter and Pedro looming over him and he cried out as he returned to them. "No… No… I have to separate them … can't get shot … must save Meg and Benjy … have to tumble over and hope.
Seeing and hearing the collapse Bob said sharply across Ben's words. "No Ben. You are safe. Meg is safe. Benjy is safe. Listen to my voice. You met Betsy today and she is talking and laughing because of you." Hoping it would bring Ben back to him but he felt Ben collapse against him and knew he'd lost him. Still carrying on the mantra he made sure Ben would not fall off the bed and hoped his words would follow him into whatever darkness he was going into and would lead him out again.
Hearing Ben's words and seeing him collapse Tim moved quickly and sat on the opposite side of Ben and took his weight off Bob. As he did so he noted the ragged breathing and said quietly to reassure Bob. "It's okay, I've got him."
Bob nodded and stopped his mantra and eased himself up off the bed then between them they laid Ben down on his side so he would wake looking out into the garden. Tim then checked Ben's pulse and breathing again which was still ragged but steady and then got Ben's bag and tucked it beside him and covered him with the blanket so one hand was out of it so he could check the man's again later. Satisfied he drew Bob's chair up beside the bed and then gently introduced himself to Ben and started to talk about how he knew him.
Bob stood back watching and getting control of his own emotions and what Ben had been through. Thinking things through he knew Tim was the only one who could help Ben now, and he had a job to do … two in fact, and moved towards Meg.
oxoxo
The whole thing and hearing Ben talk to her photo like that had brought all Meg's guilt to the surface … she'd pushed him into this mess by wanting to be alone that night … so tears were streaming down her face again. Then seeing him collapse like that she was determined to be by his side … he needed her and she loved him so much, so she was silently fighting Helen but she could get out of that damned hug.
As Bob came close to them he quietly said to Helen. "He's at the bottom of the cliff and not breathing properly, Tim's talking him though that and his time on the farm, you two will have to decide whether or not to call the van in."
Helen nodded and said quietly, "We'll give it half an hour." then said sharply but quietly. "Meg, stop it! He can't hear your voice at the moment. We need to leave the room!"
Meg stopped struggling and looked to where her soulmate lay and gasped out. "No! I pushed him away that night I'm not leaving him now!" and then moved to get there.
Bob saw the move and blocked it and as Meg tried to look at her soulmate again he gently took hold of her face so she looked at him and said quietly but firmly. "If he'd stayed with you they would have killed him when he returned to Ocean Drive to get ready for the wedding or get his things to move away. He might not have made it that far they might have made it look like a street crime. They would not have known it was all for nothing Meg and I dread to think what the fall out would have been when they found out the truth or if you'd been with him.
This is not your fault Meg it is their fault. What happened gave him a fighting chance and it worked and it saved Benjy and kept the people he loves safe.
He will get through this and he will feel guilty about what he did but we can cope with that.
He has my voice with him now and Tim will help him back to the time on the farm. When he wakes we will all be there with him and guide him. He will need time to adjust and get things sorted out and we will give him that time. He loves you Meg and that's what brought him home. Build on that love and your love for him and leave the guilt behind in the past where it belongs. Talk to Helen and be that strong woman you've grown into."
Meg sniffed her sobs and stilled seeing the truth in him, and starting to understand his words she shifted slight knowing she would go with Helen and trust them as her soulmate had all those months ago.
Feeling the change Bob said with a gentle smile "Good girl." and released her into his sister's care and went back to get his crutches, knowing full well if Meg had pushed he would have had to let her go he could not have risked that sudden move. After collecting them he quietly made his way into the hallway to make his call but in the doorway he glanced back into the room and seeing Tim sitting easily while talking to Ben made him relax slightly. Feeling waves of tiredness sweep over him as he walked he checked the time expecting it to be very late and saw it was after ten and hoped no one had gone to rescue Maria yet.
He hitched himself up on the seat near the land-phone and dialled Jude on his mobile, he needed Jude to have his id and know this was an important call once answered he would change over to the land-phone so there would be less risk of being cut off half way through.
He wasn't surprised the pick up was almost immediate so he said without preamble. "Need to talk to you in private. We have lost Ben into unconsciousness after reliving his ordeal. That nightmare happened and you need to rethink the rescue plan."
oxoxox
If you are still with me after that one … comments are always welcome.
