Chapter 52
Saturday Night
It was a little after 5 pm when Ty pulled the Norton into the old barn, he knew he was a little late, but also knew that Lyall most likely wouldn't show himself on time anyway, if at all. Ty killed the engine and pulled his helmet off. His head spun a little as he got off the bike, forcing himself to steady himself against the old barns wall. He shut his eyes and tried to clear the clouded feeling that had started to creep in on him not long after he had left the trailer. He had nearly skidded out on the bike on a gentle turn due to it and now, in hindsight he was regretting taking those extra tablets.
He shook his head. Blinking his eyes, desperate to stay in a clear headspace. He leaned against the barn wall and took a few deep breaths. He felt exhausted, emotionally and physically. This was the moment he needed his adrenaline, but it was masked by the tranquilizers.
Ty wiped his forehead, his hands clammy with sweat as he walked out of the barn in the sinking light. He slowly made his way over to the open area near the training pens, directly in front of the makeshift track. His mind went back to the day when he and Amy had come there, looking for the stolen Cisco and seeing the underground world that ultimately claimed him as its victim. His eyes looked around the old ranch, he remembered the people, the excitement, it seemed like so long ago now. That day was the day his life skewed from its normal path. His mind went back through the memories, finally seeing it clearly without any gaps. If he hadn't gone back for that last horse, if hed only stayed with Amy as she had asked, he would not have been separated from her and Wade, he would not have been caught trying to steal one of their trucks.
He dropped his head and kicked the dry dirt at his feet, he would never have met Ben, or Rusty or Lyall. This whole story started at this derelict place. He smiled to himself, a dry noncommital smile. It seemed only fitting it would end here too.
Slowly he walked across the open area. The spectators had used this as their vantage point on race day, and as it had a nice clear view from all sides, he decided this was the best place to make his stand.
Lyall wouldn't be able to sneak up on him from here, and he would see him easily as he approached. Ty looked up at the sun, it was low in the sky now and the cloak of darkness was approaching. He took a breath, rubbed his tired eyes and slowly walked over to the guardrail, the light was going to be an issue, so he looked back at the Norton, parked against the barn wall and decided to rethink his approach.
Dinner was well underway at Heartland. Lou had made her country's best lasagna and green salad, it was a family favorite. She chatted happily to Peter as he spoon fed Katie in her booster chair.
"so, I heard the sentencing went well, 15 years?"Tim said, pushing another forkful of food into his mouth.
Amy nodded as did Jack,
"Ty happy with the outcome, ?" Tim enquired,
"I think so, its closure for him, and he needs that" Jack replied, his eyes watching Tim.
"that's good, "Tim smiled, "he's studying tonight you said,?" He directed his query to Amy who had stopped eating and was looking at him.
"yes, he's got some tutes to watch, "she responded,
"I've put his lasagna in the oven for him Amy" Lou interjected, "there's a small bowl of salad in the fridge too"
"Thanks, Lou, "Amy smiled, "he will be in later, he's just trying to catch up a bit "
Lou nodded, as Tim flicked his eyes at Jack again, " missed a fair bit Id say, it's not going to be easy to make that up,"
"Tim" Jack warned, draining the last of his coffee.
"he will make it, he's determined, "Amy defended, "I have faith in him"
"well, "Tim gruffed, "that's really all that he needs then isn't it, your faith and devotion"
"dad!" Amy exclaimed,
"Sorry, I'm not having a go, I get it, he's had a tough time, but you got to see that he's being unrealistic if either of you think he's going to make up the study he's lost in the time left, "Tim grabbed another serving of Lasagna and dropped it onto his plate, "Id say hed be more looking at redoing the entire semester. "
"he can do it, Dad!" Amy retorted, "he hasn't missed that much, hes been doing them online!"
"and his job? "Tim continued, now on a roll, seeing Jacks eyes glaring at him,"has he still got that?"
"Dad! Please, just stop," Amy growled, "why must you constantly berate him, even when hes not here to defend himself, "
"I'm, not Amy, I'm just facing facts, he cant expect Scott to hold out indefinitely, eventually hes going to have to rejoin the real world, work, school, whatever,"
"that's enough Tim!" Jack stood up, "I won't have it, not tonight, not around my table, "
"come on Jack, " Tim bit back, "I told you I'm not picking on your precious Ty, I'm just saying he needs too….."
"stop it, dad, OK!" Amy had had enough, she stood up and glared at him, "I warned you, I will not sit here and listen to you imply that Ty is a waste of my time, hes not ok, I love him and I intend to build a future with him. "
Tim looked at his daughter, seeing the anger in her eyes, "some future Amy, you going to be his wife one day or his nursemaid?"
"that's enough! "Jack was mad now, he had let Tim stay against his better judgment, and now he was doing exactly what he knew he would. His animosity for Ty was coming to the service yet again. And Jack had just about had all he could handle.
"I think you should go, Dad, "Amy said quietly, as she picked up her plate, and walked to the kitchen. Tim sighed and looked at Lou for back up but she just shook her head in disbelief.
"hes not even here to defend himself, and you still can't resist digging the boot in can you" Jack growled.
Tim stood up and followed Amy into the kitchen and found her cleaning her plate into the sink.
"I'm sorry Amy, I didn't mean to upset you, I'm just worried about you and how this is all going to impact on you in the future, "
"there's no impact on me. dad, I will stand by Ty as long as he needs me regardless of what you think. I love him and he loves me"
"That's just it honey, love isn't always enough, I just don't want to see you wasting your life, you could do so much more, your amazing, you have so much potential, "he pleaded, "I cant see this relationship allowing you to be who you should be"
"dad, "Amy said softly, turning to face her father, her tone clear but calm, "I know your only looking out for me, I know you think that I can do and be more than what I am now. But you need to realize, that I am happy being me, doing what I do. I love my life, and I love Ty. He is and always will be my soulmate. " she took a breath, "this is all temporary, now Ben is gone We can start to get back to normal. Please say you understand,"
"ok, ok, "he finally said, hugging her softly, 'Ill get off his back for a bit, I get it, hes your love,"
Amy smiled at him and hugged him back, "please just give him a chance dad, if you just got to know him better, you would see how amazing he really is,"
"I know him, Amy, I didn't say I didn't like him,"Tim rebutted, "I just want the best for you, that's all"
Ty sat on the Norton in the enveloping darkness, its headlight cutting a beam of clarity through the dark. He had pulled it out into the clearing, deciding to use it as a source of light for his encounter. He looked at his phone, it as now 5:49 pm and there was no sign of Lyall. He sighed heavily and rubbed his eyes, maybe he wanst going to show, maybe Ben had not told him of Ty declaration and where he would be.
He flipped through the contacts on his phone, his thumb stopping on Amy's name. He so wanted to call her and hear her voice. He needed her strength. He scrolled on by, deciding against it, then saw Caleb's name. Caleb had warned him not to do this, he had tried to persuade him against it. Maybe he should have listened to his best friend.
The doubts were creeping up on him as he ran his hand through his hair in the early evening light.
He took a deep breath and pressed a button, putting the phone to his ear.
"Hey, it's me,"
"Kid, you ok, ?"
"Um, yeah, I … I just needed to, "TY shut his eyes, not knowing if he should go on,
"Kid, where are you, you ok?"
"Um, I, I " Tys mind was blurred, the meds taking full hold of him now,
"Ty, "Wade's voice was now worried," where are you! "
"Um, I'm at the …."he couldn't make his words work, he shook he shook his head and looked around, confusion running through his green eyes," I took my bike, I'm going to finish this Wade, " he chuckled to himself, "I'm going to end this where it started,"
"Ty, kid, talk to me, "Wade pleaded, walking around in concern in his Paladin office after Ty's voice had gone quiet on the line. "Dammit, I should never have put you onto Rolly, "
"its good, Wade,"Ty smiled, as he rubbed his eyes and tried to clear the fog again, "it will be over soon, I gotta go."
With that TY hung up the line and pushed the phone into his jacket pocket, he looked around the darkness that was slowly enveloping him. There was still no movement, he was still sitting alone on his bike in the open field.
"where are you, Lyall." He said in a whisper to himself, His eyes scanning the surrounds for any signs of life, but finding none.
Tim walked out of the main house at Heartland and headed towards his truck, his eyes flickered over to the barn and saw the lights were on. He stopped an then looked back at the house and recalled his daughter's words, "if you just got to know him better…"
He sighed and then decided to do what he daughter had asked of him. He turned and slowly started to walk towards the barn.
"Ty, you up there?" Tim called as he slowly trudged up the loft stairs. He came into the main room of the loft to find it empty, the lights on but no sign of Ty. He walked around the room, looking through the canvas divide to see if he was on the other side, but still not able to see him.
Tims' eyes flickered over the bed and his nose crinkled slightly as he picked up the box of ammunition, its contents scattered on the checkered bred spread. Tim looked around the room again as he read the box. Concern starting to flicker through his eyes. He bent down again and picked up the orange pill bottle that had also been disregarded. It was a new prescription, the bottle full of pills. Tim chewed his lip and moved from the bed, kicking the empty water bottle with his foot as he went to look at the dresser. The draw was open slightly and although he didn't want to pry, the items he had discovered so far gave him the right too, he picked up a small piece of paper, folded in half, Amy's name on the top and started to read it.
{Amy,
I know I said Id never do this to you again, but here I am, writing to you about things I cant put into words when I'm around you. These last few months have shown me that no matter how hard I try, I cant protect you from the trouble that seems to follow me. Your dad was right, this is all my fault, I know these are just words and when you read this, and what I've got planned comes to light your going to hate me for keeping secrets from you yet again. But just know I did it because I love you and because I had to make sure you were safe. I never wanted this for us, I never thought it would come to me having to make this kind of choice, but if it's a choice between your safety and life and mine, it's not a hard one to make.
So, I'm ending this Amy, I'm finally standing up and closing this door once and for all. It's ironic, that it all ends back where it began. But somehow that seems fitting.
I love you, Amy, I always have and I always will. And I hope that one day, no matter how this turns out, whether I see you again or not, you will be able to forgive me and know that Id do anything for you.
Forever yours, Ty}
Tim hissed under his breath and pushed the letter into his shirt pocket. "what the hell are you up to kid" he said as he ran down the stairs.
"Jack, "Tim yelled as he ran through the mudroom door, coming to a sudden stop in front of a visibly upset and worried Jack who held the house phone to his ear.
He raised his hand to quiet Tim as he continued his conversation.
"do you know where he was headed," he asked, as he listened to the reply." where it started? What does that mean?"
Tim held out the ammunition box and the pill bottle. A look of distress shooting across his eyes.
Jacks face went cold, "Wade, I got to go, " he took a deep breath and rubbed his greying hair "I know I know, but now we need to find him, we can deal with the rest of this crap later"
Jack hung up the phone and threw it onto the kitchen table.
"I found these in the loft, "Tim said, dropping his voice, knowing the girls had to be around the house somewhere,
"Lous taken Amy into Hudson to rent a movie for tonight, "Jack said, taking the ammo box from Tim and looking at it.
"what the hell is Ty doing with bullets?" Tim fired, "and these, how long has he been taking these!"
He held the pill bottle up, showing it to Jack in disbelief. "you know what this stuff is capable of, do I need to remind you of what I went through!"
"I know, I know,!' Jack snapped, "hes had them since the fire, for the pain, but he gave them to me. I thought we had this under control"
"well obviously not, since this is a brand new bottle only dispensed yesterday!" Tim retorted.
"ok, Tim, shush will you, I need to think, "Jack rubbed his face, trying to piece Ty's deception together, the sadness and disappointment overtaking him.
"where is he Jack, if hes got bullets, Id say that means he had a …." Tim continued,
"yes, he's got a gun, Wade helped him get it, "Jack replied,
"what! Wade!, "Tims voice was shrill now, not believing his ears, "why the hell would Wade do that!"
"he said he wanted it for protection, that he didn't feel safe, "Jack said, "well, that's what he told Wade anyways. "
"this is not good Jack, that kid is out there, high as a kite and armed. This will not end well," Tim walked around the room, not knowing what to think."did Wade know where he was going?"
"no. he said he spoke to him not long ago, Ty called him. "Jack said softly," he said he sounded upset, "
"what did he say?"
"that he was going to end it where it started" Jack replied. Looking at Tim and then suddenly the pieces fell into place.
Tims' face had the same look as the contents of the note ran through his mind, backing up Wade's information.
"Jack, I know where he is," he said, "come on, we don't have much time."
Jack nodded and grabbed his hat and coat and they bolted for the front door, Peter coming into the kitchen looking at them both with concern.
"Peter, "Jack said, stopping suddenly to look back at him, "when Lou and Amy get back, keep them here ok, Tys in trouble and I need you to keep the girls here,"
Peter nodded, not fully understanding but seeing the depths of concern on Tim and Jacks faces.
"ok, No problems, what Is wrong with Ty?" he asked
"just keep them here and stay by the phone, "Jack ordered, "I'll call and let you know whats going on" he looked at Peter with a serious expression. "do not let Amy out of your sight"
With that the two older cowboys grabbed their belongings and ran out into the night, getting into Tims truck and barreling away from the ranch.
"so look at you, the cat with nine lives"
Ty's head jolted up, he was still sitting on the Norton, but the meds had made him drowsy and he must have dozed off slightly while he waited. He looked around the darkness, the headlight from the bike cutting a clear line in front of him.
"Lyall,?" he said, squinting off in front of him, his heart starting to beat faster with every passing second.
"kid, you got balls, I'll give you that," the voice said in a low tone,
Ty's hands started to shake, he had lost the element of surprise, he slowly got off the bike and stood next to it, his eyes still scanning the darkness around him.
"come and face me Lyall, or are you going to do this from the shadows," Ty taunted,
He heard a soft laugh and then heard crunching and slow boot falls. Ty watched as a lone figure came into the light spread across the area by the Norton. He was dressed in all black, his face distorted by the brightness of the bikes beam. He only stayed in the lights realms for a few seconds before moving back to the shadows.
"you, are quite a quarry kid, one of the more challenging marks I've ever been given, " he said, as he stepped into the light again briefly, this time on the other side of the beam then disappeared back into the dark.
"come on, I'm just some kid form Juvi," Ty called, his voice quavering slightly, his eyes darted from side to side trying to pin his assailant down.
"true, but you are like a cockroach, you just won't die," he laughed,
There was a silence between them for a while as Ty moved around to the other side of the bike, he felt exposed, like at any moment, this was going to be over, and he didn't know from which direction it would be coming for him.
"this ends tonight, "he called, trying to sound calm and in control, while his body shook with fear.
"yes, kid, I will agree, this does end tonight," Lyall replied, he sounded closer now.
Ty jumped slightly as a barn owl few off from a tree behind him. His nerves were on edge.
"then show yourself! stand here and look me in the eyes!" Ty growled, "unless you cant handle that? prefer to shoot people in the back, ?"
He heard Lyall chuckle and then heard movement in front of him as once again Lyall stepped into the light. He was about 30 meters away from Ty, still well within gun range, but far enough that Ty had trouble reading his face under the harsh light.
"Well, kid, I have to say, its been fun, " Lyall said as he raised his hand and pointed the gun in Ty's direction.
"Ben said to tell you that you played well, but your game ends tonight," Lyall said calmly. straightening his arm and his aim.
Ty felt himself tremble, this was it, it was now or never. He either stood his ground and did what was required, or he said good bye, and let it all go, his life, his world, his Amy.
Fear is a funny thing, it tends to fill us up and hold us to ransom. But it also tends to give us a deep clarity in those moments just before you know the darkness is going to win. It's a stillness, a calm that envelops you and gives you a few minutes of quiet and reflection before the inevitable comes.
Ty was in that quiet zone now, the world around him seemed to have stopped. All he could see was that figure before him, its hands raised, the gun pointed at his chest. It was like he was watching the scenario play out before him. And he was simply a spectator on a journey that he had no control over.
He could hear his heart beating, and those few seconds of quiet contemplation felt like hours.
He heard the hammer on Lyall's gun, he saw him square his stance. It was now or never.
Ty swallowed hard and made the call,
He pushed his hand quickly behind his back and grabbed the grip of the gun. Flicking the safety with his finger as he swung it out in front of him.
His hands trembled, and he wrapped his other hand around the first to steady his aim.
This was it. There was no turning back now.
Jack and Tim barreled down the highway, the night was rolling in and Jack feared they may be too late. Tim took the last turn way too fast and sprayed dirt up the side of the truck as his wheels lost traction.
"steady on" Jack growled, "we actually want to get there in one piece,"
"You been there before Jack?" Tim asked as he straightened up the truck and continued on.
"I went with Amy once when Ty was missing to see if there was any sign of him, but not since then" he replied, holding onto the door handle as Tim increased speed again.
"that was Ty thinking!" Tim said,
"I think that's the problem, Tim, he's not thinking, he's in a bad place," Jack replied
"you should have told me about the pills, Jack, I maybe could have helped him, "
"are you serious!" Jack looked at his x son in law in disbelief, "you already blamed him for everything else, why would I tell you about a small problem with some pills, you would have just used it as ammunition against him"
"I said I was sorry for that, "Tim rebutted "I know I'm hard on him, but I never knew he was this desperate, I would never have pushed him if I'd known, "
"well let's just hope we are not too late, "Jack mused,
"should we call Murphy?" Tim asked,
"I'm hoping this is all just a big misunderstanding, but yeah, I think maybe we need to give him a call" Jack replied, "who knows where this is going to end up"
They traveled on, the worry and silence between them. Hoping for hope, that Ty was ok.
"so, we got the Notebook, and Return to me," Amy said as they walked back through the mudroom door, The two girls stopped as Peter met them in the kitchen.
"Hey, you were supposed to make us some popcorn?" Lou said, her smile fading when she saw Peters face.
"whats wrong Peter?" Amy asked, putting the DVDs on the kitchen table.
"Um, OK, I need you, girls, to stay calm and just listen for a minute ok, Jack and Tim left around 30 mins ago, they said that we needed to wait here until they called. But They went after Ty, "
"Ty?" Amy queried, "what do you mean?went after him? Tys studying"
Peter shook his head, "um I don't know the details, but he's gone and your dad and Jack think he's in some kind of trouble. "
Amy froze and looked at Peter and Lou, not understanding,
"what do you mean, he's in the loft, he was coming over to watch movies after his tutes, "she stopped her words failing, "where is he, Peter,? what …what trouble?"
"look they didn't say ok, all I know is Tim and Jack looked really worried when Tim came back from the loft. "Peter dropped his head, "um, I don't want to alarm you but they found these,"
He held out the ammunition box and the pills and Amy sat down quickly in the kitchen chair, her legs suddenly giving way under her.
"where were these" she whispered,
"Tim found them in the loft Amy, It may mean nothing, but we just need to stay here until they call ok, "
Amy looked at the pill bottle, reading the fill date as the day before. When she had taken Ty into Husdon. She put it down, realizing that he had picked them up after he had handed the other bottle over to Jack.
A tear ran down Amy's cheek, as she touched the box of bullets.
"Amy, "Lou said, wrapping her arm around her sister, "we don't know whats going on, so let's just wait and see ok, this might be absolutely nothing to worry about."
"he lied Lou, he told me he stopped taking them and went behind my back and got more, he promised me today that it was over, that we could move on, "She sobbed, the anger and emotion getting the better of her. "I thought this was finally over, now he's gone god knows where and is by the looks of it he's armed? Why Lou? Why would he need to have these?"
"we don't know that Amy," Peter said, trying to reassure her,
"I know he's not here, and he's not in the loft or studying like he said he would be, "she stood up and looked out the window, seeing his truck still parked where she left it . "his trucks still here, so…how did he …" she stopped , desperately trying to put it together,
"I checked the horses after Tim and Jack left, "Peter said softly, "Tys horse, Harley, is missing, "
Amy sat down, her mind in turmoil, she was hurt, and angry at Ty for lying to her, But with that anger came a deep-rooted fear, she didn't know where Ty was or what he was planning. He had been fine with her since the blow up on the front porch. Everything had seemed ok between them. Their day together had been magical. The little romantic interlude under the trees on the ridge, the Morning ride side by side. He was warm and attentive, even in Hudson he had seemed his old self.
She wiped her face and steeled her resolve. Wanting the phone to ring and Jack to tell her he was ok. Once she knew that, she could deal with the rest of her emotions that swelled inside her.
"well look at you! I'm impressed kid, "Lyall said, his voice a little surprised, "I'll say it again, you got balls"
"stay where you are Lyall, "Ty yelled, his voice shaking slightly as he held the gun. His mind was panicked now, he didn't know where to go from here. When he planned it in his head, he had imagined Lyall surrendering and then the police taking him away. But now, the cold reality was hitting him. The meds had smoothed off a few of the edges of his grand plan. Leaving details undone and not completed. The police were not coming to his rescue and Lyall didn't look anywhere near to giving up or surrendering.
"so kid, where to now?" Lyall asked, "you better not point that at me unless your willing to use it,"
"you have no idea what I'm willing to do!" Ty warned, his hands settling slightly, and the anger taking control.
Lyall watched his target with interest, he had to admit he was kind of impressed that Ty had taken a stance against him. He hadn't expected it.
"Look, kid, let's not make this any harder than it need be, I told you at the shack, I never leave a job uncompleted. I've been doing this for years, So just put the gun down, and ill make it quick ok, "
Ty's anger flared inside him like a wildfire, he couldn't believe Lyall expected him to just give in and let him take him down,
"and I told you Id never let Ben win! " Ty called, his voice cool but still shaky.
Lyall laughed, he seemed amused, he could see by Ty's body language this was not something Ty was comfortable with so decided to push the boundaries in an attempt to unnerve him.
"so Ty, where is little Miss tonight?" he asked, the gun still pointed in Ty's direction, "I thought for sure, she would be by your side,? one for all, all for one so to speak"
"leave Amy out of this,"Ty warned, "this is between you and me"
"so she's not here then, "Lyall pushed, "that's a shame, I would have enjoyed catching up with her again, who knows when this is over, maybe I'll look her up?"
"DONT YOU TOUCH HER!," Ty snarled, lifting his hands slightly as the gun kept its target, He repositioned himself yet again, steadying his resolve.
They stood in the beam of light for what seemed like an eternity, Guns at each others chests, like two movie cowboys in a duel to the death. Neither one would bow or give in, neither one would concede defeat.
Ty took a breath and tried to steady himself, the fear still churning in his gut, the silence between them finally being disturbed when a set of high beam head lights came up the main drive of the old ranch. Lyall's eyes flicked in their direction for a second and a twitch of annoyance crossed his clean-shaven face.
The next few minutes for Ty seemed to go past as if time had stood still. His attention shifted slightly as he recognized the truck to be that of Tims, causing a small amount of relief to flood through his body. Lyall however, took on a look as cold as stone and he realized his chances of getting out of this altercation without witnesses was now long gone, he decided in a split second to take advantage of Tys sudden lapse in concentration and squeezed the trigger, ending the stalemate and thus giving himself a chance to disappear in the inevitable confusion that would follow.
Ty heard the CRACK as it split through the silence of the night, his eyes suddenly flicking back at Lyall, realizing what he had done.
The next thing Ty recalled feeling in that slow-motion time span was a sharp hot pain that tore through his left shoulder. The impact of the bullet throwing him backwards and off balance as the air was forced from his lungs.
Ty heard himself groan, he felt himself stumble and then heard another CRACK!, This one closer and louder than the last. He felt his hands sting from his handgun's recoil. He let go of the gun, it fell to the ground beside him after it discharged as his body hit the dirt, his shoulder screaming with pain. He felt his head bounce off of the dirt as he yelled out in agony. His eyes shut tight as his hand grabbed at his shoulder.
He could feel the hot wet sensation he knew to be blood run through his fingers and he dug into his shoulder trying to find relief. He clenched his teeth and rolled onto his side as more lights pulled around him, this time red and blue, Ty grit his teeth as he felt hands on his body as voices called and yelled, Footsteps ran around him, there was urgency in the air.
He opened his eyes briefly to see Jacks worried face above him, his large hand pressed to his shoulder and the other on his arm.
"Argh, Jack," Ty cried, trying to fight the pain.
"stay still son," Jack said softly amongst the mayhem that continued on around them. Ty saw two men in green overalls and hi-viz vests run up to him and place black medical kits near his side,
It's a through and through, "he heard them say, "pad it up and get an IV line on him" One of the paramedics got up and ran to the other side of the lit up area, Ty watched through the pain as he knelt down over something, he couldn't make out what it was but could see the police and the paramedics working on something or someone.
Ty shut his eyes as he was overrun by pain and blood loss. He couldn't focus, his shoulder hurt like hell.
"steady kid" he heard someone say as hands grabbed him and pulled him to his feet, and then placed him on an ambulance gurney. He looked over at Jack as they strapped him down, his eyes glassy and filled with tears.
"did you get him, "he asked between breaths, "did they get him, Lyalls there, did they catch him"
"shh Ty, just relax ok, "Jack said, as the paramedics worked on him. Tim came up behind Jack and touched his shoulder, making him turn,
Tim shook his head, looking back over at the group of people who waited for another gurney to arrive.
"he's there Jack!" Ty pleaded, "he's, I tried to,….."He scrunched up his face as the paramedic put another gauze pad on his shoulder.
"stay still ok, I need you to keep calm and stop fighting us, " he said as Ty pushed his hands away from him and tried desperately to get up.
The paramedic called one of his counterparts to assist and they resecured Ty to the gurney, tightening the safety belts around his arms and legs. One of them held Ty's head still while they flashed a small light across his glassy green eyes,
"son, have you taken anything today? Any type of drug?" he asked, making Ty look at him.
Ty shook his head in annoyance, he didn't want to talk, he wanted to get to Lyall, and make sure he didn't get away.
"you got to stop him!"Ty growled as he tried to sit up again, his shoulder screaming as he did.
The paramedic looked at Jack who had now also placed his hands on Ty's chest and pushed him down."Sir, do you know if he has taken anything in the last 4 hours?" he asked again. His face serious.
"I'm not sure, "Jack said in a low voice, "but it's a possibility"
"what would he have taken?"
Jack looked at Ty who had pushed his head back into the gurney, his eyes scrunched up as he fought against the burning in his shoulder. He didn't want to drop Ty in it and get him into any more trouble than he was already in.
"Xanax, I think, he's got a prescription for them" he finally said.
"But he's been abusing them a bit" Tim interjected, making Jack turn and glare at him.
"what do you mean by abusing them?" the paramedic said,
"you know, taking them when he doesn't need to, taking too many "Tim continued, "the usual, "
"will you shut up Tim, "Jack snapped, "we don't know that for sure"
"ok, look, he's stable, but we cant give him any pain relief as I suspect from the tells he's showing that he's already injested some form of benzodiazepine. we can't risk an overdose "The paramedic looked towards the police officer who approached them, knowing he had heard his words to Jack.
"Ill need a toxicology report on this kid once we are back at the hospital ok, "the officer said,
"we are taking him to Crossbow, you can talk to him there, "The paramedic looked at his counterpart and pointed to the ambulance "get him on the bus, "
Jack watched as Ty was wheeled away and loaded into the ambulance. The doors shut as they hit their sirens and lights and drove away.
"Mr. Bartlett, "Officer Murphy said, as they watched the ambulance disappear into the night. "thanks for the call, Ill need to talk to yourself and Mr. Fleming and get your statements. "
Jack nodded and rubbed his hands through his hair, concern all over his aged face.
"I'll also need a few word with Ty, "
"I know, I'll meet you at the hospital ok, we cant talk there" Jack replied.
They all stood in silence as the second ambulance team went by pushing another gurney, this one carrying a covered cargo.
"Lyall?"Jack said as they rolled past,
"Yes Jack, "Murphy said in a serious tone, "Hence why its imperative I talk with Ty,"
"The old ranch was a mass of blue and red lights as the area was cordoned off and tagged for processing. Jack and Tim watched the officers, collect the guns and bag them for evidence. Jacks eyes not able to pull away from the red stain on the ground where Ty had been,
"we better get going Jack," Tim said, kicking the Nortons foot stand up and pushing the bike towards his truck.
Jack nodded, "there's something I have to do first," he replied as he pulled his phone from his pocket and pressed the buttons.
Amy and Lou sat together in the waiting room at Cross Bow medical Centre, this was a feeling too familiar for Amy. Waiting to hear if Ty was alive or dead. Jack had filled her in on what had transpired, but there were still many questions that needed to be answered.
Ty was in the emergency room and any news on his condition was yet to make it to the worried families ears.
Tim paced the floor, seeing how upset Amy was, his heart bleeding for his daughter. The police had gone through to talk to Ty, much to Jacks annoyance, he had tried to go with them, but they had refused him, saying they needed to talk with Ty alone. This making Jack even more concerned about Ty's predicament.
It was three hours later and close to midnight when Ty slowly walked through the emergency doors. His left arm in a full arm brace, strapped to his side, he looked pale and drawn as he stopped just inside the doorway. The police officer by his side not allowing him to proceed any further.
Amy stood up and watched as the police officer talked to Ty, finally handing him a sheet of paper and pointing to different sections of the page. Ty nodded and listened to his instructions as the officer shook his good hand and walked away.
Tys eyes then looked over towards the family he had called his own. He still had blood splatter on his neck and on the side of his face. And his jacket, which was draped across his shoulders bore the damage of the bullets impact. He was pale and unsteady on his feet and looked to be struggling to stay upright.
Amy slowly walked over to him. Her face showing no emotion at all, Ty tried to read her, but couldn't tell if she was angry or upset or worried or just relieved. All he wanted was to feel her arms around him knowing that then, he would feel ok,
She stopped directly in front of him. Her blue eyes crystal clear and still as the rest of the family watched on from a distance. Giving the two of them some space.
Ty opened his mouth to speak, but his voice wouldn't work, and if it had He didn't really know what to say.
"are you ok," she asked calmly, her face showing no real commitment to her words.
Ty took a breath and swallowed hard, his body trembling, his arm aching as much as his heart. "Amy I"
"are you alright, "she repeated, looking over at his shoulder, her voice still calm and low.
He moved slightly on the spot, and took another breath, "I'll live" he finally said, "the bullet... went straight ...through"
"good," Amy replied coldly, hearing the slur in his speech from medication. She stared at him for a few moments more, the distance between them insurmountable until without hesitation she slapped him hard across the face. The crack from her hand on his cheek ricocheting around the room.
Ty let out a slight groan as his head flicked violently sideways with the impact, his mouth open as he looked away from her. He didn't move, or rebuke her, for he knew in that moment she had made her feelings known.
Amy turned away from him and slowly walked back to her sister, Not responding to Ty's groan and stagger to stop himself from falling.
"let's go, Home Lou, "she said coldly "there's nothing for us here anymore"
Lou looked at Jack and Tim, shock on her face as Amy walked past her family towards the elevator." Amy, what about….we cant just….."
"let's go, Lou, "Amy repeated, not turning back, she hit the elevator button and waited for it to arrive.
"Take her home, "Jack said, looking at Lou and Tim, "I'll take care of, " he looked over to a visibly shaken but resigned Ty who now rubbed his red cheek. He hadn't moved from where he stood, the finality of Amy's actions taking hold.
"I'll take them home, "Tim said, passing his keys to Jack, "call me if you need any help"
Jack nodded and watched Tim and Lou catch up with Amy as the elevator opened,
Tys eyes looked towards her one more time, praying she would turn and look at him. But his hear broke as the elevator doors closed behind her. She never once turned back to him. She never once looked his way.
Jack sighed and slowly walked over to a silent Ty. His face showing the pain Amys rejection had inflicted.
"come on Ty, Let's get you home," Jack said, placing his hand on the young man's back.
Ty looked up at him. His eyes showing defeat to the fact that his worst fear had come true.
He had lost her. He had gambled, and he had lost the one thing he had been trying the hardest to protect. He had removed the threat, but in doing so, he had lost the love of his life.
"I…I don't have ...a home" he said in a whisper, his body trembling slightly." not... anymore, I have nothing"
"come on son," Jack said, seeing the pain in the young man's eyes as his world imploded "Your family, you always have a home at Heartland"
Ty slowly shook his head, a lone tear running down his red cheek, "no Jack, not any... more," his voice cracked as the truth hit home.
With those final words of closure, Jack walked the shell-shocked Ty towards the elevator. Guiding him inside like a lost child. He watched the shattered young man as they descended to the ground floor, his heart breaking for him.
They walked out into the cold night air and Ty winced, the cold hitting his hot cheek. Jack saw him stumble slightly as he lost his composure for a few seconds. His chest heaving under the shoulder brace as he calmed himself back down.
"Jack, "he said softly, his voice shaking, "I ... I've lost her "
"shh son, let's just get this night done with, the morning will bring a new day, let's leave these thoughts and worries for then. " Jack replied, guiding him over to where Tims truck waited.
Ty didn't respond, his mind was lost in the void. He was in shock, and coming down from the pain meds was not helping either. He felt sick, his head was screaming under a jackhammer attack and his lungs felt like no matter how hard he inhaled he wasn't getting enough air.
Jack shut the door once Ty was inside, and rubbed his old face. The worry and pain showing in his eyes. He took a breath and walked around to the other side of the truck, flicking it into gear and heading out onto the main road.
When Jack came through the mudroom door, it was a little after 1 pm. Lou was sitting with a still and somber nonresponsive Amy in the lounge, Tim had just passed her a cup of tea in an attempt to get her to open up. Her refusal to even acknowledge what had happened or discuss how she felt was worrying them all.
"Grandpa," Lou said, seeing the tired cowboy come through the room, hat in hand.
"nice of you to come home," Amy said coldly, not looking up from her tea, "I take it you brought him back here"
"Amy, "Jack said, coming around to sit in front of her on his chair near the fire, "I'm going to ignore your tone because I know you've had to deal with a lot tonight, "
Amy didn't reply, knowing her anger at Ty was jading her thoughts.
"is he ok?" Lou asked,
Jack nodded, "physically, yeah he will mend, mentally, well "
"did the cops say anything to you?" Tim asked.
"no, but I'm going with Ty tomorrow to the station. As per their instructions" he said,
"why are you helping him, Grandpa, "Amy blurted out, her voice shaking but clear, "he showed us tonight he doesn't need or want our help, that he doesn't care about any of us or what he puts us through! why do you always have to take his side, !"
"I'm not taking anyone's side!" Jack replied, trying to keep his patience with an obviously upset and emotional Amy.
"it's nice to know you care about him more than you do me!" she snapped,
"that's enough, "Jack rebutted, his voice strained, "I think you need to go to bed and get some sleep before both of us say something we are going to regret. "
"Amy, come on, that's not fair, Grandpa couldn't just leave him there !"Lou interrupted.
Amy opened her mouth, but decided to hold her words, Jack could see she was hurting but he wasn't going to tolerate that kind of attitude or accusatory tone from anyone.
A few minutes went passed in silence as everyone tried to calm down.
Finally, Amy stood up and thumped down her teacup, splashing the contents over the coffee table.
"I don't care anymore ok, you can all do whatever you want, you want to be there for him, then be there, you want to call him family, go ahead, but I'm done, I won't be lied to anymore, I won't shed another tear for him"
And with those words still hanging in the air around her she stormed off to her room and slammed the door.
"shes upset" Lou explained, looking towards her sister's room. "she didn't mean that"
"I don't know Lou, sounded kind of final to me," Tim said, "If I was Ty, Id stay up in the loft for a few days and give her some space,"
"he's not in the loft, "Jack cut in as he got up, he looked at Tim and Lou with sad eyes, "he wouldn't let me bring him back here,"
"where is he?" Lou asked, concern on her face,
Jack sighed and rubbed his face, he looked tired and drawn. The evening's events had caught up with him. "he asked me to take him to the trailer, "
"But that's been locked up for months, he won't have any food or ….." Lou began.
Jack nodded, "I tried to tell him that, but he wouldn't listen. I'll pick him up tomorrow and hopefully, he will have had some time to rethink it"
"This isn't looking good Jack, "Tim said, "do you know if they are going to charge him,"
Jack shrugged his shoulders, "no Tim. They didn't say in the interview request. but I suppose we will find out tomorrow."
"they cant charge him can they, he just defended himself, "Lou said,
"Lou, he set the meeting up, he was found in possession of an unregistered handgun. And a guy died after Ty's weapon discharged, and let's not forget He also was as high as a kite when they found him."
Lou dropped her head. "this can't be happening,"
"oh its happening, Lou" Tim continued, "we need to get that kid a damn good lawyer or whether Amy is talking to him or not is going to be the least of his worries."
"let's just call it a night ok, "Jack said, "we can worry about what to do after the interview tomorrow,"
They all nodded to each other and they went their sperate ways. Jack hitting the light switch and letting the house fall into darkness. As he watched Tim leave and close the door. His heart was heavy as he walked to his room. Ty was like a son to him, and he made him a promise many years before that he would always have his back. He couldn't turn away from him now, everyone in Ty's life had in some way abandoned him. And now, it looked like Amy was doing the same thing. So Jack made a decision that night, standing in the darkness of the ranch. The fires last embers fading to dust. He would stand by the boy who had come to him with nothing but a bad attitude and a motorcycle. He knew Amy wouldn't be happy with him for doing it but Jack made Ty a promise and he wasn't about to break it now.
to be continued
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