DAY OF RECKONING
CHAPTER 5

Both Caleb and Trisha opened the front door for Lucas, who was carrying a still unconscious Dara. Caleb looked at him in concern and relaxed as his father shook his head, "It's all right, she came to after you left. I think the excitement was too much for her, she passed out again, after a little rest she'll be fine."

Continuing up the stairs he pushed open their bedroom door and carefully laid his wife on the bed. Searching through the dresser he found her nightgown and began undressing her. He had just finished removing her clothes when she regained consciousness.

Looking around in uncertainty at her surroundings relaxed as Lucas soothed her fears, "It's all right, you just passed out, and we're home now. As soon as I put your gown on you can go back to sleep and get some rest." Saying nothing she simply nodded and allowed him to slip the gown over her head and tuck her into bed.

Tucking her in he placed a kiss on her cheek as he smoothed the hair from her face and whispered, "I love you." Lucas sat on the side of the bed, watching her to make certain that she would ease back into slumber. When he was satisfied that she was resting he ventured across the hall to check on their three younger children, all of whom were sleeping too.

Lucas headed downstairs to wait for Caleb's return from taking Trisha home. After thirty minutes or so he heard the car pull into the driveway and waited at the kitchen table for his son to join him.

Caleb came in the back door and seeing his father at the table raised an eyebrow in question as he got a soda from the refrigerator and took a seat across from his father. Opening the can he asked evenly, "You know who sent that spider to mama, don't you?"

Lucas nodded his head as he ran his hand through his hair in agitation. "Yes, damned, I do know. He was waiting for us outside the restaurant to gloat about it."

Caleb looked at him in surprise, "You mean he was waiting for you and mama when you left, is that why she fainted again, something he said to her?"

Lucas shook his head, "No, the excitement and strain were too much for her and she said something before she lost consciousness about feeling like everything was spinning around. That's all it was, Crower checked her and she wasn't bitten so it wasn't that. No, he was waiting after I got your mother in the car to brag about what he had done. I told him if he comes near you kids or your mother again I'm going to kill him."

Caleb looked at his father in puzzlement, "Why don't you just send him packing out of Trinity?"

Lucas sighed in frustration, "Because legally I cant, as much as I would desperately like to, where isn't anything that I could use to force him to leave."

Caleb narrowed his eyes as he asked his father softly, "Nothing?"

Lucas looked at his son pleadingly, "You know what your mother would do if I did that. I almost lost her once because of it, I wont risk it again."

Caleb tilted his head in quandary, "Not even to save her life. Let's face it dad, we both know this guy is going for the throat and where you're concerned that means going after mama. It's not exactly the best kept secret in town how much you love her or how far you would go to protect her." Standing to leave, he offered, "I know you've tried hard all of these years to live up to mom's expectations and values, but her life is at stake here, Garrett Darvin has to be stopped and we both know it." With that he left his father to consider his words.

Lucas sat for a few minutes longer, pondering his son's words. Then, deciding he wouldn't find the answer that night went upstairs. Opening the door softly he entered his bedroom, leaving the light off he undressed and climbed into bed next to his wife. Putting his arms around her he gently pulled her close to him, once he felt her relax and sink further into sleep he too drifted off to find some rest.


When Dara awoke the next morning, it was to find her husband raised on one elbow, watching her. Smiling up at him timidly, she stated, "Guess I ruined the party, huh?"

Lucas shook his head as he pushed a stray curl away from her face, "No, I think the surprise gift you received accomplished that." Putting his hand along her cheek, he gave voice to the thoughts that he had been considering for most of the night and morning as he had watched her sleep. "I think Maybe you should pack up the kids and go to your sister's, at least I can get you out of the line of fire."

Dara shook her head fiercely, "No, we've managed to get through all the other bad times, we'll get through this too, besides, I don't think that I could stand the idea of being away from you right now."

Lucas nodded as he pulled against him, "I know that I should make you leave for your and the kid's sakes, but I don't think I could handle being away from you either. We'll figure something out, but in the meantime we'll just have to be extra careful, which means we need to get someone to come in and help you out with the kids, I just don't know who it's going to be right this second."

Dara thought over his words, she knew he was right, she had been having a problem with fatigue in the past few weeks but she didn't want to worry him unnecessarily so she had kept the fact to herself with Caleb's unknowing help.

When he came home from school in the afternoons he would keep an eye on his siblings, allowing Dara to sneak a nap before Lucas came home, thus keeping him from discovering the problem. She had suffered from fatigue through both of her previous pregnancies but not to the severe degree she was now experiencing.

Not wanting to cause him any worry she had so far concealed the fact from Lucas. Considering this fact she nodded her agreement with his suggestion saying nothing.

Lucas studied her face carefully, he knew that she was tired lately, but he hadn't noticed until now the dark circles under her eyes. Looking at her thoughtfully, he asked, "Are you sleeping all right? You have circles under your eyes and you look worn out."

Dara smiled, trying to sidetrack him from worrying, "I'm just a little tired today, that's all. Let's get up so that I can fix the kid's breakfast." With that she quickly go up from the bed to grab her robe and head downstairs before he could give any further thought to her condition.


Once downstairs Dara began pulling pots and pans from under the cabinets to begin cooking her family's breakfast. She had just bent down to take a pot from the cabinet when a wave of dizziness came over her, dropping the pot with a clank she had stood and braced herself against the count top, waiting for the feeling to pass.

She had been having a severe problem with dizziness through the length of her pregnancy, unlike the previous times when she only suffered during the beginning of her condition, she was now suffering more the further along she got, as well as having a renewed problem with nausea and severe headaches. The latter problems she attributed to her persistent dizziness. Feeling the sensation finally pass she sighed in relief as she heard her husband hurrying down the stairs.

"Dara, honey are you okay?"

Dara composed herself and attempted a smile, "I'm fine, I accidentally dropped a pan, that's all, it slipped."

Lucas looked at his wife suspiciously, he couldn't shake the feeling that sh44e was hiding something from him but at the moment he wasn't certain what it could be. He knew one thing without a doubt though, in the almost five years he had been married to her he knew she wasn't a clumsy woman, she had only dropped one dish during their entire marriage and that was when she went into unexpected labor with the twins. Deciding to chalk it up to the stress of the prior evening's events he let it go. Lucas retrieved the pan for her and helped her prepare the morning meal for their family.

After the children has all assured themselves that their mother was indeed all right, they sat down and quickly finished the meal, no one mentioned the prior night's events.

Although it was Saturday, Lucas still had to go into the station, asking his eldest son what was on the agenda for the day he brought up the subject that had been on the back of his mind since last night. "By the way, care to tell us why you waited so long to introduce your girlfriend to you mother and I?"

Caleb looked at his father in uncertainty, "No particular reason I guess. We haven't been dating all that long and I wasn't sure when a good time might be, so I decided that if we were still dating by mama's birthday, then I would introduce you to her, that's all."

Lucas nodded in acceptance of his son's explanation as he got up, "By the way how about staying close around today? Just in care your mother needs you."

Caleb nodded, giving his father a knowing look as to why he wanted someone close to the house.

Going around the table he kissed the top of each of his younger children's head until he got to his wife, looking at her tenderly, he smiled, "Walk me to the door darlin."

Dara took the hand he offered to help her up from her chair. Once they reached the front door he turned and kissed her soundly, the pulled her close to him as he informed her, "I'll be home a little early tonight, so wait and I'll help with supper."

Opening the door to leave, he almost collided with Matt Crower as he was delivering almost all of Dara's presents, excluding the last package delivered. Helping him to rebalance the load, Lucas took half the packages and sat them on the foyer table. "You're up early, Harvard, by the way, thanks for your help last night. I'd help you but I have to go." Bending down he placed a kiss on his wife's mouth once more as he muttered, "See you later darlin and take it easy today, all right." With that he was gone.

Matt took in Dara's appearance and inwardly worried about his friend.

Dara smiled at matt and motioned her head in the direction of the kitchen as she stated brightly, "I know you've had breakfast so how about some coffee?"

Matt nodded silently as he followed her to the back of the house. When he reached the kitchen he was quickly tackled by three sets of small arms. "Dr. Matt!"

Matt smiled as he patted each small head and reached into his pocket to pull out three lollipops in their favorite flavors. After he had passed out the unexpected treats he suggested, "How about you guys go watch cartoons so that I can talk to mommy for a few minutes, okay?" Matt watched the smiles on the faces of all three as they opened their treats as they trooped off the living room, leaving the adults to their privacy. Coming straight to the point Matt asked unceremoniously, "So, when are you going to tell me that you're not feeling well?"

Dara turned and looked at Matt in surprise, "Now why would you assume that I feel bad? I mean sure, I'm feeling my pregnancy, but I'm fine, really." Dara smiled brightly, hoping to convince him, the smiled faded as Matt shook his head.

"You're not fooling me Dara, something is wrong and we both know it, so start talking, because I'm not leaving here until you do."

Dara sighed in resignation as she handed him his coffee and bowing her head she began, "Did you know that Lucas has an illegitimate brother?"

Matt shook his head, remaining silent allowing her to continue, "Neither did we until a couple of months ago. We found out about the same time that we found out I was pregnant. You know that Lucas has certain 'gifts'; this man considers that to be his birthright, the problem is that its not like Lucas can simply hand those abilities over. Apparently there can only be one male in every generation of the Buck family that controls that power. That's why until our children there has only ever been one child in the generations. The only way for this man to get what he wants is for Lucas to die."

Matt looked at her in utter shock, he knew that Buck had inexplicable powers and abilities, but he had never even fathomed this. Remembering the reason for his visit he asked softly, "Is that why you haven't mentioned how sick you really are this time?"

Dara looked at him shock before nodding. Making certain that her children weren't listening she stated softly, "Yes, I don't want him worrying about one more thing, but you're right I am having more problems than before, my back constantly hurts, but I know that part of it is from the beating I took from Landrum and the other is from falling down the stairs. I sleep but I don't get any rest, I can't get rid of these damned headaches. They're not quite migraines, but they're still annoying and there just seem to be days when making it until time to go to bed is a struggle. I stay tired all of the time and the dizzy spells are getting worse every day. Last night after we left, on the way to the car, the world started spinning and the last thing that I remember is Lucas putting me to bed."

Matt sighed heavily, "I knew that you were having some sort of problems, I just didn't know what. Unfortunately all I can do is run some tests to see if we can find out why, in your condition I cant risk prescribing anything. So come Monday I want you in my office. Before you ask, I wont say anything to your husband."

Dara smiled ruefully, "You know me too well, you know that don't you?"

Matt patted her hand as he got up and prepared to leave, "Don't worry we got you through the first three babies, we'll get you through this one too." With that he left Dara sitting alone, wondering what they would find.


As it turned out there wasn't anything Matt could pinpoint to explain Dara's illness. Reading over the latest batch of test results he shook his head, "Dara I don't understand it, have these symptoms been present just since your pregnancy?"

Dara considered his question for a moment, "No, come to think about it they've been pretty steady since about six months or so before I got pregnant, but I just always chalked them up to being tired, running after the kids and all. They've gained intensity since my pregnancy though."

Matt sighed as he stated, "Well these tests aren't telling me anything and I've ran every test humanly possible, even for things that I know cant possibly be an issue, so I'll have to look into this a little more. In the meantime all I can tell you is to try and get more rest and I'll see what I can find."

Dara pushed herself up from the chair; they had been searching for a cause for her debilitation for the pat six weeks, which now put Dara at five months pregnant. She had thus far been able to conceal how seriously ill she was from both her husband and children.

Lucas was preoccupied with Garrett Darvin, who made rare and sporadic appearances, but still managed to be a dangerous threat to their family. Caleb was still dating Trisha, who now spent a great deal of time at their home, and the younger children were all preoccupied with the Christmas preparations, with the holiday only two weeks away as well as Rinie's third birthday quickly approaching

Dara sighed in agitation as Matt patted her shoulder comfortingly, "We'll figure this out Dara, don't worry just go on home and get some rest. Loris said to just let her keep the kids until later on tonight, all right?"

Dara nodded as she silently left, heading to the parking lot. Searching through her purse she found her keys and got into her car, deciding to finish all of her last minute Christmas shopping, she headed towards the center of town to accomplish her task.

After she had completely finished she decided to stop by and see her husband, having parked her car near the station. Digging for her keys she had just reached the trunk when she fumbled and dropped them, watching in agitation as they skittered just under the rear of the car. Knowing that she would have difficulty reaching them in her ungainly shape she swore, "Damn!" As she sat the bags on the trunk and tried to kneel down as far as possible to reach them, she was just about to give up when a hand reached under and retrieved the keys for her, smiling her thanks she grabbed the bumper to pull herself upright, also being aided by the helping hand of the person who had helped her. Still smiling she began, "Thank you very much, I had no idea how I would reach them in this condition. You don't know how much I appreciate th... You!"

Garrett Darvin smiled at his sister in law, he definitely understood why his brother had married her, she was probably about four or five years younger than he was but she looked to be still in her late teens or early twenties. Even pregnant she was still an extremely beautiful woman with her long fall of dark red hair, highlighted with gold, as well as her sea green eyes and fair complexion.

Still smiling he tightened his grip on her arm as he stated, "My pleasure dear sister in law." Glancing at her swollen stomach he stated sarcastically, "I couldn't forgive myself if something happened to you or that baby."

Dara attempted to snatch her arm away as she answered sarcastically, "Somehow, I seriously doubt that, otherwise you wouldn't have been thoughtful enough to send me such a lovely birthday present." Becoming agitated with his refusal to release her arm, she glared at him, "Would you get you damn hands off of me?"

Garrett looked past her to the approaching vehicle and smiled maliciously as he offered, "Gladly." With that he tightened his grip on her arm and shoved her hard backwards out into the path of the approaching car.

Dara wasn't able to grasp at anything, falling backwards and was certain that she was bout to die until she felt two strong familiar hands quickly brace her back and push her back upright.

Lucas pulled Dara close against his chest, as he looked down at her in frightened concern, "Are you all right?"

Dara wasn't able to speak past the lump of fear lodged in her throat, so she simply nodded her head.

Lucas glanced past his wife to the smirking face of his half brother and abruptly lost control. Moving so quickly that Dara couldn't comprehend it, he had Garrett bent over backwards over the hood of a parked care with his hands wrapped tightly around Garrett's throat as he ranted loudly, "YOU SON OF A BITCH, I TOLD YOU WHAT I WOULD DO IF YOU EVER TOUCHED MY WIFE!"

Dara rushed over watching in horror as the younger man's face started turning purple from the lack of air. Seeing the look of satisfaction he seemed to be wearing at making her husband lose control she began frantically pulling at his wrists trying to pry his hands away from Garrett's throat. "Lucas, please don't, let him go. Can't you see that this is what he wants; he wants you to bring you down to his level. Please don't do this, let him go, honey please. Look at me, I'm fine I promise, darling let him go, please." Lucas turned to look at his wife.

Dara had to step backwards at the look of fury and blood lust in his eyes. Unable to take any more stress Dara fought but lost her battle as she collapsed into unconsciousness.

Lucas, seeing her about to hit the ground, released Garrett, who began coughing and gasping in air, to catch his wife before she could fall. Turning to glare at the younger man, he stated, "You had better pray that she's fine or I will finish this. If I were you I would get as far away from here and my sight as humanly possible." With that he placed his arm under her legs and swung her slight frame into his arms as he made his way to his office.

Ben looked at Lucas in deep concern as he held open the door for him, having seen him through the window. "What happened Lucas, is she all right?"

Lucas kicked the door to his office open and gently laid her on the couch. Turning towards Ben and Floyd he instructed each, "Ben get a wet cloth, Floyd go out and get her purse and keys and whatever else is out there." With that he turned and began smoothing the stray curls that had escaped from the clasp that held her hair back, away from her face.

Ben came back and handed Lucas the cloth he had asked for, taking it he nodded his thanks as he began gently wiping her face and patting her cheek, "Dara? Baby, open your eyes, come on its all right. Sweetheart wake up now."

Dara's eyes flickered as she opened them and looked at her surroundings. Then, remembering what had happened her eyes widened in panic. Lucas understood the fear he saw in her eyes and soothed her fears, "It's all right, and I didn't do it, although God knows I should have."

Dara sighed in relief as she placed her hand along his cheek, "No, you shouldn't have. You didn't see the look on his face, that was what he wanted, for you to be lowered to his level."

Lucas considered her statement and realized the truth of it as it occurred to him that maybe if Lucas knew how to transfer his spirit into another person than maybe Garrett Darvin did as well. Looking at his wife's extended stomach he realized that perhaps that had been his goal, to transfer his spirit into their unborn baby.

Just then Floyd came back, carrying all of Dara's belongings. "I think that I got everything Dara, but your keys were scattered all over the place, I guess your ring broke or something."

Dara nodded as she took the now loose keys from Floyd and looked in dismay at her husband, "I'll never figure out if any of them are missing."

Lucas shook his head, "Don't worry about it, we'll sort them out later." Looking at both his deputies he stated, "I'm going to take Dara home, I think she's had enough excitement for one day, so I'm off duty."

Floyd motioned towards the door, "I'll put these in you car Lucas and we'll bring Dara's car over later on." Lucas nodded his thanks as he reached out to help his wife up from the sofa.

Dara took his hand and pulled herself up, she had to steady herself by leaning against him as the room started spinning, closing her eyes against the dizziness she prayed that it would pass quickly.

Lucas watched her face carefully and surmised what the problem was. Placing his hand along her cheek he asked softly, "Dizzy again, honey?"

Dara glanced at him sadly as she slowly nodded. He moved to bend down to lift her up when she protested, "You can't keep carrying me, and people will talk if you carry me out of here."

Lucas shook his head as he lifted her up and stated, "To hell with other people, I'm not worried about them, I'm concerned about you."

Knowing that she wasn't able to argue she laid her head against his shoulder and closed her eyes. After they arrived home Lucas helped her upstairs and into bed, accepting her explanation of fatigue, since the day had been trying for them both.

After she was settled he ventured downstairs and made the call he knew he had delayed for too long. He needed help and he knew the best person for it was Mama Lucy.









































































































































































































































































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