A/N: HERE'S CHAPTER ELEVEN. IT TOOK A WHILE TO WRITE BECAUSE I HAD A HUGE
WRITER'S BLOCK AND THEN I GOT SICK. JUST MY LUCK.
ANYHOO, ENJOY.
~*~
Kay paced in front of Fox in seething fury and hurt. She clenched and unclenched her fists wanting to maim someone, preferably Miguel.
Fox sat on a bench, a worried expression on his face. Kay had not uttered a word since they left the Bennett house and drove to the wharf.
She heaved a sigh in front of him, looking up at the dimming sky as if to push back the tears that she was stubbornly holding back.
"Kay?" Fox said cautiously, wondering if it was such a great idea to approach her. She looked about ready to commit bloody murder.
She refrained from looking at him and resumed pacing. "Bastard." She finally muttered, creasing her forehead into a frown.
"I hope you don't mean me." Fox said, hoping to lighten the mood.
Again, Kay ignored him.
"He had no fucking right to say that to me!" She stated furiously. "I could kill him. He never, I mean NEVER gave a rat's ass about his child. Who the hell did he think he was accusing me of something so vindictive?"
Fox sighed. "Kay, maybe he was just angry." He suggested and Kay snapped her head at him, narrowing her eyes.
"Are you defending that jackass?"
"Of course not. I was just-"
"Don't!" She snapped.
Fox exhaled sharply and stood up. "Darling you need to come down." He declared as he placed his hands on her shoulders to stop her from pacing.
He was getting quite dizzy with that.
She groaned. "How can I be when that self righteous son of a bitch accused me of hurting my daughter?"
"Kay."
"No!" She exclaimed, shrugging his hands off and walking away. "You were there. Didn't you hear him?"
Fox nodded. "Kay, I know how you must feel."
She shook her head in dismay. "No you don't. You can't possibly know what it feels like to have a child, lose her and suddenly be blamed of hurting her." She looked away from him and focused her attention on the ocean, praying that she wouldn't cry.
Dammit! Kay cursed in her head. I will not cry!
Fox walked over to her and pulled her into a hug. "I'm sorry."
"I don't want your apology, Fox." She sniffled as she let him hold her. "I want his and even that won't bring her back."
"I know." Fox said quietly as he kissed her on the forehead. Fox had never seen her so shaken.
Kay whimpered against his chest. "I hate him. I hate him so much I don't know what to do with it." She confided and Fox tightened his hold around her.
"I have a few ideas on how to hurt him." He suggested lightly.
"Good." She replied. "I want you to kick his sorry ass."
"With pleasure."
Kay pulled away from him, wiping her tears. "You believe me, don't you?" She asked, as he looked up at him.
"Of course." He replied sincerely. He cupped her face with his hand and kissed her tears. "I know you well enough to confidently say that you would never hurt your own child or anyone else's for that matter."
She smiled weakly. "Thank you." Kay said she stepped up to hug him.
"Anytime. Now come on. We need to have make up sex." Fox grinned mischievously as he led her back into the car.
Kay rolled her eyes at him. "We weren't fighting." She reminded him with a small laugh.
Fox just flashed her a grin.
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Sam could not believe it. His life was crumbling around him yet again. It should not have been a surprise considering the bad luck that seemed to shroud everyone in Harmony.
On her chair, Ivy was crying. "Sam, please say something." She pleaded in between sobs. He had never seen his wife break down like this. Ever.
"I don't know what to say to you right now." He muttered angrily.
Ivy sniffled. "I never meant to hurt you."
"Then you shouldn't have lied to me!"
"Sam, I wanted to be with you so much, I didn't know what else to do." She explained. Her eyes were bloodshot and puffy but somehow, she still managed to look regal.
He husband glared at her in utter contempt. "This is the lowest that you have done, Ivy. I forgave you for lying to me about Ethan. Anything you did after that, I still forgave you. But this! This tops it all!"
Ivy whimpered weakly. "Please understand."
"Understand what? You lied to my face for years for crying out loud! I asked you if there was anything you wanted to tell me. I asked you time and time again and you said there was nothing. You always said there was nothing!" Sam yelled furiously. He was glad that the house was empty and no one could hear them.
"Sam-"
"No! I will not listen to you damn excuses anymore!" He snapped. "You wormed your way into my life, Ivy, into my family. You pretended to care about us. You lied to me and my family every single day."
She frowned. "I never pretended to care about you. I always cared about." She insisted.
"You're one hell of a liar." He hissed.
"No, listen to me! I may have lied, I may have manipulated but I NEVER lied about how I felt about you. For years, I have fought for you. Tell me someone who showed as much dedication and love for you! Show me someone, anyone who would go through so much just for YOU. Tell me, dammit!" She retorted angrily.
Sam shook his head in consternation. "Damn you, Ivy. Damn you to hell." He said as he walked out of the house.
Meanwhile, John, Jessica, Charity and Miguel were gathered in the Bennett backyard. They had stayed out of everyone's way to give their parents some much needed privacy and time to resolve everything.
The truth had come out and at first, most of them denied it but from the look on Ivy's face and the way David guiltily went after an upset Grace, it was all devastatingly true.
Charity looked worried while Miguel looked very angry and confused.
Jessica on the other hand was just about ready to shoot Kay.
John remained silent.
"This is just like her to show up and stir the pot again." Jessica declared angrily. No one said otherwise. "I can't believe her. Actually, I can. I should have known."
"Jess, there was no way we could have seen this coming." Charity spoke up. "And I don't think Kay would do something like this."
The brunette frowned at her cousin. The girl was a poster child for clueless. "Charity, our lives were perfect before she came back. We were very happy when she was gone." Jessica insisted stubbornly.
"But-"
"Stop defending her!" Jessica exclaimed angrily. Charity looked about ready to burst into tears. Miguel wrapped an arm around her. "I'm sorry." Jessica softened her tone. "I know that you like to see the good in people but there is no good in Kay. She's evil. We have to accept that and do something about it."
"That's not such a good idea." Charity pointed out knowing that they had more important things to worry about than getting Kay out of Harmony. Everyone's lives were falling apart.
"Of course it is!" Jessica argued. "We have to get rid of her or we'll be stuck in hell forever."
Charity shook her head. John sighed. Miguel frowned.
"Kay is not leaving Harmony, or being driven out of Harmony before I get to talk to her." Miguel declared firmly.
"Miguel, are you sure you want to do that?" Charity whispered. She was afraid that talking to Kay would hurt Miguel more. He was already upset enough today.
"You have nothing to say to her, Miguel. She killed your daughter. You said so yourself." Jessica conveyed with determination.
Miguel shook her head. "She was the mother of my child. I have a lot to say to her. And I spoke to soon about Kay hurting our daughter. I jumped to conclusions. She deserves to have her side heard." He explained calmly although he was very angry with Kay and with himself.
"Don't try to make her look good." Jessica said angrily. This was not happening. It couldn't be. How in the world did Kay manage to walk into their lives again, destroy everything good in it and get away with it? "Am I the only one who can see her for who she is?"
"I know Kay has done a lot of things that I will never forgive her for but I still want to hear her side of the story." Miguel explained.
Charity nodded. "I'm here Miguel, if you need me. I'm here to help you through this." She declared softly.
"Thank you." He smiled at her.
"John?" Jessica turned to her no longer half brother. She still considered him family despite the painful truth. It wasn't that easy to let someone go, even if they were no longer related to you.
He shrugged. "Keep me out of this." He muttered.
She glared at him, at all of them. "You're already in this, John. She dragged you into this mess!" Jessica asserted irately.
"No, my father and Ivy dragged me into this mess. Kay just simply brought the truth out." He corrected her angrily. He was hurting but somehow he was glad the truth was out. He was only sorry that he was losing his family as a result.
"You're all blind!" Jessica yelled as she stomped off. "I'm going to get rid of the cold hearted bitch with or without your help!"
Jessica was not going to let Kay ruin her life or the lives of the people she cared about, come hell or high water.
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The Next Day
Kay was lost in her work when the door to her office pushed open. She looked up and found John Hastings, standing by the doorway looking very professional but somber.
"Well, look who's here." She muttered as she rose from her seat, abandoning her work. "Have you come to yell at me?"
The older man frowned at her. "Actually, I came here to work."
She looked surprised. "I thought you would have quit after everything." Kay stated offhandedly.
"I have more resilience than that." He declared.
Kay looked unconvinced. "Well, you're late. Some way to make an impression on the first day of work." She declared quickly glancing at the clock over his shoulder.
John sighed. "I was stuck in...traffic." He explained lamely.
She shot him an incredulous look but let the comment slide, thinking that she should give him a break. His life had just been revealed as one big lie. Being nice to him might just make his day.
Kay folded her arms over her chest and eyed him suspiciously. "Are you sure you want to work for the Devil?" She asked.
John smirked. "Why not? My life could not get any worse."
"So the saintly family has not sent you to spy on me and retrieve much needed blackmail information?" Kay asked flippantly as she leaned against her desk.
"Of course not." He retorted with a scoff. "I'm not like that. Besides, I saw the barely unreadable clause in my contract."
"Oh, the one that says that I can sue you for everything you're worth and more if you ever uttered a word about me or this company outside this office?" She beamed at him.
John was tempted to hit her for being so damn enthusiastic while his life was falling apart. But he was no woman hitter and he never resorted to violence and he didn't really blame her.
He was just being resentful.
"Yeah, that one." He replied.
Kay nodded. "Smart man. So whose side are you really on, John Hastings?" She asked, her voice growing serious.
He shrugged. "No one. Not theirs and definitely not yours." He replied. "I want this job and I need it. Whatever personal vendetta I may have with you, I won't let it taint my job."
She smirked. "Great speech and pray tell, what personal vendetta do you have against me?"
"Nothing too serious." He replied vaguely but Kay knew all too well that whatever he had against her was all because of the truth coming out. "Trust me."
"I trust people as far as I can throw them and you're looking pretty heavy to me right now." Kay retorted eyeing his rather lean and slender frame.
John sighed sharply. "Can we get to work now?" He urged, not wanting to dwell on his personal life too long. John had not come here to talk to the woman who was supposedly responsible for the destruction of his happiness. And he was in no mood to argue with her. He had heard enough from Jessica and Grace for taking this job.
She sighed. "Fine, fine." She replied. Kay led him to an adjoining office and pushed the door open to a room at least I third smaller than her own. "Here's your new prison. Have fun." Kay smiled.
John shot her an unimpressed look. "Nice." He said as he returned his attention to his well decorated new office.
"One of the many quirks of this job. You won't do much except be my slave. I do all the paperwork so don't get curious. What I say, you do." She quipped happily but John did not look intimidated in the least. "Oh, and John?"
"Yeah?"
"That lawsuit for betraying me and this company will be the least of your worries." She announced icily. "So choose your sides wisely." With that said Kay closed the door behind her and returned to her desk.
Just as she was about to return to her work, the door opened yet again and Fox burst into the room. "Hello, gorgeous." He greeted cheerfully.
"Hey." She beamed and Fox leaned over her desk to give her a quick kiss. "What are you doing here?" She curiously asked.
"I was wondering if you had time for a quick lunch before I left." He explained.
Kay shot him an apologetic look. "I have so much to do, Fox. Rain check?" She replied softly.
He nodded, understanding. "Sure."
"Where are you going?"
"Vienna for a week, maybe a few days more." He explained nonchalantly. Fox was watching her reaction carefully. As expected she looked shocked and then disappointed.
Kay frowned at him as she rose from her seat. "You're leaving me." She pouted unhappily.
Fox smiled. "I know. I wish I wasn't but Grandfather insists that I go to Vienna for a company meeting. There's some trouble with a business deal there." He explained, walking around her desk to stand in front of her. "This may be the final test before he hands the family business over to me."
She nodded. "You'll get the company either way, Fox. You just have to wait for Alistair to die. We both know that he'll hold on to it for as long as he's able." Kay declared with a sigh.
Fox raised an eyebrow. "Do I sense another plan being hatched?"
She shook her head. "No, no plan. Just stating simple fact and if you think I would try to off your grandfather, I might as well sign my own death certificate." Kay smiled.
Fox kissed her quickly. "Good to know. Murder plots are not for us and besides, we don't need to resort to killing." He smiled and she nodded.
Kay placed her hands over his suit as if to smooth it and have a feel of his chiseled chest. "Have fun in Vienna. Don't do anything I wouldn't." She declared looking at him through thick, dark lashes.
He frowned. "I was hoping that I could talk you into coming with me." He declared but despite her wish to come along Kay shook her head.
Get a hold of yourself. You can do a week or two without him. Kay mentally reprimanded herself.
"Duty calls. Pleasure will have to wait." She smiled slightly teasing him.
"And I thought I was irresistible." He feigned a wounded look.
She laughed lightly. "You are, Fox. Trust me, you are. But we have work to do, separately." Kay answered in all seriously.
Fox sighed. "Take care of yourself and don't have too much fun." He beamed.
"I'll try." Kay nodded; somewhat miffed that he was leaving her all alone to face the wolves but she didn't dare show it. She knew it wasn't Fox's battle to fight.
"I call you." He said before giving a kiss that made her knees weak and her heart do pitter patters.
"Yeah." She mustered shakily and Fox grinned at her, pleased with himself.
************************************************************************
Three Days Later
Much to Kay's surprise, everything was by far going smoothly. Most of her office work was well taken care of; she had none of her family members pestering her and John was so far a great P.A.
Fox had called her a few times to see how she was. Jason who was still in San Francisco even promised to be back in Harmony in a few days, for good perhaps.
For three days now, she was awaiting their impending arrival. She was sure they would lash back. An act that ruthless was not going to go unreciprocated. Kay was sure of it. So, she had to wonder what was keeping her family at bay. Even her father had not shown his face.
John walked into Kay's office, interrupting her thoughts. She gave him a small friendly smile. They had gotten along pretty well. She was almost sorry that John's life was falling apart.
Just almost.
"Here's the stuff you wanted." He said handing it to her.
"Let's go on a field trip." Kay suggested happily as she rose from her seat. John looked at her like she had suddenly shrunk to two feet and grown three ears.
"Field trip?" He echoed with much distaste.
"Yes, Johnny boy, field trip." She answered happily. "Come along now." Kay beamed at him. She loved annoying him to death.
It was just too amusing to resist.
John frowned at her although he had to admit Kay was entertaining when she wasn't trying to drive him off the edge. "Where exactly are we headed to?" He asked as he followed her out of the office.
Kay flashed him a small smile. "I'm going to see Uncle Hank at the station." She replied as they walked to the elevator.
He creased his forehead into a frown. "And you need me there because?"
"Emotional support and human shield in case any of the Bennetts decide to get physically." She replied cheerfully knowing full well that if she ever got into a brawl with anyone, Kay could hold her own quite well.
John shot her a worried look. "I don't think I'm the most qualified for the job." He stated as calmly as possible.
"Sure you are." She retorted happily. It was just amusing to see him twitch.
He continued to frown. "How do you know your family's going to be there?" He queried curiously.
Kay shrugged as she pressed the button to the lobby. "I don't. That's why I said, 'in case'." She retorted sarcastically.
"Well, don't expect me to be a shoulder to cry on. I'm not very good with weeping women." He explained and Kay looked at him curiously.
She smiled wryly. "I always thought you were one of those guys that girls could easily turn to when they're down. You've disappointed me and the rest of the female population." She drawled dramatically.
John smirked at her. "Sure." He muttered as he watched the floor number. The elevator ride seemed painstakingly long.
Kay elbowed him playfully. "Come on, John. You're the only entertainment I have. Don't be so gloomy."
John shot her an annoyed look. "I'm your employee, not your court jester."
Her expression grew serious. "Are you sure you still want this job?" She asked him quietly.
He nodded. "Like I said before, I'm resilient. Just because you like to torture me doesn't mean I can't handle you, boss lady. You're just like a bratty annoying, attention craving little sister. If I ignore you long enough, maybe you'll go away. No pun intended." John replied with a bitter smirk.
Kay sighed softly. "It's just too bad that's far from the truth." She muttered.
"Yeah." He mumbled, shifting his weight from one foot to another.
The elevator finally reached the lobby and they both stepped out, somewhat uncomfortable with the mess that they were both in.
A few minutes later, in the company car that Kay had given John, they finally arrived in front of the Harmony Police Department. John had a feeling something horrible was going to happen.
Kay was like that. She was a tornado, sometimes just passing through by the outskirts, and other times going right into the heart of the city, ripping everything in her path into shreds.
She glanced at him as she stepped out of the car, her expression turning serious. "Go run along now. Buy coffee, smell the roses, whatever."
John glanced at the police station. "I thought you wanted me with you."
"Well, I know you don't really want to go so I decided cut you loose for a few minutes while I talk to my uncle." Kay replied seriously.
"I'll drive to the Book Café for some coffee and I'll come and get you." He complied.
Kay nodded. "Good plan." She said and John got back into the car while Kay pushed the front door to the police station.
All eyes were on Kay as the front door shut behind her. She looked slightly out of place in her brand named office suit and Manolo Blahnik shoes. She looked like she could afford to buy the whole station, if that was possible.
She scanned the room full of men for Hank and her father. One of the police officers who were eyeing her appreciatively approached her. "Can I help you, miss?" He asked not so subtly appraising her.
Kay shot him an annoyed you're-out-of-your-league glare. "I'm looking for Hank Bennett." She said flatly. "He works here."
The officer grinned. "He's right over there." He said. "I'll take you to him."
"That's alright. I think I can go there myself." Kay replied shrugging off the hand that he so conveniently placed on the small of her back. Without waiting for a response, she traipsed over to her uncle's desk.
Kay cringed as she wondered when some of Harmony's decent police officers suddenly turned to scumbags. All eyes were still on her when she tapped Hank on the shoulder.
He looked startled to see her, then the realization of who she was clicked and Hank rose from his seat to pull Kay into a tight welcome hug.
"You're here!" Hank Bennett said happily as he lifted Kay off her feet like he had done when she was younger a way smaller.
Kay smiled at him, straightening herself when Hank put her back down. "Good to see you too, Uncle Hank." She replied cheerfully.
"Have a seat." He offered and she gladly complied. "Your dad told me you were in town. He's not in right now though."
"I came to see you actually. I went to see Dad a few days ago." She answered, still smiling.
Hank nodded. "You made quite a stir you know."
Kay just shrugged her shoulder. "Always did love attention." She muttered somewhat sarcastically. "Are you mad?"
"Well, from what I heard, you didn't really say anything." He began as he offered her a glass of water.
Kay held the cup between her hands but didn't bring it to her lips. "No, I just provoked her well enough to cause her to blab her dirty little secret to daddy." She conveyed with a triumphant smile.
"Kay, why are you doing this?" Hank asked; his voice evident of his disappointment.
She shrugged as she deliberated the thought. "Maybe because it's time." She replied vaguely.
"For what exactly?"
"For the truth to come out. Everything in Harmony is a secret. People lie, cheat and deceive each other. And they all think they can get away with it. Well, I'm proving them wrong."
Hank nodded silently, not thoroughly convinced with her explanation. "So this isn't a personal game with you? You're not doing this because you want everyone to suffer while you watch?" He asked, narrowing his eyes at her.
Kay leaned back on her seat, her eyes leveled to her uncle's. "It's always personal and maybe this is a game but no, I'm not doing it just for the sheer entertainment of watching everyone suffer."
"Alright. Kay, your father is hurting. Do you know that?"
She nodded. "Of course I do, but would you rather have him lied to for years like before?"
"No."
"I thought so." She exhaled sharply. Kay paused. "How are you? Are you married? Girlfriend? Kids?"
"I was married but then I got divorced two years ago. I have a son, Joey. He's almost two." He informed her, smiling at the thought of his little boy.
"I'm sorry I missed all those. I'd like to meet Joey some time." She stated.
Hank smiled. "You will. He's in Castleton right now with his mother." He replied.
Kay was about to say something when a figure loomed over them and cleared his throat. She looked up to find Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald scowling at her in absolute rage.
"Get up." He ordered and Kay raised an eyebrow at him, not budging an inch.
Hank frowned. "Luis, what are you doing?" He inquired.
"Arresting your nosey little niece." He muttered as he pulled Kay up by her arm. She yelped.
"Have you lost your mind?" She said angrily as she put more distance between them. "You can't arrest me for anything."
"Actually I can. Harassment."
Kay scoffed at him, narrowing her eyes at Miguel's brother. "Find something better to charge me with and maybe you'll have a chance to arrest me." She said defiantly. The room full of policemen was watching the commotion curiously.
"I was just recently informed that you were responsible for the tabloid incident with Theresa and the other incident with Sheridan and Antonio. Then you turned to your family to ruin them." He stated his voice icy. "Now, turn around or I'll make you."
Kay did no such thing. "So, my little tattletale of a sister opened her mouth and told on me. Boohoo. Now, for your information, officer, there's a big difference between a newspaper company and the tabloid. And as for Antonio and Sheridan, well, let's just say adulterers always get caught." She drawled sarcastically daring him to say something.
Luis ignored her. "You are under arrest for-"
"The hell I am!" Kay exclaimed angrily, shoving him back.
"Harassing an officer of the state. There goes another one." Luis taunted.
She smirked at him, followed by an eye roll. "You're no officer of the state. You're an insult to real police officers. You're not even good enough to be a rent-a-cop. Now, why don't you take your handcuffs and use it pretty Sheridan. Oh, wait, she's too busy screwing your brother!"
The room began to fill with murmurs, whispers and a few snickers. Luis glared at them.
Hank looked at his best friend and niece worriedly. "Kay, that's enough." He hissed.
Kay ignored her uncle. "Actually it's not until Lo-Fitz over here removes himself from me." She retorted and then turned her attention back to Luis. "Luis, I can't help it if your family is made up of liars, schemers and two timers."
He growled at her. "That's it!"
At the same time, John stepped into the station just to witness the scene. "Crap." He mumbled as he abandoned the two cups of coffee on some officer's desk and rushed over to his boss who was currently being hassled by Luis. "What's going on?" He asked.
"I'm getting arrested." Kay drawled dismissively, rolling her eyes.
"John, what are you doing here?" Luis asked.
"She's my boss. Can we all settle down and talk about why she's a getting arrested in the first place?" He demanded nervously. John was just thinking about how nice it was that nothing too exciting had happened in three days. Looks like he spoke too soon.
"We already figured that out." Luis brushed him off.
"I am not getting arrested. He has nothing against me." Kay explained as calmly as possible. "John, don't worry." She flashed him a smile.
"You conspired with a Crane to ruin my family!" He declared accusingly.
"Prove it!"
"Your sister said so herself."
Kay let out a sarcastic laugh. "You're grasping at straws, Luis. My sister has no proof and neither do you. Now, you're going to remove yourself from my personal space. I know you like breathing down people's necks. It makes you feel all manly and powerful but as a nice change, you won't do that to me, okay?" She said condescendingly as if Luis was a bad little three year old bully who was getting a scolding.
Hank cleared his throat.
John tried to be faint. This was getting out of hand and it was definitely not part of the job description.
"Luis, let her go." Hank said, prying his friend from his stubborn niece. "She's right; you don't have proof to do this."
"And he doesn't have a right either." Kay added petulantly as she straightened her suit out with her fingers as if she had just suddenly been mauled by a filth-ridden dog. "Attack me again in public or otherwise, Luis, and I will make sure to buy out this precinct."
"You have no power over the law."
"And neither do you. I'm sure you have enough brain cells for what I have to say so I suggest you listen well. Money can do a lot of things, Lo- Fitz, so you watch what you do or say to me because your next move will cost you your job and everyone in this station"
"You don't have power to do that."
Kay placed her hand on her hip. "Maybe not but I'm sure I can get someone to look into Harmony P.D. A lot of its officers are misbehaving and misusing their power for personal interests. With enough evidence, everyone here will be replaced by real police officers. People who actually do their jobs!" She declared so that the whole room could hear her loud and clear.
"You-"
"Kay, you better leave." Hank said, giving her a warning look.
She nodded. "I agree. It was nice seeing you, Uncle Hank. I'll visit you again in less hostile surroundings." She gave Luis a pointed look. "Come on, John."
"You're not off the hook yet!" Luis called after her.
"We'll see about that." Kay retorted as she pushed past him and out the door, John right behind her.
~*~
A/N: GUYS DON'T FORGET TO REVIEW BECAUSE IF NO ONE REVIEWS, THEN I THINK NO ONE'S READING THE STORY. AND THAT'S BAD BECAUSE I WON'T BE MOTIVATED. SO BE KIND AND GIVE ME A FEW WORDS. EVEN IF IT'S JUST, "HI, I READ CHAPTER 11."
THE CONFRONTATIONS WITH THE DIFFERENT HARMONY CHARACTERS (MOSTLY HER FAMILY) WILL BEGIN IN THE NEXT CHAPTERS.
THANKS FOR READING.
ANYHOO, ENJOY.
~*~
Kay paced in front of Fox in seething fury and hurt. She clenched and unclenched her fists wanting to maim someone, preferably Miguel.
Fox sat on a bench, a worried expression on his face. Kay had not uttered a word since they left the Bennett house and drove to the wharf.
She heaved a sigh in front of him, looking up at the dimming sky as if to push back the tears that she was stubbornly holding back.
"Kay?" Fox said cautiously, wondering if it was such a great idea to approach her. She looked about ready to commit bloody murder.
She refrained from looking at him and resumed pacing. "Bastard." She finally muttered, creasing her forehead into a frown.
"I hope you don't mean me." Fox said, hoping to lighten the mood.
Again, Kay ignored him.
"He had no fucking right to say that to me!" She stated furiously. "I could kill him. He never, I mean NEVER gave a rat's ass about his child. Who the hell did he think he was accusing me of something so vindictive?"
Fox sighed. "Kay, maybe he was just angry." He suggested and Kay snapped her head at him, narrowing her eyes.
"Are you defending that jackass?"
"Of course not. I was just-"
"Don't!" She snapped.
Fox exhaled sharply and stood up. "Darling you need to come down." He declared as he placed his hands on her shoulders to stop her from pacing.
He was getting quite dizzy with that.
She groaned. "How can I be when that self righteous son of a bitch accused me of hurting my daughter?"
"Kay."
"No!" She exclaimed, shrugging his hands off and walking away. "You were there. Didn't you hear him?"
Fox nodded. "Kay, I know how you must feel."
She shook her head in dismay. "No you don't. You can't possibly know what it feels like to have a child, lose her and suddenly be blamed of hurting her." She looked away from him and focused her attention on the ocean, praying that she wouldn't cry.
Dammit! Kay cursed in her head. I will not cry!
Fox walked over to her and pulled her into a hug. "I'm sorry."
"I don't want your apology, Fox." She sniffled as she let him hold her. "I want his and even that won't bring her back."
"I know." Fox said quietly as he kissed her on the forehead. Fox had never seen her so shaken.
Kay whimpered against his chest. "I hate him. I hate him so much I don't know what to do with it." She confided and Fox tightened his hold around her.
"I have a few ideas on how to hurt him." He suggested lightly.
"Good." She replied. "I want you to kick his sorry ass."
"With pleasure."
Kay pulled away from him, wiping her tears. "You believe me, don't you?" She asked, as he looked up at him.
"Of course." He replied sincerely. He cupped her face with his hand and kissed her tears. "I know you well enough to confidently say that you would never hurt your own child or anyone else's for that matter."
She smiled weakly. "Thank you." Kay said she stepped up to hug him.
"Anytime. Now come on. We need to have make up sex." Fox grinned mischievously as he led her back into the car.
Kay rolled her eyes at him. "We weren't fighting." She reminded him with a small laugh.
Fox just flashed her a grin.
************************************************************************
Sam could not believe it. His life was crumbling around him yet again. It should not have been a surprise considering the bad luck that seemed to shroud everyone in Harmony.
On her chair, Ivy was crying. "Sam, please say something." She pleaded in between sobs. He had never seen his wife break down like this. Ever.
"I don't know what to say to you right now." He muttered angrily.
Ivy sniffled. "I never meant to hurt you."
"Then you shouldn't have lied to me!"
"Sam, I wanted to be with you so much, I didn't know what else to do." She explained. Her eyes were bloodshot and puffy but somehow, she still managed to look regal.
He husband glared at her in utter contempt. "This is the lowest that you have done, Ivy. I forgave you for lying to me about Ethan. Anything you did after that, I still forgave you. But this! This tops it all!"
Ivy whimpered weakly. "Please understand."
"Understand what? You lied to my face for years for crying out loud! I asked you if there was anything you wanted to tell me. I asked you time and time again and you said there was nothing. You always said there was nothing!" Sam yelled furiously. He was glad that the house was empty and no one could hear them.
"Sam-"
"No! I will not listen to you damn excuses anymore!" He snapped. "You wormed your way into my life, Ivy, into my family. You pretended to care about us. You lied to me and my family every single day."
She frowned. "I never pretended to care about you. I always cared about." She insisted.
"You're one hell of a liar." He hissed.
"No, listen to me! I may have lied, I may have manipulated but I NEVER lied about how I felt about you. For years, I have fought for you. Tell me someone who showed as much dedication and love for you! Show me someone, anyone who would go through so much just for YOU. Tell me, dammit!" She retorted angrily.
Sam shook his head in consternation. "Damn you, Ivy. Damn you to hell." He said as he walked out of the house.
Meanwhile, John, Jessica, Charity and Miguel were gathered in the Bennett backyard. They had stayed out of everyone's way to give their parents some much needed privacy and time to resolve everything.
The truth had come out and at first, most of them denied it but from the look on Ivy's face and the way David guiltily went after an upset Grace, it was all devastatingly true.
Charity looked worried while Miguel looked very angry and confused.
Jessica on the other hand was just about ready to shoot Kay.
John remained silent.
"This is just like her to show up and stir the pot again." Jessica declared angrily. No one said otherwise. "I can't believe her. Actually, I can. I should have known."
"Jess, there was no way we could have seen this coming." Charity spoke up. "And I don't think Kay would do something like this."
The brunette frowned at her cousin. The girl was a poster child for clueless. "Charity, our lives were perfect before she came back. We were very happy when she was gone." Jessica insisted stubbornly.
"But-"
"Stop defending her!" Jessica exclaimed angrily. Charity looked about ready to burst into tears. Miguel wrapped an arm around her. "I'm sorry." Jessica softened her tone. "I know that you like to see the good in people but there is no good in Kay. She's evil. We have to accept that and do something about it."
"That's not such a good idea." Charity pointed out knowing that they had more important things to worry about than getting Kay out of Harmony. Everyone's lives were falling apart.
"Of course it is!" Jessica argued. "We have to get rid of her or we'll be stuck in hell forever."
Charity shook her head. John sighed. Miguel frowned.
"Kay is not leaving Harmony, or being driven out of Harmony before I get to talk to her." Miguel declared firmly.
"Miguel, are you sure you want to do that?" Charity whispered. She was afraid that talking to Kay would hurt Miguel more. He was already upset enough today.
"You have nothing to say to her, Miguel. She killed your daughter. You said so yourself." Jessica conveyed with determination.
Miguel shook her head. "She was the mother of my child. I have a lot to say to her. And I spoke to soon about Kay hurting our daughter. I jumped to conclusions. She deserves to have her side heard." He explained calmly although he was very angry with Kay and with himself.
"Don't try to make her look good." Jessica said angrily. This was not happening. It couldn't be. How in the world did Kay manage to walk into their lives again, destroy everything good in it and get away with it? "Am I the only one who can see her for who she is?"
"I know Kay has done a lot of things that I will never forgive her for but I still want to hear her side of the story." Miguel explained.
Charity nodded. "I'm here Miguel, if you need me. I'm here to help you through this." She declared softly.
"Thank you." He smiled at her.
"John?" Jessica turned to her no longer half brother. She still considered him family despite the painful truth. It wasn't that easy to let someone go, even if they were no longer related to you.
He shrugged. "Keep me out of this." He muttered.
She glared at him, at all of them. "You're already in this, John. She dragged you into this mess!" Jessica asserted irately.
"No, my father and Ivy dragged me into this mess. Kay just simply brought the truth out." He corrected her angrily. He was hurting but somehow he was glad the truth was out. He was only sorry that he was losing his family as a result.
"You're all blind!" Jessica yelled as she stomped off. "I'm going to get rid of the cold hearted bitch with or without your help!"
Jessica was not going to let Kay ruin her life or the lives of the people she cared about, come hell or high water.
************************************************************************
The Next Day
Kay was lost in her work when the door to her office pushed open. She looked up and found John Hastings, standing by the doorway looking very professional but somber.
"Well, look who's here." She muttered as she rose from her seat, abandoning her work. "Have you come to yell at me?"
The older man frowned at her. "Actually, I came here to work."
She looked surprised. "I thought you would have quit after everything." Kay stated offhandedly.
"I have more resilience than that." He declared.
Kay looked unconvinced. "Well, you're late. Some way to make an impression on the first day of work." She declared quickly glancing at the clock over his shoulder.
John sighed. "I was stuck in...traffic." He explained lamely.
She shot him an incredulous look but let the comment slide, thinking that she should give him a break. His life had just been revealed as one big lie. Being nice to him might just make his day.
Kay folded her arms over her chest and eyed him suspiciously. "Are you sure you want to work for the Devil?" She asked.
John smirked. "Why not? My life could not get any worse."
"So the saintly family has not sent you to spy on me and retrieve much needed blackmail information?" Kay asked flippantly as she leaned against her desk.
"Of course not." He retorted with a scoff. "I'm not like that. Besides, I saw the barely unreadable clause in my contract."
"Oh, the one that says that I can sue you for everything you're worth and more if you ever uttered a word about me or this company outside this office?" She beamed at him.
John was tempted to hit her for being so damn enthusiastic while his life was falling apart. But he was no woman hitter and he never resorted to violence and he didn't really blame her.
He was just being resentful.
"Yeah, that one." He replied.
Kay nodded. "Smart man. So whose side are you really on, John Hastings?" She asked, her voice growing serious.
He shrugged. "No one. Not theirs and definitely not yours." He replied. "I want this job and I need it. Whatever personal vendetta I may have with you, I won't let it taint my job."
She smirked. "Great speech and pray tell, what personal vendetta do you have against me?"
"Nothing too serious." He replied vaguely but Kay knew all too well that whatever he had against her was all because of the truth coming out. "Trust me."
"I trust people as far as I can throw them and you're looking pretty heavy to me right now." Kay retorted eyeing his rather lean and slender frame.
John sighed sharply. "Can we get to work now?" He urged, not wanting to dwell on his personal life too long. John had not come here to talk to the woman who was supposedly responsible for the destruction of his happiness. And he was in no mood to argue with her. He had heard enough from Jessica and Grace for taking this job.
She sighed. "Fine, fine." She replied. Kay led him to an adjoining office and pushed the door open to a room at least I third smaller than her own. "Here's your new prison. Have fun." Kay smiled.
John shot her an unimpressed look. "Nice." He said as he returned his attention to his well decorated new office.
"One of the many quirks of this job. You won't do much except be my slave. I do all the paperwork so don't get curious. What I say, you do." She quipped happily but John did not look intimidated in the least. "Oh, and John?"
"Yeah?"
"That lawsuit for betraying me and this company will be the least of your worries." She announced icily. "So choose your sides wisely." With that said Kay closed the door behind her and returned to her desk.
Just as she was about to return to her work, the door opened yet again and Fox burst into the room. "Hello, gorgeous." He greeted cheerfully.
"Hey." She beamed and Fox leaned over her desk to give her a quick kiss. "What are you doing here?" She curiously asked.
"I was wondering if you had time for a quick lunch before I left." He explained.
Kay shot him an apologetic look. "I have so much to do, Fox. Rain check?" She replied softly.
He nodded, understanding. "Sure."
"Where are you going?"
"Vienna for a week, maybe a few days more." He explained nonchalantly. Fox was watching her reaction carefully. As expected she looked shocked and then disappointed.
Kay frowned at him as she rose from her seat. "You're leaving me." She pouted unhappily.
Fox smiled. "I know. I wish I wasn't but Grandfather insists that I go to Vienna for a company meeting. There's some trouble with a business deal there." He explained, walking around her desk to stand in front of her. "This may be the final test before he hands the family business over to me."
She nodded. "You'll get the company either way, Fox. You just have to wait for Alistair to die. We both know that he'll hold on to it for as long as he's able." Kay declared with a sigh.
Fox raised an eyebrow. "Do I sense another plan being hatched?"
She shook her head. "No, no plan. Just stating simple fact and if you think I would try to off your grandfather, I might as well sign my own death certificate." Kay smiled.
Fox kissed her quickly. "Good to know. Murder plots are not for us and besides, we don't need to resort to killing." He smiled and she nodded.
Kay placed her hands over his suit as if to smooth it and have a feel of his chiseled chest. "Have fun in Vienna. Don't do anything I wouldn't." She declared looking at him through thick, dark lashes.
He frowned. "I was hoping that I could talk you into coming with me." He declared but despite her wish to come along Kay shook her head.
Get a hold of yourself. You can do a week or two without him. Kay mentally reprimanded herself.
"Duty calls. Pleasure will have to wait." She smiled slightly teasing him.
"And I thought I was irresistible." He feigned a wounded look.
She laughed lightly. "You are, Fox. Trust me, you are. But we have work to do, separately." Kay answered in all seriously.
Fox sighed. "Take care of yourself and don't have too much fun." He beamed.
"I'll try." Kay nodded; somewhat miffed that he was leaving her all alone to face the wolves but she didn't dare show it. She knew it wasn't Fox's battle to fight.
"I call you." He said before giving a kiss that made her knees weak and her heart do pitter patters.
"Yeah." She mustered shakily and Fox grinned at her, pleased with himself.
************************************************************************
Three Days Later
Much to Kay's surprise, everything was by far going smoothly. Most of her office work was well taken care of; she had none of her family members pestering her and John was so far a great P.A.
Fox had called her a few times to see how she was. Jason who was still in San Francisco even promised to be back in Harmony in a few days, for good perhaps.
For three days now, she was awaiting their impending arrival. She was sure they would lash back. An act that ruthless was not going to go unreciprocated. Kay was sure of it. So, she had to wonder what was keeping her family at bay. Even her father had not shown his face.
John walked into Kay's office, interrupting her thoughts. She gave him a small friendly smile. They had gotten along pretty well. She was almost sorry that John's life was falling apart.
Just almost.
"Here's the stuff you wanted." He said handing it to her.
"Let's go on a field trip." Kay suggested happily as she rose from her seat. John looked at her like she had suddenly shrunk to two feet and grown three ears.
"Field trip?" He echoed with much distaste.
"Yes, Johnny boy, field trip." She answered happily. "Come along now." Kay beamed at him. She loved annoying him to death.
It was just too amusing to resist.
John frowned at her although he had to admit Kay was entertaining when she wasn't trying to drive him off the edge. "Where exactly are we headed to?" He asked as he followed her out of the office.
Kay flashed him a small smile. "I'm going to see Uncle Hank at the station." She replied as they walked to the elevator.
He creased his forehead into a frown. "And you need me there because?"
"Emotional support and human shield in case any of the Bennetts decide to get physically." She replied cheerfully knowing full well that if she ever got into a brawl with anyone, Kay could hold her own quite well.
John shot her a worried look. "I don't think I'm the most qualified for the job." He stated as calmly as possible.
"Sure you are." She retorted happily. It was just amusing to see him twitch.
He continued to frown. "How do you know your family's going to be there?" He queried curiously.
Kay shrugged as she pressed the button to the lobby. "I don't. That's why I said, 'in case'." She retorted sarcastically.
"Well, don't expect me to be a shoulder to cry on. I'm not very good with weeping women." He explained and Kay looked at him curiously.
She smiled wryly. "I always thought you were one of those guys that girls could easily turn to when they're down. You've disappointed me and the rest of the female population." She drawled dramatically.
John smirked at her. "Sure." He muttered as he watched the floor number. The elevator ride seemed painstakingly long.
Kay elbowed him playfully. "Come on, John. You're the only entertainment I have. Don't be so gloomy."
John shot her an annoyed look. "I'm your employee, not your court jester."
Her expression grew serious. "Are you sure you still want this job?" She asked him quietly.
He nodded. "Like I said before, I'm resilient. Just because you like to torture me doesn't mean I can't handle you, boss lady. You're just like a bratty annoying, attention craving little sister. If I ignore you long enough, maybe you'll go away. No pun intended." John replied with a bitter smirk.
Kay sighed softly. "It's just too bad that's far from the truth." She muttered.
"Yeah." He mumbled, shifting his weight from one foot to another.
The elevator finally reached the lobby and they both stepped out, somewhat uncomfortable with the mess that they were both in.
A few minutes later, in the company car that Kay had given John, they finally arrived in front of the Harmony Police Department. John had a feeling something horrible was going to happen.
Kay was like that. She was a tornado, sometimes just passing through by the outskirts, and other times going right into the heart of the city, ripping everything in her path into shreds.
She glanced at him as she stepped out of the car, her expression turning serious. "Go run along now. Buy coffee, smell the roses, whatever."
John glanced at the police station. "I thought you wanted me with you."
"Well, I know you don't really want to go so I decided cut you loose for a few minutes while I talk to my uncle." Kay replied seriously.
"I'll drive to the Book Café for some coffee and I'll come and get you." He complied.
Kay nodded. "Good plan." She said and John got back into the car while Kay pushed the front door to the police station.
All eyes were on Kay as the front door shut behind her. She looked slightly out of place in her brand named office suit and Manolo Blahnik shoes. She looked like she could afford to buy the whole station, if that was possible.
She scanned the room full of men for Hank and her father. One of the police officers who were eyeing her appreciatively approached her. "Can I help you, miss?" He asked not so subtly appraising her.
Kay shot him an annoyed you're-out-of-your-league glare. "I'm looking for Hank Bennett." She said flatly. "He works here."
The officer grinned. "He's right over there." He said. "I'll take you to him."
"That's alright. I think I can go there myself." Kay replied shrugging off the hand that he so conveniently placed on the small of her back. Without waiting for a response, she traipsed over to her uncle's desk.
Kay cringed as she wondered when some of Harmony's decent police officers suddenly turned to scumbags. All eyes were still on her when she tapped Hank on the shoulder.
He looked startled to see her, then the realization of who she was clicked and Hank rose from his seat to pull Kay into a tight welcome hug.
"You're here!" Hank Bennett said happily as he lifted Kay off her feet like he had done when she was younger a way smaller.
Kay smiled at him, straightening herself when Hank put her back down. "Good to see you too, Uncle Hank." She replied cheerfully.
"Have a seat." He offered and she gladly complied. "Your dad told me you were in town. He's not in right now though."
"I came to see you actually. I went to see Dad a few days ago." She answered, still smiling.
Hank nodded. "You made quite a stir you know."
Kay just shrugged her shoulder. "Always did love attention." She muttered somewhat sarcastically. "Are you mad?"
"Well, from what I heard, you didn't really say anything." He began as he offered her a glass of water.
Kay held the cup between her hands but didn't bring it to her lips. "No, I just provoked her well enough to cause her to blab her dirty little secret to daddy." She conveyed with a triumphant smile.
"Kay, why are you doing this?" Hank asked; his voice evident of his disappointment.
She shrugged as she deliberated the thought. "Maybe because it's time." She replied vaguely.
"For what exactly?"
"For the truth to come out. Everything in Harmony is a secret. People lie, cheat and deceive each other. And they all think they can get away with it. Well, I'm proving them wrong."
Hank nodded silently, not thoroughly convinced with her explanation. "So this isn't a personal game with you? You're not doing this because you want everyone to suffer while you watch?" He asked, narrowing his eyes at her.
Kay leaned back on her seat, her eyes leveled to her uncle's. "It's always personal and maybe this is a game but no, I'm not doing it just for the sheer entertainment of watching everyone suffer."
"Alright. Kay, your father is hurting. Do you know that?"
She nodded. "Of course I do, but would you rather have him lied to for years like before?"
"No."
"I thought so." She exhaled sharply. Kay paused. "How are you? Are you married? Girlfriend? Kids?"
"I was married but then I got divorced two years ago. I have a son, Joey. He's almost two." He informed her, smiling at the thought of his little boy.
"I'm sorry I missed all those. I'd like to meet Joey some time." She stated.
Hank smiled. "You will. He's in Castleton right now with his mother." He replied.
Kay was about to say something when a figure loomed over them and cleared his throat. She looked up to find Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald scowling at her in absolute rage.
"Get up." He ordered and Kay raised an eyebrow at him, not budging an inch.
Hank frowned. "Luis, what are you doing?" He inquired.
"Arresting your nosey little niece." He muttered as he pulled Kay up by her arm. She yelped.
"Have you lost your mind?" She said angrily as she put more distance between them. "You can't arrest me for anything."
"Actually I can. Harassment."
Kay scoffed at him, narrowing her eyes at Miguel's brother. "Find something better to charge me with and maybe you'll have a chance to arrest me." She said defiantly. The room full of policemen was watching the commotion curiously.
"I was just recently informed that you were responsible for the tabloid incident with Theresa and the other incident with Sheridan and Antonio. Then you turned to your family to ruin them." He stated his voice icy. "Now, turn around or I'll make you."
Kay did no such thing. "So, my little tattletale of a sister opened her mouth and told on me. Boohoo. Now, for your information, officer, there's a big difference between a newspaper company and the tabloid. And as for Antonio and Sheridan, well, let's just say adulterers always get caught." She drawled sarcastically daring him to say something.
Luis ignored her. "You are under arrest for-"
"The hell I am!" Kay exclaimed angrily, shoving him back.
"Harassing an officer of the state. There goes another one." Luis taunted.
She smirked at him, followed by an eye roll. "You're no officer of the state. You're an insult to real police officers. You're not even good enough to be a rent-a-cop. Now, why don't you take your handcuffs and use it pretty Sheridan. Oh, wait, she's too busy screwing your brother!"
The room began to fill with murmurs, whispers and a few snickers. Luis glared at them.
Hank looked at his best friend and niece worriedly. "Kay, that's enough." He hissed.
Kay ignored her uncle. "Actually it's not until Lo-Fitz over here removes himself from me." She retorted and then turned her attention back to Luis. "Luis, I can't help it if your family is made up of liars, schemers and two timers."
He growled at her. "That's it!"
At the same time, John stepped into the station just to witness the scene. "Crap." He mumbled as he abandoned the two cups of coffee on some officer's desk and rushed over to his boss who was currently being hassled by Luis. "What's going on?" He asked.
"I'm getting arrested." Kay drawled dismissively, rolling her eyes.
"John, what are you doing here?" Luis asked.
"She's my boss. Can we all settle down and talk about why she's a getting arrested in the first place?" He demanded nervously. John was just thinking about how nice it was that nothing too exciting had happened in three days. Looks like he spoke too soon.
"We already figured that out." Luis brushed him off.
"I am not getting arrested. He has nothing against me." Kay explained as calmly as possible. "John, don't worry." She flashed him a smile.
"You conspired with a Crane to ruin my family!" He declared accusingly.
"Prove it!"
"Your sister said so herself."
Kay let out a sarcastic laugh. "You're grasping at straws, Luis. My sister has no proof and neither do you. Now, you're going to remove yourself from my personal space. I know you like breathing down people's necks. It makes you feel all manly and powerful but as a nice change, you won't do that to me, okay?" She said condescendingly as if Luis was a bad little three year old bully who was getting a scolding.
Hank cleared his throat.
John tried to be faint. This was getting out of hand and it was definitely not part of the job description.
"Luis, let her go." Hank said, prying his friend from his stubborn niece. "She's right; you don't have proof to do this."
"And he doesn't have a right either." Kay added petulantly as she straightened her suit out with her fingers as if she had just suddenly been mauled by a filth-ridden dog. "Attack me again in public or otherwise, Luis, and I will make sure to buy out this precinct."
"You have no power over the law."
"And neither do you. I'm sure you have enough brain cells for what I have to say so I suggest you listen well. Money can do a lot of things, Lo- Fitz, so you watch what you do or say to me because your next move will cost you your job and everyone in this station"
"You don't have power to do that."
Kay placed her hand on her hip. "Maybe not but I'm sure I can get someone to look into Harmony P.D. A lot of its officers are misbehaving and misusing their power for personal interests. With enough evidence, everyone here will be replaced by real police officers. People who actually do their jobs!" She declared so that the whole room could hear her loud and clear.
"You-"
"Kay, you better leave." Hank said, giving her a warning look.
She nodded. "I agree. It was nice seeing you, Uncle Hank. I'll visit you again in less hostile surroundings." She gave Luis a pointed look. "Come on, John."
"You're not off the hook yet!" Luis called after her.
"We'll see about that." Kay retorted as she pushed past him and out the door, John right behind her.
~*~
A/N: GUYS DON'T FORGET TO REVIEW BECAUSE IF NO ONE REVIEWS, THEN I THINK NO ONE'S READING THE STORY. AND THAT'S BAD BECAUSE I WON'T BE MOTIVATED. SO BE KIND AND GIVE ME A FEW WORDS. EVEN IF IT'S JUST, "HI, I READ CHAPTER 11."
THE CONFRONTATIONS WITH THE DIFFERENT HARMONY CHARACTERS (MOSTLY HER FAMILY) WILL BEGIN IN THE NEXT CHAPTERS.
THANKS FOR READING.
