Weeks went by and the Sutherlands slowly adjusted to life without Rhys and Kirsty. The atmosphere was naturally dull and money was short but the family got by, pulling together more than ever as a family to cope with the losses that they had faced. Dani in particular was supporting the family more than ever but remained oblivious to the reasons of Kirsty's departure. No one told her, and the secret weighed heavy on Shelley's mind. Dani deserved to know the full story after all she had done for the family, but no one wanted to cause further hurt or suffering.
Kane and Kirsty were also getting by at the B+B. Kirsty avoided Sylvia as much as she could, worrying that more recognition could threaten their happiness. Sylvia still treated her with suspicion, as if she and Kane were criminals. Her and Kane's joint wages meant that they got by comfortably although the work often took its toll on Kirsty, much to Kane's upset. He knew Kirsty deserved more. She deserved to have a great future ahead of her. A career. It didn't look like they would be going anywhere fast. They were able to put a small amount of money aside each week but there was no way they were ever going to achieve their dream life. Deep down, Kirsty knew that, but what mattered most was that she and Kane were together. That in itself gave her happiness. And knowing that she didn't have to rely on her parents made her feel more adult than ever. Her life was simple, but she was proud of it.
BREWERY
Kane turns a van into the loading bay. Human error somewhere along the line had resulted in the pub receiving goods they didn't want and he had been sent to return the stock. The evening was drawing on and he was already late. The only thing he could be thankful for was that he was on overtime. Time and a half. Getting home to Kirsty was the light at the end of the tunnel each day. He brought the van to a halt and swung open his door, stepping wearily out to unlock the van so it could be unloaded. He was exhausted and reluctant to help. Instead, he opted to return to his seat in the front, observing the unloading through his mirror. A familiar face appeared and he moved away from the mirror, eager not to be seen. It was a gut reaction more than anything. Rhys. When his mind adjusted to the news he sat back, debating with himself what he should do. Go out and make his presence known? But that might lead to all sorts of problems. Or drive away and deliver the news to Kirsty so she could pass it onto her family. The decision was made for him as there was a knock at the window. He looked up, and to his horror came face to face with an equally shocked Rhys. His automatic reaction was to lock the van door. He would never admit it, but Rhys scared him. Rhys was double his size and fuelled by revenge. The two men stared at each other for a moment before Kane wound down his window half an inch. Neither knew exactly what to say. Rhys was the first to speak.
"Where's my daughter?"
Rhys wasn't at home but his family was still high on his list of priorities. Besides, Kane might not even know about what was happening in Summer Bay.
"Who says she's not back at home?"
Rhys frowns at Kane's obvious knowledge of his own departure. A long silence followed.
"Kirsty's fine"
Rhys swallowed back anger. The back of the van slammed shut, the van now empty and a voice from behind told Kane he was free to leave.
"You won't say you saw me here, will you?"
Rhys had to try and be civil. He couldn't believe he was asking Kane a favour but he was just getting a new life and he didn't want to have to up sticks. Kane was equally worried about someone tracking he and Kirsty down but he knew very well that keeping this from Kirsty could have serious consequences.
"I can't keep this from her"
"After all you've done this is the least you can do - unless you want to be found as well... and you're in this as deep as I am - if one of us gets found, so does the other"
Rhys was desperate now. Of all the places he could have chosen to start up his new life he couldn't believe it was in the same area that Kirsty and Kane had chosen for theirs. He hated Kane with a vengeance but his only choice was to try and get him onside. Kane shook his head.
"No, I can't keep this from Kirsty - it'd ruin everything if she found out"
"How's she going to find out?"
Rhys' voice was icy now. Determined and stressed. In front of him was the man he hated most in the world and it took all his strength to avoid lashing out. But he knew it would do him little good. Dani had told him that after the mediation. He grimaced at the thought of his family.
"I can't talk about this right now - I have to get back"
Kane inserts the key into the ignition.
"One word of this to Kirsty and she'll be back home in no time and everyone around here will know that you are a sick rapist"
Kane glances across at him, covering up his frustration. The biggest threat Rhys could make was to take Kirsty away from him. Without Kirsty he had nothing and Rhys knew it.
"You know Rhys... you've spent five minutes trying to talk me out of bursting your bubble and not once have you asked after your family"
Kane looks at him coldly as he turns the key in the ignition and the van springs to life. Rhys thumps his fist against the side of the van in fury.
"Kane!"
He spoke with urgency now. Kane looked at him, frustrated. He didn't want to waste any more time.
"Why should I lie for you?"
"Because if you don't you'll never see Kirsty again"
Rhys was desperate. If the van door hadn't been locked he would have laid into Kane for sure. Anything to ensure Kane wouldn't say anything.
"Why don't you just go home?"
Kane couldn't understand why Rhys had left in the first place. He had got the brief outline off Kirsty but it made no sense why Rhys would leave a good home and family when things got tough in favour of hard labour at a brewery. He didn't know much about Rhys but from what he did know the move was highly out of character.
"Because they don't... they don't know everything... they don't know the half of it"
Rhys was getting more worked up by the minute.
"What do you mean?"
Rhys glanced around anxiously. What did it take to ensure he wasn't discovered? Did it really have to come to confiding in his daughter's rapist?
"I can't tell you... not here"
A tense moment passed. Kane eyed Rhys with suspicion.
"Meet me tomorrow?"
Kane was taken aback. Cautious. This man hated his guts and he knew it. Would he be putting himself in danger by meeting up with him? Kane nodded weakly. Did he really have a choice? He had the next day off work and that would mean more lies to Kirsty about where he was going.
"Just... just don't tell Kirsty... you owe me that much"
Guilt for what happened with Dani overrode his common sense to tell Kirsty and he nodded reluctantly.
"Come here at midday tomorrow"
Rhys stepped back from the van and Kane stepped on the accelerator, driving the van away. Rhys stares after it. Kane's mind was in overdrive. What was he getting himself into?
.......................................
B+B ROOM
Kane enters, hoping that Kirsty would be asleep so that he didn't have to lie. He could sleep until after she'd left for work and go out to meet Rhys, no questions asked. No lies told.
Kirsty is sat up in bed, the television on at a low volume.
"Hi. Sorry I'm late - there was a mix up at work"
"I was beginning to think you had abandoned me. Traded me in for an older model"
Kane smiles half-heartedly
"As if"
"I called Mum earlier. No luck in tracing Dad. She thinks he might have skipped the country - run off somewhere with Pete"
Kane nods. The last person he wants to talk about is Rhys. He sits down beside her on the bed, tactfully changing the subject.
"So apart from wasting the credit on my phone and lazing about watching the TV what else have you done today?"
She whacks him playfully.
"I've been at Sylvia's beck and call all day - she said I could have tomorrow afternoon off though"
"Yeah?"
Kane tried to sound enthusiastic.
"Yeah... she said it was because she was pleased with my work but I think it has more to do with the fact that she's got her family visiting"
Kane looks at her in confusion.
"I don't know... I just get the feeling she doesn't like me and she's constantly trying to put me down"
Kane smiles sympathetically, putting his arm around her. She rests her head on his shoulder.
"I wonder if the famous son is going to be here."
Kirsty sits up, shocked.
"What if he recognises me - he knew who you were"
"We'll just have to keep out of their way"
He squeezes her hand reassuringly.
.......................................
B+B
Late morning
Kirsty is still working and Kane is leaving to see Rhys. As he enters the reception he bumps into Kirsty.
"Hey... where are you going?"
"Work... boss just said he had to see me - I shouldn't be long"
Kane tried to keep his voice steady. Kirsty usually found it easy to suss when he was lying. She knew him too well.
"But I get off work in half an hour"
"I'll probably be back by then - I'll take you out somewhere this afternoon"
"Where?"
"You choose"
He kisses her gently.
"I've got to go"
Kane turns to leave.
"Bye"
Kirsty is put out by Kane's hurried departure. Kane is heavy hearted. He hated lying to her more than anything. He only hoped it would be for the best this time. Maybe it would be a step towards getting Rhys onside. Acceptance of their relationship.
.......................................
BREWERY
Kane stands next to his car outside the gates, drumming his fingers on the roof thoughtfully. Eventually Rhys appeared and hurried reluctantly over to the car. Neither knows quite how to greet the other. Kane nods towards him, acknowledging his arrival and Rhys returns an icy glare.
"What's this about?"
Rhys opens the passenger door and climbs into the car. He is on edge and being in the presence of Kane just made things worse. Kane also climbs into the car.
"Look, I haven't got much time so whatever it is just make it quick."
Kane was agitated. He wanted to get back to Kirsty and he was wary of Rhys' motives. They didn't trust one another, that much was clear, but they had to tolerate each other for their personal interests.
Rhys lunges forwards, grabbing Kane's shirt at the neck. He couldn't believe Kane was talking to him like this. After everything that had happened Kane didn't seem to show any remorse. The truth was, Kane had got used to hiding his feelings. Even remorse. He had learnt to get on with his life. What was more, his self esteem had rocketed since he met Kirsty. He felt like he could do anything.
Rhys is seething but he can't find the words to express his anger. He could quite easily beat his rival to a pulp at that very moment. He releases Kane from his grasp.
"This has to be between you and me"
Kane frowned. Rhys was choosing to confide in him. This had to be serious and Kane knew it would be the sort of thing he didn't want to get mixed up in. But curiosity won over and he nodded.
"The money - it didn't all go to Pete... I have a son..."
Rhys paused, staring ahead out of the windscreen thoughtfully
"...I've been giving his mother money regularly... I didn't have a choice - she was going to tell Shelley... it was all working out until Pete asked for a loan... and I gave it to him without thinking..."
Kane glanced around awkwardly. He could see the pain on Rhys' face as memories came flooding back but what could he say? This was his arch enemy. His victims father.
"...as soon as Shelley takes a close look at our finances she'll realise something's not right... I just don't want to be there when she realises I've been giving hundreds of dollars of our money to... to an old friend... Angie Russell"
Kane and Kirsty were also getting by at the B+B. Kirsty avoided Sylvia as much as she could, worrying that more recognition could threaten their happiness. Sylvia still treated her with suspicion, as if she and Kane were criminals. Her and Kane's joint wages meant that they got by comfortably although the work often took its toll on Kirsty, much to Kane's upset. He knew Kirsty deserved more. She deserved to have a great future ahead of her. A career. It didn't look like they would be going anywhere fast. They were able to put a small amount of money aside each week but there was no way they were ever going to achieve their dream life. Deep down, Kirsty knew that, but what mattered most was that she and Kane were together. That in itself gave her happiness. And knowing that she didn't have to rely on her parents made her feel more adult than ever. Her life was simple, but she was proud of it.
BREWERY
Kane turns a van into the loading bay. Human error somewhere along the line had resulted in the pub receiving goods they didn't want and he had been sent to return the stock. The evening was drawing on and he was already late. The only thing he could be thankful for was that he was on overtime. Time and a half. Getting home to Kirsty was the light at the end of the tunnel each day. He brought the van to a halt and swung open his door, stepping wearily out to unlock the van so it could be unloaded. He was exhausted and reluctant to help. Instead, he opted to return to his seat in the front, observing the unloading through his mirror. A familiar face appeared and he moved away from the mirror, eager not to be seen. It was a gut reaction more than anything. Rhys. When his mind adjusted to the news he sat back, debating with himself what he should do. Go out and make his presence known? But that might lead to all sorts of problems. Or drive away and deliver the news to Kirsty so she could pass it onto her family. The decision was made for him as there was a knock at the window. He looked up, and to his horror came face to face with an equally shocked Rhys. His automatic reaction was to lock the van door. He would never admit it, but Rhys scared him. Rhys was double his size and fuelled by revenge. The two men stared at each other for a moment before Kane wound down his window half an inch. Neither knew exactly what to say. Rhys was the first to speak.
"Where's my daughter?"
Rhys wasn't at home but his family was still high on his list of priorities. Besides, Kane might not even know about what was happening in Summer Bay.
"Who says she's not back at home?"
Rhys frowns at Kane's obvious knowledge of his own departure. A long silence followed.
"Kirsty's fine"
Rhys swallowed back anger. The back of the van slammed shut, the van now empty and a voice from behind told Kane he was free to leave.
"You won't say you saw me here, will you?"
Rhys had to try and be civil. He couldn't believe he was asking Kane a favour but he was just getting a new life and he didn't want to have to up sticks. Kane was equally worried about someone tracking he and Kirsty down but he knew very well that keeping this from Kirsty could have serious consequences.
"I can't keep this from her"
"After all you've done this is the least you can do - unless you want to be found as well... and you're in this as deep as I am - if one of us gets found, so does the other"
Rhys was desperate now. Of all the places he could have chosen to start up his new life he couldn't believe it was in the same area that Kirsty and Kane had chosen for theirs. He hated Kane with a vengeance but his only choice was to try and get him onside. Kane shook his head.
"No, I can't keep this from Kirsty - it'd ruin everything if she found out"
"How's she going to find out?"
Rhys' voice was icy now. Determined and stressed. In front of him was the man he hated most in the world and it took all his strength to avoid lashing out. But he knew it would do him little good. Dani had told him that after the mediation. He grimaced at the thought of his family.
"I can't talk about this right now - I have to get back"
Kane inserts the key into the ignition.
"One word of this to Kirsty and she'll be back home in no time and everyone around here will know that you are a sick rapist"
Kane glances across at him, covering up his frustration. The biggest threat Rhys could make was to take Kirsty away from him. Without Kirsty he had nothing and Rhys knew it.
"You know Rhys... you've spent five minutes trying to talk me out of bursting your bubble and not once have you asked after your family"
Kane looks at him coldly as he turns the key in the ignition and the van springs to life. Rhys thumps his fist against the side of the van in fury.
"Kane!"
He spoke with urgency now. Kane looked at him, frustrated. He didn't want to waste any more time.
"Why should I lie for you?"
"Because if you don't you'll never see Kirsty again"
Rhys was desperate. If the van door hadn't been locked he would have laid into Kane for sure. Anything to ensure Kane wouldn't say anything.
"Why don't you just go home?"
Kane couldn't understand why Rhys had left in the first place. He had got the brief outline off Kirsty but it made no sense why Rhys would leave a good home and family when things got tough in favour of hard labour at a brewery. He didn't know much about Rhys but from what he did know the move was highly out of character.
"Because they don't... they don't know everything... they don't know the half of it"
Rhys was getting more worked up by the minute.
"What do you mean?"
Rhys glanced around anxiously. What did it take to ensure he wasn't discovered? Did it really have to come to confiding in his daughter's rapist?
"I can't tell you... not here"
A tense moment passed. Kane eyed Rhys with suspicion.
"Meet me tomorrow?"
Kane was taken aback. Cautious. This man hated his guts and he knew it. Would he be putting himself in danger by meeting up with him? Kane nodded weakly. Did he really have a choice? He had the next day off work and that would mean more lies to Kirsty about where he was going.
"Just... just don't tell Kirsty... you owe me that much"
Guilt for what happened with Dani overrode his common sense to tell Kirsty and he nodded reluctantly.
"Come here at midday tomorrow"
Rhys stepped back from the van and Kane stepped on the accelerator, driving the van away. Rhys stares after it. Kane's mind was in overdrive. What was he getting himself into?
.......................................
B+B ROOM
Kane enters, hoping that Kirsty would be asleep so that he didn't have to lie. He could sleep until after she'd left for work and go out to meet Rhys, no questions asked. No lies told.
Kirsty is sat up in bed, the television on at a low volume.
"Hi. Sorry I'm late - there was a mix up at work"
"I was beginning to think you had abandoned me. Traded me in for an older model"
Kane smiles half-heartedly
"As if"
"I called Mum earlier. No luck in tracing Dad. She thinks he might have skipped the country - run off somewhere with Pete"
Kane nods. The last person he wants to talk about is Rhys. He sits down beside her on the bed, tactfully changing the subject.
"So apart from wasting the credit on my phone and lazing about watching the TV what else have you done today?"
She whacks him playfully.
"I've been at Sylvia's beck and call all day - she said I could have tomorrow afternoon off though"
"Yeah?"
Kane tried to sound enthusiastic.
"Yeah... she said it was because she was pleased with my work but I think it has more to do with the fact that she's got her family visiting"
Kane looks at her in confusion.
"I don't know... I just get the feeling she doesn't like me and she's constantly trying to put me down"
Kane smiles sympathetically, putting his arm around her. She rests her head on his shoulder.
"I wonder if the famous son is going to be here."
Kirsty sits up, shocked.
"What if he recognises me - he knew who you were"
"We'll just have to keep out of their way"
He squeezes her hand reassuringly.
.......................................
B+B
Late morning
Kirsty is still working and Kane is leaving to see Rhys. As he enters the reception he bumps into Kirsty.
"Hey... where are you going?"
"Work... boss just said he had to see me - I shouldn't be long"
Kane tried to keep his voice steady. Kirsty usually found it easy to suss when he was lying. She knew him too well.
"But I get off work in half an hour"
"I'll probably be back by then - I'll take you out somewhere this afternoon"
"Where?"
"You choose"
He kisses her gently.
"I've got to go"
Kane turns to leave.
"Bye"
Kirsty is put out by Kane's hurried departure. Kane is heavy hearted. He hated lying to her more than anything. He only hoped it would be for the best this time. Maybe it would be a step towards getting Rhys onside. Acceptance of their relationship.
.......................................
BREWERY
Kane stands next to his car outside the gates, drumming his fingers on the roof thoughtfully. Eventually Rhys appeared and hurried reluctantly over to the car. Neither knows quite how to greet the other. Kane nods towards him, acknowledging his arrival and Rhys returns an icy glare.
"What's this about?"
Rhys opens the passenger door and climbs into the car. He is on edge and being in the presence of Kane just made things worse. Kane also climbs into the car.
"Look, I haven't got much time so whatever it is just make it quick."
Kane was agitated. He wanted to get back to Kirsty and he was wary of Rhys' motives. They didn't trust one another, that much was clear, but they had to tolerate each other for their personal interests.
Rhys lunges forwards, grabbing Kane's shirt at the neck. He couldn't believe Kane was talking to him like this. After everything that had happened Kane didn't seem to show any remorse. The truth was, Kane had got used to hiding his feelings. Even remorse. He had learnt to get on with his life. What was more, his self esteem had rocketed since he met Kirsty. He felt like he could do anything.
Rhys is seething but he can't find the words to express his anger. He could quite easily beat his rival to a pulp at that very moment. He releases Kane from his grasp.
"This has to be between you and me"
Kane frowned. Rhys was choosing to confide in him. This had to be serious and Kane knew it would be the sort of thing he didn't want to get mixed up in. But curiosity won over and he nodded.
"The money - it didn't all go to Pete... I have a son..."
Rhys paused, staring ahead out of the windscreen thoughtfully
"...I've been giving his mother money regularly... I didn't have a choice - she was going to tell Shelley... it was all working out until Pete asked for a loan... and I gave it to him without thinking..."
Kane glanced around awkwardly. He could see the pain on Rhys' face as memories came flooding back but what could he say? This was his arch enemy. His victims father.
"...as soon as Shelley takes a close look at our finances she'll realise something's not right... I just don't want to be there when she realises I've been giving hundreds of dollars of our money to... to an old friend... Angie Russell"
