Author's Note: Lindsay, Lindsay...first of all, who the hell watches Everwood? And second, you KNOW the kids are already named but nice try, lol! You frazzle me, babe!

This chapter was written in my extreme fatigue for Cathy, so that she wouldn't have a nervous breakdown, lol...

You guys are the BEST!

Peyton pulled up the house that looked more like a command center than a home. People were buzzing about, whispering as televisions broadcast the latest breaking developments concerning Nathan's accident. A few reporters were camped out on the massive front lawn.

"Peyton Sawyer?"

"Yes?"

"Miss Sawyer, Alex Stockton, Daily News. Can I get a statement about Mr. Scott?"

"How do you know my name?" she questioned.

"Was Mr. Scott intoxicated at the time of the accident?"

Peyton looked around uncomfortably. She wasn't used to having microphones shoved in her face.

"No comment", she said, pushing her way into the house.

Once inside, she didn't recognize anyone. Finally she saw Dan sitting behind a large desk barking orders like the President.

"Peyton!"

The blonde breathed a huge sigh of relief. She hadn't been that excited to see Brooke in a long time.

"Hey you", they hugged. "What the hell is going on here?"

Peyton had been out of the loop as real life had called. She and Jake had to return to Tree Hill to their own home and jobs and especially to their daughter. Still she had a connection and bond to the Scott brothers and despite the many mistakes Nathan had made, she had to be there for him. So she and Jake had made arrangements so that at least one of them could schedule time to make it to Charlotte as often as possible.

"You don't want to know", Brooke rolled her eyes. "This place is a freaking zoo."

"What is Dan doing?"

"Damage control. The press is all over this and it isn't looking good for Nathan. They're eating him alive."

"What did you expect? I mean, do they know anything? Like what happened before and all?"

"Not yet but it's not from lack of trying, trust me. But Papa Dan is on the counter attack so we'll see."

"How's Lucas holding up?"

"Worried sick about Nathan. Calling every five minutes to check that Sanchez guy's condition. Feeling guilty about it all. He's a mess. It's all a mess."

"What about Nathan? I know he wasn't legally drunk but he was at fault and there was alcohol in the car. Are they gonna charge him with anything?"

"Reckless driving, if you can believe that. That's the same penalty anyone who drives 20 over the speed limit would get. And he almost killed two people."

"But the alcohol?"

"What alcohol? Dan Scott had that truck cleaned up before the cops could process any evidence."

Peyton shook her head in disbelief.

"Where is everyone?"

"Mae and Whitey are here somewhere and Karen is in the kitchen. Broody had a game in Seattle and Royal is no doubt working on whatever plan Dan and Megan's cuckoo parents have cooked up next. Deb and Megan are in the living room."

Peyton peered in. The women sat quietly, Deb's injured arm secured in a cast and sling. The minute Megan saw her, she stood up and walked over.

"Hey, Peyton. Thanks for coming back", she hugged her.

Peyton was taken off guard by the embrace but returned it nevertheless. They were all under stressful circumstances and all they had was each other.

"How are you holding up?"

"I'm okay."

"And Nathan?"

Megan lowered her eyes.

"He's not so good."

The three girls moved their conversation over to a more private area near Deb. Brooke gave Megan a sympathetic smile. Even though she stood by every comment she had ever made during their arguments, even now Brooke couldn't help but feel the tiniest bit of sympathy for Meg.

"We'll get through this", Peyton sighed, flopping down on the sofa. "Somehow."

"Megan, there you are."

Dan joined them followed sure enough by his loyal subjects, Mark, Laurie and Royal. A sullen Nathan lingered behind.

"Is something wrong, Dan?" she asked.

"I need you to make a phone call", he said, handing her a piece of paper with digits scrawled on it.

"To who? What's this?"

"Clara Sanchez, Michael Sanchez's wife. Call on behalf of the Scott family and let her know how sorry we are."

"What?"

"You know what to do. Make it short and sweet but be sure to appear sympathetic."

"Dan…"

"He's right, sweetheart", Mark nodded. "The last thing we need is these people getting any ideas about a lawsuit."

"Unbelievable", Deb shook her head.

"No. I'm sorry, Daddy, Dan. I can't do this."

"Why not?"

"It isn't right. Imagine what their family must be going through. And you want me to call his wife because it looks good? So she won't sue? That is mean and tacky and just plain ridiculous. I won't take part in it."

"I wasn't asking you", Dan said in a more stern voice. "This isn't a democracy. Make the call."

"Dan, you can't make her do that", Brooke started.

"Stay out of this one, Princess. I can make her do whatever I want and this has to be done. Megan is a Scott now and this must be done out of Scott loyalty."

"Scott loyalty? What a crock of shit!"

"Easy now. You're well on your way to being a Scott, seeing as how you've almost slept your way into getting an engagement ring from Lucas but you're not quite there yet. So until then, I make the rules and you can stay out of Scott family business."

Brooke scowled. If anyone ever had questions or doubts about Dan's ruthlessness or sanity, the deal had finally been sealed. It was official…he was a heartless madman.

"Why me?" Megan almost whined. "Why do I have to do it?"

"One grief stricken wife to another", Dan smirked. "It will look better coming from you."

Megan felt trapped. She looked panicked. It wasn't fair. It wasn't right.

"No. I can't. I won't. Nathan?" she looked at her husband.

He was the one person that could and would back her. All he had to do was stand up to his father. Instead, he looked at the floor and shoved his hands in his pockets. Megan was all alone.

"It's for the best, honey", Laurie assured her. "It's okay. You can do it."

Like she had a choice. Megan fought back tears. Dan smirked as put the phone on "speaker" mode with almost a jubilant, gleeful feeling. Her own father dialed the number when her hands were too slow and shaky.

It began to rang and Megan's heart jumped.

"Hello?"

"Mrs. Sanchez? Clara Sanchez?"

"Yes…please. No more reporters. Leave our family alone."

"No, ma'am, I…I'm not a reporter. My name is…this is Megan Scott, Nathan's wife."

There was an audible gasp on the other end.

"Mrs. Scott…"

"I'm so sorry to bother you. I just wanted to call and express my heartfelt concern on behalf of both the Scott and Powell families. We are so very sorry for what happened to your husband and if there is anything we can do, please let us know. We've experienced unfortunate events in our own lives as well so we do sympathize with you."

"We are coping…praying."

"And we're praying for you. Like I said, if there is anything…"

"Anything like what? Mrs. Scott, you think writing a check will make this all better? You people with your fancy cars and houses and politics can make everything okay?"

"No, I…Mrs. Sanchez…"

"Don't insult me."

"I didn't mean to. I'm sorry if I offended you…"

"Be sorry that your drunk husband almost killed my Michael. My husband is lying in a hospital bed, eating through a tube, fighting for his life day by day. Where is your husband now? On the golf course? Shooting hoops?"

"No…"

"Did you know why my husband was riding his bicycle at night?"

"No, I…"

"Of course not. Because you probably don't give a damn. But I'll tell you anyway. Michael works two jobs. He's not some rich and famous NBA hotshot but he is a decent man who does whatever it takes to provide for me and our two kids. Our car broke down a couple of weeks ago and we didn't have money to fix it so my husband dusted off his bike and pedaled almost ten miles back and forth to get to work."

"Oh my…"

"Yeah. We don't get to choose between the Beemer and the Lexus and the Mercedes."

"I…I had no idea", Megan stuttered. "I'm so sorry. Whatever I can do…"

"Keep that wino hubby of yours off the street before he hurts any more innocent people", the young woman tearfully hung up.

Megan, Peyton, Brooke and Deb looked stunned. Nathan simply walked away.

"Oh my God…"

"That went rather well", Dan mused. "Early 20's, no car, a couple of kids…I'd say they settle before this things gets ugly and goes to court."

Megan angrily shook her head.

"You disgust me. You all disgust me", she walked away.

"Dan", Deb stood.

"Have a seat, wife", he laughed. "Before you break your other arm."

Peyton wanted to say something but she couldn't find the words. Brooke took it right out of her mouth.

"Unbelievable."