Chapter 4

In a small town like Pine Valley, it wasn't unusual for news to travel fast, or for parts of it to be hidden, especially when people like JR and Tad were involved.

Some would say that it was a miracle that news of Zach Slater's shooting didn't reach Erica Kane-Montgomery and her husband's ears, but as time passed most would see that it was a well orchestrated game to protect Kendall set into motion by JR. With a call to Reggie and a second to Sam information was intercepted and Jack and Erica artfully manipulated to focus on other issues, not that JR really thought they'd bother coming for more than telling Kendall how she didn't need Zach and how it proved that she should just give up the baby she carried.

Handing her a cup of decaffeinated coffee he took the seat next to her and her hand and watched the clock.

Minutes ticked away before Aidan came in. Nodding at the older man, JR regretfully gave up his seat to him and started towards the door to make some more calls. As he reached it, he stopped and watched his Great Uncle limp towards him: "what is going on?" the older man asked as he came to a stop in front of him.

Sparing a glance pass him, JR let out a breath when he didn't see Opal, then took a mental step back: "Opal's not with you, is she?"

"No. You asked me not to tell her I was coming here. Now what's so important."

"You have to promise to stay calm."

"You call me down to the Emergency Room with no explanation and then want me to promise to stay calm? What are you trying to give me another heart attack?"

"No, trying to prevent one."

"JR. . ."

"OK, OK. Look, Kendall needs all the support she can get right now. I know that when she was working for you, you two were close."

"The girl's got spunk. If I had been a few years younger. . ."

"Ok, I did not need that mental picture," JR responded as he covered his face with his hand. "Zach was shot earlier tonight."

"I knew that sooner or later that no good. . ."

"He was shot trying to protect someone. Look, it's complicated, but. . . well, the circumstances have put Kendall in a bad place in more than one way."

Palmer nodded: "Lavery's going to try to use it to take that baby from her."

"Among other things. I promised her that I'd. . . well, that I wouldn't let anything happen to her."

"Kendall doesn't often need help, or take it," Palmer reminded.

"She will now."

"Than she has mine as well."

"Good. There's just one more thing you need to know."

"What's that?"

JR sighed as he put a hand on Palmer's shoulder: "that for once, my father was right. That woman who came to town. . . she isn't my mother."

Palmer sighed as he looked sadly down at his feet: "I was afraid of that," he said, growing older in front of JR's eyes. "Well, then. Let's. . . let's set about helping Kendall, and then we'll take care of this imposter."