Authors Note: Many thanks to all those who have reviewed so far, it's greatly appreciated. It's helpful to know what the reader enjoys about a piece of writing and at the same time, what they didn't enjoy. In addition, it's as beneficial to know what doesn't work as it is to know what does. Many thanks again for all the feedback, it's invaluable to me so do please continue.
Chapter Four – A Scotch and A Skirmish
Scott found his eyes drifting closed again, it had been a difficult day for all of them both physically and emotionally but he hadn't expected to feel so exhausted. He glanced up to check his brother was still asleep and allowed a soft smile to tug his lips into formation. Virgil always looked so peaceful when he was asleep, so content and youthful. It reminded Scott of their mother. He remembered when they were young, Virgil used to love being compared to their mother. It used to make him feel important and special. Until she died, then it became a reminder of not just what he'd lost but also why his father distanced himself at times.
Scott glanced at his watch, the doctor had said a couple of hours and Virgil had been asleep for three and a half. He was about to grab the attention of a nearby nurse when the younger man stirred, mumbling as he moved slightly.
Scott moved from his seat and perched on the bed. After the scans and X-rays had all come back clear, the cervical collar and backboard had been removed giving Virgil some ability to move. Which, even in his sleep he was making the most of. Scott watched as he sighed contently and nestled down again into the pillows.
"Virg?" He placed a gentle hand on the top of his brother's arm. "Virgil, wake up."
"Mmm," Virgil sighed, swallowing and pulling his lips together. "Uh huh." He mumbled to no one in particular.
Scott's smile widened. "Come on Virgil." Scott knew he didn't have to wake up; they could wait as long as necessary but he wanted to check that his brother was okay.
Begrudgingly, Virgil's lashes fluttered. The lids opened to reveal cloudy, brown orbs staring back at him.
"Hey." Scott smiled.
"Hey." Virgil frowned, blinking. "I don't remember falling asleep." He puzzled, evidently confused.
"The doctor sedated you. You were dizzy, remember?" Scott asked, concerned by the sudden lack of awareness.
"Yeah, yeah I remember." Virgil told him, coughing a little. "Can I get a drink?"
Scott nodded, reaching over to a tumbler filled with water, a straw poking out the top. "Can you sit up a little?"
"Hey, I can move." Virgil moved his head experimentally.
Scott laughed. "Yeah, the scans came back clear. They took all that off whilst you were asleep. Here." Scott lifted his head slightly and placed the straw to his lips, Virgil gulped down a good half of the contents. "Take it easy." Scott said as pulled the plastic cup away.
"Thanks." Virgil muttered. "How's Al?"
"I spoke to John whilst you were asleep. He said Alan was asleep too, and that Gordy was keeping an eye on him." Scott informed his brother. "I'm going to go and get Dr Williams, he told me to get him when you woke up."
"Scott, what is it you're not telling me?" Virgil asked purposely as Scott walked away.
"I'll be back in a minute." Virgil glowered at the reply; Scott was avoiding telling him something and he was determined to find out what.
Scott returned a few minutes later, Dr Williams in tow. "Okay Mr Tracy, how does the head feel now?"
Virgil smiled slightly. "Much better. I do feel a bit lethargic though."
Dr Williams perched on the edge of the bed. "Well, I'm afraid that's one of the effects of the sedative. You may feel weary, tired, and lethargic as you put it. Your appetite may go a bit but try to eat what you can and drink plenty of fluids. If it's not cleared up in twenty-four hours, come back. In the meantime just get plenty of rest." He paused; to Virgil it looked like he was trying to remember things he had to tell him.
"Your wrists badly bruised and so are your ribs. So take it steady, no heavy lifting, careful movements and no strenuous exercise, lots of rest. You'll need to make a follow up appointment with your own local physician. Keep the bandage on your wrist; you'll need the extra support I'd say for about two weeks. I'll give you this," He handed a piece of paper to Virgil, scrappy writing protruded. "You'll need to take two, twice a day with food, but it should keep the edge off the pain. Take ibuprofen as well."
"Thank you doctor." Virgil smiled at the older man.
"That's quite okay. Any problems you can call this number." He handed Scott a card. "Or come straight back at any time." He paused. "Remember what I said; take it easy, lots of rest."
"Don't worry Dr Williams." Scott smiled, "He will. I'll make sure of it."
The doctor smiled. "Okay, well whenever you're ready. Your clothes and other personal effects are in that cabinet."
Virgil nodded. "Thank you."
"Get dressed." Scott said softly as the doctor left them. "I'll call Sam, he's going to come and pick us up." Scott sighed. "Do you need a hand?"
Virgil shook his head as he passed the prescription to Scott. "No, but will you put this somewhere safe for me."
"Sure." Scott watched as Virgil attempted to roll onto his side to sit himself up.
"Ah." He winced. "Actually Scott." He paused, grimacing at the pain the pressure was causing in his ribs. "Help me up?"
"Sure, come here." He wrapped his arms gently around Virgil's chest as he guided his brother into a sitting position, allowing Virgil to use all the strength he had. Standing back, he looked at his brother. "Are you going to be okay getting dressed, or do you want me to help you?"
Virgil shook his head. "No, I'll be fine. Go and call Sam."
Scott knew it was pride rather then common sense talking. He hoped though, that Virgil would ask for help if he needed it and left him to it.
On his return, he entered the area to see Virgil sat gloomily holding the white shirt he had been wearing earlier, still sat up on the edge of the bed. Scott looked him up and down, he'd managed to get the suit back on and tied it round his hips, which was an achievement considering how tight they could be. However, his feet remained bare and as he looked up to Scott he sighed mournfully.
"It was a lot harder then I thought it was going to be." He confided into Scott's smile. "I can't reach my feet or move my arms above my head without causing every bruised muscle in my body to tap dance."
Scott laughed at the comment. "Come on, I'll help you." He took the pair of socks that sat on the bed and placed Virgil's feet one by one onto his knee as he assigned a sock to each foot then a lightweight boot. "Sam says he'll be about ten minutes." Scott said softly.
"Okay. Thanks." He smiled gratefully at his older brother as Scott stood up.
"You can't move your arms up at all?" Scott asked as he glanced around the room for a solution.
"No, I'm just pleased I was unconscious when they took it off. It would've hurt like hell, I'm surprised they didn't cut it." Scott smiled at the comment as an idea struck him.
"Here." He unzipped the thin, polyester jacket he wore and passed it over to his brother. "Put this on."
Virgil had always been bigger built then his brother and the jacket hugged his chest in places he'd rather it didn't at that precise moment. The zip at the front meant he could actually get it on, so it was better then nothing. He couldn't stop the wince though.
"Too tight?" Scott asked.
Virgil merely shook his head. "No, it'll be fine. Thanks." He managed a small smile. "Can we go?"
Scott nodded; he'd noticed how much pain every movement seemed to cause his brother and how cloudy his eyes still were. The doctor had told him it was just the sedative and that Virgil would appear a little unsteady for the next few hours, but that it was nothing to worry about. Scott had his reservations. "You okay to stand?"
Virgil cautiously slipped off the bed, gently placing weight on his legs. "Guess so." He nodded, as he began the long, unsteady walk towards the reception area and front of the hospital.
Scott had left him waiting for Sam whilst he went to get the prescription filled, in the hope that taking some painkillers would help. The walk had taken them what seemed like forever and if Virgil thought he was tired before, he was exhausted now. Each step had caused vibrations of pain to rattle through his chest and each movement, despite how slow he made them had the same effect. The fact he could feel Scott's anxious expression on him all the time just made him feel worse.
"Hey buddy, how you feeling?" Virgil smiled as Sam sauntered up to him.
"Exhausted, but I'll live." Virgil smiled in reply, surprised by how easily his eyes were dropping.
"Where's Scott?" Sam asked. "It looks like we should be getting you back to the hotel." Sam had obviously picked up on his exhaustion.
"He's just gone to get my medication." Virgil told him.
"Would that be the funny pills or some more medication?" Sam joked.
"Don't make me laugh." Virgil told him. "It hurts. How is everyone?"
"Well," Sam sat down on the wooden bench he'd occupied. "Your father told John and Gordon to take Alan back to the hotel so I haven't seen them. I called John and he said Al's fine but he was asleep. Kenny was at the wedding reception, he took the news quite well actually." Sam paused. "I think he was a bit drunk though. Your dad and I have been trying to get the car loaded up but it's a real mess."
"Yeah, I noticed." Virgil said dryly.
"Anyway, we had a heap of trouble getting it off the circuit for a start and then to make things even worse. After spending over an hour managing to get it in a fit state to load onto the artic." Sam paused for breath. "The Crash Investigation Team have impounded it until it's been looked over by an expert, again."
"Crash Investigation Team?" Virgil frowned. "But it was an accident."
"I know." Sam sighed. "And they've already been over it twice, but they want it impounding while the investigation is ongoing."
"I don't understand." Virgil shook his head. "Investigation into what?"
"Didn't Scott tell you?" Sam frowned, Virgil shook his head suddenly realising that this was probably what Scott had been so reluctant to divulge. "Well, it's mandatory with a death that there's an investigation, to decide whether or not there needs to be an inquest. They'll be looking for what caused the accident, I guess. If it was a mechanical fault with the car or if …"
"If Alan made a mistake." Virgil finished for him, looking up to his friend with surprised eyes. "You don't think that, do you? I mean Al can be a jerk sometimes but he's a good driver."
"I know, I know. If it's any consolation, I don't think he was at fault. I think it's something to do with the transmission. At the end of the day, I'm the mechanic. If there was a fault on the car, Jack's right, I should have noticed it." The tone he used was despairing and Virgil frowned.
"Sam, this isn't your fault. That car was a-okay when he lined up and you know it. Jack who?" Virgil frowned again. He wasn't sure whether he really was this dense or whether it was the effects of the sedative still in his system making him dopey. "Jack Jamison?"
"Yeah, Jack Jamison. He came round to the paddock earlier, tore a strip of me. He said it was my responsibility and that I should have made sure the car was working properly." Sam paused and Virgil could see that the incident had really gotten to the young mechanic.
"Sam, there was no fault on that car. We both know that and we both know that Alan's more than capable of racing that track." Virgil paused. "We'll just have to see what the investigation turns up, but Jack Jamison had no right to do that to you." Virgil looked at his friend sympathetically.
"I can understand him though Virg, he's upset." Sam said sadly.
"We're all upset." Virgil placed a hand on his friend's knee, unable to reach his shoulder. "Sam, you did your job out there and don't let anyone tell you any different. I know you feel responsible, I do too but it wasn't your fault."
Sam didn't reply, instead turning up to the darkening sky and looking up to the stars that were beginning to show themselves.
"Are you sure you're okay?" Sam asked, not turning to look at his friend. "I can't even begin to describe what was going through my head when I realised it was you two. They cut the radios within minutes and I didn't have a clue what was going on. You gave me a bad moment there for sure."
Virgil forced a smirk; in all honesty, he was worried about his friend. "I'm fine." He assured him. "Bruised and tired, but I'm fine."
Sam nodded turning to look at Virgil. "Good." He said sincerely. "Say, isn't that Scott's jacket?"
Virgil nodded. "Yeah, I couldn't get my shirt on over my head." He laughed, as Scott joined them.
"He couldn't get his shoes on either." Scott laughed too. "Haven't done that since he was a kid." He paused to laugh. "Come on; let's get back to the hotel. I want to check on Alan."
Sam stood up. "I dropped your father off there on my way over here." He fell in step alongside Scott as they began to walk towards the car, chatting as they went. "But he's been in and out all afternoon."
"Err, guys!" Virgil called, struggling to get up off the bench. "A little help?"
"Sorry Virg." Scott replied as he wrapped an arm around his brother and helped pull him to his feet. Slowly they headed down to where Sam had left the car, Scott keeping pace with his brother's slow, laboured steps.
XxxxX
Their arrival at the hotel was chaotic; the waiting paparazzi had gathered around the back of the building after a deliberate 'leak' from the hotel's security team. However, a few stray photographers had congregated and instead of stopping to hand the car over to the hotel staff. Sam drove directly into the underground car park himself. The management weren't happy about it, but had soon halted any real complaint when the two eldest Tracy brothers had emerged from the car.
"Y'know." Sam was saying as they made their way up into the hotel reception. "I could get used to the influence just being a Tracy has."
"Believe me." Virgil said dryly. "You'd get bored with it. Quickly."
"Oh, I don't know Virg." Sam smiled as they approached a staircase, deep in thought. "It must have some advantages. Otherwise, how do you explain Scott's luck with he ladies? I mean, it's not like they actually find him attractive or anything."
Virgil snorted a laugh as Scott just shook his head. "You can mock all you like. You're just jealous of my natural charm, outstanding wit and amazingly large…"
"Ego?" Virgil supplied for him before he'd finished the sentence.
"Bank account?" Sam jumped in, with a smirk.
"I was going to say larger than life character." Scott smirked good-naturedly. "But I guess ego fits too." All three laughed heartily as they made their way up the stairs.
Virgil struggled slowly and Scott was becoming more and more concerned as he seemed to need more and more assistance with every step. To the point where it felt to Scott as though he was carrying his brother as they neared the top.
Breathless and screwing his face up Virgil walked across the hotel reception unaided, much to Scott's relief. As they turned the corner to approach the lift, two friendly faces met them.
"Virg!" Gordon exclaimed with a smile as he jumped up from the ornamental table he perched on. "Here sit down, how are you feeling?"
Virgil frowned, coming to a halt in front of his brothers, Sam and Scott behind him. Between the two lifts stood a small but sturdy table, home to two vases full of flowers. Gordon was gesturing to Virgil to take the 'seat' he'd just vacated alongside John, who swung his legs aimlessly.
"I'm fine." Virgil smiled. "But if I sit down I won't be able to stand back up again." Gordon and John both looked to Scott sceptically, who shook a hand in reply indicating for them to leave it. "Where's Al?" Virgil asked, oblivious to the exchanged glances.
Gordon nodded his head to a door a few feet away, the word 'Bar' imprinted in fancily written frosted glass was clearly visible through the otherwise unblemished glass door. Through the transparent door the back of Alan's head could be seen as he spoke mutedly with their father. Virgil noted that thankfully, the rest of the bar was sparsely populated.
"Al couldn't sleep, he'd gotten this idea that Dad thinks it was his fault." Gordon informed them. "I mentioned it to Dad, said that Al's feeling pretty low and ..."
"Dad suggested he join him for a nightcap and a 'talk'." John finished, adding his own sarcastic spin to the word 'talk'. He glanced at his watch. "That was two and a half hours ago."
Sam and Scott shuffled around Virgil to see though the door. "How much has he had?" Scott asked.
Gordon shrugged, "I don't know."
John shook his head slowly, allowing his face to drop and forcing unruly blonde locks to fall forward too. "Dad thinks Scotch can fix anything." He mumbled.
The comment was largely ignored, but not unheard. "I'll go and talk to him." Scott said gruffly as he turned for the glass door.
"No Scott." Virgil's call stopped him. "I'll go."
"Virg, go to bed. I'll make sure he's okay." They stood level now and Scott could see the resolve through the clouded eyes. He knew before he'd finished the sentence the words were useless.
"I said I'd go Scott." There was that tone again, the one Scott had heard in the hospital. With a soft but resigned sigh, he nodded slowly and took a step back allowing Virgil clear passage to the bar.
"What's the matter with him?" Gordon asked as they watched him go.
Sam just shrugged his ignorance and John and Gordon turned to their older brother for an answer. "He's had a bad day. He's exhausted, worried and in a hell of a lot more pain then he's going to admit. Cut him some slack, will you?" The frown that adorned Scott's face as the terse words were spat out caused John and Gordon to exchange a look of intrigue. It would seem that Virgil wasn't the only one feeling the strain.
As Virgil entered the bar, his father immediately noted his presence and stood to meet him. "Son!" He smiled warmly as he placed a hand on Virgil's shoulder. Virgil's resultant wince caused him to withdraw. "Are you alright?"
"Yeah, yeah." Virgil shook his head, discounting his fathers concern. "Just a bit bruised, that's all."
Jeff gestured to the seat alongside Alan, for Virgil to sit down. "How's the head?"
Virgil smiled as his father took his seat again and he gracefully held a hand out to decline the offer. "The head's fine, I'm tired though."
Jeff nodded as he finished off the contents of one of the crystal tumblers resting on the table. Virgil glanced across to where his youngest brother sheepishly bowed his head, remaining silent as Jeff continued to talk.
"We're just having a nightcap and then we're off to bed." Jeff added, gesturing at the remaining glass and for Alan to drink it. The young blonde nervously acquiesced; taking the glass and sipping at it. Virgil watched him, waiting for him to look up and acknowledge his presence but he didn't.
"Dad, why don't you go sort the bill out." He gestured at Alan, hoping his father would take the hint. "We'll meet you by the elevator."
Jeff frowned for a few minutes, glancing over to a seemingly nervous Alan and taking the hint that his sons wanted some time alone. Knowing that they hadn't spoken since the accident, he was prepared to give them some privacy and stood. "Okay. I wanted a word with Bill Jackson anyway and he's over there. I'll see you in a few minutes."
Virgil waited for his father to move well away. "How you doing Kiddo?" He placed a hand on the young mans shoulder as Alan sat forward in the chair, cradling the remains of the scotch and swirling it round.
Virgil didn't really want to have to sit down for fear of the pain he knew would come when he had to get back up. When Alan made no reply though, he felt he had no choice. He lowered himself slowly with the aid of the table until he was sat alongside his brother on the bench seat.
"You're not mad with me are you?" Virgil asked, turning to him. Alan's head swung up instantly to deny the claim with a shake of the head. Revealing to Virgil his overly large pupils and his heavy eyelids. Virgil sighed sympathetically, what John had said was true. Their father thought that a scotch could cure anything but he failed to consider that not all of them had the resistance he did. "How much have you had?"
Alan screwed his face as if he was going to cry but with a shrug of the shoulders, and to Virgil's relief, he seemed to compose himself. Virgil nodded in defeat at the mute replies. "I think we should get you to bed, don't you?"
When Alan's only reply was a nod of the head Virgil smirked, laughing to himself. "Do you do anything else apart from nod?"
Alan's lips trembled as he turned in his seat to face his brother, their eyes meeting. "I am so sorry Virgil."
Virgil shook his head, breaking the shared gaze and looking to the floor. "Al," He placed a hand on his brother's knee until Alan looked at him. "You've got nothing to be sorry for."
Virgil could see the confusion cloud the normally bright blue eyes. The alcohol slowed his reaction but a frown soon materialised. "But I hurt you…" He screwed his face up again, though this time in horror.
"You didn't hurt me." Virgil told him, but he'd dropped his gaze and continued to look to the floor, refusing to look up. "Look at me." Virgil reached a hand out to his face and guided him until they were level; eye-to-eye. "This was an accident. You did nothing wrong. I mean it Al, you have to believe me."
Alan nodded as the alcohol-induced clouds suddenly became full of moisture. He'd avoided it but now Virgil had forced him to look, his gaze wouldn't move from his brother's face. He snivelled as he felt Virgil's strong arm creep round his shoulders securely. Suddenly he launched himself into his brother's embrace. He clung to Virgil as he had clung to Gordon earlier; arms tightly held around his neck, squeezing his brother and forcing his body as close as it would go.
Virgil winced with the force he used, barely concealing the grimace as the pressure on his ribs caused insurmountable pain to erupt throughout his chest. He held Alan for a few minutes, allowing his brother to feel the security he needed to before gently disentangling himself. "Come on." Virgil said softly, "Let's get you to bed." He suggested, hoping that at least then he would be able to take some painkillers.
"Virgil…" Alan stopped himself, sighing. His older brother looked up to him expectantly. "Why didn't you tell me the harness jammed? You knew didn't you?"
Virgil sighed. "Yeah I knew. I tried to release it before I hit yours and it wouldn't budge."
"So why didn't you say anything?" Alan frowned. Virgil wasn't sure whether it was the guilt or the sadness in his eyes that was most disturbing.
"If I had. Would you have jumped?" When Alan shook his head, he continued. "You had to get out. I knew that and you knew that. Even once you'd hit the circuit breaker the engine wasn't dying fast enough to prevent an explosion. I couldn't risk you being in the car if that was going to happen."
Alan sniffled slightly. "I'll never forgive myself for today." He mumbled.
"Hey," Virgil forced their eyes to meet again. "There's nothing to forgive. Accidents happen Al, it was an accident."
"That's what Gordy said." Alan mused softly.
"And that's what I say and I'll bet that's what Dad's just said. Because it's the truth." Virgil could see the words were having an effect. He wondered how much of Alan's dazed state was shock and how much was the scotch he'd consumed.
"You still got hurt." Alan disagreed.
"Come on Al!" Virgil scoffed. "There's nothing wrong with me. I've got more bruises from one of Gordon's stupid jokes." He smirked at his younger brother but Alan didn't return it.
"That's not true." Alan replied dismally. "I saw the way you walked in here."
"It's nothing." Virgil assured his brother. "Now, come on. Let's get to bed." He glanced across to the bar, where their father was now deep in conversation with his acquaintance.
Virgil watched as Alan stood stiffly before he attempted to follow suit. If there was one person in the world he wanted to conceal the severity of his injuries from it was the brother stood before him now. Therefore, for his sake and his sake alone, Virgil gathered all his control and forced himself up. Trying desperately to ignore the pain and blinking back the tears that stung his eyes.
As they headed for the exit, Virgil frowned at the raised voices he could hear. Peering through the glass of the door, he took in the scene in the hotel reception. Sam, John and Gordon all stood behind Scott. Who held his hands out whilst talking to another man as if in peace talks. Virgil studied the 'other man' recognising him as none other than Jack Jamison.
Mark's older brother was about the same age as Scott and one hundred percent muscle. Virgil didn't recognise the other man stood to Jack's left. Just from the pair's actions, he could tell they weren't here to inquire into Alan's health. As voices rose further, Virgil watched with increasing alarm as Jack took a few intimidating steps towards the oldest Tracy brother. Scott had never reacted well to threats, especially when it came to family and Virgil suddenly envisaged a massive brawl breaking out if he didn't do something. The fact that Jack had already verbally attacked Sam fresh in his mind, Virgil turned to Alan.
"Al, I don't know what's going on out there. I want you to wait here for Dad, okay?" Virgil told him firmly, the younger man nodded though he blinked heavily. Virgil began to realise just what an effect the alcohol was having as he leant up against the door somewhat unsteadily.
Virgil smiled at him reassuringly, casting a glance at where his father stood at the bar. He hoped he wouldn't be long and ventured out into the reception. As soon as the doors opened, he could hear the shouting.
"Just tell us where he is!"
"Look," Scott was saying. Virgil was impressed by just how calm he sounded. "He's not here, why don't you just go home and we'll talk about this properly tomorrow."
"Tomorrow?" The other man shouted, Virgil noted the tattoo on his left bicep as it flexed menacingly. "Mark doesn't have tomorrow, thanks to your brother."
"That's not true." Gordon said, from Scott's right. "Alan wasn't responsible for what happened out there today."
"No." Jack sneered. "It was a fault with the car, right? There's me thinking that's what a mechanic's for." He glared at Sam and Virgil practically felt the wave of guilt hit his friend.
"It wasn't Sam's fault either." John said speedily. "Look, Scott's right. It's late, you've had a lot to drink, just go home."
"I'm not drunk!" Jack snarled, leering forward at Scott unsteadily.
"Much." John muttered beneath his breath.
"What was that?" The tattooed man stepped forward into John's face provocatively. John looked down before glancing at Scott, almost asking permission to retaliate but Scott shook his head.
"He's not worth it John." He said aloud, deliberately looking at Jack.
"You hear that?" Jack slurred as he staggered in front of Scott. "We're not worth it." He grinned for a few minutes before laughing hysterically but Scott was far from amused.
Virgil watched the scene unfold approaching Gordon and getting his attention. He whispered. "Gordy, will you find Dad for me? He's in the bar." To begin with, Gordon frowned at him as if the suggestion was completely ludicrous. Then, as if a light bulb had been switched on he suddenly understood what Virgil was saying.
"Okay. The bar you say?" With a swift nod from Virgil, he was gone, heading to the bar in search of Alan. Virgil turned his attention back to the conversation in front of him, which was quickly escalating. Where was security when you needed them?
"You think you're so much better then the rest of us, don't you?" Jack was shouting in Scott's face. "Well, I got news for you; you're not going to get away with this. None of you." He yelled gesturing his arms madly. "That brat of a brother of yours killed my brother today and you… all of you." Again, the arms lashed out into thin air. "Trying to protect him, you're all just as bad. But you're not going to get away with it." He paused, attempting to gain some stability, as the movement seemed to knock him off balance. "You're going to pay for this. If it's the last thing I do, I'll make sure of it." His eyes filled with emotion that the alcohol had replaced with rage and Virgil sighed sympathetically.
"Jack," John stepped forward, alongside Scott. "No one is more sorry about what happened here today then us. We're sorry Mark's dead and we're sorry it happened how it did, but no amount of screaming or shouting or idle threats is going to bring him back now."
Virgil spoke up. "He's right." He smiled inwardly. Typical John, ever the peacemaker. "Do you think Mark would want this?"
"I think Mark would want justice, Virgil." Jack replied; his teeth clamped together. "But with your money he's not likely to get it, is he?"
Virgil frowned at the comment, but the reply came from Scott. "What's that got to do with anything?"
"You'll just throw a whole load of money at the situation and it'll go away. We're not going to let that happen. This is NOT going to get swept under the carpet." Jack yelled irately. "You all think you're so high and mighty, the squeaky clean Tracy family. Oh no, they never do anything wrong." He shouted sarcastically, grinning sardonically. "Well maybe it was time they were brought down a peg or two."
Jack went to turn away from Scott, and Virgil let a sigh of relief escape his lips in the hope that he would leave and it would all be forgotten. However, that hope soon disintegrated as the drunken man swivelled on his feet, throwing all his body weight into swinging his right fist at Scott's face. The drunken movement was too slow for Scott. He instinctively reached out and grabbed the wrist in one smooth flash of movement. Virgil watched in horror as he noticed Scott tense, his own free hand beginning to ball up into a fist.
"Scott!" He called. "You said it yourself…" He didn't need to say any more. With a snarl of disgust Scott let go of the drunken man's wrist with a less than gentle push.
"Erm, maybe we should just get out of here?" Sam suggested meekly.
Turning around to face the mechanic, John nodded. "I think that's a good idea, drunken Jack plus angry Scott equals…" John paused in the sarcastic comment mid flow. "Like I said good idea."
All four men turned their backs to the aggressors, intent on heading up to their rooms.
However, instead they all came face to face with Alan, stood in the doorway. Gordon stood nervously at his side, an arm draped across the younger man's shoulders as Alan took a step forward.
"Well look here. It's the murderer himself." Jack said coldly, his eyes never leaving Alan's.
"Jack, I'm so sorry. But I didn't kill him, it was an accident." Alan said softly, Gordon couldn't help but feel pleased at the words. They'd spent the whole evening trying to convince Alan exactly that and to hear him say those words was reassuring.
Gordon watched as the events that followed those four words unfolded in slow motion. "Liar!" Jack shouted as he lunged passed Scott in Alan's direction. "You're a murderer!" He was yelling at the top of his voice as Scott attempted to stop him. Meanwhile Sam and John were attempting to hold off the tattooed man, steadily succeeding.
As Scott fell to the ground with Jack, the drunken man lashed out bringing Virgil down alongside them. "Virgil!" Gordon and Alan rushed to his side, pulling him away from the fracas.
Scott made short work of restraining Jack. "You ever go within so much as a metre of my family again. I swear, you'll regret it." Scott spat as Jack squirmed beneath him.
"What the devil is going on here?" A crisp, English voice boomed across the reception area, echoing off the decorated walls and causing everything to cease movement. As both captives ceased their struggle, John and Sam pulled the tattooed man to his feet and thrust him into the arms of the waiting security personnel. Identifiable from the stark white and greyish blue uniform. Three or four, ominous and heavily built men stood around the hotel manager who's arms were firmly folded across his puffed out chest, a look of hostile monotony gracing his features.
"You missed all the action." Sam smiled forcefully as he turned to help Scott up.
"Yeah, nice timing." John added, with a false smile as the security staff wrestled the trouble causers away.
"You're going to pay for this, all of you. You're going to suffer." Jack was muttering threats even as he was led away.
Scott sighed, running a hand over his head and turning to the burgundy form of the hotel manager. He noted as he did that the man's face almost matched his uniform in shade. Scott approached, already formulating the words of explanation and opening his mouth to voice them.
"Mr Tracy," The manager beat him to it. "I am eagerly awaiting some kind of explanation into this… this brawl."
Scott glanced down to the name badge protruding from the crisp blazer. "Mr Johnson, I apologise but …"
"Scott!" The call startled him and he turned to the voice of his second youngest brother. Taking in the scene as he did. Gordon was knelt down alongside Virgil, propped up against the wall in between the ornamental table and the lift doors. The older brother wasn't looking too good.
As Scott turned his attention to his brother, he became vaguely aware that John and Sam had joined him as he advanced. "Virgil?"
He chose to ignore Mr Johnson's, annoyingly harsh tones somewhere behind him. "I say, what's going on? What's the matter over there?" After several more ignored attempts, he gave up and retreated from the scene. Intent on taking it up with Mr Tracy himself, at a later date.
Scott knelt down alongside Alan on the opposite side to Gordon. "Are you okay? Is he okay?" The first question was directed at Virgil. Before he'd drawn breath, the older Tracy turned to Gordon.
"I'm fine Scott." Virgil said, he attempted to make it sound as smooth as possible but he couldn't conceal his ragged breathing.
"What happened?" Sam asked, as he peered over John's shoulder.
The reply came from Gordon again. "Jack punched him in the ribs as he fell."
Unlike the others, who had turned their attention to Gordon. Scott frowned at the words, not taking his eyes from Virgil's. He instantly disliked Virgil's harsh breathing but as it began to settle, he turned back, remembering Mr Johnson.
"Damn it!" He cursed. Evidently, the manager had given up trying to communicate with any of them in the chaos and had left the scene. "John," Scott turned around. "Go and get Dad, tell him it's urgent. We've got to settle this with the hotel and get you to bed." He turned back to Virgil cryptically.
John looked like he was going to protest, but nodded. "He's in the bar. He said he would be out in a minute." Gordon supplied helpfully. The blonde man walked off hurriedly, in search of their father.
"Didn't you tell him what was going on?" Scott asked, annoyed at Gordon's lack of thought.
"Well, he's talking to Bill Jackson of Jackson Aerospace. What was I supposed to say Scott? 'Hey Dad, me and the boys are just engaging in a mass brawl.'" Gordon huffed sarcastically. "I'm sure he would have loved that, in front of one of his business buddies." He paused angrily. "I told him it was urgent and he said he wouldn't be long."
"Okay, okay. Arguing about it isn't going to get us anywhere." Scott tried to calm himself; so many thoughts ran through his head he closed his eyes for a moment. "Gordy, give me a hand. Let's get him up." He unintentionally, pushed Alan out of the way, as he grabbed one of Virgil's arms and the two hoisted him to his feet. Virgil grimaced at the pain but stopped himself commenting.
"Scott," Gordon was suddenly speaking softly. "He was unconscious, only for a few seconds."
Virgil shook his head immediately as the words were uttered above his head. "I wasn't unconscious I just had my eyes closed. He barely touched me." He protested.
Scott wished he could have been looking at his brother directly when those words left his lips. At least then, he would have been able to ascertain whether they were the truth or not.
"Maybe we should get a doctor to look you over." Scott muttered as Virgil let the wall take his weight.
"I'm fine Scott." Virgil's voice betrayed the exhaustion. "Look, he just winded me that was all. I don't need to see a doctor; I just need to go to bed."
Scott studied his brother for a few minutes, unsure for once of what to do. He could force Virgil to see a doctor but the chestnut haired man would take exception and Scot felt he was volatile enough as it was. The continued use of 'that' tone of voice told him that Virgil was fast approaching breaking point. The way his eyes remained so cloudy reminded Scott that if he didn't at least force his younger brother to move, he'd soon fall asleep. However, if he couldn't persuade Virgil to see a doctor and something happened he wouldn't forgive himself.
"Okay," He came to a decision; pressing the button that would bring one of the glass carriages down to them, he sighed. "You don't want a doctor that's fine, but you tell me the truth." He looked directly into the deep brown eyes that had never developed an ability to hide from him in the same way that he could never lie to Virgil. "Did it knock you out?"
Virgil sighed. "No, the pain took me to the edge but it didn't knock me out." His expression became expectant of a reply from the older brother.
Scott nodded, seemingly content with the reply. "Right." Scott could hear the understatement in that comment. From when they were children, Virgil had always had a high pain threshold. Scott assumed the way he was so powerfully built helped. He knew the pain must have been great for Virgil to make such an admission. "I'll find Dad and John and explain everything, the rest of you go to bed."
"Scott…" Sam nudged him and as a response, Scott turned to what held the mechanics vision.
As the arrival of the carriage was signified by a glorified beep, Scott placed a plastic key card into Sam's hand. Gordon was already moving towards where the youngest of the brothers stood against the wall silently staring onto space, oblivious of all that had passed before.
Scott stopped the copper haired man with a hand on the chest. "No." He frowned. "I'll make sure he's okay, give me your key."
Gordon matched Scott's frown. "No, let me Scott. He's shaken up and he's had a lot to drink. He'll be fine; he just needs to get to bed."
"Yeah, don't we all." Scott ground out sarcastically. "So quit messing around and give me the damned key!" He held out his hand expectantly and with a deep scowl, Gordon conformed. "Now, you two make sure he gets to bed." Scott gestured to Virgil as they stepped into the patiently waiting carriage.
Virgil opened his mouth to protest at the bodyguard he'd been assigned, but Scott barked a reply before the words had left his lips. "You'll do as you're told." He snapped.
As the carriage doors closed at the hands of the operator and they slid out of sight smoothly Scott heaved a heavy sigh. Surely, this day couldn't get much worse.
"Hey Kid." He walked across to his youngest brother, forcing a smile. "It's getting kind of late."
"Scott." Scott's words seemed to snap him out of his stupor and he glanced around, surprised at the sudden emptiness of the area. "Where… where did they all go?"
Scott placed a hand around his shoulders, guiding him to the other lift and pressing the button that would hail a carriage. "They went to bed, which is exactly where I think you should be going. Come on."
In the carriage running almost parallel with them Gordon was still smarting at the way Scott had spoken to him. "What's the matter with him anyway?" He was frowning.
"He's upset." Sam shrugged. "It's been a hard day."
"We're all upset and we've all had a bad day!" Gordon raged. Silently he deflated. "I'm sorry Sam; I didn't mean that how it sounded. It's just it winds me up. If anyone has any right to be snapping and yelling at people its Virgil or Alan, they're the ones that have been through hell."
"He's always taken the weight of the world on his shoulders Gords, that's just the way he is." Sam tried to appease the younger brother, not ignorant of the fact that his friend had made no effort to defend Scott. He glanced at Virgil, wondering if he was smarting too at the comments Scott had aimed at him.
"Yeah well he shouldn't. He's no right, just because he's upset. If one of us had spoken to him like that he'd have kicked our butts." Gordon growled, pausing for a few minutes. "Scott wasn't even in the damned car!" He added, clearly frustrated.
"And that's the problem." Virgil muttered. Gordon and Sam turned to face him surprised at the sudden comment after such lengthy silence on the matter. "He'd do anything to change that."
Gordon eyed him regretfully as they continued the rest of their journey in miserable silence.