Authors Note: Many, many thanks to all the people who have left reviews; each and every one is highly valued. As I've mentioned before it's extremely helpful to know what parts of a chapter/story the reader enjoys or doesn't enjoy.
Chapter Six – Hostility, Maturity & Reservations
Scott woke suddenly again.
Though, this time there were no nightmares and the room was still. He sat up in his bed and listened hard for any sounds of the noise that had woken him. Only Sam's snoring pierced the silence. Noticing the bathroom light was on under the door, he assumed Virgil was still in the shower and started to lie back down.
However, there was something at the back of his mind telling him, nagging at him and reminding him that Virgil had been in there a long time. He forced himself back up, swinging his legs over the edge of the bed and pushing himself to his feet. Heading across to the backlit door and raising a hand, he hesitated before he knocked. He knew Virgil wasn't in the best of moods at the moment and to fuss overtly was only giving him ammunition to use at a later date. His concern was too great to ignore though, and he knocked softly.
"Virgil?" He kept his voice as low as he could. Not wanting to disturb Sam, who slept peacefully around the corner. "Virg? Are you in there?"
He heard a muffled curse, followed by a bang and the sound of sucking air as Virgil winced. "Virgil? Are you…"
"I'm fine." A terse reply came back through the wooden door, though the sounds emitted told a different story.
"Well, you don't sound fine." Scott told the closed door. Placing an inquisitive ear to the wooden panel, he listened to another loud bang, more sharp intakes of breath and the sound of Virgil's cursing. "Do you need some help?" Scott asked as a response to the muffled sounds.
"No!" Virgil exclaimed urgently. "I told you. I'm fine, I can manage."
Scott bit his lip, knowing the words had their roots in Virgil's pride; a frown began to smudge his features. "Virg…"
He was cut off by a loud gasp on the other side of the door followed by a diminutive groan. Scott reached for the door automatically, but found it locked. "Virgil!" Scott tried the door handle more rigorously. "Let me in! Virgil!" He whispered fiercely but there was no reply. "Virgil!" Again, no reply came and Scott experimentally barged the door with his shoulder. "Virgil can you hear me?"
He barged at the door again, intent on hitting into it a little harder. To his surprise, the handle moved and as the door was pulled open, he marginally stopped himself barrelling into his brother. Catching Virgil's chest he tried to regain his balance and successfully stopping himself pushing Virgil over. The contact was enough for the younger man though, who clutched at his damaged ribs and winced. He stumbled backwards, grabbing the sink for support.
"God! I didn't mean … are you okay?" Scott reached out to help him but only caused his brother more pain with every touch.
"Don't." Virgil successfully pushed him away, supporting himself against the sink and still struggling to get his breathing under some sort of control. "Just leave it."
"I thought you'd hurt yourself." Scott told him, feeling the need to explain his actions. "I didn't mean to …" He trailed off with a sigh. "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine." Virgil gritted out. "I told you I was fine."
Scott looked to the floor, genuinely surprised by his brother's snappy response. "I heard …" He trailed off not entirely sure what he did hear. "I was worried about you."
Virgil deflated at the anxiousness held in the words. "Well, you don't need to worry I'm fine." He replied sharply.
"No you're not." Scott said softly. "You're not fine and I damned well wish you'd stop pretending you were."
"I've told you, I'm okay. Now, just leave it." Virgil growled as he pushed himself away from the sink with a grimace. "You don't have to fuss around me as if I'm incapable."
"Virgil, I know yesterday was tough but…" Scott stopped himself, watching Virgil's features darken uncharacteristically at his words. "Virg, this isn't like you…"
"I don't have to listen to this." Virgil spoke over him, taking a step forwards.
Scott stepped in his way. Pushing the door closed and shutting them both inside the small bathroom. "No, you're wrong. You do have to listen." Scott snapped. "I am fed up of being snapped at and pushed away."
"You're fed up of being snapped at!" Virgil exclaimed, not giving Scott a chance to continue what he was saying. The older brother knew only too well, he was referring to the sharp words he'd directed at his brother in the lift. "I don't need this right now Scott!" He shook his head heatedly.
Scott sighed, trying to contain his anger. "What the hells got in to you? I'm trying to help you."
"When I need your help, I'll ask for it." Virgil replied. Equalling Scott's irritate gaze.
"I don't understand why you're being like this!" Scott exclaimed taking a step towards his brother and frowning intently. He desperately tried to calm himself down. Confrontation wasn't getting them anywhere but Virgil's behaviour was disturbing him. Scott shook his head sadly. "Last night you did something you've never done in you're life."
"What?" Virgil asked unenthusiastically, searching the room for anywhere else to look other than at Scott.
"You blocked me out. I was trying to help you and you pushed me away." Scott took another step closer to his brother and Virgil recognised the look in his eyes. It was one of confusion, something Scott rarely showed. "And you know what? I'm still trying to help you and you're still pushing me away!"
Virgil shook his head suddenly realising where this conversation was going and the implications that it could have. Implications he wasn't ready to face up to yet. He knew he had to get out before Scott realised it too. "I'm sorry you feel that way Scott," He mumbled. He went to walk past his brother knowing that Scott wouldn't attempt to halt him if it would mean hurting him. "Now, get out of my way."
"Wait!" Scott called after him. "Where are you going?"
Virgil turned to him, moisture suddenly accruing in his eyes and he blinked. Holding back the sudden strong surge of emotions he felt. "I … err … I'm going for a walk." He turned hastily, prepared to ignore the pain. Such was his desire for Scott to miss the tears that were already threatening to spill over onto his cheeks. The pain in his heart and the void he felt inside, far surpassed any pain his ribs were initiating.
"You should be taking it easy with those ribs. Look, give me a minute, I'll come with you." Scott paused. "Make sure you don't overdo it."
"I err …" Virgil fumbled with the lock on the door, finally managing to break free into the hotel corridor. "I just need to get my head straight. To be on my own for a while, I won't be long."
Scott followed him out into the corridor, in time to see Virgil making his way down the hall. Despite his obvious struggle, he calmly continued his quest and walked away from his brother's voice. "Virg, you're not fit enough to …" Scott trailed off. "It's half past six in the morning!" His call was ignored as Virgil continued, completely unfazed. "Virgil!" He was about to follow his brother when he stopped himself. Glancing across at the middle aged woman across the hall who stared at him so intently, he gazed down. Taking in his bare feet and the pair of boxer shorts he wore, barely. He retreated to his room, closing the door as he leant against it and exhaled deeply. He was stressed. He had no idea why Virgil was so intent on isolating himself or why his brother seemed so emotional when he left.
Nevertheless, he intended to find out.
A glance at his watch told him his father would probably be up by now and he pulled on some clothes. He checked on Sam, briefly wondering how he'd managed to sleep before scribbling a note. As he made his way to the door, he felt something in his pocket. Fumbling, he pulled out the key-card Gordon had given him the previous night and decided he would be making a detour on his way up to his father's room.
XxxxX
He let himself in as silently as he could. Stopping to make sure John was asleep as he made his way through the darkness. He was briefly reminded of the look on John's face when their father informed him of the sleeping arrangements.
The hotel had been fully booked, well in advance and despite all of them reminding Alan to book the rooms. As usual, he'd left it until the last minute and subsequently this was the best the hotel could offer. Secretly, Scott thought their father had been pleased at the situation. He'd made a comment about it being good practice for them, cohabiting again. Scott shook his head. He'd looked at Virgil blankly at the time and later they'd brushed the comment off. Neither having a clue what he meant.
The room was set out the same as the one he shared with Virgil and Sam. Scott easily made his way through to the end bed. Startled at the lack of contents there, he searched the room in a hurried fashion. Desperately trying to locate his youngest brother. It was only when he went to wake Gordon that he realised the bundled up figure, hugging his second youngest brother in sleep was Alan. Sighing heavily, he sat down on Gordon's abandoned bed and watched the blonde young man as he slept.
A heavy shadow on his face woke him with a start and Gordon had the feeling he was being watched from the darkness. Turning over slowly, he almost jumped physically at the sight of the silhouette watching him sleep. Before recognising, it was his brother, Scott.
"Jesus Scott!" He exclaimed in a harsh whisper. "Are you trying to give me a heart attack?"
"Sorry." Scott smiled softly. "I came to bring back the key you gave me last night. I must've left it in my pocket."
Gordon eyed his brother with a look of hostile distaste and Scott was reminded that he wasn't Gordon's favourite person at the moment. "Well, leave it on the side." Gordon replied, a little offhand. He closed his eyes in a gesture to cut Scott out and return to his restful sleep.
Scott paused. He always felt so awkward when it came to having to apologise to one of his brothers. John was right; he avoided the word 'sorry' like the plague. He was broken from his thoughts at the sound of Gordon's whispered voice again. "Do you want me to show you out?" Gordon asked sarcastically. "Because I'm a little tied up at the moment." He gestured down to Alan with his hands; his eyes remained closed despite his brusque tone.
Scott lowered his head with a sigh. "No, I wanted to talk to you."
Gordon cracked an eye open. "You sure pick your moments. Talk?"
"About yesterday." Scott was struggling. Gordon could see it but remained determined not to ease his brother's discomfort.
"A lot happened yesterday." Gordon said neutrally.
"You know what I'm talking about Gordy." Scott's patience was beginning to run thin. Gordon opened his eyes, looking across to where his big brother sat on his bed. "I didn't mean to snap at you yesterday. I was worried about Al and Virg, and I was tired."
"We were all worried and tired, Scott." Gordon insisted, his eyes sparkling.
"I know." Scott sighed. "And I know you were only trying to help Alan. I shouldn't have spoken to you like that."
Gordon lay there in silence waiting for the words 'and I'm sorry' to follow. They didn't come, he should really have known better, he thought.
"I guess that's the nearest I'm ever going to get to an apology." Gordon shrugged. "Everyone had a bad day yesterday, Scott. We were all tired, and worried about Al and Virg. We were all in the same boat." Scott found himself wanting to lower his head but refused to take a lecture from his younger brother so easily.
He suddenly realised that commanding men had given Gordon this ability to think rationally in irrational situation and felt immensely proud of his brother. He was half expecting Gordon to shout at him. And was pleasantly surprised by this calm and collected man in front of him, demanding his respect. He tuned back in to Gordon's words as he continued.
"You shouldn't have spoken to me like that; we all had Alan's best interests at heart and you shouldn't have snapped at Virgil either." Scott opened his mouth to reply but remained bemused at the situation. Gordon spoke quickly before he had the chance. "But, I understand that you were the one that had to answer to father and I know that's not an easy burden to carry. As I'm sure everyone else understands too. Sure, I was angry last night but you know what? Virgil's right. You're under a lot more pressure to take control and be responsible than the rest of us."
"That's no excuse." Scott said softly.
"You're damned right it's no excuse." Scott frowned at the words. "But you do a good job Scott. You look out for us and I know we don't always make it easy for you. It's no excuse but it's understandable, it's just nice to know that you appreciate the fact that it's not always easy for us either."
Scott opened his mouth to respond several times, but no words were forthcoming.
"When did you get so mature?" He smiled eventually. The words had Virgil's influence written all over them. The fact that Gordon had listened and added his own spin on the events was illustrative of his growing wisdom. It suddenly struck Scott that despite the fact that he snapped at his closest friend last night he was still sticking up for him. He wondered just why Virgil was acting like he was. It worried him immensely and further reinforced his suspicions that all was not well with his brother.
Gordon shrugged his reply. "It's Virgil. I've been around him too long; it's rubbing off on me." He smiled jokingly. "Of course the small fact that I have my own men to command now may have a bearing on it. It means I have to be all serious and responsible sometimes. Only sometimes though!" He whispered glancing at Alan and ensuring he still slept.
Scott smirked. "I'm really proud of you." He found himself saying. His mind was still thinking of the situation with Virgil.
Gordon shrugged. "Oh I don't know. I'm not sure I'm cut out for all this commanding stuff. I mean, I'm so used to taking orders at home it feels weird giving them out now. I keep thinking 'what would Scott do?' I don't think it's very 'me', in fact I don't know how you do it."
Scott smiled again. "Gordy, it's something you learn with experience. Practice makes perfect." Scott paused, feeling privileged that his brother thought of him like that. "It doesn't matter whether you're Air Force, WASP, Army, NASA" Scott shook his head; the list was endless. "I'll tell you a secret. All commanders doubt some orders that they give, especially at the beginning. The secret is to not let that show. To appear confident even when you're terrified, to come across as powerful even when you feel weak and to be in control even when the world is falling apart around you. You have to. You have to be all those things, for your men."
Gordon swallowed. "Have you ever doubted yourself?" He asked softly.
Scott nodded. "Of course I have. Everyone does and if they tell you any different they're lying." Scott paused, knowing the next question would be when and how he'd doubted an order that he'd given. Not something he wanted to get into with Gordon. He decidedly changed the subject. "Anyway, enough shop talk. How's Al doing?"
Gordon smiled. "Okay, I think. He had a bad dream last night, but we talked and I think he'll be alright. He promised me that he's going to talk to me or one of us when he needs to. And I think I managed to get through to him that none of this was his fault."
Scott nodded. "I tried to do that yesterday. He felt bad that he'd jumped and left Virgil in the car. I pointed out to him that if he hadn't jumped, Mark would have hit exactly where he would have been sitting. He'd have been killed for sure."
Gordon nodded. "Well last night, I think he was starting to doubt himself. After the accident he was so sure that he'd put it in fourth but last night I think he was starting to entertain the idea that maybe it was his mistake."
"I hope you put him straight." Scott whispered.
"Of course I did." Gordon told him; offended that Scott could think otherwise.
"And was he convinced?"
"Yeah." Gordon nodded. "I think so, he knows we'll support him whatever the outcome of this investigation is. And he knows that we have faith in him, that he can talk to us anytime."
"Good." Scott nodded. "I was worried about how he was coping yesterday."
Again, Gordon put Scott's anxiousness to ease. "I think it was still sinking in, the shock and everything. He's doing alright Scott and we're all going to be keeping a close eye on them both. I won't let him be anything other than okay." Scott nodded, seemingly content with Gordon's words. "It's not going to happen tomorrow but don't worry, he'll be alright." Gordon paused. "What about Virg?"
Scott's deep but harrowing sigh revealed his answer better then a thousand words. "It's amazing, I expected Virgil to talk things through and cope okay with it. I mean he's been through worse." Gordon frowned at that but refrained from comment. "And I expected Alan to try and deal with it on his own and not accept the help anyone offered."
"Is that what Virgil's doing?" Gordon asked softly, as Alan mumbled in his sleep.
Scott nodded. "Yeah, every time I've tried to talk to him he's shut me out. He's won't accept any help from anyone and he can't deal with this on his own Gordy."
Gordon sighed, knowing Scott would not like what he was about to say. "Are you sure it's help from anyone that he's pushing away and not just help from you?"
Scott frowned, immediately defensive. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"Nothing! Nothing, it's just…" Gordon paused. "You snapped at him too last night. Maybe he's mad with you. From his point of view, you made him look stupid in front of one of his best friends. I know Sam's a good friend to all of us but he goes back years with Virgil."
Scott shook his head. "No, that's not it. I asked him if he was mad with me, he said he wasn't. No, I know Virgil; he only ever reacts like this when something's too big for him to get his head round." Scott paused, not really wanting to voice his concerns for fear of the truth in them. "I think something else happened in that car. Something that he's not telling us, something to make Virg react like this and I plan on finding out." Scott finished grimly.
"Scott, I'm telling you. Interrogating Alan isn't going to get you anywhere right now. He told me everything last night and there's no way he was lying or missing parts out. He was in pieces, if there was something else he would've told me." Gordon misconstrued what Scott was saying.
"I don't necessarily mean Alan's not telling us everything. I mean Virgil." Scott told him miserably.
"Have you talked to him?" Gordon asked, concerned as Alan stirred again.
"I tried, but he won't listen to me." Gordon frowned at the news; his two eldest brothers were and always had been extremely close. This was a revelation in itself. "I don't know what he was doing this morning in the shower but …"
Gordon raised an eyebrow with an accompanying smirk and Scott saw that his newfound maturity hadn't completely overridden his mischievous behaviour. Scott continued on, ignoring the insinuation. "There where these loud bangs and he was gasping for breath and groaning." Scott looked up again to see that Gordon's mischievous smirk had transformed into a wide grin.
"Are you sure he was on his own?" Gordon giggled.
"Not like that!" Scott frowned. "As if he was in pain." That wiped the grin of Gordon's face rapidly.
"Well, did you check he was okay?" The younger man asked, suddenly frowning in concern.
"I tried to go in, but he wouldn't let me." Scott sighed. "He seemed okay but I don't understand why he's so reluctant to ask for help when he needs it now. He only managed to get his race suit back on at the hospital, I practically dressed him and he didn't seem bothered then."
"There's a bit of difference between putting his socks on and scrubbing his back Scott." Gordon shrugged. "His prides at stake here."
"I know, but he shouldn't put himself through that just for the sake of his pride." Scott shook his head. He was surprised he was telling Gordon all this; maybe Virgil's ability to make him talk had rubbed off too.
"Put yourself in his position Scott. Would you let him in to help you take a shower?"
Scott went to reply but stopped himself. He wanted so much to answer yes to that question but he knew deep down his own pride would stop him. Thankfully, he was saved from answering as Alan stirred again.
"I'd better go see Dad." Scott said softly. "He won't like it if he wakes up and finds me here."
"What?" Gordon smiled. "It'll hurt his pride if he realises that his big brother knows that he spent the night in the same bed as me?" He made his point. "It's not like we had rampant sex last night." The mischievous smirk was back. "We save that for special occasions."
Scott merely shook his head, laughing. "Take it easy on him, yeah?"
"Of course I will. You going to be alright with Virg?" Gordon asked, concern reappearing.
"Yeah. You just keep an eye on him and I'll sort Virgil out." Scott nodded, glancing at Gordon as he made his way round the bed. "Thanks Gordy." He said sincerely, studying his auburn-haired brother's closed eyes. "And I'm sorry about last night." Gordon's eyes snapped open in pure shock at the words.
"God Scott!" He mocked. "You really are trying to give me a heart attack aren't you?"
Scott just smirked as he made his way to the door. That was twice he'd said those words in the space of twenty four hours to two different brothers. Heading up to his father's room on the floor above, he wondered if he was softening up in his old age.
XxxxX
He knocked sharply on the door to the hotel room his father was occupying. Before many minutes and as Scott had expected, a smartly dressed Jeff Tracy opened it. "Morning Scott." The older man smiled, "I've been expecting you. Is everything okay?" He voiced his concern as he gestured for Scott to go on into the room.
Scott sighed. "As okay as it can be I think." He ran a hand over his head tiredly and bit the bullet. "Look, Dad. I know I should have dealt with things differently last night; I realise that." He opened his mouth to continue but it appeared Jeff had other ideas.
"Sit down Son." Jeff gestured to one of the armchairs overlooking the city view. He sat in the other, picking up a waiting coffee cup. "Coffee?"
Scott nodded. "Thanks." He sighed, perplexed by his father's behaviour. He had expected him to be angry that the situation last night had been confrontational. Moreover, that it hadn't been dealt with efficiently enough to prevent causing a scene.
Jeff passed Scott a cup and sighed heartily as he lent back into the chair. "How are the boys?"
"Fine." Too quick, he cursed himself as he shrugged, taking a sip of the coffee and realising it was too hot to drink. "Are you okay?" He asked his father, attempting to turn the conversation around.
Jeff seemed to ignore the question. "How are Alan and Virgil?" Jeff studied his eldest son. Intent on reading, as much as listening to his reply. It was evident already that Scott was unwilling to expand on 'fine'. Jeff had other ideas, he wanted to know.
"Al's doing much better. I spoke to Gordon this morning and he said they'd had a long talk last night and that Alan was coping okay." Scott didn't meet his father's gaze, instead looking down at the coffee in his hands.
"And Virgil?" Jeff frowned; he knew he shouldn't have to prompt Scott like he was. Alarm bells were already starting to chime. Scott's lack of explanation was little short of disturbing, especially considering the relationship he shared with Virgil.
Scott sighed. "He's doing ok." He justified the lie to himself; if he could get to Virgil and talk to him then he would be fine. "Y'know Virgil."
Scott's faked smile, further added to the concern Jeff felt.
"Yes I do." Jeff frowned. "But not as well as you do, that's why I'm asking Scott."
Scott winced at the comment; it was a fact that Jeff was constantly regretting. His father's tone was one not to ignore and Scott thought furiously. "He's just being stubborn that's all." Scott covered quickly, gulping under his father's inquisitive stare. "He doesn't want to have to ask for help and he's upset. I haven't really had a chance to talk to him yet. He was already asleep last night but I will."
Jeff bit his bottom lip and nodded warily. Though not one hundred percent convinced, it would have to do for now. "Well, keep an eye on him. Will you? I was worried enough yesterday."
Scott nodded sheepishly, eager to change the conversation. "How's the investigation going?"
Jeff took a moment to consider his options. Whether he should allow Scott to manipulate the conversation so easily. With a resigned sigh, he sat back. "Well, they're going over the car with a fine tooth comb." He watched Scott relax at his words. "The Crash Investigation Team want to speak to Virgil, Sam and Alan at some point today. Jack made a statement yesterday apparently, though what any of this has to do with him is beyond me." Scott couldn't help but notice the unusual bitterness in his father's voice.
"Have they found anything?" Scott asked, sipping at the coffee cautiously.
"They're not at liberty to say." Jeff said jadedly, shaking his head. Scott could see it was a line he'd heard a few times. "We have to wait for the official documentation to be released."
"When will that be?" Scott frowned, hoping they were talking days and not months.
"Wednesday." Jeff sighed. "There'll be a preliminary hearing. Depending on the outcome of that, there may or may not be an inquest. I just hope it's what we want to hear."
"Meaning?" Scott frowned harder.
"Meaning if Ferrari US sent that car back to us with a fault, it won't just be my lawyers they're answering. It'll be the Jamison's too." Scott suddenly understood what he meant. "On the other hand, if it comes down to Sam or Alan's neglect we could be in serious trouble ourselves."
Scott sighed, running a hand through his hair. "What a mess." He muttered. Decidedly not mentioning to his father that Alan was having doubts about his contribution to the crash.
"I want this cleared up as soon as possible Scott. As soon as Virgil, Alan and Sam are awake this morning, I'm going to take them down to the Investigation Team's office on the other side of the circuit. We'll get these statements done and out of the way. Will you let Virgil and Sam know?"
Scott nodded. "Sure, I'll tell them."
"Good." Jeff smiled. "I'll talk to Alan when he wakes up." Jeff studied his son, bemused at the expression Scott sported. "You look surprised."
"Surprised?" Scott queried.
"Did you think I'd be mad, about last night?" Scott bowed his head, answering the question without nodding. "Scott, I know you did everything you could to diffuse the situation. Jack was drunk and intent on causing a scene, you wouldn't have stopped him if you'd just walked away. I expect a lot of you, you know that and you know you should lead by example when it comes to your brothers." He shook his head, taking a different angle. "If you could go back, what would you do differently?"
Scott shrugged, not surprised but the comment; their father liked them to evaluate their own actions. "Walk away when it first started. That way Alan would never have gotten involved and Virgil wouldn't have been hurt."
"Hurt?" Jeff asked, concerned.
"Didn't John tell you? Jack caught him in the ribs; it pretty much floored him." Scott was surprised that John hadn't told their father.
"Well he told me, but he said it wasn't anything serious." Scott recognised the look of annoyance in his father's eyes at the prospect that John had hidden the facts from him.
Scott shrugged. "It wasn't really. He's fine, he was just tired that was all."
"Is he alright now?" Scott's words had obviously not placated the older mans concern.
Scott swallowed. "He's upset; he'll be fine once I've talked to him."
Jeff nodded, deep in thought. Aware that Scott was repeating himself; a sure sign he was uncomfortable. "I wanted to talk to him myself, last night." Jeff confided. "I was worried about him and I wanted to check he was okay. By the time I reached your room he was only fit for bed." He paused. "I'll check in on him this morning. I spent most of the afternoon yesterday with Alan before I had to go to the circuit." Scott could only imagine how torn his father had felt yesterday, but the expression on his face demonstrated effectively his distress.
Scott swallowed; the last thing he wanted was his father to have an opportunity to speak to Virgil before he did. "Dad, he doesn't like people fussing. Just let me talk to him. Yeah?"
"Are you sure he's okay?" Jeff asked suspiciously, Scott's behaviour was beginning to bother him. Truth be known, Jeff had been terrified yesterday about his sons safety. The prospect of losing any of them was almost too much for him to consider. Yesterday had certainly opened his eyes.
"Yeah, yeah he's fine. Dad, just let me deal with him. I'll make sure he's okay." Scott promised, wholeheartedly hoping his father would agree.
Eventually, Jeff nodded. "Okay, but I'm trusting you with this."
Scott nodded again, grateful that his father was prepared to leave it. "Have I ever let you down before?"
Sighing, Jeff shook his head. "No Son, you've never let me down. I still want to talk to him though. He seemed too exhausted last night to hold a proper conversation and he was in a lot of pain."
Scott agreed sadly. "Yeah I know." His thoughts turned to Virgil again.
Jeff heaved a heavy sigh. "I suppose we should be grateful they're both okay." Scott followed his father as he made his way out onto the balcony. "I nearly had a heart attack yesterday when John told me, and Alan was in such a state. Those few seconds before we knew what was happening were the longest in my life Scott." He paused again and Scott knew to remain quite and let his father speak. "You know I've been working on a special project for the business."
Scott nodded. "John said something about the bad publicity."
Jeff shook his head. "I don't give a damn about publicity Scott as long as you boys are okay." Another pause passed. "I've been working so hard on this project because it's so important to me that it's a success, Son." Scott frowned at his fathers significant words. "I never realised what it'd be like. Not knowing if either of them were alive or dead. I underestimated the power of that feeling of helplessness Scott." Scott's frown deepened, not entirely sure what his father was meaning. "I've been so absorbed with this project and starting the wheels in motion that I didn't stop to really consider what it's going to be like." He sighed; that was now the problem that faced him.
At some time or another during his sons' lives, they had all expressed a desire to help others and prevent people from going through what they had been forced to. That fact had reassured Jeff that this project was a chance they would all jump at. However, now he could identify what that feeling of not knowing was like. Not knowing what was going on or if any of his sons had been hurt, or worse. The issue was no longer, whether or not his sons would agree but whether he could handle it if they did. Could he handle sending them into danger, not knowing what was happening? Was that even his decision to make?
"Dad, I'm not sure I understand." Scott waited for his father to explain, confusion dominating his features.
Jeff turned to clap him on the back with a hand, the other still holding his coffee cup. "You will son, you will." Scott's frown only deepened while Jeff finished off the coffee in his hand and glanced at his watch. "I'd better go down and talk to Alan. He'll be up now."
Scott followed his father back into the hotel room, more than a little confused by his words. He thoughtfully put it down to anxiousness; stress on his father's part, and shook his head. Jeff had certainly seemed stressed out recently and Gordon had been right. He did need this break. With the extra worry of Virgil and Alan, Scott knew it couldn't be easy being his father at the minute.
"I'll see you later Scott. I'll come down and see Virgil after I've looked in on Alan. Will you make sure he's ready? I really want to get these statements out of the way."
"Sure. Take it easy Dad, see you later." Scott made his exit. Hoping as he did that by the time he arrived back at their room, Virgil would have returned from his walk. He could really do with clearing the air with his closest brother and he really needed to talk.
Meanwhile, Jeff Tracy gathered his thoughts. He already knew deep down he couldn't let his own selfish feelings override his plans. In comparison, his own anxiousness was insignificant when you considered the lives that could benefit.