As the plates were being collected, Lucas surveyed the table to ensure that everyone was content, then pushed out his chair and stood up.

'And where do you think you're going?' Gail asked suspiciously as she shifted her Daughter slightly on her knee, having been monitoring her Husband discreetly when he became very quiet half an hour earlier and sensing a strange stir within him.

Lucas stared down at his Wife feigning innocence, then smiled when their Daughter began to struggle on her lap and began crying to take the attention off of him. 'Oh Love, it's a pity you're bogged down with our little Cherub otherwise you'd have a chance to find out' he smirked devilishly, then placed a soft kiss on her forehead and left the group.

Caleb spotted his Father leave and got up.

'Don't' Merlyn whispered, reaching for her Brother and attempting to keep him with her.

'Why don't you focus on who you deem important and so will I' Caleb responded bluntly as he nodded towards Billy, then stared down at her hand which was gripping his wrist.

Merlyn was taken aback by the sharp comment and shook her head when she saw something dark cross over Caleb's eyes, silently warning her to back off.

'Oh come now, let the boy be with his Father. He's had a tough day' Judy advised calmly and smiled warmly at Kyle who had been ordered to sit beside her when the other children changed seats earlier.

Gail narrowed her eyes at Judy, wondering how much she truly knew about Caleb's biological situation, then signalled for Merlyn to back down. 'It's alright, no-one's stopping anyone from going anywhere. In fact, if Kyle wants to take charge in Caleb's absence and figure out dessert for us all, I'm sure Judy would be happy to guide him on what's good in these parts' she forced a sweet smile, then lay her Daughter against her chest and stared down at her disapprovingly for taking Lucas' side.

Caleb rushed after his Father before anything more could be said and smiled when he spotted him sat outside on the hood of his car, gazing up at the stars in contemplation.

'You know, Malcolm wasn't one for celebrations...Every gatherin' or meetin' with other people always had an ulterior motive' Lucas advised when Caleb approached him, as he continued admiring the peaceful night sky.

'Ain't that what this is? You can't tell me Mom ain't plannin' somethin' with that ol' lady in there, otherwise why would she be here?' Caleb responded casually, as he sat down on the hood beside his Father.

Lucas let out a small laugh and nodded his appreciation of his eldest Son's intelligence. 'I suspect she's up to somethin', but we'll see how that plays out. Tonight is really about you Son and any side project ain't important' he advised coolly, smiling when Caleb mirrored him and surveyed the sky.

Caleb thought for a moment and inhaled deeply, before regarding his Father seriously. 'You're disappointed in me. You think I shoulda handled things more permanently without Mom havin' to step in and you're mad' he said frankly, sensing something stirring within his Father.

'I ain't mad at all Son. I suspect you're usin' me as a scape goat for the disappointment you feel for yourself, or is there another reason why you're dwellin' on good ol' Bobby?' Lucas asked, sensing Caleb's deep desire to punish Bobby for the disrespect he showed today and knowing that he was making a conscious effort not to give in due to Gail.

'I promised her that I'd be good' Caleb sighed.

'And I promised I'd keep outta your development for the time bein' to give you a chance to learn for yourself, but I still visited Bobby's Father today' Lucas shrugged, not sorry for punishing the adult in this situation.

Caleb smiled when he realised that his Father could not help but want to protect him and felt his darkness begin to rise within him. 'I ain't scared to go see Bobby or his Daddy...they deserve a lesson in manners' he said confidently, revelling in the warmth that his darkness brought.

'You don't need to visit anyone Son, you're my kin remember?' Lucas asked sarcastically, then smiled when the realisation hit Caleb about why Lucas had tempted him away from the group.

Caleb did not require any further prompting, he just closed his eyes and visualised like he did with Karen the previous month. He took in a deep breath and opened his mind until it fixed on Bobby's old battered house, feeling a wave of excitement at seeing the boy in his territory.

Bobby was picking up the empty beer cans which had been discarded on the floor by his Father, wanting to tidy the place ready for his release from the hospital the following day. His Father had warned him against messing with the Sheriff's boy, scolded him about being stupid to even be anywhere near that family and assured him that a beating was coming his way once he returned home from the hospital. Bobby had played the dutiful Son and would take his beating; however, that little pube who waltzed around as if he was better than him would not get off so easily.

The thought of his Father being afraid of the Sheriff made him laugh, the Sheriff was required to follow the law and Bobby had no qualms with bending the rules. His Father had been stupid enough to allow himself to be distracted, getting himself hurt and blaming it on the Sheriff. His Father was a fool and the Sheriff had nothing solid on them, there was no way the man could get away with really doing something to get in his way.

Lucas watched as a devilish smile crossed over Caleb's lips, he did not have to reach out much to connect with his boy and he was seeing exactly what Caleb was. It was tempting to step in, considering the foolish delinquent boy was aiming his insults at him now; however, Caleb was becoming his own man and Lucas would not take this satisfaction away from him.

Caleb sensed Bobby as he roamed around the messy living room, amused at the older boys thoughts. He had no idea who he was messing with and his insults would not go unpunished, even if the boy was too stupid to realise what was happening. Caleb visualised the dark man who he had created in the woods on their summer vacation and his smile grew wider when the dark figure stood outside of the open first floor window, watching Bobby like a hawk.

Bobby stopped for a moment and shivered, feeling unfamiliar eyes on him. He glanced around the room suspiciously, then let out a small laugh and shook off his sudden nerves, believing it was just his Father getting into his head. 'Stupid pube...I should pay his Mom a visit and show her what a real man's made of, that'd wipe that smug smile off his face' he laughed to himself, remembering how different the beautiful woman he had seen earlier was from his own estranged Mother.

Lucas took in a deep breath and clenched his fists at the disrespectful thoughts of his Wife, forcing his twin to remain down. This was Caleb's show and he would have to trust that his boy knew what to do, otherwise Lucas himself would not be able to hold back.

Caleb felt his Father tense; however, he remained calm. The dark man was inside the house now, unbeknownst to Bobby and he was hungry.

Bobby threw the empty cans in the Kitchen trash and let out a long sigh as he leaned against the counter. He was looking forward to seeing the pube again tomorrow, he would get him alone away from any witnesses and show him who was in charge around here. The more his Father beat on him, the more Bobby would beat on the pube and everyone would soon see that he was not to be messed with.

An empty glass bottle rolled aimlessly on the counter and crashed onto the Kitchen floor, shattering into pieces. Bobby jumped at the unexpected sound and stared in the direction of the bottle to his right. Suddenly a tumbler flew hard at the wall and shattered to his left, causing Bobby to stare frantically to his left. Several glasses began to crash against the wall, flying shards cutting Bobby's arms and causing him to yell out in pain. Bobby ran out of the Kitchen and bolted up the stairs to his bedroom, locking the door behind him and diving under the bed. He breathed heavily for a few minutes, the sound of glass breaking becoming deafening, then suddenly the house went silent and he let out a long sigh of relief.

The dark man smiled to himself, his long sharp teeth glistening in the moonlight from the locked bedroom window, then he pulled Bobby out from under the bed and bit a chunk out of his arm, savouring the taste of fresh flesh.

Lucas sensed the intrusion in Caleb's mind and released his darkness to reinforce the boy's barrier, knowing that his Wife's suspicion was growing. 'Alright Son, I think that'll do for now...We don't wanna fatally take out the players on your first day, your Momma may not appreciate that' he advised, placing a strong hand on Caleb's shoulder to remind him who was in charge.

Caleb felt his darkness trying to resist his Father, then let out a relieved breath when it retreated back inside of him. 'Ok, we'll let him off with a warnin' this time' he responded, then got up and headed back into the restaurant happily.

Lucas smiled proudly at the comment and resisted the urge to finish the job when he sensed Gail's suspicion lessen at the sight of Caleb returning to her. His boy had done well with his first real game, who was he to take away his fun? Lucas laughed to himself, then headed back to his family where their alibi was airtight.


Gail drove her blood red Mustang down the quiet road after dropping off Caleb's friends and glanced curiously at the two boys left in her backseat. Judy sat beside her in the front passenger seat and she smiled at how focussed Gail was.

'You really do know how to handle the boys, I can tell they're all on their best behaviour around you' Judy commented, glancing over her shoulder at Caleb and Kyle in the backseat, who were talking quietly amongst themselves.

Gail was growing tired of Judy's assumption that she understood her family, the woman's constant need to feel important was grating on her; however, she bit back her tongue and her pleasant demeanour remained unchanging, knowing that she was close to completing her current task. 'My boy's are smart, they know not to rock the boat when I'm watching' she advised, keeping her tone calm.

'And when you're not?' Judy asked curiously.

Gail could not hide the devilish grin that came over her lips and she turned towards the tedious woman. 'Oh my Husband isn't the only one with eyes everywhere, I can assure you that I'm fully capable of keeping an eye on my people Judy' she responded, amused by some peoples misjudgement of how innocent she was.

Caleb watched the adults closely, sensing that his Mother was monitoring him discreetly in an attempt to figure out what he had shared with his Father earlier and he was happy that Judy had caused a break in her attention. His Father had been ordered to ensure Merlyn, Billy and his siblings got home promptly while his Mother insisted on taking the older children. He knew that she sensed something had gone down and he was trying his best to hide what he had done.

Gail shot a glance at Caleb in the rearview mirror, reminding him that her attention would not completely be taken from him; however, Judy continued to engage her in conversation.

'I also see a lot as you're aware, I hope you know that I've always been a supporter of you and your Husband' Judy advised anxiously, as Gail pulled into her street and slowed when they neared her residence.

Gail felt a slight doubt in what she was about to do, then shook it off when she spotted a familiar dark figure standing discreetly behind a tree and got out of the car with Judy. 'I'm fully aware of how much your Husband supported mine, I couldn't care less what you feel for Lucas as long as you know where your loyalty should truly lie' she said sweetly as she moved towards the back passenger side of her car and opened the door slowly.

Kyle glanced up at Gail confused, then got out of the car obediently when she signalled for him to join her.

Judy stood at the bottom of her steps timidly and beckoned the boy to her. 'Come on young man, I've got so many rooms for you to choose from and I'm gonna make us some hot chocolate to have while I show you around' she smiled, desperately hoping that Gail would stay true to her word and provide her with some company to distract her from her deep loneliness.

Kyle wrapped his arms around Gail and stared up at her wide eyed. 'What's going on?' he asked confused.

Gail had made a deal to provide Judy with a second chance to have someone in her life and this arrangement was the perfect solution to distance her family from their links to Karen; however, it still did not feel right to abandon a young boy who had attached himself so much to her.

'It's alright, Judy's a wonderful lady and she'll take much better care of you than Miss Holt in the Boardin' House. This is just a nicer plave for you to settle until that messy business with your parent's is sorted' Caleb advised in an attempt to assist his Mother when he sensed her resolve falter.

'Besides, we'll see each other all of the time-' Gail lied, forcing herself to remain strong after Caleb gave her a moment to compose herself and she pushed Kyle gently towards Judy. '-This is just a beautiful place for you to hang your head for a while'

Kyle glanced over his shoulder at Judy, who continued to welcome him with open arms and walked towards her cautiously. 'I guess this does look like a nice place' he said quietly and stared up at the large house, which was much more extravagant than the Boarding House.

'There you go, everythin' works out for all involved' Judy advised and nodded her thanks to Gail, as she gently ushered her new companion up the steps to her home.

Gail took in a deep breath and shook her head when they disappeared into Judy's home, feeling the last remnants of goodness in her slipping away. 'This isn't right' she sighed, not knowing how Lucas could actually get enjoyment out of these deals.

'But it's necessary and he ain't one of ours' Caleb advised in an attempt to reassure her, then placed his arms around her and hugged her while he pulled her back to her car, hoping that they could finally put Karen to rest without any fallout on him.


Lucas sat on the side porch with a glass of red wine, staring contently into the vast garden before him. He had been slightly concerned when Gail insisted on separating Caleb from him and thought she may sense what he had done to Bobby; however, when he opened up his minds eye to check on them, he realised that Gail was focussed on more important things and he was happy that she had finally cut the cord with Kyle.

Caleb rushed out of the front passenger side when they pulled into their driveway and opened the car door courteously for his Mother. He held her hand and led her gentlemanly through the garden, then smiled when he spotted his Father waiting for them on the porch. 'We made it back unscathed' he said sarcastically and sat down on the chair beside his Father, smiling when he handed him a root beer.

Gail stared at Lucas in disbelief at his blatant disregard for her as he handed Caleb a beer, then let out a long resigning sigh and went to her Husband obediently when he reached for her.

Lucas sensed her mental exhaustion and smiled. Not only had she discovered that her best friend had hid his intimate encounter with Selena a few years ago, resulting in her finally doubting Harvard's integrity, she had finally found a way to get rid of Kyle and allow them to distance themselves from the gossip surrounding Karen and her missing Husband. 'Looks like we've all had a busy day' he advised, as he pulled her to his knee and handed her the glass of wine that he had poured ready for her.

'Busy doesn't even begin to describe it' Gail responded bluntly, then downed her glass of wine before leaning back into her Husband and allowing him to play with her hair.

Caleb remained quiet for a moment, sensing his Mothers disappointment in herself and watching as his Father comforted her subconsciously. No one got to see his parents stripped back like this and he was happy that they still managed to come together, even through all of their disagreements with how things ought to be. 'I'm beat, I'm gonna head off' he said, sensing that his parents needed some time alone.

Gail lifted her head and turned towards Caleb, forcing a smile for him. 'I'm so proud of you for how you've handled yourself today, I know I worry but it's only because I love you' she advised, reaching for him and stroking his arm affectionately.

A small shot of guilt surged through him at the thought of hiding what he had done to Bobby, then he spotted his Father's look of warning and forced himself to remain in control of his emotions. 'Thanks for all you both did today, I can't wait for School tomorrow' he smiled, then hugged his Mother and rushed inside with his root beer before she had a chance to read him properly.

'He did handle himself well today didn't he?' Gail asked as she leaned back into her Husband, spotting the slight waiver in Caleb's stance.

Lucas inhaled deeply and stroked a stray strand of hair from her cheek. 'As well as we all handled ourselves Love, we can't hold him to a higher standard than we hold ourselves' he whispered in her ear, then nipped at it playfully.

Gail let out a long breath and shook her head. Regardless of her suspicion that they were hiding something, she was happy with how well Caleb had taken to High School and she was relieved that nothing truly bad had happened to him. 'Alright Soulmate, I'll refrain from judgement considering I've just given over a young boy to a stranger...I'm truly damned' she sighed, feeling a strong resentment for herself and her actions.

Lucas pushed her off of him so he could stand up, then picked her up into his arms and walked off the porch into their vast garden. 'Well in that case, I'd say some penance is required for your horrific acts' he said sarcastically and carried her to the back of their property to enable them some proper privacy.

Gail felt the familiar desire stir within her and smiled mischievously. 'As long as it's sever Master Buck, I have been a very bad girl' she teased and bit his bottom lip hard enough to draw blood, welcoming his talent in making her forget about everything but him.

A devilish glint crossed Lucas' eyes as he headed towards their sacred place and he sensed Gail ready to give herself over to him fully. All in all the day had gone better than anticipated and he was more than happy to be the punisher now, to enable his Wife to be able to carry on as his family required in the morning.

-The End-