The Curious Case of Misty Bass

by EZ11

Living a life full of secrets, Bart Bass' mysterious past is one he'd like to forget. But when Chuck stumbles upon his biggest secret of all, the Basses will never be the same again. If having two Basses is company, then three is definitely a crowd. R&R!

52. Crime and Non-Punishment

A/N: Hey everyone! Can you believe we're halfway through 2020 already? How is it possible that the past six months have felt like six weeks and six years at the same time?

I hope you all continue to stay healthy and safe during this time. While the world is on fire, I hope you can find refuge and escape in this story. We all could use it. Without further ado, enjoy the next chapter!

---

Chapter 51: Crime and Non-Punishment

---

New year, new dynasty? It's the first week of 2011 and while everyone tries and fails their New Year's resolutions, I'm looking ahead at the irresolutions that are plaguing Manhattan's elite. Word has it, Big Bad Bart will be attending his preliminary trial that determine if his case has probable cause. With the Basses on the decline, who will take their place? Will E be able to keep the crown, or will C make a challenge for the throne? And what about C and B? They were suspiciously quiet over the holiday break, and we can't help but wonder if they stayed quiet together. If they did, we hope they don't stay quiet for much longer. Keep me posted, kittens.

Bart took his first sip of his black coffee and felt it burn the back of his throat. He liked his coffee hot, scalding even, so he didn't wince at the irritation or become disappointed if his taste buds were temporarily singed from the heat. He simply took another drink.

It almost felt like any other morning at the Bass household. Bart drank his first coffee of the day while Lily drank hers and nibbled on a croissant. Bart opened The Financial Times to scan the headlines with caution. Fortunately, there were no new articles about Bass Industries in today's paper, which allowed Bart to relax and turn his attention to other companies' financial woes. He could read about who bought out who, why interest rates weren't rising, and the growing confidence in the dollar.

Now this was the kind of reporting that mattered to Bart. Not a constant track of his whereabouts that could be found on page seven of a gossip magazine. He longed for the days before his trial was reported with every painstaking detail. Almost every time he left home, there would be a paparazzi waiting to snap his picture. He didn't realize how much he took his privacy for granted.

Bart checked his watch. It was a quarter to eight and neither Eric nor Evelyn had appeared for breakfast yet.

"Seems like the kids are off to a late start," Bart said.

"It is the first day after winter break."

Evelyn was first to join the table minutes later. She sat closest to Lily and picked up a croissant.

"Late start this morning?" Bart asked.

Evelyn avoided his gaze and nodded.

"Is Eric almost ready?" Lily asked.

"Yes. Eric's on his way."

Bart chewed on his bacon, and the table fell to silence. Lily looked through her emails on her Blackberry, and Evelyn was making every effort to avoid his presence altogether. It was as if she was pretending that the events since his arrest hadn't happened. They were all going through the motions of their morning ritual, but a cold glass wall separated them.

Eric arrived and conversation resumed, yet the silence between Bart and Evelyn was stifling. It bothered Bart more that no one else seemed to be bothered by it. It was treated as normal behaviour. Perhaps that was becoming the greater problem.

"Come on Eric. We have to go now or we're going to be late," Evelyn said. She picked up an apple and slung her bag over her narrow shoulder.

"Take the car," Lily said. "And don't talk to any reporters."

"Okay," Evelyn said. "See you guys later." She waved to them, her gaze flickering to Bart briefly.

When the elevator door shut, Bart turned to Lily. "Do the kids seem…quiet to you, Lily?"

"Why of course," Lily said. "They're having just as hard of a time working through this as you are."

Bart's jaw tightened. "Is there any way we can reassure them?"

"For now, probably not. But when you win the case, that'll be all the reassurance they could ever ask for. I mean, it's not like it's true, right? This is all Jack's doing. They'll be able to see that once the evidence is uncovered in court. Then, we'll work beyond this."

Bart finished his coffee. As he swallowed, his throat tightened.

---

When the limo pulled away from the curb, Evelyn slumped back in her seat with a sigh. "Are they always going to be waiting outside our building like that?"

Eric locked the limo door, as shadows holding cameras hovered on the other side of the windowpane. "Probably until the trial is over."

"Great."

"Don't worry," Eric said. "We can use the back entrance from now on."

"So, we have to run away from them now?"

"It's not exactly running away," Eric said. "It's strategic deflection."

Evelyn turned her head to look out the window. They were idling at a stop light where throngs of pedestrians weaved through the cars to cross the street faster as taxis honked at each other.

"You got home late last night, and we didn't get a chance to talk. How have you been since…"

"My dad's arrest? Just peachy."

Ever since Evelyn returned to the city after New Year's Eve, she thought that making the decision to return would be the most difficult step. But it wasn't. Returning home was the easiest part. Living through the consequences of the trial was the hard part, and it wasn't even close to being over yet. She didn't know what to say to her father, how to act around him, or how she was going to respond to questions at school.

While she continued to fight against her instinct to run and avoid the trial altogether, she couldn't fight the need to avoid her father whenever she could. She still needed time to process what happened at Christmas and to prepare for what was to come.

"I know it's been crazy, but it'll pass."

"It doesn't matter if it will pass, Eric. The damage is already done. Nothing is ever going to be the same again."

"Of course, it won't be the same, but when this is all over, everything could be better."

Evelyn crossed her arms. "I'll believe it when I see it."

The limo pulled up to the front gates of Constance and St. Jude's where Evelyn's body froze to cement. Another thing she'd been wanting to run away from—returning to school. If holding the throne was already volatile enough, then she could only imagine how Catherine was going to capitalize on this opportunity.

Eric held the door open for her. "Come on. Just pull it off like a Band-Aid."

Evelyn took a deep breath and slid across the buttery seats. "If wild yogurt is flung my way, tell me to take cover."

"I promise."

"Alright. Let's do this."

Evelyn marched up the steps with a control to her gait that she knew was imperative to make a good first impression. She didn't want to appear cowering. She didn't want to seem flighty or scared by walking too quickly to her locker. Instead, she walked with a cool purpose, her chin raised, as if she were above it all.

There were glances and whispers. A couple sophomores took pictures, undoubtably looking to get their first tip recognized on Gossip Girl. Evelyn was alert of every movement, every whisper that ignited when she passed. And yet, she was able to tune it out. It was all noise.

"So far so good," Eric said.

They reached the top step where their paths diverged. Eric gave her a salute in solidarity and turned left into the St. Jude's hallway while Evelyn turned right for Constance. Evelyn continued down the hallway where more girls whispered on her path to her locker. The usual crowding around her locker was absent this morning.

"Evelyn Bass," Catherine said. "Happy New Year to you."

Evelyn paused. "It was until now."

"Oh really? I just wanted to give you my sympathies as your family goes through this… difficult time."

"I don't need your sympathy," Evelyn said.

Evelyn's minions clattered down the hallway towards them.

"Good morning, ladies," Catherine said. "I was just giving my sympathies this morning."

"Which were not needed nor asked for, so you can go now," Evelyn said.

Catherine smirked and didn't move. She crossed her arms, and waited for something to happen, something premeditated. It was like Catherine pressed the play button to a movie she had been waiting to watch for weeks.

Evelyn turned to her minions. "I thought we agreed we'd be meeting at my locker today."

"We made other plans this morning," Sera said while Lila and Kate avoided Evelyn's gaze.

"Oh really? And what were those plans?"

"That's the thing. It's not your business anymore," Sera continued. "It's mine now."

Evelyn's eyes widened. "Your business?"

"Will all due respect, we just don't feel like you're queen material anymore."

"Excuse me?"

"It's just…you're not one of us. You've been masquerading around, but you are nothing more than a fraud," Sera said with a polite shrug. "Consider yourself dethroned. Ladies."

Sera led the way and Catherine joined her. Sera and Catherine walked ahead of Lila and Kate, the latter looking over her shoulder at Evelyn, forlorn.

Evelyn picked up her books for her morning classes and slammed her locker shut.

Queen E stripped of her title before the first bell rang. Talk about a not-so-happy start to her New Year.

---

Chuck pushed through the front doors of the registrar's building with a stapled set of forms in his hand. He looked at the papers, which included his updated student transcript and withdrawal notice from this semester's courses.

He held the door open for Blair, who adjusted her leather gloves with a huff.

"Are you sure withdrawing from your classes is necessary, Chuck?"

Chuck folded the stapled package into thirds and slide it in the inside of his suit jacket.

"If I want to take down Jack to get back Bass Industries, it's going to take all of my time and resources to make it happen. I've only deferred for the semester. I'm not dropping out entirely."

"It better be," Blair said. "Nothing good ever happens to people who drop out."

While school wasn't as much of a vocational calling to Chuck as it was Blair, he recognized the long-term benefits of having a degree to qualify him for potential work opportunities. Besides, he was sure that even if he wanted to drop out, Blair wouldn't let him.

Chuck rested his hand on her lower back. "Don't get your La Perla's in a bunch. This is only temporary."

Blair shook her head. "Have you told Bart that you've withdrawn from your classes this semester?"

"No."

"Are you going to?"

"No."

"Chuck."

"Blair. My father is contending a criminal trial right now. The last thing he needs to know is that I've deferred or of my plans to dismember his brother."

"I understand that, but don't you think you should talk to him at all? Maybe about other things?"

When Chuck left for New York on his own, he half expected Bart to call or have someone else ask about his whereabouts. He didn't call once.

"It's not like we have heart to hearts, Blair. Besides, he's not capable of telling me the truth."

"I'm sure that's not completely accurate," Blair said.

"It is. I asked him about the fire. I asked him if he did it. He didn't answer."

"Then he wasn't lying," Blair said.

"He was omitting. Even I know that's still a lie in a court of law. He just told me to stay out of it."

"Maybe he was protecting you," Blair said.

"From what?"

"I don't know. Maybe that's something you could ask him. It's probably more complicated then we know."

"It's always complicated with him," Chuck said.

Chuck was beyond the point of frustration with his father's behaviour. He was now resigned to it. He and his father never saw eye to eye in the past, and it was unlikely they would in the future. There was not much that could be done about that. Instead, he could work towards preserving his future. He could take this opportunity to earn back Bass Industries for himself, for his future.

"So, what's the plan of attack against Jack?" Blair said.

He'd given that question quite a bit of thought. How could he wrestle Bass Industries out of Jack's grasp?

"I think we need to trap him into committing a crime," Chuck said. "That way, he either has to step down from Bass Industries, or the board will vote him out."

"It wouldn't be the first time we've trapped someone who's committed a crime," Blair said.

They arrived at Chuck's limo. He held the door open for Blair. She paused before getting in.

"And it won't be the last," Chuck said with a smirk.

Blair leaned forward and kissed his lips softly. "Come on, Bass. We've got work to do."

---

Ozzy felt his phone buzz in his pocket moments after the lunch bell rang. He scrambled to pick it up, noting his mom's name flash across his phone screen.

"How'd it go?" Ozzy said, ignoring pleasantries.

He could hear the sounds of street traffic on the other end of the line. "It went well, thankfully. Philip was acquitted."

Ozzy felt his shoulders sag with relief. Ever since Philip's arrest for corporate espionage on Christmas Eve, their home had transformed into a legal studio. Philip and Ozzy's mom were constantly pouring over legal documents or on the phone with their lawyers. Stress permeated the air, and the trial hung over them like a dark cloud.

"The judge ruled that there wasn't enough evidence to justify a full trial," his mom continued. "We're just going to the lawyer's office now to sign release forms, but I wanted to make sure I called you as soon as I could. I already spoke to Dash and told him the news as well."

"Mom, that's-that's amazing news."

"We'll definitely have to celebrate," Mom said. "Which reminds me. I spoke to your father as well, and he's almost settled into his place. He invited us over for coffee after school, so I'll be picking you up so we can go together."

Ozzy stopped walking. "Today?"

"I told him it all depended on how the pre-trial went, but since it went so well, we don't have to worry about that anymore. You don't already have plans, do you? No appointment with Jane or anything?"

Ozzy felt his body stiffen. He considered lying in that moment, craft a plan to make himself busy after he ended this call, but it would just prolong the inevitable. "No. I don't have any plans."

"Excellent! He's looking forward to seeing you."

"Yeah," Ozzy said. "It should be…interesting."

Ozzy could hear Philip's muffled voice in the background. "Ozzy, I have to go now, but I'll see you after school, okay?"

Ozzy hung up and rubbed his eyes. So his mom's announcement before Christmas came true. His father had moved to the city. He expected himself to be happy about it, but he just felt ambivalent and disconcerted.

"This day can't get any worse," Evelyn said as she approached him.

"Tell me about it," Ozzy said. He leaned back against the nearest bank of lockers; his gaze distant and pensive.

"Is something wrong?" Evelyn said.

Ozzy shook himself out of his thoughts. "No. Nothing's wrong. How can't your day get any worse?"

"Remember how you told me that I need to face my problems head on? We might as well throw that out the window because my problems have imploded. I lost my friends and title before class even started, Gossip Girl is sending out hourly reports on me, and my dad is in court right now to see if he's going to a full trial. The only way my day could get worse is if he does have to face a full trial, which let's be honest, is likely to happen."

Perspective, as Jane once told him, had a funny way of revealing itself. Here he was, worried about having to spend time with his dad, something he agonized over and longed for years, when there were bigger problems in the world.

"You don't know that your father's going to face a full trial yet," Ozzy said.

Evelyn rubbed her face with her hands. "Can't we just make this all go away?"

Ozzy pushed himself away from the lockers and held her close. He noticed the sweet fragrance of lavender tinged her hair.

"As much as I wish we could, you know we can't."

Evelyn untangled herself from his embrace, a look of disappointment on her face.

"But we can escape it," Ozzy said. "For a little while at least."

"What are you suggesting?"

'Maybe we should do something we don't normally do."

Evelyn's features softened, and a sly smile appeared on her face. "Like a date?"

Ozzy stood up taller. "Yeah. A real, proper, date."

Evelyn threaded her fingers through his. "And where would we go?"

He shrugged. He hadn't nearly thought that far ahead yet.

"I don't know, maybe I'll keep it a surprise?"

"Really?"

Shit. Now he was digging himself into a deep hole filled with something far worse than failure: expectations.

"Yeah."

Evelyn leaned forward and kissed him, her lips feathery and supple, her nose cold as it brushed his cheek.

Evelyn pulled away and said, "How about Friday?"

Ozzy was thrown yet impressed with her directness. "Friday—Friday's good."

Spotted: Our fallen Queen E falling into the arms of a new knight. It looks like E might be down for now, but this knight could lift her back up.

---

After spending the rest of the morning scheming with Chuck, Blair arrived at St. Anthony Hall for another important meeting. Today was her transition meeting where Blair would be briefed and educated on everything she needed to know to become the next Vice President Organization.

Blair sat at one of the fold-up tables in the meeting room beside Heather, who was filling in for the previous VPO, Stephen. Stephen had already left to study abroad in England for the semester and couldn't complete the transition meeting.

"So, here is the template we use to make our official calendar of events," Heather said. She clicked open a file folder on her laptop

Blair's notebook was open on the table; the first page blank. While she was listening to Heather explain where all the resources that she'd need for the position were, her mind was daydreaming various schemes to incriminate Jack. While Blair brainstormed with Chuck earlier that day, they weren't able to agree on a worthwhile scheme.

"Blair, did you catch that?"

She picked up her pen. "I'm sorry. Can you say that again?"

"I said, all of the members will need reminders on the day of events. There's a way that you can automate this email series to send it to everyone at the same time."

"That's fantastic," Blair said. "How do you do it?"

Heather fell back on her chair. "Blair, I get the feeling you're a bit distracted."

"What gave you that idea?"

"I know this is a lot of information to take in, but you don't seem as present. Is something on your mind?"

"I'm sorry," Blair said. "My thoughts may be elsewhere this afternoon. I'm sure you've heard, but Chuck's father is facing a criminal trial, and it's really taken a toll on him."

Heather nodded. "I have heard. How's he doing?"

"He's okay. As good as to be expected although I wouldn't expect him to be attending meetings and events this semester."

"And how are you doing?"

"Me? Oh, I'm fine. Better than fine really."

"You seem really invested in Chuck's wellbeing."

"Of course, I am. What are you suggesting?"

"Nothing. I just hope that as the trial proceeds, you will be able to keep your focus on your priorities."

"My priorities?"

"Before the break, you were dead set on being VPO, and I would have never been able to tell that from the way you've been distracted today."

"If you're concerned about me fulfilling my position's duties, then I assure you that you have nothing to be worried about."

"I'm not concerned that you won't perform. I'm concerned about you. You seemed to have a lot of drive, and it's like you're letting it be usurped."

Blair stared at her empty notebook. She hadn't made a single note regarding her new responsibilities. Not even an email or password to access her account was written down.

"I didn't mean to come at you," Heather said. "I'm being honest with you because you're not the first girl in Locke and Key that's been down the path you're on. It usually doesn't end well."

"Well, those girls aren't me, Heather."

Heather shook her head solemnly. "That's what they all say. 'It won't happen to me. I've got it under control. I can handle both.' But you can't. No one can."

Blair picked up her pen and wrote the date on the upper right corner of the page. She could do it. She was Blair Waldorf. She could do anything she set her mind to. Right now, she could help Chuck and serve her roles on Locke and Key and the Pre-Law Society while attending school fulltime. It was possible.

"I think I know what's best for me," Blair said.

Heather sat up, ready to resume the lesson. "Don't say I didn't warn you."

---

Bart was seated in a larger courtroom that felt just as crowded as it did during his arraignment. Today, reporters occupied most of the seats, but unlike last time, the doors remained closed. Lily sat in the front row behind their bench. The prosecutor, Eloise, sat primed and ready at her bench. He could hear whispers and shuffling, a gradual warming of hot air in the room, the result of too many bodies in a small space.

Bart turned to look at Lily and noticed another familiar face walking down the aisle to a front row seat. Jack. He walked with another man who wore an ill-fitting corduroy suit jacket, and dress pants. His grey hair was slicked back, and his burly hands were balled in fists.

Bart felt an eerie echo of seeing someone you knew from a long time ago. Evidently, the person in question had aged, leaving Bart searching for a name, a sound, or sight that would remind him who this man was. If he was with Jack, then Bart was certain it meant something serious.

"All rise. Court is now in session."

The bailiff opened the door, revealing a balding Judge Williams with his stark Vulcan eyebrows.

"Please be seated," Judge Williams said. Once he repositioned himself in his chair, he continued, "Mr. Clerk, you can go ahead."

"The case number is 188756 DR 0598 New York City County vs. Bartholomew Bass with the complaint that on May 24 1993 in New York City first degree arson was committed that resulted in the death of Misty Bass."

"Thank you, Mr. Clerk," Judge Williams said while adjusting his reading glasses. "This is a reminder that this preliminary trial is to decide if there is enough evidence to force the defendant to stand trial. This isn't a matter of Mr. Bass being guilty or not guilty. We're looking for probable cause. That is, the existence of a logical basis for the prosecution to proceed to a trial."

Frank had asked Bart directly what kinds of evidence Jack would be presenting. Bart said that Jack had an original copy of the blueprints of the building. He also stated that Jack would present himself as a witness. Bart wasn't sure what other pieces of evidence could possibly be involved.

"We'll begin to listen to the opening arguments from the prosecutor first and then the defendant's attorney. Mrs. Carter, please proceed," Judge Williams said.

Eloise rose. "Thank you, your honour. I will first begin with my opening statement and then proceed to present five exhibits of evidence. Three are physical objects, two are first account witnesses."

"And who are the witnesses?"

"Mr. Jack Bass and Mr. Douglas Hunter."

Bart felt a piece of lead sink in his stomach. He thought that Douglas Hunter had left Manhattan permanently in ninety-three from his encouragement. Bart didn't follow up on his whereabouts, and he hadn't heard from him since then. He even suspected that he could have died.

Bart stifled the temptation to take another look at the man seated beside Jack. He didn't have to look back. He knew. It was him.

So Jack tracked down Douglas Hunter too? Did Black Diamond help him out with that too?

Bart calculated the pieces of evidence Jack had against him. He had the blueprints. He was presenting himself as a witness. He had two other objects to present, and he could only imagine what those would be, and he also has Douglas Hunter as a witness. The only witness to the fire.

The preliminary trial had barely started and already Bart saw its completion. Any of his optimism vanished the moment Douglas Hunter's name was uttered. Here he thought that Frank could cross examine and dispute Jack's evidence, thus proving that his case was not strong enough to stand trial. How foolish he had become in his old age. Gone were the days where he could dictate the rules. Now, the rules were being enforced on him. They hung around his neck like an albatross.

Facts were facts, and in this moment, Bart realized that he had to start being honest with himself. He was not above the law like he once was, and it may be his only defence left.

He was going to face a full trial.

---

Evelyn dumped her textbooks in her locker and swung the door shut with relief. Her day from hell was finally over.

Like everyone else in the hallway that was dashing to get out, Evelyn was ready to speed out of school as soon as possible. Evelyn slung her bag over her shoulder, ready to join the herd when a meek voice called her name.

Evelyn turned towards her locker, her eyes darting around the hallway in search of the voice.

"Over here," The gentle voice whispered.

It was Kate, who peered from where the bank of lockers ended.

"I thought you weren't allowed to talk to me?" Evelyn said.

"I'm not supposed to, but I need to talk to you."

Evelyn crossed her arms across her chest. "And your best attempt was to hide behind a bank of lockers?"

Kate stepped away from the lockers. Her eyes darted around as a way to detect if it was safe to speak. "Look, I know Sera dethroned you this morning, but I wanted to let you know that I don't agree with it."

"Go on," Evelyn said, standing taller.

"I just…don't think it was fair for Sera to dethrone you because of something you didn't do or have any part in. It wasn't fair play."

"That's very kind of you, Kate, but you and I both know that being Queen is anything but fair."

"I know. It's just…" Kate paused, trying to find the right words. "I remember what it was like when Blair Waldorf was Queen. We all wanted to be like her, and we all feared her. This kind of backstabbing wasn't just expected, but necessary. At times, it even meant survival. But it's not like that anymore."

Evelyn considered Kate's appeal. She assessed Kate's posture, her insistent eye contact, unsure if Kate was genuine or not. Less than seven hours ago, she stood by as Sera dethroned her without a word. Why would she be saying this to her now?

Two years ago, Evelyn would have blindly trusted Kate's account without thinking of her ulterior motives. Now, she couldn't focus on anything but the suspicion she felt.

"And here I thought I was ruling with an iron fist," Evelyn said.

"Look, I know things have changed since Blair Waldorf graduated. Less tormenting on innocents outside our circles. More power struggles and a lack of a consistent monarch. Don't think I didn't notice how you would order Sera around to satisfy her need for tormenting without it actually hurting anyone."

"I don't know what you're talking about," Evelyn said.

"All I'm saying is that your acts of kindness didn't go unnoticed. Not by me," Kate said.

Evelyn's uncrossed her arms. Evelyn wanted to believe Kate, but she couldn't help but feel suspicious. On the Upper East Side, an act of kindness always came with strings attached and an expectation for a return.

"Thank you," Evelyn said. "I appreciate that."

Kate nodded. "That's why I wanted to talk to you. To tell you that I'm on your side."

Did Kate expect her to go to war with Sera? Was this her gamble of placing her stake on what she predicted to be the winning side of battle? Perhaps she was being genuine. Perhaps she was being opportunistic. Evelyn realized that both of these statements could be true. The truth resided somewhere in between.

"Let me be honest with you, Kate. I have far too much on my plate right now to plan my revenge. So, if you're looking to be on the right side of history, this might not be the best move for you."

"I know, which is why I want to help you."

"Help?"

"I can be your eyes and ears. Keep you updated on what Sera and Catherine are planning and saying."

It was an intriguing offer. Kate could do the leg work of monitoring Sera's reign while she focused her attentions on other pressing matters.

"How do I know if you're going to tell me the truth?"

Kate pondered this. "I'll send you recordings of conversations when I can."

It was good to have concrete evidence, but it wasn't enough to ensure Kate's loyalty.

"That's a start," Evelyn said. "What else?"

Kate played with her gold bracelet.

"You want me to show you my loyalty? How about this." She unclasped her bracelet and handed it to Evelyn. "This is my mom's bracelet. She gave it to me for my sixteenth birthday. It's a family heirloom and one of my most prized possessions. To know I'm loyal, you can keep my bracelet. Once you become Queen again, you can give it back to me."

Evelyn had always seen Kate wear her bracelet for as long as she'd known her.

"I think I can agree to those terms. Now, I think it's best if we aren't seen speaking to each other," Evelyn said. "You can text me updates. For extra measures, change my name in your phone to another to avoid wandering eyes. I will do the same."

Kate placed her gold bracelet in Evelyn's hand. Evelyn opened her large tote, pulled out her wallet, and unzipped one of the compartments where the gold bracelet would be most secure.

"Don't worry, I'll keep your bracelet in a safe place," Evelyn said.

Kate nodded vigorously, as she absently reached for her now naked wrist.

Perhaps friendship and commerce could coexist productively. Kate didn't have to put herself in a vulnerable position in an attempt to help Evelyn secure the throne. She could have proceeded with Sera, Lila, and Catherine while enjoying the perks of security and stability. Perhaps this wasn't just an exchange for better standing but proving of friendship too.

"I won't let you down," Kate said.

Evelyn had been let down enough times that the words felt stale. But that's what they were. Words. Kate would have to prove herself with actions, and just maybe, she would earn Evelyn's respect.

---

Blair paced the length of the dining room table at her parent's penthouse later that afternoon. Dorota had set up a platter of eclairs and fruit, and coffee. Chuck picked up an eclair and took a bite.

"When your PI investigated Jack last year, what did he find?"

"Other than his affinity to attend gentlemen's clubs and casinos, surprisingly little."

"No secret love-child's, affairs, or stolen property?"

"Not that we could find."

Blair hooked her hands on the ears of one of the dining room chairs. It couldn't be that simple. There had to be something in Jack's past that made him vulnerable.

"Jack can't be that innocent. He must have something to hide," Blair said.

Chuck sifted through the case file Andrew Tyler put together for him last year. "It's not a matter of innocence. It's trying to find the evidence to something that's the problem. He cleans up his tracks well."

Blair popped a grape in her mouth. The sweet juice exploded in her mouth.

"What if he didn't clean up his tracks?"

"If you look through these files, you'd notice he did."

Blair took a seat across from Chuck. "No. I mean, what if something happened now that could incriminate him?"

"A set-up?"

Blair nodded. "Think about it. If we can't gather enough evidence from something Jack's done in the past, why don't we trap him in something right now? We can create our own evidence."

Chuck nodded, impressed with Blair's idea. "Like what? Plant child pornography in his briefcase?"

Blair scoffed. "If only you could get to his briefcase."

"Jack's been staying at the Palace, and with Dexter around, we won't be able to get past the front desk. The only way we can plant anything in his things is if someone goes to his suite with him," Chuck said.

Blair considered this. "Who could we count on to carry out a scheme like that?"

"We could always hire someone. An actress perhaps. I do know my Uncle's type."

Chuck pulled up a picture of his Uncle going to a place called Roxanne's. The picture was grainy, the lights blinding. He had his arms around two girls. The one on his left was blonde, the other on his right was brunette.

"We'd have to really trust that this person could pull it off," Blair said. "If Jack found out we were behind it, then he'd get suspicious."

"That's true," Chuck said. "But we can also have a middleman dealing with the person who we hire to plant the photos in his things. That way, if Jack sniffs out the trail, it will lead to someone else."

"Where do you think we could stage the meeting?"

Chuck took out his phone from the breast of his suit jacket. "I called Andrew to collect more information on Jack's whereabouts, and it looks like Jack likes to frequent King Cole for his business meetings. We could stage a run-in?"

"We'd need to get a hold of his schedule," Blair said.

"I could talk to Clarissa. As far as I know, Jack didn't fire her."

"This could work," Blair said. She picked up her phone and searched in her contact list for the modeling and acting agencies her mom would use for Waldorf Designs. "What do you think?"

Chuck was pensive. "It's a felony that would damage his standing with the board. At best it could mean he serves jail time. At worst, it will still cast doubt on Jack's credibility as the face of Bass Industries. I think it's worth a shot."

Blair popped another grape in her mouth. "I'll start searching for our mule."

"And I'll call Clarissa and procure the evidence," Chuck said. He stood, buttoned his suit jacket, and leaned over to kiss Blair. "Spare no expense on the girl. It's on me."

Blair felt her body tingle as their scheme came together. Who knew that focusing their duplicity on others could feel so invigorating?

---

Ozzy rapped his knuckles on the door to his father's apartment. He stuffed his hands in his pockets and rocked back and forth on balls of his feet. His mom was equally as fidgety. She spent the moments of silenced untangling the chain strap of her purse.

The door swung open revealing his dad. He wore a grey pullover sweater whose sleeves were pushed up to his elbows and black Adidas track pants. He held his phone to his ear and spoke in a low mutter.

Alejandro hung up and pocketed his phone. "Welcome! Sorry about the mess. I'm almost done unpacking."

Alejandro opened the door where two brown boxes were tucked behind it, unopened. The foyer of his apartment was narrow, leading to the kitchen and living space. While most of the furniture was unpacked, there were boxes atop of most of the chairs and tables, some opened, others not.

The apartment was modern with stark white walls, black couches, and the kitchen featured slate grey kitchen cabinets and quartz countertops.

"Do you need help unpacking?" His mom asked. She peaked into the boxes on the kitchen table.

"No, no, no. Please. Sit. These are the last boxes."

Ozzy took a seat on the couch that faced a cubed bookshelf. The TV centered in the cubed bookshelf was off, its black screen speckled with dust. Although the building was tall, his father's unit was on the seventh floor, and Ozzy could hear the sounds of road noise below. At the sound of a fire engine's blaring siren, he looked out of the floor to ceiling windows and saw the fire engine weave around the parked cars, trying to find a way through.

"Can I make you a coffee, Ruby?"

"Oh sure."

"Black with one sugar?"

"Yes, that's right." His mom said distractedly while her eyes inspected every piece of furniture and decoration to the apartment.

"Óscar, what can I get you to drink?"

"Water's fine," Ozzy said. He didn't drink coffee, and he doubted his father had time to stock up on food and drinks yet.

"Are you sure?" His father opened the fridge which was packed with food. "I have Coca-Cola, orange juice and Agua de betabel."

Ozzy gave him a blank stare at the last option he listed.

"It's uh, a fruit drink, but with 's very good."

"Sure. I'll try that."

Ozzy watched his dad in the kitchen like people on park benches watched dogwalkers pass by. He watched with idle fascination as his father made a coffee for his mom and poured a beet red drink for him. His father was still very much a stranger to him in many ways. To see him operate in such a mundane way was absorbing. He couldn't look away.

"When's Philip's trial?" Alejandro asked Ruby.

Ozzy knew that his parents spoke, but this question made him wonder how often. There was an implied knowledge that his father had regarding something so private as Philip's case, and the candidness of being able to ask so directly.

"Thankfully behind us. He was acquitted for unjustifiable cause."

"That's good news," his father said.

"We're all relieved to say the least. It was all just a misunderstanding." Ruby's phone rang. "Speaking of. It's Philip. I have to take this."

Ruby excused herself leaving Ozzy alone with his father. Ozzy took a sip of his drink while avoiding his father's gaze. It was surprising sweet and refreshing.

"So, what's new with you?" Ozzy's father asked.

Ozzy felt his chest tighten. He knew this feeling well. It meant he didn't want to tell his father what was happening in his life. He was wary. Sure, he was now set to live in New York, but he just didn't feel ready to trust him just yet.

"Nothing really. It's just been really busy with the trial. We didn't go to St. Bart's for Christmas, so it's been quiet."

"That must have been disappointing."

Ozzy shrugged. "Yeah."

His father drank his coffee. "How's your friend Evelyn doing?"

"She's been better. I'm not sure if you heard, but her father is set to go on trial too."

"Bart Bass is her father?"

Ozzy nodded.

"Ay no. That case is all over the news."

"Yeah, it's been a big deal. She's been pretty down, so I'm going to try to cheer her up a bit."

"Good idea. What are you going to do?"

He hadn't thought of it yet. Once he put his foot in his mouth around Evelyn that afternoon, he now had to figure out what that 'surprise' is.

"Haven't thought that far ahead yet. I was trying to think of something we don't normally do."

"Normally?"

"We're not just hanging out anymore. It's… a date."

"Oh really," his father grinned. "I'm not surprised."

Ozzy felt his cheeks grow hot. He looked out the window. "Yeah, well, I just hope there aren't these, I don't know, expectations."

"There usually are," his dad said. "The hard part is figuring out what they are."

This was so much easier when he watched Dash be in his position. It was much easier to see the big picture from afar, to know what the best approach would be. Now, it wasn't as clear.

"What's something you don't do, then?"

"I don't know," Ozzy said. "That's kind of the problem."

"Listen, keep it simple. Don't put pressure on yourself to make this a big thing. That won't work trust me. Just do something that will get her mind off of what's happening with the trial."

Ruby returned with a huff. "I'm sorry about that. It was Philip's lawyers. What did I miss?"

"Nothing," Ozzy said. He hadn't told her about Evelyn yet. She was so busy with the trial, he doubted she'd remember.

His father watched him intently. "I was just about to tell Óscar that he is welcome to visit anytime he wishes."

Ozzy's father reached into his pocket and revealed at set of keys. "There is a full gym, patio, pool, library, movie theatre, and party room that you can use whenever you want."

Ozzy took the keys, feeling the cool metal cut into his palm. "Thanks."

"How lovely is that? You can come for a swim whenever you want," his mom said.

He hadn't swum in a long time. Neither had Evelyn now that he thought about it. In fact, he'd not seen her around water since the Hamptons a couple summers ago.

"Yeah," he said, an idea striking. "I think I will."

---

Blair sat at her desk in her bedroom with her laptop open the next afternoon. A modeling catalogue was open, where a striking brunette with blue eyes and heart shaped lips posed for the camera. Her name was Maya and after Blair contacted her through email, she learned that she was available for work on Friday night.

Blair heard a knock at the front door. Joy was in class that afternoon, so Blair sighed and got up to answer it.

"Serena?"

"Blair?" Serena squealed and flung her arms around her.

"What are you doing here? I thought you were abroad."

"I was until Christmas. I was in Miami with my Aunt Carol and Grandma CeCe. I just got back last night."

"Well I am so glad that you're finally home," Blair said. "Come in. Catch me up on everything."

Serena took a seat in the living room. "There's not much of a story."

"You didn't find him?"

"I did. I got my answer."

"And?"

Serena's eyes became glassy. "He just…doesn't want to be involved. At all."

"Oh sweetie," Blair said. "I'm so sorry."

"I should have known after all these years that if I went to see him that nothing would change."

"Hey, you said you needed to do this. You needed to know for sure. Now you know, and you won't waste another second on your father."

Serena nodded and brushed a tear away. "You're right."

Blair offered a box of tissues to Serena. "It's easy for me to say, but it's a lot harder to do. I would know."

"I'm just glad you're home now," Blair continued. "New York hasn't been the same without you."

"Tell me about it," Serena said while dabbing her eyes. "I couldn't even leave the house this morning without paparazzi waiting to pounce. We both know what that's like, but this was on another level."

"Everything's different now," Blair said. "We all have to adjust to it."

Serena shook her head. "When I heard the news about Bart, I didn't quite believe it. But then I remembered what happened with Nate and his dad, and I haven't felt good about it since."

Blair hadn't thought about Nate or his father's charges of embezzlement and fraud.

"Have you heard from Chuck? My mom said he hasn't been by the penthouse," Serena said.

"He's okay," Blair said. "He's…channelling his energies in a more productive way."

"The only productivity Chuck is capable of is scheming."

Blair smirked. Leave it to Serena to be perceptive enough to know what was going on after a long absence.

"Oh no," Serena said. "Does that mean—Blair—"

"Serena, it's just a little project we're working on. There's nothing to worry about."

"That doesn't make me feel better," Serena said. She ran her fingers through her long waves. "Are you trying to prove Bart's innocence?"

"No."

"Good because I think that's a fruitless mission."

Blair paused, thrown. "You think he did it?"

"Blair, he never smiles, is emotionless, and has scared me since my mom married him. He's practically a sociopath."

"So, you think he killed Chuck's mom?"

"Well, I don't know about that. But he wouldn't be the first to commit arson to collect insurance money before. Regardless if he did it or not, people will always be suspicious of him."

Ever since the Captain was sentenced to prison, she hadn't thought of him as the jubilant father-in-law that she thought he was going to be to her. She couldn't separate Mr. Archibald from his crimes. He was just that. A criminal.

"That's true isn't it," Blair said.

"My mom insists that I stay at the penthouse, but I can't say it's all that comfortable."

"You can stay at my parents place if you want," Blair offered.

"Thanks, B. But I think I'm going to rough it out for the time being. All of my stuff is there anyway, and I have to go through it."

"If you change your mind, let me know."

"I will," Serena sighed. "So…Chuck, huh? Do I want to know how intimately you've been seeing him?"

"Probably not."

Serena smiled. "Are you guys back together?"

They hadn't discussed the particulars of their relationship. Blair assumed they were back together, but nothing had been defined.

"We are in an informal sense."

"You haven't talked about it."

"There hasn't been much time for that. We've been busy…"

"Scheming?"

"Yes."

"If it's not to prove Bart's innocence, then what is it?"

"It's to get Jack fired from Bass Industries."

"Bart's brother?"

Blair nodded. "Jack Bass is running Bass Industries and has no interest in letting Chuck into the fold. Not now, not ever. We're trying to change that."

"How?"

"Just your basic set-up for possession of child pornography."

"Seriously?" Serena said. "And who is going to do the setting up?"

"I already hired a girl named Maya Davis whom I have to train through proxy," Blair said. "I was still going to look for someone to train her, but since you're here…"

"Oh no. You want me to help with your scheme, don't you? Blair, I just got back, and I'm not interested to be your decoy or whatever you have planned."

"S, this is important. Not only to me, but more important to Chuck too. All I'm asking is for you to step in to relay the instructions of the job we hired Maya for."

"And why can't you do it?"

"In the case that things don't work out, I need to make sure it doesn't trace back to me or Chuck. Perhaps a reappearance of Savannah would be appropriate?"

"I don't know…"

"I'll not only be watching but coach you both through it."

Serena crossed her arms and considered this. "Fine."

---

After another long afternoon of meetings with Frank's team, Bart returned to the penthouse ready for a drink. He set down his briefcase beside the bar cart and poured himself a generous glass of scotch.

Just when Bart was ready to take a sip, Kim appeared, emerging down the steps of his office.

"Kim. What a surprise."

"Hello, Bart. It was last minute, but I decided to visit for the weekend."

Bart could tell by her stern tone that she wasn't here for pleasure. She was here for a reason.

"Why the sudden visit?"

"I wanted to check in on the kids, but I also need to talk to you. Given recent events, we have some things to discuss."

After a long afternoon of talking in meetings, Bart was looking forward to having a drink in silence. However, Kim always had an opinion and wasn't afraid to voice it. She also didn't wait to make her thoughts known. She wanted to talk now.

Bart sighed and took the lid off of the decanter. "Would you like a drink?"

"Sure. On the rocks."

Bart prepared the drink while Kim moved to sit on the couch. Bart watched her fold her hands in her lap, her fingers twisting her wedding ring around her finger while her gaze focused on one of the photos behind the couch. It was from their family trip to Tanzania.

Bart offered Kim her drink. He unbuttoned his suit jacket and sat down.

"So, what did you want to talk about?"

"Ever since the holidays, I've been thinking a lot about the trial."

"So have I," Bart said.

"How are things going with that? Last I heard, you were set to appear in court for a pre-trial."

"The judge ruled that there was enough justifiable cause and evidence to let the case proceed to a full trial."

Kim shook her head. "I'm sorry to hear that."

"Are you?"

"I am. I know first-hand that legal trials are arduous and draining. I'm most sorry that the kids have to witness you go through this."

Bart kept his gaze on his glass. It was half full. "Me too."

"How are they doing?"

"I'm not sure," Bart said.

It was something he thought about late at night when he struggled to fall asleep. He hadn't spoken to Chuck since he left from Connecticut during the holidays, and although Evelyn lived with him, she was distant, at least a hundred miles away from him while they sat across each other at the dinner table.

"How can you not be sure?"

"I can't know what's going on in their heads, Kim."

"Have you asked?"

Bart took a drink.

"I thought so. Communication was never your strength."

"I can always count on you to point out my faults."

Kim grinned. "You're welcome."

They both took a drink and sat in a moment of silence.

"I'm serious, Bart. I wanted to talk to you because I'm worried about how this affects both Chuck and Evelyn."

"And I'm not?"

"I didn't say that—"

"Because I am worried to, Kim. I know that this trial is going to be the talk of the town, plastered in all of the city tabloids and such. Our privacy is going to be violated in order to seek the truth throughout the trial. They're going to learn about things that they have no need to know about."

"I know," Kim said. "That's what scares you the most, doesn't it?"

Bart replied with a stiff nod.

"Look, I'm not thrilled about this trial. After all of these years, I don't want to go back there and reopen old wounds. Not now."

If only his brother Jack felt the same way.

"The trial's happening, Kim. There's no way around it. You're likely to be involved," Bart said.

"In the trial?"

Bart nodded. "You were at the hospital with me that morning. You'll be questioned about what you know."

"I should have expected as much," Kim said. She tipped her glass back and took a long drink.

"I just wanted to give you a heads up," Bart said. "To prepare."

"Thank you," Kim said. "Now, what can we do to prepare Chuck and Evelyn?"

How could they prepare them for how messy this trial could be? For the speculation from the tabloids, the constant paparazzi following them around the city? How could he prepare them for the truths that would be revealed in court?

"Can we prepare them?" Bart said.

"Yes," Kim said. "We could all sit down and talk about what's to be expected with the trial. We can go through the proceedings and answer any questions they may have."

"So, you think they should witness the whole trial?"

"I don't know about that," Kim said. "I just know that there is no way that they can avoid it."

"Maybe that's a good idea," Bart said. "I don't know if Chuck will be a willing participant though."

"I think in the very least, we can extend an olive branch," Kim said. "Where is Chuck, anyway?"

"Somewhere on the island," Bart said.

"I take it, you haven't spoken in some time."

"You could say that."

"Understood," Kim said.

"Aunt Kim?" Evelyn's voice called.

Evelyn appeared from the hallway that ended by the fireplace. She had half of her hair up, the other half curled in waves. Her brows were furrowed, her forehead creased with worry.

"Can you help me with my hair?"

Kim set down her drink and smiled. "Of course."

"I tried to follow this video, and it wasn't helpful," Evelyn said.

"Let me see what I can do," Kim said.

Bart gave a curious look at Kim. Why was Evelyn dressing up like she was about to go out? If she was, she definitely didn't tell him about it.

"I know, I'm not happy about it either," Kim said quiet enough, so Evelyn didn't hear.

"What is she getting ready for?"

"She has a date tonight."

"This is news to me," Bart said.

"Relax, Bart. She's only been waiting two years for this date," Kim said.

"Two years?"

"No. I just say that because I knew this day would come since Ozzy came into her life a couple years ago."

"Oscar Taylor?"

"That would be the one."

Bart finished his drink and sighed. He was so focused on the trial that he hadn't kept up with his daughter's social life. Not that she has ever been forthcoming about it. He now started to understand Kim's early resentments for Evelyn to begin dating. After what happened with Dash, he didn't know if he could withstand another romance gone wrong.

"I'll be back," Aunt Kim said. "We have more to discuss."

Bart poured himself another drink.

---

Chuck and Blair waited in a secluded corner booth at Death & Company for any sighting of Serena. Serena was dispatched, and Maya should be on the prowl any moment now. Chuck knew Jack had after work drinks with his investors at King Cole now, and Blair assured him that Maya would intercept him there.

"Are you sure we can trust Serena with this?" Chuck said.

"Of course, we can. She's only delivering the information I told her to tell Maya," Blair said.

"You believe that much in her retention?"

"I wrote down a list, obviously," Blair said. "Just have patience."

It was hard to have patience when he was outsourcing his scheming plans, but it wasn't the first time he's used this approach. Chuck smirked at the mere memory of hiring Amanda to bring back the old Serena, so he'd have Blair all to himself.

"Maya has the package you so generously put together," Blair said. "We've done the work, Chuck. Now, we wait."

Serena appeared; her blonde hair teased into wild waves.

"Savannah," Blair said. "How's Houston?"

Serena rolled her eyes and took a seat beside Blair. "Avoidable."

"How disappointing. I've heard such good things," Blair said.

"I've done what you asked of me, so Savannah is off the clock," Serena said. She picked up her fork and sunk it into a piece of cheese on the Charcuterie board.

"And?" Chuck asked.

"I briefed Maya on everything Blair said. She has the package in her purse, and once invited back to Jack's place, she will plant it in his things. If she can't find his briefcase, I told her to pick a drawer in his bedroom."

"That wasn't what I said," Blair said.

Serena picked up a cracker and lathered it with artichoke dip. "I know, but I figured it was a good contingency plan. Once she's done, she'll text me, so then you can call the authorities to authorize a search to his place. They'll find the porn and then…"

"Bye-bye Jack," Blair said. "Good thinking Serena. We can't expect our hired help to think of a backup plan."

Chuck sat back. "And where was Maya when you left?"

"She was ordering a drink with Jack at the bar. She'll text me when she's on her way to his place."

"See?" Blair turned to Chuck. "And you were worried."

"Why were you worried?" Serena asked.

Chuck waved her question with a flick of his hand.

"He was worried you wouldn't be able to perform," Blair said. "But I had all the faith in the world of you Serena."

"Gee, thanks," Serena said. "Next time I help you guys, I'll remember not to expect any appreciation for it."

"I didn't say you couldn't do it," Chuck said. "I just didn't want you to feel the burden of responsibility for making sure this whole thing works out."

Serena forked a piece of salami, seemingly pacified with this answer.

"In all seriousness, I do appreciate you stepping in with Maya. You didn't have to," Chuck said.

"Well, Blair made sure I did," Serena said.

Blair popped an olive in her mouth. "I asked. So what?"

"You insisted," Serena said.

"What's the difference?" Blair said.

"Ladies," Chuck said, feeling the need to step in as a referee. He rested his hand on the small of Blair's back and said, "As much as I'd enjoy seeing a catfight between the two of you like I did in high school, we're supposed to be incognito."

"Chuck's right," Blair said. "Thank you for helping us, S."

"Anytime, B."

Serena's phone buzzed.

"It's Maya. She's on her way to Jack's place."

---

Ozzy watched the numbers light up one at a time as he ascended to the Bass Penthouse on Friday night. He checked his phone for the time and wiped his sweaty palms on his jeans.

Was he nervous to go out on a formal date with Evelyn? No. Was he nervous of having to face her possibly-arsonist father? Slightly.

The elevator pinged, announcing his arrival. He stepped off the elevator and rounded the corner where Mr. Bass was seated on the couch reviewing legal documents.

"Oscar," Mr. Bass said with a curt nod. He dropped the documents on the coffee table and stood. He stuffed his hands in his pockets, and circled him, noting that he was here, and in his eyes, uninvited.

"What brings you here?" His cold blue eyes were piercing.

"I'm here to pick up Evelyn," Ozzy said. "We're going out."

"And where were you planning on going?" Bart asked.

"Ummm, we're just going out for food. Pizza."

It was hard to tell what Bart was thinking as his gaze remained disinterested yet severe. Ozzy couldn't tell if Bart was unimpressed, or if he just always looked unimpressed. He was leaning towards the former.

"Our curfew on Fridays is eleven," Mr. Bass said.

"That's the same for my family," Ozzy said. Not that he obeyed it often, but he didn't want Mr. Bass to know that.

"Good."

Eric appeared with a bag in his hand and offered it to Ozzy. "I told her you're here."

"What's in the bag?" Mr. Bass asked.

Ozzy felt his fists clench. He wanted that part of his evening with Evelyn to be a surprise, but he had a feeling that Mr. Bass didn't like surprises at all.

"It's just…"

"My math textbooks. Ozzy lost his, and I offered him mine," Eric said.

Bart looked unconvinced. It was a blatant lie, but Ozzy felt no need to tell him the truth. It wouldn't sound any more convincing than a lie anyway, and Ozzy didn't think he was giving the best impression already.

Evelyn appeared in a dark blue dress. Her hair was curled in waves, and a light dusting of makeup on her face that accentuated her bright eyes and high cheekbones. Ozzy knew there were many beautiful things in this world, but in that moment, nothing compared to Evelyn.

"Are you ready to go?" Ozzy said completely forgetting that her family surrounded them.

Evelyn nodded with a closed lip smile, an effort to contain her excitement.

Aunt Kim appeared from behind Evelyn, her arms crossed across her chest.

"Hi Mrs. Ainsley. I didn't realize you were in the city for the weekend," Ozzy said.

"It was a last-minute decision," She said. "Where are you off to tonight?"

"It's a surprise," Ozzy said. "But it's nothing you need to worry about."

"I hope so," Mrs. Ainsley said with a stern look.

"Okay, well now that we're all acquainted, we're just going to be on our way now," Evelyn said. "Have a nice evening everyone."

Ozzy nodded a thank you to Eric, and Mr. Bass kept a watchful eye on them all the way to the elevator.

Once inside and the door shut behind them, Ozzy said in awe, "You look beautiful."

Evelyn returned his gaze, with a coy smile. "You don't look so bad yourself."

Ozzy reached for her hand. Evelyn twined her fingers with his and squeezed.

"My dad didn't give you the third degree, did he?" Evelyn said.

"Oh no. Worse than that. He showed me what hell freezing over felt like."

"Really?"

"It's as cold as you'd imagine it to be."

"I'm sorry. He's just more stressed than usual."

Ozzy got the feeling he was always that stressed, but he kept that comment to himself.

They arrived at the lobby and made their way to the awaiting car. Only a couple paparazzi were still staked out. Ozzy blocked his body with hers and opened the limo door as the paparazzi continued to snap pictures.

"That was crazy. Do they wait here all day?" Ozzy asked.

"Pretty much," Evelyn said. "They've even found the side door, so we have to face it every time we leave our building."

"That's crazy," Ozzy shook his head. He sat up in his seat and gave his driver the address. "Remember that escape you were looking for? It starts now."

Evelyn leaned into his side, and Ozzy wrapped his arm around her shoulders.

"We're really doing this, aren't we?" Evelyn said.

The reality of the situation was beginning to set in for Ozzy. "Yeah we are."

Spotted: E and O out on the town. Wonder where this will lead?

---

"Oh, lose the long face, Bart," Kim said. "You weren't worried when it was Dash."

"That was before he hurt her," Bart said.

It wasn't like Evelyn told him she was dating Dash anyway. He found out at the UN Conference the year before, but that was beside the point.

"I tried to tell you," Kim said. "You can't put that jack back in the box now."

Bart smirked. How true that statement was for him. He couldn't go back and change anything. All of the old wounds that that been reopened from his trial couldn't be concealed for much longer.

"What else is it that you wanted to talk to me about?"

"The case."

Bart pinched the bridge of his nose. As if he didn't speak about it enough. He had spent days talking through the evidence, his story, and his strategy with his lawyers. Now he had to go through it all over again with Kim?

"What about it?"

"Look, I know we've had more differences than similarities over the years, but I think we should talk about it before this becomes public."

Bart swirled his glass. The scotch spun in a mesmerizing loop. "Where do we start?"

"I think we should start with our apologies," Kim said.

Bart nodded slowly. He had a lot to apologize for. He didn't even know where to begin. Yet each time he tried; the words felt inadequate, meager.

"I'm sorry for how heated everything got with Evelyn's custody battle," Kim said. "I said a lot of things that I can't take back, and I regret that."

"Thank you. I understand now why you felt that way." Bart's gaze fell to his swirling drink. "I have much more to apologize for," Bart said.

Kim twisted her wedding ring around her finger.

"I want to be very clear. I never, ever, meant to cause any harm to your sister. I loved her very much, and everything that I was doing to build Bass Industries was so that our family could live a better life. I didn't hurt her that night."

"I know," Kim said quietly.

Bart's gaze fell to his empty glass. There were things he never spoke about since that night. He chose not to acknowledge what happened or how any of it affected him. But it was going to be asked publicly, and if he had the choice of whom he'd want to tell first, it would be Kim.

"She hurt me that night," Bart said, his voice raspy.

"What do you mean?"

"She said she was going to leave me. I always assumed you knew that."

Bart noticed Kim's gaze became wistful. "I did know," she confessed.

Bart nodded. "I figured she gave you some idea of how things weren't going well."

"She did," Kim said. "She told me earlier that week that she was planning to leave, and I thought she was making a big mistake."

"Really?"

Kim's eyes were downcast. "Yes. I told her so. It was the last conversation we had."

"Until I called you to come to the hospital," Bart said.

Kim nodded. "But it was too late then."

They both sat in silence for a few moments.

"What do you regret most?" Kim said.

Regret was the sorrow that is felt when something is lost. Bart gained a lot of happiness from the material things he purchased throughout his adult life, but it all came from a loss. It was a loss that he would never fully recover from.

"I'm most regretful for not appreciating Misty like I should have. I should have been around. I didn't understand what was most important until she was gone."

Bart refilled his glass and took a long drink. The creases around his eyes deepen after his admission.

"What about you?" Bart asked.

"Me? Oh there are a few to choose from," Kim said. "I'd say that I'm most regretful that I didn't tell Misty that I loved her the last time I spoke to her."

"I'm sure she knew it," Bart said.

"Maybe. We had a pretty big fight as our last conversation, so it wasn't the best terms to end on."

"You didn't know that that would be your last conversation."

"True, but if I said anything different, maybe she would have reconsidered her plans."

"You and I both know that you can't stop someone from doing what they want to do," Bart said. "No matter how much it hurts you."

"That may be the wisest thing you've ever said, Bart."

Bart smirked. "If you live long enough, it's bound to happen eventually."

"I guess so," Kim said.

Bart drained his glass and sighed. He had drunk far too many glasses of scotch on an empty stomach. "Are you hungry?"

"Ravenous."

"Me too. Let's see. Lily is out at a charity gala, and it looks like Ina didn't prepare anything, so we could order out."

"It's a Friday night," Kim said. "Everywhere is probably busy too."

"That's a good point. Then, I'll cook dinner."

"You? Cook dinner? Since when?"

"Since today," Bart said. He made his way to the kitchen.

"If I remember correctly, you couldn't even make toast," Kim said. "Unless you've now been to one of those fancy Tuscan cooking classes?"

Bart opened the cupboards and searched each shelf. He picked out a jar of tomato sauce and presented it to Kim.

"Ah yes, I learned the fine art of opening a jar and spooning it over my pasta when I was in Tuscany. It's quite the delicacy there."

"The only delicacy you're offering is to make the Tuscan's blood curdle," Kim said.

"Is this gourmet enough for you?"

Kim chuckled. "Why not? Watching you attempt to cook might be the highlight of my day."

Bart opened the drawers filled with neatly stacked pots and pans. He picked out a shallow saucepan. "This should do right?"

"For what exactly?"

"The pasta of course."

Kim started laughing. "You need to boil the pasta in a pot."

Bart set the saucepan down. "Maybe we should just order in."

"Not so fast," Kim said. "You said you were going to make me dinner, and I'm holding you to that promise."

"Then you might as well eat a fruit from that bowl because that'll be more sustenance that I can give you," Bart said.

"Or I could teach you?" Kim said. "I'll supervise, and you do the work."

The last thing Bart wanted to do was to take direction from Kim of all people. He only offered to make dinner because she was a guest. But now that he said it, he couldn't back out. He never did.

So, he swallowed his pride and donned an apron.

Bart sighed. "What do I need to do first?"

---

Ozzy handed his menu to the waitress and leaned back in his chair. He sat across from Evelyn, who took in the giant wood burning oven in the open kitchen behind him, to the moose antlers that were drilled into the exposed brick wall above their table.

"And here I thought I finally pulled a surprise over you, but you've already been here." Ozzy said.

"I've only been here once, and it wasn't even my choice. Blair insisted that we try it this one time after we went shopping together."

Ozzy had only met Blair on a couple occasions, and in the moment, he struggled to place her. "Is she the girl who dated your brother?"

"Yes," Evelyn said. "She also went to the same school as us, but she graduated before you started."

It wasn't until they started over again that Ozzy noticed that Evelyn began to bring up Blair quite a bit. There was an influence, a reverence even, that Evelyn had for Blair.

"Right," Ozzy nodded. "It's funny that you've never mentioned her before now."

"We didn't see eye to eye before."

"And now your best friends?"

Evelyn scoffed. "I wouldn't say best friends, but yeah, friends. She was there for me when I was close to my lowest. She's been around ever since."

"Is she still with your brother?"

"I don't know. It's hard to keep up with them, but she hasn't mentioned anything. I haven't really seen my brother since he left Aunt Kim's early."

Evelyn's shoulders sunk slightly as she admitted this.

"Hey, we don't have to talk about any of that stuff. Not tonight anyway."

"Yes, please. It's just been so consuming since we got back."

Ozzy felt the same way with Philip's case. It had taken over their house and his mother's attention.

"It's been the same for us too," Ozzy said. "For Philip's trial."

"Has it happened yet?"

"Yeah. He was acquitted."

"That's great," Evelyn said.

"He was lucky."

"I don't think luck had anything to do with my father's trial."

"Why do you say that?"

"I dunno. I think it was planned. I don't know by who, but it was meant to take him and all of us down." Evelyn took a sip of water. "Aunt Kim told me to not worry about it, and just focus on school."

"Because it's that easy," Ozzy said. "Hey, we said we wouldn't talk about the trial."

Evelyn drummed her hands on the table. "Right. So what else is there to talk about?"

"Here's something new," Ozzy said. "My dad moved to New York."

Evelyn's eyes widened. "Are you serious?"

"Yeah," Ozzy said.

"Ozzy, that's—that's…"

"Crazy?"

"I was going to say fantastic," Evelyn said.

He should feel ecstatic, but he felt more wary than anything else. Who knows how long he would actually stay in New York? His apartment was a rental after all.

"Yeah, it's interesting."

"Interesting?"

"My mom and I visited him this week."

"How did that go?"

"Good, I guess. I mean, it's a bit awkward. We don't really know each other, and who knows how long he'll stay?"

Evelyn nodded. "Isn't some time together better than nothing?"

"I don't know. Maybe it's too late for that," Ozzy said.

"In my experience, it isn't too late," Evelyn said. "Haven't you wondered all these years…or waited for him to come back?"

"Yeah, but I stopped waiting a long time ago. It's funny how that works. You wait so long for something, and it never happens, and when you stop wanting it is the time it happens."

"I think that's what Aunt Kim would call Murphy's Law," Evelyn said. "It's your choice on what you want to do."

"What would you do?"

"I'd give him a chance. I did with my father, and I know that's ironic considering how upside down everything is now, but I can't say I regretted it. Not now or then."

Maybe Evelyn was right. Maybe he had to give his father a chance. If anyone knew what It meant to give a second, third chance even, it was Evelyn. Maybe it was time that he did the same thing.

Evelyn reached across the table and put her hand in his. "Hey, didn't you tell me that it's all about perspective? You have an opportunity to build a relationship with your father. If you already know what you have to lose, it can't be any worse than that right? Right now, you can only gain."

Maybe Evelyn was right. The worst-case scenario that Ozzy envisioned was that his father would leave again. He couldn't control or predict if that would happen, but he could control how open and willing he was to at least try to build a relationship with him. What good would it do him if he kept himself closed off from fear while wondering what could have been?

Ozzy smiled and stroked the back of her hand with his thumb. "What did I do to have such a wise girlfriend?"

Evelyn smirked. "Who said you've done enough?"

"I did," Ozzy said. "You'll agree by the end of the night. You'll see."

---

"How much longer is this going to take?" Blair said as she checked her watch for the twentieth time.

They had been waiting to hear confirmation from Maya for the past two hours. Chuck and Serena sat on either side of her, both bored and frustrated at the languor of this scheme.

Serena checked her phone again for another message. "Who knows, B."

Blair crossed her arms. "This is nonsense. All she had to do was plant the evidence and leave. Was that so hard to do?"

"Apparently so," Chuck said.

Chuck had been quiet as they waited in the limo this whole time. He had been quiet yet focused for the past few days. Blair had asked him repeatedly if he was okay, but he'd brush her off like a buzzing fly.

"We need to help this along or do something! I can't just wait for this on the sidelines anymore," Blair said.

"And what exactly do you suggest we do?" Chuck said. "This was your idea after all."

"My idea?" Blair said. "I seem to recall that it was our idea."

Serena's phone buzzed. "Guys. Hold that thought." She held up her phone to show that Maya was calling.

Serena put the phone on speaker. "Hello?"

"Hello, is this Savannah?" Jack's voice punctured through the phone.

Serena's eyes widened. "Um…yes. Who's this?"

"Your friend Maya tells me that you gave her a little something to store at my place," Jack said. "Listen, I don't judge anyone's sexual preferences, but child pornography isn't one of mine."

"I don't know what you're talking about," Serena said, her voice wavering slightly.

"Well, let me explain it to you then," Jack said. "I could charge you and your friend Maya for possession of child pornography. Now, I'm a reasonable guy, so I'm willing to drop that lawsuit if you pick up your friend and never bother me again. But do know that I can sue you at any time."

Serena looked at Blair with panicked eyes. Blair mouthed the words, "Ask where Maya is."

"Where's Maya?"

"She's on her way to the police station where you can bail her out."

"I think this is all a misunderstanding," Serena said. "I didn't give Maya that…stuff."

"Sure, you didn't. And we're not living in the middle of a global recession."

"Which station is Maya at?" Serena asked.

"The one in midtown. West 54th Street."

"I'm going to see her."

"You do that Savannah," Jack said. "And one last thing. You can tell my nephew that he's going to have to do better than that to get to me."

"Jack? Hello?" Serena looked at her phone screen. "He hung up."

"Bastard," Blair said.

Chuck sat back and sighed.

"How on Earth did he catch her?" Serena said.

"I know! What did he do, strip search her?" Blair said. Blair turned to Chuck who was unusually silent. "Chuck?"

After a moment of silence, Chuck said in a low and controlled voice, "Let's just go to the police station."

Blair and Serena exchanged a look of concern, as Chuck rolled down the partition and told Arthur the directions. His jaw was clenched, his body stiffer than his starched collar.

"Chuck, I'm sorry for how things turned out," Serena said. "I really thought I did everything I could."

"Serena, you did the best you could. We all did. Chuck," Blair said in a soft tone. "Say something."

"That's enough for now from both of you."

They spent the rest of the ride to the station in silence.

---

"So, what's your review?" Bart asked as he pushed his empty bowl away.

"Not bad, but that's because the premade sauce did the heavy lifting for you," Kim said.

Leave it to Kim to find a way out of giving him a compliment. She was always a critical and meticulous person, so each praise was equally hard earned.

"I'll take that as a compliment," Bart said. "It's as close to one as you'll give me."

Kim chuckled. "You make it seem like I'm out to get you."

"You didn't like me from the start."

"I had legitimate reasons," Kim said. "It's not like you cared for my presence when we lived together out of necessity."

He didn't. Kim was still in school while he and Misty had married and were starting a family. Kim was in need of a place to stay, and Misty asked him if she could stay with them. He didn't have a choice.

"I guess I had my reasons too."

Kim shook her head. "Still stubborn and prideful."

"Just know that I meant what I said last year. You're always welcome here. The offer might not be as enticing now because of the trial, but if you need to visit the city, you will always have a place to stay."

"Thank you, Bart. I appreciate that," Aunt Kim looked down at her hands, her fingers entwined. "I may take you up on that offer more than you think."

"By all means, do. I'm sure the kids will be glad to have you around more with everything going on."

"I agree, but I'm not just planning to visit."

"What does that mean?"

"I mean, I'm looking for work in the city."

"But you hate the city."

"Hated," Kim corrected. "I'm looking for a fresh start. Some of my circumstances have changed for me too."

"What happened?"

Kim pulled her wedding ring off her finger. "Travis and I are divorcing."

Divorcing? Bart was still for a moment, thrown by the news. "I-I'm so sorry to hear that. I just…never expected that to happen."

"Me neither," Kim said. "We all get married expecting that to not happen. Ever."

"Indeed," Bart said. "What brought this on?"

Kim's wedding ring clanged against the table. "He wanted something I couldn't give him."

Bart nodded with understanding. "But I thought with Evelyn that was rectified?"

"I thought so too," Kim said, lowering her gaze. "But things began to change once she moved in with you. There wasn't as much to bind us together as I thought. He always wanted a big family, and I couldn't give that to him, so we both agreed that things weren't working anymore."

"I'm so sorry, Kim."

"Isn't it always hard to look back and see the exact moment when you should have made a different choice?" Kim said. "Because I thought taking you to family court to win custody of Evelyn would solve this problem we had. I thought she was in better care with me raising her. I thought you couldn't look past what happened. I think I was wrong."

"That's not true. I admit, I wasn't in a place where I could care for her given everything that happened. She was in no better care than with you," Bart said.

"Maybe, but it just prolonged the inevitable. I could never have children of my own, and Travis wanted children of his own. Sometimes love isn't enough if what we want in life is more important," Kim said.

It was a bitter truth to swallow, but Kim was right. Love wasn't some cure that eliminated struggle and pain. It had many forms and shades. It could bring hope and happiness, passion and ecstasy, compassion and selflessness. But some loves are bigger than others. Some loves require sacrifice. Other forms of love are more limited than others. Sometimes love wasn't the ultimate answer.

"That's very true," Bart said. "But you couldn't have known that then. You didn't. You made the best decision you could with the information you had. Now, you're doing the same thing."

"I hope so," Kim said.

"Have you told Evelyn?"

"Over Christmas break. She took it well."

"Good."

If only Evelyn would take his news about the trial as well as she did about her Aunt's divorce.

Kim checked her watch. It was half past eight. "Do you think they'll be back by ten?"

"If Oscar knew what was good for him," Bart said.

"Or what?"

"Or…there will be punishment."

"What's your idea of a fair punishment?" Kim asked.

"I don't know. I guess a grounding would be in order. For a couple weeks?"

"Your inconsistent parenting fascinates me," Kim said. "I guess disciplining your children is different than your employees."

"Of course, it is. I can fire my employees if they're not doing what I say."

"And you can't fire your kids. Unless you have?"

"No. I haven't."

With Chuck wanting to have worked at Bass Industries after college, that could have been a possibility. But that possibility was all but vanishing.

"I don't think you have the guts," Kim said. "The mean looks you give don't fool me. You're a lot softer than you look."

"And you're a lot more opinionated," Bart said.

"Guilty as charged," Kim said.

Bart smirked.

"Was that too soon?"

It wasn't too soon. Not at all. Kim didn't mean it in a mean or derogatory way, but they were words that he avoided for years. Now it was up to a jury to decide if they applied to him or not, and he had never felt so powerless.

"Not at all," Bart said. "From you, I'd think it wasn't soon enough."

---

Evelyn stepped out of the limo and found herself facing a tall apartment building. After an amazing dinner at Wildflower, Evelyn's stomach fluttered in anticipation while the limo lulled to a stop.

"This is it," Ozzy said with a smile. He grabbed his bag and opened the door for her. Evelyn glanced about and was greeted with tall skyscrapers, none of which looked remotely familiar to her, and she paused.

"Where are we?"

Ozzy walked ahead toward one of the buildings. "You'll see."

Evelyn followed him to the door that led to a lobby. It looked like a residential lobby.

"You guys didn't suddenly move, did you?" Evelyn asked.

"I guess you could say that," Ozzy said. "Come on."

Evelyn followed feeling more apprehension build up. What exactly did Ozzy have in mind? She knew he had a history, a much more casual one then she did, but he knew better than to move that fast…right?

The elevator was ready, and Ozzy pressed the button for the third floor.

"So, what exactly did you have in mind?" Evelyn said, watching the floor numbers light up above the doors.

"You'll see in a minute," Ozzy said.

The doors opened revealing the smell of chlorine. Ozzy stepped off the elevator first, and she followed along the slate tiles. The glass walls revealed a pool, complete with springboards and a diving board.

Evelyn felt her muscles stiffen. He brought her to a pool? That was his big surprise?

"You can't be serious," Evelyn said, halting.

Ozzy fished a fob key from his pocket and held it against the censor. "Why wouldn't I be serious?"

Evelyn crossed her arms over her chest. "I didn't bring my swimsuit."

"I have it right here," Ozzy said holding up his bag.

"Or a towel," Evelyn said.

"Also in the bag."

Evelyn felt herself start to sweat. Maybe this was all a mistake. Maybe this wasn't a good idea for them to do be doing this.

Ozzy let the door close. "Are you okay?"

"No, I'm not."

Now she was feeling her chest tighten, her breaths shortening. Out of anything he could have picked to surprise her with, this was the last thing she expected.

Ozzy neared her, his hands in his pockets. "Is this about your fall in the Hamptons a couple years ago?"

The Hamptons? The terrifying memory resurfaced. Catherine pushed her in the water. She couldn't see anything, her body paralyzed, until Ozzy pulled her out of it.

She only waded in the water ever since.

"You know that I only swim for survival."

"I do," Ozzy said. "I also remember that your survival rate could use improvement."

"Or I could just not go in the water," Evelyn said.

"It's up to you," Ozzy said. "All I'm saying is that it wouldn't hurt to at least try."

Evelyn looked down at her feet. She hated the weightless feeling of bobbing in the water and the inability to find something solid that she could depend on. With her dad's trial, she felt like she was flailing in the water, locked in a lengthening struggle to keep her head above water.

"But I don't like it."

"I know, but maybe you'd like it more if you actually learned what you're supposed to do?"

"I doubt it."

"Have you tried?"

"I took swimming lessons," Evelyn scoffed. She didn't continue past the fourth level.

"I didn't say you didn't. I'm just saying why not try now. You can trust me."

She avoided his imploring gaze because she knew he was right. He loved being in the water. He was not only comfortable in the water, but he thrived in it. She knew Ozzy could be depended on there. He had saved her life once.

Besides, was she really one to just give up because something scared her?

"Okay, fine. But we'll just take it easy," Evelyn said. "And when I say we're done, we're done."

Ozzy took out his trunks and handed her the bag. Evelyn went to change, slipping on her halter bathing suit top and bikini bottoms. She couldn't believe she was doing this. She couldn't think of any other person who could convince her to do this.

Evelyn flip flopped to the pool where Ozzy was crouching near the water. He dipped his hand in the water and flicked the droplets away. Evelyn noted the way his back muscles rippled as he moved his arm. He turned to Evelyn, who held her towel to her chest tighter.

"You ready?"

Evelyn sighed. "Give me five minutes, and I'll turn back."

"Drop the towel then. We'll start in the shallow end."

Evelyn dropped the towel atop of their things and kicked off her flip flops.

Okay. She could do this. No, she needed to do this. How could she move forward if she didn't?

Ozzy had already waded the first couple of steps in the pool. If he didn't have to wait for her, he would have probably jumped off the diving board.

Evelyn gripped the silver railing and dipped her first foot. The water was cool, and she kicked her foot out immediately. Another reason she didn't like swimming: the water was always too cold.

Ozzy offered his hand. "It's easier if you jump in. You get used to the water temperature faster."

Evelyn took his hand. "You better not dunk me."

"I'm not going to dunk you."

Evelyn took one step in, and then another. Soon, her feet were submerged, then her calves. Then, she was in the pool, the water touching her belly button. Her feet were firmly planted on the tile floor. She could see her feet; she felt gravity rooting her down like it was supposed to. She was comfortable with this.

Ozzy pressed forward, inching toward the deep end. Evelyn, who had been clamping Ozzy's hand this whole time, let go.

"You go," Evelyn said. "I'll wait here."

Ozzy returned to her side. "I'm supposed to be teaching you remember?"

"If you must," Evelyn groaned.

"Oh, come on. It'll be fine. You have to start by putting your head in the water."

Was he crazy? After all of the work she put into this look? Her makeup would start running, and her hair would be ruined.

"No."

"Evelyn, you're so close. You can't just back out now."

"Yes, I can."

"No, you can't."

"Yes, I can."

"Fine," Ozzy said. "You leave me with no other option."

Ozzy lunged at her, tackling her from her middle, and they both plunged into the water. Evelyn shrieked, as her body swallowed by the water. Her lungs were empty from the screaming, and she flailed her arms in an attempt to reach the surface. Her foot caught the pool floor, and she pushed her way up.

Ozzy was already waiting for her, his curly hair slicked back from the water. He was smiling at her.

"I can't believe you just did that!" Evelyn yelled. "Especially since you know what happened!"

"Which is why I did it," Ozzy said.

"Why?"

"To get over the fear."

"Get over the fear? That just induced my fear!"

"Evelyn, we're in the shallow end. Nothing was going to happen to you."

"You don't know that," Evelyn said.

"Yeah, I did," Ozzy said, grabbing her by the elbow.

"I can't believe you," Evelyn said, pushing him away.

"Evelyn, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that," Ozzy said. "I just thought you needed a bit of a push."

She did, but she wasn't willing to admit it. Not now.

"What exactly did you want to teach me?"

"The basics. I was thinking of how to float. A breaststroke. Maybe work up to the diving board?"

Evelyn took a deep breath. She could do this. Ozzy was here. She could trust him with her life. Literally.

"What do I need to do?" She asked quietly.

"I need you to relax," Ozzy said.

"Because I'm so good at that," Evelyn said.

"Just try."

Evelyn took a couple deep breathes and closed her eyes. She let her body loosen, her knees bent, and she became submerged in the water up to her shoulders.

"I'm going to guide you so you're floating on your back. Just relax. I've got you."

Evelyn opened her eyes and felt Ozzy's hand on the small of her back. He pushed it up, and she tilted her back upward, her hair touching the water.

"We're going to align your body with the surface of the water."

Evelyn raised her legs, her ears submerging in the water, muffling Ozzy's voice.

"Lift up from your stomach and chest. Keep your knees slightly bent and apart. If you keep your legs straight, you're more likely to sink."

"And my arms?"

"Wherever you want. Just make sure they're even."

Evelyn spread her arms out to her sides.

"Now lift your chin too," Ozzy said.

Evelyn lifted her chin, her ears becoming further submerged.

"Like this?"

"Yes. Now if you feel like you're sinking, you can kick your feet. It helps you stay afloat."

"Okay."

"How does that feel?"

"Okay."

Evelyn was trying hard to remember to lift all the parts of her body. She felt her stomach sink once. Then she started shifting to the side.

"It's all about making readjustments and finding balance," Ozzy said. "When you feel yourself sliding to one side, swing back to the other."

Evelyn floated on her back, not realizing that Ozzy had stepped away. She continued to make adjustments, feeling the frightful possibility that she could sink at any moment. But she didn't sink. She continued to bob on the water, feeling a serenity amid the uncertainty of the short lapping waves.

"Ozzy?" She couldn't hear if he was near. "Ozzy?"

He peered over her.

"How am I doing?"

He lifted his hands up. "You're floating."

"I am?"

"You have been for the past three minutes."

"Oh. That's good right?"

"That's great," Ozzy said.

Evelyn let her chest and stomach sink, her legs fall, her ears drain. Her feet found the floor, and for the first time she stood not feeling as tethered to gravity as she was before.

"I did it?" Evelyn said.

"Yeah you did."

Evelyn collapsed in the water, knowing full well that she could find a way to float back to the surface.

"Oh, now it's okay to fall?" Ozzy said. "I see how it is."

Ozzy dove toward her, and Evelyn squealed.

"Ozzy, no!" Evelyn said.

Ozzy surfaced, and waded toward her causing Evelyn to back into the pool wall. They neared the edge where the shallow end gave way to the deeper water.

"You give me a hard time, and now you like it?" His hands traced her legs, his eyes boring into hers.

"I didn't say I liked it," Evelyn said.

He was now a breath away from her. "Admit it. It's not as bad as you thought it would be."

Evelyn held his gaze. "No."

Ozzy leaned forward and captured his lips with hers. Evelyn felt her legs slacken as she leaned into him, her lips not leaving his. Her hands ran up his taut and slick forearms, searching for something to grip onto. She felt the slick droplets of water on his shoulders while Ozzy's hands cupped the back of her legs. With a firm grip on Ozzy, Evelyn lifted her feet off the tile floor and hooked her legs around his waist.

"How about now?" Ozzy said as he planted kisses down her jaw and onto her neck, his chest heaving.

Evelyn felt ripples of pleasure coarse through her body as he did this. She finally found her grip with her fingers tangling through the wet hair near the nape of his neck.

"I think I need a little more convincing," she said, her breathes uneven.

Evelyn kissed him with fervour. The water could do nothing to extinguish the fire that was kindled between them, and Evelyn didn't want to do anything to stop it.

"How about now?" Ozzy asked, his mouth still on hers.

"A little more," Evelyn said into his mouth.

She didn't just swim for survival now. She floated like one of the boats that was tethered to shore.

---

Chuck stood on the front steps of the police station where he noted that the winter evening was colder than usual. He rubbed his leather gloved hands together and breathed into them to keep them warm. He was glad it was cold out tonight. It was the only way he could cool off after their failed scheme.

Blair clicked down the steps with caution.

"How goes the bail out?" Chuck said, his voice monotone.

"Serena's filling out the paperwork now," Blair said. She treaded lightly around him, unsure if she took a wrong step that he would implode. "How are you?"

"Disappointed," Chuck said. "Angry. Annoyed, even. What were we thinking Blair? Did we really think this would be enough to get to Jack?"

"It was worth a try," Blair said. "I'm sorry for letting you down."

Chuck let out a large breath. His shoulders fell. "You didn't let me down."

Blair's eyes were glassy. "We agreed that we would do this together, and you were right, I did suggest that we actually execute this plan—"

"Blair," Chuck said. "This isn't just your fault. I'm not mad at you. I'm mad at myself. I expected more from myself. I took the easy way out, and it backfired."

Chuck walked toward the curb and back. "You know what bothers me the most? It's the smugness Jack has. He knows he's home free once my dad's trial is over. He'll have everything he wants, and it'll all be over unless we do something."

"We are doing something, Chuck," Blair said. "Just because this scheme didn't work out doesn't mean the next one won't either."

"Don't you get it? I don't have time for screw ups. I need to get to Jack for once and for all."

Blair took a step toward him and put a gloved hand on his forearm. "And you will. We can't give up, Chuck. We still have time to take down Jack. We will do better next time."

"This isn't high school, Blair. We don't get endless chances to make the grade."

"I know it isn't high school anymore," Blair said. "But that doesn't mean we're out of our league here. You said so yourself. We're the best scheming team on the Upper East Side. We can take on your uncle. We'll do what it takes. I get that you're frustrated and disappointed because I am too, but we can't give up."

"I just can't believe we failed," Chuck said. "This has never happened to me when scheming before."

"Me neither," Blair said. "Unfortunately, there is a first for everything. Even for things like this."

Chuck bowed his head. "Jack really thinks he's always two steps ahead of us."

"Let him think that. Let him underestimate us. That way, when we do take him down, he won't see it coming," Blair said.

"So, what do we do next?" Chuck said.

"We regroup. Apologize to Maya and hope she doesn't threaten legal action and ask if she has anything she can impart about Jack and his suite."

The front doors of the police station opened revealing an apologetic Serena trailing an irritated Maya who had a deep frown on her face.

Before Chuck and Blair could approach Maya, she stormed away without a word.

"So much for getting paid," Blair huffed.

"I already took care of that," Serena said. "She wasn't in the mood to talk. I'd suggest letting her cool down a bit."

"Speaking of cooling down, I just want to thank you both for helping tonight. I know it didn't exactly go as planned, but I appreciate the effort to make it happen even if I couldn't show it earlier," Chuck said.

"I wish it worked out better," Serena said.

"It will," Chuck said. He glanced at Blair and said, "Next time."

Blair linked her arm with his and smiled.

Chuck felt a stronger fire within him ignite that only a failure could fuel. He would try again. He had to try again. He couldn't rest knowing he hadn't done everything he could.

"How about next time, you count me out?" Serena said. "I think after the events of tonight we can all agree that that's for the best."

"I think that can be arranged," Chuck said appreciating the warmth of Blair's body close to his. "We like to work in pairs anyways."

Spotted: C & B learning that they aren't the only masters of the game. Time to ditch their crowns and don their swords. The next level is waiting.

---

Evelyn's body felt heavy against the leather seats. Her fingers were still wrinkled like raisins, and her body, which felt light and buoyant in the pool, felt heavy and leaded. She leaned her head against Ozzy's shoulder, his arm around her, a content smile on her lips.

Her hair was a damp tangled mess, her face bare, and she reeked of chlorine. She had no idea how she was going to explain any of this to her dad or Aunt Kim. Hopefully, they weren't waiting up for her.

She felt Ozzy shift his body. He pulled out his phone from his pocket and checked the time.

"I can't believe it's ten already," Ozzy said.

"Me too."

She didn't want to go home. Not now. She felt like she was in a bubble. It shielded her from the realities of her father's trial. It was a place where she felt no worry, just pleasure and contentment.

The limo slowed to a stop, and Evelyn groaned. Outside her window, she saw the familiar green awning that marked the entrance to her building.

"Hey, I don't want this to end either, but I was given strict instructions from your aunt and you dad," Ozzy said.

Evelyn sat up and stretched. "I know."

"Come on," Ozzy said.

Evelyn grabbed her bag and dragged herself out of the limo.

"If you insist," Evelyn said. "Thank you. For tonight. I'll admit, it wasn't what I was expecting, but I didn't mind it."

"I knew you'd finally come around," Ozzy said. "I just figured we should do something we don't normally do, even if it meant facing one of your fears."

"Fine. But that means next time, it's your turn," Evelyn said.

Ozzy shrugged. "Fine by me. That is, if you can think of something that can scare me."

Evelyn scoffed. "Oh, don't you worry. I'll think of something."

"You always do."

Ozzy tucked a stay frizzy lock of hair behind her ear. He leaned forward and kissed her. Evelyn gripped onto his forearms while his hand caressed her cheek.

Ozzy pulled away far too soon and said with a smile, "Goodnight."

"Goodnight," Evelyn said, breathless.

Evelyn let go of Ozzy and walked to the front door. She looked back a couple times, and saw that Ozzy was leaning back against the car door, waiting for her to disappear inside the building.

It wasn't until she stepped off the elevator and into the penthouse that the bubble she had escaped to burst. Her father and Aunt Kim sat together, chatting. Their conversation immediately ceased when they saw her approach, her hair limp and tangled, the pungent smell of chlorine wafting towards them.

"Why is your hair wet?" Aunt Kim asked.

"We went swimming," Evelyn said.

Aunt Kim frowned. "That was the surprise?"

"Yes, and I had a good time. Thanks for asking."

Her father merely starred at her; his face unreadable.

"I'm going to take a shower now," Evelyn said.

"Before you do, we need to talk to you about the trial," Aunt Kim said.

"Can't that wait until tomorrow morning?"

"Yes, and it will. Your father and I were discussing some matters regarding the trial this evening, and we want to make sure that you're feeling comfortable and aware of what's going to happen. We know it's been a lot to process, so do think over any questions or concerns you might have. We'll talk about over brunch tomorrow."

Evelyn looked at her father, who remained quiet beside Aunt Kim. While this would have annoyed Evelyn in the past, this time, she noticed that he looked like he didn't know what to say. It occurred to Evelyn that maybe her father was just as unsure of how to handle this situation as she was.

Before, she'd run away until the problem dissipated enough for her to return comfortably, but this time was different. The trial wasn't going away. It was fast approaching, and it was going to change their family forever.

The waves of scandal would continue to lap their Manhattan shore, and this time she wasn't some spectator watching from the rocks. She was a speck of a person bobbing in the water, as wave after wave pushed her in different directions. She now knew how to withstand the strong currents while making adjustments.

Now was one of those times to make an adjustment.

"Okay," Evelyn said.

There was no reason to argue or protest. Aunt Kim was only trying to help. As always, she was nearby to lend a helping hand when Evelyn felt herself start to sink.

While her confidence in her father was forever shaken, it was time to stop avoiding him and face the trial head-on. And maybe, just maybe, everything would turn out better because of it.

Change. Sometimes it's preventable. Most times it's inevitable. On the Upper East side, the aversion to change is no less. Some of us fear change. Others cling to the comforts of thing staying the same. But change is often incremental, and most times the smallest changes have the largest impact.

As for me? I'll never change.

You Know You Love Me,

XOXO Gossip Girl

---

A/N: And there you have it! Chuck and Blair have taken their first shot (unsuccessfully) against Jack, Evelyn/Ozzy went on their first date, and Bart/Kim discuss the trial while finding forgiveness in each other. Quite a bit happened in this chapter!

What's coming up next? The next chapter is titled: "The Seventeen-Year-Old-Virgin".

So what did you think? Let me know in a review!

Till next time,

XOX EZ11