Gail sat on the bench outside of her Wicca Store, soaking up the sun and watching Caleb devour his ice cream. Having Caleb at the crime scene had provided her with more options than she would have had on her own and she was actually grateful for his unexpected appearance.
'I'm King, you know it' Caleb joked, reading her thoughts and they both started laughing.
'What you are is a magnet, things always seem to gravitate towards you and I don't know whether that's a blessing or a curse' Gail advised, unsure of how she felt about Caleb's proximity to the Grocery Store the night before.
'Today it's a blessin', you wouldn't have got your story otherwise' Caleb shrugged, remembering what Joshua had told him and not shying away from the subject, attempting to remain confident. He had managed to sneak away from Gail while she was interviewing Mr Jenkins and ensured that he wiped down anything that he may have touched the night before.
Gail shook her head and leaned back on the bench, placing her arm affectionately around Caleb's shoulder. 'I'd have still gotten the information Caleb, today's way was just less painful for the people involved' she responded, thinking of how she would have had to really push Ben if she had not found a way in with the owner of the Store.
Caleb nodded his understanding, not meaning to suggest that she could not do it on her own. 'Painless is better, there's no point in people gettin' hurt when there are other ways to get what you want'
'Speaking of painless, you were with Bobby last night...a somewhat unlikely pairing don't you think? Anything I should know?' she asked, spotting Caleb's demeanour change slightly at the mention of his old bully and deciding to watch him discreetly.
Caleb took in a sharp intake of breath, then forced himself to remain calm. The owner of the Store had not mentioned Bobby so it was a surprise his Mother was aware that they were together.
'You're not the only one who can make people feel at ease Caleb, now answer my question' Gail advised, reminding him that he was not the only one able to read thoughts but not wanting to have to force her way in.
Caleb frantically tried to think of a plausible explanation for being with Bobby; however, he just froze. Suddenly, he felt a tugging in his mind and he spotted Joshua beside a tree on the far side of the road and felt himself relax. 'Bobby's gang passed us when we were sittin' on the wall and started spoutin' stuff...Bobby shut them up so I decided to let him hang with us, see what he's really like' he answered honestly, realising when his mind cleared that there was nothing incriminating about how they ended up together.
Gail continued to watch Caleb closely, sensing that he was hiding something; however, she was proud that he was giving Bobby a chance and that Bobby appeared to be embracing his new lease on life. 'And how was he?' she asked curiously.
'Oddly kinda cool and fun. Millie liked him, but didn't wanna show it' Caleb shrugged, not understanding why girls acted so strange at times.
Gail laughed at the comment and shook her head, remembering how she was when she realised that she liked Lucas. Her Husband was the epitome of a bad boy and she had tried her best to deny being taken with him. She knew better, he was bad and her morals were far too pure back then; however, a girl always wants the bad boy.
Caleb sensed some of her thoughts and narrowed his eyes confused. 'But why?' he asked, baffled by how Millie could instantly change her way of feeling for Bobby.
'Daring, excitement, hell just good old fashioned fun. You think all girls want to just sit around with a good boy twiddling their thumbs?' Gail responded, amused by the question.
Caleb knew all to well the thrill of certain activities that were deemed bad and nodded his head in understanding. 'I wouldn't wanna just sit around, so why would they?' he laughed in disbelief of not realising that fact before.
'The difference with you is you drag people into the fire with you, you act on your urges but no matter how much I may disapprove of them they are your own actions and you own them...I'm proud of you for that' Gail sighed and leaned her head on his, recalling his first kill with unease but admiring his choice to keep everyone out of it.
A strange feeling came over Caleb at his Mothers comment and he felt a sudden disdain for himself. He knew that she hated his dark urges; however, she was trying to accept how he was and last night had not been an urge, it was just to boast that he could. 'Saturday night at the-' he started, feeling an overwhelming need to confess.
'Movies?' Joshua interjected jokingly, choosing to show himself before Caleb completed his unwise decision.
Gail froze at the sound of Joshua's voice and she was taken off guard by his presence. She had not spoken to him since Malcolm had goaded her into banishing him from her space and she was still unsure of whether she could trust him or not.
'Not' Lucas said flatly, as he pulled up beside them on the curb and got out of the car, pulling his Wife up to him for a passionate kiss to show his dominance in front of Joshua.
Caleb watched as Joshua stared at the display in anger and could not hide his emotions. He realised now that confessing so boldly would only cause his Mother more issues, as she was the one reporting on the story and he was thankful for the intervention. 'Oh behave, there's kids here' he said disapprovingly, choosing to break up the embrace rather than see Joshua uncomfortable when the man had shown himself to be of assistance to him.
The gesture did not go unnoticed and Joshua nodded appreciatively at Caleb, then disappeared before any questions could be directed at him.
'So your pet's back now?' Lucas asked Gail disapprovingly.
'Like yours is ever far away' Gail retorted cattily and nodded towards Selena who was walking down the street towards them, then shrugged off his grip and went to check on her youngest children in the backseat of Lucas' car.
'Careful Son, regret isn't somethin' we Buck's have to concern ourselves with and you don't wanna let that unnecessary thing take hold' Lucas advised, also sensing Caleb's need to confess before he reached their position.
'I know, I know. We're Bucks and above it all' Caleb sighed, unimpressed that Joshua had been pushed away and decided to take himself away, turning away from his family and strolling down the street to his Mothers car.
Lucas leaned casually against the counter in the reception area of the Sheriff's Station, watching his Secretary and his newly appointed female officer dote over his children. Gail Jr was balancing carefully on the small table at the back of the area to show how steady she was, while Luke jumped from the counter top to the chair beside Ben in an attempt to show how big he was.
The sound of the bell above the entrance went ignored as Gail Jr and Luke performed happily for the adults around them; however, when large hands banged abruptly on the counter, all but Lucas turned accusingly towards the guilty party interrupting the children's innocent fun.
'To what do we owe the pleasure Doc'?' Lucas asked casually, not taking his eyes off of his children and winking at them playfully.
Matt waited patiently for Lucas to turn around to address him, when he did not he felt his anger beginning to take over. 'This isn't a pleasure, I want to talk to you man to man' he ordered, disregarding the look of warning in Ben's eyes.
Lucas could not contain his laughter and smiled reassuringly at his staff, then signalled for them to return to their duties. 'Show me a real man and I'll happily hunker down for a serious chat...you lost that quality a long time ago Harvard and somehow I don't think balls grow back quite as easily for people like you' he said calmly, turning towards Matt and smirking amused at his attempt to appear dominant.
Matt inhaled deeply in an attempt to control his anger; however, the smug look on Lucas' face was too much to take.
'Don't' Gail Jr warned knowingly, liking Doctor Matt and sensing the mischief radiating off of her Father.
'Yeah don't' Luke goaded sarcastically, on the side of his Father no matter how much he liked the Doctor who his Mother used to spend a lot of time with.
'Listen to the children Doc, even they know you don't stand a chance' Lucas advised calmly, then leaned in closer. 'I guess that exotic piece you're with really doesn't have any soldiers on her side...it's a shame she's there in that Boardin' House all on her lonesome most of the time, maybe I ought to stop around more often' he whispered, knowing that Loris had been unable to keep his visit a secret and called Matt for some comfort.
Matt's rage flew to the surface and he took a swing at Lucas, narrowly missing the man as he stepped back out of his reach at the last second. 'You're a bastard!' he shouted, unable to control his anger and climbing over the counter in a fury at the thought of Lucas intimidating Loris when she was on her own.
'You've got to be kidding me!' Gail snapped in horror, as she walked into the Sheriffs station with Caleb just in time to see Matt fly over the counter at her Husband.
Matt froze at the sound of Gail's voice, then turned around and felt his heart drop when he spotted Caleb with his eyes closed and shaking his head in disappointment.
'Awww hell, I hate to do this to such an upstandin' member of our community but you know the rules...Ben' Lucas called amused and signalled for his Deputy to step in.
'Lucas please don't' Gail pleaded, hating the taste of the words in her mouth.
Lucas could not hide his smug smile, especially at the unexpected entrance of his Wife and nodded for Ben to take charge.
Ben shot Gail and apologetic look, then went to Matt and pulled out his handcuffs. 'It's a felony to assault an officer of the law in South Carolina' he said begrudgingly, not naïve enough to believe that this outburst was unprovoked and wishing Matt had more self control.
Gail placed her head in her hands in exasperation and let out a long sigh.
'You see that Son? That's what a man looks like when he's lost all self respect' Lucas advised Luke as he picked him up and smiled when his boy watched Matt curiously.
Gail Jr shook her head at the display she was witnessing and carefully walked across the long counter, reaching out to her Mother expectantly. 'Mean' she said back at her Father, sensing her Mothers sudden anxiety.
'Ass would be more accurate' Gail said through gritted teeth, then picked up her Daughter and exited the Sheriff's station without saying another word, choosing to take Gail Jr out of the equation and leave all the boy's together to raise hell without a care for anyone else as they usually did.
Caleb watched as his Mother left and turned towards his Father defensively. 'Why do I always get lumped in with you? It ain't like I did anythin' wrong' he said moodily, not understanding why he had been left behind.
'Oh did you not Butch? How's your partner Bobby?' Lucas asked sarcastically, knowing that Gail was playing Caleb as much as the boy thought he was playing her.
Caleb narrowed his eyes at the insinuation, then let out a long resigned sigh and shook his head. 'Have you at least got anythin' to eat? I'm starved' he asked, then smiled when Lucas nodded towards a large box of doughnuts on the side and decided that Ben would not mind too much if a few disappeared.
Gail sat behind her desk in her large office, braiding her Daughters hair whilst listening to the calm sound of Kris Kristofferson. It had been a long time since she had needed a time out like this and she allowed the mellow voice to sink in, whilst the soothing feel of her Daughters soft brown hair distracted her from her current unease.
'Boy's are silly' Gail Jr said, closing her eyes at the massaging rhythm of her Mothers fingers in her hair.
'And yet we can't live without them' Gail sighed, finishing off the braid then moving her hands to her Daughters stomach to pull her back into her.
Gail Jr snuggled into her Mother affectionately, sensing her need for comfort and smiled as her head rested on hers. 'It's ok' she reassured her, not willing to allow her Father or Brothers to truly impact her Mothers sanity anymore.
'I know Princess and I shouldn't even care, but you can't switch off love no matter how undeserving people are' Gail advised, thinking about Matt in the cell as well as her infuriating Husband.
Gail Jr raised her head and stared at her Mother curiously, not understanding the relationship she had with Doctor Matt.
'Why would that matter? Has somethin' happened?' Merlyn asked concerned, surprised that her Cousin had not sensed her approach before she entered her office and read the little girls unguarded thoughts.
Gail jumped at the intrusion, then gave herself a mental shake and cursed herself for dropping her guard. 'When hasn't something happened in this damn Town?' she snapped, then stroked her Daughters cheek reassuringly when she saw the look of worry in her eyes.
Merlyn thought for a moment, then let out a small laugh in agreement at the statement and reached for the young girl who was hiding outside of the office behind her. 'Speakin' of which, I caught this one wanderin' around Goat Town with the guiltiest look I've ever seen and thought she'd be better suited here than at the Sheriff's station' she said, shoving Rose gently into the office.
'Don't take me to the Sheriff! Please, I didn't do nothin'' Rose pleaded, unable to stop her body from shaking.
Gail sensed the guilt in Rose and got up from her seated position, placing Gail Jr on the chair and beckoned Rose to come closer. 'No-one's accusing you of anything, why don't you just take a breath and come closer, it's been hot minute since I've seen you properly' she smiled warmly and welcomed the girl to sit down in front of her as she perched on the edge of her desk.
Merlyn watched Rose relax instantly at the sound of Gail's soothing voice and nod obediently. Lucas ruled well through stature and sometimes intimidation; however, Gail had a softness to her that could breach anyone's guard and it amused Merlyn at how well her Cousin handled people.
'See, isn't that better? Nice deep breaths, then you can tell me what you were doing wandering around Goat Town on your own. Some parts really aren't safe for a beautiful flower like yourself' Gail said smoothly, gently moving a stray strand of hair from Rose's eyes and stroking her head tenderly.
Rose took a deep breath and felt herself become calm. She really liked Gail, she was nothing like her harsh Mother who just cursed the day she got pregnant with her and she always seemed to genuinely care about her wellbeing.
Gail sensed her thoughts and smiled. 'How's your home life these days? I take it your Momma hasn't had any other questionable men around since that unfavourable fellow...what was his name?' she asked, reminding Rose of the support she once gave.
'Larry' Rose answered flatly, remembering the creep well and that Gail had somehow made him leave without her Mother finding out it was her doing.
'That's the one. You just remember who to come to if there's any ugly business like that again, us girl's have to stick together' Gail smiled, leaning down and squeezing Rose's knee reassuringly.
Rose nodded obediently, feeling a strong sense of loyalty to Gail and smiled back at her appreciatively.
'Good, now how come you were out that way on your own?' Gail asked again curiously, thankful that Gail Jr and Merlyn had decided to remain silent so not to interfere.
Rose thought for a second about her loyalty to Caleb, then felt Gail's hand stroking her knee affectionately and could not bare to lie. 'I was lookin' for Caleb, I haven't seen him since...' she hesitated, thinking better about finishing her sentence.
'Since last night? I'm surprised your Momma let you out at all today with how late you all got back' Gail said, forcing her demeanour to remain pleasant.
'Luckily my Momma weren't home, or she would've had my hide when she saw that bul-' Rose started subconsciously, then forced herself to stop.
Gail shot a glance at Merlyn who was watching Rose closely, then shook her head in warning when she was about to prompt Rose to continue, not requiring her assistance with this yet. 'Bobby isn't really a bully, he's just a child of circumstance and misunderstood' she shrugged, keeping her demeanour casual.
'That's what Caleb said' Rose responded, presuming from Gail's calm reaction that she knew they were with the older boy who used to bully her friends.
Gail smiled at the response, happy that Caleb appeared to understand Bobby's motives for his previous actions. 'Caleb's smart, I swear he's going to run this whole Town one day and you might just want to stay along for the ride, I know I'd like to see that'
Rose could not help but smile at the comment, somehow always feeling wanted around this woman and not as though she was a burden. 'He did well last night, showed Bobby that he could hold his own and he weren't scared at all' she said proudly, remembering how dashingly confident Caleb was when Bobby dared him.
'Dared him to do what?' Gail asked, waiting for her moment and pouncing when Rose's mind became clear.
Rose's eyes opened wide and she tensed. 'What? I didn't say dare' she laughed nervously and backed up slightly in her seat.
Merlyn sensed that Gail had caught Rose out and the girl was trying to back track. 'Of course you did silly, you just said it' she interjected pleasantly, so not to cause the young girl to feel under pressure.
'It's alright, we're all friends here...your secret's safe with us' Gail advised reassuringly, sensing Rose had realised that she had slipped up.
Rose felt a knot in her stomach and she was torn between telling the truth to the beautifully warm woman before her, or keeping her Boyfriends secret. Rose wanted to keep Gail on her side, even at her young age realising that there were things that she may need support from against the opposite sex; however, Caleb would be mad and she could not bare to anger him.
Gail sensed Rose's inner conflict and let out a long sigh, then stood up and moved towards the large window overlooking the quiet street below them to give Rose some space. 'You know what, I don't need to know. As long as you're all unharmed then that's the main thing...Are you all unharmed?' she asked, allowing Rose some time to regain her composure.
'Yes Ma'am, Caleb made sure of it. All except that silly fish anyway' Rose responded honestly, letting out a sigh of relief when Gail did not appear to be mad by her closing off.
Gail nodded, then turned around and smiled reassuringly. 'Good, I'm glad he keeps his people safe like his Father does, no matter how many secrets he chooses to keep' she advised and went to her Daughter to pick her up. 'Come on, I'll drive you back to where you need to be. I'm sure Caleb will find his way back there anyhow' she sighed, then signalled for them all to follow her as she exited her office.
-To be continued-
