Alan just stands there numbly unable to move, unable to function. He hasn't moved when his father comes back less than five minutes later.
"Have you called your brothers?" Jeff asks.
"N-n-no" Alan stutters. "I can't dad, I just can't tell them this"
"Well you have too, we are going home in an hour so get ready to leave for the airport, I have a funeral to organise, and I asked you to do one simple task" Jeff is sounding as if he sees his wife's death an nothing more than an inconvenience.
Alan flees from him, running out of the main door, he keeps on running. His feet pounding the icy pavements until he can't go any further. Looking around he realises he is near the park he used to play in with his mom and brothers during the days when they were still pretending that they were a family.
He sinks down onto a snow-covered wooden bench just inside the confines of the park and takes his phone from his pocket. Bracing himself for the hardest phone calls he has ever had to make.
"Alan! It's good to hear from you buddy" Scott replies, answering his call straight away smiling that his youngest brother has chosen to contact him. Usually his father does not allow him to make calls, scrutinising his phone bill every month.
"Sc-sc-Scott" Is all Alan manages before he bursts into tears.
Scott's built in smothering instinct kicks in. "Alan? What's wrong? Are you hurt? Where are mom and dad? Allie where are you?"
Alan does not know how to answer all of the questions, and just cries harder.
"Alan, you are scaring me. Please just tell me what's wrong" Scott persists.
"Moms dead!" Alan blurts out.
There is a deafening silence on the other end of the line.
"Alan, no. You must be mistaken, let me talk to her and I will get this all cleaned up for you" Scott tells him.
"No Scott, I was there. She is dead Scott. D-E-A-D DEAD!" Alan insists, screaming the last word hysterically.
"Where are you Allie, I am coming to get you" Scott tells him. Still in denial, this practical joke is not funny.
"Aspen, dads so called family holiday." Alan replies. "But dad said we are going home soon so he can organise the funeral. Scott please come home; I need you"
"On my way Allie, I just need to organise emergency leave" Scott replies. "Hold on buddy, I will be there before you know it"
The line goes dead, as Alan hangs up the phone and immediately calls Virgil.
Virgil has graduated from college, top of his class. All the studying, with his basic intelligence put him so far ahead of his peers that he graduated with honours, and job offers from top engineering firms all over the world. He has spent his whole life being told by his father that he is not good enough, only now he is finding out that that was never true.
He is two months into his first real job, and he finds that he loves the work. Helping to design a bridge over the Mississippi river, he has taken great care to ensure that its construction is environmentally friendly, and has insisted on a pathway along the side which can be walked over with an observation deck that looks out over the whole river, which he knows that Gordon would love.
As per Gordons instructions he hasn't contacted him, and that hole in his heart where his brother lives feels like it is growing bigger every day.
Virgil is surprised when Alans name pops up on the caller ID, but pleasantly surprised. His youngest brother is having a hard time under his father's thumb night and day.
"Allie, hi"
The shock is starting to wear off now, and Alan finds it easier to get the words out the second time around.
"Virgil, there has been an accident, mom's dead" Alan tells him, ripping the Band-Aid off the wound as quickly as he can.
Virgil is struck dumb with the shock and has no idea how to respond and the silence fills the air between them.
"What Happened?" Virgil asks eventually, he has to know.
"There was an avalanche" Alan tells him, unable to continue he finds more tears coming and is unable to stop them.
"Where do you need me?" Virgil asks, his voice now barely audible.
"Come home Virgy" Alan tells him, before hanging up on his brother and taking deep soothing breaths before making the final call.
He isn't surprised when it goes to voicemail. John has never liked answering his phone. Alan leaves him a voice mail and a text urging him to call back as soon as he possibly can before he takes the walk back to the hospital, wishing he had some idea what had happened to Gordon. Knowing he has no way of letting him know.
He isn't even halfway back before his phone starts to vibrate in his hand, he is glad to see it is John on the caller ID, he didn't know what he would say if it was anyone else.
"John, hi" Alan greets him.
John has never been one for small talk and leaps straight to the point. "What's up kiddo?" He asks reverting to the name he bestowed on both his younger brothers the minute they were born.
"John, you need to come home. There has been a terrible accident" Alan tells him. And for the second time he can feel the shift in demeanour from his brother. "Moms dead" Alan continues not wanting to prolong Johns agony.
"No Alan, she can't be" once again he is met with denial.
"I am sorry John but it's true, please come home" Alan begs, his eyes swimming with even more tears.
Like Scott and Virgil before him, John confirms that he will be there as soon as he can before hanging up the phone.
Walking through the main entrance to the hospital Alan spots his father talking to one of the doctors. A sudden shyness washes over him as he approaches the pair.
"Alan, have you done what I asked?" Jeff asks promptly.
"Yes father, I have spoken to Scott, Virgil and John and they are going to join us in Kansas" Alan replies, he doesn't mention Gordon, as he knows his dad will react badly to just hearing his name.
"Good" Jeff nods, "We will get going shortly."
The doctor can't believe how emotionless Jeff is being, but he knows that grief and shock affect everyone differently and he is reluctant to judge the man standing before him who has just lost his wife.
*TB*
Virgil knows that he has to tell Gordon, he knows where he is and how to contact him, he needs to know, but he knows that his father would never approve. Torn between his brother and keeping the peace Virgil avoids making a decision to pack for the trip.
As he is working on site, his supervisor, a gruff and grey grizzled man in his late fifties named Dean, doesn't have the luxury of an office and is working from the motorhome installed in a makeshift campsite. Virgil knocks on his door, knowing that at this time in the afternoon he will have retired to complete some paperwork. "Come in, ah Virgil. I was going to call for you in a bit I want to go over the designs for the observation deck with you." Looking up, he finally gets a look at Virgils face, which is a sea of desolation. Something is very wrong with his star employee. "Virgil?"
"I have to go home; my mom's been killed in an accident" Virgil tells him. This is the first time he has had to utter the words aloud since hearing them for the fist time, and they get stuck in his throat.
"Oh Virgil, I am so sorry. Is there anything I can do?" he asks, genuinely devastated for this young man. Having worked with him for the last two months, he knows that he is dependable, and a perfectionist often finding him still awake at midnight going over design plans, and he finds himself consulting with him more and more, putting his trust in him as he knows that he will do whatever it takes to ensure the project is completed.
Virgil is fighting back tears, prompting him to get up from his desk, and wrap his arms around him and hold him tightly while he cries. There are a million tales hiding in this young man, he knows that he hasn't had an easy time even though he is wound up tighter than a clam about his past and his family.
Finally Virgil feels ready to pull away, wiping away the tears with the tissue he has taken from the box on offer. "Thanks, I have everything I need, my father messaged me to tell me that there is a plane waiting for me at the airport, and I will be back as soon as possible." Virgil replies. Not wanting to let him down.
"Take all the time you need Virgil, come back when you are ready".
Virgil can only nod, he no longer has the ability to perform sentences.
Virgil's motorhome is strangely bare. Minimal furniture. The small living space has his single bed jammed against the wall, and a small coffee table. The bed doubles as a sofa for him. The only other thing in the room is a small television, which is rarely watched. The fridge is bare as Virgil rarely eats a proper meal, but he has his scales in the bathroom, and they are the only thing he packs that aren't clothes. A small bag and five minutes later and he is ready.
The car he has booked is ready and waiting for him, throwing his bag into the back and climbing in after it, watching the site getting smaller and smaller as they drive away. It is a short drive to the airport, and he wonders if Dean has said something to the driver, as he keeps looking back at him and giving him sympathetic glances, not trying to make small talk. They ride in silence and Virgil mutters a thank you after handing over nearly double the fare before climbing out into the late afternoon sun. it is always warm here and he is going to miss it.
*TB*
Scott knows he should ask for permission before walking out but is tempted to just leave. His heart is hurting, short sharp stabbing pains that appear to be taking over his whole body. Scott has not had a drink since his car accident, but right now if someone were to hand him one, he would happily take it. And he wouldn't be able to stop.
Deciding to not risk a court martial, knowing his father would rather see him sent to jail than speak in his defence, Scott goes to see his commanding officer.
"Tracy? What are you doing in my office? I don't remember summoning you" his CO asks.
"I need to request emergency leave to return home, Sir" Scott replies. He is desperately trying not to cry, determined not to show any weakness in public.
Dropping all airs of formality, he asks, "What's happened Scott?"
"My mom has been killed Sir, I need to go home and be with my family" Scott tells him, his voice breaking badly with the words.
"I understand, you have leave remaining and I will get all the paperwork sorted so you don't have to worry about anything our end, go and be with your family Scott" He tells him.
Scott doesn't cry, but he is grateful for the offer. "Thank you, Sir, I will go and pack now"
"Just give me a call the day before you come back, and I will organise everything for your return"
Scott doesn't want to leave, but he needs to be there for his brothers. His packing doesn't take long, just throwing in the bare essentials, not planning on being away any longer than he has too. This is his life now.
Once again, Jeff has a small private plane waiting for him at the airport, for once Scott is grateful for his father's organisational skills. Sitting down on the planes only passengers' seat, Scott finally allows himself to cry.
*TB*
John is a mess; his mom was the one who saved him and now she has gone. He is the brother closest to Kansas, but even he is several hours away. For several minutes after hanging up with Alan, John just lies on the bed and cries.
Not wanting to move, but knowing he has no choice, John drags himself off the bed and starts to pack. His breathing is rapid, and he can feel his palms growing sweaty. Abandoning his packing, he throws himself on the floor, he is crying and unable to stop the anxiety attack from engulfing him stopping him from functioning for several minutes, before his heart starts to calm down and he feels able to get up.
He knows facing his father is never easy, but he is determined to be there for his brothers. He like his brother's packs lightly, only planning on staying as long as absolutely necessary. Before having to request leave from his boss.
Choosing a call rather than face to face, selecting sound only on his video phone in the apartment.
"Hi John, I wasn't expecting to hear from you at this time, is everything okay?"
"No, I have to go home for a few days, my mom has been killed in an accident" John replies.
"Oh John, I am so sorry. Please let me know if there is anything I can do".
"I will, thank you" John replies before ending the call. Knowing that it is time for the trip to the airport and to face his father for the first time in nearly a year, and for the first time without his mom to shield them from the worst of their fathers wrath.
*TB*
Within six hours of hearing the news, they are all gathered in Scott's room, together for the first time since Christmas. Gordon is conspicuous by his absence and they are all feeling it.
"We have to find him" Alan announces. "Guys he has the right to know, she was his mom too, our family is famous enough for this to make the news, he can't find out on the television that isn't fair."
Virgil can feel his insides squirming, he knows that Alan is right.
"I know where he is" Virgil tells them, flinching at the looks they give him.
"Why didn't you tell us?" Scott demands.
"To keep us all safe, if you all knew then the chances of anyone letting something slip to father increases. He asked me not to tell anyone, and I couldn't let him down" Virgil insists.
"I get it, I don't like it Virgil, he is my brother and I have been worried sick about him, but I understand why you would keep it from me" Scott tells him. He knows that Virgil is right, the fewer people who know where Gordon is the safer he is.
"You need to call him, mom wanted to find him" Alan tells him. "She was going to leave dad, we were going to look for him."
This is news to the three brothers in the room, but secretly they are relieved that they had a plan to leave the monster that they call their father.
"Okay fine, I will call the emergency contact number he has given me" Virgil promises them, sighing exasperatedly when they don't leave. "Guys, some space please"
"We aren't leaving Virgil." Scott replies, "This has gone on long enough and I know why you didn't tell us, but Gordon is our brother and we have a right to know".
Virgil is not an idiot, he knows when he is beaten, "Fine" he grumbles under his breath as he calls up Gordons emergency contact.
"Commander Shore here" The call is answered, almost instantly.
"This is Virgil Tracy. I need to talk to Gordon" Virgil tells him.
"Can I ask what this is about?" Sam asks him.
"Our mom has passed away; he needs to know" Virgil tells him.
"I am so sorry for your loss, I will get you patched through to Gordon straight away" Sam assures him, before placing him on hold.
The hold only lasts a few minutes, before Gordons face appears on Virgil's phone screen. He is wearing a diving suit, and his skin looks healthy and lightly tanned. And to the surprise of his brothers, he looks happy.
"Virgil! I never expected to hear from you, what's happened?" Gordon asks. His voice his light-hearted and enthusiastic. And Virgil is about to destroy that.
"Gordy, mom has been killed" Virgil tells him disconsolately.
"WHAT?!" Gordon replies shocked.
"There was an avalanche Gords" Alan tells him.
That is as far as they get before Jeff bursts into the room, having been standing outside Scott's door, listening to their every word.
"YOU!" he screams at Gordon. "THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT, YOU DID THIS. IT WAS YOU WE WERE ARGUING ABOUT. IF YOU WERENT SUCH A PATHETIC LITTLE SCREW UP THEN SHE WOULD STILL BE ALIVE. DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT COMING HERE FOR THE FUNERAL YOU ARE NO LONGER A MEMBER OF THIS FAMILY AND YOU ARE NOT WELCOME" Jeff rants angrily. "HANG UP ON HIM NOW VIRGIL"
"Bye guys" Gordon tells them sadly, ending the call.
Jeff turns his anger to Virgil. Seething with anger he continues to rant. "THAT ANIMAL HAS NO RIGHT TO KNOW WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THIS FAMILY, YOU KNOW I FORBADE YOU ALL TO HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH HIM, AND YOU WILL ALL SUFFER FOR THIS BLATANT DISREGARD OF MY DIRECTIVE. ALL OF YOU GO TO YOUR INDIVIDUAL ROOMS, THE FUNERAL IS TOMORROW MORNING THEN I WANT YOU ALL BACK TO WORK"
Jeff turns and walks away. And one by one the boys get up and follow him out.
*TB*
Gordon is half-way through one of his 6-week stints underwater. Excusing himself from the poker game they about to play, and instead heads straight into his tiny living quarters and throws himself down onto the bed and cries himself to sleep.
He is woken abruptly hours later, to his shock by Atlanta, who silently slips into the narrow bed next to him and cradles him in her arms and holds him while he cries.
"How did you get here?" he asks.
"Paul called up to the command centre and told me what happened, Stingray bought me down here for you. Father wants to know if you would like to come back with me." She tells him gently.
"I can't even say goodbye. Jefferson is so bitter that he can't even bring himself to let me go to my own moms funeral" Gordon tells her, his heart cracking with the agony of his father's words.
Atlanta has no idea what to say to make the pain go away, the best friend she has ever made is hurting so deeply and she can do nothing but offer him words which seem to meaningless as they leave her lips. "We can, we will go and say goodbye after the funeral. We can have our own ceremony."
Gordon nods, that sounds nice. Just the two of them. "You never got to meet her" Gordon tells her sadly, not bothering to wipe away the tears from his face. He had hoped that one day there could have been a reconciliation, despite who happy he is here, he misses his brothers.
"Come up to the surface with me for a few days, you need room to grieve" Atlanta tells him. Having lost her mother when she was young, she is speaking from experience. "Father has cleared it for you"
Gordon smiles, but it isn't a true Gordon smile, this is the one from his first few weeks at Marineville when he was still getting used to not having his family, he has already lost them once and now It looks like he is going to suffer that loss all over again. "Can we go to the aquarium to see the sharks?" he asks.
"Anything you want, and if you want to imagine one of them ripping your fathers leg off, go right ahead" Atlanta replies, which gets her a proper smile. His impish grin that made her fall in love with him.
Gordon promises his colleagues that he will be back in a few days before climbing aboard Stingray where Marina is waiting to take them both back up to the surface, where his real family are waiting for him with comforting words and hugs.
*TB*
The church where the funeral is held is full with standing room only, packed with business associates of Jeffs, and one or two friends from the boy's childhoods. The four boys immaculately dressed in their best suits and identical black ties enter the church carrying the coffin that they know their mom is resting in.
Jeff would have been happier with a private ceremony and burial instead of this costly, garish affair. But appearances mean everything to this man, and he is determined to maintain his strong persona, disgusted with the displays of emotion from the boys as they take their places on the bench beside him, Alan clinging to Scott as he tries not to cry. Scott lets him cling, slipping one arm around his shoulders, grasping his hand with his fingers, and giving it a reassuring squeeze. His other hand is holding onto Johns who in turn is holding Virgil's.
Jeff glares at them, but they ignore him for once. Knowing that he wouldn't dare cause a scene in public.
They don't know it, because he is so good at hiding it, but Scott is nursing a severe hangover, but he is determined to keep it together, not for his father's reputation but for himself and his brothers.
From now on, he is going to do everything for his brothers and not his father.
Jeff organises a wake at the house after the burial, a ceremony that all four brothers sob through, John wishing he were the one in the box, the one who has escaped his father's tyranny. And now they have to smile and greet complete strangers for hours. Side by side on the sofa they sit and accept the condolences and field awkward questions about Gordon, not even knowing what Jeff has told everyone.
They make it through the worst day of their lives, the only way they know how; together. And tomorrow they are going back to their lives, away from Jeff. Scott, Virgil and John just wish that there was a way to take Alan with them, and not leaving him here alone with this monster.