Lucas pulled out of the School parking lot and drove down the busy streets carefully, children littered the streets trying to get as far away from School as they could and Lucas had no patience for their aimless wandering right now.
'You're quiet' Caleb stated casually, as he tossed his homework in the backseat and watched the children rush around playing with each other.
'I'm drivin'' Lucas said bluntly and turned off the main road, to avoid the fleeing children.
Caleb glanced at his Father for a moment, then let out a small laugh. 'This mood ain't got nothin' to do with Mom busyin' herself in the evenin' for the past two weeks has it?' he asked sarcastically.
'For your sake I'd hope not, considerin' desire to keep herself busy and surrounded with company is a punishment for your stunt at the Hospital' Lucas replied irritated.
'Which you were apart of' Caleb said defensively.
'After you'd already ditched School and roped that pretty little blonde of yours in as an accomplice...I mean what was your plan anyway? Get her in broad daylight in a crowded Hospital' Lucas snapped, unimpressed by Caleb's attitude toward the situation.
'I admit I didn't think it through at the time, but you got her out of that public Hospital so I'll be more careful next time' Caleb smiled mischievously, then opened the window when he spotted his small black cat waiting expectantly on the curb by a red traffic light and stroked it affectionately when it jumped straight through the window into his lap.
Lucas stared at the animal suspiciously for a moment, then let out a small laugh. 'I'm not convinced there's gonna be a next time Son, especially not with that stray of yours. You don't think your Mom would think twice about feedin' it to Gideon if she suspected any untoward behaviour?' he asked, amused at the thought.
'Nah, you wouldn't let that happen' Caleb shrugged confidently and continued stroking his cat.
'And what makes you think I'd choose that cat over her?' Lucas asked in disbelief of the comment.
Caleb turned towards his Father and smiled devilishly. 'You ain't choosin' the cat you're choosin' me...You've wanted me to embrace your side of the family for years, so why would you get on my case about it now?' he asked casually.
Lucas inhaled deeply and shook his head in exasperation at the question, if it was not Gail getting at him it was Caleb. Gail was playing a dangerous game with restricting his fun of late and his pent up urges were starting to affect his usual calculating was of thinking, causing him longer to consider the best way of handling the questions thrown at him.
'So you are choosin' Gail over me? Your own Son...wow,I didn't see that comin'' Caleb advised flatly and stared out of the window moodily.
'Firstly, she can give me somethin' you ain't come across yet Son and secondly, I ain't choosin' anybody-' Lucas started to explain.
'So take me where you know I wanna go Daddy...you know you want to' Caleb interrupted, knowing this leash around his neck was not what his Father truly wanted.
Lucas let out a long sigh and rolled his eyes in frustration. 'Just hold off wantin' to rush in half cocked for a minute and give me time to think. I may not have wanted you to have so many rules to abide by but there ain't just us in this family anymore, and me allowin' you to run in without a plan ain't gonna bode well for both of us' he advised and pulled up across the street from Selena's Bungalow, to allow his boy to plot his next assault properly.
Caleb stared at the bungalow confused for a moment, not realising this had been where his Father had been headed and felt his darkness start to stir excitedly within him. He smiled appreciatively at his Father, knowing that he was truly on his side and just stared fixedly on the bungalow considering his next move.
Ben Healy pulled up outside of Judith Temple's old sanctuary and smiled at how different it looked from the outside. He knew Merlyn had taken this place on as a project; however, he had no idea that she had put so much effort and money into it.
'Well, it's my money mostly but Merlyn went to all the effort of arranging everything' Gail advised pleasantly, reading his mind as she approached him from behind.
Ben turned towards Gail and smiled at her warmly, used to her uncanny ability to know what he was thinking. 'She's done so well, don't it cause you worry knowin' this was Judith's place though?' he asked curiously.
'It's her place now and she's made it completely her own' Gail smiled, walking up the steps with him to collect Luke and Izzy from Merlyn's Nursery.
'I can't believe I haven't been here since it was done up, I guess I've been shirkin' my duties in collectin' my Daughter' Ben scolded himself sarcastically.
'Well at least you're here now, that's more than I can say for Lucas' Gail laughed, linking Ben's arm gently and leading him to the large playroom where the Nursery was situated.
'Speakin' of Lucas are him and Caleb alright? I just passed them parked up outside of Selena's place and I thought Caleb would be steerin' clear of her considerin' how many accusations she's been throwin' out about him' Ben asked casually, attempting to hide his suspicion and not entirely convinced that Selena's accusations were unfounded.
Gail forced her demeanour to remain calm; however, inside she was seething and she felt her darkness begin to rise within her. 'My boy's are probably just checking in on her, you know Caleb would put the needs of others before his reputation and Lucas likes to be at the forefront of any encounter that could generate positive press' she forced a pleasant smile and squeezed Ben's arm affectionately.
Ben nodded and smiled, knowing how Lucas was and remembering how caring Caleb used to be when he got to know the boy after Gage Temple died; however, he also remembered the dark turn in his car when the boy took his gun and pointed it at him after Lucas had been buried. Caleb had two sides to him, much like Lucas and he hoped that he was not getting himself into any trouble. 'He's a good kid I guess, but he does always seem to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. It's a good job he has a Sheriff for a Father and a Reporter for his Mom' he stated casually and waved happily when he spotted his Daughter Izzy.
Gail's smile faltered slightly at the comment which she knew was not intended to offend; however, she could not help but feel hurt at his casual insinuation. She spotted Ben had noticed the change in her demeanour and tried to force herself to remain in control of her emotions, the last thing they needed was her causing him more suspicion about the accusations against her Step Son.
Before Ben had a chance to question the change in Gail, Luke screamed ecstatically sensing the discomfort in his Mother and came running excitedly to her. 'There he is' she smiled lovingly as she picked up her Son and hugged him tightly to his chest, happy for his diversion tactic. She did not know how Luke managed to know when she needed help, but was always thankful for his subtle interventions.
'Gail?-' Ben asked concerned, about to question her reaction to his comment as he sensed something off about her; however, she had already turned away and was heading out of the property.
'I gotta get back to Abe and little Gail in the car, you know that old man can't be left alone for long. Have a good one Ben and we'll talk soon' Gail forced a sweet tone, then rushed out of the property towards her car before he could follow her and cursed her husband for not seeing the suspicion in his Deputy.
Lucas sat at the head of the large table situated in the master Dining Room of his property and cursed his wife for insisting on inviting a host of people to their home this afternoon in an attempt to insert her dominance. He watched as she waited on them all, as though she was some servant that he had employed and her actions infuriated him possibly more than her choosing to neglect him. He would never expect her to wait on other people like this, she was too important for that and this charade of hers was starting to test his patience.
Gail finished placing the food on the large table and nodded her authority for her guests to begin eating, while she headed back to the Kitchen to check on dessert. She sensed Lucas' growing frustration with their populated home this afternoon and knew that he was ready to snap. The thought amused her and she knew that he would follow her, unable to hold his tongue.
'Adam and his family, Merlyn and Matt, Abe and his stray little girl Stacey, Billy...are you sure there ain't anyone else you wanna invite into my home without my permission Darlin'?' Lucas asked agitated and watched as she pottered around the Kitchen wiping down the surfaces.
'You don't think it's good for your next re-election campaign if you mingle with the Mayor who you openly shun at every chance you get?' Gail asked sweetly, ignoring his bad mood.
'I want my home back Gail' Lucas advised sternly.
'And I want the Caleb that I first met when I came back to Trinity, but we don't always get what we want do we?' she responded flatly and opened the oven to check on her cherry pie.
Lucas laughed and shook his head, then came behind her and slammed her against a cupboard. 'This game-' he started.
'Is frustrating I know, but it's necessary as you never learn. Can you really not see how Ben is already suspicious of Caleb's constant appearance at Selena's accidents?' she interrupted in a calm tone.
Lucas stared deep into her eyes, then lifted her up onto the wooden surface and forced his hand beneath her skirt. 'My Deputy is easily handled' he advised sternly and felt his heartbeat racing. 'You don't get to control everythin' Love' he whispered excitedly.
Gail let out an exasperated sigh when he forced her legs apart and ripped off her panties. 'And you don't get to control me Soulmate' she advised disobediently, then pushed him hard to create some space and jumped down from the surface.
Lucas stared at her angrily for a moment and ran his hand through his hair in frustration, then indicated that she was free to return to her guests. When she walked past him he grabbed her arm tight, dragged her to the small table at the back of the Kitchen, then parted her legs with his knees. 'I control all of you Gail, you seem to have forgotten that' he whispered in her ear, as he pushed her face down on the table and thrust his hard manhood inside of her.
Gail let out a surprised moan at the quick movement and cursed herself for not seeing it coming. He did not give her time to get used to his length before taking her hard and she had to bite down on her lips in an attempt to conceal her pained moans.
Lucas felt his dark urges take over, he knew what she desired most and she was never against this treatment regardless of how much she liked to remain in control at times. 'See what happens when you push me? The outcome will always be the same' he panted, reaching around to her sweet spot and playing with her instinctively.
Gail could not deny how much she craved his darkness and let out a small laugh. 'I wonder what the outcome would be if you and Caleb keep pushing me?' she panted, then reached up and tangled her hands in his hair before pulling him to her for a passionate kiss.
Lucas savoured the taste of her and continued to take her roughly. He understood why she was trying to control the situation and her concern for Caleb; however, he did not work well when backed into a corner.
'Oh poor you, I'm the one getting it from all angles and trying to keep our colourful activities hidden whilst taking care of a litter' Gail laughed in disbelief, reading his mind effortlessly while his guard was down.
'No one's askin' you to keep our activities hidden Love, in fact I'd rather you join in the fun' Lucas smiled mischievously, running his hand over her behind and spanking her hard.
'Our children need one sane parent Lucas' Gail advised through hoarse breaths, trying to be serious.
Lucas slowed his movements slightly and pulled her up so her back was resting on his chest. 'With your track record Love, I'd say I'm more sane than you are these days' he whispered playfully, then pushed her down and continued his fun.
Gail laughed at the comment and gripped the table tight. She felt her climax rising and did not have the energy or concentration to continue their discussion.
Lucas smiled when she resigned to his comment and gripped her hips tight. He leaned down and bit her shoulder when he exploded within her, then covered her mouth with his hand to stifle her cal as her orgasm came. 'See, I ain't so bad Mrs Buck. There's no need to punish me' he whispered, then nipped at her ear playfully before pulling out of her carefully.
'Oh is that right? The sweet and innocent Lucas Buck is always the wrongly accused?' Gail responded sarcastically and went to the sink to clean herself up, realising that her guests would be wondering what was holding them up.
'You think I care about what other people think?' Lucas asked, whilst straightening his clothes.
'I think you should if you want to protect your Son, as I'm done trying to keep you both out of trouble...You will not handle Ben in your usual way, you will leave him alone Lucas' she warned in frustration, then returned to her guests.
Lucas watched her leave and thought about her comments. If Ben was becoming suspicious of Caleb's involvement with Selena it would not be long before other people started to notice; therefore, it was not safe for his boy to make another move just yet. He let out a long sigh and shook his head at the situation they were in, then decided to play the good host so not to arouse further suspicion.
Caleb walked casually around the garden of their property, avoiding his Step Mom while he waited for Rose. He had decided to wander the property after their guests had left knowing that Gail was not happy about what he had done to Selena and not wanting to cause any animosity, so he walked around aimlessly until he came to the large fountain at the back of the Mansion. He had intended on assistant his Father in fixing the monument as his Step Mom loved it so much; however, so much had happened since then and it had slipped his mind.
'It's a shame you can't focus on what she desires, at least if you did you may stand a chance in convincing her to your side' Joshua advised in a relaxed tone, as he came from the woods at the back of the property.
Caleb stared at the strange man suspiciously, believing that he had been alone here and moved closer to him, standing tall to insert his authority. 'You ain't allowed here, this is my property' he said confidently, recognising the man from when he caught him watching his parent's bedroom a short time ago.
'Technically your name ain't on anythin' yet young Buck-' Joshua started amused.
'But mine is' Gail interrupted, unimpressed by his presence around Caleb and reached for Caleb's arm, pulling him behind her protectively.
Joshua laughed at her sudden appearance, clearly not trusting him around Caleb. For some reason he had not sensed her close and he should know better than to let his guard down. 'There was no harm meant Mrs Buck, I was merely makin' an observation to the young boy'
'About what?' Gail asked Joshua flatly.
'About you' Caleb answered and held her hand instinctively. 'Do you know this man?'
'Man?' Joshua laughed and perched casually on the gravestone at the back of the property, which signified an empty grave.
Gail let out a long sigh and shook her head in exasperation. 'He's no one you need to be concerned about, that's right isn't it?' she asked Joshua calmly.
'Oh absolutely...I'll be seein' you later Mrs Buck' Joshua teased mischievously, then headed back towards the woods and let them alone.
Caleb watched the man curiously as he left and stared at Gail confused. 'I don't like him' he stated honestly.
'How can you judge what you don't know Caleb? Just like you don't fully know your Teacher but have taken a strong dislike to her' Gail advised knowingly and started leading him back towards the front of the property, where it was safe.
Caleb followed her obediently, knowing better than to argue when his Father was not home. 'Are you mad at me for being me?' he asked her nervously.
Gail felt a sharp pain in her heart at the question and shook her head. 'I could never be mad at you Caleb, not for wanting to follow your urges but I am concerned' she sighed, stopping in front of the small gargoyle statue and sitting down on the bench close to it.
Caleb sat down beside her and stared at his hands. 'She humiliated me in class, then lied about it to you' he explained quietly.
'I obviously knew she was lying, but you trashed her windscreen with my baseball bat if I remember correctly...I thought that was the end of it Caleb' Gail advised calmly, careful not to scold him when he actually seemed to want to be honest with her.
'I hate her-' he started.
'No you don't' Gail interrupted knowingly and took his hand in hers lovingly. 'You know, I thought I hated a few people and I lost control a few times'
Caleb stared up at her confused and could see the honesty in her eyes. 'What did you do?' he asked curiously.
Gail thought about changing her tactic for a moment, then decided to remain straight with him. 'I hurt...permanently hurt a few people' she confessed, unsure of the best way to explain.
'You killed people?' he asked.
'Bad people Caleb, that's the difference' Gail explained, placing her arm around his shoulder and holding him close.
'How do you control it? The darkness I mean?' Caleb asked timidly, not wanting her to be disappointed in him.
Gail let out a small laugh and shook her head. 'You've seen me at times Caleb, I can't say that I really do control it but I have you all to take care of and I can't let anything get in the way of that'
'What if I don't want to control it?' Caleb asked honestly, feeling a strange sensation come over him and liking it.
Gail sensed the confident shift in him and glanced over her shoulder, spotting Joshua's smug knowing look from behind her. This change in Caleb was not Joshua; however, he knew that Caleb had something that she could not compete with inside of him and she hated that Joshua was right. 'You at least direct it at deserving parties...Selena has been punished enough' Gail advised, hating having to accept what was inside of him.
Caleb nodded his understanding, then spotted Rose waiting at the gate for him and stood up. 'I'll think about that' he said, willing to consider what she was trying to teach him.
'You better Caleb' Gail warned calmly, then signalled for him to go to Rose.
Joshua came up behind her when Caleb exited the property and sat down beside her. 'You really are smart' he complimented her.
'Excuse me?' Gail asked, not in the mood for his presence right now.
Joshua smiled and stroked her back softly, wanting to experience how she felt after watching her so intently for so long. 'There's no shortage of bad people in Trinity, you just gotta know where to look and gettin' him to focus on the truly bad people means more stories for you to cover, plus that little Teacher you agreed to protect may just get a reprise'
Gail let out a long sigh and stood up, resenting the fact that he thought she wanted to further her career at the sake of her Son. She did hope Caleb would realise there were plenty of bad people here and she had decided that if she could not stop him, she could at least direct him to the right places. 'You leave him alone, he has enough conflict to deal with' she warned him.
Joshua laughed and stood up. 'That boy can go kill a church full of people or a bunch of paedophiles for all I care, you know I'm only interested in you right now Mrs Buck' he advised, then smiled smugly when she shot him a look of disgust and watched as she returned to the Mansion.
-To be continued-