A Fresh Start
Chapter Seventy Eight
Richard, Cassie and the boys are on their way to Cedars when Richard's cell phone rings. Pulling it form his pocket he answers. "Hello."
"Richard, this is Mel Bauer. I spoke to Rick just now."
"Yes, I meant to call you. I need to speak to you about a personal matter. Could I meet with you later this afternoon?"
"Of course, would four o'clock be alright."
"That will be fine. Thank you." Richard hangs up as Cassie turns to look at him. "Rick suggested that I use his ex-wife to handle getting the death certificate overturned. He must have called her to tell her I would be calling."
"Okay."
A few minutes later, they pull into parking lot of hospital. When Will sees where they are, he starts to cry. "I don't want to see the doctor."
"Will, you have to have your check up before school."
"No, please don't make me go. I don't want to see another doctor." Will says, still crying as RJ starts to snicker.
"RJ, that's enough." Cassie says, turning to Will. "Will, you have to go. It's for school, I promise nothing bad will happen, and you won't..."
"I don't want to go. I don't want to see another doctor, please Daddy." Will says, looking at Richard.
"Cassie, let me talk to him. Go on and take RJ inside."
"Alright, RJ." She says, getting out of the car with RJ following her. When they are away from the car she says. "That wasn't nice RJ, laughing at him."
"It was funny. It's..."
"No, it wasn't." Cassie says stopping and looking down at RJ. "He's been through a lot and he's seen a lot of doctor's and he thinks that every time he goes to one, he may have to be in the hospital again."
"Yes ma'am." RJ mumbles, looking appropriately chastised.
"Now, come on. We're running late." Cassie says, turning him towards the hospital."
RJ follows her into the hospital, while Richard gets out of the car and gets in the back. "Come here." He says, as Will unbuckles his seatbelt and climbs into Richard's lap. "It's okay, now stop crying." He says, as Will nods and reaches up to wipe the tears from his face. "Now tell me what's wrong?"
"I don't want to see another doctor. They'll make me stay again. I don't want to stay. I'm not sick, I promise. My liver..."
"Will, this isn't about your liver. It's for school. They are just going to check and make sure you've had all your shots, and make sure you're health is good for school."
"But what if they say I'm not. Will I have to stay?"
"They're not going to say your sick. The school just wants to make sure that you are well. Your mother and I will be there with you."
"What if they stick me with a needle?"
"I don't think they will have to do that, but if they do we'll be with you. And you can be brave for me can't you." Will looks up at his Dad and slowly he begins to nod. "Good, are you ready? Dry your eyes." Richard says reaching for the door handle, as Will reaches up to wipe away the last of the tears from his eyes.
"Okay." He says nodding as Richard opens the door.
Richard helps him out of the car, and then he gets out. Locking the car, he takes Will's hand and they walk towards the hospital. When Richard and Will walk into the doctor's office, Will moves a little bit closer to him. Richard squeezes his hand as he walks over to Cassie and RJ.
"Is everything...?"
"Its fine, Will do you want go play with the toys?"
"Okay." He says, walking over to the toys in the corner.
A few minutes later, RJ follows him. "Will." He says, kneeling down beside him.
"Yeah." He replies, playing with one of the games.
"I'm sorry I started to laugh at you, in the car."
"It's okay."
"No, it wasn't. I know you're scared." RJ says, as Will looks over at him. "I'll be there with you and so will Tammy. She always made me feel safe when I was scared, okay."
"Okay." Will says with a smile.
Cassie looks over at Richard and smiles as he leans over and says. "You said something to him."
"Maybe." She says, watching the boys.
A few minutes later, the nurse calls them back, and as RJ walks by Richard he leans down and says, "I'm proud of you." RJ looks up at him and smiles.
Billy and Reva are walking out of Towers when Josh walks up to them. "Hey you two?" He says.
"Josh, hi." Reva stammers, looking at Billy.
"What are you two doing?" He asks, looking back and forth between them.
"Ah, we were..."
"We were just discussing the Labor day weekend. I thought it would be nice if we got together and had a barbecue or something." Billy says. "Like we used to do when the kids were small, you know."
"Ah, okay." Josh says a little shocked.
"Maybe invite Richard, Cassie and the boys. See if Bill and his new girlfriend would like to come, maybe Vanessa and Matt."
"Oh, I don't think Matt and Vanessa will come." Reva says.
"Are they...?"
"Yes, I think it's pretty bad."
"Then maybe we can get Shayne and Marah home." Billy says
"I doubt that, Shayne's in Afghanistan and Marah's on a shoot in Morocco, I think." Reva says.
"Well, I guess it'll be just us then." Billy says.
"Alright, I've got a meeting." Josh says, nodding towards Towers. "I'll see you at home." He asks, looking at Reva.
"Yes." Reva replies, as he leans in to kiss her.
"See you two later." He says, walking away.
"A barbecue." Reva says, looking at Billy.
"It's all I could come up with, but it'll be fun."
"Well, you realize we have a wedding to attend." She says, looking at him.
"A wedding?"
"Jeffrey and Sam, they are getting married on Labor day. And I've been invited to the wedding."
"Oh, and how does Josh feel...?"
"He doesn't know. I haven't had the chance to tell him."
"Don't you think you should, the weekend is coming up?"
"I know, but things have been a little tense between us, especially since the confrontation at Lewis the other day. I'm finding the right time."
"Alright."
"So, how are we going to find out what he's hiding?"
"Well, if things are as tight as you've said, maybe I should be the one that finds out what he's hiding."
"No, I want to know too Billy." Reva says, shaking her head.
"Alright, I'll do some more digging." Billy says, turning for his car. "Can I give you a ride?"
"No, I've got some shopping to do if we're going to have a big barbecue on Labor Day."
"Alright, I'll ask Bill and let you know."
"Alright."
Reva heads for her car as Billy gets into his and drives away.
About an hour later, Richard, Cassie and the boys are leaving the hospital. "I'm proud of you Will." Richard says, ruffling his hair as he looks up at him.
"Hey Will, I'll race you." RJ says, as he takes off running.
"RJ, stop." Cassie says, as Harley walks up."
"Hi, you guys." She says, reaching out to stop RJ.
"Hi, Harley." RJ replies.
"You know this isn't the place to be playing." Harley says
"Yes ma'am." RJ replies, as Cassie and Richard walk up.
"Thanks. RJ you know what I've told you about running in the parking lot."
"Yes ma'am." He says, looking down.
"So, Harley, what's going on?" Richard asks.
"Oh, I'm here to get Jude. He spent the day at the hospital with Rick."
"Are you guys ready for school?" Harley asks RJ and Will.
"No." RJ says, as Will nods.
"Zach feels the same way." Harley says, ruffling RJ's hair. "Are you guys here for your checkups?"
"Yes ma'am." Will says, pointing the sticker on his t-shirt.
"Ah, I see you passed. Congratulations." Harley says, as Will smiles.
"Cassie, we really need to be going. We were supposed to be at Mel's…." Richard says
"Is something wrong?" Harley asks.
"No, Rick recommended that we talk to her about getting the death certificate taken care of. We have an appointment with her in about five minutes. So, we need to go." Cassie says.
"Cassie, why don't you let me take the boys? I'm taking Zach and Jude to the park and you can pick them up after you get through." Harley suggests.
"That would actually be good." Richard says. "This meeting shouldn't take long."
"Take as long as you like, we'll have fun, won't we boys." Harley says.
"Yeah." They both yell, nodding."
"Alright, we'll pick them up after we get through at Mel's. Thanks."
"You're welcome."
Richard and Cassie head towards the car, while RJ, Will and Harley walk back into Cedars. A few minutes later, they walk into Mel's office. "Yes, I'm Richard Winslow…."
"Richard, Cassie." Mel says, walking out of her office. "How are you?"
"We're good." They both say.
"Come on in." Mel says, leading them back to her office. "So, Rick said you needed some legal advice."
"We're getting remarried, but we need to have the death certificate overturned. I've spoken with my friend Noah and he's supplying a blood sample that I provided the agency the year before the accident. And I've already given a blood sample at the lab here at Cedars. Noah has instructed the lab in DC to mail the sample to Cedars and when it arrives they will be instructed to do the DNA tests." Richard says.
"It sounds like you've got everything in order."
"We need someone to file the petition with the court on our behalf, and Rick suggested you." Cassie says.
"Ah, I see. I can certainly take care of that for you."
"Good, how long will it take to get the ruling?" Richard asks
"A month, maybe…."
"A month, but we were planning on getting married in a few weeks. Everything's in order." Cassie says.
"We still think of ourselves as married." Richard says. "But…."
"You want to make it official, I understand. I have a judge that owes me a small favor. I can speak to him."
"When will we have a decision?" Cassie asks again.
"Within a couple days, a week at the most, it depends on how long it takes for the DNA test to come back."
"Rick is working on that right now. The sample should be arriving sometime today and he will have the lab run the tests as soon as they get the sample."
"Then as soon as we get the results from that test. We can petition the court." Mel says.
"Okay, good." Richard says, reaching for Cassie hand.
"You guys look happy. I read the article that Holly wrote. It must be unsettling to know that the baby you adopted was actually your son."
"It's certainly unusual circumstances." Richard says, standing up, with Cassie following.
"Yes, I suppose it is. I'll file the petition as soon as I hear from Rick."
"I'll be sure to let him know to contact you." Richard says.
"Thank you."
They leave the office a few seconds later. Richard pulls out his cell phone and dials Rick's office. He gets his voicemail. "Rick this is Richard Winslow. Mel is going to take care of filing the petition with court, so when you get the results from the DNA test, send them over to her office, so she can get started right away. Thank you." Richard hangs up, as Cassie looks over at him. "Darling, we're almost there." He says, reaching for her hand.
"You think this time will be as complicated as the last time we got married."
"No, it's going to go okay and in a few weeks you'll be Mrs. Richard Winslow again."
"I already am but I can't wait." Cassie says, leaning over to kiss him. When he steps back she says, "Come on, let's go get the boys and we'll go get something to eat."
"Sounds good to me." Richard says, putting his arm across her shoulders as they walk towards the car. Across the street, in a black Mercedes, a man with gray hair and clear blue eyes watches them.
Jeffrey and Sam spent the rest of the afternoon at the falls. At around seven Jeffrey begins to pack everything up. Sam is sitting close to the water's edge, watching the waterfall when she stands up and walks over to him, slipping her arms around his waist she leans up and kisses him. "What was that for?" Jeffrey asks, when she leans back.
"For bring me here and spending the day with me."
"I like spending the day with both of you."
"Yes, I know. But some how you knew that I needed this."
"Maybe it was the way you were holding onto me when we left Company."
"I wasn't..."
"You were, but its okay." Jeffrey says, leaning over to kiss her again.
Wrapping his arms around her, he pulls her to him. Sighing softly as he deepens the kiss. The only sound is the water rushing over the falls, the light breeze rustling the leaves of the trees and the sound of their heartbeats.
After a few moments Jeffrey steps back and lays his forehead against hers. "We need to go before it gets dark."
"Okay." Sam replies, not releasing him.
"I promise we'll finish this when we get home."
"We don't have..."
"Yes, we do." He says, releasing her with another quick kiss. "I don't want us climbing that hill in the dark."
"Okay."
Reaching for the blanket, they fold it together. Bending down, he picks up the picnic basket. Taking her hand, he leads the way up the hill again.
William is looking over some papers in his office, when Jodi buzzes him. "Sir, you have a call on line one."
"Who is it?"
"Your nephew, Sir."
"Thank you." William says picking up the phone and pushing the button for line one. "Lex."
"Hi." He says, looking out at Sarah playing in the backyard with the nanny that William sent over a few days before.
"Is everything...?"
"Everything is fine, thanks for the nanny."
"You're welcome, how's Sarah?"
"She's doing wonderful. She's settled in quickly."
"I suppose you didn't just call out of the blue."
"No, I know it's probably best that I don't call, but with your announcement the other day..."
"I know you're worried, but I'll make sure that nothing changes. You and Sarah are under political asylum here. I'll make sure that the new government knows that."
"And what if they revoke the asylum?"
"It can't be revoked."
"What are you going to do?"
"I'm not sure, really." He says, glancing out the window and thinking about Ava's offer for him to come to Springfield.
Jon hears the change in his voice. "If you want her, go to her." He says.
"What?" William says, coming back to the conversation.
"I said, if you want her, go to her."
"Why would...?"
"I heard it in your voice. I would give anything to have... Go to her, if you want her." Jon says, looking out at Sarah.
"I don't know what I'm going to do. First I've got to get things settle here."
"I understand that, but if she's what you want, when this is finished go to her. You can't waste time. You don't have time to waste."
"You'll find someone again, Jon."
"I don't know if that's possible. Right now, I've got one woman in my life and I think she's getting tired." Jon says, watching as the nanny brings Sarah in.
"Alright, you take care of her."
"Remember what I said, if you want her..."
"I will."
"I'll talk to you soon."
"Take care of both of you, Jon."
William hangs up. He start put the receiver down, but he changes his mind. He dials Ava's number and after a couple rings, she picks up. "Hello."
"Ava, its William."
"Hi, how are you?" She asks, as he leans back in his chair.
"I'm busy."
"How are things going?"
"Right now, I'm waiting. I made my recommendations to the Royal Council."
"So what happens now?"
"We wait. I've got other things to keep me busy. I still have a country to run. How is...?"
"He's fine."
"He..."
"It's a figure of speech, but I did have a check up today."
"And?"
"Everything is progressing well, according to Dr. Sedgwick."
"Good, have you had anymore problems with Olivia?"
"I haven't seen her. I am missing Emma though."
"Do you think she's still after Jeffrey?"
"I don't know. I haven't talked to her, since I found out about the invitation."
"Why don't you call her?"
"I can't, she invade my privacy, Will. She should be apologizing to me."
"I know, but she's your mom. And she should be with you right now. I know you want her to be."
"Yeah, I do. But I don't want to hear about how Dad shouldn't be with Sam. And I know she thinks that I've betrayed her because she thinks I'm on their side. There are no sides, but that's the way she sees it."
"It will work out, listen maybe I can get away. I'll come up there and we can hang out and talk. No pressure."
"That sounds nice." Ava says, smiling for the first time in a long time.
"Good, I'll have Jodi make the arrangements."
"Dad's wedding is coming up, maybe we could go together."
"When is it?"
"Labor Day."
"Alright, I'll let the staff know."
"Will, is this going to..."
"It'll be fine, I'm still head of state down here until the Royal council makes its decision and we go from there. I can go to Jeffrey's wedding with you."
"Alright."
"I'll let you know when I'm arriving."
"Okay."
"I've got to go. I've got a meeting I need..."
"I'll talk to you soon."
"Yes."
"Bye."
"Good-bye Ava." William says, hanging up.
On the way back to Springfield, Sam falls asleep leaning against Jeffrey's shoulder. Lifting his arm, he puts it across her shoulders, drawing her closer, so she can lay her head on his upper chest. He lightly kisses the top of her head before he turns his attention back to the road. About an hour later, he parks in front of the loft.
Shutting the truck off, he looks down at her sleeping and he doesn't to wake her. Lifting his arm, he moves to open the door as she starts to stir. "Sh." He whispers, and she quieted down.
Getting out of the truck, he reaches in the back for the picnic basket and the blanket. Taking them out, he takes them up to the loft before he returns to the truck. Sam is still sleeping, her head lying against the back of the seat. Opening the truck door, he reaches for her.
Lifting her, he backs up and then closes the door with his hip as she lays her head on his shoulder, before he turns to towards the building. Reaching the door to the loft, he opens it as she mumbles "Jeffrey."
"I'm right here, Beca." He whispers, opening the door. He walks inside.
Closing the door behind them, he walks upstairs with her in his arms. Laying her down on the bed, she starts to stir. "It's okay, I'm right here." He says softly and she settles back down. He stands there for a few moments watching her before he goes back downstairs.
He puts the blanket away and then empties the picnic basket, putting the dirty dishes in the dishwasher before he flips the light off to the kitchen. He's headed back upstairs when he notices the light flashing on the phone. Picking up the phone, he dials into the voicemail.
After putting in his pass code, he listens to his first message. "Jeffrey, this is Frank. Could you call me? We have some developments in the Ditkins case."
About an hour after that message was left, there is a second message. "Jeffrey, it's Frank again. You really need to call me. It looks like Ditkins has escaped."
The final message plays. "Jeffrey, it's Frank again. We've located him. He was trying to leave Springfield, but state troopers stopped him outside of Laurel Falls. He's back in jail now."
Hanging up the phone, he dials the number to the police station. After a couple rings someone picks up. "Springfield PD."
"Yes, this is Mayor O'Neill. I need to speak to Frank."
"Yes Sir." The desk Sergeant says, pushing the button to connect the call.
"Yes, Frank Cooper." Frank says picking up the phone after it rings.
"Frank, its Jeffrey. What the hell happened? He was on lock down."
"He was, but he faked an attack and we took him to Cedars, while he was there he got past the guards and left the hospital. By the time we were able to catch up to him he was on his way to Canada."
"His passport is… you don't have to have a passport to get into Canada yet."
"No. But he's in custody now."
"Alright, the trial starts next week."
"And he will be under lock down until then."
"Okay. I've got to go." Jeffrey says. "Make sure he's supervised. I want him watched. I wouldn't put it past him to try and fake something else to get out of jail. If he does, bring the doctors to him."
"We'll keep and eye on him."
"Good, keep me informed."
"I will."
Jeffrey hangs up and then heads upstairs. He walks in as Sam rolls over and looks around. "J."
"I'm right here." He says, walking over to the bed.
"How did I…?"
"I carried you."
"You carried me up from the truck?"
"Yes."
"Why didn't you wake me up?"
"I didn't want too." Jeffrey says, walking around to his side of the bed.
"Is everything alright?" She asks, as he lies down beside her.
"Yes, why?"
"Because you seem tense, did something happen?"
"It's nothing just Springfield business." He says, lifting his arm so she can move over beside him.
"What happened?" She asks, moving over beside him
"Ditkins escaped."
"Escaped, is he…?"
"He's back in custody. They caught him outside of Laurel Falls, trying to get to Canada. If he realized I was there I wonder if he would come after me."
"You think he would still try to kill you?"
"He is a trained agent. You don't stop until the jobs finished, even if the job isn't sanctioned by the director."
"Are you…?"
"I'm fine. I know the truth and soon the world will know it too."
"What about Olivia?"
"What about her? She already knows the truth. She was there when Ditkins confessed that I was framed."
"Still, given the way she's behaved in the last few weeks. Do you think she would try to excuse his confession? I mean, she denying everything else."
"I think Olivia's completely forgotten about Ditkins. The trial starts next week." Jeffrey says, moving to get up.
"Where are you going?"
"To change, I'll be right back." He says, walking into the closet.
Following him, she gets up and begins to get undress. Slipping one of his t-shirts over her head, she lies back down after pulling the covers back. He returns a few moments later, wearing only his boxers. She moves over as he slips into bed and then when he's settled she moves back to him, laying her head on his chest as he puts his arm around her.
They lay there for a few moments before Sam leans up and looks down at him. "What?" he asks, watching her?
"You promised to finish something when we got back home."
"Umm, I did, didn't I?" Jeffrey says, turning over onto his side.
"Yes, you did." Sam says, laying her hands on his chest.
Bending her nails, she lightly scratches his chest, stopping for a couple seconds to lay her head across his heart. Leaning forward, he kisses her, nibbling softly on her lower lip until she opens her mouth, their tongue slipping inside to play with the each other.
Reaching for her, he pulls her to him. Laying an arm across her waist, he holds her against him. She can feel him responding to her and she moans softly. Reaching for his boxers, she begins to tug on them. After a couple seconds he breaks the kiss. "Hang on." He says, pulling away from her.
Lifting his hips, he tugs his boxers down. Kicking them off when they reach his feet. He reaches for her. Kissing her again, as she softly caresses his chest, kissing him as she slowly moves downward. Stopping to play with his belly button, as he sucks in a deep breath, holding it for a couple seconds before he lets it go with a whoosh.
Reaching for him, she begins to caress him, slowly running her hand up and down his erection, as he sucks in another deep breath as he moves closer to her. Laying his hand on her hips, he slips it underneath the t-shirt, surprised he looks up at her as she smiles. "I wanted to be ready." She says, softly as she releases him and sits up.
Crossing her arms, she pulls the t-shirt over her head. She tosses it to the floor as she sits there watching him. Moving to his back, he holds his hand out to her. Moving closer to him, she kisses him as she moves to straddle him. Sinking back into his pillow, he lays his hands on her hips, trying to pull her down to him.
She resists, lightly kissing the side of his neck. She moves down, kissing his upper chest as she moves down. Stopping when she reaches his nipples, looking up, she watches him as he struggles to control the desire rushing through him. Leaning over, she lightly licks his left nipple as he sucks in a deep breath. Closing her mouth around it, she begins to suck, slowly moving her tongue over it, caressing him.
"Sam." He groans, closing his eyes, and burying his hand in her hair, holding her against him
She continues to play with him as she slowly begins to run her hands down his stomach, scratching him. Reaching for the sheet beneath him, he clinches it tightly as she moves to his other side, caressing him.
She stays there for several minutes, loving him, until he reaches for her. Laying his hand against her breast, he begins to play with her, gently manipulating her nipples until they are hard and pressing against his hand. Pulling away from him, she lays her head against his chest, relishing the feel of his hand against her, loving her. Her breath feels cool against the fire burning inside him. Lifting her head, she looks up at him. Leaning up, he lightly licks her nipple.
"Jeffrey". She moans, shivering as staggering waves of desire rushes through her body. Clinching the sheet beneath him, she draws her head back and moans loudly. She feels her body rushing towards the end. Pulling way, she looks down into his shocked expression.
Lying back, he watches her for a few seconds. Laying his hand against her cheek as she turns her head and kisses the palm of his hand before he moves it up and into her hair, pushing her down to his stomach, she begins to nibble on his chest, moving down to his stomach. She stops when she reaches his belly button, slowly running her tongue around it, she plays with him as he sucks in as deep a breath as he can, groaning loudly when he releases it.
Reaching for her, he slowly moves his hand down her body, caressing her. Stopping, he dips his finger into her belly button, repeating what she had just done. "J". She moans looking up she watches him.
"Love me, baby." He whispers, watching her move lower as he lifts his hip, reaching for her. First he feels the warmth of her breath, washing over him. Slowly she begins to caress him. Moving her tongue over his desire, "oh, god. Beca." He groans, reaching for her and burying his fingers in her hair, holding her against him.
Taking him inside, she takes as much as she can, and wrapping her hand around the rest, she begins to caress him, pushing their desire higher. Reaching for her with his other hand, he moves down her side. Caressing her as he moves down her body, he stops at her hips for a few seconds as an incredible wave of desire washes over him. When he's back in control, he reaches for her.
Slipping his fingers between her thighs, he begins to caress her. Gently at first and then with each caress she gives him, he increases his own. Rubbing her body gently but with such focus that she releases him, moaning softly as she begins to move her hips against his fingers.
"J, I want you." She says, looking up at him. Her blue eyes fade to a soft pale blue.
Releasing her, he lays his hands on her hips as she moves over him. Taking him, she caresses him a couple of times before she guides him inside her. Waves of completeness fill both of them as their bodies are joined together. He holds onto her tightly, fighting for control.
Moving slowly, rocking back and forth, as he holds onto her hips tightly. Waves of desire rise inside them both, forcing their movements to come faster. Slowly he begins to thrust against her sliding hips. "J." She cries, throwing her head back, her eyes falling closed.
"I feel you Beca." He whispers, feeling her body tightening around him.
She continues to rock and he continues to thrust, pushing each of them higher and higher, deeper and deeper into the desire that is rolling through them. After a few more moments, he feels her body clinching around his, holding him tightly as the first ripples of release swell inside her.
He holds her against him, as he continues to thrust. "Oh, that's it Beca." He whispers, feeling her release build, rushing through her and over him. "J". She whispers. He thrusts for the final time and feels his release rush through him and fill her.
Sinking into him, she lays her head over his heart, listening to it pound against his chest and feeling him struggle to catch his breath he fills with her with so much love, tightening her embrace, lightly kissing the center of his chest as he wraps his arms around her, holding her as he runs his finger through her hair. "I love you, baby." He whispers.
"I love you too." She says, sitting halfway up.
"What?" He asks, catching the puzzled expression on her face.
"That's twice you've called me baby."
"Umm, so."
"I'm used to you calling me Beca."
"I still call you that, but I want to call you this too."
"Okay."
78.13