A Fresh Start

Chapter One Hundred Eighty Seven

As William is hanging up the phone, Ava begins to wake up. "Will." She says, looking around the room. "What are you doing?"

"I was putting the phone away." He says, walking back over to the couch.

"What were you doing on the phone at this time of night? Who was on the phone?"

"Olivia." William says, sitting down beside her on the couch.

"Olivia, what did she want? Did she call to try and get you to make me give Emma back? I should have known she would do…."

"She didn't call to try and convince me to make you give Emma back."

"Then what did she call for. She has no reason to call you unless she wants to use you to get to me."

"She wasn't using me. In fact, she didn't even call to talk to me. She called for you but I told her that you were asleep."

"She called for me."

"Yes."

"Why would she call for me? Everything was settled when we got off the phone this evening. I told her…."

"She wanted to tell you to keep Emma. That she wasn't going to try and force you to give her back."

"She's already signed over custody to me. She couldn't force me…."

"I need you to calm down."

"I'm not upset."

"I think you are. Your mother wasn't confrontational when we talked. She was calm. She said that she wanted you to keep Emma. That maybe you and Jeffrey were right, that she needed to take this time to figure herself out. And she made one request."

"Of course she did."

"She asked that you consider her being a part of our child's life someday. That's all she wanted. I reminded her that she couldn't change her mind later and claim she never gave you permission to keep Emma."

"She signed over custody."

"Maybe she did, but I didn't want her to come back in a few days, demanding that you give Emma to her and denying that she ever called and we spoke, so I reminded her that all calls are recorded here in the palace."

"She actually said I could keep her. Why would she give up that easily?"

"I think she knew that you would go back and forth about this, so she took the decision out of your hands and she made it for you. She's allowing you to keep Emma and she hopes that one day you'll let her come back to her."

"And that one day I'll let her have contact with this child." Ava says, laying her hand on her stomach."

"Maybe some day, but for right now we've got Emma and we have our baby to get ready for." He says, leaning over to kiss her.

"Are you ready to be a parent to two kids?" She asks, pulling away from him.

"We'll be fine." William says, pulling her back into his arms.

She lays her head on his shoulder for a moment before she sits back. "Maybe we should get to bed."

"I think that's a wonderful idea." He replies, as she catches the gleam in his eyes.

"You're ready, again." She says, smiling.

"I will never, ever be tired of you." He says, leaning in to kiss her. Pulling the throw off her, he gets up and then turns to her. Helping her up, he sweeps her up into his arms and turns for their bedroom.

After Richard leaves, Cassie cleans up the kitchen and straightens up the house before she leaves for the Beacon. When she walks in, Reva is coming downstairs. "Hey sis." Reva says, walking over to her.

"Hey what's up?" She asks, but her tone says something else.

"What's up with you?"

"Richard and I had a visitor this morning."

"Who?"

"Olivia."

"Ah." Reva says, nodding.

"You knew and you didn't say anything."

"I only knew what the Springfield Journal said and what WSPR reported on the case. And besides the subject of Olivia didn't come up."

"I'm still in shock. I can't believe she went after Jeffrey that way. I guess I shouldn't be, she was always sort of vindictive, but I sort of forgot that part of her nature over the last few years." Cassie says, walking across the lobby towards her office.

"So, what are you doing at the Beacon? You just got back from your honeymoon." Reva asks, following her.

"I know I just got back from my honeymoon, but Richard has meetings at City Hall and since Olivia's announcement that she's signed over her shares of the Beacon to Ava and that she's leaving the country. I have to be here more, now don't I."

"And what does Richard say about that?"

"He's not too happy about it, but I don't have a choice until I talk to Ava and find out what she's going to do."

"Well, she's working at Lewis now. Billy's put her in charge of that new division we're starting the interior design for our contracts. Right now, I think she's working closely with Sam to decorate hers and Jeffrey's new house."

"So, you don't think she's going to be interested in taking over Olivia's duties?"

"I don't know for sure, but Ava's very loyal to Jeffrey and I doubt she's going to be bending over backwards to help Olivia, since this came out."

"So, I either have to increase my time here at the Beacon or try to hire someone to take over Olivia's responsibilities."

"I've got an idea." Reva says, as they walk into Cassie's office. Her assistant is sitting at her desk.

"Good morning Mrs. Winslow, Mrs. Lewis." Jessica says, nodding to each of them

"Good morning, Jessica." Cassie says

"Welcome back."

"Thank you."

"Here are you messages and you have a 10:00 meeting with the ladies from Laurel Falls."

"Again, I thought we had everything settled when they came before."

"I'm not sure what the meeting is about, but the chairwoman called yesterday and demanded that we schedule an appointment immediately. I wasn't sure that you would be in today, but I took a chance."

"Alright, give me a moment with my sister and then I'll need their file to refresh my memory."

"Yes, ma'am." Jessica says, as Cassie turns towards her office with Reva following her.

"Okay so, you said you have an idea about the Olivia thing." Cassie says, walking over to her desk as Reva closes her door.

"Umm, yes. I'll take over for her?"

"You want to take over for Olivia?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"Because I need something to do."

"You've got stuff to do?"

"I can still work on the cancer fund raising. But I haven't really had anything to do since WSPR."

"You want this to keep your mind off Josh."

"Well, it would help if I had something to keep me busy. Besides, wouldn't it be fun for us to work together again." Reva says, looking at Cassie. "I can help you and Richard out."

"We don't need help."

"Cassie, you're pregnant and this isn't going to be a normal pregnancy. You need me. I can take over Olivia's duties for the Beacon."

"Alright, if you want to work here at the Beacon. I don't care, but I don't want you to bury yourself in this job and forget about trying to get Josh back."

"Whatever happens between me and Josh, well that's up to him."

"Reva."

"I'm not going to push reconciling with him this time. First, because I'm not sure I want to and second because I didn't do anything to cause this one."

"And how many times over the years has he messed up. He has his faults Reva, but you still love him."

"Yes, I still love him, but you didn't… He didn't stand by me. He simply assumed that because Jeffrey was his brother and because I was involved with HB and Billy that I would automatically want to have Jeffrey too. And in around about way, he called me a slut."

"Reva, he did not."

"His silence said more than the actual words. I don't know if I can be with a man that thinks I'm going to suddenly decided that I want his brother simply because I've been with his father and brother."

"I can understand that he wants to hold…."

"There is no excuse for accusing your wife of something simply because she's done stuff in her past. Josh and I both have a complicated past. But I thought that everything we've ever done we've forgiven each other for. And I thought that we've each learned from our mistakes, learned enough not to repeat what we did before. Josh has had other women. I've never held onto that but to simply assume that I would want his brother because he's his brother, I can't forget that." Reva says, getting up. "Do you want me to take over Olivia's duties here at the Beacon?"

"Sure, it will help Richard and me. And if you need something to keep you occupied then its okay with me."

"Good, do you want me to handle this chairwoman from Laurel Falls?"

"No, I better handle her. She can be a little demanding and temperamental about certain things. No, there's something else I want you to handle." Cassie says, picking up the phone and buzzing Jessica.

"Yes, Mrs. Winslow."

"Jess, could you being in a list of our suppliers and that folder for the Laurel Falls event?"
"Yes ma'am."

"Thank you." Cassie says, hanging up. A few moments later, there's a knock on Cassie's office door. "Come in."

Jessica opens the door and walks in. "Here are the folders you wanted Mrs. Winslow."

"Thanks, Jessica." Cassie says, taking the folders and Jessica leaves.

"Okay, here is the folder of all our suppliers, I want you to call them, reassure them about the situation with Olivia, but don't do that until you speak to the heads of departments and find out their weekly orders. If you have any problems with the heads of the departments, have them call me. Tell Jessica to contact Missy, that's Olivia's assistant and tell her to help you as well and tell Jessica to find you and office to use until Olivia leaves and then you can have her old office." Cassie says, handing Reva the folder."

"Yes ma'am." Reva says, smiling as she salutes. "You do the role of Boss well little sister."

"I was a Princess and First Lady." Cassie says with a smile.

"Yes, you were." Reva says, taking the folder.

"I'll talk to you later." Cassie says, picking up the other folder that Jessica brought her as Reva leaves.

Jeffrey and Richard are walking out of a briefing about the companies Richard was considering for expansion in Springfield. "Alright, I'll look more into the company from Little Rock and we'll put the rest on the back burner until they can meet some of our demands."

"That will be fine." Jeffrey says, as Richard stands up. He turns to go and then he turns back to Jeffrey. "Was there something else?"

"I wanted…. Olivia came by the farm this morning."

"Oh, so you know about the order to leave Springfield."

"Yes, she explained everything. The plot to kidnap you, frame Sam, she explained how she was ordered to leave the state."

"You don't think she should…."

"I think your much more understanding than I would have been if someone came after my wife, ask Edmund."

"I didn't do it to let her off. I was… am very angry about the plan and especially angry that she was going to frame Sam, but I couldn't let Emma see her being sent to prison, Emma or Ava."

"Olivia said that she gave custody of Emma to Ava."

"Yes, but I'm not sure how that is going to work out. Ava's in San Cristobel with William right now. She took Emma down there so that she wouldn't have to give her back. Olivia wants her back, but Ava's stubborn like her father and she's protective and she believes that she's protecting Emma from Olivia. I don't know what's going to happen."

"Olivia told us that she told Ava that she could keep Emma, for right now. She said that she's going to use this time to work on her self and that Emma was going to stay with Ava."

"When did that happen?"

"I don't know, but that's what Olivia told us this morning at the farm."

"How is Olivia leaving going to affect you and Cassie?"

"I don't know. Cassie already planning on increasing her time at the Beacon."

"She can't do that. The stress…."

"I realize that and I'm sure she does too. However, I'm not sure she knows what her other options are."

"Well, what ever happens you've got to make sure that she doesn't get too stressed out."

"I know. We barely had time to talk about it this morning because I had to be here, but I'm going to talk to her tonight about it again."

"Great, I've got some calls…."

"Sure, we'll talk soon." Richard says, turning to leave. He's walking into his office a few moments later. "I'm going to be on a personal call." He says, walking through his office.

"Sir, there's a call for you. It just came in. It's from a Noah Chase."

"Alright, I'll take it in my office."

"Yes sir, it's on line one." She says, putting the phone down.

Going into his office, Richard goes over to his desk, picking up the phone as he sits down. "Hello, Noah."

"Richard, it's great to hear your voice buddy. How are you today?"

"I'm okay, maybe a little frazzled, but feeling good. What's up?"

"Well, I'm calling because I spoke with the agents in Chicago last evening."

"What did they find out?"

"They were able to track your brother's wife down. She's living in Oakdale now. She moved there this summer."

"Okay."

"The agents approached her yesterday afternoon about your request to meet with her."

Richard feels his heart jump, swallowing he asks. "What did she say? Will she meet…?"

"She agreed to meet with you, but it's only going to be her. She doesn't want her children involved immediately."

"No, of course. I understand. When did she want to meet?"

"She gave the agents her business card with her telephone numbers on it. If you get a pen and paper I can give them to you." Noah says, as Richard reaches for a pad and pen.

"Go ahead.

"Okay, her cell phone number is 272-555-2932, her work number is 272-555-9939 and her home number is 272-555-2920."

Richard writes down all three numbers. "Did she say which is the best one to contact her on or if there was a better time for me to contact her?"

"No, she didn't say."

"Okay, thank you Noah."

"You're welcome, buddy. I've got to go check on a patient, so I've…."

"No, that's fine. Thank you again."

"You're welcome." Noah replies, before they hang up a couple seconds later.

Josh walks into Towers for lunch. He has been eating there a lot since Reva left. "Good afternoon, Mr. Lewis." The hostess says.

"Hello."

"Would you like a table?"

"Please."

"Follow me." She says, picking up a menu.

"Thank you." Josh replies, following behind the hostess.

She takes him over to a table that's close to the balcony. "Will this be okay, Mr. Lewis?"
"It's fine." He replies, sitting down at the table.

"Your waiter will be with you in a moment." She says, as Josh nods, picking up the menu.

A few minutes later, a young boy comes up to him. "My name is Nicky, and I'll be your waiter today." He says, as Josh looks up and stares. "Can I get you something to drink Mr. Lewis?" For several seconds, Josh doesn't answer. "Mr. Lewis?"

"What did you say your name was?"

"Nicky."

"And you work here at Towers?"

"Yes sir."

"But at night you hang out at Jon's Bar."

"I've been there a few times."

"Where you there about a month ago?"

"I don't know. Can I get you a drink Mr. Lewis?"

"I'll have a whiskey, straight."

"Yes sir." He turns to leave, while Josh watches him.

When he's far enough away, he pulls out his cell phone and dials Mallet's number. "Detective Mallet." He says, picking up the phone.

"Mallet, its Josh Lewis."

"Josh, how can I help you?"

"Can you come to Towers? I think I've found one of the boys that attacked me at Jon's Bar."

"You're sure it's him."

"I don't recognize his face but I recognize his voice. And he admits that he hangs out there. He's a waiter here at Towers."

"Okay, I'll come by."

Nicky comes back with Josh's whiskey and puts it down in front of him as he asks. "Are you ready to order now, Mr. Lewis?"

"I'll have the sirloin, rare, bake potato and small salad, tea to drink, that's all." Josh says, handing the menu to Nicky after he writes his order down.

"We'll have that right out."

Ten minutes later, Mallet comes in and after a brief conversation with the hostess he walks towards Josh's table. "Josh." He says, as he walks up.

"Thanks for coming, Mallet."

"You're welcome. You said you recognized this guy's voice."

"Yes, he's my waiter."

"Did you asked him about that night?'

"Yes, but he says he doesn't know if he was there."

"Okay, where is here. Can you point him out?" Mallet asks, looking around the restaurant.

"He's not out here right now."

"Alright, well we'll wait till he brings you his dinner. How are you doing?"

"I've been okay, busy."

"How's Reva?"

"She's Reva." Josh says, but his tone gets Mallets attention.

"Something going on?"

"No, just a difference of opinion. She did something I didn't want her to do and…."

"Does this have to do with Jeffrey being your brother?"

"Umm, yes. I guess you heard about that."

"Yeah, pretty shocking."

"Yes, well, that was my father."

"So, this problem with Reva, how is that tied to Jeffrey?"

"She told him the truth after I told her not too."

"You didn't want him told, why?"

"I had my reasons, reasons that Reva tries to discount, but they are valid."

"Valid how?" Mallet asks, as Nicky comes up with Josh's food.

"Here, you go Mr. Lewis. Enjoy your meal." He turns to go as Josh looks at Mallet.

"Excuse me." Mallet says, standing up and reaching to stop Nicky from leaving.

"Yes, may I help you Sir. Would you like a menu?"

"Umm, now. My name is Detective Mallet, Springfield PD. I would like to ask you a few questions about the night of September 6th."

"September 6th, I'm sorry. I don't understand." Nicky says, looking at Mallet and then Josh.

"Is there someplace that we could talk in private?" Mallet asks.

"I'm working and I don't get a break until two. I really need this job, if my boss catches me talking to you…."

"I'll explain." Mallet says.

"No, he'll fire me just for talking to you."

"Nicky, you were at Jon's Bar on the 6th." Josh says.

"I told you, I don't remember if I was there or not."

"Mallet, I think I can handle this, okay." Josh says, looking at Mallet.

"Josh, if he's the one that jumped you that night, that's first degree assault he's facing."

"Assault, I never assaulted anyone."

"Mallet, let me handle it." Josh says.

"Alright, you will call me." Mallet says, looking at Josh.

"Thank you."

"Nicky, can you sit down?"

"I told if that boss…."

"If your boss says anything I'll explain that I asked to speak to you and he'll be okay. Please sit down." Josh says, nodding to the chair that Mallet just left. Nicky sits down, nervously. "Now, we were both really drunk that night but you were at Jon's Bar on the 6th with one of your friends. One of you tried to take the whiskey I was drinking and I took it away from you. One of you didn't like that, so when you left you decided to come back to the bar and show an old man how tough you are. You both jumped me and the owner of the bar, Lizzie Spaulding. She was knocked to the ground and then you beat me up pretty good, left me with a concussion and a few broken ribs."

"I don't know what you are talking about." Nicky says, looking at Josh.

"This is what you're going to do. I want you to think about it and I'm making you and offer. You will come by Lewis Construction by tomorrow afternoon, and you will work for me for the next year wherever I need you to work and in return I'll speak with Mallet about the assault charge."

"And if I don't come to Lewis?"

"Then I will go to Mallet and I'll tell him to continue with the investigation and now that I've Id'd you, there's nothing you can do."

"You said you were drunk. How do you know it was me?"

"I know it was, that's all you need to think about. Is it a deal?"

"I'll think about it. I better get back to work." Nicky says, getting up.

Josh finishes eating, and after paying his bill he gets up. He's walking out of the restaurant when Jas walks in. "Mr. Lewis." She says.

"Oh hi, how are you?" Josh asks, recognizing her from the grocery store.

"I'm well, and you."

"I'm good." Josh says, as the doors open and DJ walks out.

He stops when he sees his mother standing next to Josh. "Meeting him again, mother." He says, watching them.

"Ah no, we just happened to run into each other.

"Again." DJ asks, staring at Josh.

"Mr. Lewis, this is my son DJ."

"We've met. You came by my center."

"Yes, I came by your center. Is the work fulfilling for you. Do you find peace working with your kids?"

"Umm, yes I do. They are good kids, they just need guidance." Josh says, looking at DJ

"Like a father would lead his child." DJ asks.

"DJ, I'm sure Mr. Lewis is busy. I believe he was leaving when I arrived."

"Yes, yes I was. It was nice to see you both again." Josh says, stepping around them and pressing the button for the elevator. He glances back as Jas follows DJ into the restaurant. It was clear that they were very upset about something.