A Fresh Start
Chapter Two Hundred Two
William lays the phone down on the table bedside him before he turns back to the window. The moon has just come up. It's light caressing the water below the palace. This would be the last night he would watch the endless cycle of the tide. He turns away. Normally the water would calm him but tonight it wasn't. Walking across the room, he leaves his room. Wandering the palace, he stops at most of the rooms. He spends some time in a lot of them before he moves on. Around two am he walks into the nursery. Sitting down on the couch, he begins to remember different moment he had spent there with Will as he looks around the room. After he had left and the staff had packed up his stuff, he never went back into the room. Laying his head back, he stares up at the ceiling for a long time. He doesn't know when he fell asleep but the next morning he wakes up to one of the guards shaking him, saying. "Your Highness, Sir."
"What?" He mumbles, sitting up.
"Sir, Colonel Dandridge asked me to find you. The leaders of Parliament will be here within the hour." The guard says, as William reaches up and wipes his eyes.
"Tell him I will be right there." William replies, standing up and stretching.
"Yes sir." The guard replies, stepping out of the way so William can leave.
About thirty minutes later, William walks up to the throne room. "Colonel Dandridge is already waiting for you Sir." The guard says, as William reaches for the door handle.
"Colonel." William says, walking into the room.
"Sir, how are you feeling today?" He asks, as William closes the door and then walks over to the throne.
"Ask me that again in about an hour." William replies, sitting down on the throne.
"Yes sir. Natalie should be here in a few minutes, along with the Chancellor of Parliament an a couple of parliament leaders."
William nods before he gets up. Slowly he walks around the room. "Do you think it's all worth it, Colonel?" He asks, as he stops at one of the windows.
"Sir?"
"Do you think the monarchy is worth all the manipulation and maneuvering?"
"Well sir, I've never thought about it. I serve the monarchy."
"Put that aside, if you weren't in the royal guard, would you want the monarchy to continue?"
"I honestly don't know, Sir. If you're asking me do I believe that someone has the divine right to rule over someone else, well that's not much more than slavery. But if you're asking can people set aside their own egos and do what needs to be done, I think Parliament proves everyday that we need someone to be there to make the final decision."
"I've been thinking about everything that was done to keep my family in power. Prince Georges lies, Edmund's coup and Col. Dax's scheming to put me in power and I have to wonder if maybe Richard was right. Is it worth it?"
"I think sir, that if the proper attitude is in place then a monarchy is good. Your brother was a good leader and you've been a good leader."
"And what about Edmund and Col. Dax?"
"I can't say about them, sir." Colonel Dandridge says, as Natalie walks in, followed by Lord Everett, the Chancellor of Parliament and a couple of Parliament members.
"Good morning, Sir, Colonel." They says, as William says, as Colonel Dandridge only nods.
"Are you ready to begin Sir." Chancellor Bryant asks.
"Yes, we can begin." William says, as he nods
"Lord Everett, please step forward." Chancellor Bryant says, as Lord Everett steps forward. "Please raise your right hand and place your left hand on the bible." He does as he's told. "Lord Everett, do you swear to faithfully execute the laws set forth by the Parliament and people of San Cristobel, both past, present and future?"
"I do so swear." Lord Everett replies.
"Do you promise to abide by the fundamental laws set forth for the monarch of San Cristobel."
"I do so swear."
"Then by the power given to me as Chancellor of Parliament and the Parliament of San Cristobel along with the monarch of San Cristobel, I now proclaim you to be the Prince of San Cristobel."
"Thank you." Lord Everett says, as Chancellor Bryant holds out his hand. They shake hands before Lord Everett turns to William.
"Your Highness." William says, bowing slightly.
"I'm not sure I will get used to that." Lord Everett says, as William nods. "Do you have any advice?" He asks.
"Only remember that ruling this country can be both rewarding and hard. You will face some hard decisions. Follow your advisers but don't be afraid to follow your instincts too." William replies.
"Thank you. I will keep all of that in mind."
"Another thing, don't be afraid to let go. And since you're now in control of the country. I will leave, with your permission."
"Where are you going?'
"The US. Springfield actually, my brother and family are there along with my fiance Ava."
"Will you come back to San Cristobel?"
"Possibly, but it won't be for a while. You will need this time to adjust and so will the country. It will be hard enough without me as a distraction."
"I understand. How will you get there?"
"Transportation has been arranged by the royal guard." Natalie says.
"No, he can use the royal jet, I insist." Prince Silas says, looking at Natalie.
"Of course, Your Highness." She replies, with a nod.
"Thank you." William says.
"You've served your country well." Prince Silas says.
"Then with your permission, Your Highness, may I go." William asks.
"Before you go I would like to do something." he says, looking at Natalie. "Is it within my power to give someone a title." He asks.
"Yes sir, although it won't be official until after the coronation." She replies.
"Good." He turns back to William. "Mr. Winslow, I would like to bestow upon you the title of His Lordship of Alistair, with all rights and privileges of said title." He says, as William stares at him. "I know it's not..."
"No, Sir, thank you. I'm sorry. I was taken by surprise." William says, as Prince Silas nods.
"As Natalie said, it will not be official until after the coronation."
"I understand. May I now go?"
"Colonel, could you contact the airport and arrange for the royal jet to take his Lordship to Springfield?"
"Of course, Sir."
"Thank you, Your Highness." William says, bowing slightly.
"You're welcome." Prince Silas says, nodding as William turns away and leaves.
Within the hour, the staff has finished packing. Once his stuff is loaded onto the plane, he feels much like Richard and Cassie when they left San Cristobel for Springfield, nervous and excited at the same time.
Jeffrey and Sam walk into Dr. Sedgwick's office as Ava is leaving. "Hi." She says, when she sees them.
"Hi." They both reply, as Jeffrey hugs her.
"Is everything okay?" He asks, stepping back.
"Everything is fine, just a check up." Ava replies. "How are you?"
"We're fine. I just left my doctors office and he released me from the accident." Jeffrey says.
"That's great. Have you been to the house?" Ava asks, looking at Sam.
"I was there this morning and I spoke with the foreman. They're starting on the master suite and the rooms upstairs. He said they will try to have the upper floor finished by Halloween." Sam replies, as Jeffrey goes to sign her in.
"That's good. I spoke with William last night." Ava says, as Jeffrey walks up.
"How is he doing?" Sam asks.
"He called to tell me that he would be flying in today. He said he would call me when he left San Cristobel."
"I thought the coronation wasn't for a few more days." Jeffrey says.
"It's not, Lord Everett agreed to take over privately. They will still have the coronation to make it official but Lord Everett will be running the country in the mean time."
"I suppose I will need to talk to Billy now about the loft?" Jeffrey says.
"Why?"
"To see if they could speed up the job."
"You don't have to rush. We will be fine at the Beacon." Ava says, as the nurse opens the door and calls Sam's name.
"We'll talk about it later." Jeffrey says, as Sam turns for the nurse. Jeffrey and Ava hug quickly and then he follows Sam.
The nurse leads them into an exam room. After taking Sam's vitals, she makes notes on Sam's chart and then leaves. Once she's gone, Sam looks at Jeffrey and says as she changes into the gown the nurse left. "You're worried."
"Why would you think that?"
"Because I saw the look on your face when you heard that William was flying in today?"
"I wasn't expecting him to come until after the coronation."
"Maybe you were hoping he wouldn't come."
"I'm only worried about her."
"I'm sure William will be able to take care of her.'
He looks at her and she sees the doubt in her eyes. "I won't say anything to either of them, but I can't see what he would be able to do here." He says, as she sits down on the exam table."
"What did he do before he was Prince?"
"He was a sailor for the Merchant Marines. He left Camille for a year."
"He could do that..." She sees the look on his face. "Is that the only think he did?"
"He was a consultant on the waterway project after the earthquake in San Cristobel."
"And he couldn't do something like that now?"
"I don't know." Jeffrey says, as Dr. Sedgwick comes in.
"Good afternoon, you two." She says, closing the door behind her.
"Hello, Dr. Sedgwick." They reply.
"How are you doing, Sam?" She asks, walking over to the stool and sitting down.
"I feel great." Sam replies.
"Have you had any problems?"
"No, everything has been fine. Even the morning sickness seems to be letting up."
"That's good, Mr. Mayor, how are you?" She asks, turning to Jeffrey.
"I'm fine, except for making midnight runs to the grocery store."
"You've only had to do that once." Sam says, as he smiles.
"It seems I'm going to see all of you this afternoon." She says, rolling over to Sam.
"We saw Ava as we came in." Sam says.
"Yes, I just finished wit her and Richard and Cassie will be here later this afternoon. So if you'll lie back, we'll get started." She says, reaching for some gloves as Sam lays down with Jeffrey beside her. After ten minutes, Dr. Sedgwick finishes the exam. Jeffrey helps Sam up as she takes off her glove. "Everything seems to be progressing well. We're going to check your blood levels, so I'll send the nurse in to draw some blood."
"Thank you." Sam says.
"You're welcome, if you want to get dressed I'll send the nurse in, in a few minutes." Dr. Sedgwick says, as Sam nods.
After the nurse draws Sam's blood. They leave and as they are leaving they run into Dr. Sedgwick. "Oh Sam, I wanted to congratulate you for being accepted into the hospital."
"Thank you."
"I'll see you in about a month and I look forward to working with you."
"Thank you, and we'll see you then." Sam replies.
As they leave the office, Jeffrey asks." Where to now, Mrs. O'Neill?"
"I'm starving. Can we go get something to eat?"
"That's fine." Jeffrey replies, as they walk down the hallway to the elevator.
Ava is leaving Lewis when her cell phone rings. As she's walking to her car, she fishes for it in her purse, pulling it out as she opens her car door. "Hello." She says, getting in her car.
"What are you doing?" William asks.
"I'm leaving Lewis to go pick Emma up from school. Where are you?"
"I'm on the royal jet. I tried to call you but you didn't pick up."
"I had an appointment with Dr. Sedgwick and then meetings with clients. I haven't had time to check my phone."
"Can you come by the airport? We're about to land."
"You've left San Cristobel." She says, backing out and leaving.
"Yes. The Chancellor gave the oath, unofficially turning the government over to Lord Everett and then I left."
"Are you okay?"
"I'm fine, maybe a little tired. I didn't sleep much last night."
"You were up all night?"
"I might have gotten a couple hours around sunrise. The guard found me in the nursery."
"Why were you in the nursery?"
"After I hung up with you. I walked around the palace and I ended up in the nursery. I hadn't gone in there since the staff packed up Will's things and sent them to Richard and Cassie."
"I guess I shouldn't be surprised, but I didn't realize how much Will's leaving affected you."
"For five years of his life, he was my son."
"I know it's not the same, but he will still be apart of your life. You could be the biggest part of his life and just as important to him as Richard is?" She says, as she pulls up to Emma's school.
"That's true, but its not the same. I never acted like Will leaving hurt because it didn't matter. He's Richard and Cassie's son and I'm his uncle. It's something I must accept.
"That maybe so but you love him and you thought he was your son. Those feelings can't be ignored."
'I will be fine. We will have our child and I will be apart of Will's life."
"We will have our child and you will make a wonderful father."
"Why didn't you tell me you were going to see Dr. Sedgwick?"
"Because this will be the last appointment you miss. What did she say?"
"Everything seems to be progressing normally. She wants me to gain a little bit more weight."
"I noticed that you didn't eat much when you were down here. I know you were upset but..."
"I'll be fine, when do you land." Ava says, interrupting him.
"We'll both be okay. It's a new beginning for both of us."
"How far are you from Springfield?"
"When I called we had an hour."
"Alright, Emma's coming out. We'll be at the airport when you land."
"I will see you then."
"Okay." Ava says, as Emma opens the door.
They hang up as Emma opens the door as Ava starts the car. "Can we go by the farm? Will wants to show me the horses his Dad bought?"
"Not tonight, we have to go to the airport."
"The airport, why?"
"Because William is flying in and he'll be landing soon."
"Oh, I thought he was going to be a long time in San Cristobel." Emma says, as Ava pulls away from the school and she buckles up.
Julie and the kids have just gotten home when the phone rings. She picks it up on the third ring. "Hello, Winslow residence."
"So you're using his name now?" Marciano says.
"That is...what do you want?" Julie asks, sitting down in the living room.
"I'm calling for a couple things." He replies.
After a few moments and when he doesn't say anything, Julie says. "So what are they?"
"I spoke with a realtor today after seeing you with the man at the Lakeview..."
"You followed me! We're divorced. You have no right..."
"You are my wife?"
"We are divorced Marciano."
"It's not final."
"It is in my book. Why were you following me?"
"If you must know, I wasn't following you. I had a meeting."
"And it just happened to be at the Lakeview?"
"Yes, it did. I'm looking for investors."
"You're trying again."
"Yes."
"And your investor wanted to meet at the Lakeview, in a town over an hour away from Chicago."
"Yes, he asked to meet there. He was passing through."
"Whatever Marciano. You said you spoke with a realtor."
"I did. Who were you meeting?"
"I will not discuss my life with you. What did the realtor say?"
"He preliminarily priced the condo at $550,000."
"So, are you going to sell?"
"I haven't decided."
"As long as you know that hanging on to the condo will not stop our divorce. I will not be coming back."
"I realized that yesterday, when I saw your new boyfriend. You much be extremely turned on. I mean what are the chance you would find a man that looks exactly like your dead husband. That man could have been his twin."
"I'm not discussing this with you. Who I meet and talk to is no longer your business. When you decide about the condo, have the realtor contact Tom." Julie says, moving to hang up.
"Julie, wait."
"Marciano, we have nothing else to say to each other."
"We have a lot to say. You can start by explaining why you walked out."
"That, right there is exactly why I left you. That tone, that says everything that happened was my fault."
"You're my wife. Your job..."
"That's the other reason. I am no longer your wife. Have the realtor contact Tom about the condo and do not follow me anymore."
"I can't help where..." Julie never hears the rest. She hangs up.
The royal jet is rolling to a halt when Ava pulls up. When it's stopped, she gets out of the car with Emma following her. The crew opens the door. A short time later, William appears. As he starts down the stairs. Ava walks towards him. When they reach each other, he reaches for her, pulling her into his arms and holding her tightly. After several seconds, she pulls back and looks up. "You look tired, but I'm so glad you're finally here."
"I'm glad I am too." He replies, still holding her, but loosening his hold. "It's all over with and now I have to figure out what I'm going to do now."
"Don't worry about time, you've got time." She says, releasing him.
He releases her as a man walks up to them. "Welcome to the US. Do you have your passport Sir?" He asks.
"Yes, of course." William replies, reaching into his pocket and pulling it out.
The customs agent takes the papers. He looks them over and then hands them back to William. "Do you have anything to declare?"
"No, my luggage only holds my clothes and a few personal items." William replies, as the man nods.
Handing the papers back to William, he says. "You are free to go, Mr. Winslow."
"Thank you." William replies, as he nods to one of the ground crew. They start to unload William's luggage.
"William." Emma asks.
"Yes, darlin." He replies, turning to her.
"Are you staying here now?"
He kneels down. "Yes, I'm staying here now. Is that okay." He asks, as she nods. "Good." He says, standing back up.
"How much luggage do you have?" Ava asks.
"Only a few bags. After the palace finishes going through my stuff they will send the rest."
"The palace is going through your stuff, why?" Ava asks.
"They have to sort out the official things from the stuff that is personal. When they are finished, they will send the rest to me."
"So, you don't get to keep your things?" Emma asks.
"I'll get to keep some of it. But a lot of it will be kept at the palace for the people of San Cristobel."
"But it's your stuff."
"A lot of my things were given to the Prince and not to me personally. It's a part of San Cristobel's history and it belongs to them, not me." William says, as one of the crewmen comes up to him.
"Sir, we have everything unloaded and inspected, so you are free to go."
"Thank you." William says, as the man turns to go.
"So, are you ready?" Ava asks.
"Yes, let's go."
"Do you want to say anything to the crew?"
"I said something before I left the plane." William says, as Ava nods. She helps Emma into the car as William gets in, followed by her. They leave a few moments later.
After hanging up on Marciano, Julie gets distracted dealing with the kids and getting supper ready and then homework and baths. It's not until the kids are in bed that she thinks about the call from Marciano and then Richard. She's in bed when her phone rings again. "Marciano, we have nothing to say to each other. If you want to speak to me, contact my attorney." She says, as she picks up the phone.
"Julie, it's Jacob."
"Oh, I'm sorry. I thought you were Marciano."
"Is he harassing you?"
"No. How are you? Wait, how did you get my number?"
"I'm fine. And I looked your number up. If your ex is harassing you, you might consider getting an unlisted number."
"I'm fine. He called tonight to tell me that he spoke with a realtor and he told me that he was at the Lakeview for a meeting and he saw me having lunch with my husband's brother."
"You had lunch with Marciano's brother?"
"No, Marciano has no brother. It was Matt's twin brother."
"Matt had a twin brother."
"Yes."
"You didn't mention that when you told me about him."
"I didn't know. Matt didn't know. It's a long and complicated story. Marciano saw me having lunch with him and his wife."
"What was Marciano doing in Oakdale, if he wasn't following you."
"He said he was meeting with an investor."
"Do you believe him?"
"I don't know. He could have been. He's wanted to start his own business for years now. I never saw him at the Lakeview though."
"So because he saw you having lunch with your deceased husbands brother, he wants to sell your condo?"
"That's what he said. I also told him that whether or not he sells the condo we are still getting a divorce."
"I would think that was obvious."
"Maybe to you and me, but he will hang on. I don't want to think or talk about him. What's been going on with you?"
"I've been busy. I have to go to DC and I wanted to tell you."
"You're going to DC, why?"
"I have to speak to the director of my agency. I have to extend my leave of absence."
"I'm a doctor for a government agency in DC. I took a leave of absence to be here with my family while we deal with my mother."
"So when will you be back?"
"I'll only be gone a few days. How did you find out about Matt's brother?"
"Some agents from the NIS approached me after the divorce hearing. They told me that about Richard and that he wanted to meet me. It's really a long story. I agreed to meet Richard and when he called we set a date for lunch with his wife Cassie at the Lakeview last Friday."
"Did you say NIS?"
"Yes, why?"
"I work for the NIS. I took over last summer when their head of Internal medicine left the agency. She moved to Springfield to be with her boyfriend."
"You work for the NIS."
"Yes."
"Did you know Richard?"
"No, I heard about him though. He was in a coma for five years after an attempt on his life by his brother's ex wife. Everyone thought he was dead, including his wife and kids."
"That's because your agency switched him with my husband Matt. Matt's accident was about a week before Richard's. Matt was left brain dead. We didn't have the money to bury him, so your agency offered to cover the cost, if we would allow them to take this body."
"Why would they want his body?"
"I don't know. I don't remember too much from that time. I always thought they wanted Matt because Richard was the former Prince of San Cristobel and he was their President. They felt his life was worth more than Matt's."
"It wasn't that. Doctor's learn to assess medical situations and decide what can be done. If Matt was brain dead, there was nothing they could do."
I know that logically, but I've never figured out how you're agency knew about both accidents."
"I don't know how."
"It doesn't matter anymore. I saw Richard, we talked and I told him that I didn't want to see him."
"Why? He's Matt brother."
"And he's the reason Matt had his accident. The woman that arranged to kill Richard only wanted Richard dead because she wanted to hurt his wife. She blamed them for Richard's brother rejecting her. She paid someone to kill Richard and he mistook Matt for him, so if Richard and Cassie had never come to Springfield my husband would still be alive and my kids would still have their father. I've got to go. I hope you have a safe trip to DC." Julie says.
"Julie, wait." Jacob says, but she doesn't hear him because she's already hung up the phone.
Ava walks into her bedroom after taking a shower. William is laying on the bed with his head propped up by a couple of pillows. Slipping a nightgown on, he pulls the covers back for her. Getting in, she lays down beside him. For a moment they lay there without talking. She turns her head, watching him. "Why do I fee nervous." She asks.
"Because we've taken the next step and we're both not sure how it will turn out."
"It's going to turn out with us getting married and we've slept together before."
"But maybe before it felt more like a causal relationship and less like we were committed to each other. Our lives are going to be one now and before it was separate even if we were together." He says, looking at her.
"You still want us to get married?"
"Of course, I want us to get married. I love you, despite how all this happened. I want us to be a family. Are you worried I won't be able to take care of both of you and Emma?"
"No, I can take care of us, until you find something or figure out what you want to do. And you don't have to worry about Emma. She has a trust fund set up by the Spauldings. Even if Alan is sent to prison, Alex will make sure Emma is taken care of."
"What about Olivia? She should help you with Emma."
"I don't know if I want help from Olivia."
"You can't cut Olivia from your life. She's your mother."
"She's my mother, but she tried to kidnap and kill me. She planned to kidnap my father."
"I will admit that Olivia has issues and she needs help and I hope she gets help while she's away, but she's yours and Emma's mother and you can't deny that."
"I don't want to talk about Olivia." Ava says, rolling to her side, facing away from him.
He moves over to her, putting his arm across her waist he pulls her back to him. "Don't be mad." He says, softly kissing her shoulder.
"I'm not. I just don't want to talk about her."
"Then we don't have to talk about her." He says, kissing her shoulder again. "We'll just lay here and I'll hold both of you, okay?" He says, as she nods.
Sam is coming upstairs as Jeffrey is coming down them. "Where are you going?"
"I forgot to do something. I won't be long."
"It can't wait till the morning?"
"No, I need to take care of this now. I won't be long." He says, leaning over to kiss her before he continues down the stairs with her watching him go. When the door closes downstairs she turns and continues upstairs.
Jeffrey walks quickly to his car. Getting in, he leaves. Driving across town, he rehearses what he'll say to Lizzie. After Wes told him that Lizzie held a large percentage of Lewis Oil stock, he thought maybe he should have a chat with her and see if he could get her to sell her shares. Pulling into the parking lot of Jon's bar, he turns the car off and then sits there for a moment or two. Opening the door, he gets out and goes inside. Josh is sitting at one of the tables and sees Jeffrey walk in.
Jeffrey walks over to the bar where Lizzie is serving drinks. She looks up and smiles. "My favorite act, what will it be Jeffrey?" She asks.
"Actually I was wondering if we could talk privately." Jeffrey says.
"Is something wrong? You're still performing..."
"I'll be here Halloween. This is something else."
"Okay." Lizzie says, turning to the other bartender and signaling him to take over. "We can talk in my office." She says, leaving the bar. Jeffrey follows her. Opening the door, she enters and then holds the door for him. "So what's this about?" She asks, as he walks in and she closes the door.
"Can I sit down?" Jeffrey asks, turning to her.
"Go ahead." Lizzie says, sitting down beside him.
In the bar, Josh signals the waitress and pays his tab, leaving a few minutes later.
"I'm sure by now you've heard that my father was HB Lewis."
"I saw the interview on WSPR. I assume that was a bit of a shock?"
"I was surprised. I figured I would never know who my father was. That's a part of the reason I wanted to talk to you."
"I don't see how I have anything to do with that."
"Spaulding Enterprises took over a company several years ago.'
"We've taken over a lot of companies. I haven't been involved..."
"We both know Alan was grooming you to take over. The company I'm talking about is Lewis Oil. Spaulding took it over and then Josh and Billy gave full control to Spaulding after your father wanted Lewis to build the factory in San Cristobel."
"I still don't see what that has to do with me. I had nothing to do with the San Cristobel deal."
"You own several of the Lewis Oil shares. I want to buy them from you."
"My grandfather and father made sure I have a very extensive portfolio. I have many shares, in many companies."
"I'm going to be frank with you. I'm not interested in Spaulding Enterprises. I only want my families company back and I think that with Alan's conviction, things at Spaulding are going to be up in the air for a while."
"My aunt Alex can handle Spaulding."
"I know she can. She'll run Spaulding better than your grandfather did."
"My grandfather is many things and one of them is a good business man. He taught me everything I know about business. So why should I give you my shares of Lewis Oil."
"You're not giving them to me. I am buying them from you."
"And how can you afford to do that, being mayor doesn't pay that much, nor does singing in my bar."
"Being a good attorney does. And I have other means of income. I can afford to pay you ten percent above market value for them."
"I will have to talk my financial adviser before we discuss a price. I don't even know what those shares are worth."
"You will talk to him then?"
"I'll think about it."
"Thank you." Jeffrey says, getting up. He holds his hand out as Lizzie stands up. "Once you've spoken to your adviser you can call me."
"I'll do that." She says, as they shake hands. They leave a few minutes later.
When they reach the bar, Jeffrey says. "I talk to you soon."
"Okay." Lizzie replies. Jeffrey leaves and Lizzie goes back into the bar.
Jeffrey's walking over to his car when Josh falls into step beside him. "What do you want?" Jeffrey asks, continuing to his car.
"I figured you would last longer than this." Josh says.
"What are you talking about?"
"I'm talking about Sam, your wife. I thought you would last longer than a month before you cheated on her and with a woman younger than your own daughter."
"I'm not cheating on Sam."
"So what were you doing in Lizzie's office, alone." Josh asks, emphasizing the word alone.
"We were discussing some business."
"I'm sure that's exactly what you were doing and you wonder why I don't want you in my family. Why I don't want you around my wife. You've already had my daughter. Why wouldn't you go after Lizzie?" Josh says, as they reach Jeffrey's car.
"Reva and Marah have nothing to do with this." Jeffrey says, reaching for the door.
Josh puts his hand on it, stopping him from opening the door. "You don't like being told the truth."
"You're drunk Josh. Go call yourself a cab and go home."
"Are you afraid Jeffrey, afraid I will hurt you."
"I think if we did this Josh, you would be the one that is hurt." Jeffrey says, opening the car door.
"Reva's not here to defend you." Josh says, taking a swing.
Jeffrey quickly blocks the punch. Grabbing Josh's arm and twisting it up behind him. "Go home Josh." He says, pushing him away from him.
Josh turns around as Jeffrey turns for the car. Taking a run, Josh knocks him to the ground. They roll around on the ground, both of them landing punches when they can, until Jeffrey's able to get Josh under him. He grabs his wrists, holding them above his head and Gus comes up.
"What's going on?" Gus asks.
"Nothing." Jeffrey says, stilling hold Josh down.
"Let me go. Gus he attacked me." Josh says.
"He came at me Gus." Jeffrey says, releasing Josh and getting up.
Josh scrambles up. "I did not. We were walking and he just came at me." He says.
"What are you both doing here?" Gus asks.
"I came to talk to Lizzie about some business."
"You mean seduce her." Josh says, as Jeffrey turns to him.
"Josh, be quiet." Gus says, putting his hand on Jeffrey's chest. "You were talking to Lizzie."
"Yes, when we were finished I left the bar. Josh was waiting for me, I guess. I didn't even know he was here until he walked up and accused me of cheating on Sam. We argued and I told him to call a cab and go home. I started to leave and he attacked me."
"Josh, is that what happened?" Gus asks, looking at him
"You mean I can talk now." He says, as Gus looks at him. "It happened like he said, only I was coming to my car and he jumped me." Josh says, as Jeffrey swings knocking Josh back a few steps.
"Jeffrey, you need to calm down." Gus says, as Jeffrey takes another step towards Josh.
"I'll calm down when he stops talking out his ass." Jeffrey says, looking for a way around Gus.
"Okay, you stay here." Gus says to Jeffrey. "Do not leave."
"I know what to do Gus." Jeffrey says, sarcastically.
"Josh, come with me."
"This isn't over." Josh says, looking at Jeffrey.
"You can bet it isn't." Jeffrey replies.
"Come on." Gus says, turning Josh away. They walk back towards the club.
Gus returns about ten minutes later. "What did he say? Did he admit to attacking me first?"
"No, but I'm inclined to believe you since he's obviously drunk. I put him in a cab and sent him home. Now to what I saw. He's not pressing charges. I talked him out of it, but since I saw you punch him..."
"Get to the point, Gus." Jeffrey demands.
"I'm not going to arrest you, but I am giving you a ticket for distrubing the peace and a piece of advice, if you can't get along, then avoid him."
"I was, he attacked me and then said I attacked him and if you hadn't've..."
"Ah, I don't want to know more. I will have to arrest you for terroristic threatening and I don't think you want that. Go home and avoid him." Gus says, handing Jeffrey the ticket.
He takes the ticket and gets into his car. "Have a good night Gus." He says.
"You too, go home."
"I am." Jeffrey says, starting the car. He leaves while Gus watches.